Abstract: A lateral force resistance system for a building is provided wherein a portal frame is constructed with a lapped connection between the supported structural member and the supporting structural member and the supporting structural member is made with an elongated member that spans the width of the supporting structural member and the height of the supporting structural member.

Abstract: The architectonic spacer building system is a simplified prefabrication assembly using industrialized building system concept. The architectonic spacer building system for skeleton construction includes a spacer (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) having a predetermined shape for use in constructing modular form of building components, including a modular floor joist assembly (18), corner and crisscross junctions assembly (17, 19). The spacer acts as an anchored dowel connector (2, 10), composite key roof connector (22, 24, 26) and/or a bracing (2, 4, 6, 8) of adjoining wall panel (12).

Abstract: A tapered truss is provided. In one embodiment, the truss has a pair of base members configured to be attached to a top surface of a vertical support member. The truss may further have an upper pair of truss members and a lower pair of truss members. Each upper truss member each forms an acute angle with a respective base member and each lower truss member forms an obtuse angle from the respective base member such that the lower truss member is not parallel to the upper truss member. The truss may additionally include a ceiling joist member connected to each of the lower truss members. In one embodiment, the ceiling joist member is substantially parallel to the pair of base members.

Abstract: A ventilated roof features an elongated vent having a vent opening and an elongated vent shingle supporting surface. The vent opening is in fluid communication with a slot defined by the top surface of a roof deck and communicating through the roof deck. An end cap has an end cap shingle supporting surface and is located adjacent to an end of the elongated vent. The vent and the end cap adjacent to the vent are supported in an equivalent spaced-apart relation to the top surface of the roof deck. The elongated vent shingle supporting surface, the end cap shingle supporting surface and the top surface of the roof deck provide a substantially continuous support to a shingle overlapping any two of those elements.

Abstract: A deck for positioning adjacent a structure may include a foundation configured for positioning relatively proximate to the structure, a frame extending from the foundation, and a deck system arranged about and supported by the frame, wherein the deck is adapted for positioning adjacent the structure and for cantilevering away from the structure.

Abstract: A fastener installation guide for securing a top plate to a roof support member comprises a grip assembly, a roof support member alignment wall and a fastener retention assembly transverse to the grip assembly. The handle portion has first and second top plate alignment members oriented generally perpendicular to one another. A gripping surface extends between the first and second top plate alignment members and the roof support member alignment defines a first plane oriented transversely to the grip assembly. The fastener retention assembly defines a fastener retention channel and has a fastener alignment wall which defines a second plane, a roof support member alignment edge and a bottom edge. The fastener retention channel is oriented at an angle ? with respect to the second plane.

Abstract: A hurricane tie fastener and method are provided for securing a truss to a wall structural member. The fastener includes upper and lower vertical perpendicular plates with respective nail-receiving through holes formed therein. A horizontal arm extends from adjacent the bottom of the upper plate away from the lower plate. A leg extends upwardly from the arm. A truss-receiving space is formed between the upper plate and leg having a top entrance opening for receiving the bottom of the truss when the fastener is moved upwardly relative to the truss. The fastener is self-supporting on the truss to make the nailing of the fastener to the truss and wall member easier and safer.

Abstract: A continuous load beam provides a continuous load path from a roof truss of a structure to a footing of a structure. The beam has a roof truss mounting portion and an elongate spanning portion. The elongate spanning portion has a connector and a footing attachment opposite the connector. The footing attachment is configured to be connected to a structural member of the structure adjacent to the footing of the structure. The roof truss mounting portion is configured to be connected to a structural member of the roof truss of the structure. The roof truss mounting portion has a bifurcated end with spaced apart yoke arms and a truss cap pivotally connected to each of the yoke arms. The truss cap is configured to engage at least a portion of the roof truss structural member. The roof truss support portion has a connector. The roof truss mounting portion connector is configured to be releasably connected to the elongate spanning portion connector.

Abstract: A building assembly kit with roof ring having an open-ended plurality of hollow cuboid tube joints radially disposed around an open center of a roof ring and a plurality of parallelepiped strut members disposed between each of the plurality of cube joints, each of said cube joints and strut members disposed to interconnect endwise with a plurality of extant rafters, said rafters then interconnectable with a plurality of top brackets disposed to interconnect each of said plurality of rafters at a juncture between a pair of horizontally disposed extant wall top beams and a vertically oriented corner post, said corner post connected at a juncture of a pair of base runners at a base bracket, wherein a structure is expediently erected by inserting each rafter, wall top beam, corner post, and base runner into a corresponding tube joint, top bracket, and base bracket.

Abstract: A truss bracket for mounting roof trusses and floor joists to wall systems absent traditional wood frame top plates utilizing in-plane end load bearing panels, resembling a chair, comprises a base plate with a vertical receiving plate extending upwards from the rear of the base plate for receiving a typical roof truss or floor joist and having downwardly extending mounting tabs along the left and right sides of the base plate suitable for being received by grooves in top track grooves of an in-plane end load bearing panel wall system or for attachment to the vertical sides of panels of a wall. The truss bracket provides high uplift load capacity by arranging all fasteners to the wall system and the truss or joint in shear when loaded.

Abstract: A multi-heel connector for securing a rafter, a ceiling joist and blocking, and supporting building roof structural members in a single bracket connection to withstand enhanced load forces such as hurricane forces. The multi-heel connector combines a loop portion for securing a joist, a rafter contact surface adjacent the loop portion, having a slope which provides for a selected, predetermined roof pitch, mounting tabs for securing the multi-heel connector to a top wall plate, tabs to fasten blocking and a tie down for securing the multi-heel connector to exterior wall stud. The multi-heel connector is adaptable for accommodating a riser key to adjust the rafter contact surface pitch, and a joist spacer to accommodate a joist having a cross-section smaller than the multi-heel connector loop portion cross-section.

Abstract: A dwelling assembly that has a continuous sidewall and an opening for a door and a window. A roof assembly is provided with first and second roofs that are spaced apart such that the outer roof acts as a heat shield for the inner roof to ensure the interior of the dwelling is a minimum temperature. In addition, ballast boxes are utilized in order to provide additional weight to the dwelling and a planting area in association with the dwelling assembly.

Abstract: A multi-heel connector for securing a rafter, a ceiling joist, and supporting building roof structural members in a single bracket connection to withstand enhanced load forces such as hurricane forces. The multi-heel connector combines a loop portion for securing a joist, a rafter contact surface adjacent the loop portion, having a slope which provides for a selected, predetermined roof pitch, mounting tabs for securing the multi-heel connector to a top wall plate, and a tie down for securing the multi-heel connector to exterior wall stud. The multi-heel connector is adaptable for accommodating a riser key to adjust the rafter contact surface pitch, and a joist spacer to accommodate a joist having a cross-section smaller than the multi-heel connector loop portion cross-section.

Abstract: A mounting bracket arrangement for fastening a solar array to a vertical support pipe, including a generally horizontal support disk seated transversely across the pipe end to close the interior thereof, and a pair of parallel vertical bracket plates having corresponding lower edge portions each containing pairs of parallel vertical slots that define a center section and a pair of side sections. The vertical bracket plates are arranged normal to the horizontal support plate such that the center sections extend into the pipe interior via horizontal linear openings contained in the horizontal plate, and the side sections extend longitudinally externally of the horizontal support plate for connection by external fastener devices. The solar array is pivotally connected between the upper portions of the vertical bracket plates for angular adjustment relative to the support pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrofit connection of a roof frame to a support member therebelow includes a claw member having a load bearing flange to be driven into an interface between a roof sheathing and a top edge of the roof frame, and a tie-down member to be mounted to a vertical surface of the support member. The tie-down member is connected to the claw member to allow various angular positions of the load bearing flange depending on roof slopes.

Abstract: A fascia board support device features a rafter bracket having a side member for placement against one vertical side of the rafter, and a movable member pivotally coupled to the side member for movement into and out of a deployed position in which at least a portion of the movable member depends downward on an opposing side of the roof rafter. A clamping mechanism forces the depending portion against this opposing side of the roof rafter to clamp the device thereon, at which point a fascia board support projecting from the front end of the rafter bracket can seat a fascia board. After fastening of the fascia board to the rafter, the device is easily removed by releasing the clamp, flipping the movable member over to same side of the rafter as the side member and lowering the device to withdraw the support from beneath the fastened fascia board.

Abstract: A high strength, lightweight building structure comprising a high-strength connection to a foundation, high-strength eaves, and high-strength structural panels. The fiber reinforced, high-strength structural panels form the walls, ceiling, roof, soffit, and eave of the structure. The panels comprise a rigid foam core having outer membrane layer, panel spacers, and sheeting. The high-strength foundation connection comprises a continuous seam plate with bonding agents, mechanical fasteners, and a metal bearing cap having continuously spaced, angle-shaped anchor studs welded to the metal bearing cap. The high-strength eave structure, comprise of a soffit panel connected to an inclined eave panel, a connection bracket and a rigid wedge continuously bonded between the ceiling panel and roof panel, thus forming a sealed, non-vented attic space.

Abstract: A method of making an endwall overhang for a structure is provided. The method may include providing a roof piece, a first trim piece, and a lengthwise member. The method may also include forming an overhang assembly by coupling the roof piece with a first surface of the lengthwise member and coupling the first trim piece with a second surface of the lengthwise member. The method may further include providing a structure and coupling a support member with the outside surface of an endwall of the structure, with the support member protruding from the endwall. The method may thereafter include coupling the overhang assembly to the structure by coupling the roof piece of the overhang assembly with a top support surface of the support member.

Abstract: An endwall overhang is provided for a building which may include a wall and a roof frame. The wall may have an inside facing inward to the structure and an outside facing outward from the structure, each of the inside and the outside having an upper region, and the roof frame may include a plurality of roof members. The building may also include at least one support member on the upper region of the outside of the wall, protruding outward from the structure. The building may further include an overhang assembly with at least one roof piece, a trim piece and a lengthwise member, the lengthwise member having at least two orthogonal surfaces. The roof and trim pieces may be coupled with the surfaces of the lengthwise member. The overhang assembly may be coupled with the structure by coupling the roof piece with the support member.

Abstract: A seat and anchor assembly for mounting and securing a wood joist or roof truss to a tie beam of a building including a central web portion and an upwardly extending wall portion disposed along a longitudinal edge thereof wherein a lower portion of the roof truss or joist fits within what may be considered a seat defined by the web and the upstanding wall portion. An elongated anchor strap is adjustably attached to the wall portion and is adapted to be secured by nails or like connectors to the top portion of the roof truss and further wherein the anchor strap includes a lower length disposed and adapted to be embedded in wet concrete initially defining the tie beam of the building on which the seat and truss rests.

Abstract: A roofing assembly includes an uppermost stainless steel cover. The cover has an upper surface and a lower surface. The roofing assembly has a reinforced foam base, rafters and a ridge board. The ridge board supports the cover and the base. Cement board panels have upper surfaces adhered to the foam base.

Abstract: A truss hold-down connector for attaching metal trusses to a bearing member. One embodiment of the truss hold-down connector has a vertical connector web that has a bottom attachment leg protruding therefrom for attachment to a bearing member and first and second attachment tab portions for attachment to the flanges of a vertically extending truss web. Stiffeners may be embossed into the vertical connector web to provide the connector with additional strength. The first and second attachment tabs may be configured to enable pairs of identical connectors to be attached to vertically extending truss webs that have one or more diagonally extending truss webs attached thereto.

Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include sidewalls and a roof. The roof, for example, may include first and second roof panels that are separated by a seam. The roof may also include a truss that is sized and configured to support the roof panels. The truss may include a channel that allows any moisture entering the shed from between the roof panels to be removed from the shed. In particular, a portion of the first roof panel and a portion of the second roof panel may be at least partially disposed within the channel. Advantageously, the truss may be constructed from metal, which may allow a strong and sturdy shed to be constructed, and the roof panels may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, which may allow a lightweight and generally weather resistant shed to be produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to framing for a ready to assemble building, which employs a novel connector for connection of a column to a rafter (“knee connector”) or a rafter to another rafter (“peak connector”). The connector includes a hub comprising multiple substantially planar hub portions. The hub portions include a first hub portion, a second hub portion integrally connected to the first hub portion so as to define an acute angle with respect thereto, and at least one other hub portion integrally connected between the first and second hub portions. The connector further includes first and second legs comprised of elongated plates. The first leg perpendicularly extends outwardly from the first hub portion, and the second leg perpendicularly extends outwardly from the second hub portion. Each leg has a plurality of holes therethrough for alignment with corresponding holes in a structural member, preferably light gauge C-channel.

Abstract: An adjustable connector with a rounded, concave seat and matching washer, a connection and a method of making a connection that ties a first building structural member to a second building structural member in conjunction with fastener means and an anchor member, especially a girder truss to the supporting wall in conjunction with screws and an anchor rod.

Abstract: Steel frames formed of rolled steel I-beams are connected by steel framed wall panels spanned by steel studs, and covered by steel framed roof panels spanned by steel purlins, making a structural frame completely formed of steel components bolted together. All components are precut and predrilled before transport to a construction site. A crane is used to raise steel frames and steel framed roof panels into position for bolted assembly, reducing construction times to absolute minimums. Entire structure is virtually lightning-proof, wind-proof, and earthquake resistant.

Abstract: A lower support is provided between the side edges of the roof beneath. The lower support is in contact with the roof adjacent to the exterior edge. Upper supports are provided above and in contact with the roof. The upper supports include upper exterior, interior and intermediate supports. The upper exterior support is adjacent to the exterior edge. The upper interior support is adjacent to the interior edge. Central supports extend between the interior and exterior edges of the roof. The lower support is provided below and the upper supports are provided above. The central supports are located above and in contact with the roof. In this manner lower intersections are formed with the upper exterior and lower exterior and central supports. Upper intersections are formed with the upper interior and the central supports. Central intersections are formed with the upper intermediate and central supports.

Abstract: A roof boundary connection uses a clip that eases installation of the clip to blocking members both in the field by a carpenter and at a factory by one such as a truss manufacturer. The clip is formed with two indexing tabs that are set against the blocking for correct spacing and alignment. In one form, the clip is attached to wood members with nails and to masonry with masonry screws. In one form, the clip employs nail prongs as integral connectors for attachment to blocking members, allowing truss manufacturers to install connectors on blocking members with the same hydraulic presses that are used to assemble trusses with nail prong plates.

Abstract: A modular building system wherein extruded, elongate, plastic building components can quickly, and with no special tools or skills, be snapped and slidably fit together to form a wide variety of different building structures. The proposed system produces frameless buildings wherein surface closure structures, like walls, windows, doors and roof panels are bound into stability through building-wrapping banding structures that include upright, perimeter stabilizer bars, roof trusses, and in most instances, the underlying ground. Within a finished building, the closure structures effectively float and react with relative motion responses to different applied building loads.

Abstract: A universal system (100) for support and positioning of building structural support members (20, 30) includes at least one longitudinally extended base plate (110) and at least one fixing member (120, 122). The base plate (110) has a plurality of slotted openings (116) formed therethrough. The fixing member (120, 122) has a pair of longitudinally spaced upstanding support members (1202, 1222) defining a structural member receiving space (118) therebetween. At least one of the upstanding support members (1202) is formed with a pair angularly extending flanges (132) that are elastically angularly displaceable to pass through a respective slotted opening (116) having corresponding portions (1164) at a different angle (C), and then return to their original angle (D) to prevent reversibly passing back through the slot (116).

Abstract: An eaves beam with framing which includes an eaves beam with an upper member and a lower member. The framing is comprised of an upper beam and a lower beam. The eaves beam can be pre-attached to the framing, allowing for a more efficient installation.

Abstract: A truss system and method for use in constructing a building structure comprising a first and second truss member connected to one another a distal end thereof thereby forming a peak joint. A cross bar is connected to each of the first and second truss members at an under side of the peak joint and a sleeve is connected to each of the first truss member and the second truss member at an end opposite the peak joint. Upon securing the cross bar to the first and second truss members, a truss unit is formed wherein a support member is received by the sleeves of each one of the truss units, and upon securing the support members to one another, the truss units form a frame of the building structure.

Abstract: A truss bracket for connecting a roof to a shipping container includes an initially flat rectangular sheet of material in which is formed a longitudinally extending fold line that divides the sheet of material into a first part and a second part that are disposed at a predetermined angle relative to one another when a fold is formed in the fold line. The first part is adapted to be secured to a vertical wall of a shipping container and the second part is adapted to be engaged to a roof. A plurality of flanges are stamped from the second part and are folded out at a ninety degree angle relative to the plane of the second part to enable connection of the second part to the roof. A house is made by joining plural shipping containers together and securing a roof to the shipping container by using the truss bracket.

Abstract: A roof boundary connection uses a clip that eases installation of the clip to blocking members both in the field by a carpenter and at a factory by one such as a truss manufacturer. The clip is formed with two indexing tabs that are set against the blocking for correct spacing and alignment. In one form, the clip is attached to wood members with nails and to masonry with masonry screws. In one form, the clip employs nail prongs as integral connectors for attachment to blocking members, allowing truss manufacturers to install connectors on blocking members with the same hydraulic presses that are used to assemble trusses with nail prong plates.

Abstract: A unitary, one-piece anchor for connecting a roof truss or other building structural member to a cementitious wall to resist uplift and lateral forces.

Abstract: A modular building system (100) including preformed extrusion-molded polymeric material (116). Parts include integral connector elements (160, 162) which can be slidably and snappingly reversibly interconnected to form the basic frame (102) and panel structures (108) of an overall building. The interconnected region permits limited ranges of angular as well as translational relative motion between adjacent, connected elements. Parts are assembled simply and quickly in the field, without requiring skilled labor or specialized tools, to form a functionally solid and stable building which responds to loads and temperature changes with yieldable, accommodating deformations that minimize the likelihood of building structural damage, and effectively transmit necessary loads to the ground via load-transfer paths through the building.

Abstract: An exposed rafter end is simulated by a frame and complementary sleeve. The frame is attached to a building eave and the sleeve is inserted over the frame. In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve is inserted over an exposed rafter end. In yet another embodiment, the simulated exposed roof rafter end comprises an architectural design at a distal end and a cradle at a proximal end having a shape which is complementary to the profile of a conventional rain gutter to thereby cradle the rain gutter and provide support thereto. The simulated exposed roof rafter end can also comprise a solid member without a cradle for use without a rain gutter system.

Abstract: A column for use in post-frame construction having a two piece construction in which a first or foundation column portion of the column is set into the earth with a proximal end thereof protruding from the earth. The proximal end of the foundation column includes a column bracket for joining the foundation column to a wooden column comprising the second portion of the two piece column of the present invention. The foundation column of the present invention comprises a precast concrete column. The foundation column of the present invention advantageously resists degradation of its mechanical properties due to environmental influences while providing the necessary strength to support a post-frame building, including, e.g., the environmental loads received by the building. The wood column comprising the second portion of the two piece column of the present invention advantageously provides ease of workability to complete construction of a post-frame building.

Abstract: An elongate continuous soffit panel having an adjustable width comprises a first member having a soffit portion including a proximal periphery and a generally parallel and spaced apart distal periphery extending along a lengthwise dimension of the soffit panel, and having a fascia portion coextensive with the soffit portion along the distal periphery and extending generally upwardly therefrom for fastening the soffit panel to roof fascia of a building. The continuous soffit panel also comprises a second member connected to the first member and having a flange portion extending generally at an angle from the soffit portion of the first member for fastening the soffit panel to a side of a building, the second member being adjustably connected to the first member so that the width of the soffit panel is adjustable responsive to variations in distance between the side of the building and the roof fascia.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel pergola end caps that appear to be unitary with the pergola beams to which they attach, and wherein the pergola end caps are: (a) slidably received on a squared off end of a pergola beam, (b) may include enhanced scalloping, and (c) has a length substantially greater than heretofore has been possible to cost effectively manufacture.

Abstract: A simulation device for simulating images of at least one building includes a display (62) for displaying the images; an input (63, 64) for a user to input data; a memory (65) including a first memory field containing a layout (40) of the at least one building, which layout (40) contains references to all the utility spaces forming the layout, together with their performance characteristics, a second memory field containing a model (50) of the at least one building, which model (50) contains references to both physical and financial data of all the components forming the model, a processor (61) for: computing and showing elevations of and/or sections through the building, working from the layout of the model; calculating and showing the total expected investment costs and running costs for the building.

Abstract: A tie-down connecting elements (30) for tying down a truss relative to a wall frame is fixed between the webs (12) of the upper and lower Z-shaped chords (10) and includes a tongue portion (34) which extends downwardly through a slot (50) formed in the lower flange (16) of the lower chord (10) of the truss.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling rooms or chambers in a structure for intuitive and accurate estimation of process parameters (e.g., material and labor costs for performing the process) associated with the rooms. A graphical user interface to an estimation program enables an estimator to insert a model of a room and thereafter morph and mold the model to approximate the room undergoing estimation. The model is represented as a polyhedron having a plurality of planes that may be assigned attributes such as floors, walls and ceilings. During the morphing process, the modified and other affected planes of the polyhedron are continually revised to maintain the integrity of the closed volume represented,by the polyhedron.

Abstract: A jointing device for joining elongate members in a building structure includes a first body section, a second body section, and a connection portion interconnecting the first and second body sections. Each body section has at least one flange portion for fixing to one elongate member. The body sections and the connection portion are formed from a single blank of sheet material with foldlines arranged for bending thereabout to form the at least one flange portion of each of the body sections and a further foldline forming the connection portion. The connection portion is arranged so that the body sections are positionable relative to each other for selectively adjusting angle therebetween to correspond to a roof pitch of the building structure, the roof pitch being within a range of roof pitches.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that provides both a protective and a decorative covering, or sleeving, for rafters. Generally, the apparatus is a U-shaped sleeve that has upper and lower horizontal flanges that run the entire longitudinal length of the member. The upper flange provides a means for securely attaching the invention to roofing materials such as roof sheathing, and together with the bottom flange forms an external channel that can be used to carry soffit material between the rafters. Furthermore, to complete the coverage and, therefore, the protection afforded the exposed rafter by the present invention, an endcap is attached to the outer end of the U-shaped sleeve member. Additionally, to further enhance the appearance of the building, the rafter sleeving is designed to easily and securely carry decorative trim and/or molding pieces.

Abstract: A true retrofit hurricane and earthquake clip for connecting the roof rafter, to the outside sheathing and underlying top plate. The connector is composed of sheet metal including a base web and top web, connected by an arched saddle. The wide base web has a left and right side with nail holes for fastening to the outside sheathing. The base web holds the sheathing securely to the wall and prevents bowing out and lateral movement. The top web has left and right sides with nail holes for fastening to the widest edges of a rafter preventing uplift, outward thrusting, and twisting. The saddle connects the top web and base web, and forms a cradle for the bottom of the rafter. The angled saddle avoids any demolition of frieze boards or trim on the house, making for effortless installation. The connector is easily installed by a homeowner on existing houses with the saddle clasping the rafter and outside sheathing.

Abstract: A tie-down connecting element (30) for tying down a truss relative to a wall frame is fixed between the webs (12) of the upper and lower Z-shaped chords (10) and includes a tongue portion (34) which extends downwardly through a slot (50) formed in the lower flange (16) of the lower chord (10) of the truss.

Abstract: A method of transporting a module of a modular structure to a building site on a transporter with a roof of the module in a horizontal position, and an apparatus for coupling the roof to the base structure of the module to permit movement of the roof between the horizontal position and a final sloped position. The coupling apparatus includes a coupling assembly adapted to be detachably coupled in a C-shaped rafter or guide rail of the roof so as to guide movement of the rafter or guide rail relative to the coupling mechanism, and an anchor assembly pivotally coupled to the coupling assembly so as to permit pivotal and vertical movement of the coupling assembly. Each of the anchor assemblies is adapted to be secured to an attic floor panel of the module.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A system (100) for positioning and securing angularly directed structural support members (20) to a longitudinally extended structural member (30) of a building includes at least a pair of mounting devices (105, 105′, 105″) respectively mounted to at least one longitudinally extended structural member (30). Each mounting device (105, 105′, 105″) includes a base plate (110) having a plurality of pairs of fixing members (120, 120′, 120″) disposed in spaced longitudinal relationship. A space (118) between each of the pairs of fixing members (120, 120′, 120″) is provided for receiving the angularly directed structural support member (20) therein. Each of the fixing members (120, 120′, 120″) are formed by angularly directed C-shaped channel members. Each channel member has a central web portion (130) bounded on two vertically directed sides by a pair of flanges (132) expending in a longitudinal direction.