Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel framing bracket. The framing bracket comprises a housing which in turn comprising sides which define an enclosed perimeter and first and second openings. The framing bracket also comprises at least two pairs of opposing fastening wings which extend from the opposing sides of the second opening. The first pair of opposing fastening wings extend from the first pair of opposing sides of the first opening at an angle to the side of the housing. The second pair of opposing fastening wings extend from the second pair of opposing sides of the second opening along the same plane as the side of the second pair of opposing sides. The pairs of first and second fastening wings are oriented such that they are essentially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A rod with attachment sockets for a truss structure of a vehicle. The rod comprises an elongated body having a plurality of attachment sockets formed on and distributed over an outer side of the body. The plurality of attachment sockets comprises at least a first number of attachment sockets facing in a first direction and a second number of attachment sockets facing in a second direction different from the first direction. The plurality of attachment sockets each comprises a cavity open to the outer side of the body and comprising at least one bearing surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a load bearing system for a residential structure. The load bearing system comprises two or more structural load bearing columns, at least one beam extending between and connected with respect to in-use upper ends of the two or more structural load bearing columns, and at least one cladding panel mounted to extend between a foundation of the residential structure and the at least one beam. The columns are mounted to a foundation of the residential structure in spaced relation to the or each other column and comprise a periphery defined by hollow-section members and one or more internal bracing elements extending between the hollow-section members.

Abstract: A protective roof device for installation in an elevator shaft includes: a protective roof support that can be installed in the elevator shaft at different longitudinal positions; a protective roof supported by the support for catching falling objects and having at least two protective roof parts at least partly overlapping in an overlap region, the width of which can be modified by moving the roof parts relative to one another in an x-direction; each of the roof parts being foldable along a folding line and arranged such that the folding lines of different roof parts form a common folding line that is parallel to the x-direction; the width of the protective roof being variable in the x direction by modifying the width of the overlap region; and the depth of the protective roof being variable modified in a y direction by folding the protective roof along the common folding line.

Abstract: A shelter for protecting a person from fire and heat. The shelter has a roof, and front, right, left, and rear walls, each of which having a core made of a three-dimensional metal matrix embedded in insulation with concrete positioned about the walls and the roof. The concrete forming a continuous one-piece concrete layer enveloping the roof, and the walls, down to the base. The concrete layer forming a fire-resistant seal with the base about the walls, and roof which protects the person in the chamber from fire and heat at least more than 600 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 2 hours. A method for protecting a person from fire and heat. A method for building a shelter for protecting a person from fire and heat external to the shelter.

Abstract: A prefabricated modular building system includes any of a deck, wall panel, and roof panel, each of which can, but need not always, include an ultra-high-performance concrete portion bonded to a foam portion to form a composite. The deck includes connection points for attachment of a stabilization structure and for releasable attachment of transport components such as a hitch and axle assemblies. The deck is fabricated off-site, and transportable to a delivery site where the transport components can be detached and the deck is placed on a foundation or piers. The stabilization structure can, in some implementations, form a complete building.

Abstract: A system and method for the assembly and support of glass panels when used in conjunction with a curtain wall system. The system may generally include a pair of spaced apart mullions, a pair of upper anchors, a pair of lower anchors, and a pair of gravity fittings. The pair of upper anchors may be coupled to the upper end of the pair of mullions and the building structure. The pair of lower anchors may be coupled to the lower end of the pair of mullions and the building structure. The pair of gravity fittings may be coupled to an exterior face at the lower end of the pair of mullions. The gravity fitting may comprise a bracket coupled to the pair of mullions and a shelf configured to support a portion of the glass panel.

Abstract: Transportable and rapidly deployable air supported structure systems and related methods are disclosed. The air supported structure systems include at least one transportable container. The systems also include a flexible outer membrane configured to couple to a base in a substantially air-tight manner. The systems further include at least one air handling mechanism contained within the at least one container configured to force air between the outer membrane and the base to form an enclosure therebetween via internal air pressure. The systems are configurable between a packaged state with the outer membrane contained within the at least one container, and a deployed state with the outer membrane being coupled to the base and the at least one air handling mechanism forming the enclosure via the internal air pressure. The at least one container may form a portion of the base and/or provide for ingress and egress with the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector comprising: a body with at least one guide for receiving an edge of a sheet of material and at least two sockets for each receiving an end of a length of material. Each socket opens in a different direction. There is at least one slot extending axially along a wall of each socket a to permit a tool to be inserted through the slot to engage with the elongate length of material and at least one hole through the wall of each socket for passage of a securing means to prevent axial movement of the elongate length of material.

Abstract: A glass panel support for use with a glass fin wall and configured to be coupled to a building structure. The glass panel support may comprise an anchor, a tension bar, and a gravity plate. The anchor may be configured to be coupled to the building structure. The tension bar may be coupled to the anchor and extends downwardly therefrom. The gravity plate may comprise a pair of opposing support arms that extend outwardly from the tension bar. The upper surface of the gravity plate is configured to support a portion of the glass panel.

Abstract: A gutter system comprising a number of gutter sections with a convex outer surface and gutter fittings with a concave inner surface adapted for receiving and fixing the open end of two gutter sections so that the convex outer surface of each gutter section rest against the concave inner surface of the gutter fitting, and where the gutter fitting comprises one or more indentations arranged in the concave inner surface and the gutter section comprises one or more projections arranged on the convex outer surface of the gutter trough, and where the one or more indentations and the one or more projections are adapted so that the one or more projections can be inserted into the one or more indentations with a snap fit.

Abstract: A restrained joint apparatus, applications of the apparatus, and methods for making the apparatus are described. The apparatus is a wood-frame coupling that establishes the restrained joint with movement resistance and moment resistance of a wood member coupled with a frame. The frame includes a body with a wall. The frame can be a unitary structure wherein the wall of the body is arranged to replace an outer perimeter of the end of the wood member so that the wood member and the frame form the wood-frame coupling. In another embodiment, the frame is formed of a plurality of frame plates joined together about the perimeter of the wood member. The invention includes various applications for the wood-frame coupling where a restrained joint is useful. The invention includes a method of making the wood-frame coupling wherein the first described is forced onto and into the end of the wood member.

Abstract: A roofing shingle for installation as part of a roofing structure includes at least one layer of a shingle material having a top surface and a bottom surface. The roofing single will include a headlap portion and an exposure portion having a plurality of tabs with a plurality of granules being applied along the top surface. Shadow lines are defined at selected locations along the top surface of the roofing shingle to provide the roofing shingles with a selected visual appearance.

Abstract: A structural system for constructing a stand, such as a promotional stand as used at trade fairs, exhibitions and events. The structural system includes at least two base elements and at least four support elements. The at least two base elements can be releasably connected to the at least four support elements so that, in an assembled state of the structural system, the at least four support elements extend between the two base elements in order to form with the at least two base elements one of a bottom partition and an upper partition of the stand. In a disassembled state of the structural system the at least two base elements and the at least four support elements are stackable.

Abstract: A joist or beam hanger for securing deck joist or roof beam ends to a brick or siding veneered wall of a building structure. A horizontal spaced series of apertures are provided in the brick or siding veneer and sized for respectively receiving deck joist or roof beam end brackets. The apertures are located at and expose the wall sill plate or top plate of the veneered building structure wall and the brackets have horizontally protruding sill flanges resting on top of the wall sill plate or top plate and lag screws secure the brackets to the wall and also directly to the sill plate or top plate. Floor joist or roof beam ends of a deck or roof structure are respectively secured to the joist or roof beam end brackets.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a connector that enhances the construction of structures by enabling the connection of boards to sheets of material with improved precision and stability. The connector's body is equipped with an integrated guide that aligns with the edge of a sheet for accurate placement. Multiple sockets in the body, each facing different directions, are designed to receive the ends of boards. A key feature is a sheet slot that allows the sheet to directly contact the board, reinforcing the structural integrity of the assembly and substantially eliminating gaps between the boards and sheets. The connector can be manufactured as a single part or in multiple parts for assembly flexibility and may be made from sustainable materials. It is suitable for structures requiring easy assembly and disassembly, and can be provided as a kit with corresponding boards and sheets.

Abstract: The present subject matter discloses a prefabricated modular shed constructed from modular plastic components or panels. The modular storage shed can be installed onsite with pre-constructed modular panels. The shed features embedded seamless folding grooves such as in the door panels and the central roof panel. Furthermore, a pivotable frame bracket can encase the edge of the rotating panels, enhancing both strength and durability. The wall and floor panels are secured with T-shaped connectors to further improve stability. The structural integrity of the shed's walls is reinforced by support columns with built-in reinforcement ribs, which are designed for simple installation. In addition, the modular storage shed can be expandable depending on the preferred size.

Abstract: A cement-based acoustic isolator for use in a composite flooring system which includes a Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) subfloor, a metal inverted track attached to a top surface of the cement-based acoustic isolator, and an upper flooring attached to a top surface of the metal inverted track, includes a plurality of structural panel layers stacked upon one another; and an adhesive which secures the plurality of structural panel layers to one another. The adhesive also secures the plurality of structural panel layers to the metal inverted track and the CLT subfloor of the composite flooring system.

Abstract: The present subject matter discloses an integrated door assembly for a prefabricated shed constructed from modular plastic components or panels. The door assembly comprises a door panel that includes a door side panel and a door body, which are integrally formed through blow molding. The door body is connected to the door side panel via an embedded folding groove, featuring a thinner plastic material at the fold to allow for flexibility and ease of movement. Additionally, the door assembly incorporates a pivotable frame bracket that encases the edges of the hinged, rotating panels, enhancing both strength and durability.

Abstract: Insulated panels having suitable surface members separated by an inner layer of insulated foam are used for the walls and as structural members for the floor and roof of a building structure. A rigid frame supports the wall, floor and roof insulated panels. The wall insulated panels are supported on the exterior of the frame by rigid brackets with the insulated panels being suitably flashed or capped.