Abstract: A weather barrier for a building penetration. The building penetration has an opening in a wall of the building and a utility in the opening. The weather barrier has a sheet of material that is flexible and water resistant and having an outer perimeter and a resilient seal attached to the sheet of material within the outer perimeter. The sheet of material extends out around the resilient seal. The resilient seal is sized to resiliently clamp about the utility such that the resilient seal seals against and is supported by the utility when installed.

Abstract: A fitting for a cavity wall within a building includes an elongate member adapted to be supported within the cavity wall. The fitting has two adjacent limbs formed with holes along its length, to allow insulation to pass into an interior of the fitting. Two adjacent limbs form a V-shape channel extending along the top of the fitting when installed, to collect and direct water to the ends of the fitting and out through the boundary wall of the cavity. The fitting has a cross-shaped cross-section, and can be placed in the cavity retrospectively. The cross-shape of the fitting is provided almost flat when dispensed from a reel and when entering the cavity, then springs into the cross-shaped cross-section when the elongate member is straightened in the cavity, to fit tightly within the cavity. The fitting can be inserted into the cavity wall from inside or outside the building.

Abstract: A structure with integrated insulation. The structure with integrated insulation includes a foundation. The foundation is configured to support the structure with integrated insulation and transfer the weight of the structure with integrated insulation to the ground. The structure with integrated insulation also includes a frame attached to the foundation. The structure with integrated insulation further includes a wall. The wall includes at least one wall panel with integrated insulation, the wall panel with integrated insulation being attached to the frame, wherein the attachment between the frame and the wall panel with integrated insulation includes adhesive over the entirety of the surface of the wall panel with integrated insulation in contact with the frame. The wall is also supported by the frame.

Abstract: Insulation systems that provide insulation cavities below trusses of residential roofs. The insulation systems are configured to provide insulation material directly below bottommost surfaces of the roof trusses. The insulation systems may include insulation support material that provides insulation pockets below bottommost surfaces of roof trusses. Insulation support material may include side panel segments and span segments. The insulation support material may be attached to the roof trusses or sheathing panels from below the roof trusses and sheathing panels.

Abstract: An insulation system includes roof sheathing panels, spaced apart structural members, a first insulation material, and a second insulation material. The first insulation material is disposed between pairs of the spaced apart structural members. The second insulation material is disposed across the spaced apart structural members and the first insulation material, such that both the spaced apart structural members and the first insulation material are covered by the second insulation material.

Abstract: An acoustic damping article includes a substrate, wherein the substrate has a surface area S. The acoustic composition further includes a polymer resin. The polymer resin coats partially the surface area with a set of areas. The ratio of the coated areas over the surface area S is less than 1 and the polymer resin coverage is not greater than about 500 g/m2. Embodiments of the present disclosure include an acoustic damping article including a release liner; and an acoustic damping composition disposed on the release liner. The acoustic damping composition partially coats the release liner, and the acoustic damping composition has a Patterned Interlayer Stiffness of at least about 1 GN/m3.

Abstract: Embodiments of modular building units (blocks) are disclosed that can be stacked to provide insulating concrete forms (ICFs). The blocks are formed of a foamed polymer material, such as foamed polyurethane. The blocks, when assembled together in an ICF, are configured to form one or more vertical columns of concrete and one or more horizontal beams of concrete intersecting the one or more columns, in a manner of post and beam construction. The blocks can be tightly interlocked with other blocks in a construction process. The disclosed blocks can include significant interior space for rebar and concrete to be inserted to construct the structure. Molds and methods for producing modular units are also disclosed. The molds and methods enable rapid production and removal of modular building units from the molds. Methods of constructing structures using the modular building units are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly of interconnected blocks such, as lightweight concrete, rock, or wood blocks, in combination with crossed ties means used for attaching blocks two by two while keeping them in a stable spaced apart position. The crossed ties comprise a rectangular shape wherein opposite corners are joined by straight links which resist shear forces due to wind, storm, tornadoes, landslides or earthquake. They comprise furthermore pegs which attach the blocks two by two when pressing pegs into notches dug on upper or lower surfaces of the blocks or on their sides. The blocks are then made with, notches on upper or lower surfaces of the blocks, and on their sides, which correspond to positions of pressing pegs, to interconnect blocks together. Such pegs are provided to mesh with critical positions in the blocks for stable junctions.

Abstract: A pergola comprising a base module having a quadrangular support structure provided with vertical uprights connected to each other by at least one pair of rails and at least one transverse crossbeam connecting the pair of rails. The base module delimits a first roof surface. The pergola includes an extension module having a framework provided with at least one pair of struts. Each strut is at least partially vertically superposed on a corresponding rail, and is provided with at least one support leg that supports the overhanging framework on the side opposite the base module in the longitudinal direction. The extension module delimits a second roof surface at least partially superposed on the first. A guide structure is interposed between the struts and the rails for guiding a reciprocal longitudinal translation between the base module and the extension module, to modify the overall roof surface of the pergola.

Abstract: A structure with integrated insulation. The structure with integrated insulation includes a foundation. The foundation is configured to support the structure with integrated insulation. The structure with integrated insulation also includes a steel frame attached to the foundation which includes a first support beam and a second support beam. The structure with integrated insulation further includes an assembly with integrated insulation which includes a building panel with integrated insulation, the building panel with integrated insulation being attached to the first support beam on the first surface of the building panel with integrated insulation and is also attached to the second support beam, wherein the attachment between the first support beam and the second support beam and the building panel with integrated insulation includes adhesive over the entirety of the web of the first support beam and the second support beam in contact with the building panel with integrated insulation.

Abstract: The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a foam insulating panel, the panel having a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, wherein the foam insulating panel defines at least one recessed channel in the first primary surface, the at least one recessed channel being sized and shaped to provide a mold for a structural reinforcing member. The product also comprises a concrete panel formed on the first primary surface and filling the at least one recessed channel so as to provide a structural reinforcing member for the concrete panel. The product further comprises an elongate anchor member in the foam insulating panel and extending from the first primary surface of the foam insulating panel into the concrete panel. A method of making a composite reinforced insulated concrete structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structure with integrated insulation. The structure with integrated insulation includes a steel frame. The steel frame includes a first support beam and a second support beam. The structure with integrated insulation also includes an assembly with integrated insulation. The assembly with integrated insulation includes a first building panel with integrated insulation, the first building panel with integrated insulation being attached to the first support beam on the first surface of the first building panel with integrated insulation. The assembly with integrated insulation also includes a second building panel with integrated insulation. The second building panel with integrated insulation 4 includes an indentation in the first surface configured to receive at least a portion of the first building panel with integrated insulation. The second building panel with integrated insulation being attached to the second support beam on the second surface of the second building panel with integrated insulation.

Abstract: The multi-ply panel for forming or adding to a wall, floor, or ceiling, or for the inclined surface of a building includes a stack of layers. At least one layer is formed of parallel structural strips, preferably made of wood. Filler strips are placed between the structural strips and made of a different material than that of the structural strips. The materials may be selected for the heat or sound insulation properties, thermal inertia, or fire-resistant properties thereof. At least one rigid filler strip is made of an insulating material with heat conductivity less than 0.038 W/m·K.

Abstract: A panel 10 is formed with first and second joint systems 20 and 22 to enable engagement of a plurality of panels 10 along their sides 16 and 18. The first joint system 20 has a laterally extending tongue 24a along one longitudinal side 16a and a groove 24b along an opposite longitudinal side 16b. The second joint system 22 is a vertical joint system having mutually engageable male and female parts Jm and Jf respectively. The male part Jm is formed on one transverse the side 18a, while the female part Jf is formed on an opposite transverse side 18b.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hybrid wall assembly module (23) for use in construction of buildings and a modular hybrid wall assembly having said modules offering complete construction unit with a heat exchanger system in conjunction with insulation and supporting constructional elements, wherein the modular hybrid wall assembly module comprises a fore plate as well as fluid pipes, and constructional elements and an insulation material between the pipes and main constructional elements. The module and assembly provide a robust and practical construction unit which is mountable in a snap fitting manner.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant concrete reinforcing member includes (i) an elongate core member defining a longitudinal axis; (ii) a longitudinally extending outer wall connected to and extending around the elongate core; and (iii) a void between the elongate core and the outer wall that is in fluid communication with the outside of the reinforcement member; wherein the surface area defined by the portions of the elongate core and the outer wall that define the void is adapted to contact concrete and assist in mechanical bonding of the reinforcing member to the concrete.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant structural reinforcing member for use in a construction material is disclosed. The structural reinforcing member has a metal alloy core, a galvanic protection layer coating the metal alloy core, and at least one chemically corrosive-resistant barrier coating the galvanic protection layer. The galvanic protection layer is positioned between the metal alloy core and the chemically corrosive-resistant barrier.

Abstract: A stackable foundation spacer is adapted for automated distribution. The foundation spacer includes a lower bearing surface adapted to be placed on a foundation support surface for the concrete, a first support surface adapted to support the reinforcement grid in a plurality of support points, and an outer circumferential side wall connecting the lower bearing surface with the first support surface. The outer circumferential side wall is inclined outwards from the lower bearing surface to the first support surface with an angle ?, and the shape of the first support surface is larger than a mesh in the reinforcement grid that is to be supported. Distribution of foundation spacers can be automated by using a hand-held or automatic feeder device. Further, a reinforcement grid can be supported by a foundation spacer regardless of the position of the spacer.

Abstract: Described is a lightweight shingle assembly (LSA). The LSA is formed of a fastening portion that is secured with a shingle portion. The shingle portion is any weather resistant shingle material, such as slate, granite, limestone, etc., while the fastening portion is a lightweight and weather resistant material, such as aluminum sheet metal. Further, an insulating support can be positioned within the fastening portion to further support and insulate the LSA. Thus, the LSA provides lower roofing weight loads than solid material shingles with the same appearance and function.

Abstract: A roof panel includes a planar body having top and bottom edges, with a downturn edge extending therebetween, and an opposing channel edge. The downturn edge overlays a channel edge of an adjacent panel. The bottom edge overlays a top edge of another adjacent panel. A plurality of courses extends between the channel and downturn edges. Each course includes a nesting ridge to receive the downturn edge of an adjacent panel and to position a top surface of the panel flush with adjacent panels. Surface channels and contoured ridges are defined within each course. A drain aperture of the drip edge aligns with an adjacent channel edge to direct material through the drain aperture and onto adjacent panels. A gable member engages an edge when the panel has one or fewer laterally adjacent panels, wherein the gable member is flush with the adjacent planar body.

Abstract: A roof panel includes a planar body having top and bottom edges, with a downturn edge extending therebetween, and an opposing channel edge. The downturn edge overlays a channel edge of an adjacent panel. The bottom edge overlays a top edge of another adjacent panel. A plurality of courses extends between the channel and downturn edges. Each course includes a nesting ridge to receive the downturn edge of an adjacent panel and to position a top surface of the panel flush with adjacent panels. Surface channels and contoured ridges are defined within each course. A drain aperture of the drip edge aligns with an adjacent channel edge to direct material through the drain aperture and onto adjacent panels. A gable member engages an edge when the panel has one or fewer laterally adjacent panels, wherein the gable member is flush with the adjacent planar body.

Abstract: A roof panel includes a planar body having top and bottom edges, with a downturn edge extending therebetween, and an opposing channel edge. The downturn edge overlays a channel edge of an adjacent panel. The bottom edge overlays a top edge of another adjacent panel. A plurality of courses extends between the channel and downturn edges. Each course includes a nesting ridge to receive the downturn edge of an adjacent panel and to position a top surface of the panel flush with adjacent panels. Surface channels and contoured ridges are defined within each course. A drain aperture of the drip edge aligns with an adjacent channel edge to direct material through the drain aperture and onto adjacent panels. A gable member engages an edge when the panel has one or fewer laterally adjacent panels, wherein the gable member is flush with the adjacent planar body.

Abstract: A structure with integrated insulation. The structure with integrated insulation includes a steel frame. The steel frame includes a first support beam and a second support beam. The structure with integrated insulation also includes an assembly with integrated insulation. The assembly with integrated insulation includes a first building panel with integrated insulation, the first building panel with integrated insulation being attached to the first support beam on the first surface of the first building panel with integrated insulation. The assembly with integrated insulation also includes a second building panel with integrated insulation, the second building panel with integrated insulation being attached to the second support beam on the second surface of the second building panel with integrated insulation.

Abstract: The present invention rafales broadly to—a solar roof assembly (100) comprising—roof cladding (120) and a plurality of solar panels such as (140A and 140B). The roof cladding (120) includes a series of adjacent channels such as (160A to 160C). The solar panels (140A and 140B) are secured directly to the roof cladding (120) to substantially enclose the channels (160A to 160C). The solar panels (140A and 140B) include a thin film PV membrane (102A) applied to a rigid panel backing (104A).

Abstract: A roofing material includes a fire-retardant particulate material on its upper surface. A solar-reflective surface coating encapsules the fire-retardant particulate.

Abstract: A variety of roof mount sealing assemblies are disclosed. The roof mount sealing assemblies allow a user to mount rails for solar panels, signs, satellite dish or any other desired item on the roof and have the mounting location sealed against water. The roof mount sealing assemblies has a body with a recess for a flexible washer, which is attached to a bolt body (or formed with the bolt body) and threaded either down in a base plate or directly into the roof. The bolt body and body form a double stud assembly, which also holds a flashing onto the roof to provide further water proofing.

Abstract: A skylight system including a support frame and an apex patch fitting that together support a plurality of glass pieces joined together in a selectable shape. The support frame includes a sill and a setting chair that are arranged to support the base portions of the glass pieces. The apex patch fitting may be of selectable shape and includes an upper and lower member to retain the peaks or corners of the glass therebetween. The apex patch fitting includes one or mere positioning keys to align and secure the glass pieces. A method of making the skylights includes the use of an apex retainer tool to maintain the apex patch fitting in a fixed position while placing glass pieces on it. Multiple apex patch fittings can be used for a skylight, including a skylight that is ridge shaped or hipped ridge shape.

Abstract: A skylight system including a support frame and an apex patch fitting that together support a plurality of glass pieces joined together in a selectable shape. The support frame includes a sill and a setting chair that are arranged to support the base portions of the glass pieces. The apex patch fitting may be of selectable shape and includes an upper and lower member to retain the peaks or corners of the glass therebetween. The apex patch fitting includes one or more positioning keys to align and secure the glass pieces. A method of making the skylights includes the use of an apex retainer tool to maintain the apex patch fitting in a fixed position while placing glass pieces on it. Multiple apex patch fittings can be used for a skylight, including a skylight that is ridge shaped or hipped ridge shape.

Abstract: A device to be positioned within the direct flow of water within an inside corner of a roof valley for the purpose of controlling low to high volumes and velocities of water, by impeding the natural direction of water flow and redirecting and redistributing said water in a downward and outward direction, in the area wherein the roof valley meets an inside corner of a guttering device. This device is utilized so that water flowing down the roof valley does not overflow or over-shoot a gutter or gutter guard device installed at the inside corner of the roof. This semi-rigid device is comprised of a screen or mesh for filtration of water and a funnel-type body which functions to redirect and distribute the filtered water, traveling down the roof valley shingles, into a gutter device without direct attachment to said gutter.

Abstract: An installation system that embodies a method for installing HVAC equipment inlaid in suspended ceilings so that the cutting and trimming of pre-existing ceiling tiles is not required for a uniformed, presentable look to the room below is provided. The installation system may include at least one novel panel forming a cutout for slidably receiving inlaid HVAC equipment. Each novel panel may be dimensioned and adapted to replace at least one ceiling panel from a suspended ceiling so that each novel panel is supported along its edges by the pre-existing support grid of said suspended ceiling, presenting a uniform and clean look to the room below.

Abstract: A masonry siding for use on a wall is provided comprising one or more layers for creating masonry siding; and one or more strategically positioned inserts embedded within the one or more layers allowing to secure the masonry siding on a wall. The inserts are positioned in a mold in order to allow for the securing of the masonry siding to a wall or building structure, by screwing a bolt or other similar device through the insert, which runs along the width of the masonry siding. The bolt or screw is then completely hidden from view as it penetrates the front face of the insert completely. A method is also provided for manufacturing a masonry siding with inserts to secure the masonry siding to a wall by providing steps to create the masonry siding from a mold with the inserts within the mold.

Abstract: A platform is disclosed. The platform includes a body having at least one piece. The platform also includes an indent portion formed at an attachment face of the body of the platform. The indent portion is configured to at least partly surround the mast. The platform further includes a coupling mechanism provided on at least a portion of the body. The coupling mechanism is configured to selectively allow the platform to be attached to and detached from the mast without removal of the mast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall formwork (1) for concrete structures, comprising a basic body (18), an outer face configured as a formwork facing (6), and anchor points in the form of anchor holes (2, 3, 4, 5) for the detachable connection to other wall formworks. It is proposed that, in relation to the horizontal central axis (7) of the wall formwork (1), more anchor points be provided in the upper portion (8) of the wall formwork (1) than in the lower portion (9). Thus, the number of anchor rods to be used can be optimized.

Abstract: A frame hanger jig apparatus includes generally parallel spaced-apart first and second jig side members (each side member defined by a first end, a second end, and a first edge), and a jig bottom member connecting the jig side members together at the first ends of the jig side members. A first jig support member is attached to the second end of the first jig side member, the first jig support member being essentially orthogonally oriented with respect to the first jig side member. The first jig support member includes a first jig support member portion which extends beyond the first edge of the first jig side member. The first ends of the jig side members are connected to the jig bottom member to allow a spring biased spread between the first and second ends of the jig side members of at least 20 degrees.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in isolating a subject, the apparatus including a frame movable between collapsed and erected configurations, a body supported by the frame, wherein in the erected configuration, the body defines an internal volume for containing a subject to thereby substantially isolate the subject from a surrounding environment and a door actuator supported by the frame for moving a door between open and closed positions to thereby provide access to the internal volume.

Abstract: An underwater wildlife connection swimming pool is configured to engage human users with aquatic wildlife. The underwater wildlife connection swimming pool includes a swimming pool that is configured to accommodate swimming pool water with chemicals and temperatures used in recreational swimming. The swimming pool further comprises entirely transparent walls attached to an entirely transparent floor. A swimming pool deck is mechanically coupled to the swimming pool. An aquatic wildlife tank is attached to the swimming pool deck. The aquatic wildlife tank has an aquatic wildlife tank floor. The aquatic wildlife tank is configured to accommodate aquatic wildlife tank water with temperature and salinity safe for the aquatic wildlife. A plurality of swimming pool inserts are mechanically coupled to the entirely transparent floor. A plurality of support columns are mechanically coupled to the plurality of swimming pool inserts and the aquatic wildlife tank floor.

Abstract: A system for monitoring water chemistry of a recreational water installation includes a sensor configured to detect bather load in the recreational water installation and a controller configured to determine a required adjustment to the water chemistry of the recreational water installation based upon the detected bather load.

Abstract: A handheld pool skimmer is an apparatus that allows a user to get into a swimming pool and manually collect all of the debris within the swimming pool. The apparatus includes an edging frame, a mesh, a plurality of hand grips, and a plurality of brushes. The mesh is used to sift through the pool water and collect the debris within the pool water. The mesh is held taught on the apparatus with the edging frame, which also provides a structural base for the other components. The hand grips are distributed about the edging frame so that the user can grasp the necessary section of the present invention. The brushes allow the user to scrub or sweep up debris from the surface of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner is driven along a submerged surface by water and debris flowing past a turbine positioned between an inlet and outlet of the cleaner. Rollers are rotatably carried on the bottom of the cleaner and forward and aft the proximate an inlet port. The rollers in combination with lower side wall portions of the housing form a plenum for water and enhance adherence of the pool cleaner to the submerged pool surface being cleaner. A hose connector operable with an outlet port is angled toward the forward direction of movement of the pool cleaner such that a suction hose will be placed slightly ahead of the pool cleaner when climbing a side wall surface to provide a weight for keeping the cleaner below the water surface and thus prevent an undesirable sucking of air at the inlet.

Abstract: Provided are a buckling restrained brace including a core material that has a plate shape and extends along an axis, a restraining member that extends along the axis and covers the core material from an outer peripheral side in a state where both end portions of the core material in an axis direction protrude outside, a filler that is filled between the restraining member and the core material, and a pair of first reinforcing members that each have a plate shape and are installed in both end portions of the core material in the axis direction so as to interpose the core material therebetween from both sides of the core material in a plate width direction, and a load-bearing structure installed with the buckling restrained brace.

Abstract: A seismic isolation mechanism includes a seismic isolation apparatus which is installed at one end in a vertical direction on a superstructure and installed at another end 4 in the vertical direction on a floor serving as a foundation or a substructure to isolate the vibration of the superstructure with respect to the floor; a first attenuation damper which is connected to the superstructure and connected at another end a portion of the seismic isolation apparatus to attenuate the vibration of the superstructure with respect to the floor; and a second attenuation damper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tower of a wind power plant, having a lower part in the form of a lattice tower or truss tower with at least two corner bars, and an upper part in the form of a cross-sectionally substantially round tubular tower, wherein each particular corner bar is put together from a plurality of steel tube profiles that are connected together in the longitudinal direction. In order to achieve good transportability and easier assembly of the components of such a tower, the invention proposes a modular tower concept. According to the invention, each particular corner bar is in this case put together from at least three steel tube profiles which are provided with perforated flanges for holding screws, wherein the corner bars are connected together by cross struts and/or tension struts attached to the flanges, and wherein the steel tube profiles of each particular corner bar are spirally welded steel tube profiles.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a mast having an elongated arm movable between a deployed position and a service position. The elongated arm is attached by a rotatable hub. A receiver is spaced from the hub and configured to selectively prevent rotation of the mast.

Abstract: A method of self-erecting a jacking tower includes extending a lift assembly, inserting a first module assembly below the extended lift assembly, lowering the lift assembly around the first module assembly, engaging the lift assembly with the first module assembly, extending the lift assembly with the first module assembly engaged, inserting a second module assembly below the extended lift assembly, lowering the lift assembly, and coupling the first and second module assemblies.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a temporary marker are described. The temporary marker can be made at home by a user having basic computer and printing capabilities, without the need for commercial printing or design equipment. The temporary marker consists of a synthetic sheet of paper that can be fed through a home printer and mounted between two sheets of hard, transparent material. The two sheets of hard, transparent material attach to one another with the sheet of paper secured between. A stake is then added to the two sheets of transparent material so that the temporary marker can be secured into the ground. Also, computer software may be provided that allows for easy formatting and input of various texts and images to be printed onto the paper.

Abstract: A cenotaph memorial facility comprising a plurality of walls containing crypts is dedicated to an honoree who is not interred within the facility. The facility may comprise a large external memorial structure to protect the walls and individual crypts. The cenotaph memorial facility includes a plurality of video cameras to permit remote viewing of various portions of the facility. The video cameras are controlled by a computer system that allows remote access via a network, such as the internet. An individual enters authorization data and, upon authorization, can remotely view one or more portions of the facility. An on-line auction processor can automatically conduct auctions of selected articles using a timed auction over a prolonged bidding period or a real-time auction. In another aspect, a virtual reality (VR) image capture system captures images that may be remotely viewed using VR technology. This may include 3-D imaging, holographic imaging, or the like.

Abstract: Four collapsible poles form a portable motorcycle shelter. The shelter is supported preferably includes a fabric awning, roll-up side panels, and a light emitting diode (LED), supported by battery power, to illuminate the interior. The shelter is also comprised of reflective panels on the corners for safety, and is easily folded and carried on the motorcycle.

Abstract: The quickly erectable dome shelter includes an extendible perimeter truss assembly with link members connected between adjacent legs, a central truss assembly of link members, and a roof framework, including pairs of curved upper and lower peak truss members, that is movable between a lowered, collapsed configuration and a raised, upwardly arching position. The shelter also includes telescoping peak pole members coupled to the central truss assembly of link members and the roof framework, and may also include telescoping peak truss brace members connected between a peak truss member and a link member of the perimeter assembly of link members.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure for securement to a corner of a sheet material is described. The reinforcement structure comprises a first plate member and a second plate member each having an overlapping portion and an aperture disposed within the overlapping portion. The apertures are coaxially aligned to accept a fastener at an axis on which the first and/or second plate members are rotatable to extend along adjacent edges of the sheet material in use.

Abstract: A hand-held barrier apparatus for forming a barrier between surfaces a hand-held housing, a pliable longitudinal element, and a first connector. The longitudinal element is retractably extendable from the hand-held housing and includes a first coupling member supported on an end thereof. The first coupling member has a mating surface. The first connector is configured to be movably disposed on the longitudinal element. The first connector has a first mating surface configured for detachable connection with the mating surface of the first coupling member of the longitudinal element such that the longitudinal element forms a first loop upon detachable connection of the first connector with the first coupling member of the longitudinal element.