Abstract: The disclosure provides tissue webs and products comprising cross-linked cellulosic fibers. In certain embodiments cross-linked cellulosic fibers are selectively disposed in one or more layers of a multi-layered tissue, wherein the tissue layer comprising cross-linked fibers is adjacent to a layer which is substantially free from cross-linked fiber. The cross-linked fibers may include hardwood kraft fibers reacted with a cross-linking agent selected from the group consisting of DMDHU, DMDHEU, DMU, DHEU, DMEU, and DMeDHEU. Tissue products and webs produced in this manner generally have improved sheet bulk, without losses in strength, compared to similar tissue products produced without cross-linked cellulosic fibers. As such the tissue products of the present invention generally have a basis weight from about 10 to about 50 gsm, a sheet bulk greater from about 8.0 to about 12.0 cc/g and geometric mean tensile from about 730 to about 1,500 g/3?.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an edible, multi-ring, can holder comprises the steps of dehydrating beer by-product to produce a dried pulp, grinding the dried pulp into a powder, forming a pulp slurry by adding the powder into a mixture comprising plant fibers, an environment-friendly, oil-repellent chemical, an environment-friendly, water-repellent chemical, and water, a water-to-other ingredient ratio being approximately 1000 liters of water to approximately 60 kg of the powder, the plant fibers, the oil-repellent chemical, and the water-repellent chemical, injecting the pulp slurry into a mold having an interior cavity in the shape of at least one six-pack ring, and applying pressure and heat to the mold containing the pulp slurry to produce at least one edible six-pack ring.

Abstract: The invention relate to a formwork segment for the construction of a continuous carriageway for railway tracks, where the formwork segment is rigidly connected to a carriageway segment, such that the formwork segment remains permanently on the lower outer face of the carriageway segment and is non-demouldable, a hollow space that can be filled with a poured material being provided, and the formwork segment being made from a composite material such as a reinforced polymer fibre material, thermoplastic materials, or the like.

Abstract: A railway tie being constructed of an engineered cementitious composite (ECC) material having: (1) a minimum of 2% tensile ductility of ECC, (2) complete absence of alkali-silica reaction (ASR), (3) high fatigue resistance of ECC at least five times that of normal concrete, (4) self-healing ability of ECC requiring only water and air, and (5) customization of ECC for lower stiffness in the tie (60% that of normal concrete) and higher abrasion resistance in the seat (three times that of normal concrete).

Abstract: A rail clamp comprising two clamp elements (30a, 30b) securable together in clamping arrangement about a railway rail, wherein at least one of the clamp elements (30a, 30b) can include sensor retaining means to hold a sensor to make measurements relating to the rail. A first of said two clamp elements (30b) has a clamp head to engage a fish plate (14b) or a web-side of a railway rail. A clamp foot (34b) engages the underside of a railway rail foot (13). A second of said two clamp elements (30a) having a clamp head to engage the opposite fish plate or web-side of a railway rail and a clamp foot (34a) to engage the underside of the clamp foot (34b) of the first clamp element (34b). The first and second clamp elements (30a, 30b) are secured together by a connector (35), optionally a bolt, to a railway rail.

Abstract: A bonded, direct fixation fastener as supportive structure for a rail on a railroad bed comprising: a substantially rectangular rail plate, wherein the rail plate has a generally horizontal center portion having a lower face and an upper face and wherein the rail plate defines an outer perimeter having a face defining a first angle to the railroad bed, the rail plate having attachment means to attach to the rail; a substantially rectangular bottom member defines an inner perimeter having a face defining a second angle to the railroad bed; and a substantially rectangular elastomeric portion disposed between, and bonded to each of, the outer perimeter and face of the rail plate and the inner perimeter and face of the bottom member.

Abstract: A portable pavement system allowing for fast and easy installation of a pavement surface that incorporates individual pieces working together to create a solid, durable, adjustable, reusable, and removable platform for use as a parking or driveway facility, or other uses where such a surface possessing the special qualities described is advantageous.

Abstract: A pothole filling method and apparatus with a separate liquid asphalt tank, aggregate hopper, and activator container, and having and using one or more of the following features: 1. Compressed air to deliver the liquid asphalt component from the liquid asphalt tank to the mixing head; 2. A swivel between extender delivery conduits, with an internal sleeve for guiding aggregate and protecting the swivel bearings; 3. A water cleaning system being switchable between a clean out line connected directly to a mixing/delivery unit or to the liquid asphalt delivery line, which cleans the delivery line as well as the mixing/delivery unit; 4. A mixer/delivery unit clean out is provided, wherein the unit is operated at increased speed a short time after the unit stops operating; 5. Compressed air bubbler or an air driven stirrer for mixing the liquid component. 6.

Abstract: An underlayment layer is configured to support an artificial turf assembly. The underlayment layer comprises a core with a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of spaced apart, upwardly oriented projections that define channels suitable for fluid flow along the top side of the core when the underlayment layer is positioned beneath an overlying artificial turf assembly.

Abstract: A GPS-based control system for positioning a nozzle projection onto a predetermined roadway mark path includes a vehicle having an attached paint carriage which is laterally movable with respect to the vehicle, a first GPS antenna, a first GPS receiver responsive to the first GPS antenna, a first signal processor for determining the geographical location of the first GPS antenna, a linear motion and position sensor, a GPS location processor for determining the absolute GPS location of the paint carriage, a coordinate transform processor for transforming the absolute GPS location of the paint carriage into a location in a coordinate system other than GPS, a comparator for comparing the location of the paint carriage in the other coordinate system to a desired roadway mark path according to the other coordinate system, and a control system for positioning the nozzle projection onto the roadway mark path.

Abstract: A bridge construction comprises a bridge support or abutment (2) and a bridge deck (1) supported thereon, comprising a composite panel (5) with a top plastic skin (6), a bottom plastic skin (8) and a core (7) between and attached to the plastic skins. The bridge deck also comprises an edge beam (9) on at least one edge of the composite panel and resting on the bridge support. The edge beam (9) overlaps the core (7) of the composite panel (5) in the height direction, while the top plastic skin (6) has a protruding part (28) which protrudes relative to the core (7). The protruding part (28) of the top plastic skin (6) extends over and is attached to the edge beam (9).

Abstract: A wedge barrier system includes a frame to be disposed within a foundation, a wedge barrier having fingers with an asset end pivotally connected to the frame at an asset side and a blocking member extending perpendicular to the fingers and connected at threat ends of each of the fingers and a drive actuator to move the wedge barrier between a non-deployed position with the wedge barrier disposed inside the frame and a deployed position with the blocking member located above the top side.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a fender system comprising one or more fenders (2). The one or more fenders (2) are to be fastened to a quay wall (1). The fender system further comprises a panel (4) carrying one or more shields. The panel (4) is fastened to the one or more fenders (2). Each fender (2) is formed of two or more fender sections (5, 6).

Abstract: An on-board spool-able re-useable containment boom for a waterborne vessel that lies substantially flat and capable of being spooled when deflated and floats in the proper orientation when inflated, that has spool-able re-inflatable float sections which are sequentially inflated during deployment and sequentially deflated during recovery, that can be repeatedly deployed and recovered for the purposes of training and testing, and that can be deployed immediately upon occurrence of an oil spill from a waterborne vessel because of its on-board location and its rapid deployment, and a control system for proper inflation and deflation of spool-able re-useable containment boom during deployment and recovery.

Abstract: In a piling construction management method a support strength of a hole bottom is measured with a penetration testing device before erecting a piling in a piling hole. The piling is erected in the piling hole when the measurement is at least a prescribed value. The penetration testing device has a knocking block with an integrated penetration shaft and the block is struck by a drive hammer in free-fall. The penetration testing device determines the support strength from the number of impacts required for the penetration shaft to penetrate to a prescribed depth from the hole bottom.

Abstract: A hydraulic pole tamper handle kit having an extended ergonomic handle including a frame and hose clamps to extend the life of the hose by securing the hoses to the frame and to improve the handle, orientation, safety, and usability of the pole tamper. The pole tamper is used to tamp or compact the dirt around a pole which has been set into a hole in the ground to fixedly secure the pole vertically in the ground.

Abstract: A method of lifting a structure includes extending a pipe so as to have one end opening to a lens in the earth, connecting a pump to the pipe, and pumping a grout material through the pipe and into the lens so as to cause a strata of the earth above the lens to heave upwardly and to cause the structure to move upwardly. The grout is solidified in the lens. The pipe is removed after the step of pumping. The grout is a low mobility cement grout. A location of the lens nearest to the structure is determined prior to the step of extending the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a MSW landfill barrier system capable of prolonging breakthrough time of leachate and a manufacturing method thereof. The system comprises a leachate collection and removal layer, a first HDPE (high-density polyethylene) geomembrane infiltration proof layer (2), a clay liner (5) and a groundwater collection and removal layer (6) which are sequentially stacked from top to bottom. The clay liner (5) is composed of a lower clay liner (51), a middle clay liner (52) and an upper clay liner (53) which are sequentially arranged, wherein the middle clay liner (52) is filled with a medium-fine sand layer (7) laid with sands of particle sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and of water content ?3%, wherein the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the medium-fine sand layer (7) varies from 1×10?5 to 1×10?3. A method of manufacturing the MSW landfill barrier system capable of prolonging breakthrough time of leachate is also provided.

Abstract: A hauling machine is disclosed. The hauling machine may include a dump body and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) disposed proximate to the dump body. The IMU may be configured to measure an impact of a payload material on the dump body during a first load cycle, and generate impact data based on the impact of the payload material. The hauling machine may also include a controller in operative communication with the IMU. The controller may be configured to: receive the impact data from the IMU, estimate a center of gravity, a net load, and an amplitude of the impact of the payload material based on the impact data, and determine a desired dumping point of the payload material into the dump body for a second load cycle based on the center of gravity, the net load, and the amplitude of the impact.

Abstract: A shovel includes an arm rotatably attached to a boom rotatably attached to a revolving body; a bucket rotatably attached to the arm; a tilt mechanism configured to support the bucket that can be tilted to the arm; a bucket tilt angle sensor configured to detect a tilt angle of the bucket; and a tilt angle controller configured to control adjusting the tilt angle, wherein the tilt angle controller adjusts the tilt angle by automatic control so that a bucket line of the bucket becomes parallel to a target excavation surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for automatically controlling a blade of a motor grader. At least one global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antenna and at least one inertial measurement unit (IMU) are mounted on the motor grader. No GNSS antenna is mounted on the blade; and no pole is used for mounting. With each GNSS antenna, GNSS navigation signals are received, and a position of each GNSS antenna is computed. With each IMU, three orthogonal accelerations and three orthogonal angular rotation rates are measured. With at least one processor, a blade position and a blade orientation are computed, based at least in part on the GNSS and IMU measurements. The blade elevation and the blade slope angle (and, in some embodiments, the blade side shift) are automatically controlled, based at least in part on the computed blade position, the computed blade orientation, and a digital job site model.

Abstract: A shovel includes a swing hydraulic motor configured to swing a rotating structure, a swing drive hydraulic circuit configured to drive the swing hydraulic motor, an assist hydraulic motor connected to an engine and configured to be supplied with hydraulic oil discharged from the swing drive hydraulic circuit, and a controller configured to control the driving of the shovel. The controller is configured to detect the load condition of the engine, and control the supply of the hydraulic oil to the assist hydraulic motor at the time of deceleration of the swing hydraulic motor, based on the detected load condition.

Abstract: A shovel includes an attachment configured to execute work; a guidance unit configured to guide an operation of the attachment; and a display unit configured to display information related to the work by the attachment. The guidance unit changes color of a partial area or an entire area of a display screen of the display unit, depending on a distance between a position of the attachment while the work is being performed and a target surface as a reference of the work.

Abstract: A shovel management apparatus includes a temporary storing part and an abnormality information storing part. The temporary storing part temporarily stores detection information containing an operation input amount detected by an input amount detecting part of a shovel and physical amounts detected by a plurality of sensors in the shovel. The abnormality information storing part stores abnormality information. A controller performs an abnormality determination based on the detection information. The controller transfers, when an occurrence of an abnormality is determined at a first time, the detection information as the abnormality information, which is stored in a time period from a second time earlier than the first time to at least the first time, from the temporary storing part to the abnormality information storing part.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for providing and dispensing various hand care alternatives from a common point of dispension, such as a faucet, for standardizing the hand care, washing, sanitizing, and drying process is disclosed. Included is a liquid flow path having an inlet in fluid communication with a liquid source and an outlet in fluid communication with a user reception point. A secondary flow path has an inlet in communication with one or more hand care alternatives and an outlet in communication with the user reception point. A user-perceivable output provides notification of the hand care operation being provided at the user reception point.

Abstract: A passive fluid dosing assembly and system is provided. The passive fluid dosing system may include a passive dosing body, a pressure plate, and a treatment enclosure. The passive dosing body may define a primary flow path and a liquid treatment path. The primary flow path may be defined between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The liquid treatment path may be defined between a high pressure port and a low pressure port, bypassing a portion of the primary flow path. The pressure plate may be disposed within the passive dosing body between the high pressure port and the low pressure port. The pressure plate may define an internal orifice. The treatment enclosure may be positioned in fluid communication between the high pressure port and the low pressure port along the liquid treatment path. The treatment enclosure may define a solute chamber housing a dosed media.

Abstract: A backflow preventer for water distribution installations includes a body having an inlet conduit arranged along an inlet axis, an outlet conduit arranged along an outlet axis, and a discharge conduit arranged along a discharge axis of the body. The backflow preventer is provided with check valves that prevent a backflow of fluid from the outlet to the inlet in the event of low pressure upstream of the backflow preventer and/or high pressure downstream of the backflow preventer. The backflow preventer further includes a discharge valve arranged along the discharge axis of the body of the backflow preventer for discharging fluid in the low and/or high pressure conditions. A discharge pipe is connected to the discharge valve to discharge the fluid outside the backflow preventer along an end discharging axis of the fluid outside the backflow preventer.

Abstract: A drain cleaner includes a base unit having a frame, a drum rotatably supported by the frame, a cable at least partially disposed within the drum, a motor supported by the frame for driving rotation of the drum and the cable, and a handle for guiding the cable into a drain. The handle includes a body, a passage formed in the body, and an actuator supported by the body. The passage receives a portion of the cable such that the handle is disposed around the cable and is movable along the cable relative to the base unit. The actuator is in communication with the motor for actuating rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A drain valve for low-level water tank flushing includes a drain valve body, a low-level washing ring flushing device and a switch assembly. The switch assembly includes a switch element and a switch sheet. The switch element is connected to the switch sheet by using a lifting rod. When the switch element opens a sealing assembly of the drain valve body under the action of an external force, the switch changes a channel between a water inlet and a water outlet from a small opening state to a big opening state.

Abstract: A floor cleaning device for automatically cleaning in front of and around lavatory appliances like urinals, toilets, sinks, and hand drying devices, wherein the floor cleaning device has a fixed unit, a mobile unit, and an extension mechanism connected to the fixed unit and the mobile unit that sprays disinfectant solution and recovers or removes waste solution during the extension or retraction of the mobile unit from and to the fixed unit.

Abstract: A filtration system for eliminating odor, includes a suction pipe, a connecting pipe, an adaptor, a fan and a filter box. The suction pipe is opened with a first end and an opposite, second end. The connecting pipe is connected to the second end. The adapter is connected to the connecting pipe. The fan is connected to the adapter. The filter box accommodates the fan and a filter material. The suction pipe is fixed to a top surface at a back side of a toilet bowl, the first end of the suction pipe faces the toilet bowl, and the adapter and the fan are fixed to the filter box. When at work, the fan generates a suction force such that air around the toilet bowl moves through the suction pipe, the connecting pipe, and the adapter into the filter box, and is processed by the filter material.

Abstract: An internal trap drain with large volume/high mass water seal for improved absorption of pressure fluctuations and extended duration of seal against evaporation in low-use conditions. Includes adjustable height strainer and water seal-protected weep holes.

Abstract: A wall assembly is manufactured for supporting an exterior coving of a structure. The wall assembly includes a frame assembly including a top member, a bottom member, and a plurality of vertical members extending between the top and bottom members. The vertical members are recessed from an exterior surface of the top and bottom members. A sheathing layer is coupled to the top and bottom members and is spaced from the plurality of vertical members thereby defining a gap. At least one spacer is coupled to at least one of the plurality of vertical members with the at least one spacer including an outer periphery. An insulating layer is disposed with the gap between the sheathing layer and the plurality of vertical members and encapsulates the outer periphery of the spacer.

Abstract: Structural connectors used as a component to construct an arch including a plurality of closely adjacent, polygonal rows of stringer beams. The multiple row polygonal arch is a low-cost, general purpose support structure for bridges, shelters and arbors applicable to many cost-, time- or environmentally-sensitive situations. The structural connectors may be a Y-shaped connectors with three brackets, two upper brackets and a lower bracket, which collectively enable a union of three beams forming one node of the multiple row polygonal arch. Using these Y-shaped connectors to join the beams at each node creates the arch structure, and additionally provides the features of cantilevering, modularity, generic component shape, reusability and safety. Structural connectors are applicable to a variety of structures such as pedestrian and vehicular bridges, shelters, arbors, as well as jewelry, furniture and toys. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: Building panels 1, 1? provided with a mechanical locking system including a tongue 30, at an edge of a first panel 1, cooperating with a tongue groove 20, at an edge of an adjacent second panel 1?, for vertical locking of the building panels. The edge of the first panel is provided with a displacement groove 60, which is downwardly open, and includes an inner wall 61, an outer wall 62, and an upper wall 67. The tongue 30 is formed out of the edge of the first panel. A resilient and displaceable and part 66 of the tongue 30 is displaceable into the displacement groove 60.

Abstract: An expansion joint system includes a cover plate; a spline attached to the cover plate; and a core having a fire retardant material included therein in an amount effective to pass testing mandated by UL 2079. The spline depends from the cover plate and is configured to be positioned in a gap between substrates such that the cover plate overlies the gap. The core is compressible between a first face of the spline and one of the substrates and is compressible between a second face of the spline and the other of the substrates, and the expansion joint system is configured to facilitate compression of the core when installed between the substrates by repeatedly expanding and contracting to accommodate movement of the substrates; and the core with the fire retardant material included therein is configured to pass the testing mandated by UL 2079.

Abstract: Described herein is a coated building panel having a body and a surface coating atop the body, the surface coating comprising inorganic pigment and a polymeric dispersant comprising a polymer backbone and pendant side chains extending from the polymer backbone; wherein the surface coating comprises a liquid carrier in an amount less than about 1 wt. % based on the total weight of the surface coating.

Abstract: A building panel system that utilizes a panel structure that is interchangeable and can be utilized for any wall, roof, or floor surface is disclosed. The building panels have mating joints formed from a plurality of male projections along one end surface and a plurality of female recesses along the oppositely disposed end surface. The plurality of male projections on one building panel can be aligned with and received within the plurality of female recesses in an adjacent abutting building panel to form a mating joint therebetween.

Abstract: In the disclosure, the CFT column includes external steel tubes including straight jointing portions in which inclined bolt grooves are formed to be vertically apart from each other and which are formed to extend from an end thereof to cover an overall extension length thereof, a straight bolt connection slot including straight plates connected by a connection bolt to be apart from each other and formed to extend, and configured to integrate the external steel tubes by allowing the connection bolt to be inserted into each of the inclined bolt grooves in which the straight jointing portions of the external steel tubes are in contact with each other and communicate with each other, concrete placed in the integrated external steel tubes and cured, and a wave-shaped punching steel plate.

Abstract: In one aspect, a reinforcing assembly includes multiple longitudinally-extending support bars that are connected together and multiple working members each independently connected to one or more of the support bars. The working members are oriented diagonally with respect to a longitudinal axis extending along the support bars. Each working member includes a downwardly-extending side and a hooked or bent portion at an end of the downwardly-extending side. In another aspect, a reinforcing assembly includes one or more longitudinally-extending bars each configured to provide structural reinforcement within a structure. The reinforcing assembly also includes multiple working members each independently connected to at least one of the one or more bars. The working members are oriented diagonally with respect to a longitudinal axis extending along the one or more bars. Each working member includes a downwardly-extending side and a hooked or bent portion at an end of the downwardly-extending side.

Abstract: An encapsulated splice chuck may include a splice chuck body and a body encapsulation positioned about an exterior surface of the splice chuck body. The encapsulated splice chuck may also include a first forcing cone threadedly coupled to the splice chuck body, the first forcing cone including a tapered inner surface. In addition, the encapsulated splice chuck may include a first forcing cone encapsulation positioned about an exterior surface of the first forcing cone and a first set of wedges positioned within the first forcing cone. The encapsulated splice chuck may include a second forcing cone mechanically coupled to the splice chuck body, the second forcing cone including a tapered inner surface, and a second forcing cone encapsulation positioned about an exterior surface of the second forcing cone. The encapsulated splice chuck may also include a second set of wedges positioned within the second forcing cone.

Abstract: A multi-element panel system configured for attachment to a mounting surface includes at least two panels. The panels each have an upper portion oriented upward and a lower portion oriented downward, relative to the mounting surface. A plurality of faces are formed on the panels and a plurality of keyways are formed between the faces. The keyways are recessed toward the mounting surface from the faces. The panels have a water trough, which has a planar intersection with the faces, formed on an exterior side of the upper portion, and a water channel extending between the upper and lower portions of one side of the panel. The panels have a side lap extending between the upper and lower portions on the opposite side of the panel from the water channel. The side lap of one of the panels overlaps the water channel of another, horizontally adjacent, panel.

Abstract: Silicone membranes and methods of manufacturing membranes are provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for a check valve for deterring intrusion into downspouts include a body member having at least a first orifice and are configured to mount on a downspout, where the downspout is adapted to promote fluid flow in a single direction. Pivotably mounted on the body members are various valve members. The mounting arrangement can provide a closed position that substantially occludes the first orifice and a range of open positions when the valve member is pivoted with respect to the body member to open in the flow direction. In addition, at least one additional orifice can be provided in either the body member or the valve member to permit fluid flow irrespective of the position of the valve member.

Abstract: An elongated utility receiver is configured to receive a panel. The utility receiver includes an inner wall that is configured to be attached to a mounting surface, a transverse wall extending away from the inner wall, and an outer wall extending from the transverse wall opposite the inner wall. The outer wall is spaced from the inner wall. A channel is defined by the inner wall, outer wall, and transverse wall and defines a total offset gap between the outer and inner walls. The channel is configured to receive a portion of the panel. A biasing element is flexibly attached to the outer wall and extends toward the inner wall. The biasing element variably closes the channel to an effective gap that is less than the total offset gap. The biasing element is configured to bias the panel element toward the inner wall.

Abstract: A rollable ridge vent for covering an open ridge of a roof and for allowing a flow of air to exit from the open ridge through the ridge vent includes a top panel having a center portion, a left side portion, and a right side portion, in which the top panel includes a plurality of louvers for allowing a flow of air to exit the ridge vent. In addition, the rollable ridge vent includes a spaced apart series of inner walls and a spaced apart series of outer walls extending downward from the left side portion of the top panel. The spaced apart series of inner walls and the spaced apart series of outer walls of the left side portion are staggered. The rollable ridge vent also includes a spaced apart series of inner walls and a spaced apart series of outer walls extending downward from the right side portion of the top panel. The spaced apart series of inner walls and the spaced apart series of outer walls of the right side portion are staggered.

Abstract: A precast concrete step unit formed of left and right sidewalls, risers, and treads, wherein left and right sidewalls are assembled from a plurality of pre-cast sidewall panel modules, with a stepped panel module with two or more steps. Pre-cast concrete riser modules and tread modules extend between the right and left sidewalls. Reinforcing cross brace members are fastened to the inside distal surfaces of the left and right sidewalls where they are bolted into screw anchors embedded into the sidewalls. There are also screw anchor inserts embedded into the proximal ends of the sidewalls and into the ends of a first or lowest of the risers, and adapted for affixing the riser and sidewalls using clip angles or right-angle brackets. After alignment, the treads and remaining risers are installed using a construction adhesive which may be applied using a caulk gun. The precast modules each weight about 200 pounds or less, with none exceeding 250 pounds, and most much less.

Abstract: This application relates to the field of reveal architectural panel assemblies. The apparatus replaces prior art assembly methods and fasteners with a particular mounting structure to facilitate assembly. The frame extrusions are modified to facilitate assembly with adhesive sealants and removal of mechanical fasteners and increase ease in adaptation and installation.

Abstract: A securing member includes a fixing portion that is fixed to a framework; a supporting portion that projects from the fixing portion and supports an exterior material; a first engagement portion that is disposed on the supporting portion so as to extend in a first direction and engages with the exterior material; a second engagement portion that is disposed on the supporting portion so as to extend in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, and engages with the exterior material; a first contact portion that is disposed in the first direction from the supporting portion and contacts a back surface of the exterior material; and a second contact portion that is disposed in the second direction from the supporting portion and contacts the back surface of the exterior material. The second contact portion is formed in a folded portion that is folded toward the supporting portion.

Abstract: A panel configured for attachment to a mounting surface includes raised faces extending between upper and lower edges thereof. The raised faces define a face plane. A shoulder is defined on the raised faces adjacent the upper edge and is spaced from the mounting surface by a shoulder offset. The face plane is also spaced from the mounting surface by the shoulder offset. Keyways are defined between the raised faces and recessed from the face plane. The keyways are spaced from the mounting surface by a bottom keyway offset adjacent the lower edge. The bottom keyway offset is substantially equal to the shoulder offset. Therefore, the face plane of the raised faces at the upper edge of the panel is spaced from the mounting surface by substantially the same distance as the keyways are spaced from the mounting surface at the lower edge of the panel.