Abstract: A spacer for support elements of a decking or paving support system, has a central region, at least two spacer arms extending laterally from the central region, and a retention portion coupled to the central region, wherein the retention portion has a longest lateral axis extending laterally and wherein the longest lateral axis lies at an angle to each of the at least two spacer arms.

Abstract: A slide clip includes a first plate and a second plate coupled at a juncture. The first plate and the second plate form an angle at the juncture. The second plate has a first elongated slot, a second elongated slot, and a third elongated slot, each extending parallel with the juncture. The first elongated slot and the second elongated slot are each offset from the juncture a first distance. The third elongated slot is offset from the juncture a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A full-moment column collar is disclosed, including four collar flange components and four collar corner components. Each collar flange component includes an upper transverse element and a lower transverse element, connected by a bridging member. Each collar corner component includes first and second expanses defining a corner and a standoff portion extending from the corner, the standoff portion having a distal T-shaped structure. Each collar corner component is configured to connect two adjacent collar flange components, and each collar corner component has a multi-axis alignment structure extending from a bottom end portion for vertically positioning a lower transverse element of a respective collar flange component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear face element for a solar module, said element being made of a material sheet that is shaped, in particular embossed and/or stamped. Some sections of the material sheet are arranged on a first plane, and some sections are arranged on at least one second plane parallel to the first plane. The material sheet forms spacer elements in a transition region between the first and the second plane in order to space the first plane from the second plane, and at least one first material sheet section extends from a first lateral edge to an opposing second lateral edge of the material sheet continuously, in particular in a linear manner. The invention also relates to a solar module and to a method for producing a solar module.

Abstract: A truss structure is suitable for supporting lighting fixtures or other loads both in use and in transport. The truss has at least four elongated chords defining between said chords a first volume generally rectangular in cross-section. In transport, the truss is supported substantially above a surface by castered carriages bearing upon that surface, the carriages connected to said truss and in a first position producing an additional volume between said first volume and said surface. The carriages are attached to the truss so as to permit their rotation between said first position and at least a second position suitable for use while remaining connected to said truss.

Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. A connecting member is operatively attached by welding to at least one of the flanges of the full-length beam. The connecting member is bolted to at least one of the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly.

Abstract: An elevated trellis style long span solar panel mounting system with a deployable truss structure underneath that allows the solar array to be positioned at a height to eliminate or minimize shading from roof structures or mounted equipment that employs a force cancelling truss configuration to minimize side loads and the resulting bending loads on the roof support system to which it is attached, thereby eliminating the need for cross-bracing between mounting posts which limits roof access for re-roofing without solar system removal, and provides a means for adjusting the tilt angle, height, and mounting post spacing by sliding truss members to the appropriate positions.

Abstract: Modular home framing systems include a plurality of elongate rectangular vertical frame members, a plurality of elongate rectangular horizontal frame members, a plurality of connectors, and a plurality of fastening members, each of the plurality of fastening members configured to fasten any of the plurality of connectors to any of the plurality of vertical frame members and any of the plurality of horizontal frame members to any of plurality of connectors.

Abstract: A connection between standard metal studs with a separate backing connector is provided. The backing connector has a planar backing web with lateral longitudinal flanges that receives the lip flange of a first wall stud and a projecting tab that interfaces with the side member of the first wall stud. The backing connector also has members that interface with and attach to selected portions of the surfaces of the second wall stud without engaging the lip flange of the second wall stud. The backing connector is adjustable in length.

Abstract: A multipurpose connector that minimally occludes the opening in a conventional steel wall stud when used to connect a conventional bridging member to the wall stud, conserving the opening's function as a pass-through for pipes, conduits and wiring. It has a tapering extension on one flange that maximizes its interface with a bridging member, and a matching central portion on the other flange that minimizes material waste when the connectors are cut from a roll of sheet metal on a progressive die machine. It has a pair of tapering tabs that maximize the functional interface with a wall stud and maximize the functional size of the opening in the wall stud. It has a plurality of fastener openings designed to permit a variety of secure connections to be made with the same fastener and a plurality of fasteners. It is one of a plurality of multipurpose connectors of different widths that can all be made on the same progressive die production line with minimal setup changes.

Abstract: A node structure for connecting a member of a lattice frame to one or more other members of the frame comprises a hollow brace having opposed walls that converge outwardly at an acute angle in cross-section toward a central plane to connect at an outer edge. At least one root portion has a central longitudinal axis extending outwardly in the central plane of the brace for alignment with a member of the frame. The root portion has an inner end cut away at opposite sides around the central plane to leave a joining surface that intersects the converging walls of the brace while embracing an outer region of the brace extending inwardly from the outer edge.

Abstract: A post member includes a side surface, and a beam member includes a side surface and an underside edge surface. The beam member is attached to the post member using a multi-piece hanger including a first L-shaped bracket with a first mounting flange attached to the side surface of the post member, and a second L-shaped bracket with a second mounting flange attached to the side surface of the beam member. The first L-shaped bracket further includes a first interlocking flange supporting the underside edge surface of the beam member. The first interlocking flange includes an extending tab member. The second L-shaped bracket further includes a second interlocking flange positioned adjacent the first interlocking flange. At a bend of the second L-shaped bracket, at least one slot is provided which is sized and shaped to receive the extending tab member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a load supporting blocking member for use in a metal stud wall having a plurality of parallel spaced apart metal studs, each of the studs having an aligned opening and horizontal bridging member passing through the aligned openings and tying the studs together. The load supporting blocking member comprises a base for overlying and being attached to the bridging member and an upstanding flange extending from one edge of the base the depth of the base being sufficient to overly the bridging member and position the upstanding flange in line with the edges of the studs in the metal stud wall.

Abstract: Various disclosures of a horizontal stack joint system for a curtain wall is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the joint system comprises a lower subsystem having a dual member projection and an upper subsystem having a channel sized to receive the dual member projection.

Abstract: A post support bracket system for structural attachment of a post to a framing member having a bracket, a first set of fasteners, and a second set of fasteners. The bracket has a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, wherein the vertical portion is joined to the horizontal portion along neighboring ends at a pre-selected angle to each other. The first set of fasteners couple the vertical portion of the bracket to a framing member. The framing member forms the supported base of the flooring. The second set of fasteners secure the post to the horizontal portion. The first set of fasteners are selectively spaced to produce a pinching compressive force between the first set of fasteners in the framing member as a lateral load is applied to an upper portion of the post.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a technology of manufacturing and assembling modular doors, which can be assembled on site, and specifically to modular doors, which can be assembled without a use of glue, by mortize and tenons.

Abstract: An adhesively bonded joint in a boom arm of an agricultural sprayer has a tee-shaped brace member with a top flange and a stem extending from the top flange. A brace-receiving portion of the joint has a slot formed therein that receives the stem of the tee-shaped brace member. The sides of the stem and underside of the top flange are adhesively bonded to facing surfaces of the brace-receiving portion. The slot is formed with a v-shape, with the mouth of the slot being wider than the width of the distal end of the slot, to provide some flexibility in the angular positioning of the tee-shaped bracing member. The joint further includes a locking collar around an end of the tee-shaped brace. Opposite sides of the locking collar engage notches on either side of the slot to lock the stem of the tee-shaped brace member in the slot.

Abstract: A trim assembly comprising a clip having a body including a first portion configured to be receivably removed within a slot of an architectural member and a second portion configured to removably secure a trim element. The second portion includes a spring biased member biasing the trim element.

Abstract: The connecting fitting comprises a band-like section 14 and a back plate 11 that can be inserted between the flanges 7b, 7c by passing between lips 7d, 7e, in an insertion attitude, and a joining section 15 that can join a beam 5E in a state where the band-like section 14 and the back plate 11 are inserted between the flanges 7b, 7c. The band-like section 14 has a pair of abutting sections 14b, 14c that can abut respective inner surfaces of both flanges 7b, 7c of a C-section steel 7, in an attachment attitude resulting from rotation from the insertion attitude by a predetermined angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a framework connecting device of a prefabricated building structure. Each connection portion of frameworks, which are formed in the shape of a square pipe so as to form columns, rafters or the like, is connected and fixed by front and rear connection pieces and a plurality of bolts and nuts which penetrate the same, wherein, during assembly, the frameworks and the front and rear connection pieces are coupled by indented groves and protrusion portions. Base protrusions of the front and rear connection pieces are supported by the frameworks. One or more support pipes which are respectively connected and fixed by bolts and the nuts are provided between the front and rear connection pieces. Therefore, the assembling work may be readily and easily carried out while the strength of the connection portions is being reinforced.

Abstract: The invention is about a supporting framework, having nodes and at least one framework component. The framework components are either panels or diagonal braces or a combination of them. At least one node has a connector and at least two bars. At least one connector has a plurality of bar receiving members that are located in a corresponding plurality of faces of an imaginary polyhedron and at least one bar has a first end, fixed to the one of the bar receiving members of the connector of a first node and a second end, fixed to the corresponding bar receiving member of the connector of another node. The node further comprise a holder for the diagonal braces or panels.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for reinforcing adjacent parallel spaced apart wooden structural members wherein each of the structural members has opposed first and second edges. The apparatus comprises a rigid member being sized to extend between the first edge of a first structural member and the second edge of an adjacent second structural member. The apparatus further comprising first and second sockets connected to first and second ends of the rigid member each sized to receive and edge of one of the structural members therein. The method comprises engaging the first socket around the first edge of the first structural member and locating a second structural member with the second edge of the second structural member within a second socket. The method may also comprise rotating the rigid member between the first and second structural members until the first and second sockets are engaged around diagonally opposed edges the structural members.

Abstract: A saddle hanger for connecting at least one bracing member to a truss chord includes a base having a first end portion for receiving a bracing member and an adjacent portion for receiving a truss chord. A projecting element extends from a transverse edge of the base portion, and has a width narrower than the transverse dimension of the hanger base. A plurality of flanges extends upward from side edges of the base and defines with the base a channel for receiving one of the truss chord and bracing member. The saddle hanger can be formed from a stamped metal blank, with portions of the saddle hanger being nested in side-by-side relation to minimize the amount of material used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-layered framing system for securing cladding to an exterior wall having exterior insulation. The framing system provides horizontal elements positioned across the exterior insulation, wherein the horizontal elements are secured to studs within the wall using fasteners. Vertical elements are secured to the horizontal elements. Then panels of cladding are secured to the vertical elements.

Abstract: A metal deck kit for erecting a metal deck appurtenant a residential structure. The kit includes a plurality of metal components including support posts, girders, joists, bridging elements, rim tracks, ledgers, along with various connectors, stiffeners, adapters, and brackets for connecting the components together to form a metal deck. Vibration or shock absorbing pads are included for use between various components to reduce shock and vibration transmission through portions of the metal deck. A method of forming a metal deck using these components is also provided.

Abstract: A post-and-beam type structure includes: a connector having four plate portions forming a cruciform cross-section for the connector, the cruciform cross-section extending in a vertical direction, wherein the four plate portions define four quadrants; a first column configured for detachably coupling to a bottom portion of the connector; and a first beam with a first end configured for detachably coupling to a first one of the plate portions; wherein the first beam comprises a first beam member and a second beam member that are coupled to each other, and wherein the first end of the first beam is configured for placement in a first quadrant of the four quadrants.

Abstract: A corner piece is provided for interconnecting frame members. The corner piece includes a first plate member defining an inner face, an opposite outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The first plate member including a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. A second plate member defines an inner face contiguous with the inner face of the first plate member, an outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The second plate member includes a bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face thereof along a first axis generally parallel to the inner face of the first plate member.

Abstract: An innovative flush mountable backing plate useful in the construction of sheet-metal wall assemblies is disclosed herein. The flush mountable backing plate is generally comprised of a flat piece of sheet-metal that defines a central web section having an end return flange positioned at one end and an end tab positioned at the other end, wherein the end return flange is perpendicular to the web section, while the end tab is coplanar with the web section; and a flexible bend section interposed between the end tab and the central web section, wherein the bend section defines a trough that runs perpendicular to the central web section, and wherein the trough is sized and configured to receive and does receive an inwardly directed return of one of the C-shaped studs.

Abstract: A frame connector assembly is adapted to releasably secure first and second frame members in line with one another. The connector assembly includes first and second expansion elements elastically interconnected. The second expansion element includes two hollow lobes joined by a web. When the connector assembly is received by the two frame members, threaded rotation of one or more threaded actuators forces the expansion elements apart and into engagement with opposing primary walls of the frame members. The threaded actuator also presses against the web, thereby causing resilient outward rotation of the lobes. This rotation results in compressive engagement between the outboard edges of the second expansion element and respective intermediate walls of the frame members. Thus, the connector assembly imposes locking forces to the frame members along two axes orthogonal to the main axis of the frame connector assembly. The expansion elements may have an identical extrusion cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention is a light steel framed metal joist including an adjustable connector fastened to the joist web that allows one to adjust the length and angle of the joist when attaching to floor and wall systems. The adjustment allows one to install end connectors onto the joists prior to installation while retaining flexibility of orientation during construction. The joist functions in both web bearing and bottom chord bearing configurations. A flat plate distributing member allows one to design a floor system without having to coordinate the positioning of the joist with wall studs. Angle or U shaped members can be fastened to the lower portion of the flat plate distribution member to support joists during construction. The invention further provides a seamless fire stopping system with consideration for acoustic dampening.

Abstract: A system comprising a first beam, a second beam, at least two attachment nodes, at least four support assemblies, and a platform is provided. The beams each have a top surface and a bottom surface with at least one top channel and bottom channel respectively along the length of the beams' surfaces. The channels each have a first width at the outer surface of the beam that is smaller than a second width of the channels located within the beam. The attachment nodes are secured in the at least one top channel of each of the beams. At least two support assemblies are secured to the at least one bottom channel of the first beam, and at least two support assemblies are secured to the at least one bottom channel of the second beam. The platform is positioned on the at least two attachment nodes.

Abstract: A drywall backing apparatus for metal studding consists of a two-limb backing member, with one limb extending orthogonal to the other to present a generally L-shaped form. The metal studding comprises a plurality of U-shaped studs, the flanges of which have overturned edges for engagement and registration with grooves in the backing member which bridges and is secured by fasteners to successive studs to provide suitable fixing for wall furniture.

Abstract: A wind power plant tower having a multiplicity of tower segments which are arranged one on top of the other and enclose an interior tower space, and at least two system components from the group of a conductor, a lighting and a climbing device for operating personnel arranged in the tower inner space. Segments for the system components are structurally combined with a beam to form a separate supply module spanning a number of tower segments. The laborious assembly of the system components can thus be carried out at ground level, and only the supply module thus completed, which spans a number of segments, is then mounted in the tower. This obviates the need for a considerable amount of work in the form of hazardous working in the tower.

Abstract: A joint (8, 6, 7A, 7C, 8A, 8B, 11A, 9A, 9B, 9C) for connection of mutually adjacent structural members (11A, 11B), (11, 12), (12, 14), (11, 13), (11, 11), (11, 12), characterized in that each structural member has a pair of opposed walls (18, 19, 20, 21), (24, 24, 22A, 22A), (50, 51, 52A, 52A), (50, 51, 52C, 52C), (99, 100, 24, 24), (99, 102, 24, 24), (102, 102, 24, 24) whereby in formation of said joint (8, 6, 7A, 7C, 8A, 8B, 11A, 9A, 9B, 9C) each opposed wall (18, 19), (24, 24), (50, 51), (99, 100), (99, 102), (102, 102) of one structural member (11A, 11, 12) is located adjacent to a proximal opposed wall (20, 21), (22A, 22A), (24, 24) of another structural member (11B, 12, 14, 13, 11) and connected thereto by fasteners (26, 17A, 17B).

Abstract: A tower having a lattice structure for improved structural reliability and load bearing.

Abstract: An expansion bracket absorbs movement of a wall stud to prevent damage to a wall covering attached to the wall stud. The expansion bracket can include a main body having a main body flange, formed of a deformable material, and having a wall stud attachment end configured to attach to the wall stud via a wall stud attachment element. The main body can also have a furring attachment element configured to attach a furring to the main body. When the main body is attached to the wall stud and the furring, and the wall covering is attached to the furring via a wall covering attachment element, the main body flange is configured to absorb, via deformation, at least a portion of the movement of the wall stud due to heat-based expansion of the wall stud.

Abstract: A steel frame structure includes brackets connected to columns to allow the columns to be connected to a girder. Each bracket includes a U-shaped plate having a bottom plate, side plates extended upwardly perpendicularly from both ends of the bottom plate, and base plates extended outwardly from the side plates, a vertical plate welded perpendicularly to the center of the bottom plate of the U-shaped plate in such a manner as to be parallel to the side plates, and a horizontal plate welded to the top end of the vertical plate in such a manner as to be parallel to the bottom plate of the U-shaped plate. The girder has a generally U-shaped section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mechanical coupling arrangement for a lattice support beam having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, said mechanical coupling arrangement comprising at least a first chord member, a first diagonal member, and a connector element for joining said first chord member with said first diagonal member, wherein each of said first chord member, said first diagonal member, and said connector element is made of extruded aluminum profile, said connector element comprising at least a first attachment portion having a first contact surface in contact with said first chord member, and a second attachment portion having a second contact surface in contact with an abutment surface of said first diagonal member.

Abstract: A system including a column (12), a first connecting element (30) extending from the column (12), a beam (14), and a second connecting element (70). The beam includes a base wall (42) at least partially defining a cavity (40) and a cutout (48) in the base wall (42) that is configured to receive the column (12) and that is configured with respect to the first connecting element (30). The second connecting element (70) is disposed in the cavity (40), and the first and second connecting elements (30, 70) are configured to connect the beam (14) to the column (12).

Abstract: In a beam-connection member 9, the bottom surface side is a column-connection surface 14 and one side surface is a beam-mounting surface 16. In other words, the column-connection surface 14 and the beam-mounting surface 16 are formed to be substantially perpendicular. The column-connection surface 14 is the site of connection with a surface of the column. A depression 15 is formed on the column-connection surface 14. The depth of the depression 15 is preferably at least half of the main body thickness of the beam-connection member 9. Further, a notch 11 is formed across the width direction on the column-connection surface 14. The notch 11 is to avoid interference with the diaphragm. Near the notch 11, a rib 17 is provided in the depression 15 as necessary in the width direction. The rib 17 is for preventing deformation of the beam-connection member and for reinforcing the beam-connection member.

Abstract: A strut end piece for a strut for connecting with a fin of a sleeve for a solar mirror frame support. A strut for receiving a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support. A sleeve for connecting with a chord and a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support having a main portion having an opening for receiving the chord. A method for connecting a sleeve to a chord and a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support.

Abstract: A multi-directional structural joint for interconnecting the ends of tubular structural pipes that includes rigid perpendicularly intersecting planar plates the peripheral edges of which include a plurality of radially projecting connecting stubs for securing the terminal ends of tubular structural members.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for strengthening floor structures and for organizing utility conduits. The apparatus includes a rectangular shaped web having first and second opposing sides. The web bridges between two adjacent floor joists and is perpendicular to the adjacent floor joists. A beam is located a predetermined distance from the first side and is parallel to the first side. The beam and the first side form a pocket for receiving a portion of a floor joist. A channel is formed in the second side for receiving a beam from another substantially identical web so that the two webs may be interlocked. The web includes a central portion having a plurality of openings therein for receiving elongated utility conduits.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a solar panel clamp system for mounting solar panels on ground-level and raised purlins. Such systems include left-handed and right-hand clamps that can be attached to opposite sides of solar panel assemblies that include mounting frames. Left-handed clamps can attach to the mounting frame of a solar panel and include surfaces that can rest on the top surfaces of purlins and include a lip or shelf surface onto which the right-handed clamps of a mounting frame of a neighboring solar panel can rest to increase the speed and safety of installing solar panels on raised purlins. Through holes in the left-handed and right-handed clamps can then be used as guide holes for drilling into the purlins. The majority of, if not all of, the solar panel installation using the clamps of the present invention can be completed from underneath the raised purlins.

Abstract: An overhead door frame apparatus having a plurality of elongated structural C-channel members. At least one of the members has a tube secured within and perpendicular to the first member and having a flat plate attached to an outside of the tube. At least an adjacent C-channel member of the plurality of members having a closed end. At least one fastener passes through the flat plate and through the tube of the first member and through the adjacent member.

Abstract: Deployable support structures include a six-bar linkage structure as a lateral facet of a truncated pyramid. The six-bar linkage structure comprises six articulated struts, each coupled to two others by a revolute joint to form a closed loop. The six-bar linkage structure is convertible from a deployed state into a folded state and vice versa. In the deployed state of one embodiment, the six-bar linkage structure forms a trapezoid with two opposing first and second parallel sides formed by two struts arranged in series and coupled by a revolute joint at the center of the parallel sides. In the folded state, the two struts of each parallel side are pivoted around the joint so that opposing end portions of the struts are located side by side. Scalable and modular deployable structures can be made for space applications as well as civil constructions such as domes, roofs, housing, tents, and bridges.

Abstract: A subassembly is positioned transverse in between two adjacent roof elements or wall elements. The subassembly includes a bracket; a construction element; and a fastener securing the bracket to the construction element. An extension tab of the bracket extends over a top surface of a roof element or a wall element. Multiple ones of the brackets installed in a roof element or a wall element define a line of compression blocking.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to geodesic dome structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hub and strut connection for a geodesic dome structure and method for making same. The apparatus described herein provides a unique design for a geodesic dome utilizing materials that are affordable and readily available throughout much of the world for the construction and connection of hubs and struts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated localization steel frame used in lightweight steel building. The localization steel frame comprises steel columns (2), bracing members (1), and localization members (3) connecting the steel columns (2) and bracing members (1) through fixing connectors (7). The localization members (3) are casted in concrete ring beams (4). The steel columns (2), bracing members (1) and the fixing connectors (7) are connected together in pre-determined positions. The localization steel frame has proper structure, and is stressed uniformly and cost effective in construction. It can be assembled simply on site and can improve the construction efficiency. Hence it is more suitable for practical application.

Abstract: A clip for mounting an elongated trim strip on ends of ceiling grid runners, having a right angle configuration with two intersecting legs, one leg adapted to laterally abut an end of a grid runner and the other being adapted to engage the trim strip, said other leg having oppositely extending upper and lower grips for reception into upper and lower opposing channels of the trim strip, the grips being relatively moveable, and a toggle arrangement for moving said grips away from one another, when retracted, the grips being capable of passing between the opposed channels, the toggle arrangement selectively maintaining said grips in an extended position to frictionally lock onto the opposed channels of the trim strip.