Abstract: A lath securing system is provided that is configured to durably retain wire lath in a spaced position from a wall that is to be coated, the system comprising a retaining member for retaining a section of wire lath therein to restrain the wire lath in a secure position; and a fastening member comprising rigid means for securing the retaining member to the wall so that when the retaining member is fastened to the wall, the section of wire lath within the retaining means is secured in a spaced position away from the wall so as to permit application of wall coating without significant movement of the wire lath.

Abstract: An adjustable joist hanger including a mounting foot having a substantially planar lower abutment surface, the mounting foot having at least one attachment opening to attach the mounting foot relative to a surface and at least one, at least partially threaded member extending therefrom, a substantially U-shaped joist carrier adapted to receive a portion of a joist and mounted for movement relative to the at least one, at least partially threaded member and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the joist carrier relative to the mounting foot.

Abstract: A tie system is provided for use with a wall form for a cementitious backup wall and for use with a wall tie to connect between the cementitious backup wall and a veneer. The tie system includes a backup wall connector and a form connector. The form connector is connectable to the form and secures the backup wall connector in position as the wall form is filled. The connector may have heat transfer reducing perforations. The connector may have an outwardly positioned flange to which external wall members may be attached. The connector may have multiple gap-setting features.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus are disclosed regarding an attachment system for solar equipment, sometimes referred to as a flashing device allowing quick and easy assembling of the solar equipment into an array or other combination in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, a flashing device may include a flashing plate which may contain one or more raised features to further direct and control the flow of liquid over the flashing plate. The flashing device may also contain a fluid restrictor such as a seal or part of a seal usually held within an aperture of a block having a skyward facing essentially or substantially flat surface. One or more various items of solar equipment may be attached to the essentially flat surface of the block. Also disclosed are adjustable mounting feet which may be installed in connection with other solar equipment.

Abstract: Roof clamps and methods of securing roof clamps are provided. The roof clamps include a saddle, a wedge, and a securing member. The securing member facilitates engaging a seam of a roof with the clamp and removably fixing the roof clamp to the seam through the camming action of the wedge against a region of the saddle. The securing member also serves as the connection point for an auxiliary item, such as a solar panel or a snow guard. The placement of the securing member allows the roof clamp to be secured from, and the auxiliary item to be attached at, a top surface of the saddle.

Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration includes a proximal end and a distal end that are spaced from one another along an axis of the joining element. A contact face is in the area of the proximal end, the contact face being suitable for being contacted with a vibrating tool for applying, to the joining element, mechanical vibration and a force parallel to the axis. The wall anchoring portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end, and has a circumferential surface being equipped with a plurality of recesses and radially protruding energy concentrating elements between the recesses. A tubular portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end and extends distally from the wall anchoring portion.

Abstract: A fall protection anchor and related systems and methods. The anchor comprises a first elongate leg and a second elongate leg connected to each other at a base plate. The first elongate leg comprises a first base end and a first apex end and further comprises a first capture portion near the first base end and a first intra-connection portion near the first apex end. At least the second elongate leg comprises a second base end and a second apex end and further comprises a second capture portion near the second base end and a second intra-connection portion near the second apex end as well as a holding portion located beyond the capture portion: the holding portion comprises a holding element such as holding hole configured to securely hold a fall restraint device connected to a worker.

Abstract: A panelized complex polyhedron structure can be constructed quickly and inexpensively from a plurality panels. The structure includes the plurality of panels and connecting features permitting an upper panel of the plurality of panels to overhang an adjacent lower panel of the plurality of panels. The upper panel overhangs to the adjacent lower panel.

Abstract: A system for constructing a residential or commercial structure and/or retrofitting an existing structure provides a series of construction components employed that cooperate with standard construction materials to enhance the building structural integrity when subjected to destructive wind forces such as those commonly associated with hurricanes and tornados. The resultant strength of the structure is increased beyond what the standard construction materials were capable of on their own. The enhanced components further cooperate with standard construction materials to provide a secondary water sealing ability such that the typical veneer coverings of siding and/or shingles, which are typically required to provide a primary sealing system from water influent to the structure, are relegated to the role of cosmetics for the structure.

Abstract: A roofing system is installed over the top of existing corrugated metal roofs or over the top of low profile ribbed metal roofs as a retrofit roofing system. The system uses a clip specifically designed for corrugated and other forms of low-profile ribbed metal roof panels. The clip spans a single raised corrugation or single raised rib to provide a secure support for a roofing system to be disposed above the existing roof. The clips may be disposed at a plurality of locations along a purlin and are secured to the purlin through the existing roof panels with connectors. The connectors pass through spaced curved feet of the clip which fit into the spaced depressions of the corrugated roofing panel or the spaces adjacent to the low profile rib.

Abstract: Disclosed are a floating wall bracket and a method for constructing a floating wall using floating wall brackets. A floating wall bracket may have bracket walls designed to hold a vertical member with at least one fastening tab disposed perpendicular to said bracket walls, at least one attachment means to attach the at least one fastening tab to a base plate member, and at least one friction means that provides enough friction to hold the weight of the vertical member, but not so much friction that it will stop the vertical member from moving within the bracket once a floating wall assembly is incorporated into a building/structure. The bracket may also have at least one guide/lateral support flange disposed parallel to the bracket walls and sized/places to guide installation of the floating wall brackets and to provide lateral support to the vertical members of the floating wall assembly.

Abstract: An anchor bracket releasably securable between two spaced-apart, generally planar boards, having a pair of first and second legs disposed parallel and offset relative to one another, a medial shank disposed between and generally perpendicular to and joining the pair of legs and means for releasably anchoring an object attached to the second leg. A method of mounting the anchor bracket includes the steps of moving the anchor bracket between an insertion/withdrawal position and a mounted anchoring position between a pair of spaced-apart boards.

Abstract: A portable anchor for use in a fall arrest protection system. The anchor comprises a base for abutment to a solid support structure, a post extending perpendicular from the base, at least one attachment point connected to the post for receiving a connector, and a rod adapted to be inserted through a central bore through the base and post. The rod has an anchoring section at a first end of the rod for frictionally engaging a portion of the solid support structure and a locking section in the vicinity of a second end of the rod for reversibly securing the rod to the post. Also disclosed is a fall arrest protection system that includes the portable anchor described above. Furthermore, a method of attaching the portable anchor to a solid support structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses for adding coverings such as, but not limited to, roof lines are generally disclosed.

Abstract: A lift anchor for a precast pre-stressed concrete tee includes a pair of slender parallel legs each characterized by a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The first ends join at a slender head. The longitudinal axes define a plane. A pair of oval-shaped feet are forged with the legs perpendicular thereto and characterized by a major axis. The forged feet are configured so that the major axes are either perpendicular or parallel to the plane. The legs and feet can be embedded in a precast pre-stressed concrete tee so that the head is exposed for coupling with a hoisting device.

Abstract: The basement wall reinforcement system comprises carbon fiber materials securely mounted to the wall being reinforced as well as to structural components at both the top and bottom of the wall. These additional connections at the top and bottom of the wall increase the capacity of the carbon fiber to prevent bowing and cracking by transferring lateral forces from the wall to these structural components. Such structural components can include foundations, basement floors, sill plates, rim joists and floor joists. The carbon fiber can be connected to these structural components by pins, epoxies and specially designed brackets.

Abstract: An apparatus to tie concrete or masonry forms to existing concrete, block, or masonry structures, comprising an elongate, generally cylindrical bar. Said bar comprises, at one end, a means for anchoring the apparatus into an existing structure, at the other end, a means for coupling said apparatus to a form, and, connecting the ends to each other, a shank.

Abstract: An integral energy collector and charging system is provided in windows, associated screens and doors so as to facilitate harvesting of solar energy through solar energy collectors unique distribution channels for employing such energy to charge storage batteries which, in turn, provide energy to power outlets. The power outlets may be accessed in order to charge various types of devices. The system is employable with a wide variety of window and door constructions.

Abstract: A safety line anchor securable to a roof drain is disclosed. The anchor provides a secure tie down location for people working on the roof of a building. The anchor is portable so that users can carry it with them to the roof and secure it in a roof drain with minimal modification of the drain. When the worker is finished on the roof, the device can be removed and carried away. The safety line anchor comprises a body, a drain coupling assembly, and an expansion assembly. The drain coupling assembly securely fastens the anchor to the roof drain. The expansion assembly expands in the neck of the drain or the roof drain system piping to minimize wobbling of the anchor. A safety line may be attached to the body of the anchor.

Abstract: Method for producing a fastening system, in particular for components of photovoltaic systems, preferably on roof surfaces of buildings, in a first step a support surface (1) being provided, on which at least one fastening component (7, 19) consisting of loop and/or other interlocking elements is applied and which after fastening the respective fastening component (7, 19) in the mounted state of the support surface (1) allows the attachment of at least one other corresponding fastening component (7, 19) which, provided with other interlocking elements, enables the detachable connection of the assignable fastening components (7, 19).

Abstract: A decorative wall system comprises a supporting wall, a thin brick element with a mortise formed therein and a dovetail tenon clip with fastening means for insertion and retention in the mortise whereby the brick element is attached to the supporting wall. The dovetail tenon clip has a longitudinal space to enable the sidewalls to be pressed inwardly to collapse the space.

Abstract: A bracket for a building that includes a first building member, a masonry veneer disposed exteriorly of the first building member, and a second building member disposed exteriorly of the masonry veneer. The bracket includes a bracket body having a first portion for being coupled to the first building member and a second outwardly extending portion having a length sufficient to extend to at least about an exterior surface of the masonry veneer. A connector member extends through the bracket member, and at least partially through each of the first and second building members. A connector support extends through the bracket body and includes a sleeve having a passageway for receiving and supporting the connector member, wherein the bracket body and connector support are configured to distribute a load borne by the connector member on the masonry veneer over an area of the bracket body greater than the area of the connector.

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.

Abstract: An anchor for anchoring panels for the construction of buildings is provided. The anchor comprises a backing, a retention plate, and a bracket. The backing and retention plate are attached to a strut of a building frame to be covered by a panel. The bracket is slidably connected to the backing. The panel is disposed overtop of the anchor and fastened to the bracket.

Abstract: A decorative assembly and a kit for creating a plurality of decorative assemblies including at least one foundation piece, at least one fanciful element and at least one connector to couple the fanciful element to the foundation piece.

Abstract: An anchor for mounting one or more solar modules to a roof is disclosed. The anchor can comprise a clamp body comprising a central surface and a first arm extending from the central surface. The first arm can have a first clamping face. The clamp body can be sized and shaped to receive one or more webs extending from one or more solar modules, each web having a hem at a distal end. The first arm can comprise a first recess sized and shaped to receive a first hem of a first web of the one or more webs. A clamp member can be configured to clamp the first web against the first clamping face.

Abstract: A hidden fastener for use in assembling a decking structure by attaching a series of grooved deck planks to underlying joists is disclosed. The fastener is configured with a horizontal body between a leading arm and trailing leg. The leading arm transitions to a leading wing while the trailing leg transitions to a trailing foot. At least one prong extends from the body at a downward angle. The leading wing and trailing foot are configured optimally for engagement within the grooves of adjacent deck planks. The body defines a hole for receipt of an elongated securing member that can be driven therethrough, optionally by a power driving tool, to attach the fastener to an underlying joist. The fastener spaces adjacent decking planks an optimal distance for drainage while providing improved resistance to lateral plank movement caused by thermal expansion or physical forces.

Abstract: An anchor for mounting one or more solar modules to a roof is disclosed. The anchor can comprise a clamp body comprising a central surface and a first arm extending from the central surface. The first arm can have a first clamping face. The clamp body can be sized and shaped to receive at least a first web extending from at least a first solar module such that at least the first web can lie in proximity to the first clamping face. The anchor can further include a clamp member coupled to the clamp body so as to be moveable toward the first clamping face to press the first web against the first clamping face.

Abstract: A leveler for a solar module can include a base, a rotatable adjuster, and a follower. The rotatable adjuster can be mounted to the base with a swaging process, or other techniques. The follower can be embedded within a coupler configured to be connectable to solar modules. Turning the rotatable height adjuster changes the relative spacing between the solar module and the base.

Abstract: A suspension device for façade elements of a façade of a building. The suspension device includes suspending elements engaging in receiving regions of elements of the suspension device that are arranged on the building side. The elements of the suspension device arranged on the building side include at least one base element that is fastened to the building and an adjusting device that is adjustable on the base element.

Abstract: A connector comprising a container-like fastener holder (4) of finite depth with a front (6) and a rear plate and side walls (8) wherein the rear wall and substantially the whole depth of the holder can be cast into a concrete structure to form a space within the concrete structure, fastening means (12) which can assume a range of positions within the holder (4) and a move able connection part (16) or device which can be fastened to the front plate (6) by the fastening means (12).

Abstract: An attachment member for securing a structural building component (e.g., joist) to a support pedestal of an elevated building surface assembly. The attachment member includes a central portion and at least one joist support arm attached to the central portion. The central portion includes one or more features that allow it to be secured to a support pedestal, and the at least one support arm includes engagement flaps that can be attached to a structural building component to secure the structural building component to the attachment members, and hence to the support pedestal.

Abstract: A clip for attaching and supporting wall panels to a building (such as for an exterior building envelope), a wall panel system, and systems and methods for supporting wall panels is provided. The clip includes a main body portion, a first extension portion, a second extension portion, and a face portion. The clip is used with a system of interlocking vapor barrier wall panels to support the wall panels and affix them to a building frame without compromising the vapor barrier. Exterior façade panels can also be affixed to the clip and building frame without compromising the vapor barrier.

Abstract: A granular material storage capacity increasing device and system includes a housing including a first and second side walls each having an upper edge. A roof structure is attached to and extends between the first and second side walls. The roof structure includes roof trusses each having an inner chord. A plurality of curtain assemblies is attached to the roof structure to define an auxiliary storage capacity. At least one of the curtain assemblies is mounted adjacent to and associated with the first side wall and at least one of the curtain assemblies is mounted adjacent to and associated with the second side wall. Each of the curtain assemblies a flexible panel extending between and is attached to two inner chords. A top edge attached to the inner chords and bottom edge attached to one of the first or second side walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of techniques for connecting construction elements suitable for use in the construction of buildings, in the sector of civil engineering. The connection system (1) connects a first construction element (2) to a second construction element (3) and comprises at least one retaining element (1a) integral with the first construction element (2) and an anchoring device (1b) connecting the retaining element (1a) to the second construction element (3); the anchoring device (1b) comprises two wings (4) and a middle part (5), which connects the two wings (4) and is placed in contact with the retaining element (1a); the intrados of the two wings (4) lies on a same plane; the axes of the two wings (4) provide an angle therebetween with the vertex pointing the first construction element (2); each of the two wings (4) is connected to the second construction element (3).

Abstract: A restraint system for temporarily restraining a generally rectangular panel in an opening of an outdoor structure having a pair of longitudinally extending side portions, a base portion connected to each of the pair of longitudinally extending side portions at respective proximal ends of each of the pair of longitudinally extending generally parallel, inwardly inclined side portions, protruding members arranged along a bottom surface of the base portion for frictionally engaging a side portion of an opening of an outdoor structure during an operational use of the restraint system, and a tab portion configured to allow a user to grab and pull the restraint system out of the opening. The pair of longitudinally extending side portions and the base portion form a generally u-shaped configuration with a gap therebetween adapted for receiving a side portion of a generally rectangular panel.

Abstract: A tie system is provided for use with a wall form for a cementitious backup wall and for use with a wall tie to connect between the cementitious backup wall and a veneer. The tie system includes a backup wall connector and a form connector. The form connector is connectable to the form and secures the backup wall connector in position as the wall form is filled.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a roof-covering element out of molded cellulose impregnated with bitumen for roofing. In a first step, an element, preferably of cellulose, is made by hot compression molding in a mold, in a second step, once the element has a dry matter content of at least 60% when extracted from the mold, the element is covered in a pigmented varnish and dried, and in a third step, once the element has a dry matter content of at least 98%, the element is impregnated with hot bitumen. Specific operating conditions are given. The covering elements include in particular a ridge side portion, a ridge cap, a ridge-covering kit, a fillet or curb, and a hip.

Abstract: A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration comprises a sealing portion and a wall anchoring portion. The sealing portion is substantially cylindrical and has a smooth circumferential surface. The wall anchoring portion has a circumferential surface which comprises the thermoplastic material and energy directors. A cross section of the sealing portion envelops the cross section (including energy directors) of the wall anchoring portion and is arranged adjoining to the latter on its proximal side. The joining element is anchored in an opening provided in the object wherein a cross section of the opening corresponds to the cross section of the sealing portion of the joining element such that the latter can be forced into a mouth of the opening resulting in a press fit. For anchoring the joining element in the opening, mechanical vibrations e.g.

Abstract: A high-strength pintle anchoring system for a cavity wall is disclosed. The high-strength pintle anchoring system employs a partially compressively reduced veneer tie that is cold-worked with the resultant body partially having substantially semicircular edges and flat surfaces therebetween. The edges are aligned to receive compressive forces transmitted from the outer wythe. The partially compressively reduced veneer tie, when part of the anchoring system, interengages with the receptor portions of a wall anchor and are dimensioned to preclude significant movement lateral with or normal to the inner wythe.

Abstract: A hybrid contoured load-spreading washer is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the washer includes a washer body having a composite layer and a metal layer bonded to the composite layer and a fastener opening extending through the washer body. A floor beam seat track attachment assembly and a method of transmitting a load from a seat track to a floor beam web in a seat track attachment assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A building comprises foundation; a first stud wall; a second stud wall; the second stud wall is disposed above the second first stud wall; a tie rod operably attached to the foundation and extending within the first and second stud walls; a first nut connecting the tie rod to the second stud wall; a first spring urging the first nut and the tie rod upwardly; a second nut connecting the tie rod to one of the first stud wall and the second stud wall, the second nut being disposed below the first nut; a second spring urging the second nut and the tie rod upwardly; the first spring is configured to carry a load at least substantially equal to the weight of a portion of a length of the tie rod disposed between the first nut and the second nut; and the second spring is configured to carry a load disposed below the second nut, the portion extending to where the tie rod is attached to the foundation.

Abstract: A mounting system and method to elastically attach an object to a support structure with an elastic membrane. The elastic membrane allows the object attached thereto to elastically extend in a direction away from the support structure as force is exerted on the object. The elastic membrane includes two surface areas, the first surface area extending peripherally along a perimeter a bottom surface of the elastic membrane and a remaining second surface area. The first surface area being thermally bonded to the support structure, while the second surface area remaining separable from the support structure.

Abstract: A mullion connection system for resisting wind load reactions using a connection clip structurally engaged with a mullion without a hole or a fastener penetrating into the mullion surface. The connection clip can undergo stress-free vertical sliding relative to the mullion along the entire length of the mullion without impairing the structural connection strength; therefore, the building construction tolerance in the vertical direction is eliminated as a design consideration of the curtain wall system. The design also eliminates the need for pre-fabricating mullion holes for the connection locations. The design does not require the pre-determination of the elevation of the connecting point and thus is most beneficial for a curtain wall renovation project where the available locations in the building structure for structural connection cannot be determined prior to the demolition of the existing wall.

Abstract: A spacer for securing a grout tube to a frame prior to the pouring of concrete to form a concrete structure. The spacer comprises a central portion and two free ends extending from the central portion. The central portion surrounds at least a portion of the grout tube and the free ends are fastened in some fashion to the frame. A plurality of spacers can be utilized for securing the grout tube in place. The central portion is preferably circular and the manipulation of the free ends can expand or contract the diameter of the central portion.

Abstract: There is provided building structures that are demountable from a first configuration to be reassemblable to the first configuration or another configuration. The building structures include systems and kits for the structure, post anchors, kits for floor structure, method for assembling floor structures, wall and ceiling support systems, electrical junction box supports, and kits for frame assembly.

Abstract: An integral strip and fastener installation system is provided for light weight slate and tile roofing systems installed with a single overlap between each row or course of tile. A specialized fastener hook is formed with one or more lateral projections or wings installed underneath one or more slate tiles to anchor the fastener to the roof at least in part by the weight of the overlying tiles. This anchoring supports and reinforces the open mouth of the hook against deflection from high winds and thereby enables the hook to hold a tile securely under high wind loads.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wall for resisting lateral forces imposed on a building that incorporates the wall. Specifically, this invention relates to a wall in a light-frame building having within it a sub-component specifically designed to resist lateral forces imposed on the building such as those caused by an earthquake or by wind loading. The wall is formed with a bottom plate that rests on the underlying structural component of the building. A plurality of vertically-disposed studs connect to the bottom plate, and a top plate is supported by and connects to the vertically-disposed studs. A shear-resisting assembly connects to the top plate and the underlying structural component. The shear-resisting assembly has top and bottom struts and first and second chords and a planar shear resisting element connected thereto.

Abstract: An anchor assembly releasably securable to a structure with a receiving hole therethrough. The anchor assembly permits an object or person to be anchored to the structure and comprises a longitudinal member for placement through the receiving hole of the structure, first and second end portions, means to draw the first and second end portions into contact with the structure about the openings of the receiving hole with the longitudinal member positioned therethrough to secure the anchor assembly to the structure, and a visual indicator associated with at least one of the end portions. The end portions are larger in size than the openings of the receiving hole through the structure and the first and second end portions are received on opposite ends of said longitudinal member when the longitudinal member extends through the receiving hole. The visual indicator presents a visual signal identifying when the anchor assembly is secured to the structure.

Abstract: A fixing system for securing cladding boards to the framing of a building in a partially overlapping relationship, each board having front and rear faces with a recess being provided in and along the rear face. The fixing system comprises a plurality of fixing devices, supported by the framing, that are spaced apart relative to one another and arranged in rows, each row of fixing devices being arranged to support a board or row of boards and each fixing device having an engagement portion that is arranged to engage with a section of the recess of a board to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing devices of that row also engaging with a section of the recess, support the board in place on the framing. Also, the fixing system comprises a plurality of fixing components that are arranged to extend through the front face of each board within the overlapping region of adjacent boards and into the framing to secure each board to the framing in co-operation with the fixing devices.