Abstract: Wall panel systems are provided. The systems use interlocking brackets to attach photovoltaic (PV), ceramic, or other rigid wall panels to an exterior wall of a building. The interlocking components include a plurality of wall mounting brackets configured to carry the dead loads of the respective wall panels, and a plurality of panel brackets that may be quickly hung from the wall mounting brackets. The wall mounting brackets are configured to be operatively fastened to an exterior wall surface, while each of the panel brackets is adhesively attached to the rear surface of a respective panel. Each of the wall mounting brackets and the nested panel brackets is substantially similar in dimension and configuration. Further, the system is configured to allow wall panels to be attached to the bracket assemblies in any sequence. A method for attaching architectural wall panels is also provided herein.

Abstract: A system for supporting exterior panels on a substrate of a building structure. The system has a plurality of polymeric bracket members, and each of the bracket members have at least one anchor section, at least one web section and at least one support section. The polymeric bracket members provide a thermal break from the exterior panel to the substrate of the building structure. A plurality of exterior cladding units are held in place by the bracket members. A plurality of vents are disposed between the panels and the exterior panels, and a plurality of vents are also disposed between the panels and the substrate, thereby forming a ventilation system.

Abstract: A wall tie being a steel rod having a first end and a second end, the first end having a tapered helical screw with a crimped stop located a predetermined length from the end thereof, the crimped stop adapted to retain a stopping means, e.g., a washer. The washer serves as a depth gauge such that when the wall tie is screwed into a stud and the washer reaches the stud it acts as a stop preventing the wall tie from further penetrating the stud.

Abstract: A concrete deck insert has an upper portion and a lower portion that are connected by a threaded coupling. The upper and lower portion are drawn together to clamp onto a portion of a perimeter of a hole.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel clamp includes an upper and lower section. The interface between the assembled clamp halves and the module edge is filled by a flexible gasket material, such as EPDM rubber. The gasket preferably has small, finger like protrusions that allow for easy insertion onto the module edge while being reversed makes it more difficult to remove them from the module once installed. The clamp includes mounting posts or an integral axle to engage a bracket. The clamp also may include a locking tongue to secure the clamp to a bracket.

Abstract: An assembly of a ground anchor embedded within an artificial surface playing field is disclosed. The field has an artificial surface layer extending in a taut, level and smooth manner over an uppermost subsurface layer. A ground anchor body is embedded in the uppermost subsurface layer such that an upper wall of the ground anchor body engages an underside of the artificial surface layer. The upper wall of the ground anchor is fastened to the underside of the artificial surface layer with mechanical fasteners, an adhesive, or the like. An anchor member is connected to the ground anchor body and is extendable to a position in which the anchor member extends from the ground anchor body through a slit in the artificial surface layer to a position above the artificial surface layer so that it can be connected to an object to be anchored to the artificial surface layer.

Abstract: An improved anchor for securing a reinforcement strip to a concrete structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slab lift bracket that includes an collar portion with a center, an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The slab lift bracket also includes a plurality of protruding members that are distributed around and fixed to the collar portion. The protruding members extend outwardly and downwardly of the collar portion at spaced apart locations, and have a hook shaped free end.

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 fixture for room ceiling corners includes a main body having three sides; a first anchoring flap on a first side of the main body, adapted to attach to the first wall of the room; a second anchoring flap on a second side of the main body, adapted to attach to the second wall of the room; a third anchoring flap on a third side of the main body, adapted to attach to the third wall of the room. The main body provides a plane that covers the corner of the room, which may include a graphic or a mirror.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retrofit arrangement for securing a new roof structure above an already existing roof structure. The system uses thermal blocks placed crosswise between the ribs on the existing roof structure. Above a series of these thermal blocks, a longitudinal support strip is provided onto which a plurality of clips can be fastened. The blocks provide thermal resistance, and enable a reduction in number of fasteners required for assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to safety anchors for roof workers and in particular to a gutter ladder anchor, a ridge anchor, a rafter anchor, and a truss anchor. In a one aspect the invention is a gutter ladder anchor formed from a metal plate, and comprising a flat base, having left, right, rear, and front ends; a fold at the front end of the base; one or more legs extending from the fold; a flange at the end of each leg, folded upwards; one or more holes located in each leg for mounting a vertical eye or a ladder location attachment; a first pattern of spaced apart holes through the base for fixing the anchor to a batten or purlin, said first pattern extending from the left end to the right end; and one or more holes through the flange of each leg for fixing the anchor to a gutter.

Abstract: A handling anchor for lifting, raising, turning over, transporting, and laying building elements, such as precast blocks or panels, essentially made of concrete and to be connected to a building element. The anchor includes a connecting head for connecting the building element to a handling machine, and a body portion including active parts that, when the anchor is connected to the construction element, ensure the adhesion of the anchor to the material of the building element. The body includes at least one land including at least one face.

Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.

Abstract: There is provided a method of attaching bracket apparatus to a curtain wall mullion having a fastening channel for receiving screw-threaded fasteners for a bracket element having upper and lower attachment ports. The method comprises the steps of: a) positioning the bracket element on the fastening channel so that a longitudinal opening of the channel is blocked along the longitudinal extent of the bracket element, and providing upper and lower blocking elements within the fastening channel so that the upper and lower attachment ports are in between the upper and lower blocking elements; and b) forcing an adhesive into one of the said upper and lower attachment ports until it appears in the other of the upper and lower attachment ports. There is also provided curtain walling bracket apparatus for use in such a method, and curtain wall mullion apparatus wherein said curtain walling bracket apparatus is attached to a curtain wall mullion using said method.

Abstract: A clamp is disclosed for attaching solar panel grids to standing seam roof structures. The clamp may comprise a pair of opposing clamp halves having a plurality of inter-engageable projections and recesses. One or more fasteners engage the halves to draw the halves together. At one end of the clamp, a first set of recesses on the first clamp half may receive a first set of projections on the second half. At an opposite end of the clamp a second set of recesses on the first clamp half may receive a second set of projections on the second half. In the loosened condition, the first set of recesses may be engaged in the first set of recesses to act as a detent, while the second set of projections may be spaced a sufficient distance away from the second set of recesses to enable the clamp to be slid down onto the vertical seam portion of a standing seam roof. Tightening the fasteners then causes the second set of projections to deform the seam portion into the second set of recesses, fixing the clamp to the seam.

Abstract: A decorative accessory unit, a decorative accessory assemblage, a kit for a personal accessory craft project and a method for creating a personal accessory are described. A plurality of decorative units having at least two linking ends protruding therefrom are provided along with a plurality of connector elements for coupling the linking ends of two decorative units together.

Abstract: A cable anchor has ball surfaces that permit misalignment between the cable and a stem of the anchor, and a fitting that permits the introduction of a corrosion inhibitor to the interior of the anchor.

Abstract: A roof mounting system can include a roof substrate and flashing supportable on the substrate and including an outwardly extending projection having a concave interior side and an aperture extending through the projection between top and bottom surfaces of the flashing. A seal can extend through the aperture and contact at least a portion of the top surface and at least a portion of the bottom surface. The seal can be conformable with the concave interior side and can define a seal aperture substantially aligned with the flashing aperture. A mounting bracket can be supportable on the flashing and can define an aperture sized to receive at least a portion of each of the seal and the projection. A fastener can extend through the mounting bracket aperture, seal aperture, and flashing aperture to inhibit fluid flow through the flashing aperture.

Abstract: A panel array support assembly has a lower support joist to which are directly connected panel holding devices or clips. The panel clips are configured so that the length of each clip extends along the length of the lower support joist. The panel clips are preferable configured to have a sliding top arm, which holds the upper edge of the panel, and slides back so that they panel can be placed on a lower holding arm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a construction fastener configured to secure a utility box in a specified position within a wall. The construction fastener includes a front portion, a center portion, and an end portion. The end portion and center portion of the fastener are inserted through the utility box, with part of the end portion extending beyond the back surface of the utility box. The front portion thus rests across a front surface of the utility box. The end portion is secured against the back surface of the utility box and the position of the utility box within the wall is maintained.

Abstract: A roll-formed grid runner comprising a sheet metal strip folded into an upper hollow single wall reinforcing bulb, a double wall web below the bulb, a channel extending laterally from both sides of a lower end of the web to a bend and upwardly from the bend to a panel supporting elevation, the bend on each side of the web existing at a longitudinally extending score line where a thickness of the strip is locally reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a concealed, centerline load-bearing and adjustable connector which binds a plurality of structural members together on one or more axes to create a joint which is sturdy for construction applications and the like. The present invention is configured to withstand the variables associated with timber materials, and other like structural members, such as shrinkage and timber twisting, which can occur after the joint is in place. In this way, the present invention provides a concealed, centerline load-bearing and adjustable connector that is easier to install, can be assembled on or offsite, provides a secure joint which is as good or better than the mortise-and-tenon joints of the past, and is adjustable once in place.

Abstract: An edge-lift anchor for tilt-up lifting of a concrete component has, at a lower part of its head an element for anchoring the head against shear forces acting during the tilt-up phase of lifting. Such element comprises an aperture to receive concrete, an aperture to receive a reinforcing bar, or a shear plate welded to the lower edge of the head.

Abstract: A connector for securing a horizontally extending member of a sloped roof at a selected angle relative to an upright member of the sloped roof includes a first portion adapted for secure engagement with the upright member and a second portion adapted for secure engagement with the horizontally extending member. An angular measurement section extending from the first portion and having multiple visible features thereon is usable to secure the connector to the upright member at a selected angle by aligning a selected visible feature with a portion of the upright member. Each visible feature corresponds to a selected angular relationship, such that a desired angle between the horizontally extending member and the upright member can be provided through selective alignment of a corresponding visible feature of the connector with the upright member.

Abstract: A post-construction composite anchor bolt is provided having great resistance to a bending moment, even when the reinforcement covering margin is small, and reduces the transformation force caused by the bending moment acting on the joining point between the connecting part and the second anchor bolt, even if the size of the anchor bolt is increased. A post construction anchor bolt in the concrete frame comprising: a first anchor bolt installed projecting outside of a concrete frame; and a second anchor bolt which is eccentrically positioned to the axis of said first anchor bolt and is installed embedded in the concrete frame, and a connecting part which links said first anchor bolt and said second anchor bolt, and is installed embedded in the concrete frame together with said second anchor bolt.

Abstract: An adapter (10) for installing positioning elements (46, 48) on a holding rail (50) that is to be embedded into concrete has a receptacle (14) into which the holding rail (50) can be inserted, and at least one connector (36, 38, 40) through which a positioning element (46) can be installed on the adapter (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchoring equipment (1), in particular for roofs (6), comprising two identical supporting elements (2, 3) having each an engagement portion (4, 5) that can be adapted to the shape of the roof (6) on which the equipment (1) has to be installed, and a fastening portion (7, 8) apt to be engaged by an end (20a, 20b) of a connecting rope (20) placed between said supporting elements. The equipment further comprises at least one retaining element (23) placed between the supporting elements (2, 3), provided with an engagement portion (24) that is identical to the engagement portion (4, 5) of each supporting element (2, 3). The retaining element (23) has a retaining portion (25) apt to retain possible transversal shifts of the connecting rope and to enable the sliding along the latter of at least one hooking and/or safety fixture used during maintenance operations carried out on the roof (6).

Abstract: A construction of an upright panel unit adapted for use in a wall with the panel units abutting end to end in which a pair of spaced facing sheet members on either side of the panel unit have vertical edge portions joined at each end of the panel unit by being sandwiched between an inner bracket member and an outer bracket member, with the outer bracket member having male and female arms engageable and disengageable with an outer bracket member of the end of an adjacent panel unit merely by respective movement of the panel units longitudinally relative to each other.

Abstract: Systems, components, and methods for attaching insulating foam panels to a wall provide additional insulation by virtue of the low thermal conductivity of the foam material of which the panels are made. Structural elements disposed within the panels provide attachment features used for fixing the panels to the wall, and also provide a structural mounting for finishing materials that may be placed on the wall. A clip attaches to the attachment features and is then affixed to the wall. One or more shims may be attached to the clip for accommodating irregularities in the wall. The shims also may be used in a variety of additional applications where accommodation for irregularities in spacing is desired.

Abstract: A subflooring water and radon gas channeling system consisting of a plurality of elongated hollow channeling units with holes in each side thereof connected to one another on each side of a basement region of a building with ends of certain of such units being also connected to ends of each of a plurality of corner connector units with one channeling unit having a sensor through hole for receipt of a water level sensor and another through hole atop which is mounted a spout for receipt of one end of a hose and with all components resting on inner foundational footings located below basement flooring for purposes of beridding the building of water and radon gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (20) for adjusting a body relative to a support or contact surface, comprising: A) a clamping member (2) fixable to a body and having a clamping sleeve (10 provided with an internal thread (6) and a clamping element (3) and with an inside thread (8); and B) a spacer member (1) with a longitudinal axis (13), means (9) for receiving a tool and a shaft (14) having an external thread (5), wherein the external thread (5) of the spacer piece (1) is engageable with the internal thread (6) of the clamping sleeve (10), wherein C) the clamping sleeve (10) comprises an outside thread (7) and means (24) for contacting a structural member (15), which are provided with a radially projecting shoulder (29) that is axially terminally arranged; and D) the inside thread (8) of the clamping element (3) is engageable with the outside thread (7) of the clamping sleeve (10), so that a structural member (15) is clampable between the clamping element (3) and shoulder (29) of the clamping sleeve (10).

Abstract: A guardrail system and method comprises utilizing at least one through-hole of a poured concrete wall of a structure to affix a stanchion to the wall inside a bay of the structure. The stanchion allows for a guardrail to be conveniently and securely positioned within the bay without damage to the structure and without covering an edge of the structure. A fastener inserts through the through-hole which is preferably a pre-existing tie-hole resulting from formation of the wall. In one optional aspect a guardrail stanchion includes a base segment having at least two slots for receiving fasteners which insert through two tie-holes of the wall, and at least one side segment having at least one adjustment port, the side segment extending generally perpendicular to the base segment. A pair of stanchions may be affixed to opposing walls within the bay, and guardrails affixed thereto and spanning across the bay.

Abstract: A wood fastener according to principles of the invention comprises a wood unit having at least one upper and one lower groove. The grooves are offset. The grooves have sufficient depth and width to allow a nail or similar fastener to extend therethrough and also allow passage of a reciprocating saw blade. The side ends are trimmed to mesh with furring strips. The fastener includes one or more starter holes to facilitate use by guiding placement and insertion of screws or nails. In use, the fastener attaches a movable wall to bracing provided in finished walls and ceilings of a room. To facilitate removal of the fastener for rearrangement of the wall, nails or screws extending through the grooved sections of the fastener may be cut using a reciprocating saw. A method for using the fastener is also provided.

Abstract: A wall panel includes a panel body, a first jamb clip, a second jamb clip, a bottom member, and an attachment clip. The first jamb clip is positioned adjacent to a right side of the panel body and the second jamb clip is positioned adjacent to a left side of the panel body. The first and second jamb clips are each configured to receive a portion of a spline. The bottom member has an engagement portion and is positioned adjacent to a bottom end of the panel body. The attachment clip is positioned adjacent to an upper end of the panel body and has an engagement receiving portion configured to engage an engagement portion of an adjacent panel. The bottom end of the panel body is configured to define a ventilation gap when joined to an adjacent panel.

Abstract: A roof, ceiling, dome, bridge, tunnel or similar structure for a construction, a system and method thereof, the structure configured to move between a folded position and an extended position, the structure comprising a folding structure unit with a first end and a second end, the first end being co-lineal with the second end when the structure is in an extended position, a first coupling and folding device between the first end and the second end, an actuating device connected from the first end to the second end, a first rod between the first end and the first coupling and folding device and a second rod between the second end and the first coupling and folding device, and wherein the actuating device and the coupling and folding device are configured to move the transportable and foldable structure from a folded position to an extended position and from an extended position to a folded position. A plurality of structures may be co-lineally connected between themselves.

Abstract: A mounting device is fastened over various types of standing seams of a roof. The mounting device includes a mounting body, a wedge-like core and two bolts. The mounting body includes a slot extending therethrough with a trapezoidal cross-section, a first tapped hole and a second tapped hole, wherein the slot has an opening at a relatively short side of a pair of parallel sides of the trapezoidal cross-section. The wedge-like core is sandwiched between a pair of nonparallel sides of the slot. A first bolt is screwed into the first tapped hole and has an end in contact with the wedge-like core for securing a standing seam. A second bolt is screwed into the second tapped hole for securing a desired object on the roof.

Abstract: The invention comprises a foam insulating panel having an outer surface and a reinforcing member adhered to at least a portion of the outer surface of the foam insulating panel. An insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid-resistant control systems enclosure may include a shell, a shaft and at least one shell anchoring member. The shell may include a top, a shell wall connected to and extending downwardly from a perimeter of the top, and a sleeve. The shaft may extend upwardly through a surface pad and may be adapted to pass through the sleeve. The sleeve may include a sleeve wall extending downwardly from an inner perimeter of an opening in the top. The sleeve may matingly engage the shaft to move the shell between a raised position and a lowered position. The shell may be moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The shell may be adapted to be positioned in the latched position when the shell is in the lowered position.

Abstract: An attachment member formed from sheet material configured to connect a wall to a curved roof of a building structure. The attachment member includes at least two segments: a first segment having a flat center portion and a pair of walls extending perpendicular to the center portion in cross section, the pair of walls defining a recess oriented in a direction perpendicular to the center portion, wherein the recess is adapted to accommodate a portion of a wall of a building structure; and a second segment extending from one of the walls of the first segment, the second segment being oriented in a same plane as the flat center portion of the first segment in cross section, the second segment including a longitudinal rib, the longitudinal rib protruding in cross section from the second segment, the longitudinal rib being adapted to mate with a rib of a curved building panel. Building structures made using such attachment members and an attachment member forming system are also described.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods described herein can be used to secure a rail to a module or the rail to a support using a nut that can be inserted at a desired point of mounting. Another exemplary system describes a flashing to be inserted under a roof shingle, wherein the flashing is secured to a support for a rail or module. Yet another exemplary system describes a clamp that secures a rail or module and is adjustable along the length of a post. Spacers can be added to the post to extend the adjustment range of the clamp.

Abstract: A building construction has a foundation, walls and a roof structure, the walls being wrapped by a reinforcement fabric, with the reinforcement fabric being connected to the foundation and the roof structure to tie the roof structure to the foundation for increased resistance to natural disasters. The connection of the reinforcement fabric to the roof structure includes a top rail having a connector plate attached to the roof structure and having an upwardly oriented opening, and a wrapping member about which the reinforcement fabric can be wrapped, the wrapping member having a geometry corresponding with the geometry of the upwardly oriented opening in such a manner that the wrapping member is prevented from rotating in the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an earthen formation to a concrete facing of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure, and a method of manufacturing the same. A one-piece, flat, plate-like connector has a stem and a tab, wherein the stem is resistance welded to a soil reinforcing element embedded within the earthen formation. The tab is connected to a facing anchor attached to the concrete facing. The stem of the plate connector has grooves formed in its opposing sides and longitudinal channels to increase the strength of the resistance weld.

Abstract: A fixture for securing a glass balustrade to masonry comprises at least two panes of glass forming a safety glass panel and a U-section rail in which the panes of glass are secured by means of a coat of adhesive filled into the inside surfaces of legs and a bar of the U-section rail, so as to provide reliable protection against falling, and which absorbs forces acting on the balustrade by mechanical means and passes the forces on to the masonry and offers an adjusting means in order to allow the balustrade to be aligned plumb.

Abstract: Panel mounting components and systems for mounting objects, such as decorative architectural resin panels, can include one or more of a twist-lock mounting assembly and a melt-bondable panel mounting bracket. Twist-lock mounting assemblies can include a housing and locking pin configured to automatically lock together, thereby allowing a user to quickly and easily mount and dismount panels from a support structure. Melt-bondable panel mounting brackets can include one or more bonding features configured to be pressed into a resin-based panel, thereby allowing additional components, such as a twist-lock mounting assembly, to be secured directly to a single side of a panel.

Abstract: A mounting assembly (70c) for installing solar cell or photovoltaic modules (58) on a building surface (34) is disclosed. The mounting assembly (70c) includes a mounting device (74), a stud (114) that may be threaded to the mounting device (74), a clamping member (142) that may be positioned on the stud (114), and a nut (128) that may be threaded onto the stud (114) to secure the clamping member (142) to the mounting device (74). A mounting plate (110?) is disposed somewhere between the clamping member (142) and the mounting device (74). This mounting plate (110?) includes a raised structure or dome (174) on its upper surface (170) for positionally registering modules (58) thereto, a plurality of grounding projections (172) on this same upper surface (170), and a plurality of wiring tabs or clips (178) on its lower surface (176).

Abstract: A brace for securing roof decking adjacent a roof ridge vent takes the than of an elongated channel, preferably a metal J-shaped channel, with the brace being wrapped around the upper edge portion of the roof decking at the roof ridge. The brace stiffens and carries the weight of the roof decking between the roof trusses or rafters, allowing an unobstructed flow of ventilation air under the decking and preventing bowing of the roof decking. The brace is at least partially covered by a line of shingles and then mounting flange portions of a ridge vent extend over each of the brace, decking edge and shingles.

Abstract: A “slip-clip” assembly that may be used to attach studs to top tracks in metal frames to offset the effects of the upward or downward displacement and that provide an expedient in the whole building process wherein the studs are held in place by clip assemblies. The clip is rigidly attached to a side leg of the top track. The clip has formed therein a recess adapted to loosely engage a portion of a rim on an adjacent flange so that the stud is loosely held in place with a slippage tolerance to absorb vertical pressures on said frame stud.

Abstract: A roofing system formed of a plurality of support members secured to a load bearing roof deck. A plurality of roofing panels are positioned on the support members and are oriented to form overlapping joints between the panels. Sealant is positioned within the overlapping joints of the panels. A compression bar is positioned over the overlapping joints and is secured to the overlapping joints and support member by a fastener arrangement.

Abstract: A hurricane tie fastener and method are provided for securing a truss to a wall structural member. The fastener includes upper and lower vertical perpendicular plates with respective nail-receiving through holes formed therein. A horizontal arm extends from adjacent the bottom of the upper plate away from the lower plate. A leg extends upwardly from the arm. A truss-receiving space is formed between the upper plate and leg having a top entrance opening for receiving the bottom of the truss when the fastener is moved upwardly relative to the truss. The fastener is self-supporting on the truss to make the nailing of the fastener to the truss and wall member easier and safer.