Abstract: A device for connecting beams and pillars or similar structural elements, particularly for prefabricated concrete structural elements, comprising a bracket, which forms, when installed, by means of its upper face, a support for the beam, and a first connection for connecting to the pillar the end of the bracket that is designed to be directed toward the pillar, the device further comprising a second connection for connecting a region of the bracket, spaced from the end directed toward the pillar, to a region of the pillar located above the bracket and arranged on the side of the pillar that lies opposite with respect to the side that bears the bracket.

Abstract: A connection system for steel construction employs both fasteners and an adhesive for connecting panels to a metal frame or metal studs. The connection system also joins metal components such as web stiffeners, hold-down clamps and vertical clips to metal studs and cross-channel members. The fasteners may be a self-drilling screw, rivets, pins, clinches or other mechanical fasteners. The adhesive may be a two-part epoxy system, an acrylic, a urethane or other structural adhesive system designed to bond light gauge steel.

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: A truss chord includes a facing surface with ridges, sides with ridges, and an attachment surface on the side to attach to frame members. The truss chord transfers the weight to the frame member, and the truss chord helps prevent lateral movement relative to the frame member. The truss chord is made of extruded aluminum, and includes a flared section at the interface between the facing surface and the side that forms an arc, and a portion at the end of the side in the shape of an arc. A truss chord system includes top and bottom truss chords connected by square tubing frame members.

Abstract: The table top portion of the patio deck extension is aligned in a row with spaces between the 4 major slats and is secured at the bottom with cross members to form a base. The sides are then mounted around the perimeter. The angled support stabilizers are mounted to the cross members on the bottom of the deck extensions platform then attached to the existing deck uprights (Ballasts). All parts are secured using screws of various lengths. The purpose of this invention is to create additional deck space; it allows the home owner to use the patio deck extension to aid in storing, servicing and entertaining without infringing on their existing deck space.

Abstract: A fastener system for connecting a first member to a second member is described. The fastener system includes a flexible shell having therein a flexible reinforcement member in the form of a frame. The shell and frame can be placed through holes in the two members and filled with a filler material that hardens to form a rigid fastener in order to connect the first and second members together. The fastener system and method can be used even when the holes in the two members are misaligned or are of different sizes.

Abstract: A building material anchor including a resilient pad. A resilient, openwork tube is affixed to the top of the pad. An adhesive layer coats the bottom of the pad.

Abstract: A construction module having a multi-layered top panel, a multi-layered intermediate panel and a multi-layered bottom panel which are bonded together and desired cavities are provided through one or more of the top panel, intermediate panel and bottom panel.

Abstract: The retainer for cut wallboard is a device for repairing a piece of wallboard from which a smaller piece has been removed. The retainer includes a closed band having opposed inner and outer faces and opposed first and second edges. A plurality of outer retaining members are attached to the first edge of the closed band, with the plurality of outer retaining members extending outwardly therefrom. Further, a plurality of inner retaining members are attached to the second edge of the closed band, with the plurality of inner retaining members extending inwardly therefrom. A plurality of resilient members are further attached to the first edge of the closed band and also extend inwardly therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is a free standing portable deck for use with recreational vehicles. The deck further comprises a polygonal shape lower support frame. The support frame further comprises a plurality of removably interconnected rails. A flat planar platform portion is being removably mounted upon the lower support frame. A plurality of leg members are being disposed underneath the lower support frame at each corner such that the platform portion is held in a substantially level position at a predetermined height in relation to the recreational vehicle door. Each leg member is removably connected to each corner of the lower support frame. The upper support frame is removably connected to the lower support frame and extends linearly upward. At least one step means provides for ingressing and regressing onto the platform portion. The at least one step means is located at a predetermined distance from the lower support frame and at a predetermined height in relation to the ground level.

Abstract: A spacer (100) for providing space between a first roof member (110) and a second roof member (120), where the spacer limits compression of an insulator (130), the insulator (130) being at least partially between the first roof member (110) and the second roof member (120).

Abstract: A wedge set for use in fastening floor joists consists of two interslidable wedge members (1, 2) adapted to abut each other along cooperating first abutment surfaces (3, 10), each wedge member (1, 2) having a second abutment surface (4, 11) forming an acute angle with the corresponding first abutment surface. The second abutment surfaces (4, 11) on the two wedge members (1, 2) of the wedge set extend substantially parallel to each other. The wedge members (1, 2) have cooperating locking means (6, 7, 13, 14), which are adapted for retaining them from a mutual displacement so that the distance between their second abutment surfaces (4, 11) is reduced, and retaining means (9, 15), which are adapted for retaining the first abutment surfaces (3, 10) in abutment with each other. The first abutment surfaces (3, 10) are plane and the locking means (6) consist of ratchets.

Abstract: A bracketing system is provided having two brackets joined by a flexible adhesive material that allows bridging or backing members of variable lengths and widths to be mounted between vertical studs to enhance stability of the wall construction. A wall construction assembly according to an embodiment of the invention comprises two vertical studs and a bridge backing member mounted there between by a bracketing system, which includes a left bracket and a right bracket connected by a flexible adhesive material. Because the bridge backing member can be adjustably sized to be secured on the brackets, it can be sized to fit between studs regardless of any variation in the spacing of the studs. This obviates the need to prefabricate bridge backing members to fit between variably spaced studs. The bridge backing member can be mounted flush with the stud to eliminate unevenness in the wall structure. Bridge or backing members of various widths and lengths can be mounted to the bracketing system.

Abstract: An architectural structural system comprises a structural beam and a structural connector. The structural beam includes a first c-beam and a second c-beam adjacently disposed one in parallel to the other. Each of the c-beams has opposed first and second ends. The structural connector has a plurality of transverse blades with opposed faces, one of the plurality of blades being connectedly disposed between the first and second c-beams.

Abstract: Structure (1) for mounting, on a building wall, at least one frame (50) consisting of a rectangular framework (51), comprising a carcass (2) made of at least two uprights (3) and at least two crossbars (4) assembled so as to form at least one rectangular underframe (15) adapted for receiving a frame (50), and means for fixing at least one frame on the carcass, each upright (3) having a central core (31) bordered by two side wings (32, 33) comprising recesses (38, 39) for receiving the crossbars (4). Each crossbar (4) has a central core (40) and side wings (41, 42) comprising recesses in line with the uprights (3) at the intersections between the crossbars (4) and the uprights (3) in such a way that the wings of the uprights (3) and the crossbars (4), extending on the inner periphery of the rectangular underframe (15), form a projecting border on which a frame (5) may be fitted. Wall provided with a structure of this type on which panel-holding frames are mounted.

Abstract: A connector for a wall structure wherein the connector connects to and reinforces a stud within the wall structure, or in some cases, the connector actually functions as a stud. The connector includes an elongated web and a pair of flanges that project from the web. About the lower portion of the connector there is provided a series of tabs that extend from the web and the two flanges and are turned so as to overlap and form a transfer structure that extends between the flanges about the lower end of the connector. In use, the connector can be connected to respective studs in a wall structure and at the same time anchor to an underlying structure such as a floor. In other cases, the connector itself can be utilized in the wall structure as a stud.

Abstract: A roof clip (205, 305) for roof tiles (1, 2) is disclosed in which a fastener (4) having a shank (24) which passes into a timber batten (3), or timber deck (51) is used to anchor the clip. The fastener is preferably preassembled with the clip to form an assembly able to be handled by the tile installer. The shank 24 passes through a base (206) the length of which pre-sets the distance between the batten and hook (107, 207). The distance between the hook and base is adjustable by means of a ratchet mechanism (229, 329). Consequently one clip can be used with a wide range of tiles. Tilers walking on rooves are less likely to break tiles held with such clips because the ratchet mechanism gives under the weight of the tiler so the clip does not form a rigid point about which the tile breaks.

Abstract: An elongated cylindrical tube with reinforcing ribs that can be placed within a pre-cast concrete wall section for use in joining with other wall sections having a drain preformed into the bottom of the grout tube with a nipple-like attachment positioned within the drain opening of the grout tube. The nipple-like attachment has circumferential pyramidal ridges for connecting to and retaining a water release tube allowing for the egress of any water, moisture or debris that may have collected within the grout tube to prevent deterioration or cracking of the concrete from the expansion of water freezing within the wall section or from retained debris weakening the wall connection joint.

Abstract: A structural member for a reinforced stud wall including a tie rod connected to a foundation of the wall. The structural member comprises a longitudinal hollow member having top and bottom walls; and first and second web flanges connecting the top and bottom walls, the web flanges extending along a longitudinal axis of the hollow member. An opening through the top and bottom walls to allow the tie rod to extend therethrough, the opening being disposed between the web flanges.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various brackets and methods for forming a tiled transition between a first surface and a second surface, the first and second surfaces forming an inside corner. One bracket embodiment includes a first base portion securable to the first surface, a second base portion securable to the second surface, and a receiving slot angled with respect to the first and second surfaces for receiving a tile strip, wherein the tile strip is permanently secured in the receiving slot to form the tiled transition between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A locking insert is described for use in a poured concrete structure. The locking insert includes a hollow elongated body, a longitudinal channel with two configured side edges and a channel floor, a paired gear nut and locking plate that interengages said configured side edges, an attachment bolt, and a method to prevent concrete from seeping into the locking insert. The embedment of the locking insert into a concrete structure provides a positive locking, positional and anti-slip method of attachment for a structural or secondary element. The locking insert allows for vertical positioning and locking of the paired gear nut and locking plate to ensure a proper connection with a structural or secondary element through an attachment bolt. The locking insert with an attached outwardly projecting element transfers the load associated with the structural or secondary element throughout the concrete structure to allow for a high strength connection.

Abstract: A modified anchor device for attaching a structure to a thin-walled work piece allows a structure, such as a luggage or utility rack, to be attached to a work piece, such as an automobile roof, without threaded fasteners connecting the structure to the work piece. The anchor device has an double-sectioned head having an upper head member and a lower head member The upper head member extends above the surface of the work piece a sufficient distance such that the upper head member engages the top surface of the structure, thus retaining the bottom side of the structure in face-to-face contact with the top side of the work piece.

Abstract: An adjustable hanger assembly for hanging support rods or ceiling fixtures includes two adjacent spanning angles or channels having at least one clamp assembly at each end thereof and at least one fixture hanging assembly disposed between the ends of the spanning angles or channels. The clamp for use with joists utilizing angles includes legged and washer clamp plates, fastener, and fastening device. The clamp for use with beams utilizing angles includes alternate legged clamp plate, fastener hook, and fastening device. The fixture hanging assembly includes legged and washer fixture plate, hanger rod with threaded end, and fastening. Each legged clamp plates, alternate legged clamp plates, and legged fixture plates is adapted to ride horizontally along top of spanning angles or channels. The load bearing capacity of the angles or channels is increased by bracing these members against each other at clamp assembly and fixture hanging assembly locations.

Abstract: A panel clip (1) for fixing a preformed concrete panel (10) to structural steelwork (12), includes a linear elongate body (2) terminating in a downward deflecting lip (3), the body including an aperture (4) formed in the linear body for receiving a fastening device (5) in which the clip includes a projecting tooth (6) protruding in the downward direction for engaging the preformed concrete panel and preventing the clip from rotating during tightening of the fastening device.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a veneer panel to a back-up comprises a support member comprising a mounting flange adapted for securing the support member to said back-up wall, and first and second support member side walls extending outwardly from the mounting flange. The first and second support member side walls define at least one generally horizontal slot when the support member is secured to the back-up wall. The connector further comprises a veneer connector configured for non-rotational sliding receipt in the generally horizontal slot and adapted to support a generally horizontal edge of said veneer panel when the veneer connector is received in the generally horizontal slot and when the support member is secured to the back-up wall.

Abstract: A truss fastener which includes a shaft having a head and a tip. Threading extends along the shaft from the tip end toward the head end of the shaft. The threading is interrupted, abbreviated, and/or otherwise separated by wings projecting from the surface of the shaft. The interrupting projection extends in a generally oblique orientation to the center axis of the fastener.

Abstract: A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.

Abstract: A hold down connector is provided for securing together multiple building members. The hold down connector resists movement of the building members when connected to an elongated tie member. In one embodiment, the hold down connector includes a transverse portion connected to first and second elongated legs with at least one aperture at elongated connections between the transverse portion and the first leg and between the transverse portion and second leg. In another embodiment, the hold down connector includes a transverse portion connected to first and second elongated legs with the transverse portion partially supported by transverse extensions of the first and second legs. A hold down connector in accordance with embodiments results in increased load bearing properties, construction from thicker materials, and easy installation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing structural support and reinforcement for surfaces, materials and devices, including drywall. A structural support and reinforcement system includes one or more structural support and reinforcement panels located behind one or more surfaces, materials and/or devices. In one embodiment, the structural support and reinforcement panel is placed between the structural studs and a desired section of drywall during original construction. In another embodiment, the structural support and reinforcement panel is placed between the structural studs and the desired section of drywall during repair or renovation. A user can apply an external load to the drywall by way of an attachment device, such as a screw, which extends through the drywall and the structural support and reinforcement panel. By attaching the external load through the drywall and the structural support and reinforcement panel the load bearing capacity of the drywall is enhanced.

Abstract: A metal connection member having joining parts on the upper and lower stories vertical frame members' side surfaces.

Abstract: Fastener blankets disclosed herein can be fitted over each row of the roof and/or wall support members of a building to enclose the fasteners utilized to secure additional building materials to the building structure. The fastener blankets disclosed herein can provide additional insulating R-value properties at the points of the building where the current standard practices provide avenues of significant energy loss. The fastener blankets form a closed shape with the structural member, and at least partially encloses the structural member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method to maintain the integrity of a vapor barrier for use with concrete slab on grade construction. In accordance with the present invention an apparatus to repair a punctured concrete slab vapor barrier includes a substantially planar concrete slab vapor barrier patch having a resealable aperture to receive a removable, substantially upright support. The patch is secured to the existing vapor barrier and the concrete is poured and substantially set. The support is removed and the malleable concrete flows, causing the engagement of the resealable aperture, thereby repairing the punctured vapor barrier.

Abstract: In an engagement bushing installation for the connection of a lightweight construction panel including spaced first and second cover plates with a support layer disposed therebetween to another structure by a mounting element extending through a passage in the construction panel, the passage includes a first section which extends through the first cover plate and the support layer and a second section of smaller diameter extending through the second cover plate for accommodating the mounting element, an expansion sleeve is disposed in the first section so as to abut the second cover plate and the part of the expansion sleeve disposed in the first cover plate is radially expandable so that it can be expanded into radial engagement with the first cover plate while it is axially engaged with the second cover plate when the lightweight construction panel is engaged by the mounting element with the other structure.

Abstract: A reinforcing accessory has a footer that fits beneath the sidewalk of a swimming pool cage, above ground pool, storage shed, and mobile homes for reinforcement. As many reinforcing poles as desired can be used to ensure that the cage is fully supported against high winds.

Abstract: An anchor having multiple legs for a concrete wall. The anchor has an interface plate with two sides. Disposed on a first side is a stud that is connectable to a bracket. Disposed on the second side of the interface plate are at least two legs. Each of the legs is insertable and secured to a respective hole formed in the concrete wall with epoxy. Once the epoxy cures, the leg attaches the anchor to the concrete wall.

Abstract: A headed loop anchor (10) comprising a “U” shaped section having parallel spaced legs (11 and 12) and a looped adjoining section (13), the free ends (14 and 15) having heads (16 and 17). The headed loop anchor is formed by bending and then forging the head from the legs so the anchor is an integral unit. In use, the headed loop anchors are positioned in parallel spaced relation so that the looped sections (13) project from a slab so that a suitable connector may be used to hook over the loop sections (13) in order to connect adjacent concrete sections together.

Abstract: An integrated advertising and building structure includes a housing having a top wall and at least one side wall, a door in the housing for accessing an interior space in the housing and a display device carried on the housing.

Abstract: A clip assembly secures standing seam skylight or roofing panels to substrates and allows for a full range of movements by the panels while eliminating or reducing frictional noises. The clip assembly may also be used with wall panel systems. The clip assembly includes a first clip member and a second clip member each having an upright member and an upper flange member and a lower flange member extending therefrom. The assembly further includes a gap formed between the upright member of the first clip member and the upright member of the second clip member. In one aspect the clip assembly includes a base which allows the assembly to slide.

Abstract: The invention provides a tower construction e.g. for a wind mill and a method of laying a foundation of a tower construction. The tower construction (1) comprises a concrete element (2), and a base flange (3) from which a tower wall (4) extends upwardly. The base flange is supported by an intermediate support structure (5) positioned on the concrete element (2). The support structure (5) is more rigid than the concrete element (2) and comprises a resilient pressure distributing element (6) which is soft relative to the concrete element (2). Furthermore, the invention provides a support structure for a tower construction.

Abstract: A window frame surrounds a window box in a wall having horizontally extending siding elements that are connected along overlapping horizontal seams and unconnected edges that are juxtaposed with the window box. The window box has top, bottom, and opposed side elements connected together to define a rectangle, wherein the top element has a transverse outer edge. The window frame has top, bottom, and opposed side frame elements connected together to define a rectangular frame, each element having front and back faces and inner and outer edges whereby the back faces of the window frame elements cover the unconnected edges of the siding and the inner edges of the frame elements closely surround the elements of the window box. A rigid strip is attached to the inner edge of the top element of the window frame and projects over and is vertically supported by the outer edge of the top element of the window box.

Abstract: The invention regards a connector (100) for the connection of a steel beam (6) and a concrete slab (11), characterised in that it has a substantially rectangular-shaped base (1) fastenable against the beam or possibly against a trapezoidal corrugated sheet (7) interposed between the beam and the connector, through at least one fixed fastening element (2); in particular, it is provided that from said base (1) there be two substantially flat-shaped side-edges, arranged slanting with respect to the abovementioned base in such a manner to widen moving from the base upwards.

Abstract: A shutter assembly for protecting an opening in a structure. The shutter assembly includes a first shutter and a second shutter. Each of the shutters have an attachment end and a free end and defining a width between the corresponding attachment end and the corresponding free end and each present an outer surface. An impact-resistant sheet is disposed on each outer surface. A plurality of hinges are adapted to pivotally couple each shutter to the structure at the attachment end for allowing the shutter to pivot between an open position and a closed position. A crossbar is sized to span the first shutter and the second shutter and terminate at or before the attachment ends of the shutters. A plurality of studs are disposed in linear alignment across the shutters. The crossbar is adapted to engage the studs for securing the shutters in the closed position.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are given for a better approach to the pre-loading technique currently used to improving otherwise unsatisfactory ground conditions so that a site may be used to support an engineered structure or building. The method allows for pre-loading of a site to proceed where there are preexisting buildings on adjoining properties without causing damage to, or interference with, those properties while at the same time allowing full utilization of the building area. This involves using sections of sheet piling to isolate and contain ground movements in the subject site from having any influence on adjacent land, thus preventing damage to neighboring property. Apparatus to effectively support minimal lengths of sheet piling by means of a novel adjustable anchoring system is given. Apparatus for a novel monitoring system to provide comprehensive data on the progress of ground improvement is also given.

Abstract: A reduced eccentricity guardrail post connector is provided and includes a connection element having a tensile force resistant portion and a shear resistant portion, where a proximal end of the shear resistant portion is connected at about a normal angle to a distal end of the tensile force resistant portion. The post connector further includes a post coupler disposed at a proximal end of the tensile force resistant portion, where the post coupler compressively joins a post to a rim joist. Additionally, a joist coupler is disposed at a distal end of the shear resistant portion, where the joist coupler compressively joins the connector element to a joist. Further, a joist material strengthening element is disposed into the joist to resist tensile loads in joist material. The tensile resistant portion resists tensile loads and the shear resistant portion resist shear loads when the horizontal forces are imparted on the post.

Abstract: An attachment construction (11) for anchoring means at a steel support (1) comprises a mounting element (12) and three U-shaped attaching elements (21) each arranged using mounting means (15) pivotly on a mounting element (12). The attaching elements (21) each have a receptacle (25) for a fixation means of the associated anchoring means. The receptacle (25) is configured as a slot-shaped aperture running over the entire U-shaped connecting element (21).

Abstract: A fixing device (D) for panels (2) made, for example, of glass or the like by means of anchorage means with spherical joint, comprises at least one support equipped with means for fastening the edge of the panels (2), in which each panel to be fixed intersects, with its own thickness, a spherical surface of rotation of the spherical joint itself. In this way, it is advantageously possible to prevent any need to make holes in the panels (2) themselves.

Abstract: An airloop wall system with durable water-tightness performance is disclosed. The system comprises a base anchor member secured to a top surface of a first floor slab, a base track connected to the base anchor, a base flashing for repelling moisture, a first ceiling anchor member secured to a bottom surface of the first floor slab, a first ceiling track connected to the first ceiling anchor member, a slab edge panel attached to the base track and the first ceiling track, a second ceiling anchor member secured to a bottom surface of a second floor slab, a second ceiling track connected to the second ceiling anchor member, a panel sill frame attached to the base track, a panel head frame attached to the second ceiling track, two jamb frames, and a panel secured between the frames. Corners of the frames are miter-matched such that air spaces inside form an airloop.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to roofing products. The present invention relates more particularly to roofing products for use with photovoltaic elements, and to photovoltaic systems that include one or more photovoltaic elements is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, a roofing product includes a flexible roofing substrate having a top surface, the top surface having one or more receptor zones thereon, each receptor zone being adapted to receive one or more photovoltaic elements, each receptor zone having a different surfacing than the area of the top surface adjacent to it.

Abstract: A clip for securing metal plates in walls constructed using masonry blocks. The clip includes a plate portion and a block portion. The block portion has members that form an opening that fits over a member of a masonry block. The plate portion also has members that form an opening that receives and secures a metal plate. When the block portion is placed on the member of a masonry block, the clip holds a metal plate in a fixed position relative to the masonry block. The clip can include notches on an edge of one of the members to more securely hold the clip on the masonry block.

Abstract: Construction devices and methods are employed for the proper spacing and alignment of structural members or other objects to be affixed. The device and method may be employed to align and fasten together a support beam and a truss.