Abstract: A method suitable for anchoring an anchoring element in an object, which anchoring element is compressible in the direction of a compression axis under local enlargement of a distance between a peripheral anchoring element surface and the compression axis. The anchoring element has a coupling-in face which serves for coupling the mechanical vibrations into the anchoring element, which coupling-in face is not parallel to the compression axis. The anchoring element further includes a thermoplastic material which in areas of the peripheral surface enlargement forms at least a part of the surface of the anchoring element, the method includes the steps of: providing a bore in the object; positioning the anchoring element in the bore; and coupling the compressing force and the mechanical vibrations through the coupling-in face into the positioned anchoring element.

Abstract: A device for use with formwork in concrete construction. The device comprising: a body having a bore for defining a first aperture; one or more sidewalls coupled to the body, the sidewalls extending upwardly outwardly with respect to the body; wherein, when the body is releasably coupled to the formwork, the bore is adapted to receive a formwork coupling element. The device can be incorporated into concrete structures within building.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (D) for locking/unlocking to the ground (S) of a connecting plate (100) to the ground or to the rim of a basin of a roof element, the plate (100) being on the one hand connected to the rim of the roof element and on the other hand connected to the ground (S) or to the basin rim, the plate (100) being pierced with an orifice (121) coming opposite a hole (200) made in the ground, the locking/unlocking device interacting with the hole (200) made in the ground and resting on the plate (100) for the purpose of attaching the latter. This device is noteworthy in that it comprises an expandable bush (300) changing from a volume called a rest volume allowing it to be inserted into the hole (200) made in the ground to a volume called the expanded volume ensuring its adhesion to the walls (210) of the said hole (200). Applications: attaching swimming pool shelters.

Abstract: A method of securing a bolt to a concrete structure without the necessity of turning the bolt during the installation process. A first set of hardware is provided for use during the forming and casting phases of creating the concrete structure. The first set of hardware is used to embed a bolt retainer in the finished cast concrete with a passage leading from the bolt retainer to the exterior of the cast concrete. A bolt is then placed in this passage and a portion of the bolt is driven through the bolt retainer to secure it.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a tower foundation system for an above-ground tower. For example, according to one representative embodiment, a tower for supporting a structure above the ground includes a foundation and a second support column section. The foundation includes a first support column section and a plurality of arms that extend radially outward away from an outer surface of the first support column. Additionally, the foundation includes a plurality of elongate anchors coupled to the plurality of arms. The first and second support column sections include each include a plurality of engagement elements engageable with each other to splice the first and second support column sections together. More specifically, the second support column section is insertable into and rests upon the first support column section such that the plurality of engagement elements engage each other.

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 method of anchoring a connector in a lightweight building element is provided. The connector includes a sleeve element and a piston element with a shaft portion, wherein the shaft portion is guided by the sleeve element. The piston element and/or the sleeve element includes a thermoplastic material at least at an interface portion between the head portion and the sleeve portion. The method includes the steps of providing the connector, of providing a through hole in the first building layer of the lightweight building element, of inserting the connector through the through hole and until a distal portion rests against the second building layer. Therein, it may be the sleeve element or the piston element or both, the sleeve element and the piston element that rest(s) against the second building layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and kit for installing an object in a swimming pool are provided. Included are a receptacle, one or more gaskets, and a top deck anchor. The receptacle holds a substance such as concrete, to which the top deck anchor is attached. The gasket is attached to the top of the receptacle. A method of installing an object into a swimming pool is also provided.

Abstract: Floor panels (1b, 1c) are shown which are provided with a mechanical locking system comprising a tongue with rocker arms that allows locking by a vertical turning motion.

Abstract: A kit for enabling rapid and efficient installation of cast-in shear wall anchors is disclosed. The kit comprises a pre-manufactured base plate, a threaded rod segment of a predetermined length, a threaded coupler and a plug with a marker feature. The threaded rod segment is installed into the base plate and a threaded coupler is installed onto the threaded rod segment. The plug is installed into the threaded coupler. The plug features a marker feature that is preferably flexible, intended to protrude above the poured concrete surface to aid in locating the anchor after the concrete is cured, while the rest of the assembled anchor remains below the surface. The flexible nature of the marker feature prevents it from interfering with finishing equipment. The threaded rod segment is of a length predetermined to position the top of the threaded coupler just below the poured concrete surface in a typical installation.

Abstract: A unitary framing tie is provided for use in securing framing members in wood framed construction. The tie comprises a generally U-shaped base having: a pair of longitudinally spaced apart coplanar plates; a pair of substantially parallel, opposed flanges depending downwardly from the plates; and a pair of substantially parallel, opposed sidewalls extending upwardly from the plates. In operation, the tie provides an apparatus capable of securing two framing ties together bilaterally, which may be installed before or after the framing members are affixed together.

Abstract: Stairway balusters are described which includes baluster extensions for ease in use, adjustability and convenience during installation, replacement or remodeling. The various extensions illustrated all allow the baluster shaft to adjust longitudinally. If a single baluster is being replaced on site, the baluster can be shortened using the adjustable features while removing. Also, during retrofitting the described method allows a baluster to be shortened, positioned in place and then lengthened to the desired height without undue modification or effort by the installer. Various extension embodiments are demonstrated.

Abstract: A screw foundation system for aligning and fastening a rod- or post-like object in the ground includes a sleeve-like plastic receiving part which can be screwed into the ground and which, in the fastened state, accommodates an end region of the rod- or post-like, object and surrounds their periphery of the object with a distance at least in certain portions; and a curable filling compound which, in the fastened state, fills the space between the end region of the rod- or post-like object and the inner contour of the receiving part, wherein the inner contour has undercuts for anchoring the cured filling compound. The screw foundation system can include a screwing-in tool having a dimensionally stable fitting core which can be inserted into the receiving part in order to screw in the latter.

Abstract: A method of forming an adhesive joint, a structural subassembly, and a joint construction. The method comprises telescopically assembling male and female tubular members having slightly different diameters to cooperatively define a narrow continuous open-end adhesive chamber between contiguous surfaces of the assembled members. Four (4) or more centering pins equally circumaxially spaced about the members are forcefully entered in the adhesive chambers to equalize spacing between the members throughout the chamber. A distributing device communicates with the adhesive chamber for the introduction of adhesive under pressure to the chamber, thus forming a secure joint. In a fabrication method for a structural subassembly at least three (3) tubular structural members are loosely assembled with three (3) joint members each having at least two cups. Centering pins are forcefully introduced between contiguous surfaces of the members and cups and a distribution device encloses the open end of the adhesive chamber.

Abstract: A bracket assembly is disclosed for facilitating the installation of a concrete wall on a concrete footing, as well as a method of forming the concrete wall. The bracket assembly includes a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface, and first and second upwardly extending flanges. A first aperture is formed through the base member and a sealant is positioned in the cavity. A retainer and shock absorber assembly is secured to the upper surface and an aperture is formed therethrough which is coaxially aligned with the first aperture. A fastener having a shank with a pointed end is inserted through the aperture such that the pointed end is initially encased in the sealant. The fastener is inseparable from the bracket assembly and is capable of being driven into the concrete footing.

Abstract: In an anchor for the attachment to flat building components including two cover plates and an intermediate support core layer wherein the anchor comprises an expansion body and a wedge body which is inserted into the expansion body and includes an opening for inserting a mounting means, the installed anchor is disposed in an opening of the component which extends through the cover plates and the intermediate support core plate. The expansion body has spreadable engagement elements, wherein, with the anchor installed, a cylinder zone is in contact with the bore wall of the first cover plate, and a wedging zone spreads out engagement elements behind the first cover plate. A part of the anchor is additionally disposed in the second cover plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a linking system (10) for fixing building elements (20, 30) such as natural or artificial stones. The linking system (10) comprises: a first dowel (60) having a first internal orifice (80) comprising a first hole axis, and which is introduced into a first building element (20) by being adapted to be fixed into a first hole (40) which has a first hole axis; and a second dowel (70) having a second internal hole (90), and which is introduced into a second building element (30) by being adapted to be fixed into a second hole (50) which has a second hole axis. Between the first dowel (60) and the second dowel (70) is provided a sleeve (100) wherein a rod (110) is inserted.

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: In another embodiment, a connector assembly can comprise: a first side collector, comprising a first panel engagement region comprising a first receiving area that has a size to attach onto an edge of a first panel; and a second side collector, comprising a second panel engagement region comprising a second receiving area that has a size to attach onto an edge of a second panel. The first side collector and second side collector can be configured to directly mate with each other to hold to panels together.

Abstract: In a cement anchor for use in lightweight construction panels which anchor comprises a cylindrical body and at least one piston body and which includes a sealed cylinder interior filled with a flowable cement, the cylindrical body has at opposite ends at least one discharge opening which is closed but can be opened by a pressure-controlled valve structure for discharging the cement to the ambient area when installed in the lightweight construction panel.

Abstract: A sealing element (11) for sealing fastening element holes in water-impermeable sealing layers of a structure has a cap-shaped receiving space (21) for receiving curable compound exiting from the borehole and extending between a contact area (18) provided for contacting the water-impermeable sealing layer, and a flange area (19) spaced from the latter, with the outer diameter (C) of the receiving space (21) at the contact area (18) corresponding to from two-times to six-times the inner diameter (D) of a through-opening (12) which is formed in the flange area (19) and is surrounded by springing blades (15) projecting into the through-opening (12) for a clamping engagement with the fastening element (5).

Abstract: An embed for embedding in a base is provided. The embed comprises a box defining a top face and at least one side face, the top face configured to be placed flush with an upper surface of the base, and the at least one side face configured to be placed flush with an edge of the base. The embed may be part of an adjustable attachment system comprising an embed for positioning in a base and a bridging clip configured for insertion in the embed and adapted for coupling to a unit. A kit is also described.

Abstract: A compression post for a shear wall includes a plate mounted to the bottom of an end post of a shear wall. The plate is sized to conform to the lower end of each end post. An extended portion (e.g., a cylinder) is positioned perpendicularly to the plate. The extended portion has a cross section sized to fit through a hole in a mudsill of the shear wall and has a length selected to conform with a thickness of the mudsill. When the shear wall is mounted on a structural support (e.g., a footing or foundation), forces applied to the end post pass through the plate and the extended portion to the structural support. The extended portion may be secured to the plate (e.g., by spot welding, press fitting, bolting, or threaded engagement) or the two portions may be independent. The two portions may also be a cast unitary body.

Abstract: A structural member and method with an improved arm connection is provided that allows quick connection of an arm to the structural member. Pins are inserted through aligned apertures in first and second thru-vangs, as well as an abutting arm bracket. A flexible securement member is inserted through an aperture in the pins that is transverse to the pins. Last, an arm is secured to the arm bracket for support of electrical conductors strung thereon.

Abstract: An expansion wedge anchor for insertion in a hole delimited by a wall comprises an expander member and an expansion member, the expander member being provided at a leading end of the expander member, the expander member comprising a flaring end, the expansion member being expandable at a trailing end thereof and being adapted to engage the wall of the hole when the expander member is positioned in the hole, wherein upon longitudinal withdrawal of the expander member from the hole, the expander member displaces longitudinally relative to the expansion member with the flaring end thereof gradually causing the trailing end of the expansion member to expand, whereby a trailing edge of the expansion member engages the wall of the hole. The trailing end is adapted, when expanded by the flaring member, to extend at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said expander member.

Abstract: An insert for receiving the square end of a staircase spindle having a top, a generally cylindrical sidewall, a bottom, and a generally square bore that extends generally through the center of the inset.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement (18) for mounting together components 1 (2, 14) of a gravestone (10), and for mounting the gravestone (10) to the ground. The arrangement (18) includes an elongate member (20) threaded on an upper part and mounting a nut (22). Beneath the nut (22) are engagement assemblies (32) for each component of the gravestone (10), separated by a spacer member (34). The assemblies (32) comprise a pair of engagement members (36) which together define a loose cylindrical sleeve around the elongate member (20). A diagonal cut (28) is provided between the two members (36) which causes the members (36) to move radially outwardly in opposite directions to engage opposite sides of a hole, when the assembly (36) is compressed by downward movement of the nut (22) along the elongate member (20).

Abstract: A joist support system including a joist having a joist seat at least at one end, each joist seat having a first portion fastened to an upper chord of the joist and a second portion adapted to engage a support structure and support the joist and a bearing load, and a second steel plate welded to the main steel plate extending downwardly from the main steel plate between the first and second portions, the second steel plate fastened with an upward support portion to an end portion of the joist extending inwardly adapted to resist transfer load on the joist seat, and a support structure adapted to support the one end of the joist by a portion of the joist seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine frame (1) for a packaging machine being constructed in such a way that its manufacture is simple and flexible for the various widths and lengths of foil packaging material without having the need for an expensive and labor intensive intercoupling. This machine frame is also robust and interiorly good cleanable, so that hygienic risks may be substantially decreased. This machine-building element comprises a profile element (2) made of strong sheet material, like e.g. metal or plastic material, comprising a mainly straight horizontal part (2c) that tapers off on both sides over an angle of approximately 90° to two downwardly directed vertical parts (2a, 2b). These parts are longitudinally interconnected completely to a compact unit by means of a plurality of hollow functional sockets (7).

Abstract: A connection of components (11, 12, 13) of a wind turbine (WEA), especially of components (11, 12, 13) of a wind turbine (WEA) with a diameter greater than 0.5 m, preferably greater than 1.0 m, more preferably greater than 1.5 m, in which two components (11, 12, 13) to be connected to each other each have contact areas facing toward each other, and in the connected state the components (11, 12, 13) are or become secured to each other. The connection is constituted by multiple intermediate connecting bodies (20) arranged between a first component (11; 12) of the wind turbine (WEA) and a second component (12; 13) of the wind turbine (WEA) and by designing the intermediate connecting bodies (20) with contact areas which are arranged opposite to the contact areas of the first and second component (11, 12, 13), at least one contact area of the intermediate connecting bodies (20) being provided with a coating.

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 flexible height-adjustable clamp for clamping a solar panel to a support structure or base, with flat surfaces on the upper and lower parts of the clamp, the upper section clamping on the panels; and the lower section mounting against the base; with a hole through both flat surfaces for bolting a connector through the surfaces to secure the clamp and panel to the supporting structure; and a flexible section connecting the two surfaces in the form of an arc or folded section; with mechanical stops to allow positioning to against said panel.

Abstract: The present invention is an anchoring biscuit device for joining three boards. It includes, (a) an at least partially flat horizontal top element having an imaginary center line, having opposite side walls, and having a top view footprint adapted to be inserted into grooves of adjacent boards; (b) at least one substantially vertical support member attached to the underside of the top element and extending downwardly therefrom for a predetermined length for joinder of two adjacent boards which contain said grooves for receiving portions of said top into said grooves; and, (c) at least one compressive element located on aid device, with at least a portion of said at least one compressive element, from a top view footprint, being located away from said imaginary center line and way from said vertical support member, wherein said compressive element is adapted to at least partially collapse under predetermined compressive force.

Abstract: A framing system for adjustably connecting building components comprising an outer stud, an interior support member, and a connecting clip.

Abstract: A post anchor includes a ground engaging portion in the form of fins and a post receiving portion that has an oversized top and angled, linear segment or circular impressions below. The impressions form a clamp when downward force is applied to seat the post that is inserted into the post receiving portion. Adjustment in plumb can be made by moving the top of the post to the desired location and inserting hardware at the top edge of the receiving portion. A damaged post can be replaced by removing the hardware, replacing the post and reinserting the connection hardware.

Abstract: A post anchor for anchoring a member to a post is disclosed. The post anchor comprises two segments: a drill end and a second end. The drill end is adapted to drill a hole in a post. A member is anchored to the post by attaching the member to the second end of the post anchor. The drill end is adapted to drill a hole in a post so that the post anchor is arranged in the hole without any axial play. An adhesive may be added to the hole to fill the spaces between the post and the drill end.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it.

Abstract: To avoid the rotation of a sleeve, providing an enhanced joint force. A reinforcing bar joint 1 according to the present invention includes an elliptic-sectioned sleeve 2, a load transfer rod 3 to be inserted through the sleeve, and wedging means 4. The sleeve 2 is configured so that end portions of reinforcing bars 5a, 5b can be inserted into openings 6a, 6b formed in respective ends of the sleeve 2 so that the reinforcing bars are arranged in series along an identical line. The load transfer rod 3 can also be inserted therethrough in parallel with the end portions of the reinforcing bars 5a, 5b which are inserted into the sleeve 2.

Abstract: An improved stackable square tubular column assembly and method of assembly for multi-floor steel-framed buildings in which hollow columns for vertically adjacent floors are joined by a coupler having beam connectors extending outwardly therefrom so that the coupler supports the floor load in shear. The core of the assembly is the coupler having a flat plate extending through horizontal slots in opposing walls of the coupler that divides the coupler into two compartments, each compartment telescopingly receiving the end of a single floor column so that the column load of the upper column is uniformly distributed in compression over the walls of the lower column through the plate.

Abstract: A concrete component embedded anchoring insert for bracing panels in buildings, and prefabricated concrete component provided therewith, the anchoring insert comprising an insert body delimiting a compartment and having a face with a main access opening. The insert body can be embedded in the concrete component so that the face is substantially flush with a face of the concrete component. A connecting element can be inserted in the main opening. The insert body has at least one secondary opening allowing concrete of the component body to enter the compartment, and a protection provided in the compartment adapted to prevent the concrete from accessing a portion of the compartment which is designed to receive the connecting element.

Abstract: A recess former and anchor positioning apparatus for creating recessed lift-points within concrete structures during casting, is comprised of a solid urethane semi-sphere, with two imbedded nuts on the flat side for bolting to a form wall, and a receiving slot passing through the center of the convex side for receipt of an anchor. The slot is sized dimensionally smaller than the received end of the anchor creating a secure compression-friction engagement. The apparatus is bolted to a form wall. The lifting end of an anchor is inserted into the receiving slot of the apparatus, which holds the anchor perpendicular to the form wall during casting and curing of the concrete structure. The anchor is automatically released from the apparatus upon stripping of the form, without need to remove the apparatus from the form. The lifting end of the anchor is exposed in the formed recess of the cast structure.

Abstract: A metal post support ground spike is disclosed having a post receiving socket, and a flat plate. The flat plate is welded to four walls of the post receiving socket. The post support may also comprise a blades portion welded to the flat plate. The blades portion, post receiving socket and flat plate may all have reinforcement lines stamped therein and may comprise metals of varying thickness and rigidity.

Abstract: An arrangement for assembling two parts by screw-fastening, includes a horizontal flat first part including a housing which extends axially along a screw axis contained in the horizontal plane of the first part and which houses the screw and the nut, at least part of which collaborates with a thrust surface of the housing so as to immobilize the nut axially when a tightening force is applied, and a vertical second part orthogonal to the first part including a first and a second bearing surface which bearing surfaces, in the assembled position, collaborate one of them with a reaction surface of the first part and the other with a clamping surface of the screw whose threaded shank passes through the second part in such a way that part of the screw applies an axial clamping force to the second bearing surface in order to immobilize the first and second parts.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a tower foundation system for an above-ground tower. For example, according to one representative embodiment, a tower for supporting a structure above the ground includes a foundation and a second support column section. The foundation includes a first support column section and a plurality of arms that extend radially outward away from an outer surface of the first support column. Additionally, the foundation includes a plurality of elongate anchors coupled to the plurality of arms. The first and second support column sections include each include a plurality of engagement elements engageable with each other to splice the first and second support column sections together. More specifically, the second support column section is insertable into and rests upon the first support column section such that the plurality of engagement elements engage each other.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a device for creating a footing for a structure includes a reinforcing member having a base extending a first direction, and a leg extending in a second direction. The device also includes a sleeve defining a cavity for receiving the leg, a portion of the fence post, and an anchoring material for securing the leg to the structure.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a device for creating a footing for a structure includes a reinforcing member having a base extending a first direction, and a leg extending in a second direction. The device also includes a sleeve defining a cavity for receiving the leg, a portion of the fence post, and an anchoring material for securing the leg to the structure.

Abstract: An anchor for a rectangular tube employs a wedge assembly, whereby rotation of an adjustment bolt of the wedge assembly moves an upper and lower wedge member together, and the wedge engagement with a central wedge member causes said central wedge member to move toward engagement with the tube, thereby securing the tube within a base body. Clevis pins and corresponding key hole slots mount the wedge assembly to a base, while allowing easy removal of the wedge when desired.

Abstract: An anchoring system to lock posts into housings mounted in the ground, or to lock pipes into housings within holes through walls or foundations uses plastic collets to match post outer profiles to inner housing profiles. The collets have two gently tapered circumferential areas which lock into corresponding tapered areas in the housing. Keys help to lock the post into the collet and in turn into the housing. Customized collets match incompatible posts and housings. The anchored post may be released for re-use, with a security release system that requires the use of special tools.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus that is suitable for use in anchoring a first member (such as but not limited to a façade material) (22) to a second member (such as but not limited to a building exterior) (21). This anchoring apparatus can comprise, for example, a base member (51) that is configured and arranged to move selectively along an anchor limb (30) (which might be, for example, secured to the second member) and a plurality of fingers (52) that are attached to the base member and which are selectively movable, only once, from a non-deployed state to a deployed state.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to install an anchor bolt while securing the pull-out strength of the anchor bolt even when the anchor bolt installation position encounters a reinforcement in concrete. An anchor bolt according to the present invention includes a first anchor bolt 2 having an embedded portion shorter than a reinforcement covering margin, a second anchor bolt 7 having an axis at a position deflected from an axis of the first anchor bolt 2, and a coupling member 5 integrally fixing the first anchor bolt 2 and the second anchor bolt 7. Further, in an installing method of an anchor bolt according to the present invention, when a first anchor hole bored at the anchor bolt installation position encounters a reinforcement, a second anchor hole is bored at a position in a direction other than the arrangement direction of the encountered reinforcement, to thereby install the anchor bolt according to the present invention.