Abstract: The four metal panel portions of an air conditioning unit roof curb have spaced sets of inwardly projecting lanced portions positioned adjacent their ends and defining tab-receiving slots. With the panel portions in a rectangular assembly orientation, specially designed drive cleats are used to lock the contiguous ends of the panel portions together at the corners of the curb. Each cleat has spaced pairs of tabs which, when the cleat is downwardly driven into place on a corner section of the curb, sequentially enter vertically successive pairs of slots in the contiguous panel end portions at the corner. In this manner, only one tab pair and one slot pair need to be aligned with one another before the cleat is driven into place to lock the two contiguous panel end portions to one another, the initial tab pair/slot pair alignment serving to automatically align the successive tab and slot pairs as the cleat is driven home.

Abstract: For mounting a structural panel to a wall, a wire clip is provided having a bail portion formed in an annular shape for insertion of a fastener element and fastening into an anchor member of the wall, and an arm portion extending from the bail portion having a linear shape for insertion into the inner core of the panel at an exposed lateral edge. The bail portion is offset from the arm portion both in a lateral direction and in a thickness direction of the panel so as to position the bail portion toward the wall anchor member when the arm portion is inserted into the inner core of the panel. The invention also includes the related method for mounting a structural panel to a wall using the wire clip device. In the preferred method, the panel is of the type having outer metal face sheets adhesively bonded to an inner plastic corrugated core formed with undulating corrugation spaces into which the arm portions of the wire clips are inserted.

Abstract: Metal building framing components are joined with double-sided adhesive tape positioned between the first connection surface of a first metal framing component and a second connection surface of a second metal framing component. The connection surfaces may be a wall surface or the surface of a tab projecting from the end of a wall. The double-sided adhesive tape is formed of a closed-cell acrylic foam carrier having pressure sensitive adhesive on both sides.

Abstract: A rigid intersection connection, wherein an elongated longitudinal member, a first elongated lateral member, and a second elongated lateral member are joined by a one-piece rigid tie. The one-piece rigid tie joins the first and second elongated lateral members to the elongated longitudinal member with first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth fasteners. The one-piece rigid tie has a central web member to which three gussets attach. Each gusset in turn connects to two attachment tabs. The attachment tabs are disposed against the elongated members and are connected thereto by fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention is a clip used in the construction of suspended ceiling grid systems for the hanging of drywall or other panels. The clip provides a versatile means of joining two suspended grid beams at points of transition in the ceiling surface in many different intersecting orientations, thus eliminating the need for a different means of joining in each situation.

Abstract: Wood framed walls of buildings are strengthened against destructive wind and seismic forces by spaced lengths of vertical wire rope having enlarged bulbous portions swagged on each end. A metal sleeve and a metal plate are slipped onto such lengths prior to swagging. Other lengths of wire rope only having bulbous portions are connected to attachments after forming a cross brace, and at least one cross brace is located in each major wall of a one-story building. The cross brace can be attached to a foundation structure of the building below a floor plate and/or to a stud and floor plate. The foundation structure may be concrete or other floor joist or the like. The wire ropes, may be located on a first story with another cross brace on another story thereabove with metal rods therebetween or the wire ropes forming two generally vertical cross braces may be formed from a pair of wire ropes with two metal sleeves between the stories through which the wire ropes extend.

Abstract: A plastic wire frame structural clip includes two pairs of diametrically opposed, equally spaced tapered slots formed longitudinally in a peripheral wall thereof for retaining wire frame members in place at their points of intersection. A wire frame structure employing the structural clip and a method for compactly arranging components of a domed wire frame structure for packaging are also disclosed.

Abstract: A truss bracket 28 for securing a spanning member of a truss fixedly to a wall plate member of an interior wall of a building such as a residential house. The truss bracket 28 includes a base portion, an inside upright portion extending perpendicularly of the base portion, a top portion extending a perpendicularly from an upper end portion of the inside upright portion, and an outer lip portion extending perpendicularly of an outer edge portion of the top portion and also parallel to the inside upright portion. The outer lip portion includes at least one "L"-shaped spike portion which is adapted to be engaged to penetrate the spanning member, thereby preventing the spanning member from moving either horizontally or vertically relative to the plate member.

Abstract: A shear failure reinforcing system for structural elements, in which thin elongate strips of high stiffness material are anchored around a layer of conventional reinforcement, and/or are anchored around a plurality of layers of conventional reinforcement, such that the strips tie the element and improve its resistance to shear failure.

Abstract: A truss pitch break connector plate having a main body portion. A first stiffener flange projects generally perpendicular from one face of said main body portion along an arcuate first edge having an outer radius. A second stiffener flange projects generally perpendicular from the opposite face of the main body portion along a arcuate second edge having inner radius. The main body portion preferably is generally sector-shaped but alternatively it may be circular. The overall arrangement is such that the pitch break connector plate will accommodate top chords of different sizes; and is capable of maintaining the top chords at any one of a range of roof pitches.

Abstract: A tie connector for joining a modular type building or the like to the ground. One version of the tie connector having a flat substantially rectangular with an elongated slot through one side and at least one opening at the other end. The elongated slot provides an attachment site for a hurricane type strap to be inserted and coupled to a buckle. The opposite end of the tie connectors are attached to horizontal support members typically around the perimeter of the modular building. Another version of the tie connector having two flaps that wrap around two sides of a vertical support member allowing a bolt to be inserted through and be affixed. A final version of the tie connector having a vertical flap bent in a relatively perpendicular fashion such that the flap can be mounted around a side of a vertical support member. The hurricane straps are then inserted through the elongated slots and secured to a ground anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a gutter protector to a rain gutter. More particularly, the apparatus is a fastening clip that is easily applied to fasten the gutter protector to the rain gutter.

Abstract: A ready to assemble construction system for erecting small structures such as houses, sheds, garages, etcetera. Comprising specially designed connecting plates which both secure laminate sections of lumber to each other to form constructive elements and also act as a rigid connecting means between the elements to enable the structure to be easily, quickly, and inexpensively built and later disassembled if necessary.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for assembling a planar surface for multiple sheets of building material connected by multiple retaining clips. Each of the retaining clips comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first receptacle defined by a central wall and an upper and lower flange. The second receptacle is defined by an opposite side of the central wall and a second lower flange. A first sheet is inserted into the first receptacle through the open side between the upper and lower flanges and opposite the central wall. A second sheet is pivoted through the open sides of the second receptacle, which are opposite the central wall and the second lower flange. The second portion comprises a T-shaped element having opposing tabs extending from a retaining tongue. The opposing tabs are received within a slot on the first portion such that the retaining tongue overlies the upper surface of a second sheet and closes one of the open sides of the second receptacle.

Abstract: A bracket, for facilitating installation of window units, has a support arm and a lower arm, parallel to and spaced apart from each other, and interconnected by a transitional section. Two or more brackets may be used during installation of a window. The lower arm of each bracket is positioned under the sill member, so that the transitional section comes close to the interior edge of the sill member, and each support arm passes over, and cantilevers beyond, the sill member. The window being installed may then be temporarily supported on the cantilevering support arms. Retainers such as screwdrivers may be positioned in holes provided near the ends of the support arms to prevent the window from sliding off the support arms. The brackets may be nailed or screwed to the sill member through holes provided in the transitional sections.

Abstract: A concrete insert with a C-shape and having a flat bottom plate and a top plate connected by a side plate with the planes of the top and bottom plates being parallel, each of the top plate and bottom plate containing a hole with centers of those holes lying on the same axis, and means associated with the top and bottom holes to engage a threaded support rod.

Abstract: A plate of a support structure for a ceiling mold for the production of concrete ceilings, in particular seating plates of a support head with holding means disposed on the plate for a ceiling mold element for gap filling members. A first large protrusion and a second large protrusion are provided in only one corner region of a substantially rectangular plate to hold the ceiling mold element. The first and second large protrusions are wider and higher than a plurality of other smaller protrusions disposed on the upper surface of the plate.

Abstract: The method of combining barbed wire and conventional bags to create structures includes the steps of: providing a plurality of bags; filling the bags with a predetermined mixture of organic, manufactured, recycled, particulate, fill material; stacking and arranging the bags in a predetermined array; and, placing at least one strand of barbed wire or similar wire between at least a major portion of the stacked layers of bags as they are being stacked to create frictional resistance to sliding between layers and tensile strength in a wall or other structure formed by the stacked layers of bags thereby to provide earthquake resistant structures. The structures include a building structure retaining wall, and an erosion resistant embankment for a body of water made by the method. The bags can be of different length, the fill material can include a cementious material thereby to create a permanent structure and one to three spaced apart strands of barbed wire can be used between layers of bags.

Abstract: A connector assembly including a support bar and a connector for holding a panel on the support bar having laterally extending flanges, used in the construction of suspended ceilings, walls and partition walls, the connector including a tongue member adapted to engage a panel, further including a wing member of flexible material is movable between an inoperable position and an in-use position in which the wing member is folded over onto a flange of the support bar thereby holding a panel in position on the support bar. The connectors in the various embodiments of the invention, can be manufactured from material such as stainless steel, light aloys and plastics material.

Abstract: A merchandising display hanger is disclosed which includes a central portion, a portion extending downwardly from the central portion and a portion extending upwardly from the central portion. The said downwardly extending portion has a central aperture for receiving and positioning a hook to suspend a merchandising display and a pair of opposed cut-out regions to enable a cord connected to the assembly to be wrapped laterally around the assembly for purposes of storage.

Abstract: A tie device (1) is provided, for tying objects together, such as reinforcing bars (7, 8) prior to pouring concrete therearound. The tie device (1) comprises a pair of arms (2, 3) in a U- or V-shaped configuration, and has a hook (5, 6) at each end thereof. The hooks (5, 6) are designed to automatically interengage when brought together. An apparatus and method for tying the tie device (1) are also provided.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.

Abstract: A novel clip for connecting each of a series of metal studs in a building wall to a metal channel passing through an opening formed in each stud. The clip is formed of a plate bent into a right angle. One section of the plate forms a saddle portion adapted to straddle and be secured to the channel. A second section of the plate is adapted to be attached to a wall stud. In a first embodiment, the second section has a pair of plates offset from each other so that one of the plates resides behind and the other plate resides in front of the web of the stud to which the plates are assembled. In a second embodiment, the clip has a single plate which is attached to the stud. A third embodiment includes a stiffening rib formed on each of two plates to improve the rigidity of the clip. The saddle portion and the plates in all embodiments are secured to a respective channel and stud by a screw, rivet or the like.

Abstract: A cooling tower is disclosed that is resistant to lateral displacement while minimizing the number and type of parts, and while limiting the amount of horizontal bracing. The cooling tower has a fiber reinforced material skeletal frame. Moment-transferring connections are provided in the connections between the elements of the skeletal frame and between the skeletal frame and the base on which it sits. Further cost savings may be realized by using separable parts made of wood instead of fiber reinforced material. The moment-transferring connections between the frame members are made by bonding the joined elements to a mounting plate. The moment-transferring connections between the frame and the base are made by bonding the frame members and the base to footings. A method of constructing such a cooling tower is also disclosed. Diagonal bracing may be provided at preselected joints.

Abstract: A truss cross brace apparatus is described. The truss cross brace apparatus includes an elongated channel member having a U-shaped cross section. The channel member includes a base web and opposing side webs depending from the base web. An engaging portion extends from each end of the channel member. Each engaging portion includes at least one integrally formed tooth projecting from the bottom surface. The engaging portions are adapted to overlie the upper surfaces of the top chord of adjacent trusses, with the integral tooth embedded therein, such that an angle formed by the channel member and a top chord is about 45 degrees. A tab extends from a side web at one end and from the opposing web at the other end of the channel member. Each tab includes at least one integrally formed tooth projecting from the tab. Each tab is adapted to be bent to overlie the side surface of the top chord of adjacent trusses with the integral tooth embedded therein.

Abstract: A weldless spacer for manually connecting without a tool two reinforcement cage wires or re-bars of a concrete reinforcing structure in spaced-apart relation is a unitary resilient wire member that has an elongated spanning portion that extends between the reinforcement wires, a hook end portion at one end of the spanning portion, and a fastening end portion at the other end of the spanning portion. The hook end portion includes a detent part and a V-hook part, which are joined by a spacer loop part and capture one of the reinforcement wires. The fastening end portion includes a detent part and a J-hook part, which are joined by a spacer loop part and capture the other reinforcement wire. One or both of the spacer loops are sized to space the reinforcement wire(s) at a desired distance(s) from the adjacent concrete form wall(s) for sufficient concrete cover.

Abstract: A roof safety anchor (10) having an elongated body (22) including a right edge (23), a left edge (24), a fixed end (25) and a rigid free end (26) that defines an aperture (28). The body (22) is of a size and shape to conform to a roof (R, R1, R2, R3, R4) of a building, wherein the roof has a layer of roof cladding (16), layered over a layer roof sheathing (12), which is layered over spaced apart structural beams (14). The fixed end (25) is fixably connected to the roof sheathing (12), and underneath the roof cladding (16). Preferably, the fixed end is fixedly connected to the roof sheathing through a plurality of lag bolts. The free end (26) protrudes outwardly from the roof, over the roof cladding (16). In use, an object, such as a safety line, is tied to the free end (26) through the aperture (28) in order to anchor the object the roof (R, R1-R4).

Abstract: A main body, composed of a pair of L-shaped metal plates combined with each other in a back-to-back positional relation, is secured to a first wooden member with a U-shaped stopper by bolts and nuts. A second wooden member is secured with the first wooden member as a vertical slit made at the edge portion thereof receives the combined metal plates secured to the first wooden member, and joint bars are firmly inserted into holes and openings made through the second wooden member and the combined metals accordingly.

Abstract: A joist splice shoe for repairing damaged lumber joists of residential buildings. The joist splice shoe is a plate made of steel, which is bent to a U-shape when in use, and has unitary prongs provided in the sidewalls except in the middle portions. Each unitary prong has an elongated, curved portion tapering to a penetrating end. Only a single joist splice shoe needs to be installed to repair a damaged lumber joist with ease and a minimum of labor. When placed in position, the sidewall middle portions and the bottom wall envelop the zone of distress of the lumber joist from the bottom, and the prongs are embedded in adjacent undamaged portions of the joist. The tensile and shear stresses acting at the distressed zone are thereby effectively resisted and transmitted to the adjacent undamaged portions.

Abstract: Concrete inserts are disclosed which are preferably embedded in the rear surface of a concrete wall panel and used to mount and support the wall panel from a building frame. The insert preferably comprises a U-shaped metal housing defining a longitudinally extending channel, the housing comprising two side members in spaced, facing relation to one another and a bight portion between the side members, the bight portion having a longitudinally extending slot therethrough. The insert is adapted to be embedded in the rear surface of the wall panel with the bight portion flush with the rear surface and the side members embedded in the concrete of the panel. The side members are preferably of a trapezoidal shape which provides the insert with high resistance to withdrawal from the concrete.

Abstract: An intumescable fire stop device and method of installing the same including a collar and a fastening device. The collar includes intumescable material supported by a jacket. The fastening device includes an axial shaft portion, a radial shank portion and a means to attach the fastening device to the collar. The radial shank portion is placed through an opening in a wall or other rigid surface through which a pipe or other member extends and between the wall and the pipe. The radial shank portion is then extended on the far side of the wall to engage the far side of the wall and firmly secure the collar to the near side of the wall.

Abstract: A roof tile tie down clip for securing a roof tile to the surface of a roof. The roof tile tie down clip includes a base portion configured to rest against the surface of a roof, body portion extending away from the base portion such that a joint is formed between the base portion and the body portion, and a clip portion configured to engage the top surface of a roof tile and extending away from the body portion distal of the joint. Two claws extend outward from a tip of the base portion for securing the roof tile tie down clip to the surface of a roof in an upright position prior to inserting a nail through the clip. A gusset is formed at the joint between the base portion and body portion of the roof tile tie down clip. The gusset functions to reinforce the joint against bending or warping.

Abstract: A clip is provided for the channeling of water flow in assembled vinyl siding trim accessories, the clip having a first end segment which forms a detachable retention fastener, and a second end segment formed for the channeling of water.

Abstract: A strip of sheet metal stock, having a plurality of serially-arranged holes formed therein is provided for fastening of the strip to a top plate of a building structure. The strip, further, has pairs of tabs formed therein which can be pried up from the plane of the strip, and put into vertical dispositions, to receive a rafter or truss between the paired, and vertically-disposed tabs. Holes in the tabs provide for the fastening of the emplaced rafters or trusses to the tabs. The pairs of tabs are uniformly spaced apart from other pairs thereof a distance which obtains between rafters or trusses according to conventional construction codes. An indeterminate supply of the strip can be stored on, and payed out from, a reel.

Abstract: A connecting system for prefabricated panels for forming walls and roofs of buildings which includes a non-structural concrete corner piece for attachment between abutted prefabricated wall panels. The wall panels having geometrically configured channels for securing roof truss members with complimentary geometrically configured straps.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining building blocks, such as bricks and cement blocks, to a wall structure to form a suitable veneer, without the use of mortar or other binding agent between the blocks. The apparatus is also suitable for use as a brick laying guide in the construction of conventionally mortar and brick wall. The apparatus comprises a base plate attached to the wall structure by nailing, screwing, or other like means. Attached to the base plate and extending generally perpendicularly outward are at least two retainer arms, the inner faces of said arms opposing one another and forming a retaining space therebetween for closely receiving the building block. Each of the arms further comprises at least one prong extending into said retaining space.

Abstract: An adjustable tie includes a rafter holder with a partially raised bottom surface, an angular plate, and hinge means between them. The holder and angular plate are rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the hinge.

Abstract: An assembly of trusses fabricated of sheet metal wherein the lower chord of a supported truss is connected to the lower chord of a supporting truss by a connector formed of sheet metal with the supported truss at an angle to the supporting truss, and connectors for making the connection.

Abstract: A cooling tower is disclosed that is resistant to lateral displacement while minimizing the number and type of parts, and while limiting the amount of horizontal bracing. The cooling tower has a fiber reinforced material skeletal frame. Moment-transferring connections are provided in the connections between the elements of the skeletal frame. The moment-transferring connections between the frame members are made by bonding the joined elements to a mounting plate. The mounting plate may be held in place by mechanical fasteners that bear construction loads until the bonding material cures. The mounting plate, columns, beam and mechanical fasteners define construction joints that are capable of bearing construction loads until the bonding material cures. The mounting plate, columns, beam and cured bonding material define post-construction joints that are capable of transferring moments from the beam to the columns and are capable of bearing post-construction loads on the joints.

Abstract: A jointing metal fitting for joining wooden members in buildings is formed of a metal fitting main body having a U-shaped cross section, a securing device for securing the metal fitting main body to a first wooden member, and an axial securing device for securing a second wooden member to the metal fitting main body. The metal fitting main body includes a plate-like back section to be secured to the first wooden member, a plate-like holder section to be secured to the second wooden member, and a plate-like side section for linking the side of the back section and the side of the holder section. An axial securing groove is formed in the holder section to have an upper part opened to an upper end of the holder section. The first and second wooden members can be firmly and easily joined by the metal fitting.

Abstract: A water line guide for securing the ends of both hot and cold water lines laid below the level of concrete floors to be subsequently poured. The water line guide has means for its anchoring to hold numerous water lines in position to be subsequently connected.

Abstract: One piece joist hanger formed of heavy gauge sheet metal for fastening of a steel joist to a supporting member. A horizontally aligned upper tab member aligns to and rests on the supporting member to position the joist hanger during installation and prior to fastening. A horizontally aligned lower tab member allows the joist to simply rest on the lower tab prior to fastening.

Abstract: An attachable spacer for maintaining a spaced relationship between first and second wire mesh concrete reinforcing cages is formed of a length of wire and has an elongated central portion adapted to extend between the cages and first and second attachment clips on first and second outer ends of the central portion for attaching the ends of the spacer to the first and second cages. The first attachment clip has a fastener that hooks on a wire of one of the cages so as to resist movement of the spacer in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the cage or transverse to the wire to which the hook is attached.

Abstract: The connector plate has a rigid, planar base, and a plurality of adjacent elongated slots defined in said metal plate. The slots are offset in a sinusoidal pattern having at least one cycle with a maximum amplitude slot position, minimum amplitude slot position and at least two zero-point slot position. Each slot has first and second reverse-oriented mirror-image teeth extending from the plate at opposing ends of each slot.

Abstract: A connector (50) for holding a panel (4) on a support bar (1) having laterally extending flanges (11), used in the construction of suspended ceilings, walls and partition walls. The connector includes a tongue member (52) adapted to engage a panel (4). The connector further includes a wing member (51) of flexible material is movable between an inoperable position and an in-use position in which the wing member (51) is folded over onto a flange (11) of the support bar (1) thereby holding a panel in position on the support bar (1). The connectors in the various embodiments of the invention, can be manufactured from material such as stainless steel, light aloys and plastics material.

Abstract: A connector for securing a structural member to a concrete foundation. The connector is embedded in a concrete foundation and fasteners attach the connector to the structural member to be anchored. A connector constructed in accordance with the present invention consists of a foot section having a proximal portion, a distal portion, substantially planar lateral side portions and curled lateral side edges, the curled side edges being curled away from the planar lateral side portions along a substantial portion of the length of the foot section to aid the flow of uncured concrete around the foot section of the connector.

Abstract: Flanged Triangular elements for constructing a stairway which can be joined to provide a beam having adjacent tread and riser mounting portions.

Abstract: A gusset for joining first and second abutting support trusses wherein the gusset comprises a plate having a body portion and a finger portion. The body portion is adapted to be abutted against and fastened to a side of the first support truss at one end thereof and the finger portion is adapted to extend beyond the end of the first truss when the body portion is fastened to the first support truss. The finger portion is further adapted to hangingly engage at least one element of the second support truss for supporting the one end of the first truss thereon without fastening the first truss to the second truss.

Abstract: A back-blocking device and method designed to attach any thickness of drywall together at the butt ends of the panels. Butt seams are necessary because of larger ceilings and walls where using one length drywall panels is impossible. Using conventional techniques, butt seams are difficult to conceal and are subject to ridging. This device and method enables the joints to be made between the framing members by securing each end to a specially designed back-blocking. This union creates a joint that attaches the panels together, basically creating a continuous piece of drywall. The back-blocking is slightly angled down the center, at an angle of approximately 170 degrees.

Abstract: A structural connection wherein two structural members are joined at an angle of less than 180 degrees by a sheet metal connector, formed with an integral gusset at the longitudinal line of juncture, that is attached with a plurality of fasteners. The gusset reinforces the connection against forces acting perpendicular to the longitudinal line of juncture and the plurality of fasteners reinforce the connection against angular displacement of the structural members perpendicular to the longitudinal line of juncture.