Abstract: A tool and a method for cutting an elongate runner piece used to support a ceiling tile and having an inverted T-shaped body and including: a) a crossbar having a downwardly facing surface with a width; and b) a stem. The method includes the steps of: providing a tool with a support assembly and cutting assembly; placing the runner piece in a cutting position upon the support assembly; with the rail piece in the cutting position, repositioning at least one cutting element on the cutting assembly to thereby cut into the crossbar on the body over substantially the full width of the downwardly facing surface of the crossbar at a first lengthwise location; and cutting the stem adjacent to the first lengthwise location.

Abstract: The present invention is method and product for a door system or window system incorporating stainable vinyl components. The stainable vinyl may be result in a finish that is similar to that of stained wood. The effect may be that the stained vinyl has the same look as any stained wood component of a door system or window system to achieve an aesthetically pleasing effect.

Abstract: An artificial stone material having an improved natural stone appearance and texture is prepared from resin, curing agent, microspheres and additives. The resin, curing agent and microspheres are mixed to form a catalyzed base material. Additives are non-homogeneously worked into the catalyzed base material to provide a catalyzed stone mixture having a desired natural stone appearance. The catalyzed stone mixture is molded or applied to a surface at the point of use and allowed to cure to form the artificial stone material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a two-dimensional panel (1) for floor coverings, wall and ceiling coverings, preferably for moisture-prone rooms, comprising the following steps: milling one upper longitudinal groove (6) into a base panel, starting from its useful side (5), the longitudinal groove (6) is filled with an elastic water-repellent plastics or sealing mass (9); and after hardening of the plastics or sealing mass (9), at least one lower longitudinal groove (11) is milled, starting from its rear side (10), the depth of which groove reaching as far as to the sealing mass (9) or into the sealing mass of one of the upper longitudinal grooves (6), thus forming an elastic expansion joint (12) of the panel (1).

Abstract: Construction systems and methods are described for building structures including homes that can withstand vibration and earth movement caused by earthquakes. The construction system uses about 8-inch corrugated round steel pipes to create floor framing, wall framing, and ceiling framing that is resistant to destruction caused by earth movement and vibrations. The floor framing and wall framing can be connected together at right angles and supported by a foundation that features wood pilings with concrete caps. The plurality of pipes of the floor framing, wall framing, and ceiling framing can be connected together by welding, screws, or other fasteners to assemble the structure. Finished floor, material, and ceiling materials can be fastened to the frames to complete the structure.

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of a thermal load within a structure (50), including providing a structural member (10) which has a high thermal mass, the temperature of the thermal load being controlled by permitting thermal energy transfer between the structural member (10) and the thermal load, the method including providing the structural member (10) with at least one duct (18) for receiving a supply of air, and an outlet (26) for enabling the supply of air to flow from the duct (18) to the thermal load, so as to enable convective thermal energy transfer between the air passed along the duct (18) and the thermal load, wherein the thermal energy transfer between the air passed along the duct (18) and the thermal load is controlled by adjusting the temperature of the air passed along the duct (18), the method further including providing a conduit (32) for carrying thermal energy transfer fluid in the duct (18), the conduit (32) being in thermal contact with the duct (18) of the structural member (10

Abstract: A prefabricated relief form member for use as an architectural trim feature on a structure using structural elements from connected wire assemblies such as corner aid to make a prefabricated relief form member and fastening the structural elements together such as by glue and putting a sheet of paper under the relief form member and applying plaster to form a trim.

Abstract: A method of affixing a frame around a wall penetration such as a window box before siding panels are affixed to the wall. The frame has front and back faces and inner and outer edges, a primary channel extending along the outer edge, and a flange extending along the outer edge, The steps include: placing the window frame around the window box; affixing the flange to the wall; placing a first panel against the wall and inserting a vertical edge of the first panel into a primary channel of the frame; affixing the first panel to the wall; inserting a vertical edge of a second panel into the primary channel and engaging a longitudinal edge of the second panel with a longitudinal edge of the first panel; affixing the second panel to the wall; and repeating steps until the all sides of the frame engage siding panels.

Abstract: A retaining wall block has spaced-apart front and rear sections interconnected by two laterally spaced-apart side sections that jointly define a through-cavity that extends through the block from a top face thereof to a bottom face thereof. Two or more protuberances protrude outwardly from the top face of the front section frontwardly of the through-cavity. A groove extends laterally in the bottom face of the front section frontwardly of the through-cavity. The groove is located and dimensioned relative to the protuberances so that two blocks can be stacked one atop another in staggered relation with one or more protuberances of the lower block engaged with one but not both of a front wall and a rear wall of the groove of the upper block and the upper block setback with respect to the lower block.

Abstract: Processes of making slightly sloped roofing members/products (30, 130) for drainage of essentially flat roofs and the products (e.g., sloped roofing members) produced thereby are provided. Some of the processes comprise feeding a series of mold members (50, 150) in a conveyance direction (26) toward a laminator (22) wherein the sloped roofing members are cured. In various embodiments such processes comprise feeding a bottom facer (42) in the conveyance direction toward the laminator (22); depositing a foam-forming mixture (46) on the bottom facer (42); feeding a top facer (44) in the conveyance direction toward the laminator whereby the foam-forming mixture is interposed between the bottom facer (42) and the top facer (44); feeding the series of mold members (50, 150) in the conveyance direction toward the laminator (22) and beneath the bottom facer (44); and curing the foam-forming mixture in the laminator to form a solidified web comprising the sloped roofing member (28, 128).

Abstract: A paving assembly comprises a set of artificial paving stones held in position relative to each other by a membrane. The membrane has a set of connecting members extending from one stone to an adjacent stone. The membrane also has a set of protruding members that extend from the connecting members into the stones. The membrane may be a unitary structure with the protruding and connecting members cast of molded together. The connecting members may be located generally within a plane below the stones. To make the assembly, the set of stones may be cast inverted into a mold, the membrane laid across the bottom surface of the stones, and the protruding members pressed into the stones before they cure.

Abstract: Franchised Building Construction System including Factory Concrete Yard or Site Built Semi Trucked Poured or Pressed Gang Molded Components made of Insulated Pumice and/or Styrofoam and/or Fiberglass Concrete or OSB Compositions, Trusses, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall Panels, 4 to 10 ft. Wide by 2 to 80 ft. Long, also New Component Connecting Fasteners, also Concrete and Asphalt Roofing Materials, Rolls and Sections, Poured or Pressed Composite Mobile Homes, Single and Double Wide, also Dimensional Building Materials including Flooring, Siding, and Framing, also Poured or Pressed Sheds, Doors, Windows, Furniture and Cabinets, also related Equipment including a Wire Pulling Rack System, Gantry Crane Mounted on a Truck, Rail Car, or Semi Trailer, with Telescoping Mast and Boom, Elevating Boom, Hydraulic Stabilizers, Pumice Concrete Composite Mixtures and Usages, also a Crane for Rolled Roofing Material Delivery and one for Tree Service and Selective Cut Cellulosic Building Materials Harvesting.

Abstract: A building panel of the roofing or siding type is disclosed, as well as a building structure having such roofing or siding panels, in which the panels are comprised of two different types of building materials. The composite panel includes at least one layer of synthetic polymeric building material, having adhesively secured thereto at least one layer of asphalt based building material, with outer, upper surfaces of the panel, that would be weather-exposed in the installed condition on a building structure being comprised of the asphalt based building material, and with the synthetic polymeric layer(s) of polymeric building material being weather-protected in the installed condition on a building structure.

Abstract: The liner for concrete forms is a plastic matrix for simulating the mortar grooves conventionally formed in masonry construction. The liner is placed within a concrete form, and the concrete is poured thereover. The form is removed after the concrete sets, thereby exposing the surface with the liner still remaining therein. The surface of the concrete panel may then be treated as desired to produce a surface finish resembling brick or other masonry construction, e.g., sandblasted or coated with stucco or other material, with the liner remaining in place to protect the simulated mortar grooves. Once the surface of the concrete panel has been treated as desired, the liner is removed to expose the natural concrete surface within the grooves, with this natural concrete surface closely resembling the mortar joints in a masonry wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for post-installation in-situ barrier creation by application of a multi-layered device. A multi-layered device provides a medium for of remedial substances such as waterproofing resins or cements, insecticides, mold preventatives, rust retardants and the like. The multi-layer device preferably consists of three conjoined layers: first layer, intermediate layer, and second layer, and at least one piping. The first layer is preferably semi-permeable; the second layer is a non-permeable layer; the intermediate layer is a void-inducing layer. The second layer, intermediate layer, and first layer are fixedly attached, with the intermediate layer interposed between the second layer and the first layer. The multi-layered device is fixedly attached to shoring system exterior surface. At least one piping is engagedly attached to a panel of the multi-layered device. A structural construction material is constructed exterior the multi-layer device.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions for palm tile, which consists of an assembly of leaves of the palm tree Brahea dulcis, previously torn, placed in a uniformly and symmetrically way and lengthwise sown, stapled or held to the part where the petiole meets the lamina to form a tile, board, panel or Hawaiian skirt. Also provided herein are methods to manufacture the tiles and elements for its elaboration and placement on crosspieces of a structure.

Abstract: An exterior cement panel includes a cement plate comprising about 80 percent of plastic cement and about 20 percent of coal ash; fiber glass mesh layers embedded in the cement plate; and wood sliver layers embedded in the cement plate and sandwiched with the fiber glass mesh layers. The wood sliver layers are treated with preservative and fire-retardant.

Abstract: A building or structural panel has a core and outer skins. The core is formed from a stack of layers of building stock such as plywood. Multiple layers of building stock are connected, such as by adhesive at spaced intervals along the lengths thereof to form a stack. The stack is cut into a plurality of strips. Each strip is expanded to form the core. The core comprises a matrix of supporting elongate members and voids or openings. Skins are connected to each side of the core, such as with adhesive, to form the panel. The panel may be cut to size. Anchors or other mounts may be connected to panel.

Abstract: A method comprises forming a generally u-shaped bend in flashing, installing the flashing on a roof between converging surfaces of the roof, and with a clamp comprising an attachment portion having two sections spaced apart by a gap, attaching the clamp to the bend of the flashing by positioning the bend in the gap between the two spaced apart sections and biasing at least of the sections against the bend. The heating cable may then be secured to the clamp.

Abstract: A structure for clamping two rods mutually transverse to one another is described. An upwardly open seating surface has a longitudinal direction for rotationally vertically receiving a first rod in the longitudinal direction. A pair of side opening rod retainers are supported above and on opposite sides of the upwardly open longitudinal seating surface. The side openings of the retainers open in opposite directions for rotationally laterally receiving opposite sides of a second rod along a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The retainers include top portions spaced from the lower seating surface a distance effective to cause a rod rotationally laterally received in the side openings to exert a compressive force against a rod rotationally vertically received on the lower seating surface, thereby clamping the rods mutually transversely to each other.

Abstract: A solar energy collection assembly includes a wind deflector and a solar module. A method of assembling includes roll forming frame sections of channel from sheet metal, connecting the frame sections to form an upright frame, and attaching the wind deflector and solar module to the frame.

Abstract: A multi-level fall protection system for a structure under construction, the structure having reinforced concrete decks including a first deck and a second deck arranged above the first deck and openings provided in the decks. The system includes bearing plates arranged in an associated opening in the first deck and having a flange portion larger than the associated opening. Lateral support blocks are arranged in an associated opening in the second deck. Vertical support posts are detachably secured at a bottom portion to an associated bearing plate and extend upwardly through an associated opening in the second deck. The vertical support posts are supported laterally by the lateral support blocks. At least one flexible support line extends between and is coupled to a pair of the vertical support posts.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to converting lines for manufacturing absorbent articles, and more particularly, to converting lines having modular process equipment modules and converting mechanisms reconfigurable for making different absorbent articles.

Abstract: Bamboo open web joists are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward an open web joist design comprising a plurality of structural components made from compressed bamboo segments. Some of the structural components are formed into arched shapes. The structural components are built into a built-up beam comprising end members and span members comprising a frame, with a plurality of arched components positioned within the frame. Several fastener plates comprising a sheet with integral spikes are pressed into the structural components to hold the members together. The arched members define an open space in the built-up joist, through which mechanical components, electrical components, ducting, and other materials can pass.

Abstract: Movable partitions and movable partition system include a header assembly and a movable partition. The header assembly may comprise an elongated overhead track including a first channel, a second channel, and a central channel between the first and second channels. A plurality of support bracket attachment features may be included with at least one support bracket attachment feature on each of an outer surface of the first channel and an outer surface of the second channel. A support bracket may be coupled to each of the support bracket attachment features. The movable partition may comprise a plurality of panels connected to one another with hinge-like member and may be suspended from the overhead track. Embodiments of overhead tracks and methods of forming header assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete building module comprises two pre-cast concrete end panels interconnected and interlinked to a pre-cast bridging panel providing a utility channel at at least one corner thereof, the channel aligning with a reinforcement formation on each side edge of each end panel.

Abstract: A process for the production of panels (10) with integrated insulation in particular for the production of buildings, includes the following stages: pouring a concrete that includes natural fibers into a mold M to form an interior surface (12) of the panel, pouring a light hydrophobic concrete, with reinforcements, to form an exterior surface (14) of the panel, adjustment of reinforcements (28) on the edge of each panel to ensure a cottering and adjustment of chain reinforcements (32). Also described are the panels obtained by the process.

Abstract: A process for constructing water receptacles such as swimming pools, fountains and artificial ponds, comprising in one embodiments the following steps: excavating the receptacle; preparing the foundation by laying a layer of sand on the bottom of the excavation; laying of one or more sheets of a non-woven fabric on the internal surface of the excavation and on the foundation layer; laying a waterproofing layer on top of said sheet of non-woven fabric; disposing modular elements for stabilizing the lining to be applied; adding all equipment necessary for a proper functioning of said basin, swimming pool, etc.; lining the internal walls of the receptacle and/or of the bottom of the receptacle and/or of the edge of the receptacle with smoothed natural stones disposed on top of said waterproofing layer; and applying a binding resin on said lining.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for sticking edging material (10, 12) onto lightweight building boards (1) comprising two thin-walled outer layers (2, 4) and a core layer (6) of lightweight filler material disposed between the outer layers (2, 4), having the steps: provision of a lightweight building board (1), a decor edge (10) and a stabilizing edge (12), and sticking on of the decor edge (10) and/or the stabilizing edge (12) in the region of a narrow surface (1?) of the lightweight building board (1). The process according to the invention is characterized in that at least the stabilizing edge (12) comprises a synthetic fiber material, preferably a cellulose-based fiber material, particularly paperboard material.

Abstract: A corner flashing system is provided for sealing the corners of recessed window frames against moisture penetration. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises first and second double-flap members, a half-cube member, and caulking. The first and second double-flap members, and the half-cube member are preferably made of asphalt or petroleum based material. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises one double-flap member, a modified half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a single member that combines a double-flap member and a half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a combination member, a double-flap member, and caulking.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed to a sill flashing assembly configured to fit within a lower portion of an opening in a wall. The sill flashing assembly comprises: (1) a central sill flashing member having a substantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion; and (2) at least one end dam member. The substantially vertical portion extends upwardly adjacent an interior edge of the substantially horizontal portion, and the substantially vertical portion defines at least one channel. The end dam member has a planar base and at least one tab extending at an angle greater than zero degrees from an interior edge of the planar base. The tab has a height that is shorter than a height of the interior edge of the planar base, and the tab engages the channel when the end dam member is installed adjacent an end of the central sill flashing member.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for securing a wall system together in a vertical direction. More specifically, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a first floor lower linkage beam attached to a foundation of a structure. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed including attaching a first floor lower linkage beam to a foundation of a structure.

Abstract: Construction elements and methods of using and making them in a structurally strong manner are disclosed. The construction element and the method of making it may be in the form of an elongated beam, a post or other. The element may include a generally tubular open frame formed of a series of conjoined octahedral sections constructed and arranged in a side by side manner joined together by conjoined pairs of tetrahedral sections disposed intermediate the octahedral sections. Each pair of octahedral sections may be constructed and arranged such that they are conjoined together by a common member, also common with the intermediate tetrahedral sections. The method may include forming an upright structure, using at least one large construction element having a plurality of octahedral and tetrahedral sections, and positioning at least one small construction element within an opening within the sections of the large construction element and affixing thereto.

Abstract: Components for assembling a modular exhibit structure are provided. These components include: frames, connectors (for connecting together frames), panels (for mounting within frames), cover plates (for mounting over sides of frames), and dust covers (for mounting over top of connected frames). These components are configured to allow a single person to assemble an exhibit structure without any specialized tools or mechanical skills.

Abstract: Floorboards are shown, which consist of a core and a surface layer and are provided with decorative joint edges which are formed by removing the surface layer.

Abstract: A construction panel including at least first, second, and third oriented stranded board (OSB) materials in sheet form adhesively glued together in a back to back arrangement. The construction panel can be used as a wood door core. A wood veneer covering or other exterior covering can be placed over the core as desired. The door construction may include rails along the top and the bottom of the core, and stiles along the side of the core. A method of assembling a construction panel wherein three panels of oriented stranded board (OSB) material in sheet form are glued together in a back to back arrangement. In one method, the two outermost faces of the panel are sanded or otherwise processed to smooth out imperfections on the front and rear faces.

Abstract: A panel (14) for an overhead sectional door (10) offers increased performance and economy by optimizing the panel skin (38, 42, 50, 52). The upper and lower structural rail areas (46, 48) which typically mate with corresponding lower and upper rails (48, 46) of an adjacent panel (14) have thicker skin (38, 42, 50, 52). The non-structural areas or the front face of the panel (14) in one embodiment has a thinner skin (38, 42) which is typically embossed with a wood grain or other pattern. The structural rail areas (46, 48) which have the thicker skin (50, 52) add rigidity and resistance to deflection from wind loads and similar dynamic forces. The overhead door panel (14) with differing performance characteristics for specific portions of the skin (38, 42, 50, 52) may be utilized with a variety of rail configurations (46, 48) such as a lap joint, tongue and groove joint, and convex/concave joint between adjacent panels (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved expansion joint construction and a method for creating an expansion joint between adjacent roadway slabs. The invention relates specifically to the use of an epoxy blend having improved set times that can be applied in cold weather.

Abstract: A composite building panel and method employs a foam core member which has custom excised cutout sections which are specially configured to be bonded to a panel framework made up of light gauge steel framing members. The panel framework is positioned on the inner surface of the base section of the foam core member and surrounds internal sections of the foam core member. Foam pieces which have been excised from the foam core member are positioned within gaps between the framing members and the foam core member. The framing members, foam core member, and foam pieces are bonded together to form an integral panel component. An external seal coating is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the foam core member. Expandable foam can be injected into the gaps between the framing members and the foam core member, in lieu of the foam pieces, to form the bond between the framing members and the foam core member.

Abstract: A device for bridging a difference in height between two floor surfaces (1, 3) is described, with said device comprising a profiled cover (4) that is provided with a covering flange (5) which covers the edge of each of the two floor surfaces (1, 3), with at least one clamping extension (6) that protrudes downward from the covering flange (5), extends longitudinally with respect to the profiled cover (4), and clamps into and engages with a fixture (7), with said device also comprising a compensating strip (10) located between the covering flange (5) of the profiled cover (4) and the lower of the two floor surfaces (1, 3). In order to create advantageous construction conditions it is proposed that the fixture (7) forms a clamping seat (11) for the compensating strip (10).

Abstract: A method of camouflaging a structure against a background having a generally uniform composition of hue, saturation and brightness. In one embodiment, spaced regions on the exterior of a structure are colored with differing colors and regions between the spaced regions are colored with a gradient of the differing colors so as to create a gradual color transition between the spaced regions. In another embodiment, at least one reflector and, optionally at least one color filter, are located on a structure to reflect light in the foreground to a vantage point, and optionally filter such light, so as to effect a blending of at least a portion of the structure into the background when viewed from the vantage point.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are photovoltaic building materials and related methods of manufacturing and installing such materials. In one embodiment, a modular roofing structure comprises a photovoltaic shingle panel having a planar lower surface and an upper surface, and a rigid back member having a length the same as or greater than the length of the shingle panel and attached to the planar lower surface of the shingle panel. The roofing structure also includes at least one electrical contact pad on a lower surface of the back member, and at least one electrical conductor electrically coupled to the shingle panel via the lower surface and passing through the back member and out the lower surface. In such embodiments, the electrical conductor is electrically coupled to the at least one contact pad and extends past a front end of the back member sufficient to electrically contact a contact pad on another back member of a separate modular roofing structure couplable to the first.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing homes is provided. An embodiment includes a final assembly facility located proximal to a subdivision where a plurality of the custom homes is to be situated. The final assembly facility is for receiving the planar sections from the sub-assembly plant and for constructing the homes from planar portions according to the production schedule.

Abstract: A foam filling member that can hold a foam sheet in a looped shape stably, without increasing the number of components, to provide improved vibration suppression and sound insulation. The strip-like foam sheet is formed in a looped shape by bending round it, so that both end portions of the foam sheet are overlapped with each other in a thickness direction thereof to form an overlapped portion therein. Then, insertion shafts of a clip are inserted through the overlapped portion, so that the overlapped portion is held in sandwich relation between a base portion and a head portion to form a foam filling member. Then, a supporting portion of the fixing portion of the clip is inserted in a fixing hole of an inner panel and fixed to the inner panel.

Abstract: A shake fabricating process for producing roofing shakes from a lumber drop block having a natural grain and having an upper surface and an opposed lower surface is provided. In accordance with the process, the drop block is scanned for unacceptable grain structure. The drop block is cut across said natural grain into blanks having a length generally equivalent to the length of a roofing shake and including a first end section and a second end section. The blank is cut on a diagonal plane relative to the first and second end sections, the plane extending from the first end to said second end so as to divide the board into a pair of shakes, each shake having a first and second end portion and defining a decreasing thickness from the first end portion to the second end portion. The shakes are placed in a pressure treating chamber for treatment with a chemical preservative.

Abstract: A frame assembly supports an article. The frame assembly comprises a frame member having a plurality of walls extending between a first end and a second end. The walls define an interior of the frame member. The frame assembly also comprises at least one foldable cornerlock. The foldable cornerlock has first and second body portions movable relative to each other. A method of manufacturing the frame assembly comprises the steps of forming at least one notch in the frame member spaced from the ends of the frame member, inserting the foldable cornerlock into the notch, and bending the frame member about the notch of the frame member.

Abstract: Floor panels and floor elements therefore are made of sheet-shaped cores which before application of the surface of the floor panels are formed with sealing means for counteracting changes in the properties of the floor panels caused by moisture.

Abstract: Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also facilitated through the use of a roof interface frame which rotatably supports the panel support frame of the support system and folds along with it at the assembly, staging site.

Abstract: A roof fastening system that joins building walls or roof structures of a building frame to its foundation to provide a continuous load path that resists upward and lateral forces without interfering with the natural downward forces exerted on the frame over time. This system includes a composite material that combines the properties of a house wrap with high tensile strength low elongation fibers along one direction of the fabric and lower tensile strength high elongation fibers along one or more fabric directions that cross the high tensile strength low elongation fibers. The composite material extends from the top plates or heel truss of the framing of the structure down to its foundation to hold the frame together against high wind loading.

Abstract: A boot assembly for securing a bracing strap to a wall in a light steel frame building. The boot assembly includes an elongated channel-shaped strap connector and a stud connector. The stud connector is adapted such that a stud may be connected thereto. The strap connector includes a seat for receiving a base of the stud connector and a pair of stops. One or more stops is disposed on each of two end portions of the strap connector. Each stop includes a stop surface to abut a portion of the base and to prevent or limit fore-and-aft movement of the base relative to the strap connector. The strap connector is adapted to be secured with the stud connector and a track, included in the wall, to an underlying support. The strap connector includes a flange adapted such that an end portion of a bracing strap can be connected thereto.