Abstract: A method of fixing overlaying components together, comprising the step of piercing nails having a profiled shank through the components to fix those components together. Structures including metal sheet are also disclosed which utilize this fixing technique. The structures include composite wall panels used in tilt up wall panel construction.

Abstract: A reinforcing is disclosed that comprising a reinforcing bar extending along a portion of the length of the reinforcing and a termination extending along an end portion of the reinforcing. The termination is disclosed as being permanently bonded to the reinforcing bar preferably by a friction welding process so as to form an integral connection. The termination has a body extending in a longitudinal direction between opposite first and second ends, and a lateral engagement face formed on the body. In use the first end is joined to an end the reinforcing bar, and the engagement face incorporates locking formations thereon arranged to interfit with a complementary shaped termination to form an interlock arranged to accommodate loading applied in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The system provides an n-s rail bracket that both supports a plurality of solar panels structurally, provides view-guards to hide electrical components, and a water conduit to channel water shed from the solar panel to a desired collection point provided by the structure. As such, the system includes an n-s structural rail consisting of a bottom wall and two vertically extending sidewalls. An intermediate horizontal member extends between the two sidewalls at or near their midpoint to form a compartment between the intermediate horizontal member, a lower portion of the left sidewall, the bottom wall, and a lower portion of the right side wall. Also, the intermediate horizontal member cooperates with an upper portion of the left side wall and an upper portion of the right sidewall to form a U-shaped channel. Each distal end of the respective left and right side wall includes a T-shaped shoulder for supporting the solar module.

Abstract: A method of strengthening brick and other masonry structures and buildings, against earthquakes and other movements, by attaching steel plates on one or both sides of some part or all of the important load bearing walls, thereby converting them into effective shear walls.

Abstract: A method of attaching a cap shingle on a roof ridge line structure includes providing a plurality of risers configured to be flexed for alignment with the opposed roof planes, flexing and positioning the risers over the ridge line structure, and installing a series of the risers in an partially overlapping manner along the ridge line structure by fastening the risers to opposed roof planes. Cap shingles configured for attachment to the risers are flexed and attached to the risers. A roof structure installed according to the method is also provided. A ridge line roofing assembly comprising a series of partially overlapping risers molded together is also provided.

Abstract: The present construction system and method for constructing energy efficient multi-story buildings with a plurality of standard single or mixed units utilizing premanufactured, prefinished, and preassembled non-weight bearing walls, interior components and exterior components for a plurality of standard single or mixed units comprising: installing exterior window walls on exterior sides of the plurality of standard single or mixed units and partially enclosing each of the plurality of standard single or mixed units; installing demising walls in a perpendicular direction interfacing with the exterior window walls and partially enclosing the each of the plurality of standard single or mixed units; installing utility walls on the interior sides of the plurality of standard single or mixed units in a perpendicular direction interfacing with the demising walls and connecting with the demising walls to completely enclose the each of the plurality of standard single units; installing end walls on the exterior sides

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: A method for interlocking precast concrete sections to create a unified whole. The method allows precast pieces to be substituted for in situ castings in certain applications. Each precast concrete piece has an interlocking feature. The interlocking features are pierced by at least one transverse opening. Once the transverse openings are aligned, a user pours a solidifying substance such as wet concrete into the aligned transverse holes. A reinforcing metal bar may also be placed in the holes. Once the concrete hardens, the precast pieces are linked together.

Abstract: A rainwater regulating system is described. An object of this invention to provide an attachment for rain gutters that allows for easy collections of rainwater into a rain barrel. It is another object of the invention to provide a gutter attachment that does not need to be removed in cold weather. It is yet another object of this invention to provide a gutter attachment that screens out debris from water prior to allowing water to enter the water barrel; said debris can be easily cleaned without removing the attachment or disturbing the barrel. It is another objective of the invention to provide a gutter attachment that allows overflow to easily flow through the gutter without causing structural damage to either the barrel or the gutter.

Abstract: A roofing material fastener comprises a shank having a length dimension and a point. The shank is adapted to enable it to be driven through at least a first course of roofing material and into a roof deck. A fastener head is positioned in a region of the shank distal from the point. A spike protrusion projects from the distal region of the shank to a terminus. The length of the spike protrusion is less than one half the length of the shank, measured from the point to the fastener head. The spike protrusion is adapted to penetrate a depth less than the full depth of a second course of roofing material installed above the first course. The spike protrusion is shaped to inhibit sawing through the second course of roofing material by the spike protrusion.

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

Abstract: A ring beam element, a ring beam and a method of constructing a ring beam from a plurality of ring beam elements is disclosed. The ring beam can support a shell or wall of a tank. The ring beam element comprises a reinforced concrete body, preferably having a metal base plate anchored therein, and a plurality of tensile conduits extending circumferentially there through. Ideally, the reinforced concrete body will have interlocking surfaces such that the ring beam elements interlock with one another when circumferentially juxtaposed. Tensile members can be placed through the plurality of tensile conduits and tensioned and anchored by anchors to clamp a plurality of juxtaposed ring beam elements together. Ideally, the base plates of a plurality of the ring beam elements can be connected or welded together to form an annular ring of base plates.

Abstract: A paneling system (100) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The paneling system (100) comprises a panel (101) and one or more fastening elements (102). The one or more fastening elements (102) are coupled to the panel (101). The one or more fastening elements (102) extend from a first edge (110) of the panel (101) to a second edge (111) of the panel (101).

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar module attachment, comprising a Z-support (2), the one Z-side (2.1) of which is used directly as a roof attachment or can be connected to roof hooks or support posts in the case of a mounting system, while clamps (5) can be displaced over the other Z-side (2.2), the attachment means engaging in said clamps in order to fix solar module frames (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to components and method for modular building system used as houses, home flat, buildings, offices, gazebos, and pavilion, and to assemble the modular building system fast, easy and simple. Specifically a modular building system of the present invention includes structural frames for post and beam of the building system, lock mechanism for connecting and keeping rigidly said structural frames, corner support for connecting the corner of said structural frames, and structural insulated panel for the purpose wall, roof and floor. The structural frame consists of atleast a groove and atleast pair of bevel surface. Further the lock mechanism includes a top shell, a bottom shell, a tension screw, atleast one pair of reed, atleast one pair of support pieces, and atleast one pair of fill pieces. And also a method for assembling said modular system is provided.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sheet material support device that may be mounted on a framing component, such as a stud. The sheet material support device provides one or more mounting surfaces to which sheet material may be attached. In some embodiments, the sheet material support device may be configured to grip the stud.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, described herein is a wall anchor system includes an insert that is positionable within a hole in a wall. The wall anchor system further includes an anchor that is insertable into and passable through the insert. Additionally, the wall anchor system includes an elastic member that couples the insert and anchor. The insert and anchor remain coupled via the elastic member as the anchor is inserted into and passes through the insert.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing balusters are provided. A baluster insert according to an embodiment of the invention provides a round insert having an opening shaped to accommodate a baluster and ribs spaced equally around the outer perimeter of the insert. An angled insert is provided for facilitating installation of a handrail. Installation involved placing a baluster insert over a lower end of a baluster and then placing the baluster into a pre-drilled hole. The baluster insert is then pressed into the hole. A similar process occurs at the top of the baluster where the angled insert is pressed into a pre-drilled hole in the underside of a handrail.

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

Abstract: A steel composite beam is manufactured by T-shaped steel, inverse T-shaped steels installed at opposite ends of the T-shaped steel, and vertical stiffeners installed on the inverse T-shaped steels. A method for manufacturing a composite beam using T-shaped steel and a method of constructing a structure using the same are capable of using less steel and minimizing dead weight of the composite beam compared to a steel composite beam having the same cross section and depth, and designing a cross section of the composite beam in an efficient and economical manner due to the pre-stress caused by tendons, providing easy connection with column members on the basis of length, providing efficient construction, easy management, and convenient construction for ceilings and finishing equipment due to light dead weight.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus for shelter comprising two sections, a base section and a top section. The base section and the top section have cavities that can be filled with water to encumber the apparatus. The top section is preferably cone-shaped, and is dimensioned to be placed on the base section. After the top section is placed on the base section, the top section can be secured to the base section via bolts. Finally, both the top section and bottom section are divided into sections such that if one section develops a leak the other sections remain unaffected.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching a door assembly to a structure is disclosed. Specifically, a doorframe system comprising a press frame and a plurality of press frame brackets is disclosed. The press frame has a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is capable of connecting to a doorframe, and the second side is capable of pressing against a structure frame. Each press frame bracket has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the press frame.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a support beam that spans a distance along a first surface of a planar object. The apparatus also includes a mounting bracket that includes a channel shaped to receive at least a portion of the support beam to suspend the mounting bracket from the support beam. The mounting bracket also includes at least one mounting point configured to attach the mounting bracket to an electronic device. The apparatus further includes a trim bezel configured to attach to the electronic device. The trim bezel includes a trim bezel surface. The apparatus additionally includes a set screw coupled to the channel and the support beam. The set screw is configured to adjust a gap between the mounting bracket and the support beam to adjust the bezel surface with respect to a second surface of the planar object.

Abstract: Novel dowel structures and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a unitary dowel structure is formed from a plurality of laminates. In certain embodiments, a first dowel laminate may be placed substantially above or below one or more other dowel laminates. At least one laminate may include a first material that is substantially devoid in another laminate. Upon being in communication, the laminates may form a unitary dowel structure having a first end and a second end that are configured to flex in a vertical direction without breaking to transfer stress loads from a concrete slab in communication with the first end of the unitary dowel structure and a concrete slab in communication with the second end of the unitary dowel structure.

Abstract: A method for installing a vapor bather in a building includes loosely hanging a strip around a periphery of an area to be insulated, providing a vapor bather having a plurality of attachments, the attachments adapted to attach to the strip, attaching the attachments to the strip, and then tightening the strip to tighten the vapor bather.

Abstract: A fenestration unit such as a window or door has a frame with an outer peripheral surface. An array of support brackets are secured to the outer peripheral surface and extend inwardly toward the interior of a building in which the fenestration unit is to be installed. The support brackets are formed with a bendable metal and are secured to the outer surface of the frame without forming holes in the frame through which water may leak. The support brackets may be secured by heat, sonic, or friction welding, or with solvents or adhesives, structural tapes, or other appropriate mechanisms. In one embodiment for use with frames having a vinyl surface, the support brackets may be vinyl coated steel to enable attachment of the support brackets with welding or vinyl adhesive techniques. A method of fabricating fenestration frames with support brackets includes obtaining support brackets and securing them to the fenestration frame without forming holes in the fenestration frame.

Abstract: A roof truss compatible for solar energy panels, and a method for installing the roof trusses, incorporates a non-structural top chord that may have a removable portion removed and replaced by a solar assembly. The truss is structurally designed to support the solar assembly without the presence of the non-structural top chord. A desired length of the non-structural top chord may be omitted or removed during manufacture of the truss, or may be removed at a future time for installation of solar panel assemblies. A solar assembly for inserting into the solar roof truss may include a panel enclosure which has a channel for holding a solar panel, where the panel is installed approximately flush with the roof line. The panel enclosure may have an air space underneath the solar panel, to allow for cooling air flow and water drainage.

Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.

Abstract: A modular wire device to support and maintain the position of horizontal and vertical reinforcement bars in concrete masonry unit walls. Additionally, the device may function to provide structural support and to act as the base for attaching insulation, bricks or other veneers to a wall structure. The wire support device comprises a planar wire frame to be set within horizontal mortar joints, coupled with a plurality wire cross members. The wire cross members may have crimps and loops to precisely align horizontal and vertical reinforcement bars. Hingedly attached extension members may extend outward from the wire frame and the face of the wall to vertical wire surface material supports using end loops to provide support for insulation, brick or other veneers. The frame and horizontal bars provide additional structural reinforcement across the wall thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cold formed joist that can be used in a variety of construction applications. The present cold formed joist consists of three elements, each formed from sheet metal: an upper chord, an intermediate web, and a lower web. These three elements can be produced in different dimensions. The upper chord further consists of a downwardly facing receiving channel adapted to receive the upper edge of the intermediate web, and two upwardly facing channels. The lower chord consists of an upwardly facing receiving channel that is adapted to receive the lower edge of the intermediate web.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cold formed joist that can be used in a variety of construction applications. The present cold formed joist consists of three elements, each formed from sheet metal: an upper chord, an intermediate web, and a lower web. These three elements can be produced in different dimensions. The upper chord further consists of a downwardly facing receiving channel adapted to receive the upper edge of the intermediate web, and two upwardly facing channels. The lower chord consists of an upwardly facing receiving channel that is adapted to receive the lower edge of the intermediate web.

Abstract: A ridge clip is disclosed that is useful for attaching lights or other decorations to the ridge of a roof without compromising the seal on ridge shingles. The ridge clip includes a shingle hook that affixes to the overhanging portion of a shingle, and an extension arm that extends long enough to mount the decoration on the roof ridge. Ridge clips may be provided as an adapter for existing shingle tabs, or as stand-alone devices.

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: An internal anchor board-up system for windows is disclosed. The internal anchor board-up system may include an exterior window cover, one or more interior clamping beams, and bolts or fasteners connecting the cover to the beam. The exterior cover is preferably transparent, such as a plexiglass cover, so that the internal anchor board-up system is substantially more esthetically pleasing than traditional board-up systems relying upon plywood. Further, a transparent plexiglass or acrylic cover is stronger and harder to cut through than plywood.

Abstract: The connecting system of the invention eliminates the need to prelocate embedded bolts or other embedded elements within the concrete foundation before it is cast and eliminates the need to align the panel embedments with the foundation embedments and also eliminates the need to utilize threaded anchor bolts with nuts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting solar panels to a roof system surface. The solar panels are at least partially attached to a roofing surface by use of a fastener.

Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: An overhead panel assembly for coupling to a drop ceiling includes a support channel and a clip coupling the support channel to a grid member of the drop ceiling. The overhead panel assembly further includes a vertical panel received over and coupled to the support member with a plurality of binding members. A plurality of clips, support channels, and vertical panels may be positioned in series along a drop ceiling to form a decorative soffit, valance, display, or other structure.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods of transferring loads between adjacent cast-in-place slabs, such as concrete slabs, and for accurately positioning dowels between adjacent sections of slabs are provided. A generally planar plate-type dowel is used which may be positioned within a cutaway in a preexisting slab of concrete. The dowel is shaped to generally conform to the shape of the cutaway, which is made by a saw blade. Once the dowel is positioned within the preexisting slab, a new slab is poured adjacent the preexisting slab. Rubber seals are included on the edges of the dowels to provide spacing or a gap between the dowel and the preexisting slab to allow for lateral independent movement of the adjacent slabs, and to prevent concrete from the newly poured second slab from entering into the gap. A saw unit for making a generally planar cut horizontally into an edge of a hardened concrete slab is also provided.

Abstract: A steel-concrete composite beam includes a long rectangular steel frame; concrete members installed at only both ends of the steel frame, excluding a center portion thereof; a prestressable reinforcement buried in the concrete member; and a stirrup reinforcement arranged to the concrete member with a regular gap thereto to surround a lower flange of the steel frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a customizable, modular foundation system using blocks and post-tensioning for improved structural integrity of the foundation. In some embodiments, the improved foundation system is provided by post-tensioning a plurality of blocks together such that cables or bars used for tensioning run in different directions than any of the joint lines between adjacent blocks. In this way, there are no bendable joints between adjacent blocks. Moreover, in some embodiments the blocks are hexagonal, such that each block has six sides and post-tensioning cables can run in at least three different directions. Structures or apparatuses may be secured to the foundation comprised of multiple blocks, with the foundation being rigid, customizable, and both assembled and usable in any desired location.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first structural member made from a first material, such as aluminum, and having a first and a second flange, a second structural member having a first and a second flange and made from a second material, such as magnesium, and a third and a fourth structural member made from the first material and each having a first and second flange for contacting with the flanges of the first and second structural members so as to lock the first and second members together.

Abstract: A connector for securing a roofing band to a roofing beam by a threaded fastener may include a circumferential flange portion, first and second recess extending within the circumferential flange portion sized to accept a roofing band, and a central portion extending within the circumferential flange portion between the first recess and the second recess, a middle area of the central portion being offset laterally from the circumferential flange portion by a distance enough to permit the roofing band to be slid through the first and second recesses so that the circumferential flange portion is located on a first side of the roofing band and the middle area of the central portion is located on a second side of the roofing band opposite the first side. A single fastener opening defined through the central portion, the fastener opening sized for receiving a threaded fastener therethrough for fastening the roofing band to a roofing beam. Related roofing assemblies and methods of construction are disclosed.

Abstract: A fastener with a head having a stepped configuration in assist in drawing down a composite material about a fastener to reduce flagging.

Abstract: A method for forming a sheathing retaining anchor of a post-tension anchor system includes the steps of: forming an anchor having a bore where the bore has a tapered portion and a constant diameter portion, inserting an end of a tendon through the bore of the anchor so that the end of the tendon extends outwardly of tapered portion of the bore of the anchor, positioning a sheathing lock on the end of the sheathed portion or a tendon, placing a pair of wedges on the unsheathed portion of the tendon, and moving the sheathing lock and the pair of wedges into the bore of the anchor so that the sheathing lock affixes the end of the sheathed portion within the bore and so that the pair of wedges affixes the unsheathed portion within the bore.

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

Abstract: A curtain wall including an extruded aluminum sill having a first channel for receiving a glazed panel, a sill anchor/access portion for securing the sill to a poured concrete slab or slab wall, and toward the interior side of the sill, a wireway is defined in part by the sill and in part by a wireway cover for concealing power and/or data/telecommunication cables. The wireway cover may also include outlet devices or plugs arranged in a longitudinally spaced relationship.

Abstract: This is a multi-part clamp assembly used for fall protection used on standing seam metal roofs. One component of the clamp is a clamp body measuring 2?×2½?×6? made of extruded aluminum. This part is designed to allow attachment to multiple styles of standing seam roofs without having to slide the clamp body onto the end of a seam. Another component of the clamp assembly is a series of six (6) ½?×1¼ concave set screws horizontally opposed to a series of six (6) ??×1¼? convex set screws with a thread-locking compound designed for non-removal from the clamp body. These twelve (12) set screws are torqued at 200 inch pounds and apply pressure and dimple the roof seam to secure the clamp to the standing seam without puncturing or tearing the seam metal. The final component is a D-ring secured by a special non-removable bolt with thread-locking compound screwed in the clamp body for attaching a safety fall arrest system or harness.