Abstract: A method for securing a roof sheathing and shingles in a retrofitting reinforcement of an existing roof structure, the shingles being laid on the roof sheathing in a partially overlapping pattern, comprises (a) driving a plurality of fasteners down through selected shingles and the roof sheathing in a selected area of the roof structure into at least one of underlying roof frames; and (b) applying a water-resistant coating to the roof structure to seamlessly cover exposed surfaces with exposed ends and sides of all shingles in the selected area.

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

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which includes a drilling device and a tube. The drilling device typically has a first end, at which a point is located and a second end which is connected to a first end of the tube. The apparatus also includes an insertion bar having a first end inserted into the tube and a second end at which a latching device is located. The latching device can set a location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that a height is set. The apparatus may also include a first pole receiver connected at the second end of the insertion bar. The apparatus may include a handle which can be inserted into the insertion bar for rotating the insertion bar, tube, and drilling device to drill the drilling device into the ground.

Abstract: A rebar installation system that uses rebar drive stations to secure rebar against the inner surface of a coil for securing thereto. The system may increase the ease and speed with which the rebar can be attached while reducing the amount of manpower necessary to complete the project.

Abstract: A floor cover system includes a cover panel having a preformed end and a connector strip having a first and second receptacles adapted to receive the preformed end of the cover panel. An inner surface of the receptacle of the connector strip has a portion that is complementary in shape to that of a surface of the preformed end.

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 support block for supporting objects on a roof is a moulded elastomeric block with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps. In some embodiments, the block is elongate and generally flat and supports a roof mounted object thereon when two or more blocks are supported parallel and spaced apart from one another with the object spanning between the blocks.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a stronger lanai, area or pool enclosure. The system utilizes a beam having an interior channel that provides increased thread receiving surface for receiving one or more fasteners and an interlocking joint for further strengthening the connection between a plurality of beam members that form the beam.

Abstract: A gutter system incorporating a gutter clip and a gutter hanger to affix a gutter to a retaining clip attached to a fascia board of a building, thereby eliminating the need to place holes in the gutter with screws or nails. The gutter hanger is constructed of a single piece which has an intermediate section which is disposed substantially within the gutter and spans the width of the gutter to maintain the shape and structural integrity of the gutter. The gutter hanger has a contiguous platform disposed along its intermediate section for slidably and detachably attaching a leaf protection support apparatus. The leaf protection support apparatus has a groove that snugly but slidably receives the platform of the gutter hanger. The leaf protection support apparatus extends toward the roof of the building, and has a vertical member terminating in an angled member extending upward to support a leaf protection device.

Abstract: A method of installing a self-adhered termination bar over a roofing system membrane positioned against a vertical surface, such as, for example, a parapet wall. The method includes positioning a termination bar having a pre-applied adhesive layer on a vertical surface having a single-ply membrane secured thereto. The self-adhered termination bar is initially secured to the membrane solely by the adhesive layer provided thereon. Mechanical fasteners are then driven through apertures in the self-adhered termination bar and into the structure to permanently secure the termination bar in place. The self-adhered termination bar allows the installation process to be performed by a single person.

Abstract: A material (1) for installation over a plurality of regularly spaced joists (12) to insulate a floor structure (10), the material (1) having a plurality of spaced apart sets of linearly arranged holes (3) extending across the width of the material (1), the holes (3) intended to overly the joists so that once the material (1) is in place, flooring material (90) can be adhered to the joists (12) through the holes (3), each set of linearly arranged holes (3) allowing access to 50 to 98 percent of the length of the joist (12) overlain by the set of holes (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting bars includes a clip string, a barrel having a clip receiving cavity, with a terminal clip of the clip string received in the clip receiving cavity. A drive is received in the barrel and extends proximally from the barrel. The drive includes a hammer received in the barrel. The hammer reciprocates longitudinally within the barrel for contacting and expelling the terminal clip from the barrel. A cam guide is connected to the drive. A cam plate having a cam track is pivotally connected to the barrel. The cam guide engages the cam track such that the cam plate pivots back and forth as the drive is moved distally and proximally relative to the barrel. At least one finger is connected to the cam plate such that the finger engages and advances the clip string end of the clip receiving cavity as the cam plate pivots back.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies described herein provide for a cost-effective method and system for installing a solar array without utilizing a concrete foundation that supports a mast. According to various aspects, a solar array is attached to a helical anchor via a solar tracking mechanism. The helical anchor is a one-piece apparatus that is screwed into the ground so that the helical anchor includes an above-ground portion for connection to the solar array, and an underground portion that provides the foundation for supporting the solar array. The specific configuration of the helical anchor and a corresponding helical anchor blade may be selected according to soil and environmental characteristics associated with the installation location.

Abstract: An interconnecting alignment and support system for supporting and maintaining alignment of at least one conduit or pipe is disclosed. The system may be used, for example, during a concrete pour operation or other construction operation. The system comprises a base spacer and, optionally, one or more of an intermediate spacer and/or another base spacer. The base spacer is constructed to be capable of interlocking with another spacer on each side and the top. The intermediate spacer is constructed to be capable of interlocking with another spacer on each side and both the top and bottom. The interlocks on the spacers may be releasably latched when fully interlocked. By interlocking the spacers, a matrix structure for aligning and supporting conduit or pipe may be created. The base spacer is attachable to a surface, so that the alignment and support system may be fixed in place.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of constructing a liquefied gas storage tank on land, which enables rapid and easy construction of walls of a cylindrical storage tank by stacking a plurality of pre-produced unit-wall structures to be stacked or superposed with respect to one another. The method includes: producing unit-wall structures made of concrete and each having iron rods arranged lengthwise and breadthwise therein, stacking the unit-wall structures in a cylindrical arrangement, and connecting the unit-wall structures adjacent and in longitudinal and lateral directions with respect to each other to form a wall of the storage tank.

Abstract: Provided are a stiffener for connecting a prestressed concrete beam and a method of constructing a structure using the same, in which the beam such as the prestressed concrete beam which is covered with concrete is connected to a target structure including a column structure or a girder. The stiffener is made up of a buried stiffener, an end face stiffener, and a joint stiffener, thereby enabling simple connection, excellent stress transmission, and very efficient construction of (building) structures.

Abstract: A panel, especially floor panel comprises a core produced of a wood product or a mixture of a wood product/synthetic material. The panel includes a top and a bottom, and is provided with mating hook elements on at least two opposite lateral edges thereof. The first hook element is formed by a profiled section which is essentially open to the top and the second hook element is formed by a profiled section which is essentially open to the bottom. The profiled section on the first hook element forms a projection which is essentially facing the top and on the second hook element forms a projection which is essentially open to the bottom. Two identical panels can be interconnected and interlocked by an essentially vertical joining movement in the horizontal and the vertical direction. At least one of the projections is deviated during the joining movement in the horizontal direction and then snaps into a locking edge which extends essentially in the horizontal direction to vertically lock the panels.

Abstract: An anchoring device comprising a hollow shaft having a first end and a second end, and an anchor attached to the second end, wherein the anchor comprises a plurality of flukes to secure the anchoring device to a wall and at least one hole in fluid communication with the shaft to deliver a securing compound injected into the first end of the shaft to the flukes to facilitating securing the anchoring device to the wall. The flukes may be bendable or hingedly attached to the base of the anchor so as to accommodate a closed configuration to be insertable into a hole in the wall and expandable into an open configuration to prevent the anchoring device from being removed from the wall.

Abstract: A main tee member having a measurement indicia system for use with a suspended ceiling includes a support flange and a web extending upwardly from the support flange. The web has first and second sides and a plurality of receiving channels extending from the first side of the web to the second side of the web. The receiving channels are configured to receive a cross tee member. A plurality of first indicia are marked on the first side, and a plurality of second indicia are marked on the second side, and are disposed at the same incremental distances along the length of the main tee member for indicating the location of a selected receiving channel for receiving a first selected cross tee member, and for indicating the location of a selected receiving channel for receiving a second selected cross tee member to be introduced from the opposite side.

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

Abstract: A system for building using glass blocks is disclosed which employs spacing strips. The spacing strips comprising elongate, generally planar elements having a cross section generally corresponding in shape to the intended spacing between two adjacent blocks in the completed construction. The spacing strips are hollow and may be provided with interior supporting webs. The strips are provided with adhesive which may be included during manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus attached to the roof perimeter to mitigate wind-generated vortices and uplift loads on the roof perimeter area of a building, applicable for both new constructions and retrofits of existing buildings. The apparatus comprises at least one face portion having face perforation and/or edge serration for increasing small-scale turbulence entrainment, equalizing pressure and disorganizing edge shear layer vorticity, and thus disrupting vortex formation. A roof edge vortex suppressor is preferably mounted along the entire circumference of a roof perimeter.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an object to pole is presented. The apparatus includes an elongate planar section defining a longitudinal direction. The apparatus further includes two extension sections, wherein each extension section extends from an elongate edge of the planar section in a direction perpendicular to the elongate planar section. Each of the extension sections defines a cutout area centered along a longitudinal edge of the extension section, wherein the cutout area is configured to contact a pole. The planar section also defines a plurality holes to be used for affixing the apparatus to the pole and to attach the object to the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing one or more modular panels onto a wall or other surface. Such systems may include at least one panel retainer mounted to a substrate and at least one panel connected to the panel retainer in a removable fashion. In these systems, the interaction of at least one panel insert and at least one attachment structure facilitates connecting the panel to the panel retainer in a removable fashion.

Abstract: A building assembly is provided which includes in certain embodiments a perimeter structure having at least first and second sides, joists supported on the perimeter structure and extending between the first and second sides of the perimeter structure, a rim board positioned at aligned first ends of the joists, and connectors. Each of the connectors is fastened to and/or embedded in the perimeter structure, and is fastened to the front face of the rim board. Methods of constructing a building structure are also provided.

Abstract: A method for installing siding on building sheathing includes providing a spacer including an aperture extending therethrough, the spacer having a thickness, locating the spacer between an exterior face of the building sheathing and a rear face of the siding such that the aperture is aligned with a slot in the siding and the siding is spaced apart from the sheathing by the thickness of the spacer, and inserting a fastener through the slot and the aperture such that the fastener is embedded in the sheathing.

Abstract: The invention provides a bracket and method of its use for adapting standard wall angle trim for use in sloped ceiling construction. The disclosed bracket arrangement can be used for the top edge or bottom edge of a sloped ceiling and be adjusted to match the angle of any practical ceiling slope. In disclosed embodiments, the bracket has the form of a rectangular flat steel sheet. The sheet has a hinge or bend line running lengthwise in its mid-area. The bend line is made by cutting the sheet intermittently along its length and thereby dividing the sheet into two sections. The cuts may be made, for example, by punching elongated slots along the bend line in a blank being formed into the bracket. Also punched into the bracket blank are a plurality of holes distributed lengthwise on marginal areas of the two sections of the blank.

Abstract: Floor element (1), which is mainly in the form of a board with triangular, quadratic, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonal shape as seen from above. The floor element (1) is provided with edges (2), a lower side (7) and a decorative upper layer (3). The floor elements (1), which are intended to be joined via tongue and groove are on at least two opposite edges (2), preferably on all edges (2) provided with holes (4). The holes (4) extends inwards from the edge (2) mainly parallel to the decorative upper layer (3). The holes (4) are arranged on a predetermined distance from the decorative upper layer (3) and on a predetermined distance from a closest corner between two adjacent edges (2), whereby the holes (4) are intended to receive each one part of a guiding means (6).

Abstract: An insulated roof deck or wall system which can be used in installing roofs and wall is set forth. The system includes a plurality of metal purlins (10), a plurality of outer panels (2), a plurality of thermal insulation blocks (4), cleats (14), fasteners (12), a first insulation layer (6) and a second insulation layer (7). The metal purlins (10) can form a parallel array of purlins. The outer panels (2) can be attached to the metal purlins (10) in the parallel array. The thermal insulation blocks (4) can be disposed between the metal purlin (10) and the outer panel (2). The cleat (14) can be disposed between the thermal insulation blocks (4) and the outer panel (2) and has a protrusion which is capable of securing the thermal insulation block (4) and inhibits lateral movement between the thermal insulation block (4) and the cleat (14). The first and second insulation layers can be placed on either side of the thermal insulation blocks.

Abstract: The Compact Interior Safe Room is a new concept in the field of interior storm shelters and safe rooms. It offers the public a convenient and economical means to install a relatively strong, sturdy, and dependable interior storm shelter and safe room refuge in an existing building. While many manufacturers of current interior storm shelters require the installation of their interior storm shelter at the time of construction of the building that will house the shelter, the Compact Interior Safe Room is designed to be assembled inside the consumer's existing home in an economical manner, with a minimum of inconvenience to the consumer, and with minimal alterations to the existing room. The economic price of the Compact Interior Safe Room will make an interior storm shelter and safe room available to consumers who may not be able to afford the more expensive storm shelters.

Abstract: An insulation system for buildings, including fabric structures. Tensioned steel bands form a strap platform for holding insulation battings secured by stick-pins and locking washers.

Abstract: Anchoring devices and systems are disclosed for use with elongated reinforcement members such as FRP, SRP, metallic bars, or cables. Such devices and systems impart a compressive stress into a static structure having the elongated reinforcement member running therethrough or therealong. An anchoring system can include an anchor block that includes a front end surface for contacting the static structure, an axial bore for receiving the elongated reinforcement member, and clamping members that, when closed, exert a radial clamping force on a reinforcement member in the axial bore. A tensioning and anchoring system may include one or more tensioners integrally connected to an anchor block. At least one sleeve may be secured to the anchor block and cooperate with a bolt that displaces the anchor block to place a tensile force on the elongated reinforcement member and impart a compressive force on the static structure.

Abstract: Drainage under a deck can be performed by a structure that includes hanging components and corrugated panels. For example, a hanging component can have connected first and second portions, with the first portion being connected to hang from one of the joists and extending downward to where it connects to the second portion, which is below the joist. The second portion can be connected to support of at least one of the panels from above. The upper surfaces of panels are sloped so that drainage occurs from a high part to a low part. The direction of slope and the direction of corrugations are not perpendicular, and can be approximately the same. The hanging components can, for example, be L-shaped brackets, U-shaped, or inverted T-shaped, and can be integrally formed by extrusion of plastic or can be metal. The panels can be corrugated plastic or metal sheets.

Abstract: An isolation mount for supporting, for example, a photovoltaic cell. The isolation mount includes an isolator body, a first membrane adjacent to a lower surface of the body, and a second membrane extending over the isolator body that includes a peripheral margin that is at least partially sealed or adhered to the first membrane. At least one connector is supported by the isolator body and at least one fastener extends through the second membrane to secure the connector to the isolator body. The connector may include a mounting rail, posts, or an air channel assembly. The isolation mount construction may be incorporated into a photovoltaic module or photovoltaic roofing system for use on the roof of a building.

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 method and system for covering industrial wood plank or wood block floors that can be installed quickly without creating a hazardous environment or hazardous wastes and without the necessity of removing installed equipment. Sand is swept over the wood to fill voids and cracks. Next metal lath is stapled to the wood. A first layer of epoxy is poured onto the metal lath. After this is dry, a second coat of finish epoxy, possibly colored as desired, can be installed on the first epoxy layer. When this dries, the job is done and operations can be restarted. The epoxy material used can be self-leveling for ease of application and the final floor is approximately level. In a particular embodiment, a layer of plastic can be placed over the floor before the lath is installed, and in another embodiment, the second layer of epoxy can be omitted.

Abstract: A wire tire includes an embedment end having first and second ends. First and second leg portions extend from the first and second ends, respectively. First and second moment arms extend from the first and second leg portions, respectively. First and second hook arms extend from the first and second moments arms, respectively.

Abstract: A masonry wall is constructed of multiple courses of bricks, concrete blocks or other masonry units. A single-component urethane foam material is employed as bonding agent and is applied to the facing surfaces of the masonry units. The single-component material cures by absorbing water from its environment. The material sets up slowly to permit the mason to adjust positions of the masonry blocks, and cures to hardness in about a day. The amine in the single component material exchanges water molecules from alumina in the masonry units, and permits strong alumina-amine bonding.

Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable mounting system for mounting countertops and other similar structures to a wall or other similar structure. Adjustable mounting systems of the invention include hinge adjustment features and/or length adjustment features that allow a single system to be adapted to fit a variety of sizes and/or shapes of spaces. The invention further provides methods of mounting a countertop using an adjustable mounting system.

Abstract: A multipurpose rotatable tray includes a wall-mountable member rotationally coupled to a tray member, the latter being dually functional as (1) a horizontal support surface and (2) a wall hanging for an aesthetic article, while the tray member is in horizontal and vertical configurations, respectively. The tray member includes an opening for receiving a replaceable aesthetic article, such as, but not limited to, a painting or photograph. The tray unit may be automatically or manually coupled to the wall-mountable member when in the vertical configuration.

Abstract: A system for fire protection of a structural element, which system comprising one or more fire protection boards attached to the said structural element, and one or more hard plates attached to an outer surface of the fire protection boards by means of a non-combustable adhesive, said hard plates having a harder surface than the fire protection board. A method for protecting a structural element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A joint profile (1) intended to be arranged between panels (2 and 3 respectively). The joint profile (1) comprises a first edge portion (10) and a second edge portion (11). The first edge portion (10) comprises a main body portion (101), a bridge portion (102) being at one end connected to the main body portion (101) said bridge portion (102) further being provided with a distal edge (103) and a connector means (104) arranged close to the distal edge (103). The second edge portion (11) is provided with a second main body portion (111) comprising a connector receiving means (114). The main body portion (101) is provided with an edge portion (105) having a geometry adapted for joining with a selected edge (2?, 2?, 3? and 3? respectively) of the panels (2 and 3 respectively). The second main body portion (111) is provided with an edge member (115) having a geometry adapted for joining with a selected edge (2?, 2?, 3? and 3? respectively) of the panels (2 and 3 respectively).

Abstract: A method of attaching and aligning reinforcing bars includes providing a plurality of molded plastic clips having first and second parallel seats and a third transverse seat, all seats of equal size. A lower seat of a clip is pressed over a first reinforcement bar, then a second reinforcement bar is pressed into the upper seat to attach two bars of equal size in parallel. Another identical clip can be used to attach a third bar transverse to the first two bars, all the bars being of equal size.

Abstract: The invention includes various embodiments of a tilt-up wall brace dolly and method of use. Tilt-up wall braces incorporating the tilt-up wall brace dolly features are also disclosed. The embodiments of the invention are useful in the construction industry, particularly the erection and temporary bracing of tilt-up walls.

Abstract: Building or structural panels may be joined, such as to form walls or floors. The panels have edge anchors with mounts. The anchors may comprise elongate members defining a trough having spaced cross-pins. A connector is positioned between adjacent panels. The connector engages the mounts of the anchors, such by having the cross-pins slide into slots of the connector. The panels may have outer skins located over an expanded core comprising a matrix of supporting elongate members and voids or openings, with the anchors located slots formed in the edges of the panels.

Abstract: A support bracket (10) for anchoring cladding tiles (40) to a support wall structure (54), the support bracket (10) comprising: a substantially elongated base plate portion (12) attachable to the support will structure (54), the base plate portion (12) defining a base first end edge (20) and a substantially opposed base second end edge (18), the base plate portion (12) also defining a base first side (22) and a substantially opposed base second side (24); and a substantially elongated flange portion (30) extending from the base first side (14), the flange portion (30) having a substantially T-shaped lateral cross-section, the flange portion (30) defining a flange first end edge (64) and a substantially opposed flange second end edge (56), the flange portion (30) being substantially longitudinally offset relatively to the base plate portion (12) such that the flange portion (30) is protruding from the base first end edge (20) substantially adjacent the flange first end edge (64); the base plate portion (12) an

Abstract: Building components that interconnect with one another to form a building are disclosed. The building components can be arranged in an almost limitless number of combinations to construct differently-shaped buildings. Embodiments include foundation blocks with vertically extending floor supports that form an open space beneath the floor when the floor tiles are placed on the floor supports. Alternate embodiments include side foundation blocks with recesses that form connecting passageways between the floor chase and open chases formed in the walls. Still other embodiments include side foundation blocks with abutment portions that inhibit the floor tiles from moving horizontally outside the foundation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to profiles for attaching rigid plates, especially photovoltaic modules, to a roof and to a method and system for attaching photovoltaic modules to a roof structure with the help of profiles.

Abstract: Flexible joining element for constructions for placing between contiguous parts of said construction in order to transmit vertical or horizontal loads, which includes at least one body made of braided and pressed steel strands that support said loads, with said braided and pressed steel strands being characterised by a deformation-tension curve that has a zone of shallower slope A and a zone of steeper slope B, with said body using in relation to said curve the zone of greater slope B, thus providing a material especially suited for the stacking of prefabricated modules for construction, particularly due to its deformation-tension characteristics and its high level of predictability which make it very practical for predicting the response of the structure.

Abstract: A foundation system for bracing a manufactured home on its foundation is disclosed comprising a plurality of vertically stacked blocks stacked on footings, and a plurality of elongated braces connected to the mobile home and a foundation footing. A plurality of elongated braces comprising unitary brace tubes, flexible joints, and footing anchor tabs at first ends of the brace tubes, and adapted to connect to an I-beam of the home at a second remote end of the brace tube. Each footing anchors including a major leg and a minor leg, the major and minor legs being flattened to form an anchor tab intersecting the longitudinal axis of the brace tube at an acute angle of inclination. The flexible joint provides a degree of rotation of the brace tube relative to the anchor tab so that the angle of inclination may be changed.