Abstract: A composite termite barrier (10) comprising a mesh sheet (13) and two membranes (15, 25) bonded to opposed sides of the mesh sheet to provide structural rigidity. In the arrangement illustrated, the mesh sheet (13) is woven wire mesh comprising strands (17) cooperating to define openings (19) in the mesh. The mesh sheet (13) functions as an active termite barrier; that is, the mesh sheet is configured to exclude the passage of termites therethrough, and the membranes (15, 25) provide support for the sheet to prevent it from distorting to an extent that it would no longer provide an effective barrier to termites.

Abstract: A tool connects a stud in place to a longitudinal track in a metal stud wall system installation. The tool includes a tool head having an upright slot in which a track flange is received and a pair of rams mounted on the tool head for linear movement transversely of the track. The rams are spaced apart and straddle opposite sides of the stud. The rams have leading tips with cutting edges. An actuator moves the rams into cutting engagement with the track flange in the upright slot to cut hinged tabs in the track flange, and to bend the hinged tabs into frictional engagement with the opposite sides of the upright stud to connect the upright stud in place to the track.

Abstract: A tile retaining bracket includes a tile saddle portion having a pair of saddle arms that extend away from one another to engage a corner portion of a support structure. A tile retainer portion extends outwardly from an end portion of the tile saddle and, along with portions of the tile saddle portion, partially defines a channel in which the edge portions of one or more tiles may be secured. The tile saddle and tile retainer may be separately or integrally formed. A plurality of tile retaining brackets may be used to decoratively conceal one or more exposed faces of support posts and similar structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and arrangement for attaching a tower-like structure to a foundation. In the invention, a circular element is anchored to the concrete forming the foundation. The circular element is fitted on the surface of the foundation such that the circular element remains partially inside the concrete.

Abstract: A solar panel securing system is provided. In another aspect, a solar or photovoltaic panel assembly is mounted to a building roof in a screw-free manner. Another aspect employs a snap-in connection between a member pre-assembled to a solar panel and a roof-mounted bracket. A further aspect adhesively bonds a bracket directly to a glass surface of a solar panel. A method of securing a solar panel is additionally provided.

Abstract: An adjustable stud adapter is configured to attach to a stud. The adjustable stud adapter includes a front surface, a side surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface, and a first positioning slot and a second positioning slot formed on the side surface. The first and second positioning slots have an elongated shape and are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A fire-rated angle piece and wall assemblies or other assemblies that incorporate the fire-rated angle piece, in which the angle piece includes an intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The angle can be attached adjacent to a corner of a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed between the framing member and a wall board member at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement.

Abstract: A method of fastening a wall panel to a wall, according to one illustrative embodiment, comprises coupling a retaining body to a mounting body mounted on an outer surface of the wall adjacent a side edge of the wall panel. Coupling the retaining body to the mounting body may comprise coupling a first connector on an inner surface of the retaining body to a second connector on the mounting body, and positioning a retainer on the retaining body against a retaining surface on the wall panel to fasten the wall panel to the wall. Kits and wall assemblies according to other illustrative embodiments are also disclosed.

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 aesthetically 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: An insulated concrete form having spaced sidewalls joined by form ties to define a first interior cavity therebetween for receiving poured concrete, the form ties including interior fastening plates positioned in between the spaced sidewalls. The interior fastening plates provide a backing surface to which forming structures can be easily and efficiently secured to define a second interior cavity in between the forming structure and one of the sidewalls, the second interior cavity having thickness less than the first interior cavity so as to define a form for making a recess in the resulting concrete portion of the wall.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite foam material that is alkaline and heat resistance. The composite foam material comprises a foam layer that having a film layer attached thereto and in which at least one of the film or foam layers includes a carbon free radical scavenger agent that is dispersed therein. The carbon free radical scavengers neutralize free radicals that are generated in the polymeric material (e.g., film or foam layer) and help prevent the degradation of the foam composite material. In particular, foam composite materials in accordance with the present invention can be used in underlayment applications in which exposure to heat can degrade the underlayment. As a result, the durability and useful life of the composite sheet material can be extended. In some embodiments of the present invention provides a floor underlayment material that overcomes many of the problems discussed above.

Abstract: A spacer for use in spacing a cladding component from a building component has a support member, a base spaced apart from the support member, the base having a contact surface facing away from the support member, a web connected between the support member and the base, and a guide configured to locate the cladding component on the support member. A plurality of the spacers can be used by resiliently deforming them to accommodate and retain by restorative bias force a corresponding plurality of portions of the cladding component. Thereafter, the spacers are secured to the building component.

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 solar module having a curved surface to facilitate shedding of accumulated snow and water. The module can also be angled to achieve the same. The module includes a housing with a curved or angled upper surface and solar cells are positioned within the housing.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved floor covering product. The floor covering product comprises a floor covering material having a face surface and a back surface. On the back surface of the floor covering material is a layer of polyurethane having a cure index of between approximately 70 and 90. A method of using the floor covering product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wall anchor employing adhesives or other settable materials to strengthen the wall anchor, facilitating ease of use as well as extreme holding power. A method to attach a wall anchor to a panel, a method to remove a wall anchor from a panel, and a removal tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved cellular building block including a middle beam and two legs. The cellular building block having the first leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and a second leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and spaced apart from the first leg, the first leg and the second leg having an inside edge and an outside edge. Having at least one barb located on the inside edge of the first leg and on the inside edge of the second leg and further configured to lock into a recess. The cellular building blocks connect in a two dimensional or three dimensional pattern and a produce a structured material that holds itself together and exhibits beneficial characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed are an earthquake-resistant structure and an earthquake-resistant construction method which secure survival space and breathable space in a building even when the building is damaged by an earthquake, thus suppressing victims originating from earthquake disaster. Partitions inside the building are removed, and steel racks that support the dead load of a building above the floors when the structure framework of the building is damaged by an earthquake are disposed in an exclusive area in the building to partition the exclusive area into rooms. Joint members or the like which connect a plurality of steel racks are attached to hold the layout form of the steel racks.

Abstract: Fastener-receiving components are disclosed for use in a structure fabricated from a curable material (e.g. concrete, other cementitious materials or other curable materials). The fastener-receiving component comprises: one or more fastener-receiving channels, each fastener-receiving channel defined by a pair of longitudinally and inwardly extending sidewalls and comprising one or more break-through elements which extend longitudinally and transversely between the sidewalls for receiving fasteners that penetrate therethrough; and one or more anchor features that define one or more corresponding concavities shaped to receive liquid material when the structure is formed and to prevent outward movement of the fastener-receiving component when the liquid material cures. Kits and methods are provided for using the fastener-receiving components.

Abstract: A reinforcing system for a guy anchor used in a guyed or additionally guyed tower includes a concrete structure formed around the guy anchor. The concrete structure has a top surface slightly above grade level. The reinforcing system further includes a supplemental anchor shaft. The supplemental anchor shaft is attached to the existing anchor head and extends down into the concrete structure, where it is retained and encased therein. The concrete structure preferably has a base and at least one wall that extends down from the base and has a surface that faces the tower to resist horizontal forces. The reinforcing system is sufficiently strong to keep the guy anchor in place even if the original anchor shaft completely corrodes. The supplemental anchor shaft does not generally come into contact with soil. It therefore resists corrosion and is expected to provide a long service life.

Abstract: A method includes dispensing a first polymer or predominantly polymer material foam precursor and allowing the precursor to rise and at least partially set to form a foam core layer for an insulation board, the foam core layer having a first density. The method further comprises dispensing a second polymer or predominantly polymer material foam precursor and allowing the second precursor to rise and set to form a core layer for a cover board, the core layer for the cover board having a second density greater than the first density. The second foam precursor may include polyisocyanurate. The method may also include feeding facer materials over the precursors to form facers on the core layers. Such insulation boards and cover boards may be cut to length and installed on a roof.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a roof-mounted structure to a roof is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a shaft extending along a longitudinal shaft axis and including a first end opposing a second end; the first end including a roof fastening portion; the second end including a drive part and an anchor portion for securing the roof-mounted structure to the shaft; and the shaft including a radially projecting shoulder surface disposed between the first and second ends and oriented toward the first end.

Abstract: A plurality of decorative pieces, such as chips, stones, or tiles, are temporarily attached to a rigid film by a releasable adhesive. First and second tile sections are fixed to a floor or subfloor surface to create a gap between the first and second tile sections. A tool is provided having a plurality of teeth which are configured so that they can be inserted in the gap between the first and second tile sections. The tool may also include two shoulder or wing portions which engage and overlap portions of the first and second tile sections and which thereby prevent the plurality of teeth from penetrating farther than a certain distance into the gap. The gap may be formed by gluing the first tile section and the second tile section to the floor or subfloor surface with a first glue. The method may further include gluing the plurality of decorative pieces, with a second glue, inside the gap, and then peeling off the rigid film from the plurality of decorative pieces.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel apparatuses and methods for positioning and/or for determining the locations of one structural member such as a stud, rafter or joist on another structural member such as a beam during construction.

Abstract: Wall mounting assemblies and methods are disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket that has two frame members coupled at a hinge. Each frame member has a hook for engaging a recess or slot on a panel. The assembly further includes a panel that has edges that are configured to engage the edges of adjacent panels, without the need for tilting the panel to engage. Each panel has two slots for receiving the bracket. Bending the two frame members on the bracket causes the bracket's hooks to lock into the slots on the panel.

Abstract: A mounting clip for use in the construction industry. This device will be used to effectively and efficiently establish a gap under the bottom edge of a building wall board, such as sheet rock or gypsum boards. Hanging of building panels on wall assemblies in building construction projects is very common. The present invention is a gapping device which fits onto the bottom edge of sheet rock wall board like a shoe. The clip holds the sheet rock in position raised off of the floor while the sheet rock hanger permanently affixes the panel to the panel support area, typically a stud wall. The clip prevents moisture from wicking from the floor into the wall board material The clip is designed to become a permanent fixture in the final wall construction.

Abstract: A chair for supporting a rebar grid formed from intersecting lower and upper rebar members at a predetermined height above a bearing surface is constructed having a base member, a support structure having three or more equally spaced apart legs affixed to the base member, and a retention member constructed whose walls have four equally spaced apart slots extending downward from the walls upper edges, a first and second opposing pairs of the slots each having an upper receiving section formed by inwardly sloped wall edges to form a gap less than the diameter of the rebar members and having a retention section formed below the gap of sufficient size to permit one of the rebar members to extend through the retention section, wherein the retention section of the second opposing pair is formed below the retention section of the first opposing pair.

Abstract: A system for attaching finishing elements to building structures without conventional structural sheathing is provided. The system includes attaching at least one thin, flat strip of nailable reinforcement member such as a metal strapping directly to the framing of a building structure. The finishing elements are then attached to the reinforcement members via a plurality of fastening tabs. The reinforcement members are in direct contact with the framing and configured to provide structural support and increase wind load resistance of the finishing element attached thereto.

Abstract: A building module. The building module has a rigid inner construction panel defining a planar surface thereon; one or more rigid brackets each affixed by one or more mechanical fasteners to the planar surface of the inner construction panel; a rigid, closed-cell, spray foam or adhesive matrix contiguous to and substantially covering the planar surface of the construction panel and filling and surrounding and/or embedding at least a major portion of the one or more brackets. Each of the one or more brackets bears a planar surface facing substantially away from the planar surface of the inner construction panel. The surface area of the planar surface of each of the one or more brackets is substantially smaller than the surface area of the planar surface of the construction panel to which it is affixed. There is also a method for making a building module, a method for constructing a building using the building module, and brackets useful in the building module.

Abstract: A trim element such as a door pilaster or frieze board, for attachment to a building wall, having front and back longitudinal faces, first and second longitudinal edges, and a longitudinal groove in the first edge. A mounting bracket for the wall has a forward strip that extends laterally and is selectively friction fit into the groove, a back strip that extends laterally on the back face of the element, and a connecting web between the forward and back strip that is flush with the first edge when the forward strip is fully inserted in the groove. A mounting flange for the wall extends laterally from the back face of the element, beyond the second longitudinal edge, and has a longitudinal channel along the second edge with a width that is effective to receive an edge of wall siding.

Abstract: A paneling system for external building walls includes: panels; bottom and top panel adapters attached to the panels with anchor plates; sill, head and wall girts; top and bottom panel shelves; and panel alignment mechanisms. The top panel shelves are configured for complimentary engagement with the top panel adapter and with the head and wall girts; and the bottom panel shelves are configured for complimentary engagement with the bottom panel adapters and with the sill and wall girts. A method for installing the paneling system includes attaching the sill, head wall girts to the wall; attaching the top and bottom panel shelves to the corresponding head girt, sill girt or wall girt; attaching the top and bottom panel adapters to each panel; attaching top panel adapters to the top panel shelves; attaching the bottom panel adapters to the bottom panel shelves; and aligning the panel using the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: I disclose a design and method for constructing and installing a cell front panel system that simplifies the design, construction and installation of secure jail, prison, containment or detainment cell fronts. This design and method allows for construction and installation of cell fronts to occur at any time during a facility construction, using only small hand tools and non-specialized workers.

Abstract: A composite membrane of wood floor diaphragm for construction of new buildings and strengthening of existing buildings to provide improved load transfer capacity and enhanced resistance to gravity and lateral loads, such as earthquake and/or wind for buildings with wood floor framing. The aforementioned composite membrane is a system, comprised of four-way interlocking mosaic end grain parquet floor attached to a plywood subfloor beneath. A floor to floor sound blocking barrier that can operate in high eighty decibel and above range may preferably be installed under the subfloor.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated anchor block is disclosed. The anchor block includes structure that forms at least one multi-facetted channel to receive and capture a rotatable, removable anchor rod.

Abstract: An assembly for securely enclosing a window, door or other opening defined by a structure of a house or other building comprising: a panel sized to substantially cover the opening and engage the structure, the panel having a face having a front and a back and a pair of lateral sides; one or more mounting bars for securing to the panel; one or more installation bars; means for engaging the panel and the structure to securely enclose the opening. The engaging means configured to secure together one of the mounting bars and one of the installation bars and to move the one or more installation bar towards the back of the panel engage and secure the structure between the panel and the first installation bar. A method for installing the panel to the structure of the building to securely enclose the opening.

Abstract: A building connection between a substantially vertical wall stud and a substantially horizontal bridging member, using a separate and distinct bridging connector that attaches the wall stud to the bridging member. The wall stud is typically one of several sequentially-arranged, cold-formed steel studs in the frame of a building wall. The bridging member is typically a separate cold-formed steel member that interfaces with and spans a plurality of wall studs.

Abstract: A system configured to anchor a cover plate over an interface formed between substantially coplanar substrates includes a sleeve capable of being anchored in a first substrate; a spring located in the sleeve; a post located in communication with the spring; and a fastener secured onto the post. A head of the post is located in the sleeve, and an end of the post opposite the head of the post extends out of the sleeve to receive the fastener. The fastener is secured onto the post over the cover plate located on the first substrate such that the cover plate extends over the interface formed between the first and second substrates when they are positioned to be substantially coplanar.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrofit connection of a roof frame to a support member therebelow includes a claw member having a load bearing flange to be driven into an interface between a roof sheathing and a top edge of the roof frame, and a tie-down member to be mounted to a vertical surface of the support member. The tie-down member is connected to the claw member to allow various angular positions of the load bearing flange depending on roof slopes.

Abstract: A fastening system is provided. In another aspect, a hook fastens a photovoltaic panel assembly to a building roof. Another aspect employs catches that removeably attach an auxiliary component, such as a solar panel frame, to a building in hinge and slide motions for engagement of the catches. A method of installing a fastening system is additionally provided.

Abstract: A modular exterior building assembly comprising a plurality of non-insulated panels including at least one front wall panel, at least one rear wall panel, at least two side wall panels and at least one roof panel. Each of the non-insulated panels includes beams having rotating hooks and/or pins therein. The hooks are configured to be rotated to engage the pins in adjacent beams of adjacent non-insulated panels to connect the non-insulated panels together to form the modular exterior building.

Abstract: A wainscot cap may be attached to a free edge of the plurality of panels secured to a wall. The wainscot cap may be attached to the mounting clip used to secure the plurality of panels to a wall. More particularly, the wainscot cap and the mounting clip may have a tongue and groove connection.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for connecting a foam structure to a concrete slab or floor. The connection uses a metal member and bonding agents between the foam and the metal member and bonding agents between the concrete slab or floor and the metal members.

Abstract: The anchoring element serves to anchor the bracket to a substrate, and the pressure element is intended to interact with the firestop collar. The pressure element can be moved relative to the anchoring element. An expansion element made of intumescent material is arranged between the anchoring element and the pressure element.

Abstract: A roof mounting system can include a roof substrate and flashing supportable on the substrate and including an outwardly extending projection having a concave interior side and an aperture extending through the projection between top and bottom surfaces of the flashing. A seal can extend through the aperture and contact at least a portion of the top surface and at least a portion of the bottom surface. The seal can be conformable with the concave interior side and can define a seal aperture substantially aligned with the flashing aperture. A mounting bracket can be supportable on the flashing and can define an aperture sized to receive at least a portion of each of the seal and the projection. A fastener can extend through the mounting bracket aperture, seal aperture, and flashing aperture to inhibit fluid flow through the flashing aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a reinforced vertical multi-sided monopole tower for supporting equipment including a multi-sided monopole, a plurality of holes on three equally spaced sides of the multi-sided monopole tower and tower reinforcement apparatus mounted to the holes. The tower reinforcement apparatus includes bolts supporting a first flat bar and a second flat bar on each side of the tower. The upper end of the first flat bar abuts a lower end of the second bar and a plate is bolted over adjacent ends connecting the first and second flat bar such that the first and second flat bars are sandwiched between the plate and a side of the perimeter of the monopole.

Abstract: A connector for securing a horizontally extending member of a sloped roof at a selected angle relative to an upright member of the sloped roof includes a first portion adapted for secure engagement with the upright member and a second portion adapted for secure engagement with the horizontally extending member. An angular measurement section extending from the first portion and having multiple visible features thereon is usable to secure the connector to the upright member at a selected angle by aligning a selected visible feature with a portion of the upright member. Each visible feature corresponds to a selected angular relationship, such that a desired angle between the horizontally extending member and the upright member can be provided through selective alignment of a corresponding visible feature of the connector with the upright member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards improved apparatuses and methods for connecting a structural bracing system having a first geometry to a structure or structural component having a second geometry.

Abstract: An L-profile shaped element is formed as a monolithic piece, and the L-profile shaped element includes a first and a second leg, wherein the legs are arranged to have substantially the same thicknesses, at least one edge of each leg is provided with joint parts functioning in the substantially same manner, and the element is turnable to a desired position. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the L-profile shaped element and to a method for installing L-profile shaped elements.

Abstract: The present invention integrates the use of pre-manufactured structures with minimal on-site installation and lift-slab construction to achieve the construction of multi-story buildings. The pre-manufactured structures are designed to be readily integrated with both horizontal and vertically adjacent building components, including lift-slab components, so that multiple building stories may be readily and securely stacked, one on top of the other. The present invention advantageously permits top- down lift-slab construction for multi-story buildings. The present invention also provides for the development of flexible design plans for institutional, residential, office and other types of buildings. The present invention advantageously provides for easier, more efficient, faster, cheaper, safer, higher quality and more consistent, environmentally advantaged, energy-efficient, easier to maintain, intelligently designed, and customizable multi-story building construction.

Abstract: A joist hanger typically includes one or more teeth which can be manually pressed into a header to hold the joist hanger in place on the header to free up a worker's hands so that a worker can nail the joist hanger to the header without having to manually hold the joist hanger in place while driving the nails. The joist hanger may also include a height-setting tab configured to engage the bottom of the header to set the height of the joist hanger relative to the header. The tab may be a break-off tab to allow the joist hanger to be used without the tab if desired.