Abstract: A flange component used to secure a first panel to a second panel including a first section to be affixed to the first panel and a second section to be affixed to the second panel. The second section is integrally formed with the first section, which has a length dimension that is longer than a length dimension of the second section forming first and second tabs. The second section of the flange component is integral to an intermediate section between the first and second tabs. The second tab is offset relative to the intermediate section and first tab whereby when the first section is attached to the first panel, a space is formed between the second tab and the first panel. A first tab of an adjacent flange component is inserted this space, and the second section protrudes from a periphery of the first panel for receiving the second panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for flooring including a first connecting piece, a first floor plank, a second connecting piece, and a second floor plank. The first connecting piece may be permanently connected to the first floor plank. The second connecting piece may be permanently connected to the second floor plank. The first floor plank may be temporarily connected to the second floor plank. The first connecting piece may be L-shaped, having a first section and a second section, with the first section of the first connecting piece substantially perpendicular to the second section of the first connecting piece. The second connecting piece may be L-shaped, having a first section and a second section, with the first section of the second connecting piece substantially perpendicular to the second section of the second connecting piece.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to building panels, structures comprising building panels, and methods of manufacturing building panels. In a representative embodiment, a building panel comprises a fiber-reinforced polymer layer and an insulative layer disposed adjacent the fiber-reinforced polymer layer. The building panel can further comprise a rigid planar member disposed adjacent the insulative layer such that the insulative layer is located between the fiber-reinforced polymer layer and the rigid planar member. The building panel can further comprise one or more fiber-reinforced polymer connectors extending through the insulative layer between the fiber-reinforced polymer layer and the rigid planar member.

Abstract: A shingle and method is provided, wherein the shingle includes a shingle back having at least one back conductive trace and a shingle front configured to securely include at least one solar cell. The shingle front includes at least one front conductive trace configurable such that when the shingle front includes a solar cell, the solar cell is conductively connected to the at least one front conductive trace in a series fashion. At least one of the back conductive traces is conductively connected to at least one of the front conductive traces. The back conductive traces and the front conductive traces are configured such that when the shingle is associated with a like shingle, the back conductive trace of the like shingle is conductively connected to the at least one front conductive trace of the shingle to be in a series fashion.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a photovoltaic module including a plurality of photovoltaic cells, and a frame surrounding the photovoltaic cells. The frame includes a lower flange. A module rail includes a module-support portion supporting the lower flange of the photovoltaic module. A clip fastener defines a press-fit channel in which the lower flange of the photovoltaic module and the module-support portion of the module rail are press fit to secure the module to the module-support portion of the module rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flashing member for use with a roof window mounted on an upstand, said flashing member having at least one insulating member and a compensation member on the inner side. The compensation member, which allows use of one flashing member for different angles of the window, is preferably compressible, expandable or provided with removal indications, such as cutting lines, for allowing an easy removable of a part thereof as well as elastic. A kit including at least one such flashing member may include corner flashing members, gable flashing members, a ridge flashing members and/or supplementary insulating members. The invention further relates to a method for mounting a flashing for a roof window mounted on an upstand, where one or more connector brackets are attached to the window and where the/each flashing member is attached to the window frame via at least one connector bracket.

Abstract: Faux brick and faux brick or masonry system are disclosed. An example system includes a plurality of low-density faux bricks (or blocks) and one or more couplings or faux joints configured to engage one or more of the plurality of faux bricks. To assemble a structure, a plurality of modular faux bricks and faux joints are provided, and the modular faux bricks are combined with faux joint to assemble a faux brick structure in which a plurality of faux joints are interspersed between the plurality of faux bricks.

Abstract: A fire protective barrier for a residential floor and a method of its construction, the construction involving a floor supported on lightweight joists of a type susceptible to early failure once exposed to a fire existing in the space below the floor, an array of elongated steel main tees suspended below the joists, the tees being parallel and spaced apart by a nominal distance of 2?, the tees having an upper hollow reinforcing bulb, a central vertical web extending downwardly from the bulb and a horizontal flange extending laterally from both sides of the web, drywall panels carried on upper faces of the flanges of adjacent pairs of tees, the drywall panels having a width of slightly less than the center-to-center distance of the tees, a majority of the panels having lengths of 8? or more.

Abstract: A pair of relatively spaced apart frame-engaging plates are provided on the anchoring end of the bracket. An elongated body extends downwardly from the anchoring end and spans a gap between the roof frame member to which the anchoring end is attached and the exterior brick. An elongated opening extends between panel facing edge portions of the elongated body and into an insert receiving recess. A frieze panel adapted to cover the gap between the roof frame member and the brick is mounted on the bracket by nailing it to a wooden insert mounted in the recess.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a photovoltaic panel on a rooftop includes a vessel having a first side, second side, front, bottom, and top panels, wherein the panels are attached to define a void within the vessel. A fill port is disposed on the vessel. A first hole is adapted to receive a screw on the top panel, wherein the first hole is aligned with a second hole disposed on the bottom panel, wherein the first and second holes are adapted to be aligned with a third hole on a first mounting cross arm. The top panel is inclined at an angle relative to the bottom panel.

Abstract: Floor panels with a flexible tongue in an insertion groove, the flexible tongue is designed to cooperate, in a connected state with a tongue groove of another panel, the panels are adapted to be locked together by vertical folding, the flexible tongue has a projection portion which, in a connected state projects outside the insertion groove and cooperates with the tongue groove, said projecting portion has a beveled and/or rounded sliding surface and the panels have a sliding surface adapted to cooperate therewith during vertical folding, the flexible tongue during the vertical folding is displaced twice in the horizontal direction, a first displacement is effected by the vertical folding of the fold panel whereby at least a part of the flexible tongue is bent, a second displacement of the flexible tongue towards its initial position is accomplished substantially by a spring effect caused by said bending of said flexible tongue.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a masonry wall system consisting of a plurality of panels and artificial masonry units. The panels are provided with channels sized to receive the artificial masonry units and delimited by protruding ribs. The protruding ribs have a predetermined width w and also have notches uniformly spaced along the ribs. The artificial masonry units have protuberances devised and positioned on the masonry units to be fitted in the notches of the protruding ribs so that the masonry units are equally spaced-apart from each other by a predetermined gap (g).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for installing a penetration in a sheathing assembly and building structures. An opening can be formed at least partially through a sheathing assembly that includes a body; a barrier layer; and an adhesive disposed between at least a portion of the body and the barrier layer. At least a portion of the barrier layer adjacent the opening can be peeled back to expose at least a portion of the body. A penetration can be disposed at least partially within the opening. The penetration can include a contact member that at least partially contacts the exposed body, the barrier layer, or both. The penetration can be secured to at least a portion of the sheathing assembly, and the peeled back portion of the barrier layer can be repositioned such that the barrier layer covers at least a portion of the contact member.

Abstract: In a double layer grid-type of space frame, certain framing members are connected at their opposite ends to separate node connectors carried by chords of the frame. The node connectors have spaced apart opposing surfaces that receive the framing members. A shear pin passage is formed through each framing member and through the opposing surfaces of the node connector. The shear pin connects the framing member to the node connector.

Abstract: Structure, such as a roof or a wall, comprising a plurality of modular panels (11). Each modular panel (11) has a shell (13) and a filling element (14) coupled with each other and defining at least a compartment (24, 25) for the disposition of a heat-carrying fluid and/or of fluidic and electric connection cables. Connection means are provided between one modular panel (11) and one or more adjacent modular panels (11).

Abstract: A connector strip is mechanically attached to the planar surface defined by wooden or metallic walls. In a first embodiment the connector strip has an elongate I-beam configuration with a proximal end having transverse arms that define a flattened base that is attachable to the wall. A central rib member extends from the proximal end and is transverse to the plane of the transverse arms. The distal end of the connector strip is also defined by arms that are transverse to the central rib and which define an insulation board receiving slot between the arms on the proximal and distal ends. The arms at the distal end-the outer end of the connector strip when it is attached to a wall, serve as a surface onto which exterior materials such as siding and sheetrock may be anchored with nails or screws.

Abstract: An energy generating system for placement on a roof structure is disclosed including one or more solar panels being secured to roof system components. The solar panels are secured thereto with hook and loop fasteners that may be integral with the roof system components.

Abstract: Insulated wall and roof sheathing systems for use in building construction designed to provide moisture permeable wall panels that protect from bulk water, excess air, and thermal transfer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the art of installing hardwood flooring while maintaining the wood grain in the direction of any bends required to conform to a curved structure. More particularly, the invention pertains to a machine and method for installing curved hardwood flooring using three steps. First step is to establish the desired floor boundary and anchor a plurality of pressure units in place at appropriate intervals to accurately represent the desired shape of the curved hardwood floor to be installed. Second step is to make appropriate adjustments to the pressure units and position the hardwood flooring in the machine; Third step is to activate the pressure units to bend the flooring into the desired contour; hold securely; make adjustments, if necessary and nail the hardwood flooring to the sub-floor. Then repeat steps 2 and 3 until the hardwood floor is completed.

Abstract: A bracket for a trim unit generally comprising a back plate. The back plate has first and second longitudinal sides, each having an angulated leg projecting transversely at each side. The back plate has first and second back plate portions which extend longitudinally on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis defined intermediate the first and second longitudinal sides. First and second sets of fastening apertures are defined in said first and second portions, respectively. The back plate first portion is detachable from the back plate second portion along the longitudinal axis such that the first portion and the second portion are each separately attachable to a wall in laterally spaced relation with the angulated legs facing each other.

Abstract: A wall cladding and wall cladding system each comprising a plurality of panels, wherein opposing ends of each panel are substantially aligned with corresponding opposing ends of adjacent panels to form respective edges of an array of panels. Each panel includes at least one first recess in its first major face adjacent a first major edge configured in use to resemble a recessed mortar joint.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems, devices, and methods for mounting a photovoltaic module to a structure, such as a roof. An embodiment of a method for mounting a photovoltaic module to a structure may include providing a photovoltaic module, a first mounting device, and a second mounting device. The first mounting device and the second mounting device may be coupled with the structure, such as a roofing membrane, so that opposing mounting channels of the respective devices face one another. The method may further include inserting a first edge of the photovoltaic module within the mounting channel of the first mounting device and inserting a second edge of the photovoltaic module within the mounting channel of the second mounting device so that the photovoltaic module is disposed between the first mounting device and the second mounting device.

Abstract: A method of covering a roof deck includes laying a course of starter shingles in a side-by-side relationship at an eave edge of a roof deck. A starter shingle of the course of starter shingles is a laminated starter shingle comprising an underlay sheet laminated below an overlay sheet. A plurality of successive generally horizontal courses of covering shingles are laid above the course of starter shingles. The covering shingles in each of the courses of covering shingles are laid in a side-by-side relationship and horizontally offset from the covering shingles in adjacent courses. Each covering shingle of the courses of covering shingles includes a headlap portion and a butt portion. The butt portion includes a plurality of tabs separated by cutouts. The starter shingles include an exposed portion extending between the tabs of the covering shingles.

Abstract: A masonry wall is constructed of multiple courses of bricks, concrete blocks or other masonry units. A single-component urethane closed cell 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. The blocks may favorably be formed of a pair of masonry faces with a foam core sandwiched between them.

Abstract: A trim bead for a building wall incorporates an outwardly extending flange portion to provide a mechanical key for a layer of exterior finishing coatings, such as stucco coatings. The trim bead may be used in stucco systems for exterior building walls that employ continuous thermal insulation over the building wall substrate.

Abstract: A flexible hurricane shutter or barrier to protect buildings from over pressure has inflatable cushions held in place by a fabric material capable of withstanding winds in excess of 100 mph. The barrier can be stored on site in a rolled fashion. Retainers are mounted on a building to guide and secure the longitudinal edges of the fabric to permit ease of deployment. The retainers may be spaced apart over one side of a building and the barrier may be deployed over an entire surface of a multi-story building by raising and lowering the fabric. Inflatable cushions are held between the fabric and the building. The inflated cushions reinforce the material and distribute the force of impact throughout the surface of the cushions and act as spacers to both hold the fabric off the structure and focus the forces onto stranger portions of the structure.

Abstract: A method of locating a flooring element includes: laying a flooring element; providing a spacing member; positioning the spacing member between the flooring element and a fixed element; providing a separating member, the separating member having first and second faces inclined at an angle to one another so that at least a part of the separating member is in the form of a wedge having a wider end and a narrower end; positioning the separating member so that one of the first and second faces contacts the flooring element and the other of the first and second faces contacts the spacing member; and driving the separating member between the flooring element and the spacing member in a direction passing from the wider end of the wedge to the narrower end thereof, thereby exerting forces on the flooring element and the spacing member in directions to separate the flooring element and the spacing member.

Abstract: A flange component used to secure a first panel to a second panel including a first section to be affixed to the first panel and a second section to be affixed to the second panel. The second section is integrally formed with the first section, which has a length dimension that is longer than a length dimension of the second section forming first and second tabs. The second section of the flange component is integral to an intermediate section between the first and second tabs. The second tab is offset relative to the intermediate section and first tab whereby when the first section is attached to the first panel, a space is formed between the second tab and the first panel. A first tab of an adjacent flange component is inserted this space, and the second section protrudes from a periphery of the first panel for receiving the second panel.

Abstract: A wall cladding and wall cladding system each comprising a plurality of panels, wherein opposing ends of each panel are substantially aligned with corresponding opposing ends of adjacent panels to form respective edges of an array of panels. Each panel includes at least one first recess in its first major face adjacent a first major edge configured in use to resemble a recessed mortar joint.

Abstract: A panel (10) that is a roof cover for a sloped roof and that also is a mounting system for an array of PV modules (132). The panels (10) define rails (22, 24, 28, 30) that interlock with grooves (46, 48, 124, 126) to secure adjacent panels in each row of the array. The modules (132) are supported by bosses (34, 120) that determine the height of the module array and avoid the interlocking structure between the modules.

Abstract: A method for mounting PV modules to a deck includes selecting PV module layout pattern so that adjacent PV module edges are spaced apart. PV mounting and support assemblies are secured to the deck according to the layout pattern using fasteners extending into the deck. The PV modules are placed on the PV mounting and support assemblies. Retaining elements are located over and secured against the upper peripheral edge surfaces of the PV modules so to secure them to the deck with the peripheral edges of the PV modules spaced apart from the deck. In some examples a PV module mounting assembly, for use on a shingled deck, comprises flashing, a base mountable on the flashing, a deck-penetrating fastener engageable with the base and securable to the deck so to secure the flashing and the base to the shingled deck, and PV module mounting hardware securable to the base.

Abstract: A block for construction of foundation systems retaining walls and gabions and to methods to build walls or gabions from said block. The block is comprised by at least two sides or faces of rectangular and flat configuration (1 and 2); at least one side or face (3) which has at least one of the ends in convex form; at least two sides or faces (4 and 5) which have at least one of its ends in convex form and that together with the convex end of the side or face (3) can provide said block with an apex (6) and respective geodynamic form. The present block is intended for the civil construction sector, more specifically for the construction of retaining walls by means of blocks or applying formwork with the form of the blocks.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing floor panels, wherein boards of laminate material are formed by means of a press treatment and wherein these boards are divided into several panels, from which the actual floor panels are formed. In a press treatment of the method, at least one impression is provided in the board, which at least is employed as a guiding groove for guiding the aforementioned board or the subsequently obtained panels in further treatments.

Abstract: A panel mounting system for mounting a panel (particularly a solar panel) to a structure. A load element connects a panel retainer to the roof structure and plastically deforms to a deformed configuration upon application of a predetermined threshold load to the load element. The load element typically has a cranked initial condition and elongates during plastic deformation. The mounting system prevents roof damage due to wind loading on the panels.

Abstract: An assembly of blocks for use in yard and garden environments includes a plurality of discrete blocks each having a body portion and a joining portion, the joining portion having a plurality of angled teeth. The teeth of a first one of the plurality of blocks interlock with the teeth of a second one of the plurality of blocks such that the first and second blocks are connected together and arranged perpendicular relative to one another so that the plurality of blocks has an L-shaped configuration.

Abstract: An optimized building integrated hybrid roofing system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of metal battens having a longitudinal channel mounted horizontally onto a plurality of wooden battens, a plurality of solar electric roof tiles mounted on the metal battens and connected in series to form a string, a thermal tubing/heat pipe mounted along the longitudinal channel, at least one manifold containing liquid connected with the thermal tubing/heat pipe, an inverter connected to each string, heat exchangers connected to the thermal tubing/heat pipe, and a pump connected between the thermal tubing/heat pipe and the heat exchangers. The solar electric roof tiles generate DC from solar energy and the inverter converts the DC to AC to feed to a utility grid. The metal battens collect solar energy and converts into thermal energy resulting in producing hot water.

Abstract: A method of assembling resilient floorboards is disclosed that includes the step of bending an edge of a floorboard during the assembling. The bending reduces the force required for connection of the edge to another edge of a juxtaposed floorboard.

Abstract: Increased resistance to displacement of a barrier or barrier sections thereof in response to a lateral force without anchoring or bolting barrier sections together is achieved by providing an attachment arrangement near the top of an end of barrier sections which is capable of carrying a tensile force and developing that tensile force using a tightening bolt/nut arrangement located at deflection stops at lower corners of the barrier sections to develop a compressive force. The barrier sections are thus rigidly attached together such that a lateral force applied to one or more barrier sections is partially transferred to additional attached barrier sections effectively increasing the mass against which the lateral force is applied. The tightening bolt/nut arrangements are retained by and are captive to the respective barrier sections when barrier sections are disassembled from each other.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a unitized overhead glazing system of the present invention includes an array of assembled structural framing cassettes each having at least five photovoltaic modules. In an embodiment, each cassette forms one electrical string and is pre-wired, tested, and shipped ready to install for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, parking canopies, covered walkways and specialty awnings. The unitized overhead glazing system can be utilized to generate electricity, provide shade, collect water, reduce heat island effect, provide more controlled lighting and support infrastructure for plug-in vehicles. The unitized overhead glazing system is designed to be installed and maintained from below, eliminating safety concerns associated with conventional canopies where work must be performed while on top of the canopy. The unitized overhead glazing system incorporates sealing methods and components to manage water, limit debris build up, and maximize energy yield.

Abstract: A method includes substantially filling with joint sealant first and second kerfs in upper and lower ends, respectively, of a curtain wall member. A locating-and-retaining member of a latching member is embedded in the first kerf's sealant. A receiving-and-retaining member of a first bracket is embedded in the second kerf's sealant, the wall member initially extending upwardly and angularly outwardly relative to the first bracket. The wall member is pivoted inwardly such that an end of a nominally horizontally-disposed portion of the latching member slides along a lower surface of a supporting member of a second bracket causing the latching member to rotate downwardly, compressing foam tape beneath the horizontally-disposed portion. The end of the latching member moves past a locking member until a latch comes into latching engagement with the locking member, the foam tape decompressing and maintaining the latching member in engagement with the lower surface.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules including a solar panel integrated with a supporting frame, and which are configured to be installed on a building rooftop. Modules according to the present teachings may be at least partially pre-assembled, with a solar panel oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the rooftop mounting surface of the supporting frame.

Abstract: The wainscot wall panel system may comprise a plurality of panels which are mounted to a wall. The plurality of panels are mounted to the wall with a plurality of horizontal joints including but not limited to a bottom edge joint and a top edge joint and one or more intermediate or middle horizontal joints. Each of the joints are attached to the wall and used to mount the panel to the wall. In particular, the joints may have panels which mechanically receive the panels so that no adhesive or chemical attachment methods are necessary in order to mount the panels to the wall. This reduces the exposure of toxic chemicals to the occupants of the building and permits air to flow behind the panels, thereby mitigating the creation of mold.

Abstract: An improved lath and rain screen assembly for fastening to an exterior building surface or the like is provided. The lath and rain screen assembly comprises a rain screen configured to encourage ventilation and drying, and a lath configured to receive at least a portion of a first mortar layer. In various embodiments, the rain screen comprises a first and a second body, defining respective co-parallel first and second planes, while the lath comprises a third body spaced apart from and substantially parallel to at least the first plane. In certain embodiments, the first body and the lath are spaced apart so as to provide a first intermediate pathway. In certain embodiments, the first intermediate pathway is at least partially defined by the second body of the rain screen. A method of applying the improved lath and rain screen assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A wall panel system may comprise a plurality of panels which may be mounted to a wall. The panels have panel clips attached to the backside thereof. The wall has a plurality of horizontal joints attached thereto. The panel clips and the horizontal joints have tongues and grooves which allow the panel to be mounted to the wall. Preferably, the tongues are formed on the panel clips and point in the same direction. The grooves are formed on the horizontal joints and point in the opposite direction from the tongues. In this manner, the tongues can be inserted or hung into the grooves. The panels are locked in place by a plurality of horizontal caps which engage the horizontal joints and prevent the panel immediately below the horizontal caps from being removed.

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 shaped insulating board is disclosed for enabling lining of fiber cement boards and simultaneously enabling attachment of the insulating board on the building studs. Furthermore, the shaped insulating board provides a water drainage panel that allows water to drain downward on both sides of the board. The shaped insulating board also provides aeration between the board and the building surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a brick façade positioning assembly includes positioning a plurality of bricks in a specified wall pattern. A film is placed over the bricks, and the film is molded over the bricks to form a custom brick film tray. The custom brick film tray includes brick shaped tray recesses in the specified wall pattern. The plurality of bricks are positioned within the brick shaped tray recesses. Optionally, a liquid setting material is poured on the custom brick film tray and the plurality of bricks to form a brick façade wall. The brick façade wall includes the bricks in the specified wall pattern provided by the custom brick film tray.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules including a solar panel integrated with a supporting frame, and which are configured to be installed on a building rooftop. Modules according to the present teachings may be at least partially pre-assembled, with a solar panel oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the rooftop mounting surface of the supporting frame.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules including a solar panel integrated with a supporting frame, and which are configured to be installed on a building rooftop. Modules according to the present teachings may be at least partially pre-assembled, with a solar panel oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the rooftop mounting surface of the supporting frame.

Abstract: Method for producing a heating panel, and heating panel resulting therefrom. In a first platform, a stack of a sound-proof and moisture-proof material and a thermal insulating material, through which shock-absorbing poles having protecting caps are inserted by a predetermined interval, is prepared. A lower thermal energy storage plate is attached to the thermal insulating material in a second platform, a heat conduction steel plate is attached to the lower thermal energy storage plate in a third platform, and an upper thermal energy storage plate is attached to the heat conduction steel plate in a fourth platform. Rivet holes are perforated through the thermal energy storage plates, heat conduction steel plate, and protecting caps in a fifth platform, and rivets are into the holes in a sixth platform. The rivets are riveted in a seventh platform, completing the complex heating panel. The completed panel is transported in an eighth platform.