Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a photovoltaic (PV) module on a surface, including a support with an upper surface, a lower surface, tabs, one or more openings, and a clip comprising an arm and a notch, where the apparatus resists wind forces and seismic forces and creates a grounding electrical bond between the PV module, support, and clip. The invention further includes a method for installing PV modules on a surface that includes arranging supports in rows along an X axis and in columns along a Y axis on a surface such that in each row the distance between two neighboring supports does not exceed the length of the longest side of a PV module and in each column the distance between two neighboring supports does not exceed the length of the shortest side of a PV module.

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: A connector for rigidly engaging elongate structural members in a display structure includes a beam connection portion defined on a body and having a cavity. A semi-cylindrical guide surface of the cavity is adjacent to an opening. The opening has an elliptical shape in which the difference between a major and a minor axis is an offset distance. An eccentric fastener is rotatably disposed in the cavity and includes a head portion that protrudes from the opening and engages a hole of the elongate structural member, and a cam portion that is eccentrically disposed relative to the head portion and configured to engage the semi-cylindrical surface when the eccentric fastener is rotated relative to the connector.

Abstract: A building barrier system wherein a portion of the building barrier system can transition between an erect position and a substantially flat position thereby allowing access to the interior of the structure without having to disassemble the building barrier system and associated method.

Abstract: Rectangular photovoltaic (PV) modules are mounted on a building roof by mounting stands that are distributed in rows and columns. Each stand comprises a base plate and first and second different height brackets attached to opposite ends of the base plate. Each first and second bracket comprises two module-support members. One end of each module is pivotally attached to and supported by a first module-support member of a first bracket and a second module-support member of another first bracket. At its other end each module rests on but is connected by flexible tethers to module-support members of two different second brackets. The tethers are sized to allow the modules to pivot up away from the module-support members on which they rest to a substantially horizontal position in response to wind uplift forces.

Abstract: A fenestration system including a glass unit, attachment member and decorative member is provided. The decorative member includes a rotatable coupler for easy attachment of the decorative member to the attachment member. An attachment system including a decorative member having a rotatable coupler is also provided. A rotatable coupler is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an awning that permits light and air to enter the structure to which the awning is attached, that can be utilized to protect against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The awning includes a perimeter framework that is adapted to receive a removable rigid support plate. In an alternate embodiment, the invention provides a shutter that is inexpensive, easy and quick to manufacture, that can provide protection against major storms, and that can pass strict building code standards testing. The shutter includes modular louver sections that have an integral rigid backing plate.

Abstract: A panel support assembly 25 comprises a post 10 having at least one elongate recess 12, rotatably supporting a respective panel receiving member 13. The panel receiving member 13 comprising a rod-like member having an internal channel 14 adapted to receive a panel 11. The recess 12 is part-cylindrical and respective panel receiving member 14 is cylindrical, partially fitting within recess 12, so as to allow relative rotation. A pair of panel support assemblies 25, with pairs of panel receiving members 13 facing each other, provides a panel fixing system for fixing a panel 11.

Abstract: A number of ceiling rails are installed under the structural ceiling of a room in a selected array, in a configuration to provide openings between the rails to fit therein ceiling tiles. Brackets are used to support the tiles, the brackets being removably attached to the rails. At least one bracket is used on each side of a tile. The bracket comprises a pair of slots that allow it to be snapped onto the rail, and has a pair of integral laterally projecting load-bearing plates which support a first tile on one side and a pivotable supporting finger which can support a second tile on its opposite side. The pivotable finger pivots between an inoperative position in which is extends along the length of the bracket without laterally projecting therefrom, and an operative position in which it laterally projects beyond the side edge of the bracket. In this operative position, it may support a ceiling tile.

Abstract: Interior shields for protecting structure openings such as windows and doors are described. The shields which are to be positioned on the inside of a window include metal pane backing, metal reinforcement channel members, a metal flange frame, and sealing gasket material on the inside edges of the flange frame. The shields are held in place by compressive fasteners that include a metal cam type wheel with a flat side portion, an axial-hole off center and a side opening for an adjustment rod. A bolt can fit through the axial opening to hold the wheel against the side interior frame of a window. The bolt can be held in place by a concrete anchor and metal sleeve. Rotating the adjustment rod attaches and detaches the shield from the window. When attached, the gasket material forms a watertight seal between the shield and the window. For wooden frames a lag bolt can be substituted for the bolt. Materials for the shield and compressive fastener can include aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel or the like.

Abstract: A wall panelling system comprising two upright posts 13, a panel 11, a hinge 19 connecting the panel to one of the posts 13 and a lock 21 for locking the panel to another post. The posts 13 have a cross-sectional shape which provides features for the attachment of the hinge 19 and the locking means 21. The locking means comprises a latch member 23 pivotally mounted with respect to its post 13 and a catch 22 fixed relative to the panel 11. The latch member 23 is movable by means of a pinion 28 which meshes with teeth 27 on the latch member 23.

Abstract: A frame for a louver holds the louver below the ceiling surface, away from a light fixture. This helps to collimate the light rays and direct the light downward, thus preventing unwanted sideways glare. In addition, the use of a frame tends to hold the louver more securely in the ceiling framework. The frame is formed of Z-shaped members, with one arm of the Z resting on the T-bar cross-bar and the other arm supporting the louver. A stop along one side of the frame prevents movement of the louver in the frame. In one aspect of the invention, rotatable angle supports at the ends of the frame rotate from a vertical position for use during louver installation to a horizontal supporting position for supporting the louver in the frame.

Abstract: A ceiling of filter panels is supported by support rods that extend through corner intersection of adjacent panels, and by a supporting disk secured to the lower end of the rods to support the corners of the filter panels. The disk has a notch in it that mates with the filter corner so that with the disk rotated to a position wherein the notch is aligned with the panel corner, a panel may be installed or removed from the assembly. Once a panel is in position, the disk is rotated about 45.degree. to a position wherein it supports a portion of the corner of each filter panel at that intersection. Retracted pins in the support disk are then threaded further into the disk so that the pins extend into an aligned hole in the corner of each panel at that intersection to align the panels. Sealing strips carrying sealing gel are then positioned around the periphery of the panels to span the gap between adjacent panels, with the strips being supported by the edges of the panels.

Abstract: A two-piece adjustable support for supporting the edge of a windshield panel on a vehicle body includes a molded plastic base member and molded plastic rotary cam member. The base member and the rotary cam member have integrally molded mating cylindrical elements with a snap-fitting retention mechanism to rotatably mount the rotary cam member on the base member. The base member has an integrally molded fastener which inserts through an aperture in the vehicle body panel to immovably mount the base member on the vehicle body. The rotary cam member has a cam surface on the periphery thereof for engaging and supporting the lower edge of the windshield panel. A detent integrally molded with the members includes a plurality of teeth molded on the rotary cam member and engaged by at least one tooth carried by a flexible spring arm integrally molded with the base member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing the outer members of a curtain wall comprising a plurality of spring-loaded tab members connected to curtain wall panel members and swingable into or out of supporting connection with corresponding stop members, said stop members being fixedly connected at predetermined positions to the vertical side rails of the curtain wall frame members. The tab members transmit the gravity load and wind load of the panel members to the curtain wall frame members through said support members.The individual curtain wall sections are positioned in the vertical guide members of the curtain wall frame at any convenient location (e.g.: ground level) and raised therein to a mounting position. The respective tab members rotate around the stop members as the curtain wall section is raised but are biased outwardly to prevent said curtain wall sections from being lowered, as by the force of gravity.

Abstract: A support frame for receiving and retaining a panel of glass as part of a wall or door assembly. This support frame includes an integrally, formed body of uniform cross section and unibody construction having (i) a pair of opposing side walls joined by (ii) an interconnecting support bridge which extends between opposing inner faces of the side walls and includes an upper and a lower face. The inner faces of the side walls and upper face of the support bridge define a channel configured to receive the panel of glass at one edge. The support bridge includes a recessed slot formed into one of the faces to sufficient depth to form a hinge axis operable with respect to the opposing side walls for enabling rotational displacement of the inner faces against the inserted glass panel in a gripping manner. Screws are inserted through an opening in one side wall into a threaded opening in the second side wall and operate to draw the two side walls into gripping contact at the glass panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a facade structure having an inner bearer for at least one plate element. Holders engage behind the plate element in its edge region, and they are mounted in the bearer so as to be adjustable relative thereto. To ensure constant centering of the plate element according to the invention, the holder is pivotable within a plane lying horizontally and perpendicularly to the vertical plate element and is pressed into its engagement position by a resilient member in such a way that a retaining projection thereof engages behind the edge of the plate element at a constantly equal depth.

Abstract: A device for securing a motor vehicle windshield has rotatable eccentric members which serve as a means to raise the windshield from an initial installation position into a final position. The eccentric member is arranged on a rotatable spacer which is non-uniform in thickness. This arrangement provides that the gap between the inner windshield surface and the windshield frame can also be adjusted.

Abstract: A device for fastening a motor vehicle window is detachably connected to the body frame of a motor vehicle. The device is composed of a holding plate attached to the body frame, and a supporting element connected to the holding plate. The lower edge of the window always rests on the supporting element with a relatively large contact area, thereby preventing stress induced breakage. Also included is a control element which adjusts the position of the supporting element relative to the holding plate, thereby allowing the window to be properly positioned along the window plane before fixing it to the body frame by an adhesive.

Abstract: A panel mounting system and method for mounting panels employing a panel mounting temporary retainer for holding adjacent panels in place during glazing with and curing of structural silicone sealant or other suitable adhesive wherein the retainer is readily accepted by the structural member without the need of drilling and tapping holes in the member and wherein the retainer is readily installed from the interior of the building.

Abstract: A panel wall assembly comprises rectangular pan-like panels mounted close together side by side and end to end. Retainers located at all junctures between the panels are fastened to the building structure, and the panels are fastened to the retainers by clips having arms that extend out through slots in the panel flanges. Troughs on each horizontal retainer drain condensate or water that leaks through seals between adjacent panels to drainage slots in the vertical retainers. Gaskets between the retainers and the panel flanges provide additional control of water flow behind the panel faces.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fixing device for mounting a plate on one side of a flange of a beam, the device comprising a base portion for engagement with an opposite side of the flange, and upstanding portion provided on the base portion, a hole extending through the base and upstanding portions and formed with a screwthread along at least part of its length, and a threaded fastener adapted to be taken through a hole in the plate and into threaded engagement with the hole in the device in order to hold-down the plate onto the flange.

Abstract: A load body is provided defining at least one upstanding wall construction, including laterally spaced upstanding structural members spaced therealong and upper and lower downwardly and upwardly facing surfaces extending along upper and lower marginal portions of the one wall construction. Each pair of adjacent structural members includes adjacent marginal portions defining outwardly facing abutment and seal surfaces extending therealong and outwardly facing abutment surface portions spaced therealong, each spaced at least slightly from the corresponding abutment and seal surface toward the adjacent structural member.

Abstract: An integral clamp and screw in the shape of an L has a panel supporting leg and a leg from which a screw projects through and beyond the panel supporting leg. The clamp is used to support a building panel while aligning said panel over the framing members to which it is to be attached and while fastening the panel to said members. The screw is turned into a framing member, such as a ceiling joist or wall stud, by turning the clamp by hand until the panel support leg is close enough to hold the panel loosely against the member, putting the panel into place and then turning the clamp further until the supporting leg holds the panel tightly against the framing member.