Patent Publication Number: US-2020299919-A1

Title: Locking t-bolts, post sleeves, post sleeves with shear connections, and related systems and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/821,134, filed Mar. 20, 2019. U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/821,134 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure related generally to locking t-bolts, post sleeves, post sleeves with shear connections, and related systems and methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional building construction techniques involve a bend steel plate, sometimes called an edge angle, which is welded to spandrel beams as pour stops for concrete. Curtain walls are the outer covering of a building and do not carry dead load weight from the building other than the dead load of the curtain wall itself. Typical curtain wall assemblies include structural members called mullions which separate and secure the curtain wall panels. The curtain wall is typically attached to the bent plate pour stop via clip angles welded to the pour stop or supporting beam. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a top, side perspective view of a T-bolt, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom, side perspective view of the T-bolt of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top plan view of the T-bolt of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side elevation view of the T-bolt of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of an edge angle with the T-bolt of  FIG. 1  attached in an anchor channel of the edge angle; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a right side view of the edge angle of  FIG. 5  with the T-bolt of  FIG. 1  attached in the anchor channel of the edge angle of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a front elevation view of a post sleeve, according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom plan view of the post sleeve of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a front, top, left side perspective view of a system, according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front, top, right side perspective view of the system of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a front elevational view of the system of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a right side view along cross-sectional line  12 - 12  shown in  FIG. 11 , showing a post of  FIG. 9  secured in a post sleeve of  FIG. 9  to an edge angle of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 12 , as indicated in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of along cross-sectional line  13 - 13  shown in  FIG. 11 , showing the post of  FIG. 9  secured in the post sleeve of  FIG. 9  to the edge angle of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a front, bottom, right side perspective view of a post sleeve with a shear tab connected to a slot assembly of the post sleeve, according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a bottom plan view of the post sleeve of  FIG. 15  with the shear tab of  FIG. 15  and another shear tab connected to the post sleeve of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a front elevation view of the post sleeve of  FIG. 15  with the shear tab of  FIG. 15  and the shear tab of  FIG. 16  connected to the post sleeve of  FIG. 15 ; and 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a front, top, left side perspective view of a system, according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements. 
     The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus. 
     The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. 
     The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled together, but not be mechanically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable. 
     As defined herein, two or more elements are “integral” if they are comprised of the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or more elements are “non-integral” if each is comprised of a different piece of material. 
     As defined herein, “approximately” can, in some embodiments, mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus five percent of the stated value. In further embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus one percent of the stated value. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Various embodiments include a post sleeve. The post sleeve can include a first mounting plate including a first mounting hole. The post sleeve also can include a second mounting plate including a second mounting hole, The post sleeve additionally can include a channel portion extending between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. The channel portion can include a channel configured to secure a post within the channel. The first and second mounting plates can be configured to be attached to an anchor channel of an edge angle. 
     Additional embodiments include a method. The method can include providing a post sleeve. The post sleeve can include a first mounting plate including a first mounting hole. The post sleeve also can include a second mounting plate including a second mounting hole. The post sleeve additionally can include a channel portion extending between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. The channel portion can include a channel configured to secure a post within the channel. 
     Further embodiments can include a method. The method can include attaching two or more post sleeves to an anchor channel of an edge angle. Each respective post sleeve of the two or more post sleeves can include a first respective mounting plate comprising a first respective mounting hole, a second respective mounting plate comprising a second respective mounting hole, and a respective channel portion extending between the first respective mounting plate and the second respective mounting plate. The respective channel portion can include a respective channel configured to secure a respective post within the respective channel. 
     Turning to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a top, side perspective view of a T-bolt  100 .  FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom, side perspective view of T-bolt  100 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a top plan view of T-bolt  100 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a side elevation view of T-bolt  100 . T-bolt  100  is merely exemplary, and embodiments of the T-bolt are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The T-bolt can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In many embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , T-bolt  100  can include a head  110  and a shank  120 . Head  110  can include a center portion  211  between a first end  212  and a second end  213  that is opposite first end  212 . First end  212  can include a locking groove  214 , and second end  213  can include a locking groove  215 . Locking grooves  214  and  215  can extend parallel to each other across the underside of head  110  at each end ( 212 ,  213 ). Shank  120  can extend from center portion  211  of head  110  to a shank end  221 . The extended shape of head  110 , from first end  212  to second end  213 , together with shank  220 , can form a T-shape, as shown in  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, an entire length of shank  120  can be threaded, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 and 4 . In other embodiments, a first portion of shank  120  proximate to head  110  can be non-threaded, and a second portion of shank  120  proximate to shank end  221  can be threaded. In several embodiments, shank end  221  can include an orientation mark  222 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , orientation mark  222  can be a recessed groove in shank end  221 . In other embodiments, orientation mark  222  can be a raised protrusion on shank end  221  or another suitable indicator of the orientation of T-bolt  100 . T-bolt  100  can be made of steel or another suitable material. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , head  110  can include a first side  311  and a second side  312  opposite first side  311 . In many embodiments, first side  311  can be parallel to second side  312 . First side  311  can extend from a corner  318  at second end  213 , across center portion  211 , to a first rounded surface  315  at first end  212 . Second side  312  can extend from a corner  317  at first end  212 , across center portion  211 , to a second rounded surface  316  at second end  213 . Head  110  also can include a third side  313  and a fourth side  314 . Third side  313  can be located at second end  213 , and can extend from corner  318  to second rounded surface  316 . Fourth side  314  can be located at first end  212 , and can extend from corner  317  to first rounded surface  315 . In many embodiments, third side  313  can be parallel to fourth side  314 , or at least edges of third sides  313  and  314  where third sides  313  and  314  meet top of head  110  can be parallel. Head  110  can have a width  336  between first side  311  and second side  312 . In many embodiments, width  336  can be approximately the same as the width of shank  120 . A length  337  between corner  317  and  318  can be measured orthogonally to width  336 . In a number of embodiments, length  337  can be more than twice length  336 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , orientation mark  222  can extend along a reference line  331 , which can be parallel to the lines  332  and  333 , which indicate a proximal end of locking grooves  214  and  215  ( FIG. 2 ), respectively. In many embodiments, first side  311  can be positioned at an angle  334  with respect to reference line  331 . In many embodiments, angle  334  can be greater than 90 degrees, such that first side  311  is not orthogonal to reference line  331 . For example, in some embodiments, angle  334  can be approximately 95 degrees. In other embodiments, angle  334  can be between 90 degrees and 110 degrees, for example. In many embodiments, first side  311  can be positioned at an angle  335  with respect to third side  313  at corner  318 . In many embodiments, angle  335  can be less than 90 degrees, such that first side  311  and third side  313  are not orthogonal. For example, in some embodiments, angle  335  can be approximately 75 degrees. In other embodiments, angle  335  can be between 60 degrees and 85 degrees, for example. Second side  312  and fourth side  314  can be similarly disposed, such that head  110  has rotational symmetry when rotated 180 degrees around the axis extending through shank  120 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , head  110  can extend between a head bottom  414  and a head top  415  at center portion  211 . At first end  212 , when moving outward from center portion  211 , locking groove  214  can extend upwards (toward head top  415 ) from head bottom  414  at line  332  up to a groove base  433 , and then can extend back downward from groove base  433  to a groove end  434 , which can be at approximately the same plane as head bottom  414 . In many embodiments, locking groove  214  can have a depth  432  between groove base  433  and the plane of head bottom  414 . In many embodiments, depth  432  can be at least five percent of the thickness of head  110  between head bottom  411  and head top  415 . At second end  213 , locking groove  215  can be shaped similarly to locking groove  214  when moving outward from center portion  211 . 
     In several embodiments, a first edge  412  at first end  212  extending between corner  317  at head top  415  and groove end  434  can be at an angle  431  with respect to head top  415 . In some embodiments, angle  431  can be greater than 90 degrees, such that first edge  412  is not orthogonal to head top  415 . For example, in some embodiments, angle  431  can be 100 degrees. In other embodiments, angle  431  can be between 90 and 120 degrees. A second edge  413  at second end  213  can be disposed similarly to first edge  412 , such that head  110  has rotational symmetry when rotated 180 degrees around the axis extending through shank  120 . 
     Turning ahead in the drawings,  FIG. 5  illustrates a top, front, right side perspective view of an edge angle  510  with T-bolt  100  attached in an anchor channel  511  of edge angle  510 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a right side view of edge angle  510  with T-bolt  100  attached in anchor channel  511  of edge angle  510 . The use of T-bolt  100  with edge angle  510  is merely exemplary, and T-bolt  100  can be used in many different configurations and examples not specifically depicted or described herein. Edge angle  510  can be similar to pour stop  103  shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,708,812, issued Jul. 18, 2017 (the “&#39;812 patent”), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and various elements thereof can be similar or identical to various elements of edge angle  510 . Edge angle  510  also can be similar to curtain wall anchor  501  (also referred to as edge angle hangar  501 ) shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,416,529, issued Aug. 16, 2016 (the “&#39;529 patent”), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and various elements thereof can be similar or identical to various elements of edge angle  510 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5-6 , edge angle  510  can include an anchor channel  511 , which can be positioned between an upper face  512  and a lower face  513 . Anchor channel  511  can be a void space bounded by a rear wall  518 , a top wall  516  and a bottom wall  517  extending frontward from rear wall  518 , and an upper channel flange  514  and a lower channel flange  515  at the front of anchor channel  511 . Edge angle  510  also can include a flange  519  for engagement (e.g., welded connection) with a structural element, such as an I-beam of a building. As shown in  FIG. 6 , on the inside of anchor channel  511 , upper channel flange  514  can flare rearward as upper channel flange  514  extends downward from top wall  516  to the opening of anchor channel  511 . Similarly, on the inside of anchor channel  511 , lower channel flange  515  can flare rearward as lower channel flange  515  extends upward from bottom wall  517  to the opening of anchor channel  511 . 
     In many embodiments, T-bolt  100  can be inserted into anchor channel  511  by rotating T-bolt  100  such that head  110  is oriented sideways along the length of anchor channel  511 , which can allow head  110  to fit within the opening of anchor channel  511 , provided that width  336  ( FIG. 3 ) is smaller than the opening of anchor channel  511 . After head  110  of T-bolt  100  is inserted into anchor channel  511 , T-bolt  100  can be rotated clockwise within anchor channel  511  until orientation mark  222  is horizontal (or extending in the same direction as anchor channel  511 ). In this orientation, T-bolt  100  is locked within anchor channel  511 , as the ends ( 212 - 213  ( FIG. 2 )) of head  110  are held in anchor channel  511  by the channel flanges ( 514 - 515 ). Although T-bolt  100  is locked within anchor channel  511  in this orientation, T-bolt  100  is slidable longitudinally along anchor channel  511  until secured. T-bolt  100  can be secured at position along edge angle  510  by fastening a nut  502  on T-bolt  100 . For example, a washer  501  and nut  502  can be used to fasten T-bolt at a position along edge angle  510 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 . In many embodiments, T-bolt  100  can be used to secure a bracket, sleeve (such as post sleeve  700 , as shown in  FIGS. 7-8  and described below), or another suitable attachment to edge angle  510 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , when T-bolt  100  is rotated such that head  110  is oriented approximately upright, the inner flare of upper channel flange  514  can engage with locking groove  214 , and the inner flare of lower channel flange  515  can engage with locking groove  215 , which can prevent T-bolt  100  from rotating. Additionally, in many embodiments, the shape of head  110  of T-bolt  100  can provide a rotational lock. For example, the rounded surfaces  315 - 16  ( FIG. 3 ) and the corners  317 - 318  ( FIG. 3 ) of head  110  can allow T-bolt  100  to be rotated clockwise after insertion into anchor channel  511  until orientation mark  222  is horizontal, at which point further clockwise rotation can be prevented by corners  317 - 318  ( FIG. 3 ) abutting top wall  516  and bottom wall  517  of anchor channel  511 . This rotational locking can occur when the distance between corners  317  and  318  ( FIG. 3 ) is greater than the distance between top wall  516  and bottom wall  517 . When nut  502  is tightened on T-bolt  100 , the clockwise rotation of nut  502  during tightening keeps corners  317 - 318  ( FIG. 3 ) abutting top wall  516  and bottom wall  517  of anchor channel  511 , preventing further clockwise rotation of T-bolt  100 , such that head  110  remains oriented approximately upright and T-bolt  100  is locked within anchor channel  511 . Additionally, the orientation of head  110  within anchor channel  511  can be verified using orientation mark  522 . 
     Turning ahead in the drawings,  FIG. 7  illustrates a front elevation view of a post sleeve  700 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom plan view of post sleeve  700 . Post sleeve  700  is merely exemplary, and embodiments of the post sleeve are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The post sleeve can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In many embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , post sleeve  700  can include a channel portion  770  between a first mounting plate  780  and a second mounting plate  790 . Post sleeve  700  can be made of steel or another suitable material. 
     Channel portion  770  can include a channel  871 , which can be a void space bounded at the front by front wall  772 , bounded at the rear by a first channel flange  875  and a second channel flange  876 , and bounded at the sides by a first side wall  873  extending rearward from front wall  772  to first channel flange  875  and a second side wall  874  extending rearward from front wall  772  to second channel flange  876 . In many embodiments, channel  871  can extend from a top of post sleeve  700  to a bottom of post sleeve  700 , such that channel  871  is open at the top and the bottom of post sleeve  700 . 
     In many embodiments, first mounting plate  780  can be planar with second mounting plate  790 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . In a number of embodiments, first channel flange  875  can be planar with second channel flange  876 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . In several embodiments, first mounting plate  780  can be planar with first channel flange  875 , and second mounting plant  790  can be planar with second channel flange  876 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . In other embodiments, the channel flanges ( 875 - 876 ) can be positioned frontward of the mounting plates ( 780 ,  790 ). In many embodiments, first channel flange  875  and second channel flange  876  can be separated by an opening  877 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . In other embodiments, first channel flange  875  and second channel flange  876  can be connected without an opening. 
     In several embodiments, channel  871  can have a rectangular cross-section, such that the side-to-side width of channel  871  (e.g., the width first side wall  873  to second side wall  874 ) is greater than the front-to-back width of channel  871  (e.g., the distance between front wall  772  and the plane of first channel flange  875  and second channel flange  876 ), as shown in  FIG. 8 . In other embodiments, channel  871  can have a rectangular cross-section with a greater front-to-back width than side-to-side width. In still other embodiments, channel  871  can have a square cross-section, an oval cross-section, a circular cross section, or another suitably shaped cross-section. 
     In several embodiments, first mounting plate  780  can include a hole  789 , and second mounting plate  790  can include a hole  799 . In many embodiments, holes  789  and  799  can be positioned at the same height as each other at a lower portion of post sleeve  700 . Holes  789  and  799  can be used for mounting post sleeve  700  to an anchor channel, such as anchor channel  511  ( FIGS. 5-6 ) of edge angle  510  ( FIGS. 5-6 ) with bolts, such as T-bolt  100  ( FIGS. 1-6 ). For example, post sleeve  700  can be secured to edge angle  510  ( FIGS. 5-6 ) with the rear surfaces of mounting plates  780  and  790  abutting upper face  512  ( FIGS. 5-6 ) and/or lower face  513  ( FIGS. 5-6 ) of edge angle  510 , and channel portion  770  extending outward (frontward) away from edge angle  510  ( FIGS. 5-6 ). 
     In a number of embodiments, post sleeve  700  can be configured to confine a post within channel  871 , such that the post is slidable vertically within channel  871  until secured. In a number of embodiments, front wall  772  can include a hole  779 . Hole  779  can be positioned at an upper portion of post sleeve  700 . Hole  779  can be used with a pin, screw, bolt, or other fastener, to secure the vertical position of the post within channel  871 . 
     Turning ahead in drawings,  FIG. 9  illustrates a front, top, left side perspective view of a system  900 .  FIG. 10  illustrates a front, top, right side perspective view of system  900 .  FIG. 11  illustrates a front elevational view of system  900 . System  900  is merely exemplary, and embodiments of the system are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The system can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In many embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , system  900  can include a railing system  940 , an edge angle  931 , and/or a structural element  930 . Edge angle  931  can be similar to edge angle  510  ( FIGS. 5-6 ), and various elements of edge angle  931  can be similar or identical to various elements of edge angle  510  ( FIGS. 5-6 ). Edge angle  931  can be secured to structural element  930 , such as by welding or another suitable approach. Structural element  930  can be a structural element of a building, such as a structural steel I-beam of a building. 
     In many embodiments, railing system  940  can include posts, such as posts  951  and  952 , post sleeves, such as post sleeves  941  and  942 , and railing cables, such as railing cables  961  and  962 . Post sleeves  941  and  942  can each be similar or identical to post sleeve  700  ( FIGS. 7-8 ), and various elements of post sleeves  941  and  942  can be similar or identical to various elements of post sleeve  700  ( FIGS. 7-8 ). Posts  951  and  952  can be secured to edge angle  931  using post sleeves  941  and  942 , respectively. In a number of embodiments, each post (e.g.,  951 ,  952 ) can include railing attachments that can be connected to the railing cables (e.g.,  961 ,  962 ). For example, post  952  can include railing attachments  1061  and  1062 , which can be connected to railing cables  961  and  962 , respectively. The railing attachment (e.g.,  1061 ,  1062 ) can each be a loop or another suitable connector. In several embodiments, each post sleeve (e.g.,  941 ,  942 ) can secure the posts (e.g.,  951 - 952 ) to edge angle  931  using bolts and nuts. For example, post sleeve  942  can be secured to edge angle  931  using bolts  943  and  944  and nuts  945  and  946 . In several embodiments, bolts  943 - 944  can be T-bolts, which can be similar or identical to T-bolt  100 , and which can lock in an anchor channel of edge angle  931 . Bolts  943  and  944  can extend through holes in post sleeve  942 , which can be similar or identical to holes  789  and  799  ( FIGS. 7-8 ). Post  952  can be secured in post sleeve  942  using a bolt  947  and a nut  948 . In other embodiments, a pin, screw, or other fastener can be used to secure post  952  in post sleeve  942 . Post  951  can be similarly secured in post sleeve  941 . 
     Proceeding to the next drawing,  FIG. 12  illustrates a right side view along cross-sectional line  12 - 12  shown in  FIG. 11 , showing post  952  secured in post sleeve  942  to edge angle  931 . In many embodiments, the posts can include a bend. For example, post  952  can include a bend  1253  between a lower portion  1251  and an upper portion  1252  of post  952 . When installed as part of railing system  940 , the posts, such as post  952 , can be positioned in the post sleeves, such as post sleeve  942 , such that the posts are angled inward toward structural element  930 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , lower portion  1251  can be substantially vertical when secured using post sleeve  942 , and upper portion  1252  can be angled inward at an angle of approximately 2 to 10 degrees. In other embodiments, the posts do not include a bend. 
     Turning ahead in the drawings,  FIG. 13  illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 12 , as indicated in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of along cross-sectional line  13 - 13  shown in  FIG. 11 , showing post  952  secured in post sleeve  942  to edge angle  931 . Edge angle  931  can include an anchor channel  1311 , which can be positioned between and behind an upper face  1312  and a lower face  1313 . Anchor channel  1311  can be a void space bounded at the rear by a rear wall  1318 , on the top and bottom by a top wall  1316  and a bottom wall  1317 , respectively, extending frontward from rear wall  1318 , and at the front by an upper channel flange  1314  and a lower channel flange  1315  at the front of anchor channel  1311 . Edge angle  941  also can include a flange  1319  extending rearward for engagement (e.g., via welded connection) with structural element  930 , such as an I-beam of a building. Bolt  943  can be used with nut  945  to secure post sleeve  942  to edge angle  931 . For example, a head of bolt  943 , which can be similar or identical to head  110  ( FIG. 1 ) of T-bolt  100  ( FIG. 1 ), can be positioned in a locked position in anchor channel  1311 , and a shank of bolt  943 , which can be similar or identical to shank  120  ( FIG. 1 ) of T-bolt  100  ( FIG. 1 ), can extend through a hole  1389  of a first mounting plate  1480  of post sleeve  942 , which can be similar or identical to hole  789  ( FIGS. 7-8 ) of first mounting plate  780  ( FIGS. 7-8 ) of post sleeve  700  ( FIGS. 7-8 ), and be fastened with nut  945 . Bolt  944  similarly can extend through a hole  1499  of a second mounting plate  1490  of post sleeve  942 , which can be similar or identical to hole  799  ( FIGS. 7-8 ) of second mounting plate  799  ( FIGS. 7-8 ) of post sleeve  700  ( FIGS. 7-8 ), and be fastened with nut  946 . 
     Post  952  can be positioned within a channel  1371  of a channel portion  1370  of post sleeve  942 , which can be similar or identical to channel  871  ( FIG. 8 ) of channel portion  770  ( FIGS. 7-8 ) of post sleeve  700  ( FIGS. 7-8 ). Bolt  947  can be used with nut  948  to secure a vertical position of post  952  within channel  1371 . In many embodiments, a head of bolt  947  can be positioned within an opening  1477  of post sleeve  942 , which can be similar or identical to opening  877  ( FIG. 8 ) of post sleeve  700  ( FIGS. 7-8 ). A shank of bolt  947  can extend through post  952 , such as a hole in post  952 , and through a hole  1379  in channel portion  1370  of post sleeve  942 , which can be similar or identical to hole  779  ( FIGS. 7-8 ) in channel portion  770  ( FIGS. 7-8 ) of post sleeve  700  ( FIGS. 7-8 ). Bolt  947  can be fastened with nut  948   
     In many embodiments, railing system  940  ( FIGS. 9-12 ) can be temporarily installed during construction of a building in order to provide a temporary safety railing until a curtain wall is installed. For example, once edge angle  931  is attached to structural element  930 , railing system  940  can be installed, such as shown in  FIGS. 9-14 . Additional construction can occur on the building, such as pouring a concrete slab (which can occur either before or after installing railing system  940 ), and installing a curtain wall. For example, as described in the &#39;812 patent and the &#39;529 patent, a curtain wall can be attached to anchor channel  1311 . In several embodiments, the curtain wall can beneficially be installed while railing system  940  remains installed. In many embodiments, both the curtain wall and railing system  940  ( FIGS. 9-12 ) can be secured to the structural support of the building using anchor channel  1311 . In a number of embodiments, railing system  940  ( FIGS. 9-12 ) can provide an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-compliant safety railing system while the building is being constructed. After the curtain wall is installed, railing system  940  can advantageously be removed while the curtain wall remains installed, without affecting the installation of the curtain wall. For example, the bolts in anchor channel  1311  that are used to secure the post sleeves (e.g.,  941 ,  942  ( FIGS. 9-12 )), such as bolts  943  and  944 , can be removed, and railing system  940  ( FIGS. 9-12 ) can be removed. In other embodiments, the post sleeves (e.g.,  941 ,  942  ( FIGS. 9-12 )) can remain attached to anchor channel  1311 , and the posts (e.g.,  951 ,  952  ( FIGS. 9-12 )) can be removed, along with the railing cables (e.g.,  961 ,  962 ), such as by removing bolt  947 . The installation and/or removal of railing system  940  can be facilitated using the components and/or techniques described herein, as railing system  940  can beneficially be installed without welding portions of railing system  940  to a structural element (e.g.,  930 ) and/or an edge angle (e.g.,  931 ), and/or can be removed without removing any such welds. 
     Turning ahead in the drawings,  FIG. 15  illustrates a front, bottom, right side perspective view of a post sleeve  1500  with a shear tab  1510  connected to a slot assembly  1581  of post sleeve  1500 .  FIG. 16  illustrates a bottom plan view of post sleeve  1500  with shear tab  1510  and a shear tab  1610  connected to post sleeve  1500 .  FIG. 17  illustrates a front elevation view of post sleeve  1500  with shear tab  1510  and shear tab  1610  connected to post sleeve  1500 . Post sleeve  1500  and shear tabs  1510  and  1610  are merely exemplary, and embodiments of the post sleeve and shear tabs are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The post sleeve and/or shear tabs can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. Post sleeve  1500  can be similar to post sleeve  700  ( FIGS. 7-8 ), and various elements of post sleeve  1500  can be similar or identical to various elements of post sleeve  700  ( FIGS. 7-8 ). In many embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS. 15-17 , post sleeve  1500  can include a channel portion  1570  between a first mounting plate  1580  and a second mounting plate  1590 . Post sleeve  1500  can include one or more slot assemblies, such as slot assemblies  1581  and  1591 . For example, in some embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS. 15-18 , post sleeve  1500  can include a slot assembly (e.g.,  1581 ,  1591 ) on each side of channel portion  1570 . Post sleeve  1500  can be made of steel or another suitable material. 
     Channel portion  1570  can be similar or identical to channel portion  770  ( FIGS. 7-8 ), and various elements of channel portion  1570  can be similar or identical to various elements of channel portion  770  ( FIGS. 7-8 ). For example, channel portion  1570  can include a channel  1671 , which can be similar to channel  871  ( FIGS. 7-8 ), and which can be a void space bounded at the front by front wall  1672 , bounded at the rear by a first channel flange  1675  and a second channel flange  1676 , and bounded at the sides by a first side wall  1673  extending rearward from front wall  1672  to first channel flange  1675  and a second side wall  1674  extending rearward from front wall  1672  to second channel flange  1676 . In many embodiments, channel  1671  can extend from a top of post sleeve  1500  to a bottom of post sleeve  1500 , such that channel  1671  is open at the top and the bottom of post sleeve  1500 . 
     In many embodiments, first mounting plate  1580  can be planar with second mounting plate  1590 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . In a number of embodiments, first channel flange  1675  can be planar with second channel flange  1676 . In several embodiments, first mounting plate  1580  can be planar with first channel flange  1675 , and second mounting plant  1590  can be planar with second channel flange  1676 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . In other embodiments, the channel flanges ( 1675 - 1676 ) can be positioned frontward of the mounting plates ( 1580 ,  1590 ). In many embodiments, first channel flange  1675  and second channel flange  1676  can be separated by an opening  1677 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . In other embodiments, first channel flange  1675  and second channel flange  1676  can be connected without an opening. 
     In several embodiments, channel  1671  can have a rectangular cross-section, such that the side-to-side width of channel  1671  (e.g., the width first side wall  1673  to second side wall  1674 ) is greater than the front-to-back width of channel  1671  (e.g., the distance between front wall  1672  and the plane of first channel flange  1675  and second channel flange  1676 ), as shown in  FIG. 16 . In other embodiments, channel  1671  can have a rectangular cross-section with a greater front-to-back width than side-to-side width. In still other embodiments, channel  1671  can have a square cross-section, an oval cross-section, a circular cross section, or another suitably shaped cross-section. 
     In several embodiments, first mounting plate  1580  can include a hole  1689 , and second mounting plate  1590  can include a hole  1699 . In many embodiments, holes  1689  and  1699  can be positioned at the same height as each other at a lower portion of post sleeve  1500 . Holes  1689  and  1699  can be used for mounting post sleeve  1500  to an anchor channel, such as anchor channel  511  ( FIGS. 5-6 ) of edge angle  510  ( FIGS. 5-6 ) or anchor channel  1311  ( FIGS. 13-14 ) of edge angle  931  ( FIGS. 9-14 ), with bolts, such as T-bolt  100  ( FIGS. 1-6 ). For example, a bolt  1544  can be inserted in hole  1699  and fastened with a nut  1546 . 
     Post sleeve  1500  can be configured to confine a post within channel  1571 , such that the post is slidable vertically within channel  1671  until secured. In a number of embodiments, front wall  1672  can include a hole  1679 . Hole  1679  can be positioned at an upper portion of post sleeve  1500 . Hole  1679  can be used with a pin, screw, bolt, or other fastener, to secure the vertical position of the post within channel  1671 . For example, a pin  1547  can be used in hole  1679 . 
     In many embodiments, slot assembly  1591  can include a first slot flange  1592  and a second slot flange  1593 , which collectively can define a slot  1594 . Slot assembly  1581  similar can include a first slot flange  1682  and a second slot flange  1683 , which collectively can define a slot. The slots (e.g.,  1594 ) can be configured to lock shear tabs, such as shear tabs  1510  and  1610  within the slots. In many embodiments, slot assembly  1581  can be located between hole  1689  and channel portion  1570 , and slot assembly  1591  can be located between hole  1699  and channel portion  1570 . 
     In several embodiments, shear tab  1510  can include a mount portion  1512  and an extension portion  1511 . Mount portion  1512  can include a first tab  1513  and a second tab  1514 . In some embodiments, the tabs (e.g.,  1513 ,  1514 ) can be flared at the end of the mount portion (e.g.,  1512 ) of the shear tab (e.g.,  1510 ). Similarly, shear tab  1610  can include a mount portion  1612  and an extension portion  1611 . Mount portion  1612  can include a first tab  1613  and a second tab  1614 . The shear tab (e.g.,  1510 ,  1610 ) can be connected to the post sleeve (e.g.,  1500 ) using the mount portion (e.g.,  1512 ,  1612 ). For example, mount portion  1612  of shear tab  1610  can be slid within slot  1594 , such that first slot flange  1592  engages with first tab  1613  and second slot flange  1593  engages with second tab  1614  to connect shear tab  1610  to slot assembly  1591 . Shear tab  1510  can be similarly connected to slot assembly  1581 . 
     In several embodiments, extension portion  1511  of shear tab  1510  can extend outward (e.g., frontward) from where post sleeve  1510  is connected in slot assembly  1581 . Extension portion  1511  can include a hole  1519 , which can be used with a fastener, such as a bolt, to connect to a mullion, such as a vertical mullion of a curtain wall, of another curtain wall element. Extension portion  1611  of shear tab  1610  similarly can include a hole  1619 . In many embodiments, shear tabs  1510  and  1610  can be positioned on opposing sides of the mullion, and a bolt can be used through holes  1519 ,  1619 , and the mullion to connect the mullion to shear tabs  1510  and  1610 . The shear assemblies (e.g.,  1581 ,  1591 ) and shear tabs (e.g.,  1510 ,  1610 ) can provide structural connections to the curtain wall mullion. 
     In many embodiments, the shear tab (e.g.,  1510 ,  1610 ) can be slidable vertically within the slot assembly (e.g.,  1581 ,  1591 ), which can advantageously allow for vertical expansion and contraction of the mullion and/or curtain wall, while preventing the mullion and/or curtain wall from separating from post sleeve  1500 . In some embodiments, the slot assemblies can include a bottom, such as a bottom portion at the bottom of slot  1594 , which can prevent the bottom of shear tab from sliding out the bottom of slot  1594 . In other embodiments, shear tabs  1510  and  1610  can be integral with post sleeve  1500 . 
     Turning ahead in drawings,  FIG. 18  illustrates a front, top, left side perspective view of a system  1800 . System  1800  is merely exemplary, and embodiments of the system are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The system can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In many embodiments, such as shown in  FIG. 18 , system  1800  can include a railing and shear tab system  1840 , an edge angle  1831 , and/or a structural element  1830 . Edge angle  1831  can be similar to edge angle  510  ( FIGS. 5-6 ) and/or edge angle  931  ( FIGS. 9-14 ), and various elements of edge angle  1831  can be similar or identical to various elements of edge angle  510  ( FIGS. 5-6 ) and/or edge angle  931  ( FIGS. 9-14 ). Edge angle  1831  can be secured to structural element  1830 , such as by welding or another suitable approach. Structural element  1830  can be similar or identical to structural element  930  ( FIGS. 9-14 ), and can be a structural element of a building, such as a structural steel I-beam of a building. 
     In many embodiments, railing and shear tab system  1840  can include posts, such as posts  1851  and  1852 , post sleeves, such as post sleeves  1841  and  1842 , and railing cables, such as railing cables  1861  and  1862 . Post sleeves  1841  and  1842  can each be similar or identical to post sleeve  1500  ( FIGS. 15-17 ), and various elements of post sleeves  941  and  942  can be similar or identical to various elements of post sleeve  1500  ( FIGS. 15-17 ). Posts  1851 - 1852  can be similar or identical to posts  941 - 942  ( FIGS. 9-11 ). Railing cables  1861 - 1862  can be similar or identical to railing cables  961 - 962  ( FIGS. 9-12 ). Posts  1851  and  1852  can be secured to edge angle  1831  using post sleeves  1841  and  1842 , respectively. In a number of embodiments, each post (e.g.,  1851 ,  1852 ) can include railing attachments (not shown), which can be similar or identical to railing attachments  1061 - 1062  ( FIG. 10 ), and which can be connected to the railing cables (e.g.,  1861 ,  1862 ). In several embodiments, each post sleeve (e.g.,  1841 ,  1842 ) can secure the posts (e.g.,  1851 - 1852 ) to edge angle  1831  using bolts and nuts. For example, post sleeve  1842  can be secured to edge angle  1831  using bolts  1843  and  1844  and nuts  1845  and  1846 . In several embodiments, bolts  1843 - 1844  can be T-bolts, which can be similar or identical to T-bolt  100 , and which can lock in an anchor channel of edge angle  1831 . Bolts  1843  and  1844  can extend through holes in post sleeve  1842 , which can be similar or identical to holes  1689  and  1699  ( FIGS. 16-17 ). 
     Post  1852  can be positioned within a channel of a channel portion of post sleeve  1842 , which can be similar or identical to channel  1671  ( FIG. 16 ) of channel portion  1570  ( FIGS. 15-17 ) of post sleeve  1500  ( FIGS. 15-17 ). Post  1852  can be secured in post sleeve  1842  using a bolt  1847  and a nut  1848 . In other embodiments, a pin, screw, or other fastener can be used to secure post  1852  in post sleeve  1842 . Post  1851  can be similar secured within post sleeve  1842 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , railing and shear tab system  1840  can include shear tabs  1810  and  1811 , which can be connected to post sleeve  1841 . Shear tabs  1810 - 1811  can be similar or identical to shear tab  1510  ( FIGS. 15-17 ) and/or shear tab  1610  ( FIGS. 16-17 ). When post sleeve  1841  is secured to edge angle  1831 , the shear tabs (e.g.,  1810 - 1811 ) can be used to connect a mullion of a curtain wall to edge angle  1831 . Railing and shear tab system  1840  can include other shear tabs, which can be connected to post sleeve  1842 , for example, to attach other mullions of the curtain wall to edge angle  1831 . 
     In many embodiments, railing and shear tab system  1840  can be installed during construction of the building in order to provide a temporary safety railing until a curtain wall is installed and provide attachment points for a curtain wall to be structurally secured to the building. For example, once edge angle  1831  is attached to structural element  1830 , post sleeves (e.g.,  1841 ,  1842 ) can be secured to edge angle  1831 , and posts (e.g.,  1851 ,  1852 ) can be installed in the post sleeves (e.g.,  1841 ,  1842 ), and railing cables (e.g.,  1861 - 1862 ) can be installed, such as shown in  FIG. 18 . Additional construction can occur on the building, such as pouring a concrete slab (which can occur either before or after installing the posts and railing cables). Additionally, shear tabs (e.g.,  1810 ,  1811 ) can be used to install a curtain wall by attaching the shear tabs (e.g.,  1810 ,  1811 ) to the mullions of the curtain wall. In several embodiments, the curtain wall can beneficially be installed while posts and railing cables remain installed. Both the curtain wall and the railing can be secured to the structural support of the building (e.g.,  1830 ) using edge angle  1831 . In a number of embodiments, the railing can provide an OSHA-compliant safety railing system while the building is being constructed. After the curtain wall is installed, the posts (e.g.,  1851 ,  1852 ) can be removed from the post sleeves (e.g.,  1841 ,  1842 ), and the railing cables (e.g.,  1861 - 1862 ) also can be removed, while the curtain wall remained installed, without affecting the installation of the curtain wall. In many embodiments, the post sleeves (e.g.,  1841 ,  1842 ) can remain installed as a permanent component of the building to secure the curtain wall to the building even after the posts (e.g.,  1851 ,  1852 ) are removed from the post sleeves (e.g.,  1841 ,  1842 ). In several embodiments, the post sleeves (e.g.,  1841 ,  1842 ) can beneficially be longitudinally adjustable along the anchor channel in edge angle  1831  while installing the curtain wall, to adjust to suitable positions of the mullions of the curtain wall. 
     Although locking t-bolts, post sleeves, post sleeves with shear connections, and related systems and methods have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that various element of  FIGS. 1-18  may be interchanged or otherwise modified, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. 
     Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated in such claim. 
     Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.