Abstract: A coil advance drive apparatus for connector plate coils is described. The coil advance drive apparatus includes a support structure, a motor coupled to the support structure, at least one elongate coil support member coupled to the support structure, and at least one drive wheel operatively coupled to the motor Each drive wheel is configured to engage the connector plate coil stock. The coil support member includes a plurality of grooves extending longitudinally in one surface of the support member The grooves are configured to receive the pre-punched teeth extending from the connector plate coil stock. The drive wheel includes a plurality of teeth extending from a circumferential surface of the drive wheel. The teeth are configured to engage the open slots in the connector plate coil stock so as to move the coil stock along the support member as the drive wheel rotates. An elongate coil guide cover is coupled to the surface of each coil support member above the grooves.

Abstract: A truss, having an integral hold down strap, which can be attached to a wall of a structure. The truss contains an upper and lower chord and typically contains web members that extend between the upper and lower chords to provide strength and rigidity. The lower and upper chord converge at the heel of the truss and are connected by at least one nailing plate. The hold down strap is an elongate piece of sheet metal which is smooth and free of teeth, and has a first portion which contains two opposing flanges that are bent such that the first portion has a generally U-shaped cross section. The hold down strap also has a second portion sized to extend from the first portion and into engagement with one of the other structural components of a wall. The first portion of the hold down strap is sized to engage the end surface of the lower chord with the two opposing flanges engaging the side surfaces of the lower chord.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a crate subassembly including four side units, and each side unit has a top cord, a bottom cord, and vertical cords extending between and secured to the top and bottom cords. The top cord and bottom cord of each side unit extend substantially parallel to each other, and each side unit further includes a diagonal cord extending from and connected to the top and bottom cords. Connector plates are located to connect the respective adjacent vertical cords of each side unit, as well as to secure each side unit cord. When it is desired to form a crate, and by simply separating opposing side units, the subassembly is opened. When opening, the connector plates on the inner surface of the subassembly flex, or bend, and the connector plates have sufficient rigidity so that once opened, the subassembly does not close on itself during handling. With the subassembly in the open condition, the subassembly is readily secured to a pallet using, for example, screws.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a crate subassembly including four support cords with connector plates securing respective adjacent cords. More particularly, the connector plates extend over the interfaces between adjacent cords, and the connector plates secure adjacent cords together so as to prevent relative lateral movement between adjacent cords yet allow relative rotational movement of the cords as described below. By simply separating opposing cords, the subassembly can be easily and quickly opened. Specifically, the connector plates flex, or bend, and the connector plates have sufficient rigidity so that once opened, the subassembly does not close on itself during handling. Also, notches are formed between adjacent cords, and these notches are utilized when forming a crate as described below. To form a crate, and in an exemplary configuration, three subassemblies are positioned in a spaced relationship, and girders are positioned to extend through respective notches in each subassembly.