Hurricane strap

Abstract

A hurricane strap for securing at least one horizontal frame element to a vertical frame element includes a flexible metal strap having a first toothed end portion, an oppositely disposed second toothed end portion, and an untoothed middle portion, the teeth of each end portion being adapted to be pressed into a face of a vertical frame element for securing the strap to the vertical frame element. The strap is of sufficient length so that when in place in a working position, a multiplicity of teeth of the first end portion can be pressed into a first face of a vertical frame element, the middle portion can wrap around exposed faces of at least one horizontal frame element, and a multiplicity of teeth of the second end portion can be pressed into a second, oppositely disposed face of the vertical frame element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of applicant's U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/887,579 (filed Jun. 22, 2001), pending.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISK

[0003] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] (1) Field of the Invention

[0005] The invention disclosed and claimed herein relates to the field of fastening together elements of frame walls used in the construction of buildings. The invention is particularly well suited to use in the construction of wooden frame walls from wooden frame elements—for example, the wooden frame elements commonly known as two-by-fours.

[0006] (2) Description of the Related Art

[0007] Traditionally, wood frames of walls were made by nailing the various frame elements into the desired configuration. Eventually, persons working in the art developed alternative methods of fastening together frame elements by using metal plates that were nailed into the frame elements. These plates represented an improvement over traditional methods of fastening by using nails alone, but these nailed plate fasteners continued to require significant labor to drive multiple nails to attach them to the frame elements.

[0008] Eventually, the art developed fastening methods using metal plates having teeth struck therefrom. These methods required the use of a press for driving the teeth into the frame elements. Fastening devices comprising a metal sheet or strip having teeth struck therefrom are common in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,520 to Jureit; U.S. Pat. No. 3,181,412 to Hill; U.S. Pat. No. 3,305,252 to Jureit; U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,048 to Jureit et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,407 to Palacio et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,114 to Rionda et al. disclose various devices that include metal plates having teeth struck therefrom. The devices are shaped to allow attachment of frame elements in various configurations. Other patents employing toothed connectors include U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,803 to Jureit et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,235 to Reinen; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,389 to Farmont. Other fastening devices that may be of interest include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,742,778 to Olmstead; U.S. Pat. No. 3,310,324 to Boden; U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,128 to Agar; U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,716 to Jalla; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,498,171 to Jureit.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,520 to Jureit discloses a web member for use as a structural member in trusses. The member has plate-shaped ends with struck teeth and a channel-shaped center section. The channel-shaped center section provides rigidity so that the web member can be utilized as a structural member in trusses and other construction.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,407 to Palacio et al. discloses an attachment member for use with trusses that is similar to the web member disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,520. The attachment member disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,407 includes first and second toothed connecting plates disposed at opposite ends of an intermediate leg. The intermediate leg has at least one groove extending along its length. The purpose of the groove is to create a non-flat cross section that provides stiffness to the web member. The web member must be stiff in order to retain its shape when it is used for connecting together top and bottom wooden chords of a truss.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of this invention to provide a strap (sometimes referred to as a “hurricane strap”) for securing horizontal frame elements to vertical frame elements in a wall frame while allowing the user to avoid labor-intensive nailing of connecting devices. As used throughout this application, the term “horizontal frame element” refers to a horizontal structural element of a wall frame that is included in the wall frame at a particular location. A “horizontal frame element” may be a single beam but is commonly a combination of two or more wooden beams, which together form the upper or lower structure of a wall frame.

[0012] Applicant's invention allows the user to attach horizontal frame elements to vertical frame elements faster and more easily than by using conventional fasteners. In addition, the invention provides a stronger attachment than alternative connection methods requiring the use of nails.

[0013] To achieve these and other advantages and objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly disclosed herein, in one aspect the inventor discloses a hurricane strap, that is, an apparatus for securing horizontal frame elements to vertical frame elements in a wall frame. The apparatus includes a strap sufficiently flexible to be bent without damage around an exposed horizontal surface and the vertical surfaces of a horizontal frame element. Thus, the device has sufficient flexibility to wrap around the bottom or top face and the side faces of a horizontal frame element in its working position in a frame. The strap may be supplied as a flat strap to be bent into an appropriate shape by the user, or may be configured in a squared “U” shape so that it is ready for use with a particular combination of horizontal and vertical beams. The strap is made from material sufficiently stiff that the teeth, which preferably are struck from the body of the device, are capable of penetrating the frame elements when pressed into them. The strap may be made preferably from metal, or from other strong, flexible materials such as high-strength plastics or composites. Acceptable materials includes 16-gauge, 18-gauge, and 20-gauge steel. The strap is preferably generally rectangular in shape.

[0014] A hurricane strap is a flexible strap having a first toothed end portion, an oppositely disposed second toothed end portion, and an untoothed middle portion. The teeth of each end portion are adapted to be pressed into a face of a vertical frame element for securing the strap to the vertical frame element.

[0015] Each end portion has disposed therein a multiplicity of teeth for attaching the device to frame members by pressing the teeth into the frame member. The teeth are preferably struck from the body of the plate in conventional fashion and project essentially at right angles from a face of the plate, although other angles can be used. The teeth are adapted for driving into a frame member. U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,520 to Jureit discloses one method for creating suitable teeth.

[0016] The strap is of sufficient length so that when in place in a working position, a multiplicity of teeth of the first end portion can be pressed into a first face of a vertical frame element, the strap can wrap around exposed faces of at least one horizontal frame element, and a multiplicity of teeth of the second end portion can be pressed into a second, oppositely disposed face of the vertical frame element. It is not necessary that all the teeth of each end portion be secured into the vertical frame element in every application; but enough teeth must be secured in the vertical member to obtain the desired fixation and preferably to comply with applicable building codes and regulations. The strap is made in such a length that, when placed into a working position in a frame, the strap can extend from one face of a vertical frame member, wrap around the exposed faces of any horizontal frame elements to be attached to the vertical frame element-passing either below a lower horizontal frame element (“bottom plate”) or over the top of an upper horizontal frame element (“top plate”)—to the opposite face of the vertical frame element.

[0017] The length of the strap must allow it to extend sufficiently far along a face of the vertical member to allow enough teeth to be driven into the vertical frame member to provide adequate holding strength. The length required will depend upon the distribution and type of teeth in the toothed areas, the geometric and mechanical characteristics of the frame elements, and the desired holding strength. A strap of a total length of about 21 inches, with the length of each toothed end portion running about 6 inches of the length of the strap and with the untoothed middle portion running about 9.5 inches, is adequate for many applications. Preferably the strap is of adequate length to allow fixation that complies with applicable building codes and regulations.

[0018] The strap of a preferred embodiment of the invention is essentially a thin and flat metal strip that has rectangular irregularities (holes) appearing where the teeth have been struck from the strap. The thinness and flatness of the metal strip provides flexibility to the strap and allows its use in the manner disclosed herein.

[0019] The channel cross section disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,520 and the grooved cross section disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,407 do not provide or allow sufficient flexibility to wrap around frame elements as does the hurricane disclosed herein. Nor would the stiff devices disclosed in those patents allow a good fit between the fastener and the horizontal and vertical frame elements that applicant's invention is made to secure.

[0020] The hurricane strap is preferably employed to fasten together elements of a frame wall. To secure horizontal frame elements to an end of a vertical frame element, the hurricane strap, if applied as a flat strap, is first bent into a shape that will allow it to pass from one face of the vertical frame member, wrap around exposed faces of the horizontal frame elements, and extend to a second, oppositely disposed face of the vertical frame element. The horizontal and vertical frame elements are next assembled in proper relation, and the teeth of each toothed end portion of the hurricane strap are then driven, preferably using a press, into a sufficient portion of the vertical frame element to provide adequate holding strength.

[0021] Optionally, applicant's invention takes the form of a system for securing horizontal frame elements to vertical frame elements, with the system including both the hurricane strap disclosed above and a portable truss fabrication apparatus as disclosed in applicant's pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/887,579 (filed Jun. 22, 2001), which applicant incorporates herein by reference, or any other press suitable for driving the teeth of the invention into the vertical frame member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention will be better understood in view of the following description presented with reference to the accompanying drawings:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 4 is a front view of a wall frame constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a left side sectional view of the wall frame depicted in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The inventor now moves to a detailed description of the embodiment of the invention depicted in the drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like parts. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 through 3, hurricane strap 10 is a thin metal strap, as may be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. In FIG. 2, the top face 13 of the hurricane strap includes first toothed end portion 12 and second toothed end portion 14, each having a multiplicity of teeth 16 disposed thereon. Preferably, teeth 16 are struck from the hurricane strap 10 in such a manner that they are staggered—that is, the teeth preferably are not aligned in grid-like fashion. The staggering increases the holding strength of the hurricane strap. Untoothed middle portion 20 lies on the top face 13 of the hurricane strap between first toothed end portion 12 and second toothed end portion 14. As may be seen in FIGS. 1 through 3, particularly in FIG. 3, the cross section of the hurricane strap shown is rectangular and constant, with the exception of irregularities caused by the holes created when teeth 16 are struck from the plate from which the hurricane strap 10 is made.

[0029] FIGS. 4 and 5 disclose an embodiment of the invention in use in a wall frame 30. Wall frame 30 comprises of two hurricane straps 10A and 10B; vertical frame element 32; and two horizontal frame elements—an upper horizontal element 50 comprising upper top plate 34 and lower top plate 36, and a lower horizontal frame element 52 comprising upper bottom plate 38 and lower bottom plate 40. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the wall frame depicted in FIG. 4. As can be seen in the side view, teeth 16A of first hurricane strap 10A penetrate a face of vertical frame element 32 below lower top plate 36. Hurricane strap 10A penetrates a face 33 of vertical frame element 32, wraps up and over the upper horizontal element 50, wrapping around upper top plate 34 and lower top plate 36, and penetrates, by means of teeth 16B, the opposite face 35 of vertical frame element 32. As may also be seen in FIG. 5, second hurricane strap 10B secures lower horizontal frame element 52 to vertical frame element 32 in a similar fashion by having teeth engage opposing faces 33 and 35 of vertical frame element 32, wrapping around upper bottom plate 38 and lower bottom plate 40, and passing under lower bottom plate 40 (and thus under lower horizontal frame element 52).

[0030] In the embodiment of the invention in which the invention takes the form of a system comprising both a hurricane strap and a portable press for driving the teeth of the hurricane strap into frame elements, the portable press is as disclosed in applicant's earlier U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/887579 (filed Jun. 22, 2001), entitled “portable truss fabrication apparatus and method.”

Claims

1. An apparatus for securing at least one horizontal frame element to a vertical frame element, comprising:

a flexible metal strap having a first toothed end portion, an oppositely disposed second toothed end portion, and an untoothed middle portion, the teeth of each end portion being adapted to be pressed into a face of a vertical frame element for securing the strap to the vertical frame element,

the strap having sufficient length so that when in place in a working position, a multiplicity of teeth of the first end portion can be pressed into a first face of a vertical frame element, the strap can wrap around exposed faces of at least one horizontal frame element, and a multiplicity of teeth of the second end portion can be pressed into a second, oppositely disposed face of the vertical frame element.

2. A wall frame, comprising:

a horizontal frame element secured to a vertical frame element by means of a securing apparatus, the securing apparatus comprising:

a flexible metal strap having a first toothed end portion, an oppositely disposed second toothed end portion, and an untoothed middle portion, the teeth of each end portion being adapted to be pressed into a face of a vertical frame element for securing the strap to the vertical frame element,

the strap having sufficient length so that when in place in a working position, a multiplicity of teeth of the first end portion can be pressed into a first face of a vertical frame element, the strap can wrap around exposed faces of at least one horizontal frame element, and a multiplicity of teeth of the second end portion can be pressed into a second, oppositely disposed face of the vertical frame element.

3. A system for securing a horizontal frame element to a vertical frame element in a frame wall, comprising:

a flexible metal strap having a first toothed end portion, an oppositely disposed second toothed end portion, and an untoothed middle portion, the teeth of each end portion being adapted to be pressed into a face of a vertical frame element for securing the strap to the vertical frame element,

the strap having sufficient length so that when in place in a working position, a multiplicity of teeth of the first end portion can be pressed into a first face of a vertical frame element, the strap can wrap around exposed faces of at least one horizontal frame element, and a multiplicity of teeth of the second end portion can be pressed into a second, oppositely disposed face of the vertical frame element; and

a press apparatus comprising:

a press yoke defining generally a C-shape having a first end portion, a body portion, and a second end portion, the second end portion defining an internally threaded slot for receiving in connecting engagement an externally threaded portion of a hydraulically actuated press;

a first platen positionable at and removably attachable to the first end portion of the press yoke;

a hydraulically actuated press comprising a body and a plunger, the body having external threads, and the body being connected to the second end portion by screwing the threads of the body into the second end portion with the plunger passing through the slot of the second end portion;

a second platen, positionable at and removably attachable to an end of the plunger;

a pneumatically powered hydraulic pump connected to the press for powering the plunger to press the second platen toward the first platen, thereby pressing the barbed connector plate into lumber to be fabricated, repaired, joined, or spliced.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the press yoke slot internal threads are sized at twelve threads per inch and extend at least approximately 2¼″ through the slot.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first platen is rectangular, has dimensions of between approximately 2″ by 4″ and approximately 8″ by 10″, and is attached to the first end portion by keying means.

6. The system according to claim 3, wherein the magnets are inset into the working side of at least one of the platens to hold the barbed connector plate on the at least one platen during clamping.

7. The system according to claim 3, wherein the press yoke has approximately an 8″ yoke and approximately a 4¼″ throat, and is sized to develop approximately 40,000 pounds or more of pressure with a 3-times safety factor when used with a 25-ton press and an 8″ by 10″ barbed connector plate.

8. The system according to claim 3, wherein the press yoke has approximately an 8″ yoke and approximately a 4¼″ throat, and is sized to develop approximately 20,000 pounds of pressure when used with a 10-ton press and a 4″ by 6″ barbed connector plate.

9. The system according to claim 3, further comprising:

means for positioning and supporting the press yoke in engagement with a truss, rafter, or other lumber to be fabricated, repaired, joined, or spliced.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the positioning and supporting apparatus comprises:

a jack stand having means for rolling or sliding the jack stand on a substantially horizontal surface;

a jack arm support, connected to the jack stand, the jack arm support having a telescoping sleeve actuatable by a winch-actuated cable and pulley system;

a winch-actuated cable and pulley system mounted on or near the jack arm support for actuating the sleeve; and

a jack arm, connected to the jack arm support for receiving the press yoke and positioning and supporting the press yoke.

11. A method for securing a horizontal frame element to a vertical frame element of a wall frame, comprising:

providing a device for securing a horizontal element to a vertical element of a wall frame,

comprising:

a flexible metal strap having a first toothed end portion, an oppositely disposed second toothed end portion, and an untoothed middle portion, the teeth of each end portion being adapted to be pressed into a face of a vertical frame element for securing the strap to the vertical frame element,

the strap having sufficient length so that when in place in a working position, a multiplicity of teeth of the first end portion can be pressed into a first face of a vertical frame element, the middle portion can wrap around exposed faces of at least one horizontal frame element, and a multiplicity of teeth of the second end portion can be pressed into a second, oppositely disposed face of the vertical frame element.

aligning the horizontal frame element and the vertical frame element in the desired orientation;

bending the device into a shape so that a multiplicity of teeth of the first end portion can be pressed into a first face of a vertical frame element, the middle portion can wrap around exposed faces of at least one horizontal frame element, and a multiplicity of teeth of the second end portion can be pressed into a second, oppositely disposed face of the vertical frame element;

placing the device in working position;

pressing the teeth of the first toothed end portion of the device into the first face of the vertical frame element adjacent to the teeth so that a multiplicity of the teeth of the first toothed end portion engage the vertical frame element;

pressing the teeth of the second toothed end portion of the device into the second, oppositely disposed face of the vertical frame element adjacent to the teeth so that a multiplicity of the teeth from the second toothed end portion engage the vertical frame element.

12. A method for securing a horizontal frame element to a vertical frame element of a wall frame according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the pressing steps is accomplished by means of an apparatus comprising:

a press yoke defining generally a C-shape having a first end portion, a body portion, and a second end portion, the second end portion defining an internally threaded slot for receiving in connecting engagement an externally threaded portion of a hydraulically actuated press;

a first platen positionable at and removably attachable to the first end portion of the press yoke;

a hydraulically actuated press comprising a body and a plunger, the body having external threads, and the body being connected to the second end portion by screwing the threads of the body into the second end portion with the plunger passing through the slot of the second end portion;

a second platen, removably attachable to an end of the plunger; and

a pneumatically powered hydraulic pump connected to the press for powering the plunger to move the second platen toward the first platen thereby pressing the barbed connector plate into lumber to be fabricated, repaired, joined, or spliced.

13. A method for securing a horizontal frame element to a vertical frame element of a wall frame according to claim 12, wherein the pressing operation is performed at the work site where the secured frame elements are to be used.

14. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first toothed end portion extends a distance of at least six inches along the first face of the vertical frame element, and the second toothed end portion extends a distance of at least six inches along the second, oppositely disposed face of the vertical frame element.