Stirrup Patents (Class 403/232.1)
  • Patent number: 11965329
    Abstract: A connection between a connector, a fastener and one or more structural members is disclosed. The connector can be formed with a fastening and alignment member. The fastening and alignment member includes a projecting member and a protruding member in close proximity to a predetermined location for the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Inventors: Michael S. Downs, Jin-Jie Lin, Timothy M. Stauffer, Emmet J. Mielbrecht, Dustin P. Muhn
  • Patent number: 11946503
    Abstract: A connector is provided to attach a supported member to a supporting member, with the supported member being in sloped and skewed relation to the supporting member. The connector has back members attached to side members. A seat member attaches to the side members through a hinged connection. The seat member interfaces with the bottom face of the supported member and can be disposed at a sloped angle. A pair of seat side members extend from the seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Evans, Dustin P. Muhn, Rachel Marie Holland, Benedict Ang, Paul Howard Oellerich, James M. Benton, Timothy Patrick Murphy
  • Patent number: 11629494
    Abstract: Structural truss panels include first, second, third, and fourth horizontal elongated members and first and second vertical elongated members fastened to the first, second, third, and fourth horizontal elongated members. The first and fourth horizontal elongated members form respectively a top and a bottom of the structural truss panel. The first and second vertical elongated members forming respective sides of the structural truss panel. The structural truss panel further includes and an angled webbing fastened between the first and second vertical elongated members and the first and second horizontal elongated members thereby creating an integrated web truss within the structural truss panel. The structural truss panel includes first, second, and third brace members forming a V-braced truss panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: John Louis Vanker, Michael J. Lastowski
  • Patent number: 11199011
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metal fitting for a toeboard of a scaffolding, comprising a metal fitting body extending in a longitudinal direction of the metal fitting body from a first end region of the metal fitting body designed for connection to a toeboard and/or connected to a toeboard to a second end region of the metal fitting body designed for securing on a scaffolding, wherein at least one securing protrusion is provided in the second end region of the metal fitting body extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the metal fitting body, characterized in that at least one support protrusion is provided extending in a first transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the metal fitting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: WILHELM LAYHER VERWALTUNGS—GMBH
    Inventor: Helmut Kreller
  • Patent number: 11021867
    Abstract: A hanger for connecting a structural component to a wall that can have sheathing mounted thereon either before or after the hanger is connected to the wall. The hanger includes a channel-shaped portion configured to receive the structural component. An extension portion extends from the channel-shaped portion and is configured to extend through the sheathing to engage the wall at a first location. A connection portion is configured for attachment to the wall at a second location spaced from the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Steven Brekke, Mark R. Rolf
  • Patent number: 10914064
    Abstract: An article to suppress cracking of drywall at interior corners features a thin metal brace that includes a piece of sheet metal between 3 and 30 gauge thickness. If the device as-produced or as-received starts out as a flat sheet of metal, the base or flange of the device is then bent at about a 90 degree angle with respect to the rest of the device—the tongue. When the base or flange is then placed flat along the side of a stud or framing, the tongue of the device will then lie flat or flush along the front side of the stud, but at an angle, for example, 45 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stud. In a door or window frame, another stud will intersect the first stud at a right angle. Where the tongue crosses this second stud, the tongue may be fastened to this second stud. In another embodiment, the tongue may be bent or folded over and fastened to the side of the stud. This device can be fastened with screws, nails, or staples, as well as a pressed gang plate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Jimmy L. Ball
  • Patent number: 10865558
    Abstract: A connection is provided where a connector can act as a holdown or tension tie and transfer tension, uplift, or lateral load between an anchored member and an anchoring member. The connector is used in combination with separate anchor and fasteners. The anchor may be tied to a concrete foundation, another connector of the same type, a wood framing member, or structural member of a similar type, or other supporting or anchoring members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kashane Vilasineekul, Timothy M. Stauffer
  • Patent number: 10745902
    Abstract: A bracket for hanging a joist with respect to a vertical surface includes a brace having a top, an opposed bottom, a front, and an opposed back. An extends from the back of the brace, proximate the top. A boom, proximate the bottom, extends from the back of the brace to a flange, and a gap is defined between the ear and the flange. The ear and the flange are independently poseable with respect to the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Farm Boy Builder, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Getz
  • Patent number: 10711462
    Abstract: A composite assembly includes a series of elongated layers joined lengthwise thereof. At least two of the elongated layers each have an upper elongated portion and a lower elongated portion secured together in an end-to-end relationship at a joint therebetween by a connector arrangement. The upper elongated portion is constructed of a wood material, and the lower elongated portion is constructed of a non-wood material. The lower elongated portion may have a reinforcing rod therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Jack Walters & Sons, Corp.
    Inventors: Frederick R. Gilbert, Daniel Pederson, Andrew Pritzl, Caynen Klessig
  • Patent number: 10400447
    Abstract: A covering support system includes a covering support that has a support member defining a support surface and that is connected to a mounting member so that when the mounting member is rigidly mounted relative to a wall stud, the support surface is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the wall stud and disposed from the exterior of a building surface by the overhang distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Southern Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Benny R. Sims, Richard Barnes
  • Patent number: 10316510
    Abstract: A hanger for connecting a structural component to a wall that can have sheathing mounted thereon either before or after the hanger is connected to the wall. The hanger includes a channel-shaped portion configured to receive the structural component. An extension portion extends from the channel-shaped portion and is configured to extend through the sheathing to engage the wall at a first location. A connection portion is configured for attachment to the wall at a second location spaced from the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Steven Brekke, Mark R. Rolf
  • Patent number: 10301817
    Abstract: An exterior insulating system for a building includes at least one insulating panel having a wall-facing side and an outward-facing side, a top and a bottom, the at least one insulating panel having a slope at the top that angles downwardly from the wall-facing side to the outward-facing side; at least one elongated clip member fastenable along a soffit that is extending outwards from a wall of the building; and at least one auxiliary panel having a first edge that is dimensioned to be received by the at least one elongated clip member opposite a main body of the at least one auxiliary panel from a second edge of the at least one auxiliary panel that is connectable to the at least one insulating panel, the main body incorporating structure for permitting airflow through the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Softwick Corp.
    Inventor: Brian Ackerley
  • Patent number: 10233643
    Abstract: Structural truss panels include first, second, third, and fourth horizontal elongated members and first and second vertical elongated members fastened to the first, second, third, and fourth horizontal elongated members. The first and fourth horizontal elongated members form respectively a top and a bottom of the structural truss panel. The first and second vertical elongated members forming respective sides of the structural truss panel. The structural truss panel further includes and an angled webbing fastened between the first and second vertical elongated members and the first and second horizontal elongated members thereby creating an integrated web truss within the structural truss panel. The structural truss panel includes first, second, and third brace members forming a V-braced truss panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: PATCO, LLC
    Inventors: John Louis Vanker, Michael J. Lastowski
  • Patent number: 10227770
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structure comprising at least four wooden beams attached to one another by means of connection parts, said metal connection parts (1) having flats that are supported on the faces of a longitudinal channel (G1 or G2) of a first I-shaped or U-shaped beam (PU, PI) and at least one flat supported on at least the central web (2) of another beam (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Marc Delfeld
  • Patent number: 10060118
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide deck bracket, which comprises a bracket face. The bracket face is substantially planar and defines a first plane. The deck bracket comprises a first bracket wall and a second bracket wall, each of which directly contact the bracket face. The deck bracket comprises a first bracket flange that directly contacts the first bracket wall and a second bracket flange that directly contacts the second bracket wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventors: Robert M. Callahan, Shawn A. Callahan
  • Patent number: 10036158
    Abstract: An anchor rod support comprises a support having a floor and legs extending downwardly from the floor with openings between the legs; and the support including threads for attaching thereto an anchor rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: CETRES HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M Espinosa
  • Patent number: 9874008
    Abstract: A non-metallic joist hanger including a substantially U-shaped receiving channel defined by a pair of spaced apart side wall flanges and a base wall to receive a portion of a joist, an attachment flange extending transversely from each of the spaced apart side walls to attach to a transverse beam, and an arcuate bracing structure extending between each side wall and the adjacent attachment flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: KLEVAKLIP SYSTEMS PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Greg James Doupe, Stephen Ley Sanders
  • Patent number: 9726319
    Abstract: An extendable hanger apparatus to which or through which an electrical feed can be connected includes a support base, the support base has a containing groove and at least one support posts. Locating devices and a fastening component are provided on the containing groove, the locating devices configured to fixing the support base on a fixed structure, and fastening components are installed at the two end portions of the support base. The fastening components are configured to enable chaining, and the support post has a support component, the support component is configured to connect with an object for hanging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SQUAREX INC.
    Inventors: Jung-Ya Hsieh, Ta-Wei Chien, Yao-Tsung Yeh, Shu-Ming Wei, Cheng-Yu Tsai, Kuo-Wei Lu, Kuei-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 9470255
    Abstract: A fastening element for interconnecting first and second components produced from different materials includes a metal strip and at least two fastening clips or lugs located in a common plane. An elastic bend compensating for longitudinal changes between the two fastening clips or lugs and a fastening point for the second component are disposed between the fastening clips or lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Tobias Kuebel, Harry Mrugalla, Thomas Nickl
  • Patent number: 9206594
    Abstract: A hanger for connecting a structural member to a structural support includes a base sized and shaped for receiving the structural member thereon. First and second side panels extend upward from the base, and first and second back panels extend from a respective one of the side panels. First and second top flanges extend from a respective one of the back panels, each of the top flanges having a free end opposite the back panel. The free end has free corner margins, at least one corner margin of at least one top flange depending downward from an adjacent portion of the top flange to form a locator tooth configured to penetrate the structural support for at least temporarily locating the hanger on the structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Todd Grevious, Steve Brekke
  • Patent number: 9133867
    Abstract: A linear mechanical quick release fastener is operated by three movements with self-centering chucks and for mounting all types of compatible clamping devices for machining workpieces, especially on automatic precision machine tools. A bottom part has raised locking elements formed integrally in one piece one after another on a plane along a direction at right angles to a clamping direction and base jaws formed integrally in one piece, with a threaded hole for a clamping bolt and a screw element. A top part has recesses, one after another along a direction at right angles to the clamping direction, designed as a counterpiece of the locking elements. One recess is connected at an open front side to a mounting area recessed continuously, which is accessible from the top, and another recess is open on a front side. The top part can receive an upper plane of any compatible clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: LANG TECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Günter Lang
  • Patent number: 9016551
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting device in an aircraft. In one aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for assembling a metal securement member of the mounting device. In another aspect of the invention, a mounting device is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for installing and using a mounting device in an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brad L. Kirkwood, Paul S. Gregg, Gerry D. Miller, Jeff D. Will, David W. Evans
  • Patent number: 8966857
    Abstract: A saddle hanger for connecting at least one bracing member to a truss chord includes a base having a first end portion for receiving a bracing member and an adjacent portion for receiving a truss chord. A projecting element extends from a transverse edge of the base portion, and has a width narrower than the transverse dimension of the hanger base. A plurality of flanges extends upward from side edges of the base and defines with the base a channel for receiving one of the truss chord and bracing member. The saddle hanger can be formed from a stamped metal blank, with portions of the saddle hanger being nested in side-by-side relation to minimize the amount of material used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Pope, Todd Grevious
  • Patent number: 8833030
    Abstract: A subassembly is positioned transverse in between two adjacent roof elements or wall elements. The subassembly includes a bracket; a construction element; and a fastener securing the bracket to the construction element. An extension tab of the bracket extends over a top surface of a roof element or a wall element. Multiple ones of the brackets installed in a roof element or a wall element define a line of compression blocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: SR Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Zimmerman, Van T. Walworth
  • Patent number: 8403586
    Abstract: A determinant assembly feature for a joint assembly and a method of assembly therefor. The joint assembly includes a structure and a web connected thereto. The structure includes a base, a pair of legs extending from the base to define a channel, and one or more location control receiving elements in either leg. The web includes a thickness control element and one or more location control elements correspondingly matched to the location control receiving elements. The method includes providing a structure comprising a base, a pair of legs extending from the base to define a channel and one or more location control receiving elements in either leg; providing a web comprising one or more location control elements and a thickness control element; and inserting the web into the structure, wherein the one or more location control elements is correspondingly matched to the one or more location control receiving elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Wood, Michael P. Renieri, Thomas R. Berkel
  • Patent number: 8387333
    Abstract: A structural support device for supporting a joist relative to a support, wherein the joist has a web and a bottom, may include a hanger assembly having a seat configured for resting the bottom of the joist thereon, a side portion extending therefrom, and a securing portion extending from the side portion for securing the device to the support, and a web brace assembly operably extending from the hanger assembly at a junction and configured for articulation between a pre-adjusted position and an adjusted position to adjustably engage and align with the web of the joist. A method of making and using are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Brekke
  • Patent number: 8307583
    Abstract: A truss assembly including truss hold-down connectors for attaching metal trusses to a bearing member. One embodiment of the truss hold-down connector has a vertical connector web that has a bottom attachment leg protruding therefrom for attachment to a bearing member and first and second attachment tab portions for attachment to the flanges of a vertically extending truss web. Stiffeners may be embossed into the vertical connector web to provide the connector with additional strength. The first and second attachment tabs may be configured to enable pairs of identical connectors to be attached to vertically extending truss webs that have one or more diagonally extending truss webs attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis J. Keys, Michael A. Pellock
  • Patent number: 8281541
    Abstract: A hold down connector is provided for securing together multiple building members. The hold down connector resists movement of the building members when connected to an elongated tie member. In one embodiment, the hold down connector includes a transverse portion connected to first and second elongated legs with at least one aperture at elongated connections between the transverse portion and the first leg and between the transverse portion and second leg. In another embodiment, the hold down connector includes a transverse portion connected to first and second elongated legs with the transverse portion partially supported by transverse extensions of the first and second legs. A hold down connector in accordance with embodiments results in increased load bearing properties, construction from thicker materials, and easy installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Lucey, Ronald F. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7914223
    Abstract: A determinant assembly feature for a joint assembly and a method of assembly therefor. The joint assembly includes a structure and a web connected thereto. The structure includes a base, a pair of legs extending from the base to define a channel, and one or more location control receiving elements in either leg. The web includes a thickness control element and one or more location control elements correspondingly matched to the location control receiving elements. The method includes providing a structure comprising a base, a pair of legs extending from the base to define a channel and one or more location control receiving elements in either leg; providing a web comprising one or more location control elements and a thickness control element; and inserting the web into the structure, wherein the one or more location control elements is correspondingly matched to the one or more location control receiving elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Wood, Michael P. Renieri, Thomas R. Berkel
  • Patent number: 7913472
    Abstract: An improved connector formed with a seat member that is stiffened by first and second reinforcing flanges that extend around first and second corners at either end of a third edge of the seat member, the first and second reinforcing flanges being connected to the third edge and to first and second edges that intersect with the third edge, the fist and second edges also having side members connected to the seat member. When used as a hanger, the connector includes a seat member, first and second backwall members which are connected to the supporting girder and first and second side members connected to the supported trusses. A flange member integrally connected to the seat provides further connection when a jack truss is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Troth, Jin-Jie Lin, Jacinta Pister
  • Patent number: 7856763
    Abstract: A truss hold-down connector for attaching metal trusses to a bearing member. One embodiment of the truss hold-down connector has a vertical connector web that has a bottom attachment leg protruding therefrom for attachment to a bearing member and first and second attachment tab portions for attachment to the flanges of a vertically extending truss web. Stiffeners may be embossed into the vertical connector web to provide the connector with additional strength. The first and second attachment tabs may be configured to enable pairs of identical connectors to be attached to vertically extending truss webs that have one or more diagonally extending truss webs attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis J. Keys, Michael A. Pellock
  • Patent number: 7716877
    Abstract: An adjustable connector is provided for connecting an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member and an elongate generally horizontal supported structural member. The connector is provided with a side attachment member that attaches to an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member and a cap that attaches to the elongate generally horizontal supported structural member, with a pin connection that enables rotation between the cap and the side attachment member. An unadjustable connector is also provided for connecting an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member and an elongate generally horizontal supported structural member. The connector is provided with a side attachment member that can attach directly to an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member and the elongate generally horizontal supported structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Gilstrap, Jin-Jie Lin, Daniel M. Gray
  • Patent number: 7712282
    Abstract: A shear brace assembly is provided which laterally braces wall lines within a structure, such as a house or other residential construction, while also providing vertical and out-of-plane load carrying capacity. The assembly consists of one or more wood-based panel(s) which are rigidly connected to concrete, masonry or wood support material directly below or above the shear brace assembly bearing surface. The term “wood-based” should be interpreted to mean that the panel may be constructed from a natural wood, or partially or wholly from an engineered wood, such as Timberstrand®, Parallam®, or the like. Ductile anchorage assemblies are used below, and in some applications, above the individual panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: Thad Scott Robertson, Glen Robak
  • Patent number: 7637514
    Abstract: A rear suspension cross member mounting structure includes a rear floor side member with a 4WD rear cross member mounting hole and a 2WD rear cross member mounting hole, and a reinforcement bracket with a slot corresponding to both the 4WD rear cross member mounting hole and the 2WD rear cross member mounting hole. The structure may further include a bolt, passing through the reinforcement bracket and the rear floor side member to attach the rear cross member to the structure. The bolt may pass sequentially through the reinforcement bracket, the rear floor side member, and the rear cross member, and then engage with a nut provided below the rear cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ki Chang Kim
  • Patent number: 7634889
    Abstract: An attachment is provided for connecting two building members together such as a header and an adjoining support member. The attachment includes a plate having an engaging surface for extending across and in engagement with the two building members. At least one L-shaped bracket projects from the plate. The L-shaped bracket includes first and second tabs that form an angle of approximately 90° and which are offset with respect to the plate. The first and second tabs as well as the plate are adapted to be secured to the two building members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: The Steel Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres, Nabil Abdel-Rahman
  • Patent number: 7631463
    Abstract: A concealed connection mechanism for connecting a pair of stair stringers to the front face of a rim joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: United Steel Products Company
    Inventors: Greg Greenlee, Todd Grevious, Nathan John Peterson
  • Patent number: 7604429
    Abstract: A connecting node for fixing a mounting rail in abutting relationship to another mounting rail includes a connecting device having at least one holder into which the mounting rail is inserted and fixed to the other mounting rail in transverse relationship; an opening provided above the at least one holder; and an angle member having two limbs including a first limb inserted into the opening above the at least one holder and a second limb fixed to the one mounting rail inserted in the at least one holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Joachim Prange
  • Patent number: 7556469
    Abstract: A swivel frame structure for a hydraulic excavator, said swing frame structure being to be arranged in a swing upperstructure 21, has a center frame 1 composed of side plates 6,7 and a reinforcement plate 8 joined to each other. The swing frame structure is provided with mating portions for bringing the side plates 6,7 and the reinforcement plate 8 into engagement with each other. These mating portions comprise plug-in structure portions, which in turn comprise holes 6a,7a formed through the respective side plates 6,7 and lugs 8a,8b arranged on opposite side edge portions of the reinforcement plate 8 and to be inserted into the holes 6a,7a of the corresponding side plates 6,7. The center frame can be fabricated without needing any jigs for fixedly holding the side plates and a bottom plate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nozomu Tanaka, Yasuo Koide, Hiroyuki Isobe
  • Publication number: 20090123225
    Abstract: A determinant assembly feature for a joint assembly and a method of assembly therefor. The joint assembly includes a structure and a web connected thereto. The structure includes a base, a pair of legs extending from the base to define a channel, and one or more location control receiving elements in either leg. The web includes a thickness control element and one or more location control elements correspondingly matched to the location control receiving elements. The method includes providing a structure comprising a base, a pair of legs extending from the base to define a channel and one or more location control receiving elements in either leg; providing a web comprising one or more location control elements and a thickness control element; and inserting the web into the structure, wherein the one or more location control elements is correspondingly matched to the one or more location control receiving elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: JEFFREY H. WOOD, Michael P. Renieri, Thomas R. Berkel
  • Patent number: 7513083
    Abstract: A connection between a wall stud or post and an anchor bolt embedded in a concrete foundation, using a holdown connector that attaches to the anchor bolt and supports the wall stud or post above it. The holdown connector has a tapered bottom that allows it to rotate laterally, allowing the connection to act more purely in tension than is possible with a rigid connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Pryor, Ricardo Arevalo
  • Patent number: 7503533
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a bracket useful with joints and bracing of structural members, especially for structures such as forts, swings, treehouses, playground equipment, decks, etc. that slips over the end of a brace board and bolts to that board on the face side of the board. The bracket preferably includes one or more molded holes spaced from a bracing member, to allow the bracket to be affixed to the structure to be braced. The bracket also preferably fits over or around a bracing structural member, and includes one or more transverse holes for fastening the bracket to the bracing structural member. Among other things, the bracket eliminates the need to fasten the members together via a screw or bolt positioned through the top edge of the bracing board or structural member. The bracket provides a stronger, more attractive, joint than the prior art, is preferably fabricated from plastic, and can be any desired color. Methods of fabrication and assembly are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Sammann, Trace A. McGuire, Jesse J. Valle
  • Publication number: 20090064611
    Abstract: A floor system includes a pair of joist rim assemblies each having a web defining a first surface. The web also includes a mounting portion defining a second surface offset from the first surface. The joist rim may also include a prong defining a slot along with the web. A joist connector bracket is received within the slot and is connectable to the mounting portion of the web. A joist extends between the pair of joist rim assemblies and is connected to the joist connector bracket of each joist rim assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: California Expanded Metal Products Company
    Inventors: Georgi Hall, Hoang Nguyen, Herb Kamphausen
  • Publication number: 20090056268
    Abstract: A concealed connection mechanism for connecting a pair of stair stringers to the front face of a rim joist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Greg Greenlee, Todd Grevious, Nathan John Peterson
  • Patent number: 7488023
    Abstract: A structural joint for a vehicle is provided that includes a first tubular beam with forward and rear faces extending in a non-fore and aft direction. A bracket has a first leg abutting the first beam's forward face and a second leg transverse to the forward and rearward faces. The bracket has a third leg extending generally outward from the second leg. A mound is connected with the bracket and extending outwardly from the bracket's third leg provides a presentation surface spaced away from the bracket third leg. A second tubular beam has an end with a generally inverted U-shaped rear face with a central portion that abuts the mound. The second beam rear face also has vertical end portions abutting the bracket third leg. The second tubular beam has a front face which is spaced from the bracket third leg. Threaded fasteners connect the bracket and the second tubular beam together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Magna International
    Inventors: Ameil A. Kapadia, Martin R. Matthews, Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 7461996
    Abstract: An erroneous assembling preventing tool for a universal joint prevents a shaft from being fixed to a cylindrical section of a yoke main body of the universal joint by fastening a bolt in a state where the shaft is not inserted into a normal position of an axial direction of the cylindrical section. The erroneous assembling preventing tool comprises a fixing section fixed to the yoke main body, a prevention section arranged between first and second tabs of the yoke main body, and a driving section for driving a prevention section. The prevention section is displaceable to a prevention position at which an end of the bolt can be prevented from being inserted through a screw hole of the second tab of the yoke and a prevention release position. The driving section displaces the prevention section to the prevention release position when it is pressed by an end of the shaft inserted into the normal position of the axial direction of the cylindrical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignees: Jtekt Corporation, Koyo Machine Industries Co., Ltd., Togo Seisakusyo Corporation
    Inventors: Shigetaka Kinme, Mitsuharu Ozaki, Katsutoshi Nishizaki, Akio Kobayashi, Takehiko Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7458114
    Abstract: Clips for securing one or more accessories to a play yard or crib and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a first engagement member, a second engagement member, and a first joining member joining the first and second engagement members. The first and second engagement members are joined in a spaced apart relation such that a distance between the first and second engagement members is less than a diameter of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Damon Oliver Casati Troutman
  • Patent number: 7451575
    Abstract: A floor system includes a pair of joist rim assemblies each having a web defining a first surface. The web also includes a mounting portion defining a second surface offset from the first surface. The joist rim may also include a prong defining a slot along with the web. A joist connector bracket is received within the slot and is connectable to the mounting portion of the web. A joist extends between the pair of joist rim assemblies and is connected to the joist connector bracket of each joist rim assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: California Expanded Metal Products Company
    Inventors: Georgi Hall, Hoang Nguyen, Herb Kamphausen
  • Patent number: 7377714
    Abstract: A mechanical joint is formed from a hollow structure of material that can be shaped so that bringing opposite sides of the external walls forming the hollow together forms a socket. For example, by compressing together opposite external sides of a hollow structure, such as a tube, a socket with a continuous double wall is formed. The socket is configured to provide a snap fit with a moveable member. A flexible member is positioned in the socket and attached to the moveable member, so that the moveable member can be controlled for placement in an out of the socket. The flexible member may also twist to permit the moveable member to be located in any position necessary to allow the moveable member to be engaged in the socket or disengaged from the socket, reducing the need for precise component tolerances. The joint is useful in structures that have multiple configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Francis J. Reeves
  • Publication number: 20080101855
    Abstract: A positive fastener-angling device for positioning an elongated fastener with respect to the face of a sheet metal connector and a wood member only at a preselected angle which is substantially less than 90° by forming an arcuate slit-cut in the sheet metal connector by means of a die which progressively at the same station, forms a fastener guideway in the shape of a half cone. The fastener opening and the guideway are dimensioned so that the fastener can only penetrate the sheet metal connector at a preselected angle set at the factory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Jin-Jie Lin
  • Publication number: 20080095574
    Abstract: A quick connector module for a safety device is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Pi-Chen CHANG, Yung-Pin Chang