Separably Connected Sections Patents (Class 52/713)
  • Patent number: 6612087
    Abstract: The connector of the present invention comprises a planar sheet bent to form two perpendicular plates each of which is formed with one or more elongate slots. The slots on one plate are oriented so as to permit relative deflection of a building member in a vertical direction and the slots on the other plate are oriented so as to permit relative deflection of a building member in a horizontal direction. Each plate is mounted to a respective building member with fasteners passed through a slideable retainer, e.g., either a stepped washer or a guide to mount flush to the building member and slidingly retain the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Richard Mountcastle
  • Patent number: 6588169
    Abstract: A device and method for mounting structures to masonry. The device has a cover plate with a plurality of extendable and retractable straps and is used to cover a hole in a masonry wall, while providing temporary support to various structural items to be attached to the masonry wall. Each strap also engages the inner surface of the masonry wall. The straps preferably have a series of ridges that engage the cover plate such that sufficient resistance is provided to temporarily affix various objects to be embedded in the masonry wall. The straps position the plate on the front surface of the masonry wall such that it is generally concentric with the masonry hole. Grout is then poured into the hollow cavity behind the masonry wall, thus securing the embedded material permanently. The cover plate is preferably transparent to allow the user to determine that the wall and hole are property grouted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip T. Sarver
  • Patent number: 6578342
    Abstract: A barrier cable end bracket assembly for attaching a plurality of barrier cables to a concrete support column has a cable mounting bracket for supporting the plurality of barrier cables, and an opposing rear mounting plate for locking the cable mounting bracket onto the concrete support column. The assembly further includes a sleeve for positioning through the concrete support column, an anchor rod having a proximal end and a distal end, a first nut for anchoring the proximal end to the cable mounting sidewall, and a second nut for anchoring the distal end to the rear mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Milan Faynor
  • Patent number: 6561473
    Abstract: A pipe mounting clamp assembly for mounting a pair of pipes to one another. The assembly also includes a bracket, and at least one pair of fasteners. The bracket has a base, and at least one saddle member attached to and extending from a surface of the base. In the preferred embodiment, the saddle member has at least two different radial support surfaces for supporting pipes of different diameters. The support surfaces are knurled or ridged to provide a good grip of a pipe supported thereon. In one embodiment of the invention, the bracket has two saddle members, two pairs of elongated slots, and two pairs of apertures in the base. One of the fasteners is secured to the base through the apertures and the other fastener is secured to the base through the elongated slots. The major portion of one fastener extends above the surface of the base from which the saddle member extends, and a major portion of the other fastener extends from a surface of the base opposite the surface supporting the saddle members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: PiRod, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Ianello
  • Patent number: 6543729
    Abstract: An evestrough hanger bracket has a main bracket member and a separately made secondary bracket member. The main bracket member has front and rear end evestrough clips with the front end clip having a fastener member fitting opening. The secondary bracket member which slideably locks into engagement with the main bracket member has a tubular guide to receive the fastener member in the form of a mounting screw or nail. The guide of the secondary fastener member presents an elongated bore which aligns with and terminates at the opening through the front clip of the main bracket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Royal Group Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Heikki Ylonen
  • Patent number: 6532704
    Abstract: A system for boarding up a store front window, and more specifically a corner bracket for use in removably supporting a panel respective an opening formed by a store front frame having corners. The panel temporarily closes the opening while avoiding damage to the frame, and preventing intrusion through the store front frame. The corner bracket has spaced parallel flanges connected by perpendicular load bearing wall members. One bracket is received at each corner of the store front frame and the load bearing wall members bear against adjacent frame members that form a corner. One of the flanges engage an interior surface of the frame while the opposed flange is attached to the panel. This causes the corner bracket to urge the panel against the exterior wall surface of the frame. The panel can be of an area greater than the area defined by the inner periphery of the frame to bring the marginal edge of the panel into engagement with the exterior frame face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Guynn Hart
  • Patent number: 6526723
    Abstract: A draft block joist system for preventing an airflow circulation therethrough. The system comprises a first and second elongated I-beams each having continuous upper and lower flange sections with a panel member disposed therebetween. The upper and lower flange sections of the first elongated I-beam are respectively connected with the upper and lower flange sections of the second elongated I-beam. An air gap is formed between the panel members of the first and second elongated I-beams thereby. By forming the air gap, an insulation member is removably insertable therein for preventing the airflow circulation therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Westbay Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Fred E. Hovenier
  • Patent number: 6513290
    Abstract: A connector for attaching a first building structural member to a second building structural member in conjunction with fasteners and an anchor member to resist forces on buildings imposed by earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and other similar cataclysmic forces is made with a strap and a standoff base. The standoff base receives the anchor member, and bears upon the strap. The strap is connected to the first building structural member by means of the fasteners. The first building structural member bears upon the standoff base while being lifted above the anchor member by the standoff base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Leek
  • Patent number: 6510666
    Abstract: A connector that securely ties together sheathing and the underlying structural members on a building. The connector consists of a rafter web on the bottom that can be attached to the vertical face of a structural member. A right angle bend connects to a normal web that aligns against the edge of sheathing. Another right angle bend connects to an offset web and sheathing web that can be attached to the broad surface of sheathing and underlying member. The connector can fit on a variety of thickness or shape of sheathing, and a variety of beam widths. The connector helps prevent and transfer uplift and lateral forces during strong winds and seismic movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas C. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20030009980
    Abstract: A building construction connector has a horizontal seat portion, a pair of vertical side walls extending vertically upwardly from opposite sides of the seat portion, and forming a U-shaped recess therewith, an adhesive attachment on the seat portion, and a readily removable protective cover on the adhesive attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: George Shahnazarian
  • Patent number: 6502362
    Abstract: An anchoring device for components made of concrete comprises an elongated section which is associable with a concrete component so as to protrude from the component with at least one of its longitudinal sides and with at least one portion of its lateral faces, which extend from the longitudinal side. Engagement regions are provided in this portion of the lateral faces of the section and form a plurality of possible engagement positions, mutually spaced along the longitudinal extension of the section, for a coupling element which is detachably associable with the portion of the section that protrudes from the component. The coupling element has at least one engagement region which forms a plurality of possible engagement positions, mutually spaced parallel to the longitudinal extension of the section, for an element for connecting the coupling element to another component or another element to be rigidly coupled to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventors: Sergio Zambelli, Benito Zambelli
  • Publication number: 20020194809
    Abstract: Tie wire with a square cross section is provided which has a 30% increase in tensile strength and at least a 100% increase in surface contact with rebar which it is used to secure. The generally square configuration includes four convex portions at the corners, each pair of convex portions being interconnected by a concave portion. The concave portions may achieve an even larger increase in surface contact as they contact the surface of the rebar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Todd M. Schulze, Brandi L. Elliott, Clayton E. Schulze
  • Patent number: 6494002
    Abstract: An apparatus of a muntin bar clip to secure the position of muntin bars during and following the fabrication of multi-pane sealed glass window units. A method of securing and positioning muntin bars at multi-pane sealed glass window unit perimeters and in joining hollow false muntin bars within such units. Muntin bar clips fix the position of hollow false muntin bars at the perimeter of the window unit utilizing the sealing methods including foam strips and or butyl as the sealing medium. Muntin bar clips fix the position of hollow false muntin bars at the perimeter of the window unit where the false muntin bar is other than orthogonal in relation to the perimeter of the window. The position of muntin bars are fixed by securing the muntin bar clips by forming at a muntin bar clip tip end one or a plurality of spikes wherein the penetration, of one or a plurality of spikes, into the material of the sealing and or spacing method employed secures the position of the muntin bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Gerald G. Gieseke
  • Patent number: 6474037
    Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6470629
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing members to a surface. The apparatus includes a mounting clamp, a mounting adaptor, a panel support member and a fastener. The panel support member and the mounting adaptor are slidably interconnected to one another. The mounting adaptor is fixedly interconnected to the mounting clamps using the fastener. The mounting adaptor may also include an area of reduced strength to permit the controlled failure of the apparatus in response to excess loading. The panel support member may be adapted to receive a panel. When installed on a surface, the apparatus obscures the view of mounting devices or equipment that may also be secured to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Robert M. Haddock
  • Publication number: 20020134042
    Abstract: A deck attachment bracket and method of attaching a deck to a building are provided. The attachment bracket is mountable to a concrete foundation of an existing house or other structure. The bracket includes a mounting surface for attaching the bracket to the structure, a support surface extending perpendicular to the attachment surface and at least one load transmission member interfacing the support surface to the attachment surface. The bracket further includes a deck joist retaining member attached to the support surface. The deck joist attachment member accepts a standard deck joist and allows the same to be adjustable retained therein. In one preferred embodiment, the deck joist attachment member is adjustably attached to the support member of the adjustment bracket to allow the deck joist retained in the joist retaining member to be adjustably spaced from the side of the house or other structure to account for a variety of siding materials and thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Bourque
  • Patent number: 6453634
    Abstract: A moment resisting strap connection in a shear-resisting assembly for use in light frame building construction, particularly in shear walls, attached to a foundation. The improvement includes providing an elongated thin metal strap attached to a wood structural member such that the strap and wood structural member conjointly act compositely and transmit substantial shear and moment forces from the elongated structural member to the foundation. Further enhanced transfer of shear and moment forces from the wood structural member to the foundation is effected by providing sufficient fasteners such as screws between the strap, a holdown, and the wood structural member to stitch the elements together so as to stiffen them and thereby prevent bending of the end of the holdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Pryor
  • Publication number: 20020121066
    Abstract: A bracket for reinforcing a wooden joist including a body having a central portion with a base wall. An upper portion is integrally formed with the central portion and has a first wall secured to and extending forwardly from the top of the base wall and a second wall secured to and extending from the front of the first wall. A notch in the top of the base wall extends upwardly through the first and second walls. A lower portion is integrally formed with the central portion and has a third wall secured to and extending at right angles from the bottom of the base wall and a fourth wall secured to and extending at right angles from the third wall. A brace is secured to the base wall beneath the notch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Robert M. Callahan, Ronald B. Shiflett
  • Publication number: 20020100239
    Abstract: A wire tie and a hardware system for supporting a masonry veneer wall with a structural support element. The wire tie is formed from a unitary wire body having a pair of central portions connected with each other by a connecting portion at a first end, and connected with flange portions and reverse extension portions at a second end. The hardware system also includes an anchor for attaching the wire tie to the structural support element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: Heckmann Building Products, Inc. and DL Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6421965
    Abstract: A seismic brace for fastening to a support rod at one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end. The brace is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it. The brace arm part is bent at an angle of 45° to form a base bracket that connects to the support rod. A locking bracket is hinged to the brace arm to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle, the slots are arranged so that they form an aperture when the locking bracket overlays the base bracket part of the brace arm to completely enclose the support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Tomarco Contractor Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Thompson, Keith L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 6415560
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a seismic brace to a support rod, such as for a cable tray, to inhibit movement of the rod during seismic activity. The connector comprises a metal connecting member having an upper portion and a lower portion joined at a juncture. Openings in the juncture, upper portion and lower portion define a slot for entry of the support rod into the slot. The connector further comprises a retainer inserted in a gap between the upper and lower portions. The retainer bridges the slot to retain the support rod in the slot. The connector permits bracing to be added without removal of the support rod from the tray and ensures that the brace remains attached during seismic activity, even where a retaining nut holding the connector to the support has become loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer
  • Publication number: 20020078657
    Abstract: An anchoring device for prefabricated concrete components comprises an anchoring insert, for embedding in the concrete body of a prefabricated component and has a slot in one of its portions, a connecting element provided with a head insertable through the slot and movable to engage or disengage the face of the anchoring insert lying opposite with respect to the insertion face by rotation, of the head and elements for locking rotation of the head in the engagement condition. The locking elements allow sliding of the connecting element, with the head engaged, along the slot with respect to the anchoring insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Sergio Zambelli, Benito Zambelli
  • Patent number: 6401422
    Abstract: A connector is disclosed for interconnection of disconnected truss members. The connector comprises an elongate sheet metal plate including a first plate portion and a second plate portion. The first plate portion has nailing teeth adapted to be driven into a truss member for permanently attaching the first plate portion to one member. The second plate portion has nail holes formed in it for receiving nails to permanently attach the second plate portion to another of the truss members. The second truss plate portion is substantially free of nailing teeth at the peripheries of the nail holes, but has at least one nailing tooth for temporary connection of the second plate portion to the truss during transport. The truss can be collapsed and transported to the building site with the truss members disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Olden
  • Publication number: 20020066245
    Abstract: A moment resisting strap connection in a shear-resisting assembly for use in light frame building construction, particularly in shear walls, attached to a foundation. The improvement consists of providing an elongated thin metal strap attached to a wood structural member such that the strap and wood structural member conjointly act compositely and transmit substantial shear and moment forces from the elongated structural member to the foundation. Further enhanced transfer of shear and moment forces from the wood structural member to the foundation is effected by providing sufficient fasteners such as screws between the strap, a holdown, and the wood structural member to stitch the elements together so as to stiffen them and thereby prevent bending of the end of the holdown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc. Corporation
    Inventor: Steven E. Pryor
  • Publication number: 20020066247
    Abstract: A connector for attaching a first building structural member to a second building structural member in conjunction with fasteners and an anchor member to resist forces on buildings imposed by earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and other similar cataclysmic forces is made with a strap and a standoff base. The standoff base receives the anchor member, and bears upon the strap. The strap is connected the first building structural member by means of the fasteners. The first building structural member bears upon the standoff base while being lifted above the anchor member by the standoff base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: William F. Leek
  • Publication number: 20020066252
    Abstract: A Transparent universal mounting plate used to visually verify the concrete grout flow inside a hollow concrete masonry unit (CMU) to various embedded items. The universal mounting plate is used to secure a PA Strap to the CMU for a roof purlin, to secure an all-thread rod with nuts and washer embedded into the CMU for an HD Holdown which is used to secure roof joists to the CMU, to secure Hex Head Machine bolts for wood ledger attachments, & to secure Weld plates for steel ledger attachments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Phillip Thomas Sarver
  • Patent number: 6397552
    Abstract: A deck attachment bracket and method of attaching a deck to a building are provided. The attachment bracket is mountable to a concrete foundation of an existing house or other structure. The bracket includes a mounting surface for attaching the bracket to the structure, a support surface extending perpendicular to the attachment surface and at least one load transmission member interfacing the support surface to the attachment surface. The bracket further includes a deck joist retaining member attached to the support surface. The deck joist attachment member accepts a standard deck joist and allows the same to be adjustable retained therein. In one preferred embodiment, the deck joist attachment member is adjustably attached to the support member of the adjustment bracket to allow the deck joist retained in the joist retaining member to be adjustably spaced from the side of the house or other structure to account for a variety of siding materials and thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Bourque
  • Patent number: 6397535
    Abstract: Disclosed are a height-adjustable concrete mold supporting system and a method for constructing concrete floors and concrete walls, by which a concrete building can be easily and precisely constructed with enhanced cost-effectiveness. The system has a bottom bracket detachably disposed on a base member. First and second screw shafts are vertically assembled with the bracket. The first and the second screw shafts are movably inserted into first and second height adjusting tubes. A top mounting board is supported by the first and the second height adjusting tubes. The first and the second height adjusting tubes are fixed to the first and the second screw shafts so as to determine an adjusted space between the bracket and the mounting board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Gwang Sik Kim, Jae Gwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20020050113
    Abstract: An attachment system for use with a concrete form for securing an object within concrete as it cures is described. The attachment system comprises a sacrificial securing element and a tie rod with a first end and a second end. The first end removably engages the sacrificial securing element. Together, the tie rod and the sacrificial securing element jointly secure the object to the inside face of the concrete form. Moreover, the attachment system secures an object by using a single form and can be used when adding siding or exterior designs. In another aspect, a method of securing an object within a concrete wall using a concrete form is described. The method includes the steps of positioning the object in contact with an inner face of the concrete form and positioning a sacrificial securing element proximate the object and amidst a channel. The method also includes pouring cement within the channel and curing the cement to form the concrete wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Donald Greg Peacock
  • Publication number: 20020046510
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement for connecting hip rafters at the apex of a hipped roof comprises a plurality of hip rafter support members arranged sequentially around the apex of the roof. Each support member includes at least one outwardly extending member and a carrier member to carry the outwardly extending member. The outwardly extending members are pivotally attached to the carrier member. The outwardly extending member of each support member is adapted to support a respective hip rafter such that adjacent outwardly extending members on adjacent support members can support the same hip rafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Anthony Whiting
  • Patent number: 6351915
    Abstract: A building includes a coupling apparatus providing an interface between a drywall and an exterior curtain wall mullion. The coupling apparatus includes a first member in contact with a first face of the exterior curtain wall mullion and a second member in contact with a second face of the exterior curtain wall mullion. The first and second members are joined by an elastic or spring element and pivotally coupled to a bracket attached to the drywall. Insulating material may be placed between the first and second members to provide sound insulation. The coupling apparatus permits inward and outward movement of the exterior curtain wall with respect to the drywall during windy conditions and side to side movement of the exterior curtain wall with respect to the drywall during earthquake conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: S&P Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Puckett
  • Patent number: 6351922
    Abstract: An adjustable wall tie for securing together spaced wythes such as a masonry veneer wall to a structural masonry wall of block-like construction. The wall incudes a tension anchor and a generally J-shaped single-ended hook adapted to engage the tension for vertical adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Blok-Lok Limited
    Inventors: William S. Burns, Kenneth G. Banks
  • Publication number: 20010054270
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a masonry anchor for tying a masonry veneer wall to a stud back-up wall having an outer covering, the anchor comprising a generally planar anchor plate having an outer coupling end for connection to a veneer tie wire and an inner anchoring end for securement to the back-up wall. In one embodiment, the anchor plate has struck-out tabs extending laterally from the anchor plate, intermediate the coupling end and the anchoring end. The outer coupling end of the anchor is insertable through a slot opening cut into the outer covering adjacent a stud in the back-up wall until the tabs engage the outer covering of the stud back-up wall to provide for proper spacing of the coupling end from the back-up wall. In a second embodiment of the masonry anchor, at least the outer coupling end is of a corrosion resistant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: John Rice
  • Patent number: 6332300
    Abstract: A coupling tool for a double wall is proposed which makes it possible to join an inner and an outer wall together without selecting places while ensuring a sufficient joint strength. The coupling tool is formed by an anchor formed by superposing two metallic plates so as to be spreadable, and a wire of a required length mounted to one end of the anchor. The wire is fixed to the anchor so as to protrude from an end opposite to the tip of the anchor. Since the anchor can be driven into the inner wall at any position, the outer wall can be fixed to the inner wall by use of the coupling tool without selecting places and number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Wakai & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Wakai
  • Patent number: 6324810
    Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Thompson
  • Patent number: 6314703
    Abstract: A fastener can be inserted into a narrow space behind a wall, and can be brought into contact with the back of the wall over a wide area to sufficiently reinforce the wall even when a bolt is tightened to securely fasten an object to the wall. The fastener has a block assembly including a plurality of blocks having two longitudinal ends and coupled together at the longitudinal ends in a single line. One of the blocks is formed with a threaded hole into which a bolt is adapted to be threaded and string holes. At least one string member is passed through the string holes. The block assembly has an arrangement for preventing each block from pivoting in a first direction from a straight position, in which the block assembly is arranged in a straight line, and allowing each block to pivot in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the straight position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Wakai & Co., LTD
    Inventors: Kazuichi Ikuta, Noritaka Endou
  • Patent number: 6293059
    Abstract: A system for protecting a window or other opening to a building against hurricane-force winds, including: (a) four or more bolts, screws or rods; (b) four or more wedge brackets, each wedge bracket having a longitudinal slot along its centerline, and an aperture at the base of and continuous with the slot, the aperture having a diameter larger than the diameter of the bolt head, sloped sides along the slot, the slope along the sides decreasing from the top of the slot to the aperture at the bottom of the slot; and (c) one or two rectangular-shaped protective panels, each panel being of slightly larger length and width than the opening to be covered, each panel having an aperture in each corner area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Robert F. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6286276
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel system is provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and at least two pairs of horizontal stringers attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same. One or more horizontal rows of slots are defined in each of the stringers. Cover panels are detachably mounted thereon to provide ready access to the frame. The cover panels permit access to the slots, and special off-module connectors with hooks for engaging the slots are provided for interconnecting adjacent panels in off-module positions. The hooks of the connectors are engaged with selected slots to hold a first partition panel perpendicular to a second partition panel in an off-module position on its face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Benjamin G. Shaw, Charles A. Seiber, Don S. Minami, David D. McClanahan, Robert J. Luchetti, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, James B. Eldon, III, Gregg R. Draudt
  • Patent number: 6266937
    Abstract: A fastening member for the vertical board siding, which comprises; a main metal fitting comprising a flat substrate, first and second upright portions formed at the upper and lower end portions of the flat substrate, respectively and extending in the horizontal direction, a third upright portion formed along the longitudinal direction of the flat substrate, and an engaging portion formed at a distal end of the third upright portion; and an auxiliary metal fitting adapted to be detachably engaged with the main metal fitting and comprises a first horizontal portion adapted to be placed on the second upright portion of the main metal fitting, and a second horizontal portion adapted to support a lower end portion of the siding board to be fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Nichiha Corp.
    Inventor: Morimichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6247274
    Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90°). The base bracket is bent at an angle of 45° from the horizontal which provides extra strength and resistance to lifting from the horizontal according to I.C.B.O. tests. The locking bracket has a conforming bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Tomarco Contractor Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Thompson, Keith L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 6244004
    Abstract: A lateral force resisting system includes a rigid structural panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The rigid structural panel may be a vertical truss or a rigid structural frame with a wooden panel covering one side and interconnecting the members of the rigid structural frame. The wooden panel may be made up of multiple panes to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin embodiment or self-tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventors: Timothy L. Timmerman, Sr., Timothy L. Timmerman, II
  • Patent number: 6213679
    Abstract: A deflection slide clip for use in metal curtain wall construction or metal frame wall construction providing for horizontal support of a laterally loaded stud while accommodating vertical slip and/or vertical and horizontal slip of the primary frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Super Stud Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Frobosilo, Ernest S. Viola
  • Patent number: 6209281
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a masonry anchor for tying a masonry veneer wall to a stud back-up wall having an outer covering, the anchor comprising a generally planar anchor plate having an outer coupling end for connection to a veneer tie wire and an inner anchoring end for securement to the back-up wall. In one embodiment, the anchor plate has struck-out tabs extending laterally from the anchor plate, intermediate the coupling end and the anchoring end. The outer coupling end of the anchor is insertable through a slot opening cut into the outer covering adjacent a stud in the back-up wall until the tabs engage the outer covering of the stud back-up wall to provide for proper spacing of the coupling end from the back-up wall. In a second embodiment of the masonry anchor, at least the outer coupling end is of a corrosion resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Bailey Metal Products Limited
    Inventor: John Rice
  • Patent number: 6209826
    Abstract: The hanger body includes a hook for engaging the “Ogee” bead and a clip for slipping over the top edge of the rear wall of the gutter. It also includes a pair of upstruck tabs having openings at their upper ends semi-permanently supporting a fastener at an angle appropriate for driving. As the fastener is driven toward the clip in installation, it drives through the opening of the first tab, and collapses the second tab against the clip to serve as a washer and a reinforcement to better support the hanger and gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: John M. Pratt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6209280
    Abstract: A jig for aiding in securing a fascia board on the downwardly extended ends of a row of eaves of a frame of a building being constructed including a U shaped member and an angle bracket with an angle bracket with one leg swivelly attached to an end of one leg of the U shaped member. Two jigs are used for temporarily supporting the board across the ends of the row of eaves permitting that the board be nailed to the ends of the eaves. The jig is preferably made of resiliently flexible polycarbonate so that the jig can be twisted when required to enable aligning of the board in a required direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Ray F. Bruce, Stephen Bruce, Noah D. Bruce
  • Patent number: 6170218
    Abstract: An apparatus for bracing joists comprising a pair of load distribution members and a spanning member. The load distribution members are fastened to adjacent joists and connected together by the spanning member. The load distribution members each have a connector arm which contains a plurality of holes into which tabs on each end of the spanning member are sized to fit. The spanning member can thus connect the load distribution members over a range of distances providing a length adjustable joist bracing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: MGA Construction Hardware & Steel Fabricating Ltd.
    Inventor: George Shahnazarian
  • Patent number: 6131360
    Abstract: An anchor body has an inner portion adapted for connection to a back-up wall, an outer portion adapted for connection to a masonry wall and an intermediate membrane flange. The membrane comes into contact with the membrane flange of the membrane side. The membrane flanges on the anchor insure continuity of the membrane without the need for any additional caulking or other application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Brook Van Dalen & Associates Limited
    Inventor: Mark Van Dalen
  • Patent number: 6125592
    Abstract: A two-part fastening mechanism employing (1) a continuous metal strip having attachment slots whose axes are oriented parallel to the length of the strip, and (2) a single preformed metal connector piece having a longitudinally-oriented hook for gripping one end of a tile and a stem portion insertable into one of the slots in the metal fastening strip and bendable over the slot and back upon itself for retaining the connector piece attached to the continuous metal strip. When installed, the fastening mechanism holds each tile in two places: at a first end via the hook, and at an opening in the tile where the connector piece passes through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Newport Fastner Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Hickey, James E. Lee, Robert Ward
  • Patent number: 6125594
    Abstract: A roof angle attachment device (10) attachable to a vertical stud (14). The roof angle attachment device (10) having a left mount (12L) which has a left mount clip (12LA) positioned along a top distal edge functioning to hold a roof angle (16) to support exterior framing (18). The roof angle attachment device (10) further has a right mount (12R) securely attached along a left distal edge to a right distal edge of the left mount (12L). The right mount (12R) further comprises at least one right mount opening (12RA) wherein a fastener is positioned therethrough to securely attach the right mount (12R) to the vertical stud (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Mark Hudson
  • Patent number: RE38075
    Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90°).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Tomarco Contractor Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Thompson, Keith L. Watkins