Patents by Inventor Alfred D. Commins
Alfred D. Commins has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8479470Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wall for resisting lateral forces imposed on a building that incorporates the wall. Specifically, this invention relates to a wall in a light-frame building having within it a sub-component specifically designed to resist lateral forces imposed on the building such as those caused by an earthquake or by wind loading. The wall is formed with a bottom plate that rests on the underlying structural component of the building. A plurality of vertically-disposed studs connect to the bottom plate, and a top plate is supported by and connects to the vertically-disposed studs. A shear-resisting assembly connects to the top plate and the underlying structural component. The shear-resisting assembly has top and bottom struts and first and second chords and a planar shear resisting element connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.Inventors: Alfred D. Commins, Robert C. Gregg, William F. Leek, Karen W. Colonias, Arthur R. Linn
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Patent number: 8397454Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wall for resisting lateral forces imposed on a building that incorporates the wall. Specifically, this invention relates to a wall in a light-frame building having within it a sub-component specifically designed to resist lateral forces imposed on the building such as those caused by an earthquake or by wind loading. The wall is formed with a bottom plate that rests on the underlying structural component of the building. A plurality of vertically-disposed studs connect to the bottom plate, and a top plate is supported by and connects to the vertically-disposed studs. A shear-resisting assembly connects to the top plate and the underlying structural component. The shear-resisting assembly has top and bottom struts and first and second chords and a planar shear resisting element connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1997Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.Inventors: Alfred D. Commins, Robert C. Gregg, William F. Leek, Karen W. Colonias, Arthur R. Linn
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Publication number: 20120304589Abstract: A method for securing a building to a foundation provides hold-down units that perform double-duty by acting as a compressive load on a floor immediately therebelow due to the force of a seat or base portion thereof. Meanwhile, a flange portion of each hold-down device extends upward to fasten to the upright members in an upper floor applying tension thereto. Thus, an anchoring rod extending through multiple floors of the shear walls may reduce the number of total hold-down devices by an amount approaching half that otherwise required. Likewise, the number of more expensive, automatic, take-up devices used is reduced by approximately half.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventor: Alfred D. Commins
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Patent number: 7971411Abstract: A method for securing a building to a foundation provides hold-down units that perform double-duty by acting as a compressive load on a floor immediately therebelow due to the force of a seat or base portion thereof. Meanwhile, a flange portion of each hold-down device extends upward to fasten to the upright members in an upper floor applying tension thereto. Thus, an anchoring rod extending through multiple floors of the shear walls may reduce the number of total hold-down devices by an amount approaching half that otherwise required. Likewise, the number of more expensive, automatic, take-up devices used is reduced by approximately half.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Inventor: Alfred D. Commins
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Patent number: 7832173Abstract: Screw fasteners are used to connect multiple trusses in side-by-side relationship. The screw fasteners join truss wood members which are in edge to edge relationship with the screws being driven through the edge of each wood member. The screws may be knurled screws as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,850; lag screws, or standard screws. The connection may also join wood board members in edge-to-edge relationship when bending of the wood members is limited by a restraining structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.Inventors: Mark G. Crawford, Steven E. Pryor, Alfred D. Commins
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Patent number: 7621085Abstract: An apparatus for taking-up slack in a building hold-down system. The apparatus may include a base having a tubular shape, a slide having a tubular shape and a threadless interior surface, a locking member, and a biasing member. The slide may be sized and positioned to translate within the base. The locking member may be positioned between the base and the slide to permit translation of the base with respect to the slide to cause expansion and resist translation of the base with respect to the slide to cause contraction. The biasing member may urge translation of the base with respect to the slide in the direction causing expansion.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Inventor: Alfred D. Commins
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Publication number: 20090107082Abstract: A method for securing a building to a foundation provides hold-down units that perform double-duty by acting as a compressive load on a floor immediately therebelow due to the force of a seat or base portion thereof. Meanwhile, a flange portion of each hold-down device extends upward to fasten to the upright members in an upper floor applying tension thereto. Thus, an anchoring rod extending through multiple floors of the shear walls may reduce the number of total hold-down devices by an amount approaching half that otherwise required. Likewise, the number of more expensive, automatic, take-up devices used is reduced by approximately half.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventor: Alfred D. Commins
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Patent number: 7287355Abstract: A hold-down for securing first and second support members in a portion of a building to an anchoring device extending from another portion of the building. The hold-down may include a first flange having securement apertures therethrough configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the first flange to the first support member. A second flange may have securement apertures configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the second flange to the second support member. A base may connect the first and second flanges and have an aperture sized and positioned to receive the anchoring device therethrough. The first and second flanges may be configured to be loaded substantially exclusively in tension by the anchoring device.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Inventor: Alfred D. Commins
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Patent number: 7150132Abstract: A hold-down system used to secure a building structure to the foundation, thereby enabling the building to better withstand forces like high winds and earthquakes because these forces may then be distributed to the foundation. The hold-down system is characterized as being continuous and having stackable, individual take-up units. A continuous hold-down system allows the system to compensate for shrinkage or crushing of the building's frame throughout each level of the building because the anchor of the system is always in communication with the foundation of the building. The individual take-up units are stackable allowing each level of the system to compensate for shrinkage or crushing on that level as well as adjacent levels.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Inventor: Alfred D. Commins
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Patent number: 7007432Abstract: A hold-down for securing first and second support members in a portion of a building to an anchoring device extending from another portion of the building. The hold-down may include a first flange having securement apertures therethrough configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the first flange to the first support member. A second flange may have securement apertures configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the second flange to the second support member. A base may connect the first and second flanges and have an aperture sized and positioned to receive the anchoring device therethrough. The first and second flanges may be configured to be loaded substantially exclusively in tension by the anchoring device.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Inventor: Alfred D. Commins
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Publication number: 20040068947Abstract: The present invention relates to horizontal, vertical or angularly disposed diaphragms which resist structural forces. Specifically, the present invention relates to an improved mechanical connection between a structural panel and the framing members that support the structural panel forming a diaphragm. The connection includes: a structural panel having a distal side, a proximal side, and a plurality of edge faces; a frame consisting of a plurality of framing members disposed in registration with the proximal side of the structural panel near the edge faces; a plurality of perimeter fasteners connecting the structural panel to the framing members; and clips or perimeter edging members for reducing bending of the perimeter fasteners attached to a substantial number of the perimeter fasteners. The clips or perimeter edging members for reducing bending of the perimeter fasteners act when lateral forces are imposed on the building structure of which the diaphragm is a part.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Alfred D. Commins, Robert C. Gregg
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Patent number: 6643986Abstract: The present invention relates to horizontal, vertical or angularly disposed diaphragms which resist structural forces. Specifically, the present invention relates to an improved mechanical connection between a structural panel and the framing members that support the structural panel forming a diaphragm. The connection includes: a structural panel having a distal side, a proximal side, and a plurality of edge faces; a frame consisting of a plurality of framing members disposed in registration with the proximal side of the structural panel near the edge faces; a plurality of perimeter fasteners connecting the structural panel to the framing members; and clips or perimeter edging members for reducing bending of the perimeter fasteners attached to a substantial number of the perimeter fasteners. The clips or perimeter edging members for reducing bending of the perimeter fasteners act when lateral forces are imposed on the building structure of which the diaphragm is a part.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.Inventors: Alfred D. Commins, Robert C. Gregg
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Patent number: 6625945Abstract: A hold-down for securing first and second support members in a portion of a building to an anchoring device extending from another portion of the building. The hold-down may include a first flange having securement apertures therethrough configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the first flange to the first support member. A second flange may have securement apertures configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the second flange to the second support member. A base may connect the first and second flanges and have an aperture sized and positioned to receive the anchoring device therethrough. The first and second flanges may be configured to be loaded substantially exclusively in tension by the anchoring device.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: Alfred D. Commins
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Publication number: 20020095896Abstract: The present invention relates to horizontal, vertical or angularly disposed diaphragms which resist structural forces. Specifically, the present invention relates to an improved mechanical connection between a structural panel and the framing members that support the structural panel forming a diaphragm. The connection includes: a structural panel having a distal side, a proximal side, and a plurality of edge faces; a frame consisting of a plurality of framing members disposed in registration with the proximal side of the structural panel near the edge faces; a plurality of perimeter fasteners connecting the structural panel to the framing members; and clips or perimeter edging members for reducing bending of the perimeter fasteners attached to a substantial number of the perimeter fasteners. The clips or perimeter edging members for reducing bending of the perimeter fasteners act when lateral forces are imposed on the building structure of which the diaphragm is a part.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 1997Publication date: July 25, 2002Applicant: James r. CypherInventors: ALFRED D. COMMINS, ROBERT C. GREGG
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Publication number: 20020020137Abstract: A hold-down for securing first and second support members in a portion of a building to an anchoring device extending from another portion of the building. The hold-down may include a first flange having securement apertures therethrough configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the first flange to the first support member. A second flange may have securement apertures configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the second flange to the second support member. A base may connect the first and second flanges and have an aperture sized and positioned to receive the anchoring device therethrough. The first and second flanges may be configured to be loaded substantially exclusively in tension by the anchoring device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventor: Alfred D. Commins
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Publication number: 20020002806Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wall for resisting lateral forces imposed on a building that incorporates the wall. Specifically, this invention relates to a wall in a light-frame building having within it a sub-component specifically designed to resist lateral forces imposed on the building such as those caused by an earthquake or by wind loading. The wall is formed with a bottom plate that rests on the underlying structural component of the building. A plurality of vertically-disposed studs connect to the bottom plate, and a top plate is supported by and connects to the vertically-disposed studs. A shear-resisting assembly connects to the top plate and the underlying structural component. The shear-resisting assembly has top and bottom struts and first and second chords and a planar shear resisting element connected thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Applicant: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.Inventors: Alfred D. Commins, Robert C. Gregg, William F. Leek, Karen W. Colonias, Arthur R. Linn
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Publication number: 20010009638Abstract: Screw fasteners are used to connect multiple trusses in side-by-side relationship. The screw fasteners join truss wood members which are in edge to edge relationship with the screws being driven through the edge of each wood member. The screws may be knurled screws as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,850; lag screws, or standard screws. The connection may also join wood board members in edge-to-edge relationship when bending of the wood members is limited by a restraining structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2000Publication date: July 26, 2001Inventors: Mark G. Crawford, Steven E. Pryor, Alfred D. Commins
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Publication number: 20010002529Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wall for resisting lateral forces imposed on a building that incorporates the wall. Specifically, this invention relates to a wall in a light-frame building having within it a sub-component specifically designed to resist lateral forces imposed on the building such as those caused by an earthquake or by wind loading. The wall is formed with a bottom plate that rests on the underlying structural component of the building. A plurality of vertically-disposed studs connect to the bottom plate, and a top plate is supported by and connects to the vertically-disposed studs. A shear-resisting assembly connects to the top plate and the underlying structural component. The shear-resisting assembly has top and bottom struts and first and second chords and a planar shear resisting element connected thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 1997Publication date: June 7, 2001Applicant: CHARLES R. CYPHERInventors: ALFRED D. COMMINS, ROBERT C. GREGG, WILLIAM F. LEEK, KAREN W. COLONIAS, ARTHUR R. LINN
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Patent number: 6112495Abstract: A connector having a concave seat member for connecting 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 cataclysms.A connector constructed in accordance with the present invention consists of a concave seat member, formed with an opening for receiving an anchor member therethrough to attach the connector to a second building structural member such as a foundation, a first side member connected to the concave seat member, a second side member connected to the concave seat member, and a back member connected to the first and second side members. The back member attaches with fasteners to a first building structural member such as a stud in a framed shear wall. The back member can consist of two back plates each integrally connected to a side member.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Gregg, William F. Leek, Alfred D. Commins
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Patent number: 6109850Abstract: A wood screw for holding a wood structural member to another member such as a sheet metal member a heavy metal member or another wood member wherein the screw includes a shank having a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion. A knurled means is provided on the shank between the threaded and the unthreaded portion for forming an annular zone of mashed and severed, as well as unsevered, wood fibers for preventing wood splitting and laterally holding the screw to the wood structural member in a tight fit.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.Inventor: Alfred D. Commins