Abstract: A floating connection fastening system employs a semi-flexible floating bushing having a sleeve with an axial slot which captures a fastener having a head, an unthreaded shank portion, a threaded portion and an intermediate reamer. An adapter mounts to the bushing/fastener assembly and receives a driver bit. The adapter defines an offset clearance. The floating connection is installed by driving the fastener through a non-load bearing member so as to form a bore and embed the fastener into a load bearing member. The floating bushing has a flange which engages the surface of the non-load bearing member. The installation may be performed in essentially a one-step procedure.

Abstract: An adjustable hangar for attaching an elongate beam to a structural building member includes a lower module and an upper module that are engaged with one another in a vertically reciprocal manner. The lower module includes a bottom web for supporting an edge of a beam. The upper module includes a top panel opposite and spaced apart from the support web. When a beam is installed between top panel and bottom web, the upper module and lower module may be contracted to adjust the relative position of the top panel and bottom web. In an embodiment, the position can be contracted to trap the top edge and bottom edge of the beam between the top panel and bottom web.

Abstract: A floating connection fastening system employs a semi-flexible floating bushing having a sleeve that may have an axial slot which captures a fastener having a head, an unthreaded shank portion and a threaded portion. The sleeve may have an outer primary surface and a plurality of protuberances that project outward from the outer primary surface. An offset cap mounts to the bushing/fastener assembly and receives a driver bit. The offset cap defines an offset clearance for installation of the fastener and bushing. The floating connection is installed by driving the fastener through a non-load bearing member so as to form a bore and threadably engage a load bearing member. The floating bushing has a flange which engages the surface of the non-load bearing member, and the sleeve is entirely received in the formed bore.

Abstract: An adjustable hangar for attaching an elongate beam to a structural building member includes a lower module and an upper module that are engaged with one another in a vertically reciprocal manner. The lower module includes a pair of parallel side panels spaced apart from one another and a lower beam support web. The upper module includes a top panel opposite the support web and a pair of opposite side members. The upper module further includes an upper support flange substantially parallel to the support web. In one embodiment, the upper module side members engage with the lower module in a vertically slidable relationship and define a beam receipt channel therebetween. When a beam is installed in the receipt channel, the upper and lower modules are adjusted vertically to trap the beam between the upper panel and support web with the beam circumscribed by the hanger.

Abstract: An adjustable hanger for attaching an elongate beam to a support member has abase member with opposite sides and a support web. A leveling member with a top panel is attachable to the base member in a vertically reciprocal engagement. The top panel includes a rear flange for supporting on a surface of a support member, whereupon the support web is parallel with the surface of the support member. The leveling member is movable relative to the base member to accommodate elongate beams having different height dimensions. Once the beam is attached to the support member via fasteners, the leveling member may be detached from the base member. The leveling member or base member may have cooperative posts or legs and slots to facilitate engagement between them. A breakable cuff in the base member may engage a post of the leveling member to allow reciprocation followed by detachment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structural truss module that employs a fastener web to interconnect elongated wood chords includes spacing a pair of elongated chords in a parallel spaced relationship, followed by driving fasteners through a first of the chords and into the second of the chords at oblique angled. The fasteners may converge toward each other. The chords may optionally be cut at an intermediate position between longitudinal ends. The chords may be spaced with use of a jig assembly. A matrix of quasi-convergent adjacent pairs of fasteners may be employed. The structural truss modules may form part of a roof for a header or a structural wall. The fasteners may be threaded.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a modular building structure. A plurality of structural truss modules are provided. Each one of the structural truss modules includes a spaced pair of elongated wood chords and a web connecting the elongated wood chords. The web including a plurality of metal support rods each having a pair of opposed threaded sections. The first of the pair of opposed threaded sections engaged to a first one of the elongated wood chords at an angle thereto. The second of the pair of opposed threaded sections engaged to the other one of the elongated wood chords at an angle thereto. The structural truss modules are cut to a predetermined length. A first member is connected between the spaced pairs of elongated wood chords. First ends of the plurality of structural truss modules are configured to connect to a ledger member.

Abstract: A dual positionable adaptor for a fastener driver assembly employs a tandem guide assembly mounted to a guide head which has an entry reference surface defining an opening for a fastener to provide a proper location and entry angle for the fastener. A pair of wings each defines a pair of reference engagement edges which engage either an upper horizontal member or a lower horizontal member. The wings, together with the entry reference surface, define a proper entry location and angle for connecting a vertical stud to either an upper plate or a lower plate. The selected adaptor position is achieved by securing the adaptor in one of two angular positions relative to the tube axis of the fastener driver assembly. The wings are also affixed with squirrel claws to lock the adaptor in place for installing the fastener. The adaptor also includes flush indicators to indicate that the proper flush position of the reference surface against the vertical member is achieved.

Abstract: An alignment head for an automatic fastener feed installation tool employs a platform with spring biased retractable pins and a central opening. The retractable pins are spaced to protrude downwardly and engage opposing sides of a support joist. The central opening receives the fastener which is automatically positioned for driving at an entry position into a deck board overlying the joist. The fastener is drivable into the joist at a medial position of the joist and a pre-established position from the edge of a deckboard. The pins also define the spacing of the adjacent deck board. In one embodiment, the alignment head is employed for securing the deck boards at a consistent 45° angle to the joist.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structural truss module that employs a fastener web to interconnect elongated wood chords includes spacing a pair of elongated chords in a parallel spaced relationship, followed by driving fasteners through a first of the chords and into the second of the chords at oblique angled. The fasteners may converge toward each other. The chords may optionally be cut at an intermediate position between longitudinal ends. The chords may be spaced with use of a jig assembly. A matrix of quasi-convergent adjacent pairs of fasteners may be employed. The structural truss modules may form part of a roof for a header or a structural wall. The fasteners may be threaded.

Abstract: A structural truss module employs a fastener web to interconnect elongated wood chords. The web comprises a plurality of metal support rods. Each of the support rods has opposed threaded sections which are each threadably engaged to opposed chords preferably at an angle thereto. In one embodiment, a matrix of quasi-convergent adjacent pairs of support rods is employed. The structural truss modules may form part of a roof for a header or a structural wall.

Abstract: An adjustable hangar for attaching an elongate beam to a structural building member includes a lower module and an upper module that are engaged with one another in a vertically reciprocal manner. The lower module includes a pair of parallel side panels spaced apart from one another and a lower beam support web. The upper module includes a top panel opposite the support web and a pair of opposite side members. The upper module further includes an upper support flange substantially parallel to the support web. In one embodiment, the upper module side members engage with the lower module in a vertically slidable relationship and define a beam receipt channel therebetween. When a beam is installed in the receipt channel, the upper and lower modules are adjusted vertically to trap the beam between the upper panel and support web with the beam circumscribed by the hanger.

Abstract: A self-sealing fastener for sheathing having an integrated water and air resistant barrier employs an activatable sealant which is disposed in a non-activated state on the fastener. Upon driving the fastener into the sheathing, the sealant activates and forms a seal at the fastener/sheathing interface and also functions as a shock absorber to prevent overdriving of the fastener. The sealant may take numerous forms including a deformable gasket, a collar and a washer. In some embodiments, up activation, the sealant exhibits a tint which contrasts with the tint of the sheathing. Collated self-sealing fastener strips or cartridges of various forms provide a matrix of severable fasteners each having a sealant which are sequentially drivable by an automatic driver.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a modular building structure. A plurality of structural truss modules are provided. Each one of the structural truss modules includes a spaced pair of elongated wood chords and a web connecting the elongated wood chords. The web including a plurality of metal support rods each having a pair of opposed threaded sections. The first of the pair of opposed threaded sections engaged to a first one of the elongated wood chords at an angle thereto. The second of the pair of opposed threaded sections engaged to the other one of the elongated wood chords at an angle thereto. The structural truss modules are cut to a predetermined length. A first member is connected between the spaced pairs of elongated wood chords. First ends of the plurality of structural truss modules are configured to connect to a ledger member.

Abstract: An alignment head for an automatic fastener feed installation tool employs a platform with spring biased retractable pins and a central opening. The retractable pins are spaced to protrude downwardly and engage opposing sides of a support joist. The central opening receives the fastener which is automatically positioned for driving at an entry position into a deck board overlying the joist. The fastener is drivable into the joist at a medial position of the joist and a pre-established position from the edge of a deckboard. The pins also define the spacing of the adjacent deck board. In one embodiment, the alignment head is employed for securing the deck boards at a consistent 45° angle to the joist.

Abstract: A floating connection fastening system employs a semi-flexible floating bushing having a sleeve with an axial slot which captures a fastener having a head, an unthreaded shank portion, a threaded portion and an intermediate reamer. An offset cap mounts to the bushing/fastener assembly and receives a driver bit. The offset cap defines an offset clearance. The floating connection is installed by driving the fastener through a non-load bearing member so as to form a bore and threadably engage a load bearing member. The floating bushing has a flange which engages the surface of the non-load bearing member, and the sleeve is entirely received in the formed bore. The offset attachment functions to provide a clearance so that upon termination of driving the fastener, the head of the fastener sits proud relative to the non-load bearing member. The installation is accomplished in essentially a one-step procedure.

Abstract: A device for compensating for the natural shrinkage of building materials includes one or more gear members mounted on a base plate. A fastener extends through a hole in the base plate and axially fixed relative to the gear member. The gear member is engaged with teeth in the base plate and rotatable relative to the fastener. The axis of rotation of the gear member is not aligned with its central axis. The base plate can be securely fastened to a first building member with the fastener axially fixed relative to a second building member but not axially fixed relative to the base plate and first building member.

Abstract: The tension bracket is configured to receive an elongated fastener to provide a connection under tension between a secondary structure and a principal support structure. The bracket has a mounting base with two substantially coplanar base sections having complementary opposed adjacent edges. The sections define a plurality of fastener openings and a profile opening. A guide member integrally extends from the sections and has parallel walls disposed above and extending perpendicular to the base sections. A pair of laterally spaced reinforcement ribs project perpendicularly from the base sections. In one embodiment, the tension bracket is formed from a single sheet of metal.

Abstract: An adaptor for a fastener driver assembly employs a bi-positionable angle guide assembly mounted to a head having an entry reference surface defining an opening for a fastener. The adaptor provides a proper location and entry angle for the fastener for implementing various structural connections. A pivotal angle guide has a pair of reference engagement edges functionally configured to engage either an upper horizontal member or a lower horizontal member. A locator having a location reference is mounted to the guide assembly. In one mode, the reference edges, together with the location reference, define a proper entry location and normal angle for connecting a horizontal member, which may be either an upper plate or a lower plate, to a rim board or other structural member. The selected adaptor position is achieved by securing the adaptor in one of two stable angular positions relative to the drive axis of the fastener driver assembly.

Abstract: An installation tool/fastening system employs an installation tool which is adapted for fastening a top plate to a roof support member or other structural connections and is particularly adapted for use in driving a wide variety of fasteners. One installation tool embodiment is adapted for driving a fastener having a head with a maximum diameter greater than the major diameter of the fastener threads. The installation tool is also adaptable to drive fasteners having a wide variety of drive-type head configurations including an external drive head and various recessed or socket configurations provided in the fastener head.