Corner Connector for Pergolas

A corner connection of a plurality of elongated structural members is provided where a cross member and an enclosing member secure the plurality of elongated members together and receive the elongated structural members, with the enclosing member being attached to a supporting structural member and being joined to the cross member, and the cross member being attached to the supporting structural member and attached to the supported structural members.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a connection between multiple elongated structural members, with at least two of the members being laterally disposed and extending away from another longitudinally extending member. The present invention is particularly suited for forming a corner connection of three or four orthogonally disposed structural members. The present invention uses what is known as a tie or connector for making the connection between the elongated structural members.

There are many known connectors in the prior art for joining elongated structural members to each other. The connectors need to make a strong, rigid connection between the structural members. Strength and rigidity are generally provided by forming the connectors from heavy gauge materials that present large bearing and bracing surfaces for the structural members they receive. These connectors often embrace or wrap around three or more sides of the structural members they connect.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,200,406, invented by Otto Fuss, teaches a corner connector for attaching a plurality of structural members. Japanese Patent 9-151543 teaches a corner connector that attaches a plurality of orthongally disposed structural members to each other. The corner connector can have enclosed sockets for receiving the ends of the elongated members, and the sockets are made with openings for receiving the fasteners that connect the elongated members to the connector. U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,165, invented by Jin Jie Lin, teaches a corner connector that attaches two laterally extending, elongated members to a third upright member. The connector attaches only to the inside faces of the members. U.S. Pat. No. 10,858,819, invented by Jacek Styrc, teaches a corner connector that attaches a plurality of orthongally disposed structural members to each other. The corner connector has enclosed sockets for receiving the ends of the elongated members, and the sockets are made with openings for receiving the fasteners that connect the elongated members to the connector.

The present invention provides a connection between multiple structural members that uses a connector that has strong load-bearing qualities and rigidity while being economical to produce and easy to install.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the current invention is to provide a connection having a connector or tie that joins multiple supported members to a supporting member, the supported members being laterally disposed in relation to the supporting member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tie for making the connection of the present invention that is economical to produce with the help of automated die press machinery. This objection is achieved in part from making the connector from multiple pieces that are formed from sheet steel and joined by welding.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a connection that is easily constructed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rigid connection that can join three or more orthogonally disposed members.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector where the upper surfaces of the laterally extending or horizontally disposed members are exposed and not covered by portions of the connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the connector of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the two pieces that make the connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a back perspective view the connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a back view of the connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a left side view of the connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the connector of FIG. 1

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the connection made with the connector of FIG. 1. A post base is also shown, connecting the supporting structural member to a foundation.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a structure built with the connectors shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the connector of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the connector of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the connector of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one piece of the connector of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the second piece of the connector of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the third piece of the connector of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is perspective view of the third piece of the connector of FIG. 13.

 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention uses a connector 1 to make a connection between a supporting structural member 2 and left and right supported structural members 3 and 4. and if present, a central supported structural member 5. As shown in FIG. 13, in one form of the invention the left and right supported structural members 3 and 4 members are generally aligned. As shown in FIG. 10, in another form of the invention, the left and right supported structural members 3 and 4 are disposed at an angle less than 180 degrees with respect to each other, preferably orthogonally to each other. As shown in FIG. 13, the left and right supported structural members are generally aligned and the central member 5 extends away orthogonally from the left and right support structural members 3 and 4, and orthogonally from the supporting structural member 2. The supporting structural member 2 is generally disposed vertically, although it need not be. The supporting structural member 2 is typically an elongated structural member such as the post of a structure. The left and right supported structural members 3 and 4 and the central supported member 5 are typically elongated structural members such as beams of a structure.

The supporting structural member 2 has a longitudinal axis 6 and a lateral axis 7 with the elongated dimension of the post 2 extending along the longitudinal axis 6. A cross-section of the post 2 taken parallel to the lateral axis 7 and orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 6 is typically a square cross section. The supporting structural member 2 has a front surface 17, an opposed back surface 18, a left side surface 19, a right side surface 20, and a top surface 21. The front surface 17, the back surface 18, the left side surface 19 and the right side surface 20 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 6 and are substantially planar.

The left supported structural member 3 has a longitudinal axis 11 and a lateral axis 12 with the left supported structural member or beam 3 being elongated along the longitudinal axis 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal axis 11 of the left supported structural member 3 preferably extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 6 of the supporting structural member 2. A cross-section of the left beam 3 taken parallel to the lateral axis 12 and orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 11 is typically a square cross section. The left supported structural member 3 has an inner surface 23, an opposed outer surface 24, a bottom surface 25, and a top surface 26. The inner surface 23, the outer surface 24, the bottom surface 25 and the top surface 26 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 11.

The right supported structural member 4 has a longitudinal axis 13 and a lateral axis 14 with the right supported structural member or beam 4 being elongated along the longitudinal axis 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal axis 13 of the right supported structural member 4 extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 6 of the supporting structural member 2. A cross-section of the right beam 4 taken parallel to the lateral axis 14 and orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 13 is typically a square cross section. The right supported structural member 4 has an inner surface 33, an opposed outer surface 34, a bottom surface 35, and a top surface 36. The inner surface 33, the outer surface 34, the bottom surface 35 and the top surface 36 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 13.

The central supported structural member 5 has a longitudinal axis 15 and a lateral axis 16 with the central supported structural member or beam 5 being elongated along the longitudinal axis 15. As shown in FIG. 13, the longitudinal axis 15 of the central supported structural member 5 extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 6 of the supporting structural member 2. A cross-section of the central beam 5 taken parallel to the lateral axis 16 and orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 15 is typically a square cross section. The central supported structural member 5 has a left surface 43, an opposed right surface 44, a bottom surface 45, and a top surface 46. The left surface 43, the right surface 44, the bottom surface 45 and the top surface 46 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 15.

The connector 1 is preferably made up of two or more separate pieces joined together. The first member of the connector 1 is a cross member 27 and the second member is an enclosing member 28 or 128. The third member of the connector, if present, is a jutting member 29. The cross member 27, the enclosing member 28 or 128, and the jutting member 29 are preferably formed from cold-formed sheet steel that has been cut, punched and bent into the final shapes of the pieces. After the pieces are formed from the sheet steel, the pieces are arranged together and joined by one or more welds 200.

The cross member 27 has the general shape of the letter “T” with the ascender of the T-shaped member having left and right ascension members 50 and 51 connected to left and right connection members 52 and 53. The left ascension member 50 is preferably a planar member and extends from a bottom edge 54 to a top edge 55. The right ascension member 51 is preferably a planar member and extends from a bottom edge 56 to a top edge 57. Preferably the bottom edges 54 and 56 of the left and right ascension members 50 and 51 are aligned. Preferably the top edges 55 and 57 of the left and right ascension members 50 and 51 are aligned.

In one form of the invention where the left and right supported structural members 3 and 4 are disposed at an angle less than 180 degrees to each other, the left and right ascension members 50 and 51 are disposed at angle less than 180 degrees to each other and are joined at an ascension bend 58. Preferably, that angle is 90 degrees.

The left ascension member 50 is preferably formed with an outer edge 59 and the right ascension member 51 is preferably formed with an outer edge 60. The left and right connection members 52 and 53 are preferably joined to the left and right ascension members 50 and 51 at the outer edges 59 and 60 of the left and right ascension members 50 and 51.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the left and right supported structural members 3 and 4 to be joined are disposed in alignment, the connector is made with the left and right ascension members 50 and 51 being disposed in substantially the same plane.

As shown in FIG. 16, the left connection member 52 is preferably formed into three substantially planar portions joined at bend lines: a left outer side member 61, a left seat member 62, and a left inner side member 63. The left outer side member 61 is preferably a planar member that is aligned with an upper portion of the left ascension member 50. The left seat member 62 is preferably disposed orthogonally to the left outer side member 61, and the left seat member 62 is preferably disposed orthogonally to the left inner side member 63 with the left inner and outer side members 61 and 63 being disposed parallel to each other and spaced from each other by the left seat member 62. The left outer side member 61 has a bottom edge 64 where it joins to the left seat member 62 along an outer seat bend 65. The left seat member 62 has an inner edge 66 where it joins to the left inner side member 63 along an inner seat bend 67. The left seat member 62 has an inner lateral edge 68 that preferably extends orthogonally to the bottom edge 64 of the left outer side member 61. Preferably, the left inner side member 63 has an inner lateral edge 69 that preferably extends orthogonally to and in the same plane as the inner lateral edge 68 of the left seat member 62.

As shown in FIG. 16, the right connection member 53 is preferably formed into three substantially planar portions joined at bend lines: a right outer side member 71, a right seat member 72, and a right inner side member 73. The right outer side member 71 is preferably a planar member that is aligned with an upper portion of the right ascension member 51. The right seat member 72 is preferably disposed orthogonally to the right outer side member 71, and the right seat member 72 is preferably disposed orthogonally to the right inner side member 73 with the right inner and outer side members 71 and 73 being disposed parallel to each other and spaced from each other by the right seat member 72. The right outer side member 71 has a bottom edge 74 where it joins to the right seat member 72 along an outer seat bend 75. The right seat member 72 has an inner edge 76 where it joins to the right inner side member 73 along an inner seat bend 77. The right seat member 72 has an inner lateral edge 78 that preferably extends orthogonally to the bottom edge 74 of the right outer side member 71. Preferably, the right inner side member 73 has an inner lateral edge 79 that extends orthogonally and in the same plane as the inner lateral edge 78 of the right seat member 72.

The enclosing member 28 has the general shape of the letter “i”. The “i” shaped member either has just left and right enclosing members 80 and 81 as shown in FIG. 2, or the enclosing member 128 has left and right enclosing members 180 and 181 connected to each other and spaced apart from each other by a central enclosing member 182 as shown in FIG. 13.

The left enclosing member 80 or 180 is preferably a planar member and extends from a bottom edge 84 or 184 to a top edge 85 or 185. The right enclosing member 81 or 181 is preferably a planar member and extends from a bottom edge 86 or 186 to a top edge 87 or 187. Preferably the bottom edges 84 or 184 and 86 or 186 of the left and right enclosing members 80 or 180 and 81 or 181 are aligned. Preferably the top edges 83 or 183 and 85 or 185 of the left and right enclosing members 80 or 180 and 81 or 181 are aligned.

The central enclosing member 182, if present, is preferably a planar member and extends from a bottom edge 188 to a top edge 189. When the central enclosing member 182 is present, the bottom edge 188 of the central enclosing member 182 is preferably aligned with the bottom edges 184 and 186 of the left and right enclosing members 180 and 181. When the central enclosing member 182 is present, the top edge 189 of the central enclosing member 182 is preferably aligned with the top edges 185 and 187 of the left and right enclosing members 180 and 181.

The left enclosing member 80 or 180 is preferably formed with an outer edge 90 or 190 and an opposed joining edge 91 or 191, the right enclosing member 81 or 181 is preferably formed with an outer edge 92 or 192 and an opposed joining edge 93 or 193. If there is no central enclosing member 182, the left and right enclosing members 80 and 81 are preferably joined at an orthogonal angle to each other along a first enclosing bend 94 at the joining edges 91 and 93 of the left and right enclosing members 80 and 81.

If the central enclosing member 182 is present, the central enclosing member 182 joins to the left enclosing member 180 at the joining edge 191 at a left joining bend 195. If the central enclosing member 182 is present it joins to the right enclosing member 181 at the joining edge 193 at a right joining bend 196. As shown in FIG. 15, the left and right joining bends 195 and 196 are preferably orthogonal bends and are disposed parallel to each other.

As shown in FIG. 2, the left enclosing member 80 has an inner surface 101 and an opposed outer surface 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the right enclosing member 81 has an inner surface 103 and an opposed outer surface 104. As shown in FIG. 15, the central enclosing member 182 has an inner surface 105 and an opposed outer surface 106.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 15, the top edges 85, 87 and 189 of the left enclosing member 80, the right enclosing member 81 and the central enclosing member 182 are formed with notches 120. As shown in FIG. 1, a left enclosing support tab 121 is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the left enclosing member 80 with the left enclosing support tab 121 being disposed orthogonally to the left enclosing member 80. As shown in FIG. 1, a right enclosing support tab 122 is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the right enclosing member 81 with the right enclosing support tab 122 being disposed orthogonally to the right enclosing member 81. As shown in FIG. 13, a central enclosing support tab 123 is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the central enclosing member 182 with the central enclosing support tab 123 being disposed orthogonally to the central enclosing member 182. The supporting tabs 121, 122 and 123 (if present) are preferably disposed in the same plane and preferably register with the top surface 21 of the supporting structural member 2 when the connection is made. The left enclosing support tab 121 is preferably positioned centrally along the top edge 85 of the left enclosing member 80. The right enclosing support tab 122 is preferably positioned centrally along the top edge 87 of the right enclosing member 81. The central enclosing support tab 123 is preferably positioned centrally along the top edge 189 of the central enclosing member 182.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer edge 90 of the left enclosing member 80 or 180 has an upper portion 130 and a lower portion 131 that juts outwardly from the upper portion creating a ledge 132 that connects the upper and lower portions 130 and 131. The ledge 132 is preferably disposed orthogonally to the upper and lower portions 130 and 131 that are parallel to each other and slightly offset from each other. As best shown in FIG. 3, the bottom edge 64 of the left outer side member 61 of the left connection member 52 rests on the ledge 132 of the outer edge 90 of the left enclosing member 80 or 180.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer edge 92 of the right enclosing member 81 or 181 has an upper portion 130 and a lower portion 131 that juts outwardly from the upper portion creating a ledge 132 that connects the upper and lower portions 130 and 131. The ledge 132 is preferably disposed orthogonally to the upper and lower portions 130 and 131 that are parallel to each other and slightly offset from each other. As best shown in FIG. 3, the bottom edge 74 of the right outer side member 71 of the right connection member 53 rests on the ledge 132 of the outer edge 92 of the right enclosing member 81 or 181.

As shown in FIG. 13, the jutting member 29 is preferably formed into three substantially planar portions joined at bend lines: a jutting left side member 161, a jutting seat member 162, and a jutting right side member 163. The jutting left side member 161 is preferably a planar member that is aligned with an upper portion of the left enclosing member 80. The jutting seat member 162 is preferably disposed orthogonally to the jutting left side member 161, and the jutting seat member 162 is preferably disposed orthogonally to the jutting right side member 163 with the jutting left and right side members 161 and 163 being disposed parallel to each other and spaced from each other by the jutting seat member 162. The jutting left side member 161 has a bottom edge 164 where it joins to the jutting seat member 162 along a left seat bend 165. The jutting seat member 162 has a right edge 166 where it joins to the jutting right side member 163 along a right seat bend 167. The jutting seat member 162 has an inner lateral edge 168 that preferably extends orthogonally to the bottom edge 164 of the jutting left side member 161. Preferably, the jutting left and right side members 161 and 163 have inner lateral edges 169 and 170 that extend orthogonally and in the same plane as the inner lateral edge 168 of the jutting seat member 162.

To form a connector 1 for connecting left and right supported structural members 3 and 4 to a supporting structural member 2, a separate enclosing member 28 having a left enclosing member 80 and a right enclosing member 81 is attached to a separate cross member 27 where the left ascension member 51 and the right ascension member 52 of the cross member 27 form an angle of less than 180 degrees, and preferably an orthogonal angle. The left and right enclosing members 80 and 81 of the enclosing member 28 also preferably form an orthogonal angle. The separate enclosing member 28 is inserted into the separate cross member 27 so portions of the outer edge 59 of the left ascension member 50 align with and are in contact with or closely adjacent to portions of the outer edge 90 of the left enclosing member 80, and portions of the outer edge 90 of the left enclosing member 80 are welded to the left ascension member 50. At the same time, portions of the outer edge 60 of the right ascension member 51 align with and are in contact with or closely adjacent to portions of the outer edge 92 of the right enclosing member 81, and portions of the outer edge 92 of the right enclosing member 81 are welded to the right ascension member 51. At the same time, the inner lateral edge 69 of the left inner side member 63 is aligned with and lies closely adjacent or in contact with the inner lateral edge 79 of the right inner side member 73, and portions of the inner lateral edge 69 of the left inner side member 63 are welded to the inner lateral edge 79 of the right inner side member 73, with substantially the entire portion of the inner lateral edge 69 of the left inner side member 63 being welded to a corresponding portion of the inner lateral side edge 79 of the right inner side member 73. At the same time, the inner lateral edge 68 of the left seat member 62 is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface 102 of the left enclosing member 80 and portions of the inner lateral edge 68 of the left seat member 62 are welded to the outer surface 102 of the left enclosing member 80, with substantially the entire portion of the inner lateral edge 68 of the left seat member 62 being welded to a corresponding portion of the outer surface 102 of the left enclosing member 80. At the same time, the inner lateral edge 78 of the right seat member 72 is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface 104 of the right enclosing member 81 and portions of the inner lateral edge 78 of the right seat member 72 are welded to the outer surface 104 of the right enclosing member 81, with substantially the entire portion of the inner lateral edge 78 of the right seat member 72 being welded to a corresponding portion of the outer surface 104 of the right enclosing member 81. At the same time, in the preferred embodiment the bottom edge 54 of the left ascension member 50, the bottom edge 56 of the right ascension member 51, the bottom edge 84 of the left enclosing member 80, and the bottom edge 86 of the right enclosing member 81 are aligned. At the same time, the left seat member 62 of the left connection member 52 and the right seat member 72 of the right connection member 53 lie in the same plane.

To form a connector 1 for connecting left and right supported structural members 3 and 4 and a central supported member 5 to a supporting structural member 2, a separate enclosing member 128 having a left enclosing member 180, a right enclosing member 181, and a central enclosing member 182 is attached to a separate cross member 27 where the left ascension member 51 and the right ascension member 52 of the cross member 27 form an angle equal to 180 degrees. The left and right enclosing members 180 and 181 of the enclosing member 128 are preferably disposed parallel to each other. The separate enclosing member 128 is inserted into the separate cross member 27 so portions of the outer edge 59 of the left ascension member 50 align with and are in contact with or closely adjacent to portions of the outer edge 90 of the left enclosing member 180, and portions of the outer edge 90 of the left enclosing member 180 are welded to the left ascension member 50. At the same time, portions of the outer edge 60 of the right ascension member 51 align with and are in contact with or closely adjacent to portions of the outer edge 92 of the right enclosing member 181, and portions of the outer edge 92 of the right enclosing member 181 are welded to the right ascension member 51. At the same time, the inner lateral edge 69 of the left inner side member 63 is aligned with and lies closely adjacent to or in contact with the joining edge 91 of the left enclosing member 180, and portions of the inner lateral edge 69 of the left inner side member 63 are welded to the joining edge 91 of the left enclosing member 180, with substantially the entire portion of the inner lateral edge 69 of the left inner side member 63 being welded to a corresponding portion of the joining edge 91 of the left enclosing member 180. At the same time, the inner lateral edge 79 of the right inner side member 73 is aligned with and lies closely adjacent to or in contact with the joining edge 93 of the right enclosing member 181, and portions of the inner lateral edge 79 of the right inner side member 73 are welded to the joining edge 93 of the right enclosing member 181, with substantially the entire portion of the inner lateral edge 79 of the right inner side member 73 being welded to a corresponding portion of the joining edge 91 of the right enclosing member 181. At the same time, the inner lateral edge 68 of the left seat member 62 is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface 102 of the left enclosing member 180 and portions of the inner lateral edge 68 of the left seat member 62 are welded to the outer surface 102 of the left enclosing member 180, with substantially the entire portion of the inner lateral edge 68 of the left seat member 62 being welded to a corresponding portion of the outer surface 102 of the left enclosing member 180. At the same time, the inner lateral edge 78 of the right seat member 72 is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface 104 of the right enclosing member 181 and portions of the inner lateral edge 78 of the right seat member 72 are welded to the outer surface 104 of the right enclosing member 181, with substantially the entire portion of the inner lateral edge 78 of the right seat member 72 being welded to a corresponding portion of the outer surface 104 of the right enclosing member 181. At the same time, the jutting member 29 is positioned so that the inner lateral edge 169 of the jutting left side member 161 is aligned with and lies closely adjacent or in contact with the joining edge 91 of the left enclosing member 180 and portions of the inner lateral edge 169 of the jutting left side member 161 are welded to the joining edge 91 of the left enclosing member 180, with substantially the entire portion of the inner lateral edge 169 of the jutting left side member 161 being welded to a corresponding portion of the joining edge 91 of the left enclosing member 180. At the same time, the jutting member 29 is positioned so that the inner lateral edge 170 of the jutting right side member 163 is aligned with and lies closely adjacent or in contact with the joining edge 93 of the right enclosing member 181 and portions of the inner lateral edge 170 of the jutting right side member 163 are welded to the joining edge 93 of the right enclosing member 181, with substantially the entire portion of the inner lateral edge 170 of the jutting right side member 163 being welded to a corresponding portion of the joining edge 93 of the right enclosing member 181. At the same time, the inner lateral edge 168 of the jutting seat member 162 is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface 106 of the central enclosing member 182 and portions of the inner lateral edge 168 of the jutting seat member 162 are welded to the outer surface 106 of the central enclosing member 181, with substantially the entire portion of the inner lateral edge 168 of the jutting seat member 162 being welded to a corresponding portion of the outer surface 106 of the central enclosing member 182. At the same time, in the preferred embodiment the bottom edge 54 of the left ascension member 50, the bottom edge 56 of the right ascension member 51, the bottom edge 84 of the left enclosing member 180, the bottom edge 86 of the right enclosing member 181, and the bottom edge 188 of the central enclosing member 182 are aligned. At the same time, the left seat member 62 of the left connection member 52, the right seat member 72 of the right connection member 53, and the jutting seat member 162 of the jutting member 29 lie in the same plane.

A connection formed according to the present invention in the preferred manner is accomplished as follows. A structural member is selected as the left supported structural members 3. The connector 1 is attached to the left supported structural member 3 with the left outer side member 61, the left seat member 62 and the left inner side member 63 of the left connection member 52 receiving an end of the left supported structural member 3. The left outer side member 61 at least partially interfaces with the outer surface 24 of the left supported structural member 3. The left seat member 62 at least partially interfaces with the bottom surface 25 of the left supported structural member 3. The left inner side member 63 at least partially interface with the inner surface 23 of the left supported structural member 3. Preferably, fasteners are then driven through the left outer side member 61, the left seat member 62 and the left inner side member 63 and into the left supported structural member 3.

A structural member is selected as the right supported structural members 4. The connector 1 is attached to the right supported structural member 4 with the right outer side member 71, the right seat member 72 and the right inner side member 73 of the right connection member 53 receiving an end of the right supported structural member 4. The right outer side member 71 at least partially interfaces with the outer surface 34 of the right supported structural member 4. The right seat member 72 at least partially interfaces with the bottom surface 35 of the right supported structural member 4. The right inner side member 73 at least partially interface with the inner surface 33 of the right supported structural member 4. Preferably, fasteners are then driven through the right outer side member 71, the right seat member 72 and the right inner side member 73 and into the right supported structural member 4.

If present, a structural member is selected as the central supported structural member 5. The connector 1 is attached to the central supported structural member 5 with the jutting left side member 161, the jutting seat member 162 and the jutting right side member 163 of the jutting member 29 receiving an end of the central supported structural member 5. The jutting left side member 161 at least partially interfaces with the left surface 43 of the central supported structural member 5. The jutting seat member 162 at least partially interfaces with the bottom surface 45 of the central supported structural member 5. The jutting right side member 163 at least partially interface with the right surface 44 of the central supported structural member 5. Preferably, fasteners are then driven through the jutting left side member 161, the jutting seat member 162 and the right side member 163 and into the central supported structural member 5.

A structural member is selected as the elongated supporting structural member 2. The connector 1 is attached to the elongated supporting structural member 2 with the cross member 27 and the enclosing member 28 or 128 receiving the top portion of the supporting structural member 2. The left and right enclosing members 80 and 81, and the central enclosing member 182 (if present), and the first and second ascension members 50 and 51 at least partially interface with portions of the front and back surfaces 17 and 18 and the left and right sides surfaces 19 and 20 of the elongated structural member 2. Preferably, fasteners are then driven through the left and right enclosing members 80 and 81 and the central enclosing member 182 (if present) and the first and second ascension members 50 and 51 and into the elongated structural member 2.

The fastening for connecting the lateral supported structural members by means of the connector to the elongated supporting structural member can be nails, screws, bolts, adhesives or welds, depending on the materials of the structural members being connected.

In the preferred embodiment, the elongated longitudinal supporting structural member and the elongated lateral supported structural members and are made from wood. Further, the fastenings are nails or they are wood screws formed with self-drilling points and heads that can receive a powered driver.

In the preferred embodiment the connector 1 is formed with openings for directing the installer as to where the fasteners should be driven through the connector 1 and into the supporting structural member 2 and the left, right and central supported structural members 3, 4 and 5.

The preferred embodiment of the connector 1 is made from sheet steel. The preferred embodiment of the connector 1 is formed by cutting blanks from the sheet steel in the configuration of the pieces and welding the pieces together.

In the preferred embodiment, the connector 1 does not interface with or overlie the top surface 26 of the left supported structural member 3. In the preferred embodiment, the connector 1 does not interface with or overlie the top surface 36 of the right supported structural member 4. In the preferred embodiment, the connector 1 does not interface with or overlie the top surface 46 of the central supported structural member 5, if it is present.

Claims

1. A method for forming a connector made up of a plurality of separate pieces, the method comprising:

a. providing a cross member having left and right ascension members connected to left and right connection members, the left ascension member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, the right ascension member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, with the left ascension member having an outer edge and the right ascension member having an outer edge, with the left connection member being joined to the left ascension member at the outer edge of the left ascension member and with the right connection member being joined to the right ascension member at the outer edge of the right ascension member;
b. the left connection member having a left outer side member joined to a left seat member which is joined to a left inner side member, with the left outer side member being a planar member that is aligned with an upper portion of the left ascension member, with the left seat member being disposed orthogonally to the left outer side member, and the left seat member being disposed orthogonally to the left inner side member and with the left inner and outer side members being disposed parallel to each other and spaced from each other by the left seat member, with the left outer side member having a bottom edge where it joins to the left seat member and the left seat member has an inner edge where it joins to the left inner side member, and the left seat member has an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally to the bottom edge of the left outer side member, and the left inner side member has an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally to and in the same plane as the inner lateral edge of the left seat member;
c. the right connection member having a right outer side member joined to a right seat member which is joined to a right inner side member, with the right outer side member being a planar member that is aligned with an upper portion of the right ascension member, with the right seat member being disposed orthogonally to the right outer side member, and the right seat member is disposed orthogonally to the right inner side member with the right inner and outer side members being disposed parallel to each other and spaced from each other by the right seat member, the right outer side member having a bottom edge where it joins to the right seat member, the right seat member having an inner edge where it joins to the right inner side member, the right seat member having an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally to the bottom edge of the right outer side member, and the right inner side member has an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally and in the same plane as the inner lateral edge of the right seat member; and
d. providing an enclosing member having a left enclosing member and a right enclosing member, with the left enclosing member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, and with the right enclosing member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, with the left enclosing member having an outer edge and an opposed joining edge, and the right enclosing member having an outer edge and an opposed joining edge, and the left enclosing member has an inner surface and an opposed outer surface and the right enclosing member has an inner surface and an opposed outer surface;
e. inserting the separate enclosing member into the separate cross member so portions of the outer edge of the left ascension member align with and are in contact with or closely adjacent to portions of the outer edge of the left enclosing member, and welding portions of the outer edge of the left enclosing member to the left ascension member, and portions of the outer edge of the right ascension member align with and are in contact with or closely adjacent to portions of the outer edge of the right enclosing member, and welding portions of the outer edge of the right enclosing member to the right ascension member, the inner lateral edge of the left seat member is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface of the left enclosing member and welding portions of the inner lateral edge of the left seat member to the outer surface of the left enclosing member, and the inner lateral edge of the right seat member is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface of the right enclosing member and welding portions of the inner lateral edge of the right seat member to the outer surface of the right enclosing member.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the inner lateral edge of the left inner side member is aligned with and lies closely adjacent or in contact with the inner lateral edge of the right inner side member and welding portions of the inner lateral edge of the left inner side member to the inner lateral edge of the right inner side member.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein:

the top edge of the left enclosing member is formed with a notch, and the top edge of the right enclosing member is formed with a notch, and a left enclosing support tab is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the left enclosing member with the left enclosing support tab being disposed orthogonally to the left enclosing member, and a right enclosing support tab is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the right enclosing member with the right enclosing support tab being disposed orthogonally to the right enclosing member, with the supporting tabs of the left enclosing member and the right enclosing member disposed in the same plane.

4. The connection of claim 3, wherein:

a. the outer edge of the left enclosing member has an upper portion and a lower portion that juts outwardly from the upper portion creating a ledge that connects the upper and lower portions, and the ledge is disposed orthogonally to the upper and lower portions that are disposed in parallel relation and are offset, and the bottom edge of the left outer side member of the left connection member rests on the ledge of the outer edge of the left enclosing member; and
b. the outer edge of the right enclosing member has an upper portion and a lower portion that juts outwardly from the upper portion creating a ledge that connects the upper and lower portions, and the ledge is disposed orthogonally to the upper and lower portions that are disposed parallel to each other and are offset, and the bottom edge of the right outer side member of the right connection member rests on the ledge of the outer edge of the right enclosing member.

5. The connection of claim 4, wherein:

the left ascension member is disposed orthogonally to the right ascension member.

6. The connection of claim 1, wherein:

a. the left and right enclosing members are connected to each other and spaced apart from each other by a central enclosing member, with the central enclosing member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, the central enclosing member joining to the left enclosing member at a left joining bend and the right enclosing member joining to the right enclosing member at a right joining bend with the left and right joining bends being orthogonal bends, with the central enclosing member having an inner surface and an opposed outer surface;
b. attaching a jutting member to the enclosing member and the left and right connection members, the jutting member having a jutting left side member, a jutting seat member, and a jutting right side member, with the jutting left side member being a planar member that is aligned with an upper portion of the left enclosing member and the jutting seat member being disposed orthogonally to the jutting left side member, and the jutting seat member being disposed orthogonally to the jutting right side member with the jutting left and right side members being disposed parallel to each other and spaced from each other by the jutting seat member, with the jutting left side member having a bottom edge where it joins to the jutting seat member, and the jutting seat member has a right edge where it joins to the jutting right side member, with the jutting seat member having an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally to the bottom edge of the jutting left side member, and the jutting left and right side members have inner lateral edges that extend orthogonally and in the same plane as the inner lateral edge of the jutting seat member.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein:

a. the inner lateral edge of the left inner side member is aligned with and lies closely adjacent to or in contact with the joining edge of the left enclosing member and welding portions of the inner lateral edge of the left inner side member to the joining edge of the left enclosing member, the inner lateral edge of the right inner side member is aligned with and lies closely adjacent to or in contact with the joining edge of the right enclosing member and welding portions of the inner lateral edge of the right inner side member to the joining edge of the right enclosing member; and
b. the jutting member is positioned so that the inner lateral edge of the jutting left side member is aligned with and lies closely adjacent or in contact with the joining edge of the left enclosing member and welding portions of the inner lateral edge of the jutting left side member to the joining edge of the left enclosing member, and the jutting member is positioned so that the inner lateral edge of the jutting right side member is aligned with and lies closely adjacent or in contact with the joining edge of the right enclosing member and welding portions of the inner lateral edge of the jutting right side member to the joining edge of the right enclosing member, and the inner lateral edge of the jutting seat member is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface of the central enclosing member and welding portions of the inner lateral edge of the jutting seat member to the outer surface of the central enclosing member.

8. The connection of claim 7, wherein:

the top edge of the left enclosing member is formed with a notch, and the top edge of the right enclosing member is formed with a notch, and a left enclosing support tab is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the left enclosing member with the left enclosing support tab being disposed orthogonally to the left enclosing member, and a right enclosing support tab is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the right enclosing member with the right enclosing support tab being disposed orthogonally to the right enclosing member, with the supporting tabs of the left enclosing member and the right enclosing member disposed in the same plane and registering with the top surface of the supporting structural member.

9. The connection of claim 8, wherein:

the top edge of the central enclosing member is formed with a notch, and a central enclosing support tab is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the central enclosing member with the central enclosing support tab being disposed orthogonally to the central enclosing member, and with the supporting tabs of the left enclosing member, the right enclosing member and the central enclosing member being disposed in the same plane and registering with the top surface of the supporting structural member.

10. The connection of claim 9, wherein:

a. the outer edge of the left enclosing member has an upper portion and a lower portion that juts outwardly from the upper portion creating a ledge that connects the upper and lower portions, and the ledge is disposed orthogonally to the upper and lower portions that are disposed in parallel relation and are offset, and the bottom edge of the left outer side member of the left connection member rests on the ledge of the outer edge of the left enclosing member; and
b. the outer edge of the right enclosing member has an upper portion and a lower portion that juts outwardly from the upper portion creating a ledge that connects the upper and lower portions, and the ledge is disposed orthogonally to the upper and lower portions that are disposed parallel to each other and are offset, and the bottom edge of the right outer side member of the right connection member rests on the ledge of the outer edge of the right enclosing member.

11. A connection between a supporting structural member and left and right supported structural members made with a cross member and an enclosing member, the connection comprising:

a. the supporting structural member, the supporting structural member being disposed substantially vertically and being an elongated member and the left and right supported structural members being elongated structural members disposed orthogonally to the supporting structural member, the supporting structural member having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis with the elongated dimension of the supporting structural member extending along the longitudinal axis of the supporting structural member, the supporting structural member having a front surface, an opposed back surface, a left side surface, a right side surface, and a top surface, with the front surface, the back surface, the left side surface and the right side surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the supporting structural member and being substantially planar;
b. the left supported structural member, the left supported structural member having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis with the left supported structural member being elongated along the longitudinal axis of the left supported structural member, with the longitudinal axis of the left supported structural member extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the supporting structural member, with the left supported structural member having an inner surface, an opposed outer surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface with the inner surface, the outer surface, the bottom surface and the top surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis;
c. the right supported structural member, the right supported structural member having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis with the right supported structural member being elongated along the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the right supported structural member extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the supporting structural member, the right supported structural member having an inner surface, an opposed outer surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface, with the inner surface, the outer surface, the bottom surface and the top surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the right supported structural member;
d. the cross member being attached to the supporting structural member and the left and right supported structural members with separate fasteners, and the cross member does not interface with or overlie the top surface of the left supported structural member, and the cross member does not interface with or overlie the top surface of the right supported structural member; and
e. the enclosing member being attached to the supporting structural member with separate fasteners and the enclosing member being attached to cross member, and the enclosing member overlies the top surface of the supporting structural member and does not interface with or overlie the top surface of the left supported structural member, and the enclosing member does not interface with or overlie the top surface of the right supported structural member.

12. The connection of claim 11, wherein:

a. the cross member has left and right ascension members connected to left and right connection members, the left ascension member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, the right ascension member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, with the left ascension member having an outer edge and the right ascension member having an outer edge, with the left connection member being joined to the left ascension member at the outer edge of the left ascension member and with the right connection member being joined to the right ascension member at the outer edge of the right ascension member;
b. the left connection member having a left outer side member joined to a left seat member which is joined to a left inner side member, with the left outer side member being a planar member that is aligned with an upper portion of the left ascension member, with the left seat member being disposed orthogonally to the left outer side member, and the left seat member being disposed orthogonally to the left inner side member and with the left inner and outer side members being disposed parallel to each other and spaced from each other by the left seat member, with the left outer side member having a bottom edge where it joins to the left seat member and the left seat member has an inner edge where it joins to the left inner side member, and the left seat member has an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally to the bottom edge of the left outer side member, and the left inner side member has an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally to and in the same plane as the inner lateral edge of the left seat member;
c. the right connection member having a right outer side member, a right seat member, and a right inner side member, the right outer side member is a planar member that is aligned with an upper portion of the right ascension member, and the right seat member is disposed orthogonally to the right outer side member, and the right seat member is disposed orthogonally to the right inner side member with the right inner and outer side members and being disposed parallel to each other and spaced from each other by the right seat member, the right outer side member having a bottom edge where it joins to the right seat member, the right seat member having an inner edge where it joins to the right inner side member, the right seat member having an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally to the bottom edge of the right outer side member, and the right inner side member has an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally and in the same plane as the inner lateral edge of the right seat member; and
d. the enclosing member having a left enclosing member and a right enclosing member, with the left enclosing member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, and with the right enclosing member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, with the left enclosing member having an outer edge and an opposed joining edge, and the right enclosing member having an outer edge and an opposed joining edge, and the left enclosing member has an inner surface and an opposed outer surface and the right enclosing member has an inner surface and an opposed outer surface.

13. The connection of claim 12, wherein:

a. the left outer side member, the left seat member and the left inner side member of the left connection member receive an end of the left supported structural member with the left outer side member at least partially interfacing with the outer surface of the left supported structural member, with the left seat member at least partially interfacing with the bottom surface of the left supported structural member, and with the left inner side member at least partially interfacing with the inner surface of the left supported structural member with the separate fasteners driven through the left outer side member, the left seat member and the left inner side member and into the left supported structural member;
b. the right outer side member, the right seat member and the right inner side member of the right connection member receive an end of the right supported structural member, with the right outer side member at least partially interfacing with the outer surface of the right supported structural member, with the right seat member at least partially interfacing with the bottom surface of the right supported structural member, and with the right inner side member at least partially interfacing with the inner surface of the right supported structural member, with the separate fasteners being driven through the right outer side member, the right seat member and the right inner side member and into the right supported structural member; and
c. the cross member and the enclosing member receive a top portion of the supporting structural member, with the left and right enclosing members, and the first and second ascension members at least partially interfacing with portions of the front and back surfaces and the left and right sides surfaces of the elongated structural member, with the separate fasteners being driven through the left and right enclosing members and the first and second ascension members and into the elongated structural member.

14. The connection of claim 13, wherein:

the enclosing member engages with the cross member so that portions of the outer edge of the left ascension member align with and are in contact with or closely adjacent to portions of the outer edge of the left enclosing member, and portions of the outer edge of the left enclosing member are connected to the left ascension member, and portions of the outer edge of the right ascension member align with and are in contact with or closely adjacent to portions of the outer edge of the right enclosing member, and portions of the outer edge of the right enclosing member are connected to the right ascension member, and the inner lateral edge of the left seat member is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface of the left enclosing member and portions of the inner lateral edge of the left seat member are connected to the outer surface of the left enclosing member, the inner lateral edge of the right seat member is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface of the right enclosing member and portions of the inner lateral edge of the right seat member are connected to the outer surface of the right enclosing member, and the inner lateral edge of the left inner side member is aligned with and lies closely adjacent or in contact with the inner lateral edge of the right inner side member and portions of the inner lateral edge of the left inner side member are connected to the inner lateral edge of the right inner side member.

15. The connection of claim 12, wherein:

the top edge of the left enclosing member is formed with a notch, and the top edge of the right enclosing member is formed with a notch, and a left enclosing support tab is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the left enclosing member with the left enclosing support tab being disposed orthogonally to the left enclosing member, and a right enclosing support tab is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the right enclosing member with the right enclosing support tab being disposed orthogonally to the right enclosing member, with the supporting tabs of the left enclosing member and the right enclosing member disposed in the same plane and registering with the top surface of the supporting structural member.

16. The connection of claim 12, wherein:

a. the outer edge of the left enclosing member has an upper portion and a lower portion that juts outwardly from the upper portion creating a ledge that connects the upper and lower portions, and the ledge is disposed orthogonally to the upper and lower portions that are disposed in parallel relation and are offset, and the bottom edge of the left outer side member of the left connection member rests on the ledge of the outer edge of the left enclosing member; and
b. the outer edge of the right enclosing member has an upper portion and a lower portion that juts outwardly from the upper portion creating a ledge that connects the upper and lower portions, and the ledge is disposed orthogonally to the upper and lower portions that are disposed parallel to each other and are offset, and the bottom edge of the right outer side member of the right connection member rests on the ledge of the outer edge of the right enclosing member.

17. The connection of claim 14, wherein:

the left ascension member is disposed orthogonally to the right ascension member.

18. The connection of claim 17, wherein:

a. the bottom edge of the left ascension member is aligned with the bottom edge of the right ascension member; and
b. the top edge of the left ascension member is aligned with the top edge of the right ascension member.

19. The connection of claim 11, wherein:

a. the connection also includes a central supported structural member connected to the supporting member, with the left and right supported structural members being generally aligned and the central supported member extending away orthogonally from the left and right supported structural members and orthogonally from the supporting structural member, the central supported structural member having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis with the central supported structural member being elongated along the longitudinal axis of the central supported member, the longitudinal axis of the central supported structural member extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the supporting structural member, the central supported structural member having a left surface, an opposed right surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface, with the left surface, the right surface, the bottom surface and the top surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; and
b. the cross member and the enclosing member do not interface with or overlie the top surface of the central supported structural member.

20. The connection of claim 19, wherein:

a. the cross member has left and right ascension members connected to left and right connection members, the left ascension member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, the right ascension member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, with the left ascension member having an outer edge and the right ascension member having an outer edge, with the left connection member being joined to the left ascension member at the outer edge of the left ascension member and with the right connection member being joined to the right ascension member at the outer edge of the right ascension member;
b. the left connection member having a left outer side member joined to a left seat member which is joined to a left inner side member, with the left outer side member being a planar member that is aligned with an upper portion of the left ascension member, with the left seat member being disposed orthogonally to the left outer side member, and the left seat member being disposed orthogonally to the left inner side member and with the left inner and outer side members being disposed parallel to each other and spaced from each other by the left seat member, with the left outer side member having a bottom edge where it joins to the left seat member and the left seat member has an inner edge where it joins to the left inner side member, and the left seat member has an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally to the bottom edge of the left outer side member, and the left inner side member has an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally to and in the same plane as the inner lateral edge of the left seat member;
c. the right connection member having a right outer side member, a right seat member, and a right inner side member, the right outer side member is a planar member that is aligned with an upper portion of the right ascension member, and the right seat member is disposed orthogonally to the right outer side member, and the right seat member is disposed orthogonally to the right inner side member with the right inner and outer side members and being disposed parallel to each other and spaced from each other by the right seat member, the right outer side member having a bottom edge where it joins to the right seat member, the right seat member having an inner edge where it joins to the right inner side member, the right seat member having an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally to the bottom edge of the right outer side member, and the right inner side member has an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally and in the same plane as the inner lateral edge of the right seat member; and
d. the enclosing member having a left enclosing member and a right enclosing member, with the left enclosing member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, and with the right enclosing member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, with the left enclosing member having an outer edge and an opposed joining edge, and the right enclosing member having an outer edge and an opposed joining edge, and the left enclosing member has an inner surface and an opposed outer surface and the right enclosing member has an inner surface and an opposed outer surface.

21. The connection of claim 20, wherein:

a. the left and right enclosing members are connected to each other and spaced apart from each other by a central enclosing member, with the central enclosing member being a planar member and extending from a bottom edge to a top edge, the central enclosing member joining to the left enclosing member at a left joining bend and the right enclosing member joining to the right enclosing member at a right joining bend with the left and right joining bends being orthogonal bends, with the central enclosing member having an inner surface and an opposed outer surface;
b. a jutting member is attached to the enclosing member and the left and right cross members, and has a jutting left side member, a jutting seat member, and a jutting right side member, with the jutting left side member being a planar member that is aligned with an upper portion of the left enclosing member and the jutting seat member being disposed orthogonally to the jutting left side member. and the jutting seat member being disposed orthogonally to the jutting right side member with the jutting left and right side members being disposed parallel to each other and spaced from each other by the jutting seat member, with the jutting left side member having a bottom edge where it joins to the jutting seat member, and the jutting seat member has a right edge where it joins to the jutting right side member, with the jutting seat member having an inner lateral edge that extends orthogonally to the bottom edge of the jutting left side member, and the jutting left and right side members have inner lateral edges that extend orthogonally and in the same plane as the inner lateral edge of the jutting seat member.

22. The connection of claim 21, wherein:

a. the left outer side member, the left seat member and the left inner side member of the left connection member receive an end of the left supported structural member with the left outer side member at least partially interfacing with the outer surface of the left supported structural member, with the left seat member at least partially interfacing with the bottom surface of the left supported structural member, and with the left inner side member at least partially interfacing with the inner surface of the left supported structural member with the separate fasteners driven through the left outer side member, the left seat member and the left inner side member and into the left supported structural member;
b. the right outer side member, the right seat member and the right inner side member of the right connection member receive an end of the right supported structural member, with the right outer side member at least partially interfacing with the outer surface of the right supported structural member, with the right seat member at least partially interfacing with the bottom surface of the right supported structural member, and with the right inner side member at least partially interfacing with the inner surface of the right supported structural member, with the separate fasteners being driven through the right outer side member, the right seat member and the right inner side member and into the right supported structural member; and
c. the cross member and the enclosing member receive a top portion of the supporting structural member, with the left and right enclosing members, and the first and second ascension members at least partially interfacing with portions of the front and back surfaces and the left and right sides surfaces of the elongated structural member, with the separate fasteners being driven through the left and right enclosing members and the first and second ascension members and into the elongated structural member.

23. The connection of claim 22, wherein:

the jutting left side member, the jutting seat member and the jutting right side member of the jutting member receive an end of the central supported structural member, with the jutting left side member at least partially interfacing with the left surface of the central supported structural member, with the jutting seat member at least partially interfacing with the bottom surface of the central supported structural member, and the jutting right side member at least partially interfacing with the right surface of the central supported structural member, and with fasteners being driven through the jutting left side member, the jutting seat member and the right side member and into the central supported structural member.

24. The connection of claim 23, wherein:

a. the enclosing member engages with the cross member so that portions of the outer edge of the left ascension member align with and are in contact with or closely adjacent to portions of the outer edge of the left enclosing member, and portions of the outer edge of the left enclosing member are connected to the left ascension member, and portions of the outer edge of the right ascension member align with and are in contact with or closely adjacent to portions of the outer edge of the right enclosing member, and portions of the outer edge of the right enclosing member are connected to the right ascension member, and the inner lateral edge of the left seat member is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface of the left enclosing member and portions of the inner lateral edge of the left seat member are connected to the outer surface of the left enclosing member, the inner lateral edge of the right seat member is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface of the right enclosing member and portions of the inner lateral edge of the right seat member are connected to the outer surface of the right enclosing member, and the inner lateral edge of the left inner side member is aligned with and lies closely adjacent or in contact with the inner lateral edge of the right inner side member and portions of the inner lateral edge of the left inner side member are connected to the inner lateral edge of the right inner side member;
b. the inner lateral edge of the left inner side member is aligned with and lies closely adjacent to or in contact with the joining edge of the left enclosing member and portions of the inner lateral edge of the left inner side member are connected to the joining edge of the left enclosing member, the inner lateral edge of the right inner side member is aligned with and lies closely adjacent to or in contact with the joining edge of the right enclosing member and portions of the inner lateral edge of the right inner side member are connected to the joining edge of the right enclosing member; and
c. the jutting member is positioned so that the inner lateral edge of the jutting left side member is aligned with and lies closely adjacent or in contact with the joining edge of the left enclosing member and portions of the inner lateral edge of the jutting left side member are connected to the joining edge of the left enclosing member, the inner lateral edge of the jutting right side member is aligned with and lies closely adjacent or in contact with the joining edge of the right enclosing member and portions of the inner lateral edge of the jutting right side member are connected to the joining edge of the right enclosing member, the inner lateral edge of the jutting seat member is disposed closely adjacent to or in contact with the outer surface of the central enclosing member and portions of the inner lateral edge of the jutting seat member are connected to the outer surface of the central enclosing member.

25. The connection of claim 24, wherein:

the top edge of the left enclosing member is formed with a notch, and the top edge of the right enclosing member is formed with a notch, and a left enclosing support tab is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the left enclosing member with the left enclosing support tab being disposed orthogonally to the left enclosing member, and a right enclosing support tab is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the right enclosing member with the right enclosing support tab being disposed orthogonally to the right enclosing member, with the supporting tabs of the left enclosing member and the right enclosing member disposed in the same plane and registering with the top surface of the supporting structural member.

26. The connection of claim 25, wherein:

the top edge of the central enclosing member is formed with a notch, and a central enclosing support tab is formed from and bent from an upper portion of the central enclosing member with the central enclosing support tab being disposed orthogonally to the central enclosing member, and with the supporting tabs of the left enclosing member, the right enclosing member and the central enclosing member being disposed in the same plane and registering with the top surface of the supporting structural member.

27. The connection of claim 26, wherein:

a. the outer edge of the left enclosing member has an upper portion and a lower portion that juts outwardly from the upper portion creating a ledge that connects the upper and lower portions, and the ledge is disposed orthogonally to the upper and lower portions that are disposed in parallel relation and are offset, and the bottom edge of the left outer side member of the left connection member rests on the ledge of the outer edge of the left enclosing member; and
b. the outer edge of the right enclosing member has an upper portion and a lower portion that juts outwardly from the upper portion creating a ledge that connects the upper and lower portions, and the ledge is disposed orthogonally to the upper and lower portions that are disposed parallel to each other and are offset, and the bottom edge of the right outer side member of the right connection member rests on the ledge of the outer edge of the right enclosing member.

28. The connection of claim 27, wherein:

a. the bottom edge of the left ascension member is aligned with the bottom edge of the right ascension member; and
b. the top edge of the left ascension member is aligned with the top edge of the right ascension member.
Patent History
Publication number: 20260201691
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 31, 2025
Publication Date: Jul 16, 2026
Inventors: Jin-Jie Lin (Livermore, CA), Dallas Hinds (Pleasanton, CA)
Application Number: 19/438,422
Classifications
International Classification: E04B 1/26 (20060101); E04B 1/38 (20060101);