Abstract: A continuity tie for providing both tension and compression resistance to externally induced movement of building structural members. A central body member is provided with a plurality of bolt mounting apertures in a staggered pattern and a pair of end plates having a rod aperture. One embodiment employs a tubular central body member having a hollow interior; another embodiment employs a generally U-shaped central portion with flanking flanges. Both embodiments can be mounted to building structural members separated by an intervening building structural member, with the continuity ties being secured together by means of a single rod arranged in the rod apertures in each continuity tie and secured in place by means of nuts. The staggered bolt patterns reduce the probability of mounting all bolts in a defect region of a timber building element. The hollow tube embodiment is symmetric and cannot be installed backwards. The rod aperture may be centered or offset from the central axis of the continuity tie.

Abstract: An apparatus for straightening portions of a plurality of purlins of a roof structure which have been moved from an original position to a deformed position and a method of using the same is disclosed. A carriage is provided which is mounted for movement along the length of the purlins in a downstream direction. The carriage has a plurality of guides which are positioned adjacent the plurality of purlins in the deformed position. A purlin straightening device attached to the carriage moves the carriage in a direction lateral to the length of the purlins so that the guides move the portions of the plurality of purlins from the deformed position to the original position.

Abstract: A manually adjustable structural load transferring device and system for providing tension and compression force transfer between a plurality of spaced building structural members. A pair of load transfer members are each provided with a threaded first end and a second end, the threaded first end of one of the pair of members having threads of opposite pitch to those of the first end of the other one. A coupler member has first and second threaded ends engaged with the threaded first ends of the pair of load transfer members so that the length of the assembly can be adjusted by relative rotation between the coupler member and the load transfer members. An end connection device is attached to the second end of each of the load transfer members, the end connection device including a plurality of fastener apertures and a plurality of bolt apertures for securing the base plate to a building structural member. Several embodiments of end connection devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Bridging is provided for use in joining joists or like construction elements so as to increase the strength and stability of those elements. The present invention utilizes flexible strapping to create the bridging structure, wherein a first flexible strap is attached to a first joist and a second flexible strap is attached to a second joist. The bridging structure is created by aligning the straps between the joists and joining the straps together. The various flexible straps can be directly attached to the joists, however when applied to wooden joists, stiffened supports are preferably positioned between the joists and the flexible strapping. The stiffened supports spread the force of the flexible strapping and prevent the strapping from deforming the material of the joist. To add to the integrity of the bridging structure, the stiffened supports can be mechanically or adhesively joined to the joists and the flexible strapping can be mechanically or adhesively joined to the stiffened supports and joists.

Abstract: A continuity tie for providing both tension and compression resistance to externally induced movement of building structural members. A central body member is provided with a plurality of bolt mounting apertures in a staggered pattern and a pair of end plates having a rod aperture. One embodiment employs a tubular central body member having a hollow interior; another embodiment employs a generally U-shaped central portion with flanking flanges. Both embodiments can be mounted to building structural members separated by an intervening building structural member, with the continuity ties being secured together by means of a single rod arranged in the rod apertures in each continuity tie and secured in place by means of nuts. The staggered bolt patterns reduce the probability of mounting all bolts in a defect region of a timber building element. The hollow tube embodiment is symmetric and cannot be installed backwards. The rod aperture may be centered or offset from the central axis of the continuity tie.

Abstract: A floor squeak and pop eliminator. The apparatus includes a two-flanged angle bracket to which is adhered a compressible shim or block. The bracket is fastened to the floor joist in the proximity of the floor noise source, with the compressible shim in contact with the underside of the floor. Screws are turned upward through the bracket and the compressible shim and into the floor, compressing the shim and drawing the floor down to the joist and securing the floor to the shim to eliminate the squeak.

Abstract: A floor sag eliminator that includes a floor plate assembly which is configured to be fastened to the underside of an existing floor between adjacent joists. One or more support arms are pivotally connected to the floor plate assembly at one of their ends. The other ends of the support arms are configured to engage and be retained by the side walls of floor joists. The support arms cooperate with the floor joists to provide support to the floor and to eliminate the sag.

Abstract: A continuity tie for providing both tension and compression resistance to externally induced movement of building structural members. A central body member is provided with a plurality of bolt mounting apertures in a staggered pattern and a pair of end plates having a rod aperture. One embodiment employs a tubular central body member having a hollow interior; another embodiment employs a generally U-shaped central portion with flanking flanges. Both embodiments can be mounted to building structural members separated by an intervening building structural member, with the continuity ties being secured together by means of a single rod arranged in the rod apertures in each continuity tie and secured in place by means of nuts. The staggered bolt patterns reduce the probability of mounting all bolts in a defect region of a timber building element. The hollow tube embodiment is symmetric and cannot be installed backwards. The rod aperture may be centered or offset from the central axis of the continuity tie.

Abstract: A manually adjustable structural load transferring device and system for providing tension and compression force transfer between a plurality of spaced building structural members. A pair of load transfer members are each provided with a threaded first end and a second end, the threaded first end of one of the pair of members having threads of opposite pitch to those of the first end of the other one. A coupler member has first and second threaded ends engaged with the threaded first ends of the pair of load transfer members so that the length of the assembly can be adjusted by relative rotation between the coupler member and the load transfer members. An end connection device is attached to the second end of each of the load transfer members, the end connection device including a plurality of fastener apertures and a plurality of bolt apertures for securing the base plate to a building structural member. Several embodiments of end connection devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A star stud adjuster apparatus including an adjuster. The adjuster includes a J-shaped support with an exterior surface having a pair of brackets projecting therefrom. The adjuster includes a handle with a forked end that is capable of being positioned between the brackets. Also provided is a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has a pair of side surfaces with each having a ratchet integral thereto and projecting therefrom. The cylindrical member is positionable between the forked ends and held in place with an axial rod. Banding material is included. The banding material is weaved around a plurality of bowed studs and is secured by a nail to one of the bowed studs. The banding material is capable of being positioned around the cylindrical member between the forked end when the adjuster is positioned on an opposite stud.

Abstract: A reinforcing arrangement or device which substantially prevents sagging of the lower section of a multi-sectional Up and over type door. The natural load on the lower center of the bottom panel of the door being upwardly and vertically controlled and translated laterally and downwardly to the bottom corners the door by the device, to maintain overall conformity.

Abstract: A floor squeak eliminator system comprising a cylindrical rod having an upper end and a lower end. A threaded exterior is formed into the upper end. The extreme upper end is formed with a point for penetrating into a squeaking floor. The lower end of the cylindrical rod has a threaded exterior surface through an aperture in a support plate. The support plate is mounted beneath the area of the floor for having its squeak removed. A nut is threadably received on the lower edge of the exterior surface of the rod with a washer thereabove. A section is formed in the rod of reduced area adjacent to the upper edge of the rod immediately beneath the upper threaded section.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for providing a building with good wind resistance by the use of a reinforcing structure. Specific reinforcing structure is also disclosed. The technique involves affixing a tethering device over a portion of the roof frame and securing the ends of the tethering device to the building foundation.

Abstract: There is described a method and system for fabricating, transporting and placing building units at a site. A production line is located at the site for fabrication of the building units, each unit is transported from the assembly line to a preselected foundation, and the unit is placed on the foundation. Each unit is fabricated on a flatbed and slid onto a flatbed truck. Each unit is constructed on a base member to which a lifting device is attachable to transpose the unit from the truck to the foundation.

Abstract: A reinforcing assembly for a garage door or the like comprising an upper cross member extending from one side of the garage door to the other side and two lower cross members extending from the ends of the upper cross members downwardly. The assembly also includes a bracket for joining said lower cross members and tensioning means connected to said lower cross members.

Abstract: A prestressed lightweight panel is disclosed having a face sheet under tension in the longitudinal direction and reinforcing members attached to the rear side of the face sheet for locking in that tension. The panel may be rectangular and may include side rails and end rails along the edges of the face sheet, a plurality of cross-ribs for bracing or reinforcing the face sheet and a plurality of coped reinforcing sections between the cross braces. Compression resistant members, such as a honeycomb filling extend in voids between certain of the reinforcing members and the face sheet to further reduce face sheet deflection under load. The panel has a number of applications, such as for concrete forms.

Abstract: A prestress floor system for wood floor framing structures places the structure's joists under a laterally directed compressive force while the joists are maintained in their relative positions by blocking elements. The compressive force is provided by a cable anchored at one end to an outermost joist and anchored at the other to a spring that is, in turn, anchored to an outermost joist. The resulting structure has increased vertical stiffness and reduces the amount of deflection, vibration, and noise experienced during loading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel strut and bracket apparatus for mounting to a section of an overhead garage door, the strut and bracket combination being utilized to selectively impart the desired tensile forces to the section, thereby correcting or repairing or otherwise compensating for any misalignment or tendency for misalignment in the section. Specially shaped brackets are used along with hardened steel bolts to assure secure and safe attachment of the strut to the bracket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel strut and bracket apparatus for mounting to a section of an overhead garage door, the strut and bracket combination being utilized to selectively impart the desired tensile forces to the section, thereby correcting or otherwise compensating for any misalignment or tendency for misalignment in the section. Specially shaped brackets are used along with hardened steel bolts to assure secure and safe attachment of the strut to the bracket.

Abstract: A garage door antisag device which uses pairs of adjustable tensive members 11 which are adapted to diagonally attach across single or multiple panels 2, 3, and 4 to hinge plates 5 and bolts 6 of a standard wooden paneled garage door 1. Each tensive member 11 has a pair of rods 12 axially coupled by turnbuckle 15. One rod 12 is provided with right hand threads 16 while the other is provided with left hand threads 17 at their first ends 13. The second ends of the rods are provided with loops which define off set eyeholes 14 for engaging the hinge bolts 6 of the garage door 1.

Abstract: A method of constructing multiple story buildings and particularly detention structures as disclosed in which the framing members are lightweight steel channel members which are generally similar and in certain applications, interchangeable. The walls and floors of the building are framed with the channel members and lath sheathing is applied thereto for receiving cementitious fill therebetween. A unique diagonal tension strap system is used whereby diagonal straps are permanently attached at their lower end and tensioned at their upper end with adjustable fasteners before being permanently fastended at the upper end. The system provides for a more rapid and inexpensive construction schedule over conventional construction and affords high resistance to fire and to penetration of the filled walls.

Abstract: A floor squeak eliminator includes a plate assembly affixable to the underside of the floor and including a downwardly projecting threaded member. The squeak eliminator also includes a joist strap having a first end configured to engage the bottom side of a floor joist and second end configured to engage a portion of the threaded member. A nut or similar item engages the threads and draws the floor plate and joist strap together bringing the floor into contact with the subjacent joist.

Abstract: A stiffening device for an electronics cabinet has at least two angle struts that are each formed by profile bars. The profile bars enclose an obtuse angle between them and are pivoted in the upper and lower corner regions of the cabinet frame rack. The angle struts are coupled to each other in a frictional, form-locking manner at their vertices by a tightening assembly when in a closed position. A formed fit over a large area is obtained when tightening the angle struts by attaching the profile bars of each angle strut to a door. The pivots of each angle strut are used for the pivots of the corresponding door. The tightening assembly includes a hole of radius R.sub.1 arranged at the vertex of one angle strut and a hole of radius R.sub.2 arranged at the vertex of the other angle strut. The hole dimensions are such that R.sub.2 is greater than R.sub.1. A tightening latch is arranged in both holes. The tightening latch has a first disc of radius R.sub.1 pivoted in the corresponding hole of radius R.sub.1.

Abstract: A cantilevered sliding gate made up of a number of panels is disclosed. The panels are joined by post-tensioning rods, carried within horizontal members of the gate and extending substantially the length of horizontal members of the gate. During gate assembly, a tensile stress is induced in the post-tensioning means, which stress is transmitted to the horizontal member as a compressive stress. The resulting stress pattern results in a stiffening effect on the gate assembly, permitting lighter-weight construction than previously possible. The gate is mounted on vertical supports for movement in a plane defined by the supports.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to shelving structures and other structures which, for reasons of stability, require reliable stiffening diagonally in one or more planes, by means of two mutually intersecting wire-like or rod-like stays (3, 4), the ends (5) of which are attached to the structure at four attachment locations (7). The erectness of the structure, for example on an uneven foundation, and the extent to which it can sway are both dependent upon the stays being brought to the correct length and tension between respective attachment locations. This has previously either been neglected or achieved with the aid of robust, expensive and complicated tensioning mechanisms, primarily tensionscrews, used to shorten the stays.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for straightening warped doors of a residential type includes an elongate member anchored at opposite ends to the top and bottom section of the warped door. Means are provided for adjusting the length of the elongate member to create tension along the length of the door. Spaced pressure blocks slidably maintained along the elongate member rotate about the axis of the elongate member for selectively pressing against the warped surface of the door. Contact of the spaced pressure block means with the door increases tension on the elongate member which in turn exerts increased force against the spaced pressure block means and provides maximum efficiency for straightening the door.

Abstract: An entrance door having its top and bottom rails pivotally connected with arms supported for rotation by a shaft bearing journalled in the door jamb. The door jamb includes a tension member preventing distortion of the door jamb and displacement of the shaft supporting thrust bearing by the mass of the door thus insuring free swinging door movement.

Abstract: A wall system comprised of panels made of material dimensionally reactive to moisture content changes such as may be used for the sports of racquetball or squash in which panels are joined to vertical support members and to horizontal steel stress straps so as to control shrinkage and expansion forces within the panels due to changes in moisture content of the panels.

Abstract: The specification discloses a desk top in which a prestressing bar having a convex upper surface is located within a groove in the bottom of the desk top. The ends of the bar are biased towards engagement with the upper surface of the groove whereby the desk top itself is biased towards a convex configuration, thereby compensating for forces tending to cause the top to bow downwardly.

Abstract: A partition formed of two spaced panels forming outer wall surfaces. The partitions are spaced by a paper honeycomb structure, passages in the honeycomb being substantially perpendicular to the panels. There are elongated H-shaped members fitted on each of two opposite ends of the panels, the H-bar of the members being adjacent the panel end edges. There is a partition stabilizing bar extending centrally between the panels and extending through a space between two sections of the honeycomb. The stabilizing bar is threaded at both ends and secured to and through the H-bars of the H-shaped members so as to prevent bowing or collapse of the partition in the direction of the bar.The method includes the steps of putting the partition together, particularly the steps of inserting the stabilizing bar between the honeycomb sections after they have been secured between the panels and of securing the stabilizing bar to the H-shaped members.

Abstract: A greenhouse comprises a frame structure including base rails, eaves rails and a ridge rail. Upright wall posts extend into openings in the base rails and the eaves rails so that interengagement of those members prevents movement of the posts in either horizontal direction. Additionally, the ends of a transverse flange on such wall posts are received in notches in elongated lips on the base rail and eaves rail to limit pivotal movement of the wall structure until it is locked into its final position by the use of diagonal bracing members including length-adjusting mechanisms which, when moved into their locked positions, clamp the structural wall members in a unique predetermined angular orientation so ensuring ease of glazing. The roof sections are similarly constructed and novel one-piece eaves rails and a novel ridge rail further facilitate asssembly. The corner posts of the greenhouse serve to lock the side and end base rails together.

Abstract: The construction incorporating the invention is applied to a utility vehicle such as an open vehicle provided with a fabric top, in which the windshield forms the upper portion of the forward upright of the door frame and portions of the top form the lintel and at least part of the rear upright. An elongate seal member is attached to the inner face of the side edge of the windshield extending throughout its vertical length and is provided with a rearwardly extending rib to sealingly engage a portion of the door. The door comprises a skeletal framework having a border structure conforming to the shape of the door frame and covered with fabric, the framework being made of resilient material. The door is hung on the existing hinge mounts and its lower portion lies in a vertical plane corresponding to that of the lower portion of the door frame. Bends are formed at intermediate points in the height of the framework so that the plane of the upper portion angles inwardly and upwardly.

Abstract: A light-weight sheet metal door for mobile homes, recreational vehicles, marine vessels and the like in which the bolt-edge of the door has a camber for maintaining a weather tight seal with the door frame. The edges of the door are defined by extruded metallic channel members, and the channel member defining the bolt-edge has been deflected beyond its elastic limit to provide the desired camber. The method of making the door includes the step of feeding the assembled door between forming elements to deflect the bolt-edge beyond the elastic limit of the associated channel member while maintaining the hinge-edge straight.

Abstract: Horizontally uneven wooden floor joists are each provided with a horizontal opening extending transversely thereof. A connecting rod member is inserted into such opening so that the ends of the rod protrude to both sides of the joist, the rod itself extending generally horizontally. The connecting rods are then subjected to tension forces generated by adjustable tension means of the type of a rod-and-buckle mechanism anchored to other connecting rod members provided in adjacent joists. The invention thus provides an extremely simply straightening method and apparatus avoiding the common cutting of high or low floor joists at their crest or dip and replacing the cut-out portion by a new joist.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as the headbox of a paper machine, having the capability of compensating for the tendency of a beam to become deflected due to loads, temperature-differential phenomena and the like. A beam is supported at a pair of locations situated inwardly of the ends of the beam but spaced from the center thereof in such a way that due to loads, temperature-differentials, and the like the beam has a tendency to become deflected from a straight condition to a curved condition extending along a curve which passes through the above locations to the ends of the beam. A force structure cooperates with the beam at the region of the ends thereof for opposing the tendency of the beam to assume the above deflected condition so that through this force structure it becomes possible to prevent undesirable beam deflection.

Abstract: A screen printing machine wherein the stencil rotates above a hollow counter-pressure beam having a rectangular profile and carrying a removable strip which engages the underside of the back cloth. The beam is stiffened by two tie rods which are adjacent to its side faces and extend through bearings affixed to the lower portion of the beam. Upward flexing of median portions of the tie rods is prevented or controlled by vertical bolts which mesh with brackets secured to the beam and whose lower end portions abut against flats on the median portions of the respective tie rods. The tie rods are tensioned by nuts so that they prevent the median portion of the beam from sagging under its own weight and/or due to pressure which is exerted by the central portion of the stencil through the medium of the fabric and back cloth.