Assembled In Situ-type Anchor Or Tie Patents (Class 52/698)
  • Publication number: 20020078640
    Abstract: This invention relates to window and door assemblies, and particularly to a fastening member for fastening a first frame element of the assembly to a second frame element of the assembly. The fastening member can comprise a base, a first retaining member presented by the base to attach the fastening member to the first frame element, and a second retaining member presented by the base to attach the fastening member to the second frame element. Moreover, at least one of the first and second retaining members is adapted to attach the respective first and second frame element to the fastening member in sliding fit. Further, this invention discloses a method of attaching a first frame element of a window and door assembly to a second frame element of the assembly, particularly where the first frame element and the second frame element have differing rates of expansion and contraction along at least one given direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Gabriel Petta
  • Publication number: 20020078656
    Abstract: A joist hanger used to attach a joist to a support member or header designed to minimize the noise caused by the rubbing of the members of the connection, during loading. The joist hanger includes a seat and a pair of side walls extending upwardly in spaced relationship therefrom to receive the end portion of an joist. The bottom of the joist rests on the seat, and the side faces of the joist extend upwardly therefrom in spaced relationship from the side walls of the hanger. Inwardly projecting guides formed in the side walls of the hanger, hold the joist at selected points, maintaining the spaced relationship between the sides walls of the hanger and the side faces of the joist. The inwardly projecting guides can be formed with embossed portions connected to the side walls of the joist. The joist hanger is also formed with back flanges and top flanges that are relatively narrow compared to the back flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Leek, Thomas G. Evans, John G. Herrera
  • Publication number: 20020066252
    Abstract: A Transparent universal mounting plate used to visually verify the concrete grout flow inside a hollow concrete masonry unit (CMU) to various embedded items. The universal mounting plate is used to secure a PA Strap to the CMU for a roof purlin, to secure an all-thread rod with nuts and washer embedded into the CMU for an HD Holdown which is used to secure roof joists to the CMU, to secure Hex Head Machine bolts for wood ledger attachments, & to secure Weld plates for steel ledger attachments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Phillip Thomas Sarver
  • Publication number: 20020062618
    Abstract: The expanding sleeve (2) of the anchor is arranged around a threaded shank (9) engaged in a plug (3) for expanding the sleeve (2). The sleeve (2) comprises an axially compressible portion (16) which comprises means (24) that can be sheared and which are arranged so that after they have been sheared they allow the sleeve (2) to be shortened axially. The sleeve (2) consists of a cut-out sheet-metal blank rolled up on itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: SOCIETE de PROSPECTION et d'INVENTIONS TECHNIQUES SPIT
    Inventor: Fabrice Pourtier
  • Patent number: 6393795
    Abstract: An adhesive anchor system having a ribbed anchor member with a threaded opening therein, a tube member having a first end portion connected to an end of the anchor member in alignment with the opening thereof, and a cap covering the opening at another opposite end of the anchor member. In some embodiments the tube member includes measurement indicia thereon for accurate depth placement, and may include a severable portion protruding beyond the work surface and/or a removable tube cover to prevent contamination of the threaded opening of the anchor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Irwin, Mark S. Timmerman, Richard J. Ernst
  • Patent number: 6389759
    Abstract: A quick and easy technology for attaching, and facilitating reconfiguration (detachment and reattachment) of, panels to walls that uses a clamp assembly including a base, a receptacle attached to the base and a clasp that fits into and attaches to the receptacle. The clasp has resilient arms and a head. Insertion of the resilient arms of the clasp into the receptacle draws the head towards the base, which produces a clamping action. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a channel having sidewalls attached to a base and at least one fastener having a blade-like shank and a head. The sidewalls converge so as to be more closely spaced together at the opening of the channel than at its base. The at least one fastener appears T-shaped in cross section, and is sized so that insertion of the blade-like shank into the channel widens the opening. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece configured to cooperatively engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph D. McGrath, Frank C. O'Brien-Bernini
  • Patent number: 6390725
    Abstract: An apparatus for permanently securing a grating sheet having parallel and transverse bars that form a pattern of openings to a structural member. The apparatus includes an elongated generally L-shaped connector having an upper plate section generally rectangular in shape for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheet and a downwardly extending sidewall formed integrally with the plate section and adapted to extend along a longitudinal edge of the grating sheet. The L-shaped connector also can include a plurality of downwardly extending teeth formed integrally with the plate section and spaced apart from each other for insertion in between the grating bars. At least one generally right-angled brace is attached to the outer surface of the sidewall for permanently securing the L-shaped connector to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: AIMS International, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney H. Masters
  • Publication number: 20020056249
    Abstract: Construction systems and methods for anchoring a structural member of a building to a base member of a building including one or more anchoring devices, each anchoring device having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of each anchoring device is fixedly attached to the structural member and the second portion of each anchoring device is fixedly attached to the base member. Each anchoring device preferably including a fiber composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Janos Gergely, David T. Young
  • Publication number: 20020056237
    Abstract: A wall structure comprising a plurality of columns of preformed, lightweight, stacked blocks, with the columns of blocks connected to each other by a plurality of elongated, vertically oriented, support beams. Preferably, the wall structure is operatively connected to a structure by one or more brackets. Each bracket includes a wall engaging portion and a structure engaging portion, and is configured and arranged to allow constrained movement of the wall structure in a predetermined direction. Preferably, the bracket is positioned such that the wall engaging portion is collaterally aligned with the longitudinal axis of a support beam so that one surface of the wall engaging portion is in a confronting relation therewith and an opposing surface of the wall engaging portion is in a confronting relation with a block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Applicant: ALLIANCE CONCRETE CONCEPTS INC.
    Inventor: Raymond R. Price
  • Publication number: 20020046535
    Abstract: A tubular anchor to be inserted into a bore formed in a constructional structure and including a hollow anchor body (1), and a trapezoidal thread-shaped profile (2) provided on at least a portion of an outer surface of the anchor body (1) and having a crest region (3) and a root region (4) both extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the anchor body (1), with the at least flanks of a trapezoidal cross-section of the profile (2) remote from an end of the anchor body (1) facing in a setting direction being inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the anchor body (1) at an angle (&agr;) from 10° to 45°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ludwig, Erich Leibhard
  • Publication number: 20020046536
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a fastening member which causes hardly any differences in fastening force of siding boards owing to differences in means for fixing the fittings to a building frame, an exterior wall construction structure using the same, a starter member, and further a method of attaching siding boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: NICHIHA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryuji Hotta
  • Publication number: 20020035814
    Abstract: A device and method for mounting structures to masonry. The device has a cover plate with a plurality of extendable and retractable straps and is used to cover a hole in a masonry wall, while providing temporary support to various structural items to be attached to the masonry wall. Each strap also engages the inner surface of the masonry wall. The straps preferably have a series of ridges that engage the cover plate such that sufficient resistance is provided to temporarily affix various objects to be embedded in the masonry wall. The straps position the plate on the front surface of the masonry wall such that it is generally concentric with the masonry hole. Grout is then poured into the hollow cavity behind the masonry wall, thus securing the embedded material permanently. The cover plate is preferably transparent to allow the user to determine that the wall and hole are property grouted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Phillip T. Sarver
  • Publication number: 20020020138
    Abstract: A cold formed, sheet metal structural member having a first planar web member with two longitudinally extending legs such that the structural member or chord comprises an elongated member of substantially U-shaped cross section being longitudinally symmetric and being closed at one end and open at the other end. The legs are mirror images of each other and terminate with outwardly extending hollow flanges having a margin area juxtaposed to the leg. The bracing web members are slidably receivable within the U-shaped cross section and can be secured to the depending legs by suitable fasteners. A secondary web is positionable on the structural member in parallel relationship to the first web to provide additional resistance for sheathing fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Raymond C. Frobosilo
  • Publication number: 20020020130
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sealing member capable of reliably preventing rain water penetration and achieving easy and stable construction, and a siding boards attachment structure using the sealing member and a method of attaching siding boards in the siding boards attachment structure of a four side (left, right, upper and lower sides) shiplap structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: NICHIHA CO.,LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Hikai
  • Publication number: 20020020135
    Abstract: Squeaks in floors or stairs will be eliminated by the usage of this device. By the usage of screws as fasteners, the ability of securing each to one another, works especially in a situation as this. The SQUEAKBUSTER device. It is a metal bracket invented solely for the purpose of removing squeaks in a floor system that is either in a residential or commercial structure. This device has a number of predetermined pattern of holes in the top flange, as well in the side flange areas. This bracket or system is to join two perpendicular members together, tightly where there has been a separation between the joists and subfloor, where there is a space or gap. Also in an area where the plywood is rubbing up against the shaft or staff of the nail. That is creating a squeak in the floor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Orville Lehman Grove, Janice Marie Grove
  • Patent number: 6341465
    Abstract: A corner element includes first and second sections that fit into legs of a framing channel, a first pair of parallel vertical panels on the first section interleave with a second pair of vertical parallel panels on the second section when the sections are rotated on an integral connecting hinge. A side of one of the panels of one section is recessed to receive one of the panels of the other section. One of the panels of one section is designed to receive a fastener that is guided by a through hole in a panel of the other section parallel to the height of panel of the other section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Harry M. Riegelman
  • Patent number: 6336892
    Abstract: A stabilizer apparatus for gymnastic bar assemblies has an elongated floor plate with outer and inner ends. A vertical post having upper and lower ends is pivotally secured by its lower end to the outer end of the floor plate. A length adjustable bar having opposite ends extends between the upper end of the post and the inner end of the floor plate. The bar has opposite ends which are pivotally secured to the upper end of the post and the inner end of the plate. A pulley assembly is secured to the upper end of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: American Sports International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Neal C. Squibb
  • Patent number: 6334284
    Abstract: The present invention is a structural system of torsion elements which are connected in constructions which have the capacity to bear compression, tension and flexion loading by conversion of such loading to torsion loading of the connected torsion elements. The present invention also includes a method of construction using torsion elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony Italo Provitola
  • Patent number: 6330776
    Abstract: In the structure for reinforcing a concrete member and the reinforcing method of the present invention, a reinforcing sheet is arranged and joined to a various kinds of concrete member, such as column, beam, wall, floor, and the like, by applying the reinforcing sheet to the surface of the concrete member and attaching to the fixing anchors joined to the concrete member or the other concrete member surrounding the concrete member. The fixing anchor comprises a large amount of reinforcing fiber, and is obtained by bundling a part of the reinforcing fiber. The unbundled portion of the fixing anchor is spread along the surface of the concrete member. The reinforcing sheet is over-lapped to the unbundled portion using resin adhesives. In addition, reinforcing fibers, such as carbon fiber, aramid fiber, glass fiber, and the like are preferably used as the material comprising the fixing anchor and reinforcing sheet. Thereby, the reinforcing member can be joined via the fixing anchor to the concrete members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Jinno, Hideto Saito, Hideo Tsukagoshi, Jun′ichi Iketani, Tadao Fujita, Minoru Sawaide, Yasuo Inada, Yoshihiko Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6327831
    Abstract: The present invention is a channel-shaped connector for connecting a first building structural member to a second building structural member in conjunction with fasteners and an anchor member to resist forces on buildings imposed by earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and other similar cataclysmic forces. A connector constructed in accordance with the present invention consists of a back member formed to interface with the fasteners for attaching the back member to the first building structural member, a first side member connected to the back member, a second side member connected to the back member, and first and second anchor receiving members. Both the first and second anchor receiving members extend laterally between the first and second side members, and both the first and second anchor receiving members are connected to the first and second side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: William F. Leek
  • Publication number: 20010045075
    Abstract: A fastening member which is designed to receive a downwardly directed component force on the occasion of fixing it to a post or a stud of a building frame, thereby preventing it from being inadvertently floated up, thus ensuring always a stably fastened state of the building board. This fastening member is featured in that the inner wall of the concave portion formed in the substrate of the fastening member is provided at a lower wall portion thereof with an obliquely projected portion which enables a downwardly directed component force to be acted on the fastening member by allowing the projected portion to be contacted with a large head portion of the fixing member at a final stage of fixing it to a post or a stud of a building frame through an opening formed in the bottom of the concave portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Morimichi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20010032434
    Abstract: The invention relates to a butt joint of wooden construction components such as frame components, joined together with contact surfaces, and in particular to a post-and-lock bolt joint. Such a joint has at least one connection element that is symmetrical with respect to a center plane and has the form of a dovetail-shaped double wedge, or other undercuts. This connection element engages grooves that are open toward the contact surfaces and are adapted to the cross sections of the connection elements extending on both sides of the center plane, and bridge the contact plane between the wooden construction components. The grooves are open toward the same side edges of the wooden construction components. The butt joint is secured by at least one long-stretching second connection element that is received in sections of the wooden construction components, bridging the contact plane, and which transversely penetrates the first connection element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas Hoffmann, Martin Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6298629
    Abstract: An anchorage kit 100 includes components which may be assembled in various ways to provide anchorages 101-107 suitable for connection in series between a safety line and any of various structural members. The kit 100 includes opposing brackets 120, 140 which are interconnected by bolts 170 extending therebetween, and which may be supplemented by one or more braces 160 secured to the intermediate portion of one or more of the bolts 170.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Protecta International S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard R. Ador
  • Patent number: 6298630
    Abstract: A wall plate for attaching a horizontal or sloping beam to a vertical or nearly vertical masonry wall is disclosed. The wall plate comprises a flat plate having a multiplicity of nail holes and at least two bolt holes therethrough, at least one anchor extending from a first side of the flat plate and fixed to it, and means for threadedly attaching at least two bolts to the flat plate from its other side. A method of attaching a horizontal or sloping beam to a vertical or nearly vertical masonry wall using the wall plate is also disclosed. A vertical nailable form is erected and the wall plate is nailed to the inside of the form. Concrete is poured into the form to a height above the anchors of the wall plate. After the concrete has hardened, the forms are removed. Two angle connectors are bolted to the wall plate and a horizontal or sloping beam is bolted to the two angle connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: Russell L. VeRost, Martin A. VeRost, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6298624
    Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without substantial attachment to a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Tac-Fast Georgia, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Pacione
  • Publication number: 20010011694
    Abstract: An anchorage for anchoring an article to a bilateral flange which can have a width in a wide range of widths. First and second hooks are hooked over opposite flanges and securely retained thereon by a webbing strap of adjustable length extending between the two hooks. The webbing strap is permanently secured at one end to one of the hooks, and extends through a clamp on the other hook. The length of the webbing strap between the two hooks is fully adjustable in a wide range to accommodate the varying flange widths. As an alternative to a webbing strap and clamp, the hooks can be adjustably linked by an interpenetrating tongue and slot or buckle, mutually latched at a selected hook separation by a detent having projections urged into notches on the tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Lycett
  • Patent number: 6269593
    Abstract: A retrofit roof tie down that helps prevent the roof from separating from the gable end wall, having a fork and yoke to accommodate different roof pitches. The forks attach to pipe that holds down the roofing material and roof sheathing. A plate attaches to the gable wall securing the outside sheathing to the underlying rafter. A bolt fastens the yoke and plate together through the roof and an eye nut secures everything together. A cargo strap secures the eye to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Thompson
  • Patent number: 6266934
    Abstract: The walls of a wooden log building are provided with vertical support columns acting upon horizontal logs within the walls. The support columns prevent the logs, or groups of logs, from moving downward due to log shrinkage. Each support column comprises a vertical stack of log supports. Each support comprises an elongated support element, such as a pipe, and a plate element removably secured to an end of the support element. The plate elements support bottom surfaces of the logs and substantially prevent such bottom surfaces from moving downward. The weight of the building is concentrated within the support columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: BLH, Inc
    Inventor: Barry L. Houseal
  • Patent number: 6253522
    Abstract: An anchor member for mounting a tarpaulin to a bearing structure includes: a shaft; an obliquely arranged transverse pin located at a first end of the shaft; a rod member protruding from the shaft and having a first hook-shaped protrusion at an end thereof; and a double hook located at a second end of the shaft. The double hook includes two hook arms positioned on opposite sides of the shaft, and each of the hook arms has an opening. One hook arm includes a second hook-shaped protrusion that engages the first hook-shaped protrusion of the rod member to thereby form a spring lock that completely closes the opening of the first hook arm. In use, an elastic band connects the anchor member with a bearing construction, wherein the elastic band, when mounted, is received in the openings of the hook arms of the anchor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Polysheet A/S
    Inventor: Peter Sølbeck
  • Patent number: 6240697
    Abstract: An internally threaded insert anchor for use in poured concrete floors having a metal decking or a wood form is described which provides stability against skewing or misalignment due to rough action after being inserted into the metal deck or wood form, prior to the concrete being poured. Once locked into the concrete floor, the threaded insert anchor provides easy attachment for the support rods that carry the racks of utility, piping and ceiling grid systems for the building. Each threaded insert anchor is capable of accepting two different size rods or bolts with different thread cuts. The internal threaded apertures are protected from concrete intrusion during the pour by the plastic or metal sleeve. Moreover, the anchors are designed so that subsequent spraying of the ceiling with fire retardant or insulation foam will not penetrate into the threaded apertures, so as to prevent subsequent entry of the support rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: William J. Thompson, Keith L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 6240702
    Abstract: The invention provides an easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture facia board rack for temporarily holding a facia board in position for attachment to a building. The rack is a single member formed in such a way that it may be mounted to the side of a building to provide a ledge which projects therefrom upon which a facia board may be supported during the installation of the facia board. An optional riser member may be used with the rack to adjust the depth of a channel in the rack. The holder may be used either before or after the roof deck of the building is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Ricky Wilson
  • Patent number: 6240696
    Abstract: An anchor rod to be received in a bore filled with mortar mass including a connection region (2, 22, 32) having a plurality of axially arranged one after another, conical enlargements (4, 24, 34) a diameter of which increases in a setting direction and which are provided with circumferential sections (5, 25, 35) radially spaced from a longitudinal axis of the anchor rod (1, 21, 31) by a greatest distance, having a radius (r) smaller by from about 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm then a half of a nominal diameter of the anchoring region receiving bore, and extending, respectively, in a circumferential direction over an angle of up to 300°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ludwig, Erich Leibhard
  • Patent number: 6226952
    Abstract: A device for anchorage to a grating floor. The device includes a lower element the cross-section of which is larger than the width of the openings in the grating in one direction and is narrower in the other direction so that it can pass through the grating after pivoting through 90°, the lower element housing a nut in its lower face and having, on two of its lateral faces, respective housings with toothed regions on their respective upper portions, the toothed regions being complementary with an upper element of a width larger than the openings in the grating and having two legs of a width smaller than the openings in the grating, the legs having respective lower studs which can be introduced into the housings of the lower element, allowing the lower element to pivot, and respective teeth on the inner faces of the said legs for meshing with the teeth adjacent the housings for the studs in the lower element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Rotecna, S.A.
    Inventor: Gener Romeu Guardia
  • Patent number: 6228207
    Abstract: This invention provides a composition for anchoring materials in or to concrete or masonry. The composition comprises an alkylacrylate ester monomer, an alkylacrylate ester/methacrylic acid copolymer, a free-radical catalyst and a filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Rancich, Fred A. Kish, Cyndie S. Hackl
  • Patent number: 6212841
    Abstract: For holding brick cladding to a stud frame structure, the brick-tie is a one-piece moulding in plastic. The moulding has a vertical arm, which is secured to the stud by a nail, and a horizontal arm, which is mortar'd between courses of bricks. The nail is located near the junction between the arms, and the junction is chunky enough to be inflexible. The bridge, which spans the space between the bricks and the stud, is also thick enough to be inflexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: J R Plume Construction Ltd.
    Inventor: John Robert Plume
  • Patent number: 6199328
    Abstract: A quick and easy technology for attaching, and facilitating reconfiguration (detachment and reattachment) of, panels to walls that uses a clamp assembly including a base, a receptacle attached to the base and a clasp that fits into and attaches to the receptacle. The clasp has resilient arms and a head. Insertion of the resilient arms of the clasp into the receptacle draws the head towards the base, which produces a clamping action. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a channel having sidewalls attached to a base and at least one fastener having a blade-like shank and a head. The sidewalls converge so as to be more closely spaced together at the opening of the channel than at its base. The at least one fastener appears T-shaped in cross section, and is sized so that insertion of the blade-like shank into the channel widens the opening. Alternatively, the clamp assembly includes a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece configured to cooperatively engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph D. McGrath, Frank C. O'Brien-Bernini
  • Patent number: 6176638
    Abstract: Anchor systems for joining structural members include a resiliently deformable member such as a dished washer to permit easy visual determination that the anchor system is correctly tightened in place. Post-tensioned anchor systems of the kind disclosed are particularly suitable for joining structural members, such as end-to-end columns. One of a number of mold parts, including a threaded tapered mold part, forms a threaded tapered hole in a poured concrete structural member for use with anchors, and passages permitting the introduction of a resinous securing agent may be formed in cooperation with the threaded tapered holes. Highway barriers can be formed with such holes and joined with the resin filling the holes and space between barrier ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventors: Roger C. Kellison, Leo Jasien
  • Patent number: 6164033
    Abstract: A clamp for controlling uplift on a metal roof. The clamp includes a unitary mounting body having a slot extending therethrough. This slot may be positioned over/about a standing seam on a metal roof and be appropriately secured thereto, such as by the use of blunt-nosed screws which engage the seam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Robert M. M. Haddock
  • Patent number: 6145264
    Abstract: A number of ceiling rails are installed under the structural ceiling of a room in a selected array, in a configuration to provide openings between the rails to fit therein ceiling tiles. Brackets are used to support the tiles, the brackets being removably attached to the rails. At least one bracket is used on each side of a tile. The bracket comprises a pair of slots that allow it to be snapped onto the rail, and has a pair of integral laterally projecting load-bearing plates which support a first tile on one side and a pivotable supporting finger which can support a second tile on its opposite side. The pivotable finger pivots between an inoperative position in which is extends along the length of the bracket without laterally projecting therefrom, and an operative position in which it laterally projects beyond the side edge of the bracket. In this operative position, it may support a ceiling tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Michel Dallaire
  • Patent number: 6134850
    Abstract: A method for earthquake-proof mounting a semiconductor process machine on a removable floor (or a raised floor) in a semiconductor fabrication plant. In the method, a modified I-beam which has a horizontally extending upper flange is provided for mounting under a removable floor and attaching through the floor directly to a process machine situated on top of the floor. The process machine may be attached to the modified I-beam through an L-shaped bracket that is attached to the support frame of the process machine with the horizontal flange of the bracket attached to the modified I-beam through apertures in the removable floor. The present invention further comprises an earthquake-proof mounting fixture for mounting a process machine on a removable floor in a semiconductor fabrication plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Ming-Chu Hui, Bo-Han Hsieh, Chuan-Yi Wang, Yien-Yuan Yang
  • Patent number: 6134858
    Abstract: Relatively heavy electrical equipment, such as a computer mainframe or server unit, is provided with a mechanism which prevents and/or mitigates damage to the equipment caused by seismological or other activity. In particular, the mechanism comprises a turnbuckle having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Gutelius, Jr., Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono
  • Patent number: 6131360
    Abstract: An anchor body has an inner portion adapted for connection to a back-up wall, an outer portion adapted for connection to a masonry wall and an intermediate membrane flange. The membrane comes into contact with the membrane flange of the membrane side. The membrane flanges on the anchor insure continuity of the membrane without the need for any additional caulking or other application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Brook Van Dalen & Associates Limited
    Inventor: Mark Van Dalen
  • Patent number: 6128883
    Abstract: An anchoring system for anchoring bricks to a wall includes an anchoring bracket which is mounted adjacent to the wall and a receiving slot in the bracket for receiving a brick support therein. The anchoring bracket is secured to the wall using threaded fasteners. The brick support includes a supporting flange and a mounting flange mounted in an L-shaped orientation. The receiving slot supports the mounting flange therein such that the supporting flange extends laterally outward from the wall for supporting the bricks thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Lathico Industries
    Inventor: Michael Hatzinikolas
  • Patent number: 6112486
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventors: Roger Wall Ashton, Robert Donald Lucey, John Duncan Pryor
  • Patent number: 6105332
    Abstract: A sill plate that is mounted on a cement footing of a building structure with anchor bolts being fixedly embedded within the cement footing in spaced apart locations with these anchor bolts protruding from the uppermost surface of the cement footing. Each anchor bolt is to be located within an oversized hole formed in the sill plate. An anchoring plate is to be fixedly secured to the sill plate with there being a separate anchoring plate for each anchor bolt. There is a closely conforming hole formed within the anchoring plate through which this anchor bolt is to extend. A fastening arrangement is utilized to fixedly secure each anchoring plate on the sill plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Shahe K. Boyadjian
  • Patent number: 6094800
    Abstract: A method is provided which permits easy, in-the-field installation of an earthquake damage control mechanism. In particular, the mechanism comprises a turnbuckle having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Gutelius, Jr., Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono
  • Patent number: 6086035
    Abstract: An anchor for securing a shelf having one or more wires to a wall is provided. The anchor has an elongate body and a head. The head has first and second grooves for receiving a wire of the shelf, wherein the first groove has an opening for receiving the wire in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body and the second groove has an opening for receiving a wire of the shelf in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Schulte Corporation
    Inventor: Christian R. Trifilio
  • Patent number: 6076326
    Abstract: A turnbuckle mechanism having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle is employed together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts. There is provided an easily assemblable and economical apparatus which preferably includes a multiplicity of energy absorption points which help to prevent damage to the expensive computer frame and which further assists in maintaining computer operations at peak levels even during certain seismological activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Gutelius, Jr., Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono
  • Patent number: 6073415
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering an exposed end of at least one exposed reinforcement bar at a construction site. The apparatus includes a substantially flat portion adapted for receiving a removeable bumper such as a two-by-four piece of lumber, a collar for securing the substantially flat portion over the end of a bar. Once the apparatus is placed over the exposed end of the bar a removable bumper such as a two-by-four piece of lumber may be placed over the substantially flat portion, so that the exposed end of the bar is covered by the two-by-four piece of lumber resting over the substantially flat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Michael A. Carnicle
  • Patent number: 6059251
    Abstract: Relatively heavy electrical equipment, such as a computer mainframe or server unit, is provided with a mechanism which prevents and/or mitigates damage to the equipment caused by seismological or other activity. In particular, the mechanism comprises a turnbuckle having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Gutelius, Jr., Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono