Abstract: The present invention is a building deck kit utilized by do-it-yourself persons, contractors, lumberyards, mobile home owners, homeowners and handicapped service providers that includes pieces of pre-cut and pressure treated lumber including two end pieces of lumber and a plurality of pre-cut and pressure treated joist hangers used to attach the pieces of lumber to the end pieces of lumber.

Abstract: A support device of a bearing angle for an architectural stone includes: a supporter having a screw hole formed at the center thereof and being movable along a spiral thread of an anchor bolt fixed to a wall body; and a cutting blade part being formed on the supporter and penetrating into an insulator by a rotational force generated by movement of the supporter so as to be supported in contact with the wall body.

Abstract: A method of using a framing system for adjustably connecting building components comprising an outer stud, an interior support member, and a connecting clip.

Abstract: A structural support device for supporting a joist relative to a support, wherein the joist has a web and a bottom, may include a hanger assembly having a seat configured for resting the bottom of the joist thereon, a side portion extending therefrom, and a securing portion extending from the side portion for securing the device to the support, and a web brace assembly operably extending from the hanger assembly at a junction and configured for articulation between a pre-adjusted position and an adjusted position to adjustably engage and align with the web of the joist. A method of making and using are also provided.

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.

Abstract: A light steel framing construction technique for light gauge load bearing wall type buildings uses specialized brackets to suspend poured slab floors. Multiple stories of the building can be erected without waiting for individual concrete slab floors to be poured and set at each story. During construction, a building is protected from torsional warping, such as may be occur under wind loads, by a series of lateral and diagonal bracing structures at each level affixed in a plane perpendicular to the load bearing elements. Multiple concrete floor slabs can be poured sequentially or simultaneously, as desired, during the construction process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an under rafters insulation system for a steep roof, comprising at least two mutually parallel extending building elements (3) which are spaced from each other, and insulation elements (4), in particular mineral fiber insulation elements, are arranged in a space between the building elements (3). The building elements (3) are mountable to rafters (2) of the steep roof by means of holding elements (5). For further developing an under rafters insulation system of the described type to the effect that the insulation elements (4) are easily supported between the building elements (3) at least over a period of time in which the under rafters insulation system (1) is not yet completed with a final cover, it is proposed that the holding elements (5) additionally secure the insulation elements (4) against falling out of the space between the building elements (3).

Abstract: A bracket system for assembling playground equipment includes a plurality of deck support brackets, at least two vertical frame brackets, at least two horizontal frame brackets, a swing bracket, and at least two ladder brackets. The deck support brackets secure horizontal deck support beams to vertical frame beams at first points along the vertical frame beams. The vertical frame brackets attach to at least two adjacent vertical frame beams at second points above the first points. The at least two horizontal frame brackets fix at least one horizontal frame beam to the at least two adjacent vertical frame beams at the second points; the horizontal frame brackets and the vertical frame brackets interconnect. The swing bracket fastens a swing support beam to the at least one horizontal frame beam at a third point along the at least one horizontal frame beam. The at least two ladder brackets connect a ladder to one of the horizontal deck support beams.

Abstract: A bracket is disclosed for attaching solar panels to roof structures. The bracket may comprise first, second and third planar portions, the first and third portions generally parallel to each other, and the second planar portion disposed at an oblique angle with respect to first and third portions. The first portion may have a plurality of elongated stiffening members disposed at oblique angles with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bracket. Gussets may be provided across the transition between the first and second portions, and the transition between the second and third portions. The gussets and stiffening members are shaped, sized and oriented to enhance the strength of the bracket. The bracket may have a drain hole to allow water to pass through the bracket, and a plurality of fastener holes are provided to enable the bracket to attach to a variety of different solar panels and roof structures.

Abstract: A steel structural member such as a joist or beam is secured to a vertical cast concrete member or wall by a connector system including a fabricated steel receiver embedded within the wall. Embedded anchors are attached to the receiver which has front wall portions flush with the concrete wall and define a front opening. A support bracket has a horizontal plate attached to the beam and a vertical plate which fits through the front opening within the receiver. The bracket is attached to the beam which is then elevated, and the vertical plate is inserted through the opening into the receiver. The beam and vertical plate are then shifted until opposite edge portions of the vertical plate are blocked by the front wall portions of the receiver. In the illustrated embodiment, the front opening and vertical plate are generally triangular, and the support bracket has a welded reinforcing gusset.

Abstract: A steel structural member such as a joist or beam is secured to a vertical cast concrete by a connector system including a fabricated steel receiver embedded within the wall. Embedded anchors are attached to the receiver which has front wall portions flush with the concrete wall and define a front opening. A support bracket has an attachment plate secured to the beam and a vertical plate which fits through the front opening within the receiver. The bracket is attached to the beam which is then elevated, and the vertical plate is inserted through the opening into the receiver. The beam and vertical plate are then shifted until opposite edge portions of the vertical plate are blocked by the front wall portions of the receiver. In the illustrated embodiments, the front opening and vertical plate are generally triangular, and the support bracket has a vertical or horizontal attachment plate.

Abstract: A fascia board support device features a rafter bracket having a side member for placement against one vertical side of the rafter, and a movable member pivotally coupled to the side member for movement into and out of a deployed position in which at least a portion of the movable member depends downward on an opposing side of the roof rafter. A clamping mechanism forces the depending portion against this opposing side of the roof rafter to clamp the device thereon, at which point a fascia board support projecting from the front end of the rafter bracket can seat a fascia board. After fastening of the fascia board to the rafter, the device is easily removed by releasing the clamp, flipping the movable member over to same side of the rafter as the side member and lowering the device to withdraw the support from beneath the fastened fascia board.

Abstract: A support structure is provided for supporting the one end of a floor joist using a flush joist seat. The flush joist seat generally includes a generally horizontal plate having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is welded to the top of the floor joist and the third portion rests on the top of the support structure. The second portion is located beyond the end of the floor joist, between the first portion and the second portion. A generally vertical plate extends downward from the second portion of the generally horizontal plate and is welded to a portion of the end of the floor joist.

Abstract: Retrofit hurricane and earthquake clips for connecting a roof to a wall. The connectors include a plate web and rafter web, connected by a modified right-angle bend. For added strength in the right angle bend, wavy edges add material into the bend. Multiple bends add strength and material to the right angle bends, and place the rafter web perpendicular to the plate web. A ledge allows the connector to clear frieze boards. The wide plate webs attach to the outside wall sheathing and underlying top plate to prevent bowing out of the wall and lateral movement. The rafter webs attach to the side of a rafter to prevent uplift, outward thrusting, and twisting. The material added to the connection between the rafter web and plate web strengthens a building against strong winds and seismic events.

Abstract: Wall and floor connection arrangements. In various embodiments, a first a joist rim is coupled to the flanges of at least some vertically extending studs such that an upper rim flange of the first joist rim is substantially coplanar with a portion of an upper track of the wall. A second joist rim is coupled to another lateral flange of at least some of the vertically extending studs such that an upper rim flange of the second joist rim is substantially coplanar with a portion of the upper track and the upper rim flange of the first joist rim. A plurality of first joists may be coupled to the first rim and plurality of second joists may be coupled to the second rim. A floor deck may be received on the upper track as well as the upper flanges of the first and second joist rims.

Abstract: The invention provides tie guides for affixing trusses and rafters and other cross members to the supporting walls of a building. The tie guide includes a longitudinal base plate with a horizontal component and a vertical component. Fixing members are transverse to the base plate, and are supported by triangular flanges extending in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A hanger for supporting joists or beams in insulated concrete formwork (ICF) systems has two parallel side plates having inner and outer sections, plus an L-shaped support member comprising a horizontal leg extending between the lower edges of the outer sections of the side plates, and an upward-extending vertical leg which demarcates the inner and outer side plate sections. The inner sections of the side plates are passed through slits in one insulation panel of an ICF wall-forming system, until the support member's vertical leg abuts the outer face of the insulation panel, leaving the side plate inner sections extending partially into the formwork cavity. The joist or beam to be supported may be set on the horizontal leg of the support member either before or after the concrete wall is cast.

Abstract: A unitary framing tie is provided for use in securing framing members in wood framed construction. The tie comprises a generally U-shaped base having: a pair of longitudinally spaced apart coplanar plates; a pair of substantially parallel, opposed flanges depending downwardly from the plates; and a pair of substantially parallel, opposed sidewalls extending upwardly from the plates. In operation, the tie provides an apparatus capable of securing two framing ties together bilaterally, which may be installed before or after the framing members are affixed together.

Abstract: A coupling system for securing an elongated wood member having a surface to a second body comprises a stitching body having a first end and a second end defining a length, and a first side and a second side. A first plurality of angled fastener bores is positioned generally on the first side of the stitching body, each configured to position a first side fastener element resting therein at least a first angle with respect to the surface of the elongated wood member. A second plurality of angled fastener bores positioned generally on the second side of the stitching body, each configured to position a second side fastener element resting therein at least a second angle with respect to the surface of the elongated wood member, such that ones of said second side fasteners and said first side fasteners form an intersection when viewed along the length of the stitching body. In one aspect, the coupling system is a hold-down securing a column having a surface to a foundation.

Abstract: An article of flashing for a deck includes a channel with a back leg, a first side leg, and a second side leg and further includes an attachment flange fixedly connected to the channel where the channel is adapted to receive decking. A deck flashing system includes a deck with a surface and at least one edge, decking forming the surface of the deck, and flashing extending along the at least one edge, the flashing having a channel adapted to receive the decking. A method of trimming a deck includes erecting deck framing, installing decking on the framing, and installing flashing on at least one edge or the entire perimeter of the deck.

Abstract: An improved connector and connection joining a plurality of supported structural members, preferably four roof trusses or rafters to a supporting structural member, preferably a header or girder truss. The connector is formed with a plurality of seat members, preferably four, that are joined to back member sections at angular junctures stiffened by shallow embossments. Variations can have three or five seat members.

Abstract: An improved connector formed with a seat member that is stiffened by first and second reinforcing flanges that extend around first and second corners at either end of a third edge of the seat member, the first and second reinforcing flanges being connected to the third edge and to first and second edges that intersect with the third edge, the fist and second edges also having side members connected to the seat member. When used as a hanger, the connector includes a seat member, first and second backwall members which are connected to the supporting girder and first and second side members connected to the supported trusses. A flange member integrally connected to the seat provides further connection when a jack truss is supported.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a prefabricated framing member support system and methods for installing such a system with a horizontal framing member, the horizontal framing member having a top chord, a bottom chord, a web connecting the top chord to the bottom chord and a framing member cross sectional end profile. The prefabricated support system includes an integrated rim board component having a substantially L-shaped cross sectional end profile. The integrated rim board component includes a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion.

Abstract: A construction connector incorporating one or more fasteners can be formed by a plate including a plurality of openings, at least one fastener aligned with a corresponding opening in the plate and oriented substantially perpendicular to the plate, and a breakable connection coupling the fastener to the plate. The breakable connection further can comprise a weld. A second fastener also can be aligned with a second corresponding opening in the plate such that it is oriented substantially perpendicular to the plate, and a breakable connection can be used to couple the second fastener to the plate. Additionally, a second plate can be coupled to the plate, wherein the second plate includes at least one opening.

Abstract: Various floor and wall constructions are disclosed. One embodiment includes a second vertical wall supported over a first vertical wall. One or more joist rims may be attached to the first vertical wall and pluralities of joists may be attached to the joist rims. Decking material may be supported on the plurality of joists. The second vertical wall may be fabricated from spaced second studs that extend between a top track and a bottom track. The bottom track comprises a web and two upstanding legs. The ends of the second studs serve to define open areas within the bottom track between the respective stud ends. A cementitious material may be applied onto the decking material and into the open areas within the bottom track to form the floor surfaces and barriers within the open areas.

Abstract: A roof for a large diameter grain bin is formed by roof rafters inclined from a top of the wail to a top ring, with sheet metal panels in an upper row extending from the ring to a circular bottom edge and a lower row extending from a circular top edge to the wall. A circular bracket of Z-shaped cross section is carried on the rafters by upstanding support legs and provides an upper flange engaging the bottom edge of the upper row and a lower flange engaging the top edge of the lower row and an interconnecting web portion. One or both rows are supported at a mid point on a cylindrical tube bent to form a circle butting the panels and supported from the rafters on leg members which include a center strap which can be bent around the tube and two legs bolted to the rafters.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spacing, securing, and stabilizing I-joists at their ends, and insulating and structural enhancing I-joist assemblies, are provided around the perimeter, or in the interior, of a floor or ceiling where ends of I-joists are located. Insulated blocking panels may comprise an insulating portion that provides a high-R-value and a structural portion which may comprise vertical panel(s) and optional integral support blocks that provide a profiled end surface for extending to the web of the I-joists. Alternatively, insulated blocking panels with flat, vertical end surfaces may be used with field-installed support blocks, or insulated blocking panels with profiled end surfaces may be used without any support blocks. The support blocks or profiled end surfaces of the insulated blocking panels extend to the web of each I-joist, to fill in the space between the I-joists near the I-joist ends, including a substantial amount of the space immediately adjacent the web of each I-joist.

Abstract: A prefabricated roof truss which includes a bottom plate which attaches to the bottom chord of the roof truss in such a way that the bottom plate does not lift away from the top plate of an interior wall despite the vertical movement of the bottom chord of the roof truss.

Abstract: A connector and method of using the connector for making a structural connection between two structural members joined at an angle. The connector is bent in the field to allow the connector to be used in both left-hand and right-hand connections. The connector is preferably formed from metal with an integral gusset at the longitudinal line of juncture. The connector is preferably attached to the structural members by a plurality of fasteners. The gusset reinforces the connection against forces acting perpendicular to the longitudinal line of juncture and the plurality of fasteners reinforce the connection against angular displacement of the structural members perpendicular to the longitudinal line of juncture.

Abstract: An adjustable telescoping support mechanism is provided that may be connected between members of two positionally separated and supported truss members for providing support for a concrete-forming surface for fabricating building floors or ceilings. The telescoping support mechanism may be easily positioned adjacent to the location of vertical concrete structures of a building, such as building support columns, stairwells or elevator shafts in order to tie in a concrete floor or ceiling to the vertical concrete structure. The mechanism provides a means for fabricating a floor or ceiling adjacent to a vertical concrete structure either prior to or after the vertical structure has been fabricated, without the need for supporting scaffolding, which impedes normal construction activity and creates safety issues.

Abstract: A floor beam assembly, system, and method for installing floor beams within a structure are provided. According to one embodiment, a floor beam assembly for installing a floor beam within a structure is provided. The assembly includes at least one floor beam and at least one floor beam bracket attached to a respective floor beam. The assembly also includes at least one pivot arm pivotally attached to the structure. In addition, the assembly includes a pad attached to the at least one pivot arm, wherein the at least one pivot arm is configured to pivot the pad to a position proximate to a respective floor beam bracket to be attached thereto.

Abstract: A device for connecting beams and pillars or similar structural elements, particularly for prefabricated concrete structural elements, comprising a bracket, which forms, when installed, by means of its upper face, a support for the beam, and a first connection for connecting to the pillar the end of the bracket that is designed to be directed toward the pillar, the device further comprising a second connection for connecting a region of the bracket, spaced from the end directed toward the pillar, to a region of the pillar located above the bracket and arranged on the side of the pillar that lies opposite with respect to the side that bears the bracket.

Abstract: A framing system for adjustably connecting building components comprising an outer stud, an interior support member, and a connecting clip.

Abstract: A trellis system is disclosed wherein the trellis comprises a front tube, a back tube, and two end tubes joined together, a plurality of roof panels, each panel having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter of the panel is coupled to at least a back tube surface and a front tube surface; a plurality of cross member assemblies wherein the cross member assemblies assist in creating tension between the front tube and the back tube, and a plurality of fasteners coupling the front tube to the end tubes, the back tube to the end tubes, and the roof panels to at least the front tube and the back tube, wherein the fasteners are not visible when the trellis system is installed. The trellis system also includes accent bands. A plurality of turnbuckles allows for easy leveling of the trellis.

Abstract: A shear brace assembly is provided which laterally braces wall lines within a structure, such as a house or other residential construction, while also providing vertical and out-of-plane load carrying capacity. The assembly consists of one or more wood-based panel(s) which are rigidly connected to concrete, masonry or wood support material directly below or above the shear brace assembly bearing surface. The term “wood-based” should be interpreted to mean that the panel may be constructed from a natural wood, or partially or wholly from an engineered wood, such as Timberstrand®, Parallam®, or the like. Ductile anchorage assemblies are used below, and in some applications, above the individual panels.

Abstract: A hanger for supporting joists or beams in insulated concrete formwork (ICF) systems has two parallel side plates having inner and outer sections, plus an L-shaped support member comprising a horizontal leg extending between the lower edges of the outer sections of the side plates, and an upward-extending vertical leg which demarcates the inner and outer side plate sections. The inner sections of the side plates are passed through slits in one insulation panel of an ICF wall-forming system, until the support member's vertical leg abuts the outer face of the insulation panel, leaving the side plate inner sections extending partially into the formwork cavity. The joist or beam to be supported may be set on the horizontal leg of the support member either before or after the concrete wall is cast.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a squared hip blocking member to a vertical face of a top chord of a hip truss or girder truss in both a skewed and sloped orientation relative to the face of the top chord, the apparatus comprising: 1) a mounting plate, 2) a substantially U-shaped bucket having a floor depending from the mounting plate at a preselected slope and skew relative to normal, and 3) a stop plate mounted normal to the floor and within the U-shaped bucket against which an end of the elongated wood member is abutted when properly seated in the apparatus. Four general embodiments of the apparatus are disclosed, each differing in the direction from which the bucket depends from the mounting plate. The degree of slope and skew may vary depending on the pitch of the roof being constructed.

Abstract: A true retrofit hurricane and earthquake clip for connecting the roof to the outside wall. The metal connector includes a base member with formed pockets that form tunnels. The base member has attaching means to outside sheathing and the underlying top plate of a wall. Threaded rods from the roof are inserted through the tunnels of the base member and tightened together. The invention can be installed on different structural members of a house including a rafter, hip rafter, valley rafter, and facia board. The connector inhibits uplift, detachment, outward thrusting, twisting, and lateral movement, thereby preventing wind and seismic damage to a building.

Abstract: The invention is a novel moment-resistant building column insert system for distributing lateral and vertical loads between the column-beam and column-foundation connections. Loads are distributed between the column and beam using a column insert, nut plates and beam end plates incorporated to beam-ends. The column insert is hollow and similar cross-section shape to the building column for inserting there to. The column, column insert, nut plates and endplates have patterns of mounting holes for receiving mounting bolts tightened to nuts held by nut plates. Loads are distributed between the column and foundation using a base plate, column insert, and insert plates integrated with anchor bolts, nuts and washers in a concrete foundation. The base plate having mounting holes is incorporated to the building column bottom end to receive the plurality of anchor bolts there through for fixedly tightening as an exposed end of the column insert fits in the column.

Abstract: A concealed connection mechanism for connecting a pair of stair stringers to the front face of a rim joist.

Abstract: A stud bracket is provided and adapted to be secured to a stud in a wall structure. The stud bracket includes a stud receiver having a pair of spaced apart members that define a stud receiving area. In use, a respective stud is inserted into the stud receiving area and the stud receiver is secured to the stud. Extending outwardly from the bracket, on each side, is a holder for receiving and holding an end portion of a reinforcing member. When a series of brackets are secured to a series of studs in a wall structure, a series of reinforcing members are provided in the wall structure with each reinforcing member being supported on one end portion by a holder associated with one bracket, and on the other end portion by another holder associated with another bracket. Hence, when used, the stud brackets support a series of reinforcing members that extend generally between pairs of respective studs of a wall structure.

Abstract: An improved joist hanger tool suitably adapted to be placed over a standard joist hanger which is in turn placed over the end of a joist, to shape the joist hanger to its proper installation configuration and to hold the joist hanger securely to the joist so that the installer has both hands free to support the joist and/or to fasten the joist hanger to a header; said joist hanger tool being a substantially “U”-shaped, monolithic clip fashioned out of a flexible, resilient, and substantially rigid material, having a wider bottom, an intermediate narrowest point, and a flared open end.

Abstract: A roof boundary connection uses a clip that eases installation of the clip to blocking members both in the field by a carpenter and at a factory by one such as a truss manufacturer. The clip is formed with two indexing tabs that are set against the blocking for correct spacing and alignment. In one form, the clip is attached to wood members with nails and to masonry with masonry screws. In one form, the clip employs nail prongs as integral connectors for attachment to blocking members, allowing truss manufacturers to install connectors on blocking members with the same hydraulic presses that are used to assemble trusses with nail prong plates.

Abstract: A connector sleeve 22 is disclosed for connecting two beams 2,4 together in the construction industry which is quick and easy to use and which may be moved or removed if required. The sleeve 22 comprises opposing walls 25,26 for receiving the end portions of two beams 2,4 therebetween and clamping means 32 integrally mounted on one of the opposing walls 25,26. The clamping means 32 is configured to releasably engage the beams 2,4 in use so as to fix their location relative to each other. A modular connection assembly for connecting two beams is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A device for affixing a building element to a supporting element, comprising a guide housing for attachment to the building element or the supporting element. Mounted in the guide housing are at least one movable telescopic member and at least one pull-out cable which is fastened to an attachment point in the telescopic member. The attachment device further comprises at least one return cable fastened to the telescopic member and passed round a winding point to a location for operation of the attachment device or a stop strip for restriction of the extended length of the telescopic member. The attachment device may advantageously be used for affixing concrete elements or affixing staircase elements.

Abstract: An improved connector and connection formed with a seat member that is stiffened by first and second reinforcing flanges and first, second and third back wall members. When used as a hanger, the connector includes a seat member, first, second and third backwall members which are connected to a supporting girder and first and second side members are connected to the seat member. First, second, third and fourth flange arms integrally connected to the third back wall member are connected to up to four supported wood trusses or supported wood framing members which rest on the seat member.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a building structure is provided. The connector assembly includes an elongated track that is mounted to a first member of a building frame structure. A connecting member is connected to the elongated track and retained within a pair of opposed channels that form a part of the track. Connected to the connecting member is a second member of the building frame structure. Formed in the connecting member is at least one elongated slot that permits the connecting member to be connected to the second member and for there to be relative movement between the connecting member and the second member. Further, the connecting member is slidable back and forth within the elongated track. Thus, it is appreciated that bidirectional movement between the first and second members can be accommodated by the connecting member sliding back and forth along the track on one hand and by there being relative movement about the connection between the connecting member and the second member.

Abstract: A concealed connection mechanism for connecting a pair of stair stringers to the front face of a rim joist.

Abstract: A column-and-beam join structure comprises connecting the column and beam with a pair of split tees. At least one split tee has a web with a portion of the web having a reduced cross-sectional area. The web with the reduced cross-sectional area is located between a flange of the beam and a buckling restraint. The buckling restraint is connected to the flange of the beam with bolts. The sides of the bolts are in the proximity to the side surface of the portion of the web of the split tee having the reduced cross-sectional area. Annular members may be arranged surrounding portions of the bolts that are in proximity to the side surface of the portion of the web having the reduced cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An anchor for connecting a roof truss to the wall of a building. The anchor has a panel that associates with a plurality of clamps. The clamps having two surfaces which associate with the panel and the roof truss, respectively. The anchor has a member that extends into the wall. The member may have various shapes to provide increased strength to the anchor. The anchor is connected to the roof truss by a connector that may pass through the clamp and the roof truss. The clamp is attached to the panel by a connector that is adhered to the panel.