Abstract: The present invention is a framing component interconnecting device that is particularly useful for interconnecting a spanning member and its supporting components. While the device may be used in a number of ways to facilitate frame construction, the preferred mode of use is to pre-attach it at the bearing points of a spanning member during pre-assembly of the spanning member. Because the device is not obtrusive while it is in what is referred to herein as a “non-deployed configuration,” the device thus attached to a spanning member does not hinder or complicate storing, transporting, and handling the spanning member. The device incorporates an anchor strap and connecting flaps that can be deployed in order to interconnect the spanning member to its supporting component once the spanning member has been raised into position. In its deployed configuration, the device anchors, orients, braces, and interconnects one framing component to another.

Abstract: A truss bracket for connecting a roof to a shipping container includes an initially flat rectangular sheet of material in which is formed a longitudinally extending fold line that divides the sheet of material into a first part and a second part that are disposed at a predetermined angle relative to one another when a fold is formed in the fold line. The first part is adapted to be secured to a vertical wall of a shipping container and the second part is adapted to be engaged to a roof. A plurality of flanges are stamped from the second part and are folded out at a ninety degree angle relative to the plane of the second part to enable connection of the second part to the roof. A house is made by joining plural shipping containers together and securing a roof to the shipping container by using the truss bracket.

Abstract: A clip for securing metal plates in walls constructed using masonry blocks. The clip includes a plate portion and a block portion. The block portion has members that form an opening that fits over a member of a masonry block. The plate portion also has members that form an opening that receives and secures a metal plate. When the block portion is placed on the member of a masonry block, the clip holds a metal plate in a fixed position relative to the masonry block. One member of the block portion can be angled. The block portion may also include a gripping portion that is used to secure the clip to a masonry block. The plate portion may include a spacer to secure the metal plate.

Abstract: A device for use in the installation of lightweight concrete roof systems includes a base element having a substantially flat portion and a wire tie. The wire tie extends from the base element and terminates at opposite ends which may be formed in a ring or loop. In use, the base element is mechanically fastened to the bar joist, through the steel deck, of the roof system. The terminal ends of the wire tie are secured to steel-welded wire reinforcement fabric overlying a layer of lightweight concrete, thereby securing the lightweight concrete to the steel deck of the roof system and preventing separation of the lightweight concrete due to external forces such as wind sheer.

Abstract: A one-piece bracket for mounting the headrail of a covering for an architectural opening comprises a generally L-shaped piece having a system for retaining the headrail on the bracket and restricting movement of the headrail on the bracket.

Abstract: A wall fastener that attaches a wallboard member to a mounting track in a manner that allows for relative movement between an overhead roof structure to which the mounting track is secured and a non-load bearing wall. The wall fastener holds the wallboard in a fixed position relative to the wall and the overhead structure to maintain a fire barrier.

Abstract: A spacer is provided for use in a standing seam roof system in which roof panels are provided having a base portion and upstanding side flanges along opposed longitudinal sides of the panel. The panels are installed sequentially along roof purlins in a working direction. Occasionally a portion of each panel being installed trails in the working direction in relation to the remainder of the panel. A spacer element is provided with a hook for being suspended in the seam between upstanding side flanges of adjacent panels to advance the trailing portion of the panels and thereby straighten the panels of the roof system.

Abstract: The closure strip having a pair of longitudinal side walls with undulating top edges configured to mate with the corrugations of corrugated sheet material. The side walls are interconnected by a plurality of support ribs. The side walls are also angled outward toward the bottom edges. A hollow nesting volume is formed between the side and below the support ribs in the region of each of the undulation peaks of the closure strip. This configuration allows successive closure strips to be nested one into another by inserting the undulation peaks of one closure strip into the hollow nesting volume under corresponding undulation peaks in another closure strip.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stock bar and T-bar coupling structure for mounting a sprinkler. In the present invention, a locking bracket is easily securely coupled to a T-bar using an elastic locking unit and a wing bolt. Furthermore, a stock bar made of standard rectangular pipe is coupled to the locking bracket by a first locking unit such that the stock bar crosses over the T-bar. Because this locking bracket is manufactured as a separate component from the stock bar, the present invention can be used without limiting the distance between the T-bars. Furthermore, the present invention has an advantage in that a standard rectangular pipe can be easily used as a stock bar merely by cutting the pipe to a desired length.

Abstract: A mounting structure, for attachment to a building, for mounting articles such as satellite dishes, flags and other articles, comprises a unitary rectangular substantially flat panel having top and bottom flanges, side edges and an inner surface. Bosses are formed in each flanged spaced apart and adjacent side edges. A central embossed portion extends up from the flange at top and bottom. A central protrusion, and two side protrusions, extend inwardly from the inner surface of the panel, in lateral alignment. An inclined portion extends inwardly from the inner surface of the panel at each side and bending into the side ends of the upper flange. Flange portions extend between the central embossed portion and the bosses and between the bosses and the side edges at the top and bottom flanges. In position, the flange portions, central protrusions and the side protrusions contact the siding.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and assemblies for preventing corrosion of metal connector devices, e.g., zinc-galvanized joist hangers and fasteners, used for assembling outdoor structures such as decks from wood components pretreated with alkaline copper quat (ACQ), ammoniacal copper quat (ACQ-B), copper azole (CA), or mixtures thereof. Membrane barriers separate metal from wood, and seal around fasteners thus minimizing corrosion of the connector devices and fasteners.

Abstract: The framing fastener is made up of a configuration of plates used to attach any number of posts and beams to each other or to a base material. The framing fastener may include a substantially flat first plate with at least one hole extending there through and a substantially flat second plate with a hook formed at one edge thereof. The first and second plates are attached together such that the first and second plates are substantially coplanar or substantially perpendicular. The first plate of the framing fastener is attached to a post by means of one or more fastening rods. Then a beam is attached to the second plate of the framing fastener by means of one or more fastening rods, one of which rests in the hook.

Abstract: A unitary, one-piece anchor for connecting a roof truss or other building structural member to a cementitious wall to resist uplift and lateral forces.

Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel tracks and track connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize metal framing tracks that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls with at least one recess channel formed longitudinally therein, and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, lip or base flange, and two lip receiving grooves, are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the track and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects and/or recess channels of the track.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal ridge clip for attachment of a ridge cap along the peak of a centrally located roof ridge, usually on metal buildings. The clip may also be used on a “hip” roof application. The ridge clip is of a construction such that it provides a strong support area for the ridge cap without the need for fasteners that would penetrate the roof panel at exposed areas to the weather. It generally is a Z-shaped clip having a top fastening area, and a bottom anchoring area with these joined by a generally upright panel having a notch therein to allow roof ribs to pass through the notch.

Abstract: Anchor 10 for reinforcing a structure against displacement forces and a method of installation includes drilling a borehole 50 in an anchor medium 110 adjacent the structure A length of roving 21 composed of filaments 24 is doubled and pushed into borehole 50 with free end 23 of roving 21 protruding. Backfill grout 41 or resin 42 is pumped or poured into bore hole 50 to embed roving 21 Filaments 24 of free end 23 are spread apart and attached to the structure by adhesive.

Abstract: A truss and connector assembly for use in housing structures is shown. The connector provides a direct and integral mounting of the truss to the wall studs to provide increased mounting strength for the roof assembly to the side walls of a structure. A connector according to the invention can be integrally preassembled to a truss at one location and connected to remaining portions of the truss at a separate location.

Abstract: A suspender bottom bracket for ceiling frameworks, includes a support wall that is adapted to be fastened to a rod of the suspender and is extended by two flanges in parallel planes that each have a rim parallel to the support wall, the two rims being directed toward the interior of the volume encompassed by the support wall and the planes of the flanges. The rims have at their end a fixing lug, the fixing lugs being on the opposite side of the support wall relative to the rims, perpendicular to the support wall, and are offset in a direction parallel to the planes of the flanges by a distance sufficient to provide a passage for the framework. The flanges that extend from the support wall as far as the rims have the overall shape of parallelograms.

Abstract: Brackets for interconnecting building components. One bracket embodiment is constructed to connect a pair of substantially perpendicular building components so as to allow relative vertical movement between those components and may include a first connector plate and a second connector plate. The first and second connector plates may be integrally connected at a right angle so as to form a right angled juncture. A plurality of stiffener channels may be disposed in the right angle juncture. The bracket may further include a plurality of substantially linear stiffener channels formed in the first connector plate. One or more elongated slots may be provided in the second connector plate. In another embodiment, one or more rows of holes are provided in the connector plate. The elongated slots or rows of holes may be located in one or more recessed stiffener regions. A score line and/or dimples may be provided in the first connector plate for locating fasteners.

Abstract: A hold-down system used to secure a building structure to the foundation, thereby enabling the building to better withstand forces like high winds and earthquakes because these forces may then be distributed to the foundation. The hold-down system is characterized as being continuous and having stackable, individual take-up units. A continuous hold-down system allows the system to compensate for shrinkage or crushing of the building's frame throughout each level of the building because the anchor of the system is always in communication with the foundation of the building. The individual take-up units are stackable allowing each level of the system to compensate for shrinkage or crushing on that level as well as adjacent levels.

Abstract: A tie and a tie method for binding together adjacent support elements such as concrete reinforcing bars by employing a tie having a frame which can be disposed about the bars, and a wedge adapted to be forcibly driven between resilient portions of the frame and the bars to develop a biasing face which compresses the bars together.

Abstract: A structural brace apparatus and method provides support between a primary building component and a secondary building component, the primary building component having X and Y axis deflections relative to the secondary building component. The brace includes a first support arm having a longitudinal axis, the first arm extending from and adapted to be secured to the primary building component, the first arm longitudinal axis being positioned at an intermediate angle between the primary building component X and Y axis deflections. The brace also includes a second support arm extending from and adapted to be secured to the secondary building component, the second arm has a slidable engagement with the first arm for reciprocative movement substantially parallel to the first arm longitudinal axis, wherein the brace is operative to reduce transmission of the X and Y axis deflections from the primary building component to the secondary building component.

Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

Abstract: A connector for holding an internal muntin assembly away from a perimeter spacer of an insulating glass assembly until the assembler is ready to affix the muntin bar to the perimeter bar using an attachment device. The connector includes a positioning tab for holding the muntin bar away from the perimeter spacer to allow positioning of the muntin bar assembly until the positioning tab is moved relative to a baseplate so that the attachment device, such as thick double stick tape, is pressed to the perimeter spacer.

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting two building members together. The connector, in one embodiment, includes first and second plates secured together. Each plate includes one or more elongated slots wherein the elongated slots of one plate are oriented at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the slots formed in the other plate. Fasteners extend through the slots in the plates and connect the plates of the connector to two building members such as a horizontal building member and a vertical building member. Once connected, one of the building members is free to move with respect to the other building member while the connector is connected to the two building members. In another embodiment, the connector is slidable within a track. In this embodiment, a portion of the connector extends from the track and connects to one of the building members while the track connects to the other one of the building members.

Abstract: A modular channel joint structural system comprising an interlocking system with matching extensions. The extensions slide into matching grooves or channels and are bottled together with only one bolt per joint. In a typical embodiment, aligned members with transverse grooves towards the ends thereof are joined together and to a third perpendicular member with inwardly curved extensions which engage the grooves. The third member includes a corresponding aperture on both sides thereof which is positioned in line with an end notch in the aligned members. A bolt engages the apertures to hold the three members fixedly together.

Abstract: A connection in wood frame construction such as in frame walls of homes, wood framed apartment buildings and light wood framed commercial buildings. Specifically, the disclosure describes a pair of connectors for joining wall studs to a base plate and to a top plate for framing a wall. The two connectors used in the connection are identical and include an edge member for connection to the edge faces of the stud and the base or top plates, and a face member for engaging the lower face of the base plate or the upper face of the top plate. The face member is joined to the edge member and projects at a right angle thereto. The face member serves the dual purposes of locating the connected at the ends of the studs and of resisting tension forces.

Abstract: A system for making a structural connection includes a structural member, a plurality of strips for engaging the structural member and securing devices for securing the strips to a building structure that supports the structural member. The method of making the structural connection includes the steps of providing the structural member, inserting a segment of the structural member into the hollow of a building structure, and securing the structural member to the building structure with two or more strips.

Abstract: An attachment bracket for securing a rafter to a sidewall in a bin having horizontal sidewall corrugations has a bracket having first and second attachment portions at right angles to each other. The first portion has a plurality of parallel horizontal corrugation adapted to nest in the parallel horizontal corrugations in an upper portion of a bin sidewall. The second portion extends upwardly and inwardly from the first portion to be secured to the lower end of an inclined rafter that supports a conical shaped roof for the bin.

Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize metal framing members or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls, and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls, and similarly configured framing tracks having a recessed channel along the sidewalls thereof. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, lip and base flange are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing members and tracks performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the member or track and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud.

Abstract: A crossarm system adapted to support power lines from a vertical pole. The crossarm system comprises a wooden crossarm member and first and second nail end plates. The wooden crossarm member defines upper, lower, inner, and outer surfaces and first and second end surfaces, a main bore, a plurality of pin bores, and at least one brace bore. Each nail end plate comprises a plate member defining an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of nail projections extending from the inner surface of the plate member. Each nail projection defines a width dimension. In use, the first and second nail end plates are displaced towards the first and second end surfaces, respectively, such that the nail projections enter the wooden crossarm member. The nail projections are arranged such that the width dimensions substantially prevent splitting of the ends of the crossarm member.

Abstract: A hold-down for securing first and second support members in a portion of a building to an anchoring device extending from another portion of the building. The hold-down may include a first flange having securement apertures therethrough configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the first flange to the first support member. A second flange may have securement apertures configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the second flange to the second support member. A base may connect the first and second flanges and have an aperture sized and positioned to receive the anchoring device therethrough. The first and second flanges may be configured to be loaded substantially exclusively in tension by the anchoring device.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method of fabricating trusses. The improved trusses are made from elongated, tubular members forming the chords and/or webs. A metal connector plate is used to connect the chords and webs to form the truss. Further, modifications of the connector plates are used to facilitate the connection of trusses into truss assemblies. Additionally, other modifications of the connector plates are used to facilitate the connection of the trusses to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A method for mutually connecting at least two elongated elements, such as concrete renforcement rods, by means of a connecting member in the form of a winding spring with a center line, which winding spring is screwed on and around the elongated elements at the connecting place between the two elongated elements by rotation on the center line while expanding by contact with circumferential surfaces of the elongated elements, wherein the selected winding spring is a spiral or screw spiral shaped spring, of which at least one winding has a diameter smaller than the largest transverse dimension at the connecting place, determined by the elongated elements to be connected, which winding spring is placed with its center line at an angle with respect to the elongated elements and is screwingly moved from a thus obtained starting position in the direction of the elongated elements, which screwing movement is continued until at least one winding is diametrically expanded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connection having a plurality of parallel structural members. The structural members are bridged by strap member, preferably light gauge steel. The end of the strap member is held in place by an overlapping strap holder. Fasteners hold the strap holder and the strap to the underlying structural member, with at least one passing through only the strap holder into the first side of the the first structural member.

Abstract: A wall panel tile connector is disclosed. The connector includes an elongated bracket with groups of openings and a number of clips which are attached to the bracket by use of the openings. The bracket has a first portion with an U-shaped cross section, a middle portion with an offset and a second portion. The offset has a slot-like opening and the second portion includes two smaller openings, the three openings being grouped to allow attachment of a clip. Each clip is generally U-shaped with a base and two legs, and a bent tab and offset fingers. The slot-like opening receives one of the legs of the clip. The offset fingers engage in the smaller openings and create an interference fit with the bracket. The tab is resilient and enables the tile to be engaged with a wall panel frame.

Abstract: A one-piece metal bracket having a flat main body terminating in a U-shaped downturned lip at one end for snap-fit engagement within an inverted channel formed in a vinyl siding member generally adjacent the point of attachment of the siding member to a support structure. Ends of the lip edge are radiused to facilitate attachment and removal of the clip to and from the siding member. A second end is formed into a support hook forming an acute angle with the main body for supporting an object thereon. In an alternate embodiment, a series of holes in the main body selectively receive an S-hook for supporting an object on the bracket. The bracket is formed as a one-piece member of stainless steel.

Abstract: A building roof tie for attaching roof trusses and rafters to wood top plates in building structures, said roof tie having a sheet metal body with risers and a bridge for overlapping a rafter and flaps for wrapping on the sides of the top plate. The flaps may be configured to penetrate into the top plate for additional stability. Turnbuckles attached to the bridge provide additional hold-down strength against increased uplift forces. Such turnbuckles may include a hinge and pin assembly that can adjust up and down, forward and backwards. The roof ties are pitched to conform to a variety of framing applications. A plurality of apertures is formed in the roof tie to provide openings for fasteners for connecting the tie to the wood top plate and rafter.

Abstract: A one piece ground stake for securing drain, waste or vent pipe relative to the ground comprises a wire rod bent to form a hook having a ground engaging shank, a pipe engaging bend or cradle and a connecting leg connected between the pipe engaging bend and the shank by upper and lower connecting bends. The upper connecting bend extends above the lower connecting bend and is adapted to be struck by a hammer or the like to drive a lower end of the shank into the ground. The stake is driven into the ground until the cradle abuts against an upper surface of a pipe positioned on a bed of gravel, sand or the ground at a selected grade and position.

Abstract: A tile bracket support system that has a tile side support bracket or clip and a tile bottom support bracket or clip attached to the tile without the use of screws or adhesives. The tile side support bracket or clip has tile side edge embedding members and vertical frame member engaging members. The tile bottom support bracket has tile bottom edge embedding members and horizontal frame member engaging members thereby holding the tile affixed to the horizontal and vertical frame members without the use of screws or adhesives.

Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

Abstract: A riser section and cover is disclosed. The riser section has a smooth cylindrical sidewall surface, a removable anchor tab on the exterior surface and bosses and ribs on the inside of the sidewall. The riser sections are stackable. The cover has a channel end to removably connect to a riser section. The cover has stowable handles and posts extending from a bottom surface that define wells open at a top surface and which posts fit into the wells of another cover. A bracket is disclosed to releasably secure and position the cover with an attached riser section on a concrete form wall to hold the riser in place while concrete is poured into the form.

Abstract: A one-piece connecting member is provided that bridges or spans a beam disposed between two aligned structural members. A tunnel is formed in the beam to receive a connecting member. The connecting member attaches directly to both of the opposed structural members by means of heavy fasteners without the need of intermediary brackets. The connecting member is formed to provide both compressive and tensile resistance, and can be formed from tube steel.

Abstract: A weldment connector for use with castable concrete slabs, each of the slabs including a length, width and depth and having at least one opposing and extending edge. The weldment connector has a substantially elongated and planar shaped front face and first and second legs which are both integrally formed with and extend from opposite end locations of the front face. The legs further extend in a combined axial and rotationally offset fashion relative the front face and each includes a horizontally extending and vertically spaced apart component with passes either above or below a mesh screen associated with the concrete slab. Additional features of the weldment connector include the width of the extending legs increasing, from a first end associated with the interconnecting and planar shaped front face, to outermost extending ends thereof.

Abstract: A pre-manufactured joist and beam support for concrete walls to be poured, particularly those utilizing a permanent, secondary non-structural material as forms essentially adjacent to the concrete, comprised of a U shaped rigid member, rigid anchor members extending therefrom and so as to cause a sufficiently large hole to be created in the secondary material in which the support is inserted and which essentially does not interfere with the flow of concrete being poured.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing, securing and stiffening a plurality of joists comprising a band extending across the top of a series of joists and connected to the joists and with a series of truss members attached to the underside of the band and extending between and abutting two adjacent joists.

Abstract: The present invention provides a siding boards attachment structure having excellent ventilation characteristics and a high structural strength and a starter fitting used therewith. The siding boards attachment structure includes a starter fitting for supporting a siding board in the lowest portion, a ground sill flashing disposed in a lower portion of the siding board in the lowest portion, a furring strip for fixing the starter fitting, and the siding board supported by the starter fitting. The starter fitting includes a base plate portion having a planar rear side surface that is configured to be fixed to the furring strip, a supporting portion for supporting siding boards bent forward from the base plate portion, and spacing portions formed at left and right end portions of the base plate portion to have the cross sectional shape of a squarish letter U.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing masonry walls made of open-celled blocks without the need for mortar between individual blocks or courses of blocks using individual C-shaped bracketed pieces that lock adjacent blocks together. The open-celled blocks must have recessed notches between the cells to receive the brackets. An alternative E-shaped bracket structure allows for defined spacing between blocks that may be used to create curves in the wall.

Abstract: A connection between a first structural member and a second structural member. The second structural member has a bottom surface that lies adjacent the first structural member, and the bottom surface is formed with opposed side surfaces 27 and 28. A connector attaches the second structural member to the first structural member in combination with fasteners 13, and is formed with a base member, and the base member receives a select number of the fasteners which are also received by the first structural member, making a positive attachment between the connector and the first structural member. The connector 1 is also formed with opposed side flanges that are disposed laterally of the base member and connect to the base member along parallel bend lines. The side flanges receive a select number of the fasteners which are also received by the second structural member, making a positive attachment between the connector and the second structural member.

Abstract: A building roof tie for attaching roof trusses and rafters to wood top plates in building structures, such roof tie having a sheet metal body with risers and a bridge for overlapping a rafter and flaps for wrapping on the sides of the top plate. Generally triangular shaped reinforcing wings provide strength and stability, allowing the roof tie to be manufactured from different weights of steel. The roof ties are pitched to conform to a variety of framing applications. A plurality of apertures is formed in the roof tie to provide openings for fasteners for connecting the tie to the wood top plate and rafter.