Separably Connected Sections Patents (Class 52/713)
  • Patent number: 6125604
    Abstract: A corner lock for a mitered corner of a hollow door or window frame includes a pair of braces positioned in the interior of the door or window frame at each corner. The braces are interlocked with one another and extend from an outward part to an inward part of each corner. The first brace is directly attached to interior walls of outward horizontal and vertical parts of a door or window frame. The second brace has an outward end attached to the first brace and an inward end that abuttingly engages the inward corner of the door or window frame. A central screw extends through the first brace and bears against the second brace when advanced. The first brace bends into a convexity and the second brace bends into a concavity when the central screw is advanced. A rigid leg that forms a part of the second brace includes a base that bears against an inward corner when the central screw is advanced so that the mitered corner is strenghthened and locked against movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: S. D. Holmes
  • Patent number: 6094880
    Abstract: A metal connector that securely ties together the structural members of the roof and wall on a wood frame house. The connector correctly places each structural member for maximum structural integrity. The connector has a large surface area for maximum strength, and precise nail holes to avoid splitting and assuring correct attachment to the structural member. The connector grasps the structural members to avoid detachment of any structural members during hurricanes. The connector has tabs and gussets to avoid twisting, lateral forces, thrusting, and uplift. The connector helps form the roof to wall connection into a strong shear wall to avoid building damage during earthquakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas Thompson
  • Patent number: 6082065
    Abstract: A bracket is provided for attaching an end of a first partition to a face of a second partition at a selected location intermediate vertical side edges of the second partition, where the second partition includes a horizontal frame member having a horizontal row of slots. The bracket includes an L-shaped rigid member stamped from rigid sheet metal having a first horizontal leg and a first vertical leg, with the first horizontal leg having hooks each with a notch configured to securely engage selected slots on the second partition. The bracket further includes an L-shaped interlock member stamped from spring steel having a second horizontal leg and a second vertical leg. The second horizontal and vertical legs lay on the first horizontal and vertical legs, respectively, and the second horizontal leg has an interlock tab that extends to and overlaps a rear of one of the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Feldpausch
  • Patent number: 6079176
    Abstract: A system for insulating only the interior surface of a concrete wall to be poured between a pair of interior and exterior wall forms. The system includes horizontally extending elongated tie strips which connect to each of the wall forms to hold the wall forms spaced apart, a single layer of insulation positioned in contact with the interior wall form, and a plurality of connectors for securing the single layer of insulation to only the interior surface of the concrete wall. The connectors include an enlarged head portion which engages the insulation and a web portion of smaller cross section which extends through apertures in the insulation and into the space between the wall forms, the web portion including openings for the passage of concrete therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventors: Albert P. Westra, Gregory A. Westra
  • Patent number: 6058859
    Abstract: A device for supporting refractory material in a furnace environment is provided. In one embodiment, the supporting device is fabricated from individual pieces which are connected to produce a functional supporting device. The material supporting device provides an inverted channel-shaped base member structurally interengaged with a C-shaped member to provide support to material loads in an industrial setting. The C-shaped member has a pair of generally upwardly and inwardly projecting engagement flanges which provide interconnection with the base member. The base member has a pair of generally downwardly and inwardly projecting base flanges which provide support for refractory material. In another embodiment, interengagement between the C-shaped member and the base member may be further secured by conventional mechanical fastening apparatus and methods. A method of employing the above-described device and a method for using multiple supporting devices with one or more structural members are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Samuel A. Colosimo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6050035
    Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90.degree.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Tomarco Contractor Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Thompson, Keith L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 6049952
    Abstract: An energy absorbing interior trim component of plastics is attached to a supporting structural member of a vehicle by one or more special fastening devices. The trim component has a shell-like main housing defining an interior cavity that contains a plurality of laterally spaced energy absorbing ribs, which are designed to deform and collapse upon predetermined impact loads applied to the trim component. The ribs are strategically located and sized for optimized energy absorbing purposes and in accordance with the interior dimensions and shape of the trim component. Each fastening device comprises a steel spring clip having laterally spaced clamping jaw arms for easy installation and substantially permanent attachment to the ribs and having an attachment head which readily fastens into structure defining a narrow elongated slot in the supporting structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Mihelich, Sudhakar Kodali, Werner H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6047504
    Abstract: A connector plate for joining, in a biased manner, structural members of a building and including first and second plates in overlapped relationship with each plate adapted for individual securement to a structural member being joined. A tapered insert serves to impart tension to at least one of the plates so as to draw the attached structural member toward the remaining member. Supplemental tensioning members engage misaligned openings in the plates to further tension one of the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Charles Dusenberry
  • Patent number: 6044612
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel system is provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and at least two pairs of horizontal stringers attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same. One or more horizontal rows of slots are defined in each of the stringers. Cover panels are detachably mounted thereon to provide ready access to the frame. The cover panels permit access to the slots, and special off-module connectors with hooks for engaging the slots are provided for interconnecting adjacent panels in off-module positions. The hooks of the connectors are engaged with selected slots to hold a first partition panel perpendicular to a second partition panel in an off-module position on its face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Benjamin G. Shaw, Charles A. Seiber, Don S. Minami, David D. McClanahan, Robert J. Luchetti, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, James B. Eldon, III, Gregg R. Draudt
  • Patent number: 5992110
    Abstract: A wall panel and joint structure for erecting structurally sound, thermally efficient and inexpensive structures for human habitat. Each wall panel includes a foam core faced on each side with reinforced cementitious facing panels, the foam edges of the composite panel being grooved peripherally inside the cementitious facing panels. At least one metal tongue member is inserted in opposing side edge grooves of abutting wall panels, and fasteners are mounted through the cementitious facing panels, any intervening foam, and into the tongue members to hold adjacent wall panels together. U-shaped channels are provided to finish an upper edge of the wall panel and to secure a bottom edge thereof to a floor structure. Wall mount clips are provided to secure the wall panels to existing subwall structures. Flanges are provided at an upper end of the tongue members to secure roofing members to the wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Theodore E. Clear
  • Patent number: 5966893
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for assembling a planar surface for multiple sheets of building material connected by multiple retaining clips. Each of the retaining clips comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first receptacle defined by a central wall and an upper and lower flange. The second receptacle is defined by an opposite side of the central wall and a second lower flange. A first sheet is inserted into the first receptacle through the open side between the upper and lower flanges and opposite the central wall. A second sheet is pivoted through the open sides of the second receptacle, which are opposite the central wall and the second lower flange. The second portion comprises a T-shaped element having opposing tabs extending from a retaining tongue. The opposing tabs are received within a slot on the first portion such that the retaining tongue overlies the upper surface of a second sheet and closes one of the open sides of the second receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: David G. Quillin
  • Patent number: 5960601
    Abstract: A post support frame is provided comprising brackets, a top plate, and a bottom plate. In one embodiment, the brackets are identical and generally H-shaped. The crossbar of the H includes a slot substantially perpendicular to the crossbar, and the ends of the legs of the H each have a tab. Each leg also includes a part which tapers inward toward the adjacent leg. The top plate includes a series of notches around its periphery, which accommodate the tabs at the ends of the bracket legs. The bottom plate includes two sets of holes therethrough. One set of holes accommodates the tabs at the ends of the bracket legs, while the other is used for attaching the completed post support frame to a flat surface.The support frame is assembled by interengaging the slots of the brackets. The interengaged brackets are coupled with the bottom and top plates by fitting the tabs at the ends of the brackets into one set of the holes in the bottom plate and the notches in the top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: C & C Concerns, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig R. Offutt
  • Patent number: 5946875
    Abstract: A clean room filter unit mounting system including a bracket, a bracket and fastener assembly, and individually mounted filter units. The bracket and fastener assembly includes a bracket having a relatively fixed member and a relatively movable member to allow misaligned mounting of parts such as the filter units in a clean room ceiling to fixed suspension rods without perfect registration of the bracket fixed member with the suspension rods, and a fastener able to pass through both bracket members in a first arrangement and to block such passage in a second disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: HEPA Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Jeanseau
  • Patent number: 5937608
    Abstract: Bridging is provided for use in joining joists or like construction elements so as to increase the strength and stability of those elements. The present invention utilizes flexible strapping to create the bridging structure, wherein a first flexible strap is attached to a first joist and a second flexible strap is attached to a second joist. The bridging structure is created by aligning the straps between the joists and joining the straps together. The various flexible straps can be directly attached to the joists, however when applied to wooden joists, stiffened supports are preferably positioned between the joists and the flexible strapping. The stiffened supports spread the force of the flexible strapping and prevent the strapping from deforming the material of the joist. To add to the integrity of the bridging structure, the stiffened supports can be mechanically or adhesively joined to the joists and the flexible strapping can be mechanically or adhesively joined to the stiffened supports and joists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Mark J. Kucirka
  • Patent number: 5921045
    Abstract: A two-part fastening mechanism employing (1) a continuous metal strip having attachment slots whose axes are oriented parallel to the length of the strip, and (2) a single preformed metal connector piece having a longitudinally-oriented hook for gripping one end of a tile and a stem portion insertable into one of the slots in the metal fastening strip and bendable over the slot and back upon itself for retaining the connector piece attached to the continuous metal strip. When installed, the fastening mechanism holds each tile in two places: at a first end via the hook, and at an opening in the tile where the connector piece passes through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Newport Fastener Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Hickey, James E. Lee, Robert Ward
  • Patent number: 5890339
    Abstract: A pitch break connector is provided. The pitch break connector has an outside and inside rigid member. Each member has a first generally U-shaped channel defined by a spine member between first and second legs. Each member has a first and a second pivot end portion. A hinge pivotally connects the inside and outside members through the pivot end portions in a generally longitudinally opposing position. In this configuration, the first and second end portions of the inside member can be pivotally accepted into a cavity defined by the generally U-shaped channel of the outside member when the members are pivoted about the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Alpine Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Willis
  • Patent number: 5884448
    Abstract: A truss spacer and support device for installation between the chords of adjacent trusses includes an elongate, generally U-shaped channel member. There is a tongue on each end having at least one nail integrally formed thereon which is adapted to overlie the top of a chord with the integral nail embedded therein. Tabs extend from each side of the channel member at each end with at least one nail integrally formed thereon. The tabs are raked inwardly toward the opposite end sufficiently that the ends of the nails do not extend past the ends of the channel member sufficiently to interfere with positioning the device between the chord members of adjacent trusses. The tabs can be bent to overlie the sides of the chord, with their integral nails embedded therein. The devices are employed to accurately space and support trusses during construction of a structure, and to provide added support against in-service loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Pellock
  • Patent number: 5881517
    Abstract: Rest room partition mounting brackets are formed from two of four possible extruded bracket halves which may be joined in pairs to form any of twelve different brackets for mounting rest room separating panels. The bracket halves are extrusions of generally uniform cross-sectional configuration, but have periodic screw-accepting holes and opposed periodic notches which notches are alignable with one another to form central mounting screw accepting apertures. By selecting two of four possible bracket halves, each of three different bracket configurations may be created. A simple U-shaped bracket, a U-shaped bracket with one outboard ear, or a U-shaped bracket with two outboard ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Universal Consolidated Methods, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Prince, Scott A. Colley
  • Patent number: 5862641
    Abstract: An anchor for connecting refractory material to a wall or other support structure for a kiln or other vessel is disclosed. The anchor includes a first member having a section along its length that is selectively configured and has a selective cross-sectional shape. The anchor includes a second member having a complementary engaging section. The complementary engaging section has a cross-sectional shape and dimension complementary to the selected configuration of the length of the first section of the first member. The complementary engaging section of the second member further has a selective configuration along its length complementary to the shape and dimension of the selective cross-sectional shape of the first section of the first member such that the two members complementarily engage to enhance heat transfer, while at the same time permitting relative rocking and rotational movement of the members in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: LEA-CON, Inc.
    Inventor: John Miskolczi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5846018
    Abstract: Deflection slide clip of two piece construction for use in curtain wall construction providing for horizontal support of a laterally loaded stud while it accommodates vertical slip of the primary frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Super Stud Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Frobosilo, Ernest S. Viola
  • Patent number: 5845455
    Abstract: A mortar collecting device for being positioned in a cavity between first and second spaced-apart walls, such as masonry walls, and including an anchor for being embedded in a mortar joint of the first masonry wall, a first attachment device carried by the anchor for being positioned in the cavity between the first and second masonry walls, a U-shaped bracket for being positioned at least partially in the cavity between the first and second masonry walls, second attachment device is carried by the bracket and cooperating with the first attachment device of the anchor for supporting the bracket, and a shield for being carried and supported by the bracket in the cavity between the masonry walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Masonry Reinforcing Corporation of America
    Inventor: Ralph O. Johnson, III
  • Patent number: 5845454
    Abstract: A system whereby a user can adjustably interconnect a drop ceiling frame to an existing ceiling joist. In its broadest context, the system includes a ceiling joist screw which is adapted to be positioned within a ceiling joist; a linkage which is adapted to be connected to the joist screw; an adjustment cylinder which is secured to the lower end of the linkage; and a threaded J-hook which is adapted the adjustably positioned within the adjustment cylinder. With this system, a user can easily install a drop ceiling frame to the desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: John T. Malizia
  • Patent number: 5836132
    Abstract: A reusable anchor bolt template (10) and method for suspending an anchor bolt (56) into a concrete material (53) and adapted to be fastened to a single form element (54) at a top end and a bottom end of the form element (54). The preferred embodiment (10) of a reusable anchor bolt template is comprised of a form plate (11) that engages and rests upon the top portion of the form element (54). Adjustably attached to the form plate (11) is a securing strap (12) for engaging the bottom end of the form element (54), thereby securing the template (10) to the form element (54). Attached to the form plate (11) is a means for suspending an anchor bolt (56) into poured concrete (53), preferably comprising a first and second primary support elements (18, 19) attached in cantilever fashion to the form plate (11). In the preferred embodiment (10), two parallel secondary support members (27, 28) are adjustably attached at each end to the first and second primary support members (18, 19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: E-Z Anchor Bolt Template, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirby Weathersby
  • Patent number: 5819494
    Abstract: A truss connector utilizing a first relatively flexible plate which has a first side and an opposite second side. A plurality of teeth extend from the second side of the first relatively flexible plate and are capable of penetrating the truss, which may be composed of softer material such as wood and the like. The second relatively rigid plate is fixed to the flexible plate such that the first side of the rigid plate contacts the second side of the flexible plate to form a unit. Apertures pass through the connected first and second plates to accept fasteners which bear on the relatively rigid plate and are capable of passing through the truss. Pairs of connectors may be employed in a truss assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Douglas C. Haisch
  • Patent number: 5815999
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for strengthening a frame building with extension rebars clamped to the foundation rebar and extending between the studs and through the double plate between the rafters, includes a clamp that automatically corrects for building shrinkage. The clamp includes a steel shear plate on top of the double that has a central hole for passage of the extension rebar and a pair of steel plates clamped to the extension rebar. The bottom edges of the steel plates are angled from the surface of the surface of the shear plate and a spring biased wedge in the gap maintains tension of the extension rebar. Rafters may also be secured to the extension rebar by hooking a metal strap steel over a horizontal rebar on the rafters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Merlin Ray Williams
  • Patent number: 5816008
    Abstract: A brick veneer anchor for use in the construction of wall structures is described. The anchor has an L-shaped plate for attachment to a dry wall installation. The L-shaped plate attaches to the outer surface of the inner wythe and has a portion thereof extending beyond an insulative layer into and terminating within the cavity between the inner and outer wythes. An elongated slot in the dry wall anchor accepts a bent stay with one end interlocking with the elongated slot portion and the other end embedded within the outer wythe. The bent stay has a T-head portion with a length greater than the longitudinal axis of the slot. The bent stay also has a neck portion attached to T-head portion which forms shoulders on either side of the T-head portion. The dry wall anchor, upon attachment to the inner wythe, has one end of the bent stay inserted into the elongated slot and the other end of the bent stay embedded in the outer wythe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald P. Hohmann
  • Patent number: 5809728
    Abstract: A free standing form module for receiving flowable materials includes a pair of form members, preferably made of styrofoam, joined together by molded plastic rib members. The rib members may be monolithic or formed from plural components. Bearing plates and stabilizing plates are employed to support forces applied to the form module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Innovative Construction Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Tim Cyril Tremelling
  • Patent number: 5802781
    Abstract: A soffit lock retains a facing stone or shutter to a cap stone soffit. The soffit lock attaches on the inner surface of the shutter and includes a hook portion wrapping around and over the top of the shutter. A shelf portion includes an orifice formed therethrough which is threaded to receive a stud member. The stud member extends upward and can be raised to engage a bore formed in the soffit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignees: John K. Eickhof, Paul Eickhof
    Inventor: John K. Eickhof
  • Patent number: 5797572
    Abstract: The device has a mounting frame with a nut housing, into which a threaded rod is inserted. The threaded rod has interrupted teeth and meshes with a nut, which likewise has interrupted teeth. An adjustable carrier, with which the threaded rod can be detachably fixed at each depth of insertion, is arranged behind the nut. A time-consuming screwing in and out of the threaded rod as well as fixing with a lock nut are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventors: Peter Schmucki, Silvio Marti
  • Patent number: 5794394
    Abstract: A flat plate is used to cover a mounting hole in a masonry wall face and is held in place by a set of wire hooks. The hooks are able to slide into holes in the plate and catch onto the interior surface of the wall in order to hold a clearance hole in the plate concentrically with respect to the mounting hole. An anchor bolt is supported at the center of the mounting hole by the clearance hole in the plate while grout is poured into the masonry blocks thereby assuring that the bolt is positioned properly in accordance with building code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Joseph A. Bill, Robert L. Bledsoe
  • Patent number: 5743063
    Abstract: The invention provides a number of embodiments of slidable brackets adapted for mounting building panels, especially roof members mounted to structural members in a manner to permit limited uni-axial or bi-axial movement. A preferred embodiment has a channel shaped base member and a channel shaped slider member. The base member is adapted to be secured to an existing roof or to a building frame component. The slider member is formed to slidingly straddle and slide on the base member. For uni-axial motion, the slider member has a single pair of longitudinal slots formed in each of its sides through which a bolt or the like passes and which also passes through a mating bolt hole in the side of the base member. For bi-axial motion, a pair of slots is formed in an attached beam whose axis extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the longitudinal slots in the slider member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Non Compact, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Boozer
  • Patent number: 5740644
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a reinforced metal stud for use in a hollow wall. The wall includes sheet metal studs placed horizontally between adjacent, horizontally extending gypsum core boards, typically in the walls surrounding an elevator shaft and stairwells, and in area separation walls and the like. The metal studs include an inner flange, an outer flange and an adjoining web connecting the flanges, with a core board abutting each side of the web. Standard or special fire-retardant gypsum wallboards are attached by fasteners to the outer flanges of the metal studs. A hollow space is thus formed between the core boards and the wallboards, the outer flange and a portion of the web being within the hollow space. A reinforcement channel is provided for attachment to and strengthening of the stud. The web and the outer flange of the stud form a partially enclosed space, and the reinforcement channel nests in the enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: National Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Menchetti
  • Patent number: 5724772
    Abstract: An article of furniture having legs, such as an industrial table, is restrained to a floor grid against seismic disturbances and accidental collisions. The restraint comprises a plate with elongated slots, which is secured at one end to a leg and, at the other end, to a bolt which is anchored to the bottom surface of the floor grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ted McGill
  • Patent number: 5720571
    Abstract: Deflection slide clip of two piece construction for use in curtain wall construction providing for horizontal support of a laterally loaded stud while it accommodates vertical slip of the primary frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Super Stud Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Frobosilo, Ernest S. Viola
  • Patent number: 5701716
    Abstract: A timber connecting system for wood structures and especially post and beam structures in which the post is encircled by at least one connecting element having two spaced apart ring bands with an open side and a pair of straps connecting the ring bands and extending away from the post which is encircled by the ring bands. The beam is received between the straps and a further beam can be supported relative thereto by another connecting element whose U-shaped retaining parts engage the respective beams and have closed sides pivotally connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Kerl Holzbau GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Thoss
  • Patent number: 5687535
    Abstract: A detachable roof anchor having a fixed, permanent portion and a removable, reusable portion. The permanent portion includes a roof anchor base plate, two carriage bolts and a truss clamp having serrated edges that engage the bottom side of the roof rafter. Releasably attachable to the permanent portion is a pivoting D-ring attachment member held in place by a clamp plate bolted to the roof anchor base plate. The attachment member, while providing safe and secure attachment of fall protection devices, also permits a wide range of motion without compromising the safety of the worker on the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: D B Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley A. Rohlf
  • Patent number: 5680733
    Abstract: In outdoor equipment having at least one supporting body (S) for mounting the outdoor equipment body thereon and for fixing the same to the surface of the ground, a floor or wall, it is characterized in that the supporting body (S) is composed of a plurality of body plates (1) which have been machined beforehand in given shapes, and mounting plates (3) which are fixed to the body plates (1) by way of bolts (4) and to the outdoor equipment body, the wall or the ground. As a result, it is possible to provide outdoor equipment which is improved in the problems of maintenance, manufacturing labor, product accuracy, moving and exchanging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: A and E Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motoi Mitani
  • Patent number: 5678379
    Abstract: A bendable metal stamping has upstanding arms adapted to overlie the narrow dimension of a wooden stringer in use as a bottom plate of a building frame. The stamping has legs extendable toward the perimeter of the building and are attached to the floor. The stamping is bendable along a line parallel to the bottom edge of the inner one of the arms and the inner edge of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Luciano Quattrociocchi
  • Patent number: 5678376
    Abstract: A universal intercept clip connects a muntin bar to a supporting frame member of a window. The clip includes a muntin bar connecting portion, a supporting frame member connecting portion and connecting structure for removably connecting the muntin bar connecting portion to the supporting frame member connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: James P. Poma
  • Patent number: 5671578
    Abstract: A seismic construction system is disclosed that includes a surface-mounted veneer anchor, a box tie member, and a facing anchor. The primary components of the veneer anchor is a wire formative providing closed loop, wire-to-wire connections between the formative and the box tie device. The veneer anchor has a baseplate with a wire formative attached thereto having elongated eye wire extensions. Each pair of eye wires accommodates the threading thereonto of a box tie through the open end of the box tie. The box tie is then positioned so that the open end is secured to the facing anchor and is embedded together with the facing anchor into the bed joint thereof. The facing anchor includes a seismic clip for accommodating a straight wire run and receiving the open end of the box tie. The facing anchor is embedded in a bed joint of the facing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Peter Hohmann
  • Patent number: 5664389
    Abstract: A frame structure is strengthned against earthquake shock and disastrous winds by extending some of the foundation rebars above the foundation walls and clamping on extension lengths of rebar and securing them to the ceiling joists. Special clamps are used which tightly secure the rebar and which also may be attached to other frame members of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Merlin Ray Williams
  • Patent number: 5660006
    Abstract: A bracing apparatus for use with a partially or fully built wall. The wall extends upward from a base surface and has a top surface, a first face and a second face. The wall is constructed from a plurality of stacked masonry forms. The bracing apparatus includes first and second support members, a lock and a base securing mechanism. The first support member rests on the top surface of the wall and has a first brace extending downward adjacent the first face. The second support member is movably connected to the first support member and has a second brace extending downward adjacent the second face. The lock is connected to the first and second support members and is capable of securing the first and second support members in a position substantially equal to the width of at least one of the masonry forms. The ground securing mechanism is connected to at least one of the first and second support members and the base surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Tim R. Emerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5657593
    Abstract: A fixture for mounting external cladding in the form of single facing sheets on internal or external walls of buildings includes a fixing bracket for affixation to a wall and a horizontal positioning plate to support the external cladding sheet. The horizontal positioning plate includes guides which hold the facing sheet in place. The fixture is horizontally and vertically adjustable. The horizontal positioning plate and the fixing bracket have substantially horizontal support surfaces that engage each other and are horizontally adjustable in all directions relative to one another. The horizontal supporting plate is locked in a selected position to the fixing bracket by a welded connection after the horizontal positioning plate has been adjusted relative to the fixing bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Bernt Eriksen
  • Patent number: 5644889
    Abstract: A remedial wall anchor system includes a reinforcing rod or wire, a tie rod, anchor components which secure the tie rod to the facade wall and the back-up wall, and a capturing device. The tie rod extends between the facade and back-up walls and is insertable through a hole extending through the facade wall. The capturing device is secured to the front end of the tie rod and includes first and second spaced-apart upstanding surfaces joined by a linking member to form a channel for capturing a portion of the reinforcing wire. The remedial anchor system can be used both mechanical and adhesive facade anchors and back-up anchors. The remedial anchor wall system is easily and economically used to reconnect an existing facade wall to a back-up wall. Initially, the user forms a horizontal groove in a mortar bedjoint of the facade wall. Then, a hole is drilled into the grooved mortar line so that the hole is connected to the groove and extends through the facade wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Dur-O-Wal, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen H. Getz
  • Patent number: 5644885
    Abstract: Mounting (10) for facing panels, which have several securing bolts (12) projecting on the wall side with panel-parallel securing collars (13), behind which engages at least one wall anchor (15) which is anchored to the wall with anchor bolts (16).In order to fasten the facing panel to the wall with simple means and in a simple way, the mounting is designed so that the securing bolts (12) are suspended with their panel-parallel securing collars (13) in at least one hook-like wall anchor (15), which prior to the mounting of the facing panel (11) to the wall is detachably connected with the securing bolt (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Karl Eischeid
  • Patent number: 5638655
    Abstract: An improved chimney anchoring system to help support the chimney in the event of an earthquake. The chimney anchoring system uses several elongated steel straps which are affixed at one end to the chimney. At the other end, they are affixed to the frame of the structure in which the chimney is located. However, instead of being simply held by lag screws through holes in the strap into the wooden frame, the steel straps have elongated slots. In place of a conventional washer, a Belleville washer is used which is tightened to about a flat condition to exert a continuing force against the steel strap. Preferably a steel slip plate is located between the steel strap and the wooden frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Gerald W. Keck
  • Patent number: 5634310
    Abstract: A surface-mounted veneer anchor is disclosed. The anchoring system has a unique combination of a masonry anchor, a box tie member, and a facing anchor is provided. The primary components of the veneer anchor are wire formatives and provide a closed loop, wire-to-wire connections therebetween. In one embodiment, the inner wythe is constructed from a masonry block material, the masonry anchor has a baseplate with a wire formative attached thereto having elongated eye wire extensions. The elongated eye wires extend into the cavity between the wythes. Each pair of eye wires accommodates the threading thereonto of a box tie through the open end of the box tie. The box tie is then positioned so that the open end is utilizable as part of the facing anchor. The baseplate of the masonry anchor is surface-mounted onto the masonry block of the interior wythe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald P. Hohmann
  • Patent number: 5622022
    Abstract: An architectural truss having a connector utilizing first, second, third, and fourth plate structures which lie adjacent three chords. The first plate structure engages an outer first chord while the second plate structure engages the outer first chord and a central second chord. A third plate structure engages the central second chord and a third outer chord. A fourth plate structure engages the third outer chord. Each plate structure resists movement relative to an adjacent chord under shear stress. An interconnecting member engages and holds each of the plate structures. The central second chord may extend outwardly from the first and third chords at an angle to form a corner of a triangular structure constituting a portion of a truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas C. Haisch
  • Patent number: 5619834
    Abstract: A slate positioning device comprises a positioning plate. The positioning plate has a horizontal plate and the first and the second longitudinal plates at two ends of the horizontal plate. The first longitudinal plate has a hole. The second longitudinal plate has an upper convex edge and a lower convex edge. A pad plate has a slot and a concave surface to cover the first longitudinal plate. The upper convex edge and the lower convex edge are inserted in the corresponding grooves of the corresponding slates. A screw rod passes through the hole and the slot to fasten the first longitudinal plate and the pad plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Laurance Chen
  • Patent number: 5611179
    Abstract: An adjustable foundation-to-frame member connection including a foundation, a frame member and an adjustable foundation plate connector attached to the foundation and frame member by a frame fastener member and foundation fastener member. The adjustable foundation-to-frame member connection being easily formed and adaptable to a wide variety of installation dimensions, including those where the frame member overhangs the side face of the foundation and is not in alignment with the side face of the foundation. The foundation plate connector includes a foundation attachment member, having foundation attachment openings, guide members, and an elongated openings, releasably connected to a frame attachment member, having frame member attachment openings and a staircase openings, by a held-holding fastener and a holding member attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Leek