Sheet Form With Tabs Oppositely Extending From Base Sheet Patents (Class 52/715)
  • Patent number: 6536179
    Abstract: A blocking anchor (20) allows connection of each end of an engineered or dimensional lumber bridge between first and second parallel joists. Each blocking anchor includes a saddle (22), which cradles the end of the bridge, and a pair of fastening flanges, which allow attachment to the side of the joist. The saddle is formed by a base (30), from which first and second legs (40), (50) extend. The saddle is sized to fit over the end of dimensional lumber or engineered beams. The first and second fastening flanges (60), (70) extend from opposed sides of the base, perpendicular to the legs. Fastener holes defined in each leg and in the fastening flanges allow the use of screws, possibly nails, or other fasteners to attach the legs to the bridge and the fastening flanges to the joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: John M. Little
  • Patent number: 6510666
    Abstract: A connector that securely ties together sheathing and the underlying structural members on a building. The connector consists of a rafter web on the bottom that can be attached to the vertical face of a structural member. A right angle bend connects to a normal web that aligns against the edge of sheathing. Another right angle bend connects to an offset web and sheathing web that can be attached to the broad surface of sheathing and underlying member. The connector can fit on a variety of thickness or shape of sheathing, and a variety of beam widths. The connector helps prevent and transfer uplift and lateral forces during strong winds and seismic movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6490840
    Abstract: Metal connector ties for tying together the roof covering, roof sheathing, roof beams, top plate, and outside walls of existing wood structures against shear and tensional forces from strong winds or seismic activity. Two different sheet metal connectors can be used to tie together the roof beams, top plate, and outside walls by fasteners driven through the connectors, around obstructing wood trim and utility wires, and into the wood members. The roof covering, roof sheathing, and roof beams are tied together by metal connectors, rods through the roof, standard pipe connections and guide wires, that are tied to the roof beams by fasteners. All ties are used on the exterior of existing buildings without dismantling any wood trim or utility wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Thompson
  • Patent number: 6474037
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas C. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20020139080
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6446409
    Abstract: A flanged bracket is used with fasteners to attach at least one spanning member to at least one supporting member extending transverse to the spanning member. The bracket has a first flange, a second flange and a third flange. The second flange extends approximately perpendicular from the first flange. The third flange extends approximately perpendicular from the second flange. With a side of the spanning member touching a supporting face of the transverse supporting member, the bracket is positionable such that the first flange can be attached to a side of the supporting member, and the third flange can be attached to a face of the spanning member. The second flange extends between the first and third flanges in a plane approximately parallel to a contact area between the spanning member and the supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Full Circle Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas W. Emerson
  • Publication number: 20020121066
    Abstract: A bracket for reinforcing a wooden joist including a body having a central portion with a base wall. An upper portion is integrally formed with the central portion and has a first wall secured to and extending forwardly from the top of the base wall and a second wall secured to and extending from the front of the first wall. A notch in the top of the base wall extends upwardly through the first and second walls. A lower portion is integrally formed with the central portion and has a third wall secured to and extending at right angles from the bottom of the base wall and a fourth wall secured to and extending at right angles from the third wall. A brace is secured to the base wall beneath the notch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Robert M. Callahan, Ronald B. Shiflett
  • Publication number: 20020112439
    Abstract: A framing fastener for connecting framing construction members providing multi-planar attachment surfaces which is made from a single piece of stock. The framing fastener is perfect for attaching a brace to a post or a beam. It is economically made from one piece of sheet metal stock and produces added strength because it is a single member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Ted A. Rosas
  • Patent number: 6430881
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a building component to a structure. The apparatus may include a C-shaped support header that is sized to be received on a portion of a structure such as the top plate of a wall. A number of attachment tab assemblies are integrally formed in the support header and protrude therefrom to facilitate attachment of the building components to the support header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Aegis Metal Framing LLC
    Inventors: Larry R. Daudet, Edmund L. Ponko, Gregory S. Ralph
  • Patent number: 6430890
    Abstract: A web stiffener for use with a building component having a web portion and a leg portion that extends generally outwardly from the web portion, the leg portion having a lip that extends generally upwardly therefrom. The web stiffener includes a first member and a second member extending generally outwardly from the first member, wherein the second member defines a slot to receive the lip of the building component. An assembly that utilizes the web stiffener and method of attaching the first building component and a second building component utilizing the web stiffener are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Dietrich Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Naresh Chiwhane, Larry R. Daudet
  • Patent number: 6427416
    Abstract: A connector plate, a building component connection and a method for connecting a first building component to a second building component. The first building component has a first web, a first leg extending outwardly from the first web, and a lip protruding from the first leg to define a toe-receiving area between the lip and the first web. The second building component has a second web and a second leg. The connector plate comprises a back plate for attachment to the second web and may include a side flange for attachment to the first web. The back plate includes a toe sized to be received in the toe-receiving area. The connector plate may include a toe flange that is received on the first leg, a bottom flange that is received on the second leg, and a middle flange. The middle flange and the bottom flange define a lip-receiving notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Aegis Metal Framing LLC
    Inventor: Douglas A. Rassel
  • Patent number: 6416269
    Abstract: The invention resides in a fastener for securing a first board to an underlying supporting member and to at least one other board running adjacent and parallel to the first board. The fastener has a thin flat body portion having front and rear faces, with a first prong extending outwardly from the front face of the body portion for driving into a first board. The fastener also includes a second prong extending outwardly from the rear face of the body portion for penetrating a second board, with the second prong running adjacent and parallel to in a direction opposite from that of the first prong. The body portion of the fastener has an opening for receiving a connector through the opening which is inclined to and passes through the body portion for fastening the body portion to a supporting member which supports and underlies the first and second boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventors: David Martel, David Young Hartmann
  • Patent number: 6415572
    Abstract: Protector shoe (10) is positioned between the loop (49) formed in a tie down strap (46) and the adjacent support plate (36, 38). The mounting flange (24) extends about a first edge (40) of the support plate (36) and the middle strip (28) of the tail (22) is folded about the second edge (41) either by the installer or by the application of the loop of the tie down strap urging it toward engagement with and about the second edge (41) of the support plate. This protects the tie down strap from abrasion against the edges (40 and 41) of the support plate (36) of the support beam (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Patent number: 6415575
    Abstract: An improved metal connector that securely ties together sheathing and underlying structural members on a building to prevent hurricane and earthquake damage. The connector has alternating sheathing tabs for securing adjacent sheathing edges. Connected underneath the sheathing tabs, a rib separates the sheathing and correctly spaces each adjoining sheet with a slight gap to avoid buckling. Below the rib, rafter webs alternate with the sheathing tabs to prevent movement of the sheathing and rafter. The large surface area and precise nail holes on the sheathing tab avoids sheathing splitting and assures correct attachment to the underlying structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Thompson
  • Publication number: 20020083676
    Abstract: This invention is a mechanical connection for structural wood whereby forces are transferred from one piece to the next by shear friction. Members are placed side-to-side or otherwise in contact along a common friction surface at the point of connection. Shear friction strength is obtained by applying a clamping force, generally perpendicular to the plane of friction, by one or more tightened steel bolts with large washers. The addition of a medium at each friction plane is required to obtain a reliable friction connection. This medium is a thin flat solid material having deformations of sufficient size as to engage the clamping force, even after large volume changes in the wood, such as a thin metal plate with teeth or plugs projecting from both faces or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Brian Joseph Rudie
  • Patent number: 6412246
    Abstract: A truss is disclosed which comprises a bottom chord (12) and a pair of top chords (14, 16) arranged obliquely with respect to the bottom chord (12). Webs (20) are arranged between the top chords and the bottom chord. The webs have punched nails (46) projecting from connector plate (40) portions of the webs. The webs have a middle section (30) and load bearing portions (60) are provided between the middle section and the two connector plates (40) at opposite ends of the web (20). The load bearing portions are shaped for blunt end engagement with the chords without regard to the angle of intersection of the web with the chord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John Tadich
  • Patent number: 6397535
    Abstract: Disclosed are a height-adjustable concrete mold supporting system and a method for constructing concrete floors and concrete walls, by which a concrete building can be easily and precisely constructed with enhanced cost-effectiveness. The system has a bottom bracket detachably disposed on a base member. First and second screw shafts are vertically assembled with the bracket. The first and the second screw shafts are movably inserted into first and second height adjusting tubes. A top mounting board is supported by the first and the second height adjusting tubes. The first and the second height adjusting tubes are fixed to the first and the second screw shafts so as to determine an adjusted space between the bracket and the mounting board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Gwang Sik Kim, Jae Gwan Kim
  • Patent number: 6393785
    Abstract: A drainage system that is adapted to be installed between two supports. The supports may be the joists of an outdoor deck. The drainage system comprises a drainage panel and two clips. The drainage panel is comprised of a first end portion and a second end portion. A first clip is adapted to be secured to one of the supports. The first clip has a base and two flanges. The flanges extend from the base such that they converge and engage the first end portion of the drainage panel. The second clip is adapted to be secured to the other support. The second clip also has a base and two flanges. The flanges extend from the base and converge. The second end portion of the drainage panel is engaged by the flanges of the second clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Crane Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin T. Burt
  • Patent number: 6393794
    Abstract: A truss system utilizing braces to retain the trusses in spaced relation. The braces include a beam with retainers at opposite ends for forming a snap lock connection to adjacent trusses, fixing the spacing between the trusses. One retainer includes a yoke which will automatically position the brace in an orientation generally normal to the truss to which the brace is mounted. The other retainer is adapted to mount to an adjacent truss and form an interlock with a second brace extending to the next truss. The braces are lined in a row across a plurality of trusses positioned in generally parallel relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Pellock
  • Patent number: 6389771
    Abstract: A rectangular ceiling tile to be supported in an exposed type suspended grid system of perpendicularly crossing girders of inverted T-profile. The tile comprises a core of fiber material with two opposite first edges forming each a stepped groove, and two opposite second edges forming each a recess for receiving the girders therein. At least one metal or plastic element is inserted into the fiber material of the core in a transverse edge surface thereof and forms a protruding ridge extending transversely of the tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ecophon AB
    Inventor: Mikael Moller
  • Publication number: 20020038534
    Abstract: A protective cover for a column base connector having a lower portion set in a body of concrete and an upper portion in the form of spaced-apart, upstanding, first and second flanges extending upwardly from an upper surface of the body of concrete, each one of the first and second flanges defining a respective one of first and second flange bolt holes for use in bolting a column to the column base connector. The protective cover takes the form of an inverted pot having a lower edge and a size such that the inverted pot fits over the upper portion of the column base connector with the lower edge atop an upper surface of the body of concrete. The inverted pot includes a first that defines a first cover bolt hole disposed in a position to align with the first flange bolt hole, and a second side of the inverted pot opposite the first side that defines a second cover bolt hole disposed in a position to align with the second flange bolt hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventor: David F. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20020020138
    Abstract: A cold formed, sheet metal structural member having a first planar web member with two longitudinally extending legs such that the structural member or chord comprises an elongated member of substantially U-shaped cross section being longitudinally symmetric and being closed at one end and open at the other end. The legs are mirror images of each other and terminate with outwardly extending hollow flanges having a margin area juxtaposed to the leg. The bracing web members are slidably receivable within the U-shaped cross section and can be secured to the depending legs by suitable fasteners. A secondary web is positionable on the structural member in parallel relationship to the first web to provide additional resistance for sheathing fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Raymond C. Frobosilo
  • Patent number: 6332299
    Abstract: A frame connector for connecting and spacing building frames is formed as a flat rigid rectangular bar with alternating depending rigid separating flaps equal in length to the desired spacing between frame members and flat rigid securement flaps equal in length to the width of a frame member and provided with holes for attaching securement devices to the frame members. A method for creating the connector is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Stewart, III
  • Publication number: 20010045075
    Abstract: A fastening member which is designed to receive a downwardly directed component force on the occasion of fixing it to a post or a stud of a building frame, thereby preventing it from being inadvertently floated up, thus ensuring always a stably fastened state of the building board. This fastening member is featured in that the inner wall of the concave portion formed in the substrate of the fastening member is provided at a lower wall portion thereof with an obliquely projected portion which enables a downwardly directed component force to be acted on the fastening member by allowing the projected portion to be contacted with a large head portion of the fixing member at a final stage of fixing it to a post or a stud of a building frame through an opening formed in the bottom of the concave portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Morimichi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20010034995
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas C. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20010025461
    Abstract: A device for forming expansion joints between the fields of a floor covering laid on a raw floor, comprises limiting sections that are tied to the edges of the floor covering limiting the joint, as well as to the corresponding fastening mortar. The two limiting sections are joined with each other in a sliding manner parallel with the fields of the floor covering. The two limiting sections have approximately U-shaped cross sections. In their sliding connection, in which the two limiting sections are directed against each other, they jointly have a cross section in the form of a double “T”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Werner Schluter
  • Patent number: 6295781
    Abstract: A one-piece metal connector that securely ties together the structural members of the roof and wall on a wood frame house. The connector has a vertical web on the top that is attached to a rafter and a vertical web on the bottom that is connected to a wall stud. The connector correctly places each structural member for maximum structural integrity, forming a direct load path. The middle part of the connector has a vertical plate and horizontal tabs that form a box-section around the top plate. Horizontal and vertical tabs form open boxes that hold sheathing tight to the wall. Gussets brace the rafter and stud against racking. The connector has a large surface area for maximum strength, and precise nail holes to avoid splitting the structural member. The connector grasps the structural members to avoid detachment of any structural members during hurricanes and seismic events. The connector's webs and bends help to avoid twisting, lateral forces, thrusting, and uplift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6295780
    Abstract: A metal connector that securely ties together sheathing and the underlying structural members on a wood frame house. The connector correctly spaces each adjoining sheet with a slight gap to avoid buckling. The connector has a large surface area above the sheathing with precise nailholes to avoid sheathing splitting and assuring correct attachment to the underlying structural member. The connector can be used on roofs, walls, and floors. The connector grasps the sheathing and wraps around structural members to avoid detachment during hurricanes. The connector fashions sheathing into strong shearwalls to avoid building damage during earthquakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Thompson
  • Patent number: 6279286
    Abstract: A fastening member for the vertical board sidings, which comprises a flat substrate; first and second upright portions formed at the upper and lower end portions of the flat substrate, respectively and extending in the horizontal direction; a third upright portion formed along a longitudinal direction of the flat substrate; a locking portion formed along a distal end of the third upright portion; and a slot formed in the substrate and extending laterally from one side to the other of the substrate; wherein the siding boards are adapted to be fastened between distal ends of the first and second upright portions and the locking portion formed along a distal end of the third upright portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Nichiha Corp.
    Inventor: Mamoru Ichihashi
  • Patent number: 6266937
    Abstract: A fastening member for the vertical board siding, which comprises; a main metal fitting comprising a flat substrate, first and second upright portions formed at the upper and lower end portions of the flat substrate, respectively and extending in the horizontal direction, a third upright portion formed along the longitudinal direction of the flat substrate, and an engaging portion formed at a distal end of the third upright portion; and an auxiliary metal fitting adapted to be detachably engaged with the main metal fitting and comprises a first horizontal portion adapted to be placed on the second upright portion of the main metal fitting, and a second horizontal portion adapted to support a lower end portion of the siding board to be fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Nichiha Corp.
    Inventor: Morimichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6260810
    Abstract: A device for mounting a sprinkler to a ceiling support rail in a building is disclosed. This device consists of two vertical sidewalls integrated into a U-shaped single structure by a top wall. The two sidewalls are bent inwardly at their lower ends to form clip flanges for gripping the head of the ceiling support rail positioned between the two sidewalls. A first bolt hole is formed at the lower portion of each sidewall. A first locking bolt is threaded into the bolt holes of the two sidewalls so as to tighten the lower portions of the two sidewalls and allow the two sidewalls to firmly grip the ceiling support rail. Each of the two sidewalls also has a notch at its upper portion and seats the reducer support beam in the notch. The top wall has a second bolt hole. A second locking bolt is threaded into the second bolt hole so as to hold the reducer support beam seated in the notches of the two sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Dong-A Flexible Metal Tubes Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Lim Choi
  • Patent number: 6260325
    Abstract: A suspended ceiling system in which the grid runners are largely concealed by the panels to produce a distinctive high quality appearance. In various illustrated embodiments, the visual effect is produced as a result of the panels being separated by a relatively narrow gap in two perpendicular directions or by a narrow gap in one direction and essentially no gap in the perpendicular direction, and the grid being recessed above the main face of the panels. The panels are accurately positioned on the grid by metal clips, normally permanently attached to the panels, which engage upstanding flange portions of the grid runners. The accurate positioning afforded by the clips assures that visually distracting variations in the size of the narrow gaps are avoided. The clips can also serve to avoid accidental dislodging of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Wendt, David R. Stover, Gerald L. Koski
  • Patent number: 6237300
    Abstract: A tie bracket for linking adjacent end studs of two or more stud wall subframes extending at an angle to each other, comprises a shaped element of sheet metal which includes a generally polygonal centre portion (12) defining at least three margins (14) intersecting at respective corners, for being accommodated between the end studs. A plurality of tabs (20) project respectively from at least two of the margins for engaging respective apertures in the end studs. Each tab is of a length in the direction of projection greater than its width and of broadly similar order to the lengths of the longer of said margins. Respective formations (28) are provided in each of the tabs to define alternative bending lines (29) spaced in the direction of projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: BHP Steel (JLA) Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Stuart John Carne, Peter James Hunt, Sarah Fathinia, Campbell John Seccombe
  • Patent number: 6230467
    Abstract: A hanger with a central flange joined to a back flange with a pair of tabs, one on either side of the central flange, so that the back plate may be attached to a supporting member, particularly a header, and the central flange may be attached to the side of a supported member, particularly the web of a C-shaped metal joist. The supported member can be oriented to either left or right and positioned by interface with either the tab on one side of the central flange or with the tab on the other side of the central flange. The upper flange of a C-shaped metal joist can be supported by the respective tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Leek
  • Patent number: 6209277
    Abstract: Provided is a wallboard repair clip which includes a patch wallboard receiving structure for contacting inner and outer surfaces of a patch wallboard, an existing wallboard receiving member and a securing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: John T. DiGate
  • Patent number: 6185897
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved flange connector 10 for adjoining adjacent concrete structural members 12. The flange connector 10 is a one-piece steel member having a faceplate 18, opposing faceplate returns 22, flattening bends 24, embedded legs 26 and reinforcing tabs 28. To allow the faceplate 18 to expand during welding, the opposing faceplate returns 22 extend away from the faceplate 18 at approximately ninety degree (90°) angles. The embedded legs 26 then extend from the faceplate returns 22 by way of flattening bends 24 that span between the embedded legs 26 and the faceplate returns 22. The flattening bends 24 extend away from the faceplate returns 22 at an angle that allows the embedded legs 26 to be positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the horizontal surface of the concrete structural members 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: JVI, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Johnson, Charles Magnesio
  • Patent number: 6176056
    Abstract: A tie-down strap frame connector (10) for use in a stabilizing foundation system for a manufactured home which comprises a frame including at least one flanged support beam. The tie-down strap frame connector comprises a clamp assembly (26) that includes a base plate (30) and at least one wedge plate (45), and a swivel plate (28) that includes a tie-down strap slot (54). The wedge plate, base plate, and swivel plate each can be pivotally connected to each other with a coupling member (52) such that the swivel plate can pivot about the base plate to avoid the creation of undue torsional stress concentrations within the tie-down strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Patent number: 6101780
    Abstract: A system for preventing damage to a building or other structure during severe meteorological conditions (high wind) or geological (seismic) activity. The system includes a tiedown bracket for securing a roof or wall panel to an underlying support member, e.g., a truss or joist, and a stud connector for attaching the stud perpendicularly to its support beam. The bracket enwraps three sides of the support member and is gusseted on each side of the support member. The gussets have extension portions which extend through joints between the roof or wall panels and then are bent over to hold down the panels so they bear on the support member. The stud connector engages three sides of a stud support beam and four sides of the stud. The bracket and connector can have particular anchors integral with the plates forming them such that conventional fastening means, e.g., nailing, can be reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: William Kreidt
  • 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: 6088983
    Abstract: Elongate metal roof panels with interlocking edge formations combine to establish a roof system. A center panel having matching edge locking formations and positioned at a mid-point on a planar roof section couples to a first series of elongate metal roof panels extending leftward and couples to a second series of elongate metal roof panels extending laterally rightward. Members of the first and second series of panels are similar in structure and include complimentary locking edge structures, but couple in opposite orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Michael L. Applebee
  • Patent number: 6088988
    Abstract: A top chord profile of a roof truss chord has inwardly depending ends at the mouth area of the chord and trapezoidal flanges resulting in stronger chords. The chord profiles can be connected to each other at mitered ends using a connecting plate at a ridge in a manner that allows absorption of the compressive forces at the ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Kimmo J. Sahramaa
  • Patent number: 6088982
    Abstract: A metal connector connects perpendicular members of a structural wall to allow the structural wall to absorb a heaving floor. The connector is rigidly connected to a horizontal wall member, and is flexibly connected to a vertical wall member. The flexible connection is comprised of a rod or nail that passes through a vertical slot in the connector into the vertical wall member. In this way, when a heaving floor forces up the horizontal member, the vertical member is allowed to slide down the slot of the connector. The vertical member is rigidly attached to the connector in the other directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Michael A. Hiesberger
  • 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: 6047516
    Abstract: With reference to FIG. 2, a preferred form of the invention comprises a reinforcing element for use in strengthening and stiffening wooden beams 6. The reinforcing element comprises a length of angles steel 1 attached to an offset nail plate 2. The angled steel 1 is laid against the wooden beam 6 and the nails 9 of the nail plate 2 are driven into the wooden beam 6. The reinforcing element may have a number of nail plates spaced along its length, or alternatively a single nail plate extending substantially along its entire length. In some modified forms of the reinforcing element 7 the nails 8 may extend from immediately behind the angled steel rather than from an offset plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Roy G Taylor
  • Patent number: 6041557
    Abstract: The four metal panel portions of an air conditioning unit roof curb have spaced sets of inwardly projecting lanced portions positioned adjacent their ends and defining tab-receiving slots. With the panel portions in a rectangular assembly orientation, specially designed drive cleats are used to lock the contiguous ends of the panel portions together at the corners of the curb. Each cleat has spaced pairs of tabs which, when the cleat is downwardly driven into place on a corner section of the curb, sequentially enter vertically successive pairs of slots in the contiguous panel end portions at the corner. In this manner, only one tab pair and one slot pair need to be aligned with one another before the cleat is driven into place to lock the two contiguous panel end portions to one another, the initial tab pair/slot pair alignment serving to automatically align the successive tab and slot pairs as the cleat is driven home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: J. Lane Brown, W. Carrol Basham, Phillip G. Brown, Bradford B. Davenport
  • Patent number: 6009681
    Abstract: A truss bracket 28 for securing a spanning member of a truss fixedly to a wall plate member of an interior wall of a building such as a residential house. The truss bracket 28 includes a base portion, an inside upright portion extending perpendicularly of the base portion, a top portion extending a perpendicularly from an upper end portion of the inside upright portion, and an outer lip portion extending perpendicularly of an outer edge portion of the top portion and also parallel to the inside upright portion. The outer lip portion includes at least one "L"-shaped spike portion which is adapted to be engaged to penetrate the spanning member, thereby preventing the spanning member from moving either horizontally or vertically relative to the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Larry Alexander Kozloff
  • Patent number: 5997209
    Abstract: A fastener for timber decking, fences, pallets and the like comprises a joist attachment plate (11), with one or more fastening apertures (12) therein, one or more spacing flanges (13) locatable between joists (20) and planks (30), a plank spacer (14) extending between adjacent planks (30) and axially aligned plank engaging teeth (17, 18) extending from opposed sides of the plank spacer (14) to engage respective side surfaces of adjacent planks (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Alchemy Nominees Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard James Sachs
  • Patent number: 5966892
    Abstract: A ready to assemble construction system for erecting small structures such as houses, sheds, garages, etcetera. Comprising specially designed connecting plates which both secure laminate sections of lumber to each other to form constructive elements and also act as a rigid connecting means between the elements to enable the structure to be easily, quickly, and inexpensively built and later disassembled if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: R. Terry Platt
  • 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: 5950375
    Abstract: A fascia and soffit member is roll-formed from sheet metal, such as sheet aluminum, so as to have two unitary panels meeting at a juncture. One such panel, a fascia panel, extends vertically and upwardly from the juncture when the member is installed. The other panel, a soffit panel, extends horizontally from the juncture when the member is installed. The soffit panel has a distal portion spaced from the juncture and defining plural, elongate, preferential bending regions, along a selected one of which the distal portion is so as to form a wall flange that extends vertically, either upwardly or downwardly, when said member is installed. Preferably, the distal portion has a series of spaced ridges defining a series of spaced grooves, each ridge defining one of the preferential bending regions and each groove defining another of the preferential bending regions, and the ridges and the grooves collectively have a corrugated profile. In a simplified embodiment, the fascia panel is omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: ZMC, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Zaccagni