Distinct Connector Fixing Rafter To Wall Plate Patents (Class 52/92.2)
  • Patent number: 11168473
    Abstract: A metal restraint strap for suppressing a displacement between two parallel disposed structural bodies away from each other includes an elongated metal base member; metal bolt members extending outward in a longitudinal direction of the base member from opposite longitudinal ends of the base member, and each having an external thread at least on an outer periphery of an distal end portion of the bolt member; and fasteners adapted to be screwed onto the external threads of the bolt members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Adachi
  • Patent number: 11105086
    Abstract: A wooden house includes a roof, a wooden frame mechanism, a base, and a fixed wall panel, wherein the wooden frame mechanism with the roof mounted on the top is inserted on the base; the present invention realizes the quick mounting and dismounting of the first main cross beam and the upright post through the matching of the vertically movable wedge block and the first wedge that fixes the wedge tenon to the wedge mortise. At the same time, because the wedge mortise is connected to the common mortise, after dismounting the first main cross beam, the second wedge and third wedge are pushed into the wedge mortise through tools, to achieve the removal of the sub-cross beam from the upright post, thereby improving the efficiency of mounting and dismounting of the entire house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Nanjing Tech University
    Inventors: Feng Liu, Huayu Guo, Chao Xu, Yue Tang
  • Patent number: 10526780
    Abstract: The present invention provides a building comprising a foundation; a wall supported by the foundation; and trusses supported by the wall. A plurality of hold down assemblies connects at least some of the trusses directly to the foundation. Each hold down assembly comprises an anchor; a tie-rod connected to the anchor; a bearing plate operably associated with an end portion of an associated truss for transferring load to the tie-rod; and a fastener securing the tie-rod to the bearing plate, thereby tying the associated truss directly to the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: CETRES HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Espinosa, Anthony J. Masolini
  • Patent number: 9175472
    Abstract: A self-adjusting heel joint connector for securing roof structural members, without the need for a conventional birdsmouth cut or toe-nailing. The connector is slideably insertable between the bottom of a preset rafter and the top of a supporting wall plate at a heel joint and is capable of self-adjusting to a precise preset rafter pitch. The connector includes a support member securable to the top of the supporting wall plate, and a framing member freely rotatable with respect to the support member about a swivel joint. The framing member is securable to the angled rafter and an adjacent joist/tie member, and includes a pair of legs positioned at approximately a right angle in which the rafter sits. The framing member includes through-holes for securing the connector to an angled rafter and an adjacent joist/tie member, and may be utilized as a guide for proper fastener placement by a craftsman in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony J. Calini
  • Patent number: 8978339
    Abstract: An adjustable joist hanger including a mounting foot having a substantially planar lower abutment surface, the mounting foot having at least one attachment opening to attach the mounting foot relative to a surface and at least one, at least partially threaded member extending therefrom, a substantially U-shaped joist carrier adapted to receive a portion of a joist and mounted for movement relative to the at least one, at least partially threaded member and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the joist carrier relative to the mounting foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Klevaklip Systems Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Greg James Doupe, Stephen Ley Sanders
  • Patent number: 8943761
    Abstract: A building construction has a foundation, walls and a roof structure, the walls being wrapped by a reinforcement fabric, with the reinforcement fabric being connected to the foundation and the roof structure to tie the roof structure to the foundation for increased resistance to natural disasters. The connection of the reinforcement fabric to the roof structure includes a top rail having a connector plate attached to the roof structure and having an upwardly oriented opening, and a wrapping member about which the reinforcement fabric can be wrapped, the wrapping member having a geometry corresponding with the geometry of the upwardly oriented opening in such a manner that the wrapping member is prevented from rotating in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Windwrap, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Carbonaro, Mark H. Smith, Haydn B. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8919050
    Abstract: A system for constructing a residential or commercial structure and/or retrofitting an existing structure provides a series of construction components employed that cooperate with standard construction materials to enhance the building structural integrity when subjected to destructive wind forces, torsion forces, and seismic forces, such as those commonly associated with hurricanes and tornados. The resultant strength of the structure is increased beyond what the standard construction materials were capable of on their own. The components further cooperate with standard construction materials to provide a unitized system of structural integrity. The components further cooperate with a secondary water sealing ability to minimize and/or prevent influent water damage to the structure in the event that the primary sealing system is compromised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: SR Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Zimmerman, Van T. Walworth, Scott Drummond
  • Patent number: 8910428
    Abstract: A roof panel system for use with a portable building is described herein. The portable building includes a support frame including a first wall plate, an opposite second wall plate, and a ridge beam positioned above the first and second wall plates. The ridge beam and the first and second wall plates extend between the first end wall and the second end wall along a longitudinal axis. The roof panel system includes a first panel assembly adapted to be coupled between the ridge beam and the first wall plate and a second panel assembly adapted to be coupled between the ridge beam and the second wall plate. Each of the first and second panel assemblies includes a plurality of pre-assembled, modular roof panels that are adapted to be coupled together to form the first panel assembly and second panel assembly, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: The ShedQuarters, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Rule, Gregg Wallner, James Aikman
  • Patent number: 8910429
    Abstract: A fastener installation guide for securing a top plate to a roof support member comprises a grip assembly, a roof support member alignment wall and a fastener retention assembly transverse to the grip assembly. The handle portion has first and second top plate alignment members oriented generally perpendicular to one another. A gripping surface extends between the first and second top plate alignment members and the roof support member alignment defines a first plane oriented transversely to the grip assembly. The fastener retention assembly defines a fastener retention channel and has a fastener alignment wall which defines a second plane, a roof support member alignment edge and a bottom edge. The fastener retention channel is oriented at an angle ? with respect to the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Handy & Harman
    Inventor: Michael W. Maziarz
  • Patent number: 8893441
    Abstract: A continuous load beam provides a continuous load path from a roof truss of a structure to a footing of a structure. The beam has a roof truss mounting portion and an elongate spanning portion. The elongate spanning portion has a connector and a footing attachment opposite the connector. The footing attachment is configured to be connected to a structural member of the structure adjacent to the footing of the structure. The roof truss mounting portion is configured to be connected to a structural member of the roof truss of the structure. The roof truss mounting portion has a bifurcated end with spaced apart yoke arms and a truss cap pivotally connected to each of the yoke arms. The truss cap is configured to engage at least a portion of the roof truss structural member. The roof truss support portion has a connector. The roof truss mounting portion connector is configured to be releasably connected to the elongate spanning portion connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventors: John Hess, III, John Hess, IV
  • Patent number: 8869465
    Abstract: A process for providing emergency housing for a plurality of displaced people at a geographic location, said process including the steps of estimating the number of displaced people; determining a suitable combination of facilities to accommodate the displaced people; and transporting said facilities to said geographical location, wherein said suitable combination varies in accordance with the number of displaced people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Design and Value Management Services Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Neil Clyde McDougall
  • Patent number: 8850764
    Abstract: A structure anti-torsion device includes a structural column. The structural column is positioned between adjacent studs of a structural stud wall construction and oriented vertically between the studs. A structural column lower end is fastened to a lower base plate which rests on a wall construction bottom plate. A pair of anchor bolts secured to a foundation extends through the bottom plate and the lower base plate and are fastened to the lower base plate. A structural column upper end is bolted using first and second bolts to an upper base plate. The first and second bolts cooperate through the upper base plate to connect the upper base plate to a double top plate of the wall construction such that the double top plate is connected by the upper base plate, the structural column, and the lower base plate to the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: SR Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Zimmerman, Van T. Walworth
  • Publication number: 20140259981
    Abstract: A roof panel system for use with a portable building is described herein. The portable building includes a support frame including a first wall plate, an opposite second wall plate, and a ridge beam positioned above the first and second wall plates. The ridge beam and the first and second wall plates extend between the first end wall and the second end wall along a longitudinal axis. The roof panel system includes a first panel assembly adapted to be coupled between the ridge beam and the first wall plate and a second panel assembly adapted to be coupled between the ridge beam and the second wall plate. Each of the first and second panel assemblies includes a plurality of pre-assembled, modular roof panels that are adapted to be coupled together to form the first panel assembly and second panel assembly, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: James J. Rule, Gregg Wallner, James Aikman
  • Publication number: 20140157686
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof truss tie-down apparatus including a pin and bracket engagement which enables a wall frame to accommodate any style of roof truss at any angle, and a method of constructing such a roof frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: WEEKS HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Kevin Weeks
  • Patent number: 8733061
    Abstract: A truss bracket for mounting roof trusses and floor joists to wall systems absent traditional wood frame top plates utilizing in-plane end load bearing panels, resembling a chair, comprises a base plate with a vertical receiving plate extending upwards from the rear of the base plate for receiving a typical roof truss or floor joist and having downwardly extending mounting tabs along the left and right sides of the base plate suitable for being received by grooves in top track grooves of an in-plane end load bearing panel wall system or for attachment to the vertical sides of panels of a wall. The truss bracket provides high uplift load capacity by arranging all fasteners to the wall system and the truss or joint in shear when loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Bamcore LLC
    Inventor: William D McDonald
  • Patent number: 8726581
    Abstract: A system for constructing a residential or commercial structure and/or retrofitting an existing structure provides a series of construction components employed that cooperate with standard construction materials to enhance the building structural integrity when subjected to destructive wind forces such as those commonly associated with hurricanes and tornados. The resultant strength of the structure is increased beyond what the standard construction materials were capable of on their own. The enhanced components further cooperate with standard construction materials to provide a secondary water sealing ability such that the typical veneer coverings of siding and/or shingles, which are typically required to provide a primary sealing system from water influent to the structure, are relegated to the role of cosmetics for the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: SR Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Zimmerman, Van T. Walworth, Scott Drummond
  • Patent number: 8707635
    Abstract: A multi-heel connector for securing a rafter, a ceiling joist and blocking, and supporting building roof structural members in a single bracket connection to withstand enhanced load forces such as hurricane forces. The multi-heel connector combines a loop portion for securing a joist, a rafter contact surface adjacent the loop portion, having a slope which provides for a selected, predetermined roof pitch, mounting tabs for securing the multi-heel connector to a top wall plate, tabs to fasten blocking and a tie down for securing the multi-heel connector to exterior wall stud. The multi-heel connector is adaptable for accommodating a riser key to adjust the rafter contact surface pitch, and a joist spacer to accommodate a joist having a cross-section smaller than the multi-heel connector loop portion cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony J. Calini
  • Patent number: 8695301
    Abstract: A roofing support system includes a spacer bracket having a lower edge adapted to pierce through a layer of insulation to abut in direct contact with a purlin, a fastener that fastens the spacer bracket to the purlin, and an upper portion adapted to support a beam above the insulation layer and in spaced relationship to the purlin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Vilno Group Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Michael Lutkajtis, Rikard Henrik Lutkajtis
  • Patent number: 8689518
    Abstract: A continuity tie is provided for connecting a prefabricated shearwall to a structural member above the prefabricated shearwall. In the preferred embodiment, the continuity tie is a steel tube with aligned openings for receiving a threaded rod therethrough. The tube is welded to the shearwall. A pair of tubes are preferably attached. Nuts attach the threaded rod to the tube. The threaded rod attaches to a structural member above the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Bay City Flower Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry G. Gridley, Emory Montague, Paul McEntee, Ricardo Arevalo
  • Patent number: 8646222
    Abstract: A building construction has a foundation, walls and a roof structure, the walls being wrapped by a reinforcement fabric, with the reinforcement fabric being connected to the foundation and the roof structure to tie the roof structure to the foundation for increased resistance to natural disasters. The connection of the reinforcement fabric to the roof structure includes a top rail having a connector plate attached to the roof structure and having an upwardly oriented opening, and a wrapping member about which the reinforcement fabric can be wrapped, the wrapping member having a geometry corresponding with the geometry of the upwardly oriented opening in such a manner that the wrapping member is prevented from rotating in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Windwrap, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Carbonaro, Mark H. Smith, Haydn B. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8615935
    Abstract: A multi-heel connector for securing a rafter, a ceiling joist, and supporting building roof structural members in a single bracket connection to withstand enhanced load forces such as hurricane forces. The multi-heel connector combines a loop portion for securing a joist, a rafter contact surface adjacent the loop portion, having a slope which provides for a selected, predetermined roof pitch, mounting tabs for securing the multi-heel connector to a top wall plate, and a tie down for securing the multi-heel connector to exterior wall stud. The multi-heel connector is adaptable for accommodating a riser key to adjust the rafter contact surface pitch, and a joist spacer to accommodate a joist having a cross-section smaller than the multi-heel connector loop portion cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony J. Calini
  • Patent number: 8601746
    Abstract: A roof bracket assembly includes a bracket that may be coupled to a roof. A free end of the bracket may be coupled to a support member. The bracket may prevent the support member from penetrating the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: John Karaim
  • Patent number: 8528268
    Abstract: A building assembly for forming a frame of a building including at least two elongated column structures and a truss structure supported on the column structures. The truss structure has opposite end portions resting on the column structures at horizontally spaced locations. A trilateral bracing structure may be attached to the truss structure and one of the column structures to tie the truss structure to the column structure. The trilateral bracing structure may be separable from the truss structure and the column structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Component Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Tom Reaves
  • Patent number: 8511019
    Abstract: A building comprises foundation; a first stud wall; a second stud wall; the second stud wall is disposed above the second first stud wall; a tie rod operably attached to the foundation and extending within the first and second stud walls; a first nut connecting the tie rod to the second stud wall; a first spring urging the first nut and the tie rod upwardly; a second nut connecting the tie rod to one of the first stud wall and the second stud wall, the second nut being disposed below the first nut; a second spring urging the second nut and the tie rod upwardly; the first spring is configured to carry a load at least substantially equal to the weight of a portion of a length of the tie rod disposed between the first nut and the second nut; and the second spring is configured to carry a load disposed below the second nut, the portion extending to where the tie rod is attached to the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas M. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8511036
    Abstract: This invention relates to safety anchors for roof workers and in particular to a gutter ladder anchor, a ridge anchor, a rafter anchor, and a truss anchor. In a one aspect the invention is a gutter ladder anchor formed from a metal plate, and comprising a flat base, having left, right, rear, and front ends; a fold at the front end of the base; one or more legs extending from the fold; a flange at the end of each leg, folded upwards; one or more holes located in each leg for mounting a vertical eye or a ladder location attachment; a first pattern of spaced apart holes through the base for fixing the anchor to a batten or purlin, said first pattern extending from the left end to the right end; and one or more holes through the flange of each leg for fixing the anchor to a gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: John Vincent O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 8448745
    Abstract: A roof safety anchor assembly for securing a safety lanyard to a roof truss. The assembly includes an anchor plate secured to the roof truss, an edge protector secured to an edge of a sheet of sheathing attached to the roof truss; and a choke cable secured to the anchor plate at a first end and to the lanyard and passing over the protector therebetween. The protector includes a cylindrical member having a bore therethrough and a longitudinal slot extending between the first and second ends of the protector. The slot is expandable to receive the edge of the sheathing therein. The protector includes a recess configured to receive a truss member therein when the sheathing is engaged to the truss member. In the event of a fall, the forces applied to the lanyard are redirected by the protector vertically into the anchor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Crookston
  • Patent number: 8438792
    Abstract: Rigid insulation products are provided, including a single unitary insulating member having slots for receiving the ends of floor joists. The insulating member may be pre-attached to a wood member, which functions as a joist header, or may be attached to a joist header during construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Joel A. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8424250
    Abstract: An apparatus for retrofit connection of a roof frame to a support member therebelow includes a claw member having a load bearing flange to be driven into an interface between a roof sheathing and a top edge of the roof frame, and a tie-down member to be mounted to a vertical surface of the support member. The tie-down member is connected to the claw member to allow various angular positions of the load bearing flange depending on roof slopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Building Performance Americas Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert E. Platts
  • Patent number: 8397470
    Abstract: An angled bracket having first and second opposing, generally planar sections is positioned so that protrusions extending from the first planar section engage a portion of roof sheathing and the second planar section is positioned against a rafter. Mechanical fasteners may secure the second planar section to the rafter. Adhesive is disposed through fill apertures in the first planar section until a layer of adhesive is formed between the bracket and the sheathing. A second angular section may extend from the opposite side of the bracket, enabling the bracket to sandwich the rafter. Gussets may be used to brace the first and second planar sections. Indicator apertures allow a user to ensure the layer of adhesive substantially covers the first planar section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sashco, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Summons, Elliot Summons
  • Patent number: 8307583
    Abstract: A truss assembly including truss hold-down connectors for attaching metal trusses to a bearing member. One embodiment of the truss hold-down connector has a vertical connector web that has a bottom attachment leg protruding therefrom for attachment to a bearing member and first and second attachment tab portions for attachment to the flanges of a vertically extending truss web. Stiffeners may be embossed into the vertical connector web to provide the connector with additional strength. The first and second attachment tabs may be configured to enable pairs of identical connectors to be attached to vertically extending truss webs that have one or more diagonally extending truss webs attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis J. Keys, Michael A. Pellock
  • Patent number: 8261495
    Abstract: A system for connecting panels of framing members utilizes five types of monolithic, elongate connectors. A first connector has a cross-section defined by an L-shaped portion and a straight portion extending from a bottom tip of the foot of the L-shaped portion at an angle. A second connector has a cross-section defined by an L-shaped portion and a straight portion extending from a top tip of the leg of the L-shaped portion at the same angle as the first connector. A third connector has a cross-section defined by a U-shaped portion and two straight sections extending away from the U-shaped portion. A fourth connector has a cross-section defined by two equal-length straight portions meeting at a right angle, and a fifth connector has a cross-section defined by a single straight portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Alphonso Griffin
  • Patent number: 8176689
    Abstract: Retrofit hurricane and earthquake clips for connecting a roof to a wall. The connectors include a plate web and rafter web, connected by a modified right-angle bend. For added strength in the right angle bend, wavy edges add material into the bend. Multiple bends add strength and material to the right angle bends, and place the rafter web perpendicular to the plate web. A ledge allows the connector to clear frieze boards. The wide plate webs attach to the outside wall sheathing and underlying top plate to prevent bowing out of the wall and lateral movement. The rafter webs attach to the side of a rafter to prevent uplift, outward thrusting, and twisting. The material added to the connection between the rafter web and plate web strengthens a building against strong winds and seismic events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas C Thompson
  • Patent number: 8136318
    Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas M Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8061088
    Abstract: The invention provides tie guides for affixing trusses and rafters and other cross members to the supporting walls of a building. The tie guide includes a longitudinal base plate with a horizontal component and a vertical component. Fixing members are transverse to the base plate, and are supported by triangular flanges extending in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Walker
  • Patent number: 8028477
    Abstract: A peak gusset for securing a safety line for a workman, a roof truss and an anchoring system incorporating the same. The gusset is a substantially planar plate including an attachment region, a coplanar anchor portion and bendable flaps. A plurality of teeth extends from the attachment region and into the side of a truss member adjacent the peak. The anchor portion extends laterally beyond the peak and a hole defined therein receives the security line. The hole is disposed above an upper surface of the truss member and vertically beneath the peak. The gusset is non-removable and does not need to be cut down before a ventilation cap is applied thereover. A pair of peak gussets can be secured on either side of a truss and a connector member for attachment of the security line can extend between peak gussets on adjacent trusses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Crookston
  • Publication number: 20110197522
    Abstract: A hurricane tie fastener and method are provided for securing a truss to a wall structural member. The fastener includes upper and lower vertical perpendicular plates with respective nail-receiving through holes formed therein. A horizontal arm extends from adjacent the bottom of the upper plate away from the lower plate. A leg extends upwardly from the arm. A truss-receiving space is formed between the upper plate and leg having a top entrance opening for receiving the bottom of the truss when the fastener is moved upwardly relative to the truss. The fastener is self-supporting on the truss to make the nailing of the fastener to the truss and wall member easier and safer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: INVENTECH, INC.
    Inventor: SAM P. NOTURNO
  • Patent number: 7987636
    Abstract: A seat and anchor assembly for mounting and securing a wood joist or roof truss to a tie beam of a building including a central web portion and an upwardly extending wall portion disposed along a longitudinal edge thereof wherein a lower portion of the roof truss or joist fits within what may be considered a seat defined by the web and the upstanding wall portion. An elongated anchor strap is adjustably attached to the wall portion and is adapted to be secured by nails or like connectors to the top portion of the roof truss and further wherein the anchor strap includes a lower length disposed and adapted to be embedded in wet concrete initially defining the tie beam of the building on which the seat and truss rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Simpson STrong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Paschal Hunt
  • Patent number: 7975439
    Abstract: A storage building for the storage of corrosive materials. The storage building comprises a floor, a plurality of columns extending from the floor, a plurality of crossbeams with each beam connecting at least two of the columns, a plurality of substantially vertically oriented supports extending from the crossbeams, a plurality of rafters attached to the supports and at least one roof panel spanning between two of the rafters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Herman E. Cude
  • Patent number: 7918054
    Abstract: Various novel roofing brackets and roofing systems are disclosed. A first embodiment can be considered a roofing bracket to be coupled to a vertical post and a horizontal purlin of a roofing system whereby the horizontal purlin is positioned to support roof panels at a requisite pitch. The roofing bracket includes a reference brace and a clip. The reference brace includes a first brace face positioned planarly parallel with the vertical post and a second brace face extending at an angle angle from the first brace face and positioned planarly parallel with the vertical post. The clip includes a first clip face positioned to be fastened generally flush with the horizontal purlin and a second clip face extending at an angle from the first clip face and positioned to be fastened planarly parallel with the vertical post. The second clip face is coupled to the first brace face at a pivot point such that the clip can be rotated a particular angle relative to the reference brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: GP Innovative Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Grafton, Ernest Graham Perry
  • Patent number: 7914229
    Abstract: A drain cover portion (100a, 100b) for a linear drainage system which comprises at least two attachment means. The attachment means are provided by at least one a connector attachment means (500) and at least one drain attachment means (700). The connector attachment means (500) is arranged to attach one or more anchor connectors (1002) for connecting an anchor (114) to the drain cover portion (100a, 100b) and/or one or more cover portion connector for connecting said drain cover portion (100a, 100b) to another drain cover portion (100a, 100b). The drain attachment means (700) is arranged to attach a drain portion (200) to the drain cover portion (100a, 100b). Each attachment means is arranged so as to allow the tool-less attachment of a connector/drain section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: ACO Polymer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair Aubusson, Rob King
  • Patent number: 7891144
    Abstract: An adjustable connector is provided for connecting an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member and an elongate generally horizontal supported structural member. The connector is provided with a side attachment member that attaches to an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member and a cap that attaches to the elongate generally horizontal supported structural member, with a pin connection that enables rotation between the cap and the side attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, I{umlaut over (n)}c.
    Inventors: Jeremy Gilstrap, Jin-Jie Lin, Daniel M. Gray
  • Patent number: 7874124
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for securing a wall system together in a vertical direction. More specifically, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a first floor lower linkage beam attached to a foundation of a structure. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed including attaching a first floor lower linkage beam to a foundation of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Posey Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Bobby R. Posey
  • Patent number: 7856763
    Abstract: A truss hold-down connector for attaching metal trusses to a bearing member. One embodiment of the truss hold-down connector has a vertical connector web that has a bottom attachment leg protruding therefrom for attachment to a bearing member and first and second attachment tab portions for attachment to the flanges of a vertically extending truss web. Stiffeners may be embossed into the vertical connector web to provide the connector with additional strength. The first and second attachment tabs may be configured to enable pairs of identical connectors to be attached to vertically extending truss webs that have one or more diagonally extending truss webs attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Mitek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis J. Keys, Michael A. Pellock
  • Patent number: 7856787
    Abstract: A joint fitting 1 between members comprising a single bolt 4 having a length enabling it to be arranged vertically oriented bridging an upper floor vertical frame member and a lower floor vertical frame member at intervals along the axial direction. Joint hardware 7 is fastened to vertical frame members of the floors arranged at the upper floor side and lower floor side. Side opening grooves in the joint hardware 7 detachable receive the bolt. The attached joint hardware 7 is able to be fastened positioned along the longitudinal direction of the bolt 4. The joint hardware 7 is arranged at the upper and lower floors with the joint hardware being butted against vertical side surfaces of the vertical frame members 11 of the floors and fastened by drill screws 24 or other fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunori Fujihashi, Yoshimichi Kawai, Shigeaki Tohnai, Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7849658
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for tying down an existing roof frame to resist windstorm uplift forces, in which an elongate connector is inserted slantingly upward through a hole through the roof frame, allowing an upper end of the connector to protrude from the roof frame to receive a head member which is detachably attached thereto in order to prevent the roof frame from moving upward relative to the connector under an uplift force. The lower end of the connector is secured to an underlying wall such that the connector applies a restraining force against wind uplift forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Building Performance Americas Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert E. Platts
  • Patent number: 7832153
    Abstract: A gusset connector plate for anchoring a safety line to a roof truss, a roof truss and an anchoring system incorporating the same. The plate is substantially planar and includes an attachment region and an anchor portion. Teeth extend from the attachment region and into the sides of truss members that form the peak of the roof truss. The anchor portion extends laterally beneath the peak and a hole defined therein receives the connector for the security line. The hole is disposed below the lower surfaces of the truss members and vertically beneath the peak. The plate is permanently engaged with the truss. A single plate or a pair of plates may be incorporated in the roof truss and utilized in the anchoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Crookston
  • Patent number: 7814710
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to an infinitely adjustable anchoring system for attaching structural members to a support member. The system comprises a continuous, elongated, removable retaining track secured to the outer surface of a support member and configured to receive at least one adjustable connector plate therein. The adjustable connector plates are capable of attaching to structural members having various dimensions and pitches relative to the track. The invention includes a reusable centering bracket assembly used to install a retaining track assembly along an upper portion of a support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Silvino R. Foglia
  • Patent number: 7793476
    Abstract: A non-top-supported column attachment bracket assembly is provided, that includes a generally W-shaped bracket to provide a strong connection between non-top supported wood fences and masonry walls such as concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls or cast in place (CIP) walls. The W-shape provides a matrix inside the hardening structure of the wall, while simultaneously engaging the horizontal reinforcing bar of the wall. The W-anchor further includes a cover plate disposed onto the bracket. The W-shaped bracket can be installed to the upper portion of the wall just prior to grouting or during grouting, where the bracket can be pressed onto the horizontal bar before the grout has hardened. After the hardening structure is cured, fencing posts are attached to a column connection portion of the W-anchor that extends from the top of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: Steven H. Sanders, Thomas R. Sell, Andrew J. Cowan
  • Patent number: 7762030
    Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas M. Espinosa
  • Publication number: 20100162638
    Abstract: A seat and anchor assembly for mounting and securing a wood joist or roof truss to a tie beam of a building including a central web portion and an upwardly extending wall portion disposed along a longitudinal edge thereof wherein a lower portion of the roof truss or joist fits within what may be considered a seat defined by the web and the upstanding wall portion. An elongated anchor strap is adjustably attached to the wall portion and is adapted to be secured by nails or like connectors to the top portion of the roof truss and further wherein the anchor strap includes a lower length disposed and adapted to be embedded in wet concrete initially defining the tie beam of the building on which the seat and truss rests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Paschal Hunt