Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A framing assembly system for steel building that substantially reduces assembly time while maintaining excellent strength and mechanical integrity. In fabricating this type of building, foundation assemblies are first placed in concrete footings at a precise location in both the horizontal and vertical planes. Once the concrete has cured, columns are placed over the foundation assembly and bolted into place using pre-drilled holes in the columns and foundation assembly, thereby eliminating the difficult task of holding the columns erect while at the same time trying to precisely position the column in the horizontal and vertical planes. Trusses are connected to the top of the columns by means of bolts passes through pre-drilled holes.

Abstract: A system (100) for positioning and securing angularly directed structural support members (20) to a longitudinally extended structural member (30) of a building includes at least a pair of mounting devices (105, 105′, 105″) respectively mounted to at least one longitudinally extended structural member (30). Each mounting device (105, 105′, 105″) includes a base plate (110) having a plurality of pairs of fixing members (120, 120′, 120″) disposed in spaced longitudinal relationship. A space (118) between each of the pairs of fixing members (120, 120′, 120″) is provided for receiving the angularly directed structural support member (20) therein. Each of the fixing members (120, 120′, 120″) are formed by angularly directed C-shaped channel members. Each channel member has a central web portion (130) bounded on two vertically directed sides by a pair of flanges (132) expending in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A connector for attaching walls to beams or trusses that are offset from the wall and act as collectors in the lateral force resisting system. The main purpose of a drag strut connector is to connect a beam or truss to the top plate of a colinear bearing wall, thereby completing the load path and allowing loads to be transferred out of the roof or floor sheathing into the wall system where the shearwalls are. Such a beam or truss is referred to as a load “collector” or “drag strut”. The key to this connection is that it uses self-drilling screws to create a superior connection to that achieved with a similar connector and bolts.

Abstract: An anchor system for attaching a series of structural members to a wall comprises an elongate horizontal track and a plurality of anchor plates. The horizontal track has a pair of spaced apart sidewalls defining therebetween an upwardly facing channel with a restricted opening. The anchor plates each include an enlarged head portion, nailing plate and a relatively narrow strap extending between the head portion and the nailing plate. The head portion is sized to fit within the channel and engage the sidewalls to retain the anchor plates at selected longitudinal positions. The strap is sized to pass between the sidewalls to position the nailing plate normal to the track for attaching a structural member thereto.

Abstract: A glazed roof comprises glazing bars supporting glazing panels secured to a supporting structure by means of screws through fixing blocks mounted at the glazing bar ends, the fixing blocks having provision for receiving and directing the fixing screws.

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

Abstract: A Flare Strut System including a plurality of strut pairs, each forming an assembly for transferring force between wall and a roof continuity element. Each assembly is comprised of two elongated strut elements, or load transfer members, each including a longitudinal rotation and adjustment member at one end thereof, a first end connector assembly for facilitating connection of one end of the strut element to a wall, and a second end connector assembly for facilitating attachment of the other end of the strut element to a continuity element connection assembly, the latter assembly being adapted to combine with a corresponding connection assembly and sandwich the continuity element therebetween. Each strut element is adapted to angularly intersect both the engaged wall and the continuity element at acute angles which are determined by the particular buildings design.

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.

Abstract: A modified A-frame shell building 10 with a cementitious foundation having a pair of upstanding opposing stub walls 16, 18 that engage and support a plurality of trusses 50 disposed in spaced-apart relation for supporting a roof 58. Each truss comprises a pair of rafter beams with 45° beveled corners at opposing distal ends. The rafter beams 52 rigidly join together at a 90° angle at abutted corners 75 at distal ends 72, which defines a notch 106 that receives a ridge beam 62 extending across the trusses 50. The trusses include a collar beam 56 oppositely beveled at opposing distal ends 83, 85 and connected to the rafter beams 52 intermediate the distal ends 70, 72 of the rafter beams. Base plates 84 attached to the distal end 70 of the rafters 52 receive fasteners to engage the trusses 50 to the stub walls 16, 18. A roof 58 is defined by a deck 92 of tongue and groove boards covered by a insulative panel 93 and roofing materials such as shingles 94.

Abstract: An interlocking wall and roof system for the protection of a building structure is disclosed. The interlocking roof and wall system is equipped with a plurality of supports that form downward facing open channels that are either already attached to the overhang of the roof or are easily attachable to the overhang. The system also includes a plurality of protective walls that surround the building structure. The protective walls can be lifted from a resting position to a position where at least a portion of the walls fit into the downward facing open channels of the overhang. These walls are lifted by a hydraulic lifting system. The invention also provides a complete building structure already fitted with the supports, hydraulic lifting system and protective walls.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention comprises the insertion of anchors into suitably located wall cavities, each anchor being suspended by cables extending up through the wall top and into the roof space; then making fast each anchor by the injection into the cavity above the anchor of a hardening, adhering liquid “plug” of sufficient size and strength, pressing down upon the anchor and strongly adhering to the confining internal surfaces of the cavity. Especially in cases where there are no wall cavities, or none readily accessible, the invention encompasses anchoring the roof to or through the exterior surfaces of suitably located walls by means of long vertical straps; these extend up through the ceiling sufficiently into the roof space, taking the place of the cavity anchors and cables.

Abstract: A gusset anchoring assembly for anchoring the roof frame of a building to its foundation, such as a concrete slab and having a lower rod affixed to the foundation and an upper extension rod disposed adjacent the truss of the roof frame. A modified U-shaped bracket hangs from the gusset and is secured thereto by mechanical fasteners. The upper end of the extension rod is secured to a horizontal ledge formed on the bracket.

Abstract: A system (100) for positioning and securing structural members (20, 30) to supporting walls (10) of a building includes at least a pair of mounting devices (105) respectively mounted to a pair of longitudinally extended laterally spaced building supporting walls (10). Each mounting device (105) includes a base plate (110) having a plurality of pairs of fixing members (120) disposed in spaced longitudinal relationship. A space (118) between each of the pairs of fixing members (120) is provided for receiving the structural member (20, 30) therein. Each mounting device also includes a pair of second fixing members (122) disposed adjacent opposing ends of the base plate (110). Each of the fixing members (120 and 122) are formed by vertically directed C-shaped channel members. Each channel member has a central web portion (130) bounded on two vertically directed sides by a pair of flanges (132) expending in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A glazed roof comprises glazing bars supporting glazing panels secured to a supporting structure by means of screws through fixing blocks mounted at the glazing bar ends, the fixing blocks having provision for receiving and directing the fixing screws.

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

Abstract: A 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.

Abstract: A Lightweight Pre-engineered prefabricated modular Building System comprised of prefabricated structural members and three prefabricated spacer plates which create the entire building main frame system. A multiple use principal structural member is utilized as top and bottom cords as well as end rungs for trusses and truss legs. The spacer plates are used to construct steep pitch building frames. Trusses are interchangeable anywhere in system. Eave peak members, purlins and girts are used to attach sheathing to the structural frame.

Abstract: A Lightweight Pre-engineered prefabricated modular Building System comprised of nine pre-fabricated structural members and two prefabricated connectors which create the entire building main frame system. A multiple use principal structural member is utilized as columns. The connectors are right angle connectors; each employing a configuration of holes and slots for securing structural members to create a rigid attachment of rafters to columns. The same connectors can be employed to establish a shallow pitch or a steep pitch roof pitch through selection of the holes and slot positions used to bolt the structural frame together. Eave struts, purlins and girts are attached to mainframes and used to attach sheathing to the structural frame. Alternatively, a “V” shaped stiffener can be employed with the columns.

Abstract: A conservatory roof comprises an eaves beam, glazing bars mounted at one end on the eaves beam and supporting glazing panels therebetween, and an insulator strip between the eaves beam head and the glazing bars to provide a thermal break.

Abstract: A skewable connector having positioning tabs for connecting metal trusses. The skewable connector is formed of a substantially planar piece of rigid material, preferably steel, and in the preferred embodiment defines a quadrilateral. The skewable connector includes a first end and a second end, the junction there between defining a fold line. In order to facilitate skewing of the connector, a plurality of hole members, which are preferably elliptical, are disposed along the fold line. At least two positioning tabs are disposed on said first end proximate the fold line.

Abstract: A truss, having an integral hold down strap, which can be attached to a wall of a structure. The truss contains an upper and lower chord and typically contains web members that extend between the upper and lower chords to provide strength and rigidity. The lower and upper chord converge at the heel of the truss and are connected by at least one nailing plate. The hold down strap is an elongate piece of sheet metal which is smooth and free of teeth, and has a first portion which contains two opposing flanges that are bent such that the first portion has a generally U-shaped cross section. The hold down strap also has a second portion sized to extend from the first portion and into engagement with one of the other structural components of a wall. The first portion of the hold down strap is sized to engage the end surface of the lower chord with the two opposing flanges engaging the side surfaces of the lower chord.

Abstract: A jig for aiding in securing a fascia board on the downwardly extended ends of a row of eaves of a frame of a building being constructed including a U shaped member and an angle bracket with an angle bracket with one leg swivelly attached to an end of one leg of the U shaped member. Two jigs are used for temporarily supporting the board across the ends of the row of eaves permitting that the board be nailed to the ends of the eaves. The jig is preferably made of resiliently flexible polycarbonate so that the jig can be twisted when required to enable aligning of the board in a required direction.

Abstract: This invention provides an overhang support system for gable roofs which eliminates any need to put a notch in the gable end truss top chord member. It utilizes a novel unitary connector device for improved support of overhang structures in a gable roof of the type including an overhang member, a gable end truss top chord member, and a first adjacent truss (to the end truss) top chord member. The rigid connector provides some holes for nailing to an intermediate support member, situated between the first adjacent truss top chord member and the gable end truss top chord member, or, optionally, in one preferred embodiment, if no intermediate support member is used, these holes are used for nailing to an overhang support member; and it provides some holes for nailing to an overhang support member, situated between the gable end truss top chord member and the overhang member; and also holes for nailing to the gable end truss top chord member. The connector is channel-shaped to fit snugly over, e.g.

Abstract: A hold down device and method for connecting two building elements of a building comprises an elongate member, typically in the form of a rod or a cable, that is connected between the two building structures. A tension compensator, which includes a housing, is mounted to the elongate member to compensate for wood shrinkage of the building. One end of the elongate member penetrates the housing and is releasably connected to the housing by means of a gripping assembly which permits only one way movement of the elongate member into but not out of the housing to resist tensile forces between the two points of the building but allow the elongate member length to be adjusted as the distance between the two points decreases due to wood shrinkage. An urging mechanism urges the end of the elongate member further into the housing if the tension on the elongate member falls below a predetermined level. The urging mechanism, in some embodiments, has to be put under compression.