U.S. patent application number 09/794998 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-19 for retrofit hurricane and earthquake protection.
Invention is credited to Thompson, Thomas C..
Application Number | 20020189174 09/794998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27384210 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020189174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thompson, Thomas C. |
December 19, 2002 |
Retrofit hurricane and earthquake protection
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.
Inventors: |
Thompson, Thomas C.;
(Makakilo, HI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas C. Thompson
92-543 Kokole Pl.
Makakilo
HI
96707
US
|
Family ID: |
27384210 |
Appl. No.: |
09/794998 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09794998 |
Feb 28, 2001 |
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09131871 |
Aug 10, 1998 |
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6324810 |
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09131871 |
Aug 10, 1998 |
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08578081 |
Dec 26, 1995 |
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08578081 |
Dec 26, 1995 |
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08191852 |
Feb 2, 1994 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/92.2 ;
52/712 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 7/045 20130101;
E04B 2001/2616 20130101; E04C 3/17 20130101; E04B 1/26 20130101;
E04G 2023/0248 20130101; E04G 23/0218 20130101; E04B 1/2608
20130101; E04B 2001/2439 20130101; E04H 9/14 20130101; Y10T 403/73
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/92.2 ;
52/712 |
International
Class: |
E04B 007/04; E04B
001/38; E04C 005/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An apparatus for securing sheathing and structural members of a
building comprising: a. a generally flat rectangular face; b.
generally right angled bends on each short end of said rectangular
shape; c. said right angled bends forming rafter tabs; d. an
extension of one long end of said rectangular face.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rectangular face having a
predetermined length as a means for accurately spacing apart
rafters and roof trusses on new construction.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rectangular face having a
predetermined length as a means for filling the space between
rafters and roof trusses on existing buildings.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rectangular face having a
predetermined width as a means for filling the space between a top
plate and roof on a building.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rectangular face having
ventilation ribs as a means for ventilation and stiffening, when
attached to a building.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rafter tabs having
generally right angled bends bending said rafter tabs toward the
front face.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rafter tabs having a
generally flat shape and a plurality of nail holes as a means for
attachment to the wide side of adjacent rafters and roof
trusses.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rafter tabs having a
predetermined area and generally rounded edges as a means for easy
installation on rafters and roof trusses having variable roof
pitches.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said extension of said long end
of said rectangular face is at the bottom.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bottom extension having a
predetermined area as a means for covering wall sheathing and the
underlying top plate of a wall.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said bottom extension having a
plurality of nail holes as an attaching means to said wall
sheathing and underlying top plate.
12. The apparatus of the claim 11 wherein said apparatus having
attaching means to a building's roof trusses and rafters, outside
sheathing, and underlying top plate as a means for preventing
uplift, bowing in or out of walls, and lateral movement to a
building during high winds and seismic events.
13. A frieze plate comprising a generally flat rectangular face,
generally right angled bends on each short end of said rectangular
shape, said right angled bends forming rafter tabs, an extension of
the bottom of said rectangular face, and a right angle bend forming
a roof tab.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said right angle bend and
said roof tab having attachment on the long end of said rectangular
face opposite said long extension.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said roof tab having a
predetermined area, a plurality of nail holes, and having attaching
means to the roof of a building, as a means for connecting said
outside sheathing, said top plate, said rafter, and said roof
together.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said apparatus having
attaching means to a building's roof trusses and rafters, outside
wall sheathing, underlying top plate, and roof as a means for
preventing uplift, thrusting, and lateral movement of a building,
during high winds and seismic events.
Description
BACKGROUND-CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional of Ser. No. 09/131,871,
which is a CIP of U.S. Ser. No. 08/578,081 which is a CIP of Ser.
No. 08/191,852, both of which are abandoned.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention relates to innovative connectors and
fasteners that make buildings stronger, and helps protect them from
earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and strong winds.
[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art
Background
[0005] Recent studies of earthquake damage on wood-frame buildings
indicate that the outside wall sheathing is the most important
structural member in preventing destruction to a home. Sheathing
that is tightly secured to a house, stiffens the vertical
components against damaging deformations.
[0006] The initial failure location on buildings during hurricanes
is at the roof to wall connection, or at the wall to floor
connection. This invention uses the outside wall sheathing to help
tie the roof and floor to the walls, and stiffens the wall to
distribute wind loads to the roof framing and end walls.
[0007] Failure and loss of the roof sheathing is common during
hurricanes, mainly because of inadequate fastening of the roof
sheathing to the underlying structural members. The roof system
provides stability to a house by supporting the tops of exterior
and interior load-bearing walls.
[0008] Sheet metal joints perform better than nailed joints in high
winds and during seismic activity. Strong connectors, secured by
sturdy fasteners, will insure that the major structural members of
a house are securely tied together. Rigid outside sheathing,
securely fastened to the walls, strengthens the link between the
horizontal and vertical components of a structure.
Earthquakes
[0009] Earthquake studies of a single-family building showed that
failure was mainly due to the improper connection of wall studs to
sole plates; the failures were attributed to nail withdrawal from
the framing (Goers, 1976).
[0010] Tests of wall studs to sole plate connections showed that
the studs were uplifted from the sole plate, and the nails which
connected the bottom of the plywood sheathing to the sill were
punched out of the sheathing (Kamiya et al., 1981).
[0011] The outside sheathing allows the naturally flexible wood
wall studs to deform just enough to absorb the earthquake forces
without cracking. When the outside sheathing is secured tightly to
the studs, top plate, rafter, and sole plate, without becoming
disconnected, it increases their load-bearing strength.
[0012] Steel connectors, between different components of a
wood-frame buildings superstructure, provide continuity so that the
building will move as a unit in response to seismic activity
(Yanev, 1974). Outside sheathing helps transfer earthquake forces
to the ground while greatly strengthening the resistance to lateral
seismic motions (Yanev, 1974).
Hurricanes
[0013] In 1974, wind-study testing of a full-scale house showed
that the initial failure location was at the roof to wall
connection, or at the wall to floor connection (Tuomi and
McCutcheon, 1974). The stiffness of the wall influences the
distribution of wind loads to the roof framing and end walls
(Polensek, 1976).
[0014] In 1990, tests were done on (prior art) rafter/top plate
connectors (hurricane clips) that are installed on a house during
construction; it was found that hurricane clips are sometimes three
to five times stronger than conventional toe-nailing under uplift
loads (Canfield, 1990). Retrofit of prior art hurricane clips is
difficult or impossible on existing houses.
[0015] Studies of damage from Hurricanes Andrew and Iniki show that
most of the wind damage to a gable end of a home was from the
difference in pressure inside and outside the home. Almost all
pictures of damaged wood or masonry buildings show the gable end
blown away from the building. (FEMA reports FIA-22, FIA-23)
Pictures never show the gable end blown into the building. This is
due to the Bernoulli Effects, where the pressure differential
between wind blowing around and over a building, and high pressure
air inside, blows out a wall or roof.
[0016] An airplane rises due to the pressure differential of faster
air moving over a wing, compared to the high pressure of slower
moving air under a wing. So too does the side walls blow out of a
house due to the Bernoulli effects of wind blowing perpendicular to
the wall. Gable ends blow out of a house, because of higher
pressure in the house compared to the extremely low pressure on the
leeward edge of the wind direction.
[0017] Once the side wall or gable end of a house is blown out, the
rigidity of the roof and entire house is compromised due to wind
getting into the house. Driven rain, along with the wind can damage
everything in the house, along with damaging the structural
integrity of the roof and walls of the house.
[0018] Loss of the roof sheathing was consistently observed after
Hurricane Iniki and Hurricane Andrew. The primary cause of
sheathing damage was inadequate nailing into the underlying
structural members of the roof. There was evidence of missing,
corroded, misapplied, and too few nails or staples attaching the
roof sheathing to the rafters, purlins, or trusses.
Outside Sheathing
[0019] If an earth tremor is strong, the nails holding the outside
wall sheathing may be inadequate in size or quantity. Many nails
are driven into the edge of the sheathing where the wood can split
and lose connection with the underlying studs.
[0020] If the outside sheathing detaches from the wall studs, the
walls cannot transfer lateral forces or transverse loads and the
building can rack and collapse. When the outside sheathing is
sufficiently attached to the structural framing, the sheathing and
structural framing function together.
[0021] A sturdy wall system absorbs, resists, and transfers forces
imposed by wind and earth movements. Improperly secured sheathing
may not function effectively in resisting transverse loads and
lateral forces.
[0022] Previously, framers did not understand the structural
importance of outside wall sheathing. Improper nail size, length,
or type, along with an improper fastening schedule, could
jeopardize the anchoring ability of the outside sheathing. Plywood
can still be applied with power-driven staples.
[0023] Many times, the exterior sheathing is applied to the wall
when it is constructed on the ground, then raised in place. This
helps keep the wall from racking when raised, but is heavier to
lift and may be weaker than sheathing applied to a wall in
place.
[0024] Part of my co-pending application, Ser. No. 08/191,852,
filed on Feb. 2, 1994, ties the rafter to the outside sheathing and
underlying top plate. This is one of the weakest failure points on
a house during a hurricane.
[0025] This continuation-in-part application has unique connectors
to tie together major structural members of a house using the
important outside sheathing. These major structural members include
the gable end rafter and joist, the sole plate and walls, and the
corner post, rafter, and top plate. These unique connectors are
held to the outside sheathing, and underlying or exposed structural
members using unique fasteners, or nails, screws, and bolts.
Roof Sheathing
[0026] The stability of the walls is dependent on the roof for top
lateral support. The roof sheathing can be composed of boards or
plywood. It ties the rafters and roof trusses together, and
prevents the roof from racking. The roof sheathing may have been
applied carelessly in the past, as it was felt that the weight of
the roof cladding would keep the roof on tight.
[0027] Previously, framers did not understand the structural
importance of roof sheathing. Improper nail size, length, or type,
along with an improper fastening schedule, could jeopardize the
anchoring ability of the roof sheathing. Plywood may be applied
with power-driven staples. In humid or salt-air climate, the nails
or staples can corrode and lose holding power.
Prior Art
[0028] A number of connectors have been developed to tie together
the roof rafter and the top plate, or wall stud and sole plate.
Previous connectors were made to be used during construction of the
structure and covered by the outside sheathing.
[0029] These connectors cannot be retrofitted to existing
structures without extensive dismantling or damage to the inside
wall board or outside sheathing. Without dismantling the walls, a
homeowner can't tell if hurricane clips are correctly fastened to
their house. Older homes usually don't have hurricane clips or any
type of sheet metal connectors installed on their house to prevent
racking, or movement between structural members.
[0030] Prior tie connectors are also limited to the number of
roofing and structural members that can be tied together. Since
prior connectors are made for installation on the frame-work of a
building, they cannot tie the outside sheathing to a building. All
previous connectors were designed to be covered over by the outside
sheathing. Since they do not tie the outside sheathing to the
underlying structural members of the house, they cannot prevent the
house from racking in an earthquake or wind storm.
[0031] The roof lock in U.S. Pat. No. 1,452,599 to Hames, March
1922, and the dock bracket in U.S. Pat. No. D.290,223 to
Westerheim, June 1987 did not tie the rafter to the top plate and
outside sheathing. The hurricane tie in U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,372,
December 1987, and snugging connector in U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,985,
January 1990, both to Commins, can tie the rafter to the top plate
in the skeleton structural framework of new construction. They can
not be used as a retrofit on existing houses; they did not tie the
sheathing to the top plate and rafter; they did not go around the
frieze board; they did not tie into a stud or top plate directly
underneath a rafter; and they did not tie together two 2.times.4's
of the top plate.
[0032] The bearing connector in U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,646, May 1992,
to Colonias et al. is used to carry roof loads, but can tie
together a rafter, top plate, and two 2.times.4's of the top plate
together in the skeleton structural framework of new construction.
This connector can not be used as a retrofit on existing houses; it
did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; it did not
go around the frieze board; and it did not tie into a stud or top
plate directly underneath a rafter.
[0033] The building construction ties in U.S. Pat. No. 2,300,113,
to Faber, October 1942, can tie the rafter to the joist and wall
stud in the skeleton structural framework of new construction. They
can not be used as retrofit on existing houses; they did not tie
the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; they did not tie the
rafter and top plate together or go around the frieze board; and
they did not tie together two 2.times.4's of the top plate.
[0034] The free gusset metal ledger hanger in U.S. Pat. No.
4,353,664, to Gilb, October 1982, is used to provide ledger support
around the inside perimeter of buildings or at internal concrete or
masonry walls. This connector can not be used as a retrofit on the
outside of existing houses; it did not tie the sheathing to the top
plate and rafter; it did not tie together a rafter and top plate;
it did not go around the frieze board; it did not tie into a stud
or top plate directly underneath a rafter; and it did not tie
together two 2.times.4's of the top plate.
[0035] The wall tie in United Kingdom patent 2,096,664, to Durrant,
October 1982, is used to strengthen mortar joints in brick walls.
This connector can not be used as a retrofit on the outside of
existing wood houses; it did not tie the sheathing to the top plate
and rafter; it did not tie together a rafter and top plate; it did
not go around the frieze board; it did not tie into a stud or top
plate directly underneath a rafter; and it did not tie together two
2.times.4's of the top plate.
[0036] The connecting plate for wood members in Germany patent
238,822, to Sauer, March 1986, is used to connect planks, boards,
or strips, using bending slots and nail holes. This connector, by
its large bending slots, is a weak connector. Bending this
connector weakens the metal, especially since most carpenters would
hammer the connection to make it fit on planks and boards. This
connector is useful for attaching together boards that intersect at
odd angles, not equal to 90 or 45 degrees. This connector may be
used as a retrofit on existing houses, but was intended for
attaching beams and planks in the skeleton structural framework of
new construction. It did not tie the sheathing to the top plate and
rafter or go around the frieze board; it did not tie into a stud or
top plate directly under a rafter; and it did not tie together two
2.times.4's of the top plate.
[0037] The metal connectors in Switzerland patent 214,358, April
1941 are used to connect wood and metal members together. The
connectors can tie I-beams, angle iron, and wood boards to metal
frames in skeleton structural framework of new construction. They
can not be used as retrofit on existing houses; they did not tie
the sheathing to the top plate and rafter; they did not tie the
rafter and top plate together; they did not go around the frieze
board or tie into a stud or top plate directly under a rafter; and
they did not tie together two 2.times.4's of the top plate.
[0038] The apparatus and method for securing a building during high
winds in U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,986 to Winger, June 1994, is used to
secure several of the roof rafters to the ground by cables and
anchors. This system is employed only when high winds are expected,
as the cables must be extended and attached to the ground anchor
manually. In a post-and-beam constructed house where the inside
rafters are exposed, the cables and attaching hardware are exposed
to view. Cables can kink, stretch, rust in place, and break. This
system did not tie down the roof sheathing or roof shingles. This
system will not work if the homeowner is not home to secure the
anchoring cables. It cannot work in areas where tornadoes can occur
without warning, especially if the home owner is sleeping or is
seeking shelter in the basement or interior room. The system
requires extensive and expensive carpentry work and expensive
hardware.
[0039] The house anchor in U.S. Pat. No. 1,864,403, to Bradley,
June 1932, uses cables and ground anchors to secure the roof to the
ground. It did not tie together the rafter and ridge plate or tie
them straight down to the ground; since the rafter and ridge plate
are not secured together and tied to the ground on the gable end of
the house, the house is vulnerable to winds on the side of the
house that can push or pull and separate the gable end of the
rafter plate to ridge plate connection. Cables can stretch and
break. Parts of the house anchor include eye-bolts and cable guides
which can pull out from wood when subjected to perpendicular
pulling forces as from strong winds.
[0040] The exterior anchoring apparatus for surface sheets in U.S.
Pat. No. 1,864,403, to Bradley, March 1967, uses metal rods and
clamps to secure exterior sheathing to a roof. This system cannot
be retrofit to an existing roof. It did not tie the sheathing
securely to the rafter and ridge board.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0041] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention
are that it helps hold the gable and hip ends of a building from
being blown in or out by hurricanes, tornadoes, and wind
storms.
[0042] This invention helps prevent the outside sheathing of the
gable and hip ends on existing buildings from detaching during an
earthquake. It also allows some deflection in the joint without
separating. The invention tightly holds the outside sheathing to
the roof rafter, top plate, joist, and wall stud using unique, but
simple and economical connectors and fasteners.
[0043] Objects of this invention are that it easily, quickly, and
economically protects buildings from the destructive effects of
earthquakes. It is a further object of this invention that it
easily, quickly, and economically protects houses from the
destructive winds of hurricanes. It is a still further object that
the connectors and fasteners are strong, attractive, permanent,
functional, uncomplicated, simple to manufacture, easy to install,
and economical. Many of the embodiments can be made from a single
sheet metal blank, without any welding.
[0044] Another objective is for the rafters or roof trusses to be
secured together and locked to the wall and roof sheathing. The
invention can be used as an accurate spacer for trusses and for
attic ventilation. This invention can be used during construction
and can be retrofit onto existing homes.
[0045] The installation procedure is simple so that a handy
homeowner can install the connectors and fastener hardware. Except
for expensive, custom-built homes, most homeowners had no input or
knowledge on how strong their houses are built. Now homeowners can
retrofit their homes by themselves or with a hired contractor.
Installation of this invention will make a house more resistant to
strong winds and seismic activity.
[0046] Since the invention is mostly on the outside of a house, it
is unadorned, but can be covered with the homeowners choice of wood
trim, veneer, gingerbread, other architectural facades, or can just
be painted to match or contrast with the house.
[0047] Previous disasters showed that many nailed connections on
destroyed or damaged homes were undersize, mis-installed, or
completely missing. By being installed on the outside of a house,
an inspector, homeowner, or insurance agent can see if there are
any missing connectors and fasteners. Since the bushings are made
of the correct size and material, no undersize or wrong material
fasteners can be installed.
[0048] Masonry houses don't fare well during an earthquake because
the house can't flex, it usually snaps instead. This invention
allows the sheathing connection on a house to deflect or flex by
using a bushing and bearing surface for low friction.
[0049] The outside sheathing is one of the most important
structural members when a house is under stress of hurricane-force
winds or seismic activity. This invention helps prevent the wood of
the outside sheathing from splitting. It also holds the outside
sheathing securely to the underlying structural members.
[0050] None of the prior art connectors hold on the outside
sheathing, because they went on a house before the outside
sheathing was installed. None of the previous connectors use a
bushing and bearing surface to allow motion, and still hold the
sheathing and underlying structural members together.
[0051] There are several embodiments of this invention in order to
fit on as many different types of houses as possible. Several
embodiments of this invention protect most types of wood-frame
construction. Numerous houses, including brick and concrete-block,
have the gable end constructed of wood. Several embodiments of this
invention protect most types of masonry houses constructed with
wood gables.
[0052] A further object is that this invention can be used on
various size houses. A still further object is that the embodiments
of this invention are retro-fit onto new and old homes made of wood
or masonry. There may be insurance discounts for homeowners who
have this invention installed.
[0053] These and other objectives of the invention are achieved by
a system of simple and economical connectors and fasteners that
allow a homeowner or contractor to quickly and easily protect the
weakest parts of a building against earth tremors and high
winds.
[0054] Advantages of each will be discussed in the description.
Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent
from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] FIG. 1A is a front view of a seismic clip.
[0056] FIG. 1B is a side view of a seismic clip.
[0057] FIG. 1C is a flat-pattern layout of a left-hand seismic
clip.
[0058] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a left-hand seismic clip
for the corner of a house.
[0059] FIG. 1E is a flat-pattern layout of a left-hand seismic clip
for the corner of a house.
[0060] FIG. 1F is a perspective view of a right-hand seismic clip
for the corner of a house.
[0061] FIG. 1G is a flat-pattern layout of a right-hand seismic
clip for the corner of a house.
[0062] FIG. 1H is a rear perspective view of a right-hand seismic
clip, for the corner of a house.
[0063] FIG. 1I is a perspective view of the bottom webs on a
seismic clip.
[0064] FIG. 1J is a magnified cross-section view of the
embossments.
[0065] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a Christmas tree
bushing.
[0066] FIG. 2B is a bottom view of a Christmas tree bushing.
[0067] FIG. 2C is a side view of a Christmas tree bushing.
[0068] FIG. 2D is a side view of barbed leaders.
[0069] FIG. 2E is a top view of barbed leaders.
[0070] FIG. 2F is a front view of the oblong screw hole.
[0071] FIG. 2G is a cross-section of screws inserted through a
Christmas bushing into wall framing.
[0072] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a spiral bushing.
[0073] FIG. 3B is a side view of a spiral bushing.
[0074] FIG. 3C is a bottom view of a spiral bushing.
[0075] FIG. 3D is a side view of a hold down screw.
[0076] FIG. 3E is a side view of centering guide pin.
[0077] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a physical bushing.
[0078] FIG. 4B is a perspective rear view of a physical
bushing.
[0079] FIG. 4C is a cross-section through a physical bushing.
[0080] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a tapered wedge
bushing.
[0081] FIG. 5B is a cross section view of a tapered wedge
bushing.
[0082] FIG. 6A is a side view of a heavy-duty bushing.
[0083] FIG. 6B is a front view of a heavy-duty bushing.
[0084] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a heavy-duty clamp.
[0085] FIG. 6D is a front view of a heavy-duty clamp, seismic clip,
and heavy-duty bushing.
[0086] FIG. 7 is a front view of a tomahawk connector.
[0087] FIG. 8A is a is a perspective view of a tee retainer.
[0088] FIG. 8B is a front view of a tee retainer.
[0089] FIG. 9A is a front view of a mickey connector.
[0090] FIG. 9B is a side view of a mickey connector.
[0091] FIG. 10A is a front view of a banana clip.
[0092] FIG. 10B is the back view of a banana clip.
[0093] FIG. 10C is a magnified view of banana clip teeth.
[0094] FIG. 10CA is a perspective view of a tooth.
[0095] FIG. 10D is a front view of another embodiment of a banana
clip.
[0096] FIG. 10DA is a cross section view of a banana clip.
[0097] FIG. 10DB is a top view of teeth.
[0098] FIG. 10DC is a bottom view of teeth.
[0099] FIG. 10DD is a side view of teeth.
[0100] FIG. 10DE is a cross section through teeth.
[0101] FIG. 10E is a back view of another embodiment of a banana
clip.
[0102] FIG. 10EA is a side view of teeth
[0103] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a corner clip.
[0104] FIG. 11B is a flat-pattern layout of a corner clip.
[0105] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a gable connector and roof
plate.
[0106] FIG. 12B is flat-pattern layout of a gable connector.
[0107] FIG. 12C is a top view of a roof plate.
[0108] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a facia board
connector.
[0109] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a frieze board connector
and facia board connector installed on a rafter.
[0110] FIG. 14B is a perspective view of a frieze board
connector
[0111] FIG. 14C is a flat-pattern layout of a metal frieze
board.
[0112] FIG. 15A is a ridge plate installed between roof
trusses.
[0113] FIG. 15B is a flat-pattern layout for a ridge plate.
[0114] FIG. 16A is a truss support installed on the top chord.
[0115] FIG. 16B is a flat-pattern layout for a truss support.
[0116] FIG. 17A is a front view of a banana clip with rasp
holes.
[0117] FIG. 17B is a back view of a banana clip with rasp
holes.
[0118] FIG. 17C is a top view of rasp holes.
[0119] FIG. 17D is a front view of rasp holes.
[0120] FIG. 18A is an angle iron and pipe for solar hot water.
[0121] FIG. 18B is a side view of a glass cover tube.
[0122] FIG. 18C is a perspective view of a glass hold down.
[0123] FIG. 18D shows the glass cover focal point.
[0124] FIG. 18E is a perspective view of a solar tube.
[0125] FIG. 18EA is a cross section of an eye.
[0126] FIG. 18F is a perspective view of an angle iron hold
down.
[0127] FIG. 18G is a perspective view of a tapered washer.
[0128] FIG. 18GA is a cross section through a tapered washer.
[0129] FIG. 18H is a side view of a ball, washer, and nut.
[0130] FIG. 19A is a flat-pattern layout for a roof anchor.
[0131] FIG. 19B is a front view of a roof anchor.
[0132] FIG. 19C is a front view of a roof anchor without
serrations.
[0133] FIG. 19D is a perspective view of a one-piece roof
anchor.
[0134] FIG. 20A is a flat pattern layout for a gable span, roof
plate, and roof overlay.
[0135] FIG. 20B is a perspective view of a gable span and roof
plate attached to a house.
[0136] FIG. 20C is a perspective view of a gable span and roof
plate.
[0137] FIG. 21A is a ridge plate with a bend line.
[0138] FIG. 21B is a perspective view of a latch mechanism.
[0139] FIG. 21C is a flat-pattern layout of a latch mechanism.
[0140] FIG. 21D is a perspective view of a latch mechanism from
below.
[0141] FIG. 21E is a side view of latch mechanism prior to
attachment.
[0142] FIG. 21F is a side view of latch mechanism at obtuse
angle.
[0143] FIG. 21G is a side view of latch mechanism locked.
[0144] FIG. 22 is a flat pattern layout for a center gable
plate.
[0145] FIG. 22A is a front view of a center gable plate attached to
a house.
[0146] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of seismic clips and a metal
facia plate attached to a house.
[0147] FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a house showing preferred
locations for previous connectors.
[0148] FIG. 23B is a perspective view of a house showing more
preferred locations for previous connectors.
[0149]
1 Reference Numerals in Drawings 1 Seismic clip 40 Tabs 1A Corner
seismic clip 41 Nail holes 2 Bottom web 42 Metal frieze plate 3A
Sharp flange 42A Major slat 3B Smooth lip 42B Ventilation rib 4
Embossment hole 42C Top plate tab 5 Extended head 43 Bridge 6
Christmas tree bushing 44A Right wing 7 Bearing surface 44B Left
wing 8A Cap 45 Slots 8B Outer radius 46 Ridge plate 9 Screw 47
Rafter tabs 9A Centering guide pin 47A Cutouts 10 Screw hole 47B
Bend line 11 Barbed leaders 48 Truss support 12 Spiral bushing 48A
Truss tab 13 Gyre 49 Truss brace 13A Chisel face 49A Opening 14 Hex
drive 50 Rasp holes 15 Physical bushing 50A Crown 16 Tapered wedge
bushing 50B Chisel wedge 17 Heavy duty bushing 51 Pipe 18 Cylinder
52 Angle-iron member 18A Hole 52A Angle iron hold down 18B
Expansion slot 53 Glass cover tube 18C Excess hole 53A Glass hold
down 19A Top wedge 54 Solar tube 19B Bottom wedge 54A Bolt hole 19C
Upper truncated surface 54B Eye slot 19D Lower truncated surface
54C Cornea 20A Bolt 54D Contact 20B Back 54E Tapered washer 20C
Threaded hole 54F Ball 21 Heavy-duty clamp 54G Washer 22 Tee
connector 54H Nut 23 Banana clip 55 Roof anchor 24 Mickey connector
55A Beam member 25 Tomahawk retainer 55B Roof member 25A Upper web
56A Cut line 25B Bottom web 56B Ridge tab 26 Embossment holes 57
Curved plate 27A Outside edge 57A Serrations 27B Top edge 57B Bolt
hole 28A Crown web 57C Flat plate 28B Root web 57D Lip hole 28C
Exterior edge 58 Roof tab 28D Summit edge 59 Gable span 28E Trigger
web 59A Inner radius 28F Rafter web 59B Curve 29A Zenith edge 59C
Outer radius 29B Foot edge 60A Roof link 30 Teeth 60B Gable link
31A Pinnacle web 61 Latch mechanism 31B Tuber web 62 Center gable
plate 32A Right-angle bend 62A Eave plat 32B Dog leg 63 Nail holes
33 Corner clip 33A Slope 33B Muffle edge 34 Gable connector 34A
Prime web 34B Rump web 35 Bolt slots 36 Roof plate 36A Roof overlay
36B Rubber pad 37 Carriage bolt holes 37A Carriage bolt 37B Nut 38
Metal facia board 38A Main slat 38B Roof tab 39 Strengthening
ribs
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FIG. 1A
[0150] FIG. 1A shows a front view of a right-hand seismic clip 1
for wood-frame constructed homes. The upper part of the seismic
clip 1 is attached to a house rafter. The bottom part is attached
to the outside sheathing and underlying top plate by a right-angle
bend and a radius that clears the frieze boards.
FIG. 1B
[0151] FIG. 1B shows a side view of a seismic clip. The upper part
of this invention is discussed in previous patent application Ser.
No. 08/191,852 on Feb. 2, 1994 by Thompson. The improvement
discussed in this continuation-in-part is for the bottom web 2 of
the clip and related embodiments.
[0152] Earthquake research has shown that the outside sheathing is
one of the most important structures holding together a wood-framed
building. The sheathing prevents the building from racking as long
as the nails keep the sheathing tight to the walls.
[0153] Earth movements and hurricane-force winds can drive nails
out of the sheathing, and the building will collapse if the
sheathing falls off. The bottom part of the seismic clip 1 contains
improvements that resist damaging effects from earth movements.
FIG. 1A shows the approximate location of embossment holes 4 that
are improvements over previous inventions.
FIG. 1C
[0154] FIG. 1C shows a flat pattern layout of a seismic clip 1. It
is a left-hand one; a right-hand seismic clip 1 would be a mirror
image with the right angle bend in the opposite direction.
FIG. 1D
[0155] FIG. 1D shows a perspective view of a left-hand corner
seismic clip 1A. Double right angle bends allow this clip to clear
outside sheathing and can be installed on the corner of a
house.
FIG. 1E from this side and the outer radius 8B of a bushing 6, or
washer from a lag bolt would ride on this raised lip.
[0156] The embossing process puts a smooth lip 3B on the outside
and a slightly raised sharp flange 3A on the back part of the
bottom web 2. The sharp edge of the flange 3A cuts into the outside
sheathing when a fastener is installed, forming a tight
connection.
[0157] This embossing process means less material is cut away from
the embossment hole 4. It also produces more surface area at the
sharp flange 3A for cutting into the sheathing on the left-hand
side. The embossing process adds material around the smooth lip 3B
of the embossment hole 4 and cuts friction between the smooth lip
3B and outer radius 8B of the bushings 6.
[0158] Lag bolts with washers could be used in the embossment holes
4, as the washer would bear on the smooth lip 3B, but the following
embodiments of bushings would be improvements.
[0159] Installing the seismic clip 1 on a house will tie the
outside sheathing to the rafter, top plate, and wall stud. This
will help make a house more resistant to earth movements and strong
winds.
[0160] The seismic clip 1 can be made from many materials, such as
metal, plastic, ceramic, or combination of materials. The clip can
be cast, forged, molded, or injected, but stamped sheet metal is
preferable as the quickest and most economical method for the
process of making the clip and embossment holes 4 at the time of
manufacture. Standard methods of tool and die manufacture can be
used to stamp out and make the seismic clip 1 and form the
embossment holes 4.
FIG. 2A
[0161] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a Christmas tree bushing
6 for use on wood-frame houses. The bushing is inserted through
embossment holes 4 and forced into the outside sheathing and
underlying wall studs. The radius of the bushing is slightly
smaller than the embossment holes 4 in order to fit easily. When
inserted through an embossment hole 4, into the outside sheathing
and underlying structural members, the barbed leaders 11 grip into
the wood and will not dislodge during earthquakes or
hurricanes.
[0162] The cap 8A of the Christmas tree bushing 6 is shaped like
the primer end of a bullet cartridge, except the outer radius 8B of
the cap 8A extends beyond the edge and the primer is a screw hole
10. The cap 8A allows different tools, such as a hammer, to force
the bushing into the wall.
[0163] A screw 9 fits into the screw hole 10 after the Christmas
tree bushing is inserted and forced into the outside sheathing and
underlying structural members. Screwing and tightening the screw 9
further expands the wood against the barbed leaders 11 forming a
very tight connection against detaching forces.
FIG. 2B
[0164] FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of a Christmas tree bushing 6.
The barbed leaders 11 are show as they would be inserted through
the embossment holes 4 and driven into the outside sheathing. The
cap 8A includes the outer radius 8B. Underneath the outer radius 8B
of the cap 8A is a bearing surface 7 that rides against the smooth
lip 3A of the embossment holes 4 on the seismic clip 1. The screw
9, that is attached into the screw hole 10, has a relative thin
shank with relatively thick thread that helps hold the bushing so
it doesn't twist or pull out.
FIG. 2C
[0165] FIG. 2C shows a side view of a Christmas tree bushing 6. The
bottom part of the outer radius 8A contains the bearing surface 7
along the outside of the bushing. The barbed leaders 11 are shown
around an inside diameter inside of the bearing surface 7 and
attached to the bottom of the cap 8A. The screw hole 10 is
generally offset from the center of the cap 8A.
[0166] The Christmas tree bushing can be made from several
materials including metal, plastic, ceramic, or combination of
materials. The bushing can be molded, machined, cast, forged, or
injected, but is preferably stamped from sheet metal using standard
tool and die methods.
FIG. 2D
[0167] FIG. 2D shows a side view of the barbed leaders 11.
FIG. 2E
[0168] FIG. 2E shows a top view of the barbed leaders 11.
FIG. 2F
[0169] FIG. 2F shows the oblong shape of screw hole 10.
FIG. 2G
[0170] FIG. 2G shows in cross-section how screws 9 inserted through
the oblong screw hole 10 can have preferred angles up into the top
plate or down into the wall stud.
FIG. 3A
[0171] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a spiral bushing 12 for
use on wood-frame houses. The cap 8A has an outer radius 8B similar
in size and function to the Christmas tree bushing 6. In the
approximate middle of the top of the cap is an attached
hexagonal-shaped hex cap 14 similar in size and shape to the head
of a common bolt. In the center is a screw hole 10.
[0172] The hex cap 14 can be turned by a wrench, but the preferred
method of rotation is by a impact socket wrench. The wrench can
also be a standard SAE or metric ratchet or air gun wrench. When
the spiral bushing is inserted into embossment hole 4, turning the
hex cap clockwise, and pushing in, will drive the gyre 13 into the
wood of the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of
the house.
[0173] The gyre 13 is shaped like a spiral with sharp ends, so that
turning the hex cap 14 clockwise will drive the gyre 13 into the
wood like a screw. The gyre 13 is superior to a screw because the
sharp chisel face 13A of the spiral-shaped gyre cuts into the wood
like chisels and wraps around the wood fibers, instead of cutting
and pushing apart wood fibers as a screw would do.
[0174] The center of the hex cap 14 contains a screw hole 10. A
screw 9 fits into the screw hole 10 after the spiral bushing is
inserted into the outside sheathing. Tightening the screw 9 expands
the wood against the gyre 13 forming a tight connection.
FIG. 3B
[0175] FIG. 3B shows a side view of a spiral bushing 12. The hex
cap 14 and screw 9 is shown at the top of the cap 8A, and the
bearing surface 7 is shown on the underside of the outer radius 8B.
The gyre 13 are shown with their spiral shape and sharp chisel face
13A edges at the bottom.
FIG. 3C
[0176] FIG. 3C shows a bottom view of a spiral bushing 12. The
spiral edges of the gyre 13 are seen from the bottom of the sharp
chisel faces 13A. This shows how the sharp chisel faces 13A cleave
and wrap around the wood fibers, when spun in a clockwise
direction. The underside of the cap 8A, and the bearing surface 7
is shown on the underside of the outer radius 8B. The screw 9
extends through the screw hole 10 helping the bushing fasten
against the outer sheathing and underlying structural members, by
helping spread the wood fibers tightly against the gyre 13.
FIG. 3D
[0177] FIG. 3D shows a side view of a hold-down screw 9 with large
head.
FIG. 3E
[0178] FIG. 3E shows a centering guide pin 9A, with allen head,
which guides the spiral bushing through embossment holes 4. The
allen head allows the centering guide pin 9A to be withdrawn after
the spiral bushing is started, then a hold-down screw 9 can be
installed in its place.
[0179] The spiral bushing can be made from several materials
including metal, plastic, ceramic, or combination of materials. The
bushing can be molded, machined, cast, forged, or injected, but is
preferably stamped and formed from sheet metal using standard tool
and die methods.
FIG. 4A
[0180] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a physical bushing 15
for use on masonry buildings. The cap SA is similar to the
Christmas tree and spiral bushings except the top is bare. The
outer radius 8B contains a bearing surface 7 on its underside for
riding against the smooth lip 3B of an embossment hole 26 on a
tomahawk clip 25, or other connector with embossments.
[0181] The top part of a tomahawk clip 25 is held in place against
a rafter and the position of the embossment holes 26 are marked on
the concrete-block or bricks. A carbide-tipped drill bit, used for
drilling core holes in rock, and with a diameter of its sleeve
similar to the diameter of the cylinder 18, is used to drill at the
marked spots, into the masonry a distance approximately equal to
the length of the cylinder 18.
[0182] Instead of a hole, the core drill forms a round sleeve with
a similar diameter as the cylinder 18 of the bushing. When the
sleeve is drilled, the core remains in the hole, still attached at
the backside to the masonry.
[0183] The core of the brick or concrete-block provides additional
support and strength, and extra surface area for the cylinder 18,
when epoxy is injected into the drilled sleeve.
FIG. 4B
[0184] FIG. 4B shows a perspective drawing from the bottom end of a
physical bushing. The cylinder 18 has a diameter slightly smaller
than the embossment hole 26, so it can fit without any
interference. The cylinder has a hole 18A at the bottom with an
expansion slot 18B on its side.
[0185] The expansion slot 18B is triangular shaped and ends part
way down the cylinder 18. The expansion slot 18B allows the end of
the cylinder to be slightly flared to the outside. Inserting the
cylinder 18 into the drilled hole slightly compresses this flared
end, holding the cylinder 18 into the drilled hole.
[0186] Standard epoxy is inserted into the drilled sleeve before
the physical bushing 15 is inserted. The expansion slot 18B helps
hold the cylinder 18 in position while the epoxy sets and dries.
Epoxy is squeezed into the hole 18A, helping form better adhesion.
Excess epoxy is squeezed out the excess hole 18C. Once the epoxy
dries, the physical bushing 15 holds the tomahawk clip 25 securely
to the wall. The top part of the tomahawk clip is secured to a
gable end by wood bushings or lag bolts and washers.
FIG. 4C
[0187] FIG. 4C shows a longitudinal cross-section through a
physical bushing.
[0188] The physical bushing can be made from several materials
including metal, plastic, ceramic, recycled metal, or combination
of materials. The bushing can be molded, machined, cast, forged, or
injected, but is preferably stamped from sheet metal using standard
tool and die methods.
FIG. 5A
[0189] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a tapered wedge bushing
16 for use on masonry buildings. The cap 8A is similar to the
Christmas tree, spiral, and physical bushings except that a bolt
20A is located in a hole in the approximate center of the cap 8A.
The bolt can turn freely and is screwed into a threaded hole 20C in
the back 20B of the lower truncated cylinder. This bushing can be
used for masonry buildings, where a core drill is not available,
and a common carbide drill bit is available with a diameter similar
to the diameter of the two truncated cylinders.
[0190] The tapered wedge bushing 16 is inserted through embossment
holes 26 of a tomahawk clip 25 and into a drilled hole in the
masonry, using a common carbide drill bit with a diameter similar
to the diameter of the cylindrical end of the bushing.
[0191] The cylindrical end that is inserted into the drilled hole
consists of two truncated cylinders. The top truncated cylinder has
the cap 8A and bolt 20A attached and is referred to as the top
wedge 19A. The lower truncated cylinder has the back 20B and is
referred to as the lower wedge 19B.
FIG. 5B
[0192] FIG. 5B shows a side view of a tapered wedge bushing 16. On
the left is the cap 8A containing the free-spinning bolt 20A. The
outer radius 8B contains the bearing surface 7 that rides against
the smooth lip 3B of embossment holes 26.
[0193] Right or below the bearing surface 7 are the truncated
cylinders. The upper truncated surface 19C of the upper wedge 19A
fits against the lower truncated surface 19D of the lower wedge
19B. This side view shows that the threaded hole 20C, for the
free-spinning bolt 20A, is offset from the center of the back
20B.
[0194] When the bolt 20A is turned clockwise, it screws deeper into
the threaded hole 20C in the back 20B, pulling the bottom wedge 19B
close to the top wedge 19A. Once the upper truncated surface 19C
contacts the lower truncated surface 19D, they slide against each
other.
[0195] In this view, the bottom wedge 19B would be forced up and
the top wedge 19A would be forced down. Further tightening of the
bolt 20A forces the bottom wedge 19B and the top wedge 19A against
the walls of the drilled hole. This secures the tapered wedge
bushing 16 and tomahawk securely to the masonry of the house.
Standard epoxy can be used in the hole to provide extra holding
power, as the bushing would be tight against the hole as the epoxy
hardens.
[0196] The tapered wedge bushing 16 can be made from several
materials including metal, plastic, ceramic, recycled metal, or
combination of materials. The bushing can be molded, machined,
cast, forged, or injected, but the top wedge 19A is preferably
stamped from sheet metal using standard tool and die methods, and
the lower wedge 19B is preferably cast metal. FIG. 6A Post-and-beam
houses are common in the tropics because they are very open and
airy. Roof loads are transferred to heavy beams and posts made of
thick timbers. In order to secure the corner of the house, one of
the weakest parts of a house during a hurricane, and a focal point
of stress during seismic activity, a heavy-duty clamp 21 and
heavy-duty bushing 17 should be used to hold down a seismic
clip.
[0197] FIG. 6A shows a side view of a heavy-duty bushing 17, which
is basically a Christmas tree bushing with an extended head 5 and
longer screw 9. The barbed leaders 11 are similar to those on a
Christmas tree bushing 6, but the cap 8A is missing, and replaced
with an extended head 5. The outer radius 8B and bearing surface 7
are in the same general location as on a Christmas tree bushing 6.
The screw 9 is longer than one on a Christmas tree bushing 6
because the heavy-duty bushing 17 is longer.
FIG. 6B
[0198] FIG. 6B shows a front view of a heavy-duty bushing 17 with
screw hole 10, outer radius 8B, and extended head 5.
[0199] The bushing is inserted into embossment holes just as the
other bushings are utilized. The outer radius 8B and underlying
bearing surface 7 contact the embossment hole 4 of the seismic clip
1, but the extended head 5 of the heavy-duty bushing 17 is utilized
in combination with a seismic clip 1 and heavy-duty clamp 21. The
heavy-duty bushing 17 fastens a seismic clip 1 to a rafter, outside
sheathing, and underlying structural members by being forced into
the sheathing and screwed tight. A heavy-duty clamp 21 is then put
over the seismic clip 1 and extended head 5 of the heavy-duty
bushing 17.
FIG. 6C
[0200] FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of a heavy-duty clamp 21
for timber-framed houses. One of the most important problem solving
solutions of the heavy-duty clamp 21 is in securely tieing the
outside sheathing to the numerous underlying structural members of
the house.
[0201] The heavy-duty clamp 21 has a bridge 43 in the center with a
left wing 44B and right wing 44A attached at short, right-angle
bends 32A. Both wings 44A and 44B contain nail holes 41. The bridge
43 contains a hole 18A.
FIG. 6D
[0202] FIG. 6D shows the heavy-duty clamp 21 installed over a
seismic clip 1, which is held down by a heavy-duty bushing 17. The
center bridge 43 has a height and width that is formed by the
short, right-angle bends 32A. The height and width of the bridge 43
allows the heavy-duty clamp 21 to straddle a seismic clip 1.
[0203] The hole 18A on the bridge 43 is slightly larger than the
extended head 5 of the heavy-duty bushing 17. This allows the
heavy-duty clamp 21 to be placed over a seismic clip 1 that has
been fastened to outside sheathing, and also over the extended head
5 of a heavy-duty bushing 17. Then screws or nails are driven
through the nail holes 41 of the left and right wings 44A and 44B
into the outside sheathing and into the underlying top plate or
header beam.
[0204] When a heavy-duty clamp 21 is attached over the seismic clip
1, over a heavy-duty bushing 17, and into the sheathing, it helps
make the house much more resistant to earthquakes and high winds.
This combination also helps prevent double shear.
[0205] The heavy-duty clamp 21 and heavy-duty bushing 17 can be
made from different materials including metal, plastic, ceramic, or
combination of materials. The preferred method is stamped sheet
metal using standard tool and die methods.
FIG. 7
[0206] FIG. 7 shows a front view of a tomahawk connector 25. The
preferred use would be installed on a wood-frame house with wood
gable and roof. The most important problem-solving solutions of the
tomahawk connector is in securely tieing the outside sheathing to
the underlying structural members of the house, and keeping the
gable end of a roof from being blown from a building. The tomahawk
connector 25 consists of a mostly flat plate with a top web 25A and
bottom web 25B with embossment holes 26.
[0207] On most wood-frame houses, the gable end is constructed of
wood. During hurricanes, the gable end can be blown out of the
building due to the high pressures inside a house compared to the
low pressure of wind blowing over and around the building. During
earthquakes, the gable end can be shaken out if not securely tied
into the roof and other walls.
[0208] The tomahawk connector 25 shown in FIG. 7 is left-handed,
and would be installed as shown on the left-side of a gable wall.
The preferred type of wood house would be where the rafters were
made on site. The tomahawk connector 25 is installed at the
junction of the hip wall, gable sheathing, and roof line. The
outside edge 27A of the tomahawk clip 25 is aligned with the outer
edge of the building and the upper or top edge 27B is aligned with
the roof. Once it is lined up, Christmas tree or spiral bushings
are used to fasten the connector to the house.
[0209] The embossment holes 26 of the upper web 25A are located
over the outside sheathing and the underlying rafter, joist, or top
plate, depending on if the building was constructed with rafters or
roof trusses. A lag bolt and washer could be used, but a Christmas
tree bushing or spiral bushing would be preferred to install the
upper web 25A to the gable end.
[0210] On many concrete-block and brick houses, the gable end is
constructed of wood. During hurricanes, the gable end can be blown
out of the building due to the high pressures inside a house
compared to the low pressure of wind blowing over and around the
building. During earthquakes, different flexibility properties of
wood and masonry make this area unstable.
[0211] On masonry houses with a wood gable end, the tomahawk
connector 25 can be used to fasten the gable end to the roof and
masonry walls. The tomahawk connector 25 is positioned so the top
edge is against the roof and the outer edge is against the outer
wall, as for a wood house. The embossment holes 26 are marked and
drilled in the bricks for physical or tapered wedge bushings.
[0212] This alignment puts the embossment holes over the most
important joints in the corner of a building. The bricks or
concrete-blocks from two side walls are usually fastened together
by the mason during construction. The embossment holes 26 of the
bottom web 25B are located over these bricks and a physical bushing
15 or tapered wedge bushing 16 can be used to lock the bottom web
25B to the brick wall. Christmas tree 6 or spiral 12 bushings would
be used to install the upper web 25A onto the outer sheathing of
the gable end, and underlying structural members.
[0213] The right-hand tomahawk clip 25 would be a mirror image, and
would sit on the right side of the gable end. The tomahawk clip 25
can be made from many materials, but the preferred method is
stamped sheet metal using standard tool and die methods.
FIG. 8A
[0214] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a tee connector 22 on the
gable end of a wood-frame house. If the rafters were crafted
on-site, the tee connector 22 secures the outside sheathing to the
rafter, top plate, and wall stud. If the roof were built using
trusses, the tee connector 22 secures the outside sheathing to the
rafter or top chord, bottom chord, and wall stud.
[0215] Many houses have been constructed with pre-manufactured roof
trusses. These roof members are very strong in compression due to
the cross bracing and close tolerances in building methods at the
factory. Many of these roofs support heavy clay tiles. However, the
assembly and bracing at the home site are not well controlled,
especially the attachment and bracing methods.
[0216] Many of the trusses are toe-nailed to the top plate and
bracing was minimal or nonexistent. Any bracing was primarily to
keep the trusses from tipping over. The stability of the trusses
comes from the roof sheathing. Only a few nails keep the gable end
roof truss from being blown out during a tornado and hurricane, or
from being shaken out during an earthquake.
[0217] Factory-made trusses are a quick and economical way of
making roofs for houses. They are strong in compressive loads, but
they are weak in during wind forces opposing the gable end. The
gable ends of truss roofs are primarily weak against pressure
differentials of high pressure in the house compared to low outside
pressure during hurricanes. Earthquakes can cause the gable end
sheathing to fall out.
[0218] FIG. 8A is a front view of a tee connector 22. One of the
most important problem solving solutions of this embodiment is in
securely tieing the outside sheathing to the numerous structural
members of the house.
[0219] The tee connector 22 consists of a mostly flat metal plate
with a crown web 28A, root web 28B, and trigger web 28E. All webs
contain embossment holes 26 and or nail holes 41. On a house with
rafters constructed on site, the tee connector 22 is installed on
the outside sheathing, at the junction of the underlying rafter,
corner stud, and top plates from two walls.
[0220] The exterior edge 28C of the tee connector 22 is aligned
approximately with the outer edge of the building, and the upper or
summit edge 28D is aligned with the underside of the roof. Once it
is lined up, spiral or Christmas tree bushings can attach the tee
connector to the gable end, or the locations of the embossment
holes 26 can be marked and drilled for lag bolts.
[0221] This alignment puts the embossment holes over the most
important joints in the corner of a building. The rafter, corner
stud, and top plates from two walls meet at this junction, and the
outside sheathing covers each of these structural members.
[0222] The embossment holes 26 or nailholes 41 along the crown web
28A line up with the rafter, the embossment holes 26 or nailholes
41 along the root web 28B line up with the top plate and wall stud,
and the embossment holes 26 or nailholes 41 of the trigger web 28E
line up with the top plate. Right angle bends 32A allow the rafter
web 28F to wrap around the corner. Securing the sheathing firmly to
each member will make a house more resistant to hurricanes,
tornadoes, and earthquakes.
FIG. 8B
[0223] FIG. 8B is a front view of a tee connector. On houses
constructed with roof trusses, the tee connector 22 is installed on
the outside sheathing of a house, at the junction of the underlying
rafter or top chord, corner stud, bottom chord, and top plates from
two walls. The exterior edge 28C of the tee connector 22 is aligned
approximately with the outer edge of the building, and the upper or
summit edge 28B is aligned approximately with the roof. Spiral or
Christmas tree bushings 6 or 12, nails, screws or lag bolts can
attach the tee connector 22 to the gable end.
[0224] This alignment puts the embossment holes over the most
important joints in the corner of a roof-truss building. The
embossment holes 26 along the crown web 28A line up with the rafter
or top chord, the embossment holes 26 or nail holes 41 along the
root web 28B line up with the top plate and wall stud, and the
embossment holes 26 and nail holes 41 of the trigger web 28E line
up with the bottom chord and top plate.
[0225] The rafter or top chord, corner stud, ceiling joist and top
plates from two walls meet at the gable junction. The outside
sheathing covers each of these structural members, and securing the
sheathing firmly to each member will make a house more resistant to
hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.
[0226] The most important problem solving solutions of this
invention is in securely tieing the outside sheathing to the
numerous underlying structural members of the house, and preventing
the gable end from blowing out.
[0227] The tee connector 22 can be made from many materials, but
the preferred method is stamped sheet metal using standard tool and
die methods.
FIG. 9A
[0228] FIG. 9A is a front view of a mickey connector 24. This
connector is designed for post-and-beam wood houses where the main
wall beam extends out beyond the gable end.
[0229] The mickey connector 24 consists of a mostly flat metal
plate with two webs, that is preferably made of stamped sheet
metal. The pinnacle web 31A and tuber web 31B contain embossment
holes 26, and the tuber web 31B contains a right-angle bend 32A and
dog leg 32B.
[0230] The mickey connector 24 is installed on the outside
sheathing of the gable end of a house, at the junction of the
underlying rafter and ceiling joist, and the exposed wall beam. The
mickey connector 24 is aligned so that the pinnacle web 31A is
flush against the roof line, and the dog leg 32B is against the
wall beam sticking out of the house.
[0231] When the mickey connector 24 is aligned like so, and
fastened with bushings or lag bolts, the pinnacle web 31A and tuber
web 31B fastens the outside sheathing to the underlying rafter and
ceiling joist respectively. The dog leg 32B is fastened to the
exposed wall beam. This connection ties the hip wall securely to
the gable end and helps prevent the gable end from being blown in
or out by strong winds.
[0232] The dog leg 32B connected to the exposed wall beam has its
fasteners connected perpendicular to the wall beam. In a strong
wind storm, the fasteners would have to be sheared in order for the
gable end to be blown out of a house.
FIG. 9B
[0233] FIG. 9B is a side view of a mickey connector showing the
right angle bend 32A and dog leg 32B. The dog leg 32B is attached
to the exposed wall beam through nail holes 63, while the pinnacle
web 31A and tuber web 31B attach to the gable end through nail
holes 63 and or embossment holes 26. This connector ties the gable
end and the underlying structural members to the hip wall of a
house. This keeps the gable end of a house from being blown out or
disconnected, and helps transfer and absorb forces from a hurricane
or seismic activity.
FIG. 10A
[0234] FIG. 10A shows a front view of a banana clip 23. This
connector is attached to the outside sheathing and underlying
structural members of the bottom part of a wall. One of the most
important problem-solving solutions of this embodiment is in
securely tieing the outside sheathing to the structural members of
the wall and floor, including the wall stud and sill plate.
[0235] The banana clip 23 is banana-shaped so that water will run
off the zenith edge 29A and roll off the foot edge 29B. By being
long and wide, the surface area prevents the outer sheathing from
splitting, and prevents the wall from racking.
[0236] On a stud-wall constructed house, the banana clip 23 is
installed on the outside sheathing of a house at the junction where
the underlying wall stud S and sole plate SP are joined together. A
stud finder can be used to find and mark the wall stud locations
and sole plate on the outside sheathing. The banana clip is
installed so that the mid point of the long dimension is over the
middle of the wall stud and the end points of the long dimension
are over the middle of the sole plate.
[0237] This alignment puts the embossment holes 26 over the most
important link in stud-wall construction. The wall stud and sole
plate meet at this junction, and are usually toe-nailed, which is a
weak connection. Christmas tree 6, spiral bushings 12, nails, or
lag bolts can attach the banana clip 23 to the outer sheathing and
underlying wall stud S and sole plate SP.
[0238] On some stud-wall, and many post-and-beam constructed
houses, the studs may rest on a sill plate, or the posts may not be
attached to a sole plate. In this case, the banana clip 26 is
installed on the outer sheathing, where the post rests on the sill.
This would tie the outside sheathing to the post and sill plate. It
would prevent the bottom edge of the sheathing from splitting,
pulling away from the wall, and prevent the wall from racking.
FIG. 10B
[0239] FIG. 10B shows the back view of a banana clip 23. Attached
to the back of the banana clip 23 are teeth 30, and the zenith edge
29A that grip the outside sheathing. During a hurricane the wall
wants to lift and blow out; during an earthquake the wall wants to
rack or move parallel to its length.
[0240] When the back of a banana clip 23 is attached to the outside
sheathing and underlying structural members, the teeth 30 prevent
upward and side to side movement of the outside sheathing because
of the shape of the teeth 30 and the curve of the banana clip
23.
FIG. 10C
[0241] FIG. 10C shows a magnified view of two teeth 30 on the back
of a banana clip 23. The teeth 30 are punched from the viewers side
so the teeth 30 would angle out the back of the paper and dig into
the sheathing. The teeth 30 are angled down and slightly sideways
to form rasp holes 50. When these teeth bite into the outside
sheathing, they prevent uplifting or racking motions to a wall.
FIG. 10CA
[0242] FIG. 10CA shows a perspective view of a tooth 30. The rasp
hole 50 is drawn lightly to show the sharp edge of a tooth 30.
These teeth look like a cheese grater, but they can have other
shapes.
FIGS. 10D-10DE
[0243] FIGS. 10D-10DE shows a side, bottom, and top view of how
different teeth 30 can be punched into a banana clip 23 or other
clips that attach onto the outside sheathing, using various common
methods of sheet metal forming.
FIG. 10D
[0244] FIG. 10D shows a front view of another embodiment of a
banana clip 23 with unique teeth 30 formed by different sheet metal
forming.
FIG. 10DA
[0245] FIG. 10DA shows a side view of another embodiment of a
banana clip 23 with teeth 30 formed in a different manor of sheet
metal forming. The front of the banana clip 23 is to the right, and
the zenith edge 29A is on the top. These teeth 30 are on the left
and right edge of the banana clip 23.
FIG. 10DB
[0246] FIG. 10DB shows a top view of teeth 30 from FIG. 10DA formed
in a different manor of sheet metal forming.
FIG. 10DC
[0247] FIG. 10DC shows a bottom view of teeth 30 from FIG. 10DA
formed in a different manor of sheet metal forming.
FIG. 10DD
[0248] FIG. 10DD shows a side view of teeth 30 from FIG. 10DA
formed in a different manor of sheet metal forming.
FIG. 10DE
[0249] FIG. 10DE shows a side view of another embodiment of teeth
30 formed in a different manor of sheet metal forming, without
forming rasp holes 50. These teeth 30 are the six teeth in the
middle of the banana clip 23 in FIG. 10D. The zenith edge 29A is at
the top and the front side is to the right.
FIG. 10E
[0250] FIG. 10E shows a back view of banana clip 23 with the zenith
edge 29A at the top, and teeth 30 along the back.
FIG. 10EA
[0251] FIG. 10EA shows a side view of the teeth 30, at the left and
right ends of the banana clip 23, bent out.
[0252] By securing the banana clip 23 to the outside sheathing and
underlying wall stud and sole plate, through the embossment holes,
the connection is made secure. Depending on how the house was
constructed, the outside sheathing covers the wall studs, sole
plate, header, and sill plate. Securing the sheathing firmly to
each member will make a house more resistant to hurricanes,
tornadoes, and earthquakes.
[0253] The banana clip can be made of many different materials, but
the preferred method is stamped sheet metal.
FIG. 11A
[0254] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a corner clip 33. This
connector is attached to the outside sheathing and underlying
structural members at the corner of a wall using embossment holes
26 and nail holes 41. One of the most important problem solving
solutions of this embodiment is in securely tieing the outside
sheathing to the corner post and structural members of the wall,
and tieing the two walls together.
[0255] On some types of houses, the end column or corner post may
be missing from the wall. Some houses may have a window in the
corner. During seismic or high wind loads, the corner post may not
have enough lateral-load transfer capacity to absorb or transfer
the pressure force to other walls.
[0256] The corner clip 33 can be located on the top (near the
roof), in the middle, and bottom (near the floor), of a corner in
order to tie the outside sheathing of both walls together. This
will stiffen the walls and help them transfer and absorb lateral
forces.
[0257] FIG. 11A shows the corner clip 33 at the bottom of a corner,
securing the outside sheathing to the corner post and sill plate
from both intersecting walls. If the corner clip 33 were attached
to the upper part of a corner, it would tie the walls together and
the sheathing to the underlying top plate and corner post.
[0258] The corner clip 33 has a right angle bend 32A along the
tallest edge. This enables the corner clip 33 to wrap around a
corner and be fastened to the outside sheathing from both
walls.
[0259] Along the slope 33A, the corner clip 33 is shaped like a
playground slide in order to shed water easily. This shape is also
architecturally pleasing and adds strength to the clip. By being
L-shaped, the corner clip 33 has embossment holes 26 along the
muffle edge 33B and nail holes 41 for attachment along the outside
sheathing and to the underlying structural members. The corner clip
33 also prevents the outer sheathing from splitting and has more
surface area to prevent the wall from racking.
FIG. 11B
[0260] FIG. 11B shows a flat-pattern lay out for a corner clip 33.
The corner clip would preferably be formed from stamped sheet
metal, but can be formed from other materials and other
methods.
FIG. 12A
[0261] FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of a gable connector 34,
and roof plate 36, as it would be installed on the outside of a
wood frame house. The gable connector 34 looks like an angle-iron
member with a prime web 34A and rump web 34B, joined by a
right-angle bend 32A.
[0262] The rump web 34B contains embossment holes 26 near the ends.
Christmas tree bushings 6, spiral bushings 12, or lag bolts would
be used to attach the rump web 34B to the outside sheathing of a
gable end and the underlying rafter. The gable connector 34 is
installed under the eaves, with the rump web 34B against the gable
wall and the prime web 34A against the bottom of the overhanging
roof.
[0263] The prime web 34A has bolt slots 35 at either end that can
accommodate a carriage bolt 37A. The gable connector 34 is held
against the gable wall and the bottom of the roof. Holes are marked
on the bottom of the roof, in line with the bolt slots 35, and then
drilled with a common drill bit. The rump web 34B is attached to
the gable wall with Christmas tree bushings 6 and screws 9 or lag
bolts.
FIG. 12B
[0264] FIG. 12B shows a flat pattern layout for a gable connector
34. It can be formed from different materials and using different
methods, but the preferred method is stamped sheet metal using
standard tool and die methods.
FIG. 12C
[0265] FIG. 12C shows a top view and a flat pattern layout of a
roof plate 36. The roof plate 36 is mostly rectangular with square
carriage bolt holes 37 the same distance apart as the bolt slots 35
on the prime web 34A. From the top of the roof, as shown in FIG.
12A, carriage bolts 37A are inserted through square carriage bolt
holes 37 in the roof plate 36, which is placed over the pre-drilled
holes. The carriage bolts 37A go through the roof plate 36, and
rubber gasket 61, through the roof cladding, through the roof
sheathing, into the bolt slots 35 of the prime web 34A on the gable
connector 34 and screwed tight with nuts 37B from below.
[0266] A standard rubber washer can be used around the carriage
bolt 37A on top of the roof, in order to prevent rain from entering
the hole. As shown on FIG. 12A, a rubber or neoprene pad 61 can be
used under the roof plate 36 in order to make the connection water
tight and absorb forces from seismic or strong winds.
[0267] The carriage bolt 37A and square carriage bolt hole 37
allows one person to install and lock the screw from the bottom of
the roof, without anyone holding the carriage bolt 37A from the top
of the roof. The bolt slot 35 has slight side play so that the hole
drilled through the roof can be slightly off.
[0268] When the carriage bolt 37A is tightened using the nut 37B on
the prime web 34A, the roof plate 36 is secured against the roof
cladding. The underlying roof sheathing is now secured against the
top of the gable end rafter. The roof plate can be covered with
shingles or tar, but since it is outside the house proper, it can
not leak to the inside of the house.
[0269] Underneath the roof, the outside sheathing of the gable end
is secured to the underlying structural member, including the gable
end rafter, by the rump web 34B.
[0270] Installing a gable connector 34 and roof plate 36 on the
gable end of a house ties together the roof sheathing, gable end
outside sheathing, and gable end rafter. These connectors prevent
the roof from being lifted up at the weak gable end, even if there
is a long lookout. The connectors also help prevent the gable end
wall from being separated from the roof, a very weak attachment on
existing houses, according to pictures of damage from Hurricane
Andrew. These connectors also help keep the roof sheathing attached
to the roof at the gable end, which was another weak point during
Hurricane Andrew.
[0271] The gable connector 34 and roof plate 36 can be made from
many materials, but the preferred method is stamped sheet metal
using standard tool and die methods.
FIG. 13
[0272] The tail part of a rafter, that hangs over the top plate,
and extends beyond the wall is called the overhang. Sometimes,
carpenters will attach a thin board on the ends of the rafter as an
architectural member to finish off the sawn ends of the rafter or
the tail cut. This cut may not be exactly even on each rafter and
may or may not be covered by a thin facia board which provides
little or no structural integrity.
[0273] For new construction, roof trusses are made in jigs at the
factory so the tail cuts should be equal and even. Many may have
facia boards attached to the tail cut, but the thin boards provide
little or no structural integrity to the roof.
[0274] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a metal facia plate 38
tying together two rafters. The length is approximately equal to
the distance between standard construction methods of rafter
placement (usually 16 or 24 inches-on-center). The height of the
metal facia plate 38 is approximately equal to standard lumber
measurements. The length and height could be modified to be any
combination of standard lumber dimensions or larger timber-frame
construction, glue-lam, or plywood I-beam dimensions.
[0275] The metal facia plate 38 is installed to the rafters by tabs
40 that contain nail holes 41. The tabs 40 are bent approximately
at right angles bends 32A to the main slat 38A. The main slat 38A
contains strengthening ribs 39 that help resist bending and
twisting. The roof tab 38B has screw holes 10, that can be used to
attach the metal facia plate 38 to the roof sheathing.
[0276] A metal facia plate 38 can be installed on a house as it is
being constructed, and can be installed as a retrofit on existing
houses. The metal facia plate 38 ties the ends of the rafters
securely together as one unit. It also helps prevent the rafter or
roof truss from twisting or racking during installation, and
prevents the rafter overhang from moving during wind storms. If a
rafter overhang twists or lifts, it can cause separation of the
roof from the wall and separation of the roof sheathing from the
roof.
FIG. 14A
[0277] Frieze boards are installed on a house to prevent the
introduction of insects and vermin into a house between the
rafters, wall, and roof. Usually thin strips of boards are cut to
size and toe-nailed between each rafter. The board is thin, and
provides little structural integrity to the roof or wall, because
toenailing is a weak means of attachment.
[0278] FIG. 14A shows a metal frieze plate 42 installed on a wood
house between two rafters at the junction of the wall. The length
is approximately equal to the distance between standard
construction methods of rafter placement (usually 16 or 24
inches-on-center). The height of the metal frieze plate 42 is
approximately equal to standard lumber measurements. The length and
height could be modified to be any combination of standard lumber
dimensions or larger timber-frame construction, glue-lam, or
plywood I-beam dimensions.
[0279] This makes measuring for rafter placement unnecessary after
the first rafter is installed on a house because the metal frieze
plate 42 is standard construction dimensions and would make rafter
placement very accurate on new construction. The metal frieze plate
42 has standard construction dimensions so that wooden frieze
boards don't have to be cut, sometimes inaccurately.
[0280] The metal frieze plate 42 has ventilation ribs 42B on the
major slat 42A. The ventilation ribs 42B add strength and provide
ventilation to the attic or crawl space above the ceiling, by
allowing air exchanges. In case of a hurricane, the ventilation
ribs 42B allow the high pressure inside a house to equalize with
low pressure air blowing along the side wall of a house, as occurs
in the Bernoulli Effects.
[0281] FIG. 14A shows the attachment of a metal frieze plate 42 to
the rafters by means of tabs 40, bent at right angle bends 32A. The
tabs 40 have nail holes 41 and embossment holes 26 to make the
rafter attachment very secure. The bottom part (below dashed line)
of the major slat 42A (above dashed line) contains an extension
called a top plate tab 42C. The top plate tab 42C has nail holes 41
for attachment to the outside sheathing and underlying top
plate.
[0282] The rafters in this drawing are 2.times.6's, 16 inches-on
center. The dimensions of the metal frieze plate 42 would let the
carpenter constructing the house install the adjacent rafter board
without measuring. Attachment of each metal frieze plate 42 would
insure that each rafter is exactly equal distance from the previous
one.
[0283] A metal frieze plate 42 can be installed as a connector
during construction of a house, or can be installed as a retrofit
on existing houses. When a house is being constructed, a metal
frieze plate 42 can be used to accurately space the distance
between rafters or roof trusses. The metal frieze plate 42 can also
be used anywhere along the vertical length of a rafter or truss,
not just at the outside wall. It can also tie together the rafter,
top plate, outside sheathing, and roof sheathing.
[0284] As a retrofit, houses built with soffit boards usually have
no structural connection between the rafter and outside sheathing.
The connection between the rafter, top plate, and roof sheathing is
weak due to toe-nailing or staples.
[0285] The soffit is a non-structural covering between the wall and
overhang of the rafter. By removing the soffit, a metal frieze
plate 42 can be used to securely tie the rafter, top plate, outside
sheathing, and roof sheathing together.
[0286] The metal frieze plate 42 performs more functions than prior
art hurricane clips for new construction. It is stronger, it ties
together more structural members, it speeds assembly of a house,
and it can be installed on new construction or as a retrofit.
FIG. 14B
[0287] FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of a metal frieze plate 42
with the tabs 40 bent forward at a right angle forming a right wing
44A and left wing 44B. The tabs 40 can also be bent backwards at a
right angle so that they will not be visible on new construction.
The metal frieze plate 42 can also be used to space rafters near
the roof beam, or to space roof trusses near the roof peak. When
metal frieze boards are installed near the roof peak, they provide
great stability to the rafters or roof trusses, and protect against
racking or tipping of the trusses.
[0288] If there is an attic that is going to be used for living
space, a metal frieze plate 42 can provide stability to the rafters
and provide ventilation from the soffit area up to the roof peak
and along a ridge vent, using cardboard or other nonflammable tubes
or boards.
FIG. 14C
[0289] FIG. 14C shows a flat pattern layout for a frieze plate 42
prior to bending. Stamped sheet metal is the preferred method for
making this embodiment. The same tool and die can be used to make a
metal facia plate 38; the top plate tab 42C can be bent at a right
angle to make a box-section with the right wing 44A, left wing 44B,
and roof tab 38B. This can provide strength against twisting and
can provide support for a wood facia board to cover the metal facia
plates 38.
FIG. 15A
[0290] FIG. 15A shows a ridge plate 46 installed between roof
trusses. The ridge plate 46 contains rafter tabs 47 that are bent
down at approximately right angle bends 32A. A bend line 47B and
cutouts 47A allow the ridge plate 46 to be bent to fit any slope of
roof. The ridge plate 46 can be attached to the roof trusses during
construction, or as a retrofit to existing buildings.
[0291] The roof trusses are very strong in compression, but are
weak in side or lateral loads until the roof sheathing is applied.
When a house is being constructed there may be a long delay from
when the trusses are installed until the roof sheathing is applied.
Most roof sheathing is still applied with staples, which are
weak.
[0292] The ridge plate 46 has a preferred location at or near the
ridge of the roof. The length is standard construction distance
between rafters. It can be installed right-side up or upside-down,
as long as nails or screws can be driven through the rafter tabs 47
into the rafters or top chords. Since the length of the ridge plate
46 is standard, carpenters can install the truss quickly and
safely, because most distance measurements between the rafters or
trusses is eliminated. When the ridge plate 46 is fastened to the
previous truss, there is less chance of the truss being blown over
on top of the carpenter or other workers.
[0293] When the ridge plate 46 is installed as a retrofit from
below the roof, a roof plate 36 could be used to tie the roof
sheathing securely to the ridge plate 46. The ridge plate 46 can be
installed below the ridge line of a house and can be used with the
other embodiments of this invention including a metal facia plate
38 and metal frieze plate 42.
FIG. 15B
[0294] FIG. 15B shows a flat-pattern layout for a ridge plate 46
showing the bend line 47B, right-angle bend 32A, rafter tabs 47,
cutouts 47A, and nail holes 41. The ridge plate 46 can be made from
many materials and by many methods, but the preferred method is
stamped sheet metal using standard tool and die methods.
FIG. 16A
[0295] FIG. 16A shows a truss support 48 installed on the top chord
of a roof truss. The truss support 48 fits over the top chord of
two trusses, tying them together tightly. To tie all the roof
trusses together the truss supports 48 would be staggered, with the
next truss joined above or below the preceding one. Staggering the
truss supports 48 allows them to be attached easily, and provides
more strength.
[0296] The truss support consists of a long dimension of
approximately standard construction width between trusses, plus the
thickness or width of two trusses. At either end of this length are
two right-angle bends 32A which form truss tabs 48A with nail holes
41. Along the approximate middle of the long dimension is a bend
line 47B.
[0297] About the width of a truss member from the right-angle bend
32A is a small punched-out opening 49A. The opening 49A is formed
when a small right-angle bend 32A is punched from above. The small
right-angle bend 32A forms a truss brace 49 with a nail hole
41.
[0298] When constructing a building with roof trusses, the trusses
are lifted into position and a truss support 48 is placed over two
adjoining trusses. The inside dimension between the two truss
braces 49 is the standard distance between trusses as used
throughout the construction industry. When the truss support 48 is
placed over two roof trusses, they can be nailed or screwed from
underneath. The distance between trusses will be very accurately
spaced by the truss support 48.
[0299] Measuring the distance between trusses is now superfluous,
plus the safety is greatly increased as the trusses can not
separate from each other. When the trusses are securely tied to
each other by truss supports 48, the roof is much stronger. Roof
sheathing can be applied over the truss supports 48 and nailed to
the roof truss through the opening 49A. Truss supports 48 can be
installed on the wall studs, and on either side of a roof, and
along other roofing members including rafters and roof joists. Roof
plates 36 can secure the roof similar to FIG. 15A.
FIG. 16B
[0300] FIG. 16B shows a flat-pattern layout for a truss support 48
showing the bend line 47B, large right-angle bend 32A, truss tabs
48A, cutouts 47A, small right-angle bends 32A, truss braces 49,
openings 49A, and nail holes 41. The truss support 48 can be made
from many materials and by many methods, but the preferred method
is stamped sheet metal using standard tool and die methods.
FIG. 17A
[0301] FIG. 17A shows a front view of a different embodiment of a
banana clip 23. The banana clip 23 has a different arc and is of
different dimension than that in FIG. 10A. The teeth 30 are spaced
differently and the nailholes 41 are spaced differently.
FIG. 17B
[0302] FIG. 17B shows a back view of the banana clip 30 shown in
FIG. 17A. The teeth 30 are stamped to the back as is the zenith
edge 29A.
FIG. 17C
[0303] FIG. 17C shows a top view of two rasp holes 50. The rasp
hole 50 helps prevent cross-grain bearing failure of wood. The rasp
hole 50 consists of a crown 50A and chisel wedge SOB. Rasp holes 50
can be stamped into metal during the forming process. The chisel
wedge SOB, formed by the crown 50A, would dig into wood to prevent
cross-grain failure.
FIG. 17D
[0304] FIG. 17D shows the forming process for making rasp holes 50,
crown 50A, and chisel wedge SOB during the stamping of teeth 30 by
tool and die methods. The rasp hole 50 would work royal with a
banana clip 23 or other connectors that hold down the outside
sheathing.
[0305] Outside sheathing splits very easily, and rasp holes 50 may
help prevent this splitting.
FIGS. 18A-H
[0306] FIGS. 18A-H shows an improvement for the pipe that holds
down a roof. Part of this invention is discussed in previous patent
application Ser. No. 08/191,852 on Feb. 2, 1994 by Thompson. The
improvement discussed in this continuation-in-part is for heating
hot water in the pipe by solar energy collection in a solar tube
54.
[0307] FIG. 18A shows a pipe 51 resting on an angle-iron member 52,
and is covered with a glass cover tube 53 from FIG. 18B, and held
down with a glass hold down 53A from FIG. 18C. The pipe 51 is still
held fast to the roof, at places in between the solar tubes 54, by
a roof fastener, discussed in my previous patent application.
FIG. 18A
[0308] FIG. 18A shows a standard angle-iron member 52 which
supports the one-piece heat absorbing black tubing pipe 51 and
provides insulation and heat from a reflective coating. The dead
air space between the glass cover tube 53 and pipe 51 also provides
insulation. Insulation can be used to block the ends of the solar
tubes 54.
FIG. 18B
[0309] FIG. 18B shows a glass cover tube 53. The glass cover tube
53 fits over the angle iron member 52, after the angle iron member
52 is secured with an angle iron hold down 52A to the solar tube
54. The glass cover tube 53 is sealed to the angle iron hold down
52A by a gasket 36B.
FIG. 18C
[0310] FIG. 18C shows a glass hold down 53A that would secure the
glass cover tube 53 to the angle iron member 52 and angle iron hold
down 52A. A threaded bolt extends through bolt holes 54A on the
solar tube 54, angle iron hold down 52A, and glass hold down 53A to
hold them together.
FIG. 18D
[0311] FIG. 18D shows how the suns rays refract into the pipe 51
according to Snell's Law. FIG. 18D shows how light beams from the
sun would refract when striking the glass cover tube 53 and be
directed into the focal point of the pipe 51. So no matter what the
sun's angle, all the sun's rays would concentrate at the focal
point, which would be at the pipe 51.
FIG. 18E
[0312] FIG. 18E shows a perspective view of a solar tube 54. The
tube is curved to hold the angle iron 52 and pipe 51. The solar
tube has bolt holes 54A spaced similar to the bolt holes 41 on a
angle iron hold down 52A and glass hold down 53A. The solar tube 54
has an eye slot 54B so that the solar tube can pivot in any
direction.
FIG. 18EA
[0313] FIG. 18EA shows a detailed cross-section of an eye slot 54B.
The eye slot 54B is punched down forming an eyeball shape. The
cornea 54C fits into the contact 54D of a tapered washer 54E. The
eye slot 54B is shaped to accommodate a ball 54F.
FIG. 18F
[0314] FIG. 18F shows a perspective view of an angle iron hold down
52A. The angle iron shape of the angle iron hold down 52A is used
to hold down the angle iron member 52 using bolts through the bolt
holes 54A.
FIG. 18G
[0315] FIG. 18G shows a perspective view of a tapered washer 54E.
The contact 54D can be seen in the top part of the tapered washer
54E.
FIG. 18GA
[0316] FIG. 18GA shows a cross-section through a tapered washer
54E.
FIG. 18H
[0317] FIG. 18H shows a side view of a ball 54F, washer 54G and nut
54H. The nut 54H, washer 54G, ball 54F, tapered washer 54E,
threaded rod (not shown), and rafter hold down (not shown) are from
my co-pending application Ser. No. 08/191,852, filed on Feb. 2,
1994.
[0318] The threaded rod from the rafter hold down would be extended
up through the roof. On top of the threaded rod would be, in the
order shown, tapered washer 54E, solar tube 54, ball 54F, washer,
45G, and nut 54H. As in my pending application, the tapered washer
54E and ball 54G allow the solar tube 54 to pivot and adapt to any
slope roof. The tapered washer 54E and ball 54G also allow the
solar tube 54 to fit a sloped roof and capable to pivot to get
maximum solar gain.
[0319] The pipe 51 can be made from metal and painted black to help
absorb more heat energy. The angle-iron member 52 can be made from
many materials, especially materials that provide some insulation,
or can be of metal. The glass cover tube 53 can be a normal glass
tube that is cut in half lengthwise and given a flare and gasket as
shown in FIG. 18B.
[0320] The solar tube 54 would hold down roofs and provide hot
water to a home for free. Getting two uses from one product is a
vast improvement over prior art. Most, if not all of the
embodiments in this invention can be stamped from a single sheet of
metal without any welding. This helps make the products affordable
to everyone who wants to improve their home.
FIG. 19A
[0321] FIG. 19A shows a flat-pattern layout for a roof anchor 55,
for use on holding together a plank-and-beam constructed house. The
roof anchor 55 consists of two pieces, in order to fit on houses
with any roof slope. The beam member 55A is attached to the ridge
beam of a house, and the roof member 55B is attached to the
underside of the roof sheathing.
[0322] The beam member 55A consists of large curved plate 57, with
nail holes 41 for attachment onto the outside sheathing and
underlying post and rafter. On the curved end of the curved plate
57 is a large radius of serrations 57A that are shaped like notches
or saw-like teeth. The center point of the radius for the
serrations 57A is at the bolt hole 57B.
[0323] A cut line 56A on the straight edge allows the ridge tab 56B
to be bent out, at a right angle, along the right-angle bend 32A
line. The ridge tab has nail holes 41 for attachment to the ridge
beam that sticks out from the house. On houses without a ridge beam
the ridge tab 56B would not be bent.
[0324] The roof member 55B consists of a flat plate 57C with nail
holes 41 and similar serrations 57A as on the beam member 55A. The
center point of the radius for the serrations 57A is at the lip
hole 57D and the length of the radius is similar to the length of
the radius on the beam member 55A. The diameter of the lip hole 57D
is slightly smaller than the bolt hole 57B on the beam member 55A.
The lip hole 57D is stamped with a slight lip to the rear of the
flat plate 57C. The lip on the lip hole 57D is of such dimension
that it just fits into the bolt hole 57B of the beam member.
[0325] When the roof member 55B is placed on top of the beam member
55A, and the lip hole 57D is on top of the bolt hole 57B, the lip
of the lip hole 57D will fit into the bolt hole 57B. The lip hole
57D and bolt hole 57B will now form a pivot hole. The roof member
55B could rotate on an arc from this pivot hole, except for the
serrations 57A. The serrations 57A of the roof member 55B and the
beam member 55A now line up and mesh together preventing movement
along the arc.
[0326] The top part of the roof member 55B has a right-angle bend
32A, that is bent toward the viewer at a right angle, that forms a
roof tab 58. The roof tab 58 has bolt slots 35 that are equal in
size and placement to bolt slots on a gable connector 34.
FIG. 19B
[0327] FIG. 19B shows a front view of a roof anchor 55. The roof
member 55B and the beam member 55A are linked together at the pivot
point of the bolt hole 57B and lip hole 57D. The ridge tab 56B is
placed against a ridge beam on the outside of a house and slid
upwards until the roof tab 58 is flush against the underside of a
house roof.
[0328] In order to adjust the roof tab 58 to any roof slope, the
roof member 55B is lifted slightly so that its serrations 57A are
not interlocked with the serrations 57A of the beam member. Then
the roof member 55B is rotated around the pivot point until the
roof tab 58 is flush against the underside of a roof. Then the
entire roof anchor 55 can be tightly fastened to the house.
[0329] Nails, screws, and bolts can be used to fasten the roof
anchor 55 to a house. The preferred order of attachment is: first
the ridge tab 56B is fastened to the ridge beam, then the beam
member 55A is fastened to the outside sheathing and underlying
rafter and post, then the roof member 55B is fastened to the beam
member 55A and underlying rafter.
[0330] When a roof anchor 55 is connected under a roof, holes can
be drilled up through the roof and a roof plate 36 can be attached
from the roof using carriage bolts 37A and nuts 37B into the bolt
slots 35 on the roof tab 58. This will tie the outside sheathing,
ridge beam, rafter, post, roof sheathing, and roofing material
together, and prevents the gable end from being blown out by a
hurricane.
FIG. 19C
[0331] FIG. 19C shows a front view of a two-piece roof anchor 55
without serrations 57A. This roof anchor 55 operates the same as in
FIG. 19B, but there are no serrations 57A. Nails or screws would
keep the roof anchor 55 to the gable sheathing.
FIG. 19D
[0332] FIG. 19D shows a perspective view of a one-piece roof anchor
55 attached to the gable end sheathing at 55A, by a bushing 6 and
screw 9, to the projecting beam at 56B, and to the roof by a roof
plate 36. The roof anchor can be formed from a single piece of
sheet metal with the roof tab 58 stamped at any angle.
[0333] The roof anchor 55 can be made from many materials, but the
preferred method is stamped sheet metal using standard tool and die
methods. The roof anchors 55 in FIGS. 19A and 19C are for the left
side of a ridge beam, where the ridge beam or longitudinal beam
sticks out from the gable end of a house. A right side roof anchor
55, as in FIG. 19D, would be a mirror image of this one.
FIG. 20A
[0334] FIG. 20A shows a flat-pattern layout for a gable span 59,
roof plate 36, and roof overlay 36A. The gable span 59 has an inner
radius 59A on the curve 59B that allows it to clear molding, trim,
wires, cable or other material that would prevent other connectors,
such as a gable connector 34, from having a close fit to the edge
of a gable and roof. The gable span 59 also contains two roof links
60A, a gable link 60B, and two curves 59B. There are four right
angle bends 32A lines on the layout that forms each member on the
gable span 59.
[0335] The roof links 60A have bolt slots 35, that are similar to
bolt slots 35 on a gable connector 34. The curve 59B forms and
inner radius 59A and an outer radius 59C. The gable link 60B has
nail holes 41 for attachment to the outside sheathing and
underlying structural members including the rafter and top
chord.
FIG. 20B
[0336] FIG. 20B shows the gable span 59 as it would be attached to
a house, or tying together other structural members that have an
interfering member that prevents a standard connector from being
snug next to both members. FIG. 20B shows how the right-angle bends
32A form a mostly closed loop of curves 59B, roof links 60A, and a
gable link 60B.
[0337] The gable span 59 would be placed against a gable end and
underside of a roof. The inner radius 59A would clear obstructing
wires, trim, molding, and cables. The outer radius 59C would be
pleasing architecturally, and could be filled in with filler
material such as wood or plastic.
[0338] When a gable span 59 is connected under a roof, holes can be
drilled up through the roof and a roof plate 36, from FIG. 12C, can
be attached from the roof using carriage bolts 37A and nuts 37B.
This will tie the outside sheathing, rafter or top chord, roof
sheathing, and roofing material together.
FIG. 20C
[0339] FIG. 20C shows a gable span 59 with the roof links 60A bent
outward at right angle bends 32A. The inner radius 59A still clears
obstructions, and the gable link 60B has nail holes for attachment
to the gable wall. With the roof links 60A bent outward, a roof
plate 36, from FIG. 12C, can be used on top of the roof as the bolt
slots 35 will line up as shown in FIG. 20C.
[0340] The gable span can be made from many materials, but the
preferred method is stamped sheet metal using standard tool and die
methods.
FIG. 21A
[0341] FIG. 21A shows a ridge plate 46 and how it can be split in
half along bend line 47B. On the ridge plate 46 and on the truss
support 48, the bend line 47B is bent to fit specific pitches of
roofs. On the ridge plate, the bend line 47B could also be cut
through to make two approximate halves, which could be installed to
the rafters, on either side of the ridge beam. The bend line 47B
does not have to be bent at all but could be one solid piece. This
would allow the ridge plate 46 to be installed on one side of the
ridge beam. The ridge plate could also fit upside-down underneath
the ridge beam, tying the rafters from either side of the house
together as one unit.
[0342] The truss support 48, shown in FIG. 21A, is for use on
trusses which have no ridge beam. The bend line 47B does not have
to be pre-bent and can remain straight to fit on one side of the
ridge. The bend line 47B could also be cut through to make two
separate halves, which could be installed to the top chords, on
either side of the ridge. To provide the most support, the
preferred location for the truss support 48 and ridge plate 46 is
at the ridge.
FIG. 21B
[0343] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a latch mechanism 61 on
a ridge plate 46 that can permit the bend lines 47B to pivot and
fit ridges on roofs of any pitch. The bend lines 47B are detached
to form two approximate halves; the side with the latch holes is
bent down at approximately a right angle bend 32A.
[0344] The latch mechanism 61 consists of latch tabs 61A on one
side, and latch holes 61B on the other side of the bend line 47B.
The latch tabs 61A fit into the latch holes 61B at an obtuse angle,
then when the two halves of the truss support 48 or ridge plate 46
are set to a roof angle, they are locked together. The latch
mechanism 61 is strong, can swivel to work on any roof, and can fit
on or under roofs of any pitch.
FIG. 21C
[0345] FIG. 21C shows a flat pattern layout of a latch mechanism 61
prior to bending. The latch tabs 61A, along a bend line 47B, are
shown as they would be fit into the latch holes 61B at an obtuse
angle. FIG. 21C shows that once the two halves are straightened
out, they form a latch mechanism 61, which is a strong,
simple-to-make, hinge, with pivot support along the entire edge.
The latch mechanism can be stamped from sheet metal, using tool and
dies.
FIG. 21D
[0346] FIG. 21D shows a perspective view, from the underside, of
two halves of a ridge plate 46 linked together at the bend line 47B
with latch tabs 61A locked into latch holes 61B.
FIG. 21E
[0347] FIG. 21E shows a side view of the latch tabs 61A prior to
locking using different embodiments of flat (bottom) and curved
(top) latch holes 61B.
FIG. 21F
[0348] FIG. 21F shows a side view of the latch tabs 61A at an
obtuse angle prior to latching, using different embodiments of flat
(bottom) and curved (top) latch holes 61B.
FIG. 21G
[0349] FIG. 21G shows a side view of the latch tabs 61A in the
latched position, using different embodiments of flat (bottom) and
curved (top) latch holes 61B. The ridge plate 46 can now be set on
any slope ridge line.
FIG. 22
[0350] FIG. 22 shows a flat layout for a center gable plate 62 with
nail holes 41, and eave plates 62A with bolt slots 35, and bend
line 32A.
FIG. 22A
[0351] FIG. 22A shows a front view of a center gable plate 62
attached to the top center gable end of a house. It is shown
holding the outside sheathing to the underlying rafter, ridge beam,
and ridge posts, using nails or screws in nail holes 41. The eave
plates 62A are holding the roof down, connected to a roof plate 36,
on top of the roof.
FIG. 23
[0352] FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a seismic clip 1, corner
seismic clip 1A, metal facia plate 38, and hook 38A installed on a
house.
FIG. 23A
[0353] FIG. 23 shows the preferred location on a house for
attachment of a tomahawk connector 25, tee connector 22, banana
clip 23, corner clip 33, gable connector 34, roof plate 36, metal
facia plate 38, metal frieze plate 42, truss support 48, roof
anchor 55, ridge plate 46, and center gable plate 62.
FIG. 23B
[0354] FIG. 23A shows several more preferred locations for a roof
anchor 55.
[0355] Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope of Invention
[0356] Thus the reader can see that the hurricane and seismic
connectors and fasteners of this invention are unique, strong,
permanent, functional, and necessary. They are also simple and
economical to make, requiring simple tool and dies and no
welding.
[0357] This invention solves the problem of retrofitting houses to
minimize high wind and seismic dangers by using these ingenious and
practical connectors and fasteners. Many homeowners stay in their
house during hurricanes, because they do not want to be caught in
traffic jams trying to escape the fury, or they are caught
unaware.
[0358] While my above description contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred
embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible.
[0359] For example, since the connectors are on the outside of a
building, the shape can be changed slightly to make them more
architecturally appealing on certain types of houses. To fit on
some architectural styles of houses, the shape can be changed
slightly without comprising the structural integrity of the clip.
The thickness of the connector can be altered slightly, or have
beveled edges or chamfer.
[0360] Rubber, plastic, foam, or resilient pad could be inserted
between the connector and the outside sheathing. This would help
absorb the earthquake forces without cracking, and deaden the
shocks, and after-shocks.
[0361] The bushings could have a rubber washer or O-ring at the
bearing surface in order to make the connection water-proof. This
may allow the bushing to hold roof sheathing to the rafter, without
letting water into the house. The bushings could use this rubber to
reduce loading and deaden shocks from a seismic event.
[0362] The bushings could have plastic or PTFE between the bearing
surfaces in order to have less friction between the bushing and the
connector. This would allow the connection to be very tight, but
still able to move slightly. Lag bolts with washers may be readably
available, and could be used to fasten the connectors to a
house.
[0363] To fit on an infinite variety of houses, the connectors
could be made of two or more pieces. The pieces could be held
together by nuts and bolts in slotted holes, so that the connector
could be adjusted to go around ornamental or structural members on
the outside of a house.
[0364] The invention could use different manufacturing techniques
including manipulated sheet metal, casting, forging, extrusion, and
plastic molds or injection. There can also be minor variations in
color, size, and materials.
[0365] This invention was over-designed in order to exceed building
codes in force or any that can be anticipated. Certain elements
could be deleted from some embodiments, such as the screw in the
Christmas tree bushing, but that would make them less effective in
preventing damage to a home.
[0366] The embossments holes could be left out of several
embodiments, but embossments make the holes stronger, less
resistive to deflection, and more resistant to cracking. Lag bolts,
nails, screws, or bolts and washers could be used to fasten the
connectors to the house, if bushings are not available.
[0367] One die can be used to cut out FIG. 20A, and with the
addition of punches can be used for four different configurations.
FIGS. 19B and 19C can use one die for both pieces and can be used
for every ridge beam and header by varying angles. Thus saving
substantially on dies, storage, and less inventory. The bushing is
designed with most holding done by bottom web where upload is
greatest and doesn't damage as much of the wall sheathing. Rafter
tabs are offset to prevent nail splitting.
* * * * *