U.S. patent application number 10/728693 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-17 for categorizing fasteners and construction connectors using visual identifiers.
Invention is credited to Albertson, Stephen H., Albertson, Vlasta A., Gallagher, John C..
Application Number | 20040115022 10/728693 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32512163 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040115022 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Albertson, Stephen H. ; et
al. |
June 17, 2004 |
Categorizing fasteners and construction connectors using visual
identifiers
Abstract
A method of categorizing fasteners and construction connectors
by size and type using a color coding system. Each fastener
receives a designated and distinct color contained on the surface
that is exposed before and after installation. The colors are
preselected to define one or more physical properties of the
fasteners. A color key is provided to determine the physical
properties of the fasteners based on the coloring of exposed
portions of the inserted fasteners. Similarly, construction
connectors receive a designated and distinct color contained on the
surface that is exposed before and after installation. The color
represented on the surface of the construction connector is such
that the corresponding fastener is the same color.
Inventors: |
Albertson, Stephen H.; (Lake
Forest, CA) ; Gallagher, John C.; (Anaheim, CA)
; Albertson, Vlasta A.; (Lake Forest, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
32512163 |
Appl. No.: |
10/728693 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10728693 |
Dec 5, 2003 |
|
|
|
09585134 |
Jun 1, 2000 |
|
|
|
09585134 |
Jun 1, 2000 |
|
|
|
09109598 |
Jul 2, 1998 |
|
|
|
6095739 |
|
|
|
|
60051652 |
Jul 3, 1997 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
411/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 15/00 20130101;
Y10S 411/903 20130101; Y10T 403/20 20150115; B27F 7/00 20130101;
F16B 15/0092 20130101; F16B 1/0071 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
411/013 |
International
Class: |
F16B 031/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fastener comprising: a shaft having a first end and a second
end; an exposed portion attached to the first end of the shaft; and
an identifying color on the exposed portion, the identifying color
pre-selected to correspond to at least one specified physical
property of the fastener, the identifying color capable of being
recognized by a person of normal vision from a distance of at least
18 feet when the shaft has been inserted into a surface.
2. The fastener of claim 1, further comprising a second identifier
on the exposed portion, the second identifier corresponding to at
least a second specified physical property of the fastener.
3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the second identifier is a
color.
4. The fastener of claim 2, wherein the second identifier is a
letter.
5. A method of identifying physical properties of inserted
fasteners from a distance, comprising: applying a colored coating
over the surface of an exposed portion of the fastener prior to
using the fastener, wherein the colored coating has been
pre-selected to correspond to at least one physical property of the
fastener; and inserting the fastener so that the coloring on the
exposed portion remains visible and may be determined by a person
of normal vision from a distance.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the distance is 15 feet.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the distance is 18 feet.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the fastener is selected from the
group comprising nails, bolts, staples, rivets, screws, wedge
anchor bolts, anchor bolts, a bolt and nut, or a lag bolt.
9. A method of identifying fastener physical properties during
building inspection, comprising: selecting a plurality of colors to
apply to an exposed surface of a fastener, where each color
connotes one or more properties of the fastener; applying one of
said plurality of colors to the exposed surface of the fastener, so
that the color may be recognized by a person of normal vision from
a distance of at least 10 feet; inserting the fastener into an
object; and providing a building inspector with color key
indicating the physical properties that each selected color
connotes.
10. A joint, comprising: a first surface and a second surface, the
first and second surfaces being subject to a regulation which
requires specified physical properties for fasteners used to join
the first and second surfaces; a fastener securing the first
surface to the second surface, the fastener having a colored
portion which is exposed to view, wherein the color of the colored
portion has been pre-selected to define one or more of the
specified physical properties which correlate to those set forth in
the regulation.
11. The joint of claim 10, wherein the regulation is contained in
the Uniform Building Code.
12. The joint of claim 11, wherein the fastener is a nail and the
specified physical properties are the length and gauge of the
nail.
13. A method of making a fastener with physical properties which
are identifiable from a distance, comprising: pre-selecting a
plurality of colors where each color corresponds to at least one
specified physical property of a fastener; providing a fastener
having a known physical property; and applying a specified color of
the plurality to the fastener so that the color may be determined
from a distance, the specified color having been pre-selected to
define the known physical property of the fastener.
14. A fastener and connector system, comprising: a connector which
is required by regulation to be used with fasteners having
specified physical properties; a first colored coating on the
connector, the first coating color having been pre-selected to
indicate the fasteners which regulation permits may be used with
the connector; a fastener having the specified properties; and a
second colored coating on the fastener, the second coating color
having been pre-selected to define the specified physical
properties.
15. The fastener and connector system of claim 14, wherein the
first coating color and the second coating color are the same
color.
16. The fastener and connector system of claim 14, wherein the
first coating color and the second coating color may be different
colors.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e)(1) to the provisional application entitled
CATEGORIZING FASTENERS AND CONSTRUCTION CONNECTORS USING VISUAL
IDENTIFIERS which was filed on Jul. 3, 1997 and assigned
application Ser. No. 60/051652.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a color coding system to
identify the physical properties of fasteners and connectors both
before and after their application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Modern building codes strictly control the types of
materials and methods which may be used in building construction.
These codes are primarily enacted to ensure that the resulting
structures are safe. Failure to comply with the codes often results
in the structure not being approved for habitation, and could
expose the builder or developer to liability to the buyer.
Furthermore, noncompliance results in delays in construction, and
increased production costs, due to the time and expense of
correcting the mistakes.
[0004] In the past few years, the construction industry has gone
through major changes. Structures have become more complex,
construction schedules are tighter, the labor force generally has
no formal training, and there are often language barriers which
make it difficult for the labor force to fully understand
instructions. Consequently, it has become increasingly difficult to
build structures in full compliance with the governing building
codes.
[0005] The task of ultimately determining whether a structure has
been built to code is generally assigned to building inspectors,
structural engineers and superintendents. These individuals review
a construction site for compliance with architectural blue prints
and Uniform Building Codes. The purpose of this inspection is to
ensure the safety of the structure by checking that the proper
materials/fasteners/construction connectors have been used and in
the correct manner.
[0006] During the planning of a construction project, the architect
will specify certain fasteners and construction connectors based
upon their appropriateness to achieve the function they are to
perform, and the applicable building codes which govern that type
of use. Furthermore, different materials require that different
fasteners be applied at specific spacings based on calculations
made by the engineers and architect. After these fasteners have
been incorporated into the structure by the builder, it is next to
impossible for the inspector to know the precise characteristics of
the fastener. This is because the portions of the fastener which
remain exposed, such as the head of a nail, do not indicate the
physical properties of the fastener which may be required by the
codes or architect, such as its diameter (or gauge), length,
weight, etc. Short of having the fastener removed for inspection,
there is often no way to determine this. This problem also exists
when verifying that the proper fastener has been used in
combination with the proper construction connector, such as plate
straps. Consequently, building inspections are more time consuming
and costly. There is also increased risk of error, and thus
corresponding risk to safety, as the inspector may inadvertently
overlook improper fastener or connector uses.
[0007] Prior attempts to solve this problem have been unsuccessful.
For example, one such attempt is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,511,917 issued to Charles F. Dickson, the entirety of which is
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. The Dickson
patent describes a complex system in which numbers and clock like
markings are inscribed into nail heads. The markings represent a
pattern from which the length and/or gauge of the nail can be
identified. However, because the size of the markings is limited by
the size of the nail head, for very small nails, the markings
cannot be distinguished unless one is within a close proximity (12"
maximum) to the nail due to the small size of the inscription. This
limits the usefulness of such a marking system, because it would be
difficult for building inspectors to determine accurate fastener
use from a distance. Further, the Dickson patent states that the
nail must be inserted in a specific orientation for the markings to
be usable, or that an even more complex marking system providing
orientation must be used. Clearly, such complex indicators do not
provide the simplification needed by industry and inspectors.
Furthermore, the markings taught by Dickson would be distorted by
the impact of the driving tool/system, likely making the markings
illegible. This system for inscribing distinguishing marks on the
nail heads has not been widely adopted, if at all.
[0008] Consequently, there exists a need for fasteners and
connectors with readily identifiable indicators to determine their
physical properties after they have been inserted. Furthermore,
there exists a need for an efficient and easy method of determining
the physical properties of fasteners after the fasteners have been
used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a color coding system, which
may be used in conjunction with a lettering or symbol system, for
identifying construction fasteners and any corresponding
construction connector by size and type, both before and after
application. Advantageously, the system of the present invention
provides for more efficient identification, both in terms of
increasing the accuracy of determining if the correct fastener or
connector has been used, and in decreasing the time required to
make such determinations.
[0010] The present invention can be used to color code all possible
types of fasteners and any corresponding construction connectors to
designate their physical properties. These properties include,
length, shaft length, leg length, shaft diameter (or gauge), width,
crown width, thickness, weight, threads, threads per unit of
measure, tip configuration, anchoring capabilities, composition,
materials, substance treatment, variations in surface, or any other
physical property of a fastener which can be determined.
[0011] In the present invention, a different color is pre-selected
to define a fastener property and is assigned to each of the most
common (but not limited to) fasteners. After application of the
color to the fastener, the color can be used to distinguish the
physical and other characteristics of fasteners and thereby their
intended use. The colors are chosen to best contrast with the
background materials most common to the fasteners. The colors are
also applied so that they may be determined from a distance after
the fastener has been installed. The colors which may be used
include those from the visible light spectrum, neon colors,
fluorescent colors, and marking materials that fade over time if
there is an instance when the color would distract from the
finished structure. Moreover, two or more colors may be used on one
fastener to connote different types of information such as one
color identifying the composition of the fastener and another color
its length, or other variations of the physical properties of the
fastener. Letter designations corresponding to the fastener
composition may also be added on top of color coding for further
identification (e.g., G representing galvanized, R representing
ring shank, V representing vinyl, and so on). Other types of
symbols may also be used besides lettering to categorize the
fasteners and connectors.
[0012] A color code key, preferably in card or chart form, may then
be provided which categorizes the physical properties of the
fasteners by color. Architects and building planners may
incorporate these colors directly into their blueprints or building
specifications. If the construction site is provided with fasteners
and connectors incorporating the pre-selected color scheme, workers
using the fasteners and connectors of the present invention are
more likely to select the correct fastener or connector for an
intended application because they will be able to confirm the
choice by comparing the color to that on the blueprints.
Furthermore, a building inspector will be able to more quickly and
accurately determine if correct fasteners and connectors have been
used when the present invention is incorporated into a construction
site, by simple color observation.
[0013] Another benefit of the present invention is that the color
coding system is also applicable to construction connectors that
are used in conjunction with fasteners. Color coding the
construction connector and the fasteners will make it readily
apparent if the proper combination has been used. This is done by
matching the proper fastener to the proper construction connector
by marking a piece of the connector (e.g., hardware or strap) with
an identifying color corresponding to the correct fastener.
Further, when both the fastener and corresponding connector have
been color coded in this manner, an inspector can stand at a
distance and assess if the correct fastener (nail for example) was
used with the connector because of the color(s) distinction. This
will make the use and inspection of such construction
connector/fastener applications visually identifiable.
[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
fastener comprising a shaft having a first end and a second end. An
exposed portion is attached to the first end of the shaft, and an
identifying color is on the exposed portion. The identifying color
is pre-selected to correspond to at least one physical property of
the fastener and is capable of being recognized by a person of
normal vision from a distance of at least 10 feet, and more
preferably from a distance of at least 18 feet, when the shaft has
been fully inserted into a surface. In one embodiment, there is a
second identifier on the exposed portion, the second identifier
corresponding to at least a second specified physical property of
the fastener. The second identifier may be a second color in
addition to the first, such as red stripe or marking on a blue
background, and/or the second identifier may be a letter or
symbol.
[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method of identifying physical properties of inserted
fasteners from a distance. The method comprises applying a colored
coating over the surface of an exposed portion of the fastener
prior to using the fastener. The colored coating has been
pre-selected to correspond to at least one physical property of the
fastener. Then, the fastener is inserted so that the coloring on
the exposed portion remains visible and may be determined by a
person of normal vision from a distance. Preferably, the color of
the exposed portion may be determined from a distance of at least
15 feet, and more preferably from a distance of at least 18
feet.
[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method of identifying fastener physical properties
during building inspection. The method comprises selecting a
plurality of colors to apply to an exposed surface of a fastener.
Each color of the plurality specifically connotes one or more
properties of the fastener. One of the plurality of colors is
applied to the exposed surface of the fastener having the
properties that the color connotes, so that the color may be
recognized by a person of normal vision from a distance of at least
18 feet. Then, the fastener is inserted into an object. A building
inspector provided with a color key indicating the physical
properties that each selected color connotes, will be able to
readily determine the physical properties of the inserted
fasteners, such as their length, gauge, or composition.
[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a construction joint comprising a first surface and a
second surface. The first and second surfaces are subject to a
regulation which requires specified physical properties for
fasteners used to join the first and second surfaces. A fastener is
used to secure the first surface to the second surface. The
fastener has a colored portion which is exposed to view. The color
of the colored portion has been pre-selected to define one or more
physical properties of the fastener which correlate to those set
forth in the regulation. The joint may be formed from two wood
surfaces, two metal surface, two plastic surfaces, or any
combination of these and other common construction materials.
[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method of making a fastener with physical properties
which are identifiable from a distance. The method comprises
pre-selecting a plurality of colors where each color corresponds to
at least one specified physical property of a fastener. Then a
fastener having a known physical property is provided. A specified
color of the plurality is then applied to the fastener so that the
specified color may be determined from a distance, with the
specified color having been pre-selected to define the known
physical property of the fastener.
[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a fastener and connector system. The system comprises a
connector which is required by regulation to be used with fasteners
having specified properties. A first colored coating is on the
connector, the first coating color having been pre-selected to
indicate the fasteners which regulation permits may be used with
the connector. The system also includes a fastener having the
specified properties. A second colored coating is on the fastener,
the second coating color having been pre-selected to define the
specified physical properties of the fastener.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention:
[0021] FIG. 1A shows a chart indicating sizes of common wire
nails.
[0022] FIG. 1B shows a chart indicating sizes of common wire nails
which have been color coded according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 1C shows a chart indicating sizes of common wire nails
with color coding in conjunction with alphabetic letter.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of staple samples and a staple with
color coding of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a typical shear panel diagram featuring color
coded fasteners of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of interior point slab with color
coded anchor bolt.
[0027] FIG. 5A shows a diagram of a construction connector (beam
hanger) with color coding.
[0028] FIG. 5B shows a diagram of a construction connector (tie
plates) with color coding.
[0029] FIG. 5C shows a diagram of a construction connector (metal
strap) with color coding.
[0030] FIG. 5D shows a diagram of a construction connector (header
hanger) with color coding.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to those
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[0032] The focus of the entire construction industry is quality
control. The architectural blueprints define the materials that
must be used in the structure, and the appropriate
materials/fasteners/connectors to use to comply with building
codes. Consequently, everything must be built as the blueprints
specify. When this is done, the resulting structure will be safer,
and the builder will not incur additional expenses to bring the
structure to code, or as a result of liability claims. As described
herein, the present invention will benefit the construction
industry with respect to fastener incorporation, by reducing human
error, increasing accuracy, saving time, increasing consistency,
and simplifying application. Further, the benefit to the builder,
installer, inspector, and finally the consumer is a more efficient
method of adhering to the engineers/architects specifications and
the Uniform Building Codes. This will result in the building of
safer structures, to the benefit of all.
[0033] Builders are under increased pressure to build structures in
full compliance with applicable building codes. For example,
building departments now commonly require that the structural
engineer who created the blueprints submit a signed letter stating
that he has inspected the structure and all the hardware/fasteners
have been installed per his drawings. Nevertheless, building
inspectors must still visually confirm the installation of all
straps, anchor bolts, connecting hardware, and nailing schedules,
and other fasteners. For example, the plywood panels of the
structure must be nailed with specific size nails and nail spacing
(refereed to in the building schedules). The size/spacing varies
with the engineer's requirements. This is critical to the structure
and is checked very carefully, consuming many hours of time.
Further, when these panels are on the second and third floors it is
very difficult to see the heads of these nails, and it is
impossible to verify the size/gauge/type, etc.
[0034] The inspection process consists of inspecting: the floor
sheeting for anchor bolts, nailing of plywood, connection to slab,
nailing of floor joist to wall, all structural hold downs and
hardware; the roof sheeting for spacing of all nails on roof
plywood as designed by engineer; the sheering for the action or
force causing two contacting parts or layers to slide upon each
other, moving apart in opposite directions parallel to the plane of
their contact (walls that prevent the structure from moving
laterally), and inspect all uplift and hold downs; and the drywall
and lathing to determine that all nailing occurred per schedule
designed by engineer. An example of a Building Code setting forth
these requirements is the Uniform Building Code, published by the
International Conference of Building Officials, ISSN 0896-9728, the
entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully
set forth herein. The Uniform Building Code has been widely adopted
by regulatory authority for home construction.
[0035] The present invention makes the inspection process simpler
and quicker, by providing a color coding system, which may be used
in conjunction with a lettering system, for identifying the
physical properties of construction fasteners and any corresponding
construction connectors before and after their insertion. Such
color coding may be applied to all possible types of fasteners and
their corresponding construction connectors to designate the
specifics of their physical or application properties. These
physical properties include, but are not limited to, length, shaft
length, leg length, shaft diameter (or gauge), width, crown width,
thickness, weight, threads, threads per unit of measure, tip
configuration, anchoring capabilities, composition, materials,
substance treatment, and variations in surface. Application
properties may include the type of fastener or its intended use, as
for example a wood nail, concrete nail, or roofing nail. These
properties may be identified, where appropriate, for any type of
fastener, including nails, bolts, screws, anchor bolts, nuts,
bolts, rivets, staples, wedge anchor bolt, straps, stir-stirrups,
hangers, tie plates, and other types of fasteners as known to those
of skill in the art.
[0036] As used herein, the term fastener refers to any of the
variety of devices which are used to attach one surface to another
surface during a construction process. Moreover, fasteners as
referred to in the present invention may be used in the
construction of homes, commercial buildings, airplanes,
automobiles, machines, or any other articles of manufacture. The
present invention is most useful, however, when correct selection
of an appropriate fastener prior to application is particularly
important, or when it is important to determine a physical property
of a fastener once the fastener has been used in its intended
environment, as for example on building inspection. Thus, it is
preferred that fasteners of the present invention possess an
exposed portion or exposed surface which may be seen after the
fastener has been installed or inserted, and to which the color
coding may be applied.
[0037] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1A is a diagram of
conventional wire nails know to those of skill in the art, showing
the physical properties of length and gauge of the nails. These
types of nails are a common fastener used in the home and
commercial construction industry. The nails are various lengths and
gauges, and a builder or architect selects the appropriate length
and gauge depending on the particular joint, wall, or other surface
to be fastened. There are no distinguishing features on any of the
fasteners shown to identify their properties, and this represents
the current conditions in which nail fasteners are made. Once the
fasteners in FIG. 1A have been applied by being hammered into a
surface, the length and gauge of nail fastener can not be
identified, because the shaft of the nail will be inserted into a
surface, thereby obscuring these properties from view.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1B, there are shown wire nails which
feature the color coding system of the present invention. Nail 10
is representative of the nails depicted in profile in FIG. 1B, and
has a shaft 12, which terminates in tip 16 and is connected to head
14. Head 14 provides the exposed portion upon which the color
coding of the present invention will be applied. As shown in FIG.
1B, each of the fourteen nails has been assigned a different
preselected color which defines its type (wire), length and gauge.
The coloring has been applied to an exposed portion of the
fastener, in this case the head of the nails. It should be readily
understood by those of skill in the art that the specific colors
set forth in FIG. 1B are merely a representative application of the
present invention, and that other colors may be substituted or
chosen. However, the benefits of the present invention will be
greatest if a uniform set of colors is adopted by industry and the
same set of colors identifying the same physical properties for the
fastener of interest is used by all.
[0039] As can be readily appreciated, the nails depicted in FIG. 1B
which incorporate the present invention can be readily
distinguished both before and after they are inserted. For example,
a construction worker reading a blueprint specifying that he must
use a 9-gauge nail having a three-inch length (a 9 d nail) could
confirm that the correct nail was selected and used if the present
invention were applied as shown in FIG. 1B and a nail having a red
coloring on its head was chosen. More preferably, accuracy will be
increased further when the architectural blueprints which the
construction worker follows incorporate the color coding system of
the present invention to specify correct fastener usage. If such
were the case, the construction worker could observe that
red-colored nail fasteners (9 d nails as in FIG. 1B) need to be
used for a certain application by viewing the blueprints, and make
the correct choice by following the color scheme set forth in the
blueprints. Similarly, once the nail has been used, and the shaft
sunk deeply into a wood surface, a building inspector could
determine that the nail is a 9-gauge three-inch nail by being
provided with a color key correlating nail properties to color as
described in FIG. 1B, and observing the red color on the head of
the nail.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 1C, there is shown another embodiment of
the present invention, in which a letter designation has been used
in conjunction with the color coding on the nail fasteners. The
colors assigned to define type, length and gauge for the nail
fasteners depicted in FIG. 1C are different than those of FIG. 1B,
to illustrate the variety of pre-selected colors that may be used
in the present invention. The color and lettering depicted in FIG.
1C is applied to exposed portion 14, which corresponds to the
surface of the nail head. The lettering can be used to further
distinguish technically specific variations of the nail fasteners
within each color category. For example, "G" indicating galvanized
(rust resistant), "R" indicating ring shanked (barbed shaft); and
so on. Furthermore, other symbols may be used in place of letters
to allow for further identification. For example, geometric symbols
might be used, such as squares, circles, triangles etc.
Alternately, numbers, hash markings, or texture (depressions or
raised portions) might be used, or any combination of the
foregoing.
[0041] Although FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C show a nail as the
specific fastener to which the present invention is applied, it is
understood that the present invention, as described above, can be
used for other fasteners such as screws, anchor bolts, nuts, bolts,
rivets, staples, wedge anchor bolt, straps, stir-stirrups, hangers,
tie plates, and other types of fasteners as known to those of skill
in the art. For these other types of fasteners, the teachings of
the present invention with respect to nails can be directly
incorporated. That is, an exposed portion of one of these fasteners
can be color coded to identify one or more specific properties of
the fastener, such as length or diameter.
[0042] For example, referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a
common staple 20 having a crown 22 and legs 24 (i.e. shafts) and
points 25 as is used in the construction field. Staple 20 may have
physical properties which vary, such as crown width, side width,
leg length, gauge and thickness, as shown in FIG. 2. The preferred
embodiment provides that colors be preselected to correspond to
these and other properties, such as one color denoting one leg
length and another color denoting a second different leg length, or
different colors denoting different combinations of properties,
such one color defining a first combination of length, width, and
gauge and a second color defining a second combination of length,
width and gauge which differs from the first. For example, for the
different staples depicted in FIG. 2, each staple could be assigned
a different color to define its combination of properties. The
color coding is preferably applied to the crown portion of the
appropriate staple, which is a portion of the staple which is
exposed to view after the staple is installed. That is, when the
legs and points are embedded into material, the crown is still
visible. By color coding staples based on their specific properties
or type, the properties of the staple fastener or type of staple
fastener can be identified clearly before and after insertion.
[0043] The shear panelled walls of a building are one of the most
important components of a structure. This is where sheets of
plywood or structural wafer wood panels are installed vertically on
to certain wood framed walls as shown in FIG. 3. Different
thicknesses of plywood, different spacklings, and different types
of nails are used to achieve what engineers have calculated as
required for a safe structure. One advantage of the present
invention is that color coding of fasteners will result in the
creation of colored patterns on structure components such as shear
walls after the color coded fasteners have been installed. This
will make identification of both the fasteners and their correct
spacing and usage readily apparent.
[0044] For example, as shown below there is an excerpt of a common
shear wall schedule following the Uniform Building Code:
1 SHEAR WALL SCHEDULE PER 19 U.B.C. MARK SILL NAILING EXT.
ANCHORAGE INT. ANCHORAGE 3/8" THK. WALL SHEATHING W/ 16 d AT 5" O/C
1/2" A.B. AT 32" O/C 1/2" A.B. AT 32" O/C 8 d NAILS AT 6" O/C AT
EDGES 16 d AT 2.25" O/C 1/2" A.B. AT 16" O/C* 1/2" A.B. AT 16"
O/C*
[0045] A shear wall schedule indicates the fasteners that should be
used for specific building applications as per the required Uniform
Building Code. For this example, the number 5 is used, indicating
that the shear schedule calls for the builder to use 3/8" thick
wall sheeting with type 8 d nails, at 6" on center at the edges.
Further, the schedule calls for 1/2" anchor bolts at 32" on center,
and 1/2" anchor bolts at 16" on center. For visual identification,
using the present invention the 8 d nails may be assigned the color
code of blue, and the 1/2" anchor bolts the color code of red.
Referring now to FIG. 3 which is a diagram of a typical shear panel
wall, the dots 35 designated blue represent the 8 d nails, 6" on
center, and the dots 38 designated red represent the 1/2" anchor
bolts at 32" on center and 16" on center. A pattern results with
the red dots 38 and blue dots 35 which can be readily identified by
construction worker and building inspector. By viewing this pattern
and knowing the correlation between the exposed colors of the
fasteners and their physical properties (from a color key chart),
it can be easily determined if the correct fasteners have been used
to mount the shear wall.
[0046] Furthermore, although the fasteners on the drawing have been
illustrated, this representation expresses what pattern would be
visible on the actual building when a color coding system was
utilized. It would be clear as to what type of fastener was used
and to whether the same type of fastener was used throughout and in
accordance with specifications. Although the diagram in FIG. 3 is a
specific representation of a shear wall application, this invention
is applicable to all aspects of construction/building where
fastener verification and identification is vital (for example,
floor sheeting, roof sheeting, drywall installation, metal panels,
framing, concrete to wood connections, wood to wood connections,
and so on).
[0047] As another example of the application of the present
invention, FIG. 4 shows a drawing of a typical concrete to wood
(slab to wall) detail showing an anchor bolt fastener 40. The
anchor bolt fastener has an anchoring portion 42 which is embedded
in concrete 45. The head 44 of the anchor bolt is exposed after
application. Applying the principles of the present invention, the
length of the anchor bolt anchoring portion 42 can be determined,
after it is embedded in concrete, using the color coding system by
assigning different colors to anchor bolts based on their
properties, and applying the appropriate pre-selected color to
exposed head 44 prior to use. For example, the diameter or length
of the anchor bolt may be determined by assigning colors to these
properties separately, or by assigning colors to the combination of
length and diameter. As shown in FIG. 4, the color red has been
pre-selected to define the combination of 1/2 inch diameter and 10
inches in length for an anchor bolt, and the red coloring has been
applied to exposed portion 44. Other properties of the anchor bolt
40 may be similarly determined by using additional colors or
symbols, as described above. The principles of the present
invention are particularly beneficial in this context, because an
anchor bolt cannot be removed or extracted once it has been
installed. Color coding such fasteners would therefore be
invaluable to installers and inspectors to ensure the correct size
bolt was used for the respective application.
[0048] FIG. 5A represents a detail section of residential framing
50 in which two beams 52 and 54 meet one another perpendicularly. A
beam hanger 56 is used as the construction connector in conjunction
with fastener nails 58 which are inserted through openings in the
beam hanger 56 and into beams 52 and 54. By color coding the beam
hanger 56 in the same color code as the required nail fastener 58,
one can verify, by sight, that the correct combination of beam
hangers and fasteners was installed. Here, the beam hanger 56 could
be colored over the entirety of its exposed surface, or only along
portions of its surface. As described above, nail fastener 59 is
colored at least upon its exposed portion 59 which corresponds to
the head of the nail. In FIG. 5A, both are color designated dark
blue. In other embodiments, it may be desirable that the
construction connector be colored differently from the fasteners
with which is must be used, to provide contrasting colors or other
identifiers which might facilitate inspection. For example, the
connector might be colored blue, to indicate that it must be used
with red fasteners. As can be appreciated by those of skill in the
art, there are numerous color combinations that might be used with
this aspect of the present invention, as any particular color of
the visible spectrum (and its neon and fluorescent equivalents) may
be combined with other such colors.
[0049] FIG. 5B represents a detail section of residential framing
in which construction connectors (tie plates) connect wood members.
FIG. 5B shows several common types of tie plate applications,
including joists to plate a leg inside, beams to posts A and B legs
outside, ceiling joists to beam, chimney framing, joists to beams,
and studs to plate B leg outside. By color coding the tie plates 57
in the same color (orange as shown in FIG. 5B) as the required nail
fastener exposed portion 59 one can verify, by sight, that the
correct application has been installed. Alternately, different
colors can be used as described previously.
[0050] FIG. 5C represents a detail section of residential framing
in which construction connectors (metal straps) connect wood
members. FIG. 5C shows a standard strap chart with nail schedule.
By color coding the construction connector metal strap 51 in the
same color (dark green as shown in FIG. 5C) as the required nail
fastener exposed portion 59, one can verify, by sight, that the
correct combination as set forth in the nail schedule has been
installed.
[0051] FIG. 5D represents a detail section of residential framing
in which a construction connector header hangers 53 connects wood
members. FIG. 5D shows a wall in which there is a window opening
requiring this construction connector header hanger 53 application.
By color coding the construction connector header hanger 53 in the
same color code (red as shown in FIG. 5D) as the required fastener
exposed portion 59, one can verify, by sight, that the correct
combination has been installed. Also, it should be appreciated that
although specific colors have been selected to designate the
fasteners and connectors of FIGS. 5A-D, a variety of other colors
may be pre-selected and still be used in the present invention.
[0052] The color imparted to the fasteners of the present invention
to code them for identification may be applied in any manner known
to those of skill in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the
coloring will be applied by coating at least the exposed portion of
the fastener with a colored substance, such as paint, resin or
colored rubber compounds. Coating may be achieved by means well
known to those of skill in the are, such as dip coating or
spraying. It is preferred that the colored coating used is applied
to that a sufficient amount should remain on the exposed portion of
the fastener after the fastener has been applied such that the
color on the exposed portion may be determined by a person viewing
it. Preferably, the color of the exposed portion may be determined
by a person of normal vision (20/20), obtained either with or
without corrective lenses, at a distance of at least 1 foot away,
more preferably from a distance of at least 5 feet away, and most
preferably from a distance of at least 10 feet away, and optimally
from a distance of at least 18 feet-away. Moreover, in certain
construction applications, it is desirable that the color of the
exposed portion of the fastener be determinable from other
distances, such as from at least 15 feet away, and sometimes from
as far as 20 feet or greater. For example, it is not uncommon for
vaulted ceilings on a medium-sized home to be from 20 to 30 feet in
height. For these vaulted ceilings, it would be desirable to use
fasteners of the present invention in which the color of the
exposed portion may be determined from a distance of more than 20
feet, so that a building inspector standing below could determine
the color of the exposed portion and thus that the correct fastener
has been used.
[0053] It is also preferred that the coloring agent used to
practice the present invention be of the type that is not removed
when the fastener is inserted by a driving member, such as the
hammering of a nail. It is most preferred that enough of the
coloring remain after the fastener has been inserted so that the
color of the exposed portion of the fastener may be determined by
person of normal vision from at least 5 feet away, preferably 10
feet away, more preferably 15 to 18 feet away, and optimally from
20 feet away or more, even when used on fasteners having exposed
surfaces as small as an 8 gauge nail head, and preferably as small
as a 121/2 gauge nail head. The present inventors have determined
that colored rubber based compounds, such as Plastic Dip sold by
Plastic Dip International, Circle Pines, Minn., are suitable
coloring agents for this purpose.
[0054] Although the foregoing description of the preferred
embodiments of the present invention has shown, described and
pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention, it
will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and
changes in the form of the detail of the apparatus and method as
illustrated as well as the uses thereof, may be made by those
skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the
present invention. Consequently, the scope of the present invention
should not be limited to the foregoing discussions, but should be
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *