U.S. patent application number 10/988871 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-31 for attachment bracket and method of attaching a structure to a building.
Invention is credited to Bourque, Michael.
Application Number | 20050066613 10/988871 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34380620 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050066613 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bourque, Michael |
March 31, 2005 |
Attachment bracket and method of attaching a structure to a
building
Abstract
An attachment bracket and method of attaching a structure to a
building are provided. The attachment bracket is mountable to or in
a concrete foundation of a house or other structure. The bracket
includes a mounting section for attaching the bracket to the
structure or for inserting through foundation insulation into a
foundation. The bracket further includes a support surface
connected to and extending perpendicular to the mounting section.
The bracket further includes a joist retaining member or joist
attached to the mounting section. The mounting section includes one
or more temporary support members which engage with an engagement
region in the joist retaining member or joist, to temporarily
support the joist or the joist retaining member in place at the
proper height until the joist or the joist retaining member can be
firmly secured to the mounting section.
Inventors: |
Bourque, Michael;
(Manchester, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOURQUE & ASSOCIATES, P.A.
835 HANOVER STREET
SUITE 303
MANCHESTER
NH
03104
US
|
Family ID: |
34380620 |
Appl. No.: |
10/988871 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10988871 |
Nov 15, 2004 |
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10145115 |
May 20, 2002 |
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6817157 |
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10988871 |
Nov 15, 2004 |
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09360065 |
Jul 23, 1999 |
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6397552 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/712 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/2612 20130101;
E04B 2001/405 20130101; E04F 19/00 20130101; E04B 1/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/712 |
International
Class: |
E04B 001/38 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A support attachment bracket for use with a building foundation
having at least one face substantially perpendicular to the ground,
said support attachment bracket comprising: a support section
having an attachment plate section disposed substantially
perpendicular to the ground, and a support plate, coupled to said
attachment plate section and disposed substantially perpendicular
to said attachment plate section and parallel to said at least one
face of said building foundation, said support including at least
one temporary rim joist attachment section support member, for
temporarily supporting a rim joist attachment section; and a rim
joist attachment section supported by, and generally parallel with,
said support plate, and including at least one rim joist attachment
plate oriented parallel to and a spaced distance from said at least
one face of said building foundation to which said attachment plate
section will be attached, for maintaining a longitudinal face of a
rim joist in a parallel and spaced relationship from said at least
one face of said building foundation to which said attachment plate
section will be attached, said rim joist attachment section
including at least one temporary rim joist attachment section
support member engagement region, for temporarily supporting said
rim joist attachment section on said support plate.
2. The support attachment connection of claim 1 wherein said rim
joist attachment section is a separate section attached to said
support plate of said support section using at least one fastener
penetrating at least one hole in said rim joist attachment section
and at least one hole in said support section support plate.
3. The support attachment connection of claim 1 wherein said rim
joist attachment section is a metal rim joist.
4. The support attachment connection of claim 1 wherein said
support includes a plurality of said temporary rim joist attachment
section support members spaced in a vertical direction along said
support plate on a face of said support plate disposed away from
said face of said building foundation, for temporarily supporting
said rim joist attachment section at one of a plurality of user
selectable heights.
5. The support attachment connection of claim 1, wherein said
temporary rim joist attachment section support member includes a
first surface having a portion which is raised or protrudes from
the remainder of said first surface.
6. The attachment bracket of claim 1 wherein said rim joist
attachment section includes a generally U-shaped rim joist
attachment section.
7. A support attachment bracket for use with a building foundation
having at least one face substantially perpendicular to the ground,
said support attachment bracket comprising: a support section
having an attachment plate section disposed substantially
perpendicular to the ground, and a support plate, coupled to said
attachment plate section and disposed substantially perpendicular
to said attachment plate section and parallel to said at least one
face of said building foundation, said support including at least
one temporary rim joist attachment section support member, for
temporarily supporting a rim joist attachment section; and a metal
rim joist supported by, and generally parallel with, said support
plate, and including at least one region oriented parallel to and a
spaced distance from said at least one face of said building
foundation to which said attachment plate section will be attached,
for maintaining a longitudinal face of said metal rim joist in a
parallel and spaced relationship from said at least one face of
said building foundation to which said attachment plate section
will be attached, said metal rim joist including at least one
temporary rim joist attachment section support member engagement
region, for temporarily supporting said metal rim joist attachment
section on said support plate.
8. A support attachment bracket for use with a building foundation
having at least one face substantially perpendicular to the ground
and a building foundation insulation board disposed against and
parallel to said building foundation face, said support attachment
bracket comprising: a support section having an attachment plate
section disposed substantially perpendicular to said at least one
building foundation face and inserted through said building
foundation insulation board and into said building foundation and
disposed substantially perpendicular to the ground, and a support
plate, coupled to said attachment plate section and disposed
substantially perpendicular to said attachment plate section and
parallel to said at least one face of said building foundation,
said support plate including at least one temporary rim joist
attachment section support member, for temporarily supporting a rim
joist attachment section; and a rim joist attachment section
supported by, and generally parallel with, said support plate, and
including at least one rim joist attachment plate oriented parallel
to said at least one face of said building foundation to which said
attachment plate section will be attached, for maintaining a
longitudinal face of a rim joist in a parallel relationship from
said at least one face of said building foundation to which said
attachment plate section will be attached, said rim joist
attachment section including at least one temporary rim joist
attachment section support member engagement region, for
temporarily supporting said rim joist attachment section on said
support plate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/145,115 filed May 20, 2002 which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/360,065 filed
Jul. 23, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,552.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to an attachment bracket and method
of attaching a structure to a building. More particularly, the
invention concerns a mounting bracket and attachment method, which
attaches a header board, rim joist or bracket to a concrete
foundation of a structure for later attachment of a deck or other
structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One of the most significant concerns in attaching a deck or
other structure to a building is that there is a risk that moisture
may be trapped and accumulate at the point of attachment. This
could set up a situation where wood members of both the structure
and deck are susceptible to rot. Accordingly, a number of prior art
systems and methods have been developed to minimize the probability
of trapping moisture at the point of attachment of a deck to a
structure.
[0004] The most common method of attaching a deck to a structure
begins by installing a piece of roll flashing to the exterior
sheathing of the structure. In new construction situations, this is
preferably performed before siding is attached to the structure's
sheathing. However, where a deck is to be attached to an existing
structure, with attached siding, the siding should first be removed
to expose the sheathing. After the roll flashing is attached to the
sheathing, then a rim joist is attached over the roll flashing to
the structure, preferably using lag bolts. The lag bolts will
penetrate through the rim joist, flashing and sheathing and into a
rim joist of the structure. Next, a window flashing is attached to
the top of the attached rim joist to direct any moisture over the
rim joist and away from the structure. Siding is then attached on
top of the window flashing to complete the installation.
[0005] Although this form of deck installation has been used for
many years, it is not completely fool proof. In fact, water has a
unique way of finding its way into the sheathing and then to the
rim joist. Water can weep and follow the lag bolts to the inside of
the house. This can present significant problems in climates that
experience severe temperature swings between the summer and winter
months. During the winter months, water can work its way behind the
siding and alternatively thaw and freeze in response to temperature
fluctuations. This can weaken the joint between the deck and the
structure.
[0006] In a typical home construction scenario, the structure is
built and sided before a deck as well as other accessory devices
are attached to the structure. Thus, in order to properly attach a
deck to the structure using prior art methods, the siding
contractor will either need to leave a portion of the structure
unsided to allow the deck to be fastened thereto or attached siding
must be removed in order to properly attach the deck to the
structure. In either case, as can be appreciated, such an
installation process adds complexity and coordination headaches to
a construction project.
[0007] A number of prior patents disclose alternative methods of
attaching a deck to a structure. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,811,542 to Jewell discloses a deck bracket, which includes a wide
flange and a narrow flange spaced apart from each other by a web.
The deck bracket is then easily joined to the building, preferably
by screws and the deck easily bolted to the deck bracket. The deck
is thus spaced away from the building so that there can be no
moisture accumulation. Jewell's method of construction includes
placing the deck bracket adjacent sheathing caulking it and
protecting the area with siding covering it. While the Jewell
bracket does separate the deck structure from a building structure
and thus reduces the possibility that moisture will be trapped
between the two structures, it still requires siding modifications
and caulking to prevent moisture draining down the siding of the
structure from accumulating and penetrating through the screw holes
attaching the bracket to the structure.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,156 to Newman also discloses a mounting
bracket, which spaces a deck or the like away from the siding of a
house or other like structure in order to prevent the accumulation
of water at the joint. However, like the Jewell bracket, Newman's
bracket requires modifications to the exterior siding of a
structure and/or caulking or the like in order to effectively
waterproof the joint between the bracket and the house
structure.
[0009] An additional problem arises when using a rim joist hanging
bracket in that the rim joist attachment section of the two piece
bracket is not easily temporarily suspended in place vis-a-vis a
support section which has been previously attached to the concrete
foundation. In the case of two (2) piece hanging systems, the
portion supporting the rim joist should be easily and quickly
temporarily suspendable or attachable to that portion of the
bracket system that is attached to the building's face.
[0010] Further, it may not be necessary to utilize a rim joist
attachment section such as, for example, the case of a metal rim
joist which may be designed to attached directly to the support
section. In such cases, it is also desirable for a sole carpenter
to be able to suspend, temporarily, a long metal or wood joist
generally level on a support section previously fastened to a
building's face.
[0011] Accordingly, what is needed is a deck attachment bracket and
method, which eliminates the joint between a deck and/or deck
bracket and the exterior siding of a house or other structure,
which thereby eliminates any possibility that moisture could
penetrate into the wooden house or other structure, which allows a
rim joist attachment section or a support element, such as a metal
or wood joist, to be temporarily suspended from the support section
until the rim joist or header is inserted into the rim joist
attachment section and securely fastened, and which provides for
the possibility of attaching a rim joist directly to a support
section already attached to a structure. Preferably, such a bracket
and attachment method should be adjustable to allow a single
bracket design to be compatible with a variety of deck
configurations and orientations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An attachment bracket and method of attaching a structure to
a building are provided. The attachment bracket is mountable to or
in a concrete foundation of a house or other structure. The bracket
may be mounted to an exterior or interior face of the concrete
foundation. The bracket includes a mounting section for attaching
the bracket to the structure or for inserting through foundation
insulation into a foundation. The bracket further includes a
support surface connected to and extending perpendicular to the
mounting section. The bracket further includes a joist retaining
member or joist attached to the mounting section. The mounting
section includes one or more temporary support members which engage
with an engagement region in the joist retaining member or joist,
to temporarily support the joist or the joist retaining member in
place at the proper height until the joist or the joist retaining
member can be firmly secured to the mounting section.
[0013] It is important to note that the present invention is not
intended to be limited to a device or method which must satisfy one
or more of any stated or implied objects or features of the
invention. It is also important to note that the present invention
is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary
embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by
one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the
scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except
by the following claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other claims of the present invention will be more
fully understood by reading the following detailed description
taken together with the drawings wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
deck attachment bracket with temporary support members, showing the
bracket attached to a concrete foundation of a house or other
structure;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the deck
attachment bracket of FIG. 1; and
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the present
invention showing a metal rim joist attached directly to the
support section of a bracket with temporary support member,
according to the present invention, and also illustrating the
support bracket inserted through a piece of foam aligning the front
face of a building or other support structure, also in accordance
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Turning now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of an attachment
bracket 10 according to the present invention is shown. The
attachment bracket 10 comprises a support section 20 and a rim
joist attachment section 40. The support section 20 includes a
bracket attachment member or plate 22 that fastens to or is
inserted in, or otherwise securely attaches the support section 22
to an interior or exterior region of the vertical concrete
foundation 25 of an existing structure or other vertical face of a
structure. The bracket attachment plate 22 may be secured with a
plurality of mounting holes through which fasteners are inserted.
Alternatively, the bracket attachment plate 22 may be secured by
molding the bracket attachment plate 22 into the concrete
foundation 25 or other vertical face of a structure using, for
example, but not limited to, a plurality of perforations 27 in and
through which concrete flows around.
[0019] The bracket attachment plate 22 is coupled to a support
member or plate 28 which is disposed perpendicular to the support
section 22 and parallel to the face of a concrete foundation or
structure. In accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, bracket attachment plate 28 includes one or more
temporary support members 43. The temporary support members 43 are
formed, for example, by punching a piece of metal from the bracket
attachment plate 28. One or more temporary support members 43a-43c
may be provided.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the temporary support members 43 are
preferably approximately 1/2" long by 1/8" wide. The temporary
support members 43 may be provided spaced apart over the length of
the vertical face of the bracket attachment plate 28. In one
embodiment, the temporary support members 43 may further include a
protrusion or embossed region 45 which serve to "lock" the
temporary support member 43 into a slot 47 provided in the support
attachment member or plate 42 by punching out the slot, or other
similar method. Providing one or more temporary support members 43
at various "heights" allows the user to select which height would
be the best to hang or suspend a rim joist. The remaining or unused
temporary support members are simply bent back into place and not
used.
[0021] The rim joist attachment section 40 is comprised of at least
one support attachment member or plate 42, preferably including at
least one fastener hole passing therethrough to allow at least one
rim joist or support (such as a post or stud) 35 to be fastened
thereto using fasteners (not shown) common to the construction
industry and held a spaced distance 37 from the face 50 of a
vertical structure such as a concrete foundation or other
structure.
[0022] The spaced distance 37 may correspond to a distance equal to
the thickness of a foam or similar insulation board 52, FIG. 3. The
bracket 10 may be attached to a vertical structure having such an
insulation board 52 by cutting out an area (i.e. a "slot") from the
insulation board 52 sufficient to accommodate the bracket, or by
otherwise inserting or pushing the bracket 10 through the
insulation board 52. A plurality of fastener holes may be provided
to allow a rim joist or support 35 to be fastened thereto in
differing vertical positions.
[0023] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a metal joist 54 may be
attached directly to the bracket attachment plate 28 of the support
section 20. The metal joist 54 may be suspended or disposed at the
proper height on top of an appropriately selected temporary support
member 43, for temporarily supporting the metal joist 54 over its
length, until more permanent fasteners 56 are inserted.
Subsequently, one or more cross-joists 58 are inserted into the
metal joists 54 and a floor or other decking 60 may be provided on
top of the cross-joists
[0024] Preferably, each of the support member 20 and the rim joist
attachment section 40 of the attachment bracket 10 is formed from a
single planar blank of material, such as sheet metal chosen to be
an acceptable gauge to support the weight associated with a
structure being supported. Of course, alternative materials, such
as molded plastics, composites, castable materials, such as metals
and the like may provide suitable alternatives.
[0025] Utilizing the attachment bracket 10, the disclosed invention
provides a new method of attaching and/or supporting a deck or
other structure to a house or other structure. The method begins by
attaching a support attachment bracket 20 to a concrete foundation
of the house or other structure. The bracket is designed to
transmit the loads associated with a structure to the house
foundation. Next, a rim joist 54 or other member 40 to be supported
is attached to the attachment bracket in a manner so as to provide
a desired gap between the concrete face and the structure. A deck
or other structure is then constructed in accordance with prior art
building methods.
[0026] Accordingly, a novel attachment bracket and method is
provided, whereby the problems associated with moisture trapping
and accumulation at the point of attachment is eliminated. The
bracket and method allows a deck or other structure to be attached
to a concrete foundation of a house or other structure, in a spaced
relationship thereto, thereby eliminating the possibility that any
moisture could penetrate the wooden structure of the house or other
structure. In addition, temporary support members allow a joist or
support bracket to be temporarily suspended while a more permanent
attachment is made, thus allowing one person to utilize a system of
the present invention.
[0027] As mentioned above, the present invention is not intended to
be limited to a device or method which must satisfy one or more of
any stated or implied objects or features of the invention and
should not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary
embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by
one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the
scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except
by the following claims.
* * * * *