U.S. patent application number 11/090381 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for holdown with reinforced back.
Invention is credited to Jin-Jie Lin.
Application Number | 20060213136 11/090381 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37033788 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060213136 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lin; Jin-Jie |
September 28, 2006 |
Holdown with reinforced back
Abstract
A connector for tying a first building structural member to a
second building structural member in conjunction with fastener
means and an anchor member, that better withstands tension forces
than the prior art, is more economical to produce than the prior
art, is easier to produce than the prior art, and is easy to
install.
Inventors: |
Lin; Jin-Jie; (Livermore,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES R. CYPHER
405 14TH STREET
SUITE 1607
OAKLAND
CA
94612
US
|
Family ID: |
37033788 |
Appl. No.: |
11/090381 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/295 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2001/2684 20130101;
E04B 1/2604 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/295 |
International
Class: |
E02D 27/00 20060101
E02D027/00 |
Claims
1. A connector for tying a first building structural member to a
second building structural member in conjunction with fastener
means and an anchor member, said connector comprising: a. a seat
member, having a back edge, said seat member being formed with an
opening, said opening being formed for receiving said anchor member
therethrough to attach said connector to said second building
structural member; b. a first side member connected to said seat
member; c. a second side member connected to said seat member; and
d. a unitary back member having: i. a lower portion connected to
said seat member, and an upper portion connected to said first and
second side members; ii. an enlarged opening proximate said seat
member such that said lower portion of said back member adjacent
said seat member forms a reinforcing flange along at least a
portion of said back edge of said seat member; wherein: a) said
back member is formed to interface with said fastener means to
attach said back member to said first building structural member;
and b) said upper portion of said back member is divided into first
and second back plates each having an inner edge extending away
from said enlarged opening.
2. The connector of claim 1, wherein: a. said first and second back
plates are mutually opposed.
3. The connector of claim 2, wherein: a. said inner edge of said
first plate faces said inner edge of said second plate.
4. The connector of claim 1, wherein: a. said first and second
opposed back plates are integrally connected to and joined by said
reinforcing flange.
5. The connector of claim 4, wherein: a. said first and second side
members are integrally connected to said seat member.
6. The connector of claim 5, wherein: a. said back member is
integrally connected to said first and second side members.
7. The connector of claim 6, wherein: a. said back member is
integrally connected to said seat member.
8. The connector of claim 1, wherein: a. said reinforcing flange is
connected to said seat member along the greater portion of said
back edge of said seat member.
9. The connector of claim 1, wherein: a. said connector has a
substantially rigid washer member formed with a receiving portion
having an opening for receiving said anchor member therethrough,
and said substantially rigid washer member is located proximate
said first side member and said second side member to provide
lateral bracing to said first and second side members when said
connector is under tension loads.
10. The connector of claim 9, wherein: a. said receiving portion of
said washer member is dimensioned to closely fit between said first
side member and said second side member to provide lateral bracing
when said connector is under tension loads.
11. The connector of claim 10, wherein: a. said receiving portion
of said washer member conforms exactly to the shape of said first
and second side members.
12. The connector of claim 1, wherein: a. said connector has a
substantially rigid washer member located proximate said seat
member and formed with a receiving portion having an opening for
receiving said anchor member therethrough.
13. The connector of claim 12, wherein: a. said washer member has a
base formed to be in registration with said seat member.
14. The connector of claim 13, wherein: a. said base of said washer
member conforms exactly to the shape of said seat member.
15. The connector of claim 12, wherein: a. said washer member is
n-shaped; b. said receiving portion is formed with a back edge and
an outward edge; c. said washer member has a back flange integrally
connected to said back edge and extending towards said seat member,
said back flange formed with a back flange base that is formed to
be in registration with said seat member; and d. said washer member
has an outward flange integrally connected to said outward edge of
said receiving portion and extending towards said seat member, said
outward flange formed with an outward flange base that is formed to
be in registration with said seat member.
16. The connector of claim 15, wherein: a. said seat member is
formed with at least one embossment that interfaces with said
washer member to hold said washer member in said seat member.
17. The connector of claim 16, wherein: a. said seat member has a
front edge; and b. said connector is formed with at least one
embossment that interfaces with said outward flange base of said
washer member to hold said washer member within said seat member by
preventing said washer member from moving toward said front edge of
said seat member.
18. The connector of claim 17, wherein: a. said first and second
side members each have a top edge; and b. said connector is formed
with at least one embossment that interfaces with said receiving
portion of said washer member to hold said washer member within
said seat member by preventing said washer member from moving
toward said top edges of said first and second side members.
19. The connector of claim 4, wherein: a. said inner edges of said
first and second opposed back plates of said back member have
matching curvilinear contours that are substantially
equidistant.
20. The connector of claim 19, wherein: a. said first and second
side members each have a front edge; and b. said front edges of
said first and second side members have curvilinear contours.
21. The connector of claim 20, wherein: a. said seat member has a
front edge; and b. said front edges of said first and second side
members are connected through said front edge of seat member.
22. The connector of claim 1, wherein: a. said seat member is a
concave seat member.
23. The connector of claim 22, wherein: a. said first and second
back plates are mutually opposed; b. said inner edge of said first
plate faces said inner edge of said second plate; c. said first and
second opposed back plates are integrally connected to and joined
by said reinforcing flange; d. said first and second side members
are integrally connected to said concave seat member; e. said back
member is integrally connected to said first and second side
members; f. said back member is integrally connected to said
concave seat member; g. said reinforcing flange is connected to
said concave seat member along the greater portion of said back
edge of said concave seat member; h. said connector has a
substantially rigid washer member located proximate said first side
member and said second side member to provide lateral bracing to
said first and second side members when said connector is under
tension loads, said washer member formed with a receiving portion
having an opening for receiving said anchor member therethrough; i.
said connector has a substantially rigid washer member located
proximate said concave seat member and formed with a receiving
portion having an opening for receiving said anchor member
therethrough; l. said washer member has a base formed to be in
registration with said concave seat member; m. said base of said
washer member conforms exactly to the shape of said concave seat
member; n. said washer member is n-shaped; o. said receiving
portion is formed with a back edge and an outward edge; p. said
washer member has a back flange integrally connected to said back
edge and extending towards said concave seat member, said back
flange formed with a back flange base that is formed to be in
registration with said concave seat member; q. said washer member
has an outward flange integrally connected to said outward edge of
said receiving portion and extending towards said concave seat
member, said outward flange formed with an outward flange base that
is formed to be in registration with said concave seat member; r.
said concave seat is formed with at least one embossment that
interfaces with said washer member to hold said washer member in
said concave seat; s. said concave seat has a front edge; t. said
connector is formed with at least one embossment that interfaces
with said outward flange base of said washer member to hold said
washer member within said concave seat member by preventing said
washer member from moving toward said front edge of said concave
seat member; u. said first and second side members each have a top
edge; v. said connector is formed with at least one embossment that
interfaces with said receiving portion of said washer member to
hold said washer member within said concave seat member by
preventing said washer member from moving toward said top edges of
said first and second side members; w. said first and second side
member each have a front edge; x. said concave seat member has a
front edge; and y. said front edges of said first and second side
members are connected through said front edge of concave seat
member.
24. The connector of claim 1 in a connection, wherein: a. said
connector is fastened to a first building structural member with a
plurality of fastener members; b. said connector receives an anchor
member, which is restrained against said connector; and c. said
anchor member is attached to and restrained by a second building
structural member.
25. The connector of claim 1, wherein: a. said first and second
back plates are formed with a plurality of fastener openings.
26. The connector of claim 25 wherein: a. said connector has a
washer member located proximate said seat member; and b. said seat
member is formed with at least one embossment that interfaces with
said washer member to hold said washer member in said seat.
27. A method of forming the connector of claim 1, wherein: a. said
opening is formed in said seat member; b. said connector has an
outer circumference; c. the greater part of said outer
circumference is lance cut from a sheet metal blank; d. the greater
part of said unitary back member is bent out of said sheet metal
blank; e. said first and second side members are bent out of said
sheet metal blank; f. said remainder of said outer circumference is
cut from said sheet metal blank, separating said connector from
said sheet metal blank; and g. the remainder of said unitary back
member is bent into its final form.
28. A method of forming the connector of claim 25, wherein: a. said
opening is formed in said seat member; b. said plurality of
fastener openings in said first and second back plates are formed;
c. said connector has an outer circumference; d. the greater part
of said outer circumference is lance cut from a sheet metal blank;
e. the greater part of said unitary back member is bent out of said
sheet metal blank; f. said first and second side members are bent
out of said sheet metal blank; g. said remainder of said outer
circumference is cut from said sheet metal blank, separating said
connector from said sheet metal blank; and h. the remainder of said
unitary back member is bent into its final form.
29. A method of forming the connector of claim 26 wherein: a. said
opening is formed in said seat member; b. said plurality of
fastener openings in said first and second back plates are formed;
c. said at least one embossment is formed in said seat member; d.
said connector has an outer circumference; e. the greater part of
said outer circumference is lance cut from a sheet metal blank; f.
the greater part of said unitary back member is bent out of said
sheet metal blank; g. said first and second side members are bent
out of said sheet metal blank; h. said remainder of said outer
circumference is cut from said sheet metal blank, separating said
connector from said sheet metal blank; and i. the remainder of said
unitary back member is bent into its final form.
30. A connector for tying a first building structural member to a
second building structural member in conjunction with fastener
means and an anchor member, said connector comprising: a. a seat
member, having a back edge, said seat member being formed with an
opening, said opening being formed for receiving said anchor member
therethrough to attach said connector to said second building
structural member; b. a first side member, having a back edge,
connected to said seat member; c. a second side member, having a
back edge, connected to said seat member; and d. a back member
having: i. a lower portion connected to said back edge of said seat
member, and an upper portion connected to said back edges of said
first and second side members; ii. an enlarged opening proximate
said seat member such that said lower portion of said back member
adjacent said seat member forms at least one reinforcing flange
along at least a portion of said back edge of said seat member;
wherein: a) a part of said upper portion of said back member is
formed to interface with said fastener means to attach said back
member to said first building structural member; b) said part of
said upper portion of said back member formed to interface with
said fastener means has first and second back plates each having an
inner edge extending away from said enlarged opening; c) said first
back plate is connected to said back edge of said first side
member; d) said second back plate is connected to said back edge of
said second side member; and e) said lower portion of said back
member connects to at least one of said back edges of said first
and second side members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a connector for anchoring a first
building structural member to a second building structural member.
The connector works in conjunction with a separate anchor member
that is received by or is attached to the second building
structural member and fastener means for attaching the connector to
the first building structural member.
[0002] Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods impose forces
on a building that can cause structural failure. To counteract
these forces, it has become common practice to strengthen or add
ties between the structural members of a building in areas where
such cataclysmic forces are typically focused. For example, framed
walls can be attached to the foundation instead of merely resting
on it. The connections between the framed walls of each floor can
be strengthened. And joists can be connected to both their headers
and the support member for their header. One of the most common
connectors designed for strengthening structural connections in
called a holdown by the inventor. Holdowns are commonly used to
anchor framed walls to the foundation.
[0003] Early holdowns where constructed from two or more separate
pieces of metal, and the pieces were welded together. These
holdowns had to be painted to resist rusting because welding
destroys the zinc coating of galvanized sheet metal. They were
heavy and costly to produce because of the additional manufacturing
steps and manual labor involved in welding and painting
operations.
[0004] State of the art holdowns are made from galvanized sheet
metal formed on progressive die machines and require no welding or
painting. These advancements have reduced the cost of making
holdowns while increasing their ability to withstand tension
forces. However, ongoing research and development have demonstrated
that it is possible to produce holdowns that are more inexpensive
to produce and stronger for many connections.
[0005] Most of the holdown connectors of the prior art that work in
conjunction with a separate anchor member work in a similar
fashion. The anchor member, which is attached to the second
structural member, attaches at the seat of the connector. This seat
is connected to a back member. The back member attaches to the
first building structural member, generally a stud in a framed
wall. Most holdown connectors have one or more side members to
increase the strength of the connector or to connect the seat
member to the back member.
[0006] Most prior art holdown connectors that attached to a
separate anchor member share a common characteristic: they are
formed with a planar or flat seat. Furthermore, the interfaces
between the seat member and the back and side members are generally
perpendicular.
[0007] When sufficiently strong tension forces are exerted on
structural members attached to such prior art holdown connectors,
the seat of the connector will deflect, and the back member, and
side members, if present, will bend inward, toward the attachment
point of the seat with the anchor member. The action is somewhat
analogous to pulling a slack rope taught. This deflection of the
seat, back and side members elongates the holdown connector,
loosening the connection between the joined structural members. The
effectiveness of the holdown is thereby reduced.
[0008] Accordingly, the state of the art was advanced by the design
of holdowns that have seats that taper toward the attachment point
of the seat with the anchor member. Under even the strongest
tension forces, such a connector will have little capacity for
further inward bending and will, therefore, not have its
effectiveness reduced in this manner.
[0009] There is still a continuing need in the art for a connector
that can be made more inexpensively, installed more easily, and
with better withstands forces imposed by cataclysmic events.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a
connector, for tying a first building structural member to a second
building structural member in conjunction with fastener means and
an anchor member, that better withstands tension forces than the
prior art. This object is achieved by providing a connector that
has a unique back member with a reinforcing flange along the back
of the seat member. This object is also achieved by providing a
connector with relatively uniform material thickness throughout, as
can be achieved by forming this connector by means of a wiping
bends on progressive die machinery.
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a
connector, for tying a first building structural member to a second
building structural member in conjunction with fastener means and
an anchor member, that is more economical to produce than the prior
art. This object is achieved by providing a connector that can be
manufactured with standard die press machinery from a blank of
galvanized metal, that is simpler to manufacture than prior art
connectors also manufactured with standard die press machinery,
that uses less material than the prior art, that can be
manufactured from lighter gauge materials, that requires no costly
secondary operations such as painting and welding, that does not
require such difficult primary operations as drawing, and that
wastes less material than the prior art.
[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a
connector, for tying a first building structural member to a second
building structural member in conjunction with fastener means and
an anchor member, that is easier to produce than the prior art.
This object is achieved by providing a connector that can be
manufactured with standard die press machinery, that requires no
costly secondary operations such as painting and welding, that does
not require such difficult primary operations as drawing, and that
has fewer parts than the prior art.
[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a
connector, for tying a first building structural member to a second
building structural member in conjunction with fastener means and
an anchor member, that is easy to install. This object is achieved
by using a design that is amenable to current building
practices.
[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector
for tying a first building structural member to a second building
structural member in conjunction with fastener means and an anchor
member. The connector comprises a seat member, a first side member,
a second side member, and a unitary back member. The seat member
has a back edge, the seat member being formed with an opening, the
opening being formed for receiving the anchor member therethrough
to attach the connector to the second building structural member.
The first side member is connected to the seat member. The second
side member is connected to the seat member. The unitary back
member has a lower portion, an upper portion and an enlarged
opening. The lower portion is connected to the seat member. The
upper portion is connected to the first and second side members.
The enlarged opening is proximate the seat member such that the
lower portion of the back member adjacent the seat member forms a
reinforcing flange along at least a portion of the back edge of the
seat member. The back member is formed to interface with the
fastener means to attach the back member to the first building
structural member. The upper portion of the back member is divided
into first and second back plates each having an inner edge
extending away from the enlarged opening.
[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a method of
making this connector. According to the method, the opening is
formed in the seat member, the connector has an outer
circumference, the greater part of the outer circumference is lance
cut from a sheet metal blank, the greater part of the unitary back
member is bent out of the sheet metal blank, the first and second
side members are bent out of the sheet metal blank, the remainder
of the outer circumference is cut from the sheet metal blank,
separating the connector from the sheet metal blank, and the
remainder of the unitary back member is bent into its final
form.
[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector
that comprises a seat member, a first side member, a second side
member, and a back member that is not unitary. The seat member has
a back edge, and is formed with an opening, the opening being
formed for receiving the anchor member therethrough to attach the
connector to the second building structural member. The first side
member has a back edge and is connected to the seat member. The
second side member also has a back edge and the second side member
is also connected to the seat member. The back member has a lower
portion, an upper portion, and an enlarged opening. The lower
portion is connected to the back edge of the seat member, and the
upper portion is connected to the back edges of the first and
second side members. The enlarged opening is proximate the seat
member such that the lower portion of the back member adjacent the
seat member forms at least one reinforcing flange along at least a
portion of the back edge of the seat member. A part of the upper
portion of the back member is formed to interface with the fastener
means to attach the back member to the first building structural
member. The part of the upper portion of the back member formed to
interface with the fastener means has first and second back plates,
each having an inner edge extending away from the enlarged opening.
The first back plate is connected to the back edge of the first
side member. The second back plate is connected to the back edge of
the second side member. The lower portion of the back member
connects to at least one of the back edges of the first and second
side members.
[0017] These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent with reference to the drawings, the description of the
preferred embodiment and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector formed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a section of the connector
of FIG. 1. The connector is shown with an n-shaped washer.
[0020] FIG. 3 is front elevation view of the connector of FIG. 1,
shown with an n-shaped washer.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the connector of FIG.
1.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the connector of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the connector of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the connector of FIG.
1.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a back elevation view of the connector of FIG. 1,
shown with an n-shaped washer.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the n-shaped washer of
FIG. 12.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the n-shaped washer of
FIG. 12.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a bottom elevation view of the n-shaped washer of
FIG. 12.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an n-shaped washer formed
with flanges having rounded edges to fit in registration with the
rounded form of seat member of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a side view of a section of the connector of FIG.
1, shown with an n-shaped washer. The holdown of FIG. 1 is shown
fastened to a wooden stud and to a concrete foundation.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a section of the connector of
FIG. 1, shown with an n-shaped washer, taken along line 14-14 of
FIG. 13.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
a connector formed in accordance with the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a section of the connector
of FIG. 15. The connector is shown with an n-shaped washer.
[0034] FIG. 17 is front elevation view of the connector of FIG. 15,
shown with an n-shaped washer.
[0035] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the connector of FIG.
15.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a back elevation view of the connector of FIG.
15, shown with an n-shaped washer.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a side view of a section of the connector of FIG.
1, shown with an n-shaped washer. The holdown of FIG. 1 is shown
fastened to a steel channel stud and to a concrete foundation.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a top plan view of a section of the connector of
FIG. 1, shown with an n-shaped washer, taken along line 21-21 of
FIG. 20.
[0039] FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the progressive die formation
of the connector of FIG. 15.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the progressive die formation
of the connector of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 15, a connector 1 formed in
accordance with the present invention consists of a seat member 2,
having a back edge 3, a first side member 4 connected to the seat
member 2, a second side member 5 connected to the seat member 2,
and a unitary back member 6, in which the parts of the back member
6 are joined to each other without parts outside the back member
intervening. The seat member 2 is formed with an opening 7. The
back member 6 has a lower portion 8 connected to the seat member 2,
and an upper portion 9 connected to the first side member 4 and the
second side member 5. The back member 6 has an enlarged opening 10
proximate the seat member 2, such that the lower portion 8 of the
back member 6 adjacent the seat member 2 forms a reinforcing flange
8 along at least a portion of the back edge 3 of the seat member 2.
The enlarged opening 10 means that there is less material in the
back member 6 so that it is less likely that the material of the
back member 6 will be stretched when the connector 1 is formed. The
upper portion 9 of the back member 6 is divided into a first back
plate 11 and a second back plate 12. The first and second back
plates 11 and 12 are opposed, and each has an inner edge 13 that
extends away from the enlarged opening 10.
[0042] The first and second back plates 11 and 12 are extensions of
the reinforcing flange 8. In the preferred embodiment, the upper
and lower portions of the back member 6, where the lower portions
connectors to the back edge 3 of the seat member 2 and the upper
portion connects to the first and second side members 4 and 5,
preferably lie in substantially the same plane.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 20, the connector 1 is used for
tying a first building structural member 14 to a second building
structural member 15 in conjunction with fastener means 16 and an
anchor member 17. The opening 7 in the seat member 2 is formed to
receive the anchor member 17 therethrough to attach the connector 1
to the second building structural member 15. The back member 6 is
formed to interface with the fastener means 16 to attach the back
member 6 to the first building structural member 14. In the
preferred form of the invention, the first building structural
member 14 is a wood post or wall stud 14. In an alternate form of
the invention, as shown in FIG. 20, the first building structural
member 14 is a steel channel post or wall stud 14. As shown in FIG.
13, when the connector 1 is attached to a wood post or wall stud
14, it is preferably mounted on an outer face of the wood post or
wall stud 14, and the fastener means 16 are preferably
self-drilling wood screws 16. As shown in FIG. 20, when the
connector 1 is attached to a steel channel post or wall stud 14,
the connector 1 is preferably mounted within the steel channel post
or wall stud 14, and the fastener means 16 are preferably steel
framing screws 16. Although the fastener means 16 are preferably
screws 16, the fastener means 16 could be another form of
mechanical fastener, such as nails, bolts, rivers, welds or
adhesives.
[0044] If the connector 1 is formed for attachment to a wood post
or wall stud 14, the connector 1 is preferably formed so that it is
approximately as wide as the wood post or wall stud 14, which is
typically a double 2.times.4 member. This form is best shown in
FIGS. 17 and 19. If the connector 1 is formed for attachment to a
steel channel post or wall stud 14, the connector 1 is preferably
formed so that it is narrow enough to fit within the steel channel
post or wall stud 14. This form is best shown in FIGS. 3 and 8.
[0045] The connector 1 of the present invention is a significant
improvement over the prior art. It can be produced on automated
progressive die machinery with essentially no waste of material.
This means that there is virtually no manual labor involved in the
formation and assembly of the connector, and there is a 30%
material saving when compared to the most similar prior art
connectors. Both translate into substantial cost savings, and the
enormous material savings translates directly into less waste and
savings in time, money and energy related to disposal or recycling
of waste material. The connector 1 of the present invention is such
a significant improvement over prior art holdown connectors that is
can be used to replace several different types, further reducing
production, inventory, shipping and related costs. Furthermore,
quality is highly uniform as compared to prior art holdown
connectors, which means that quality control is less burdensome and
less expensive. The design of the connector 1 of the present
invention is not only a substantial step forward in ease of
production, but can achieve load values the same as or better than
prior art holdown connectors using lighter gauge steel, which again
conserves raw materials, energy and cost. Using the same or heavier
gauge steel, the connector 1 of the present invention can achieve
markedly higher load values. Testing has shown that the failure
mode for the connector 1 of the present invention is shearing of
the fasteners 16 or of the first building structural member 14,
which demonstrates how strong the connector 1 of the present
invention is. The connector 1 of the present invention also
incorporates a design that allows connectors 1 manufactured
according to the same method to be made relatively wide, for
attachment to wood structural members, and sufficiently narrow to
be inserted in steel channel structural members, as well as other
narrow installation environments.
[0046] The tables below show the remarkable load values achieved in
early testing of the connector 1 (labeled PHD-B1-8 through
PHD-B2-14) of the present invention: TABLE-US-00001 Test Data and
Allowable Loads Summary Test Data per pair of Holdowns (lbs)
Fasteners Setup A Setup B Setup C Model Anchor Qty Screw Test Load
@ Ultimate Load @ Ultimate Load @ Ultimate No. Ga Dia. (in) SDS1/4
Length No. 1/8'' Defl Load 1/8'' Defl Load 1/8'' Defl Load PHD- 12
7/8 16 2.5'' L035 11760 36080 11760 38160 -- -- B1-8 PHD- 10 7/8 16
2.5'' L032 13350 32210 12230 33050 -- -- B2-14 PHD- 10 7/8 20 2.5''
K990 19260 43070 23000 48560 -- -- B1-8 PHD- 10 7/8 24 2.5'' K845
24130 43360 25360 47310 -- -- B1-8 PHD- 10 7/8 24 3.0'' K923 28850
42090 25880 45500 -- -- B1-8 PHD- 10 7/8 24 2.5'' K992 29840 58030
24070 57020 -- -- B2-8 PHD- 10 7/8 30 2.5'' L033 18680 74950 13590
68870 -- -- B2-14' Test Results (per connector) Calculated
Allowable Allowable Ave Allowable Tension Load Tension Lowest Load
@ Load (lbs) Unrounded (lbs) Load (lbs) Model Avg Ult Ult/3 1/8''
Defl DFL SPF DF/SP SPF/HF DF/SP SPF/HF No. (lbs) (lbs) (lbs) (133)
(133) (133) (133) (133) (133) Comments PHD- 18560 6013 5880 7520
6320 5880 5057 5880 5055 original design, no B1-8 cookie cutter
PHD- 16315 5368 6395 7520 6320 5368 4617 5370 4615 Cookie cutter
B2- w/improved screw 14 pattern PHD- 22908 7178 10565 9400 7900
7178 6173 7180 6175 original design, no B1-8 cookie cutter, skip
lowest 4 screw holes PHD- 22668 7227 12373 11280 9480 7227 6215
7225 6215 original design, no B1-8 cookie cutter PHD- 21898 7015
13683 11280 9480 7015 6033 7015 6035 original design, no B1-8
cookie cutter, 3'' SDS PHD- 28763 9503 13478 11280 9480 9503 8173
9505 8175 Cookie cutter B2-8 w/improved screw pattern PHD- 35955
11478 8068 14100 11850 8068 6938 8070 6940 Cookie cutter B2-
w/improved screw 14 pattern
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1, 8, 15 and 19, the first and second back
plates 11 and 12 preferably are mutually opposed and, more
particularly, the inner edge 13 of the first back plate 11 faces
the inner edge of the second back plate, but the first and second
back plates could overlap. Preferably, the first and second opposed
back plates 11 and 12 are integrally connected to and joined by the
reinforcing flange 8. Preferably, the first and second side members
4 and 5 are integrally connected to the seat member 2. Preferably,
the back member 6 is integrally connected to the first and second
side members 4 and 5. Preferably, the back member 6 is also
integrally connected to the seat member 2. The integral connection
between the side members 4 and 5, the back member 6, and the seat
member 2 gives the preferred embodiment added strength to resist
both tension and compression forces.
[0048] The connector 1 formed in accordance with the present
invention is preferably formed from sheet steel and the design
makes it possible to manufacture the connector 1 on a progressive
die machine with a minimum of stretching or compression of the
material. The prior art includes a similar connector with a concave
seat member, back member and side members, all of which are formed
by drawing a sheet metal blank over a mold, resulting in integral
connection of the parts. However, the drawing process has the
disadvantage of being slow, difficult to control, time-consuming
and therefore expensive. Furthermore, it stretches the material of
the connector, weakening it particularly long its front edge, where
the material is stretched thinnest. The connector 1 of the present
invention improves on this prior art by being relatively quick to
produce in an easily-controlled process that is less expensive and
does not weaken the material of the connector 1.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 19, the reinforcing flange 8 is
preferably connected to the seat member 2 along the greater portion
of the back edge 3 of the seat member. The reinforcing flange 8 of
the present invention prevents deformation of the connector 1 under
loading and thereby improves its load-bearing capacity. The
reinforcing flange 8 introduces a bend at the back edge 3 of the
seat member 2, which reinforces the seat member 2, and the material
of the reinforcing flange 8 lies outside the plane of the seat
member 2, and closer to parallel with the forces that otherwise act
to deform the seat member 2. The reinforcing flange 8 shares the
load imposed on the seat member 2. This, combined with the inherent
improvements in manufacture, mean that the connector 1 of the
present invention can achieve higher load capacities than the prior
art, equal load values with lighter gauge steel, or both. In
addition, the drawing process of the prior art required material
that was trimmed away after the connector was formed. The connector
1 of the present invention wastes no material and this can result
in a thirty percent material saving over the prior art.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 17, in the preferred embodiments the
first and second side members 4 and 5 of the connector 1 are formed
generally parallel to each other. The first and second side member
4 and 5 can also be formed so that they converge towards each other
or diverge away from each other as the distance from the seat
member 2 increases.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 20, a connector 1 formed in
accordance with the present invention is preferably used with a
substantially rigid washer member 18 located proximate the seat
member 2. Most preferably, the washer member 18 rests directly on
the seat member 2, since compression forces on the washer member 18
are preferably transmitted to the connector 1 through the seat
member 2. The washer member 18 is preferably formed with a
receiving portion 19 which has an opening 20 for receiving the
anchor member 17 therethrough.
[0052] The washer member 18 can be located proximate the first side
member 4 and the second side member 5 to provide lateral bracing to
the first and second side members 4 and 5 when the connector is
under tension loads. When the connector 1 is under load, the
tendency is for the connector 1 to elongate and for the first and
second side members 4 and 5 to be pulled together near the seat
member 2, and the seat member 4 helps resist this tendency. If the
washer member 18 is so formed, the receiving portion 19 fits
closely between the first and second side member 4 and 5. Most
preferably, the receiving portion 19 of the washer member 18
preferably conforms exactly to the shape of the first and second
side members 4 and 5.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 17, in the preferred embodiments the
washer member 18 is proximate the seat member 2. In the preferred
embodiments, the washer member 18 provides similar lateral bracing
as when the washer member 18 sits proximate the first and second
side members 4 and 5. This is because the receiving portion 19 of
the washer member 18 is preferably of a width that closely fits
between the first side member 4 and the second side member 5. The
seat member 2 that receives the washer member 18 is thereby braced
at points where it is substantially as wide as the distance between
the first and second side members 4 and 5. Preferably, the washer
member 18 has a base 21 formed to be in registration with the seat
member 2. Most preferably, the base 21 of the washer member 18
conforms exactly to the shape of the seat member 2.
[0054] The substantially rigid washer member 18 can be formed as a
solid block with an opening 20 for receiving the anchor member 17
therethrough. As described above, the receiving portion 19 should
be wide enough so that the washer member 18 closely fits between
the first side member 4 and the second side member 5. If formed as
a solid member, the washer member 18 preferably has a base 21 that
is formed to be in registration with the seat member 2 to provide
improved bracing of the seat member 2. Such a base 21 preferably
conforms exactly to the shape of the seat member 2. The preferred
embodiment of the washer member 18, however, is n-shaped as shown
in FIGS. 9-12.
[0055] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 16, the preferred n-shaped
washer member 18 has a receiving portion 19 formed with a back edge
22 and an outward edge 23. As shown in FIG. 12, a back flange 24
integrally connects to the back edge 22 and extends towards the
seat member 2. The back flange 24 has a back flange base 25 that is
formed to be in registration with the seat member 2. An outward
flange 26 integrally connects to the outward edge 23 and also
extends towards the seat member 2. The outward flange 26 has an
outward flange base 27 that is also formed to be in registration
with the seat member 2.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 16, the seat member 2 is preferably
formed with at least one embossment 28 that interface with the
washer member 18 to hold the washer member 18 within the seat
member 2. Preferably, the seat member 2 has a front edge 29. The
connector 1 is preferably formed with at least one embossment 28
that interfaces with the outward flange base 27 of the washer
member 18 within the seat member 2 by preventing the washer member
18 from moving toward the front edge 29 of the seat member 2.
Preferably, the first and second side member 4 and 5 each have a
top edge 30 and the connector 1 is formed with at least one
embossment 28 that interfaces with the receiving portion 19 of the
washer member 18 to hold the washer member within the seat member 2
by preventing the washer member 18 from moving toward the top edges
30 of the first and second side members 4 and 5. Similar prior art
connectors, when failing after achieving maximum loads, deform and
allow the washer member, even when similarly restrained, to slip
forward and collapse. In the connector 1 of the present invention,
the design, with its reinforcing flange 8, is such that the
connector 1 does not deform and the washer member 18 is restrained,
maintaining its shape and allowing the connector 1 of the present
invention to achieve higher loads than the prior art. The most
common mode of failure for the connection 100 of the present
invention is for the first structural member 14 to split or for the
fasteners 16 to shear off.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, 7 and 8, in some embodiments the
inner edges 13 of the first and second opposed back plates 11 and
12 of the back member 6 preferably have matching curvilinear
contours that are substantially equidistant. Preferably, the first
and second side members 4 and 5 each have a front edge 31 and the
front edges 31 of the first and second side members 4 and 5 have
curvilinear contours. The curvilinear contours between the first
and second opposed back plates 11 and 12 allow for a wider
distribution of fastener members 16 in each of the opposed back
plates 11 and 12, allowing the connector 1 to achieve higher loads.
Preferably, the fastener members 16 are driven through fastener
openings 32, sized to match the prescribed fastener members 16, in
the back member 6. If the first building structural member 14 is
made of steel, the connector can be welded to it, in which case no
fastener openings 32 are needed. The curvilinear contours on the
front edges 31 of the first and second side members 4 and 5 are
formed because the first and second opposed back plates 11 and 12
of one connector 1 of the present invention are contiguous with the
first and second side member 4 and 5 of the next connector 1 of the
present invention when the connectors 1 are cut from a sheet metal
blank. Preferably, the front edges 31 of the first and second side
members 4 and 5 are connected through the front edge 29 of the seat
member 2.
[0058] In the present invention, the seat member 2 is preferably
formed as a concave member. As seen in FIG. 1, in the preferred
form of the invention the concave seat member 2 is curvilinear, but
angular variations are also considered to be within the scope of
the present invention.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 20, the anchor member 17 can
consist of an anchor bolt 33 and a holding means 34 attached
thereto. The anchor bolt 33 can be formed with distal end 35 and a
proximal end 36. When the second building structural member 15 is a
concrete foundation 15, the distal end 35 embedded in the concrete
foundation 15, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 20. The proximal end 36 can
be formed with a threaded portion 37 to which the holding means 34,
generally a threaded nut, can releasably attach, completing the
anchor member 17.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 15, the back member 6 is preferably
formed with a plurality of fastener openings 32 to receive fastener
means 16.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 13, when the first building structural
member 14 is made of wood, the fastener means 16 are preferably
wood screws with cutting points. They can also be nails, threaded
bolts with nuts, lag screws, steel screws, welds or adhesives, or
the like. The use of self-drilling wood screws as fastener means 16
eliminates the need for the added step of drilling a hole for a
regular bolt or screw that has no drilling point. Also, screws need
not pass all the way through the first building structural member
14 from the front side 38, so access to the back side 39 of the
first building structural member 14 is not necessary. Self-drilling
wood screws create a stronger connection than nails, and
self-drilling wood screws can be installed almost as quickly as
nails if a powered driver is used.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 15, the enlarged opening 10 in the
back member 6 is preferably bounded by the curved upper edge 40 of
the reinforcing flange 8 and two upwardly slanted edges 41 that
connect the curved upper edge 40 of the reinforcing flange 8 to the
inner edge 13 of the opposed back plates 11 and 12 of the back
member 6. Preferably, the front edges 31 of the first and second
side members 4 and 5 are connected to the front edge 29 of the seat
member 2 by two downwardly slanted edges 42. The two upwardly
slanted edges 41 of one connector 1 of the present invention are
contiguous with the two downwardly slanted edges 42 of the next
connector 1 of the present invention when the connectors 1 are cut
from a sheet metal blank; the curved upper edge 40 of the
reinforcing flange 8 of one connector 1 of the present invention is
contiguous with the front edge 29 of the seat member 2 of the next
connector 1 of the present invention when the connectors 1 are cut
from a sheet metal blank.
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 14, the opening 7 in the seat
member 2 is obround in shape to accommodate misalignment of the
anchor member 17 and the first building structural member 14.
[0064] FIGS. 13 and 20 show typical uses of the preferred
embodiment. In both, the first building structural member 14 is a
vertical stud 14 of a framed wall and the second building
structural member 15 is a concrete foundation 15. The present
invention may also be used to transfer tension loads between floors
of a framed structure, or to tie horizontal joists to masonry or
concrete walls, or to tie purlins to each other, or the like.
[0065] Installation of the connector 1 and the n-shaped washer
member 18 of the preferred embodiment to form a
foundation-to-wood-stud connection is shown in FIG. 13. The
connection also secures the transfer member 43, or mudsill as it is
generally known, to the second building structural member 15.
[0066] First, an anchor bolt 33 is embedded in the second buildings
structural member 15, which is commonly a poured concrete
foundation. This can be done by placing the distal end 35 of the
anchor bolt 33 in the wet concrete or by forming the second
building structural member 15 with the proximal end 36 of the
anchor bolt 33 protruding from it. An opening 44 is drilled in the
transfer member 43 and the anchor bolt 33 is inserted therethrough
with the threaded portion 37 of the proximal end 36 of the anchor
bolt 33 exposed above the top of the transfer member 43.
[0067] The threaded portion 37 of the anchor bolt 33 is inserted
through the opening 7 in the seat member 2, and the opening 20 in
the receiving portion 19 of the n-shaped washer member 18. The back
member 6 of the connector 1 is set against the front side 38 of the
first building structural member 14. Fastener means 16 are driven
through the fastener openings 32 in the back member 6 and into the
first building structural member 14, forming a tight fit between
the back member 6 of the connector 1 and the first building
structural member 14. A holding means 34 is then placed on the
threaded portion 37 of the anchor bolt 33 and tightened down,
completing the anchor member 17, and the connection 100.
[0068] The method of forming of the connector 1 of the present
invention is best illustrated by FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 which show the
connector 1 being formed on a progressive die. As illustrated,
there are idle stations that leave room for the tool blocks that
are used for wiping bend operations. The connector 1 of the present
invention is preferably formed on an automated die press. According
to the preferred method of forming the connector 1, the opening 7
is formed in the seat member 2. The connector has an outer
circumference 45. The outer circumference 45 is the outline of the
part in a flat sheet of material, preferably galvanized sheet
steel. The greater part of the outer circumference 45 is preferably
lance cut from a sheet metal blank 46. Preferably, a small portion
in the very middle of the connector 1 is left uncut, so that the
successive connectors 1 cut out of the sheet metal blank 46 remain
connected to each other until separated in the last step on the
automated die press. For the preferred method, the greater part of
the unitary back member 6 is bent out of the sheet metal blank 46,
preferably by a wipe operation. The wipe can either be up or down.
The still flat side members 4 and 5 and the seat member 2 are held
by a tool block. Then, the first and second side members 4 and 5
are bent out of the sheet metal blank 46, the remainder of the
outer circumference 45 is cut from the sheet metal blank 46,
separating the connector from the sheet metal blank 46, and the
remainder of the unitary back member 6 is bent into its final form,
preferably all in one step, a three-sided wipe in which the seat
member 2 is held by a tool block. Although the rest of the unitary
back member 6 is preferably bent up or down in an earlier step, the
middle portion that preferably connects the connectors 1 until the
final step remains flat. In the final step, it is preferably bent
and severed at once.
[0069] In its preferred form, the connector 1 of the present
invention has first and second back plates 11 and 12 that are
formed with a plurality of fastener openings 32. The fastener
openings 32 can be formed by casting, punching, boring or the like,
and are preferably sized to closely accommodate the preferred
fasteners, which for attachment to wood structural members are
1/4'' diameter self-drilling wood screws. The more preferred
self-drilling wood screws are Simpson Strong-Tie SDS screws, which
come in lengths of 11/2'' to 6''.
[0070] If the connector 1 of the present invention has first and
second back plates 11 and 12 that are formed with a plurality of
fastener openings 32, the method of forming the connector 1
includes the step of forming the plurality of fastener openings
32.
[0071] Preferably, the connector 1 of the present invention has a
washer member 18 that is located proximate the seat member 2, and
the seat member 2 is formed with at least one embossment 28 that
interfaces with the washer member 18 to hold the washer member 18
in the seat member 2. The washer member 18 is preferably inserted
in the connector 1 after the connector 1 has been removed from the
progressive die machine. Preferably, there are four embossments 28,
two in front of the washer member 18 and two above the washer
member 18. The embossments 28 in front of the washer member 18 are
preferably formed on the progressive die machine, but the two
embossments 28 above the washer member 18 are preferably formed
after the washer member 18 has been inserted in the connector 1, a
secondary operation.
[0072] In an alternate embodiment, the connector 1 of the present
invention comprises a seat member 2, a first side member 4, a
second side member 5, and a back member 6 that is not unitary. The
seat member 2 has a back edge 3, and is formed with an opening 7,
the opening 7 being formed for receiving the anchor member 33
therethrough to attach the connector 1 to the second building
structural member 15. The first side member 4 has a back edge 47
and is connected to the seat member 2. The second side member 5
also has a back edge 47 and the second side member 5 is also
connected to the seat member 2. The back member 6 has a lower
portion 8, an upper portion 9, and an enlarged opening 10. The
lower portion 8 is connected to the back edge 3 of the seat member
2, and the upper portion 9 is connected to the back edges 47 of the
first and second side members 4 and 5. The enlarged opening 10 is
proximate the seat member 2 such that the lower portion 8 of the
back member 6 adjacent the seat member 2 forms at least one
reinforcing flange 8 along at least a portion of the back edge 3 of
the seat member 2. A part of the upper portion 9 of the back member
6 is formed to interface with the fastener means 16 to attach the
back member 6 to the first building structural member 14. The part
of the upper portion 9 of the back member 6 formed to interface
with the fastener means 16 has first and second back plates 11 and
12, each having an inner edge 13 extending away from the enlarged
opening 10. The first back plate 11 is connected to the back edge
47 of the first side member 4. The second back plate 12 is
connected to the back edge 47 of the second side member 5. The
lower portion 8 of the back member 6 connects to at least one of
the back edges 47 of the first and second side member 4 and 5.
* * * * *