U.S. patent application number 12/455349 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-18 for side mounted drill bolt and threaded anchor system for veneer wall tie connection.
Invention is credited to Joseph Bronner.
Application Number | 20100037552 12/455349 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41668181 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100037552 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bronner; Joseph |
February 18, 2010 |
Side mounted drill bolt and threaded anchor system for veneer wall
tie connection
Abstract
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a load
transfer system includes a back-up wall and at least one panel
disposed adjacent the back-up wall. A veneer wall is spaced from
the back-up wall. A drill bolt having a generally cylindrical shaft
extending between first and second ends is provided. A portion of
the shaft adjacent the first end is secured to the back-up wall and
a portion of the shaft adjacent the second end extends through a
penetration hole in the at least one panel. A clip is disposed on
the second end of the drill bolt within the space between the
back-up wall and the veneer wall. A wire tie extends between the
clip and the veneer wall.
Inventors: |
Bronner; Joseph; (Warren,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCCRACKEN & FRANK LLP
311 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 2500
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
41668181 |
Appl. No.: |
12/455349 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61188826 |
Aug 13, 2008 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/713 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/4178 20130101;
F16B 37/00 20130101; F16B 45/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/713 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/38 20060101
E04B001/38; E04B 1/41 20060101 E04B001/41 |
Claims
1. A load transfer system, comprising: a back-up wall and at least
one panel disposed adjacent the back-up wall; a veneer wall spaced
from the back-up wall; a drill bolt having a generally cylindrical
shaft extending between first and second ends, wherein a portion of
the shaft adjacent the first end is secured to the back-up wall and
a portion of the shaft adjacent the second end extends through a
penetration hole in the at least one panel; a clip disposed on the
second end of the drill bolt within the space between the back-up
wall and the veneer wall; and a wire tie extending between the clip
and the veneer wall.
2. The load transfer system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
panel comprises one or more of wall sheeting and insulation
board.
3. The load transfer system of claim 1, wherein the second end of
the drill bolt shaft includes a threaded portion, and wherein the
clip includes a complementary threaded portion that is adapted to
be threaded onto the second end of the drill bolt shaft.
4. The load transfer system of claim 1, wherein the second end of
the drill bolt shaft includes a threaded bore adapted to
alternatively receive one of a drill tip with a complementary
threaded member and a clip with a complementary threaded
projection.
5. The load transfer system of claim 1, wherein the clip is adapted
to be independently rotatable in two directions relative to the
drill bolt so that the clip may be angularly adjusted and
longitudinally spaced from a surface of the back up wall by a
distance of about L measured parallel to a longitudinal axis of the
drill bolt shaft.
6. The load transfer system of claim 5, wherein the distance L is
about equal to a width of the at least one panel.
7. The load transfer system of claim 5, wherein the wire tie is
vertically adjustable within an opening of the clip.
8. The load transfer system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of
fasteners affix the portion of the shaft adjacent the first end to
the back-up wall.
9. The load transfer system of claim 1, wherein the penetration
hole in the at least one panel is substantially equal in size to a
diameter of the drill bolt shaft.
10. The load transfer system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the
shaft adjacent the first end is secured to a web surface of the
back-up wall, and wherein a plane coincident therewith is
substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drill bolt
shaft.
11. The load transfer system of claim 1, wherein the clip comprises
at least one of a U-clip, a slot nut, an L-clip, a wing-nut clip, a
U-rail, and a rod-rail.
12. The load transfer system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the
shaft that extends through the penetration hole in the at least one
panel includes at least one of a hole extending through the shaft
and a smaller cross-sectional diameter about a longitudinal axis of
the shaft in relation to the portion of the shaft adjacent the
first end.
13. The load transfer system of claim 1, wherein the second end of
the shaft is provided with a threaded recess having a first end of
a threaded core received therein, and wherein a second end of the
threaded core is received within a threaded cavity of a drilling
head.
14. The load transfer system of claim 13, wherein the drilling head
is comprised of a plastic.
15. The load transfer system of claim 13, wherein a plastic sleeve
is provided over the threaded core between the second end of the
shaft and the drilling head.
16. The load transfer system of claim 15, wherein one or more of
the shaft, the threaded core, the drilling head, and the sleeve are
separable from one another.
17. A load transfer system, comprising: a back-up wall and at least
one panel disposed adjacent the back-up wall; a veneer wall spaced
from the back-up wall; means for securing a drill bolt to the
back-up wall; and means for securing the drill bolt to a wire tie
attached to the veneer wall.
18. A method of transferring a horizontal load between a back-up
wall and a veneer wall, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a veneer wall spaced from a back-up wall; driving a drill
bolt with first and second ends through at least one panel disposed
adjacent the back-up wall, wherein a portion of the second end is
threaded and is disposed within the space between the back-up wall
and the veneer wall; securing the portion of the drill bolt
adjacent the first end to the back-up wall; threadably attaching a
clip to the second end of the drill bolt, wherein the clip includes
at least one opening to receive a wire tie; and inserting a wire
tie into the at least one opening in the clip, wherein the wire tie
is further attached to portions of the veneer wall.
19. The method of claim 18, further including the step of rotating
the clip in one of two directions relative to the drill bolt so
that the clip may be angularly adjusted and longitudinally spaced
from a surface of the back-up wall by a distance of about L
measured parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drill bolt and
vertically adjusting the wire tie within the at least one opening
of the clip.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein driving the drill bolt through
the at least one panel creates a hole therein, which is
substantially equal in size to a diameter of the drill bolt.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/188,826, filed Aug. 13, 2008, and
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
SEQUENTIAL LISTING
[0002] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a side-mounted
system for transferring horizontal loads between a back-up wall and
a veneer wall, and more particularly, to connecting an anchor shaft
extending from the back-up wall or other building support to a wire
tie extending from the veneer wall.
[0005] 2. Description of the Background of the Invention
[0006] Much of today's building construction consists of masonry
veneer wall supported for horizontal transverse loads by a
structural back-up wall. The back-up wall can consist of stud wall,
masonry wall, concrete wall with steel elements, or any other
material known to those of skill in the art. The back-up wall
supports the veneer wall horizontally via wall ties such as formed
wire ties or corrugated metal ties. The wall ties are embedded in
the veneer wall mortar joints on one end and attached to a tie
anchor on the other end. The tie anchor is connected to the back-up
wall and transfers the horizontal transverse loads directly to the
structural elements, whether it is applied in tension or in
compression. In many cases, the structural elements of the back-up
wall are overlaid with wall sheeting and insulation boards, e.g. a
stud wall may be overlaid with gypsum sheeting and insulation
boards. The tie anchor is designed to penetrate the overlying
sheeting and boards so as to transfer the transverse horizontal
loads directly to the back-up structural elements.
[0007] Various side-mounted systems for transferring horizontal
loads between a back-up wall and a veneer wall are known. Examples
of such prior art wall connecting systems include Slotted Stud Ties
(Types I and II) and Slotted Side Mounted Rap Ties manufactured by
Fero Corporation of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, BL407 and BL507 wire
ties manufactured by Blok-Lok.RTM. Limited of Toronto, Ontario,
Canada, and Brick Connectors manufactured by Bailey Metal Products
Limited, of Concord, Ontario, Canada. Referring to FIG. 1, a prior
art system 20 is shown. During installation of the system 20, a
worker (not shown) typically will stand at a position E facing in
the direction of an arrow A toward the exterior of a veneer wall 22
and a back-up wall 24, which in the present example is a metal stud
wall. To use the system 20, the worker must first secure a tie
anchor 26, such as a flat anchor plate 28, to the back-up wall 24.
The anchor plate 28 is secured to a side surface 30 of the back-up
wall 24 by fasteners, e.g., screws 32 extending through holes 34,
such that a plane of the surface 30 is parallel to the arrow A.
Typically, the anchor plate 28 is installed after panels of wall
sheeting 36a and insulation 36b are in place. The worker, standing
on an inside of the back-up wall 24 in a direction opposite to
arrow A, cuts a slot in the wall sheeting 36a and the insulation
36b to position the anchor plate 28 in place and thereafter fastens
it to the surface 30 using fasteners 32 through holes 34 (the
panels 36a, 36b are shown on only one side of the anchor plate 28
in FIG. 1 for purposes of clarity). In other embodiments, the
structural elements of the back-up wall 24 are overlaid with
different insulation boards and/or wall sheeting. A triangular wire
tie 38 is inserted into a slot 40 of the anchor plate 28. Distal
ends 42 of the wire tie 38 are laid within a mortar bed 44 of the
veneer wall 22.
[0008] One major drawback of the above-noted prior art systems is
that a worker must fashion a cut-out through wall sheeting and
insulation boards, e.g., with a reciprocating saw, or position
multiple panels together in order to make space for securing an
anchor plate to a back up-wall. The cut-out or spacing between
multiple panels is typically larger than the dimensions of the
anchor plate, thereby creating an oversized void in the wall
sheeting and insulation boards. Inevitably, there are many places
where the anchor plate will have to penetrate through the wall
sheeting and insulation boards. Further, regardless of whether the
anchor plate is secured to a back-up wall prior to installation of
the wall sheeting or insulation boards or after, the anchor plate
will still interfere with the continuity and the integrity of the
wall boards and insulation. Utilizing such prior art systems thus
results in wasted material, requires the use of additional labor,
money, and time, and achieves a less desirable installation.
[0009] Another disadvantage to the prior art systems is that the
relatively large voids that are created to mount the anchor plate
to the back-up wall must be sealed and the rigid panels, if
present, must be supported. Supporting the panels and sealing the
conventional voids requires relatively large cover plates to be
placed over the voids and the expenditure of a significant amount
of labor and cost to install them. Because the adjustability in the
prior art system is very limited, there is no certainty that the
seal plate will be tightly held against the rigid sheeting or board
panels.
[0010] In light of the problems enumerated above, the present
invention overcomes the numerous disadvantages of the prior art.
For example, in one embodiment a drill bolt is designed to attach
directly to a back-up wall and extend through a substantially small
and watertight penetration hole through wall sheeting and
insulation boards. In another embodiment, the drill bolt system is
adapted to receive a standard wire tie and allow for the vertical,
rotational, and longitudinal adjustment of a U-clip, slot nut, or
other type of clip, before and after the wall sheeting and
insulation boards are in place, so as to provide a tight support
for the insulation boards and at the same time a sure seal of the
penetration hole. In a different embodiment, the drill bolt
provides for a relatively quicker installation process, which will
save both time and expense. In yet another embodiment, the drill
bolt location on the metal stud can be adjusted to allow the same
drill bolt to be used for several different wall construction
thicknesses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
load transfer system includes a back-up wall and at least one panel
disposed adjacent the back-up wall. A veneer wall is spaced from
the back-up wall. A drill bolt having a generally cylindrical shaft
extending between first and second ends is provided. A portion of
the shaft adjacent the first end is secured to the back-up wall and
a portion of the shaft adjacent the second end extends through a
penetration hole in the at least one panel. A clip is disposed on
the second end of the drill bolt within the space between the
back-up wall and the veneer wall. A wire tie extends between the
clip and the veneer wall.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a load transfer system includes a back-up wall and at least one
panel disposed adjacent the back-up wall. A veneer wall is spaced
from the back-up wall. Means for securing a drill bolt to the
back-up wall are provided as well as means for securing the drill
bolt to a wire tie attached to the veneer wall.
[0013] In accordance with a different aspect of the present
invention, a method of transferring a horizontal load between a
back-up wall and a veneer wall includes the steps of providing a
veneer wall spaced from a back-up wall and driving a drill bolt
with first and second ends through at least one panel disposed
adjacent the back-up wall. A portion of the second end is threaded
and is disposed within the space between the back-up wall and the
veneer wall. Another step includes securing the portion of the
drill bolt adjacent the first end to the back-up wall. A different
step includes threadably attaching a clip to the second end of the
drill bolt, wherein the clip includes at least one opening to
receive a wire tie. Yet another step is inserting a wire tie into
the at least one opening in the clip, wherein the wire tie is
further attached to portions of the veneer wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary isometric view of a prior art
connection system illustrating a steel plate attached to a metal
stud;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded, fragmentary isometric view, partly in
section, of one embodiment of a load transfer system illustrating a
U-clip and a drill bolt attached to a back-up wall, with sections
of a wall sheeting and an insulation board removed to show the
drill bolt extending therethrough;
[0016] FIG. 2A is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 2, except
that the wall sheeting and insulation board are shown extending
around a portion of the drill bolt;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the U-clip of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the U-clip of FIG.
3;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the U-clip of FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the U-clip of FIG. 3 taken
along the lines 6-6 thereof;
[0021] FIG. 7A is an isometric view of one embodiment of a wire tie
that may be used with the load transfer system of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 7B is an isometric view of another embodiment of a wire
tie that may be used with a different embodiment of the load
transfer system of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view, partly in section,
of the load transfer system of FIG. 2 in combination with the wire
tie depicted in FIG. 7A, which further depicts a second position of
the U-clip in broken lines;
[0024] FIG. 9 is an exploded, fragmentary isometric view, partly in
section, of a different embodiment of a load transfer system
similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 2, except that the U-clip
has been replaced with a slot nut;
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a fragmentary elevational view, partly
in section, of the load transfer system of FIG. 9 in combination
with the wire tie depicted in FIG. 7A, and further depicts a second
position of the slot nut in broken lines;
[0026] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the slot nut of FIGS. 9 and
10;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the slot nut of FIG. 11;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of the slot nut of FIG.
11 taken along the lines 13-13 thereof;
[0029] FIG. 14 is an exploded, fragmentary isometric view, partly
in section, of a different embodiment of a load transfer system
similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 2, except that the U-clip
has been replaced with an L-clip;
[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates a fragmentary elevational view, partly
in section, of the load transfer system of FIG. 14 in combination
with the wire tie depicted in FIG. 7B;
[0031] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the L-clip of FIGS. 14 and
15;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the L-clip of FIG. 16;
[0033] FIG. 18 is right side elevational view of the L-clip of FIG.
16;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a sectional right side elevational view of the
L-clip of FIG. 16 taken along the lines 19-19 thereof;
[0035] FIG. 20 is an exploded, fragmentary isometric view, partly
in section, of a different embodiment of a load transfer system
similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 14, except that the L-clip
has been replaced by a wing nut clip;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of a
different embodiment of the drill bolt depicted in FIG. 20;
[0037] FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a different embodiment of
the wing nut clip shown in FIG. 20;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of a drill bolt similar
to the one shown in FIG. 2 with the inclusion of markings;
[0039] FIG. 23A is a side elevational view of the drill bolt
depicted in FIG. 23 with the inclusion of an additional hole;
[0040] FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of a drill bolt similar
to the one depicted in FIG. 23 having a threaded portion with a
smaller cross-section;
[0041] FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of a drill bolt including
a plurality of holes and which has first and second shaft portions
with varying diameters;
[0042] FIG. 26 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of
another embodiment of a drill bolt;
[0043] FIG. 27 is an exploded side elevational view, partly in
section, of the drill bolt of FIG. 26;
[0044] FIG. 28 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of
another embodiment of a drill bolt similar to the one shown in FIG.
26;
[0045] FIG. 28A is an exploded side elevational view, partly in
section, of the drill bolt of FIG. 28;
[0046] FIG. 29 is an exploded, fragmentary isometric view, partly
in section, of a different embodiment of a load transfer system
similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 2, except that two drill
bolts with a narrow threaded portion are provided and the U-clip
has been replaced with a U-rail; and
[0047] FIG. 30 is an exploded, fragmentary isometric view, partly
in section, of another embodiment of a load transfer system similar
to the one illustrated in FIG. 29, except that the U-rail has been
replaced with a rod-rail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Turning now to FIGS. 2-6 and 8, one embodiment of a load
transfer system 100 is depicted. The load transfer system 100
generally includes a drill bolt 102, a back-up wall 104, and a
veneer wall 106. The back-up wall 104 may comprise any number of
structures known to those of skill in the art, including stud
walls, wood stud walls, masonry walls, concrete walls with steel
elements, etc. In many cases the structural elements of the back-up
wall are overlaid with panels such as wall sheeting and/or
insulation boards. For purposes of the embodiments discussed
herein, it will be assumed that the back-up wall 104 comprises
vertical steel studs, which are overlaid by gypsum board sheeting
108 (or wall sheeting 108) and rigid insulation boards 110 (or
insulation 110). Similarly, the veneer wall 106 may comprise any
type of veneer known to those of skill in the art, including brick
veneer, stone veneer, masonry veneer, stucco, etc. However, for
purposes of the embodiments discussed herein, it will be assumed
that the veneer wall 106 comprises a brick veneer.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 2, it may be seen that drill bolt 102
comprises a cylindrical shaft 112, which extends longitudinally
about an axis 113 between first and second ends 114, 116,
respectively. The second end 116 includes a threaded portion 118
that terminates at a drill tip 120. First and second holes 122,
124, respectively, are provided within a body 126 of the drill bolt
102. A driving head 128, e.g., a hexagonal head, is provided on the
first end 114 of the drill bolt 102. The driving head 128 is
adapted to be driven with a socket (not shown) using either a
manual or power tool. However, it is contemplated that any type of
driving head or means for positioning the drill bolt 102 known to
those of skill in the art be utilized in conjunction with the
present embodiments, e.g., the first end 114 may be equipped with
an indentation to fit a standard Philips, square, hexagonal or
other screwdriver, or with a protrusion to fit a hexagonal, square
or other standard screwdriver socket. It is also contemplated that
the drill bolt 102 may be made of stainless steel, carbon steel, a
plastic, or any other suitable material known to one of skill in
the art. Further, if the drill bolt 102 comprises a plastic
material, it may act as a thermal break between various portions of
the building that the load transfer system is utilized in.
[0050] The drill bolt 102 also includes a U-clip 130 for attachment
to the second end 116 thereof. The U-clip 130 may comprise any
suitable material such as a metal or a plastic. In one preferred
embodiment, the U-clip 130 is formed from a single piece of steel
plate by a stamping and drawing process known to those of skill in
the art. Turning to FIGS. 3-6, it may be seen that the U-clip 130
comprises a U-shaped member having a flat wall 132 and two side
members 134a, 134b extending substantially perpendicularly
therefrom. The side members 134a, 134b include a race-track shaped
slot 136a, 136b, respectively. A barrel 138 extends outwardly from
the flat wall 132 and includes an interior threaded portion 140.
The threaded barrel 138 is adapted to be threaded onto the threaded
portion 118 of the drill bolt 102. In addition, an optional washer
142 may be provided with the U-clip 130.
[0051] Turning again to FIG. 2, one method of securing the drill
bolt 102 to the back-up wall 104 will be explained. During an
installation procedure, a worker (not shown) stands at a position
I, interior of the back up wall 104 and the veneer wall 106 (not
shown in FIG. 2), in the direction of an arrow B. The worker drives
the drill bolt 102 through the insulation 110 and the wall sheeting
108 until the drill tip 120 extends through both the insulation 110
and the wall sheeting 108 and into a space 150 (see FIG. 8) between
the back-up wall 104 and the veneer wall 106. The drill bolt 102
may be driven through the insulation 110 and the wall sheeting 108
by any means known to one of skill in the art, e.g., the drill bolt
102 may be manually or mechanically inserted, drilled, placed,
pressed, or otherwise disposed within the insulation 110 and the
wall sheeting 108. When in this state, portions of the drill bolt
102 adjacent the second end 116 are within the insulation 110 and
the wall sheeting 108. This method of drilling through the
insulation 110 and wall sheeting 108 creates a round and tight
penetration opening 151 (see FIG. 2A). With reference to FIGS. 2
and 2A, it is shown that a portion of the drill bolt 102 adjacent
the first end 114 is fastened to a web surface 152 of the back-up
wall 104 with suitable fasteners, such as screws 154, which are
driven through the first and second holes 122, 124. In one
embodiment, it is contemplated that the driving head 128 of the
drill bolt 102 is the same as that utilized by the fastener and/or
the anchor tie so that they can be installed with the same tool. A
plane coincident with the web surface 152 is substantially parallel
to the direction of the arrow B and the longitudinal axis 113 of
the drill bolt 102. Further, axes of the screws 154 are oriented
substantially perpendicular to forces acting on the drill bolt 102
along the length thereof, thereby allowing the screws 154 to act
mostly in shear rather than in tension or compression. Because the
load is transferred to the back-up wall 104 by screws 154 acting in
shear rather than in tension or compression, a more reliable and
stronger load transfer system is realized. Also, because the load
is transferred to the back-up wall 104 near its center of shear,
which is somewhat outside the face of the web of the metal stud,
less or no torsion stress is applied to the back-up wall 104.
[0052] Upon securing the drill bolt 102 to the back-up wall 104,
the worker may then insert the washer 142 onto the barrel 138 and
fasten the U-clip 130 onto the threaded portion 118 of the drill
bolt 102 until the washer 142 is sealed securely against the
paneling 110 or 108. With reference to FIG. 8, it may be seen that
the U-clip 130 may be longitudinally spaced from a surface of the
back-up wall 104 by a distance of about L measured parallel to the
longitudinal axis 113 of the drill bolt 102 to ensure a good seal.
Optionally, the washer 142 is inserted onto the barrel 138 during
manufacturing in the factory, prior to installation, thus reducing
the labor cost in the field. Adequate sealing of the penetration
opening 151 is ensured by the washer 142 because of the relatively
tight fit between the drill bolt 102 and portions of the insulation
110 and the wall sheeting 108 that comprise the penetration hole.
Therefore, a more economical and timely means for supporting the
paneling and sealing is provided with the present embodiment, which
also results in a better seal than found in prior art devices.
Thereafter, the worker loops a wire tie through the race-track
shaped slots 136a, 136b of the U-clip 130.
[0053] With reference to FIG. 7A, one embodiment of a wire tie 160
is shown. The wire tie 160, which has a generally trapezoidal
shape, includes a first end 162 and two arms 164a, 164b extending
therefrom. Further, two inwardly projecting ends 166a, 166b extend
from the arms 164a, 164b, respectively. During use, the first end
162 is positioned within the race-track shaped slots 136a, 136b of
the U-clip 130 and the projecting ends 166a, 166b and portions of
the arms 164a, 164b rest within a mortar bed 168 between at least
two bricks of the veneer wall 106 (see FIG. 8).
[0054] FIG. 8 generally shows the present embodiment in an operable
position, wherein the drill bolt 102 provides for the horizontal
load transfer between the back-up wall 104 and the veneer wall 106.
FIG. 8 is also illustrative of the vertical adjustability of the
wire tie 160 within the race-track shaped slots 136a, 136b of the
U-clip 130. Further, the U-clip 130 may be rotated a full 360
degrees to orient the race-track shaped slots 136a, 136b, and by
extension the wire tie 160, in any position convenient for the
worker and to allow for greater vertical adjustability of the wire
tie 160. For example, a first position 170 of the U-clip 130 is
shown in sold lines and a second position 172 of the U-clip 130 is
shown in broken lines. Further, the ability to rotate the wire tie
160 360 degrees allows for the wire tie 160 to be adjusted anywhere
between a distance approximately twice the length of the race-track
shaped slots 136a, 136b. Accordingly, it is not necessary for the
height of the mortar bed 168 to be perfectly horizontally aligned
with a corresponding drill bolt 102 in order to accomplish
horizontal load transfer. Further, by rotating the U-clip 130 about
the threaded portion 118 of the drill bolt 102, a worker may
longitudinally displace the U-clip 130 either toward or away from
the back-up wall 104 as well as angularly displace the U-clip 130.
Therefore, the present load transfer system 100 has a full three
degrees of adjustability to assist in the securement of the veneer
wall 106 to the back-up wall 104.
[0055] FIGS. 9-13 illustrate another embodiment of a load transfer
system 200 identical to the load transfer system 100 discussed
above, including any variations thereof, except for the differences
noted hereinbelow. The drill bolt 102 of the present embodiment
includes a slot nut 202 in lieu of the U-clip 130. In one preferred
embodiment, the slot nut 202 is cast or molded from either a metal
or a plastic material by methods known to those of skill in the
art. The slot nut 202 comprises a generally cylindrical barrel 204
with a first end 206 and a second end 208. An annular flange 210 is
optionally provided that circumscribes a medial portion of the
cylindrical barrel 204. The annular flange 210 may be used in
addition to or in lieu of the washer 142. A cylindrical opening 212
is provided within the first end 206 and is defined by threaded
wall portions 214. The threaded wall portions 214 are adapted to be
screwed onto the threaded portion 118 of the drill bolt 102. The
cylindrical opening 212 does not extend through the entire
longitudinal length of the slot nut 202, thereby providing for a
closed end to protect the drill bolt 102 from the environment. The
slot nut 202 also includes a tab 216 with a race-track shaped slot
218 therein. In operation, the worker can rotate the slot nut 202 a
full 360 degrees, e.g., to a first position 220 or a second
position 222. In one embodiment, the tab 216 includes a driving
member 224 to allow a user to utilize a tool to rotate the slot nut
202, e.g., the driving member 224 may comprise an indentation to
allow a screw driver to rotate the slot nut 202, which could be the
same tool used to position the drill bolt 102 and/or the screws
154. Similar to the previous embodiment, the slot nut 202 affords
three degrees of adjustability and allows for the wire tie 160 to
be vertically adjusted within a range that is equal approximately
to twice the length of the race-track shaped slot 218.
[0056] FIGS. 14-19 illustrate another embodiment of a load transfer
system 300 identical to the load transfer system 100 discussed
above, including any variations thereof, except for the differences
noted hereinbelow. The drill bolt 102 of the present embodiment
includes an L-clip 302 in lieu of the U-clip 130. The L-clip 302
includes a first planar portion 304 and a second planar portion 306
extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. A barrel 308
extends outwardly from the first planar portion 304 and includes an
interior threaded portion 310. The threaded barrel 308 is adapted
to be threaded onto the threaded portion 118 of the drill bolt 102.
Holes 312a, 312b are provided within the second planar portion 306
of the L-clip 302. The holes 312a, 312b are adapted to receive
portions of a pintle style wire tie 314, which is depicted in FIG.
7B. Specifically, the wire tie 314 includes a first end 316 and two
bent arms 318a, 318b extending therefrom. Further, two legs 320a,
320b project from the bent arms 318a, 318b, respectively. During
use, the legs 320a, 320b are inserted into the holes 312a, 312b,
respectively, and the first end 316 and portions of the bent arms
318a, 318b rest within the mortar bed 168 between at least two
bricks of the veneer wall 106 (see FIG. 15). The drill bolt 102 of
the present embodiment also includes first and second shaft
portions 322, 324, respectively, wherein the first shaft portion
322 has a larger diameter than the second shaft portion 324. The
first and second holes 122, 124 are provided within the first shaft
portion 322 and the threaded portion 118 and the drill tip 120 are
provided on the second shaft portion 324.
[0057] The reduced diameter of the second shaft portion 324 can
contribute to substantial savings in the amount of materials
required to implement the horizontal load transfer system of this
embodiment in comparison to prior art systems. The reduced diameter
of the second shaft portion 324 is possible because the forces
exerted thereon are axial, i.e., in tension or compression, as
opposed to a bending force. Further, the reduced diameter of the
second shaft portion 324 reduces the thermal conductivity of the
drill bolt 102, particularly on portions of the drill bolt 102
covered by and/or adjacent the insulation 110 and the wall sheeting
108. It is anticipated that any of the embodiments disclosed herein
may similarly reduce the diameter of portions of a drill bolt about
its axial length to realize the above-noted benefits.
[0058] FIG. 20 illustrates yet another embodiment of a load
transfer system 400 identical to the load transfer system 300
discussed above, including any variations thereof, except for the
differences noted hereinbelow. The drill bolt 102 of the present
embodiment includes a wing nut clip 402 in lieu of the L-clip 302.
The wing nut clip 402 is similar to the wing nut disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,415,803, the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety. The wing nut clip 402 includes a
central barrel 404 having an internal threaded bore 406. The
threaded bore 406 is adapted to be threaded onto the threaded
portion 118 of the drill bolt 102. A generally planar first wing
408 extends laterally from an external side surface 410 of the
barrel 404 and includes a hole 412. Similarly, a generally planar
second wing 414 extends laterally from the barrel 404 and includes
a hole 416. The wings 408 and 414 are circumferentially spaced
apart by a suitable amount, such as 180 degrees, so that the holes
412 and 416 can receive portions of the pintle style wire tie 314,
which is depicted in FIG. 7B.
[0059] In an alternative embodiment, such as depicted in FIGS. 21
and 22, a wing nut clip 402' is provided that is identical to the
wing nut clip 402 except for the inclusion of a threaded
cylindrical projection 418 in lieu of the threaded bore 406.
Further, the threaded portion 118 and the drill tip 120 on the
second shaft portion 324 of the drill bolt 102 have been replaced
by a threaded bore 420 adapted to receive the threaded cylindrical
projection 418 of the wing nut clip 402'. A drilling head 422 is
also provided, which includes a tip 424 and a threaded cylindrical
member 426 that is adapted to be received by the threaded bore 420
of the drill bolt 102. During use, the drill bolt 102 is inserted
through the insulation 110 and wall sheeting 108 with the drilling
head 422 provided thereon. Upon insertion of the drill bolt 102,
the drilling head 422 is removed and replaced with the wing nut
clip 402'. The drilling head 422 may be fashioned in a manner to be
reusable or as a throwaway item. Further, the drilling head 422 may
be comprised of a metal or plastic. Still further, the drilling
head 422 could alternatively be provided with a threaded
cylindrical bore that is complementary to a threaded projection on
the second shaft portion 324 of the drill bolt 102 (not shown). It
is also anticipated that any of the drill bolts described herein
may be modified in a similar manner.
[0060] Turning to FIG. 23, a different embodiment of a drill bolt
500 is shown. The drill bolt 500 is similar to the drill bolt 102
except for the inclusion of markings 502, which enable a worker to
readily determine when the drill bolt 500 has been driven to a
desired depth through the wall sheeting 108 and the insulation
110.
[0061] With reference to FIG. 23A, another embodiment of a drill
bolt 504 is shown, which is identical to the drill bolt 500
depicted in FIG. 23 except for the inclusion of a hole 506. The
hole 506 reduces the thermal conductivity of the drill bolt 504,
particularly on portions of the drill bolt 504 covered by and/or
adjacent the insulation 110 and the wall sheeting 108. While only
one hole is depicted in the present embodiment, it is contemplated
that a plurality of holes may be provided over portions of the
drill bolt 504 covered by and/or adjacent various types of
insulation and wall sheeting.
[0062] Turning to FIG. 24, yet another embodiment of a drill bolt
508 is shown, which is identical to the drill bolt 500 except for
the threaded portion 118 having a smaller cross-section than the
body 126 about the longitudinal axis 113. The step-down in the
diameter of the threaded portion 118 allows for the usage of less
material during the manufacture of the drill bolt 508. Further, the
step-down in diameter also allows the drill bolt 508 to be used
with various clips, washers, and/or nuts, which may be sized
differently than the diameter of the body 126. It is also
contemplated that portions of the drill bolt 508 adjacent the
threaded portion 118 may be serrated to assist in drilling through
various types of insulation and wall sheeting. Indeed, the use of
serrated portions may be used in any of the embodiments disclosed
herein where there is a change in the diameter of the drill bolt
about the axial length thereof.
[0063] With reference to FIG. 25, a drill bolt 510 is shown, which
includes first and second shaft portions 512, 514, respectively,
wherein the first shaft portion 512 has a larger diameter than the
second shaft portion 514 about the longitudinal axis 113. The
provision of a smaller cross-section in the second shaft portion
514 allows for the usage of less material during the manufacture of
the drill bolt 510. Further, the smaller cross-section also reduces
the thermal conductivity of the drill bolt 510, particularly on
portions of the drill bolt 510 covered by and/or adjacent the
insulation 110 and the wall sheeting 108. The drill bolt 510
includes a plurality of holes 516a-f, which are adapted to receive
a suitable fastening member such as screws (not shown), within the
first shaft portion 512. The holes 516a-f also reduce the heat
conductivity of the drill bolt 510 and the weight of same. Further,
the drill bolt 510 includes an indentation 518 adapted to receive a
screw driver in lieu of the driving head 128, which is illustrative
of the varying modifications that may be made to any of the bolts
herein.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, a drill bolt 602 is depicted
that comprises a cylindrical shaft 604, which extends
longitudinally about an axis 606. The drill bolt 602 includes a
body 608 that extends between first and second ends 610, 612,
respectively. The body 608 is preferably made from a metal. A
driving head 614, e.g., a hexagonal head, is provided on the first
end 610 of the body 608. First and second holes 616, 618,
respectively, are also provided within the body 608 to secure the
drill bolt 602 to a back-up wall 104 in a similar manner as
described above. The second end 612 is provided with a threaded
cylindrical recess 620, which is adapted to receive a complementary
first end 622 of a cylindrical threaded core 624. The threaded core
624 is metallic and has a narrower cross-section than the body 608.
The use of a metallic material in the threaded core 624 is
preferable as it will assist in preventing the collapse of a wall
during a fire. A drilling head 626 is also provided, which includes
a drilling tip 628 and a threaded cavity 630 that is complementary
to a second end 632 of the threaded core 624. The drilling head 626
may be manufactured from either a metal or plastic and is capable
of drilling though insulation 110 and wall sheeting 108. The
thermal conductivity of the present drill bolt 602 is less than
that of the drill bolt 102 described above because of the reduced
amount of material in the smaller threaded core 624 and/or the
drilling head 626. As noted above, this is possible because the
forces are acting in tension about the axial length of the drill
bolt 602. The thermal conductivity of the present drill bolt may
also be decreased by manufacturing the drilling head 626 from
plastic, which will cause the drilling head 626 to act as an
insulator over portions of the threaded core 624.
[0065] In another embodiment, a sleeve 634 is provided, which is a
cylindrical tube that may be threaded onto or slipped over the
threaded core 624. The sleeve 634 preferably has the same diameter
as the drilling head 626. However, it is envisioned that one or
both of the drilling head 626 and the sleeve 634 may have a reduced
or increased diameter. A reduction in the diameter of the sleeve
634 is possible because the forces are acting in compression about
the axial length of the drill bolt 602. The sleeve 634 is retained
on the threaded core 624 by screwing the drilling head 626 onto the
threaded core 624. The sleeve 634 is preferably made of plastic and
acts as an insulator to reduce the thermal conductivity of the
metallic threaded core 624 of the drill bolt 602. This is
particularly advantageous because the threaded core 624 typically
extends though the insulation 110 and wall sheeting 108. Usage of
the sleeve 634 also acts to reinforce the threaded core 624 when
under compression. It is anticipated that many variations to the
present embodiments may be made. For example, one or more of the
body 608, the threaded core 624, the drilling head 626, and the
sleeve 634, may comprise a unitary piece, the dimensions of any of
the aforementioned components may be modified, the materials used
for any of the components may be altered, etc.
[0066] FIGS. 28 and 28A depict an alternative embodiment of a drill
bolt 602', which is identical to the drill bolt 602 shown in FIGS.
26 and 27 except for the differences noted hereinbelow. The drill
bolt 602' of the present embodiment utilizes a threaded core 624,
which is only partially threaded about its length, i.e., only the
first end 622 is threaded for receipt within the cylindrical recess
620 of the body 608. Further, the drilling head 626 is integral
with the second end 632 of the threaded core 624. Similar
modifications may be made to any of the drill bolts described
herein, e.g., the drill bolt 510 shown in FIG. 25. Further, the
drill bolt 602' is illustrative of how the varying elements of the
drill bolt 602 described above may be made integral or separable
from one another.
[0067] FIG. 29 illustrates another embodiment of a load transfer
system 700 identical to the load transfer system 100 discussed
above, including any variations thereof, except for the following
differences noted hereinbelow. The drill bolt 102 has been replaced
with the drill bolt 508, wherein the threaded portion 118 has a
smaller cross-section than the body 126 about the longitudinal axis
113. Further, the present load transfer system 700 utilizes two of
the drill bolts 508 (hereinafter 508a and 508b), which are mounted
on the back-up wall 104 in a similar manner as discussed above and
spaced apart a distance D. In one embodiment the distance D is
within a range of about 16 in. to about 24 in., but it is
contemplated that any desired distance D may be used that will
withstand the applied load. In lieu of the U-clip 130, a U-rail 702
(otherwise referred to as a U-rail clip) is used. The U-rail 702
comprises an elongate U-shaped member having a flat wall 704 and
two side members 706a, 706b extending substantially perpendicularly
therefrom. The side members 706a, 706b each include four race-track
shaped slots, of which only slots 708a, 708b, 708c, 708d, and 710d
are shown in the present view. A wire tie, such as wire tie 160
(see FIG. 7A), is adapted to be inserted through two opposing
slots, e.g., the wire tie 160 may be inserted through slots 708d
and 710d of the side members 706a and 706b, respectively. In other
embodiments the number of slots may be increased or decreased
depending on the desires of the user. First and second slots 712,
714 are provided within the flat wall 704 adjacent first and second
ends 716, 718, respectively, thereof. In operation, a worker places
a washer, such as a hat-shaped sealer washer 720, onto the threaded
portion 118 of both the drill bolts 508a and 508b. Thereafter, the
U-rail 702 is placed on the drill bolts 508a and 508b by inserting
the threaded portions 118 into the first and second slots 712, 714,
respectively. The U-rail 702 is secured to the drill bolts 508a and
508b by screwing two nuts 722 onto the threaded portions 118.
Finally, a wire tie 160 (see FIG. 7A) is inserted through two
opposing race-track shaped slots adjacent the first end 716 and
another wire tie 160 is inserted through two opposing race-track
shaped slots adjacent the second end 718 to secure the veneer wall
106 to the load transfer system 700.
[0068] Alternatively, the drill bolt 102 depicted in FIG. 21 could
be used in a different embodiment of the load transfer system 700.
During use, the drill bolts 102 are drilled through the wall
sheeting 108 and the insulation 110 and are thereafter secured to
the back-up wall 104 in a similar manner as noted above. The
drilling heads 424 are removed from the drill bolts 102 and the
first and second slots 712, 714 of the U-rail 702 are disposed
adjacent the threaded bores 420 of the drill bolts 102. Screws (not
shown) are inserted through the first and second slots 712, 714 and
secured within the threaded bores 420 of the drill bolts 102.
Similarly, it is anticipated that other embodiments discussed
herein, e.g., see the embodiment depicted in FIG. 30, may be
modified in such a manner as well.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 30, another embodiment of a load transfer
system 800 is shown, which is identical to the load transfer system
700 discussed above, including any variations thereof, except for
the following differences noted hereinbelow. The U-rail 702 has
been replaced by a continuous rod-rail 802 (otherwise referred to
as a rod-rail clip). The rod-rail 802 comprises an elongate
cylindrical bar 804 with first and second planar portions 806, 808,
respectively, on opposing ends thereof. First and second slots 810,
812 are provided within the first and second planar portions 806,
808, respectively. In operation, a worker places a washer, such as
a hat-shaped sealer washer 814, onto the threaded portion 118 of
both the drill bolts 508a and 508b. Thereafter, the rod-rail 802 is
placed on the drill bolts 508a and 508b by inserting the threaded
portions 118 into the first and second slots 810, 812,
respectively. The rod-rail 802 is secured to the drill bolts 508a
and 508b by screwing two nuts 816 onto the threaded portions 118.
It is also contemplated that additional rod-rails 802 may be used
in connection with the present load transfer system 800. For
example, a second rod-rail 802' may be used by inserting the
threaded portion 118 of the drill bolt 508a into the first slot 810
of the rod-rail 802, as noted above, and into the second slot 812
of the second rod-rail 802'. Similarly, a third rod-rail 802'' may
be used by inserting the threaded portion 118 of the drill bolt
508b into the first slot 810 of the third rod-rail 802'' and into
the second slot 812 of the rod-rail 802, as noted above. The
rod-rails 802, 802', and 802'' are secured between respective
washers 814 and nuts 816. It is contemplated that multiple
rail-rods 802 may consecutively extend between a plurality of drill
bolts 508 to create a continuous vertical rail to which masonry
ties can be secured. The presently described load transfer system
800 may be particularly useful for securing rubble stone veneer to
a back-up wall.
[0070] Numerous modifications to the features described and shown
are possible. Accordingly, the described and illustrated
embodiments are to be construed as merely exemplary of the
inventive concepts expressed herein.
* * * * *