U.S. patent number 3,921,356 [Application Number 05/372,698] was granted by the patent office on 1975-11-25 for system and apparatus for interconnecting structural members, and method of utilizing same.
Invention is credited to Robert S. Hughes.
United States Patent |
3,921,356 |
Hughes |
November 25, 1975 |
System and apparatus for interconnecting structural members, and
method of utilizing same
Abstract
A system and method for erecting a structure elevated off the
ground, including rigidly installing a series of posts the upper
ends of which lie in a horizontal plane. Sheet material is applied
to the ground beneath the structure to be erected to impede the
growth of vegetation. On top of each of the posts is placed the
tubular portion of a ground saddle. Two wooden joists are placed in
each ground saddle to form a series of parallel beams. The beams
are fastened in the ground saddles, and on top of the beams there
is fastened a plurality of plane saddle devices. Within the plain
saddle devices there is fastened a series of substantially parallel
joists which are oriented perpendicular to the series of beams. The
structural members are fastened on top of the joists to form the
elevated structure.
Inventors: |
Hughes; Robert S. (Southfield,
MI) |
Family
ID: |
23469261 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/372,698 |
Filed: |
June 22, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/299; 52/169.1;
248/357; 403/244; 52/126.5; 52/370 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B
5/12 (20130101); E04B 1/2604 (20130101); E04B
2001/2644 (20130101); E04B 2001/268 (20130101); E04B
2001/2684 (20130101); F16B 2200/503 (20180801) |
Current International
Class: |
E04B
1/26 (20060101); E04B 5/12 (20060101); E04B
1/00 (20060101); E04B 001/56 (); E04C 001/32 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/122,126,365,169,369-371,678,296,299 ;248/226A,226B,357
;403/244 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Sutherland; Henry C.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Weiner; Irving M.
Claims
I claim:
1. An apparatus for facilitating the interconnection of a plurality
of structural members comprising, in combination:
a plurality of fastening means;
a plurality of said structural members;
said apparatus including at least one surface thereof which is
provided with apertures to facilitate the passage therethrough of
at least some of said fastening means which serve to fasten said
apparatus to one or more of said structural members;
a first element having a substantially L-shaped cross-section and
including a first portion and a second portion;
a second element having a substantially L-shaped cross-section and
including a first portion and a second portion;
adjustment means adjustably interconnecting said first and second
elements to permit relative motion therebetween in order to
accommodate various sizes of or numbers of said structural members
therebetween;
said first portion of said first element includes one said surface
being provided with a plurality of said apertures which are aligned
in a first predetermined direction;
said first portion of said second element includes another said
surface being provided with a plurality of said apertures which are
aligned in a second predetermined direction which is disposed
substantially perpendicular to said first predetermined
direction;
a third element which is substantially tubular in shape and which
is rotatably interconnected to and affixed to one of said second
portions to permit rotational adjustment of said first and second
substantially L-shaped element relative to said third tubular
element; and
said adjustment means includes
a plurality of slots provided in said second portion of said first
substantially L-shaped element, the longitudinal axis of said slots
being perpendicularly disposed to the longitudinal axis of said
first substantially L-shaped element,
a plurality of slots provided in said second portion of said second
substantially L-shaped element, said slots being substantially
similar to the slot provided in said first substantially L-shaped
element and disposed in a vertically collinear relationship
thereto, and
a plurality of rivets perpendicularly disposed in said slots and
abuttingly contacting said first and second substantially L-shaped
elements so as to permit relative motion therebetween.
2. An apparatus for facilitating the interconnection of a plurality
of structural members, comprising, in combination:
a plurality of fastening means;
a plurality of structural members;
said apparatus including at least one surface thereof which is
provided with apertures to facilitate the passage therethrough of
at least some of said fastening means which serve to fasten said
apparatus to one or more of said structural members;
a first element having a substantially L-shaped cross-section and
including a first portion and a second portion;
a second element having a substantially L-shaped cross-section and
including a first portion and a second portion;
adjustment means adjustably interconnecting said first and second
substantially L-shaped elements to permit relative motion
therebetween in order to accommodate various sizes of or numbers of
said structural members therebetween;
said first portion of said first element includes one said surface
being provided with a plurality of said apertures which are aligned
in a first predetermined direction;
said first portion of said second element includes another said
surface being provided with a plurality of said apertures which are
aligned in a second predetermined direction which is disposed
substantially perpendicular to said first predetermined
direction;
a third element which is substantially tubular in shape and which
is rotatably interconnected to and affixed to one of said second
portions by means to permit rotational adjustment of said first and
second substantially L-shaped elements relative to said third
tubular elements; and
said means for rotatably interconnecting said first and second
substantially L-shaped elements to said third tubular element
including
a circular aperture provided in the second portion of said second
element centrally disposed therein;
a truncated conical flange which depends from the lower surface of
said second element and is concentric with said aperture; and
an outwardly flared end portion of said third tubular element which
forms an annular flange which abuttingly contacts the upper surface
of said second element; said angular flange being disposed between
the second portions of said first and second elements and adapted
to permit rotation between said first and second elements and said
third tubular element.
3. An apparatus for facilitating the interconnection of a plurality
of structural members, comprising, in combination:
a first L-shaped element having a first portion which is provided
with a plurality of apertures, and a flange portion which is
disposed substantially perpendicular to said first portion;
a second L-shaped element having a first portion which is provided
with a plurality of apertures, and a flange portion which is
disposed substantially perpendicular to said first portion;
a third element constituting a tubular support element having a
flared end portion thereof;
each of said flange portions of said first and second L-shaped
elements being provided with a pair of oppositely-disposed slots
therein;
said flange portion of said first L-shaped element being provided
with a conical depression therein;
said tubular element being disposed relative to said first and
second L-shaped elements so that said flared end of said tubular
support element is disposed between said flange portions of said
first and second L-shaped elements so that said flared end may
rotate within said conical depression;
said first and second L-shaped elements being assembled so that
said flange portions are oriented substantially parallel to each
other and with the slots of one said flange being disposed adjacent
the slots of the other said flange;
said first and second L-shaped elements being connected together by
a first fastener disposed through the aligned slots of said flanges
near one end thereof, and by a second fastener disposed through the
aligned slots of said flanges near the other end thereof, so that
said flared end of said tubular support element is captured between
said flanges but is capable of rotating relative to said
flanges;
said fasteners being constructed and oriented relative to their
associated slots to permit slidable adjustment between said
flanges;
said first portions of said first and second L-shaped elements are
arranged to permit fastening means to be placed through said
apertures into said structural members which are placed between the
first portion of said L-shaped element and said first portion of
said second L-shaped element.
Description
The present invention relates to a method for facilitating the
interconnection of a plurality of structural members, and to a
method of utilizing such apparatus for erecting a structure
elevated off of the ground. In particular, the present invention
relates to a system, method and kit for building a wooden deck and
various accessory structures, such as wooden steps and patio
benches, and the necessary metallic components and brackets
therefor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heretofore, it was quite difficult for home owners to design or
build a wood deck, because it was a major improvement to their home
which required professional workmen, such as carpenters, concrete
workers, etc. As a result, prior to the advent of the present
invention, the construction of wood patios, decking, patio steps,
and patio benches were relegated to the work of the architect and
contractor. The present invention has changed this situation by
putting into the hands of the non-handyman the necessary
components, techniques, and information into a system or kit in
order to build a strong deck structure and ancillary structures
such as rail posts, benches and steps, as simply as possible. Some
of the prior art components and techniques are discussed
hereinafter.
O'Brien U.S. Pat. No. 737,133 entitled "ADJUSTABLE JOIST FOR
SUPPORTING FIREPROOF FLOORS" discloses a yoke which is adapted to
be threadedly supported on a central vertical support member. The
yoke is adapted to hold two bars by means of a single bolt passing
through a single aperture provided in each face plate of the yoke.
In contrast to the present invention, such a yoke has no means for
adjusting the distance between the face plates of the yoke to
accomodate different sizes of bars or structural members, and such
a yoke is not provided with a series of differently oriented
apertures in each of the face plates thereof to avoid alignment of
any apertures therein.
Ernst U.S. Pat. No. 1,013,004 entitled "POSTCAP" teaches a post cap
comprising a socket portion having side and end walls which are
adapted to embrace the end of a post, and a seat portion which
rests upon and is secured to the socket portion. The side walls are
provided with inwardly extending flanges which are adapted to
engage the end of the post and lie between the end walls. The end
walls have supporting flanges extending outwardly from the upper
edges thereof. The inwardly and outwardly extending flanges lie in
substantially the same plane and form a flat surface upon which the
bottom of the seat portion rests. In contrast to the ground saddle
of the present invention, this prior art post cap is not adjustable
to accomodate various thicknesses of structural members to be
supported thereby, and does not have any provision for rotation
between the post socket and the seat portion.
Price U.S. Pat. No. 1,097,934 entitled "PRESSED-STEEL SILL-POCKET"
discloses a device which facilitates extending one structural
member at right angles to another structural member, with the end
of one structural member abutting the other. Because this prior art
device is concerned with a different problem solved by the present
invention, it consequently has distinct and additional features not
necessitated by the present invention. The Price sill pocket is
formed from a single sheet of metal and comprises a flat
rectangular seat, and a rear wall extending upwardly from the rear
of the seat. Side walls at the sides of the seat extend to the rear
of and beyond the rear wall and laterally extending attaching
flanges integral with the side walls. Because the present invention
is not concerned with abutting the end of one structural member at
right angles to another structural member, the present invention
requires no rear wall portion nor any attaching flanges. In
addition, the Price sill pocket does not have opposed side portions
provided with a series of differently oriented apertures wherein
the apertures in one side portion are out of alignment with all of
the apertures in the opposing side portion.
Carlson U.S. Pat. No. 1,532,729 entitled "SHRINKPROOF STUD SUPPORT"
discloses a channel-like shoe having two depending solid pins
rigidly affixed to the base thereof. In contrast to the present
invention, the Carlson shoe is adapted to fit on the end of a
wooden structural stud member, has no means for adjusting the
distance between the side wall members of the shoe, and provides no
rotational adjustment between its solid depending pins and the base
of the shoe channel.
Daniels U.S. Pat. No. 1,657,253 entitled "JOIST AND RAFTER
SUSPENSION BRACKET" teaches two different brackets, one of which is
adapted to be affixed to a vertical upright wall post, and the
other of which is adapted to be affixed to a horizontal ridge beam,
but both of which are adapted to support spaced rafters which are
obliquely oriented relative to the horizontal. In contrast, the
plain saddle and ground saddle apparatuses of the present invention
are adapted for supporting horizontally oriented structural
members.
Taylor et al. U.S. Pat. No. 1,720,104 entitled "BEAM HANGER"
discloses a metal strap having spaced parallel depending arms with
their free end portions directed outwardly at right angles to
provide rests for beams or other structural members. The Taylor
device requires an I-beam or other structural supporting beam in
order to support it, and is not adapted to support one or more
structural members which traverse the entire length of the beam
hanger. In addition, the Taylor device does not have the ability to
accomodate beams or structural members of different widths by
adjustment of the device, as is the case with the present
invention.
Clark U.S. Pat. No. 2,103,064 entitled "STUD TIE" relates to a
means for tying building wall studs together where the plate
capping the studs is cut out to pass heating or ventilating pipes
or ducts. The stud tie is generally L-shaped in cross-section,
except for two tongues which may be hammered into a position which
is generally perpendicular to the main web of the stud tie. In
contrast, the present invention provides an apparatus and a method
wherein the structural members or beams are disposed between a pair
of substantially parallel side members wherein the distance between
the side members is adjustable to accomodate various widths of
beams or structural members.
Earhart U.S. Pat. No. 3,188,696 entitled "COMBINATION ANCHORS AND
BRACES" discloses a device having a bottom plate and side wall
portions which are either longer than the bottom plate or which may
be bent into an orientation which is perpendicular to the main side
walls. In contrast, the present invention provides a method and an
apparatus wherein the plain saddle apparatus has side portions
which are the same width as the bottom plate portion, and is
designed to accomodate and retain securely structural members which
traverse completely the saddle apparatus or structural members
which abut within the confines of the saddle apparatus the
securement of which is facilitated by the oppositely oriented
diagonal alignment of nail holes which prevent interference between
nails from opposite sides, prevent splitting of the structural
members, and assure retention of the structural members in their
upper and lower portions.
The present invention eliminates the disadvantages attendant with
the conventional and prior art techniques, and also provides a
method and apparatus which will accomplish the necessary
construction to be undertaken and provide an apparatus which has a
permanent adjustable connection to accomodate different size lumber
in its ground saddle apparatus embodiment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus for facilitating the
interconnection of a plurality of structural members, which
comprises in combination a plurality of fastening means, and a
plurality of structural members. The apparatus includes at least
one surface thereof which is provided with apertures to facilitate
the passage therethrough of at least some of the fastening means
which serve to fasten the apparatus to one or more of the
structural members.
The present invention also provides a method of utilizing the
disclosed apparatus for erecting a structure which is elevated off
of the ground, which method includes the step of rigidly installing
a plurality of post members projecting out of the terrain in a
predetermined pattern and in such a manner that the uppermost ends
of the posts lie substantially within a plane which is oriented in
a horizontal fashion. The method also includes the steps of
applying to the ground beneath the elevated structure which is to
be erected means for impeding the growth of vegetation, and placing
on the top of each of the posts the tubular portion of a ground
saddle apparatus. The method also includes the steps of placing
within each of the ground saddles one or more structural members to
form a series of substantially parallel beams, fastening such beams
within the ground saddle apparatuses, and fastening at
predetermined periodic spaced intervals on the top of such beams a
plurality of plain saddle apparatuses. The method also includes the
steps of placing one or more structural members within each of the
plain saddle apparatuses to form a series of substantially parallel
joists which are oriented substantially perpendicular to the series
of beams, and fastening a layer of structural members on top of
such joists to form the elevated structure .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of the plastic sheeting and pipe
layout for a patio deck to be constructed according to a first
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 depicts a view similar to that of FIG. 1 but in an advanced
stage of construction showing the installed ground saddles two rows
of which are illustrated retaining main beams.
FIG. 3 illustrates a view similar to FIg. 2 but in an advanced
stage of construction showing the plane saddles affixed on top of
the main beams and oriented perpendicular to the main beams.
FIG. 4 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 3 but in an advanced
stage of construction showing the joists nailed in the plain
saddles.
FIG. 5 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 4 but in a further
advanced stage of construction showing some of the decking members
nailed on top of the joists.
FIG. 6 illustrates a view similar to FIG. 5 but in an advanced
stage of construction showing the completed decking which has been
trimmed and around the periphery of which has been affixed facia
trim.
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view, partly in section, of a portion
of the patio deck illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 to elucidate the
method and apparatuses according to a first embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a ground saddle according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of the ground saddle apparatus shown
in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 illustrates a partial elevational view of the ground saddle
apparatus shown in FIG. 8 together with two abutting structural
members which have been nailed together by use of the ground saddle
apparatus.
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a plain saddle apparatus
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a garden bench embodying the
novel garden bench brackets according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a step bracket according
to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of rail posts according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a bench provided with a
seat back including the novel bench and back brackets according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a bench including the
novel patio bench brackets according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the underside of a
portion of a bench corner showing the novel bench corner plate
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is an elevational view of the ground saddle of FIG. 8 with
the parts of the beam engaging portions slightly separated to show
the rotatable joint between these portions and the ground engaging
pipe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT
INVENTION
With reference to FIGS. 1 through 9 and 11, there is illustrated
the novel method and apparatus according to the present invention
for erecting a structure, such as a patio deck, which is elevated
off of the ground. As a first step in erecting the deck, the area
where the deck is to be constructed should be staked out. It is
preferable to tie string to the stakes at the desired level of the
post members or pipe 1 which are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7. It
is preferable to have the height of the pipe 1 between 131/2 and
151/2 inches below the height of the topmost finished deck members
2 which are illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. A more exact
measurement of the difference between the height of the pipe 1 and
the height of the deck members 2 may be determined as a practical
matter by stacking the lumber which will be disposed between the
top of the pipe 1 and the deck members 2, viz., the main beams 3
and the joists 4, which are illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 5 and
7.
For the particular embodiment being described, the next step would
be to dig post holes 5 approximately 8 inches in diameter. The
depth of the hole 5 to be dug would depend on the frost line in the
local where the deck is being erected, but it is preferable to have
24 inches or more of the pipe 1 below the grade of the terrain. It
is preferable to have the holes 5 dug so that the pipe 1 will be
placed approximately 12 inches from each side of the finished deck,
as illustrated in FIG. 1.
As part of the system and method according to the present invention
of erecting the elevated structure or deck, there is the step of
rigidly installing a plurality of post members or pipe 1 projecting
out of the terrain in a predetermined pattern (such as the pipe
pattern illustrated in FIG. 1) and in such a manner that the
uppermost ends of the posts or pipe 1 lie substantially within a
plane which is oriented in a horizontal fashion. To do this, the
holes 5 should be filled with cement 6 with the top of the poured
cement coming to about 4 to 5 inches below the ground level as
shown in FIG. 7. The pipe 1 should be set in the cement 6 to the
height needed which should be even with the string (not shown). The
pipe 1 may, for example, be 11/2 inch diameter cast iron pipe. The
pipe 1 may, if desired, be cut after the cement 6 sets or hardens,
if too long; or shimmed up, as much as two inches by using short
pieces of pipe or washers, if too short.
The next step in the construction would be to apply to the ground
beneath the elevated structure or deck which is to be erected,
means for impeding the growth of vegetation. Such means may take
various forms, such as a weed killer (not shown), sheet material 7
(shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 and 7), and/or crushed stone or wood
chips over the sheet material 7. It is preferable to utilize all of
the aforementioned means for impeding the growth of vegetation by
first applying a weed killer to control the undergrowth, then
spreading plastic sheeting 7, such as 4 mil. polyethylene, to match
the periphery of the completed deck, and then spreading crushed
stone or wood chips over the plastic sheeting 7.
The next step would be to place on top of each of the posts or pipe
1 the tubular portion 8 of a ground saddle apparatus 9, which step
is illustrated best in FIGS. 2 and 7. The ground saddle apparatus 9
per se is described hereinbelow with particular reference to FIGS.
8, 9 and 10.
With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 7, the next step would be
to place within each of the ground saddles 9 one or more structural
members to form a series of substantially parallel beams 3. The
main beam 3 may be formed, for example, by nailing together two 2
by 6 inch boards to make the beams, and placing such beams 3 within
the saddles 9.
The next step would be to fasten the beams 3 within the ground
saddles 9, for example, by driving 11/2 inch roofing nails through
the holes 10 provided in the saddle 9 (see FIG. 8).
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, the next step would be to fasten at
predetermined periodic spaced intervals on top of the beams 3 a
plurality of plain saddle apparatuses 11, which are illustrated in
FIG. 11 and described hereinafter in greater detail. Such fastening
may be accomplished by driving nails or other fastening means
through the holes 12 provided in the base plate 13 of the plain
saddle 11 into the top of the main beams 3 (see FIG. 11).
With reference to FIGS. 4 and 7, the next step in the method would
be to place the joists 4 within the plain saddles 11 so that the
joists 4 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the main beams
3. The next step would be to fasten the joists 4 within the plain
saddles 11 by driving nails through the holes 10 in the side
portions of the plain saddles 11 (see FIG. 11).
With reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the next step would be to
fasten a layer of structural members, such as 2 by 4 inch deck
members 2, on top of the joists 4 to form the elevated structure.
It is preferable to place the deck members 2 approximately
one-eighth of an inch apart, and to trim off the ends of the deck
members 2 after the nailing is complete.
To finish off the deck, it is suggested to install facia trim 14
around the periphery of the deck.
FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show in greater detail an embodiment of the
invention in the form of a ground saddle apparatus 9 for
facilitating the interconnection of a plurality of structural
members, such as main beams 3. The ground saddle apparatus 9
includes a first element 15 having a substantially L-shaped
cross-section and including a first portion 16 and a second portion
17. The ground saddle apparatus 9 also includes a second element 18
having a substantially L-shaped cross-section and including a first
portion 19 and a second portion 20.
The ground saddle apparatus 9 also includes adjustment means, such
as slots 21 and rivets 22, adjustably interconnecting the first and
second elements 15 and 18 to permit relative motion therebetween in
order to accomodate various sizes of, widths of, or numbers of the
structural members therebetween.
The first portion 16 of the first element 15 is provided with a
plurality of apertures or holes 10 which are aligned in a first
predetermined oblique direction relative to the orientation of
second portions 17 and 20. The first portion 19 of the second
element 18 is provided with a plurality of apertures or holes 10
which are aligned in a second predetermined direction which is
disposed substantially perpendicular, on a projection basis, to the
first predetermined direction.
The ground saddle apparatus 9 also includes a third element or
tubular portion 8 which is substantially tubular in shape and which
is rotatably interconnected to and affixed to one of the second
portions 17 or 20 to permit rotational adjustment of the first and
second elements 15 and 18 relative to the third tubular element 8.
In the embodiment illustrated, the third tubular element 8 is
rotatably interconnected to the second portion 17 of the first
element 15. This rotatable connection is made by forming a circular
opening in second portion 17, which opening is surrounded by a
truncated conical flange 23 depending from the lower surface of
second portion 17. In assembling the ground saddle 9, the upper
portion of the tubular element 8 is inserted within the opening
surrounded by the conical flange 23, and then the uppermost portion
of tubular element 8 is flared out into an annular flange (not
shown) which is disposed between the second portions 17 and 20 and
is adapted to rotate therebetween together with its affixed tubular
element 8. The rivets 22 are made to a suitable length to permit
the rotation of the annular flange on the top portion of 8 to
rotate between the second portions 17 and 20.
The rotatable feature of the ground saddle 9 is an important
advantage of this embodiment in that it permits the first and
second elements 15 and 18 to be rotated adjustably into any angular
orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular
element 8.
The adjustment means provided by slots 21 and rivets 22 permits the
ground saddle 9 to snugly secure a single structural element of
various widths, or a plurality of structural elements because of
the adjustable sliding motion permitted by such adjustment
means.
The alignment and positioning of the apertures or holes 10 is
another advantageous feature of this embodiment. For example, when
structural members, such as beams 3, are placed within the ground
saddle 9 to traverse the entire length thereof, the fastening
means, such as nails or screws, placed through the apertures 10
assure securement of the structural members in both the upper and
lower portions thereof, and on both sides thereof, while at the
same time minimizing and avoiding the occurrence of interference
between fastening members driven from opposite sides of the
apparatus and also inadvertent cracking of the structural
members.
The alignment and positioning of the apertures 10 has additional
significance when two different structural members, such as wooden
members 24 and 25, are to abut within the confines of the ground
saddle apparatus 9 (see FIG. 10). In this arrangement, it should be
noted that the two lower holes 10 in first portion 16 together with
appropriate fastening members passing therethrough assure the
securement of the lower portion of structural member 24, while the
two upper apertures 10 in first portion 19 together with
appropriate fastening members passing therethrough assure the
securement of the upper portion of structural member 24. Similarly,
the two lower apertures 10 in first portion 19 together with
appropriate fastening members passing therethrough assure the
proper securement of the lower portion of structural member 25,
while the two upper apertures 10 in first portion 16 with
appropriate fastening members passing therethrough assure the
proper securement of the uppoer portion of structural member 25
within the ground saddle 9.
With reference to FIG. 11, there is illustrated another embodiment
of the present invention in the form of an apparatus, such as plain
saddle apparatus 11, for facilitating the interconnection of a
plurality of structural members. The plain saddle apparatus 11
includes a first side 26 provided with a series of apertures or
holes 10 which are aligned in a first predetermined direction. The
plain saddle apparatus 11 also includes a second side 27 which is
disposed substantially parallel to the first side 26 and which is
provided with a series of apertures or holes 10 which are aligned
in a second predetermined direction which is disposed substantially
perpendicular, on a projection basis, to the first predetermined
direction.
The plain saddle apparatus 11 also includes a third side or base
plate 13 which is unitary and integral with the first and second
sides 26 and 27 and which interconnects and maintains in a spaced
apart relationship the first and second sides 26 and 27. The third
side or base plate 13 is provided with a plurality of apertures or
holes 12 to facilitate the passage therethrough of at least some
fastening means, such as nails, screws, bolts, etc.
It is to be noted that the plain saddle apparatus 11 has no feature
for adjusting the distance between the sides 26 and 27, and lacks a
tubular element 8 as shown in the ground saddle apparatus 9.
With reference to FIG. 12, there is shown another embodiment of the
present invention in the form of garden bench brackets 28. Each
garden bench bracket 28 includes a tubular element 29 centrally and
integrally affixed to an elongated element 30. The elongated
element 30 is provided with a plurality of apertures 31 to
facilitate the passage therethrough of at least several of suitable
fastening means (not shown), such as bolts, screws, nails, etc.
Each elongated element 30 is adapted to be disposed across a
plurality of structural members 32, such as wooden boards, and to
be fastened to said structural members 32 by means of the
aforementioned fastening means. The tubular element 29 is adapted
to fit over the top of a pipe-supporting member 33 projecting out
of the ground terrain.
In a preferred embodiment of the garden bench bracket 28, the
elongated element 30 is predrilled with the apertures 31 and
dimensioned to accomodate three 2 by 6 inch boards 32 at the top.
The tubular element 29 in the preferred embodiment is adapted to
fit over a pipe-supporting member 33 in the form of standard 11/2
inch black or galvanized pipe. It is preferred to have the pipe 33
set in an 8 inch diameter, 42 inch deep hole filled with
concrete.
To give added strength to the elongated element 30, it is
preferable to have an elongated element 30 which possesses a
U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the elongated element 30. Such a U-shaped cross sectioned elongated
element 30 also facilitates the accommodation of fastening means
which are passed through the apertures 31 from the bottom thereof
and up into the structural members 32. In this fashion, the end of
the fastening means terminates within the interior of the
structural member 32 so that there is no interruption of the top
surface of the structural member 32 upon which the user would
sit.
With reference to FIG. 13, there is shown another embodiment of the
present invention in the form of a step bracket 34. The step
bracket 34 is provided with a main body portion 35 having
integrally and unitarily connected thereto a first flange portion
36 and a second flange portion 37. The first and second flange
portions 36 and 37, respectively, project from the main body
portion 35 in opposite directions as shown in FIG. 13.
Each of the first and second flange portions 36 and 37 are provided
with a plurality of apertures for facilitate the passage
therethrough of at least some fastening means 38, such as screws,
bolts, nails or the like, for affixing the step bracket apparatus
34 to a plurality of structural members. The first flange portion
36 has its longitudinal axis disposed in a predetermined acute
angular relationship with the longitudinal axis of the second flang
portion 37.
The first flange portion 36 is affixed to a plurality of structural
members 39 which form a step tread. The second flange portion 37 is
affixed to a structural member in the form of a stringer board
40.
The novel step bracket 34 permits the construction of steps in a
ready manner and eliminates the necessity to cut risers and results
in a stronger finished step.
With reference to FIG. 14, there is shown another embodiment of the
present invention in the form of a novel rail post 41. The rail
post 41 includes an elongated main post portion 42, a first end
plate portion 43 centrally and integrally affixed at a first end of
the main post portion 42, and a second end plate portion 44
centrally and integrally affixed to the main post portion 42 at the
other end thereof. The first end plate portion 43 is provided with
a series of apertures to facilitate the passage therethrough of
some fastening means 45 for affixing the first end plate portion 43
to a structural member, such as top rail board 46. The second end
plate portion 44 is provided with a plurality of apertures to
facilitate the passage therethrough of fastening means 45 for
fastening the second end plate portion 44 affixed to a structural
member, such as board 47, which is fastened to the deck proper.
In a preferred embodiment of the rail post apparatus 41, the
elongated main post portion 42 comprises a 30 inch long 1 inch by 1
inch steel tubing, and the first and second end plate portions 43
and 44 comprise 14 gauge steel plates which are pre-punched with
holes to accomodate fastening means in the form of lag bolts.
With regard to FIG. 15, there is shown another embodiment of the
present invention in the form of a bench and back bracket apparatus
48. The bench and back bracket apparatus 48 includes a first side
member 49 which is provided with a series of apertures to
facilitate the passage therethrough of fastening means for securing
the first side member 49 to a plurality of structural members 50.
The apparatus 48 also includes a second side member 51 which is
disposed substantially parallel to the first side member 49 and
which is also provided with a plurality of apertures for
facilitating the passage therethrough of fastening means for
securing the apparatus 48 to an external surface, such as a patio
deck or the ground terrain. The bench and back bracket apparatus 48
also includes third and fourth non-parallel side members 52 and 53,
respectively, which are integrally connected to the first and
second side members 49 and 51 and which hold the first and second
side members 49 and 51 in a predetermined spaced apart
relationship.
The apparatus 48 also includes a fifth side member 54 which
constitutes an extension of and is co-axial with the third side
member 52, and which is integral and unitary with the second side
member 51. The fifth side member 54 is provided in its portion
remote from the second side member 51 with a plurality of apertures
(not shown) to facilitate the passage therethrough of at least some
fastening means, such as nails, bolts, screws, and the like, for
securing the fifth side member 54 to other structural members, such
as back rest boards 55.
In a preferred embodiment of the bench and back bracket 48, the
bracket is predrilled for accommodating three 2 by 6 inch boards on
the first side members 49 to serve as a bench seat, and two 2 by 4
inch boards 55 to serve as the back rest for the bench.
With reference to FIG. 16, there is illustrated a patio bench
bracket apparatus 56 comprising a first side member 57 provided
with a series of apertures to facilitate the passage therethrough
of at least some fastening means for securing the first side member
57 to a plurality of structural members 58. A second side member 59
is disposed substantially parallel to the first side member 57, and
is also provided with a plurality of apertures for facilitating the
passage therethrough of some fastening means for securing the
apparatus 56 to an external surface, such as the patio deck members
2 illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. The apparatus 56 also includes
third and fourth non-parallel side members 60 and 61, respectively,
which are integrally connected to said first and second side
members 57 and 59, and which hold said first and second side
members 57 and 59 in a predetermined spaced apart relationship.
In a preferred embodiment of the patio bench bracket apparatus 56,
the structural members making up the bracket apparatus 56 are made
of heavy iron construction which are predrilled for easily mounting
three 2 by 6 inch boards 58 to serve as the bench seat. The second
side member 59 may be predrilled to bolt the apparatus 56 to a
patio deck, a concrete surface, or any other suitable external
surface.
In the apparatus 48 and 56 illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the
first side members 49 and 57, respectively, may be fabricated to
have a generally U-shaped cross section for added strength and
rigidity, and to accomodate the fastening means so that the
fastening means are rigidly secured without emanating into or
through the upper surface of the bench seats. Also, if desired, the
bench and bracket apparatus 48 may have a first side member 49
which extends forwardly for a predetermined distance beyond the
side member 53. Similarly, the patio bench bracket apparatus 56
shown in FIG. 16 may have its first side member 57 extending on
both sides beyond the outer surfaces of third and fourth side
members 60 and 61. These extensions increase the strength and
rigidity of the structure, and facilitate the rigid securement of
the seat boards or structural members.
With reference to FIG. 17, there is illustrated another embodiment
of the present invention in the form of a bench corner plate
apparatus 62. The bench corner plate apparatus 62 includes a
substantially flat elongated plate 63 which is provided with a
first series of apertures 64 on one side of the longitudinal axis
of the plate 63, and a second series of apertures 65 being provided
on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis of the plate 63. The
bench corner plate apparatus 62 is used in conjunction with a first
series of structural members 66 having their respective
longitudinal axes disposed substantially parallel to each other. A
second series of structural members 67 is employed having their
respective longitudinal axes disposed substantially parallel to
each other. The longitudinal axis of the first series of structural
members 66 is disposed substantially coplanar with the longitudinal
axis of the second series of structural members 67.
The edges of the first series of structural members 66 meet the
edges of the second series of structural members 67 in a
predetermined plane within which lies the longitudinal axis of the
substantially flat plate member 63. The first series of apertures
64 on the first side of the longitudinal axis of the substantially
flat plane member 63 serves to accommodate fastening means for
fastening the plate member 63 to the first series of structural
members 66. The second series of apertures 65 on the opposite side
of the longitudinal axis of the substantially flate plate memeber
63 serves to accommodate fastening means for fastening the
substantially flat plate member 63 to the second series of
structural members 67.
The bench corner plate apparatus 62 may be readily employed when
making an extension or an angular change in direction of a bench.
Optionally, the bench corner plate apparatus 62 may be predrilled
to work in conjunction with the embodiment of the invention
illustrated in FIGS. 12, 15 and 16.
A very advantageous feature of the garden bench bracket apparatus
28 illustrated in FIG. 12 resides in the fact that the bench
bracket apparatus 28 may be readily lifted off of the pipe or posts
29 for easy storage or refinishing, or for protection from the
elements during inclimate meteorological seasons or conditions.
With reference to the apparatuses shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, it
should be noted that an optional feature is to have the portions
making up the apparatus with square or rectangular cross sectioned
members for added rigidity and strength.
Adverting to FIG. 16, it has been found in practice preferable to
have the members 59, 61 and 60 formed from a single unitary
square-cross sectioned metallic tubing which is bent substantially
into a generally U-shaped structure, upon the top of which is
welded the member 57. Similarly, with reference to FIG. 15, it has
been found preferable in practice to form the members 53, 51, 52
and 54 from a single unitary square-cross sectioned metallic tubing
which is bent into the generally J-shaped structure, to which is
welded the member 49.
With further reference to the bench corner plate apparatus 62
illustrated in FIG. 17, it should be noted that while this
apparatus has found particular use in making a 90.degree. change in
direction of a bench, the apparatus 62 may be readily employed for
any angular change and also for extending of a bench when the
longitudinal axes of the structural members 66 and 67 are
co-linear.
While there have been shown and described preferred forms and
embodiments the present invention, it is to be understood that the
invention is not necessarily confined thereto, and that any change
or changes in the structures of and in the relative arrangements of
components thereof are contemplated as being within the scope of
the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.
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