Structural Connector for Tensioning Floor Joists and Beams

Abstract

A structural connector having a tensioning bolt constructed and arranged for receiving two tension rods, each tension rod being axially adjustable within the tensioning bolt. Each tension rods has ends, with one end being rounded and the other end having an external hex drive profile. The two rods are arranged so the rounded ends are opposite each other. The structural connector is used to provide tension between two adjacent joists and the rounded end of each tension rod is received by a round hole of a pair of mounting brackets attached to the adjacent joists. Each tension rod is locked into a set tensioned position by a threaded nut.

Claims

1. A structural connector comprising: a tensioning bolt constructed and arranged for receiving two tension rods, each tension rod being axially adjustable within the tensioning bolt.

2. The structural connector of claim 1 wherein each tension rods has ends, with one end being rounded and the other end having an external hex drive profile.

3. The structural connector of claim 2 wherein the two rods are arranged so the rounded ends are opposite each other.

4. The structural connector of claim 3 wherein the structural connector is used to provide tension between two adjacent joists and the rounded end of each tension rod is received by a round hole of a pair of mounting brackets attached to the adjacent joists.

5. The structural connector of claim 4 wherein each tension rod is locked into a set tensioned position by a threaded nut.

6. A structural tensioning bolt comprising: a hollow rectangle structural steel section having two ends, each end having a female threaded hole and a clear round hole which are arranged to receive two threaded tension rods, each rod extending through one of the threaded holes and through one of the clear holes in each end of the hollow rectangle structural steel section; one of the two threaded tension rods having two ends, with one end being rounded to fit inside an opening of a first mounting bracket, the first mounting bracket being attached to a joist, and the other end having an external hex drive profile for a tool to be attached for rotating the tension rod, and the other of the two threaded tension rods having two ends, with one end being rounded to fit inside an opening of a second mounting bracket, the second mounting bracket being attached to an adjacent joist, and the other end of the tension rod having an external hex drive profile for a tool to be attached for rotating the tension rod, and each tension rod being locked into a set tensioned position by a threaded nut.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a side view of a structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in accordance with the present invention, installed between two adjacent joists.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in accordance with the present invention, installed between two adjacent joists.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in accordance with the present invention, installed between two adjacent I-joists.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a structural tensioning bolt for the structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a side view of a structural tensioning bolt for the structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a top view of a structural tensioning bolt for the structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 7 is side view of a tension rod for the structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a load bearing mounting bracket for the structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the load bearing mounting bracket for the structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an adjustable spanning member consisting of an assembled embodiment of a structural tensioning bolt and dual tension rods for the structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a top view of an adjustable spanning member consisting of an assembled embodiment of a structural tensioning bolt and dual tension rods for the structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a side view of the structural connector for tensioning joists and beams installed between a series of floor joists.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present invention is directed to a structural connector for tensioning floor joists and beams.

[0031] Referring first to FIG. 1, a structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in accordance with the present invention is shown generally as 8.

[0032] In its most complete version, the device is made up of the following components. The structural connector for tensioning joists and beams 8 includes a pair of load bearing mounting brackets 15 and an adjustable spanning member 70 consisting of an assembled structural tensioning bolt 40 and dual tension rods 25. Each tension rod 25 is locked into a set position by a threaded nut 30.

[0033] The structural connector for tensioning joists and beams 8 is shown installed underneath a floor 50 between two adjacent joists 20 as a side view.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment, each load bearing mounting bracket 15 is constructed from a single piece of stamped sheet metal. The load bearing mounting bracket 15 may be manufactured in several different variations to accommodate tensions rods 25 and shim placement holders 18 as shown in FIGS. 1, 8 and 9.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1, 8 and 9, each load bearing mounting bracket has a rounded 45 degree opening 16 to receive a tension rod. The load bearing mounting bracket 15 contains a plurality of apertures 17 for the use of fasteners 60 such as screws and nails or the like to be securely attached to the joist 20 or beam. The load bearing mounting bracket 15 is installed each side of the joist 20 as shown in FIG. 12. The load bearing mounting brackets provide a cradle that strengthens the joists to be able to transfer the vertical load forces, dispersing bending moments and sheer forces across multiple joists. These forces travel from the joists to the supporting walls and down to the ground resulting in superior load bearing capacity over the whole floor.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a structural connector for tensioning joists and beams 8 installed between two adjacent joists 20.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a structural connector for tensioning joists 8 installed between two adjacent I-joists 21.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view, FIG. 5 shows a side view and FIG. 6 shows a top view of a structural tensioning bolt 40 for the structural connector 8 for tensioning joists and beams in FIG. 1.

[0039] The structural tensioning bolt 40 is comprised of a hollow rectangle structural steel section 45. Each end of the hollow rectangle structural steel section 45 has a female threaded hole 32 and a clear round hole 37 section. Both the female threaded hole 32 and the clear hole section 37 receives the threaded 26 tension rod 25 as shown in FIGS. 7, 10 and 11.

[0040] The structural tensioning bolt 40 supports the bars and assists in keeping the bars 25 from bending under tension. The double-sided box section is engineered with high-capacity sheer points, which more efficiently houses the energy of the tension force. Tension force is generated by winding out the tension rods 25 which are connected at the ends of the mounting bracket 15 which are fastened 60 to the Joists 20 and or beams.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a side view of a tension rod 25 for the structural connector 8 for tensioning joists and beams in FIG. 1. The tension rod 25 is threaded 26 with one end being rounded 29 to fit inside the load bearing mounting bracket rounded opening 16. The other end of the tension rod 25 has an external hex drive profile that allows an attachment for a spanner, wrench or impact driver.

[0042] The male threaded tension rod 25 is wound through the female threaded 32 structural tensioning bolt and continues through the clear hole 37 section as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0043] The structural tensioning bolt 40 mated with the threaded tension rods 25 and locked into position by the locking nut 30 as shown in FIG. 7 provides an adjustable spanning member 70.

[0044] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view and FIG. 11 shows a top view of an adjustable spanning member 70 which is an assembled embodiment of a structural tensioning bolt and dual tension rods for the structural connector for tensioning joists and beams in FIG. 1.

[0045] The adjustable spanning member 70 can be wound in or wound out to accommodate different spans and heights between the pair of adjacent joists.

[0046] FIG. 12 is a side view of the structural connector for tensioning joists and beams installed between a series of floor joists.

[0047] Different features, variations and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by both this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing.