Abstract
A connection and a method of making a connection between an outer member and one or more inner structural members of a structure such as a building, the connection having a compression strut having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion being supported by one of the one or more inner structural members, the outer portion being in contact with the outer member, a connector plate engaging the compression strut and the outer member and one or more tension fasteners attaching the connector plate to one or more of the one or more inner structural members.
Claims
1. A connection between an outer member and one or more inner structural members, the connection comprising: a. an outer member; b. one or more inner structural members; c. an elongated compression strut having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion being in engagement with one of the one or more inner structural members, and the outer portion being connected to the outer member; d. a connector plate engaging the compression strut and connecting the outer member to the compression strut; e. one or more tension fasteners attaching the connector plate to one or more of the one or more inner structural members.
2. The connection of claim 1, wherein: the one or more tension fasteners are disposed non parallel with the elongated compression strut.
3. The connection of claim 1, wherein: the compression strut has an inner end and an outer end and the outer potion of the elongated compression strut holds the connector plate at a selected location along the elongated compression strut between the inner end and the outer end of the compression strut.
4. The connection of claim 1, wherein: the elongated compression strut extends horizontally from the one or more inner structural members and the one or more tension fasteners extend upwardly at an acute angle to the horizontally disposed elongated compression strut toward the one or more inner structural members.
5. The connection of claim 1, wherein: the inner portion of the elongated compression strut has an inner end that abuts a side surface of one of the one or more inner structural members
6. The connection of claim 1, wherein: the compression strut is formed with one or more catches that can hold the connector plate at various locations along the length of the compression strut.
7. The connection of claim 6, wherein: the catches are formed in a helical arrangement along the compression member forming a track.
8. The connection of claim 7, wherein: the compression strut is formed as a u-shaped channel with side walls and a web.
9. The connection of claim 8, wherein: the catches are a series of notches in the side walls and elongated openings in the web of the compression member.
10. The connection of claim 6, wherein: the connection plate is formed with a compression strut opening that receives the compression strut, and one or more edges of the compression strut opening in the connection plate engage with the catches on the compression strut.
11. The connection of claim 10, wherein: the connection plate can be translated along the compression strut by rotating the compression strut with respect to the connection plate, or by rotating the connection plate with respect to the compression strut.
12. The connection of claim 10, wherein: the compression strut opening is formed with one or more flanges to engage the track of the compression strut.
13. The connection of claim 1, wherein: the one or more flanges of the compression strut opening are arranged to form a helical engagement portion.
14. The connection of claim 1, wherein: a veneer is placed between the one or more inner structural members and the outer member, and the elongated compression strut and the one or more tension fasteners pass through the veneer.
15. The connection of claim 1, wherein: the one or more inner structural members are part of the framing of a building and the outer member is a ledger board for a deck, and one or more connection fasteners attach the connector plate to the outer member.
16. The connection of claim 1, wherein: the one or more inner structural members are part of the wall of a building.
17. The connection of claim 1, wherein: the connection plate is formed with a compression strut opening that receives the compression strut.
18. The connection of claim 17, wherein: a veneer is placed between the one or more inner structural members and the outer member, and the elongated compression strut and the one or more tension fasteners pass through the veneer.
19. The connection of claim 18, wherein: the compression strut has an inner end and an outer end and the outer potion of the elongated compression strut holds the connector plate at a selected location along the elongated compression strut between the inner end and the outer end of the compression strut.
20. The connection of claim 19, wherein: the one or more inner structural members are part of the framing of a building and the outer member is a ledger board for a deck, and the veneer is made up of bricks and mortar with an air gap between the veneer and the one or more inner structural members.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the connector plate of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a back view of the connector plate of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of the connector of plate of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the connector plate of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a left side view of the connector plate of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the connector plate of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional, side view of the connector of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a right side view of one embodiment of the compression strut of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a left side view of the compression strut of FIG. 8.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a top view of the compression strut of FIG. 8.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the compression strut of FIG. 8.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a front view of the compression strut of FIG. 8.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a back view of the compression strut of FIG. 8.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the compression strut of FIG. 8 and the connector plate of FIG. 1, showing the connector plate about to be rotated onto the compression strut.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the connection plate and compression strut of FIG. 14 with the connection plate joined to the compression strut.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the connection of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a top view of the connection shown in FIG. 16 with the boundaries of the outer member, the brick facade and the inner structural members shown in dotted lines.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the connector plate of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a front view of the connector plate of FIG. 18.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a left side view of the connector plate of FIG. 18.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a right side view of the connector plate of FIG. 18.
[0036] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional, side view of the connector plate of FIG. 18.
[0037] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the connector plate of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 24 is a front view of the connector plate of FIG. 23.
[0039] FIG. 25 is a left side view of the connector plate of FIG. 23.
[0040] FIG. 26 is a right side view of the connector plate of FIG. 23.
[0041] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional, side view of the connector plate of FIG. 23.
[0042] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the connector plate of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 29 is a front view of the connector plate of FIG. 28.
[0044] FIG. 30 is a left side view of the connector plate of FIG. 28.
[0045] FIG. 31 is a right side view of the connector plate of FIG. 28.
[0046] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional side view of the connector plate of FIG. 28.
[0047] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the compression strut opening in the connector plate of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 34 is a front view of the compression strut opening shown in FIG. 33.
[0049] FIG. 35 is a right side view of the compression strut opening shown in FIG. 33.
[0050] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the compression strut of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 37 is a right side view of the compression strut of FIG. 36.
[0052] FIG. 38 is a left side view of the compression strut of FIG. 36.
[0053] FIG. 39 is a back end view of the compression strut of FIG. 36.
[0054] FIG. 40 is a front end view of the compression strut of FIG. 36.
[0055] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention where the connector plate is fixed to the compression strut.
[0056] FIG. 42 is a left side view of the one-piece embodiment shown in FIG. 41.
[0057] FIG. 43 is a front view of the one-piece embodiment shown in FIG. 41.
[0058] FIG. 44 is a back end view of the one-piece embodiment shown in FIG. 41.
[0059] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional side view of the one-piece embodiment shown in FIG. 41 with an elongated fastener shown attached to the connector plate and inserted through the elongated opening in the compression strut.
[0060] FIG. 46 is front view of another embodiment of the connector plate of the present invention.
[0061] FIG. 47 is a back view of the connector plate of FIG. 46.
[0062] FIG. 48 is a top view of the connector plate of FIG. 46.
[0063] FIG. 49 is a bottom view of the connector plate of FIG. 46.
[0064] FIG. 50 is a left side view of the connector plate of FIG. 46.
[0065] FIG. 51 is a right side view of the connector plate of FIG. 46.
[0066] FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional side view of the connector plate of FIG. 46.
[0067] FIG. 53 is a right side view of another embodiment of the compression strut of the present invention that is used with the connector plate of FIG. 46.
[0068] FIG. 54 is left side view of the compression strut of FIG. 53.
[0069] FIG. 55 is a top view of the compression strut of FIG. 53.
[0070] FIG. 56 is a bottom view of the compression strut of FIG. 53.
[0071] FIG. 57 is a front view of the compression strut of FIG. 53.
[0072] FIG. 58 is a back end view of the compression strut of FIG. 53.
[0073] FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the compression strut of FIG. 53 and the connector plate of FIG. 46, showing the connector plate about to be connected to the compression strut. The curved arrows represent the relative rotation between the connection plate and the compression strut.
[0074] FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the connection plate and compression strut of FIG. 59 with the connection plate joined to the compression strut.
[0075] FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional side view of the connection of the present invention made with the compression strut and connector plate of FIG. 59.
[0076] FIG. 62 is an enlarged view of the connection of FIG. 61.
[0077] FIG. 63 is top view of the connection shown in FIG. 61 with the outer member, the facade and the inner structural members shown in dotted lines.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0078] As shown in FIG. 16, a connection is formed between an outer member 1 and one or more inner structural members 2. As shown in FIG. 16, the one or more inner structural members 2 are located within the interior of a building 3 with an outer covering or veneer 4 of bricks 5 and mortar 6 located between the outer member 1 and the one or more inner structural members 2. In FIG. 16, the outer member 1 is the ledger board for an exterior deck 7. A deck joist 8 is shown extending from the ledger board 1.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 16, the one or more inner members 2 make up the framing of a building 3 located within the building envelope. The framing shown makes up what is called an exterior wall 9 of the building 3. Despite being called an exterior wall 9, the wall is located within the building and is protected from the elements outside by the brick veneer 4. The exterior walls of a building 3, as opposed to interior walls, are located at the periphery of the building 3 and are disposed between an outside space and an inside space. Interior walls of a building 3 divide inside spaces of the building 3. As shown in FIG. 16 an air gap 10 can be provided between the brick veneer 4 and the exterior wall 9 of the building 3.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 61, the connection between the outer member 1 and the one or more inner structural members 2, uses an elongated compression strut 11 having an inner portion 12 and an outer portion 13, the inner portion 12 being in engagement with one of the one or more inner structural members 2, the outer portion 13 being inserted though and connected to the outer member 1. The elongated compression strut 11 holds the outer member 1 away from the one or more inner structural members 2. The connection also uses a connector plate 14 that engages the compression strut 11 and the outer member 1. The connector plate positively attaches the compression strut 11 to the outer member 1. One or more tension fasteners 15 attach the connector plate 14 to one or more of the one or more inner structural members 2. Preferably, the one or more tension fasteners 15 are not parallel with the elongated compression strut 11.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 61, in the preferred embodiment, one or more connection fasteners 16 attach the connector plate 14 to the outer member 1. In the preferred embodiment, the outer potion 13 of the compression strut 11 holds the connector plate 14 at a selected location along the compression strut 11 that is not the outer end 17 of the compression strut 11. As also shown in FIG. 61, the compression strut 11 extends horizontally from the one or more inner structural members 2 and the one or more tension fasteners 15 extend upwardly at an acute angle to the horizontally disposed compression strut 11 toward the one or more inner structural members 2. The inner portion 12 of the compression strut 11 has an inner end 18 that abuts a side surface or outer face 19 of one of the one or more inner structural members 2.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 16, the compression member 11 preferably abuts the outer face 19 of the framing of the exterior wall 9 of the building 3. As shown the inner structural member 2 that makes the outer face can be structural sheathing 20 such as oriented strand board or plywood or other similarly strong material. The compression strut 11 could have a mechanism at its inner end 18 for attaching the compression strut 11 to one of the one or more inner structural members 2 where it abuts the exterior wall 9. However, by having the compression strut 11 abut an inner structural member 2 it is easier to know how far the compression strut 11 will extend outwardly from the interior structural members 2 when it is installed.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 61, the compression strut 11 transfers compression forces from the outer member 1 or ledger plate to the one or more inner structural members 2 which as shown are the sheathing 20 backed by a rim joist 21. The compression strut 11 is formed as single, unitary piece and a u-shaped channel. Preferably, the compression strut 11 is oriented so that the open portion of the u-shaped channel extends downwardly so as to shed water; however, the orientation of the channel will depend on the location of the elements. Weep holes can be formed in the compression strut to shed water. As shown in FIGS. 37-40, the walls 22 and 23 web 24 of the channel of the inner portion 12 of the compression strut 11 can be formed with corresponding end flanges 25, 26 and 27 to allow for greater bearing surface against the one or more inner structural members 2. As shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 15 and 16, the compression strut 11 in certain instances is also formed with a longitudinal opening 28 that can receive the angled tension fastener 15 therethrough.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 8, the outer portion 13 of the compression strut 11 is preferably formed with one or more catches 29 that can hold the connector plate at various locations along the length of the compression strut 11. The catches 28 as shown in FIG. 8 are a series of notches 30 and elongated openings 31 in the walls 22 and 23 and web 24 of the compression strut 11. The elongated openings 31 are angled with respect to the length of the compression strut 11. The notches can also have angled walls. Preferably, the notches 30 and elongated openings are arranged in a broken helical pattern to create a track 32, so that the connection plate 14 and the compression strut 11 can be rotated with respect to each other when the connector plate 14 is engaged with the compression strut at a compression strut opening 33 formed in the connection plate 14. Rotating the compression strut 11 in the compression strut opening 32, or rotating the connection plate 14 around the compression strut 11 when the compression strut opening 32 is engaged with the compression strut 11 moves or translates, the connection plate 14 along the compression strut 11, changing the position of the connection plate 14 on the compression strut 11. By using a helical track 32 the position of the connector plate 14 on the compression strut 11 can be set anywhere along the track 32, accommodating variations in the distance between the outer member 1 and the one or more inner structural members 2. This allows for close tolerances between the elements of the invention and helps to transfer structural loads between the elements.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 14, in the preferred embodiment, the compression strut opening 33 in the connection plate 14 is formed with a one or more flanges 34 with a compression opening edge 35 to engage with the track 32. As shown in FIG. 14, a single flange can be provided in the shape of a helix. Preferably, the helical flange 34 engages with a plurality of catches 29 on the compression member. In the most preferred embodiment, the helical flange 34 engages with an elongated opening 31 on the web 24 of the channel and a notch 31 on each of the walls 23 and 23 of the channel. The catches 29 engage both sides of the flange 34.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 1, the connector plate 14 if preferably formed with one or more tension fastener openings 36 to receive the one or more tension fasteners 15. The tension fastener openings 36 can be formed with drawn edges 37 to strengthen the openings and help orient the tension fasteners 15 received in the openings 36 in the proper angled direction toward the one or more inner structural members 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the connector plate is formed with an angled gusset 38 that orients the tension fastener openings 36 with respect to the outer member 1 to also help direct the tension fasteners 15 upwardly and at an angle to the horizontally disposed compression strut 11. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 14 the connector plate 14 can be formed as a circular member, and the angled gusset 32 can be formed as circular member. In the embodiment where the connector plate 14 is formed as a circular member, a plurality of tension fastener openings 36 can be provided around the connector plate 14. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the connector plate 14 and compression strut 11 are arranged such that the connection plate 14 engages a side face of the outer member 1 with one of the tension fastener opening 36 aligned with the compression strut 11 and a tension fastener is run through the tension fastener opening 36, the outer member 1, the longitudinal opening in the compression strut 11, through the veneer 4 and into the one or more inner structural members 2.
[0087] As shown in FIGS. 46 and 60, the connector plate 14 is preferably formed with a plurality of connection fastener openings 39 to assist the installer with driving the connection fasteners 16 through the connection plate 14 and into outer member 1. The connection fastener openings 39 help the installer know how many connection fasteners 16 should be used. The connector plate 14 can be formed with weep holes 40 to shed water. The connection plate 14 can be formed with strengthening flanges 41, embossments 42 and darts 43 to strengthen the connector plate. The strengthen flange 41 can be disposed at the top of the connection plate 14. As shown in FIG. 41, elongated embossments 42 can bracket the compression strut opening 33 and be disposed vertically. The darts 43 can strength the connection attachment portion of the angled gusset 38 to the main body of the connector plate 14. As shown in FIG. 60, a strengthening ring bend 44 can be formed around the compression strut opening 33.
[0088] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 41-45, the compression strut 11 is formed as part of the connector plate 14. This one-piece embodiment is formed from sheet steel. The compression strut opening 33 in this embodiment is formed with a tab 45 to help direct the elongated tension fastener 15 received in the compression strut opening. 33.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 59, the connection is preferably made with two 14 Strong-Drive SDWH Timber-Hex HDG tension screws, serving as the tension fasteners 15. The tension fasteners are formed with a self-drilling, threaded end portion 46 for engaging the inner structural members 2 and a head 47 for engaging the connection plate 14. The connection is preferably made with six Strong Drive SD Connector shear screws serving as the connection fasteners 16. The connection fasteners 16 are preferably self-drilling, threaded fasteners. The fasteners are preferably coated with zinc or some other protective layer to reduce corrosion. The preferred connector plate 14 is made from 12 gauge sheet steel. The compression strut 11 is also preferably formed from bent sheet steel.
[0090] The compression strut 11 can be installed through the veneer 4 at a mortar joint 6. The connection with a brick veneer or outer covering 4 placed between the one or more inner structural members 2 and the outer member 1 can be formed in the following manner. The locations for the connector plate 14 or additional connector plates 14 are marked on the veneer 4. The compression strut opening 33 on the connector plate 14 is aligned with the mortar joint 6 between bricks 5, if the veneer 4 is a brick wall. A bore 48 for the compression strut 11 is drilled where the compression strut opening 33 is located through the veneer 4 using a hammer drill and preferably a 1.125 masonry drill bit. One or more upwardly angled holes 49 are then drilled through the veneer for the one or more tension fasteners 15. Preferably the drill bit for these holes 49 are also 1.125 masonry drill bits. The holes 49 are preferably drilled at a 40 degree angle from the horizontally disposed compression strut member 11. Angled bores 50 for the tension fasteners 15 and a bore 51 for the compression strut 11 are then drilled in the outer member 1. The compression strut 11 is then engaged with the connector plate 14 and inserted into the bore 51 of the outer member or ledger board 1. Typically multiple compression struts 11 and connector plates 14 will be used to connect an outer member 1 to the building 3. When multiple connections are made for one outer member 1, the compression struts 11 and connector plates 14 to be installed at the ends of the ledger board 1 are joined to the outer member 1 first with the compression struts protruding 11 from the ledger board 1. The outer member 1 is then placed against the veneer 4 with the compression struts 11 inserted into the openings 48 in the veneer 1 and the tension fasteners 15 for the attached connector plates 14 are driven into the one or more inner framing members 2. Then the compression struts 11 are rotated inwardly with respect to the connector plates 14 so that the inner ends 18 of the compression struts 11 bear against the one or more inner structural members 2. The connection fasteners 16 are then driven through the connection plate 14 into the outer member 2. Any additional compression struts 11 and connector plates 14 can then be placed on the outer member 1 and connected as described.
[0091] As shown in FIGS. 61 and 62, the inner structural members 2 of the exterior wall 9 can be covered by a layer 52 usually meant to help protect the exterior water from water. This layer 52 is applied to the outer surface 19. It is generally thin or compressible and provides no effective structural resistance, such that the inner end of the 18 of the compression strut 11 effectively bears against the inner structural members 2.
