Patent Grant
7716877
The roof members of building structures, particularly those located in high wind areas, are often tied down to the supporting wall system to resist the uplift forces caused by winds blowing into, over, and around the structure. Conventionally, these members are tied down to the walls with simple light gauge steel brackets and/or straps which attach to the sides and tops of the roof members and the wall system. The connectors are fastened to the roof and wood wall members with nails or wood screws. The connectors are fastened to concrete or masonry walls with masonry screws, epoxied rods, or are simply embedded into the substrate during construction of the walls. Often the roof is configured such that multiple roof members are supported on one end by the wall and on the other end by a single roof member, commonly referred to as a girder. Each of the roof members which are supported by the girder carry both uplift and download forces which are transferred into the girder through mechanical connections. Often the accumulated forces transferred into the girder can be significant, so much that conventional light gauge connectors do not adequately resist the high uplift forces in the member and as such heavy duty connectors are required to be attached to these girders. Attachment of these heavy duty connectors can be challenging in areas of the country which use concrete or masonry walls because many products are installed to the top of the wall system. This poses problems particularly when products are installed after the framing is complete, which is a common occurrence. Finally, it is standard engineering practice that these high uplift forces are resisted through connector attachment to the top chord of a truss member by either fastening directly to the member or wrapping over the top of the member. Top chord pitches vary widely from job to job and can even vary on the same job in different areas of the roof. The present invention provides a significant improvement on these prior art connectors by offering a connector which can be field adjusted to meet the variable roof pitches and can attach to the face of the wall by means of masonry anchors driven into the constructed wall. The invention can be attached to the top chord through high capacity screws or the traditional method of wrapping over the truss. The present invention also provides an adjustable connector that does not have to be embedded in concrete or masonry and that has unusually strong pin connections that make it adjustable.
An object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable connector for connecting an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member and an elongate generally horizontal supported structural member. This object is achieved by providing a connector with a side attachment member that attaches to an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member and a cap that attaches to the elongate generally horizontal supported structural member, with a pin connection that enables rotation between the cap and the side attachment member.
An object of the present invention is to provide a pin connection that prevents inadvertent separation of the cap and the side attachment member. This object is achieved by providing a pin connection with a pin opening in either the cap or the first side attachment member, or both, and a pin that passes through the pin opening or openings, the pin having one or more restraint extensions that extend beyond the circumference of the pin opening or openings, preventing the pin from withdrawing from the pin opening or openings. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the restraint extensions with one or more lobes that extend beyond the body of the pin and the pin opening.
The pin is able to rotate within the pin opening or openings. If the pin is fixed to either the cap or side attachment member, the pin opening is in the other of the cap or side attachment member. The pin opening is not sealed. By contrast, a preferred method of attaching the pin is to insert its first end in a D-shaped aperture in either the cap or side attachment member. The first end of the pin is formed with a D-shaped circumference and it is welded in place in the D-shaped aperture so that it cannot rotate within the D-shaped aperture or withdraw from it, and the D-shaped aperture is sealed so that there is no visible opening.
An object of the present invention is to provide a strong pin connection. In some embodiments, this is achieved by fixedly attaching the pin to either the cap or the side attachment member. In some embodiments, this is further achieved by welding the first end of the pin to the cap. In other possible embodiments, the pin can be fixedly attached to the side attachment member. In some embodiments, the pin is not fixed to either the cap or the side attachment member, but instead passes through pin openings in both and has restraint extensions at both ends. In some embodiments, these are formed as circumferential flanges. In some embodiments, this is simply achieved by using a rivet as the pin.
An object of the present invention is to provide a pin connection that allows the cap and side attachment member to be separated. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the pin opening with open lobes that match the lobes on the pin, like a keyhole and key combination.
An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that resists uplift. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the cap with a substantially planar top attachment portion that interfaces with the supported structural member.
An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that attaches to both sides of the supported structural member. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the cap with a second substantially planar side attachment portion.
An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that attaches to both side of the supporting structural member. In some embodiments, this is achieved by having a second side attachment member and a second pin connection. If the cap has no substantially planar top attachment portion, a connector that has a second side attachment member and a cap with a second substantially planar side attachment portion, is the same as two connectors that each have only a first side attachment member and a cap with only a first substantially planar side attachment portion.
An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that provides rotation on an axis parallel to the supporting structural member. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the side attachment member with a connection portion that is attached to the edge of the substantially planar attachment portion. In some embodiments, this is further achieved by welding the connection portion to the substantially planar attachment portion.
An object of the present invention is to provide a secure connection between the connector and the supporting structural member. This is achieved by forming the side attachment member with fastener openings and passing fasteners through the openings and into the supporting structural member.
An object of the present invention is to provide a secure connection between the connector and the supporting structural members. This is achieved by forming the side attachment member with fastener opening and passing fasteners through the openings and into the supporting structural member. If the supporting structural member is made of masonry or concrete, the preferred fasteners connecting the side attachment member with are masonry anchors.
An object of the present invention is to provide a secure connection between the connector and the supported structural members. This is achieved by forming the cap with fastener opening and passing fasteners through the openings and into the supported structural member. If the cap is formed with a with a substantially planar top attachment portion and a second substantially planar side attachment portion, the preferred fasteners connecting the cap to the supported structural member are nails. If the cap is formed without a substantially planar top-attachment portion, the preferred fasteners connecting the cap to the supported structural member are self-drilling wood screws.
An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that is corrosion resistant. This is achieved by forming the connector from galvanized steel and, when the connector includes welding, painting the connector.
An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that has reinforced pin openings. In some embodiments, this is achieved by creating circumferential embossments around the pin openings. A further object of the present invention is to provide pin openings that share the transfer of loads between the cap and the side attachment members with the pin. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the cap and side attachment members with matching embossments that fit together with matched bearing surfaces.
An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that has side attachment members that are reinforced against bending. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the substantially planar attachment portions with reinforcing flanges. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the connection portions with reinforcing flanges.
An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that has side attachment members that are simple, strong and lightweight. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the side attachment member by bending a V-shaped length of steel in half to form a two-ply substantially planar attachment portion and a connection portion that joins the plies at the point where the two legs of the V join.
There are two basic preferred types of the present invention. The first is formed from heavier gauge steel, includes welding, and is painted, which is a matter of course when the connector includes welded parts, since welding destroys the corrosion protection offered by galvanized steel. Preferably, the heavier gauge steel type of the present invention uses a pin that is welded to one component of the connector. The second basic type of the present invention is formed from lighter gauge steel, is not welded, and is therefore not painted either. The lighter gauge steel type preferably uses a pin component that is separate from the components that connect to the supporting structural member and the supported structural member. The light gauge steel type preferably includes features, such as additional flanges and embossments, that stiffen it and thereby provide strength similar to that of the heavier gauge steel.
Both basic preferred types of the present invention have a cap that connects to or holds the supported structural member, and two side attachment members, or straps, that are connected to the cap by pin connections and which, in turn, connect to the supporting structural member.
In the first basic preferred form of the present invention, the pin is a post that is connected to, or part of, either the cap or side attachment member. There is a matching pin opening in the opposed cap or side attachment member, through which the post passes, forming a hinge. The preferred form of this pin connection permits the cap and side members to be separated from each other.
In the second basic preferred form of the present invention, the pin is separate from the cap and side attachment members, both of which have pin openings, so that the pin passes through both the cap and the side attachment member. The ends of the pin are widened and the cap and side attachment members can not be separated.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an unadjustable girder tiedown that can be made easily and at low cost on automated machinery without welding or painting and that can be directly attached to the supporting and supported structural members without the use of a cap.
As shown in
The elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member 2 is preferably a building wall 2, typically an exterior wall 2, possibly framed in wood, as shown in
The elongate generally horizontal supported structural member 3 is preferably a roof member, such as a beam, girder, truss, girder truss or rafter 3. The particular connection that is shown in shown in
The connector 4 of the present invention improves on the prior art by providing an exceptionally strong connection 1 between trusses 3 and walls 2 that need not be cast in concrete, is suitable for both original and retrofit installations, and is adjustable to accommodate trusses 3 of various pitches. At its most basic, the connector 4 comprises a cap 5, connected to said supported structural member 3, a first side attachment member 8 and a pin connection 11 between the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8. The cap 5 comprises a first substantially planar side attachment portion 6 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3. The first side attachment member 8 comprises a substantially planar attachment portion 9 that interfaces with and is fastened to the supporting structural member 2, and a connection portion 10 that is positioned alongside the first substantially planar side attachment portion 6 of the cap 5. The first pin connection 11 enables rotation between the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8, and that connects said cap 5 to said first attachment member 8, so that the cap 5 can be attached to supported structural members 8 of various pitches.
There are several primary variations on the basic form of the connector 4 of the present invention. The connector 4 can be either one-sided or two-sided, having either only a first side attachment member 8 when it is one-sided or a first side attachment member 8 and a second side attachment member 26 when it is two-sided. The cap 5 can take several different basic forms. The pin connections 11 can either have pin 13 that is fixed to either the cap 5 or the one of the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26, or a pin 13 that is separate from the cap 5 and the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26. If the pin 13 is fixed, it passes through one pin opening 12 in the cap 5 or the one of the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26. If the pin 13 is separate, it passes through two matching pin openings 12 in the cap 5 and one of the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26. If the connector 4 is one-sided, it will preferably have one side attachment member 8 positioned to one side of the supported structural member 3. If the connector 4 is two-sided it will preferably have two side attachment members 8 and 26, one on each side of the supported structural member 3. The cap 5 can take three basic forms. First, an inverted U-shaped, with two substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 that interface with the sides 53 of the supported structural member 3 and a substantially planar top attachment portion 21 that connects the two substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22. Second, an inverted L-shape (if the connection is one-sided) or a pair of inverted L-shapes (if the connection is two-sided), the L-shape having a substantially planar side attachment portion 6 or 22 and a substantially planar top attachment portion 21. Third, one (if the connection is one-sided) or two (if the connection is two-sided) substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22. All three basic forms of the cap 5 can be fastened to the supported structural member 3 using fasteners 55 such as nails, screws or bolts. The cap 5 could also be bonded to the supported structural member 3 using adhesives or welds, depending on the materials used to compose the cap 5 and the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the connector 4 will be made from steel and the supported structural member 3 will be made primarily of wood, but the connector 4 might also be made of other metals, plastics or composites, and the same is true of the supported structural member 3. When fasteners 55 are used to fasten the cap 5 to the supported structural member 3, the fasteners 55 can pass through the substantially planar side attachment portion or portions 6 and the substantially planar top attachment portion or portions 21. Because the connector 4 is designed primarily to resist uplift forces, fasteners 55 or other bonding is only critical when the cap 5 has no substantially planar top attachment portion 21. In the preferred embodiment of this form, fasteners 55 pass through the substantially planar side attachment portion or portions 6 into the side or sides 53 of the supported structural member 3.
As shown in
In the first preferred embodiment, the first pin 13 is fixedly attached to the other of the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8 that does not have a first pin opening 12. Preferably, as shown in
Preferably, the first restraint extension 18 is one or more lobes 18 that extend beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14 and the circumference 19 of the first pin opening 12. Preferably, the first pin opening 12 has one or more open lobes 20 that extend beyond the circumference 19 of the first pin opening 12. Preferably, the fixedly attached first pin 13 is inserted through the first pin opening 12 in an orientation that permits the one or more lobes 18 on the first pin 13 to pass through the one or more open lobes 20 of the first pin opening 12, and the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8 are then rotated on the first pin connection 11 so that the one or more lobes 18 on the first pin 13 no longer match the one or more open lobes 20 of the first pin opening 12, thereby restraining the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8 from being separated at the first pin connection 11. The open lobes 20 permit the first side attachment member 8 and the cap 5 to be separated and reconnected. The open lobes 20 are preferably oriented so that they will be 90 degrees off of the lobes 18 when the supported structural member 3 is perfectly horizontal and the supporting structural member 2 is perfectly vertical, so that an interlock is formed in every orientation except if the supported structural member 3 is perfectly vertical, which is essentially impossible when the supported structural member 3 is a truss or other similar roofing member. Preferably, the pins 13 are machined from 1¾″ diameter hot rolled bar stock with CNC (computer numerical control) lathes and machining centers. Preferably, the pins 13 each have two opposed lobes 18 that are ⅞″ wide and extend to the 1¾″ diameter of the bar stock. Preferably, the thickness of the lobes 18 is approximately one third the length of the pins 13. The middle third of the pin 13 is preferably 1.312″ in diameter while the remaining third is preferably 1.245″ in diameter with a flat portion of the circumference making it roughly D-shaped. As shown in
Preferably, the cap 5 additionally comprises a substantially planar top attachment portion 21 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3. As shown in
Preferably, the cap 5 can additionally comprise a second substantially planar side attachment portion 22 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3. In a single-sided variant of the connector 4 of the present invention, a second side attachment portion 22 is not strictly necessary. When the cap 5 has only a first side attachment portion 6, a plurality of fasteners 58 are necessary to resist uplift, but when the cap 5 has a top attachment portion 21, the top attachment portion 21 can resist uplift and the fasteners 58 are less important.
Preferably, as shown in
Preferably, as shown in
Preferably, as shown in
Preferably, the fasteners 57 that that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 are masonry screw anchors 57, and the fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 are self-drilling wood screws 58. Most preferably, the fasteners 57 are Simpson Strong-Tie Titen HD masonry screw anchors. Most preferably, the fasteners 58 are Simpson Strong-Tie SDS Strong Drive screws.
Preferably, as shown in
Preferably, as shown in
In the second preferred embodiment, the first pin 13 is fixedly attached to the first side attachment member 8 and the first pin opening 12 is in the cap 5. This particular arrangement, according to which the first pin 13 is fixedly attached to the first side attachment member 8, is similar to fixedly attaching the first pin 13 to the cap 5 and is, therefore, not shown in the drawings. This is less preferred than attaching the first pin 13 to the cap member 5, but it would be a functional alternative. As in the first preferred embodiment, and the first restraint extension 18 is one or more lobes 18 that extend beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14 and the circumference 19 of the first pin opening 12, and the first pin opening 12 has one or more open lobes 20 that extend beyond the circumference 19 of the first pin opening 12. The fixedly attached first pin 13 is inserted through the first pin opening 12 in an orientation that permits the one or more lobes 18 on the first pin 13 to pass through the one or more open lobes 20 of the first pin opening 12, and the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8 are then rotated on the first pin connection 11 so that the one or more lobes 18 on the first pin 13 no longer match the one or more open lobes 20 of the first pin opening 12, thereby restraining the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8 from being separated at the first pin connection 11. The cap 5 additionally comprises a substantially planar top attachment portion 21 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the cap 5 additionally comprises a second substantially planar side attachment portion 22 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3, and the first side attachment member 8 additionally comprise an edge 37 and the connection portion 10 of the first side attachment member 8 is attached to the edge 37.
Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 additionally comprises fastener openings 55, and the connection 1 additionally comprises fasteners 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and into the supporting structural member 2. Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 additionally comprise fastener openings 56, and the connection 1 additionally comprises fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 and into the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the fasteners 57 that that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 are masonry screw anchors 57, and the fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 are self-drilling wood screws 58.
Preferably, the first end 16 of the first pin 13 is welded to the first side attachment member 8, the connection portion 10 of the first side attachment member 8 is welded to the edge 37, and the connector 4 is painted.
The third preferred embodiment is essentially the same as the first preferred embodiment, except that it is double-sided. It is always preferable that the connection of the present invention be double-sided because a single-sided connection is weaker than its double-sided counterpart. It is shown
The cap 5 further comprises a second substantially planar side attachment portion 22 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3 opposite the first substantially planar side attachment portion 6. The second pin connection 29 further comprises a second pin opening 12 in one of the cap 5 and the second attachment member 26, and a second pin 13 that passes through the second pin opening 12, the second pin 13 comprises a body 14 having a circumference 15, a first end 16, and a second end 17 with a first restraint extension 18 that extends beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14. The second pin opening 12 has a circumference 19, and the first restraint extension 18 extends beyond the circumference of the second pin opening 12, preventing the second pin 13 from withdrawing from the second pin opening 12. The second pin 13 is fixedly attached to the other of the cap 5 and the second side attachment member 26 that does not have a second pin opening 12. Preferably, the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26 are essentially the same, either identical or mirror images of each other, except in an end wall attachment as shown in
Preferably, the first pin 13 is fixedly attached to the cap 5 and the first pin opening 12 is in the first side attachment member 8, and the second pin 13 is fixedly attached to the cap 5 and the second pin opening 12 is in the second side attachment member 26. Preferably, the first restraint extension 18 of the first pin 13 is one or more lobes 18 that extend beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14 and the circumference 19 of the first pin opening 12, and the first restraint extension 18 of the second pin 13 is one or more lobes 18 that extend beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14 and the circumference 19 of the second pin opening 12. Preferably, the first pin opening 12 has one or more open lobes 20 that extend beyond the circumference 19 of the first pin opening 12. The fixedly attached first pin 13 is preferably inserted through the first pin opening 12 in an orientation that permits the one or more lobes 18 on the first pin 13 to pass through the one or more open lobes 20 of the first pin opening 12, and the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8 are then rotated on the first pin connection 11 so that the one or more lobes 18 on the first pin 13 no longer match the one or more open lobes 20 of the first pin opening 12, thereby restraining the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8 from being separated at the first pin connection 11. Preferably, the second pin opening 12 has one or more open lobes 20 that extend beyond the circumference 19 of the second pin opening 12. The fixedly attached second pin 13 is preferably inserted through the second pin opening 12 in an orientation that permits the one or more lobes 18 on the second pin 13 to pass through the one or more open lobes 20 of the second pin opening 12, and the cap 5 and the second side attachment member 26 are then rotated on the second pin connection 29 so that the one or more lobes 18 on the second pin 13 no longer match the one or more open lobes 20 of the second pin opening 12, thereby restraining the cap 5 and the second side attachment member 26 from being separated at the first pin connection 29.
Preferably, the cap 5 additionally comprises a substantially planar top attachment portion 21 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3. The second substantially planar side attachment portion 22 of the cap 5 is attached to the substantially planar top attachment portion 21. Preferably, the first side attachment member 8 additionally comprises an edge 37 on said substantially planar attachment portion 9 and the connection portion 10 of the first side attachment member 8 is attached to the edge 37. Preferably, the second side attachment member 26 additionally comprises an edge 37 and the connection portion 10 of the second side attachment member 26 is attached to the edge 37.
As best shown in
Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the second side attachment member 26 additionally comprise fastener openings 55. Preferably, the connection 1 additionally comprises fasteners 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the second side attachment member 26 and into the supporting structural member 2. Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 additionally comprise fastener openings 56, and the connection 1 additionally comprises fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 and into the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the fasteners 57 that that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the second side attachment member 26 are masonry screw anchors 57, and the fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 are self-drilling wood screws 58.
Preferably, the first end 16 of the first pin 13 is welded to the cap 5, and the first end 16 of the second pin 13 is welded to the cap 5 with a circumferential fillet weld 39. Preferably, the connection portion 10 of the first side attachment member 8 is welded to the edge 37, and the connection portion 10 of the second side attachment member 26 is welded to the edge 37 with a pair of fillet welds 39. As shown in
Preferably, the substantially planar attachment portions 9 of the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26 are 24 3/16″ from the centerlines of the pins 13 to the short edge 37 furthest away from the connection portion 10. Preferably, as shown in
In the fourth preferred embodiment, the first pins 13 are fixedly attached to the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26 and the first pin openings 12 are in the cap 5. As with the second preferred embodiment, this particular arrangement, according to which the first pin 13 is fixedly attached to the first side attachment member 8, is similar to fixedly attaching the first pin 13 to the cap 5 and is, therefore, not shown in the drawings. This is less preferred than attaching the first pins 13 to the cap member 5, but it would be a functional alternative. Preferably, the first pin 13 is fixedly attached to the first side attachment member 8 and the first pin opening 12 is in the cap 5, and the second pin 13 is fixedly attached to the second side attachment member 26 and the second pin opening 12 is in the cap 5. Preferably, the first restraint extension 18 on the first pin 13 is one or more lobes 18 that extend beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14 and the circumference 19 of the first pin opening 12. Preferably, the first restraint extension 18 on the second pin 13 is one or more lobes 18 that extend beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14 and the circumference 19 of the second pin opening 12. Preferably, the first pin opening 12 has one or more open lobes 20 that extend beyond the circumference 19 of the first pin opening 12. Preferably, the fixedly attached first pin 13 is inserted through the first pin opening 12 in an orientation that permits the one or more lobes 18 on the first pin 13 to pass through the one or more open lobes 20 of the first pin opening 12, and the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8 are then rotated on the first pin connection 11 so that the one or more lobes 18 on the first pin 13 no longer match the one or more open lobes 20 of the first pin opening 12, thereby restraining the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8 from being separated at the first pin connection 11. Preferably, the second pin opening 12 has one or more open lobes 20 that extend beyond the circumference 19 of the second pin opening 12. The fixedly attached second pin 13 is preferably inserted through the second pin opening 12 in an orientation that permits the one or more lobes 18 on the second pin 13 to pass through the one or more open lobes 20 of the second pin opening 12, and the cap 5 and the second side attachment member 26 are then rotated on the second pin connection 29 so that the one or more lobes 18 on the second pin 13 no longer match the one or more open lobes 20 of the second pin opening 12, thereby restraining the cap 5 and the second side attachment member 26 from being separated at the first pin connection 29.
Preferably, the cap 5 additionally comprises a substantially planar top attachment portion 21 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the second substantially planar side attachment portion 22 of the cap 5 is attached to the substantially planar top attachment portion 21. Preferably, the first side attachment member 8 additionally comprises an edge 37 on said substantially planar attachment portion 9 and the connection portion 10 of the first side attachment member 8 is attached to the edge 37. Preferably, the second side attachment member 26 additionally comprise an edge 37 and the connection portion 10 of the second side attachment member 26 is attached to the edge 37.
Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the second side attachment member 26 additionally comprise fastener openings 55. Preferably, the connection 1 additionally comprises fasteners 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the second side attachment member 26 and into the supporting structural member 2. Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 additionally comprise fastener openings 56, Preferably, the connection 1 additionally comprises fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 and into the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the fasteners 57 that that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the second side attachment member 26 are masonry screw anchors 57. Preferably, the fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 are self-drilling wood screws 58.
Preferably, the first end 16 of the first pin 13 is welded to the first side attachment member 8, and the first end 16 of the second pin 13 is welded to the second side attachment member 26. The connection portion 10 of the first side attachment member 8 is preferably welded to the edge 37, and the connection portion 10 of the second side attachment member 26 is preferably welded to the edge 37. Preferably, the connector 4 is painted.
As shown in
Preferably, the first restraint extension 18 is a circumferential flange 18 that extends beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14 and the circumference 19 of the first pin opening 12. The second restraint extension 18 is a circumferential flange 18 that extends beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14 and the circumference 19 of the second pin opening 12. In this form, the cap member 5 and the first side attachment member 8 cannot be separated without disassembling the pin 13 itself, which is not possible in the preferred form of the pin 13, which is a rivet.
Preferably, the cap 5 additionally comprises a substantially planar top attachment portion 21 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the cap 5 additionally comprises a second substantially planar side attachment portion 22 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3.
Preferably, as shown in
Preferably, the substantially planar attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 additionally comprises a reinforcing flange 23. Preferably, the connection portion 10 of the first side attachment member 8 additionally comprises a reinforcing flange 24. The reinforcing flanges 23 and 24 are shown in
Preferably, as shown in
Preferably, as shown in
As shown in
Preferably, the first restraint extension 18 of the first pin 13 is a circumferential flange 18 that extends beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14. The second restraint extension 18 of the first pin 13 preferably is a circumferential flange 18 that extends beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14, and the first restraint extension 18 of the first pin 13 is a circumferential flange 18 that extends beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14. Preferably, the second restraint extension 18 of the first pin 13 is a circumferential flange 18 that extends beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14.
As previously described, preferably the cap 5 additionally comprises a substantially planar top attachment portion 21 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the cap 5 additionally comprises a second substantially planar side attachment portion 22 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the connection portion 10 of the first side attachment member 8 additionally comprises a reinforcing embossment 25 around the second pin opening 12 in the first side attachment member 8. Preferably, the connection portion 10 of the second side attachment member 9 additionally comprises a reinforcing embossment 25 around the fourth pin opening 12 in the second side attachment member 9. Preferably, the first substantially planar side attachment portion 6 of the cap 5 additionally comprises a reinforcing embossment 25 around the first pin opening 12 that matches the reinforcing embossment 25 around the second pin opening 12 in the first side attachment member 8 so that the reinforcing embossment 25 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 6 and the reinforcing embossment 25 fit together and transmit bearing forces between the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8. Preferably, the second substantially planar side attachment portion 22 of the cap 5 additionally comprises a reinforcing embossment 25 around the third pin opening 12 that matches the reinforcing embossment 25 around the fourth pin opening 12 in the second side attachment member 26 so that the reinforcing embossment 25 in the second substantially planar side attachment portion 22 and the reinforcing embossment 25 in the second side attachment member 26 fit together and transmit bearing forces between the cap 5 and the second side attachment member 26.
Preferably, the first pin 13 is a rivet, and the second pin 13 is a rivet.
Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the second side attachment member 26 additionally comprise fastener openings 55. Preferably, the connection 1 additionally comprises fasteners 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the second side attachment member 26 and into the supporting structural member 2. Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 additionally comprise fastener openings 56, and the connection 1 additionally comprises fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 and into the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the fasteners 57 that that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the second side attachment member 26 are masonry screw anchors 57. Preferably, the fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 are self-drilling wood screws 58.
As described above, the sixth preferred embodiment of the invention can be used with a variety of side members 8 and 26. The following is a description of the use of the side members 8 and 26 shown in
Preferably, the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26 are 25″ long and 4″ wide. Preferably, they are each attached to the supporting structural member 2 with 5 fasteners 57, preferably masonry screw anchors 57, most preferably ⅝″ diameter×6″ long Simpson Strong-Tie TITEN HD anchors. As shown in
The seventh preferred embodiment is shown in
Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 additionally comprises fastener openings 55, and the connection 1 additionally comprises fasteners 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and into the supporting structural member 2. Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 additionally comprise fastener openings 56, and the connection 1 additionally comprises fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 and into the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the fasteners 57 that that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 are masonry screw anchors 57, and the fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 are self-drilling wood screws 58.
The eighth preferred embodiment is essentially the same as the seventh preferred embodiment, except that it is double-sided. In it, the first side attachment member 8 is formed by bending a V-shaped length of steel in half to form a two-ply substantially planar attachment portion 9 and a connection portion 10 that joins the plies. The second side attachment member 26 is also formed by bending a V-shaped length of steel in half to form a two-ply substantially planar attachment portion 9 and a connection portion 10 that joins the plies.
Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the second side attachment member 26 additionally comprise fastener openings 55. Preferably, the connection 1 additionally comprises fasteners 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the second side attachment member 26 and into the supporting structural member 2. Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 additionally comprise fastener openings 56, and the connection 1 additionally comprises fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 and into the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the fasteners 57 that that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the second side attachment member 26 are masonry screw anchors 57. Preferably, the fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 are self-drilling wood screws 58.
Preferably, the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26 are 22⅛″ long and 2″ wide. Preferably, they are each attached to the supporting structural member 2 with 5 fasteners 57, preferably masonry screw anchors 57, most preferably ½″ diameter×6″ long Simpson Strong-Tie TITEN HD anchors. Preferably, the connection portion 10 is 3¾″ in diameter. Preferably, the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26 and the cap 5 are all formed from 10 gauge (0.135″ thick) galvanized sheet steel. Preferably, the connection portions 10 are canted 10 degrees out of line from the substantially planar attachment portions 9 of the first and second side attachment member 8 and 26, so that the substantially planar side attachment portions 9 angle outward from the supported structural member 3, as shown in
In retrofit or new construction application using caps 5 that have no substantially planar top attachment portion 21 and only a first substantially planar side attachment portion 6 or only first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22, the first side attachment member 8 or the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26, if there are two, are first connected to the cap 5, if they have detachable pins 13. Second, the substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 are aligned so that they are flush with the top 54 of the truss 3 and the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26 are vertical and in contact with the side 51 of the wall 2. Third, the substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 are attached to the truss 3 with fasteners 58 and the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26 are attached to the wall with fasteners 57.
In new construction application using caps 5 that have a substantially planar top attachment portion 21, the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26, are first connected to the cap 5, if they have detachable pins 13. Second, the substantially planar top attachment portion 21 of the cap 5 is placed on the top 54 of the truss 3, which aligns the substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 so that they are flush with the top 54 of the truss 3 and the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26 are vertical and in contact with the side 51 of the wall 2. Third, the substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 are attached to the truss 3 with fasteners 58 and the first and second side attachment members 8 and 26 are attached to the wall with fasteners 57.
Generally, only caps 5 without substantially planar top attachment portions 21 will be used in retrofit applications because substantially planar top attachment portions 21 would interfere with roof sheathing on top of the trusses 3. If there is enough space between any roof sheathing and the tops 54 of the trusses 3, L-shaped caps 5 with only a first substantially planar side attachment portion 6 and a substantially planar top attachment portion 21 could be used by sliding the substantially planar top attachment portion 21 between the top 54 of the truss 3 and the roof sheathing. If there is no roof sheathing, as in new construction, caps 5 with first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 and a substantially planar top attachment portion 21 can be used and are preferable because they require fewer fasteners 58 to attach them to the truss 3 since the substantially planar top attachment portion 21 primarily holds down the truss 3.
There are three most preferred embodiments. The first is shown in
In addition to the adjustable embodiments of the present invention, there are unadjustable embodiments, shown in
At their most basic, the unadjustable embodiments of the present invention are all a connection, as shown in
The first side attachment member has a connection portion 10 and an elongate substantially planar attachment portion 9. The connection portion 10 has a substantially planar fastening portion 47 with a border 31, and a reinforcing flange 24 integrally joined to the fastening portion 47 along at least part of the border 31. The elongate substantially planar attachment portion 9 comprises first and second straps 28, each having an inner side 59 and an outer side 60, integrally connected to the connection portion 10.
The reinforcing flange 24 has a left side 48 and a right side 49. The reinforcing flange 24 can be discontinuous. The first strap 28 is integrally connected to the left side 48 of the reinforcing flange 24 and the second strap 28 is integrally connected to the right side 49 of the reinforcing flange 24. The first and second straps 28 at least partially overlap each other, the inner sides 59 interfacing. The fastening portion 47 is positioned alongside and fastened to one of the two sides 53 of the supported structural member 3. The attachment portion 9 interfaces with and is fastened to one of the two sides 51 of the supporting structural member 2.
Preferably, the fastening portion 47 and the attachment portion 9 generally occupy substantially perpendicular planes. The greater part of the first and second straps 28 preferably overlap. Preferably, the first and second straps 28 have open ends 50 opposite the connection portion 10 and the open ends 50 are equidistant from the connection portion. The greater part of the first and second straps 28 preferably overlap and the open ends 50 preferably contact each other. The straps 28 are preferably 18″ long. Preferably, the straps 28 have two parallel long sides 44, one that faces the supported structural member 3 and one that faces away from the supported structural member 3. The angle between the long sides 44 and the fastening portion 47 is preferably 10 degrees, so that the straps 28 are not vertical when installed as preferred. The first and second straps 28 extend the material of the reinforcing flange 24, extending outward from the connection portion 10 and being brought together as close to the connection portion 10 as possible. The straps 28 are bent at a bend 45 so that they interface for almost their entire length.
The reinforcing flange 24 preferably occupies substantially all of the border 31. Preferably, the reinforcing flange 24 has a first end 35 and a second end 36, the first end 35 and the second end 36 being separated by a first gap 38 along the border 31 of the connection portion 10. The reinforcing flange 24 preferably rises a uniform 0.5″ from the connection portion 10 border 31, except that is rises further as it transitions into the straps 28.
Preferably, the first and second straps 28 have fastener openings 55, and the fastening portion 47 has fastener openings 32. The connection 1 preferably includes fasteners 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first and second straps 28 and into the supporting structural member 2. The connection 1 preferably also includes fasteners 33 that pass through the fastener openings 32 in the fastening portion 47 and into the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the fasteners 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first and second straps 28 have shanks 34, and the fasteners 33 that pass through the fastener openings 32 in the fastening portion 47 have shanks 34. The fasteners 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first and second straps 28 preferably have threaded shanks 34, and fasteners 33 that pass through the fastener openings 32 in the fastening portion 47 preferably have threaded shanks 34. Preferably, the fasteners 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first and second straps 28 are screws 57, and the fasteners 33 that pass through the fastener openings 32 in the fastening portion 47 are screws 33.
If the supporting structural member 2 is a wood-framed wall 2, the screws 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first and second straps 28 are preferably wood screws 57. Most preferably, the screws 57 are Simpson Strong-Drive ¼″ wood screws. The Simpson Strong-Drive wood screw has a hex washer head for easy driving with a ⅜″ hex head socket and a low speed drill. The built-in reamer and type 17 tip cuts a hole to allow installation without predrilling. If the supporting structural member 2 is a masonry wall 2, the screws 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first and second straps 28 are preferably masonry screws 57. Most preferably, the screws 57 are Simpson Titen masonry screws. Titen screws are 3/16 and ¼ diameter masonry screws for attaching all types of components to concrete and masonry. If the supporting structural member 2 is a metal-framed wall 2, the screws 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first and second straps 28 are preferably metal screws 57. Preferably, fourteen screws 57 connect the attachment portions 9 to the supporting structural member 2.
If the supported structural member 3 is a wood-framed truss 3, the screws 33 that pass through the fastener openings 32 in the fastening portion 47 are preferably wood screws 33. If the supported structural member 3 is a composite truss 3, the fasteners 33 that pass through the fastener openings 32 in the fastening portion 47 preferably are those best suited to the material of the member or members to which the connection portion 10 is attached. If the supported structural member 3 is a metal-framed truss 3, the screws 33 that pass through the fastener openings 32 in the fastening portion 47 are preferably metal screws 33.
The connection 1 is preferably a double-sided connection 1, having second connector 7 essentially identical to the first connector 4. The second connector 7 has a first side attachment member 8. The first side attachment member has a connection portion 10 and an elongate substantially planar attachment portion 9. The connection portion 10 has a substantially planar fastening portion 47 with a border 31, and a reinforcing flange 24 integrally joined to the fastening portion 47 along at least part of the border 31. The elongate substantially planar attachment portion 9 comprises first and second straps 28, each having an inner side 59 and an outer side 60, integrally connected to the connection portion 10. The reinforcing flange 24 has a left side 48 and a right side 49. The first strap 28 is integrally connected to the left side 48 of the reinforcing flange 24 and the second strap 28 is integrally connected to the right side 49 of the reinforcing flange 24. The first and second straps 28 at least partially overlap each other, the inner sides 59 interfacing. The fastening portion 47 is positioned alongside and fastened to the other of the two sides 53 of the supported structural member 3 from the first connector 4. The attachment portion 9 interfaces with and is fastened to one of the two sides 51 of the supporting structural member 2.
Preferably, the connector 4 of the present invention is formed first by cutting a substantially planar blank 100 from sheet metal. The substantially planar blank 100 preferably has a connection portion 10 and an elongate substantially planar attachment portion 9. Preferably, the connection portion 10 has a substantially planar fastening portion 47 with a border 31. The elongate substantially planar attachment portion 9 preferably comprises first and second straps 28, each having an inner side 59 and an outer side 60, integrally connected to the connection portion 10. Preferably, a reinforcing flange 24 is then bent up along at least part of the border 31, the reinforcing flange (24) being integrally joined to the fastening portion 47 and having a left side 48 and a right side 49. The first strap 28 preferably is integrally connected to the left side 48 of the reinforcing flange 24 and the second strap 28 is integrally connected to the right side 49 of the reinforcing flange 24. Preferably, the first and second straps 28 are bent up and together at the same time as the reinforcing flange (24) such that the first and second straps 28 at least partially overlap each other, the inner sides 59 interfacing. The connector 4 of the present invention is preferably further formed by punching fastener openings 55 in the first and second straps 28, and by punching fastener openings 32 in the fastening portion 47. The preferred material is 10 gauge (118 mils) G90 zinc-coated (0.90 oz/ft2) galvanized sheet steel with a minimum yield strength of 33 ksi (kip [1000 pounds] per square inch) designated GR33.
Preferably, the attachment portion 9 equally bifurcates the connection portion 10 where the attachment portion 9 is integrally connected to the connection portion 10. The connection portion 10 has a top point 46 on the border 31 that is farthest away from the attachment portion 9.
In a first preferred embodiment best shown in
In a second preferred embodiment shown in
In the second preferred embodiment the connection portion 10 widens from its narrowest portion, where the attachment portion 9 joins the connection portion 10, the border 31 diverging symmetrically, forming a first straight side 101 and a second straight side 102 at an acute angle to the first straight side 101, then curving out to form a third straight side 103 and a fourth straight side 104 at an obtuse angle to the third straight side 103, then curving in to form a fifth straight side 105 and a sixth straight side 106 that meet at an obtuse angle opposite the attachment portion 9 across the connection portion 10, the obtuse angle being centered on the top point 46. The fifth and sixth straight sides 105 and 106 preferably are angled to match the pitch of a truss top chord with a ½ pitch. The second preferred embodiment preferably has thirteen fastener openings 32 in the fastening portion 47 and all are used to attach the connection portion 10 to the supported structural member 3.
In a third preferred embodiment shown in
At their simplest, the light gauge steel embodiments of the present invention are all a connection 1 comprising an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member 2, an elongate generally horizontal supported structural member 3, and a connector 4, as shown in
As with the unadjustable embodiments, preferably the connection portion 10 has a substantially planar fastening portion 47 with a border 31, and a reinforcing flange 24 integrally joined to the fastening portion 47 along at least part of the border 31. The elongate substantially planar attachment portion 9 preferably comprises first and second straps 28, each having an inner side 59 and an outer side 60. Preferably, the reinforcing flange 24 has a left side 48 and a right side 49. The first strap 28 preferably is integrally connected to the left side 48 of the reinforcing flange 24 and the second strap 28 preferably is integrally connected to the right side 49 of the reinforcing flange 24. Preferably, the first and second straps 28 at least partially overlap each other, the inner sides 59 interfacing. The reinforcing flange 24 preferably has a first end 35 and a second end 36, the first end 35 and the second end 36 being separated by a first gap 38 along the border 31 of the connection portion 10. Preferably, the connection portion 10 has a top point 46 on the border 31 that is farthest away from the attachment portion 9. The connection portion 10 preferably is substantially teardrop-shaped, the narrowest part being where the attachment portion 9 joins the connection portion 10, curving outward to widen on either side of the attachment portion 9 and then curving together to narrow again, coming to a point at the top point 46.
Preferably, the first pin connection 11 further comprises a first pin opening 12 in one of the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8, and a first pin 13 that passes through the first pin opening 12. The first pin 13 preferably comprises a body 14 having a circumference 15, a first end 16, and a second end 17 with a first restraint extension 18 that extends beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14. Preferably, the first pin opening 12 has a circumference 19, and the first restraint extension 18 extends beyond the circumference of the first pin opening 12, preventing the first pin 13 from withdrawing from the first pin opening 12.
The first pin opening 12 is preferably in the cap 5. Preferably, the first attachment member 8 additionally comprises a second pin opening 12 and the first pin 13 passes through the second pin opening 12. The first pin 13 additionally comprises a second restraint extension 18 that extends beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14. Preferably, the second pin opening 12 has a circumference 19. The second restraint extension 18 extends beyond the circumference 19 of the second pin opening 12, preventing the first pin 13 from withdrawing from the second pin opening 12.
Preferably, the first restraint extension 18 is a circumferential flange 18 that extends beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14 and the circumference 19 of the first pin opening 12. The second restraint extension 18 preferably is a circumferential flange 18 that extends beyond the circumference 15 of the body 14 and the circumference 19 of the second pin opening 12. Preferably, the first pin 13 is a rivet.
Preferably, the cap 5 includes a substantially planar top attachment portion 21 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3. The cap 5 preferably includes a second substantially planar side attachment portion 22 that interfaces with the supported structural member 3. Preferably, the connection portion 10 of the first side attachment member 8 includes a reinforcing embossment 25 around the first pin opening 12 in the first side attachment member 8. The first substantially planar side attachment portion 6 of the cap 5 preferably includes a reinforcing embossment 25 around the second pin opening 12 that matches the reinforcing embossment 25 around the first pin opening 12 in the first side attachment member 8 so that the reinforcing embossment 25 and the reinforcing embossment 25 fit together and transmit bearing forces between the cap 5 and the first side attachment member 8. Preferably, the substantially planar attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 includes a reinforcing flange 23. The connection portion 10 of the first side attachment member 8 preferably includes a reinforcing flange 24.
Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 additionally comprises fastener openings 55. The connection 1 preferably includes fasteners 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 and into the supporting structural member 2. Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 additionally comprise fastener openings 56. The connection 1 preferably includes fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 and into the supported structural member 3.
If the supporting structural member 2 is a masonry wall, the fasteners 57 that pass through the fastener openings 55 in the first substantially planar side attachment portion 9 of the first side attachment member 8 are preferably masonry screw anchors 57. If the supported structural member 3 is made of wood, the fasteners 58 that pass through the fastener openings 56 in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions 6 and 22 of the cap 5 preferably are self-drilling wood screws 58.
Preferably, the fastening portion 47 and the attachment portion 9 generally occupy substantially perpendicular planes. The greater part of the first and second straps 28 preferably overlap. Preferably, the first and second straps 28 have open ends 50 opposite the connection portion 10 and the open ends 50 are equidistant from the connection portion. The greater part of the first and second straps 28 preferably overlap and the open ends 50 preferably contact each other.
The present application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/912,260, filed Aug. 4, 2004.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 10912260 | Aug 2004 | US |
| Child | 11217572 | US |
