SLIDE CLIP

BACKGROUND

A building may be subject to a variety of different forces, such as wind, seismic and loading forces, that impact the building in various directions. Adjacent building components can be connected to each other using a clip or connector. In conventional construction, those building components have typically been connected in a rigid fashion. However, in some buildings, adjacent components have been connected using clips that allow the components to move horizontally and/or vertically relative to each other in an attempt to help the building withstand the variety of forces it is subject to over time.

While a variety of clips and connectors have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors have made or used a slide clip as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a slide clip;

FIG. 2 depicts a bottom perspective view of the slide clip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a top plan view of the slide clip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a bottom plan view of the slide clip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a right side elevational view of the slide clip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 depicts a front elevational view of the slide clip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 depicts a rear elevational view of the slide clip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective assembly view of the slide clip of FIG. 1 installed in an exemplary embodiment of a building structure;

FIG. 9 depicts a top perspective view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of a slide clip;

FIG. 10 depicts a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a slide clip;

FIG. 11 depicts a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a slide clip;

FIG. 12 depicts a bottom perspective view of the slide clip of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 depicts a top plan view of the slide clip of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 depicts a bottom plan view of the slide clip of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 depicts a right side elevational view of the slide clip of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 depicts a front elevational view of the slide clip of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 depicts a rear elevational view of the slide clip of FIG. 11;

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective assembly view of the slide clip of FIG. 11 installed in an alternate exemplary embodiment of a building structure;

FIG. 19 depicts a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a slide clip;

FIG. 20 depicts a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a slide clip;

FIG. 21 depicts a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a slide clip;

FIG. 22 depicts a bottom perspective view of the slide clip of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 depicts a top plan view of the slide clip of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 depicts a bottom plan view of the slide clip of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 depicts a right side elevational view of the slide clip of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 depicts a front elevational view of the slide clip of FIG. 21;

FIG. 27 depicts a rear elevational view of the slide clip of FIG. 21;

FIG. 28 depicts a perspective assembly view of the slide clip of FIG. 21 installed in another exemplary embodiment of a building structure;

FIG. 29 depicts a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a slide clip;

FIG. 30 depicts a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a slide clip; and

FIG. 31 depicts a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a slide clip.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

It will be appreciated that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-described teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate one embodiment of a slide clip 10 configured to allow for both vertical and horizontal movement between adjacent building components connected by slide clip 10. In this embodiment, slide clip 10 comprises a first plate 20 and a second plate 30. First plate 20 and second plate 30 can be formed from a single piece of material so that first plate 20 and second plate 30 are of unitary construction and are integrally joined together at a juncture 12 along corresponding interior or lower edges of the first plate 20 and second plate 30. As shown, first plate 20 is substantially perpendicular to second plate 30. Clip 10 can be created using a conventional forming process to bend first plate 20 and second plate 30 into the desired configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment first plate 20 comprises a pair of elongated slots 22. Of course, in other embodiments first plate 20 may include a single slot or three or more slots. As shown, slots 22 are oriented so that the longitudinal axes of slots 22 are substantially parallel to each other and the longitudinal axis of each slot 22 is substantially perpendicular relative to juncture 12 between first plate 20 and second plate 30. As used herein, the term “longitudinal axis” refers to an axis that extends in the direction of the longest dimension of an object. Slots 22 may be configured to receive a fastener, such as a shoulder screw, a standard screw and stepped bushing, or any other fastener configured to cooperate with clip 10 to allow the underlying building component to move relative to clip 10 in the longitudinal direction of slots 22. In some embodiments first plate 20 may also comprise measurement indicia adjacent to one or more of slots 22 to facilitate placement of a fastener within a respective slot 22.

As shown, first plate 20 also comprises a pair of upturned, external flanges 24 along a respective lateral edge of first plate 20. Each external flange 24 is positioned along a lateral edge of first plate 20 that is substantially perpendicular to juncture 12. External flanges 24 may be formed by bending a respective lateral edge of first plate 20 upward. In the illustrated embodiment, external flanges 24 extend toward second plate 30 and are substantially perpendicular relative to an interior surface 21 of first plate 20. External flanges 24 can also be configured to extend substantially parallel to each other. In this embodiment, each external flange 24 is separated from second plate 30 such that the only connection between first plate 20 and second plate 30 is along juncture 12. Specifically, each external flange 24 includes an upper edge 24a and a lower edge 24b and lower edge 24b is spaced apart from second plate 30. In some embodiments, clip 10 may only comprise one external flange 24.

As shown in FIGS. 1-8, clip 10 also comprises a pair of darts or stiffeners 14 positioned within juncture 12. Of course, in other embodiments clip 10 may include a single stiffener or three or more stiffeners positioned within juncture 12 and stiffeners 14 can be positioned at any suitable location along juncture 12. In other embodiments, stiffeners 14 may be omitted entirely. Stiffeners 14 can be formed by any suitable manufacturing process, including but not limited to using special tooling to form stiffeners 14 while clip 10 is being bent along juncture 12. In this embodiment, stiffeners 14 protrude into an interior space between the interior surface 21 of first plate 20 and an interior surface 31 of second plate 30 such that the front surface 11 of juncture 12 is raised while the rear surface 13 of juncture 12 is correspondingly indented to form stiffeners 14. Stiffeners 14 can be configured to increase the rigidity and stiffness of clip 10. Particularly, in some embodiments, stiffeners 14 can be configured to increase the stiffness of the flat portions of first plate 20 and second plate 30 adjacent to juncture 12.

In some embodiments, stiffeners 14 can comprise a ridge that forms a straight line substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bend in juncture 12. The respective ends of the ridge can intersect first plate 20 and second plate 30 at an angle. In some embodiments, that angle between the ridge and the respective plate 20, 30 can be about 45 degrees. Stiffeners 14 can comprise curved surfaces formed on either side of the ridge. In some embodiments, those curved surfaces can result in stiffeners 14 having a substantially triangular outline. The curved surfaces of each stiffener 14 can taper into the bend of clip 10 along juncture 12. In some embodiments, stiffeners 14 extend about 0.5 inches along first plate 20 and second plate 30, resulting in a ridge length of about 0.6 inches. In other embodiments, stiffeners 14 may comprise other dimensions configured to provide sufficient stiffness depending on the particular application intended for clip 10. The particular shape and size of stiffeners 14 may correspond to the shape and size of the tooling used to form stiffeners 14.

In this embodiment, second plate 30 also comprises a pair of elongated slots 32. Of course, in other embodiments second plate 30 may include a single slot or three or more slots. By way of example only, FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a clip 110 with external flanges that includes three elongated slots 132 and FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a clip 210 with external flanges that includes four elongated slots 232. As shown, slots 32 are oriented so that the longitudinal axes of slots 32 are substantially parallel to each other and the longitudinal axis of each slot 32 is substantially parallel relative to juncture 12 between first plate 20 and second plate 30. Similar to slots 22 described above, slots 32 may also be configured to receive a fastener, such as a shoulder screw, a standard screw and stepped bushing, or any other fastener configured to cooperate with clip 10 to allow the underlying building component to move relative to clip 10 in the longitudinal direction of slots 32. In some embodiments second plate 30 may also comprise measurement indicia adjacent to one or more of slots 32 to facilitate placement of a fastener within a respective slot 32.

One or more of the slots 32 can be positioned within a stiffener region 34. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, each slot 32 is positioned within a stiffener region 34. In the illustrated embodiment, stiffener regions 34 are formed by embossing a raised channel 36 into second plate 30. Channel 36 can be rounded in some embodiments. As shown, channel 36 defines each stiffener region 34 by defining an enclosed substantially rectangular area 37. In some embodiments, one or more stiffener regions may be defined by a channel that does not enclose the entire region around a respective slot.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, channel 36 includes a plurality of transverse channel members 36a and longitudinal channel members 36b that are all connected to each other to form a continuous channel 36. As shown, two transverse channel members 36a are positioned on the outside of slots 32 and one transverse channel member 36a is positioned between slots 32, while two longitudinal channel members 36b are positioned adjacent to the top and bottom respectively of slots 32. Transverse channel members 36a are oriented substantially parallel to slots 32 and juncture 12, while longitudinal channel members 36b are oriented substantially perpendicular to slots 32 and juncture 12. In this embodiment, channel 36 protrudes into the interior space between interior surface 21 of first plate 20 and an interior surface 31 of second plate 30 such that the interior surface 31 of second plate 30 is raised while the exterior surface 33 of second plate 30 is correspondingly indented to form channel 36. Stiffener regions 34 can be configured to increase the rigidity and stiffness of clip 10.

In some embodiments, at least one of the transverse channel members 36a and longitudinal channel members 36b may be separated or disconnected from at least one other transverse channel member 36a or longitudinal channel member 36b. By way of example only, in some embodiments a first channel may be formed substantially around at least a portion of a first stiffener region and a second channel may be formed around at least a portion of a second stiffener region such that the first channel and the second channel are disconnected from each other. In another example, a clip comprises individual channels that define an individual stiffener region around each slot, but each channel is disconnected from the channel defining the adjacent stiffener region.

In FIG. 8, clip 10 is shown in a portion of an assembled building structure 50. As shown, clip 10 is configured to connect a substantially horizontal building component 52 and an adjacent substantially vertical building component 54. In this embodiment, horizontal building component 52 comprises an angle flange 52a attached to a load bearing structural I-beam 52b and vertical building component 54 comprises a stud. Angle flange 52a may be configured to retain a flooring material, such as concrete, that can be used to create a floor/ceiling in building structure 50.

First plate 20 is shown being attached to horizontal building component 52, and specifically to an outer face of the vertical leg of angled flange 52a. In some embodiments, first plate 20 can be attached to other suitable portions of horizontal building component 52, including the vertical web of I-beam 52b. In some embodiments, clip 10 can be positioned such that the exterior face 23 of first plate 20 is in contact with the outer face of the vertical leg of angled flange 52a. First plate 20 is attached to horizontal building component 52 such that horizontal building component 52 can slideably move in a horizontal direction (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of slots 32 on second plate 30) relative to clip 10 and vertical building component 54 even after clip 10 is installed in building structure 50. First plate 20 can be attached to horizontal building component 52 using one or more conventional fasteners 53, such as shoulder screws, standard screws with stepped bushings, or any other fasteners configured to cooperate with clip 10 to allow horizontal building component 52 to slideably move horizontally (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of slots 32 on first plate 20) relative to clip 10 and vertical building component 54. In FIG. 8, the horizontal direction is indicated by arrow H. Any suitable number of fasteners 53 may be used and fasteners 53 may be installed in one or more of slots 22 on first plate 20.

Second plate 30 is shown being attached to vertical building component 54, and specifically to an outer surface of the web 54a of vertical building component 54. In some embodiments, clip 10 can be positioned such that exterior surface 33 of second plate 30 is in contact with the outer surface of the web 54a of stud vertical building component 54. Second plate 30 is attached to vertical building component 54 such that vertical building component 54 can slideably move in a vertical direction (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of slots 32 on second plate 30) relative to clip 10 and horizontal building component 52 even after clip 10 is installed in building structure 50. Similar to first plate 20 discussed above, second plate 30 can also be attached to vertical building component 54 using one or more conventional fasteners 53, such as shoulder screws, standard screws with stepped bushings, or any other fasteners configured to cooperate with clip 10 to allow vertical building component 54 to slideably move vertically (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of slots 32 on second plate 30) relative to clip 10 and horizontal building component 52. In FIG. 8, the vertical direction is indicated by arrow V. Any suitable number of fasteners 53 may be used and fasteners 53 may be installed in one or more of slots 32 on second plate 30.

FIG. 9 depicts an alternate embodiment of a clip 110. Clip 110 is substantially similar to clip 10 described above, so similar elements, including first plate 20, elongated slots 22, flanges 24, juncture 12, and stiffeners 14, are denoted by the same item numbers and the descriptions thereof are not repeated. Clip 110 can be installed in a building structure to connect an adjacent horizontal building component and vertical building component in a similar fashion as described above with regard to clip 10. Differences between clip 10 and clip 110 include that second plate 130 is longer than second plate 30 and includes three elongated slots 132. Also, second plate 130 has an additional elongated slot 132 compared to second plate 30 of clip 10. In other embodiments, second plate 130 may include a different number of elongated slots 132 depending on the desired application for clip 110.

In addition, second plate 130 of clip 110 includes stiffener regions 134 and channel 136, which are similar to stiffener regions 34 and channel 36 described above. As shown, each stiffener region 134 comprises an enclosed substantially rectangular area 137 and each slot 132 is positioned within an enclosed rectangular area 137. Similar to clip 10 described above, in some embodiments, one or more stiffener regions may be defined by a channel that does not enclose the entire region around a respective slot. In the illustrated embodiment, second plate 130 includes an additional stiffener region 134 that contains the additional elongated slot 132 and channel 136 includes an additional transverse channel member 136a and longitudinal channel members 136b are longer compared to channel 36 and longitudinal channel members 36b in clip 10. Similar to channel 36 in clip 10, in the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 9, transverse channel members 136a are oriented substantially parallel to slots 132 and juncture 12, while longitudinal channel members 136b are oriented substantially perpendicular to slots 132 and juncture 12. In addition, similar to channel 36 described above, transverse channel members 136a and longitudinal channel members 136b are all connected to each other to form a continuous channel 136. In this embodiment, channel 136 protrudes into the interior space between interior surface 21 of first plate 20 and an interior surface 131 of second plate 130 such that the interior surface 131 of second plate 130 is raised while the exterior surface 133 of second plate 130 is correspondingly indented to form channel 136. Stiffener regions 134 can be configured to increase the rigidity and stiffness of clip 110.

As discussed above with regard to channel 36, at least one of the transverse channel members 136a and longitudinal channel members 136b of channel 136 may be separated or disconnected from at least one other transverse channel member 136a or longitudinal channel member 136b. By way of example only, in some embodiments a first channel may be formed substantially around at least a portion of a first stiffener region and a second channel may be formed around at least a portion of a second stiffener region such that the first channel and the second channel are disconnected from each other. In another example, a clip comprises individual channels that define an individual stiffener region around each slot, but each channel is disconnected from the channel defining the adjacent stiffener region.

FIG. 10 depicts another alternate embodiment of a clip 210. Clip 210 is substantially similar to clips 10, 110 described above, so similar elements, including first plate 20, elongated slots 22, flanges 24, juncture 12, and stiffeners 14, are denoted by the same item numbers and the descriptions thereof are not repeated. Clip 210 can be installed in a building structure to connect an adjacent horizontal building component and vertical building component in a similar fashion as described above with regard to clip 10. Differences between clip 210 and clips 10, 110 include that second plate 230 is longer than second plates 30, 130 and includes four elongated slots 232. Also, second plate 220 includes an additional elongated slot 232 compared to second plate 130 of clip 110 and two additional elongated slots 232 compared to second plate 30 of clip 10. In other embodiments, second plate 230 may include a different number of elongated slots 232 depending on the desired application for clip 210.

In addition, second plate 230 of clip 210 also includes stiffener regions 234 and channel 236, which are similar to stiffener regions 34, 134 and channels 36, 136 described above. As shown, each stiffener region 234 comprises an enclosed substantially rectangular area 237 and each slot 232 is positioned within an enclosed rectangular area 237. Similar to clips 10, 110 described above, in some embodiments, one or more stiffener regions may be defined by a channel that does not enclose the entire region around a respective slot.

In addition, second plate 230 of clip 210 also includes additional stiffener regions 234, including some stiffener regions 234 that are substantially continuous and do not include an elongated slot 232. In this embodiment, stiffener regions 234 are arranged in a pattern that alternates between a stiffener region 234 that includes an elongated slot 232 and a substantially continuous stiffener region 234 that does not include an elongated slot 232. As shown, channel 236 includes 8 transverse channel members 236a and longitudinal channel members 236b are longer than longitudinal channel members 36b, 136b of clips 10, 110. Similar to channels 36, 136 in clip 10, 110 respectively, in the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 10, transverse channel members 236a are oriented substantially parallel to slots 232 and juncture 12, while longitudinal channel members 236b are oriented substantially perpendicular to slots 232 and juncture 12. In addition, similar to channels 36 and 136 described above, transverse channel members 236a and longitudinal channel members 236b are all connected to each other to form a continuous channel 236. In this embodiment, channel 236 protrudes into the interior space between interior surface 21 of first plate 20 and an interior surface 231 of second plate 230 such that the interior surface 231 of second plate 230 is raised while the exterior surface 233 of second plate 230 is correspondingly indented to form channel 236. Stiffener regions 234 can be configured to increase the rigidity and stiffness of clip 210.

As discussed above with regard to channels 36, 136, at least one of the transverse channel members 236a and longitudinal channel members 236b of channel 236 may be separated or disconnected from at least one other transverse channel member 236a or longitudinal channel member 236b. By way of example only, in some embodiments a first channel may be formed substantially around at least a portion of a first stiffener region and a second channel may be formed around at least a portion of a second stiffener region such that the first channel and the second channel are disconnected from each other. In another example, a clip comprises individual channels that define an individual stiffener region around each slot, but each channel is disconnected from the channel defining the adjacent stiffener region.

FIGS. 11-18 illustrate another embodiment of a slide clip 310 configured to allow for both vertical and horizontal movement between adjacent building components connected by slide clip 310. In this embodiment, slide clip 310 comprises a first plate 320 and a second plate 330. First plate 320 and second plate 330 can be formed from a single piece of material so that first plate 320 and second plate 330 are of unitary construction and are integrally joined together at a juncture 312 along corresponding interior or lower edges of the first plate 320 and second plate 330. As shown, first plate 320 is substantially perpendicular to second plate 330. Clip 310 can be created using a conventional forming process to bend first plate 320 and second plate 330 into the desired configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment first plate 320 comprises a pair of elongated slots 322. Of course, in other embodiments first plate 320 may include a single slot or three or more slots. As shown, slots 322 are oriented so that the longitudinal axes of slots 322 are substantially parallel to each other and the longitudinal axis of each slot 322 substantially perpendicular relative to juncture 312 between first plate 320 and second plate 330. Slots 322 may be configured to receive a fastener, such as a shoulder screw, a standard screw and stepped bushing, or any other fastener configured to cooperate with clip 310 to allow the underlying building component to move relative to clip 310 in the longitudinal direction of slots 322. In some embodiments first plate 320 may also comprise measurement indicia adjacent to one or more of slots 322 to facilitate placement of a fastener within a respective slot 322.

As shown, first plate 320 also comprises a pair of upturned, internal flanges 364 positioned on an interior portion of first plate 320 between elongated slots 322. The longitudinal axes of internal flanges 364 are substantially perpendicular to juncture 312. Internal flanges 364 may be formed by any suitable forming process. For example, in some embodiments internal flanges 364 may be formed by cutting a portion of first plate 320 along a longitudinal axis thereof and bending the portions of first plate 320 adjacent to the longitudinal edges of the cut upward. In some embodiments, the cut may be centered along the width of first plate 320. At least one cut may also be made in a transverse direction to facilitate bending of internal flanges 364. For example, at least one transverse cut may be made adjacent to juncture 312 that defines lower portion 366b of opening 366. In some embodiments, a transverse cut may also be made adjacent to the upper edge 320a of first plate 320 that defines upper portion 366a of opening 366. Internal flanges 364 may have rounded corners or sharp corners.

In the illustrated embodiment, internal flanges 364 extend toward second plate 330 and are substantially perpendicular relative to an interior surface 321 of first plate 320. Internal flanges 364 can also be configured to extend substantially parallel to each other. In this embodiment, each internal flange 364 is separated from second plate 330 such that the only connection between first plate 320 and second plate 330 is along juncture 312. Specifically, each internal flange 364 includes an upper edge 364a and a lower edge 364b. As shown, upper edge 364a is spaced apart from the upper edge 320a and lower edge 364b is spaced apart from second plate 330. Upper edges 364a of internal flanges 364 can be spaced apart any suitable distance from upper edge 320a of first plate 320. Similarly, lower edges 364b of internal flanges 364 can be spaced apart any suitable distance from second plate 330. As shown, internal flanges 364 are separated by an opening 366 in first plate 320 positioned between internal flanges 364. In the illustrated embodiment, opening 366 includes upper and lower portions 366a, 366b that extend above upper edge 364a and below lower edge 364b, respectively. In this embodiment, each internal flange 364 defines a respective portion of the perimeter of opening 366 that extends between upper and lower portions 366a, 366b.

In some embodiments, the longitudinal cut in first plate 320 and, consequently, internal flanges 364 could extend all the way to upper edge 320a of first plate 320. Such a configuration may eliminate the need for a transverse cut to be made adjacent to upper edge 320a of first plate 320 when forming internal flanges 364. In such an embodiment, opening 366 would then also extend all the way through upper edge 320a of first plate 320, resulting in first plate 320 comprising a substantially u-shaped configuration with a pair of legs that each contain a respective slot 322 connected by a portion of first plate 320 below opening 366 adjacent to juncture 312. An example of a clip with this type of u-shaped configuration is clip 610′ shown in FIG. 31 and described below. Of course, in some embodiments, a clip with this type of u-shaped configuration may have both internal flanges and external flanges on the first plate, similar to clip 610′, while in other embodiments the clip may only have internal flanges on the first plate, similar to clip 310.

In some embodiments, the opening in the first plate may comprise a punched opening with a flanged perimeter. For example, an opening, such as a circle, an oval or any other suitable shape, may be punched in the first plate and then the edge of the opening can be drawn upward around at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening to form at least one internal flange. Similar to internal flanges 364 described above, the at least one internal flange in these embodiments can also extend toward the second plate and substantially perpendicular relative to the first plate. Additionally, similar to internal flanges 364 described above, the at least one internal flange in these embodiments can also define an edge of the opening.

As shown in FIGS. 11-18, clip 310 also comprises a pair of darts or stiffeners 314 positioned within juncture 312. Of course, in other embodiments clip 310 may include a single stiffener or three or more stiffeners positioned within juncture 312 and stiffeners 314 can be positioned at any suitable location along juncture 312. In other embodiments, stiffeners 14 may be omitted entirely. In the illustrated embodiment, stiffeners 314 are positioned along juncture 312 on either side of opening 366 between internal flanges 364 and slots 322, which may help provide stiffness to the portion of first plate 320 between juncture 312 and the lower edge of opening 366. Stiffeners 314 can be formed by any suitable manufacturing process, including but not limited to using special tooling to form stiffeners 314 while clip 310 is being bent along juncture 312. In this embodiment, stiffeners 314 protrude into an interior space between the interior surface 321 of first plate 320 and an interior surface 331 of second plate 330 such that the front surface 311 of juncture 312 is raised while the rear surface 313 of juncture 312 is correspondingly indented to form stiffeners 314. Stiffeners 314 can be configured to increase the rigidity and stiffness of clip 310. Particularly, in some embodiments, stiffeners 314 can be configured to increase the stiffness of the flat portions of first plate 320 and second plate 330 adjacent to juncture 312.

Similar to stiffeners 14 described above, in some embodiments, stiffeners 314 can comprise a ridge that forms a straight line substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bend in juncture 312. The respective ends of the ridge can intersect first plate 320 and second plate 330 at an angle. In some embodiments, that angle between the ridge and the respective plate 320, 330 can be about 45 degrees. Stiffeners 314 can comprise curved surfaces formed on either side of the ridge. In some embodiments, those curved surfaces can result in stiffeners 314 having a substantially triangular outline. The curved surfaces of each stiffener 314 can taper into the bend of clip 310 along juncture 312. In some embodiments, stiffeners 314 extend about 0.5 inches along first plate 320 and second plate 330, resulting in a ridge length of about 0.6 inches. In other embodiments, stiffeners 314 may comprise other dimensions configured to provide sufficient stiffness depending on the particular application intended for clip 310. The particular shape and size of stiffeners 314 may correspond to the shape and size of the tooling used to form stiffeners 314.

In this embodiment, second plate 330 also comprises a pair of elongated slots 332. Of course, in other embodiments second plate 330 may include a single slot or three or more slots. By way of example only, FIG. 19 depicts an embodiment of a clip 410 with internal flanges that includes three elongated slots 432 and FIG. 20 depicts an embodiment of a clip 510 with internal flanges that includes four elongated slots 532. As shown, slots 332 are oriented so that the longitudinal axes of slots 332 are substantially parallel to each other and the longitudinal axis of each slot 332 is substantially parallel relative to juncture 312 between first plate 320 and second plate 330. Similar to slots 322 described above, slots 332 may also be configured to receive a fastener, such as a shoulder screw, a standard screw and stepped bushing, or any other fastener configured to cooperate with clip 310 to allow the underlying building component to move relative to clip 310 in the longitudinal direction of slots 332. In some embodiments second plate 330 may also comprise measurement indicia adjacent to one or more of slots 332 to facilitate placement of a fastener within a respective slot 332.

One or more of the slots 332 can be positioned within a stiffener region 334. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-18, each slot 332 is positioned within a stiffener region 334. In the illustrated embodiment, stiffener regions 334 are formed by embossing a raised channel 336 into second plate 330. Channel 336 can be rounded in some embodiments. As shown, channel 336 defines each stiffener region 334 by defining an enclosed substantially rectangular area 337. In some embodiments, one or more stiffener regions may be defined by a channel that does not enclose the entire region around a respective slot.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11-18, channel 336 includes a plurality of transverse channel members 336a and longitudinal channel members 336b that are all connected to each other to form a continuous channel 336. As shown, two transverse channel members 336a are positioned on the outside of slots 332 and one transverse channel member 336a is positioned between slots 332, while two longitudinal channel members 336b are positioned adjacent to the top and bottom respectively of slots 332. Transverse channel members 336a are oriented substantially parallel to slots 332 and juncture 312, while longitudinal channel members 336b are oriented substantially perpendicular to slots 332 and juncture 312. In this embodiment, channel 336 protrudes into the interior space between interior surface 321 of first plate 320 and an interior surface 331 of second plate 330 such that the interior surface 331 of second plate 330 is raised while the exterior surface 333 of second plate 330 is correspondingly indented to form channel 336. Stiffener regions 334 can be configured to increase the rigidity and stiffness of clip 310.

In some embodiments, at least one of the transverse channel members 336a and longitudinal channel members 336b may be separated or disconnected from at least one other transverse channel member 336a or longitudinal channel member 336b. By way of example only, in some embodiments a first channel may be formed substantially around at least a portion of a first stiffener region and a second channel may be formed around at least a portion of a second stiffener region such that the first channel and the second channel are disconnected from each other. In another example, a clip comprises individual channels that define an individual stiffener region around each slot, but each channel is disconnected from the channel defining the adjacent stiffener region.

In FIG. 18, clip 310 is shown in a portion of an assembled building structure 350. As shown, clip 310 is configured to connect a substantially horizontal building component 52 and an adjacent substantially vertical building component 54. Horizontal building component 52 and vertical building component 54 shown in FIG. 18 are identical to horizontal building component 52 and vertical building component 54 shown in FIG. 8 and described above, so identical elements, including angle flange 52a, I-beam 52b, web 54a, and fasteners 53, are denoted by the same item numbers and the descriptions thereof are not repeated.

First plate 320 is shown being attached to horizontal building component 52, and specifically to an outer face of the vertical leg of angled flange 52a. In some embodiments, first plate 320 can be attached to other suitable portions of horizontal building component 52, including the vertical web of I-beam 52b. In some embodiments, clip 310 can be positioned such that the exterior face 323 of first plate 320 is in contact with the outer face of the vertical leg of angled flange 52a. First plate 320 is attached to horizontal building component 52 such that horizontal building component 52 can slideably move in a horizontal direction (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of slots 332 on second plate 330) relative to clip 310 and vertical building component 54 even after clip 310 is installed in building structure 350. First plate 320 can be attached to horizontal building component 52 using one or more conventional fasteners 53, such as shoulder screws, standard screws with stepped bushings, or any other fasteners configured to cooperate with clip 310 to allow horizontal building component 52 to slideably move horizontally (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of slots 332 on first plate 320) relative to clip 310 and vertical building component 54. In FIG. 18, the horizontal direction is indicated by arrow H. Any suitable number of fasteners 53 may be used and fasteners 53 may be installed in one or more of slots 322 on first plate 320.

Second plate 330 is shown being attached to vertical building component 54, and specifically to an outer surface of the web 54a of vertical building component 54. In some embodiments, clip 310 can be positioned such that exterior surface 333 of second plate 330 is in contact with the outer surface of the web 54a of vertical building component 54. Second plate 330 is attached to vertical building component 54 such that vertical building component 54 can slideably move in a vertical direction (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of slots 332 on second plate 330) relative to clip 310 and horizontal building component 52 even after clip 310 is installed in building structure 350. Similar to first plate 320 discussed above, second plate 330 can also be attached to vertical building component 54 using one or more conventional fasteners 53, such as shoulder screws, standard screws with stepped bushings, or any other fasteners configured to cooperate with clip 310 to allow vertical building component 54 to slideably move vertically (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of slots 332 on second plate 30) relative to clip 310 and horizontal building component 52. In FIG. 18, the vertical direction is indicated by arrow V. Any suitable number of fasteners 53 may be used and fasteners 53 may be installed in one or more of slots 332 on second plate 330.

FIG. 19 depicts an alternate embodiment of a clip 410. Clip 410 is substantially similar to clip 310 described above, so similar elements, including first plate 320, elongated slots 322, flanges 364, juncture 312, and stiffeners 314, are denoted by the same item numbers and the descriptions thereof are not repeated. Clip 410 can be installed in a building structure to connect an adjacent horizontal building component and vertical building component in a similar fashion as described above with regard to clip 310. Differences between clip 310 and clip 410 include that second plate 430 is longer than second plate 330 and includes three elongated slots 432. Also, second plate 430 has an additional elongated slot 432 compared to second plate 330 of clip 310. In other embodiments, second plate 430 may include a different number of elongated slots 432 depending on the desired application for clip 410.

In addition, second plate 430 of clip 410 also includes channel 436, which is similar to channel 336 described above, and defines stiffener regions 434. As shown, each stiffener region 434 comprises an enclosed substantially rectangular area 437 and each slot 432 is positioned within an enclosed rectangular area 437. Similar to clip 310 described above, in some embodiments, one or more stiffener regions may be defined by a channel that does not enclose the entire region around a respective slot. In the illustrated embodiment, second plate 430 includes an additional stiffener region 434 that contains the additional elongated slot 432 and channel 436 includes an additional transverse channel member 436a and longitudinal channel members 436b are longer compared to channel 336 and longitudinal channel members 336b in clip 310. Similar to channel 336 in clip 310, in the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 19, transverse channel members 436a are oriented substantially parallel to slots 432 and juncture 312, while longitudinal channel members 436b are oriented substantially perpendicular to slots 432 and juncture 312. In addition, similar to channel 336 described above, transverse channel members 436a and longitudinal channel members 436b are all connected to each other to form a continuous channel 436. In this embodiment, channel 436 protrudes into the interior space between interior surface 321 of first plate 320 and an interior surface 431 of second plate 430 such that the interior surface 431 of second plate 430 is raised while the exterior surface 433 of second plate 430 is correspondingly indented to form channel 436. Stiffener regions 434 can be configured to increase the rigidity and stiffness of clip 410.

As discussed above with regard to channel 336, at least one of the transverse channel members 436a and longitudinal channel members 436b of channel 436 may be separated or disconnected from at least one other transverse channel member 436a or longitudinal channel member 436b. By way of example only, in some embodiments a first channel may be formed substantially around at least a portion of a first stiffener region and a second channel may be formed around at least a portion of a second stiffener region such that the first channel and the second channel are disconnected from each other. In another example, a clip comprises individual channels that define an individual stiffener region around each slot, but each channel is disconnected from the channel defining the adjacent stiffener region.

FIG. 20 depicts another alternate embodiment of a clip 510. Clip 510 is substantially similar to clips 310, 410 described above, so similar elements, including first plate 320, elongated slots 322, flanges 364, juncture 312, and stiffeners 314, are denoted by the same item numbers and the descriptions thereof are not repeated. Clip 510 can be installed in a building structure to connect an adjacent horizontal building component and vertical building component in a similar fashion as described above with regard to clip 310. Differences between clip 510 and clips 310, 410 include that second plate 530 is longer than second plates 330, 430 and includes four elongated slots 532. Also, second plate 520 includes an additional elongated slot 532 compared to second plate 430 of clip 410 and two additional elongated slots 532 compared to second plate 330 of clip 310. In other embodiments, second plate 530 may include a different number of elongated slots 532 depending on the desired application for clip 510.

In addition, second plate 530 of clip 510 also includes stiffener regions 534 and channel 536, which are similar to stiffener regions 334, 434 and channels 336, 436 described above. As shown, each stiffener region 534 comprises an enclosed substantially rectangular area 537 and each slot 532 is positioned within an enclosed rectangular area 537. Similar to clips 310, 410 described above, in some embodiments, one or more stiffener regions may be defined by a channel that does not enclose the entire region around a respective slot.

In addition, second plate 530 of clip 510 also includes additional stiffener regions 534, including some stiffener regions 534 that are substantially continuous and do not include an elongated slot 532. In this embodiment, stiffener regions 534 are arranged in a pattern that alternates between a stiffener region 534 that includes an elongated slot 532 and a substantially continuous stiffener region 534 that does not include an elongated slot 532. As shown, channel 536 includes 8 transverse channel members 536a and longitudinal channel members 536b are longer than longitudinal channel members 336b, 436b of clips 310, 410. Similar to channels 336, 436 in clip 310, 410 respectively, in the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 20, transverse channel members 536a are oriented substantially parallel to slots 532 and juncture 312, while longitudinal channel members 536b are oriented substantially perpendicular to slots 532 and juncture 312. In addition, similar to channels 336 and 436 described above, transverse channel members 536a and longitudinal channel members 536b are all connected to each other to form a continuous channel 536. In this embodiment, channel 536 protrudes into the interior space between interior surface 321 of first plate 320 and an interior surface 531 of second plate 530 such that the interior surface 531 of second plate 530 is raised while the exterior surface 533 of second plate 530 is correspondingly indented to form channel 536. Stiffener regions 534 can be configured to increase the rigidity and stiffness of clip 510.

As discussed above with regard to channels 336, 436, at least one of the transverse channel members 536a and longitudinal channel members 536b of channel 536 may be separated or disconnected from at least one other transverse channel member 536a or longitudinal channel member 536b. By way of example only, in some embodiments a first channel may be formed substantially around at least a portion of a first stiffener region and a second channel may be formed around at least a portion of a second stiffener region such that the first channel and the second channel are disconnected from each other. In another example, a clip comprises individual channels that define an individual stiffener region around each slot, but each channel is disconnected from the channel defining the adjacent stiffener region.

FIGS. 21-28 illustrate another embodiment of a slide clip 610 configured to allow for both vertical and horizontal movement between adjacent building components connected by slide clip 610. In this embodiment, slide clip 610 comprises a first plate 620 and a second plate 630. First plate 620 and second plate 630 can be formed from a single piece of material so that first plate 620 and second plate 630 are of unitary construction and are integrally joined together at a juncture 612 along corresponding lower edges of the first plate 620 and second plate 630. As shown, first plate 620 is substantially perpendicular to second plate 630. Clip 610 can be created using conventional forming process to bend first plate 620 and second plate 630 into the desired configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment first plate 620 comprises a pair of elongated slots 622. Of course, in other embodiments first plate 620 may include a single slot or three or more slots. As shown, slots 622 are oriented so that the longitudinal axes of slots 622 are substantially parallel to each other and the longitudinal axis of each slot 622 is substantially perpendicular relative to juncture 612 between first plate 620 and second plate 630. Slots 622 may be configured to receive a fastener, such as a shoulder screw, a standard screw and stepped bushing, or any other fastener configured to cooperate with clip 610 to allow the underlying building component to move relative to clip 610 in the longitudinal direction of slots 622. In some embodiments first plate 620 may also comprise measurement indicia adjacent to one or more of slots 622 to facilitate placement of a fastener within a respective slot 622.

As shown, first plate 620 also comprises a pair of upturned, external flanges 624 along a respective lateral edge of first plate 620. Each external flange 624 is positioned along a lateral edge of first plate 620 that is substantially perpendicular to juncture 612. External flanges 624 may be formed by bending a respective lateral edge of first plate 620 upward. In the illustrated embodiment, external flanges 624 extend toward second plate 630 and are substantially perpendicular relative to an interior surface 621 of first plate 620. External flanges 624 can also be configured to extend substantially parallel to each other. In this embodiment, each external flange 624 is separated from second plate 630 such that the only connection between first plate 620 and second plate 630 is along juncture 612. Specifically, each external flange 624 includes an upper edge 624a and a lower edge 624b and lower edge 624b is spaced apart from second plate 630. In some embodiments, clip 610 may only comprise one external flange 624.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-28, first plate 620 also comprises a pair of upturned, internal flanges 664 positioned on an interior portion of first plate 620 between elongated slots 622. The longitudinal axes of internal flanges 664 are substantially perpendicular to juncture 612. Internal flanges 664 may be formed by any suitable forming process. For example, in some embodiments internal flanges 664 may be formed by cutting a portion of first plate 620 along a longitudinal axis thereof and bending the portions of first plate 620 adjacent to the longitudinal edges of the cut upward. In some embodiments, the cut may be centered along the width of first plate 620. At least one cut may also be made in a transverse direction to facilitate bending of internal flanges 664. For example, at least one transverse cut may be made adjacent to juncture 612 that defines lower portion 666b of opening 666. In some embodiments, a transverse cut may also be made adjacent to the upper edge 620a of first plate 620 that defines upper portion 666a of opening 666. Internal flanges 664 may have rounded corners or sharp corners.

In the illustrated embodiment, internal flanges 664 extend toward second plate 630 and are substantially perpendicular relative to the interior surface 621 of first plate 620. Internal flanges 664 can also be configured to extend substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, internal flanges 664 can also be configured to extend substantially parallel to external flanges 624. In this embodiment, each internal flange 664 is separated from second plate 630 such that the only connection between first plate 620 and second plate 630 is along juncture 612. Specifically, each internal flange 664 includes an upper edge 664a and a lower edge 664b. As shown, upper edge 664a is spaced apart from the upper edge 620a and lower edge 664b is spaced apart from second plate 630. Upper edges 664a of internal flanges 664 can be spaced apart any suitable distance from upper edge 620a of first plate 620. Similarly, lower edges 664b of internal flanges 664 can be spaced apart any suitable distance from second plate 630. As shown, internal flanges 664 are separated by an opening 666 in first plate 620 positioned between internal flanges 664. In the illustrated embodiment, opening 666 includes upper and lower portions 666a, 666b that extend above upper edge 664a and below lower edge 664b, respectively. In this embodiment, each internal flange 664 defines a respective portion of the perimeter of opening 666 that extends between upper and lower portions 666a, 666b.

In some embodiments, such as clip 610′ shown in FIG. 31, the longitudinal cut in first plate 620′ and, consequently, internal flanges 664′ extends all the way to upper edge 620a′ of first plate 620′. Such a configuration may eliminate the need for a transverse cut to be made adjacent to upper edge 620a′ of first plate 620′ when forming internal flanges 664′. In the illustrated embodiment, opening 666′ also extends all the way through upper edge 620a′ of first plate 620′, resulting in first plate 620′ comprising a substantially u-shaped configuration with a pair of legs that each contain a respective slot 622′ connected by a portion of first plate 620′ below opening 666′ adjacent to juncture 612′. The other elements of this particular embodiment are substantially identical to clip 610 described above. Accordingly, the descriptions of those elements are not repeated.

In some embodiments, the opening in the first plate may comprise a punched opening with a flanged perimeter. For example, an opening, such as a circle, an oval or any other suitable shape, may be punched in the first plate and then the edge of the opening can be drawn upward around at least a portion of the perimeter of the opening to form at least one internal flange. Similar to internal flanges 664 described above, the at least one internal flange in these embodiments can also extend toward the second plate and substantially perpendicular relative to the first plate. Additionally, similar to internal flanges 664 described above, the at least one internal flange in these embodiments can also define an edge of the opening.

As shown in FIGS. 21-28, clip 610 also comprises a pair of darts or stiffeners 614 positioned within juncture 612. Of course, in other embodiments clip 610 may include a single stiffener or three or more stiffeners positioned within juncture 612 and stiffeners 614 can be positioned at any suitable location along juncture 612. In some embodiments, stiffeners 614 may be omitted entirely. In the illustrated embodiment, stiffeners 614 are positioned along juncture 612 on either side of opening 666 between internal flanges 664 and slots 622, which may help provide stiffness to the portion of first plate 620 between juncture 612 and the lower edge of opening 666. Stiffeners 614 can be formed by any suitable manufacturing process, including but not limited to using special tooling to form stiffeners 614 while clip 610 is being bent along juncture 612. In this embodiment, stiffeners 614 protrude into an interior space between the interior surface 621 of first plate 620 and an interior surface 631 of second plate 630 such that the front surface 611 of juncture 612 is raised while the rear surface 613 of juncture 612 is correspondingly indented to form stiffeners 614. Stiffeners 614 can be configured to increase the rigidity and stiffness of clip 610. Particularly, in some embodiments, stiffeners 614 can be configured to increase the stiffness of the flat portions of first plate 620 and second plate 630 adjacent to juncture 612.

In some embodiments, stiffeners 614 can comprise a ridge that forms a straight line substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bend in juncture 612. The respective ends of the ridge can intersect first plate 620 and second plate 630 at an angle. In some embodiments, that angle between the ridge and the respective plate 620, 630 can be about 45 degrees. Stiffeners 614 can comprise curved surfaces formed on either side of the ridge. In some embodiments, those curved surfaces can result in stiffeners 614 having a substantially triangular outline. The curved surfaces of each stiffener 614 can taper into the bend of clip 610 along juncture 612. In some embodiments, stiffeners 614 extend about 0.5 inches along first plate 620 and second plate 630, resulting in a ridge length of about 0.6 inches. In other embodiments, stiffeners 614 may comprise other dimensions configured to provide sufficient stiffness depending on the particular application intended for clip 610. The particular shape and size of stiffeners 614 may correspond to the shape and size of the tooling used to form stiffeners 614.

In this embodiment, second plate 630 also comprises a pair of elongated slots 632. Of course, in other embodiments second plate 630 may include a single slot or three or more slots. By way of example only, FIG. 29 depicts an embodiment of a clip 710 with internal flanges that includes three elongated slots 732 and FIG. 30 depicts an embodiment of a clip 810 with internal flanges that includes four elongated slots 832. As shown, slots 632 are oriented so that the longitudinal axes of slots 632 are substantially parallel to each other and the longitudinal axis of each slot 632 is substantially parallel relative to juncture 612 between first plate 620 and second plate 630. Similar to slots 622 described above, slots 632 may also be configured to receive a fastener, such as a shoulder screw, a standard screw and stepped bushing, or any other fastener configured to cooperate with clip 610 to allow the underlying building component to move in the longitudinal direction of slots 632. In some embodiments second plate 630 may also comprise measurement indicia adjacent to one or more of slots 632 to facilitate placement of a fastener within a respective slot 632.

One or more of the slots 632 can be positioned within a stiffener region 634. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-28, each slot 632 is positioned within a stiffener region 634. In the illustrated embodiment, stiffener regions 634 are formed by embossing a raised channel 636 into second plate 630. Channel 636 can be rounded in some embodiments. As shown, channel 636 defines each stiffener region 634 by defining an enclosed substantially rectangular area 637. In some embodiments, one or more stiffener regions may be defined by a channel that does not enclose the entire region around a respective slot.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 21-28, channel 636 includes a plurality of transverse channel members 636a and longitudinal channel members 636b that are all connected to each other to form a continuous channel 636. As shown, two transverse channel members 636a are positioned on the outside of slots 632 and one transverse channel member 636a is positioned between slots 632, while two longitudinal channel members 636b are positioned adjacent to the top and bottom respectively of slots 632. Transverse channel members 636a are oriented substantially parallel to slots 632 and juncture 612, while longitudinal channel members 636b are oriented substantially perpendicular to slots 632 and juncture 612. In this embodiment, channel 636 protrudes into the interior space between interior surface 621 of first plate 620 and an interior surface 631 of second plate 630 such that the interior surface 631 of second plate 630 is raised while the exterior surface 633 of second plate 630 is correspondingly indented to form channel 636. Stiffener regions 634 can be configured to increase the rigidity and stiffness of clip 610.

In some embodiments, at least one of the transverse channel members 636a and longitudinal channel members 636b may be separated or disconnected from at least one other transverse channel member 636a or longitudinal channel member 636b. By way of example only, in some embodiments a first channel may be formed substantially around at least a portion of a first stiffener region and a second channel may be formed around at least a portion of a second stiffener region such that the first channel and the second channel are disconnected from each other. In another example, a clip comprises individual channels that define an individual stiffener region around each slot, but each channel is disconnected from the channel defining the adjacent stiffener region.

In FIG. 28, clip 610 is shown in a portion of an assembled building structure 650. As shown, clip 610 is configured to connect a substantially horizontal building component 52 and an adjacent substantially vertical building component 54. Horizontal building component 52 and vertical building component 54 shown in FIG. 28 are identical to horizontal building component and vertical building component 54 shown in FIGS. 8 and 18 and described above, so identical elements, including angle flange 52a, I-beam 52b, web 54a, and fasteners 53, are denoted by the same item numbers and the descriptions thereof are not repeated.

First plate 620 is shown being attached to horizontal building component 52, and specifically to an outer face of the vertical leg of angled flange 52a. In some embodiments, first plate 620 can be attached to other suitable portions of horizontal building component 52, including the vertical web of I-beam 52b. In some embodiments, clip 610 can be positioned such that the exterior face 623 of first plate 620 is in contact with the outer face of the vertical leg of angled flange 52a. First plate 620 is attached to horizontal building component 52 such that horizontal building component 52 can slideably move in a horizontal direction (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of slots 632 on second plate 630) relative to clip 610 and vertical building component 54 even after clip 610 is installed in building structure 650. First plate 620 can be attached to horizontal building component 52 using one or more conventional fasteners 53, such as shoulder screws, standard screws with stepped bushings, or any other fasteners configured to cooperate with clip 610 to allow horizontal building component 52 to slideably move horizontally (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of slots 632 on first plate 620) relative to clip 610 and vertical building component 54. In FIG. 28, the horizontal direction is indicated by arrow H. Any suitable number of fasteners 53 may be used and fasteners 53 may be installed in one or more of slots 622 on first plate 620.

Second plate 630 is shown being attached to vertical building component 54, and specifically to an outer surface of the web 54a of vertical building component 54. In some embodiments, clip 610 can be positioned such that exterior surface 633 of second plate 630 is in contact with the outer surface of the web 54a of vertical building component 54. Second plate 630 is attached to vertical building component 54 such that vertical building component 54 can slideably move in a vertical direction (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of slots 632 on second plate 630) relative to clip 610 and horizontal building component 52 even after clip 610 is installed in building structure 650. Similar to first plate 620 discussed above, second plate 630 can also be attached to vertical building component 54 using one or more conventional fasteners 53, such as shoulder screws, standard screws with stepped bushings, or any other fasteners configured to cooperate with clip 610 to allow vertical building component 54 to slideably move vertically (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of slots 632 on second plate 630) relative to clip 610 and horizontal building component 52. In FIG. 28, the vertical direction is indicated by arrow V. Any suitable number of fasteners 53 may be used and fasteners 53 may be installed in one or more of slots 632 on second plate 630.

FIG. 29 depicts an alternate embodiment of a clip 710. Clip 710 is substantially similar to clip 610 described above, so similar elements, including first plate 620, elongated slots 622, external flanges 624, internal flanges 664, opening 666, juncture 612, and stiffeners 614, are denoted by the same item numbers and the descriptions thereof are not repeated. Clip 710 can be installed in a building structure to connect an adjacent horizontal building component and vertical building component in a similar fashion as described above with regard to clip 610. Differences between clip 610 and clip 710 include that second plate 730 is longer than second plate 630 and includes three elongated slots 732. Also, second plate 730 has an additional elongated slot 732 compared to second plate 630 of clip 610. In other embodiments, second plate 730 may include a different number of elongated slots 732 depending on the desired application for clip 710.

In addition, second plate 730 of clip 710 also includes channel 736, which is similar to channel 636 described above, and defines stiffener regions 734. As shown, each stiffener region 734 comprises an enclosed substantially rectangular area 737 and each slot 732 is positioned within an enclosed rectangular area 737. Similar to clip 610 described above, in some embodiments, one or more stiffener regions may be defined by a channel that does not enclose the entire region around a respective slot. In the illustrated embodiment, second plate 730 includes an additional stiffener region 734 that contains the additional elongated slot 732 and channel 736 includes an additional transverse channel member 736a and longitudinal channel members 736b are longer compared to channel 636 and longitudinal channel members 636b in clip 610. Similar to channel 636 in clip 610, in the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 29, transverse channel members 736a are oriented substantially parallel to slots 732 and juncture 612, while longitudinal channel members 736b are oriented substantially perpendicular to slots 732 and juncture 612. In addition, similar to channel 636 described above, transverse channel members 736a and longitudinal channel members 736b are all connected to each other to form a continuous channel 736. In this embodiment, channel 736 protrudes into the interior space between interior surface 721 of first plate 720 and an interior surface 731 of second plate 730 such that the interior surface 731 of second plate 730 is raised while the exterior surface 733 of second plate 730 is correspondingly indented to form channel 736. Stiffener regions 734 can be configured to increase the rigidity and stiffness of clip 710.

As discussed above with regard to channel 636, at least one of the transverse channel members 736a and longitudinal channel members 736b of channel 736 may be separated or disconnected from at least one other transverse channel member 736a or longitudinal channel member 736b. By way of example only, in some embodiments a first channel may be formed substantially around at least a portion of a first stiffener region and a second channel may be formed around at least a portion of a second stiffener region such that the first channel and the second channel are disconnected from each other. In another example, a clip comprises individual channels that define an individual stiffener region around each slot, but each channel is disconnected from the channel defining the adjacent stiffener region.

FIG. 30 depicts another alternate embodiment of a clip 810. Clip 810 is substantially similar to clips 610, 710 described above, so similar elements, including first plate 620, elongated slots 622, external flanges 624, internal flanges 664, opening 666, juncture 612, and stiffeners 614, are denoted by the same item numbers and the descriptions thereof are not repeated. Clip 810 can be installed in a building structure to connect an adjacent horizontal building component and vertical building component in a similar fashion as described above with regard to clip 610. Differences between clip 810 and clips 610, 710 include that second plate 830 is longer than second plates 630, 730 and includes four elongated slots 832. Also, second plate 820 includes an additional elongated slot 832 compared to second plate 730 of clip 710 and two additional elongated slots 832 compared to second plate 630 of clip 610. In other embodiments, second plate 830 may include a different number of elongated slots 832 depending on the desired application for clip 810.

In addition, second plate 830 of clip 810 also includes stiffener regions 834 and channel 836, which are similar to stiffener regions 634, 734 and channels 636, 736 described above. As shown, each stiffener region 834 comprises an enclosed substantially rectangular area 837 and each slot 832 is positioned within an enclosed rectangular area 837. Similar to clips 610, 710 described above, in some embodiments, one or more stiffener regions may be defined by a channel that does not enclose the entire region around a respective slot.

In addition, second plate 830 of clip 810 also includes additional stiffener regions 834, including some stiffener regions 834 that are substantially continuous and do not include an elongated slot 832. In this embodiment, stiffener regions 834 are arranged in a pattern that alternates between a stiffener region 834 that includes an elongated slot 832 and a substantially continuous stiffener region 834 that does not include an elongated slot 832. As shown, channel 836 includes 8 transverse channel members 836a and longitudinal channel members 836b are longer than longitudinal channel members 636b, 736b of clips 610, 710. Similar to channels 636, 736 in clip 610, 710 respectively, in the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 30, transverse channel members 836a are oriented substantially parallel to slots 832 and juncture 612, while longitudinal channel members 836b are oriented substantially perpendicular to slots 832 and juncture 612. In addition, similar to channels 636 and 736 described above, transverse channel members 836a and longitudinal channel members 836b are all connected to each other to form a continuous channel 836. In this embodiment, channel 836 protrudes into the interior space between interior surface 621 of first plate 620 and an interior surface 831 of second plate 830 such that the interior surface 831 of second plate 830 is raised while the exterior surface 833 of second plate 830 is correspondingly indented to form channel 836. Stiffener regions 834 can be configured to increase the rigidity and stiffness of clip 810.

As discussed above with regard to channels 636, 736, at least one of the transverse channel members 836a and longitudinal channel members 836b of channel 836 may be separated or disconnected from at least one other transverse channel member 836a or longitudinal channel member 836b. By way of example only, in some embodiments a first channel may be formed substantially around at least a portion of a first stiffener region and a second channel may be formed around at least a portion of a second stiffener region such that the first channel and the second channel are disconnected from each other. In another example, a clip comprises individual channels that define an individual stiffener region around each slot, but each channel is disconnected from the channel defining the adjacent stiffener region.

In some embodiments, including but not limited to clips 10, 310, 610, the second plate may be shorter than the first plate. By way of example only, in some embodiments the second plate may be about 3.5 inches long and the first plate may be about 3.75 inches long. In other embodiments, including but not limited to clips 110, 210, 410, 510, 710, 810, the second plate may be longer than the first plate. By way of example only, in some embodiments the second plate may be about 6 inches or about 7.75 inches long and the first plate may be about 3.75 inches long. Length may be measured from the juncture between the first plate and the second plate and the free end of the respective plate. Of course, any suitable dimensions may be used depending on the desired application for a particular clip.

Clips 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 810 may comprise any suitable material, including but not limited to steel, in any suitable thickness. By way of example only, in some embodiments the material may comprise 14-gauge steel with about a 68 mil thickness or a design thickness of about 0.0713 inches, while in other embodiments, the material may comprise 12-gauge steel with about a 97 mil thickness or a design thickness of about 0.1017 inches. Of course, other suitable materials and material thicknesses may be used depending on the application.

The first plate 20, 320, 620 and second plate 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830 of clips 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 810 may comprise any suitable width or length. The width or length of a respective first plate or second plate may depend on the dimensions, such as the length or width, of the slots included in the respective plate.

Slots 22, 322, 622 in first plates 20, 320, 620 and slots 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832 in second plates 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830 may comprise any suitable length. The length of slots 22, 322, 622 in first plates 20, 320, 620 and slots 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832 in second plates 30, 130230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830 may be chosen based on the amount of deflection desired for a particular application. In some embodiments, slots 22, 322, 622 in first plates 20, 320, 620 and slots 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832 in second plates 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830 may comprise substantially the same length, while in other embodiments one set of slots may be longer than the other. For example, in one embodiment, slots 22, 322, 622 in first plates 20, 320, 620 may comprise a length of about 2.375 inches and slots 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732 and 832 in second plates 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830 may comprise a length of about 2.250 inches. Of course, other suitable dimensions may be used in other embodiments depending on the desired application.

In addition, slots 22, 322, 622 in first plates 20, 320, 620 and slots 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832 in second plates 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830 may also comprise any suitable width depending on the application. The width of the respective slot may be selected to allow the slot to receive a specific fastener, such as a standard screw with a stepped bushing or a proprietary FastClip Deflection Screw sold by Clarkwestern Dietrich Building Systems LLC. In some embodiments, slots 22, 322, 622 in first plates 20, 320, 620 and slots 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832 in second plates 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830 may comprise substantially the same width, while in other embodiments one set of slots may be wider than the other. For example, in some embodiments, slots 22, 322, 622 in first plates 20, 320, 620 may be wider relative to slots 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832 in second plates 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830 such that slots 22, 322, 622 in first plates 20, 320, 620 are configured to receive standard screws with stepped bushings and slots 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832 in second plates 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830 are configured to receive a different type of fastener, such as a FastClip Deflection Screw sold by Clarkwestern Dietrich Building Systems LLC. In one such embodiment, slots 22, 322, 622 in first plates 20, 320, 620 may comprise a width of about 0.375 inches and slots 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832 in second plates 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830 may comprise a width of about 0.250 inches. Of course, other suitable dimensions for slots 22, 322, 622 in first plates 20, 320, 620 and slots 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832 in second plates 30, 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830 may be used in other embodiments depending on the desired application.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of any claims that may be presented and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

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