AND METHOD OF USE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.

13/613,365, filed on September 13, 2012 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 /685,794 filed on March 26, 2012 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 /573,943, filed on September 15, 201 1 . The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to structural reinforcement members used in residential and commercial buildings to reinforce structural walls against weather including storm forces.

BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] The closest art known is a product referred to as "Hurricane

Clips" which is offered in one of several simple bracket stampings which can be classified as "nail-type" fasteners. The known nail-type fasteners provide some resistance to lifting forces or tension forces, however, the nail-type fasteners do not provide resistance to torsion forces, nor do the known nail-type fasteners provide compressive load support. Furthermore, the nail-type fasteners do not provide a means to fasten and/or secure roof construction materials directly to foundational elements.

SUMMARY

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] The present invention provides an anti-torsion roof element used in construction of residential homes and other buildings. The anti-torsion roof element provides a fastening system of at least two fasteners juxtaposed to the roof element on each side. The fasteners provide resistance to torsion forces which would try to twist or wrench the roof element about its own axis. The anti- torsion roof element further provides a positive tension device resisting lifting forces of anything anchored to the anti-torsion roof element, a positive compression device improving support for compressive loading to roof elements anchored to the anti-torsion roof element, and at least one planar surface parallel to a designated roof construction, such as a rafter or joist or truss construction surface, such that the roof construction material can be secured to the planar surface of the anti-torsion roof element, which extends resistance to torsion forces into the roof construction which heretofore had little or no positive anti-torsion resistant abilities.

[0007] According to several aspects, a roof member anti-torsion bracket device includes a base plate portion having a planar base plate surface. The planar base plate surface is adapted to sit on a top plate of a wall construction and to receive a truss assembly. At least one transverse planar surface is oriented substantially transverse to the base plate surface. At least one locating tab is provided to locate the anti-torsion bracket device an offset distance from an edge of the wall construction top plate.

[0008] According to other aspects, a roof member anti-torsion bracket device includes a base plate portion having a planar base plate surface. The planar base plate surface is adapted to sit on a top plate of a wall construction and to receive a truss assembly. At least one transverse planar surface is oriented substantially transverse to the base plate surface. A locating tab extending longitudinally with respect to the base plate portion abuts an edge of the top plate, thereby locating the anti-torsion bracket device an offset distance from the edge of the wall construction top plate. The base plate portion further includes first and second fastening openings oppositely located with respect to the at least one transverse planar surface. The first and second fastening openings define first and second fastening positions in the base plate thereby providing torsion resistance, compressive load support, and tension lifting resistance for the base plate portion. [0009] According to still further aspects, a method is provided for using a roof member anti-torsion bracket device. The anti-torsion bracket device includes a base plate portion having a planar base plate surface, at least one transverse planar surface, a locating tab, and first and second fastening openings. The method includes: orienting the at least one transverse planar surface substantially transverse to the base plate surface; positioning the planar base plate surface on a top plate of a wall construction; locating the first and second fastening openings oppositely with respect to the at least one transverse planar surface, thereby defining two fastening positions in the base plate; and extending first and second fasteners through the top plate and the first and second fastening openings to thereby provide torsion resistance, compressive load support, and tension lifting resistance for the base plate portion.

[0010] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 is a front left perspective view of a first embodiment of an anti-torsion bracket device;

[0013] Figure 2 is a front left perspective view of a building framework having multiple ones of the anti-torsion bracket devices of Figure 1 ;

[0014] Figure 3 is a front left perspective view of area 3 of Figure 1 ;

[0015] Figure 4 is a front left perspective view of the anti-torsion bracket device of Figure 1 adapted to receive a bolt assembly;

[0016] Figure 5 is a cross sectional front elevational view through section 5 of Figure 4;

[0017] Figure 6 is a right front perspective view of area 6 of Figure 2; [0018] Figure 7 is a cross sectional front elevational view similar to Figure 5 showing another embodiment of an anti-torsion bracket device adapted to receive two roof members;

[0019] Figure 8A is a schematic top front perspective view of a construction prior to application of torsion forces;

[0020] Figure 8B is a schematic top front perspective view of the construction of Figure 8A following application of torsion forces;

[0021] Figure 9A is a schematic top front perspective view of a construction prior to application of rhombus forces;

[0022] Figure 9B is a schematic top front perspective view of the construction of Figure 9A following application of rhombus forces;

[0023] Figure 10 is a cross sectional front elevational view similar to Figure 7 of an embodiment of an anti-torsion bracket device adapted to receive two roof members modified to include a divider tab between the roof members.

[0024] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1 , one preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a roof member anti-torsion bracket device 10 having a planar base plate surface 12 provided along with at least one transverse planar surface 14 oriented substantially transverse to the base plate surface 12. The anti-torsion bracket device 10 is adapted to have the planar base plate surface 12 sit on a top plate such as a double top plate wall construction (shown in reference to Figure 2) ready to receive a typical truss assembly. At least one locating tab 16 is provided to locate the anti-torsion bracket device 10 a proper offset distance from the edge of the wall construction double top plate. In at least one and according to several embodiments, first and second fastening openings 18, 18' are provided on a base plate portion 20. The fastening openings 18, 18' may be round, oval, square, rectangular, or any appropriate shape to suit an application. In one preferred embodiment square or rectangular fastening openings 18, 18' (fastening opening 18' is not visible in the view of Figure 1 ) are provided on base plate portion 20. The at least one locating tab 16 extends longitudinally to easily and properly locate the anti-torsion bracket device 10 on the double top plate wall construction (shown in reference to Figure 2) so that a pair of opposed through holes 22, 24 individually created in opposed first and second brackets 26, 28 connected to the base plate 20 of anti-torsion bracket device 10 are oriented transverse to a planar surface defined by base plate 20 and will therefore be transversely aligned with cooperating anchoring means to foundational elements (each shown in reference to Figure 2). The through holes 22, 24 may be round, oval, square, rectangular, or any appropriate shape to suit an application. The locating tab 16 is provided to locate the anti-torsion bracket device 10 a proper offset distance "A" from the edge of the wall construction double top plate (shown in reference to Figure 2) with respect to a centerline 30 of rectangular slot 18.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2, the planar base plate surface 12 defined by base plate 20 is attached to a top surface 32 of a typical double top plate wall construction 34 and anchored firmly, for example by bolting through the double top plate wall construction 34 to foundational elements including via a structural column 36 positioned between studs of the construction. The transverse planar surface 14, 14' of each of the first and second brackets 26, 28 is anchored to selected roof elements, such as a roof joist or roof truss top chord 40 and/or a roof rafter or roof truss bottom chord 38, which in turn are effectively anchored to the foundational elements via the anti-torsion bracket device 10. At least two fastening positions 42, 44 in the base plate 20 provide torsion resistance, compressive load support, and tension lifting resistance. The subject invention is constructed with reinforcements providing resistance to the transverse planar surface from being separated and/or being changed from a transverse orientation. Figure 2 shows a series of anti-torsion bracket devices 10 of a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1 . The linear array of anti-torsion bracket devices 10 is sitting on a typical double top plate wall construction 34 with a series of typical truss assemblies 46, 48, 50, 52. The locating tab 16 of each anti-torsion bracket device 10 is provided to locate each device at the proper offset distance from an edge 54 of the wall construction double top plate wall construction 34. At least one and according to several embodiments multiple locating features 58, 60, 62 (shown in reference to Figure 3) are provided on the base plate portion 20 defining the base plate surface 12 to assist the contractor in locating the anti- torsion bracket devices 10. The locating features 58, 60, 62 are provided on the base plate portion 20 between the transverse planar surfaces 14, 14' to assist the contractor in locating the anti-torsion bracket devices 10 using individual ones of multiple sequentially located spacing marks 56. The locating features may be a slot as shown in Figure 3, or any other appropriate shaped opening, and may be alternately placed in locating tab 16. The locating features may also be a notch or other appropriate indicating shape located on an edge of the base plate surface or alternately located on locating tab 16.

[0028] Referring to Figure 3 and again to Figure 2, the at least one and according to several embodiments three locating features 58, 60, 62 are provided with each anti-torsion bracket device 10 to easily and properly locate the anti- torsion bracket devices 10 on the typical double top plate wall construction 34, allowing the contractor to position the anti-torsion bracket device 10 on spacing marks 56 measured off for proper spacing. In this exemplary preferred embodiment, each of the locating features 58, 60, 62 defines a small elongated or slot-shaped hole providing the contractor with a visual aide allowing ease of proper spacing of the subject anti-torsion bracket devices 10 in a typical construction application, saving time and money.

[0029] Referring to Figure 4, another feature of anti-torsion bracket device 10 provides the square or rectangular shaped fastening openings 18, 18' suitable to receive standard carriage bolts 64 so that ease of installation and bolting is extended to the contractor saving time and money during installation. Figure 4 shows rectangular fastening opening 18; however, second rectangular fastening opening 18' positioned to the left of first bracket 26 as viewed in Figure 4 is not visible.

[0030] Referring to Figure 5 and again to Figures 1 -2, in another aspect of anti-torsion bracket devices 10, the pair of transverse planar surfaces 14, 14' is designed to receive the standard roof truss assembly 46, 48, 50, 52. The pair of transverse planar surfaces 14, 14' defined by the first and second brackets 26, 28 straddle individual ones of the truss assemblies 46, 48, 50, 52 to provide secure anchoring resistance to torsion forces. In addition, anti-torsion bracket devices 10 provide resistance to tension lifting forces and provide compression load support to the truss. According to one embodiment, each anti-torsion bracket device 10 is installed with the roof truss bottom chord 38 bolted using a bolt assembly 66 extending through the roof truss bottom chord 38, both the pair of transverse planar surfaces 14, 14', and first and second brackets 26, 28.

[0031] Referring to Figure 6 and again to Figures 1 -5, for selected applications, an extension bracket 68 is vertically upwardly attached from the anti- torsion bracket device 10 to further secure the roof truss top chord 40 of the roof truss construction using bolt assembly 66 extending through extension bracket 68 in addition to the configuration shown in Figure 5. A second bolt assembly 70 extends through extension bracket 68 and roof truss top chord 40. The extension bracket 68 securely connects the roof truss top chord 40 to the first bracket 26 and subsequently ties it in a continuous load path to the structural column 36, which is in turn connected to foundational elements. As shown in Figure 2, a second truss extension bracket 72 can also be oppositely positioned about truss top chord 40 (or any other ones of the top chords) with respect to truss extension bracket 68 to sandwich the top chord between the truss brackets. A fastener such as a bolt assembly 71 extends through each of the fastening openings 18, 18' (only fastening opening 18' is visible in this view) to engage the base plate portion 20 with the top plate wall construction 34.

[0032] Referring to Figure 7 and again to Figures 1 -6, according to a further embodiment, an anti-torsion bracket device 74 is modified from anti-torsion bracket device 10 to provide an opposed pair of transverse planar surfaces 76, 78 defined by opposed first and second brackets 80, 82 that are similar to first and second brackets 26, 28 which are separated from each other to receive a standard roof rafter 84 and a standard roof joist 86 construction elements. The anti-torsion bracket device 74 is shown with rafter 84 and joist 86 through bolted in place using a bolt assembly 88.

[0033] Referring to Figures 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, truss bracket assemblies of the present disclosure provide transverse planar surfaces which straddle the joist and rafter elements, thereby providing a secure anchoring resistance to both torsion forces and rhombus forces. [0034] With specific reference to Figure 8A, a schematic representation of a construction or structure 90 prior to being subjected to torsion forces is presented. With specific reference to Figure 8B, a schematic is shown after the structure 90 has been subjected to torsion forces. Torsion forces are commonly associated with tornadic and strong storm winds such that an entire structure can be effectively twisted in response to torsion forces. Upper portions 92 of the structure 90 will twist relative to lower portions 94 of the structure 90 because generally the lower portions 94 of the structure are fastened to foundational elements allowing the structure walls to effectively twist and flex as the upper portions 92 of the structure 90 respond to torsion. The present invention overcomes the inherent weakness in common construction to yield to torsion forces by providing at least two fasteners straddling the structural column. Furthermore, the entire structure of the preferred embodiments is effectively unitized, increasing the structural integrity of the entire structure against torsion forces. In addition, the subject invention provides resistance to tension lifting forces and provides compression load support to the truss.

[0035] With specific reference to Figure 9A, a schematic representation of a construction or structure 96 prior to being subjected to rhombus forces is presented. With specific reference to Figure 9B, a schematic is shown after the structure 96 of Figure 9A has been subjected to rhombus forces. Rhombus forces are commonly associated with tornadic and strong storm winds such that an entire structure can be effectively pushed laterally in response to side load forces. The upper portions 98 of the structure 96 will shift laterally relative to the lower portions 100 of the structure 96 because generally the lower portions 100 of the structure are fastened to foundational elements, allowing the walls to effectively become rhombus shaped and flex as the upper portions 98 of the structure respond to the rhombus forces. The present invention overcomes the inherent weakness in common construction to yield to rhombus forces by providing at least two fasteners straddling the structural column. Furthermore, the entire structure of the preferred embodiments is effectively unitized, thereby increasing the structural integrity of the entire structure against rhombus forces.

[0036] Referring to Figure 10 and again to Figure 7, according to a further embodiment, an anti-torsion bracket device 102 is modified from anti- torsion bracket device 74 and includes a central divider tab 104 oriented transverse to a surface 106 of a base plate 108, and located substantially central to a pair of transverse planar surfaces 1 10, 1 12 of opposed first and second brackets 1 14, 1 16 set to receive rafter 84 and joist 86. The central divider tab 104 is positioned to be located between the rafter 84 and the joist 86 so that either rafter 84 or joist 86 can be assembled individually into proper position independent of the other roof element. This method of assembly and construction of roof elements saves time and money to contractors during the building process. The divider tab 104 also allows and insures the first roof element (rafter 84 or joist 86) to be installed while maintaining proper alignment during installation and preserving the mounting space required for the other roof element. It is a common problem for roof elements to be warped and/or out of plane upon installation, which can make it difficult for both roof elements to be simultaneously installed properly in the truss bracket assembly. The divider tab 104 overcomes this problem.

[0037] Those skilled in the art and familiar with construction systems will appreciate that the embodiments shown in Figure 7 and Figure 10 may also be easily applied to construction applications requiring three, four, or more side-by- side roof elements assembled by a bracket. The features of the present disclosure are not limited to one or two roof element scenarios and may be applied to any construction materials or combinations of construction materials which are eligible to be structurally enhanced to resist the destructive wind forces described herein.

[0038] According to several embodiments, a variety of interchangeable transverse planar surfaces cooperate with a common base plate to facilitate different construction applications of roof elements of different sizes and roof pitches. According to additional embodiments, one planar surface of the structural roof element is positioned such that it will be located effectively flush with a designated roof construction surface. The roof construction surface and material can be easily fastened to the structural roof element and secured such that torsion forces resident in the structural roof element are transferred and/or extended to the roof construction material. [0039] Alternate embodiments include applications for other roof applications such as engineered beams, special truss applications, and other custom roof elements. In addition, other alternate embodiments include applications for multi-story floor joist systems.

[0040] The present invention provides at least the following: a device capable of resisting torsion forces such as the wrenching forces imposed on structures during tornadic storm events; a device capable of supporting compression loads in a roof construction; a device capable of resisting tension forces such as those imposed on a roof construction during the suction of severe wind storms as seen in hurricanes and tornadic events; a device capable of fastening roof construction materials to the roof element so as to enhance their respective structural integrity; and a method of installation wherein the features of the subject invention are connected directly to foundational construction elements, and to cooperate to provide the contractor and end user with improved construction techniques to save time and money.

[0041] The present invention provides several advantages, including providing the user with a novel method of use improving standard construction techniques. The method of use is demonstrated by the contractor being able to layout the roof construction of a typical frame building using typical methods such as constructing the wall on the floor and then raising the wall section up into place. The subject invention further provides the contractor the method and ability to lay out the wall and structural roof elements together such that when the wall is raised into place, all of the locations for the subject invention will be known and prepared in advance with appropriate fitted holes in the upper double plate for securing the entire structure together. Furthermore, the roof element can be installed on the wall construction prior to raising the wall.

[0042] The present invention also provides a further method of saving time and money to the contractor by facilitating a natural receiving and locating means to install rafters, joist, trusses, and other roof constructions. The installed roof elements of the subject invention provide easy alignment and location of the roof construction materials and further provide a means to securely fasten them and tie them directly to anti-torsion features of the subject invention and further tie them directly to foundational construction elements. [0043] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize and appreciate additional features and advantages inherent in the subject invention device beyond those articulated in this disclosure.

[0044] The typical embodiment construction material for the structural enhanced components of the present disclosure is metal. The components may be manufactured from metal using any one of several typical methods such as stamping, forging, bending, welding, or combinations of fabrication methods. In addition, the components may be manufactured from non-metal materials such as plastic, reinforced plastic, fiberglass, composites, and/or any other appropriate technology materials suitable to provide the strength requirements for a given application.

[0045] The embodiments of the structural enhancement components of the present disclosure are shown in cooperation with commonly known wood construction elements, however the features and improvements of the present disclosure are also applicable to other construction materials including but not limited to metal stud walls, composite materials, and other construction materials which are subject to the destructive wind forces described herein.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0047] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0049] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0050] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.