NZ615603B2 - Steel stud clip - Google Patents

Abstract

first building structural connection comprising a first building structural member 2, a second building structural member 3 and a first sheet metal connector 4. The first connector 4 comprises a first plate 5 fastened to the first building structural member 2, and a second plate 6 fastened to the second building structural member 3. The first plate 5 has first and second fastener openings of a first plurality of fastener openings that includes one or more additional fastener openings in addition to the first and second fastener openings, a first inner edge 19, a first outer edge 12, a first side edge and a second side edge. The first fastener opening is the closer of the first plurality of fastener openings to the first side edge, and the second fastener opening is the closer of the first plurality of fastener openings to the second side edge. The first and second fastener openings are closer to the first outer edge than the one or more additional fastener openings, with the one or more additional fastener openings closer to the first inner edge than the first and second fastener openings. The second plate 6 has a second plurality of fastener openings 33, a first inner edge 11, a first side edge and a second side edge, with the first side edge of the second plate intersecting the first inner edge at a first corner juncture, and the second side edge of the second plate intersecting the first inner edge at a second corner juncture. The first inner edge 19 of the first plate 5 is joined to the second inner edge 11 of the second plate 6 to form an inner angular juncture. A first reinforcing flange is attached to the first side edge of the first plate and to the first side edge of the second plate. A second reinforcing flange is attached to the second side edge of the first plate and to the second side edge of the second plate. There is a first embossment in the second plate, located between the second plurality of fastener openings and the first inner edge of the second plate, that reinforces the second plate and is adjacent the first corner juncture, and a second embossment in the second plate, located between the second plurality of fastener openings and the first inner edge of the second plate, that reinforces the second plate and is adjacent the second corner juncture. second building structural member 3. The first plate 5 has first and second fastener openings of a first plurality of fastener openings that includes one or more additional fastener openings in addition to the first and second fastener openings, a first inner edge 19, a first outer edge 12, a first side edge and a second side edge. The first fastener opening is the closer of the first plurality of fastener openings to the first side edge, and the second fastener opening is the closer of the first plurality of fastener openings to the second side edge. The first and second fastener openings are closer to the first outer edge than the one or more additional fastener openings, with the one or more additional fastener openings closer to the first inner edge than the first and second fastener openings. The second plate 6 has a second plurality of fastener openings 33, a first inner edge 11, a first side edge and a second side edge, with the first side edge of the second plate intersecting the first inner edge at a first corner juncture, and the second side edge of the second plate intersecting the first inner edge at a second corner juncture. The first inner edge 19 of the first plate 5 is joined to the second inner edge 11 of the second plate 6 to form an inner angular juncture. A first reinforcing flange is attached to the first side edge of the first plate and to the first side edge of the second plate. A second reinforcing flange is attached to the second side edge of the first plate and to the second side edge of the second plate. There is a first embossment in the second plate, located between the second plurality of fastener openings and the first inner edge of the second plate, that reinforces the second plate and is adjacent the first corner juncture, and a second embossment in the second plate, located between the second plurality of fastener openings and the first inner edge of the second plate, that reinforces the second plate and is adjacent the second corner juncture.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: STEEL STUD CLIP OUND OF THE INVENTION The t invention belongs to a class of stud mounting clips that are useful in the construction of buildings, particularly light commercial buildings.

Many buildings are constructed with steel stud wall systems in order to e reduced environmental concerns, fire safety and d susceptibility to warpage, infestation, rust and rot. For a variety of reasons, it is often advantageous to construct these walls systems with connectors that permit a degree of ve movement between the framing members. Buildings often settle on their foundations once constructed, which can cause exterior walls to go out of plumb, in turn causing damage to the surrounding foundation and to interior structures such as floors. Exterior walls and , ularly of light commercial buildings, are often made from materials that have different coefficients of expansion than that of the structure’s exterior sheathing. With exposure to extremes of temperature, gaps can be produced in the exterior sheathing panels if they expand a contract more than the framing, allowing cold air and moisture to intrude. Exterior walls of buildings are also subject to deflection from wind or seismic forces, and a degree of m of movement can reduce stress and t fracture of connected parts.

And curtain walls (e.g., partition walls) are not designed to support vertical loads and must therefore by isolated from deflection of the primary load-bearing support structure of the building due to changes in live or dead loads carried by that structure.

A variety of slide, or slip, clips that permit relative movement between ural members have been made, but none have successfully optimized the use of material in the clips and the loads achieved by the clips.

Accordingly, there is a need to e a slip clip connector designed to achieve the maximum possible loads from the minimum amount of material, thereby realizing substantial savings, in cost as well as material, over the prior art. There is a further need to provide clips that include the same improvements to ze load and minimize material use, but do not permit slip between members.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0004a] It is an object of the present invention to at least substantially satisfy the above needs or to at least provide a useful alternative.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004b] The present invention provides a first building structural connection sing: a. a first building structural member; b. a second ng structural member; c. a first sheet metal tor, said first connector comprising: i. a first plate fastened to said first building structural member; and ii. a second plate fastened to said second building structural member, wherein: (a) said first plate has first and second fastener openings of a first ity of fastener openings that includes one or more additional fastener openings in addition to said first and second fastener openings, a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, said first fastener opening being the closest of said first plurality of er openings to said first side edge, said second fastener opening being the closest of said first plurality of fastener openings to said second side edge, said first and second er openings being closer to said first outer edge than said one or more additional fastener openings, said one or more onal er openings being closer to said first inner edge than said first and second fastener openings; (b) said second plate has a second plurality of fastener openings, a first inner edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, said first side edge of said second plate intersecting said first inner edge at a first corner juncture, said second side edge of said second plate intersecting said first inner edge at a second corner juncture; AH26(9430493_1):DJM (c) said first inner edge of said first plate is joined to said second inner edge of said second plate to form an inner angular juncture; (d) a first reinforcing flange is attached to said first side edge of said first plate and to said first side edge of said second plate; (e) a second reinforcing flange is attached to said second side edge of said first plate and to said second side edge of said second plate; (f) a first embossment in said second plate, d between said second plurality of fastener gs and said first inner edge of said second plate, reinforces said second plate and is adjacent said first corner juncture; and (g) a second embossment in said second plate, d between said second plurality of fastener openings and said first inner edge of said second plate, reinforces said second plate and is adjacent said second corner juncture.

In an embodiment, angled connectors with rolled edge flanges having unique fastener geometry in one plate and reinforcing embossments in the other optimally bute loads among fasteners and y achieve higher tension loads while using the smallest possible number of fasteners and the lightest possible material for the connector.

In another embodiment, angled connectors with rolled edge flanges and slotted fastener openings that also have rolled edges, reinforce the slotted fastener openings, stiffening the connector plate, and reducing unnecessary friction between the connector plate and the structural member to which it is attached.

The tors can be made from lighter-gauge materials than the prior art connectors of the same type, but the connectors of the t disclosure equal or exceed the same prior art tors in mance. The preferred al for the connectors is 16-gauge Grade 40 hotdip galvanized G90 sheet steel. The ability to go down one or even two gauges results in substantial savings not only in the cost of sheet steel, but also in storage and transportation costs, both of which are reduced when the connectors are lighter and thinner than the prior art. The improvements of the present disclosure were only possible due to careful consideration and calculation using finite element analysis to ensure that loads are transferred inward from the roll-stiffened edges and distributed among the fasteners to maximize the strength of the connection.

AH26(9430493_1):DJM BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007a] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be bed hereinafter, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. is a ctive view of a wall stud-to-beam connection formed according to an embodiment of the present invention. is a perspective view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the t invention. is a cross-sectional cutaway view taken along view line 2 - 2 of the connection shown in . is a front elevation view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present invention. is a side elevation view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the t invention. is a top plan view of a tor formed according to an embodiment of the present invention. is a front elevation view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present invention. is a side elevation view of a connector formed ing to an embodiment of the present invention. is a top plan view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present ion. is a perspective view of a wall stud-to-top plate connection formed according to an embodiment of the present invention. is a perspective view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present invention. is a cross-sectional cutaway view taken along view line 6 - 6 of the connection shown in .

AH26(9430493_1):DJM is a front elevation view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present invention. is a side elevation view of a connector formed according to an ment of the present ion. is a bottom plan view of a connector formed ing to an embodiment of the present invention. is a perspective view of a connection formed according to an embodiment of the present invention. is a perspective view of a connector formed according to an ment of the present invention. is a top plan sectional cutaway view taken along view line 8C - 8C of the connector shown in . is a front elevation view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present invention. is a side elevation view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present invention. is a top plan view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present invention. is a side elevation cross-sectional cutaway view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A is a front elevation view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

B is a side elevation cross-sectional cutaway view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

C is a top plan view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present ion.

AH26(9430493_1):DJM A is a perspective view of a wall o-beam connection formed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

B is a perspective view of a connector formed according to an ment of the present ion.

A is a front elevation view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

C is a top plan view of a tor formed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

C is a side elevation view of a connector formed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

D is a cross-sectional cutaway view taken along view line 12D - 12D of the tor shown in A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention in its preferred form is a building structural connection 1 between a first building structural member 2 and a second building structural member 3. Preferably, the first building structural member 2 is a supporting member 2 and the second ng structural member 3 is a supported structural member 3. As shown in Figs. lA and 8A, the first building structural member 2 is a horizontal beam with an attached ledger 2 and the second building structural member 3 is a vertically-oriented channel-shaped wall post 3. As shown in Fig. 5A, the first building structural member 2 is a horizontal beam with an attached vertically-oriented channel- AH26(9430493_1):DJM shaped header 2 — the second building structural member 3 is a vertically—oriented channel— shaped wall post 3. As shown in Fig. 11A, the first building structural member 2 is a horizontal beam 2 and the second building structural member 3 is a vertically—oriented l—shaped wall post 3.

The connection 1 n the first building structural member 2 and the second building structural member 3 is made with a first connector 4. The first connector 4 is preferably L- shaped, with a first plate 5 ed to the first building structural member 2 and a second plate 6 fastened to the second building structural member 3. Preferably, said first plate 5 and said second plate 6 are generally planar and joined at right angles to each other. In the most common embodiments, the connector 4 allows for relative vertical movement between the first and second building structural members 2 and 3. A simple 90—degree change in orientation would allow the connector 4 to permit relative horizontal movement. The connector 4 is preferably made from l6—gauge cold formed sheet steel, bent, cut, ed and punched on automated manufacturing machinery. Preferably, the connector 4 is used to connect cold formed steel structural s.

As shown in Fig. 1B, the first plate 5 has first and second fastener openings 7 and 8 of a first ity of fastener openings 9 that includes one or more additional fastener openings 10 in addition to said first and second fastener openings 7 and 8.

The first plate 5 has a first inner edge 11, a first outer edge 12, a first side edge 13 and a second side edge 14.

As shown in Fig. 3C, the first fastener opening 7 is the t of the first plurality of fastener openings 9 to the first side edge 13. The second fastener opening 8 is the closest of the first plurality of fastener openings 9 to the second side edge 14. The first and second er openings 7 and 8 are closer to the first outer edge 12 than the one or more additional fastener openings 10. The one or more additional fastener gs 10 are closer to the first inner edge 11 than the first and second fastener openings 7 and 8.

As shown in Fig. 3A, the second plate 6 has a second plurality of er openings 15, a first inner edge 16, a first side edge 17 and a second side edge 18. The first side edge 17 of the second plate 6 intersects the first inner edge 16 at a first corner juncture 24. The second side edge 17 of the second plate 6 intersects the first inner edge 16 at a second corner juncture 25.

The first inner edge 11 of the first plate 5 is joined to the first inner edge 16 of the second plate 6 to form an inner angular juncture 19. Preferably the inner angular juncture 19 is 90 degrees.

As shown in Fig. 1B, a first reinforcing flange 20 is attached to the first side edge 13 of the first plate 5 and to the first side edge 16 of the second plate 6. A second reinforcing flange 21 is attached to the second side edge 14 of the first plate 5 and to the second side edge 18 of the second plate 6. The first and second reinforcing flanges 20 and 21 are continuous, with no breaks at the juncture 19 between the first plate 5 and the second plate 6.

As shown in Fig. 3A, the tor 4 includes a first ment 22 in the second plate 6. The first embossment 22 is located between the second ity of fastener openings 15 and the first inner edge 16 of the second plate 6. The first embossment 22 reinforces the second plate 6 and is adjacent said first corner juncture 24.

The connector 4 also includes a second embossment 23 in the second plate 6. The second embossment 23 is located between the second plurality of fastener openings 15 and the first inner edge 16 of the second plate 6. The second embossment 23 reinforces the second plate 6 and is adjacent the second comer juncture 25.

The unique, staggered distribution of the first plurality of fastener openings 9 distributes load evenly among the fasteners 9, while the first and second embossments 22 and 23 distribute loads in the second plate 6, allowing the connector 4 of the present ion to be made from 16 gauge sheet metal while analogous connectors have to be made from 14 or even 12 gauge sheet metal, which is substantially more expensive to manufacture and transport, adding cost and waste at every stage. This distribution of fastener openings 9 is not found in any other slide, or slip, clip.

As shown in Figs. 1A-3A, 3C-4A, 4C, 8A—9A, and , preferably the first connector 4 has one or more gusset darts 26 in the inner angular juncture 19 that reinforce the inner angular juncture 19. [005 l] Preferably, a first plurality of fasteners 27 attaches the first plate 5 to the first building structural member 2. A second plurality of fasteners 28 preferably es the second plate 6 to the second building ural member 3.

Preferably, the ers 28 of the second plurality of fasteners 28 are screws 28. The preferred fasteners 27 for attaching the connector 4 to first structural members 2 made from steel are #12 or #14 hex-head fasteners 27, automated power-actuated gun-driven fasteners 27 or, alternatively, welds 27. The preferred fasteners 27 for attaching the connector 4 to first structural members 2 made from te are concrete screws 27. The preferred fasteners 28 for attaching the connector 4 through slots 15 are shouldered, or d—shank, screws 28.

As shown in Figs. lA—lB, 3A, 4A, 5A—5B, 7A, llA—l 1B and 12A, the second ity of fastener openings 15 is preferably formed as a plurality of elongated slots 15 in the second plate 6 when movement between the structural member 2 or 3 and the connector 4 is desired.

Preferably, the first building ural member 2 is fastened to the first connector 4 so that the first building structural member 2 cannot move relative the first plate 5 of the first connector 4.

The second building structural member 3 is preferably fastened to the first connector 4 so that the second building structural member 3 can move relative to the second plate 6 of the first connector 4.

Preferably, the fasteners of the second plurality of ers 28 are shouldered, or stepped—shank screws 28. ered screws 28 have a head 29, an unthreaded shank portion 30 immediately below the head 29, a threaded shank portion 31 below the unthreaded shank portion , and a tip 32. The unthreaded shank portion 30 allows the second building structural member 3 and the fasteners 28 attached to it to move ve to the second plate 6 without interference between the second plurality of fastener 28 and the second plate 6 of the first connector 4.

As shown in Figs. lA—7C and 11A—12D, the elongated slots 15 preferably have rolled edges 33 that stiffen the elongated slots 15 and reinforce the second plate 6. The rolled edges 33 also reduce friction between the second plate 6 and the second building structural member 3 by reducing the surface contact between the second plate 6 and the second building structural member 3. [005 8] As shown in Figs. lA—3C, in a preferred embodiment, the connector 4 of the present ion has four fastener openings 9 in the first plate 5, which is fixedly ed to the first building structural member 2. The two outer corners 34 of the first plate 5 are red to save material and make the connector 4 easier and safer to handle. A first fastener opening 7 is near the first outer corner 34 and a second fastener opening 8 is near the second outer corner 34. The two additional fastener openings 10 are between the first fastener opening 7 and the second fastener opening 8 and are closer to the inner angular juncture 19 n the first plate 5 and the second plate 6. The connector 4 also has first and second embossments 22 and 23 in the second plate 6. The embossments are oidal. The first embossment 22 is near the first comer juncture 24 of the second plate 6 and the second embossment 23 is near the second corner juncture 25 of the second plate 6. The second plate 6 has two elongated slot openings 15 that extend across the second plate 6 generally parallel to the inner angular juncture 19 between the first plate 5 and the second plate 6. The slots 15 have rolled edges 33 that reinforce the slots 15 and stiffen the second plate 6. The rolled edges 33 are rolled down to project ly from the attachment side 40 of the second plate 6, which has an open side 41 facing in the opposite direction. The attachment side 40 of the second plate 6 faces the second building ural member 3. Similarly, the first plate 5 has an ment side 38 and an open side 39 facing in the opposite direction. The attachment side 38 of the first plate 5 faces the first building structural member 2. There is a single round pilot hole 35 halfway between the slots 15 and midway between the first and second side edges 17 and 18 of the second plate 6. As with the first plate 5, the outer corners 36 of the second plate 6 are chamfered. A first outer edge 37 of the second plate 6 runs from corner 36 to corner 36. The first end 42 of the first rcing flange 20, and the first end 43 of the second reinforcing flange 21 both projecting from the first plate 5, are angled to match the chamfered outer s 34 of the first plate 5. Similarly, the second end 44 of the first reinforcing flange 20, and the second end 45 of the second reinforcing flange 21, both projecting from the second plate 6, are angled to match the chamfered outer corners 36 of the second plate 6.

As shown in Figs. 4A-4C, in another preferred embodiment the connector 4 is basically the same as shown in Figs. 1A-3C, except that the second plate 6 is much longer from first inner edge 16 to first outer edge 37. The second plate 6 therefore has a third elongated slot opening 15 and a pair of elongated embossments 46 that run parallel to, and between, the first and second side edges 17 and 18, from the first and second trapezoidal embossments 22 and 23 almost to the nearest of the elongated slots openings 15. The elongated ments 46 help to stiffen the longer second plate 6.

As shown in Figs. 5A—7C, in a third preferred embodiment the orientation of the connector 4 is different and the second plate 6 projects down instead of to the side. In this case, the connector 4 is er, in order to fit within a first building structural member 2 that is a channel-shaped header 2. In this embodiment, there is only one additional fastener g 10 between the first and second fastener openings 7 and 8 of the first plurality of fastener openings 9 in the first plate 5. This embodiment also demonstrates the reinforcing capacity of the rolled edges 33 of the elongated slot openings 15 in the second plate 6, since there are no first and second embossments 22 and 23 in the second plate 6. Because the elongated slot gs 15 are oriented longitudinally, el to the first and second side edges 17 and 18 of the second plate, the rolled edges 33 stiffen most of the second plate 6 between the first and second reinforcing flanges 20 and 21.

As shown in Figs. 8A—10B, in fourth and fifth preferred embodiments the connector 4 is made with a second plurality of fastener openings 15 in the second plate 6 that are conventional round and triangular fastener openings 15, rather than elongated slot openings 15.

Conventionally, round openings 15 denote those that must be filled to e normal load values; triangular openings 15 denote those that can be filled to achieve a maximum load value in excess of the normal load values. These embodiments are intended for applications where a slip, or slide, connection is not required.

As shown in Figs. llA—l2D, in a sixth preferred embodiment the connector 4 is substantially wider and attaches to the top or bottom of the first building structural member 2 rather than to a side. This ment is used in ular where a wall post or stud 3 bypasses the supporting beam 2. In this embodiment there is a third reinforcing flange 47 attached to the first outer edge 37 of the second plate 6, running from the first outer chamfered corner 36 to the second outer chamfered comer 36. Instead of a staggered first plurality of fastener openings 9, the first plurality of fastener gs 9 is a line of fastener openings 9 running from the first side edge 13 of the first plate 5 to the second side edge 14 of the first plate 5. The second plate 6 is stiffened by two pairs of elongated embossments 46 that are centrally d. There are three parallel elongated slot openings 15 with rolled edges 33 at each end of the second plate 6, near the first side edge 16 and the second side edge 17 of the second plate 6, respectively.

As shown in Figs. lA—4C and 8A—10C, the first embossment 22 in the second plate 6 is preferably siX material thicknesses from the first side edge 17 of the second second plate 6; the second embossment 23 in the second plate 6 is preferably six material esses from the second side edge 18 of the second plate 6.

Preferably, the first embossment 22 in the second plate 6 is generally trapezoidal, with a first diagonal edge 48 that generally leads toward the gusset dart 26 closest to the first side edge 17 of the second plate 6; preferably, the second embossment 23 in the second plate 6 is generally trapezoidal, with a first diagonal edge 48 that generally leads toward the gusset dart 26 closest to the second side edge 18 of the second plate 6. The diagonal edges 42 and 43 funnel load toward the gusset darts 26 and the inner onal fastener openings 10 in the first plate 5. Load is ed inward and away from the first and second reinforcing flanges 20 and 21 in order to distribute load to the inner additional fastener openings 10 of the first plurality of fastener openings 9. In general, load is inantly ed where the connector 4 is stiffest, and the first and second embossments 22 and 23, in combination with the gusset darts 26, stiffen the connector 4 so that load is more evenly distributed among the first plurality of fastener openings in the first plate 5.

The first and second embossments 22 and 23 in the first plate 6 are preferably embossed to a depth of one material thickness, most preferably 0.057 inches. A greater embossment depth than two material thicknesses would exceed the sheet metal’s ability to stretch without fracturing.

Most preferably, the first and second embossments 22 and 23 in the first plate 6 mirror each other. Each has a first vertical edge 49 parallel to the first and second side edges 17 and 18 of the second plate 6. In the preferred embodiments shown in Figs. 1A—4C, in which the first and second plates 5 and 6 are four inches wide, the first vertical edge 49 of the first embossment 22 faces, and is 0.25 inches away from, the first side edge 17 of the second plate. The first vertical edge 49 of the second embossment 23 faces, and is 0.25 inches away from, the second side edge 18 of the second plate. The first and second embossments 22 and 23 extend an additional 0.938 inches away from the first and second side edges 17 and 18, respectively. Each of the first and second embossments 22 and 23 has a first horizontal edge 50 that is orthogonal to the first vertical edge 49 and parallel to the first inner edge 16 of the first plate 6. The first ntal edges 44 of the first and second embossments 22 and 23 face, and are 0.375 inches away from, the first inner edge 16 of the first plate 6. Each of the first and second embossments 22 and 23 has a second horizontal edge 51 further away from the first inner edge 16 of the first plate 6, parallel to the first horizontal edge 50, and 0.5 inches away from the first ntal edge 50.

The second horizontal edges 45 are shorter than the first horizontal edges 44. First diagonal edges 42 join the first ntal edges 44 to the second horizontal edges 45; the angle between the first diagonal edges 42 and the first horizontal edges is 35 degrees. The edges 42-45 of the first and second embossments 22 and 23 meet at rounded comers 52 with inch radii.

Preferably, the fastener openings 9 of the first plurality of fastener openings 9 in the first plate 5 are round and match the size of the first plurality of fasteners 27. Exact positioning of the first plurality of fasteners 27 is ary in order to correctly calculate the loads distributed among the first plurality of fasteners 27. Furthermore, if the fastener openings 9 of the first plurality of fastener openings 9 were oversized or slotted, the material of the first plate 5 would be more likely to tear around the fasteners 27 of the first plurality of fasteners 27, reducing m achievable loads. Furthermore, the removing additional material from the first plate 5 would reduce the first plate 5 and weaken the connection 1.

As shown in Figs. 1A—10C, in the preferred embodiments in which the first plate is four inches wide, the first fastener opening 7 of the first plurality of fastener gs 9 is preferably 0.5 inches on center from the first side edge 13 of the first plate 5. The second fastener opening 8 of the first plurality of fastener openings 9 is preferably 0.5 inches on center from the second side edge 14 of the first plate 5. If there is only one onal fastener opening 10 in the first plate 5, as shown in Figs. 5A—7C, it is preferably spaced 1.625 inches on center from both the first side edge 13 and the second side edge 14. If there are multiple additional fastener openings , one is 1.25 inches on center from the first side edge 13 and one is 1.25 inches on center from the second side edge 14. If there are two additional fastener openings 10, as shown in Figs. 1A— 4C and 8A—10C, they are 1.5 inches on center from each other. The first and second fastener openings 7 and 8 preferably are 0.625 inches on center from the first outer edge 12 of the first plate 6. The additional fastener openings 10 preferably are 0.75 inches from the first outer edge 12 of the first plate 6. The round fastener openings 9 of the first plurality of fastener openings are preferably 0.216 inches in er. The round fastener openings 15 of the second plurality of fastener openings are ably 0.190 inches in diameter.

As shown in Figs. 1A—4C and 8A—10C, the gusset darts 26 are preferably embossed to a maximum height of 0.125 , each with two sides 53 defining an inner angle of 80 degrees, as shown in . ably, there are two gusset darts 26, one spaced 1 inch on center from the first corner juncture 24 in the second plate 6, and one spaced 1 inch on center from the second comer juncture 25 in the second plate 6.

As shown in Figs. 1A—1B, 3C, 4C, 8A—8B, 9C, 10A and 10C, the first embossment 22 preferably s further from the first side edge 17 of the second plate 6 than the first fastener opening 7 is spaced from the first side edge 13 of the first plate 5. The second embossment 23 extends further from the second side edge 18 of the second plate 6 than the second fastener opening 8 is spaced from the second side edge 14 of the first plate 5. A first of the gusset darts 26 extends further from the first corner juncture 24 in the second plate 6 than the first fastener opening 7 is spaced from the first side edge 13 of the first plate 5. And a second of the gusset darts 26 extends further from the second corner juncture 25 in the second plate 6 than the second fastener opening 8 is spaced from the second side edge 14 of the first plate 5.

Preferably, as shown in Figs. 1A—7C and 11—12D, the fastener openings 15 of the second plurality of fastener openings 15 in the second plate 6 are slots 15 that are 0.25 inches wide and 2.375 inches long. Preferably, the rolled edges 33 of the second plurality of fastener openings 15 are 0.083 inches tall. The fastener openings 15 of the second plurality of fastener openings 15 are mutually spaced 1.25 inches on center. ably, as shown in Figs. 1A—10C, the first and second reinforcing flanges 20 and 21 are 0.25 inches tall from the first and second side edges 17 and 18, respectively, of the second plate 6, and from the first and second side edges 13 and 14, respectively, of the first plate 5.

] As shown in Figs. 1A—4C and , the connector 4 is preferably 4 inches wide from the first reinforcing flange 20 to the second reinforcing flange 21, inclusive. As shown in Figs. 5A—7C, the connector 4 is preferably 3.25 inches wide from the first reinforcing flange 20 to the second rcing flange 21, inclusive. As shown in Figs. 1A—10C, the first plate 5 measures 1.5 inches from the first inner edge 11 to the first outer edge 12. The length of the second plate 6 varies according to the distance between, and the size of, the first and second building structural member 2 and 3.

[Annotation] djm I

Claims (11)

/WE CLAIM:

1. A first building structural tion comprising: a. a first building structural member; b. a second building structural member; c. a first sheet metal connector, said first connector comprising: i. a first plate fastened to said first building ural member; and ii. a second plate ed to said second building structural member, wherein: (a) said first plate has first and second fastener openings of a first plurality of fastener openings that includes one or more additional fastener openings in addition to said first and second fastener openings, a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, said first fastener opening being the closest of said first plurality of fastener openings to said first side edge, said second fastener opening being the closest of said first plurality of fastener openings to said second side edge, said first and second fastener openings being closer to said first outer edge than said one or more additional fastener openings, said one or more additional fastener openings being closer to said first inner edge than said first and second fastener openings; (b) said second plate has a second plurality of fastener openings, a first inner edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, said first side edge of said second plate intersecting said first inner edge at a first corner juncture, said second side edge of said second plate intersecting said first inner edge at a second corner juncture; (c) said first inner edge of said first plate is joined to said second inner edge of said second plate to form an inner angular juncture; (d) a first reinforcing flange is attached to said first side edge of said first plate and to said first side edge of said second plate; (e) a second reinforcing flange is attached to said second side edge of said first plate and to said second side edge of said second plate; (f) a first embossment in said second plate, located n said second plurality of er openings and said first inner edge of said second plate, reinforces said second plate and is adjacent said first corner re; and (g) a second ment in said second plate, located between said second plurality of fastener openings and said first inner edge of said second plate, rces said second plate and is adjacent said second corner juncture. AH26(8251390_1):KEH

2. The building structural tion of claim 1 further comprising one or more gusset darts in said inner angular juncture that reinforces said inner angular juncture.

3. The building structural connection of claim 1 further comprising: a. a first plurality of fasteners that attach said first plate to said first building structural member; and b. a second ity of fasteners that attach said second plate to said second building ural member.

4. The building structural connection of claim 3 wherein said fasteners of said second plurality of fasteners are screws.

5. The building structural connection of claim 4 wherein said second plurality of fastener openings is formed as a plurality of elongated slots in said second plate.

6. The ng structural connection of claim 5 wherein said first building structural member is fastened to said first connector so that said first building structural member cannot move relative said first plate of said first tor.

7. The building structural connection of claim 6 wherein said second building ural member is fastened to said first connector so that said second building ural member can move relative said second plate of said first tor.

8. The building structural connection of claim 5 wherein said fasteners of said second plurality of fasteners are shouldered screws.

9. The building structural connection of claim 5 wherein said elongated slots have rolled edges that stiffen said elongated slots and reinforce said second plate.

10. The building structural connection of claim 9 wherein: a. said first and second fastener openings of said first plurality of fastener openings are spaced 0.50 inches (1.27 cm) on center from said first and second side edges, respectively, of said first plate; b. said first plate includes two additional fastener gs, one spaced 1.25 inches (3.18 cm) on center from said first side edge, and one spaced 1.25 inches (3.18 cm) on center from said second side edge; AH26(9430493_1):DJM c. said first and second reinforcing flanges each extend orthogonally 0.250 inches (0.635 cm) up from said open sides of said first and second plates; d. said rolled edges of said elongated slots each extend orthogonally 0.083 inches (0.211 cm) down from said attachment side of said second plate; e. said gusset darts each extend 0.125 inches (0.318 cm) up from said inner angular juncture, each having two sides defining an inner angle of 80 degrees; f. one of said gusset darts is spaced 1 inch (3 cm) on center from said first corner juncture in said second plate, and one of said gusset darts is spaced 1 inch (3 cm) on center from said second corner re in said second plate; g. said first and second fastener openings are spaced 0.625 inches (1.588 cm) on center from said first outer edge of said first plate, and said additional fastener openings are spaced 0.750 inches (1.905 cm) from said first outer edge of said first plate.

11. The building structural connection of claim 2 wherein: a. said first embossment extends further from said first side edge of said second plate than said first fastener g is spaced from said first side edge of said first plate, and the first embossment does not extend beyond any of the second plurality of fastener openings to be closer to the first outer edge of the second plate than any of the second ity of fastener openings; b. said second embossment extends further from said second side edge of said second plate than said second fastener opening is spaced from said second side edge of said first plate, and the second embossment does not extend beyond any of the second ity of fastener openings to be closer to the first outer edge of the second plate than any of the second plurality of er openings; c. a first of said gusset darts extends further from said first corner juncture in said second plate than said first fastener opening is spaced from said first side edge of said first plate; d. a second of said gusset darts extends further from said second corner juncture in said second plate than said second fastener opening is spaced from said second side edge of said first plate. Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc. By the Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON & FERGUSON Per: AH26(9430493_1):DJM