WO1999045215A1

WO1999045215A1 - High stress resistance frame buildings and methods and apparatus for use in constructing the same

Info

Publication number: WO1999045215A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/004531
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert F. Pratt; Pierre E. Duquette
Original assignee: Pratt Robert F; Duquette Pierre E
Priority date: 1998-03-03
Filing date: 1999-03-02
Publication date: 1999-09-10
Also published as: AU2887599A

Abstract

An anchor (36, 38, 40, 42) for anchoring an end of at least one flexuous tension member (44, 46) comprising a plurality of substantially rigid wall members (36.3, 36.4, 36.5, 36.6) each of which includes a substantially planar portion, which wall members are joined together along a plurality of common edges to form a unitary anchor body; at least one of said wall members defining a tension member aperture (36.1, 36.2). A building wall section frame and a frame building comprising said anchor.

Description

HIGH STRESS RESISTANCE FRAME BUILDINGS AND METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR USE IN CONSTRUCTING THE SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

Our present invention relates to high stress resistance frame buildings and methods apparatus and piece parts for use in constructing the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has been suggested in the prior art that in the construction of metallic frame structures transverse bracing rods be employed which are joined to the structural members by means of nuts which are threadedly engaged with threads formed in the ends of bracing rods. According to this teaching, intermediate members are provided between the rods and the associated structural members, which intermediate members are semi-cylindrical metallic members which are welded to the structural members and are provided with holes for receiving the threaded rod ends. See, for example, United States Patent No. 2,126,511, issued to E.L. Soule on August 9, 1938. The prior art also teaches the employment of steel strapping tape with crimp seals as cross-bracing means, but only in a refrigerator door or the like. United States Patent No. 2,622,284, issued to Clare H. Kafer on December 23, 1952.

These prior art patents, however, do not show the use of flexuous steel strapping tape as a tension-bracing member in open framed building structures. Furthermore, the prior art does not describe the particular cross-bracing anchoring structures and systems disclosed herein.

More recently, wide steel ribbon, not steel strapping tape, has been used for cross-bracing in the construction of frame buildings. In these cases, however, the strapping has been affixed to the frame structure by welding, nails or screws, and thus the strength of the resulting structure depending upon the shear strength of these weldments. nails or screws.

No anchoring means comparable to the anchoring means of the present invention shown and described herein is believed to have been used in such cases. It is believed that the documents listed below contain information which s or might be considered to be material to the examination of this patent application.

United States Patent No. 689,714

United States Patent No. 1,923,961 United States Patent No. 2, 126,51 1

United States Patent No. 2,622,284

United States Patent No. 3,591,352

United States Patent No. 5,167,073

United States Patent No. 5,323,905 The term "prior art" as used herein or in any statements made by or on behalf of applicant means only that any document or thing referred to as prior art bears, directly or inferentially,a date which is earlier than the effective filing date hereof.

No representation is made that any of the above-listed documents is part of the prior art, or that a search has been made, or that no more pertinent information exists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide buildings which are characterized by higher stress resistance than is generally found in the buildings of the prior art. It is another object of the present invention to provide systems, methods and apparatus for use in the construction of high stress-resistance frame buildings.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel system of tension bracing for frame buildings.

It is another object of the present invention to provide novel anchoring means for anchoring flexuous cross-bracing members to the elongated rigid framing members of panels or sections of the frame buildings.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anchors of the kind just described which are applicable to a wide range of frame sizes and shapes. Other objects of the present invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The present invention, accordingly, comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the apparatus embodying features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangements of part, all as exemplified in the following disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims appended hereto.

In accordance with a principal feature of the present invention anchoring means are disclosed for anchoring cross-braces of steel strapping tape to the rigid frame members of panels or sections of the frames of frame buildings.

In accordance with yet another principal feature of the present invention certain ones of such anchors include corner cap means which closely embrace the rigid frame members which abut each of the corners of such frames, thereby avoiding the use of mechanical fasteners to join said rigid members at said corners. In accordance with a further principal feature of the present invention the anchors of certain embodiments of the present invention are provided with pivotable strap-receiving members, whereby to adapt these anchors to a wide range of frame panel or section dimensions or shapes without modifying the anchors.

In accordance with a yet further principal feature of the present invention it is made possible to efficiently use steel strapping tape of the well known type as cross-bracing tension means to provide high sheer resistance in frame buildings.

In accordance with another principal feature of the present invention panels or sections of frame buildings are reinforced by means of closed loops of steel tape. In accordance with yet another principal feature of the present invention certain buildings of the present invention include one or more vertical arrays of reinforced frame panels or sections of the present invention which are bolted together and anchored to the building foundation. In accordance with a further principal feature of the present invention said vertical arrays of reinforced frame panels or section are also secured to the roof systems of the buildings.

In accordance with a further object of the present invention the anchors of certain embodiments thereof do not embrace any of the rigid elongated frame members, but rather are affixed to the interior, mutually confronting surfaces of the rigid frame members.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a panel or section of the frame of a steel framed building embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of a panel or section of the frame of a wood framed building of the present invention;

Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the intersection of a cross-bracing strap and an anchor of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 3B, 3C and 3D are respective views of the radius anchor plate or shoe of a pivotable disk embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are respective views of a frame corner embracing anchor of the present invention;

Figs. 5A and 5B schematically represent respectively lower floor and upper floor panels or sections of a wooden frame building of the present invention;

Figs. 6A and 6B schematically represent, respectively, lower floor and upper floor panels or sections of a steel framed building of the present invention;

Figs. 7A and 7B are elevational and plan views, respectively, of an external or modified saddle anchor of a particular embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C are respective views of an internal anchor of a particular embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of upper and lower panels or sections of a building of the present invention, showing the manner of interconnection and foundation connection thereof which constitutes a part of a stress transfer network of the present invention; Fig. 10 is an elevational view of parts of two panels of sections of a building of the present invention, showing preferred horizontal tying means of certain stress transfer networks of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a frame house of the present invention, showing certain features of the stress transfer network of the present invention;

Figs. 12A and 12B are elevational views of upper and lower internal anchors adapted for use with vertical strapping and horizontal bolting in accordance with another principal feature of the present invention;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an installation of an internal T-anchor of the present invention in which the strapping receiving openings are fixed in orientation;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an installation of an internal T-anchor of the present invention in which the strapping receiving opening is self-aligning with the associated strap;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an internal T-anchor of the present invention differing from that of Fig. 14 in that it is provided with two self-aligning openings;

Figs. 16, 16A and 16B illustrate a partial bracing assembly of the present invention;

Figs. 17 and 17A represent an alternative form of partial bracing assembly of the present invention in which the partial bracing shoe is replaced by a linear shoe;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an internal anchor of the present invention in which means are provided for preventing horizontal shifting by the anchor with its associated wooden frame member; Fig. 18A is a cross-sectional view of a self-aligning disk anchor of the present invention; and

Figs. 19A and 19B are respective elevational views of an internal anchor of the present invention which is provided with a vertical fastening leg for use in attaching the anchor to the associated vertical elongated framing member or members.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary wall framing sections or panels of buildings of the present invention are shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

As seen in Fig. 1 , a building wall framing section or panel 10 of the invention is comprised of a set 12 of seven sheet steel "two-by-fours" 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24. and 26.

In accordance with a principal feature of the present invention, the ends of the three rigid framing members which meet at a particular frame corner (28, 30, 32 or 34) are close-fittingly contained in an associated anchor body or corner cap (36, 38, 40 or 42); which anchor bodies or corner caps are a feature of the present invention.

As further seen in Fig. 1, elongated flexuous tension members 44, 46 extend, respectively, between diagonally-opposed ones of said corner caps, and are secured to said corner caps. (E.g., flexuous member 44 extends between and is secured to both of the diagonally-opposed corner caps 36 and 42). In accordance with another principal feature of the present invention, each flexuous tension member end, e.g., 44.1 , 44.2, is secured to its associated corner caps (e.g., 36, 42) by being passed through the two brace-receiving holes (e.g., 36.1 , 36.2) in the major walls of both of their associated corner caps, flexuous tension member 44 being an elongated loop having two substantially straight sides 44', 44". As seen in Figs. 4A through 4D, corner cap 36, by way of example, is comprised of four wall members or walls 36.3, 36.4, 36.5, 36.6, which are integral or are joined together along their abutting edges to form a box-like cap which is open throughout two adjacent faces. Wall members or walls 36.3, 36.4, etc., are fabricated from rigid sheet material such as steel plate. Each of the major walls 36.5, 36.6 is provided with a brace-receiving hole or tension member receiving aperture (36.1, 36.2).

It is to be understood that the provision of a pair of such brace-receiving holes, preferably in registration, is a principal feature of the present invention, and that such holes or apertures need not be circular but rather may, e.g., be generally teardrop- shaped, within the scope of the invention.

As seen in Fig. 1 , the dimensions of each corner cap are such that the anchor body or corner cap can close-fittingly receive the associated ends of the rigid framing members found at one corner of the section or panel.

It is also to be noted that the present invention is not limited to building panels in which the rigid frame members are formed from sheet steel, as in Fig. 1. Rather, the rigid frame members of a building panel of the invention may be fabricated from wood, as in the embodiment of Fig. 2, or any other suitable material. In accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, flexuous bracing member 44 is a closed loop of steel strapping tape of well known type, which loop is closed by fastening the ends of the strapping tape together by means of a clamp or crimp seal (48, 50, Fig. 1) of the type well known for use in joining the ends of loops of such strapping tapes in the binding of crates, cartons, etc. It is yet further to be understood that in certain embodiments of the present invention each pair of corner caps may be interconnected by two loops of elongated flexuous material, one on each side of the respective corner caps.

Thus, it will be seen that, in accordance with the present invention, bracing member 44 (Fig. 1) is an elongated, flat loop of strapping material which is passed through the brace-receiving holes or tension member receiving apertures 36.1, 36.2 of corner cap 36, passed through the brace-receiving holes or tension member receiving apertures 42.1, 42.2 of corner cap 42 and then joined into a loop by fastening together the ends thereof by means of a clamp or seal 50 (Fig. 1).

In accordance with another principal feature of the present invention, the ends of the strapping tape loop 44 are drawn toward each other under very low tension (insufficient to distort the frame) before crimp seal or clamp 50 is affixed to the ends of the strapping tape. It is to be understood that the other bracing member 46 is similarly very lightly tensioned, preferably to the same tension value.

Referring now to Figs. 3A through 3D, there is shown a principal structural feature of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, i.e., the radius plate, shoe or contact face defining means 52.

It is to be understood that, in accordance with a principal feature of the present invention, a radius plate, shoe, or contact face defining means 52 is interposed between bracing member 44 and the periphery of brace-receiving hole 36.1 (Fig. 1), etc. In other words, the assembled building panel 12 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is comprised of eight radius plates or contact face defining means 52, 52.1, 52.2, 52.3, etc., each of which radius plates is interposed between one of said bracing members and the periphery of the brace-receiving hole or tension member receiving aperture through which that bracing member or flexuous tension member passes.

It is to be understood, then, that each combination of a corner cap and its associated radius plates may sometimes be called an "anchor" or "shear brace anchor" herein.

Further, as will be seen by those having ordinary skill in the frame building design and construction art, informed by the present disclosure, each radius plate (taking radius plate 52 in Figs. 3 A through 3D as an example) has a straight edge portion or contact face 54 and a curved edge portion or bearing face 56 of circular curvature, the radius of edge portion or bearing face 56 being substantially equal to the radius of brace-receiving hole 36.1. As seen in Figs. 3C and 3D, curvilinear edge portion or bearing face 56 of radius plate 52 is contained between two flanges 58, 60, which are separated by a distance slightly larger than the thickness of wall 36.5 (Fig. 4D).

Thus, it will be seen that, in accordance with a principal feature of the present invention, radius plate 52 (and all of the other radius plates 52.1, 52.2, etc.) is insertable into an associated brace-receiving hole (e.g., hole 36.1). is angularly movable about the axis of symmetry of the principal part of the associated brace-receiving hole, i.e., along the periphery thereof, to its optimum position, when the associated bracing member is brought under tension.

In accordance with the invention, the radius plates or shoes may be fabricated from steel, or from a suitable composite material, which may be self- lubricating.

It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to embodiments in which each elongated, flexuous bracing member takes the form of a closed loop having two rectilinear edges. Rather, many other embodiments of the longitudinal, flexuous bracing members of the invention will occur to those having ordinary skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, including the use of two bracing members with each corner cap, or a single bracing member with each pair of anchors.

Also, in accordance with the invention, each loop of flexuous material may be replaced with a pair of pre-bent half loops, which must be joined with two crimp seals.

While the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that many modifications of the first preferred embodiment fall within the scope of the present invention. In accordance with the invention, suitable rotatably captive clip means may be provided whereby to maintain each radius plate or shoe rotatably captive in its associated hole, or slidably affixed to its associated elongated, flexuous bracing member.

It will be understood in view of the above that the invention includes the methods and apparatus for shear bracing building panels which are disclosed hereinabove, and many alternative embodiments. Thus, in addition to the method of shear bracing building panels shown and described herein the invention also embraces all of the novel apparatus shown and described in detail hereinabove, including the shear braced or cross- strapped building panels of the invention themselves, the methods of making the same, the shear bracing of cross-strapping means shown and described hereinabove, and the brace or 10

cross-strap anchoring means shown hereinabove, including but not limited to the brace- receiving holes, the radius plates or shoes, and the assemblies of brace-receiving means and corner caps shown in sketch 1, and the bracing means, and individual parts thereof, e.g., radius plates or shoes, taken as separate items of commerce. The present invention further includes embodiments in which the anchors and portions of their associated frame bracing members are incorporated together, and the combination as a single item of commerce.

Referring now to Figs. 5A through 8C, the second preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail. The second preferred embodiment of the present invention, as applied to a particular building in which a number of the frame sections are reinforced with shear bracing of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, links the shear bracing of at least some of those sections together into a stress transfer network.

By means of a stress transfer network of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention the resistance of a building in which this network is incorporated to shear, uplift, and other stresses, is very substantially increased.

Further, the utilization of a stress transfer network of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention can result in significant cost savings in the construction of a particular frame building in which such a network is incorporated. Yet further, a stress transfer network of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention can eliminate certain conventional tie-down means, and thus can provide cost savings while increasing the resistance of the reinforced building to uplift or upsetting stresses.

Additionally, the incorporation of a stress transfer network of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention into an otherwise conventional frame building design can provide means whereby the roof structure of that building can be tied to the remainder of the building, including the foundation walls, while at the same time decreasing the overall building cost. 1 1

Referring now to Fig. 5, (i.e., Figs. 5A and 5B) there is schematically represented in part a two-story frame building incorporating a stress transfer network of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

It is to be understood that while Fig. 5, taken as a whole, schematically represents a small part of the frame of a building 100, Fig. 5 A schematically represents in part the first floor of building 100, and Fig. 5B schematically represents in part the second floor of building 100.

More particularly, Fig. 5A schematically represents one wall frame section 102 of the first floor of building 100, and Fig. 5B schematically represents one wall frame section 104 of the second floor of building 100.

It is further to be understood that the four flexuous tension members 106, 108, 106', 108' of first floor wall section 102 are substantially the same as flexuous tension members of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown and described hereinabove, and that the flexuous tension members 1 10, 112, 1 10', 112' of the second floor wall section 104 are also substantially the same as flexuous tension members of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown and described hereinabove.

It is yet further to be understood that each flexuous member 106, 106', 108, 108', 110, 110', 112. 112' is a closed loop of steel packaging tape or the like. It is also to be understood that each flexuous tension member 106, 106',

108, 108', 110, 110', 112, 112' is secured at its ends to a pair of anchors in substantially the same manner in which the flexuous tension members of the first preferred embodiment are secured to their associated anchors. Thus, for example, flexuous tension member 108 is secured to anchors 124 and 126, flexuous tension member 106 is secured to anchors 122 and 128, flexuous tension member 1 10 is secured to anchors 114 and 120, and flexuous tension member 112 is secured to anchors 1 16 and 118. Also, flexuous tension member 108' is affixed to anchors 124 and 126, etc.

It is further to be understood that each anchor 1 14, 1 16, 118, 120. 122,

124, 126, 128 is provided with a pair of brace-receiving holes or tension member receiving apertures, each of which is comparable in form and function to the brace- 12

receiving holes or tension member receiving apertures 36.1, 36.2, 42.1, 42.2 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown and described hereinabove.

As seen in Fig. 5, the brace-receiving holes 1 14.1, 1 14.2, 116.1, 116.2, etc., of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 are of different shape from the circular brace- receiving holes of the first preferred embodiment. The "teardrop" shape of brace- receiving holes 114.1, 114.2, 116.1, 1 16.2, etc., permit the associated radius plates or shoes 1 14.4, 116.4, 1 18.4, 120.4 (shown schematically in Figs. 5 and 6) to be easily inserted into their associated brace-receiving holes or tension member receiving apertures. Thus, it will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, that each brace-receiving hole 1 14.1 , 1 14.2, 1 16.1 , 1 16.2, 1 18.1 , 1 18.2, etc., of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 contains a radius plate or shoe 1 14.4, 116.4, 118.4, 120.4 which may be substantially identical to radius plate or shoe 52 shown in Fig. 3 (i.e., Figs. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D) and described hereinabove in connection therewith.

As will also be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, anchors 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 shown in Fig. 5 differ in some particulars from anchor 52. Also, anchors 114 and 1 16 differ from anchor 52.

These differences between the anchors of the first preferred embodiment and the anchors of the second preferred embodiment constitute particular features of the present invention, and are required in order to practice the stress transfer network aspect of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Thus, two typical anchors of the second preferred embodiment will be described below in connection with Figs. 7 and 8 before proceeding with the description of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5.

Referring now to Fig. 7 (i.e., Figs. 7A and 7B) there is shown a cap anchor or external anchor of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As may be seen from Fig. 5, only the two upper anchors 114, 1 16 are cap anchors or external anchors. As may be seen by comparison of Figs. 7A and 7B, external anchor 1 14 is of the form sometimes called a "saddle".

That is to say, external anchor 1 14 is comprised of three generally planar parts 130, 132 and 134, i.e., a central or base part 130 and a pair of side parts 132 and 134 which are erected upon opposite edges of base part 130. Side parts 132 and 134 are preferably bent from the same piece of sheet steel stock as base part 130. A lip 136 is further provided for the purpose of locating anchor 1 14 in its operative position when mounted in a building frame. Lip 136 is preferably bent from the same piece of sheet steel stock as base member 130 and side members 132 and 134. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, lip 136 may be replaced with a plurality of sharp-pointed inwardly-bent teeth which project inwardly from base part 130 into the space between side parts 132, 134; which teeth may be driven into the upper face of top plate 104.1 of section 104 (Fig. 5).

Thus, upper anchors 1 14, 1 16 may be affixed to top plate 104.1 at points remote from the ends thereof.

As further seen in Fig. 7, each side part or plate 132, 134 is provided with a brace-receiving hole or aperture. Side part 132 is provided with brace-receiving hole 114.1, and side part 134 is provided with brace-receiving hole 114.2. Holes 1 14.1 and 1 14.2 are mutually axially aligned. As may be seen by comparison of Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B, internal anchor

118 is also of the form sometimes called a "saddle". That is to say, internal anchor 1 18 is comprised of three generally planar parts 140, 142 and 144, i.e., a central or base part 140 and a pair of side parts 142 and 144 which are erected upon opposite edges of base part 140. Side parts 142 and 144 are preferably bent from the same piece of sheet steel stock as base part 140.

In accordance with a further principal feature of the present invention the base, e.g., baseplate 140, of certain internal anchors of the present invention are provided with outwardly projecting teeth. These teeth may be formed by punching triangle-shaped holes in these base plates and then bending the thus defined teeth outwardly. In the well known manner, such steel teeth being found, for example, in 14

well known steel truss plate connectors. It will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, that by these means longitudinal shifting of such anchors along their associated frame members is substantially if not completely prevented when used in certain constructions of the present invention. As also seen in Fig. 8, anchor 1 18 is provided with two mutually axially aligned brace-receiving holes 1 18.1 and 1 18.2. Brace-receiving hole 1 18.1 is punched or otherwise formed in side part 142, and the other brace-receiving hole 1 18.2 is punched or otherwise formed in side part 144.

As further seen in Fig. 8, base part 140 of internal anchor 1 18 is reinforced by means of a buck plate 146, which may be affixed to base part 140.

As yet further seen in Fig. 8, a circular aperture 150 is provided which passes through the central portion of base part 140, and through buck plate 146. The function of aperture 150 will be described hereinafter in connection with Fig. 5.

In view of the above it will be seen that external anchors 1 14 and 1 16 (Fig. 5) are substantially identical, and that internal anchors 1 18, 120, 122, 124, 126 and 128 are substantially identical.

Referring now to Fig. 9, there is shown a particular embodiment of the present invention corresponding to the embodiment shown schematically in Fig. 5. The reference numerals shown in Fig. 9 correspond to the reference numerals shown in Fig. 5.

As seen in Figs. 5 and 9, first floor wall framing section 102 is borne by a foundation wall 152, and upper story wall framing section 104 is borne by a floor structure 154. That is to say, sole plate 102.4 rests upon foundation wall 152, and floor structure 154 is interposed between frame sections 102 and 104. In other embodiments a sill may be interposed between wall frame section 102 and foundation wall 152.

It should be particularly noted in Fig. 9 that tension member or steel strap 106 is a loop of steel strapping tape which passes through one side each of internal anchors 122 and 128, and is closed by strapping crimp seal 160, and that tension member or steel strap 106' is a separate loop of steel strapping which passes through the other sides of internal anchors 122 and 128, and is closed by strapping crimp seal 162. 15

Thus, it will be seen that four spans or lengths of steel strapping run from anchor 122 to anchor 128, and that the type of strapping, gauge and width, must be correspondingly selected by the designer of building 100.

The tension members extending between any pair of anchors in building 100 correspondingly constitute two closed loops of steel strapping material, i.e., four spans or lengths of steel strapping material extending between those anchors.

Comparing Figs. 5 and 9, certain particular features of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail.

Referring to Fig. 5 A, it will be seen that a bore 170 passes through sole plate 102.4 immediately below and in registration with an aperture 126.3 in the base plate of anchor 126 corresponding to aperture 150 shown in Fig. 8. Such an aperture in the base plate of an internal anchor will sometimes be called a "tie hole" hereinafter. Tie hole 126.3 in the base plate of anchor 126 shown in Fig. 5 is in registration with bore 170. As also seen in Fig. 5 A, a bore 172 passing through sole plate 102.4 is in registration with the tie hole 128.3 in the base plate of anchor 128.

As also seen in Fig. 5 A, anchor bolts 174 and 176 are embedded in foundation wall 152, with a portion projecting from the top thereof, in the well known manner. The upper end of anchor bolt 174 which projects from the top of foundation wall 152 passes through bore 170 and through tie hole 126.3, and projects upwardly above the top surface of the buck plate of anchor 126. In the known manner, the upper end of anchor bolt 174 is threaded, and thus is adapted to receive a large nut and a suitable washer. By application of this nut and washer to anchor bolt 174, and by snugging the nut and washer against the upper surface of the buck plate of anchor 126, anchor 126 is securely fastened to foundation wall 152, and at the same time sole plate 102.4 is also securely fastened to foundation wall 102.4.

In the same manner, anchor 128 and sole plate 102.4 are securely fastened to the top of foundation wall 152, by means of an anchor bolt 176 and its associated nut and washer. 16

As will now be evident to those having ordinary skill in the frame building design art, informed by the present disclosure, anchor bolts 174 and 176 also serve to anchor the entire lower floor wall section 102 to foundation wall 152, and particularly upper internal anchors 122 and 124. Thus, anchors 122 and 124, and tension members 106, 106', 108, 108', can be seen to constitute a portion of a stress transfer network which is anchored to foundation wall 152.

As further seen in Fig. 5 A, a bore 178 passes through top plate 102.1 of wall framing section 102 and is in registration with tie hole 122.3 of anchor 122. Similarly, a bore 180 passes through top plate 102.1 and is in registration with tie hole 124.3 in anchor 124.

Similar bores 182 and 184 are provided through sole plate 104.4, which bores are in registration with tie holes 118.3, 120.3 in anchors 1 18 and 120.

Further, intermediate bores are provided which extend through floor structure 154 in alignment with bores 178 and 182. and in alignment with bores 180 and 184.

A threaded rod 186 passes through bore 178, through bore 182, through floor structure 154, through tie holes 122.3 and 1 18.3, and projects above the buck plate of anchor 118 and below the buck plate of anchor 122. Suitable nuts and spring washers such as plain helical spring washers are applied to the top and bottom ends of threaded rod 186 and snugged against the buck plates of anchors 1 18 and 122, thereby securely fastening anchors 1 18 and 122 together, along with the floor structure located therebetween.

Anchors 120 and 124, and the floor structure located therebetween are similarly securely fastened together by means of a threaded rod 128 and its associated nuts and spring washers.

Thus, it will be seen that a complete stress transfer network section comprised of anchors 1 14, 116, 1 18, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, tension members 106, 108, 110 and 1 12, etc., is coupled together, extending from foundation wall 152 to the top of the upper story wall frame of building 100. 17

In accordance with the present invention, external upper anchors 1 14, 1 16 may be replaced by internal upper anchors like anchors 118, 120, etc., and thus upwardly projecting threaded rods may be provided which project upwardly from top plate 104.1, which upwardly projecting threaded rods may be used for tying the roof structure of building 100 to the abovesaid stress transfer network, and the roof structure may thus be coupled directly to the foundation wall of building 100.

While the internal anchors of the present invention described hereinabove are provided with but one aperture for receiving a bolt of threaded rod for securing the anchor to its associated frame member, it is to be understood that in accordance with the present invention any internal anchor of the invention may be provided with more than one such aperture where anymore than one bolt or threaded rod may be used to affix and internal anchor of the invention to its associated frame member. The anchors adjacent foundation walls, however, will in general be provided with but one aperture. Referring now to Fig. 10, there is shown a horizontal tying device which is a part of the stress transfer networks of certain embodiments of the present invention. Lower corners of two adjacent wall framing sections 200, 202 of a particular embodiment of the present invention are shown in Fig. 10.

As seen in Fig. 10, the sole plates 200.1 and 202.1 of two wall framing sections 200, 202 are brought together in mutually abutting relationship.

As also seen in Fig. 10, outer studs 200.2 and 202.2 of wall framing sections 200 and 202 are disposed in mutually contacting relationship.

In the usual manner, each wall framing section 200, 202 also includes an inner stud 200.3, 202.3. As further seen in Fig. 10, each wall framing section 200, 202 is provided with an internal anchor 204, 206, respectively. Anchors 204 and 206 are both substantially identical to the anchors 126, 128 shown in Fig. 5 A and described in connection therewith, with the exception of slots 226, 228, 226', 228', the structure and function of which will be described hereinafter. Bores 208 and 210 are made through sole plates 200.1 and 202.1, respectively. Bores 208 and 210 correspond in structure and function to bores 170 and 172 shown in Fig. 5 A.

Anchor bolts 212 and 214, captive in foundation wall 216 in the well known manner, pass through bores 208 and 210, respectively, and through tie holes 218 and 220, respectively, which pass through the base plates and buck plates of respective anchors 204 and 206.

Each anchor bolt 212, 214 is threaded over its upper surface portion, and is provided with a suitable nut and spring washer, which nut coacts with those threads. The respective nuts interengage with the threads of anchor bolts 212 and 214, respectively, and are tightened against the respective associates spring washers of anchors 204 and 206, thus securely and resiliently fastening each anchor 204, 206 and its associated sole plate 200.1, 202.1 to the top of foundation wall 216.

Each anchor 204, 206 is attached to one end of an associated tension member in the manner described hereinabove in connection with Fig. 5A.

The internal anchors 204, 206 shown in Fig. 10 differ from the internal anchors 126, 128, etc., shown in Fig. 5A, only in that anchors 204 and 206 are provided, respectively, with slots 226 and 228, and with registered slots 226' and 228', in the opposite side plates. The sheet steel stock material of anchors 204 and 206 which is displaced to form slots 226, 228, 226' and 228' is not completely removed, but rather is bent inwardly of its associated anchor in such manner as to form a curved edge adjacent studs 200.3 and 202.3. in order to avoid the presenting of sharp slot edges to the strapping material which passes therethrough, as described hereinafter. As yet further seen in Fig. 10, a piece of steel strapping material 230 is passed through slots 226 and 228. The same piece 230 of steel strapping material is also passed through registered slots 226' and 228'. and passed behind the four studs 200.3, 200.2, 202.2, and 202.3 as seen in Fig. 10. 19

After being passed across the backs of these studs and then forwardly through slots 226' and 226, and through slots 228' and 228, the ends of strap 230 are joined together by a strap crimp seal 232 of well known type.

Strap 230 and strap crimp seal 232 may be let into the faces of studs 200.3, 200.2, 202.2 and 202.3 in order to avoid interference with the sheathing, sheetrock or the like which later overlies those studs.

Thus, it will be seen by those having ordinary skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, that strap 230 serves, in accordance with the present invention, to securely tie wall framing sections 200 and 202 together. Fig. 11 illustrates a portion of a typical frame house 300 of the present invention, which includes a stress transfer network of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As seen in Fig. 1 1, the portion of frame house 300 shown therein includes six cross-braced wall framing sections 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown and described hereinabove.

Thus, for example, wall framing section 308 includes two flexuous bracing members 314, 316 of the kind shown and described hereinabove.

As further seen in Fig. 11, the stress transfer network of the present invention shown in part therein further includes horizontal tying devices or ties of the kind shown and described hereinabove in connection with Fig. 10, or modifications thereof.

Thus, for example, horizontal ties 336, 338, 340 and 342 of the invention embrace and support intermediate, non-braced wall framing sections (defining window openings) which are interposed between cross-braced wall framing sections 306 and 310, and between cross-braced wall framing sections 308 and 312.

Also in accordance with the present invention, certain horizontal ties, such as horizontal ties 328, 330, 332, 334, embrace associated corner posts 352 and 354.

Yet further in accordance with the present invention, at least some of the uppermost anchors shown in Fig. 1 1 are associated with threaded rods which extend 20

through the upper top plates 364, and coupling devices attached to those threaded rods are themselves attached to rafters or other parts of the roof structure 368, as by means of L-shaped plates 360, 362, or the like.

Also, as described hereinabove, in accordance with the present invention, lowest anchor 370 is directly linked to anchor bolt 374, and lowest anchor 372 is directly linked to anchor bolt 376.

As will now be evident to those having ordinary skill in the building construction art, informed by the present disclosure, the reinforcing system of the present invention, as shown and described herein, makes it possible to incorporate into the structure of an otherwise substantially conventional frame building a stress transfer network, whereby at least a substantial number of the wall framing sections of that building are directly, mechanically coupled to each other and to the foundation of that building, the network being unitary in the sense that it is completely interconnected, both vertically and horizontally. Less comprehensive stress transfer networks also fall within the scope of the present invention.

As will also be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, the sections of the stress transfer network of the invention which are affixed to each individual wall framing section replace substantial numbers of nails, formed sheet metal connectors, etc., and reduce the labor involved in the construction of each wall framing section, resulting in substantial savings in the cost of fabricating each individual wall framing section, and in joining those wall framing sections together.

As seen in Fig. 6, the principles, apparatus and techniques of the present invention are applicable to building frames consisting largely of formed sheet steel building members, such as "steel 2x4s", etc. As seen in Fig. 6, the major difference between a wood-framed building embodying the present invention and a largely steel- framed building embodying the present invention is that the internal anchors are recessed within the horizontal frame members in steel- framed buildings. The present invention also finds use in reinforcing wood- steel hybrid framed buildings. 21

Referring now to Fig. 13, there is shown an alternative anchor embodiment 420 of the present invention.

As seen in Fig. 13, anchor 420 is mounted closely adjacent the intersection of two framing members, viz., a stud 422 and a plate 424. As also seen in Fig. 13, anchor 420 is comprised of a base plate or attaching portion 426 and a connecting plate or coupling portion 428; connecting plate 428 being erected upon base plate 426 in perpendicular relation thereto.

It is within the scope of the present invention to fabricate anchor 420 as two separate parts which are subsequently joined together, as by arc welding, or to fabricate anchor 420 as a single, unitary part, as by casting or forging.

It is to be noted as a principal feature of the present invention that the width W of base plate 426 is equal to or less than the width W of the plate 424 upon which anchor 420 is mounted. The width W of base plate 426, in Fig. 13. is equal to the width W of plate 424. It is to be understood, however, that anchors having base plates of which the width is less than the width of the associated plate member or stud member fall within the scope of the present invention.

It is further to be understood that while anchor 420 is used in connection with a wooden wall frame section, as seen in Fig. 13, the use of anchors substantially identical to anchor 420 in wall framing sections comprised of metallic elements, such as "steel 2 x 4s", falls within the scope of the present invention.

Returning to Fig. 13, it will be seen that a brace-receiving hole or tension member receiving aperture 430 is provided in connecting plate 428.

As will now be understood by those having ordinary skill in the building construction art, informed by the present disclosure, it is intended, as part of the present invention, that tension member receiving aperture 430 will receive one end of a loop of steel strapping tape or other flexuous tension member material.

Thus, when anchors of the present invention substantially identical to anchor 420 are employed in a wall section frame, the diagonally opposed anchors will be joined by a loop of steel strapping tape or the like which passes through the elongated flexuous tension member receiving apertures of both of these anchors. 22

It will also be understood by those having ordinary skill in the building construction art, informed by the present disclosure, that the angle between the upper elongated edge 432 of aperture 430 and the lower face 434 of base plate 426 is determined in accordance with the calculated value of the angle A between the top of plate 424 and either one of the elongated edges of the associated flexuous member loop.

As also seen in Fig. 13, base plate 426 is fastened to plate 424 by means of four threaded rods or bolts 436, 438, 440 and 442 (not shown), four associated nuts

436', 438', 440' and 442' (not shown), and four associated spring washers 436", 438",

440", and 442" (not shown). As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the building construction art, informed by the present disclosure, anchors substantially identical to anchor 420 may be used in building constructions of the kind shown in Figs. 5A, 5B,

6A and 6B wherein the threaded rods fixing the anchors in their intended positions extend through the intermediate plates and floor structure or into an associated foundation wall, the threaded rods associated with each anchor being used to join vertically adjacent anchors and also to fasten each anchor to its associated plate or foundation wall.

Referring now to Fig. 14, it will be seen that an alternative anchor embodiment 450 is shown therein. Alternative anchor embodiment 450 is comprised of a base plate or attaching portion 452 and a connecting plate or coupling portion 454. both of which are substantially identical to corresponding elements 426 and 428 of anchor 420 except as noted hereinafter.

Anchor 450, like anchor 420, is located at or near the intersection of a stud 456 and a plate 458 of the wall framing section shown in part in Fig. 14.

It is to be understood, however, that in certain applications of internal anchors of the present invention these anchors will sometimes be located remotely from the intersection of a stud and a plate. Further, anchor 450 is affixed to plate 458 by associated threaded rods 460, nuts 462 and spring washers 462", in the same manner in which anchor 420 is affixed to plate 424, etc.

Anchor 450 differs principally from anchor 420 in that connection plate 454 is provided with a circular aperture 464, rather than an elongated rectilinear aperture like aperture 432 of anchor 420.

It is to be understood that aperture 464 is of the same configuration, and serves the same purpose, as the apertures 36.1 and 36.2 shown in Figs. 4C and 4D.

As also seen in Fig. 14, a radius plate or shoe 466 is contained in aperture 464.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the building construction art, informed by the present disclosure, radius plate or shoe 466 is of substantially the same construction, and provided for substantially the same purpose, as radius plate or shoe 52 shown in Figs. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D. It is further to be understood that while the embodiments of the present invention shown and described hereinabove include but one anchor at each corner of a building wall framing section of the present invention, the present invention also embraces building wall framing sections in which two anchors are affixed to the building wall framing section at each corner thereof. It is also to be understood that, in accordance with the present invention, two anchors of the present invention as shown and described hereinabove may be combined in a single anchor which not only provides anchoring for two or more cross- bracing members but also reinforces the corner joint at which such a pair of combined anchors is located. Thus, for example, alternative anchor embodiment 450 shown in Fig. 14 may be modified by (1) the incorporation therein of a second base plate which confronts stud 456 and is integrally joined with connecting plate 454 and base plate 452, (2) the provision in connecting plate 454 (somewhat enlarged) of a second aperture substantially identical to aperture 464. 24

Alternatively, within the scope of the present invention, two anchors substantially identical to anchor 450 may be provided at each corner of a building wall framing section of the present invention, one anchor being affixed to the stud and the other being affixed to the horizontal plate member, and a rigid link provided which is preferably pivotably affixed to the base plate or connecting plate of each of the anchors of the pair, or a rigid linking plate is provided which has two opposite edges hinged to the respective base plates of the two anchors, each hinge of the linking plate being hingedly joined to one of the adjacent edges of the two base plates.

It is yet further to be understood that, in accordance with the present invention, when such a double anchor arrangement of the present invention is employed, the two loops of flexuous cross-bracing material associated with any diagonally opposed pair of dual anchor elements are preferably crossed over each other at mid-span, i.e., each loop which is affixed to the stud-confronting anchor at one corner is affixed to the plate-confronting anchor at the diagonally-opposed corner. Referring now to Fig. 15, there is shown an alternative anchor embodiment 500 of the present invention.

As seen in Fig. 15, anchor 500 is mounted closely adjacent the intersection of two frame members, viz., a stud 502 and a plate 504.

As also seen in Fig. 15, anchor 500 is comprised of a base plate or attaching portion 506 and a connecting plate or coupling portion 508; connecting plate 508 being erected upon base plate 506 in perpendicular relationship thereto.

It is within the scope of the present invention to fabricate anchor 500 as two separate parts which are subsequently joined together, as by arc welding, or to fabricate anchor 500 as a single, unitary part, as by casting or forging. In accordance with the present invention, as is also true of anchors 420 and 450, the width of base plate 506, transverse to plate 504, is preferably equal to or less than the width of plate member 504. It is further to be understood that while anchor 500 is used in connection with a wooden building wall framing section, as shown in Fig. 15, the use of anchors substantially identical to anchor 500 in wall framing sections 25

comprised of metallic elements or framing members, such as sheet steel 2 x 4s, falls within the scope of the present invention.

Returning to Fig. 15, it will be seen that a pair of circular apertures 510, 512 are provided in connecting plate 508. As will now be evident to those having ordinary skill in the building construction art, informed by the present disclosure, each of these circular apertures 510, 512 serves the same purpose as aperture 464 in connecting plate 454 (Fig. 14).

As also seen in Fig. 15, each aperture 510, 512 is adapted to coact with an associated radius plate or shoe, 514, 516, respectively, in the manner shown and described hereinabove.

Thus, it will be seen that radius plates or shoes 514, 516 are each of substantially the same construction and configuration, and are provided for substantially the same purpose as radius plate or shoe 52 shown in Figs. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D.

As will also be evident to those having ordinary skill in the building construction art, informed by the present disclosure, each aperture 510, 512 is a brace- receiving hole or tension member receiving aperture of the kind shown in Figs. 4C and 4D, and described hereinabove in connection therewith.

As will be further seen, it is intended as part of the present invention that each such tension member receiving aperture (e.g., 510, 512) will receive one end of a loop of steel strapping or banding tape or other flexuous tension member material.

Thus, when anchors of the present invention substantially identical to anchor 500 are employed in a building wall framing section, the diagonally opposed anchors will be joined by two loops of steel strapping tape or the like, each of which loops of steel strapping tape or the like passes through one of the apertures in each of the diagonally opposed anchors. Thus, a diagonally opposed pair of such anchors will be interconnected by two loops of steel strapping tape or the like, and all four apertures will contain one end of one such loop.

It is to be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the interconnection of opposed anchors by two loops of strapping tape. 26

It is further to be understood that base plate 506 is provided with a pair of holes each of which is adapted to receive a threaded rod or bolt 518, 520; each of which threaded rods or bolts is provided with an associated nut 522, 524. and an associated spring washer 552', 524' whereby base plate 506 is affixed to its associated plate member 504.

It will also be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, that connecting plate 508 will be somewhat larger than connecting plate 454 (Fig. 14) in order to accommodate the two apertures 510, 512, and at the same time to be of sufficient strength. In accordance with another feature of the present invention, as shown in

Fig. 15, the two holes which receive threaded rods 518, 520, are located in substantially the same plane as connecting plate 508.

Referring now to Figs. 16, 16A, 16B and 16C, there is shown a partial- brace assembly 550 which is a principal feature of the present invention. As seen in Figs. 16, 16A and 16C, partial-brace assembly 550 is comprised of a segment 552 of steel strapping or banding tape or the like, and is further comprised of a radius plate or shoe member 554.

As particularly seen in Fig. 16, shoe member 554 is contained within a tight bend formed in segment 552 of strapping or banding tape or the like. It has been determined to be a critical part of the present invention that strap 552 tightly conform to the surface contour of upper edge 554' of shoe 554.

As best seen in Fig. 16C, the rectilinear upper edge 554' of shoe 554 is not a planar surface, but rather is an arcuate surface of semi-circular cross-section, in order to avoid the bending of strap 552 around a square corner. That is to say, upper edge 554' of shoe 554 (Fig. 16C) preferably takes the form of one half of a right circular cylinder split into halves; by a cutting plane which contains the axis of the cylinder.

As seen in Fig. 16A, shoe member 554 is positioned on strap segment 552 at the intended location of the bend therein, i.e., at the intersection between 27

subsegment 552' and subsegment 552" of segment 552, and is then affixed to segment 552 by means of a pair of spot welds 556, or other suitable affixing means.

Segment 552 is then bent around the rectilinear edge 554' of shoe member 554 until, as shown in Fig. 16, subsegment 552" is in face-to-face contact with the face 554'" of shoe member 554.

It is to be particularly noted that, in accordance with a feature of the present invention, strapping or banding material 552 is affixed to one side only (554") of shoe 554, in order to make the installation of partial-brace 550 in an associated anchor of the present invention (e.g., anchor 500) as easy and expeditious as possible. It will also be seen that in accordance with the present invention shoe member 554 (Fig. 16) is fixed within the tight bend in segment 552 shown therein.

Also in accordance with the present invention, subsegments 552' and 552" are of different lengths, subsegment 552" being the shorter, so that when two half- braces of the invention are installed in cooperative relationship, jointly extending between anchors fixed in diagonally opposed corners of a building wall framing section of the invention, and these partial-braces are joined together by means of two conventional banding clamps or crimp seals to form a closed loop or cross-brace, these clamps or crimp seals do not confront each other, and thus do not produce a protrusion extending outside the building wall framing section, as would be the case if one of these clamps or crimp seals contacted an outer face of a centrally located stud, e.g., stud 26 in Fig. 1, and the other clamp or crimp seal overlaid the first one.

As will now be evident to those having ordinary skill in the building construction art, informed by the present disclosure, the two partial-braces jointly spanning diagonally opposed corners of a building wall framing section of the present invention, when joined together by two conventional clamps or crimp seals, after each having been passed through a brace-receiving aperture of one of the opposed anchors, the thus joined together partial-braces form a closed loop which passes through a brace- receiving aperture of each of the respective associated anchors. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when two partial-braces are installed between two associated diagonally-opposed anchors of the present invention, tension is drawn 28

between the associated anchors. Thus, when the installation of two associated partial- braces is completed, each pair of associated partial-braces forms a complete loop which joins the pair of associated anchors and exerts tension between them.

It is to be particularly noted that, as seen in Fig. 16A, shoe 554 differs from shoe 52 shown in Figs. 3 A, 3B, 3C and 3D in that bearing edge 554.1 of shoe 554 is not provided with flanges similar to flanges 58 and 60 (Fig. 3D).

It is also preferable in some embodiments of the present invention that shoe 554 be slightly thicker than the portions of the associated anchors which define the apertures through which strapping tape 552 and the corresponding strapping tape segment of its associated partial-brace are passed.

In accordance with the present invention, the preferred method of installing a half-brace 550 in its associated anchor of the present invention comprises the step of feeding the shorter subsegment 552" into a brace-receiving aperture in that anchor, and then pulling subsegment 552" through that aperture until shoe 554 is located in that aperture.

It is then preferred that shoe 554 of partial-brace 550 be temporarily locked in its associated anchor aperture by means of a toggle clamp such as a pair of Vice-Grip pliers while half-brace 550 is being permanently connected to its associated half-brace by means of conventional crimp seals or clamps as described hereinabove. Such a toggle clamp, and a toggle clamp associated with the diagonally opposed anchor, are preferably provided with jaw faces smaller in area than shoe 554, whereby shoe 554 and the shoe of the associated half-brace remain free to rotate in their associated anchor apertures.

Referring now to Figs. 17 and 17A, there is shown in part a partial-brace of the present invention which is adapted for coaction with a rectangular anchor aperture, or with any other anchoring aperture having opposed rectilinear edges.

Partial -brace 560 is comprised of a segment 562 of strapping or banding tape and a shoe 564 which is provided with a rectilinear upper edge 564' and a planar- faced rectilinear lower edge 564" of semi-circular cross-section, like edge 554' of shoe 554 (Fig. 16A). 29

As best seen in Fig. 17A, the upper edge 564' of shoe 564 is preferably not flat, but rather is so formed as to have a semi-circular cross-section, like edge 554' of half-brace 550.

Further, strapping segment 562 is affixed to one face only of shoe 564, e.g., by spot welds 566. Strapping material segment 562 is preferably not affixed to the opposite side of shoe 564. As also seen in Fig. 17A, strapping material segment 562 is tightly bent around straight upper edge 564' of shoe 564 as seen in phantom in Fig. 17A.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the building construction art, informed by the present disclosure, the generally rectangular anchor aperture adapted to receive partial-brace 560 will be parallel-sided, as is aperture 432 shown in Fig. 13, but will be considerably wider than aperture 432 shown in Fig. 13.

It is yet further to be understood that in accordance with the present invention partial-braces of certain embodiments thereof may be simple bent strapping or bending tape segments, unprovided with any kind of shoe. Referring now to Figs. 18 and 18A, there is shown an anchor 600 of a yet further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

It is to be understood that anchor 600 may be substituted for any of the anchors of the present invention.

As seen in Fig. 18, anchor 600 is of the form sometimes called the "saddle". That is to say, anchor 600 is comprised of three generally planar parts 602, 604, and 606, i.e., a central or base part 602 and a pair of side parts 604 and 606 which are erected upon opposite sides of base part 602.

Side parts 604 and 606 are preferably bent from the same piece of sheet steel stock as base part 602. As seen in Fig. 18, base part 602 is provided with a plurality of bolt receiving holes 608 through which will pass the bolts which affix anchor 600 to its associated wooden framing member or members.

As also seen in Fig. 18, base part 602 is further provided with a plurality of downwardly depending triangle-shaped teeth 610. Each such tooth is formed by punching a pair of elongated holes in base part 602, and bending the triangular portion 30

of base part 602 defined therebetween downwardly until it is substantially perpendicular to base part 602.

The principal function of teeth 610. which are driven into said associated wooden framing member, is to curtail shifting motion of anchor 600 with respect to said wooden framing member.

In accordance with a further principal feature of the present invention teeth 610 may be formed in a separate plate (purchased as a commercially available item) and subsequently affixed to base part 602 of anchor 600, as by spot welding.

As further seen in Fig. 18, each side part 604, 606 of anchor 600 is provided with respective circular holes, 612, 614.

Holes 612 and 614 are preferably in transverse relationship, i.e., the axis of hole 612 is preferably coincident with the axis of hole 614.

As further seen in Fig. 18, each hole 612, 614 contains a D-shaped shoe 616, 618 each of which is similar to the shoe 554 shown in Fig. 16A and described herein in connection therewith.

Comparing Figs. 18 and 18A it will be seen that a length of high tensile steel scraping 620 extends through hole 612 and passes around the straight edge of shoe 616. Similarly, a strap 622 passes through hole 614 in side part 606 and passes around the straight edge of shoe 618. Referring now to Fig. 18A, it will be seen that strap 620 closely embraces side part 604. Further, it will be seen that the outer portions of strap 602 are joined together, as by multiple spot welds 624.

As further seen in Fig. 18, outer end 620.1 of strap 620 extends beyond outer end 620.2 of strap 620. As also seen in Fig. 18, an additional length 626 of strapping is lappingly joined to the outer end 620.1 of strap 620, as by means of a conventional clamp seal 628 of the kind well known in the art of steel strap packaging.

As seen in Fig. 18, a second additional length of steel strapping 630 is affixed to the corresponding loop of strapping tape 622 in the same manner. 31

It is to be understood that each additional length 626, 630 of strapping tape extends diagonally across, from anchor 600 to its associated and substantially identical anchor located at the diametrically opposed corner of said framing section.

It will be understood, then, that an anchor substantially identical to anchor 600 is provided at each of the four corners of the associated framing section, and that one or two lengths of steel tape will extend between opposite corners of the framing section.

In accordance with another principal feature of the present invention the base part 602 of anchor 600 will preferably be underlain with a base plate similar to base plate 146 shown in Fig. 8A and described herein in connection therewith.

Thus, it will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, informed by the present disclosure, that the bolts which pass through holes 608 also pass through corresponding holes in the buck plate, and the associated nuts and washers overlie the buck plate. It is to be understood that such washers may preferably be one-turn helical spring washers of the well known type.

In certain applications of the present invention, however, it may be found desirable to substitute Shakeproof dome-type lock washers with toothed periphery of the type made and sold by the Illinois Tool Works (ITW). Referring to Figs. 19A and 19B, there is shown an anchor which is similar to anchor 600 but for the following additional inventive feature.

As seen in Figs. 19A and 19B, anchor 700 is comprised of an upwardly projecting tongue 702 which is integrally formed with the base part of anchor 700 and is bent upwardly to be substantially perpendicular to base part 704. Tongue 702 is provided with a sufficient plurality of fastener receiving holes to securely affix tongue 702 to an adjacent framing member.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the above constructions and the method carried out thereby without departing from the scope of the present invention it is intended that all matter 32

contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only, and not in a limited sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

CLAIMSThe inventive subject matter of this Patent Application may be claimed in the following claims, inter alia:

1. An anchor for anchoring an end of at least one flexuous tension member, comprising: a plurality of substantially rigid wall members each of which includes a substantially planar portion, which wall members are joined together along a plurality of common edges to form a unitary anchor body; at least one of said wall members defining a tension member receiving aperture, the periphery of said at least one aperture including a curvilinear portion configured as an arc of a circle.

2. An anchor as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising contact face defining means defining a contact face adapted to be contacted by a part of said tension member.

3. An anchor as claimed in claim 2 in which said contact face defining means further includes sliding bearing means adapted for sliding along said curvilinear portion of said periphery of said at least one aperture.

4. An anchor as claimed in claim 1, comprising three of said wall members, each of which wall members is provided with one of said tension member receiving apertures.

5. An anchor as claimed in claim 1 in which said wall members form a pocket capable of containing the ends of the elongated structural members which meet at a corner of a building wall section frame. 34

6. An anchor as claimed in claim 2 in which said contact face defining means is a unitary member one edge portion of which is said contact face and another edge portion of which is of circular configuration the radius of which is substantially equal to the radius of said curvilinear portion of said periphery of said at least one aperture.

7. An anchor as claimed in claim 6, further comprising first and second flanges disposed on opposite sides of said curvilinear edge portion of the periphery of said contact face defining means.

8. A building wall section frame, comprising: a plurality of elongated rigid structural members juxtaposed in the juxtaposition in which such members are juxtaposed in a conventional building wall section frame; a plurality of tension member anchors embracing respectively the corners of said juxtaposition of elongated rigid structural members; and diagonally-directed flexuous tension members extending between and affixed to the diagonally opposed ones of said tension member anchors.

9. A building wall section frame as claimed in claim 8 in which said flexuous tension members are straps.

10. A building wall section frame as claimed in claim 8 in which said tension member anchors include contact face defining means mounted in apertures defined by walls of said anchors for sliding movement along a portion of the periphery of each respective aperture.

11. A building wall section frame as claimed in claim 10 in which said flexuous tension members are straps. 35

12. A building wall section frame, comprising: a plurality of elongated rigid structural members juxtaposed as such members are juxtaposed in a conventional building wall section frame; flexuous cross-bracing means; and anchoring means for anchoring said cross-bracing means to predetermined parts of said plurality of structural means; said cross-bracing means being loops of strapping material which pass through diagonally opposed ones of said anchoring means.

13. A building wall section frame as claimed in claim 12 in which said anchoring means embrace the corners of said plurality of elongated rigid structural members.

14. A building wall section frame as claimed in claim 12 in which said anchoring means are affixed to the inner faces of particular ones of said structural members and do not extend beyond the outer edges of said inner faces of said structural members.

15. A building wall section frame as claimed in claim 14 in which neither said anchoring means nor said cross-bracing means extend beyond said outer edges of said inner faces of said structural members.

16. A frame building, comprising: a plurality of cross-braced building wall section frames each of which includes cross-brace anchoring means and flexuous cross-bracing means secured to diagonally opposed pairs of said anchoring means; and linking means for linking together cross-brace anchoring means of adjacent wall framing sections.

17. A frame building as claimed in claim 16 further comprising linking means for linking some of said anchoring means adjacent to the foundation wall of the building to the foundation wall of the building.

18. A frame building as claimed in claim 16 further comprising linking means for linking at least some of said anchoring means to the roof structure of the building.

19. An anchor for anchoring elongated flexuous bracing means to a part of a building wall framing section, comprising: an attaching portion for use in attaching said anchor to said part of said framing section; and a coupling portion for use in coupling said anchor to a part of said flexuous bracing means; at least a part of said attaching portion being non-coplanar with at least a part of said coupling portion.

20. An anchor as claimed in claim 19 in which said coupling portion is substantially entirely located between mutually confronting members of said framing section when said attaching portion is attached to the inner face of said part of said framing section.

21. An anchor as claimed in claim 19 in which said anchor is substantially entirely located between mutually confronting members of said framing section when said attaching portion is attached to the inner face of said part of said framing section.

22. An anchor as claimed in claim 19 in which said attaching portion is adapted to embrace said part of said framing section.

23. An anchor as claimed in claim 19 in which said attached portion comprises a substantially planar face adapted to be affixed in abutting relation to the inner face of said part of said framing section.

24. An anchor for anchoring elongated flexuous bracing means to a part of a building wall framing section, comprising: 37

an attaching portion for use in attaching said anchor to said part of said framing section; and a coupling portion for use in coupling said anchor to a part of said flexuous bracing means; said anchor being so constructed and arranged that when it is affixed to a surface area of a member of said building wall framing section located between and in predetermined relation to opposed elongated edges of said member it lies between first and second planes perpendicular to said surface and respectively containing said elongated edges.

25. An elongated flexuous bracing member, comprising: a shoe member having opposed planar surfaces and at least one edge surface; and first and second segments of elongated high-strength flexuous material; said first and second segments of high-strength flexuous material being affixed to said opposed planar surfaces, respectively, and extending therefrom past a predetermined part of said edge surface.

26. An elongated flexuous bracing member as claimed in claim 25 in which said shoe member has a rectilinear edge portion and a curvilinear edge portion and said segments of high-strength flexuous material are joined by a common portion which passes around said rectilinear edge portion.

27. Anchoring means for anchoring cross-bracing means to diagonally opposed corners of building wall section frames, each of which anchoring means is adapted to embrace a part of one of said frames.

28. Anchoring means as claimed in claim 27 in which said part of one of said frames is a corner thereof. 38

29. Anchoring means for anchoring cross-bracing means to diagonally opposed corners of building wall section frames, each of which anchoring means is adapted to be affixed to the inner face of a structural member of one of said frames without extending beyond the outer edges of said inner face of said structural member.