Abstract:
A two-piece bracket adapted to resist forces in both tension and compression. The tension/compression bracket is formed from stamped, plate steel and is preassembled by clinching or with structural adhesives. The tension/compression bracket provides a range of adjustability of attachment to allow for a limited range of placement of other components that attach to the tension/compression bracket. In one embodiment, the tension/compression bracket includes a resilient resistance to tension forces. The resilient resistance is provided by a high spring constant coil spring. The resilient resistance provides a limited degree of movement under tension. The limited degree of movement is chosen by component selection to be non-damaging.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/932,530 filed Aug. 17, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,940, entitled “TWO-PIECE CLINCHED PLATE TENSION/COMPRESSION BRACKET.” This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/226,359 filed Aug. 18, 2000, entitled “TWO-PIECE CLINCHED PLATE TENSION/COMPRESSION BRACKET.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to the construction industry and, in particular, concerns a method of interconnecting building members to anchor structures. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In typical residential and light industrial/commercial building frame wall construction, load bearing frame walls are comprised of a series of studs and posts that are anchored to the foundation and covered with sheathing material installed over both sides of the frame. Typically, the frame is constructed from a number of vertically extending studs that are positioned between and interconnected with upper and lower plates. The lower plates and/or vertical studs are typically anchored to the foundation in some fashion. The covering material, plywood, sheet rock, siding, plaster, etc. is then attached over the studs. 
     Natural forces commonly occur that impose vertical and horizontal forces on the structural elements of the buildings. These forces can occur during earth movement in an earthquake and from high wind conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, or other extreme weather conditions. If these forces exceed the structural capacity of the building, they can cause failures leading to damage to or the collapse of the building with resultant economic loss and potential injuries and loss of life. 
     A typical method of securing a frame to a foundation is to connect one end of a length of metal strapping to an end of wall stud and to embed the other end in the concrete foundation. Uplift forces acting on the building frame are resisted through the embedded strap. The use of metal strapping is convenient to install, but has strength limitations to inhibit uplift. In particular, the metal strapping is typically attached to a frame member such as a post using relatively few fasteners. Thus, each of the fasteners are subjected to a relatively large fraction of the transferring force, increasing the likelihood of the fastener or its attachment points failing. 
     Another need in existing construction materials and techniques arises with respect to the vertical loads carried by a building&#39;s frame. The gravity weight of a building and its contents direct a vertical load that is typically transferred to and carried by the vertical load bearing studs or posts of the building&#39;s frame. These vertical members typically bear at their lower end on a pressure treated mudsill. 
     A mudsill typically comprises a number of 2×4 pieces of lumber placed directly on a foundation so as to lay on the face defined by the 4″ dimension and the longest dimension. A mudsill is also used as a nailing surface along the lower extent of the exterior walls. The inherent structural problem with the mudsill, comprising a wooden member, is that it has less capacity to resist crushing because of the orientation of the grain of the wood. A compressive distortion in the mudsill allows the vertical load-bearing studs to move downwards due to the incident vertical load. Compressive movement of the vertical end studs in a shear panel creates deflection in the walls of the building, weakening the overall structure, providing impetus for cracks to form in the external and interior wall finishings, and potentially concentrating load stresses in unforeseen and damaging ways. 
     Furthermore, devices that fasten vertical members such as posts to the foundation do so in a substantially rigid manner. In certain force situations, having a substantially rigid and strong interconnection of the post to the foundation may lead to failures at another location. 
     From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that there is a continuing need for a method and device to continuously secure and anchor a building frame to a foundation. The desired anchoring method should be convenient to install, yet offer strength advantages to the existing use of metal strapping. It would be an additional advantage for the device to be capable of supporting vertical compression loads as well as tension loads to thereby enable the device to transfer loads directly to the foundation. There is a need for an attachment apparatus that permits use of ductile elements so as to allow the attachment apparatus to dissipate a portion of the tension or compression loads, while transferring the rest to the foundation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The aforementioned needs are satisfied by one aspect of the present teachings that relates to a device for transferring tension and compression forces incident on a metal vertical support of a building to an anchor bolt extending out of a foundation of the building. The device comprises an attachment member having at least one planar surface that is size to be attached to the metal vertical support of building. The attachment member includes a laterally extending section that extends outward from the planar surface. The device further comprises a load piece that is attached to the attachment member. The load piece includes a mounting section that defines a recess that receives the laterally extending section such that the laterally extending section reinforces the mounting section. The mounting section has an upper and lower surface that are substantially perpendicular to planar surface. The upper and lower surface include openings through which the anchor bolt extend such that the anchor bolt can be coupled to the load piece with the laterally extending section of the attachment member reinforcing the mounting section of the load piece. 
     In one embodiment, the attachment member is attached to the load piece via clinching. In another embodiment, the attachment member is attached to the load piece via an adhesive. In another embodiment, the attachment member is attached to the load piece via a combination of clinching and adhesive. 
     In one embodiment, the attachment member is attached to the metal vertical post by a plurality of fasteners such as self-tapping metal screws. In another embodiment, the attachment member is attached to the metal vertical support by an adhesive. In another embodiment, the attachment member is attached to the metal vertical support by a combination of an adhesive and a plurality of fasteners. 
     In one embodiment, the metal vertical post is formed from steel. In one embodiment, the steel post comprises a steel tube such as a rectangular shaped tube. In one embodiment, one of the sides of the rectangle has a dimension of approximately 3½″. In another steel embodiment, the steel post has a cross-sectional shape of a double-C-channel configuration comprising a back-to-back arrangement of two C-channels wherein each C-channel defines a recess within the “C” shape. In one embodiment, the recess defined by the C-channel is dimensioned to allow positioning of the attachment member and the load piece substantially therein. 
     Another aspect of the present teachings relates to a device for transferring tension and compression forces incident on a metal vertical support of a building to an anchor bolt extending out of a foundation of the building. The device comprises an attachment member having a planar surface that is attachable to the metal vertical support of the building. The attachment member is shaped so as to define a reinforcing section that extends outward from the planar surface. The device further comprises a mounting member that is attached to the attachment member, wherein the mounting member includes a planar surface and is shaped so as to define a mounting section that defines a recess which receives the reinforcing section of the attachment member. The mounting member includes openings so as to permit the anchor bolt to extend therethrough such that when the anchor bolt is mechanically coupled to the mounting section and the planar surface of the attachment member is attached to the metal vertical support of the building, tension and compression forces incident on the metal vertical support of the building can be transmitted to the anchor bolt. 
     In one embodiment, the attachment member is attached to the mounting member via clinching. In another embodiment, the attachment member is attached to the mounting member via an adhesive. In another embodiment, the attachment member is attached to the mounting member via a combination of clinching and adhesive. 
     In one embodiment, the attachment member is attached to the metal vertical post by a plurality of fasteners such as self-tapping metal screws. In another embodiment, the attachment member is attached to the metal vertical support by an adhesive. In another embodiment, the attachment member is attached to the metal vertical support by a combination of an adhesive and a plurality of fasteners. 
     In one embodiment, the metal vertical post is formed from steel. In one steel embodiment, the steel post comprises a steel tube such as a rectangular shaped tube. In one of the rectangular steel tube embodiment, one of the sides of the rectangle has a dimension of approximately 3½″. 
     In another embodiment, the steel post has a cross-sectional shape of a double-C-channel configuration comprising a back-to-back arrangement of two C-channels wherein each C-channel defines a recess within the “C” shape. In one embodiment, the recess defined by the C-channel is dimensioned to allow positioning of the attachment member and the mounting member substantially therein. 
     These and other objects and advantages will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a two-piece clinched plate tension/compression bracket interconnecting a post to a foundation so as to transfer tension and compression forces on the post to the foundation; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view illustrating an inner plate of the bracket of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of the inner plate of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  is a plan view of the inner plate of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2D  is a front view of the inner plate of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view illustrating an outer plate of the bracket of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a side view of the outer plate of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is a plan view of the outer plate of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3D  is a front view of the outer plate of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a hold down bolt, a washer plate, a slotted bearing plate, and a coupling nut that are used to interconnect the bracket to the foundation; 
         FIG. 5  illustrate an alternate embodiment of the bracket wherein an additional bearing plate enables the bracket to transfer portion of the downward compression force to the foundation; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein a spring couples the bracket to the foundation so as to provide ductility when the post experiences an uplifting force; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a bracket interconnecting a double-C channel metal post to a foundation so as to transfer tension and compression forces on the post to the foundation; 
         FIGS. 8A–8D  illustrate various views of an inner plate of the bracket adapted for use with the metal post; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of the interconnecting arrangement of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of a bracket interconnecting a rectangular metal tube post to a foundation so as to transfer tension and compression forces on the post to the foundation; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the interconnecting arrangement of  FIG. 10 ; and 
         FIGS. 12A  and B illustrate top views of the interconnecting arrangements of  FIGS. 7 and 10 , respectively. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a two piece clinched plate tension/compression bracket  100  (referred to as bracket hereinafter) interconnecting an elongate structure member such as a post  110  to a foundation  120 . The bracket  100  is attached to the post by a plurality of fasteners such as screws  150  or bolts in a substantially rigid manner. The bracket is further attached to an anchor member such as an anchor bolt  130  by a connecting assembly  140 . As will become evident with description of individual parts below, the bracket  100  is adapted to transfer tension and compression forces on the post  110  to the foundation  120 . In one embodiment, the bracket  100  is sized to allow finishing materials such a wall panels  160  to be installed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the bracket  100  comprises an inner plate  200  interposed between the post  110  and an outer plate  300 . The inner plate  200  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2D . As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the inner plate  200  comprises a rectangular shaped upper section  202  that extends lengthwise in a first direction from a first end  204  to a second end  206 . The upper section  202  further comprises a first side  210  and a second side  212 , such that the first and second sides  210  and  212  are substantially parallel and first and second ends  204  and  206  are substantially parallel. Attached to the second end  206  is a rectangular shaped base section  214  that extends in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The base section  214  is oriented such that its attachment edge coincides with the edge on the second end  206 . In the preferred embodiment, the inner plate  200  is made of a single contiguous member that is bent into the shape shown in  FIGS. 2A–2D . Thus, a plane defined by the upper section  202  is substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the base section  214 . The upper section  202  engages one of the sides of the post  110  in a manner described below. The base section  214  engages the bottom of the post  110  in a manner described below so as to be interposed between the post  110  and the foundation  120 . 
     The upper section  202  of the inner plate  200  defines a first recess  216  and a second recess  220 . The first recess  216  is located along the first side  210 , approximately ¾ of the way from the first end  204  to the second end  206 . The first recess  216  is defined by a first edge  222 , a second edge  224 , and a third edge  226  arranged such that the first and second edges  222  and  224  are substantially parallel to the first and second ends  204  and  206 , and the third edge  226  is substantially parallel to the first side  210 . The second edge  224  is between the first edge  222  and the second end  206 , and the third edge  226  is between the first side  210  and the second side  212 . 
     The second recess  220  is located along the second side  212 , and is a substantial mirror image of the first recess about a plane substantially perpendicular to the first section and substantially half way between the first and second sides  210  and  212 . Similar to the first recess  216 , the second recess  220  is defined by a first edge  230 , a second edge  232 , and a third edge  234 . The second edge  232  is parallel to, and between the first edge  230  and the second end  206 . The third edge  234  is parallel to, and between the second side  212  and the first side  210 . 
     As seen  FIGS. 2A and 2C , extending from the third edge  226  of the first recess  216  is a coupling section  236 . The coupling section  236  is a rectangular shaped member that extends in a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction specified above, and substantially opposite the second direction also specified above. A plane defined by the coupling section  236  is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the upper section  202 , and also substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the base section  214 . 
     Extending from the coupling section  236   a  is a flange section  240   a . The flange section  240   a  is a rectangular shaped member that extends towards the first side  210 . A plane defined by the flange section  240   a  is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the coupling section  236   a  and substantially parallel to the plane defined by the upper section  202 . 
     In a similar manner, extending from the third edge  234  of the second recess  220  is a coupling section  236   b  and a flange section  240   b , wherein the coupling and flange sections  236   b ,  240   b  are substantial mirror images of the coupling and flange sections  236   a  and  240   b , respectively, about the plane substantially perpendicular to the upper section  202  and substantially half way between the first and second sides  210  and  212 . Thus the coupling section  236   b  extends in the third direction, and is substantially parallel to the coupling section  236   a . The flange section  240   b  extends from the coupling section  236   b  towards the second side  212 . 
     The coupling sections  236   a ,  236   b  and the flange sections  240   a ,  240   b  have dimensions along the first direction that are less than the separation distance between the first and second edges  222  and  224  of the first recess  216  by approximate an amount necessary to cut out the coupling sections  236   a ,  236   b  from the first section  202 . The flange sections  240   a ,  240   b  sized such that when the inner plate  200  is viewed facing the first section, as in  FIG. 2D , the flange sections  240   a ,  240   b  are superimposed substantially within the first recess  216 . 
     The coupling sections  236   a ,  236   b  and the flange section  240   a ,  204   b , when viewed in cross section along the first direction, extend in two dimensions, so as to resist buckling when subjected to forces along (and opposite) the first direction. The coupling sections  236   a ,  236   b  and flange sections  240   a ,  240   b  are sized to fit inside a portion of the outer plate  300  in a manner described below. In particular, the coupling sections  236   a ,  236   b  and the upper section  202  define an opening  246 , as seen in  FIG. 2C , through which a bolt extends in the first direction so as to interconnect the bracket  100  to the foundation  120  in a manner described below. 
     The upper section  202  of the inner plate  200  further defines a plurality of fastener holes  250  that permit the screws  150  ( FIG. 1 ) to extend therethrough so as to engage the post  110 . The fastener holes  250  are arranged throughout the upper section  202  in a selected manner so as to distribute the forces being transferred throughout the upper section  202 . 
     The upper section of the inner plate  200  further defines a plurality of clinch holes  252  that are sized to receive a plurality of clinches on the outer plate  300  described below. As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2D , the flange sections  240   a ,  240   b  also define a plurality of clinch holes  252  that are sized to receive clinches on the outer plate  300 . The clinch holes  252  are arranged throughout the upper and flange sections  202 ,  240   a , and  240   b  in a selected manner so as to mechanically couple the inner plate  200  to the outer plate  300  in a substantially rigid manner such that transfer of forces is further improved. 
     In one embodiment, the inner plate  200  is formed from an ⅛″ thick steel plate. The upper section  202  has dimensions of approximately 1′–6″×3½″. The first and second recesses  216  and  220  are approximately ¾″ deep (distance between the first, second sides  210 ,  212  and the respective third edges  226 ,  234 ), and approximately 3″ high (distance between respective first, second edges  222 ,  224  and  230 ,  232 ). The first edges  222  and  230  of the first and second recesses  216  and  220  are separated from the first end  204  by approximately 1′. Each of the coupling sections  236   a ,  236   b  has dimensions of approximately 1⅜″ in the third direction, and approximately 2¼″ in the first direction. Each of the flange sections  240   a ,  240   b  has dimensions of approximately ¾″ towards first and second sides  210  and  212 , and approximately 2½″ in the first direction. The base section  214  extends approximately 3⅝″ in the second direction, and is approximately 3½″ wide. The fastener holes  250  are sized to have a diameter of approximately ¼″. 
       FIGS. 3A to 3D  illustrate the outer plate  300  that is positioned adjacent the inner plate  200  as shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the outer plate  300  comprises a series of rectangular shaped sections connected in series, edges to edges, extending in first, second, and third directions specified above. Specifically, the second and third directions are substantially opposite to each other, and substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The outer plate  300  comprises a first end  324  from which an upper section  302  extends lengthwise in the first direction. A first offset section  304   a  extends in the third direction from the end of the upper section  302 . A recessed section  306  extends in the first direction from the end of the second section  304 . A second offset section  304   b  extends in the second direction from the third section  306 . A lower section  310  extends in the first direction from the second section  304   b . The end of the lower section  310  defines a second end  326  of the outer plate  300 . 
     The upper section  302  and the lower section  310  are substantially coplanar, and substantially parallel to the recessed section  306 . The first and second offset sections  304   a ,  304   b  are substantially parallel with each other, and substantially perpendicular to the first section  302 . The second and fourth sections  304  and  308  have substantially similar dimensions. 
     The offset sections  304   a ,  304   b  and the recessed section  306  define a recess  312  that is located approximately ¾ of the way from the first end  324  to the second end  326 . The recess  312  is sized to receive the coupling sections  236   a ,  236   b  and the flange sections  240   a ,  240   b  of the inner plate  200 . The upper and lower sections  302  and  310  are sized to be engaged with the upper section  202  of the inner plate  200  in a manner described below. 
     The upper, lower and recessed sections  302 ,  306 , and  310  comprise a plurality of clinches  322  that are sized and arranged to be secured to the clinch holes  252  defined by the inner plate  200 . In particular, the clinches  322  on the upper section  302  of the outer plate  300  are secured to the clinch holes  252  defined by the upper portion of the upper section  202  of the inner plate  200 . The clinches  322  on the lower section  310  of the outer plate  300  are secured to the clinch holes  252  defined by the lower portion of the upper section  202  of the inner plate  200 . The clinches  322  on the recessed section  306  of the outer plate  300  are secured to the clinch holes  252  defined by the flange sections  240   a  and  240   b  of the inner plate  200 . The plurality of clinches described above secure the outer plate  300  to the inner plate  200  in a substantially rigid manner so as to improve the force transferring capacity of the bracket  100 . The clinching of the outer plate  300  to the inner plate  200  is preferably performed at a factory. 
     The upper and lower sections  302  and  310  of the outer plate  300  define a plurality of fastener holes  320  that permit fasteners such as screws  150  ( FIG. 1 ) to extend therethrough. The holes  320  are sized and arranged in a selected manner so as to substantially match the fastener holes  250  defined by the inner plate  200 . The holes  320  and the holes  250  permit the screws  150  to pass through so as to secure the bracket  100  to the post  110 . It will be appreciated that distribution of the fastener holes  320 ,  250  and the clinches  322 ,  252  throughout the bracket  100  permit the forces being transferred by the bracket  100  to be distributed so as to reduce localization of forces that can lead to structural failures. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3C , the first and second offset sections  304   a ,  304   b  of the outer plate  300  defines a first slot  314  and a second slot  316 , respectively. The first and second slots  314  and  316  extend along a fourth direction that is substantially perpendicular to both first and second (and thus third) directions. The slots  314 ,  316  permit a hold down bolt  170  ( FIG. 1 ) to extend therethrough so as to interconnect the bracket  100  to the foundation  120  in a manner described below. The slots  314 ,  316  permit limited adjustment in positioning of the bracket  100  to compensate for a possibly misaligned anchor bolt  130 . 
     In one embodiment, the outer plate  300  is formed from an ⅛″ thick steel plate. The width of the outer plate  300  along the fourth direction is approximately 3½, thus defining one of the dimensions of the five rectangular sections  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 . Thus, the other dimension of the five sections  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310  are, respectively, approximately 1′, 1½″, 3″, 1½″, 3″. The slots  314 ,  316  are approximately 2″ long end to end, and approximately ⅝″ wide. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , when the inner plate  200  is attached to the outer plate  300 , the coupling and flange sections  236   a ,  236   b  of the inner plate and the recess  246  defined therebetween are positioned within the recess  312  defined by the outer plate  300 . The coupling sections  236   a ,  236   b  and flange sections  240   a ,  240   b  extend in third and fourth directions, respectively, both of which are substantially perpendicular to the first direction so as to resist buckling under forces directed parallel to the first direction. Portions of the recess  246  of the inner plate  200  and the recess  312  of the outer plate  300  overlap to define a space interposed between the slots  314  and  316 , so as to permit the hold down bolt  170  to extend through. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the bracket  100  is interconnected to the foundation by the connecting assembly  140  that comprises the hold down bolt  170 , a washer plate  172 , a slotted bearing plate  176 , and a coupling nut  182 . These parts that form the connecting assembly  140  are illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The washer plate  172  is a rectangular shaped plate that defines a hole  174  through which the hold down bolt  170  passes through. The washer plate  172  distributes the load from the head of the hold down bolt  170  to the slotted bearing plate  176  that is positioned adjacent the washer plate  172 . 
     The slotted bearing plate  176  is a substantially stiff rectangular shaped plate that defines a slot  180  substantially centered that extends lengthwise. The bearing plate  176  is interposed between the washer plate  172  and the second section  304  ( FIG. 3B ) of the outer plate  300 , and is sized similar to the second section. When the post  110  is under tension, the upward force is transferred to the bracket  100 , and then to the hold down bolt  170  via the bearing plate  176  and the washer plate  172 . The bearing plate  176 , being in contact with the second section  304  face to face, distributes the contact force therebetween so as to inhibit deformation of the bracket  100 . 
     The slot  180  defined by the bearing plate  176  extends along the fourth direction specified above so as to provide limited adjustment of the positioning of the bracket relative to the anchor bolt  130 . The connecting assembly  140  further comprises a coupling nut  182  that mechanically couples the threaded end of the hold down bolt  170  to the threaded end of the anchor bolt  130  that protrudes from the foundation  120 . 
     In one embodiment, the hold down bolt  170  is a ⅝″×5¼″ bolt. The washer plate  172  is an approximately ¼″ thick steel plate with dimensions of approximately 2″×1½″. The hole  174  is sized to have a diameter of approximately 11/16″, and its center is located at the substantial center lengthwise, and approximately ⅝″ from one of the long sides so as to be off centered widthwise. The slotted bearing plate  176  is an approximately ½″ thick steel plate with dimensions of approximately 3½″×1½″. The slot  180  is approximately 2″ long from end to end, and is approximately 11/16″ wide. The center of the slot  180  is substantially centered lengthwise, and is located approximately ⅝″ from one of the long sides so as to be off centered widthwise. The coupling nut  182  is an approximately 2″ long nut that is threaded to receive ⅝″ bolts from both ends so as to provide mechanical coupling between the two bolts. 
     To interconnect the post  110  to the foundation  120 , the bracket  100  (comprising the factory clinched inner and outer plates  200  and  300 ) is positioned so as to be interposed between the post  110  and the anchor bolt  130 . The base section  214  is interposed between the post  110  and the foundation  120  to thereby protect the bottom of the post which allows for the use of non-pressure treated wood in some applications. The first section  202  of the inner plate  200  is in engagement lengthwise with the lower portion of the post  110 , and the second section  204  is interposed between the bottom of the post  110  and the foundation  120 . As such, the first direction specified above is downward. 
     The bracket  100  is attached to the post by a plurality of screws  150  that extend through the holes  320  of the outer plate  300  and the holes  250  of the inner plate  200  that are described above. In one embodiment, the screws  150  are ¼″×3″ wood screws. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the bracket  100  is interconnected to the foundation  120  by extending the hold down bolt  170  through the hole  174  on the washer plate  172 , through the slot  180  on the bearing plate  176 , through the slot  314  on the first offset section  304  ( FIGS. 3A and 3C ) of the outer plate  300 , through the space defined by overlapping of the recesses  246  and  312 , through the slot  316  of the second offset section  304   b  of the outer plate  300 , so as to be received by one end of the coupling nut  182 . The other end of the coupling nut  182  receives the threaded end of the anchor bolt  130  so as to be interconnected to the hold down bolt  170 . 
     When a structure to which the post  110  is attached to experiences an uplifting force, the post experiences a tension force that can, if unmitigated, separate the post  110  from the foundation  120 . The bracket  100  resists such an uplifting force by transferring the tension force from the post  110  to the foundation  120  via the connecting assembly  140 . In particular, the hold down bolt  170  interconnects the bracket  100  to the anchor bolt  130  via the buckling resistant portion of the bracket  100  so as to transfer the tension forces effectively. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein an additional bearing plate  196  and a washer plate  192  are positioned below the lower offset section  304   b  of the outer plate  300 . In one embodiment, the bearing plate  196 , interposed between the lower offset section  304   b  and the washer plate  192 , is similar to the bearing plate  176  described above. The washer plate  192  is also similar to the washer plate  172  described above. The washer plate  192  and the bearing plate  196  are secured in place adjacent the lower offset section  304   b  by a nut  190  that is sized to receive the bolt  170 . In one embodiment, the inner and outer plates  200 ,  300  may have their respective recesses  246 ,  312  located higher to accommodate the extra vertical space occupied by the additional bearing plate  196  and washer plate  192 . Accordingly, the bolt  170  may be longer. The bolt  170  is interconnected to the anchor bolt  130  by the coupling nut  182 . 
     The bearing plate  196  permits portion of a downward compression force on the post  110  to be transferred to the anchor bolt  130  via the hold down bolt  170 . As such, the bracket  100  and the connecting assembly provides relief to the post  110  when the post  110  is subjected to a compressive force. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , wherein a connecting assembly  440  comprises a spring  450  to provide a limited vertical movement when the post  110  experiences a tension force. The bracket  100  is substantially similar to that described above in reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , as are the washer plate  172  and the bearing plate  176  described above in reference to  FIGS. 1 and 4 . 
     In this embodiment, the spring is positioned above the washer plate  172 , and is secured in place by a bolt  470  that extends through a washer  472 , through the spring  450 , through the washer plate  172  and the parts below it as described above in reference to  FIG. 1 , so as to be attached to the anchor bolt  182 . Thus, one end of the spring  450  is attached to the bearing plate  176  (via the washer plate  172 ), and the other end of the spring  450  is attached to the foundation  120  via the hold down bolt  470  and the anchor bolt  130 , so as to provide spring coupling between the foundation  120  and the bearing plate  176 . 
     In an uplifting force situation, the spring  450 , captured by the washer  472  and the washer plate  172 , compresses as the bearing plate  176  moves upwards relative to the head of the bolt  470  (and thus the foundation). This ductility provided by the spring  470  dissipates at least a portion of the uplifting force. It will be appreciated that the connecting assembly  440  illustrated in  FIG. 6  may also be adapted with additional bearing plate and washer plate as depicted in  FIG. 5  to provide transferring of compression forces to the foundation in a manner described above. 
     In one embodiment, the bolt  470  is a ⅝″×8½″ bolt. The washer  472  is a ¼″ thick washer adapted to receive a ⅝″ thread bolt. The spring  450  is wound from an ⅛″ spring steel into a coil that is approximately 3″ long and ¾″ wide. 
     As will be understood, the bracket  100  can also be modified for use to interconnect vertical structures on separate floors. Two such brackets can be positioned adjacent each other with a bolt or fastener extending therebetween so thereby interconnect two vertical posts on adjacent floors. 
       FIGS. 7–12  now illustrate another aspect of the present teachings, wherein brackets functionally similar to that described above may be used in conjunction with various forms of metal studs or posts. It will be understood that for the purpose of description herein, the words “studs” and “posts” may be used interchangeably, and such usage is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present teachings. As described below, some of the bracket&#39;s components may be adapted to be used with such metal posts. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a bracket  500  interconnecting a metal post  502  to the foundation  120 . In particular, a connecting assembly  508  mechanically couples the bracket  500  to a bolt embedded in the foundation in a manner similar to that described above in reference to the connecting assembly  140  of  FIG. 1 . The metal post  502  illustrated in  FIG. 7  comprises a double-C-channel stud that defines a recess  520 . The bracket  500  is positioned within the recess  520  and secured to the C-channel. The bracket  500  may be secured to the C-channels by a plurality of fasteners, by a structural adhesive, or some combination thereof. The fasteners may include, but not limited to, screws, bolts, or clinches. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the bottom end of the vertical metal post  502  is typically positioned within a recess defined by a horizontally extending metal track  504 . A sheathing  506  attached to the vertical posts (one post  502  shown; others not shown) provides sheathing functionality as well as diaphragm shear resistance for lateral displacement of the assembled wall. In one embodiment, the sheathing  506  may comprise a wood panel, a light gage sheet of steel, or any other appropriate sheathing material or form. 
     As previously described, the bracket comprises an inner plate and an outer plate.  FIGS. 8A–D  illustrates various views of an inner plate  510  that is adapted to be used with metal posts. The inner plate  510  defines a first end  512  and a second end  514  in a manner similar to that described above in reference to  FIGS. 2A–D . Whereas the inner plate  200  (of  FIGS. 2A–D ) included a base section  214  to protect the end of a wooden post  110 , the inner plate  510  here does not have such a base section. Such a base section may be omitted when the bracket is being used with a metal post, because the metal post typically does not require its end to be protected in a manner similar to the wooden post. In certain embodiments, an outer plate described above in reference to  FIGS. 3A–D  may be used in conjunction with the inner plate  510 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of the interconnection of the metal post  502  to the foundation  120  via the connecting assembly  508 . In certain embodiments, the connecting assembly  508  is generally similar to the connecting assembly  140  described above in reference to  FIG. 1 . As previously described and also shown in  FIG. 7 , the inner plate  510  and an outer plate  522  may be secured to each other by clinching. In certain embodiments, the inner and outer plates  510  and  522  may also be joined by an adhesive adapted for structural application. Such adhesive joint may be reinforced by clinching. 
     In  FIG. 9 , the bracket  500  is shown to be secured to the metal post  502  by a plurality of fasteners  524 . In certain embodiments, the fasteners  524  comprise self-tapping screws adapted for metal use. Thus to install the bracket  500  to the post, the screws can extend through a plurality of pre-existing holes ( 516  in  FIGS. 8A  and D) on the bracket and installed the post  502  by some driving means. 
     In certain embodiments, the engagement surface between the bracket  500  and the metal post  502  may be joined by an adhesive adapted for structural application. Such joint may be reinforced by fasteners  524 . In certain embodiments, the use of an adhesive may reduce the number of fasteners used. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates another interconnection of another metal post  532  to the foundation  120  by a bracket  530  employing a connecting assembly  538 . The connecting assembly  538  may be similar to the connecting assembly  440  described above in reference to  FIG. 6 . Inner and outer plates that form the bracket  530  may be similar to those described above in reference to  FIGS. 7–9 . The metal post  532  illustrated in  FIG. 10  comprises a metal tube having a rectangular cross sectional shape. 
     As is generally understood, metal posts such as the rectangular tube  532  and the double-C-channel  502  provide structural strength for many building applications. It will be appreciated that any other forms and shapes of the metal post may be used in conjunction with the brackets described herein without departing from the spirit of the present teachings. It will also be appreciated that depictions of the connecting assembly  508  with the double-C-channel post  502  and the connecting assembly  538  with the rectangular tube post  532  are in no way intended to limit the application of the various embodiments of the connecting assemblies to particular posts. Thus, the connecting assembly  508  could be used with any of the metal posts described or suggested herein. Similarly, the connecting assembly  538  may also be used with any of the metal posts described or suggested herein. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the interconnection of the metal post  532  to the foundation  120  via the connecting assembly  538 . As previously described and also shown in  FIG. 10 , inner and outer plates  536 ,  534  of the bracket  530  may be secured to each other by clinching. In certain embodiments, the inner and outer plates may also be joined by an adhesive adapted for structural application. Such adhesive joint may be reinforced by clinching. The bracket  530  in  FIG. 11  may be secured to the metal post  532  by a plurality of fasteners, adhesive, or some combination thereof, in a manner similar to that described above in reference to  FIG. 9 . 
       FIGS. 12A  and B illustrate top views of the interconnecting arrangements for the metal posts  502  (via the bracket  500 ) and  532  (via the bracket  530 ). In certain embodiments, the lateral dimension “W” of the brackets ( 500  and  530 ) is selected to be compatible with posts having lateral dimensions similar to the wooden posts (typically 3½″). Thus for those brackets, the exemplary dimensions of the various parts as described above also applies here. 
     As seen if  FIG. 12A , the recess  520  is defined by the “C” cross sectional shape of the metal post  502 . The cross-sectional shape of the post comprises an interconnecting section  550  that interconnects a first section  552  to a second section  554  so as to form a “C” shape. The first and second sections  552  and  554  are typically parallel to each other, and the two sections  552  and  554  are generally perpendicular to the interconnecting section  550 . Thus, the dimension of the recess  520  is determined by the dimensions of the two sections  552 ,  554 , and the interconnecting section. 
     In certain embodiments, two such C-channels are joined back to back so as to form the double-C-channel configuration illustrated in  FIG. 12A . Whether the metal post comprises a single-C-channel or a double-C-channel, the recess defined by the C-channel may be dimensioned so as to facilitated positioning of the bracket and the connecting assembly within the recess.  FIG. 12A  shows such configuration where the bracket  500  and the connecting assembly are positioned within the recess  520 . 
     As described above, in certain embodiments, the joining of the inner and outer plate to each other, as well as joining of the bracket to the metal post, may be achieved in part by use of a structural adhesive. As is generally known, metal-to-metal structural bonding may be achieved by adhesives adapted for such use. 
     In certain embodiments, the various metal posts described above are formed from steel. In other embodiments, the metal posts are formed from other structurally applicable materials such as aluminum. It will be understood that the metal post may be formed from any metal without departing from the spirit of the present teachings. 
     It will be appreciated that in the application of the bracket with the metal posts, in particular the C-channel type posts, an added benefit is provided by the bracket disposed proximate the ends of a shear panel. Traditionally, a disadvantageous failure mode in a shear wall assembly using C-channel posts in a conventional manner is the buckling of the C-channels when loaded in compression. It will be appreciated that use of various embodiments of the brackets disclosed herein mitigates such buckling tendencies and reduces such failures. 
     Although the foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has shown, described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the detail of the apparatus as illustrated, as well as uses thereof, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Consequently, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the foregoing discussion, but should be defined by the appended claims.