Abstract:
A high-strength laser configured column anchor and anchoring system is disclosed. The high-strength column anchor provides high-strength pullout resistance when embedded within the wall bed joint. Specially-configured apertures, edging and dimension restrictions provide for flow-through mortar embedment within the wall bed joint. The edging provides irregular and regular patterns ensuring a secure fit within the bed joint. The column anchors include a hook attachment portion for secure attachment to the column flanges and optionally include a securement bar or clamp to further secure the column anchor to the column flanges.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/781,200, filed Feb. 28, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to an improved anchoring arrangement for use in conjunction with building construction having a masonry wall secured to steel building column supports. More particularly, the invention relates to construction accessory devices, namely, specially-configured hook column anchors with laser carve-outs that provide high strength pullout resistance when secured to the columns and within the masonry wall bed joints. The invention is applicable to structures having walls constructed from brick, block or stone in combination with a building column support. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    In the past, investigations relating to the effects of various forces, particularly lateral forces, upon brick veneer masonry construction demonstrated the advantages of having high-strength anchoring components embedded in the bed joints of anchored walls, such as facing brick, block or stone wall. Anchors are generally placed in one of the following five categories: corrugated; sheet metal; wire; two-piece adjustable; or joint reinforcing. The present invention has a focus on sheet metal and in particular, single construct hook column anchors for wall construction having steel column supports. 
         [0006]    The use of steel for the construction of building wall supports has become increasingly popular since its inception in the late 1800s. In the 1940s, veneer construction with steel frames was introduced and its popularity has grown steadily since its introduction. This popularity results from the inherent benefits of steel, as opposed to masonry or wood construction. Steel is one of the strongest building frame materials available and is significantly safer, in that it is not susceptible to insect infestation, rotting or destruction from fire. The high strength of a steel structure provides greater resiliency against the effects of aggressive weather. Steel structures are also more cost effective, providing ease of construction and transport and requiring less material than timber or block methods. Steel is an environmentally-friendly construction material because it is recyclable and results in less raw material waste. 
         [0007]    Laser cutting of the column anchor is performed by directing the output of a high-power laser, by computer, to melt, burn, or vaporize the desired configuration of the apertures and cut-outs. Examples of lasers used in the laser cutting herein include, but are not limited to, the CO 2  laser (and its variants), and the neodymium and neodymium yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser. Laser carving provides the ability to make the detailed carve-outs in the high-strength metals to form the presently presented column anchors without altering the metal structural attributes. Laser cutting provides advantages over mechanical cutting or plasma cutting because the workholding is easier and there is reduced contamination of the workpiece (there is no cutting edge). Precision is also improved because there is no wear of the cutting edge in the process and the structural integrity of the high-strength metal is uncompromised. 
         [0008]    Anchoring systems for wall construction come in varied forms depending on the wall materials and structural use. Ronald P. Hohmann and Hohmann &amp; Barnard, Inc., now a MiTek-Berkshire Hathaway company, have successfully commercialized numerous devices to secure wall structures, providing improvements that include increases in interconnection strength, ease of manufacture and use, and thermal isolation. The present invention is an improvement in interconnection strength and increased pullout prevention from both the masonry wall and the steel columns. 
         [0009]    The high-strength laser configured column anchors of this invention are specially designed to prevent anchor pullout from the masonry wall and the building column support. The configured anchors restrict movement and ensure a high-strength connection and transfer of forces between the steel columns and masonry wall. The column anchor insertion portion is laser configured to ensure full mortar coverage when disposed within the masonry wall bed joint, restricting anchor pullout, while maintaining the requirements for mortar tolerances set forth in the  Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures,  Chapter 6, Veneer. The close control of the overall dimensions of the insertion portion permits the mortar of the bed joints to flow through, over and about the anchor to secure against the laser configurations. The anchor hereof employs extra strong material and benefits from the laser configuration of the metal, providing an anchoring system that meets the unusual requirements demanded in current building structures. 
         [0010]    There have been significant shifts in public sector building specifications which have resulted in architects and architectural engineers requiring larger and larger spacing between the structural walls of public buildings. These requirements are imposed without corresponding decreases in wind shear and seismic resistance levels or increases in mortar bed joint height. Thus, the wall anchors needed are restricted to occupying the same ⅜-inch bed joint height in the masonry wall. Because of this, the masonry wall material is tied down over a span of two or more times that which had previously been experienced. Exemplary of the public sector building specification is that of the Energy Code Requirement, Boston, Mass. (See Chapter 13 of 780  CMR,  Seventh Edition). This Code sets forth insulation R-values well in excess of prior editions and evokes an engineering response opting for thicker insulation and correspondingly larger cavities. 
         [0011]    The use of anchors in wall construction have been limited by the mortar layer thicknesses which, in turn are dictated either by the new building specifications or by pre-existing conditions, e.g., matching during renovations or additions the existing mortar layer thickness. While arguments have been made for increasing the number of the fine-wire anchors per unit area of the facing layer, architects and architectural engineers have favored wire formative anchors of sturdier wire. On the other hand, contractors find that heavy wire anchors, with diameters approaching the mortar layer height specification, frequently result in misalignment. Thus, these contractors look towards substituting thinner gage wire formatives, which result in easier alignment of courses of block to protect against wythe separation. A balancing of mortar and wall anchor dimensions must be struck to ensure wall anchor stability within the masonry wall. The present high strength column anchor greatly assists in maintaining this balance in the mortar joint. The presently presented column anchor provides the required high-strength interconnection within the allowed tolerances. 
         [0012]    Besides earthquake protection requiring high-strength anchoring systems, the failure of several high-rise buildings to withstand wind and other lateral forces has resulted in the promulgation of more stringent Uniform Building Code provisions. This high-strength laser configured wall anchor is a partial response thereto. The inventor&#39;s related anchoring system products have become widely accepted in the industry. 
         [0013]    The following patents are believed to be relevant and are disclosed as being known to the inventor hereof: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 Inventor 
                 Issue Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 4,021,990 
                 Schwalberg 
                 May 10, 1977 
               
               
                 4,473,984 
                 Lopez 
                 Oct. 2, 1984 
               
               
                 4,598,518 
                 Hohmann 
                 Jul. 8, 1986 
               
               
                 4,875,319 
                 Hohmann 
                 Oct. 24, 1989 
               
               
                 6,298,630 
                 VeRost, et al. 
                 Oct. 9, 2001 
               
               
                 6,739,105 
                 Fleming 
                 May 25, 2004 
               
               
                 7,171,788 
                 Bronner 
                 Feb. 6, 2007 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,021,990—B. J. Schwalberg—Issued May 10, 1977 Discloses a dry wall construction system for anchoring a facing veneer to wallboard/metal stud construction with a pronged sheetmetal anchor. The wall tie is embedded in the exterior wythe and is not attached to a straight wire run. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,984—Lopez—Issued Oct. 2, 1984 Discloses a curtain-wall masonry anchor system wherein a wall tie is attached to the inner wythe by a self-tapping screw to a metal stud and to the outer wythe by embedment in a corresponding bed joint. The stud is applied through a hole cut into the insulation. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,518—R. Hohmann—Issued Jul. 7, 1986 Discloses a dry wall construction system with wallboard attached to the face of studs which, in turn, are attached to an inner masonry wythe. Insulation is disposed between the webs of adjacent studs. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,319—R. Hohmann—Issued Oct. 24, 1989 Discloses a seismic construction system for anchoring a facing veneer to wallboard/metal stud construction with a pronged sheetmetal anchor. Wall tie is distinguished over that of Schwalberg &#39;990 and is clipped onto a straight wire run. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,630—VeRost, et al.—Issued Oct. 9, 2001 Discloses a wall plate for attaching a horizontal or sloping beam to a vertical masonry wall. The wall plate is attached through the use of an anchor affixed to a steel beam. A method of attaching a horizontal or sloping beam to a vertical masonry wall is further disclosed. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,105—Fleming—Issued May 25, 2004 Discloses a construction assembly which includes a structure panel, with structural members and integrally molded insulation, a floor support, joists and a horizontal ledge. The assembly further includes cut-out tabs and wall anchors and ties interconnected therewith and secured to the assembly. 
         [0020]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,788—Bronner—Issued Feb. 6, 2007 Discloses masonry connectors for embedment in masonry wall mortar beds and interconnection with a vertical sliding rail attached to a steel frame. The device, when installed, is designed to be embedded in mortar along the cross ribs of the masonry block and does not require grouting in the cells of the masonry units. 
         [0021]    None of the above anchors or anchoring systems provides a laser configured column wall anchor with enhanced interconnection properties and pullout resistance. This invention relates to an improved anchoring arrangement for use in conjunction with building construction having a masonry wall secured to a steel building column support and meets the heretofore unmet need described above. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0022]    In general terms, the invention disclosed hereby is a laser configured hook column anchor and anchoring system for use in anchoring a masonry wall to a steel column structure. The system includes a specially-configured laser-cut metal column anchor that provides high-strength interconnection and superior pullout resistance when embedded in mortar within the bed joint of the masonry wall and attached to the building column flange. The column anchor is designed to fill no more than one half the height of the bed joint to ensure construction in accordance with the applicable engineering standards and guidelines. The close control of overall heights permits the mortar of the bed joints to flow over and through the column anchors. The hook attachment portion resists detachment from the building column support structure and limits movement along the x- and z-axes. 
         [0023]    In this invention, the column anchor is constructed from steel or similar high-strength material. In the first embodiment, the hook column anchor is a device with a hook attachment portion and laser carve-outs and edging along the insertion portion. The column anchor is affixed to the steel column flange and inserted in the bed joint of the masonry wall. The masonry block cells and bed joint are filled with mortar, completely surrounding the insertion portion of the column anchor. The column anchor of this embodiment may be fashioned for use as a right-sided or left-sided anchor and is for use either as a single anchor affixed to one of edge of the flange or in conjunction with a second anchor, providing attachments to both edges of the column flange. 
         [0024]    The second embodiment includes column anchors similar to the first, but provides a slot in the attachment portion for interconnection with a clamp, when a single column anchor is employed, and a securement bar, when two column anchors are secured to the column flanges. Affixing hardware is employed to further secure the clamp and the bar to the column anchor(s). 
         [0025]    It is an object of the present invention to provide in an anchoring system having a masonry wall anchored to a steel column support construct, a high-strength column anchor, which includes a laser configured insertion portion and a hook attachment portion. 
         [0026]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a specialized column anchor that is configured to provide a high-strength interlock between the steel columns and the adjacent wall. 
         [0027]    It is another object of the present invention to provide labor-saving devices to simplify installations of brick, block and stone walls and the securement thereof to a steel column support structure. 
         [0028]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an anchoring system for a wall comprising a single component that is economical to manufacture resulting in a relatively low unit cost. 
         [0029]    It is a feature of the present invention that when the column anchor is installed within the masonry wall bed joint and the bed joint mortar surrounds the laser configurations and apertures, the column anchor provides high strength pullout resistance from the wall. 
         [0030]    It is a further feature of the present invention that when the column anchor is affixed to the column flange, the hook attachment portion resists detachment along the x- and z-axes, while allowing movement along the y-axis. 
         [0031]    It is another feature of the present invention that the column anchors are utilizable with a wall of masonry block having aligned or unaligned bed joints. 
         [0032]    It is yet another feature of the present invention that the column anchor provides a high-strength interconnection within the allowable tolerances for mortar joint anchoring systems. 
         [0033]    Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent upon review of the drawings and the detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]    In the following drawings, the same parts in the various views are afforded the same reference designators. 
           [0035]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the hook column anchor and anchoring system having two column anchors with laser configured insertion portions emplaced in the bed joint of the adjacent masonry wall and secured to a steel column support structure; 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the left-sided column anchor of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of the anchoring system of  FIG. 1  on a substantially vertical plane showing one of the column anchors embedded in the masonry wall bed joint; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is a partial perspective of the hook column anchor and anchoring system having a single column anchor with a laser configured insertion portion emplaced in the masonry wall bed joint and secured to a steel column support structure; 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the column anchor of  FIG. 1  with a right-sided orientation; 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of the second embodiment of the column anchor and anchoring system having a single column anchor with a laser configured insertion portion emplaced in the masonry wall bed joint and secured to a steel column support structure, the column anchor includes a clamp and affixing hardware; 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the column anchor and clamp of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the anchoring system of  FIG. 6  having two column anchors joined together by a securement bar and attaching hardware; and, 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative design column anchor of this invention having multiple apertures within the insertion portion. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0044]    In the embodiments described herein, the column anchors are laser configured to have a thickness of no greater than one-half the bed joint height in the masonry wall, thereby becoming better suited to building structures requiring greater pullout resistance when secured within a masonry wall anchored to adjacent building columns. It has been found that the laser configured column anchors, once secured within the mortar joints of the wall and to the column flange, provide a superior interconnect between the wall and the adjacent building column support than the prior art. Before proceeding to the detailed description, the following definitions are provided. For purposes of defining the invention at hand, a volumetric construction unit (“VCU”) is a masonry unit constructed with mortar joints between each adjacent unit. A VCU includes, but is not limited to, masonry blocks, bricks, stone or similar material. Further, a building column is a high strength column or beam constructed of steel or similar material and positioned in an orientation that provides an “H” shape with a set of flanges and an interior web parallel to the face plane of the wall interconnecting the flanges. 
         [0045]    The description which follows is of two embodiments of column anchors and anchoring systems utilizing the laser configured column anchor devices of this invention, which devices are suitable for various wall applications. Although each column anchor is adaptable to varied backup structures, the embodiments here apply to walls constructed with VCUs anchored to a building column support structure. For the masonry structures, mortar bed joint thickness is at least twice the thickness of the embedded anchor. 
         [0046]    In accordance, with the  Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures,  ACI 530-05/ASCE 5-05/TMS 402-05, Chapter 6, each structure forming the wall is designed to resist individually the effects of the loads imposed thereupon. Further, the outer masonry wall is designed and detailed to accommodate differential movement and to distribute all external applied loads through the wall to the adjacent building columns utilizing the column anchors. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 5 , the first embodiment of the laser configured column anchors and anchoring system of this invention is shown and is referred to generally by the number  10 . In this embodiment, a wall structure  12  is shown having a building column support structure  14  of building columns  16  and an adjacent wall  18  of VCUs  20 . The column structure  14  and the wall  18  are spaced apart by a predetermined space  22 , which extends outwardly from the surface  24  of the building column structure  14 . Optionally, the space  22  accommodates fireproofing (not shown) which is usually sprayed onto the building columns. Each of the building columns  16  has a flange  17  disposed on a central web  19  proximal to the wall  18 . The central web  19  is disposed substantially parallel to the face plane of the wall  18 . The central web  19  separates and joins the two substantially parallel flanges  17 . 
         [0048]    In this embodiment, successive bed joints of mortar  30  and  32  are formed between VCUs  20 . Courses of VCUs  20  and the bed joints  30  and  32  are substantially planar and horizontally disposed. For each wall  18 , the bed joints  30  and  32  are specified as to the height or thickness of the mortar layer and such thickness specification is rigorously adhered to so as to provide the uniformity inherent in quality construction. 
         [0049]    For purposes of discussion, the exterior surface  24  of the building column structure  14  contains a horizontal line or x-axis  34  and an intersecting vertical line or y-axis  36 . A horizontal line or z-axis  38 , normal to the xy-plane, also passes through the coordinate origin formed by the intersecting x-  34  and y-axes  36 . In the discussion which follows, it will be seen that the various anchors are constructed to restrict movement interfacially along the z-axis  38  and along the x-axis  34 . The device  10  includes a column anchor  40  constructed for attachment to the building column  16  and for embedment in bed joint  32 , which, in turn, includes an elongated plate member  42  with an insertion portion  54  and an attachment portion  56 . 
         [0050]    The column anchor  40  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5  as being emplaced on a course of VCUs  20  and embedded within the bed joint  32  in  FIG. 3 . The elongated plate member  42  has a thickness of no greater than one-half of the bed joint  32  height and includes an insertion portion  54  with one or more apertures  60  therethrough to permit the mortar of the bed joint  32  to flow through and surround the elongated plate member  42 . A single aperture  60  is shown in this embodiment. Multiple apertures  160  are shown in  FIG. 9  and are incorporated herein by reference as a design alternative. Opposite the insertion portion  54 , the elongated plate member  42  includes an attachment portion  56 , which anchors the wall  18  to the building columns  16 . The attachment portion  56  includes a hook portion  21  that surrounds the edge of the flange  17  and when so attached is substantially normal to the face plane of the wall  18 . A rotated portion  55  of the attachment portion  56  and is contiguous with the insertion portion  54 . The rotated portion  55  enables the insertion portion to maintain parallelism with the bed joint  32 . Either a single column anchor  40  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) or two column anchors  40  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) are secured to the building column  16 . When the mortar of the bed joint  32  surrounds the column anchor  40 , the mortar flows through the apertures  60  and provides strong interconnection and pullout resistance. 
         [0051]    The elongated plate member  42  contains a peripheral edge portion  58  with a patterned edge portion  62  that is either regularly  64  or irregularly  66  patterned. An example of a regularly  64  patterned edge portion is shown in  FIG. 2  as a saw tooth pattern  68 . For enhanced holding, the patterned edge portions  62  are, upon installation, substantially parallel to x-axis  34 . This relationship minimizes the movement of the construct in and along a z-vector and in an xz-plane. 
         [0052]    The column anchor  40  is a plate-like device constructed from mill galvanized, hot-dip galvanized, stainless steel or other similar high-strength material. The column anchors  40  are specially designed and laser configured to have a thickness of no greater than one-half the bed joint height  32  in the wall  18  so when inserted within the bed joint  32 , the bed joint mortar surrounds the column anchor  40  filling the apertures  60  and the patterned edge portions  62 , providing superior pullout resistance and providing a superior interconnect between the wall  18  and the adjacent building column  16 . The hook portion  21  provides further pullout resistance from the columns  16 . When the VCUs  20  are masonry blocks with open cells  70 , additional mortar or grout fills the cells  70  ensuring even greater pullout resistance and interconnection with the wall  18 . In this embodiment, the column anchors  40  either have a right-sided orientation (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) or a left-sided orientation (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) for use on either proximal flange  17  allowing for flexibility in design and for multiple column anchor attachments. 
         [0053]    The description which follows is of a second embodiment of the laser configured column anchor and high-strength anchoring system. For ease of comprehension, where similar parts are used reference designators “100” units higher are employed. Thus, the column anchor  140  of the second embodiment is analogous to the column anchor  40  of the first embodiment. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 , and  6  through  9 , the second embodiment of the high-strength column anchor and anchoring system is shown and is referred to generally by the numeral  110 . In this embodiment, a wall structure  112  is shown having a building column support structure  114  of building columns  116  and an adjacent wall  118  of VCUs  120 . The building column structure  114  is shown spaced from the wall  118 . The surface  124  of the building column structure  114  lies substantially in a plane parallel to that of the adjacent surface of wall  118 . Each of the building columns  116  has a flange  117  disposed on a central web  119  proximal to the wall  118 . The central web  119  is disposed substantially parallel to the face plane of the wall  118 . The central web  119  separates and is joined to the two substantially parallel flanges  117 . 
         [0055]    In this embodiment, successive bed joints of mortar  130  and  132  are formed between VCUs  120 . Courses of VCUs  120  and the bed joints  130  and  132  are substantially planar and horizontally disposed. For each wall  118 , the bed joints  130  and  132  are specified as to the height or thickness of the mortar layer and such thickness specification is rigorously adhered to so as to provide the uniformity inherent in quality construction. 
         [0056]    For purposes of discussion, the exterior surface  124  of the building column structure  114  contains a horizontal line or x-axis  134  and an intersecting vertical line or y-axis  136 . A horizontal line or z-axis  138 , normal to the xy-plane, also passes through the coordinate origin formed by the intersecting x- and y-axes. In the discussion which follows, it will be seen that the various anchors are constructed to restrict movement interfacially along the z-axis and along the x-axis. The device  110  includes a column anchor  140  constructed for attachment to the building column  116  and for embedment in bed joint  132 , which, in turn, includes an elongated plate member  142  with an insertion portion  154 , a rotated portion  155  and an attachment portion  156 . 
         [0057]    The column anchor  140  is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8  as being emplaced on a course of VCUs  120  and embedded within the bed joint  132  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). The elongated plate member  142  has a thickness of no greater than one-half of the bed joint  132  height and includes an insertion portion  154  with one or more apertures  160  therethrough to permit the mortar of the bed joint  132  to flow through and around the elongated plate member  142 . A rotated portion  155  is contiguous with the insertion portion  154 . The rotated portion  155  enables the insertion portion  154  to maintain parallelism with the bed joint  132  when attached to the column structure  114 . Opposite the insertion portion  154  and contiguous with the rotated portion  155 , the elongated plate member  142  further includes an attachment portion  156  which interengages with the building columns  116 . The attachment portion  156  is formed from the elongated plate member  142  and contains a hook portion  121  that surrounds the flange  117  and provides interengagement with the flange  117 . The hook portion  121  provides a secured attachment with the flange  117  and resists column anchor  140  pullout and movement along the x- and z-axes  134 ,  138 . The attachment portion  156  further contains a slot  171  medial the elongated plate member  142 . When the mortar of the bed joint  132  surrounds the column anchor  140 , the mortar flows through the apertures  160  and provides a strong interconnect and high-pullout resistance from the wall  118 . 
         [0058]    The elongated plate member  142  contains a peripheral edge portion  158  with a patterned edge portion  162  that is either regularly  164  or irregularly  166  patterned. An example of a regularly  164  patterned edge portion is shown in  FIG. 7  as a saw tooth pattern  168 . For enhanced holding, the patterned edge portions  162  are, upon installation, substantially parallel to x-axis  134 . This relationship minimizes the movement of the construct in and along a z-vector and in an xz-plane. 
         [0059]    The column anchor  140  is a plate-like device constructed from mill galvanized, hot-dip galvanized, stainless steel or other similar high-strength material. The column anchors  140  are specially designed and laser configured to have a thickness of no greater than one-half the bed joint height  132  of the wall  118  so when inserted within the bed joint  132 , the bed joint mortar surrounds the column anchor  140  and fills the apertures  160  and patterned edge portions  162 , providing superior pullout resistance and interconnection between the wall  118  and the adjacent building column  114 . When the VCUs  120  are masonry blocks with open cells  170 , the cells  170  are filled with additional mortar or grout, ensuring even greater pullout resistance and interconnection with the wall  118 . 
         [0060]    For greater column anchor  140  securement against the flanges  117 , an L-shaped clamp  174  connects the column anchor  140  to the opposite flange through the slot  170 . The clamp  174  is a wire formative and secured to the column anchor  140  with attaching hardware  172  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The column anchor  140  has either a right-sided orientation (as shown in  FIG. 6 ) or a left-sided orientation (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) for use on either proximal flange  117 , allowing for flexibility in design and for multiple column anchors attachments. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 8 , both left-sided and right-sided column anchors  140  are interconnected with the flanges  117  and secured with a securement bar  176  inserted through the column anchor slots  171 . The securement bar  176  is a wire formative threaded to accommodate previously described hardware  172  and secured to the column anchors  140  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0061]    The present invention provides a novel improvement for column anchors. The laser cutting of the column anchor maintains the high-strength and durability of the metal anchors while providing precision cuts that allow for flow through reception of the bed joint mortar, enhancing pullout resistance within the wall bed joints. The bed joint and cell mortar completely surround the column anchors within the bed joint, providing a solid interconnection within the wall. The hook shaped attachment portion provides additional pullout resistance from the column building support. 
         [0062]    Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirement of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.