Abstract:
An apparatus for bracing a masonry wall that is bowing or has begun to buckle as a result of hydrostatic pressure and/or other forces as may occur with the foundation or basement wall of a building. The wall restraint system includes a vertically disposed beam, which is positioned against a vertical concrete masonry wall and secured in place by a bottom bracket and a top bracket. The beam reinforces the wall and prevents further bowing, buckling, or potentially collapsing of the wall. One end of the beam is secured to the floor by a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket preferably receives the lower end of the beam. The upper end of the beam is secured against the basement wall by a top bracket or offset connector, which in turn is secured to one of the overhead floor joists. The beam may be offset to avoid piping or the like.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part patent application taking priority from nonprovisional application Ser. No. 10/976,448, filed on Oct. 28, 2004 now abandoned. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a wall restraint system, and more particularly to an apparatus for bracing a concrete or masonry wall that is bowing or has begun to buckle as a result of hydrostatic pressure and/or other external forces as may occur with the foundation or basement wall of a building. 
   Modern foundations are typically formed of concrete block walls or poured concrete walls. Concrete block walls are constructed of concrete blocks stacked with alternating vertical joints using mortar between the joints to hold the blocks together. Poured concrete walls are constructed by setting concrete wall forms, installing steel reinforcing bars, and pouring concrete into the forms to create walls. Poured concrete walls are desirous for their strength, stability, and endurance. However, they do trap moisture, creating a wetter, more humid basement. Concrete block walls are desirous for their openings and pores allowing moisture to escape, creating a drier, less humid basement. Unfortunately, concrete block walls tend to be less resistant to lateral forces attributed to hydrostatic pressures, causing the walls to buckle, crack, and potentially collapse. 
   The need for reinforcing concrete masonry walls is prevalent in areas where there is a high water table, heavy absorbent clay soil, and freezing and thawing of soil. Structures built in these areas tend to experience higher instances of foundation problems, including the bowing and buckling of concrete masonry walls. The prior art bracing system solution for bowing and buckling of concrete masonry walls includes installing a series of vertical support reinforcing restraints along the bowed or buckled wall. These restraints are typically engineered steel beams that are bolted to the floor joist and bolted through the basement floor or footing with brackets. A top bracket is generally welded to the upper end of the beam, while a bottom bracket is welded to the bottom end of the beam. Additionally, holes must be drilled through the beams or brackets for securing the beam to the basement floor or floor joist. Currently, each beam is custom fabricated for each job and welded to the brackets. Such requirements substantially increase the labor and costs associated with installing these prior art bracing systems. 
   Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,651 to Crites discloses a wall system; U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,450 to Larsen discloses a bracing system; U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,505 to Heady et al. discloses an apparatus and method of straightening and supporting a damaged wall; and patent application no. 2006/0080926 to Resch et. al. discloses a wall bracing system and method of supporting a wall. 
   Therefore, there is a need for an economical wall restraining system that is less expensive and easier to install than the custom fabricated prior art bracing systems requiring welding and drilling during installation on buckled concrete masonry walls. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention preferably comprises a vertically disposed beam, which is positioned in engaging relation with a vertical concrete masonry wall and secured in place by a bottom bracket and a top bracket. The beam reinforces the wall and prevents further bowing, buckling, or potentially collapsing of the wall. One end of the beam is preferably secured to the basement floor or footings by a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket preferably receives the lower end of the beam therein and is secured to the basement floor or footings with fasteners. The upper end of the beam is preferably secured against the wall by a top bracket which, in turn, is secured to one of the overhead floor joists. The top bracket preferably engages the upper end of the beam, is secured to a floor joist, and urges the beam against the wall. The top bracket is preferably further secured to the floor joist by fasteners. 
   The wall restraint system of the present invention does not need any fabrication, customization, welding or drilling as required in the prior art bracing systems. The present invention utilizes less expensive, easy to assemble parts. 
   Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be made apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings and detailed description thereof. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wall restraint system attached to a floor joist in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wall restraint system attached to a floor joist and positioned against a wall in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 3A  is an enlarged front perspective view of an embodiment of a top bracket utilized in the wall restraint system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3B  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the top bracket of  FIG. 3A ; 
       FIG. 4A  is an enlarged front perspective view of another embodiment of a top bracket utilized in the wall restraint system of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4B  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the top bracket of  FIG. 4A ; 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of a bottom bracket utilized in the wall restraint systems of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 ,  6   a ,  8 ,  8   a ,  14  and  17 ; 
       FIG. 5   a  is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of a bottom bracket utilized in the wall restraint systems of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 ,  6   a ,  8 ,  8   a ,  14  and  17 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a wall restraint system attached to a floor joist in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 6   a  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a wall restraint system attached to a floor joist and positioned against a wall in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged front perspective view of yet another embodiment of a top bracket utilized in the wall restraint system of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 7   a  is an enlarged perspective view of a top bracket utilized in the wall restraint system of  FIG. 6   a  in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 7   b  is an enlarged perspective view of an anchor washer utilized in the wall restraint system of  FIG. 6   a  in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of yet another embodiment of a wall restraint system attached to a floor joist in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 8   a  is a side view of yet another embodiment of a wall restraint system attached to a floor joist in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the top bracket of the wall restraint system of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 9   a  is a bottom view of the top bracket of the wall restraint system of  FIG. 8   a;    
       FIG. 10  is a front view of the top bracket of the wall restraint system of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10   a  is a front view of the top bracket of the wall restraint system of  FIG. 8   a;    
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged side view of yet another embodiment of a top bracket utilized in the wall restraint system of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 11   a  is an enlarged side view of yet another embodiment of a top bracket utilized in the wall restraint system of  FIG. 8   a;    
       FIG. 12  is a front view of the top bracket of  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 12   a  is a front view of the top bracket of  FIG. 11   a;    
       FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the top bracket of  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13   a  is a bottom view of the top bracket of  FIG. 11   a;    
       FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the top bracket of  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a side view of yet another embodiment of a wall restraint system utilizing an offset top connector in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 15   a  is a bottom view of a wall restraint system utilizing an offset top connector in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 16  is an enlarged end view of an end cap receiver of a wall restraint system of  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG. 16   a  is an enlarged side view of an end cap receiver of a wall restraint system of  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG. 17  is an enlarged top view of an adjustment yoke of a wall restraint system of  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG. 17   a  is an enlarged end view of an adjustment yoke of a wall restraint system of  FIG. 15 ; 
       FIG. 18  is a side view of a wall restraint system utilizing an offset beam in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 18   a  is a bottom view of a wall restraint system utilizing an offset beam in accordance with the present invention; and 
       FIG. 19  is an enlarged perspective view of an offset beam of a wall restraint system of  FIG. 17 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a wall restraint system  10  attached to a floor joist  18  in accordance with the present invention. The wall restraint system  10  preferably includes a vertically disposed beam  12  which is positioned in engaging relation with a vertical concrete masonry wall  22  and secured in place by a bottom bracket  14  and a top bracket  16 . The present invention assumes a basement of conventional construction, which includes a basement floor with concrete masonry walls extending upwardly therefrom. The floor joists for the floor of the building are positioned on top of the concrete masonry walls and are secured at their respective ends to conventional plates as is known in the art. 
   The beam  12  is preferably a rigid rectangular tubular member constructed of steel having dimensions of 2×4, 2×5 or 2×6, and lengths depending upon the height of the walls for which they are installed. However, beams of various sizes, dimensions, and lengths may be used. The beams are preferably designed to engage a basement wall for reinforcing the wall and preventing the wall from bowing, buckling and/or collapsing. One surface of the beam bears against the wall, providing a strong bearing surface for the wall. Several beams may be required to bolster a single wall against buckling. In this arrangement, the beams will be spaced apart a few or several feet as required. The beams engage the wall and cooperate with the brackets and floor joists to prevent further buckling and collapse. 
   One end of the beam  12  is preferably secured to a floor or footings adjacent the wall by a bottom bracket  14 . The bottom bracket  14  preferably receives the lower end of the beam  12  therein and is secured to the floor or footings with fasteners. The beam  12  is preferably hollow to receive a portion of the bottom bracket  14  therein. 
   The upper end of the beam  12  is preferably secured against the wall by a top bracket  16  which, in turn, is secured to one of the overhead floor joists  18  by fasteners.  FIGS. 1 ,  3 A and  3 B show one embodiment of a top bracket  16 , while  FIGS. 2 ,  4 A and  4 B show another embodiment of a top bracket  26 . The top bracket  16  engages the upper end of the beam  12 , is secured to an adjacent floor joist  18 , and urges the beam  12  against the wall. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates another embodiment of a wall restraint system  30  attached to a floor joist  18  and positioned against a wall  22  in accordance with the present invention. The only difference between the wall restraint system  10  of  FIG. 1  and the wall restraint system  30  of  FIG. 2  is the top bracket.  FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of the top bracket  16 , while  FIG. 2  shows another embodiment of the top bracket  26 . 
   The wall restraint system  30  preferably includes a vertically disposed beam  12  which is positioned in engaging relation with a vertical concrete masonry wall  22  and secured in place by a bottom bracket  14  and a top bracket  26 . The floor joist  18  is positioned upon the top of the concrete wall  22  and is secured at its respective end to conventional plates  20 ,  24 . 
   One end of the beam  12  is preferably secured to the basement floor or footings adjacent the basement wall by a bottom bracket  14 . The bottom bracket  14  preferably receives the lower end of the beam  12  therein and is secured to the floor or footings with fasteners. The beam  12  is preferably hollow to receive a portion of the bottom bracket  14  therein. 
   The upper end of the beam  12  is preferably secured against the wall by a top bracket  26  which, in turn, is secured to one of the overhead floor joists  18  by fasteners. The top bracket  26  engages the upper end of the beam  12 , is secured to an adjacent floor joist  18 , and applies a force against the upper end of the beam  12  toward the wall  22 . 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate front and rear perspective views of an embodiment of a top bracket  16  utilized in the wall restraint system  10  of the present invention. The top bracket  16  preferably comprises a substantially flat rectangular base plate  32  having a front surface and a rear surface, parallel longitudinal edges, and parallel transverse edges. The top bracket  16  also preferably includes two opposing flanges  34 ,  36  extending outwardly from the front surface of the base plate  32  at each of the parallel longitudinal edges perpendicular from the base plate  32 . The flanges  34 ,  36  each including rectangular openings  38 ,  40  formed therethrough for receiving the beam  12  therein. The openings  38 ,  40  may preferably be constructed to fit a 2×4 inch rectangular beam, a 2×5 inch rectangular beam, or a 2×6 inch rectangular beam. 
   The base plate  32  further preferably includes a plurality of prongs  44  and a pair of openings  42  disposed on opposite sides of the prongs  44 . The triangularly-shaped prongs  44  preferably have sharp points extending outwardly from the rear surface of the base plate  32  for biting into the floor joist  18 . The pair of openings  42  extending through the base plate  32  are for receiving fasteners therein for further securing the bracket  16  to the floor joist  18 . 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate front and rear perspective views of another embodiment of a top bracket  26  utilized in the wall restraint system  30  of the present invention. The top bracket  26  preferably comprises a substantially flat rectangular base plate  46  having a front surface and a rear surface, parallel longitudinal edges, and parallel transverse edges. The top bracket  26  also preferably includes an L-shaped portion  48 ,  50  extending outwardly from one of the parallel transverse edges for receiving the beam  12 . The L-shaped portion having a first section  48  extending perpendicular from the front surface of the base plate  46  and a second section  50  extending perpendicular from the end of the first section  48  and parallel to the base plate  46 . The L-shaped portion  48 ,  50  may be constructed to fit a 2×4 inch rectangular beam, a 2×5 inch rectangular beam, or a 2×6 inch rectangular beam. 
   The base plate  46  further preferably includes a plurality of prongs  54  and a pair of openings  52  extending through the base plate  46  and disposed on opposite sides of the prongs  54 . The triangularly-shaped prongs  54  preferably have sharp points extending outwardly from the rear surface of the base plate  46  for biting into the floor joist  18 . The pair of openings  52  extending through the base plate  46  are for receiving fasteners therein for further securing the bracket  26  to the floor joist  18 . 
     FIG. 5  illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a bottom bracket  14  utilized in the wall restraint systems of the present invention. The bottom bracket  14  preferably comprises a substantially flat rectangular base plate  56  having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a U-shaped or rectangularly-shaped portion  58  extending upwardly perpendicular from the base plate  56  for insertion into the hollow beam  12 . As mentioned earlier, the beam is preferably hollow, with the beam sides fitting snuggly around the U-shaped or rectangularly-shaped portion  58  of the bottom bracket  14 . The base plate  56  further preferably includes a pair of openings  60  extending therethrough and disposed on opposite sides of the U-shaped or rectangularly-shaped portion  58 . The pair of openings  60  extending through the base plate  56  are for receiving fasteners therein for securing the bracket  14  to the basement floor or basement footings. The bottom bracket  14  is also preferably provided in several sizes as required to accommodate the varying sizes of the beam  12 .  FIG. 5   a  illustrates the bottom bracket  14  being modified by forming a pair of chamfered surfaces  59  on the rectangularly-shaped portion  58  to create a bottom bracket  14 ′. The pair of chamfered surfaces  59  allow for angular adjustment of the beam  12  relative to the bottom bracket  14 ′. 
     FIG. 6  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a wall restraint system  70  attached to a floor joist in accordance with the present invention. The wall restraint system  70  of  FIG. 6  is the same as the wall restraint systems  10 ,  30  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  except for the top bracket  72 .  FIG. 7  illustrates an enlarged front perspective view of yet another embodiment of a top bracket  72  utilized in the wall restraint system  70  of  FIG. 6 . The top bracket  72  preferably comprises a substantially flat rectangular base plate  74  having a front surface and a rear surface, parallel longitudinal edges, and parallel transverse edges. The top bracket  72  also preferably includes an L-shaped portion  76 ,  78  extending outwardly from one of the parallel transverse edges for receiving the beam  12 . The L-shaped portion having a first section  76  extending perpendicular from the front surface of the base plate  74  and a second section  78  extending perpendicular from the end of the first section  76  and parallel to the base plate  74 . The L-shaped portion  76 ,  78  may be constructed to fit a 2×4 inch rectangular beam, a 2×5 inch rectangular beam, or a 2×6 inch rectangular beam. The bracket  72  further includes at least two bracing members  84  extending between the front surface of the base plate  74  and the first section  76  of the L-shaped portion. The at least two bracing members  84  add strength and help support the bracket  72 . 
   The base plate  74  further preferably includes a plurality of prongs  80  and a pair of openings  82  extending through the base plate  74  and disposed on opposite sides of the prongs  80 . The triangularly shaped prongs  80  preferably have sharp points extending outwardly from the rear surface of the base plate  74  for biting into the floor joist  18 . The pair of openings  82  extending through the base plate  74  are for receiving fasteners therein for further securing the bracket  72  to the floor joist  18 . The plurality of prongs  80  are shown has having a triangular shape, but could be any suitable shape. 
     FIG. 6   a  illustrates a perspective view of a modified wall restraint system  70 ′.  FIG. 7   a  illustrates an enlarged front perspective view of a modified top bracket  72 ′ used in the modified wall restraint system  70 ′. The wall restraint system  70  is modified by forming an anchor hole  85  through the first section  76 . A threaded fastener  87  is inserted through the anchor hole  85  and threaded into the beam  12 .  FIG. 7   b  illustrates an anchor washer  73 . The anchor washer  73  is preferably retained on an opposite side of the floor joist  18  by inserting two fasteners  75  through the top bracket  72  or modified top bracket  72 ′, the floor joist  18  and the anchor washer  73  and securing it thereto with two nuts  77  or the like. The anchor washer  73  includes the pair of openings  82  and the plurality of triangular shaped prongs  80 . The plurality of triangular shaped prongs in the anchor washer  73  and the top bracket  72  or modified top bracket  72 ′ prevent the fasteners  75  from splitting the floor joist  18 , when force is applied to the top bracket  72  or modified top bracket  72 ′. 
     FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of still another embodiment of a wall restraint system  90  attached to a floor joist  92  and positioned against a wall  94  in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the top bracket  98  of the wall restraint system  90  of  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 10  is a front view of the top bracket  98  of the wall restraint system  90  of  FIG. 8 . The wall restraint system  90  preferably includes a vertically disposed beam  96 , which is positioned in engaging relation with the wall  94  and secured in place by a bottom bracket (not shown) and a top bracket  98 . The floor joist  92  is positioned upon the top of the wall  94  and is secured to the bracket  98  by a plurality of fasteners  100 ,  102 . 
   One end of the beam  96  is preferably secured to the basement floor or footings adjacent the basement wall by a bottom bracket (not shown). The bottom bracket preferably receives the lower end of the beam  96  therein and is secured to the floor or footings with fasteners. The beam  96  is preferably hollow to receive a portion of the bottom bracket therein. The upper end of the beam  96  is preferably secured against the wall  94  by a top bracket  98 , which, in turn, is secured to one of the overhead floor joists  92  by fasteners  100 ,  102 . The top bracket  98  engages the upper end of the beam  96 , is secured to an adjacent floor joist  92 .  FIG. 8   a  illustrates a side view of a modified wall restraint system  90 ′.  FIG. 9   a  is an enlarged bottom view of a modified top bracket  98 ′ of the wall restraint system  90 ′.  FIG. 10   a  is an enlarged front view of the modified top bracket  98 ′ of the wall restraint system  90 ′. 
     FIG. 11  is an enlarged side view of still another embodiment of a top bracket  98  utilized in the wall restraint system of  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 12  is a front view of the top bracket  98  of  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the top bracket  98  of  FIG. 11 . The top bracket  98  preferably comprises two spaced apart parallel side members  104 ,  106 , each having a pair of parallel longitudinal edges and a pair of parallel transverse edges. The top bracket  98  also preferably includes a connecting member  108  connection a portion of a longitudinal edge of a first parallel side member  104  to a portion of a longitudinal edge of a second parallel side member  106 , and a transverse member  110  extending outwardly at a perpendicular angle from one end of the connecting member  108  between the pair of parallel transverse edges of the parallel side members  104 ,  106 . The parallel side members  104 ,  106  each have at least two openings  112 ,  114  extending therethrough for receiving fasteners  100  therein to fasten the bracket  98  to the floor joist  92 . The connecting member also includes at least one opening  116  extending therethrough for receiving a fastener  102  therein to fasten the bracket  98  to the bottom of the floor joist  92 . 
     FIG. 11   a  is an enlarged side view of the modified top bracket  98 ′;  FIG. 12   a  is an enlarged front view of the modified top bracket  98 ′ and  FIG. 13   a  is an enlarged bottom view of the modified top bracket  13   a . The top bracket  98  is modified by attaching a nut  118  or the like to the connecting member  108 . With reference to  FIG. 8   a , a threaded bolt  119  is threaded into the nut  118 . The threaded bolt  119  is threaded into the nut  118  to force an upper end of the beam  96  against a top of the wall  94  to correct any misalignment thereof. 
     FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of a wall restraint system  120  utilizing an offset top connector  122 .  FIG. 15   a  illustrates a bottom view of the wall restraint system  120 . The offset top connector  122  includes the beam  96 , an adjustment yoke  124 , a threaded end cap  126 , a thrust tube  128 , the top bracket  98  and at least two floor beam supports  129 . Referring briefly to  FIGS. 17 and 17   a , the adjustment yoke  124  includes a yoke  130  and a threaded stud  132 . The threaded stud  132  includes a hex perimeter  134 . An end of the thread stud  132  is pivotally retained in the yoke  130  by flaring an end of the threaded stud  132  or with any other suitable process. Referring briefly to  FIGS. 16 and 16   a , the threaded end cap  126  is inserted into one end of the thrust tube  128 . The threaded end cap  126  includes an inner perimeter flange  136  and an inner thread  138 . The inner perimeter flange  136  is sized to be received by an inner perimeter of the thrust tube  128 . The inner thread  138  may be a hex nut  134  attached to the inner perimeter flange  136  or extra material extending from the inner perimeter flange  136 . The inner thread  138  is sized to threadably receive the threaded stud  132 . The thrust tube  128  is bolted to two floor joists  140  with two fasteners  142 . The top bracket  98  axially retains the other end of the thrust tube  128 . A single floor beam support  129  is attached between two adjacent floor beams  140  with any suitable method. The top bracket  98  is bolted to one of the at least two floor beam supports  129  with fasteners  100 . The hex perimeter  134  is rotated to force the beam  96  against the wall  94 . 
     FIG. 18  illustrates a side view of a wall restraint system  144  utilizing an offset beam connector  146 .  FIG. 18   a  illustrates a bottom view of the wall restraint system  144 . Referring briefly to  FIG. 19 , the offset beam  146  includes the beam  96 , a pair of fastening plates  148 , a right angle tube  150  and a plurality of fasteners  152 . The offset beam  146  is used, when piping  153  or the like is obstructing attachment of the top bracket  98  or modified top bracket  98 ′. The right angle tube  150  includes a first tube  154  and a second tube  156 . One end of the first tube  154  is mitered with a  45  degree angle and one end of the second tube  156  is mitered with a  45  degree angle. The mitered ends of the first and second tubes are preferably attached to each other with welding or any other suitable process. A single fastening plate  148  is attached to an end of the beam  96  and a non-mitered end of the first tube  154  on opposing sides thereof with the plurality of fasteners  152 . The single floor beam support  129  is attached between two adjacent floor joists  140  with any suitable method. The top bracket  98 , or modified top bracket ‘ 98  is attached to one of the at least two floor beam supports  129  with at least two fasteners  100 . A non-mitered end of the second tube  156  is retained in the top bracket  98 , ‘ 98 . The top bracket  98 ,  98 ′ axially retains the other end of the thrust tube  128 . The threaded bolt  119  of the modified top bracket  98 ′ is rotated to force the beam  96  against the wall  94 . 
   While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain substitutions, alterations and omissions may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is meant to be exemplary only, and should not limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.