Abstract:
A building roof tie for attaching roof trusses and rafters to wood top plates in building structures, such roof tie having a sheet metal body with risers and a bridge for overlapping a rafter and flaps for wrapping on the sides of the top plate. Generally triangular shaped reinforcing wings provide strength and stability, allowing the roof tie to be manufactured from different weights of steel. The roof ties are pitched to conform to a variety of framing applications. A plurality of apertures is formed in the roof tie to provide openings for fasteners for connecting the tie to the wood top plate and rafter.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to building structures with wood roofs, and more particularly to structures exposed to extreme wind conditions, such as Tornadoes and Hurricanes, where building codes dictate that such structures be protected against structural failure to save lives of occupants. In particular, the present invention relates to a roof tie for anchoring a wood frame roof on a block construction building in order to resist uplift forces encountered during a high wind situation. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE PRIOR ART 
   It is well known what high winds can do to a building, particularly to a wood frame construction low-rise structure. Generally, uplift forces tending to lift the roof off the structure or the entire structure off its foundation cause much of the damage sustained by the building. 
   Wood structures predominate in residential and light commercial construction, and when wood framing is employed the structure must be protected from upward loads developed by high wind, which differs with geographical location and is enforced by different building codes for such areas. For example, the Bahamas and Florida, including the Florida Keys are situated in the pathway of the yearly Caribbean hurricane travel course and as such, encounter hurricanes and/or tornadoes from time to time. Houses in the Bahamas are typically constructed of cement block with a wooden top plate fastened to the top of cement block walls, for attaching a wooden roof. In the case of upward loads, the roof is generally tied to the walls using a variety of steel connectors that tie the top plate to the walls. The size and number of these steel connectors vary depending on the severity of the wind conditions in the locality of the building, and the building&#39;s geometry. Due to the house location in a susceptible high wind area, some building codes require that houses built with wooden roof support beams have a “Hurricane Tie” in place on every rafter. 
   “Hurricane Ties” are usually installed during the foundation and framing stages of construction. Laborers hired by the framing contractor generally install connectors and sheathing. Correct size, location and number of fasteners (nails or bolts) are critical to sustaining the required load. Commonly, such laborers are inexperienced which results in improper or inadequate installation. In all structures, locations of connectors mandate their installation during the framing stage due to related components being placed at the same time. This process slows the foundation and framing stages of construction, which in turn increases labor costs. 
   From the foregoing, it is apparent that there is a critical need for a strong roof tie system that provides for uplift loads which is cost effective and easy to install. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a solution to the above and other problems by reinforcing and anchoring the roof structure to the building top plate, wherein a hold down force is applied to the ceiling rafters to counter the uplift and horizontal forces generated by high winds. The present invention can be incorporated during initial construction of a wooden roof structure. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a bracket system for a wooden roof structure of a building that reinforces the roof against damage in a high wind situation, such as a hurricane. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a roof-tie bracket system for a wooden roof construction building that provides a downward force around the periphery of the roof, thereby to better resist any upward lift imparted to the roof by high winds. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a roof-tie bracket system for a wood frame roof that provides reinforcement to the roof structure, thereby providing greater resistance to damage during high wind conditions. A related object is to increase public safety in structures existing in high wind areas. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to enable cost effective construction of wooden roof structures while meeting all building code requirements. A related object is to provide a roof-tie bracket system for a low-rise building that complies with the recommendation of all major building codes. 
   This invention relates to a novel roof-tie bracket system for bracing a wood framed roof of a building, e.g., a residential dwelling, having a structure including a foundation upon which rests a wall construction and horizontal ceiling plates. The structure is reinforced against the destructive forces of the atmosphere by high strength brackets preferably attached to every rafter where it joins the ceiling plates. The roof-tie bracket is connected to the structure by way of a plurality of fasteners, such as nails or lag bolts. 
   The roof-tie bracket disclosed herein offers more body, more nailing surfaces, more wrapping capability, more strength and more durability to the purchasing public. Such roof-tie brackets may be made from a graduated increase in sheet metal gauges in a variety of straps or ties to fit many framing applications and strength requirements. Moreover, such roof-tie brackets may be pre-pitched to a predetermined angle of a roof, keeping in mind the different sizes of wood that may be used to pitch a roof. Such roof-tie brackets create a solid attachment between a rafter and ceiling top plate. This simple invention enables a family of roof-tie brackets that can be mass-produced and sold for a reasonable price that, in fact, can be made or put in place by any skilled or semi-skilled person. 
   Some of the advantages of this invention include: increase in surface area of a roof-tie bracket, thereby creating more surfaces through which nails could penetrate the substructure; “prepitched” roof-tie brackets that create a snug fit over all substructures and angles, at angles consistent with industry roof pitch standards; a “decking window” that allows fastening of nails through the “deck” to the rafter beneath; “plate flaps” that further secures the roof-tie bracket to the top plate; and, in some embodiments, a “ceiling joist and cradle” that provides further for the “strapping” of ceiling joists, all in one simple Hurricane and Tornado Tie. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1   a  shows an illustration of a roof tie in perspective according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1   b  shows an illustration of a roof tie, with a top plate and rafter in phantom, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows an illustration of a roof tie in perspective according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3   a  shows an illustration of a gable-end roof tie in perspective according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3   b  shows an illustration of the gable-end roof tie of  FIG. 3   a , with top plate and gable in phantom, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3   c  is rear elevation view of a gable-end roof tie, with top plate and gable in phantom, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  show an illustration of a gable-end roof tie in perspective according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  shows an illustration of a hip-rafter roof tie in perspective according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  show an illustration of a hip-rafter roof tie in perspective according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  shows an illustration of a joist cradle tie in perspective according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  shows and illustration of a joist cradle tie in perspective according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9   a  shows an illustration of a roof tie in perspective according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9   b  shows an illustration of the roof tie of  FIG. 9   a , with top plate and rafter in phantom; and 
       FIG. 9   c  shows an illustration of the roof tie of  FIG. 9   a , in perspective, showing a ceiling joist in place. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers are used for like parts. This description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to build and use an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments: disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1   a , a roof tie according to the present invention, indicated generally as  10 , is illustrated, having an upper portion  13  and a lower portion  16 . Such upper portion  13  comprises two risers  22 ,  24 , substantially parallel to each other and a bridge  27  connecting the top of risers  22 ,  24 . Bridge  27  provides separation between risers  22 ,  24  and presents a large window area  30 . The amount of separation between risers  22 ,  24  should conform to the standard thickness of construction materials, such as wooden 2×4s. The lower portion  16  of such roof tie  10  comprises fastener extensions  33 ,  35 , which extend at right angles from risers  22 ,  24 , respectively and each of which fastener extensions  33 ,  35  further comprise top plate flaps  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 . Top plate flaps  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39  extend at right angles down from fastener extensions  33 ,  35 , and are designed to wrap on the sides of a ceiling top plate. A plurality of apertures  42  for inserting fasteners, such as nails, are disposed on such risers  22 ,  24 , fastener extensions  33 ,  35 , and top plate flaps  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 . Such plurality of apertures should be disposed in a staggered fashion to prevent splitting of the top plate and rafter when inserting such fasteners. 
   In some embodiments, the length of the forward edge  45  of riser  22  may be longer than the rear edge  48  of such riser  22 , correspondingly, the forward edge  49  of riser  24  may be longer than the rear edge  50  of such riser  24  in order to have bridge  27  angled to correspond to a selected pitch for a roof. 
   An application showing use of such roof tie  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 1   b  presenting roof tie  10  in a position for fastening to top plate  52  and rafter  53 . Fasteners are attached to top plate  52  and rafter  53  through apertures  42 . Using a fastener in each opening ensures a strong and secure attachment. Additional embodiments using various numbers of holes can be used based on specific engineering requirements as determined by one skilled in the art. As shown in  FIG. 1   b , top plate flaps  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39  are fastened to the sides of top plate  52 , providing a wrap around most of such top plate  52 . Window area  30  is provided to enable fastening of decking material to rafter  53 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a roof tie, indicated generally as  57 , according to the present invention. For heavy-duty applications, roof tie  57  further comprises reinforcing wings  60 ,  61 ,  62 ,  63  (not shown). Such reinforcing wings  60 ,  61 ,  62 ,  63  (not shown) are generally triangular in shape. For example, reinforcing wing  60  extends from the forward edge  45  of riser  22  to the end of forward edge  68  of fastener extension  33  and reinforcing wing  61  extends from the rear edge  48  of riser  22  to the end of rear edge  69  of fastener extension  33 . Similarly, reinforcing wing  62  extends from the rear edge  50  of riser  24  to the end of rear edge  70  of fastener extension  35  and reinforcing wing  63  (not shown) extends from the forward edge  49  of riser  24  to the end of forward edge  71  of fastener extension  35 . Such reinforced heavy duty roof tie  57  provides vertical reinforcement to prevent balking while enabling increased rigidity to roof tie  57 , resulting in a sturdier, stronger roof tie  57 . Such increased strength can be obtained at reduced cost by enabling use of lower galvanized steel gauges for its construction. Balking is caused by misalignment of trusses due to warping of roof timbers or loosening of fastened joints, resulting in roof decking being heaved up along such misaligned roof truss. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3   a , a gable-end roof tie according to the present invention, indicated generally as  73 , is illustrated, having an upper portion  75  and a lower portion  78 . Such upper portion comprises riser  81 , substantially parallel to back  85  and a bridge  87  connecting the top of riser  81  to the top of back  85 . Bridge  87  provides separation between riser  81  and back  85  and presents a large window area  91 . The amount of separation between riser  81  and back  85  should conform to the standard thickness of construction materials, such as wooden 2×4s. The lower portion  78  of such gable-end roof tie  73  comprises a fastener extension  94 , which extends at a right angle from riser  81 , further comprising top plate flaps  98 ,  99 . Top plate flaps  98 ,  99  extend at right angles down from fastener extension  94 , and are designed to wrap on the sides of a ceiling top plate. A plurality of apertures  102  for inserting fasteners, such as nails, are disposed on such riser  81 , back  85 , fastener extension  94 , and top plate flaps  98 ,  99  (shown more particularly in  FIG. 3   b ). Such plurality of apertures should be disposed in a: staggered fashion to prevent splitting of the top plate and gable when inserting such fasteners. 
   In some embodiments, the length of the forward edge  105  of back  85  may be longer than the rear edge  107  of such back  85 , correspondingly, the forward edge  109  of riser  81  may be longer than the rear edge  111  of such riser  81  in order to have bridge  87  angled to correspond to a selected pitch for a roof, as illustrated in  FIG. 3   c.    
   An application showing use of such gable-end roof tie  73  is illustrated in  FIG. 3   b  presenting gable-end roof tie  73  in a position for fastening to top plate  52  and gable  115 . Fasteners are attached to top plate  52  and gable  115  through apertures  102 . Using a fastener in each opening ensures a strong and secure attachment. Additional embodiments using various numbers of holes can be used based on specific engineering requirements as determined by one skilled in the art. As shown in  FIG. 3   b , top plate flaps  98 ,  99  are fastened to the sides of top plate  52 , providing a wrap around most of such top plate  52 . Window area  91  is provided to enable fastening of decking material to gable  115 . 
     FIG. 3   c  is a rear elevation view of gable-end roof tie  73 . The length of the forward edge  105  of back  85  is shown as longer than the rear edge  107  of such back  85  in order to have bridge  87  angled to correspond to a selected pitch for a roof. The length of such forward edge  105  and rear edge  107  should be long enough, such that back  85  extends, at least partially, over the butt end  120  of top plate  52 . 
     FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrate an alternate embodiment of a gable-end roof tie, indicated generally as  123 , according to the present invention. For heavy-duty applications, gable-end roof tie  123  further comprises reinforcing wings  126 ,  127 . Such reinforcing wings  126 ,  127  are generally triangular in shape. For example, reinforcing wing  126  extends from the rear edge  111  of riser  81  to the end of rear edge  130  of fastener extension  94  and reinforcing wing  127  extends from the forward edge  109  of riser  81  to the end of forward edge  131  of fastener extension  94 . Such reinforced heavy duty gable-end roof tie  123  provides vertical reinforcement to prevent balking while enabling increased rigidity to gable-end roof tie  123 , resulting in a sturdier, stronger tie. Such increased strength can be obtained at reduced cost by enabling use of lower galvanized steel gauges for its construction. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , a hip-rafter roof tie according to the present invention, indicated generally as  139 , is illustrated, having an upper portion  142  and a lower portion  145 . Such upper portion  142  comprises two risers  147 ,  149 , substantially parallel to each other and a bridge  151  presenting a large window area  154  connecting the top of risers  147 ,  149 . Bridge  151  provides separation between risers  147 ,  149 . Such separation should conform to the standard thickness of construction materials, such as wooden 2×4s. The lower portion  145  of such hip-rafter roof tie  139  comprises fastener extensions  157 ,  159 , which extend at right angles from risers  147 ,  149 , respectively, each of which fastener extensions  157 ,  159  further comprise top plate flaps  161 ,  162 . A plurality of apertures  165  for inserting fasteners, such as nails are disposed on such risers  147 ,  149 , fastener extensions  157 ,  159 , and top plate flaps  161 ,  162 . Such plurality of apertures should be disposed in a staggered fashion to prevent splitting of the top plates and rafter when inserting such fasteners. 
   In some embodiments, the length of the forward edge  168  of riser  147  may be longer than the rear edge  169  of such riser  147 , correspondingly, the forward edge  171  of riser  149  may be longer than the rear edge  172  (not shown) of such riser  149  in order to have bridge  151  angled to correspond to a selected pitch for a roof. 
   Top plate flaps  161 ,  162  extend at right angles down from fastener extensions  157 ,  159 , and are arrayed to be substantially perpendicular to each other for attachment to top plates  52 ,  175 , which are illustrated as intersecting at a right angle, such as at a corner of a building. For applications in which top plates  52 ,  175  intersect at an angle other than a right angle, top plate flaps  161 ,  162  should be arrayed at an angle corresponding to the angle of intersection of top plates  52 ,  175 . Fasteners are attached to top plates  52 ,  175  through apertures  165 . Using a fastener in each opening ensures a strong and secure attachment. Additional embodiments using various numbers of holes can be used based on specific engineering requirements as determined by one skilled in the art. 
     FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrate an alternate embodiment of a hip-rafter roof tie, indicated generally as  177 , according to the present invention. For heavy-duty applications, hip-rafter roof tie  177  further comprises top plate flaps  178 ,  179 , substantially parallel to top plate flaps  161 ,  162 , respectively. To accommodate such top plate flaps  178 ,  179 , fastener extensions  157 ,  159  are slightly larger. As shown in  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , top plate flaps  161 ,  162 ,  178 ,  179  are fastened to the sides of top plates  52  and  175 , providing a wrap around most of such top plates for reinforcement of such hip-rafter roof tie  177 . 
   As can be seen in  FIG. 6   b , the length of the forward edge  171  of riser  149  is shown as longer than the rear edge  172  of such riser  149  in order to have bridge  151  angled to correspond to a selected pitch for rafter  182 . Window area  154  is provided to enable fastening of decking material to rafter  182 . 
     FIG. 7  shows a joist cradle tie according to the present invention, indicated generally as  185 , comprising a tie component  188  and a cradle component  189 , such tie component  188  having an upper portion  192  and a lower portion  194  and such cradle component  189  having an upper portion  196  and a lower portion  198 . Such upper portion  192  of such tie component  188  comprises a riser  201  having a plurality of apertures  204 . The lower portion  194  of such tie component  188  comprises fastener extension  207 , which extends at a right angle from riser  201  and further comprises top plate flaps  208 ,  209 . A plural ity of apertures  204  for inserting fasteners, such as nails are disposed on such fastener extension  207 , and top plate flaps  208 ,  209 . Such upper portion  196  of such cradle component  189  comprises a wall  212  having a plurality of apertures  204 . The lower portion  198  of such cradle component  189  comprises fastener extension  214 , which extends at a right angle from wall  212  and further comprise top plate flaps  215 ,  216  and cradle wall  219 . A plurality of apertures  204  for inserting fasteners, such as nails, are disposed on such fastener extension  214 , top plate flaps  215 ,  216 , and cradle wall  219 . Such plurality of apertures should be disposed in a staggered fashion to prevent splitting of the top plate and rafters when inserting such fasteners. 
   Cradle wall  219  is disposed on an outward edge of fastener extension  214  and extends upward, substantially perpendicular to such fastener extension  214 . In general, cradle wall  219  is preferably shorter than and substantially parallel to wall  212 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a joist cradle tie, indicated generally as  222 , according to the present invention. For heavy-duty applications, joist cradle tie  222  further comprises reinforcing wings  225 ,  226 . Such reinforcing wings  225 ,  226  are generally triangular in shape. For example, reinforcing wing  225  extends from the forward edge  230  of riser  201  to the end of forward edge  233  of fastener extension  207  and reinforcing wing  226  extends from the rear edge  236  of riser  201  to the end of rear edge  239  of fastener extension  207 . Such reinforced joist cradle tie  222  provides vertical reinforcement to prevent balking while enabling increased rigidity to such joist cradle tie  222 , resulting in a sturdier, stronger roof tie. Such increased strength can be obtained at reduced cost by enabling use of lower galvanized steel gauges for its construction. 
     FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  illustrate an alternate embodiment of a joist cradle tie, indicated generally as  241 , according to the present invention. Joist cradle tie  241  comprises a tie component  188  and a cradle component  189 , such tie component  188  having an upper portion  192  and a lower portion  194  and such cradle component  189  having an upper portion  196  and a lower portion  198 . Such upper portion  192  of such tic component  188  comprises a riser  201  having a bridge  244  connecting to a short riser  247 , substantially parallel to riser  201 . The lower portion  194  of such tie component  188  comprises fastener extension  207 , which further comprise top plate flaps  208 ,  209 . A plurality of apertures  204  for inserting fasteners, such as nails are disposed on such riser  201 , short riser  247 , fastener extension  207  and top plate flaps  208 ,  209 . Bridge  244  presents a large window area  250  to permit fastening decking to a rafter. 
   Such upper portion  196  of such cradle component  189  comprises a wall  212  having a plurality of apertures  204  and slots  253 ,  254 . In use, short riser  247  overlaps wall  212 . Such slots  253 ,  254  are disposed such that, in use, fasteners inserted in apertures  257 ,  258  in short riser  247  can penetrate such slots  253 ,  254 , respectively. The lower portion  198  of such cradle component  189  comprises fastener extension  214 , which further comprise top plate flaps  215 ,  216  and cradle wall  219 . A plurality of apertures  204  for inserting fasteners, such as nails, are disposed on such fastener extension  214 , top plate flaps  215 ,  216 , and cradle wall  219 . Such plurality of apertures should be disposed in a staggered fashion to prevent splitting of the top plate and rafters when inserting such fasteners. 
   Cradle wall  219  is disposed on an outward edge of fastener extension  214  and extends substantially perpendicular to such fastener extension  214 . In general, cradle wall  219  is preferably shorter than and substantially parallel to wall  212 . 
   Joist cradle tie  241  can adapt to rafters of varying heights for application in a variety of construction scenarios. Slots  253 ,  254  enable fasteners to be inserted in such a manner to ensure a snug fit for bridge  255  on the top of rafter  53 . Short riser  247  overlaps wall  212  such that fasteners inserted in apertures  257 ,  258  also enter slots  253 ,  254  at a variable position depending on the height of rafter  53  for attachment to such rafter  53 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 9   b , joist cradle tie  241  is presented in a position for fastening to top plate  52  and rafter  53 . Fasteners are attached to top plate  52  and rafter  53  through apertures  204  and through apertures  257 ,  258  in alignment with slots  253 ,  254 , respectively. When joist cradle tie  214  is attached to top plate  52  and rafter  53 , a ceiling joist  263  can be set in the cradle component  189  as shown in  FIG. 9   c . Fasteners are attached to ceiling joist  263  through apertures  266 ,  267  in cradle wall  219 . Using a fastener in each opening ensures a strong and secure attachment. Additional embodiments using various numbers of holes can be used based on specific engineering requirements as determined by one skilled in the art. 
   It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 
   While specific values, relationships, materials and steps have been set forth for purposes of describing concepts of the invention, it should be recognized that, in the light of the above teachings, those skilled in the art can modify those specifics without departing from basic concepts and operating principles of the invention taught herein.