Patent Publication Number: US-2004040236-A1

Title: Dual function connector

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] This invention relates to a dual function connector for connecting the foundation to the structural element.  
       [0002] In light frame construction of buildings, many prior art connectors are designed for connecting structural members, such as posts and shear walls, to the concrete foundation. These are basically of two types: One such type of connector is a “strap type connector” which is placed at the side surface of an exterior concrete foundation. These “strap type connectors” are designed to resist uplift tension forces only. The “strap type connector” is embedded in the concrete foundation and extends above the foundation along the exterior surface of the structural member to which it is then fastened. An example of the “strap type connector” is the Simpson “STHD” or “PAHD” series. These “strap type connectors” are generally fastened at the top to the structural member with nails or screws and embedded in concrete at the bottom, in order to resist tension forces.  
       [0003] The second type of connector utilizes rods or anchor bolts to fasten the connector to the concrete foundation, and are generally referred to as “holdown connectors”, and are also only designed to resist tension forces. These “holdown type connectors” are fastened at the top to structural members with screws, bolts, or nails and have an integral anchor bolt or rod which is embedded into the concrete foundation. An example of the “holdown type connector” is the Simpson “HD” or “HDA” series holdowns. Both of the “strap type connector” and the “holdown type connector” are designed to resist tensions forces only.  
       [0004] Additional fasteners are required to resist horizontal shear forces which are parallel to ground. These horizontal forces are the result of winds or earthquakes. In the case of shear walls, these additional fasteners, referred to as “sill fasteners” are placed in or around the sill plate of a stud wall. The intention of these sill fasteners is to transfer the horizontal force into the concrete foundation, thus securing the sill to the foundation.  
       [0005] The prior art of designing and building shear walls, with the intention of resisting wind or earthquakes, has consisted of either “strap type” or “holdown type” connectors which are generally installed at or near both ends of the shear wall, and “sill fasteners” spaced in between the two ends of the shear wall.  
       [0006] To alleviate this requirement, and others which will become apparent from the disclosure which follows, the present invention conveniently replaces the resistance to shear forces provided by a sill fastener with the instant connector.  
       [0007] This invention is a connector for securing a structural member, such as a shear wall, to a concrete foundation. The invention is embedded in a concrete foundation and extends up parallel to the broad side of the studs. Fasteners then attach the invention to the structural member which is to be anchored.  
       [0008] Other connectors, such as the connectors described above, are designed to resist tension forces only. Additional methods of fastening are required to resist shear forces. Shear forces are imposed by earthquakes and wind loads and are horizontally applied to structural members. These additional shear connectors are usually fastened to the sill (bottom plate) of the stud wall and comprise nails, anchor bolts, and or mud sill anchors. These additional shear connectors are designed to resist shear forces.  
       [0009] The citation of the foregoing publications is not an admission that any particular publication constitutes prior art, or that any publication alone or in conjunction with others, renders unpatentable any pending claim of the present application. None of the cited publications is believed to detract from the patentability of the claimed invention.  
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010] An object of this invention is to eliminate the obstruction commonly experienced during the installation of the fasteners for both the exterior finish siding, and the interior gypsum board. The prior art “strap type connectors” are generally installed on the exterior narrow side of the studs. The narrow side of the studs normally receives the finish siding. The existence of the prior art connectors creates an obstruction for the installation of the finish materials. Nails and/or screws which are required to fasten the finish materials cannot be easily driven through the prior art connectors. Installers have to work around these obstructions, which is time consuming and problematic in meeting the fastening specifications required by the building inspectors, codes, and suppliers of the finish materials, as well as meeting the straightness expected by architects and owners. This invention is installed on the broad side of the studs, thus eliminating the obstruction.  
       [0011] Another object of this invention is to eliminate the bulge, created by the existence of the prior art connectors, which are generally installed on the surface of the studs, which receive interior or exterior finish materials such as stucco and gypsum board. This invention is installed on the broad side of the studs, thus eliminating the bulge.  
       [0012] Another object of this invention is to eliminate the problem trying to get the concrete to successfully flow around the prior art “strap type connectors.” The unique orientation and shape of this invention allows an unobstructed flow of concrete around it on all sides. Prior art “strap type connectors” create a generally triangular pocket between the side form of the exterior face of the concrete and the strap itself. Concrete has difficulty flowing up into this tight space between the prior art “strap type connector” and the side form, creating voids in the side of the concrete where the “strap type connector” intersects the side form. This invention eliminates this problem since it is oriented 90 degrees to the prior art and therefore allows the concrete to flow more easily in an unrestricted fashion. Because of the unique marriage of this invention with it&#39;s shear wall, it allows laborers easy visual inspection of the pouring of the concrete. The concrete then contains less voids. The pouring of concrete becomes less problematic since it requires less attention.  
       ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION  
       [0013] Unlike the foregoing devices which teach structures that require two separate connection systems to resist tension and shear forces, the connector of this invention eliminates the need for a second fastener system. This invention is designed to resist uplift tension forces and horizontal shear forces simultaneously. With the instant invention, additional fasteners are not required to resist horizontal shear forces which are parallel to ground. These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.  
       [0014] Still other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure that follows.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015] The invention relates to a dual function connector for connecting the foundation to the structural element. Used in an environment which includes a concrete foundation and a structural element having a side face, the dual function connector connects the foundation to the structural element. The connector has a top section and a bottom section. Preferably, the connector has a generally flat top section and a generally flat bottom section. The top section is connected to the bottom section, and the top section is askew to the bottom section. The top section and the bottom section are coplanar. In use the bottom section of the dual function connector can be disposed in the concrete foundation proximate to an exterior surface thereof with the top section of the dual function connector extending from said foundation, said structural element can be disposed adjacent to the top section with the side face of said structural element lying in a first plane transverse to the exterior surface of the concrete foundation, and the side face of the structural element can be fastened to the top section of the dual function connector for resisting shear and tension forces.  
       [0016] Preferably, the first plane can be perpendicular to the exterior surface of the concrete foundation. Furthermore, the top section can be offset from the bottom section by less than 180 degrees. Alternatively, the top section is connected to the bottom section by an intermediate section. For added strength, the intermediate section may be a circular ring sector.  
       [0017] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
     [0018] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:  
     [0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the dual function connector of the present invention shown securing a shear wall to the top of a foundation;  
     [0020]FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the dual function connector of FIG. 1 taken from outside of the foundation;  
     [0021]FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the dual function connector of FIG. 1 showing the bottom end of the connector embedded in the foundation;  
     [0022]FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of another preferred embodiment of the dual function connector with a rounded outer edge;  
     [0023]FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of another preferred embodiment of the dual function connector showing the acute angle between the first longitudinal axis of the top section and the second longitudinal axis of the bottom section being less than  180  degrees;  
     [0024]FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of another preferred embodiment of the dual function connector having an intermediate section shown in the drawing as a circular ring sector;  
     [0025]FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of another preferred embodiment of the dual function connector taken from outside of the foundation wherein the dual function connector is non-planar; and  
     [0026]FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the dual function connector taken along the lines of  8 - 8  of FIG. 7 showing boreholes disposed in both the top section and the bottom section.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0027] The preferred embodiments depicted in the drawing comprise a dual function connector  1  for connecting the foundation  9  to the structural element  2 . Without departing from the generality of the invention disclosed herein and without limiting the scope of the invention, the discussion that follows will refer to the invention as depicted in the drawing.  
     [0028] In an environment which includes a concrete foundation  9  and a structural element  2  having a side face  3 , and a dual function connector  1  for connecting the foundation  9  to the structural element  3 . The connector has an elongated top section  4  and an elongated bottom section  5 , with the elongated top section being connected to the elongated bottom section, the elongated top section having a first longitudinal axis  12  and the elongated bottom section  5  having a second longitudinal axis  14 , and the first longitudinal axis  12  being non-collinear to the second longitudinal axis  14 .  
     [0029] As employed, the bottom section  5  is disposed in the concrete foundation  9  proximate to an exterior surface  16  thereof with the top section  4  of the dual function connector  1  extending from the foundation  9 . The structural element  2  is disposed adjacent to the top section  4  with the side face  3  of the structural element  2  lying in a first plane transverse to the exterior surface of the concrete foundation. The side face  3  of the structural element  2  can be fastened to the top section  4  of the dual function connector  1  to resist shear and tension forces.  
     [0030] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the dual function connector  1  can be a planar object as shown in FIG. 2 and may also be non-planar as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.  
     [0031] One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the dual function connector  1  will have a plurality of holes  6  to accommodate nails, screws, bolts and the like for fastening its top section  4  to the side face  3  of the structural element  2 . Moreover, as best shown in FIG. 1, at least one larger borehole  7  can be disposed in at least one end of the dual function connector  1  to allow a generally horizontal bar  18  to be positioned therein to further secure the dual function connector to the concrete foundation  9 . In a preferred planar embodiment of the dual function connector, the plurality of holes  6 and the at least one larger borehole  7  can be disposed in both the top section  4  and the bottom section  5 , so that the dual function connector can be used reversibly.  
     [0032] As shown in FIGS.  1 - 3  of the drawing, the elongated top section  4  and the elongated bottom  5  section are preferably flat. Additionally, the sections are arranged so that a first line perpendicular to the elongated top section is parallel to a second line perpendicular to the elongated bottom section.  
     [0033] Preferably, the first plane of the top section  4  is perpendicular to the exterior surface  16  of the concrete foundation  9 , as shown in FIG. 3. This unique orientation resists shear forces. Moreover, the elongated top section  4  may have a lateral dimension  20  lying in the first plane that does not exceed a width  22  of the side face  3  of the structural element  2 , as shown in FIG. 8, so that the connector  1  will not interfere with wall board connected to another face of the structural element  2 . As will be noted from the drawing, the structural element  2  will include a stud  22 , a shear wall  26 , or the like.  
     [0034] In a preferred embodiment, the first longitudinal axis  12  and the second longitudinal axis  14  lie in a common plane. (See FIG. 2.)  
     [0035] In another preferred embodiment, the included angle between the first longitudinal axis  12  and the second longitudinal axis is less than 180 degrees, as shown in FIG. 5.  
     [0036] In another preferred embodiment, the elongated top section  4  is connected to the elongated bottom section  5  by an intermediate section, as shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the intermediate section is a circular ring sector.  
     [0037] Another preferred embodiment in use in an environment which includes a concrete foundation  9  and a structural element  2  having a side face  3 , a dual function connector  1  for connecting the foundation to the structural element is taught. The connector has an elongated top section  4  and an elongated bottom section  5 . The elongated top section is connected to the elongated bottom section, the elongated top section has a first longitudinal axis  12  and the elongated bottom section has a second longitudinal axis  14 . The first longitudinal axis  12  is transverse to the second longitudinal axis  14 , the first longitudinal axis  12  and the second longitudinal axis  14  lie in a common plane, and the included angle θ between the first longitudinal axis  12  and the second longitudinal axis  14  is less than 180 degrees, as best seen in FIG. 5.  
     [0038] In this way, the bottom section  5  is disposed in the concrete foundation  9  proximate to an exterior surface  16  thereof with the top section  4  of the dual function connector  1  extending from the foundation  9 . The structural element  2  is disposed adjacent to the top section  4  with the side face  3  of the structural element  2  lying in a first plane transverse to the exterior surface of the concrete foundation. The side face  3  of the structural element  2  can be fastened to the top section  4  of the dual function connector  1  to resist shear and tension forces.  
     [0039] In another embodiment used in environment which includes a concrete foundation  9  and a structural element  2  having a side face  3 , a dual function connector  1  for connecting the foundation to the structural element is disclosed. The connector  1  has a generally flat top section  4  and a generally flat bottom section  5 . The top section  4  is connected to the bottom section  5 , and the top section  4  is askew to the bottom section  5 . The top section and the bottom section are coplanar as shown in FIG. 2.  
     [0040] Whereby, the bottom section  5  is disposed in the concrete foundation  9  proximate to an exterior surface  16  thereof with the top section  4  of the dual function connector  1  extending from the foundation  9 . The structural element  2  is disposed adjacent to the top section  4  with the side face  3  of the structural element  2  lying in a first plane transverse to the exterior surface of the concrete foundation. The side face  3  of the structural element  2  can be fastened to the top section  4  of the dual function connector  1  to resist shear and tension forces.  
     [0041] Additionally, the first plane can be perpendicular to the exterior surface  16  of the concrete foundation  9 , as best shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the top section  4  can be offset from the bottom section by less than 180 degrees, as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the top section  4  is connected to the bottom section  5  by an intermediate section  8 . For added strength, the intermediate section  8  may be a circular ring sector as shown in Fig.6. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, an outer edge  10  of the dual function connector  1  is preferably rounded in the area where the top section  4  meets the bottom section  5  to provide greater resistance to shear forces.  
     [0042] A dual function connector  1  for connecting a foundation  9  to a structural element  2 , as taught by this important invention, includes the connector having an elongated top section  4  and an elongated bottom section  5  with the elongated top section being connected to the elongated bottom section, the elongated top section having a first longitudinal axis  12  and the elongated bottom section having a second longitudinal axis  14 , the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis lying in a common plane, and the first longitudinal axis being transverse to the second longitudinal axis. In this way, the bottom section  5  is disposed in the concrete foundation  9  proximate to an exterior surface  16  thereof with the top section  4  of the dual function connector  1  extending from the foundation  9 . The structural element  2  is disposed adjacent to the top section  4  with the side face  3  of the structural element  2  lying in a first plane transverse to the exterior surface of the concrete foundation. The side face  3  of the structural element  2  can be fastened to the top section  4  of the dual function connector  1  to resist shear and tension forces.  
     [0043] Furthermore, a first line perpendicular to the elongated top section  4  may be parallel to a second line perpendicular to the elongated bottom section  5 . Additionally, the first plane can be perpendicular to the exterior surface  16  of the concrete foundation  9 .  
     [0044] As shown in FIG. 9, the dual function connector  1  may have an elongated top section  4  (with a circular cross-section  4 a and a sleeve  28 ). The elongated bottom section  5  may have a circular cross-section, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and  12 , or be flat, as shown in FIG. 11. The circular cross-section may further be disposed in the sleeve  28  that is attached to the side face  3  of the structural element  2 .  
     [0045] In another preferred embodiment of the dual function connector, as shown in FIGS.  9 - 11 , means for fastening  30  the elongated top section  4  of the dual function connector  1  to the side face  3  of the structural element  2  are provided. The elongated top section may have a circular cross-section  4   a  disposed at a free end  4   b  thereof with said means for fastening  30  adapted to receive and securely retain the free end  4   b  with the circular cross-section  4   a  of the elongated top section  4 . Additionally, the free end with the circular cross-section of the elongated top section may have an external threaded section  32 , and the means for fastening  30  may comprises a coupling nut  34  with an internal threaded section, whereby, the external threaded section  32  can be suitably sized to engage the internal threaded section of the coupling nut  34 . Furthermore, the means for fastening  30  may further comprise means for attaching a sleeve  28  on the side face  3  of the structural element  2 , as shown in FIGS.  9 - 11 , which is adapted to receive the free end  4   b  with the circular cross-section of the elongated top section  4 .  
     [0046] In another embodiment of the dual function connector  1 , the elongated top section  4  may be flat, as shown in FIG. 12, and the elongated bottom section  5  may have a circular cross-section. Alternatively, both the elongated top section and the elongated bottom section may have a circular cross-section.  
     [0047] The dual function connector may be made from metal stamped, welded or the like, with a shape maintaining rigid or resilient plastic, or other suitable material. As is evident from the drawing, the sleeve  28  or coupling nut  34  may be easily attached on the side face through an intermediate plate or the like.  
     [0048] While this invention has been described in connection with the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention, the preferred embodiments described and shown are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting any limitations of the invention. Modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is base, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scop of the present invention.  
     [0049] My invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combinations of some or all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in these particular combinations of some or all of its structures for the functions specified.  
     [0050] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, method of fabrication, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.  
     [0051] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.