Patent Publication Number: US-7716877-B2

Title: Girder tiedown

Description:
The present application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/912,260, filed Aug. 4, 2004. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The roof members of building structures, particularly those located in high wind areas, are often tied down to the supporting wall system to resist the uplift forces caused by winds blowing into, over, and around the structure. Conventionally, these members are tied down to the walls with simple light gauge steel brackets and/or straps which attach to the sides and tops of the roof members and the wall system. The connectors are fastened to the roof and wood wall members with nails or wood screws. The connectors are fastened to concrete or masonry walls with masonry screws, epoxied rods, or are simply embedded into the substrate during construction of the walls. Often the roof is configured such that multiple roof members are supported on one end by the wall and on the other end by a single roof member, commonly referred to as a girder. Each of the roof members which are supported by the girder carry both uplift and download forces which are transferred into the girder through mechanical connections. Often the accumulated forces transferred into the girder can be significant, so much that conventional light gauge connectors do not adequately resist the high uplift forces in the member and as such heavy duty connectors are required to be attached to these girders. Attachment of these heavy duty connectors can be challenging in areas of the country which use concrete or masonry walls because many products are installed to the top of the wall system. This poses problems particularly when products are installed after the framing is complete, which is a common occurrence. Finally, it is standard engineering practice that these high uplift forces are resisted through connector attachment to the top chord of a truss member by either fastening directly to the member or wrapping over the top of the member. Top chord pitches vary widely from job to job and can even vary on the same job in different areas of the roof. The present invention provides a significant improvement on these prior art connectors by offering a connector which can be field adjusted to meet the variable roof pitches and can attach to the face of the wall by means of masonry anchors driven into the constructed wall. The invention can be attached to the top chord through high capacity screws or the traditional method of wrapping over the truss. The present invention also provides an adjustable connector that does not have to be embedded in concrete or masonry and that has unusually strong pin connections that make it adjustable. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable connector for connecting an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member and an elongate generally horizontal supported structural member. This object is achieved by providing a connector with a side attachment member that attaches to an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member and a cap that attaches to the elongate generally horizontal supported structural member, with a pin connection that enables rotation between the cap and the side attachment member. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a pin connection that prevents inadvertent separation of the cap and the side attachment member. This object is achieved by providing a pin connection with a pin opening in either the cap or the first side attachment member, or both, and a pin that passes through the pin opening or openings, the pin having one or more restraint extensions that extend beyond the circumference of the pin opening or openings, preventing the pin from withdrawing from the pin opening or openings. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the restraint extensions with one or more lobes that extend beyond the body of the pin and the pin opening. 
   The pin is able to rotate within the pin opening or openings. If the pin is fixed to either the cap or side attachment member, the pin opening is in the other of the cap or side attachment member. The pin opening is not sealed. By contrast, a preferred method of attaching the pin is to insert its first end in a D-shaped aperture in either the cap or side attachment member. The first end of the pin is formed with a D-shaped circumference and it is welded in place in the D-shaped aperture so that it cannot rotate within the D-shaped aperture or withdraw from it, and the D-shaped aperture is sealed so that there is no visible opening. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a strong pin connection. In some embodiments, this is achieved by fixedly attaching the pin to either the cap or the side attachment member. In some embodiments, this is further achieved by welding the first end of the pin to the cap. In other possible embodiments, the pin can be fixedly attached to the side attachment member. In some embodiments, the pin is not fixed to either the cap or the side attachment member, but instead passes through pin openings in both and has restraint extensions at both ends. In some embodiments, these are formed as circumferential flanges. In some embodiments, this is simply achieved by using a rivet as the pin. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a pin connection that allows the cap and side attachment member to be separated. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the pin opening with open lobes that match the lobes on the pin, like a keyhole and key combination. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that resists uplift. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the cap with a substantially planar top attachment portion that interfaces with the supported structural member. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that attaches to both sides of the supported structural member. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the cap with a second substantially planar side attachment portion. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that attaches to both side of the supporting structural member. In some embodiments, this is achieved by having a second side attachment member and a second pin connection. If the cap has no substantially planar top attachment portion, a connector that has a second side attachment member and a cap with a second substantially planar side attachment portion, is the same as two connectors that each have only a first side attachment member and a cap with only a first substantially planar side attachment portion. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that provides rotation on an axis parallel to the supporting structural member. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the side attachment member with a connection portion that is attached to the edge of the substantially planar attachment portion. In some embodiments, this is further achieved by welding the connection portion to the substantially planar attachment portion. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a secure connection between the connector and the supporting structural member. This is achieved by forming the side attachment member with fastener openings and passing fasteners through the openings and into the supporting structural member. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a secure connection between the connector and the supporting structural members. This is achieved by forming the side attachment member with fastener opening and passing fasteners through the openings and into the supporting structural member. If the supporting structural member is made of masonry or concrete, the preferred fasteners connecting the side attachment member with are masonry anchors. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a secure connection between the connector and the supported structural members. This is achieved by forming the cap with fastener opening and passing fasteners through the openings and into the supported structural member. If the cap is formed with a with a substantially planar top attachment portion and a second substantially planar side attachment portion, the preferred fasteners connecting the cap to the supported structural member are nails. If the cap is formed without a substantially planar top-attachment portion, the preferred fasteners connecting the cap to the supported structural member are self-drilling wood screws. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that is corrosion resistant. This is achieved by forming the connector from galvanized steel and, when the connector includes welding, painting the connector. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that has reinforced pin openings. In some embodiments, this is achieved by creating circumferential embossments around the pin openings. A further object of the present invention is to provide pin openings that share the transfer of loads between the cap and the side attachment members with the pin. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the cap and side attachment members with matching embossments that fit together with matched bearing surfaces. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that has side attachment members that are reinforced against bending. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the substantially planar attachment portions with reinforcing flanges. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the connection portions with reinforcing flanges. 
   An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that has side attachment members that are simple, strong and lightweight. In some embodiments, this is achieved by forming the side attachment member by bending a V-shaped length of steel in half to form a two-ply substantially planar attachment portion and a connection portion that joins the plies at the point where the two legs of the V join. 
   There are two basic preferred types of the present invention. The first is formed from heavier gauge steel, includes welding, and is painted, which is a matter of course when the connector includes welded parts, since welding destroys the corrosion protection offered by galvanized steel. Preferably, the heavier gauge steel type of the present invention uses a pin that is welded to one component of the connector. The second basic type of the present invention is formed from lighter gauge steel, is not welded, and is therefore not painted either. The lighter gauge steel type preferably uses a pin component that is separate from the components that connect to the supporting structural member and the supported structural member. The light gauge steel type preferably includes features, such as additional flanges and embossments, that stiffen it and thereby provide strength similar to that of the heavier gauge steel. 
   Both basic preferred types of the present invention have a cap that connects to or holds the supported structural member, and two side attachment members, or straps, that are connected to the cap by pin connections and which, in turn, connect to the supporting structural member. 
   In the first basic preferred form of the present invention, the pin is a post that is connected to, or part of, either the cap or side attachment member. There is a matching pin opening in the opposed cap or side attachment member, through which the post passes, forming a hinge. The preferred form of this pin connection permits the cap and side members to be separated from each other. 
   In the second basic preferred form of the present invention, the pin is separate from the cap and side attachment members, both of which have pin openings, so that the pin passes through both the cap and the side attachment member. The ends of the pin are widened and the cap and side attachment members can not be separated. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an unadjustable girder tiedown that can be made easily and at low cost on automated machinery without welding or painting and that can be directly attached to the supporting and supported structural members without the use of a cap. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to the wall and ends at the outer side of the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has fixed pins. 
       FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to the wall and which overhangs the outer side of the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has fixed pins. 
       FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a flat girder truss that is orthogonal to the wall and ends at the outer side of the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has fixed pins. 
       FIG. 1D  is a perspective view of a wood frame wall, with a double top plate surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to the wall and which overhangs the outer side of the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has fixed pins. 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the side attachment member of the connector of the present invention in which the connection portion is welded to the edge of the substantially planar attachment portion. 
       FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the side attachment member of the connector of the present invention in which the connection portion is welded to the edge of the substantially planar attachment portion. 
       FIG. 4  is another side elevation view of an embodiment of the side attachment member of the connector of the present invention in which the connection portion is welded to the edge of the substantially planar attachment portion. 
       FIG. 5  is an end elevation view of an embodiment of the side attachment member of the connector of the present invention in which the connection portion is welded to the edge of the substantially planar attachment portion. 
       FIG. 6  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has two substantially planar side attachment members joined by a substantially planar top attachment portion and two fixed pins with restraint extensions in the form of twin lobes. 
       FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has two substantially planar side attachment members joined by a substantially planar top attachment portion and two fixed pins with restraint extensions in the form of twin lobes. 
       FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has two substantially planar side attachment members joined by a substantially planar top attachment portion and two fixed pins with restraint extensions in the form of twin lobes. 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has two substantially planar side attachment members joined by a substantially planar top attachment portion and two fixed pins with restraint extensions in the form of twin lobes. 
       FIG. 10  is an elevation view of the outer side of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has fixed pins and a cap that has two substantially planar side attachment members joined by a substantially planar top attachment portion. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to the wall and which overhangs the outer side of the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has fixed pins and a split cap that has two substantially planar side attachment portions but no substantially planar top attachment portion connecting the two. 
       FIG. 12  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has one substantially planar side attachment member and a fixed pin with a restraint extension in the form of twin lobes. 
       FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has one substantially planar side attachment member and a fixed pin with a restraint extension in the form of twin lobes. 
       FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has one substantially planar side attachment member and a fixed pin with a restraint extension in the form of twin lobes. 
       FIG. 15  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has two separate substantially planar side attachment members and two fixed pins with restraint extensions in the form of twin lobes. 
       FIG. 16  is an elevation view of the outer side of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has fixed pins and a cap that has two separate substantially planar side attachment members. 
       FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the connection of the present invention in which the supported structural member is not orthogonal to the supporting structural member, meeting the wall at an angle, and the two are connected by a connector with a cap that has two separate substantially planar side attachment members. 
       FIG. 18  is a top plan view of the connection of the present invention in which the supported structural member is not orthogonal to the supporting structural member, bisecting the corner of a wall, and the two are connected by a connector with a cap that has two separate substantially planar side attachment members. 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to and at the end of the wall and overhangs the outer side of the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has one side attachment member with a substantially planar attachment portion and a connection portion in the same plane and a fixed pin. 
       FIG. 20  is an elevation view of an embodiment of the side attachment member with a substantially planar attachment portion and a connection portion in the same plane and a fixed pin. 
       FIG. 21  is an elevation view of an embodiment of the side attachment member with a substantially planar attachment portion and a connection portion in the same plane and a fixed pin. 
       FIG. 22  is a top plan view of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to and at the end of the wall and overhangs the outer side of the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has one side attachment member with a substantially planar attachment portion and a connection portion in the same plane and a fixed pin. 
       FIG. 23  is an elevation view of the outer side of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to and at the end of the wall and overhangs the outer side of the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has one side attachment member with a substantially planar attachment portion and a connection portion in the same plane and a fixed pin. 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to the wall and which overhangs the outer side of the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has fixed pins and a split cap that has two substantially planar side attachment portions but no substantially planar top attachment portion connecting the two.  FIG. 24  is identical to  FIG. 11  except that  FIG. 24  shows a side attachment member in which the connection portion and substantially planar attachment portion are formed, rather than welded, together, as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 25  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the side attachment member of the connector of the present invention in which the connection portion is orthogonally joined to the edge of the substantially planar attachment portion. 
       FIG. 26  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the side attachment member of the connector of the present invention in which the connection portion is orthogonally joined to the edge of the substantially planar attachment portion. 
       FIG. 27  is an end elevation view of an embodiment of the side attachment member of the connector of the present invention in which the connection portion is orthogonally joined to the edge of the substantially planar attachment portion. 
       FIG. 28  is a top plan view of the connection of the present invention with a cap that has two separate substantially planar side attachment members and two fixed pins with restraint extensions in the form of twin lobes and two side attachment members of the connector of the present invention in which the connection portion is orthogonally joined to the edge of the substantially planar attachment portion. 
       FIG. 29  is a side elevation view of a first side attachment member that is formed by bending a V-shaped strap to form a two-ply substantially planar attachment portion and a connection portion, with a reinforcing embossment around the pin opening, from the middle of the V-shaped strap. 
       FIG. 30  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has two substantially planar side attachment members joined by a substantially planar top attachment portion and showing the fixed pin in detail. 
       FIG. 31  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has two substantially planar side attachment members joined by a substantially planar top attachment portion and showing the fixed pin in detail.  FIG. 31  is identical to  FIG. 8  but is represented for convenience in viewing different angles of the pin connection in the cap. 
       FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has two substantially planar side attachment members joined by a substantially planar top attachment portion and showing the fixed pin in detail. 
       FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to the wall and overhangs the outer side of the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has first side attachment members that are formed by bending a V-shaped strap to form two-ply substantially planar attachment portions and connection portions, with reinforcing embossments around the pin openings, from the middle of the V-shaped strap. 
       FIG. 34  is a front elevation view of a first side attachment member that is formed by bending a V-shaped strap to form a two-ply substantially planar attachment portion and a connection portion, with a reinforcing embossment around the pin opening, from the middle of the V-shaped strap. 
       FIG. 35  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has two substantially planar side attachment members joined by a substantially planar top attachment portion and two pin openings. 
       FIG. 36  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has two substantially planar side attachment members joined by a substantially planar top attachment portion and two pin openings. 
       FIG. 37  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention in which the cap has two substantially planar side attachment members joined by a substantially planar top attachment portion and pin openings. 
       FIG. 38A  an elevation view of the outer side of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to the wall, and a two-sided form of the connector of the present invention that has first side attachment members that are formed by bending a V-shaped strap to form two-ply substantially planar attachment portions and connection portions, with reinforcing embossments around the pin openings, from the middle of the V-shaped strap. 
       FIG. 38B  is an end view of an embodiment of the pin connection showing matching embossments in the cap and side attachment member and a reinforcing flange in the side attachment member. 
       FIG. 39  is a front elevation view of a first side attachment member that is formed with reinforcing flanges and a reinforcing embossment around the pin opening. 
       FIG. 40  is a side elevation view of a first side attachment member that is formed with reinforcing flanges and a reinforcing embossment around the pin opening. 
       FIG. 41  is an end elevation view of an embodiment of the side attachment member of the connector of the present invention in which the connection portion and the substantially planar attachment portion are both formed with reinforcing flanges and the connection portion is formed with a reinforcing embossment around the pin opening. 
       FIG. 42  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the fixed pin of the present invention. 
       FIG. 43  is an opposite side elevation view of an embodiment of the fixed pin of the present invention. 
       FIG. 44  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the fixed pin of the present invention, showing the D-shape of the first end of the pin in dotted line, but not showing all three diameters of the preferred embodiment because they are too close to be shown fully separated. 
       FIG. 45  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the fixed pin of the present invention, showing the D-shape of the first end of the pin, but not showing all three diameters of the preferred embodiment because they are too close to be shown fully separated. 
       FIG. 46  is a side elevation view of the an embodiment of the cap of the connector of the present invention showing the D-shaped fixture opening before the pin is inserted and fixed. 
       FIG. 47  is a side elevation view of a first side attachment member that is formed by bending a V-shaped strap to form a two-ply substantially planar attachment portion and a connection portion, with a reinforcing embossment around the pin opening, from the middle of the V-shaped strap. 
       FIG. 48  is a front elevation view of a first side attachment member that is formed by bending a V-shaped strap to form a two-ply substantially planar attachment portion and a connection portion, with a reinforcing embossment around the pin opening, from the middle of the V-shaped strap. 
       FIG. 49  is a front elevation view of two side attachment members formed by bending a V-shaped strap connected by a cap member to which they are attached by pins. 
       FIG. 50  is a top plan view of a V-shaped blank from which an unadjustable embodiment of a side attachment member with a teardrop-shaped connection portion is formed. 
       FIG. 51  is a side elevation view of an unadjustable embodiment of a side attachment member with a teardrop-shaped connection portion. 
       FIG. 52  is a top plan view of a V-shaped blank from which an unadjustable embodiment of a side attachment member with a connection portion in the general shape of an irregular quadrilateral is formed. 
       FIG. 53  is a side elevation view of an unadjustable embodiment of a side attachment member with a connection portion in the general shape of an irregular quadrilateral. 
       FIG. 54  is a top plan view of an unadjustable embodiment of a side attachment member with a connection portion that is generally M-shaped. 
       FIG. 55  is a side elevation view of an unadjustable embodiment of a side attachment member with a connection portion that is generally M-shaped. 
       FIG. 56  is a top plan view of a V-shaped blank from which an unadjustable embodiment of a side attachment member with a connection portion that is generally M-shaped is formed. 
       FIG. 57  is a perspective view of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to the wall and ends at the outer side of the wall, and a two-sided form of the connection of the present invention that is unadjustable and has teardrop-shaped connection portions. 
       FIG. 58  is an elevation view of the outer side of a concrete masonry wall, with a concrete tie beam surmounting the wall, supporting a pitched girder truss that is orthogonal to the wall, and a two-sided form of the connection of the present invention that is unadjustable and has teardrop-shaped connection portions. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Basic Connection 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , the present invention is a connection  1  that comprises an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member  2 , further comprising two sides  51  and a top  52 , supporting an elongate generally horizontal supported structural member  3 , further comprising two sides  53  and a top  54 , that is not parallel to the elongate substantially vertical supporting member  2 , and a connector  4 . In most installations, the supported structural member  3  and the supporting structural member  2  will be generally orthogonal, but as shown in  FIG. 17  the supported structural member  3  may be diagonal to the supporting structural member  2 . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 18 , trusses, the preferred form of the supported structural member  3 , installed at corners run at 45 degrees to the supporting structural member  2 , bisecting what is usually a 90 degree angle between two walls, the preferred form of the supporting structural member  2 . 
   The elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member  2  is preferably a building wall  2 , typically an exterior wall  2 , possibly framed in wood, as shown in  FIG. 1D , or steel, but typically a masonry wall  2 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C ,  10 ,  11 ,  15 - 19 ,  22 - 24 ,  28 ,  33  and  38 A. In particular, the masonry wall  2  is illustrated as concrete block surmounted by a poured concrete tie beam. In all of Florida except the northernmost part, it is common to see structures built with concrete block masonry exterior walls  2 . Concrete block is used because it has some inherent wind-resistance benefits, and because it resists termite infestation. It develops a good load path to resist uplift forces caused by wind, it is heavier than wood framing, a reinforced concrete block wall system creates fewer connection points than wood framing, which may imply fewer construction errors, and concrete block offers impact resistance to windborne debris. Concrete block exterior walls  2  are not composed solely of concrete block; instead, the concrete blocks usually sit within a grid of poured concrete and rebar. A key structural element of an exterior concrete block wall is usually the tie beams. The tie beam is located at the top  54  of the wall  2  and is either poured concrete or masonry bond beams (U-shaped concrete blocks filled with concrete). Poured concrete naturally creates a level tie beam, but it is only common in the southernmost part of Florida. In the prior art, hurricane straps that held down the roof trusses were placed in the still-wet concrete; if mislocated, they could be replaced by hurricane straps retrofitted to the tie beam with masonry anchors. 
   The elongate generally horizontal supported structural member  3  is preferably a roof member, such as a beam, girder, truss, girder truss or rafter  3 . The particular connection that is shown in shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D ,  10 ,  11 ,  15 - 19 ,  22 - 24 ,  28 ,  33  and  38 A is between a girder truss  3  and a wall  2 . A girder truss  3  is a heavy truss from which other, lighter trusses may be suspended. Girder trusses  3  require stronger tie down connectors  4  because they generate high uplift forces, particularly in high wind areas and particularly when they overhang the outside of the wall  2 . The greater the overhang, the more uplift is caused by wind loading. Larger overhangs are, however, particularly desirable in areas with a lot of rain, which are also typically areas with high winds. 
   The connector  4  of the present invention improves on the prior art by providing an exceptionally strong connection  1  between trusses  3  and walls  2  that need not be cast in concrete, is suitable for both original and retrofit installations, and is adjustable to accommodate trusses  3  of various pitches. At its most basic, the connector  4  comprises a cap  5 , connected to said supported structural member  3 , a first side attachment member  8  and a pin connection  11  between the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8 . The cap  5  comprises a first substantially planar side attachment portion  6  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . The first side attachment member  8  comprises a substantially planar attachment portion  9  that interfaces with and is fastened to the supporting structural member  2 , and a connection portion  10  that is positioned alongside the first substantially planar side attachment portion  6  of the cap  5 . The first pin connection  11  enables rotation between the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8 , and that connects said cap  5  to said first attachment member  8 , so that the cap  5  can be attached to supported structural members  8  of various pitches. 
   There are several primary variations on the basic form of the connector  4  of the present invention. The connector  4  can be either one-sided or two-sided, having either only a first side attachment member  8  when it is one-sided or a first side attachment member  8  and a second side attachment member  26  when it is two-sided. The cap  5  can take several different basic forms. The pin connections  11  can either have pin  13  that is fixed to either the cap  5  or the one of the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26 , or a pin  13  that is separate from the cap  5  and the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26 . If the pin  13  is fixed, it passes through one pin opening  12  in the cap  5  or the one of the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26 . If the pin  13  is separate, it passes through two matching pin openings  12  in the cap  5  and one of the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26 . If the connector  4  is one-sided, it will preferably have one side attachment member  8  positioned to one side of the supported structural member  3 . If the connector  4  is two-sided it will preferably have two side attachment members  8  and  26 , one on each side of the supported structural member  3 . The cap  5  can take three basic forms. First, an inverted U-shaped, with two substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  that interface with the sides  53  of the supported structural member  3  and a substantially planar top attachment portion  21  that connects the two substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22 . Second, an inverted L-shape (if the connection is one-sided) or a pair of inverted L-shapes (if the connection is two-sided), the L-shape having a substantially planar side attachment portion  6  or  22  and a substantially planar top attachment portion  21 . Third, one (if the connection is one-sided) or two (if the connection is two-sided) substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22 . All three basic forms of the cap  5  can be fastened to the supported structural member  3  using fasteners  55  such as nails, screws or bolts. The cap  5  could also be bonded to the supported structural member  3  using adhesives or welds, depending on the materials used to compose the cap  5  and the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the connector  4  will be made from steel and the supported structural member  3  will be made primarily of wood, but the connector  4  might also be made of other metals, plastics or composites, and the same is true of the supported structural member  3 . When fasteners  55  are used to fasten the cap  5  to the supported structural member  3 , the fasteners  55  can pass through the substantially planar side attachment portion or portions  6  and the substantially planar top attachment portion or portions  21 . Because the connector  4  is designed primarily to resist uplift forces, fasteners  55  or other bonding is only critical when the cap  5  has no substantially planar top attachment portion  21 . In the preferred embodiment of this form, fasteners  55  pass through the substantially planar side attachment portion or portions  6  into the side or sides  53  of the supported structural member  3 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  20 ,  25  and  40 , preferably the first pin connection  11  further comprises a first pin opening  12  in one of the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8 , and a first pin  13  that passes through the first pin opening  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 42-45 , the first pin  13  preferably comprises a body  14  that has a circumference  15 , a first end  16 , and a second end  17  with a first restraint extension  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  20 ,  25 ,  29  and  40 , the first pin opening  12  has a circumference  19 . The first restraint extension  18  extends beyond the circumference of the first pin opening  12 , preventing the first pin  13  from withdrawing from the first pin opening  12 . 
   First Preferred Embodiment 
   In the first preferred embodiment, the first pin  13  is fixedly attached to the other of the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8  that does not have a first pin opening  12 . Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the first pin  13  is fixedly attached to the cap  5  and the first pin opening  12  is in the first side attachment member  8 . 
   Preferably, the first restraint extension  18  is one or more lobes  18  that extend beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14  and the circumference  19  of the first pin opening  12 . Preferably, the first pin opening  12  has one or more open lobes  20  that extend beyond the circumference  19  of the first pin opening  12 . Preferably, the fixedly attached first pin  13  is inserted through the first pin opening  12  in an orientation that permits the one or more lobes  18  on the first pin  13  to pass through the one or more open lobes  20  of the first pin opening  12 , and the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8  are then rotated on the first pin connection  11  so that the one or more lobes  18  on the first pin  13  no longer match the one or more open lobes  20  of the first pin opening  12 , thereby restraining the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8  from being separated at the first pin connection  11 . The open lobes  20  permit the first side attachment member  8  and the cap  5  to be separated and reconnected. The open lobes  20  are preferably oriented so that they will be 90 degrees off of the lobes  18  when the supported structural member  3  is perfectly horizontal and the supporting structural member  2  is perfectly vertical, so that an interlock is formed in every orientation except if the supported structural member  3  is perfectly vertical, which is essentially impossible when the supported structural member  3  is a truss or other similar roofing member. Preferably, the pins  13  are machined from 1¾″ diameter hot rolled bar stock with CNC (computer numerical control) lathes and machining centers. Preferably, the pins  13  each have two opposed lobes  18  that are ⅞″ wide and extend to the 1¾″ diameter of the bar stock. Preferably, the thickness of the lobes  18  is approximately one third the length of the pins  13 . The middle third of the pin  13  is preferably 1.312″ in diameter while the remaining third is preferably 1.245″ in diameter with a flat portion of the circumference making it roughly D-shaped. As shown in  FIGS. 30-32  and  42 - 46 , the pins  13  are preferably fixed to the cap  5  by being inserted in D-shaped apertures  30  in the substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  until the pins are flush with the insides of the substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  and then welded on the insides of the substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  with fillet welds  39  that go around the circumferences of the D-shaped apertures. The D shape ensures that the pins  13  cannot rotate so that the welds  39  are not stressed by torsion. 
   Preferably, the cap  5  additionally comprises a substantially planar top attachment portion  21  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . As shown in  FIGS. 11-19 ,  22 - 24  and  28 , the cap  5  could be formed with a first substantially planar attachment portion  6  in the case of a one-sided variant of the connector  4 , and the cap  5  can be formed with first and second substantially planar attachment portions  6  and  22  that are not connected. However, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D ,  6 - 10 , and  31 - 33 , the cap can be formed with first and second substantially planar attachment portions  6  and  22  that are connected by a substantially planar top attachment portion  21 . The width of the cap  5  varies according to the width of the supported structural member  3 , which is usually made from nominal 2×4 umber. For 2-ply, 3-ply, 4-ply and 5-ply supported structural members  3 , the width of the cap is preferably approximately 3½″, 5.062″, 7¼ and 8.312″, respectively. With the forms of the connector  4  of the present invention in which the cap  5  has a top attachment portion  21 , the fixed pins  13  herein described can be advantageous because they allow the side attachment members  8  and  26  to be separated from the cap member  5 , making the parts somewhat interchangeable. 
   Preferably, the cap  5  can additionally comprise a second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . In a single-sided variant of the connector  4  of the present invention, a second side attachment portion  22  is not strictly necessary. When the cap  5  has only a first side attachment portion  6 , a plurality of fasteners  58  are necessary to resist uplift, but when the cap  5  has a top attachment portion  21 , the top attachment portion  21  can resist uplift and the fasteners  58  are less important. 
   Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises an edge  37  on said substantially planar attachment portion  9  and the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  is attached to the edge  37 . While it is possible to make a completely flat first side attachment member  8 , as shown in  FIGS. 19-23 , this is normally only used at the ends of the supporting structural member  2 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A-5 ,  10 ,  11  and  15 , the substantially planar attachment portion  9  and the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  are orthogonally related so that the attachment portion  9  faces a side  51  of the supporting structural member  2  and the connection portion  10  faces a side  53  of the supported structural member  3  and the cap  5 . 
   Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises fastener openings  55 , and the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and into the supporting structural member  2 . Alternatively, the first side attachment member  8  could be made without fastener openings  55 , and could be fastened to the supporting structural member  2  either with fasteners  57  that pierce the first side attachment member  8 , an adhesive, or welds (if the supporting structural member  2  and the connector  4  are both made of metal). 
   Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  additionally comprise fastener openings  56 , and the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  and into the supported structural member  3 . Alternatively, the cap  5  could be made without fastener openings  56 , and could be fastened to the supported structural member  3  either with fasteners  58  that pierce the cap  5 , an adhesive, or welds (if the supported structural member  3  and the connector  4  are both made of metal). When the cap  5  has no top attachment portion  21 , the fasteners  58  are critical because uplift is transferred from the supported structural member  3  solely through the fasteners  58  to the connector  4  and the supporting structural member  2 . 
   Preferably, the fasteners  57  that that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  are masonry screw anchors  57 , and the fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  are self-drilling wood screws  58 . Most preferably, the fasteners  57  are Simpson Strong-Tie Titen HD masonry screw anchors. Most preferably, the fasteners  58  are Simpson Strong-Tie SDS Strong Drive screws. 
   Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 32 , the first end  16  of the first pin  13  is welded to the cap  5 . Alternatively, the first pin  13  could be attached by a mechanical interlock, adhesive, or the like. Otherwise, the first pin  13  and the cap  5  could be cast, molded or otherwise formed as a single piece. 
   Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  is welded to the edge  37 . Alternatively, the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  and the connection portion  10  could be attached by a mechanical interlock, adhesive, or the like. Otherwise, substantially planar side attachment portion  9  and the connection portion  10  could be cast, molded or otherwise formed as a single piece, as shown in  FIG. 24 . Equally, the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  and the connection portion  10  could be bent out of a single piece of metal or other material. Preferably, the connector  4  is painted. Welding destroys the corrosion protection of galvanized steel and therefore requires painting. 
   Second Preferred Embodiment 
   In the second preferred embodiment, the first pin  13  is fixedly attached to the first side attachment member  8  and the first pin opening  12  is in the cap  5 . This particular arrangement, according to which the first pin  13  is fixedly attached to the first side attachment member  8 , is similar to fixedly attaching the first pin  13  to the cap  5  and is, therefore, not shown in the drawings. This is less preferred than attaching the first pin  13  to the cap member  5 , but it would be a functional alternative. As in the first preferred embodiment, and the first restraint extension  18  is one or more lobes  18  that extend beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14  and the circumference  19  of the first pin opening  12 , and the first pin opening  12  has one or more open lobes  20  that extend beyond the circumference  19  of the first pin opening  12 . The fixedly attached first pin  13  is inserted through the first pin opening  12  in an orientation that permits the one or more lobes  18  on the first pin  13  to pass through the one or more open lobes  20  of the first pin opening  12 , and the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8  are then rotated on the first pin connection  11  so that the one or more lobes  18  on the first pin  13  no longer match the one or more open lobes  20  of the first pin opening  12 , thereby restraining the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8  from being separated at the first pin connection  11 . The cap  5  additionally comprises a substantially planar top attachment portion  21  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the cap  5  additionally comprises a second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 , and the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprise an edge  37  and the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  is attached to the edge  37 . 
   Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises fastener openings  55 , and the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and into the supporting structural member  2 . Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  additionally comprise fastener openings  56 , and the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  and into the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the fasteners  57  that that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  are masonry screw anchors  57 , and the fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  are self-drilling wood screws  58 . 
   Preferably, the first end  16  of the first pin  13  is welded to the first side attachment member  8 , the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  is welded to the edge  37 , and the connector  4  is painted. 
   Third Preferred Embodiment 
   The third preferred embodiment is essentially the same as the first preferred embodiment, except that it is double-sided. It is always preferable that the connection of the present invention be double-sided because a single-sided connection is weaker than its double-sided counterpart. It is shown  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  10 . In it, the cap  5  additionally comprises a second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . The connector  4  additionally comprises a second side attachment member  26  comprising a substantially planar attachment portion  9  that interfaces with and is fastened to the supporting structural member  2 , and a connection portion  10  that is positioned alongside the first substantially planar attachment portion  6  of the cap  5 , and a second pin connection  29  that enables rotation between the second side attachment member  26  and the cap  5 . 
   The cap  5  further comprises a second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3  opposite the first substantially planar side attachment portion  6 . The second pin connection  29  further comprises a second pin opening  12  in one of the cap  5  and the second attachment member  26 , and a second pin  13  that passes through the second pin opening  12 , the second pin  13  comprises a body  14  having a circumference  15 , a first end  16 , and a second end  17  with a first restraint extension  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14 . The second pin opening  12  has a circumference  19 , and the first restraint extension  18  extends beyond the circumference of the second pin opening  12 , preventing the second pin  13  from withdrawing from the second pin opening  12 . The second pin  13  is fixedly attached to the other of the cap  5  and the second side attachment member  26  that does not have a second pin opening  12 . Preferably, the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  are essentially the same, either identical or mirror images of each other, except in an end wall attachment as shown in  FIGS. 19 ,  22  and  23 , where it is practical to use a side attachment member  8  or  26  that is flat or when the supported structural member  3  is not orthogonal to the supporting structural member  2 . Preferably, the pin connections  11  and  29  are essentially the same, either identical or mirror images of each other. 
   Preferably, the first pin  13  is fixedly attached to the cap  5  and the first pin opening  12  is in the first side attachment member  8 , and the second pin  13  is fixedly attached to the cap  5  and the second pin opening  12  is in the second side attachment member  26 . Preferably, the first restraint extension  18  of the first pin  13  is one or more lobes  18  that extend beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14  and the circumference  19  of the first pin opening  12 , and the first restraint extension  18  of the second pin  13  is one or more lobes  18  that extend beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14  and the circumference  19  of the second pin opening  12 . Preferably, the first pin opening  12  has one or more open lobes  20  that extend beyond the circumference  19  of the first pin opening  12 . The fixedly attached first pin  13  is preferably inserted through the first pin opening  12  in an orientation that permits the one or more lobes  18  on the first pin  13  to pass through the one or more open lobes  20  of the first pin opening  12 , and the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8  are then rotated on the first pin connection  11  so that the one or more lobes  18  on the first pin  13  no longer match the one or more open lobes  20  of the first pin opening  12 , thereby restraining the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8  from being separated at the first pin connection  11 . Preferably, the second pin opening  12  has one or more open lobes  20  that extend beyond the circumference  19  of the second pin opening  12 . The fixedly attached second pin  13  is preferably inserted through the second pin opening  12  in an orientation that permits the one or more lobes  18  on the second pin  13  to pass through the one or more open lobes  20  of the second pin opening  12 , and the cap  5  and the second side attachment member  26  are then rotated on the second pin connection  29  so that the one or more lobes  18  on the second pin  13  no longer match the one or more open lobes  20  of the second pin opening  12 , thereby restraining the cap  5  and the second side attachment member  26  from being separated at the first pin connection  29 . 
   Preferably, the cap  5  additionally comprises a substantially planar top attachment portion  21  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . The second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  of the cap  5  is attached to the substantially planar top attachment portion  21 . Preferably, the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises an edge  37  on said substantially planar attachment portion  9  and the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  is attached to the edge  37 . Preferably, the second side attachment member  26  additionally comprises an edge  37  and the connection portion  10  of the second side attachment member  26  is attached to the edge  37 . 
   As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the substantially planar attachment portions  9  preferably each have two parallel long edges  37  and two short edges  37  that connect the long side edges  37 . The short edge  37  farthest away from the connection portion  10  preferably meets both the long edges  37  at right angles. The short edge  37  nearest the connection portion  10  preferably meets the long edges  37  at 8.14 degrees off of orthogonal, so that the long edge  37  to which the connection portion  10  is attached is longer than the opposite long edge  37 . 
   Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  additionally comprise fastener openings  55 . Preferably, the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  and into the supporting structural member  2 . Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  additionally comprise fastener openings  56 , and the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  and into the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the fasteners  57  that that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  are masonry screw anchors  57 , and the fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  are self-drilling wood screws  58 . 
   Preferably, the first end  16  of the first pin  13  is welded to the cap  5 , and the first end  16  of the second pin  13  is welded to the cap  5  with a circumferential fillet weld  39 . Preferably, the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  is welded to the edge  37 , and the connection portion  10  of the second side attachment member  26  is welded to the edge  37  with a pair of fillet welds  39 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the edge  37  to which the connection portion  10  is welded has an indentation  40  between the fillet welds  39  that attach the connection portion  10 . Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the connection portion  10  has a pair of opposed notches  41  on its circumference that act as visual indicia for correct alignment when welding the connection portion  10  to the substantially planar attachment portion  9 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the substantially planar attachment portion includes a small peg  42  that projects from the edge  37  to interlock with one of the notches  41  and provide further assistance in aligning the connection portion  10 . Preferably, the connector  4  is painted. 
   Preferably, the substantially planar attachment portions  9  of the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  are 24 3/16″ from the centerlines of the pins  13  to the short edge  37  furthest away from the connection portion  10 . Preferably, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D ,  3 ,  10 ,  11 ,  16 ,  19 ,  20  and  23 , the substantially planar attachment portions  9  each have four fastener openings  55 , and preferably only two of each set of four is used. The most preferred fasteners  57  for attaching to the supporting structural member  2  are Simpson Strong-Tie TITEN HD masonry screw anchors  57 . If the supporting structural member  2  is a wood wall  2 , the most preferred fasteners  57  would be a greater plurality of Simpson Strong-Tie Strong Drive SDS self-drilling wood screws. Preferably, the clearance diameter of the pin openings  12  is 1.344″ and the outer diameter of the connection portion  10  is 4.210″. The pins  13  are preferably machined from 1¾″ Grade 36 diameter hot rolled bar stock with CNC lathes and machining centers. The first ends  16  of the pins  13  preferably have a D-shaped circumference and, as shown in  FIG. 46 , are inserted in D-shaped fixture openings  30  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5 . The pins  13  are then preferably welded in those fixture openings  30  with circumferential fillet welds  39 . The cap  5  is preferably fastened to the supported structural member  3  with twelve fasteners  58 , preferably self-driving wood screws  58 , most preferably Simpson Strong-Tie Strong Drive SDS ¼″ screws, 3″ long if the supporting structural member  3  is sufficiently wide. If the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  are two separate plates  6  and  22  attached to the sides  53  of the supported structural member  3 , as is preferred for retrofit installations, the plates  6  and  22  are preferably attached with eighteen fasteners  58 , preferably self-driving wood screws  58 , most preferably Simpson Strong-Tie Strong Drive SDS ¼×3 screws. The cap  5  is preferably made in several widths for double, triple, quadruple and quintuple-ply trusses 3, 3.5″, 5.062″, 7.25″ and 8.312″ wide respectively. Preferably, the cap  5  and first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  are formed from 3 gauge Grade 33 hot rolled steel. 
   Fourth Preferred Embodiment 
   In the fourth preferred embodiment, the first pins  13  are fixedly attached to the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  and the first pin openings  12  are in the cap  5 . As with the second preferred embodiment, this particular arrangement, according to which the first pin  13  is fixedly attached to the first side attachment member  8 , is similar to fixedly attaching the first pin  13  to the cap  5  and is, therefore, not shown in the drawings. This is less preferred than attaching the first pins  13  to the cap member  5 , but it would be a functional alternative. Preferably, the first pin  13  is fixedly attached to the first side attachment member  8  and the first pin opening  12  is in the cap  5 , and the second pin  13  is fixedly attached to the second side attachment member  26  and the second pin opening  12  is in the cap  5 . Preferably, the first restraint extension  18  on the first pin  13  is one or more lobes  18  that extend beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14  and the circumference  19  of the first pin opening  12 . Preferably, the first restraint extension  18  on the second pin  13  is one or more lobes  18  that extend beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14  and the circumference  19  of the second pin opening  12 . Preferably, the first pin opening  12  has one or more open lobes  20  that extend beyond the circumference  19  of the first pin opening  12 . Preferably, the fixedly attached first pin  13  is inserted through the first pin opening  12  in an orientation that permits the one or more lobes  18  on the first pin  13  to pass through the one or more open lobes  20  of the first pin opening  12 , and the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8  are then rotated on the first pin connection  11  so that the one or more lobes  18  on the first pin  13  no longer match the one or more open lobes  20  of the first pin opening  12 , thereby restraining the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8  from being separated at the first pin connection  11 . Preferably, the second pin opening  12  has one or more open lobes  20  that extend beyond the circumference  19  of the second pin opening  12 . The fixedly attached second pin  13  is preferably inserted through the second pin opening  12  in an orientation that permits the one or more lobes  18  on the second pin  13  to pass through the one or more open lobes  20  of the second pin opening  12 , and the cap  5  and the second side attachment member  26  are then rotated on the second pin connection  29  so that the one or more lobes  18  on the second pin  13  no longer match the one or more open lobes  20  of the second pin opening  12 , thereby restraining the cap  5  and the second side attachment member  26  from being separated at the first pin connection  29 . 
   Preferably, the cap  5  additionally comprises a substantially planar top attachment portion  21  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  of the cap  5  is attached to the substantially planar top attachment portion  21 . Preferably, the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises an edge  37  on said substantially planar attachment portion  9  and the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  is attached to the edge  37 . Preferably, the second side attachment member  26  additionally comprise an edge  37  and the connection portion  10  of the second side attachment member  26  is attached to the edge  37 . 
   Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  additionally comprise fastener openings  55 . Preferably, the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  and into the supporting structural member  2 . Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  additionally comprise fastener openings  56 , Preferably, the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  and into the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the fasteners  57  that that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  are masonry screw anchors  57 . Preferably, the fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  are self-drilling wood screws  58 . 
   Preferably, the first end  16  of the first pin  13  is welded to the first side attachment member  8 , and the first end  16  of the second pin  13  is welded to the second side attachment member  26 . The connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  is preferably welded to the edge  37 , and the connection portion  10  of the second side attachment member  26  is preferably welded to the edge  37 . Preferably, the connector  4  is painted. 
   Fifth Preferred Embodiment 
   As shown in  FIGS. 29 ,  34 - 37  and  28 B, in the fifth preferred embodiment the first pin opening  12  is preferably in the cap  5 , the first attachment member  8  additionally comprises a second pin opening  12  and the first pin  13  passes through the second pin opening  12 , and the first pin  13  additionally comprises a second restraint extension  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14 . The pin openings  12  in the cap  5  and the first attachment member  8  preferably face each other side-by-side. Preferably, the second pin opening  12  has a circumference  19 , and the second restraint extension  18  extends beyond the circumference  19  of the second pin opening  12 , preventing the first pin  13  from withdrawing from the second pin opening  12 . 
   Preferably, the first restraint extension  18  is a circumferential flange  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14  and the circumference  19  of the first pin opening  12 . The second restraint extension  18  is a circumferential flange  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14  and the circumference  19  of the second pin opening  12 . In this form, the cap member  5  and the first side attachment member  8  cannot be separated without disassembling the pin  13  itself, which is not possible in the preferred form of the pin  13 , which is a rivet. 
   Preferably, the cap  5  additionally comprises a substantially planar top attachment portion  21  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the cap  5  additionally comprises a second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . 
   Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises a reinforcing embossment  25  around the first pin opening  12  in the first side attachment member  8 . The embossment  25  reinforces the first pin opening  12  by stiffening the material around the first pin opening  12 . Preferably, the first substantially planar side attachment portion  6  of the cap  5  additionally comprises a reinforcing embossment  25  around the second pin opening  12  that matches the reinforcing embossment  25  around the first pin opening  12  in the first side attachment member  8  so that the reinforcing embossment  25  and the reinforcing embossment  25  fit together and transmit bearing forces between the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8 . The reinforcing embossments  25  are shown in  FIGS. 35-37 ,  38 B and  40 . 
   Preferably, the substantially planar attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises a reinforcing flange  23 . Preferably, the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises a reinforcing flange  24 . The reinforcing flanges  23  and  24  are shown in  FIGS. 39-41 . The embossments  25  and the reinforcing flanges  23  and  24  are particularly important when the connector  4  is made of lighter gauge sheet steel. The heavier gauge steel of the welded and painted forms of the connector  4  do not require the embossments  25  and reinforcing flanges  23  and  24 . 
   Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 38B , the first pin  13  is a rivet. The first pin  13  could also be made as a press fit part, but the restraint extensions  18  of a rivet are stronger. 
   Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 38A , the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises fastener openings  55 , and the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and into the supporting structural member  2 . Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  additionally comprise fastener openings  56 , and the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  and into the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  are masonry screw anchors  57 , and the fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  are self-drilling wood screws  58 . 
   Sixth Preferred Embodiment 
   As shown in  FIG. 38A , the sixth preferred embodiment is essentially the same as the fifth preferred embodiment, except that it is double-sided. The preferred side attachment member  8  or  26  is shown  FIGS. 29 and 24 , but other side attachment members  8  or  26  could be used, including those shown in  FIGS. 39-4 . The cap member  5  additionally comprises a second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . The connector additionally comprises a second side attachment member  26  comprising a substantially planar attachment portion  9  that interfaces with and is fastened to the supporting structural member  2 , and a connection portion  10  that is positioned alongside said second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  of said cap  5 . Preferably, a second pin connection  29  that enables rotation between the second side attachment member  26  and the cap  5 . The second pin connection  29  preferably further comprises a third pin opening  12  in the cap  5  and a fourth pin opening  12  in the second side attachment member  26 , and a second pin  13  that passes through the third pin opening  12  and the fourth pin opening  12 . Preferably, the second pin  13  comprises a body  14  having a circumference  15 , a first end  16  with a second restraint extension  18  that extend beyond the circumference  19 , and a second end  17  with a first restraint extension  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14 . The third pin opening  12  preferably has a circumference  19  and the fourth pin opening  12  has a circumference  19 . Preferably, the first restraint extension  18  of the second pin  13  extends beyond the circumference  19  of the third pin opening  12 , preventing the second pin  13  from withdrawing from the third pin opening  12 . The second restraint extension  18  of the second pin  13  preferably extends beyond the circumference  19  of the fourth pin opening  12 , preventing the second pin  13  from withdrawing from the fourth pin opening  12 . 
   Preferably, the first restraint extension  18  of the first pin  13  is a circumferential flange  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14 . The second restraint extension  18  of the first pin  13  preferably is a circumferential flange  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14 , and the first restraint extension  18  of the first pin  13  is a circumferential flange  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14 . Preferably, the second restraint extension  18  of the first pin  13  is a circumferential flange  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14 . 
   As previously described, preferably the cap  5  additionally comprises a substantially planar top attachment portion  21  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the cap  5  additionally comprises a second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises a reinforcing embossment  25  around the second pin opening  12  in the first side attachment member  8 . Preferably, the connection portion  10  of the second side attachment member  9  additionally comprises a reinforcing embossment  25  around the fourth pin opening  12  in the second side attachment member  9 . Preferably, the first substantially planar side attachment portion  6  of the cap  5  additionally comprises a reinforcing embossment  25  around the first pin opening  12  that matches the reinforcing embossment  25  around the second pin opening  12  in the first side attachment member  8  so that the reinforcing embossment  25  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  6  and the reinforcing embossment  25  fit together and transmit bearing forces between the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8 . Preferably, the second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  of the cap  5  additionally comprises a reinforcing embossment  25  around the third pin opening  12  that matches the reinforcing embossment  25  around the fourth pin opening  12  in the second side attachment member  26  so that the reinforcing embossment  25  in the second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  and the reinforcing embossment  25  in the second side attachment member  26  fit together and transmit bearing forces between the cap  5  and the second side attachment member  26 . 
   Preferably, the first pin  13  is a rivet, and the second pin  13  is a rivet. 
   Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  additionally comprise fastener openings  55 . Preferably, the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  and into the supporting structural member  2 . Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  additionally comprise fastener openings  56 , and the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  and into the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the fasteners  57  that that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  are masonry screw anchors  57 . Preferably, the fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  are self-drilling wood screws  58 . 
   As described above, the sixth preferred embodiment of the invention can be used with a variety of side members  8  and  26 . The following is a description of the use of the side members  8  and  26  shown in  FIGS. 39-41 . The substantially planar attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises a reinforcing flange  23 , and the substantially planar attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  additionally comprises a reinforcing flange  23 . Preferably, the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises a reinforcing flange  24 , and the connection portion  10  of the second side attachment member  9  additionally comprises a reinforcing flange  24 . 
   Preferably, the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  are 25″ long and 4″ wide. Preferably, they are each attached to the supporting structural member  2  with 5 fasteners  57 , preferably masonry screw anchors  57 , most preferably ⅝″ diameter×6″ long Simpson Strong-Tie TITEN HD anchors. As shown in  FIGS. 39-41 , the connection portions  10  are preferably bent out of the material of the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  so that they are orthogonal to the substantially planar attachment portions  9 , forming a P-shape in which the head of the P is the connection portion  10  and the leg of the P is the substantially planar attachment portion  9 .  FIGS. 25-27  show a P-shaped first or second side attachment member  8  or  26 , in which the head of the P is the connection portion  10  and the leg of the P is the substantially planar attachment portion  9 , but the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 25-27  is used with a fixed pin  13  attached to the cap  5 . As shown in  FIGS. 39-41 , the juncture between the head and leg of the P in this P-shaped embodiment is preferably reinforced with gussets  43 . The connection portion  10  is preferably is 3.76″ in diameter. Preferably, the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  and the cap  5  are all formed from 12 gauge (0.1″ thick) galvanized sheet steel. The reinforcing flanges  23  of the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  are preferably on both the substantially planar attachment portions  9  and the connection portions  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 39-41 , and are preferably ⅝″ high. The pin openings  12  are preferably 1″ in diameter and the pins  13  themselves are preferably 1″ diameter rivets  13 . The reinforcing embossments  25  around the pin openings  12  in the cap  5  and the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  are preferably ¼″ deep. 
   Seventh Preferred Embodiment 
   The seventh preferred embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 29 ,  34 ,  35 - 37 ,  38 A and  38 B. In it, the first side attachment member  8  is formed by bending a V-shaped length of steel in half to form a two-ply substantially planar attachments portion  9  and a connection portion  10  that joins the plies. The apex of the V is formed with a teardrop shape (that becomes the connection portion  10 ) and the straps (which become the substantially planar attachment portion  9 ) branch out at a narrow angle that allows them to be folded together to form a single substantially planar attachment portion  9 . 
   Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises fastener openings  55 , and the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and into the supporting structural member  2 . Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  additionally comprise fastener openings  56 , and the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  and into the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the fasteners  57  that that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  are masonry screw anchors  57 , and the fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  are self-drilling wood screws  58 . 
   Eighth Preferred Embodiment 
   The eighth preferred embodiment is essentially the same as the seventh preferred embodiment, except that it is double-sided. In it, the first side attachment member  8  is formed by bending a V-shaped length of steel in half to form a two-ply substantially planar attachment portion  9  and a connection portion  10  that joins the plies. The second side attachment member  26  is also formed by bending a V-shaped length of steel in half to form a two-ply substantially planar attachment portion  9  and a connection portion  10  that joins the plies. 
   Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  additionally comprise fastener openings  55 . Preferably, the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  and into the supporting structural member  2 . Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  additionally comprise fastener openings  56 , and the connection  1  additionally comprises fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  and into the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the fasteners  57  that that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the second side attachment member  26  are masonry screw anchors  57 . Preferably, the fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  are self-drilling wood screws  58 . 
   Preferably, the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  are 22⅛″ long and 2″ wide. Preferably, they are each attached to the supporting structural member  2  with 5 fasteners  57 , preferably masonry screw anchors  57 , most preferably ½″ diameter×6″ long Simpson Strong-Tie TITEN HD anchors. Preferably, the connection portion  10  is 3¾″ in diameter. Preferably, the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  and the cap  5  are all formed from 10 gauge (0.135″ thick) galvanized sheet steel. Preferably, the connection portions  10  are canted 10 degrees out of line from the substantially planar attachment portions  9  of the first and second side attachment member  8  and  26 , so that the substantially planar side attachment portions  9  angle outward from the supported structural member  3 , as shown in  FIG. 38A . As shown in  FIGS. 29 ,  24  and  38 B and  38 B, the reinforcing flanges  23  of the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  extend between the connection portion  10  and the substantially planar attachment portion  9  and are preferably 0.38″ high in the connection portion  10 . The pin openings  12  are preferably 1″ in diameter and the pins  13  themselves are preferably 1″ diameter rivets  13 . 
   In retrofit or new construction application using caps  5  that have no substantially planar top attachment portion  21  and only a first substantially planar side attachment portion  6  or only first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22 , the first side attachment member  8  or the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26 , if there are two, are first connected to the cap  5 , if they have detachable pins  13 . Second, the substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  are aligned so that they are flush with the top  54  of the truss  3  and the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  are vertical and in contact with the side  51  of the wall  2 . Third, the substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  are attached to the truss  3  with fasteners  58  and the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  are attached to the wall with fasteners  57 . 
   In new construction application using caps  5  that have a substantially planar top attachment portion  21 , the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26 , are first connected to the cap  5 , if they have detachable pins  13 . Second, the substantially planar top attachment portion  21  of the cap  5  is placed on the top  54  of the truss  3 , which aligns the substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  so that they are flush with the top  54  of the truss  3  and the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  are vertical and in contact with the side  51  of the wall  2 . Third, the substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  are attached to the truss  3  with fasteners  58  and the first and second side attachment members  8  and  26  are attached to the wall with fasteners  57 . 
   Generally, only caps  5  without substantially planar top attachment portions  21  will be used in retrofit applications because substantially planar top attachment portions  21  would interfere with roof sheathing on top of the trusses  3 . If there is enough space between any roof sheathing and the tops  54  of the trusses  3 , L-shaped caps  5  with only a first substantially planar side attachment portion  6  and a substantially planar top attachment portion  21  could be used by sliding the substantially planar top attachment portion  21  between the top  54  of the truss  3  and the roof sheathing. If there is no roof sheathing, as in new construction, caps  5  with first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  and a substantially planar top attachment portion  21  can be used and are preferable because they require fewer fasteners  58  to attach them to the truss  3  since the substantially planar top attachment portion  21  primarily holds down the truss  3 . 
   Most Preferred Embodiments 
   There are three most preferred embodiments. The first is shown in  FIGS. 11-16 ), the second in  FIG. 18 , and the third in  FIGS. 19-23 . These are suitable for both retrofit and new construction, having caps  5  that have a separate first substantially planar side attachment portion  6  and a separate second substantially planar side attachment portion  22 , and no connecting substantially planar top attachment portion  21  which can interfere with roof sheathing. 
   Unadjustable Embodiments 
   In addition to the adjustable embodiments of the present invention, there are unadjustable embodiments, shown in  FIGS. 50-58 , in which the side attachment members connected directly to the supported structural members, rather than by jointed attachment to a cap that interfaces with the supported structural member. 
   At their most basic, the unadjustable embodiments of the present invention are all a connection, as shown in  FIGS. 57 and 58 , that comprises an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member  2 , an elongate generally horizontal supported structural member  3 , and a first connector  4 . The elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member  2  has two sides  51  and a top  52 . The elongate generally horizontal supported structural member  3  is not parallel to the supporting structural member  2 , has two sides  53  and a top  54 , and is supported by the supporting structural member  2 . The first connector  4  has a first side attachment member  8 . 
   The first side attachment member has a connection portion  10  and an elongate substantially planar attachment portion  9 . The connection portion  10  has a substantially planar fastening portion  47  with a border  31 , and a reinforcing flange  24  integrally joined to the fastening portion  47  along at least part of the border  31 . The elongate substantially planar attachment portion  9  comprises first and second straps  28 , each having an inner side  59  and an outer side  60 , integrally connected to the connection portion  10 . 
   The reinforcing flange  24  has a left side  48  and a right side  49 . The reinforcing flange  24  can be discontinuous. The first strap  28  is integrally connected to the left side  48  of the reinforcing flange  24  and the second strap  28  is integrally connected to the right side  49  of the reinforcing flange  24 . The first and second straps  28  at least partially overlap each other, the inner sides  59  interfacing. The fastening portion  47  is positioned alongside and fastened to one of the two sides  53  of the supported structural member  3 . The attachment portion  9  interfaces with and is fastened to one of the two sides  51  of the supporting structural member  2 . 
   Preferably, the fastening portion  47  and the attachment portion  9  generally occupy substantially perpendicular planes. The greater part of the first and second straps  28  preferably overlap. Preferably, the first and second straps  28  have open ends  50  opposite the connection portion  10  and the open ends  50  are equidistant from the connection portion. The greater part of the first and second straps  28  preferably overlap and the open ends  50  preferably contact each other. The straps  28  are preferably 18″ long. Preferably, the straps  28  have two parallel long sides  44 , one that faces the supported structural member  3  and one that faces away from the supported structural member  3 . The angle between the long sides  44  and the fastening portion  47  is preferably 10 degrees, so that the straps  28  are not vertical when installed as preferred. The first and second straps  28  extend the material of the reinforcing flange  24 , extending outward from the connection portion  10  and being brought together as close to the connection portion  10  as possible. The straps  28  are bent at a bend  45  so that they interface for almost their entire length. 
   The reinforcing flange  24  preferably occupies substantially all of the border  31 . Preferably, the reinforcing flange  24  has a first end  35  and a second end  36 , the first end  35  and the second end  36  being separated by a first gap  38  along the border  31  of the connection portion  10 . The reinforcing flange  24  preferably rises a uniform 0.5″ from the connection portion  10  border  31 , except that is rises further as it transitions into the straps  28 . 
   Preferably, the first and second straps  28  have fastener openings  55 , and the fastening portion  47  has fastener openings  32 . The connection  1  preferably includes fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first and second straps  28  and into the supporting structural member  2 . The connection  1  preferably also includes fasteners  33  that pass through the fastener openings  32  in the fastening portion  47  and into the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first and second straps  28  have shanks  34 , and the fasteners  33  that pass through the fastener openings  32  in the fastening portion  47  have shanks  34 . The fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first and second straps  28  preferably have threaded shanks  34 , and fasteners  33  that pass through the fastener openings  32  in the fastening portion  47  preferably have threaded shanks  34 . Preferably, the fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first and second straps  28  are screws  57 , and the fasteners  33  that pass through the fastener openings  32  in the fastening portion  47  are screws  33 . 
   If the supporting structural member  2  is a wood-framed wall  2 , the screws  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first and second straps  28  are preferably wood screws  57 . Most preferably, the screws  57  are Simpson Strong-Drive ¼″ wood screws. The Simpson Strong-Drive wood screw has a hex washer head for easy driving with a ⅜″ hex head socket and a low speed drill. The built-in reamer and type  17  tip cuts a hole to allow installation without predrilling. If the supporting structural member  2  is a masonry wall  2 , the screws  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first and second straps  28  are preferably masonry screws  57 . Most preferably, the screws  57  are Simpson Titen masonry screws. Titen screws are 3/16 and ¼ diameter masonry screws for attaching all types of components to concrete and masonry. If the supporting structural member  2  is a metal-framed wall  2 , the screws  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first and second straps  28  are preferably metal screws  57 . Preferably, fourteen screws  57  connect the attachment portions  9  to the supporting structural member  2 . 
   If the supported structural member  3  is a wood-framed truss  3 , the screws  33  that pass through the fastener openings  32  in the fastening portion  47  are preferably wood screws  33 . If the supported structural member  3  is a composite truss  3 , the fasteners  33  that pass through the fastener openings  32  in the fastening portion  47  preferably are those best suited to the material of the member or members to which the connection portion  10  is attached. If the supported structural member  3  is a metal-framed truss  3 , the screws  33  that pass through the fastener openings  32  in the fastening portion  47  are preferably metal screws  33 . 
   The connection  1  is preferably a double-sided connection  1 , having second connector  7  essentially identical to the first connector  4 . The second connector  7  has a first side attachment member  8 . The first side attachment member has a connection portion  10  and an elongate substantially planar attachment portion  9 . The connection portion  10  has a substantially planar fastening portion  47  with a border  31 , and a reinforcing flange  24  integrally joined to the fastening portion  47  along at least part of the border  31 . The elongate substantially planar attachment portion  9  comprises first and second straps  28 , each having an inner side  59  and an outer side  60 , integrally connected to the connection portion  10 . The reinforcing flange  24  has a left side  48  and a right side  49 . The first strap  28  is integrally connected to the left side  48  of the reinforcing flange  24  and the second strap  28  is integrally connected to the right side  49  of the reinforcing flange  24 . The first and second straps  28  at least partially overlap each other, the inner sides  59  interfacing. The fastening portion  47  is positioned alongside and fastened to the other of the two sides  53  of the supported structural member  3  from the first connector  4 . The attachment portion  9  interfaces with and is fastened to one of the two sides  51  of the supporting structural member  2 . 
   Preferably, the connector  4  of the present invention is formed first by cutting a substantially planar blank  100  from sheet metal. The substantially planar blank  100  preferably has a connection portion  10  and an elongate substantially planar attachment portion  9 . Preferably, the connection portion  10  has a substantially planar fastening portion  47  with a border  31 . The elongate substantially planar attachment portion  9  preferably comprises first and second straps  28 , each having an inner side  59  and an outer side  60 , integrally connected to the connection portion  10 . Preferably, a reinforcing flange  24  is then bent up along at least part of the border  31 , the reinforcing flange ( 24 ) being integrally joined to the fastening portion  47  and having a left side  48  and a right side  49 . The first strap  28  preferably is integrally connected to the left side  48  of the reinforcing flange  24  and the second strap  28  is integrally connected to the right side  49  of the reinforcing flange  24 . Preferably, the first and second straps  28  are bent up and together at the same time as the reinforcing flange ( 24 ) such that the first and second straps  28  at least partially overlap each other, the inner sides  59  interfacing. The connector  4  of the present invention is preferably further formed by punching fastener openings  55  in the first and second straps  28 , and by punching fastener openings  32  in the fastening portion  47 . The preferred material is 10 gauge (118 mils) G90 zinc-coated (0.90 oz/ft 2 ) galvanized sheet steel with a minimum yield strength of 33 ksi (kip [1000 pounds] per square inch) designated GR33. 
   Preferably, the attachment portion  9  equally bifurcates the connection portion  10  where the attachment portion  9  is integrally connected to the connection portion  10 . The connection portion  10  has a top point  46  on the border  31  that is farthest away from the attachment portion  9 . 
   In a first preferred embodiment best shown in  FIGS. 50 and 51  the connection portion  10  is substantially teardrop-shaped, the narrowest part being where the attachment portion  9  joins the connection portion  10 , curving outward to widen on either side of the attachment portion  9  and then curving together to narrow again, coming to a point at the top point  46 . The first preferred embodiment preferably has seven fastener openings  32  in the fastening portion  47  and all are used to attach the connection portion  10  to the supported structural member  3 . 
   In a second preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 52 and 53 , the connection portion  10  is generally formed as an irregular quadrilateral with four corners  120 , three of which are rounded, the connection portion  10  being symmetrical to either side of the attachment portion, the attachment portion  9  joining the connection near the fourth of the four corners  120 , the fourth corner  120  tapering to an acute and toward the attachment portion  9 . Preferably, one of the rounded corners  120  is opposite the fourth corner  120  and the top point  46  is at the midpoint of the rounded corner  120  opposite the fourth corners. 
   In the second preferred embodiment the connection portion  10  widens from its narrowest portion, where the attachment portion  9  joins the connection portion  10 , the border  31  diverging symmetrically, forming a first straight side  101  and a second straight side  102  at an acute angle to the first straight side  101 , then curving out to form a third straight side  103  and a fourth straight side  104  at an obtuse angle to the third straight side  103 , then curving in to form a fifth straight side  105  and a sixth straight side  106  that meet at an obtuse angle opposite the attachment portion  9  across the connection portion  10 , the obtuse angle being centered on the top point  46 . The fifth and sixth straight sides  105  and  106  preferably are angled to match the pitch of a truss top chord with a ½ pitch. The second preferred embodiment preferably has thirteen fastener openings  32  in the fastening portion  47  and all are used to attach the connection portion  10  to the supported structural member  3 . 
   In a third preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 55-57 , the connection portion  10  extends symmetrically to either side of the attachment portion  9 , narrows and then widens again. In the third preferred embodiment, the connection portion  10  widens from its narrowest portion, where the attachment portion  9  joins the connection portion  10 , the border  31  diverging symmetrically, forming a first straight side  101  and a second straight side  102  at an acute angle to the first straight side  101 , then curving out to form a third straight side  103  and a fourth straight side  104  at an obtuse angle to the third straight side  103 , then curving further out to form a fifth straight side  105  and a sixth straight side  106  at an acute angle to the fifth straight side  105 , then curving in to form a seventh straight side  107  and an eighth straight side  108  in line with the seventh straight side  107  and substantially orthogonal to the attachment portion  9 , then turning in at right angles to form a ninth straight side  109  and a tenth straight side  110  parallel to the ninth straight side  109 , then turning in to form an eleventh straight side  111  and a twelfth straight side  112  that meet at an obtuse angle opposite the attachment portion  9  across the connection portion  10 . In the third preferred embodiment, the reinforcing flange  24  reinforces all of the border  31  except the ninth straight side  109  and the tenth straight side  110 . The eleventh and twelfth straight sides  111  and  112  preferably are angled to match the pitch of a truss top chord with a ½ pitch. The third preferred embodiment preferably has thirty-five fastener openings  32  in the fastening portion  47  and twenty-eight are used to attach the connection portion  10  to the supported structural member  3 . 
   Adjustable Embodiments 
   At their simplest, the light gauge steel embodiments of the present invention are all a connection  1  comprising an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member  2 , an elongate generally horizontal supported structural member  3 , and a connector  4 , as shown in  FIGS. 47-49 . The elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member  2 , further comprises two sides  51  and a top  52  and supports the elongate generally horizontal supported structural member  3 . The elongate generally horizontal supported structural member  3  further comprises two sides  53  and a top  54 , and it is not parallel to the elongate substantially vertical supporting member  2 . The connector  4  comprises a cap  5 , a first side attachment member  8 , and a first pin connection  11 . The cap  5  is connected to the supported structural member  3 , and comprises a first substantially planar side attachment portion  6  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . The first side attachment member  8  comprises a substantially planar attachment portion  9  that interfaces with and is fastened to the supporting structural member  2 , and a connection portion  10  that is positioned alongside the first substantially planar side attachment portion  6  of the cap  5 . The first pin connection  11  enables rotation between the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8 , and connects the cap  5  to the first attachment member  8 . 
   As with the unadjustable embodiments, preferably the connection portion  10  has a substantially planar fastening portion  47  with a border  31 , and a reinforcing flange  24  integrally joined to the fastening portion  47  along at least part of the border  31 . The elongate substantially planar attachment portion  9  preferably comprises first and second straps  28 , each having an inner side  59  and an outer side  60 . Preferably, the reinforcing flange  24  has a left side  48  and a right side  49 . The first strap  28  preferably is integrally connected to the left side  48  of the reinforcing flange  24  and the second strap  28  preferably is integrally connected to the right side  49  of the reinforcing flange  24 . Preferably, the first and second straps  28  at least partially overlap each other, the inner sides  59  interfacing. The reinforcing flange  24  preferably has a first end  35  and a second end  36 , the first end  35  and the second end  36  being separated by a first gap  38  along the border  31  of the connection portion  10 . Preferably, the connection portion  10  has a top point  46  on the border  31  that is farthest away from the attachment portion  9 . The connection portion  10  preferably is substantially teardrop-shaped, the narrowest part being where the attachment portion  9  joins the connection portion  10 , curving outward to widen on either side of the attachment portion  9  and then curving together to narrow again, coming to a point at the top point  46 . 
   Preferably, the first pin connection  11  further comprises a first pin opening  12  in one of the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8 , and a first pin  13  that passes through the first pin opening  12 . The first pin  13  preferably comprises a body  14  having a circumference  15 , a first end  16 , and a second end  17  with a first restraint extension  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14 . Preferably, the first pin opening  12  has a circumference  19 , and the first restraint extension  18  extends beyond the circumference of the first pin opening  12 , preventing the first pin  13  from withdrawing from the first pin opening  12 . 
   The first pin opening  12  is preferably in the cap  5 . Preferably, the first attachment member  8  additionally comprises a second pin opening  12  and the first pin  13  passes through the second pin opening  12 . The first pin  13  additionally comprises a second restraint extension  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14 . Preferably, the second pin opening  12  has a circumference  19 . The second restraint extension  18  extends beyond the circumference  19  of the second pin opening  12 , preventing the first pin  13  from withdrawing from the second pin opening  12 . 
   Preferably, the first restraint extension  18  is a circumferential flange  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14  and the circumference  19  of the first pin opening  12 . The second restraint extension  18  preferably is a circumferential flange  18  that extends beyond the circumference  15  of the body  14  and the circumference  19  of the second pin opening  12 . Preferably, the first pin  13  is a rivet. 
   Preferably, the cap  5  includes a substantially planar top attachment portion  21  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . The cap  5  preferably includes a second substantially planar side attachment portion  22  that interfaces with the supported structural member  3 . Preferably, the connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  includes a reinforcing embossment  25  around the first pin opening  12  in the first side attachment member  8 . The first substantially planar side attachment portion  6  of the cap  5  preferably includes a reinforcing embossment  25  around the second pin opening  12  that matches the reinforcing embossment  25  around the first pin opening  12  in the first side attachment member  8  so that the reinforcing embossment  25  and the reinforcing embossment  25  fit together and transmit bearing forces between the cap  5  and the first side attachment member  8 . Preferably, the substantially planar attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  includes a reinforcing flange  23 . The connection portion  10  of the first side attachment member  8  preferably includes a reinforcing flange  24 . 
   Preferably, the substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  additionally comprises fastener openings  55 . The connection  1  preferably includes fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  and into the supporting structural member  2 . Preferably, the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  additionally comprise fastener openings  56 . The connection  1  preferably includes fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  and into the supported structural member  3 . 
   If the supporting structural member  2  is a masonry wall, the fasteners  57  that pass through the fastener openings  55  in the first substantially planar side attachment portion  9  of the first side attachment member  8  are preferably masonry screw anchors  57 . If the supported structural member  3  is made of wood, the fasteners  58  that pass through the fastener openings  56  in the first and second substantially planar side attachment portions  6  and  22  of the cap  5  preferably are self-drilling wood screws  58 . 
   Preferably, the fastening portion  47  and the attachment portion  9  generally occupy substantially perpendicular planes. The greater part of the first and second straps  28  preferably overlap. Preferably, the first and second straps  28  have open ends  50  opposite the connection portion  10  and the open ends  50  are equidistant from the connection portion. The greater part of the first and second straps  28  preferably overlap and the open ends  50  preferably contact each other.