Patent ID: 7913472

Claim:
A connector for joining structural members comprising: a. a unitary and substantially planar seat member having a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge, 1. said first edge intersecting with said third edge at a first corner, and 2. said second edge intersecting with said third edge at a second corner, said second corner being spaced away from said first corner along said third edge; b. a first reinforcing flange directly connected to and along a substantial portion of said third edge of said seat member near said first corner, 1. said first reinforcing flange extending around said first corner to directly connect to and along a substantial portion of said first edge reinforcing the first edge and the first corner, 2. said first reinforcing flange extending upwardly from said seat member to a maximum selected height; c. a second reinforcing flange directly connected to and along a substantial portion of said third edge of said seat member near said second corner, 1. said second reinforcing flange extending around said second corner to directly connect to and along a substantial portion of said second edge reinforcing the second edge and the second corner, 2. said second reinforcing flange extending upwardly from said seat member to a maximum selected height; d. a first side member directly connected to only a portion of said first edge of said seat member, said first side member extending upwardly from said seat member to a maximum selected height substantially greater than the maximum selected height of said first reinforcing flange; and e. a second side member directly connected to only a portion of said second edge of said seat member near said second corner, said second side member extending upwardly from said seat member to a maximum selected height substantially greater than the maximum selected height of said second reinforcing flange; and wherein: f. said second side member and said first side member are connected to each other only through said seat member and said first and second reinforcing flanges, and said first and second side members are provided with openings for receiving fasteners.