Patent ID: 7634889

Claim:
A metal attachment for connecting two or more building members together comprising: a. a plate having a flat engagement surface for engaging one or more building components, the plate being generally rectangular and substantially planar, and including: i. a series of edges that surround the plate; ii. a series of corners formed by the edges; b. a generally L-shaped bracket projecting from the substantially planar plate, the L-shaped bracket including: i. a first generally planar rectangular shaped leg extending along a portion of a first edge of the plate and including a terminal end that begins at approximately a first corner of the plate, and wherein the first leg extends from the first corner along the first edge to a juncture at an intermediate point on the first edge, the juncture formed by a bend; ii. a second generally planar rectangular shaped leg disposed generally perpendicular to the plate and the first leg, and wherein the second leg begins at the juncture and projects outwardly from the plate; and c. at least one elongated reinforcing rib disposed on the generally rectangular and substantially planar plate wherein a longitudinal axis of the rib lies generally perpendicular to the first edge of the plate, and wherein the rib: i. includes a length and a width, the length being substantially longer than the width; ii. extends from a portion of the first edge disposed between the first corner and the intermediate point; and iii. is oriented such that the length of the rib is generally perpendicular to the first edge of the plate.