Shrinkage-compensating continuity system
US7752824B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/70
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A continuity system for a building is designed to compensate for the downward settling of building elements over time, which occurs due to the shrinkage of wooden building members. The continuity system comprises one or more hold-down assemblies each having a stud-connector secured to a generally vertical stud, a generally vertical rod inserted into an opening of the stud connector, a rod-gripping member in toothed engagement with the rod above the opening, and one or more positioning elements exerting a downward force on the rod-gripping member. The rod has a lower portion secured to a stable building element such as the building's foundation. The opening of the stud-connector defines a frustoconical bearing surface on the upper surface of a portion of the stud-connector, or on a gripper support element in some embodiments. The rod-gripping member includes a plurality of gripping portions each having a lower surface defining a circumferential portion of a frustoconical shape sized and adapted to conform with the frustoconical bearing surface of the stud-connector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.