Joints and connections – Rigid angle
Patent
1991-03-17
1993-08-10
Reese, Randolph A.
Joints and connections
Rigid angle
4034051, 403283, 411466, 411463, 52DIG6, 52693, E04B 149
Patent
active
052342794
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to connector plates which are metallic timber connecting plates generally made of zinc-coated thin steel plate and which are manufactured by punching prongs from the plate turned to an angle of approximately 90 degrees and which plates, as compressed against wood, provide a force-transmitting joint. This type of timber connecting plates were mainly developed in the 1950's and those were followed by a plurality of different connector plate designs. They differ from each other mainly in terms of the type of prong and the shape, size and pattern of a slot left in the plate by a prong. The primary utility criterion of various connector plates has been strength which has meant adhering strength or maximum lateral resistance strength transmitted by a plate surface to a wood surface and plate failure strength, i.e. the capability of a connector plate of not tearing along a seam when exposed to a tensile or shear stress. The plate failure strength may also relate to a plate buckling strength, i.e. the ability of a plate to transmit a compression force across a seam. The invention relates also to a connector plate joint which is a timber joint produced by means of a connector plate and to a connector plate structure which is (at least partially) a (timber) structure assembled by using connector plates.
The present-day approach is typically partial optimization evidenced e.g. by the fact that, when studying, analyzing or dimensioning a joint, the mere joint has been examined separately from the assembly as a whole, whereby the selected solutions have not often led to favorable overall results.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relies on comprehensive thinking associated with novel connector plate technology, new requirements and qualities for a connector plate, connector plate joint and the entire connector plate structure resulting therefrom. The invention defines novel qualities for a connector plate which qualities can only be obtained by providing a connector plate essentially superior to those available at present. In short, this novel connector plate can be characterized as a moment-resistant and rigid plate while the present-day plates are mainly designed to provide a maximum failure load in a joint stressed by a force alone.
Accordingly, the novel characteristics and novel types of joints are determined for a connector plate joint. These can be characterized as large in terms of geometrical size, wood-saving and regulating a distribution of stress by means of joint design (e.g. eccentricity) as well as relying on the combined effect and simultaneous consideration of the geometry and disposition of a timber element as well as the size and disposition of a connector plate while the present-day joints are mostly hinged joints transmitting force stresses (not moment stresses), the aim being to make them as small as possible.
Accordingly, the invention relates to a novel type of connector plate structure which is an intermediate between a truss and a beam or a truss and a frame while the available connector plate structures can be characterized as mere trusses or frames with hinged joints. The final result differs significantly from the prior art e.g. in three respects: given geometric shape and load of a connector plate structure) can be realized more economically than before. Thus, the term economy relates to the sum of timber, joints and manufacturing costs which may even result in a more expensive joint (connector plate). possible earlier due to the lack of technical characteristics (i.e. mainly due to the lack of connector plates set forth in the new claims). deflection can be controlled with less deviation. This leads to a more reliable end result and yet to material savings, especially savings in wood consumption.
An essential aspect of the invention is the transfer of moment loads through a connector plate joint (contrary to the present concept, e.g. connector plate testing and dimensioning practice). According to novel thinking, a moment
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Finnish Model 960/81-"Hak. saap.pv-Ans. ing.d. Dec. 14, 1981".
Kim Harry C.
Reese Randolph A.
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