Supports – Hold-down – Looping or straddling
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-30
2001-03-20
King, Anita M. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Hold-down
Looping or straddling
C249S119000, C249S216000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202977
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is in the general field of restraint of objects to prevent damage due to physical shock, or the like.
The invention is even more particularly in the field of restrain of objects located within structures and the like;
The invention is most particularly in the field of a unique method and apparatus for restraining objects in structures or the like when subjected to severe stress, such as may be caused by an earthquake or other physical impact.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the past there have been attempts to provide proper restrain for objects such as water heaters, refrigerators, water coolers, cabinets, and the like, as described in the summary of the invention, which follows. In this invention, however, I have provided a unique strap and angular anchoring arrangement. I know of no prior art which approaches this problem in the manner of this invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is an ever increasing awareness of the damage cause by earthquakes. In addition there is an awareness of the damage caused by other types of physical shock, such as out of control vehicles striking house and the like.
Under such circumstances as an earthquake, or the like, many structures may not be demolished, or even severely damaged. However, the shock will cause unstable articles in the structure to move and suffer considerable damage. A few examples are water heaters, other appliances, cabinets, and the like. In the case of cabinets, it is not uncommon for valuable articles, such a glass, porcelain, and the like to be destroyed.
Some people have attempted to secure there objects which might be susceptible to such damage as has been mentioned, by bolting to a floor or wall—or even to another object. Some have used wires, common electrical conduit of plumbing strapping, and the like, for such restraint. None of the methods and devices of which I am aware has ever been satisfactory. Additionally, such attempts will, in themselves, actually impart additional damage to the objects. Improperly wired, bolted, or otherwise secured objects may be damaged by the very rigid and destructive restraining means.
I have now conceived and developed a method and device which provides extremely effective protection for objects of the nature indicated above.
I have provided unique sets of angle brackets, together with an specially designed strapping which anchors objects securely to walls, or the like, of a structure. One of the important unusual features of this invention is the provision of oval slots, or oversized holes, for the securing of bolts and the like. The bolts and other anchoring devices are round. This combination allows limited movement, which can continue through the continued deflection and movement which is always present in an earthquake or the like. The limited movement provided by this method, which can continue throughout the duration of earth or other movement, provides a dampening effect—much like the effect of a spring, shock absorber, or the like.
It is an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus to secure, and prevent violent movement of, objects within a structure, or the like, when the structure, or the like, is subjected to unusual physical forces;
Another object is to provide such a method and apparatus which will supply a regulated dampening effect on the secured objects;
Another object is to provide such a method and apparatus which will not, of itself, damage the secured objects.
The foregoing, and other, objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the description of a preferred embodiment, which follows, in conjunction with a review of the appended drawings.
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Baxter Gwendolyn
Darco Trust
Gaither Roger S.
King Anita M.
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