Adjustable Post Cap

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]This invention provides an improved steel connector for joining a post to a beam, typically known as a column cap or a post cap. Typically, the joist and beam lie in a common plane with the end of the post abutting the bottom face of the beam or being in close proximity thereto. The use of the connector helps the connection to resist gravity, lateral and uplift loads.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002]Column caps and post caps are well known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 963,585, granted to J. A. Kimball in 1910 teaches a sheet-metal, channel-shaped connector where legs for connecting to the post are bent down from the seat and then bent back on themselves 180 degrees to reach up and grab the sides of the beam. U.S. Pat. No. 1,848,085, granted to L. A. Eisenschmidt in 1932, also teaches a channel-shaped connector made from sheet-metal. In this patent the legs that grab the post are bent from the seat at its sides and the walls of the channel are bent up from the front and back edges of the seat. U.S. Pat. No. 2,084,758, granted to A. R. Anderson in 1937, also teaches a channel-shaped connector. In this case the legs for attaching the connector to the post are formed from portions that would otherwise be the walls of the channel and are bent down from the seat of the channel to grasp the post. This patent also teaches an extension on one of the sides of the channel that further strengthens the connection between the post and the beam. U.S. Design Patent D256,663, granted to Tyrell T. Gilb in 1980, also teaches a channel-shaped connector where legs for attaching to the post are formed from the walls of the channel and are bent down from the seat of the channel to grasp the post. U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,810, granted to Jim W. Horton in 1996, teaches a sheet-metal, channel-shaped connector where the legs for attaching the connector to the post are cut from the seat and extend downwardly from the walls of the channel. U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,273,678, 11,105,085, 11,598,082, invented by Sam Thomas Hensen, Emmet J. Mielbrecht, Timothy M. Stauffer and Jin-Jie Lin, teach a sheet-metal, channel-shaped connector where the legs for attaching the connector to the post are cut from the seat and wall of the channel and extend downwardly from the walls of the channel.

[0003]U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,725, granted to Evon M. C. Ballash and Michael Wagner, teaches a pair of identical, sheet-metal connectors for making a secure connection between a vertical stud disposed between horizontally-disposed top plate and bottom plate members. The identical connectors are substantially flat members with small tabs extending from the members, and the connectors have strengthening embossments that extend across the joint between the structural members that are connected. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,065,932 and 7,356,973, granted to Charles Roesset and Louay A. Shamroukh, teach a pair of identical, sheet-metal connectors for making a secure connection between a vertical stud disposed between horizontally-disposed top plate and bottom plate members. The identical connectors are substantially L-shaped members, and the connectors have strengthening embossments that extend across the joint between the structural members that are connected.

[0004]The present invention improves upon the prior art devices by providing a connector that is easy to install as part of new construction or as a retrofit member to existing members. The present invention is also economical to produce while making a strong connection between the members.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005]The present invention provides a connection between a post or supporting member and a beam or supported member supported by the post that is easily erected. Typically, the supported member and supporting member are disposed orthogonally to each other, but they could be disposed at different angles to each other. In one embodiment of the invention, one sheet metal connector is attached to the vertical post and to the beam supported by the post. In a second embodiment of the invention, a pair of sheet metal connectors are attached to the vertical post in opposed relation and to the opposite faces of the beam supported by the post.

[0006]The connector of the connection is disposed in interfacing engagement with a first attachment face of the post. The connector has an elongated, substantially planar web having a longitudinal axis with a first end and a second end. The longitudinal axis is disposed substantially aligned with the long axis of the elongated post. The web has an exterior surface on one side of the web and an interior surface on the opposite side of the web. The interior surface of the web interfaces with a portion of the front face of the post. The web is formed with one or more strengthening embossments that are preferably elongated, linear members that run along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector across the joint between the supported and supporting structural members. The connector is also formed with first and second side members that attach to opposed side edges of the lower portion of the web.

[0007]The connector is also formed with a substantially planar first lateral plate laterally connected to a first lateral side of the upper portion of the web. The connector is also formed with a substantially planar second lateral plate laterally connected to a second lateral side of the upper portion of the web.

[0008]To make the connection to the post, fasteners are driven through the lower portion of the web into the first attachment face of the post, and fasteners are driven through the first and second side members of the connector into the first and second side faces of the post.

[0009]To make the connection to the beam, separate fasteners are driven through the upper portion of the web and through the first and second lateral plates into a face of the beam. The preferred fasteners are self-drilling, self-tapping screws or nails, depending on the load values desired for the connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is an upper front perspective view of a connector of the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a lower back perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a front view of the connector shown in FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 4 is a back view of the connector shown in FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a left side view of the connector shown in FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a right side view of the connector shown in FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a top view of the connector shown in FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the connector shown in FIG. 1.

[0018]FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a connection made according to the present invention with two of the connectors shown in FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 10 is an exploded, front perspective view of the connection shown in FIG. 9.

[0020]FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a connection made according to the present invention with two of the connectors shown in FIG. 1, except that a lateral side plate on each of the connectors has been bent orthogonally to the web of the connector to which it is attached to engage the end of the beam.

[0021]FIG. 12 is an upper front perspective view of a connector of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 13 is a front view of the connector shown in FIG. 12.

[0023]FIG. 14 is a back view of the connector shown in FIG. 12.

[0024]FIG. 15 is a right side view of the connector shown in FIG. 12.

[0025]FIG. 16 is a left side view of the connector shown in FIG. 12.

[0026]FIG. 17 is a top view of the connector shown in FIG. 12.

[0027]FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the connector shown in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028]As shown in FIG. 9, the present invention provides a connection 1 between a supporting structural member or post 2 and a supported structural member or beam 3. As shown in FIG. 9, in the preferred embodiment, the connection 1 of the present invention includes a post or supporting structural member 2 having a first attachment face 5, the first attachment face 5 having first and second side edges 41 and 42 that are substantially parallel. The first attachment face 5 is typically a substantially planar member. Laterally connected to the first attachment face 5 at the first and second side edges 41 and 42 are lateral side faces 43. The lateral side faces 43 are typically substantially planar members. Typically, the supporting member 5 has a second attachment face 45 disposed opposite from the first attachment face 5 of the post 2. The second attachment face 45 has first and second side edges 41 and 42 where the second attachment face 45 connects to the lateral side faces 43. The supporting structural member is also formed with a top face 44 upon which the supported structural member 3 rests. As best shown in FIG. 9, the supported structural member 3 has first and second attachment faces 6 and 36, a bottom face 34 that interfaces with the top face 44 of the supporting structural member 2. The supported structural member 2 as shown in FIG. 11 can also have an end face 35.

[0029]As shown in FIG. 1, in the preferred embodiment, the connector 7 is formed with a web 8. A first lateral side plate 9 extends from an upper portion of the web 8 to one side of the web 8 and a second lateral side plate 10 extends from an opposite side of the upper portion of the web 8.

[0030]The connector 7 interfaces with the first attachment face 5 of the supporting structural member 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 7 has a longitudinal axis 400 and the web 8 has an upper end 13 and a lower end 14. As shown in FIG. 9, when the connection 1 is made, preferably the longitudinal axis 400 of the connector 7 is disposed substantially aligned with an elongated axis 401 of the supporting structural member 2 along which the elongated supporting structural member 2 extends.

[0031]As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the web 8 has an exterior surface 301 on one side of the web 8 and an interior surface 302 on the opposite side of the web 8. As shown in FIG. 9. the interior surface 301 of the lower portion of the web 7 is substantially in alignment and interfacing with the first attachment face 5 of the supporting structural member 2. The interior surface 302 of the upper portion of the web 7 is substantially in alignment and interfacing with the first attachment face 6 of the supported structural member 3.

[0032]As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second lateral side plates have exterior surfaces 303 that face outwardly from the supported and supporting structural members 2 and 3, and interior surfaces 304 on the opposite sides that face the supported and supporting structural members 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 9 the interior surfaces 304 of the first and second lateral side plates 11 and 12 are substantially in alignment and interfacing with the first attachment face 6 of the supported structural member 3.

[0033]FIGS. 9 and 10 show two connectors 7 being used to make the connection 1 between the supported structural member 3 and the supporting structural member 2. In FIG. 9, only one of the side members 25 or 26 of the connector 7 that is attached to the second attachment face 36 of the supported structural member 3 is shown.

[0034]FIG. 11 shows a connection at the end of the supported structural member 3. Two connectors 7 are shown making the connection 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the interior surface 304 of one of the first and second lateral side plates 11 and 12 is substantially in alignment and interfacing with the first attachment face 6 of the supported structural member 3, and the other of the first and second lateral side plates 11 and 12 is substantially in alignment and interfacing with the end face 35 of the supported structural member 3. In the other connector 7 shown in FIG. 11, the interior surface 304 of one of the first and second lateral side plates 11 and 12 is substantially in alignment and interfacing with the second attachment face 36 of the supported structural member 3, and the interior surface 304 of the other of the first and second lateral side plates 11 and 12 is substantially in alignment and interfacing with the end face 35 of the supported structural member 3.

[0035]As shown in FIG. 1, the upper portion of the web 8 has first and second lateral side edges 11 and 12 where the first and second lateral side plates 9 and 10 connect to the upper portion of the web. As shown in FIG. 1, a series of aligned bend openings 15 are provided along the first and second lateral side edges 11 and 12 to allow the installer to bend the first and second lateral side flanges 11 and 12 out of their generally planar relationship with the web 8 of the connector 7. The first and second lateral side edges 11 and 12 of the upper portion of the web 8 extend parallel with the longitudinal axis 400 of the connector 7. The first and second lateral sides edges 11 and 12 of the upper portion of the web 8 are aligned with opposed first and second connection edges 16 and 17 of the lower portion of the web 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the first and second connection edges 16 and 17, when the connection 1 is made, align with the first and second side edges 41 and 42 of the attachment faces 5 or 45 of the supporting structural member 2.

[0036]As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, near the lower end 14 of the web 7, the web 7 is provided with first and second side members 25 and 26 that preferably extend orthogonally from the web 7. The first and second side members 25 and 26 connect to the first and second connection edges 16 and 17 respectively. Each side member 25 and 26 is formed with side member fastener openings 27. As shown in FIG. 9, when the connection is made the first and second side members 25 and 26 interface with the lateral side faces 43 of the supporting structural member 2. Separate fasteners 50 connect the first and second side members 25 and 26 to the supporting structural member 2.

[0037]To make the connection between the supporting structural member 2 and the supported structural member 3, a plurality of fasteners 50 are driven through the lower portion of the web 7 into the supporting structural member 2. Similarly, one or more fasteners 50 are also driven through the first and second side members 25 and 26 into the supporting structural member 2. To make the connection to the supported structural member 3, a plurality of separate fasteners 50 are driven through the first and second lateral side plates 9 and 10 and the upper portion of the web 8 into the supported structural member 3 where it interfaces with the first and second lateral side plates 9 and 10 and the upper portion of the web 8. The preferred fasteners are self-drilling, self-tapping screws or nails, depending on the desired strength of the connection.

[0038]Preferably a plurality of fastener openings 18 are provided in the first and second lateral side plates 9 and 10 to show the preferred placement of the fasteners 50, and when the connection is made the fasteners 50 are driven through these openings 18. Preferably, a plurality of fastener openings 19 are provided in the upper portion of the web 8 to show the preferred placement of the fasteners 50 and when the connection is made the fasteners 50 are driven through these openings 19. Preferably a plurality of fastener openings 20 are provided in the lower portion of the web 8 to show the preferred placement of the fasteners 50, and when the connection is made the fasteners 50 are driven through these openings 20.

[0039]As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of fastener openings 18 in the first and second lateral side plates 9 and 10 are arranged such that none of the plurality of fastener openings 18 is in alignment with any of the other of the plurality of fasteners openings 18 on a line disposed orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 400 of the connector 7.

[0040]As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of fastener openings 19 in the upper portion of the web 7 are arranged such that none of the plurality of fastener openings 19 is in alignment with any of the other of the plurality of fasteners openings 19 on a line disposed orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 400 of the connector 7.

[0041]As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of fastener openings 20 in the lower portion of the web 7 are arranged such that none of the plurality of fastener openings 20 is in alignment with any of the other of the plurality of fasteners openings 20 on a line disposed orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 400 of the connector 7.

[0042]As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the fastener openings 27 in the first and second side members 25 and 26 are arranged such that none of the fastener openings 27 is in alignment with any of the other of the fasteners openings 27 on a line disposed orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 400 of the connector 7.

[0043]As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of fastener openings 20 in the lower portion of the web 7 are arranged such that none of the plurality of fastener openings 20 is in alignment with any of the other of the plurality of fasteners openings 20 on a line disposed parallel to or aligned with the longitudinal axis 400 of the connector 7.

[0044]As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the fastener openings 27 in the first and second side members 25 and 26 are arranged such that none of the fastener openings 27 is in alignment with any of the other of the fasteners openings 27 on a line disposed parallel to or in alignment with the longitudinal axis 400 of the connector 7.

[0045]As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of fastener openings 18 in the first and second lateral side plates 9 and 10 and the plurality of fastener openings 19 in the upper portion of the web 7 are arranged such that none of the plurality of fastener openings 18 or the plurality of fasteners openings 19 is in alignment with any of the other of the plurality of fasteners openings 18 or the plurality of fastener openings 19 on a line disposed orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 400 of the connector 7.

[0046]As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the plurality of fastener openings 20 in the lower portion of the web and the fastener openings 27 in the first and second side members 25 and 25 are arranged such that none of the plurality of fastener openings 20 or the fasteners openings 27 is in alignment with any of the other of the plurality of fasteners openings 20 or the fastener openings 27 on a line disposed orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 400 of the connector 7.

[0047]The web of the connector 7 is preferably formed with a plurality of elongated, linear embossments 30 that extend from the lower portion of the web 8 to the upper portion of the web 8 across the interface between the supported structural member 3 and the supporting structural member 2. The plurality of elongated, linear embossments 30 extend parallel or in alignment with the longitudinal axis 400 of the connector 7. The plurality of elongated, linear embossments 30 preferably extends out of the web 8 on the exterior surface 301 of the web 8.

[0048]The first and second lateral side plates 9 and 10 preferably have bottom edges 21 and 22 that are substantially straight and extend outwardly from the first and second connection edges 16 and 17 of the lower portion of the web 8. The bottom edge 21 of the first lateral side plate 9 forms an obtuse angle with the first connection edge 16 of the lower portion of the web 8. The bottom edge 22 of the second lateral side plate 10 forms an obtuse angle with the second connection edge 17 of the lower portion of the web 8.

[0049]The connector 7 is preferably made from sheet metal on an automated die.