Rolling block restraint connector
OwnerTimothy W. Canbyinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A structural joint connector is formed for two or more intersecting structural members of any material, size or shape, which provides restraint from two channeled pressure blocks to bear on each member. These blocks are fit on two opposing transverse shafts positioned in opposite crossing angles and linked bilaterally parallel to each other to produce a moment resisting couple. The connector has a plurality of applications including providing a means for constructing a wood moment resisting rigid frame and wood portal building frame.
Claims20
A rolling block restraint connector for forming a moment resisting connection at a joint intersection between a continuous column and at least a first continuous beam that intersects the continuous column, the connector comprising:
- a first restraint assembly including (i) a first beam_pressure block, (ii) a first column pressure block, and (iii) a first tubular shaft that passes through tubular channels of the first beam_pressure block and the first column pressure block;
- a second restraint assembly including (i) a second beam_pressure block, (ii) a second column pressure block, and (iii) a second tubular shaft that passes through tubular channels of the second beam_pressure block and the second column pressure block, wherein the second restraint assembly is configured to be located diagonally across the joint intersection from the first restraint assembly;
- a first linkage that couples the first restraint assembly with the second restraint assembly, wherein the first linkage passes through a first end of the first tubular shaft and a first end of the second tubular shaft, wherein the first linkage is configured to be located on an exterior of the first continuous beam relative to the joint intersection;
- and
- a second linkage that couples the first restraint assembly with the second restraint assembly, wherein the second linkage passes through a second end of the first tubular shaft and a second end of the second tubular shaft.
A method for installing a rolling block restraint connector to form a moment resisting connection at a joint intersection between a continuous column and at least a first continuous beam that intersects the continuous column:
- placing a first restraint assembly at the joint intersection, wherein the first restraint assembly includes (i) a first beam_pressure block, (ii) a first column pressure block, and (iii) a first tubular shaft that passes through tubular cutouts of the first beam_pressure block and the first column pressure block;
- placing a second restraint assembly at the joint intersection, wherein the second restraint assembly includes (i) a second beam_pressure block, (ii) a second column pressure block, and (iii) a second tubular shaft that passes through tubular cutouts of the second beam_pressure block and the second column pressure block, wherein the second restraint assembly is located diagonally across the joint intersection from the first restraint assembly;
- and
- coupling the first restraint assembly with the second restraint assembly via a first linkage, wherein the first linkage passes through a first end of the first tubular shaft and a first end of the second tubular shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.