Wall reinforcement using constant force
AssigneeNationwide Reinforcing, Ltd.
InventorsSteven E. Morton, Robert R. Thompson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A wall support and reinforcing apparatus that applies a constant force on a structural support member, such as a steel I-beam, that is adjacent the wall. The apparatus includes a bias that is interposed between the building, or a bracket mounted to the building, and the structural member. Thus, the bias force is applied to straighten the wall at all times, thereby having the straightening effect and keeping the structural member from being displaced laterally due to complete release of all forces to the structural member.
Claims3
A method of using a structural member having a lower end and an upper end to support a wall in a building, the method comprising:
- (a) seating the structural member against the wall;
- (b) mounting the lower end of the structural member at a floor that intersects the wall;
- (c) securing a bracket to the building spaced from the upper end of the structural member;
- (d) interposing a bolt between the bracket and the structural member, the bolt extending through and threadedly engaging an aperture of the bracket and having one end seating against the structural member;
- (e) rotating the bolt about its axis thereby adjustably and longitudinally moving the bolt relative to the bracket;
- and
- (f) interposing a bias between the bracket and the structural member, the bias exerting oppositely-directed forces against the bracket and the structural member, one of the forces having a component directed toward the wall.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.