0001
`
`Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. EX1027
`Simpson Strong-Tie Co. v. Columbia Insurance Co.
`U.S. Patent No. 11,649,626
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 1 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 1
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`
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`0002
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 2 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 2
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`46
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`0003
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`0003
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 3 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 2A
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`0004
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`0004
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 4 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 3
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`26
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`
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`0005
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`0005
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 5 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 4
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`0006
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`0006
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 6 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 5
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`
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`0007
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`0007
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 7 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 6
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`/
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`0008
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`0008
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 8 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 7
`
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`FIG. 8
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`6
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`0009
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`0009
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 9 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 9
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`
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`0010
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`0010
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 10 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 10
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`-—FIG. 10A
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`0011
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`0011
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 11 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 10A
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`0012
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`0012
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 12 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al FIG.11
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`0013
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`0013
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`12,2015 Sheet 13 of 43
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`US 201
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`5/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 12
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`0014
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 14 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`--—FIG.13A
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`34
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`12
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`14
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`16
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`FIG.13
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`0015
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`0015
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 15 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 13A
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`
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`0016
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`0016
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2, 2015 Sheet 16 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG
`
`. 14
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`
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`0017
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`0017
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 17 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 14A RASAN
`
`QQAARAN
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`RONAN
`
`2SSSSSS
`
`0018
`
`0018
`
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 18 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 15
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`0019
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`0019
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 19 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 16
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`0020
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`0020
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 20 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 17
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`0021
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`0021
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 21 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 18
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`82
`
`96
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`0022
`
`0022
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 22 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG, 19
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`84
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`0023
`
`0023
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 23 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 20
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`82
`
`0024
`
`0024
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 24 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`
`_
`Cc.
`
`
`92~2S 92
`90
`
`82
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`/
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`FIG. 21
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`88
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`86
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 25 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`88
`
`92
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`NJ
`
`FIG.22
`
`92
`
`0026
`
`0026
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 26 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`94
`
`84
`
`94
`
`86
`
`FIG.23
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`ce
`co
`
`0027
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`0027
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 27 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`100
`
`FIG. 24
`
`88
`
`84
`
`0028
`
`0028
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 28 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 25
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`
`
`0029
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`0029
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2, 2015 Sheet 29 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`126
`
`FIG. 26
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`0030
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`0030
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 30 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`126
`#
`
`146
`
`FIG. 27
`
`154
`
`0031
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`0031
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`

`

`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 31 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`126
`
`)
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`Patent Application Publication
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`FIG. 28
`
`
`
`146
`
`0032
`
`0032
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 32 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`126
`
`FIG. 29
`
`
`
`146
`
`144
`
`0033
`
`0033
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 33 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 30
`
`174
`
`146
`
`174
`
`0034
`
`0034
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 34 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 31
`
`174
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`126
`/
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`174
`
`146
`
`148
`
`0035
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`0035
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 35 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`174
`
`176
`
`176
`
`176
`
`CO
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`166
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`174
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`144 148
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`wo
`=rei
`
`0036
`
`176
`
`176
`
`FIG.32
`
`0036
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 36 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`Oo
`MS
`
`174
`
`re
`
`FIG.33
`
`0037
`
`0037
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 37 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 34
`
`0038
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`0038
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 38 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 35
`
`
`
`0039
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`0039
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 39 of 43
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`0 FIG.36
`PrPOi
`ii
`
`SS
`O
`
`CS
`
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`
`CS
`
`0040
`
`0040
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 40 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FiG. 37
`
`0041
`
`0041
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 41 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 38
`
`
`
`0042
`
`0042
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 42 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
`
`SLT
`
`SZTb/T
`
`8ZT 8ZTE/T
`Eells]aEle
`
`0043
`
`6€“OI
`
`0043
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 2,2015 Sheet 43 of 43
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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`FIG. 40
`
`180
`
`0044
`
`0044
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`

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`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`Jul. 2, 2015
`
`HANGER FOR FIRE SEPARATION WALL
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention generally relates to connec-
`tions for structures, and more specifically, a truss hanger for
`connecting a truss to a wall including fire retardant sheathing.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`‘The use offire separation wallsin structures, suchas
`[0002]
`in multifamily housing, is commonplace. Often, fire separa-
`tion is required to be continuous along the walls between
`adjoining units to prevent fire from spreading between the
`adjoining units in a multifamily structure. For some types of
`construction, the building codes also require exterior walls to
`be fire rated. Typically, gypsum board is used as a fire retar-
`dant sheathing along these walls. Floor trusses or joists are
`attached to or hung from the walls including the gypsum
`board, but cannot be hung from the gypsum board itself. The
`trusses or joists must therefore be attached to the wall fram-
`ing. A cutout for the entire cross section ofthe truss leaves a
`large discontinuity in the fire retardant sheathing. However,
`building codes require thatthe fire separation wall maintain a
`certain fire resistant rating. Thus, the integrity of the fire
`retardant sheathing should be maintained and interruptions of
`the sheathing kept to a minimum.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In one aspect ofthe present invention, a hanger for
`[0003]
`connecting a structural component to a wall having sheathing
`mounted thereon includes a channel-shaped portion config-
`ured to receive the structural component. An extension por-
`tion extends from the channel-shaped portion and is config-
`ured to extend through the sheathing to engage the wall ata
`first location. A connection portionis configured for attach-
`ment to the wall at a second location spaced fromthefirst
`location.
`
`In another aspect of the present invention, a truss
`[0004]
`hanger for connecting a truss to a wall havingfire resistant
`sheathing mounted thereon includes a channel-shaped por-
`tion configured to receive the truss. The channel-shaped por-
`tion includes a base sized and shaped for receiving a truss
`chordofthe truss thereon,side panels extending upward from
`the base, and back panels. Each back panel extends from a
`respective one of the side panels. An extension portion
`extends from the channel-shaped portion and is configured to
`extend through the fire resistant sheathing. The extension
`portion includes extension flanges and back flanges. Each of
`the extension flanges extends from a respective one of the
`back panels. Each of the back flanges extends from a respec-
`tive one of the extension flanges. The truss hanger also
`includes a connection portion configured for attachment to
`the wall.
`
`[0005] A hangerfor connecting a structural componentto a
`wall having sheathing mounted thereon generally comprises
`a channel-shaped portion configured to receive the structural
`component. An extension portion is configured to be disposed
`at least partially in the sheathing. A connection portion is
`configured for attachment to the wall.
`[0006] Other objects and features will be in part apparent
`and in part pointed out hereinafter.
`
`FIG. 1 isa fragmentary perspective ofadjacent floor
`[0007]
`trusses connected to a wall havingfire retardant sheathing by
`truss hangers that extend through the sheathing;
`[0008]
`PIG. 2 isa perspective ofa truss hanger according to
`a first embodiment of the present invention;
`[0009]
`FIG. 2A is a rear perspective of the truss hanger:
`[0010]
`FIG. 3 is a front elevation thereof;
`[OO11]
`PIG. 4 isa right side elevation thereof:
`[0012]
`FIG. 5 isa left side elevation thereof;
`[0013]
`FIG. 6 isa rear elevation thereof:
`[0014]
`FIG. 7 is a top plan thereof;
`[0015]
`FIG. 8 is a bottomplan thereof;
`[0016] FIG.9 isa perspective ofa wall havingfire retardant
`sheathing witha slot cut in the sheathing to receive the truss
`hanger;
`FIG. 10is the perspective ofFIG, 9, but showing two
`[0017]
`ofthe truss hangers mounted thereon;
`[0018]
`FIG. 104A is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of
`FIG. 10,
`FIG. 11 isatop planof FIG. 10, illustrating the truss
`[0019]
`hanger extending throughthe fire retardant sheathing:
`[0020]
`FIG. 12 is a perspective similar to FIG. 10, but
`showing a floor truss positioned for mounting in the truss
`hanger;
`FIG. 13 is a side elevation of FIG. 12;
`[0021]
`FIG. 13.4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of
`[0022]
`FIG, 13 with a portionofthefire retardant sheathing broken
`away;
`FIG. 14 is the perspective of FIG. 10, but showing
`[0023]
`floor trusses mounted in the truss hangers;
`[0024]
`FIG. 14A is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of
`FIG. 14;
`FIG. 15 is a top view of a stamped metal blank for
`[0025]
`forming a truss hanger according to the present invention;
`[0026]
`FIG. 16 is a perspective of a slot template for use in
`cutting the slot in the sheathing to receive the truss hanger;
`[0027]
`FIG. 17 is a rear perspective ofthe slot template:
`[0028]
`FIG. 18 is a front elevation thereof;
`[0029]
`FIG. 19 is a right side elevation thereof;
`[0030]
`FIG. 20is a left side elevation thereof;
`[0031]
`FIG. 21 is a rear elevation thereof;
`[0032]
`PIG. 22 is a top plan thereof:
`[0033]
`FIG. 23 is a bottom plan thereof;
`[0034]
`PIG. 24 is a front view ofa stamped metal blank for
`forming the slot template;
`[0035]
`FIG. 25 is a fragmentary perspective of adjacent
`floor trusses connected at an angle to a wall havingfire retar-
`dant sheathing by truss hangers of a second embodimentthat
`extend through the sheathing;
`[0036]
`FIG. 26 isa perspective ofone of the truss hangers of
`FIG.25;
`FIG. 27 is a rear perspective thereof:
`[0037]
`FIG. 28 is a front elevation thereof;
`[0038]
`FIG. 29 is a right side elevation thereof:
`[0039]
`FIG. 30is a left side elevationthereof;
`[0040]
`FIG. 31 is a rear elevation thereof;
`[0041]
`FIG. 32 is a top plan thereof;
`[0042]
`PIG. 33 is a bottom plan thereof:
`[0043]
`FIG. 34 is a perspective of a wall and the two truss
`[0044]
`hangers mounted thereon with parts broken away;
`[0045]
`FIG. 35 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of
`FIG. 34;
`
`0045
`
`0045
`
`

`

`US 2015/0184370 Al
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`Jul. 2, 2015
`
`FIG. 36 isa top plan ofFIG.34,illustrating the truss
`[0046]
`hangers extending through the fire retardant sheathing:
`[0047] FIG. 37 is a side elevation of FIG. 34;
`[0048]
`FIG. 38 is an enlarged fragment of FIG.37;
`[0049]
`FIG. 39 isa top plansimilar to FIG. 36, but showing
`a floor truss mounted in each truss hanger; and
`[0050]
`FIG. 40 is a front view ofa stamped metal blank for
`forming a truss hanger according to the present invention.
`[0051] Corresponding reference characters indicate corre-
`sponding parts throughout the drawings.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a connec-
`tion systemfora fire separation wall is shown generally at 10.
`Floor trusses generally indicated at 12 each include truss
`members (broadly, “woodenstructural members”) including
`a top chord 14, a bottom chord 16, and web members 18
`joining the top and bottom chords. Each floor truss also
`includes end members 20 at each end joining the top and
`bottom chords 14, 16 (only one end of each truss is shown).
`The truss members can bejoined by nail plates 22 or by any
`other suitable fastening structure. The number and orienta-
`tions of the web members 18 and chords 14, 16 may vary from
`the illustrated embodiment without departing from the scope
`of the invention,as a truss hanger 26 accordingto the present
`invention is readily applicable to other truss configurations
`(e.g. a roof truss). Moreover, the hanger 26 may be used to
`connect structural components other than trusses to a wall or
`otherpart ofa structure. The hanger can be used to support
`other wood framing members suchas solid sawnorstructural
`composite lumber.
`[0053] As seen in FIG. 1, a wall 28 includes a top member
`or plate 30 and support members or studs 32 (only one stud
`may be seen in FIG. 1). As illustrated, the top plate 30 is
`formed by two 2x4’s in stacked relation. Fire retardant
`sheathing 34 is mounted on both sides of the wall 28, as
`illustrated. In one embodiment, the fire retardant sheathingis
`gypsum board, such as two layers of %s" gypsum board
`mounted on eachside of the wall 28 as illustrated, although
`other configurations of fire retardant sheathing are within the
`scope of the present invention. Other wall configurations,
`including different wall constructions and materials, are
`within the scope ofthe present invention. For example, the
`truss hangers 26 can be used with any wall assembly or
`fire-rated wall assembly, such as a 2-hour fire-resistive wall
`assembly, The floor trusses 12 are mounted on the wall 28
`adjacentthe fire retardant sheathing 34 by the truss hangers
`26. The truss hangers 26 extend througha narrow slot in the
`fire retardant sheathing 34 to maintain the integrity and fire
`retardant characteristics of the fire separation wall.
`[0054] Referring to FIGS.2-8, the truss hanger 26 includes
`a channel-shaped portion 38, an extension portion 40, and a
`connectionportion 42. The channel-shaped portion 38 is con-
`figured to receive the floor truss 12. The channel-shaped
`portion 38 includesa seat or base 44 and a pair of side panels
`46 extending upward fromthe base. Wheninstalled, the base
`44 is generally horizontal, and the side panels 46 extend
`generally vertical from the base. A back panel 48 extends
`from each of the side panels 46. Each back panel 48 is gen-
`erally perpendicular to both the side panels 46 and the base
`44. When installed, each back panel 48 extends generally
`parallel to an interior face 50 ofthe fire retardant sheathing 34.
`The base 44, side panels 46, and back panels 48 form a
`channel 52 configured to receive the floor truss 12.
`
`[0055] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 12-14,the floortruss 12 is
`received in the channel 52 to attach the floor truss to the wall
`28. The bottom chord 16 of the floor truss 12 engages and
`rests upon(i.e., is supported by) the base 44. The end member
`20 of the floor truss 12 is positioned against the back panels 48
`between the side panels 46. The truss hanger 26 includes
`fastening structure for attaching the floor truss 12 to the truss
`hanger. Fastening structure can be of any type knownin the
`art for attaching a connector to a woodenstructural member,
`such as nailing teeth (not shown) struck fromthe material of
`the hanger.In theillustrated embodiment, the fastening struc-
`ture comprises a hole to allow for insertion of a fastening
`member. More specifically, in one embodiment the fastening
`structure comprises nail holes 54 in the side panels 46 of the
`truss hanger 26, and the fastening member comprises a nail 56
`(see FIG, 12). In the illustrated embodiment, nail holes 54 are
`positioned on each oftheside panels 46 so that nails 56 can be
`inserted into both the bottom chord 16 and the end member20
`ofthe floor truss 12 to attach the hanger 26 to the floor truss
`12,
`
`[0056] Referring again to FIGS. 2-8, the extension portion
`40 includes two extension flanges 60 configured to extend
`through the fire retardant sheathing 34. Each flange 60
`extends from one ofthe back panels 48. The flanges 60 are
`positioned in opposed, face-to-face relation, and preferably
`engage each other along a juncture. Each flange 60 extends
`generally perpendicular from the corresponding back panel
`48 and generally parallel to the side panels 46. At a bottom
`edge, each flange 60includes a driving point 62. Each of the
`driving points 62 is generally triangular and includes a
`pointed tip 64. As seen in FIGS, 3 and 6, the tips 64 of the
`driving points 62 are vertically offset from each other. As
`illustrated, the tip 64a of one flange 60a extends vertically
`below the tip 644 of the other flange 605. In one embodiment,
`the tips 64 are vertically offset from each other about ¥",
`although other configurations are within the scope of the
`present invention, suchas tips that are aligned or tips that are
`offset a smaller or larger amount.
`[0057] A back flange 66 extends from eachofthe extension
`flanges 60. Each back flange 66 extends generally perpen-
`dicular from the extension flange 60 and is oriented generally
`parallel to the back panels 48. Referring to FIG. 13.4,the back
`flanges 66 engage the wall 28 ata first location L.,, which in
`the illustrated embodimentis a vertical face ofthe top plate 30
`of the wall. The back panels 48, extension Manges 60, and
`back flanges 66 form a pair of sheathing channels 68. Each
`sheathing channel 68 is configured to receive a portion ofthe
`fire retardant sheathing 34 to secure the sheathing between
`the hanger 26 and the wall 28. As seen in FIG. 7, the sheathing
`channels 68 extend generally perpendicular to the truss-re-
`ceiving channel 52.
`[0058] As seen in FIGS. 104 and 11, the extension flanges
`60 extend through a slot72 in the fire retardant sheathing 34.
`Preferably, the slot has an area less than or equal to 6 square
`inches, and the gap between the extension flanges 60 and the
`edge ofthe slot 72 is less than or equal to 's". The driving
`points 62 extend down intothe sheathing 34 to further secure
`the sheathing between the hanger 26 and the wall 28. A
`portion of the fire retardant sheathing 34 extends into each
`sheathing channel 68 and is secured between the back panels
`48 and the back flanges 66.
`[0059]
`In one embodiment,the slot 72 inthe fire retardant
`sheathing 34 can be made using a slot template 82 (FIGS.
`16-24). The slot template 82 includes a vertical panel 84
`
`0046
`
`0046
`
`

`

`US 2015/0184370 Al
`
`Jul. 2, 2015
`
`having a rear face 86 configured to engagethe interior face 50
`of the fire retardant sheathing 34 and a horizontal panel 88
`having a bottom face 90 configured to engage a top face ofthe
`sheathing. The horizontal panel 88 extends generally perpen-
`dicular from the vertical panel 84. The slot template 82 is
`configured to be quickly fixed in position on the sheathing 34
`for use in cutting the slot 72 to receive the truss hanger 26.
`Portions of the slot template 82 are configured to be pressed
`into the sheathing 34 to locate the template on the sheathing
`and retain the template in position for cutting the slot 72. In
`the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal panel includes
`prongs 92 that are bent downward for insertion into the top
`face of the sheathing 34. Bottom corners 94 of the vertical
`panel 84 are bent rearward for insertion into the interior face
`50 of the sheathing 34. The prongs 92 and the corners 94 are
`inserted into the sheathing 34 to retain the template 82 in
`position for cutting the slot 72. In addition, the vertical panel
`84 optionally includes dimples 96 extending toward the rear
`face 86 of the vertical panel 84. The dimples 96 ensure the
`vertical panel 84 remains slightly spaced fromthe interior
`face 50 of the sheathing 34 so the template 82 can be easily
`removed from the sheathing after the slot 72 is cut.
`[0060] The template 82 includes a guide slot 98 to guide a
`cutting tool in cutting the slot 72 in the sheathing 34. The
`guide slot 98 extends froma top edgeof the vertical panel 84
`to a location spaced froma bottom edgeofthe vertical panel.
`Asillustrated, the guide slot 98 includes a wide. rectangular
`portion 98a in the horizontal panel 88 to ease insertion of a
`cutting toolinto the guide slot. A converging portion 984 of
`the slot 98 in the vertical panel 84 transitions from the wide
`portion 98a to a narrow lower portion 98cofthe slot. This
`facilitates entry ofthe cutting tool into the narrow portion 98c.
`The narrow portion 98c of the guide slot 98 is dimensioned to
`facilitate cutting the slot 72 in the sheathing 34 to a size
`configured to receive the extension flanges 60 ofthe truss
`hanger 26.
`[0061] Asseenin FIG. 24, the template 82 described above
`can be formed as one piece from a metal blank 100that is
`stamped from a sheet metal roll and bent into shape. In one
`embodiment, the template $2 is stamped from16 gaugesteel,
`althoughother thicknesses (e.g., 12-18 gauge) and other suit-
`able materials are within the scope ofthe present invention.
`[0062]
` Inuse, the template 82 is placed on the sheathing 34
`in a selected location for a slot 72. The template can be used
`to cut the slot 72 in the sheathing 34 either before or after the
`sheathing is mounted on the wall 28. The prongs 92 and
`corners 94 are inserted into the sheathing 34 by tapping with
`a hand or striking with a hammeror other blunt instrument.
`Once the template 82 is secured in position on the sheathing
`34, a cutting tool(e.g., a drywall cutout tool) is inserted into
`the guide slot 98 to cuta slot 72 in the sheathingat the location
`of the guide slot. In one embodiment, a drywall cutout tool
`with a /" or 4" spiral bit is used to cut the slot 72, although
`other cutting tools are within the scope of the present inven-
`tion, After the slot 72 is cut in the sheathing 34, the template
`§2 is removed from the sheathing. The sheathing 34 is then
`configured to receive the truss hanger 26.
`[0063] Referring again to FIGS. 2-8, the connection portion
`of the hanger includes a pair of connector tabs 74 extending
`from the back flanges 66. Each connector tab 74 extends
`generally perpendicular from one ofthe back flanges 66. The
`connector tabs 74 are generally horizontal when the hanger
`26 is installed. The connector tabs 74 are configured to engage
`an uppersurface ofthe top plate 30 ofthe wall 28 at a second
`
`location L., spaced from the first location L,. The connector
`tabs 74 can be used to attach the truss hanger 26 to the wall,
`thereby hanging the floor trusses 12 from the wall. As seen in
`FIG.1, the connector tabs 74 extend over a portion of the top
`plate 30 ofthe wall 28. Each connector tab 74 includes fas-
`tening structure. such as nail holes 76, for insertion of a
`fastening member, suchas nails 78 (see FIGS. 10 and 10A), to
`attach the hanger 26 to the wall 28.In the illustrated embodi-
`ment, each connector tab 74 includes three nail holes 76.
`Other configurations are within the scope of the present
`invention, such as a different numberof nail holes, or alter-
`nate fastening structure such as nailing teeth or other appro-
`priate structure for fastening the hanger to the wall.
`[0064] The base 44 and back flanges 66 of the truss hanger
`26 cooperate to stabilize the truss hanger 26 and protect the
`fire retardant sheathing 34 under the loads transferred from
`the truss 12 to the wall 28 by way ofthe hanger. The channel
`§2 that receives an end portion ofthe truss 12 is spaced to the
`interior of the wall 28 and more particularly to the interior of
`the second location L, where the connector tabs 74 are
`attached to an upper surface ofthe top plate 30. The vertically
`downward load ofthe truss 12 applied to the base 44 ofthe
`truss hanger 26 urges the truss hanger 26 to pivot so that the
`base would move toward the wall 28, which could damage the
`fire retardant sheathing 34 and pry out the nails 78 connecting
`the connector tabs 74 to the upper surface ofthe top plate 30.
`However, this motion is resisted by the engagement ofthe
`back flanges 66 withthe interior vertical face ofthe top plate
`30 at the first location L,. Thus,
`there is a force couple
`between the base 44 of the hanger 26 carrying the vertical
`load ofthe truss 12 and the back panels 48 ofthe hanger (via
`engagement of the back flanges 66 with the top plate 30)
`engaging the end face of the truss. Accordingly, the truss
`hanger 26 and truss 12 are stable with minimaldisruption of
`thefire retardant sheathing 34, even thoughthetruss is held at
`a distance fromthe wall 28 by the truss hanger.
`[0065] As seen in FIG, 15, a truss hanger 26 as described
`above can be formed as one piece from a metal blank 80that
`is stamped froma sheet metal roll and bent into shape. In one
`embodiment, the truss hanger 26 is stamped from 12-14
`gaugesteel, although other suitable materials are within the
`scope ofthe present invention. The configurationofthe truss
`hanger 26 ofthe present invention allows a lighter gauge
`metal to be used.
`
`Inuse, the truss hanger26 is positioned in the slot 72
`[0066]
`ofthe fire retardant sheathing 34 mounted onthe wall 28. As
`seen in FIGS. 9-14A, one method of using the truss hanger 26
`includes cutting the slot 72 in the fire retardant sheathing 34
`(either before orafter the sheathing is mounted onthe wall).
`In one embodiment, the slot 72 can be cut using the slot
`template 82 (either before orafter the sheathing 34 is mounted
`to the wall 28). The slot can be any suitable length, and in one
`embodiment is about 10 inches long. The truss hanger 26 is
`then positioned against the fire retardant sheathing 34 so that
`the extension flanges 60 extend through the slot 72. In one
`embodiment, the hanger 26 is slid downward into place so
`that the extension flanges 60 extend through the slot 72, the
`back flanges 66 are positioned adjacent the wall 28, and the
`fire retardant sheathing 34 is positioned in the sheathing chan-
`nels 68 betweenthe back flanges and the back panels 48. The
`hanger connectortabs 74 are fastened to the top plate 30 ofthe
`wall 28 by any suitable means, such as by inserting nail 78
`through the nail holes 76. Then, a truss member, e.g. truss
`bottom chord 16, is positioned in the truss channel 52 of the
`
`0047
`
`0047
`
`

`

`US 2015/0184370 Al
`
`Jul. 2, 2015
`
`hanger 26 (see FIG. 1), thereby securing the floor truss 12 to
`the wall 28. The truss hanger 26 is then fastened to the truss 12
`by any suitable means, such as by inserting nails 56 through
`the nail holes 54 in each side panel 46 of the hanger. The
`hanger 26 is thus secured to both the truss 12 and the wall 28,
`with the fire retardant sheathing 34 secured between the
`hanger and the wall.
`[0067]
`Inanother embodiment, the truss hangers 26 can be
`installed without pre-forming the slot 72 in the fire retardant
`sheathing 34. Moreparticularly, each hanger 26 can be driven
`into the sheathing 34. The driving point 62 of the hanger 26 is
`positioned against a top edge ofthefire retardant sheathing.
`The hanger26 is then driven downward into the sheathing 34,
`led by the pointed tip 64. The hanger 26 continuesto be driven
`into the gypsum boardsuntil the connector tabs 74 engage the
`upper surface of the top plate 30. In this way, the hanger 26
`formsthe slot in the sheathing 34.
`[0068]
`Instill another embodiment, the truss hangers 26
`can be installed on the wall 28 before the sheathing 34 is
`mounted on the wall. This simplifies construction by allowing
`the building to be completely framed and roofed before
`requiring the sheathing 34to be installed, Trade workers (e.g.,
`mechanical, electrical) therefore have complete access to the
`wall cavity to install components without interference from
`the sheathing 34. The truss hanger26 is positioned against the
`wall 28 such that the back flanges 66 engage the wall and the
`connector tabs 74 engage the top plate 30. The connector tabs
`74 are fastened to the top plate 30 of the wall by any suitable
`means, such as by inserting nails 78 through nail holes 76.
`Then, a truss 12 is positioned in the truss channel 52 of the
`hanger 26. The truss hangeris fastened to the truss 12 by any
`suitable means, such as by inserting nails 56 throughthe nail
`holes 54 in each side panel 46 ofthe hanger 26. The floor truss
`12 is thereby secured to the hanger 26 and the wall 28, and
`access to the wall cavity remains unhindered by sheathing.
`Subsequently, the sheathing 34 can be mounted onthe wall 28
`by moving the sheathing upward into place sothat the exten-
`sion flanges 60 ofthe hanger 26 extend throughthe slot 72 of
`the sheathing and the sheathing is positioned in the sheathing
`channels 68 betweenthe back flanges 66 and the back panels
`48.
`
`back panel 148 extendsat a non-orthogonalangle (e.g., about
`45°) to the interior face 50 of the fire retardant sheathing 34.
`The base 144, side panels 146, and back panel 148 form a
`channel 152 configured to receive the floor truss 12. Other
`configurations are within the scope of the present invention.
`For example, the truss hanger 126 can be configured to sup-
`port the floor truss 12 at a range of different angles with
`respect to the wall 28.
`[0071] As seen in FIGS. 25 and 39, the floor truss 12 is
`received in the channel 152 toattach the floortruss to the wall
`28 at a skewed angle. The bottom chord 16 of the floor truss
`12 engages and rests upon(1.€.,
`is supported by) the base 144.
`The end member20 ofthe floor truss 12 is positioned against
`the back panel 148 between the side panels 146. The truss
`hanger 126 includes fastening structure for attaching the floor
`truss 12 to the truss hanger. Fastening structure can be of any
`type knownin the art for attaching a connector to a wooden
`structural member, such as nailing teeth (not shown) struck
`from the material of the hanger. In the illustrated embodi-
`ment, the fastening structure comprises a hole to allow for
`insertion of a fastening member. More specifically, in one
`embodimentthe fastening structure comprises nail holes 154
`in the side panels 146 ofthe truss hanger 126 (see, FIG. 26),
`and the fastening member comprises a nail 156 (see, FIG. 25).
`In the illustrated embodiment, nail holes 154 are positioned
`on each ofthe side panels 146 so that nails 156 can be inserted
`into both the bottom chord 16 and the end member 20 ofthe
`floor truss 12 to attach the hanger 126 to the floor truss.
`[0072] Referring again to FIGS. 26-33, the extension por-
`tion 140 includes two extension flanges 160 configured to
`extend through the fire retardant sheathing 34. One ofthe
`flanges 160a@ extends from the back panel 148. The other
`flange 1604 extends from the side panel 1464. The flanges
`160 are positioned in opposed, face-to-face relation, and pref-
`erably engage eachother along a juncture. At a bottom edge,
`each flange 160 includes a driving point 162. Each of the
`driving points 162 is generally triangular and includes a
`pointed tip 164. As seen in FIG.28, the tips 164 ofthe driving
`points 162 are vertically offset fromeachother. As illustrated,
`the tip 164a of one flange 160a extends vertically below the
`tip 1644 ofthe other flange 1605, In one embodiment, the tips
`164 are vertically offset from each other about !s", although
`[0069] Referring to FIGS. 25-40, a second embodiment of
`other configurations are within the scope ofthe present inven-
`a truss hanger 126 for use in mountingthe floor truss 12 to the
`tion, such as tips that are aligned or tips that are offset a
`wall 28 is illustrated. The truss hanger 126 is similar to the
`smaller or larger amount.
`truss hanger 26 described above, with differences as pointed
`[0073] A back flange 166 extends fromthe extension flange
`out herein. Where the truss hanger 26 is configured for mount-
`160 generally perpendicular from the extension flange. Refer-
`ing the floor truss 12 generally orthogonalto the wall 28, the
`ring to PIG, 38, the back flange 166 engages the wall 28 ata
`truss hanger 126 is configured for mounting the floor truss 12
`first location L,5, which in the illustrated embodimentis a
`in a skewed positionrelative to the wall.
`vertical face ofthe top plate 30 of the wall behind the fire
`[0070] Referring to FIGS. 26-33,
`the truss hanger 126
`retardant sheathing 34. The back flange 166 comprises a back
`includes a channel-shaped portion 138. an extension portion
`flange portion 166a bent from the extension flange 160a and
`140, and a connection portion 142. The channel-shaped por-
`a back flange portion 166 bent from the extension flange
`tion 138 is configured to receive the floor truss 12. The chan-
`1606. The back panel 148, side panel 1464, extension flanges
`nel-shaped portion 138 is configured to support the floor t