DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028]FIGS. 1-5 depict an embodiment of an attachment device for building materials in accordance with the present invention, referred to generally as the attachment device 100. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the attachment device 100 is suitably configured for attaching an elongated structural member 102 (e.g., a furring strip or stud) to a wall 104 constructed from, for example, masonry blocks (e.g., cinder blocks). During construction of the wall 104, the attachment device 100 and a plurality of other identical attachment devices are installed such that mortar 105 secures the attachment devices in place. Fasteners such as, for example, nails or screws are used to secure the elongated structural member 102 to the attachment member 100. Thus, a plurality of attachment devices in accordance with the present invention serves to secure elongated structural members (e.g., the elongated structural member 102) to the wall 104.
[0029] The attachment device 100 has a wall engagement structure 106 and an elongated member engagement structure 108. The wall engagement structure 106 is suitably configured for engaging the wall 104, which is constructed from masonry blocks. The elongated member engagement structure 108 is suitably configured for engaging the elongated member 102.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the wall engagement structure 106 includes pair of U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112). A plurality of fasteners 114 such as, for example, rivets secure the pair of U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112) to each other. Each one of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112) includes two spaced-apart legs 116 and a central portion 118. The central portion 118 of each one of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112) is connected between the spaced apart legs 116 of the respective U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112). The central portion 118 of each one of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112) is connected to each other in a manner such that the wall engagement structure 106 has an H-shaped cross section. Although the wall engagement structure 106 is depicted being generally H-shaped, it is disclosed herein that that wall engagement structure 106 may have one of many different shapes (e.g., L-shaped, U-shaped, flat, etc). Such different shapes may be achieved by other omitting one of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 114) and/or by omitting one of the legs 116 of one of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112).
[0031] The elongated member engagement structure 108 is positioned adjacent an exterior face of one of the legs 116 of one of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112). Preferably, but not necessarily, the elongated member engagement structure 108 is attached to one of the legs 116 of one of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112). Preferably, but not necessarily, the elongated member engagement structure 108 abuts an exterior face of one of the leg 116 of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112). A fastener 119 such as, for example a rivet, secures the wall engagement structure 106 to the elongated member engagement structure 108.
[0032] In an alternate embodiment of an attachment device in accordance with the present invention (not specifically shown), the wall engagement structure 106 is attached to an intermediate member (not specifically shown) that is secured to at least one of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112). For example, the intermediate member may be attached to a leg of one of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112) or may be secured between the central portions 118 of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112). In such an alternate embodiment of an attachment device in accordance with the present invention, the intermediate member is configured such that the elongated member engagement structure 108 is positioned adjacent an exterior face of one of the legs 116 of one of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112)
[0033] As depicted in FIGS. 2-5, the elongated member engagement structure 108 is U-shaped. Thus, the elongated member engagement structure 108 includes spaced apart legs 120 and a central portion 122 connected between the spaced apart legs 120. As depicted in FIGS. 2-6, the central portion 122 is preferably, but not necessarily, connected to one of the legs of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112) or the wall engagement structure 106.
[0034] Each one of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112) of the wall engagement structure 106 and the elongated member engagement structure 108 each define a respective channel (i.e., the space between the spaced apart legs). The channel of the U-shaped engagement structures (110,112) extend generally parallel to a reference axis R and are suitably configured for having a portion of a masonry block disposed therein. The channel of the elongated member engagement structure 108 is suitably configured for having a portion of an elongated structural member 102 disposed therein.
[0035] It is disclosed herein that the elongated member engagement structure 108 may be attached to the wall engagement structure 106 in a non-pivotable manner or a pivotable manner. In the case of a non-pivotable manner, the channel of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112) preferably, but not necessarily, extends either generally parallel with or generally perpendicular to the channel of the elongated member engagement structure 108. Other angular orientations are considered useful as well. In the case of a pivotable manner, such as is depicted in FIG. 4, the elongated member engagement structure 108 is pivotable with respect to the wall engagement structure 106 (e.g., pivots about a pivot axis defined by the fastener 119) such that the orientation of the channel of the elongated member engagement structure 108 can be adjusted. The elongated member engagement structure 108 is adjustable (e.g., infinitely adjustable) between a first pivoted position P1 where the channel of the elongated member engagement structure 108 extends generally parallel with the channels of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112) and a second pivoted position P2 where the channel of the elongated member engagement structure 108 extends generally perpendicular to the channels of the U-shaped engagement structures (110, 112). The ability to pivot the elongated member engagement structure 108 relative to the wall engagement structure 106 allows for precision alignment of the elongated member engagement structure 108 to an engaged elongated member and allows for orientation of the engaged elongated member to be vertical, horizontal or any orientation therebetween.
[0036] A depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, the elongated member engagement structure 108 is preferably, but not necessarily, translatable with respect to the wall engagement structure 106. To enable such translation, the fastener 119 extends through a slot 124 in the central portion 122 of the elongated member engagement structure 108. Accordingly, the elongated member engagement structure 108 is adjustable (e.g., infinitely adjustable) between a first translated position T I and a second translated position T2. The ability to translate the elongated member engagement structure 108 relative to the wall engagement structure 106 allows for precision alignment of the elongated member engagement structure 108 to an engaged elongated member.
[0037]FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the present invention, which is referred to generally as the attachment device 200 and which is configured for accepting elongated members (i.e., construction materials) having different configurations. Examples of such different configurations include, but are not limited to, different cross sectional shape and different cross sectional size. The attachment device 200 includes a wall engagement structure 206 and an elongated member engagement structure 208, which are at least partially interconnected and/or interoperable as described above in reference to the attachment structure 100. The enhance anchoring of the wall engagement structure 206 in mortar of the like, the wall engagement structure 206 may include one or more protrusions or other types of structural components that limit movement of the wall engagement structure 206 within hardened mortar or the like. Although the wall engagement structure 206 is depicted being generally L-shaped, it is disclosed herein that that wall engagement structure 206 may have one of many different shapes (e.g., H-shaped, U-shaped, flat, etc)
[0038] The elongated member engagement structure 208 includes a first pair of spaced apart legs 220 and a second pair of spaced apart legs 221. The first pair of spaced apart legs 220 has a first configuration (e.g., a first spaced apart distance) and the second pair of spaced apart legs 221 has a second configuration (e.g., a second spaced apart distance). The second pair of spaced apart legs 221 may be bent out of the way when the first pair of spaced apart legs 220 is used. Accordingly, the elongated member engagement structure 208 is configured for accepting elongated members having different configurations.
[0039]FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the present invention, which is referred to generally as the attachment device 300 and which has an elongated member engagement structure that is generally flat and manually formable. The attachment device 300 includes a wall engagement structure 306 and a strap-like elongated member engagement structure 308, which are interconnected and/or interoperable as described above in reference to the attachment structure 100. The strap-like elongated member engagement structure 308 is generally in the form of an elongated strap. In use, the strap-like member elongated member engagement structure 308 is manually formed around an elongated member being secured to a wall and one or more fasteners is used to suitable secure the strap-like elongated member engagement structure 308 to the elongated member. Although the wall engagement structure 306 is depicted being generally H-shaped, it is disclosed herein that that wall engagement structure 306 may have one of many different shapes (e.g., L-shaped, U-shaped, flat, etc).
[0040] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the inventive disclosures made herein. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
