Reduced eccentricity guardrail post connector for decking structure

Abstract

A reduced eccentricity guardrail post connector is provided and includes a connection element having a tensile force resistant portion and a shear resistant portion, where a proximal end of the shear resistant portion is connected at about a normal angle to a distal end of the tensile force resistant portion. The post connector further includes a post coupler disposed at a proximal end of the tensile force resistant portion, where the post coupler compressively joins a post to a rim joist. Additionally, a joist coupler is disposed at a distal end of the shear resistant portion, where the joist coupler compressively joins the connector element to a joist. Further, a joist material strengthening element is disposed into the joist to resist tensile loads in joist material. The tensile resistant portion resists tensile loads and the shear resistant portion resist shear loads when the horizontal forces are imparted on the post.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is cross-referenced to and claims the benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60 / 995,165 filed Sep. 26, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates generally to a guardrail post connection. More particularly, the invention relates to securing a railing post to a deck base in a manner that provides both shear and tension strength to the post, while enabling easy and correct installation.BACKGROUND[0003]Building codes require guardrail posts to resist 200 pounds at the top of the post in all directions with a safety factor of 2.5. The typical connections used to connect guardrail posts to wood framed decks fail to meet this requirement, according to published test results for a 36-inch post length. Current codes in many states now require the post connections pass a minimum 200-pound resistance test for a 42″ post length.[0004]One significant defect in guardrail...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]In a further aspect of the invention, the joist material strengthening element can be a threaded screw or a nail, where the joist material strengthening element binds the joist material to prevent splitting of the joist material.

Problems solved by technology

The typical connections used to connect guardrail posts to wood framed decks fail to meet this requirement, according to published test results for a 36-inch post length.

One significant defect in guardrail post connectors that integrate both a rim joist and a joist to the post is the presence of an eccentric moment between the connector and the joist.

A tensile load resistant component that is displaced from the connection to the joist creates an eccentric moment in the connection that limits the strength of the connection.

Failure of the guardrail post and thereby guardrails have resulted in injuries and death.

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