Reinforced building wall

• US 9,874,009 B2
• Filed: 05/21/2014
• Issued: 01/23/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cetres Holdings, LLC
• Original Assignee: Cetres Holdings, LLC
• Inventors: Espinosa, Thomas M
• Primary Examiner(s): Michener, Joshua J
• Assistant Examiner(s): Walraed-Sullivan, Kyle J.
• Application Number:
  US14/891,449
• Publication Number:
  US 20160076239A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,343 Days
• Field of Search: 52 23, 5222313, 522366, 522933, 52295, 52410, 5274512
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 1/26 the supporting parts consisting of wood
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 1/4157 Longitudinally-externally threaded elements extending from the concrete or masonry, e.g. anchoring bolt with embedded head
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2/56 Load-bearing walls of framework or pillarwork; Walls incorporating load-bearing elongated members E04B2/74, E04B2/88 take precedence; pillars E04C3/30
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/268 Connection to foundations
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/2684 with metal connectors
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/2688 self adjusting, e.g. for compensation of shrinkage
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/2692 End to end connections of elongated members along their common longitudinal axis
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2001/3583 using permanent tensioning means, e.g. cables or rods, to assemble or rigidify structures (not pre- or poststressing concrete), e.g. by tying them around the structure

Abstract

Reinforced building wall comprises a foundation; an anchor rod extending from the foundation; first stud wall disposed on the foundation and second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall; first tie rod including first and second threaded end portions, the first threaded end portion is operably connected to the anchor rod; second tie rod including third and fourth threaded end portions, the third threaded end portion is operably connected to the second threaded end portion of the first tie rod; the fourth threaded end portion operably attached to the second stud wall; an intermediate portion of the first tie rod is unthreaded, the intermediate portion extending through a first top plate of the first stud wall and a second bottom plate of the second stud wall and the second threaded end portion is not disposed within the first top plate and the second bottom plate.

Claims

1. A reinforced building wall, comprising:

a) a foundation;

b) an anchor rod extending from said foundation;

c) a first stud wall disposed above said foundation, said first stud wall including a first bottom plate and a first top plate, said first top plate is disposed at an upper end portion of said first stud wall;

d) a second stud wall disposed above said first stud wall, said second stud wall including a second bottom plate and a second top plate, said second top plate is disposed at an upper end of said second stud wall;

e) a first tie rod including first and second threaded end portions, said first threaded end portion is operably connected to said anchor rod;

f) a second tie rod including third and fourth threaded end portions, said third threaded end portion is operably connected to said second threaded end portion of said first tie rod;

g) said fourth threaded end portion is operably attached to said second stud wall; and

h) an intermediate portion of said first tie rod is unthreaded, said intermediate portion and said second threaded end portion extending through said first top plate and said second bottom plate, said second threaded end portion is not disposed within said first top plate and said second bottom plate.

2. A reinforced building wall as in claim 1, and further comprising:

a) a first coupling connecting said first tie rod to said anchor rod; and

b) a second coupling connecting said second tie rod to said first tie rod.

3. A reinforced building wall as in claim 1, and further comprising:

a) a first bearing plate disposed on said second bottom plate, said first bearing plate including an opening through which said first tie rod extends; and

b) a first nut screwed to said first tie rod to secure said first tie rod and said bearing plate to said second bottom plate.

4. A reinforced building wall as in claim 3, wherein:

a) said second tie rod extends through said second top plate;

b) a second bearing plate disposed on said second top plate, said second bearing plate including an opening through which said second tie rod extends; and

c) a second nut screwed to said second tie rod to secure second tie rod and said second bearing plate to said second top plate.

5. A reinforced building wall as in claim 1, wherein said intermediate portion of said second tie rod extends through said second top plate, said fourth threaded end portion is not disposed within said second top plate.

6. A reinforced building wall as in claim 1, and further comprising:

a) first reinforcement blocking disposed in said first stud wall;

b) said intermediate portion of said first tie rod extends through said first reinforcement blocking;

c) a second reinforcement blocking disposed in said second stud wall; and

d) said unthreaded intermediate portion of said second tie rod extends through said second reinforcement blocking.

7. A reinforced building wall as in claim 1, wherein:

a) said intermediate portion of said first tie rod comprises about 75% of the length of said first tie rod; and

b) said intermediate portion of said second tie rod comprises about 75% of the length of said second tie rod.

8. A reinforced building wall as in claim 1, wherein:

a) a diameter of said first and second threaded end portions is greater than a diameter of said unthreaded intermediate portion of said first tie rod; and

b) a diameter of said third and fourth threaded end portions is greater than a diameter of said unthreaded intermediate portion of said second tie rod.

9. A reinforced building wall as in claim 4, and further comprising:

a) a first spring disposed between said first bearing plate and said first nut; and

b) a second spring disposed between said second bearing plate and said second nut.

10. A reinforced building wall as in claim 9, and further comprising:

a) a first inner cylindrical body disposed within a first outer cylindrical body;

b) said first spring urging said first inner cylindrical body upwardly against said first nut and urging first outer cylinder body downwardly against said first bearing plate;

c) said first inner cylindrical body is movable upwardly with respect to said first outer cylindrical body and lockable downwardly relative to said first outer cylindrical body;

d) a second inner cylindrical body disposed within a second outer cylindrical body;

e) said second spring urging said second inner cylindrical body upwardly against said second nut and urging said second outer cylinder body downwardly against said second bearing plate; and

f) said second inner cylindrical body is movable upwardly with respect to said second outer cylindrical body and lockable downwardly relative to said second outer cylindrical body.

11. A reinforced building wall as in claim 1, and further comprising:

a) a cross member attached to said second stud wall;

b) said second tie rod extending through said cross member;

c) a first bearing plate disposed on said cross member; and

d) a first nut screwed to said second tie rod to secure said second tie rod and said first bearing plate to said cross member.

12. A reinforced building wall as in claim 11, and further comprising a first spring disposed between said first bearing plate and said first nut.

13. A reinforced building wall as in claim 12, and further comprising:

a) a first inner cylindrical body disposed within a first outer cylindrical body;

b) said first spring urging said first inner cylindrical body upwardly against said first nut and urging first outer cylinder body downwardly against said first bearing plate; and

c) said first inner cylindrical body is movable upwardly with respect to said first outer cylindrical body and lockable downwardly relative to said first outer cylindrical body.

14. A reinforced building wall, comprising:

a) a foundation;

b) an anchor rod extending from said foundation;

c) a first stud wall disposed on said foundation, said first stud wall including a first bottom plate and a first top plate;

d) a second stud wall disposed above said first stud wall, said second stud wall including a second bottom plate and a second top plate;

e) a first tie rod including first and second end portions with respective first and second threaded bores, said first threaded bore is operably connected to said anchor rod, said first tie rod including an unthreaded exterior surface extending from said first end portion to said second end portion;

f) a second tie rod including third and fourth threaded end portions, said third threaded end portion is operably connected to said second threaded bore of said first tie rod;

g) said fourth threaded end portion operably attached to said second stud wall; and

h) said first and second threaded bores together constitute about 25% of the length of said first tie rod.

15. A reinforced building wall as in claim 14, wherein said first tie rod is circular in cross-section.

16. A reinforced building wall as in claim 14, wherein said first tie rod is square in cross-section.

17. A reinforced building wall as in claim 14, wherein said first tie rod is hexagonal in cross-section.

18. A reinforced building wall, comprising:

a) a foundation;

b) an anchor rod extending from said foundation;

c) a first stud wall disposed above said foundation, said first stud wall including a first bottom plate and a first top plate, said first top plate is disposed at an upper end of said first stud wall;

d) a topmost stud wall disposed above said first stud wall, said topmost stud wall including a second bottom plate and a second top plate, said second top plate is disposed at an upper end of said topmost stud wall;

e) a first tie rod operably connected to said anchor rod and a second tie rod operably connected to said first tie rod;

f) said second tie rod including an outer end portion operably attached to said topmost stud wall, said outer end portion is threaded;

g) said second tie rod including an unthreaded intermediate portion;

h) said unthreaded intermediate portion and said threaded outer end portion of said second tie rod extending through said second top plate, said threaded outer end portion of said second tie rod is not disposed within said second top plate;

i) said second tie rod extending through a bearing plate disposed on said second top plate; and

j) a nut screwed to said tie rod to secure said second tie rod and said bearing plate to said second top plate.

19. A reinforced building wall as in claim 18, and further comprising a spring disposed between said bearing plate and said nut.

20. A reinforced building wall as in claim 19, and further comprising an expanding connector disposed between said nut and said bearing plate, said expanding connector including said spring.

21. A reinforced building wall as in claim 20, wherein said expanding connector comprises:

a) an inner cylindrical body disposed within an outer cylindrical body;

b) said spring urging said inner cylindrical body upwardly against said nut and urging outer cylinder body downwardly against said bearing plate; and

c) said inner cylindrical body is movable upwardly with respect to first outer cylindrical body and lockable downwardly relative to said outer cylindrical body.

22. A reinforced building wall as in claim 18, wherein said unthreaded intermediate portion of said first tie rod is about 75% of the length of said first tie rod.

23. A reinforced building wall, comprising:

a) a foundation;

b) an anchor rod extending from said foundation;

c) a stud wall disposed above said foundation, said stud wall including a bottom plate and a top plate, said top plate is disposed at an upper end of said stud wall;

d) a tie rod having lower threaded end portion and upper threaded end portion;

e) said lower threaded end portion is operably connected to said anchor rod;

f) said upper threaded end portion is operably attached to said stud wall;

g) said tie rod including an unthreaded intermediate portion disposed between said lower and upper threaded end portions;

h) a cross member attached to said stud wall;

i) said tie rod extending through said cross member;

j) a bearing plate disposed on said cross member;

k) a nut screwed to said tie rod to secure said tie rod and said bearing plate to said cross member; and

l) said unthreaded intermediate portion and said upper threaded end portion extending through said cross member, said upper threaded end portion is not disposed within said cross member.

34. A reinforced building wall as in claim 23, wherein said unthreaded intermediate portion of said tie rod comprises about 75% of the length of said tie rod.

24. A reinforced building wall, comprising:

a) a foundation;

b) an anchor rod extending from said foundation;

c) a stud wall disposed above said foundation, said stud wall including a bottom plate and a top plate, said top plate being disposed at an upper portion of said stud wall;

d) a tie rod having first and second end portions, said tie rod extending a majority of the distance between said bottom plate and said top plate;

e) said first and second end portions include threaded bores;

f) said first end portion is threaded to said anchor rod;

g) said second end portion is operably attached to said stud wall;

h) said tie rod including an unthreaded exterior surface extending from said first end portion to said second end portion.

25. A reinforced building wall as in claim 24, and further comprising:

a) a threaded rod operably secured to said second end portion;

b) said threaded rod extends through said top plate;

c) a bearing plate disposed on said top plate, said bearing plate including an opening through which said threaded rod extends; and

d) a nut screwed to said threaded rod to secure said threaded rod and said bearing plate to said top plate.

26. A reinforced building wall as in claim 24, wherein said tie rod is tubular.

27. A reinforced building wall as in claim 24, wherein said tie rod is square, hexagonal or circular in cross-section.

28. A reinforced building wall as in claim 24, wherein:

a) said threaded bores are multi-diameter; and

b) said tie rod includes inspection openings associated with respective threaded bores.

29. A reinforced building wall as in claim 24, wherein said threaded bores together constitute about 25% of the length of said first tie rod.

30. A reinforced building wall as in claim 24, wherein said intermediate portion of said tie rod has a larger diameter than the diameter of said bores.

31. A reinforced building wall as in claim 24, wherein said unthreaded exterior surface is co-extensive with the length of said tie rod.

32. A reinforced building wall, comprising:

a) a foundation;

b) an anchor rod extending from said foundation;

c) a topmost stud wall disposed above said foundation, said topmost stud wall including a bottom plate and a top plate, said top plate is disposed at an upper end of said topmost stud wall;

d) a tie rod including first and second threaded end portions, said first threaded end portion is operably connected to said anchor rod;

e) said tie rod including an unthreaded intermediate portion, said second threaded end portion and said unthreaded intermediate portion extending through said top plate;

f) said tie rod extending through a bearing plate disposed on said top plate, said second threaded end portion is not disposed within said top plate; and

g) a nut screwed to said tie rod to secure said tie rod and said bearing plate to said top plate.

33. A reinforced building wall, comprising:

a) a foundation;

b) an anchor rod extending from said foundation;

c) a first stud wall disposed above said foundation, said first stud wall including a first bottom plate and a first top plate, said top plate is disposed at an upper end of said first stud wall;

d) a topmost stud wall disposed above said first stud wall, said top stud wall including a second bottom plate and a second top plate, said second top plate is disposed at an upper end of said topmost stud wall;

e) a first tie rod including first and second threaded end portions, said first threaded end portion is operably connected to said anchor rod;

f) a second tie rod including third and fourth threaded end portions, said third threaded end portion is operably connected to said second threaded end portion of said first tie rod, said second tie rod including an unthreaded intermediate portion, said fourth threaded end portion and said unthreaded end portion extending through said first top plate and said second bottom plate, said third and fourth threaded end portions are not disposed within said first top plate and said second bottom plate, respectively;

g) said second tie rod extending through a first bearing plate disposed on said second bottom plate;

h) a first nut attached to said fourth threaded end portion, said first nut operably bearing on said first bearing plate;

i) a cross member attached to said topmost stud wall;

j) a third tie rod having a fifth end portion attached to said fourth end portion of said second tie rod;

k) said third tie rod including an unthreaded intermediate portion and a sixth threaded end portion extending through said cross member, said threaded sixth end portion is not disposed within said cross member;

l) said third tie rod extending through a second bearing plate disposed on said cross member; and

m) a second nut attached to said threaded sixth end portion, said second nut operably bearing on said second bearing plate.

35. A reinforced building wall, comprising:

a) a foundation;

b) an anchor rod extending from said foundation;

c) a first stud wall disposed above said foundation, said first stud wall including a first bottom plate and a first top plate, said top plate is disposed at an upper end of said first stud wall;

d) a second stud wall disposed above said first stud wall, said second stud wall including a second bottom plate and a second top plate, said second top plate is disposed at an upper end of said second stud wall;

e) a tie rod including first and second threaded end portions, said first threaded end portion is operably connected to said anchor rod;

f) said tie rod including an unthreaded intermediate portion extending through said first top plate and said second bottom plate;

g) a cross member attached to said second stud wall;

h) said second threaded end portion extending through said cross member, said second threaded end portion is not disposed within said cross member;

i) said tie rod extending through a bearing plate disposed on said cross member; and

j) a nut screwed to said tie rod to secure said tie rod and said bearing plate to said cross member.