WO2017052386A1

WO2017052386A1 - A connector

Info

Publication number: WO2017052386A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2016/050156
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Johnson REID
Original assignee: Reid David Johnson
Priority date: 2015-09-25
Filing date: 2016-09-23
Publication date: 2017-03-30
Also published as: AU2016327438A1

Abstract

This invention relates to a connector for joining a first object to a second object. The connector includes a body portion, and a first connecting portion, located at, or towards, a first end of the body portion, and wherein the first connecting portion includes a single aperture through which a fastening device may be driven, in order to attach the first connecting portion to the first object. The connector also includes a second connecting portion, located at, or towards, a second end of the body portion, and wherein the second connecting portion includes a single aperture through which a fastening device may be driven, in order to attach the second connecting portion to the second object. The invention may be particularly suitable for joining timber framing.

Description

A CONNECTOR

FIELD

This invention relates to a connector.

The invention may be suitable for use in connecting and/or joining and/or fastening (herein: "joining") two or more components used in the construction of a building.

More specifically, the invention may be particularly suitable for use in joining two or more components of timber framing to prevent (or restrict) movement of the timber framing components with respect to each other. For convenience only therefore the invention will be predominantly described in relation to such use. However, it is to be understood and appreciated that the invention may also have other applications and uses.

The prior art and possible applications of the invention, as discussed below, are therefore given by way of example only.

BACKGROUND Many buildings, or other constructions, utilise timber framing to provide the building structure with support and/or shape.

There are available a number of different types (and sizes) of connectors, which are used for joining the various timber framing components together, with the most common connectors including nails, screws, brackets and gang nails, and less common connectors including straps, ties and braces.

It is especially important to have a strong and secure connection between the rafters of a building and the top plates of the building in order to prevent uplift. That is, to prevent the roof of the building from lifting, for example during high winds.

This not only requires a strong and secure connection between the top plates and the rafters, but also between the studs and the top plates (and to a lesser extent between the studs and the bottom plates). An example of one type of connector currently used for joining rafters to top plates is known as a CT200 connector, and it is manufactured and marketed by MiTek New Zealand Limited. The CT200 connector has a first plate for abutting the rafter and a second plate (at right angles to the first plate) for abutting the top plate. The first and second plates have a large number of holes pre-drilled in them, to enable the first and second plates to be attached to the rafter and top plate respectively, by the use of nails.

However, some disadvantages or drawbacks associated with the use of the CT200 connector include: the connector is relatively large, cumbersome, and expensive; it is a time consuming and fiddly operation to attach the connector to the rafter and top plate, due to the large number of nails that must be hammered in; damage to the rafter or top plate (or the worker's thumb) may occur if any nails are mishit with the hammer during attachment of the connector; damage to the timber framing may occur (for example, splitting of the timber) due to the large number of nails that are hammered into the framing; the connector comes in right hand and left hand varieties (for connecting each side of the rafter to the top plate), and hence a builder must ensure that he/she has a sufficient supply of both varieties at all times.

Examples of connectors used for joining a bottom plate to a stud and a top plate to a stud include the use of "Stud Anchors" and "Stud Ties" respectively, both of which are also manufactured and marketed by MiTek New Zealand Limited.

Stud Anchors are right-angled brackets, one part of which is screwed into the bottom plate, and the other part of which is nailed into the stud (through a number of preformed nail holes). Stud Ties are pre-bent metal ties which fit over the top plate, and which have sides with preformed teeth which are hammered into both sides of the stud.

However, disadvantages or drawbacks associated with the use of Stud Anchors and/or Stud Ties include: both connectors are relatively large, cumbersome, and expensive; the Stud Anchor must be both screwed and nailed, which can be a time consuming and fiddly operation; the nailing of the Stud Anchor to the stud may result in damage to the stud (or the worker's thumb) if any nails are mishit during attachment; damage to the stud may occur (for example, splitting of the timber) due to the large number of nails that are hammered into the stud; parts of the Stud Tie rest on the top and sides of the top plate, as well as the sides of the stud, which may present a hindrance, for example for connecting adjacent timber framing and/or for other connectors used for joining adjacent timber framing.

Another more common type of connector commonly used for joining rafters to top plates, and studs to top, or bottom, plates are known as wire dogs. One type of wire dog used for joining a stud to a top or bottom plate is often referred to as a C-nail, and the use of such C-nails will be well known to those skilled in the art.

A C-nail is essentially a large C-shaped or U-shaped staple, one sharpened point of which is hammered into the stud, and the other sharpened point of which is hammered into either the top plate or the bottom plate. Another type of wire dog used for joining a rafter to a top plate is often referred to as a Z- nail, and again the use of such Z-nails will be well known to those skilled in the art.

Z-nails are in the shape of a "Z", with a sharpened point at each end of the "Z", for hammering into either the rafter or the top plate. However, the two sharpened points are at right angles to each other, which allows them to connect a rafter to a top plate (which are also at right angles to each other). In use, and for example, a first point of the Z-nail may be hammered into the rafter, after which the Z-nail is rotated about this first attachment point, until the second point abuts the top plate, whereby the second point may then be hammered into the top plate.

However, some disadvantages or drawbacks associated with the use of both C-nails and Z- nails include: damage to the rafter or top plate (or the worker's thumb) may occur if the connectors are mishit with the hammer during attachment; damage to the timber framing may occur (for example, splitting of the wood) when the connectors are hammered into the timber framing; the sharpened points of the connectors present a safety hazard, for example loose connectors lying on the ground may be stood on by a worker, and/or a worker may prick his/her fingers when reaching into a bag or box containing such connectors; hammering the sharpened points of the connectors into the timber framing is much more difficult than hammering in nails (or screwing in screws); the hammering of the connectors into the timber framing can be a time consuming and/or fiddly operation.

Furthermore, some disadvantages or drawbacks solely associated with the use of Z-nails include: the Z-nail comes in right hand and left hand varieties (for connecting each side of the rafter to the top plate), and hence a builder must ensure that he/she has a sufficient supply of both varieties at all times; the use of Z-nails is a particularly time consuming and/or fiddly operation because the first sharpened point of the Z-nail must only be hammered into the rafter after first lining up the Z-nail to ensure that the second sharpened point of the Z-nail will subsequently be positioned correctly to enable it to be hammered into the top plate; if the first sharpened point of the Z-nail is not lined up correctly at the outset, the Z-nail will subsequently be twisted or bent when the second sharpened point is hammered into the top plate; the Z-nail must be rotated about its first attachment point so that the second sharpened point can subsequently be hammered inoto the top plate, and this rotation serves to loosen and/or compromise, and therefore weaken, the first attachment point, which is clearly unsatisfactory, and especially so given that the sole purpose of the Z-nail is to provide for a strong and secure connection between the rafter and the top plate (to prevent uplift). OBJECT

It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector which goes some way towards addressing the aforementioned problems or difficulties, or which at the very least provides the public with a useful choice.

DEFINITIONS

Throughout this specification unless the text requires otherwise, the word 'comprise' and variations such as 'comprising' or 'comprises' will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, said connector including: i. a body portion,

ii. a first connecting portion, located at, or towards, a first end of the body portion, said first connecting portion including a single aperture through which a fastening device may be driven, in order to attach the first connecting portion to the first object,

iii. a second connecting portion, located at, or towards, a second end of the body portion, said second connecting portion including a single aperture through which a fastening device may be driven, in order to attach the second connecting portion to the second object.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, substantially as described above, wherein the fastening device is a screw.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, substantially as described above, wherein the body portion is substantially elongate. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, substantially as described above, wherein the plane of the aperture associated with the first connecting portion is substantially the same as the plane of the aperture associated with the second connecting portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, substantially as described above, wherein the longitudinal axis of the fastening device associated with the first connecting portion is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device associated with the second connecting portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, substantially as described above, wherein the connector is used for joining a first timber framing component to a second timber framing component.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, substantially as described above, wherein the first timber framing component is a stud, and the second timber framing component is either a top plate or a bottom plate.

According to an alternative aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, substantially as described above, wherein the plane of the aperture associated with the first connecting portion is substantially at right angles to the plane of the aperture associated with the second connecting portion. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, substantially as described above, wherein the longitudinal axis of the fastening device associated with the first connecting portion is substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device associated with the second connecting portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, substantially as described above, wherein the connector is used for joining a first timber framing component to a second timber framing component. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, substantially as described above, wherein the first timber framing component is a rafter, and the second timber framing component is a top plate.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, substantially as described above, wherein the connector is comprised of a plastics material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for joining a first object to a second object, substantially as described above, wherein the connector is comprised of stainless steel. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for joining a timber stud to a timber top plate, utilising an embodiment of the connector, substantially as described above, said method including the steps of: i. attaching the first connecting portion of the connector to the stud by driving the fastening device through the aperture associated with the first connecting portion, and into the stud, and ii. attaching the second connecting portion of the connector to the top plate by driving the fastening device through the aperture associated with the second connecting portion, and into the top plate.

According to an alternative aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for joining a timber rafter to a timber top plate, utilising an embodiment of the connector, substantially as described above, said method including the steps of: iii. attaching the first connecting portion of the connector to the rafter by driving the fastening device through the aperture associated with the first connecting portion, and into the rafter, and

iv. attaching the second connecting portion of the connector to the top plate by driving the fastening device through the aperture associated with the second connecting portion, and into the top plate.

The connector may be used to join (or connect or fasten) any type of objects, made from any type of material(s), and for any reason. For example, the first and/or second objects may be made from timber or wood, metal, concrete, plastics, rubber, stone, rock, marble, MDF, as well as any combination of materials.

The first and second objects may be joined by the connector for any reason. For example, the first and second objects may be temporarily joined together so that they don't move during transportation. Alternatively, the first and second objects may be joined for security reasons (for example, to prevent the first object from being stolen because it is joined to the second object, or vice versa).

Preferably however, the first object may be a first timber framing component, and the second object may be a second timber framing component, and the connector may be used to join the two timber framing components together (or provide added support for already- joined timber framing components), for example during construction of a building. The connector may preferably include a body portion, which may preferably be substantially elongate.

The connector may also include a first connecting portion, located at, or towards, a first end of the body portion, the first connecting portion including a single aperture through which a fastening device may be driven, in order to attach the first connecting portion to the first object.

The connector may also include a second connecting portion, located at, or towards, a second end of the body portion, the second connecting portion including a single aperture through which a fastening device may be driven, in order to attach the second connecting portion to the second object.

In a preferred embodiment, the aperture in the first connecting portion and/or the aperture in the second connecting portion may be substantially circular, for example, in the form, (or shape) of an eyelet.

Any suitable fastening device may be utilised for use with the connector. For example, the fastening device may be in the form of a rivet, bolt or nail.

Preferably however, the fastening device may be in the form of a screw.

In one embodiment, the plane of the aperture associated with the first connecting portion may be substantially the same as the plane of the aperture associated with the second connecting portion. In such an embodiment, it may be appreciated that the longitudinal axis of the fastening device associated with the first connecting portion may be substantially parallel (and cO- axial) to/with the longitudinal axis of the fastening device associated with the second connecting portion.

In such an embodiment, the connector may be suitable for joining adjacent pieces of timber framing, that abut each other, for example the connector may be used for joining a timber stud to either a timber top plate or a bottom plate.

In such an embodiment, it may be appreciated that the connector may be used instead of a wire dog C-nail.

In an alternative embodiment, the plane of the aperture associated with the first connecting portion may be substantially at right angles to the plane of the aperture associated with the second connecting portion.

In such an embodiment, it may be appreciated that the longitudinal axis of the fastening device associated with the first connecting portion is substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device associated with the second connecting portion.

In such an embodiment, the connector may be used for joining adjacent pieces of timber framing, that are at right angles to each other, for example the connector may be used for joining a timber rafter to a timber top plate.

In such an embodiment, it may be appreciated that the connector may be used instead of a wire dog Z-nail.

The connector may be made of any suitable material(s), as required or as desired, or as dictated by the intended use of the connector.

For example, the connector may be comprised of a plastics material or a metal material such as iron, brass or stainless steel.

If made of metal, the connector may also be galvanised if, for example, it is to be used in conditions where metallic objects may be prone to rusting, for example in a building near the sea. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The description of a preferred form of the invention to be provided herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is given purely by way of example and is not to be taken in any way as limiting the scope or extent of the invention. DRAWING

Fig 1: is a view of timber framing which utilises prior art wire dog C-nails and Z-nails,

Fig 2: is a view of the same timber framing illustrated in Fig 1, but with two

embodiments of the connector of the present invention instead being utilised,

Fig 3: is a view of one possible embodiment of the present invention, also illustrated in Fig 2,

Fig 4: is a view of another possible embodiment of the present invention, also illustrated in Fig 2,

Fig 5: is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig 4, and

Fig 6: is another view of timber framing joined by the embodiment of the connector illustrated in Figs 4 and 5.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Having regard to Fig 1 there is shown a view of timber framing which utilises a prior art wire dog C-nail 1 , and a prior art wire dog Z-nail 2. The timber framing includes a rafter 3, a top plate 4, and a stud 5. The C-nail 1 is essentially a large C-shaped or U-shaped staple, with two sharpened points 6a,b. It may be seen from Fig 1 that the sharpened points 6a,b are substantially parallel to each other.

In use, one sharpened point 6a of the C-nail 1 is hammered into the side 8 of the top plate 4, and the other sharpened point 6b of the C-nail 1 is hammered into the side 9 of the stud 5 (or vice versa), to thus join the stud 5 to the top plate 4. The sharpened point 6a of the C-nail may be fully hammered into the side 8 of the top plate

4, prior to the sharpened point 6b of the C-nail being hammered into the side 9 of the stud

5. Alternatively, both sharpened points 6a,b may be hammered into their respective timber framing 4,5 at the same time (for example, by hitting each end 6a,b of the C-nail with alternate strokes from a hammer). In the embodiment shown, two C-nails are used to join the stud 5 to the top plate 4. That is, a first C-nail 1 is used on one side 9 of the stud 5 (and one side 8 of the top plate 4), and a second C-nail la (shown in dotted outline) is used on the opposite side of the stud 5 and top plate 4.

The C-nails 1,1a are used to securely join the top plate 4 to the stud 5, and to prevent uplift of the top plate 4 with respect to the stud 5.

The Z-nail 2 is in the shape of a "Z", with a sharpened point 7a at one end of the "Z", and a sharpened point 7b at the other end of the "Z". The sharpened point 7a is adapted to be hammered into the side 10 of the rafter 3, and the sharpened point 7b is adapted to be hammered into the side 8 of the top plate 4. It may be seen from the Fig 1 , that the sharpened point 7a is substantially at right angles to the sharpened point 7b, which allows the Z-nail to be able to connect the rafter 3 to the top plate 4 (which are also at right angles to each other).

In the embodiment shown, two Z-nails 2, 2a are used to join the rafter 3 to the top plate 4. That is, a first Z-nail 2 is used on one side 10 of the rafter 3, and a second Z-nail 2a (shown in dotted outline) is used on the opposite side of the rafter 3. Both Z-nails 2,2a are hammered in the same side 8 of the top plate 4, but on opposite sides of the rafter 3.

The Z-nails 2,2a are used to securely join the rafter 3 to the top plate 4, and to prevent uplift of the rafter 3 with respect to the top plate 4.

The Z-nail 2 may be used as follows. Firstly, the sharpened point 7a of the Z-nail may be hammered into the side 10 of the rafter 3, after which the Z-nail 2 is rotated about this first attachment point, until the sharpened point 7b abuts the side 8 of the top plate 4, whereby the sharpened point 7b may then be hammered into the side 8 of the top plate 4.

Alternatively, the sharpened point 7b may be hammered into the side 8 of the top plate 4 first, followed by the sharpened point 7b. There are many disadvantages or drawbacks associated with the use of the C-nails 1,1a and the Z-nails 2,2a, as previously outlined on page 4 of this specification.

Having regard to Fig 2, there is shown a view of the same timber framing illustrated in Fig 1, namely, a rafter 3, a top plate 4, and a stud 5.

Having regard also to Fig 3, there is shown a first embodiment of a connector, generally indicated by arrow 11. The connector 11 is used to join the top plate 4 to the stud 5.

Having regard also to Figs 4 and 5, there is shown a second embodiment of a connector, generally indicated by arrow 12. The connector 12 is used to join the rafter 3 to the top plate 4.

The connectors 11,12 both include a substantially elongate body portion 13. The connector 11 includes a first connecting portion 14, located at a first end of the body portion 13, the first connecting portion 14 including a single aperture 16a through which a fastening device such as a screw 18 may be driven (see Fig 2), in order to attach the first connecting portion 14 to the side 8 of the top plate 4. The connector 11 also includes a second connecting portion 15, located at a second (opposite) end of the body portion 13, the second connecting portion 15 including a single aperture 17a through which a fastening device such as a screw 18 (see Fig 2) may be driven, in order to attach the second connecting portion 15 to the side 9 of the stud 5. The first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 are in the form (or shape) of eyelets 16,17, each of which includes the apertures 16a, 17a, respectively, for receiving the screws 18. The screws 18 are used for attaching the first connecting portion 14 to the side 8 of the top plate 4, and the second connecting portion 15 to the side 9 of the stud 5, to thus securely join the top plate 4 to the stud 5. In the embodiment shown in Fig 2, two connectors 11, 11a are used to join the stud 5 to the top plate 4. That is, a first connector 11 is used on one side 9 of the stud 5 (and one side 8 of the top plate 4), and a second connector 11a (shown in dotted outline) is used on the opposite side of the stud 5 and top plate 4.

The connectors 11, 11a are used to securely join the top plate 4 to the stud 5, and to prevent uplift of the top plate 4 with respect to the stud 5.

In use, the connector 11 may be held flush against the top plate 4 and stud 5, as illustrated in Fig 2, and the screws 18 may then be screwed through the apertures 16a, 17a and into the side 8 of the top plate 4 and the side 9 of the stud 5 respectively, for example by the use of a power drill used for such purposes. By utilising a power drill, the screws 18 may be screwed into the top plate 4 and stud 5, without first having to pre-drill the holes.

It may be seen from Fig 3 that the plane of the aperture 16a (and eyelet 16) associated with the first connecting portion 14 is substantially the same as the plane of the aperture 17a (and eyelet 17) associated with the second connecting portion 15.

That is, the plane of both apertures 16a,17a (and eyelets 16, 17) is the same as the plane of the page as you look at Fig 3. This means that the longitudinal axis of the screw 18 associated with the first connecting portion 14 is, in use, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw 18 associated with the second connecting portion 15 (see Fig 2).

Referring to Fig 4 (in conjunction with Figs 2, 5 and 6), the connector 12 includes a first connecting portion 19, located at a first end of the body portion 13, the first connecting portion 19 including a single aperture 21a through which a fastening device such as a screw 18 may be driven, in order to attach the first connecting portion 19 to the side 10 of the rafter 3.

The connector 12 also includes a second connecting portion 20, located at a second (opposite) end of the body portion 13, the second connecting portion 20 also including a single aperture 22a, through which a fastening device such as a screw 18 (not shown in Fig 4) may be driven, in order to attach the second connecting portion 20 to the side 8 of the top plate 4.

The first connecting portion 19 and the second connecting portion 20 are in the form of eyelets 21, 22, respectively, each of which includes the apertures 21a, 22a, respectively, for receiving the screws 18. The screws 18 are used for attaching the first connecting portion 19 to the side 10 of the rafter 3, and the second connecting portion 20 to the side 8 of the top plate 4, to thus securely join the rafter 3 to the top plate 4.

In the embodiment shown in Fig 2, two connectors 12, 12a are used to join the rafter 3 to the top plate 4. That is, a first connector 12 is used on one side 10 of the rafter 3 (joining that side 10 of the rafter 3 to the side 8 of the top plate 4), and a second connector 12a (shown in dotted outline) is used on the opposite side of the rafter 3, to join that side of the rafter 3 to the same side 8 of the top plate 4.

The connectors 12, 12a are used to securely join the rafter 3 to the top plate 4, and to prevent uplift of the rafter 3 with respect to the top plate 4. In use, and for example, the second connecting portion 20 of the connector 12 may be held flush against the side 8 of the top plate 4, and the screw 18 may then be screwed through the aperture 22a in the eyelet 22 and into the side 8 of the top plate 4.

The first connecting portion 19 of the connector 12 may then be subsequently attached to the side 10 of the rafter 3 by screwing another screw 18 through the aperture 21a in the eyelet 21, and into the side 10 of the rafter 3. The above example describes the second connecting portion 20 of the connector 12 being first screwed into the side 8 of the top plate 4, prior to the first connecting portion 19 of the connector 12 being subsequently screwed into the side 10 of the rafter 3.

However, it is to be understood and appreciated that alternatively, the first connecting portion 19 of the connector 12 may first be screwed into the side 10 of the rafter 3, and subsequently the second connecting portion 20 of the connector 12 may be screwed into the side 8 of the top plate 4.

The screws 18 may preferably be screwed into the rafter 3 and top plate 4 by the use of a power drill used for such purposes. By utilising a power drill, the screws 18 may be screwed into the rafter 3 and top plate 4, without first having to pre-drill the holes. It may be seen from Figs 2,4,5 & 6 that the plane of the aperture 21a (and eyelet 21) associated with the first connecting portion 19 is substantially at right angles to the plane of the aperture 22a (and eyelet 22) associated with the second connecting portion 20.

This means that the longitudinal axis of the screw 18 associated with the first connecting portion 19 is, in use, substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the screw 18 associated with the second connecting portion 20 (best illustrated in Fig 2). This arrangement enables the connector 12 to join the side 10 of the rafter 3 to the side 8 of the top plate 4 (which are at right angles to each other).

Using screws 18 to attach the connectors 11, 12 to the timber framing has significant advantages over using nails (or using the C-nails 1, 1a and Z-nails 2,2a illustrated in Fig 1). This is because one screw generally has the holding power of at least three nails. Hence, the connectors 11, 12 provide for a much stronger and more secure connection between the timber framing, as compared to the C-nails 1,1a and Z-nails 2,2a illustrated in Fig 1.

In order to prove this point, we had some strength testing of the connectors 11 and 12, undertaken by a New Zealand company called Fortress Fasteners (owned by a larger company called Steel & Tube Holdings Limited). The connectors 11, 12 were used for joining the timber framing components, as illustrated in Fig 2. The timber framing components were then forced apart until such time as the join between them was compromised.

The average amount of force required to compromise the join between the timber framing components was 6.9kN (approx 700 kilogram-force).

In comparison, the average amount of force required to comprise the join between the same timber framing components (in Fig 1) utilising the C-nails 1,1a and Z-nails 2,2a was 3.5kN (approx 350 kilogram-force).

As such, there are significant strength advantages associated with using the connectors 11 , 12 as compared to using the prior art C-nails 1,1a and Z-nails 2,2a.

Furthermore, the use of screws 18 overcomes disadvantages associated with hammering in nails and/or the sharpened points of the C-nails 1,1a and Z-nails 2,2a illustrated in Fig 1 (collectively referred to below as "nails").

For example, no damage to the timber framing components (or the worker' s thumb) will occur due to a worker perhaps mishitting nails with a hammer during the attachment process; there is less chance of the timber components splitting when using screws 18, as compared to hammering in nails; the attachment process (using only a single screw for the first and second connecting portions) is much quicker, easier and/or less fiddly than hammering in nails (and in fact, during testing, we have found that joining timber framing components using the connectors 11, 12 is approximately five times quicker than using the C-nails 1,1a and Z-nails 2,2a illustrated in Fig 1). Furthermore, because the connectors 11, 12 have no sharp edges, a worker will not prick his/her fingers when, for example, reaching into a bag or box containing such connectors 11, 12 (which frequently happens when using the C-nails 1,1a and Z-nails 2,2a). Moreover, a worker will not injure himself/herself if they inadvertently stand on either of the connectors 11, 12 - as is often the case for the C-nails 1,1a and Z-nails 2,2a.

Moreover, some further advantages associated with the use of the connectors 12,12a, as compared to use of the Z-nails 2,2a illustrated in Fig 1 , include: the connectors 12, 12a may be used on either side of the rafter 3, and hence there is no requirement to have left hand or right hand varieties of the connectors 12, 12a (as is the case for Z-nails 2,2a); use of the connectors 12, 12a do not require any rotation of the connectors 12, 12a after either the first connecting portion 19 or second connecting portion 20 have been attached (as is the case for Z-nails 2,2a); once the connectors 12,12a are placed against the side 10 of the rafter 3 and/or side 8 of the top plate 4, they may readily be attached by use of the screws 18, and hence there is no requirement to rotate or otherwise manipulate the connectors 12,12a (as is the case for the Z-nails 2,2a).

In summary, use of the connectors 11, 12 provide for a particularly strong and secure connection between timber framing components, and the connectors 11, 12 certainly provide for a stronger and more secure connection between the timber framing components 3,4,5 as compared to Z-nails 2,2a, C-nails 1, 1a, and any other prior art connectors presently on the market. The connectors 11, 12 are also able to be fitted much quicker (and with less chance of damaging the timber framing) as compared to prior art connectors such as the Z- nails 2,2a, C-nails 1,1a, and any other prior art connectors presently on the market.

VARIATIONS

While the embodiments described above are currently preferred, it will be appreciated that a wide range of other variations might also be made within the general spirit and scope of the invention, and/or as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, said connector including: iv. a body portion,

v. a first connecting portion, located at, or towards, a first end of the body portion, said first connecting portion including a single aperture through which a fastening device may be driven, in order to attach the first connecting portion to the first object,

vi. a second connecting portion, located at, or towards, a second end of the body portion, said second connecting portion including a single aperture through which a fastening device may be driven, in order to attach the second connecting portion to the second object.

2. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the fastening device is a screw.

3. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the body portion is substantially elongate.

4. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the plane of the aperture associated with the first connecting portion is substantially the same as the plane of the aperture associated with the second connecting portion.

5. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the longitudinal axis of the fastening device associated with the first connecting portion is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device associated with the second connecting portion.

6. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the connector is used for joining a first timber framing component to a second timber framing component.

7. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the first timber framing component is a stud, and the second timber framing component is either a top plate or a bottom plate.

8. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the plane of the aperture associated with the first connecting portion is substantially at right angles to the plane of the aperture associated with the second connecting portion.

9. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the longitudinal axis of the fastening device associated with the first connecting portion is substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device associated with the second connecting portion.

10. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the connector is used for joining a first timber framing component to a second timber framing component.

11. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the first timber framing component is a rafter, and the second timber framing component is a top plate.

12. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the connector is comprised of a plastics material.

13. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the connector is comprised of stainless steel.

14. A connector for joining a first object to a second object, as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the first and/or second connecting portions are in the form, or shape, of an eyelet.

15. A method for joining a timber stud to a timber top plate, utilising the connector as claimed in Claim 7, said method including the steps of: v. attaching the first connecting portion of the connector to the stud by driving the fastening device through the aperture associated with the first connecting portion, and into the stud, and

vi. attaching the second connecting portion of the connector to the top plate by driving the fastening device through the aperture associated with the second connecting portion, and into the top plate.

16. A method for joining a timber rafter to a timber top plate, utilising the connector as claimed in Claim 11, said method including the steps of: vii. attaching the first connecting portion of the connector to the rafter by driving the fastening device through the aperture associated with the first connecting portion, and into the rafter, and

viii. attaching the second connecting portion of the connector to the top plate by driving the fastening device through the aperture associated with the second connecting portion, and into the top plate.