Slip Bracket Connector for Rigid Members

摘要

A one-piece rigid connector allows a nominal construction wood member to slip axially while fixed at its distal end, to accommodate the naturally occurring shrinkage of lumber. The connector surrounds the wood member and attaches to a second wood member to secure the members together. The connector may be slightly larger radially than the first member to accommodate natural movement. In one embodiment, the connector is made of a light gauge sheet metal and attaches a vertical baluster to the horizontal lower deck rail of an elevated wood deck guard rail system. The connector secures the baluster horizontally, but allows the baluster to move vertically to accommodate expansion or contraction of the baluster after construction. The distal end of the baluster is secured using conventional wood screw attachment. The connector includes tabs on each side to allow fastening of the connector to the lower deck rail using conventional wood screws.

主权项

1. A method of attaching a first wood member to a second member so that natural dimensional fluctuations of the first wood member are not restricted, the method comprising:
placing a connector around the first wood member, the connector comprising: a brace that fits around the first wood member and allows for natural dimensional fluctuations in the first wood member; and a plurality of tabs attached to the brace such that the tabs make flush contact with the second member, each tab having at least one aperture disposed through the tab; and driving a fastener through each aperture into the second member, the fasteners securing the connector to the second member so that the brace is not attached to the first wood member.