Michael Andrew Shultz

US Patent:

8366083, Feb 5, 2013

Filed:

Oct 20, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/582186

Inventors:

James E. Herrmann - Raleigh NC, US
Michael A. Shultz - Apex NC, US
John C. Herrmann - Raleigh NC, US

Assignee:

The Steel Netork, Inc. - Durham NC

International Classification:

B25B 1/00
E04C 3/02

US Classification:

269 6, 52693

Abstract:

A tensioning device is provided for tensioning the metal strap of a metal wall structure. The tensioning device includes an elongated bar having a handle and a pair of jaws where one jaw is secured to the elongated bar and another jaw projects from the handle. The jaws are operatively connected between the metal strap and the wall structure. In particular, one jaw is operatively connected or anchored to the wall structure and the other jaw is connected to the metal strap. The handle includes a trigger mechanism for moving the jaws with respect to each other. By actuating the trigger mechanism and closing the jaws, the metal strap is tensioned. After the metal strap is tensioned, it is securely fastened to the wall structure.

US Patent:

20120266545, Oct 25, 2012

Filed:

Jul 6, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/542854

Inventors:

Edward R. diGirolamo - Raleigh NC, US
John C. Herrmann - Raleigh NC, US
James E. Herrmann - Raleigh NC, US
Michael A. Shultz - Apex NC, US

Assignee:

THE STEEL NETWORK, INC. - Durham NC

International Classification:

E04B 1/38
E04B 1/19

US Classification:

52 98, 526551

Abstract:

A building assembly utilized in connecting building members together while permitting limited relative movement between the members. The assembly includes a structure such as a track or plate that includes one or more longitudinal slots. Integrally formed in the longitudinal slot is a breakaway washer that receives a fastener that extends into an adjacent structure. When a certain force is applied to the breakaway washer, the breakaway washer breaks away from the slot and this permits the slot to move about the breakaway washer and fastener which results in there being relative movement between two connected structures.