Categorizing fasteners and construction connectors using visual identifiers

Abstract

A method of categorizing fasteners and construction connectors by size and type using a color coding system. Each fastener receives a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The colors are preselected to define one or more physical properties of the fasteners. A color key is provided to determine the physical properties of the fasteners based on the coloring of exposed portions of the inserted fasteners. Similarly, construction connectors receive a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The color represented on the surface of the construction connector is such that the corresponding fastener is the same color.

1 - 9 . (Cancelled)  
   
   
       10 . A joint, comprising: 
 a first surface and a second surface, the first and second surfaces being subject to a regulation which requires specified physical properties for fasteners used to join the first and second surfaces;    a fastener securing the first surface to the second surface, the fastener having a colored portion which is exposed to view, wherein the color of the colored portion has been pre-selected to define one or more of the specified physical properties which correlate to those set forth in the regulation.    
   
   
       11 . The joint of  claim 10 , wherein the regulation is contained in the Uniform Building Code.  
   
   
       12 . The joint of  claim 11 , wherein the fastener is a nail and the specified physical properties are the length and gauge of the nail.  
   
   
       13 - 19 . (Cancelled)  
   
   
       20 . The joint of  claim 10 , where from a distance of at least 10 feet, the color of the exposed colored portion of the fastener is discernible by a person of ordinary vision.  
   
   
       21 . The joint of  claim 10 , where from a distance of at least 15 feet, the color of the exposed colored portion of the fastener is discernible by a person of ordinary vision.  
   
   
       22 . The joint of  claim 10 , where from a distance of at least 18 feet, the color of the exposed colored portion of the fastener is discernible by a person of ordinary vision.  
   
   
       23 . The joint of  claim 10 , where from a distance of more than 20 feet, the color of the exposed colored portion of the fastener is discernible by a person of ordinary vision.  
   
   
       24 . The joint of  claim 20 , wherein the fastener is a bolt.  
   
   
       25 . The joint of  claim 20 , wherein the fastener is a staple.  
   
   
       26 . The joint of  claim 20 , wherein the fastener is a rivet.  
   
   
       27 . The joint of  claim 20 , wherein the fastener is a screw.  
   
   
       28 . The joint of  claim 20 , wherein the fastener is a wedge anchor bolt.  
   
   
       29 . The joint of  claim 20 , wherein the fastener is an anchor bolt.  
   
   
       30 . The joint of  claim 20 , wherein the fastener is a bolt and nut.  
   
   
       31 . The joint of  claim 20 , wherein the fastener is a lag bolt.  
   
   
       32 . The joint of  claim 10 , wherein a symbol is applied to the fastener to connote a separate physical property.  
   
   
       33 . The joint of  claim 32 , wherein the symbol comprises a letter.  
   
   
       34 . The joint of  claim 32 , wherein the symbol comprises a number.  
   
   
       35 . A joint comprising: 
 a first surface and a second surface, the first and second surfaces requiring specified physical properties for fasteners used to join the first and second surfaces;    a fastener securing the first surface to the second surface, the fastener having a colored portion which is exposed to view, wherein the color of the colored portion has been pre-selected to define one or more of the specified physical properties.    
   
   
       36 . The joint of  claim 35 , where from a distance of at least 10 feet, the color of the exposed colored portion of the fastener is discernible by a person of ordinary vision.  
   
   
       37 . The joint of  claim 35 , where from a distance of at least 15 feet, the color of the exposed colored portion of the fastener is discernible by a person of ordinary vision.  
   
   
       38 . The joint of  claim 35 , where from a distance of at least 18 feet, the color of the exposed colored portion of the fastener is discernible by a person of ordinary vision.  
   
   
       39 . The joint of  claim 35 , where from a distance of more than 20 feet, the color of the exposed colored portion of the fastener is discernible by a person of ordinary vision.  
   
   
       40 . The joint of  claim 35 , wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of screws, bolts and nuts, staples and rivets.  
   
   
       41 . The joint of  claim 35 , wherein a symbol is applied to the fastener to connote a separate physical property.  
   
   
       42 . The joint of  claim 41 , wherein the symbol is a letter.  
   
   
       43 . The joint of  claim 41 , wherein the symbol is a number.  
   
   
       44 .- 48 . (Cancelled)