Framing connector

Abstract

A framing connector used with a power fastener driver that has at least two connecting panels. One of the connecting panels is a flange having a fastener zone with a plurality of openings. Each of the openings having a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a shank of a fastener and less than the size of a head of the fastener. In addition, the openings are at least 50% of the surface area of the framing connector panel.

1 . A framing connector for use with a power fastener driver, the framing connector comprising: at least two connecting panels, at least one of which is a flange having at least one fastener zone with a plurality of openings, each of said openings having a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a fastener shank and less than the size of a fastener head, and having openings that occupy at least 50% of the surface area of the fastener zone.  
   
   
       2 . The framing connector in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein each of said openings has angled sidewalls for guiding the shank of one of said fasteners into the opening.  
   
   
       3 . The framing connector in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein at least said fastener zone is expanded metal.  
   
   
       4 . A framing connector for use with a power fastener driver, the framing connector comprising: at least two connecting panels, at least one of which is a flange having at least one fastener zone with a plurality of openings.  
   
   
       5 . The framing connector in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein each of said openings has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a shank of a fastener and less than the size of a head of the fastener.  
   
   
       6 . The framing connector in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the openings occupy at least 50% of the surface area of the fastener zone.  
   
   
       7 . The framing connector in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein each of said openings has angled sidewalls for guiding one of said fasteners into the opening.  
   
   
       8 . The framing connector in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein at least said fastener zone is expanded metal.  
   
   
       9 . A method for using a framing connector with a power fastener driver, the method comprising: 
 (a) abutting at least two members of carpentry materials together to form a framing area;    (b) placing a framing connector having at least two connecting panels, at least one of which is a flange having at least one fastener zone with a plurality of openings, each of said openings having a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a shank of a fastener and less than the size of a head of the fastener, and having openings that are at least 50% of the surface area of the framing connector panel near the framing area; and    (c) fastening said framing connector to the framing area using the power fastener driver to drive fasteners through the openings in the fastener zone and into the carpentry material.