Contained load transfer device for wood sheathing products and roof construction method therewith

Abstract

The utilization of a specific load transfer device for the purpose of allowing for reliable connection and adhesion of composite wood boards during edifice manufacture therewith is provided. Such a device is configured for containment within slots cut into the peripheral edges of such wood boards and cut into a shape therein that is complementary to that of the device itself. In such a manner, the device, when introduced within the properly shaped slot, permits separation of adjacent wood boards that are sequentially applied to the frame of the target edifice, as well as, ultimately, sufficient load bearing strength for the overall construction (such as a roof) within which such connected wood boards are utilized. The separation of wood boards thus permits proper sealing therebetween (with tape, sealant, or other like material) as well as proper distance for shrinking or swelling (due to moisture/temperature variations) to be taken into account during the lifetime of the edification (thereby permitting expansion as needed). The ability to impart increased load bearing strength thus allows for an increase in construction materials (in number and in weight) to be carried and kept on such a structure during construction as well. The method of manufacture of an edifice utilizing such load transfer devices between wood boards is also encompassed within this invention.

1 . A structure for an edifice selected from the group consisting of a roof and a wall, wherein said structure is comprised of at least a first wood board and a second wood board connected simultaneously to at least one connection device; wherein each of said first and second wood boards has a top portion and a bottom portion, and each has four peripheral edges, wherein at least one peripheral edge of each wood board includes at least one cavity therein for the insertion of at least one connection device; wherein said connection device is made of a durable material and having a first end and a second end; wherein said end of said device is inserted within said at least one cavity of said first board and said second end of said connection device is inserted within said at least one cavity of said second board; wherein said peripheral edges of said first and second wood board into which said connection device is inserted are parallel to each other, but are not in contact with one another; and wherein said connection device does not contact the top or bottom portion of said first and second wood boards.  
   
   
       2 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein said first end and said second end of said connection device are shaped exactly the same and exhibit the same dimensions.  
   
   
       3 . The structure of  claim 2  wherein said at least one cavity within said first board and wherein said at least one cavity within said second board are both of a shape and dimensions complementary to that of either of said first end or said second end of said connection device.  
   
   
       4 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of cavities are present within said first and second boards and a plurality of connection devices are inserted within at least two of said plurality of cavities.  
   
   
       5 . The structure of  claim 4  wherein each of said plurality of connection devices is substantially identical and has a first end and said second end substantially shaped the same and exhibiting substantially the same dimensions.  
   
   
       6 . The structure of  claim 5  wherein said plurality of cavities within said first and second boards are substantially identical and exhibit substantially the same shape and dimensions, and wherein said cavity shape and dimensions are complementary to that of either of said first end or said second end of said plurality of substantially identical connection devices.  
   
   
       7 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein said at least one connection device exhibits a roughened appearance on its surface.  
   
   
       8 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein said at least one connection device exhibits an adhesive layer on its surface.  
   
   
       9 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein said at least one connection device includes a pin structure to separate said first and second boards a substantially uniform distance.  
   
   
       10 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein said cavities of said first and second wood boards are flared to facilitate insertion thereof of said at least one connection device.  
   
   
       11 . The structure of  claim 3  wherein said at least one connection device exhibits a roughened appearance on its surface.  
   
   
       12 . The structure of  claim 3  wherein said at least one connection device exhibits an adhesive layer on its surface.  
   
   
       13 . The structure of  claim 3  wherein said at least one connection device includes a pin structure to separate said first and second boards a substantially uniform distance.  
   
   
       14 . The structure of  claim 3  wherein said cavities of said first and second wood boards are flared to facilitate insertion thereof of said at least one connection device.  
   
   
       15 . The structure of  claim 4  wherein each of said plurality of substantially identical connection devices exhibits a roughened appearance on its surface.  
   
   
       16 . The structure of  claim 4  wherein each of said plurality of substantially identical connection devices exhibits an adhesive layer on its surface.  
   
   
       17 . The structure of  claim 4  wherein each of said substantially identical connection devices includes a pin structure to separate said first and second boards a substantially uniform distance.  
   
   
       18 . The structure of  claim 4  wherein each of said substantially identical plurality of cavities within said first and second wood boards are flared to facilitate insertion thereof of said plurality of substantially identical connection devices.  
   
   
       19 . The structure of  claim 6  wherein each of said plurality of substantially identical connection devices exhibits a roughened appearance on its surface.  
   
   
       20 . The structure of  claim 6  wherein each of said plurality of substantially identical connection devices exhibits an adhesive layer on its surface.  
   
   
       21 . The structure of  claim 6  wherein each of said substantially identical connection devices includes a pin structure to separate said first and second boards a substantially uniform distance.  
   
   
       22 . The structure of  claim 6  wherein each of said substantially identical plurality of cavities within said first and second wood boards are flared to facilitate insertion thereof of said plurality of substantially identical connection devices.