Retrofitting apparatus for reinforcement of roof frame structure

Abstract

A retrofitting apparatus for reinforcement of an existing roof frame structure includes first and second plates normal to each other and mounted to a roof support member and a side of a roof frame, respectively. A load bearing member with a free end projects from a top en of the second plate to engage the roof frame at the side of the roof frame in order to prevent the roof frame from moving upwardly under uplift forces.

1 . A retrofitting apparatus for reinforcement of an existing roof frame structure, comprising:
 a first plate adapted to be mounted to a surface of a roof frame support member;   a second plate connected with the first plate, adapted to be selectively mounted to one of opposed first and second sides of a roof frame supported by said roof frame support member, the second plate being substantially normal to the first plate, the first plate projecting away from the second plate in a first direction; and   a substantially flat first load bearing member with a free end, projecting away from a first end of the second plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction for securing the roof frame when the second plate is selected to be mounted to the first side of the root frame; and   as substantially flat second load member with a free end, projecting away in the second direction from a second end of the second plate which is opposite to the first end of the second plate, for securing the roof frame when the second plate is selected to be mounted to the second side of the roof frame.   
   
   
       2 . The retrofitting apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein the respective first and second load bearing members are normal to the second plate, and in an angular position less than 90 degrees with respect to the first plate. 
   
   
       3 . The retrofitting apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein the free end of each of the first and second load bearing members comprises a tip. 
   
   
       4 . The retrofitting apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein the respective first and second plates comprise at least one mounting aperture extending through the respective first and second plates. 
   
   
       5 . The retrofitting apparatus as defined in  claim 4  wherein the at least one mounting aperture in the second plate is located in a position close to each of the opposed first and second ends of the second plate. 
   
   
       6 . The retrofitting apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein an upper end of the first plate and a lower end of the second plate are integrated together with a twisted middle section. 
   
   
       7 . The retrofitting apparatus as defined in  claim 2  further comprising:
 a third plate substantially parallel to the second plate, adapted to be mounted onto a second side of the roof frame; and   a supplementary substantially flat load bearing member with a free end, projecting from a top end of the third plate and extending toward the load bearing member of the second plate, for securing the roof frame at the second side of the roof frame.   
   
   
       8 . The retrofitting apparatus as defined in  claim 7  wherein the substantially flat load bearing members of the respective second and third plates are defined substantially in one plane. 
   
   
       9 . The retrofitting apparatus as defined in  claim 7  further comprising a connector for connecting an upper end of the first plate with lower ends of the second and third plates. 
   
   
       10 . The retrofitting apparatus as defined in  claim 9  wherein the connector comprises a fourth plate substantially normal to the first, second and third plates. 
   
   
       11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . (canceled) 
   
   
       14 . A method for reinforcement of an existing roof frame structure, comprising;
 (a) providing a retrofitting apparatus having at least a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate substantially normal to the first mounting plate, the second mounting plate having a load bearing member with a free end extending away from a top end of the second plate;   (b) positioning the retrofitting apparatus to allow the first and second mounting plates to be placed against a surface of a wall and a side of a roof frame supported on the wall, respectively, thereby causing the load bearing member to engage the roof frame at a location adjacent to an under side of a roof panel mounted on a top of the roof frame; and   c) securing the first and second mounting plates to the surface of the wall and the side of the roof frame, respectively, by means of fasteners in order to prevent the roof frame from moving upwardly under uplift forces.   
   
   
       15 . The method as defined in  claim 14  wherein, in step (b) the load bearing member is inserted from the side of the roof frame along an interface between a top of the roof frame and the underside of the roof panel. 
   
   
       16 . The method as defined in  claim 14  wherein, in step (b) a third mounting plate substantially parallel to the second mounting plate, is allowed to be placed against an opposite side of the roof frame, thereby causing a load bearing member with a free end which extends away from a top end of the third plate, to engage the roof frame at another location adjacent to the under side of the roof panel. 
   
   
       17 . The method as defined in  claim 14  wherein, in step (c) a hole is drilled through the roof frame, aligning with mounting apertures in the respective second and third mounting plates, near to the top thereof, and wherein a bolt is then inserted through the hole to secure the second and third mounting plates to the roof frame and to function as a back-up load bearer. 
   
   
       18 . The retrofitting apparatus as defined in  claim 2  wherein the first and second load bearing members are substantially symmetric about a central axis of the second plate. 
   
   
       19 . The retrofitting apparatus as defined in  claims 18  wherein the first plate is connected to a side edge of the second plate and extends along an entire length of the side edge of the second plate.