Building components

Abstract

A structural tie or strap in the form of a connector for use in the construction industry. The connector is substantially rectangular with fixing points at either end for fastening to walls or the like and includes an acoustic attenuation mechanism to enhance acoustic performance between the walls. The acoustic attenuation mechanism is embodied as folds, apertures and/or openings through the connector which prevent direct passage of sound and vibration waves through the connector, between the walls. An embodiment as a party wall strap is described.

1 . A connector for use as a structural tie or strap comprising a substantially rectangular member having first and second ends on a first axis, first and second edges located between the ends, at least one fastening point at each end respectively and characterised in that the member includes acoustic attenuation means including one or more openings at least at one of said edges. 
     
     
         2 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein the openings are slots cut into the edges. 
     
     
         3 . A connector according to  claim 2  are arranged perpendicularly to the first axis. 
     
     
         4 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein the acoustic attenuation means further includes one or more apertures located through the member. 
     
     
         5 . A connector according to  claim 4  wherein the/each aperture is a slot arranged asymmetrically to the first axis. 
     
     
         6 . A connector according to  claim 4  wherein the apertures and the openings are arranged so that portions of each overlap longitudinally and prevent a continuous straight line path between the ends of the member. 
     
     
         7 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein at least one longitudinal portion of the member at an edge is folded with respect to an upper surface of the member, the portion being a central section of the member located between two longitudinally arranged openings on an edge. 
     
     
         8 . A connector according to  claim 7  wherein the portions are folded to be perpendicular to the upper surface. 
     
     
         9 . A connector according to  claim 7  wherein the length of the portion is selected to be equal to a desired separation of the structural members to which the connector may be used. 
     
     
         10 . A connector according to  claim 7  wherein additionally protrusions are formed in the edges of the longitudinal portions. 
     
     
         11 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein at least one strengthening rib is arranged upon the member. 
     
     
         12 . A connector according to  claim 11  wherein the strengthening rib is formed by raising the profile of the member. 
     
     
         13 . A connector according to  claim 11  wherein the strengthening rib is arranged in parallel to the first axis. 
     
     
         14 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein the fastening point is an aperture sized to accept a nail, screw or like to attach the connector to a structural member. 
     
     
         15 . A connector according to  claim 1  wherein the fastening point provides protrusions for nailing the connector directly to the structural member.