Geometric connecting assembly and method for braced frame connections

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards improved apparatuses and methods for connecting a structural bracing system having a first geometry to a structure or structural component having a second geometry.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for connecting a structural brace to a building frame comprising the steps of:
 providing a brace having an end comprising a geometric mating surface;   providing a connector comprising a first end comprising a mating component, said mating component having a geometric shape that is substantially complementary to the geometric mating surface of the brace end such that the geometric mating surface of the brace end is insertable and receivable into the substantially complementary geometric shape of the connector mating component, and a second end pre-selected and dimensioned to engage a frame;   providing a frame support connected to the frame, said frame support comprising a surface dimensioned to engage the second end of the connector;   attaching the connector to the frame support; and   attaching the brace to the connector.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a plurality of components. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the geometric shape of the connector mating component is selected from the group consisting of: curved, linear, box-shaped, cruciform-shaped, I-shaped, x- or star-shaped, intersecting diagonals, and “arrow-shaped”, continuous or interrupted geometries, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the geometric shape of the connector mating component is configured to receive a substantially cruciform shape. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the brace is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: steel, steel alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: ASTM Grade A500, A501, A53, A36, A572, A913, A992, A1043, A958, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the frame support is made from a material selected from the group consisting of steel, steel alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the frame support comprises a gusset. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is attached to the frame support according to method selected from the group consisting of: welding, bolting, riveting, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the brace is attached to the connector according to method selected from the group consisting of: welding, bolting, riveting, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for connecting a structural brace to a frame comprising a connector comprising a first connector end having a mating component, said mating component having a geometric shape that is substantially complementary to a geometric mating surface of a brace end such that the geometric mating surface of the brace end is insertable and receivable into the substantially complementary geometric shape of the connector mating component, and a second connector end pre-selected and dimensioned to engage a frame. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the connector comprises a plurality of components. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the geometric shape of the connector mating component is selected from the group consisting of: curved, linear, box-shaped, cruciform-shaped, I-shaped, x- or star-shaped, intersecting diagonals, “arrow-shaped”, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the geometric shape of the connector mating component is configured to receive a substantially cruciform shape. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the brace is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: steel, aluminum, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the connector is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: ASTM Grade A500, A501, A53, A36, A572, A913, A992, A1043, A958, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the frame comprises a frame support, said support made from a material selected from the group consisting of: steel, steel alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         18 . A structure comprising the apparatus of  claim 11 . 
     
     
         19 . The structure of  claim 18 , wherein the structure is a building. 
     
     
         20 . The structure of  claim 18 , wherein the structure is a bridge. 
     
     
         21 . The structure of  claim 18 , wherein the structure is an industrial structure.