Bolted Structural Connection Systems

Abstract

Systems and methods directed to the art of connectors and assembling structures, such as securing rail members together to form an assembled structure. A connector system capable of inducing a clamping stress in a connector and thereby securing at least one rail within the connector. The connector has a plurality of channel openings and a plurality of brace members, extending outward from the connector and between the plurality of channel openings, each brace member has at least one brace aperture therethrough, and each brace member faces one other brace member with the respective brace member apertures aligned.

1 . A connector for joining rail members of a fence or a structure, the connector comprising:
 at least one channel;   a plurality of brace members extending outward from the connector and along the at least one channel, each brace member having at least one brace aperture therethrough, each brace member facing one other brace member with the respective brace member apertures aligned; and   a fastener received by each aligned set of apertures, whereby when the at least one fastener is tightened a clamping stress is induced in the connector.   
     
     
         2 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one channel comprises a plurality of connector members. 
     
     
         3 . The connector of  claim 2 , wherein each connector member comprises at least one of an inner clasp and an outer clasp opposite the brace member. 
     
     
         4 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein at least one facing member further comprises a flange member. 
     
     
         5 . The connector of  claim 4 , wherein there is a gap between the facing brace members. 
     
     
         6 . The connector of  claim 1  further comprising a swivel mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . The connector of  claim 6 , wherein the swivel mechanism comprises an opening and a hub received by an opening. 
     
     
         8 . The connector of  claim 1  further comprising a pivot mechanism and a collar, whereby the pivot mechanism pivotally joins the connector and the collar. 
     
     
         9 . A system for constructing a fence or a structure, the system comprising:
 a plurality of connectors each comprising at least one channel; a plurality of brace members extending outward from each connector and, along the at least one channel of each connector, each brace member having at least one brace aperture therethrough; and each brace member facing one other brace member with the respective brace member apertures aligned;   a plurality of rails;   a plurality of upstanding members;   whereby the at least one channel is configured to receive one of the plurality of rails and the plurality upstanding members;   a plurality of fasteners, whereby each of the plurality of brace member apertures is configured to receive one of the plurality of fasteners; and   whereby a clamping stress is induced in each connector upon tightening of the plurality of fasteners, thereby securing the rail member and each upstanding member in the connectors.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the plurality of connectors has a channel comprising a plurality of connector members. 
     
     
         11 . The at least one connector of  claim 10 , wherein each connector member comprises at least one of an inner clasp and an outer clasp opposite the brace. member. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein at least one facing brace members further comprises a flange member. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein there is a gap between the facing brace members. 
     
     
         14 . A method of assembling a structure on a surface comprising the steps of:
 providing a plurality of upstanding poles;   Providing a plurality of rails;   providing a plurality of connectors;   each connector comprising at least one channel and a plurality of brace members extending outward from the connector and along the at least one channel, each brace member having at least one brace aperture therethrough, each brace member facing one other brace member with respective brace member apertures aligned;   providing a plurality of fasteners;   securing the plurality of upstanding poles to the surface;   joining the upstanding poles together with the plurality of rails with the Plurality of connectors by inserting the poles and rails in the connector channels;   installing the plurality of fasteners in the plurality of aligned brace apertures; and   inducing a clamping stress in the connector by tightening the plurality of fasteners, thereby securing the upstanding poles and plurality of rails.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one of the connectors has a channel comprising a plurality of connector members. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein each connector member comprises at least one of an inner clasp and an outer clasp opposite the brace member. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein at least one facing brace members further comprises a flange member. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein there is a gap between the facing brace members. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising the steps
 providing a roof structure; 
 providing a plurality of siding pieces; and 
 installing the roof structure and the plurality of siding pieces to the upstanding poles and the plurality of rails. 
 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the upstanding poles are secured to the surface by a connector further comprising a base plate extending radially outward from the connector at one of the channel openings.