Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02696085 2011-02-01
CORNER COUPLING DEVICE FOR USE IN LOG CONSTRUCTION
FIELD
100011 The present disclosure relates to log construction.
BACKGROUND
100021 Log construction has been a primary mode of residential construction,
particularly in Canada, for
several centuries. In recent years, advances have been seen in the fit of log
joints, particularly in corner
connections. An example of such advancements is disclosed in the Canadian
Patent Number 2,206,290,
wherein the use of rigid barriers in the construction of a corner connection
is disclosed.
100031 It is desirable to provide further advancements on those disclosed and
to develop a device and
accompanying method for maintaining a substantially tight log corner
connection as logs used in the log
construction contract over time.
SUMMARY OF THE GENERAL INVENTIVE CONCEPT
100041 The following presents a simplified summary of the general inventive
concept herein to provide a
basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an
extensive overview of the
invention. It is not intended to restrict key or critical elements of the
invention or to delineate the scope of
the invention beyond that explicitly or implicitly described by the following
description and claims
[0005) In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a coupling device for use
in a log construction
involving a plurality of stacked logs. In the construction, each log has a
first lateral log dimension and each
log has an end region which is shaped to form a log connection with an
adjacent log. The end region also
has a second reduced lateral log dimension. The device includes a first
coupling portion with a central
longitudinal axis and a longitudinal first span approximating the first log
dimension and a second coupling
portion extending laterally outwardly from the first coupling portion with a
second
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span parallel with the central longitudinal axis approximating the second log
dimension. The first coupling
portion is configured to extend through a first passage and extend through the
first log dimension of one
log. The second coupling portion is configured to extend through a second
passage and extending through
the second log dimension of an adjacent log. Furthermore, the first coupling
portion includes a pair of end
coupling regions and a central passage which extends therebetween and is open
to the pair of end coupling
regions, each end coupling region is configured for complementary engagement
with an opposing end
coupling region of a neighboring coupling device when forming a second log
connection.
(0006( In some exemplary embodiments, the first coupling portion has a
circular cross section.
(0007( In some exemplary embodiments, the second coupling portion has a pair
of outer surfaces
which are convergent toward the first coupling portion.
(0008( In some exemplary embodiments, the second coupling portion has a
trapezoidal or triangular
cross section.
(0009( in some exemplary embodiments, the second coupling portion has a first
abutment surface
thereon to engage an inclined face, when oriented relative to a first plane,
on an end region of the adjacent
log.
(00010( In some exemplary embodiments, the second coupling portion has a
second abutment surface
thereon, .as an alternative to the first abutment surface, to engage the
inclined face, when oriented relative to
a second plane, on the end region of the adjacent log.
(00011( In some exemplary embodiments,. the second coupling portion has a
third abutment surface
opposite the first and second abutment surfaces, the third abutment surface
oriented to engage an inclined
face on an adjacent log in the second log connection
1000121 In some exemplary embodiments, the first coupling end region has a
configuration which is
complementary to the second coupling end region .__.:._ . _... ...
:.
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100013 In some exemplary embodiments, the first coupling end region has a male
configuration or a
female configuration.
=
1000141 The present disclosure also provides an exemplary embodiment of log
construction which
comprises a plurality of stacked logs. In this log construction, each log has
a first log dimension and each
log has an end region which is shaped to form a log connection with an
adjacent log wherein the end region
has a second log.dimension. A coupling device which includes a first coupling
portion with a length
approximating the first log dimension and a second coupling portion extending
laterally outwardly from the
first coupling portion with a length approximating the second log dimension is
provided. The first coupling
portion is configured to extend through a first passage which extends through
the first log dimension of the
first log; the second coupling portion is configured to extend through a
second passage extending through
the second log dimension of the second log. The first coupling portion
includes a pair of end coupling
regions and a central passage extending therebetween. The central passage
opens to the pair of end
coupling regions for receiving a fastener therein. Each end coupling region is
configured for
complementary engagement with amend coupling region of a neighboring coupling
device for forming a
stack therewith.
1000151 An exemplary embodiment provides a method of forming a log connection
which comprises
providing a pair of logs, each with a first log dimension and an end region
which is. shaped to form a
complementary log connection with the other log formed along a first pair of
longitudinal interface surfaces
generally inline with a longitudinal axis of each log and at least a second
pair of lateral interface surfaces
generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of one of the logs, providing
a first passage through a first
of the logs with openings on opposite sides thereof and with, the first
passage to be adjacent and open to, the
second pair of lateral interface surfaces, providing a second passage in the
end region of a second of the '
logs with openings on opposite sides of the end region, with the second
passagq to be adjacent and open to
the second pair of lateral interface surfaces, engaging the end regions of the
logs to form the log connection
to form the first and second interface surfaces with one of the second
openings terminating at the first
interface surfaces; installing a coupling device with first and second
coupling portions respectively
extending into the fast and second passages for joining the logs together in
the log connection, orienting a
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first coupling portion so that it extends through the first passage and is in
communication with the first
openings and a second coupling portion extending laterally outwardly from. the
first coupling portion and
through the second interface surfaces with one end of the second coupling
portion terminating at or near the
first interface surfaces. .
1000161 The method, in some exemplary embodiments, further comprises the-step
of providing the second
passage and the second coupling portion with complementarywedge shaped cross
sections.
1000171 In another exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises
providing the first passage and
the first coupling portion with complementary circular cross sections.
1000181 In yet another exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises
providing the first coupling
portion with a central passage and extending a fastener through the central
passage to anchor the log
connection.
1000191 In still some additional exemplary embodiments, the method further
comprises providing the first
coupling portion with complementary end regions, each for interconnecting with
an end region of a
neighboring first coupling portion to form a stack.
.1000201 In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, an exemplary log corner
construction is
provided. The log corner connection construction comprises a first group of
logs forming a first side of the
corner construction and a second group of logs forming a second side of the
corner construction, the corner
construction is formed of a stack of log connections wherein each log
connection. includes one log from
each of the first and second groups. Each of the logs of the first group has a
first access passage extending
from an upper boundary to a lower boundary thereof such that the first access
paths of the first group are
co-linear so to form a single aligned first path through the first group and
each of the logs of the second
group having a second access path extending from an upper boundary to a lower
boundary thereof such that
the second access paths are co-linear so as to form a second path through the
second group. Furthermore,
each log of the first and second groups have a first log dimension' and an end
region having a first interface. . ....
surface located parallel to, and open to, a corresponding first or second
passage therein. Each log of the
first and second groups have a second interface surface for engaging a
corresponding first interface surface
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of an adjacent log of the first and second groups, and a third interface
surface for engaging a corresponding
third interface surface of the adjacent log. Additionally, each of the logs of
the first group has a first cavity
extending from its upper or lower boundary along, and opens to, its second
interface surface and
terminating near its third interface surface: Similarly, each of the logs of
the second group has a second
cavity extending from its upper or lower boundary along; and opens to, its
second interface surface and
terminating near its third interface surface. Also, first and second groups of
coupling devices for joining
the log connections togetherto form the corner construction are provided
wherein each coupling device
includes a first coupling portion with a longitudinal dimension approximating
the first dimension and a
second coupling portion extending laterally outwardly from the first coupling
portion with a span
substantially parallel with the longitudinal dimension and approximating the
second dimension. The first
group of coupling devices forms a substantially continuous stack of first
coupling portions extending
through the aligned first access paths and forms a set of spaced second
coupling portions, each extending
from the first access path and into the first cavity, with adjacent second
coupling portion being separated by
the end region of a corresponding log. The second group of coupling devices
similarly forms a
substantially continuous stack of first coupling portions extending through
the aligned second access paths
and forms a set of spaced second coupling portions, each extending from the
second access path and into
the second cavity, with adjacent second coupling portion being separated by
the end region of a
corresponding log.
1000211. An exemplary embodiment also provides a method for forming a log
construction
comprising:
a. providing at least two logs,
b. providing each log with a first log dimension and an'end region which is
shaped to
form a log connection with the other log, with the end region having a second
log
dimension,
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c. providing, in at least one of the logs, a first passage extending through
the first log
dimension and, in at least the other of the, logs,- a second passage extending
through
the second log dimension,
d. providing a coupling device to form the log connection, the device
including a first
coupling portion.with a length approximating the first log dimension and a
second
coupling portion extending laterally outwardly from the first coupling portion
with a
length approximating the second log dimension, a central passage extending
through
the first coupling portion and bounded by a pair of end regions, each of which
being
in communication with the central passage and configured for complementary
engagement with an end region of a neighboring coupling device for forming a
stack
therewith, the second coupling portion having an end section with first and
second
abutment surfaces formed thereon, the first abutment surface oriented
according to a
first plane and the second abutment surface oriented according to a second
plane,
e. installing the coupling device with the first coupling portion extending
through the first
passage and the second portion extending through the second passage;
f. locating the end section adjacent an inclined face on the end region, and
engaging
either the first abutment surface or the second abutment surface according to
the
orientation of the inclined face relative to the first and second planes,
g. providing a pair, of retaining members for placement on opposite sides of
the log
connection, and ' ' . .
h. installing a fastener through the central passage and coupling the fastener
to each of
the retaining members.
1000221 In another exemplary embodiment, a log corner construction comprises
at least one log which has
..... ..... ._ ..
an end region with a first interface surface located thereon shaped for
abutting a second interface surface
located on a portion of an.upright. corner member is provided. In this
embodiment, the log has a first lateral
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log dimension defined by an upper boundary and a lower boundary. thereof. and
is maintained in
communication with the corner member by a coupling device. The coupling device
includes a first
coupling portion with a central longitudinal axis and a longitudinal first
span approximating the first log
dimension and'a second coupling portion extending laterally outwardly from the
first coupling portion.
The first coupling portion is configured so as to extend through a first
access path. extending from the upper
boundary to the lower boundary of the log and includes 'a pair of end coupling
regions adapted for
complementary engagement with an opposing end of a like neighboring device.
The first access path is
open along one side to the first interface surface and the corner member has
at least a second access path is
open to the second interface surface formed therein substantially along its
length in at least one side. The
first access path is configured for receiving the first coupling region
therein and the second access path
configured for receiving the second coupling portion therein so as to couple
the log and the corner member.
1000231 In some exemplary embodiments, the first coupling region has a.,
central passage extending
between and open to the pair of end coupling regions. Furthermore, the central
passage, in some exemplary
embodiments, is provided for receiving therethrough a rod for connecting a
plurality of like devices.
1000241 In some exemplary embodiments, more than one log is provided so as to
form a. plurality of
stacked logs stackable for forming a wall. In such exemplary embodiments, the
upper and lower
boundaries of each log may be provided with complementary lateral
interconnecting surfaces so as to
interconnectingly mate with a relative upper log or a relative lower log.
1000251 In still yet another exemplary embodiment, the corner member includes
a third access path open to
a third interface surface formed therein along its length in another side. In
some exemplary embodiments,
the third interface surface communicates with the first interface surface of a
second log and the third access
path is provided for receiving therein the second coupling portion of a second
coupling device so as to form
a linking of at least two logs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[000261 Several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be
provided, by way of
examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
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1000271Figure I is perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of two like
coupling devices;
1000281 Figure 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the device;
1000291 Figure 3 is a fragmented perspective view of an embodiment of the
device and horizontally
adjacent logs prior to coupling;
1000301 Figure 4 is a fragmented perspective view of an embodiment of the
device and horizontally
adjacent logs as installed for connection of the upper and lower log rows;
1000311 Figure 5 is a fragmented cut-away side view of an embodiment of a
plurality of the device in
use with upper and lower log rows and horizontally adjacent logs; -
[00032 Figure 6 is a fragmented side view of an embodiment of a plurality of
the device in ghost in
use with, upper and lower log rows and horizontally adjacent logs;
1000331 Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plurality of the
device connected by a
fastening member;
[000341 Figure 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plurality of the
device connected by an
embodiment of a fastening member;
1000351 Figure 9 is a fragmented perspective view of an embodiment of a corner
construction;
1000361 Figure 10 is cut-away side view of an embodiment of a plurality of
devices in operation.
1000371 Figure 11 is a fragmented perspective of an embodiment of a plurality
of the device in use
with upper and lower log rows and a comer member; and
1000381 Figure 12 is a fragmented side view of the embodiment of Figure I I
with a plurality of the
device in ghost in use with upper and lower. log rows and a corner member.
.... .
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY. EMBODIMENTS
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1000391 It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the
drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use
of"including," "comprising," or
"having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents
thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms
"connected," "coupled," and
"mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct
and indirect connections,
couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and
variations thereof are not
restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore,
and as described in subsequent
paragraphs, the specific mechanical, other configurations illustrated in the
drawings are intended to
exemplify embodiments of the invention. However, other alternative mechanical
or other configurations
are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the instant
disclosure.
1000401 With reference to figures, there is provided a coupling device 10
shown in FIG. I for use in a
log construction shown at 12 in FIG. 6, wherein the device 10 is shown in
communication with a plurality
of logs 14 forming a plurality of overlapping lap joint connections 26 between
overlapping adjacent logs 14
in one exemplary embodiment. As will be described, the log construction 12
involves a plurality of
vertically stacked logs 14 in relative upper and lower rows 50, 48 (FIGS. 4
and 10), wherein each log has a
first lateral log dimension of substantially "A". Further, as shown in FIG. 3,
each log has an end region 16
which is shaped to form a log connection 18 with a horizontally adjacent log
14, as shown in FIG 4. In
this case, the end region 16 has a second reduced lateral log dimension B I"
or "B2" as shown in FIG. 4.
For the purposes of the present disclosure, the log connection 18 is intended
to mean the connection of two
logs in a corner configuration as shown in FIG. 4. A number of log connections
when stacked together
form a corner or angle construction, such as the type used in log
construction, as is shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and
6.
.............
In order to form the overla in la oints 26 between horizontal) adjacent
communicating
1000411 PP g PJ Y logs 14, as shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the end
regions 16 of the logs, as noted above, have a second
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reduced lateral log dimension of either `B I" or "B2". As used herein, and
shown in FIGS.4 and 10, the
second reduced lateral log dimension "B I" refers to a lower cut end region
17a and the second reduced
lateral log dimension "BT' refers to an upper cut end region 17b. In practice,
a lower surface 46b and an
upper surface 46a of the upper cut end region I7b and the lower cut end region
17a respectively are
complementary for forming the lap-joint 26. In some exemplary embodiments, the
upper and lower
surfaces 46a and 46b are referred herein as third interface surfaces which are
inclined as will be described
below. When the upper cut end region 17b and the lower cut end region 17a are
in communication, the
dimensions "B I" plus "B2" are substantially equal to dimension "A" as shown
in FIGS. 4 and 10.
1000421- As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, near the end region 16, a first passage 24
is bored parallel to the
axis of dimension "A" and open to one side in a void to be occupied by the
upper cut end region 17b or the
lower cut end region 17a when horizontally adjacent logs 14 are in operable
communication. The first
passage 24 is complementary in shape and dimension to a first coupling portion
20 of the device 10. With
reference to FIG. 3; a second passage 28 is formed in each of the upper cut
end region 17b and the lower
cut end region 17a for receiving a second coupling portion or protrusion 22 of
the device 10, in operation.
Thus, fora given lap joint connection 26, there are, in this example, two
pairs of the first and second
passages 24, 28 to receive two coupling devices as shown in the upper view of
FIG. 4. Alternatively, the
lap joint connection may be provided'in another example with just one first
and second passage and one
coupling device.
1000431 In the example of FIG. 4, the side of the first passage 24, open to
the void, allows the second
coupling portion 22 to communicate with the second passage 28 of a
horizontally adjacent log 14 for
connecting said logs 14 in a lap-joint 26 as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 shows the
interaction of adjacent logs .
14 in communication with a plurality of the devices 10 installed with the
first coupling portion 20 in the
first passage 24 and the second coupling portion 22 within the second passage
28 of an adjacent or
neighboring log 14.
1000441 Having now substantially described the interaction of the logs in
horizontal adiacent
communication and the interaction of the device 10 in operation, the following
describes the device 10 in
more detail with reference to FIG. 1. The device 10 comprises a first coupling
portion 20 with a central
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longitudinal axis 21 having a first span "C". The first span "C" is
approximately equal in length to
dimension "A" (FICA). Extending laterally from the first coupling portion 20
is the second coupling
portion 22. The second coupling portion 22 has a second span "D" parallel with
the central longitudinal
axis 21 and, in length, approximately equal to, or less than dimensions "B I"
or "B2"respectively.
1000451 The first coupling portion 20 also includes a pair of end regions 30
and 32. As shown in
FIGS. 1. and 2 as well as other. figures, the first coupling end region 30, in
certain embodiments, is of a
lesser diameter, but complementarily shaped to be received into a second
coupling end region 32. FIG. 6
shows the plurality of the devices 10 stacked in a column, wherein the
plurality of the devices 10 are
coupled together, in operation, such that first coupling end region 30 is
received into a second coupling end
region 32 of another like device 10..
1000461 Although the cross-sectional shape of the first coupling portion 20
may be variable such as,
for example, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, or other suitable polygon, in a
preferred embodiment, as
shown in the figures, specifically FIGS. I and 2, the first coupling portion
20 has a circular cross section.
The circular cross section of the first coupling portion 20 in various
embodiments is designed to be
complementary with the first passage 24. In other exemplary embodiments, not
shown, the cross-sectional
shape of the first coupling portion is dimensioned to be received in the first
passage. Thus; in this regard,
the device 10, or a plurality of devices 10, may be installed to connect a
plurality of logs 14 in the
formation of joints to form a wall as shown in FIG. 6.
1000471 In various embodiments, the first coupling portion 20 has an axial
bore or central passage 34
extending the length of span "C" as shown in FIGS. I and 2, as well. as other
figures. In such
embodiments, the axial bore or central passage 34, is open at both the first
coupling end region 30 and the
second coupling end region 32 such that when a plurality of the devices 10 are
coupled together in
operation, a rod 36 (FIG. 7) or similar fastening member may pass through the
central passage 34 so as to
couple the plurality of devices 10 together as well as to draw together the
log construction.
1000481 Referring now to FIGS. I and 2, the second coupling portion 22, has
pair of outer surfaces
38a and 38b. The second coupling portion 22 also has a longitudinal outer
surface 40 which adjoins each
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outer surface 38a and 38b about a corresponding outermost edge. In certain
embodiments, such as those
shown in the figures, the longitudinal outer surface 40 is wider across
dimension "E" than where the outer
surfaces 38a and 38b join the first coupling portion 20. Therefore, in such
embodiments, the outer surfaces
38a and 38b are convergent toward the first coupling portion 20. Thus, the
cross-section shape of the
second coupling portion 22, in various exemplary embodiments, may be similar
to that of trapezoid or a
triangle, though the coupling portion may have other shapes in other examples.
1000491 As best shown in the side view of FIG. 2, the second coupling portion
22, in certain
embodiments, has an inclined surface or third abutment surface 42 wherein the
edge nearest the first
coupling portion 20. is higher in relative elevation than that of the edge
nearest the longitudinal outer
surface 40 (as viewed in FIG. 2). The slope or incline of the inclined surface
42 is represented by"F".
The third abutment surface 42 is inclined to match the lower inclined surface
46b of end region 17b as
shown in FIG. 5.
1000501 In some exemplary embodiments, horizontally adjacent logs 14, as shown
in FIG. 5, as well
as other figures and described above, have complementary end regions I 7a and
17b, each having
complementarily upper and lower inclined surfaces 46a and 46b respectively. In
operation, as can be seen
from FIG. 5, end regions 17a and I7b are formed into the lap joint 26 with
complementary upper and lower
inclined surfaces 46a and 46b forming a substantially interlocking web by
virtue of the upper and lower
inclined surfaces 46a, 46b. The interlocking web is thus substantially
maintained in place by the
installation of a plurality of the devices 10 complementarily in the first and
second passages 24, 28 (FIGS.
3 and 4) and adjoining thereto.
1000511 Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the second coupling portion 22 has an
end region which
includes at least. a first abutment surface 44a vertically opposite the
inclined surface 42 to engage the upper
inclined surface 46a on end region 17a as best illustrated in FIG. 6 in the
region encircled in a dashed line
at "A". In certain exemplary embodiments, the second coupling portion 22 may
also include a second
abutment surface also to engage the upper inclined surface 46a of the end
region 17a in.an opposite corner
._.... ...... ......
formation, as shown in FIG. 9. Thus, the first and a second abutment surfaces
44a, 44b, may in some
embodiments, be located vertically opposite the inclined surface 42 and form a
substantially "V" bottom
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portion or end region of the second coupling portion 22 as can be seen in FIG.
6. By having the abutment
surfaces 44a and 44b join to form a substantially "V-shaped" end region of the
second coupling portion 22,
the device 10 may be used to engage both left- and right-hand log connections.
Thus, in this embodiment,
it may not be necessary to provide two devices 10, wherein one has an abutment
surface sloping to a right
side and another substantially similar device 10 with an abutment surface
sloping to aleft side in order to
engage the upper inclined surface 46a of the end regions 17a as shown in FIGS.
5 and 6 to form a
connection of horizontally adjacent logs 14. That being said, separate left
and right handed devices, each
with a corresponding lone of the surfaces 44a, 44b may be employed, as
desired.
1000521 In an exemplary embodiment of operation, as shown in FIGS S and 6,
there may be two
columns or stacks 52 and 54 of devices 10 formed where neighboring logs 14
are. joined together. The
practice or operation of an exemplary embodiment of the device 10 for
adjoining or coupling adjacent logs
is described in the forgoing paragraphs with reference to the figures.
1000531 Referring to FIG. 4, with respect to log connection 48, the first
coupling portion 20 is
configured to extend through the first passage 24 with a first log dimension
of "A" and the second coupling
portion 22 is configured to extend through the second passage 28 of the second
dimension "B 1" of a
horizontally adjacent or neighboring and communicating log 14. In this
arrangement, the second coupling
portion 22 is maintained in the second passage 28 of the neighboring log 14
end region 17b with the first
abutment surface 44a abutted against the upper inclined surface 46a of the end
region 17a of the first log 14
(FIG. 6). These steps are repeated for another device being inserted; in the
adjacent log, resulting in at least
two coupling devices in each log connection, in this example.
1000541 In the stacking of devices 10 within logs 14, the end nearest the
first coupling end region 30
of the first coupling. portion 20 of a device 10 is the received in a lower
region of the first passage or bore
24 of an upper row 50 of logs 14 as shown in FIG. 4.'A second device 10 may
then be inserted in the fast
passage 24 where the second coupling end region 32 of second device 10 is
coupled within the first
coupling end region 30 of the first device 10 as is shown in FIGS 5and.6.
These steps continue as..
successive logs are assembled into successive log connections, resulting in
the log construction 12.
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1000551 Also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second column 54 of devices 10 is
formed amongst
lower 48 and upper 50 rows and adjacent logs 14. In operation, the devices 10
of the second column 54 are
similarly positioned to those of first column 52 as noted above with the first
coupling portion 20 being
received substantially in the first passage 24. As shown in the second column
54 of FIGS. 5 and 6, the
second coupling. port ion 22 is received with the second passage 28 of a log
14 such that the inclined third
abutment surface 42 is parallel with the upper inclined surface 46a of the
lower end region 17a. When the
second coupling portion 22 is received in such a manner, the inclined third
abutment surface 42 does not
extend so as to interfere with the lower inclined surface 46b of the upper end
region 17b of a horizontally
adjacent log 14 as shown in FIG. 5 and in ghost in FIG.6. In other words, in
this example, the inclined
third abutment surface 42 lies parallel to and does not extend beyond the
interface between surfaces 46a
and 46b. However, there may be some cases in which the surface 42 or
formations thereon do indeed
extend beyond the interface, for example to enhance the coupling there
between. Thus, as can be seen, a
portion of the first coupling portion 20 located near the second coupling end
region 32 is received in a
portion of the first passage located in a lower row 48 of logs and is coupled
with.the first coupling end
region 30 of another like device l0a (FIG. 5).
1000561 As described above, a plurality of the like devices 10 are arranged,
in certain embodiments, in
at least one of the columns 52 or 54. Preferably, as shown in the figures both
the first column 52 and- the
second column 54 are used to maintain horizontally adjacent logs 14, and upper
5.0 and lower 48 log rows
in communication as described herein. Furthermore; as shown in FIG. 7, a
connecting rod 36 or suitable
fastening member is then received through the central passage 34 of the
plurality of devices 10 installed in
a plurality of logs 14, for example as,shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The connecting
rod 36 maintains the relative
upper 50 and lower 48 rows of logs in vertical alignment. In some embodiments,
the connecting rod 36 has
means for applying pressure along its length, for example by way of a threaded
portion 56'and
complementary nut 58 as shown in FIG. 7. In other embodiments, a coil spring
60 may be installed about
the rod 36 between the first coupling end region 30 of the device 10 and the
nut 58 as shown in FIG. 8 so as
to reduce the frequency with which the nut 58 must tightened as the logs
contract over time. In some
exemplary embodiments, at least one end of the rod 36 may be coupled to a
through-bolt holder 62 as
shown in FIG. 8.
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1000571 Owing to the moisture properties and other physical properties of logs
14, in some
embodiments, the .convergent shape of the outer surfaces 38a and 38b of the
second, coupling portion 22
may cause horizontally adjacent logs 14 to be maintained in close contact.
Since the second passage 28 is
complementary to the convergent shape of the outer surfaces 38a and 38b, as
the moisture content of the
log 14 is reduced and the log's dimensions contract, the log may naturally be
forced inwards to the log
connections 18. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second columns 52 and
54 of devices 10 are -
configured to couple horizontally adjacent logs 14 in substantially right-
angled or, opposing directions or
in other embodiments (not shown) at various other angles relative each other.
As the logs 14 contract they
may be pulled towards each other by way of log contractile (or compressive)
forces acting on the device 10,
thus maintaining a log connections 18 joints tight over time. In the example
of the device 10 as shown, the
first coupling portion 20, if snugly held within passage, results in balanced
compressive forces exerted
thereon as the log progressively loses moisture and dries out. On the other
hand, the wedge shape of the
second coupling portion and its corresponding passage result in net
compressive forces that tend to draw
the receiving log (i.e. the log receiving the second coupling portion) to be
drawing toward the adjacent log
(i.e. the log receiving the first portion. Thus, when the log connection is
provided with thecolumns of
coupling devices 52 and 54, each log in the log connection is drawn to its
adjacent log, resulting in an
enhanced connection. In addition, each coupling device provides both a
considerable structural connection
across the corresponding interfacing surfaces to provide a secure log
connection, as well as a direct or
physical interrupting weather barrier across the interfacing surfaces.
Further, owing to the progressively
tightening connection from the shrinkage of the logs, the interfacing surfaces
themselves may over time
prove to be tighter than in other log connections to provide for improved,
weather resistance. Still further,
additional weather barrier strips may be provided as desired through the
various interfacing surfaces, as
desired.
1000581 In light of the description above and for further clarity, the device
10 includes the first
coupling portion 20 with the central longitudinal axis 21 and the longitudinal
first span "C" approximating
the first log dimension "A". The second coupling portion 22 extends laterally
outwardly from the first
coupling portion 20 with the second span "D" parallel with the central
longitudinal axis 21 approximating
the second log dimensions "B I" or "B2". The first coupling portion 20 is
configured to extend through the
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first passage 24 extending through the first log dimension "A" of one log 14.
The second portion 22 is
configured to extend through the second passage 28 extending through the
second log dimension "B 1" or
"B2" of an adjacent log 14. The first coupling portion 20 includes end regions
30 and 32 and the central-
passage 34 extending between and open thereto. Each end region 30 or 32 is
configured for
complementary engagement with an end region 30 or 32 of a neighboring coupling
device 10 when
forming a second log connection so as to couple the relative upper 50 and
lower 48 log rows. The first
coupling end region 30 has a configuration which is complementary to the
second coupling end region 32.
In this exemplary embodiment, the first coupling end region 30 has a male
configuration and the second
coupling end region 32 has a female configuration.
1000591 As can be seen in FIG. I, the first coupling portion 20 has a circular
cross section, though
other cross sections may also be suitable, such as rectangular cross sections.
1000601 The second coupling portion 22 has a pair of outer surfaces 38a and
38b which are convergent
toward the first coupling portion 20 and, in this example, has a triangular
cross section as shown in the
figures, particularly FIG. I. With such a cross-sectional shape, the second
coupling portion 22, when
received in the second passage 28, maintains the log connection 18 joined in
substantially tight contact as
the logs 14 contract over time.
1000611 The second coupling portion 22 has a first abutment surface 44a
therdon to engage the upper
inclined face 46a, when oriented relative to a first plane, on an end region
17a of the adjacent log 14. The
second abutment 44b, as an alternative to the first abutment surface 44a, may
engage the inclined face 46a,
when oriented relative to a second plane, on the end region 17a of the
adjacent log 14. Still further, the
third abutment surface 42 is oriented to engage an inclined face 46b on an
adjacent log in the second log 14
connection as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6:
1000621 Thus, one exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and, with
reference to FIGS. 4
and 9 is provided which shows the use of a number of the. coupling devices 10
in a log corner construction.
In this example, the log construction includes a first group of logs forming a
first side 64 of the corner
construction and a second group of logs forming a second side 66 of the comer
construction. The corner
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construction 68 is thus formed of a stack of log connections 18 wherein each
log connection 18 includes
one log from each of the first and second groups 64 and 66 as shown in FIGS.
4, 5, 6 and 9. To form the
corner construction 68 each of the logs 14 of the first group 64 has a first
access paths 25a extending from
an upper boundary 25b to a lower boundary 25c thereof as shown in FIG. 4, the
first access path 25a of the
first group 64 being co-linear so to form a single aligned first path through
the first group (FIG. 5).
Correspondingly, each of the logs of the second group 66 has a second access-
path 24a extending from an
upper boundary 24b to a lower boundary 24c thereof as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and
9 wherein the second
access paths 24a are co-linear so as to forma second path through the second
group 66 Furthermore, each
log of the first and second groups, 64 and 66, have a first log dimension "A"
and either a lower end'region
17a or an upper end region 17b respectively (FIGS. 4 and 9) with a first
interface surface 70 located
parallel to, and open to, first or second access paths 25a or 24a therein: The
first interface 70 of first log
group 64 is configured for engaging a second interface surface 72 belonging to
second log group 66.
Similarly, the first interface 70 of second log group 66 is configured for
engaging a second interface
surface 72 belonging to first log group 64. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and
9, each of the logs 14 includes
a third interface surface 74 for engaging a corresponding third interface
surface 74 of the horizontally
adjacent log. Each of the logs of the first group 64 have a first cavity 28
extending from its upper or lower
boundary 28b or 28c along, and open to, its second interface surface 72 and
terminating near its third
interface surface 74. Similarly, each of the logs 14 of the second group 66
have a second cavity 29
extending from its upper or lower boundary 29b or 29c along, and open to, its
second interface surface 72
and terminating near its third interface surface 74.
[000631 According to the abovementioned example, for maintaining, the logs 14
of first and second log
groups 64 and 66 in communication, first and second groups of coupling units
or devices 52 and 54 for
joining the log connections 18 together to form the corner construction 68 are
provided. The first and
second groups of coupling devices 52 and 54 each comprise at least one
coupling device 10 (FIGS. 4, 5, 6
and 9). The coupling device 10 includes the first coupling portion 20 with a
longitudinal dimension
approximating the first dimension, "A". The second coupling portion 22 extends
laterally outwardly from
the first coupling portion 20 with a span, "D", substantially parallel with
the longitudinal dimension and
approximating the second dimension, "B I" or "B2" (FIG. 4). The first group of
coupling units 52 forms a
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substantially continuous stack of first coupling portions 20 extending through
the aligned first access paths
25a and forms a set of spaced second coupling portions 22, each extending from
the first access path 25a
and into the first cavity 28, with adjacent second coupling portion 22 being
separated by the lower end
region 17a of a corresponding log 14. Similarly, the second group of coupling
units 54 forms a
substantially continuous stack of first coupling portions 20 extending through
the aligned second access
paths 24a so as to form a set of spaced second coupling portions 22, each
extending from the second access
path 24a and into the second cavity 29, with the adjacent second coupling
portions 22 being separated by
the upper end region l7b of a corresponding log 14 as is shown in FIGS. 5 and
6. Thus, by way of the
abovementioned example, a corner log connection is provided.
1000641 Furthermore, by way of an exemplary method, log construction may be
formed as follows.
First, at least two logs 14 are provided, with each log 14 having the first
log dimension "A" and with a cut
end region 17a having the dimension "B I ". The other log has corresponding
upper end cut region l 7b
having dimension "B2" and shaped to form the log connection 18. In at least
one of the logs 14, the first
passage 24 extends through the first log dimension "A" and, in at least the
other of the logs, the second
passage 28 extends through the dimension "B I" or "B2" of the lower 17a or
upper 17b cut end regions.
1000651 The coupling device 10 is then provided to form or affix the log
connection 18 as shown in
FIGS. 4, 5 and 6; The device 10 includes first coupling portion 20 with length
"C" approximating the first
log dimension "A" and the second coupling portion 22 extending laterally
outwardly from the first coupling
portion 20 with length "D" approximating the second log dimension "B 1" or
"B2", the central passage 34
extending through the first coupling portion 20 and bounded by the pair of end
regions 30 and 32, each of
which being in communication with the central passage 34 and configured for
complementary engagement
with an end region of a neighboring coupling device 10 for forming the stack
or columns 52 and 54
therewith. The second coupling portion 22 has an end section with first and
second abutment surfaces 44a
and 44b formed thereon. The first abutment surface 44a is oriented according
to the upper inclined surface
46a and the second abutment surface 44b is oriented according to the
corresponding upper inclined surface
.._.... 46a on and adjacent log 14.
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1000661 The coupling device 10 is then installed with the first coupling
portion 20 extending through
the first passage 24 and the second portion 22 extending through the second
passage 28. The end section is
then adjacent an inclined face 44a on the log lower end region 17a and then
either the first abutment surface
44a or the second abutment surface 44b is engaged with the upper inclined
surface 46a according to the
orientation of the upper inclined surface 46a relative the planes..
1000671 In certain embodiments, a pair of retaining members, such as the nut
58, through bolt holder
62 or similar device, are provided for placement on opposite sides of the log
connection. The fastener 36 is
installed through the central passage 34 and coupled to each of the retaining
members 62 and 58. In this
.regard, the stack 52 or 54 of a plurality of devices and thus logs 14 may be
vertically comptessed and
substantially maintained in a desired position.
1000681 The device 10, in another exemplary embodiment, may also be used in a
comer construction 68
embodiment having an upright corner member 80, as shown, for example, in FIGS.
I I and 12. In such a
construction, the logs 14 are provided with lateral dimensions substantially
as described above and at "A"
of FIG. 4 wherein each log has a lateral log dimension defined by an upper
boundary 82 and a lower
boundary 84. As shown in FIG. 12 and particularly in FIG. 11, each log 14 has
at least one end region with
a first interface surface 70. In some instances it may be desirable to also
have a first interface 70 located at
both end regions of the log 14. The first interface surface 70 is provided so
as to be capable of
complementarily mating with a second interface surface 72 located on the
upright corner member 80 in an
abutting relationship. Formed within the first interface surface 70, near the
end region of the log 14, is a
first access path 24a (FIG. 11) which is open on one side thereof to the first
interface surface 70 and
extends from the upper boundary 82 of the log to the lower boundary 84. In the
upright corner member 80,
a second access path 25a, and in some exemplary embodiments, a third access
path 25d are formed along
the length of the upright corner member 80 and are open to the second and
third interface surfaces 72 and
74, respectively.
[00069) The device 10, as substantially described above and shown particularly
in FIGS l and 2, has a
.. . .........................
first coupling portion 20 configured to be complimentarily received in the
first access 24a and a second
coupling portion 22 is configured to be received in either the second access
path 25a or the third access
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path 25d as shown in FIGS. I I and 12. Furthermore, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12,
the device 10, has
complementary first and second end coupling regions 30 and 32 provided for
coupling two or more like
neighboring devices 10 wherein 30 is received with 32 as shown with particular
reference to FIG. 12. In
this case, the device 10, if desired, may be provided with a coupling portion
which with a dimension D
which is longer than that shown in figure 1, and may approach the size of
dimension C of coupling portion
20, while providing accommodation for end regions 30, 32 for interconnection
between adjacent. devices
10. Further, in some cases, the end regions 30, 32 may not be required in
cases where the devices 10 need
not be interconnected.
1000701 Having now substantially described parts the corner construction 68,
in the execution of this
exemplary corner construction 68 using the device 10, the first interface
surface 70 of a first log 76 is
abutted to the second interface surface 72 of the upright corner member 80 as
is shown in FIG. I I such that
the first access path 24a and the second access path 25a align. Also shown in
FIG. 11, in some
embodiments, the first interface surface 70 of a second log 78 may be
similarly abutted to the third
interface surface 74 of the upright corner member 80 such the first access
path 24a of the second log 78 and
the third access path 25d align. The alignment of the first access paths 24a
with the second and third access
paths 25a and 25d respectively, allows for the insertion of the device 10 so
as to the couple the logs 76 and
78 respectively to the upright corner member 80 and substantially maintain
them in a desired position as
show in FIGS. I I and 12.
1000711 Particularly in FIG. 12, the interaction of the logs 14, the comer
member 80 and a plurality of
like devices 10 is shown. The first coupling portion 20 is received in the
first access path 24a and the
second coupling portion 22 is received in either the second or third access
path 25a or 25d. The logs 14,
may in certain embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 12 may be provided such
that the upper boundary
82 of the log 14 in a lower log row 48 is shaped for complementary engagement
with the lower boundary
84 a log 14 of a relative upper log row 50. Thus the upper and lower
boundaries 82 and 84 of each log
have complementary interconnecting surfaces so as to interconnectingly mate
with a relative upper log 50
or a relative lower log 48. In this case, a plurality of devices 10 may be
coupled to each other and received
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in the first, second and third access paths 24a, 25a and 25d respectively as
described above so as to form
the corner construction 68 of a stacked log wall.
1000721 Although not shown in FIGS. I I and 12, a rod or fastening member 36
may be provided through
the central passage 34 in this arrangement or a similar corner construction 68
so as to connect a plurality of
like devices 10 substantially as describes with respect to other embodiments
as described above and shown
in FIG. 8.
1000731 Those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,
permutations, additions and sub-.
combinations thereof of parts noted herein. While the coupling device 10 for
use in log construction to
maintain a corner of stacked logs 14 in a desired position is described for
what are presently considered the
exemplary embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the
invention is intended to cover
various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit
and scope of the appended
claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass.
all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
7 7-
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