Gusset angle corner connection

Abstract

A structural connection wherein two structural members are joined at an angle of less than 180 degrees by a sheet metal connector, formed with an integral gusset at the longitudinal line of juncture, that is attached with a plurality of fasteners. The gusset reinforces the connection against forces acting perpendicular to the longitudinal line of juncture and the plurality of fasteners reinforce the connection against angular displacement of the structural members perpendicular to the longitudinal line of juncture.

I claim: 
     
       1. A connection joining a first structural member and a second structural member, together defining an included angle of less than 180°, comprising: (a) a first structural member;   (b) a second structural member forming a joint with said first structural member;   (c) a connector that is a single plate having first and second laterally-disposed portions defined by a longitudinal line of juncture and defining between their inner surfaces an included angle of less than 180°, the outer surface of said first portion in registration with said first structural member and the outer surface of said second portion in registration with said second structural member;   (d) said plate having a gusset at the longitudinal line of juncture, formed out of parts of said laterally-disposed portions, said gusset having a rectangular planar section longitudinally parallel to said line of juncture and laterally perpendicular to the bisector of said included angle, said rectangular planar section having first and second ends perpendicular to said line of juncture, first and second sides parallel to said line of juncture, and triangular plane sections with bases coincident with said first and second ends and apices at said longitudinal line of juncture; and   (e) a plurality of fasteners, composed of shank portions and head portions, that pass through the connector from said included angle into said structural members so that said shank portions are substantially enclosed within said first and second structural members and said head portions rest against said inner surfaces of said first and second laterally-disposed portions.   
     
     
       2. The connection of claim 1, wherein said connector has at least two fastener openings in each of said laterally-disposed portions. 
     
     
       3. The connection of claim 2 in which said fastener openings are spaced a distance from said longitudinal line of juncture no greater than twice the lateral dimension of said rectangular planar section of said gusset.