Abstract Wooden members are joined with sheet metal connector plates having integrally struck teeth projecting from one side. The wooden members are placed between first and second pressheads. A coiled composite of connector plate stock has first and second lengths of connector stock in juxtaposition and with intermeshing teeth. The first and second lengths of connector stock are unwound separately and oriented so that the teeth thereof point toward the wooden members to be joined. A cutting means associated with the pressheads cut connector plates from the stock and the plates are positioned on opposite sides of the wooden members and at the junctures to be joined. The pressheads press the plates into the wooden members. The connector stock is provided as a free coil and has the advantage that no spool, reel, or like supporting device is required. Further, the composite of connector stock has no teeth projecting from outer surfaces thereof.
A coiled composite of connector plate stock from which may be cut sheet metal connector plates of the type having integrally struck teeth projecting therefrom comprising: first and second coiled lengths of connector plate stock in juxtaposition and said teeth of each said length of connector stock being essentially completely intermeshed with said teeth of the other said length of connector stock so that outer surfaces of said composite of connector stock have no teeth projecting therefrom; said first and second coiled lengths being free of any winding spool and said first and second lengths being engaged in said coil composite such that at least a portion of said second length forms the innermost portion of the coiled composite and conforms to the configuration of a hub on which said coiled composite is formed, said first length of connector stock lies on the portion of said second length which has achieved the configuration defined by such hub, and the relationship between said first and second lengths remain the same throughout the wound coiled composite so that there is no jamming between the intermeshing teeth of said first and second lengths.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
190 words
A coiled composite of connector plate stock from which may be cut sheet metal connector plates of the type having integrally struck teeth projecting therefrom comprising: first and second coiled lengths of connector plate stock in juxtaposition and said teeth of each said length of connector stock being essentially completely intermeshed with said teeth of the other said length of connector stock so that outer surfaces of said composite of connector stock have no teeth projecting therefrom; said first and second coiled lengths being free of any winding spool and said first and second lengths being engaged in said coil composite such that at least a portion of said second length forms the innermost portion of the coiled composite and conforms to the configuration of a hub on which said coiled composite is formed, said first length of connector stock lies on the portion of said second length which has achieved the configuration defined by such hub, and the relationship between said first and second lengths remain the same throughout the wound coiled composite so that there is no jamming between the intermeshing teeth of said first and second lengths.