Nebraska Patent of the Month – July 2021

Fire separation walls are made of fire rated sheetrock or other materials in an effort to prevent the spread of a fire into adjoining areas. A common fire retardant sheathing is gypsum board. However, joists and floor trusses cannot be hung from the gypsum board itself, which means the gypsum board has a cutout at any connecting point between the joist.truss and the wall, creating a very discontinuous fire wall. Columbia Insurance Company has developed a solution, wherein a hanger allows the connecting structural components to a wall without creating a cutout of the fire sheath. 

The hanger extends through a narrow slot in the fire retardant sheathing, small enough to maintain the integrity of the fire-retardant properties. Their hanger uses a channel-shaped portion designed to receive the structural component – a joist or truss – and rests on the base of the channel. It is then fastened in place as needed, using nails or other tools. This modification enhances the protection against fires spreading without reducing any structural integrity or support.  

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Recent Posts