NOTCH BRACING CONNECTORS

Abstract

The present invention relates to connecting spacing members between support members using spacing members having notches that engage the side edges of the linear shape holes or round holes in the support members whether the holes have rims or ledges to secure the spacing members or crossing other support members having notches in the edges of the lips. The spacer braces can overlap each other and connect at the top, bottom or within the holes of support members. The support members have ledges and rims to eliminate vertical and horizontal movement of the spacer braces with end fingers to stop end the spacer braces.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuous-in-part pending application Ser. No. 16/657,989 filed Oct. 18, 2019 which claim benefit to Provisional application No. 63/313,624 filed Feb. 24, 2022, Provisional application No. 63/282,152 filed Nov. 22, 2021, Provisional application No. 63/252,615 filed Oct. 5, 2021, Provisional application No. 63/088,341 filed Oct. 6, 2020 and,

Application Ser. No. 16/657,989 is a Continuous-in-part pending application Ser. No. 16/525,578 filed Jul. 29, 2019 which claims benefit to Provisional application No. 62/900,501 filed Sep. 14, 2019, Provisional application No. 62/898,181 filed Sep. 10, 2019 and;

Application Ser. No. 16/525,578 is a Continuous-in-part pending application Ser. No. 16/503,324 filed Jul. 3, 2019 and;

application Ser. No. 16/553,324 is a Continuous-in-part pending application Ser. No. 16/449,386 filed Jun. 22, 2019 and;
application Ser. No. 16/449,386 is a Continuous-in-part pending application Ser. No. 16/439,640 filed Jun. 12, 2019 and;
application Ser. No. 16/439,640 is a Continuous-in-part pending application Ser. No. 16/406,289 filed May 8, 2019 and;
application Ser. No. 16/406,289 is a Continuous-in-part pending application Ser. No. 16/396,624 filed Apr. 26, 2019 and;
application Ser. No. 16/396,624 is a Continuous-in-part pending application Ser. No. 16/354,081 filed Mar. 14, 2019 and;
application Ser. No. 16/354,081 is a Continuous-in-part pending application Ser. No. 16/198,831 filed Nov. 22, 2018 and;
application Ser. No. 16/198,831 is a Continuous-in-part pending application Ser. No. 16/195,847 filed Nov. 19, 2018 and;

Application Ser. No. 16/195,847 is a continuation-in-part application U.S. Ser. No. 15/724,137 filed Nov. 3, 2017 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,442,136 issued Sep. 24, 2019 which claims benefit to Provisional application No. 62/533,092 filed Jul. 16, 2017; Provisional application No. 62/490,917 filed Apr. 27, 2017 (now expired) and provisional application No. 62/485,114 filed Apr. 13, 2017 (now expired) and;

Application Ser. No. 15/724,137 is a continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 15/449,250 filed Mar. 3, 2017 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,683,665 issued Jun. 16, 2020 which claims benefit to Provisional application No. 62/399,434 filed on Sep. 25, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/385,932 filed on Sep. 9, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/378,615 filed on Aug. 23, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/360,041 filed on Jul. 30, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/345,153 filed on Jun. 3, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/308,520 filed on Mar. 15, 2016 and;

Application Ser. No. 15/449,250 is a continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 15/430,781 filed Feb. 13, 2017 which claims benefit to Provisional application U.S. 62/264,033 filed Jul. 15, 2015, Provisional application No. 62/274,134 filed Dec. 31, 2015, Provisional application No. 62/294,756 filed Feb. 12, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/298,762 filed Feb. 23, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/308,520 filed Mar. 15, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/345,153 filed Jun. 3, 2015, Provisional application No. 62/339,434 filed Sep. 25, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/385,932 filed Sep. 9, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/378,615, filed Aug. 23, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/369,041, filed Jul. 30, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/345,153, filed Jun. 3, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/308,520, filed Mar. 15, 2016, and Provisional application No. 62/298,762, filed Feb. 23, 2016 and;

Application Ser. No. 15/430,781 is a continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 15/295,172, filed Oct. 17, 2016 which is now U.S. Pat. No. 10,364,566, issued Jul. 30, 2019, which claims benefit to Provisional application No. 62/399,434, filed Sep. 25, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/385,932, filed Sep. 9, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/378,615, filed Aug. 23, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/369,041, filed Jul. 30, 2016, [0008]

Provisional application No. 62/345,153, filed Jun. 3, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/308,520, filed Mar. 15, 2016, and Provisional application No. 62/298,762, filed Feb. 23, 2016, Provisional Application No. 62/294,756 filed Dec. 12, 2016 and;

Application Ser. No. 15/295,172 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 15/090,460, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,060,281, issued Jul. 13, 2021, which claims benefit to Provisional application No. 62/242,705, filed Oct. 16, 2015, Provisional application No. 62/208,766, filed Aug. 23, 2015, Provisional application U.S. 62/175,191, filed Jun. 12, 2015, Provisional application No. 62/170,269, filed Jun. 3, 2015, Provisional application No. 62/143,097 filed Apr. 4, 2015 and;

Application Ser. No. 15/090,460 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14/946,378 filed Nov. 19, 2015, which claims benefit of Provisional application No. 62/175,191, filed Jun. 12, 2015, Provisional application No. 62/170,269 filed Jun. 3, 2015, Provisional application No. 62/139,916 filed Mar. 30, 2015, and Provisional application No. 62/083,276 filed Nov. 23, 2014 and;

Application Ser. No. 14/946,378 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/398,243, filed Feb. 16, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/456,707, filed Jun. 22, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,161,699 and:

Application Ser. No. 13/398,243 claims benefit of Provisional application No. 61/629,522, filed Nov. 22, 2011 and Provisional application No. 61/628,044, filed Oct. 24, 2011 and;

This application claims benefit of Provisional application No. 62/378,615, filed Aug. 23, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/369,041, filed Jul. 30, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/345,153, filed Jun. 3, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/294,756, filed Feb. 12, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/274,134, filed Dec. 31, 2015, Provisional application No. 62/264,033, filed Dec. 7, 2015, and Provisional application No. 62/244,135, filed Oct. 20, 2015 and;

The disclosures of Provisional application No. 62/242,705, filed Nov. 15, 2015, Application Ser. No. 15/090,460, filed Apr. 4, 2016, Provisional application No. 62/244,135, filed Nov. 20, 2015, Provisional application No. 62/264,033, filed Dec. 7, 2015, and Provisional application No. 62/274,134, filed Dec. 31,2015, and Provisional application No. 62/345,153, filed Jun. 3, 2016, including all drawings and all the specifications, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into this US patent application.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

PARTIES OR JOINT RESEARCH

Not applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to connecting spacing members between support members using spacing members having notches that engage the side edges of the linear shape holes or round holes in the support members whether the holes have rims or ledges to secure the spacing members or crossing other support members having notches in the edges of the lips.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Light gauge metal framing have been used in the construction of buildings for many years, however interior and exterior metal framing has always been difficult to assemble as well as construct horizontal and diagonal bracing between support framing members because of the configuration of the support members like a C channel and poor energy efficient shear wall construction. The lip and flange of the C channel protrudes from the web making it difficult to make connections. When bracing members are installed between support members for additional strength, insulation became even more difficult to install as well as form a better insulated wall.

When assembling metal framed walls the vertical support members are not rigid until the bracing members or fasteners are added to help stabilize the support members from moving. In the past there have been attempts to stiffen support members by providing lateral bracing, drywall backing or bracing members between vertical support members.

The bracing members within the wall forming structure are generally required to connect support members together, however horizontal bracing members can be very long and next to impossible to connect horizontal bracing members to individual spacer blocks located between support members. In addition the bracing members are not used to form shear walls or diagonal framing with the walls or have the flexibility to form trusses having diagonally framing members.

Metal framing has developed computer systems to form pre-punched screw holes to designate how and where to install fasteners between metal framing. Different types of notches or shapes of bracing members have help speed up framing assembly. There have been no innovation developed allow metal framing to be connected without using fasteners and nothing has been developed where the spacer brace connects support members together using notches and ledges that form a self-lock connectors that fit together to form a fast an easy connection means to form metal framed wall panels without using fasteners at the support members. The unique wall construction allows wall panels to be fabricated quickly and easily without using fasteners thereby saving money in labor and material.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

The horizontal and diagonal connections between metal support members do not form continuous bracing that interlocks between each other but rather are individual components. Individual mounting brackets are used to support trusses or horizontally brace support members. Many different shapes of horizontal bracing members are used to connect metal framing members together and include various grooves, tabs, bridging backing, notches to connect the metal framing members together. Some types of connections between support members use bent hooks, bent flanges, clamping tabs, anchoring hand rail system, adjustable braces or extended tabs to connect trusses. Existing bracing members do not connect support members together at corners, provide drywall backing and connect wall panels together. Different types of brackets, shapes, leg supporting connections and blocking are used to install support members together. Slotted holes at the top base plate have been used to compensate for vertical movement between vertical and horizontal support member. Spacer braces do use various types of clips with fasteners to interlock between support members to prevent vertical and horizontal movement. There is no prior art for U or W shaped clips with spacer braces to secure support members together. Some support members have been shown to have a rim around the hole for extra strength or to reduce thermal conductivity through the support member, but not used a part of a self-locking connector. Punch out tabs has been used as spacers or as tabs where the tabs have been used to support another object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention shows how adjacent spacing bracing members can connect to support members by using a spacing bracing member with notches so the notches can intersect and connect the hole side edges of a support member. The ends of the spacer braces can connect to adjacent support members and intermediate support members can be added between the end support members. The spacer braces can be installed in the holes at the web at the top, middle or bottom edge at the openings in the support member. The shape of the holes can vary from linear shape configurations to round and irregular shape holes. The spacer braces can have an end configuration where the spacer brace does not extend past the hole for example like an inside or outside corner of a building or a door or window opening. On the other hand the spacing bracing member is not long enough and would require to overlap the adjacent spacing bracing member usually occurring at the intersection of a support member where the notches of each spacing bracing member overlap the second opposing spacing bracing member being overlapped. The holes in the support member can be flush that is no protrusions or the hole can have the side edges a rims or ledges protruding from the side edges. The protrusions of the ledge are typically small as the ledge is used as a retainer to limit the vertical movement of the spacer brace crossing the hole as shown in the vertical support members of a building framing system. In the case of the ledge being a protrusion the spacing-bracing member is a notch that will receive the protruding ledge. The notches are shown as L-shaped notches where the ledge penetrates into the back edge or the short leg of the L-shaped notch while the initial opening has a longer leg that guides the ledge to the back of the notch. When overlapping two adjacent spacing bracing members together at the hole the lower notch fits deeper into the hole while the second spacing bracing member will fit over the first framing member. The size of the spacing member can very, that is a smaller size spacer brace is installed first and the larger spacer brace installed second assuming U shape configuration upside down U. On the other hand the spacer brace are the same width, but the shape has a V shape that is the side of the U becomes angled. When the sides two overlapping spacer braces having angled sides become tight to each other and the top of the U has a gap. With the shape consisting of a web with two adjacent flanges, the space or gap is between the two adjoining webs. Different spacing bracing members are shown with many different configurations as well as the shape of the holes and whether the spacing bracing member is right-side-up or up-side-down.

In addition the spacing bracing member can be connected to another spacing bracing member where the spacing bracing members for a truss configuration. The spacing bracing member as shown is a reverse lip spacer brace in the shape of a hat with a brim however described as a web with two flanges and lips extending from each flange and the lips having notches. The lips are similar to the ledge above as the lips are protruding away from the flanges. In this case the lips engage the L shape side wall notches in the flanges with the lip extending into the short leg of the L-shaped side wall notch.

When overlapping the spacing bracing members the spacer braces can be stacked one on top of the other using a checker board pattern that is altering a larger width spacer brace and a smaller width spacer brace. In this case two different widths of spacer braces are installed. Another method would be to have one end have a larger width end and the opposing end having a smaller width end. So by changing the direction of the spacer brace the smaller end spacer brace is always installed first with the larger spacer brace fitting over the smaller width spacer brace. If the spacer brace is reverse with the U shape facing upwards, then the larger spacer brace is installed first with the smaller width fitting into the larger width spacer brace. The appearance of stacking is now a domino effect, that is when domino are shown have fallen down.

The description of the drawings and the description via the claims sound different, but the FIGs. appear the same. At the end of the figure description is a figure table of contents noting the embodiments to a number. After that figure table of contents is a claim glossary of terms relating to the figure numbers. Since the spacer brace can be used in so many different configurations and orientations, but are installed the same, the interlocking connections need to be claimed in a different manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a structural framing system using many different configurations of criss-crossing spacer braces extending over, under and through support members.

FIG. 2 shows an enlargement of the reverse lip spacer brace shown in FIG. 3 as the bottom chord of the truss with the flanges of the U-shaped spacer brace interlocking with the lips of the bottom chord.

FIG. 3 shows a truss using two reverse lip spacer braces as the top and bottom chords with wider C channels as vertical support members along with reverse lip spacer braces as diagonal braces connecting the lips of the top and bottom chords of the truss.

FIG. 4 shows a raised web at the bottom chord with raised web notches for the web notched tabs of the support member to fit into.

FIG. 5 shows a partial view of the truss shown in FIG. 2 with the vertical support member intersecting the bottom chord of the truss.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of the U shaped spacer brace passing through the hole of the support member having the bottom edge as a ledge engaging the U shaped spacer brace at the notch gap in the flanges.

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the first U shaped spacer brace being installed over the perimeter side edge of the hole at the ledge using a double L-shape flange notch installed into the hole first with another U shaped spacer brace above having a shorter leg at the flange notch.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view where the notch and notch gap are shown in the flange of the U shaped spacer brace having the dorsal side facing upward with the flanges extending downward from the web.

FIG. 9 shows ledges installed in the web at the top plate of the support member, the bottom edge of the hole and punch-out tabs at the bottom edge of the support member for the flange gaps with flange notches can connect to the ledges or tabs to secure the horizontal and vertical metal framing members together.

FIG. 10 shows a downward oriented U shaped reverse lip spacer brace overlapping an identical adjacent spacer brace connected at the lip notches to the holes of a support member.

FIG. 11 shows a downward oriented U shaped reverse lip spacer brace with lip flange notches depressed at the hole bottom edge.

FIG. 12 shows two downward oriented U shaped spacer braces where both longitudinal end shows indented flanges and web where one end has a hook finger where the extension is inserted into the holes notches and the opposing end has a hook tongue where the extension overlaps the first spacer brace with the hook tongue having a curvilinear tip for inserting into the receiver slot hole.

FIG. 13 shows a similar configuration as FIGS. 12 16 except the reverse lip spacer braces are shown with the lips and hook finger support the reverse lip spacer brace at one end with the hook tongue at the opposing end has the extension overlapping the adjacent spacer brace.

FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of a U shaped spacer brace being installed on the vertical side edges shown as a ledge at the holes in the support members and where the U shaped spacer braces on installed on both vertical side edges of the hole of a support member.

FIG. 15 is an enlargement at the intersection of the ledge in the support member and the notch gap in the flange of the spacer brace.

FIGS. 16-18 shows an elevation, enlargement and section of metal framing uses a U shape spacer brace with flange notches having a T-shape rather than the L-shape previously described as the aperture has ledges that can be turned to face either direction therefore the T-shape notches giving more flexibility when being installed.

FIG. 18 appears similar to FIG. 22, however FIG. 18 is only support by the flange notches at the hole bottom edge.

FIG. 19 appears similar to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 reflects FIG. 18 where the lower spacer brace is smaller fitting tight to the spacer brace above. FIG. 19 shows both U shaped spacer braces being the same width as a gap exist between the upper and lower U shaped spacer braces.

FIGS. 20-21 shows an elevation and enlargement of metal framing where the two U shape spacer braces overlap each other with the flanges extending upward away from the web and where the flange notches extending into protrusions extending from the aperture at the metal framing supports with the flange notches engaging the underside of the protrusions.

FIG. 22 shows the U shape spacer brace also being support by the bottom edge of the hole protrusions. FIG. 22 also shows two different configurations with the left side showing two overlapping U shape spacer braces having two different sizes, that is the lower spacer brace being smaller. The right side shows the overlapping U shaped spacer braces however both spacer braces are the same size.

FIGS. 23-26 shows the reverse lip spacer brace having bent flanges and installed with the flanges extending upward or downward within the rectilinear hole.

FIGS. 27-28 show a V shaped spacer brace installed in a round hole with the legs extending upward and downward toward the bottom edge of the hole.

FIGS. 29 & 30 are similar to FIG. 28 as the spacer brace has the flanges extending downward and installed in a round hole, however only the distal edges of the flanges with the flange notches are supporting the spacer brace.

FIG. 31 shows two V shaped spacer braces of equal size overlapping within a round hole having a lip with a notch engaging the hole top-side edges.

FIG. 32 shows a V shaped spacer brace similar to FIG. 31 being bent to be inserted into the round hole and FIG. 33 shows a second V shaped spacer brace of equal size being bent and installed over the V shaped spacer brace in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 shows two similar V shaped spacer braces as shown in FIG. 33 however the diagonal leg is shown having an extra ben in order to be able to fit within a key hole at the hole bottom edge.

FIG. 35 shows two U shape spacer braces of equal size on the left side shown setting lower into the hole side edge/bottom edge deeper into a lower position than the two U shape spacer braces on the right side. The web or web flange notches vary depending on the position within the round hole as compared to FIG. 36.

FIG. 37 shows an isometric drawing of two U shaped spacer braces being overlapped at a round hole having a ledge or rim and where the flange notches are L-shaped notches because of the ledge and the height of the L-shape varies depending on which brace is installed first.

FIG. 38 shows two U shaped spacer braces having L-shaped side wall notches connecting to each other at an angle, the vertical support member is not shown for clarity.

FIG. 39 is an enlargement of the U shaped spacer braces interesting at an angle with the support member shown.

FIG. 40 shows an flange notches at the same angle at both the left and right side of a U shaped spacer brace or a reverse lip spacer brace as the angled notched can be installed in either spacing-bracing member and a dash line is shown as a reference.

FIG. 41 is similar to FIG. 40 except the notches are shown offset between the left side and the right side and at the same angle with the flare edge on the opposite side.

FIG. 42 is similar to FIG. 41 except the notches are offset and the angled notches are in opposite directions with the contact being on the opposite side edges of the notches.

FULL DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an isometric of many configurations of U shaped spacer braces and reverse lip spacer braces installed at the top, bottom or through the linear shaped holes, but can be also installed in round holes at the support members. Various spacing-bracing members are shown as being individually installed or overlap with adjacent spacing-bracing member and are installed with the flanges facing upward, downward or to the left or right side edges of the hole. The hole side edges can just be a typical side hole edge or can have a ledge or rim projecting from the web of the support member at the hole or at the bottom or top of the support member. Intersecting reverse lip spacer braces are shown overlapping each other or overlapping the U shaped spacer braces.

FIG. 3 shows a horizontal longitudinal lateral bracing member crossing the bottom chord of two trusses and long enough to be connected to a notched-tab 126nt at one longitudinal lateral bracing member of a adjacent U shaped spacer brace 302 with the opposing end having a web extension 302 having a receiver hole 129h for the notched-tab 126nt to fit into. FIG. 2 shows an enlargement of the intersection of the bottom chord with the dorsal side of the web 301a facing downward and the longitudinal flanges 301b and longitudinal lips 301c extend the full length of the truss. The horizontal bracing member crosses and interlocks the bottom chord and is oriented so its dorsal side is facing upward and the longitudinal flanges 302b extend downward toward the bottom chord of the truss. Since the lips 301c are located on the bottom chord, the flanges 301b and the lips 301c will extend into the flange gaps 45fg and the lips 301c will extend into the flange notches 126fg on both flanges 302b making four interlocking connections at the intersection. The short horizontal bracing member will probably be installed when the trusses are installed, while a longer length horizontal bracing member would be installed after many trusses are installed in place. Diagonal bracing members can be used, however the flanges gaps 45fg and flanges notches 126fg would be spaced differently plus lip notches 126p can be installed.

FIG. 4 shows one of the methods used in connecting a vertical support member to a horizontal bracing member similar to the connections used in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 10 & 11 shows the horizontal bracing member is shown as a reverse lip spacer brace 301 installed in the web 42a of the support member while in FIG. 5 the web 42a & flanges 42b are installed between the flanges 301b of the reverse lip spacer bracer 301 and a raised web 301ar shown in Sb4c in a previous USPTO application. The flange notches 126fg as shown are similar to the web notches 126w used in the webs 42a of the support member. Since the U shaped spacer brace 302 has two flanges 302b and the crossing member a reverse lip spacer brace 301 having 2 lips 301c, then four connections occur at the crossing of the two members together. Because the U shaped spacer brace will be required to be more structural I would assume additional longitudinal bends or grooves will be added to increase strength.

FIG. 6 shows the U shaped spacer brace 302 fitting into the hole 36 having the dorsal side facing upward with the flanges 302b extending ventrally downward and where the flanges 302b have vertical-flange notches 126vf at the midway up into the flanges 302b. The hole 36 has a ledge 79 on the bottom edge and the flanges 302b have a notch gap 126ng at the end of the vertical-flange notch 126vf for the ledge 79 to fit into as also shown in the enlarged FIG. 8. The vertical-flange notches 126vf on both flanges 302b also have a flare edge 126f so the U shaped spacer brace 302 can easily slid into the vertical-flange notches 126vf. FIG. 7 shows a double decker side wall notch 126fg where two short leg-L-shaped side wall notches 126el are connected together so a the long leg L shaped side wall notches 126el has the same length indentation from the distal edge of the side wall notches 126el. and as shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 7 as the flanges 302b of the top, middle and bottom U shaped spacer braces 302 all use the flange gap 45fg and the L-shape side wall notch 126el notch 126fg at the flanges 302b to make the connection into the crossing member. The top and middle spacer braces use the ledge 79 at the web 42a to form the ledge 79 and the middle U shaped spacer brace 302 is using the ledge 79 at the hole bottom edge 36be to connect into the notches. On the other hand, the tabs 326t of the punched out tabs 326 act as a ledge 79 when the tabs 326t fit into the L-shaped gap 45e and the tab 326t get inserted into the web notches 126w.

FIG. 10 the two overlapping reverse lip spacer braces 301 is shown face down with the left reverse lip spacer brace 301 having the lips 301c supported by the hole bottom edge 30be. The lips 301c have lip notches 126p that extend inward from the longitudinal edge of the lips 301c so the web 42a of the support member fits against the back edge of the lip notches 126p with the side edges of the lip notch 126p abut both side planes of the web 42a of the support member. The second reverse lip spacer brace 301 also extends through the hole 36 overlapping the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 at a slight angle, in order to have the longitudinal edges of the lips 301c fit through the hole 36 and have the back edge of the lip notches 126p engage the hole side edges 36se. The width of the web 301a and the length of the flanges 301b and lips 301c will be longer in order to have both reverse lip spacer braces 301 fit tightly together and have fasteners (not shown) to additionally secure the reverse lip spacer braces 301 together. As discussed earlier hole notches 126h may be installed at the hole side edges 36se either as a single notched hole 126h or as a double wide notched hole 126dh.

FIG. 11 shows the same profile as shown in FIG. 10, however the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 shows the lip notch 126p starting at the longitudinal edge of the lip 301c extending the full width of the lip 301c with the lip notch 126p continuing into the flange 301b or flange notch 126fg forming a continuous lip-flange notch 126pf. The lip-flange notches 126p at the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 is installed at a slight angle so one lip-flange notch 1216pf has the hole side edge 36se installed into the lip-flange notch 126pf allowing the side edges of the lip-flange notch 126pf to engage the longitudinal planes of the web 42a of the support member. When the lip-flange notches 126pf extends below the hole bottom edge 36be another adjacent reverse lip spacer brace 301 with only lip notches 126p at both lips 301c can overlap the first reverse lip spacer brace 301. The second reverse lip spacer brace 301 can be identical in shape and size, that is the web 301a, flanges 301b and lips 301c can be the same width and length and still form a secure connection between two adjoining reverse lip spacer braces 301. To form a tighter connection between the first and second reverse lip spacer braces 301, the web 301a of the overlapping reverse lip spacer brace 301 should be wider in order to have a tight connection at the webs 301a using fasteners between the first and second reverse lip spacer braces 301. The hole notches 126h are used at the corner of the hole side edges 36se and hole bottom edge 36be for the lips notches 126p to fit into or the hole notches 126h can have protrusions to also secure the reverse lip spacer brace 301 from vertical movement.

FIG. 12 shows two U shaped spacer braces 302 having a web 302a with two longitudinal side edges having flanges 302b that extend downward with the web extension 302e engaging the hole side edges shown inserted into the hole notches 126h. The finger end of the hook finger 127 engage one side of the web 42a of the support member and the longitudinal ends of the flanges 302b engaging the opposing side planes of the web 42a of the support member. Flange notches 126fg are also shown as intermediate connections between support members with the flange notches 126fg extending the full height of the flanges 302b so the side edges of the web 302a can be inserted into the hole notches 126h. The left longitudinal end of the U shaped spacer braces 302 also has the flanges 302b and web 302a indented, however the indentation 302i at the web 302a is deeper as the extension 302e at the web 302a is narrower as the extension 302i passes through the hole 36 where the tongue end shown having a curvilinear hook of the hook tongue 128 will be inserted into the receiver slot hole 129sh shown in the web 302a near the right longitudinal end. Since the extension 302e at the right longitudinal end is being inserted into the hole notches 126h, the U shaped spacer brace 302 will be installed at an angle having the extensions 302e engaging the hole notches 126h.

FIG. 13 shows two reverse lip channels with the longitudinal end configurations as similar to FIG. 15 The lip 301c is wider than the hole 36 therefore the longitudinal ends of the lips 301c abut one side plane of the web 42 and the web 301a has an extension 301e where the hook finger 127 extends over the hole bottom edge 36be with the finger end securing the opposing plane of the web 42a at the hole 36. The opposing longitudinal end of an identical reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the left longitudinal end with the extension 301e of the web 301a extended through the hole 36 where the extension 301e rests on the web 301a of the first reverse lip spacer brace with the hook portion extending through the receiver slot hole 129sh.

In FIG. 14 on the left ends of the U shaped spacer braces 302 show a hook finger 127 extending through the hole 36 where the flanges 302b engage the web 42a on one side and the hook finger 127 engaging the web 42a on the opposing side. The holes 36 show ledges 79 installed on the vertical side edges of the hole 36. The hook finger 127 has a hole extension 302he that extends over the ledges 79 and where the ledges 79 extend over the web 42a of the support members. The ends of the flanges 302b of the U shaped spacer braces 302 have flange-end notches 126fe for the ledge 79 to fit into. The hook finger 127 and the ledges 79 engaged into the flange-end notches 126fe for a self-locking connection to prevent any vertical movement of the U shaped spacer brace 302 engaging the support member. The right ends or the opposite end shows the hook finger 127 having a U-shape where the hook finger 127 extends over the ledge 79 so the first leg 127a wraps-around and extends over the front edge of the ledge 79 and under the ledge 79 then parallel to the web 42a of the support member then having an outward projecting flare. at the second leg 127b. The hook finger 127 with its U-shape supports the support member on one side of the web 42a and the flanges 302b abut the web 42a on the opposite side again forming a self-locking connection between the support member and the U shaped spacer brace 302. FIG. 43 shows an enlargement of both the self-locking connections. A fastener 122 is shown on one of the fingers 127, should an engineer specify a fastener 122 over and above the self-locking connection described. In addition the left side shows a punched out tab 326 on the web 302a close to the vertical oriented lip 79 at the hole 36. The punched out tab 326 has a wrap-around tab 326tw extending from the pivot edge 326pe just above the ledge 79 and bent ventrally at the vented edge 326ve having the wrap-around tab 326tw extending over the front edge of the ledge 79 then under the ledge 79 toward the ventral side of the web 42a than veering away from the web 42a forming a flare at the end. The flared end of the wrap-around tab 326tw allows the wrap-around tab 326tw to bend around the ledge 79 and the bend of the wrap-around tab 326tw under ledge 79 secures the wrap-around tab 326tw from moving horizontally away from the vertically oriented ledge 79. FIG. 15 shows the hook fingers 127 on both ends of the U shaped spacer brace 302, however both sides could have the hook receivers 129 at both ends. The right end would then have the hook receiver 129 as shown in FIG. 41 where the ledge 79 protrudes outwardly from the web 42a toward the hook finger 127. The left end of the U shaped spacer brace 302 would then require the wrap-around tab 326tw from the punched out tab 326 to extend around the ledge 79. In other words, the wrap-around tab 326tw can be used on any type support member.

FIGs. 16-21 shows elevations, enlargements and sections of metal framing uses a U shape spacer brace 302 having a web 302a with flanges extending from the longitudinal web 302a and with flange gap notches 126fg that extend from the longitudinal open edges toward the web 302a a T-shape notched gap 126ng extending horizontally from the longitudinal open edges of the flanges. FIGS. 16-18 show the U shape spacer brace 302 having the flanges 302b extending downward to the hole bottom edge 36be in the web 42a of the metal framing support. The hole bottom edge 36be has a ledge 79 extending from the hole bottom edge 36 so the T-shape notched gap 126ng can extend into the ledge 79 where the metal framing support has the ledge 79 facing either left or right giving the U shaped spacer brace 302 more flexibility during the installation. One end of the U shaped spacer brace 302 would have a larger width or narrow web 302a allowing for the U shaped spacer brace 302 to overlap the adjacent U shape spacer brace 302. FIG. 16 and FIG. 19 are similar as both FIGs. have the flanges 302b facing downward with the flanges 302b having L-shape flange notches 126el however FIG. 16 shows the U shaped spacer brace 302 being overlapped and stacked above each other in a checkerboard pattern and FIG. 19 shows adjacent U shaped spacer braces 302 being overlap in a domino arrangement where the second end overlaps the first end of an equal for larger width adjacent U shaped spacer brace 302 forming an domino arrangement of stacking spacing-bracing members. FIG. 20 & FIG. 22 are similar however the flanges 302b are angular allowing for a possible faster assembly. FIG. 22 shows protrusions 36p extending from the hole side edges 36se forming a protusion hole notch 36ph where the hole bottom edge 36be, hole side edge 36se and the bottom edge of the hole protrusion 36p forms a secure notch able to keep the U shaped spacer brace from moving within the hole 36. The right side of FIG. 22 also shows two U shaped spacer brace 302 stacked above each other both being of equal width with a gap 45 between the webs, however the top edge of the L-shape side wall notch shows the lower U shaped spacer brace 302 have the back edge of the L-shape side wall notch located higher or further away from the distal edge of the flange 302b. As mentioned previously when overlapping the longitudinal ends, one longitudinal end will have a wider width to overlap the adjacent U shaped spacer brace 302. In addition, the wider width longitudinal end will have a web flange notch 126wf so the hole protrusion will fit tight against the smaller U shaped spacer brace 302 as well as the larger U shaped spacer brace 302. FIG. 21 has the same U shaped spacer brace 302 profile the U shaped spacer brace 302 has the web 302a resting on the hole bottom edge 36be. The bottom edge of the protrusion 36p is shown have a ledge 79, however that is not required to secure the metal framing support to the U shaped spacer brace 302. The protrusions 36p extend into the flange notches 126f at the flanges 302b. As shown in other overlapping solutions a smaller U shaped spacer brace 302 will fit into and between the flanges 302b of the larger U shaped spacer brace 302.

FIGS. 23 & 24 are both U shaped spacer braces 302 with a web 302a and a flange 302b at each side of the web 302a having flange notches 126fg at the distal edges of the flanges 302b and flange-web notches 126fw at the intersection of the flanges 302b and web 302a and where the flanges notches 126fg and flange-web notches 126fw intersect the round hole 36r at the hole side edges 36se. The flanges 302b are shown having a bend in the flanges 302b making it easier to flex the flanges 302b where inserting into the round hole 36r.

FIG. 25 shows several different configuration of the U shaped spacer brace 302 similar to FIG. 23. The configuration on the right side show the web 302a getting narrower starting to have a V shape, however the web 302a is shown having a larger and larger flange-web notch 126fw where the U shaped spacer brace 302 at the first U shaped spacer brace 302 being installed into the round hole 36r shows a continuous flange-web-flange notch 126fwf across the entire web 302a while the interior U shape spacer brace 302 has a larger flange-web notch 126fw in order to secure the U shaped spacer brace to the hole bottom edge 36be.

FIG. 26 is similar to the U shaped spacer brace 302 shown on the left side of FIG. 24 except the U shaped spacer brace in shown with the flanges 302b facing downward. The flanges are secured by flange notches 126fg and the web and flanges are secured by the flange-web notch 126fw.

FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are both showing the U shaped spacer brace as a V shape having a very narrow web 302a and where the web 302a have flange-web-flange notches but shown as a bulge notch 126bg since really the bulge notch 126bg is a notch at the vertex of a V-shape spacer brace, but because the spacer brace is still considered a U shape since it still has a web 302a. FIG. 27 shows the flanges 302b extending upward while FIG. 28 shows the flanges 302b extending downward. The two FIGs. are drawing as the inner U shaped spacer brace 302 has a small width at the web 302a and the vertex has a continuous notch at both in inner U shaped spacer brace 302 and the outer U shaped spacer brace with the notches noted as bulge notch 126bg. Again the distal edges of the flanges have both have flange notches 1236fg. Due to the large size of the U shaped spacer braces the flanges 302b are flexible to bend inward away from the hole side edges 36se able to spring back to the original shape which is typically requires bending in order to have tight fitting flange notches. The flange notches can be at a slight angle and offset to also increase friction at the said notches.

FIGS. 29 & 30 show two slightly smaller U shaped spacer braces 302 with a web 302a and two flanges 302b both U shaped spacer braces 302 are the same size. FIG. 30 shows a smaller web 302a appearing like a V shape, however since both spacer braces have the same size a gap 45 occurs between the web 302a. Both FIGs. show the flange notches 126fg as L shaped flange notches 126el as also described in FIG. 7.

FIGS. 31-34 are similar to each other as they all are U shaped spacer braces having a V-shape that is with a narrow width web 302a.with the flanges facing upward as shown similar to FIG. 27. FIG. 31 shows both U shaped spacer braces 302 being the same size as a gap 45 has a gap 45 between the webs 302a and the vertex is shown having a bulge notch 126bg with the bulge notch 126bg extending across the web 299a or also known as a V-shape spacer brace 299 having a leg 299a with the bulge notch 126bg extending below the hole bottom edge 36be shown as a round hole 36r. The leg ends are shown have a lip notch 126p with the lip notch 126p extending into the leg 299a at the round hole 36r hole side edges 36se. The interior V shape spacer brace 299′ is shown as the same size as the outer V shape spacer brace 299. FIG. 32 shows the same V shape spacer brace 299 as FIG. 31 however it is shown being bent in order to fit within the round hole 36. FIG. 33 shown the second V shape spacer brace 299′ being bent to fit into the first V shape spacer brace 299. FIG. 34 is the same V shape spacer brace 299 however having an extra bend at the leg 299b in order to fit into a key hole 36k configuration being another standard hole configuration used in the industry.

FIG. 35 shows two U shape spacer braces 302 installed overlapping each other in a round hole 36r with both U shape spacer braces 302 being the same size and shown with a gap 45 between the web 302a as shown in FIG. 35 and shown as a reverse lip spacer brace 301 shown in FIG. 36. FIG. 35 shows the left U shaped spacer brace 302 nested lower in the round hole 36r closer to the hole bottom edge 36be with the first U shaped spacer brace 302 having a flange-web-flange notch 126fwf with the inner U shaped spacer brace 302 shows a corner notch 126wf. The right U shaped spacer brace 302 shows the web 302a mounted higher along the hole side edge 36se than the left U shaped spacer brace 302. The inner U shape spacer brace 302 does not show a corner notch, but only show the first and second flanges 302b having flange notches 126fg at both the left and right U shaped spacer braces 302.

FIG. 36 also shows two spacer braces, both being two reverse lip spacer braces 301 having a web 301a with angular flanges 301b and lips 301c with lip-flange notches 126pf where the lip-flange notches 126pf extends into the lip 301c and into the flange 301b forming a larger notch to engage the hole side edges 36se. Both the reverse lip spacer braces 301 are the same size as a gap 45 is installed between the two webs 301a while the flanges 301b are tight against each other creating maximum friction. Both the inner and outer reverse lip spacer braces 301 also have corner notches shown as web-flange notches 126wf that engage the hole side edges 36se lower closer to the hole bottom edge 36be.

FIG. 37 shows the U shaped spacer brace 302 connecting two adjacent support members 42 having a web 302a with extending flanges 302b with the flanges 302b having flange notches 126fg, but shown having L-shaped side wall notches 126el where each flange notch is showing having an L-shape as described in FIG. 7. The L-shaped side wall notches 126el are used because the round hole 36r shows the perimeter side edges 36se having ledges 79 also commonly referred to as a rim that protrudes away from the web 42s of a support member 42. Additional L-shaped side wall notches are shown as the U shaped spacer brace 302 can be longer to accommodate additional support members 42. The L-shaped side wall notches 126el has a long leg at the hole entrance and a short leg at the notch end. When the long legged notch is installed first the U shaped spacer brace 302 sets lower into the round hole 36r and therefore the short leg L-shape notch at the entrance to the hole is installed as the second U shaped spacer brace 302.

FIG. 38 shows two U shaped spacer braces 302 having L-shaped side wall notches 126el overlapping each other at an angle and not shown with the vertical support member in order to more clearly show how an offset notch can change the direction of spacing-bracing members while FIGs. 40 and 41 show how only a very small minute offset also can create friction whether between lip notches 126p of a reverse lip spacer brace 301 or a U shaped spacer brace having flange notches 126fg or L-shape side wall notches 126el. FIG. 39 is an enlargement of the U shaped spacer braces 302 intersecting the support member 42. Both U shaped spacer braces 302 are shown in FIG. 37, but are shown here with one L shaped side wall notch 126el cut into the distal edge of the first flange 301b and two L-shaped side wall notches 126el shown cut into the second flange 301b. The second flange 301b shows the second L-shape side wall notch 126el in alignment with the first L-shape side wall notch at the first flange 126fg while a third L-shape side wall notch is shown near the second L-shape side wall notch forming the third L-shape side wall notch having an offset alignment to the first L-shape notch at the first flange 301fg. When the first L-shaped side wall notch is installed into the first side of the hole and the third L shaped side wall notch is installed into the second side of the hole, the U shaped spacer brace is shown at an angle in relation to the web 42 of the support member. If the L shaped side wall notch 126el where cut into the distal edge of the second flange, the angle formed by installing the thirds L-shape side wall notch, the first and third L-shaped wall notch would be angled causing the edges of the hole side wall hole to slide against each other causing friction to help maintain the position of the U shaped spacer brace 301. When a second U shape spacer brace is overlapping the first U shape spacer brace 301 again the second U shape spacer brace 301 is skewed at an angle to the web 42a of the support member. When combining the first and second U shape spacer brace 301 the combination of the two spacing-bracing members forms a curved connection that connected to an array of additional support member 42.

FIG. 40-42 shows flange notches 126fg at an angle at both the left and right side of a U shaped spacer brace 302 or a reverse lip spacer brace 301 as the notches are angled and can be installed in either spacing-bracing member. The dash line is shown to help compare the two notches for reference purposes. The angled flange notches 126fg cause friction when the hole side edge at the left notch slides against the notch side edge. FIG. 40 shows the angled flange notches 126fg on the left side aligned with the right side flange notches 126fg and angled in the same direction. FIG. 41 shows the angled flange notches 126fg at the left side to be slightly offset to the angled flange notches on the right side, with the flare edge 126f on the opposing side of the flange notch 126fg allowing for access in both directions. The right side of the flange notch shows the contact is between the flare edge 126f and the side edge of the flare notch 126fg. FIG. 42 has offset notches but angled in opposite directions and where the hole side edges make contact at the opposite side of the notch side edges.

Claims

1. A structural framing system comprising:

a first support member and a second support member and a first spacing member with a first end and a second end, and a second spacing member with a first end and a second end connected by connector elements:

the first support member having a first end and a second end and having a web with a first flange and a second flange attached to said web with lips extending from said first flange and said second flange with said web being a planar wall with an irregular shaped aperture in a planar wall having a first planar side and a second planar side with said aperture having a first perimeter side and a second perimeter side opposite the first perimeter side, a third perimeter side opposite said fourth perimeter side being the bottom edge said aperture with said perimeter side edge having a connector element of a continuous ledge or individual perimeter side edge extending and protruding away from said web adapted to receive said-sha first spacing member; for

said first spacing member having a longitudinal web with a first side edge and a second side edge, a first end and a second end with a first side wall attached to said first side edge and a second side wall attached to said second side edge extending from said longitudinal web with the connector element of a first side wall notch indented from the distal edge of said first side wall along with the connector element of a second side wall notch indented from the distal edge of said second side wall said first side wall notches and said second side wall notches having an L-shape and setback from said first end and said second end and adaptable to be pressured to fit into and against the ledge or protruding perimeter side edge of the individual perimeter side edges or against said continuous side edge of the ledge perimeter side edges of said aperture of said first support member and said aperture of said second support member; for

said second spacing member having a similar identical configuration as said first spacing member with a first end and a second end with said first end connected to said first spacing member by extending the first end of said second support member through the aperture of said second support member over the second end of said first spacing member with a connector element of a first side wall notch and a second side wall notch of said second spacing member able to engage the connector element of the ledge of said second support member by inserting said second spacing member at an angle able to pass said aperture perimeter side edge and bend said first side wall and said second side wall to engage and fit snug against the perimeter side edges with said L-shaped side wall notches.

2. The structural framing system according to claim f, wherein said first side wall and said second side wall at said first and second spacing members have angular or curvilinear side walls.

3. The structural framing system according to claim 1, wherein a gap occurs between said webs of said second spacing member and said first spacing member when both first and second spacing members are the same width when overlapping each other forming a snug fit between said first side wall and second side wall when the side walls are angular forming a snug fit between said first and second side walls.

4. The structural framing system according to claim 1, wherein the shape of said L-shape side wall notch having a long leg and a short leg with a wide opening between the side edge of said long legs at the distal edge of the first and second side walls with said long leg having angled side edges with a narrowing at a throat of the long leg abutting the short end of the “L” shape that being the back end of said side wall notch.

5. The structural framing system according to claim 4, wherein the first and second side wall notches are the same length as the long leg of said L-shape notches at the first end and the second end of said first and second spacing member.

6. The structural framing system according to claim 4, wherein the first and second side wall notches have different lengths as the long leg of said L-shape notches with the first end having a short legs at the L-shaped said first and second side wall notches and the second end having long legs at the L-shaped said first and second side wall notches.

7. The structural framing system according to claim 4, wherein said first spacing member with said side wall notches at the second end first engages the connector element of said ledge or the protruding perimeter edge at said second support member prior to overlapping the first end of said second spacing member over said second end of said first spacing member.

8. The structural framing system according to claim 1, wherein said first spacing member has a narrow width web at said second end for said second spacing member having a wider width web at said first end will overlap said first spacing member with said first and second side wall notches being aligned, angled or offset to create friction.

9. The structural framing system according to claim 1, wherein said first spacing member has a narrow width web for said second spacing member having a wider width web for said second spacing member to overlap said first spacing member by stacking the larger width web of said second spacing member over the smaller width web of said first spacing member forming a checkerboard pattern of overlapping.

10. The structural framing system according to claim 6, wherein said L-shape side wall notches has a first short leg L-shape side wall notch and a second short leg side wall notch stacked with said second short leg wall notch coinciding to the height of said long leg side wall notch at both said first end and said second end of said first and second spacing member allowing either end to fit over a short leg side wall notch.

11. The structural framing system according to claim 7, the said L-shape side wall notch has an H-shape side wall notch allowing the ledge or protrusion of the perimeter to protrude in either side of the planar wall at the web of said first or second support member.

12. The structural framing system according to claim 1, wherein said web at the first end and the second end of said first and second support member has a ledge extending from said web and setback from said first end and said ledge setback from said second end to engage the L-shaped said first side wall notches at said first side wall and said second wall notches at said second side wall at said first spacing member at either said first end or said second end of said first and second support members.

13. The structural framing system according to claim 12, wherein said ledge protrudes at the intersecting first and second side walls of the first spacing member.

14. The structural framing system according to claim 12, wherein said first spacing member have access holes in said web for securing fasteners or anchor bolts.

15. The structural framing system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second side wall notches at said first side wall and second side wall at said first spacing member have a wide opening between the side edges of said side wall notches for said side wall notches to engage said lips of said first support member.

16. The structural framing system according to claim 15, wherein said first support member has lip notches in said lips and said lip notches have angular side edges, or said lip notches are offset between said first lip notch and said second lip notch.

17. The structural framing system according to claim 16, wherein said lip with said lip notches can extend away from said web or towards the opposing said first side wall or said second side wall.

18. A structural framing system comprising:

a first support member and a second support member and a first spacing member with a first end and a second end, and a second spacing member with a first end and a second end connected by connector elements:

the first support member having a first end and a second end and having a web being a planar wall having a first side edge and a second side edge and a first end and a second end with at least a first flange attached to said first side edge and an optional second flange attached to said second side edge with the connector element of a lip extending from said first flange and the optional said second flange with the connector element of a lip extending from said second flange; for

said first spacing member having a longitudinal web with a first side edge and a second side edge, a first end and a second end with a first side wall attached to said first side edge and a second side wall attached to said second side edge extending from said longitudinal web with the connector element of a first side wall notch indented from the distal edge of said first side wall along with the connector element of a second side wall notch indented from the distal edge of said second side wall said first side wall notches and said second side wall notches having an T-shape and setback from said first end and said second end and adaptable to have the component element of both the first lip and the first flange as the component element as the lip of said first support member to be pressured to snuggly fit into and against the L-shape of said first side wall and have the component element of the second lip and the second flange of said first support member to be pressured to snuggly fit into and against the L-shape of said second side wall of said first support member as the lip can be oriented away or toward the longitudinal web or in an opposing dire and therefore requiring side wall notches at each lip-flange connection of the first support member and when connecting to additional adjacent support members and where said;

second spacing member having a similar identical configuration as said first spacing member with a first end and a second end with said first end connected to said first spacing member by extending the first end of said second spacing member over the second end of said first spacing member with a connector element of a first side wall notch and a second side wall notch of said second spacing member able to engage the connector element of the lip-flange of said second spacing member by inserting the lip-flange into said first side wall notches slightly offset and angled to said second side wall notches at said second side wall to engage and fit snug against the perimeter side edges with said T-shaped side wall notches.