INTERLOCKING FRAMING

Abstract

A structural framing system using horizontal spacing bracing members that transverses the support members at the apertures at both ends of the support members by interlocking the perimeter notches of the apertures to the side wall notches of the horizontal spacing bracing member at both the top end and the bottom end of the support members and connected without fasteners. The spacing bracing members can be formed using a one-piece configuration or a two or three-piece configuration. Fireboard can be applied to the metal framing along with fire stops and fireproof materials. The structural framing can be completed at the job site or in a factory and shipped to the job site as prefabricated panels. The same framing members can be used to form beams at door and window openings.

Description

CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuous-in-part pending application U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/456,707, filed on Jun. 22, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,161,699 and this application claims priority to the following:

• • continuous-in-part pending application US this application filed Jul. 20, 2023 that included:
  • provisional application U.S. 63/313,624 filed Nov. 24, 2023 and,
  • provisional application U.S. 63/453,124 filed Mar. 19, 2023 and,
  • provisional application U.S. 63/469,793 filed May 30, 2023 and,
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 17/960,127 filed Oct. 4, 2022 that included:
  • provisional application U.S. 63/088,341 filed Oct. 06, 2022 and,
  • provisional application U.S. 63/313,624 filed Feb. 24, 2022 and,
  • provisional application U.S. 63/282,152 filed Nov. 22, 2021 and,
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 17/871,964 filed Jul. 24, 2022 that included:
  • provisional application U.S. 63/252,615 filed Oct. 5, 2021 and,
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/657,989 filed Nov. 18, 2019 and;
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/525,578 filed Jul. 29, 2019, and;
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/503,324 filed Jul. 3, 2019 and;
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/449,386 filed Jun. 22, 2019 and;
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/439,640 filed Jun. 12, 2019 and;
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/406,289 filed May 8, 2019 and;
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/396,624 filed Apr. 26, 2019 and;
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/354,081 filed Mar. 14, 2019 and;
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/198,831 filed Nov. 22, 2018 and;
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/195,847 filed Nov. 19, 2018 and;
  • continuation-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 15/724,137 filed Nov. 3, 2017 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,442,136 issued Sep. 24, 2019 that included;
  • provisional application U.S. 62/533,092 filed Jul. 16, 2017 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/490,917 filed Apr. 27, 2017 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/485,114 filed Apr. 13, 2017 (now expired) and,
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 15/449,250 filed Mar. 3, 2017 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,683,665 issued Jun. 6, 2016 that included;
  • provisional application U.S. 62/399,434 filed Sep. 25, 2016 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/385,932 filed Sep. 9, 2016 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/378,615 filed Aug. 23, 2016 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/360,041 filed Jul. 30, 2016 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/345,153 filed Jun. 3, 2016 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/308,520 filed Mar. 3, 2015 (now expired) and,
  • continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 15/430,781 filed Feb. 13, 2017 that included;
  • provisional application U.S. 62/264,033 filed Jul. 15, 2015 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/274,134 filed Dec. 31, 2015 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/294,756 filed Feb. 12, 2016 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/298,782 filed Feb. 23, 2016 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/308,520 filed Mar. 15, 2016 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/345,153 filed Jun. 3, 2015 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/385,932 filed Sep. 9, 2016 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/339,434 filed Sep. 15, 2016 (now expired) and;
  • continuation-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 15/295,172 dated Oct. 17, 2016 that included,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/242,705 filed Oct. 16, 2015 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/244,135 filed Oct. 20, 2015 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/264,033 filed Dec. 7, 2015 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/274,134 filed Dec. 15, 2015 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/345,153 filed Mar. 6, 2016 (now expired) and;
  • continuous-in-part of pending application U.S. Ser. No. 15/090,460 filed Nov. 19, 2015 that included,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/143,097 filed Apr. 4, 2015 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/208,766 filed Aug. 23, 2015 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/242,705 filed Nov. 16, 2015 (now expired) and;
  • continuous-in-part of pending application U.S. Ser. No. 14/946,378 filed Mar. 3, 2015 and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/083,276 filed Nov. 23, 2014 (now expired) and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/139,916 filed Mar. 30, 2015 (now expired and,
  • provisional application U.S. 62/170,269 filed Jun. 15, 2015 (now expired) and;
  • continuous-in-part of application U.S. Ser. No. 13/398,243 filed on Feb. 16, 2012, now abandoned, said application Ser. No. 13/398,243 is a continuation-in-part of application U.S. Ser. No. 12/456,707 filed on Jun. 22, 2009 now patent U.S. Pat. No. 8,161,699 and, provisional application U.S. 62/175,191 filed on Jun.12, 2015 (now expired), and provisional application U.S. 61/629,552 filed on Nov. 22, 2011 (now expired), and provisional application U.S. 61/628,044 filed on Oct. 24, 2011 (now expired) the disclosures of the above cited US Patent Applications and US Provisional Applications of the Applicant, including all drawings and all the specifications, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into this US Patent Application. The four applications prior to Mar. 16, 2013:include (U.S. Ser. No. 13/398,243; U.S. 61/629,552; U.S. 61/628,044; and U.S. Ser. No. 12/456,707).

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

PARTIES OR JOINT RESEARCH

Not applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes an interlocking metal framing system where the bottom edge of the metal support members is connected to the floor horizontal bracing member and the top edge of the metal support members are connected to the ceiling spacing-bracing member using interlocking notches to engage and secure the metal framing members together. The spacing-bracing members are U-shape and wrapped around the flanges of the metal support members. The metal support members have intermediate holes in the web and transverse the intersecting spacing-bracing members and for utility access between metal support members. In addition, the top edge and bottom edge of the metal support members at the web have holes with notches to engage the horizontal spacing-bracing members from moving vertically and horizontally or with gaps that allow the metal support members to move vertically within the metal support member gaps. The horizontal spacing-bracing members all have the same profile as a final product, that is, the wall notches or lip notches transverse the aperture in the support member. The spacing-bracing members are described as components but can be a one-piece continuous spacing-bracing member configuration even though a one-piece configuration is difficult to manufacture. The one-two piece spacing bracing member uses two different metal framing configurations, connects them together and shipped as a one-piece configuration. The two-piece configuration is two separate metal framing configurations shipped and manufactured separately but installed together as a final product assembly. A three-piece metal framing system when assembled will appear a one-piece, however a center metal framing member is installed first while the second and third members are installed as part of a separate wall assembly then connected as a fully assembled metal framed wall.

Another aspect of the invention is an insert clip plate that is installed over a base channel having a concave corner bulge at the web-flange corners and into the two concave corner bulges of the base channel at the support members with a short connector segment of the U-shape or hat-shape spacing-bracing member assembly attached to the insert plate. The insert plate can be installed anywhere along a base channel having the corner bulges to interlock the clip configuration to the support members.

The various FIG's show one- or three-piece framing components as the second framing component and or third framing component. The various one- or three-piece framing components typically show a double-lip configuration. The double-lip is referring to a reverse lip spacing-bracing member configuration with a web attached at a first side wall and a second side wall with a first lip and a second lip with lip notches extending from each side wall. When forming a one-piece configuration an adjacent side wall and lip are attached and become a double side wall with double lips having lip notches. The lip notches become the integral component to interlock the base plate with the lip notches into a T-shape or L-shape gap-notch to both ends of a vertical support member. When a reverse-lip spacing-bracing member is attached at the web of a standard U-shaped base channel, then a first side wall extends to become a second side wall extensions or lips with the bent side walls have notches or lip notches. The interlocking connection at the T-shaped or L-shaped gaps in the metal support member has two framing components entering the same L-shaped gap and each of the two framing components has flanges with lips. The center framing component has at least one flange having a double lip end with the double lip having a double lip notch. The double lip spacing-bracing member has a double lip notch at the bend between the first lip and the second lip that is below the first lip and occurs at the web of the metal support member. A pocket is formed when the inner lip forms an L-shape and the end of the inner lip with a double lip notch at the L-shape edge at the center spacing-bracing component when forming a continuous shaped member. On the other hand, the T-shape or L-shape gap allow the center framing component to have different outside configurations and allows the center framing component to be installed to the floor first, then have the wall panel fit over the center framing component with the lip portions engaging into the L-shape or T-shape gaps at the vertical support member. The lip ends with its notches allows the notches of both the metal support member and the spacing-bracing members to engage and interlock between each other thereby securing the two framing members together from vertical and horizontal movement between each other.

The spacing-bracing member does not need to be the full width of the metal support member but can be narrower and function as a connection between the webs of the metal support members. The interlocking notches can be angled or offset to increase friction between the framing members. The spacing-bracing members are connected to the metal support members and anchored to the floor and to a ceiling structure through the web of the spacing-bracing member.

The structural framing system also needs to be flexible allowing for the movement of the horizontal spacing-bracing members due to uneven live loads from people or dead loads from equipment or snow loads that will cause the horizontal spacing-bracing members to move which will then cause the metal support members to move. The movement within the metal framing structure has flexibility to allow the horizontal spacing-bracing members to bend without affecting the structural integrity of the metal support members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Light gauge metal framing consists of vertical and horizontal framing members that are screwed or welded together to form a structural frame for walls, floors and ceiling framing for buildings. The vertical support members are typically a C-shape configuration that connect to a floor base channel or ceiling base channel by placing the support member into the floor base the flanges until aligned within the base channel, fasteners are then installed at the flanges of the floor base plate into the flanges of the support member. In addition, holes are installed into the web of the support members and horizontal bracing members connect the support members together. Early assembly connections had horizontal bracing members supported loosely within the holes, later adding angles to the support member to then connect fasteners to the angles and the horizontal bracing members. Over the years the properties of the metal for structural framing members have changed where the exterior surface of the metal is more abrasive allowing the connection between the horizontal bracing members and the vertical structural framing members to fit temporarily together.

Metal framing has progressed from interior metal framing supports to metal framing components having structural properties for load bearing wall systems and panelized wall systems with the exterior façade being finished and craned into position at and exterior wall. On the other hand, there has been no means to interlock the panelized wall sections to the building structure in a fast and efficient means.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Typically metal framing members are connected by screws or by welding the individual components together. The screws fasteners are used for light gauge framing but are also used for the heavier gauge metal. The bearing walls using metal framing are a heavier gauge metal and the components are connected by fasteners but are also crimped or welded together or threaded bolts with washer are used for heavy gauge metal. Some horizontal bracing members have used rivets or crimping two members together. Prior art has made some improvements to restrict horizontal movement between metal framing members, however, there has been no attempt to eliminate vertical movement without fasteners.

Metal framing has been typically installed when individual components are installed in place at the job site rather than building prefabricated panelized wall sections offsite then installed as panelized wall sections. In addition, vertical and horizontal wall framing members have not been fastened together without screws or welding that is have not been compatible to just click to twist together without the mechanical means of screws or welding. The present invention allows the horizontal and vertical framing members to just mechanically connect two components together. Many variations of a floor base channel have been developed using various notches however, none of the variations have eliminated the flanges for the floor channel base as the flanges of the base channel is used as the connecting means to secure the support member to the base channel. In addition, early attempts of securing the vertical and horizontal members together do not use an aperture in the web at the top and bottom of the support member nor in the service aperture in the middle of the web. In fact, this application shows notches within the service holes and the connection holes at the top and bottom of the support member that include notches. In addition, prefabricated wall panels can be installed over the center U-shape base plate member when the base plate has been firmly secure at the jobsite location. The lips with its notches in the base plate fit into the L-shaped notches at the vertical support member.

The patent by Andrews, Wm U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,043 issued May 29, 2007, U.S. Pat. No. 8,074,416 issue Dec. 13, 2011 changes the shape of the U-shaped floor framing member having V-shaped bulges at the floor track and support member extending inward toward the flanges of the support member that has a recess in the flanges to accommodate the V-shaped protrusion. The patent attempts to connect the two members together without using fasteners, however the patent only prevents vertical movement of the support member with no means of preventing horizontal movement and with no means of forming a screwless framing connection at the header above doors and windows. Daudet, Randy in U.S. Pat. No. 7,739,850 issued Jun. 22, 2010, shows clips used to connect the horizontal beam to the vertical support member. The clips require screws to be fastened to the support member and the beam needs to be connected to the clip. Standard base channel and support member connections are used to support the intermediate support framing above the door. Brady, Todd has several patents U.S. Pat. No. 8,281,544 issued Oct. 9, 2012, U.S. Pat. No. 7,730,695 issue Jun. 8, 2010, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,178,304 issued Feb. 20, 2007, uses clips in the floor base plate to connect to the support member that does not require fasteners, however the clips require fasteners to be secured to the base plate. In addition, Brady uses fasteners to secure a clip to the support member and where the clip needs fasteners to connect to the support member and fasteners to connect to the beam at the door or window opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes an interlocking framing system with metal support members connecting metal framing members together by using notches from both members to interlock together. The notches interlock between each other in such a way that the notches replace screws as the fastening method for connecting metal framing therefore eliminating a screwdriver and the man hours to install screws rather than just snapping notches together. The support members have an aperture at the top end and bottom end of the support member with perimeter notches within the apertures. The perimeter notches have sub-notches within the perimeter notches and the size of the notches vary depending on what the notch is connecting. The sub-notches allow for notches to be L-shape to T-shape to connect crossing framing members. The intersecting metal framing members or referred to as spacing-bracing members connect the top end and bottom end of support members through the apertures. The spacing-bracing members have various configurations of bracing notches that connect to the perimeter notches or sub-notches at the apertures of the support members as well as being installed right-side up or right-side down. The spacing notches engage the perimeter notches is such a way as to eliminate vertical and horizontal movement within the aperture by interlocking the notches together. The notches are spaced apart so additional support members can easily be installed in the metal framing member or spacing-bracing members have different shape configurations with the spacing-bracing member. The spacing-bracing member are anchored directly into the floor or ceiling however, base channels may be installed under the spacing-bracing member and support member, or anchored by a clip having a U-shape configuration or, connected by the spacing-bracing member mounted directly onto the base plate or, the spacing-bracing member is formed as a single component where the base plate and the U-shape spacing-bracing member are formed as a one-piece component to connect the support members to the spacing-bracing member. To form a one-piece component, the spacing-bracing member a double-flange with a double-flange notch similar to the U-shape or hat channel shape of the spacing-bracing member.

The principle of using light gauge metal framing to form a rigid building structure by using only notches as the connection means is unique to the construction industry. To be able to form a metal structural building component by using friction fit interlocking notches is an important aspect of the invention. The aperture having perimeter notches at the top end and bottom end of the support members is unique and important aspect of the invention, because the connection is made at the apertures located at the top end and bottom end of the support members. The interlocking horizontal bracing members with member notches connect the perimeter notches and sub-notches in the aperture at the array of vertical support members to form a metal structure. The spacing-bracing members with the notch configurations interlock to the perimeter notches and sub-notches having indentation openings cut into various connection point locations at the floor and ceiling spacing-bracing member able to connect both members together eliminating vertical and horizontal movement between the members without requiring fasteners. Another aspect of the invention is the floor and ceiling spacing-bracing members connect the support members at the aperture leaving the top end and bottom end of the web, both flange edges and both lips edges open to engage the floor or ceiling. The metal framed walls are required by building and fire codes to protect by fire rated wallboards fastened to the support members. In addition, fire tapping at the floor and ceiling to protect a fire from spreading is required by some code requirements. Fireboard is recommended to be suspended above the floor to prevent moisture penetration into the fireboard and for expansion and contraction of the metal framing and fireboard. With the support members bearing directly onto at the floor, the spacing-bracing member passes through and connects to the perimeter notches and sub-notches of the aperture.

In standard metal framing construction wall board is installed over the support members leaving the flange of the U-shape base channel is exposed. When the spacing-bracing members are used in lieu of the base channel, a gap exists between the support members. Usually, flooring is installed over the floor and baseboards are installed over the wallboard, however a mineral wool fire barrier should be installed at the floor as well as fire tapping has been used lately to reduce fire from spreading between walls. Presently building codes require fasteners and flanges on the floor and ceiling base channel will require to be amended and the metal wall framing, and the firewall boards will have to be tested for various fire ratings and sound deadening characteristics.

The spacing-bracing members having a U-shape configuration with notches or hat-shape configuration with notches located at the: vertical side walls, side walls having multiple bends, lip, lip-flange notches using notches in flanges, lip-flanges, lip notches of the horizontal member have a hat channel shape where lips or bent flanges extend horizontally from the flanges and the lips have notches and the vertical support members have a hole also having a notch where the hole notches of the support member intersect the notches in the lip that intersects the vertical and horizontal members together. The intersecting of vertical support members to horizontal spacing-bracing members is used at the top and bottom of the support member. The same connection variations in the horizontal and vertical support members are used when framing a beam above the door or window opening except the web of the horizontal beam has an extension and that extension is bent forming a finger end at both ends of the beam. The finger ends can have notches where the web extension crosses the hole bottom edge. The horizontal spacing-bracing member with extension notches engages both sides of the web at the hole in the support members. The extension notches are slightly angled, so the hole perimeter side edge engages the side edge of the extension notch. The hole bottom edge can vary in shape depending on manufacturer and the different hole shapes affect how the connection engages the opposing crossing member. The self-locking connections as a one-piece beam has two ribs extending from the web of the beam either having an L-shaped notch in the rib or rib is L-shape rib (meaning a flange with a lip) having notches in the lips.

Another embodiment is the present invention describes a metal framing system having metal support members connect to horizontal spacing-bracing members through the intermediate access holes in the web of metal support members and at the top end and bottom end of the metal support members. The horizontal spacing-bracing members intersect and connect the metal support members by having vertical notches that indent the perimeter side edges of the aperture in the support member ole allowing the spacing-bracing member to overhang the hole letting the notches make the connection. If connection with notches at aperture, then aperture requires a hole notch to eliminate vertical movement. The side edges of the horizontal spacing-bracing members have lip or wall notches that transverse and engage the vertical side edges of the holes or gaps in the metal support member. The track member or beam support can have finger ends with notches at the finger and support member. In addition, the spacing-bracing member has notches in the lips or flange extensions that engage the aperture side edges with the spacing-bracing member overhangs the aperture in the support member. The metal support members have notches at the perimeter side edges of the access hole in the web for the horizontal spacing-bracing members to engage and connect the notches between adjacent metal framing supports. The floor and ceiling horizontal spacing-bracing members formed as a one-piece U-shape component with a left outside flange and a right outside flange with a continuous web configuration having two L-shaped flange-lip extensions between the left outside flange and the right outside flange. The two L-shaped flange-lip extensions each have double-lip notches indented into the double lip at the bend between the first lip and the second lip and located below the first lip for both L-shaped lip extension notches. The metal support member has two L-shaped gaps in the web that correspond to the two L-shaped flange lip extensions at the ceiling and floor horizontal spacing-bracing members for the L-shaped flange-lip extensions with the lip notches engage the gap notches. The double-lip spacing-bracing members have anchor bolts or fasteners to anchor the spacing-bracing member directly to the floor or ceiling or to the base plate where the base plate is directly installed to the floor or ceiling. Several alternative solutions are shown for the side flanges as well as fire protection solution for the metal framing system including mineral wool used as a fire barrier at the floor and ceiling horizontal spacing-bracing member. The gap between the fire wall board can have a fire stop with caulking or other materials to keep a fire from spreading into the wall structure of metal framing. The double lip along with the lip notches add considerable strength to the connection as well as when the lip notches are offset or angled to the opposing lip notches at the opposite side of the horizontal spacing-bracing member reducing or eliminating vertical and horizontal movement. The flexible L-shaped flange lip extensions allow the lip notches to fit snuggly between the L-shaped gaps at the metal support member.

Another aspect of the invention is the horizontal spacing-bracing members show the continuous one piece spacing-bracing member divided into two- or three-piece framing components at the floor and ceiling connections. The two- or three-piece framing components have the web of the metal framing support connected to the first piece of the horizontal spacing-bracing member at the L-shape gap in the support member with the second framing component connected to the first center framing component at the L-shaped gaps connecting the first center component to the second framing component. The interlocking connection at the L-shaped gaps in the metal support member has two framing components entering the same L-shaped gap and each of the two framing components have flanges with lips. The center framing component has at least one flange be a double lip with the double lip having a lip notch. The double lip spacing-bracing member has a lip notch at the bend between the first lip and the second lip that is below the first lip and occurs at the web of the metal support member. The second framing component at the outside flange can be configured in various ways. Some of the outer configurations allow for additional preformed bases to engage the second framing components with or without fasteners and different methods for protecting the metal framing system from fire hazards.

The center reverse lip spacing-bracing member at the base plate has the same configuration as a horizontal spacing-bracing member installed in the access holes of the metal support members connecting adjacent support members. The horizontal spacing member can vary in shape and consist of a web with extending flanges from the web and additional flanges or lips extending from the flanges with flange or lip notches that engage the hole side edges. The lip notches or flange notches are angled and or offset to the lip of flange notches on the opposing flange from the web.

Another aspect of the invention is the floor and ceiling mounted horizontal spacing-bracing member can be installed as a two-step process that is the center inner U-shaped bracing member is installed first and fastened to the floor and ceiling. The outside irregular shaped members are installed over an array of the support members with or without the exterior rigid boards like drywall are installed at the flanges of the support members forming a rigid framing panel. The rigid framing panel is then installed over the center inner U-shaped bracing member, so the lips of the center inner U-shaped bracing member engages the L-shaped notches in the web of the support member interlocking the two members together.

In another embodiment the horizontal beam can be configured without the self-locking connection, but as a U-shape spacer brace having a web with flanges and a web having an extension with hook finger ends. The self-locking connections provide deep ridges that extend from the web of the beam into the interior of the beam. These deep ridges can be formed in a one-piece construction of the beam or can be formed as three components. When used or installed as three components the center component can be installed first, for example the floor mount, where the center component is fastened to the floor and a preassembled wall panel could be formed having the two outside components assembled as part of the preassembled wall panel. The prefabricated wall panel could be an advantage during construction depending on the circumstances. But the ribs do increase the strength of the beam and are necessary when providing self-locking connections. The finger ends of the beam overlap the bottom edge of the hole at the web of the support member. Another type of beam is when the finger ends extend over the top of the web of the support member. A beam increases its strength by inserting an interior beam configuration within the framework of the beam shape. The beam with the finger ends can also be configured to have a raised web with notches so a tab could be extended from the web of the support member to interlock into a self-locking connection. The same connection variations in the horizontal and vertical support members are used when framing a beam above the door or window opening except the web of the horizontal beam has an extension and that extension is bent forming a finger end at both ends of the beam. The finger ends can have notches where the web extension crosses the hole bottom edge. The extension notches engage both sides of the web at the hole in the support members. The extension notches are slightly angled, so the hole perimeter side edge engages the side edge of the extension notch. The hole bottom edge can vary in shape depending on manufacturer and the different hole shapes affect how the connection engages the opposing crossing member. The self-locking connections as a one-piece beam has two ribs extending from the web of the beam either having an L-shaped notch in the rib or rib is L-shape rib (meaning a flange with a lip) having notches in the lips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the reverse lip spacer brace extending the two L-shaped gaps at the bottom edge of the web of the support member.

FIG. 2 shows the reverse lip spacer brace mounted on the base channel at the bottom end that wraps around the flanges of the support member.

FIG. 3 shows an enlargement of the reverse lip spacer brace having the lip notch engage the L-shape web notch at the bottom end of the support member.

FIG. 4 shows the same FIG. 3 except the reverse lip spacer brace is shaded at the L-shaped gap when being extended into the L-shape web notch.

FIG. 5 shows the reverse lip spacer brace mounted directly on the floor with drywall mounted on the support member and a fire rated insulation mounted between the support members.

FIG. 6 similar to FIG. 5 except a U-shaped base plate is installed under the support member and the reverse lip spacer brace with the fireboard raised above the floor.

FIG. 7 similar to FIG. 6 except the base channel has bulges located in the corners for a web and flanges with the insert base extending into the bulges with a reverse lip spacer brace mounted onto the insert base.

FIG. 8 shows an isometric drawing of a one-piece double lip spacer brace similar to FIG. 14, and FIG. 9 shows an elevation view of the L-shape gaps at the web of the support member.

FIG. 10 & FIG. 11 are similar to FIGS. 8 & 9 except the one-piece reverse lip spacer brace is mounted at the top of the support member.

FIG. 12 shows an enlargement of the one-piece double lip spacer brace intersecting the L-shape gap at the support member.

FIGS. 13 & 14 show a three-piece double lip spacer brace where the two outside bases are separated from the center reverse lip spacer brace. The outside bases are different, but the center connection is the same.

FIG. 15 is similar to FIGS. 13 & 14 however the double lip spacer brace is formed as one-piece construction.

FIGS. 16 & 17 both show a three-piece double lip spacer brace, however FIG. 17 shows the center reverse lip spacer brace attached to the floor while the two side bases are attached to the support members with the fireboards attached to the support members.

FIG. 18 is similar to FIG. 8 except FIG. 18 shows the one-piece double lip spacer brace connected to two support members at the aperture forming a beam with intersecting wall members connecting to the beam. FIGS. 19 & 20 show the beam having two different end connections.

FIGS. 21 & 22 show the reverse lip spacer brace having two different configurations as well as two different configurations at the top channel.

FIG. 23 shows a support member installed over an insert clip as shown in FIG. 24 having an insert plate with a flared end and shown in FIG. 7 installed in a base channel.

DESCRIPTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an isometric drawing of a reverse lip spacer brace 301 intersecting a support member 42 at the web 42a. The reverse lip spacer brace is a Ushape framing member having a web 301a with side walls 301b extending from the web 301a and where the side walls 301b are extended to become extended side walls 301bb where the extended side walls 301bb have an indentation cut into the longitudinal side edge of the extended side wall 301bb forming a side wall notch 126p. The extended side wall 301bb has also been referred to as a first lip attached to the first side wall and a second lip attached to the second side wall with both first lip and the second lip have lip notches 126p. The reverse lip spacer brace 301 with the lip notches 126p engages the side edges of the L-shape gap 45e and becomes secured into the L-shape gaps 45e when the lip notches 126p engages the back edge of the L-shaped gap 45e. The L-shaped gaps 45e have tapered side walls so the first and second side walls will bend as the lip 301c and lip notch 126p slide into the L-shape gap 45e. The L-shape gap 45e functions as a web notch 126w where the short segment of the L-shape gap keeps the lip notch 126p secured for vertical movement while the lip notch 126p keeps the reverse lip spacer brace 301 from horizontal movement. Two additional vertical slot gaps 45s are shown at the top end of the support members 42, however the slot gaps 45s can also be L-shaped gaps 45e depending on the function of the gaps.

FIG. 2 shows the reverse lip spacer brace 301 in FIG. 1 installed on a base channel 120 having a web 120a and a first flange and a second flange 120b extending from the web 120a. The support member 42 with the end profile of the web 42a, flanges 42b and lips 42c abut and transverse the web 301a of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 with the flanges 42b, that abut the flanges 301b of the reverse lip spacer brace. The reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the web 301a installed on the web 120a with the first side wall 301b and the second side wall extending into L-shaped gaps 45e. The base channel 120 being connected at the web 120a and connected to the web 301a of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 can be connected at the manufacturing facility or at the construction site where the metal framing members are being installed. The lip notches 126p are shown installed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 with the first lip notches 126p at the first lip 301c being offset to the second lip notches 126p at the second lip 301c forming a friction connection between the first and second lip notches 126p.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show an isometric drawing of intersecting reverse lip spacer brace 301 intersection the web 42a of the support member as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows the web 42a highlighted as shaded with the L-shape notch 45e at the bottom edge of the support member 42. The side edges of the L-shape notch 45e are not angled, however as shown before the side edges can be angled. The head of the e-shape gap at the short L-shape is slightly wider to allow for the lip notch 126p shown in FIG. 4 can bend to be flexible enough to engage the L-shape gap 45e. The bottom edge of the web 42a is shown indented 42ai between the two L-shape gaps 45e. The enlargement clearly shows how the lip notches 126p have the indentation cut opening at the lip 301c edges. One side of the lip notches 126p can have a flare edge similar to FIG. 12 for easy access. In addition, the lip notches 126p can have angled side edges with the lip notches 126p offset to the opposing lip notches 126p. At the opposing side a fire tap installed directly over and under the fire-resistant material 334 to overlap the fire.

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 1 as both FIGS. show the reverse lip spacer brace 301 attached to the floor 40 except hardboard 331 is attached to the flanges 42b of the support members 42. The wallboard 331 is suspended about the floor 140 by a gap 45 that is recommended to reduce moisture penetration and allow for expansion of the wallboards 331. A fire-resistant material 334 is installed between the flanges 42b and over the reverse lip spacer brace 301 and is anchored to the floor 401 by an anchor bolt 354 or other available means to secure the reverse lip spacer brace 301. A fire stop 332 is installed in the gap 45 to eliminate fire penetration between wallboards 331 and the floor 401.

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 2 as the reverse lip spacer brace 301 is used as a means of connecting the support member 42 to the base channel 120. Since the base channel 120 has flanges 120b and the flanges 120b wrap around the flanges 42b of the support member 42, the open space between support members is connected with the flanges 120b of the base channel and side walls, lips and lip notches of the reverse lip spacer brace 301. Integrating the end of the support member with its web 42a, flanges 42b and web 42c resting on the web 120a also helps form a stronger connection. The fire-resistant material 334 are installed between the flanges 42b and over the reverse lip spacer brace 301.

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6 except the base channel 120 has a bulge 120bg at the first flange 120b and the second flange 120b at the web 120a. The bulge 120bg is a concave shape extending outward from the web 120a, having an open area at the interior of the bulge 120bg. An insert clip 366 has an insert plate 366p attached to the bottom side of the web 301a of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 with the width having an angled edge where the angle edge extends into the open area of the bulge 301bg. The insert plate 366p can be connected to the reverse lip spacer brace at a manufacturer plant, or the reverse lip channel can be connected to the insert plate 366p at the job site and connected with fasteners to the web 120a of the base channel 120. The angled edge 366f is installed in the curvature of the first and second bulge 120bg so the angled edge 366f is pressured to fit under the curvature of the open area of first and second bulge 302bg. The insert clip 366 uses a short segment of reverse lip spacer brace 301 that overhangs the length of the insert clip 366 so the lip notches 126p at both ends of the short segment can engage the L-shape web notches 126w at the aperture 36 of the support members 42. After the insert clip 366 is installed in the base channel 120 the support member 42 with the L-shaped gaps is inserted into the lip 301c and lip notches 126p connecting the support member 42 to the reverse lip clip of the insert clip 366. The fire-resistant material 334 is inserted in the base channel 120 and fire-resistant wall board is installed at the flanges 42b of the support member 42. A fire stop 332 is not shown but can be installed under the fireboard as shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 8 is an isometric drawing shows an array of metal support members having a web 42a with extending flanges 42b at both sides of the web 42a and lips 42c extending from the flanges 42b of the metal support members. The metal support members may have holes along the center axis of the web 42a, and L-shape gaps located at the longitudinal ends of the metal support member. The longitudinal end of the metal support member shows a double-lip spacer brace 323 having a continuous metal configuration with an exterior U shape profile having two outer flanges 323ob with an outer web 323oa attached to each outer flange 323ob. The interior profile of the double-lip spacer brace shows an interior web 323ia being substantially perpendicular to the metal support members 42 with the interior web 323ia aligned with the central axis of the web 42a of the metal support member 42. The interior web 323ia has a first L-flange 323fb attached to the side edges of the interior web 323ia and a second L-flange 323sb abutting the first L-flange 323fb forming an upside-down L-shape end. The L-shape end as shown in later FIG's is referred to as the lips and the lips as shown here have double lip notches 126pp. The double lip notches 126pp engage the L-shape gaps 45e in the web 42 of the metal support member. The right L-shaped gap 45e is shown having tapered side edges with a tapered notch 126tp at the end where the double lip notch 126pp engages the web for a tighter fitting connection. The double lip notch 126pp can be slanted or angled so that the left edge of the upper side of the double lip notch 126pp fits tight against the left edge while the lower double lip notch 126pp fits tight against the right edge of the lower double lip notch 126pp. The second L-shape flange 323sb attaches to the outer web 323oa at both sides. The first L-shape flanges 323fb and the second L-shape flanges 323sb are compressed forming double lip flanges and therefore compressing the lips to form double notches 126pp to extend through the L-shape gap 45e allowing the double lip notches 126pp to engage the end of the L-shape gap 45e. FIG. 9, 10 and FIG. 11 show the L-shape gaps 45e having angled sides for easier access into the L-shape gap 45e.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are similar to FIGS. 8 & 9 except the double-lip spacer brace 323 is mounted at the ceiling instead of at the floor. The L-shape gap 45e and the first inside flange and the second inside flange with the double-lip notch 126pp function the same as in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 where the double-lip notches 126pp interlock into the metal support member 42. On the other hand, the L-shape gap 45e is not required to have an L-shape configuration at the metal support members 42 but only required to slide vertically within the slide gap 45s. The double-lip notches 126pp are used as a guide to allow the metal support members 42 to side vertically within the slide gap 45s. The double-lip spacer brace 323 has fastener holes 36f at the web 323a to be connected to the building structural component the building will move due to earthquakes, live load of people, the dead load of movable furniture or equipment. The slide gap 45s is important for variations in the load patterns at the floor load above that affect the structural framing system as being described.

FIG. 12 is an enlargement of FIG. 8 showing one-half of the reverse-lip spacing-bracing member 323 at the right side. The midpoint of the interior web 323ia shows a mirror image between the left side and the right side. The right side shows the continuous horizontal interior web 323ia then bent vertically and then bent horizontally away from the inside web 323ia forming the first L-flange 323fb that includes ½ of the double lip 323cc. The double lip 323cc is complete when continually bending another 180 degrees forming the ½ lip then bent again forming the second L-flange 323sb. The first L-flange 323fb and the second L-flange 323fb with their lips 323cc shows the double lips 323cc having a double lip notch 126cc at the bent section of the double lip notches 126cc with one side edge having a flare side edge 126f. The second L-flange 323sb is bent then bent horizontally forming an outside web 323oa where the outside web 323oa can form outside flanges 323ob to various configurations as shown in FIGS. 3-15. The left side of the double lip spacer brace 323 is a mirror image of the right side. The double lip flanges 323fb with the double lips 323cc increase the resistance to the horizontal and vertical force being applied to the double lip notch 126pp. The double lip notch 126pp can be angle or offset to the opposing double lip notch 126pp at the opposing side.

FIGS. 13-15 shows several configurations of the one-piece construction with the outer web 323oa and outer flanges 323ob having different configurations. In FIG. 13 the out web 323oa extends horizontally from the second L-flanges 323sb under the lip 42c and flange 42b of the support member shown as a C channel 42. In FIG. 13 the outside web 323oa extends past the flange 42b of the support member 42 to approximately the thickness of the wall board attached to the flanges 42ob then bending back to the support member flange 42b and then vertically to be attached to the flange 42b of the support member. The wall board 331 comes in various thicknesses and can be installed in multiple layers depending on the fire rating of the wall construction. In addition, one side of the wall construction will be different from the opposing side, for example an inside wall board requirements versus exterior wall construction requirements. FIG. 14 shows as recessed base where the outside flange 323ob abut the flange 42b of the support member. FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 13 however the wall board 331 is shown installed on the horizontal bend of the outside edge of the outside base 323ob. FIG. 15 shows the reverse-lip spacing-bracing member 323 with the interior web 323ia being connected to the floor with an anchor bolt 354. The interior side flange and the exterior side flange have double lips with double lip notches 126pp. The double lips are installed into the L-shaped gaps 45e of the web 42a of the support member 42. A vinyl base 367 is shown glued onto the wallboard 331 eliminating fire penetrating penetrations into the wall board fireproofing. A fire stop 332 is installed in the gap 45 to eliminate fire penetration between fire wall boards.

FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 11 except the multi-plane spacing-bracing member 319 having angular inner flanges 319ib where the angular inner flanges 319ib with lips 319c have C-shaped ends with lip notches 126p. The lip notches 126p engage the hole side edges 36se shown as a gap 45 with the inner flanges 319ib bending slightly when inserted into the gap 45. The outer flanges 319ob have a slight bend at the outer flange 319ob end that extends underneath the C-shape of the inner lip 319ic. The outer web 319oa and the outer flange 319ob are similar to FIG. 11 but shown here having an anchor bolt 354 extending through the outer webs 319oa.

FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 11 except the multi-plane spacing-bracing member 319 is shown mounted at the ceiling with fasteners. FIG. 16 is the similar to FIG. 15, however the multi-plane spacing-bracing member 319 is a one-piece double-lip spacer brace 323 and connects to the support member at the outer flanges 323ob.

FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 15 where the multi-plane spacing bracing member 319 is shown mounted at the ceiling with a using the three-piece configuration with the center reverse lip spacer brace 301 located in the middle with the inner flanges 319ib with lips 319c have C-shaped ends with lip notches 126p. The lip notches 126p engage the hole side edges 36se shown as a gap 45 with the inner flanges 319ib where the double lip notch at the inner and outer flanges with the double lip can slide vertically within the L-shape gap as the L-shape gap 45e is a slide gap 45s that is wider than the L-shape gap allowing the double-lip notch to side vertically with the slide gap 45s. The slide gap 45s can also be used at the floor allowing the structural framing structure to slide horizontally and vertically within the slide gap 45s if the support members 42 are connected. The outside flanges 319ob have lips 319oc with extensions have V or L shapes to connect to other types of bases like vinyl, wood, or other decorative base products. Two layers of fireboard 331 are shown as well as fire-stopping tape. FIG. 17 shows the three-piece connection separated, that is the two outer flanges 319ob can be installed as part of a prefabricated wall where the outer flanges 319ob are installed in a factory and connected to the support member 42. The outside flanges 319ob are connected to the flanges 42b of the support member 42 and the web 319a are installed under the longitudinal first end or second end of the support member 42. Another outer side flange is connected against the web gap 45e along with a lip notch 126p engaging the T-shape gap 45e. Wallboard can be installed at a factory allowing the prefabricated panel to be installed at the job site. In anticipation of a prefab panel, a C-shape multi-plane spacing bracing member 319 is installed on the floor at the web 319a with fasteners. The inner flanges 319ib are attached to both side edges of the web with the flanges 319b having lips 319c shown extending inward to the opposing lip 319c with each lip 319c having a lip notch 126p that engages the inner edge of the T-shaped gap 45e. As the prefab panel is lowered onto the C-shaped inner multi-plane spacing bracing member 319, the lip 319c will engage the gap 45e forcing the flanges 319b to bend allowing the lip 319c with the lip notch 126p to engage the T-shape gap 45e. The flanges 319b are shown with extension 319e to help support the wallboard installed over the support member 42.

FIGS. 18-20 shows two different corner framing details where a support member supports the beam 42 on each side of said beam. FIGS. 18 & 19 show the one-piece beam and FIG. 20 shows a two-piece beam. The one-piece beam 323 is shown with a beam track 323ob having a web 323a with an attached first flange 323b and a second flange 323b. The web 323a of the beam track 323 abuts the web 42a of the support member 42 with a center portion of the web 323a at the beam track 323 being slightly wider than the width of the aperture 36 extending through the aperture 36 of the first support member 42 and a second support member 42. The web 323a of the track beam 323 with web notches 126w engaging the perimeter side edges 36se of the aperture 36 and the web 323a or web arm 127 extends into and over the bottom edge of the aperture 36. The bent arm 127 is against the opposing side of the web 42a of the support member 42, with the bent arm 127 having fastener holes 36f should a fastener be required to secure the beam track member 323. The two-piece beam shows the base channel 120 installed in the aperture 36 where the web 120a and flanges 120b abut the second plane of the web 42a of the support member 42, with a center section of said web 120a extends into the aperture 36 over the perimeter bottom edge 36be having the web end having a bent arm 127 bent against the opposing first plane of said web. In FIG. 20 a reverse lip spacer brace 301 is installed over the web 120a of the base channel with the reverse lip spacer brace 301 extending through the aperture at both ends of the beam member. The reverse lip spacer brace 301 has a web 301a with a first side wall 301b and a second side wall 301b with each side wall having a lip 301c attached to engage the perimeter side edges 36se of the aperture 36 with the reverse lip spacer brace 301 being connect by varies means to the web 120a of the base channel 120. Additional support members having the L-shape or T-shape perimeter notches in the apertures at the first end and the second end are installed at the lip notches 126p, and additional lip notch 126p can be cut into the lip 301c to add additional support members 42.

FIG. 21 shows two reverse lip spacer braces 301 connected by a support member shown as a C channel 42 has a web 42a with extending flanges 42b and outwardly extending lips 42c with longitudinal edges of the lips 42c having a lip notch 126p with a flare edge 126f. The reverse lip spacer brace 301 shown at the top edge of the support member is also shown in FIGS. 22 and the dorsal side of the web 301a is against the floor. The support member is shown with the web 42a having two L-shaped gaps 126e where the flanges 301b and lip 301c would intersect the web 42a. The web 42a of the support member is narrow at the L-shaped gaps 45e and is wide enough for the flange 301b and lip 301c to slide into. The flange 301b will bend ventrally inward when the lip 301c and flange 301b are inserted into the narrow portion of the L-shaped gap 45e, The opposing L-shaped gap 45e will also be inserted at the same time. The lips 301c will become slanted downward as pressure is applied to insert the lips 301c into the L-shaped gap 45e. The lips 301c could be slanted initially in order to more easily fit into the L-shaped gap 45e. Once the lips 301c are completely inserted into the L-shaped gap 45e the lip 301c will flex back into their original position when the lips 301c reach the web notch 126w at the top of the L-shaped gap 45e. The web gap 45w or a web indentation 42ai is more clearly shown in FIG. 3 and the lip notch 126p is more clearly shown in FIG. 4. When the lip notch 126p is oriented to the longitudinal direction of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 and the web notch 126w which is oriented in the direction of the C channel 42 cross, the vertical and horizontal notches become a self-locking secured connection between the two framing members. The web 42a between the L-shaped gaps 45e at the bottom edge of the support member describes the notched-tab 126nt with the notched-tab notches 126ntn and head 126nth as previously described in other notched-tabs.

FIG. 22 shows a U-shaped spacer brace 302 has its dorsal side of the web 302a mounted against the ceiling with its flanges 302b extending downward. A rounded shape bulge 302g is shown extending outward from the flange 302b and in the middle of the longitudinal oriented bulge 302g shows a bulge notch 126bg that is in alignment with the web 42a of the support member. The bottom reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the dorsal side of its web 301a fastened (not shown) to the floor with its flanges 301b extending upward and its lips 301c extending outward. A bulge 301g is shown extending outward from the web 301a protruding outward from the flange 301b so a bulge notch 126g can be located in the bulge 301g aligned with the web 42a of the support member. Again, the top and bottom spacer braces are mounted at floor and ceiling and the support member has its web 42a with its sliding gaps 45s inserted into the flanges 302b & 301b. The bottom end of the support member also has a slide gap 45s but is shown with a slide notch 126s at the end and aligned so the slide notch 126s is on the flange sides of the slide gap 45s. After the web 42a is inserted in the flanges 301b at the slide gap 45s of the L-shaped gap 45e, then the lip 301c is inserted into the slide gap 45s and adjusted to fit into the two slide notches 126s in both slide gaps 45s and the support member is then slid horizontally so the web 42a can fit into the bulge notches 126bg. One end of the web 302a is bent to form a hook finger 127 at one end of the reverse lip spacer brace 301. At the top of the support member additional vertically oriented web slot holes 36ws are shown and are aligned with the slide gaps 45s above. Should a support member need to be cut shorter, the web slot holes 36ws would then be used as the slide gaps 45s.

FIG. 23 shows a support member 42 installed over an insert clip 366 and FIG. 24 shows the insert clip 366 separately without the support member 42. FIG. 23 shows the aperture 36 having the L-shaped gap 45e at the first and second end of the support member. The top gap 45 can just be a straight gap as shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 allowing the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 with the first and second side walls with the lip 301c and the lip notches 126p to engage the side edges of the L-shape gap and allowing the side walls 301b and lip 301c to flex and be able to slide vertically and bend while being pressured to extend into the gap 45. The size of the insert plate 366p can be slightly larger than the support member 42 or can be longer to fit under the reverse lip spacer brace 301. FIG. 24 shows the smaller version of the insert plate 366p with a flared end 366f and is also shown in FIG. 7 where the insert clip 366 is installed in a base channel 120 fitting over the web 120a and between the two flanges 120b and installed in the bulges 301bg. The insert clip 366 can be installed anywhere along a base channel 120 where the support member 42 will be installed and can be installed at the job side or in a manufacturing facility prior to shipping. The insert clip 366 is meant to bend as one end is installed under the bulge 301bg then the opposing end is installed in the opposing bulge 301bg and will bend until fitting snuggly into the bulge 301bg. A fastener hole 36f in the insert plate is shown for a fastener to be installed and engage the building structure.

It is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact details of operation or structures shown and describing in the specification and drawings, since obvious modifications and equivalents will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The flexibility of the described invention is very versatile and can be used in many different types of building applications.

Glossary Terms

36 hole or aperture; 36se-hole side edge, 36be-hole bottom edge, 36te-hole top edge, 36p-hole protrusion, 36pn-protrusion nodule, 36fs-flange slot hole, 36v-V shape hole, 36r-round hole

42 support member, 42a-web, 42b-flange, 42c,

45 gap, L-shaped gap, 45s-slide gap, 45t T-shape gap

79 ledge

120 base channel, a-web, b-flange, 120bg-bulge

126 notch, 1tp 26p-lip notch, 126w-web notch, 126pp-double lip notch,

126tp-tapered notch, 126f-flare edge

127 finger, bent arm

129 receiver, 129sh-receiver slot hole

156 reverse lip channel, 156a-web, 156b-flange

202 V channel, 202a-web, 202b-flange, 202c-lip

299 V shaped spacer brace, 202a-web, 202b-flange, 202c-lip

301 reverse lip spacer brace, 30a-web, 302b-flange, 302c-lip, 301e-extension,

301g-bulge, 301ce-extended lip, 301cc-lip extension, 301bb extended side wall

302 U shaped spacer brace, 302a-web, 302b-flange, 302c-lip, 302cc-added lip, 302g-bulge

319 multi-plane spacing-bracing member, 319e-extension, 319b-flange, 319ic-inner lip, 319c-lip, 319ib-inner flange, 319ob-outer flange

323 double-lip spacer brace, 323a-web, 323b-flange, 323fb-first flange, 323sb-second flange, 323oa-outer web, 323ob-outer flange, 323ia-interior web, 323ib-interior flange, 323b-outer flange

331 fire board or hardboard

332 fire stop

332 fire resistant material

354 anchor bolt

366 insert clip, 366p-insert clip plate

367 vinyl base

Claims

1. A structural framing system for a wall, the framing system comprising:

a first spacing member being a lower spacing brace comprising;

a lower web attached to a first side wall having multiple planes, connected to a first side wall extension and said web attached to a second side wall connected to a second side wall extension extending upward from said web, with an indentation opening cut into said first side wall extension forming a first side wall notch, and said second side wall extension with an indentation opening cut into said second side wall extension forming a second side wall notch, with said first side wall notch and said second side wall notch being align and angled off center to be not aligned as said first side wall notch being offset to said second side wall notch;

a second spacing member being a upper spacing brace comprising:

a upward web attached to a first side wall having multiple planes, connected to a first side wall extension and said web attached to a second side wall connected to a second side wall extension extending downward from said web, with an indentation opening cut into said first side wall extension forming a third side wall notch, and said second side wall extension with an indentation opening cut into said second side wall extension forming a fourth side wall notch, with said third side wall notch and said fourth side wall notch being align and angled off center to be not aligned as said third side wall notch being offset to said fourth side wall notch;

a plurality of support members spanning between said lower spacing brace and said upper spacing brace, longitudinally spaced apart between said support members at said side wall notches

wherein said support member having a web with an attached first flange and attached lips, plus said web attached to a second flange opposite said first flange with attached lips, said first end having two apertures in said web and a second end having a two apertures in said web, with said first aperture having perimeter side edges with an open perimeter side attached to a first perimeter side with a first perimeter notch and attached to a second perimeter side with a back perimeter side attached to said notch side edge and said second perimeter notch forming a L-shape configuration and a second perimeter aperture having a mirror image of said first perimeter notch but in reverse as the L-shape notch configuration is protruding in the opposing direction at the first end and at said second end having the same two apertures as said first end;

wherein said upper spacing brace engages said apertures at said second end of said support member transverses said upper spacing brace at the third and fourth side wall extensions for said third and fourth side wall notches to bend allowing said wall notches to engage the perimeter notches at said second end, and said aperture at said first end of said support member transverses the first and second side wall extension and said first and second side wall notches at said lower spacing brace to bend allowing said wall notches to engage perimeter notches at said first end.

2. The structural framing system according to claim 1 wherein said support member with said first end having a one aperture in said web and said second end having a one aperture in said web, with said apertures having perimeter side edges with an open perimeter side attached to a first perimeter side with a first perimeter notch and attached to a second perimeter side with a second perimeter side with a back perimeter side and a back perimeter side in alignment with a side edge of said first and second perimeter notches forming a T-shape notch configuration at said first end and at said second end.

3. The structural framing system according to claim 1 wherein said first spacing member at said first side wall and second side wall have bulges protruding outwardly from said web and said bulges can have bulge notches to engage said perimeter side edges.

4. The structural framing system according to claim 1 wherein said first and second side walls and said first and second side wall extensions have angular side walls.

5. The structural framing system according to claim 1 wherein said first spacing member with said first and second side wall notches have angled side wall notches in relation to the longitudinal axis of said first spacing member and aligned with said first and second side wall notch but offset between said first side wall notch and said second side wall notch.

6. The structural framing system according to claim 1 wherein said second spacing member with said third and fourth side wall notches have angled side wall notches in relation to the longitudinal axis of said second spacing member and aligned with said third and fourth side wall notch but offset between said third side wall notch and said fourth side wall notch.

7. The structural framing system according to claim 6 further comprising said first spacing member at said first end and a second spacing member at the second end to the floor and ceiling structure with said longitudinal web and said second spacing member connected to a ceiling structure at said web with said support members having a fireboard applied to said first flange and second flange of the support members with a fire resistant material between said first flange and said second flange and against the floor structure.

8. The structural system according to claim 1 further comprises said second end of said support member with an upper track having a track web attached to a third track flange and said track web attached to a fourth track flange wrapped with said track web with said third and fourth track flanges wrapped around said first and second flanges of said support member, with said first end of said support member with a lower track having a track web attached to a first track flange and said track web attached to a second track flange wrapped around said first and second flanges of said support member, with said web of said second spacing member connected to said track web of said upper track and said web of said first spacing member connected to said track web of said lower track.

9. The structural system according to claim 9 wherein said upper track at said second end with said second spacing member or said lower track at said first end with said first spacing member form a one-piece framing member with an inner U-shape center component having a center web attached to a first center flange and a center web attached to a second center flange, and two outer U-shape components being a continuation of said first center flange with a first outer U-shape component forming a first double flange using said first center flange connected to a first outer flange with an first outer web attached to a first outer support flange, and a second outer U-shape component being a continuation of said second center flange forming a second double flange using said second center flange connected to a second outer flange with a second outer web attached to a second outer support flange, with said first outer flange wraparound said first flange of said support member, and said second outer flange wraparound said second flange of said support member, with said first and second double flange having a additional horizontal bend with said first and second double flange have a double-flange notch or L-shape configuration extending into said support member.

10. The structural system according to claim 9 wherein said one-piece framing member has three separate components with a center component has said center web attached to said first and second center L-shape flanges with a first flange notch and second flange notch, and said and two outer U-shape components each having an L-shape outer flange with an outer flange notch connected to said outer web and said outer support flange, with said center component able to be installed as a separate component with said two outer U-shape components installed at the first end and the second end of said support member with said aperture having said perimeter notches and installed over said center component with said first and second wall notches at said center wall flanges.

11. The structural system according to claim 1 further comprises a fireproof wallboard applied against and fastened over an array of said support members with said apertures having perimeter notches to engage said upper spacing brace and said lower spacing brace connected to said perimeter notches at the first and second ends of said support members with a fireproof wallboard connected with fasteners over said array of support members and a fire resistant material applied over said lower spacing brace and said upper spacing brace with a variable height depending on the degree of fire resistance desired for the fireproofing needs at a particular wall construction.

12. The structural system according to claim 1 wherein said upper track and said lower track has said longitudinal web with said first outer flange and said second outer flange attached to said longitudinal web with said first and second outer flanges has a bulge extending away from said web and said first and second outer flanges with a space in said bulge for an inner plate, with said inner plate having a curl edge extending at the first and second side edges with said curl edge fitting into the concave shape of the space at said first and second bulges, with a short segment of said upper or lower spacing brace being mounted by mechanical means to said inner plate with a rectilinear shape slightly larger then the profile at said first and said second end of said support member.

13. The structural system according to claim 12 wherein the short segment of said spacing brace with side walls having side wall notches and mounted on said inner plate with said curl edges angled upward, but formed as a one-piece configuration having said U-shape center spacing brace with said center web with said attached first inner flange and said web with said attached second inner flange extended with said first inner flange bent 180 degrees forming a first double flange with an inner plate having a first curl edge, and said attached second inner flange extended with said second outer flange bent 180 degrees forming a second double flange with an inner plate having a second curl edge forming a short one-piece configuration, with said double flanges have an L-shape with flange notches at the bend of said double notches.

14. The structural system according to claim 13 wherein said short one-piece configuration having a connecting plate with said first and second curl ends fits tight into the acute shape first and second bulge at said upper and lower track with said flange notches at said double flanges engages said first and second aperture of said support member.

15. A structural framing system having a support member interlock a spacing member comprising:

a support member having a web with an attached first flange and an attached second flange opposite said first flange with said web forming a planar wall with said support member having at least one end with said web with an aperture cut into a first planar side and a second planar side at said web at longitudinal end with said aperture having perimeter side edges, with an open perimeter side at the long leg of an inverted L-shape notch configuration or the T-shape notch configuration; for

said spacing member having a web with an attached first side wall and an attached second side wall with said first side wall having a first side wall extension with an indentation opening cut into said first side wall extension forming a first side wall notch, and said second side wall having a second side wall extension with an indentation opening cut into said second side wall extension forming a second side wall notch, with said first and second side wall notch have angled notches with said first side wall notch offset to said second side wall notch;

wherein the perimeter notch configuration at the end of said support member engage and transverse said spacing member at said first and second side wall notches by bending said first and second side walls and said first and second side wall extensions into said first and second wall notches forming a friction fit connection with said first and second side wall notches engaging said notch back edge and notch side edges at said perimeter notch.

16. A structural framing system for a wall with an opening, the framing system comprising:

a support member for a beam with an opening comprising;

said first support member having a web with an attached first flange and attached lips, plus said web attached to a second flange opposite said first flange with attached lips, and having a first end and a second end, and having an aperture extending through a first support side and a second support side of said web with a first perimeter side edge opposite said second perimeter side edge and a third perimeter side edge with a fourth perimeter side edge opposite said third perimeter side edge and said fourth perimeter side edge being the bottom edge of said aperture at a first support member and an identical second support member having a third support side and a fourth support side;

and said beam and the bottom edge of said beam and said web being the side edge of the opening and said opening requires two support members with at least one support member at each side of opening and with said flanges and said lips extend away from said opening;

a beam between two support members:

said beam having a first end and a second end spanning between said first support member and said second support member, said beam having a beam web attached to a first beam flange with said beam web attached to a second beam flange opposite said first beam flange extending above and away from said beam web with said beam web and said first and second beam flanges abut said second support side at said first support member with said beam web setback from said first and second bent flanges forming a first web extension at said first end with an indentation cut into said beam extension forming a first beam extension notch at said first perimeter side edge, and a second beam extension notch at said second perimeter side edge of said first aperture for said first beam extension to engage said first support side of said second support side, and for said first and second beam flanges abut said third support side at said second support member with said beam web setback from said first and second beam flanges at said second end forming a second web extension with an indentation cut into said beam extension forming a third beam extension notch at said first perimeter side edge and a fourth beam extension notch at said second perimeter side edge of said second aperture for said second beam extension to engage said third support side of said fourth support side, and with said first beam extension having a hook end to engage said first support side of said first support member and a hook end to engage said fourth support side of said second support member;

a beam spacer brace member reinforcement and wall connection:

a beam having a structural core with a spacer brace member insert having a longitudinal web with an attached longitudinal first side wall connected to a first side wall extension and said longitudinal web with an attached longitudinal second side wall connected to a second side wall extension with said first side wall extension having an indentation cut into said first side wall extension for a first side wall notch, and said second side wall extension with said second side wall extension having an indentation cut into said second side wall extension for a second side wall notch at the first end, and the second end of said beam spacer brace member having said first side wall extension having an indentation cut into said first side wall extension for a third side wall notch and said second side wall extension having an indentation cut into said second side wall extension for a fourth side wall notch with said third side wall notch engage said third perimeter side edge and said fourth side wall notch engage said fourth perimeter side edge of the second aperture of said second support member with said third and fourth side wall notches extend past said second aperture and setback from said second end, and said beam spacer brace member having a fixed or loose connection between said web at said beam member and said web of said beam spacer brace member;

a connection of said beam, beam spacer brace member and said wall support members:

said beam and said beam spacer brace member form the reinforcement of said beam and said beam spacer brace member with said one or two apertures at said first end of said first support member and said second support member with said beam spacer brace member with said first and second perimeter notches traverse and engage said first and second apertures by forcing said side walls, side wall extension and said side wall notches to bend and engage at said first end and said second end of said first and second support members along with an array of support members engaging said beam and said beam spacer brace side wall notches.

17. The structural framing system for a wall with opening according to claim 16 wherein said beam of a web with first and second side wall and first and second extension side walls with a first and second side wall notches have some of the same characteristics as said structural framing system for a wall.

18. The structural framing system for a wall with a beam according to claim 16, wherein said first support member with a first aperture and said second support member with a second aperture have said first and second apertures in alignment at said web and said fourth side edge of said aperture in alignment with the bottom edge of said beam.

19. The structural framing system for a wall with a beam according to claim 16, wherein beam and said beam spacing brace member are formed as a single continuous framing member having said first and second end characteristics as described in a two-piece