Abstract: A pre-manufactured reinforcement structure comprising elongate side, top and bottom members connected by metal comer connectors into a rectangular frame and elongate brace members extending between the side members and forming, with the side members, adjacent triangular structures along the entire lengths of the side members.

Abstract: A shear panel configured to fit between adjacent studs in a stud wall is described. The shear panel in one embodiment of the present invention includes an elongate I-shaped member, a top shear cap, and a bottom shear cap. The elongate I-shaped member includes a central region and two opposing flanges extending longitudinally along opposing outer edges of the central region. The elongate I-shaped member is configured to fit between adjacent studs with the flanges in face to face contact with the faces of the adjacent studs. Each shear cap includes an elongate flat section, a first elongate leg section, and a second elongate leg section. The first and second leg sections extend perpendicularly from the elongate flat section, and the leg sections are configured so that an end of the central region of the I-shaped member fits between the legs.

Abstract: A shear frame assembly of the type having a pair of tensioned diagonal straps that provide resistance to shear loads. The shear frame assembly includes a pair of laterally opposed vertical supports each having a first end portion and each vertical support has an aperture in its first end portion. The aperture is sized to receive one of the tensioned diagonal straps therethrough. Transverse top and bottom plates extend between the end portions of the vertical supports. A strap-alignment member is positioned in each aperture and each alignment member is positioned to receive and align the tensioned strap within the aperture. A force distributing member is positioned in each aperture and interposed between the alignment member and the respective vertical support. Each vertical support is formed by three studs that are connected together by bands that wrap around the studs so as to sandwich the middle stud between inner and outer studs.

Abstract: A truss-like brace assembly for a wall of a building has a peripheral frame defined by a pair of stiles, a top member and a bottom member, where diagonal braces and horizontal cross-braces triangulate the frame. The brace assembly is close fit in a cavity in the wall (10, 110) and the stiles, top member and bottom member are fixed to the adjacent studs, top wall plate and bottom plate to provide structural bracing in the longitudinal plane of the wall.

Abstract: The reinforcing brace frame is utilized in building walls as a complete system of protection against both the severe shear stress and uplifting encountered during tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes. The reinforcing brace frame includes two vertically-spaced horizontally extending frame members joined at their opposite ends to two horizontally-spaced vertically extending frame members, and a diagonal member rigidly connected to opposite ends of the horizontally extending frame members. The reinforcing brace frame can also include spaced vertical support members between the vertical frame members. The reinforcing brace frame is directly attached to a concrete foundation by shear bolts and hold down bolts. Consequently, the reinforcing brace frame provides increased resistance against simultaneous shear stress and uplifting, eliminating the need for plywood shear panels.

Abstract: A longitudinal stabilizing system for a premanufactured building having support joists extending along the length of the underside of the building and being supported above the ground by upright piers. The system comprises at least one foundation plate, a joist connector, a plate connector, and a rectilinear strut. The foundation plate is placed between the pier and the ground. The joist connector attaches to the joist of the building. Plate clamps may be used in conjunction with the joist connector to grasp the joist. The plate connector attaches to the foundation plate. The strut is attached to the joist connector at one end and the plate connector at the other end such that the strut slopes downward from the joist towards the ground.

Abstract: Wood framed walls of buildings are strengthened against destructive wind and seismic forces by spaced lengths of vertical wire rope having enlarged bulbous portions swagged on each end. A metal sleeve and a metal plate are slipped onto such lengths prior to swagging. Other lengths of wire rope only having bulbous portions are connected to attachments after forming a cross brace, and at least one cross brace is located in each major wall of a one-story building. The cross brace can be attached to a foundation structure of the building below a floor plate and/or to a stud and floor plate. The foundation structure may be concrete or other floor joist or the like. The wire ropes, may be located on a first story with another cross brace on another story thereabove with metal rods therebetween or the wire ropes forming two generally vertical cross braces may be formed from a pair of wire ropes with two metal sleeves between the stories through which the wire ropes extend.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a cast material for the fabrication of walls and ceilings of a structure which has two latticework beams interconnected by spaces using plastic plugs extending through aligned bores of the spacers and the longitudinal chords of the beams. The beams themselves have the longitudinal chords connected together by zig-zag strips and the longitudinal chords, zig-zag strips and spacers are all formed from galvanized sheet steel.

Abstract: Bridging is provided for use in joining joists or like construction elements so as to increase the strength and stability of those elements. The present invention utilizes flexible strapping to create the bridging structure, wherein a first flexible strap is attached to a first joist and a second flexible strap is attached to a second joist. The bridging structure is created by aligning the straps between the joists and joining the straps together. The various flexible straps can be directly attached to the joists, however when applied to wooden joists, stiffened supports are preferably positioned between the joists and the flexible strapping. The stiffened supports spread the force of the flexible strapping and prevent the strapping from deforming the material of the joist. To add to the integrity of the bridging structure, the stiffened supports can be mechanically or adhesively joined to the joists and the flexible strapping can be mechanically or adhesively joined to the stiffened supports and joists.

Abstract: A floor sag eliminator that includes a floor plate assembly which is configured to be fastened to the underside of an existing floor between adjacent joists. One or more support arms are pivotally connected to the floor plate assembly at one of their ends. The other ends of the support arms are configured to engage and be retained by the side walls of floor joists. The support arms cooperate with the floor joists to provide support to the floor and to eliminate the sag.

Abstract: Stabilizer bars (28) and (30) extend across the lengths of the I-beam joists (12) and (14), beneath the piers (16) and (18). Tie down anchors (32) and (34) are placed in abutment with the outer ends of the stabilizer bars, so that the anchors cannot be pulled and bent toward the manufactured home due to the forces in the anchor ties (101) and (110). Tie down shoes (50) and (51) are mounted at the lower portions of the piers (16) and (18), and ties (101, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110) are connected to the tie down shoes so as to increase the resistance of the manufactured home (11) from shifting laterally and from lifting off the foundation.

Abstract: The improved reinforcing brace frame is utilized in building walls and the like to increase their resistance to severe stress such as it encountered during earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, cyclones and other high wind situations. The frame is all metal, preferably steel and includes a vertically spaced pair of horizontally extending frame members joined at their opposite ends to a spaced pair of vertically extending frame members. The frame also includes a diagonal member rigidly connected to opposite ends of the horizontally extending frame members. Preferably, each of the horizontal frame members and the diagonal member include a pair of telescoping members so that the brace frame can be expanded and contracted in width to fit into a desired wall space. In one embodiment, the vertically extending frame members also each include a pair of telescoping members to control the heighth of the brace frame.

Abstract: A shear resisting member of a frame structure comprising four triangular cross-section beams, each beam or stud formed from a single piece of cold formed sheet steel which is bent lengthwise along four parallel lines to form a triangular cross-section with two wings or flanges, side-by-side, extending from its apex. Within the frame structure of the shear resisting member, two frame beams have first beam lengths corresponding to the longer dimension of the opening in the wall to be reinforced, which are disposed parallel to each other. The other two beams have second beam lengths substantially shorter than the first beam lengths, the second beam length corresponding to the spacing between the frame studs or truss members of the structure being reinforced. Gussets are attached along the lengths of the wings or flanges of the second beams and the ends of the first beams to fasten the frame structure together.

Abstract: Partially fabricated building systems include pre-fabricated wall panel subassemblies formed of steel tubing. A subassembly includes a rigid frame defining a shallow rectanguloid volume with an outer face and an inner face. The frame includes at least one horizontal dividing member, a plurality of vertical support members, some located above and others below the horizontal dividing member(s), with a surface of the vertical support members oriented flush with an outside face of the frame, a plurality of strut members oriented at an angle to the vertical and horizontal extend between at least one portion of said frame across at least some of the vertical support members and are rigidly connected thereto with an outer surface of said strut members being oriented flush with the inner face of the frame. A number of steel post oriented in a vertical, spaced apart relationship, are rigidly connected to the inner face of the frame.

Abstract: A truss structure utilizing three open channeled rigid members or chords which are preferably made of metallic material. A web constructed of at least two spanning members that are angularly attached to one another, are connected to the first, second, and third channel members. First and second open channel members are each connected to one another at one end and to the third rigid open channel member at the other end to form a triangular structure with the web portion in between. Structural elements are connected to the web and are capable of lying within the open channel members to permit interlinkage between the web and the chords to complete the truss structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to construction and building toys, blocks and the like for children and structurally similar construction and building materials and components for building retaining walls, support structures and lattices, trellises, and enclosed structures and other self supported units comprised of a plurality of individual, modular, high-shear panels, and more particularly, to a plurality of cross members having discrete and individual openings at various and specific locations within the cross members and a plurality of tubular or cylindrical or other cross-sectional shaped lateral members, the lateral members being set into the openings within the cross members such that, upon assembly, modular, high shear strength panels are created.

Abstract: A cross-brace for a pair of joists has inclined brace members extending in vertical X-shaped array and a horizontal member rigidly connecting outer ends of two of the brace members and forming a horizontal strut between the outer ends. The cross-brace has flat lateral extremities, with flat vertical laterally outermost surfaces, for surface-to-surface abutment with opposed sides of the joists, the flat lateral extremities allowing the cross-brace to be entirely accommodated between the opposed sides of the joists.

Abstract: A metal frame structure of the type employing two chords (11) extending in generally the same longitudinal direction and having a plurality of webs (12) extending in zig-zag configuration between the chords (11). The webs (12) are secured to the chords (11) at a plurality of frame joints (13). At each frame joint adjacent webs have opposed flattened end portions (22) which extend in overlapping relation along the inner sides of a respective chord (11) and are secured to the chord by transversely spaced fasteners (14).

Abstract: A cross-brace for connection to a pair of parallel conventional joists comprises elongate brace members assembled to form a X-shaped array, with a pair of vertical reinforcement members extending between outer ends of the brace members. The brace members and reinforcement members are connected to one another and, when the cross-brace is assembled with the joists, the reinforcement members abut mutually opposed sides of the joists. When I-beams are employed, the outer ends of the brace members and the opposite ends of the reinforcement members cooperate to form right-angled notches for snugly receiving longitudinal beam members, which are interconnected in pairs by web members against which the reinforcement members abut. The web members are connected by dovetail joints to the beam members instead of simply being inserted in a conventional manner into slots in the beam members.

Abstract: The invention provides an eave truss for anchoring, supporting and reinforcing a metal roof and "tilt-up" or other prefabricated concrete or masonry walls in a building against the vertical load exerted by the roof itself, the lateral load exerted by wind and seismic forces, and load caused by thermal expansion and contraction of various attached heterogeneous building components. The eave truss is supported by the roof beams, and a single eave truss is attached to the roof, the ends of the roof beams, and the wall along the full length of each end of the building. The eave truss attachment to the wall is in shear only at the center portion of the truss; all other attachments to the walls from the eave truss are made through horizontally slotted holes in the eave truss to allow normal thermal expansion and contraction of the heterogeneous parts.

Abstract: A joist bridging component comprising a one-piece molded plastic member generally of X-shape having crossheads at the ends of the diagonals of the X adapted for being nailed facewise against joists and to act as gauges for establishing the joist spacing.

Abstract: A warpable beam allowing a controlled degree of torsional resistance. The beam is formed with an open cross-section channel-shaped structural element (24) that includes a plurality of planar structural elements (28) or (32) that are positioned within the open section and that define the cross sectional shape. A plurality of diagonal structural element s(46) or (48) positioned transversely within the open section and interfaced with the planar elements transmitting shear across segments. A plurality of points of restraint (50) control the warping of the beam as a result of their relative motion. Further, oppositely inclined diagonal elements in different segments are connected in such a manner as to allow relatively free longitudinal motion while transmitting loads. The beam may be used for bridges or boat docks or as a leading edge spar (57) of an airfoil.

Abstract: A diagonal ceiling brace for ceiling suspension systems. The ceiling suspension system contains a plurality of parallel longitudinal beams and a plurality of parallel cross beams. The longitudinal beams and the cross beams are connected to each other at intersecting junctions. The diagonal ceiling brace comprises an elongated main bar having a horizontal plate formed at each end thereof. Each horizontal plate has a front edge containing a pair of surfaces defining a generally 90.degree. angle for enabling the plate to abut a junction of one of the longitudinal beams and one of the parallel cross beams. A releasable hook locks the brace to the beams at the junction.

Abstract: A lattice bridge construction system is characterised by the provision of lattice panels (A,B,C) which are of substantially identical length but of different depths relative to one another such that when variously combined one with another, with or without additional reinforcement, trusses having considerably more economic increments of bending strength may be achieved.

Abstract: Framework truss with changeable cantilever length, comprising an articulated grid structure which is hingedly secured at two fixed points against a wall or any other carrier element. Said framework truss is characterized in that at least two articulated grid panels are joined together having the shape of a parallelogram and projecting in the cantilever direction (L) from two fixed articulation points (A, B) situated at a certain interval (h) from each other. The articulated grid panels are comprised of parallel articulated bars (21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26), as well as coupling rods (31, 32, 33) connecting them by pairs from their ends between the articulation points (C1, D1; C2, D2; C3, D3) and of which the length remains always equal to the interval (h) separating the fixed articulation points (A, B).

Abstract: A thick metallic sandwich structure having improved strength properties is formed by superplastic forming and selective metallurgical bonding. The structure normally includes at least five sheets (including two face sheets and at least three core sheets), wherein portions of the core sheets are bonded together to form a partially layered core.

Abstract: The invention comprises a plurality of improvements in pusher ram construction for use in coke ovens and the like. These improvements include: (1) two separate "heat spring" arrangements for absorbing both heat and mechanically induced stress in the web portion of a pusher ram, while maintaining desired rigidity; (2) five different constructions for relieving stress developed in welds in pusher ram beam members and/or welded connections between the web portion of a pusher ram and adjacent beam members; (3) two unique girder assembly arrangements to facilitate component replacement; (4) an improved girder web construction for accommodating decarbonizer piping or the like; (5) several useful advancements in ram head design and construction; (6) special heat shield applications for pusher rams; and (7) improvements in ram girder "bull nose" construction.

Abstract: A method for providing earthquake reinforcement for existing buildings by applying pre-compressive or pre-tensile stresses. In a first embodiment, a compression brace is provided on the beam pillar structure of the building in a diagonal direction to the structure so as to apply a pre-compressive stress to the compression brace. In another embodiment, a tension brace is provided on the beam pillar structure of the building so as to apply a pre-tensile stress to the tension brace in order to reinforce the building against an earthquake.

Abstract: Lattice-type structure, formed by uprights disposed like the parallel edges of a regular prism, and by windbracing panels connecting said uprights in two's via sleeves fitted and fixed on these respective uprights, said sleeves comprising at least one pair of projecting sockets for connecting the upright with two adjacent windbracing panel elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for installing insulation in metal buildings and the like. The apparatus includes a grid supported from the upper flanges of the purlins of the metal building and providing struts and shelves to support an insulation blanket below the upper flanges of the purlins. The shelves support the blanket along its edges and the struts support the blanket at intervals along its length. In accordance with the method, the grids are assembled and then pushed out along the purlins and are dropped down between the purlins while being supported from the upper flanges thereof. With such method, it is not necessary for workmen to work out along the purlins and the grids can be installed while the workmen stand on an end platform on panels of a partially completed roof.

Abstract: An elongate support member of the type generally used to span a pair of horizontally spaced supports is stiffened by pivotally attaching thereto at spaced points along its length at least two posts which extend in the same general direction and generally transverse to the length of the support member, and by pivotally attaching tension members or ties to a point at or near each end of said member and the free end of the nearer post and from at or near the free end of a post to the pivotal connection of the next adjacent post to the member, whereby the tension members or ties cross each other between adjacent posts. This form of stiffening allows bending moments and deflections arising as the result of loads applied to the member to be reduced and rendered positive.

Abstract: The invention relates to herringbone struts, in particular to such a strut made from a single piece of metal and having a cross-section of generally 'M'-shape in transverse cross-section with end flanges which are inclined at angles of greater than 90.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the strut so that in use the strut is inclined when it is secured between two joists.

Abstract: A utility line support structure having a pair of legs extending upwardly with respect to the ground in an H frame, the legs being made of structural elements having a web, a pair of side walls extending at right angles from a break line between the web and each side wall, and a pair of inturned flanges extending at right angles from a break line between each flange and its associated side wall, the flanges being parallel to the web and having edges defining a slot therebetween so that the legs have a generally C-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A support system for mobile home having a chassis formed of a plurality of spaced, parallel support beams having an "I"-shaped cross section comprising a plurality of support member assemblies each of which has a planar base, a vertically extending portion having a predetermined external dimension and shape, aligned base tabs which extend from the vertically extended support member and spaced a predetermined distance from the vertically extending portion of the base, an adjustment ring which has an internal dimension and shape to enable the ring to be slideably positioned circumferentially around the exterior of the vertically extending portion of the base wherein the wall thickness of the ring is about equal to the distance between the vertically extending portion of the base and tab members; a top member which has an extended lower portion formed to have an internal geometrical dimension which is shaped to receive and slide over the vertically extending portion of the base and into contact with the edge of

Abstract: Light weight tension-compression equilibrium structures include structural units which contain a plurality of compression members in contact with each other in an interior portion of the unit and a plurality of tension members in contact with them and exerting balanced tensions on them to hold them in position with respect to each other, and to produce compressive forces in the compression members which are directed toward the point(s) of contact of the compression members in the interior of the unit, thereby strengthening the compression members and the structural units. The tension members are positioned apart such distances along the compression members less than lengths at which the compression members alone would buckle under applied compressive forces. The various structural units may be essentially planar, useful for forming walls or relatively thin supporting structures, or they may be made three-dimensional so as to be capable of serving as major load-bearing units.

Abstract: A cross brace or bridging member for parallel structure beams, such as joists, studs, rafter trusses and the like which spaces and holds them in place relative to each other during assembly, and under normal building load conditions holds them in place longitudinally and prevents or greatly reduces lateral warpage or deflection thereof.

Abstract: Horizontally uneven wooden floor joists are each provided with a horizontal opening extending transversely thereof. A connecting rod member is inserted into such opening so that the ends of the rod protrude to both sides of the joist, the rod itself extending generally horizontally. The connecting rods are then subjected to tension forces generated by adjustable tension means of the type of a rod-and-buckle mechanism anchored to other connecting rod members provided in adjacent joists. The invention thus provides an extremely simply straightening method and apparatus avoiding the common cutting of high or low floor joists at their crest or dip and replacing the cut-out portion by a new joist.

Abstract: A swimming pool having sidewalls constructed from a series of prefabricated modular panels connected at the ends to enclose the interior of the pool. The panels are preferably formed of foamed synthetic resinous composition and of a limited number of configurations or modules which are interchangeably adapted for use in forming pools having a plurality of shapes, e.g. a straight panel, a concave curved panel and a convex curved panel. Each panel is adapted to mate and lock with the adjoining panel, and with an upper end with flanges and rib arrangements which are functional as well as serve to strengthen the panel. In a specific embodiment, a tongue is formed on the flange on one side and a mating groove on the flange on the other side of each panel for instant connecting and interlocking of adjacent panels when they are assembled in forming the pool wall. A sealing strip may be placed within the groove and abuts on the tongue of the adjoining panel thereby precluding leakage between the panels.

Abstract: A lattice bridge construction system is characterized by the provision of lattice panels (A,B,C) which are of substantially identical length but of different depths relative to one another such that when variously combined one with another, with or without additional reinforcement, trusses having considerably more economic increments of bending strength may be achieved.