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 connection in wood frame construction such as in frame walls of homes, wood framed apartment buildings and light wood framed commercial buildings. Specifically, the disclosure describes a pair of connectors for joining wood studs to a wood single base plate and to a wood double top plate for framing a wall. The two connectors used in the connection are identical and include a stud member for connection to the edge face of the stud, a plate member for connection to the edge face of the respective plates and a transition member connected at one end to the stud member and the other end is connected to the plate member. A pair of tabs connected to opposite side edges of the transition member engage the sides of the stud and a pair of prong locators serve the dual purpose of locating the connector at the lower end of the stud in relation to the base plate and for temporary and permanent attachment of the connector attached to the upper end of the stud to the top plate.

Abstract: A fabricated building including a pair of metal sidewalls positioned in an upright spaced apart relationship with a plurality of metal purlins engaged with an upper edge of one of the metal sidewalls so that the plurality of metal purlins extend between the metal sidewalls and maintain them in the upright position.

Abstract: An architectural truss having a connector utilizing first, second, third, and fourth plate structures which lie adjacent three chords. The first plate structure engages an outer first chord while the second plate structure engages the outer first chord and a central second chord. A third plate structure engages the central second chord and a third outer chord. A fourth plate structure engages the third outer chord. Each plate structure resists movement relative to an adjacent chord under shear stress. An interconnecting member engages and holds each of the plate structures. The central second chord may extend outwardly from the first and third chords at an angle to form a corner of a triangular structure constituting a portion of a truss.

Abstract: A brace provides lateral support to a series of upright truss units of a truss system having at least first, second and third truss units, with each truss unit having at least one beam member having a first surface, that is generally co-planar with corresponding beam members of other truss units. The brace includes a generally continuous, elongated central leg having a first surface, a second surface positioned for engaging a first surface of the beam members of the first, second and third truss units, and a longitudinally extending rib member. The rib member is unitarilly formed with the central leg and extends generally outwardly from the second side surface of the central leg and includes a first opening for receiving the first truss unit, a second unit for receiving the second truss unit, and a third opening for receiving the third truss unit.

Abstract: An assembly of parts which form a stud for construction use. This stud assembly greatly reduces the material content of the stud assembly and reduces heat transfer and noise transmission over the known prior art and comprises two parallely arranged U-shaped channels interconnected by a novel mesh connector which interconnects the channels at one or more points along their length and is expandable only in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axes of the channels.

Abstract: A steel building system, of the type having multiple frames, has at least one truss frame comprising a pair of column steel members, a bottom chord having at least one steel member, two top chord steel members, and at least one brace connected between the top chords and the bottom chord. Connecting plates are provided to connect the various steel members together. Such connecting plates have hole patterns which are juxtaposed with "standard" hole patterns near the ends of the steel members.

Abstract: An elongated integral truss brace to operatively engage opposite end portions of each of a plurality of lower truss tie bars of a corresponding plurality of roof trusses to retain the plurality of lower truss tie bars and corresponding roof trusses in space relationship relative to each other to reinforce the roof truss system formed by the plurality of roof trusses, the elongated integral truss brace comprising a pair of substantially parallel lower interrupted side panels held in fixed spaced relationship relative to each other by an upper elongated interconnecting member to cooperatively form a stiffener channel therebetween to receive and retain a plurality of rigid brace stiffeners therein and forming a tie bar slot between adjacent rigid brace stiffeners to receive end portions of the lower truss tie bars.

Abstract: An assembly of parts which form a new stud for construction use. This stud assembly greatly reduces the material content of the stud assembly and reduces heat transfer and noise transmission over the known prior art and comprises two parallely arranged U-shaped channels interconnected by a novel connector which interconnects the channels at one or more points along their length.

Abstract: The lightweight metal construction system begins with a beam formed from a single piece of cold formed sheet steel or other sheet metal which is bent lengthwise along four lines to form a triangular cross-section with two wings, side-by-side, extending from its apex. The ends of the beams may be modified to form joints which are used to connect two beams together or to connect the beam to another construction material. Brackets formed from strips of sheet steel or other metal are bent to conform to outer surfaces of the beams or other construction materials are used to attach the beams to other beams or other construction materials. Fasteners are used to firmly attach the joints and brackets to the beams and construction materials.

Abstract: A sheet metal slope and skew hanger connector has first and second side support members located at opposite sides of a backplate and being bendable relative to the backplate. Each of the side support members is formed with a pair of parallel ribs extending along a marginal edge portion thereof and with nail holes in each of the ribs to facilitate nailing of the connector to a first wood member, the nail holes extending through the connector at laterally outermost sides of the ribs. The connector includes a seat base extending from a bottom portion of the backplate for supportingly engaging an underside of a second wood member, with a pair of seat sides extending from opposite sides of the seat base, and a pair of tab members spaced apart from one another with a portion of the backplate therebetween, with nail holes in the tab members to facilitate nailing of the tab members to the opposite side faces of the second wood member.

Abstract: The instant invention is a strap for installation over sheathing to hold the sheathing to an underlying structural frame member through the use of interconnecting bands and saddle. The saddle is positioned on the underside of a structural member and receives the bands. Tabs are provided at both ends of the sheathing strap to receive the connecting bands and are also used to align the strap with an underlying structural member. Patterns of through holes are provided in the strap as a fastener alignment guide and are to be used for installation of fasteners after the strap is aligned with the underlying structural member.

Abstract: An article for connecting beams includes an outside spanning member which extends between the beams, a cross-web member connected to the outside spanning member, and clasping members which hold the beams in place. Beams are connected by placing the article between the beams so that the clasping members are against the sides of the beams. The article is formed by bending sheet material into a three-dimensional configuration which includes the various members of the article discussed above.

Abstract: A kit for assembling wood legs to form an A-frame to support the end of a cross beam for a children's play gym includes a trapezoidal frame bracket to connect the upper ends of the legs to each other and to the cross beam and a special frame brace for reinforcing that connection which will accommodate a tubular metal cross beam or a cross beam consisting of a single board or a plurality of boards. The frame brace has a generally rectangular top wall and a pair of laterally spaced apart side walls extending down from the top wall at an angle such that the side walls have more or less the same slope as the side edges of the frame bracket. Portions of the frame brace top wall define a first set of holes spaced apart along the longitudinal centerline of the top wall, there being two such holes in the first set and a second set of holes containing at least two holes spaced along the top wall on each side of that centerline.

Abstract: A rocker and various joint constructions are provided for a space frame on an automotive vehicle. Also, various methods are provided for constructing joints and joining subassemblies of a space frame together.

Abstract: A first structural frame member (11) has two tabs (15) projecting from one end and may be secured to a second structural frame member (21) having two slots (25) piercing it intermediate its ends by insertion of the tabs through the respective slots N"Z and subsequent deformation of the tabs to prevent their withdrawal from the slots. Each tab tapers from a tab base (15A) to a tab tip (15B) which is narrower than the tab base, and each slot is defined by two opposed, short, end faces (26) and two opposed, elongate "Z side faces, said side faces comprising opposed center parts (27), each at least as long as the width of the tab tip, and opposed flanking parts (28) on either side of the center parts extending from the center parts to the respective end faces.

Abstract: A wall frame for building. The wall frame includes a generally horizontally extending plate which is engaged by a stud. Relative movement between the plate and stud are inhibited by the use of clips or brackets and deformations formed in the plate. In one embodiment, the plate is provided with eyelets which project through the stud, with the eyelets being engaged by a clip. In another embodiment, a bracket surrounds the stud and engages the plate side walls to secure the stud in position.

Abstract: A tie extends from the lower end of a roof rafter to the building and temporarily supports the roof rafter during times of expected high loads, such as during hurricanes. The tie is a metal strap having ends which are fastened respectively to the lower end of the roof rafter and to the building, either to a vertical wall or to the foundation.

Abstract: A variable pitch connector for supporting an inclined roof rafter. The connector includes a base, cradle, and support means. The support is a separate component, allowing the connector to be manufactured from differing weights of steel. The variable pitch connector may be retrofitted to existing roof assemblies. The invention also relates to a method for installing such connector.

Abstract: A joist support beam is comprised of an elongated substantially flat horizontal flange with a plurality of spaced upstanding brackets or web segments secured to the flange. Joist gripping elements are secured to the upper ends of the brackets and are comprised of hollow sleeves having threaded bolts therein which protrude in opposite directions therefrom. Plates are secured to the outer ends of the bolts for tight engagement with transverse joists extending across the plate in-between the upstanding brackets. A method of providing more headroom under joists using the aforementioned beam structure comprises positioning the beam structure so that the joists extend transversely across through the spaces between the upstanding web segments or brackets, extending the bolts from the sleeves for tight engagement with the joist extending across the beam. Alternatively, apertures are cut in the joists with a rigid member or sleeve placed within the aperture for the joist gripping means to tightly bear against.

Abstract: A metal connector for a building includes a pipe-shaped frame having a plurality of axial slits at its both ends, a wedge member fitted at each end of the frame, and a connecting member directly passed through the frame or passed through a box-shaped anchor loosely fitted over the outer periphery of the frame. The wedge member is fitted to each end of the frame to secure the frame to a wooden member, while neighboring wooden members are joined together by the connecting member.

Abstract: A wall frame structure consisting of wall plates and wall studs, which are formed of metal sheet, with the wall plate being provided with projections to engage the stud to aid in securing the stud in position, and the stud being reinforced by transversely extending ribs and reinforced apertures. A reinforcing bracket surrounds the stud and aids in securing the stud to the wall plate. There is further provided reinforcing clips which extend between the flanges of the stud to inhibit transverse movement of the flanges relative to each other, under loading.

Abstract: A brace member that braces structural members against movement in an environment where a pair of structural members are joined together and orthogonally disposed with respect to one another. The brace member has two parts that are telescopically coupled together and which are selectively lockable in a plurality of positions of longitudinal and rotational adjustment. Each part includes a tubular section and a flattened section which are bendable relative to one another along a folding line. The flattened ends of the brace members overlie and are fastened to any preselected surface of a structural member to be braced. The tubular parts are lockable to one another in two positions of rotational adjustment that are disposed circumferentially ninety degrees from one another so that the flattened parts may selectively overlie preselected surfaces of said structural members that are coplanar or disposed at right angles to one another.

Abstract: A structural spacer adapted to bridge between two stringers each comprising a web pierced by a pair of slots of predetermined size comprises a steel channel-sectioned body (10) with pressed metal end fittings (11,19) at each end. One end fitting (19) includes two projecting, relatively small hooks (24) with arcuate outer surfaces (25), adapted to respectively engage an edge of the slots. The other end fitting has two relatively larger hooks (14) with arcuate inner surfaces (15) adapted to enter the respective slots and engage over the small hooks of a second spacer engaged therewith. The depths of the large hooks progressively increase from a minimum at their tips, so that when the spacer is swung into the operative position, but not before, the two hooks extending through each slot substantially fill it. An abutment (18) on the end fitting with the larger hooks determines the extent to which the spacer may be swung as aforesaid.

Abstract: A continuous barrier is formed by channeled cap members which each receive therein a respective truss. Structure that is integral with flange elements of the cap and integral with the ends of hangers that span the cap flanges effect means to removably lock and substantially stabilize the assembly of caps and hangers, which assembly provides a generally planar support surface for fire rated gypsum board and the like.

Abstract: A modular constructional element comprises a truss including first and second longitudinally-extending bars joined by a plurality of transversely-extending bars such that the transversely-extending bars all occupy a first plane, and the first and second longitudinally-extending bars occupy second and third planes on opposite sides of the first plane. One of the longitudinally-extending bars has a substantial width in its respective plane to serve as a deck member in a construction utilizing a plurality of such modular elements. Such modular elements are useful in constructing various types of load-bearing structures, particularly bridges, since they are self-nesting and thereby decrease the volume for shipping, storing and handling, and also obviate the need for separate containers.

Abstract: An improved walk-through scaffolding frame is constructed of components which may be assembled together to form an erected frame and disassembled to pass through a narrow opening such as a manhole or some other narrow access opening to a larger enclosure. The improved walk-through scaffolding is constructed with a pair of generally triangular-shaped upright support members and a connecting crosspiece. The upright support members each define a single downwardly directed tubular leg as well as upwardly extending inner and outer support posts. The crosspiece includes downwardly directed connectors which telescopically engage both the inner and outer support posts of each of the pair of upright support members and an upwardly directed connector at its outer extremity for engaging a downwardly directed leg of another walk-through frame located thereabove.

Abstract: A beam of the type used in the building industry comprising a top and bottom plate (1, 2) secured in a fixed spaced relationship from each other by corrugated sheet metal (3); the metal (3) being dispersed such that its planar surfaces span the distance between the top and bottom plates (1, 2) with the corrugations configured substantially as a rectangular wave having surfaces (4) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plates and additionally surfaces (8) substantially transverse to such axis; the arrangement being such that the substantially transverse surfaces (8) act as spacers between the top and bottom plates (1, 2) whereas the surfaces (4) of the corrugated metal (3) lying parallel to the longitudinal axis of the top and bottom plates (1, 2) extend part way up the sides of the top and bottom plates (1, 2) to facilitate fixing thereto.

Abstract: Article and method for efficiently and economically insulating a structure. The article comprises a flexible strip of material having a series of regularly spaced appendages. The method comprises affixing a plurality of rows of the article to regularly spaced framing members proximate a surface of the structure. Adjacent appendages of each article are attached proximate to the adjacent members. The insulation is placed across a plurality of rows of the article.

Abstract: Purlin bridging for building frames has bridging members, each with a web-tempered channel provided with hooks at one end and lugs at the other end. The lugs extend perpendicularly to the web for engagement in the holes in the purlins and are locked therein by the hooks of the next succeeding bridging member. The lugs may be provided with slots to receive and engage the hooks.

Abstract: A truss comprises a pair of spaced, longitudinally-extending bars (or only one such bar), and a plurality of transversely-extending, or diagonal, bars occupying a common plane. One longitudinally-extending bar is disposed in a plane laterally spaced from the common plane on one side thereof, and the other logitudinally-extending bar (when included) is disposed in a plane laterally spaced from the common plane on the opposite side thereof. Such a structure permits a plurality of the trusses to be stored or transported in nesting relationship in order to occupy a minimum volume, and also permits each truss to serve as a modular element enabling any desired number of them to be secured together in building a structural framework of the desired configuration and strength.

Abstract: A metallic frame fire-stop is set forth formed of planar-like reinforced rib construction including necked-down terminal end portions with integral interlock elements for twist-fit locking engagement with typical metallic studding, as commonly utilized in commercial construction. The width of the fire-stop members are dimensioned to equal those of metallic studding with the neck-down terminal end portions dimensioned to nest within the metallic studding's vertical legs. The so formed fire-stop accordingly require no accessory fastening elements for securement to the aforenoted studding.

Abstract: A rail assembly which is especially advantageous for use in constructing the frame and underbody of a motor vehicle comprises an upper channel member, a lower channel member and an intermediate member or web in the form of a corrugated sheet secured between the channel members and whose margins abuttingly engage the peripheral walls of the channels. Each furrow and ridge preferably comprises a planar panel portion.

Abstract: A multi-story building structure in which steel elements, secured together in steel-to-steel contact form the bearing walls and transmit the entire static and seismic loads of the walls and floors thereabove.

Abstract: A clamp device to hold building trusses in place after the trusses have been deposited upon a building foundation by a crane and while they are being nailed to stabilize their position prior to application of building panels thereto include a pair of substantially identical first U-shaped strip members positioned spaced apart parallel to one another with lateral portions at each end being aligned with each other. Spaced apart cross-ties fix the first members in such position and a second U-shaped strip member similar in configuration to the first members is captured between the first members by the cross-ties to move parallel thereto with lateral portions of the second member projecting from the same side of the device as the lateral portions of the first members. A levered cam unit effects relative, parallel movement between the first and second members to clamp and unclamp the device to building trusses.

Abstract: A fire protective system and method for a support structure such as a truss having top and bottom chord members, web members extending between the top and bottom chord members and connector plates for connecting the respective ends of the web members to the top and bottom chord members. Fire protection is provided by an elongated metal member having a base portion and a pair of flanges projecting upwardly from the base portion to form a channel. The bottom chord member is received within the channel so that the flanges extend at least partially upwardly along respective opposite sides of the bottom chord member and are in contact therewith. The web members are preferably comprised of V-shaped metal webs having a central toothed connector plate, a pair of elongated arms diverging outwardly from the central connector plate and a pair of toothed connector plates integrally formed on respective ends of the arms opposite the central connector plate.

Abstract: A timber beam is formed of butt-joined timber lengths using at least one joining plate which extends around three sides of the abutted timber lengths. The joining plate has a base section and two side sections at least the side sections each having a plurality of projections extending therefrom. The base section has either additional projections or holes through which fasteners engage to secure the base section to co-planar surfaces of the abutting timber lengths. The joining plate is formed with the base and side sections coplanar with the side sections extending at an angle to the base section. A press plate forces the base section against the co-planar surfaces of the butting timber lengths with any projections extending therefrom embedded in the timber. Rollers or presses act on the side sections to bend them around the timber lengths to embed the projections extending therefrom into opposite sides of the abutted timber lengths.

Abstract: A structural member for bracing adjacent wooden studs of a wall frame comprised of an elongated body portion having mounting portions at the ends thereof, which mounting portions include outwardly facing end surfaces generally parallel to each other and oblique to the body portion, side surfaces perpendicular to and laterally offset from the end surfaces, and means for forming a third surface facing and parallel to the first surface wherein three surface engagement between the structural member and the stud is provided.

Abstract: A spacing brace apparatus is provided for temporarily interconnecting a number of wooden structural members in a parallel array, thereby minimizing the amount of working time needed to accurately arrange the wooden members. The apparatus is comprised of a series of rigid spacer segments of equal length pivotably interengaged in a manner permitting nested stacking in a compact storage state, and rapid deployment to a linearly sequenced working state. The apparatus facilitates equal spacing of the wooden members, yet permits variable spacing of the last wooden member of the array.

Abstract: An insulation hold-down device is provided for insuring circulation of air through vents into the attics or similar spaces of buildings having insulation therein. The hold-down device has a center insulation restraining section and two end attachment flanges. One flange is attached by nailing or other conventional device to the bearing plate of a building while the other attachment flange is attached to the roof panel of the building between rafters. The hold-down device may be formed by stamping from a single piece of sheet metal.

Abstract: The combination of a wooden stud wall and a diagonally positioned thin flat metal brace nailed to said wall and bent around diagonally opposite corners of the wall and nailed into the ends of the top plate and of the sole plate and to the stud adjoining the sole plate.

Abstract: A plurality of V-shaped metal web members serve to interconnect two elongated wooden members for forming a truss or joist assembly. The two elongated wooden members are arranged so as to extend parallel to each other with a spacing therebetween. The metal web members are placed in the spacing between the wooden members and have their extremities connected to the wooden members. Each of the metal web members has connector nail plates located both at its apex and at each of its extremities. Struck out from each connector plate are a plurality of pairs of teeth with each pair of teeth leaving a corresponding slot between them. All of the teeth extend from the same face of the metal web member. Each of the connector plates at the two extremities is connected to the apex connector plate by a leg member. Each of the legs has at least one groove which extends from the same side of the metal web member as the teeth.

Abstract: A wooden joist structure is formed with two elongated wooden beam members interconnected by a plurality of metal ribbed connectors. Each of the connectors includes a plurality of elongated connecting members interconnected by a plurality of support members. Each of the elongated connecting members has a plurality of teeth struck out from both of its end sections, which teeth extend in one direction from the connecting members or being embedded in the elongated wooden beams which are to be interconnected. These elongated connecting members are all parallel and lie in the same plane. The support members extend in an area between the intersections of the elongated connecting members and interconnected adjacent ones of the elongated connecting members. The support members extend in the same direction as the teeth that are struck out from the elongated connecting members.

Abstract: A truss spacer for rigidly interconnecting and maintaining spacing between adjacent spaced apart trusses and a truss structure constructed using such truss spacers. The truss spacer includes first and second connecting plates disposed in a plane. The first and second connecting plates each have a plurality of teeth projecting generally orthogonally from a surface of the connecting plate in the same direction. The truss spacer also has an intermediate section having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the first connecting plate and the second end being joined to the second connecting plate. A pair of spacing members are joined respectively to the first and second ends of the intermediate section. The spacing members project generally orthogonally from the intermediate section in the same direction as the teeth project from the first and second connecting plates.

Abstract: A plurality of V-shaped metal web members serve to interconnect two elongated wooden members for forming a truss or joist assembly. The two elongated wooden members are arranged so as to extend parallel to each other with a spacing therebetween. The metal web members are placed in the spacing between the wooden members and have their extremities connected to the wooden members. Each of the metal web members has connector nail plates located both at its apex and at each of its extremities. Struck out from each connector plate are a plurality of pairs of teeth with each pair of teeth leaving a corresponding slot between them. All of the teeth extend from the same face of the metal web member. Each of the connector plates at the two extremities is connected to the apex connector plate by a leg member. Each of the legs has at least one groove which extends from the same side of the metal web member as the teeth.

Abstract: A wall support device is shown for installation between spaced structural members such as metallic studs in a wall, the structural members being of the type having external sidewalls arranged to define an open interior. The wall support device has an elongated support section which can be sized to fit between two such spaced structural members. A bracing flange at one end of the support section extends outwardly from the support section approximately normal thereto for abutting an external sidewall of one of the spaced structural members. A locking flange at the end of the support section opposite the bracing flange is adapted to be received within the open interior of the other of the spaced structural members for securing the support section between the two spaced structural members.

Abstract: A V-shaped, substantially flat, sheet metal, combined web-connector plate having diverging web-forming legs and integral apex and leg end connector portions provided with struck-out teeth for embedding within spaced apart wooden chord members to form a wood chord-metal web type truss. The connector plate is offset inwardly from the end of the chord and the connector plate is positioned to slightly overlap a beam or columnar support to reduce shear stress in the chord.

Abstract: A structural member for bracing adjacent wooden studs of a wall frame comprised of an elongated body portion having mounting portions at the ends thereof, which mounting portions include outwardly facing end surfaces generally parallel to each other and oblique to the body portion, side surfaces perpendicular to and laterally offset from the end surfaces, and means for forming a third surface facing and parallel to the first surface wherein three surface engagement between the structural member and the stud is provided.