Abstract: A joist splice shoe for repairing damaged lumber joists of residential buildings. The joist splice shoe is a plate made of steel, which is bent to a U-shape when in use, and has unitary prongs provided in the sidewalls except in the middle portions. Each unitary prong has an elongated, curved portion tapering to a penetrating end. Only a single joist splice shoe needs to be installed to repair a damaged lumber joist with ease and a minimum of labor. When placed in position, the sidewall middle portions and the bottom wall envelop the zone of distress of the lumber joist from the bottom, and the prongs are embedded in adjacent undamaged portions of the joist. The tensile and shear stresses acting at the distressed zone are thereby effectively resisted and transmitted to the adjacent undamaged portions.

Abstract: The connector plate has a rigid, planar base, and a plurality of adjacent elongated slots defined in said metal plate. The slots are offset in a sinusoidal pattern having at least one cycle with a maximum amplitude slot position, minimum amplitude slot position and at least two zero-point slot position. Each slot has first and second reverse-oriented mirror-image teeth extending from the plate at opposing ends of each slot.

Abstract: A web-reinforced wood joist defines a top edge surface, a bottom edge surface opposite to the top edge surface, a first lateral web surface, and a second lateral web surface opposite to the first lateral web surface. A longitudinal metal reinforcement is applied to at least one of the first and second lateral web surfaces. This metal reinforcement includes at least one sheet metal strip formed with integral teeth distributed at predetermined intervals along the entire length thereof and driven into the wood to fixedly secure the metal reinforcement to the joist's wood. This web-reinforcing method is suitable to reinforce any type of elongated structural wood members to improve their strength in bending, direct tension, direct compression, direct shearing and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A stud wall raising apparatus is disclosed. The device permits a single user to safely and easily raise a stud wall without assistance. The device comprises a wall fixture having a pair of perpendicularly oriented channels for receiving the top portion of the stud wall. A fixed brace is hingedly attached to the wall fixture, while a movable brace is attached to the fixed brace by a plurality of lock bars. A support member is received between the fixed brace and the movable brace with serrated edges on each brace engaging and securing the support member therebetween.

Abstract: A unitary suspension clip for suspending gypsum board panels from the horizontal support member of a vertical support structure. The plate portion of the clip has panel-piercing members projecting rearwardly to affix the plate to the panel. A transverse line of weakness extends substantially across the width of the plate such that when the panel is suspended from the support member, the load applied between the support member and the plate causes the plate to bend therealong to prevent the pulling of the panel-piercing members out of the panel. A wing is formed along the edge of the plate and extends outwardly therefrom with a second line of weakness running in the same direction as the edge of the plate between the wing and the plate.

Abstract: A sheetrock patch fastener that includes an integrally formed unit that is capable of supporting repair patches of various sizes and which is non-intrusive to the hidden surface of the sheetrock wall being repaired. The sheetrock patch fastener includes an upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion. The upper portion has an upper portion distal edge, an upper portion proximal edge, and a pair of upper portion distal edge corner teeth which extend downwardly from the upper portion at the ends of the upper portion distal edge. The intermediate portion extends downwardly from the upper portion and has an intermediate portion upper edge that is collinear with the upper portion proximal edge, and an intermediate portion lower edge.

Abstract: A unitary suspension clip for suspending gypsum board panels from the horizontal channel member of an erect support structure. The plate portion of the clip has panel-piercing members projecting rearwardly to affix the plate to the panel. A transverse line of weakness extends substantially across the width of the plate such that when the panel is suspended from the channel member, the load applied between the channel member and the plate causes the plate to bend therealong to prevent the pulling of the panel-piercing members out of the panel. A wing is formed along the edge of the plate and extends outwardly therefrom with a second line of weakness running in the same direction as the edge of the plate between the wing and the plate. The wing is bent at the second line of weakness upwardly from the surface of the gypsum board panel and has an angled surface formed therein which rests on the horizontal channel member and causes the panel to be drawn into engagement with the erect support structure.

Abstract: A method for production of a trussed rafter, wherein the nail plates are affixed to timber members in conjunction with cutting of the timber members and before they are transported to an assembly station. The assembly station can be any type of a rafter jig but can also be a levelled surface, e.g., a factory floor, thereby eliminating the need for an assembly jig. The labor and force required in timber member jointing are substantially reduced, because the nail plates are already affixed to the timber members and assembly can be largely limited to affixing of upper nail plates (8). The assembly surface has a grid pattern (1) thereon, enabling the positioning of side quides (2) required for assembling. Markings indicating prefixed platings and/or nail plates positions are used to provide quality control.

Abstract: An ornamental figure is mounted on a vertical support rod extending upwardly from a rocker base assembly comprised of a cross plate, a pair of cross braces and a pair of rocker members which may be quickly assembled without requiring glue or fasteners.

Abstract: A timber expander and coupling system both expands at least one dimension of existing timbers and spans two existing, timbers. The timber system includes first and second parallel spaced continuous members. Each continuous member includes a first portion extending in a first direction parallel to a timber, and a second portion, extending from the first portion, in a second opposite direction. The first and second continuous members are held in spaced, parallel relationship by either a cross-member, or an expander timber disposed in an expander timber receiver region formed by the second portions of the first and second continuous members. The first portions of the first and second continuous members form a timber coupling region, for coupling to timbers and for expanding the dimension of an existing timber, or for coupling to and spanning the distance between at least two timbers.

Abstract: A connector plate is provided which includes a plurality of connecting prongs which are, in use, pressed into wooden members to form a joint and which include at least one row of edge prongs that is folded down from the edge of the plate and that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector plate. A joint formed by a chord member and at least two abutting diagonals is connected together by connector plate which has a prong density that is asymmetrical with respect to longitudinal axis of the plate and has increased prong density at one side thereof. A joint structure provides a stiff, nonplastic joint.

Abstract: A protective plate for use with a fork-lift pallet having an elongated horizontal wooden stringer having an inverted U-shaped opening including a curvilinear portion. The plate includes a side portion to protectively overlie a side of the stringer opening and a top portion to protectively overlie above the stringer opening. The plate affords entry of the fork-lift truck tine into the stringer opening. An arcuate portion interconnects the plate side portion and the plate top portion for location adjacent to the curvilinear portion of the U-shaped opening of the stringer.

Abstract: Studs and plates used to retain compressible insulating panels against sagging in a hollow wall. Also, bars for securing rigid insulating panels in a wall. All of these elements are made of sheet metal and include struck-out prongs defining a similarly-shaped opening in the sheet metal. These prongs are elongated, with a pointed face end and teeth laterally projecting from one side. The inner end of each prong is integrally retained to the sheet metal and the prong can be bent into an operative position, normal to the sheet metal from an inoperative position nearly parallel to the sheet metal. A stop protrudes from the prong at the bending line to abut the sheet metal and maintain the prong in its operative position. The prong, in its inoperative position, protruding from one side of the sheet metal and offset with respect to the opening in the sheet metal, such as that it can be bent through said opening. Therefore, the user cannot bend the prong in the wrong direction.

Abstract: A connector for connecting wooden beams to one another, in which the capacities of a conventional toothed plate to transfer tensile and compressive forces have been improved by securing one or several toothed plates (3, 4, 5) to a mutual frame plate (2).

Abstract: A fixing device 30 is provided for securing two members, one of which is formed with a groove, together in a predetermined angular relationship. The device includes two limbs 32,34 having respective free ends 36,46 located at the same end 49 of the device, the limbs being arranged to act as levers which, when pushed towards each other at a predetermined position, cause the free ends 36,46 to move apart to engage walls of the groove. The device 30 also advantageously includes a necked slot 50 for receiving, for example, a screw, for securement to the one planar surface, which necked slot co-operates with the screw such that the screw will push the limbs together in order to effect said engagement as the screw secures the device to the ungrooved member.

Abstract: A one-piece structural member with integral fastener prongs for joining to a separate penetrable plate such as plywood or the like. The structural member is formed with at least one web section and with at least one continuous perpendicular flange section having the fastener prongs formed therein. The continuous flange section with the integral web section permits a large variety of prong sizes, spacings and structural configurations to be obtained thereby producing a large variety of panel and beam stiffness and span lengths. The method disclosed herein permits the construction of novel composite structural panels and beams at a job site using the one-piece structural member which is pressed together with a penetrable plate such as plywood, wood studs or the like by means of a pair of pressure rollers, a press brake or other means.

Abstract: A composite beam has round timber sections joined by nail plates, each timber section being edged in accordance with the conical contour of the tree trunk from which it is formed. The timber sections are joined by the nail plates with their tapered ends pointed in the same or in opposite directions, depending on the load requirements. Each nail plate has a front edge, a rear edge and a pair of longitudinal edges, and rows of nails are formed of tongue-shaped punch-outs in the nail plate, with each punch-out being parallel to the longitudinal edges. A step pattern is provided on the front edge and/or the rear edge.

Abstract: A metal stud for building walls, of substantially cross-sectionally U-shape, defining a channel, and that has integral jagged finger-shaped portions or prongs punched out of the web of the stud and which can be bent transversely to the web immediately prior to use, to enable impaling and anchoring of glassfiber-insulating batts, so as to support and retain the latter in place between the studs. The studs may be posts, ceiling joists, or transverse beams. The prongs preferably include a few barbs along a longitudinal edge, so as to contribute in the anchoring of the insulating batts to the studs. The prongs of the posts, when bent, are inclined relative to the web, so as to extend at an angle through the batt and, thus, across several of the easily-separable layers of fibers constituting said batts. Similar prongs are provided in horizontal beams interconnecting the posts. The barbs are also transversely upwardly inclined for easier and better anchoring.

Abstract: A timber beam is formed by butt-joining timber lengths (19) using a pair of joining plates (12) each of which extends around three sides of the abutted timber lengths. Each joining plate has a base section (14) and two side sections (16), at least the side sections each having a plurality of projections (17) extending therefrom. The base section has either additional projections (17) or holes (25) through which fasteners (20) engage to secure the base section to co-planar surfaces of the abutting timber lengths (19). The joining plate is formed with the base and side sections (14,16) co-planar or with the side sections (16) extending at an angle to the base section (14). A press plate (21) forces the base section (14) against the co-planar surfaces of the abutting timber lengths with any projections (17) extending therefrom embedded in the timber.

Abstract: A security striker plate for a lock assembly upon a door hinged within a door jamb including a peripheral door stop and interior framing studs comprises a unit body of U-shape including spaced inner and outer mount plates snugly positioned upon the studs and apertured for nailing thereto. A right angular apertured strike plate extends from the inner mount plate, faces the door when closed and terminates in a right angular door stop lip nested within the door stop and door jamb. An anchor plate extends from the lip underlies the door jamb, is retained thereby and is connected to the outer mount plate.

Abstract: A rigid wooden composite assembly such as a beam, post or the like, includes a plurality of elongated wooden boards of varying lengths disposed in face-to-face relationship and forming a plurality of layers. At least one of the layers includes a plurality of boards, the inner ends of which abut to form a joint therebetween. A connector device has a base plate with openings therein. Prongs extend outwardly from the plate and initially generally normal thereto. The prongs of adjacent openings extend in opposite directions from the plate. The connector device is disposed between the layers so that the base plate bridges the inner portion of the joint and the oppositely extending prongs penetrate the opposing board faces. When the assembly is compressed together, the prongs deform and clinchingly engage the wood surrounding the joint. The abutting boards are spliced together, and the facing boards are held tightly together.

Abstract: A truss assembly and truss hanger, bracing clip and attachment member for use with trusses is disclosed. The bracing clip is used for supporting a beam running transverse to a plurality of wooden trusses and includes a connector plate disposed within a first plane having a plurality of sharp projections extending generally perpendicular from the plane of the plate for use in fixedly attaching the connector plate to the top wooden member of the truss. A truss hanger in accordance with the invention comprises a bracket having a first leg with first and second ends, the first leg having a side which is adapted to engage the width of a beam, a base disposed in a first plane having first and second ends, the first end of the base being attached to the first end of the leg at approximately 90.degree. angle, the base being adapted to engage the top of the beam and a second leg disposed in a second plane which is parallel to the first plane and is attached to the second end of the base at an approximate 90.degree.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting the wooden members of a truss is disclosed, characterized by the use of a combination of adhesive and a connecting plate. The connecting plate is formed of metal and includes a plurality of nail-like projections which extend from and normal to a planar portion of the plate. A layer of adhesive is applied to the extremities of all of the projections. The wooden members to be joined are arranged in a desired configuration and the adhesive-covered projections of the plate are driven into adjoining members. In addition to the nail-like bond between the plate and the truss members, an adhesive bond is formed between the metal projections and the wood. The resulting joint has increased resistance to tensile, shear, and rotational forces.

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 building constructed utilizing prefabricated wall frame structures, prefabricated roof truss structures and prefabricated purlin structures. In constructing the walls of the building, at least portions of the walls are constructed utilizing prefabricated braced frame structures. These braced frame structures can be interspersed with unbraced frame structures. Each of the braced frame structures has a plurality of lateral wooden frame members that interconnect two longitudinal wooden frame members and a built-in wooden frame cross-bracing member that extends in between the lateral wooden members. The wooden members of each of the frame structures are interconnected by metal connector plates. At least several of the purlin structures that are attached on top of the roof trusses have built-in cross-bracing.

Abstract: A truss plate for connecting together wood members forming trusses, joists, beams and the like construction parts, formed of stiff sheet metal having struck-out teeth extending perpendicularly to the body of the plate. The teeth are struck-out in pairs, leaving an elongated slot between each pair of teeth. The slots, and their teeth, are aligned in numerous longitudinal rows. The rows form groups whose slots are also transversely aligned, but with the slots of one group being longitudinally offset relative to the slots of its adjacent group. The teeth are V-shaped in cross-section and are axially twisted. Their free ends form asymmetrical V-shaped tips. A pair of such plates are arranged in face-to-face contact with the teeth of the uppermost plate extending through the slots in the lowermost plate for closely positioning together adjacent teeth to form a double thickness plate with pairs of double teeth.

Abstract: At each end of a top hung wood truss one or more end webs are attached to top chord by connector plates which not only embed in the end webs and the top chord in the region of the joint between them, but also extend outwardly beyond the joint in the form of legs that embed within the chord extension, that is the portion of the top chord which extends beyond the joint and rests on the bearing surface that supports the truss. Indeed, the outwardly projecting leg of each connector plate is located over the bearing surface, its lower margin being close to the underface of the chord extension to lessen the tendency of wood fibers in the top chord to crush in that region. The plate strengthens the top chord at its extension, enabling it to better withstand the shear forces and moments that are within the chord extension.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing timber beams (15) by fixing sheet metal plates or strips (10) to the top and/or bottom of the beam (15) so that the plates or strips (10) are placed in tension after compression when a load is applied to the beam (15). Teeth (11) pressed out of the plates or strips (10) are fixed into the beam (15) by passing the assembly between pressure rollers or pads (16). The plates or strips (10) may extend over 40%-70% of the length of the beam (15) in the area of maximum deflection of the beam under the applied load to increase the stiffness of the beam by 50%-80%.

Abstract: A truss assembly and attachment member for use in constructing truss assemblies. The attachment member includes an intermediate leg with first and second connecting plates disposed at opposite ends of the intermediate leg. Each of the connecting plates have a plurality of teeth extending generally perpendicular from the connecting plates. The intermediate leg has at least one groove extending from the same side as the sharp projections of the connecting plates and extending substantially the entire length of the leg between the connecting plates. This groove is deeper in the proximity of the connecting plates than in the center of the leg midway between the connecting plates. The leg also has a pair of side flanges projecting from both its outside edges and extending in the same direction as the groove.

Abstract: A progressive demountable partition in which gypsum wallboard is affixed against I-shaped vertical studs by a plurality of small sheet metal clips having short tangs projecting into the wallboard back face and having a flange-engaging forwardly extending portion engaged behind the vertical stud flanges.

Abstract: A hinged metal web member for use in forming a truss or joist assembly. In one embodiment, the web member includes a pair of leg members having connector plates at the upper and lower end portions. Each connector plate has a plurality of teeth struck therefrom, with all of the teeth extending from a common side of the web member. The leg members are joined at their upper end portions by a hinge which allows the leg members to be folded together for shipping and storage, then opened to assume a V configuration when forming a truss or joist. A series of such web members may be hingedly connected to provide a web assembly of the required length and configuration. The hinge connection should be sufficiently strong and rigid to allow the web member to be utilized under conditions to be encountered in truss assembly, yet sufficiently pliable that the hinge may be snapped or broken apart to obtain a web member of the desired length.

Abstract: A truss and beam assembly and a truss hanger and connector for use with wooden trusses and beams is disclosed. The truss hanger is used for attaching a truss assembly to a beam extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the truss.

Abstract: A truss assembly of floor or roof trusses and connector hangers are disclosed for attaching respective ends of a truss to a beam extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the truss. The hanger includes a connecting plate having a plurality of teeth struck out from the plate so as to extend perpendicular from the connecting plate with the strap and the connecting plate being mutually perpendicular. The strap has a plurality of apertures adapted for receiving nails or like fasteners and extends the entire length of the outside edge of the connecting plate to which the strap is joined and projects past the connecting plate to provide a surface for securing the strap to the wooden beam. The strap is rectangular in shape and bent to a generally U shape so as to define three sections.

Abstract: A seat plate for protecting wooden structural members against structural damage due to crushing, as well as the effects of moisture, humidity and the like. The plate member includes a pair of mutually perpendicular planar members and, in one embodiment, is in the form of a flat sheet metal plate which is bent along a fold line to provide first and second planar plate portions intersecting each other at right angles. One of the plate portions has a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the fold line which is substantially greater than the dimension of the other plate portion in a direction perpendicular to the fold line. The smaller of the two plate portions has a plurality of teeth struck therein to provide a means of attaching the seat plate member to the wooden structural member.

Abstract: A spike plate which is used mainly in joining wooden parts and which is made by punching from a strip of steel sheet a set of projecting spikes. The joining capacity of the spike plate is improved by making on the broad surface of the spikes toothing or roughening so as to increase the gripping force of the spikes. The roughening or toothing is first made on the blanking strip of the spike plate at the places where the spikes will be punched out, after which the spikes are formed. Making of the roughening is made still easier by forming the blank with elevations at the places of the spikes. In the device for making the spike plates, the roughening tool may be used as a feeding device of the blanking strip. The punches and dies of the tool forming the spikes may be placed on rollers rotating in conjunction with each other, between which the blanking strip moves at the same speed, the spikes being cut and turned from the blanking strip between the punches and dies which sequentially enter a cutting position.

Abstract: A support member for batt or sheet insulation in which straps are placed at intervals in the void to be insulated. Prongs extend from the straps at substantially right angles. The prongs are pushed into the insulation to hold the insulation in the void.

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 building wall comprising the plurality of stacked logs with flat top and bottom surfaces into each of which is cut a deep slot. A metal bar is received in the aligned slots of vertically adjacent logs and pointed projections penetrate into the wood of the logs to prevent separation. In one embodiment, the projections are spaced clusters of downwardly extending nails which prevent separation of logs placed end to end and upwardly extending nails which prevent shear movement of adjacent logs. In another embodiment, the bar has sharp projections which are punched from the surface thereof to be received in the aligned slots of adjacent logs and penetrate a side wall of said slot.

Abstract: A connector plate assembly for joining wooden structural members is disclosed. The plate assembly includes a pair of plate members, each of which is provided with a plurality of teeth extending outwardly therefrom and with slots for receiving teeth from the other plate member. These slots are so arranged as to allow the two plate members to be aligned in face to face contact, with teeth extending from each plate member through slots in the other plate member. The teeth thus project from opposite sides of the plate assembly for embedment in the structural members to be joined.

Abstract: A panelling clip for fixing tongue and groove boards comprises a main body 14 to engage against the front face of the re-entrant flanges 26 of a channel 24. An integral plate 18 extends rearwardly from the main body 14 and has laterally projecting tabs 20 with sharp edges 21 to grip the rear faces of the flanges 26. A platform 13 integral with the main body 14 extends forwardly thereform and has downwardly projecting tabs 12. In use tongue and groove boards are placed against spaced parallel channels and clips are fitted and pressed into engagement with the board grooves alternating with the boards.

Abstract: A relatively flat sheet metal structural web member for interconnecting a pair of generally parallel spaced-apart chord members to form a floor truss or the like. The web member is generally V-shaped, comprising first and second legs integrally joined at one of their respective ends, and a plurality of teeth struck from opposite ends of the legs for being driven into the chord members. The side margins of each leg are bent to form inner and outer flanges extending longitudinally of the leg at opposite sides of the leg. The outer flange has opposite end portions, one of which terminates in an edge formed for abutting along substantially its entire length against one of the chord members. The inner flange also has opposite end portions, one of which terminates in an edge formed for abutting along substantially its entire length against the other chord member.

Abstract: A truss assembly and attachment member for use in constructing assemblies. The attachment member includes an intermediate leg with first and second connecting plates disposed at opposite ends of the intermediate leg. Each of the connecting plates have a plurality of sharp projections extending generally perpendicular from the connecting plates. The intermediate leg has at least one projection extending from the side opposite the sharp projections of the connecting plates and extending substantially the entire length of the leg between the connecting plates. This projection is higher in the proximity of the connecting plates than in the center of the leg midway between the connecting plates. The leg also has a pair of side flanges projecting from both its outside edges and extending in an opposite direction from the projection.

Abstract: A truss assembly and truss hanger for use with trusses is disclosed. A truss hanger in accordance with the invention comprises a bracket having a first leg with first and second ends, the first leg having a side which is adapted to engage the width of a beam, a base disposed in a first plane having first and second ends, the first end of the base being attached to the first end of the leg at approximately a 90.degree. angle, the base being adapted to engage the top of the beam and a second leg disposed in a second plane which is parallel to the first plane and is attached to the second end of the base at an approximate 90.degree. angle, the second leg being adapted to engage a second side of the beam across its width; and an attachment member having upper and lower connecting plates disposed at opposite ends of an intermediate member, said attachment member being joined to the first leg to form a substantially 90.degree.

Abstract: A fabricated wooden beam including at least two longitudinal wooden members spaced parallel and apart by a plurality of wooden blocks spaced between and along the length of the longitudinal members. A plurality of truss plates, each installed across one side of a block and spanning between each longitudinal member, provide structural integrity. The truss plates are installed in pairs with one across either face of each block at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the beam. Alignment of the generally parallel truss plates on one side of the beam is at an acute or preferably right angle to the alignment of the generally parallel truss plates on the opposite side of the beam. The preferred truss plate alignment of truss plates on both sides of the beam is at approximately 45.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the beam so that the beam has structural symmetry and optimal material utilization.

Abstract: A web plate-bearing block structure is used to enable floor trusses to be joined to wall trusses so that wooden floor trusses may be employed in a vertical manner in constructing a modified A-frame building which does not require a vapor barrier.

Abstract: A structural joint for bearing a structural load is formed by a pair of wooden members fastened together by at least one metal connector plate. The connector plate is formed from a metal plate having a plurality of pairs of teeth punched therefrom. The teeth are punched from the plate so as to project in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plate. Each pair of teeth is struck so as to leave a corresponding longitudinally extending slot between the teeth. Each of the teeth has a knife edge portion that extends from the plate. This knife edge portion is thinner than the remaining portion of each tooth and has a sharp edge with a cross-sectional angle of less than 20.degree., preferably 8.degree. to 12.degree., for facilitating penetration of each of the teeth into the wooden members to be secured together. These knife edge portions of the teeth are made by a metal forming process which serves to shape such portion of the teeth and simultaneously widen and elongate each tooth.

Abstract: A composite structural panel having enhanced load-carrying capacity. The composite panel has a pair of planar panels separated by and bonded to a uniform elastically compressible boundary strip. The boundary strip defines a central core area between the planar panels that includes a core material bonded to each of the planar panels. The thickness of the core is less than the thickness of the boundary strip so that the planar panels are drawn relatively closer together. A compressive force results from the planar panels being urged relatively closer together such force being applied to the boundary strip. An adhesive bonds the planar panels to the boundary strip and in combination with the compressive force renders the central core area essentially impervious to moisture.A plurality of load-bearing and load-transferring clips are secured to the perimetrical edge of a planar panel and the boundary strip.

Abstract: A construction member includes an upper and lower chord joined together by a plurality of spacer plates positioned along the length of the chords. Struts are disposed to extend diagonally between the upper and lower chords and between each pair of adjacent spacer plates. The spacer plates include teeth for embedding into the chords and the struts to form a rigid and sturdy construction member.

Abstract: An insulated wall construction having a substrate defining a wall surface, compressible insulation board positioned over the wall surface of the substrate and a specifically designed clip and fastener for securing the insulation board to the substrate. The clip includes a generally flat plate for providing a bearing surface against the compressible insulation board and a plurality of prongs extending outwardly from the plate for partially penetrating the insulation board for securing the clip to the insulation board. An elongate fastener passes through a central aperture in the clip and is of greater length than the thickness of the insulation board for penetrating through the insulation board and into the substrate for securing the insulation board to the substrate, while being restrained by the clip from undesired compression of the insulation board.

Abstract: A relatively flat sheet metal structural web member for interconnecting a pair of generally parallel spaced-apart chord members to form a floor truss or the like. The web member is generally V-shaped, comprising first and second legs integrally joined at one of their respective ends, and a plurality of teeth struck from opposite ends of the legs for being driven into the chord members. The teeth struck from of each leg are oriented to present their relatively wide surfaces generally broadside within the range of 45.degree.-90.degree. with respect to the central longitudinal plane of the leg for maximizing the resistance of the teeth to movement through the wood chord members so as to increase the load-holding capacity of the web member.