Abstract: A crimping tool including a frame, a die fixedly and non-pivotally supported by the frame, a punch arm pivotally mounted on the frame, a mating die affixed to the punch arm, and an actuator interconnected to the punch arm for moving the mating die between a first position in which the mating die engages the die and a second position in which the mating die is spaced from the die. The mating die is a male die having a generally triangular cross section.

Abstract: A joist assembly having a top chord with a slot formed therein, a bottom chord with a slot formed therein, and a tubular member of serpentine configuration having an upper portion received within the slot of the top chord and a lower portion received within the slot of the bottom chord. The tubular member extends between the chords so as to maintain the chords in parallel spaced relationship. The chords are formed of a length of cold roll-formed steel. The tubular member is of a single length of square tubular steel.

Abstract: A decking assembly having a first deck section with a male leg and a second deck positioned adjacent to and in overlapping relationship to the first deck section. The second deck section has a female leg overlying the male leg of the first deck section. The male leg and the female leg have a triangular tab formed therethrough such that the triangular tab extends outwardly on one side of the female leg so as to secure the edges of the sections together in secure relationship. A plurality of triangular tabs are formed in spaced relationship to each other.

Abstract: A method of forming a joist assembly including the steps of forming a top chord, forming a bottom chord, bending a tubular member into a serpentine configuration, positioning an upper bent portion of the tubular member into the top chord, positioning a lower bent portion of the tubular member into the bottom chord, and welding the tubular member to the top chord and to the bottom chord. The top and bottom chords are cold formed of a single length of generally rectangular tubular material.

Abstract: A crimping tool including a frame, a die fixedly and non-pivotally supported by the frame, a punch arm pivotally mounted on the frame, a mating die affixed to the punch arm, and an actuator interconnected to the punch arm for moving the mating die between a first position in which the mating die engages the die and a second position in which the mating die is spaced from the die. The mating die is a male die having a generally triangular cross section.

Abstract: A decking assembly having a first deck section with a male leg and a second deck positioned adjacent to and in overlapping relationship to the first deck section. The second deck section has a female leg overlying the male leg of the first deck section. The male leg and the female leg have a triangular tab formed therethrough such that the triangular tab extends outwardly on one side of the female leg so as to secure the edges of the sections together in secure relationship. A plurality of triangular tabs are formed in spaced relationship to each other.

Abstract: Roofing brackets include a first leg that can be attached to vertical members of a roof structure and a second leg that extends at an angle from the first leg and can be attached to horizontal members of the roof structure and/or to a support surface. A first leg of each bracket is formed with a plurality of preformed patterned holes with a second leg of each bracket being formed with a plurality of different sized holes. The second legs of a first set of brackets being attached to a roofing substrate with the first legs of the first set being attached to lower ends of vertical roofing support members. The first legs of a second set of brackets being attached to upper ends of the vertical support members such that the second legs of the second set of brackets have a desired angular orientation angularly offset with respect to the vertical support members. The second legs of the second set of brackets then being attached to a horizontal roofing support member.