Abstract: A blade is configured for use in cutting metal studs, the blade including a cutting edge, the cutting edge configured to engage a metal stud such that the metal stud and debris from a cut of the metal stud are pushed in different directions. Cutting machines including the blade are also disclosed, as methods of cutting metal studs using the blade.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to systems, assemblies, and methods for connecting structural members together. A connector assembly includes an elongated track having a web, opposed edge portions that extend from a first surface of the web and that form a pair of slide channels, and one or more protrusions protruding from a second surface of the web opposing the first surface, the one or more protrusions being configured to connect to the first building member. A connecting member is adapted to connect to the second building member and includes a base that retains the connecting member to the channels but is movable within the channels along the track. In this configuration, when the connector assembly is connected between the first and second building members, the connecting member is movable in the track in response to relative movement between the first and second building members.

Abstract: An elongated load bearing metal stud including a web and a pair of flanges disposed on opposite sides of the stud. Formed in the central portion of the web is a channel. The channel includes a pair of diagonal sides and a section extending between the sides. The channel effectively divides the web and forms on each side of the channel an outer web surface that extends adjacent the channel the length of the stud. Each flange extends from the web and includes a side, back and a turned end that includes a terminal end and wherein the turned end extends generally parallel with the side of the flange.

Abstract: A bridging member for attachment between two structural members is described. The bridging member addresses the need to provide lateral bracing between wooden structural members such as joists, studs and rafters for which the depth of the members relative to the thicknesses requires bracing to avoid twisting or buckling. The bridging member includes a web and a pair of side flanges. Disposed on each end of the bridging member is an end flange that is disposed at an angle with respect to the web, and a connecting or end tab. The end flanges are adapted to be fastened or connected to opposing sides of the structural members while the end tabs are adapted to be secured to a top or bottom portion of the structural members.

Abstract: A metal deck kit for erecting a metal deck appurtenant a residential structure. The kit includes a plurality of metal components including support posts, girders, joists, bridging elements, rim tracks, ledgers, along with various connectors, stiffeners, adapters, and brackets for connecting the components together to form a metal deck. Vibration or shock absorbing pads are included for use between various components to reduce shock and vibration transmission through portions of the metal deck. A method of forming a metal deck using these components is also provided.

Abstract: A building assembly utilized in connecting building members together while permitting limited relative movement between the members. The assembly includes a structure such as a track or plate that includes one or more longitudinal slots. Integrally formed in the longitudinal slot is a breakaway washer that receives a fastener that extends into an adjacent structure. When a certain force is applied to the breakaway washer, the breakaway washer breaks away from the slot and this permits the slot to move about the breakaway washer and fastener which results in there being relative movement between two connected structures.

Abstract: A connector for a wall structure wherein the connector connects to and reinforces a stud within the wall structure, or in some cases, the connector actually functions as a stud. The connector includes an elongated web and a pair of flanges that project from the web. About the lower portion of the connector there is provided a series of tabs that extend from the web and the two flanges and are turned so as to overlap and form a transfer structure that extends between the flanges about the lower end of the connector. In use, the connector can be connected to respective studs in a wall structure and at the same time anchor to an underlying structure such as a floor. In other cases, the connector itself can be utilized in the wall structure as a stud.

Abstract: A deck pan assembly for receiving and supporting concrete that is utilized as a floor system in a building. The deck pan assembly comprises a plurality of deck pans with each deck pan including a bottom and an upturned edge. The deck pans are disposed in side-by-side relationship and spaced such that the turned up edges of two deck pans lie adjacent each other and form a connecting structure that permits the two deck pans to be connected together. Further the assembly includes an elongated stiffening connector extending along the connecting structure and at least partially covering the turned up edges that form the connecting structure. The elongated stiffening connector includes a pair of spaced apart sides, and the connecting structure, formed by the upturned edges of two deck pans, is inserted between the spaced apart sides such that the spaced apart sides extend downwardly adjacent outer surfaces of the connecting structure.

Abstract: A building assembly utilized in connecting building members together while permitting limited relative movement between the members. The assembly includes a structure such as a track or plate that includes one or more longitudinal slots. Integrally formed in the longitudinal slot is a breakaway washer that receives a fastener that extends into an adjacent structure. When a certain force is applied to the breakaway washer, the breakaway washer breaks away from the slot and this permits the slot to move about the breakaway washer and fastener which results in there being relative movement between two connected structures.

Abstract: A stud spacer for a metal wall having a series of spaced apart studs with each stud having a pair of flanges and an interconnected web with the web having an opening therein. Connected between each pair of consecutive studs is a stud spacer. Each stud spacer includes a pair of end flanges that are secured to the web of an adjacent stud. In addition, each stud spacer includes a projection that projects through an opening in the adjacent stud and extends into an opening or slot in an adjacent stud spacer such that the respective stud spacers are effectively linked or connected by the projections of the various stud spacers found in the metal wall.

Abstract: A connector assembly for accurately projecting fasteners for connecting two building members together while permitting limited relative motion between the members. The assembly includes a plate having one or more longitudinal slots. The plate is secured to or a part of one of the building members. The plate is connected to the other building member by fasteners projected through breakaway washers formed in the slots. The breakaway washers each have an opening for guiding the fastener and centering the fastener on the slot. Centering the fastener on the slot prevents inadvertent clamping of the plate and the other building member together so that limited relative motion is permitted.

Abstract: A composite wood-metal structural member comprises a web and a pair of flanges. The web is at least partially made of metal and the flanges are at least partially made of wood. The web includes a pair of metal panels and each panel includes a central section and a pair of end sections. The end sections wrap around a part of the flanges and are attached thereto.

Abstract: A series of spaced-apart light gauge cold formed steel studs underlie an elongated light gauge cold formed steel channel or box. A series of joist supports are connected to the channel and a series of joists, formed of a light gauge cold formed steel, are connected to the joist supports and extend outwardly from the box. Decking is supported on the joist. Concrete is poured into the channel to form a reinforced header or beam, and concrete is also poured onto the decking to form a concrete floor. Together, the concrete floor and header form a monolithic concrete structure that enables the joist to be misaligned with studs.

Abstract: A combination stud and bridging member for use in a metal wall. The stud includes a web and a pair of flanges with the web including first and second sides and having a depression formed therein. Adapted to engage or extend through the web, the bridging member includes first and second end portions. One end portion includes a concave shaped recess that when disposed adjacent the stud accommodates the depression formed in the web. Disposed on the end portion of the bridging member having the concave recess is a projection receiver. Disposed on the opposite end of the bridging member is a projection. In a wall structure, the bridging members are adapted to extend between the studs. More particularly, the projections of the bridging members extend through openings formed in the web of the studs and into the projection receivers of adjacent bridging members to form an interlocked relationship.

Abstract: A boot assembly for securing a bracing strap to a wall in a light steel frame building. The boot assembly includes an elongated channel-shaped strap connector and a stud connector. The stud connector is adapted such that a stud may be connected thereto. The strap connector includes a seat for receiving a base of the stud connector and a pair of stops. One or more stops is disposed on each of two end portions of the strap connector. Each stop includes a stop surface to abut a portion of the base and to prevent or limit fore-and-aft movement of the base relative to the strap connector. The strap connector is adapted to be secured with the stud connector and a track, included in the wall, to an underlying support. The strap connector includes a flange adapted such that an end portion of a bracing strap can be connected thereto.

Abstract: A wall strap tensioner for tensioning a wall strap of a metal wall. The wall strap tensioner includes first and second links pivotally connected together. A fastener is secured to each of the first and second links for engaging and fastening to the wall strap. Disposed about the opposite end of the tensioner is a flexible cable adapted to be secured to a portion of the metal wall. A connector connects to the flexible cable and a handle is pivotally connected to the connector and movable between first and second positions. A connecting link extends between the first and second links and the handle, the connecting link including third and fourth links that are movable with respect to each other and which are movable between retracted and extended positions. A spring extends around the third and fourth links and biases the third and fourth links towards an extended position.

Abstract: A connector for a wall structure wherein the connector connects to and reinforces a stud within the wall structure, or in some cases, the connector actually functions as a stud. The connector includes an elongated web and a pair of flanges that project from the web. About the lower portion of the connector there is provided a series of tabs that extend from the web and the two flanges and are turned so as to overlap and form a transfer structure that extends between the flanges about the lower end of the connector. In use, the connector can be connected to respective studs in a wall structure and at the same time anchor to an underlying structure such as a floor. In other cases, the connector itself can be utilized in the wall structure as a stud.

Abstract: A wall strap tensioner for tensioning a wall strap of a metal wall. The wall strap tensioner includes first and second links pivotally connected together. A fastener is secured to each of the first and second links for engaging and fastening to the wall strap. Disposed about the opposite end of the tensioner is a flexible cable adapted to be secured to a portion of the metal wall. A connector connects to the flexible cable and a handle is pivotally connected to the connector and movable between first and second positions. Once the handle assumes the second position, the metal strap is tensioned and can be fastened to an appropriate area of the metal wall.

Abstract: An attachment is provided for connecting two building members together such as a header and an adjoining support member. The attachment includes a plate having an engaging surface for extending across and in engagement with the two building members. At least one L-shaped bracket projects from the plate. The L-shaped bracket includes first and second tabs that form an angle of approximately 90° and which are offset with respect to the plate. The first and second tabs as well as the plate are adapted to be secured to the two building members.

Abstract: A building assembly utilized in connecting building members together while permitting limited relative movement between the members. The assembly includes a structure such as a track or plate that includes one or more longitudinal slots. Integrally formed in the longitudinal slot is a breakaway washer that receives a fastener that extends into an adjacent structure. When a certain force is applied to the breakaway washer, the breakaway washer breaks away from the slot and this permits the slot to move about the breakaway washer and fastener which results in there being relative movement between two connected structures.