Abstract: A structural framing member comprises a web flanked by a pair of flanges. The flanges may extend generally perpendicularly from the side edges of the web. In some embodiments, the web may comprise a plurality of evenly-spaced embossments positioned along the centerline of the web. The embossments may be diamond shaped. The web may further comprise one or more longitudinally extending offsets that extend along the length of the web. Each flange may comprise a plurality of evenly-spaced longitudinally extending stiffeners. The longitudinally extending stiffeners may be spaced approximately ?? (0.953 cm) apart from each other. In some embodiments, each flange may further comprise a free end, which is bent inwardly to form a return lip along the length of the flange. The return lip may extend generally perpendicularly from the flange and generally parallel to the web. The structural framing member may comprise a stud, track member, or other framing member.

Abstract: A composite building panel including a central body, substantially parallelepipedic in shape, comprised of an expanded polymer matrix, having a first surface and an opposing second surface; and one or more structural reinforcing elements longitudinally extending across the central body between said opposite faces, having a first side portion embedded in the expanded polymer matrix, and a second side portion extending away from the first surface of the central body and one or more expansion holes located in the reinforcing member between the first side portion of the reinforcing member and the first surface of the central body. The central body includes a polymer matrix that expands through the expansion holes.

Abstract: A composite building panel including a central body, substantially parallelepipedic in shape, comprised of an expanded polymer matrix, having opposite faces, a first surface and an opposing second surface; and one or more reinforcing members longitudinally extending across the central body between said opposite faces, having a first side portion embedded in the expanded polymer matrix, and a second side portion extending away from the first surface of the central body and one or more expansion holes located in the reinforcing member between the first side portion of the reinforcing member and the first surface of the central body. The central body includes a polymer matrix that expands through the expansion holes; and a space defined by the first surface of the central body and the second side portion of the reinforcing members is adapted for accommodating utilities through the space.

Abstract: A structural framing member comprises a web flanked by a pair of flanges. The flanges may extend generally perpendicularly from the side edges of the web. In some embodiments, the web may comprise a plurality of evenly-spaced embossments positioned along the centerline of the web. The embossments may be diamond shaped. The web may further comprise one or more longitudinally extending offsets that extend along the length of the web. Each flange may comprise a plurality of evenly-spaced longitudinally extending stiffeners. The longitudinally extending stiffeners may be spaced approximately ?? (0.953 cm) apart from each other. In some embodiments, each flange may further comprise a free end, which is bent inwardly to form a return lip along the length of the flange. The return lip may extend generally perpendicularly from the flange and generally parallel to the web. The structural framing member may comprise a stud, track member, or other framing member.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of joists. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a joist rim having a web and first and second rim legs extending substantially perpendicularly from the web. The apparatus may also include at least one opening through the web and a joist attachment tab integrally formed in the web adjacent each opening. Each of the joist attachment tabs may extend from the web at an angle relative to the web. The apparatus may include at least one reinforcing rib corresponding to each tab and provided in the web adjacent to the corresponding tab.

Abstract: A joist support system and apparatus. The system may include a joist rim that has at least one attachment tab integrally formed therein to facilitate attachment of a joist to the joist rim. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided adjacent the attachment tabs for providing desired structural integrity to the attachment tab connection. The system may also include a C-shaped joist that has a plurality of oval-shaped openings therein to enable components such as ducts, wires, piping, etc. to pass therethrough. The joists may also be provided with a plurality of mounting holes that are adapted to accommodate wire retainer members for supporting insulation between respective joists. The system may also include pre-formed blocking members that are sized to extend between adjacent joists and be attached thereto to provide lateral support to the joists.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of joists. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a joist rim having a web and first and second rim legs extending substantially perpendicularly from the web. The apparatus may also include at least one opening through the web and a joist attachment tab integrally formed in the web adjacent each opening. Each of the joist attachment tabs may extend from the web at an angle relative to the web. The apparatus may include at least one reinforcing rib corresponding to each tab and provided in the web adjacent to the corresponding tab.

Abstract: Wall constructions and methods for constructing walls. In one embodiment, the wall is constructed from studs that each having a web that has at least one opening therein. The studs are oriented such that the openings in their webs are aligned to permit at least one spacer member to extend therethrough. The spacer members are formed with structure for engaging portions of the webs through which they extend. Retainers are provided on the webs of the studs for retaining the spacer members in position. In another embodiment at least two studs that have webs with openings therethrough are oriented such that the openings are aligned with each other. At least one spacer member is inserted through the aligned openings to engage a portion of each web through which they extend. The spacers are then brought into engagement with retainers on the webs of the studs.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of joists. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a joist rim having a web and first and second rim legs extending substantially perpendicularly from the web. The apparatus may also include a plurality of joist attachment tabs integrally formed in the web. Each of the joist attachment tabs may extend from the web at an angle relative to the web and form a corresponding opening in the web. The apparatus may include at least two reinforcing ribs between at least two adjacent openings. In another embodiment the apparatus may include joist locator tabs not attached to the joists.

Abstract: Wall constructions and methods for constructing walls. In one embodiment, the wall is constructed from studs that each having a web that has at least one opening therein. The studs are oriented such that the openings in their webs are aligned to permit at least one spacer member to extend therethrough. The spacer members are formed with structure for engaging portions of the webs through which they extend. Retainers are provided on the webs of the studs for retaining the spacer members in position. In another embodiment at least two studs that have webs with openings therethrough are oriented such that the openings are aligned with each other. At least one spacer member is inserted through the aligned openings to engage a portion of each web through which they extend. The spacers are then brought into engagement with retainers on the webs of the studs.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of joists. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a joist rim having a web and first and second rim legs extending substantially perpendicularly from the web. The apparatus may also include a plurality of joist attachment tabs integrally formed in the web. Each of the joist attachment tabs may extend from the web at an angle relative to the web and form a corresponding opening in the web. The apparatus may include at least two reinforcing ribs between at least two adjacent openings. In another embodiment the apparatus may include joist locator tabs not attached to the joists.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a building component to a structure. The apparatus may include a C-shaped support header that is sized to be received on a portion of a structure such as the top plate of a wall. A number of attachment tab assemblies are integrally formed in the support header and protrude therefrom to facilitate attachment of the building components to the support header.

Abstract: A joist support system and apparatus. The system may include a joist rim that has at least one attachment tab integrally formed therein to facilitate attachment of a joist to the joist rim. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided adjacent the attachment tabs for providing desired structural integrity to the attachment tab connection. The system may also include a C-shaped joist that has a plurality of oval-shaped openings therein to enable components such as ducts, wires, piping, etc. to pass therethrough. The joists may also be provided with a plurality of mounting holes that are adapted to accommodate wire retainer members for supporting insulation between respective joists. The system may also include preformed blocking members that are sized to extend between adjacent joists and be attached thereto to provide lateral support to the joists.

Abstract: A spacer bar for use in connection with support building components at predetermined intervals relative to each other. The spacer bar may be used in connection with building components fabricated from wood, metal, etc. and includes at least two pair of clamping tabs for engaging and retaining the components in the desired position.

Abstract: A joist support system and apparatus. The system may include a joist rim that has at least one attachment tab integrally formed therein to facilitate attachment of a joist to the joist rim. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided adjacent the attachment tabs for providing desired structural integrity to the attachment tab connection. The system may also include a C-shaped joist that has a plurality of oval-shaped openings therein to enable components such as ducts, wires, piping, etc. to pass therethrough. The joists may also be provided with a plurality of mounting holes that are adapted to accommodate wire retainer members for supporting insulation between respective joists. The system may also include preformed blocking members that are sized to extend between adjacent joists and be attached thereto to provide lateral support to the joists.