Abstract: A structural beam having at least one open-faced end flange that can be snap-fitted into the end of a similar stud to create a high strength structural assembly. The interlocking flanges are equipped with locking devices that prevent the studs from separating in assembly. Each flange is also equipped with a flexible distal wall with an outwardly turned lip which is adapted to apply a biasing holding force on the interlocked flanges. The lip also serves as a useful mechanism for engaging structural panels mounted upon the assembly.

Abstract: A building support structure that includes at least one elongated stud having a planer web and rectangular flanges joined to opposing longitudinal edges of the web with the bottom wall of each flange being co-planar with the web, a right angle bracket, each leg of which contains a pair of parallel slots passing downwardly from the top edge of the leg at equal distance to divide the leg into a center section having a width that is about equal to the width of the web and two end sections each having a width that is about equal to the inside width of each flange, the top portion of each end section being turned inwardly at an angle greater than 90 degrees to form a locking tab that has an interference fit with the inside section of each flange. One leg of the bracket is connected to the end of the stud by sliding the center section of the leg over the bottom surface of the web and the locking tab into opposing flanges of the stud whereby the stud is prevented from pulling out of the bracket.

Abstract: A clip for joining sheet metal beams to one another is formed of a single strip of sheet steel. An arcuate spring plate fits between the flanges of one beam, with a free edge engaging beneath a lip, and a transverse bend at the other edge of the arcuate section joined to a member that extends downward outside the other flange and beneath the web of the one beam. At a second bend there is a flange that rises to engage one of the flanges of the second beam beneath a bent-in lip thereof. The clips can be constructed for joining parallel beams, beams that cross at right angles, or beams that cross at any arbitrary angle.

Abstract: A fascia end plate for sheet metal building construction has a face plate and a lower plate joined to a lower edge of the face plate at an angle of 75 degrees. A pair of legs extend horizontally from the top edge of the face plate and from the lower plate, each leg having a retaining tab at its end. The fascia end plate inserts into the box flanges of a sheet metal joist.

Abstract: A spring wire member for retaining insulation against a building panel supported upon spaced apart flanged metal beams. The member, when in an unloaded condition, contains three parallel legs that are joined by semi-circular elbows including a center leg having a length that is substantially greater than the space between adjacent beams and two end legs each of which having a length that is slightly greater than the space between the beams whereby the member can be obliquely positioned inside the flanges of adjacent beams and the end legs extended to a position normal to the center leg whereby the extended member is loaded in biasing contact against the adjacent beams.

Abstract: A quick-set button or clip formed of a strip of spring metal has the general shape of the Greek letter omega, and joins halves of a two-part sheet metal beam or joist. The clip has an insertion bight formed at one end of a main elongated portion, and a Vee spring arm at the other end. The insertion bight has an offset portion, an outward leg and a return leg, and a diagonal portion that extends to a stub located at the underside of the main portion. The insertion bight and the Vee spring arm are inserted into corresponding aligned slots in the sheet metal web of the beam or joist, and spring action of the quick set button or clip holds the clip and the joist or beam forming members securely together.

Abstract: A roof system comprises roof support members, such as rafters and purlins, to which truss members are connected. These members are formed as sheet metal beams. The truss members are joined to the other members by spring truss pins or clips. These clips are generally formed as a spring bight having first and second legs, with key portions formed at the free end of the legs. The key portion of the first leg includes an indentation which faces away from the second leg, and a short stub member. The second leg key portion includes an offset which extends transversely in the direction towards the line of the first leg, and a stub member which extends in the direction generally parallel to the second leg.

Abstract: Apparatus for mechanically transferring energy from a source to some form of energy converter that includes a series of gear sets placed in meshing contact between the source and the converter. Each gear set includes a liftoff wheel that is coupled to a transfer wheel by means of liftoff units which realign the internal forces acting upon the system when the wheels reach or exceed liftoff speed. The realignment of forces neutralizes the internal forces and conserves the amount of energy needed to sustain the transfer operation. The energy saved is accumulated in the system and used to do work.

Abstract: A roof system of the type wherein a rafter and a purlin are connected by a sheet metal truss. The truss contains a pair of channel-shaped mounting flanges that are hinged to the member at each end thereof. One flange is adapted to pass over and be seated upon the rafter while the opposite flange is adapted to pass over the purlin. In assembly, the flanges are brought into alignment with holes formed in the rafter and the purlin and the truss is secured in place using a spring loaded truss pin that can be easily deformed in assembly to provide a rivet-like connection between the cojoined members.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a secure weathertight joint between a pair of coplanar building panels that includes a web passing upwardly through the seam of the joint. A pair of opposed downwardly turned runners depend obliquely from either side of the raised web and along the entire length of the joint. The adjacent ends of the two panels that form the seam are turned upwardly to pass under the runners. An elongated V-shaped spring closure is seated upon the runners with the inside surface of each closure leg being biased against the top surface of one of the runners. A locking pad is secured to the inside wall of each closure leg that snaps over the end of the adjacent runner to secure the parts in assembly.

Abstract: A preformed structural member that includes an elongated web having first and second flanges projecting laterally from its two longitudinal edges. Each of the flanges is of different construction, however, the flanges of two or more members can be interlocked to form either a right angle corner sections or continuous flooring or ceiling sections. Similarly, the member can be easily snapped into operative relationship with flat panels to create a self-standing sub-assembly possessing sufficient holding power to temporarily support the cojoined components until such time as they can be more securely locked together in final assembly.

Abstract: A structural member having similar flanges mounted on either end. The flanges of individual members can be interlocked to form either right angle sections or rectangular columns.

Abstract: A structural frame in which vertically aligned metallic studs are secured to horizontal metallic runners or the like by means of clips to create a strong, easy to erect, partition. Each clip includes two upraised legs that are connected at their upper ends by means of a sinusoidal shaped section. The lower end of each leg contains an outwardly extended locking key. In assembly, the sinusoidal section of the clip is received within a slotted hole formed in the stud with the bottom of the slotted hole being seated against one of the peaks of the sinusoidal waveform section. The clip is crimped to allow the keys to pass through a pair of receiving holes formed in the horizontal runner. The crimping force on the clip is released whereupon the locking bars are driven beneath the holes to lock the clip in place and thus secure the two structural members in assembly.

Abstract: A modular building wherein the studs and certain other membes are comprised of two half stud members held together by rotating clamps. The half stud members are preferably of identical construction, each including a first longer wall and a second shorter wall, the first and second walls running generally parallel to each other and connected by a bridging section, each wall terminating in a free edge tab portion. The two half stud members are disposed against each other in such a way that the first longer wall of each half stud member is in abutting relationship, such that the respective tabs of the first and second parallel walls extend away from each other, and wherein a vinyl separator is interposed between the abutting first parallel walls. The vinyl separator possesses, at one end, an exterior seal and possesses an interior seal at the other end thereof.

Abstract: Foundation assemblies for buildings comprising sill means and a wall plate connected thereto. The wall plate serves to support a plurality of elongated half-stud members on which vertical wall panels are mounted.In one embodiment of the invention, the sill plate is mounted directly on and connected to a concrete foundation element and comprises a sill plate and a sill locking plate. A flanged stud-tie plate is interposed between the sill locking plate and the wall plate and serves to expedite the mounting of the stud members.In a further embodiment of the invention, the sill means is mounted on a vertically extending pier for supporting the sill plate and associated structure above the ground. In this embodiment, the sill means comprises a sill plate, a sill locking plate and a beam support angle having a portion connected to the pier and the sill plate for supporting the beam of a floor support assembly.