Abstract: The invention relates to a prefabricated joint structure for joining an essentially wooden elongated beam (2) or similar to at least one other beam (2) over a predetermined length (A) of a relatively short joint portion (4) in the beam, the joint (1) being accomplished by pins, bolts or the like (5) penetrating the beam or beams. In each joint there are at least two jointing in a direction transverse to the main gain of the beam. The joint structure further comprises a metal nail plate (6), having a plate plane transverse to the length (T) of the jointing and whose nails (7) protrude from the plate plane and are embedded in the beam wood.

Abstract: The basic shape of a large span dome (10) is defined by a primary network (20) of structural struts (15) which are so arranged between their junctions (16) that they fully triangulate the surface (13) of the dome. The struts throughout the network have substantially uniform cross-sectional dimensions which are defined with reference to strut loads encountered at and near the perimeter (37) of the dome. The central portion of the network is strengthened to withstand snap-through of the dome by a truss system (30) comprised of a secondary network (35) of truss members (33) which lie in a secondary surface (31) which is inside the dome and is spaced from the dome's triangulated surface. The primary (20) and secondary (35) networks are tied together by tie members (36) which extend between connections (34) of the truss members and the strut junctions (16) and which lie in the planes of webs (25) of respective struts.

Abstract: An adjustable truss is made up of a chain of truss elements sharing common edges. Pairs of adjacent elements are pivotally joined at their common edges, these shared edges acting as hinges. Tension cables are slidably received at the ends of each hinge. The truss can be erected by providing tensile forces in the tension cables. The precise angle of a specific hinge is controlled by actuators driving mechanical linkages connecting the adjacent truss elements associated with that hinge. The mechanical linkages serve to guide the amount of the forces from the cables which are applied to the hinge. In this way, the truss as a whole can be adjusted through an infinite range of configurational changes in three dimensions. The tension cables can be clamped at each hinge end, locking the selected hinge angles and pre-stressing the overall structure. In this way, the truss elements bear the compressive loads, while the cables bear the tensile loads.

Abstract: A system for lifting and supporting a roof including a jack and a pair of jack mounting brackets. One of the mounting brackets is attached to a roof truss and the other of the mounting brackets is attached to a ceiling joist. The jack extends between the mounting brackets, and has reduced diameter ends which are received within enlarged openings in the mounting brackets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to building constructions which are relatively inexpensive and easy to assemble. Under a first embodiment, a building construction comprised of a lower portion and an upper portion wherein the lower portion includes a plurality of walls having a radially outwardly extending top plate which serves to support the upper portion of the building and assists in providing the building with an exaggerated eave is disclosed. Under a second embodiment, the building construction includes a plurality of inner and outer frame members wherein the outer frame members serve the additional function of a trim assembly. As the building constructions of the present invention are relatively easy to construct, the building constructions can be sold as a kit for construction by individuals having relatively little experience in the construction field.

Abstract: A portable steel framed building which can be rapidly assembled and disassembled. Components of a typical building include at least one ridge beam connected between two spaced ridge receivers with two rafters also secured to the ridge receiver. The rafters extend through hip receivers each of which is connected to a hip beam and a post. Thus, two identical ridge receivers and four identical hip receivers, plus a ridge beam, two hip beams and four posts are sufficient to construct a complete building. With additional identical components, the size of the building may be extended and other configurations, such as valley, shed or gable roofs may be constructed. If desired, purlins may be provided between rafters and crosspieces may be provided between posts. Fascia members may be fastened to the ends of the rafters, and may include a component for holding the ends of a fabric roof covering. The posts may be telescoping to allow building height to be varied or irregular foundations to be accommodated.

Abstract: A biarch consists of two coplanar arches, curved in the same direction and radially spaced with cross ties having shear rigidity in planes perpendicular to the cross section areal center curve of the arch pair. End ties resist relative tangential arch displacements. Biarch framing members are strong, stiff, durable and economical structural members for framing aesthetically pleasing, clear span arched structures capable of withstanding hurricane winds and mountain snows. The most efficient materials for constructing biarch framing members are hardwoods, aluminum and steel. Biarch frames spanning up to fifty feet can be assembled or disassembled by one or two persons using common hand tools.

Abstract: A truss structure utilizing three open channeled rigid members or chords which are preferably made of metallic material. A web constructed of at least two spanning members that are angularly attached to one another, are connected to the first, second, and third channel members. First and second open channel members are each connected to one another at one end and to the third rigid open channel member at the other end to form a triangular structure with the web portion in between. Structural elements are connected to the web and are capable of lying within the open channel members to permit interlinkage between the web and the chords to complete the truss structure.

Abstract: A brace provides lateral support to a series of upright truss units of a truss system having at least first, second and third truss units, with each truss unit having at least one beam member having a first surface, that is generally co-planar with corresponding beam members of other truss units. The brace includes a generally continuous, elongated central leg having a first surface, a second surface positioned for engaging a first surface of the beam members of the first, second and third truss units, and a longitudinally extending rib member. The rib member is unitarilly formed with the central leg and extends generally outwardly from the second side surface of the central leg and includes a first opening for receiving the first truss unit, a second unit for receiving the second truss unit, and a third opening for receiving the third truss unit.

Abstract: A precast concrete portal frame system includes two column sections and a rafter section, each of which are pre-cast off-site, each column section extending integrally toward a plane of symmetry of the portal frame to an uppermost articulated surface of each of the column sections which meet lowermost articulated surfaces of the rafter section, defining respectively opposing planes in complemental keyed relationship, the opposing planes also defining, in longitudinal cross-section, mating L-shaped surfaces, the inclined planes of the column and rafter sections provided with transverse bolting holes to provide a bolted connection between the rafter and column sections of the system. The upper part of each column section is enlarged to provide resistance to high bending moments.

Abstract: A steel building system, of the type having multiple frames, has at least one truss frame comprising a pair of column steel members, a bottom chord having at least one steel member, two top chord steel members, and at least one brace connected between the top chords and the bottom chord. Connecting plates are provided to connect the various steel members together. Such connecting plates have hole patterns which are juxtaposed with "standard" hole patterns near the ends of the steel members.

Abstract: There is disclosed a metal roof support structure comprised of rafter beams, ceiling beams, and internal structural supports, the aforesaid members overlapping in snap-fit interlocking relationship, the intersection points of each of the aforesaid elements being secured by a single fastener. The rafter beams and ceiling beams are comprised of a structural member adapted to interlock with a second structural member of similar construction to form the rafter beams and ceiling beam, each of which presents an "I" beam cross-section when so assembled.

Abstract: A metal roof truss for building construction includes top and bottom chord members. Each member is of U-shaped cross-section with each leg of the U having a radiused or rolled hem at the end of the legs of the U. The radiused or rolled hem provides stiffening to the members. In addition, the outward facing surface of the web of the U has dimpled knurling to reduce screw wander.

Abstract: A truss fabricated of cold rolled sheet metal structural members having chord members, web members, and connectors for joints thereof, of such construction as to enable fabrication of the truss with the chord members lying flat on a fabrication table and further of such construction as to allow a plurality of trusses to be stacked flatwise one on another for storage and delivery.

Abstract: Prefabricated Truss includes a header for use above an opening in a wall such as for a garage door opening. The truss extends below the level of the top king plate of adjacent walls to a level where the header would normally be found. By including the header in the prefabricated truss, labor and materials are saved.

Abstract: A trussed frame for use in structures and particularly those structures having long-span requirements in which there is at least one compression member comprised of hollow steel filled with high strength concrete forming a composite having a higher load carrying capacity than the total load carrying capacity of the hollow steel compression member and concrete each acting alone and a pre-compressed rolled structure steel tension member having high strength steel post-tension tendons anchored to the trussed frame at the respective ends of the tendon.

Abstract: This invention provides an arcuate frame rib for the frame of a covered shelter. The arcuate rib includes an adjustable and pivotal base mounting at each end of the arc. The rib is formed by sections of tubing joined by a rigid coupler having an angled upper member with tube receivers at both ends to slideably receive the tubular sections, a lower member with tube guides at both ends to slideably receive and guide the tubular sections received in the tube receivers and a central body member joining the upper and lower members. The lower member generally includes a reinforcement that carries a double assembly pin receiving tab. Rib braces generally connect the lower members of successive rigid couplers to support the rib by being pinned to the double pin receiving tabs. For further reinforcement, there are generally knee braces formed of knee tubing strengthened by a gussett plate and clamped to the rib braces.

Abstract: A building having a plurality of spaced apart concrete pilasters vertically disposed in the ground and having their tops in a common horizontal plane carry thereon a similar plurality of roof truss members which are generally vertically disposed on the pilasters and which join at the crown that leads to one other truss member to form a roof enclosure for a frame structure for a building. Truss members are covered with sheeting panels to enclose the building above the top of the pilasters and the barrier wall is provided from a series of panels mounted on the inside of the pilasters. The truss members are arranged to provide a triangular interior roof profile and a hip roof exterior profile eliminating the need for vertical wall sections on a circular building and on a rectangular, except for the end walls.

Abstract: A rafter reinforcement device for strengthening structural joints that are primarily of the type used to connect sections of hollow rafters in roof support systems. The rafter system to be reinforced includes a pair of "U"-shaped members, each of which are composed of two segments that are joined at an angle. The "U"-shaped members are nested together creating a space to receive the reinforcement device. The reinforcing device includes a pair of "U"-shaped channels, each composed of two parts that are joined at an angle that is substantially the same angle as that defined by the rafter segments. The channels are nested with one another so that the web of each channel is opposed and spaced apart from the web of the other channel. The nested channels are sized and configured to be received by the hollow rafter at the structural joint of the rafter.

Abstract: A chord truss roof includes a ring-girder, cross beams arranged radially around the ring-girder, chord members stretched between the respective cross beams and the ring-girder. The roof supports itself by tensioning the chord members. The ring-girder has an upper compression ring, a lower tension ring, and plural struts connecting the two rings. The chord members arranged opposite one another with both end portions of the tension ring interposed therebetween are connected to the corresponding end portions of the tension ring, and are joined to one another via connection members which are disposed between both end portions of the tension ring. Further, each strut is provided along a line which bisects the angle made by a corresponding chord member and the plane defined by the tension ring.

Abstract: A trussed structure includes at least a pair of parallel trussed girders. In one of the trussed girders, an upper chord member and a lower chord member are joined through lattice members. The trussed structure includes at least a pair of prestressing members spanning between the opposite sides of the trussed structure. The central portions of the prestressing members are disposed below the end portions of the prestressing members, and connected to the lower chord members so as to pull the lower chord members upwardly. The central portions of both of the prestressing members are disposed between the adjacent trussed girders.

Abstract: An economical steel roof truss for spanning large areas with unique shapes for maximum in use strength and splicing segments to use lengths that are easily handled and with a design to use minimum thickness metal consistent with loads and assembly costs.

Abstract: A braced framework comprises a truss, supported at its ends, on vertical studs. The latter and the adjacent truss chords are connected together at eaves joints and the truss top chords are connected together at a ridge joint. Each joint includes a metal connector having a connection leg for each of the truss chords and studs. The connection legs are channel elements each defining a chamber into which one chord is received, each chamber having a front opening and the chords being frame members each formed with an open web. As a result, once the chords are inserted into the connection leg chambers of the metal connectors, the assembly of the frame members and the connection legs, at each joint, may be carried out by welding from the front openings of the chambers and through the open webs of the frame members, thereby avoiding having to lift the framework and turn it upside down.

Abstract: Assembly device for a roof frame having an inclined roof beam, with a post, for making framework and structures, characterized in that it consists of two cast members (1 and 2), one (1) being disposed fixedly in the interior of the lower end of the roof beam (3), and the other (2) being disposed fixedly partially within the interior of the upper end of the post (4). The two members have structure (5, 6, 7, 8) securing them together at two spaced locations, the distance between these locations being greater than the width of the post (4), the two members (1 and 2) coacting to ensure assembly and securement of the roof beam (3) with the post (4) by mere engagement of the securing structure (5, 6, 7, 8). One of the members (1, 2) comprises two recesses (5 and 6) and the other of the members (1, 2) two lugs (7 and 8), the assembly of the roof beam ( 3) with the post (4) taking place solely by insertion of the two lugs (7 and 8) in the two recesses (5 and 6).

Abstract: Assembly apparatus for the connection of two roof beams at the level of the ridge, for providing frames and structures, comprises two cast members (1, 1') identical to each other, each being disposed fixedly partially in the interior of the upper end of each roof beam (2, 2'). The cast member (1) is disposed head to tail with respect to the cast member (1') and the two members (1, 1') each have a protruding portion (3, 3') spaced a substantial distance from a recess (4, 4'). The protruding portion (3, 3') of each member (1, 1') engages in the recess (4', 4) of the other member (1, 1') to provide two connections (3, 4' and 3', 4) between the beams (2, 2'), these connections being disposed closely adjacent respective ends of the beams (2, 2') and coacting to ensure the assembly and securement of the roof beams (2, 2') by mere insertion.

Abstract: A wooden truss member including a vertically disposed column section and an upwardly pitched roof beam section angularly disposed from the top of the column section to form a corner therebetween, each section including a hollow frame that is covered by side panels. The two sections are joined at the corner by means of an elongated flange. Plywood panels are used to cover each of the section frames and are arranged so that the grain of each panel runs along the length of the frame section. Special corner panels are mounted between the sections to enclose the corner region therebetween. The grain of the corner panels is arranged to run perpendicular to the corner flanges.

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 building frame and method for its assembly is disclosed. The building frame includes channel shaped structural members which are utilized for rafters, girders, and vertical columns. The various structural members are joined together by specially designed joining clips which provide structural strength and ease of assembly. Each of the clips includes a channel shape member into which one of the structural members can be inserted and bolted in place. Ridge clips join two of the rafters and are joined together at a preselected angle to define the roofline of the building. A rafter clip is attached to the top of each of the vertical columns and includes and angled portion which is bolted to the outer end of each of the rafters at an angle which is consistent with the preselected angle. The lower end of each vertical column is bolted to a base clip which in turn provides a base member which may be bolted to the floor of the building.

Abstract: A scissors truss comprises elongated structural wooden members establishing pairs of top chords and bottom chords connected at opposite ends thereof to establish a top apex joint, a bottom apex joint and heel joints at opposite ends of the truss. At least one vertical wooden member extends between the top and bottom joints to provide structural reinforcement. While the heel joints may be formed with conventional rectangular connector plates with struck teeth embedded into side faces of the chord members, the nail plate establishing the top apex joint is formed with upper inclined edges approximating the pitch of the top chords without projecting upwardly above an upper edge surface of the top chords. Similarly, the bottom nail plate establishing the bottom apex joint is formed with lower inclined edges approximating the pitch of the bottom chords without projecting downwardly below a lower edge surface of the bottom chords.

Abstract: A fixing bracket 5 in a roof construction is a metal sheet with two parallel grooves 39, 40 pressed therein to protrude as ribs from the other side of the sheet. each groove extending from one edge of the sheet to another with two straight end portions and a central part-circular central portion. The outer edge of the sheet is concentrically part-circular and the inner edge is folded up at 38. Such a bracket, or a pair of such brackets back-to-back with grooves 39, 40 protruding, can connect cold-rolled channels 1,2 e.g. as used for the uprights or rafters of a portal frame structure, with compatible longitudinal base grooves. The channels are again usually used in back-to-back pairs and the brackets are bolted within these back-to-back pairs of channels. The included angle can be from 90.degree.-135.degree. for eaves brackets, or from 90.degree.-180.degree. for ridge brackets.

Abstract: A method of building a triangulated frame structure of the kind composed of a plurality of subsidiary members (12) joined by their ends to a plurality of main members (7,8,11) intermedially of the ends of the main members (7,8,11). The method comprises forming the ends of the subsidiary members (12) as protrusile tongues (13); providing the main members (7,8,11) with locator slots (14) each able to accept one of the tongues (13), and located in the main members (7,8,11) at points to which the end of a subsidiary member (12) is to be joined; arraying the main members (7,8,11) and the subsidiary members (12) together substantially in correspondence with the position they are to occupy in the finished frame structure, entering the tongues (13) into that one of the slots nearest to it when the members (7,8,11,12) are in the arrayed position; and bending the entered tongues (13) so that they are at least partially restrained against withdrawal from the slots 14.

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 light gauge steel building wherein a plurality of roof trusses are supported by wall studs located in lower track sections. The roof trusses include a plurality of tension and compression members which overlap the truss top and bottom chords so that extra reinforcing plates are unnecessary. Single or double thickness wall siding may be provided as structurally required, and the siding is fastened to horizontal girts which are mounted on, and span, the vertical wall studs. Provision is also made for both load bearing and non-load bearing doorway openings. Light gauge steel members are used throughout the building system to reduce overall weight, and yet maintain structural integrity.

Abstract: The construction includes batts of fibrous insulation between trusses as well as insulation in a vertical thermal path through the trusses.

Abstract: A low cost building structure includes a support frame having a lateral cross section in the shape of a trapezium. The structure's enlarged base increases its stability while the inwardly inclined forward and aft supports increase its strength while reducing wind loading forces. Designed for field assembly and including a metal support frame as well as metal roof and wall panels in a preferred embodiment, the building structure is particularly adapted for use as a carport or as a garage wherein a conventional door may be mounted adjacent an open front portion thereof. The side walls covering the trapezium-shaped support frame members may be extended forward to provide a vertical, or near vertical, front wall while retaining the advantages of the trapezium shape. The roof is comprised of a one-piece section which is bent at the ridge eliminating the need for a ridge cap.

Abstract: A pair of ridge latch plates and cooperating latch pin is disclosed for joining together two beams of a constructional arch. The invention includes a latch pin which extends through one of the beams with the respective ends of the latch pin being engaged by latches pivotably mounted on latch plates secured on opposite sides of the other beam. Guides are provided on each latch plate for guiding the protruding ends of the latch pin into engagement with the distal ends of each latch.

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 composite gambrel roof truss assembly comprises a prefabricated top truss having a rigid lower chord and two top chords, all connected together to form a rigid triangular top truss unit, with two prefabricated side truss units, each having a rigid diagonal base chord and two outer top chords, all connected together to form a rigid triangular side truss unit whose topmost top chord is dimensioned to be juxtaposed in abutting mating relationship with a corresponding top chord of the top truss unit, and with connector means joining the topmost chord of each side truss unit with its abutting mating top chord of the top truss unit whereby the prefabricated top truss unit can be readily connected at a construction site to both of the side truss units to form a sturdy, rigid composite truss assembly capable of rapid installation by being hoisted bodily into position, and having a peak junction and two hip junctions producing an economical four-chord arched gambrel roof truss assembly of light weight with an unusua

Abstract: A solar heat collector building truss is an integral internal part of the structure of a building and has base beams, sunward beams extending up from and over the base beams, rear beams extending down from the sunward beams to the base beams and forming an equilateral triangle, and central beams truncating an apex between the rear and base beams; a solar collector with this truss has reflective surfaces mounted on the base, rear, and central beams, a solar window on the sunward beams, and a heat collector mounted perpendicular to the window and within the rear, base and central beams.

Abstract: Building construction comprising a plurality of pairs of upstanding posts each post of each pair being mounted in opposed relation to the other post of the pair, said posts supporting a roof structure comprising a set of parallel beams, wherein each beam interconnects a pair of posts and each beam being mounted to one side of the respective posts, each post having a transversely extending strut fixed to the upper end of the post and supported by a brace extending between said strut and an intermediate point of said post, said strut being located in parallel relationship to said beams and being fixed thereto.

Abstract: A light weight metal building truss preferably constructed of 20 gauge steel wherein there are a pair of top chord members and a bottom chord member. The top chord members and bottom chord members are united together at their respective ends forming a triangle. Extending between the top and bottom chord members are supports which are united therewith.The top chord sections in cross section are generally hat shaped being an inverted U with flanges projected from the end of each leg of the U to effect stability of the completed truss.

Abstract: A precambered roll formed metal structural beam and method of making same. The precambered beam may be used in wood frame constructions to replace large and increasingly expensive wooden header beams, or it may be used in steel beam structures and framework where the precambering permits use of lighter beams without resulting in undesirable visible sagging. The beams maybe fabricated in various cross sections and with an amount of precamber tailored to a specific job.

Abstract: A roof truss assembly for hipped roofs comprises a number of roof trusses of constant ceiling joist length and of a height decreasing stepwise from a maximum height. All roof trusses regardless of their height have vertical struts which are perpendicular to the ceiling joist and provided in a number at least twice as large as the number of height reduction steps. The vertical struts are provided in the same number on either side of the transverse central plane of the roof trusses, the vertical struts on one side of the plane being spaced equally far from said plane as corresponding vertical struts on the other side of said plane.

Abstract: An improved shoring frame adapted by a unique design to utilize relatively thin-walled aluminum tubing with a reasonable load-rating, be easily manufactured, and be compatible with existing steel accessories; where the extruded aluminum legs are each generally circular with a longitudinally-extending flattened portion for attaching struts and studs, and preferably having at least two internal ribs, circumferentially symmetrically-spaced relative to said flattened portion axially to contain accessories such as existing jack screws, extension legs, U-head fixtures, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier unit, comprising at least one carrier frame (1) having mountably arranged devices (3 or 29) provided with hook portions (4) for cooperation with the carrier frame and mounting portions (6) for cooperation with at least one plate element (18).In order to increase the carrying capacity without increasing the number and/or size of the members forming part of the carrier unit, as has been previously necessary, the invention is characterized in that the plate element (18) protrudes in between the mounting portions (6) of at least a pair of connecting devices (3 or 29) mounted on the carrier frame (1) and is secured to said mounting portions by means of at least one joint (22) extending through the mounting portions and the intermediate plate element.

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: An add-on roof reinforcing brace is disclosed for buttressing the structural strength of roof rafters which have been weakened by age and deterioration. The add-on brace of the present invention provides a quick and economical means of vertically orientating a square-cut stud, between an angled roof rafter and a horizontally disposed ceiling joist. To this end, a joist attachment member secures one distal end of the stud to the ceiling joist and a rafter attachment member secures the other distal end of the stud to the roof rafter. The rafter attachment member includes a sleeve for attaching said rafter attachment member to the other end of the stud, a saddle-shaped member for attaching said rafter attachment member to a roof rafter, and a pivot member for pivotably interconnecting the sleeve and the saddle-shaped member.

Abstract: A roof truss incorporates both metallic and non-metallic webs, in special locations to optimize truss performance.

Abstract: A knockdown disposable vehicle ramp for shipment of vehicles securely fastened to the floor of container to elevate and support one end of a wheeled vehicle in nesting alignment with another wheeled vehicle whereby a series of in-line vehicles may be positioned within a single container for shipment with each of the disposable ramps being secured in position during vehicle loading. Each of the disposable ramps is constructed of corrugated fiberboard and positioned to support the loads to which the ramp may be subjected with each ramp being provided with an inclined plane on which the wheel of a vehicle may be elevated for positioning to a wheel well on the ramp for cooperatively supporting a wheel mounted on the vehicle. Ramp and wheel well reinforcing means are positioned to support loads to which the ramp is subjected. A wheel-mounted harness securely retains the vehicle-mounted wheel on the ramp wheel well limiting vehicle displacement.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a tapered wood beam, such as an I-beam, is described. With such method an I-beam of uniform width including a web member of uniform width and a pair of first flange members attached to the opposite sides thereof, is first produced and then cut into two portions by sawing the web member of such beam along a diagonal line to form two tapered web members each attached at one side to a first flange member. The resulting I-beam portions are then assembled by releasably fastening, such as clamping, the first flange members together in back to back relationship so that the sawn edges of the tapered web members are facing outwardly and parallel to form an assembly of substantially uniform width.