Abstract: A generally flat attachment plate for providing a mounting surface on a side of a Z-stud, which surface is perpendicular to the Z-stud flanges. The plate has tongues on one edge engaging an inwardly directed lip on the Z-stud flange, and means on the opposite edge to affix the plate to the angled web of the Z-stud, such as by tabs which fit into slots on the web. The Z-stud has two rows of slots for use in mounting the plates or for suspending the Z-stud from a ceiling.

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 metal wall framing section comprising top and bottom tracks and studs, each formed of sheet metal, the top track comprising a downwardly facing outer channel and an upwardly facing inner channel nested in the outer channel and forming therewith a box beam for taking the load of roof trusses bearing on the top track between studs.

Abstract: A truss system for supporting stage lights or other entertainment components having a strong frame for protecting the components and a vertically adjustable deck from which the components are suspended and from which the components are highly accessible. Truss systems may be connected together either collinearly or in angled configurations depending on the geometry of the venue. The deck is vertically adjustable in response to the components used and/or the geometry of the venue. Caster legs are also part of the system and they allow easy movement of the system and shock isolation of the components. The deck is cushioned against shock and vibration by interposing helical isolators between the frame and the deck. The system is easy to assemble and disassemble and does not need as much labor as previously.

Abstract: A truss system for supporting stage lights or other entertainment components having a strong frame for protecting the components and a vertically adjustable deck from which the components are suspended and from which the components are highly accessible. Truss systems may be connected together either collinearly or in angled configurations depending on the geometry of the venue. The deck is vertically adjustable in response to the components used and/or the geometry of the venue. Caster legs are also part of the system and they allow easy movement of the system and shock isolation of the components. The deck is cushioned against shock and vibration by interposing helical isolators between the frame and the deck. Rail extensions are also provided for added safety and to further protect components during transportation between venues. The system is easy to assemble and disassemble and does not need as much labor as previously.

Abstract: A truss system for supporting stage lights or other entertainment components having a strong frame for protecting the components and a vertically adjustable deck from which the components are suspended and from which the components are highly accessible. Truss systems may be connected together either collinearly or in angled configurations depending on the geometry of the venue. The deck is vertically adjustable in response to the components used and/or the geometry of the venue. Caster legs are also part of the system and they allow easy movement of the system and shock isolation of the components. The deck is cushioned against shock and vibration by interposing helical isolators between the frame and the deck. The system is easy to assemble and disassemble and does not need as much labor as previously.

Abstract: A wall framing system accommodates deflections and frame shortening in building structures to avoid applying structural loads to veneer walls. The system includes a ceiling rail and vertical studs connected to the rail with a vertical slip joint between each stud and the rail. The slip joint is formed with a connector plate integral with the ceiling rail web and vertical slots in the connector plate. The slots accommodate screws threaded into a stud.

Abstract: A long span truss of substantially conventional steel construction provided with concrete encasement of the top and bottom chords with the concrete encasement being reinforced and the concrete encasement on the bottom chord and optionally on the top cord including post-tensioned steel tendons. The invention further relates to a method of making the truss as described above in which the light structural steel truss is first erected and provided with temporary steel scaffolding and bracing to support formwork. Reinforcing steel and steel tendons are placed in the formwork and concrete is poured to encase the top and bottom chords of the truss. The steel tendons are post-tensioned to provide maximum load support capability.

Abstract: A truss system for supporting stage lights or other components having a strong rigid frame and a vertically adjustable deck from which the components are highly accessible. The system may be connected to other systems either collinearly or in angled configurations. Caster legs are retractable and the deck is vertically adjustable in response to the components used and/or the geometry of the venue. The deck is cushioned against shock and vibration by interposing coiled cable shocks between the frame and deck.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes a wall frame which is made from a U-shaped support channel in which one end of a wall stud may be releasably engaged by a ratchet engagement formed between the channel and the stud. The ratchet engagement is defined by ratchet teeth provided on the side walls of the channel and splines provided on the sides of the wall stud which splines are shaped to releasably engage the grooves between adjacent teeth. In addition, a door unit is used in the wall assembly which includes a peripheral pocket around the side jambs and top header of the door unit to allow the wallboard to be inserted into this pocket. Fasteners can then be used to secure the wallboard to the flange which defines the peripheral pocket such that the wallboard is connected directly to the door unit, thus obviating the need for side studs secured to the side jambs of the door unit.

Abstract: A railing member comprising a hollow extrusion having a picket-receiving channel along the bottom thereof. The channel has an open bottom. The sides of the member have bottom edges which extend downwardly at least as far as the bottom of the channel. A railing assembly includes the top railing member, a bottom railing member below the top railing member, a plurality of spaced-apart support posts extending between the members and a plurality of pickets between the posts. The support posts have flat tops which are received against the bottom of the top railing member and are connected thereto.

Abstract: Construction elements of predetermined cross-sectional and end profiles are formed. These construction elements are useful in building construction. Included in an I-shaped element, a corner/connecting block and a D-shaped profile material. In addition, end cuts may be provided to provide interlocking assembly of the different elements, to establish a family of parts. The element can be pre-cut to desired lengths and assembled as kits, or as raw material, for use in all aspects of construction. Further included is a substantially C-shaped element which provides structural strength as well as distinctively different aesthetic aspects of construction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing building construction members such as roof trusses and floor joists. A flat lacer coil fastened between gable trusses and is of sufficient tensile strength to temporarily sustain lateral tipping forces of support trusses as they are fastened to the frame of a building structure. In an alternative embodiment, the lacer coil extends between floor frame members and, when attached to floor joists, counteracts the inherent bowing when they are secured to the floor.

Abstract: A girder as defined by a separate sheet-like web (3) having opposite first and second edges and opposite first and second flat sides. First and second mutually spaced elongated members (2', 2") extending substantially parallel to each other are secured to respective opposite edges and opposite sides of the sheet-web. A plurality of separate transverse members (5) spaced from each other are disposed normal to the elongated first and separate members and are secured thereto and to the web (3). A girder so constructed can be positioned against an existing building exterior wall and nailed through either of the elongated members with these and in the absence of interference from the other of the elongated members.

Abstract: Seismic and fire resistant wall structure and method in which a U-shaped channel member having vertically extending slotted openings in the side flanges thereof is mounted on the underside of a beam or other overhead structural member, with a layer of fire retardant material in the upper portion of the channel. Studs are connected to the channel member with fasteners which pass through the slotted openings and permit relative vertical movement between the channel member and the studs, while holding the studs in place horizontally. Fire retardant wallboard is attached to the opposing side faces of the studs and extends between the floor and the channel member.

Abstract: Construction elements of predetermined cross-sectional profiles are formed of wood, plastic and/or metal. These construction elements are useful in building construction, preformed panel systems and preformed truss structures. The shapes of the construction elements are also adaptable to a toy construction set.

Abstract: Construction elements of predetermined cross-sectional and end profiles are formed. These construction elements are useful in building construction. Included is an I-shaped element, a corner/connecting block and a D-shaped profile material. In addition, end cuts may be provided to provide interlocking assembly of the different elements, to establish a family of parts. The element can be pre-cut to desired lengths and assembled as kits, or as raw material, for use in all aspects of construction.

Abstract: A structural member suitable for use as a joist has a web formed from a continuous rod or bar bent and shaped to define a plurality of peaks, and a flange overlying each edge of the web, with each flange formed from a continuous steel sheet bent and folded upon itself to define a socket for reception of the peaks of the web, and the wings of the flange.

Abstract: A frame system of upper and lower wall plates with interconnecting wall studs. The plates and studs are connected by grooves on the flanges of the studs mating with inturned ribs on the wall plates. The studs and wall plates being of roll-formed metal.

Abstract: An arch structure is prefabricated from compression segments, the structure generally comprising one or more arch arcs with end anchor elements. Each arch segment comprises a trapezoidal frame structure fabricated from short lengths of sawn lumber, and fastened at the corner junctions of the respective individual members to form the respective arch segment element. The arch radius is determined by segment geometry. The arch segments are assembled in combination with one or more elongated pre-stressing elements and the pre-stressing elements tensioned to a sufficient extent, relative to the geometry and applied load to be born by the arch, that, in combination with other inter-element mechanical fastening means such as nails or bolts the arch elements are maintained substantially under compression across the abutting segment end faces. The arch is generally pin jointed at its ends, and frequently at the center thereof, to preclude the development of local bending moments at the base and apex of the arch.

Abstract: A beam of the type used in the building industry comprising a top and bottom plate (1, 2) secured in a fixed spaced relationship from each other by corrugated sheet metal (3); the metal (3) being dispersed such that its planar surfaces span the distance between the top and bottom plates (1, 2) with the corrugations configured substantially as a rectangular wave having surfaces (4) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plates and additionally surfaces (8) substantially transverse to such axis; the arrangement being such that the substantially transverse surfaces (8) act as spacers between the top and bottom plates (1, 2) whereas the surfaces (4) of the corrugated metal (3) lying parallel to the longitudinal axis of the top and bottom plates (1, 2) extend part way up the sides of the top and bottom plates (1, 2) to facilitate fixing thereto.

Abstract: Prefabricated metal truss units have depending set wedges and lateral notches to rapidly center them and snap them into predetermined positions over underlying substructure made up of prefabricated metal wall panels having U-shaped channel truss locks along their upper surfaces. Diagonal members centrally pivoted to the king posts of prefabricated roof truss units have angularly oriented plumb lock elements that interconnect with king posts of adjacent units to quickly establish vertical plumbing. The tail ends of top chords are provided with soffit framework for rapid soffit plate and fascia attachment. The upper surfaces of top chords are marked to locate the first run of roof sheathing.

Abstract: Two elongated parallel rails have facing surfaces each with a longitudinally extending central groove opening toward the groove of the other rail. A rigid web sheet has its opposite longitudinal margins fitted in the grooves so as to form, in combination with the rails, a composite I-beam construction. Block units of a thickness approximately the same as the thickness of each rail are secured between the rails at opposite ends of the web sheet. Blocks of insulating foam fill the cavities at opposite sides of the web sheet.

Abstract: A prefabricated transportable building module comprising a metal floor frame having a reinforced concrete floor provided within the perimeter thereof, four upstanding vertical posts secured at each corner of the floor structure and a roof structure including a transverse beam extending between and secured to the pair of vertical columns at each end of the building module and further including a plurality of spaced-apart and parallel open web trusses extending between and secured at each end thereof to the pair of transverse beams.

Abstract: Construction elements of predetermined cross-section profiles are formed of wood, plastic and/or metal. These construction elements are useful in building construction, preformed panel systems and preformed truss structures. The shapes of the construction elements are also adaptable to a toy contsruction set.

Abstract: The invention provides an eave truss for anchoring, supporting and reinforcing a metal roof and "tilt-up" or other prefabricated concrete or masonry walls in a building against the vertical load exerted by the roof itself, the lateral load exerted by wind and seismic forces, and load caused by thermal expansion and contraction of various attached heterogeneous building components. The eave truss is supported by the roof beams, and a single eave truss is attached to the roof, the ends of the roof beams, and the wall along the full length of each end of the building. The eave truss attachment to the wall is in shear only at the center portion of the truss; all other attachments to the walls from the eave truss are made through horizontally slotted holes in the eave truss to allow normal thermal expansion and contraction of the heterogeneous parts.

Abstract: A warpable beam allowing a controlled degree of torsional resistance. The beam is formed with an open cross-section channel-shaped structural element (24) that includes a plurality of planar structural elements (28) or (32) that are positioned within the open section and that define the cross sectional shape. A plurality of diagonal structural element s(46) or (48) positioned transversely within the open section and interfaced with the planar elements transmitting shear across segments. A plurality of points of restraint (50) control the warping of the beam as a result of their relative motion. Further, oppositely inclined diagonal elements in different segments are connected in such a manner as to allow relatively free longitudinal motion while transmitting loads. The beam may be used for bridges or boat docks or as a leading edge spar (57) of an airfoil.

Abstract: A bracket apparatus for attachment of a structural support, such as a truss, receives a pin in the form of a bolt which extends laterally through side edges of chord members of the support and a hole in a web member. The bracket apparatus includes two cooperating bracket members each including an upper plate portion, an internal tab portion, and external flange portion which extends in the same direction as the tab portion generally perpendicular from the upper plate portion. The tab portion and flange portion include holes which receive the pin extending laterally through the chord member. The bracket apparatus provides additional support to the pin in providing additional bearing surfaces in the form of the inner surface of the holes in the tab portion and external portion and thus reduces the amount of pin bending. Accordingly, lower grade steel can be used in the pin or a higher reaction load can be carried by the truss for a given pin.

Abstract: A joint for use in building construction which is dependent upon beams made of wood, metal or related materials. The beams may be box beams or I-beams. In each case, the beams are made up of webs and flanges. The flanges may be of wood and of various different shapes. The joints are formed by cutting away the flanges and webs as necessary so that the beams will fit together in a continuous manner, that is, with the flanges and webs continuing without interruption across the joint. The joints can then be fixed together using conventional means such as nails, screws, adhesives and the like.

Abstract: The present invention entails a wood I-joist and method of manufacturing and fabricating the same. Structurally the wood I-joist comprises a web assembly secured between two wood flange assemblies. Each wood flange assembly comprises a plurality of individual wood members secured together in end-to-end relationship to form an elongated wooden member subassembly that extends the entire length of each respective wood flange assembly. A series of wood member subassemblies are glued together in side-by-side relationship to form a respective wood flange assembly. In forming each wood flange assembly, an inner side is provided for receiving the web assembly. Each inner side is formed by providing an opening or void that stretches the entire length of each wood flange assembly to secure the web assembly within this opening or void. There is provided a number of wood wedge members which are driven into the web receiving opening, between each side of the web and an adjacent side of the wood flange assembly.

Abstract: An I-beam or joist is formed of a pair of horizontal, parallel wood chords connected together by a wood web. The lower chord is pre-stressed by holding it in compression during assembly of the chords and web. The chords are fastened to the web by U-shaped wire staples whose legs have bevels formed on their free ends which cause the legs to move towards each other and to cross the central axis of their respective staple as they longitudinally penetrate thewood during insertion through a chord and into the wood web. Further, plates are fastened upon the opposite faces of the web at the opposite ends of the web, thereby increasing the web thickness at the opposite ends of the beam to substantially increase the allowable shear stress limits of the beam.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a prefabricated composite and relatively strong, but light-weight building element which in a simple embodiment consists of two substantially parallel elements (1, 2) spaced apart a given distance and interconnected by intermediate spacer and interconnecting means (3). The invention is characterized in that said prefabricated building element, in order to compensate for expected climatic differences at opposite sides of a building structure, or to compensate for expected loads in the position of use of said prefabricated building element, during or immediately after assembly and interconnection of the parts of said building element has at one of the long sides of said building element a camber (curvature) produced by the different moisture ratios of the two longitudinal elements.

Abstract: A flange hanger adapted for use in conjunction with a steel frame building for connecting spanner bars used in the "HAMBRO" floor system is formed with an elongated shape having a first flange for welding to a steel frame member of the building and a second flange adapted to depend vertically from the welded flange. The second flange is provided with a plurality of horizontally elongated slots to receive the ends of spanner bars and provide horizontal and vertical support therefor.

Abstract: The beam disclosed has a bulky wooden top flange, an extruded aluminum bottom flange, and a plywood web. The web is tailed-in to the two flanges to form a unitary whole. The structure takes advantage of the rigidity of wood under compression and the strength of a slim extruded section of aluminum under tension.

Abstract: Cross-beams, located between column elements of the support frame, contain, at their beam-ends, clamping members which are mounted inside a cavity in the cross-beam body in a manner permitting displacement in the longitudinal direction of the cross-beam, and are capable of being brought into, and out of, engagement with the column elements. These clamping members are expanding elements, coupled together and guided so that they move in pairs, their head part, which engages into the column element, being provided with clamping means and centering means, and being capable of being pushed completely back into the cross-beam cavity. The expanding elements can be forced apart from each other, in a parallel relationship, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the cross-beam, by means of a socket-head screw which can be operated from the outside of the cross-beam.

Abstract: A wooden joist structure is formed with two elongated wooden beam members interconnected by a plurality of metal ribbed connectors. Each of the connectors includes a plurality of elongated connecting members interconnected by a plurality of support members. Each of the elongated connecting members has a plurality of teeth struck out from both of its end sections, which teeth extend in one direction from the connecting members or being embedded in the elongated wooden beams which are to be interconnected. These elongated connecting members are all parallel and lie in the same plane. The support members extend in an area between the intersections of the elongated connecting members and interconnected adjacent ones of the elongated connecting members. The support members extend in the same direction as the teeth that are struck out from the elongated connecting members.

Abstract: In a steel truss an upper longitudinal beam and a lower longitudinal beam are interconnected at their respective ends by vertical posts, and between their ends by a plurality of mutually intersecting, obliquely extending struts and ties only. Each end post is composed of two parts of substantially equal lengths, which are interconnectable end to end, and each strut and tie is composed of two parts, which are interconnectable at the intersection between them, whereby the truss may be factory-made in sections of moderate size for convenient transportation to the building site, where the assembly of the same requires only a minimum of work.

Abstract: A joist-like wood beam formed of parallel, spaced apart, wood chords joined together by end and central elongated wood filler strips which fill the space between the chords at the opposite ends of and at the central portion of the chords. Sheet metal web units formed of angled struts are located between the central and end strips for spanning the space between and for interconnecting the chords between the strips. The chords and strips are joined together by staple-like mechanical fasteners embedded within the face of adjacent edge portions thereof. The fasteners are angled, relative to the chords, upwardly at an acute angle toward their nearest beam end so as to be placed in tension under beam loading thereby tightening the chords and strips together.

Abstract: A boom for a crane or the like which comprises four longitudinal stiffening members interconnected with four substantially flat longitudinal plates in such a way that the boom has a substantially diamond shaped cross-section. Such a construction has considerable advantages as compared with normal rectangular section booms, e.g., reduction of stress at the corners, elimination of internal fillets, reduction of distortion and easier and better construction of the boom.

Abstract: A joint for connecting together two or three framework members is disclosed. In one form there are two framework members which intersect. Inside one of the members there are two arms which protrude from one end of that member. The protruding portion of each arm has a groove therein and a tooth beyond the groove. The grooves and teeth face away from one another. The other member has an internal cavity with a slot-like entrance to the cavity bounded by lips. When the protruding ends of the arms are close to one another, the arms can be inserted through the slot-like entrance so that the lips enter the grooves and the teeth hook behind the lips. A screw passes through one of the arms and this can be tightened to that it bears on the other of the arms to force them apart and into engagement with the lips.

Abstract: A joist girder construction includes connecting ties which connect adjacent ends of joist girders at a point where they are supported. The ties include a non-welded zone to afford plastic elongation of the tie. The ties create an axial connection force between the top chords to reduce the force a load causes within the joist girder to thus reduce the size of the upper and lower joist chords to minimize overall weight and expense.

Abstract: Building system in which the supporting elements are formed by partitions or plates (1-16) one group of plates (1,2,3,4) being placed in spaced apart parallel vertical planes with all plates (1,2,3,4) of said group having the same width in horizontal direction which width corresponds to the width of a cupboard the plates (1,2,3,4) of said group being placed between at least two vertical plates (9,10) which extend perpendicular to the plates of the first group. Preferably a third plate (18) or group of plates is placed in a horizontal plane between the vertical plates.

Abstract: A sub-structure for boat docks consisting of an elongated, ladder-like frame having a pair of side bars connected by a series of cross bars extending between and connected at their ends to the side bars, the side bars and cross bars being of such cross-sectional configuration, and the connections therebetween being of such a nature, that the frame may yield in a vertical direction with relatively great resilient flexibility, whereby to accomodate wave action in the water therebeneath, while at the same time being relatively highly resistant to deformation in its own plane for maintaining its horizontal form and shape. Generally, the side and cross bars are of such configuration as to strongly resist bending stresses, but to permit torsional yielding with relative ease, and the cross bars are connected to the side bars to permit a degree of universal pivotal movement therebetween.

Abstract: A housing module which is formed as a box-beam structure, and has sufficient rigidity and strength so that it can be used to span distances of relatively great length. The housing unit is able to be prefabricated and can be readily transported without the need for additional support or stiffening members to prevent damage from excess flexure. Further, the unit can be simply put in place on site without any additional stiffening or strengthing members. In addition, the units can be stacked one over the other, thus greatly increasing their flexibility to the architect.

Abstract: A web plate-bearing block structure is used to enable floor trusses to be joined to wall trusses so that wooden floor trusses may be employed in a vertical manner in constructing a modified A-frame building which does not require a vapor barrier.

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: A wooden truss structure comprises upper and lower chords, each of which is grooved on the side facing the opposite chord. A web member formed of sheet material, such as plywood, interconnects the chords and fits within the chord grooves. At the web/groove interface, the webs are scalloped to provide alternating alignment guide areas and glue vent areas which extend above the interface and allow the escape of excess glue from the groove. The scalloping, in addition to venting the glue line, forms individual, pressurized glue pockets which assure even glue distribution. The scalloping is preferably provided by pressing the wood web material to compress it at the glue vent areas and thus permit the web member, due to its memory, to expand after contact with the glue. This expansion pressurizes the glue pockets and forces glue from the joint area into the wood further enhancing the expansion process. The web is rigidly bonded to the chord members, all while being aligned by the alignment guide portion.

Abstract: A joist or truss assembly adapted for supporting a grid system which is installed under a stage ceiling combined with supporting columns. The truss has a number of vertically disposed diaphragms which are received and bolted rigidly to upper and lower chords to form the truss. The upper chord has two spaced-apart arms extending upwardly and outwardly from an upper aspect of its central connection portion and which define between them an upper groove which has a vertical cross-section configuration of an upright "T". The upper portions of the chord's arms are horizontal, extending both outwardly and inwardly, to define a slot which provides access centrally into the groove. The lower chord is identical to the upper chord but is rigidly connected to the diaphragms in an inverted condition whereby it exposes at its bottom a lower groove having a vertical cross-section configuraton of an inverted "T".

Abstract: The invention provides a composite metal and wood joist, a joist assembly, and a floor panel incorporating two or more of such joist assemblies connected by plywood floor panels. Each composite joist member consists of a metal channel having a plurality of nailable stiffening members disposed along its length, preferably one at each end and the others spaced uniformly along its length. A joist assembly consists of two spaced parallel joists, the assembly having a plurality of stiffening assemblies along its length, each stiffening assembly consisting of two adjacent stiffening members connected by a cross member.

Abstract: A multi-storey building construction utilizing prefabricated metal panels of tubular construction which can be erected at the job site by unskilled labor and adapted to support vertically spaced-apart floors, whereby the plurality of floors are separated by parallel rows of walls, each wall comprising the tubular metal panels. Each row of walls is in vertical alignment but not in direct contact with corresponding rows of walls situated on vertically adjacent floors, and each vertically adjacent row is interconnected by high-tensile strength threaded fasteners rigidly interconnecting the upper and lower chord of each panel to an adjacent chord of a vertically adjacent panel. The rows of vertically interconnected prefabricated metal panels provide effective continuous lightweight shear walls extending from the foundation of the building to the roof. The shear walls support loads imposed on the building and provide stiffness to the building to resist natural forces which otherwise tend to overturn the building.