Abstract: An embodiment joint structure for a vehicle body is provided. The vehicle body includes an underbody and an upper body coupled to the underbody, and the joint structure includes a front bulkhead coupled to an inside of each side sill of a pair of side sills provided on both sides of the upper body, respectively, a rear bulkhead coupled to the inside of each side sill of the pair of side sills on a rear side of the front bulkhead, and a support bracket coupled to the front bulkhead and the rear bulkhead along a length direction of the vehicle body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a truss system a horizontal chord, and a connector retained inside the channel of the horizontal chord. The connector has a base that has two parallel vertical walls, and a connecting base wall that together define a U-shaped cross-section, with a receiving space defined by the two parallel walls and the base wall. First and second dividers are positioned in the receiving space and define separate first, second and third spaces, respectively, with the second space positioned between the first and third spaces. Each of the first and second dividers has a vertical wall section that is connected to the two parallel walls and the base wall, with an angled surface associated with the upper end of each vertical wall section. A vertical web member has one end that is inserted into the second space, and a diagonal web member has one end inserted into either the first space or the third space.

Abstract: A method for insulating a pier and beam foundation on a structure, wherein the pier and beam foundation includes at least one floor joist, at least one pier, at least one beam, a side skirt, flooring, and plumbing including at least one pipe, may include applying a synthetic underlayment to the at least one floor joist and to a bottom surface of the flooring; laying a radiant insulation board end-to-end across the at least one floor joist, over the synthetic underlayment, and along the side skirt; and applying a tape to adjacent radiant insulation boards to seal joints there between. The method may also include wrapping the at least one pipe with spray foam, a foam pipe insulator, and duct tape.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle lattice frame that includes a plurality of structural nodes each having a central body and at least one hollow arm protruding from the central body. The lattice frame also includes a plurality of beam elements connected to each other by means of the hollow protruding arms. The structural nodes are made by an additive manufacturing technique and at least one arm of one of the nodes has an end portion opposite to said central body having a channel shape with an open cavity both at a front end of the arm and along one side of the arm.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods including one or more rib mounting flanges, where each rib mounting flange comprises: a spar opening configured to receive a main spar of a wing panel; one or more holes for receiving cross-bracing cables; and one or more holes for receiving cross-bracing cables; and one or more holes for connecting the rib mounting flange to an adjacent rib mounting flange.

Abstract: An exemplary support assembly includes, among other things, a hoop bracket coupling a battery pack to a vehicle body structure, and a tuned bracket within an open area of the hoop bracket. The tuned bracket is configured to control a collapse of the hoop bracket in response to a load above a threshold level to reduce a transfer of the load to the battery pack. An exemplary supporting method includes coupling a battery pack to a vehicle body structure using a hoop bracket disposed alongside the battery pack. The hoop bracket includes an open area that receives a tuned bracket. The tuned bracket is configured to control a deformation of the hoop bracket in response to a load above a threshold level to reduce a transfer of the load to the battery pack.

Abstract: The self-locking metal framing connections between support members and the crossing longitudinal spacing-bracing members can occur at the hole, at the top and bottom ends of the support members as well as the end-to-end connections between longitudinal spacing-bracing members. Connecting the hook tab with a notched-tab to a receiver hole in the adjacent web allows the longitudinal spacer brace to pivot horizontally and if the hook tongue with the notched tab and the receiver hole are in the flanges, the spacer braces can pivot vertically. Short longitudinal spacer braces with receiver holes and hook tongues with notched-tabs, key hole bendable tabs, different shaped spacer braces, different variations in the hole notches, notched tabs in the hole bottom edge, diagonal framing between holes and longitudinal spacing-bracing members having notched-tab receivers can be installed in the lip notches or the horizontal spacing-bracing member and/or into the slot holes of the flanges of another spacing-bracing member.

Abstract: A container is provided with a frame including one or more support structures each having a stacking post with a thin cross-sectional shape. Multiple support structures having such stacking posts can be provided along the length of the container to enable the container to be used in a stacked configuration. The container can provide an expanded interior loadable width for increased loading flexibility and capacity, and can have recessed upper and lower handling fitting joints in order to provide stronger and space-saving connections between a header and an upper handling fitting, between the upper handling fitting and a stacking post, between the stacking post and a lower handling fitting, and/or between the lower handling fitting and a floor component.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a blocking member that cooperates with adjacent blocking members to provide securement throughout the entire width of the blocking member. The blocking member comprises a male portion at one end thereof and a cooperating female portion at the opposing end. The male and female flanges are shaped such that when a first horizontal blocking member is placed adjacent a second horizontal blocking member, the male member fits within the female member such that there is no large discontinuity in the width of the horizontal blocking members at the joint between a first horizontal blocking member and a second horizontal blocking member.

Abstract: A saddle hanger for connecting at least one bracing member to a truss chord includes a base having a first end portion for receiving a bracing member and an adjacent portion for receiving a truss chord. A projecting element extends from a transverse edge of the base portion, and has a width narrower than the transverse dimension of the hanger base. A plurality of flanges extends upward from side edges of the base and defines with the base a channel for receiving one of the truss chord and bracing member. The saddle hanger can be formed from a stamped metal blank, with portions of the saddle hanger being nested in side-by-side relation to minimize the amount of material used.

Abstract: The present invention is a light steel framed metal joist including an adjustable connector fastened to the joist web that allows one to adjust the length and angle of the joist when attaching to floor and wall systems. The adjustment allows one to install end connectors onto the joists prior to installation while retaining flexibility of orientation during construction. The joist functions in both web bearing and bottom chord bearing configurations. A flat plate distributing member allows one to design a floor system without having to coordinate the positioning of the joist with wall studs. Angle or U shaped members can be fastened to the lower portion of the flat plate distribution member to support joists during construction. The invention further provides a seamless fire stopping system with consideration for acoustic dampening.

Abstract: A building connection between a plurality of vertical wall studs made with a plurality of bridging members to brace the wall studs. The bridging members are formed with mounting sections that are received in openings of the wall studs and the mounting sections are bracketed by connecting sections that are used to join the bridging members to each other. The bridging members interface with the web of the wall studs to brace them.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a blocking member that cooperates with adjacent blocking members to provide securement throughout the entire width of the blocking member. The blocking member comprises a male portion at one end thereof and a cooperating female portion at the opposing end. The male and female flanges are shaped such that when a first horizontal blocking member is placed adjacent a second horizontal blocking member, the male member fits within the female member such that there is no large discontinuity in the width of the horizontal blocking members at the joint between a first horizontal blocking member and a second horizontal blocking member.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for supporting a plurality of parallel spaced apart trusses, each truss having top and bottom member each having an inside and an outside edge wherein the top member is angularly oriented relative to the bottom member. The apparatus comprises a body having a truss engaging slot adapted to engageably receive a top or bottom member of the truss therethrough and first and second brace engaging panels extending substantially perpendicularly to the slot. Each brace engaging panel is adapted to engageably receive a braces thereagainst wherein each brace extending angularly between adjacent trusses. The system comprises top and bottom brackets on the top and bottom member of the truss and at least one brace member extending therebetween.

Abstract: A wall structure, which may be in the form of a prefabricated unit, provides privacy for an enclosure while also enabling good ventilation. It comprises a planar array of angularly oriented, parallel slats that overlap one another as viewed in a direction generally normal to the plane. The slats are attached to support structure by brackets that are identical to one another.

Abstract: A tensionable hold down clip system for erecting metal studs for building walls, the system including a tensionable member; and a hold down clip having a base portion, a leg portion orthogonal to the base portion, and a mount on the leg portion configured for adjustably connecting the tensionable member to the hold-down clip. A wall using the system may include two main studs and a plurality of common studs extending between a sole plate and a top plate, and hold down clips are disposed on both ends of both main studs. Two tensionable members extend diagonally through the studs and cross each other, and the tensionable members are fastened to mounts on the hold down clips on the upper and lower ends of the main studs.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of parallel spaced apart trusses comprises a center socket and first and second end sockets. The center socket is sized to receive a top edge of a first truss therein whereas the first and second end sockets are each sized to receive a bottom edge of adjacent second and third truss therein. The apparatus further comprises a first brace extending between the first end socket and the center socket and a second brace extending between the second end socket and the center socket. The base panel of the first and second end sockets define a first plane substantially parallel to the bottom edges of the plurality of trusses and the base panel of the center socket defines a second plane substantially parallel to the top edge of the plurality of trusses and second plane is angularly oriented relative to the first plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of parallel spaced apart trusses comprises a center socket and first and second end sockets. The center socket is sized to receive a top edge of a first truss therein whereas the first and second end sockets are each sized to receive a bottom edge of adjacent second and third truss therein. The apparatus further comprises a first brace extending between the first end socket and the center socket and a second brace extending between the second end socket and the center socket. The base panel of the first and second end sockets define a first plane substantially parallel to the bottom edges of the plurality of trusses and the base panel of the center socket defines a second plane substantially parallel to the top edge of the plurality of trusses and second plane is angularly oriented relative to the first plane.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to building trades where precise spacing between structural members ensures support via use of a plurality of elongate spacers. The spacers include at least one intermediate transit tacking member and a pair of nail- or screw-receiving apertures on opposing ends of thereof. One of the opposing ends serves as a pivoting end and the opposite end includes one or more relatively shorter member near the aperture formed therein. These member(s) can be driven into an adjacent trust or other support member while a final precise position is determined. To determine the final precise position to affix a given spacer one or more indicia is provided. Such indicia can include end edges, one or more cut-out features and/or one or more cut-out features and/or numbered or lettered (or other symbols) indicating the relative spacing from one end of the elongate spacer to the other.

Abstract: Methods and structures for a composite truss structure are provided. The structure includes a web formed of a plurality of sheets of composite material, each sheet including a first face and an opposing second face and each face including a length and a width. Each of the plurality of sheets are coupled to at least one other of the plurality of sheets face to face such that the length and width of each face substantially match the length and width of a face of an adjacent sheet. The plurality of sheets are formed to include an upper chord member, a lower chord member, and a plurality of web members extending therebetween. The structure also includes at least a first flange plate coupled to the web proximate an outer periphery of the web.

Abstract: A wall framing system includes a channel member having two opposite side walls and a stud having two opposite side walls and at least one locking member. The locking member is integrally formed with the stud and is arranged, when the stud has been located at a desired position in the channel member between the side walls thereof, to be bent into a locking position in which the locking member exerts outwardly directed forces on the side walls of the stud thereby achieving a frictional engagement between the stud and the channel member.

Abstract: The outer rail retains two lateral screw webs of an intermediate rail to construct a base for wall plate covering. Two retention devices are disposed oppositely on respective inner sides of each retention web for retaining a respective screw web of the intermediate rail. Each retention device including an abutment part, which extends inwards from the inner side of the retention web such as to form an abutment surface for the respective screw web when the latter is positioned to be retained in the retention device, and extends from the abutment part into a locking part, which extends at an angle to the abutment part and at a distance from the respective retention web. Each locking part comprising a first resilient locking pin adapted to lock a first screw web configuration and a second, separate resilient locking pin adapted to lock a second screw web configuration, the first and second screw web configurations being pre-defined and different from each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joining structure of a roof truss using thin light-gauge shaped steel. In a joining structure for joining a subsidiary roof with a main roof, a valley bracket formed by bending a thin steel sheet is inserted and disposed in the longitudinal valley direction of a joining member for joining a rafter forming the subsidiary roof with a truss or a rafter forming the main roof. In a joining structure in which a roof truss upper chord member or a rafter intersects a wall on the upper surface of the wall, a bracket formed by bending a thin steel sheet is disposed at the intersection of these members and fixes the roof truss upper chord member or the rafter to the wall.

Abstract: A connection made with a multi-purpose connector that can act as a holdown or tension tie and transfer tension, uplift, or lateral load, between a minimum nominal 2×4? wood framing member and a ½? diameter anchor. The anchor may be tied to a concrete foundation, another connector of the same type, a wood framing member, or other supporting members.

Abstract: A wall framing system includes a channel member having two opposite side walls and a stud having two opposite side walls and at least one locking member. The locking member is integrally formed with the stud and is arranged, when the stud has been located at a desired position in the channel member between the side walls thereof, to be bent into a locking position in which the locking member exerts outwardly directed forces on the side walls of the stud thereby achieving a frictional engagement between the stud and the channel member.

Abstract: Methods and structures for a composite truss structure are provided. The structure includes a web formed of a plurality of sheets of composite material, each sheet including a first face and an opposing second face and each face including a length and a width. Each of the plurality of sheets are coupled to at least one other of the plurality of sheets face to face such that the length and width of each face substantially match the length and width of a face of an adjacent sheet. The plurality of sheets are formed to include an upper chord member, a lower chord member, and a plurality of web members extending therebetween. The structure also includes at least a first flange plate coupled to the web proximate an outer periphery of the web.

Abstract: An improved connector and connection joining a plurality of supported structural members, preferably four roof trusses or rafters to a supporting structural member, preferably a header or girder truss. The connector is formed with a plurality of seat members, preferably four, that are joined to back member sections at angular junctures stiffened by shallow embossments. Variations can have three or five seat members.

Abstract: A building connection between a substantially vertical wall stud and a substantially horizontal bridging member, using a separate and distinct bridging connector that attaches the wall stud to the bridging member. The wall stud is typically one of several sequentially-arranged, cold-formed steel studs in the frame of a building wall. The bridging member is typically a separate cold-formed steel member that interfaces with and spans a plurality of wall studs.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing twisting of at least one purlin. A roof construction has purlins extending between support beams to provide extra stability for the roof. To prevent purlins from twisting, a torsional brace is provided. A beam of the torsional brace extends between two of the purlins. A static clip is connected to a purlin, and a pin is used to secure one end of the beam to the clip. The other end of the beam can be similarly clipped to another purlin, or alternatively, the other beam can be bolted to the purlin.

Abstract: A method of using a framing system for adjustably connecting building components comprising an outer stud, an interior support member, and a connecting clip.

Abstract: A method and a device for installing a rigid panel parallel to a flat building structure and between rafters while providing a ventilation gap between the rigid panel and the flat building structure.

Abstract: A system for connecting panels of framing members utilizes five types of monolithic, elongate connectors. A first connector has a cross-section defined by an L-shaped portion and a straight portion extending from a bottom tip of the foot of the L-shaped portion at an angle. A second connector has a cross-section defined by an L-shaped portion and a straight portion extending from a top tip of the leg of the L-shaped portion at the same angle as the first connector. A third connector has a cross-section defined by a U-shaped portion and two straight sections extending away from the U-shaped portion. A fourth connector has a cross-section defined by two equal-length straight portions meeting at a right angle, and a fifth connector has a cross-section defined by a single straight portion.

Abstract: A truss spacer and method of use to set spacing between trusses is detailed. The truss spacer typically includes teeth which grip trusses to secure the truss spacer thereto. The truss spacer may also include a central segment which is spaced downwardly between the trusses so provide a space above the central segment to receive the tips of roofing nails so that the roofing nails do not contact the central segment.

Abstract: A beam-like structural component (2) made up of individual parts connected to each other, comprising at least one flange (9) and at least one web (1), which structural component is easy to produce and exhibits high load-bearing capacity and torsional rigidity, is characterized in that the web (1) is formed by web members (6) extending transversely to the longitudinal extension of the web (1), with web members (6) forming a linear longitudinal area (4, 5) extending across the length of the web (1) and with, in each case, two adjacent web members (6) extending toward different narrow edges (7, 8) of the flange (9) starting from the longitudinal area (4, 5) of the web (1) so that one web member (6) rests against the flange (9) with one side of the web (1) and the adjacent web member (6) rests against the flange (9) with the opposite side of the web (1) and the web members (6) exhibit the shape of an “S” (FIG. 1E).

Abstract: A wooden joist comprises wooden top chord and bottom chords. Wooden boards are adhesively connected to the chords to form an I-joist section along a portion of the wooden joist. Wooden webs may be adhesively connected to the chords to form an open-joist section along another portion of the wooden joist. A bearing extension is defined by the wooden top chord extending beyond an end of the wooden joist Metal webs are in alignment on opposed sides of the wooden joist. Each metal web comprises a top connector end fixed to the bearing extension, a bottom connector end fixed to the bottom chord, and a structural arm between the connector ends. The metal webs are solely provided in an end region along the wooden joist, whereby the wooden joist is adapted to be in a top-chord bearing relation with a beam.

Abstract: A wooden joist is described. The joist comprises a wooden top chord, a wooden bottom chord, and a main section comprising at least one of wooden boards and wooden webs adhesively connected to the wooden top chord and to the wooden bottom chord to form at least one of an I-joist subsection and an open-joist subsection along the main section of the wooden joist. An end configuration at one end of the main section comprises a wooden post extending generally perpendicularly between the wooden top chord and the wooden bottom chord and is adjacent to the main section. A wooden diagonal web extends diagonally from the wooden top chord to the wooden bottom chord. A first set of metal plates is in alignment on opposed sides of the wooden joist to connect the wooden top chord to the diagonal web. A second set of metal plates is in alignment on opposed sides of the wooden joist to connect the diagonal web and the post to the bottom chord.

Abstract: The invention provides tie guides for affixing trusses and rafters and other cross members to the supporting walls of a building. The tie guide includes a longitudinal base plate with a horizontal component and a vertical component. Fixing members are transverse to the base plate, and are supported by triangular flanges extending in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A floor system includes a pair of joist rim assemblies each having a web defining a first surface. The web also includes a mounting portion defining a second surface offset from the first surface. The joist rim may also include a prong defining a slot along with the web. A joist connector bracket is received within the slot and is connectable to the mounting portion of the web. A joist extends between the pair of joist rim assemblies and is connected to the joist connector bracket of each joist rim assembly.

Abstract: A beam shoe for attaching a (first) beam end-on to a load-bearing construction, especially to a second beam disposed in the same plane as the beam to be attached and running at right angles thereto, the beam shoe comprising an originally flat, one-piece, strip-like sheet-metal portion or blank, which is shaped to an upwardly open channel-shaped retaining member having a web-like rectangular bottom for bracing the beam to be attached on the beam shoe as well as two web-like, parallel retaining legs, the retaining member embracing, in assembled condition, an end portion of the beam to be attached at the underside and side faces thereof, the legs, which are bent over upwardly from the bottom at right angles and disposed along two opposite borders of the bottom, being provided with through holes for rod-like fasteners such as nails in particular in order to join the beam shoe to the beam to be attached, the inside spacing of the legs therefore being (at least) as large as (and if necessary somewhat larger than) t

Abstract: A truss mounting brace (1) for use during installation of trusses (19, 21, 22). The truss mounting brace (1) may also be used as a permanent spacer between two trusses (19, 21, 22). The truss mounting brace (1) comprises a mounting section (4) arranged to be mounted on a truss (19, 21, 22), a gripping section (3) and an oblong body section (5) connecting the mounting section (4) and the gripping section (3). The gripping section (3) has a gripping mechanism (6) arranged to receive and to engage another element interlockingly. The present invention also relates to a method of installing two or more trusses, use of the truss mounting brace, and a method of manufacturing the truss mounting brace.

Abstract: An improved connector formed with a seat member that is stiffened by first and second reinforcing flanges that extend around first and second corners at either end of a third edge of the seat member, the first and second reinforcing flanges being connected to the third edge and to first and second edges that intersect with the third edge, the fist and second edges also having side members connected to the seat member. When used as a hanger, the connector includes a seat member, first and second backwall members which are connected to the supporting girder and first and second side members connected to the supported trusses. A flange member integrally connected to the seat provides further connection when a jack truss is supported.

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 rigid utility portal that can replace a removed or omitted section of the framing members of a wall construction that also includes stud, and that will permit the passage therethrough of electrical utilities, plumbing utilities, and/or HVAC without the necessity of drilling holes in the conventional wooden top framing plates which can destroy the integral between framing members and studs, and may include one or two skirt portions and one or strength of the wall. The utility portal may include a center portion for spanning the spacing two tab portions extending downwardly from the center portion.

Abstract: A prefabricated roof truss which includes a bottom plate which attaches to the bottom chord of the roof truss in such a way that the bottom plate does not lift away from the top plate of an interior wall despite the vertical movement of the bottom chord of the roof truss.

Abstract: A device 60 for fixing together first and second side-by-side beams of a kind having first and second spaced apart flanges connected by a web. The device 60 comprises a member 62 having first and second opposing ends 64, 66 and is configured to extend from a first flange to a second flange of the beams. The device further comprises at least one portion 68, 70 extending laterally of each of said first and second opposing ends with the at least one portion at the first opposing end being configured to be fixed to an outer surface of the first flange of the first beam and the at least one portion at the second opposing end being configured to be fixed to an outer surface of the second flange of the second beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing steel studs to make a wall includes a first and second track each having a center portion, an inner lip extending from the center portion and an outer lip extending from the center portion. A first flange goes on each side of the inner lip of the first track. A second flange goes on each side of the inner lip of the second track. A U-shaped stud is provided having at least a portion of an inner lip of the stud being disposed between the first tab and the inner lip of the first track and at least a portion of the inner lip of the stud being disposed between the second tab and the inner lip of the second track.

Abstract: A structural framing system comprising at least one first framing component having upper and lower flange elements separated by a web element having a depth measured between the upper and lower flange elements, the upper and lower flange elements having positioning dimples spaced therealong, the upper dimples protruding from the upper flange element toward the lower flange element and the lower dimples protruding from the lower flange element toward the upper flange element in such manner that a distance between the upper and lower dimples is less than the depth of the web, at least one second framing component having a depth adapted to fit between the upper and lower flange elements of the first framing component and extending from positions along the first framing component substantially corresponding to the locations of the corresponding upper and lower positioning dimples, and at least one third framing component for securing together the first and second framing components, comprising a first plate membe

Abstract: Connection plates for constructing buildings are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a connection plate includes a generally planar insert member and a support member. Insert member has a first side configured for receipt in a slot defined by a structural member and a second side configured for receipt in a slot defined by another structural member. First and second sides collectively define inner and outer edges. Support member is coupled to first and second sides is generally perpendicular to insert member in two directions. Either (1) a portion of inner edge corresponding to first side is angled relative to a portion of inner edge corresponding to second side and support member is coupled to inner edge; or (2) a portion of outer edge corresponding to first side is angled relative to a portion of outer edge corresponding to second side and support member is coupled to outer edge.

Abstract: A bracketing system is provided having two brackets joined by a flexible adhesive material that allows bridging or backing members of variable lengths and widths to be mounted between vertical studs to enhance stability of the wall construction. A wall construction assembly according to an embodiment of the invention comprises two vertical studs and a bridge backing member mounted there between by a bracketing system, which includes a left bracket and a right bracket connected by a flexible adhesive material. Because the bridge backing member can be adjustably sized to be secured on the brackets, it can be sized to fit between studs regardless of any variation in the spacing of the studs. This obviates the need to prefabricate bridge backing members to fit between variably spaced studs. The bridge backing member can be mounted flush with the stud to eliminate unevenness in the wall structure. Bridge or backing members of various widths and lengths can be mounted to the bracketing system.