Abstract: A deck assembly uses plurality of joists preferably formed from metal located side by side and each having a web portion and a deck portion integrally formed with the web portion. The deck portion extends laterally from the web portion and the joists are spaced from one another such that the deck portions from a continuous deck surface with the joists being connected to one another.

Abstract: Slotted header tracks for exterior wall applications. In exterior wall framing, the exterior wall sheathing is required to have a horizontal gap at or near the floor line for anticipated vertical movement between the floors. To accommodate orthogonal movement of the studs relative to the track, a plurality of slots are located along the flanges of the header track. An area for exterior sheathing attachment is created by leaving the upper portion of the flange solid for sheathing attachment and providing slots on the lower portion of the flange. Embodiments may include elongate reinforcing grooves on the slotted track's flanges and/or web, tabs for supporting and positioning exterior sheathing elements, connector elements for connecting the track to another surface, and second slots along the length of the web of the track to allow for limited drift movement of the track.

Abstract: In the construction of walls in balloon framing below roof pitches, the attachment profiles need to be suitable for different inclines and are to be connectable to the incline. For this purpose, the attachment profiles have fastening tabs on both sides, which may be bent into the particular required inclined attitude. The fastening tabs extend nearly over the entire profile web and are only linked on a deflection edge on one side on the attachment profile in the area of the profile web. In addition, the attachment profile can be used for the upper and lower fixing of the sub profiles of a stud or stud round wall.

Abstract: Multifunctional modular mother-beam built in structural steel or similar light, sturdy material, with a “U” configuration and provided with holes along its entire length, either on the back side, on the flanks, or on the edges, by which said mother-beams connect to one another either through their back sides, their flanks, or their edges, at any angle. They are fastened with screws inserted into said holes, with no need for welding. The flanks and edges are bended to facilitate fitting and fastening of the mother-beams. Mother-beams may connect by overlapping their back sides, by joining their edges, by joining their flanks, by joining flanks with edges, edges or flanks with the back side, through direct or reversed connection. It can act as a beam, pillar, trussed beam or bar, being especially useful in the construction of large areas, such as pavilions or similar constructions.

Abstract: A monolithic reinforced concrete (RC) dense column structure includes RC dense columns along a structure perimeter, RC window structures along the structure perimeter, and a RC beam over the dense columns and the window structures around the structure perimeter. Each window structure includes RC window columns, a RC short window column between the window columns, and a RC window beam between the window columns and over the short window column. The structure further includes prefabricated wall panels having molds that casted the dense columns, the window structures, and the beam.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of mortarless, stone-like veneer systems for walls. More specifically, the present invention relates to facade systems comprising a plurality of panels with surfaces for engaging other panels in the system and for resisting pullout of a panel once installed. Further provided are facade systems comprising a plurality of panels which provide stacked-stone corners for walls, columns, and posts when installed. Preferred are systems comprising modular facade panels having (i) a front face for forming part of a first facade, wherein the face is formed as a plurality of stacked stones and has a concave rectilinear polygonal outline configured for mating with adjacent panels when installed in a facade system; (ii) a back side with a suspension rail in communication therewith; and (iii) left and right sides for forming part of another facade in an intersecting plane.

Abstract: The present invention is direction to systems for assembling drywall tracks that support drywall above the floor.

Abstract: A mechanical header is provided for spanning a corridor in a building and for hanging mechanical equipment therefrom. The mechanical header includes a first angle member comprising a first horizontal portion and a first vertical portion, where the first horizontal portion extends away from the first vertical portion in a first direction. The mechanical header further includes a second angle member comprising a second horizontal portion and a second vertical portion, where the second horizontal portion extends away from the second vertical portion in a direction opposite the first direction. A spanning beam is coupled to the first vertical member and to the second vertical member. The first horizontal portion is configured to rest on top of a first wall structure, and the second horizontal portion is configured to rest on top of a second wall structure, such that spanning beam spans the corridor and hangs just at or below the level of the top of the first and second wall structures.

Abstract: A structural element (10). The inventive structural element (10) includes a frame (12) comprised of a plurality of studs (40) arranged in two rows, a first row (40A) disposed along a first side of the frame (12) and a second row (40B) disposed along a second side of the frame (12), and a foam core (18) disposed within the frame (12) between the first and second rows of studs (40). In an preferred embodiment, the studs (40) each include an exterior face (52), at least one interior face (54), at least one hollow interior cell (70), and at least one opening (74) through an interior face (54) adapted to provide access to a cell (70), and the foam (18) is adapted to fill the interior of the frame (12), penetrating within the hollow cells (70) of the studs (40) through the interior face openings (74).

Abstract: A hollow flange channel beam has a planar web with a pair of narrow rectangular cross-section flanges extending along opposite sides of said web and extending perpendicular to a face of said web in the same direction. The section capacity is optimized when Wf=(0.3)Db, Wf=(3.0)Df and WF=(30)t.

Abstract: A metal building stud having two supplemental flanges extending from at least one slot in the stud web yielding a stud with increased strength, both in compression (longitudinally) and in shear (transverse). The slotted stud also includes a plurality of indents that also enhance the stud strength both in compression and in shear. The slotted web further presents a reduced web area through which heat or sound may be conducted and slots in which insulation is received, both increasing resistance to heat and sound transfer. Slots and supplemental flanges may also be provided in the stud primary flanges. The primary flanges may include a fold back portion under a line of flexure presenting two layers through which an attaching screw must pass under that line of flexure that retains the screw in the primary flanges.

Abstract: A frame extender for attachment to a stud is formed as an L-shaped body having two orthogonal legs, a short leg and a long leg. The short leg serves as a mounting surface to which a wall surfacing material can be attached, while the long leg is fastened to the stud. The long leg terminates in an outer edge which preferably has a toothed profile. An indexing mark is provided on the long leg, extending parallel to the short leg and spaced apart therefrom, and substantially traversing the long leg. The indexing mark is preferably provided by a discontinuity in the surface of the long leg that is placed against the stud. A preferred method for fabricating the frame extenders uses stock that can be pressed or extruded, and which is cut along a serpentine path to form a pair of frame extenders.

Abstract: A metal stud including first and second metal panels defining first and second flat surfaces with longitudinal edges each turned inwardly away from the flat surfaces. The first and second panels are positioned in parallel spaced apart relationship with the first flat surface and the second flat surface being outwardly directed relative to each other. An angular metal coupling element includes a continuous length of metal material periodically bent in opposite directions. The coupling element is positioned between the first and second panels and bent to periodically and alternately contact the first and second panels at contact points. The coupling element is fixed to the first and second panels at the contact points by spot welding or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a profiled bar 4 with a “T” section comprising a rib 24 and a plate 28. The profiled bar 4 has, on at least one end 12, 16, an attachment element 20 suitable for engaging with a further profiled bar 4?. The rib comprises at least one coupling aperture 36 shaped to house said attachment element 20, which comprises a base 40 for fixing to the rib, projecting at least partially from the profiled bar 4 with one free end 44, and a tongue 48 flexibly elastic and coupled to the fixing base. The tongue 48 is bent towards the fixing base at the free end 44, so as to form an angle of incidence with the fixing base and is provided with a pair of recesses 51, 52 which define an attachment head 50. The coupling aperture 28 defines a first pair of projections 31, 32 suitable for engaging with the recesses 51, 52 to hold the attachment head 50 to the rib, said projections 31, 32 being positioned in opposite positions to a longitudinal centre line plane L-L of the rib.

Abstract: A curved beam of fiber composite material. The beam includes a first flange curved in a longitudinal direction, a second flange curved in a longitudinal direction and having a greater longitudinal extent than the first flange, and a web curved in a longitudinal direction and extending between the first flange and the second flange. The beam includes a fiber composite laminate including layers of fibers having different fiber directions, wherein a fiber density per unit of area of the second flange is lower than a fiber density per unit of area of the first flange, and wherein the first flange, the second flange and the web are seamless, continuous, and unfolded in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of assembling and using a z-bar extension member for a door installation that negates the need for trimming the assembly. The apparatus includes an exterior z-bar member having an exterior barrel portion and an interior z-bar member having an interior barrel portion. The interior barrel portion is slidably or snappingly engaged within the exterior barrel portion. Mating structures may be included on the cooperating components to maintain a positional relationship therebetween during assembly. A guard assembly that mounts to the edge of a door or on the end of a door expander to cover the gap between the z-bar and the casing is also disclosed that may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the z-bar extension member.

Abstract: The metal truss assembly disclosed herein is made from generally U-shaped metal chords and multiple generally S-shaped web members extending between the chords. A typical truss assembly has a pair of elongated, opposed, diverging metal upper chords and a lower chord, with the chords each forming generally U-shaped channels defining an interior chord space. A plurality of elongated metal web members extend between the upper and lower chords, with each of the web members extending into the interior space of an upper chord and the lower chord and attached to the chords. The web members, as taught herein, have a generally S-shaped cross-section. The shape of the web members is an advancement of prior art web members.

Abstract: A channel beam used in building construction of sub-decks is described. The channel beam essentially formed from a steel sheet that is bent in a C-shaped cross-section possessing a web having bends, thus forming an upper flange and a lower flange. The channel beam extending in length along the C-shaped cross-section. A ceramic coating essentially encapsulates the channel beam whereby the sheet metal of the channel beam is essentially encapsulated by the ceramic coating prior to being bent in the C-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a track assembly comprising two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall. The system may further comprise a strap or series of engaging surfaces on the inner and outer tracks that generally restrain the inner track relative to the outer track.

Abstract: The present invention provides a projected corner column A1 used for an external corner part of a wall of a building, in which a narrow chamfered part 8 is formed on an apex corner 3 of the projected corner column A1, the narrow chamfered part 8 has a continuous curved surfaces 8a, 8b rather than a flat surface so that, when the projected corner column A1 is exposed to a daytime sunlight, light parts and shade parts similar to light parts S and shade parts D that generate on surface patterned parts of a board piece 1a generate on the chamfered part 8, whereby the chamfered part 8 on the apex corner 3 of the projected corner column A1 becomes less visible as far as possible, and shades similar to the shades (S, D) that generate on the surface patterned parts generate on the chamfered part 8 to give a continuity to the patterns on the left and right board pieces 1a, 1a.

Abstract: A jamb flashing which includes a first plate, a second plate lying in a plane coplanar with or parallel to that of the first plate, and a flange the plane of which is substantially perpendicular to the planes of the first and second plates; said first plate having a first longitudinal edge which is upturned to lie at an acute angle to the plane of said first plate, and a second longitudinal edge which is rigidly secured to the lower edge of said flange; said second plate having a first longitudinal edge which is rigidly secured to the lower edge of said flange; said flange and said upturned first longitudinal edge of said first plate both projecting from the same side of the jamb flashing.

Abstract: Curved portions are formed on a first vertical wall portion that continues from a headwall portion and curved portions are formed on a second vertical wall portion that continues from the headwall portion. A difference in the linear length on the first vertical wall portion side before forming and after forming is cancelled out (i.e., absorbed) by the sum of the amounts that the curved portions protrude. Similarly, a difference in the linear length on the second vertical wall portion side before forming and after forming is cancelled out (i.e., absorbed) by the sum of the amounts that the curved portions protrude. As a result, tensile stress on the first vertical wall portion side and compression stress on the second vertical wall portion side can be prevented or minimized.

Abstract: A structural member (20), including a longitudinally extending core (22), and at least two longitudinally extending ribs (24, 26, 28). Each rib (24, 26, 28), in profile, extends outwardly from the core (22) to an outer rib edge (30, 32, 34). The member (20) also includes a receiving aperture (36) in a first end (38) of the member (20) for receiving an end of an adjacent member (42).

Abstract: A unit structural member 20 for building utilizes an M-shaped channel 1 which includes a center U-shaped channel section 2 and right and left U-shaped channel sections 6, 5 continuously formed to share right and left side plates 4, 3 of the center U-shaped channel section 2. A channel trench 7 of the center U-shaped channel section 2 and respective channel trenches 9, 8 of the right and left U-shaped channel sections 6, 5 are opened in opposite directions. The unit structural member 20 for building is constituted with a pair of longitudinal beams 15 formed of long pieces of material of the M-shaped channel 1 in parallel at an established distance and a number of lateral beams formed of short pieces of material of the M-shaped channel 1 in parallel laterally between the parallely-arranged longitudinal beams 15 at established distances in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal beams 15.

Abstract: An insulative metallic channel for supporting a construction assembly and resisting heat transfer includes an elongated web and at least one flange. The flange includes two ridges along the length of the flange and an inwardly-bent portion of the flange between the two ridges. The inwardly-bent portion extends between the two ridges approximately the entire width of the flange. An insulative material substantially fills the inwardly-bent portion of the flange.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track and above a centrally located and outwardly protruding lengthwise corrugated groove. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: A non load-bearing metal wall stud has a sheet metal body with a web, a pair of flanges extending at right angles to the web, a pair of lips, each extending at a right angle from a straight edge of one of the flanges and a pair of skirts each extending at an angle from the straight edge of one of the lips. Knurled channels in the flanges and in the web stiffen the stud further.

Abstract: A built-up beam fabricated a plurality of profiled steel plates is disclosed. The built-up beam includes a first lower profiled steel plate including a bottom portion, a side-vertical portion bent upwardly and vertically from one lateral edge of the bottom portion, a supporting portion bent horizontally from an upper end of the side-vertical portion, and a first center-vertical portion bent vertically and upwardly from the other lateral edge of the bottom portion. A second lower profiled steel plate is arranged symmetrically about the first center-vertical portion of the first lower profiled steel plate and connected to the first lower profiled steel plate. The second lower profiled steel plate has a cross-section symmetrical or asymmetrical to the first lower profiled steel plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cold formed joist that can be used in a variety of construction applications. The present cold formed joist consists of three elements, each formed from sheet metal: an upper chord, an intermediate web, and a lower web. These three elements can be produced in different dimensions. The upper chord further consists of a downwardly facing receiving channel adapted to receive the upper edge of the intermediate web, and two upwardly facing channels. The lower chord consists of an upwardly facing receiving channel that is adapted to receive the lower edge of the intermediate web.

Abstract: A bracket for use in retro-fitting metal clad buildings to facilitate attachment of new roof or wall panels of any desired profile, directly over existing ribbed or fluted panels of various configurations. Commonly known in the trades as a sub purlin or sub girt. Generally a one piece Z shaped metal bracket with a substantially vertical web between opposed top and bottom flanges in a parallel plane. The bottom flange and adjacent lower portion of the web contain a series of notches that allow the bracket to nest onto and over existing ribbed roof or wall panels. The top flange is automatically in position, lying flat and continuous, to receive and attach the new panels thereto. An ant-roll tab further connects the web to the existing roof panel. The solid portion of lower flange is preferred to be positioned directly above the underlying substructural support system members of the existing building to assure a structurally sound attachment of bracket to the building.

Abstract: A profiled rail has two opposite side walls (13) at least one connection wall (16) for connecting the side walls (13), first and second openings (17, 37; 27, 47) for passing therethrough a connection element (6) and having, respectively, first and second opening widths (B; F; C; G) measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal profile axis (12) of the profiled rail, with a minimal distance (A; E) between the opposite wall sections (14; 34) of the side walls (13; 33), which is measured in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal profile axis (12) of the profiled rail, at most corresponding to the opening width of (B; F; C; G) the first and second openings (17, 37; 27; 47).

Abstract: A fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire is disclosed. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track and above a centrally located and outwardly protruding lengthwise corrugated groove. The intumescent strip comprises expandable graphite and a fire retardant (C2-C8 alkyl diamine phosphate). When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip expands so to fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap, thereby retarding or preventing the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: The invention provides a topside beam. The topside beam comprises: an upper topside beam that is comprised of an upper web beam (10), an upper left wing beam (12) and upper right wing beam (11), wherein the section of the upper web beam (10) has a shape of an inverted “L”; the upper left wing beam (12) and the upper right wing beam (11) are oppositely connected to the two sides adjacent to the lower end of the upper web beam (10) respectively; the upper left wing beam (12) opposite to the upper web beam (10) inclines downwardly; and the upper right wing beam (11) is located at 90° with the upper web beam. And a lower topside beam that is comprised of a lower web beam (20) and a lower right wing beam (21), wherein the lower right wing beam (21) is connected to the right side adjacent to the upper end of the lower web beam (20); and the lower right wing beam (21) opposite to the lower web beam (20) inclines upwardly and is parallel to the upper left wing beam (12).

Abstract: A beam-like structural component (1) made up of individual parts, comprising a flange (2) and two webs (3, 4) is characterized in that a flange (2) is provided with one web (3, 4) each on its two longitudinal sides, wherein each web is attached to a longitudinal sidewall of the flange (2) preferably by means of an adhesive material, and that the end regions (7) of the webs (3, 4), which end regions are facing away from the flange (2), are planarly interconnected with the surfaces (8, 9) facing each other preferably by means of an adhesive material, wherein the webs (3, 4), in their cross-sections, have in each case the shape of a “stretched S”.

Abstract: A structural building component includes a pultruded member adapted to be used as a structural frame member of a building.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a framing member for use in a steel framed flooring structure. The framing member has a U-shaped rectangular cross section with two parallel spaced apart flanges and a central web bridging the flanges and connected to one edge of each of the flanges. The central web has an extension on each end thereof, the extension extending beyond the flanges a distance of at least half the width of the flange.

Abstract: A deck assembly uses plurality of joists preferably formed from metal located side by side and each having a web portion and a deck portion integrally formed with the web portion. The deck portion extends laterally from the web portion and the joists are spaced from one another such that the deck portions from a continuous deck surface with the joists being connected to one another.

Abstract: Constructive element (1), such as a profile or a grid or another adequate constructive element, where said constructive element (1) is formed beginning with a sheet whose thickness is fundamentally constant; the cross-section of said constructive element includes at least one unfolded region (2) defined between two ends of said cross-section; said unfolded region (2) includes a plurality of cuts that define a regular pattern along the constructive element (1); said unfolded region (2) is produced when a tractional force is applied to their respective ends; said constructive element (1) is characterized because said unfolded region includes at least one element rotated essentially in 180° (2.2) with regard to the rotation it had prior to the application of said tractional force; said at least one rotated element (2.2) is joined to at least one element that does not rotate (2.1), by means of conveniently defined linking lines (2.3).

Abstract: A support beam and attachment clevis assembly having a pair of “J” beams, each “J” beam having a stem and a tail, each “J” beam's tail having a distal end and a longitudinal extension, each “J” beam's stem having an upper end and a longitudinal extension, the longitudinal extension of each “J” beam's stem being greater than that of said each “J” beam's tail; and incorporating a plurality of blind rivets interconnecting the pair of “J” beams so that the distal end of each “J” beam's tail contacts the upper end of the other “J” beam's stem.

Abstract: A joist comprised of at least one cold-formed steel elongated chord member; a cold-formed steel web having a plurality of web members and means for securing said web to said chord member. A plurality of joists are generally for use in a support system for a platform or a deck in the construction of floors and roofs. The support system is of particular use in a composite floor and roof systems.

Abstract: A molded support beam (1, 2, 3) that includes an elongated lower portion (11) an elongated upper portion (14) and at least one elongated flange (17, 18) extending upwardly from the elongated upper portion, is described. The elongated lower portion (11) includes at least three separate downwardly extending supports (e.g., 29, 32, 35) which together define at least two open-bottomed transverse openings (e.g., 41, 44), at least one of which being an arched open-bottomed transverse opening (e.g., 219, 234, 249). The elongated upper portion (14) includes a longitudinal passage (68), and a ledge (92) that extends horizontally outward from a second vertical side (56) thereof. An elongated hollow support tube (74) resides within the longitudinal passage (68) of the elongated upper portion (14).

Abstract: A fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire is disclosed. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track and above a centrally located and outwardly protruding lengthwise corrugated groove. The intumescent strip comprises expandable graphite and a fire retardant (C2-C8 alkyl diamine phosphate). When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip expands so to fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap, thereby retarding or preventing the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: A roof for a large diameter grain bin is formed by roof rafters inclined from a top of the wail to a top ring, with sheet metal panels in an upper row extending from the ring to a circular bottom edge and a lower row extending from a circular top edge to the wall. A circular bracket of Z-shaped cross section is carried on the rafters by upstanding support legs and provides an upper flange engaging the bottom edge of the upper row and a lower flange engaging the top edge of the lower row and an interconnecting web portion. One or both rows are supported at a mid point on a cylindrical tube bent to form a circle butting the panels and supported from the rafters on leg members which include a center strap which can be bent around the tube and two legs bolted to the rafters.

Abstract: An open web low thermal conductivity steel stud, having a web defining a longitudinal axis and a web plane, side edges along each side of the web, main web openings formed through the web defining two lengthwise sides parallel to the web axis, ribs extending diagonally across the web between the main web openings, right angle flanges formed around the main web opening and along the ribs, bent away from the web, and having flange extensions formed along the right angle flanges formed along the two lengthwise sides of the main web opening, bent at further right angles into planes parallel to but spaced from the web plane to define three sided parallel spaced apart reinforcing channels extending lengthwise along the web, rib openings at each end of each rib defining narrow throat portions of the web for reduced heat transmission, at least one stud leg formed along at least one web side edge, at right angles to the web, and, two parallel screw receiving grooves formed in the at least one stud leg, the grooves bei

Abstract: A non load-bearing metal wall stud has a sheet metal body with a web, a pair of flanges extending at right angles to the web, a pair of lips, each extending at a right angle from a straight edge of one of the flanges and a pair of skirts each extending at an angle from the straight edge of one of the lips. Knurled channels in the flanges and in the web stiffen the stud further.

Abstract: A framing system for a new or existing wall, structure and/or the like is provided that uses just one type of unit or member for various framing applications, namely serving as a framing stud and framing plate or track—i.e. a universal framing unit. The universal framing unit is formed from a single piece of metal as a three-wall member having a front wall, a first lateral wall, and a second lateral wall. The first lateral wall is continuous with a first lateral side of the front wall via a first curved transition so as to be generally perpendicular relative to the front wall, while the second lateral wall is continuous with a second lateral side of the front wall via a second curved transition so as to be generally perpendicular relative to the front wall. A first slot is formed in the first curved transition and extends from a first end of the universal framing unit a first length along the first curved transition.

Abstract: A wall panel structure which is easily assembled and disassembled and is constructed from a plurality of frame assemblies, each frame assembly comprising a first frame component having a first wall and an adjacent second wall, the first wall having an externally accessible abutment surface; and a second frame component having an angled cross section defined by first and second arms, the first arm having an inwardly extending flange configured to engage said abutment surface of the first frame component, and the second arm configured to engage the second wall of the first frame component.

Abstract: A do-it-yourself non-permanent hurricane panel supporting and securing device designed to allow property owner selection and installation of a variety of readily available storm panel materials over glass doors and windows as a means of protection from hurricane winds and associated flying debris. The system provides a base plate device for supporting and securing the lower edge of plywood and other hurricane panel materials available following hurricane alerts or warnings. Readily available owner selected channels or tracks engage the upper edge of the panel materials. The system is designed to allow property owners of multi-level apartments and condominiums to install hurricane panels over glass doors and windows with provisions for the installer to complete the installation from inside the glass door or window being protected.

Abstract: One of the major structural components in a space frame tower is the tower leg. A novel and nonobvious tower leg structure is provided which provides significant advantages and benefits over previously available structures.