Metal framing member with off site manufactured locking tabs

a technology of metal framing members and locking tabs, which is applied in the direction of girders, walls, joists, etc., can solve the problems of inaccurate and effective bending by the installer, limited use, cost and difficulty, etc., and achieve the effect of secure and quick

US20060144009A1Inactive Publication Date: 2006-07-06INT BUILDING SYST
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2006-07-06
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A metal framing member for use as a stud, joist, rafter, truss, etc. is disclosed. The framing member includes at least one knock out opening and a corresponding tab that is positioned onto the metal framing member during the manufacturing process via computer so that structures built using the studs such as window frames, door jams, etc. are accurately and quickly fabricated. The knock out opening can also be used as a chase to allow wiring or a stiffening rod to pass through the member. Each tab is also preferably provided with a pair of pre-punched holes so that the tab can be fastened to other building components using standard screws.
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Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 066,678 filed on Feb. 25, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 459,868 filed on Jun. 12, 2003, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 885,843 filed Jun. 20, 2001, now abandoned.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to dwelling framing members, and in particular, to an attachment locking tab and opening which is used to attach one stud to another in such members by having the tab and its corresponding knock out positioned onto the metal stud via computer in accordance with the layout plans of the structure that is to be formed. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Structural members are frequently made of metal, as it has advantages over wooden structural members. Compared to wood, metal is insect proof, fire proof, and has high uniformity and strength. However, its use is limited due to high cost, erection problems, a...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0059]FIG. 1 illustrates metal framing member 10 with knock out opening 12 and tab 14. While tab 14 is usually made so that tab 14 is approximately 90 degrees with surface 16, since tab 14 is made at the factory using computer assisted machinery, any precise angle may be selected. (See, e.g. FIG. 13) Tab 14 and its corresponding knock out opening 12 are preferably located centrally in surface 16, which runs the length of framing member 10. However, since the stud is manufactured to the design specifications necessary to ensure precision and ease of fastening, other positions can be easily selected. In fact, different locations on surface 16 as well as different tab angles could be provided in each framing member if desired.

[0060] Surface section 16 is generally 6″ to 8″ wide. In the preferred embodiment, surface section 16 includes stiffeners 18, which run longitudinally along surface section 16. Typically, as noted above, knock out opening 12 is centrally located between stiffener...