FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable
PARTIES OR JOINT RESEARCH
Not applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to forming connections between spacing-bracing members using self-locking connections between intersecting metal framing members using two web-flange notches at each web or a continuous web flange notch with the web being a continuous notch extending into each web that connects to support members and crossing members. Different extensions can connect to the support member by using the notches and tabs to secure hook fingers, hook tongues and hook receivers to secure the crossing members together forming the self-locking connections.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Light gauge metal framing have been used in the construction of buildings for many years, however interior and exterior metal framing has always been difficult to assemble as well as construct horizontal and diagonal bracing between support framing members because of the configuration of the support members like a C channel. The lip and flange of the C channel protrudes from the web making it difficult to make connections. The bracing members within the wall forming structure are generally required to connect support members together; however horizontal bracing members can be very long and next to impossible to connect horizontal bracing members between support members. Metal clips have been used to connect horizontal bracing members, but they also required fasteners
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
The horizontal and diagonal connections between metal support members do not form continuous bracing that interlocks between each other but rather are individual components. Continuous horizontal bracing members were installed between support members and clips or angles had to be installed to connect the horizontal bracing members to the support members. Later clips were installed or angle were installed over the horizontal bracing to connect the support members where angles were then installed to connect all the members together.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses how a spacing-bracing member can have a web-flange notch at each flange and be connect to the support members. In addition the web-flange notches can be expanded so the web would be a continuous notch with the ends of the continuous notch extending into the flanges making a continuous flange-web-flange notch. The web-flange notch or the continuous web-flange notch can have extensions that become hook tongues with the tongue ends extending into receiver holes. The hook tongues can occur on the web or flanges of the spacing-bracing member. The web-flange notches can slide vertically within the hole or at the end of a support member. In lieu of having a continuous web-flange notch with the web open between the flanges, the web can have folded sides so the web can expand open when the web opening needs to be larger. The spacing-bracing members can overlap where one spacing-bracing member having the same size, but also where one end has a larger or smaller profile. The spacing-bracing member can have one end have a web-flange notch engaging the support member while the opposing end uses the hook tongue to connect adjacent spacing-bracing members. The hook tongue with the receiver hole can be used to allow the spacing-bracing members to rotate between each other. The spacing-bracing members can be stacked like logs or can be stacked where one end is engaging the hole opening and the opposing end of the adjacent spacing-bracing member is stacked like dominos having the opposing end stacked upon the adjacent spacing-bracing member. The spacing bracing member can be install with the web & flanges engaging the hole bottom edge and hole side edges or up-side down where protrusions extend from the hole side edges engages the web-flange notches. The web-flange notch can be used with spacing-bracing members having lips with notches or double lip notches or can be installed without lips where the flanges also have notches or indentations to secure to the hole side edges or the protrusions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a C channel with a hole having a V shape as the bottom edge
FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal spacing-bracing member with a corner notch at the intersection of the web and flanges intersecting the diagonal edges of the hole bottom edges.
FIG. 3 show the hole bottom edge having diagonal sides with a blunt end.
FIG. 4 shows a reverse lip channel having diagonal flanges having notches in the lip connecting to the web of the support channel.
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the trough in the foam spacer where a U shaped horizontal bracing channel is shown facing upwards with a horizontal reverse lip channel bracket fits between the flanges of the U shaped horizontal bracing channel with notches at the lips engaging the edges of the hole with the reverse lip bracket is fastened to the horizontal bracing channel.
FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of the horizontal reverse lip channel as a horizontal bracing channel with notches at the lips engaging the edges of the hole of the support channel.
FIG. 7 shows a reverse lip bracket having the notches in the lips spanning between two adjacent support members with the lip notches connecting the web of the support members and nestled between the flanges and a reverse lip channel or a U shape channel.
FIG. 8 shows a one piece multi-plane bracket or later called reverse lip bracket having a bottom side, two vertical sides with longitudinal lips engaging the hole of the support member install between the webs of a bracing member being U shaped with the web of the bracket fasten to the bracing member.
FIG. 9 shows the reverse lip bracket with notches at the lips installed in the hole at the bottom edge and the lips in the hole side edge of the support channels first and a bracing member being U shaped facing upwards is installed between the flanges of the bracket with fasteners securing the bracket and bracing member together.
FIG. 10 shows the longitudinal reverse lip channel showing the lips with the lip notches extending into the top and bottom edges of the hole, but still referred as the holes side edges.
FIG. 11 shows a wider hole that shows a wider web of the longitudinal spacing-bracing channel. On the other hand another longitudinal spacing-bracing channel shows a wider web and wider lips so the lip notches can fit into the hole top edge and the hole bottom edge as the reverse lip channel has its lip resting on the hole side edges.
FIGS. 12, 13 & 14 shows how the hole side edges or protrusions can extend into the hole side edges to form other spacer brace configurations. The figures show how the bulges between the web and the flanges can create an indentation to secure the spacer brace into the hole side edges or how the bulges can have an indentation or notch to slide within the hole side edges and how the flanges can be bent and the lip also bent to create a different configuration of the spacer brace.
FIGS. 15 & 16 shows a reverse lip spacer brace extending through a V shaped hole having a blunt end and also connected by lip notches and hole notches.
FIGS. 17 & 18 shows a V shaped hole having a V shaped spacer brace with a notched-tab at the vertex and FIGS. 17 & 18 show the V shaped spacer brace being connect by holes notches and leg notches. FIGS. 19 & 20 also use the V shaped hole but the notched-tabs extend from the angular hole bottom edge.
FIG. 21 shows an upward oriented U shaped reverse lip spacer brace connecting adjacent support members and overlapping an adjacent spacer brace connecting the lip notches to the support members at the holes.
FIG. 22 shows an upward oriented U shaped reverse lip spacer brace having angular flanges connecting adjacent support members and overlapping an adjacent spacer brace connecting the lip notches to the support members at the holes.
FIG. 23 shows a downward oriented U shaped reverse lip spacer brace overlapping an identical adjacent spacer brace connected at the lip notches to the holes of a support member.
FIG. 24 shows two downward adjacent oriented spacer braces having the lower oriented spacer brace with a lip-flange notch engaging the hole bottom edge with the upper oriented spacer brace having only lip notches engaging the hole side edges.
FIG. 25 shows an upward oriented U shaped spacer brace with notches at bottom and sides engaging the hole sides that overlaps an adjacent spacer brace with a notched tab extension at the web that engages the sides of the hole.
FIG. 26 shows an upward oriented U shaped spacer brace with notches at the bottom and sides engage the hole sides and an adjacent spacer brace with an upward hook engage the flat plate that is fastened to the support member.
FIG. 27 shows two downward oriented U shaped spacer braces where both longitudinal end shows indented flanges and web where one end has a hook finger where the extension is inserted into the holes notches and the opposing end has a hook tongue where the extension overlaps the first spacer brace with the hook tongue having a curvilinear tip for inserting into the receiver slot hole.
FIG. 28 shows a similar configuration as FIG. 27 except the reverse lip spacer braces are shown with the lips and hook finger support the reverse lip spacer brace at one end with the hook tongue at the opposing end has the extension overlapping the adjacent spacer brace.
FIG. 29 shows two reverse lip spacer braces overlapping the hole bottom edge with a continuous web flange notch allowing the first reverse lip spacer brace to extend lower into the continuous web flange notch an adjacent spacer brace to overlap the first reverse lip spacer brace.or using an alternate solution of having the hook tongue extend into a receiver slot hole.
FIG. 30 shows the two reverse lip spacer braces overlapping and engaging the hole bottom edge as shown in FIG. 29.
FIG. 31 shows and enlargement of FIG. 31.
FIG. 32 shows a deeper web flange notches where the lower reverse lip spacer brace has a deeper flange for additional strength or allowing for the hole bottom edge to be longer for a different configuration or the deletion of the lips with notches.
FIG. 33 shows the end connection of a reverse lip spacer brace where the longitudinal end of the lip and the hook finger or hook receiver engage both sides of the support member.
FIG. 34 shows the end connection of a U shaped spacer brace having a flap engage one side the web of a support member and a hook finger or hook receiver engage the opposing side of the support member.
FIG. 35 shows the end connection of a U shaped spacer brace having the flanges and web indented so the longitudinal ends engage one side of the web of a support member with the hook finger or hook receiver engage the opposing side of the support member.
FIG. 36 is similar to FIG. 34 however the section is taken through an intermediate connection of a support member where the lips have lip notches and each flange has a flange-web notch where the flange-web notch and lip notches engage the hole at the web of the support member.
FIG. 70 shows two reverse lip spacer braces stacked above each other with the overlapping reverse lip spacer brace having a wider web with a wider lip to engage the hole side edges, plus the lower reverse lip spacer brace has a receiver slot hole for the overlapping reverse lip spacer brace having a hook receiver with a notched tab tip.
FIG. 38 shows two overlapping U shaped spacer braces having a continuous web-flange notches that engage the hole side edges of the support member along with a hook tongue where the tongue is a notched tab that extends upward through a slot hole into the adjacent U shaped spacer brace.
FIG. 39-41 shows an elevation, enlargement and section of metal framing shows the same metal framing between support members except the spacer braces are reversed with the web are resting on the aperture bottom edges.
FIG. 42-44 shows an elevation, enlargement and section of metal framing shows the same metal framing between support members however one end of the spacer brace shows the web being wider overlapping the narrower width web of the lower spacer brace allowing the larger width web always fitting over a smaller width web or in this case the smaller width web into the larger width web.
FIG. 45-47 shows an elevation, enlargement and section of metal framing having the same width webs of two upper and lower overlapping spacer braces installed having an overlapping end to end pattern where the first end fits over the second end of the lower overlapping spacer brace forming a continuous overlapping pattern between support members.
FIG. 48-50 shows an elevation, enlargement and section of metal framing having the same configuration as FIGS. 45-47 except the lip notches are extending into the flanges forming a continuous lip flange notch.
FIGS. 51-53 shows an elevation, enlargement and section of metal framing where the spacer braces overlap the aperture in the metal framing support having the longitudinal ends being of different width where the lower wider spacer brace has the tongue extending upward from the web of the receiver aperture in the web of the upper spacer brace.
FIGS. 54-56 shows an elevation, enlargement and section of metal framing with the longitudinal ends having a web extension with an aperture for the tongue of the upper spacer brace to be inserted into and the upper spacer brace is allowed to swivel at the tongue and the width of the spacer braces can be equal or variable in width.
FIG. 57 shows the space brace with the lip notches at the free end of the lip connected to the hole notches in the hole side edge in the support member with a hook tongues extending from the flanges with notched-tabs at the longitudinal end being inserted into the hole round receivers at the pivot points for the adjacent spacer brace to be turned upward or downward.
FIG. 58 is similar to FIG. 57 except the notched-tabs at the longitudinal ends extends outward and the receiver holes are located on the flange extensions.
FIG. 59-60 show a longitudinal cross section of a spacer brace and FIG. 375 shows a cross section of the reverse lip spacer brace, except here the lip has a double lip where the double lip extends upward and the lip notches are at the side edges of the lip notches the engage the web of the support member above the hole notches.
FIG. 61-62 is similar to FIGS. 59 & 60 except FIGS. 61 & 62 shows the double lip with the free edge facing downward and the lip notches engage the bottom edge of the hole notches.
FIG. 63 shows the L-shaped notch with slope side at the bottom end of the support member of a U shaped support member and is fitting into the interior side of the C shape support member where the top end has a reverse profile of the L-shaped notch, with a curving profile where the web and flanges have an open cut and the lips are allowed to bend. The left lip shows the lip notch with flare ends, another lip notch where the lip notch is extended into the flange notch.
FIG. 64 shows the web and lips have been removed and the flanges are allowed to bend so the spacer brace can be curved but in a horizontal orientation.
FIG. 65 is similar to FIG. 64 except here the spacer brace has a C shaped profile and the lip notches are oriented inward toward between the opposite side lips.
FIG. 66 show the flange extension or the hooked tongue with its notched-tab extending inward toward the opposing lip for the notched-tab to fit into the receiver hole on the flange of the adjacent spacer brace.
FIG. 67 shows two different longitudinal connections, one with the flange extensions overlap the flanges and another where the hook tongue has a notched-tab at the end to be inserted into the receiver hole at the opposing end of an adjacent spacer brace.
FIG. 68 shows the web having a notched-tab at the end of the web of the support member and another aspect of the invention shows the web and lips of the crossing spacer brace having bent webs and lips so the spacer brace can be angled or bent between the support members forming a curved concave profile at the top of the metal support channel.
FIG. 69 shows the web of the support member having a notched-tab profile at the interior side edge of the two L-shaped gaps where the web notches fit into the lip notches of the longitudinal spacer braces where the flanges have slot holes for the head of the notched-tabs can fit into.
FIG. 70 shows a U shaped bracing member with the sides facing upwards and a U shaped bracket with its sides fitting into the U shaped bracing member and its top side having notches in the sides and top side for a flat plate to fit into the notches and fastened to the web of the support member.
FIG. 71 shows a two piece bracket installed in a bracing member where the bracing member is U shaped facing upwards and the first piece of the two piece bracket is U shaped facing downward having a notch at the top side for flat plate of the two piece bracket to fit into and fasten to the web of the support member.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Various shapes of horizontal spacing-bracing members are shown throughout the application having different means to connecting a spacing-bracing member or several spacing-bracing members together to adjacent metal support members.
FIG. 1 shows the longitudinal spacing-bracing member as a horizontal U channel 155 having an elongated web 155a with first and second longitudinal wall edges being connected and extending upward away from the web 155a forming first and second longitudinal walls are shown as flanges 155b forming a U-shape. When the horizontal U channel 155 is inserted into a V-shaped hole 36v, corner notches 126c in the web 155a and the flanges 155b form continuous corner notches 126c between the longitudinal web 155a and the longitudinal walls of the flanges 155b at the corner notches 126c. The bottom side edges that extend from the V-shaped holes 36v penetrate the corner notches 126c from the exterior side and extend into the interior side of the horizontal U channel 155. A reverse lip channel 156 with lip notches 126p can also be used instead of the horizontal U channel 155 for additional horizontal support at the support channels. FIG. 2 indicates where the corner notches 126c from the horizontal U channel 155 would set on the bottom edges of the V-shaped hole 36v.
A hole 36 can vary in width and shape like the V-shape hole 36v or a V-shape hole 36″ having a larger blunt end 159. In FIG. 3 the blunt end 159 and the angular side edges of the V-shaped holes 36v″ are used to support the longitudinal spacing-bracing member shown in FIG. 4 as a horizontal reverse lip channel 156 having an elongated web 156a with first and second angular edges being connected and extending away from the web 156a forming first and second longitudinal walls are shown as flanges 156b in FIG. 3. The flanges 156b can also be bent inward with longitudinal lips extending away from longitudinal walls, is shown in FIGS. 12, 13 & 14. The free side edges of the lips 156c have notches 126 cut inward from the free side edges. At the free side edges of the lips 156c a flare 126f is shown at the lip notch 126p to form a wider opening into the lip notch 126p. The horizontal reverse lip channel 156 is shown passing through a V-shape hole 36″ having the bottom edge or blunt end 159 parallel to the web 156a of the longitudinal spacing-bracing member where the side edges of the two lip notches 126p are resting on both side edges of the hole 36 at the web 42a. FIG. 3 shows the web 156a parallel to the lips 156c with the flanges 156b having angular side edges similar to the V-shaped hole 36v within the support channels. As shown other FIG's disclosed in the application having angular flanges 156b being free standing from the hole side edges 36se and the horizontal reverse lip channel 156 oriented with the flanges 156b extending upward or downward against the hole bottom edge 36be. Later FIG's will show the horizontal bracing-spacing members connected to adjacent support members whether installed as a continuous longitudinal spacing-bracing member or installed on the hole bottom edge 36be or the first end of one end of a first longitudinal spacing-bracing member overlapping the second end of an adjacent spacing-bracing member and still engaging the hole 36 of the same support member. The longitudinal spacing-bracing member with angular flanges 156b can be stacked between the vertical flanges 156b of a rectilinear longitudinal spacing-bracing member as the corner connection of the web 156a & flanges 156b is narrower therefore able to have interlocking first end and second ends together.
FIG. 5 shows the trough 132 at the top of the foam spacer 55 with a horizontal bracing channel is shown as a U channel 155 with the flanges 155b facing upward from the web 155a being installed within the trough 132. A reverse lip bracket 208 has a web 208a with upward flanges 208b extending from the web 208a with lips 208c extending away from the web 208a with lip notches 126p extending inward from the free edges of the lips 208c. The lip notches 126p extend over the flanges 155b of the U channel 155 with the lip notches engaging the hole side edges 36se of the C channel 42. A fastener (not shown) is then used to secure both members together.
FIG. 6 shows the reverse lip bracket 208 as a reverse lip channel 156 where the flanges 156b fit into the trough 132 and within the hole 36 of the support channel shown as C channel 42. The lip 42c is shows notches 126 engaging both sides of the hole 36. The shape of the hole 36 can be a single large hole or have two holes 36 (shown as dashed lines). The horizontal tongue 55t of the foam spacer 55 is installed between the flanges 156b of the horizontal bracing channel. In addition the corner notch 126c is shown where a notch is installed in the flange 156b and a notch is installed in the web 156a meet. The corner notch 126c is a continuous notch which has been described later as the web-flange notch 126wf.
FIG. 7 shows a double reverse clip bracket 312 being attached to two support members shown as a C channel 42 and a horizontal bracing channel shown as a U-shaped channel 155 where the web 155a of the U-shaped channel 155 rests on the bottom edges of the holes 36 and the flanges 155b fit against the side edges of the holes 36 in the webs 42a of the support members. The double reverse clip bracket 312 is shown having a web 312a and flanges 312b fits tight against the ventral side of the horizontal bracing channel 155 and the lips 311c extend outwardly from its flanges 311b. The lips 311c extend outwardly having notches 126 with flares 126f that are angular where the notches 126 engage both sides of the vertical side edges of the holes 36 of two adjoining and adjacent support members thereby engaging two support members using the same double reverse clip bracket 312. The double reverse clip bracket is later described as a reverse lip spacing-bracing member then in later patent applications the member became known as a reverse lip spacer brace 301.
FIG. 8 shows the horizontal bracing channel as a horizontal U channel 155 where the interior side is facing upwards typically spanning between the holes 36 in the support channels shown as C channel 42. A multi-plane bracket 138 is shown as a multi-plane bracket described as a reverse lip bracket 208 having the exterior side fitting between the interior side of the flanges 155b of the horizontal U channel 155 so that the lip notches 126p on both sides of the lips 208c engage the side edges of the hole 36 and extend past the edge of the hole 36 along with the flares 126f that are angled. The flares 126f are angled so the reverse lip bracket 208 can glide into the side edges of the hole 36 easily as the reverse lip bracket 208 is inserted in a vertical orientation and then rotated into a horizontal orientation so the lip notches 126p engage the side edges of the holes 36. The horizontal bracing channel and the reverse lip bracket 208 are additionally secured by fasteners between the webs 155a & 208a thereby securing the horizontal bracing channel, the reverse lip bracket 208 and the hole 36 together at the support channel. The multi-plane bracket 138 can also be used to connect two horizontal bracing channels together. FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8, however the reverse lip bracket 208 shown with its lip notches 126p are installed in the hole 36 of the support channels first, then the web 155a of the horizontal U channel 155 are installed between the two parallel flanges 208b of the reverse lip bracket 208 are secured together at their webs 155a & 208a. The multi-plane bracket 138 is rotated into the hole 36 with the lip notches 126p engaging the side edges of the hole 36. The reverse lip bracket 208 and the horizontal U channel 155 can be reversed, where the interior sides are turned downward so the web 155b & 208b extend downward from the web 155a & 208a. The horizontal U channel 155 in both FIG's can also be a reverse lip channel 156 that has the lip 156c with the lip notch 126p at the free end and a reverse lip bracket 208 can also be a reverse lip channel 156. When the reverse lip channels 156 overlap each other, the notches at the end of each reverse lip channel 156 intersect the same hole and the lip notches are indented from the ends. In addition a reverse lip channel 156 with sloped flanges and lip notches can fit into or over another reverse lip channel 156 with rectilinear flanges and lip notches. In addition the corner notch 126c is shown in the reverse lip bracket 208 adding extra strength to reduce horizontal movement
In FIGS. 10 & 11 shows three holes 36 installed in horizontally oriented metal framing members. The width is the vertical dimension and the length in the horizontal direction including the depth of the grooves and the gauge of the metal framing members. One hole shows the reverse lip channel 156 where the lip notches 126p extend into the hole top edges and the hole bottom edges 36be. The left C channel 42 shows the reverse lip channel installed vertically where the lip notches 126p extend into the hole side edges 36se as shown in FIG. 10.
FIGS. 12 & 13 show two hole elevations and FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of the reverse lip spacer brace 301. An irregular shaped reverse lip spacer brace 301 is shown having the plane of the web 301a resting on the hole bottom edge 36be with the side planes extending upward at an angle sloping inward at an acute angle forming a bulge 301g at their intersection. The bulge 301g can be formed to have a bulge notch 126g where the web 301a and a portion of the flange 301b have a combined notch referred to as a bulge notch 126g or the bulge 301g has no notch at all. The longitudinal edge of the flanges 301b have lips 301c that bend outward toward the hole side edge 36se as shown in FIG. 12. The free edge of the lip 301c abuts a hole protrusion 36p as shown on the left hole side edge 36se or indented shown as a lip hole notch 126hp. The structural integrity of the hole 36 should be at the furthest indentation at the lip hole notch 126hp. The left side of the hole side edge 36se in FIG. 13 shows an inverted reverse lip spacer brace 301 as shown on the right hole side edge 36se. By having the left side inverted, the web 301a have both the longitudinal sides extending downward and the flange-bulges 126fg at the corner of the flanges 301b and the web 301a and are braced by hole protrusions 36p that extend above the web 301a. The longitudinal sides have lips 301c extending the length of the flanges 301b with lip notches 12p extending inward from the free edges. The angled flanges 301b and lips 301c are the same on both the left and right sides of the holes 36. The left side is held in place by the lip notches 126p extending around both the side planes of the web 42a and the web 301a has its top plane fitting under the hole protrusion 36p keeping the reverse lip spacer brace 301 secured within the hole 36. In the isometric view FIG. 13 shows an extended lip 301ce that is also angled. The extended lip 301ce has the lip notch 126p extending inward from the free edge of the extended lip 301ce. FIG. 13 could also be a U-shaped spacer brace 302 having flange notches 126f extend into the hole protrusion 36p or on the hole bottom edge 36be, because the hole protrusion 36p gives the U-shaped spacer brace 302 an entirely new invention as the hole protrusion 36p keep the U-shaped spacer brace 302 from moving vertically within the hole 36.
FIGS. 15-20 show different variations of a V-shaped hole 36v also described as V′ & V″″. A V-shaped hole 36v has the hole bottom edge 36be in a V-shape. In FIG. 15 the V-shaped hole V″ has the bottom edge oriented horizontally or the blunt end 159 of the V-shaped hole V″ while both the hole side edges 36se are at an angle similar to FIG. 355, in addition the vertical hole side edges 36se has hole notches 36h similar to other previous figures at the intersection of the hole side edges 36se and the angular side walls of the V-shaped hole 36V″. A reverse lip spacer brace 301 is shown having a web 301a abutting the blunt end 159 with the flanges 301b parallel with the angular side walls of the V-shaped hole 36″ and lips 301c extending externally having lip notches 126p extending into the hole notches 36h.
FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 15 except the V-shaped hole 36v′ has a notched-tab 126nt at the vertex and does not have holes notches 36h. In FIG. 16 a V-shaped channel or V-shaped spacer brace 299 has two angular legs 299a that meet a the vertex of the angular legs 299a, however at the vertex a vertex slot hole 36v is installed so the notched tab 126nt can fit into. The notched tab 126nt is extended from the web 42a through the vertex slot hole 36v with the head 126nth being larger and taper so the head 126nth can slide into the vertex of the vertex slot hole 36v.
FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 15 as the V shaped hole 36v has hole notches 36h at the angular oriented hole bottom edges 36be and the hole side edges 36se In FIG. 18 the V shaped spacer brace 299 has leg notches 126eg to fit into the hole notches 36h thereby eliminating any vertical and horizontal movement of the V shaped spacer brace 299.
FIG. 19 is showing a V shaped hole 36v′″ having a slightly different configuration where a notched-tab 126nt is shown at each of the angular oriented hole bottom edges 36be. In FIG. 20 a U shaped spacer brace 302 is installed in the V shaped hole 36v′″ and corner slot holes 36cs are installed at the intersection of the web 302a and flanges 302b on both side corner edges. The corner slot holes 36cs are large enough for the head 126h to fit through and become engaged at the notched-tab notch 126ntn of the notched-tab 126nt.
FIG. 21 shows a reverse lip spacer brace 301 having a web 301a with flanges extending vertically approximately coplanar to the holes side edges 36se with lips 301c having lip notches 126p and where an adjoining second reverse lip spacer brace 301 overlaps the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 and described previously in U.S. Ser. No. 15/449,250. In order to overlap each other the reverse lip spacer braces 301 the width of the web 301a, the length of the flanges 301b or the lips 301c will vary depending on shape and snugness between reverse lip spacer braces 301. This continuation in part application shows the hole notches 126h at the hole side edges 36se as shown in pending application Ser. No. 15/430,781 being into this CIP, but is only shown at the furthers left hole rather than all the holes 36 in the support member for clarification purposes. The lip notches 126p at the left support member show the lips 301c with the lip notches 126p shorter while the hole notches 126h have a deeper depth so the lip notches 126p will extend deeper into the hole notch 126h as shown in U.S. Ser. No. 15/430,781 therefore eliminating any vertical and horizontal movement within the hole notch 126h. All the holes 36 can have hole notches 126h to eliminate vertical movement at the holes 36 or maybe installed at the hole side edges 36se without the hole notch 126h. At the right no hole notches 126h are shown as the hole notches 126h can be a double lip notch 126dp or a double hole notch 126dh as shown in Ser. No. 15/449,250. If the hole notch 126h is wide enough for only one lip notch 126p the lower reverse lip spacer braces 301 would have its lip notch 126p not fit into the hole notch 126h and only the upper reverse lip spacer brace at the lip notch 126p would only engage the hole notch 126h keeping the lower spacer brace 301 tight against the hole bottom edge 36be. As mentioned in U.S. Ser. No. 15/449,250 the width of upper oriented spacer brace has a narrower width web 301 with longer flanges 301b and longer lips 201c to fit into the lower reverse lip spacer brace 301.
FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 21 except the flanges 301b are angular allowing two overlapping reverse lip spacer braces 301 to fit against each other as described in pending application U.S. Ser. No. 15/449,250. The web 301a, flanges 301b and lips dimensions can vary depending how the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 wants to fit into the lower reverse lip spacer brace 301. The hole notches 126h can be a double hole notch 126dh and the lips 301c can be double requiring a double lip notch 126dp as for FIG. 21. FIG. 23 like FIGS. 21 &22 does not show a gap 45 between the lips 301c because the web 301a is narrower, the flanges 301b are longer in length and the lips 301c are wider in width as the longitudinal edges of the lips 301c are shown aligned.
FIG. 23 is similar to FIG. 22 except the two overlapping reverse lip spacer braces 301 is shown face down with the left reverse lip spacer brace 301 having the lips 301c supported by the hole bottom edge 30be. The lips 301c have lip notches 126p that extend inward from the longitudinal edge of the lips 301c so the web 42a of the support member fits against the back edge of the lip notches 126p with the side edges of the lip notch 126p abut both side planes of the web 42a of the support member. The second reverse lip spacer brace 301 also extends through the hole 36 overlapping the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 at a slight angle, in order to have the longitudinal edges of the lips 301c fit through the hole 36 and have the back edge of the lip notches 126p engage the hole side edges 36se. As in FIG. 21 the width of the web 301a and the width of the flanges 301b and lips 301c will be wider in order to have both reverse lip spacer braces 301 fit tightly together and may have fasteners (not shown) to additionally secure the reverse lip spacer braces 301 together. As discussed earlier hole notches 126h may be installed at the hole side edges 36se either as a single notched hole 126h or as a double wide notched hole 126dh.
FIG. 24 shows the same profile as shown in FIG. 23, however the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 shows the lip notch 126p starting at the longitudinal edge of the lip 301c extending the full width of the lip 301c with the lip notch 126p continuing into the flange 301b or flange notch 126fg forming a continuous lip-flange notch 126pf. The lip-flange notches 126p at the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 is installed at a slight angle so one lip-flange notch 1216pf has the hole side edge 36se installed into the lip-flange notch 126pf allowing the side edges of the lip-flange notch 126pf to engage the longitudinal planes of the web 42a of the support member. When the lip-flange notches 126pf extends below the hole bottom edge 36be another adjacent reverse lip spacer brace 301 with only lip notches 126p at both lips 301c can overlap the first reverse lip spacer brace 301. The second reverse lip spacer brace 301 can be identical in shape and size, that is the web 301a, flanges 301b and lips 301c can be the same width and length and still form a secure connection between two adjoining reverse lip spacer braces 301. To form a tighter connection between the first and second reverse lip spacer braces 301, the web 301a of the overlapping reverse lip spacer brace 301 should be wider in order to have a tight connection at the webs 301a using fasteners between the first and second reverse lip spacer braces 301. In U.S. Ser. No. 15/430,781 hole notches 126h are used at the corner of the hole side edges 36se and hole bottom edge 36be for the lips notches 126p to fit into or the hole notches 126h can have protrusions to also secure the reverse lip spacer brace 301 from vertical movement.
FIGS. 25 & 26 both show a U shape spacer brace 302 having a web 302a being support at the hole bottom edge 36be of a support member with flanges 302b extending upward where the web 302a. The right longitudinal end of the U shape spacer brace 302 shows a flange-web notch 126fw at the intersection of the web 302a and flange 302b forming a continuous notch between the web 302a and flange 302b. FIG. 25 shows the flange-web notch 126fw support at a hole bottom edge 36be having a diagonal bottom edge. FIG. 26 shows a key hole 36k at the hole bottom edge 36be where a smaller size hole is connected to the larger hole. The back edge of the flange portion of the flange-web notch 126fw is support at the hole bottom edge 36be of the larger hole 36 and the web portion of the flange-web notch 126fw has the side edges of the key hole 36k securing the web portion of the flange-web notch 126fw. FIG. 25 shows the left longitudinal end configuration having a notched-tab 126nt and where the notched-tab 126nt longitudinal end is installed at the hole bottom edge 36be with the notches 126 secured at the hole side edges 36se prior to the flange-web notches 126fw longitudinal end of the adjacent U shaped spacer brace 302 is installed in the hole 36 of the support member. FIG. 26 shows a hook tongue 128 having an extension 302e with the tongue portion extending upward from the hole bottom edge 36be requiring the hook tongue longitudinal end to be installed prior to adjoining the second U shaped spacer brace 302 shown to the left with the flange-web notch 126fw into the hole 36. The hook tongue 128 is shown extending upward for a vertical plate or separation can be installed across the hole 36 opening. The same configuration can also have the tongue end of the hook tongue 128 extending downward.
FIG. 27 shows two U shaped spacer braces 302 having a web 302a with two longitudinal side edges having flanges 302b that extend downward with a first end having flanges 302b and web 302a with a web extension 302e shown inserted into the hole notches 126h at the finger end of the hook finger 127 with the longitudinal ends of the flanges 302b engaging both side planes of the web 42a of the support member. Flange notches 126fg are also shown as intermediate connections between support members with the flange notches 126fg extending the full height of the flanges 302b so the side edges of the web 302a can be inserted into the hole notches 126h. The left longitudinal end of the U shaped spacer braces 302 also has the flanges 302b and web 302a indented, however the indentation 302i at the web 302a is deeper as the extension 302e at the web 302a is narrower as the extension 302i passes through the hole 36 where the tongue end shown having a curvilinear hook of the hook tongue 128 will be inserted into the receiver slot hole 129sh shown in the web 302a near the right longitudinal end. Since the extension 302e at the right longitudinal end is being inserted into the hole notches 126n, the U shaped spacer brace 302 will be installed at an angle having the extensions 302e engaging the hole notches 126h.
FIG. 28 shows the two reverse lip channels where the lip 301c is wider than the hole 36 therefore the longitudinal ends of the lips 301c abut one side plane of the web 42 and the web 301a has an extension 301e where the hook finger 127 extends over the hole bottom edge 36be with the finger end securing the opposing plane of the web 42a at the hole 36. The opposing longitudinal end of an identical reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the left longitudinal end with the extension 301e of the web 301a extended through the hole 36 where the extension 301e rests on the web 301a of the first reverse lip spacer brace with the hook portion extending through the receiver slot hole 129sh.
FIGS. 29-32 are similar to each other as two reverse lip spacer braces 301 each having a web 301a with the longitudinal side edges distal to the flanges 301b where the longitudinal edges of the flanges 301b have lip 301c extending outward away from the web 301a with the lips 301c have lip notches 126p extending inward toward the web 301a from the longitudinal edges of the lips 301c. The first reverse lip spacer brace 301 shown at the right side of the hole 36 with the right longitudinal end extending into the hole 36 engaging the hole side edges 36se at the lip notches 126p and where the web 301a and the flanges 301b have continuous flange-web notches 126fw. The flange-web notch 126fw engages the hole bottom edge 36be so the back edge of the flange-web notch 126fw at the flanges 301b is secured to the hole bottom edge 36be. When the second reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the right longitudinal end fit into the hole 36 the flange-web notch 126fw from the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 fits lower into the hole bottom edge 36be allowing the second reverse lip spacer brace 301 at the right longitudinal end to overlap the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 as shown in FIG. 22 & FIG. 30. FIG. 29 also shows an alternative overlapping end connection solution where the right reverse lip spacer brace 301 has an extension 301e extend from the web 301a with a receiver slot hole 129sh having a ledge 79 extending down where the opposing end of an adjacent reverse lip spacer brace 301 having a hook tongue 128 with an extension 301e extending from the web 301a for the tongue end having a curvilinear end to wrap around the ledges 79 at the receiver slot hole 129sh. In addition the receiver slot hole 129sh can be located away from said first end so the hook tongue 128 with the extension 301e can overlap the web allowing fasteners (not shown) to be installed in the web 301a if desired.
FIG. 31 shows an enlargement of FIG. 30 where the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the hole bottom edge 36be being inserted into the flange-web notch 126fw where the web 301a is below the hole bottom edge 36be allowing the second reverse lip spacer brace also having the flange-web notch 126fw to also be inserted into the hole bottom edge 36be. In FIG. 32 the hole bottom edge 36be can now extend above the second overlapping reverse lip spacer brace 301 where a ledge shaft 79s with a ledge tab 79t is bent over the web 301a of the second overlapping reverse lip spacer brace 301 as well as the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 connecting both spacer braces together. In U.S. Ser. No. 15/430,781 shows the ledge tab 79t being bent over the web 302a of a U shaped spacer brace 302 as well as a notched tab 126nt being extended from the hole bottom edge 36be.
FIGS. 33-38 is shown in U.S. Ser. No. 15/090,460 were the reverse lip spacer brace 301 or the U shaped spacer brace 302 are braced on both sides of the web 42a of the support member. In FIG. 33 the lips 301c and the hook receiver 129 are shown supporting both sides of the web 42a with the hole side edges 36se supporting the flanges 301b. In FIG. 34 the flanges 302b are also being supported by the hole side edges 36se with the flanges 302b having flaps 76f extending from the flanges 302b and the hook receiver 129 are shown supporting both sides of the web 42a. Fasteners 122 can be installed into the web 42a to keep the spacer braces from lateral or vertical movement.
FIGS. 36-38 correspond to FIGS. 33-35, however the spacer braces are shown overlapping the ends of the adjacent spacer braces not the entire length of the adjacent spacer brace. FIG. 36 shows a reverse lip spacer brace 301 where the lips 301c and lip notches 126p and where the back edge of the lip notches 126p abut the hole side edges 36se with the side edges of the lip notches 126p extend on the sides of the web 42a of the support member. The flanges 301b are braced against the hole side edges 36se and the flanges 301b and the web 301a have a continuous web-flange notch 126wf where a portion of the web 301a and a portion of the flange 301b extend into the web-flange notch 126wf securing both sides of the web 42a by the web-flange notch 126wf. When a second reverse lip spacer brace 301 (not shown) being the same dimensions overlaps the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 a gap 45 (shown in previous FIG's) will existing between the first and second reverse lip spacer braces 301. FIG. 37 is similar to FIG. 36 as they both have lip notches 126p that engage the hole side edges 36se, however the upper or second reverse lip spacer brace 301 has a hook tongue 128 where the tongue end shown as a notched tab 126nt extends downward through the receiver slot hole 129sh in the web 301a of the lower or first reverse lip spacer brace 301 with the notched tab 126nt extending and engage the bottom edge of the web 301a. In addition the first and second reverse lip spacer braces 301 has the second profiles abut the first profile required the second reverse lip spacer brace 301 to have a narrower width web 301a, a taller flange 301b and a wider lip 301c so the lip notches 126p are in alignment with the hole side edges 36se. FIG. 38 is similar to FIG. 35 where the flange 302b and the hook finger 127 engage both sides of the web 42a at the first longitudinal end of the lower U shaped spacer brace 302 with the second end of the lower U shaped spacer brace 302 having a hook tongue 128 extending upward from the web 302a into and through the receiving slot hole 129sh of the upper U shaped spacer brace 302 where the notched tab 126nt tongue end extends through the receiver slot hole 129sh of the upper U shaped spacer brace 302. In addition the web 302 as in FIG. 37 is shorter at the upper U shaped spacer brace 302 in order to have the flanges 302b abut both U shaped spacer braces 302. The web-flange notch 126wf of the U shaped spacer brace 302 engages both sides of the web 42a when connecting to intermediate support member between the longitudinal ends of the U shaped spacer brace 302. The ledges 79 that extend from the receiver slot holes 129sh (shown in other FIG's can also be used in FIGS. 37 & 38.
FIG. 39-41 shows the elevation, enlargement and section of metal framing with the reverse lip spacer braces having the web 301a resting at the hole bottom edges 36be with the flanges 301g extending upward from the web 301a with the lips 301c with the lip notches 126p extending around the hole side edges 36se. Since the overlapping reverse lip spacer braces 301 are reverse the narrower width web 301a from the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 is fitting between the flanges 301b of the lower reverse lip spacer braces 301 with the lips 301c being wider at the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 having the back edges 301bep being aligned with the lower reverse lip spacer brace 301. When adjacent metal framing supports are closer together, the reverse lip spacer braces 301 are referred to as reverse lip brackets 312. The upper or lower reverse lip spacer braces 301 as mentioned above can be referred to as reverse lip spacer brackets 312. The middle spacer brace 301 is spanning over both longitudinal ends of both adjacent spacer braces 301.
FIGS. 42-44 shows the enlargement and section of FIGS. 40-41 to be similar to FIGS. 43-44 except one end of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 shows the web 301a having a wider width web 301a resting on the hole bottom edge 36be with the opposing end of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 having a narrower width web 301a so the narrower width web 301a can overlap the adjacent reverse lip spacer brace 301 having a wider width web 301a so the narrower width web 301a can overlap and fit between the flanges 301b of the lower reverse lip spacer brace 301 allowing the upper width web 301a to overlap into the wider width web 301. The over/under pattern of installing spacing-bracing members is similar to a row of spaced i dominoes where when one domino falls, the top end of the domino lands over the bottom end of the adjacent domino. The over/under pattern has the first longitudinal end of a first spacing-bracing member installed in the opening of the metal framing support as the lower (domino) spacing-bracing member while the opposing end overlaps an adjacent second spacing-bracing member having been previously installed in another metal framing support allowing the second end of the first spacing-bracing member to be installed over the second spacing-bracing members. Other FIG's will be showing the spacing-bracing members inverted and where the second end of the first spacing-bracing member has a wider or narrow profile depending on the orientation of the spacing-bracing member.
FIGS. 45-46 show the same width web 301a and lips 301c at the overlapping reverse lip spacer braces 301 with the FIGS. 45-50 having the web 301a resting on the hole bottom edge 36be. In the section in FIG. 47 show the lip notch 126p extending from the longitudinal edges of the lip 301 having the side edges of the lip notches 126p engage both hole side edges 36se and the sloped flanges of the upper reverse lip spacer braces 301 will engage the lower sloped flange of the lower reverse lip spacer braces 301 whether having the flanges 301b extending upward or downward from the web 301a. The sloped flanges of a furring channel or the sloped flanges of the reverse lip spacer braces 301b will both bind against the sloped flanges 301b of the overlapping reverse lip spacer bracer 301 of each other. The thickness or gauge of the metal of the reverse lip spacer braces 301 can vary, so the thinner the metal framing, the more easily the metal will bend and therefore allow the flanges 301b to fit tighter together. In fact, when the sloped flanges 301b fit too tight, a person will need a screw driver, plyers to disengage the flanges 301b apart. In reverse a hammer can be used to force thinner metal together and then apply a screw to fasten non-fitting sections together.
FIGS. 51-53 shows an elevation, enlargement and section of metal framing where the reverse lip spacer braces 301 are oriented upward where the lower reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the web 301 supported at the hole bottom edge 36be, however the hole bottom edge 36be is support the extension 301 from the web 301a and another option is shown with the longitudinal end of the extension 301 having a hook tongue 129 with the tongue 129t extending into a receiver hole 129h where the tongue 128t fits into and the notched tab 126nt at the extension 301e has the web notches 126w extend around the hole side edges 36se. The upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 is narrower in width having the web 301a and the flanges 301b fit into the lower reverse lip spacer brace 301 with the web 301a having the receiver hole 129h for the tongue 128t to fit into and long enough for the tongue 128t to be bent or formed to have a notch 126 at the tongue 128 to form a secure connection from vertical movement. The lip notch 126p of the lips 301c at the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 is also engaged at the hole side edges 36se.
FIGS. 54-56 shows an elevation, enlargement and section of metal framing where the flanges 301b extend downward from the web 302a with the lips 301c extending around the hole side edges 36se. The lower reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the an extension 301e with a hook tongue 128 having the tongue 128t extending upward through the receiver hole 129h located in the extension 301e of the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301. The web 301a and flange 301b at the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 can be wider in width than the lower reverse lip spacer brace 301 to encase the lower reverse lip spacer brace 301 or the flanges 301b and lips 301c can be removed allowing the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 to pivot at the tongue 128t or where a crossing reverse lip spacer brace 301 can also be attached to the same tongue 128t allowing two additional reverse lip spacer braces 301 attached to the same tongue 128t. The reverse lip spacer braces 301 are shown stacked above each other therefore both longitudinal ends have the same width rather than having a larger width end a smaller width end at the same reverse lip spacer brace 301. The middle reverse lip spacer brace 301 is shown having the larger width web 301a at both longitudinal ends with receiver holes 129h for the hook tongue 128 can have the tongue 128t pass thru the receiver hole 129h also allowing both longitudinal ends to pivot in the same manner at both ends.
FIGS. 57 & 58 as they are all longitudinal spacing-bracing members comprising a longitudinal web 301a with first and second opposing sides shown as flanges 301b extending the length of the longitudinal web 301a and being connected to the longitudinal lips 301c with lip notches 126p extending inward so the hole side edges 36se can extend into the lip notches 126p. FIG. 57 show the flanges 301b at an angle and the hole 36 is slightly smaller so the hole side edges 36se extend into the flange notches 126f as well as the lip notches 126p. The lip notches 126p in FIG. 58 shows the lip notch 126p at the end of the double lip 301cc as shown in FIG. 60, but the longitudinal lip 301c extends downward. In FIG. 57 the notched-tabs 126nt extend from the flanges 301b at the flange extensions 301e. The flange extensions 301e are sometimes referred to as hook tongues 128 and are bent inward at the nt-notch 126ntn then extends wider at the nt-heads 126nth. The opposing end of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 shows receiver hole 129h at the flanges 301b for the nt-head 126nth to fit into the receiver hole 129h. The receiver hole 129h has grooves 131 at the side edges of the receiver hole 129h for the notched-tab head to have additional means of friction to secure the notched-tab 126nt into the receiver hole 129h. The receiver holes 129h has a vertical orientation, so when the notched-tabs 126nt are inserted into the receiver holes 129h, the notched-tab 126nt are pivot points so the reverse lip spacer brace 301 can be oriented at an angle. The reverse lip spacer braces 301 can be connected individually to each support member or several reverse lip spacer braces can be connected to form a continuous row of reversed lip spacer braces 301 by using notched-tabs 126nt and receiver holes 129h as the connection means to form an arched wall. FIG. 58 is similar to FIG. 57 except the notched-tab 126 has the hook tongue 128 at the edge of the flanges 301b and the notched-tab 126 extends outward. The receiver hole 129h at the opposing end is installed in the flange extension 301e so the notched-tab 126nt has room to pivot vertically upward or downward to the desired angle.
FIG. 59 is a longitudinal cross section of a reverse lip spacer brace 301 and FIG. 60 is a cross section of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 at the intersection of web notch 126w at the floor or a hole side edge 36se having a hole notch 126h at the web 42a of the support member. FIG. 59 shows the lip 301c having a double lip 301cc where the double lip 301cc extends upward so the free edge has a lip notch 126p engage into the upper edge of the web opening for the double lip 301cc to fit into. The lip notch 126p secures the reverse lip spacer brace 301 from moving horizontally engaging the web 42a of the support member above the web notches 126w shown in the L-shaped gap 45e of the support member and the bend of the double lip 301cc engages the web notch 126w to reduce vertical movement. The flange 301b is shown angular, but is not limited to that angle.
FIG. 61 and FIG. 62 are similar to FIGS. 59 & 60 except the double lip 301cc is facing downward toward the exterior side and the lip notches 126pp is double thick as both the upper and lower portion of the double lips 301cc have the lip notch 126p forming an extra strength lip notch 126p. The web notch 126w is larger since the double lip notch 126pp has each side of the double lip notch 126pp engage the side planes of the web 42a of the support member.
FIG. 63 shows the L-shaped gap 45e at the bottom end of the support member of a U shaped channel 41 has the exterior side fitting into the interior side of the C channel 42 also a support member where the top end also has an L-shaped gap 45e for a reverse lip spacer brace 301 to fit into. The reverse lip spacer brace at the top shows a cut edge 301ce at the web 301a and flanges 301b so the flexible lip 301fp and bend in a ventral direction to form a curving profile. FIG. 63 shows the lip notch 126p in the middle between short segments of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 for strength at the joint connection of the L-shaped gap 45e. On the other hand, should the support member be aligned at the flexible lip 301fp the lip might not require a lip notch 126p if the bend is at an acute angle that the support member would not move longitudinally along the direction of the reverse lip spacer brace 301.
FIG. 64 shows a reverse lip spacer brace 301 where a horizontal movement can occur between segments of the reverse lip spacer brace 301. In FIG. 64 the cut edge 301ce occurs at the web 301a and the lip 301c allowing the flange to bend at the midpoint by installing a crease or notch (not shown) to allow the flange 301b to bend at a predetermined point. FIG. 64 shows a horizontal radial arch where the inside diameter is shown a bend at the flange x-plane 301bx and the flange y-plane 301by become at acute angles to the plane of the continuous segmented sections of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 while the opposing side flange 301b are shown in a straight line. The lip notches 126p are shown at the longitudinal exterior side edge of the lip 301c.
FIG. 65 shows a similar profile as FIG. 64 however one space brace is shown as a C shaped spacer brace 303 where again the flanges 303b bend and the web 303a and lip 303c have the cut to allow for the bending. In this case a notched-tab from the end of a support member would be inserted between the lips and inserted into the lip notches 126p at the longitudinal side edge of the lip 303c.
FIGS. 66 & 67 both show the reverse lip spacer brace 301 installed at the top end of the web 42a of the support member with the top plane of the reverse lip spacer brace 301. The bottom edge of the web 42a shows the L-shape gap 45e along with the web notch 126w where the lip notch 126p fit into. Both FIG's show the double lip 301cc for extra strength. The notched-tab 126nt and the receiver holes 129h as shown in FIGS. 57 & 58 are shown at the top of the web 42a so the adjacent reverse lip spacer braces 301 can pivot at the notched-tabs 126nt. A smaller U channel is shown installed between the web 42a so the C channel 42 can more easily be installed in place. FIG. 67 shows one end having extensions 301e with holes so fasteners (not shown) can be installed through the flanges 301b of an adjacent spacer brace 301.
FIGS. 68 and 69 also show the reverse lip spacer brace 301 being connected to the end of the C channel 42. FIG. 67 shows the L-shaped gap 45e at the bottom edge of the web 42 along with the web notch 126w where the lip notch 126p is installed. In FIG. 69 the L-shaped gaps 45e have a web section between the two L-shaped gaps 45. The web section has the same profile shape as a notched-tab 126nt where another web notch 126w is shown at the bottom edge of the L-shaped gaps 45e. These sides of the L-shaped gap 45e has web tabs 42at that extend over web notches 126w forming a notched-tab 126nt at the web section between the two L-shaped gaps 45. These web-tabs 42at are part of the notched-tab 126nt. The reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the angled flanges 301b with flange slot holes 36fs. The web tabs 42at extend through the flange slot holes 36fs and if the web tabs 42at are long enough they could be bent across the flange slot holes 36fs making a tighter fit. FIG. 69 is similar to FIG. 69 except the web 301a of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 has web slot holes 36ws and the top edge of the web 42a of the support member has a notched-tab 126nt at the end that can extend through the web slot holes 36ws. The profile of the reverse lip spacer braces 301 is similar to the profiles in FIGS. 64 & 65. The flanges 301b and lips 301c are shown bent in FIGS. 64 & 65, and in in FIGS. 68 & 69 the web 301a has bent flanges 301bx & 301by where the bent flanges can compress or expand depending on the angle of the desired movement. In earlier FIG's a gap is shown between the reverse lip spacer braces 301 and is noted as a cut edge 301ce. The web 301a and the lips 301c can be attached together rather than bent and are noted as web bends 301ax and 301ay and lip bends 301cx and 301cy. A vertical movement will allow the web 301a and lip 301c to move. When this occurs the flanges 301b are open allowing the lips 301c and web 301a to move. The open flanges 301b and the bent web 301a have the effect of an corner notch 126c noted earlier.
FIG. 71 shows an upward oriented U channel 155 having a bottom side 155d and two parallel sides 155b passing through the hole 36 in the web 42a of the support member shown as a C channel 42. In FIGS. 70 & 71 the two piece bracket consists of a downward facing U shaped bracket 205 having a top side 205a and two parallel sides 205b extending downward and a flat plate 201. The two parallel sides 205b of the downward facing U shaped bracket 205 fit into the side edges of the parallel sides 155b of the bracing member. The flat plate 201 has a length longer than the width of the hole 36 in the support member in FIG. 71 and shows a continuous groove 121 on the top side 205a of the U shaped bracket with the groove 121 extending into the two parallel sides 205b to secure the flat plate 201 having a horizontal edge that fits into the groove 121 and where the flat plate 201 is then connected by fasteners to the web 42a of the support member. In FIG. 70 notches are cut on both sides of the top side 205a and on each of the two parallel sides 205b of the U shaped bracket 205 so the angular side edges at the bottom edge of the flat plate 201 can fit into the notches 126 and the flat plate 201 is connected by fasteners to the web 42a of the support members. The U shaped bracket also protects any electrical wires should the bracing channel be used as an electrical chase, in fact the a continuous U shape bracket could be used as a conduit to protect any mechanical means passing through the wall framing and spacer blocks.
The present invention of the unique spacer braces are so versatile that the spacer brace allows for a much easier and quicker installation of metal framing walls, installing horizontal and diagonal lateral bracing or installing hold-down spacer bracing at floors, installing horizontal and diagonal braces between support members either between holes or at the flanges.
It is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact details of operation or structures shown and describing in the specification and drawings, since obvious modifications and equivalents will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The flexibility of the described invention is very versatile and can be used in many different types of building applications.
Patent Application
20190249411
