Extending downwardly from the upper shelf 34 to a base 36 are a plurality of columns 38 having support wings 39. The columns are of any shape but a three sided triangular shape is preferred and provides support extending from the upper shelf 34 to the base 36 when loads are received on the panels 26 of the floor system 16. Interposed between the columns 38 are openings 40 which allow for air flow. The floor support has at least one bend 42 which is generally vertical when the floor support 28 is in an upright position. The bend 42 permits the floor support 28 to remain in an upright position without additional supports which prevents the floor support 28 from falling during assembly or usage. The bend 42 is of any angle which will provide upright stability to the floor support.
To form the floor support 28 a sheet of galvanized steel is bent along fold 44 and fold 46 to form the upper shelf 34 and the base 36. The sheet is also bent along fold 48 to form a flange that extends generally vertically from the upper shelf 34. Sections 49 are cut from the flange to form the notches 32 and in turn the upper rails 30.
Vertical cuts 50 are made that extend between the upper shelf 34 and the base 36 and horizontal cuts 52 and 54 are made in alignment with the upper shelf 34 and the base 36 respectively. The horizontal cuts 52 and 54 extend from the vertical cut 50 to the fold 56. Once cut the sheet is bent along fold 56 such that a hollow column 38 is formed that extends between the upper shelf 34 and the base 36. The top and bottom edges of wings 39 where the horizontal cuts 52 and 54 were made to form hollow column 38 may be welded to the upper shelf 34 and base 36 respectively to provide added stability. Finally, a notch is made in the base 36 and the sheet is bent along fold 58 to form bend 42. The upper shelf 34 and base 36 may be welded at bend 42 to provide added stability.
Accordingly, a floor support has been shown that is easy and economical to manufacture that may be used with a variety of floor panels and at least all the stated objectives have been satisfied.