US20190249411A1

US20190249411A1 - Metal framing connector

Info

Publication number: US20190249411A1
Application number: US16/396,624
Authority: US
Inventors: Dennis LeBlang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-03-14
Filing date: 2019-04-26
Publication date: 2019-08-15

Abstract

The present invention relates to a metal framing connector spanning between support members secured by having web-flange notches engaging the aperture of support members or where adjacent connectors overlap web-flange notches by changing the connector widths or where the connector has added lips with lip notches to engage the support members or where the flange-notches can have a continuous web notch engage the aperture bottom edge or where one end of the connector has a web extension with hook tongue for tongue end to engage a hole receiver in the web of an adjacent connector or where the aperture bottom edge projects and extends into the continuous web notch or where hole notches or hole projections will hold the connector from moving horizontally or vertically within the apertures.

Description

This application is a a continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 15/449,250 filed Mar. 3, 2017 and this application claims priority to the following:
continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/354,081 filed Mar. 14, 2019 and;
continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/198,831 filed Nov. 22, 2018 and;
continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 16/195,847 filed Nov. 19, 2018 and;
continuation-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 15/724,137 filed Nov. 3, 2017 that included
provisional application U.S. 62/533,092 filed Jul. 16, 2017 (now expired) and;
provisional application U.S. 62/490,917 filed Apr. 27, 2017 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/485,114 filed Apr. 13, 2017 (now expired) and
continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 15/430,781 filed Feb. 13, 2017 that included
provisional application U.S. 62/264,033 filed Jul. 15, 2015 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/274,134 filed Dec. 31, 2015 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/294,756 filed Feb. 12, 2016 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/298,782 filed Feb. 23, 2016 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/308,520 filed Mar. 15, 2016 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/345,153 filed Jun. 3, 2015 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/385,932 filed Sep. 9, 2016 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/339,434 filed Sep. 15, 2016 (now expired) and;
continuation-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 15/295,172 dated Oct. 17, 2016 that included
provisional application U.S. 62/242,705 filed Oct. 16, 2015 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/244,135 filed Oct. 20, 2015 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/264,033 filed Dec. 7, 2015 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/274,134 filed Dec. 15, 2015 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/345,153 filed Mar. 6, 2016 (now expired) and;
continuous-in-part of pending application U.S. Ser. No. 15/090,460 filed Nov. 19, 2015 that included
provisional application U.S. 62/143,097 filed Apr. 4, 2015 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/208,766 filed Aug. 23, 2015 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/242,705 filed Nov. 16, 2015 (now expired) and;
continuous-in-part of pending application U.S. Ser. No. 14/946,378 filed Mar. 3, 2015 and
provisional application U.S. 62/083,276 filed Nov. 23, 2014 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/139,913 filed Mar. 30, 2015 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/170,269 filed Jun. 15, 2015 (now expired) and;
continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 15/449,250 filed Mar. 3, 2017 that included
provisional application U.S. 61/629,044 filed Nov. 24, 2011 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 61/629,552 filed Nov. 22, 2011 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 61/001,566 filed May 21, 2014 (now expired) and
provisional application U.S. 62/170,269 filed Jul. 30, 2016 (now expired) and
continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 12/231,875 filed Sep. 8, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,696 issued May 15, 2012 and
continuous-in-part pending application U.S. Ser. No. 12/456,707 filed Jun. 22, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,161,707 issued Aug. 12, 2014 and
the disclosures of the above cited US patent applications and US Provisional applications of the Applicant, including all drawings and all the specifications, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into this US Patent application.

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 155 a with first and second longitudinal wall edges being connected and extending upward away from the web 155 a forming first and second longitudinal walls are shown as flanges 155 b forming a U-shape. When the horizontal U channel 155 is inserted into a V-shaped hole 36 v, corner notches 126 c in the web 155 a and the flanges 155 b form continuous corner notches 126 c between the longitudinal web 155 a and the longitudinal walls of the flanges 155 b at the corner notches 126 c. The bottom side edges that extend from the V-shaped holes 36 v penetrate the corner notches 126 c from the exterior side and extend into the interior side of the horizontal U channel 155. A reverse lip channel 156 with lip notches 126 p 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 126 c from the horizontal U channel 155 would set on the bottom edges of the V-shaped hole 36 v.
A hole 36 can vary in width and shape like the V-shape hole 36 v 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 36 v″ are used to support the longitudinal spacing-bracing member shown in FIG. 4 as a horizontal reverse lip channel 156 having an elongated web 156 a with first and second angular edges being connected and extending away from the web 156 a forming first and second longitudinal walls are shown as flanges 156 b in FIG. 3. The flanges 156 b 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 156 c have notches 126 cut inward from the free side edges. At the free side edges of the lips 156 c a flare 126 f is shown at the lip notch 126 p to form a wider opening into the lip notch 126 p. 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 156 a of the longitudinal spacing-bracing member where the side edges of the two lip notches 126 p are resting on both side edges of the hole 36 at the web 42 a. FIG. 3 shows the web 156 a parallel to the lips 156 c with the flanges 156 b having angular side edges similar to the V-shaped hole 36 v within the support channels. As shown other FIG's disclosed in the application having angular flanges 156 b being free standing from the hole side edges 36 se and the horizontal reverse lip channel 156 oriented with the flanges 156 b extending upward or downward against the hole bottom edge 36 be. 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 36 be 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 156 b can be stacked between the vertical flanges 156 b of a rectilinear longitudinal spacing-bracing member as the corner connection of the web 156 a & flanges 156 b 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 155 b facing upward from the web 155 a being installed within the trough 132. A reverse lip bracket 208 has a web 208 a with upward flanges 208 b extending from the web 208 a with lips 208 c extending away from the web 208 a with lip notches 126 p extending inward from the free edges of the lips 208 c. The lip notches 126 p extend over the flanges 155 b of the U channel 155 with the lip notches engaging the hole side edges 36 se 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 156 b fit into the trough 132 and within the hole 36 of the support channel shown as C channel 42. The lip 42 c 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 55 t of the foam spacer 55 is installed between the flanges 156 b of the horizontal bracing channel. In addition the corner notch 126 c is shown where a notch is installed in the flange 156 b and a notch is installed in the web 156 a meet. The corner notch 126 c is a continuous notch which has been described later as the web-flange notch 126 wf.
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 155 a of the U-shaped channel 155 rests on the bottom edges of the holes 36 and the flanges 155 b fit against the side edges of the holes 36 in the webs 42 a of the support members. The double reverse clip bracket 312 is shown having a web 312 a and flanges 312 b fits tight against the ventral side of the horizontal bracing channel 155 and the lips 311 c extend outwardly from its flanges 311 b. The lips 311 c extend outwardly having notches 126 with flares 126 f 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 155 b of the horizontal U channel 155 so that the lip notches 126 p on both sides of the lips 208 c engage the side edges of the hole 36 and extend past the edge of the hole 36 along with the flares 126 f that are angled. The flares 126 f 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 126 p 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 155 a & 208 a 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 126 p are installed in the hole 36 of the support channels first, then the web 155 a of the horizontal U channel 155 are installed between the two parallel flanges 208 b of the reverse lip bracket 208 are secured together at their webs 155 a & 208 a. The multi-plane bracket 138 is rotated into the hole 36 with the lip notches 126 p 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 155 b & 208 b extend downward from the web 155 a & 208 a. The horizontal U channel 155 in both FIG's can also be a reverse lip channel 156 that has the lip 156 c with the lip notch 126 p 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 126 c 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 126 p extend into the hole top edges and the hole bottom edges 36 be. The left C channel 42 shows the reverse lip channel installed vertically where the lip notches 126 p extend into the hole side edges 36 se 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 301 a resting on the hole bottom edge 36 be with the side planes extending upward at an angle sloping inward at an acute angle forming a bulge 301 g at their intersection. The bulge 301 g can be formed to have a bulge notch 126 g where the web 301 a and a portion of the flange 301 b have a combined notch referred to as a bulge notch 126 g or the bulge 301 g has no notch at all. The longitudinal edge of the flanges 301 b have lips 301 c that bend outward toward the hole side edge 36 se as shown in FIG. 12. The free edge of the lip 301 c abuts a hole protrusion 36 p as shown on the left hole side edge 36 se or indented shown as a lip hole notch 126 hp. The structural integrity of the hole 36 should be at the furthest indentation at the lip hole notch 126 hp. The left side of the hole side edge 36 se in FIG. 13 shows an inverted reverse lip spacer brace 301 as shown on the right hole side edge 36 se. By having the left side inverted, the web 301 a have both the longitudinal sides extending downward and the flange-bulges 126 fg at the corner of the flanges 301 b and the web 301 a and are braced by hole protrusions 36 p that extend above the web 301 a. The longitudinal sides have lips 301 c extending the length of the flanges 301 b with lip notches 12 p extending inward from the free edges. The angled flanges 301 b and lips 301 c 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 126 p extending around both the side planes of the web 42 a and the web 301 a has its top plane fitting under the hole protrusion 36 p keeping the reverse lip spacer brace 301 secured within the hole 36. In the isometric view FIG. 13 shows an extended lip 301 ce that is also angled. The extended lip 301 ce has the lip notch 126 p extending inward from the free edge of the extended lip 301 ce. FIG. 13 could also be a U-shaped spacer brace 302 having flange notches 126 f extend into the hole protrusion 36 p or on the hole bottom edge 36 be, because the hole protrusion 36 p gives the U-shaped spacer brace 302 an entirely new invention as the hole protrusion 36 p 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 36 v also described as V′ & V″″. A V-shaped hole 36 v has the hole bottom edge 36 be 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 36 se are at an angle similar to FIG. 355, in addition the vertical hole side edges 36 se has hole notches 36 h similar to other previous figures at the intersection of the hole side edges 36 se and the angular side walls of the V-shaped hole 36V″. A reverse lip spacer brace 301 is shown having a web 301 a abutting the blunt end 159 with the flanges 301 b parallel with the angular side walls of the V-shaped hole 36″ and lips 301 c extending externally having lip notches 126 p extending into the hole notches 36 h.
FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 15 except the V-shaped hole 36 v′ has a notched-tab 126 nt at the vertex and does not have holes notches 36 h. In FIG. 16 a V-shaped channel or V-shaped spacer brace 299 has two angular legs 299 a that meet a the vertex of the angular legs 299 a, however at the vertex a vertex slot hole 36 v is installed so the notched tab 126 nt can fit into. The notched tab 126 nt is extended from the web 42 a through the vertex slot hole 36 v with the head 126 nth being larger and taper so the head 126 nth can slide into the vertex of the vertex slot hole 36 v.
FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 15 as the V shaped hole 36 v has hole notches 36 h at the angular oriented hole bottom edges 36 be and the hole side edges 36 se In FIG. 18 the V shaped spacer brace 299 has leg notches 126 eg to fit into the hole notches 36 h thereby eliminating any vertical and horizontal movement of the V shaped spacer brace 299.
FIG. 19 is showing a V shaped hole 36 v′″ having a slightly different configuration where a notched-tab 126 nt is shown at each of the angular oriented hole bottom edges 36 be. In FIG. 20 a U shaped spacer brace 302 is installed in the V shaped hole 36 v′″ and corner slot holes 36 cs are installed at the intersection of the web 302 a and flanges 302 b on both side corner edges. The corner slot holes 36 cs are large enough for the head 126 h to fit through and become engaged at the notched-tab notch 126 ntn of the notched-tab 126 nt.
FIG. 21 shows a reverse lip spacer brace 301 having a web 301 a with flanges extending vertically approximately coplanar to the holes side edges 36 se with lips 301 c having lip notches 126 p 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 301 a, the length of the flanges 301 b or the lips 301 c will vary depending on shape and snugness between reverse lip spacer braces 301. This continuation in part application shows the hole notches 126 h at the hole side edges 36 se 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 126 p at the left support member show the lips 301 c with the lip notches 126 p shorter while the hole notches 126 h have a deeper depth so the lip notches 126 p will extend deeper into the hole notch 126 h as shown in U.S. Ser. No. 15/430,781 therefore eliminating any vertical and horizontal movement within the hole notch 126 h. All the holes 36 can have hole notches 126 h to eliminate vertical movement at the holes 36 or maybe installed at the hole side edges 36 se without the hole notch 126 h. At the right no hole notches 126 h are shown as the hole notches 126 h can be a double lip notch 126 dp or a double hole notch 126 dh as shown in Ser. No. 15/449,250. If the hole notch 126 h is wide enough for only one lip notch 126 p the lower reverse lip spacer braces 301 would have its lip notch 126 p not fit into the hole notch 126 h and only the upper reverse lip spacer brace at the lip notch 126 p would only engage the hole notch 126 h keeping the lower spacer brace 301 tight against the hole bottom edge 36 be. 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 301 b and longer lips 201 c to fit into the lower reverse lip spacer brace 301.
FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 21 except the flanges 301 b 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 301 a, flanges 301 b 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 126 h can be a double hole notch 126 dh and the lips 301 c can be double requiring a double lip notch 126 dp as for FIG. 21. FIG. 23 like FIGS. 21 &22 does not show a gap 45 between the lips 301 c because the web 301 a is narrower, the flanges 301 b are longer in length and the lips 301 c are wider in width as the longitudinal edges of the lips 301 c 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 301 c supported by the hole bottom edge 30 be. The lips 301 c have lip notches 126 p that extend inward from the longitudinal edge of the lips 301 c so the web 42 a of the support member fits against the back edge of the lip notches 126 p with the side edges of the lip notch 126 p abut both side planes of the web 42 a 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 301 c fit through the hole 36 and have the back edge of the lip notches 126 p engage the hole side edges 36 se. As in FIG. 21 the width of the web 301 a and the width of the flanges 301 b and lips 301 c 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 126 h may be installed at the hole side edges 36 se either as a single notched hole 126 h or as a double wide notched hole 126 dh.
FIG. 24 shows the same profile as shown in FIG. 23, however the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 shows the lip notch 126 p starting at the longitudinal edge of the lip 301 c extending the full width of the lip 301 c with the lip notch 126 p continuing into the flange 301 b or flange notch 126 fg forming a continuous lip-flange notch 126 pf. The lip-flange notches 126 p at the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 is installed at a slight angle so one lip-flange notch 1216 pf has the hole side edge 36 se installed into the lip-flange notch 126 pf allowing the side edges of the lip-flange notch 126 pf to engage the longitudinal planes of the web 42 a of the support member. When the lip-flange notches 126 pf extends below the hole bottom edge 36 be another adjacent reverse lip spacer brace 301 with only lip notches 126 p at both lips 301 c 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 301 a, flanges 301 b and lips 301 c 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 301 a of the overlapping reverse lip spacer brace 301 should be wider in order to have a tight connection at the webs 301 a using fasteners between the first and second reverse lip spacer braces 301. In U.S. Ser. No. 15/430,781 hole notches 126 h are used at the corner of the hole side edges 36 se and hole bottom edge 36 be for the lips notches 126 p to fit into or the hole notches 126 h 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 302 a being support at the hole bottom edge 36 be of a support member with flanges 302 b extending upward where the web 302 a. The right longitudinal end of the U shape spacer brace 302 shows a flange-web notch 126 fw at the intersection of the web 302 a and flange 302 b forming a continuous notch between the web 302 a and flange 302 b. FIG. 25 shows the flange-web notch 126 fw support at a hole bottom edge 36 be having a diagonal bottom edge. FIG. 26 shows a key hole 36 k at the hole bottom edge 36 be where a smaller size hole is connected to the larger hole. The back edge of the flange portion of the flange-web notch 126 fw is support at the hole bottom edge 36 be of the larger hole 36 and the web portion of the flange-web notch 126 fw has the side edges of the key hole 36 k securing the web portion of the flange-web notch 126 fw. FIG. 25 shows the left longitudinal end configuration having a notched-tab 126 nt and where the notched-tab 126 nt longitudinal end is installed at the hole bottom edge 36 be with the notches 126 secured at the hole side edges 36 se prior to the flange-web notches 126 fw 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 302 e with the tongue portion extending upward from the hole bottom edge 36 be 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 126 fw 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 302 a with two longitudinal side edges having flanges 302 b that extend downward with a first end having flanges 302 b and web 302 a with a web extension 302 e shown inserted into the hole notches 126 h at the finger end of the hook finger 127 with the longitudinal ends of the flanges 302 b engaging both side planes of the web 42 a of the support member. Flange notches 126 fg are also shown as intermediate connections between support members with the flange notches 126 fg extending the full height of the flanges 302 b so the side edges of the web 302 a can be inserted into the hole notches 126 h. The left longitudinal end of the U shaped spacer braces 302 also has the flanges 302 b and web 302 a indented, however the indentation 302 i at the web 302 a is deeper as the extension 302 e at the web 302 a is narrower as the extension 302 i 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 129 sh shown in the web 302 a near the right longitudinal end. Since the extension 302 e at the right longitudinal end is being inserted into the hole notches 126 n, the U shaped spacer brace 302 will be installed at an angle having the extensions 302 e engaging the hole notches 126 h.
FIG. 28 shows the two reverse lip channels where the lip 301 c is wider than the hole 36 therefore the longitudinal ends of the lips 301 c abut one side plane of the web 42 and the web 301 a has an extension 301 e where the hook finger 127 extends over the hole bottom edge 36 be with the finger end securing the opposing plane of the web 42 a at the hole 36. The opposing longitudinal end of an identical reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the left longitudinal end with the extension 301 e of the web 301 a extended through the hole 36 where the extension 301 e rests on the web 301 a of the first reverse lip spacer brace with the hook portion extending through the receiver slot hole 129 sh.
FIGS. 29-32 are similar to each other as two reverse lip spacer braces 301 each having a web 301 a with the longitudinal side edges distal to the flanges 301 b where the longitudinal edges of the flanges 301 b have lip 301 c extending outward away from the web 301 a with the lips 301 c have lip notches 126 p extending inward toward the web 301 a from the longitudinal edges of the lips 301 c. 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 36 se at the lip notches 126 p and where the web 301 a and the flanges 301 b have continuous flange-web notches 126 fw. The flange-web notch 126 fw engages the hole bottom edge 36 be so the back edge of the flange-web notch 126 fw at the flanges 301 b is secured to the hole bottom edge 36 be. When the second reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the right longitudinal end fit into the hole 36 the flange-web notch 126 fw from the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 fits lower into the hole bottom edge 36 be 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 301 e extend from the web 301 a with a receiver slot hole 129 sh 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 301 e extending from the web 301 a for the tongue end having a curvilinear end to wrap around the ledges 79 at the receiver slot hole 129 sh. In addition the receiver slot hole 129 sh can be located away from said first end so the hook tongue 128 with the extension 301 e can overlap the web allowing fasteners (not shown) to be installed in the web 301 a if desired.
FIG. 31 shows an enlargement of FIG. 30 where the first reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the hole bottom edge 36 be being inserted into the flange-web notch 126 fw where the web 301 a is below the hole bottom edge 36 be allowing the second reverse lip spacer brace also having the flange-web notch 126 fw to also be inserted into the hole bottom edge 36 be. In FIG. 32 the hole bottom edge 36 be can now extend above the second overlapping reverse lip spacer brace 301 where a ledge shaft 79 s with a ledge tab 79 t is bent over the web 301 a 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 79 t being bent over the web 302 a of a U shaped spacer brace 302 as well as a notched tab 126 nt being extended from the hole bottom edge 36 be.
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 42 a of the support member. In FIG. 33 the lips 301 c and the hook receiver 129 are shown supporting both sides of the web 42 a with the hole side edges 36 se supporting the flanges 301 b. In FIG. 34 the flanges 302 b are also being supported by the hole side edges 36 se with the flanges 302 b having flaps 76 f extending from the flanges 302 b and the hook receiver 129 are shown supporting both sides of the web 42 a. Fasteners 122 can be installed into the web 42 a 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 301 c and lip notches 126 p and where the back edge of the lip notches 126 p abut the hole side edges 36 se with the side edges of the lip notches 126 p extend on the sides of the web 42 a of the support member. The flanges 301 b are braced against the hole side edges 36 se and the flanges 301 b and the web 301 a have a continuous web-flange notch 126 wf where a portion of the web 301 a and a portion of the flange 301 b extend into the web-flange notch 126 wf securing both sides of the web 42 a by the web-flange notch 126 wf. 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 126 p that engage the hole side edges 36 se, however the upper or second reverse lip spacer brace 301 has a hook tongue 128 where the tongue end shown as a notched tab 126 nt extends downward through the receiver slot hole 129 sh in the web 301 a of the lower or first reverse lip spacer brace 301 with the notched tab 126 nt extending and engage the bottom edge of the web 301 a. 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 301 a, a taller flange 301 b and a wider lip 301 c so the lip notches 126 p are in alignment with the hole side edges 36 se. FIG. 38 is similar to FIG. 35 where the flange 302 b and the hook finger 127 engage both sides of the web 42 a 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 302 a into and through the receiving slot hole 129 sh of the upper U shaped spacer brace 302 where the notched tab 126 nt tongue end extends through the receiver slot hole 129 sh 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 302 b abut both U shaped spacer braces 302. The web-flange notch 126 wf of the U shaped spacer brace 302 engages both sides of the web 42 a 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 129 sh (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 301 a resting at the hole bottom edges 36 be with the flanges 301 g extending upward from the web 301 a with the lips 301 c with the lip notches 126 p extending around the hole side edges 36 se. Since the overlapping reverse lip spacer braces 301 are reverse the narrower width web 301 a from the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 is fitting between the flanges 301 b of the lower reverse lip spacer braces 301 with the lips 301 c being wider at the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 having the back edges 301 bep 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 301 a having a wider width web 301 a resting on the hole bottom edge 36 be with the opposing end of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 having a narrower width web 301 a so the narrower width web 301 a can overlap the adjacent reverse lip spacer brace 301 having a wider width web 301 a so the narrower width web 301 a can overlap and fit between the flanges 301 b of the lower reverse lip spacer brace 301 allowing the upper width web 301 a 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 301 a and lips 301 c at the overlapping reverse lip spacer braces 301 with the FIGS. 45-50 having the web 301 a resting on the hole bottom edge 36 be. In the section in FIG. 47 show the lip notch 126 p extending from the longitudinal edges of the lip 301 having the side edges of the lip notches 126 p engage both hole side edges 36 se 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 301 b extending upward or downward from the web 301 a. The sloped flanges of a furring channel or the sloped flanges of the reverse lip spacer braces 301 b will both bind against the sloped flanges 301 b 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 301 b to fit tighter together. In fact, when the sloped flanges 301 b fit too tight, a person will need a screw driver, plyers to disengage the flanges 301 b 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 36 be, however the hole bottom edge 36 be is support the extension 301 from the web 301 a and another option is shown with the longitudinal end of the extension 301 having a hook tongue 129 with the tongue 129 t extending into a receiver hole 129 h where the tongue 128 t fits into and the notched tab 126 nt at the extension 301 e has the web notches 126 w extend around the hole side edges 36 se. The upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 is narrower in width having the web 301 a and the flanges 301 b fit into the lower reverse lip spacer brace 301 with the web 301 a having the receiver hole 129 h for the tongue 128 t to fit into and long enough for the tongue 128 t 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 126 p of the lips 301 c at the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 is also engaged at the hole side edges 36 se.
FIGS. 54-56 shows an elevation, enlargement and section of metal framing where the flanges 301 b extend downward from the web 302 a with the lips 301 c extending around the hole side edges 36 se. The lower reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the an extension 301 e with a hook tongue 128 having the tongue 128 t extending upward through the receiver hole 129 h located in the extension 301 e of the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301. The web 301 a and flange 301 b 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 301 b and lips 301 c can be removed allowing the upper reverse lip spacer brace 301 to pivot at the tongue 128 t or where a crossing reverse lip spacer brace 301 can also be attached to the same tongue 128 t allowing two additional reverse lip spacer braces 301 attached to the same tongue 128 t. 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 301 a at both longitudinal ends with receiver holes 129 h for the hook tongue 128 can have the tongue 128 t pass thru the receiver hole 129 h 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 301 a with first and second opposing sides shown as flanges 301 b extending the length of the longitudinal web 301 a and being connected to the longitudinal lips 301 c with lip notches 126 p extending inward so the hole side edges 36 se can extend into the lip notches 126 p. FIG. 57 show the flanges 301 b at an angle and the hole 36 is slightly smaller so the hole side edges 36 se extend into the flange notches 126 f as well as the lip notches 126 p. The lip notches 126 p in FIG. 58 shows the lip notch 126 p at the end of the double lip 301 cc as shown in FIG. 60, but the longitudinal lip 301 c extends downward. In FIG. 57 the notched-tabs 126 nt extend from the flanges 301 b at the flange extensions 301 e. The flange extensions 301 e are sometimes referred to as hook tongues 128 and are bent inward at the nt-notch 126 ntn then extends wider at the nt-heads 126 nth. The opposing end of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 shows receiver hole 129 h at the flanges 301 b for the nt-head 126 nth to fit into the receiver hole 129 h. The receiver hole 129 h has grooves 131 at the side edges of the receiver hole 129 h for the notched-tab head to have additional means of friction to secure the notched-tab 126 nt into the receiver hole 129 h. The receiver holes 129 h has a vertical orientation, so when the notched-tabs 126 nt are inserted into the receiver holes 129 h, the notched-tab 126 nt 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 126 nt and receiver holes 129 h 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 301 b and the notched-tab 126 extends outward. The receiver hole 129 h at the opposing end is installed in the flange extension 301 e so the notched-tab 126 nt 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 126 w at the floor or a hole side edge 36 se having a hole notch 126 h at the web 42 a of the support member. FIG. 59 shows the lip 301 c having a double lip 301 cc where the double lip 301 cc extends upward so the free edge has a lip notch 126 p engage into the upper edge of the web opening for the double lip 301 cc to fit into. The lip notch 126 p secures the reverse lip spacer brace 301 from moving horizontally engaging the web 42 a of the support member above the web notches 126 w shown in the L-shaped gap 45 e of the support member and the bend of the double lip 301 cc engages the web notch 126 w to reduce vertical movement. The flange 301 b 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 301 cc is facing downward toward the exterior side and the lip notches 126 pp is double thick as both the upper and lower portion of the double lips 301 cc have the lip notch 126 p forming an extra strength lip notch 126 p. The web notch 126 w is larger since the double lip notch 126 pp has each side of the double lip notch 126 pp engage the side planes of the web 42 a of the support member.
FIG. 63 shows the L-shaped gap 45 e 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 45 e for a reverse lip spacer brace 301 to fit into. The reverse lip spacer brace at the top shows a cut edge 301 ce at the web 301 a and flanges 301 b so the flexible lip 301 fp and bend in a ventral direction to form a curving profile. FIG. 63 shows the lip notch 126 p in the middle between short segments of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 for strength at the joint connection of the L-shaped gap 45 e. On the other hand, should the support member be aligned at the flexible lip 301 fp the lip might not require a lip notch 126 p 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 301 ce occurs at the web 301 a and the lip 301 c allowing the flange to bend at the midpoint by installing a crease or notch (not shown) to allow the flange 301 b 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 301 bx and the flange y-plane 301 by become at acute angles to the plane of the continuous segmented sections of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 while the opposing side flange 301 b are shown in a straight line. The lip notches 126 p are shown at the longitudinal exterior side edge of the lip 301 c.
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 303 b bend and the web 303 a and lip 303 c 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 126 p at the longitudinal side edge of the lip 303 c.
FIGS. 66 & 67 both show the reverse lip spacer brace 301 installed at the top end of the web 42 a of the support member with the top plane of the reverse lip spacer brace 301. The bottom edge of the web 42 a shows the L-shape gap 45 e along with the web notch 126 w where the lip notch 126 p fit into. Both FIG's show the double lip 301 cc for extra strength. The notched-tab 126 nt and the receiver holes 129 h as shown in FIGS. 57 & 58 are shown at the top of the web 42 a so the adjacent reverse lip spacer braces 301 can pivot at the notched-tabs 126 nt. A smaller U channel is shown installed between the web 42 a so the C channel 42 can more easily be installed in place. FIG. 67 shows one end having extensions 301 e with holes so fasteners (not shown) can be installed through the flanges 301 b 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 45 e at the bottom edge of the web 42 along with the web notch 126 w where the lip notch 126 p is installed. In FIG. 69 the L-shaped gaps 45 e have a web section between the two L-shaped gaps 45. The web section has the same profile shape as a notched-tab 126 nt where another web notch 126 w is shown at the bottom edge of the L-shaped gaps 45 e. These sides of the L-shaped gap 45 e has web tabs 42 at that extend over web notches 126 w forming a notched-tab 126 nt at the web section between the two L-shaped gaps 45. These web-tabs 42 at are part of the notched-tab 126 nt. The reverse lip spacer brace 301 has the angled flanges 301 b with flange slot holes 36 fs. The web tabs 42 at extend through the flange slot holes 36 fs and if the web tabs 42 at are long enough they could be bent across the flange slot holes 36 fs making a tighter fit. FIG. 69 is similar to FIG. 69 except the web 301 a of the reverse lip spacer brace 301 has web slot holes 36 ws and the top edge of the web 42 a of the support member has a notched-tab 126 nt at the end that can extend through the web slot holes 36 ws. The profile of the reverse lip spacer braces 301 is similar to the profiles in FIGS. 64 & 65. The flanges 301 b and lips 301 c are shown bent in FIGS. 64 & 65, and in in FIGS. 68 & 69 the web 301 a has bent flanges 301 bx & 301 by 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 301 ce. The web 301 a and the lips 301 c can be attached together rather than bent and are noted as web bends 301 ax and 301 ay and lip bends 301 cx and 301 cy. A vertical movement will allow the web 301 a and lip 301 c to move. When this occurs the flanges 301 b are open allowing the lips 301 c and web 301 a to move. The open flanges 301 b and the bent web 301 a have the effect of an corner notch 126 c noted earlier.
FIG. 71 shows an upward oriented U channel 155 having a bottom side 155 d and two parallel sides 155 b passing through the hole 36 in the web 42 a 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 205 a and two parallel sides 205 b extending downward and a flat plate 201. The two parallel sides 205 b of the downward facing U shaped bracket 205 fit into the side edges of the parallel sides 155 b 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 205 a of the U shaped bracket with the groove 121 extending into the two parallel sides 205 b 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 42 a of the support member. In FIG. 70 notches are cut on both sides of the top side 205 a and on each of the two parallel sides 205 b 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 42 a 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.

Claims

1. A structural framing system, comprising:

a longitudinal spacing-bracing member comprising a web lying in a plane, said web having a first side and a second side opposite said first side, a first longitudinal wall connected to said first side of said web and a second longitudinal wall connected to said second side of said web, a first end and a second end;

said web said first longitudinal wall and said second longitudinal wall forming a channel, a first notch connected to an edge of said first longitudinal wall an said second notch connected to an edge of said second longitudinal wall, said first notch and said second notch walls are notched from their point of joinder inwardly into the web and outwardly into the longitudinal walls the notches in the web being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal spacing-bracing member extending inwardly into said web forming a continuous web-flange notch comprising a plurality of notches spaced along a longitudinal length of said spacing-bracing member;

a first structural member and a second structural member substantially identical to said first structural member, each said structural member having a web and flanges, each said structural member having an aperture extending through said respective webs, said apertures being defined by a perimeter, whereby said notches at said first end and at said second end are configured to engage a respective one of said perimeters forming a connection among said longitudinal spacing-bracing member, said first structural member and said second structural member with said notches indented from said first end and said second end engaging said apertures in said first structural member and said second structural member.

2. The structural framing system according to claim 1 wherein the first said notch and the second said notch form a continuous web notch connection between the said notches in the first longitudinal wall and the second longitudinal wall at said first end and said second end with said continuous web notches engaging the said perimeter of said aperture with said notches indented from said first end and said second end.

3. The structural framing system according to claim 2 wherein the first said notch and the second said notch and said web form a continuous folded web notch with said continuous folded web notch having a first fold and a second fold extending for said web with said web forming a continuous bend at said web that engages the aperture bottom edge.

4. The structural framing system according to claim 2 wherein said first longitudinal wall and said second longitudinal wall have bends in the longitudinal wall profile to all the top profile of said first longitudinal wall and said second longitudinal wall to bend allowing the highest said longitudinal wall profile to exert pressure against said aperture side wall of said first structural member and said second structural member.

5. The structural framing system according to claim 4 wherein the said first longitudinal wall and said second longitudinal wall have an additional longitudinal wall attached to said first longitudinal wall and said second longitudinal wall with said wall having notches indented from the free distal side edges to engage said apertures in said structural members.

6. The structural framing system according to claim 5 wherein said additional longitudinal wall with notches engages hole notches in said side edges of said aperture.

7. The structural framing system according to claim 1 wherein the longitudinal spacing-bracing member spanning between said first structural member and said second structural member has said first longitudinal wall and said second longitudinal wall engage said aperture having a wide width opening in said aperture and a narrow width wide opening with said longitudinal spacing-bracing member fitting under said narrow width wide opening and against said side opening of said aperture and said bottom edge of said aperture.

8. The structural framing system according to claim 7 wherein said first longitudinal wall and second longitudinal wall have said notches at said longitudinal edges for said notches to engage said bottom edge of said narrow width opening of said aperture in said first structural member and said second structural member. notches in flanges engaging protrusions

9. The structural framing system according to claim 8 wherein said first longitudinal wall and second longitudinal wall have said notches at said longitudinal edges for said notches having continuous notches into said web with said notches engage the bottom side of said protrusions with said first longitudinal wall and said second longitudinal wall having notches indented from the longitudinal side edges of said first longitudinal wall and said second longitudinal wall engage the edges of said aperture in said first structural member and said second structural member.

10. The structural framing system according to claim 5 wherein said first end engages said aperture at said web notches and said longitudinal notches of said first structural member and said second end second end of said longitudinal spacing-bracing member has a smaller width profile to fit into a second longitudinal spacing-bracing member occupied in said second structural member with said first longitudinal spacing-bracing member fitting between said longitudinal walls of said second structural member.

11. The structural framing system according to claim 10 wherein said first end engages said aperture at said web notches and said longitudinal first wall and said longitudinal second wall engages the bottom edge of said narrow width opening with said web having an web extension extend over the said second end of an adjacent longitudinal spacing-bracing member with a tab being perpendicular to said web extension for said tab to be received in a slot hole in said web of said first longitudinal spacing-bracing member.

12. The structural framing system according to claim 1 wherein said flanges extend at an angle greater than 90 degrees from said web.

13. The structural framing system according to claim 1 wherein said longitudinal spacing bracing member has ribs extending through said first side and said second side.