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[0001] This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Nos. 60/262,625 and 60/219,262.
[0002] This invention relates to the residential and light commercial construction industries which can utilize a composite framing joist with the hollow metal portion used for the long spanning capabilities and the solid wood ends used for the trimming and nailing capabilities.
[0003] The spanning capabilities of a solid wood joist cannot compare to the spanning capabilities of the composite joist when both joists are of the same size dimensionally. The hollow metal section is far stronger and stiffer than a solid wood section. The construction industry does not have a metal joist product that can be trimmed to length with a standard wood cutting circular saw, and then nailed into place with a pneumatic or a standard hammer, as typically used in the residential and light commercial construction industries. This composite joist offers the architect, builder and owner, another option when designing homes and other buildings with large floor and roof spans. The composite joist can be manufactured to standard lengths and delivered to the lumber yard or job site just as typical framing lumber is made available to the public.
[0004] The residential building industry commonly uses wood members as the primary framing material of choice. Where as the commercial building industry commonly uses steel members as the primary framing material of choice. These framing members are typically installed at a common spacing of 16″ or 24″ on centers. While both wood and steel members have a proven record of their own, combining these two materials in a new joist configuration uses the best attributes of both materials. The central section of the joist is manufactured using a common gage steel thickness and formed into a rectangular shape. This steel portion of the joist is used for the long spanning characteristics and high strength to weight ratio. The steel portion of the joist is also dimensionally more stable when compared to wood members of similarly long spans. At the two ends of the composite joist are solid wood members, rectangular in shape and shrouded by the hollow steel section. These wood ends protrude past the steel section a determined distance. The wood portion is rigidly attached to the steel portion of the joist, to allow for the bending forces and shear forces to be continued along the length of the joist and to the very ends. The protruded wood ends can them be cut to the required length at the job site and then nailed into place using typical wood framing tools as used in residential construction. These wood ends eliminate the need for using metal framing tools at the job site, such as special saws, crew guns and self-tapping fasteners, but still allows incorporating the strength and safety of steel joists into the home or building project.
[0005] Both materials, steel and wood have their advantages and disadvantages when used as framing members. Steel is strong and straight, whereas wood is not as strong and will warp and twist during its lifetime. Steel is time consuming to cut and connect together, whereas wood is quicker to cut and fasten together. This composite joist is to be used as a floor or roof framing member which is typically spaced 16″ or 24″ on center, and up to 48″ on center, having a sheathing material applied to the top surface. A sheathing material, such as drywall (sheetrock) can also be applied to the bottom surface of the joist if required. The object of the invention is to provide a long spanning, light gage steel joist with trimable wood ends free of any steel interference during the cutting or nailing process.
[0006] The figures which illustrate the embodiments of the invention are:
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[0012] The features of this invention are described in the following drawings.
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[0018] Of course, there are many advantages of using steel joists in construction. The strength of steel, the straightness of steel, and the uniformity of steel all are good examples for using steel. This composite joist, uses the benefits of steel and the benefits of wood, to provide an alternative product to the construction industry.