Importance

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Abstract

The invention is concerned with metal structural members of the type having spaced parallel flanges and an intervening connecting web perpendicular to the flanges. One or both ends of the member is offset to permit it to be inserted between non-offset flanges of another member and thereby obtain a flush surface at their junction. Such a member comprises, for example, a joist for the floor structure of a mobile home. The offset end is formed simultaneously to have part of the web at the offset displaced transversely so that the surplus metal, which might otherwise wrinkle and weaken the web, forms instead stiffening ribs therein. The member may be rolled from a continuous strip of metal with the steps of offsetting the flange, displacing the web transversely, and severing the strip into separate structural members all carried out on a continuously operating production line.

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First Claim