Adjustable metal framing

Abstract

A strut apparatus for constructive use in the building framing arts is comprised of an elongate sheet-metal first cylinder, open at each of its ends, one of the ends providing a pair of integral ears. An elongate sheet-metal second cylinder is also open at each of its ends, and also provides attachment ears. The first and second cylinders are adapted by size and shape for tight sliding mutual engagement in a coaxial, linearly extensible, relationship with the ears of each of the cylinders extending in opposite directions.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An extensible building strut apparatus for framing a building, which comprises a pair of elongate rectangular sheet-metal cylinders each comprising four side walls with two opposing open ends, the cylinders adapted for fitting, one of the cylinders within the other of the cylinders, for axial extension of the strut; and at least one of the cylinders providing, at a terminal end thereof, a pair of ears in opposing positions, each of the ears contiguous with one of the side walls and formed as an extension thereof.  
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the ears are positioned axially.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the ears are positioned laterally.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein two of the four side walls of at least one of the cylinders are formed into a roll at the terminal end.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the rolls are positioned within the cylinders.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the rolls are positioned without the cylinders.  
     
     
         7 . A method of fabricating a building strut which comprises stamping a pair of, rectangular, sheet-metal flats, the flats each providing a pair of attachment ears extending from one first edge thereof; folding the flats to form a pair of cylinders each with a joined longitudinal seam, the cylinders adapted by size and shape for tight sliding mutual engagement in a coaxial, linearly extensible, relationship, such that the ears of the cylinders extend in opposing directions.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising the step of folding at least one of the first and the second attachment tabs into mutually opposing lateral orientations for attaching the strut to a flat surface.