Metal framing member with cut-out chase

Abstract

A metal framing member for use as a stud, joist, rafter, truss, etc. is disclosed. The framing member includes a cut out chase to allow wiring or a stiffening rod to pass through the member. The cut out flap is bent at about a 90° angle to the member and is provided with attachment holes to clip the wiring or stiffening rod to the framing member.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A metal framing member comprising: 
 a rectangular bottom section having left and right substantially parallel edges along the length of said bottom section, said bottom section also having top and bottom surfaces;    a chase having a lower edge, said chase disposed in said bottom section and allowing passage to and from said top surface and said bottom surface of said bottom section; and    a punch flap cut from said chase disposed at said lower edge of said chase;    wherein objects are passed through said framing member by way of said chase, and wherein said objects are secured against said punch flap.    
     
     
         2 . The metal framing member as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising left and right rectangular side portions having upper and lower edges, wherein said lower edges are attached to said left and right edges of said bottom section.  
     
     
         3 . The metal framing member as claimed in  claim 2  further comprising left and right rectangular returns, wherein said returns are attached to said upper edges of said left and right rectangular side portions.  
     
     
         4 . The metal framing member as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said punch flap further comprises a surface having a plurality of fastening holes, and wherein said objects passed through said chase are secured to said punch flap with said fastening holes.  
     
     
         5 . The metal framing member as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said punch flap is substantially perpendicular to said bottom section.  
     
     
         6 . A metal framing member comprising: 
 a rectangular bottom section having left and right substantially parallel edges along the length of said bottom section, said bottom section also having top and bottom surfaces;    left and right rectangular side portions having upper and lower edges, said lower edges being attached to said left and right edges of said bottom section;    left and right rectangular returns, said returns being attached to said upper edges of said left and right rectangular side portions;    a chase having a lower edge, said chase disposed in said bottom section, said chase allowing passage to and from said top surface and said bottom surface of said bottom section; and    a punch flap cut from said chase disposed at said lower edge of said chase;    wherein objects are passed through said framing member by way of said chase, and wherein said objects are secured against said punch flap.    
     
     
         7 . The metal framing member as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said punch flap further comprises a surface having a plurality of fastening holes, and wherein said objects passed through said chase are secured to said punch flap with said fastening holes.  
     
     
         8 . The metal framing member as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said punch flap is substantially perpendicular to said bottom section.