Metal framing member with off site manufactured layout locating tabs

Abstract

A metal framing member for use as a stud, joist, rafter, truss, etc. is disclosed. The framing member includes at least one knock out opening and a corresponding tab that is positioned onto the metal framing member during the manufacturing process via computer so that structures built using the studs such as window frames, door jams, etc. are accurately and quickly fabricated. The knock out opening can also be used as a chase to allow wiring or a stiffening rod to pass through the member. Each tab is also preferably provided with a pair of pre-punched holes so that the tab can be fastened to other building components using standard screws.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An off site manufactured metal framing member comprising: 
 a rectangular section having left and right substantially parallel edges along the length of said section, said section also having top and bottom surfaces;    at least one knock out opening having a lower edge, left and right side edges, and an upper radiused edge with said edges together define a opening profile, said opening profile disposed in said rectangular section and allowing passage to and from said top surface and said bottom surface of said bottom section; and    at least one tab corresponding to said at least one knock out opening and disposed at said lower edge of said opening profile, said tab also having left and right side edges and having an upper radiused edge with said edges taken together define a tab profile such that said tab profile and said opening profile are substantially the same;    said at least one tab positioned at predetermined angle with respect to rectangular section;    said tab also having at least one pair of pre-punched pilot holes such that standard screw fasteners made be utilized to fastening a structure to said at least one tab; and    wherein said structure may be passed through said at least one opening profile such that are passed through said framing member by way of said opening profile.    
     
     
         2 . The off site manufactured metal framing member of  claim 1  wherein said at least one knock out opening and said corresponding at least one tab are positioned during the manufacturing process by a computer in accordance with a predetermined layout plan such that the configuration and position of said at least one knock out opening and said corresponding at least one tab serve to precisely locate any other structural member that is to be attached to said framing member.  
     
     
         3 . The metal framing member of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of knock out openings with each knock out opening have a corresponding tab with each opening tab pair wherein at least one opening tab pair is located at different distance along said metal framing member than another opening tab pair.  
     
     
         4 . The metal framing member of  claim 1  wherein the predetermined angle of at least one tab is substantially different than 90 degrees.  
     
     
         5 . The metal framing member of  claim 1  wherein the predetermined angle of at least one tab is approximately 90 degrees.  
     
     
         6 . An off site manufactured metal framing member comprising: 
 a pair of opposed flanges; and    a central web portion disposed between said pair of opposed flanges;    said central web portion having at least one knock out opening; and    said central web portion having at least one tab that corresponds to said knock out opening wherein said at least one knock out opening and its corresponding said at least one tab are cut into said central web portion such that said at least one knock out opening and its corresponding said at least one tab are hinged together at a common edge and are positioned onto said central web portion during the manufacturing process of constructing said metal framing member; and    wherein said tab is angled at a predetermined angle relative to said central web portion and wherein said at least one tab and its corresponding said at least one knock out opening and its corresponding said at least one tab are approximately the same size and approximately the same peripheral shape.    
     
     
         7 . The off site manufactured metal framing member of  claim 6  where each of said tabs further comprises at least one pair of pre-punched pilot holes such that standard screw fasteners made be utilized to fastening a structure to said tab  
     
     
         8 . The off site manufactured metal framing member of  claim 6  wherein the position of said at least one knock out opening and its corresponding said at least one tab is accomplished by a computer that places said position in accordance with structural layout for which said metal framing member is to be used.  
     
     
         9 . The off site manufactured metal framing member of  claim 6  where the peripheral shape of at least one said tab and its corresponding at least one knock out opening is rectangular.  
     
     
         10 . The off site manufactured metal framing member of  claim 7  where the peripheral shape of at least one said tab and its corresponding at least one knock out opening is rectangular and has an curved edge opposite to said hinged edge wherein said curved edge has an predetermined radiused arc.