Metal framing member with off site manufactured locking 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.

1 . An off site manufactured metal framing attachment apparatus for attaching a first metal structural framing member to a second structural framing member, said apparatus comprising: 
 at least two punched raised portions in said first member, each of said raised portions comprising:    a punched locking tab and an angled material guide together defining a receiving opening    a punched slotted tab in said second structural framing member, said punched slotted tab further comprising a plurality of punched out tab openings, whereas the number of said tab openings correspond to the number of said locking tabs of said at least two raised portions;    wherein sliding said first member over said second member with said angled material guides of said locking tab assisting in aligning the two members together so that each said locking tab engages its mating said tab opening thus locking together said first structural member to said second structural member.    
   
   
       2 . The framing attachment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said locking tabs and said tab openings are rectangular in shape.  
   
   
       3 . The framing attachment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said locking tabs and said tab openings are circular in shape.  
   
   
       4 . The framing attachment apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a first pin opening in said first structural member and a corresponding second pin opening said second structural member such that when said first and second structural members are locked together, said first and second pin openings are aligned with respect to one another such that a press pin can be inserted therein.  
   
   
       5 . The framing attachment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first and second structural framing members are substantially U-shaped have a pair of opposing leg sections and web sections interposed therein and wherein said apparatus further comprises a leg punched locking tab on at least one leg section of said first structural framing member and a corresponding punched leg tab opening on at least one leg section of said second structural framing member such that when said first and second structural members are locked together, said at least one leg locking tab engages its corresponding at least one leg tab opening thereby increasing the positional stability of the two locked structural framing members.  
   
   
       6 . The framing attachment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first structural framing member is a metal stud and said second structural framing member is a track channel.