Structurally reinforced girts and related systems and methods
OwnerBrian Nelsoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Girts, systems incorporating girts, and methods of using girts are disclosed. The girts are structurally reinforced by gussets that are formed with material from the girt walls. In some embodiments, the gussets are formed via an efficient metal stamping process. The girts have a high mechanical strength, are easily manufactured, allow for water drainage and air circulation, improve thermal performance, decrease sound transmission, and reduce material, transportation and labor costs relative to traditional girts. In addition, isolators that may be used with the girts reduce thermal conductivity and divert moisture from mounting locations.
Claims18
A girt comprising:
- a first wall and a second wall extending substantially perpendicular to the first wall;
- the second wall comprising:
- a first opening and a second opening;
- a bridge spanning between the first opening and the second opening, the bridge beginning at a corner section formed by the first wall and the second wall and terminating at an edge of the second wall;
- at least one gusset disposed in at least a portion of the corner section and aligned with the bridge, the at least one gusset comprising:
- material from the first wall and/or the second wall;
- and further comprising a third wall forming a second corner and at least one additional gusset disposed in the second corner, wherein the at least one gusset and the at least one additional gusset are aligned with one another.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.