Dual-strut channel and method of fabricating same

A dual-strut channel comprising:

• a central plate having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end including a first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections and notches to form a first tooth-like edge, and the opposing second end including a second series of spaced-apart, alternating projections and notches to form a second tooth-like edge;
• a first flange having a first plurality of spaced-apart and aligned apertures configured to receive the first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections extending from the first end of the central plate;
• a second flange having a second plurality of spaced-apart and aligned apertures configured to receive the second series of spaced-apart, alternating projections extending from the opposing second end of the central plate;
• wherein the first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections on the first tooth-like edge of the central plate are inserted into corresponding ones of the first plurality of spaced-apart and aligned apertures and press-fitted therein;
• and
• wherein the second series of spaced-apart, alternating projections on the second tooth-like edge of the central plate are inserted into corresponding ones of the second plurality of spaced-apart and aligned apertures and press-fitted therein.

A method of fabricating a dual-strut channel, comprising:

• providing a central plate having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end including a first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections and notches to form a first tooth-like edge, and the opposing second end including a second series of spaced-apart, alternating projections and notches to form a second tooth-like edge;
• providing a first flange having a first plurality of spaced-apart and aligned apertures configured to receive the first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections extending from the first end of the central plate;
• inserting the first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections of the first tooth-like edge of the central plate into corresponding ones of the first plurality of spaced-apart and aligned apertures;
• and
• pressing upper portions of the first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections of the first tooth-like edge until the first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections are flattened and press-fitted within the corresponding ones of the first plurality of spaced-apart and aligned apertures.

A method of fabricating a dual-strut channel, comprising:

• providing a central plate having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end including a first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections and notches to form a first tooth-like edge, and the opposing second end including a second series of spaced-apart, alternating projections and notches to form a second tooth-like edge;
• providing a first flange having a first plurality of spaced-apart and aligned apertures configured to receive the first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections extending from the first end of the central plate;
• inserting the first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections of the first tooth-like edge of the central plate into corresponding ones of the first plurality of spaced-apart and aligned apertures;
• and
• pressing upper portions of the first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections of the first tooth-like edge until the first series of spaced-apart, alternating projections are bent laterally and positioned against an adjacent upper surface portion of the first flange.