Patent ID: 9045894
Filing Date: 2015-06-02
Classification: E04B,E04C

Abstract:
1. A wall panel configured as a load-bearing structure for supporting vertical loading in a building, the wall panel forming a frame with first and second faces configured to receive sheathing and having a frame thickness defined between the first and second faces, the wall panel comprising: a plurality of axial load-bearing vertical columns for collectively supporting the vertical loading in the building, each of the plurality of vertical columns being centrally disposed between the first and second faces of the wall panel frame; a load distribution member disposed at a top of the wall panel and coupled to the plurality of load-bearing columns, the load distribution member providing a support platform for loads disposed on top of the wall panel that are part of the vertical loading of the building, the load distribution member operating to direct the loads down and through each of the plurality of axial load-bearing vertical columns, and the load distribution member being wider than each of the plurality of axial-load-bearing vertical columns such that a gap is formed on either side of the wall panel; a lower member disposed at a bottom of the wall panel and supporting the plurality of load bearing columns, the lower member being wider than each of the plurality of axial load-bearing vertical columns such that the gap extends across a height of the wall panel; a plurality of first sheathing supports disposed on a first side of the plurality of the load-bearing vertical columns within the gap, each of the first sheathing supports including an attachment surface disposed at a distance from the load-bearing vertical columns, the attachment surfaces of the respective first sheathing supports, along with the load-distribution member and the lower member, defining the first face of the wall panel frame and being configured to hold a sheathing on the wall panel frame; and a plurality of second sheathing supports disposed on a second side of the plurality of the load-bearing vertical columns within the gap, each of the second sheathing supports including an attachment surface disposed at a distance from the load-bearing vertical columns, the attachment surfaces of the respective second sheathing supports, along with the load-distribution member and the lower member, defining the second face of the wall panel frame and being configured to hold a sheathing on the wall panel frame.