Patent ID: 6343453
Filing Date: 2002-02-05
Classification: E04C

Abstract:
A process for producing varying lengths of wooden I beams with minimal waste, the beams being formed from a series of upper wooden members and a series of lower wooden members each of predetermined length, each upper member having a longitudinal flange secured at a right angle to an elongated upper web by a glued joint and each lower member having a longitudinal flange secured at a right angle to an elongated lower web by a glued joint, with each upper web being connected to a lower web, the process comprising:forming a continuous beam by continually connecting additional of said members to one end of a beam portion formed of said upper and lower members already connected together, each additional upper member having its upper web connected to the lower web of a lower member already incorporated in the beam and each additional lower member having its lower web connected to the upper web of an upper member already incorporated in the beam and so that the ends of upper members abut each other at joints which are staggered from similar joints between the ends of lower members, each of said upper webs being connected to a lower web by mechanical connecting means and without any glue, and continually cutting off required lengths of the beam from an end portion of the beam opposite to said one end.