Patent ID: 8959867
Filing Date: 2015-02-24
Classification: E04B,E04C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A beam assembly for use in a post-and-beam type structure, wherein the post-and-beam type structure includes a connector having four plate portions forming a cruciform cross-section for the connector, the cruciform cross-section extending in a vertical direction, at least one of the four plate portions configured for coupling to a beam formed by the beam assembly, the beam assembly comprising: a first beam member with a first end and a second end that is opposite from the first end; and a second beam member with a third end and a fourth end that is opposite from the third end; wherein the first beam member and the second beam member is coupleable to each other along their lengths so as to be longitudinally offset with respect to each other; wherein when the first beam member and the second beam member are coupled to each other, the first end of the first beam member is offset relative to the third end of the second beam member by an offset amount, the first end of the first beam member being configured for placement in one of four quadrants defined by two of the four plate portions of the connector; wherein the first end of the first beam member has a first hole configured for receiving a fastener to couple the first end of the first beam member to the connector; wherein the first beam member has a first cross sectional width at the first end of the first beam member, a second cross sectional width at the second end of the first beam member, and a third cross sectional width for a part of the first beam member that is between the first end and the second end of the first beam member; and wherein the third cross sectional width is larger than the first cross sectional width, and the second cross sectional width is larger than the third cross sectional width.