Patent ID: 7434314
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: B21D,B23D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of forming an attachment in an interlocking side-lapped seam of a steel deck structure, the steel deck structure including at least first and second steel deck panels, the first steel deck panel including an upturned male lip along one side edge thereof, the second steel deck panel including a downwardly-directed U-shaped female channel along one side edge thereof for receiving the upturned male lip of the first steel deck panel, the U-shaped channel including first and second walls generally parallel to each other, the method comprising the steps of: a. engaging the upturned male lip of the first steel deck panel within the downwardly-directed U-shaped female channel of the second steel deck panel; b. positioning a first jaw having a cutting edge proximate the first wall of the female channel; c. positioning a second jaw having a cutting edge proximate the second wall of the female channel, the second jaw being disposed proximate the first jaw but laterally offset therefrom, and generally facing the first jaw; d. positioning a third jaw having a cutting edge proximate the first wall of the female channel and spaced apart from the first jaw; e. positioning a fourth jaw having a cutting edge proximate the second wall of the female channel, the fourth jaw being disposed proximate the third jaw but laterally offset therefrom, and generally facing the third jaw; f. selectively moving the cutting edges of the first and second jaws generally toward each other from an open position to a closed position, for causing the cutting edges of the first and second jaws to at least partially pass each other to cut a first slot through the U-shaped channel and the male lip received thereby; and g. selectively moving the cutting edges of the third and fourth jaws generally toward each other from the open position to the closed position, for causing the cutting edges of the third and fourth jaws to at least partially pass each other to cut a second slot through the U-shaped channel and the male lip received thereby, the second slot being laterally spaced from the first slot.