Patent Publication Number: US-2009235608-A1

Title: Support structures formed from triangular elements

Description:
GOVERNMENT RIGHTS 
     This invention was made with government support under Contract No. DE-AC05-00OR22725 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The government has certain rights in the invention. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to the field of support structures. More particularly, this disclosure relates to support structures formed from sheet-like materials. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Buildings and containers are fabricated from support structures that are generally characterized as columns, studs, trusses, planks, joists, girders and similar load-bearing and decorative elements. Many of the current implementations of these construction materials are fabricated from wood, concrete, or steel Wooden structural members are often excessively heavy or bulky, and unless they are chemically treated they are combustible and subject to decomposition by rotting or insect destruction. Concrete structural elements are relatively heavy and they have to be reinforced to carry structural loads. Many heavy duty steel structural materials are also excessively heavy in relation to their load-bearing ability. Light-gage steel profiles have usually large cross-section (webs) which complicates overall design of building envelopes, which very often have very limited thickness. What are needed therefore are lighter-weight, more compact and more durable support structures for construction applications. These new structural members would offer significant reduction of the profile cross section with improved structural performance at the same time. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a support structure that includes a first tubular member having a first generally triangular cross-section with a first face and an opposing first vertex and a second tubular member having a second generally triangular cross-section with a second face and an opposing second vertex. The first face and the second face are disposed substantially on a common first plane and the first vertex and the second vertex are connected by a planar member. Furthermore, the first generally triangular cross-section and the second generally triangular cross-section are separated by only one substantially un-partitioned third generally triangular space. 
     A further embodiment provides s support structure formed from a continuous folded sheet having a first edge portion, a second edge portion, and a central portion between the first edge portion and the second edge portion. The first edge portion has a first generally triangular cross-sectional tube having a first face and an opposing first vertex and the second edge portion forms a second generally triangular cross-sectional tube having a second face and an opposing second vertex. The first face and the second face are disposed substantially on a common first plane and the central portion forms a planar member that connects the first vertex and the second vertex. Furthermore, the first generally triangular cross-sectional tube and the second generally triangular cross-sectional tube are separated by only one substantially un-partitioned third generally triangular cross-sectional tube. 
     In another embodiment a support structure is formed by a plurality of segments of material configured to form adjacent generally isosceles triangular tubular un-partitioned passageways each having a base. The passageways are substantially congruent and the orientations of each of the adjacent passageways are inverted from each other so that the bases of the adjacent passageways are disposed on the opposite of two substantially parallel planes. 
     A further embodiment provides a support structure that includes a first generally triangular cross-section having a first face and an opposing first vertex formed by a first side and a second side. The second side is disposed at an angle that is substantially non-orthogonal to the first face. The support structure also includes a second generally triangular cross-section that has a second face that is orthogonal to the first face and a third side that is substantially orthogonal to the second face. The third side joins the first vertex to the second face. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various advantages are apparent by reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a somewhat-schematic cross section of a support structure embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a somewhat schematic perspective view of the support structure having the cross section depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example flower diagram for a light-gage steel cold roll-formed embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a somewhat-schematic cross-section configuration. 
         FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C present illustrations of features of isosceles triangles. 
         FIG. 6  is a somewhat-schematic cross section of a support structure embodiment having additionally reinforced exterior edges. 
         FIG. 7  is a somewhat-schematic cross section of a support structure embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a somewhat-schematic cross section of a support structure embodiment. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are somewhat-schematic cross sections of support structure embodiments having two generally triangular cross-sections. 
         FIG. 10  is a somewhat-schematic cross section of a corner assembly embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a somewhat-schematic cross section of a a partition wall assembly. 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  are illustrations of distinctions between cross-sections that are generally triangular and cross-sections that are not generally triangular. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration the practice of specific embodiments of support structures. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural changes may be made and processes may vary in other embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a cross section of an embodiment of a support structure  10 . Support structure  10  includes a first generally triangular cross-section  12  and a second generally triangular cross-section  14  which in part divide a trapezoidal space into three adjacent triangles. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  the first generally triangular cross-section  12  and the second generally triangular cross-section  14  are configured as congruent isosceles triangles. The first generally triangular cross-section  12  has a first face  16  and an opposing first vertex  18 , formed by a first side  20  and a second side  22  of the first generally triangular cross-section  12 . The second generally triangular cross-section  14  has a second face  24  and an opposing second vertex  26  formed by a first side  28  and a second side  30  of the second generally triangular cross-section  14 . As used herein, a “face” of a triangle is a designated side of a triangle. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  the first generally triangular cross-section  12  and the first generally triangular cross-section  14  are connected by a planar member  38 . 
     In  FIG. 1  there is a small space  32  between the first side  20  and the second side  22  of the first generally triangular cross-section  12 , such that the first side  20  and the second side  22  do not touch each other. Similarly, there is a small space  34  between the first side  28  and the second side  30  of the second generally triangular cross-section  14 , such that the first side  28  and the second side  30  do not touch each other. Typically the space (e.g. space  32  or space  34 ) does not exceed approximately twenty five percent of the actual length of the longer or longest of adjacent sides that form the space. Triangular cross-sections that have sides separated by spaces of this magnitude or less are referred to as substantially contiguous cross-sections. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  the first face  16  and the second face  24  are disposed substantially in a common first plane  36 . The first vertex  18  and the second vertex  26  are connected by a planar member  38 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  the planar member  38  is on a second plane  40  that is substantially parallel to the first plane  36 . Further, the first generally triangular cross-section  12  and the second generally triangular cross-section  14  are separated by only one substantially un-partitioned generally triangular space (defined by a passageway  66 ). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  a distance  42  separates the first plane  36  and the second plane  40 . That is, the first face  16  (of the first generally triangular cross-section  12 ) and the second face  24  (of the second generally-triangular cross-section  14 ) are separated from the planar member  38  by a distance  42 . Generally the distance  42  ranges from approximately one and one half to three and three quarters inch. The width  44  of the support structure  10  can typically vary between six and fifteen inches. The typical dimensions indicated here for the distance  42  and the width  44  are not limitations for all embodiments. These dimensions may vary considerably from embodiment to embodiment. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  the support structure  10  has a generally trapezoidal profile and the width (i.e. width  44 ) of the support structure  10  is at least twice the height (i.e., distance  42 ) of the support structure  10 . In other embodiments the width of a support structure may be less than twice the height of the support structure. A structure having a width that is at least twice its height is referred to as a “low-profile structure.” 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  a first tab  46  adjoins the first side  20  of the first generally triangular cross-section  12  and a second tab  48  adjoins the first side  28  of the second generally triangular cross-section  14 . The first tab  46  and the second tab  48  are generally approximately ¼ inch long and are disposed substantially parallel to the planar member  38 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  an optional first weld  50  attaches the first tab  46  to the planar member  38 , and an optional second weld  52  attaches the second tab  48  to the planar member  38 . The optional first weld  50  and the optional second weld  52  may be spot welds or continuous welds. In some embodiments the first tab  46  and the second tab  48  may be attached to the planar member  38  by other thermal-joining processes such as soldering or brazing, or may be joined by one or more mechanical fasteners, or may be joined by an adhesive. Some embodiments may not include either the optional weld  50  or the second optional weld  52  or any comparable affixing mechanism. In some embodiments the tab  56  may be folded toward and disposed adjacent the second side  22  (instead of adjacent the planar member  38 ) and in some embodiments the second tab  58  may be folded toward and disposed adjacent the second side  30 . Some embodiments may not include the first tab  46  or the second tab  48 . In the case of extruded or pultruded cross-sections the first sides ( 20  and  28 ), the second sides ( 22  and  30 ) may be joined to the planar member  38  as a web structure. In some embodiments the first sides  20  and  22  (as well as  28  and  30 ) may not be connected to the planar member  38 . 
     Support structure  10  is formed from a continuous folded sheet  54  of material that has a first edge  56  and an opposing second edge  58 . The combination of the first tab  46 , the first side  20 , the first face  16  and the second side  22  of the first generally triangular cross-section  12  form a first edge portion of the continuous folded sheet  54 . The combination of the second tab  48 , the first side  28 , the second face  24  and the second side  30  of the second generally triangular cross-section  14  form a second edge portion of the continuous folded sheet  54 . The planar member  38  is a central portion of the continuous folded sheet  54 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , the first edge portion forms a first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  60  and the second edge portion forms a second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  62 . Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  60  has a first face  16  and an opposing first vertex  18 , and the second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  62  has a second face  24  and an opposing second vertex  26 . The faces  20  and  28  and the planar member  38  form a third generally triangular cross-sectional tube  72 . The first face  16  and the second face  24  are disposed substantially on a common first plane  36  and the central portion of the continuous folded sheet  54  forms a planar member  38  that joins the first vertex  18  and the second vertex  26 . Further, the first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  60  and the second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  62  are separated by only one substantially un-partitioned third generally triangular cross-sectional tube  72 . 
     Support structures (e.g. support structure  10 ) may be fabricated with standard cold roll-forming equipment similar to that may be used to form conventional C-shaped light-gage steel studs. For example,  FIG. 3  illustrates a “flower diagram” for roll-forming support structure  10 , where the process starts with the flat sheet  54  at Step  0 , and the finished support structure  10  is formed at Step  25 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section of a structure  80  and illustrates terminology that may be applied to support structures. The structure  80  includes a first generally triangular cross-section  82  and a second generally triangular cross-section  84 . The first generally triangular cross-section  82  has a first face  86  and an opposing first vertex  88 , formed by a first side  90  and a second side  92  of the first generally triangular cross-section  82 . The second generally triangular cross-section  84  has a second face  94  and an opposing second vertex  96  formed by a first side  98  and a second side  100  of the second generally triangular cross-section  94 . In the structure  80  of  FIG. 4  the first face  86  and the second face  94  are disposed substantially in a common first plane  106 . The first vertex  88  and the second vertex  96  are connected by a planar member  108 . The planar member  108  is on a second plane  110  that is substantially parallel to the first plane  106  and the second plane  110  is separated from the first plane  106  by a distance  112 . The structure  80  has a width  114 . The first generally triangular cross-section  82  and the second generally triangular cross-section  84  are separated by a partitioned third generally triangular space  136 . That is, the generally triangular space  136  is formed from two triangles  136   a  and  136   b . Furthermore, generally triangular space  136  is partitioned by a divider  140 . 
     Continuing with terminology illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the structure  80  is formed from a continuous folded sheet  124  of material that has a first edge  126  and an opposing second edge  128 , and a first edge portion and a second edge portion. The planar member  108  forms a central portion of the continuous folded sheet  124  that separates the first edge portion and the second edge portion of the continuous folded sheet  124 . The first edge portion forms a first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  130  and the second edge portion forms a second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  132 . The first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  130  has a first face  86  and an opposing first vertex  88 , and the second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  132  has a second face  94  and an opposing second vertex  96 . The first face  86  and the second face  94  are disposed substantially on a common first plane  106  and the central portion of the continuous folded sheet  124  forms a planar member  108  that joins the first vertex  88  and the second vertex  96 . The first sides  90  and  98  and the planar member  108  form a third generally triangular cross-sectional tube  142 . However, the third generally triangular cross-sectional tube  142  is not substantially un-partitioned. That is, divider  140  partitions generally triangular cross-sectional tube  142 . Also, the first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  130  and the second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  132  are separated by two generally triangular cross-sectional tubes,  144  and  146 . The structure  80  has a generally trapezoidal profile. The width  114  of the structure  80  is approximately equal to the height of the structure  80 , (i.e., the distance  112 ) and consequently the structure  80  is not a low-profile structure. 
       FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C illustrate the orientation of the base of an isosceles triangle. A first triangle  220  has two equal length sides  222  and  236 , and a shorter third side  234 . The two equal-length sides  222  and  236  establish that first triangle  220  is an isosceles triangle. Conventionally, and as used here, the “base” of an isosceles triangle (that is not also an equilateral triangle) is the side of the triangle (e.g., side  234  in this case) that is not equal length. As seen in  FIG. 5B , a second isosceles triangle  238  has two equal length sides  240  and  242  and a longer third side  244 . The side  244  is the base of the isosceles triangle  238 . As seen in  FIG. 5C , a third triangle  246  has three equal-length sides  248 ,  250  and  252 . The triangle  246  is special case of an isosceles triangle: an equilateral triangle. Since the sides are all equal in length any of the sides  248 ,  250 , or  252  may be arbitrarily designated the base of the isosceles triangle  246 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the support structure  10  is formed by a plurality of segments of material (in this case, continuous folded sheet  54 ) that is configured to form adjacent, congruent, generally isosceles triangular passageways  64 ,  66 , and  68 . Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the passageway  64  has a first face  16  that is also the base of generally isosceles triangular passageways  64  and that is also the base of first generally triangular cross-section  12 . The passageway  68  has a second face  24  that is also the base of generally isosceles triangular passageways  68  and that is also the base of second generally triangular cross-section  14 . The passageway  66  has a face  38  that is also the base of generally isosceles triangular passageway  66 . The first side  20  of the first generally triangular cross-section  12  and the second side  28  of the second generally triangular cross-section  14  form two sides of the passageway  66 , and there is a small space  70  between those sides. Typically the space (e.g. space  70 ) between the sides of the passageway (e.g.,  66 ) does not exceed approximately twenty five percent of the length of the longer or longest of the two sides (in this case, the longer of face  16  or face  24 ) that form the space ( 70 ). Passageways that have sides separated by spaces of this magnitude or less are referred to as substantially contiguous passageways. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , the orientations of each of the adjacent, congruent, generally isosceles triangular passageways (adjacent passageways  64  and  66 , and adjacent passageways  66  and  68 ) are inverted from each other so that the base (face  16 ) of passageway  64  and the base (face  38 ) of passageway  66  are disposed on the opposite of two substantially parallel planes (i.e.,  40  and  36 ), and the base (face  38 ) of passageway  66  and the base (face  24 ) of passageway  68  are disposed on the opposite of the two substantially parallel planes (i.e.,  40  and  36 ). 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a further embodiment of a support structure  260 . The support structure  260  includes a first tubular member  262  having a first generally triangular cross-section with a first face  264  and an opposing first vertex  266 , and a second tubular member  268  having a second generally triangular cross-section with a second face  270  and an opposing second vertex  272 . The first face  264  and the second face  270  are disposed substantially on a common first plane and the first vertex and the second vertex are connected by a planar member  274 . The first generally triangular cross-section and the second generally triangular cross-section are separated by only one substantially un-partitioned generally triangular space (defined by a passageway  294 ). 
     Further, the support structure  260  of  FIG. 6  is formed from a continuous folded sheet  280  having a first edge portion, a second edge portion, and a central portion  274  between the first edge portion and the second edge portion. The first edge portion forms a first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  262  having a first face  264  and an opposing first vertex  266  and the second edge portion forms a second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  268  having a second face  270  and an opposing second vertex.  272 . The first face  264  and the second face  270  are disposed substantially on a common first plane and the central portion  274  forms a planar member that connects the first vertex and the second vertex. The first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  262  and the second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  268  are separated by only one substantially un-partitioned third generally triangular cross-sectional tube  282 . 
     As also illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the support structure  260  formed by a plurality of segments of material configured to form adjacent un-partitioned generally isosceles triangular tubular passageways  290 ,  292 , and  294 . Each of the passageways  290 ,  292 , and  294  has a base (faces  264 ,  270  and  274 , respectively). The passageways  290   292  and  294  are substantially congruent and the orientations of each of the adjacent passageways are inverted from each other so that the bases of the adjacent passageways are disposed on the opposite of two substantially parallel planes. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a further embodiment of a support structure  310 . The support structure  310  includes a first tubular member  312  having a first generally triangular cross-section with a first face  316  and an opposing first vertex  318 , and a second tubular member  314  having a second generally triangular cross-section with a second face  324  and an opposing second vertex  326 . The first face  316  and the second face  324  are disposed substantially on a common first plane and the first vertex  318  and the second vertex  326  are connected by a planar member  338 . The first generally triangular cross-section and the second generally triangular cross-section are separated by only one substantially un-partitioned generally triangular space (defined by a passageway  394 ). 
     Further, the support structure  310  of  FIG. 7  is formed from a continuous folded sheet  330  having a first edge portion, a second edge portion, and a central portion  338  between the first edge portion and the second edge portion. The first edge portion forms a first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  360  having a first face  316  and an opposing first vertex  318  and the second edge portion forms a second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  362  having a second face  324  and an opposing second vertex  326 . The first face  316  and the second face  324  are disposed substantially on a common first plane and the central portion  338  forms a planar member that connects the first vertex  318  and the second vertex  326 . The first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  360  and the second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  362  are separated by only one substantially un-partitioned third generally triangular cross-sectional tube  372 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross section of an embodiment of a support structure  410 . Support structure  410  includes a first generally triangular cross-section  412  and a second generally triangular cross-section  414  which in part divide a trapezoidal space into three adjacent triangles. In the embodiment of  FIG. 8  the first generally triangular cross-section  412  and the second generally triangular cross-section  414  are configured as isosceles triangles. The first generally triangular cross-section  412  has a first face  416  and an opposing first vertex  418 , formed by a first side  420  and a second side  422  of the first generally triangular cross-section  412 . The second side  422  is disposed at an angle  423  that is substantially non-orthogonal to the first face  416 . In some embodiments the angle  423  is substantially 45°. The second generally triangular cross-section  414  has a second face  424  and an opposing second vertex  426  formed by a first side  428  and a second side  430  of the second generally triangular cross-section  414 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 8  the first generally triangular cross-section  412  and the first generally triangular cross-section  414  are connected by a planar member  438 . 
     In  FIG. 8  there is a small space  432  between the first side  420  and the second side  422  of the first generally triangular cross-section  412 , such that the first side  420  and the second side  422  do not touch each other. Similarly, there is a small space  434  between the first side  428  and the second side  430  of the second generally triangular cross-section  414 , such that the first side  428  and the second side  430  do not touch each other. Typically the space (e.g. space  432  or space  434 ) does not exceed approximately twenty five percent of the actual length of the longer or longest of adjacent sides that form the space. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 8  the first face  416  and the second face  424  are disposed substantially in a common first plane  436 . The second side  430  of the second generally triangular cross-section  414  is disposed substantially orthogonal to the common first plane  436 . The first vertex  418  and the second vertex  426  are connected by a planar member  438 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 8  the planar member  438  is on a second plane  440  that is substantially parallel to the first plane  436 . Further, the first generally triangular cross-section  412  and the second generally triangular cross-section  414  are separated by only one substantially un-partitioned generally triangular space (defined by a passageway  466 ). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 8  a distance  442  separates the first plane  436  and the second plane  440 . That is, the first face  416  (of the first generally triangular cross-section  412 ) and the second face  424  (of the second generally-triangular cross-section  414 ) are separated from the planar member  438  by a distance  442 . Generally the distance  442  ranges from approximately one and one half to three and three quarters inch. The width  444  of the support structure  410  can typically vary between six and fifteen inches. The typical dimensions indicated here for the distance  442  and the width  444  are not limitations for all embodiments. These dimensions may vary considerably from embodiment to embodiment. In the embodiment of  FIG. 8  the support structure  410  has a generally trapezoidal profile and the width (i.e. width  444 ) of the support structure  410  is at least twice the height (i.e., distance  442 ) of the support structure  410 . In other embodiments the width of a support structure may be less than twice the height of the support structure. 
     Support structure  410  is formed from a continuous folded sheet  454  of material that has a first edge  456  and an opposing second edge  458 . The combination of the first side  420 , the first face  416  and the second side  422  of the first generally triangular cross-section  412  form a first edge portion of the continuous folded sheet  454 . The combination of the first side  428 , the second face  424  and the second side  430  of the second generally triangular cross-section  414  form a second edge portion of the continuous folded sheet  454 . The planar member  438  is a central portion of the continuous folded sheet  454 . The first edge portion forms a first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  460  and the second edge portion forms a second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  462 . The first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  460  has a first face  416  and an opposing first vertex  418 , and the second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  462  has a second face  424  and an opposing second vertex  426 . The faces  420  and  428  and the planar member  38  form a third generally triangular cross-sectional tube  472 . The first face  416  and the second face  424  are disposed substantially on a common first plane  436  and the central portion of the continuous folded sheet  454  forms a planar member  438  that joins the first vertex  418  and the second vertex  426 . Further, the first generally triangular cross-sectional tube  460  and the second generally triangular cross-sectional tube  462  are separated by only one substantially un-partitioned third generally triangular cross-sectional tube  472 . 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates a cross section of a further embodiment of a support structure  510 . Support structure  510  includes a first generally triangular cross-section  512  and a second generally triangular cross-section  514  which in part divide a trapezoidal space into two adjacent triangles. The first generally triangular cross-section  512  has a first face  516  and an opposing first vertex  518 , formed by a first side  520  and a second side  522  of the first generally triangular cross-section  512 . The second side  522  is disposed at an angle  523  that is substantially non-orthogonal to the first face  516 . In some embodiments the angle  523  is substantially 45°. The second generally triangular cross-section  514  has a second face  524  that is substantially orthogonal to the first face  516  of the first generally triangular cross section  512  and the second generally triangular cross section  514  has a third side  528  that is substantially orthogonal to the second face  524  and the third side  528  joins the first vertex  518  to the second face  524 . The support structure  510  is formed from a continuous folded sheet  554 . In the previously-described support structures  10 ,  260 ,  310 , and  410 , both edges of the continuous folded sheets that form those support structures are disposed at a position that is interior to the support structure. That configuration provides a measure of intrinsic strength to the support structure. In the support structure  510  one edge  558  is disposed exterior to the support structure. In this embodiment a weld  560  or similar bonding element may be used to enhance the strength of the support structure  510 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 9A  a distance  542  separates the first face  516  of the first generally triangular cross-section  512  and the third side  528  of the the second generally triangular cross section  514 . Generally the distance  442  ranges from approximately one and one half to three and three quarters inch. The width  544  of the support structure  510  can typically vary between three and eight inches. The typical dimensions indicated here for the distance  542  and the width  544  are not limitations for all embodiments. These dimensions may vary considerably from embodiment to embodiment. In the embodiment of  FIG. 9A  the support structure  510  has a generally trapezoidal profile and the width (i.e. width  544 ) of the support structure  510  between 125% and up to twice the height (i.e., distance  542 ) of the support structure  510 . In other embodiments the width of a support structure may be less than twice the height of the support structure. A structures having a width between 125% and up to twice its height is referred to as a “mid-profile structure.” 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates a support structure  570  that is similar to support structure  510  depicted in  FIG. 9A . However, the first side  580  of the first generally triangular cross-section  582  includes a tab  584 . Furthermore, the second generally triangular cross-section  586  of the support structure  570  has an enclosing portion  586  that is formed separate from the first side  580  of the first generally triangular cross-section  582 . The enclosing portion  586  includes a tab  588 . Some embodiments may not include the tab  584  or the tab  588 . Note that in the support structure  570 , both edges ( 590  and  592 ) of the continuous folded-sheet  594  that forms the support structure  570  are disposed interior to the support structure  570 . The support structure  510  of  FIG. 9A  and the support structure  570  of  FIG. 9B  may, for example, be utilized in window and/or door jambs. 
       FIG. 10  depicts certain details of a corner assembly  610  embodiment. The corner assembly  610  includes a first support structure  620  and a second support structure  630 . The first and second support structures  620  and  630  are similar to the support structure  410  depicted in  FIG. 8 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the first and second support structures ( 620  and  660 ) have slightly different dimensions. In other corner assembly embodiments two support structures having substantially the same dimensions may be used, such as the support structures  410  depicted in  FIG. 8  where the angle  423  is substantially 45°. 
       FIG. 11  depicts certain details of a partition wall assembly  640 . The partition wall assembly  640  includes a first support structure  650 , a second support structure  660 , and a third support structure  670 . The first, second and third support structures ( 650 ,  660 , and  670 ) are similar to the the support structure  410  depicted in  FIG. 8 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the first and second support structures ( 650  and  660 ) have substantially the same dimensions. The third support structure  670  has dimensions that are slightly different from the first and second support structures ( 650  and  660 ). In other partition wall assembly embodiments three support structures having substantially the same dimensions may be used, such as the support structures  410  depicted in  FIG. 8  where the angle  423  is substantially 45°. 
       FIGS. 12A ,  12 B and  12 C illustrate the concept of “generally triangular” shapes as the term is used herein.  FIG. 12A  illustrates a “generally triangular” shape  700 . Generally triangular shape  700  is generally triangular because its contour fits between the sides of a first virtual triangle  710  and a second virtual triangle  720 , where the first virtual triangle  710  and the second virtual triangle  720  are congruent and concentric and where the length of each side of the second virtual triangle  720  is one-half the length of the corresponding side of the first virtual triangle  710 . The specific shapes and scale of the first virtual triangle  710  and the second virtual triangle  720  are not important in determining whether a shape (e.g.  700 ) is “generally triangular.” If a shape fits between the sides of any pair of congruent and concentric virtual triangles of any shape and scale, where the length of each side of the inner triangle is one-half the length of the corresponding side of the outer triangle, the shape is “generally triangular.” In some embodiments a shape fits between the sides of any pair of congruent and concentric virtual triangles of any shape and scale, where the length of each side of the inner triangle is three-fourths of the length of the corresponding side of the outer triangle. Such shapes are referred to as “substantially triangular.” Similarly, a shape is “substantially isosceles triangular” if it fits between the sides of any pair of congruent and concentric virtual isosceles triangles, where the length of each side of the inner isosceles triangle is three-fourths of the length of the corresponding side of the outer isosceles triangle. Further, a shape is “substantially right triangular” if it fits between the sides of any pair of congruent and concentric virtual right triangles, where the length of each side of the inner right triangle is three-fourths of the length of the corresponding side of the outer right triangle. 
       FIGS. 12B and 12C  illustrate a shape  730  that is somewhat similar to generally triangular shape  700 . However the contour of the shape  730  does not fit between the sides of the first virtual triangle  710  and the second virtual triangle  720 , regardless of whether the first virtual triangle  710  and the second virtual triangle  720  are oriented with bases down (as in  FIG. 12B ) or bases up (as in  FIG. 12C ). Nor (it is postulated) does the contour of shape  730  fit between the sides of any pair of congruent and concentric virtual triangles of any shape, where the length of each side of the inner triangle is one-half the length of the corresponding side of the outer triangle. Consequently, shape  730  is not “generally triangular.” 
     Embodiments described herein are significantly stronger than most current light-gage C-shaped or Z-shaped steel profiles. Various embodiments may be formed from many different materials including sheet material, such as galvanized steel or aluminum, or from polymers or composites. As previously indicated, these support structures may be formed by cold roll-forming. They may also be formed using bending (press brake) technology, or extrusion or pultrusion technology. These support structures are particularly well suited for applications in building walls or roof panelized systems as supporting elements. Embodiments may also be used in the construction of over-the-road truck and vehicle trailers and cargo enclosures, railroad cars, packing boxes, pallets, and so forth. 
     The foregoing descriptions of embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and exposition. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of principles and practical applications, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments as described and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.