Patent ID: 7658049

Claim:
A structural segment configured to be installed within a building, the segment comprising: a first beam defining a first edge portion of the segment, a second beam substantially parallel to and spaced from the first beam, wherein the first and second beams receive a first rigid member that is secured to both of the first and second beams and that engages a first rod that is configured to be secured with respect to a structural element of the building, the first rod being substantially parallel to the first and second beams, wherein the first rigid member and the first rod form at least a part of an assembly that is configured to prevent the first and second beams from moving away from the structural element; a third beam substantially parallel to and spaced from the second beam so that the second beam is between the first and third beams; a fourth beam defining a second edge portion of the segment, the fourth beam being substantially parallel to and spaced from the third beam so that the third beam is between the second and fourth beams, wherein the third and fourth beams receive a second rigid member that is secured to both of the third and fourth beams and that engages a second rod that is configured to be secured with respect to the structural element of the building, the second rod being substantially parallel to the third and fourth beams, wherein the second rigid member and the second rod form at least a part of an assembly that is configured to prevent the third and fourth beams from moving away from the structural element; a plurality of web members oriented diagonally with respect to the beams, the plurality of web members including a pair of web members having ends bearing against the second beam and defining load paths oriented to intersect substantially on a line that is collinear with the first rod when the first rigid member is secured to both the first and second beams and is engaged with the first rod, the plurality of web members also including a pair of web members having ends bearing against the third beam and defining load paths oriented to intersect substantially on a line that is collinear with the second rod when the second rigid member is secured to both the third and fourth beams and is engaged with the second rod; and a reinforcement plate secured to a first side of the segment, the reinforcement plate secured to at least one of the beams or web members.