Patent ID: 7334372

Claim:
A structural connector for connecting first and second structural members, the structural connector comprising: a. a first structural member; b. a second structural member; c. a first flange, having a top surface with a substantially planar portion, the first flange in operative connection with the first structural member such that forces imposed on the first flange can be transmitted to the first structural member, the first flange also being in operative connection with the second structural member such that forces imposed on the first flange can be transmitted to the second structural member; and d. an embossment in the substantially planar portion of the top surface of the first flange, wherein the embossment in the first flange is formed with first and second sections, the first section generally extending uniformly to a first level above the top surface of the substantially planar portion of the first flange, that is different from a level to which the second section generally uniformly extends above the top surface of the substantially planar portion of the first flange, the first and second sections being joined to each other at a distinct transition portion where the embossment descends from the level of the first section to the level of the second section.