William Ray McAlpine
Engineers in Pompano Beach, FL

4442649, Apr 17, 1984

Oct 18, 1982

6/434962

Robert Birckhead - Deerfield Beach FL
William R. McAlpine - Coral Springs FL

E04C 302, E04H 1206

52693

A fabricated wooden beam including at least two longitudinal wooden members spaced parallel and apart by a plurality of wooden blocks spaced between and along the length of the longitudinal members. A plurality of truss plates, each installed across one side of a block and spanning between each longitudinal member, provide structural integrity. The truss plates are installed in pairs with one across either face of each block at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the beam. Alignment of the generally parallel truss plates on one side of the beam is at an acute or preferably right angle to the alignment of the generally parallel truss plates on the opposite side of the beam. The preferred truss plate alignment of truss plates on both sides of the beam is at approximately 45. degree. to the longitudinal axis of the beam so that the beam has structural symmetry and optimal material utilization. Narrow truss plates at each end, tieing the ends of the longitudinal members and the end block more securely together, are designer optional.