Structural member and composite panel including same

摘要

A structural member comprising a sheet of industrial material in which is formed a plurality of dome-like projections of which at least the major portion of the configuration thereof in plan view is circular and said projections being located in the plane of said sheet in a structurally strategic geometric pattern which repeatedly blocks straight lines of vision across said sheet through said pattern of projections in all directions to form a one-piece rigid structural member capable of resistance to flexure and the intermediate portion of the sheet between said projections comprising arcuate continuous structural stress-resisting sections extending between the opposite edges of said member. Variations in patterns of projections comprise different embodiments of said member and, when fabricated, said member lends itself to a variety of end uses. When in the form of a composite panel, a flat sheet of planar material is affixed to the upper ends of said projections. The perimeter of said composite panel can also be provided with an integral bracing flange extending from the periphery of said member and terminating in an outwardly extending lip substantially within a plane common to the upper ends of said projections and when thus fabricated so lends itself particularly to a more specific and substantially more beneficial end use, such as in the art of access flooring.