The present invention relates to the field of floor and roof support apparatus and, more particularly, to a truss and purlin support apparatus and a method of making and using same with building supports and floor and roof sheathing.
In the construction industry for buildings, including residential, commercial and institutional and high rise, there is a continuing need to achieve higher economic efficiencies in cost of materials, of fabrication, and of installation labor for floor and roof systems, as well as to achieve improved floor and roof structural efficiency. Though still largely undeveloped, the construction industry may be beginning to consider the use of light gauge steel (hereinafter, alternately referred to as “LGS” and/or “light weight steel”) constructions in this regard.
In the prior art, conventional floor constructions in LGS may heretofore have used “C”-channel floor joists 30, such as those assembled as illustrated in
In addition, prior art systems that included “C”-channel joists 30 have been subject to the significant problem of providing the requisite level of stability for the “C”-channel joists 30 in their upright position (as shown in
Use of prior art floor systems may also have presented additional headaches insofar as an “offset seam” may have been present (as indicated generally by arrows “Z” in
The aforementioned problem with prior art floor systems may have been somewhat more pronounced in low rise hotel constructions where a multitude of units, separated merely by center load bearing walls 24, may be present adjacent to one another. In such situations, and/or if several floors are constructed on top of each other, prior art “C”-channel joists 30 may have become particularly unstable. Extreme care and “X”-bracing 36 may heretofore have been required to achieve a requisite level of stability, especially when under an applied load of several building stories. Moreover, such uses of prior art systems may not have afforded and/or guaranteed the desired level of sound stability, especially when under an applied load of several building stories.
It is thus an object of this invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed a truss and purlin support apparatus for use with building support members and a substantially planar substrate sheathing member. The apparatus includes a plurality of Pratt-style elongate truss members and a plurality of purlin members. Each of the truss members has at least two support portions longitudinally spaced from one another. The support portions are adapted to operatively engage and transfer loads to the building support members. Each of the truss members includes an elongate top chord, an elongate bottom chord, and a plurality of web members securely extending between the top chord and the bottom chord. Each of the purlin members extends in a substantially transverse direction relative to the elongate truss members. Each of the purlin members has an underside portion that is shaped to define a plurality of notched portions. The notched portions are spaced from one another in the transverse direction along the underside portion. Each of the notched portions is saddled over a respective top chord of the truss members, so as to restrict sliding movement of the purlin members in the transverse direction. The purlin members operatively support the substrate sheathing member thereon. The top chord, the bottom chord, the web members, and the purlin members are constructed from roll-formed light gauge steel material.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the truss members may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a center of gravity that is operatively located below the support portions.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, neighboring ones of the truss members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be spaced by a truss on-center distance in the substantially transverse direction that is selected from the group consisting of about 36 inches and about 48 inches.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, neighboring ones of the purlin members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be spaced by a purlin on-center distance in a substantially longitudinal direction that is selected from the group consisting of about 16 inches and about 24 inches.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, each top chord and each bottom chord may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped, in profile, so as to define a substantially “U”-shaped chord portion and two substantially “L”-shaped chord portions. The “U”-shaped chord portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, include two substantially planar chord side portions extending substantially at right angles from opposing ends of a substantially planar central chord base portion. The chord side portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, define a web-receiving aperture therebetween. Each of the “L”-shaped chord portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a substantially planar first chord segment and a substantially planar second chord segment. The first chord segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend in a substantially outward direction and substantially at right angles from a respective one of the chord side portions. The second chord segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially at right angles from the first chord segment. In each of the truss members, the web-receiving aperture of the bottom chord may preferably, but need not necessarily, face in a substantially upward direction and the web-receiving aperture of the top chord may preferably, but need not necessarily, face in a substantially downward direction. Each of the web members may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend into each web-receiving aperture, and securely engage each “U”-shaped chord portion, of the top chord and of the bottom chord.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more of the central chord base portion and the chord side portions of each top chord and each bottom chord may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped so as to define a stiffening projection substantially along a longitudinal extent thereof, whereby each top chord and each bottom chord may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided with structural rigidity.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in each top chord and in each bottom chord, the chord side portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped so as to define a plurality of longitudinally spaced locator apertures therein. Each of the web members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided with end portions that are each shaped to define a locator aperture mating portion. Each of the web members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be located within each web-receiving aperture, and securely engage each “U”-shaped chord portion, of the top chord and of the bottom chord. Each locator aperture mating portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially securely aligned with one of the locator apertures.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the truss members may preferably, but need not necessarily, additionally include two support stiffening members, each preferably, but not necessarily, securely engaging the top chord substantially adjacent to a respective one of the support portions. Each of the support stiffening members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned within the web-receiving aperture of the top chord. The support stiffening members may preferably, but need not necessarily, substantially maintain local structural integrity of the support portions preferably, but not necessarily, whilst the support portions operatively transfer the loads to the building support members.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the support stiffening members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped, in profile, so as to define a substantially “C”-shaped support stiffening portion. The “C”-shaped support stiffening portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, include two substantially planar support side portions extending substantially at right angles from opposing ends of a substantially planar central support base portion. The central support base portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned substantially vertically within the web-receiving aperture of the top chord.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the purlin members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped so as to define, remotely of the notched portions, a substantially “C”-shaped purlin profile that faces in the substantially downward direction.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the “C”-shaped purlin profile may preferably, but need not necessarily, be defined by a substantially planar central purlin base portion and two substantially “L”-shaped purlin portions. Each of the “L”-shaped purlin portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a substantially planar first purlin segment and a substantially planar second purlin segment. The first purlin segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially at right angles from one respective end of the purlin base portion. The second purlin segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend in a substantially inward direction and substantially at right angles from the first purlin segment.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the chord base portion of the top chord may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely engage the purlin base portion adjacent to one of the notched portions. The chord base portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially flush with the purlin base portion. The chord base portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, operatively substantially support the substrate sheathing member.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the opposing ends of the central chord base portion of the top chord may preferably, but need not necessarily, define a concave portion therebetween. The concave portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, face in the upward direction. According to this aspect of the invention, the apparatus may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted to additionally include a predetermined amount of an adhesive operatively interposed in adhering relation substantially between the concave portion and the substrate sheathing member.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the purlin members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped so as to define, substantially adjacent to the notched portions, a substantially “U”-shaped purlin profile that faces in the substantially downward direction. The “U”-shaped purlin profile may preferably, but need not necessarily, include two purlin side portions extending substantially at right angles from opposing ends of the purlin base portion. The first purlin segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend beyond the purlin side portions in the downward direction. The purlin side portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely engage the chord base portion of the top chord. The purlin side portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, define an up-set portion that extends between each of the notched portions and the purlin base portion. The chord base portion of the top chord may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively vertically spaced from the substrate sheathing member.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the web members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped, in profile, so as to define a substantially “C”-shaped web portion.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the “C”-shaped web portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a substantially planar central web base portion and two substantially “L”-shaped web side portions. Each of the web side portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a substantially planar first web segment and a substantially planar second web segment. The first web segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially at right angles from one respective end of the web base portion. The second web segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend in a substantially inward direction and substantially at right angles from the first web segment.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the truss members may preferably, but need not necessarily, additionally include two load distribution plates, each securely engaging the top chord. Each of the load distribution plates may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively substantially interposed between a respective one of the support portions and one of the building support members. The load distribution plates may preferably, but need not necessarily, operatively transfer the loads to the building support members preferably, but not necessarily, whilst substantially maintaining local structural integrity of the building support members.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the load distribution plates may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively securely fastened to one of the building support members.
In accordance with the present invention, there is also disclosed a method of forming a truss and purlin support apparatus for use with building support members. The method includes a chord forming step, a web forming step, and a purlin forming step. In the chord forming step, a plurality of top chords and bottom chords are roll-formed by passing first elongate sheets of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming chord tool sets. Passage of the first elongate sheets through each successive one of the chord tool sets progressively forms the top chords and the bottom chords. In the web forming step, a plurality of web members are roll-formed by passing second elongate sheets of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming web tool sets. Passage of the second elongate sheets through each successive one of the web tool sets progressively forms the web members. In the purlin forming step, a plurality of purlin members are roll-formed by passing a plurality of third elongate sheets of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming purlin tool sets. Passage of the third elongate sheets through each successive one of the purlin tool sets progressively forms the purlin members, such that each of the purlin members has an underside portion that defines a plurality of notched portions that are longitudinally spaced from one another. Each of the web members is adapted to be operatively secured between one of the top chords and one of the bottom chords to form elongate truss members. The truss members are securable on the building support members. The truss members are adapted to be nested and secured within the notched portions of the purlin members. The purlin members operatively extend in a transverse direction relative to the elongate truss members. Each of the purlin members is adapted to operatively support a substantially planar substrate sheathing member thereon.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the method may preferably, but need not necessarily, additionally include a purlin sheet forming step before the purlin forming step. In the purlin sheet forming step, the plurality of the third elongate sheets may preferably, but need not necessarily, be formed with a plurality of opposed notch pairs along longitudinal edges thereof.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the purlin sheet forming step, neighboring ones of the opposed notch pairs may preferably, but need not necessarily, be spaced by a truss on-center distance that is selected from the group consisting of about 36 inches and about 48 inches.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the chord forming step, each of the top chords and the bottom chords may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed so that a chord profile of each of the top chords and the bottom chords defines a substantially “U”-shaped chord portion and two substantially “L”-shaped chord portions. The “U”-shaped chord portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, include two substantially planar chord side portions extending substantially at right angles from opposing ends of a substantially planar central chord base portion. The chord side portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, define a web-receiving aperture therebetween. Each of the “L”-shaped chord portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a substantially planar first chord segment and a substantially planar second chord segment. The first chord segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend in a substantially outward direction and substantially at right angles from a respective one of the chord side portions. The second chord segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially at right angles from the first chord segment. The web-receiving aperture of each of the bottom chords may preferably, but need not necessarily, operatively face in a substantially upward direction and the web-receiving aperture of each of the top chords may preferably, but need not necessarily, operatively face in a substantially downward direction. Each of the web members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively adapted to extend into each web-receiving aperture, and to be secured to each “U”-shaped chord portion, of each of the top chords and the bottom chords.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the chord forming step, one or more of the central chord base portion and the chord side portions of each of the top chords and the bottom chords may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed so as to define a stiffening projection substantially along a longitudinal extent thereof.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the chord forming step, a plurality of longitudinally spaced locator apertures may preferably, but need not necessarily, be punched in the chord side portions of each of the top chords and the bottom chords. In the web forming step, a locator aperture mating portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, be punched in each end portion of each of the web members. Each locator aperture mating portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted to be operatively aligned with one of the locator apertures.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the method may preferably, but need not necessarily, additionally include a support stiffener forming step. In the support stiffener forming step, a plurality of support stiffening members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed by passing the second elongate sheets through the series of roll-forming web tool sets. Passage of the second elongate sheets through each successive one of the web tool sets may preferably, but need not necessarily, progressively form the support stiffening members, such that a support profile of each of the support stiffening members may preferably, but need not necessarily, define a substantially “C”-shaped support stiffening portion. The “C”-shaped support stiffening portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, include two substantially planar support side portions extending substantially at right angles from opposing ends of a substantially planar central support base portion. The web-receiving aperture of each of the top chords may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted to operatively receive two support stiffening members therewithin. Each of the support stiffening members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially adjacent to the support portions. The central support base portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned substantially vertically.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the chord forming step, the opposing ends of the central chord base portion of each of the top chords may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed to define a concave portion therebetween. The concave portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, operatively face in the upward direction. The concave portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted to operatively receive a predetermined amount of an adhesive.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the purlin forming step, each of the purlin members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed so as to define, remotely of the notched portions, a substantially “C”-shaped purlin profile that faces in the substantially downward direction.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the purlin forming step, the “C”-shaped purlin profile may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed to include a substantially planar central purlin base portion and two substantially “L”-shaped purlin portions. Each of the “L”-shaped purlin portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a substantially planar first purlin segment and a substantially planar second purlin segment. The first purlin segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially at right angles from one respective end of the purlin base portion. The second purlin segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend in a substantially inward direction and substantially at right angles from the first purlin segment.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the purlin forming step, each of the purlin members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed so as to define, substantially adjacent to the notched portions, a substantially “U”-shaped purlin profile that faces in the substantially downward direction. The “U”-shaped purlin profile may preferably, but need not necessarily, additionally include two purlin side portions extending substantially at right angles from opposing ends of the purlin base portion. The first purlin segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend beyond the purlin side portions in the downward direction. Each of the purlin side portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, define an up-set portion that extends between each of the notched portions and the purlin base portion. The purlin side portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, operatively engage the chord base portion of each of the top chords. The chord base portion of the top chord may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively vertically spaced from the substrate sheathing member.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the web forming step, each of the web members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed so that a web profile of each of the web members defines a substantially “C”-shaped web portion.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the web forming step, the “C”-shaped web portion may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed to include a substantially planar central web base portion and two substantially “L”-shaped web side portions. Each of the web side portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a substantially planar first web segment and a substantially planar second web segment. The first web segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially at right angles from one respective end of the web base portion. The second web segment may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend in a substantially inward direction and substantially at right angles from the first web segment.
In accordance with the present invention, there is additionally disclosed a method of forming a truss and purlin support apparatus on building support members. The method includes a truss assembling step, a truss supporting step after the truss assembling step, an apparatus assembling step, and a sheathing step after the apparatus assembling step. In the truss assembling step, a plurality of elongate truss members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be assembled, each preferably, but not necessarily, having a plurality of support portions longitudinally spaced from one another, and each preferably, but not necessarily, being assembled by locating and securing a plurality of roll-formed web members between a roll-formed top chord and a roll-formed bottom chord. In the truss supporting step, the support portions of the truss members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be located and secured on the building support members. In the apparatus assembling step, the truss members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be nested and secured within a plurality of notched portions of a plurality of roll-formed purlin members. The purlin members may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend in a transverse direction relative to the elongate truss members, so as to preferably, but not necessarily, restrict sliding movement of the purlin members in the transverse direction. In the sheathing step, a substantially planar substrate sheathing member may preferably, but need not necessarily, be supported on the purlin members.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the truss supporting step, the centers of gravity of the truss members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be located below the support portions.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the apparatus assembling step, neighboring ones of the purlin members may preferably, but need not necessarily, be spaced in a substantially longitudinal direction by a purlin on-center distance that is selected from the group consisting of about 16 inches and about 24 inches.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the truss supporting step, two load distribution plates, securely engaging the top chord, may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially securely interposed between the support portions and the building support members.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the truss supporting step, the load distribution plates may preferably, but need not necessarily, be securely fastened to the building support members.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the apparatus assembling step, each of the top chords may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially flush with each of the purlin members. In the sheathing step, the top chord may preferably, but need not necessarily, substantially support the substrate sheathing member.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, the method may preferably, but need not necessarily, additionally include a gluing step, before the sheathing step, of applying a predetermined amount of an adhesive preferably, but not necessarily, to one of the substrate sheathing member and a upward-facing concave portion of the top chord. In the sheathing step, the predetermined amount of the adhesive may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively interposed in adhering relation substantially between the concave portion and the substrate sheathing member.
According to an aspect of one preferred embodiment of the invention, in the apparatus assembling step, up-set portions of the purlin members preferably, but not necessarily, substantially adjacent to the notched portions may preferably, but need not necessarily, engage each the top chord. In the sheathing step, the top chord may preferably, but need not necessarily, be vertically spaced from the substrate sheathing member.
Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which are briefly described hereinbelow.
A truss and purlin support apparatus 40 according to the invention in shown in
Each of the truss members 50 has at least two support portions 52 longitudinally spaced from one another. The support portions 52 are adapted to operatively engage and transfer loads to the building support members 20.
Each of the truss members 50 includes an elongate top chord 54b, an elongate bottom chord 54a, and a plurality of web members 80 securely extending between the top chord 54b and the bottom chord 54a. The top chord 54b, the bottom chord 54a, the web members 80, and the purlin members 120 are preferably constructed from roll-formed light gauge steel material. Each top chord 54b and each bottom chord 54a may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped, in profile, so as to define a substantially “U”-shaped chord portion 56 and two substantially “L”-shaped chord portions 72.
The “U”-shaped chord portion 56 may preferably, but need not necessarily, include two substantially planar chord side portions 64 extending substantially at right angles from opposing ends 60 of a substantially planar central chord base portion 58. The chord side portions 64 may preferably, but need not necessarily, define a web-receiving aperture 66 therebetween.
One or more of the central chord base portion 58 and the chord side portions 64 of each top chord 54b and each bottom chord 54a may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped so as to define a stiffening projection 68 substantially along a longitudinal extent thereof, whereby each top chord 54b and each bottom chord 54a may preferably, but need not necessarily, be provided with structural rigidity.
In each top chord 54b and in each bottom chord 54a, the chord side portions 64 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped so as to define a plurality of longitudinally spaced locator apertures 70 therein.
Each of the “L”-shaped chord portions 72 may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a substantially planar first chord segment 74 and a substantially planar second chord segment 76. The first chord segment 74 may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend in a substantially outward direction “D” and substantially at right angles from a respective one of the chord side portions 64. The second chord segment 76 may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially at right angles from the first chord segment 74.
In each of the truss members 50, the web-receiving aperture 66 of the bottom chord 54a may preferably, but need not necessarily, face in a substantially upward direction “F” and the web-receiving aperture 66 of the top chord 54b may preferably, but need not necessarily, face in a substantially downward direction “G”. Each of the web members 80 may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend into and be located within each web-receiving aperture 66, and securely engage each “U”-shaped chord portion 56, of the top chord 54b and of the bottom chord 54a.
As best seen in
Each of the web members 80 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped, in profile, so as to define a substantially “C”-shaped web portion 86. The “C”-shaped web portion 86 may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a substantially planar central web base portion 88 and two substantially “L”-shaped web side portions 90. Each of the web side portions 90 may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a substantially planar first web segment 92 and a substantially planar second web segment 94. The first web segment 92 may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially at right angles from one respective end of the web base portion 88. The second web segment 94 may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend in a substantially inward direction “E” and substantially at right angles from the first web segment 92.
Each of the truss members 50 may preferably, but need not necessarily, have a center of gravity (not shown) that is operatively located below the support portions 52.
Each of the truss members 50 may preferably, but need not necessarily, additionally include two support stiffening members 100, each preferably, but not necessarily, securely engaging the top chord 54b substantially adjacent to a respective one of the support portions 52. Each of the support stiffening members 100 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned within the web-receiving aperture 66 of the top chord 54b. The support stiffening members 100 may preferably, but need not necessarily, substantially maintain local structural integrity of the support portions 52 preferably, but not necessarily, whilst the support portions 52 operatively transfer the loads to the building support members 20.
Each of the support stiffening members 100 (as best seen in
Each of the truss members 50 may preferably, but need not necessarily, additionally include two load distribution plates 110, each securely engaging the top chord 54b. Each of the load distribution plates 110 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively substantially interposed between a respective one of the support portions 52 and one of the building support members 20. The load distribution plates 110 may preferably, but need not necessarily, operatively transfer the loads to the building support members 20 preferably, but not necessarily, whilst substantially maintaining local structural integrity of the building support members 20. Each of the load distribution plates 110 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively securely fastened, through fastening apertures 112, to one of the building support members 20.
Each of the purlin members 120 extends in a substantially transverse direction “B” relative to the elongate truss members 50. Each of the purlin members 120 has an underside portion 124 that is shaped to define a plurality of notched portions 126. The notched portions 126 may extend to end portions 122 of the purlin members 120
The notched portions 126 are spaced from one another in the transverse direction “B” along the underside portion 124. Each of the notched portions 126 is saddled over a respective top chord 54b of the truss members 50, so as to restrict sliding movement of the purlin members 120 in the transverse direction “B”.
Each of the purlin members 120 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped so as to define, remotely of the notched portions 126, a substantially “C”-shaped purlin profile 132 that faces in the substantially downward direction “G”.
The “C”-shaped purlin profile 132 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be defined by a substantially planar central purlin base portion 134 and two substantially “L”-shaped purlin portions 136. Each of the “L”-shaped purlin portions 136 may preferably, but need not necessarily, include a substantially planar first purlin segment 138 and a substantially planar second purlin segment 140. The first purlin segment 138 may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend substantially at right angles from one respective end of the purlin base portion 134. The second purlin segment 140 may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend in a substantially inward direction “E” and substantially at right angles from the first purlin segment 138.
As best seen in
The purlin members 120 operatively support the substrate sheathing member 26 thereon.
In floor systems, the chord base portion 58 of the top chord 54b may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely engage the purlin base portion 134 adjacent to one of the notched portions 126. In such floor systems, the chord base portion 58 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially flush with the purlin base portion 134. In floor systems, the chord base portion 58 may preferably, but need not necessarily, operatively substantially support the substrate sheathing member 26.
As best seen in
Alternately, and as may be particularly advantageous in the construction of roof systems according to the present invention, each of the purlin members 120 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be shaped so as to define, substantially adjacent to the notched portions 126, a substantially “U”-shaped purlin profile 142 that faces in the substantially downward direction “G”. The “U”-shaped purlin profile 142 may preferably, but need not necessarily, include two purlin side portions 144 extending substantially at right angles from opposing ends of the purlin base portion 134. The first purlin segment 138 may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend beyond the purlin side portions 144 in the downward direction “G”. The purlin side portions 144 may preferably, but need not necessarily, securely engage the chord base portion 58 of the top chord 54b. The purlin side portions 144 may preferably, but need not necessarily, define an up-set portion (with the terms “purlin side portion” and “up-set portion” being herein used, mutatis mutandis, substantially interchangeably) that extends between each of the notched portions 126 and the purlin base portion 134. In roof systems constructed according to the present invention, the chord base portion 58 of the top chord 54b may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively vertically spaced from the substrate sheathing member 26.
The present invention also extends to a method of forming the apparatus 40 which may preferably include a chord forming step, a web forming step, a support stiffener forming step, a purlin sheet forming step, and a purlin forming step.
In the chord forming step, the top chords 54b and the bottom chords 54a are roll-formed by passing first elongate sheets (not shown) of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming chord tool sets (not shown). Passage of the first elongate sheets through each successive one of the chord tool sets progressively forms the top chords 54b and the bottom chords 54a. In the chord forming step, each of the top chords 54b and the bottom chords 54a may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed so that a chord profile of each of the top chords 54b and the bottom chords 54a defines the “U”-shaped chord portion 56 and the two “L”-shaped chord portions 72. One or more of the central chord base portion 58 and the chord side portions 64 of each of the top chords 54b and the bottom chords 54a may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed so as to define a stiffening projection 68 substantially along a longitudinal extent thereof. The locator apertures 70 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be punched in the chord side portions 64 of each of the top chords 54b and the bottom chords 54a. In the chord forming step, the opposing ends 60 of the central chord base portion 58 of each of the top chords 54b may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed to define the concave portion 62 therebetween.
In the web forming step, the web members 80 are roll-formed by passing second elongate sheets (not shown) of light gauge steel material through a series of roll-forming web tool sets (not shown). Passage of the second elongate sheets through each successive one of the web tool sets progressively forms the web members 80. In the web forming step, a locator aperture mating portion 84 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be punched in each end portion 82 of each of the web members 80.
In the support stiffener forming step, the support stiffening members 100 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be roll-formed by passing the second elongate sheets through the series of roll-forming web tool sets. Passage of the second elongate sheets through each successive one of the web tool sets may preferably, but need not necessarily, progressively form the support stiffening members 100, such that a support profile 102 of each of the support stiffening members 100 may preferably, but need not necessarily, define the substantially “C”-shaped support stiffening portion (with the terms “support profile” and “support stiffening portion” being herein used, mutatis mutandis, substantially interchangeably).
In the purlin sheet forming step, the plurality of third elongate sheets 200 (as shown in
In the purlin forming step, the purlin members 120 are roll-formed by passing the third elongate sheets 200 (as shown in
According to this method, each of the web members 80 so formed is adapted to be operatively secured between one of the top chords 54b and one of the bottom chords 54a to form the elongate truss members 50. Each of the web members 80 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively adapted to extend into each web-receiving aperture 66, and to be secured to each “U”-shaped chord portion 56, of each of the top chords 54b and the bottom chords 54a. Each locator aperture mating portion 84 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted to be operatively aligned with one of the locator apertures 70 and secured therewith by a web fastener (not shown). The web-receiving aperture 66 of each of the top chords 54b may preferably, but need not necessarily, be adapted to operatively receive two support stiffening members 100 therewithin. Each of the support stiffening members 100 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially adjacent to the support portions 52. The central support base portion 104 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be positioned substantially vertically. The truss members 50 are securable on the building support members 20. The truss members 50 are adapted to be nested and secured within the notched portions 126 of the purlin members 120. The purlin members 120 operatively extend in the transverse direction “B” relative to the elongate truss members 50. Each of the purlin members 120 is adapted to operatively support the sheathing member 26 thereon.
The present invention additionally extends to a method of using the apparatus 40 with the building support members 20. This method includes a truss assembling step, a truss supporting step after the truss assembling step, an apparatus 40 assembling step, a gluing step, and a sheathing step after the apparatus 40 assembling step.
In the truss assembling step, the truss members 50 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be assembled, each preferably, but not necessarily, having the support portions 52 longitudinally spaced from one another, and each preferably, but not necessarily, being assembled by locating and securing the web members 80 between the top chord 54b and the bottom chord 54a.
In the truss supporting step, the support portions 52 of the truss members 50 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be located and secured on the building support members 20. The centers of gravity of the truss members 50 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be located below the support portions 52. In the truss supporting step, the load distribution plates 110, securely engaging the top chord 54b, may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially securely interposed between the support portions 52 and the building support members 20. The load distribution plates 110 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be securely fastened, through fastening apertures 112, to the building support members 20.
In the apparatus 40 assembling step, the truss members 50 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be nested and secured within the notched portions 126 of the purlin members 120. The purlin members 120 may preferably, but need not necessarily, extend in the transverse direction “B” relative to the elongate truss members 50, so as to preferably, but not necessarily, restrict sliding movement of the purlin members 120 in the transverse direction “B”. Neighboring ones of the purlin members 120 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be spaced in the longitudinal direction “A” by the purlin on-center distance “K” being selected from the group consisting of about 16 inches and about 24 inches.
In the apparatus 40 assembling step, for floor systems, each of the top chords 54b may preferably, but need not necessarily, be substantially flush with each of the purlin members 120.
In the apparatus 40 assembling step, for roof systems, the up-set portions 144 of the purlin members 120—preferably, but not necessarily, substantially adjacent to the notched portions 126—may preferably, but need not necessarily, engage each top chord 54b.
In the gluing step, for floor systems, the predetermined amount 152 of the adhesive 150 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be applied to one of the substrate sheathing member 26 and a upward-facing concave portion 62 of the top chord 54b.
In the sheathing step, the sheathing member 26 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be supported on the purlin members 120.
In the sheathing step, for floor systems, the top chord 54b may preferably, but need not necessarily, substantially support the substrate sheathing member 26. The predetermined amount 152 of the adhesive 150 may preferably, but need not necessarily, be operatively interposed in adhering relation substantially between the concave portion 62 and the substrate sheathing member 26.
In the sheathing step, for roof systems, the top chord 54b may preferably, but need not necessarily, be vertically spaced from the substrate sheathing member 26.
The construction of the truss members 50 according to the present invention is shown in
The load distribution plates 110 may help to ensure loads are transferred to supporting structures below the building support members 20 without substantial localized distortion, and the support stiffening members 100 may help to prevent the top chord 54b from local collapse as a result of point loads.
The apparatus 40, including the truss members 50, is an open-web assembly. The apparatus 40 is shown in a floor configuration in
In floor systems, and as best seen in
Also, though only the top chord 54b is shown in detail in
The notched purlins 120 have the “C”-shaped purlin profile 132 and may preferably be placed structurally in their weakest axis against loads (not shown) to avoid and/or reduce an otherwise tendency to twist. Though not essential to the working of the invention, it is generally thought, that with the notched purlins 120 placed in their weakest axis against the loads, the shear center may run substantially directly inline with the load, such that there may be a reduced tendency for the LGS member to twist. The purlin members 120 according to the invention will preferably be sufficiently rigid to support the sub-floor sheathing 26. In
The purlin member 120 which is used in floor systems (i.e., the floor purlin member 120a best seen in
According to one aspect of the present invention, the truss members 50 may preferably be supported at the support portions 52 that are located either on the top chord 54b or substantially adjacent thereto. Such a configuration allows the truss member 50 to “hang” so as to inherently reduce the chances of collapse under load conditions and so as to greatly reduce the secondary installation work that might otherwise be required in order to stabilize the floor system.
By spacing the truss members 50 twice the distance apart from one another, the present invention may provide one or more significant advantages over prior art systems—possibly making it easier to install HVAC (heating and air conditioning) components, as well as electrical and plumbing components. With the truss members being spaced the distance “J” from one another of 48″ on-centers (hereinafter, alternately referred to as “OC”), and with wall studs being spaced from one another at about 16″ OC, then in comparison to prior systems, two of every three prior floor trusses may not be required.
It may be additionally thought, though it is not essential to the working of the present invention, that the amount of deflection of the floor truss members 50 may be substantially dependent upon the modulus of elasticity for steel, Young's modulus (i.e., with E approximately equal to about 29,500,000 psi), which may be much higher for steel than for wood. The comparatively low modulus of elasticity for wood may mean that a typical 10″ wood floor joist may deflect vastly more than one formed from LGS. Various governmental codes and standards may limit the acceptable amount of deflection for the truss member 50 under the load (not shown) to the unsupported spanning length (in inches) divided by 360. As a result, it may not be possible, for example, to provide double spans for most wood applications. As such, the concepts employed, and the functioning and utilities afforded, by the LGS construction of the present invention do not work the same way for, and do not have a historical equivalent in, wood applications.
Various features and capabilities of, and/or advantages afforded by, the present invention—e.g., alternating spacing of the truss members 50 as shown in
A typical low rise hotel installation (e.g., about six building stories) according to the present invention is shown in
One advantage of the apparatus 40, with the notched purlins 120, may be that the notched portions 126 may be generally provided at the distance “J” of either 32″ or 48″ apart. Accordingly, the notched portions 126 may preferably be used as a template for measuring the location and distance between adjacent ones of the floor truss members 50. As such, in use, one may generally need only to locate a starting point, after which the measuring tape may be no longer required until completion of the unit 25a, 25b, 25c.
The “hat”-shaped design of the bottom and top chords 54a, 54b, which is best seen
A further feature of the top chord 54b, which may be particularly useful when used in floor systems, is that base portion 58 of the top chord 54b includes a concave portion 62 (as best seen in
As may be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art upon a consideration of
When used in roof systems, the notched purlins 120 (alternately herein referred to as roof purlin members 120b when used in such roof systems) as shown in
As shown in
In
Various other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the truss and purlin support apparatus and in the method of making and using same with building supports and floor and roof sheathing according to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the accompanying claims.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60738989 | Nov 2005 | US |