Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Inclined top cover – Rafter tie-in at horizontal-type support
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-16
2001-04-03
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Inclined top cover
Rafter tie-in at horizontal-type support
C052S092200, C052S092300, C052S093200, C052S007000, C052S007000, C052S665000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209268
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to providing an overhang support system for gable roofs. More particularly, this invention concerns such a system utilizing a novel connector device for improved cantilever support of overhang structures as well as improved resistance against uplift forces, such as wind.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The typical prior art systems for providing an overhang support system for gable roofs are described and illustrated (see FIG.
1
and
FIG. 2
) in connection with the detailed description hereinafter of this invention. Such prior-art systems, as further hereinafter particularized, either fail to provide strong enough support for gable roof overhang members or create new structural problems in providing such support. For example, one typical method used to provide support for gable roof overhang members is to provide a plurality of unitary overhang support members extending from the top chord of the first adjacent roof truss, bisecting the gable end truss, and continuing outward to the overhang members. To provide a roof with a uniform slope, it is necessary to cut notches in either the gable end truss, the overhang support members, or both at the point where the unitary overhang support members bisect the gable end truss. Requiring the notching of one or more members is not only difficult, costly and time consuming, it also produces stress concentration sites at the notch points thereby decreasing the effective load bearing strength of the notched members.
Applicant is aware of other prior art attempts to make more rigid the connection points of various structural members. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,982 issued to Gilb discloses a deck post tie for use in resisting overturning bending moments produced in an upright structural member. To provide structural resistance to possible bending moments, the Gilb apparatus teaches a tie in which the top surface is not flush with the adjacent surface of the support member, but rather has a gradual slope which increases in the direction of maximum bending moment (e.g., bottom of upright support member). Though the Gilb apparatus may be adequate for its intended purpose, it would be inadequate for the purposes of the present disclosure because the sloped top surface, though necessary to counteract bending moments when used in accordance with the Gilb disclosure, would produce a roof having a non-uniform slope. Thus, it is believed by the applicant that the prior art cited herein will not accomplish the purpose of the present invention.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the need for strong support of gable roof overhang members, without thereby creating new structural problems, by the provision of an improved overhang support system according to the present invention. A further primary object of the present invention is to provide such an improved system utilizing a unitary connector body of the present invention. A further primary object of the present invention is to provide such a system and body which are efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention provides, for use with an overhang support system for a gable roof of the type including an overhang member, a gable end truss top chord member, and a first adjacent truss (to such end truss) top chord member, a unitary connector body comprising: first connection means for connecting an intermediate support member, situated between such first adjacent truss top chord member and such gable end truss top chord member, to such unitary connector body; second connection means for connecting an overhang support member, situated between such gable end truss top chord member and such overhang member, to such unitary connector body; and third connection means for connecting such gable end truss top chord member to such unitary connector body; such unitary connector body being constructed and arranged to enhance, when connected, the strength of cantilever support of such overhang support member. This invention further provides such a unitary connector body further comprising first channel means for fitting snugly over such overhang support member. Furthermore, it provides such a unitary connector body further comprising second channel means for fitting snugly over such intermediate support member. And it provides such a unitary connector body further comprising first connector positioning means for abutting such gable end truss top chord member for providing enhanced cantilever support for such overhang support member.
Moreover, this invention provides such a unitary connector body wherein such first connector positioning means is constructed and arranged for abutting a first side of such gable end truss top chord member, such first side facing toward such overhang member. And it also provides such a unitary connector body further comprising: second connector positioning means for abutting such gable end truss top chord member for providing positioning support for such unitary connector body; wherein such second connector positioning means is constructed and arranged for abutting a second side of such gable end truss chord member, such second side facing away from such overhang member; and, also, further comprising second strengthening means, adjoining such first connector positioning means and such second connector positioning means, for enhancing the structural support against lateral bending of such unitary connector body. And the present invention provides a unitary connector body further comprising a planar portion constructed and arranged for situation adjacent a plane of an upper side of such gable end truss top chord member and elongated in a direction from such first connection means to such second connection means; and, further, wherein such elongated planar portion comprises strengthening means for enhancing the structural support against bending of such planar portion of such unitary connector body.
In addition, this invention provides such a unitary connector body wherein such first, second, and third connection means comprise hole means in such unitary connector body for receiving attaching units; and, further, wherein such attaching units comprise nails and such hole means comprises offset means for providing nailing locations for minimizing structural harm to such intermediate support member and such overhang support member. And it provides such a unitary connector body further comprising a planar portion constructed and arranged for situation adjacent a plane of an upper side of such gable end truss top chord member and elongated in a direction from such first connection means to such second connection means; and wherein: such first, second, and third connection means comprise hole means in such unitary connector body for receiving attaching units; such attaching units comprise nails; such hole means comprises offset means for providing nailing locations for minimizing structural harm to any nailed members; and such channel means is constructed and arranged to fit snugly over the “2” width of a 2× member.
Yet additionally, this invention provides, according to preferred embodiment thereof, such a unitary connector body wherein said first connection means is constructed and arranged to provide user option: for connecting an intermediate support member, situated between said first adjacent truss top chord member and said gable end truss top chord member, to said unitary connector body; or for connecting said gable end truss top chord member to said unitary connector body. And it provides such a unitary connector body wherein: said first connection means comprises a bendable portion constructed and arranged in such manner as to provide, when said bendable portion is not bent, an attachment means for connecting an intermediate support member, situated between
A Phi Dieu Tran
Friedman Carl D.
Stoneman Martin L.
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