Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Openwork; e.g. – truss – trellis – grille – screen – frame – or... – Side-by-side terminus shafts; e.g. – truss
Reexamination Certificate
2002-07-25
2004-12-28
Glessner, Brian E. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Openwork; e.g., truss, trellis, grille, screen, frame, or...
Side-by-side terminus shafts; e.g., truss
C052S693000, C052S696000, C052SDIG006
Reexamination Certificate
active
06834470
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a structural framework, a method of forming a framework and webs therefor and, in particular, but not exclusively, to a structural framework in the form of a building truss including at least one top chord arranged obliquely to a generally horizontal bottom chord. The invention also relates to a pedestal for use in the manufacture of such frameworks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Our International Patent Application No. PCT/US00/23367 discloses a structural framework in the form of a building truss which includes metal web members which extend between the top chords of the truss and the bottom chord of the truss. The reinforcing web members in one form as disclosed in the above International application comprise tubular members of circular cross section which have deformed ends to provide flattened tabs which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the web member. The tabs are bent during installation so as to lie flush with a surface of the chords to which the reinforcing members are to be connected. In conventional wooden trusses, adjacent reinforcing web members are arranged so that the web members contact one another. Indeed, in the formation of conventional trusses which have wooden reinforcing web members, the web members contact one another so that compressive and tensile loads applied to the truss are transferred from the chords and absorbed by the truss. In general practice the wooden web member which is to undergo compression contacts the adjacent web member which undergoes tension and the two web members are connected to a chord of the truss by a common connector plate.
In the formation of conventional structural frameworks, in particular, wooden trusses which have oblique top chords and a generally horizontal bottom chord, the chords are laid out on pedestals which are positioned to define the general configuration of the truss. The chords can be held in place by clamps which abut outer surfaces of the chords. Reinforcing web members cut from wood are connected to the chords at predetermined locations and the prescribed length of the wooden reinforcing web members and their proper installation in the truss define the final configuration of the truss. In particular, the wooden members are generally cut to have an end face at each end and the end face of a web member is positioned at a predetermined location and secured to a chord. The other end face is then pulled into engagement with an opposed chord until the end face sits flush with the opposed chord thereby indicating that the web member is in position. This may require some movement of the chord so that the chord does sit flush with the end of the web member. Such movement may be necessary to take a bow out of the chord. When the end is positioned flush with the chord, the end is secured in position. Thus, the final exact shape of the framework and, in particular, the chords of the framework is provided by the installation of the reinforcing web members in the framework.
In the formation of structural frameworks in which metal web members are used, the manner of connecting the metal web members, as described in the above International application, does not allow the installation of the web members themselves to define the configuration of the truss.
Furtherstill, in conventional frameworks which have wooden web members, the web members are laid out and secured in order because of the need to abut adjacent web members together. This therefore requires a workman to work in a particular sequence and the workman does not have the luxury of installing any particular web member at any particular time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to provide improvements to the structural frameworks and their method of manufacture disclosed in the above International application and also to the conventional wooden trusses.
The invention in a first aspect provides a method of forming a structural member having at least one top chord and at least one bottom chord, including the steps of:
defining a theoretical connection point on at least one of the chords which provides structural integrity of the framework;
connecting the metal web member to the bottom chord and to the top chord so that the web member is connected to the said one of the bottom chord or the top chord at a web member connection point spaced from the theoretical connection point.
The formation of the structural framework with web members connecting the bottom chord and spaced from the theoretical connection point by a predetermined distance, enables greater flexibility in the selection of metal web members because adjacent web members do not have to be, and in fact are not, in actual physical contact with one another. Thus, web members from a stock set of web member lengths are more easily selected for use in the truss and more easily assembled in the truss because of the ability to space the connection points of the web members from a theoretical connection point by a predetermined distance.
Preferably the method includes connecting a plurality of web members between the top chord and bottom chord so that the web members are inclined with respect to the chords and define pairs of web members which have a first end which are closer to one another than a second end of the web members of each pair, and wherein the said first ends are both connected to one of the chords at web member connection points which are spaced apart from the theoretical connection point with the theoretical connection point being between the web member connection points of the first ends of the web members.
Preferably the step of connecting the web members at the web member connection points comprises spacing the web member connection points apart from the theoretical connection point by a predetermined distance.
Preferably the step of spacing the web member connection points apart by the predetermined distance comprise connecting the chords to the bottom truss within a predetermined distance range from the theoretical connection point but not outside the predetermined distance range.
Preferably the method includes the step of providing support means on which the chords are supported and the pedestals having markings which define the predetermined distance range in which the reinforcing web members can be connected to the web member.
Preferably the method includes the step of providing the reinforcing web member with tabs which are bent with respect to the longitudinal axis of the web member at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the web member, locating a tab against a surface of one of the chords and securing the tab to the chord, manually pulling the web member so as to bring the tab at the other end of the web member into engagement with another of the chords and to cause the said tabs to further bend so as to sit flush with the chords, and securing the other of the tabs in position.
Preferably the step of securing the web members includes providing temporary connection means on at least the said other tab so that when the said other tab is pulled into engagement with the other chord, the ancillary connection means temporarily connects and holds the reinforcing web member in position to facilitate final securement of the other said tab to the other said chord. Preferably the step of providing ancillary connection means comprises providing a barb on the web member which engages and penetrates the chord to temporarily locate and hold the web member in position.
Preferably the barb is formed by bursting a hole through the tab, or forming a tooth on the tab adjacent an edge portion of the tab.
Preferably the support means comprises at least one pedestal. However, in other embodiments the support means could comprise a support table or platform with moveable support elements.
The invention may also be said to reside in a method of forming a structural framework having at least one top chord and at least one bottom chord, including the steps of:
providing support means for supporting the chords of a fr
Glessner Brian E.
MiTek Holdings, Inc.
Senniger Powers
LandOfFree
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