Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Openwork; e.g. – truss – trellis – grille – screen – frame – or... – Side-by-side terminus shafts; e.g. – truss
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-27
2003-02-18
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Openwork; e.g., truss, trellis, grille, screen, frame, or...
Side-by-side terminus shafts; e.g., truss
C052S289000, C052S693000, C052S749100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06519908
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to the construction of buildings and in particular to the construction of buildings employing steel framing for various components of the building. More specifically the invention relates to a metal joist for supporting roofs, floors, ceilings and decks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with reference to the construction of buildings and in particular the construction of buildings employing steel framing for various components of the building.
In the past, a number of joist systems have been designed and fabricated for use in building construction. Typically, such joists have been used as floor, roof and deck supports. The design and fabrication of such joists have largely been on an application-by-application or building-by-building basis. Additionally, the fabrication of such joist systems has been complicated due to constraints imposed by the particular design of the joist components and the fastening system used to connect the joist components.
Thus, there exists a need for a simplified joist systems and design wherein components can be more standardized while still meeting the requirements of difference building designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment of the invention, a building includes a metal roof and joist system. As used herein the term “metal building” refers to a structure having a frame composed primarily of metal members, including the joist of the invention. The joist system includes upper and lower longitudinally extending chords
12
,
24
, having substantially identical cross-sectional geometry. The upper and lower chords are substantially parallel and a plurality of web members
30
are interposed between the parallel chords. Each of the chords
12
,
24
is comprised of an upper chord segment
14
, opposed parallel side walls
16
, and inwardly extending lower chord segments
18
, with the lower chord segments being parallel to the upper chord segment. A pair of flanges
20
extend downwardly from the innermost edge of each of the inwardly extending lower chord segments
18
of the chord. The flanges
20
define a longitudinally extending continuous web receiving aperture
22
traversing the length of the chord. Preferably, these chord members are integrally formed from a single steel sheet or plate.
Each of the web members is formed from an upper web segment
32
, opposed parallel side walls
34
extending perpendicularly from the upper web segment, and inwardly extending lower web segment
36
. The innermost edges of the inwardly extending lower web segments
36
define a longitudinally extending slot
38
. Preferably, the upper web segment, parallel side walls, inwardly extending lower web segments
36
are also integrally formed from a single steel sheet or plate. Each of the web members has first and second ends received in the web receiving apertures
22
of the chords. The web members
30
are secured to the upper and lower chords by welding, or with mechanical means selected from a group consisting of screws, bolts, and rivets and combinations thereof. In practice, the web receiving apertures of the upper and lower chords are positioned in opposed parallel relationship and the width of the web receiving aperture
22
is equal to the width of the upper web segment
32
of each of the web members so that the web members abut the flanges of each of the chords when the joist is fabricated.
A saddle is provided for receiving and positioning the ends of the joists on a horizontal structure such as a wall, or on a floor, deck or roof frame. The saddles include an upper saddle member, opposed parallel side members and outwardly extending bearing plates, the outwardly extending bearing plates being parallel to the upper saddle member. The saddle is received or seated in the upper chord of the joist to position and support the joist.
The joists and system of the invention are simple yet elegant in design, requiring a minimum of stock materials. The joists may be quickly and easily fabricated, reducing overhead and labor costs typically associated with the fabrication of structural members. The open construction of the chords and web members allows for variations in material dimensions which might otherwise impede or slow fabrication. If desired, due to the design of the joists of the invention, the joists may be quickly and easily fabricated on site from precut sections.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 3612291 (1971-10-01), Skubic
patent: 3656270 (1972-04-01), Phillips
patent: 3785109 (1974-01-01), Letourneur
patent: 3826057 (1974-07-01), Franklin
patent: 4435940 (1984-03-01), Davenport et al.
patent: 4669243 (1987-06-01), Gore et al.
patent: 4878323 (1989-11-01), Nelson
patent: 5377851 (1995-01-01), Asano et al.
patent: 5417028 (1995-05-01), Meyer
patent: 5771653 (1998-06-01), Dolati et al.
George Leonard
Masterson Eric
Emanuelson Kenneth T.
Gardere Wynne & Sewell LLP
NCI Building Systems, L.P.
Safavi Michael
Schwartz Kay Lyn
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