U.S. patent application number 10/972599 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for truss and method for making same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Superior Steel Components, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher Dennis, Tim Liescheidt, Troy Williams.
Application Number | 20060096230 10/972599 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36314889 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060096230 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liescheidt; Tim ; et
al. |
May 11, 2006 |
Truss and method for making same
Abstract
A truss includes at least one web member, and a chord member
with an opening for positioning the web member therethrough. A
portion of the web member is exposed through the chord opening so
that the web member can be directly attached to the bearing, such
as by welding. The truss can be made using a template that has a
body with an inner wall defining an opening, and at least one
attachment element connected to the body for attaching the body to
the chord member of the truss. The opening in the chord member is
formed by inserting a cutting instrument within the template body
opening and tracing the cutting instrument along the inner wall of
the body.
Inventors: |
Liescheidt; Tim; (Charlotte,
NC) ; Williams; Troy; (Knoxville, TN) ;
Dennis; Christopher; (Polkton, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Adams Evans P.A.;2180 Two Wachovia Center
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte
NC
28282
US
|
Assignee: |
Superior Steel Components,
Inc.
Locust
NC
|
Family ID: |
36314889 |
Appl. No.: |
10/972599 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/633 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C 2003/0473 20130101;
E04C 3/11 20130101; E04C 2003/0482 20130101; E04C 3/09 20130101;
E04C 2003/0491 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/633 |
International
Class: |
E04C 3/02 20060101
E04C003/02 |
Claims
1. A truss comprising: (a) at least one web member; and (b) a chord
member having an opening therein for positioning the web member
therethrough to expose a portion of the web member for contacting a
bearing whereby the web member can be directly attached to the
bearing.
2. A truss according to claim 1, wherein the web member has an
upper end and a lower end, and the lower end is positioned through
the chord member opening.
3. A truss according to claim 1, wherein the web member is attached
to the bearing by a weld.
4. A truss according to claim 1, wherein the chord member includes
a base segment and a side segment extending upwardly from the base
segment, and further wherein the chord member opening is positioned
in the base segment.
5. A truss according to claim 4, wherein the web member is
positioned substantially perpendicular to the base segment.
6. A truss according to claim 4, further comprising fastening
members connecting the web member to the side segment of the chord
member.
7. A truss according to claim 1, wherein the web member is
substantially U-shaped or W-shaped.
8. A truss according to claim 1, wherein the chord member opening
is sized such that the web member frictionally engages the chord
member when the web member is positioned through the opening.
9. A truss according to claim 1, wherein the chord opening is
substantially rectangular.
10. A truss according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
web members, wherein each web member is positioned on the chord
member at predetermined spaced apart intervals corresponding to
predetermined positioning of a plurality of bearings on which the
truss is to be mounted.
11. A method for mounting a truss on a bearing, comprising the
steps of: (a) providing a truss comprising: (i) a web member, (ii)
a chord member having an opening therein, and (iii) wherein a
portion of the web member is positioned within the chord member
opening; (b) positioning the truss on the bearing such that the web
member contacts the bearing; and (c) attaching the web member to
the bearing.
12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of
connecting the web member to the chord member with fastening
members.
13. A method according to claim 11, wherein the step of attaching
the web member to the bearing comprises welding the web member to
the bearing.
14. A method of making a truss, comprising the steps of: (a)
providing at least one web member and a chord member; (b) forming
at least one opening in the chord member; (c) positioning the web
member through the chord member opening to expose a portion of the
web member for contacting a bearing whereby the web member can be
directly attached to the bearing.
15. A method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of
connecting the web member to the chord member using one or more
fasteners.
16. A method according to claim 14, wherein the step of forming at
least one opening in the chord member comprises the steps of: (a)
providing a template sized and shaped to correspond to a desired
size and shape for the chord member opening; (b) positioning the
template at a desired location on the chord member; and (c) tracing
the template with a laser to cut the opening in the chord
member.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the step of tracing the
template with a laser comprises tracing the template with an
ionized gas laser.
18. A method according to claim 16, wherein the step of providing a
template comprises providing a template comprising: (a) a body
having an inner wall defining an opening; and (b) an attachment
element connected to the body for attaching the body to a chord
member of a truss, whereby the opening can be formed in the chord
member by tracing the laser along the inner wall of the body.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the step of providing a
template comprises providing a template further comprising a
bracket shaped for positioning on the chord member; and further
wherein the attachment element comprises at least one magnet
pivotally connected to the body whereby the template is stabilized
on the chord member.
20. A method according to claim 14, wherein the step of forming at
least one opening in the chord member comprises forming a plurality
of openings spaced apart at one or more predetermined intervals on
the chord member to correspond to predetermined positioning of a
plurality of bearings on which the truss is to be mounted.
21. A method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of
projecting a coherent visible light beam at each of the
predetermined intervals at which the plurality of openings in the
chord members are to be formed.
22. A template for use in making a truss, comprising: (a) a body
having an inner wall defining an opening; and (b) at least one
attachment element connected to the body for attaching the body to
a chord member of a truss, whereby an opening having a
predetermined shape can be formed in the chord member by inserting
a cutting instrument within the body opening and tracing the
cutting instrument along the inner wall of the body.
23. A template according to claim 22, wherein the attachment
element comprises: (a) a bracket shaped for positioning on the
chord member; and (b) at least one magnet connected to the body for
contacting the chord member whereby the template is stabilized on
the chord member.
24. A template according to claim 23, further comprising a
reference mark on positioned on the bracket for aligning the
template at a desired position on the chord member.
25. A template according to claim 22, wherein the attachment
element comprises: (a) an L-shaped bracket for positioning on the
chord member; and (b) first and second magnets pivotally connected
to the body, wherein the magnets are pivotable into a contacting
position with the chord member whereby the template is stabilized
on the chord member.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a truss for mounting on a
structural bearing, particularly a metal beam. The truss comprises
a web mounted on a chord. An opening is cut in the chord so that a
portion of the web can be exposed through the chord and contact a
structural bearing. The truss is mounted on the bearing by welding
or otherwise attaching the web directly to the bearing.
[0002] Trusses are commonly used in the construction of buildings
to provide structural support within a building. Typically, a truss
is mounted on a bearing member, such as a support beam, and extends
upward to provide structural support to the roof.
[0003] Prior art trusses have been mounted to support beams using
an L-shaped clip. The truss is mounted on the beam by fastening the
web of the truss to one segment of the L-shaped clip and fastening
the beam to the other perpendicular segment of the clip. The clip
is fastened to the web and beam by a plurality of screws. As such,
the process is extremely labor intensive and time consuming. In
addition, the use of the clip and screws results in higher costs
for materials. Furthermore, this method of attachment does not
provide optimal stability or maximum load capacity due to
eccentricity in the connection of the truss to the bearing. In an
effort to overcome and eliminate the aforementioned problems, the
present invention was conceived.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Therefore it is an object of the present invention to
provide a truss that can be mounted to a structural bearing, by
directly attaching the web of the truss to the bearing.
[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a method
for mounting a truss on a structural bearing that results in
greater stability and maximum load capacity.
[0006] These and other objectives of the present invention are
achieved by providing a truss having at least one web member, and a
chord member with an opening for positioning the web member
therethrough. A portion of the web member is exposed through the
chord opening so that the web member can be directly attached to
the bearing.
[0007] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the
web member has an upper end and a lower end, and the lower end is
positioned through the chord member opening.
[0008] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the web member is welded to the bearing.
[0009] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the chord member includes a base segment and a side
segment extending upwardly from the base segment, and further
wherein the chord member opening is positioned in the base
segment.
[0010] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the web member is positioned substantially perpendicular
to the base segment.
[0011] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, fastening members connect the web member to the side
segment of the chord member.
[0012] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the web member is substantially U-shaped or
W-shaped.
[0013] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the chord member opening is sized such that the web
member frictionally engages the chord member when the web member is
positioned through the opening.
[0014] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the chord opening is substantially rectangular.
[0015] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the truss includes a plurality of web members, and each
web member is positioned on the chord member at predetermined
spaced apart intervals corresponding to predetermined positioning
of a plurality of bearings on which the truss is to be mounted.
[0016] A preferred method for mounting a truss on a bearing
according to the invention, includes the step of providing a truss
having a web member, and a chord member with an opening therein. A
portion of the web member is positioned within the chord member
opening, and the truss is positioned on the bearing such that the
web member contacts the bearing. The web member is attached to the
bearing.
[0017] Another preferred method for mounting a truss on a bearing
according to the invention, includes the step of connecting the web
member to the chord member using fastening members.
[0018] Yet another preferred method for mounting a truss on a
bearing according to the invention, includes the step of welding
the web member to the bearing.
[0019] A preferred method for making a truss according to the
invention includes the steps of providing at least one web member
and a chord member, and forming at least one opening in the chord
member. The web member is positioned through the chord member
opening to expose a portion of the web member for contacting a
bearing so that the web member can be directly attached to the
bearing.
[0020] Another preferred method for making a truss according to the
invention includes the step of connecting the web member to the
chord member using one or more fasteners.
[0021] Yet another preferred method for making a truss according to
the invention includes the steps of providing a template sized and
shaped to correspond to a desired size and shape for the chord
member opening, positioning the template at a desired location on
the chord member, and tracing the template with a laser to cut the
opening in the chord member.
[0022] According to yet another preferred method for making a
truss, the template is traced with an ionized gas laser.
[0023] Yet another preferred method for making a truss according to
the invention includes the step of providing a template having a
body with an inner wall defining an opening, and an attachment
element connected to the body for attaching the body to a chord
member of a truss, so that the opening can be formed in the chord
member by tracing the laser along the inner wall of the body.
[0024] According to yet another preferred method for making a
truss, the template includes a bracket shaped for positioning on
the chord member; and the attachment element includes at least one
magnet pivotally connected to the body so that the template is
stabilized on the chord member.
[0025] Yet another preferred method for making a truss according to
the invention includes the step of forming a plurality of openings
spaced apart at one or more predetermined intervals on the chord
member to correspond to predetermined positioning of a plurality of
bearings on which the truss is to be mounted.
[0026] Yet another preferred method for making a truss according to
the invention, includes the step of projecting a coherent visible
light beam at each of the predetermined intervals at which the
plurality of openings in the chord members are to be formed.
[0027] A template for use in making a truss according to the
invention, includes a body having an inner wall defining an
opening, and at least one attachment element connected to the body
for attaching the body to a chord member of a truss, so that an
opening having a predetermined shape can be formed in the chord
member by inserting a cutting instrument within the body opening
and tracing the cutting instrument along the inner wall of the
body.
[0028] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the template includes a bracket shaped for positioning on the chord
member, and at least one magnet connected to the body for
contacting the chord member so that the template is stabilized on
the chord member.
[0029] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the template includes a reference mark positioned on the
bracket for aligning the template at a desired position on the
chord member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth
above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as
the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following
drawings, in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art truss mounted on
a bearing;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a truss according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the truss of FIG.
2;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the truss of FIG. 2;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a template for making a
truss according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown
mounted on the chord of the truss;
[0036] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the template of FIG.
4;
[0037] FIG. 7 is yet another perspective view of the template of
FIG. 4;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the template of FIG. 4;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a truss according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention, shown mounted on a plurality
of bearings;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred
method for making a truss according to the invention, showing a
laser alignment device for positioning the template at a plurality
of bearing points on the chord of the truss; and
[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a truss according to
another preferred embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0042] Referring now specifically to the drawings, an example of a
prior art truss is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at
reference numeral 10. The prior art truss 10 comprises a web 11 and
a chord 12 for mounting on a beam 13. The truss 10 is mounted on
the beam 13 using a connecting cap 14 and an L-shaped clip 15. The
connecting cap 14 is placed over the web 11 and connected using
screws 16. The upper segment of the L-shaped clip 15 is placed
against the cap 14 and connected with screws 16. The base segment
of the clip 15 is positioned on the top of the beam 13, and is
mounted thereon with screws 16.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE OF THE
INVENTION
[0043] A preferred embodiment of the truss according to the present
invention is illustrated in FIG. 2, and shown generally at
reference numeral 20. The truss 20 generally comprises a web 21
mounted on a chord 22. The truss 20 is preferably made of metal,
but can be made of any suitable material.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the web 21 is U-shaped, and the chord 22
has a substantial L-shape, with a base segment 23 and an upper
segment 24 extending upwardly from the base segment 23. While the
web 21 is shown as preferably being U-shaped, the web can be a
variety of other shapes, including W-shaped. The web 21 is
positioned against the upper segment 24 of the chord 22, and
connected by fastening members, such as screws 26, as shown in FIG.
3. Approximately 2-30 screws 26 are preferably used.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the base segment 23 of the chord 22 has
an opening 25 through which the lower edge 27 of the web 21 is
positioned. The truss 10 is mounted on a structural bearing, such
as a beam 33, by positioning the web 21 and the chord 22 on the
beam 33 such that the base segment 23 of the chord 22 resides on
top of the beam 33. The lower edge 27 of the web 21, which is
exposed through the opening 25 in the chord 22, directly contacts
the beam 33. As such, the lower edge 27 of the web 21 can be
directly attached to the beam 33. Preferably, the web 21 is
attached to the beam 33 by welding the lower edge 27 of the web 21
to the beam 33. The opening 25 in the chord 22 is shown to be
rectangular, but can be of any suitable size and shape, provided
the opening 25 exposes a sufficient amount of the web 21 to provide
a strong weld to the beam 33. Preferably, the chord member opening
25 is sized such that the web 21 frictionally engages the chord 22
when the web 21 is positioned within the opening 25.
[0046] The truss 20 eliminates the need for the connecting cap 14
and the L-shaped clip 15 of the prior art truss 10 discussed above.
By directly attaching the web 21 to the beam 33, the truss 20
provides a significantly stronger and more stable mounting than
what is offered by the prior art truss 10. This results in a
greater maximum load capacity. The prior art truss 10 has a maximum
uplift capacity of approximately 5,000 pounds, while the truss 20
of present invention provides a maximum uplift capacity of
approximately 8,000 pounds. Furthermore, mounting the truss 20 of
the present invention on the beam 33 is much less labor intensive
than the prior art truss 10, which requires approximately 10-30
screws. It is estimated that the truss 20 of the present invention
results in a savings of approximately $3-4 per bearing point over
the prior art truss 10.
[0047] A preferred method for making the truss 20 of the present
invention includes the use of a template illustrated in FIG. 5, and
shown generally at reference numeral 40. The template preferably
comprises a body 41, an attachment bracket 42, and two magnets 43,
44. The template is preferably made of metal, but can be of any
suitable material.
[0048] The body 41 of the template 40 is preferably rectangular,
but can be any variety of shapes. The body 41 has an opening 45
defined by an inner wall surface 46. Preferably, the opening 45 is
rectangular, however, it can be any variety of shapes. The
attachment bracket 42 preferably has an L-shape, and is sized for
positioning on the edge of the base segment 23 of the chord 22, as
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The bracket 42 is positioned on the chord
22 at a bearing point--a point on the chord 22 where it has been
determined that the truss 20 will be mounted on a beam 33 and
therefore an opening 25 must be made in the chord 22.
[0049] The magnets 43, 44 are pivotally connected at opposite ends
of the body 41. Once the bracket 42 is positioned on the chord 22,
the magnets 43, 44 are pivoted upward to contact the underside of
the base segment 23 of the chord 22, as shown in FIG. 6, and
stabilize the template 40 on the chord 22.
[0050] Now that the template 40 is securely attached to the chord
22, a cutting instrument, such as an ionized gas laser 34, is
provided. The laser 34 is positioned within the opening 45 of the
template 40, and the operator moves the laser 34 along the inner
wall 44, tracing the template opening 45, as shown in FIGS. 7 and
8. As such, the chord opening 35 is formed having a size and shape
similar to the template opening 45. While the cutting instrument is
preferably the laser 34, any instrument capable of cutting through
chord 22 can be used.
[0051] Another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated
in FIG. 9, and shown generally at reference numeral 40. The truss
40 includes a chord 42 with a plurality of webs 41, 41', 41''
mounted on a plurality of beams 53, 53', 53'', respectively. The
chord 42 preferably has an L-shape design with a base segment 43
and upper segment 44, as in the embodiment described above.
[0052] To make the truss 40, a plurality of bearing points are
spaced at intervals on the chord 42 corresponding to the intervals
at which the beams 53, 53', 53'' are positioned in a particular
building in which the truss 40 is to be used. The operator can
determine the positioning of the bearing points on the chord 42 by
measuring the distance of each interval on the chord 42 by hand, or
a laser apparatus 36 can be provided to assist the operator, as
shown in FIG. 10. The laser apparatus 36 is positioned above the
chord 42, and projects a coherent, visible indicating light 37 on
the chord 42 at the predetermined distance between each beam 53,
53', 53'' to indicate to the operator where to position the
template 40 on the chord 42. In addition, the template 40
preferably includes a reference mark 47 on the bracket 42 of the
template 40 to assist the operator in properly positioning the
template 40 at each bearing point on the chord 42. The operator
aligns the indicating light 37 projected on the chord 42 with the
reference mark 47 on the template 40 to properly position the
template 40 on the chord 42, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0053] Another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated
in FIG. 11, and shown generally at reference numeral 70. The truss
70 has a web 71 that is substantially W-shaped. The truss 70 is
otherwise identical in construction to the truss 20 described
above. As such, the truss includes a chord 72 having an opening in
which the web 71 is exposed and attached directly to a bearing,
such as a beam 83.
[0054] A truss and methods of using and making same are disclosed
above. Various embodiments of the invention can be made without
departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of
the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for
practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of
illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation--the
invention being defined by the claims.
* * * * *