U.S. patent application number 13/297827 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for truss spacer.
Invention is credited to Sam P. Noturno.
Application Number | 20120180422 13/297827 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46489675 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120180422 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Noturno; Sam P. |
July 19, 2012 |
TRUSS SPACER
Abstract
A truss spacer and method of use to set spacing between trusses
is detailed. The truss spacer typically includes teeth which grip
trusses to secure the truss spacer thereto. The truss spacer may
also include a central segment which is spaced downwardly between
the trusses so provide a space above the central segment to receive
the tips of roofing nails so that the roofing nails do not contact
the central segment.
Inventors: |
Noturno; Sam P.; (Canton,
OH) |
Family ID: |
46489675 |
Appl. No.: |
13/297827 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61414640 |
Nov 17, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/696 ;
52/745.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 21/1891 20130101;
E04C 2003/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/696 ;
52/745.21 |
International
Class: |
E04G 25/00 20060101
E04G025/00; E04B 1/38 20060101 E04B001/38 |
Claims
1. A truss spacer for setting the spacing between first and second
trusses, the spacer comprising: a longitudinal member having first
and second truss engaging structures which are longitudinally
spaced from one another; a first truss receiving space defined by
the first truss engaging structure and adapted receive therein the
first truss; first and second longitudinally spaced truss engaging
surfaces of the first truss engaging structure which face one
another and are adapted to respectively engage first and second
opposed sides of the first truss when the first truss is received
in the first truss receiving space; a second truss receiving space
defined by the second truss engaging structure and adapted receive
therein the second truss; first and second longitudinally spaced
truss engaging surfaces of the second truss engaging structure
which face one another and are adapted to respectively engage first
and second opposed sides of the second truss when the second truss
is received in the second truss receiving space; a first tooth of
the first truss engaging structure which extends into the first
truss receiving space and is adapted to grip the first side of the
first truss when the first truss is received within the first truss
receiving space.
2. The truss spacer of claim 1 wherein the truss spacer is formed
of a single piece of sheet metal; the first truss engaging
structure comprises a first flat horizontal plate and first and
second longitudinally spaced flat vertical tabs which extend
downwardly from the first plate so that the first plate and first
and second tabs define therewithin the first truss receiving space;
the first tooth is rigidly attached to the first tab; the second
truss engaging structure comprises a second flat horizontal plate
and third and fourth longitudinally spaced flat vertical tabs which
extend downwardly from the second plate so that the second plate
and third and fourth tabs define therewithin the second truss
receiving space; the longitudinal member comprises a central
segment which extends from adjacent the first truss engaging
structure to adjacent the second truss engaging structure.
3. The truss spacer of claim 2 further comprising a first
transition segment extending downwardly from the first plate to the
central segment; and a second transition segment extending
downwardly from the second plate to the central segment.
4. The truss spacer of claim 3 further comprising a first obtuse
bend between the first plate and first transition segment; a second
obtuse bend between the first transition segment and central
segment; a third obtuse bend between the second transition segment
and central segment; and a fourth obtuse bend between the second
plate and second transition segment.
5. The truss spacer of claim 1 wherein the truss spacer has an
uninstalled configuration and an installed configuration which is
substantially identical to the uninstalled configuration.
6. The truss spacer of claim 1 wherein the longitudinal member
comprises a central segment which extends from adjacent the first
truss engaging structure to adjacent the second truss engaging
structure and which has a top surface and axially spaced first and
second sides; the first and second truss engaging structures have
respective top surfaces which lie in a common plane; and the top
surface of the central segment is lower than the plane so that the
plane and the top surface of the central segment define
therebetween a nail tip receiving space which extends from adjacent
the first truss engaging structure to adjacent the second truss
engaging structure and from the first side of the central segment
to the second side of the central segment and which is adapted to
receive therein the tips of roofing nails for securing a roof atop
the trusses.
7. The truss spacer of claim 6 wherein the plane and top surface of
the central segment define therebetween a height in the range of
about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
8. The truss spacer of claim 6 in combination with a roofing layer
which extends over the truss spacer; and a nail which extends
through the roofing layer so that a tip of the nail is within the
nail tip receiving space.
9. The truss spacer of claim 1 wherein the longitudinal member has
a top and a bottom; the first truss engaging structure comprises
first and second longitudinally spaced tabs which extend downwardly
from the longitudinal member and define therebetween the first
truss receiving space; and the first tooth is rigidly attached to
the first tab.
10. The truss spacer of claim 1 further comprising a second tooth
of the second truss engaging structure which extends into the
second truss receiving space and is adapted to grip the first side
of the second truss when the second truss is received within the
second truss receiving space.
11. The truss spacer of claim 10 wherein the longitudinal member
has a top and a bottom; the first truss engaging structure
comprises first and second longitudinally spaced tabs which extend
downwardly from the longitudinal member and define therebetween the
first truss receiving space; the first tooth is rigidly attached to
the first tab; the second truss engaging structure comprises third
and fourth longitudinally spaced tabs which extend downwardly from
the longitudinal member and define therebetween the second truss
receiving space; and the second tooth is rigidly attached to the
third tab.
12. The truss spacer of claim 1 further comprising a second tooth
of the first truss engaging structure which is longitudinally
spaced from the first tooth and extends into the first truss
receiving space and is adapted to grip the second side of the first
truss opposite the first side thereof when the first truss is
received within the first truss receiving space.
13. A method comprising the steps of: providing a longitudinally
elongated truss spacer which has first and second truss engaging
structures which are longitudinally spaced from one another and
respectively define first and second truss receiving spaces, and
which has a first tooth which extends into the first truss
receiving space; moving the first truss engaging structure in a
first direction parallel to a first side of a first truss so that
the first truss is received within the first truss receiving space
and so that the first tooth tears into the first side of the first
truss during the step of moving the first truss engaging structure
and so that upon completion of the step of moving the first truss
engaging structure, the first tooth grips the first truss along the
first side of the first truss; and moving the second truss engaging
structure so that a second truss is received within the second
truss receiving space whereby spacing between the first and second
trusses is set.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the step truss spacer has a
second tooth which extends into the second truss receiving space;
and the step of moving the second truss engaging structure
comprises moving the second truss engaging structure in a second
direction parallel to a first side of a second truss so that the
second truss is received within the second truss receiving space
and so that the second tooth tears into the first side of the
second truss during the step of moving the second truss engaging
structure and so that upon completion of the step of moving the
second truss engaging structure, the second tooth grips the second
truss along the first side of the second truss.
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising covering the spacer
with a roofing layer; causing a fastener to pass through the
roofing layer into one of the trusses to secure the roofing layer
thereto.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein no fasteners which are separate
from the truss spacer are used to secure the truss spacer to the
trusses before the steps of covering and causing.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein the steps of moving result in
mounting the spacer on the first and second trusses and in
repositioning a central segment of the spacer from a first position
above respective top surfaces of the first and second trusses to a
second position below the top surfaces whereby in the second
position, the a top surface of the central segment and a plane in
which respective top surfaces of the truss engaging structures lies
define therebetween a nail tip receiving space which extends from
adjacent the first truss to adjacent the second truss and from a
first side of the central segment to a second side of the central
segment.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising securing a roofing
layer over the truss spacer with a nail so that a tip of the nail
is within the nail tip receiving space.
19. A truss spacer for setting the spacing between first and second
trusses, the spacer comprising: a longitudinal member comprising a
first truss engaging structure having a top surface, a second truss
engaging structure having a top surface and longitudinally spaced
from the first truss engaging structure, and a central segment
which extends from adjacent the first truss engaging structure to
adjacent the second truss engaging structure and has a top surface;
the top surfaces of the first and second truss engaging structures
lying in a horizontal plane; a first truss receiving space defined
by the first truss-engaging structure and adapted to receive the
first truss; a second truss receiving space defined by the second
truss-engaging structure and adapted to receive the second truss;
wherein the top surface of the central segment is lower than the
plane so that the plane and top surface of the central segment
define therebetween a nail-tip-receiving space adapted to receive
therein the tips of roofing nails for securing a roof atop the
trusses.
20. The truss spacer of claim 19 wherein the plane and top surface
of the central segment define therebetween a height in the range of
about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This applications claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/414,640, filed Nov. 17, 2010; the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by referenced.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention is related generally to construction
and the roof supporting structure of a house or the like. More
particularly, the invention relates to a spacer for spacing
structural members in the form of roof trusses. Specifically, the
present invention provides such a spacer which is simple to use and
does not require nails or other separate fasteners for securing the
spacer to the trusses.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] It is well known in the art to provide various types of
spacer bars or the like in order to space adjacent trusses of a
roof or other structural members from one another. However, many of
these spacers leave much to be desired. In building a roof
structure with preassembled trusses, the roofer must position the
trusses atop previously formed walls and properly space them by
some method so that the plywood and other roofing materials may be
secured to the tops of the trusses subsequently. Many of the
spacers that are available are difficult to work with while the
construction worker or roofer is attempting to build this roofing
structure.
[0006] One of the truss spacers which has appeared within the last
decade or so is that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,448 granted
to Pellock. The truss spacer of this patent is essentially a
U-shaped channel member having a tongue with integrally formed
nails which are hammered into the top of truss, as well as a pair
of laterally extending tabs also having integrally formed nails
which are hammered into one side of the truss in order to secure
the spacer to the adjacent pair of trusses. While this truss spacer
has its advantages, one of the disadvantages is the necessity of
hammering in the integrally formed nails in order to secure the
spacer.
[0007] Another spacer is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,695
granted to Daudet et al. This patent discloses a spacer which
utilizes downwardly depending tabs having flared portions which
allow the tabs to slide onto the corresponding truss more easily
than if they were formed entirely parallel to one another. However,
this spacer is also configured to be secured with fasteners such as
a nail or screw in order to ensure that the spacer is secured to
the corresponding truss. If such fasteners are not used, the spacer
is at risk for not being properly secured to the truss.
[0008] An additional truss spacer is described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,993,882 granted to Crawford et al. The truss spacer of this
patent includes a U-shaped channel member having flanges extending
outwardly on one side of the corresponding truss with a top
attachment tab extending over the truss and an end attachment tab
extending downwardly from the top attachment tab opposite the
flanges on the opposite side of the truss. This truss spacer is
also configured to be secured to the truss with nails or other such
fasteners. Thus, while these various spacers certainly provide the
appropriate spacing between trusses, they require manual
manipulation by the roofer or other worker while working atop the
trusses, which makes the operation more cumbersome and more
hazardous.
[0009] The truss spacer of the present invention addresses these
and other problems in the art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a truss spacer for setting
the spacing between first and second trusses, the spacer comprising
a longitudinal member having first and second truss engaging
structures which are longitudinally spaced from one another; a
first truss receiving space defined by the first truss engaging
structure and adapted receive therein the first truss; first and
second longitudinally spaced truss engaging surfaces of the first
truss engaging structure which face one another and are adapted to
respectively engage first and second opposed sides of the first
truss when the first truss is received in the first truss receiving
space; a second truss receiving space defined by the second truss
engaging structure and adapted receive therein the second truss;
first and second longitudinally spaced truss engaging surfaces of
the second truss engaging structure which face one another and are
adapted to respectively engage first and second opposed sides of
the second truss when the second truss is received in the second
truss receiving space; a first tooth of the first truss engaging
structure which extends into the first truss receiving space and is
adapted to grip the first side of the first truss when the first
truss is received within the first truss receiving space.
[0011] The present invention also provides a method comprising the
steps of providing a longitudinally elongated truss spacer which
has first and second truss engaging structures which are
longitudinally spaced from one another and respectively define
first and second truss receiving spaces, and which has a first
tooth which extends into the first truss receiving space; moving
the first truss engaging structure in a first direction parallel to
a first side of a first truss so that the first truss is received
within the first truss receiving space and so that the first tooth
tears into the first side of the first truss during the step of
moving the first truss engaging structure and so that upon
completion of the step of moving the first truss engaging
structure, the first tooth grips the first truss along the first
side of the first truss; and moving the second truss engaging
structure so that a second truss is received within the second
truss receiving space whereby spacing between the first and second
trusses is set.
[0012] The present invention further provides a truss spacer for
setting the spacing between first and second trusses, the spacer
comprising a longitudinal member comprising a first truss engaging
structure having a top surface, a second truss engaging structure
having a top surface and longitudinally spaced from the first truss
engaging structure, and a central segment which extends from
adjacent the first truss engaging structure to adjacent the second
truss engaging structure and has a top surface; the top surfaces of
the first and second truss engaging structures lying in a
horizontal plane; a first truss receiving space defined by the
first truss-engaging structure and adapted to receive the first
truss; a second truss receiving space defined by the second
truss-engaging structure and adapted to receive the second truss;
wherein the top surface of the central segment is lower than the
plane so that the plane and top surface of the central segment
define therebetween a nail-tip-receiving space adapted to receive
therein the tips of roofing nails for securing a roof atop the
trusses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated of the
best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles,
is set forth in the following description and is shown in the
drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set
forth in the appended claims.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the truss spacer of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one end of the
spacer.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an enlarged top view of the spacer with portions
cut away.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view of the spacer
with portions cut away.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an enlarged end view of the spacer.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a roof showing
several of the spacers used to space adjacent pairs of roof
trusses.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 6
showing one of the spacers in an uninstalled position just prior to
installation.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded sectional view similar to FIG. 7
showing the spacer in the installed position with the roof layers
spaced above the trusses and spacer.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 8 showing the
roof secured to the trusses in an installed position above the
truss spacers.
[0023] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The truss spacer or spacer bar of the present invention is
shown generally at 10 in FIG. 1. Spacer 10 is used to set the
spacing between adjacent pairs of roof trusses during the building
or installation of a roof, as will be described in greater detail
further below. Spacer 10 is formed of a rigid material which is
most typically metal. In the exemplary embodiment, spacer 10 in its
entirety is formed from a single piece of sheet metal which is
stamped and bent to form the various structures specified below.
Spacer 10 is in the exemplary embodiment thus an integrally formed
one-piece member. Spacer 10 has a top 12, a bottom 14, first and
second opposed ends 16 and 18 defining therebetween a longitudinal
direction of the spacer, and left and right sides 20 and 22
defining therebetween an axial direction of the spacer. Ends 16 and
18 define therebetween a length L1 which may vary depending on the
specific spacer desired. In the exemplary embodiment, length L1 is
on the order of about 25.5 inches when used to space trusses whose
center lines are to be about 24 inches apart. Left and right sides
20 and 22 define therebetween a width W1 FIG. 3 of spacer 10 which
is in the exemplary embodiment is on the order of about 1.75 to 2
inches although this may vary. Spacer 10 includes a longitudinal
member 24 which extends from first end 16 to second end 18 and
makes up most of spacer 10. Longitudinal member 24 extends axially
from left side 20 to right side 22, which respectively serve as its
left and right edges. Longitudinal member 24 has an upwardly facing
top surface 25 and a downwardly facing bottom surface 27 which are
substantially horizontal and parallel to one another.
[0025] Longitudinal member 24 includes first and second end
segments 26 and 28 which are respectively adjacent first and second
ends 16 and 18 and extend therefrom longitudinally inward toward
one another. Longitudinal member 24 further includes a central
segment 30 extending between first and second end segments 26 and
28 and connected thereto respectively by first and second
transition segments or ramps 32 and 34. Central segment 30 includes
left and right longitudinal segments 31 and 33 which extend the
full length of central segment 30 and are in the exemplary
embodiment flat, coplanar and horizontal. Central segment 30
further includes a U-shaped channel member 35 defining a channel 37
which has a top entrance opening and extends most of the length of
central segment 30. Channel member 35 and channel 37 have first and
second opposed ends 39 and 41 which are adjacent the respective
opposed ends of central segment 30. Ends 39 and 41 define
therebetween a length L5 of channel member 35 and channel 37. In
the exemplary embodiment, length L5 is on the order of about 20.5
inches. Channel member 35 has an axial width W2 which in the
exemplary embodiment is on the order of about 3/8 inch. Channel
member 35 also extends downwardly below bottom surface 27 about 1/8
inch in the exemplary embodiment.
[0026] More particularly, first ramp 32 is connected to an inner
end of first end segment 26 at an axially extending intersection,
juncture or obtuse bend 36 and angles obtusely downwardly
therefrom. Similarly, first ramp 32 is secured to one end of
central segment 30 at an axially extending intersection, juncture
or obtuse bend 38 and angles obtusely upwardly therefrom toward
first end 16, first end segment 26 and bend 36. Likewise, second
ramp 34 is secured to the inner end of second end segment 28 at an
axially extending intersection, juncture or obtuse bend 40 and
angles obtusely downwardly therefrom toward first ramp 32 and first
end 16. Second ramp 34 is also secured to the opposite end of
central segment 30 from first ramp 32 at another axially extending
intersection, juncture or obtuse bend 42 and angles obtusely
upwardly therefrom generally toward second end 18 and specifically
to bend 40.
[0027] Central segment 30 is thus spaced downwardly or recessed
below first and second end segments 26 and 28 to define thereabove
a nail tip receiving space 43. Space 43 has a height H1 which
extends upwardly from the top surface 25 to the top 12 of spacer 10
which is defined by the common horizontal plane in which the top
surfaces of first and second ends segments 26 and 28 lie. Height H1
in the exemplary embodiment is typically in the range of about 1/4
to 1/2 inch although this may vary. Space 43 extends axially from
left side 20 to right side 22 and longitudinally from bend 38 to
bend 42, or in other words longitudinally between the inner ends of
ramps 32 and 34 respectively. Bends 38 and 42 define therebetween a
length L4, which is thus the length of central segment 30 and the
length of space 43. In the exemplary embodiment, length L4 is
typically on the order of about 21 inches or so. Length L4 is thus
typically a little bit longer than length L5 although they may be
about the same length as well.
[0028] Spacer 10 further includes first and second truss-engaging
structures respectively adjacent first and second ends 16 and 18.
The first truss engaging structure includes horizontal first end
segment 26 and first and second vertical tabs 44 and 46 which are
secured to and extend perpendicularly downwardly from first end
segment 26. Similarly, the other truss engaging structure includes
horizontal second end segment 28 and third and fourth vertical tabs
48 and 50 extending perpendicularly downwardly therefrom. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, the inner surface of tab 44 and the inner
surface of tab 48 define therebetween a length L2 which in the
exemplary embodiment is on the order of about 24 inches. FIG. 4
also illustrates that the respective inner surfaces of tabs 46 and
48 define therebetween a length L3 which is in the exemplary
embodiment about 22.5 inches. As shown in FIG. 4, tabs 44 and 46
define therebetween a first truss receiving space 45 bounded at the
top by first end segment 26 and having a bottom entrance opening 47
for receiving upwardly therein one of the trusses of the roof.
Similarly, tabs 48 and 50 define therebetween a second truss
receiving space 49 bounded at the top by second end segment 28 and
having a bottom entrance opening 51 for receiving therein an
adjacent truss of the roof. Each of tabs 44, 46, 48 and 50 extends
downwardly to a respective bottom terminal end or edge 52. FIG. 4
illustrates a height H2 of each tab 44, 46, 48 and 50 defined
between the bottom terminal end 52 of the respective tab and the
bottom surface of the respective end segment 26 or 28. In addition,
each of these tabs is cantilevered downwardly from a respective
intersection, juncture or right angle bend 54, 56, 58 and 60. Bend
54 is located at the outer end of first end 26 and extends axially.
Bend 56 is located at the inner end of first end segment 26 and is
adjacent or coincident with bend 36. Similarly, bend 58 is located
at the inner end of second end segment 28 and is adjacent or
coincident with bend 40 whereas bend 60 is located at the outer end
of first end segment 28 and also extends axially. The above noted
bends in the exemplary embodiment extend perpendicular to the
length of spacer 10 and longitudinal member 24 and are parallel to
one another.
[0029] Each of the tabs has a U-shaped structure as viewed from the
end. More particularly, each U-shaped tab has left and right legs
62 and 64 which are connected to and extend downwardly from bend 54
to a common base segment 66 which is substantially horizontal and
connected to the bottom ends of legs 62 and 64. Left leg 62 has
left and right vertical edges 68 and 70, while right leg 64 has
left and right vertical edges 72 and 74. Left edge 68 and right
edge 74 serve as the respective left and right edges of the given
tab and are respectively spaced axially inwardly from left and
right sides 20 and 22 of the spacer and the longitudinal member 24
by a distance of about 3/8 inch in the exemplary embodiment. Left
and right edges 68 and 74 define therebetween a width which is in
the exemplary embodiment on the order of about 1.5 inches. Each tab
has left and right beveled corners 76 extending along the lower
left and lower right edges of the tab. An opening 78 is formed in
the tab between legs 62 and 64, above base segment 66 and below the
respective end segment 26 or 28. Left and right edges 68 and 70
define therebetween a horizontal axial width which in the exemplary
embodiment is typically on the order of about 3/8 inch, which is
the same as that of right leg 64. Space 78 has an axial horizontal
width defined between right edge 70 and left edge 72 which in the
exemplary embodiment is on the order of about 1/2 inch.
[0030] A series of teeth 80 are secured to the top of base segment
66 and extend upwardly into space 78 to respective sharp tips 82.
Each tooth 80 is triangular in shape and is wider at its base such
that its left edge angles upwardly and to the right and its right
edge angles upwardly and to the left to the intersection forming
the sharp tip 82. Each adjacent tooth defines therebetween
triangular space 84 with respective triangular spaces 84 axially
outward of the end most teeth 80. As best illustrated in FIG. 4,
teeth 80 are bent upwardly and into the corresponding truss
receiving space 47 or 51. As FIG. 4 shows more particularly, teeth
80 of tab 44 are bent upwardly and toward tab 46 and second end 18
while teeth 80 of tab 46 are bent upwardly and toward tab 44 and
first end 16. Similarly, teeth 80 of tab 48 are bent upward and
toward tab 50 and second end 18 while teeth 80 of tab 50 are bent
upwardly and toward tab 48 and first end 16. The tips 82 of teeth
80 thus extend inwardly into the corresponding space 47 or 51
beyond the inner surfaces of the corresponding teeth tabs 44, 46,
48 and 50. FIG. 4 also shows that the corresponding inner surfaces
of tabs 44 and 46 define therebetween a width W3 which in the
exemplary embodiment is on the order of about 1.5 inches while the
tips 82 of the teeth on tab 44 and the tips 82 of the teeth of tab
46 define therebetween a width W4 which is slightly less than width
W3 whereby the tips 82 are configured to grip the respective
trusses in use as described further below.
[0031] First and second end segments 26 and 28 are now described in
further detail with primary reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. End
segments 26 and 28 are substantially identical or mirror images of
one another and thus only end segment 26 will be described in
detail. End segment 26 is formed substantially of a flat horizontal
plate which defines a rectangular opening 86 which extends from the
top to the bottom of the flat plate whereby end section 26 includes
left and right longitudinal legs 88 and 90 extending parallel to
left and right edges 20 and 22 and defining respective portions
thereof, and inner and outer axial legs 92 and 94 which extend
between and are connected to left and right legs 88 and 90 whereby
these four legs define therewithin rectangular opening 86. Each
longitudinal leg 88 and 90 has an axial width WA which is in the
exemplary embodiment on the order of about 3/8 inch, while legs 92
and 94 have a longitudinal width WL which is also on the order of
about 3/8 inch in the exemplary embodiment. Opening 88 has a
longitudinal length L6 which in the exemplary embodiment is on the
order of about 3/4 inch and an axial width W5 which in the
exemplary embodiment is on the order of about 1.5 inches. End
segment 26 further includes beveled corners extending from its
outer edge adjacent first end 16 respectively to first and second
sides 20 and 22.
[0032] As also illustrated in FIG. 3, a pair of through holes 95
are formed through longitudinal member 24 respectively adjacent and
longitudinally inwardly of first and second ends 26 and 28
extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of member 24.
One of holes 95 is defined on opposed sides by ramps 32 which
define therebetween width W5 which is thus the same as the width of
hole 88. Due to the fact that the respective tabs 46 and 48 are
formed by stamping the sheet metal and bending them downwardly at
bends 56 and 58 respectively, holes 95 have the same shape as the
outer perimeter of the respective tab along left edge 68, right
edge 74, bottom terminal edge 52 and beveled corners 76 (FIG. 5).
Each opening 95 thus has a longitudinal length L7 defined generally
between the respective end 39 or 41 of channel member 35 and the
respective tab 46 or 48. Length L7 in the exemplary embodiment is
on the order of about 1 inch, which is thus the same as the
vertical height H2 of the tabs 44, 46, 48 and 50.
[0033] The operation of truss spacer 10 will be described now with
primary reference to FIGS. 6-9 after a brief description of the
trusses with which spacer 10 is used. As illustrated in FIG. 6,
spacers 10 are used most typically on a roof supporting structure
which includes several trusses which are illustrated at 96A-C. Each
truss 96 includes a first top chord 98 and a second top chord 100
which meet one another at a peak 102 and are secured together by a
fastener such as a fastener plate 104 in order to form the top of
the triangular truss, the bottom chord of which is not shown. Each
chord 98 is typically in the form of a two-by-four or the like and
has a top surface 106 and left and right sides 108 and 110 defining
therebetween a width W6 (FIG. 7) which is typically on the order of
about 1.5 inches although this may vary. FIG. 6 shows two spacers
10 already installed on adjacent trusses while one of spacers 10 is
positioned in an uninstalled position just prior to being
installed. More particularly, FIG. 6 illustrates that one of the
installed spacers is mounted on the adjacent pair of trusses 96A
and 96B while the other installed spacer is mounted on the adjacent
pair of trusses 96B and 96C, whereby these spacers provide the
appropriate spacing between the respective adjacent pair of
trusses.
[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the uninstalled spacer 10
is positioned above the two adjacent trusses 96A and 96B prior to
moving spacer 10 downwardly as indicated at arrow A toward the
installed position. The roofer will move the adjacent pair of
trusses into approximate position, and then move spacer 10
downwardly from the uninstalled position shown in FIG. 7 to the
installed position shown in FIG. 8 so that the respective trusses
96A and 96B are received respectively within spaces 45 and 49 in
order to set the appropriate spacing between these two adjacent
pair of trusses. As spacer 10 is moved downwardly from the
uninstalled position to the installed position in a direction
parallel to sides 108 and 110 of chords 98, tips 82 of teeth 80 on
tabs 44 and 46 respectively score or tear into the opposed sides
108 and 110 of chord 98 of truss 96A so that teeth 82 grip or dig
into the outer surfaces of the wood of the chord and prevent upward
movement of spacer in the installed position toward the uninstalled
position whereby teeth 80 provide the securing mechanism to secure
the first truss engaging structure of spacer 10 on truss 96A. The
same type of engagement between the teeth of tab 48 and 50 occurs
with respect to the adjacent truss 96B as tips 82 score the side
surfaces 108 and 110 of the corresponding chord 98 of truss 96B.
The end segments 26 and 28 are pushed downwardly so that the bottom
surface of the respective end segment engages the top surface 106
of the corresponding chord.
[0035] The installation of truss spacer 10 may occur in a single
linear movement of the entire spacer parallel to the sides 108 and
110 of chords 98 so that the trusses are received simultaneously in
the respective truss receiving spaces 47 and 51. Alternately, one
of the segments 26 and 28 may first be pushed downwardly parallel
to sides 108 and 110 onto the corresponding truss, followed by the
same parallel movement of the other of segments 26 and 28 onto the
other truss. In either case, once the bottom surface of plates 26,
28 engage the top surfaces 106 of the trusses, truss spacer 10 is
installed and requires no further steps to secure truss spacer 10
to the trusses inasmuch as teeth 80 grip the sides of the trusses
to secure and fix spacer 10 relative to the trusses. Thus, unlike
various prior art truss spacers, no fasteners (such as nails or
screws) which are separate from truss spacer 10 are used to secure
spacer 10 to the trusses before installation of roofing layers onto
the trusses atop the trusses and spacers 10. In addition, unlike
the truss spacer of the Pellock patent discussed in the Background
section of the present application, none of tabs 44, 46, 48, 50 (or
any other parts of spacer 10) are bent or hammered to move these
tabs or teeth 80 from the uninstalled position to the installed
position in which teeth 80 dig into or grip the trusses along their
sides. Spacer 10 is thus free of integrally formed or built-in
nails which must be hammered into the trusses to secure spacer 10
to the trusses. The entire spacer 10 is rigid and the structure
thereof is not altered during installation. Under normal use, all
parts of spacer 10 thus typically remain fixed relative to one
another at all times. Spacer 10 thus has an uninstalled
configuration and an installed configuration which is identical or
substantially identical to the uninstalled configuration. Thus, for
instance, tabs 44-50 remain substantially parallel to one another
in the uninstalled and installed positions, and thus throughout the
life of the spacer, or at all times.
[0036] Width W3 defined between the inner surfaces of tabs 44 and
46 and is substantially the same as width W6 defined between the
sides 108 and 110 of the corresponding chord 98. Width W4 defined
between the corresponding tips 82 of the teeth on tabs 44 and 46 is
thus a little bit less than width W6 such that the tips 82 dig into
the sides 108 and 110 of the corresponding chords 98. This is
likewise true of the corresponding dimensions related to tabs 48
and 50 and the associated teeth 80. As shown in FIG. 8, the left
side 108 of chord 98 of truss 96A and the right side 110 of chord
98 of truss 96B define therebetween length L1 inasmuch as these two
trusses are spaced in accordance with the size of spacer 10.
Similarly, the left side 108 of truss 96A and the left side of
truss 96B define therebetween length L2, as do the corresponding
center lines CL of the adjacent pairs of trusses 96A and 96B. Right
side 110 of truss 96A and left side 108 of truss 96B define
therebetween length L3 in accordance with the distance or spacing
defined by spacer 10.
[0037] FIG. 8 also shows several layers of roofing positioned above
the installed trusses and spacers in preparation for securing the
roof to the trusses. More particularly, FIG. 8 shows sheeting in
the form of plywood 112 or the like, tar paper 114 and shingles
116. Although roofing layers may vary, these are some of the
typical materials used in roofing. Arrow B in FIG. 8 generally
illustrates the downward movement of these various layers in a
sequential manner, with the plywood being lowered into position
first, followed by the tar paper and subsequently the shingles at
the appropriate time. As illustrated in FIG. 9, once the plywood
112 has been positioned atop the trusses with the lower surface of
plywood 112 abutting the top surfaces of the first and second end
segments 26 and 28, sheeting nails 118 are used to secure plywood
112 to trusses 96. As is known in the art, nails 118 are typically
installed (Arrows C) with a nail gun or with a hammer such that the
top of the head 120 is roughly aligned with the top surface of
plywood 112, and preferably therebelow a short distance. As shown
in FIG. 9, the shafts of nails 118 may extend through holes 86 in
the respective end segment 26 or 28. Holes 86 thus eliminate any
sheet metal which would interfere with the installation of nail 118
in the region of the end segment of 26 or 28 should such a hole 86
not be provided.
[0038] Although teeth 80 secure spacer 10 to the trusses, nails 118
further secure spacer 10 to the trusses by securing plywood 112 to
the trusses with plywood 112 covering and engaging the top of
spacer 10. Typically, the only fasteners (such as nails and screws)
which are separate from spacer 10 and which secure spacer 10 to the
trusses are fasteners such as nails 118 which extend through a
roofing layer such as plywood 112 and into the trusses with the
roofing layer extending over spacer 10 and the trusses.
[0039] Once nails 118 have been shot, hammered or otherwise forced
through plywood 112 to secure plywood 112 to trusses 96, tar paper
114 is typically rolled onto the top surface of plywood 112 and
followed by shingles 116, which are secured along with tar paper
114 by roofing nails 122 each having a shaft 124, a head 126 and a
pointed tip 128 opposite head 126. Roofing nails 126 are also
typically hammered in with a hammer or shot in with a nail gun
(Arrow D) so that the shaft 124 pierces and passes through shingle
116, tar paper 114 and plywood 112 with the head 126 typically
seated atop the upper surface of the shingle 116 and extending
upwardly therefrom a very short distance, nearly flush with the top
of the shingle. As illustrated in FIG. 9, roofing nails 122 are
typically sufficiently long such that tips 128 protrude downwardly
beyond the lower surface of plywood 112 and thus generally below
all of the roofing layers, represented here by plywood 112, tar
paper 114 and shingles 116. FIG. 9 illustrates the importance of
the downwardly spaced or recessed central segment 30 of spacer 10
to form the nail tip receiving space 43. In particular, FIG. 9
shows the tips 128 and said roofing nails 122 are positioned within
space 43 preferably out of contact with central segment 30. More
particularly, any roofing nails 122 which are aligned directly
above central segment 30 such that the corresponding tip 128 points
directly at central segment 30 thus prevents the tip 128 from
hitting a portion of the spacer which would otherwise be abutting
or closely adjacent the bottom surface of plywood 112, that is if
the spacer were formed with a corresponding central segment which
was essentially of the same height as end segments 26 and 28. Space
43 thus minimizes the chance of the roofing nails hitting a piece
of the sheet metal or the material which may be used to form spacer
10, thus making the driving of the roofing nail 124 easier in the
central region of the spacer between the inner tabs 46 and 48 of
the truss engaging structures, and more particularly between the
bends 38 and 42. In addition, nails 122 do not bend, pierce or
otherwise damage central segment 30. FIG. 9 also illustrates in
dashed lines that a roofing nail 122 may be driven through the
roofing layers such that the lower portion of the shaft 124 make
extend through hole 95 in the region of the ramps 32 or ramps 34,
thus also minimizing the chance of the roofing nail impacting on
the sheet metal of spacer 10.
[0040] In short, spacer 10 is easily installed simply by applying
force on the end segments downwardly to force the truss engaging
structures onto the corresponding adjacent pair of trusses. More
particularly, the teeth 80 of the corresponding tabs engage and dig
into the opposed sides of the trusses during installation so that
when the spacer is installed, the teeth prevent the upward movement
of the spacer as well as lateral movement parallel to the chords of
the trusses on which the spacer is installed to secure the spacer
in place while setting the appropriate spacing between the trusses
until such time as the plywood or other sheeting material of the
roofing layers has been nailed into the trusses to provide the
greater structural integrity of the roofing structure. The spacers
10 thus remain permanently in place with the roofing layers secured
thereabove. In addition, spacers 10 provide the nail tip receiving
space 43 of holes 95 and 86 to minimize the chance of a given nail
impacting the material of which spacer 10 is formed.
[0041] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0042] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details
shown or described.
* * * * *