US20030182890A1

US20030182890A1 - Truss and joist brace

Info

Publication number: US20030182890A1
Application number: US10/400,236
Authority: US
Inventors: Jimmy Hudson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-03-29
Filing date: 2003-03-27
Publication date: 2003-10-02

Abstract

A brace system is provided for bracing at least two frame members of a multi-frame member containing frame system of a building. The brace system includes an elongated brace having a length sufficient to extend between at least two frame members. The brace includes a generally vertically extending frame engaging leg having at least three cut-out portions therein, the cut-out portions being disposed at predetermined intervals for receiving frame members. First and second wing members extend generally perpendicular to the frame engaging leg and are positioned for resting on an upper surface of a frame member. A deck engaging leg extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the wing members, and includes a deck engaging surface positioned for serving as a rest for decking members.

Description

I PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to provisional patent application filed Mar. 29, 2002, Ser. No. 60/369,094.[0001]

II. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for use in construction of a building, and more particularly to a spacer/bracer for use in connection with a truss system of the type typically used in the roof, floor or walls of a building.

III BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An integral part of a building is the frame of the building. The frame of buildings, and especially residential buildings, usually consists of an ordered array of elongated frame members. The frame members are disposed in a spaced parallel relationship, and commonly consist of a plurality of wood or steel members, such as 2″×4″, 2″×6″ or 2″×10″ frame members, the length of which is usually several feet or great. The particular orientation, length, and type of frame members used depend upon the particular type and size of the building being constructed, and the place within the building in which the frame members are used. For example, residential buildings typically employ wood frame members, whereas commercial buildings may employ wood frame members, but often employ steel or aluminum frame members.

The plurality of frame members are arrayed so that their upper surfaces extend in a unitary, parallel plane that faces upwardly when used for the floor of a building. For a wall of the building, the frame members extend generally vertically, and are arrayed so that their side surfaces are disposed in a generally vertically extending plane.

The roof of a building can be constructed similarly to a floor, with the upper surfaces of the frame members extending in a generally horizontal plane. However, in most cases, the frame members of a roof extend at an inclined angle, with the outer, upper edge surfaces being disposed in a plane that extends generally between about 10 degrees and 80 degrees from horizontal. In many roof systems, a peaked roof is formed where a first array of frame members extend generally upwardly from the point where the frame members are joined to a wall of the house, to a peak that is achieved approximately midway between a pair of opposed walls. A second set of arrayed frame members extend from the opposed walls to the peak, to meet the first set of frame members.

Although roofs may be constructed using individual frame member elements, many roofs are formed using truss systems. A truss system typically comprises three primary board members that are joined together. Three members of a truss system of a typical roof include a base member that extends between opposing walls of a building. The base member generally extends predominantly horizontally. Additionally, the truss system includes first and second angled (inclined) members, with the first angled member having its lower end coupled to a first end of the base member, and its second. or upper end being disposed adjacent to the point where the peak of the roof will be. Similarly, the second angled member has its lower end attached adjacent to the second end of the base member, while the upper end of the inclined member is coupled to the upper end of the first inclined member. In addition to the three primary board members, one or more secondary members can extend between a pair of the primary members to impart additional strength and rigidity to the truss. Through this construction, the truss will typically have a triangular shape.

To construct a roof, a plurality of truss members are arrayed in a spaced, parallel relations, with the spacing between adjacent trusses governed by either building codes or load bearing requirements. Most spacing regimes call for the truss units to be spaced apart by a uniform distance (e.g. 24 or 16 inches on center).

One difficulty that occurs with trusses, is stabilizing the truss units and bracing them after the truss units are attached to the supporting walls, and before decking is applied to the upper surface of the truss units, to form the floor, or roof (as appropriate). A typical construction process by which a truss system is assembled starts with the three (or more) members of each individual truss unit being assembled into a triangular truss unit. This process often occurs at a manufacturing site that is often far removed from the construction site of the building in which the truss will be used. At the construction site, the supporting walls of the building are usually constructed before the trusses are set in place. The supporting walls typically include an upper supporting beam on each of the upright supporting walls.

A plurality of truss units are then arrayed parallel to each other so that they are placed on their ends, with the base member being attached to the upper supporting beams. When in this position, the base member of the truss spans the distance between opposing walls. A plurality of truss units are arrayed in a parallelly extending array from one end of the supporting wall to the other end of the supporting walls.

The number of particular truss units that are used on any particular building depends primarily upon the size of the building, and the spacing between the truss members. As will be appreciated, for a building of a given size, more truss units will be utilized on a building where closer spacing exists between individual truss units. The particular spacing chosen between adjacent truss units is a function both of the desired strength necessary for the roof or floor structure, and the particular local building codes that often govern the maximum space that can exist between adjacent truss members.

Most truss units have a much greater length dimension (as measured from one end to the other end of the base unit), and height dimension (as measured between the top of the peak and the lower most edge of the base member) than a width dimension (as measured between the first and second side surfaces of any one of the base and/or angled members). For example, a typical truss system may have a length of 40′, a height of 10′, but a width of only 2″, as that may be the width of the frame members (e.g. 2″×4″ boards) used in the truss system. The dimensions set forth create a device that usually has very little lateral stability when not supported, or not joined to other truss units. As such, the truss units are subject to toppling over on their sides when they are supported only at their base by the attachment to a supporting wall.

Two significant difficulties exist when assembling an array of truss units into a truss system for a building. The first difficulty relates to obtaining the proper spacing between truss units. Preferably, the truss units of a roof system, floor system or wall frame system, should be spaced uniformly and parallel. To accomplish this, the truss units must be spaced uniformly and parallel with respect to the units adjacent to them, to ensure that the spacing between the trusses at both ends is equal, so that the truss units will be parallel. Additionally, all of the truss units should be separated by consistent spacing except, perhaps, for perhaps a truss or two which is spaced unevenly in cases where the length of the building is not evenly divisible by a selected truss unit spacing. To learn more about truss systems, the reader is invited to view the materials provided by the Truss Plate Institute at www.tpinst.org.

A second difficulty relates to bracing the truss units to provide the truss units with lateral stability. The truss units will achieve significant lateral stability in the final constructed roof, due to the attachment of the upper edges of the truss units to the sheet-like decking (that is usually comprised of a plurality of 4′×8′ plywood sheets). However, the truss units do not have great lateral stability before the decking is attached to their top surfaces. As discussed above, the initial attachment point for an individual truss unit (before the decking is attached) often is the nail or other attaching device that couples an end of the truss unit to the upper beam of the supporting wall at each end. To provide lateral support, braces are usually attached to the truss units, to provide lateral stability.

A wide variety of brace systems exist. For example, one bracing system employs a ground bracing system that comprises a plurality of stakes that are driven into the ground adjacent to the side of the building. A series of diagonal bracing members extend from the ground stakes to the first truss unit to support the first truss unit in an upright position. A series of laterally extending brace members extend generally perpendicular to the truss units to extend between adjacent truss units. Another exemplary brace system includes diagonally disposed brace members that are used in conjunction with the laterally extending brace members discussed above.

Other various truss spacer and/or bracer systems are disclosed in the following patents:

Holtzlander, U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,837;

Robertson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,366,149;

Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,985;

Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,261;

Jahn et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,609,933

Stewart, III, U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,299;

Klein, U.S. Pat. No. 3,010,162;

Krug, U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,200;

Brinker, U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,101; and

Shaw, U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,058

Although many of the devices described above most likely perform their intended tasks in a workmanlike manner, room for improvement exists.

It is therefore, one object of the present invention to provide a spacing and bracing system for use in connection with a building truss or framing system, such as a roof truss, floor joist, or wall frame system that aids the construction personnel in ensuring appropriate spacing between adjacent truss units or frame members, and which also helps to provide some lateral stability to the unit member.

Another difficulty that exists in connection with the construction of a roof relates to the placement of the decking on the upper surfaces of the inclined members of a truss unit (in a roof system), or the upper surfaces of the joist members of a floor joist system.

As discussed above, when all of the various truss units of the truss system, or are all the various joist units of the floor joist system are properly attached to the side supporting walls of the structure, the floor joists or the roof trusses are usually overlain with the decking material. Typically, this decking material consists of a plywood or fiberboard type material. Usually, such decking material is produced in 4′×8′ sheets. Depending upon the builder's and homeowner's specifications, such decking material may have a thickness of somewhere between about {fraction (3/8)} inches and {fraction (3/4)} inches.

One difficulty with attaching the plywood decking to the truss unit is that it is often difficult to properly position the decking material in a desired spot on the truss unit, and to maintain that decking in its proper location between the time that the decking material is laid upon the truss system, and that time when the decking material is secured to the truss unit such as by nailing the decking to the truss unit. Maintaining the proper position of a decking member is especially problematic when the decking member is being attached to a pitched roof, as the force of gravity upon the decking member will tend to cause it to slide down the truss. This potential for movement of a decking member also increases the difficulty of aligning adjacent members together, so that adjacent decking members are “squared” with each other, so that their opposing edges align, to reduce the sizes of the cracks therebetween.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a bracing system that will facilitate the maintenance of a deck member in an appropriate, desired position on a roof truss unit or roof joist, during the time between when the decking member is laid on the truss or floor joist, and the time when it is permanently affixed to the truss or floor joist by nailing or other attachment.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device that will aid the construction framer in aligning adjacent decking members upon a roof truss or floor joist system to better enable him to properly align a decking member, and reduce the space of the cracks therebetween.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a brace system is provided for bracing at least three frame members of a multi-frame member containing frame system of a building. The brace system comprises an elongated brace having a length sufficient to extend between at least three frame members. The brace includes a generally vertically extending frame engaging leg having at least three cut-out portions therein, the cut-out portions being disposed at predetermined intervals for receiving frame members. First and second wing members extend generally perpendicular to the frame engaging leg and are positioned for resting on an upper surface of a frame member. A deck engaging leg extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the wing members, and includes a deck engaging surface positioned for serving as a rest for decking members.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a brace system is provided for bracing at least three frame members of a multi-frame member containing frame system of a building. The brace system comprises an elongated brace having a length sufficient to extend between at least three frame members. The brace includes a generally vertically extending frame engaging leg having at least three cut-out portions therein. The cut-out portions are disposed at predetermined intervals for receiving frame members. First and second wing members extend generally perpendicular to the frame engaging leg. The wing members are positioned for resting on an upper surface of a frame member. The frame engaging leg includes at least one break away tab member formed in the frame engaging leg to form one of the cut out portions.

In a preferred embodiment, the deck engaging leg includes a series of raised portions, that may take the form of dimples/pimples. The dimples can extend outwardly from the deck engaging leg in a single direction or in both directions. The dimple members are provided for engaging the deck members, and spacing the deck members from the major surfaces of the deck engaging leg, to better accommodate expansion and contraction of the decking members.

One feature of the present invention is that the framing engaging leg includes a series of spaced apertures. These spaced apertures have the advantage of enabling the construction personnel to place the frame members at properly spaced intervals from each other. Additionally, the spaced cut-outs also serve as braces for the frame members, to impart lateral stability to the frame members.

In a preferred embodiment, pre-formed apertures are replaced by a series of break-away tabs. The break-away tabs can consist of two or more series of break-away tabs to accommodate different truss and/or I joist spacing regimes. For example, a first series of tabs can be spaced to receive 19.2 inch spaced (on center) I-joists, while a second series of tabs can be spaced to receive 24 inch spaced (on center) or I-joist. The advantage of the employment of this series of break-away tabs is that a single inventory item can be employed to handle a variety of truss spacing regimes. This adaptability helps to reduce manufacturing and inventory costs for the manufacturer, reduces inventory costs for the distributor, and can reduce time-lost costs for the end use builder.

It is also a feature of the present invention that a deck engaging member is provided. The deck engaging member serves at least two functions. The first function served by the deck engaging member is that is serves as a rest and a stop for the decking members. This feature is especially useful when the space/bracer of the present invention is used with a frame member on an inclined roof. As will be appreciated, decking members placed upon an inclined roof will have a tendency to move downwardly, under the influence of gravity.

The deck engaging leg of the present invention holds the decking in place at a fixed position upon the roof, thereby facilitating the engagement of the deck member to the frame members by the carpenter.

Another advantage achieved by the deck engaging leg is that it provides appropriate spacing between deck members. Deck members have the propensity to contract and expand under the influence of heat, coldness and moisture. When properly positioned, the deck engaging member can enable the deck members to be positioned in a spaced relationship, wherein expansion and contraction factors can be accommodated, without the deck member buckling.

A further feature of the present invention is that the frame engaging member can include a series of ear members that can be moved to extend in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the frame engaging member. The ears can be positioned adjacent to a side surface of a truss member. A nail or other fastening member can be driven through the ear member, into the truss member for fixedly coupling the spacer/bracer to the truss member. This feature has the advantage of fixedly positioning the spacer/bracer to the truss member. Additionally, by strengthening the bond between the spacer/bracer and the truss member, the overall strength of the truss system, and the roof, floor and/or wall it supports can also be strengthened significantly.

These and other features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art, upon a reading of the detailed description and drawings below which set forth the best mode of practicing the invention perceived presently.

IV BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the spacer/bracer of the present invention showing the cross-shaped embodiment thereof; [0043]
FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partially broken away side view of the spacer of the present invention; [0044]
FIG. 3 is a side view, similar to FIG. 2 showing the spacer/bracer attached to a pair of frame members; [0045]
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines [0046] 4-4 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view, similar to FIG. 4, showing the spacer/bracer engaged to a frame member and decking member; [0047]
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines [0048] 6-6 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view of a first alternate “T-brace” embodiment of the present invention; [0049]
FIG. 8 is a side, enlarged, partly broken away view of the T-brace embodiment shown in FIG. 7; [0050]
FIG. 9 is a side, sectional view, showing the T-brace embodiment spacer/bracer as attached to a pair of frame members; [0051]
FIG. 9[0052] a is a sectional view taken along line 9A-9A of FIG. 8;
FIG. 9[0053] b is a side view of the spacer/bracer T-brace embodiment showing the frame member receiving break away tabs;
FIG. 9[0054] c is a bottom view of the T-brace embodiment illustrating the hinged ear member thereof;
FIG. 9[0055] d is an enlarged bottom view of the spacer/bracer of the present invention showing the hinged ear attached by a nail to a frame member of a building;
FIG. 10 is a somewhat schematic view of the spacer/bracer shown as being attached to the frame of a building; [0056]
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the spacer/bracer in use as part of an inclined roof system; [0057]
FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of a roof decking system shown in FIG. 11. [0058]
FIG. 13 is a side view of a second alternate embodiment (the “I-Joist Brace”) of the present invention; and [0059]
FIG. 14 is a side view of the I-Joist Brace of the present invention.[0060]

V DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The building frame member spacer/bracer [0061] 10 (the “spacer”) of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-6 as having a first end 11 and a second end 13. Typically, the spacer 10 has a significant longitudinal extent between its first end 11 and second end 13, and in any event, should be long enough to span several frame members. Preferably, the spacer 10 has a length of about 12 feet of so, to enable it to span, for example, nine frame members that are set apart by 16″ (on center), or six frame members that are set apart by 24″ (on center). The spacer 10 is preferably made from a sheet of steel, aluminum, or other metal material, having a thickness of between 26 and 30 gauge, that is roll formed and stamped into its appropriate shape.
The [0062] spacer 10 includes a vertically upwardly extending, deck-engaging leg 12, and a downwardly extending frame engaging leg 14 that is disposed generally co-planarly with the deck engaging leg 12. Additionally, the spacer 10 includes a first laterally extending wing 16 that is disposed generally co-planarly with a second laterally extending wing 18. The first and second laterally extending wings 16, 18 are disposed in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane in which the deck and frame engaging legs 12, 14 reside.
In this application, terms such as vertically, downwardly and laterally are used to help clarify the orientation of the device shown in the drawings. It should be understood that these orientations may differ when the device is in use, and should not be construed as limitations. [0063]
As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the [0064] spacer 10 is formed from a single sheet of metal which is rolled and stamped to form all of the four legs 12, 14, 16, 18. In order to accomplish this, the first and second laterally extending legs 16, 18 are comprised of a single thickness of material, and that the deck engaging leg 12 comprises a double thickness, formed from overlapped first 13 and second 15 deck engaging leg portions. Similarly, the frame engaging leg 14 is comprised of first 17 and second 19 frame engaging leg portions that impart a double thickness to the frame engaging leg 14. This double thickness of the deck engaging leg 12 and frame engaging leg not only facilitates the manufacture of the device, but also increases the structural rigidity of the spacer 10.
The vertically extending [0065] deck engaging leg 12 includes a first and second set of deck member spacing protrusions that can be in the form of dimples 20, 22. Preferably, and is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first set of deck engaging protrusions 20 are designed to be convex, to extend out of and above the second major surface 26. By contrast, the second set of protrusions 22 are formed to be concave, so that they appear to be protrusions to the first major surface 24, but are recesses (concave) to the second major surface 26 of the deck engaging leg 12.
The [0066] deck engaging protrusions 20, 22 serve as spacers for maintaining deck members, such as deck member 23 and 25 (FIG. 5) in a spaced relationship from the deck engaging leg 12. This spaced relationship is important, as it provides room for the deck members 23, 25 to expand and contract under the influence of heat and moisture, without causing buckling of the deck members 23, 25.
The downwardly extending, [0067] frame engaging leg 14 includes a series of spaced cut-outs, such as cut- outs 28, 30 that are sized and positioned to receive frame members, such as frame members 38, 40 of the roof system, floor joist system, or wall frame system to which the spacer 10 is attached. The frame engaging leg 14 also includes a first major surface 34 and a second major surface 36, with spaced cut- outs 28, 30 extending all the way therethrough. The spaced cut- outs 28, 30 are positioned at predetermined locations, to have a separation generally equal to the separation between the frame members 38, 40 to which they are attached. In some buildings, and in some situations, the frame members 38, 40 are spaced apart by 16″. In such cases, the spaced cut- out 28, 30 would also be spaced apart by 16″ (on center).
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. [0068] 1-6, the cut outs are stamped at the factory so that the end user receives the device with the cut outs in place. As discussed below in connection with the T-brace embodiment shown in FIG. 9b, the cutouts can comprise two or more series of cut outs to accommodate different typical frame spacing regimes. For example, a first series of cut outs can be spaced at 16 inch intervals, and a second set of cut outs can be spaced at 24 inch intervals so that a single spacer 10 can accommodate both 16 inch and 24 inch (on center) spacing regimes, respectively.
It will be appreciated that the two series of cut outs will employ some common cut outs. For example, when both a 16 inch and 24 inch series of cut outs are employed, both series will use the first (zero inch) and fifth (48 inch) cut outs. Preferably, the cut outs are formed through the use of twist out, break away tabs that the user can selectively remove by hand, depending upon the frame spacing regime employed in the particular building. [0069]
Additionally, the spaced [0070] cut outs 28, 30 should have a width that is designed to accommodate the width of the frame members 38, 40. As the most common frame members are two by fours having a width (when measured at their edge) of slightly less than 2″, a typical width of each of the cut outs 28, 30 will typically be approximately 2″, or slightly less than 2″ and preferably about 1{fraction (9/16)} (1.5625) inches. However, the width of the spaced cut-outs can be varied to accommodate frame members having different widths.
The first laterally extending [0071] wing 16 includes an upper surface 46 for engaging the lower surface of a deck member, such as deck member 23 (FIG. 5), and a lower surface 48 for engaging the upper surface of a frame member 38. A series of apertures 50 extend in a spaced array along the length of the first laterally extending wing, and are positioned generally adjacent to the cut outs 28, 30 of the lower leg 14. The apertures 50 are provided for serving as a point through which a nail 52 can extend to anchor the spacer 10 to a frame member 38.
A second laterally extending [0072] wing 18 is generally similar in configuration, and is the mirror image of the first laterally extending wing 16, and is generally co-planar therewith. The second laterally extending wing 18 includes an upper surface 60 and a lower surface 62. A series of apertures 64 extend along the length of the second laterally extending wing 18 in a spaced array, and are positioned generally similarly to apertures 50. The apertures 64 are provided for receiving a nail 66 for anchoring the second wing 58 and hence the spacer 10 to the frame members 38.
To form the [0073] spacer 10, one begins by cutting a sheet of metal into an appropriately sized single strip of metal, then passed through a roll-forming operation to bend the metal strip into the cross-shaped spacer 10. If the spacer 10 is manufactured in this manner, it will appreciated that one or more of the legs 12, 14, 16, 18 and, as shown in the drawings, legs 12, 14 will likely have a double thickness of metal, as the legs 10, 12 may comprise a portion of the strip that is bent back upon itself to form the particular leg. The strip may be either pre-stamped, or stamped after forming to create the various cut- outs 28, 30 and apertures 50, 52 formed in the spacer 10.
Another embodiment, the “T-brace” [0074] spacer 100 is shown in FIGS. 7-10 as being generally T-shaped. T-brace spacer 100 is generally similar to spacer 10, except that spacer 100 does not include a deck engaging leg. Spacer 100 is designed primarily for use in wall frame environments where a deck engaging edge is not typically utilized, as a single piece of 4′×8′ drywall or insulation typically extends along the full length between the top and bottom of the frame. Additionally, T-Brace 100 also works well in a floor frame environment, although the I-Joist Brace, discussed below in connection with FIGS. 13 and 14 is more proficient when I-Joint type frame members are used in a flooring frame structure.
T-shaped [0075] spacer 100 includes a first end 102 and a second end 104, along with a vertically extending, frame engaging leg 106, and a wing 108 comprised of first 110 and second 112 wing portions. First wing portion 110 is generally similar in its position and lateral extent to the first wing of spacer 10, and also to second wing portion 112. The first and second wing portions 110, 112 are co-planar, and are disposed in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane in which the vertical leg 106 is disposed. As best shown in FIG. 9, the T-Brace embodiment 100, in cross section is formed from a single elongated strip that is rolled and bent to a first laterally extending wing portion 110 that is generally one sheet thick except for the double sheet thickness rolled end flange 111.
A hemicylindrical stiffening rib [0076] 113 is formed to extend the length of the T-Brace 100. Second laterally extending wing portion 112 is generally a similar mirror image of first wing portion 110, and also includes a rolled end flange 115 and a hemicylindrical stiffening rib 117.
The vertically extending frame engaging leg has a double thickness comprised of a first [0077] 119 and second 121 sheet of metal. The combination of the double thickness leg 106, the stiffening ribs 113, 117 and rolled end flanges 111, 115 impart significant structural rigidity to the T-brae 100 to help place the size of one exemplary embodiment of the T-Brace 100 in context, several dimensions will be given hereunder. The overall width 131 of wings 110, 112 is 1.50 inches; the height 133 is 0.75 inches; the width 135 of one wing 112 is 0.75 inches; the width 137 of the rolled end flange 115 is 0.25 inches; and the height 141 of a stiffening rib 113 is 0.06 inches.
The vertically extending [0078] frame engaging leg 106 includes a first major surface 118 and a second major surface 120. A series of cut-outs, e.g. cut- outs 124 and 126 extend along the length of the vertical leg 106 in a spaced relation. The distance between the cut- outs 124, 126 is determined by the appropriate spacing between the frame members 128, 130 that are received by the cut- outs 124, 126. Additionally, the size of the particular cut- outs 124, 126, is also governed by the size of the frame members 128, 130 that they are designed to receive.
The [0079] wing members 108 include apertures 139 that extend through the first and second wing portions 110, 112, and through which a nail can extend for anchoring the spacer 100 to the frame member to which it is to be attached, with the head of the nail being disposed adjacent to the upper surface 148 of the wing portions 110, 112.
Turning now to FIG. 9[0080] b, the alternate embodiment T-Brace will be disclosed that a generally similar in configuration to T-Brace 100 shown in FIG. 9a, and includes a pair of laterally extending wings not shown, 303, and a generally downwardly extending vertical 301. Two significant differences exist however in the downwardly extending leg 301. In particular, the downwardly extending leg 301 includes two series of cut outs, including a first series of cut outs that are designed to accept frame members spaced according to a first spacing regime (e.g. 16 inches); and a second set of cut outs that are designed for receiving a set of frame members that are spaced according to a second framing regime (e.g. 24 inches). An additional difference is that the cut outs are not pre-cut into the downwardly extending leg 301. Rather, they consist of a series of perforated, break away tabs that the user can remove, on location, by twisting them out of their engagement with the downwardly extending leg 301. As will be appreciated, this enables the user to remove some, but not all of the various tabs, depending upon the particular framing regime used in the particular building.
It will noted that the break away tabs shown in the drawings include [0081] tabs 302, 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312.
The first series of tabs are separated by a spacing regime of 16 inches, and include break away [0082] tabs 302, 304, 308, and 312. The distance between tabs 302 and 304 (when measured on center) is 16 inches; the distance between tab 304 and 308 is 16 inches; the distance between tab 308 and 310 is 16 inches; and the distance between tabs 310 and 312 is 16 inches. It will be appreciated that if tab 302 is arbitrarily assigned to be at “0” distance, then tab 304 would be at 16 inches from tab 302; tab 308 will be at 32 inches from tab 302; tab 310 would be at 48 inches from tab 302; and tab 312 would be at 64 inches from tab 302.
The second series of tabs include [0083] tabs 302, 306 (which is 24 inches from tab 302) and tab 310 (which is 24 inches from tab 306 and 48 inches from tab 302). As such, the tabs, spaced according to the regime set forth above, comprise two series of tabs that can accommodate both a first spacing regime of 16 inches between frame members, and a second spacing regime of 24 inches between frame members. It will also be appreciated that some of the tabs, such as tabs 302 and 310 serve both series of tabs, as the cut out portion formed by the removal of tab 302 would receive the first frame member of each series, and the cut out formed by tab 310 would receive the third frame member of the 24 inch regime spacing, and the fourth frame member of a 16 inch spacing regime.
As shown in FIG. 9[0084] b, all of the tabs 302-312 can be perforated along the side 314, top 316 and opposed side 318 edges, so that the user can grab the tab 302, and twist it and break away the tab to disengage the tab from its connection with the spacer 300. An alternate arrangement however is shown in FIGS. 9c and 9 d.
Spacer [0085] 340 is shown in FIG. 9c as including a pair of laterally extending wing members 342, 344 and a downwardly extending frame engaging leg 346. Downwardly extending frame engaging leg include a break away tab portion 350. Break away tab 350 differs from the tabs shown in FIG. 9b (e.g. cut outs 302, 304, etc.), as tab 350 only includes a perforated side edge 352 and top edge (not shown). Additionally, tab 350 is hingedly connected, such as by a scoring line 356, to the downwardly extending frame engaging leg 346. This permits the break away tab member 350 to pivot about the hinge formed by score line 356, from a position wherein it is generally co-planar with downwardly extending frame engaging leg 346, to a position where the break away tab 350 is disposed on a plane generally perpendicular to the downwardly extending frame engaging leg 346, as shown in FIG. 9d.
Continuing onward with FIG. 9[0086] d, it will be noted that the break away tab 350 includes an aperture, through which a nail can pass for fixedly coupling the break away tab 350, and hence the T-Brace 340 to a frame member. It will be noted that the position and configuration of the hingedly connected break away tab 350 enables the break away tab 350 to be disposed adjacent to and in a parallel plane with the frame member 358, to facilitate the passage of a nail 359 through each of the break away tab member 350 and frame member 358.
It has been found by applicant that the hingedly connected break away tab is especially useful when used in connection with the base members of trusses, or with floor joints. The applicant has found that breaking away the [0087] appropriate tabs 350, and placing the base from a floor joist into the cut out portion 361 formed by the removal of the hingedly coupled break away tab 350, enables the brace to serve as a stand for the joist and truss members. When the tab members 350 are nailed to the frame members, the bracer serves as a frame that is sufficient to maintain the floor joists or roof trusses in their upright position in a stable enough manner, to enable the construction personnel to complete the job of securing the trusses together in an appropriate manner, such as through the use of other braces, or by attaching decking members to the trusses.
Turning now to FIGS. 13 and 14, an [0088] alternate embodiment 400 is shown that is particularly well adapted at receiving I-Joist such as are commonly used in floor systems. I-Joist Brace 440 is generally similar in configuration to T-Braces 100 and 300, except that it includes a multi-part break away tab that is designed to accommodate I-Joists 440 having laterally extending legs 446 of varying widths. Similar to the T-Braces discussed above, the break away tabs forming the cut out portions 406 can be arrayed in more than one series to accommodate different spacing regimes. Additionally, the break away tabs can be configured similarly to the break away tab 350 of brace 300, insofar as they can be hingedly coupled to the vertically extending leg 404 of the T-Brace 400, rather than being complete “break away” tabs, as is discussed in connection with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
T-[0089] Brace 400 includes a laterally extending wing 402 that is generally similar to the T-Braces discussed above, and a vertically extending leg 404 that is also generally similar in size and configuration to the vertically extending leg of the T-Braces discussed above.
The vertically extending [0090] leg 404 includes a series of cut out portions 406, that are formed through the selective removal of break away tabs. As best shown in FIG. 13, the break away tab arrangement of I-Joist Brace 440 comprises a multi-part break away tab that includes five separately removable tabs 412, 414, 416, 418 and 420, which tabs are defined by a series of linearly extending perforations 422 that extend between the various tabs 412-420, and along the top edge of the tabs 412-420. The three-part, multi-part tab is shown as comprising a first part that is comprised of tab 412; a second part, that is comprised of both tabs 414 and 416, that are disposed laterally outwardly of first part tab 412. Additionally, the multi-part tab includes a third part that is comprised of break away tabs 418, 420 is also included. Break away tabs 418, 420 are disposed laterally outwardly of second part tabs 414, 416.
The particular arrangement shown enables the tabs [0091] 412-420 to be selectively broken away to form a cut out portion having three (or more) distinct widths. For example, the removal of first part tab 412 creates a relatively small opening that, for example, may have a width of approximately of 1{fraction (13/16)} inches. The removal of the first part tab 412 along with the removal of the second part tabs 414, 416 creates a cut out having a width 432 that is larger, and preferably is approximately 2{fraction (9/16)} inches. Finally, the removal of all of the tabs 412-420, including the third part tabs 418, 420 creates a relatively wider opening, and preferably one that is approximately 3{fraction (9/16)} inches. These particular dimensions were chosen, as they are sized to snugly receive the three most popular sizes of I-Joist.
Turning now to FIG. 14, it will be noted that I-[0092] Joint 440 includes a generally narrow vertically extending member 444, that is capped with a relatively wider, generally laterally extending cap member 446. The outer width dimensions of the I-Joist cap 446 are the dimensions that are used to determine the width of the various first, second and third parts of the break away tab. As shown in FIG. 14, the first part 412 and second part 414, 416 break away tabs have been removed to create a cut out portion 416 that has a width that is approximately 2{fraction (9/16)} inches wide. It will also be noted that the third part tab members 418, 420 have been left in place. Although the third part tab members 418, 420 could be removed, their removal would create a cut out portion 406 that was generally too wide to snugly receive the laterally extending tab member 446 of the I-Joist 440.
Turning now to FIG. 10, a [0093] building system 200 is shown that includes a floor system 202, a wall frame system 204, and a roof or ceiling system 206 that all employ various features of the present invention. The floor system 202 includes a decking material 212, that, in most cases, consists of a series of 4′×8′ sheets of plywood overlain by a covering material such as carpet or tile. The decking material 212 rests upon a series of floor joists 214 that, may comprise 2″×10″ planks, or engineered-type floor joists. A spacer 216 that is configured generally similarly to spacer 10 of FIG. 1 extends between the joist 214 in a direction generally perpendicular thereto. The cut-outs (not shown) in the frame engaging vertical leg receive the upper edge surfaces 218 of the floor joists. When the spacer 216 is engaged to the joist, the spacer 216 maintains the joist 214 at the proper spatial orientation, and also helps to provide lateral stability during the construction process.
A wall system [0094] 222 includes a series of generally parallelly extending frame members 224, that, in most residential construction cases, will comprise 2″×4″ planks. A spacer 226 extends between the frame members 224, and extends in a direction generally perpendicular thereto. The spacer 226 has a configuration generally similar to the alternate embodiment spacer 200 shown in FIG. 7, and includes a series of cut-outs (not shown) in the vertically extending leg for receiving the outer surface 227 of the frame members 224. Alternately, the spacer 226 can be disposed adjacent to the interior wall, to engage the inner edge surfaces of the frame member 224.
The roofing system [0095] 206 is shown in FIG. 10 as including a series of ceiling joists 232, but alternately, can comprise a series of roof truss members. A spacer 220 extends between the series of roof joists 228, and engages the roof joists 228 through the cut-out portions (not shown) of the vertically extending frame engaging leg of the spacer 220.
Turning now to FIG. 12, a series of [0096] spacers 220 a, 220 b are shown being coupled to a series of roof joists 228. It will be noted that a first decking member 236 is captured between, and held in position by vertically upwardly extending deck engaging legs 240, 242 of the spacers 220 a, 220 b. As roof section 234 is shown in FIG. 11 as being an inclined roof, it will be appreciated that trapping the deck member 236 between the adjacent spacers 220 a, 220 b, helps to maintain the appropriate position of the deck member 236 on the inclined roof structure 234, prior to the deck member 236 being nailed to the frame member, such as with a nail 244.
[0097] Deck member 238 also engages the spacer 220 a. It should also be noted, that the first and second decking members 236, 238 do not butt right up against the major surfaces of the deck engaging leg 240 of the spacers 220 a, 220 b. Rather, the dimples (protrusions) formed in the vertically extending legs 240, 242 maintain the deck members 236, 238 in a slightly separated state from the major surfaces of the vertically extending deck engaging legs 240, 242, to permit contraction and expansion of the deck member 236, 238.
To assemble the roof structure, one end of the spacer is attached to an end joist. The remaining joists can then be properly aligned with reference to the cut-outs in the particular spacers. After properly aligned, the joists and spacers can be nailed together, to help maintain the joists in their appropriate position. After this is accomplished, the decking can be overlain, and then secured to both the spacers and the joists. [0098]
Although the invention has been described with reference to the currently perceived best mode of practicing the invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the variation and modifications exist which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention. [0099]

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A brace system for bracing at least three frame members of a multi-frame member containing frame system of a building, the brace system comprising

an elongated brace having a length sufficient to extend between at least three frame members, the brace including

(1) a generally vertically extending frame engaging leg having at least three cut-out portions therein, the cut-out portions being disposed at predetermined intervals for receiving frame members,

(2) first and second wing members extending generally perpendicular to the frame engaging leg, the wing members being positioned for resting on an upper surface of a frame member, and

(3) a deck engaging leg extending in a plane generally perpendicular to the wing members, the deck engaging leg including a deck engaging surface configured and positioned for serving as a rest for decking members;

2. The brace of claim 1 wherein the deck engaging leg includes a first series of protrusions extending outwardly from the deck engaging surface to maintain a first decking member in a spaced relation from the deck engaging surface.

3. The brace of claim 2 where deck engaging leg includes a second deck engaging surface, and a second series of protrusions extending outwardly from the second deck engaging surface in a direction generally opposite to the direction in which the first series of protrusions extend, the second series of protrusions being positioned to maintain a second decking member in a spaced relation from the second deck engaging surface.

4. The brace of claim 3 wherein the first and second series of protrusions comprise a first and second series of hemispherical shaped protrusions.

5. The brace of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second wing member includes at least an aperture through which a fastening member can pass for fixedly coupling the brace to a frame member.

6. The brace of claim 1 further comprising at least one break-away tab member formed in the frame engaging leg, the tab member being removable from the frame engaging leg to form one of the cut out portions.

7. The brace of claim 1 wherein the at least one break away tab is perforatedly connected to the frame engaging leg to permit the break away tab to be removed by a user's finger, without need for additional tools.

8. The brace of claim 1 wherein the deck engaging leg includes

a first series of break away tabs and a second series of break away tabs,

the first series of break away tabs being spaced by a first predetermined distance, the first set of break away tabs configured to be removable to form a first series of said cut-out portions for receiving frame members spaced according to a first spacing regime, and

the second series of break away tabs being spaced by a second predetermined distance, the second set of break away tabs being configured to be removable to form a second series of said cut out portions for receiving frame members spaced according to a second spacing regime.

9. The brace of claim 8 wherein the first series of break away tabs are spaced about 16 inches apart and the second series of break away tabs are spaced frame members of the about 24 inches apart, wherein at least one of the break away tabs forms a cut out portion that also receives some of the second series of brake away tabs.

10. The brace of claim 8 wherein the first series of break away tabs comprises a series of multi-part break away tabs, including a first part configured to be broken away to snugly receive a frame member having a first width, and a second part configured to be broken away to snugly receive a frame member having a second width.

11. The brace of claim 10 wherein the frame member having the second width is wider than the frame member having the first width, wherein the first part and second part of the multi-part break away tab is removed to snugly receive the frame member having the second width.

12. The brace of claim 1 wherein at least two of the frame engaging leg, wing members and deck engaging leg are comprised of two layers of metal for importing enhanced structural rigidity to the brace.

13. The brace of claim 12 wherein the at least two members comprises the frame engaging leg and the deck engaging leg.

14. The brace of claim 1 wherein the brace is formed from a single sheet of metal formed to include a pair of single layer wing members, a double layer frame engaging member and a double layer deck engaging leg.

15. The brace of claim 1 wherein the frame system is selected from the group consisting of a floor frame system, a wall frame system and a roof frame system.

16. A brace system for bracing at least three frame members of a multi-frame member containing frame system of a building, the brace system comprising

(2) first and second wing members extending generally perpendicular to the frame engaging leg, the wing members being positioned for resting on an upper surface of a frame member,

wherein, the frame engaging leg includes at least one break away tab member formed in the frame engaging leg to form one of the cut out portions.

17. The brace of claim 16 wherein the at least one break away tab is perforatedly connected to the frame engaging leg to permit the break away tab to be removed by a user's finger, without need for additional tools.

18. The brace of claim 16 wherein the deck engaging leg includes

a first series of break away tabs and a second series of break away tabs,

19. The brace of claim 18 wherein the first series of break away tabs are spaced about 16 inches apart and the second series of break away tabs are spaced about 24 inches apart, wherein at least one of the first series of break away tabs also comprises at least one of the second series of brake away tabs.

20. The brace of claim 18 wherein the first series of break away tabs comprises a series of multi-part break away tabs, including a first part configured to be broken away to snugly receive a frame member having a first width, and a second part configured to be broken away to snugly receive a frame member having a second width.

21. The brace of claim 20 wherein the frame member having the second width is wider than the frame member having the first width, wherein the first part and second part of the multi-part break away tab are removed to snugly receive the frame member having the second width.

22. The brace of claim 20 wherein the first series of break away tabs further comprises a third part configured to be broken away to snugly receive a frame member having a third width.

23. The brace of claim 16 wherein the deck engaging leg includes a first series of break away tabs comprising a series of break away tabs including a first part being configured to snugly receive a frame member having a first width, a second part comprising a pair of break away tab parts being disposed laterally outwardly of the first part and being configured to snugly receive a frame member having a second width greater than first width.

24. The brace of claim 16 wherein the multi-part break away tabs include a third part comprising a pair of break away tab parts disposed laterally outwardly of the second part, and being configured to snugly receive a frame member having a third width greater than the second width.

25. The brace of claim 24 wherein

the removal of the first part allows the cut out portion to receive a frame member having a width of about 1{fraction (13/16)} inches or less,

the removal of the second part allows the cut out portion to receive a frame member having a width of about 2{fraction (9/16)} inches or less, and

the removal of the third part allows the cut out portion to receive a frame member having a width of about 3{fraction (9/16)} inches or less;

26. The brace of claim 16 wherein the break away tab includes a hinge portion for permitting the break away tab to pivot about the hinge portion, to permit the tab to be positioned in a parallel plane with a surface of a frame member;

27. The brace of claim 26 wherein the break away tab having a hinge portion includes an aperture for receiving an elongated fastener for permitting the tab to be fixedly attached to the frame member.