Chord reinforcement piece

Abstract

An apparatus and method of use is provided for application with at least one truss chord having a web and at least one leg, where the leg has a non-linear profile. The universal member is attachable to the leg of the chord, the member having a nonlinear profile similar to that of the chord leg such that the leg and member nest together. The universal member can have a top portion to overlap the chord web and a bottom flange for stiffening. The universal member can be used alone or in conjunction with a second member. The member can nest along the exterior or interior surface of the chord. The member is useful as a splice for connecting chords together and can be used, typically in conjunction with a second member, as a pitch break connector. Further the universal member can be used in hanger applications.

It is claimed:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for use with at least one metal truss chord, the truss chord having a web and at least one leg extending from the web, the at least one leg having a nonlinear profile, the apparatus comprising: 
 a metal member attachable to a leg of the chord, the member having a length and a wall portion, the wall portion having a non-linear profile substantially similar to the non-linear profile of the chord leg such that the member wall portion and chord leg are capable of nesting together.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , the member wall having a top edge and wherein the member has a top portion extending from the top edge of the member wall, the top portion capable of overlapping at least a part of the web of the chord when the wall of the member nests with the leg of the chord.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , the member wall having a bottom edge and wherein the member has a flange extending from the bottom edge of the member wall.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as in  claim 2 , the member wall having a bottom edge and wherein the member has a flange extending from the bottom edge of the member wall.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as in  1 , wherein the truss chord has an interior and an exterior surface and wherein the member, when nesting with the chord, contacts the exterior surface of the chord.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as in  2 , wherein the truss chord has an interior and an exterior surface and wherein the member, when nesting with the chord, contacts the exterior surface of the chord.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as in  4 , wherein the truss chord has an interior and an exterior surface and wherein the member, when nesting with the chord, contacts the exterior surface of the chord.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as in  1 , the truss chord having two mirror-image legs extending from the web.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as in  8 , further comprising a second metal member, each of the mutual members attachable to one of the chord legs.  
     
     
         10 . An apparatus as in  9 , the member wall of each of the metal members having a top edge, each of the metal members having a top portion extending from the top edge of the wall portion.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus as in  9 , each metal member having a member wall having a bottom edge, each of the metal members having a flange extending from the bottom edge.  
     
     
         12 . An apparatus as in  10 , each metal member having a member wall having a bottom edge, each of the metal members having a flange extending from the bottom edge.  
     
     
         13 . A truss comprising: 
 a chord having a web portion and at least one  10   g  extending therefrom, the at least one leg having a non-linear profile; and    a metal universal member nested with and attached to the chord, the universal member having a length and a wall portion, the wall portion having a non-linear profile substantially similar to the non-linear profile of the at least one chord leg.    
     
     
         14 . As in  13 , wherein the universal member wall portion has a top edge and whe re in the universal member has a top portion extending from the top edge of the wall portion, the top portion overlapping at least a part of the web portion of the chord.  
     
     
         15 . As in  13 , wherein the universal member wall portion has a bottom edge and wherein the universal member has a flange extending from the bottom edge of the wall portion.  
     
     
         16 . As in  14 , wherein the universal member wall portion has a bottom edge and wherein the universal member has a flange extending from the bottom edge of the wall portion.  
     
     
         17 . As in  13 , the universal member attached to the chord by a plurality of screws.  
     
     
         18 . As in  13 , wherein the chord has an interior and an exterior surface and wherein the universal member contacts the exterior surface of the chord.  
     
     
         19 . As in  13 , the chord having two mirror-image legs extending from the chord web portion.  
     
     
         20 . As in  19 , further comprising a second universal member, each universal member nested with and attached to one of the chord legs.  
     
     
         21 . As in  20 , the wall portion of each universal member having a top edge, each universal member having a top portion extending from the top edge of the wall portion, the top portions of each universal member overlapping at least a part of the web of the chord.  
     
     
         22 . As in  20 , the wall portion of each universal member having a bottom edge, each universal member having a flange extending from the bottom edge of the wall portion.  
     
     
         23 . As in  21 , the wall portion of each universal member having a bottom edge, each universal member having a flange extending from the bottom edge of the wall portion.  
     
     
         24 . As in  21 , wherein the top portions of the two universal members overlap one another.  
     
     
         25 . As in  13 , further comprising a second chord; and 
 wherein the universal member is nested with and attached to the second chord.    
     
     
         26 . As in  16 , further comprising a second chord; and 
 wherein the universal member is nested with and attached to the second chord.    
     
     
         27 . As in  20 , further comprising a second chord; and 
 wherein each universal member is nested with and attached to the second chord.    
     
     
         28 . As in  23 , further comprising a second chord; and 
 wherein each universal member is nested with and attached to the second chord.    
     
     
         29 . As in  25 , further comprising a tubular member attached to both universal members and attached to both chords.  
     
     
         30 . As in  13 , further comprising a hanging chord attached to the universal member.  
     
     
         31 . As in  30 , the hanging chord having a profile different than the profile of the chord.  
     
     
         32 . As in  30 , wherein the hanging chord is attached to the universal member through an attachment piece.  
     
     
         33 . A truss pitch break connector for connecting a first and second chord oriented at a selected angle with respect to one another, each chord having a web and at least one leg extending from the web, the at least one leg having a non-linear profile, the pitch break connector comprising: 
 a connector body having a first and second sections oriented at a selected angle with respect to one another, each section having a wall portion, the wall portion having a non-linear profile similar to the non-linear profile of the at least one leg of the chords such that the first section is capable of nesting with the first chord and the second section is capable of nesting with the second chord.    
     
     
         34 . As in  33 , wherein the first and second section are butt-welded to one another.