Charles E Hoover

US Patent:

57716536, Jun 30, 1998

Filed:

Oct 11, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/729549

Inventors:

Masoud Dolati - Alpharetta GA
Rahim A. Zadeh - Fayetteville GA
Charles C. Hoover - Haines City FL
David R. Willis - Arlington TX
John C. Carpenter - Halletsville TX

Assignee:

Unimast Incorporated - Schiller Park IL

International Classification:

E04C 330

US Classification:

527376

Abstract:

An integral, one-piece, metallic chord for use as the top and bottom chords of a roof truss. The chord comprises an elongated member of generally U-shaped, singly symmetric cross-section, having a base terminating at its longitudinal edges in mirror image legs. The base portion is planar with a central depressed rib formed therein and extending the length thereof. Each leg comprises a first planar portion perpendicular to and extending from its respective longitudinal edge of the base, followed by an inwardly sloped planar portion leading to a planar attachment portion which is perpendicular to the base portion and which terminates in a flange portion extending outwardly of the attachment portion and then upwardly and inwardly, ending in a longitudinal edge facing the attachment portion. The flange portions form semi-closed reinforcement members. The legs and their flange portions constitute the sides of the chord.