Bridging clip for truss joists

Claim 2

In a truss joist construction comprising a plurality of truss joists in generally parallel relationship, a bridging member extending generally perpendicular to the truss joists and means securing the bridging member to the truss joists, the improvement wherein the securing means comprises: a longitudinal strap folded so as to form a generally V-configuration having centrally disposed channel which includes a bottom strap extending across the bottom of the chord of a truss joist, two adjacent portions of the strap extending perpendicularly to the bottom strap upwardly along the vertical edges of the chord, the vertical portions having oppositely angled fold lines so disposed that the vertical portions are folded outwardly along the respective angled fold lines such that the upper ends of the strap extend upwardly from the bottom strap and diverge outwardly from each other and are displaced so that the ends lie in parallel planes a distance D apart, the distance D approximating the thickness of the bridging member, the ends of the strap being secured to the bridging member whereby the bridging member is securely fastened above and perpendicularly to the chord for positioning the chord relative to other truss joist chords, transmitting loading between adjacent truss joists, and maintaining bridged truss joists in relatively parallel relationship.

Claim 3

In the system of claim 1, the improved bridging clip which includes spurs formed therein for being driven into wooden structural members for fastening the bridging clip thereto.

Claim 4

For use in constructing a truss joist system which includes a plurality of truss joists in generally parallel relationship, a bridging member securing the bottom chords of the truss joists together and being secured to the bottom chords by means of a bridging clip, the improved bridging clip which comprises: a longitudinal strap of sheet metal folded so as to form a generally V shaped structure having a centrally disposed channel which includes a bottom strap extending across the bottom of a chord of a truss joist, two adjacent portions of the strap extending perpendicularly to the bottom strap upwardly along the vertical edges of the chord, the vertical portions having oppositely angled fold lines so disposed that the vertical portions are folded outwardly along the respective angled fold lines such that the upper ends of the strap extend upwardly from the bottom strap and diverge outwardly from each other and are displaced so that the ends lie in parallel planes a distance D apart, the distance D approximating the thickness of the bridging member, the ends of the strap being adapted to being secured to opposite sides of the bridging member, whereby the bridging member when securely fastened to the truss joist above and perpendicularly to the truss joist chord for positions the chord relative to other truss joist chords, transmits loading between adjacent truss joists, and maintains bridged truss joists in relatively parallel relationship.

Claim 5

For use in constructing a truss joist system which includes a plurality of truss joists in generally parallel relationship, a bridging member securing the bottom chords of the truss joists together and being secured to the bottom chords by means of a bridging clip, the improved bridging clip which comprises: a longitudinal strap of sheet metal folded so as to form a generally V shaped structure having a centrally disposed channel which includes a bottom strap extending across the bottom of a chord of a truss joist, two adjacent portions of the strap extending perpendicularly to the bottom strap upwardly along the vertical edges of the chord, the vertical portions having oppositely angled fold lines so disposed that the vertical portions are folded outwardly along the respective angled fold lines such that the upper ends of the strap extend upwardly from the bottom strap and diverge outwardly from each other and are displaced so that the ends lie in parallel planes a distance D apart, the distance D approximating the thickness of the bridging member, the ends of the strap being adapted to being secured to opposite sides of the bridging member, whereby the bridging member when securely fastened to the truss joist above and perpendicularly to the truss joist chord for positions the chord relative to other truss joist chords, transmits loading between adjacent truss joists, and maintains bridged truss joists in relatively parallel relationship.