Building frame member

Abstract

A reinforcing brace for attachment to a web member of a building framework such as a truss to prevent bending or flexing out of a plane of the truss. Fasteners secure the brace to the web member at a lateral side of the web member such that front and back sides of the web member remain free from fasteners. The brace is entirely within thickness confines of the truss.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A structural truss comprising: 
 a plurality of structural members arranged in a configuration defining a plane;    a web including at least one web member extending between two structural members within said plane, the web member having first side portions generally defining a front side and an opposite back side which face opposite directions substantially out of said plane, and having second side portions located between the first portions which generally define opposite lateral sides which face opposite directions substantially within said plane;    a brace secured to the web member for reinforcing the web member, the brace engaging the web member at one of said lateral sides; and    at least one fastener securing the brace to the web member, the fastener penetrating the web member at one of said lateral sides;    wherein said front and back sides of the web member remain free from fasteners.    
     
     
         2 . A structural truss as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said web member has a cross-sectional shape which is circular.  
     
     
         3 . A structural truss as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said web member has a cross-sectional shape which is rectangular.  
     
     
         4 . A structural truss as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the brace has one or more fastener holes for receiving corresponding one or more said fasteners.  
     
     
         5 . A structural truss as set forth in  claim 4  wherein said fastener is distinct and non-integral with the brace.  
     
     
         6 . A structural truss as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the front and back sides of the web member have a spacing therebetween defining thickness confines of the truss, and wherein the brace is entirely within said thickness confines such that the brace does not interfere with stacking of multiple trusses.  
     
     
         7 . A structural truss as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the brace has a generally flat base and a pair of opposite side walls extending from the base generally transverse to the base, the base being secured to the web member by said one or more fasteners.  
     
     
         8 . A structural truss as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said side walls have inwardly turned ends.  
     
     
         9 . A structural truss as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said ends of the side walls turn at least about 180 degrees.  
     
     
         10 . A structural truss as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said web member has a cross-sectional shape which is circular, and the web member is received between the side walls.  
     
     
         11 . A structural truss as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said web member has a cross-sectional shape which is rectangular, and the side walls of the brace extend from the base and project outward from the web member.