Metal sub-purlin and metal truss cap for use in roof construction

Abstract

A steel sub-purlin for use in roof construction, the sub-purlin being fabricated using metal roll forming techniques. The sub-purlin has an upper, angled portion, a lower angled portion, a vertical section connecting the upper and lower sections and vertical extensions from said upper and lower angled portions positioned in contact with the vertical section. The ends of sub-purlin are positioned on steel truss caps, the truss caps being used in place of conventional wood nailers.

1 . A system for use in roof construction comprising: 
 a frame member comprising a plurality of vertically extending column members having top and bottom portions and a plurality of brace members positioned between said vertically extending columns;    a plurality of truss caps extending in a longitudinal direction and positioned adjacent the top portions of said columns; and    a plurality of sub-purlins extending in a first direction substantially perpendicular to said truss caps, said sub-purlins having end extensions that are positioned in contact with the top surface of said truss caps.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said sub-purlins are fabricated from metal.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein said metal is steel.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said truss caps are fabricated from metal.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein said metal is steel.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 2  wherein each of said metal sub-purlins are fabricated using a roll formed process.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein each of said sub-purlins comprise a first section having first and second angled portions having first and second end portions, two vertical portions having first and second end portions and a horizontally extending portion having first and second end portions and a first surface extending said first direction.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein each of said sub-purlins further comprises a second section having first and second angled portions each having first and second end portions, two vertical portions having first and second end portions and a horizontally extending portion having first and second end portions.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein said first end of said first angled portion in said first section is joined to said first end of said first angled portion in said second section by a vertical member having a first surface.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein said first end of said second angled portion in said first section extends as a vertical portion positioned adjacent said first surface of said vertical member.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the first end of said second angled portion in said second section extends as a vertical portion positioned adjacent the first surface of said vertical member.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 7  wherein a groove is formed in said first surface, said groove extending along the entire length of the surface.