Abstract:
The present invention provides an apparatus for spacing structural members, in particular roof trusses, during construction and for permanently bracing the same structural members. The apparatus comprises three longitudinal members with a top attachment tab at each end that is fastened to the top side of each structural member and a pair of flanges at each end that are fastened to the facing sides of each structural member. In particular, the apparatus includes portions that reinforce the ends of ends of the second and third longitudinal members. The apparatus is preferably made in a length that is standard for spacing roof trusses, most commonly a nominal 24″. This allows the apparatus to be attached to one roof truss, then another, and left to form permanent bracing over which roof sheathing can be laid.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for spacing structural members during construction and providing permanent bracing between the same structural members. This is particularly valuable when spacing and bracing roof trusses that are pre assembled and lifted into place on top of the underlying structure. Specifically, the present invention can be attached to the top chord of an installed roof truss, another roof truss can then be lifted into place, and the present invention can then be attached to the second roof truss. Because the present invention is manufactured in preselected lengths, it eliminates the need for cutting and handling spacer blocking.  
           [0002]    During the construction of a building, the walls are typically built or installed first. Gables and roof truss are then attached to the tops of the walls. These gables and roof trusses support the roof sheathing and give the building structural integrity.  
           [0003]    Where snow loads are expected, the roof sheathing is typically plywood or the like, which is nailed to the roof trusses to form the roofing surface to which shingles and hardware are attached. When such heavy loads are not anticipated, lathing strips are sometimes used instead of sheathing. The weight of the roofing material and any expected loads require a supporting structure, which is the primary function of the roof trusses.  
           [0004]    In the past, workers have typically spaced and braced roof trusses during construction by temporarily nailing 1″×3″ boards across adjacent trusses. When the sheathing is laid over and attached to the trusses, the temporary spacer boards must be removed to allow the sheathing to be nailed to the trusses flush with the sheathing that has already been laid down. Removing these temporary spacer boards is time consuming and they are usually damaged in the process so that they cannot be reused.  
           [0005]    A number of manufacturers have addressed some of the basic deficiencies of this traditional construction technique that relies on wood spacer blocking. Truswall Systems manufactures a sheet metal product that provides lateral bracing in predefined lengths that can be used for both temporary construction and permanent structural bracing, eliminating the need to remove temporary braces. Mitek Industries makes a similar product that uses teeth rather than fasteners to connect to the top and side faces of roof trusses.  
           [0006]    The present invention improves on the existing prior art by providing, in a preferred embodiment, improved resistance to compression loads and, secondarily, a more secure connection to the structural members that it spaces and braces.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention provides an apparatus for spacing structural members, in particular roof trusses, during construction and for permanently bracing the same structural members. The apparatus comprises three longitudinal members with a top attachment tab at each end that is fastened to the top side of each structural member and a pair of flanges at each end that are fastened to the facing sides of each structural member. In particular, the apparatus includes portions that reinforce the ends of ends of the second and third longitudinal members. The apparatus is preferably made in a length that is standard for spacing roof trusses, most commonly a nominal 24″. This allows the apparatus to be attached to one roof truss, then another, and left to form permanent bracing over which roof sheathing can be laid.  
           [0008]    In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is formed with end tabs that provide for attachment to the sides of the structural members opposite the sides to which the flanges are fastened. This is a more secure attachment than is provided by the prior art.  
           [0009]    In a preferred embodiment, the junctures of the flanges are provided with gusset darts that reinforce the junctures. When the connected structural members are made of wood, the flanges eventually bend back under compression loads and the junctures are driven into the sides of the structural members. The gusset darts and the portions of the junctures in between the gusset darts, which bite into the structural members like teeth, prevent movement along the junctures and the connection is changed from one with two pin joints to a columnar connection that resists rotation at the interfaces of the apparatus and the structural members. This allows greater compression loads to be resisted.  
           [0010]    In the most preferred embodiment, in addition to the features described above, the three longitudinal members of the present invention form a channel shape that is further reinforced by a longitudinal embossment. Furthermore, the ends of the two longitudinal members that form the sides of the channel are reinforced by portions that are turned to form fourth and fifth longitudinal members. In the most preferred form of the present invention, the junctures between these fourth and fifth longitudinal members curve up to meet the corner at which the lower edges of the flanges meet the side longitudinal members. Furthermore, the inner edges of the fourth and fifth longitudinal members run smoothly into the lower edge of the adjacent flanges.  
           [0011]    In the most preferred embodiment, the top tabs and end tabs are provided with fastener openings that enable easier and more precise attachment to the connected structural members.  
           [0012]    In an alternate preferred embodiment, the fourth and fifth longitudinal members may be turned out away from the channel shape and join the lower edges of the flanges at either end of the apparatus.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing two roof trusses connected by apparati of the present invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5A is a bottom plan view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5B is a bottom plan view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5C is a bottom plan view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 is an end elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view showing one end of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention connected to a structural member.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view showing one end of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention connected to a structural member, further showing a compression load being applied and the flanges beginning to fold back.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view showing one end of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention connected to a structural member, further showing a compression load being applied and the flanges folded back and the junctures with the second and third longitudinal members beginning to embed in the wood of the connected structural members.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view showing one end of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention connected to a structural member, further showing a compression load being applied and the flanges folded back and the junctures with the second and third longitudinal members embedded in the wood of the connected structural members. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0026]    As best shown in FIG. 1 the present invention is preferably an apparatus  1  that comprises a first longitudinal member  2  having a first end  3 , a second end  4 , a first side  5  and a second side  6 , a first top attachment tab  7  joined to the first end  3  and a second top attachment tab  8  joined to the second end  4 , a first longitudinal juncture  9  along the first side  5  of the first longitudinal member  2 , a second longitudinal member  10 , having a first end  11 , a second end  12 , a first side  13  and a second side  14 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the first longitudinal juncture  9 , a second longitudinal juncture  15  along the second side  6  of the first longitudinal member  2 , and a third longitudinal member  16 , having a first end  17 , a second end  18 , a first side  19  and a second side  20 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the second longitudinal juncture  15 . This embodiment further comprises a first end juncture  21  along the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a first flange  22  joined to the second longitudinal  10  member at the first end juncture  21 , a second end juncture  23  along the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second flange  24  joined to the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end juncture  23 , a third end juncture  25  along the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , a third flange  26  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the third end juncture  25 , a fourth end juncture  27  along the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth flange  28  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the fourth end juncture  27 . This embodiment further comprises a first portion  29  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10  and reinforcing the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second portion  30  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member and reinforcing the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a third portion  31  turned out of the third longitudinal member  16  at the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth portion  32  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 .  
         [0027]    The apparatus  1  of the present invention is preferably formed from sheet metal that may be cut, stamped, punched, embossed and bent, but it may be formed from cast metal or any other material that may be molded or otherwise formed to embody the apparatus  1  of the present invention.  
         [0028]    As best shown in FIG. 5A, the first portion  29  preferably is a first reinforcing member  33  with an outer edge  34  along part of the second side  14  of the second longitudinal member  10  and an inner edge  35  that terminates at the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , the second portion  30  is a second reinforcing member  36  with an outer edge  37  along part of the second side  14  of the second longitudinal member  10  and an inner edge  38  that terminates at the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , the third portion  31  is a third reinforcing member  39  with an outer edge  40  along part of the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  and an inner edge  41  that terminates at the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , the fourth portion  32  is a fourth reinforcing member  42  with an outer edge  43  along part of the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  and an inner edge  44  that terminates at the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 .  
         [0029]    As best shown in FIG. 6, the first portion  29  preferably further comprises one or more gusset darts  77  in the first end juncture  21 , the second portion  30  further comprises one or more gusset darts  78  in the second end juncture  23 , the third portion  31  further comprises one or more gusset darts  79  in the third end juncture  25 , and the fourth portion  32  further comprises one or more gusset darts  80  in the fourth end juncture  27 .  
         [0030]    As best shown in FIG. 5A, the first flange  22  preferably has an inner edge  53 , an outer edge  54 , a top edge  55  and a bottom edge  56 , the inner edge  35  of the first reinforcing member  33  and the bottom edge  56  of the first flange  22  form a continuous edge  73 , the second flange  24  has an inner edge  58 , an outer edge  59 , a top edge  60  and a bottom edge  61 , the inner edge  58  of the second reinforcing member  36  and the bottom edge  61  of the second flange  24  form a continuous edge  74 , the third flange  26  has an inner edge  63 , an outer edge  64 , a top edge  65  and a bottom edge  66 , the inner edge  63  of the third reinforcing member  39  and the bottom edge  66  of the third flange  26  form a continuous edge  75 , the fourth flange  28  has an inner edge  68 , an outer edge  69 , a top edge  70  and a bottom edge  71 , and the inner edge  68  of the fourth reinforcing member  42  and the bottom edge  71  of the fourth flange  28  form a continuous  
         [0031]    As best shown in FIG. 4, the bottom edge  56  of the first flange  22  preferably meets the second longitudinal member  10  at a first junction  57 , the inner edge  35  of the first reinforcing member  33  curves to the first junction  57 , the bottom edge  61  of the second flange  24  meets the second longitudinal member  10  at a second junction  62 , the inner edge  38  of the second reinforcing member  36  curves to meet the second junction  62 , the bottom edge  66  of the third flange  26  meets the third longitudinal member  16  at a third junction  67 , the inner edge  41  of the third reinforcing member  39  curves to meet the third junction  67 , the bottom edge  71  of the fourth flange  28  meets the third longitudinal  16  member at a fourth junction  72 , and the inner edge  44  of the fourth reinforcing member  42  curves to meet the fourth junction  72 .  
         [0032]    As best shown in FIG. 5, the first reinforcing member  33  and the second reinforcing member  36  preferably join to form a fourth longitudinal member  45 , the inner edge  35  of the first reinforcing member  33  and the inner edge  38  of the second reinforcing member  36  joining to form a continuous inner edge  46  of the fourth longitudinal member  45 , and the outer edge  34  of the first reinforcing member  33  and the outer edge  37  of the second reinforcing member  36  joining to form a continuous outer edge  47  that joins the second side  14  of the second longitudinal member  10  to form a third longitudinal juncture  48  and the third reinforcing member  39  and the fourth reinforcing member  42  join to form a fifth longitudinal member  49 , the inner edge  41  of the third reinforcing member  39  and the inner edge  44  of the fourth reinforcing member  42  joining to form a continuous inner edge  50  of the fifth longitudinal member, and the outer edge  40  of the third reinforcing member  39  and the outer edge  43  of the fourth reinforcing member  42  joining to form a continuous outer edge  51  that joins the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  to form a fourth longitudinal juncture  52 .  
         [0033]    As best shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the apparatus  1  of the present invention preferably further comprises a first end attachment tab  81  joined to the first top attachment tab  7 , and a second end attachment tab  82  joined to the second top attachment tab  8 .  
         [0034]    As best shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the apparatus  1  of the present invention preferably further comprises a continuous reinforcing embossment  83  in the first end attachment tab  81 , the first top attachment tab  7 , the first longitudinal member  2 , the second top attachment tab  8  and the second end attachment tab  82 .  
         [0035]    As best shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus  1  of the present invention preferably further comprises fastener openings  84  in the first end attachment tab  81 , the first top attachment tab  7 , the second top attachment tab  8  and the end attachment tab  82 .  
         [0036]    As best shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus  1  of the present invention preferably is in a connection  85  that further comprises fasteners  94 , a first structural member  86  attached to the first end attachment tab  81  and the first top attachment tab  7  with the fasteners  94 , and a second structural member  87  attached to the second end attachment tab  82  and the second top attachment tab  8  with the fasteners  94 . The fasteners are preferably nails, but may also be brads, screws, bolts or integral teeth. Alternatively, the apparatus  1  of the present invention may be attached to the first structural member  86  and the second structural member  87  with tack welds or adhesives.  
         [0037]    As shown in FIG. 2, the first structural member  86  is preferably part of a first roof truss  88 , and the second structural member  87  is part of a second roof truss  89 .  
         [0038]    As shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, when the connected structural members are made of wood, the flanges  22 ,  24 ,  26  and  28  eventually bend back under compression loads and the junctures  21 ,  23 ,  25  and  27  are driven into the sides of the structural members  86  and  87 . The gusset darts  90 ,  91 ,  92  and  93  prevent movement along the junctures  21 ,  23 ,  25  and  27  and the connection is changed from one with two pin joints to a columnar connection that resists rotation at the interfaces of the apparatus  1  and the structural members  86  and  87 . This allows greater compression loads to be resisted.  
         [0039]    In a first alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is preferably an apparatus  1  that comprises a first longitudinal member  2  having a first end  3 , a second end  4 , a first side  5  and a second side  6 , a first top attachment tab  7  joined to the first end  3  and a second top attachment tab  8  joined to the second end  4 , a first longitudinal juncture  9  along the first side  5  of the first longitudinal member  2 , a second longitudinal member  10 , having a first end  11 , a second end  12 , a first side  13  and a second side  14 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the first longitudinal juncture  9 , a second longitudinal juncture  15  along the second side  6  of the first longitudinal member  2 , and a third longitudinal member  16 , having a first end  17 , a second end  18 , a first side  19  and a second side  20 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the second longitudinal juncture  15 . This embodiment preferably further comprises a first end juncture  21  along the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a first flange  22  joined to the second longitudinal  10  member at the first end juncture  21 , a second end juncture  23  along the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second flange  24  joined to the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end juncture  23 , a third end juncture  25  along the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , a third flange  26  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the third end juncture  25 , a fourth end juncture  27  along the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth flange  28  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the fourth end juncture  27 . This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion  29  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10  and reinforcing the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second portion  30  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member and reinforcing the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a third portion  31  turned out of the third longitudinal member  16  at the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth portion  32  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 . The first portion  29  preferably is a first reinforcing member  33  with an outer edge  34  along part of the second side  14  of the second longitudinal member  10  and an inner edge  35  that terminates at the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , the second portion  30  is a second reinforcing member  36  with an outer edge  37  along part of the second side  11  of the second longitudinal member  10  and an inner edge  38  that terminates at the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , the third portion  31  is a third reinforcing member  39  with an outer edge  40  along part of the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  and an inner edge  41  that terminates at the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , the fourth portion  32  is a fourth reinforcing member  42  with an outer edge  43  along part of the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  and an inner edge  44  that terminates at the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 . The first reinforcing member  33  and the second reinforcing member  36  preferably join to form a fourth longitudinal member  45 , the inner edge  35  of the first reinforcing member  33  and the inner edge  38  of the second reinforcing member  36  joining to form a continuous inner edge  46  of the fourth longitudinal member  45 , and the outer edge  34  of the first reinforcing member  33  and the outer edge  37  of the second reinforcing member  36  joining to form a continuous outer edge  47  that joins the second side  14  of the second longitudinal member  10  to form a third longitudinal juncture  48 , and the third reinforcing member  39  and the fourth reinforcing member  42  join to form a fifth longitudinal member  49 , the inner edge  41  of the third reinforcing member  39  and the inner edge  44  of the fourth reinforcing member  42  joining to form a continuous inner edge  50  of the fifth longitudinal member  49 , and the outer edge  40  of the third reinforcing member  39  and the outer edge  43  of the fourth reinforcing member  42  joining to form a continuous outer edge  51  that joins the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  to form a fourth longitudinal juncture  52 .  
         [0040]    In a second alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is preferably an apparatus  1  that comprises a first longitudinal member  2  having a first end  3 , a second end  4 , a first side  5  and a second side  6 , a first top attachment tab  7  joined to the first end  3  and a second top attachment tab  8  joined to the second end  4 , a first longitudinal juncture  9  along the first side  5  of the first longitudinal member  2 , a second longitudinal member  10 , having a first end  11 , a second end  12 , a first side  13  and a second side  14 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the first longitudinal juncture  9 , a second longitudinal juncture  15  along the second side  6  of the first longitudinal member  2 , and a third longitudinal member  16 , having a first end  17 , a second end  18 , a first side  19  and a second side  20 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the second longitudinal juncture  15 . This embodiment preferably further comprises a first end juncture  21  along the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a first flange  22  joined to the second longitudinal  10  member at the first end juncture  21 , a second end juncture  23  along the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second flange  24  joined to the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end juncture  23 , a third end juncture  25  along the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , a third flange  26  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the third end juncture  25 , a fourth end juncture  27  along the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth flange  28  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the fourth end juncture  27 . This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion  29  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10  and reinforcing the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second portion  30  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10  and reinforcing the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a third portion  31  turned out of the third longitudinal member  16  at the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth portion  32  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 . The first portion  29  preferably is a first reinforcing member  33  with an outer edge  34  along part of the second side  14  of the second longitudinal member  10  and an inner edge  35  that terminates at the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , the second portion  30  is a second reinforcing member  36  with an outer edge  37  along part of the second side  11  of the second longitudinal member  10  and an inner edge  38  that terminates at the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , the third portion  31  is a third reinforcing member  39  with an outer edge  40  along part of the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  and an inner edge  41  that terminates at the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , the fourth portion  32  is a fourth reinforcing member  42  with an outer edge  43  along part of the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  and an inner edge  44  that terminates at the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 . The first flange  22  preferably has an inner edge  53 , an outer edge  54 , a top edge  55  and a bottom edge  56 , the bottom edge  56  meeting the second longitudinal member  10  at a first junction  57 ; the inner edge  35  of the first reinforcing member  33  curves to the first junction  57 , the second flange  24  has an inner edge  58 , an outer edge  59 , a top edge  60  and a bottom edge  61 , the bottom edge  61  meeting the second longitudinal member  10  at a second junction  62 , the inner edge  38  of the second reinforcing member  36  curves to meet the second junction  62 , the third flange  26  has an inner edge  63 , an outer edge  64 , a top edge  65  and a bottom edge  66 , the bottom edge  66  meeting the third longitudinal member  16  at a third junction  67 , the inner edge  41  of the third reinforcing member  39  curves to meet the third junction  67 , the fourth flange  28  has an inner edge  68 , an outer edge  69 , a top edge  70  and a bottom edge  71 , the bottom edge  71  meeting the third longitudinal member  16  at a fourth junction  72 , and the inner edge  44  of the fourth reinforcing member  42  curves to meet the fourth junction  72 .  
         [0041]    In a third alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is preferably an apparatus  1  that comprises a first longitudinal member  2  having a first end  3 , a second end  4 , a first side  5  and a second side  6 , a first top attachment tab  7  joined to the first end  3  and a second top attachment tab  8  joined to the second end  4 , a first longitudinal juncture  9  along the first side  5  of the first longitudinal member  2 , a second longitudinal member  10 , having a first end  11 , a second end  12 , a first side  13  and a second side  14 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the first longitudinal juncture  9 , a second longitudinal juncture  15  along the second side  6  of the first longitudinal member  2 , and a third longitudinal member  16 , having a first end  17 , a second end  18 , a first side  19  and a second side  20 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the second longitudinal juncture  15 . This embodiment preferably further comprises a first end juncture  21  along the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a first flange  22  joined to the second longitudinal  10  member at the first end juncture  21 , a second end juncture  23  along the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second flange  24  joined to the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end juncture  23 , a third end juncture  25  along the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , a third flange  26  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the third end juncture  25 , a fourth end juncture  27  along the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth flange  28  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the fourth end juncture  27 . This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion  29  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10  and reinforcing the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second portion  30  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10  and reinforcing the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a third portion  31  turned out of the third longitudinal member  16  at the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth portion  32  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 . The first portion  29  preferably is a first reinforcing member  33  with an outer edge  34  along part of the second side  14  of the second longitudinal member  10  and an inner edge  35  that terminates at the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , the second portion  30  is a second reinforcing member  36  with an outer edge  37  along part of the second side  11  of the second longitudinal member  10  and an inner edge  38  that terminates at the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , the third portion  31  is a third reinforcing member  39  with an outer edge  40  along part of the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  and an inner edge  41  that terminates at the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , the fourth portion  32  is a fourth reinforcing member  42  with an outer edge  43  along part of the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  and an inner edge  44  that terminates at the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 . The first flange  22  preferably has an inner edge  53 , an outer edge  54 , a top edge  55  and a bottom edge  56 , the inner edge  35  of the first reinforcing member  33  and the bottom edge  56  of the first flange  22  form a continuous edge  73 , the second flange  24  has an inner edge  58 , an outer edge  59 , a top edge  60  and a bottom edge  61 , the inner edge  58  of the second reinforcing member  36  and the bottom edge  61  of the second flange  24  form a continuous edge  74 , the third flange  26  has an inner edge  63 , an outer edge  64 , a top edge  65  and a bottom edge  66 , the inner edge  63  of the third reinforcing member  39  and the bottom edge  66  of the third flange  26  form a continuous edge  75 , the fourth flange  28  has an inner edge  68 , an outer edge  69 , a top edge  70  and a bottom edge  71 , and the inner edge  68  of the fourth reinforcing member  42  and the bottom edge  71  of the fourth flange  28  form a continuous edge  76 .  
         [0042]    In a fourth alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is preferably an apparatus  1  that comprises a first longitudinal member  2  having a first end  3 , a second end  4 , a first side  5  and a second side  6 , a first top attachment tab  7  joined to the first end  3  and a second top attachment tab  8  joined to the second end  4 , a first longitudinal juncture  9  along the first side  5  of the first longitudinal member  2 , a second longitudinal member  10 , having a first end  11 , a second end  12 , a first side  13  and a second side  14 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the first longitudinal juncture  9 , a second longitudinal juncture  15  along the second side  6  of the first longitudinal member  2 , and a third longitudinal member  16 , having a first end  17 , a second end  18 , a first side  19  and a second side  20 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the second longitudinal juncture  15 . This embodiment preferably further comprises a first end juncture  21  along the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a first flange  22  joined to the second longitudinal  10  member at the first end juncture  21 , a second end juncture  23  along the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second flange  24  joined to the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end juncture  23 , a third end juncture  25  along the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , a third flange  26  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the third end juncture  25 , a fourth end juncture  27  along the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth flange  28  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the fourth end juncture  27 . This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion  29  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10  and reinforcing the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second portion  30  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10  and reinforcing the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a third portion  31  turned out of the third longitudinal member  16  at the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth portion  32  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 . The first portion  29  preferably is a first reinforcing member  33  with an outer edge  34  along part of the second side  14  of the second longitudinal member  10  and an inner edge  35  that terminates at the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , the second portion  30  is a second reinforcing member  36  with an outer edge  37  along part of the second side  11  of the second longitudinal member  10  and an inner edge  38  that terminates at the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , the third portion  31  is a third reinforcing member  39  with an outer edge  40  along part of the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  and an inner edge  41  that terminates at the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , the fourth portion  32  is a fourth reinforcing member  42  with an outer edge  43  along part of the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  and an inner edge  44  that terminates at the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 . The first portion  29  preferably further comprises one or more gusset darts  77  in the first end juncture  21 , the second portion  30  further comprises one or more gusset darts  78  in the second end juncture  23 , the third portion  31  further comprises one or more gusset darts  79  in the third end juncture  25 , and the fourth portion  32  further comprises one or more gusset darts  80  in the fourth end juncture  27 . The first flange  22  preferably has an inner edge  53 , an outer edge  54 , a top edge  55  and a bottom edge  56 , the bottom edge  56  meeting the second longitudinal member  10  at a first junction  57 ; the inner edge  35  of the first reinforcing member  33  curves to the first junction  57 , the second flange  24  has an inner edge  58 , an outer edge  59 , a top edge  60  and a bottom edge  61 , the bottom edge  61  meeting the second longitudinal member  10  at a second junction  62 , the inner edge  38  of the second reinforcing member  36  curves to meet the second junction  62 , the third flange  26  has an inner edge  63 , an outer edge  64 , a top edge  65  and a bottom edge  66 , the bottom edge  66  meeting the third longitudinal member  16  at a third junction  67 , the inner edge  41  of the third reinforcing member  39  curves to meet the third junction  67 , the fourth flange  28  has an inner edge  68 , an outer edge  69 , a top edge  70  and a bottom edge  71 , the bottom edge  71  meeting the third longitudinal member  16  at a fourth junction  72 , and the inner edge  44  of the fourth reinforcing member  42  curves to meet the fourth junction  72 .  
         [0043]    In a fifth alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is preferably an apparatus  1  that comprises a first longitudinal member  2  having a first end  3 , a second end  4 , a first side  5  and a second side  6 , a first top attachment tab  7  joined to the first end  3  and a second top attachment tab  8  joined to the second end  4 , a first longitudinal juncture  9  along the first side  5  of the first longitudinal member  2 , a second longitudinal member  10 , having a first end  11 , a second end  12 , a first side  13  and a second side  14 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the first longitudinal juncture  9 , a second longitudinal juncture  15  along the second side  6  of the first longitudinal member  2 , and a third longitudinal member  16 , having a first end  17 , a second end  18 , a first side  19  and a second side  20 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the second longitudinal juncture  15 . This embodiment preferably further comprises a first end juncture  21  along the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a first flange  22  joined to the second longitudinal  10  member at the first end juncture  21 , a second end juncture  23  along the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second flange  24  joined to the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end juncture  23 , a third end juncture  25  along the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , a third flange  26  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the third end juncture  25 , a fourth end juncture  27  along the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth flange  28  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the fourth end juncture  27 . This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion  29  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10  and reinforcing the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second portion  30  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10  and reinforcing the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a third portion  31  turned out of the third longitudinal member  16  at the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth portion  32  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 . The first portion  29  preferably is one or more gusset darts  77  in the first end juncture  21 , the second portion  30  is one or more gusset darts  78  in the second end juncture  23 , the third portion  31  is one or more gusset darts  79  in the third end juncture  25 , and the fourth portion  32  is one or more gusset darts  80  in the fourth end juncture  27 .  
         [0044]    In a sixth alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is preferably an apparatus  1  that comprises a first longitudinal member  2  having a first end  3 , a second end  4 , a first side  5  and a second side  6 , a first top attachment tab  7  joined to the first end  3  and a second top attachment tab  8  joined to the second end  4 , a first longitudinal juncture  9  along the first side  5  of the first longitudinal member  2 , a second longitudinal member  10 , having a first end  11 , a second end  12 , a first side  13  and a second side  14 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the first longitudinal juncture  9 , a second longitudinal juncture  15  along the second side  6  of the first longitudinal member  2 , and a third longitudinal member  16 , having a first end  17 , a second end  18 , a first side  19  and a second side  20 , joined to the first longitudinal member  2  at the second longitudinal juncture  15 . This embodiment preferably further comprises a first end juncture  21  along the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a first flange  22  joined to the second longitudinal  10  member at the first end juncture  21 , a second end juncture  23  along the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second flange  24  joined to the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end juncture  23 , a third end juncture  25  along the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , a third flange  26  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the third end juncture  25 , a fourth end juncture  27  along the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth flange  28  joined to the third longitudinal member  16  at the fourth end juncture  27 . This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion  29  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10  and reinforcing the first end  11  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a second portion  30  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10  and reinforcing the second end  12  of the second longitudinal member  10 , a third portion  31  turned out of the third longitudinal member  16  at the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the first end  17  of the third longitudinal member  16 , and a fourth portion  32  turned out of the second longitudinal member  10  at the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16  and reinforcing the second end  18  of the third longitudinal member  16 . As best shown in FIG. 5B, the first flange  22  preferably has an inner edge  53 , an outer edge  54 , a top edge  55  and a bottom edge  56 , the first portion  29  is a first gusset  90  that connects part of the bottom edge  56  of the first flange  22  to part of the second side  14  of the second longitudinal member  10 , the second flange  24  has an inner edge  58 , an outer edge  59 , a top edge  60  and a bottom edge  61 , the second portion  30  is a second gusset  91  that connects part of the bottom edge  61  of the second flange  24  to part of the second side  14  of the second longitudinal member  10 , the third flange  26  has an inner edge  63 , an outer edge  64 , a top edge  65  and a bottom edge  66 , the third portion  31  is a third gusset  92  that connects part of the bottom edge  66  of the third flange  26  to part of the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16 , the fourth flange  28  has an inner edge  68 , an outer edge  69 , a top edge  70  and a bottom edge  71 , and the fourth portion  32  is a fourth gusset  93  that connects part of the bottom edge  71  of the fourth flange  28  to part of the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16 . As best shown in FIG. 5C, the first portion  29  and the second portion  30  preferably join to form a fourth longitudinal member  45 , the inner edge  35  of the first portion  29  and the inner edge  38  of the second portion  30  joining to form a continuous inner edge  46  of the fourth longitudinal member  45 , and the outer edge  34  of the first portion  29  and the outer edge  37  of the second portion  30  joining to form a continuous outer edge  47  that joins the second side  14  of the second longitudinal member  10  to form a third longitudinal juncture  48 , and the third portion  31  and the fourth portion  32  join to form a fifth longitudinal member  49 , the inner edge  41  of the third portion  31  and the inner edge  44  of the fourth portion  32  joining to form a continuous inner edge  50  of the fifth longitudinal member  49 , and the outer edge  40  of the third portion  31  and the outer edge  43  of the fourth portion  32  joining to form a continuous outer edge  51  that joins the second side  20  of the third longitudinal member  16  to form a fourth longitudinal juncture  52 .