Patent Publication Number: US-6209268-B1

Title: Overhang support system for gable roofs

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/792,779, filed Mar. 3, 1997, now abandoned in favor of this application, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/715,048, filed Sep. 17, 1996, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to providing an overhang support system for gable roofs. More particularly, this invention concerns such a system utilizing a novel connector device for improved cantilever support of overhang structures as well as improved resistance against uplift forces, such as wind. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The typical prior art systems for providing an overhang support system for gable roofs are described and illustrated (see FIG.  1  and FIG. 2) in connection with the detailed description hereinafter of this invention. Such prior-art systems, as further hereinafter particularized, either fail to provide strong enough support for gable roof overhang members or create new structural problems in providing such support. For example, one typical method used to provide support for gable roof overhang members is to provide a plurality of unitary overhang support members extending from the top chord of the first adjacent roof truss, bisecting the gable end truss, and continuing outward to the overhang members. To provide a roof with a uniform slope, it is necessary to cut notches in either the gable end truss, the overhang support members, or both at the point where the unitary overhang support members bisect the gable end truss. Requiring the notching of one or more members is not only difficult, costly and time consuming, it also produces stress concentration sites at the notch points thereby decreasing the effective load bearing strength of the notched members. 
     Applicant is aware of other prior art attempts to make more rigid the connection points of various structural members. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,982 issued to Gilb discloses a deck post tie for use in resisting overturning bending moments produced in an upright structural member. To provide structural resistance to possible bending moments, the Gilb apparatus teaches a tie in which the top surface is not flush with the adjacent surface of the support member, but rather has a gradual slope which increases in the direction of maximum bending moment (e.g., bottom of upright support member). Though the Gilb apparatus may be adequate for its intended purpose, it would be inadequate for the purposes of the present disclosure because the sloped top surface, though necessary to counteract bending moments when used in accordance with the Gilb disclosure, would produce a roof having a non-uniform slope. Thus, it is believed by the applicant that the prior art cited herein will not accomplish the purpose of the present invention. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the need for strong support of gable roof overhang members, without thereby creating new structural problems, by the provision of an improved overhang support system according to the present invention. A further primary object of the present invention is to provide such an improved system utilizing a unitary connector body of the present invention. A further primary object of the present invention is to provide such a system and body which are efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following invention descriptions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention provides, for use with an overhang support system for a gable roof of the type including an overhang member, a gable end truss top chord member, and a first adjacent truss (to such end truss) top chord member, a unitary connector body comprising: first connection means for connecting an intermediate support member, situated between such first adjacent truss top chord member and such gable end truss top chord member, to such unitary connector body; second connection means for connecting an overhang support member, situated between such gable end truss top chord member and such overhang member, to such unitary connector body; and third connection means for connecting such gable end truss top chord member to such unitary connector body; such unitary connector body being constructed and arranged to enhance, when connected, the strength of cantilever support of such overhang support member. This invention further provides such a unitary connector body further comprising first channel means for fitting snugly over such overhang support member. Furthermore, it provides such a unitary connector body further comprising second channel means for fitting snugly over such intermediate support member. And it provides such a unitary connector body further comprising first connector positioning means for abutting such gable end truss top chord member for providing enhanced cantilever support for such overhang support member. 
     Moreover, this invention provides such a unitary connector body wherein such first connector positioning means is constructed and arranged for abutting a first side of such gable end truss top chord member, such first side facing toward such overhang member. And it also provides such a unitary connector body further comprising: second connector positioning means for abutting such gable end truss top chord member for providing positioning support for such unitary connector body; wherein such second connector positioning means is constructed and arranged for abutting a second side of such gable end truss chord member, such second side facing away from such overhang member; and, also, further comprising second strengthening means, adjoining such first connector positioning means and such second connector positioning means, for enhancing the structural support against lateral bending of such unitary connector body. And the present invention provides a unitary connector body further comprising a planar portion constructed and arranged for situation adjacent a plane of an upper side of such gable end truss top chord member and elongated in a direction from such first connection means to such second connection means; and, further, wherein such elongated planar portion comprises strengthening means for enhancing the structural support against bending of such planar portion of such unitary connector body. 
     In addition, this invention provides such a unitary connector body wherein such first, second, and third connection means comprise hole means in such unitary connector body for receiving attaching units; and, further, wherein such attaching units comprise nails and such hole means comprises offset means for providing nailing locations for minimizing structural harm to such intermediate support member and such overhang support member. And it provides such a unitary connector body further comprising a planar portion constructed and arranged for situation adjacent a plane of an upper side of such gable end truss top chord member and elongated in a direction from such first connection means to such second connection means; and wherein: such first, second, and third connection means comprise hole means in such unitary connector body for receiving attaching units; such attaching units comprise nails; such hole means comprises offset means for providing nailing locations for minimizing structural harm to any nailed members; and such channel means is constructed and arranged to fit snugly over the “2” width of a 2× member. 
     Yet additionally, this invention provides, according to preferred embodiment thereof, such a unitary connector body wherein said first connection means is constructed and arranged to provide user option: for connecting an intermediate support member, situated between said first adjacent truss top chord member and said gable end truss top chord member, to said unitary connector body; or for connecting said gable end truss top chord member to said unitary connector body. And it provides such a unitary connector body wherein: said first connection means comprises a bendable portion constructed and arranged in such manner as to provide, when said bendable portion is not bent, an attachment means for connecting an intermediate support member, situated between said first adjacent truss top chord member and said gable end truss top chord member, to said unitary connector body, and, when said bendable portion is bent, at about 90 degrees, an attachment means for connecting said gable end truss top chord member to said unitary connector body. 
     Even further, this invention provides, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, an overhang support system, for a gable roof, comprising: a gable end truss top chord member; a first adjacent truss (to such end truss) top chord member; an overhang member; an overhang support member, situated between and abutting such gable end truss top chord member and such overhang member; and a unitary connector body comprising: second connection means for connecting such overhang support member to such unitary connector body; and third connection means for connecting such gable end truss top chord member to such unitary connector body; such unitary connector body being constructed and arranged to enhance, when connected, the strength of cantilever support of such overhang support member. And, it provides such an overhang support system further comprising: an intermediate support member, situated between and abutting such first adjacent truss top chord member and such gable end truss top chord member; wherein such unitary connector body further comprises first connection means for connecting such intermediate support member to such unitary connector body. And it provides such an overhang support system wherein such unitary connector body further comprises channel means for fitting snugly over such intermediate support member and such overhang support member; and, further, wherein such unitary connector body further comprises first connector positioning means abutting such gable end truss top chord member for providing enhanced cantilever support for such overhang support member, wherein such first connector positioning means abuts a first side of such gable end truss top chord member, such first side facing toward such overhang member. 
     Even additionally, this invention provides such an overhang support system wherein such unitary connector body further comprises second connector positioning means abutting such gable end truss top chord member for providing positioning support for such unitary connector body, wherein such second connector positioning means abuts a second side of such gable end truss chord member, such second side facing away from such overhang member. Also, it provides such an overhang support system wherein such unitary connector body further comprises a planar portion constructed and arranged for situation adjacent a plane of an upper side of such gable end truss top chord member and elongated in a direction from such first connection means to such second connection means, wherein such elongated planar portion comprises strengthening means for enhancing the structural support against bending of such planar portion of such unitary connector body. And it provides such an overhang support system wherein such strengthening means comprises a longitudinal rib raised from such plane. 
     Yet further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention provides, for use with an overhang support system for a gable roof of the type including an overhang member, a unitary gable end truss top chord member, and a first adjacent truss (to such end truss) top chord member, a method of providing improved support to an overhang support member extending outward from such gable end truss top chord member to support such overhang member, comprising the steps of: attaching such unitary gable end truss top chord member to a rigid unitary connector body; attaching such overhang support member to such rigid unitary connector body and abutting such gable end truss top chord member; and attaching such overhang member to such overhang support member; such rigid unitary connector body being constructed and arranged to enhance the strength of cantilever support of such overhang support member. In addition, the present invention provides for such a method further comprising: attaching an intermediate support member between such unitary gable end truss top chord member and such first adjacent truss top chord member; and attaching such intermediate support member to such rigid unitary connector body. 
     Yet further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention provides, for use with an overhang support system for a gable roof of the type including an overhang member, a gable end truss top chord member, and a first adjacent truss (to said end truss) top chord member, a unitary connector body comprising: first connection means for use, optionally, by a user, (1) for connecting an intermediate support member, situated between said first adjacent truss top chord member and said gable end truss top chord member, to said unitary connector body, or (2) for connecting said gable end truss top chord member to said unitary connector body; second connection means for connecting an overhang support member, situated between said gable end truss top chord member and said overhang member, to said unitary connector body; and third connection means for connecting said gable end truss top chord member to said unitary connector body; said unitary connector body being constructed and arranged to enhance, when connected, the strength of cantilever support of said overhang support member. It further provides a unitary connector body wherein: said first connection means comprises a substantially-flat bendable portion constructed and arranged in such manner as to provide (1) when said bendable portion is not bent, an attachment means for connecting an intermediate support member, situated between said first adjacent truss top chord member and said gable end truss top chord member, to said unitary connector body, and (2) when said bendable portion is bent, at about 90 degrees, an attachment means for connecting said gable end truss top chord member to said unitary connector body. 
     Yet further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention provides, for use with an overhang support system for a gable roof of the type including an overhang member, a gable end truss top chord member, and a first adjacent truss (to such end truss) top chord member, a unitary connector body comprising: a first channel portion having a pair of opposing side walls and structured and arranged to engage an intermediate support member, situated between such first adjacent truss top chord member and such gable end truss top chord member; a second channel portion having a pair of opposing side walls and structured and arranged to engage an overhang support member, situated between such gable end truss top chord member and such overhang member; a planar portion disposed between and integrally attached to such first channel portion and such second channel portion; a first pair of nailing wings, one such wing of such first pair being attached to each of such side walls of such first channel portion and extending at an angle therefrom, such pair of first nailing wings being structured and arranged for attachment to a first side of such gable end truss top chord member; and a second pair of nailing wings, one such wing of such second pair being attached to each of such side walls of such second channel portion and extending at an angle therefrom, such pair of second nailing wings structured and arranged for attachment to a second side of such gable end truss top chord member. 
     Additionally, the present invention provides for such a unitary connector body further comprising a plurality of strengthening ribs substantially spanning the width of such first and second nailing wings and extending therefrom to such side walls. And, it provides for such a unitary connector body wherein such unitary connector body has longitudinal ends and has a symmetrical structure wherein such first and second channel portions are longitudinally symmetrical and essentially identical in structure; and wherein such first and second pairs of nailing wings are longitudinally symmetrical and essentially identical in structure; whereby such unitary connector body may be situated with either of such longitudinal ends facing such overhang member. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building roof using a first prior art system of overhang support for gable roofs. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a building roof with a second prior art system of overhang support for gable roofs. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of system of overhang support for gable roofs according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizing a preferred embodiment of a unitary connector body, according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the illustrated preferred embodiment of a unitary connector body, according to this invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-section elevation end view of a roof portion with the illustrated unitary connector body. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-section elevation side view of a roof portion with the illustrated unitary connector body. 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a roof portion with the illustrated unitary connector body. 
     FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the illustrated unitary connector body prior to bending during manufacture. 
     FIG. 9 is a partial top plan view of a first alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body of this invention prior to bending during manufacture. 
     FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view illustrating the first alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body of this invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the use of a second alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body of this invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-section elevation end view of a roof portion illustrating the use of the second alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body of this invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the second alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body of this invention prior to bending during manufacture. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of system of overhang support for gable roofs utilizing the third alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body of this invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the third alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body of this invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a cross-section elevation side view of a roof portion with the illustrated third alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body. 
     FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the third alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body of this invention prior to bending during manufacture. 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the third alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body modified for use in an alternate manner. 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the alternate use of the third alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body modified for use in the alternate manner. 
     FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the fourth alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body of this invention prior to bending during manufacture. 
     FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the fourth alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body of this invention. 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating the use of the fourth alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body of this invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF PRACTICE 
     Shown in perspective views, in FIGS. 1 and 2, are portions of buildings  20  with prior-art typical roofs  21 , in the final stages of construction. The roofs  21  are of conventional and common construction, with sloping sides  22  joining at a central elevated ridge  23 . The roofs  21  are typical wood construction, utilizing standard trusses  24 , sheathed with plywood panels  25 , and providing conventional overhang members  26  which extend outward beyond the walls  27 . At the gable ends  30  of the roof  21  are the gable overhang panels  31  incorporating a fascia  32  on the outward ends. The primary structural supporting means at each gable overhang panel  31  is the gable end truss  33 , which is the truss supported by an exterior wall  27  and the truss furthest outward at the gable end  30  of the roof  21 . To support the gable overhang panels  31  and provide attachment for the fascia  32 , additional interconnecting support structure between the gable end truss  33  and the fascia  32  is required. Without additional support structure, for example, the plywood panels  25  remain cantilevered and unsupported from the gable end truss  33  outward. With weight from the final roofing coatings and coverings, an unsupported overhang member  26  is not suitable to withstand the elements of weather and normal use. 
     Referring now solely to FIG. 1, a common system for providing overhang support for the gable ends  30  of a roof  21  is illustrated. Overhang support members  34  are provided from the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33  outward and are the attachment locations for the overhang members  26  supporting the fascia  32  and the plywood panels  25  in the overhang areas. Overhang support members  34  would, for example, commonly be wood 2×4&#39;s or 2×6&#39;s or even larger (being as a group hereinafter called 2×&#39;s), with inward ends  35  abutted against the outer surface  36  of the gable end truss  33 , and nailed in place. These overhang support members  34  in the system of FIG. 1 do provide some strength and integrity to the overhang members  26 , but fail to provide sufficient structural ties to the remainder of the roof  21 . In essence, the roof  21  can bend at the point of the gable end truss  33 , allowing the overhang members  26  (with the gable overhang panels  31  with the fascia  32 ) and overhang support members  34  to droop downward. This bending or drooping may be in connection with twisting of the gable end truss  33  and/or separation of the nailed connections of the overhang support members  34  to the gable end truss  33 , which separation would also permit undesired uplifting of the overhang members, as by wind. 
     If the overhang support members  34  were to be further extended inward into the roof structure, past the gable end truss  33 , and tieing into the first adjacent roof truss  37  (to the gable end truss  33 ), drooping of the overhang members  26  can be minimized or eliminated. This method of construction is illustrated in FIG.  2  and is commonly used in roof construction. Extended overhang supports  40  extend from the top chord  43  of the first adjacent roof truss  37  to the gable end truss  33  and outward to the overhang members  26 . The twisting forces acting on the gable end truss  33  are thereby minimized or eliminated and the overhang members  26  receive greater structural support. The extended roof supports  40  are butted and nailed to the top chord  43  of the first adjacent roof truss  37 , but as they extend outward to overhang members  26 , they pass over and are supported by the gable end truss  33 , but they spatially interfere with the top of the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33 . To accommodate this interference with the extended roof supports  40 , the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33  is cut into, forming a notch  42  at each point where the extended roof supports  40  are located. The extended roof supports  40  may then extend unobstructed from the first adjacent roof truss  37  outward to the overhang members  26 . Although the gable overhang panels  31  now receive improved structural support, new problems are encountered. The notches  42  cut deeply into the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33 , greatly reducing its strength. If the top chord  41  and extended roof supports  40  are both 2×4&#39;s, and the extended roof supports  40  are positioned on their sides for minimum notch  42  depth requirements, the notch  42  still must be cut about half way through the height of the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33 . Cutting notch  42  into the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33  is also difficult, costly and time consuming; and it is no solution to the wind-uplift problem. 
     As a solution to the problems encountered with the existing art of roof gable overhang construction as discussed with FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred embodiment of the overhang support system for roof trusses of the present invention, utilizing a novel connecting device, unitary connector body  45 , is illustrated in FIG. 3. A portion of a roof  21 , including an overhang member  26 , gable end truss  33  and first adjacent roof truss  37  are shown in perspective. As hereinafter more particularly described, unitary connector body  45  and its two other longitudinally-supporting members may be sometimes referred to together herein as extended roof support  40 , which connects overhang member  26 , gable end truss  33 , and first adjacent roof truss  37 , tieing them together in a structurally sound manner. For purposes of this illustration, all members shown are wood 2×4&#39;s (although, as stated, 2×&#39;s may be used). It is noted that, in the system of FIG. 3, the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33  is a continuous single unitary piece without any notching for the extended roof supports  40 . 
     Each extended roof support  40  in the system of FIG. 3 consists of three components, an intermediate support member  46 , an overhang support member  47 , and a unitary connector body  45 . The intermediate support member  46  is butted to, and nailed to the first adjacent roof truss  37  at the inner joint  48 . Likewise, the overhang member  26  is positioned to and nailed to the overhang support member  47  at the outer joint  51 . The preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body  45  provides, as illustrated and described herein, connection means for connecting to the unitary connector body  45 , the intermediate support member  46 , the overhang support member  47 , and the gable end truss  33  (at its top chord  41 ). Each connection of the unitary connector body  45  to these other components is made at each location  52  of the gable end truss  33 . The unitary connector body  45  is preferably formed of galvanized coated steel, is shaped to snugly fit and locate the wood components (preferably the “2” edges of the 2× wood components) of the connection at location  52 , and further provides holes  66  (see FIG. 4) for nailing locations to retain the components, all as shown and described herein. The completed connection at location  52  is structurally sound, permanent, and provides for a strong and efficient gable overhang support system. 
     A perspective view of the unitary connector body  45  is shown in FIG.  4 . Unitary connector body  45 , a channel-shaped member, is preferably stamped and formed of galvanized coated steel of about 18 gage, or thicker, and of the configuration illustrated. The channel  53 , providing channel means for fitting snugly over such intermediate support member and such overhang support member, is about 13¾″ long and includes a planar longitudinal top horizontal surface  54 . Surface  54  in this invention embodies, as shown, a planar portion constructed and arranged for situation adjacent a plane of an upper side of gable end truss top chord member  41  and is elongated in a direction from the connection of unitary connection body  45  to intermediate support member  46  to the body  45  connection with overhang support member  47 . Extending downward perpendicular from the longitudinal edges of the horizontal surface  54  are two vertical sides  55  about 1½″ in depth. The width between the vertical sides  55 , on the interior of the channel  53  is about 1½″ to fit snugly over the narrow “2” dimension of a 2×4 or other 2× size. About midway along the length of the unitary connector body  45 , on each vertical side  55 , is an opening  56 , about 1½″ wide, and extending from the top horizontal surface  54  downward vertically the full height of the vertical sides  55 . The two openings  56  are located exactly opposite each other, (once again, sized to fit snugly over top chord  41 , the narrow dimension of a 2×4 or other 2× size). 
     Two longitudinal ribs  60  rise, about centrally, as illustrated, from the elongated planar portion embodied by top horizontal surface  54 , to strengthen the channel  53  against downward bending through the area weakened by the openings  56  on the vertical sides  55 . Thus, ribs  60  embody strengthening means for enhancing the structural support against bending of such planar portion of such unitary connector body. One end of the channel  53  is stamped with indicia  61 , identifying that end as the fascia (barge) end  62 . At each opening  56  on the vertical sides  55 , the greater portion of the material from each opening  56  is bent outward at 90 degrees on a vertical bend line  63 , on the side of each opening  56  nearest the indica  61  to form a nailing wing  64 , which is also useful for positioning and cantilever-support assistance, and thus embodies in this invention a first connector positioning means for abutting gable end truss top chord member  41  for providing enhanced cantilever support for overhang support member  47 . A minor portion of the material from each opening  56  extends outward (unbent) from each side of the top horizontal surface  54 , above the opening  56 , and forms a nailing wing  65 . At one location on each nailing wing  64  and each nailing wing  65  and at six locations on each vertical side  55  are nailing holes  66 , embodying in the present invention hole means in unitary connector body  45  for receiving attaching units (embodied herein by nails  67 ). All 90-degree corners of the unitary connector body  45  are slightly trimmed off at 45 degrees, as shown, to remove sharp damaging metal corners. 
     The use of the features of the unitary connector body  45  and the overhang support system of the present invention are further described as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. FIG. 5, which is a view through the section  5 — 5  of FIG. 3, is an elevation end view of the unitary connector body  45  from the fascia (barge) end  62 . The unitary connector body  45  is installed on top of the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33  with the longitudinal run of the channel  53  perpendicular to the longitudinal run of the top chord  41  within the openings  56  (not shown) of the vertical sides  55 . The nailing wings  65  are nailed to the top of the top chord  41 , and the nailing wings  64  are nailed to the front of the top chord  41  with nails  67 , all as shown in the drawings. The overhang support member  47  of the extended roof support  40  is inserted into the fascia (barge end)  62  of the channel  53  of the unitary connector body  45  and positioned tightly against the top chord  41  and then secured into the channel  53  with nails  71 . Likewise, although not shown in this view, the intermediate support member  46  of the extended roof support  40  is installed at the opposite end of the unitary connector body  45 . Thus, the present invention provides a method of providing improved support to an overhang support member  47  extending outward from a gable end truss top chord member  41  to support an overhang member  26 , comprising the steps of: attaching an intermediate support member  46  between such gable end truss top chord member  41  and the first adjacent truss top chord member  43 ; attaching such intermediate support member  46  and such gable end truss top chord member  41  to a rigid unitary connector body  45 ; attaching such overhang support member  47  to such rigid unitary connector body  45  and abutting such gable end truss top chord member  41 ; and attaching such overhang member  26  to such overhang support member  47 ; such rigid unitary connector body  45  being constructed and arranged to enhance the strength of cantilever support of such overhang support member  47 . And it provides improved wind-uplift support. 
     FIG. 6, which is a view through the section  6 — 6  of FIG. 3, shows a side elevation view of the unitary connector body  45  joining the intermediate support member  46  and overhang support member  47  to the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33 . The openings  56  in the vertical sides  55  fit over the top chord  41  with nails  67  through nailing wings  64  and nailing wings  65  securing the unitary connector body  45  in place. Intermediate support member  46  and overhang support member  47  are fitted into the channel  53  of the unitary connector body  45  until tight against the top chord  41 , and secured with nails  71 . Nailing holes  66  through each vertical side  55  of unitary connector body  45  are staggered, as shown, to prevent the nails entering each side of the intermediate support member  46  and overhang support member  47  from splitting the wood, thereby embodying offset means for providing nailing locations for minimizing structural harm to intermediate support member  46  and overhang support member  47 . 
     In FIG. 7 is shown a top plan view of the connection location  52 , with intermediate support member  46  and overhang support member  47  of extended roof support  40  secured at 90 degrees to the top chord  41  of gable end truss  33  with unitary connector body  45 . Ribs  60  on the top horizontal surface  54  of the unitary connector body  45  provide added rigidity against bending through the location  52 . Nailing wings  64  are located on the front side of the gable end truss  33 , facing the direction of the fascia. 
     FIG. 8 is a plan view of the unitary connector body  45  in its flat form during its preferred method of manufacture, in well known ways, after all shearing, notching, punching and stamping, but prior to bending into its final shape. Dotted lines represent bend lines  63  where nailing wings  64  will be bent upward 90 degrees. Bend lines  72  show locations of downward 90-degree bending of the sides which will form the described channel shape. Thus, it is seen that unitary connector body  45  comprises: first connection means (embodied by, e.g., the specific nail-hole  66  connections structures, etc., of FIGS. 3 and  6 ) for connecting intermediate support member  46 , situated between first adjacent truss top chord member  43  and gable end truss top chord member  41 , to unitary connector body  45 ; second connection means (embodied by, e.g., the specific nail-hole  66  connections structures, etc., as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6) for connecting overhang support member  47 , situated between gable end truss top chord member  41  and overhang member  26 , to unitary connector body  45 ; and third connection means (embodied by, e.g., the specific nail-hole  66  connections structures, etc., of FIGS. 3 and 6) for connecting gable end truss top chord member  41  to unitary connector body  45 ; unitary connector body  45  being constructed and arranged to enhance, when connected, the strength of cantilever support of overhang support member  47 , as well as enhancing uplift support. 
     FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an alternate construction of the preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body  45 . In FIG. 9, a top plan view of a portion of the unitary connector body  45  is shown prior to bending into its final shape. An additional small tab  73  is incorporated at each opening  56  in the vertical sides  55 . At bend lines  74 , the tabs  73  are bent upward 90 degrees the same as nailing wings  64  are bent upward at 90 degrees at bend lines  63 . In FIG. 10, a perspective view illustrates the central portion of the unitary connector body  45  incorporating the small tabs  73 . The spacing between the inside facing surfaces of nailing wings  64  and tabs  73  is about 1½″, providing for a close fit to the 2× of the gable end truss  33 . Tabs  73  provide for a flat surface contact to the gable end truss  33 , thus preventing any possible cutting into the wood and resulting loosening of the location  52 . In this invention, tabs  73  also embody a second connector positioning means for abutting gable end truss top chord member  41  for providing positioning support for unitary connector body  45 . 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a connection location  52  of an intermediate support member  46  and an overhang support member  47  to the top chord  41  of a gable end truss  33 , using horizontal 2×4&#39;s for the intermediate support member  46  and overhang support member  47 . This connection utilizes an alternate embodiment  77  of unitary connector body  45  which allows for members  46  and  47  to be installed horizontally. The channel  53  of unitary connector body  45  is about 3½ inches wide for mating to the horizontally-installed 2×4 members. An oblong hole  78  is incorporated near each end of the top horizontal surface  54  to allow nailing of the final plywood panels  25  (not shown) to the extended roof support  40  in the area of the unitary connector body  45 . To illustrate the use of a unitary connector body  45  to make up a connection location  52  as compared to the notching used with the prior art method shown in FIG. 2, a notch  42  is shown by dotted lines. 
     FIG. 12 shows the connection location  52  in elevation view through the section  12 — 12  of FIG.  11 . Nails  71  through the vertical sides  55  of the unitary connector body  45  of the alternate embodiment  77  may be placed in line with each other as the wider channel  53  usually prevents splitting of the wood. 
     FIG. 13 is a plan view of the unitary connector body  45  of the alternate embodiment  77  in its flat form after all shearing, notching, punching, and stamping, but prior to bending into its final shape. An additional reinforcing rib  60  (compared to the embodiment of FIG. 3) is utilized due to the increased width of the top horizontal surface  54 . Oblong holes  78 , as mentioned, are provided to allow nailing of the final plywood panels  25 . Also, due to the increased width of the top horizontal surface  54 , nailing holes  66  are incorporated on the top horizontal surface  54  and additional nailing wings are not required. 
     Illustrated in FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of roof  21 , showing the overhang member  26 , the gable end truss  33 , and the first adjacent roof truss  37 , with these members being structurally tied together with extended roof supports  40 . An alternate method of construction is utilized with the incorporation of the third alternate embodiment  80  of the unitary connector body  45  included within the extended roof supports  40 . This unitary connector body  45  provides for the intermediate support member  46 , spanning between the first adjacent roof truss  37  and the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33 , to be positioned more-horizontally (as shown in the FIGS., particularly FIG.  14 ), whereas the overhang support member  47  is positioned on edge more-vertically (as shown in the FIGS., particularly FIG. 14) as it extends outward from the gable end truss  33  to support the overhang member  26 . As previously described with prior embodiments, the overhang support member  47  and the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33 , to which the unitary connector body  45  is fitted, are shown as 2×4&#39;s, although 2×&#39;s may be used. The intermediate support member  46 , oriented more-horizontally, may be of any desired width of lumber, 2×&#39;s, 4×&#39;s, etc. As with prior embodiments, the intermediate support member  46  is butted to and nailed to the first adjacent roof truss  37  at the inner joint  48 . Likewise, the overhang member  26  is positioned to and nailed to the overhang support member  47  at the outer joint  51 . The third alternate embodiment  80  of the unitary connector body  45  incorporates nailing holes for nailing to the intermediate support member  46 , the overhang support member  47 , and the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33  at their interconnection at location  52  of the gable end truss  33 . This provides for an efficient and strong joint. 
     A perspective view of the third alternate embodiment  80  of the unitary connector body  45  is shown in FIG.  15 . The unitary connector body  45  is preferably stamped and formed of galvanized coated steel, with material thickness of approximately 18 gage, or thicker, and of the configuration illustrated. The unitary connector body  45  incorporates a channel  53 , providing, in the present embodiment, a first channel means into which the overhang support member  47  may be snugly fitted. Additionally, the unitary connector body  45  incorporates a planar longitudinal top more-horizontal surface  54 , as shown, oriented in a longitudinal direction aligned with intermediate support member  46  and overhang support member  47 , for mating with the top planar horizontal surfaces of the intermediate support member  46 , overhang support member  47 , and the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33 , at the location  52  of the joining of these members. Nailing holes  66  through surface  54  provide nailing locations for nailing of the unitary connector body  45  to the top planar more-horizontal surface of the intermediate support member  46 , overhang support member  47 , and the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33 . Extending downward perpendicular from each of the outward longitudinal edges  57  and  58  of the more-horizontal surface  54  are two more-vertical sides  55 , as shown, preferably extending downward about 3¼″, and forming channel  53 , as shown. This resultant channel  53  is preferably about 4″ long and about 1½″ in interior width for a snug interface with the narrow “2” dimension of a 2×4 or other 2× size. These preferred increased sizes (over those of other embodiments) also enhance wind-uplift resistance. At the inboard end of each more-vertical side  55  is a nailing wing  64 , extending outward at about 90 degrees from each more-vertical side  55 , as shown. The two opposing nailing wings  64  form a flat more vertical planar surface, at a right angle to the channel  53 , and include nailing holes  66  for secure nailing to the outward face of the gable end truss top chord  41 , as shown. The inward portion  81  of the surface  54  is sized to extend inward over the intermediate support member  46  approximately 3¼″ and incorporates an increased width, as shown, of about 3¼″. 
     FIG. 16, which is a view through the section  16 — 16  of FIG. 14, shows a side elevation view of the third alternate embodiment  80  of the unitary connector body  45 , joining the intermediate support member  46  and overhang support member  47  to the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33 . The underside of the top surface  54  of the unitary connector body  45  rests atop the top chord  41  with nailing wings  64  contacting the outward more-vertical face of the top chord  41 . Nails  67  secure the unitary connector body  45  to the top chord  41 . An intermediate support member  46  is fitted to the underside of the extending inward portion  81  of the surface  54 , butted against the top chord  41  and nailed in place with nails  82  through the nailing holes  66  of the surface  54 . The overhang support member  47  is fitted into the channel  53  of the unitary connector body  45  until tight against the top chord  41 , and secured with nails  71  through the nailing holes  66  of the surface  54  and both sides  55 . 
     FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the third alternate embodiment  80  of the unitary connector body  45  in its flat form during manufacture and after all shearing, notching, and punching operations, but prior to bending into its final shape. Bend lines  63 , represented by dotted lines, show where nailing wings  64  will be bent upward 90 degrees from the flat form, and result in perpendicularly outwardly extending and opposing nailing wings  64 . Bend lines  72  show locations of downward 90 degree bending of the sides  55  which will form the described channel shape. Rend line  83  represents the location of an optional 90 degree bend that is described in FIGS. 18 and 19. 
     FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate an alternate form and usage of the third alternate embodiment  80  of the unitary connector body  45 . This alternate form may be produced at the time of manufacture of the unitary connector body  45  or it may be accomplished in the field, at the time of usage. As previously described, the third alternate embodiment  80  of the unitary connector body  45  completes the extended roof supports  40  by providing locating and attachment means for securing the intermediate support member  46  and overhang support member  47  to the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33 . With conventional roof framing and roof overhang construction, as described in the prior art of FIG. 1, an overhang support member  47  (or  34 ) may be used without the added strength benefit of an intermediate support member  46 . If the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33  is rigid, stable and of ample strength to support the overhang member  26  and related weights, the remaining difficulty is providing a worthy attachment of the overhang support member  47  (or  34 ) to the top chord  41 . As previously described, loosening or separation of the nailed connections of the overhang support member  47  (or  34 ) from the gable end truss  33  could result in structural failure. To provide a strong and permanent attachment of the overhang support member  47  (or  34 ) to the top chord  41  the third alternate embodiment  80  of the unitary connector body  45 , in an altered form, may be used. 
     In the perspective view of FIG. 18, the alternate form  84  of the third alternate embodiment  80  is shown with the enlarged inward portion  81  of the surface  54  bent downward at about 90 degrees from surface  54 , as shown. This bend is located at bend line  83 , also shown in FIG.  17 . The resulting shape of the unitary connector body  45  provides an opening  56 , approximately 1½″ wide, for placement of the unitary connector body  45  onto the top chord  41 . 
     The alternate form  84  of the third alternate embodiment  80  of the unitary connector body  45  is shown installed, in the perspective view of FIG.  19 . The unitary connector body  45  is nailed to the outward face of the top chord  41  with nails  67  through holes in nailing wings  64  and to the top surface of the top chord  41  with nail  67  through hole in the top surface  54 , as previously described. In addition, the unitary connector body  45  is prevented from being pulled from, or loosened from, the top chord  41  with the incorporation of the downward bent inward portion  81  of the surface  54  wrapped and nailed with nails  67  to the inward face of the top chord  41 , as shown. When the overhang support member  47  is secured within the channel  53  of the unitary connector body  45 , a rigid, permanent joint is obtained. As stated previously, this downward bend of the inward portion  81  of the surface  54  at bend line  83  could be furnished by the manufacturer of the unitary connector body  45 , or bent at the job site by the contractor. If bent by the contractor, the bend would be made with a hammer after the connector body  45  has been nailed to the top chord  41  at the top and at the nailing wings  64 . Thus, in a preferred embodiment, as described herein, bend line  83  (or the optional bend illustrated), along with inward portion  81  of surface  54  comprises first connection means for use, optionally, by a user, (1) for connecting an intermediate support member, situated between the first adjacent truss top chord member and the gable end truss top chord member, to the unitary connector body, or (2) for connecting the gable end truss top chord member to the unitary connector body. Also, in a preferred embodiment, as described herein and shown herein, the first connection means comprises a substantially-flat bendable portion constructed and arranged in such manner as to provide, when the described/shown bendable portion is not bent, an attachment means for connecting an intermediate support member, situated between the first adjacent truss top chord member and the gable end truss top chord member, to the unitary connector body, and, when such bendable portion is bent, at about 90 degrees, an attachment means for connecting the gable end truss top chord member to the unitary connector body. 
     With reference now to FIGS. 20-22, a fourth alternate preferred embodiment of the unitary connector body  45 , hereinafter designated by reference numeral  90 , will be disclosed. Shown in FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the fourth alternate embodiment  90  of the unitary connector body  45  in its flat form during manufacture and after all shearing, notching, and punching operations, but prior to bending into its final shape. Bend lines  91 , represented by dotted lines, show where each of the respective nailing wings  92  and  93  will be bent upward 90 degrees from the flat form, and result in perpendicularly outwardly extending and opposing nailing wings  92  and  93 . Bend lines  95  show locations of downward 90 degree bending of the side walls  96  which will form the hereinafter described channel shape. Bisecting bend lines  91  are a plurality of outwardly protruding strengthening ribs  97 , formed in accordance with a typical metal forming process, for providing the unitary connector body  45  with enhanced lateral support adjacent bend lines  91  when the unitary connector body  45  is in use. The unitary connector body  45  is also provided with a plurality of nailing holes  66  which are utilized to facilitate attachment of the unitary connector body  45  to the various members comprising the overhang support. As shown, it is preferred that each nailing hole  66  be offset (i.e., staggered to be out of line) from the corresponding nailing hole  66  so as to prevent splitting of the individual wooden members. 
     FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate, respectively, a preferred field-ready form and usage of the fourth alternate embodiment  90  of the unitary connector body  45 . In a manner substantially as described previously with respect to the aforementioned embodiments, the fourth alternate embodiment  90  of the unitary connector body  45  completes the extended roof supports  40  by providing locating and attachment means for securing the intermediate support member  46  and overhang support member  47  to the top chord  41  of the gable end truss  33  without the need for performing the time-consuming task (and construction-weakening procedure) of notching one or more of the abovementioned members. Shown is a unitary connector body  45  comprising a first channel portion  100  (embodying herein first channel means for fitting snugly over such overhang support member) and a second channel portion  101  (embodying herein second channel means for fitting snugly over such intermediate support member), each preferably having a length of about 4 inches. 
     Each respective channel portion  100  and  101  comprises two opposing side walls  96  separated by a preferred distance of approximately 1½ inches and extending downward from the planar top portion  102  for a distance of preferably 3¼ inches. To provide enhanced positioning and lateral support, a pair of first nailing wings  92  (embodying herein first connector positioning means for abutting such gable end truss top chord member for providing enhanced cantilever support for such overhang support member) are provided adjacent the inner end  106  of each side wall  96  of the first channel portion  100 . Likewise, a pair of second nailing wings  93  (embodying herein second connector positioning means for abutting such gable end truss top chord member for providing positioning support for such unitary connector body) are provided adjacent the inner end  106  of each side wall  96  of the second channel portion  101 . 
     It is preferred that each of the respective pairs of nailing wings  92  and  93  be separated by a preferred distance of approximately 1½ inch so as to provided a snug interface with the “2” dimension of a 2×4 or other “2×” size. As shown, the strengthening ribs  97  preferably are integral to the unitary connector body  45  and extend from each respective nailing wing  92  and  93  to an adjacent side wall  96 . The strengthening ribs  97  embody herein side strengthening means, adjoining such first connector positioning means and such second connector positioning means, for enhancing the structural support against lateral bending of such unitary connector body. As used herein, “lateral bending” refers to the tendency of the unitary connector body  45  to bend in the direction of a resultant force applied normal to a side wall  96  when the unitary connector body  45  is incorporated into the roof structure in the manner illustrated and described with respect to FIG.  22 . 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a connection location  52  of an intermediate support member  46  and an overhang support member  47  to the top chord  41  of a gable end truss  33 , using 2×4&#39;s for the intermediate support member  46  and overhang support member  47 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art, the unitary connector body  45  comprises a symmetric structure (with respect to both the longitudinal and transverse axis of the unitary connector body  45 ) in which the first and second channel portion  100  and  101  may be attached to either the intermediate support member  46  or overhang support member  47 , therefore providing for quick and simple installation, without possibility of direction confusion by installers. This arrangement embodies herein an arrangement wherein such first and second channel portions  100  and  101  are longitudinally symmetrical and essentially identical in structure; and wherein such first and second pairs of nailing wings are longitudinally symmetrical and essentially identical in structure; whereby such unitary connector body may be situated with either of such longitudinal ends facing such overhang member. 
     As shown, each respective pair of nailing wings  92  and  93  are structured and arranged for attachment to the adjacent first and second sides  107  and  108 , respectively, of the top chord  41  of a gable end truss  33 . Attachment of the unitary connector body  45  to the aforementioned members  41 ,  46 , and  47  is by attachment units  71 , preferably nails, which are structured and arranged to engage nailing holes  66 . In the present embodiment, nailing holes  66  embody a first, second, and third connection means for connecting, respectively, an intermediate support member, situated between such first adjacent truss top chord member and such gable end truss top chord member, to such unitary connector body; an overhang support member, situated between such gable end truss top chord member and such overhang member, to such unitary connector body; and such gable end truss top chord member to such unitary connector body. 
     Although applicant has described applicant&#39;s preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant&#39;s invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.