Abstract:
The present invention relates to a metal roof bracket and hip plate assembly used to connect up to three truss or support members with a metal roof truss. This novel means of connection, which may well utilize the co-pending application&#39;s novel connection method, provides a more efficient means of assembly than the traditional assembly techniques. The bracket allows the support member to be held by the hip plate while aligning the bracket into a position where it may be mounted thereto. It also allows for the support member to be rotated into a desired position before fixing.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a metal roof truss connector assembly and, in particular, to an assembly for connection between truss members including the use of an additional guide or flanged insert. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present inventor is the owner of the co-pending international patent application, PCT/AU2004/001045 relating to metal roof truss connection. The contents of the co-pending application is incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0003]    Metal roof trusses generally consist of a frame in the form of three chord members arranged in a triangular configuration to support the roof, and internal stiffening members which serve to strengthen the frame. The chord members typically comprise a base chord member and two upper diagonal chord members which join at the roof apex, whilst the stiffening members are typically configured in a triangular web arrangement between the chord members such that each carries a tension or compression force. 
         [0004]    Chord and stiffening members are manufactured having a range of cross-sections including C-sections, square hollow sections, rectangular hollow sections, and rounded hollow sections, depending on the strength and structural requirements of the truss. The chord and stiffening members exemplified herein are of the C-section type, however, it is to be understood that the present invention may equally well be used on members having alternate cross-sections. 
         [0005]    The applicant&#39;s co-pending application discloses a connector assembly between chord members having internally pressed sections on parallel walls thereof adapted to engage similar pressed sections located at the flange ends of stiffening members. The method of connection between the truss members outlined in the co-pending application provides a more practical connection means than previously known methods. In essence, the use of internally pressed sections allows for a first end of each member to be sufficiently secured to another member whilst allowing the free end to be appropriately moved into a position where mounting to a further member is desired. When the two members are connected using a bolt, the parallel walls of the truss member are urged inwardly toward one another. The spaced apart configuration is maintained through use of a spacer. 
         [0006]    However, some difficulties have been identified during installation of roof trusses incorporating this connector assembly. Firstly, when the bolt is inserted through a first aperture associated with opposed pressed sections, it is difficult and time consuming to locate the coaxially aligned aperture because it is hidden from view by the spacer. This causes time delays during installation of roof trusses incorporating this connector assembly. Secondly, when the bolt is eventually tightened, it has been found that the spacer can shift or slip out of place so that the end thereof is secured above the pressed section rather than encircling it. When the bolt is tightened, the spacer can be locked in this undesirable position and can compromise the integrity of the joint. 
         [0007]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned problems and to provide the public with a useful alternative. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed a connector assembly for roof truss members, said connector assembly characterised by: 
         [0000]    a first member including two parallel and spaced apart longitudinal surfaces having a pair of inwardly pressed and transversely aligned sections associated with an end thereof;
 
a second member including two parallel and spaced apart longitudinal surfaces having a pair of inwardly pressed and transversely aligned sections at a predetermined position along the length of the second member;
 
said first and second members adapted to be connected by way_of engagement of the first member pressed sections within the second member pressed sections allowing said first and second members to rotate relative to one another, said first member further being lockable at a predetermined angle relative to the first member by applying an inward force on the engaging pressed sections;
 
a hollow spacer configured to be insertable between the parallel sides of the first member to thereby maintain the spaced apart relationship thereof despite application of the inward force, said hollow spacer having ends of a cross-sectional size slightly greater than the pressed sections; and
 
a locating means for maintaining the hollow spacer in a position wherein opposed ends thereof substantially surround the internally pressed sections.
 
         [0009]    The locating means is useful in that the spacer is maintained around the pressed sections or dimples, and are no longer allowed to shift above the pressed sections. If the connection is secured with the spacer being misaligned, then the integrity of the joint is compromised. 
         [0010]    Preferably each of said pressed sections include a central aperture such that when two pairs of pressed sections engage one another, the central apertures become coaxially aligned. 
         [0011]    In preference said second member is rotatable relative to said first member about a shaft adapted to extend through said coaxial apertures. 
         [0012]    Preferably said connector assembly further includes a guide means which allows the shaft to be guided through the coaxially aligned apertures. 
         [0013]    The guide means is useful in that during installation, the spacer obstructs the view of the apertures associated with each pressed section. Thus, insertion of the bolt through the coaxially aligned apertures was difficult. The guide means provides a smooth path for the bolt. 
         [0014]    In preference said locating means is in the form of an insert located within the hollow spacer, said insert being of a length corresponding with the spaced apart distance between pressed sections and having ends which correspond with the cross-sectional size of the pressed sections to thereby maintain the spacer in position around the pressed section. 
         [0015]    Preferably said insert further includes said guide means in the form of an aperture extending through the insert which when assembled becomes coaxially aligned with said central apertures thereby providing a path for said shaft to extend through. 
         [0016]    Preferably said shaft is in the form of a bolt which when tightened provides said inward force. 
         [0017]    In preference said pressed sections are circular and said spacer is cylindrical. 
         [0018]    In preference said second member is a top of bottom chord of a roof truss. 
         [0019]    Preferably said first member is a web chord of a roof truss. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a metal roof truss having chord and stiffening members; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a metal roof truss chord member; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a prior art connector assembly used to connect a chord and stiffening member; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly including a flanged insert in accordance with the present invention, used to connect a chord and stiffening member; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded side view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an assembled connector assembly including an associated chord member. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0029]    The present invention relates to a metal roof truss connector assembly for simplifying construction of metal roof trusses and, in particular, overcoming problems associated with the applicant&#39;s existing connector assembly. 
         [0030]    Shown in  FIG. 1  is a metal roof truss  10 , having stiffening or web chord members  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  and top and bottom chords or chord members  20 ,  22  and  24 . Although the metal roof truss  10  consists of numerous joints between chord and stiffening members, only one of these is described in detail herein. More specifically, the connection between the end of stiffening member  12  and the bottom chord  20  as shown in  FIG. 1  is described. It is to be understood however that the following description also applies to the remaining joints. 
         [0031]    Truss  10  includes a triangular frame defined by the lower or bottom chord member  20  and the two top diagonal chord members  22  and  24  which join at the apex of the truss  10 . The four stiffening members  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  of the truss  10  serve to support the chord members. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  illustrates a section of the lower chord member  20  when disconnected from the truss  10 . The chord member  20  is made of strip steel that has been extruded into an elongate C-section beam including an indented base  26 , side walls  28  and  30 , and upper edges  32  and  34  defining an open channel  36 . At opposed ends of the chord member  20 , side wall  28  extends longitudinally beyond the upper edges  32  and  34  and base  26  to form semicircular flanges  38  and  40 , whilst side wall  30  extends longitudinally in the same manner to form semicircular flanges  42  and  44 . 
         [0033]    Each chord member  20 ,  22  and  24  includes circular pressed sections or dimples, such as pressed sections  46  and  48  on respective flanges  38  and  40 , and those on flanges  42  and  44  which are not seen in the perspective shown. The centre point of each pressed section  46  and  48  is defined by respective apertures  50  and  52 . The apertures also define the radial centres of each corresponding semicircular flange  38  and  40 . The chord member  20  includes similar pressed sections  54  and  56  and associated apertures  55  and  57  located in the area along the member where another chord or stiffening member is to be mounted. The upper edges  34  and  36  are splayed in this region to form flared edges  58  and  60 . The flared edges extend upwardly, outwardly and then inwardly and their function is to provide further strength to the resultant joint when a stiffening member end is connected by biting into the side walls thereof. 
         [0034]    Each stiffening member also includes semi-circular flanges  62  and  64 , associated circular pressed sections  66  and  68 , and corresponding apertures  70  and  72  at their ends. This is evident in  FIG. 3  which illustrates the connector assembly  74  of the prior art. The pressed sections  54  and  56  of the chord member  20  are correspondingly shaped with pressed sections  66  and  68  of the stiffening member  12  respectively. Thus, when the flanges  62  and  64  of stiffening member  12  are inserted between flared edges  58  and  60  of chord member  20 , the pressed sections of each member become engaged. Once engaged, corresponding apertures of each section becomes coaxially aligned so that a bolt or pin  76  may extend there through and engage nut or pin collar  78 . Those skilled in the art would realise that when the pressed sections engage, one section is effectively snapped within the other and prevented from radial movement, or in other words, relative movement of the members along a shear plane. 
         [0035]    Tightening of bolt  76  causes the end of the stiffening member  12  to be effectively secured within the receiving section of chord member  20 . When the bolt is further tightened, the flanges  62  and  64  will deflect inwards. For this reason, housed within the semicircular flanges  62  and  64  is a cylindrical spacer or ferrule  80 . The inner diameter of the spacer  80  is greater than the outer diameter of the pressed sections so that the ends of the spacer fit just over the pressed sections. 
         [0036]    The connector assembly of the prior art allows a person assembling the metal roof truss  10  to do so in a shorter amount of time than the previously known methods of assembly, as one may simply align a free end of each stiffening member with a receiving section of a chord member by simply rotating the free end until it is correctly aligned with the receiving section. The same applies with connection between chord members. 
         [0037]    However, as mentioned earlier, some problems during installation have been encountered. Even though the spacer  80  may be held between the flanges by friction when one is trying to insert the bolt  76  and tighten it, there is the real danger that the spacer  80  may slip. For this reason the spacer  80  needs to be held in place whilst the bolt is being tightened. If the spacer is allowed to slip, its edge may lie over the top of the pressed section rather than around it, and can remain so when the bolt is tightened, and results in weakened joints. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  illustrates use of the connector assembly  100  of the present invention connecting a chord and stiffening member, whilst  FIGS. 5-6  illustrate the assembly  100  in greater detail. It will be appreciated that the connector assembly  100  is substantially the same as the connector assembly  74  of the prior art, except that it includes a flanged insert or locator  102 . 
         [0039]    The flanged insert  102  includes two hollow conical ends  104  and  106 , and a cylindrically shaped mid-section  108 . The internal diameter of the conical ends is slightly smaller than that of the ferrule  80  so that it may fit snugly inside the ferrule  80  and on top of the pressed sections. The flanged insert further includes a central aperture (not shown) which extends centrally through the mid-section  108 , and when assembled is coaxially aligned with opposing apertures of the chord members. The flanged insert performs two useful functions. 
         [0040]    Firstly, the aperture extending therethrough acts as a guide for the bolt so that when it is inserted through one aperture, rather than fiddling around trying to find the opposing aperture which is hidden from view by spacer  80 , one can now easily locate the opposing aperture through use of the guiding insert. Secondly, it maintains the spacer in its desired position, that is, on the outside of the pressed sections as opposed to above the pressed sections. Essentially, in using the locator  102 , the bolt can be guided through both apertures, eliminating the time required to align two apertures on each side of the pressed sections, and the need to hold the ferrule in place whilst fastening the bolt is eliminated. 
         [0041]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly  100  when the bolt has been tightened and the truss members fully assembled. This figure clearly demonstrates the relative diameters of the parts and how each is designed to fit in assembled form. It can be appreciated that the flanged insert  102  is configured so that it is snug fit within the ferrule  80 . It is preferable for the locator  102  to be constructed of a material having suitable strength characteristics whilst being slippery enough to be able to be retainingly inserted into the spacer. In preference the locator is constructed of polyethylene plastic or the like 
         [0042]    It is to be understood that the above truss member arrangement is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, metal roof truss  10  may well include nine stiffening members as opposed to four. Also, the flanged insert may be of a solid form and the angle of the flanges may be varied for ease of manufacture. 
         [0043]    In summary, the present invention discloses a novel and improved connector assembly  100  between various members of a metal roof truss which provides for simplified and less time consuming roof truss installation. This method of connection overcomes various problems identified in using the applicant&#39;s existing assembly which is the subject matter of a co-pending patent application. The addition of the flanged insert allows the assembler to connect members of a metal roof truss more efficiently with respect to time and complexity. The person assembling a metal roof truss is now able, through the addition of the flanged insert inside the ferrule, to retain the ferrule and the flanged insert in position between the circular pressings of the stiffening members, without manually doing so. Also, the person joining the chord members can guide the fastening bolt easily through the locator. 
         [0044]    Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. 
         [0045]    In any claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprising” is used in the sense of “including”, i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.