Abstract:
A roof truss connector plate is provided comprising a mounting plate portion and an anchor portion extending from the mounting plate portion. The truss connector plate is a portion of a roof anchor safety system. The anchor portion of the truss connector plate allows various safety components of the roof anchor system to be secured to the roof. The truss connector plates are factory installed when the roof truss is formed and provide certifiable anchor capacity to the user.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     This invention relates to a roof truss connector plate and roof anchor safety system and, in particular, to a connector plate comprising an anchor portion extending therefrom. The anchor portion allows various components of the roof anchor system to be secured to the roof. The truss connector plates are factory installed when the roof truss is formed and provide certifiable anchor capacity to the user.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The need for securing roofing workers on pitched roofs is well known and is now being required by many government regulations. Many safety systems have been developed to secure workers, with the majority involving an anchor attached to either a rafter of a truss or to the surface of the roof. These prior art anchor systems may be temporary or permanent.  
         [0003]     A problem with all of these prior art systems is that they rely on a roofing worker to initially attach the anchor. This often can result in the anchor being attached incorrectly. The potential misconnection of anchor bolts, screws and brackets, and the resulting personal injury, is a serious problem with the prior art safety systems. Additionally, due to the potential liability, building contractors many times retain independent sub-contractors that are expected to provide proper protection, but many times fail to do so. The difficulty and potential for improper installation lead to disastrous results if a roof worker should fall, and the need therefore exists for a simple, integrated approach to provide roof safety to every construction site.  
         [0004]     Accordingly, there is need for providing a roof anchor system that overcomes problems associated with the prior art.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present invention overcomes at least one disadvantage of the prior art by providing a monolithic truss connector plate comprising a first mounting plate portion having a plurality of teeth extending perpendicularly therefrom, and a first anchor portion extending from the mounting plate portion and including a means for attaching at least one safety device. The roof system may therefore have the anchor system as a factory installed product in association with the building materials. This, and other advantages, will be apparent upon a review of the drawings and detailed description of the invention.  
         [0006]     At least one embodiment of the present invention also provides a roof anchor safety system comprising a pair of truss connector plates, each truss connector plate comprising a mounting plate portion having a plurality of teeth extending perpendicularly therefrom and an anchor portion extending from the mounting plate portion, wherein the mounting plate portion of the truss connector plates are attached to opposite sides of a truss such that the anchor portion of each truss connector plate extends beyond an edge of the truss and outward from the truss, and at least one safety device supported by the truss connector plates.  
         [0007]     At least one embodiment of the present invention also provides a method of providing a roof anchor safety system comprising the steps of providing a truss connector plate comprising a mounting plate portion having a plurality of teeth extending perpendicularly therefrom and an anchor portion extending from the mounting plate portion, the anchor including means for attaching a safety device; attaching the mounting plate portion of the truss connector plate to a truss such that the plurality of teeth engage a wooden portion of the truss and the anchor portion extends beyond an edge of the truss and outward away from the truss.  
         [0008]     The roof system may therefore have the anchor system as a factory installed product in association with the building materials. This, and other advantages, will be apparent upon a review of the drawings and detailed description of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     This invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0010]      FIG. 1A  is a front view of a peak gusset of a roof anchor system of the present invention and  FIG. 1B  is a detail perspective view of one of the plurality of teeth of the peak gusset of  FIG. 1A ;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a pair of peak gussets, as shown in  FIG. 1 , attached to a truss rafter;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a truss formed with the peak gussets of  FIG. 1  and shown with a building structure generally shown in phantom;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a high reach accessory of the roof anchor system of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a roof having the roof anchor system of the present invention attached thereto;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a support ferrule insert of the roof anchor system of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a second embodiment of the peak gusset of the present invention shown in a single piece configuration;  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the double gusset of  FIG. 7  shown attached to a truss rafter;  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view of a truss formed with the double peak gusset of  FIG. 7  and a support ferrule of  FIG. 6  shown exploded therefrom;  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  is a front view of another embodiment of the peak gusset of the present invention shown in a single piece configuration;  
         [0020]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the double gusset of  FIG. 10  shown attached to a truss rafter;  
         [0021]      FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of a truss formed with the double peak gusset of  FIG. 10  and a support ferrule of  FIG. 6  shown exploded therefrom;  
         [0022]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the high reach accessory of the roof anchor system of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a high reach accessory of FIG. 13  shown attached over a portion of a truss using the peak gusset of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 15  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the peak gusset having fold over side reinforcements, shown attached to a plurality of truss rafters and truss webs;  
         [0025]      FIG. 16  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the peak gusset having a low profile attachment extension, shown attached to a plurality of truss rafters and truss webs;  
         [0026]      FIG. 17  is a partial perspective view of the peak gusset as shown in  FIG. 16  having a plurality of D rings attached thereto for a cable harness hook up;  
         [0027]      FIG. 18  is a front view of a low anchor profile embodiment of the peak gusset of the present invention shown in a single piece configuration;  
         [0028]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the peak gusset of  FIG. 18 , shown attached to a truss rafter;  
         [0029]      FIG. 20  is a partial perspective view of a truss formed with the peak gusset of  FIG. 18  shown with a metal loop;  
         [0030]      FIG. 21  is a partial perspective view of a truss formed with the peak gusset of  FIG. 18  shown with a slide clip;  
         [0031]      FIG. 22  is a front view of a second low anchor profile embodiment of the peak gusset of the present invention shown in a single piece configuration;  
         [0032]      FIG. 23  is a side view of the peak gusset of  FIG. 22 , shown attached to a truss rafter;  
         [0033]      FIG. 24  is a partial perspective view of a truss formed with the peak gusset of  FIG. 22 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 25  is a front view of another embodiment of the peak gusset of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 26  is a side view of a the peak gusset of  FIG. 25 , shown attached to a truss rafter with an unattached slide-on eyebolt base and eyebolt;  
         [0036]      FIG. 27  is a side view of the peak gusset of  FIG. 25 , shown attached to a truss rafter with a slide-on eyebolt base and eyebolt attached to the peak gusset;  
         [0037]      FIG. 28  is a partial perspective view of a truss formed with the peak gusset of  FIG. 27  shown with a plurality of support members shown exploded therefrom;  
         [0038]      FIG. 29  is a front view of another embodiment of the peak gusset of the present invention similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 30  is a side view of the peak gusset of  FIG. 29 , shown attached to a truss rafter with an eyebolt attached to the peak gusset;  
         [0040]      FIG. 31  is a partial perspective view of a truss formed with the peak gusset of  FIG. 30  shown with a plurality of support members shown exploded therefrom;  
         [0041]      FIG. 32  is a front view of another embodiment of the peak gusset of the present invention utilizing gusset plates with a double fold;  
         [0042]      FIG. 33  is a side view of the peak gusset of  FIG. 32 , shown attached to a truss rafter;  
         [0043]      FIG. 34  is a partial perspective view of a truss formed with the peak gusset of  FIG. 32  shown with a plurality of support members shown exploded therefrom;  
         [0044]      FIG. 35  is a front view of another embodiment of the peak gusset of the present invention, which is a one-piece version of the gusset plates of  FIG. 32 ; and  
         [0045]      FIG. 36  is a side view of the peak gusset of  FIG. 35 , shown attached to a truss rafter. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0046]     The present invention is directed to an integrated roof safety system wherein successful attachment of this device is assured because it is designed to be installed under ideal and regulated factory conditions. The provision of this device, by the general building contractor, for use by the various hired subsequent subtrades, will create a safe workplace and cause more compliance with existing government regulations. The result will be practical, economical and failsafe product and system. The roof anchor safety system  110  of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to various embodiments thereof. Referring now to  FIG. 1A , a truss connector plate  10  for use at the peak of a truss and referred to herein as a peak gusset  10  is shown and comprises the primary component of the roof anchor safety system  110 . The peak gusset  10  comprises a plate  12  of steel having a plurality of teeth  13  formed from the plate  12  and extending perpendicularly from the plate  12  as best shown in  FIG. 1 B . Referring back to  FIG. 1A , the exact shape of the plate being unimportant, it is only necessary that the plate be of sufficient size and geometry to resist anticipated pull forces. The peak gusset  10  further comprises an anchor portion  14  extending from the peak side  16  of the gusset  10 . The peak gusset  10  is monolithic such that the anchor portion  14  is an extension of the plate  12 . The anchor portion  14  includes a means for attachment  18  of other safety items, the attachment means shown herein as a pair of apertures  18  in the form of slot  18 . It is noted that other attachment means are contemplated such as an open slot for engaging a stud of the type used for bayonet connection, or other known connection devices. The thickness of the gusset  10  may be of a standard gusset thickness, typically 16-20 gauge, or may be made of a thicker gauge for added strength.  
         [0047]     A peak gusset  10  is attached to either side of a truss peak  22  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The plurality of teeth (not shown) are pressed into the wooden truss peak  22  during manufacture of the truss  20  typically using a roll or hydraulic press. Manufacture of the truss is accomplished at the factory under standard environmental conditions to control the quality and strength of the truss. The anchor portion  14  extends outward from the truss peak  22 . At least one aperture  18  provides a connection location for other elements of the roof anchor safety system  110 . Although not shown, it is contemplated that the anchor portion  14  can be formed with vertically extending ribs in a pressed single or multiple wave or corrugated type configuration to add additional strength to the anchor portion  14  of the gusset  10 . Between the manufacture and installation of the truss  20 , the anchor portion  14  may be covered with a protective coating or covering (not shown) such as foam wrap or the like in order to protect the anchor portion  14  as well as workers handling the truss  20 . A wooden piece of scrap material may also be inserted between the anchor portions  14  and temporarily secured to provide additional protection against bending or other damage to the anchor portions  14  during handling and transportation.  
         [0048]     The resulting truss  20  is shown in  FIG. 3  with the peak gusset  10  positioned such that the anchor portion  14  of the gusset  10  extends upward from a ridge line  30  formed by the other truss peaks  32  of the roof  34  (shown in phantom). The anchor portion  14  provides an attachment location for D-rings, hooks, cables, and other means of securing a person while working on the roof  34 . It is important to note that, although the peak gusset  10  is shown in the present disclosure solely at the peak of a truss  20 , it is contemplated that the other truss connection plates  36  could be configured with an anchor portion  14  as well.  
         [0049]     The roof anchor system  110  of the present invention further comprises an anchor extension member  40  referred to as a high reach accessory  40  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The high reach accessory  40  is essentially an extension bar of a predetermined length that attaches at a first end  42  to the peak gusset  10 . The first end  42  may also include sidewall extensions  43  that extend over the sides of the truss peak  22  to provide additional stability and prevent low-impact side-to-side collapse of the anchor portions  14  of the gussets  10 . The first end  42  fits over the anchor portions  14  and includes an attachment means  44  for securing the high reach accessory  40  to the anchor portions  14  herein shown as apertures in the form of slots  44 . The opposite end  46  of the high reach accessory  40  includes attachment means  48  for attachment of other safety items, the attachment means  48  shown herein as a plurality of apertures  48 .  
         [0050]     The roof anchor safety system  110  of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 5 . A truss  20  is shown having peak gussets  10  attached thereto. A high reach accessory  40  is shown attached over the anchor portion  14  (shown as visible even though covered) of the peak gussets  10 . A second high reach accessory  40  is attached to a second peak gusset (not shown) further down the ridge line  30 . A tether line  50  is attached to and extends between the high reach accessories  40 . A harness line  52  is shown slidably attached to the tether line  50  by an attachment ring  54 . An additional truss  20  is shown having peak gussets  10  and is positioned between the two high reach accessories  40 . A harness line is shown attached to the anchor portions  14  of the peak gussets  10  by an attachment ring  54 . Squares of shingles  58  are shown positioned along the ridge line  30 .  
         [0051]     In  FIG. 6 , a support ferrule insert is shown for insertion between the anchor portions  14  of the gussets  10  to provide additional support and strength to the anchor portions  14 . The support ferrule  60  includes apertures  62 . The support ferrule  60  is shown as a tubular member or it may be a solid block. The support ferrule  60  is positioned prior to attachment of the high reach accessory  40 . The support ferrule  60  may also include a first end  64  that is formed at an angle to mate with or bridge the peak of the truss  20  and provides additional support to prevent front-to-back low impact collapse of the anchor portions  14  of the gussets  10 .  
         [0052]     When the roof anchor safety system  110  is no longer needed, the harnesses  52 , tether lines  50 , high reach accessories  40 , D-rings  54  and the like, and support ferrule inserts  60 , are removed from the anchor portions  14  and used again as needed. The anchor portions  14  are typically cut near the top of the truss  20  and then folded over the top of the truss  20 . Alternatively, the anchor portions  14  may not need to be cut but rather just be bent over the truss  20  and positioned below the roof. It is also contemplated that the anchor portions  14  may be covered and left in place, with or without a ferrule insert support  60  between the extensions  14 .  
         [0053]     In  FIGS. 7-12 , two additional embodiments of the peak gusset  210 ,  310  are shown that are manufactured as one piece and then folded prior to attachment to form the truss  200 ,  300 . Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a double peak gusset  210  is shown having a connection portion  212  between the anchor portions  214  of the double gusset  210 . A plurality of teeth (not shown) extend perpendicularly from each plate portion  216 . The double peak gusset  210  is folded on either end of connection portion  212  and attached to form a truss  200  by the plurality of teeth (not shown) engaging the truss members  202  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The attached peak gusset  210  is shown in a partial perspective view in  FIG. 9 . The peak gusset anchor portions  214  remain connected by connection portion providing enhanced strength of the anchor portions  214 . A support ferrule insert  220  is shown as insertable between the anchor portions  214  and underneath the connection portion  212 .  
         [0054]     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , another embodiment of a double peak gusset  310  is shown having a connection portion  312  between the plate portions  316  of the double gusset  310 . A plurality of teeth (not shown) extend perpendicularly from each plate portion The double peak gusset  310  is folded on either end of connection portion  312  and attached to form truss  300  by the plurality of teeth (not shown) engaging the truss members  302  as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The attached peak gusset  310  is shown in a partial perspective view in  FIG. 12 . The peak gusset plate portions  316  remain connected by connection portion  312 . A support ferrule insert  320  is shown as insertable between the anchor portions  314  as shown in previous embodiments.  
         [0055]     A variation of the high reach accessory  140  is shown in  FIG. 13 . The high reach accessory  140  is similar to the previous embodiment of the high reach accessory  40  except that it has a rectangular tubular cross-section as opposed to a square cross-section, and apertures  144  at the first end  142  are circular as opposed to slots. The invention is not limited to a particular configuration of the high reach accessory  40 ,  140 . As with the previous embodiment, the high reach accessory  140  also may include sidewall extensions that extend over the sides of the truss peak  22  to provide additional stability and prevent low-impact side-to-side collapse of the anchor portions  14  of the gussets  10  as best shown in  FIG. 14 . The first end  142  fits over the anchor portions  14 . As with the previous embodiment, the opposite end  146  of the high reach accessory  140  includes attachment means  148  for attachment of other safety items, the attachment means  148  shown herein as a plurality of apertures  148 .  
         [0056]     Another embodiment of the peak gusset  410  is shown in  FIG. 15 . The peak gusset comprises a plate  412  of steel having a plurality of teeth (not shown) formed from the plate and extending perpendicularly from the plate  412 . The peak gusset  410  further comprises an anchor portion  414  extending from the peak side of the gusset  410 . The anchor portion  414  includes a means for attachment  418  of other safety items, the attachment means shown herein as a pair of apertures  418 . Gusset  410  includes reinforcing flaps  428  extending from the anchor portion  414  and reinforcing flaps  422  extending from the plate  412 . When a peak gusset  410  is attached to either side of a truss the flaps  412 , 422  of each gusset are folded perpendicular to their respective gussets and provide additional support for the anchor portion  414 . A support ferrule insert (not shown) may still be used, if needed, and is insertable through an opening at the top of the anchor portions  414  of the gussets  410 .  
         [0057]     Another embodiment of the peak gusset  510  is shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The peak gusset comprises a plate  512  of steel having a plurality of teeth (not shown) formed from the plate and extending perpendicularly from the plate  512 . The peak gusset  510  further comprises an anchor portion  514  extending from the peak side of the gusset  510 . The anchor portion  514  includes a means for attachment  518  of other safety items, the attachment means shown herein as a pair of apertures  518 . A peak gusset  510  is attached to either side of a truss peak  522 . A support ferrule insert  520  is shown as insertable between the anchor portions  514  as shown in previous embodiments. In FIG. a pair of D-rings  552  are shown attached to the peak gusset  510 .  
         [0058]     The peak gussets  10 , 210 , 310 , 410 , and  510  all have a significant extension of the anchor above the truss. The peak gusset of the present invention may also be configured in a “low profile” configuration. Referring now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a double peak gusset  610  is shown that is manufactured as one piece and then folded prior to attachment to form the truss  600 . Double peak gusset  610  comprises a connection portion between the anchor portions  614  of the double gusset  610 . A plurality of teeth (not shown) extend perpendicularly from each plate portion  616 . The double peak gusset  610  is folded on either end of connection portion  612  and attached to form a truss  600  by the plurality of teeth (not shown) engaging the truss members  602  as shown in  FIG. 19  such that the connection portion  612  forms a cap over the anchor portions  614 . The peak gusset anchor portions  614  only extend a short distance above the peak of the truss  600  and remain connected by connection portion  612 , providing enhanced strength. The attached peak gusset  610  is shown in a partial perspective view in  FIG. 20  including a metal loop  630  which provides an attachment location for a harness cable hook up (not shown). Another variation is shown in  FIG. 21  wherein a slide clip  640  is used to provide an attachment location for a harness cable hook up (not shown). Slide clip  640  is a U-shaped metal band. Connection portion  612  of the peak gusset  610  is positioned between the legs  644  of the open end  642  of slide clip  640 . Apertures  646  in the legs  644  of clip provide an attachment location for a harness cable hook up. The harness cable hook up and the closed end  648  of slide clip  640  act to secure the slide clip to the peak gusset The low profile of the anchor portions  614  and connection portion  612  make it so they can remain in place and simply be covered by the roof peak vent (not shown), or by ridge shingles. Alternatively, the anchor portions  614  and connection portion  612  can be removed or bent out of the way as in previous embodiments.  
         [0059]     Referring now to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , a second embodiment of a low profile double peak gusset  710  is shown. Peak gusset  710  is manufactured as one piece and then folded prior to attachment to form the truss  700 . Double peak gusset  710  comprises a connection portion  712  between the anchor portions  714  of the double gusset  710 . A plurality of teeth (not shown) extend perpendicularly from each plate portion  716 . A plurality of apertures are formed in the anchor portions  714  and/or the connection portion  712 . The double peak gusset  710  is folded on either end of connection portion  712  and attached to form a truss  700  by the plurality of teeth (not shown) engaging the truss members  702  as shown in  FIG. 24 . Apertures  725  provide an attachment location for a harness cable hook up. As with the previous embodiment, the low profile of the anchor portions  714  and connection portion  712  make it so they can remain in place and simply be covered by the roof peak vent (not shown) or ridge shingles. Alternatively, the anchor portions  714  and connection portion  712  can be removed or bent out of the way as in previous embodiments.  
         [0060]     Referring now to  FIGS. 25-28 , another embodiment of the peak gusset  810  is shown. Peak gusset  810  comprises a plate portion  816  and an anchor portion  814  extending therefrom and having a connection portion  812 . A plurality of teeth (not shown) extend perpendicularly from each plate portion  816 . The gusset plates  810  are attached to form a truss  800  by the plurality of teeth (not shown) engaging the truss members  802  as shown in  FIG. 26 . The connection portions  812  are folded outward from the anchor portion of the gusset plates  810  to form a connection flange for a slide-on eyebolt base  830  having an eyebolt  840  attached thereto by a fastener  842 . The eyebolt base  830  is slid over flanges  812  and secured thereto with a plurality of fasteners  832  as shown in  FIG. 27 . The attached peak gusset  810  is shown in a partial perspective view in  FIG. 28  attached to truss  800 . In order to provide additional strength for the eyebolt connection  840 , a pair of support angles  850  are provided. The support angles  850  each have a leg  852  that engages the top of the rafter  802  and a second leg  854 , perpendicular to leg  852 , which generally spans the width of the anchor portion  814 . The support angles  850  are designed such that the legs  854  nest one under the other. A slot  856  is formed in the legs  854  to allow the shaft of eyebolt  840  to pass through. The support angles  850  are fixed in position by eyebolt  840  and fastener  842 .  
         [0061]     Another variation of this embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 29-31 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 29  the gusset plates  810 ′ have an aperture  818  formed in connection portion  812 ′. As with the previous embodiment, the gusset plates  810 ′ are attached to form a truss  800  by the plurality of teeth (not shown) engaging the truss members  802  as shown in  FIG. 30 . However, the connection portions  812 ′ are folded inward from the anchor portions  814  of the gusset plates  810 ′ such that the apertures  818  are aligned to allow the shaft of eyebolt  840  to pass and for the eyebolt  840  to be directly attached to the connection portions  812 ′ by a fastener  842 . The attached peak gusset  810 ′ is shown in a partial perspective view in  FIG. 31  attached to truss  800 . In order to provide additional strength for the eyebolt connection  840 , the pair of support angles  850  are provided as previously discussed and shown in  FIG. 28 .  
         [0062]     Referring now to  FIGS. 32-34 , another embodiment of the peak gusset  910  is shown. As shown in  FIG. 32 , a pair of peak gussets  910  each comprises a plate portion and an anchor portion  914  extending therefrom and having a connection portion  922  having at least one aperture  927  and a shoulder portion  912  having at least one aperture  925 . A plurality of teeth (not shown) extend perpendicularly from each plate portion  916 . The gusset plates  910  are attached to form a truss  900  by the plurality of teeth (not shown) engaging the truss members  902  as shown in  FIG. 33 . The shoulder portions  912  are folded inward from the anchor portion  914  of the gusset plates  910  and connection portions are folded away from anchor portion  914  such that connection portions  922  and anchor portion  914  are generally parallel to each other. The attached peak gussets  910  are shown in a partial perspective view in  FIG. 34  attached to truss  900 . In order to provide additional strength for the anchor portion  912 , a pair of support block wedges  950  are provided. The support blocks  950  each are configured to engage the top of the rafter and the interior of shoulder portion  912 . The support blocks  950  include an aperture that is aligned with aperture  925  of the anchor portion to allow the support block  950  to be fastened to the gusset plates  910  by a fastener (not shown). The apertures  927  in the connection portion  922  provide anchor connection locations for users. It is noted that the support block wedge  950  is shown with open sides and a closed bottom. This allows access such that the hard shaft of the support block fastener can be used as an alternate hook location for the safety line carbiner.  
         [0063]     Another embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 35 and 36  and is a double gusset version of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 32-34 . A double peak gusset  1010  is shown that is manufactured as one piece and then folded prior to attachment to form the truss. Double peak gusset  1010  comprises a pair of shoulder portions  1012  and a pair of connection portions  1022  each having at least one aperture  1027 , between the anchor portions  1014  of the double gusset  1010 . The shoulder portions  1012  are folded inward from the anchor portions  1014  of the double gusset plate  1010  and connection portions  1022  are folded away from anchor portions  1014  such that connection portions and anchor portion  1014  are generally parallel to each other. A plurality of teeth (not shown) extend perpendicularly from each plate portion  1016 . The double peak gusset  1010  is folded and attached to form a truss by the plurality of teeth (not shown) engaging the truss members  1002  as shown in  FIG. 36 . As with the previous embodiment, it is contemplated that support blocks  950  could be used to strengthen the anchor portion  1014 .  
         [0064]     Although the present invention has been described above in detail, the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. It is understood that many variations of the illustrated invention are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope and content of the present invention are to be defined only by the terms of the appended claims.