Patent Publication Number: US-2019186135-A1

Title: Connector system for trusses

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/599,897, filed Dec. 18, 2017, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to stage equipment, and more specifically to trusses used to support appliances, such as lights, video boards, audio components, scenery, drapery, etc. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Lights and other equipment used for events, such as concerts, plays, or other gatherings, may be held on trusses. The trusses may be transported to an event location and secured together to form scaffolding for positioning the equipment relative to a stage, for example. The size and weight of the equipment attached to these trusses presents design challenges to their positioning and operation. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application discloses one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter. 
     A truss arch in accordance with the present disclosure includes a plurality of trusses coupled together by connector systems. The trusses are adapted to support an appliance, such as a light, speaker, video display, or other device used during stage performances or events. 
     In illustrative embodiments, each connector system includes an expansion joint coupled between adjacent trusses along a first side and a pivot joint coupled along an opposite second side. The pivot joint allows the adjacent trusses to rotate relative to one another about a pivot axis extending through the pivot joint. The expansion joint is movable from a collapsed position where the trusses are substantially aligned and parallel with one another and an expanded position where the trusses are rotated about the pivot axis through the pivot joint and positioned at an angle relative to one another such that ends of the trusses are aligned along a curve. 
     In illustrative embodiments, each expansion joint includes first and second caps and first and second sets of links coupled between the first and second caps. Each cap is coupled to one of the trusses and facing the other cap on the other truss. The first set of links is coupled to the first cap, the second set of links are coupled to the second cap, and the first and second sets of links are coupled to one another. The links move between a relaxed-hanging position when the expansion joint is in the collapsed position and a tensioned-supporting position when the expansion joint is in the expanded position. The caps engage with one another when the expansion joint is in the collapsed position and are spaced apart from one another when the expansion joint is in the expanded position. 
     In illustrative embodiments, each link includes a mount hole and a plurality of adjustment holes positioned at various distances from the mount hole. The mount holes allow the links to be coupled with the trusses, and the adjustment holes allow the links to be coupled to one another. A pin extends through aligned sets of adjustment holes on the links to set a maximum angle for the trusses to rotate relative to one another. The angle is adjustable at the selection of a user by aligning different adjustment holes together and inserting the pin. 
     These and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of one embodiment of a truss arch in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the truss arch includes trusses coupled together by an expandable connector system and that the trusses are positioned at an angle relative to one another such that ends of the trusses are aligned along a curve; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded assembly view of one embodiment of an expandable connector system in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the expandable connector system includes an expansion joint attached between upper couplers of the trusses and a pivot joint coupled to lower couplers of the trusses; 
         FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of the expandable connector system of  FIG. 2  showing the expansion joint in a collapsed position where caps of the expansion joint contact one another and links connecting the caps together are in a relaxed-hanging position and suggesting that the trusses are aligned with one another in a substantially straight position when the expansion joint is in the collapsed position; 
         FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  showing the expansion joint in an expanded position where the caps of the expansion joint are spaced apart from one another and the links are in a tensioned-supporting position and suggesting that the trusses rotate relative to one another about a pivot axis (A) through the pivot joint into the arched position shown in  FIG. 1  when the expansion joint is in the expanded position; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the expansion joint of  FIG. 4  showing that pins connect the links and caps to the couplers of the trusses and connect the links to one another; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the expansion joint of  FIG. 4  showing that axes extending through the upper and lower couplers of the trusses are at an angle (a) relative to one another when the expansion joint is in the expanded position and suggesting that the axes are substantially parallel to one another when the expansion joint is in the collapsed position; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a truss arch in accordance with the present disclosure showing that wires suspending the truss arch are at different heights relative to a horizon (H) and suggesting that the expandable connector systems coupled between the trusses allow the trusses to move into an arched position; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a truss string in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the truss string includes trusses coupled together by the pivot joint to allow the trusses to rotate laterally relative to one another such that the trusses are positioned at an angle (p); 
         FIG. 9  is an upper perspective view of another embodiment of a truss arch in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded assembly view of the truss arch of  FIG. 9  showing that the truss arch includes trusses connected together by another embodiment of an expandable connector system in accordance with the present disclosure and that the expandable connector system includes an expansion joint attached between upper couplers of the trusses and a pivot joint coupled to lower couplers of the trusses; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the expansion joint of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the pivot joint of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded assembly view of the expansion joint of  FIG. 11  showing that the expansion joint includes caps and links connecting the caps together and suggesting that adjustment holes on the links allow the expansion joint to expand to different distances at the selection of a user to adjust an angle of the connected trusses relative to one another; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded assembly view of the pivot joint of  FIG. 12  showing that the pivot joint includes caps coupled together by a pin to allow pivoting of the caps relative to one another around the pin; and 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of the truss arch of  FIG. 9  showing that axes extending through the upper and lower couplers of the trusses are at an angle (a) relative to one another when the expansion joint is in the expanded position and suggesting that the axes are substantially parallel to one another when the expansion joint is in the collapsed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. 
     An illustrative truss arch  100  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG. 1 . Truss arch  100  includes trusses  102  attached together by an expandable connector system  10  in accordance with the present disclosure. Each expandable connector system  10  includes an expansion joint  12  and a pivot joint  14  coupled along opposing sides of trusses  102 . Expandable connector systems  10  allow trusses  102  to rotate relative to one another to form truss arch  100 . In the illustrative embodiment, expansion joint  12  is coupled along an upper portion of trusses  102  and pivot joint  14  is coupled along a lower portion of trusses  102  such that the lower portions of trusses  102  rotate toward one another in forming truss arch  100 . In other embodiments, the expansion joints  12  and pivot joints  14  can be positioned along other sides (such as left and right (lateral) sides) to allow for articulation of trusses  102  in different directions. 
     Each truss  102  includes beams  104  extending between opposing ends of truss  102  and a plurality of cross bars  106  coupled to beams  104  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Trusses  102  are configured to support appliances  101 , such as lights, for use during an event or stage performance, for example. Couplers  108 ,  109  are attached to beams  104  at opposing ends of trusses  102 . In the illustrative embodiment, couplers  108 ,  109  include a fork coupler  108  and an eye coupler  109  configured to engage with fork coupler  108  for connecting trusses  102  together into a string when expandable connector system  10  is not used. Expandable connector systems  10  are configured to attach onto couplers  108 ,  109 , as suggested in  FIG. 2 , to allow formation of truss arch  100  without modification to the existing structure of trusses  102 . In some embodiments, expandable connector systems  10  can be configured as a separate kit for use with other trusses in forming an arch. 
     Expansion joint  12  includes caps  22 ,  24  and links  26 ,  28  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Caps  22 ,  24  are configured to receive couplers  108 ,  109 , respectively, in cavities of caps  22 ,  24  for attachment with couplers  108 ,  109 . In the illustrative embodiment, a first set of links  26  is coupled to cap  22  by a pin  21  and a second set of links  28  is coupled to cap  24  by a pin  25 . Pins  21 ,  25  also connect caps  22 ,  24 , respectively, with couplers  108 ,  109 . A pin  23  connects links  26  with links  28 . Pins  21 ,  23 ,  25  allow links  26 ,  28  to rotate relative to caps  22 ,  24  and relative to one another. In some embodiments, more or less links  26 ,  28  can be used. Clips  27  engage with pins  21 ,  23 ,  25  to block removal of pins  21 ,  23 ,  25 . 
     Pivot joint  14  includes caps  32 ,  34  connected together by a pin  33  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Caps  32 ,  34  are configured to receive couplers  108 ,  109 , respectively, in cavities of caps  32 ,  34  for attachment with couplers  108 ,  109 . Pins  31 ,  35  connect caps  32 ,  34 , respectively, with couplers  108 ,  109 . Clips  37  engage with pins  31 ,  33 ,  35  to block removal of pins  31 ,  33 ,  35 . 
     Expansion joint  12  is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position as shown in  FIGS. 3-6 . In the collapsed position, caps  22 ,  24  are engaged with one another and links  26 ,  28  are in a relaxed-hanging position as shown in  FIG. 3 . In the relaxed-hanging position, pin  23  is offset from a line extending through pins  21 ,  25 . Expansion joint  12  moves to the expanded position as trusses  102  rotate about a pivot axis A through pin  33  of pivot joint  14  as suggested in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In the expanded position, caps  22 ,  24  are spaced apart from one another and links  26 ,  28  are in a tensioned-supporting position as shown in  FIG. 4 . In the tensioned-supporting position, pins  21 ,  23 ,  25  are substantially aligned along a line extending through pins  21 ,  25 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, links  26  are bent to be positioned laterally outward from links  28  as shown in  FIG. 5 . In the expanded position, a measurement axis  103  extending through pins  21 ,  31  and a measurement axis  105  extending through pins  25 ,  35  are at a predetermined angle α relative to one another. Expansion joint  12  is configured to block rotation of trusses  102  past angle α. Angle α is adjustable by adjusting a length of links  26 ,  28 . In the collapsed position, axes  103 ,  105  are substantially parallel to one another such that trusses  102  are aligned in a substantially straight position relative to one another. 
     In one illustrative embodiment of a process for forming truss arch  100 , trusses  102  are arranged adjacent to one another in a horizontal position and connected together by expandable connector systems  10 . Trusses  102  are raised by wires  107  as shown in  FIG. 7 . In the illustrative embodiment, a relative length of wires  107  is adjusted compared to a horizon H such that trusses  102  rotate relative to one another and form truss arch  100 . In the arched position, ends of trusses  102  are aligned along an arc. In some embodiments, pivot joints  14  are attached along a top portion of trusses  102 , and expansion joints  12  are coupled along a lower portion of trusses  102 , to allow an upward curving truss arch to be formed. In some embodiments, expandable connector systems  10  can allow trusses  102  to be aligned along various repeating and non-repeating patterns including arcs, waves, flats, angles, and other orientations, whether vertically, horizontally, positions in-between, or combinations thereof. 
     One illustrative embodiment of a truss string  200  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG. 8 . Pivot joint  14  is connected along a lateral side of trusses  102  with pin  33  extending in a direction from upper couplers  108 ,  109  toward lower couplers  108 ,  109  to allow trusses  102  to rotate relative to one another at an angle β. Angle β is adjustable. In some embodiments, expansion joints  12  are coupled along the opposing lateral side of trusses  102  from pivot joints  14  to set a predetermined angle β and block rotation of trusses  102  past angle β. 
     Another embodiment of a truss arch  300  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG. 9 . Truss arch  300  includes trusses  302  (only a portion shown in  FIG. 9 ) attached together by an expandable connector system  310  in accordance with the present disclosure. Each expandable connector system  310  includes an expansion joint  312  and a pivot joint  314  coupled along opposing sides of trusses  302 . Expandable connector systems  310  allow trusses  302  to rotate relative to one another to form truss arch  300 . In the illustrative embodiment, expansion joint  312  is coupled along an upper portion of trusses  302  and pivot joint  314  is coupled along a lower portion of trusses  302  such that the lower portions of trusses  302  rotate toward one another in forming truss arch  300 . In other embodiments, the expansion joints  312  and pivot joints  314  can be positioned along other sides to allow for articulation of trusses  302  in different directions. 
     Each truss  302  includes beams  304  extending between opposing ends of truss  302  and a plurality of cross bars  306  coupled to beams  304  as shown in  FIG. 9 . Trusses  302  are similar to trusses  102  shown in  FIGS. 1-8  and are configured to support appliances, such as lights, for use during an event or stage performance, for example. Couplers  308 ,  309  are attached to beams  304  at opposing ends of trusses  302 . In the illustrative embodiment, couplers  308 ,  309  include a fork coupler  308  and an eye coupler  309  configured to engage with fork coupler  308  for connecting trusses  302  together into a string when expandable connector system  310  is not used. Expandable connector systems  310  are configured to attach onto couplers  308 ,  309 , as suggested in  FIG. 10 , to allow formation of truss arch  300  without modification to the existing structure of trusses  302 . In some embodiments, expandable connector systems  310  can be configured as a separate kit for use with other trusses in forming an arch. 
     Expansion joint  312  includes caps  322 ,  324  and links  326 ,  328  as shown in  FIGS. 10, 11, and 13 . Caps  322 ,  324  are configured to receive couplers  308 ,  309 , respectively, in cavities of caps  322 ,  324  for attachment with couplers  308 ,  309 . Each cap  322 ,  324  is formed to define a contact area  329  configured to engage with contact area  329  of the other cap  322 ,  324  as further explained below. In the illustrative embodiment, a first set of links  326  is coupled to cap  322  by a pin  321  and a second set of links  328  is coupled to cap  324  by a pin  325 . Pins  321 ,  325  also connect caps  322 ,  324 , respectively, with couplers  308 ,  309 . A pin  323  connects links  326  with links  328 . Pins  321 ,  323 ,  325  allow links  326 ,  328  to rotate relative to caps  322 ,  324  and relative to one another. In some embodiments, more or less links  326 ,  328  can be used. Clips  327  engage with pins  321 ,  323 ,  325  to block removal of pins  321 ,  323 ,  325 . 
     Pivot joint  314  includes caps  332 ,  334  connected together by a pin  333  as shown in  FIGS. 10, 12, and 14 . Pin  333  extends through flanges  336 ,  338  of caps  332 ,  334 , respectively. In the illustrative embodiment, flanges  336 ,  338  are configured as a fork  336  and an eye  338 . Caps  332 ,  334  are configured to receive couplers  308 ,  309 , respectively, in cavities of caps  332 ,  334  for attachment with couplers  308 ,  309 . Pins  331 ,  335  connect caps  332 ,  334 , respectively, with couplers  308 ,  309 . Clips  337  engage with pins  331 ,  333 ,  335  to block removal of pins  331 ,  333 ,  335 . 
     Expansion joint  312  is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position similar to expansion joint  12  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In the collapsed position, contact areas  329  of caps  322 ,  324  are engaged with one another and links  326 ,  328  are in a relaxed-hanging position. In the relaxed-hanging position, pin  323  is offset from a line extending through pins  321 ,  325 . In the collapsed position, trusses  302  are substantially aligned and parallel with one another. Expansion joint  312  moves to the expanded position as trusses  302  rotate about a pivot axis A through pin  333  of pivot joint  314  as suggested in  FIG. 9 . In the expanded position, caps  322 ,  324  are spaced apart from one another and links  326 ,  328  are in a tensioned-supporting position. In the tensioned-supporting position, pins  321 ,  323 ,  325  are substantially aligned along a line extending through pins  321 ,  325 . In the expanded position, a measurement axis  303  extending through pins  321 ,  331  and a measurement axis  305  extending through pins  325 ,  335  are at a predetermined angle α relative to one another as shown in  FIG. 15 . Expansion joint  312  is configured to block rotation of trusses  302  past angle α. In the collapsed position, axes  303 ,  305  are substantially parallel to one another such that trusses  302  are substantially aligned and parallel relative to one another. Angle α is adjustable as further detailed below. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, each link  326  of expansion joint  312  includes a mount hole  340  and a plurality of adjustment holes  341 - 345  as shown in  FIG. 13 . Each adjustment hole  341 - 345  is positioned at a different distance from mount hole  340  to adjust the relative maximum angle α between trusses  302  in forming truss arch  300 . Each link  328  includes a mount hole  350  and a plurality of adjustment holes  351 ,  352 . Each adjustment hole  351 ,  352  is positioned at a different distance from mount hole  350  to adjust the relative maximum angle α between trusses  302  in forming truss arch  300 . More or less adjustment holes  341 - 345 ,  351 ,  352  can be used. 
     Pin  321  extends mount holes  340  of links  326  and through cap  322  as shown in  FIG. 13 . In some embodiments, spacers  362  are positioned between cap  322  and links  326 . Pin  325  extends mount holes  350  of links  328  and through cap  324 . A user of expandable connector system  310  determines a desired maximum angle between trusses  302  and inserts pin  323  into the corresponding adjustment holes  341 - 345 ,  351 ,  352 . This likewise adjusts a maximum amount of expansion for expansion joint  312  (i.e., distance between caps  322 ,  324 ). In the illustrative embodiment, adjustment hole  351  allows for maximum angles α in a range of about 6 degrees to about 14 degrees while adjustment hole  352  allows for maximum angles α in a range of about 16 degrees to about 24 degrees, though other ranges are contemplated by this disclosure. Inserting pin  323  through adjustment holes  341 ,  351  sets a maximum angle α of about 6 degrees. Inserting pin  323  through adjustment holes  342 ,  351  sets a maximum angle α of about 8 degrees. Inserting pin  323  through adjustment holes  343 ,  351  sets a maximum angle α of about 10 degrees. Inserting pin  323  through adjustment holes  344 ,  351  sets a maximum angle α of about 12 degrees. Inserting pin  323  through adjustment holes  345 ,  351  sets a maximum angle α of about 14 degrees. Inserting pin  323  through adjustment holes  341 ,  352  sets a maximum angle α of about 16 degrees. Inserting pin  323  through adjustment holes  342 ,  352  sets a maximum angle α of about 18 degrees. Inserting pin  323  through adjustment holes  343 ,  352  sets a maximum angle α of about 20 degrees. Inserting pin  323  through adjustment holes  344 ,  352  sets a maximum angle α of about 22 degrees. Inserting pin  323  through adjustment holes  345 ,  352  sets a maximum angle α of about 24 degrees. 
     In one illustrative embodiment of a process for forming truss arch  300 , trusses  302  are arranged adjacent to one another in a horizontal position and connected together by expandable connector systems  310 . Trusses  302  are raised by wires, and a relative length of the wires is adjusted compared to a horizon such that trusses  302  rotate relative to one another and form truss arch  300 . In the arched position, ends of trusses  302  are aligned along an arc. In some embodiments, pivot joints  314  are attached along a top portion of trusses  302 , and expansion joints  312  are coupled along a lower portion of trusses  302 , to allow an upward curving truss arch to be formed. In some embodiments, expandable connector systems  310  can allow trusses  302  to be aligned along various repeating and non-repeating patterns including arcs, waves, flats, angles, and other orientations, whether vertically, horizontally, positions in-between, or combinations thereof. 
     While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.