Patent ID: 6993880

Claim:
A truss assembly including a metal connector plate useful in connecting the joints of the truss assemblies, the truss assembly comprising: a plurality of tubular members forming at least one joint; at least one metal plate having a first side and a second side, the second side opposite the first side; the second side of the at least one metal plate substantially adjacent to at least a portion of each of the plurality of tubular members forming the at least one joint; and a fastener connecting the at least one metal plate to each of the plurality of tubular members forming the at least one metal joint; the at least one metal plate includes at least one carrying plate and at least one carried plate; and the at least one carrying plate and the at least one carried plate interlock to align and stabilize the plurality of tubular members, wherein the at least one carrying plate including at least one upturned extension such that the at least one carrying plate and the at least one upturned extension form at least one groove; and the at least one carried plate including at least one outturned extension where the at least one outturned extension fitting in the at least one groove.