ADJUSTABLE JOIST FOR SUSPENDED ACCESS PLATFORM

Abstract

A joist assembly includes a first joist portion comprising at least one joist opening. The joist assembly includes a second joist portion disposed opposite the first joist portion. The joist assembly includes a connector comprising an extension member and a plurality of connector openings. The extension member extends between the first joist portion and the second joist portion. A first connector opening of the plurality of connector openings configured to align with a first joist opening of the at least one joist opening with the joist assembly at a first length. A second connector opening of the plurality of connector openings configured to align with at least one of the first joist opening or a second joist opening of the at least one joist opening with the joist assembly at a second length.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of construction and temporary structures that are erected to access various parts of various structures. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to the structure of work platform systems and adjustability of components thereof to accommodate work platform systems of various sizes.

Work platforms and other access structures, including suspended work platform systems and scaffolding, allow workers to access difficult to reach worksites and can be assembled on the job site as needed. For example, when working on structures such as bridges where there is no stable or suitable ground surface for building up standard supported work platforms, suspended work platforms allow workers to access the undersides of these structures. Suspended work platforms also eliminate the need to build standard work platforms and platform systems to significant and unwieldy heights. However, suspended work platforms alone are not always ideal for accessing some structures. In such cases, supported work platforms may be beneficial to provide improved access to some structures, even after suspended work platforms are in place. It may therefore be beneficial to install supported work platforms on top of suspended work platforms.

Supported or suspended access structures may require custom dimensions for specific projects due to a specific application or space constraints. Designing, manufacturing, and shipping customized components may delay completion of a project and increase overall costs. A need exists for the ability to adjust or modify already existing components to accommodate the unique criteria of a project.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a joist assembly. The joist assembly includes a first joist portion comprising at least one joist opening. The joist assembly includes a second joist portion disposed opposite the first joist portion. The joist assembly includes a connector comprising an extension member and a plurality of connector openings. The extension member extends between the first joist portion and the second joist portion. A first connector opening of the plurality of connector openings configured to align with a first joist opening of the at least one joist opening with the joist assembly at a first length. A second connector opening of the plurality of connector openings configured to align with at least one of the first joist opening or a second joist opening of the at least one joist opening with the joist assembly at a second length.

Another embodiment relates to an adjustable-length joist assembly. The adjustable-length joist assembly includes a first joist portion, a second joist portion, a connector, and a locking assembly. The connector is coupled with the first joist portion and the second joist portion such that the first joist portion and the second joist portion are each slidably engaged with the connector. The locking assembly is rotatably coupled with the connector and includes a plurality of connector openings configured to align with a corresponding joist opening on each of the first joist portion and the second joist portion.

Another embodiment relates to a support structure. The support structure includes a hub and an adjustable-length joist assembly. The adjustable-length joist assembly is configured to couple to the hub. The adjustable-length joist assembly includes a first joist portion, a second joist portion, and a connector. The connector is coupled with the first joist portion and the second joist portion such that the first joist portion and the second joist portion are each slidably engaged with the connector.

These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The foregoing information and the following detailed description and drawings include illustrative examples and should not be considered as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example support structure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an example support system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an example joist assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example joist portion, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example connector, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a side view of an example joist assembly in a first position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a side view of an example joist assembly in a second position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6C is a side view of an example joist assembly in a third position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a side view of an example joist assembly in a first position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a side view of an example joist assembly in a second position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a side view of an example joist assembly in a first position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8B is a side view of an example joist assembly in a second position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example connector, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of an example joist assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems of work platform system structures and adjustable joist assemblies to adjust a length of a joist of the work platform system structures. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways.

The technical solutions disclosed herein are directed to structural support systems (e.g., a platform). At least some embodiments are directed to a joist assembly configured to adjust a length of a joist. For example, a custom structural support system may need a custom-length joist. Instead of making different length joists for each custom structural support system, the disclosed solution may provide a joist assembly that can adjust the length of a joist to accommodate various different structural support systems. Having adjustable length joists may reduce time delays and increase efficiency by eliminating the need to design and manufacture different length joists for different structural support systems. The joist may be adjusted in the field to accommodate for errors in field measurements or changes in scope of work. The adjustable joist may be available sooner than a joist of a custom length that needs to be designed, manufactured, and shipped.

The joist assembly may include three major components: a first joist end, a second joist end, and a connector. Each component may have an interconnecting telescoping feature to facilitate a telescoping method of length adjustment. The components may be coupled together via a combination of mechanical fasteners (e.g., threaded hardware) which may facilitate multiple connection points and fine adjustment. An adjusted length position may be locked in place by securing the fasteners. In some embodiments, the connector may have a plurality of openings that are spaced apart (e.g., according to a vernier scale). The joist ends may have at least one corresponding opening. As the components are telescoped, the opening of the joist ends can selectively align with the openings of the connector such that a pin or other fastener can extend through the openings. The first joist end and the second joist end are connected at a center of the connector to maintain symmetry between the two ends. The joist assembly may include a scale to indicate a distance between connection points. The scale may provide a reference when adjusting the length of the joist assembly. The scale may also provide a visual indication of the joist length which allows for quick, correct placement of the joist during the erection of a structural support system.

FIG. 1 depicts an example support structure 100. The support structure 100 includes at least one joist 105. For example, the support structure 100 may include four joists 105. The joists 105 may be coupled together. For example, the joists 105 may be coupled together by at least one connector, shown as hub 110. Any number of joists 105 may be coupled together by any number of hubs 110. The joists 105 may be oriented to be coplanar. The joists 105 may be oriented to support a platform 115. In some embodiments, the platform 115 is divided into a plurality of platforms, shown as platforms 116A and 116B. The platform 115 can be divided into any number of platforms 115. The support structure 100 may include a support joist 120. The support joist 120 may extend between two joists 105. The support joist 120 may be disposed between the plurality of platforms 115 and provide structural support to the platforms 115.

FIG. 2 depicts an example support system 200 with a plurality of support structures 100 coupled together at hubs 110. In the exemplary embodiment shown, support system 200 is a work platform system comprising a plurality of support structures 100. In further exemplary embodiments, the support system 200 may be a single support structure 100. In still further exemplary embodiments, support system 200 may be any structure or system which provides a substantially planar surface having at least two coplanar joists 105 or a single joist 105 configured to have two coplanar portions, where the portions are not linear with respect to each other and separated by a distance.

A joist 105 may be any elongate structural member adapted for bearing or supporting a load, such as a bar joist, truss, shaped-steel (i.e., I-beam, C-beam, etc.), or the like. A hub 110 may be any interconnection structure, such as a node, hinge, pivot, post, column, center, shaft, spindle, or the like. One skilled in the art will therefore appreciate that size, shape and arrangement of hubs 110 and joists 105 may vary to provide a support structure 100 and a support system 200. For example, the length of joists 105 and positioning of joists 105 and hubs 110 can vary depending on the desired size and configuration of the support system 200. While the exemplary embodiments show that the support structures 100 are rectangular, forming an overall rectangular support system 200 with joists 105 in one direction being longer than the joists 105 extending in the opposite (e.g., perpendicular) direction, joists 105 may be any length and joined with hubs 110 at any angle permitted by the design of hubs 110.

The size and shape of the platforms 115 may similarly vary depending on the configuration of joists 105 and hubs 110. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support system 200 is shown as an access structure, such as a work platform system. Specifically, the support system 200 is shown as a work platform system designed to be suspended from an overhead structure (e.g., a suspended work platform system). However, the support system 200 may be any support structure, as discussed herein, including any type of access structure (e.g., suspended work platform system, supported work platform system, scaffolding, shoring). In some embodiments, the support system 200 is any structure having at least one support structure 100 having two coplanar, parallel joists 105. The support system 200 may be a work platform system, or a suspended work platform system. The support system 200 may be an articulatable suspended work platform system.

FIG. 3 depicts an example joist assembly 300, according to an example embodiment. In some embodiments, instead of a static or fixed joist 105, the support structure 100 may have a variable length joist, shown as joist assembly 300. The joist assembly 300 may include at least one joist portion 305. For example, the joist assembly 300 may include a first joist portion 305 and a second joist portion 305. The first joist portion 305 may be a first half of a joist 105 and the second joist portion 305 may be a second half of the joist 105.

The joist portion 305 may include at least one upper member 310 and at least one lower member 315. The upper member 310 may be disposed away from the lower member 315. The upper member 310 may be parallel with the lower member 315. The joist portion 305 may include at least one support member 320. The support member 320 may be disposed between the upper member 310 and the lower member 315. The support member 320 may be disposed at an angle relative to the upper member 310 and the lower member 315. For example, the support member 320 may be diagonal relative to at the upper member 310 and the lower member 315. The joist portion 305 may include a plurality of support members 320. For example, the support members 320 may create a truss structure.

The joist portion 305 may be configured to couple with a hub 110. For example, at least one of the upper member 310 or the lower member 315 may include a flange 325. The flange 325 may extend from or beyond an end of the upper or lower member 310, 315. The flange 325 may include or define a connection point to couple the joist portion 305 with the hub 110.

The joist assembly 300 may include at least one connector 330. The connector 330 may extend between the first joist portion 305 and the second joist portion 305 to couple the joist portions 305 together. The connector 330 can facilitate incremental length adjustments of the joist assembly. The connector 330 and the joist portions 305 may move relative to each other to adjust the length of the joist assembly 300. As described in more detail herein, the connector 330 and the joist portion 305 may move in a telescoping manner to adjust the length of the joist assembly 300.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an example joist portion 305, according to an example embodiment. The joist portion 305 may include at least one channel member 405. The channel member 405 may be configured to receive a portion of the connector 330. For example, the channel member 405 may define a channel 410. The channel member 405 may receive a portion of the connector 330 such that the portion of the connector 330 is disposed in the channel 410.

The channel member 405 may be coupled with or integral with the upper member 310 or lower member 315 of the joist portion 305. For example, the upper member 310 or the lower member 315 may be or include at least one flange, shown as joist chord 415. The channel member 405 may extend from the joist chord 415. For example, the channel member 405 and the joist chord 415 may be a monolithic structure. In some embodiments, the channel member 405 may be coupled with the joist chord 415. The channel member 405 may extend inward from the joist chord 415. For example, the channel member 405 may extend into the space between the upper member 310 and the lower member 315 or in a direction toward the opposing member (e.g., a channel member 405 of the upper member 310 extends toward the lower member 315, and vice versa). The channel member 405 can be disposed between the upper member 310 and the lower member 315 to allow other components to be coupled with the joist assembly 300 via the outer perimeter of the joist assembly 300. The channel member 405 can extend along at least a portion of the upper member 310 or the lower member 315.

The joist assembly 300 may include a plurality of channel members 405. For example, the upper member 310 may include a first upper joist chord 415 and a second upper joist chord 415. A first upper channel member 405 may extend from the first upper joist chord 415 and a second upper channel member 405 may extend from the second upper joist chord 415. The upper channel members 405 may extend toward the lower member 315. The first upper channel member 405 may define a first upper channel 410 and the second upper channel member 405 may define a second upper channel 410. The support members 320 may be disposed, at least partially, between the upper channels 410.

The lower member 315 may include a first lower joist chord 415 and a second lower joist chord 415. A first lower channel member 405 may extend from the first lower joist chord 415 and a second lower channel member 405 may extend from the second lower joist chord 415. The lower channel members 405 may extend toward the upper member 310. The first lower channel member 405 may define a first lower channel 410 and the second lower channel member 405 may define a second lower channel 410. The support members 320 may be disposed, at least partially, between the lower channels 410.

In some embodiments, a channel member 405 may include or define an opening, shown as slot 420. The slot 420 may allow a user to determine a length of the joist assembly 300. For example, a user may be able to view a scale indicating a distance or view other indicia through the slot 420.

In some embodiments, the joist assembly 300 may include a brace member 425. The brace member 425 may extend between and couple with the upper member 310 and the lower member 315. The brace member 425 may be configured to couple with the connector 330. In some embodiments, the brace member 425 may include at least one opening, shown as joist opening 430. The joist opening 430 may be configured to align with an opening of the connector 330 to facilitate incremental length adjustments of the joist assembly 300. In some embodiments, the joist opening 430 may be disposed on other components of the joist portion 305. For example, the channel member 405 may include or define the joist opening 430. In some embodiments, the joist portion 305 includes or defines a plurality of joist openings 430.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an example connector 330, according to an example embodiment. The connector 330 may include at least one main member 505. The main member 505 can provide support to the other components of the connector 330. The main member 505 may have a top end 510 and a bottom end 515 opposite the top end 510. The main member 505 may have a front side 520 and a rear side 525 opposite the front side 520.

The connector 330 may include at least one extension member 530. The extension member 530 may be coupled with the main member 505. For example, the extension member 530 may couple with the main member 505 at or proximate to the top end 510 or bottom end 515 of the main member 505. The extension member 530 may couple with a front side 520 or a rear side 525 of the main member 505. The main member 505 may couple with the extension member 530 at or proximate to a center of the extension member 530. The extension member 530 may be configured to be disposed at least partially in a channel 410 of a channel member 405 of the joist portion 305. The extension member 530 may slide along the channel member 405 to lengthen or shorten the joist assembly 300.

The connector 330 may include a plurality of extension members 530. For example, the number of extension members 530 may be based on a number of channel members 405, or the number of channel members 405 may be based on the number of extension members 530. In some embodiments, the connector 330 may include four extension members 530. For example, a first extension member 530 may be coupled with the front side 520 at the top end 510 of the main member 505. A second extension member 530 may be coupled with the front side 520 at the bottom end 515 of the main member 505. A third extension member 530 may be coupled with the rear side 525 at the top end 510 of the main member 505. A fourth extension member 530 may be coupled with the rear side 525 at the bottom end 515 of the main member 505.

The connector 330 may include a measuring device, shown as scale 535. The scale 535 may indicate a length, or extension length, of the joist assembly 300. For example, the scale 535 may be disposed on one or more of the extension members 530. When an extension member 530 is disposed in a channel 410 of a channel member 405, the scale 535 may be visible or exposed via the slot 420 of the channel member 405.

The connector 330 may include at least one locking mechanism 540. The locking mechanism may extend between the first joist portion 305 and the second joist portion 305. The locking mechanism 540 may maintain the joist assembly 300 at a desired length. The locking mechanism 540 may include a plurality of openings, shown as connector openings 545. The connector openings 545 may be configured to align with a joist opening 430. In some embodiments, only one connector opening 545 may align with a joist opening 430 of a joist portion 305 at a time. For example, a first connector opening 545 may align with only a first joist opening 430 of a first joist portion 305 with the joist assembly 300 at a first position, and a second connector opening 545 may align with only a second joist opening 430 of a second joist portion 305.

The locking mechanism 540 may include a plurality of connector openings 545 that are spaced apart to accommodate a desired incremental adjustment. The incremental adjustment may be the change in length of the joist assembly 300 between alignment of a joist opening 430 with a first connector opening 545 and an adjacent connector opening 545. For example, the joist assembly 300 may have a first length with a first connector opening 545 aligned with a joist opening 430. The joist assembly 300 may have a second length with a second connector opening 545 aligned with the same or a different joist opening 430. The difference between the first length and the second length may be the incremental adjustment. The incremental adjustment may be, for example, one sixteenth of an inch ( 1/16″), one eighth of an inch (⅛″), one quarter of an inch (¼″), one half of an inch (½″), one inch (1″), or two inches (2″), among others. Each or at least one adjustment may be in the range of 1/16″ to 1,″ 1/16″ to ½,″ ½″ to 1,″ or 1″ to 2,″ among other ranges. The connector openings 545 may be spaced to accommodate any desired incremental adjustment. The locking mechanism 540 may be symmetrical such that each joist portion 305 moves the same amount such that the connector 330 remains centered between the joist portions 305.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the locking mechanism 540 may have a curved shape (e.g., S-shape, serpentine, etc.). The locking mechanism 540 may be coupled with the main member 505 at a pivot point 550. The locking mechanism 540 may rotate around the pivot point 550 between different positions or orientations to adjust a length of the joist assembly 300. As the locking mechanism 540 rotates, different connector openings 545 can align with a joist opening 430. To secure the length of the joist assembly 300, a locking device, such as a pin, may extend through the aligned connector opening 545 and joist opening 430 to prevent movement of the locking mechanism 540, which may prevent movement of the extension members 530 relative to the channel members 405 of the joist portion 305.

FIG. 6A depicts an example joist assembly 300 in a first position, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 6B depicts the example joist assembly 300 in a second position, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 6C depicts the example joist assembly 300 in a third position, according to an example embodiment. A length 605 of the joist assembly 300 can be adjusted. For example, the joist assembly 300 may have a first position, shown as short position 610. In the short position 610, the length 605 of the joist assembly 300 may be the shortest length 605. In the short position 610, a first amount of the extension member 530 is disposed between the joist portions 305. For example, none of the extension member 530 may be disposed between the joist portions 305. A first side of the extension member 530 may be disposed in a channel of a first joist portion 305 and a second side of the extension member 530 may be disposed in a channel of a second joist portion 305.

The joist assembly 300 may have a second position, shown as intermediate position 615. In the intermediate position 615 a second amount of the extension member 530 may be disposed between the joist portions 305. For example, the second amount may be greater than the first amount. The joist assembly 300 may have a third position, shown as long position 620. In the long position 620 a third amount of the extension member 530 may be disposed between the joist portions 305. For example, the third amount may be greater than the second amount.

To maintain the length 605 of the joist assembly 300, a locking device 625 may extend through a connector opening 545 and a joist opening 430. In some embodiments, a different connector opening 545 may align with the same joist opening 430 based on a length of the joist assembly 300. For example, in the short position 610, a first connector opening 545a may align with a first joist opening 430 and a second connector opening 545b may align with a second joist opening 430. In the intermediate position 615, a third connector opening 545c may align with the first joist opening 430 and a fourth connector opening 545d may align with the second joist opening 430. In the long position 620, a fifth connector opening 545e may align with the first joist opening 430 and a sixth connector opening 434f may align with the second joist opening 430.

FIG. 7A depicts an example joist assembly 700 in a first position, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 7B depicts the example joist assembly 700 in a second position, according to an example embodiment. The joist assembly 700 may have some of the same components as the joist assembly 300. For example, the joist assembly 700 may include a channel member 405 extending from the upper member 310 or the lower member 315. The channel member 405 may include or define the joist opening 430. For example, a plurality of joist openings 430 may be disposed along the channel member 405. The joist assembly may include a connector 330. The locking mechanism 540 may be integrated into the extension member 530. For example, the extension member 530 may include the connector openings 545. The connector openings 545 may be disposed along the extension member. A locking device 625 may extend through the channel member 405 and the extension member 530 via the aligned openings 430, 545 to maintain a desired length of the joist assembly 700.

The connector openings 545 and the joist openings 430 may be positioned such that only one joist opening 430 of each channel member 405 aligns with a connector opening 545 of a respective extension member 530 at a time. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the extension member 530 may have a plurality of connector openings 545 and the channel member 405 may have a plurality of joist openings 430. Only one of the plurality of connector openings 545 may align with one of the plurality of joist openings 430 at a time. For example, the other connector openings 545 and joist openings 430 may only be partially aligned or not aligned at all such that the locking device 625 cannot extend through the channel member 405 and the extension member 530 except for through the one set of aligned openings 430, 545.

The joist assembly 700 may include a plurality of locking devices 625. For example, the joist assembly 700 may have a locking device 625 for every joist opening 430 that aligns with a connector opening 545. While FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B depicts only one locking device 625, the joist assembly 700 may have a plurality of locking devices 625. For example, the joist assembly 700 may have a locking device 625 for every channel member 405 (e.g., four locking devices 625). Each channel member 405 may have a joist opening 430 aligned with a connector opening 545. Each joist opening 430 that is aligned with a connector opening 545 may receive a locking device 625. The number of locking devices 625 may be based on the number aligned openings 430, 545.

The joist assembly 700 may include a link assembly 705. The link assembly 705 may extend between and couple the first joist portion 305 and the second joist portion 305. The link assembly 705 can keep the connector 330 centered between the first joist portion 305 and the second joist portion 305. The link assembly 705 may include a center portion 710 and at least one outer portion 715 coupled with the center portion 710. The center portion 710 of the link assembly 705 may couple with the main member 505 of the connector 330. The center portion 710 of the link assembly 705 may rotate about a pivot point 720 (e.g., the connection point between the main member 505 and the link assembly 705). A first outer portion 715 may couple with a first joist portion 305 and a second outer portion 715 may couple with a second joist portion 305. For example, the first outer portion 715 may couple with a first channel structure 405 of the first joist portion 305 and the second outer portion 715 may couple with a second channel structure of the second joist portion 305. With the joist assembly 700 in the short position 610, the center portion 710 of the link assembly 705 may be more vertical than with the joist assembly 700 in the long position 620. For example, as the joist assembly 700 lengthens, at least one of the joist portions 305 may move away from the other, which may pull a corresponding outer portion 715 of the link assembly 705 and cause the center portion 710 to rotate to a more horizontal orientation.

FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 depict an example joist assembly 800 or components thereof, according to an example embodiment. The joist assembly 800 may have some of the same or similar components as the joist assembly 300 or the joist assembly 700. For example, the joist assembly 800 may include a channel member 805 extending from an upper member 810 or the lower member 815. The channel member 805 may define a joist opening 820. The joist assembly 800 may include a connector 825. The connector 825 may include at least one extension member 830. The extension member 830 may be disposed at least partially in the channel member 805 and slide relative to the channel member 805. The extension member 830 may include or define at least one connector opening 835. The connector 825 may include at least one main member 840. For example, the main member 840 may extend between a first extension member 830 and a second extension member 830. The connector 825 may include a plurality of main members 840. For example, the connector 825 may have two main members 840 disposed in an “X” configuration. The connector 825 may include a link assembly 845. The link assembly 845 may be symmetrical to maintain a first joist portion 850 and a second joist portion 850 disposed centrally relative to the connector 825.

The joist assembly 800 may include a locking mechanism 855. The locking mechanism 855 may couple the channel member 805 with the extension member 830 to prevent movement of the extension member relative to the channel member 805 to maintain a desired length of the joist assembly 800. As shown in FIG. 10, the locking mechanism 855 may include a projection 1005. The projection 1005 may be configured to extend through the joist opening 820 and the connector opening 835. The locking mechanism 855 may include a link extension 1010. The link extension 1010 may be coupled with the link assembly 845. The locking mechanism 855 may include an adjustor 1015. The adjustor 1015 may be coupled with the projection 1005 and the link extension 1010. The adjustor 1015 can adjust a distance between the link extension 1010 and the projection 1005 to adjust a length of the joist assembly 800. Similar to joist assemblies 300 and 700, joist assembly 800 can move between a short position 610 and an long position 620, with any number of intermediate positions 615 therebetween.

Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations or implementations.

The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein may also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element may include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

Any implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation may be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive “or” to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, or orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, descriptions of top and bottom, upper and lower, front and back, or left and right may be reversed or interchangeable. Elements described as negative elements can instead be configured as positive elements and elements described as positive elements can instead by configured as negative elements. For example, elements described as having first polarity can instead have a second polarity, and elements described as having a second polarity can instead have a first polarity. Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within +/−10% or +/−10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of +/−10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

Claims

1. A joist assembly, comprising: a first joist portion comprising at least one joist opening;a second joist portion disposed opposite the first joist portion; anda connector comprising an extension member and a plurality of connector openings, the extension member extending between the first joist portion and the second joist portion;a first connector opening of the plurality of connector openings configured to align with a first joist opening of the at least one joist opening with the joist assembly at a first length; anda second connector opening of the plurality of connector openings configured to align with at least one of the first joist opening or a second joist opening of the at least one joist opening with the joist assembly at a second length.

2. The joist assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first joist portion comprises a first channel member;the second joist portion comprises a second channel member; andthe connector comprises a main body, the extension member coupled with the connecter at a center of the extension member, the main body dividing the extension member into a first side and a second side, the first side at least partially disposed in the first channel member and the second side at least partially disposed in the second channel member.

3. The joist assembly of claim 1, wherein the first joist portion comprises: an upper member;a lower member disposed apart from the upper member to define a space between the upper member and the lower member; anda channel member extending from at least one of the upper member or the lower member, the channel member extending into the space between the upper member and the lower member;wherein a portion of the extension member extends into the channel member and is configured to move relative to the channel member to adjust a length of the joist assembly between the first length and the second length.

4. The joist assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises: a main member coupled with the extension member;a locking assembly rotatably coupled with the main member at a pivot point, the locking assembly comprising the plurality of connector openings; the locking assembly configured to be oriented in a first position with a first connector opening of the plurality of connector openings aligned with the at least one joist opening with the joist assembly at the first length; andthe locking assembly configured to be oriented in a second position with a second connector opening of the plurality of connector openings aligned with the at least one joist opening with the joist assembly at the second length; anda locking device to extend through the at least one joist opening and an aligned connector opening to prevent movement of the connector relative to the first joist portion.

5. The joist assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first joist portion comprises a first joist opening;the second joist portion comprises a second joist opening; andthe connector comprises a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising the plurality of connector openings.

6. The joist assembly of claim 5, wherein: when the joist assembly is configured to be the first length: a first connector opening of the plurality of connector openings is aligned with the first joist opening; anda second connector opening of the plurality of connector openings is aligned with the second joist opening; andwherein when the joist assembly is configured to be the second length: a third connector opening of the plurality of connector openings is aligned with the first joist opening; anda fourth connector opening of the plurality of connector openings is aligned with the second joist opening.

7. The joist assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first joist portion comprises: an upper member;a lower member disposed apart from the upper member; anda brace member extending between the upper member and the lower member, the brace member comprising the at least one joist opening.

8. The joist assembly of claim 7, wherein the connector comprises a locking mechanism comprising the plurality of connector openings, the locking mechanism to rotate to selectively align a connector opening of the plurality of connector openings with the at least one joist opening, a length of the joist assembly based, at least partially, on the connector opening aligned with the at least one joist opening.

9. The joist assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first joist portion comprises: an upper member comprising an upper channel member;a lower member disposed apart from the upper member to define a space between the upper member and the lower member, the lower member comprising a lower channel member, the upper channel member and the lower channel member extending into the space between the upper member and the lower member; andthe connector comprises a first extension member and a second extension member, the first extension member being the extension member, the first extension member disposed partially in the upper channel member and the second extension member disposed partially in the lower channel member.

10. The joist assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first joist portion comprises a first channel member;the second joist portion comprises a second channel member disposed opposite the first channel member; andthe extension member configured to be disposed in both the first channel member and the second channel member.

11. An adjustable-length joist assembly, comprising: a first joist portion;a second joist portion;a connector coupled with the first joist portion and the second joist portion such that the first joist portion and the second joist portion are each slidably engaged with the connector; anda locking assembly rotatably coupled with the connector and comprising a plurality of connector openings configured to align with a corresponding joist opening on each of the first joist portion and the second joist portion.

12. The adjustable-length joist assembly of claim 11, wherein the locking assembly is configured to be oriented in a first position with a first connector opening of the plurality of connector openings aligned with at least one of the joist openings when the adjustable-length joist assembly is configured to be a first length.

13. The adjustable-length joist assembly of claim 12, wherein the locking assembly is configured to be oriented in a second position with a second connector opening of the plurality of connector openings aligned with at least one of the joist openings when the adjustable-length joist assembly is configured to be a second length.

14. The adjustable-length joist assembly of claim 11, further comprising a locking device to extend through at least one joist opening and an aligned connector opening to prevent movement of the connector relative to the first joist portion.

15. The adjustable-length joist assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first joist portion or the second joist portion comprises an indicia opening configured to slide over a portion of the connector comprising a scale indicative of a length.

16. The adjustable-length joist assembly of claim 15, wherein when the adjustable-length joist assembly is configured to be a first length a first indicia of the scale indicative of the first length is readable through the indicia opening, and wherein when the adjustable-length joist assembly is configured to be a second length a second indicia of the scale indicative of the second length is readable through the indicia opening.

17. A support structure, comprising: a hub;an adjustable-length joist assembly configured to couple to the hub, wherein the adjustable-length joist assembly comprises: a first joist portion;a second joist portion; anda connector coupled with the first joist portion and the second joist portion such that the first joist portion and the second joist portion are each slidably engaged with the connector.

18. The support structure of claim 17, wherein the adjustable-length joist assembly further comprises a locking assembly rotatably coupled with the connector and comprising a plurality of connector openings configured to align with a corresponding joist opening on each of the first joist portion and the second joist portion.

19. The support structure of claim 17, wherein the adjustable-length joist assembly comprises a first adjustable-length joist assembly, and further comprising a second adjustable-length joist assembly configured to couple to the hub.

20. The support structure of claim 19, further comprising a platform to be supported by the first adjustable-length joist assembly and the second adjustable-length joist assembly.