ADJUSTABLE TRUSS BRACKET

BACKGROUND

A truss is a rigid framework formed by interconnecting a plurality of framework members, such as beams of metal or wood. Though the industry uses a variety of names for various portions of a truss framework, (e.g., bottom chord, top chord, bearing, etc.), for the sake of clarity and convenience hereinafter, any of the elongated structural members that are used to form the framework of a truss may be referred to simply as “members” or “frame members.” Conventionally, preformed truss brackets (or truss “plates”) are used to connect the members, for example, at seams, joints, etc. In many situations, the preformed brackets may not exactly align with the specific orientation of the frame members, leading to the brackets either being forced into skewed positions, which alters the effectiveness and/or strength of the brackets, or, alternatively, brackets may have to be custom-designed/custom-created to meet the variations of the orientations of the frame members. However, such a process frequently involves custom welding, measuring time-delay in construction, etc., which results are time-consuming, tedious, and expensive. Conventional brackets, therefore, lack adjustability to accommodate the frequent variations in construction, manufacturing, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a first side view of an example bracket having a base plate and one or more arms, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second side view of the bracket of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a third side view of the bracket of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the base plate of the bracket of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the one or more arms of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an embodiment of a sequence for installing the bracket of FIG. 1 on an example truss, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an example bracket, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an example bracket, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an example bracket, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of an example bracket, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example mounting of two brackets to a truss, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example truss with a plurality of brackets, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical components or features. The systems depicted in the accompanying figures are not to scale and components within the figures may be depicted not to scale with each other.

This application is directed, at least in part, to a bracket (also referred to as a truss bracket) that may be used to interconnect, or otherwise couple, frame members of a truss together, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the bracket includes a base plate and one or more arms that are configured to rotate relative to the base plate. The rotatable nature of the arms allows the arms to be precisely aligned with the members of the truss, respectively. For example, fasteners may be used to mount (at least partially) the base plate and one end of the one or more arms to the members. The one or more arms may thus be rotatable in a plane about the fasteners to align with and abut against the members in the direction of extension of the members, respectively. Once in position, the fasteners are fully tightened into the members to secure the arms in place. The bracket as described herein may be universal and adjustable to accommodate a plurality of truss designs.

The bracket as described herein may be adapted to form any needed version of the bracket for connecting the members of the truss together. For example, the bracket, in various embodiments, may represent a peak bracket, a web bracket, a heel bracket, a W bracket, etc. Additionally, although referred to herein as a bracket, the embodiments as described herein may be representative of a brace, mount, connector, etc. Moreover, although described as being used in conjunction with a truss, the bracket may be used in conjunction with gables, beams, structural members, etc. More generally, the bracket may be used to connect any suitable member, strut, chord, etc., and/or any number of the members, struts, chords, etc.

The base plate of the bracket may include first aperture(s) that are used to mount the base plate to one or more members of the truss. The base plate may include any number of the first aperture(s). Fasteners, such as lag bolts, may be disposed through the first aperture(s) and into the member(s) of the truss for mounting the base plate. The base plate may additionally include second aperture(s) that are used to connect the arm(s) to the base plate. For example, as will be explained herein, the arms may include an aperture that aligns with one of the second aperture(s) in the base plate. A fastener, such as a lag bolt, may be disposed through the aperture in the arm, one of the second aperture(s), and into the member. Once disposed through the aperture in the arm and one of the second aperture(s), the arm may be adjusted (e.g., rotate, pivot, etc.) such that the arm is aligned with other members. For example, arm may rotate about the lag bolt disposed through the arm and the base plate. However, although described as mounting or rotating about the fastener, the arms may rotate about other suitable mechanisms (e.g., rivets, etc.).

The base plate may include any number of the second aperture(s) to connect the arms to the base plate. For example, the base plate may include two of the second aperture(s), three of the second aperture(s), etc. The number of second aperture(s) may be based on the number of member(s) to be connected by the bracket. For example, if the bracket is being used to connect two members, the base plate may have one second aperture, wherein the base plate mounts to a first member and the one second aperture connects an arm to be mounted to the second member to the base plate. As another example, if the bracket is being used to connect three members, the base plate may have two of the second apertures.

In an embodiment, the base plate includes a shelf (e.g., standoff, platform, plate, etc.). The second aperture(s) may be disposed through the shelf. The shelf may be offset from the base plate to accommodate a thickness of the arm(s). For example, the shelf may include a side coupled to the base plate and the arm(s) may be disposed adjacent to the side. The base plate and the arm(s) may include a similar thickness such that the base plate and the arm(s) lay planar with the members. The second apertures are disposed through the shelf at a location offset from the base plate to permit rotation of the arm(s). However, although described as a component of the base plate, the shelf may be a separate component from the base plate, but coupled to the base plate through any suitable manners (e.g., welding, fasteners, etc.). Moreover, the base plate may include more than one shelf, and/or different apertures of the second apertures may be disposed on different shelves.

The arm(s) may include a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The first end may include the aperture through which the lag bolt is disposed for connecting the arm to the base plate. The second end may additionally include one or more apertures for securing the arm to the member(s). For example, after the arm is aligned on the member, a fastener (e.g., lag bolt) may be disposed through the one or more apertures and into the member to secure the arm in place. Any number of apertures may be disposed along a length of the arm(s), between the first end and the second end, for securing the arm to the member(s). In an embodiment, the arm(s) may be curved, straight, etc.

In an embodiment, the first end of the arms may be mounted around a periphery of the base plate. The arms may be rotatable in customizable directions by a predetermined amount. The arms may have different or similar amounts of rotation. In an embodiment, the arms may independently rotate in order to accommodate the members of the truss. Moreover, although all of the arms are described as being rotatable, in an embodiment, a portion of the arms may be rigid and may not be configured to rotate. For example, the arms may be integrated with or extend from the base plate and/or the shelf.

In an embodiment, the arms may extend from the same side or different sides of the base plate. For example, in the case of a W bracket, the arms may extend from the same side of the base plate. In the case of a web bracket, one or more arms may extend from a first side of the base plate and/or one or more arms may extend from a second side of the bracket that is opposite the first side. However, the base plate may include any number of sides, and the arms may extend from one or more of the sides, respectively.

In an embodiment, the base plate and/or the arm(s) include holes for at least temporarily securing the base plate and the arms in place, respectively. The holes may be used to temporarily hold the base plate or the arm(s) in place before the lag bolts are used to mount the base plate or the arm(s) to the members, respectively. For example, the base plate may initially be aligned on a member of the truss, and after being aligned, may be held in place via screws disposed through the holes. An arm may then be aligned with another member of the truss and temporarily held in place via a screw disposed through a hole in the arm. Once aligned and temporarily held in place, the lag bolts may be used to mount the base plate and the arm(s) to the members, respectively.

As an illustration to install the bracket on a truss, imagine that the truss includes a first member (e.g., bottom chord), a second member (e.g., first web/strut), a third member (e.g., king post), and a fourth member (e.g., second web/strut) to be interconnected. In this scenario, the bracket may be configured as, or represent, a W bracket. The bracket may be aligned at an intersection of the first member, the second member, the third member, and the fourth member such that the base plate and the arms of the bracket connect the first member, the second member, the third member, and the fourth member together. In an embodiment, initially, the base plate may be aligned on the first member. In addition, the second aperture(s) in the base plate may be aligned with the second member, the third member, and the fourth member, respectively. In other words, the base plate may couple to three arms, where the first arm is disposed along the second member, the second arm is disposed along the third member, and the third arm is disposed along the fourth member. Screws may be disposed through the holes in the base plate to secure the base plate in place on the first member. With the base plate at least temporarily secured, a fastener (e.g., lag bolt) may be disposed through one of the second apertures, through the first arm, and into the second member. Therein, the first arm may be rotated (e.g., about the fastener) such that the first arm is aligned with the second member (e.g., centered on the second member). The first arm may be rotated to be made parallel with sides (e.g., top and bottom) of the second member. Once aligned, a screw may be disposed through a hole in the first arm to secure the first arm in place on the second member. The second arm and the third arm may be aligned and secured in a similar manner, on the third member and the fourth member, respectively. Once the base plate and the arms are aligned and held in place via the screws, the bracket may be mounted to the members using the lag bolts. In an embodiment, pilot holes may be drilled into the members before the lag bolts are used. Once the lag bolts are fastened the bracket may support the members of the truss.

Although a particular sequence is described, other sequences are envisioned. For example, the base plate, once held in place via the screws, may be secured to the first member using lag bolts before securing the arms to the base plate. Moreover, although a particular embodiment of the bracket is described, such as a bracket with three arms, other embodiments of the bracket with less than or more than three arms may secured to the members in a similar manner. Moreover, any number of the brackets may be used to secure the members of the truss together.

In an embodiment, more than one bracket may be secured to the members of the truss. For example, a first bracket may be disposed on a first side of the members and a second bracket may be disposed on a second side of the members. Fasteners, such as bolts, may be disposed through the first bracket and the second bracket for coupling the first bracket and the second bracket together. In this sense, the first bracket and the second bracket may sandwich the members therebetween. The apertures in the first bracket may align with the apertures in the second bracket to receive the fasteners.

Additionally, different types of brackets may be used to connect the members of the truss. For example, a truss may have any number of seams (e.g., joints) between the members. The bracket may be configurable to accommodate these different seams. A first type of bracket may be used for a peak bracket, a second type of bracket may be used for a heel bracket, a third type of bracket may be used for a web bracket, and so forth. In this example, each of the types of bracket may be configured accordingly, with differently located first apertures, second apertures, shelf, etc. Moreover, the brackets may be sized according to their type and the number of members the bracket is configured to connect.

In an embodiment, the bracket may be used in open-ceiling concepts or closed-ceiling concepts. The bracket may be manufactured from a plurality of materials, such as metal, composites, plastic, etc. Suitable manufacturing techniques include stamping, casting, injection molding, etc. Moreover, post-processing techniques may include milling, machining, polishing, etc. The shape, size, etc., of the bracket, such as the base plate and/or the arm(s), may also be dependent upon characteristics of the truss, such as dimensions (e.g., width, depth, etc.), material, etc. In an embodiment, the bracket may be sized according to dimensional lumber, such as a 2×4, 2×6, 2×10, etc.

The present disclosure provides an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, device, and system disclosed herein. One or more examples of the present disclosure are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate that the devices, the systems, and/or the methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment or instance may be combined with the features of other embodiments or instances. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example bracket 100 that may be used to secure members of a truss together, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the view of the bracket 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a front view or externally-facing side of the bracket 100.

The bracket 100 may include a base plate 102 having one or more first apertures 104. Fasteners, such as lag bolts, may be disposed through the first apertures 104, respectively, and into member(s) of the truss. In an embodiment, the base plate 102 may be secured to a first member of the truss (e.g., bottom chord). Although a particular number of the first apertures 104 are shown (e.g., nine) and/or a particular arrangement of the first apertures 104 are shown, other variations are envisioned. Moreover, the base plate 102 may include holes 106 that receive fasteners, such as screws. The screws may be disposed through the holes 106, respectively, for temporarily positioning or holding the base plate 102 on the first member of the truss.

The base plate 102 includes one or more second aperture(s) 108. As shown, the base plate 102 may include three of the second apertures 108, such as a second aperture 108 (1), a second aperture 108 (2), and a second aperture 108 (3). In an embodiment, the second aperture(s) 108 are disposed on a shelf 110 that extends from the base plate 102. In an embodiment, the shelf 110 may be integrally formed with the base plate 102, coupled to the base plate 102 (e.g., welded), or represent a portion of the base plate 102.

As will be explained herein, fasteners, such as lag bolts, may be disposed through the second apertures 108 and corresponding apertures in arms 112 of the bracket 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the arms 112 may include a first arm 112(1), a second arm 112(2), and a third arm 112(3). A first lag bolt may be disposed through the second aperture 108(1) and the first arm 112(1), and into a second member of the truss (e.g., a first strut). The first arm 112(1) may hinge, pivot, rotate, etc., about the first lag bolt for orienting or otherwise aligning the first arm 112(1) on the second member. Fasteners, such as lag bolts or screws, may be used to hold the first arm 112(1) in position on the second member or secure the first arm 112(1) to the second member. Similarly, a second lag bolt may be disposed through the second aperture 108(2) and the second arm 112(2), and into a third member of the truss (e.g., king post). The second arm 112(2) may hinge, pivot, rotate, etc., about the second lag bolt for orienting or otherwise aligning the second arm 112(2) on the third member. Fasteners, such as lag bolts or screws, may be used to hold the second arm 112(2) in position on the third member or secure the second arm 112(2) to the third member. Likewise, a third lag bolt may be disposed through the second aperture 108(3) and the third arm 112(3), and into a fourth member of the truss (e.g., second strut). The third arm 112(3) may hinge, pivot, rotate, etc., about the third lag bolt for orienting or otherwise aligning the third arm 112(3) on the fourth member. Fasteners, such as lag bolts or screws, may be used to hold the third arm 112(3) in position on the fourth member or secure the third arm 112(3) to the fourth member.

Prior to fully tightening the lag bolts disposed through the second apertures 108, the arms 112 may be respectively rotated into position or otherwise oriented on the members, respectively. In an embodiment, the arms 112 may have similar or different amounts of rotation. Moreover, as will be discussed herein, the shelf 110 may offset ends of the arms 112 from the base plate 102 to permit rotation of the arms 112.

Although the bracket 100 is shown including three of the arms 112, the bracket 100 may include more than or less than three of the arms 112. In such instances, the base plate 102, or the shelf 110, may include a corresponding number of the second apertures 108 for accommodating the number of arms 112. Additionally, although the base plate 102 is shown including a single shelf 110, the base plate 102 may include more than one shelf 110, and in such instances, respective shelves may be coupled to the base plate 102. In such instances, the arms 112 may mount to respective shelves. For example, in the case of a web bracket, arms may extend from different sides of the base plate 102 and/or mount to different shelves.

The use of the bracket 100, with the adjustments provided to the arms 112, may accommodate a greater number of trusses, gables, etc. For example, conventionally, brackets are custom-made and offer little to no room for error or adjustment upon installation. That is, conventional brackets are static. Additionally, the process of stenciling or templating the brackets on the truss is often time-consuming, difficult, and tedious. With the use of the bracket 100, the arms 112 may be adjusted to fit various types and designs of trusses.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the bracket 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the view of the bracket 100 shown in FIG. 2 is a rear view or internally-facing side of the bracket 100.

The bracket 100 includes the base plate 102 and the shelf 110 with the second apertures 108. The arms 112 may each include apertures 200 for coupling the arms 112 to the members of the truss and the base plate 102. For example, the arms 112 may include an aperture 200(1), an aperture 200(2), an aperture 200(3), and an aperture 200(4). The aperture 200(1) may align (e.g., be concentric with) one of the second apertures 108(e.g., one of the second aperture 108(1), the second aperture 108(2), or the second aperture 108(3)). A lag bolt may be disposed through the aperture 200(1) and the one of the second apertures 108 for forming a rotatable connection. Once the arms 112 are aligned with the members of the truss, respectively, additional lag bolts may be disposed through the aperture 200(2), the aperture 200(3), and/or the aperture 200(4) and into the members, respectively. The lag bolts disposed through the aperture 200 (2), the aperture 200(3), and/or the aperture 200(4) may secure the arms 112 to the members, while the lag bolt disposed through the aperture 200(1) may secure (or mount) the arm to the base plate 102.

In an embodiment, the arms 112 may be similar. For example, each of the arms 112 may have a similar length and/or have four of the apertures 200. Comparatively, in an embodiment, the arms 112 may be different, such as in length and/or have a different number of the apertures 200 compared to one another. Additionally, although the arms 112 are shown as straight, the arms 112 may be formed in other shapes, such as being curved (not shown here).

The arms 112, in an embodiment, may have one or more segments, where the segments may be rotatable relative to one another and/or fixed to one another. For example, the arms may include a first segment that secures to the shelf 110, and a second segment that is rotatable relative to the first segment. The varying segments allow the bracket 100 to be used in conjunction with a plurality of differently shaped members. Alternatively, the first segment and the second segment may be fixed relative to one another. In an embodiment, the second segment may extend from the first segment by predetermined degrees (e.g., ninety degrees, sixty degrees, etc.) to accommodate the members.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the bracket 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The base plate 102 includes a first side 300 and a second side 302 spaced apart from the first side 300 (e.g., in the Z-direction). The first side 300 of the base plate 102 is configured to be disposed against members of the truss (e.g., internally facing). The shelf 110 may include a first side 304 and a second side 306 spaced apart from the first side 304 (e.g., in the Z-direction). The first side 304 of the shelf 110 may be coupled to, or extend from, the second side 302 of the base plate 102. The arms 112 (e.g., the third arm 112 (3) as shown in FIG. 3) may include a first side 308 and a second side 310 spaced apart from the first side 308 (e.g., in the Z-direction). The second side 310 of the arms 112 are disposed adjacent to the first side 304 of the shelf 110. The first side 308 of the arms 112 are configured to be disposed against members of the truss.

The first side 300 of the base plate 102 and the first side 308 of the arms 112 may be planar with one another. In doing so, the base plate 102 and the arms 112 are configured to mount flush against the members of the truss. Additionally, or alternatively, the second side 302 of the base plate 102, the first side 300 of the shelf 110, and the second side 310 of the arms 112 may be planar with one another.

In an embodiment, the base plate 102 may include a first thickness 312 (e.g., between the first side 300 and the second side 302), the shelf 110 may include a second thickness 314 (e.g., between the first side 304 and the second side 306), and the arms 112 may include a third thickness 316 (e.g., between the first side 308 and the second side 310).

The first thickness 312, the second thickness 314, and the third thickness 316 may be the same such that the bracket 100 mounts flush against the members of the truss. The first side 304 of the shelf 110 may be offset from the first side 300 of the base plate 102 and the first side 308 of the arms 112 by a distance similar to the first thickness 312 and the third thickness 316 such that the bracket 100 mounts flush against the members of the truss.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the base plate 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The base plate 102 includes the first apertures 104 that receive lag bolts for mounting the base plate 102 to the truss. The first apertures 104 may be arranged in any manner, pattern, etc. Moreover, any number of the first apertures 104 may be included and, in an embodiment, the number of the first apertures 104 may be dependent upon characteristics of the truss (e.g., size, material, etc.).

The base plate 102 includes the holes 106, such as hole 106(1) and hole 106(2), that receive fasteners for at least temporarily mounting the base plate 102 to the truss. For example, before installing the lag bolts through the first apertures 104, the base plate 102 may be aligned on the truss or with the members of the truss. Therein, with the base plate 102 aligned, screws may be disposed through the holes 106 to hold the base plate 102 in place on the member(s) of the truss. Once held in place, pilot holes may be drilled into the truss at a location within the first apertures 104, respectively. The lag bolts may then be fastened into the truss. Although two of the holes 106 are shown, the base plate 102 may include more than or less than two of the holes 106. Additionally, the holes 106 may be arranged differently than shown.

The base plate 102 includes the second apertures 108, which may be disposed through the shelf 110. In an embodiment, the second apertures 108 are horizontally aligned with one another (e.g., along the X-axis) and spaced apart from an edge 400 of the base plate 102 by a distance 402. However, in an embodiment, the apertures 108 may be spaced apart from the edge 400 by different amounts. The distance 402 permits the arms 112 to rotate about the lag bolts, respectively, and without contacting the edge 400. In an embodiment, the shelf 110 may be centrally disposed between a first end 404 and a second end 406 of the base plate 102 (e.g., in the X-direction).

Although the shelf 110 is shown at least partially disposed over the edge 400, the

shelf 110 may extend over other edges, sides, etc., of the base plate 102. In an embodiment, the base plate 102 may include more than one shelf, where the shelves may be arranged on any number of sides of the base plate 102. In an embodiment, rather than the arms 112 being mounted to the shelf 110, the arms 112 may be mounted directly to the base plate 102. In such instances, the base plate 102 may include one or more of the second apertures 108 through which the lag bolts are disposed for connecting the arms 112 to the base plate 102.

Although the base plate 102 is shown including three of the second apertures 108 for accommodating three of the arms 112, the base plate 102 may include more than or less than three of the second apertures 108. For example, the base plate 102 may include one of the second apertures 108 for accommodating one of the arms 112, or may include four of the second apertures 108 for accommodating four of the arms 112. In such instances, base plate 102 may be sized, shaped, and configured accordingly to receive the predetermined number of the arms 112. Moreover, depending upon the number of the second apertures 108, the shelf 110 may be shaped differently than shown.

In an embodiment, the first apertures 104 may be symmetrically located on the base plate 102 and/or the second apertures 108 may be symmetrically located on the shelf 110. The location of the first apertures 104 and/or the second apertures 108 may be based on a general strength point on the form plate according to the specific characteristics (i.e., stress/strain tolerances or critical support points, etc.) of the truss.

Although the base plate 102 and the shelf 110 are described as separate parts that are connected together (e.g., welding), the base plate 102 and the shelf 110 may be integrally formed from the same piece of material. For example, a piece of material may be stamped to form a shape of the base plate 102, and therein, a bending operation may form the shelf 110 such that the first side 304 of the shelf 110 is spaced apart from the first side 300 of the base plate 102 by a distance similar to the first thickness 312 and the third thickness 316 such that the bracket 100 mounts flush against the truss.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of one of the arms 112 (e.g., the first arm 112(1), the second arm 112(2), or the third arm 112(3)), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the arms 112 may be similar or different from one another. For example, the arms 112 may include a similar or different length, shape, etc.

The arm 112 includes a first end 500 and a second end 502 spaced apart from the first end 500 (e.g., in the Y-direction). A length of the arm 112 extends between the first end 500 and the second end 502. The apertures 200, such as the aperture 200(1), the aperture 200(2), the aperture 200(3), and the aperture 200(4) are disposed through the arm 112, between the first side 308 and the second side 310. As introduced above, a lag bolt may be disposed through the aperture 200(1) and one of the second apertures 108 for rotatably mounting the arm 112 to the base plate 102 (or the shelf 110). Therein, the arm 112 may be rotated to align the arm 112 with one of the members of the truss before being secured in place via lag bolts disposed through the aperture 200(2), the aperture 200(3), and/or the aperture 200(4).

The arm 112 may include holes 504, such as a first hole 504(1) and a second hole 504(2), that receive screws for temporarily holding the arm 112 in place. For example, once the arm 112 is aligned on a member of the truss, screws may be disposed through the first hole 504(1) and/or the second hole 504(2) to hold the arm 112 in place. Therein, lag bolts may be disposed through the aperture 200(2), the aperture 200(3), and/or the aperture 200(4) for securing the arm 112 to the members of the truss. Additionally, once in position, the lag bolt disposed through the aperture 200(1) may be tightened to securely mount the arm 112 to the shelf 110.

In an embodiment, the apertures 200 and/or the holes 504 may be disposed along a longitudinal axis 506 of the arm 112. In an embodiment, the arm 112 may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 506. The arm 112 may also be symmetrical amount a central axis 508. The symmetrical nature of the arm 112 may allow for improved use and/or ease during assembly. For example, instead of aligning the aperture 200(1) with one of the second apertures 108, the aperture 200(4) may be aligned with one of the second apertures 108. As such, the arm 112 may not have a predetermined orientation when aligning with the second apertures 108. However, in an embodiment, the arm 112 may not be symmetrical about the central axis 508.

The apertures 200 may be spaced apart from one another by any distance. Additionally, the apertures 200 may be grouped together. For example, as shown, the aperture 200(1) and the aperture 200(2) may be disposed more proximate to the first end 500, while the aperture 200(3) and the aperture 200(4) may be disposed proximate to the second end 502. The arm 112 may include different configurations of the apertures 200 than shown, and/or a greater or lesser number of the apertures 200 than shown. Additionally, the arm 112, instead of being rectangular shaped, may have other shapes. In an embodiment, the first end 500 and/or the second end 502 may be rounded to avoid contact with the edge 400 during rotation.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an example sequence for installing the bracket 100 on a truss 600, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

At “1” in FIG. 6, a portion of the truss 600 is shown. The truss may include a first member 602 (e.g., bottom chord), a second member 604 (e.g., first strut, web, etc.), a third member 606 (e.g., king post), and a fourth member 608 (e.g., second strut, web, etc.). The members of the truss 600 may have similar or different dimensions. Moreover, although a particular configuration of the truss 600 is shown, other configurations are envisioned.

At “2” in FIG. 6, the base plate 102 (with the shelf 110) may be aligned with the first member 602. In an embodiment, the base plate 102 may be vertically aligned on the first member 602 (e.g., in the Y-direction) and/or horizontally aligned with the third member 606 (e.g., in the X-direction). In an embodiment, the bracket 100 may be centered on the third member 606. For example, the aperture 108(2) may be aligned between sides of the third member 606.

At “3” in FIG. 6, screws may be disposed through the holes 106 in the base plate 102. For example, with the base plate 102 in position (e.g., at “2” in FIG. 6), the screws may be disposed through the holes 106 to hold the base plate 102 in place on the first member 602. A first screw 610(1) may be disposed through the hole 106(1) and a second screw 610(2) may be disposed through the hole 106(2). In an embodiment, the base plate 102 may be temporarily held in place with clamps, or an installer may manually hold the base plate 102 in place until the screws secure the base plate 102 into the first member 602. Levels may also be used when mounting the base plate 102 on the first member 602.

At “4” in FIG. 7, the first arm 112(1) may be coupled to the base plate 102. For example, a first lag bolt 700 may be disposed through the second aperture 108(1) and through the aperture 200(1) of the first arm 112(1). The first lag bolt 700 may then be fastened into the second member 604 and/or the third member 606 (depending upon the size, shape, and/or angle of the second member 604 and the third member 606, respectively). However, the first lag bolt 700 may not be fastened completely to permit the first arm 112(1) to be aligned with the second member 604. For example, as shown at “4” in FIG. 7, the first arm 112(1) may not be centered between sides (e.g., a top surface and a bottom surface) of the second member 604.

The first arm 112(1) may be slid under the shelf 110 (e.g., in the Z-direction) to align the aperture 200(1) with the second aperture 108(1) given that the first side 304 of the shelf 110 is spaced apart from a surface of the second member 604 and the third member 606. For example, because the first thickness 312 of the base plate 102 and the second thickness 314 of the first arm 112(1) are the same, the first arm 112(1) may be disposed between the first side 304 of the shelf 110 and a surface of the second member 604/the third member 606.

At “5” in FIG. 7, the first arm 112(1) may be rotated into alignment on the second member 604. For example, the first arm 112(1) may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction to be centered on the second member 604. Alternatively, the first arm 112(1) may be made parallel with either the top surface or the bottom surface of the second member 604. The first arm 112(1) may rotate about the first lag bolt 700. Once in alignment, a third screw 702 may be disposed through one of the holes 504 in the first arm 112(1) to hold the first arm 112(1) in position. For example, the third screw 702 may be disposed through the hole 504(2) and into the second member 604 to hold the first arm 112(1) in place.

At “6” in FIG. 7, the second arm 112(2) may be secured to the base plate 102. For example, a second lag bolt 704 may be disposed through the second aperture 108 (2) and through the aperture 200(1) of the second arm 112(2). The second lag bolt 704 may then be fastened into the third member 606. However, the second lag bolt 704 may not be fastened completely to permit the second arm 112(2) to be aligned with the third member 606. For example, although not shown but similar to at “5” in FIG. 7, the second arm 112(2) may be rotated (e.g., in the counterclockwise or clockwise direction) to align the second arm 112(2) on the third member 606. During this rotation, the second arm 112(2) may rotate about the second lag bolt 704. Once in alignment, a fourth screw 706 may be disposed through one of the holes 504 in the second arm 112(2) to hold the first arm 112(2) in position. For example, the fourth screw 706 may be disposed through the hole 504(2) and into the third member 606 to hold the second arm 112(2) in place.

At “7” in FIG. 8, the third arm 112(3) may be secured to the base plate 102. For example, a third lag bolt 800 may be disposed through the second aperture 108(3) and through the aperture 200(1) of the third arm 112(3). The third lag bolt 800 may then be fastened into the third member 606 and/or the fourth member 608 (depending upon the size, shape, and/or angle of the third member 606 and the fourth member 608, respectively). However, the third lag bolt 800 may not be fastened completely to permit the third arm 112(3) to be aligned with the fourth member 608. For example, although not shown, but similar to at “5” in FIG. 7, the third arm 112(3) may be rotated (e.g., in the counterclockwise or clockwise direction) to align the third arm 112(3) on the fourth member 608. During this rotation, the third arm 112(3) may rotate about the third lag bolt 800. Once in alignment, a fifth screw 802 may be disposed through one of the holes 504 in the third arm 112(3) to hold the third arm 112(3) in position. For example, the fifth screw 802 may be disposed through the hole 504(2) and into the fourth member 608 to hold the third arm 112(3) in place.

At “8” in FIG. 8, the bracket 100 may be fully secured to the truss 600. For example, a plurality of the lag bolts 804 may be disposed through the first apertures 104 the apertures 200 in the arms 112. Moreover, the lag bolts 804 in the apertures 200 (e.g., the first lag bolt 700, the second lag bolt 704, and the third lag bolt 800 may be fastened). In an embodiment, pilot holes may be drilled into the members of the truss 600 to accommodate the lag bolts 804. In an embodiment, the lag bolts 804 may have different sizes and/or lengths.

The sequence of installing the bracket 100 in FIGS. 6-8 is just one example, and other variations are envisioned. For example, after securing the base plate 102 to the first member 602 (e.g., at “3” in FIG. 6), the lag bolts 804 may be disposed through the first apertures 104 to secure the base plate 102 to the first member 602. Alternatively, the lag bolts 804 may be disposed through remaining apertures of the apertures 200 after the arms 112 are oriented on the members. Still, although the sequence is described in conjunction with installing the bracket 100, the sequence may be similar for other brackets that are different than the bracket 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example bracket 900, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bracket 900 may include a base plate 902 having a first leg 904 and a second leg 906. The first leg 904 and the second leg 906 may be oriented orthogonally to one another and/or at any other angles (e.g., thirty degrees, sixth degrees, etc.). Apertures 908 may be disposed in the first leg 904 and/or the second leg 906 for receiving fasteners (e.g., lag bolts) that mount the base plate 902 to member(s) of the truss. In addition, the bracket 900 may include holes 910 for receiving screws that temporarily hold the base plate 902 in place on the members.

An arm 912 may couple to the base plate 902. In an embodiment, the arm 912 may be similar to the arms 112 discussed above. A fastener (e.g., lag bolt) may be disposed through an aperture 914 (1) in the arm 912 and a corresponding aperture in the base plate 902 (e.g., similar to the apertures 108). The arm 912 may rotate about the fastener to align with member(s) of the truss. Therein, lag bolts may be disposed through additional apertures of the apertures 914, such as an aperture 914(2) and an aperture 914(3). In addition, the arm 912 may include holes 916 for receiving screws that temporarily hold the arm 912 in place.

Although the base plate 902 is not shown without a shelf, similar to the shelf 110, such embodiment is envisioned. For example, a shelf may extend from the base plate 902, and the arm 912 may couple to the base plate 902 such that the arm 912 is mounted flush with the member(s) of the truss. Moreover, more than one of the arms 112 may be attached to the base plate 902.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example bracket 1000, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bracket 1000 may include a base plate 1002 with a triangular, arc, or sector shape. The base plate 1002 may include apertures 1004 (e.g., an aperture 1004(1), an aperture 1004(2), and an aperture 1004(3)) through which fasteners, such as lag bolts, are disposed. For example, the lag bolts may be disposed through the apertures 1004 and through apertures of arms 1006 (e.g., similar to the aperture 200(1)). The arms 1006, such as a first arm 1006(1), a second arm 1006(2), and a third arm 1006(3) may be rotatable about the lag bolts, respectively, to align with the members of the truss. In other aspects, the arms 1006 may be similar to the arms 112. Once installed, the base plate 1002 may be spaced apart from the members of the truss (e.g., in the Z-direction). However, the arms 112 may be mounted flush with the members of the truss.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example bracket 1100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bracket 1100 may include a first arm 1102 and a second arm 1104 coupled together. For example, a fastener, such as a lag bolt, may be disposed through an aperture 1106 in the second arm 1104, and a corresponding aperture in the first arm 1102. The first arm 1102 and the second arm 1104 may be rotatable relative to one another prior to tightening of the lag bolt.

The first arm 1102 and the second arm 1104 may be similar to one another, and/or may be similar to the arms 112 discussed above. Although not shown, the first arm 1102 may include a shelf, similar to the shelf 110, such that the second arm 1104 is mounted flush with the members of the truss. Additionally, other arms may be secured to the first arm 1102 and/or the second arm 1104. For example, three of the arms may be secured together.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example bracket 1200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bracket 1200 may include a base plate 1202 having a square shape, as well as one or more first apertures 1204 for coupling the base plate 1202 to the member(s) of the truss. The base plate 1202 may be similar to the base plate 102. A shelf 1206 may extend from the base plate 1202 and include a second aperture 1208 through which a fastener, such as lag bolt, is disposed for coupling an arm 1210 to the shelf 1206. The arm 1210 may be similar to arms 112 discussed above.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of two brackets, such as a first bracket 1300 and a second bracket 1302 secured to a truss 1304, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first bracket 1300 and the second bracket 1302 may be similar to the brackets discussed herein. The first bracket 1300 may be secured to a first side 1306 of the truss 1304, while the second bracket 1302 may be secured to a second side 1308 of the truss 1304, opposite the first side 1306.

In an embodiment, the first bracket 1300 and the second bracket 1302 may be secured to the truss 1304 with their own lag bolts, for example. Alternatively, bolts may be disposed through the first bracket 1300 and the second bracket 1302, through a thickness of the truss 1304 (e.g., in the Z-direction). For example, a head of the bolts may be disposed adjacent to the first bracket 1300, and nuts may thread onto ends of the bolts disposed through the second bracket 1302. In such instances, apertures of the first bracket 1300 may align with apertures of the second bracket 1302.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example use of the brackets as discussed herein in conjunction with a truss 1400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The truss 1400 may be formed at least in part by a first member 1402 (e.g., bottom chord), a second member 1404 (e.g., first top chord), a third member 1406 (e.g., second top chord), a fourth member 1408 (e.g., first strut), a fifth member 1410 (e.g., king post), and a sixth member 1412 (e.g., second strut).

A first bracket 1414, similar to the bracket 100, may be used to secure the first member 1402, the fourth member 1408, the fifth member 1410, and the sixth member 1412 together. A second bracket 1416, similar to the bracket 1100, may be used to secure the first member 1402 and the second member 1404 together. A third bracket 1418, similar to the bracket 1200, may be used to secure the second member 1404 and the fourth member 1408 together. A fourth bracket 1420, similar to the bracket 900, may be used to secure the second member 1404, the third member 1406, and the fifth member 1410 together. A fifth bracket 1422, similar to the bracket 1200, may be used to secure the third member 1406 and the sixth member 1412 together. A sixth bracket 1424, similar to the bracket 1100, may be used to secure the first member 1402 and the third member 1406 together.

The truss 1400, or the members of the truss 1400, are exemplary. Other trusses, with more or less members, differently shaped and/or positioned members, may be used. In such instances, the brackets may accommodate the variations. Moreover, although shown described as used in conjunction with a truss, the brackets as discussed herein may be used to connect other members, beams, etc. In addition, although the brackets are shown connecting all of the members, other brackets, clamps, etc., may be used to connect at least a portion of the members of the truss 1400 together.

As used herein, terms such as “attached,” “fastened,” “secured,” “disposed,” “connected,” and “coupled” (including variations thereof) are intended to be used interchangeably to refer to any form of interaction between components, whether directly or indirectly, permanently or temporarily, mechanically or otherwise. It will be understood that these terms are not intended to limit the nature of the interaction to a direct or immediate connection unless specifically stated, and may include indirect connections through one or more intermediary elements. Likewise, the terms “directly” and “indirectly” describe both physical contact between components and connections made through intermediate structures, mechanisms, or devices.

While various examples and embodiments are described individually herein, the examples and embodiments may be combined, rearranged, and modified to arrive at other variations within the scope of this disclosure.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claims.

ADJUSTABLE TRUSS BRACKET

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