WO2012045160A1

WO2012045160A1 - Support device for truss system

Info

Publication number: WO2012045160A1
Application number: PCT/CA2011/001127
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francklin Ash
Original assignee: Francklin Ash
Priority date: 2010-10-08
Filing date: 2011-10-07
Publication date: 2012-04-12

Abstract

The present invention discloses a support device for roof truss system and floor truss system. The support device for truss system support the trusses on the ground level so the truss system can be built and then disposed on the walls of a building in construction using a crane or using fork truck.

Description

SUPPORT DEVICE FOR TRUSS SYSTEM

Cr oss-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present patent application claims the benefits of priority of commonly assigned provisional American Patent Application No. 61/391,424, entitled "Swing Bar Template for Trust of Roof and filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office on October 8, 2010.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the transportation of structural members for use in building construction and in particular to roof truss systems and floor truss systems.

Background of the Invention

[0003] A truss is a generally rigid frame member designed to support a structure, such as a roof or a floor. Trusses come in many shapes and sizes for a variety of applications.

[0004] Roof trusses for commercial and residential buildings are typically prefabricated using wooden beams and metal joiner plates. Such prefabricated structures are large and heavy and must be shipped from the factory to the building site in small numbers on a large truck. The handling of theses trusses is difficult and present disadvantages such as time consuming manipulation, difficulty to handle the trusses and expensive costs which increase overall building construction costs. An alternative is to ship prefabricated roof sections but with major disadvantage such as expansive moving cost and difficulty to manipulate the prefabricated roof sections.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for a device that provides solutions to disadvantages of prior art while reducing material handling and set up costs, resulting in decreased building construction costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is realized by generally providing a support device for truss system comprising a supporting structure comprising a pair of first members; a plurality of transversal members being transversal to the first member; at least two receiving members extending from the transversal members, the receiving members comprising a plurality of recess adapted to receive trusses, the recesses being distanced at a predetermined distance.

[0007] The present invention also provides a method of constructing and moving a truss system using a support device for truss system, the support device comprising a supporting structure on which extend at least two receiving members, the receiving members comprising a plurality recesses adapted to received trusses, the method comprising the steps of placing the support device in front of trusses; placing the trusses in the recesses; constructing the truss system; moving the truss system supported by the support device on the top surface of walls of a building; removing the support device from the truss system.

[0008] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] Figure 1A is a front view of a roof truss.

[001 1] Figure IB is a front view of a floor truss.

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the support device for truss system according to the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 is a front view of the support device for truss system shown in Figure 2.

[0014] Figure 4 is a side view of the support device for truss system shown in Figure 2.

[0015] Figures 5A to 51 are side views showing the steps to mount a roof section with a fork truck. [0016] Figure 6A is a perspective view showing a plurality of roof truss installed on the support device for truss system.

[0017] Figure 6B is another perspective view showing a plurality of roof truss installed on the support device for truss system.

[0018] Figure 6C is a front view showing a plurality of roof truss installed on the support device for truss system.

[0019] Figure 6D is a side view showing a plurality of roof truss installed on the support device for truss system.

[0020] Figure 7 is a side view showing the support device used with a fork extension of a crane.

[0021] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the receiving member.

[0022] Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the receiving member.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0023] A novel support device for truss system will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiment(s), it is to be understood that the embodiment(s) described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, the term "truss" refers to a generally rigid frame member designed to support a structure, such as a roof or a floor. The term "truss system" refers to a plurality of connected trusses designed to support a structure. [0025] The support device for truss system of the present invention is used to support trusses of roof or floor at a predetermined distance from each other so that the truss system can be build at a ground level. The support device for truss system is hold by a telescopic fork truck or a crane (or other suitable equipment). Once the trusses are positioned on the support device for truss system, the roof or floor section is constructed or assembled (installation of, for example insulation material, shingles, etc). Then, the roof or floor section is positioned on the walls of the building in construction.

[0026] As shown in the embodiments depicted in FIG. 1 A, the roof truss 10 includes one or more roof truss members 12 (also known as top chords), one or more roof base members 14 (also known as bottom chords) and a king post or vertical support 16. The floor truss 20 shown in FIG. IB includes one or more top truss members 22 (also known as top chords), one or more floor base members 24 (also known as bottom chords) and a king post or vertical support 26.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2, 3 and 4, the support device 100 for truss system 100 comprises at least two receiving members 1 10 that are substantially parallel and having a plurality of recesses 1 12. The receiving members 110 have an elongated shape. The recesses 112 are adapted to receive trusses and to maintain them in a particular position. The receiving members 1 10 are placed so that the recesses 112 are aligned, i.e. each recesses 112 on a first receiving member 1 13 faces another recesses 1 12 on a second receiving member 114. There is thus a plurality of aligned recesses 112.

[0028] The support device 100 comprises a supporting structure comprising a pair of first member 105 on which are connected a plurality of transversal members 130. A pair of second member 107 can be used for improving the strength of the support device 100 and/or to provide the opening 150. The first members 105 are connected with third members 106. The first members 105 and second members 107 are typically beams having a suitable strength to support the plurality of truss that will be disposed on the support device 100. It is to be noted that only one or more than two beams could be used instead. The third members 106 are elongated member providing stability to the support device 100.

[0029] The support device 100 comprises a first blocking structure 160 and a second blocking structure 161 which comprises first blocking member 166, second blocking members 164 and third blocking member 162. The first blocking members 166 are elongated members extending substantially from the front portion 190 to the rear portion 191 and are located near or at the top portion 194 of the support device 100. The third blocking members 162 are elongated members extending substantially from the front portion 190 to the rear portion 191 and are located near or at the bottom portion 193 of the support device 100. The second blocking members 164 extend between the first blocking member 166 and the second blocking member 164 and provide strength and stability to the blocking structures. The numbers of second blocking members 164 vary depending of the length of the support device 100 and of the strength needed. The receiving space 168 is adapted to receive the king post of the roof trusses supported by the support device 100. The receiving space 168 is thus at least as large as the width of a vertical support or king post of the truss system to be handled. The blocking structures 160 prevent the trusses from moving from one side to another by blocking the lateral movement of the king post of the roof trusses.

[0030] It is to be noted that the present support device can be adapted for different truss systems having different shape. For example, the vertical support can be larger for a particular truss system thus the space 168 is adapted in consequence. In another embodiment, the support device 100 can be adapted to passes between or beside web members of a floor truss system or a roof truss system.

[0031] A plurality of supporting members 134 extend downwardly from the support device 100. The supporting members 134 are elongated members and their numbers may vary depending of the length of the support device 100 and of the stability needed. The supporting members 134 allow the support device 100 to stand on the ground.

[0032] As it can be seen in FIG. 3, the support device 100 comprises a pair of openings 150 adapted to receive the forks of a fork truck. The openings 150 in this embodiment are hollow portion of the second members 107. However, it is to be noted that that supplementary structure, such as a fork receiving structure, can be fixed to the support device 100 to obtain the same results. In a preferred embodiment, a locking device, such as a chain 180, is used to secure the forks in the openings 150. The chain 180 is connected to the support device 100 and typically passes behind the fork to secure it to the support device 100. The ends of the chain 180 could be permanently or removably connected to the support device 100 using known means in the art. It should be understood that other locking device could be used with the support device 100 without departing from the present invention. A metal plate 151 can be used to close a portion of the opening 150 so that the fork of the fork truck has limited motion in the opening 150. [0033] The shape of the receiving member 1 10 is illustrated in more details in FIG. 4. In this view, it is possible to see that the receiving member 1 10 comprises a plurality of recesses 1 12 and of inclined portions 146. The edges 142 and 144 of the recess 112 are preferably inclined to help the insertion of a truss in the recess 1 12. The shape of a recess 1 12 is an inverted truncated triangle. The width 140 of the recess 1 12 is adapted to receive a truss and is thus at least slightly larger than the width of a truss member. The distance between the recesses 112 is generally equal to the distance between trusses of a roof truss system or a floor truss system. [0034] FIGS 5 A to 5H illustrates the steps to use of the support device 100 with a telescopic fork truck to install a roof truss system on a building in construction. In FIG. 5A, the support device 100 stands on the ground and the forks 204 of the fork truck 202 are inserted into the openings 150. The support device 100 is then lift up as shown in FIG. 5B and disposed in front of a plurality of aligned roof trusses 210. The support device 100 is aligned so that the vertical support of the roof trusses passes between the blocking structures 160. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the first roof truss 211 is inclined toward the fork truck 202 until the roof truss members 12 contact the first inclined plane 220 of the receiving member 110. Then, the fork truck 202 goes back for approximatively the distance between two recesses 1 12. A second roof truss member 212 is then inclined toward the fork truck 202, as illustrated in FIG. 5D, until the roof truss members 12 contacts the second inclined plane 222. The process continues until all the roof trusses are installed on the support device 100 as shown in FIG. 5E and 5F.

[0035] FIG. 5G shows a roof section 310 that was constructed while the roof trusses were supported on the support device 100. The roof section 310 is ready to be installed on the walls 305 of a building 302, as shown in FIG. 5H.

[0036] To remove the support device 100 from the roof truss section 310, the support device 100 is moved down until it disengages from the roof section 310. The fork truck then moves back to remove the support device 100 from the roof section 310.

[0037] FIG. 51 is a schematic illustration showing the use of a laser 312 to guide the fork truck during the installation of the roof truss section 310 on the walls 305 of a building. One way to use the laser is to place a first roof section and to orient the laser to the junction between the wall and the ground. The driver of the fork truck can follow this direction the next time a roof or floor section is installed on the building.

[0038] FIGS. 6A to 6E shows roof trusses 10 supported on the support device 100. [0039] FIG. 7 shows the support device 100 used with a fork extension 400 of a crane.

[0040] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the receiving member of the support device. The recess 241 comprises a first edge 242 and a second edge 244 that are angulated to facilitate the insertion of the truss in the recess 241. The recess 241 has the shape of an inverted truncated triangle at its upper portion. The recess 241 further comprises a notch 243, at its bottom portion, having a substantially rectangular shape and having a bottom portion 240. The shape of the notch 243 is complementary to the shape of a truss. The bottom portion 240 should have a width that is at least slightly larger than the width of a truss. The planes 246 are substantially horizontal.

[0041] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the receiving member of the support device. The recess 251 comprises a first edge 252 and a second edge 254 that are angulated to facilitate the insertion of the truss in the recess 251. The recess 251 has the shape of an inverted truncated triangle. The bottom portion 250 should have a width that is at least slightly larger than the width of a truss. The planes 256 are substantially horizontal.

[0042] The dimensions (width, height, length) and the characteristics (strength, for example) of the support device can vary according to the dimensions of the trusses (floor or roof) to be handled.

[0043] The support device 100 can be made from any suitable material. Non-limiting examples of which include, construction grade plastics, composite materials, metals, combinations thereof, and the like. Suitable metals include, but are not limited to, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, iron and alloys and combinations of such metals. The different parts of the support device 100 are connected using suitable method, they can be welded, riveted, bolted, etc...

[0044] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiment(s) of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Claims

1) A support device for truss system comprising:

a) a supporting structure;

b) at least two receiving members connected to said supporting structure, said receiving members comprising a plurality of recess adapted to receive trusses, said recesses being distanced at a predetermined distance;

2) The support device of claim 1, further comprising a blocking structure preventing said trusses to move when supported by said support device.

3) The support device of claim 1, wherein said supporting structure comprises at least one first member on which extend a plurality of transversal members. 4) The support device of claim 3, wherein said receiving members extend from said transversal members.

5) The support device of claim 2, wherein said blocking structure comprises a space adapted to receive the king post of a truss.

6) The support device of claim 2, wherein said blocking structure comprises a first blocking structure and a second blocking structure, said blocking structures extending on each side of the king post of a truss. 7) The support device of claim 1, wherein said recesses comprises a first edge that is angulated.

8) The support device of claim 1, wherein said recesses comprises a second edge that is angulated.

9) The support device of claim 1, wherein said recesses have the shape of an inverted truncated triangle. 10) The support device of claim 1, wherein said recesses further comprises a notch adapted to receive said truss.

1 l)The support device of claim 1, further comprising inclined plane between said recesses.

12) The support device of claim 1, further comprising supporting member extending downwardly from said supporting structure.

13) The support device of claim 1, further comprising openings to receive the forks of a fork truck or a crane.

14) The support device of claim 1, further comprising a locking device for securing the forks of a fork truck or a crane. 15) The support device of claim 13, wherein said locking device is a chain,

16) The support device of claim 1, wherein said support device comprise a material selected from the group consisting of metal, construction grade plastics, composite materials, and the like.

17) The support device of claim 1, wherein said support device comprise a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, iron and alloys and combinations of such metals. 18) A support device for truss system comprising:

a) a supporting structure comprising:

i) a pair of first members;

ii) a plurality of transversal members being transversal to said first member; b) at least two receiving members extending from said transversal members, said receiving members comprising a plurality of recess adapted to receive trusses, said recesses being distanced at a predetermined distance.

19) The support device of claim 18, further comprising at least a blocking structure comprising: a) first blocking member extending parallely to said receiving member and connected to said transversal members;

b) a plurality of second blocking members extending downwardly from said first blocking member;

c) third blocking member extending parallely to said receiving member and connected to said second blocking members.

20) The support device of claim 19, wherein said blocking structure comprises a first blocking structure and a second blocking structure, and further comprising a space between said first structure and said second structure, said space being adapted to receive the king post of a truss.

21) The support device of claim 18, wherein said recesses comprises a first edge that is angulated.

22) The support device of claim 18, wherein said recesses comprises a second edge that is angulated.

23) The support device of claim 18, wherein said recesses have the shape of an inverted truncated triangle.

24) The support device of claim 18, wherein said recesses further comprises a notch adapted to receive said truss. 25) The support device of claim 18, further comprising inclined plane between said recesses.

26) The support device of claim 18, further comprising supporting member extending downwardly from said supporting structure.

27) The support device of claim 18, further comprising openings to receive the forks of a fork truck or a crane. 28) The support device of claim 18, further comprising a locking device for securing the forks of a fork truck or a crane.

29) The support device of claim 28, wherein said locking device is a chain,

30) The support device of claim 18, wherein said support device comprise a material selected from the group consisting of metal, construction grade plastics, composite materials, and the like.

31) The support device of claim 18, wherein said support device comprise a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, iron and alloys and combinations of such metals.

32) A method of constructing and moving a truss system using a support device for truss system, said support device comprising a supporting structure on which extend at least two receiving members, said receiving members comprising a plurality recesses adapted to received trusses, said method comprising the steps of:

a) placing said support device in front of trusses;

b) placing said trusses in said recesses;

c) constructing said truss system;

d) moving said truss system supported by said support device on the top surface of walls of a building; and

e) removing said support device from said truss system.

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