Metal Roof Truss Connector Assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a metal roof bracket and hip plate assembly used to connect up to three truss or support members with a metal roof truss. This novel means of connection, which may well utilize the co-pending application's novel connection method, provides a more efficient means of assembly than the traditional assembly techniques. The bracket allows the support member to be held by the hip plate while aligning the bracket into a position where it may be mounted thereto. It also allows for the support member to be rotated into a desired position before fixing.

1 . A connector assembly for roof truss members, said connector assembly comprising:
 a first member including two parallel and spaced apart longitudinal surfaces having a pair of inwardly pressed and transversely aligned sections associated with an end thereof;   a second member including two parallel and spaced apart longitudinal surfaces having a pair of inwardly pressed and transversely aligned sections at a predetermined position along the length of said second member;   said first and second members adapted to be connected by way of engagement of said first member pressed sections within said second member pressed sections, whereby said first and second members are allowed to rotate relative to one another, said first member further being lockable at a predetermined angle relative to said first member by applying an inward force on said engaging pressed sections;   a hollow spacer configured to be insertable between said parallel sides of said first member to thereby maintain said spaced apart relationship thereof despite application of said inward force, said hollow spacer having ends of a cross-sectional size slightly greater than said pressed sections; and   locating means for maintaining said hollow spacer in a position wherein opposed ends thereof substantially surround said internally pressed sections, wherein said locating means is in the form of an insert located within said hollow spacer, said insert having a length that corresponds to said spaced apart distance between said pressed sections and having ends that correspond to the cross-sectional size of said pressed sections to thereby maintain said spacer in position around said pressed section.   
     
     
         2 . The connector assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each of said pressed sections include a central aperture such that when two pairs of pressed sections engage one another, said central apertures become coaxially aligned. 
     
     
         3 . The connector assembly of  claim 2 , wherein said second member is rotatable relative to said first member about a shaft adapted to extend through said coaxial apertures. 
     
     
         4 . The connector assembly of  claim 3 , wherein said connector assembly further includes guide means which allows said shaft to be guided through said coaxially aligned apertures. 
     
     
         5 . The connector assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said insert further includes said guide means in the form of an aperture extending through the insert which, when assembled, becomes coaxially aligned with said central apertures thereby providing a path for said shaft to extend through. 
     
     
         6 . The connector assembly of  claim 3 , wherein said shaft is in the form of a bolt which, when tightened, provides said inward force. 
     
     
         7 . The connector assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said pressed sections are circular and said spacer is cylindrical. 
     
     
         8 . The connector assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said second member comprises a top of a bottom chord of a roof truss. 
     
     
         9 . The connector assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said first member comprises a web chord of a roof truss. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled)