US 2011/0252732 A1 · Contraction and expansion management (CEM) joint

Abstract

As ambient conditions change around a truss structure, such as a wooden truss in an attic, webs of the truss are affected by changes of moisture and temperature in the air. As the end-grain of the webs expand and contract, a contraction and expansion management (CEM) joint minimizes unwanted expansion and contraction in the truss chord. An elastic layer such as an elastomer in the CEM joint absorbs expansion while plates around the CEM joint maintain rigidity of the chord, keeping it secure to the walls. As the moisture and temperature in the attic decrease, the end-grain of the truss returns to its original state.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A truss having an expansion joint situated in a member of the truss, the truss comprising:

a. at least one chord member and at least one web member;
b. an expansion joint situated in a truss member, the expansion joint comprising
i. a receptacle segment comprising
1. a protective layer;
2. an elastic layer;
and
3. a sleeve secured to the receptacle segment and extending outward;
ii. an insertion segment comprising an end portion that fits into the sleeve of the receptacle segment;
and
iii. a means for attaching the insertion segment to the receptacle segment.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Contraction and expansion management (CEM) joint

Life of this patent

Contraction and expansion management (CEM) joint

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19