Folding truss
AssigneeJer Manufacturing, Inc.
InventorTerry L. Mitchell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The specification discloses a structural connector for pivotally connecting two support members to form a folding truss. The support members can be pivoted with respect to the connector between collapsed and extended positions. The connector includes a generally planar body, a locator tab extending from the body and secured between the support members when in their extended position to orient the connector with respect to the connector, and spring clips extending from the body to lock the support members in their extended position. In an alternative embodiment, the connector includes two of the locator tabs to maintain the support members in spaced relation so that a ridge member can be positioned therebetween.
Claims4
An improved folding truss including a connector and first and second support members each pivotally connected to the connector whereby the support members can be pivoted between collapsed and extended positions, wherein the improvement comprises the connector comprising:
- a body having a generally planar portion to which said first and second support members are pivotally connected;
- a locator member extending generally perpendicularly from said body to abut at least one of said first and second support members when said support members are in their extended position for orienting said connector into a desired relation with respect to said one support member;
- and
- detent means supported by said body for locking said first and second support members in their extended position, said locator member and said detent means cooperating to maintain said first and second support members in fixed relation to said connector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.