Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Openwork; e.g. – truss – trellis – grille – screen – frame – or... – Components adjustably or collapsibly connected
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-19
2001-11-27
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Openwork; e.g., truss, trellis, grille, screen, frame, or...
Components adjustably or collapsibly connected
C052S646000, C052S650100, C052S641000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321501
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention concerns trusses used to provide temporary support structures, such as used in exhibitions for supporting displays, lighting, etc., or in concerts or theaters for sound equipment, sets, etc.
Such temporary applications make ease in assembly and disassembly of the trusses important. Since the trusses are often transported to different sites, their bulkiness is a distinct disadvantage.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,626 describes such trusses which are nesting to be stackable, saving space. However, the one open side reduces stiffness, and the stacked trusses while taking up less room than closed trusses, the stackable trusses are still bulky.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,371,458 shows end to end attachments for three sided trusses which can be quickly installed.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,839,123 shows a boatswain's chair frame which can be disassembled by tedious removal of threaded fasteners.
However, such a truss which is quickly collapsible for storage has not heretofore been provided.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a truss of the type described which is quickly and readily collapsible for easy transport, can also be quickly reconfigured into to the truss structure. It is a further object to provide such trusses which can be quickly and easily assembled to each other in a stacked configuration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above recited object as well as others which will be understood upon a reading of the following specification and claims are achieved by a three sided truss, with a central framework section hingedly connected to the two outboard framework sections along a respective sides of the central section. The two outboard sections are adapted to be connected along one side to each other by a quick release connection to form a rigid three sided truss with the central section. The quick release connection comprises cupped, partial sleeve pieces attached to the end of each of a series of cross members forming a part of one of the outboard sections which can be swung together on collars fitted on a lengthwise elongated member of the central section. The partial sleeve pieces are received onto a lengthwise elongated member forming the free side of the other outboard section, when the other outboard section swung towards the one outboard section on sleeves fit on another lengthwise elongated member forming the other side of the central section.
The quick release connection includes a locking mechanism comprising spring loaded locking pins mounted in the ends of the cross members, which pins can be inserted into aligned holes extending through the partial sleeves and the mating elongated member. This locks the two outboard sections together to form a rigid, three sided truss.
The pins may be retracted and latched to enable quick disconnection to allow the outboard sections outwardly to collapse the truss.
The ends of the lengthwise elongated members have interfitting pin and socket parts, with a tethered pin insertable in aligned cross holes through the pin and socket for an end-to-end connection.
A “D” retainer clip retains the pin in its inserted position to prevent unintended withdrawal of the pin.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3371458 (1968-03-01), Sturgill
patent: 4620405 (1986-11-01), Melland
patent: 4829739 (1989-05-01), Coppa
patent: 5205101 (1993-04-01), Swan
patent: 5390463 (1995-02-01), Sollner
patent: 5822945 (1998-10-01), Muller
patent: 6026626 (2000-02-01), Fisher
patent: 6076770 (2000-06-01), Nygren
patent: 6082068 (2000-07-01), Fisher
Benefiel John R.
Stephan Beth A.
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