Truss connector brace

Abstract

The present invention relates to a truss connector brace for facilitating the installation of a roof truss by sliding the brace and connecting it to the truss. The truss connector brace includes a first end bracket, a second end bracket, and an intermediate member connecting the first end bracket and the second end bracket. Each of the first and second brackets has a connecting portion arranged to join the end bracket to the intermediate member, a first attachment portion having a first surface and an opposite second surface, where the first surface and the second surface define a first attachment plane, a second attachment portion connected to the first attachment portion, the second attachment portion having a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface and the second surface defining a second attachment plane arranged at an angle different from 0° with respect to the first attachment plane, and a positioning portion connected to the second attachment portion, the positioning portion having a first positioning surface, a second positioning surface, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a tip point arranged in a tip plane parallel to the first attachment plane, the tip plane being arranged at a distance from the first attachment plane, and the tip portion being arranged at a distance from the second attachment plane. Further, the present invention relates to a system for installing a truss for a roof structure and a method of manufacturing an end bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a truss connector brace that facilitates the installation of a roof truss by sliding the brace and connecting it to the truss. Further, the present invention relates to a system for installing a truss for a roof structure and a method of manufacturing an end bracket.

Background Art

[0002] A truss brace is known to hold a truss in a predetermined position when installing the truss. Generally, the truss brace is attached by a worker when the truss is in an upright position. At this time, a worker, such as a carpenter, has to climb onto the truss to attach the brace. For a carpenter, this means working at a height above the ground, thus meaning a significant accident risk for the worker. Thus, this also requires multiple safety measures, which takes time to implement and is thus relatively costly.

[0003] Other systems for installing trusses are known, and the systems include a temporary connector or brace, or a system with a complex locking mechanism. However, these systems are attached to the truss to facilitate the erection or installation of the truss, but need to be removed after installation because the shape and size of the system generally extend beyond the attachment plane of the truss, thus hindering the subsequent installation of the roof of the structure (such as a house, building, etc.). Generally, these systems are for holding the truss at a predetermined distance during the installation operation to ensure the correct spacing of the trusses during installation. Thereafter, the worker attaches a permanent truss brace and permanently joins the truss in the correct position. Once the permanent truss brace is installed, the worker must remove the temporary brace to complete the installation of the truss.

[0004] Therefore, the worker needs to bring a specific connector brace of the correct length to the site. Thus, for a specific building that requires a specific distance between trusses and thus a brace of a specific length, instead of stocking a large quantity of connector braces, connectors are purchased.

[0005] Therefore, by using a temporary system for installing the trusses, the installation process of the trusses becomes somewhat easier, but it is necessary to increase the man-hours to enable the use of the system. It is well known that the availability of workers and / or materials is limited, and it is important not only to limit the use of materials but also to promote the most efficient working process for the workers.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to address the above-mentioned drawbacks and difficulties of the prior art. More specifically, the present invention provides an improved truss connector brace that promotes a safer working environment for carpenters during installation, while at the same time enabling the permanent support of the strength and integrity of the roof structure, thereby shortening the time required to install the trusses of a building.

[0007] The truss connector brace according to the present invention can be adjusted in its full length in a simple manner.

[0008] Numerous other aspects, advantages, and features that will become apparent from the following description are addressed by the truss connector brace according to the present invention. For example, by sliding the brace to connect to the truss, the installation of the roof truss is facilitated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In a first aspect of the present invention, the truss connector brace is a first end bracket, a second end bracket, and An intermediate member that connects the first end bracket and the second end bracket, and each of the first and second brackets has A connection part arranged to join the end bracket to the intermediate member, A first attachment part having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side, wherein the first surface and the second surface define a first attachment plane, the first attachment part; A second attachment part connected to the first attachment part, the second attachment part having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface defining a second attachment plane arranged at an angle different from 0° with respect to the first attachment plane, the second attachment part; A positioning part connected to the second attachment part, the positioning part having a first positioning surface, a second positioning surface and a tip part, the tip part including a tip point arranged on a tip plane parallel to the first attachment plane, the tip plane being arranged at a distance from the first attachment plane, and the tip part being arranged at a distance from the second attachment plane, the positioning part; Comprising.

[0010] In this way, the truss is installed in a way that does not require the worker installing the truss to move towards the tip of the truss to fix the truss. The attachment part ensures that the truss connector brace is firmly connected to the truss. The positioning part makes it easy for the worker to install the truss without climbing onto the truss and guiding the truss connector brace to a predetermined position, that is, without connecting the first truss to the second truss. This is because during the installation of the truss, the positioning part causes the truss connector brace to automatically come to the correct position, that is, the position where the attachment part contacts the truss and keeps the truss in a predetermined position. The positioning part makes it easy to guide the unconnected end bracket of the truss connector brace, that is, the end bracket that contacts the already installed truss, so that the attachment part contacts the installed truss. This is achieved both when sliding the truss to a predetermined position and when rotating the truss to a predetermined position.

[0011] The truss may be installed either in a rotary or a sliding manner. When using the truss connector brace according to the present invention, when it comes to a completely upright position, it is locked to another truss. Depending on the size of the truss, in some cases, the worker may directly handle the truss manually by rotating or sliding it, while in other cases, the truss may be lifted by a crane. In any case, the truss connector brace automatically ensures that when the free end of the truss connector brace slides on the previous truss and is finally connected to the previous truss, the truss is firmly fixed to the previous truss. By positioning the tip below the general plane of the first connection part, it becomes easy to leave the truss connector brace on the truss and make it part of the permanent structure of the roof. This is made possible by the fact that the truss connector brace according to the present invention, despite directly facilitating the automatic interlock between two trusses during installation / erection, does not pose a risk of damaging the roof element attached to the truss at the tip. This can be a heat insulation material, various types of roof substrates, or a vapor barrier depending on the specific stacking of the roof. A cloth or plastic roof substrate has a high risk of damage over time if the tip of the roof substrate is in contact with the roof substrate. Generally, the overall characteristics of the roof substrate largely depend on the roof substrate being a barrier without holes, so it is extremely important that there is no risk of such holes occurring over time. The truss connector brace according to the present invention does not need to be adjusted after installing the truss using the truss connector brace. Since the truss connector brace is initially connected to one of the two trusses to be connected, high safety is ensured not only during the installation work but also after the actual installation work. Therefore, high safety is achieved both for the worker during the installation work and for the integrity of the roof structure after installation.

[0012] This means that the truss connector brace may be a permanent connector brace, meaning that it does not need to be removed after the brace is installed. The truss connector brace of the present invention contributes to the overall stability of the permanent structure and adds strength to the permanent structure. Therefore, there are no temporary members that must be removed, and the truss brace can be fixed in place after the truss is installed, so the installation time of the truss can be shortened.

[0013] Furthermore, the tip end of the positioning portion is disposed on the tip plane, and the tip plane is disposed parallel to the first attachment plane at a distance from the first attachment plane, and the distance is measured perpendicular to the first attachment plane in a direction parallel to the second attachment plane and along the second attachment portion.

[0014] By doing so, the tip plane comes to be located below the upper surface, that is, the first surface of the attachment portion. Therefore, there is no risk of the tip end damaging the base, and the long-term durability of the roof is ensured.

[0015] Furthermore, the tip end in the attachment state of the truss connector brace may be located within a plane that is 0.1 to 50 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 30 mm, and even more preferably 1 to 10 mm from the first attachment plane when measured perpendicular to the first attachment plane.

[0016] By doing so, the tip end of the positioning portion does not damage the materials of the roof structure, such as the seismic isolation material, the fiber material, and other covering materials. Therefore, when installing the truss, it is possible to use not only the truss connector bracket but also an integral member of the permanent roof structure.

[0017] Furthermore, the second attachment portion may be disposed at an angle of 85 to 95° with respect to the plane of the first attachment portion.

[0018] By doing so, the second attachment portion can firmly grip the periphery of the truss. Furthermore, the level of slippage and play in the structure can be adjusted according to specific requirements.

[0019] Furthermore, the connecting portion may further include at least a first positioning wall portion disposed substantially perpendicular to the second surface of the connecting portion.

[0020] By doing so, the longitudinal axis of the intermediate member is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the end bracket. By having exactly one side wall, it becomes easier to make the intermediate member wider and smaller than the width of the connecting portion.

[0021] Furthermore, the second end bracket may be the same as the first end bracket.

[0022] By doing so, the end brackets can be manufactured on the same machine using exactly the same tools. Therefore, the manufacturing cost is reduced and the risk of assembly errors on site is eliminated.

[0023] Also, the intermediate member may be made of a material different from that of the end bracket.

[0024] By doing so, the intermediate member can be directly formed and adjusted on site, and is, for example, wood, wood fiber, plastic, or a similar product whose length can be adjusted at the construction site. Not only is that possible, but since the tools are common, the on-site workers will always have the tools necessary to perform the adjustment. Therefore, since a truss connector brace of the appropriate length can be obtained directly on site, logistics is simplified. Different metals with different properties may also be regarded as "different materials". For example, when using a metal batten as the intermediate member.

[0025] Furthermore, each end bracket may be formed of one galvanized metal piece, that is, formed of a single galvanized metal piece.

[0026] By doing so, it is possible to realize a robust end bracket that is very strong against various weather conditions.

[0027] Furthermore, the positioning portion may be inclined with respect to the second attachment portion, follow a curve, or follow a combination of an inclined and curved outer shape.

[0028] By doing so, the positioning portion has the property of supporting the installation of the truss by sliding the truss to a predetermined position on the bearing until the unconnected end bracket slides on the previous truss, i.e., the already installed truss / previous truss. Furthermore, with the help of the combination of the inclined outer shape and the curved outer shape of the positioning portion, the truss to be installed can also be installed by rotating it around a point on the bearing, for example, by rotating it around the positioning bracket used as a stopping portion, whereby when positioning the unconnected end bracket, it can be made to contact the previous truss by following a path that is part of a circle.

[0029] Furthermore, the connecting portion and the first and / or second attachment portions may be provided with holes arranged to receive fastening means such as screws or nails.

[0030] By providing holes in the connecting portion, the connecting portion, and thus the end bracket, can be firmly connected to the intermediate member. Furthermore, by providing holes in the attachment portions, the first and / or second attachment portions can be fixed to the truss. In this way, the end bracket is connected to the truss, whereby the truss connector brace is firmly connected to the truss.

[0031] Furthermore, the tip point of the positioning portion in the attached state of the truss connector brace can be arranged at a distance from both the first attachment plane and the second attachment plane.

[0032] In this way, the tip end is positioned at a point that facilitates the positioning portion to easily slide the end bracket to a predetermined position. In particular, at the first stage of the sliding process, the tip end is reliably lifted to such an extent that the positioning portion can slide on the truss where the unconnected end bracket is to be attached.

[0033] Also, the connecting portion and / or the first attachment portion may have an embossed area.

[0034] By doing so, the flexural resistance of the connecting portion and / or the first attachment portion is improved. Therefore, it becomes possible to control the line where the bracket bends.

[0035] Furthermore, the second surface of the connecting portion and / or the first surface of the attachment portion may be provided with a stopping portion for positioning the intermediate member with respect to the end bracket.

[0036] By doing so, the space between the ends of the intermediate member facing the second attachment portion becomes sufficient to receive the full width of the truss. By providing the stopping portion, it becomes unnecessary for the operator to measure the dimensions, thereby minimizing the risk of mismeasurement. The stopping portion may be a protruding portion pushed out from the connecting portion or the first attachment portion. The stopping portion may be a protruding portion in the form of a perforated hinge portion.

[0037] In one embodiment, at least one positioning wall may be provided with a stopping portion. In this way, the intermediate member is positioned at a desired distance from the second surface of the second attachment portion. As a result, the truss will be inserted between the end surface of the intermediate member, that is, the end face, and the second surface of the second attachment portion.

[0038] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for installing a truss for a roof structure, the system comprising a truss connector brace, and the system further comprising one or more positioning brackets arranged to position the heel of the truss during installation of the truss.

[0039] In this way, the movement of the truss can be easily controlled during the installation of the truss. In particular, when the truss is rotated to install the truss, since the heel of the truss is stopped by the positioning bracket, the worker only needs to rotate the truss.

[0040] Finally, the present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an end bracket, and the manufacturing process is carried out in a multi-stage drilling process.

[0041] Hereinafter, the present invention and many of its advantages will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which illustrate several non-limiting embodiments for illustrative purposes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042]

Figure 1A

[0043]

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

[0044]

Figure 1D

[0045]

Figure 2

[0046]

Figure 3

[0047]

Figure 4

[0048]

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 5D

Figure 5E

Figure 5F

[0049]

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 6C

Figure 6D

Figure 6E

Figure 6F

Figure 6G

[0050]

Figure 7

[0051] All figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, showing only the parts necessary to illustrate the invention, with other parts omitted or merely suggested.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Figure 1A shows the truss connector brace 1, and Figures 1B - 1D show the details of the truss connector brace 1.

[0053] Figure 1A shows the truss connector brace 1, which is for facilitating the installation of the roof truss by sliding the brace 1 to connect with the truss. The truss connector brace 1 includes a first end bracket 2, a second end bracket 3, and an intermediate member 4 connecting the first end bracket 2 and the second end bracket 3. In Figure 1A, the longitudinal direction LD and the transverse direction TD of the truss connector brace 1 are shown. The longitudinal and transverse directions LD, TD apply to both the truss connector brace 1, the intermediate member 4, and each of the end brackets 2, 3. Further, in Figure 1A, it is shown that the first and second end brackets 2, 3 are identical. By manufacturing more of the same product, the manufacturing cost is reduced, and also, since they are identical, there is no risk of using the wrong end bracket. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the intermediate member 4 is made of a material different from the end brackets 2, 3. The intermediate member 4 may be made of wood (for example, by turning). However, it should be understood that the intermediate member may be made of a wide variety of materials including wood, metal, plastic, or composite materials.

[0054] In FIGS. 1B to 1D, each of the first and second brackets 2, 3 includes a connection portion 5 arranged to join the end bracket to an intermediate member (not shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C), and a first attachment portion 6 having a first surface 7 and an opposite second surface 8, and the first and second surfaces 7, 8 are shown to define a first attachment plane FMP. Further, it has a second attachment portion 9 connected to the first attachment portion 6, the second attachment portion 9 has a first surface 10 and a second surface 11, and the first and second surfaces 10, 11 define a second attachment plane SMP arranged at an angle different from 0° with respect to the first attachment plane FMP. Further, the end bracket includes a positioning portion 12 connected to the second attachment portion 9, the positioning portion 12 has a first positioning surface 13 and a second positioning surface 14, and a tip portion 15 including a tip point 16 arranged on a tip plane TP, the tip plane TP is parallel to the first attachment plane FMP, the tip plane TP is arranged at a distance d1 from the first attachment plane FMP, and the tip portion 15 is arranged at a distance d2 from the second attachment plane SMP. The planes FMP and SMP are planes located between the first surface and the second surface of the respective portions 6, 9. With such a definition, even if the portion has embossing or an imperfect surface, a substantially flat plane can be obtained.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1B, the connection portion 5 and the first attachment portion 6 are provided with holes 19 for receiving fastening means such as screws and nails. In one embodiment, the second attachment portion 9 may also be provided with holes 19 for screws and nails (shown only in FIG. 1D). FIGS. 1A to 1D show that the end bracket has an embossing region 18 for reinforcing the end bracket. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection portion 5 and the first attachment portion 6 have the embossing region 18. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the embossing region may be limited to either the connection portion or the attachment portion. The embossing region 18 increases the resistance to bending of the portion having the embossing.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1C, it can be considered that the positioning portion has a general positioning surface GPP defined by the entire range of the positioning portion 12. This means that even when the tip portion 15 and the remaining portion of the positioning portion are arranged at an angle to each other, a general (common) surface named the general positioning surface can be defined. In FIG. 1D, it is shown that the tip portion 15 is arranged at an angle of about 45° with respect to the remaining portion of the positioning portion, thereby defining a tip plane TSP. In an embodiment, the tip portion 15 may be substantially equal to the remaining portion of the positioning portion, that is, it should be understood that the positioning portion 12 is substantially flat or has a uniform radius along the length of the positioning portion. It is shown that the second attachment plane SMP and the first attachment plane FMP have a common intersection line in space. Similarly, the general positioning surface GPP has a common intersection line with the first attachment plane FMP and the second attachment plane SMP.

[0057] FIG. 1D shows a side view of the end bracket 2 in the attached state, that is, the state in which the end bracket 2 is connected to an intermediate member 4, such as a slate or a similar piece of wood. The end bracket 2 is disposed on the truss 20 and thus connects the truss 20 and the truss connector brace 1 (only one end bracket is shown). It is shown that the intermediate member 4 is connected to the connection portion 5 of the end bracket by screws 26. Further, at this attachment position of the truss connector brace 1, the end bracket is fixed to the truss 20 by screws 26 inserted into holes (not shown) in the attachment portion. The screws 26 are inserted into holes 19 (not shown). It is shown that the positioning portion 12 having the tip portion 15 is inclined with respect to the second attachment portion. It should be understood that in an embodiment, the positioning portion can also follow a curved outer shape or a combination of an inclined outer shape and a curved outer shape.

[0058] In FIG. 1D, further, in this embodiment, it is shown that the tip point 16 of the positioning portion is disposed on a surface different from both the first and second attachment planes FMP, SMP. In this embodiment, it is shown that the tip portion 15 at this attachment position is disposed on a surface different from both the first and second attachment planes FMP, SMP. FIG. 1D further shows that the tip point 16 in the attachment situation of the truss connector brace is located on the tip plane TP at a distance of 0.1 to 50 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 30 mm, and even more preferably 1 to 10 mm, measured perpendicularly to the first attachment plane FMP from the first attachment plane FMP. It is understood that the tip plane TP is positioned, that is, the tip point 16 is located at a distance d1 in the direction from the second surface 8 of the first attachment portion 6. The second attachment portion 9 is disposed at an angle α of 85 to 95° with respect to the first attachment plane FMP, that is, with respect to the first attachment portion 6. In the attached state, the truss acting on the truss connector brace 1, that is, the force f from the roof structure, mainly acts along the longitudinal direction LD (shown in FIG. 1A) of the truss connector brace 1.

[0059] FIGS. 1A to 1C show that the connection portion 5 of the end brackets 2, 3 has at least a first positioning wall 17 portion disposed substantially perpendicular to the second surface of the connection portion 5. The first positioning wall 17 makes it easier for the intermediate member 4 to be positioned with respect to the end bracket. In one embodiment, the connection portion of the end bracket may include two partition walls.

[0060] End brackets 2 and 3 are each formed of one metal piece, i.e., formed of a single metal piece. However, it should be understood that the brackets can be made of plastic or composite materials. In the illustrated embodiment of end brackets 2 and 3, the connection portion 5 includes a stop portion 25 for positioning the intermediate member 4 with respect to the end brackets. In this way, the intermediate member 4 may be pressed against the stop portion 25, and an operator connecting the end brackets 2 and 3 and the intermediate member 4 can know that the distance between the end face 21 of the intermediate member and the second face 11 of the second attachment portion 9 is correct at the attachment position. The correct distance is in relation to the thickness of the truss 20, i.e., in relation to the distance between the first face 22 of the truss 20 and the second face 23 on the opposite side of the truss 20.

[0061] Figure 2 shows a truss 20 having two connected truss connector braces 1. Before lifting the truss to a predetermined position and then rotating or sliding it from there to an installation position, the truss connector brace is connected to the truss 20 at one end. In this way, an operator can safely connect the truss connector brace 1 to the truss to be installed while the truss is still on the ground, and then use the truss connector brace to install the truss. Thus, in this situation, it can be seen that the truss connector brace 1 connected to the truss 20 has an end bracket 3 connected to the truss 20 and an end bracket 2 that is not yet connected to the truss. It should be understood that the unconnected end bracket 2 is identical to the previously described end bracket 2, similar to the previously described end bracket 3.

[0062] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a roof structure 30 comprising a number of trusses 20 and truss connector braces 1. For ease of understanding, the trusses are denoted as 20', but their assembly is exactly the same as that of the other trusses 20. The inclined truss 20' is about to be installed, i.e., about to be erected in a fully upright position. Thus, in this situation, it can be seen that the truss connector brace 1' connected to the inclined truss 20' has an end bracket 3 connected to the truss 20' and an unconnected end bracket 2' that is not yet connected to the truss 20. The end bracket 2' that is not yet connected to the truss is named the unconnected end bracket 2'. However, it should be understood that the unconnected end bracket 2' is identical to the end bracket 3 described above, just like the end bracket 2 described earlier. The truss 20' is in the process of being rotated and thereby connected to the already installed truss 20. The truss connector brace 1' and the positioning bracket 31 arranged to stop the heel 32 of the truss 20' form a system for installing the truss. When the system has the positioning bracket 31 and the truss connector brace 1 is arranged to be connected to the previous truss 20 by rotation or sliding, the safety of the worker handling the truss during the installation process is significantly improved.

[0063] Figure 4 is a side view of the state of Figure 3 where the truss connector brace 1 is connected to the truss 20' by the end bracket 3 and the truss connector brace 1 having the unconnected bracket 2'. It is shown that the truss 20' is rotating in the direction of the installation arrow EA at the heel 32 of the truss 20'. The heel 32 contacts the positioning bracket 31 fixed to the bearing 35. Since the positioning bracket 31 stops the truss 20' from sliding on the bearing 35, when the truss 20' is rotated in the direction of the installation arrow EA, the unconnected end bracket 2' contacts the previously erected truss 20, and the truss 20' and the previously erected truss 20 are connected. It is understood that the positioning bracket 31 may be present at both heels 32.

[0064] Figures 5A to 5F sequentially show the installation process when the truss 20' is rotated and connected to the truss 20 via the truss connector brace 1. Figure 5A is a perspective view of the initial state showing the connection process. Figures 5B to 5F are side views showing the stages of the installation process, that is, the process of rotating the truss to be installed and connecting the two trusses.

[0065] Figure 5B is at the same position as shown in Figure 5A. In Figure 5B, the unconnected bracket 2' has not yet contacted the truss 20. However, it can be seen that the unconnected end bracket 2' has sufficient space to receive the truss 20 between the end face 21 of the intermediate member 4 and the second attachment portion 9.

[0066] In Figure 5C, the unconnected end bracket 2' contacts the truss 20 due to the rotation of the truss 20' around the heel point (not shown). Although the rotation process is not yet complete, since the unconnected end bracket 2' is in contact with the truss 20, the first movement direction of the unconnected end bracket 2' starts along the first movement direction indicated by the arrow FDM, that is, the longitudinal direction of the truss connector brace 1. This process continues in Figure 5D, and the unconnected end bracket 2' continues to slide on the upper surface of the truss 20 due to the continuous rotation of the truss 20'.

[0067] Figure 5E shows the position of the truss connector brace 1, where the positioning portion 12 and the second attachment portion 9 pass through the truss 20, and the unconnected end bracket 2' is positioned so as to start moving in the second moving direction indicated by the arrow SDM. When the unconnected end bracket 2' starts to move in the direction of the arrow SDM, that is, the second moving direction, the unconnected end bracket 2' combined with the end of the intermediate member 4 starts to connect the truss connector brace 1 to the truss 20 by the sliding of the truss located between the second attachment portion and the end face 21 of the intermediate member 4. In this embodiment, the intermediate member 4 has a cross-sectional dimension larger than the area of the second attachment portion 9. Therefore, the end face 21 functions as a stop portion, thereby stopping the movement of the truss connector brace 1 in the first moving direction FDM. Since the truss 20' has not yet fully rotated to its upright position, if the rotation of the truss 20' continues, the movement of the unconnected end bracket 2' will continue. Due to the sliding and / or flexibility in the truss connector brace 1, for example, in brackets 2' and 3, the truss connector brace can increase the angle between the two second attachment portions 9 of the end brackets 2' and 3 by up to 5°. In this way, when the end bracket 2' is positioned to move in the second moving direction, that is, along the position depicted in Figure 5E, the truss connector brace 1 can surely position itself in a predetermined position.

[0068] Finally, as shown in Figure 5F, the rotation process is completed, and the unconnected end bracket 2' is at its end position, that is, the position where the first and second attachment portions are substantially in contact with the truss 20. At this position, the unconnected end bracket 2' may be fixed to the truss 20 by nails or screws using the holes (not visible - see Figure 1D) of the first attachment portion.

[0069] Similar to the rotation process shown in Figures 5A - 5F, it is possible to connect two trusses by sliding the truss along the bearing 35 using the truss connector brace 1 according to the present invention.

[0070] Figures 6A - 6G illustrate the installation process step - by - step when sliding the truss 20' along the bearing 35 and connecting it to the truss 20 via the truss connector brace 1. Figure 6A is a perspective view of the initial state showing the connection process. The truss 20' to be installed is in a substantially upright position, and the positioning bracket is installed at a desired distance from the already - installed truss 20. The distance from the positioning bracket 31 to the already - installed truss 20 should be the same as the length of the truss connector brace 1, and it is understood that this length is measured between the second attachment portions of each end bracket 2', 3. In this way, the truss 20' will be in a completely upright position when finally installed. Figures 6B - 6G show side views of the steps of the attachment process, that is, the process of connecting the two trusses by sliding the truss 20' to be installed along the bearing 35.

[0071] Figure 6B is at the same position as shown in Figure 6A, and at this position, the unconnected end bracket 2' has not yet contacted the truss 20. However, it can be seen that the unconnected end bracket 2' has sufficient space to receive the truss 20 between the end face 21 of the intermediate member 4 and the second attachment portion 9.

[0072] In FIG. 6C, the unconnected end bracket 2' contacts the truss 20 by sliding the truss 20' in the first moving direction indicated by the arrow FDM. The movement in the first direction indicated by the arrow FDM is a movement along the longitudinal direction of the truss connector brace 1 (see FIG. 1A). The truss 20' is slid along a bearing 35 (not shown). The tip of the positioning portion contacts the truss 20, and due to the inclined and / or curved outer shape of the positioning portion, the end bracket 2' is moved in the second moving direction indicated by the arrow SDM. This means that the second surface 14 of the positioning portion 12 of the unconnected end bracket 2' slides on the truss 20 and lifts the unconnected end bracket 2'. The unconnected end bracket 2' is moved in the second moving direction SDM, that is, the unconnected end bracket 2' is lifted, and thus the entire free end of the truss connector brace 1 is lifted. It should be understood that the term "free end" is defined as the end that is not in a position having the first and second attachment portions that are substantially in contact with the truss. The positioning portion 12 is elastically connected to the second attachment portion 9 in order to provide a smooth transition during the movement in the first direction FDM when in contact with the truss 20, and during the movement in both the first and second directions FDM and SDM.

[0073] The sliding movement in the first direction, that is, the direction of the arrow FDM, is continued in FIG. 6D, and it is shown that the unconnected end bracket 2' is completely positioned on the top of the truss 20. From the situation of FIG. 6C to the situation of FIG. 6D, the unconnected end bracket 2' is forced to slide along the second surface of the positioning portion 12. From this position, the unconnected end bracket 2' does not move further in the second moving direction SDM and continues to move in the first moving direction FDM. The continuous movement in the first moving direction FDM can be seen in FIG. 6E, where the unconnected end bracket 2' slides across the upper surface of the truss and now the unconnected end bracket 2' is located on the opposite side of the truss 20.

[0074] Figure 6F shows the position of the truss connector brace 1, where the positioning part 12 and the second attachment part 9 pass through the truss 20, and the unconnected end bracket 2' is positioned to start moving in the third moving direction indicated by the arrow TDM. The third moving direction TDM is opposite to the second moving direction SDM. When the unconnected end bracket 2' starts to move in the direction of the arrow TDM, that is, the third moving direction, the unconnected end bracket 2' combined with the end 21 of the intermediate member 4 starts to connect the truss connector brace 1 and the truss 20 by the sliding of the truss located between the second attachment part and the end face 21 of the intermediate member 4. In this embodiment, the intermediate member 4 has a cross-sectional dimension larger than the area of the second attachment part 9. Therefore, the end face 21 functions as a stop, thereby stopping the movement of the truss connector brace 1 in the first moving direction FDM. Since the truss 20' is completely in the upright position, a force is applied to the unconnected end bracket 2' of the truss connector brace 1, which causes the unconnected end bracket 2' to continue moving in the third moving direction TDM. The truss connector brace can be positioned at the positions shown in FIGS. 6D to 6F due to the overall slippage or play and / or flexibility of the truss connector brace 1. The slippage or play and / or flexibility occurs, for example, from the brackets 2' and 3. Therefore, the truss connector brace 1 can increase the angle between the two second attachment parts 9 of the end brackets 2' and 3 by up to 5°. In this way, the truss connector brace 1 can position itself at a predetermined position when the unconnected end bracket 2' is positioned to move along the third moving direction TDM, that is, at the position depicted in FIG. 6F. In fact, at the position shown in FIG. 6F, the actual sliding process is completed, but the unconnected end bracket 2' is not yet shown in its final position. Therefore, when the second attachment part 9 of the unconnected end bracket 2' is slid over the truss 20, the unconnected end bracket 2' immediately starts to move in the third moving direction TDM, so the position shown in FIG. 6F is somewhat of a theoretical position.

[0075] Finally, as shown in FIG. 6G, the positioning process is completed, and the unconnected end bracket 2' is at its end position, i.e., the position where the first and second attachment portions 6, 9 are substantially in contact with the truss 20. At this position, the unconnected end bracket 2' may be fixed to the truss 20 with nails or screws using the holes (not visible) of the first attachment portion. Further, the heel of the truss may be fixed to a positioning bracket (not shown) with screws or nails.

[0076] FIG. 7 shows four trusses 20 connected by three truss connector braces 1. It should be noted that at the final position of the truss 20, there is no difference in position whether the truss is brought to the final position by a sliding process or a pivoting process. In other words, the final result using the truss connector brace 1 according to the present invention is the same regardless of the process to the final result.

[0077] The present invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some modifications can be made without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0078] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including the appended claims and drawings) can be replaced by alternative features that serve the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a general series of equivalent or similar features. Further, all of the features disclosed in this specification (including the appended claims and drawings), and / or all of the steps of the methods or processes so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0079] Accordingly, while many different embodiments of the present invention have been described with their preferred features, any one or more or all of the features recited, illustrated, and / or claimed in the appended claims may be used, in any embodiment, singly or in various combinations. Accordingly, any one or more of the features may be deleted, or may be replaced and / or added to any of the combinations of features recited, illustrated, and / or claimed. To avoid doubt, any one or more of the features of any embodiment may be combined with any other one or more of the features of any other of the embodiments, and / or used separately, in different embodiments.

[0080] Accordingly, the true scope of the present invention is what is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A truss connector brace (1) for facilitating the installation of a roof truss by sliding the brace and connecting it to the truss. The truss connector brace comprises: a first end bracket; a second end bracket; an intermediate member connecting the first end bracket and the second end bracket, wherein each of the first and second brackets comprises: a connection portion arranged to join the end bracket to the intermediate member; a first attachment portion having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the first surface and the second surface defining a first attachment plane; a second attachment portion connected to the first attachment portion, the second attachment portion having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface defining a second attachment plane arranged at an angle different from 0° with respect to the first attachment plane; a positioning portion connected to the second attachment portion, the positioning portion having a first positioning surface, a second positioning surface and a tip portion, the tip portion including a tip point arranged in a tip plane parallel to the first attachment plane, the tip plane being arranged at a distance from the first attachment plane, and the tip portion being arranged at a distance from the second attachment plane; A truss connector brace (1) comprising the above.

2. The tip point of the positioning portion is arranged in a tip plane (TP), the tip plane (TP) is arranged parallel to the first attachment plane at a distance (d1) from the first attachment plane, and the distance is measured perpendicular to the first attachment plane in a direction parallel to the second attachment plane and along the second attachment portion. The truss connector brace according to Claim 1.

3. In the mounting situation of the truss connector brace, the tip point (16) is located in a plane that is 0.1 to 50 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 30 mm, and even more preferably 1 to 10 mm from the first attachment plane when measured perpendicular to the first attachment plane. The truss connector brace according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The truss connector brace according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the second attachment portion is arranged at an angle of 85 to 95° with respect to the plane of the first attachment portion.

5. The truss connector brace according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connecting portion includes at least a first positioning wall portion arranged substantially perpendicular to the second surface of the connecting portion.

6. The truss connector brace according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second end bracket is the same as the first end bracket.

7. The truss connector brace according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the intermediate member is made of a material different from that of the end bracket.

8. The truss connector brace according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the end brackets is formed of one metal piece, that is, formed of a single metal piece.

9. The truss connector brace according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the positioning portion is inclined with respect to the second attachment portion, along a curve, or along a combination of an inclined and curved outer shape.

10. The truss connector brace according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the connecting portion and the first and / or second attachment portions are provided with holes arranged to receive fastening means such as screws or nails.

11. The truss connector brace according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tip end of the positioning portion in the attached state of the truss connector brace is arranged at a distance from both the first attachment plane (FMP) and the second attachment plane (SMP).

12. The truss connector brace according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connecting portion and / or the first attachment portion has an embossed area.

13. The truss connector brace according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second surface of the connecting portion and / or the first surface of the attachment portion is provided with a stop portion for positioning the intermediate member with respect to the end bracket.

14. A system for installing a truss (20) for a roof structure, comprising the truss connector brace according to claims 1 to 13, the system further comprising one or more positioning brackets (31) arranged to position the heel (32) of the truss during installation of the truss (20).

15. A method for manufacturing the end brackets (2, 3) according to claims 1 to 14, wherein the manufacturing process is performed in a multi-step drilling process.

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