Box beam adjustable support systems and methods

Abstract

An adjustable support system is disclosed for supporting a roof or a floor in a building having at least one truss. The system includes a plurality of interlocking elements, each having at least one fastener slot and a cross-section comprising a main rail with a top extension and a bottom extension that define an interior channel and an external periphery. The interlocking elements include at least one female length and one male length, wherein the exterior periphery of the male length fits within the interior channel of the female length. The assembled length is slidably adjustable, and the system can be assembled on a structure having a first truss and a second truss. The system may also include a cross-connector configured to secure one interlocking length to another at an angle.

Description

BOX BEAM ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND METHODS CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application 18 / 629,299, filed April 8, 2024, entitled BOX BEAM ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT SYSTEM and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 542,131 filed December 15, 2023, the contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention pertains to the field of building construction, specifically to an adjustable support system designed to support a roof or a floor in a building with access holes and even more particular building construction applications requiring an adjustable support to accommodate varying size roof openings or floor openings.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Large building roofs, for example, often span significant distances and require structural support systems to distribute the weight of the roof and any additional loads, such as HVAC systems and other equipment. Given the substantial weight of this equipment, the weight of the equipment can impose significant loads on, for example, the roof structure. To efficiently distribute these loads along the length of the roof, I-beams or H-beams are commonly used. However, the installation of large access holes in the roof for these systems can weaken the roof between supports. Additionally, traditional I- beam support systems may lack the flexibility needed to adapt to varying building designs, truss configurations, and open sizes. This lack of adaptability often results in increased costs and time required to customize each support system to fit specific building requirements.

[0004] Buildings, especially commercial ones, frequently incorporate access openings in the roofs or floors to accommodate utilities and structures like HVAC systems, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Ensuring the structural integrity of the building around these openings is essential. Without adequate support, these openings can compromise the stability of the roof or floor, risking damage or failure when subject to loads. Therefore, providing additional structural support around these openings is crucial to prevent such risks.

[0005] To tackle this challenge, roof support systems have been engineered to offer essential support around access holes, redistributing loads to adjacent structural elements like trusses. However, conventional support systems have proven costly to produce and install, mainly due to the bespoke nature of each building's requirements and the diverse dimensions of access holes. Consequently, these systems are often custom- made for each installation, resulting in elevated expenses and extended lead times. There's been a demand for a versatile roof or floor support system capable of adapting to various scenarios and accommodating a range of access hole sizes.

[0006] Moreover, traditional roof support systems are typically prefabricated offsite and then transported to the building location for installation. However, this method poses several challenges. The assembled frames are often bulky, requiring significant space for transportation, thereby escalating shipping and handling expenses. Additionally, each custom frame must be tailored to accommodate the specific item being installed on the roof or floor, leading to increased design costs for each bespoke system. Many of these types of structures are not designed with adjustability in mind. This lack of adjustability can lead to difficulties during installation, particularly in buildings with unique or non-standard truss configurations. Additionally, current solutions lack the strength and durability required for long-term structural support, which can lead to premature wear and potential failure of the support system over time.

[0007] There has long been a demand in the market for a more efficient solution capable of supporting both roof and floor access holes. Such a system should be shipped in a disassembled state and easily assembled on-site, reducing shipping and handling costs while enhancing overall project efficiency.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for support system that can adapt to various building designs and truss configurations, provide a secure and stable connection to the building truss, offer adjustability for ease of installation, and be made from materials that ensure long-term strength and durability.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present disclosure addresses the need for support system that can adapt to various building designs and truss configurations, provide a secure and stable connection to the building truss, offer adjustability for ease of installation, and be madefrom materials that ensure long-term strength and durability by introducing a support system for supporting a roof or a floor in a building. The support system can be particularly beneficial for buildings with at least one truss, offering a versatile solution that can be adapted to various building structures and requirements. The support system can be composed of a plurality of interlocking elements, each having at least one fastener slot and a rectangular cross-section. Moreover, the support system can be adjustable in more than one direction. The interlocking elements can include at least one female segment and at least one male segment, designed to fit together securely.

[0010] The assembled length of the interlocking elements can be slidably adjustable, providing flexibility and adaptability of the support system to different building structures. The support system can also include at least one fastener configured to pass through the fastener slots of the male segment and the female segment of the interlocking elements, securing the male segment from sliding or moving relative to the female segment once secured. This ensures stability and robustness of the support system.

[0011] The support system can include an attachment point coupled to at least one of the ends of the assembled segments. This attachment point can be designed to secure the end to the truss, providing additional support and stability. The attachment point can comprise a horizontal member coupled to a vertical member, which can then be coupled to the end of the assembled segments.

[0012] The support system can also include a cross-connector, designed to secure one interlocking element to another interlocking element at an angle, providing additional structural support. The fasteners can be used in the support system can be a bolt and / or nut, and the interlocking elements can be formed from various gauges of steel or aluminum, offering a range of durability and strength. The support system of the present disclosure provides an adjustable, robust, and versatile support system that can be adapted to various building structures and requirements, overcoming the limitations of previous designs.

[0013] Aspects and applications of the support system presented here are described below in the detailed description and shown in the accompanying figures. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those ofordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear’ statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors’ intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts.

[0014] The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments engaging a truss;

[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 3A depicts a side view of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 3B depicts a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 3C depicts an exploded view of FIG. 3B of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 4 depicts a top view of another embodiment of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 5A depicts a side view of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 5B depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of FIG.5A of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 5C depicts a close-up view from FIG. 5B of another embodiment of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 6 depicts an isometric view of an interlocking element of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 7 depicts an isometric view of another embodiment of an interlocking element of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 8 depicts an isometric view of the attachment point of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of another embodiment of the attachment point of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 10 depicts isometric view of another embodiment of the adjustable support system installed on I-beams in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 11 depicts isometric view of another embodiment of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 12A depicts front view of another embodiment of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0032] FIG. 12B depicts cross-sectional view of FIG. 12A of another embodiment of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0033] FIG. 12C depicts close-up view from FIG. 12B another embodiment of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0034] FIG. 13 depicts side view of the adjustable rectangular box beam of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0035] FIG. 14 depicts isometric view of the adjustable rectangular box beam of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments;

[0036] FIG. 15 depicts front view of the adjustable square box beam of another embodiment of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments; and

[0037] FIG. 16 depicts isometric view of the adjustable square box beam of another embodiment of the adjustable support system in accordance with one, or more, embodiments.

[0038] Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0040] I. SUPPORT SYSTEMS

[0041] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 - 7, the present disclosure relates to a support system 10 for supporting a roof or a floor in a building having at least one truss 12, 13 is shown generally in FIG. 1. The support system 10 comprises a plurality of interlocking elements 14, each segment having at least one fastener slot 16. As shown inFIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 four interlocking elements 14 are used with two of the interlocking sections 14 engaging a truss 12, 13 (truss engaging interlocking elements) at either end and the remaining two interlocking elements 14 (cross-rail interlocking elements) are secured to a truss engaging interlocking element at either end. The trussengaging interlocking elements and the cross-rail interlocking elements are interchangeable.

[0042] The interlocking elements 14 have a main rail 20 with a top extension 22 (e.g., flange) and a bottom extension 24 (e.g., flange). The main rail 20 has, for example, a C-channel shape (e.g., a c-beam or channel beam with a depth, width, and thickness formed from a wide web with two flanges that extended from either side), as shown in cross-section 18 (shown in FIG. 3C). The top extension 22 and the bottom extension 24 can be spaced at a position parallel each other at opposite ends of the main rail 20. The main rail 20 has an interior surface and an exterior surface. Additionally, the top extension 22 and the bottom extension 24 can be perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the main rail 20. The support system 10 can be configurable to be adjustable during installation. The at least one fastener slot 16 can be located on the main rail 20. The main rail 20, top extension 22 and bottom extension 24 can be integrally formed to extend from a first side of the main rail 20 and a second side of the main rail 20 to define an interior channel 26. The main rail 20 has an external periphery 28, with the top extension 22 extending from the main rail 20 and having a longer length than the bottom extension 24. The interlocking elements 14 can be any suitable size or length to fit the needs of the application of the support system 10, for example a heavier roof will require a bigger interlocking element 14 to be able to withstand the heavier loads of the heavier roof, or if the access port is long or short the interlocking element 14 can adjust in length to fit various opening sizes. The interlocking elements 14 can also be made from, for example, steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, galvanized steel, aluminum or the like. The main rail 20 (shown in FIG. 3C), top extension 22 and the bottom extension 24 can be, for example, cold rolled, extruded, forged, welded, or the like from one piece or multiple pieces.

[0043] Turning to FIG. 2, the plurality of interlocking elements 14 includes at least one female segment 30 and at least one male segment 32 wherein the exteriorperiphery of the male segment 32 fits within the interior channel 26 of the female segment 30. The female segment 30 and the male segment 32 can be made of the same material or can be different material and can be the same length or can be different lengths. The female segment 30 and the male segment 32 can have a length of, for example, at least 1 inch to 240 inches and can have a standard unit of measure of, for example, 6 gauge, 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 14 gauge, 16 gauge, 18 gauge, 30 gauge, 3 / 16thinch, or the like in thickness. The size, length and thickness of the female segment 30 and the male segment 32 can be changed by the user to fit the application type such as, for example, load, size of access hole, or the like. The segment length of either the female segment 30 or the male segment 32 may be selected to ensure that a single male segment 32 and a single female segment 30, when assembled into an assembled length (Ls), will span the distance between trusses to provide a single splice point in each section of assembled segments. The lengths of the segments (e.g., female segments 30 and male segments 32) may be the same or different. Moreover, the lengths of the segments can vary, and can include but is not limited to segment lengths of, for example, from 15 inches to 120 inches inclusive (including 15 inches, 20 inches, 25 inches, 30 inches, 35 inches, 40 inches, 45 inches, 50 inches, 55 inches, 60 inches, 65 inches, 70 inches, 75 inches, 80 inches, 85 inches, 90 inches, 95 inches, 100 inches, 105 inches, 110 inches, 115 inches, or 120 inches). The at least one male segment 32 is configurable to have a cross-section with a first height and a first width and the at least one female segment 30 is configurable to have a second cross-section with a second height and a second width different than the first height and the first width. Either of the first or second crosssections can be square, open or partially open on one side, or have an I-beam shape.

[0044] When the male segment 32 is situated within the female segment 30, the fastener slot 16 of the female segment can be aligned with the fastener slot 16 of the male segment 32 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3A-3B. The assembled female segment 30 and male segments 32 can have a first end 36 and a second end 38 resulting in an assembled segment (e.g., interlocking element 14) having an assembled segment length Ls (shown in FIG. 2) The male segment 32 can slide in the female segment 30 and to allow the overall assembled segment length to be adjusted based on a user’s specificationallowing the user to choose the length of the interlocking elements 14 and fit to the user’s application.

[0045] The support system 10 can include at least one fastener 34 configured to pass through the fastener slots 16 of the male segment 32 and female segments 30 when the male segment 32 is positioned within the female segment 30. The length of assembled segments forming the interlocking elements 14 can be slidably adjustable, adjusting to the user’s specified lengths. The at least one fastener 34 secures the male segment 32 from sliding relative to the female segment 30 when the fastener is secured within the fastener slot 16. The at least one fastener 34 can be, for example, bolts, nuts, screws, washers, anchors, clips, clamps, rivets, welds, hanger, brackets, or the like. The support system 10 can comprise one or more assembled segments coupled together to form an opening in the shape of such as, for example, a square, rectangle or the like as shown in FIG. 2.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the support system 10 can further include a crossconnector 66 configured to secure one interlocking element 14 to another interlocking element 14 at an angle or the assembled segments can be coupled together by at least one fastener 34 and a cross-connector 66. The cross-connector 66 can be secured by, for example, bolts, nuts, screws, washers, anchors, clips, clamps, rivets, welds, hanger, brackets, or the like. The angle can be a perpendicular' angle but in other embodiments the angle any angle suitable to achieve the desired results including, for example, zero degree to one hundred and eighty degrees. The cross-connector 66 can also be coupled to either the male segment 32 or the female segment 30 through the fastener slots 16 by at least one fastener 34 in at least one location. In other embodiments the cross -connector 66 can be, for example, for example welded or riveted together.

[0047] In certain embodiments, either or both of the top extension 22 and the bottom extension 24 may have a vertical extension 60, 60’ substantially extending away from the top extension 22 and the bottom extension 24 as shown in FIG. 3C and FIG. 7. The vertical extension 60, 60’ can be at a perpendicular' angle to the top extension 22 and / or bottom extension 24 or in other embodiments the vertical extension can be, for example, between at least 1 degree and at least 180 degrees or at most 1 degree to at most180 degrees. In other embodiments, the vertical extension 60, 60’ can be omitted as shown in FIG. 6.

[0048] An attachment point 42 can be coupled to at least one of the first end 36 and the second end 38 of the interlocking element 14. The attachment point 42 can be configured to secure the first end 36 of the interlocking element 14 or the second end 38 of the interlocking element to the at least one truss 12, 13.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the attachment point 42 can comprise a horizontal member 44 coupled to a vertical member 46. Moreover, the horizontal member 44 and the vertical member 46 can be integrally formed and / or coupled together by, for example, welds, fasteners, rivets, adhesive, or the like. The vertical member 46 can also have at least one attachment point fastener slot 52 for a truss fastener 50 to couple the attachment point 42 to the male segment 32 and / or female segment 30 of the interlocking element 14 through the plurality of fastener slots 16. The vertical member 46 can be centered on the horizontal member 44 as shown in FIG. 8 or it can be offset one direction as shown in FIG. 9. Any of the slots can be circular, square, oval, rectangular, elongated, etc. without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0050] The attachment point 42 can further comprise an angled member 48 having at least one truss fastener 50 (shown in FIG. 3C) coupled to the attachment point 42. The angled member 48 can be used for tightening to the truss 12. In certain embodiments the angled member 48 can be omitted as shown in FIG. 9. Additionally a fastener 51 can be provided that secures the male segment to the female segment. The fastener 51 can be, for example, a bolt with a nut, or a bolt with a nut and a washer. In embodiments, the attachment point 42 can be made from any suitable material including, for example, steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, galvanized steel, or the like. The attachment point 42 can couple the support system 10 to the truss 12, 13 at more than one location as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 10 - 12C, in other embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a support system 100 for supporting a roof or a floor in a building (shown in FIGS. 10-11) having at least one truss. The support system 100 comprises a plurality of interlocking elements 102, each interlocking element 102 can have at least one fastener slot 104 and a cross-section that is, for example, rectangular having a height(h) and width (w) as shown in FIG. 13. The interlocking elements 102 can include at least one female segment 106 and at least one male segment 108. The exterior periphery 110 of the male segment 108 can be designed to fit within the interior channel 112 of the female segment 106. When the male segment 108 is situated within the female segment 106, at least one fastener slot 104 of the female segment 106 aligns with a fastener slot 104 of the male segment 108. The assembled female segment 106 and male segment 108 has a first end 114 and a second end 116, and an assembled length Ls.

[0052] The at least one fastener slot 104 can be, for example, a thru hole, aperture, fastener slot, keyway slot, square slot, a slot with a length, or the like and can be sized to fit at least one fastener 118. The at least one fastener 118 can be, for example, bolt, screws, rivets, dowel pins, clevis pins, anchors, or the like and can be configured to pass through the at least one fastener slots 104 of the male segment 108 and female segment 106 when the male segment 108 is situated within the female segment 106, which can secure the male segment 108 from sliding relative to the female segment 106 after assembly. The at least one fastener slot 104 is present on both the at least one female segment 106 and the at least one male segment 108, facilitating secure assembly.

[0053] An attachment point 130 can be coupled to at least one of the first end 114 and the second end 116 of the interlocking element 102. The attachment point 130 can be secured the first end 114 or the second end to the truss 12. The attachment point 130 of the support system 100 comprises a horizontal member 132 coupled to a vertical member 134 that is coupled to the first end 114 and / or the second end 116 of an interlocking element 102. The vertical member 134 is coupled to an angle member having at least one truss fastener 136 coupled to it. The at least one truss fastener 136 can be tightened against the truss 12 to secure the support system 100 to the truss 12.

[0054] The assembled length of the interlocking element 102 comprising the at least one female segment 106 and the at least one male segment 108 of the support system 100 is slidably adjustable, allowing for flexibility in installation and use in the roof or ceiling of the building as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 16. The at least one male segment 108 has a first rectangular cross-section 105, and the at least one female segment 106 has a second cross-section 107 wherein the rectangular cross-section can be, for example, square or other generally rectangular shape, or the like in shape as shown inFIG. 13 and FIG. 15. The first cross-section 105 (length and width) can be smaller than the second cross-section 107 (length and width) allowing the female segment 106 (with the first cross-section 105) to slide over the male segment 108 (with the second crosssection 107) as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 16.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 11, the support system 100 can also include a crossconnector 120, which is configured to secure one interlocking element such as the at least one female segment 106 and the at least one male segment 108 to another interlocking element at an angle. This angle can be a perpendicular’ angle, providing additional stability to the support system. The cross-connector 120 can be, for example, angle bracket with at least one slot, angle iron, L-shape brackets, adjustable angle brackets, offset angle brackets, slotted angle brackets, or the like. The cross-connector 120 can be coupled to the at least one female segment 106 and the at least one male segment 108 by at least one connector fastener 138 through the at least one fastener slot 104. The fasteners 118 and connector fastener 138 used in the support system 100 can be a bolt and nut, screw, rivet, or the like. The cross-connector 120 can be on the inside of the support system 100 or on the outside of the support system. The cross-connector 120 can be made from such as, for example, teel, stainless steel, aluminum carbon steel or the like and can be thickness of, for example, 6 gauge, 10 gauge, 12 gauge, or 3 / 16ths inch, or the like.

[0056] The interlocking elements such as the at least one female segment 106 and the at least one male segment 108 can be made of material thickness such as, for example, 6 gauge, 10 gauge, 12 gauge, or 3 / 16ths inch steel or aluminum, providing robust and durable support. The at least one female segment 106 and the at least one male segment 108 can be, for example, cold rolled, extruded, casted, or the like and can be steel, stainless steel, aluminum carbon steel or the like.

[0057] The support systems 10, 100 of the present disclosure offers a versatile and robust solution for supporting roofs or floors in buildings. Its adjustable nature allows for customization to fit a variety of building structures and sizes. The interlocking elements and fasteners provide a secure and stable support system, while the attachment points ensure secure connection to the building's trusses. The use of durable materials like steel or aluminum ensures the longevity and reliability of the support system.

[0058] IL METHODS OF ASSEMBLING THE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

[0059] Methods of assembling the support systems 10, 100 on a structure having a first truss and a second truss are also disclosed. The methods involve determining a number of truss connecting rails to be used. Assembling a first rail (e.g., interlocking element 14, 102) by inserting a male segment into a female segment and slidably adjusting the assembled length to a desired length. The desired length of the first rail allows the first rail to extend between a first truss and a second truss. Assembling at least a second rail in a similar manner and adjusting the length of the second rail to correspond to the distance between the two trusses. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the distance between parallel trusses can vary at points along its length. The first rail can be arranged a desired distance from the second rail. Additional rails can be used in parallel to the first and second rail as desired. Coupling a first end of the first rail and the second rail to the first truss and the second end of the first rail and the second rail to the second truss. Continuing to couple truss connecting rails to the first truss and the second truss.

[0060] In at least some methods, at least one interlocking element 14, 102 is provided between a pair of adjacent truss. A second The cross-rail comprises at least one of the plurality of interlocking elements. The length of the cross-rail when assembled spans the distance between adjacent truss connecting rails. The first end of the cross-rail is secured to the first rail and the second end of the cross-rail to the second rail.

[0061] The first rail and the second rail can be comprised of a single male segment and a single female segment. As discussed above, segment length for the male segment and the female segment can be selected from a plurality of segment lengths to allow the first rail and the second rail to stretch between the first truss and the second truss with a single male segment and a single female segment. The plurality of rail lengths can comprise segments having a length of from 15 inches to 120 inches inclusive (including 15 inches, 20 inches, 25 inches, 30 inches, 35 inches, 40 inches, 45 inches, 50 inches, 55 inches, 60 inches, 65 inches, 70 inches, 75 inches, 80 inches, 85 inches, 90 inches, 95 inches, 100 inches, 105 inches, 110 inches, 115 inches, or 120 inches).

[0062] The combined length of one of the at least one of the plurality of interlocking elements 14, 102, allows the first cross-connector and the second cross-connector to span a desired distance between trusses. For example, the desired distance can be between 21 and 27 inches. The method can further comprise securing at least one fastener in at least one of the fastener slots. The at least one cross-rail can be one cross rail for every 25 inches of the distance between the first truss and the second truss. The interlocking elements 14, 102 can have a size of, for example, 6 gauge, 10 gauge, 12 gauge, or 3 / 16ths inch steel or aluminum selected based on required loading. In general, the thickness of the material may be varied according to the desired distance to ensure sufficient system strength about the full length of the desired distance.

[0063] The gauge of the interlocking elements 14, 102 can be chosen by the size of the access hole in the building and the load the adjustable support system will see such as, for example, the greater the distance between the first and second truss the higher the structural load will be, and the heavier the item on the roof or floor is the higher the structural load will be on the adjustable support system requiring the thicker material to withstand the loads seen. The thicker the material the better it can resist the forces and stresses imposed on the adjustable support system by the distance and load on roof or floor. Additionally, the thicker the material provides a built-in safety margin that may be required by some builders to ensure the material can withstand the loads beyond the anticipated maximum capacity reducing the risk of unexpected failures or structural collapses. The thicker the material the stiffer the material tends to be increasing the rigidity of the support system 10, 100.

[0064] Prior to or during installation, attachment point 42 can be coupled to at least one of the first end 36 and the second end 38 of the interlocking element 14. The attachment point 42 can be configured to secure the first end 36 of the interlocking element 14 or the second end 38 of the interlocking element to the at least one truss 12, 13.

[0065] A cross -connector 66 can be coupled to secure one interlocking element14 to another interlocking element 14 at an angle so that the second interlocking element acts as a cross-rail. In an alternative method, the assembled segments can be coupled together by at least one fastener 34 and a cross-connector 66.

[0066] The present teachings may also extend to one or more of the following numbered clauses:1. A support system 10, 100 for supporting a roof or a floor in a building comprising: a plurality of interlocking elements 14, 102 each interlocking element 14, 102 comprising a first interlocking element first end 36, 114 and a first interlocking element second end 38, 116; a female segment 30, 106 having a female segment exterior surface, a female segment interior surface, and at least one female segment fastener slot 16, and a male segment 32, 108 having a male segment exterior surface and at least one male segment fastener slot 16, wherein the female segment fastener slot 16 aligns with the at least one male segment fastener slot 16 when a portion of the male exterior surface of the male segment 32, 108 engages the female segment interior surface of the female segment 30, 106; at least one fastener 34 operable to pass through the female segment fastener slot 16 and the male segment fastener slot 16 to secure the male segment 32, 108 in a position relative to the female segment 32, 108; and at least one of an attachment point 42, 130 couplable to at least one of the first interlocking element end 36, 114 and the second interlocking element end 38, 116 wherein the attachment point 42, 130 is operable to secure the first interlocking element end 36, 114 or the second interlocking element end 38, 116 to a truss 12, 13, and / or at least one cross-connector 66, 120 couplable to the interlocking element 14, 102 wherein the cross -connector 66. 12- is operable to secure a first interlocking element 14, 102 to a second interlocking element 14, 102 at an angle.2. The support system of paragraph 1, wherein a length of at least one of the plurality of interlocking elements 14, 102 is slidably adjustable.3. The support system 10, 100 of paragraph 1, wherein the male segment 32, 108 has a first cross-section length and width and the female segment 30, 106 has asecond cross-section length and width greater than the first cross-section length and width.4. The support system of paragraph 3, wherein the first cross-section is square, rectangular, or I-beam.5. The support system of paragraph 3, wherein the first cross-section length and width is smaller than the second cross-section length and width allowing the male segment 32, 108 to slide within the female segment 30, 106.6. The support system of paragraph 1, wherein the attachment point 42, 130 comprises a horizontal member 44, 132 coupled to a vertical member 46, 134 wherein the attachment point 42, 130 is coupled to at least one of the first interlocking element end 36, 114 and the second interlocking element end 38, 116.7. The support system of paragraph 6, wherein the vertical member of the attachment point 42, 130 is coupled to an angle member having at least one truss fastener wherein the truss fastener is tightenable against the at least one truss.8. The support system of paragraph 1, wherein the angle is a perpendicular angle.9. The support system of paragraph 1, wherein the at least one fastener is at least one of a bolt and a nut.10. The support system of paragraph 1, wherein the plurality of interlocking elements 14, 102 have a size selected from 6 gauge, 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 3 / 16ths inch steel, and 3 / 16thinch aluminum.11. The support system of paragraph 1, wherein the cross-connector can be angled steel.12. A method of assembling a support system comprising: providing two or more female segments having a female segment exterior surface, a female segment interior surface, and at least one female segment fastener slot, and providing two or more male segments having a male segment exterior surface and at least one male segment fastener slot, forming a first interlocking element 14, 102 having a first interlocking element first end 36, 114 and a first interlocking elementsecond end 38, 116 by inserting a male segment first end of one of the two or more male segment into a female segment first end of one of the two or more female segments, adjusting a length of the interlocking element 14, 102 to a desired interlocking element length, aligning a female segment fastener slot with a male segment fastener slot, passing a fastener through the female segment fastener slot and the male segment fastener slot.13. The method of assembling a support system of paragraph 12 further comprising securing the female segment to the male segment.14. The method of assembling a support system of paragraph 12 further comprising providing an attachment point operable to secure the first interlocking element end or the second interlocking element end to the truss at a first location.15. The method of assembling a support system of paragraph 14 further comprising securing the interlocking element first end 36, 114 or the interlocking element second end 38, 118 to the truss.16. The method of assembling a support system of paragraph 15 further comprising forming a second interlocking element 14, 102 and securing the second interlocking element first end 36, 114 or the second interlocking element second end 38, 116 to the truss at a second location.17. The method of assembling a support system of paragraph 16 further comprising forming a cross-rail (interlocking element 14’) by inserting a male segment first end 36’ ’ of one of the two or more male segments 32 into a female segment first end 36’ of one of the two or more female segments 30.18. The method of assembling a support system of paragraph 16 further comprising securing a first end 36 of the cross-rail (interlocking element 14’) to the first interlocking element 14, 102 and the second end of the cross-rail (interlocking element 14’) to the second interlocking element 14, 102.19. A support system 10, 100 for supporting a roof or a floor in a building comprising: a least two truss engaging interlocking elements 14, 102 each truss engaging interlocking element 14, 102 comprising a first truss engaging interlocking element first end 36, 114 and a first truss engaging interlocking element second end 38, 116; a female segment 30, 106 having a female segment exterior surface, a female segment interior surface, and at least one female segment fastener slot 16, and a male segment 32, 108 having a male segment exterior surface and at least one male segment fastener slot 16, wherein the female segment fastener slot 16 aligns with the at least one male segment fastener slot 16 when a portion of the male exterior surface of the male segment 32, 108 engages the female segment interior surface of the female segment 30, 106; at least one fastener 34 operable to pass through the female segment fastener slot 16 and the male segment fastener slot 16 to secure the male segment 32, 108 in a position relative to the female segment 32, 108; a least one cross-rail 14’ comprising a cross-rail interlocking element first end 36, 114 and a cross-rail engaging interlocking element second end 38, 116; a cross-rail female segment 30, 106 having a cross-rail female segment exterior surface, a cross-rail female segment interior surface, and at least one cross-rail female segment fastener slot 16, and a cross-rail male segment 32, 108 having a cross-rail male segment exterior surface and at least one cross-rail male segment fastener slot 16, wherein the cross-rail female segment fastener slot 16 aligns with the at least one cross-rail male segment fastener slot 16 when a portion of the cross-rail male exterior surface of the male segment 32, 108 engages the female segment interior surface of the cross-rail female segment 30, 106.20. The support system 10, 100 of paragraph 19 comprising an attachment point 42, 130 couplablc to at least one of the first interlocking clement end 36, 114 and the second interlocking element end 38, 116 wherein the attachment point 42, 130 is operable to secure the first interlocking element end 36, 114 or the second interlocking element end 38, 116 to a truss 12, 13.21. The support system 10, 100 of paragraph 19 comprising at least one of a cross-connector 66, 120 couplable to the interlocking element 14, 102 wherein the crossconnector 66. 12- is operable to secure a first interlocking element 14, 102 to a second interlocking element 14, 102 at an angle.22. The support system 10, 100 of paragraph 19 comprising a second crossrail 14’.

[0067] It is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and / or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

[0068] Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. A support system for supporting a roof or a floor in a building comprising: a plurality of interlocking elements each interlocking element comprising a first interlocking element end and a second interlocking element end; a female segment having a female segment exterior surface, a female segment interior surface, and at least one female segment fastener slot, and a male segment having a male segment exterior surface and at least one male segment fastener slot, wherein the female segment fastener slot aligns with the at least one male segment fastener slot when a portion of the male exterior surface of the male segment engages the female segment interior surface of the female segment; at least one fastener operable to pass through the female segment fastener slot and the male segment fastener slot to secure the male segment in a position relative to the female segment; and at least one of an attachment point couplable to at least one of the first interlocking element end and the second interlocking element end wherein the attachment point is operable to secure the first interlocking element end or the second interlocking element end to a truss, and at least one cross-connector couplable to the interlocking element wherein the cross-connector is operable to secure a first interlocking element to a second interlocking element at an angle.

2. The support system of claim 1, wherein a length of at least one of the plurality of interlocking elements is slidably adjustable.

3. The support system of claim 1, wherein the male segment has a first crosssection length and width and the female segment has a second cross-section length and width greater than the first cross-section length and width.

4. The support system of claim 3, wherein the first cross-section is square, rectangular, or I-beam.

5. The support system of claim 3, wherein the first cross-section length and width is smaller than the second cross-section length and width allowing the male segment to slide within the female segment.

6. The support system of claim 1, wherein the attachment point comprises a horizontal member coupled to a vertical member wherein the attachment point is coupled to at least one of the first interlocking element end and the second interlocking element end.

7. The support system of claim 6, wherein the vertical member of the attachment point is coupled to an angle member having at least one truss fastener wherein the truss fastener is tightenable against the at least one truss.

8. The support system of claim 1, wherein the angle is a perpendicular angle.

9. The support system of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener is at least one of a bolt and a nut.

10. The support system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of interlocking elements have a size selected from 6 gauge, 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 3 / 16ths inch steel, and 3716thinch aluminum.

11. The support system of claim 1, wherein the cross-connector can be angled steel.

12. A method of assembling a support system comprising: providing two or more female segments having a female segment exterior surface, a female segment interior surface, and at least one female segment fastener slot, and providing two or more male segments having a male segment exterior surface and at least one male segment fastener slot, forming a first interlocking element having a first interlocking element first end and a first interlocking element second end by inserting amale segment first end of one of the two or more male segment into a female segment first end of one of the two or more female segments, adjusting a length of the interlocking element to a desired interlocking element length, aligning a female segment fastener slot with a male segment fastener slot, passing a fastener through the female segment fastener slot and the male segment fastener slot.

13. The method of assembling a support system of claim 12 further comprising securing the female segment to the male segment.

14. The method of assembling a support system of claim 12 further comprising providing an attachment point operable to secure the first interlocking element end or the second interlocking element end to the truss at a first location.

15. The method of assembling a support system of claim 14 further comprising securing the interlocking element first end or the interlocking element second end to the truss.

16. The method of assembling a support system of claim 15 further comprising forming a second interlocking element and securing the second interlocking element first end or the second interlocking element second end to the truss at a second location.

17. The method of assembling a support system of claim 16 further comprising forming a cross-rail by inserting a male segment first end of one of the two or more male segments into a female segment first end of one of the two or more female segments.

18. The method of assembling a support system of claim 16 further comprising securing a first end of the cross-rail to the first interlocking element and the second end of the cross-rail to the second interlocking element.

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