Jig system for fabricating wooden structures

Abstract

A jig table assembly for assembling a wooden structure includes a first platform for supporting wood connectors and a first wood member of the wooden structure, and a second platform for supporting the wood connectors and a second wood member of the wooden structure. A support member is disposed below the first and second platforms, which are moveably mounted to the support member for adjusting a spacing between the platforms to size the spacing between the platforms for the size of the wooden structure to be formed. In some versions, a wall disposed on the planar surface of one of the platforms extends along an entire length of the platform. A a guide rail is disposed on an outer surface of the platform and extends along the entire length of the platform.

Description

JIG SYSTEM FOR FABRICATING WOODEN STRUCTURESFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to construction of wooden structures and more particularly to a jig system and methods of operation to produce wooden structures.BACKGROUND

[0002] Wooden structures, such as composite joists made from first and second wooden chord members connected by metal web members are widely used in modem construction. The metal web members are typically V-shaped, with integral nails formed at the tops and at the bottom of the "V" such as the POS1-STRUT® web member available from Mitek Industries, Inc., St. Louis, Mo. The POSI-STRUT® web member is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,850, incorporated herein by reference. Composite joists are light weight, use less wood than comparably sized wooden joists, yet are strong and durable and readily accommodate the installation of electrical, plumbing and air handling systems.

[0003] The manufacture of composite joists can be time consuming and tedious. Skilled workers are required to ensure that the web members are properly oriented and spaced so that the completed joist has its designed strength and durability. Minor misalignments or small errors in web spacing or orientation can result in a defective joist. However, until the present disclosure proper joist manufacture depended upon the skill of the workers.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, a jig table assembly for assembling a wooden structure generally comprises a first platform for supporting wood connectors and a first wood member of the wooden structure. A second platform supports wood connectors and a second wood member of the wooden structure. A support member is disposed below the first and second platforms. The first and second platforms are moveably mounted to the support member for adjusting a spacing between the platforms to size the spacing between the platforms for the configuration of the wooden structure to be formed.

[0005] In another aspect, a jig table assembly for assembling a wooden structure generally comprises a platform defining a planar surface for supporting wood connectors and a wood member of the wooden structure. A wall is disposed on the planar surface of the platform and extends along an entire length of the platform. A guide rail is disposed on an outer surface of the platform and extends along the entire length of the platform.

[0006] In yet another aspect, a jig system for assembling a wooden structure generally comprises a jig table including a platform having a length and defining a planar surface for supporting wood connectors and a wood member of the wooden structure. A wood member locator is mounted to the platform and configured to engage an outer surface of the wood member when the wood member is supported on the jig table. The wood member locator is locatable at any location along the length of the jig table.

[0007] In still another aspect, a kit for converting a jig table for forming wooden structures the jig table having a base frame generally comprises a support member configured for attachment to the base frame of the jig table. A first platform is capable of supporting wood connectors and a first wood member of the wooden structure. A second platform is capable of supporting the wood connectors and a second wood member of the wooden structure. The first and second platforms are moveably mounted to the support member for adjusting a spacing between the platforms to size the spacing between the platforms for the wooden structure to be formed.

[0008] A method of adjusting a jig table used to form wooden structures from wooden members connected together by wood connectors generally comprises releasing a lock holding a first platform constructed to support the wood connectors and a first of the wood members and a second platform constructed to support the wood connectors and a second of the wood members in at a first spacing from each other. The first and second platforms are moved to a second spacing from each other that is different from the first spacing. The lock is re-engaged to hold the first and second platforms at the second spacing from each other thereby to configure the jig table to form wooden structures of a different configuration from the wood structures formed by the jig tables with the first and second platforms at the first spacing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a jig system of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the jig system showing a chord of a composite joist on the system in phantom;

[0012] FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the jig system;

[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the jig system further showing a press used with the jig system;

[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the jig system;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary top view of the jig system;

[0016] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a support member and support arm of the jig system;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a support arm of the jig system;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a chord locator assembly of the jig system;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a chord locator of the chord locator assembly;

[0020] FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of a mount assembly of the chord locator assembly;

[0021] FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a platform and chord counter of the jig system;

[0022] FIG. 13 is another enlarged fragmentary perspective view from a different vantage of the platform and chord counter of the jig system;

[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the chord counter;

[0024] FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the chord counter from a different vantage;

[0025] FIG. 16A is an illustration of a first composite joist;

[0026] FIG. 16B is an illustration of a second composite joist; and

[0027] FIG. 16C is an illustration of a third composite joist.

[0028] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Referring to Figs. 1-5, a jig system constructed according to the principles of the present invention is indicated generally at 10. The jig system 10 may be configured for positioning web members W, and holding the web members in place so that they can be joined with upper and lower wrooden chord members UC, EC by a press 11 (Fig. 4) to form composite joists J. Although the present invention has application in the construction of wooden joists, the principles of the present invention could be used in the formation of other wooden structures formed by wood members connected together by wood connectors (e.g., nailing plates). In one embodiment, the web members W are V-shaped, and comprise left and right legs with feet extending from each leg and having integrally formed nails on thefeet, and integrally formed nails at the vertex of the "V" for engaging the chord members UC, LC. It is also common to use just the left half WL or just the right half WR of a web member W where a whole web member W would not fit or is not desired on the joist J. In one embodiment, the jig system 10 may be entirely manually operated to configure the jig system for use in arranging the web members W and chords UC, LC in assembling the composite joist J without the use of powered components. However, powered components can be used with the jig system 10 without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0030] Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the jig system 10 comprises an assembly surface 12 including a longitudinally extending first platform 14, and a longitudinally extending second platform 16. The first and second platforms 14, 16 define spaced apart parallel planar surfaces for supporting the web members W and chord members UC, LC during the joist assembly process. The first and second platforms 14, 16 are mirrored about a longitudinal axis of the jig system 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first platform 14 comprises a plurality of separate first platform segments extending end-to-end along the length of the first platform, and the second platform 16 comprises a plurality of separate second platform segments extending end-to-end along the length of the second platform. In one embodiment, the first and second platform segments comprise about 2-meter-long segments (e.g., 2.5m). The segments, however, could have other lengths without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the first and second platforms 14, 16 comprise two first and second platform segments, respectively. The first and second platform segments may, in at least one arrangement, extend end-to-end such that immediately adjacent ends of the platform segments come into direct or close contact with each other.

[0031] As will be explained in greater detail below, each platform segment in the first and second platforms 14, 16 may be independently moveable wdth respect to an adjacent platform segment for changing the spacing between the first platform and the second platform along at least a first and second platform segment pair of the assembly surface 12. Locking plates 17, 19 may be placed across the first and second platforms 14, 16 to fix the position of a segment pair of the first and second platforms to facilitate assembly of the joist J. The locking plates 17, 19 can also serve as braces to support wood members extending between and connecting the upper and lower chords UC, LC. In one embodiment, the first and second platform segments of the first and second platforms 14, 16 configure the jig system 10 for assembling multiple joists J potentially having different sizes (i.e., heights) along the length of the assembly surface 12. Portions of one or both of the first and second platforms 14, 16 may define a jig table.

[0032] Referring to Figs. 3 and 5-8, a beam 18 (broadly, a support member) is recessed below the assembly surface 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the beam 18 comprises a continuous elongate tubular member extending along at least a portion of the length of the assembly surface 12. In one embodiment, the jig system 10 may comprise a single beam 18 extending along the entire length of the assembly surface 12. In one embodiment (not shown), the jig system 10 may include a plurality' of beam segments extending along the length of the assembly surface 12. A plurality of support arms 20 are disposed on the beam 18 and are longitudinally spaced along the beam. The support arms 20 may be movably attached to the beam 18 and extend from the beam to one of the first and second platform segments for supporting the platforms 14, 16 above the beam. As will be explained in greater detail below, the support arms 20 movably mount the first and second platform segments on the beam 18 such that positions of the platform segments can be adjusted relative to the beam to accommodate web members W of different sizes during joist assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the beam 18 is mounted on a support frame 22 which is configured to anchor the jig system 10 to a support surface (i.e., assembly floor). However, it will be understood that the jig system 10 may be supported by other means without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Portions of one or both of the first and second platforms 14, 16 in combination with one or more of the support structure for the platforms may define a jig table assembly. The first and second platforms 14, 16 and the beam 18 can form a kit which permits jig tables to be retrofit with the rapidly reconfigurable jig assembly of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to Figs. 2, 3, 5, and 6, a first wall 24 is disposed on the planar support surface of each first platform segment of the first platform 14 and extends longitudinally along an entirety of the first platform segment. The first walls 24 provide an upper boundary for positioning the web members W on the assembly surface 12. Similarly, a second wall 26 is disposed on the planar support surface of each second platform segment of the second platform 16 and extends longitudinally along an entirety of the second platform segment. The second walls 26 provide a lower boundary for positioning the web members W on the assembly surface 12. Therefore, the planar support surfaces of the platforms 14, 16, along with the first and second walls 24, 26 form a web channel for receiving the web members W at any location along the length of the assembly surface 12. As a result, the locations of the web members W on the assembly surface 12 are not preset or restricted enabling free positioning of the web members for easily and quickly creating a wider variety of joist configurations. The first walls 24 may also be configured to function as a supportsurface for upper chords UC during assembly, and the second walls 26 may be configured to function as a support surface for the lower chords LC during assembly.

[0034] First guide rails 28 are mounted on an outer surface of each first platform segment of the first platform 14 and extend longitudinally along an entirety' of the first platform segment. The first guide rails 28 extend continuously' along the first platform segments such that there are no breaks or discontinuities along the guide rails between the opposite ends of the guide rails and first platform segments. Therefore, along a continuous section of the first platform segments (i.e., one, two, three or more immediately adjacent first platform segments), the first guide rails 28 may extend continuously along the first platform 14. Second guide rails 30 are mounted on an outer surface of each second platform segment of the second platform 16 and extend longitudinally along an entirety of the second platform. The second guide rails 30 extend continuously along the second platform segments such that there are no breaks or discontinuities along the guide rails between the opposite ends of the guide rails and second platform segments. Therefore, along a continuous section of the second platform segments (i.e., one, two, three or more immediately adjacent second platform segments), the second guide rails 30 may extend continuously along the second platform 16.

[0035] As will be explained in greater detail below, the guide rails 28, 30 provide guide surfaces for mounting chord locators 32 to the platforms 14, 16 and adjusting the position of chord locators along the length of the platforms. Thus, like the web members W, the locations for placement of the chord locators 32 along the assembly surface 12 are not preset or restricted by other structure enabling the free positioning of the chord locators, as will be explained in greater detail below'. Additionally, because the chord locators 32 are mounted to the guide rails 28, 30 on the outer surfaces of the platforms 14, 16, the placement of the chord locators can be adjusted without removing, moving, or otherwise effecting the chords UC, LC on the assembly surface 12. In one embodiment, each platform 14, 16 may include the first and second w'all 24, 26 and the guide rails 28, 30. In one embodiment, the first and second walls 24, 26 and guide rails 28, 30 may be separate components disposed on the platform 14, 16.

[0036] Referring to Figs. 6-8, each support arm 20 comprises a first portion 34 mounted in a bushing 35 received in the beam 18. The first portion 34 projects upward (e.g., vertically) from the beam, a second portion 36 fixedly attached to a top of the first portion and extending laterally (e.g., orthogonally or horizontally) from the first portion, and a third portion 38 fixedly attached to an end of the second portion. A mounting ring 40 of thebushing 35 seats the bushing and arm 20 in one of the openings 42 spaced longitudinally along a top surface of the beam 18. In one embodiment, the support arms 20 alternate along the length of the beam 18 such that a first set of support arms 20 include second portions 36 that extend laterally toward the first platform 14, and a second set of support arms include second portions 36 that extend laterally toward the second platform 16. Thus, the first set of support arms 20 are attached to first platform segments of the first platform 14, and the second set of support arms are attached to second platform segments of the second platform 16.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the bushings 35 of the support arms 20 comprise tubular members and the beam 18 defines circular openings 42 that receive the bushings and part of the first portion 34. As mounted, the arms 20 are rotatable with respect to the beam. The third portions 38 of the support arms 20 are rotatably attached to a bottom of one of the first and second platforms segments of the first and second platforms 14, 16. More specifically, third portion 38 mounting tube 37 received in a bearing 39 that permit the mounting tube 37 to rotate with respect to the third portion. The support arm 20 is attached to the first or second platform 14, 16 by a fastener secured in the mounting tube. Thus, the support arm 20 can rotate (or pivot) with respect to both the beam 18 and the respective first or second platform 14, 16. Thus, rotation of the first portions 34 in the bushing 35 causes the platform segments to swing inward and outward between first positions (Figs. 3 and 6) where the platform segments are spaced a first distance from each other, and second positions (dotted lines in Fig. 6) where the platforms are spaced a second distance from each other which is shorter than the first distance to locate the platforms more closely to each other. The adj ustment of the spacing between the platforms 14, 16 equips the jig system 10 for accommodating web members W of different sizes (i.e., heights) to create joists of different sizes (i.e., heights). Web members W come in known sizes for use in forming joists of different types.

[0038] In one embodiment, the movement of the platform segments of the platforms 14, 16 is accomplished by manually moving the platform segments between the first and second positions. In this embodiment, the support arms 20 are freely moveable in the openings 42. Thus, one or both of the platform segment pairs can be moved inward or outward to produce the desired spacing between the platforms 14, 16. Therefore, both first and second platform segment pairs can be moved outward to produce the largest spacing between the platforms 14, 16, or both first and second platform segment pairs can be moved inward to produce the smallest spacing between the platforms. Additionally, one platformsegment in the pair can be moved outward and the other platform segment in the pair can be moved inward to produce an intermediate spacing between the platforms. It will be understood that the support arms 20 may be operated to move the platforms 14, 16 differently without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, a mechanical linkage different from the support arms 20 can be used to move the platform segments of the platforms 14, 16. In one embodiment, the movement of the platforms 14, 16 could be accomplished automatically by attaching an actuator (e.g., motor / prime mover) to the support arms 20 or other linkage to mechanically rotate the support arms or otherwise move the linkage relative to the beam 18. Encoders on the support arms 20 could be provided to detect the rotation, which could be used to know and control the position of the platforms 14, 16. The platforms may also be moved inward and outward relative to each other by other means. Alternatively, one or more of the platform segments of the platforms 14, 16 may be fixed relative to each other without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, in some embodiments, the spacing between the platforms 14, 16 along their entire lengths may be fixed.

[0039] Referring to Figs. 2-6 and 9-11, the jig system 10 includes a plurality of chord locator assemblies 44 mountable to the first and second rails 28, 30 for holding the chords UC, LC on the assembly surface 12. Each chord locator assembly 44 comprises the chord locator 32 and a mount assembly 46 attachable to the rails for moveably attaching the chord locators to the rails. In the illustrated embodiment, the chord locators 32 comprise pressure cylinders 48 that are actuatable to deploy / move a piston assembly including a piston head 50 to engage outer surfaces of the chords UC, LC when the chords are placed on the assembly surface 12. However, the chord locators 32 could have other configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, one or more of the chord locators 32 may comprise a moveable holder having a different configuration from the pressure cylinder such as chord locator 51 (Figs. 5 and 6), or the chord locators may comprise a fixed or static locator without any relatively moveable components.

[0040] The mount assembly 46 comprises a base 52, a bracket 54 attached to an end of the base, a slide 56 movably attached to the base, and a mount plate 58 attached to the slide. A lock 60 may also be attached to the base 52 for releasably locking the slide in place along the base. The lock 60 includes a locking mechanism 62 coupled to the slide 56 and extending through a slot 64 in the base 52 to a handle 66. The bracket 54 defines a channel 68 having a mating configuration with the rails 28, 30 for coupling the chord locator assembly 44 to the rails. Thus, the brackets 54 are slideable along the rails 28, 30 to adjustthe position of the chord locator assemblies 44 along the platforms 14, 16. Additionally, because the rails 28, 30 extend continuously along the platform segments of the platforms 14,16, the brackets 54 can be slid to any location along the length of the platform segments. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket channels 68 are C-shaped. However, the brackets 54 could have other configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0041] The slides 56 are slidable within channels 70 in the bases 52 to adjust a position of the slides relative to the bases. The chord locators 32 are attached to the mount plates 58 by fasteners 72 so that the movement of the slides 56 in the channels 70 adjusts the position of the chord locators 32 laterally with respect to the guide rails 28, 30. The handles 66 of the locks 60 can be turned to cause the locking mechanism 62 to fix the slides 56 in place relative to the bases 52 to fix the position of the chord locators 32 relative to the platforms 14, 16. It will be understood that the chord locators 32 could be mounted to the rails 28, 30 by other means without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Alternatively, the chord locators 32 may not be directly coupled to the rails 28, 30 or platforms 14, 16 and instead supported by other structures. For example, the chord locators 32 may be standalone components that are positionable adjacent the assembly surface 12.

[0042] Referring to Figs. 2, 3, and 12-15, the jig system 10 comprises a plurality of chord counters 74 mounted on the platforms 14, 16 and placeable along the platforms generally opposite the chord locator assemblies 44. Like the chord locator assemblies 44, the chord counters 74 are freely moveable and placeable along the platform segments of the platforms 14, 16 to position the chord counters as needed to support the chords UC, LC. In particular, the chord counters 74 are configured to engage inner surfaces of the chords UC, LC to counteract the forces applied to the outer surfaces of the chords by the chord locators 32. Thus, the chord locators 32 and chord counters 74 function as clamps or vices for holding the chords UC, LC in place on the assembly surface 12.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, each chord counter 74 comprises a base 76 engageable with the platforms 14, 16 and slidable along the platforms to position the chord counter along the platform, and a pin 78 extending upward from the base and sized and shaped to oppose inner surfaces of the chords UC, LC when the chord counter is moved to a position in registration with one of the chords. The base 76 comprises a first section 80 engageable with upper surfaces of the platforms 14, 16 and slideable along the upper surfaces of the platforms to position the chord counter 74 in a desired location along the platforms. A second section 82 of the base 76 extends from a bottom of the first section 80 through slots 84 extending along the length of the platform sections of the platforms 14, 16. The secondsection 82 includes a first portion 86 extending generally orthogonally from the first section 80, and a second portion 88 extending generally orthogonally from the first portion. The first portion 86 extends to a bottom of the slot 84 and the second portion 88 extends laterally from a bottom of the first portion to a location underneath the platform 14, 16. Thus, the second portion 88 opposes a bottom of the platform 14, 16 to resist vertical movement of the chord counter 74 out of the slot 84 and off of the platform.

[0044] A spring 90 is disposed between the base 76 and an edge of the slot 84 in the platform 14, 16 to bias the chord counter toward an outer side of the platform. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 90 is retained in an opening 92 in an inner surface of the base 76. Thus, the spring 90 urges the base 76 into engagement with an outer side of the platform section of the platform 14, 16 to hold the chord counter 74 in place on the platform. The spring 90 is also configured to oppose the forces applied by the chord locators 23 to hold the chord counter 74 in place. The pin 78 is rotatably received in an opening in a top surface of the first section 80 of the base 76. The pin 78 includes a partially cylindrical member having a planar surface 94, The pin 78 is rotatable such that the planar surface 94 is configured to opposed the chords UC, LC to provide a planar engagement surface with the chords. However, it will be understood that the chord counter 74 may be otherwise constructed. For example, any suitable structure for supporting the chords UC, LC by opposing the holding forces created by the chord locators 32 may be utilized without departing from the scope of the disclosure. When the chord locators 32 are activated to press against the upper and lower chords UC, LC, the counter 74 (and chord) can move a short distance inward.

[0045] Referring to Figs. 1 -4, in operation, an operator may use the jig system 10 to position web members W and chords UC, LC to assemble one or more composite joists J on the assembly surface 12 of the system. The operator may begin by moving the first and second platform sections of the first and second platforms 14, 16 to size the spacing between the first and second platform sections as needed to match the height of the web members W being used in the joist J. In particular, the first and second platform section pairs may be manually moved to either a first (outer) or second (inner) position to appropriately size the assembly surface 12 for the joist J. One or more of the locking plates 17, 19 can be placed on the first and second platforms 14, 16 to fix the platforms in position. As is understood by those skilled in the art, the locking plates 17, 19 may include plate members having legs extending from a bottom surface of the plate members that are insertable into the slots 84 in the platforms 14, 16 to restrict relative movement of the platforms. The legs of the lockingplate 19 are short, but the legs of the locking plate 17 extend downward from the upper or low’er platform 14, 16. Anvils 96 can then be placed on the platforms 14, 16 in the locations of the web members W to provide reinforcement on the assembly surface 12 below the w eb members. The anvils 96 also have legs that depend down from the upper or lower platform 14, 16.

[0046] A first side of web members W can then be placed on the first and second platforms 14, 16, or the anvils 96 on the first and second platforms, in the locations necessary for assembling the joist J. The first and second walls 24, 26 hold the first set of web members W in place. While the locking plates 17, 19 were previously described as being positioned, the locking plates 17, 19 may alternatively be placed after positioning the web members W on the platforms 14, 16.

[0047] The chords UC, LC can then be placed on top of the first set of web members W in the positions for assembling the joist J. The chord counters 74 can be positioned on the platforms 14, 16 to function as an initial jig on the inner surfaces of the chords UC, LC for locating the chords on the web members W. The chord locators 32 can then be moved along the rails 28, 30 to position the chord locators opposite the chord counters 74.

[0048] A second side of web members W can then be placed on top of the chords UC, LC in the locations necessary for assembling the joist J (i.e., opposite the first set of web members W). The chord locators 32 can then be actuated to engage the outer surfaces of the chords UC, LC to hold the chords in place. / Alternatively, the chord locators 32 can be actuated before placement of the second side of web members W.

[0049] The chords UC, LC and web members W are now' in position for being pressed together to form the composite joist J. The press 1 1 can be moved into position around the jig system 10 and actuated to drive the web members W into the chords UC, LC. More particularly, a lower jaw of the press 11 engages the depending legs of the locking plate 17 and / or the anvils 96. The low'er jaw drives the locking plate 17 and / or anvils 96 upward thereby driving teeth on the w'eb members W upward into the respective upper and low'er chords UC, LC. The illustrated embodiment show's press 11 however any suitable press may be used to drive the teeth of the web members W,rinto the chords UC, LC. In particular, the jig system 10 is configured to accommodate a standard C-press for pressing the web members W into the chords UC, LC. For example, a C-press having a maximum opening of 220 mm may be used to press the web members W into the chords UC, LC. Other vertical style press may also be used. Alternatively, a roller-type press may be used.

[0050] The jig system 10 allows for significantly fastener set-up / assembly times as compared to conventional jig system. This is in part due to ease of positioning the platforms 14, 16 to accommodate the size of the joist J and the ease of locating the chord locators 32 and chord counters 74 at any location along the length of the jig system 10. For example, setup time for the joist in Fig, 16A takes over 40 minutes using conventional jig systems. However, the jig system 10 allows for a set-up time of under 20 minutes. For this joist, all the web members are behind each other so no locking of the web members is needed. The set-up time for the joist in Fig. 16B takes over 45 minutes using conventional jig systems. However, the jig system 10 allows for a set-up time of under 20 minutes. For this joist, the frame is longer than below the frame so more end stops are needed to keep the timber in place. To produce the “square” the timber must be locked on both sides. The set-up time for the joist in Fig. 16C takes over 50 minutes using conventional jig systems. However, the jig system 10 allows for a set-up time of under 20 minutes. For this joist, web members are not behind each other so the web members must be locked and the web members must rest against the jig. To produce the “square” the timber must be locked on both sides.

[0051] The jig system 10 also reduces the time to configure the system for using web members W of different sizes. This is due in part to the ease of moving the platforms 14, 16 between their respective positions to size the spacing between the platforms. In one embodiment, the system 10 can be changed from a first configuration for accommodating a first web member size to a second configuration for accommodating a second web member size in less than 5 minutes. Conventional jig systems can take upwards of 45 minutes to change between web member sizes.

[0052] When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0053] As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A jig table assembly for assembling a wooden structure comprising: a first platform for supporting wood connectors and a first wood member of the wooden structure; a second platform for supporting the wood connectors and a second wood member of the wooden structure, and a support member disposed below the first and second platforms, the first and second platforms being moveably mounted to the support member for adjusting a spacing between the platforms to size the spacing between the platforms for the size of the wooden structure to be formed.

2. The jig table assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second platforms are independently moveable.

3. The jig table assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second platforms are moveable by manual operation of the platforms without the use of a powered prime mover.

4. The jig table assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of support arms extending from the support member to one of the first and second platforms.

5. The jig table assembly of claim 4, wherein the support arms are rotatably mounted on the support member.

6. The jig table assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second platforms each comprise a plurality of independently moveable platform sections.

7. The jig table truss assembly of claim 6, wherein the first platform comprises a first platform section having a length and the second platform comprises a first platformsection having a length equal to the length of the first platform section of the first platform.

8. The jig table assembly of claim 7, wherein the first platform sections have a length of less than 3 meters.

9. The jig table assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second platforms extend continuously along a length of the jig table assembly in at least one configuration of the jig table assembly such that the wood connectors may be placed at any location along the length of the jig table assembly.

10. The jig table assembly of claim 9, wherein the first and second platforms each comprise a planar surface and a wall disposed on the planar surface.

11. The jig table assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second platforms each comprise a guide rail disposed on an outer edge of the planar surface.

12. The jig table assembly of claim 11, wherein the guide rails extend continuously along the length of the jig table assembly in said at least one configuration of the jig table assembly such that wood member locators attached to the guide rails may be placed at any location along the length of the jig table assembly.

13. The jig table assembly of claim 1 further comprising a locking plate sized and shaped for engaging the first and second platforms to set the spacing between the first and second platforms.

14. The jig table assembly of claim 13 wherein the locking plate constitutes a first locking plate, the jig table further comprising a second locking plate sized and shaped for engaging the first and second platforms to set the spacing of the first and second platforms at a distance different from the spacing set by the first locking plate.

15. A jig table assembly for assembling a wooden structure comprising: a platform defining a planar surface for supporting wood connectors and a wood member of the wooden structure: a wall disposed on the planar surface of the platform and extending along an entire length of the platform; and a guide rail disposed on an outer surface of the platform and extending along the entire length of the platform.

16. The jig table assembly of claim 15, wherein the platform comprises a first platform, the assembly further comprising: a second platform defining a second planar surface for supporting the wood connectors and a second wood member of the wooden structure; a second wall disposed on the planar surface of the second platform and extending along an entire length of the second platform; and a second guide rail disposed on an outer surface of the second platform and extending along the entire length of the second platform.

17. The jig table truss assembly of claim 16, wherein the first platform comprises a first platform section having a length less than a length of the jig table assembly, and the second platform comprises a first platform section having a length equal to the length of the first platform section of the first platform.

18. The jig table assembly of claim 17, wherein the first platform sections have a length of less than 3 meters.

19. A jig system for assembling a wooden structure comprises: a jig table including a platform having a length and defining a planar surface for supporting wood connectors and a wood member of the wooden structure; and a wood member locator mounted to the platform and configured to engage an outer surface of the wood member when the wood member is supported on the jig table, the wood member locator being locatable at any location along the length of the jig table.

20. The jig system of claim 19, wherein the jig table comprises a guide rail disposed on an outer surface of the platform and extending along the entire length of the jig table.

21. The jig system of claim 19, wherein the platform comprises a first platform, the jig table comprising a second platform having a length and defining a second planar surface for supporting the wood connectors and a second wood member of the wooden structure, the second platform being laterally spaced from the first platform.

22. The jig system of claim 21 , wherein the wood member locator comprises a first wood member locator, the system further comprising a second wood member locator mounted to the second platform and configured to engage an outer surface of the second chord when the second chord is supported on the jig table, the second wood member locator being locatable at any location along the length of the jig table.

23. The jig system of claim 19, further comprising a wood member counter mounted on the jig table, the wood member counter being locatable opposite the wood member locator.

24. A kit for converting a jig table for forming wooden structures the jig table having a base frame, the kit comprising: a support member configured for attachment to the base frame of the jig table; a first platform for supporting wood connectors and a first wood member of the wooden structure; a second platform for supporting the wood connectors and a second wood member of the wooden structure, and the first and second platforms being moveably mounted to the support member for adjusting a spacing between the platforms to size the spacing between the platforms for the wooden structure to be formed.

25. A method of adjusting a jig table used to form wooden structures from wooden members connected together by wood connectors, the method comprising: releasing a lock holding a first platform constructed to support the wood connectors and a first of the wood members and a second platform constructed to support the wood connectors and a second of the wood members in at a first spacing from each other; moving the first and second platforms to a second spacing from each other that is different from the first spacing; and re-engaging the lock to hold the first and second platforms at the second spacing from each other thereby to configure the jig table to form wooden structures of a different configuration from the wood structures formed by the jig tables with the first and second platforms at the first spacing.

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