CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 61/301,987 filed February 5, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 61/394,754 filed October 19, 2010, both incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to truss systems, and in particular, to a universal adjustable truss junction box.

Description of Related Art

[0003] Trusses provide general purpose skeletal structures designed to support lighting and audio equipment for live stages, theatres, night clubs, church installations, and other mobile applications. Trusses generally include a variety of different modular truss elements or members that can be interconnected to build structures of different shapes and forms by a designer to independently create whichever lighting, audio, or other effect or appearance may be desired.

[0004] Typically, each of the truss members are modular and can be connected together and dismantled quickly. The modular members may include square truss members, triangular truss members, I-beam truss members, clamps, box truss members, circular truss members, lifts /lifters, junction blocks, truss corners, towers, sleeve blocks, couplers and clamps among others. The truss members generally run about 0.5 meters in length and are either straight lengths or circular arcs and have connectors to mate the members together.

[0005] Oftentimes the same structure must be recreated many times in different places. For example, in a rock and roll touring show the truss work and stage effects must be created and recreated in different places along the tour. On other occasions, the structures are created once and then dismantled. For example, a trade show or political convention will be designed in a particular manner for a particular venue and for an audience at the venue. Then, once the show or convention is complete, the trusses are dismantled and the members are reused in other applications later. In any case, once the trusses are in place they must also be strong and permanent for usage without concerns about the structural performance while they are in place.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a universal adjustable truss junction mechanism for assembling truss structures from truss members. In one embodiment, the adjustable truss junction mechanism comprises an apparatus including a central junction element and attachment members rotatably coupled to the central junction element.

[0007] In one embodiment, the universal adjustable truss junction mechanism comprises an apparatus including a universal adjustable truss junction box for assembling truss structures from truss members. In one embodiment, the universal adjustable truss junction box comprises a junction box, and a plurality of panels, wherein each panel is adjustably coupled to a side of the junction box. A truss member may be coupled to each panel of the universal junction box to create a truss structure.

[0008] In one embodiment, the universal adjustable truss junction mechanism comprises a truss assembly apparatus including an essentially "D" shaped centerpiece plate junction, and at least one essentially triangular shaped swing arm, wherein the swing arm is adjustably coupled to the centerpiece plate. A truss member may be coupled to a swing arm to create a truss structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Fig. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a universal adjustable truss junction box, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a universal adjustable truss junction box, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a universal adjustable truss junction box, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Fig. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a universal adjustable truss junction box, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a universal adjustable truss junction box, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of a truss structure utilizing a universal adjustable junction box, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Fig. 7A illustrates a top view of a swing arm of a universal adjustable truss assembly apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 7B illustrates a side view of a swing arm of a universal adjustable truss assembly apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0017] Fig. 7C illustrates an end view of a swing arm of a universal adjustable truss assembly apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 8 illustrates a side view of a centerpiece plate utilized in a universal adjustable truss assembly apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a universal adjustable truss assembly apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention

[0020] Fig. 10 illustrates a top view of a truss structure utilizing a universal adjustable truss assembly apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 11A illustrates a side view of a truss structure utilizing a universal adjustable truss assembly apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 1 IB illustrates a top view of a truss structure utilizing a universal adjustable truss assembly apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 12 illustrates a side view of a truss structure utilizing a universal adjustable truss assembly apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a universal adjustable truss junction box apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the present invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described within can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms should be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention provide a universal adjustable truss junction mechanism for assembling truss structures from truss members. In one embodiment, the adjustable truss junction mechanism comprises an apparatus including a central junction element and attachment members rotatably coupled to the central junction element.

[0027] In one embodiment, the adjustable truss junction mechanism comprises a universal adjustable truss junction box apparatus comprising a junction box, and a plurality of panels, wherein each panel is adjustably coupled to a side of the junction box, and wherein a truss member may be coupled to each panel of the universal junction box to create a truss structure.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable truss junction mechanism comprises a truss assembly apparatus including an essentially "D" shaped centerpiece plate junction, and a least one essentially triangular shaped swing arm, wherein the swing arm is adjustably coupled to the centerpiece plate, and wherein a truss member is capable of being coupled to the swing arm to create a truss structure.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention provide a truss assembly apparatus comprising an adjustable universal hinged centerpiece junction, which in one embodiment is self-locking and capable of achieving various angles. The apparatus allows setting up flat atop an existing structure in a truss system. In one example, a typical truss system comprises multiple truss members that are assembled by pins to form structures for suspending lighting systems or providing support structures. The apparatus enables utilizing standard truss parts for assembly.

[0030] Referring now to an embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a universal adjustable truss junction box 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The universal adjustable truss junction box 100 includes a central junction element comprising a rigid junction box 1, and four attachment members comprising adjustable panels 2, such as square panels including a first panel 2C, a second panel 2D, a third panel 2E, and a fourth panel 2F (Fig. 2).

[0031] In one example, the junction box 1 is essentially cubic and comprises a top 1A, a bottom IB, a first side IC, a second side ID (Fig. 2), a third side IE, and a fourth side IF (Fig. 2). The first panel 2C, the second panel 2D, the third panel 2E and the fourth panel 2F correspond to the first side IC, the second side ID, the third side IE, and the fourth side IF, respectively, of junction box 1. [0032] As shown in Fig. 1, the first panel 2C is rotatably coupled to (e.g., hinged) and resides in front of the first side 1C, the second panel 2D is rotatably coupled to and resides in front of the second side ID, and the third panel 2E is rotatably coupled to and resides in front of the third side IE. The fourth panel 2F is rotatably coupled to and resides in front of the fourth side IF (Fig. 2). Fig. 1 also illustrates an adjusting mechanism 2G-D (e.g., hinge) coupled to both the second side ID of the junction box 1 and the second panel 2D, and which is capable of adjusting the position (e.g., angle) of the second panel 2D in relation to the second side ID.

[0033] Fig. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the universal adjustable truss junction box apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this view, apertures (e.g., holes) 1H-C, 1H-D, 1H-E, and 1H-F are visible on the top side 1A of the junction box 1. Apertures 1H-C, 1H-D, 1H-E, and 1H-F on the top side 1A of the junction box 1 correspond to a hole 2H-C located on the top of the first panel 2C, a hole 2H-D (Fig. 3) located on the top of the second panel 2D, a hole 2H-E located on the top of the third panel 2E, and a hole 2H-F (Fig. 4) located on the top of the fourth panel 2F, respectively.

[0034] The apertures 1H-C, 1H-D, 1H-E, 1H-F and corresponding holes 2H-C, 2H-D, 2H-E, 2H-F allow for a locking mechanism 20 (e.g., truss pin, bolt, etc.) to pass therethrough and lock a panel 2 in e.g. a vertical position and parallel with a corresponding side of the junction box 1. For example, Fig. 2 illustrates a locking bolt 20 passing through aperture 1H-D on the top side 1 A of the junction box 1 and hole 2H-D (Fig. 3) on the top side of the second panel 2D, thereby locking the second panel 2D in a position parallel to the second side ID of the junction box 1. [0035] Also illustrated in Fig. 2, the second panel 2D comprises four holes 3D located towards the corners of said panel 2D which allow for a truss member 11 (e.g., square truss member, I-beam truss member, etc., Fig. 6,) to be removably coupled thereto. Similar holes 3C reside on the first panel 2C, holes 3E reside on the third panel 2E, and holes 3F reside on the fourth panel 2F. Various mechanisms for removably coupling a truss member 11 to a panel 2 may be utilized (e.g., pins, screws, nuts/bolts).

[0036] Fig. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the universal adjustable truss junction box apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Junction box 1 further comprises four adjusting mechanisms 2G-C, 2G-D, 2G-E, and 2G-F, each located at the intersection of an edge of the bottom IB of the junction box 1 and the bottom most edge of each side 1C, ID, IE, and IF.

[0037] In this embodiment, the adjusting mechanism 2G-E comprises a hinge type mechanism fixedly coupled to both the bottom most edge of the third panel 2E and the bottom most edge of the third side IE. Thus, the adjusting mechanism 2G-E connects the third panel 2E to the third side IE of the junction box 1, and allows the third panel 2E to be positioned relative to the third side IE.

[0038] Fig. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the universal adjustable truss junction apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the adjusting mechanism 2G-C comprises a set of holes 2G-C located in the first panel 2C that correspond to another set of holes 1G-C on the first side 1C, both sets of holes sized and shaped to allow a locking mechanism 20 (e.g., bolt) pass there-through. Holes 2G-C and 1G-C are positioned such that when aligned, they allow for a bolt 20 to pass there- through, thereby coupling the first panel 2C to the first side IC of the junction box 1. Such is the case with the fourth panel 2F which is coupled to the fourth side IF (Fig. 2) of the junction box 1 by the locking bolt 20, and capable of pivoting about the bolt 20 relative to the position of the fourth side IF of the junction box 1.

[0039] Fig. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the universal adjustable truss junction box 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each panel coupled to the junction box 1 is rotatably adjustable to a desired position relative to a corresponding side of the junction box 1, utilizing locking holes and rotatably adjustable locking arms (adjusting bars 9C, Fig. 6). In the shown embodiment, the first side IC of the junction box 1 has a series of holes 8C residing in a vertical plane and located along the edges of the side. The locking holes 8C are separate and distinct from the holes 1G-C and 2G-C utilized by the adjusting mechanism illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0040] In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 5, at least one adjusting bar (e.g., arm 9C) is coupled at one end to an interior of the vertical edge of a panel 2C. For example, an adjusting bar 9C is coupled at an anchoring end 9A-C to the interior of the first panel 2C. The anchoring end 9A-C of the adjusting bar 9C acts as a pivot point, allowing a distal end 9B-C of the adjusting bar 9C to rotate about the anchoring end 9A-C. The second panel 2C is capable of pivoting about the adjusting mechanism 2G-C so that the end 9B-C of the adjusting arm 9C aligns with one of the spaced holes 8C located on the edge of the first side IC.

[0041] In one embodiment, the distal end 9B-C includes a locking hole which may be aligned with a selected one of the multiple holes 8C on the edge of the first side IC, wherein a locking mechanism (e.g., truss pin, bolt, etc.) may pass through the aligned holes for securing the second panel 2C at a desired angular position relative to the first side 1C. In another embodiment, the locking end 9B-C may include a hook or clasp which intersects a selected locking hole 8C on the edge of the first side 1C. Various mechanism for removably coupling the locking end of the adjusting arm to the holes along the side of the junction box may be implemented.

[0042] Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of a truss structure 110 that utilizes the universal adjustable truss junction box apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. A truss member 10 is removably coupled to the bottom IB of the junction box 1 (e.g., using pins, bolts, etc.), while a truss member 11 is removably coupled to the third panel 2E and a truss member 12 is removably coupled to the first panel 2C. In one example, the truss member 11 is coupled to the third panel 2E via bolts driven into holes 3E (Fig. 2) and the truss member 12 is coupled to the first panel 2C via bolts driven holes 3C (Fig. 2). The third panel 2E is rotated to a desired position and is maintained in the desired position relative to the third side IE by coupling the locking end 9B-C of adjusting arm 9E (similar to adjusting arm 9C) to a selected hole 8E located on the edge of the third side IE.

Similarly, the first panel 2C is held in the desired position relative to the first side 1C by coupling the locking end 9B-C (Fig. 5) of the adjusting arm 9C to a hole 8C on the edge of the first side 1C.

[0043] An angle 15, created between the first panel 2C and the first side 1C, is maintained by a selected hole 8C to which the locking end 9B-C of the adjusting arm 9C is coupled. Selecting a hole 8C closer in proximity to the top 1A (Fig. 1) of the junction box 1 decreases the angle 15 between the first panel 2C and the first side 1C. Similarly, selecting a hole 8C closer in proximity to the bottom IB of the box 1 increases the angle 15 between the first panel 2C and the first side 1C.

[0044] In another embodiment, the universal adjustable truss junction mechanism comprises a universal adjustable junction truss assembly apparatus 200, as shown in Figs. 7-9. Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the truss assembly apparatus 200, according to an embodiment of the invention. The truss assembly apparatus 200 comprises a central junction element including a centerpiece plate 17. The truss assembly apparatus 200 further comprises attachment members including one or more swing arms 16 rotatably coupled to the centerpiece plate 17. Fig. 7 A illustrates a top view of a swing arm 16 utilized in the truss assembly apparatus 200 (Fig. 9), according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7B illustrates a side view of the swing arm 16. Fig. 7C illustrates an end view of the swing arm 16. Each swing arm 16 is essentially triangular in shape and may be made from metal.

[0045] Fig. 8 illustrates a side view of the centerpiece plate 17 utilized in the truss assembly apparatus 200 (Fig. 9), according to an embodiment of the invention. The centerpiece plate 17 is essentially planar and has a generally "D" shape profile, and may be made from rigid materials such as metals.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 9, the truss members 11 and 12 (e.g., conventional I-beam truss members) may be attached to the swing arms 16 via attachment protrusions 113 or the like. Various mechanisms (e.g., bolts, pins) may be used for removable securing the truss members 11 and 12 to the swing arms 16. Additionally, the truss member 10 may be attached to the centerpiece plate 17 via holes 17A on the centerpiece plate 17 (in an essentially transverse orientation relative to the truss members 11 and 12). The centerpiece plate 17 is drilled out allowing the coupling of standard truss member 10 to both sides on centerpiece 17 (see Fig. 10). Swing arms 16 allow the coupling of truss members 11 and 12 to the centerpiece 17.

[0047] Once the truss members 11 and 12 are coupled to the swing (pivot) arms 16, the swing arms may rotatably pivot relative to the centerpiece plate 17. As such, the angle between the attached truss members 11 and 12 may be changed by pivoting one or both of the swing arms 16. Several assembly apparatuses 200 may be used for forming truss structures of different configurations.

[0048] Fig. 10 illustrates a top view of an example truss structure 210 utilizing an embodiment of the universal adjustable assembly apparatus 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The structure 210 illustrated in Fig. 10 is formed by attaching truss members 11 and 12 to both swing arms 16 connected to the apparatus 200 (Fig. 9). The structure 210 may be lifted from the center truss members 10 to obtain a desired pitch or angle.

[0049] Once the desired pitch is obtained, locking mechanisms (e.g., truss pins) are installed to lock in truss members 11 and 12 to the support structure 210. The advantages of this configuration is allowing use of a lifting mechanism to lift the structure 210, with the apparatus 200 and truss members 10, 11, and 12 assembled on the ground, and allowing for the addition of further attachments (e.g., shade screen, etc.) to be secured to the truss members while they reside on the ground. The truss structure 210 may be lifted into place using a standard crank up after the basic structure has been assembled flat on top of the centerpiece 17. [0050] Fig. 11A illustrates a side view of the truss structure 210 utilizing the truss assembly apparatus 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Truss members 11 and 12 are coupled to the apparatus 200, and particularly the members are coupled to the swing arms 16 located at distal ends of the centerpiece 17. The swing arms 16 are pivotably attached to the centerpiece 17 on pivot points 112 (e.g., via hinges, pins, etc.), and may swing/rotate along the dashed arrows as shown.

[0051] Fig. 1 IB illustrates a top view of the truss structure 210 utilizing the truss assembly apparatus 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. From this view, one can appreciate that the truss member 10 may be coupled to the centerpiece 17 and reside in a plane perpendicular to truss members 11 and 12. Truss members 11 and 12 may be coupled to the swing arms 16 located at distal ends of the centerpiece 17 as shown in this figure. The swing arms 16 are, in turn, pivotably attached to the centerpiece 17 on pivot points 112 (e.g., via hinges, pins, etc.), and may swing/rotate about said pivot points 112 (Fig. 11 A).

[0052] Fig. 12 illustrates a side view of the truss structure 210 utilizing the truss assembly apparatus 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Truss members 11 and 12 are coupled to the apparatus 200, and particularly the members are coupled to the swing arms 16 located at distal ends of the centerpiece 17. The swing arms 16 are pivotably attached to the centerpiece 17 on pivot points 112 (e.g., via hinges, pins, etc.), and may swing/rotate along the dashed arrows as shown. Fig.12 further illustrates a locking hole 8 located on each swing arm 16, and a series of holes 60 located along the edge of centerpiece 17. Hole 8 and holes 60 are positioned such that when aligned, they allow for a locking mechanism to pass there-through, thereby locking the swing arm 16 to centerpiece 17 at any position along the dashed arrows as shown.

[0053] Fig. 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the universal adjustable truss junction box apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 illustrates holes 50 located at the extreme corners of the bottom side IB that allow truss member 10 to be coupled to the bottom side IB of the junction box 1 to create a truss structure (see Fig. 6). Similarly, holes 52 located at the extreme corners of the top side 1 A (Fig, 1) allow truss member 10 to be coupled to the top side of the junction box 1 to create a truss structure.

[0054] In place of a universal adjustable assembly apparatus 200, a universal adjustable assembly apparatus 100 (Fig. 1) may be used. Further, other truss structure configurations may be constructed using one or more universal adjustable assembly apparatuses 100 and/or 200, alone or in combination.

[0055] The elements of embodiments of a universal adjustable truss junction mechanism according to the invention may be made from rigid materials such as metals. Further, other pivoting mechanisms in addition, or in place of, hinges may be used. The dimensions of the universal adjustable truss junction mechanism may be selected based on application and dimensions of the truss members to be attached to the universal adjustable truss junction mechanism.

[0056] The present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof; however, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

[0057] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0058] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.