US4538393A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Folding truss
Assignee: JER Manufacturing Inc
•
Filing: 1982-11-26
•
Granted: 1985-09-03
•
Expires: 2002-11-26
Abstract
Abstract The specification discloses a structural connector for pivotally connecting two support members to form a folding truss. The support members can be pivoted with respect to the connector between collapsed and extended positions. The connector includes a generally planar body, a locator tab extending from the body and secured between the support members when in their extended position to orient the connector with respect to the connector, and spring clips extending from the body to lock the support members in their extended position. In an alternative embodiment, the connector includes two of the locator tabs to maintain the support members in spaced relation so that a ridge member can be positioned therebetween.
Inventors
- 👤 Terry L. Mitchell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 21:23
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/343; E04B1/344; E04B1/3441; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/32; Y10T403/32549; Y10T403/32557
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
An improved folding truss including a connector and first and second support members each pivotally connected to the connector whereby the support members can be pivoted between collapsed and extended positions, wherein the improvement comprises the connector comprising: a body having a generally planar portion to which said first and second support members are pivotally connected; a locator member extending generally perpendicularly from said body to abut at least one of said first and second support members when said support members are in their extended position for orienting said connector into a desired relation with respect to said one support member; and detent means supported by said body for locking said first and second support members in their extended position, said locator member and said detent means cooperating to maintain said first and second support members in fixed relation to said connector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
An improved folding truss including a connector and first and second support members each pivotally connected to the connector whereby the support members can be pivoted between collapsed and extended positions, wherein the improvement comprises the connector comprising: a body having a generally planar portion to which said first and second support members are pivotally connected; a locator member extending generally perpendicularly from said body to abut at least one of said first and second support members when said support members are in their extended position for orienting said connector into a desired relation with respect to said one support member; and detent means supported by said body for locking said first and second support members in their extended position, said locator member and said detent means cooperating to maintain said first and second support members in fixed relation to said connector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
An improved folding truss as defined in claim 1 wherein said locator member comprises a tab integral with said body and bent outwardly therefrom.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
An improved folding truss as defined in claim 1 wherein said locator member is positioned directly between said support members when in the extended position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
An improved folding truss as defined in claim 1 wherein said detent means are integral with said body and are bent outwardly from said body in a direction common with said locator member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-09-02 | 1989-03-04 | 1989-09-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-09-02 | 1993-03-04 | 1993-09-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-09-02 | 1997-03-04 | 1997-09-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |