Truss Transportation And Leveling Apparatus

Abstract

A truss transporting and leveling apparatus (TTLA) that provides a means by which & single person can quickly and easily raise a truss structure and then transport, move and level the truss structure to a required or desired location. The preferred embodiment of the TTLA is comprised of the following major elements: a rear panel, a right side panel, a left side panel, a front panel, leveling means, mobility means, and at least one mounting bolt. The mounting bolt(s) are inserted through an opening on a truss structure, thereby securing the bolt to the truss structure. A nut secures the bolt within a side-oriented T-shape opening while allowing the area of the bolt between flanges to move within horizontal and vertical sections of the opening. A bolt is initially forced from the horizontal section upward into the upper end of the vertical section and then when the jack and upper support platform have completed their travel, the bolt drops downward into the lower end of the vertical section, thereby maintaining the upper support platform at the elevated position.

Claims

1. A truss transporting and leveling apparatus (TTLA) comprising: a rear panel having: an outer surface, an inner surface, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge a lower edge and at least one side-oriented T-shape opening comprising: a vertical section with an upper rounded end and a lower rounded end, a horizontal section that extends from a midpoint of the vertical section, and comprises a rounded end, a right side panel comprising: an outer surface, an inner surface, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge, and a lower edge, a left side panel comprising: an outer surface, an inner surface, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge and a lower edge, a front panel comprising: an outer surface, an inner surface, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge, a lower edge, and at least one side tab configured to extend from front panel right edge or left edge, and having a center bore, panel attachment means for attaching the right side panel right edge to the rear panel right edge, the left side panel left edge to the rear panel left edge, the front panel right edge to the right side panel left edge, and the front panel left edge to the left side panel right edge, an upper support plate permanently interfacing with the inner surface of the rear panel, right side panel, left side panel and front panel, and comprising: an upper surface, a lower surface, a perimeter edge, a lower support plate located at the lower edges and interfacing with the inner surfaces of the rear panel, right side panel, left side panel, and front panel, and comprising: an upper surface, a lower surface, a perimeter edge, a first notch configured on a rear section of the perimeter edge, and a second notch configured on a rear section of the perimeter edge, at least one bearing opening comprising a pressed bearing and, at least one caster bore, leveling means comprising a jack that is configured on the upper surface of the lower support panel, and below the upper support panel, which is forced upward when the jack is actuated and raised, mobility means, at least one stabilizing member having: a right end, a left end, a threaded opening on the right end or left end, a securing bolt with threads that mate with the threaded opening on the right end or left end, the stabilizing member placed in contact with the side tab on the front panel, with the stabilizing member threaded opening aligned with the side tab center bore such that the securing bolt is inserted through the center bore into the stabilizing member threaded opening, where the bolt's threads mate with the threaded bore, maintaining the stabilizing member attached to, and extending from the side tab longitudinally, across the front panel, at least one mounting bolt that is inserted through an opening on a truss structure, thereby securing the bolt to the truss structure, comprising; a head, a first flange configured adjacent the head, a second flange configured at a distance from the first flange on the bolt threads, and a nut for securing the bolt within the side-oriented T-shape opening while allowing the area of the bolt between the flanges to move within the horizontal and vertical sections of the opening, with the side-oriented T-shape opening specially configured such that when the bolt is within the opening the flanges maintain the bolt in position, and as the jack and upper support panel rise, the bolt is initially forced from the horizontal section upward into the upper end of the vertical section and then when the jack and upper support platform have completed their travel, the bolt drops downward into the lower end of the vertical section, thereby maintaining the upper support platform at the elevated position.

2. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the TTLA is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, wood, plastic and a composite.

3. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rear panel further comprises a hand opening configured adjacent the upper edge at a substantial midpoint.

4. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front panel further comprises a hand opening configured adjacent the upper edge at a substantial midpoint.

5. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front panel further comprises an opening that allows a tire iron to be inserted through the opening for manually actuating the jack, or a powered device to be inserted through the opening for assisted actuation of the jack.

6. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the leveling means jack is selected from the group consisting of a manual scissor jack, a powered scissor jack, a pneumatic jack and a hydraulic jack.

7. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mobility means are selected from the group consisting of at least one caster, at least one wheel, and at least one ball roller.

8. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the TTLA is slid on a ground surface without the use of mobility means.

9. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing member is comprised of a rod.

10. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rear panel, side panels and front panel attachment means are selected from the group consisting of screws, bolts and nuts, welding, clips, pins and bores, and an adhesive.

11. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an upper panel comprising: an outer surface, an inner surface, a right edge, a left edge, a rear edge, a front edge, and attachment means for attaching the upper panel to the upper edges of the rear panel, the right side panel, the left side panel and the front panel, wherein with the upper panel attached a fully enclosed structure is created.

12. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 11, wherein the attachment means for attaching the upper panel are selected from the group consisting of screws, bolts and nuts, welding clips, pins and bores, and an adhesive.

13. A truss transporting and leveling apparatus (TTLA) comprising: a rear panel having: an outer surface, an inner surface, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge a lower edge and at least one side-oriented T-shape opening comprising: a vertical section with an upper rounded end and a lower rounded end, a horizontal section that extends from a midpoint of the vertical section, and comprises a rounded end, a right side panel comprising: an outer surface, an inner surface, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge, and a lower edge, with the right side panel right edge integrally attached to, and bent perpendicularly inward from the rear panel right edge, a left side panel comprising: an outer surface, an inner surface, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge, and a lower edge, with the left side panel left edge integrally attached to, and bent perpendicularly inward from the rear panel left edge, a front panel comprising: an outer surface, an inner surface, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge, a lower edge, and at least one side tab configured to extend from front panel right edge or left edge, and having a center bore, an upper support plate permanently interfacing with the inner surface of the rear panel, inner surface of the right side panel, inner surface of the left side panel and inner surface of the front panel, and comprising: an upper surface, a lower surface, a perimeter edge, a lower support plate located at the lower edges and interfacing with the inner surface of the rear panel, inner surface of the right side panel, inner surface of the left side panel, and the inner surface of the front panel, and comprising: an upper surface, a lower surface, a perimeter edge, a first notch configured on a rear section of the perimeter edge, and a second notch configured on a rear section of the perimeter edge, at least one bearing opening comprising a pressed bearing and, at least one caster bore, leveling means comprising a jack that is configured on the upper surface of the lower support panel, and below the upper support panel, which is forced upward when the jack is actuated and raised, mobility means, at least one stabilizing member having: a right end, a left end, a threaded opening on the right end or left end, a securing bolt with threads that mate with the threaded opening on the right end or left end, the stabilizing member placed in contact with the side tab on the front panel, with the stabilizing member threaded opening aligned with the side tab center bore such that the securing bolt is inserted through the center bore into the stabilizing member threaded opening, where the bolt's threads mate with the threaded bore, maintaining the stabilizing member attached to, and extending from the side tab longitudinally, across the front panel, at least one mounting bolt that is inserted through an opening on a truss structure, thereby securing the bolt to the truss structure, the bolt comprising; a head, a first flange configured adjacent the head, a second flange configured at a distance from the first flange on the bolt threads, and a nut for securing the bolt within the side-oriented T-shape opening while allowing the area of the bolt between the flanges to move within the horizontal and vertical sections of the opening, with the side-oriented T-shape opening specially configured such that when the bolt is within the opening the flanges maintain the bolt in position, and as the jack and upper support panel rise, the bolt is initially forced from the horizontal section upward into the upper end of the vertical section and then when the jack and upper support platform have completed their travel, the bolt drops downward into the lower end of the vertical section, thereby maintaining the upper support platform at the elevated position.

14. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 13, wherein the TTLA is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, wood, plastic and a composite.

15. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 13, wherein the rear panel further comprises a hand opening configured adjacent the upper edge at a substantial midpoint.

16. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 13, wherein the front panel further comprises a hand opening configured adjacent the upper edge at a substantial midpoint.

17. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 13, wherein the front panel further comprises an opening that allows a tire iron to be inserted through the opening for manually actuating the jack, or a powered device to be inserted through the opening for assisted actuation of the jack.

18. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 13, wherein the leveling means jack is selected from the group consisting of a manual scissor jack, a powered scissor jack, a pneumatic jack and a hydraulic jack.

19. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 13, wherein the mobility means are selected from the group consisting of at least one caster, at least one wheel, and at least one ball roller.

20. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 13, wherein the TTLA is slid on a ground surface without the use of mobility means.

21. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 13, wherein the stabilizing member is comprised of a rod.

22. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 13, further comprising panel attachment means for attaching the right side panel right edge to the rear panel right edge, the left side panel left edge to the rear panel left edge, the front panel right edge to the right side panel left edge, and the front panel left edge to the left side panel right edge.

23. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 13, further comprising an upper panel comprising: an outer surface, an inner surface, a right edge, a left edge, a rear edge, a front edge, and attachment means for attaching the upper panel to the upper edges of the rear panel, the right side panel, the left side panel and the front panel, wherein with the upper panel attached a fully enclosed structure is created.

24. The truss transporting and leveling apparatus of claim 13, wherein the attachment means for attaching the upper panel are selected from the group consisting of screws, bolts and nuts, welding clips, pins and bores, and an adhesive.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is an orthographic front view showing a truss transporting and leveling apparatus (TTLA).

[0034] FIG. 2 is an orthographic front view of the TTLA with a cut-away showing a jack within the TTLA.

[0035] FIG. 3 is an orthographic view showing the TTLA rear panel.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an elevational front view showing the TTLA front panel.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a detail view showing one TTLA stabilizing member secured onto a side tab on the TTLA right side panel.

[0038] FIG. 6 is an orthographic view showing the TTLA lower support plate with two notches.

[0039] FIG. 7 is an orthographic view showing one of the TTLA mounting bolts.

[0040] FIG. 8 is an elevational rear view of the TTLA with a cut-away showing the jack within the TTLA.

[0041] FIG. 9 is an orthographic rear view showing the TTLA with three secured stabilizing members on the right side surface and four mounting bolts inserted into side-oriented T-shape openings on the rear panel.

[0042] FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing the TTLA elements separated.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0043] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a preferred embodiment of a truss transporting and leveling apparatus (TTLA 10). Many stage productions require lights, projectors, speakers ad other items to be suspended above the stage. In order to accomplish this, one and usually multiple truss structures are utilized. The truss structures are located above the stage and the lights any other items are secured onto the truss structure. Typically, there will be multiple truss structures with various types and sizes of lights as well as the other items.

[0044] At some venues the truss assemblies with lights and other items are permanently installed, but for certain events, especially outdoor events or events not held in a purpose-built building, as well as acts that travel from one location to another location and carry their own lights, sound and production items with them, the truss structures must be assembled at each location. Even when made of a lightweight metal, truss structures can often be heavy, difficult to transport and cumbersome. As a result the transporting, lifting and leveling of truss structures usually require multiple people.

[0045] The inventive TTLA 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-10, provides a means by which a single person can quickly and easily raise a truss structure and then transport, move and level the truss structure to a required or desired location. The preferred embodiment of the TTLA 10 is comprised of the following major elements: a rear panel 12, a right side panel 44, a left side panel 60, a front panel 78, leveling means 148, mobility means 156, and at least one mounting bolt 176.

[0046] The rear panel 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 8-10, is comprised of an outer surface 14, an inner surface 167, a right edge 18, a left edge 20, an upper edge 22 and a lower edge 24. Configured on the rear panel 12 is at least one, and preferably four, side-oriented T-shape openings 28, with each T-shape opening 28 having a vertical section 30 with an upper rounded end 32 and a lower rounded end 34, and a horizontal section 36 that extends from a midpoint of the vertical section 30 and has a rounded end 38. In order to allow manual lifting and maneuvering of the TTLA 10, the rear panel can also have at least one hand opening 40.

[0047] The right side panel 44, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 9 and 10, comprises an outer surface 46, an inner surface 48, a right edge 50, a left edge 52, an upper edge 54 and a lower edge 54. The right edge 50 of the right side panel 44 is integrally attached to and bent perpendicularly inward from the rear panel right edge 18.

[0048] The left side panel 60, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 9 and 10, is comprised of an outer surface 62, an inner surface 64, a right edge 66, a left edge 68, an upper edge 70, and a lower edge 72. The left side panel left edge 68 is integrally attached to and bent perpendicularly inward from the rear panel left edge 20.

[0049] The front panel 78, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 10, is comprised of an outer surface 80, an inner surface 82, a right edge 84, a left edge 86, an upper edge 88, and lower edge 90. Extending from the front panel right edge 84 or left edge 86 is at least one side tab 94 with a center bore 96. Also, as with the rear panel 12, the front panel 78 can have at least one hand opening 106, as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 2, 8 and 10, located within the TTLA 10 is an upper support plate 110 that permanently interfaces with the inner surface 16 of the rear panel 12, the inner surface 48 of the right side panel 44, the inner surface 64 of the left side panel 60, and the inner surface 82 of the front panel 78. The upper support plate 110 comprises an upper surface 112, a lower surface 114, and a perimeter edge 116.

[0051] A lower support plate 120 is also located within the TTLA 10 at the lower edges and interfacing with the inner surface 16 of the rear panel 12, the inner surface 48 of the right side panel 44, the inner surface 64 of the left side panel 60, and the inner surface 82 of the front panel 78. The lower support plater 120 comprises an upper surface 122, a lower surface 124 and a perimeter edge 126. Configured on a rear section of the perimeter edge 126 are a first notch 130 and a second notch 132, as shown in FIG. 6. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, on a front section of the perimeter edge 126 are at least one bearing opening 136 that is configured to accept a pressed bearing 138.

[0052] Located between the lower support plate 120 and the upper support plate 110 is the leveling means 148, as shown in FIGS. 2, 8 and 10, which is preferably comprised of a jack 150 such as a manual scissor jack, a powered scissor jack, a pneumatic jack, or a hydraulic jack. As the jack is actuated upward, the upper support plate 110 also rises as the jack applies an upward force. In order to facilitate the actuation of the leveling means 148, a jack actuator opening 188 can be configured on the right side panel or left side panel depending on how the jack is oriented within the TTLA 10. The opening 188, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, allows either a tire iron to be inserted through the opening, onto the jack's actuator, or a powered device, such as a drill to be inserted through the opening and onto the jack's actuator.

[0053] The mobility means 156 allow the TTLA 10 with an attached truss to be easily transported from one location to another location. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 10, the mobility means 150 preferably comprise at least one caster 158, at least one wheel, or at least one ball roller that is attached to and extends downward from the lower surface 124 of the lower support plate 120.

[0054] In order to increase the stability of the TTLA 10, especially when in motion with a truss attached, at least one stabilizing member 160 is utilized. The stabilizing member 160, as shown in FIGS. 5, 9 and 10, has a right end 162, a left end 164 with a threaded opening 166 on one of the ends. Depending on the requirement or desire, a stabilizing member 160 is secured onto one of the side tabs 94 on the front panel 78. The stabilizing member end is placed against the side tab and then securing bolt 168 with threads 170 is inserted through the side tab center bore 96 and the bolt is screwed into the stabilizing member thereby securing the stabilizing member on the side tab, with the stabilizing member 160 extending from the side tab longitudinally across the outer surface 80 of the front panel 78. Also, the stabilizing member 160 can be permanently attached to the side tab by means such as welding, machining or other similar methods.

[0055] The at least one mounting bolt 176 and preferably four mounting bolts, as shown in FIGS. 2, 7, 9 and 10, is comprised of a head 178, a first flange 180, a second flange 182, threads 184, and a nut 186. The mounting bolt(s) 176 are inserted through an opening on a truss structure, thereby securing the bolt 176 to the truss structure. The nut secures the bolt within the side-oriented T-shape opening while allowing the area of the bolt between the flanges to move within the horizontal and vertical sections of the opening, with the side-oriented T-shape opening specially configured such that when the bolt is within the opening the flanges maintain the bolt in position, and as the jack and upper support panel rise, the bolt is initially forced from the horizontal section upward into the upper end of the vertical section and then when the jack and upper support platform have completed their travel, the bolt drops downward into the lower end of the vertical section, thereby maintaining the upper support platform at the elevated position. In order to provide the necessary clearance for the bolts to travel, the two notches 130,132 on the lower support panel are utilized.

[0056] As an option, the TTLA 10, can also include an upper panel 190 which includes an outer surface 192, an inner surface 194, a right edge 196, a left edge 198, a rear edge 200, an a front edge 202. In order to provide access to the interior of the TTLA 10 when the upper panel 190 is utilized, upper panel attachment means 206 which can include clips or hinges can be used.

[0057] Also, in lieu of the rear panel, the two side panels and the front panel all being integrally attached, one, two or all of the panels can be secured together by means such as screws or bolts and nuts. While the TTLA 10 is preferably made of a strong/robust material such as metal, other materials including plastic, wood or a composite can also be utilized.

[0058] While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.