WO1996017144A1

WO1996017144A1 - Building truss system

Info

Publication number: WO1996017144A1
Application number: PCT/AU1995/000820
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruce Robert Kennedy
Original assignee: Bruce Robert Kennedy
Priority date: 1994-12-02
Filing date: 1995-12-04
Publication date: 1996-06-06
Also published as: AUPM983994A0

Abstract

An integral truss system (20) for a roof (31) includes a pair of opposing end trusses (22) that can span between opposing (e.g. outer) walls of a building. At least one side truss (24) extends between the end trusses (22). The side truss is adapted for supporting a floor load and transferring that load to the end trusses (22). In addition, a roof portion (34) can be part of the roof (31) and can be moved between open and closed positions.

Description

BUILDING TRUSS SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a truss system for use with buildings, and in particular to a system which improves the utilisation of roof space. The invention will be described principally with reference to its use in domestic and portable housing, but it should be appreciated that the invention has very wide applications in the building industry and in construction requiring trusses, framework etc. In addition the invention extends to a roof system which can be used with the truss system.

BACKGROUND ART

In the design of roofed buildings, and in particular to the supporting frameworks for roofs, little specialist consideration is given to the utilisation of roof space

(being that space between the uppermost ceiling of the building and the underside of the roof) . It would be advantageous if a roof support system could be provided that allows this space to be more usefully employed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention provides an integral truss system for a roof including: a pair of opposing end members that are adapted for spanning between opposing walls of a building in which the truss system is to be mounted; and at least one side member extending between the end members and adapted for supporting a floor load between, and transferring that load to, the end members, wherein at least one of: the end members or the at least one side member is itself a truss.

By employing such a truss, a second floor, for example, can be created in the roof space without compromising second floor stability. Preferably at least one of the end members is also adapted for supporting the roof. Thus, the fundamental structure of the roof can be substantially preserved.

Preferably both end members are adapted for spanning unsupportedly between outer walls of the building. In addition, either or both of the end members, and the at least one side member, can be a truss.

Preferably a lower side of the at least one side member is adapted for having a floor mounted adjacent thereto and, when so mounted, the floor and any roof mounted to the truss system combine to define useable space therebetween. Also, an upper side of the at least one side member can be adapted for supporting at least a portion of the roof thereon.

It is most preferred that two spaced apart side members extend between the end members such that a floor can be mounted to and between the side members.

Preferably, both ends of each end member are slanted so that in use each end member is arranged for receiving and supporting corresponding and opposing pitched roof portions of the pitched roof thereon. With the end members configured in this manner, standard two pitch roofs can still be employed with the truss. The end members can, in planar outline, be trapezium shaped trusses, whereby slanted, non-parallel edges of the trapezium support a respective pitched side of the roof. Such a truss system can be integrated in the roof to provide a cross-span support so that a large space in the roof can be provided, which can be utilised for storage, living etc in a second (or further) floor in the building.

In a second and more specific aspect, the invention extends to a truss system for a roof including: - a pair of opposing end members, each adapted for extending between opposing walls of the building in which the truss system is to be mounted; and at least one side member extending between the end members and adapted for supporting both a floor and at least a portion of the roof thereon.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a truss system for a roof including at least one member that extends between opposing walls of the building in which the truss system is to be mounted, the at least one member being adapted for supporting both a floor and the roof.

Preferably two opposing members extend between the opposing walls of the building and the floor is mounted to each member and is arranged between the members. The roof can include two oppositely pitched portions, with each portion being supported on a respective member.

Preferably the or each member is a truss and the floor is supported on the or each member adjacent to a lower chord of the truss, whereas the roof is supported adjacent to an upper chord of the truss.

A difficulty exists with the transportation of portable housing and dwellings. With higher pitched roof structures height restrictions are imposed on transported loads (ie. because of the attendant risks of collision and engagement with power lines, telecommunication lines etc) . Thus, in many portable building situations, roofs have to be either separately transported to or separately constructed on site.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a roof for a building, wherein at least one portion of the roof is mountable to the remainder of the roof and can be moved between a closed position, in which the portion overlies the interior of the roof, and an open position, in which the interior of the roof is open to the surrounds. Thus, when the one or more roof portions are moved into various positions (eg. the open position) , the height of the roof can be reduced and the pitch of the roof changed.

Preferably, the roof includes at least one pair of opposing roof portions, each roof portion of the or each pair being hingedly mounted to the roof to be opposite to the other roof portion. Such a configuration can be employed on a standard two pitch roof etc. The pivotal mounting of the roof portion also enables the roof ' s interior space to be exposed or opened up to the surroundings, and this may be advantageous for ventilation, storing and removal of furniture, letting in of sunlight, water, as well as for the obvious advantages associated with transportation. Also interesting aesthetic and architectural effects can be achieved with such a roof portion configuration (eg. cathedral effects as described below) .

In a more preferred form, a plurality of roof portions extending on both sides of a pitched roof can be provided, and each may be individually or conjunctively pivoted between open and closed positions (eg. by an actuating mechanism, manually etc) .

The pivoting roof portion mechanism can be used in conjunction with the truss arrangement of the other aspects of the invention. In addition, both the pivoting roof portion mechanism and/or the truss system can be used in portable dwellings, particularly in divided portable structures, where similar or different halves of a house are transported to site and then assembled to complete the house or dwelling.

The simplicity of the truss and roof aspects of the invention enables the building of dwellings to be modularised so that rapid construction of dwellings can be effected. Notwithstanding that dwellings can be erected rapidly on site with the truss and roof system of the invention, dwellings can also be built in warehouses and then transported to site and rapidly erected. A wide range of consumer and trade benefits stem from the off- site (ie. factory) construction of dwellings. Hindrances such as weather, theft, materials and tradesmen availability, materials usage etc can be eliminated or reduced; delivery timing, finish, interior and exterior decor, labour, assembly step procedures etc can be modularised, regulated and controlled using factory floor assembly procedures; thus the high degree of uncertainty and irregularities in conventional on-site building programmes can be reduced or eliminated.

The buildings can be fabricated or modularised in halves, thirds, quarters etc as appropriate, whilst still employing the advantageous aspects of the truss and roof system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred truss according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the truss of Figure 1 when positioned in a roof frame;

Figure 3 shows a respective view of a modified truss according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the truss of Figure 3 when positioned in a roof frame;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a roof frame with movable roof portions according to the invention mounted thereto;

Figure 6 shows a partially disassembled end view of the roof frame of Figure 5 when mounted to opposing halves of a dwelling, indicating the pivoting range of the roof portions; Figure 7 shows an assembled end view of a dwelling, showing the roof portions in upright (closed) position;

Figure 8 shows a front view of a dwelling with the roof portions in upright (closed position) ,*

Figure 9 shows a plan view of the dwelling of Figures 7 and 8 with the roof portions removed to show interior roof space; and

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a further modified truss according to the invention.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Figure 1, one type of truss (20) includes a pair of opposing end frame structures (22) and side frame structures (24) . Each end frame structure is parallel to the other, is generally planar, and in use is oriented in the vertical plane; (and similarly for the side frame structures) . The end frame structures have sloping lateral portions (26) , which in use are adapted for supporting a roof surface for fixed mounting thereon (see Figure 2, Figure 6 etc) and a floor surface (see Figures 6 to 9) . The truss can be fabricated to span walls of a building (eg. where end frame structures 22 span from one outer peripheral wall to an opposing outer peripheral wall of a building) . Both the end frame structures and side frame structures can also be formed from one or a plurality of individual members (eg. timber or metal sections, joists, beams, planks etc) . Alternatively, each may simply be a continuous, single and unitary structure (eg. a beam, boom, joist etc) , depending on the application. The end and side frame structures can be joined together through any appropriate fastening means (eg. screwing, nailing, gluing, welding, bolting, riveting, stapling etc) .

A space S is defined between the end frame structures and side frame structures. This space can be used as both living and storage space as will become apparent in the following description.

Referring to Figure 2, the truss (20) is shown positioned in a roof frame (30) . A roof (31) is then mounted to the truss as shown. A plurality of additional lateral portions (32) can be arranged around and/or mounted to the truss (20) , providing additional support for pitched roof surfaces of roof (31) arranged on the roof frame (30) . The roof can extend beyond sloping lateral portions (26) and additional lateral portions (32) (as indicated by the dotted line L) . Alternatively, the roof may terminate at the top edge (33) of the end and side frame structures of the truss, and may then continue as cathedral roof portions (34) located on opposing sides of the roof. Each of the cathedral roof portions can be formed from a single, unitary rectangular frame, or alternatively may be formed from two or more frame segments (as indicated schematically in Figures 2 and 4) . In addition, each cathedral roof portion can be hingedly mounted to the remainder of the roof for pivoting (as described later) .

In a further improved variation, the frame(s) for forming the cathedral portions can be selected and sized to be the same as other frames used in the building (eg. wall frames, other sections of the roof etc) . This reduces the manufacturing costs and assembly time, ie. by reducing the number of overall components required in assembling the building.

The truss (20) enables a stable roof framing structure to be provided, whilst providing an ample space S for storage, living etc. The employment of a cathedral roof portion increases the extent of this space. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, where like reference numerals denote like parts, a modified truss (20') is similar in structure to the truss (20) , but includes a pair of opposing eave support portions (38) , extending from opposing ends of the end frame structures and for supporting the eaves of roof (31) . In Figure 2, these eave support portions are shown as attached to a flashing board (39) , however, as in Figure 3 they can be formed integrally with the truss (20') .

The roof frame (30) is suitable for having any type of roofing surface mounted and fastened thereon (eg. roofing tiles, corrugated sheet (eg. steel, aluminium, polymer etc) , flat sheet including perspex, polycarbonates, aluminium and anodised aluminium surfaces, etc. Referring to Figure 5, the mounting of opposing roof portions (40) to roof frame (30') is shown. Each roof portion can be mounted (eg. via hinges) to the frame

(30') along its lower edge (42) . When hingedly mounted, the roof portion can be pivoted between a closed position (as shown in Figure 5) and an open position (wherein the roof portion lies adjacent to and parallel with roof (31) ) . Each roof portion pivots as indicated by arrow P about its lower edge. (This movement can also be achieved without employing hinges, eg. manually) .

In the upright or closed position, the upper edges (44) of each roof portion abut or are brought into close facing arrangement, (or sealing engagement) . Figure 6 indicates how a bevelled face can be provided at upper edges (44) so that a very close facing arrangement between the roof portions can be obtained (see Figure 7) . The edges can then be fastened (eg. releasably fastened) in the closed position by welding, bolting, latching, screw-fastening, riveting etc as appropriate. In addition, the roof portions can be mounted to the roof frame (30') (or to truss (20, 20')) through a standard hinge, pivot pin or axle type arrangement (46) or by welding, screwing, bolting etc. By appropriate gearing or other drive-type arrangements, roof portion (40) can be locked at any of the positions between its upright and open (or laid flat) positions, (eg. as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 6) . For example, when roof portion (40) is brought to the position whereby it lies flat against roof (31) , it can be locked thereto through a catch or bolting arrangement etc. This particularly facilitates transportation of the roof structure when it forms part of a transportable dwelling or house (48) (see Figure 6) . Figure 6 also clearly indicates how the pitch of the roof changes from angle β to angle a (with respect to the horizontal) . Of course, a wide variety of angles a can be selected for the roof portion (40) in the closed

(upright) position, and this can be determined, for example, by varying the length of each portion (40) . In addition, the opposing roof portions can be given different lengths to vary the appearance of the roof as desired.

Figure 6 also shows how a dwelling with the roof frame of Figure 5 can be separated into two halves (50, 52) . This necessitates dividing the roof frame (30') , (and where a truss (20, 20') is employed, dividing this truss also) . An appropriately modified truss for this purpose is shown in Figure 10 (described later) . By configuring the roof portion, dwelling, truss and roof frame in this manner, the dwelling can be easily transported (eg. by loading on the back of a truck or in a container etc) . Furthermore, such halves may be readily constructed on-site, or fabricated easily in a factory, warehouse etc. The whole manufacturing and assembly process can be modularised, especially when symmetrical configurations employing standard components throughout are employed.

Referring to Figure 7, an assembled version of the house or dwelling (48) is shown, and various components

(as heretofore described) are shown in respective positions within the dwelling. As can be seen, by employing the truss (20, 20') and roof portions (40) a large and useable space S can be formed in the roof of the dwelling, which can be used for storage, living space, as an atrium etc. Alternatively and if desired, the second floor can be removed so that a large interior cathedral (and lighting) effect is achieved (ie. by the addition of space S to the first floor space) . This space can be opened to the environment or surroundings by moving (eg. pivoting) one or both of roof portions (40) into various positions. Such movement can be facilitated by an actuating mechanism (not shown) which may be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic etc operated motors. Such motors may be driveable upon the axle or pins (46) . Alternatively, actuating arms or other arrangements such as cables, pulleys etc can be employed to facilitate pivoting of roof portions (40) .

Figure 7 clearly indicates how the upper edges (44) of the roof portions, when appropriately shaped, can be brought into a close facing and sealing arrangement. The sealing can also be facilitated through appropriately placed rubber or polymeric strips etc. As described above, the upper edges of the roof portions can be locked or fastened together by any appropriate means either permanently or releasably. A floor (54) is typically fitted into the dwelling and is usually (though not always) subsequently attached to truss (20, 20') in situ as required. The floor is preferably mounted (eg. bolted, welded, riveted etc) at or adjacent to a lower edge of the side frame structures 24, to extend therebetween. The floor can additionally or alternatively be mounted to the end frame structures at their lower edges to extend therebetween. Stairs (56) for proceeding from the first floor and into space S can be provided in the dwelling and can either form part of one of the dwelling halves (50, 52) or can be added later in situ as appropriate.

Figure 8 shows that each roof portion (40) can be formed from one or more segments (58, 60) , each of which can be independently pivotable or movable, and/or pivoted in conjunction (eg. through appropriate locking together) . This arrangement can be used to open up only predetermined or desired regions of space S to the surroundings.

At opposing ends (62, 64) of the roof, windows, louvres, spaces, walls, verandahs etc can be formed as appropriate. When forming verandahs, beams or joists are typically employed in place of the end structures 22, but can function in an identical support manner. Beams or joists may also be employed in place of the side frame structures 24, especially where the side frame structures are not used in a roof support function.

Each end (62, 64) may also be pivotable or movable outwardly from the roof structure, eg. around and along a lower pivotal region (66) . The end can be moved to an open position in which it lies over roof (31)) .

Figure 9 shows a plan view of the dwelling (48) with roof portions (40) removed. Here, it can be clearly seen how the upper space can be used as living space, storage space etc, and can be accessed by stairs (56) . Appropriate dividers or walls (68) etc can also be provided, as would be understood.

Figure 10 shows a modified truss 80, which in effect is half of the truss 20 of Figure 1. The modified truss finds particular application with a half-dwelling as shown in Figure 6. The truss extends across (spans) opposing side walls of the dwelling to support eg. a half-roof thereon. Side structure 24 can then support a floor (or half-floor as appropriate) .

Various other configurations employing modifications of the truss (20,80) and roof portions (40) can be achieved. For example, the roof portions (40) are shown as mounted to a basic two pitch roof, but additional pitched roofs, or flatter, substantially flat or steep pitched roofs can equally be employed. The truss can be appropriately modified to suit such other applications.

In addition, the dwelling (48) can be anchored to the ground using a unique foundation system. The system includes a column (70) , preferably of steel or similar high tensile material, which is fixed or integrated with the dwelling (48) and extends downwardly therefrom. The column (70) is received in a concrete footing (72) in such a manner that the dwelling is pulled (or tied) downwardly. At the same time the column supports the weight of the dwelling structure thereabove.

This contrasts with conventional housing construction methods in which the dwelling simply rests or sits on a column or pillar foundation. The foundation system of the present invention provides resistance against extreme weather conditions such as cyclones, hurricanes etc., floods, landslides etc.

Houses or dwellings employing such roof structures can be easily fabricated, transported and/or packed, or built on site. The roof structures can be used with buildings having any number of stories and can be connected to other like structures etc. The truss and roof structures can be retrofitted to existing dwellings on an upper floor extension and to improve light, ventilation and value of such dwellings.

Dwellings incorporating such roof structures can be freestanding homes, or can be used on dual occupancy blocks, in cluster housing and recreational developments such as motels, ski resorts, farm holiday cottages, as mining, camp dwellings and as cheap or rapidly constructed-type houses. Typical building materials can be employed in the dwellings, and also light-weight (eg. rolled) steel frame construction can be employed (which can lend to more rapid assembly and mass-production techniques) .

Whilst the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. An integral truss system for a roof including: a pair of opposing end members that are adapted for spanning between opposing walls of a building in which the truss system is to be mounted; and at least one side member extending between the end members and adapted for supporting a floor load between, and transferring that load to, the end members, wherein at least one of : the end members or the at least one side member is itself a truss.

2. A truss system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the end members is also adapted for supporting the roof.

3. A truss system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein one or both end members are adapted for spanning unsupportedly between outer walls of the building.

4. A truss system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein either or both of the end members, and the at least one side member, are a truss.

5. A truss system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lower side of the at least one side member is adapted for having a floor mounted adjacent thereto and, when so mounted, the floor and any roof mounted to the truss system combine to define useable space therebetween.

6. A truss system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an upper side of the at least one side member is adapted for supporting at least a portion of the roof thereon.

7. A truss system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein two spaced apart side members extend between the end members such that a floor can be mounted to and between the side members.

8. A truss system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both ends of each end member are slanted so that in use each end member is arranged for receiving and supporting corresponding and opposing pitched roof portions of a pitched roof thereon.

9. A truss system as claimed in claim 8, wherein each end member includes a generally rectangular central frame portion, with the or each slanted end being defined by a generally triangular frame segment extending laterally from a respective side of the central frame portion.

10. A truss system as claimed in claim 9, wherein each end member, in planar outline, is a trapezium-shaped truss, with a shorter upper chord of the trapezium truss being defined by a long side of the central frame portion, and with a longer lower chord of the trapezium being defined by an opposing long side of the central frame portion, together with the base side(s) of the frame segment (s), and wherein at least one of the non- parallel sides of the trapezium is defined by an outer edge of the frame segment, the truss being adapted such that the longer lower chord extends between and is mountable on the opposing walls of the building.

11. A truss system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each side member is a generally rectangular truss that longitudinally extends between, and is orthogonal to, each of the end members.

12. A truss system for a roof including: a pair of opposing end members, each adapted for extending between opposing walls of the building in which the truss system is to be mounted; and at least one side member extending between the end members and adapted for supporting both a floor and at least a portion of the roof thereon.

13. A truss system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the end members and the at least one side member are as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A building incorporating a truss system as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

15. A truss system for a roof including at least one member that extends between opposing walls of the building in which the truss system is to be mounted, the at least one member being adapted for supporting both a floor and the roof.

16. A truss system as claimed in claim 15, wherein two opposing members extend between the opposing walls of the building and the floor is mounted to each member and is arranged between the members.

17. A truss system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the roof includes two oppositely pitched portions, with each portion being supported on a respective member.

18. A truss system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to

17, wherein the or each member is a truss and the floor is supported on the or each member adjacent to a lower chord of the truss, whereas the roof is supported adjacent to an upper chord of the truss.

19. A roof for a building, wherein at least one portion of the roof is mountable to the remainder of the roof and can be moved between a closed position, in which the portion overlies the interior of the roof, and an open position, in which the interior of the roof is open to the surrounds.

20. A roof as claimed in claim 19, including at least one pair of opposing roof portions, each roof portion of a pair being hingedly mounted to the roof and opposed to the other roof portion of the pair, and each being pivotable between the open and closed positions.

21. A roof as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the or each roof portion is mountable to the roof so that in the open position it lies adjacent to a section of the remainder of the roof, and in the closed position it has a remote edge that abuts a remote edge of the remainder of the roof.

22. A roof as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 that is pitched, wherein the or each roof portion is generally rectangular and is hingedly mounted to an intermediate region of the roof along a pivoting edge of the roof portion.

23. A roof as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein in the closed position the or each roof portion subtends a different pitch to the remainder of the roof.

24. A roof as claimed in any one of claims^' 19 to 23, wherein said remainder of the roof is two-pitched and is defined by a pair of upwardly sloping and opposing sides that incline inwardly towards an imaginary ridge, with the at least one roof portion being positionable at a respective side so that a remote free edge thereof is generally located at, vertically above, or vertically below the imaginary ridge when the roof portions are in the closed position.

25. A roof as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein, when opposing roof portions are provided, remote free edges of the opposing portions abut when in the closed position.

26. A roof as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the or each roof portion is formed from a frame that can also be used in forming walls of the building.

27. A roof as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 26, that is supported by a truss system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13.

28. A roof as claimed in claim 27, wherein the or each roof portion opens on to the space between the end members of the truss system.

29. A building incorporating a roof as defined in any one of claims 19 to 28.

30. A divided building that includes two half-building portions, both half-building portions having a half-roof, wherein each half-roof includes a truss system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13 and/or a roof as defined in any one of claims 19 to 28.

31. A divided building as claimed in claim 30, wherein the half-building portions are substantially identical to each other.