SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS TRUSS MOUNTED TRACK SYSTEM

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of trusses used to support a variety of equipment and/or appliances, such as lights. More specifically, a track is disclosed that can connect to tracks of adjacent trusses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trusses are used generally to hang lighting and sound equipment above a performance area, such as a stage. For example, trusses can support equipment such as speakers. The equipment is used to enhance the experience of the audience and the performance of the entertainer(s). Typically, trusses can only support a certain number of appliances due to weight constraints and spacing issues. To ensure all the needed appliances can be supported above the entire length of the performance area, multiple prior art trusses are connected together at the ends such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,028,488.

However, connecting the trusses as disclosed in the prior art still requires appliances to be completely removed from the truss and re-connected to an adjacent truss if the appliance needs to be moved, for example, to ensure adequate sound coverage of the speakers during the performance. Moreover, other connections may be cumbersome or require more connections or connections at alternate locations than what a tradition truss can accommodate. Thus, there is a need for improvement in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A track for attaching one or more appliances to a truss, along with a securement mechanism for securing the track to the truss, are disclosed. The track has a body extending horizontally defining a first end and a second end. According to one embodiment, the track has a generally rectangular cross-section. In a further form, the track has a generally square cross section. The track includes a plurality of recesses, which in one form has each individual recess located on one of the respective sides of the track. The recesses receive and support fasteners and define a plurality of guides along the length of the track. In a further form, the track further includes two bores located on the first end and the second end of the track respectively. The bores receive at least a portion of an elongated pin therein.

The track is secured to a track hanger via one of the recesses, which is, in turn, attached to the truss. The remining recesses define attachment points for one or more carriage assemblies that can slidably move along the length of the recesses and are selectively lockable at a desired location. The carriage assemblies can be modified with differing points of attachment in order for different appliances to be attached to the track (e.g., lighting, visual or sound equipment). For example, the carriage assembly can include a T-bar or, alternatively, a lifting eye.

Importantly, an elongated pin/attachment pin can be inserted into the bores of two adjacent tracks. Attachment of one track or another track in this manner aligns the recesses of the respective tracks and forms a continuous track between two or more adjacent trusses. The continuous track allows for easy movement of appliances between adjacent trusses, decreases set-up and tear-down time for trusses, provides uniformity in hanging and increased flexibility of mounting. In addition, some load balancing is also achieved and safety in increased.

A method of attaching the track of the present disclosure to a truss and a method of attaching adjacent trusses/tracks together are also disclosed. By linearly aligning two or more trusses outfitted with a track of the present disclosure, a truss assembly can be configured to site-specific requirements, such as the width of a performance stage.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a continuous track between adjacent trusses allowing easy movement of appliances from one truss to another, thus reducing set-up and tear-down times of the performance area as well as to minimize connection points between the truss and the track, while still maintaining sufficient load carrying capacity.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for easily forming a continuous track between trusses and for easily installing, removing, or moving appliances within or between trusses, as needed.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is side view of two adjacent trusses and tracks connected together.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the trusses and tracks depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a track according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the track illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a track hanger.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the track and truss of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a carriage assembly.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a track attached to a truss supporting a carriage assembly with a turn-buckle.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a carriage assembly with a support hook.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a method of attaching appliances to a truss utilizing the track of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a method of attaching adjacent trusses utilizing tracks of the present disclosure to form a continuous track between the trusses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

With respect to the specification and claims, it should be noted that the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, and the like include plural referents unless expressly discussed otherwise. As an illustration, references to “a device” or “the device” include one or more of such devices and equivalents thereof. It also should be noted that directional terms, such as “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like, are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in the reader's understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and it is not the intent that the use of these directional terms in any manner limit the described, illustrated, and/or claimed features to a specific direction and/or orientation.

A track for attaching one or more appliances to a truss is disclosed. The track has a body extending horizontally defining a first end and a second end. According to one embodiment, the track has a generally rectangular cross-section. In a further form, the track has a generally square or square cross section. The track includes a plurality of recesses. In one form, the track has each individual recess located on one of the respective sides of the track. The recesses receive and support fasteners and define a plurality of guides along the length of the track. The track further includes two bores located on the first end and the second end of the track respectively. The bores receive at least a portion of an elongated pin therein.

The track is secured to a track hanger via one of the recesses, which is, in turn, attached to the truss. The remining recesses define attachment points for one or more carriage assemblies that can slidably move along the length of the recesses and are selectively lockable at a desired location. The carriage assemblies can be modified with differing points of attachment in order for different appliances to be attached to the track (e.g., lighting vs. sound equipment). For example, the carriage assembly can include a T-bar or, alternatively, a lifting eye.

Importantly, when an elongated pin/attachment pin can be inserted into the bores of two adjacent tracks. Attachment of one track or another track in this manner aligns the recesses of the respective tracks and forms a continuous track between two adjacent trusses. The continuous track allows for easy movement of appliances between adjacent trusses, allows the mounting of appliances to span adjacent truss and also decreases set-up and tear-down time trusses.

A method of attaching the track of the present disclosure to a truss and a method of attaching adjacent trusses/tracks together are also disclosed. By linearly aligning two or more trusses outfitted with a track of the present disclosure, a truss assembly can be configured to site-specific requirements, such as the width of a performance stage.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a continuous track between adjacent trusses allowing easy movement of appliances from one truss to another, thus reducing set-up and tear-down times of the performance arca.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for easily forming a continuous track between trusses and for easily installing, removing, or moving appliances within or between trusses, as needed.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a truss assembly/pair of trusses 19. The truss assembly includes two similar trusses 20, 21, with the only differences between the two being the type of appliances attached to said trusses 20, 21. Mounted to the opposite ends of the four horizontally extending tubes are flanges to enable one truss to be connected to an adjacent truss at attachment point 30 to form a longer truss assembly 19. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, additional trusses (not shown) may be attached at either end of truss assembly 19 depending on the length of the performance area and the number of appliances required for a given performance.

Truss 20 will now be described; it being understood that an identical description applies to truss 21. Truss 20 includes four horizontally extending tubular members connected together. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the horizontally extending members includes members 22 and 23 joined together by a plurality of cross-members 24 perpendicularly arranged and having their opposite ends fixedly attached to tubes 22 and 23. A centrally located horizontally extending tube 25 is parallel to tubes 22 and 23 being joined to cross members 24. Tubes 22 and 23 along with the cross members 24 and central member 25 form a generally rectangular top frame. In the side view of FIG. 1, the bottom frame of the truss is formed by a pair of horizontally extending tubes one of which is shown as member 26. The two spaced apart bottom horizontally extending members 26 are fixedly secured to the horizontally extending top members 22 and 23, respectively, by a plurality of vertical members 27 and a plurality of angular members 28.

The truss assembly 19 includes a number of appliances 40. As shown, the appliances 40 may include lighting, visual effect and/or sound equipment. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, that any necessary appliances may be attached to the truss assembly 19 as described herein. The appliances 40 are secured to a track 50, with each truss 20, 21 having a separate track 50 defining a first and second track, said tracks described in more detail below. Again, focusing on truss 20, the track 50 is securely attached to the truss 20 via two track hangers 60 that secure the track 50 to two of the plurality of cross members 24. In the illustrated embodiment only two track hangers 60 are required to provide sufficient support for the length of track 50 and a full load of appliances 40, however, more may be provided if desired. The appliances 40 are attached to a carriage assembly 70 configured to be slidably attached and selectively lockable to the track 50. In this manner, the appliances 40 are secured to the truss 20.

As depicted in FIG. 1, each track 50 of the trusses 20, 21 include a first end 51 and a second end 52. The two tracks are attached together at a respective second end 52 and first end 51 of the tracks of trusses 20, 21 at 53. Both ends 51, 52 of the track 50 include a bore 53 designed to receive a portion of an attachment pin, which when inserted within two adjacent tracks 50 securely attached the tracks 50 to one another, forming a continuous track that extends between trusses 20, 21. The continuous track 50 allows appliances 40 to be moved along the length of truss assembly 19 via carriage assemblies 70 to ensure proper positioning of the appliances 40. Although shown with tracks 50 being connected to form the continuous track, the track 50 of the present disclosure can be used with one, two, or more tracks connected to a similar number of trusses, as needed. Thus, the truss assembly 19 is modular so the assembly 19 can extend across the entire length of the performance area, as needed. For example, if track 50 is 10-feet long, then three tracks 50 can be connected together to cover a 30-foot-wide stage.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of track 50 shown attached to truss 20 in FIGS. 1 and 2, it being understood that track 50 of truss 21 is identical. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the track 50 has square cross-section and a body that extends horizontally between the first end 51 and the second end 52. Other shapes of track 50 are also envisioned. The track 50 includes a bore 53 on each end, including the first end 51 and the second end 52 for receiving a portion of the attachment pin for connecting track 50 to an adjacent track 50, or the next adjacent track (not shown), as shown with respect to truss assembly 19. The track 50 also includes a plurality of recesses 54. In this embodiment, each side of track 50 includes a separate recess 54, however, in some embodiments, not all sides of track 50 include a recess 54, or one or more sides may include two or more recesses. For example, in other embodiments, track 50 may include three recesses 54. The recesses 54 define mounting points for appliances 40 and/or the track hanger 60 to secure the track 50 to the truss 20. Importantly, the recesses 54 also act as guides for carriage assembly(ies) 70/appliance(s) 40 so the appliances 40 and track hanger(s) 60 are slidable along the guide defined by recess(es) 54. Further, when track 50 is connected to an adjacent track, the recesses 54 of the first track 50 are configured to align with the recesses of the second track, facilitating movement of appliances 40 while truss assembly 19 is assembled.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the track 50. The recesses 54 include a central wall 55 and edge 56. The central wall 55 and edge 56 are configured to receive a portion of the track hanger 60 or carriage assembly 70 to retain the components within recess 54. For example, the fasteners 71 of the carriage assembly 70 have a corresponding shape to that of recess 54, preventing lateral movement of the fasteners 71/carriage assembly 70 while allowing transverse movement (i.e., selectively slidable within recess 54). The track 50, in some embodiments, also includes hollow portions 57 defining a hollow length of track 50 along its length. In this embodiments, hollow portions 57 are located at the corners of the square cross-section of track 50.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a track hanger 60. The track hanger 60 is securable to the cross members 24 of the truss 20 via clamps 61. While depicted as clamps securable around cross members 24, other fastening members configured to secure the track hanger to the cross member(s) 24 and/or truss 20 are also envisioned. The track hanger 60 is also securable to the track 50 via fastener 62. Specifically, fastener 62 includes a protrusion configured to engage and slide within one of the plurality of recesses 54 of track 50. Once positioned below one of the plurality of cross members 24, the fastener 62 can be tightened such that fastener 62 engages the edges 56 of recess 54 to securely fasten the track hanger 60 to the track 50. Track hanger 60 securely attaches the track 50 to the truss 20.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the track 50 attached to one of the cross members 24 of truss 20 supporting an appliance 40 via the carriage assembly 70. Specifically, the track hanger is attached to truss 20 at cross member 24 via clamps 61. By rotating the bolts of clamps 61, the clamps 61 are securely fastened to cross member 24, attaching the track hanger 60 to the truss 20. The fastener 62 is inserted into the recess 54 on one side of track 54 and track 50 is slidably moved relative to the hanger 60 until track 50 is properly positioned relative to truss 20 (i.e., the first end 51 of track 50 is aligned with an end of the truss 20 and the second end 52 of track 50 is aligned with the opposing end of truss 20). Simultaneously, during assembly of truss 20/truss assembly 19, the track 50 may be engaged with one or more additional track hangers 60 securely attached to one of the other plurality of cross members 24 of truss 20. Once the track 50 is properly aligned relative to the track hanger(s) 60, fastener 62 is tightened to secure the track 50 thereto. Attachment of the track 50 in this manner defines three remaining mounting points (recesses 54) to support appliances 40.

In this embodiment, a carriage assembly 70 is attached to two recesses 54 opposite each other occupying two mounting points (at recesses 54) on track 50. The carriage assembly 70 (discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 7) includes fasteners 71 configured to engage recesses 54. The fasteners 71 are disposed between a flange 75 located on the interior surface of carriage assembly 71. The flange 75 is also configured to engage recess 54. Further, the carriage assembly 70, like track hanger 60, is slidably movable within guides/recesses 54 allowing an operator to place appliance 40 at a desired location along track 50 and/or the continuous track of truss assembly 19. Once positioned, the fasteners 71 are selectively lockable, engaging the central walls 55 of the respective recesses 54, locking the carriage assembly 70 and thus appliance 40 in place. In this embodiment, a T-bar 73 is attached to the carriage assembly 70 via a clamp 72 attached to the carriage assembly 70. The T-bar provides a mounting point for appliance 40 via fasteners 41 of the appliance 40. In use, if the appliance 40 needs to me moved, fasteners 71 can be disengaged from the central walls 55 of recesses 54 and the entire assembly, including the carriage assembly 70 and the appliance 40, can be slidably moved relative to track 50 along recesses 54.

The present disclosure decreases assembly time and disassembly time of truss assembly 19 by providing an easy way to attach/detach appliances 40. For example, at the end of a show, if appliances 40 need to be removed, fasteners 71 of the carriage assemblies 70 can be loosened and appliances can be slid off of track 50 without the need to disassemble truss 20 or truss assembly 19 or the need to remove track 50 from the truss 20.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a carriage assembly 70 according to one embodiment. The carriage assembly 70 has three sidewalls 74 defining a generally rectangular shape having an interior surface. However, the sidewalls 74 may define a different shape to correspond to the shape of track 50. The carriage assembly 70 includes flanges 75 located on opposing sidewalls 74, as shown. The flanges 75 have a shape that corresponds to the shape of recess 54 of track 50. Further, fasteners 71 are located between flanges 75 on each respective side. When inserted to recesses 54, the flanges 75 engage the edges 56 of recesses 54 to prevent movement of carriage assembly 70 in all directions except linearly with respect to recesses 54. Once positioned, linear movement of carriage assembly 70 is restricted by selective engagement of fasteners 71 with track 50. In this embodiment, fasteners 71 include distal ends 76 that engage the central wall 55 of recess 54 when selectively locked. The distal ends 76 of fasteners 71, in some embodiments, include silicone or rubber to increase the amount of friction between the fastener 71 and the central wall 55. The fasteners 71 can be disengages to allow linear movement of the carriage assembly 70 along recesses 54, allowing movement of appliances 40 attached thereto within truss 20/truss assembly 19.

The carriage assembly 70, in this embodiment, acts as a universal attachment point for appliances 40 to the track 50, and thus to truss 20. Specifically, the carriage assembly 70 includes a plurality of attachment points 77 of various sizes and positions allowing attachment of different appliances 40 and/or other means of attachment (e.g., the T-bar of FIG. 6). By way of additional examples, FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the carriage assembly 70 modified with other attachment means to secure various types of appliances 40 thereto (also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 attached to the track 50 of truss 21). In FIG. 8, a turn-buckle 45 is attached to the carriage assembly 70 with an eye bolt 46 for direct attachment of the appliance 40. In FIG. 9, a lifting eye 47 is attached directly to the carriage assembly 70. Other means of attaching an appliance 40 to the carriage assembly are also envisioned within the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a method 80 of attaching the track 50 to the truss 20. One or more track hangers 60 are attached to separate cross members 24 of truss 20 via clamps 61. For example, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two track hangers 60, one on each end, securing track 50 to truss 20. Track 50 is attached to the one or more track hangers 60 by engaging the fasteners 62 with one of the recesses 54 located on track 50. The track is slidably movable to align the track properly within truss 20. The fasteners 62 are tightened to securely fasten the track 50 to the truss 20 and prevent movement of the track 50 thereafter. One or more carriage assemblies 70 are attached to the track 50 by engaging the flanges 75 of the carriage assemblies 70 with one or more of the recesses 54 not occupied by the track hangers 60. The carriage assemblies can be slidably moved along the length of the track and selectively locked at discrete positions via fasteners 71. An appliance 40 is securely attached to one of the carriage assemblies 70, which secures the appliance 40 to the truss 20. Notably, carriage assemblies 70 can still be moved along recess 54 of track 50 with an appliance attached thereto.

FIG. 11 discloses method 90 for attaching an adjacent truss with a track to a second truss with a track to define a continuous length of track between the two trusses. A first truss 20 and a second truss 21 are assembled as outlined and described with reference to FIG. 10. An elongated pin/attachment pin is inserted into the bore 53 on one end of either the first track or the second track. The trusses 20, 21 and the tracks 50 are linearly aligned such that the elongated pin is also inserted into the bore 53 on the second track. The trusses 20, 21 may be attached together to form truss assembly 19 with a continuous track 50. Optionally, one or more carriage assemblies 70 can be attached to track 50, as described herein, and slidably moved along the continuous track 50 from the first truss 20 to the second truss 21 or vice versa. Carriage assemblies 70 can be moved between the first truss 20 and the second truss 21 (i.e., on the track 50 of truss assembly 19) whether an appliance 40 is attached to the carriage assembly 70 or not.

In this application, “appliance” shall mean any piece or type of equipment attachable to a truss. By way of example, an appliance may comprise lighting equipment, sound equipment, electrical equipment, or any other equipment attached to a truss and used to aid in putting on a performance, show, play, concert, etc.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.