AU2021201323A1 - Locating jig for drilling holes in truss members - Google Patents

Abstract

Z1195b4U.1:DCC ABSTRACT A jig for locating a drill bit to a building component which comprises a structural member, such that a hole drilled with the bit and extending in or through the member is correctly positioned in the component, the jig comprising a guide, configured to guide the bit axially, a rotational locator arranged to abut a face of the member which extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the member, to orientate the jig rotationally about each of the longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of the member which is parallel to said face and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, and an axial locator alignable with or to a datum with which the member or component is configured or provided, such that the jig is located with respect to the datum along said longitudinal axis, whereby a central axis of the hole drilled by the bit, axially guided by the guide, is correctly orientated about the longitudinal and transverse axes and correctly located along said longitudinal axis. 1/16 1 7A 4A 8B S 2A FIG. 1 6A FIG.

Description

1/16

1

7A

4A

8B S 2A

FIG. 1

6A FIG.

Z1195b4U.1:L)CC

LOCATING JIG FOR DRILLING HOLES IN TRUSS MEMBERS

Field of the Invention The present invention provides improvements in the manufacture of trusses with preformed holes. More particularly, the invention provides a jig for locating a drill bit with respect to a structural member, such as one of first and second truss members, which may be interconnected at a joint, such that a hole drilled into the structural member with the bit is correctly positioned - e.g. relative to such a joint. The invention also provides a method of locating the drill bit using the jig, a method of forming, using the jig, a said hole in a structural member which forms or is to form part of an assembly comprising the structural member and a method of forming, using the jig, respective holes in such members or assemblies which are arranged in a stack, as well as to a said member or assembly formed with a said hole and to the stacked members or assemblies each of which is formed with a said hole. The invention also provides a said member or assembly provided with a fastening member received by the hole thus formed therein so as to be applied - preferably pre-applied - to the member or assembly, and to plural such members or assemblies arranged in said stack.

The invention has particular, though not exclusive, application to roof trusses.

Background In some types of building construction, including construction of timber frame houses, it is conventional to construct the roof using trusses prefabricated, by means of a jig, in a factory and transported to site for securement atop wall frames or other wall structure of the building. Prefabrication reduces much of the skill and time which would otherwise be needed to construct the roof at site, as well as attendant hazards associated with the roof installation - a procedure carried by tradespersons out at height. Prefabricated trusses are typically produced in large numbers or batches and arranged in stacks for transportation to site.

Securement of a given truss atop a wall frame/structure in the construction of the building is desirably effected via elongate fasteners - generally screws - typically at a joint at which top and bottom chords of the truss meet (commonly termed a "heel"). Integrity of the connections thus formed relies on the fasteners being correctly positioned and orientated in the truss. There is an ongoing imperative to devise efficient, repeatable and accurate ways of preconfiguring trusses, particularly trusses produced in appreciable numbers, to

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this end.

Summary of the Invention The invention is summarised in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a drill bit-locating jig according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the jig showing details thereof which are concealed in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the jig;

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the jig showing details thereof which are concealed in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the jig, showing exemplary dimensioning thereof;

Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the jig, showing exemplary dimensioning thereof;

Figure 7 is an end view of a drilling bush of the jig, showing exemplary dimensioning thereof;

Figure 8 is a side view of the drilling bush, showing exemplary dimensioning thereof;

Figure 9 is a rear elevation view of the jig, showing exemplary dimensioning thereof;

Figure 10 is a plan view of a blank from which is to be formed a bracket or locating

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part of the jig, showing exemplary dimensioning of the blank/part;

Figure 11 is detail view showing part of the blank as shown in Figure 10 / jig as shown in Figure 5;

Figure 12 is a side elevation view of one of two identical supports for a handle of the jig, showing exemplary dimensioning thereof;

Figure 13 is a rear elevation view of the handle support shown in Figure 12, showing exemplary dimensioning thereof;

Figure 14 is a rear view of the handle, showing exemplary dimensioning thereof;

Figure 15 is a side view of the handle, showing exemplary dimensioning thereof;

Figure 16 is a perspective view showing location of the jig to a joint comprising interconnected members of a truss, for drilling a hole in the truss/members/joint at a correct location, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 17 is a plan view of what is shown in Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a schematic side elevation view showing details of a building structure comprising the truss, preconfigured with a hole formed using the jig, an underlying wall structure and a fastener which is received through the hole and screwed into the wall structure to secure the truss to that structure;

Figure 19 is a schematic side elevation view showing details of a building structure comprising the truss, preconfigured with a hole formed using the jig, an underlying alternative wall structure and a fastener which is received through the hole and screwed into the alternative wall structure to secure the truss to that structure;

Figure 20 is a perspective view showing location of the jig to a truss chord member, for drilling a hole in the member at a correct location, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

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Figure 21 is a perspective view showing details of a building structure, comprising jack trusses, each of which comprises a respective said truss chord member defining a top chord thereof, a truncated girder truss, abutted by vertical web members of the jack trusses, and a truncated standard truss, parallel with the truncated girder truss, to which each said truss chord member is to be secured by means of a fastener received through the hole and screwed into the truncated standard truss;

Figure 22 is an enlarged view showing details of the building structure in Figure 21, including abutment between a stop on a said truss chord member and a top chord of the truncated standard truss whereby the truncated standard truss is correctly positioned (relative to the jack trusses and truncated girder truss);

Figures 23A to 23D show details of the said abutment and how the hole in the truss chord member is located correctly relative to the stop and thus such that the fastener received therein is driven into the truncated standard truss top chord at the correct position; and

Figures 24A to 24F show the location of the hole, and the fastener as received therethrough and driven into the truncated standard truss top chord, for varying pitches of the truss chord member.

Detailed Description Shown in the drawings is a jig 1 for locating a drill bit to a building component, particularly (though not necessarily) a truss or part thereof, such that a hole drilled with the bit into a structural member of which the component is comprised is at a correct location in the member/component.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the jig 1, referring to Figures 16 and 17, is used to locate the drill bit with respect to a heel 50, at which a top chord 60 and bottom chord 70 of a truss 40 are interconnected, typically via a nail plate 51 at either or each side of the joint 50, such that, referring also to Figures 18 and 19, the central axis A of a said hole 20, drilled using the jig 1, is correctly orientated and located at a correct distance along the bottom chord 70 from the "heel point" 90, being the location

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where a tip 71A of a chamfered end 71 of the bottom chord 70 meets the top chord 60 abutting that end in the joint 50 - whereby a fastener 30, received by the hole 20, is driven into a support structure 100, atop which the truss 40 is received, at the correct location and in the correct direction in that structure. In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the jig 1, referring to Figures 21, 22 and 23A to 23D, is used to locate the drill bit with respect to a stop 55 on a top chord 60' of a truss 40', the stop 55 (the function of which is described later) being positioned a predetermined distance along the top chord 60' from a reference point - such as heel point 90 or an outer end face 80A of a web 80 of truss 40', such that the central axis A of a said hole 20, drilled using the jig 1, is correctly orientated and located at a correct distance along the top chord whereby a fastener 30, received by the hole 20 and driven into a support structure 100' against which the top chord is received, is at the correct location and in the correct direction in that structure.

Figures 18 and 19 show respective building structures 1000A and 1000B, each constructed in accordance with the first embodiment, the structure 1000A comprising truss 40 and a support structure 100A, atop which the truss 40 is supported and to which the truss 40 is secured, and the structure 1000B comprising truss 40 and a support structure 100B, atop which the truss 40 is supported and to which the truss 40 is secured. In the building structure 1000A, the support structure 100A comprises a member 101A, defining a lintel, rafter or beam - e.g. a beam at a perimeter of an alfresco area or garage in the building - which is part of a wall structure or other structure in the building, and the truss 40, particularly the heal 50 thereof, is secured to the member 101A by a threaded fastener more particularly a screw 30 - which is received in and through the hole 20 and into the member 101A. In the building structure 1000B, the support structure 100B is a top plate (being a double top plate in the particular example shown), comprising a top plate member 101B, which is part of a wall structure (typically comprising a wall frame) in the building (which structure may be part of a wall that is either internal or external), and the truss 40, particularly the heel 50 thereof, is secured to the member 101B by a threaded fastener - more particularly a screw 30 - which is received in and through the hole 20 and into the member 101B.

In each case, the hole 20 is correctly located and orientated in the truss 40 and, in turn, the screw 30 when received thereby is correctly located and orientated with respect to the truss 40, whereby when the truss 40 is located in the position at which it is to be fixed to

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the support structure 10OA/100B ("100"), the location and orientation of the central axis A of the screw 30 so received is such that the screw 30 can be driven into the member 101A/101B at the correct location and in the correct direction in that member.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the jig 1 comprises a locating part 2, configured to be received against the component/truss 40 or 40', a handle 3 connected to the locating part 2, via which the jig 1 can be manipulated to effect receipt of the part 2 against the component/truss 40 or 40', and a guide 4, for guiding a drill bit, which is connected to the locating part 2 and comprises a drilling bush 4A. The locating part 2 is defined by a bracket bent or folded from a blank 2', shown in Figure 10, which blank is formed from (typically metal) plate.

The locating part 2 comprises a rotational locator 5, which is defined by one (portion 2A) of the two perpendicular plate or flange portions of the bent/folded blank 2', comprising a locating face 5A which is defined by a flat surface of that portion. In the case of the first embodiment (referring to Figures 16 and 17), the locator 5/face 5A is receivable against a bottom face 70A of the bottom chord 70 so as to orientate rotationally the jig 1, and in particular a central axis G of a bore 4B of the guide 4/bush 4A thereof, correctly about a longitudinal axis L of the chord member 70 and a transverse axis T of that member, the axis T being perpendicular to the axis L though (like axis L) parallel to face 70A. In the case of the second embodiment (referring to Figures 20 and 23D), the locator 5/face 5A is receivable against a top face 60A' of the top chord 60' so as to orientate rotationally the jig 1, and in particular the central axis G of bore 4B, correctly about a longitudinal axis L' of the chord member 60' and a transverse axis T' of that member, the axis T' being perpendicular to the axis L' though (like axis L') parallel to face 60A'.The bush 4A is fixed to the portion 2A and projects rearwardly from a side thereof which is opposite to that on which the surface 5A is defined. The portion 2A is configured with a hole 5B via which the bore 4B opens through the face 5A.

The locating part 2 further comprises a transverse locator 8, which is defined by the other (portion 2B) of the said plate or flange portions, comprising (referring to Figures 2 and 4) a locating face 8A which is perpendicular to surface 5A and defined by a flat surface of that portion. In the case of the first embodiment (referring to Figure 17), the locator 8/face 8A is receivable against either of opposite side faces 40B of the truss 40, which side face is perpendicular to the axis T and parallel to both the axis L and the plane

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of the truss 40 and comprises respective portions of (respective) side face 70B of the bottom chord 70, (respective) side face 60B of the top chord 60 and (outer) side face 51B of the (respective) nail plate 51. The receipt of the locating face 8A against the face 40B correctly locates the jig 1, and in particular the bore central axis G, correctly along the transverse axis T. In the case of the second embodiment (referring to Figures 20 and 23D), the locator 8/face 8A is receivable against either of opposite side faces 40B' of the truss 40', which side face is perpendicular to the axis T' and parallel to both the axis L' and the plane of the truss 40' and comprises respective portions of (respective) side face 60B' of the top chord 60', (respective) side face 60B' of the top chord 60e and an (outer) side face 55B of a nail plate 51' secured to the top chord 60' and defining the stop 55, the nail plate 51' being arranged such that an edge 51C' thereof is vertical when the truss 40' is in position. The receipt of the locating face 8A against the face 40B' correctly locates the jig 1, and in particular the bore central axis G, correctly along the transverse axis T'.

A leading/forward/distal end of the plate portion 2B is tapered so as to define a tip 8B which, in the case of the first embodiment, facilitates interposition of the portion 2B/locator 8 between the truss 40/face 40B and an object received thereagainst, particularly another truss which is thereatop in a stack within which the trusses are arranged, as will be described in further detail below.

The jig 1 includes opposed axial locators 6, one or the other of which is, in the case of the first embodiment, alignable to a said heel point 90 or tip 71 depending on handedness specifically, according to which of opposed heel points 90/tips 71 at respective opposite ends of the bottom chord 70 is that from which the hole 20 is to be spaced, laterally inwardly, along the axis L, that heel point or tip defining a datum. More generally, the axial locator 6 which is to be utilised to align with or to the datum is dependent on which of opposed directions along the axis L is that in which the hole 20 is to be spaced from the datum. The locators 6 are defined by respective opposed side edges 6A of the portion 2A to either side of a central plane which is perpendicular to both of faces 5A and 8A and in which the axis G extends, each edge 6A being perpendicular to face 8A and spaced from the central plane by a distance D. The edges 6A thus form markers visually alignable with respective ones of the opposed data 71/90, correctly locating the bore central axis G (and thus the hole central axis A) along the axis L.

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The jig 1 further includes another axial locator 7, which comprises an aperture/hole 7A through the transverse locator 8, the hole 7A being arranged such that, in the case of the second embodiment (referring to Figures 20 and 23D), when the locator 5/face 5A is received against the top face 60A' (whereby the central axis G is correctly orientated rotationally about axes L' and T') and the locator 8/face 8A is received against the side face 60B' (whereby the axis G is correctly located along the transverse axis T'), a centreline CL of that hole parallel to axis L' - and thus, in the particular example shown, a diameter thereof given the hole in that example is circular - aligns with a lower edge 60C' of the member 60'. The datum in the case of the second embodiment is defined at a point P (see Figure 20) at which the stop nail plate edge 51C' overlies or coincides with the edge 60C', the nail plate 51' being located precisely with respect to the member 60' such that the edge 51C' is a set distance therealong from a reference point, as described in further detail later. The width of the transverse locator 8 (being the dimension parallel to axis L', along which width the hole 7A is centred) is such that the axis G's being correctly located along axis L' is realised when transverse centreline CT of the hole 7A, which is perpendicular to centreline, overlies or coincides with the point P. Because the centreline CL aligns with/overlies edge 60C' as described, the point P's coinciding with/being overlain by the centreline CL is realized when the centre X of the hole 7A overlies or is coincident with the point P. The axial locator 7 further comprises, on outer surface 8C of the locator 8, longitudinal marker lines Me, at opposite sides of the hole 7A and aligned/collinear with centreline CL, and transverse marker lines CT, at opposite sides of the hole 7A and aligned/collinear with centreline CT - as if continuations of crosshairs in the aperture 7A - to facilitate visual location of the hole centre and thus determination of whether and when the hole centre X overlies or is coincident with the point P.

Referring to Figures 2, 16 and 20, the distance d, along an axis perpendicular to the face 8A, between that face and the bore central axis G is half of a thickness (or transverse width) dimension t of the bottom chord 70/truss 40 / top chord 60'/truss 40'. Advantageously, regardless of which of the side faces 40B/60B' against which the face 8A is received (in locating the jig 1 to the truss 40/40'), the axis G (and therefore axis A of the hole 20 when drilled) will thus be spaced halfway between those side faces.

Use of the jig 1 to drill a hole 20 in accordance with the first embodiment will now be described, with reference to Figures 16 and 17.

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Plural trusses 40 (in which holes 20 have yet to be formed), each orientated such that the plane thereof is generally horizontal, are arranged one-atop-another so as to form a stack 45 in which, in the or each pair of adjacent trusses 40, the upper side face of the lower truss 40 is abutted by the lower side face of the upper truss 40. Typically, the trusses 40 will be, along an axis perpendicular to their planes, aligned rotationally and translationally within those planes, whereby, in the or each pair of adjacent trusses 40, the upper side face 40B of the lower truss 40 will be abutted by the lower side face 40B of the upper truss 40. It is in such a stack that the trusses 40, typically strapped up, are transported between the factory or other facility/installation at which they are fabricated, and site.

In the case of each truss 40 in the stack, the jig 1, with the aid of the handle 3, is moved in a direction towards the face 70A of that truss 40 - at either or each of the heels thereof - and the locator 8, where that truss 40 is not the uppermost one in the stack, is interposed between the upper face 40B of that truss and the lower face 40B of the truss 40 adjacent to and overlying it, such that the faces 8A and 5B are received against the upper face 40B and face 70A, respectively, of the truss 40 and the respective locator 6 aligned with the respective datum of that truss, such that the jig 1 is correctly positioned, whereupon the hole 20 is drilled. Advantageously, because the transverse locator 8 is thin (i.e. small in dimension perpendicular to face 8A) and projects (distally)/is cantilevered from portion 2A, thereby forming a tongue, the interposition thereof between the adjacent trusses can be effected merely by pushing the jig 1/locator 8, with tip 8B leading, into the interface therebetween, without any need to lift the upper truss to create a clearance for receiving the locator 8, and is facilitated by the locator's 8 leading edge defining the tip 8B.

Figure 21 shows a building structure 1000' constructed in accordance with the second embodiment, the structure 1000' comprising a truss assembly 400 and a support structure 100' to which truss assembly 400 is secured. In the particular example shown, the building structure 1000' is a roof structure, the support structure 100' is a truncated standard truss, and the truss assembly 400 comprises a truncated girder truss 200 and a pair of trusses 40' secured to and spaced apart along the truss 200, the plane of each truss 40' being transverse - typically perpendicular - to the plane of the truss 200. The truncated girder truss 200 includes a bottom chord 270 and a horizontal top chord 260.

Each truss 40' is a jack truss comprising, in addition to top chord 60' and web 80, a bottom

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chord 70'. The jack truss 40' includes nail plate(s) 51, via which the bottom chord 70' is connected to the top chord 60' at heel 50, and hinges 51A' and 51B' via which bottom chord 70' and web 80 are connected to each other and to bottom chord 270, and top chord 60' and web 80 are connected to each other and connected to top chord 260, respectively.

In the truss assembly 400, which is prefabricated and is shown in an opened condition in the drawings, the trusses 40' have, after the assembly 400 has been lifted atop the underlying support structure (typically comprising a wall top plate), been swung about hinges 51A' and 51B' (which may be, for example, standard hinges or living hinges) from respective retracted positions, in which the respective sides thereof facing laterally outwardly (in the opened condition) lie against/adjacent the truss 200 (whereby the assembly 400 assumes a folded or closed condition - in which it was transported to site), to the extended positions illustrated. The hinges 51A' and 51B' comprise nail plates pressed into the truss members 60', 70' and 80', are fixed with screws to truss members 270, 260 of the truncated girder truss 200, and are flat when so pressed/fixed. When the "hinged" jack trusses 40' are rotated out to be at 90° to the truncated girder truss 200, the hinges 51A', 51B' bend and the part of them that is screwed to the truss 200 is hidden in behind the thickness of the respective jack truss 40'. Each jack end vertical web 80 is specifically set back away from the truss 200 by 5mm to allow room for the heads of the screws. Jigging is set up to ensure the hinges 51A', 51B' are pressed into the jack trusses 40' in the correct location so that when they are rotated out on site the truss 200 will be correctly located. The truncated standard truss 100', which is the next major truss in the assembly, is typically to be a standard spacing away - usually 600 or 900mm - from the truncated girder truss 200. The assembly 400 accords with the truss assembly, comprising first and second trusses, which is described and illustrated in either or each of Australian Patent Application Publication No. 2017204788A1 and International Patent Application Publication No. WO/2018/191116A1, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference (the truss 100' and stop 55 constituting, for example, a "next adjacent main truss" and "stop", referenced in the former document, respectively), and may be manufactured using a jig as disclosed in either or each of Australian Patent Application Publication No. 2017901382A1, the content of which is also incorporated herein by reference, or International Patent Application Publication No. WO/2018/191116A1. The stops 55 are arranged such that, when the assembly 400 is in position (assuming its opened condition), bringing of the truss 100', particularly the top

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chord thereof, into abutment with edges 51C effects correct positioning, along an axis perpendicular to the plane of truss 100', of that truss in the building structure. Jigging is used to ensure the stop 55 is pressed into the jack truss top chord 60' the correct distance away from the hinge axis so that on site when the truncated standard truss 100' is placed up against the stop 55 it is exactly the correct distance - usually 600mm or 900mm - from the truss 200.

In accordance with the second embodiment, the jig 1, referring to Figures 21, 22 and 23A to 23D, is used to locate the drill bit with respect to stop 55 on each of trusses 40', the stop 55 being (as indicated above) positioned a predetermined distance along the top chord 60' from a reference point - such as heel point 90 or an outer end face 80A of the web 80, such that the central axis A of a said hole 20, drilled using the jig 1, is correctly orientated and located at a correct distance along the top chord - whereby a fastener 30, received by the hole 20 and driven into truss 100' against which the top chord 60' is received, is at the correct location and in the correct direction in that structure.

Use of the jig 1 to drill a hole 20 in accordance with the second embodiment will now be described, with reference to Figures 21, 22, 23A to 23D and 24A to 24F.

Prior to the truss 100' being arranged in position (in which it abuts edges 51C as mentioned above) - and indeed preferably before the assembly 400 has been lifted atop the support structure (typically a wall/top plate structure) underlying it (and, more preferably, prior to transportation to site of the assembly 400/truss 40' from the facility at which it is fabricated) - the jig 1, with the aid of the handle 3, is manipulated such that locator 5/face 5A and locator 8/face 8A are received against the top face 60A' and side face 60B' respectively and the aperture 7A and point P is centred within the aperture 7A. With the axis G thus appropriately positioned, the hole 20 is drilled into/through the chord/member 60'. Receipt of the fastener 30 by/into the hole 20 is also preferably effected before the assembly 400 has been lifted atop the support structure (and, more preferably, prior to said transportation). When the truncated standard truss 100' isexactly positioned, abutting the vertical edge 51C of each stop 55, and the undersides of the "hinged" jack truss sloping top chords 60' abut the top chord of the truss 100', each hole 30, which has been predrilled using the jig 1, is correctly located for receiving the screw which fixes the truss 40' to truss 100.

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Advantageously, the jig 1, which is robust and simple in form and to use, enables the holes to be formed not only rapidly but also precisely and accurately, including when the trusses (or other frame structures in which the holes are formed) are stacked. In turn, each fastener can be received into a respective one of the holes (the latter typically being smaller in diameter whereby the fastener will be driven into the truss/frame structure/assembly to be so received) prior to the truss/frame structure/assembly being arranged in position relative to the support structure, such that it is pre-applied, eliminating a need to drive the fastener through (if not also drill the hole in) the truss/frame structure/assembly when in that position - which is often at height such that a tradesperson doing so can be exposed to fall hazards and/or required to take time-consuming measures to ameliorate/eliminate such hazards.

There can thus be confidence in or assurance of the integrity of the structural connection effected using the fastener, particular given the application of the holes/fasteners can be a pre-application, carried out with accuracy and precision by a fabricator, preferably during or immediately subsequent to fabrication of the truss/frame/assembly. The installer, other than having to ensure correct positioning of the truss/frame/assembly relative to the support structure and that the/each fastener is thence driven home following that positioning, has no input into the formation of the connection. Certification of the connection can thus be established easily; in particular, an inspector may be able to certify the connection(s) merely by confirming visually that the/each fastener has been driven fully into position (i.e. that the head of the/each screw is hard up against the truss/frame/assembly to which that screw has been pre-applied), which fastener(s) may be the only element(s) effecting the interconnection(s).

The support structure can vary without departure from the invention. For example, it may, alternatively, comprise another truss, e.g. a floor truss, of the building. Also possible are embodiments of the invention in which the truss and underlying support structure form part of a structure which is other than a building.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described

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exemplary embodiments.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (88)

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   Claims 1. A jig for locating a drill bit to a building component which comprises a structural member, such that a hole drilled with the bit and extending in or through the member is correctly positioned in the component, the jig comprising a guide, configured to guide the bit axially, a rotational locator arranged to abut a face of the member which extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the member, to orientate the jig rotationally about each of the longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of the member which is parallel to said face and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, and an axial locator alignable with or to a datum with which the member or component is configured or provided, such that the jig is located with respect to the datum along said longitudinal axis, whereby a central axis of the hole drilled by the bit, axially guided by the guide, is correctly orientated about the longitudinal and transverse axes and correctly located along said longitudinal axis.
2. 2. A jig according to claim 1, wherein the guide comprises a passage arranged to receive the bit such that the bit is guided thereby.
3. 3. A jig according to claim 2, wherein the guide comprises a bush having a bore which defines said passage, or of which said passage is comprised.
4. 4. A jig according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational locator is configured with a locating surface arranged to abut said face to orientate the jig rotationally about the longitudinal and transverse axes.
5. 5. A jig according to claim 4 as appended to claim 3, wherein the locating surface is arranged on one of opposed sides of the rotational locator and the bush projects from the other of said sides.
6. 6. Ajig according to claim 4 or 5 as appended to either of claims 2 and 3, wherein the passage opens through the locating surface.
7. 7. A jig according to any one of the preceding claims, being configured to be introduced to said member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse axes, whereby the central axis can be so orientated and so located.
8. 8. A jig according to claim 7, being so configured such that said direction

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   perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse axes is parallel to said central axis.
9. 9. A jig according to claim 7 or 8, being so configured such that it can be so introduced when: said component and another such component adjacent thereto are in a stack comprising the components one-atop-another or in which the components are one-atop another; or said member and another such member adjacent thereto are in a stack comprising the members one-atop-another or in which the members are one-atop-another.
10. 10. A jig according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a transverse locator, arranged to abut a face of the component to which said transverse axis is perpendicular, whereby said central axis is correctly located along said transverse axis.
11. 11. A jig according to claim 10, wherein the transverse locator is arranged to abut a face of a nail plate of the component of which said face of the component is comprised.
12. 12. A jig according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the transverse locator is configured with a locating surface arranged to abut said face of the component whereby said central axis is correctly located along said transverse axis.
13. 13. A jig according to claim 12, wherein the rotational locator comprises or is defined by a plate or flange.
14. 14. A jig according to claims 7 and 12 or 13, wherein the transverse locator is small in thickness or a dimension that is perpendicular to the locating surface thereof/with which it is configured, so as to be, during the introduction of the jig to the component in said direction, interposable between said component or member and another such component or member adjacent thereto in a stack which comprises the components or members one atop-another or in which said members or components are one-atop-another.
15. 15. A jig according to any one of the preceding claims, being for locating said drill bit to a truss member comprising said structural member.
16. 16. A jig according to any one of the preceding claims, being for locating said drill bit

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    to one of interconnected first and second members of a truss which lie in a plane of the truss ("the truss plane") and of which said component is comprised, said one member ("the truss member") being said structural member and arranged such that said face thereof is perpendicular to the truss plane.
17. 17. A jig according to claim 16 as appended to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the transverse locator is arranged to abut a face of either or each member which is parallel to the truss plane and of which said face of the component is comprised.
18. 18. A jig according to claim 16 as appended to any one of claims 10 to 14, or to claim 17, wherein the transverse locator is arranged to abut a face of a said nail plate of the component which interconnects the members, said face of the component comprising said face of the nail plate.
19. 19. A jig according to claim 16 as appended to any one of claims 10 to 14, or to either of claims 17 and 18, wherein the transverse locator projects from the rotational locator to be receivable against said face of the component, such that the jig is introduceable to said component in a direction parallel to said truss plane whereby the abutting of said faces is effected.
20. 20. A jig according to claims 12 and 19, wherein the transverse locator is small in thickness or a dimension that is perpendicular to the locating surface thereof/with which it is configured, so as to be interposable between said component and another such component adjacent thereto in a stack, comprising the components one-atop-another or in which the members of the components are one-atop-another, during the introduction of the jig to the component in said direction.
21. 21. A jig according to claim 20, wherein the transverse locator comprises, is defined by, or is configured in the form of, a plate or flange one of the opposed surfaces of which defines the locating surface of the transverse locator.
22. 22. A jig according to claim 10, 11, 12 or 13 as dependent from any one of claims 7 to 9, to claim 14, or to any one of claims 15 to 21 as dependent from claim 14, wherein the transverse locator is arranged at an upper end of the jig, whereby said other component is the upper of said components.

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23. 23. A jig according to claim 10, 11, 12 or 13 as dependent from any one of claims 7 to 9, to claim 14, or to any one of claims 15 to 22 as dependent from claim 14, wherein the transverse locator is configured at a leading end thereof with a tip to facilitate interposition of the transverse locator, between said component or member and another/the other such component or member adjacent thereto in said stack, during the introduction of the jig in said direction.
24. 24. A jig according to claim 10, 11, 12 or 13 as dependent from any one of claims 7 to 9, to claim 14, or to any one of claims 15 to 23 as dependent from claim 14, wherein the guide is arranged such that a central axis thereof is spaced from a locating face of said transverse locator by half of a thickness of said member or component.
25. 25. A jig according to any one of the preceding claims, including an edge which defines said axial locator or of which said axial locator is comprised.
26. 26. A jig according to claim 25, wherein said axial locator is defined by, or arranged or provided on, said rotational locator, or wherein said rotational locator is configured with or comprises said axial locator.
27. 27. A jig according to any one of the preceding claims, configured with opposed locators, arranged at respective ones of opposed ends thereof, either of the opposed locators being alignable with or to the datum such that the jig is so located with respect to the datum, thereby defining the axial locator, according to the direction in which central axis is to be spaced from the datum along said longitudinal axis.
28. 28. Ajig according to claims 25 and 27, wherein each of the opposed locators is defined by or comprises a respective said edge.
29. 29. A jig according to any one of claims 10 to 14, claim 15 or 16 as appended thereto, or any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein said axial locator is defined by, or arranged or provided on, said transverse locator, or wherein said transverse locator is configured with or comprises said axial locator.
30. 30. A jig according to claim 29, wherein the axial locator comprises a marker alignable

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    with or to the datum such that the jig is so located with respect to the datum.
31. 31. A jig according to claim 30, wherein the marker comprises a marking on the transverse locator and arranged so as to extend perpendicular to the face which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis when abutted by the rotational locator.
32. 32. A jig according to claim 31, wherein the marking comprises a line on or in the transverse locator.
33. 33. A jig according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the axial locator comprises a void in or defined by the transverse locator, the void being arranged such that, when said rotational locator abuts the face which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis and the transverse locator abuts the face to which the transverse axis is perpendicular, said datum is visible through the void whereby the axial locator can be aligned therewith or thereto.
34. 34. A jig according to claim 33, wherein the void is defined by or comprises an opening through the transverse locator.
35. 35. A jig according to claim 34, wherein the opening comprises or is defined by a hole or aperture arranged to be centred over, or such that a centre thereof overlies, the datum when the axial locator is so aligned.
36. 36. A jig according to claims 30 and 35, wherein the marker comprises transverse markings on the transverse locator arranged on opposed sides of the hole or aperture and in a line that passes through or overlies a centre of the hole or aperture and is arranged to be perpendicular to the face which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis when abutted by the rotational locator ("transverse line"), whereby the axial locator's being so aligned is such that the datum is overlain by said transverse line.
37. 37. A jig according to claim 36, wherein either or each of said transverse markings comprises a line which is collinear with said transverse line.
38. 38. A jig according to claims 30 and 35 or to either of claims 36 and 37, wherein the marker comprises axial markings on the transverse locator arranged on opposed sides of

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    the hole or aperture and in a line that passes through or overlies a centre of the hole or aperture and is arranged to be parallel to the longitudinal axis when the face which extends parallel to that axis is abutted by the rotational locator and the other face is abutted by the transverse locator ("axial line"), and whereby the axial locator's being so aligned is such that the datum is overlain by said axial line.
39. 39. A jig according to claim 38, wherein either or each of said axial markings comprises a line which is collinear with said axial line.
40. 40. A jig according to claim 38 or 39 as appended to claim 36 or 37, wherein the transverse markings and axial markings are arranged such that the transverse line and axial line in which they are respectively arranged define imaginary crosshairs.
41. 41. A jig according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said axial locator is arranged to align with or to: an end of said member which defines said datum or of which said datum is comprised; or an edge which defines said datum or of which said datum is comprised.
42. 42. A jig according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a handle via which it can be manipulated to facilitate the correct orientation and location thereof.
43. 43. A method of forming a hole in or through a structural member of which a building component is comprised, such that the hole is correctly positioned in the component, the method comprising: effecting abutment between the rotational locator of a jig according to any one of the preceding claims and a said face of the member which extends parallel to a said longitudinal axis of the member, so as to orientate the jig rotationally about each of the longitudinal axis and a said transverse axis of the member, and aligning the axial locator of the jig with or to a said datum with which the member or component is configured, such that the jig is located with respect to the datum along said longitudinal axis; and drilling the hole with a said drill bit axially guided by the guide of the jig, whereby a said central axis of the hole is correctly orientated about the longitudinal and transverse axes and correctly located along said longitudinal axis.
44. 44. A method according to claim 43, wherein the jig accords with claim 9 and said

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    member or component and another such member or component adjacent thereto are in a said stack comprising the members or components one-atop-another or in which the members or components are one-atop-another, the method including introducing the jig to said member in a said direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse axes to effect said abutment and the aligning of the axial locator with or to said datum.
45. 45. A method according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the jig accords with claim 10, the method including effecting abutment between said transverse locator and a said face of the member or component to which said transverse axis is perpendicular, whereby said central axis is correctly located along said transverse axis.
46. 46. A method according to any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein the jig accords with claim 14, the method including interposing the transverse locator, between said component or member and another such component or member adjacent thereto in a said stack, during the introduction of the jig to the component in said direction.
47. 47. A method according to any one of claims 43 to 46, wherein said jig accords with claim 16 and said member is one of said interconnected first and second truss members which lie in a said plane of the truss ("the truss plane") and of which said component is comprised, and wherein said member is arranged such that said face thereof is perpendicular to the truss plane.
48. 48. A method according to claim 47, wherein the jig accords with claim 17, the method including effecting abutment between the transverse locator and a said face of either or each member which is parallel to the truss plane and of which said face of the component is comprised.
49. 49. A method according to claim 47 or 48, wherein the jig accords with claim 11 or 18, the method including effecting abutment between the transverse locator and a said face of a nail plate of the component.
50. 50. A method according to any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein the jig accords with claim 19, the method including introducing the jig to said component in a said direction parallel to said plane of the truss whereby the abutting of said faces is effected.

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51. 51. A method according to any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the jig accords with claim 20, the method including interposing the transverse locator between said component and another such component adjacent thereto in a said stack during the introduction of the jig to the component in said direction.
52. 52. A method according to any one of claims 47 to 51, wherein said component is said truss.
53. 53. A method according to any one of claims 47 to 51, wherein said component is to be connected to at least one other truss member such that said truss comprises the first, second and other members.
54. 54. A method according to any one of claims 47 to 53, wherein said first member is, or is configured to define, a member of which a chord of the truss is, or is to be, comprised.
55. 55. A method according claim 54, wherein said first member is, or is configured to define, a member of which one of a bottom chord and a top chord of the truss is, or is to be, comprised.
56. 56. A method according to claim 54 or 55, wherein said second member is, or is configured to define, a member of which a web of the truss is, or is to be, comprised.
57. 57. A method according to claim 55, wherein said second member is a member which is, or which is configured to define, a member of which the other of the top chord and bottom chord is, or is to be, comprised.
58. 58. A method according to any one of claims 47 to 57, wherein said first and second truss members are interconnected at joint.
59. 59. A method according to claim 58, wherein the joint is, or is at, a panel point of the truss.
60. 60. A method according to claim 58 or 59, wherein said joint is, or is at, a heel of the truss.

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61. 61. A method according to any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein the datum is at or defined by said joint.
62. 62. A method according to claims 57, 60 and 61, wherein said structural member is said first member, said first member being, or being configured to define, said member of which said bottom chord is, or is to be, comprised, and wherein the jig accords with claim 41, and the axial locator is aligned with or to a said end or edge of the first member at the heel or heel point or panel point.
63. 63. A method according to any one of claims 58 to 62, being such that said hole is drilled through the joint.
64. 64. A method according to any one of claims 47 to 63, being such that said hole passes through one member and extends within the other.
65. 65. A method according to any one of claims 47 to 64, being such that said hole passes through both of the first and second members.
66. 66. A method according to any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein the datum is a predetermined distance along the longitudinal axis from the joint.
67. 67. A method according to claims 54, 56 and 66, wherein said structural member is said first member, said first member being, or being configured to define, said member of which said top chord is, or is to be, comprised, and wherein the axial locator is aligned with or to said datum.
68. 68. A method according to claim 67, wherein the component includes an attachment connected to said structural member, the attachment defining said datum.
69. 69. A method according to claim 68, wherein the attachment comprises a nail plate driven into a face of the structural member to which said transverse axis is perpendicular.
70. 70. A method according to claim 68 or 69, wherein the datum is defined by an edge of the attachment.

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71. 71. A method according to claim 70, wherein the jig accords with claim 29 and the datum is defined at a point at which the edge of the attachment overlies or is coincident with an edge at which meet said face of the structural member to which the transverse axis is perpendicular and a face of the structural member parallel with and opposed to the face of the member extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.
72. 72. A method according to any one of claims 43 to 71, being such that said hole is to receive a fastening member to secure said component to a support structure in a building structure which comprises the component and the support structure and in which the fastening member secures the component to the support structure.
73. 73. A method according to any one of claims 47 to 72, being such that said hole is to receive a fastening member to secure said truss to a support structure in a building structure which comprises the truss and the support structure and in which the fastening member secures the truss to the support structure.
74. 74. A method according to claim 72 or 73, being prior to arranging of the structural member or assembly adjacent the support structure to secure it to the support structure by means of the fastening member.
75. 75. A method according to any one of claims 43 to 74, wherein the jig accords with claim 42, the method including manipulating the jig with said handle to facilitate the correct orientation and location thereof.
76. 76. A method according to any one of claims 43 to 75, wherein the jig accords with claim 41, the method including aligning said axial locator with a said end or edge which defines a said datum or of which a said datum is comprised.
77. 77. A method of applying a fastening member to a building component which comprises a structural member, such that the fastening member is correctly positioned in the component, the method comprising: forming, by a method according to any one of claims 43 to 76, a said hole through said structural member; and effecting receipt of said fastening member by the hole, whereby said fastening member is correctly orientated about the longitudinal and transverse axes and correctly

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    located along said longitudinal axis.
78. 78. A method of constructing a building structure which comprises a building component and a support structure to which the component is secured, the method comprising applying, by a method according claim 77, a fastening member to a structural member which forms or is to form part of said assembly and securing the structural member to the support structure with the fastening member, whereby said fastening member is correctly positioned with respect to the support structure.
79. 79. A method according to claim 78, including arranging the structural member or component adjacent the support structure, wherein the fastening member is applied to the structural member prior to said arranging.
80. 80. A method of forming holes in or through respective structural members each of which is comprised by a respective building component, such that the holes are correctly positioned in the components, wherein each hole is formed by a method according to any one of claims 43 to 76.
81. 81. A method according to claim 80, wherein one said hole, or each of plural ones of said holes, is formed by a method according to claim 44, 46 or 51, while said members or components are in a said stack comprising them.
82. 82. A method of applying fastening members to respective structural members each of which is comprised by a respective building component, such that the fastening members are correctly positioned in the components, wherein each fastening member is applied by a method according to claim 77.
83. 83. A method according to claim 82, wherein one said hole, or each of plural ones of said holes, is formed by a method according to claim 44, 46 or 51, while said members or assemblies are in a said stack comprising them.
84. 84. A method according to claim 83, wherein receipt of said fastening members by respective ones of said holes is effected while said members or components are in said stack.

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85. 85. A building component configured with a hole formed, by a method according to any one of claims 43 to 76, in or through said member.
86. 86. A building component provided with a fastening member applied, by a method according to claim 77, to a said structural member of which said component is comprised.
87. 87. The building components configured with holes formed, by a method according to claim 80 or 81, in or through respective ones of structural members of which said components are comprised.
88. 88. The building components provided with fastening members applied, by a method according to any one of claims 82 to 84, to respective ones of said structural members thereof.