Building framework, method for making the same and components used in the framework

Abstract

A building framework and components used in the framework are disclosed. The framework comprises a plurality of components which are cut in a sawing machine and marked following cutting in the sawing machine by use of the data which is supplied to the sawing machine to control the sawing machine to cut the components to the required size and shape. Each of the components is marked with a partial outline of a connector plate which is to be used to connect the components together with the framework so that when the components are assembled. The components may also be marked with partial position reference markings so that component parts can be assembled together by reference to those markings by registering a partial marking on one of the components with a like partial marking on another of the components.

1 . A building framework comprising: 
 a plurality of components connected together to form the building framework;    at least some of the components having a configurational marking selected from: a partial outline of a connector plate to give connector plate positions and orientations; and a partial position reference marking which registers with a corresponding partial position reference marking on another of the components to thereby enable the components to be located relative to one another by reference to the partial position reference markings; and    connector plates attached to the components to connect the components together to form the building framework.    
   
   
       2 . The framework as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the partial outlines of connector plates on adjacent components at a joint between components form a more complete outline giving the position and orientation of the connector plate to be used to connect the adjacent components together.  
   
   
       3 . The framework as set forth in  claim 2  wherein the more complete outline of the connector plate is a substantially complete outline of the connector plate.  
   
   
       4 . The framework as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the partial outline is applied to the components in an inkjet marking process.  
   
   
       5 . The framework as set forth in  claim 1  wherein at least one of the components includes an ancillary marking selected from the group consisting of: a marking identifying the component, a bracket outline, a camber and a connector plate type or size.  
   
   
       6 . The framework as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the framework is in the form of a truss, the components including at least one bottom chord, at least one top chord, and a plurality of webs interconnecting the top and bottom chords.  
   
   
       7 . The framework as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the partial position reference markings comprise a part of one or more bars or lines.  
   
   
       8 . The framework as set forth in  claim 1  wherein at least some of the said components include a plurality of different partial position reference markings to enable more than two components to be located together.  
   
   
       9 . The framework as set forth in  claim 8  wherein the different partial markings on some of the components comprise sets of markings, each comprising a different number of bars or lines.  
   
   
       10 . The framework as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the partial markings each have identical shapes and are distinguished by being made different colors so that the same color partial marking on one component is registered with a like color partial marking on another component to thereby enable the components to be located adjacent one another.  
   
   
       11 . A method of forming a building framework from a plurality of frame components, comprising the steps of: 
 cutting the frame components to required sizes to form the framework;    marking on the frame components at least one configurational marking selected from: a partial outline of connector plates to be used to connect the frame components together to form the framework; and a partial reference marking used to position one component in the correct orientation relative to one another;    assembling the components in position so that the configurational markings give one of the position and orientation of connector plates to be used to connect adjacent components together and the position and orientation of adjacent components by alignment of configurational markings on the adjacent components; and    attaching the connector plates to the components to join the components together and thereby form the framework.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the step of marking the configurational marking comprises marking a partial outline of a connector plate on adjacent components at a joint to be formed when the components are assembled, so that when the components are assembled the partial outlines on the adjacent components form a more complete outline giving the position and orientation of the connector plates to be used to connect adjacent components together.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the step of marking more complete outline of the connector plate comprises marking a substantially complete outline of the connector plate.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the step of assembling the components in position and attaching the connector plates comprises pre-plating at least one of the components wherein the component has two opposed faces and both faces are marked with the partial outlines, the pre-plating comprising attaching a connector plate to the component at the position and orientation given by the partial outline on one face of the component, assembling the component having the attached plate with the other components, and attaching at least one of the other components to the connector plate.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising attaching a second series of connector plates to the other face of the component at the positions and orientations of the partial outline on the other face.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the connector plate which is pre-plated to one of the components is applied to the face of the component which will be a bottom face when the component is assembled with the other components.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the steps of cutting the frame components and marking the frame components with the configurational marking is performed in a combined sawing and inkjet marking machine, the machine being computer-controlled and supplied with data relating to the size and shape of the components of the framework and the configurational marking which should be marked on the components after the components have been cut.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the method further comprises making ancillary markings selected from the group consisting of: a marking identifying the component, a bracket or brace outline, a camber, a position reference, and a connector plate type or size.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the framework is in the form of a truss and the frame components include at least one bottom chord, at least one top chord, and a plurality of webs interconnecting the top and bottom chords.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the partial position reference markings comprise a part of one or more bars or lines.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 11  wherein some of the said components include a plurality of different partial position reference markings to enable more than two components to be located together.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the different partial marking on some of the components comprise sets of markings, each comprising a different number of bars or lines.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the partial markings each have identical shapes and are distinguished by being made different colors so that the same color partial marking on one component is registered with a like colored partial marking on another component to thereby enable the components to be located adjacent one another.