Abstract: This invention provides support structures on roofs. Such support structure can be used to support a roof load, or a closure structure which closes an aperture in the roof, thus to provide access to the interior of a building through an aperture in the roof. The support structure can support a skylight to provide natural day-lighting, or a smoke vent, or a variety of other loads optionally relating to matter or energy communication between the inside and outside of the building. The support structure includes rails adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations on opposite sides of a flat of a roof panel, elevated above the water line of the panel flat. Where the support structure surrounds an aperture, a diverter seals a cut away portion of the rib structure and diverts water through the rib structure and laterally away from the rail and closure structure.

Abstract: A foldable truss having a pair of side frames hinged together by a foldable arm allowing the truss to be collapsed to a smaller width while maintaining the truss length as a constant.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to an offset leg framing element for use in a fire rated assembly and comprises: a web section having opposing edges; a pair of outwardly extending sidewalls integrally connected to the web, wherein the sidewalls are substantially parallel and confront each other. In addition, at least one laterally extending ledge section is integrally connected to one of the pair of outwardly extending sidewalls; and at least one downwardly extending leg is integrally connected to the at least one ledge section. The offset leg framing element may be characterized in that the ratio the sidewall height (h1) over the ledge section width (w2) is greater than or equal to one (h1/w2?1), and wherein the ratio the sidewall height (h1) over the web section width (w1) is greater than or equal to one sixth (h1/w1?0.1667).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a box-shaped structure of inter-related structural components. The structural components are combined to create a single three dimensional component the shape of a rectangular prism. The structure is formed by creating a pair of exterior walls from horizontal members and a series of laterally spaced vertical members that are coupled to the horizontal members by truss plates. The structure also includes a series of laterally spaced rectangular ribs that are coupled to the exterior walls by additional truss plates. The ribs and the walls are further coupled by use of wood sheeting along the top of the structure to form the resultant assembly. The entire assembly is connected together with a series of bolt and steel angle connectors, allowing the entire module to act monolithically.

Abstract: A structural truss (3) with crimp/clamp (18) wherein the truss (3) includes disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein successive segments of the struts (1) have U-shapes and inverted U-shapes at their mid-sections and apices (6) at their respective ends. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10). The crimp/clamp (18) creates dimples (19), thereby securing the chords (2) to the struts (1).

Abstract: A frame assembly is provided for a solar module. The frame assembly includes a plurality of frame members that are structured to collectively support and hold a first solar panel. At least one of the plurality of frame members is structured to adjoin a frame member of a second solar module in forming a joining with the frame member of the second solar module over a length where the frame member of the first and second solar module adjoin.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a containerization support structure for use in metal cutting including a flooring structure and a plurality of concrete composite structural bars positioned within the flooring structure. In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of implementing a reusable containerization system for collecting metal by-product during a metal cutting operation includes the steps of positioning concrete composite structural bars within a flooring structure, where the flooring structure includes a plurality of longitudinally extending metal carriers positioned to house the bars; performing a metal cutting operation; collecting the metal by-product on the concrete composite structural bars; removing the bars; cleaning metal by-product from the bars; and returning the concrete composite structural bars to the metal carriers.

Abstract: A slotted channel with a supplemental flange as a building member has at least one supplemental flange extending from at least one slot in the member web or primary flanges yielding a building member with increased strength, both compressive (longitudinally) and in shear (transverse). The slotted member presents a reduced area through which heat or sound may be conducted and slots in which insulation is received, both increasing resistance to heat and sound transfer.

Abstract: A protective shelter that can be used to provide protection within a war zone, and which can be readily assembled in a quick, secure and reliable manner. The shelter is formed of opposite outer walls and a roof structure extending therebetween, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members supported by beam supports and in which the plurality of tray members is arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material so as to provide a first layer of protection via the roof structure. The tray members can be supported by beams serving to define a shallow arch across the shelter such that the internal height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite walls, which is greater than the height of the said walls.

Abstract: A frame for building a ramp provides wheelchair users ingress and egress to a shower area. A first embodiment includes a first flat inclined surface and an arcuate surface. In a second embodiment, the frame has first and second flat inclined surfaces having first and second inclinations, respectively, and an arcuate surface. A third embodiment adds a third flat inclined surface having a third inclination and includes the arcuate surface. A first set of screw mounts is formed adjacent a lowermost end of the frame, a second set of screw mounts is formed in the frame at a predetermined elevation above the first set of screw mounts and a set of stabilizing legs is formed in the arcuate surface at the predetermined elevation. The frame may be cut to lower its profile.

Abstract: A building process that offers better qualities in terms of value, structural integrity, and comfort and energy conservation for industrial, commercial and residential building industries. The present invention starts with a single component which is the vertical composite insulated supporting steel members, then the plates, the beams, the composite insulated wall system, the floor joist system, the temperature regulated roof system and the multiple insulation patterns to create the active thermal force air cavities and inactive cavities. The entire concept of utilizing the invention is that the design of all of the components and parts, the objectives are focused on to facilitate the prefabrication process and conserve energy.

Abstract: A structural truss (3) with crimp/clamp (18) and method of making same wherein the truss (3) includes disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein successive segments of the struts (1) have U-shapes and inverted U-shapes at their mid-sections and flat apices (6) at their respective ends. The ends (4) of successive segments of the unit lengths of the struts (1) and the chords (2) have holes for the insertion of a tapered pin (9), thus precisely controlling the length of successive trusses. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10). The crimp/clamp (18) is crimped and clamped onto the chords (2) so as to clamp the struts (1) to the chords (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine tower suspension arrangement including at least one first member including magnetic attachment means and at least one further mechanical member mechanically coupled to the first member by at least one coupling means, the coupling means providing at least one degree of freedom between the magnetic attachment means and the at least one further member. According to an embodiment of the invention, mutually displacement in at least direction may be absorbed or damped without transferring the invoking force into the magnetic attachment means.

Abstract: A truss bearing supports a web-type construction truss and has an elongated metal member that is secured along its length to the primary supporting chord of a truss. The truss bearing can include a pair of substantially parallel spaced-apart elongated wooden members sandwiching the metal member extending along and secured to the bottom of the primary chord, with the metal member adhesively secured to the primary chord through being adhesively secured to the pair of wooden members. An optional metal bearing plate can be substantially rigidly secured to the bottom surface of the elongated metal member near one or both ends of the truss, forming therewith a T-shaped cross-section, and can be welded to a supporting member of a larger structure using metal-to-metal connection. The bearing plate can have an angled extension affixed to the first diagonal truss member.

Abstract: A strut runner includes a member extending lengthwise in a first direction, where the member includes an underlying panel and one or more walls that extend from the panel. The member may be configured to at least partially support the panel array while being integrated or directly connected to the underlying structure. Additionally, the strut runner may include one or more peripheral extensions that extend a distance outward from the body.

Abstract: A structure installation stand 1 according to the present invention includes: a mounting rail 4 on which a structure is mounted; and a metal tap fitting 31 that locks the structure onto the mounting rail 4. The mounting rail 4 is configured to include at least a middle plate 11a that extends in the lengthwise direction of the mounting rail 4, and two side plates 11b that are parallel to each other on both sides of the middle plate 11a, and the metal tap fitting 31 is configured to include a middle plate 31b, two side plates 31d that are parallel to each other on both sides of the middle plate 31b, and support pieces 31a that protrude above the middle plate 31d from the side plates 31d, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polygonal rib structure having ribs directed orthogonal to one plane and intersecting each other to form polygonal shapes. More particularly, to a shock absorbing polygonal rib structure. In a polygonal rib structure having ribs directed orthogonal to one plane and intersecting each other to form polygonal shapes, a thickened central portion located at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of each side of the polygonal rib is bisected. The opposed parting surfaces formed upon the bisection are spaced from each other to form an opening portion, and each side of the polygonal rib is so shaped that the cross-sectional area of the opening portion is reduced as one goes from the opening end toward the depth. Thus, an opened polygonal rib structure is formed.

Abstract: A truss assembly system may include a truss assembly station. The truss assembly station may be configured to enable assembly of a truss from truss members via an automatic sequential placement of the truss members based at least in part upon a planned location of pre-plated truss members within an assembled truss. The pre-plated truss members may be truss members including at least one connector plate installed thereon prior to placement at the truss assembly station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor-disc connecting member for a glass curtain wall or roofing, comprising: a support abutment, one end connecting with a truss frame, and the other end connecting with an interconnecting part; and the interconnecting part connecting with one end of at least two support arms. The support abutment connects with the interconnecting part via a ball pivot, and the support arms hinge with the interconnecting part. The present invention is a simple structure and conveniently assembled during the construction phase of a glass curtain wall or roofing.

Abstract: A truss connector for releasably coupling ends of truss structures in a quick and uniform fashion. The connector connects trusses, end-to-end, by binding to their tubular truss members in spigot fashion with an arbor, traveling nut and expandable collet assembly and by binding to the truss gusset plates in a directly fastened, mated plate assembly.

Abstract: Method of producing a load-bearing steel construction connection, wherein a clinch connection (13) connecting a first metal workpiece (6.1, 6.2) with a second metal workpiece (6.3, 6.4) is formed by local deformation by means of a die tool (20) and a counter-tool (30). In that case initially the first metal workpiece (6.1, 6.2) and the second metal workpiece (6.3, 6.4) are placed one on the other on a processing surface of the counter-tool and aligned. The die of the die tool is then advanced and sunk into the two metal workpieces (6.1, 6.2; 6.3, 6.4) placed one on the other until the clinch connection (13) has been formed by plastic deformation. The first metal workpiece (6.1, 6.2) has a first workpiece thickness (t1) and the second metal workpiece (6.3, 6.4) has a second workpiece thickness (t2), which together give a total workpiece thickness (tt) which is thicker than 8 millimetres.

Abstract: A mobile partitioning wall is disclosed and provided with several wall elements, which are displaceably suspended at running rails. The wall elements have a structure that is simple to manufacture and to mount and is universally usable. The wall elements are formed without supporting frame.

Abstract: A stud spacer for use in a wall structure. The stud spacer includes a pair of opposed projections. The respective projections of the stud spacer interconnect with similar projections from adjacent stud spacers to form an interconnected series of stud spacers that extend through the studs that comprise the wall structure. When connected, each projection extends through an opening in an adjacent projection and a locking surface or locking tab associated with one projection seats in or against a stop or seat formed in the other projection.

Abstract: A sheet of high-strength shear wall sheathing with preformed fastener holes (10) is disclosed as a steel sheet (12) with uniformly spaced fastener holes (14) dispersed along the boundary of the sheet. Such a sheet can readily be handled and quickly attached to the framework of buildings for the purpose of bracing wall structures in a single wall sheathing procedure.

Abstract: A composite form for stabilizing an earthen embankment includes a floor section and a face section and is couplable to other like forms. The floor section includes integrally formed anchoring members for securing a geogrid with at least one anchoring rod. Advantageously, the face section of the form may included integrally formed hydroseeding screens. Also disclosed is a structure for stabilizing an earthen embankment, the structure comprising such a support form together with a geogrid anchored to the floor section of the form advantageously by a pair anchoring rods, an end portion of the geogrid being wrapped back and forth around the anchoring rods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joining structure of a roof truss using thin light-gauge shaped steel. In a joining structure for joining a subsidiary roof with a main roof, a valley bracket formed by bending a thin steel sheet is inserted and disposed in the longitudinal valley direction of a joining member for joining a rafter forming the subsidiary roof with a truss or a rafter forming the main roof. In a joining structure in which a roof truss upper chord member or a rafter intersects a wall on the upper surface of the wall, a bracket formed by bending a thin steel sheet is disposed at the intersection of these members and fixes the roof truss upper chord member or the rafter to the wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor-disc connecting member for a glass curtain wall or roofing, comprising: a support abutment, one end connecting with a truss frame, and the other end connecting with an interconnecting part; and the interconnecting part connecting with one end of at least two support arms. The support abutment connects with the interconnecting part via a ball pivot, and the support arms hinge with the interconnecting part. The present invention is a simple structure and conveniently assembled during the construction phase of a glass curtain wall or roofing.

Abstract: A modular folding shelter for use in seismic or weather disturbances is disclosed including a first force transferring member having a first plurality of lateral supports, the first plurality of lateral supports including crossmembers, at least one upper articulation point, and at least one lower articulation point, a second force transferring member having a second plurality of lateral supports, the second plurality of lateral supports including crossmembers, at least one upper articulation point, and at least one lower articulation point, a top member for receiving the at least one upper articulation point of the first plurality of lateral supports and the at least one upper articulation point of the second plurality of lateral supports, and a foldable base member for receiving the at least one lower articulation point of the first plurality of lateral supports and the at least one lower articulation point of the second plurality of lateral supports.

Abstract: A flooring system comprises a preformed composite panel having a first sheet (2), a second sheet (3) and a core of insulating material between the first and second sheets (2, 3). In one case the sheet (2) is a generally flat top sheet and the sheet (3) is a profiled bottom sheet. A floor such as a wood effect floor (5) is laid over the flat top sheet (2). An acoustic barrier layer 6 is located between the floor (5) and the sheet (2). The profiling of the sheet (3) defines channels (7) for location of service ducts/conduits (11). A planar facing (8) is applied over the profiled sheet, bridging the channels (7).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a split frame assembly for supporting a chamber in a processing system. In order to adequately fit into the body of an airplane for transport, the frame may be split into two pieces. Once split, each piece may individually be loaded onto the airplane. The upper piece may comprise all of the various components necessary to operate the chamber including gas panels, control panels, or other panels. The lower piece may support the upper piece.

Abstract: A floor system includes a pair of joist rim assemblies each having a web defining a first surface. The web also includes a mounting portion defining a second surface offset from the first surface. The joist rim may also include a prong defining a slot along with the web. A joist connector bracket is received within the slot and is connectable to the mounting portion of the web. A joist extends between the pair of joist rim assemblies and is connected to the joist connector bracket of each joist rim assembly.

Abstract: A process for the construction of a segment of an open-air work by prefabricated structural members of reinforcing concrete, includes the steps of arranging first and second prefabricated structural members (18, 19) including an upright portion (22) and at least a cover portion (26), and the phase of installing the two structural members (18, 19) by resting the free ends (20) of the respective upright portions (22) on respective foundation portions (12), in such a manner that the two structural members (18, 19) are arranged symmetrically opposed. Each structural member (18, 19) has a cavity in correspondence of the respective cover portion (26), the cavities of the two structural members (18, 19) constituting a continuous channel (34) in order to allow to form a beam superimposed to the two members (18, 19) and fastened to them, by executing a casting (36) in said continuous channel (34) during the work.

Abstract: Apparatus for precision deploy-attaching beam-mount structure to the outside of an elongate column at plural, defined attachment sites that are distributed and spaced along the length of the column. During use, a column support jig with plural openable/closeable yokes in the apparatus supports a column horizontally for selective rotation about its long axis. A carriage in the apparatus, which holds beam-mount structures to be attached to a supported column, is selectively moveable and position-lockable in defined locations distributed along the supported column between yokes in a pair of spaced yokes to enable precision weld-attaching of the mounts to sides of the column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods used to assemble trusses composed of wooden components. The system comprises at least one station for cutting lumber into truss components (i.e., cords and web members), a station for position the cord members relative to one another, a station for positioning the web member relative to the cord members for attachment, and a station for securing the web members to the cord members and/or other web members in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: An apex rhombus is delimited over the center point of a square, which is delimited by plotting four nadir rhombuses on the same plane, and each of the nadir rhombuses and the apex rhombus are jointed to form a group of pyramidal surfaces equipped with four planar slopes having substantially the same height in a pyramidal form. Two pyramidal surface slabs are assembled, each composed of pyramidal surfaces around one pyramidal surface, each sharing one nadir rhombus, adjacent each other, and arranged in a grid pattern at an equal pitch in plural directions. The pyramidal surfaces arranged in a grid pattern are each displaced by one-half pitch in a specific direction, such that the apex rhombus of one of the pyramidal surface comes in contact with the nadir rhombus of the other pyramidal surface, whereby the two pyramidal surfaces are placed one on the other.

Abstract: An openable window includes a window frame defining a window opening which is typically neither square nor rectangular and a window pane assembly which typically is square or rectangular, although the window opening and window pane assembly may have other shapes. The window allows for a window opening having curved portions or various complex shapes while eliminating some of the complex construction to achieve such shapes, such as eliminating the need for a window sash having curved portions when the window opening has curved portions. The window pane assembly preferably slides open and closed. A window sash may or may not circumscribe the window pane or panes. Standard dividers may be used or an adhesive layer may be adhered to the window pane to create the appearance of multiple window panes, stained glass or various other patterns.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a structural member for use in forming a frame for an architectural structure comprising a first portion of a beam having a first longitudinal section with a first pair of legs extending to one side of the first longitudinal section and a second portion of a beam having a second longitudinal section with a second pair of legs extending to one side of the second longitudinal section. A fastener is placed within a pair of projections that extend from a beam fastener to enable one to fasten the first pair of legs of the first longitudinal section to the second pair of legs of the second longitudinal section, whereby the pair of projections of the beam fastener prevent the over-tightening of the fastener.

Abstract: A device for supporting equipment on a wall panel having protruding ribs. Channels are mounted perpendicular to the ribs. The channel has a base wall, and a pair of side walls extending outward from the base wall. The channel also has an outward wall portion communicating with the side walls at a distance from the base wall. Several apertures are defined in each channel. The apertures have a pair of side wall portions and a base wall portion. When the channel is positioned on the wall panel, the apertures receive the protruding ribs. A fastening structure is located on the base wall of the channel for mounting the channel to the wall panel. A fastening plate is also located on the outward wall portion of the channel for mounting the equipment to the channel.

Abstract: An access tower has two mutually spaced side parts extending from a base part to the top part; and inclined cross parts each extending from one side part to the other. The cross parts are arranged one above another and inclined in opposite senses. The cross parts are rigid and are connected to the side parts. The lower one of two successive oppositely inclined cross parts has its upper end connected to an articulation node to which the lower end of the upper one of said two successive oppositely inclined cross parts is connected. A section of the side part opposite said articulation node, which section extends between the upper end of said upper cross part and the lower end of said lower cross part, is collapsible so that said upper cross part together with the portion of the tower above it can be lowered into a position in which said upper cross part extends substantially parallel to said lower cross part. A releasable locking device is provided to prevent collapse of said collapsible section.

Abstract: A base for a cooling tower having a fill media heat exchange system. The cooling tower, or heat transfer device, includes a plurality of heat exchanging plates positioned to form the fill media, a moisture collection area positioned under the heat exchanging plates, and a composite base supporting the heat exchanging plates and positioned substantially within the moisture collection area. The base includes a plurality of elongated supports, wherein each support includes a length, an aperture, and a plurality of openings. The aperture traverses the supports substantially parallel to the length while the openings traverse the supports substantially perpendicular to the length. The combination of the aperture and openings allows the flow of moisture and water within the moisture collection area to flow in at least two substantially perpendicular directions within the moisture collection area.

Abstract: A structural member includes side walls, a top wall connecting a top region of the side walls, a bottom wall connecting side wall bottoms and extending beyond the side walls to form wings each having one portion of a connector for connecting members to one another, a span connected to the side walls, and truss configurations each connected to the span and the bottom wall and respectively to one side wall. Side walls, top wall, and span define an upper interior chamber and span, truss configurations, and bottom wall define a lower interior chamber. Each truss configuration has a vertical wall and two intermediate walls. An assembly of members interlock with one another in series by connecting a first portion of the connector with a second portion of another member. These interlocked members form a structure for receiving concrete as a base for a ribbed concrete slab.

Abstract: An improved structural truss (3) and method of making same having oppositely disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein the apices (6) form an inverted U-shape at a cross-section at the center of the strut (1). The ends (4) of successive segments of the unit lengths of the struts (1) and the chords (2) have holes for the insertion of a tapered pin (9), thus precisely controlling the length of successive trusses. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10).

Abstract: A concrete anchor float that, in one embodiment, facilitates the placement of anchor bolts that protrude from concrete constructions, such as foundations. The concrete anchor float of the present invention can be used with nearly any conventional anchor bolt to insure the correct placement and alignment of the anchor bolt and to promote a strong bond between the anchor bolt and the concrete. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the concrete anchor float generally comprises a base plate with a hole, and a cap extending from the base plate over the hole. The cap includes a cavity configured to releasably secure the anchor bolt, and a top against which the anchor bolt rests upon insertion. According to an implementation of the present invention, the base plate includes features that minimize voids and air pockets between the anchor bolt and the concrete to promote a strong bond.

Abstract: The present invention is a truss system constructed of rigid members and cables. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid members are used drill piping. Two inclined upper members are joined together at an angle to form a truss peak junction. A vertical member connects to and supports the lower end of each inclined upper member. The bottom of each vertical member sits in a collar attached to the top of a foundation member located in the ground. A tensioning member is perpendicularly attached to each inclined upper member near the midpoint of the inclined member. For each inclined upper member, a cable attaches to the inclined upper member near the truss peak, runs through a penetration in the tensioning member, and attaches to the lower end of the inclined member. Finally, a cable with first and second ends has its first and second ends secured so as to apply tension that opposes spreading of the lower ends of the inclined upper members.

Abstract: A door jamb assembly for an entryway has a wooden jamb plate to which an extruded plastic brick mold and stop member is attached. The brick mold and stop member forms the raised stop of the jamb assembly also may form the brick mold thereof. The extruded plastic brick mold and stop member has a core made of economical cellular PVC plastic at least partially encased in a stabilizing layer of a plastic material, such as SAN, having a heat distortion temperature greater than that of the PVC plastic of the core. The stabilizing layer holds the core material in place and restrains it against distortion and shrinkage due to extreme temperatures, such as those found between a storm door and a door exposed to direct sunlight.

Abstract: In a system for making walls, at least two pairs of connector plates are provided, each including receptacle for receiving an end of a structural member. At least one spacer plate is located between and rotatably coupled to successively positioned connector plates. To form a wall, a pair of connector plates is coupled via the retaining means, one to each of a pair of generally opposing ends defined by structural members. The connector plates are rotatably movable relative to the spacer plates thereby allowing the structural members to be oriented relative to one another so as to form a surface having desired contours.

Abstract: A trellis assembly including a first trellis section having a plurality of vertical rods connected to at least one horizontal rod and a second trellis section having a plurality of connected horizontal and vertical rods. The second trellis section includes a plurality of tubes connected to an outside of the vertical rods at upper ends thereof configured to accept lower ends of the vertical rods of the first trellis section to connect the first trellis section to the second trellis section.

Abstract: A device and method of reinforcement for towers, such as those used for electrical communications and telephonic devices, is provided. Elongated stiffening members are provided for indirect attachment to a tower by means of spacer elements. The spacer elements, which are structurally connected to the tower, provide a location for attachment of the stiffening members such that the tower is reinforced while minimizing any damage to the actual tower through the attachment of reinforcement. In one embodiment an external structural support shell, fastened concentrically about a tower, is also provided. The support shell forms an exterior wall, spaced apart from the antenna tower and fastened thereto with structural elements, such that the antenna tower is strengthened.

Abstract: A support truss for a messaging sign comprising an elevated box truss which extends over a roadway and which has its opposite ends secured to upstanding supports. The box truss is comprised of a plurality of box truss sections secured to one another in an end-to-end relationship with at least one of the box truss sections adapted to have one or more messaging signs mounted therein. The messaging signs are horizontally slidably adjustably mounted on the box truss section so that the box truss section can accommodate signs having various thicknesses. The box truss in which the messaging sign is mounted is designed so that the face of the sign is unobstructed to permit motorists to readily observe the messages on the sign. A walkway is provided within the truss rearwardly of the messaging sign.

Abstract: A molded plastic truss work includes an upper grid and a lower grid, with a plurality of interconnecting members interconnecting the grids. The upper grid includes longitudinal members and transverse members that extend between and interconnect the longitudinal members. The lower grid includes longitudinal members and transverse members extending between and interconnecting the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members in the lower grid are positioned such that each of the longitudinal members in the lower grid is not directly below any of the longitudinal members in the upper grid. The transverse members in the lower grid are positioned such that each of the transverse members in the lower grid is not directly below any of the transverse members in the upper grid. The plurality of interconnecting members extend between the upper and lower grids, and include a plurality of vertical members.