Abstract: A space frame system built from rectangular tubing comprisingtwo substantially parallel planar chord frames laced together by many diagonal struts. The planar frames are of a rectangular grid pattern, both of the same grid dimensions, each made from continuous chords in one direction and tie chords one grid dimension long in the other direction, all the chords being disposed in one plane without overlap. Each frame has a position aligned with but out of registration with the other by half a grid dimension each way so intersections on one planar frame line up with open centers of the grids on the other. Diagonal struts run from intersections on one planar frame to the nearest intersections on the other. At intersections, the chords and struts are bolted or welded to one or more flat and bent plates. The outermost surfaces of the chords in one planar frame may be left clear of bolts and plates, and skylights may be mounted thereon.

Abstract: An improved pipe-and-ball truss array for supporting a deck surface, such as a roof deck or a wall panel, thereon in a predetermined plane is provided in which the outer chord of the truss array comprises an outer hollow pipe element having a structural tee element extending radially outward from the outer surface thereof in a plane normal to the plane in which the deck surface is to be supported on the truss array and an inner rod running through the pipe along the longitudinal axis thereof. A hollow substantially ball-like member, such as a hollow spherical member, is provided which is common to a plurality of truss members which truss members are joined to the spherical member by bolting.