An example of support member is provided. The support member includes a plurality of elongated members connected to form a first elongated rigid structure. In addition, the support member includes a first elongated member of the plurality of elongated members disposed proximate to a first edge of the first elongated rigid structure with a first member top surface. The support member further includes a first stacking guide disposed on the first elongated member wherein a first attachment top surface is to slope toward the first member top surface. Also, the support member includes a second elongated member of the plurality of elongated members disposed proximate to a second edge of the first elongated rigid structure with a second member top surface. The second edge is opposite the first edge. The support member also includes a second stacking guide disposed on the second elongated member.

A deformable device includes a deformable beam or hinge having an extended state, a flattened state, and a rolled state if a beam, where a stiffness and strength of the deformable beam or the hinge in the extended state is greater than a different stiffness and strength of the deformable beam or the hinge in the flattened state. A cross section includes a first about V shape half and a second about V shape half. Each half includes a vertex with at least one curve extending into two walls at least one of the walls including a plurality of truss members, both of the walls extend into a joining edge. The first about V shape half and the second about V shape half are joined together at a seam of a joining edge of the first about V shape half and the second about V shape half.

A system, kit, and method of providing a truss assembly is shown and described.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a truss with integrated wiring. A truss with integrated wiring includes a plurality of chords coupled together with a plurality of support members. At least one chord of the plurality of chords includes a hollow space along a length of the at least one chord of the plurality of chords. The truss with integrated wiring further includes a first set of electrical connectors situated near a first end of the at least one chord of the plurality of chords, and a second set of electrical connectors situated near a second end of the at least one chord of the plurality of chords. The first and second set of electrical connectors are outside of the hollow space. The first set of electrical connectors is coupled to the second set of electrical connectors through a set of electrical wires housed in the hollow space.

A connection apparatus for attaching a first truss to a second truss has first and second connection segments, a bolt and an optional spring. The first connection segment has an aperture dimensioned to receive a threaded end and shank of the bolt. The aperture is also dimensioned to prevent the head end of the bolt and the threaded end from passing through. The aperture comprising a recess for receiving the second end of the spring. The first connection segment has a side opening, open to the aperture, dimensioned to receive the shank of the bolt. The first connection segment has a shoulder portion within the aperture dimensioned to closely fit around the shank and prevent the threaded end of the bolt from passing therethrough. The second connection segment for attaching to the second truss has a threaded hole dimensioned to fixably receive the threaded end of the bolt.

A deformable device includes a deformable beam or hinge having an extended state, a flattened state, and a rolled state if a beam, where a stiffness and strength in the extended state is greater than a different stiffness and strength in the flattened state, the deformable beam or the hinge deformable along a long axis. An end face cross section transverse to the long axis includes a first periodic curved member which defines at least two shaped curves. A second periodic curved member defines at least two shaped curves. The second periodic curved member is mechanically coupled to the first periodic curved member at respective ends of the end face cross section. The first arc length of the first periodic curved member and the second arc length of the second periodic curved member are of about a same arc length.

An adjustable lattice girder includes a first lattice girder portion having a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end, with the first lattice girder portion having a first connection member, and a second lattice girder portion having a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end, with the second lattice girder portion having a second connection member configured to engage the first connection member. The first connection member is slidable relative to the second connection member between a first position corresponding to a first distance between the second end of the first lattice girder portion and the first end of the second lattice girder portion, and a second position corresponding to a second distance between the second end of the first lattice girder portion and the first end of the second lattice girder portion. The first distance different than the second distance.

A truss structure is suitable for supporting lighting fixtures or other loads both in use and in transport. The truss has at least four elongated chords defining between said chords a first volume generally rectangular in cross-section. In transport, the truss is supported substantially above a surface by castered carriages bearing upon that surface, the carriages connected to said truss and in a first position producing an additional volume between said first volume and said surface. The carriages are attached to the truss so as to permit their rotation between said first position and at least a second position suitable for use while remaining connected to said truss.

An appliance-support system in accordance with the present disclosure includes a truss and a positioning system coupled to the truss. The positioning system is adapted to support an appliance, such as a video display, light, speaker, or other device used during stage performances or events.

A self-building tower comprising a plurality of tower sections adapted to be connected in a sequence to form a modular tower, and a tower feeding system having a feeder sleeve block. The feeder sleeve block is elevated above a horizontal surface by a support column, and has a feeder aperture which allows tower sections to be positioned between the feeder aperture to be fed upwardly through the feeder sleeve block. The feeder sleeve block supports the modular tower in a position perpendicular to the horizontal surface. The tower feeding system has a hoist mechanism for raising each tower section through the feeder aperture, allowing additional tower sections to be attached to the lowermost tower section in the sequence.