A truss assembly is provided. The truss assembly includes a truss section with a plurality of chords extending longitudinally and defining a volume therebetween. The truss section further includes a sliding rail positioned within the volume defined by the chords, and is also connected to the plurality of chords. The truss assembly also includes at least one bracket which has a first portion slidably coupled to the sliding rail and a second portion connected to the first portion and defining a hanging point adapted to support a load.

A modular space frame support system comprises an upper frame comprising a plurality of joists interconnected with a plurality of interconnection structures; a lower frame comprising a plurality of joists or chords interconnected with a plurality of interconnection structures; at least two interconnection structure brackets, wherein a first of the at least two interconnection structure brackets is connected to one of the plurality of interconnection structures of the upper frame and a second of the at least two interconnection structure brackets is connected to one of the plurality of interconnection structures of the lower frame, each interconnection structure bracket comprising a hollow tubular section, and at least one chord-engaging structure; and at least one chord secured at a first end to the first of the at least two interconnection structure brackets and at a second end to the second of the at least two interconnection structure brackets.

A modular space frame support system comprises an upper frame comprising a plurality of joists interconnected with a plurality of interconnection structures; a lower frame comprising a plurality of joists or chords interconnected with a plurality of interconnection structures; at least two interconnection structure brackets, wherein a first of the at least two interconnection structure brackets is connected to one of the plurality of interconnection structures of the upper frame and a second of the at least two interconnection structure brackets is connected to one of the plurality of interconnection structures of the lower frame, each interconnection structure bracket comprising a hollow tubular section, and at least one chord-engaging structure; and at least one chord secured at a first end to the first of the at least two interconnection structure brackets and at a second end to the second of the at least two interconnection structure brackets.

A system for stiffening a structure has at least one pair of tie rods (3), each tie rod (3) of the pair of tie rods (3) having a first end (4) fastened to the structure (2) and a second end (5), and at least one device (6) for tensioning the tie rods (3) having a deformable linking element (7) fastened to the second end (5) of each tie rod (3) so as to connect the tie rods (3). An actuator (10) is configured to deform the linking element (7) so as to make it pass from an inactive configuration in which the tie rods (3) are in a first state of tension to an active configuration in which the tie rods (3) are in a second state of tension, different than the first state of tension.

Provided herein is an assembly for carrying or supporting a load. The assembly comprises a plurality of members connectable in an assembled arrangement for carrying or supporting the load. Each member comprises a first end and a second end, at least one of the first end and the second end has a pair of connecting members comprising two lugs that each has defined therein two holes. The lugs are configured for alignment with a corresponding pair of lugs formed on another member in the assembly. Fasteners extend through the holes formed in the lugs when the holes are aligned. Further provided are members for use in the assembly and connector elements for attaching two or more members in the assembly.

A process, mechanical method, and mechanical utility invention that creates an expandable sustainable member beam with utility in its' substantially different shape, mobility, multi-functional capabilities, and sustainability from its' conventional counter part. It can be utilized independently, as a utility stand, in plurality, sharing a base(s) and platform(s), as a step, or in conjunction with other expandable sustainable member beams from which to build. Some embodiments may replace a conventional wood or metal 248 stud in many applications. Additional utilities include, but not limited to: a post, concrete form, assistive device for mobility challenged individuals, independent balance, self-leveling, varying angular degree manipulation, elevational deployment and retraction capabilities. It can be substantially shortened for transport and deploy to varying longitudinal values to regain its utility upon user demand. Thereafter, it can be uninstalled and used again for like or different utilities, making it largely sustainable.

A mechanical utility fastening device created as an alternative rigidity mechanism to the expandable sustainable member beam recited in the parent application U.S. Ser. No. 15/703,993; which connects two items when flexibility and movement between the two connected items is necessary. The flexible fastening key allows for connection of segments of the member beam from the parent application wherein flexibility is needed between the segments and the rigidity key for the member beam to perform the utility of curvature.

A rotary joint includes a socket rod having a socket rod flange with an at least partly spheroid concave bearing surface at a first end, a housing nut encircling the socket rod and having a threaded wrenching head, and a ball rod having an at least partly spheroid convex bearing surface and threaded side walls around the bearing surface. The diameter of the threaded side walls of the ball rod corresponds to a diameter of the threaded wrenching head of the housing nut.

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

Truss sections are commonly used at concerts and shows to support displays, camera, sound and lighting equipment. During transport or storage, the truss sections are stacked on top of each other. The apparatus is mountable to a cross member of a truss section. The apparatus comprises depressions on the surface. Longitudinal members (which are perpendicular to said cross member when stacked) of a second truss section can be positioned within the depressions to limit the relative movement between truss sections which are stacked.