Truss with integrated wiring

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to trusses with integrated wiring. A truss with integrated wiring includes a plurality of chords coupled together with a plurality of supports. 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 also includes a first set of electrical connectors located near a first end of the at least one chord of the plurality of chords and a second set of electrical connectors located near a second end of the at least one chord of the plurality of chords. The first set of electrical connectors and the second set of electrical connectors are external to the hollow space. The first set of electrical connectors is coupled to the second set of electrical connectors by a set of electrical wires housed in the hollow space.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 16 / 723,957, filed December 20, 2019, entitled “TRUSS WITH INTEGRATED WIRING,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The technology discussed below relates generally to trusses, and more particularly, to trusses with integrated wiring. BACKGROUND

[0004] Trusses are commonly used to construct structures (also referred to as truss assemblies or truss systems) for installing equipment (e.g., lights, audio equipment, projectors for displaying content on a projection screen, and / or other suitable equipment) at various locations such as theaters, arenas, stadiums, convention centers, and amusement parks (e.g., theme parks). For example, a truss assembly can be constructed for a show (e.g., a live stage performance) in an amusement park for supporting lighting equipment, audio speakers, and other equipment that can significantly enhance the experience of the audience.

[0005] However, to power and / or control the installed equipment on such truss assemblies, long and heavy cables often need to be separately installed on the truss assemblies. Since truss assemblies are often large and include portions that are relatively high above the ground (e.g., 6.0 meters above the ground), the process of planning out the cable connections and physically installing the cables is often time-consuming, difficult, and expensive. Moreover, the additional weight and possible movement of the cables can increase the complexity of the design and construction of the truss assemblies. Finally, after the cables have been installed, it can be difficult and expensive to make adjustments to the truss assemblies and / or the equipment installed on the truss assemblies. For example, such adjustments can frequently require workers to use human power to lift or tie off to access elevated portions of the truss assemblies, which can increase costs and cause safety issues. SUMMARY

[0006] In order to provide a basic understanding of these aspects, the following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure, and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to trusses with integrated wiring, truss assemblies with integrated wiring, and methods for constructing trusses with integrated wiring. In some aspects of the present disclosure, a truss with integrated wiring includes a plurality of chords coupled together with a plurality of supports, where at least one of the plurality of chords includes a hollow space along a length of the at least one of the plurality of chords. The truss with integrated wiring also includes a first set of electrical connectors proximate a first end of the at least one of the plurality of chords, where the first set of electrical connectors is external to the hollow space. The truss with integrated wiring also includes a second set of electrical connectors proximate a second end of the at least one of the plurality of chords, where the second set of electrical connectors is external to the hollow space. The first set of electrical connectors is electrically coupled to the second set of electrical connectors by a set of electrical wires housed in the hollow space.

[0008] In one example, a truss assembly with integrated wiring is disclosed. The truss assembly includes a first truss including a first set of electrical connectors proximate a first end of the first truss and a second set of electrical connectors proximate a second end of the first truss, the first set of electrical connectors electrically coupled to the second set of electrical connectors by a first set of electrical wires housed within an interior of a chord of the first truss. The truss assembly also includes a second truss including a third set of electrical connectors proximate a first end of the second truss and a fourth set of electrical connectors proximate a second end of the second truss, the third set of connectors electrically coupled to the fourth set of electrical connectors by a second set of electrical wires housed within an interior of a chord of the second truss. The second end of the first truss is coupled to the first end of the second truss, and the second set of electrical connectors is electrically coupled to the third set of electrical connectors.

[0009] In one example, a method for constructing a truss with integrated wiring is disclosed. The method includes coupling a plurality of chords together with a plurality of supports, where at least one of the plurality of chords includes a hollow space along a length of the at least one of the plurality of chords. The method also includes coupling a first set of electrical connectors proximate a first end of the at least one of the plurality of chords, where the first set of electrical connectors is external to the hollow space. The method also includes coupling a second set of electrical connectors proximate a second end of the at least one of the plurality of chords, where the second set of electrical connectors is external to the hollow space. The method also includes coupling the first set of electrical connectors to the second set of electrical connectors by a set of electrical wires housed in the hollow space of the at least one of the plurality of chords. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1is a front perspective view of a truss with integrated wiring according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 is a back perspective view of a truss with integrated wiring according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 shows a side view of a truss with integrated wiring according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 shows a view of a first end of a truss with integrated wiring according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 shows a view of a second end of a truss with integrated wiring according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating coupling between connectors of a first set of connector interfaces and connectors of a second set of another connector interface according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 7 shows a side view of a truss assembly including a first truss and a second truss with integrated wiring according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a joining section of a truss assembly shown in Figure 7 according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 9 is a side view of a truss with integrated wiring including an access track and first and second devices according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 10 is a side view of a truss with integrated wiring including an access track and a device according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 11 illustrates a truss tower with integrated wiring according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 12 shows a truss assembly with integrated wiring according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for constructing a truss with integrated wiring according to various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts. While aspects and embodiments are described in this application by illustration to some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases can come about in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many differing platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and / or packaging arrangements.

[0024] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to trusses with integrated wiring, truss assemblies with integrated wiring, and methods for constructing trusses with integrated wiring. Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a truss 100 with integrated wiring in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1 As shown in Figure 1 , chords 102 and 104 can be coupled together with at least straight supports 110 and 142, chords 102 and 106 can be coupled together with at least straight supports 112 and 144, and chords 104 and 108 can be coupled together with at least straight supports 114 and 146. In some examples, chords 106 and 108 can be coupled together with straight supports similar to straight supports 110 and 142 (not shown in Figure 1 As shown in Figure 1 , chords 102, 104, 106, and / or 108 can be further coupled together with one or more diagonal supports, such as diagonal support 118.

[0025] In some aspects of the present disclosure, each of chords 102, 104, 106, and 108 can have substantially the same length 120, and can be oriented parallel with respect to one another. In some examples, length 120 can be in a range of 90 centimeters (cm) to 370 cm. However, it should be understood that in other examples, length 120 can be less than 90 cm or greater than 370 cm. In some examples, each of chords 102, 104, 106, and 108, and each of the supports (e.g., support 114, 118) can have a tubular shape, and can be formed using a rigid material, such as steel, aluminum, or other suitable material. For example, in Figure 1In some aspects of the disclosure, the chords 102, 104, 106, and 108 can each have substantially the same outer tube diameter and substantially the same inner tube diameter.

[0026] As Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the truss 100 can include connector interfaces 122 and 124 at opposite ends (e.g., a first end 160 and a second end 161) of the truss 100. The connector interface 122 can include a first set of connectors, and the connector interface 124 can include a second set of connectors. In some aspects of the disclosure, the connector interface 122 can include a latching mechanism 151. In some aspects of the disclosure, the connector interface 122 can be located on a mounting unit 126 that extends between the chords 106 and 108. For example, the mounting unit 126 can be formed of steel, aluminum, or other rigid material suitable for supporting the connector interface 124. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the mounting unit 126 can include a first mounting portion 162 and a second mounting portion 163. The first mounting portion 162 can be coupled to the chord 106, and the second mounting portion 163 can be coupled to the chord 108. In some aspects of the disclosure, the mounting unit 126 can include a third mounting portion 164 that is coupled to the chord 104. In some aspects of the disclosure, the mounting unit 126 can include a fourth mounting portion 165 that is coupled to the chord 102. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the first set of connectors of the connector interface 122 can include male connectors 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138.

[0027] In some aspects of the disclosure, the first set of connectors can include different types of connectors configured for different purposes. For example, some of the male connectors (e.g., the male connectors 132, 138 having a circular shape) of the connector interface 122 can be configured for transmitting electrical power (e.g., alternating current (AC) electrical power), while other male connectors (e.g., the male connectors 128, 130, 134, 136 having a rectangular shape) of the connector interface 122 can be configured for transmitting data signals (e.g., video signals, audio signals, audio / visual signals, media signals, etc.), control signals (e.g., analog or digital control signals), networking signals, and / or other suitable signals. In aspects described herein, connectors configured for transmitting electrical power (e.g., the male connector 138 and the female connector 238) can also be referred to as power connectors. As Figures 2-6 As described in greater detail, each of the first set of connectors of the connector interface 122 can be electrically coupled with a corresponding connector of the second set of connectors of the connector interface 124 by a set of wires (e.g., the set of wires 340 shown in FIG. 3). The set of wires 340 can be housed within the hollow space of the chord 108 described previously and can extend along the length 120. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, the first set of connectors of the connector interface 122 can include male connectors 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138.

[0028] Figure 2 is a back perspective view of a truss 100 with integrated wiring in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. As Figure 2As shown in FIG. 12, the second set of connectors of the connector interface 124 can include female connectors 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, and 238. In some aspects of the disclosure, the second set of connectors can include different types of connectors configured for different purposes. For example, some of the female connectors of the connector interface 124 (e.g., female connectors 232, 238 having a circular shape) can be configured for transmitting electrical power (e.g., AC electrical power), while other female connectors of the connector interface 124 (e.g., female connectors 228, 230, 234, 236 having a rectangular shape) can be configured for transmitting data signals (e.g., video signals, audio signals, audio / visual signals, media signals, etc.), control signals (e.g., analog or digital control signals), networking signals, and / or other suitable signals. In some aspects of the disclosure, the connector interface 124 can include a latch 253.

[0029] In some aspects of the disclosure, the connector interface 124 can be mounted on a mounting unit 226 extending between the strings 106, 108. For example, the mounting unit 226 can be formed of steel, aluminum, or other rigid material suitable for supporting the connector interface 124. In some aspects of the disclosure, the position of the connector interface 122 on the mounting unit 126 and / or the position of the connector interface 124 on the mounting unit 226 can be user-adjustable. For example, the position of the connector interface 122 can be adjusted in a lateral direction along the mounting unit 126 and / or in an anterior-posterior direction on the mounting unit 126. Similarly, the position of the connector interface 124 can be adjusted in a lateral direction along the mounting unit 226 and / or in an anterior-posterior direction on the mounting unit 226.

[0030] Figure 3 A side view of the truss 100 is shown, in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13, the aforementioned set of wires 340 (indicated in phantom in FIG. 12) can be housed in the hollow space of the string 108 (e.g., the hollow space 464 shown in FIG. 14). In the example implementation shown in FIG. 13, a section of the set of wires 340 extending between the first portion 350 and the second portion 366 is housed in the hollow space of the string 108 (e.g., the hollow space 464 shown in FIG. 14). In some aspects of the disclosure, the string 108 can include a hole (or other suitable opening) through a surface of the string 108 proximate to the connector interface 122, 124. Such a hole can be used to pass the set of wires 340 into / out of the hollow space of the string 108. Figure 3 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 3 Figure 4

[0031] Figure 4 ​​​​​A view of the first end (e.g., first end 160) of the truss 100 with integrated wiring is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4 chords 104 and 108 can be spaced apart by a first center-to-center distance 450, and chords 102 and 106 can be spaced apart by a second center-to-center distance 452. For example, the first center-to-center distance 450 can be approximately equal to the second center-to-center distance 452. As further shown in Figure 4 chords 102 and 104 can be spaced apart by a third center-to-center distance 454, and chords 106 and 108 can be spaced apart by a fourth center-to-center distance 456. For example, the third center-to-center distance 454 can be approximately equal to the fourth center-to-center distance 456.

[0032] In aspects of the Figure 4 connector interface 122 can be coupled to the mounting unit 126 via the bracket 471 and first and second screws 473, 475. For example, the position of the connector interface 122 can be adjusted by loosening the first and / or second screws 473, 475, moving the connector interface 122 into a desired position on the mounting unit 126, and tightening the first and / or second screws 473, 475 to secure the connector interface 122 in place. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the mounting unit 126 can be configured to slide back and forth between chords 106, 108. These aspects are explained in further detail with reference to Figure 8

[0033] As shown in Figure 4 the mounting unit 126 can include a cavity that provides sufficient space to accommodate at least a portion of the set of wires 340. In Figure 4 for example, the portion of the set of wires 340 that is accommodated in the mounting unit 126 is indicated by dashed lines. As shown in Figure 4 the mounting unit 126 can have a width 463. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the width 463 can be based on the amount of space needed to accommodate the portion of the set of wires 340. In some examples, the width 463 can be in a range of 15 cm to 45 cm. However, it should be understood that in other examples, the width 463 can be less than 15 cm or greater than 45 cm. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the portion of the set of wires 340 that is accommodated in the mounting unit 126 can be enclosed in a flexible cable carrier (also referred to as a cable raceway) or other suitable conduit.

[0034] As previously mentioned, each of the chords 102, 104, 106, and 108 can have a tubular shape (e.g., a hollow cylinder shape). Thus, as Figure 4 ​As shown, chords 102, 104, 106, and 108 may each have a circular cross-section and may include hollow spaces (e.g., hollow spaces 458, 460, 462, 464) extending along the length of each chord (e.g., length 120). Figure 4 As further shown, the assembly of wires 340 can be fed from inside the mounting unit 126 into the hollow space 464 of the string 108. As previously described, the string 108 may include a first hole (or other suitable opening adjacent to the mounting unit 126) through its surface to facilitate the feeding of the assembly of wires 340 into the hollow space 464. Figure 4 In the middle, the first part 350 of the set of lines 340 is shown as being contained in the hollow space 464 of the string 108.

[0035] Figure 5 A view is shown of the second end (e.g., second end 161) of a truss 100 with integrated wiring according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 5 In some aspects, the connector interface 124 can be coupled to the mounting unit 226 via the bracket 571 and the first and second screws 573, 575. For example, the position of the connector interface 124 can be adjusted by loosening the first and / or second screws 573, 575, moving the connector interface 124 to the desired position on the mounting unit 226, and tightening the first and / or second screws 573, 575 to secure the connector interface 124 in place. In some aspects of this disclosure, the mounting unit 226 can be configured to slide back and forth between the chords 106, 108. These aspects refer to... Figure 8 Let me explain in more detail.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, mounting unit 226 may include a cavity that provides sufficient space to accommodate at least a portion of the wire assembly 340. Figure 5 In this context, for example, a portion of the wire assembly 340 housed in mounting unit 226 is indicated by dashed lines. Figure 5 As shown, mounting unit 226 may have a width of 465. In some aspects of this disclosure, the width 465 may be based on the amount of space required to accommodate a portion of the cable assembly 340. In some examples, the width 465 may be in the range of 15 cm to 45 cm. In other examples, the width 465 may be less than 15 cm or greater than 45 cm. In some aspects of this disclosure, the portion of the cable assembly 340 accommodated in mounting unit 226 may be enclosed in a flexible cable carrier (also referred to as a cable track) or other suitable conduit.

[0037] like Figure 5As further shown, the set of wires 340 can be fed from the hollow space 464 of the chord 108 to the interior of the mounting unit 226. As previously mentioned, the chord 108 can include a second hole through the surface of the chord 108 (or other suitable opening proximate the mounting unit 226) to enable the feeding of the set of wires 340 into the mounting unit 226. In Figure 5 In particular, a second portion 366 of the set of wires 340 is shown as being housed in the hollow space 464 of the chord 108.

[0038] Figure 6 is a block diagram in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure showing the coupling between the first set of connectors of the connector interface 122 and the second set of connectors of the connector interface 124. As Figure 6 As shown in, the male connectors 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138 of the first set of connectors can be coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to the female connectors 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, and 238, respectively, of the second set of connectors via respective conductive paths 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, and 612 (also collectively referred to as a set of conductive paths 614). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the set of conductive paths 614 can be implemented as the aforementioned set of wires 340. For example, Figure 6 Each conductive path (e.g., conductive path 602) in can be implemented as one or more wires of the set of wires 340.

[0039] In Figure 6 In, while each male connector of the connector interface 122 is shown as being electrically coupled to a corresponding female connector of the connector interface 124 using a single conductive path, it should be appreciated that, in other aspects of the present disclosure, a male connector and a corresponding female connector can be electrically coupled with two or more conductive paths (e.g., two or more wires). In one example, the male connector 138 can include two electrical contacts designated as a hot contact and a neutral contact for conveying AC electrical power. Similarly, in this example, the corresponding female connector 238 can include two electrical contacts designated as a hot contact and a neutral contact for conveying AC electrical power. Thus, a first conductive path can be used to couple the hot contacts of the male and female connectors 138, 238, and a second conductive path can be used to couple the neutral contacts of the male and female connectors 138, 238.

[0040] Figure 7 shows a side view of a truss assembly 700 including a first truss and a second truss having integrated wiring in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As Figure 7As shown in FIG. 7, the truss assembly 700 includes a first truss 100a having a first end and a second end 704, 706 and a second truss 100b having a first end and a second end 708, 710. In some aspects of the disclosure, both the first truss 100a and the second truss 100b can be identical to the aforementioned truss 100 having integrated wiring. In these aspects of the disclosure, the first truss 100a can include connector interfaces 122a, 124a configured similarly to the respective connector interfaces 122, 124 of the truss 100, and the second truss 100b can include connector interfaces 122b, 124b configured similarly to the respective connector interfaces 122, 124 of the truss 100.

[0041] In Figure 7 the set of connectors included in each of the connector interfaces 122a, 124a, 122b, 124b are shown within dashed ovals below the truss assembly 700 for reference. For example, the set of connectors of the connector interface 122a can include the male connectors 128a, 130a, 132a, 134a, 136a, and 138a, the set of connectors of the connector interface 124a can include the female connectors 228a, 230a, 232a, 234a, 236a, and 238a, the set of connectors of the connector interface 122b can include the male connectors 128b, 130b, 132b, 134b, 136b, and 138b, and the set of connectors of the connector interface 124b can include the female connectors 228b, 230b, 232b, 234b, 236b, and 238b. In Figure 7 In

[0042] As Figure 7As shown, the truss assembly 700 can be formed by coupling a second end 706 of a first truss 100a to a first end 708 of a second truss 100b. In doing so, the convex connectors of connector interface 122b (e.g., convex connectors 128b, 130b, 132b, 134b, 136b, and 138b) can be mated with corresponding concave connectors of connector interface 124a (e.g., concave connectors 228a, 230a, 232a, 234a, 236a, and 238a). The term "mating" as used herein refers to the coupling of a convex connector to a corresponding concave connector to form an electrical connection between the convex and concave connectors. Therefore, once the convex connector of connector interface 122b is mated with the corresponding concave connector of connector interface 124a, the convex connector of connector interface 122a can become electrically coupled to the corresponding concave connector of connector interface 124b. For example, convex connectors 128a, 130a, 132a, 134a, 136a and 138a can be electrically coupled to corresponding concave connectors 228b, 230b, 232b, 234b, 236b and 238b via wire sets 340a and 340b.

[0043] Figure 8 Based on all aspects of this disclosure, Figure 7 A perspective view of the joining section 702 of the truss assembly 700 shown. Figure 8 As shown, the first truss 100a may be coupled to the second truss 100b at chord joints 801, 802, 803, and 804. In some examples, the first truss 100a may be coupled to the second truss 100b at or near chord joints 801, 802, 803, and 804 using one or more clamps, connectors, connector plates, adapters, couplings, fasteners (not shown), and / or one or more other means to securely couple the chords 102a, 104a, 106a, and 108a of the truss 100a to the respective chords 102b, 104b, 106b, and 108b of the truss 100b.

[0044] In some aspects of this disclosure, chords 106a and 108a may include grooves (e.g., groove 859) that allow mounting units 226a of the first truss 100a to slide in the longitudinal direction along the length of chords 106a and 108a. Chords 106b and 108b may include similar grooves that allow mounting units 126b of the second truss 100b to slide in the longitudinal direction along the length of chords 106b and 108b. For example, as... Figure 8As shown in the side view of mounting unit 226a, 126b and connector interface 124a, 122b within the dashed circle, mounting unit 226a can slide in a rearward direction 877 or a forward direction 879. Mounting unit 126b can similarly slide in a rearward direction or a forward direction. For example, once mounting unit 226a is in a desired position, mounting unit 226a can be secured in the desired position using fasteners such as thumbscrews, wing screws, or other suitable fasteners. The desired position of mounting unit 126b can be secured in a similar manner to mounting unit 226a.

[0045] The foregoing feature of enabling mounting unit 226a, 126b to slide in the forward and rearward directions can facilitate the mating of connector interface 124a and connector interface 122b after the first truss 100a and the second truss 100b are coupled. In some aspects of the disclosure, the latch 253a on connector interface 124a can be used to attach connector interface 124a to connector interface 122b. The locking mechanism 151b on connector interface 122b can hold the latch 253a in place.

[0046] In some aspects of the disclosure, and as shown in Figure 8 As shown in the side view of mounting unit 226a, 126b and connector interface 124a, 122b within the dashed circle, mounting unit 226a can slide in a rearward direction 877 or a forward direction 879. Mounting unit 126b can similarly slide in a rearward direction or a forward direction. For example, once mounting unit 226a is in a desired position, mounting unit 226a can be secured in the desired position using fasteners such as thumbscrews, wing screws, or other suitable fasteners. The desired position of mounting unit 126b can be secured in a similar manner to mounting unit 226a.

[0047] Figure 9 is a side view of a truss 100c with integrated wiring, according to various aspects of the disclosure, including access tracks 974 and first and second devices 980, 986. In Figure 9 As shown in the side view of mounting unit 226a, 126b and connector interface 124a, 122b within the dashed circle, mounting unit 226a can slide in a rearward direction 877 or a forward direction 879. Mounting unit 126b can similarly slide in a rearward direction or a forward direction. For example, once mounting unit 226a is in a desired position, mounting unit 226a can be secured in the desired position using fasteners such as thumbscrews, wing screws, or other suitable fasteners. The desired position of mounting unit 126b can be secured in a similar manner to mounting unit 226a. Figure 9As shown in FIG. 12C, the set of connectors of the connector interface 122c can include male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, and 138c, and the set of connectors of the connector interface 124c can include corresponding female connectors 228c, 230c, 232c, 234c, 236c, and 238c. For example, the male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, and 138c can be electrically coupled with the respective female connectors 228c, 230c, 232c, 234c, 236c, and 238c by a set of wires (e.g., the set of wires 340) housed in the hollow space of the chord 108.

[0048] As Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 12C, the set of connectors of the connector interface 122c can include male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, and 138c, and the set of connectors of the connector interface 124c can include corresponding female connectors 228c, 230c, 232c, 234c, 236c, and 238c. For example, the male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, and 138c can be electrically coupled with the respective female connectors 228c, 230c, 232c, 234c, 236c, and 238c by a set of wires (e.g., the set of wires 340) housed in the hollow space of the chord 108.

[0049] As Figure 9 As further shown in FIG. 12C, first and second devices 980 and 986 can be mounted on the truss 100c. In Figure 9 In an example implementation, the first and second devices 980, 986 can be lighting devices (e.g., stage lights) that operate on AC power. In other implementations, the devices 980, 986 can be audio devices (e.g., speakers). For example, the first and second devices 980, 986 can be coupled with the chord 108 at desired locations via the respective clamps 977, 978. First and second cable lines 982, 988 of the first and second devices 980, 986 can be coupled to the access rail 974 (e.g., to the parallel tracks 975, 976 of the access rail 974) to enable the transfer of electrical power and operation of the first and second devices 980, 986. As Figure 9As shown in the example implementation of FIG. 9, first cable line 982 can be electrically connected with a sliding contact device 984. Sliding contact device 984 can be inserted between parallel tracks 975, 976 and can maintain contact with parallel tracks 975, 976 as sliding contact device 984 is slid along access track 974 into a desired position. Similarly, second cable line 988 of second device 986 can be electrically connected with a sliding contact device 990 that can be inserted between parallel tracks 975, 976 and slid along access track 974 into a desired position. In some aspects of the disclosure, sliding contact device 984 and / or sliding contact device 990 can also function as a structural attachment device for the device (e.g., to mechanically couple the device to truss 100c).

[0050] In some aspects of the disclosure, the two parallel tracks 975, 976 of access track 974 can not be configured to carry electrical power for delivery to devices coupled to truss 100c. In these aspects, access track 974 can be used to mount devices and to conveniently move devices along access track 974. Thus, access track 974 can function as a mechanical coupling device for coupling one or more items of a device to truss 100c. For example, a device can be unclamped (e.g., loosened) from access track 974 (e.g., while still mechanically coupled to access track 974), slid along access track 974 into a new position, and then re-clamped to access track 974 to secure the device at the new position. In some aspects of the disclosure in which the two parallel tracks 975, 976 of access track 974 can not be configured to carry electrical power, sliding contact devices 984, 990 can be coupled to set of lines 340c to deliver electrical power, data signals (e.g., video signals, audio signals, audio / video signals, multimedia signals, etc.), control signals (e.g., analog or digital control signals), networking signals, and / or other suitable signals to devices coupled with truss 100c.

[0051] In some aspects of the disclosure, one or more accessibility ports (e.g., accessibility ports 970, 971, 972) can be included in truss 100c. In these aspects, the one or more accessibility ports can be configured to provide access to one or more of the set of lines 340c, the set of lines 350c, and / or the set of lines 360c. For example, in some aspects of the disclosure, one or more of accessibility ports 970, 971, 972 can be configured to provide access to one or more of the set of lines 340c, the set of lines 350c, and / or the set of lines 360c. Figure 9In example implementations of the string 108, accessibility ports 970, 971, 972 can be included along the string 108 to provide access to electrical power, data signals (e.g., video signals, audio signals, audio / video signals, multimedia signals, etc.), control signals (e.g., analog or digital control signals), networking signals, and / or other suitable signals that can be transmitted through the set of wires 340c. In some aspects of the disclosure, the accessibility port 971 can include a power connector 938 (e.g., an AC power outlet for a two-prong or three-prong plug), as well as female connectors 928, 930, 932, 934, and 936. For example, the female connector 928 can be an audio / video signal connector (e.g., a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector), the female connector 930 can be an RJ45 jack (e.g., also known as an Ethernet cable connector), and the female connector 932 can be a female XLR connector. In some aspects of the disclosure, electrical power or data and / or control signals transmitted through the male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, and 138c of the connector interface 122c can be provided to the respective female connectors 928, 930, 932, 934, 936, and 938 of the accessibility port 971.

[0052] Figure 10 is a side view of a truss 100d with integrated wiring, including an access rail 1085 and a device 1086, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. In Figure 10 In Figure 10 the set of connectors of the connector interface 122d can include male connectors 128d, 130d, 132d, 134d, 136d, and 138d, and the set of connectors of the connector interface 124d can include corresponding female connectors 228d, 230d, 232d, 234d, 236d, and 238d. For example, the male connectors 128d, 130d, 132d, 134d, 136d, and 138d can be electrically coupled with the respective female connectors 228d, 230d, 232d, 234d, 236d, and 238d through the set of wires 340d.

[0053] As shown in Figure 10 The access rail 1085 can be coupled with the string 108 of the truss 100d, as shown in Figure 10Access rail 1085 is shown mounted below string 108, but in other implementations, access rail 1085 may be mounted substantially flush with string 108. In some aspects of this disclosure, access rail 1085 may be coupled after string 108. In one example implementation, access rail 1085 may provide access to two parallel rails 1092, 1093. In some aspects of this disclosure, the two parallel rails 975, 976 may be conductive and configured to transmit electrical power (e.g., AC power). In some aspects of this disclosure, wire assembly 340d may include wires designated as hot wires and neutral wires for transmitting electrical power. These hot wires and neutral wires may be accessed through openings in string 108 and electrically coupled to corresponding rails 1092, 1093 of access rail 1085. In one example, convex connector 138d may include contacts (e.g., hot contacts and neutral contacts) for receiving electrical power. These contacts can be linearly coupled to the aforementioned online assembly 340d, designated as hot and neutral wires, to provide electrical power to the access rail 1085.

[0054] like Figure 10 As further shown, device 1086 can be mounted on truss 100d using mounting bracket 1088. Figure 10 In the example implementation, device 1086 can be a video device that can operate on AC power (e.g., a media projector for projecting content such as images or videos onto a projection screen (not shown) through lens 1087). Figure 10 As shown, the gear track 1091 may be included on the access track 1085. Figure 10 As further shown, the mounting bracket 1088 may include a drive gear 1090 that engages with a gear track 1091 and allows the device 1086 to move laterally along the gear track 1091 (e.g., in a first direction 1097 or a second direction 1098). In some implementations, rollers 1089 may be included on the mounting bracket 1088 (e.g., positioned below the access track 1085) to improve stability as the device 1086 moves along the gear track 1091.

[0055] In one example implementation, cable 1099 (e.g., electrical cable) can be coupled to access rail 1085 (e.g., to rails 1092, 1093) to enable the transmission of electrical power and the operation of device 1086. Figure 10As shown in the example implementation of FIG. 10D, the cable 1099 can be electrically connected with the sliding contact device 1094. The sliding contact device 1094 can be inserted between the parallel tracks 1092, 1093 and can maintain contact with the parallel tracks 1092, 1093 as the sliding contact device 1094 slides along the access track 1085. For example, as the device 1086 moves in a first direction 1097 (e.g., toward the connector interface 122d), the sliding contact device 1094 can also move in the same direction along the access track 1085 while continuously delivering electrical power to the device 1086.

[0056] In some aspects of the disclosure, the two parallel tracks 1092, 1093 of the access track 1085 can not be configured to carry electrical power. In these aspects of the disclosure, the sliding contact device 1094 can be coupled with the set of wires 340d to deliver electrical power, data signals (e.g., video signals, audio signals, audio / video signals, multimedia signals, etc.), control signals (e.g., analog or digital control signals), networking signals, and / or other suitable signals to the device 1094. For example, the electrical power, data signals, control signals, and / or networking signals can be transmitted from the sliding contact device 1094 to the device 1086 through the cable 1099. Further, in these aspects of the disclosure, the cables 1095, 1096 described herein can not be coupled with the device 1086, thereby enabling the device 1086 to move freely while receiving electrical power, data signals, control signals, and / or networking signals.

[0057] In some aspects of the disclosure, one or more accessibility ports (e.g., the accessibility ports 1080, 1081, 1082) can be included in the truss 100d. In these aspects of the disclosure, the one or more accessibility ports can be configured to provide access to the set of wires 340d. For example, the accessibility ports 1080, 1081, 1082 can be configured to provide access to the set of wires 340d to facilitate the coupling of the set of wires 340d with the sliding contact device 1094. Figure 10In example implementations of the string 108, the string 108 can include accessibility ports 1080, 1081, 1082 to provide access to electrical power, data signals (e.g., video signals, audio signals, audiovisual signals, media signals, etc.), control signals (e.g., analog or digital control signals), networking signals, and / or other suitable signals that can be transmitted through the set of wires 340d. In some aspects of the disclosure, the accessibility port 1081 can include a power connector 1038 (e.g., an AC power outlet for a two-prong or three-prong plug) and female connectors 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034, and 1036. For example, the female connector 1036 can be an audio / visual signal connector (e.g., an HDMI connector), the female connector 1034 can be an RJ45 jack (e.g., also known as an Ethernet cable connector), and the female connector 1032 can be a female XLR connector. In some aspects of the disclosure, electrical power or data and / or control signals transmitted through the male connectors 128d, 130d, 132d, 134d, 136d, and 138d of the connector interface 122d can be provided to the respective female connectors 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034, 1036, and 1038 of the accessibility port 1081.

[0058] In some aspects of the disclosure, the device 1086 can be configured to receive content to be displayed through wireless signals (e.g., WiFi signals) and / or can be controlled via wireless control signals (e.g., infrared (IR) control signals, radio frequency (RF) control signals). For example, the wireless control signals can be transmitted from a remote control unit and can be configured to turn the device 1086 on and off, play or stop content displayed by the device 1086, enlarge or reduce the displayed content, and / or other suitable controls. In some aspects of the disclosure, the motorized gear 1090 that enables the device 1086 to move along the gear track 1091 can be controlled through wireless control signals (e.g., WiFi signals, Bluetooth signals, etc.).

[0059] In some aspects of the disclosure, and as Figure 10As shown, device 1086 may need to receive content and / or control signals via cable connections for controlling the display of content. For example, device 1086 may be coupled via audio / video signal cable 1096 (e.g., HDMI cable) to concave connector 1036 (e.g., audio / video signal connector, such as an HDMI connector) to receive content to be displayed. Device 1086 may further be coupled via network cable 1095 (e.g., Ethernet cable) to concave connector 1034 (e.g., Ethernet cable connector) to receive control signals for controlling the displayed content. In some aspects of this disclosure, a motorized gear 1090 enabling device 1086 to move along gear track 1091 can be controlled by control signals communicated to device 1086 via network cable 1095.

[0060] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates a truss tower 1100 with integrated cabling according to various aspects of this disclosure. (See diagram for details.) Figure 11 As shown, the truss tower 1100 may include chords 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110 and a plurality of supports, such as support 1112, coupled to the chords 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110. In some examples, the truss tower 1100 may be fixed to the ground 1102 or a stable platform, such as a performance stage. In some aspects of this disclosure, the chords 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110 may be oriented substantially parallel to each other. In some examples, each of the chords 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110 and each of the supports (e.g., support 1112) may have a tubular shape and may be formed using a rigid material, such as steel, aluminum, or other suitable material. Figure 11 For example, chord 1108 can be a steel pipe with a hollow space that extends along the length of chord 1108.

[0061] like Figure 11As shown in FIG. 11, the truss tower 1100 can include an input / output interface 1114 located at or near the bottom of the truss tower 1100. The truss tower 1100 can further include a connector interface 1150 including a set of connectors configured to mate with corresponding connectors of a truss having integrated wiring (e.g., the trusses 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d). In some aspects of the disclosure, each of the connectors of the input / output interface 1114 can be electrically coupled with a corresponding female connector of the connector interface 1150 by a set of wires 1140 housed in the hollow space of the chord 1108. In some aspects of the disclosure, the chord 1108 can include a hole (or other suitable opening) through a surface of the chord 1108 proximate to the interfaces 1114, 1150. Such a hole can be used to pass the set of wires 1140 into / out of the hollow space of the chord 1108.

[0062] For example, each of the connectors 1178, 1180, 1182, 1184, 1186, and 1188 of the input / output interface 1114 can be electrically coupled to the respective female connectors 1128, 1130, 1132, 1134, 1136, and 1138 of the connector interface 1150. In some aspects of the disclosure, when forming a truss assembly (e.g., the truss assembly 1200 in FIG. 12), Figure 12 of the truss having integrated wiring can be electrically coupled with the corresponding female connectors 1128, 1130, 1132, 1134, 1136, and 1138 of the connector interface 1150, as described herein. In one example, and with reference to Figure 9 When the truss 100c is coupled to the truss tower 1100, the male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, and 138c of the connector interface 122c can mate with the respective female connectors 1128, 1130, 1132, 1134, 1136, and 1138 of the connector interface 1150.

[0063] As described in detail with reference to Figure 12 The input / output interface 1114 can be used to provide electrical power (e.g., AC electrical power), data signals, and / or control signals to the truss tower 1100 and other trusses having integrated wiring coupled to the truss tower 1100 (e.g., the trusses 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d), as described in detail with reference to Figure 11As shown in FIG. 11, the cable 1194 can be electrically coupled with the connector 1188 to transmit electrical power (e.g., from a power receptacle, a portable generator, etc.) to the truss tower 1100. Thus, electrical power can be transmitted to the corresponding female connector 1138 of the connector interface 1150.

[0064] In some example implementations, the connector 1186 can be configured to receive a data signal. For example, the connector 1186 can be configured to receive a digital audio / video signal (e.g., an HDMI signal). In this example, the connector 1186 can be a female HDMI connector, and the cable 1192 can be an HDMI cable that is coupled with the female HDMI connector. Thus, a data signal (e.g., audiovisual content) provided to the truss tower 1100 through the cable 1192 can be transmitted to the corresponding female connector 1136 of the connector interface 1150.

[0065] In some example implementations, the connector 1184 can be configured to receive a control signal for controlling a device coupled to the truss tower 1100. For example, the connector 1186 can be a female network connector (e.g., an Ethernet connector) configured to receive a network signal, and the cable 1190 can be a network cable (e.g., an Ethernet cable). For example, and as described in detail with reference to Figure 12 The cable 1190 can provide a control signal for controlling a device coupled with the truss tower 1100. The control signal provided to the truss tower 1100 through the cable 1190 can be transmitted to the corresponding female connector 1134 of the connector interface 1150.

[0066] Figure 12 A truss assembly 1200 with integrated wiring is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The truss assembly 1200 can include a first truss tower (e.g., the truss tower 1100 previously described with reference to Figure 11 a second truss tower 1204, and a truss with integrated wiring (e.g., the trusses 100c, 100d) coupled between the first and second truss towers 1100, 1204. As Figure 12 shown in FIG. 12, the first and second truss towers can be secured to the ground 1202 or a stable platform, such as a performance stage. As Figure 12As further shown, the connector interface 122c of the truss 100c can be electrically coupled with the connector interface 1050 of the truss tower 1100. For example, a set of male connectors of the connector interface 122c (e.g., the male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, 138c) can mate with corresponding female connectors of the connector interface 1050 (e.g., the female connectors 1128, 1130, 1132, 1134, 1136, and 1138). Additionally, the connector interface 122d of the truss 100d can be electrically coupled with the connector interface 124c of the truss 100c. For example, a set of male connectors of the connector interface 122d (e.g., the male connectors 128d, 130d, 132d, 134d, 136d, 138d) can mate with corresponding female connectors of the connector interface 124c (e.g., the female connectors 228c, 230c, 232c, 234c, 236c, 238c), similar to the description above with respect to FIG. 10. Figure 7 The described configuration.

[0067] In Figure 12 example implementations, the truss assembly 1200 can receive electrical power through the cable 1194 and can transmit the electrical power to the first and second trusses 100c, 100d via the connector interface 1050. For example, the first truss 100c can transmit the electrical power received through the connector interface 122c to the access track 974 and to at least one connector in each of the accessibility ports (e.g., the accessibility ports 972) of the first truss 100c. The access track 974 can then transmit the electrical power to the devices 980, 986 coupled with the access track 974. Additionally, the first truss 100c can transmit the electrical power to the second truss 100d via the connector interface 124c. For example, the second truss 100d can transmit the electrical power received via the connector interfaces 124c and 122d to the access track 1085 and to at least one connector in each of the accessibility ports (e.g., the accessibility ports 1082) of the second truss 100d. The access track 1085 can then transmit the electrical power to the devices 1086 coupled with the access track 1085.

[0068] In Figure 12In particular, data signals (e.g., including digital data of content to be displayed on a projection screen) provided through cable 1192 can be transmitted to device 1086 through audio / video signal cable 1096 (e.g., an HDMI cable). Further, control signals (e.g., for controlling the display of audiovisual content) provided through cable 1190 (e.g., an Ethernet cable) can be transmitted to device 1086 through network cable 1095 (e.g., an Ethernet cable). In some aspects of the disclosure, control signals provided through cable 1190 for controlling motorized gear 1090 (e.g., to move device 1086 laterally along access track 1085) can be transmitted to device 1086 through network cable 1095. Thus, in scenarios where it is necessary to adjust the position of device 1086 on access track 1085 for projecting content within a particular area (e.g., a projection screen), truss assembly 1200 can effectively and conveniently enable such adjustment through control signals provided at the base of truss tower 1100 to input / output interface 1114.

[0069] In aspects described herein, a truss with integrated wiring (e.g., truss 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) can include four chords (also referred to as a box truss configuration). In other aspects of the disclosure, a truss with integrated wiring can be implemented using a different number of chords. For example, a truss with integrated wiring can be implemented using two chords (also referred to as a ladder truss structure) or using three chords (also referred to as a triangular truss structure).

[0070] Figure 13 FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process 1300 for constructing a truss with integrated wiring. In some examples, the process 1300 can be performed by any suitable device or means for performing the operations described below.

[0071] At block 1302, the process involves coupling a plurality of chords together with a plurality of supports. At least one chord of the plurality of chords includes a hollow space along a length of the at least one chord.

[0072] At block 1304, the process involves coupling a first set of electrical connectors proximate a first end of the at least one chord of the plurality of chords. The first set of electrical connectors is external to the hollow space.

[0073] At block 1306, the process involves coupling a second set of electrical connectors proximate a second end of the at least one chord of the plurality of chords. The second set of electrical connectors is external to the hollow space.

[0074] At block 1308, the process involves coupling the first set of electrical connectors with the second set of electrical connectors through the set of electrical wires housed in the hollow space of at least one of the plurality of strings.

[0075] Accordingly, trusses with integrated wiring (e.g., trusses 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) and / or truss assemblies with integrated wiring (e.g., truss assembly 1200) as described herein can avoid or reduce the need for long and heavy cables that are typically needed to power and / or control devices mounted to a truss assembly. For example, when trusses with integrated wiring are connected together to form a truss assembly (e.g., truss assembly 1200), the set of wires (e.g., set of wires 340c, 340d) housed within each truss (e.g., trusses 100c, 100d) can be effectively and conveniently coupled together (e.g., via the connector interface). Accordingly, a truss assembly with integrated wiring can include an uninterrupted conductive path (e.g., set of wires 1140, 340c, 340d coupled together via connector interfaces 1050, 122c, 124c, 122d) for transmitting electrical power, data signals, and / or control signals to devices mounted at different locations on the truss assembly. For example, adjustments to certain types of devices (e.g., devices 980, 986, 1086) can be easily made from input / output interfaces (e.g., input / output interface 1114) mounted at convenient and accessible locations (e.g., near the ground). In some examples, tracks (e.g., access tracks 974, 1085) can be coupled to trusses with integrated wiring to provide electrical power or signal connection points that are not limited in length, thereby simplifying planning and design work for a truss assembly.

[0076] Additionally, the integrated wiring of the disclosed trusses with integrated wiring can provide a safer work environment by avoiding or reducing the need to install and / or adjust long and heavy cables that are typically needed for conventional trusses and truss assemblies. Moreover, because the truss assemblies with integrated wiring (e.g., truss assembly 1200) described herein enable cable terminations (e.g., for cables 1190, 1192, 1194) to occur at ground level in some implementations, additional weight from excess cable can be avoided.

[0077] Truss assembly examples with integrated wiring

[0078] In aspects of the disclosure, and with reference to Figures 9-12In some aspects of the disclosure, the fourth set of electrical connectors (e.g., female connectors 228d, 230d, 232d, 234d, 236d, 238d) are electrically coupled to the first set of electrical connectors (e.g., male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, 138c) through the first set of electrical wires and the second set of electrical wires (sets of wires 340c, 340d) and via the coupling of the second set of electrical connectors and the third set of electrical connectors.

[0079] In some aspects of the disclosure, the fourth set of electrical connectors (e.g., female connectors 228d, 230d, 232d, 234d, 236d, 238d) are electrically coupled to the first set of electrical connectors (e.g., male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, 138c) through the first set of electrical wires and the second set of electrical wires (sets of wires 340c, 340d) and via the coupling of the second set of electrical connectors and the third set of electrical connectors.

[0080] In some aspects of the disclosure, a truss tower (e.g., truss tower 1100 with integrated wiring) including a fifth set of electrical connectors (e.g., female connectors 1128, 1130, 1132, 1134, 1136, and 1138 of connector interface 1150) located near a top of the truss tower, and an input / output interface (e.g., input / output interface 1114) including a sixth set of electrical connectors, the fifth set of electrical connectors coupled with the sixth set of electrical connectors of the input / output interface by a third set of electrical wires (e.g., set of electrical wires 1140) housed inside a chord of the truss tower. A first end of a first truss can be coupled with the truss tower, and a first set of electrical connectors coupled with the fifth set of electrical connectors.

[0081] In some aspects of the disclosure, the truss assembly further includes a second truss tower (e.g., truss tower 1204). A second end of a second truss can be coupled with the second truss tower, and the first truss and the second truss can be substantially parallel to a ground surface (e.g., ground surface 1202) and can be elevated above the ground surface.

[0082] In some aspects of the disclosure, the first set of electrical connectors (e.g., male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, 138c) includes at least a first power connector (e.g., power connector 138c), the second set of electrical connectors includes at least a second power connector (e.g., power connector 238c), the third set of electrical connectors includes at least a third power connector (e.g., power connector 138d), and the fourth set of electrical connectors includes at least a fourth power connector (e.g., power connector 238d), wherein the at least first power connector, second power connector, third power connector, and fourth power connector enable the transfer of electrical power through the first truss and the second truss via the first set of electrical wires and the second set of electrical wires.

[0083] In some aspects of the disclosure, electrical power can be provided to at least a fifth power connector (e.g., power connector 1188) of the sixth set of electrical connectors of the input / output interface, and transferred to at least a first power connector of the first truss via at least a sixth power connector (e.g., power connector 1138) of the fifth set of electrical connectors located near a top of the truss tower. The electrical power can be transferred to at least one device (e.g., devices 980, 986, and / or 1086) coupled with the first truss or the second truss having integrated wiring.

[0084] In some aspects of the disclosure, the first set of electrical connectors (e.g., male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, 138c) can include a first connector (e.g., male connector 136c) configured to communicate at least a data signal or a control signal, the second set of electrical connectors (e.g., female connectors 228c, 230c, 232c, 234c, 236c, 238c) can include a second connector (e.g., male connector 236c) configured to communicate at least the data signal or the control signal, the third set of electrical connectors (e.g., male connectors 128d, 130d, 132d, 134d, 136d, 138d) can include a third connector (e.g., male connector 136d) configured to communicate at least the data signal or the control signal, and the fourth set of electrical connectors (e.g., male connectors 228d, 230d, 232d, 234d, 236d, 238d) can include a fourth connector (e.g., male connector 236d) configured to communicate at least the data signal or the control signal, where the first, second, third, and fourth connectors enable communication of the data signal or the control signal through the first and second trusses via the first and second sets of electrical wires (sets of wires 340c, 340d).

[0085] In some aspects of the disclosure, the data signal or the control signal is provided to at least a fifth connector (e.g., connector 1186) configured to communicate the data signal or the control signal in a sixth set of electrical connectors of an input / output interface (e.g., input / output interface 1114), and where the data signal or the control signal is communicated to the first connector of the first truss via at least a sixth connector (e.g., female connector 1136) configured to communicate the data signal or the control signal in a fifth set of electrical connectors located near the top of the truss tower. The data signal or the control signal can be communicated to at least one device coupled to the first truss or the second truss.

[0086] Within the present disclosure, the word "exemplary" is used to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation or aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term "aspects" does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The term "coupled" is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then objects A and C can still be considered coupled to one another — even if they do not directly physically touch one another. For instance, a first object can be coupled to a second object even though the first object is never directly physically in contact with the second object.

[0087] One or more components, steps, features and / or functions illustrated in Figures 1-13 may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature or function or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from novel features disclosed herein. Figures 1-13 The apparatus, devices, and / or components illustrated in may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps recited herein. The novel algorithms described herein may be effectively implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0088] It should be understood that the particular order in which the steps in the disclosed methods have been presented and / or described is merely exemplary and / or is for assistance in reducing the methods to writing. It is therefore understood that each and every modification, variation and / or combination that is / are or can be discerned from the above disclosure and that incorporates the subject matter from throughout the disclosure is intended to be within the scope of the disclosed subject matter, and that individual steps of each method can be rearranged and / or employed within several methods. The appended methods claims set forth in the claims file utilize the

[0089] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." The term "some" refers to one or more unless specifically stated otherwise. The phrase at least one of means one or more of the listed items can be taken alone or in various combination with one another. The term "a" is defined as one or more unless specifically stated otherwise. The phrase "at least one of' followed by a list of two or more items, means that at least one of the listed items is present at any amount greater than zero up to the maximum number of the item, and that can also include multiple instances of the items. As an example, "at least one of a, b, and c" means that an instance can include a alone; or b alone; or c alone; or any combination of these items, and can also include mixture(s) of two or more of the items. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless the phrase "means for" is specifically used followed by a claim element.

Claims

1. A truss with integrated wiring, comprising: a plurality of chords coupled together with a plurality of supports, wherein 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; a first set of electrical connectors located proximate a first end of the at least one chord of the plurality of chords, wherein the first set of electrical connectors are external to the hollow space; and a second set of electrical connectors located proximate a second end of at least one chord of the plurality of chords, wherein the second set of electrical connectors are external to the hollow space, and wherein the first set of electrical connectors are electrically coupled to the second set of electrical connectors by a set of electrical wires housed in the hollow space, wherein no portion of the set of electrical wires is exposed, and wherein the first set of electrical connectors and the second set of electrical connectors are configured to mate with respective electrical connectors of an adjacent truss.

2. The truss of claim 1, wherein the first set of electrical connectors includes one or more male connectors.

3. The truss of claim 1, wherein the first set of electrical connectors includes at least a first power connector configured to transmit electrical power, wherein the second set of electrical connectors includes at least a second power connector configured to transmit the electrical power, wherein the set of electrical wires includes a plurality of electrical wires configured for transmitting the electrical power, and wherein the at least the first power connector and the second power connector are electrically coupled by the plurality of electrical wires configured for transmitting the electrical power.

4. The truss of claim 3, further comprising an access rail, wherein the access rail is coupled to the plurality of electrical wires configured for transmitting the electrical power and the at least one chord of the plurality of chords.

5. The truss of claim 4, further comprising a device coupled to the truss, wherein the device is electrically coupled to the access rail.

6. The truss of claim 5, wherein the device is a lighting device, a video device, or an audio device.

7. The truss of claim 5, further comprising a gear track coupled to the access rail, wherein the device is coupled to a motorized gear configured to engage with the gear track, the motorized gear enabling the device to move along the gear track while receiving the electrical power.

8. The truss of claim 1, wherein the first set of electrical connectors includes at least a first connector configured to transmit a data signal, and wherein the second set of electrical connectors includes at least a second connector configured to transmit the data signal.

9. The truss of claim 1, wherein the first set of electrical connectors includes at least a first connector configured to transmit a control signal, and wherein the second set of electrical connectors includes at least a second connector configured to transmit the control signal.

10. The truss of claim 1, wherein the at least one chord of the plurality of chords includes one or more accessibility ports along the length of the at least one chord of the plurality of chords, the one or more accessibility ports including a third set of electrical connectors of the truss coupled to the first set of electrical connectors via the set of electrical wires housed in the hollow space.

11. A truss assembly with integrated wiring, comprising: a first truss including a plurality of chords coupled together with a plurality of supports, wherein 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 first truss further including a first set of electrical connectors located outside of the hollow space and proximate to a first end of the at least one chord of the plurality of chords of the first truss and a second set of electrical connectors located outside of the hollow space and proximate to a second end of the at least one chord of the plurality of chords of the first truss, the first set of electrical connectors electrically coupled to the second set of electrical connectors by a first set of electrical wires housed inside of the at least one chord of the first truss, and wherein no portion of the first set of electrical wires is exposed; a second truss including a third set of electrical connectors located proximate to a first end of the second truss and a fourth set of electrical connectors located proximate to a second end of the second truss, the third set of electrical connectors coupled to the fourth set of electrical connectors by a second set of electrical wires located inside of a chord of the second truss, wherein the second end of the first truss is coupled to the first end of the second truss, and wherein the second set of electrical connectors is coupled to the third set of electrical connectors.

12. The truss assembly of claim 11, wherein the fourth set of electrical connectors is coupled to the first set of electrical connectors by the first set of electrical wires and the second set of electrical wires and via the coupling of the second set of electrical connectors and the third set of electrical connectors.

13. The truss assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a truss tower including a fifth set of electrical connectors located proximate to a top of the truss tower and an input / output interface including a sixth set of electrical connectors, the fifth set of electrical connectors coupled to the sixth set of electrical connectors of the input / output interface by a third set of electrical wires housed inside of a chord of the truss tower, wherein the first end of the first truss is coupled to the truss tower, and the first set of electrical connectors is coupled to the fifth set of electrical connectors.

14. The truss assembly of claim 13, further comprising: a second truss tower, wherein the second end of the second truss is coupled to the second truss tower, and wherein the first truss and the second truss are substantially parallel to and elevated above the ground.

15. The truss assembly of claim 13, wherein the first set of electrical connectors includes at least a first power connector, the second set of electrical connectors includes at least a second power connector, the third set of electrical connectors includes at least a third power connector, and the fourth set of electrical connectors includes at least a fourth power connector, wherein the at least the first, second, third, and fourth power connectors enable the transfer of electrical power through the first and second trusses via the first and second sets of electrical wires.

16. The truss assembly of claim 15, wherein the electrical power is provided to at least a fifth power connector in the sixth set of electrical connectors of the input / output interface and is transferred to the at least the first power connector of the first truss via at least a sixth power connector in the fifth set of electrical connectors located proximate the top of the truss tower, and wherein the electrical power is transferred to at least one device coupled with the first or second truss.

17. The truss assembly of claim 13, wherein the first set of electrical connectors includes a first connector configured to transfer at least a data signal or a control signal, the second set of electrical connectors includes a second connector configured to transfer at least the data signal or the control signal, the third set of electrical connectors includes a third connector configured to transfer at least the data signal or the control signal, and the fourth set of electrical connectors includes a fourth connector configured to transfer at least the data signal or the control signal, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth connectors enable the transfer of the data signal or the control signal through the first and second trusses via the first and second sets of electrical wires.

18. The truss assembly of claim 17, wherein the data signal or the control signal is provided to at least a fifth connector configured to transfer the data signal or the control signal in the sixth set of electrical connectors of the input / output interface, and wherein the data signal or the control signal is transferred to the first connector of the first truss via at least a sixth connector configured to transfer the data signal or the control signal in the fifth set of electrical connectors located proximate the top of the truss tower, and wherein the data signal or the control signal is transferred to at least one device coupled with the first or second truss.

19. A method for constructing a truss with integrated wiring, the method comprising: coupling a plurality of chords together with a plurality of supports, wherein 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; a first set of electrical connectors coupled near a first end of the at least one string of the plurality of strings, wherein the first set of electrical connectors is external to the hollow space; a second set of electrical connectors coupled near a second end of the at least one string of the plurality of strings, wherein the second set of electrical connectors is external to the hollow space; and the first set of electrical connectors coupled to the second set of electrical connectors by a set of electrical wires housed in the hollow space of the at least one string of the plurality of strings, wherein no portion of the set of electrical wires is exposed, and wherein the first set of electrical connectors and the second set of electrical connectors are configured to mate with respective electrical connectors of an adjacent truss.

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