Truss with integrated wiring

Abstract

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a truss with integrated wiring. The truss with integrated wiring includes a plurality of cords coupled together with a plurality of support members. At least one of the plurality of cords includes a hollow space along the length of the at least one of the plurality of cords. The truss with integrated wiring further includes a first set of electrical connectors located near a first end of the at least one of the plurality of cords and a second set of electrical connectors located near a second end of the at least one of the plurality of cords. The first and second sets of electrical connectors are outside the hollow space. The first electrical connector is coupled to the second set of electrical connectors via a set of electrical wires housed within the hollow space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Application No. 16 / 723,957, entitled "TRUSS WITH INTEGRATED WIRING," filed December 20, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below for all applicable purposes.

[0002] (Technical field) The technology described below relates generally to trusses, and more particularly to trusses having integrated wiring. [Background technology]

[0003] (Introduction) Trusses are typically used to build structures (also called truss assemblies or truss systems) for mounting equipment (e.g., lighting, audio equipment, projectors for displaying content on a projection screen, and / or other suitable equipment) in a variety of locations, such as theaters, arenas, stadiums, convention centers, and amusement parks (e.g., theme parks). For example, truss assemblies can be built to support lighting equipment, audio speakers, and other equipment for amusement park attractions (e.g., live stage performances) that can significantly enhance the viewer experience.

[0004] However, to power and / or control the equipment mounted on such truss assemblies, long and heavy cables typically must be installed separately on the truss assemblies. Because truss assemblies are typically large and include sections that are relatively high above ground (e.g., 6.0 meters above ground), the process of planning cable connections and the physical installation of these cables is often time-consuming, difficult, and expensive. Furthermore, considering the additional weight and potential movement of the cables can increase the complexity of the design and construction of the truss assemblies. Finally, making adjustments to the truss assemblies and / or the equipment mounted on the truss assemblies after the cables have been installed can be difficult and costly. For example, such adjustments often require workers to use manlifts or harnesses to access elevated sections of the truss assemblies, which can increase costs and raise safety concerns. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the present disclosure or to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the present disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] 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, the truss with integrated wiring includes a plurality of cords coupled together with a plurality of support members, at least one of the plurality of cords including a hollow space along the length of the at least one of the plurality of cords. The truss with integrated wiring further includes a first set of electrical connectors located near a first end of the at least one of the plurality of cords, the first set of electrical connectors being outside the hollow space. The truss with integrated wiring further includes a second set of electrical connectors located near a second end of the at least one of the plurality of cords, the second set of electrical connectors being outside the hollow space. The first set of electrical connectors are electrically coupled to the second set of electrical connectors via a set of electrical wires housed within the hollow space.

[0007] In one embodiment, a truss assembly with integrated wiring is disclosed. The truss assembly includes a first truss including a first set of electrical connectors located near a first end of the first truss and a second set of electrical connectors located near a second end of the first truss, the first set of electrical connectors being electrically coupled to the second set of electrical connectors via a first set of electrical wires housed within the cord of the first truss. The truss assembly further includes a second truss including a third set of electrical connectors located near the first end of the second truss and a fourth set of electrical connectors located near the second end of the second truss, the third set of connectors being electrically coupled to the fourth set of electrical connectors via a second electrical wires housed within the cord 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 are electrically coupled to the third set of electrical connectors.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method for constructing a truss with integrated wiring is disclosed. The method includes joining together a plurality of cords with a plurality of support members, at least one of the plurality of cords including a hollow space along a length of the at least one of the plurality of cords. The method further includes coupling a first set of electrical connectors near a first end of the at least one of the plurality of cords, the first set of electrical connectors being outside the hollow space. The method further includes coupling a second set of electrical connectors near a second end of the at least one of the plurality of cords, the second set of electrical connectors being outside the hollow space. The method further includes coupling the first set of electrical connectors to the second set of electrical connectors via a set of electrical wires housed within the hollow space of the at least one of the plurality of cords. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a truss having integrated wiring according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a truss having integrated wiring according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a truss having integrated wiring according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a first end of a truss having integrated wiring according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 illustrates a second end of a truss having integrated wiring according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram illustrating coupling between a first set of connectors of a connector interface and a second set of connectors of another connector interface according to various aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view of a truss assembly including first and second trusses with integrated wiring, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a joint section of the truss assembly shown in FIG. 7 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view of a truss having integrated wiring including an access rail and first and second devices according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a side view of a truss with integrated wiring including access rails and equipment according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1A-1C illustrate truss towers with integrated wiring according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates a truss assembly with integrated wiring according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for constructing a truss with integrated wiring, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The detailed description set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be implemented. 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 may be implemented without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts. Although aspects and embodiments are described in this application by way of example for several examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional implementations and use cases can be realized in many different arrangements and scenarios. The inventions described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and / or packaging configurations.

[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to trusses with integrated wiring, truss assemblies with integrated wiring, and methods for constructing trusses with integrated wiring. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a truss 100 with integrated wiring according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the truss 100 can include chords 102, 104, 106, and 108 and a plurality of support members coupled to the chords 102, 104, 106, and 108. For example, and as shown in FIG. 1, the chords 102 and 104 can be coupled together with at least linear support members 110 and 142, the chords 102 and 106 can be coupled together with at least linear support members 112 and 144, and the chords 104 and 108 can be coupled together with at least linear support members 114 and 146. In some examples, the chords 106 and 108 can be coupled together with linear support members similar to the linear support members 110 and 142 (not shown in FIG. 1). In some aspects of the present disclosure, cords 102, 104, 106, and / or 108 may be further coupled together with one or more diagonal support members, such as diagonal support member 118, as shown in FIG.

[0012] In some aspects of the present disclosure, each of the cords 102, 104, 106, and 108 can have approximately the same length 120 and can be oriented parallel to one another. In some examples, the length 120 can range from 90 centimeters (cm) to 370 cm. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the length 120 can be less than 90 cm or greater than 370 cm. In some embodiments, each of the cords 102, 104, 106, and 108 and each of the support members (e.g., support members 114, 118) can have a tubular shape and can be formed using a rigid material such as steel, aluminum, or other suitable material. In FIG. 1 , for example, the cord 108 can be a steel pipe having a hollow space extending along the length 120. For example, the cords 102, 104, 106, and 108 can each have approximately the same outer tube diameter and approximately the same inner tube diameter.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 , truss 100 can include connector interfaces 122 and 124 located at opposite ends of truss 100 (e.g., first end 160 and second end 161). Connector interface 122 can include a first set of connectors, and connector interface 124 can include a second set of connectors. In some aspects of the present disclosure, connector interface 122 can include a latch-lock mechanism 151. In some aspects of the present disclosure, connector interface 122 can be located on a mounting unit 126 extending between cords 106 and 108. For example, mounting unit 126 can be formed of steel, aluminum, or other rigid material suitable for supporting connector interface 124. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the first set of connectors of connector interface 122 can include male connectors 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138.

[0014] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first set of connectors can include different types of connectors configured for different purposes. For example, some of the male connectors of connector interface 122 (e.g., male connectors 132, 138 having a circular shape) can be configured to transmit power (e.g., alternating current (AC) power), while other male connectors (e.g., male connectors 128, 130, 134, 136 of connector interface 122) can be configured to transmit 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. The aspects described herein In the present specification, connectors configured to transmit electrical power (e.g., male connector 138 and female connector 238) may also be referred to as power connectors. As described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2-6, each of the first set of connectors of connector interface 122 may be electrically coupled to a corresponding connector of the second set of connectors of connector interface 124 via a set of wires (e.g., set of wires 340 shown in FIG. 3). Set of wires 340 may be contained within the above-described hollow space of cord 108 and may extend along length 120.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of truss 100 with integrated wiring according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the second set of connectors of connector interface 124 can include female connectors 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, and 238. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the second set of connectors can include different types of connectors configured for different purposes. For example, some of the female connectors of connector interface 124 (e.g., female connectors 232, 238 having a circular shape) can be configured to transmit power (e.g., AC power), while other female connectors (e.g., 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) can be configured. In some aspects of the present disclosure, connector interface 124 can include a latch 253.

[0016] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the connector interface 124 can be mounted on a mounting unit 226 that extends between the cords 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 present 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 adjustable laterally along the mounting unit 126 and / or in a front-to-back direction on the mounting unit 126. Similarly, the position of the connector interface 124 can be adjusted laterally along the mounting unit 226 and / or in a front-to-back direction on the mounting unit 226.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of a truss 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the set of wires 340 described above (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3) can be housed within a hollow space of the cord 108 (e.g., hollow space 464 shown in FIG. 4). In the exemplary implementation of FIG. 3, a section of the set of wires 340 extending between the first portion 350 and the second portion 366 is housed within the hollow space of the cord 108 (e.g., hollow space 464 shown in FIG. 4). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the cord 108 can include holes (or other suitable openings) through the surface of the cord 108 near the connector interfaces 122, 124. Such holes can be used to extend the set of wires 340 into / out of the hollow space of the cord 108.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first end (e.g., first end 160) of a truss 100 having integrated wiring in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, cords 104 and 108 can be spaced apart by a first center-to-center distance 450, and cords 102 and 106 can be spaced apart by a second center-to-center distance 452. For example, first center-to-center distance 450 can be approximately equal to second center-to-center distance 452. As further shown in FIG. 4, cords 102 and 104 can be spaced apart by a third center-to-center distance 454, and cords 106 and 108 can be spaced apart by a fourth center-to-center distance 456. For example, third center-to-center distance 454 can be approximately equal to fourth center-to-center distance 456.

[0019] 4, the connector interface 122 can be coupled to the mounting unit 126 via a 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 to 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 the cords 106, 108. These aspects are described in further detail with reference to FIG. 8.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 4 , for example, the portion of the set of wires 340 housed in the mounting unit 126 is shown in dotted lines. As shown in FIG. 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 a portion of the set of wires 340. In some examples, the width 463 can range from 15 cm to 45 cm. However, it should be understood that the width 463 can be less than 15 cm or greater than 45 cm in other examples. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the portion of the set of wires 340 housed in the mounting unit 126 can be enclosed in a flexible cable carrier (also known as a cable track) or other suitable conduit.

[0021] As mentioned above, each of the cords 102, 104, 106, and 108 can have a tubular shape (e.g., a hollow cylindrical shape). Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the cords 102, 104, 106, and 108 can each have a circular cross-section and can include hollow spaces (e.g., hollow spaces 458, 460, 462, 464) extending along the length of each cord (e.g., length 120). As further shown in FIG. 4, the set of wires 340 can be fed into the hollow space 464 of the cord 108 from the interior of the mounting unit 126. As explained above, the cord 108 can include a first hole (or other suitable opening adjacent the mounting unit 126) extending through the surface of the cord 108 to allow the set of wires 340 to be fed into the hollow space 464. In FIG. 4, a first portion 350 of the set of wires 340 is shown received in the hollow space 464 of the cord 108.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second end (e.g., second end 161) of a truss 100 having integrated wiring, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the connector interface 124 can be coupled to the mounting unit 226 via a bracket 571 and 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 a 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 embodiments of the present disclosure, the mounting unit 226 can be configured to slide back and forth between the cords 106, 108. These embodiments are described in further detail with reference to FIG. 8.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5 , the mounting unit 226 can include a cavity that provides sufficient space to accommodate at least a portion of the set of wires 340. In FIG. 5 , for example, the portion of the set of wires 340 housed in the mounting unit 226 is shown in dotted lines. As shown in FIG. 5 , the mounting unit 126 can have a width 465. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the width 465 can be based on the amount of space needed to accommodate a portion of the set of wires 340. In some examples, the width 465 can range from 15 cm to 45 cm. In other examples, the width 465 can be less than 15 cm or greater than 45 cm. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the portion of the set of wires 340 housed in the mounting unit 226 can be enclosed in a flexible cable carrier (also known as a cable track) or other suitable conduit.

[0024] As further shown in Figure 5, the set of wires 340 can be fed into the interior of the mounting unit 226 from a hollow space 464 in the cord 108. As explained above, the cord 108 can include a second hole through a surface of the cord 108 (or other suitable opening adjacent the mounting unit 226) to allow the set of wires 340 to be fed into the mounting unit 226. In Figure 5, a second portion 366 of the set of wires 340 is shown received in the hollow space 464 in the cord 108.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating coupling between a first set of connectors of connector interface 122 and a second set of connectors of connector interface 124, according to various aspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6 , male connectors 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138 of the first set of connectors can be coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) to female connectors 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, and 238 of the second set of connectors, respectively, via respective conductive paths 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, and 612 (collectively referred to as a set of conductive paths 614). In some aspects of the disclosure, the set of conductive paths 614 can be implemented as the set of wires 340 described above. For example, each conductive path (e.g., conductive path 602) in FIG. 6 can be implemented as one or more wires in the set of wires 340.

[0026] While in FIG. 6 , each male connector of connector interface 122 is shown electrically coupled to a corresponding female connector of connector interface 124 using a single conductive path, it should be understood that in other aspects of the present disclosure, the male connector and corresponding female connector may be electrically coupled using two or more conductive paths (e.g., two or more wires). In one example, male connector 138 may include two electrical contacts designated as hot and neutral contacts for transmitting AC power. Similarly, in this example, corresponding female connector 238 may include two electrical contacts designated as hot and neutral contacts for transmitting AC power. Thus, a first conductive path may be used to couple the hot contacts of male and female connectors 138, 238, and a second conductive path may be used to couple the neutral contacts of male and female connectors 138, 238.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a side view of a truss assembly 700 including first and second trusses with integrated wiring according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7 , the truss assembly 700 includes a first truss 100a having first and second ends 704, 706 and a second truss 100b having first and second ends 708, 710. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first truss 100a and the second truss 100b can both be the same as the truss 100 with integrated wiring described above. In these aspects of the present 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.

[0028] 7, the set of connectors included in each of connector interfaces 122a, 124a, 122b, 124b are shown for reference within dotted ovals below truss assembly 700. For example, the set of connectors at connector interface 122a may include male connectors 128a, 130a, 132a, 134a, 136a, and 138a, the set of connectors at connector interface 124a may include female connectors 228a, 230a, 232a, 234a, 236a, and 238a, the set of connectors at connector interface 122b may include male connectors 128b, 130b, 132b, 134b, 136b, and 138b, and the set of connectors at connector interface 124b may include female connectors 228b, 230b, 232b, 234b, 236b, and 238b. In FIG. 7, each of the male connectors of connector interface 122a can be electrically coupled to a corresponding female connector of connector interface 124a via set a of wires 340, and each of the male connectors of connector interface 122b can be electrically coupled to a corresponding female connector of connector interface 124b via set b of wires 340.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 7 , truss assembly 700 can be formed by coupling second end 706 of first truss 100a to first end 708 of second truss 100b. In doing so, male connectors of connector interface 122b (e.g., male connectors 128b, 130b, 132b, 134b, 136b, and 138b) can mate with corresponding female connectors of connector interface 124a (e.g., female connectors 228a, 230a, 232a, 234a, 236a, and 238a). As used herein, the term “mating” refers to coupling a male connector with a corresponding female connector to form an electrical connection between the male and female connectors. Thus, when the male connector of connector interface 122b mates with the corresponding female connector of connector interface 124a, the male connector of connector interface 122a can be electrically coupled to the corresponding female connector of connector interface 124b. For example, male connectors 128a, 130a, 132a, 134a, 136a, and 138a can be electrically coupled to respective female connectors 228b, 230b, 232b, 234b, 236b, and 238b via a set of wires 340a and a set of wires 340b.

[0030] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the joint section 702 of the truss assembly 700 shown in Figure 7 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the first truss 100a can be coupled to the second truss 100b at chord joint sections 801, 802, 803, and 804. In some examples, the first truss 100a can be coupled to the second truss 100b using one or more clamps, connectors, connector plates, adapters, spigots, fasteners (not shown), and / or any other devices at or near the chord joint sections 801, 802, 803, and 804 to securely couple the chords 102a, 104a, 106a, and 108a of the truss 100a to their respective chords 102b, 104b, 106b, and 108b of the truss 100b.

[0031] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the cords 106a, 108a may include grooves (e.g., groove 859) that allow the mounting unit 226a of the first truss 100a to slide back and forth along the length of the cords 106a, 108a. The cords 106b, 108b may include similar grooves that allow the mounting unit 126b of the second truss 100b to slide back and forth along the length of the cords 106b, 108b. For example, as shown in the side view of the connector interfaces 124a, 122b and mounting units 226a, 126b within the dotted circle in FIG. 8 , the mounting unit 226a may slide in a rearward direction 877 or a forward direction 879. The mounting unit 126b may also slide back or forward. For example, once the mounting unit 226a is in the desired position, the mounting unit 226a may be secured in the desired position using a fastener, such as a wing nut, thumbscrew, or other suitable fastener. The desired position of mounting unit 126b can be secured in a similar manner to mounting unit 226a.

[0032] The above-described features that allow mounting units 226a, 126b to slide back and forth can facilitate mating of connector interface 124a with connector interface 122b after first truss 100a is coupled to second truss 100b. In some aspects of the present disclosure, a latch 253a on connector interface 124a can be used to attach connector interface 124a to connector interface 122b. A locking mechanism 151b on connector interface 122b can hold latch 253a in place.

[0033] 8, the portion of set a of wires 340 housed in mounting unit 226a (e.g., shown by dotted lines in mounting unit 226a) can be routed out through hole 867 in mounting unit 226a and into the hollow space in cord 108a. Similarly, the portion of set a of wires 340 housed in mounting unit 126b (e.g., shown by dotted lines in mounting unit 126b) can be routed out through hole 869 in mounting unit 126b and into the hollow space in cord 108b. Thus, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, no portion of set a or 340b of wires 340 can be exposed.

[0034] 9 is a side view of a truss 100c having integrated wiring including an access rail 974 and first and second equipment 980, 986 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In FIG. 9, the sets of connectors included in each of connector interfaces 122c, 124c are shown within dotted ovals above truss 100c for reference. For example, and as shown in FIG. 9, the set of connectors at connector interface 122c can include male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, and 138c, and the set of connectors at connector interface 124c can include corresponding female connectors 228c, 230c, 232c, 234c, 236c, and 238c. For example, male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, and 138c can be electrically coupled to respective female connectors 228c, 230c, 232c, 234c, 236c, and 238c via a set of wires (e.g., set of wires 340) housed in a hollow space of cord 108.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 9 , an access rail 974 can be coupled to the cord 108 of the truss 100c. In one example implementation, the access rail 974 can include two parallel tracks 975, 976. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the two parallel tracks 975, 976 can be electrically conductive and configured to transmit electrical power (e.g., AC power). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the set of wires 340c of the cord 108 can include wires designated as hot and neutral wires for transmitting electrical power. These hot and neutral wires can be accessed through openings in the cord 108 and electrically coupled to the respective tracks 975, 976 of the access rail 974. In one example, the male connector 138c can include contacts for receiving electrical power (e.g., a hot contact and a neutral contact). These contacts can be electrically coupled to the previously described wires designated as hot and neutral wires in the set of wires 340c to provide electrical power to the access rail 974.

[0036] As further shown in FIG. 9 , first and second devices 980 and 986 can be mounted to the truss 100c. In the exemplary implementation of FIG. 9 , the first and second devices 980 and 986 can be lighting devices (e.g., stage lights) that operate on AC power. In other implementations, the devices 980 and 986 can be audio devices (e.g., speakers). For example, the first and second devices 980 and 986 can be coupled to the cord 108 at desired locations via respective clamps 977 and 978. First and second electrical cables 982 and 988 of the first and second devices 980 and 986 can be coupled to the access rail 974 (e.g., to parallel tracks 975 and 976 of the access rail 974) to enable the transfer of power and operation of the first and second devices 980 and 986. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9 , the first electrical cable 982 can be electrically connected to 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 to a desired position along access rail 974. Similarly, second electrical cable 988 of second equipment 986 can be electrically connected to sliding contact device 990, which can be inserted between parallel tracks 975, 976 and slid to a desired position along access rail 974. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, sliding contact device 984 and / or sliding contact device 990 can also function as structural mounting devices for the equipment (e.g., to mechanically couple the equipment to truss 100c).

[0037] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the two parallel tracks 975, 976 of the access rail 974 may not be configured to carry power for transmission to equipment coupled to the truss 100c. In these embodiments, the access rail 974 may be used to mount and conveniently move equipment along the access rail 974. Thus, the access rail 974 may function as a mechanical coupling device for coupling one or more items of equipment to the truss 100c. For example, equipment can be unclamped (e.g., loosened) from the access rail 974 (e.g., while still mechanically coupled to the access rail 974), slid along the access rail 974 to a new position, and then reclamped to the access rail 974 to secure the equipment in the new position. In some aspects of the present disclosure, where the two parallel tracks 975, 976 of the access rail 974 may not be configured to transmit power, the sliding contact devices 984, 990 may be coupled to a set of wires 340 to transmit power, data signals (e.g., video signals, audio signals, audio / video signals, multimedia signals, etc.), control signals (e.g., analog or digital control signals), network signals, and / or other suitable signals to equipment coupled to the truss 100c.

[0038] In some aspects of the present disclosure, one or more accessibility ports (e.g., accessibility ports 970, 971, 972) can be included in truss 100c. In the example implementation of FIG. 9, accessibility ports 970, 971, 972 can be included along cord 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 over set c of wires 340. In some aspects of the present disclosure, accessibility port 971 can include power connector 938 (e.g., an AC power receptacle for a two or more prong plug) and female connectors 928, 930, 932, 934, and 936. For example, female connector 928 can be an audio / video signal connector (e.g., an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connector), female connector 930 can be an RJ45 jack (e.g., also referred to as an Ethernet cable connector), and female connector 932 can be a female XLR connector. In some aspects of the present disclosure, power or data and / or control signals transmitted via male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, and 138c of connector interface 122c can be provided to respective female connectors 928, 930, 932 934, 936, and 938 of accessibility port 971.

[0039] 10 is a side view of a truss 100d having integrated wiring including access rails 1085 and equipment 1086 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In FIG. 10, the sets of connectors included in each of connector interfaces 122d, 124d are shown within dotted ovals above truss 100d for reference. For example, and as shown in FIG. 10, the set of connectors at connector interface 122d can include male connectors 128d, 130d, 132d, 134d, 136d, and 138d, and the set of connectors at connector interface 124d can include corresponding female connectors 228d, 230d, 232d, 234d, 236d, and 238d. For example, male connectors 128d, 130d, 132d, 134d, 136d, and 138d can be electrically coupled to respective female connectors 228d, 230d, 232d, 234d, 236d, and 238d via set d of wires 340.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 10 , an access rail 1085 can be coupled to the cord 108 of the truss 100d. While the access rail 1085 in FIG. 10 is shown installed below the cord 108, the access rail 1085 can be installed approximately level with the cord 108 in other embodiments. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the access rail 1085 can be coupled behind the cord 108. In one example implementation, the access rail 1085 can provide access to two parallel tracks 1092, 1093. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the two parallel tracks 975, 976 can be electrically conductive and configured to transmit power (e.g., AC power). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the set of wires 340d can include wires designated as hot and neutral wires for transmitting power. These hot and neutral wires can be accessed through openings in the cord 108 and electrically coupled to the respective tracks 1092, 1093 of the access rail 1085. In one example, male connector 138d may include contacts for receiving electrical power (e.g., hot and neutral contacts) that may be electrically coupled to the previously mentioned wires designated as hot and neutral wires in set 340d of wires to provide electrical power to access rail 1085.

[0041] As further shown in FIG. 10 , the equipment 1086 can be mounted to the truss 100d using a mounting bracket 1088. In the example implementation of FIG. 10 , the equipment 1086 can be video equipment (e.g., a media projector for projecting content such as images or videos onto a projection screen (not shown)) that can operate on AC power. As shown in FIG. 10 , a gear track 1091 can be included on the access rail 1085. As further shown in FIG. 10 , the mounting bracket 1088 can include a motorized gear 1090 that engages with the gear track 1091 and enables the equipment 1086 to move laterally along the gear track 1091 (e.g., move in a first direction 1097 or a second direction 1098). In some implementations, rollers 1089 can be included in the mounting bracket 1088 (e.g., positioned below the access rail 1085) to improve stability as the equipment 1086 moves along the gear track 1091.

[0042] In one exemplary implementation, a cable 1099 (e.g., an electrical cable) can be coupled to the access rail 1085 (e.g., to the tracks 1092, 1093) to enable the transfer of power and operation of the equipment 1086. As shown in the exemplary implementation of FIG. 10 , the cable 1099 can be electrically connected to a 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 rail 1085. For example, when the equipment 1086 is moving in a first direction 1097 (e.g., toward connector interface 122d), the sliding contact device 1094 can also move in the same direction along the access rail 1085 while continuously transferring power to the equipment 1086.

[0043] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the two parallel tracks 1092, 1093 of the access rail 1085 may not be configured to carry electrical power. In these aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding contact device 1094 may be coupled to a set of wires 340d to communicate 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 equipment 1094. For example, the electrical power, data signals, control signals, and / or networking signals may be transmitted from the sliding contact device 1094 to the equipment 1086 via the cable 1099. Furthermore, in these aspects of the present disclosure, the cables 1095, 1096 described herein may not be coupled to the equipment 1086, thereby allowing the equipment 1086 to move freely while receiving electrical power, data signals, control signals, and / or network signals.

[0044] In some aspects of the present disclosure, one or more accessibility ports (e.g., accessibility ports 1080, 1081, 1082) can be included in truss 100d. In the example implementation of FIG. 10 , access ports 1080, 1081, 1082 can be included along cord 108 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 over set of wires 340d. In some aspects of the present disclosure, accessibility port 1081 can include power connector 1038 (e.g., a two- or three-prong AC power receptacle) and female connectors 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034, and 1036. For example, female connector 1036 can be an audio / video signal connector (e.g., an HDMI® connector), female connector 1034 can be an RJ45 jack (e.g., also referred to as an Ethernet cable connector), and female connector 1032 can be a female XLR connector. In some aspects of the present disclosure, power or data and / or control signals transmitted via male connectors 128d, 130d, 132d, 134d, 136d, and 138d of connector interface 122d can be provided to respective female connectors 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034, 1036, and 1038 of accessible port 1081.

[0045] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the device 1086 can be configured to receive content to be displayed via a wireless signal (e.g., a WiFi signal) and / or can be controlled via a wireless control signal (e.g., an infrared (IR) control signal, a radio frequency (RF) control signal). For example, the wireless control signal can be transmitted from a remote control device and can be configured to turn the device 1086 on or off, play or stop content displayed by the device 1086, zoom in or out of the displayed content, and / or other suitable control. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the motorized gear 1090 that enables the device 1086 to move along the gear track 1091 can be controlled via a wireless control signal (e.g., a WiFi signal, a Bluetooth signal, etc.).

[0046] In some aspects of the present disclosure, and as shown in FIG. 10 , device 1086 may need to receive content and / or control signals for controlling the display of content via a cable connection. For example, device 1086 may be coupled to female connector 1036 (e.g., an audio / video signal connector such as an HDMI® connector) via audio / video signal cable 1096 (e.g., an HDMI® cable) to receive content to be displayed. Device 1086 may further be coupled to female connector 1034 (e.g., an Ethernet cable connector) via network cable 1095 (e.g., an Ethernet cable) to receive control signals for controlling the display of content. In some aspects of the present disclosure, motorized gear 1090, which enables device 1086 to move along gear track 1091, may be controlled via control signals communicated to device 1086 via network cable 1095.

[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates a truss tower 1100 with integrated wiring in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 11 , the truss tower 1100 can include cords 1104, 1106, 1108, and 1110 and multiple support members, such as support member 1112, coupled to the cords 1104, 1106, 1108, and 1110. In some examples, the truss tower 1100 can be secured to a stable platform, such as the ground 1102 or a performance stage. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cords 1104, 1106, 1108, and 1110 can be oriented substantially parallel to one another. In some examples, each of the cords 1104, 1106, 1108, and 1110 and each of the support members (e.g., support member 1112) can have a tubular shape and can be formed using a rigid material, such as steel, aluminum, or other suitable material. In FIG. 11, for example, the cord 1108 may be a steel pipe having a hollow space extending along the length of the cord 1108.

[0048] As 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., trusses 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d). In some aspects of the present disclosure, each of the connectors of the input / output interface 1114 can be electrically coupled to a corresponding female connector of the connector interface 1150 via a set of wires 1140 housed in a hollow space of the cord 1108. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the cord 1108 can include holes (or other suitable openings) through a surface of the cord 1108 near the interfaces 1114, 1150. Such holes can be used to extend the set of wires 1140 into / out of the hollow space of the cord 1108.

[0049] For example, each of the connectors 1178, 1180, 1182, 1184, 1186, and 1188 of the input / output interface 1114 can be electrically coupled to respective female connectors 1128, 1130, 1132, 1134, 1136, and 1138 of the connector interface 1150. In some aspects of the present disclosure, when forming a truss assembly (e.g., truss assembly 1200 of FIG. 12 ), male connectors of connector interfaces of a truss with integrated wiring as described herein can be electrically coupled to corresponding female connectors 1128, 1130, 1132, 1134, 1136, and 1138 of the connector interface 1150. In one example, and referring to FIG. 9 , male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, and 138c of connector interface 122c can mate with respective female connectors 1128, 1130, 1132, 1134, 1136, and 1138 of connector interface 1150 when truss 100c is coupled to truss tower 1100.

[0050] As described in detail with reference to FIG. 12 , the input / output interface 1114 can be used to provide power (e.g., AC power), data signals, and / or control signals to the truss tower 1100 and other trusses (e.g., trusses 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) having integrated wiring coupled to the truss tower 1100. In some example implementations, the connector 1188 can be configured to receive power (e.g., AC power). For example, the connector 1188 can be a three-prong power receptacle or inlet (e.g., an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) inlet). As shown in FIG. 11 , a cable 1194 can be electrically coupled to the connector 1188 to transmit power (e.g., from a power receptacle, portable generator, etc.) to the truss tower 1100. Thus, the power can be transmitted to a corresponding female connector 1138 of the connector interface 1150.

[0051] In some example implementations, connector 1186 can be configured to receive a data signal. For example, connector 1186 can be configured to receive a digital audio / video signal (e.g., an HDMI® signal). In this example, connector 1186 can be a female HDMI® connector, and cable 1192 can be an HDMI® cable that couples to the female HDMI® connector. Thus, a data signal (e.g., audiovisual content) provided to truss tower 1100 via cable 1192 can be transmitted to a corresponding female connector 1136 of connector interface 1150.

[0052] In some example implementations, connector 1184 can be configured to receive control signals for controlling equipment coupled to truss tower 1100. For example, connector 1186 can be a female network connector (e.g., an Ethernet connector) configured to receive network signals, and cable 1190 can be a network cable (e.g., an Ethernet cable). For example, and as described in more detail with reference to FIG. 12 , cable 1190 can provide control signals for controlling equipment coupled to truss tower 1100. Control signals provided to truss tower 1100 via cable 1190 can be transmitted to a corresponding female connector 1134 of connector interface 1150.

[0053] FIG. 12 illustrates a truss assembly 1200 with integrated wiring according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The truss assembly 1200 may include a first truss tower with integrated wiring (e.g., the truss tower 1100 described above with reference to FIG. 11 ), a second truss tower 1204, and a truss (e.g., trusses 100c and 100d) with integrated wiring coupled between the first and second truss towers 1100 and 1204. As shown in FIG. 12 , the first and second truss towers may be secured to a stable platform, such as the ground 1202 or a performance stage. As further shown in FIG. 12 , the connector interface 122c of the truss 100c may be electrically coupled to the connector interface 1050 of the truss tower 1100. For example, the set of male connectors of connector interface 122c (e.g., male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, 138c) can mate with corresponding female connectors of connector interface 1050 (e.g., female connectors 1128, 1130, 1132, 1134, 1136, 1138). Further, connector interface 122d of truss 100d can be electrically coupled to connector interface 124c of truss 100c. For example, the set of male connectors of connector interface 122d (e.g., male connectors 128d, 130d, 132d, 134d, 136d, 138d) can mate with corresponding female connectors of connector interface 124c (e.g., female connectors 228c, 230c, 232c, 234c, 236c, 238c) similar to the configuration described with reference to FIG.

[0054] 12, the truss assembly 1200 can receive power via cable 1194 and transmit power to the first and second trusses 100c, 100d via connector interface 1050. For example, the first truss 100c can transmit power received via connector interface 122c to the access rail 974 and to at least one connector in each access port (e.g., access port 972) of the first truss 100c. The access rail 974 can then transmit power to equipment 980, 986 coupled to the access rail 974. Furthermore, the first truss 100c can transmit power to the second truss 100d via connector interface 124c. For example, second truss 100d can transmit power received via connector interfaces 124c and 122d to access rail 1085 and to at least one connector in each access port (e.g., access port 1082) of second truss 100d. Access rail 1085 can then transmit power to equipment 1086 coupled to access rail 1085.

[0055] 12 , a data signal (e.g., digital data containing content to be displayed on a projection screen) provided via cable 1192 can be transmitted to equipment 1086 via audio / video signal cable 1096 (e.g., an HDMI® cable). Additionally, a control signal (e.g., for controlling the display of audiovisual content) provided via cable 1190 (e.g., an Ethernet cable) can be transmitted to equipment 1086 via network cable 1095 (e.g., an Ethernet cable). In some aspects of the present disclosure, a control signal provided via cable 1190 to control motorized gear 1090 (e.g., to move equipment 1086 laterally along access rail 1085) can be transmitted to equipment 1086 via network cable 1095. Thus, in a scenario where the position of equipment 1086 on access rail 1085 needs to be adjusted to project content within a specific area (e.g., a projection screen), truss assembly 1200 can efficiently and conveniently achieve such adjustment through a control signal provided to input / output interface 1114 at the base of truss tower 1100.

[0056] In embodiments described herein, trusses with integrated wiring (e.g., trusses 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) can include four chords (also referred to as a box truss configuration). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, trusses with integrated wiring can be implemented with a different number of chords. For example, trusses with integrated wiring can be implemented using two chords (also referred to as a ladder truss configuration) or three chords (also referred to as a triangle truss configuration).

[0057] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 1300 for constructing a truss with integrated wiring. In some examples, process 1300 may be performed by any suitable device or means for performing the operations described below.

[0058] At block 1302, the process includes joining a plurality of cords together with a plurality of support members, wherein at least one cord of the plurality of cords includes a hollow space along a length of the at least one cord of the plurality of cords.

[0059] At block 1304, the process includes coupling a first set of electrical connectors near a first end of at least one cord of the plurality of cords, the first set of electrical connectors being outside the hollow space.

[0060] At block 1306, the process includes coupling a second set of electrical connectors near a second end of at least one of the plurality of cords, the second set of electrical connectors being outside the hollow space.

[0061] At block 1308, the process includes coupling the first set of electrical connectors to the second set of electrical connectors via a set of electrical wires housed within a hollow space of at least one cord of the plurality of cords.

[0062] Thus, trusses with integrated wiring (e.g., trusses 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) and / or truss assemblies with integrated wiring (e.g., truss assembly 1200) described herein can eliminate or reduce the need for long, heavy cables often required to power and / or control equipment attached to the truss assemblies. For example, the sets of wires (e.g., wires 340c, 340d) housed within each truss (e.g., trusses 100c, 100d) can be efficiently and conveniently coupled together (e.g., via connector interfaces) when the trusses with integrated wiring are connected together to form the truss assembly (e.g., truss assembly 1200). Thus, a truss assembly with integrated wiring can include an uninterrupted conductive path (e.g., a series of wires 1140, 340c, 340d coupled together via connector interfaces 1050, 122c, 124c, 122d) for transmitting power, data signals, and / or control signals to equipment mounted at various locations on the truss assembly. For example, coordination of some types of equipment (e.g., equipment 980, 986, 1086) can be facilitated from an input / output interface (e.g., input / output interface 1114) installed in a convenient and accessible location (e.g., near the ground). In some examples, rails (e.g., access rails 974, 1085) can be coupled to the truss with integrated wiring to provide power or signal connection points without finite length, which can simplify the planning and design of the truss assembly.

[0063] Additionally, the disclosed trusses with integrated wiring can provide a safer work environment by avoiding or reducing the need to install and / or align long, heavy cables typically required in conventional trusses and truss assemblies. Additionally, the truss assemblies with integrated wiring described herein (e.g., truss assembly 1200) can, in some implementations, allow cable terminations (e.g., for cables 1190, 1192, 1194) to occur at ground level, thereby avoiding the added weight of excess cabling.

[0064] Exemplary Truss Assembly with Integrated Wiring In one aspect of the present disclosure, and with reference to FIGS. 9-12, a truss assembly with integrated wiring (e.g., truss assembly 1200) includes a first truss (e.g., truss 100c) including a first set of electrical connectors (e.g., male connectors 128c, 130c, 132c, 134c, 136c, 138c) located near a first end of the first truss, and a second set of electrical connectors (e.g., female connectors 228c, 230c, 232c, 234c, 236c, 238c) located near a second end of the first truss, the first set of electrical connectors being electrically coupled to the second set of electrical connectors via a first set of electrical wires (e.g., wires 340c) housed within a cord of the first truss (e.g., cord 108 of truss 100c). A truss assembly with integrated wiring (e.g., truss assembly 1200) can further include a second truss including a third set of electrical connectors (e.g., male connectors 128d, 130d, 132d, 134d, 136d, 138d) located near a first end of the second truss and a fourth set of electrical connectors (e.g., female connectors 228c, 230c, 232c, 234c, 236c, 238c) located near a second end of the second truss, the third set of connectors being electrically coupled to the fourth set of electrical connectors via a second set of electrical wires (e.g., set of wires 340d) housed within a cord of the second truss (e.g., cord 108 of truss 100c). The second end of the first truss can be coupled to the first end of the second truss, and the second set of electrical connectors (e.g., female connectors 228c, 230c, 232c, 234c, 236c, 238c) can be electrically coupled to the third set of electrical connectors (e.g., male connectors 128d, 130d, 132d, 134d, 136d, 138d).

[0065] In some embodiments of the present 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) via the first and second sets of electrical wires (set of wires 340c, 340d) and via the coupling of the second set of electrical connectors with the third set of electrical connectors.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a fifth set of electrical connectors (e.g., female connectors 1128, 1130, 1132, 1134, 1136, 1138 of connector interface 1150) located near the 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 to the sixth set of electrical connectors of the input / output interface via a third set of electrical wires (e.g., set 1140 of electrical wires) housed within the cord of the truss tower. A first end of a first truss can be coupled to the truss tower, and the first set of electrical connectors coupled to the fifth set of electrical connectors.

[0067] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the truss assembly further includes a second truss tower (e.g., truss tower 1204). A second end of the second truss can be coupled to the second truss tower, and the first and second trusses can be substantially parallel to or elevated above the ground (e.g., ground 1202).

[0068] In some embodiments of the present 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 at least the first, second, third, and fourth power connectors enable transmission of electrical power through the first and second trusses via the first and second sets of electrical wires.

[0069] In some aspects of the present disclosure, power can be provided to at least a fifth power connector (e.g., power connector 1188) in the sixth set of electrical connectors of the input / output interface and transmitted to at least a first power connector of the first truss via at least a sixth power connector (e.g., power connector 1138) in the fifth set of electrical connectors located near the top of the truss tower. The power can be transmitted to at least one piece of equipment (e.g., equipment 980, 986, and / or 1086) coupled to the first or second truss with integrated wiring.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a 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 transmit at least a data signal or a control signal, a second set of electrical connectors (e.g., a second connector (e.g., male connector 236c) configured to transmit at least a data signal or a control signal), and a third set of electrical connectors (e.g., male connectors 128d, 130d, 132d, 134d, 136d, 138d) can include The third connector (e.g., male connector 136d) is configured to transmit at least data or control signals, the fourth set of electrical connectors (e.g., male connectors 228d, 230d, 232d, 234d, 236d, 238d) are configured to transmit at least data or control signals, and the fourth connector (e.g., male connector 236d) is configured to transmit at least data or control signals, and the first, second, third, and fourth connectors enable transmission of data or control signals through the first and second trusses via first and second sets of electrical wires (sets of wires 340c, 340d).

[0071] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a data or control signal is provided to at least a fifth connector (e.g., connector 1186) configured to transmit the data or control signal in a sixth set of electrical connectors (e.g., input / output interface 1114), and the data or control signal is transmitted to a first connector of the first truss via at least a sixth connector (e.g., female connector 1136) configured to transmit the data or control signal in the fifth set of electrical connectors located near the top of the truss tower. The data or control signal can be transmitted to at least one device coupled to the first or second truss.

[0072] Within this disclosure, the term "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 "aspect" 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 a direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, objects A and C can be considered coupled to each other even though they are not in direct physical contact with each other. For example, a first object can be coupled to a second object even though the first object is not in direct physical contact with the second object.

[0073] One or more of the 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 may be embodied in multiple components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. The apparatus, devices, and / or components illustrated in Figures 1-13 may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. Additionally, the novel algorithms described herein may be efficiently implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0074] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods is an illustration of an example process. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods can be rearranged. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented, unless specifically stated herein.

[0075] The above description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Accordingly, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Reference to a singular element shall mean "one or more," and not "one and only one," unless specifically stated otherwise. Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" means one or more. References to "at least one" of a list of items refer to any combination of those items, including single elements. By way of example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to encompass a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b, and c. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the general public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. No claim element shall be construed under 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for," or, in the case of a method claim, the phrase "step for." [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100 Truss 102, 104, 106, 108 codes 110, 112, 114 Linear support members 118 Diagonal support member 122, 124 connector interface 126 Mounting unit 142, 144, 146 Linear support members

Claims

1. 1. A truss having integral wiring, a plurality of cords coupled together with a plurality of support members, at least one cord of the plurality of cords including a hollow space along a length of the at least one cord of the plurality of cords; a first set of electrical connectors located near a first end of the at least one cord of the plurality of cords, the first set of electrical connectors being outside the hollow space; and a second set of electrical connectors located near a second end of the at least one cord of the plurality of cords, the second set of electrical connectors being outside the hollow space, the first set of electrical connectors being electrically coupled to the second set of electrical connectors via a set of electrical wires housed in the hollow space, and no portions of the set of electrical wires being exposed; Equipped with the first set of electrical connectors and the second set of electrical connectors are configured to mate with respective electrical connectors of adjacent trusses. truss.

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

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

4. 4. The truss of claim 3, further comprising an access rail coupled to the at least one cord of the plurality of cords and to the plurality of electrical wires configured to transmit electrical power.

5. The truss of claim 4 further comprising equipment coupled to the truss, the equipment being electrically coupled to the access rail.

6. The truss of claim 5 , wherein the equipment is lighting equipment, video equipment, or audio equipment.

7. 6. The truss of claim 5, further comprising a gear track coupled to the access rail, the equipment coupled to a powered gear configured to engage the gear track, the powered gear allowing the equipment to move along the gear track while receiving electrical power.

8. 10. 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 the second set of electrical connectors includes at least a second connector configured to transmit the data signal.

9. 10. 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 the second set of electrical connectors includes at least a second connector configured to transmit a control signal.

10. 2. The truss of claim 1, wherein the at least one cord of the plurality of cords includes one or more accessibility ports along a length of the at least one cord of the plurality of cords, the one or more accessibility ports including a third set of electrical connectors of the truss, the 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. 1. A truss assembly having integrated wiring, comprising: a first truss including a plurality of cords coupled together with a plurality of support members, at least one of the plurality of cords including a hollow space along a length of the at least one of the plurality of cords, the first truss further including: a first set of electrical connectors located outside the hollow space and near a first end of the at least one of the plurality of cords of the first truss; and a second set of electrical connectors located outside the hollow space and near a second end of the at least one of the plurality of cords of the first truss, the first set of electrical connectors being electrically coupled to the second set of electrical connectors via a first set of electrical wires housed inside the at least one cord of the first truss, no portions of the first set of electrical wires being exposed; a second truss including a third set of electrical connectors located near a first end of the second truss and a fourth set of electrical connectors located near a second end of the second truss, the third set of electrical connectors being coupled to the fourth set of electrical connectors via a second set of electrical wires housed within a cord of the second truss; Equipped with 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 coupled to the third set of electrical connectors. Truss assembly.

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

13. a truss tower including a fifth set of electrical connectors located near the top of the truss tower and an input / output interface including a sixth set of electrical connectors; the fifth set of electrical connectors are coupled to the sixth set of electrical connectors of the input / output interface via a third set of electrical wires housed inside a cord of the truss tower, a first end of the first truss is coupled to the truss tower, and the first set of electrical connectors are coupled to the fifth set of electrical connectors; The truss assembly of claim 11.

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

15. 14. 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, and the at least first, second, third, and fourth power connectors enable transmission of electrical power through the first and second trusses via the first and second sets of electrical wires.

16. 16. The truss assembly of claim 15, wherein the power is supplied to at least a fifth power connector in the sixth set of electrical connectors of an input / output interface and transmitted to the at least a first power connector of the first truss via at least a sixth power connector in the fifth set of electrical connectors located near the top of the truss tower, and the power is transmitted to at least one piece of equipment coupled to the first or second truss.

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

18. 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 transmit the data signal or the control signal in a sixth set of the electrical connectors of an input / output interface, the data signal or the control signal is transmitted to the first connector of the first truss via at least a sixth connector configured to transmit the data signal or the control signal in the fifth set of electrical connectors located near the top of the truss tower, and the data signal or the control signal is transmitted to at least one device coupled to the first or second truss.

19. 1. A method of constructing a truss with integrated wiring, comprising: coupling together a plurality of cords with a plurality of support members, wherein at least one cord of the plurality of cords includes a hollow space along a length of the at least one cord of the plurality of cords; coupling a first set of electrical connectors to at least one cord of the plurality of cords near a first end thereof, the first set of electrical connectors being outside the hollow space; coupling a second set of electrical connectors to at least one of the plurality of cords near a second end thereof, the second set of electrical connectors being outside the hollow space; coupling the first set of electrical connectors to the second set of electrical connectors via a set of electrical wires housed in the hollow space of at least one cord of the plurality of cords, wherein no portion of the set of electrical wires is exposed, and the first set of electrical connectors and the second set of electrical connectors are configured to mate with respective electrical connectors of adjacent trusses; A method comprising:

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