Lightweight trailer bed construction

A lattice frame for a lightweight trailer comprising:

• (a) at least two central channel members extending from end to end of the trailer, each said channel being formed of relatively lightweight metal plate with its longitudinal edges bent at approximately 90.degree. providing flanges and a connecting web to form a channel;
• (b) a plurality of central Z-shaped members of substantially the same width as said central channels spaced along said channels and secured thereto, each Z-shaped member formed of relatively thin metal plate with opposed edges bent in opposite directions forming flanges at an acute angle of less than 90.degree. to the plane of the web between said flanges and an angle member secured at each end of the web secured to the web of said central channels;
• (c) a plurality of outer Z-shaped members having opposed flanges at an acute angle to a web therebetween and having flanges on the ends of the web secured to said channels on the opposite side of said central Z-shaped members and extending outwardly and normally to said channels, said Z-shaped members being formed of relatively thin metal plate with opposed edges bent in opposite directions forming flanges at less than 90.degree. to the plane of the web between said flanges;
• (d) outside channels being secured to the outside ends of said outer Z-shaped members, each said outside channel being formed of relatively thin metal plate having its longitudinal edges bent in the same direction at 90.degree. to the web between said flanges;
• (e) pair of end plates having top and bottom flanges formed by bending the top and bottom edges thereof at about 90.degree., said end plate being secured to the ends of said central channel members and said outside channels to complete the lattice frame;
• (f) the top flanges of all the elements being in planar alignment for the attachment of decking thereto.