Support system

#This invention relates to a support system for use in supporting various devices such as light systems, T.V. monitors and similar devices.

#Support systems, such as the systems typically used in the entertainment industry, support lighting systems, T.V. monitors and similar devices. Such support systems are usually erected for temporary use during a concert or an entertainment event. Since the size and configuration of such systems (when used for lighting) will be dependent on the particular requirements of the event to be performed, a support system should be adaptable with respect to its size and configuration. This kind of support system should also be capable of ready assembly and disassembly. Prior art support systems are somewhat limited in their potential configuration and are not capable of ready assembly and disassembly.

#It is an object of this invention to provide a novel support system, of simple and inexpensive construction, which may be erected in a variety of configurations and sizes, and which may be readily assembled and disassembled.

#FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating a typical configuration of the support system,

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the basic rail,

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a directional coupling member,

#Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to FIG. 1, it will be seen that one embodiment of the novel support system, designated generally by the reference numeral 10, is thereshown. The support system 10 includes a plurality of interconnected rails 11 which are also interconnected to directional coupling members 12. The rails 11 are of identical construction, and, in the embodiment shown, are of triangular cross-sectional configuration.

#Each rail 11 includes a pair of substantially flat end plates 13 which are of triangular configuration each having a flat outer surface 14 and a substantially flat inner surface 15. Referring now to FIG. 6, it will be seen that the respective side edges 16 of each end plate are of equal length so that the side plates define an equilateral triangle. The apices 17 of the end plates are curved and each end plate has a flange 18 integrally formed therewith and projecting therefrom towards the other end plate.

#The end plates 13 for each rail are disposed in substantially parallel relation with respect to each other and each is rigidly interconnected to the ends of longitudinally extending rail elements 19. In the embodiment shown, the longitudinal rail elements 19 engage the curved apical portion of the end plates and the flanges 18 and are rigidly secured thereto by welding. In the embodiment shown, three longitudinal rail elements are provided and these rail elements are laterally spaced apart and are disposed in substantially parallel relationship with each other.