Space frame support structure employing weld-free, single-cast structural connectors for highway signs

A space frame support structure for highway signs, comprising:

• a) upper and lower chord members;
• b) a plurality of weld-free, made from a single cast connectors attached to and spaced along the respective length of said upper and lower chord members;
• c) a plurality of diagonal members disposed between said upper and lower chord members in a series of “V”-shaped configuration connected end-to-end, each diagonal member forming a leg of a respective “V”;
• d) each leg including a bottom end portion and a top end portion, said bottom end portion being attached to a respective connector attached to said lower chord member, said top end portion being connected to another connector attached to said upper chord member;
• and
• e) a plurality of pins carried by each connector, said pins to secure each connector to said upper or lower chord member and to respective bottom or top end portions of said diagonal members;
• f) each of said weld-free, made from single cast connectors including a “u”-shaped saddle portion configured to receive said upper and lower chord member;
• g) each of said weld free, made from single cast connectors including a pair of opposed walls secured to a bottom portion of said saddle portion;
• and
• h) said respective bottom or top end portions of said diagonal members are secured between said opposed walls.