Patent Publication Number: US-2021189742-A1

Title: Catwalk floorbeam connection system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/886,929 which was filed on Feb. 2, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/454,390 which was filed on Feb. 3, 2017, the entirety of each is hereby incorporated fully by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to catwalks. More specifically and without limitation, this disclosure relates to a catwalk floorbeam connection system used in agricultural applications, as well as other industrial applications. 
     OVERVIEW 
     Grain bins are massive structures used to store bulk flowable grain products such as corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, or any other grain products. Conventional grain bins are generally formed in a cylindrical shape with a corrugated sidewall covered by a peaked roof. Grain bins vary in height (ranging from twenty feet high to well over a hundred and fifty feet high), and vary in diameter (ranging from eighteen feet in diameter to well over a hundred and fifty feet in diameter). The storage capacity of modern grain bins can range anywhere from a few thousand bushels to well over a million bushels. 
     Many grain storage and transport facilities, such as commercial elevators, utilize a plurality of grain bins. These grain bins are often connected to one another by a catwalk system that supports grain handling equipment, such as a conveyor or grain carrying belt. These catwalk systems also provide a pathway for access, maintenance and inspection purposes. 
     There are a number of manufacturers of catwalk systems including: LeMar Industries, a subsidiary of CTB, Inc., having an address of 2070 NE 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50313; Brownie Systems, a division of Global Industries, Inc., having an address of MFS/York/Stormor, 2928 E. Hwy 30, Grand Island, Nebr. 6880; and GSI Group, a brand of AGCO Corporation having an address of 4205 River Green Parkway, Duluth, Ga. 30096, among many others. While the prior art systems are effective in various ways, they suffer from many disadvantages. 
     Namely, the prior art catwalk systems are overly complicated to assemble in the field. Prior art catwalk systems are formed of a great number of parts that must be assembled in the sometimes less than optimal conditions in the field. Prior art catwalk systems require a great number of parts or pieces that must be installed correctly otherwise the resulting assembly will be defective. Prior art catwalk systems are overly time consuming to assemble in the field and require complex assembly steps and excessive labor. In addition, due to their complexity, prior art catwalk systems are susceptible to improper assembly. Even when these prior art catwalk systems are assembled they are less rigid and robust as may be desirable. 
     Therefore, for all the reasons stated above, and the reasons stated below, there is a need in the art for an improved catwalk floorbeam connection system for use in association with agricultural applications and other industrial applications. 
     Thus, it is a primary object of at least one embodiment to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that improves upon the state of the art. 
     Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that is easy to assemble. 
     Yet another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that reduces the labor required to assemble. 
     Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that reduces assembly errors. 
     Yet another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that speeds the assembly process over prior art systems. 
     Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that is less susceptible to improper assembly. 
     Yet another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that is durable. 
     Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that has a long useful life. 
     Yet another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that is rigid. 
     Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that can be used in a great number of applications. 
     Yet another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that can be used with a wide variety of equipment. 
     Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that is relatively inexpensive. 
     Yet another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that is easy to manufacture. 
     Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that has a robust design. 
     Yet another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that is high quality. 
     Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that can be used with any grain bin. 
     Yet another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that is dimensionally accurate. 
     Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that eliminates the need to weld in the field. 
     Yet another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that has tight dimensional tolerances. 
     Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that allows catwalks to be shipped in a disassembled state and assembled on site. 
     Yet another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that reduces shipping costs. 
     Another object of at least one embodiment is to provide a catwalk floorbeam connection system that provides a pocket that receives an end of the floorbeams therein. 
     These and other objects, features, or advantages of at least one embodiment will become apparent from the specification, figures and claims. 
     SUMMARY 
     A catwalk floorbeam connection system having a pair of side trusses formed of a top cord and bottom cord connected by a plurality of vertical posts and diagonal posts is presented. The bottom cords have a plurality of joints formed of a bottom plate, opposing side plates and wing plates that form a pocket. These pockets receive an end of floorbeams which are bolted to holes in the side plates. The bottom plate also includes a wind brace section that receives an end of a diagonal wind brace therein. The fabricated side trusses are shipped to the job site where the catwalk is quickly and easily assembled by aligning a pair of side trusses in parallel space alignment and installing floorbeams in the pockets of opposing joints. To provide additional rigidity diagonal wind braces are installed in a zig-zag formation between diagonally opposite joints. This arrangement provides a quickly assembled, high quality, rigid and durable catwalk that requires a minimum number of assembly steps. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an elevation view of a grain storage facility having a plurality of grain bins connected by a catwalk system; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a section of assembled catwalk formed of three pairs of side trusses connected together; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a section of assembled catwalk formed of a single pair of side trusses connected together; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a section of assembled catwalk, the view showing the catwalk supported by a vertical support; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of single side truss, the view showing a top cord and bottom cord connected together by a plurality of vertical posts and diagonal posts, the view also shows joints connected to the bottom cord that form pockets; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of single side truss, the view showing a top cord and bottom cord connected together by a plurality of vertical posts and diagonal posts, the view also shows joints connected to the bottom cord that form pockets; 
         FIG. 7  is a close-up side elevation view of a joint connected to the bottom cord, the view showing the bottom plate connected to the bottom cord, a pair of side plates connected to the bottom plate, bottom cord and vertical post; the view showing a pair of wing plates connected to the bottom cord and a side plate; 
         FIG. 8  is a top elevation view of single side truss, the view showing a pair of joints connected to the bottom cord that form pockets; 
         FIG. 9  is a close-up top elevation view of a joint connected to the bottom cord, the view showing the bottom plate connected to the bottom cord, a pair of side plates connected to the bottom plate and the bottom cord; the view showing a pair of wing plates connected to the bottom cord and a side plate; 
         FIG. 10  is a close-up perspective view of a joint connected to the bottom cord, the view showing the bottom plate connected to the bottom cord, a pair of side plates connected to the bottom plate, bottom cord and vertical post; the view showing a pair of wing plates connected to the bottom cord and a side plate, the view also showing the side plates having tabs and the vertical post having a drain hole; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom elevation view of single side truss, the view showing a pair of joints connected to the bottom cord that form pockets; 
         FIG. 12  is a close-up bottom elevation view of a joint connected to the bottom cord, the view showing the bottom plate connected to the bottom cord, a pair of side plates connected to the bottom plate; the view showing a pair of alignment slots in the bottom plate for each side plate, the view also showing ears of side plate  38  positioned within the alignment slots of the bottom plate; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of single side truss, the view showing a top cord and bottom cord connected together by a plurality of vertical posts and diagonal posts, the view also shows joints connected to the bottom cord that form pockets; 
         FIG. 14  is a close-up bottom perspective view of a joint connected to the bottom cord, the view showing the bottom plate connected to the bottom cord, a pair of side plates connected to the bottom plate; the view showing a pair of alignment slots in the bottom plate for each side plate, the view also showing ears of side plate  38  positioned within the alignment slots of the bottom plate; 
         FIG. 15  is a close up side cut-away elevation view of a joint connected to the bottom cord, the view showing the bottom plate connected to the bottom cord, a side plate connected to the bottom plate; the view showing an end plate and a diagonal post connected to the bottom cord; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a section of assembled catwalk; 
         FIG. 17  is a close-up perspective view of a joint connected to a bottom cord, the view showing the bottom plate connected to the bottom cord and a pair of side plates connected to the bottom plate that form a pocket; the view showing a floorbeam in place within the pocket and a pair of diagonal wind braces bolted to the bottom plate; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom elevation view of a section of assembled catwalk; 
         FIG. 19  is a top elevation view of a section of assembled catwalk; 
         FIG. 20  is a close-up top elevation view of a joint connected to a bottom cord, the view showing the bottom plate connected to the bottom cord and a pair of side plates connected to the bottom plate that form a pocket; the view showing a floorbeam in place within the pocket and a pair of diagonal wind braces bolted to the bottom plate, the view also showing the relief in the pocket to facilitate drainage; 
         FIG. 21  is a close up side cut-away elevation view of a joint connected to the bottom cord, the view showing the bottom plate connected to the bottom cord, a side plate connected to the bottom plate; the view showing an end plate and a diagonal post connected to the bottom cord, the view showing a diagonal wind brace connected to the bottom plate; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a section of assembled catwalk, the view showing a floorbeam aligned with and positioned just above a pair of pockets just prior to insertion into the opposing pockets of opposing joints; the view also showing bolts aligned with holes in the side plates of the joint, the bolts configured to affix the floorbeam to the side plates; 
         FIG. 23  is a close-up perspective view of a joint, the view showing a floorbeam aligned with and positioned just above a pocket just prior to insertion into the pocket of the joint; the view also showing bolts aligned with holes in the side plates of the joint, the bolts configured to affix the floorbeam to the side plates; 
         FIG. 24  is a close-up perspective view of a joint, the view showing a floorbeam aligned with and positioned just above a pocket just prior to insertion into the pocket of the joint; the view also showing bolts aligned with holes in the side plates of the joint, the bolts configured to affix the floorbeam to the side plates. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a section of assembled catwalk where the opposing side trusses are connected to one another using a side floorbeam connection system, the view showing a floorbeam aligned with and positioned just inward from vertical posts that extend between the bottom cord and top cord of a side truss; 
         FIG. 26  is a close up perspective view of a side connection joint that connects floorbeams across opposing bottom cords of side trusses, the view showing a floorbeam having an end plate connected to the end of the floorbeam along with a pair of bottom plates and a pair of side supports; the view showing the end plate bolted to a pair of clip angles positioned outward of a vertical post; the view also showing the end plate bolted to the bottom cord of the side truss; the view showing diagonal wind braces connecting to bottom plates of the joints; the view showing side supports connected between the end of the floorbeam and the end plate; 
         FIG. 27  is a bottom elevation view of a portion of a catwalk system having a side connection joint that connects floorbeams across opposing bottom cords of side trusses, the view showing a floorbeam having an end plate connected to the end of the floorbeam along with a pair of bottom plates; the view also showing the end plate bolted to the bottom cord of the side truss; the view showing diagonal wind braces connecting to bottom plates of the joints; 
         FIG. 28  is a top elevation view of a portion of a catwalk system having a side connection joint that connects floorbeams across opposing bottom cords of side trusses, the view showing a floorbeam having an end plate connected to the end of the floorbeam along with a pair of bottom plates; the view also showing the end plate bolted to the bottom cord of the side truss; the view showing diagonal wind braces connecting to bottom plates of the joints; 
         FIG. 29  is a close up top elevation view of a side connection joint that connects floorbeams across opposing bottom cords of side trusses, the view showing a floorbeam having an end plate connected to the end of the floorbeam along with a pair of bottom plates; the view also showing the end plate bolted to the bottom cord of the side truss; the view showing diagonal wind braces connecting to bottom plates of the joints; the view showing side supports connected between the end of the floorbeam and the end plate; 
         FIG. 30  is a close up side elevation view along the length of the catwalk, the view showing a side connection joint that connects floorbeams across opposing bottom cords of side trusses; the view showing a floorbeam having an end plate connected to the end of the floorbeam along with a bottom plate; the view also showing the end plate bolted to the bottom cord of the side truss; the view showing side supports connected between the end of the floorbeam and the end plate; the view showing a clip angle positioned at the intersection of the bottom cord and a vertical post; the view showing the end plate of the floorbeam bolted to the clip angle and through the bottom cord; the view showing the bottom surface of the bottom plate terminating a distance “D” above the lower surface of the floorbeam and the bottom cord to provide room for a fastener that connects diagonal wind brace to the bottom plate; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective exploded view of a section of assembled catwalk where the opposing side trusses are connected to one another using a side floorbeam connection system, the view showing a floorbeam aligned with and positioned just inward from vertical posts that extend between the bottom cord and top cord of a side truss; the view showing the floorbeams in exploded form separated from the bottom cords of opposing side trusses; 
         FIG. 32  is a close up perspective exploded view showing a side connection joint that connects floorbeams across opposing bottom cords of side trusses; the view showing a floorbeam having an end plate connected to the end of the floorbeam along with bottom plates and side supports; the view also showing the end plate about to be bolted to the bottom cord of the side truss; the view showing side supports connected between the end of the floorbeam and the end plate; the view showing a clip angle positioned at the intersection of the bottom cord and a vertical post; the view showing the end plate of the floorbeam about to be bolted to the clip angles and through the bottom cord; 
         FIG. 33  is another perspective exploded view showing a side connection joint that connects floorbeams across opposing bottom cords of side trusses; the view showing a floorbeam having an end plate connected to the end of the floorbeam along with bottom plates; the view also showing the end plate about to be bolted to the bottom cord of the side truss; the view showing a pair of clip angles positioned at the intersection of the bottom cord and a vertical post; the view showing the end plate of the floorbeam about to be bolted to the clip angles and through the bottom cord; 
         FIG. 34  is another perspective exploded view showing a side connection joint that connects floorbeams across opposing bottom cords of side trusses; the view showing a floorbeam having an end plate connected to the end of the floorbeam along with bottom plates; the view also showing the end plate about to be bolted to the bottom cord of the side truss; the view showing a pair of clip angles positioned at the intersection of the bottom cord and a vertical post; the view showing the end plate of the floorbeam about to be bolted to the clip angles and through the bottom cord; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of the interior surface of a side truss having a bottom cord and a top cord connected by a plurality of vertical posts and diagonal posts; the view also showing a side connection system that includes a pair of clip angles positioned at the lower end of the vertical posts; 
         FIG. 36  is a close up perspective view of the interior surface of a side truss; the view showing a side connection system that includes a pair of clip angles positioned at the lower end of the vertical posts; the view showing holes in the clip angles as well as holes in the bottom cord that facilitate connection of the floorbeam to the side truss; 
         FIG. 37  is an elevation view of the interior surface of a side truss having a bottom cord and a top cord connected by a plurality of vertical posts and diagonal posts; the view also showing a side connection system that includes a pair of clip angles positioned at the lower end of the vertical posts; 
         FIG. 38  is a close up elevation view along the length of the bottom cord, the view showing a side connection system that includes a pair of clip angles positioned at the lower end of the vertical posts; the view showing the interior surface of a side truss in alignment with the exterior facing surface of the clip angles so as to allow for flat engagement of an end plate; 
         FIG. 39  is a close up top elevation view along the length of the center post, the view showing a side connection system that includes a pair of clip angles positioned at the lower end of the vertical post; the view showing the interior surface of a side truss in alignment with the exterior facing surface of the clip angles so as to allow for flat engagement of an end plate 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a floorbeam for use in the side connection system, the view showing the floorbeam formed of an elongated square or rectangular tube; the view showing an end plate connected to the ends of the floorbeam; the view showing a bottom plate and side support connected to and extending between the end plate and the end of the floorbeam; 
         FIG. 41  is a top elevation view of the floor support shown in  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a side elevation view of the floor support shown in  FIG. 41 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a bottom elevation view of the floor support shown in  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 44  is an elevation view of the end of the end plate of the floor support shown in  FIG. 43 ; the view showing the recess and notch in the upper surface of the end plate the facilitates the drainage of water and debris; 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the end plate of the floor support shown in  FIG. 44 ; the view showing the recess and notch in the upper surface of the end plate the facilitates the drainage of water and debris; 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of the end plate of the floor support shown in  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 47  is a top perspective view of a section of assembled catwalk where the opposing side trusses are connected to one another using a side floorbeam connection system, the view showing a floorbeam aligned with and positioned just inward from vertical posts that extend between the bottom cord and top cord of the side trusses; the view showing a support member, in the form of an I-beam, extending under the bottom cords of the side trusses; the view showing a rocker bearing attached to the upper surface of the support member; the view showing the rocker bearings formed of a bottom section and a top section that rotate with respect to one another; the view showing the bottom surface of the bottom section of the rocker bearings engaging the upper surface of the support member; the view showing the upper surface of the top section of the rocker bearings engaging the lower surface of the bottom cord of the side trusses; 
         FIG. 48  is a close up top perspective view of the end of the support member and the forward positioned rocker bearing as shown in  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a bottom perspective view of the section of assembled catwalk and rocker bearing system and support member shown in  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 50  is a close up bottom perspective view of the end of the support member and the forward positioned rocker bearing as shown in  FIG. 49 ; 
         FIG. 51  is a close up bottom perspective view of the end of the support member and the rearward positioned rocker bearing as shown in  FIG. 49 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a side elevation view of a section of assembled catwalk using a side floorbeam connection system, the view showing a support member, in the form of an I-beam, extending under the bottom cords of the side trusses; the view showing a rocker bearing attached to the upper surface of the support member; the view showing the rocker bearing formed of a bottom section and a top section that rotate with respect to one another; the view showing the bottom surface of the bottom section of the rocker bearings engaging the upper surface of the support member; the view showing the upper surface of the top section of the rocker bearings engaging the lower surface of the bottom cord of the side truss; the view showing the side truss extending in a generally horizontal manner; 
         FIG. 53  is a side elevation view of a section of assembled catwalk using a side floorbeam connection system, as is shown in  FIG. 52  with the difference being the view showing the catwalk system extending at an angle to horizontal demonstrating the angular variation that the rocker bearing supports; 
         FIG. 54  is a side elevation view of the rocker bearing system shown in  FIGS. 47-53 ; the view along the bottom cord of a side truss; the view showing a rocker bearing attached to the upper surface of the support member; the view showing the rocker bearing formed of a bottom section and a top section that rotate with respect to one another; the view showing the bottom surface of the bottom section of the rocker bearing engaging the upper surface of the support member; the view showing the upper surface of the top section of the rocker bearing engaging the lower surface of the bottom cord of the side truss; the view showing the interior facing surface of the upper end of the forward plate in engagement with the outward facing surface of the bottom cord thereby holding the catwalk system within and upon the upper surface of the rocker bearing; 
         FIG. 55  is a close up top perspective view of a rocker bearing as is shown in  FIGS. 47-54 , the view showing the rocker bearing formed of a bottom section and a top section that rotate with respect to one another; the view showing the bottom section having a bottom plate and a pair of end plates that extend upwardly from the bottom plate and receive a rocker pin that facilitates rotation of the top section with respect to the bottom section; the view showing the top section having a top plate, and a forward plate and a rearward plate that extend downward from the top plate and receive a rocker pin that engages a recess in the upper surface of the end plates; the view also showing the upper end of the forward plate extending a distance above the top plate to form a lip that engages and retains the bottom cord of a side truss; 
         FIG. 56  is a close up bottom perspective view of a rocker bearing as is shown in  FIG. 55  the view showing the rocker bearing formed of a bottom section and a top section that rotate with respect to one another; the view showing the bottom section having a bottom plate and a pair of end plates that extend upwardly from the bottom plate and receive a rocker pin that facilitates rotation of the top section with respect to the bottom section; the view showing the top section having a top plate, and a forward plate and a rearward plate that extend downward from the top plate and receive a rocker pin that engages a recess in the upper surface of the end plates; the view also showing the upper end of the forward plate extending a distance above the top plate to form a lip that engages and retains the bottom cord of a side truss; 
         FIG. 57  is an exploded perspective top view of the rocker bearing as is shown in  FIGS. 55 and 56 , the view showing the top section separated from the bottom section; the view showing the recess in the end plates of the bottom section that is configured to receive the bearing surfaces of the rocker pin of the top plate; the view showing the stiffener that extends between the bottom plate and end plates and terminates at or just before the recess in the end plates; 
         FIG. 58  is an exploded perspective bottom view of the rocker bearing as is shown in  FIG. 57 , the view showing the top section separated from the bottom section; the view showing the recess in the end plates of the bottom section that is configured to receive the bearing surfaces of the rocker pin of the top plate; the view showing the stiffener that extends between the bottom plate and end plates and terminates at or just before the recess in the end plates; 
         FIG. 59  is a side elevation view of the front side of the rocker bearing as is shown in  FIGS. 55-58 ; 
         FIG. 60  is a side elevation view of the side of the rocker bearing as is shown in  FIGS. 55-59 ; 
         FIG. 61  is a top elevation view of the rocker bearing as is shown in  FIGS. 55-60 ; 
         FIG. 62  is a bottom elevation view of the rocker bearing as is shown in  FIGS. 55-61 ; 
         FIG. 63  is a perspective view of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing the spreader beams resting upon a support member that is itself supported by a pair of legs; the view showing the spreader beams connected to the bottom cord of side trusses at joints by mounting brackets that are positioned below vertical posts that extend between top cords and bottom cords of side trusses; 
         FIG. 64  is a side elevation view of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing the spreader beam connected to a bottom cord of a side trusses at a pair of joints by a mounting bracket that are positioned below a vertical post that extends between top cords and bottom cords of the side truss; 
         FIG. 65  is a top elevation view of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing the spreader beams connected to a bottom cord of a side trusses at a pair of joints by a mounting bracket; the view showing floorbeams extending between opposing side trusses at joints; the view also showing diagonal wind braces  48  extending at an angle between opposing side trusses between opposing joints; 
         FIG. 66  is a bottom elevation view of what is shown in  FIG. 65 ; 
         FIG. 67  is an elevation view along the length of the catwalk, the view showing a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another; the view showing the spreader beams connected to a bottom cord of opposing side trusses at a pair of joints by a mounting bracket; the view showing floorbeams extending between opposing side trusses at joints; 
         FIG. 68  is a close up elevation view along the length of the catwalk, the view showing the connection between a spreader beam and a bottom cord of a side truss, the view showing a spreader beam formed of an I-beam having a generally flat upper and lower surface separated by a center wall that forms a channel along each side of the center wall; the view showing a flange positioned within the channel between the inward facing surfaces of the upper and lower walls and the center wall; the view showing a cross brace connected to the inward position flange; the view showing a mounting bracket connected to the upper surface of the spreader beam; the view showing the mounting bracket having a bottom plate, a side plate and a center plate; the view showing a bottom cord of a side truss connected to the mounting bracket with the bottom surface of the bottom cord in engagement with the upper surface of the center wall, and the outer surface of the bottom cord in engagement with the interior surface of the upper end of the side plate; the view showing the lower edge of the end plate connected to bottom cord in flat and flush engagement or spaced alignment with the upper surface of the spreader beam; 
         FIG. 69  is a perspective exploded view of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing the mounting brackets and spreader beams exploded from the bottom cord of the catwalk; 
         FIG. 70  is a close up perspective exploded view of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing the mounting brackets and spreader beams exploded from the bottom cord of the catwalk; 
         FIG. 71  is a perspective view of the top side of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing the mounting brackets connected to the upper surface of the spreader beams; 
         FIG. 72  is a close up perspective view of the top side of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing the intersection between a spreader beam and a cross brace; the view showing the end of the cross brace bolted to a flange positioned within the channel of the spreader beam; the view showing a mounting bracket connected to the upper surface of the spreader beam; the view showing the mounting bracket having a bottom plate, a side plate and a pair of center plates plate; 
         FIG. 73  is a side elevation view of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing the side of a spreader beam; the view showing a mounting bracket connected to the upper surface of the spreader beam; 
         FIG. 74  is a side elevation view of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing the side of a cross brace connected at its ends to a pair of opposing spreader beams; the view showing a mounting bracket connected to the upper surface of the spreader beams; 
         FIG. 75  is a top elevation view of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing a mounting bracket connected to the upper surface of the spreader beams at their outward ends; 
         FIG. 76  is a perspective exploded view of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing a mounting bracket connected to the upper surface of the spreader beams at their outward ends; the view showing a pair of brackets and a cross brace in exploded form with related mounting hardware also in exploded form; 
         FIG. 77  is a close up perspective exploded view of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing a brackets and a cross brace in exploded form with related mounting hardware also in exploded form; the view showing the end of the cross brace about to be bolted to a flange positioned within the channel of the spreader beam; the view showing a mounting bracket about to be bolted to the upper surface of the spreader beam; the view showing the mounting bracket having a bottom plate, a side plate and a pair of center plates plate; the view showing the upper surface of the end of the spreader beam having a plurality of sets of holes that allow for adjustability as to where the mounting bracket is installed on the spreader beam; 
         FIG. 78  is another close up perspective exploded view of a spreader beam kit formed of a pair of opposing spreader beams and a pair of opposing cross braces that connect to one another, the view showing a brackets and a cross brace in exploded form with related mounting hardware also in exploded form; the view showing the end of the cross brace about to be bolted to a flange positioned within the channel of the spreader beam; the view showing a mounting bracket about to be bolted to the upper surface of the spreader beam; the view showing the mounting bracket having a bottom plate and a side plate; the view showing the upper surface of the end of the spreader beam having a plurality of sets of holes that allow for adjustability as to where the mounting bracket is installed on the spreader beam. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION: 
     In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements and procedures. For instance, although aspects and features may be illustrated in or described with reference to certain figures or embodiments, it will be appreciated that features from one figure or embodiment may be combined with features of another figure or embodiment even though the combination is not explicitly shown or explicitly described as a combination. In the depicted embodiments, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings. 
     It should be understood that any advantages and/or improvements discussed herein may not be provided by some various disclosed embodiments, or implementations thereof. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which provide such advantages or improvements. Similarly, it should be understood that various embodiments may not address all or any objects of the disclosure or objects of the invention that may be described herein. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments which address such objects of the disclosure or invention. Furthermore, although some disclosed embodiments may be described relative to specific materials, embodiments are not limited to the specific materials or apparatuses but only to their specific characteristics and capabilities and other materials and apparatuses can be substituted as is well understood by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure. 
     It is to be understood that the terms such as “left, right, top, bottom, front, back, side, height, length, width, upper, lower, interior, exterior, inner, outer, and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. 
     As used herein, the term “or” includes one or more of the associated listed items, such that “A or B” means “either A or B”. As used herein, the term “and” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, such that “A and B” means “A as well as B.” The use of “and/or” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, such that “A and/or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A as well as B,” unless it is clearly indicated that only a single item, subgroup of items, or all items are present. The use of “etc.” is defined as “et cetera” and indicates the inclusion of all other elements belonging to the same group of the preceding items, in any “and/or” combination(s). 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the language explicitly indicates otherwise. Indefinite articles like “a” and “an” introduce or refer to any modified term, both previously-introduced and not, while definite articles like “the” refer to a same previously-introduced term; as such, it is understood that “a” or “an” modify items that are permitted to be previously-introduced or new, while definite articles modify an item that is the same as immediately previously presented. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “mated,” “attached,” “fixed,” etc. to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, and/or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly coupled,” “directly engaged” etc. to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” “engaged” versus “directly engaged,” etc.). Similarly, a term such as “operatively”, such as when used as “operatively connected” or “operatively engaged” is to be interpreted as connected or engaged, respectively, in any manner that facilitates operation, which may include being directly connected, indirectly connected, electronically connected, wirelessly connected or connected by any other manner, method or means that facilitates desired operation. Similarly, a term such as “communicatively connected” includes all variations of information exchange and routing between two electronic devices, including intermediary devices, networks, etc., connected wirelessly or not. Similarly, “connected” or other similar language particularly for electronic components is intended to mean connected by any means, either directly or indirectly, wired and/or wirelessly, such that electricity and/or information may be transmitted between the components. 
     It will be understood that, although the ordinal terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to any order by these terms unless specifically stated as such. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another; where there are “second” or higher ordinals, there merely must be a number of elements, without necessarily any difference or other relationship. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments or methods. 
     Similarly, the structures and operations discussed herein may occur out of the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, two operations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individual operations within example methods described below may be executed repetitively, individually, or sequentially, to provide looping or other series of operations aside from single operations described below. It should be presumed that any embodiment or method having features and functionality described below, in any workable combination, falls within the scope of example embodiments. 
     While the arrangement shows and the description herein describes use of the catwalk system presented primarily in association with grain bins, the system is not so limited. Instead, it is contemplated that the catwalk system presented herein may be used in any setting or application where a catwalk is used or is useful. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a catwalk connection system  10  (catwalk system  10  or system  10 ) is shown in use with an exemplary grain storage facility  12 . Grain storage facility  12  includes a plurality of grain bins  14 , and a leg  16 , among other components. Grain bins  14  are configured to store bulk amounts of grain. Grain bins  14  are connected together at the peak of their roofs by catwalk system  10 . Catwalk system  10  supports a grain handling device  18  (not shown in detail) such as a belt or conveyor that carries grain to each grain bin  14 . Leg  16  is configured to carry grain upward which is deposited on the grain handling device  18  supported by catwalk system  10 . 
     Pocket Connection: 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-24 , a catwalk system  10  is shown with a pocket connection. In this arrangement shown, catwalk system  10  is formed of a plurality of sections  19  that are connected together in end-to-end alignment to form an elongated catwalk. Catwalk system  10  includes side trusses  20  which are formed of a top cord  22 , a bottom cord  24 , end plates  26 , vertical posts  28 , diagonal posts  30 , a midrail tube  32 , and joints  34 . Joints  34  are formed of a bottom plate  36 , opposing side plates  38 , and wing plates  40  that form a pocket  42 . Joints  34  receive an end  44  of floorbeams  46  in pockets  42  and diagonal wind braces  48  connect diagonally positioned joints  34 . A walkway  50  extends across the floorbeams  46  and diagonal wind braces  48 , as is further described herein. 
     Side Trusses: Side trusses  20  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to form the side of catwalk system  10  and provide the needed structural strength and rigidity to system  10 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, each side truss  20  is formed of a top cord  22  and a bottom cord  24 , wherein the top cord  22  and a bottom cord  24  include end plates  26  thereon at their outward ends. While two cords (top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 ) are shown being used in side truss  20 , any other number of cords are hereby contemplated for use such as one, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten or more. 
     In the arrangement shown, opposing top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  are connected to one another by a plurality of connecting posts, which are shown, as example, as vertical posts  28  and diagonal posts  30  that extend between top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 . While the term vertical post  30  as used herein includes the word “vertical”, the term vertical post  30  is intended to be construed as any support member that extends between top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  in the vertical plane, in a perpendicular manner or at any angle. Bottom cord  24  also includes a plurality of joints  34  which are used to connect opposing side trusses  20  using a plurality of floorbeams  46  and diagonal wind braces  48 . Side trusses  20  also include a midrail tube  32 , among other components. 
     Top Cord &amp; Bottom Cord: Top cord  22  and a bottom cord  24  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to provide the needed strength and rigidity to side trusses  20 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, top cord  22  and a bottom cord  24  are positioned in approximate parallel spaced alignment to one another and extend a length between opposing ends that include end plates  26 . In the arrangement shown, top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  are formed of hollow square or rectangular tubing of approximately equal length and size, however any other shaped structural member is hereby contemplated for use as top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  such as an I-beam, a wide flange beam, a 90 degree angle bar, a Z-bar, a C-channel, an L-bar, a cylindrical pipe, a solid bar, a solid rod, or the like or any combination thereof. The ends of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  include one or more end plates  26 . 
     End Plates: End plates  26  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to provide a mechanism by which adjacent side trusses  20  are connected to one another. In the arrangement shown, as one example, end plates  26  are generally planar members that when viewed from the side, or along the length of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 , are generally square or rectangular in shape, however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. In the arrangement shown, end plates  26  enclose the ends of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  and in doing so wholly or partially seal the ends of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  thereby preventing water and debris from entering the ends of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 , which can cause damage over time. As such, by closing or sealing the ends of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  this may improve the longevity of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 . In one arrangement, when viewed from the front side or back side, such as the view shown in  FIG. 6 , the outward facing surfaces of end plates  26  form a flat plane that is configured to engage an end plate  26  of an adjacent side truss  20 . 
     In the arrangement shown, when square end plates  26  are used, they include at least one hole  52  positioned inward a distance from some or all of the corners. During the assembly process, the holes  52  in end plates  26  are configured to be aligned with the holes  52  of end plates  26  of adjacent side trusses  20 . Once aligned a conventional bolt  54  is passed through the aligned holes  52  and tightened in place thereby connecting adjacent side trusses  20  to one another while the outward facing surfaces of adjacent end plates  26  are in planar engagement with one another. 
     While end plates  26  are shown as being used to connect adjacent side trusses  20 , any other system, device, manner or method of connecting two components together is hereby contemplated for use in place of end plates  26 . In addition, end plates  26  may be used to connect any other member to side trusses  20 . 
     Vertical Posts: Vertical posts  28  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to extend between and connect top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  and provide structural strength and rigidity to side trusses  20 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, vertical posts  28  are formed of hollow square or rectangular tubing, however any other shaped structural member is hereby contemplated for use as vertical posts  28  such as an I-beam, a wide flange beam, a 90 degree angle bar, a Z-bar, a C-channel, an L-bar, a cylindrical pipe, a solid bar, a solid rod, or the like or any combination thereof. In the arrangement shown, the hollow square or rectangular tubing used for vertical posts  28  is slightly smaller than that used for top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 . In addition, while vertical posts  28  are shown extending perpendicularly between top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 , such as in  FIG. 6 , vertical posts  28  are not so limited and are contemplated to extend at an angle between top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 . 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, vertical posts  28  extend in approximate perpendicular alignment to the length of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 , however any other angular arrangement is hereby contemplated for use. In the arrangement shown, the upper end of vertical posts  28  connect to the bottom side of top cord  22  and the lower end of vertical posts  28  connect to the upper surface  55  of bottom cord  24 . Joints  34  are connected to the lower end of vertical posts  28 . 
     In the arrangement shown, two vertical posts  28  are included in each side truss  20 . In this arrangement, each vertical post  28  is spaced inward a distance from the ends of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  and the vertical posts  28  are spaced a distance from one another. The use of any other number of vertical posts  28  is hereby contemplated for each side truss  20  such as one, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more, as is any other spacing of the vertical posts  28 , from being positioned at the ends of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 , the middle of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 , or any other position. 
     Diagonal Posts: Diagonal posts  30  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to extend between and connect to top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  and provide structural strength and rigidity to side trusses  20 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, diagonal posts  30  are formed of hollow square or rectangular tubing, however any other shaped structural member is hereby contemplated for use as diagonal posts  30  such as an I-beam, a wide flange beam, a 90 degree angle bar, a Z-bar, a C-channel, an L-bar, a cylindrical pipe, a solid bar, a solid rod, or the like or any combination thereof. In the arrangement shown, the hollow square or rectangular tubing used for diagonal posts  30  is slightly smaller than that used for top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, the hollow square or rectangular tubing used for vertical posts  28  and diagonal posts  30  is the same size and shape, however, in other arrangements, the shape and/or size of vertical posts  28  and diagonal posts  30  are different. 
     In the arrangement shown, diagonal posts  30  extend in angled alignment to the length of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 . In this arrangement, the upper end of diagonal posts  30  connect to the bottom side of top cord  22 . The lower end of diagonal posts  30  connect to the upper surface  55  of bottom cord  24 . 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, a diagonal post  30  is positioned on either side of each vertical post  28 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, the opposing diagonal posts  30  angle inward toward the vertical post  28  as they extend upward. In this arrangement, the lower end of diagonal posts  30  connect to bottom cord  24  a distance away from where vertical post  28  connects to bottom cord  24 , whereas the upper end of the diagonal posts  30  connect to top cord  22  at or near where the upper end of vertical post  28  connects to top cord  22 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, the lower end of the outward most diagonal post  30  is positioned at or just inward a distance from the inward surface of the end plate  26  of the bottom cord  24 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, the lower end of the inward most diagonal posts  30  connect to bottom cord  24  at or near one another and near the center of bottom cord  24 . Any other number of diagonal posts  30  are hereby contemplated for use for each vertical post  28  such as one, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more as is any other angular arrangement or placement. 
     As vertical posts  28  and diagonal posts  30  connect top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 , vertical posts  28  and diagonal posts  30  may be referred to collectively as connecting posts. It is also hereby contemplated that additional cross connecting posts may extend laterally or between one or more vertical posts  28 , between one or more diagonal posts  30  and/or between one or more vertical posts  28  and diagonal posts  30 , and/or between any other components of the system  10 . These cross connecting posts also fall under the broad definition of a connecting post. 
     In the arrangement shown, top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  are wider than vertical posts  28 , and for that matter, diagonal posts  30  as well, and in this arrangement, vertical posts  28  and diagonal posts  30  are centrally positioned within top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 . The recessed nature of the front and back surfaces of vertical posts  28 , and diagonal posts  30 , with respect to the front and back surfaces of top cord  22  and bottom cord  24  provide room for other components of the system  10 , as is further described herein. 
     Midrail Tube: Midrail tube  32  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to provide additional structural support to side truss  23  and/or provide a conduit or tube through which electrical or other components (such as wires or cables) may extend there through along the length of side truss  20 . In other arrangements or in addition thereto, midrail tube  32  serves as a safety feature to help prevent falling through open areas on side truss  23 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, midrail tube  32  is a hollow square or rectangular tube connected to the interior surface of vertical posts  28  and diagonal posts  30 , however any other shaped tube is hereby contemplated for use, such as round or the like. In the arrangement shown, midrail tube  32  is positioned a distance between top cord  22  and bottom cord  24 , however it is contemplated that midrail tube  32  may be placed at any other position, such as outside of vertical posts  28  and diagonal posts  30 , or any other position. In addition, the use of any number of midrail tubes  32  is hereby contemplated for use, from none to as many as may be needed. 
     Joints: Joints  34  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to facilitate connection of opposing side trusses  20  to one another in a fast and efficient manner while also being strong, durable and rigid. In the arrangement shown, as one example, joints  34  are formed of a bottom plate  36 , a pair of side plates  38  and a pair of wing plates  40  that are cut out of a sheet or plate of desired material. In the arrangement shown, bottom plate  36 , side plates  38  and wing plates  40  are welded together and are welded to bottom cord  24  and vertical post  28 . However, in an alternative arrangement, joints  34  are formed by any other manner, method or means such as machining, stamping, pressing, forging or any other manufacturing process. In addition, while the arrangement of a bottom plate  36 , a pair of side plates  38  and a pair of wing plates  40  is shown for use, any other configuration is hereby contemplated for use. In the arrangement shown, as one example, joints  34  form a pocket  42  that is sized and shaped to receive an end  44  of a floorbeam  46  therein. In one example, joints  34  are located at the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24  and are aligned where a vertical post  28  connects to bottom cord  24 . However in an alternative variation joints  34  may be located at any other position along bottom cord  24  or any other position along side truss  20 . 
     Bottom Plate: Bottom plate  36  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to connect to the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24 , to facilitate connection to the opposing side plates  38 , and to define the bottom surface of pocket  42 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, bottom plate  36  is generally planar in shape and when viewed from above or below is generally rectangular in shape, however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. 
     In one arrangement, the inward corners  56  of bottom plate  36 , adjacent the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24 , are cut or removed or chamfered. The outward corners of bottom plate  36  include a hole  58  positioned a distance therein that is configured to receive a fastener  54  therein that facilitates connection of a diagonal wind brace  48  to bottom plate  36 . 
     In the arrangement shown, the inward edge of bottom plate  36  connects to the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24  in a generally flat, flush and straight manner. In one arrangement, the inward edge of bottom plate  36  is welded to the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24  on its upper surface  72  and/or its bottom surface  66  along its entire length or along a portion of its length. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, the inward edge of bottom plate  36  includes a relief  60 . Relief  60  is any groove, notch or section of material that is removed from bottom plate  36  adjacent its inward edge that is placed against the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24 . In the arrangement shown, relief  60  is positioned between side plates  38  and facilitates drainage of moisture that finds its way between side plates  38  and bottom plate  36 . In this way, relief  60  extends the life of joint  34  by preventing the buildup of moisture that can over time rust the joint  34  and lead to premature failure. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, bottom plate  36  also includes a plurality of locating slots  62 . Locating slots  62  are configured to receive locating ears  64  that extend outward from the bottom edge of side plates  38 . Locating slots  62 , provide for precise alignment of side plates  38  and ensure that when side plates  38  are installed on bottom plate  36  the side plates  38  are positioned at the precise distance away from one another to receive the end  44  of floorbeams  46  within close and tight tolerances. The use of locating slots  62  in bottom plate  36  and the associated ears  64  in side plates  38  also provides increased strength and rigidity to the connection between bottom plate  36  and side plates  38 . In addition, by having the ear  64  of side plate  38  extend into the locating slot  62  of bottom plate  36  this facilities convenient welding or tack welding of the side plate  38  to bottom plate  36  to hold the two components together prior to other manufacturing steps. 
     As is shown in  FIGS. 7, 15 and 21 , the inward surface of bottom plate  36  is connected to the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24  in such a manner that the bottom surface  66  of bottom plate  36  is positioned above the bottom surface  68  of bottom cord  24  a distance “D”. This distance “D” is equal to or is slightly greater than the height or thickness of the head  70  of bolt  54  that is used to attach diagonal wind braces  48  to bottom plate  36 . By spacing bottom plate  36  upward a distance “D” from the bottom surface  68  of bottom cord  24  this provides clearance for the head  70  of fastener  54  and allows for catwalk system  10  to be set directly on top of a transverse support beam, or another structural element, without the need to use fill plates, spacers or other additional components to avoid resting the catwalk system  10  on the fasteners  54  connecting diagonal wind braces  48  to bottom plates  36 . In an alternative arrangement, the bottom surface  66  of bottom plate  36  is approximately flush with the bottom surface  68  of bottom cord  24 . In yet another alternative arrangement, the bottom surface  66  of bottom plate  36  is positioned any distance above the bottom surface  68  of bottom cord  24 . 
     Side Plates: Side plates  38  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to connect to upper surface  55  and inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24 , the upper surface  72  of bottom plate  36  as well as a portion of the outward surface  73  of vertical post  28  to facilitate formation of pocket  42  and joint  34  and therefore to facilitate connection of opposing side trusses  20 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, side plate  38  is generally planar in shape when viewed from the front (as is shown in  FIG. 7 ) or from above or below. A pair of side plates  38  extend upward from the upper surface  72  of bottom plate  36  a distance in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another. When viewed from the side, the main body of side plate  38  is generally rectangular in shape and includes tabs  74  connected to the upper rearward side of side plates  38  and extend rearward. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, tabs  74  extend upward and over upper surface  55  of bottom cord  24  a distance. As such, the rearward edge of side plates  38  engages the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24  and the lower surface of tabs  74  engages the upper surface  55  of bottom cord  24 . Opposing side plates  38  are spaced from one another a distance approximately equal to, or slightly greater than, the width of vertical posts  28  (as well as floorbeams  46 ), as such, the inward facing surfaces of opposing tabs  74  are in approximate flat and flush engagement with the outward surfaces  73  of the lower most end of the vertical post  28  that the joint  34  is located on and connected to (as well as floorbeams  46  positioned between opposing side plates  38 ). The engagement of the rearward edge of side plate  38  to the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24  and the engagement of the lower surface of tabs  74  to the upper surface  55  of bottom cord  24  provides increased area of contact between the side plate  38  and bottom cord  24  which provides a strong and durable and precise connection. In one arrangement, welding is applied along all or a portion of these engaged surfaces. 
     In addition, by the extension of tabs  74  extending up and over a portion of bottom cord  24 , this ensures proper and precise vertical and lateral alignment of joint  34  on side truss  20  by aligning joint  34  on vertical post  28  and bottom cord  24 . That is, by placing the tabs  74  on either side of vertical post  28 , this precisely defines the lateral position of joint  34  and by engaging the bottom surface of tabs  74  with the upper surface  55  of bottom cord  24  this precisely defines the vertical position of joint  34 . This also ensures precise positioning of the bottom surface  66  of bottom plate  36  with respect to the bottom surface  68  of the bottom cord  24 . Also, welding is applied along all or a portion of the rearward edge, the upper edge and/or the inward edge of the tab  74  that engages vertical post  28  thereby increasing the strength of contact between the joint  34  and vertical post  28 . 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, tab  74  of side plate  38  terminates just short of drain hole  76  positioned in the lower end of the outward surface  73  of vertical post  28 . Care is taken during assembly and welding to ensure that drain hole  76  is not plugged so as to prevent drainage of moisture that enters the hollow interior of vertical post  28 . 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, the bottom surfaces of side plates  38  engage the upper surface  72  of bottom plate  36 . Side plates  38  also include a plurality of ears  64  that extend downward from the bottom surface of side plates  38 . Ears  64  are configured to be received within locating slots  62  in bottom plate  36  within close and tight tolerances. Ears  64  provide for precise alignment of side plates  38  with bottom plate  36  and ensure that when side plates  38  are installed on bottom plate  36  the side plates  38  are at the precise distance away from one another to receive the end  44  of floorbeams  46  within close and tight tolerances. The use of locating slots  62  in bottom plate  36  and the associated ears  64  in side plates  38  also provides increased strength and rigidity to the connection between bottom plate  36  and side plates  38 . In addition, by having the ear  64  of side plate  38  extend into the locating slot  62  of bottom plate  36  this facilitates convenient welding or tack welding of the side plate  38  to bottom plate  36  to hold the two components together prior to other manufacturing steps. 
     In one arrangement, joint  34  is assembled by first installing side plates  38  on bottom plate  36  and welding them in place. Care is taken during this step to ensure that the side plates  38  are precisely positioned apart from one another and aligned in parallel spaced relation to one another to receive an end  44  of floorbeam  46 . In one arrangement, a spacer block is placed between side plates  38  while side plates  38  are welded to bottom plate  36  to maintain this spacing. The combined bottom plate  36  and side plates  38  arrangement is then installed on bottom cord  24  and vertical post  28 . This is accomplished by placing the tabs  74  on either side of vertical post  28  and then sliding the combined bottom plate  36  and side plates  38  downward until the bottom edge of tabs  74  engage the upper surface  55  of bottom cord  24  and the inward surface of bottom plate  36  and side plates  38  engage the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24 . Once in this position, bottom plate  36  and side plates  38  are welded onto bottom cord  24  and vertical post  28 . 
     Once the combined bottom plate  36  and side plates  38  arrangement is installed on bottom cord  24  and vertical post  28 , next wing plates  40  are installed on bottom cord  24  and side plates  38 . To facilitate the connection between side plates  38  and wing plates  40 , side plates  38  also include at least one locating slot  78  that receives an ear  80  of wing plate  40 . In the arrangement shown, the at least one locating slot  78  is positioned at the rearward edge of side plate  38  at or just prior to the start of tab  74 . Ears  80  of wing plate  40  are configured to be received within locating slots  78  in side plate  38  within close and tight tolerances. Ears  80  provide for precise alignment of wing plates  40  with respect to side plates  38  and ensure that when wing plates  40  are installed on side plate  38  the wing plate  40  is positioned at the precise position to engage the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24 . The use of locating slots  78  in side plate  38  and the associated ears  80  in wing plates  40  also provides increased strength and rigidity to the connection between side plate  38 , wing plate  40  and bottom cord  24 . 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, the main body of opposing side plates include a pair of spaced holes  82  therein; however any other number of holes are hereby contemplated for use such as one, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more. These holes  82  are sized and shaped to match corresponding holes  84  in the ends  44  of floorbeams  46  such that when a floorbeam  46  is placed within pocket  42  the holes  84  in floorbeam  46  align with the holes  82  in side plate  38  and fasteners  54  are passed there through thereby affixing floorbeam  46  to side plates  38 . Alternatively, one or more notches, grooves or any other feature is hereby contemplated in side plates  38  for use connecting floorbeam  46  to joint  34 . 
     Wing Plates: Wing plates  40  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to connect to the exterior surface of side plate  38  and inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24  and to provide increased strength and rigidity to joint  34 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, wing plate  40  is generally planar in shape when viewed from above (as is shown in  FIG. 9 ) or below or from the side (as is shown in  FIG. 15 ). When viewed from the front (as is shown in  FIG. 7 ), the main body of wing plate  40  has a generally flat bottom edge  86 , a generally flat outward edge  88 , a generally flat upper edge  90  and a generally flat inward edge  92 . An angled surface  94  connects the upper end of the outward edge  88  to the outward edge of the upper edge  90 . In an alternative arrangement, wing plates  40  are formed of any other suitable size, shape and design such as being square or rectangular in shape or any other shape. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, wing plates  40  include relief  96  that provides clearance for the welding that connects side plate  38  to the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24 . Relief  96  extends between the lower edge of inward edge  92  of wing plate  40  and the inward edge of the bottom edge  86  of wing plate  40 . 
     To facilitate the connection between wing plates  40  to side plates  38 , the inward edge  92  of wing plates  40  also include at least one ear  80  that is received within a corresponding locating slot  78  of side plate  38 . While only one ear  80  and locating slot  78  is shown, any number is hereby contemplated for use including two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten or more. In the arrangement shown, ears  80  of wing plate  40  are configured to be received within locating slots  78  in side plate  38  within close and tight tolerances. Ears  80  provide for precise alignment of wing plates  40  with respect to side plates  38  and ensure that when wing plates  40  are installed on side plate  38  the wing plate  40  is positioned at the precise position to engage the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24 . The use of locating slots  78  in side plate  38  and the associated ears  80  in wing plates  40  also provides increased strength and rigidity to the connection between side plate  38 , wing plate  40  and bottom cord  24 . 
     In one arrangement, once the ear  80  of wing plate  40  is inserted within the locating slot  78  of side plate  38 , the inward edge  92  of wing plate  40  can be welded against the outward surface of side plate  38 . Once the ear  80  of wing plate  40  is inserted within the locating slot  78  of side plate  38 , the outward edge  88  of wing plate  40  can be welded against the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24  and the rearward surface of the wing plate  40  can be welded against the corner and/or upper surface  55  of bottom cord  24 . 
     In this way, joint  34  is assembled and installed on bottom cord  24  and pocket  42  is formed. By assembling the bottom plate  36  and side plates  38  to one another and then installing this combined assembly to bottom cord  24  this speeds the installation process, this also facilitates accurate and repeatable attachment of the joint  34  to the side truss  20 . This is because the distance between the opposing side plates  38  precisely matches or mates with the vertical post  28  to which joint  34  is attached. In addition, the combined effects of the flat back surface of bottom plate  36  and side plates  38  (that engage the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24 ) coupled with the flat bottom surface of tabs  74  (that engage the upper surface  55  of bottom cord  24 ) coupled with the precise spacing between side plates  38  (that fit over vertical post  28 ) facilitates locating joint  34  along multiple planes which produces accurate and repeatable attachment of joint  34  to side truss  20 . 
     While in the arrangement shown and described predominantly above contemplates joint  34  being formed of separate pieces (bottom plate  36  and side plates  38 ) which are welded to side truss  20  followed by wing plates  40  which are welded in place, it is hereby contemplated that joint  34  may be attached to side truss  20  by any other manner, method or means such as by screwing, bolting or the like or by manufacturing the side truss of a single piece of material having some or all of the features of joint  34  therein. 
     Pocket: Pockets  42  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to receive and hold an end  44  of floorbeam  46  within close and tight tolerances. In the arrangement shown, as one example, pockets  42  include generally square or rectangular recesses in joints  34 . In the arrangement shown, pockets  42  are defined on their bottom side by the upper surface  72  of bottom plate  36 , on their sides by the opposing inward surfaces of side plates  38 , and at its rearward surface by the inward surface  57  of bottom cord  24 . 
     Pockets  42  are sized and shaped such that when opposing side trusses  20  are positioned at the proper spacing from one another, the ends  44  of floorbeams  46  simply drop into pockets  42  from above pockets  42 . When the ends  44  of floorbeams  46  are positioned within pockets  42 , the holes  84  in floorbeams  46  align with the holes  82  in side plates  38 . Once aligned, fasteners  54  are passed through the holes  82  in side plates  38  and the holes  84  in floorbeam  46  thereby affixing the floorbeam  46  to the side plates  38  thereby holding floorbeam  46  within pocket  42 . In an alternative arrangement or in addition, one or more fasteners may be passed through the end  44  of floorbeam  46  and the bottom plate  36  thereby affixing the floorbeam  46  to the bottom plate  36 . 
     Floorbeams: Floorbeams  46  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to provide structural support and to connect opposing side trusses  20 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, floorbeams  46  are generally square or rectangular hollow tubes that extend a length between opposing ends  44 . However any other shaped structural member is hereby contemplated for use as floorbeam  46  such as an I-beam, a wide flange beam, a 90 degree angle bar, a Z-bar, a C-channel, an L-bar, a cylindrical pipe, a solid bar, a solid rod, or the like or any combination thereof. The ends  44  of floorbeams  46  are inserted within the pockets  42  of joints  34  and affixed in place using fasteners  54 . In the arrangement shown, floorbeams  46  extend in approximate perpendicular alignment to the length of side trusses  20  or more specifically to the length of top cords  22  and bottom cords  24 . 
     Diagonal Wind Braces: Diagonal wind braces  48  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to provide structural support and to connect opposing side trusses  20 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, diagonal wind braces  48  are formed of a length of angle iron or an L-shaped member. However, any other shaped structural member is hereby contemplated for use as diagonal wind brace  48  such as a square tube, a rectangular tube, an I-beam, a wide flange beam, a 90 degree angle bar, a Z-bar, a C-channel, a cylindrical pipe, a solid bar, a solid rod, or the like or any combination thereof. 
     Diagonal wind braces  48  extend at an angle between opposing side trusses  20  and connects kitty-corner or diagonally opposite joints  34  on opposing side trusses  20 . That is, diagonal wind braces  48  connect a joint  34  on one side truss  20  to the next joint  34  on the other side truss  20 . The ends of diagonal wind braces  48  have a hole that is aligned with the hole  58  in the corners of bottom plate  36  positioned just outside of side plates  38 . Once the hole in the end of diagonal wind brace  48  is aligned with the opening  58  in the corner of bottom plate  36  a fastener  54  is passed through the bottom plate  36  and diagonal wind brace  48  is tightened in place. To provide optimum strength and rigidity, diagonal wind braces  48  are connected in a zig-zag pattern along catwalk system  10  connecting each kitty-corner or diagonally opposite joint  34 . 
     Walkway: Walkway  50  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design that provides a surface for a user to comfortably walk upon. In the arrangement shown, as one example, walkway  50  is an elongated member that defines a generally flat elongated surface that is configured to be walked upon by a user and/or provide support for other objects and components. 
     In Operation: In operation, disassembled parts including side trusses  20 , floorbeams  46 , diagonal wind braces  48  and fasteners  54  are shipped to the jobsite. The catwalk system  10  is assembled on site by placing a first side truss  20  and a second side truss  20  in opposing spaced relation. The pockets  42  of joints  34  of first side truss  20  and second side truss  20  are aligned with one another and once aligned opposing ends  44  of floorbeams  46  are placed within the pockets  42 . 
     More specifically, floorbeams  46  are inserted into the pockets  42  of opposing side trusses  20  by lowering the ends  44  of floorbeams  46  into pocket  42 . As the ends  44  of floorbeams  46  are lowered into pockets  42 , the exterior sides of floorbeams  46  pass within close tolerances, and in some cases frictional engagement, between the inward surfaces of opposing side plates  38 . Floorbeams  46  are inserted into pockets  42  until the bottom surface of floorbeams  46  engage the upper surface of the bottom plate  36 . In this position, floorbeams  46  are fully inserted within pockets  42 . In this position, the floorbeams  46  are supported by bottom plates  36  and bounded on their sides by side plates  38 . In this position, the floorbeams  46  are also bounded at their ends  44  by the inward surface  57  of bottom cords  24 . As such, once placed within pockets  42 , floorbeams  46  are prevented from escaping from pockets  42  and instead are removed by lifting floorbeams  46  out of pockets  42 . 
     Once floorbeams  46  are inserted into the pockets  42  the holes  84  in the ends  44  of floorbeams  46  are aligned with the holes  82  in the side plates  38  and fasteners  54  are passed through the opposing side plates  38  and floorbeam  46  and the floorbeam  46  is tightened in place thereby affixing the floorbeam  46  to the pocket  42 . 
     As such, attaching opposing side trusses  20  to one another by installing floorbeams  46  in pockets  42  is a quick, easy and efficient process. There are no tools required to insert floorbeams  46  within pockets  42 , and only a wrench is needed to tighten fasteners  54 , as such, there is no special equipment needed. In addition, there are no sophisticated manufacturing steps or processes. 
     The diagonal wind braces  48  are installed by extending the diagonal wind braces  48  in a zig-zag pattern that extends from side truss  20  to side truss  20 . The ends of diagonal wind braces  48  are placed on the wind brace sections of bottom plate  36  just outside of side plate  38 . Holes in the ends of diagonal wind braces  48  are aligned with hole  58  in the bottom plate  36  of joint  34 . Once the hole in the end of diagonal wind brace  48  is aligned with the hole  58  in the bottom plate  36 , a fastener  54  is passed through the bottom plate  36  and diagonal wind brace  48  and tightened in place thereby affixing the diagonal wind brace  48  to the bottom plate  36 . 
     Once sections  19  of catwalk system  10  are formed, adjacent sections  19  of catwalk system  10  are connected to one another by aligning the holes  52  in end plates  26  of adjacent sections  19  with one another. Once the holes  52  in opposing end plates  26  are aligned with one another fasteners  54  are passed through the opposing end plates  26  and tightened in place thereby affixing the opposing end plates  26  to one another thereby forming an elongated catwalk. This process is repeated until the desired length of the catwalk system  10  is achieved. 
     As diagonal wind braces  48  form a zig-zag pattern and extend from one side truss  20  to the other side truss  20  at an angle, two diagonal wind braces  48  connect to every other joint  34  along each side of catwalk system  10 . That is, two diagonal wind braces  48  connect to one joint  34  whereas the immediately adjacent joints  34  are not connected by diagonal wind braces  48 . This pattern of two diagonal wind braces  48  connecting every other joint  34  continues for the length of the catwalk system  10 . 
     Once the length of the catwalk system  10  is formed, walkway  50  is placed on top of floorbeams  46  and diagonal wind braces  48 . Once in place, walkway  50  is screwed or bolted to the floorbeams  46 . 
     In this way, a catwalk is quickly and easily assembled at a jobsite. 
     Side Connection: 
     With reference to  FIGS. 25-46  an alternative arrangement of a joint  34  is presented that facilitates side connection of floorbeams  46  to side trusses  20 . In this arrangement, joints  34  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to facilitate connection of opposing side trusses  20  to one another in a fast and efficient manner while also being strong, durable and rigid. In the arrangement shown, as one example, joints  34  are formed of a pair of clip angles  100  that are connected to bottom cord  24  and vertical posts  28 , and an end plate  102  and a pair of bottom plates  104  and a pair of side supports  106  that are connected to floorbeams  46 , among other components as is described herein. 
     Clip Angles: Clip angles  100  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to facilitate connection of floorbeam  46  to opposing side trusses  20 , as well as to be connected to bottom cord  24  and vertical posts  28 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, clip angles  100 , when viewed from above or below are formed of a pair of planar members that connected in approximate perpendicular planar alignment to one another at a corner  108 . Clip angles  100  may be formed of a single generally flat member that is bent or pressed into an angled piece at corner  108 ; clip angles  100  may be formed of a cast, molded or machined piece, clip angles  100  may be formed of a pair of planar members that are connected together at corner  108 , or clip angles  100  may be formed by any other manner, method or means. In the arrangement shown, clip angles  100  form a pair of outwardly facing planar exterior surfaces  110  that are positioned in approximate perpendicular planar alignment to one another that connect to one another at an exterior side of corner  108 . In the arrangement shown, clip angles  100  form a pair of inwardly facing planar interior surfaces  112  that are positioned in approximate perpendicular planar alignment to one another that connect to one another at an interior side of corner  108 . Clip angles  100  extend a vertical distance between opposing upper and lower ends  114  and terminate at outward ends  116 . In the arrangement shown, one side of clip angles  100  include hole  118  therein that is configured to receive a fastener  120  therein that facilitates connection of floorbeam  46  as is further described herein. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, clip angles  100  are positioned at the intersection of bottom cord  24  and vertical post  28 . In one arrangement, a clip angle  100  is positioned on both opposing sides of vertical post  28 . In this arrangement, the lower end  114  of clip angle  100  is placed in flat and flush planar engagement with the upper surface of bottom cord  24  and the exterior surface  110  of clip angle  100  is placed in flat and flush planar engagement with the side of vertical post  28 . 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, because vertical post  28  is narrower than bottom cord  24 , the clip angle  100  is slid forward a distance such that the forward positioned exterior surface  110  having hole  118  therein is positioned in approximate planar alignment with the plane formed by the forward surface of bottom cord  24 . This planar alignment facilitates planar engagement of between the forward surface of bottom cord  24  and the exterior surfaces  110  of clip angles  100  with the planar exterior surface of end plate  102  connected to floorbeam  46 , as is further described herein. 
     Once clip angles  100  are positioned in the desired arrangement, all or a portion of the intersections between clip angles  100  and bottom cord  24  and vertical posts  28  are welded together. That is, in one arrangement, all or a portion of the intersection between the lower end  114  of clip angle  100  and upper surface of bottom cord  24  are welded together; all or a portion of the intersection between the upper end  114  of clip angle  100  and side of vertical post  28  are welded together; all or a portion of the intersection between the exterior surface  110  of clip angle  100  and forward surface of vertical post  28 , and in the arrangement wherein the length of clip angle  100  extends rearward of vertical post  28  a distance, all or a portion of the intersection between the exterior surface  110  of clip angle  100  and the rearward surface of vertical post  28 , as well as any other intersection. Connecting clip angle  100  by welding in this manner provides a strong connection that is dimensionally accurate due to the engagement and planar alignment of the components. In addition, connecting clip angle  100  in this manner is relatively quick and easy as well and welding provides a strong, durable and long lasting connection. In an alternative arrangement, clip angle  100  may be bolted to vertical post  28  by passing a fastener  120  through clip angle  100  and vertical post  28 . 
     When clip angles  100  are installed on side trusses  20  in one arrangement, holes  118  in clip angles  100  are positioned in vertical alignment with holes  122  in bottom cord  24 , although it is also contemplated that holes  118  and  122  are positioned in an unaligned manner. In addition, it is contemplated that any number of holes may be used in clip angles  100  and bottom cord  24  to facilitate connection of floorbeams  46 . As is also shown, in one arrangement, a hole is placed at the lower forward edge of vertical post  28  that facilitates the drainage of water that may enter the inside of vertical post  28 . 
     Floorbeams: In the side connection arrangement shown in  FIGS. 25-46  floorbeams  46  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to facilitate connection of opposing side trusses  20 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, floorbeams  46  include an end plate  102  that is connected to opposing ends of floorbeam  46 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, end plate  102  is generally flat and planar in shape, when viewed from the side, and generally square or rectangular in shape when viewed along the length of floorbeam  46 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, end plate  102  closes or seals the end of floorbeam  46 . In one arrangement, floorbeam  46  and end plate  102  are welded together, however it is hereby contemplated that floorbeam  46  and end plate  102  are connected by any other manner, method or means. 
     In one arrangement, as is shown, end plate  102  is generally square or rectangular in shape, when viewed along the length of floorbeam  46 . When connected to floorbeam  46 , the plane formed by end plate  102  is positioned in approximate perpendicular alignment to the length of floorbeam  46 . When end plate  102  is connected to floorbeam  46 , end plate  102  extends well beyond the exterior periphery of floorbeam  46 . 
     In one arrangement, end plate  102  includes a plurality of holes  124  that are configured to align with the holes  118  in clip angles  100  and the holes  122  in bottom cord  24 . Once aligned, fasteners  120  connect floorbeams  46  to side trusses  20  by passing fasteners  120  through end plate  102  and clip angles  100  as well as by passing fasteners  120  through end plate  102  and bottom cord  24 . In one arrangement, additional holes  124  may be placed in end plate  102  to facilitate drainage of water from floorbeam  46  or from other portions of the joint  34 . 
     In one arrangement, end plate  102  includes a recess  126 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, recess  126  extends downward from the upper edge of end plate  102  and is roughly the width of vertical post  28 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, the lower end of recess  126  terminates just above the upper surface of floorbeam  46  and includes a notch  128  therein that extends downward and terminates in approximate alignment with the upper surface of floorbeam  46 . The combination of recess  126  and notch  128  facilitates the drainage of water and debris that may be captured between the outward facing surface of end plate  102  and the inward facing surfaces of vertical post  28 , which is caused, in-part, by vertical post  28  being smaller than bottom cord  24 . The addition of recess  126  and notch  128  to end plate  102  and joint  34  help to prevent water and debris build up that can cause rusting and deterioration of the components of joint  34  thereby and in this way the addition of recess  126  and notch  128  extends the life of joint  34 . 
     In one arrangement, as is shown, a bottom plate  104  is positioned on opposing sides of floorbeam  46  and extends between the inward facing surface of end plate  102  and the exterior surface of floorbeam  46 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, bottom plate  104  is formed of a generally flat and planar member, that when viewed from above or below is generally rectangular in shape. In the arrangement shown, as one example, one edge of bottom plate  104  is positioned in flat and planar engagement with the exterior surface of floorbeam  46 , near the lower side of floorbeam  46 , and another edge of bottom plate  104  is positioned in flat and planar engagement with the interior surface of end plate  102 . In one arrangement, all or a portion of the engaging surfaces between end plate  102  and bottom plate  104 , as well as all or a portion of the engaging surfaces between bottom plate  104  and the exterior surface of floorbeam  46  are welded together, thereby forming a strong and durable connection. The connection of bottom plate  104  to end plate  102  and floorbeam  46  strengthens the connection between these components. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, the outward corners of bottom plate  104  are rounded, so as to reduce the potential to catch on other components or cause injury. The upper surface of bottom plate  104  forms a generally flat and planar surface that is configured to receive and support an end of a diagonal wind brace  48  thereon. Bottom plate  104  includes a hole  130  therein that facilitates fastening of diagonal wind brace  48  to bottom plate  104  by receiving a fastener  54 . 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, while bottom plate  104  is positioned at the lower end of floorbeam  46 , the lower surface of bottom plate  104  is positioned a distance “D” above the bottom surface of floorbeam  46 . This distance “D” is equal to or is slightly greater than the height or thickness of the head  70  or length of the shaft of fastener  54  that is used to attach diagonal wind braces  48  to bottom plate  104 . By spacing bottom plate  104  upward a distance “D” from the lower surface of floorbeam  46  this provides clearance for the head  70  of fastener  54  and allows for catwalk system  10  to be set directly on top of a transverse support beam, or another structural element, without the need to use fill plates, spacers or other additional components to avoid resting the catwalk system  10  on the fasteners  54  connecting diagonal wind braces  48  to bottom plates  104 . 
     In one arrangement, as is shown, a side support  106  is positioned on opposing sides of floorbeam  46  and extends between the inward facing surface of end plate  102  and the exterior surface of floorbeam  46 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, side supports  106  are positioned a distance above bottom plate  104 . To facilitate access to bottom plate  104  by diagonal wind brace  48 , side support  106  is smaller than bottom plate  104 . In one arrangement, side support  106  is formed of a generally flat and planar member, that when viewed from above or below is generally triangular in shape. In the arrangement shown, as one example, one edge of side support  106  is positioned in flat and planar engagement with the exterior surface of floorbeam  46 , near the upper side of floorbeam  46 , and another edge of side support  106  is positioned in flat and planar engagement with the interior surface of end plate  102 . In one arrangement, all or a portion of the engaging surfaces between end plate  102  and side support  106 , as well as all or a portion of the engaging surfaces between side support  106  and the exterior surface of floorbeam  46  are welded together, thereby forming a strong and durable connection. The connection of side support  106  to end plate  102  and floorbeam  46  strengthens the connection between these components. 
     In one arrangement, as one example, end plate  102  also includes a plurality of locating slots  132 . Locating slots  132  are configured to receive locating ears  134  that extend outward from the outward facing edge of side supports  106  that engage end plate  102 . Locating slots  132  provide for precise alignment of side supports  106  and ensure that when side supports  106  are installed in the precise desired position on end plate  102 . The use of locating slots  132  in end plate  102  and the associated ears  134  in side supports  106  also provides increased strength and rigidity to the connection between end plate  102  and side supports  106 . In addition, by having the locating ear  134  of side support  106  extend into the locating slot  132  of end plate  102  this facilities convenient welding or tack welding of the side support  106  to end plate  102  and helps to hold the two components together prior to other manufacturing steps. 
     In Operation: In operation, disassembled parts including side trusses  20 , floorbeams  46 , diagonal wind braces  48 , fasteners  54  and fasteners  120  (and the appropriate nuts) are shipped to the jobsite. The catwalk system  10  is assembled on site by placing a first side truss  20  and a second side truss  20  in opposing spaced relation. The holes  118  in clip angles  100  and the holes  122  in bottom cord  24  of first side truss  20  and second side truss  20  are aligned with one another and once aligned opposing end plates  102  of floorbeams  46  are placed in engagement with the inward facing surfaces of bottom cord  24  and clip angles  100 . 
     More specifically, the exterior facing surface of end plates  102  are placed in planar engagement with the inward facing surfaces of bottom cord  24  and clip angles  100 . Once in this planar engagement, the upper positioned holes  124  in end plates  102  are aligned with the holes  118  in clip angles  100 . Similarly, once in this planar engagement, the lower positioned holes  124  in end plates  102  are aligned with the holes  122  in bottom cord  24 . Once end plate  102  is aligned in this manner, fasteners  120  are passed through clip angles  100  and end plate  102 , as well as through bottom cord  24  and end plate  102 , and tightened in place. In this way, floorbeams  46  are quickly, easily, securely and precisely attached to side trusses  20 . There are no tools required to attach floorbeams  46  to side trusses  20  other than a wrench that is needed to tighten fasteners  120 , as such, there is no special equipment needed. In addition, there are no sophisticated manufacturing steps or processes. 
     The diagonal wind braces  48  are then installed by extending the diagonal wind braces  48  in a zig-zag pattern that extends from side truss  20  to side truss  20 . The ends of diagonal wind braces  48  are placed on the wind brace sections of bottom plate  104 . Holes in the ends of diagonal wind braces  48  are aligned with hole  130  in the bottom plate  104  of joint  34 . Once the hole in the end of diagonal wind brace  48  is aligned with the hole  130  in the bottom plate  104 , a fastener  54  is passed through the bottom plate  104  and diagonal wind brace  48  and tightened in place thereby affixing the diagonal wind brace  48  to the bottom plate  104 . 
     Once sections  19  of catwalk system  10  are formed, adjacent sections  19  of catwalk system  10  are connected to one another by aligning the holes  52  in end plates  26  of adjacent sections  19  with one another. Once the holes  52  in opposing end plates  26  are aligned with one another fasteners  54  are passed through the opposing end plates  26  and tightened in place thereby affixing the opposing end plates  26  to one another thereby forming an elongated catwalk. This process is repeated until the desired length of the catwalk system  10  is achieved. 
     As diagonal wind braces  48  form a zig-zag pattern and extend from one side truss  20  to the other side truss  20  at an angle, two diagonal wind braces  48  connect to every other joint  34  along each side of catwalk system  10 . That is, two diagonal wind braces  48  connect to one joint  34  whereas the immediately adjacent joints  34  are not connected by diagonal wind braces  48 . This pattern of two diagonal wind braces  48  connecting every other joint  34  continues for the length of the catwalk system  10 . 
     Once the length of the catwalk system  10  is formed, walkway  50  is placed on top of floorbeams  46  and diagonal wind braces  48 . Once in place, walkway  50  is screwed or bolted to the floorbeams  46 . 
     In this way, a catwalk is quickly and easily assembled at a jobsite. This system provides an arrangement where there are no lose plates or pieces or intricate parts that must be assembled at the job site. In addition, the use of clip angles  100  eliminates the need to weld a plate to the side of the bottom cord  24  thereby eliminating the potential for pack rust between the bottom cord  24  and the welded plate. In addition, the use of clip angles  100  with a hole  118  in the clip angle  100  allows for floorbeams  46  of varying size to be used by simply moving the position of holes  118  in clip angle  100  and holes  122  in bottom cord  24  and holes  124  in end plate  102 . In addition, by positioning the bottom plate  104  a distance above the lower surface of floorbeam  46  this provides room or relief for fasteners  54  which allows the catwalk to be placed directly on top of a transverse support beam without the need to use fill plates to avoid resting on the fasteners connecting the diagonal wind braces  48  the joints  34 . 
     Rocker Bearing System: 
     Due to the immense size of many grain bin storage facilities  12 , coupled with the extreme size and height of modern commercial grain bins  14  relative movement of catwalk system  10  with respect to other components often occurs and should be accounted for. The source of relative movement of catwalk system  10  may be due to high winds, sagging over time, thermal expansion or thermal contraction due to temperature fluctuations, seismic events, shifting or settling of components, compression due to filling or loading or by any number of other events. If this relative movement is constrained, additional stresses may be placed upon catwalk system  10  that could lead to premature failure of the catwalk system. In these applications, care must be taken to facilitate and account for the relative movement of catwalk system  10 . 
     In addition, in many applications the catwalk system  10  does not extend in a horizontal plane and instead the catwalk system  10  extends at an angle to the horizontal plane. 
     In these applications, care must be taken to facilitate and account for the angular extension of catwalk system  10 . 
     In one arrangement, with reference to  FIGS. 47-62 , a rocker bearing system  200  is presented that facilitates the angular extension of catwalk system  10 , as well as facilitates the relative movement of catwalk system  10 , while facilitating support to be provided to catwalk system  10 . Rocker bearing system  200  may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design. The use of a rocker bearing system  200  allows for support to be provided to catwalk system  10 , such as at any portion of the catwalk system  10 , such as at mid-span, while also allowing catwalk system  10  to extend at an angle. The use of a rocker bearing system  200  allows for support to be provided to an angularly extending catwalk system  10  using a horizontally positioned support member  202  without further accommodation. The use of a rocker bearing system  200  eliminates the need to position support members  202  at the precise angle at which the catwalk system  10  extends. The use of a rocker bearing system  200  allows for support to be provided to catwalk system  10  despite variations in the angle of extension of catwalk system  10  due to temperature fluctuations, high winds, seismic events, loading or unloading stresses, or the like. The use of a rocker bearing system  200  allows for support to be provided to catwalk system  10  despite movement of catwalk system  10  relative to a support member  202  or other components of the system  10  due to temperature fluctuations, high winds, seismic events or the like. The use of a rocker bearing system  200  is also self-adjusting, that is, as the angle of catwalk system  10  changes the rocker bearing system  200  self-adjusts. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, a rocker bearing system  200  is positioned between the upper surface of a support member  202  and the lower surface of catwalk system  10 . More specifically, in the arrangement shown, as one example, a rocker bearing system  200  is positioned between the upper surface of a support member  202  and below the lower surface of both opposing bottom cords  24  of a section  19  of catwalk system  10 . In this position, rocker bearing system  200  allows support to be provided by support member  202  to catwalk system  10  while also allowing for varying angles of catwalk system  10 , outside of horizontal as well as allowing for some relative movement of catwalk system  10  relative to support member  202 . 
     Support member  202  may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to provide support to catwalk system  10 . In one arrangement, as is shown, support member  202  is formed of a length of an I-beam that extends in a generally horizontal manner between, and past, opposing bottom cords  24  of catwalk system  10 , however any other shaped structural member, or members, is hereby contemplated for use as support member  202  such as a square tube, a rectangular tube, a wide flange beam, a 90 degree angle bar, a Z-bar, a C-channel, an L-bar, a cylindrical pipe, a solid bar, a solid rod, a plurality of frame members, or the like or any combination thereof. 
     Rocker bearing system  200  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement presented, as one example, rocker bearing system  200  includes a bottom section  204  and a top section  206 , the bottom section  204  having a bottom plate  208 , a pair of end plates  210 , and a stiffener  212  that extends between the end plates  210 , the top section  206  having a top plate  214 , a forward plate  216 , a rearward plate  218  and a rocker pin  220 , among other components and features as is described herein. 
     Bottom plate  208  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate connection of rocker bearing system  200  to the upper surface of a horizontally extending support member  202 . In one arrangement, as is shown, bottom plate  208  is formed of a generally flat and planar member that when viewed from above or below is formed in a generally square or rectangular shape, however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. In one arrangement, as is shown, the generally flat and planar shape of bottom plate  208  facilitates flat and flush planar engagement with the upper surface of support member  202 . In this way, the generally planar bottom surface of bottom plate  208  provides a stable and broad support area for rocker bearing system  200  to rest upon support member  202 . In one arrangement, a hole  222  is positioned adjacent each corner of bottom plate  208 . These holes  222  are configured to receive fasteners  224  therein that facilitate a strong and rigid connection to support member  202 . 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, a pair of end plates  210  connect to, and extend upward from, the upper surface of bottom plate  208  in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another. End plates  210  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to facilitate connection to bottom plate  208  as well as receive and provide support for rocker pin  220 . In one arrangement, as is shown, end plates  210  are formed of a generally flat and planar member that when viewed from the front or back (which is perpendicular to the length of catwalk system  10 ), have a generally flat bottom surface that connects at its outward edges to generally vertically extending side surfaces. These side surfaces of end plates  210  begin to taper toward one another at corners as they extend upward, however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. A recess  226  is generally centrally positioned in the upper end of end plates  210 . When viewed from the front or back (which is perpendicular to the length of catwalk system  10 ) recess  226  is generally semi-circular in shape, or curved, and is configured to receive rocker pin  220  therein. Recess  226  is configured to receive and hold rocker pin  220  while allowing rocker pin  220  to rotate. In this way, the rotation of rocker pin  220  within recess  226  facilitates infinite angular adjustment and accommodation. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, a stiffener  212  connects to the upper surface of bottom plate  208  as well as connects to the opposing inward facing surfaces of end plates  210 . Stiffener  212  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to connect opposing end plates  210  as well as connect to bottom plate  208 . In one arrangement, as is shown, stiffener  212  is formed of a generally flat and planar member that when viewed from the side (which is along the length of catwalk system  10 ) is generally square or rectangular in shape. In this arrangement, the lower edge of stiffener  212  engages the upper surface of bottom plate  208  and its outward edges engages the inward facing surfaces of end plates  210  in generally flat and flush planar alignment and engagement. 
     In one arrangement, the bottom edge of stiffener  212  includes an ear  228  that is received within a locating slot  230  in bottom plate  208 . Also, in one arrangement, the outward edges of stiffener  212  include an ear  232  that is received within a locating slot  234  in end plates  210 . The use of locating slots  230  and  234 , provide for precise alignment of stiffener  212 , end plates  210  and bottom plate  208  with respect to one another within close and tight tolerances. The use of locating slots  230  and  234  in bottom plate  208  and end plates  210  and the associated ears  228  and  232  in stiffener  212  provides increased strength and rigidity to the connection between bottom plate  208 , stiffener  212  and end plates  210 . In addition, by having the ear  228  and  232  extend into locating slots  230  and  234  this facilitates convenient welding or tack welding of the stiffener  212  to bottom plate  208  and to end plates  210  to hold the components together prior to other manufacturing steps. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, the upper end of stiffener  212  terminates just below the lower edge of recess  226  in end plates  210  so as not to interfere with the rotatable engagement between recess  226  of end plates  210  and rocker pin  220 . In another arrangement shown, the upper end of stiffener  212  terminates in a continuous manner with the lower edge of recess  226  in end plates  210  and in this arrangement, the upper surface of stiffener  212  serves as part of the bearing surface that facilitates rotatable engagement between recess  226  of end plates  210  and rocker pin  220 . 
     Top plate  214  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate connection of rocker bearing system  200  to the lower surface of a catwalk system  10 , or more specifically the lower surface of a bottom cord  24 . In one arrangement, as is shown, top plate  214  is formed of a generally flat and planar member that when viewed from above or below is formed in a generally square or rectangular shape, however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. In one arrangement, as is shown, the generally flat and planar shape of top plate  214  facilitates flat and flush planar engagement with the lower surface of bottom cord  24  of catwalk system  10 . In this way, the generally planar upper surface of top plate  214  provides a stable support area for engaging bottom cord  24  of catwalk system  10 . 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, forward plate  216  connects to the forward end of top plate  214 . Forward plate  216  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate connection to top plate  214  as well as receive and provide support for rocker pin  220 . 
     In one arrangement, as is shown, forward plate  216  is formed of a generally flat and planar member that when viewed from the front or back (which is perpendicular to the length of catwalk system  10 ), has a generally flat upper surface that is positioned a distance above the plane formed by the upper surface of top plate  214 . This upper surface of forward plate  216  connects at its outward edges to generally vertically extending side surfaces, that extend downward a distance before they begin to taper toward one another at corners before connecting to one another at a rounded lower end. However any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. 
     In one arrangement, top plate  214  includes a pair of ears  236  that are each received within a locating slot  238  in forward plate  216  on opposing sides of rocker pin  220 . The use of locating slots  238  in forward plate  216  and the associated ears  236  in top plate  214  provides increased strength and rigidity to the connection between top plate  214  and forward plate  216 . In addition, by having the ears  236  extend into locating slots  238  this facilitates convenient welding or tack welding of the forward plate  216  and top plate  214  to hold these components together prior to other manufacturing steps. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, rearward plate  218  connects to the rearward portion of top plate  214 . Rearward plate  218  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate connection to top plate  214  as well as receive and provide support for rocker pin  220 . 
     In one arrangement, as is shown, rearward plate  218  is formed of a generally flat and planar member that when viewed from the front or back (which is perpendicular to the length of catwalk system  10 ), has a generally flat upper surface that is in flat and flush planar engagement with the lower surface of top plate  214 . This upper surface of rearward plate  218  connects at its outward edges to side surfaces that extend downward as they extend inward toward one another before connecting to one another at a rounded lower end. However any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. 
     In one arrangement, rearward plate  218  includes at least one ear  240  that is received within a locating slot  242  in top plate  214 . The use of locating slot  242  in top plate  214  and the associated ear  240  in rearward plate  218  provides increased strength and rigidity to the connection between top plate  214  and rearward plate  218 . In addition, by having the ear  240  extend into locating slots  242  this facilitates convenient welding or tack welding of the rearward plate  218  and top plate  214  to hold these components together prior to other manufacturing steps. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, when forward plate  216  and rearward plate  218  are connected to top plate  214 , forward plate  216  and rearward plate  218  extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another. In this arrangement, rocker pin  220  is received in and extends through forward plate  216  and rearward plate  218  at or a distance below the lower surface of top plate  214 . In the arrangement shown, rocker pin  220  extends through forward plate  216  and rearward plate  218  in a generally perpendicular alignment to the planes established by forward plate  216  and rearward plate  218 . In the arrangement shown, rocker pin  220  extends in a generally parallel manner to the plane established by top plate. 
     The upper surface of forward plate  216  extends upward a distance above the upper surface of top plate  214 . This upward extension forms a lip such that when two rocker bearings  200  are placed on a support member  202 , the forward plates  216  are positioned on the outward sides of bottom cords  24 . In this way, the extension of forward plate  216  above top plate  214  forms a lip or channel that helps to retain catwalk system  10  therein. Other than the lip formed by top plate  214 , the upper surface of top plate  214  is generally flat and allows for catwalk system  10  to slide on or over the upper surface of top plate  214 . 
     Rocker pin  220  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate angular rotation of rocker bearing system  200 . In one arrangement, rocker pin  220  is a generally cylindrically shaped member that extends through forward plate  216  and rearward plate  218  in a generally perpendicular manner at or a distance just below the lower surface of top plate  214 . 
     In Operation: Rocker bearing system  200  is used in association with catwalk system  10  to accommodate angular and relative movement of catwalk system  10 . In one arrangement, bottom section  204  is attached to the upper surface of support member  202  in the desired position by passing fasteners  224  through holes  222  in bottom plate  208  and tightening the two components together. In this way, rocker bearing system  200  is rigidly attached to support member  202 . Top section  206  of rocker bearing system  200  is placed on bottom section  204  such that the rocker pin  220  is received within the recess  226  in the upper ends of end plates  210 . In this positon, the forward plate  216  of top section  206  is positioned just outside of the forward positioned end plate  210  of bottom section  204 , and the reward plate  218  is positioned just outside of the rearward positioned end plate  210 , which maintains the proper positioning and alignment of top section  206  with respect to bottom section  204 . Once top section  206  is engaged with bottom section  204 , top section  206  may rotate upon the engagement between the bearing surface of bottom section  204 , namely recess  226 , and the curved exterior surface of rocker pin  220 . 
     Care is taken to install a pair of rocker bearings  200  on the upper surface of support member  202  a distance away from one another such that opposing bottom cords  24  are received upon the upper surface of top plate  214  and between opposing upwardly extending portions of forward plate  216 . That is, care is taken to ensure that the upwardly extending flange formed by the upper end of forward plate  216  that extends above top plate  214  of opposing rocker bearings  200  are positioned facing away from one another such that the catwalk system  10  is received between the opposing flanges of forward plates  216 . In this way, catwalk system  10  is captured between forward plates  216 , while allowing relative movement of catwalk system  10 . Said another way, when assembled in this manner, bottom cords  24  of section  19  of catwalk system  10  rest upon the upper surface of top plates  214  between forward plates  216 , thereby holding the catwalk system  10  between and upon opposed rocker bearings  200 . 
     During use, as the wind blows, as the grain bins  14  are loaded and unloaded, as temperatures change, as stresses change, catwalk system  10  bends and flexes, contracts and expands. As the length of catwalk system  10  extends or contracts, the lower surface of bottom cords  24  slide over the upper surface of top plate  214 . In this way, support is provided to catwalk system  10  by rocker bearing system  200  while allowing for expansion and contraction of catwalk system  10 . As the angle of catwalk system  10  varies, the top section  206  rotates relative to the bottom section  204  as the bearing surface of rocker pin  220  rotates within the bearing surface of the cradle formed by recess  226 . In this way, support is provided to catwalk system  10  by rocker bearing system  200  while allowing for angular variation of catwalk system  10 . 
     Spreader Beam Kit: 
     Due to the immense size of many grain bin storage facilities  12 , some catwalk systems  10  extend great lengths. In these applications it may be necessary to spread the support provided to catwalk system  10  over more than just a single point of contact. Instead, in these cases, the support must be spread across a greater area than just a single point of contact. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 63-78  a spreader beam kit  300  is presented. Spreader beam kit  300  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to provide support to catwalk system  10  while spreading the support across a greater area and/or across multiple points of contact. This is as opposed to providing all the support to single focused area of catwalk system  10 . As such, the use of spreader beam kit  300  facilitates providing a greater amount of support to catwalk system  10 , which may be useful and/or needed in longer spans and heavier applications. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, spreader beam kit  300  includes a pair of spreader beams  302  and a pair of cross braces  304 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, spreader beams  302  are formed of a length of an I-beam, however any other shaped structural member is hereby contemplated for use as spreader beam  302  such as a square tube, a wide flange beam, a 90 degree angle bar, a Z-bar, a C-channel, an L-bar, a cylindrical pipe, a solid bar, a solid rod, a plurality of frame members, or the like or any combination thereof. Similarly, in the arrangement shown, as one example, cross braces  304  are formed of a length of a C-channel beam, however any other shaped structural member is hereby contemplated for use as cross brace  304  such as an I-beam, a square tube, a wide flange beam, a 90 degree angle bar, a Z-bar, an L-bar, a cylindrical pipe, a solid bar, a solid rod, a plurality of frame members, or the like or any combination thereof. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, spreader beams  302  are positioned in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another. Cross braces  304  are connected to the inward facing surfaces of opposing spreader beams  302  adjacent their outward ends. Cross braces  304  extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another, and cross braces  304  extend in approximate perpendicular relation to spreader beams  302 . In this way, the connection of opposed spreader beams  302  by opposing cross braces  304  forms a generally square or rectangular member, when viewed from above or below. 
     In the arrangement shown, spreader beams  302  are formed of a length of an I-beam, however any other configuration of a beam or support member is hereby contemplated for use. In the arrangement where spreader beam  302  is formed of an I-beam, spreader beam  302  forms a pair of channels along the sides of the spreader beam  302 . These opposing channels are defined by the inward facing surfaces of the upper and lower flanges of the spreader beam  302  and the center wall of the spreader beam  302 . In this arrangement, wherein spreader beam  302  is an I-beam, cross braces  304  are formed of a length of a C-channel which is sized and shaped to fit within the channel formed in the side of spreader beam  302 . When the ends of a cross brace  304  are positioned within the channel of a spreader beam  302  the exterior surface of the upper and lower flanges of the cross brace  304  are positioned in approximate planar alignment and/or engagement with the interior surfaces of the upper and lower flanges of spreader beam  302 . In this positon, the end of the cross brace  304  is positioned in alignment and/or engagement with the center wall of spreader beam  302 . 
     In one arrangement, flanges  306  are positioned within the channels of spreader beam  302  and facilitate connection of cross braces  304  to spreader beams  302 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, flanges  306  are formed of a generally flat and planar member that connects at its upper and lower edges to the interior surface of the upper and lower flanges of spreader beam  302 , and connect at its inward edge to the center wall of spreader beam  302 . In one arrangement, flanges  306  are welded into spreader beams  302 , however any other manner, method or means of connecting flanges  306  to spreader beam  302  is hereby contemplated for use. Once attached, flanges  306  enclose the channels of spreader beam  302 . 
     In the arrangement shown, flanges  306  include one or more holes  308  therein that are configured to receive fasteners  310  that extend through and connect cross braces  304  to spreader beams  302 . In this way, cross braces  304  connect to spreader beams  302  in a precise, strong and durable manner with close and tight tolerances. When spreader beams  302  and cross braces  304  are connected together a strong, rigid and durable square or rectangular member is formed. 
     In the arrangement shown, the upper surface and lower surface of spreader beams  302  are generally flat and flush and extend in approximate parallel planar alignment to one another. Once assembled, the generally flat and planar lower surface of opposing spreader beams  302  are placed in generally flat and flush engagement with the generally flat and planar upper surface of support member  202 , which, as is shown in  FIG. 63 , is itself an I-beam, however any other size, shape or design is hereby contemplated for support member  202 . In the arrangement shown, support member  202  is supported by legs  312  or another support member. As such, when spreader beams  302  are placed on support member  202 , support member  202  provides support to spreader beams  302 . Support member  202  may be placed at any position under spreader beams  302  and spreader beams  302  transfer and spread that support to catwalk system  10 . 
     In the arrangement shown, catwalk system  10  is connected to and supported by spreader beams  302 . More specifically, in the arrangement shown, as one example, mounting brackets  314  are connected to the upper surface of spreader beams  302  that are configured to receive and engage and mount to side trusses  20  of catwalk system  10 . 
     Mounting brackets  314  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to receive and engage and mount to bottom cords  24  of side trusses  20  of catwalk system  10 . In some arrangements, it is desirable to connect to and support side trusses  20  at joint  34  at and/or under a vertical post  28 , due to the rigidity of the side truss  20  at this point as well as due to the ability of vertical post  28  to transfer support to top cord  22 . In one arrangement, as one example, mounting brackets  314  include a bottom plate  316 , a side plate  318  and a pair of center plates  320 , however any other configuration is hereby contemplated for use. 
     Bottom plate  316  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate connection of mounting bracket  314  to the upper surface of spreader beam  302 . In one arrangement, as is shown, bottom plate  316  is formed of a generally flat and planar member that when viewed from above or below is formed in a generally square or rectangular shape, however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. In one arrangement, as is shown, the generally flat and planar shape of bottom plate  316  facilitates flat and flush planar engagement with the upper surface of spreader beam  302 . In this way, the generally planar lower surface of bottom plate  316  provides a stable support area for mounting bracket  314 . Bottom plate  316  includes a plurality of holes  322  therein that are configured to align with and connect to holes  324  in the upper surface of spreader beam  302  through fasteners  326 . Side plate  318  and center plates  320  connect to bottom plate  316 . 
     Side plate  318  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitate connection of mounting bracket  314  to the exterior surface of bottom cord  24  of a side truss  20  just below a vertical post  28  at joint  34 . In one arrangement, as is shown, side plate  318  is formed of a generally flat and planar member that when viewed from the side is formed in a generally square or rectangular shape, however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. In one arrangement, as is shown, the generally flat and planar shape of side plate  318  facilitates flat and flush planar engagement with the exterior surface of bottom cord  24  of a side truss  20  just below a vertical post  28  at joint  34 . In this way, the generally planar interior surface of side plate  318  provides a stable support area engaging bottom cord  24  of a side truss  20 . Side plate  318  includes a plurality of holes  328  therein that are configured to align with and connect to holes  122  in bottom cord  24  of a side truss  20  just below a vertical post  28  at joint  34 . Side plate  318  and center plates  320  connect to bottom plate  316 . 
     In the arrangement shown, the plane formed by side plate  318  extends in approximate perpendicular planar alignment to the plane formed by bottom plate  316 . The lower end of side plate  318  connects to the upper surface of bottom plate  316 . In one arrangement, one or more reliefs  330  are positioned in the lower edge of side plate  318  at the intersection of bottom plate  316  and side plate  318  that allow moisture and debris to pass there through preventing buildup of moisture and debris that can cause rust and deterioration. Center plates  320  are connected to and extend between bottom plate  316  and side plate  318 . 
     Center plates  320  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and are configured to engage and support the bottom surface of bottom cord  24  of a side truss  20  when side plate  318  is connected to bottom cord  24 . Center plates  320  elevate the bottom cord  24  so as to make room for the downward extension of end plates  26  at the intersection of adjacent side trusses  20 . That is, in the arrangement shown, as one example, center plates  320  raise above bottom plate  316  a distance such that when mounting brackets  314  are connected to side trusses  20  the lower edge of end plates  26  of adjacent side trusses  20  is positioned in engagement with or just above the upper surface of spreader beam  302 . 
     In one arrangement, as is shown, center plates  320  are formed of a generally flat and planar member that when viewed from the side is formed in a generally square or rectangular shape, however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. In one arrangement, as is shown, the generally flat and planar shape of center plates  320  facilitate engagement of the bottom surface of bottom cord  24  of a side truss  20  when end plates  26  is positioned between a pair of mounting brackets  314 . 
     In the arrangement shown, the plane formed by center plates  320  extends in approximate perpendicular planar alignment to the plane formed by bottom plate  316 . In the arrangement shown, the plane formed by center plates  320  also extends in approximate perpendicular planar alignment to the plane formed by side plate  318 . The lower end of center plates  320  connects to the upper surface of bottom plate  316 , and the outward facing end of center plates  320  connects to the interior surface of side plate  318 . In one arrangement, the outward facing end of center plates  320  includes an ear that is received within a locating slot in side plate  318  which facilitates precise alignment of center plate  320  with respect to side plate  318 . In one arrangement, the lower facing end of center plates  320  includes an ear that is received within a locating slot in bottom plate  316  which facilitates precise alignment of center plate  320  with respect to bottom plate  316 . The extension of center plates  320  between bottom plate  316  and side plate  318  provides strength and rigidity to mounting bracket  314 . In one arrangement, some or all of the engaging surfaces of bottom plate  316 , side plate  318  and center plate  320  are connected to one another by welding, however any other manner of connecting bottom plate  316 , side plate  318  and center plate  320  is hereby contemplated for use such as bolting, screwing or the like, as is forming these components out of a single piece of material such as by machining, molding, casting or the like. 
     Mounting brackets  314  are installed on the upper surface of spreader beams  302  by passing fasteners  326  thorough the holes  322  in bottom plate  316  as well as through holes  324  in the upper surface of spreader beam  302 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, a plurality of sets of holes  324  are positioned along the upper surface of spreader beam  302  so as to facilitate installation of mounting brackets  314  along the length of spreader beams  302 . The ability to install mounting brackets  314  along the length of spreader beam  302  accommodates variability between the location of the support member  202  and the joints  34  of the catwalk system  10 . 
     In Operation: Spreader beams  302  are positioned in approximate parallel spaced alignment to one another and the ends of cross braces  304  are inserted in the channels adjacent the end of spreader beams  302 . The ends of cross braces  304  are inserted into the channels of spreader beams  302  and the center wall of the cross braces  304  is positioned in alignment and/or engagement with the flanges  306  positioned within the channel of the spreader beams  302 . When the center wall of cross braces  304  are aligned with the flanges  306  in the channel of spreader beams  302 , the end of cross braces  304  are tightened against flange  306 . In this way, a generally square or rectangular shaped member is formed that is generally strong and rigid. 
     Once spreader beams  302  and cross braces  304  are assembled, the lower surface of spreader beams  302  is placed on top of the upper surface of support member  202 . Arrangement shown, spreader beams  302  extend in approximate perpendicular alignment to the length of support member  202 . Spreader beams  302  are slid along the upper surface of support member  202  until the desired position is located and mounting brackets  314  are installed on the upper surface of spreader beams  302  by aligning holes  322  in bottom plate  316  with the desired holes  324  in the upper surface of spreader beams  302 . 
     Mounting brackets  314  are connected to catwalk system  10  by placing the lower surface of bottom cord  24  upon the upper ends of opposing center plates  320 . In this way, mounting brackets  314  engage and support catwalk system  10 . The interior surface of the upper end of side plate  318  is positioned in flat and flush engagement with the exterior surface of bottom cord  24 . The holes  328  in side plate  318  are aligned with the holes  122  in bottom cord  24  and fasteners  120  are inserted through the holes  328  in side plate  318 , the holes  122  in bottom cord  24  and the holes  124  in end plate  102 . In this way, mounting bracket  314  is attached to catwalk system  10 . 
     When mounting brackets  314  are installed on bottom cords  24  of catwalk system  10 , end plates  26  of adjacent side trusses  20  are positioned between adjacent mounting brackets  314 . However, due to the elevation of center plates  320  above bottom plate  316  of mounting bracket  314 , the lower edge of end plates  26  is in engagement with or is positioned slightly above the upper surface of spreader beam  302 . As such, in this way, the use of mounting brackets  314  allows installation of spreader beams  302  along the length of catwalk system  10  despite the presence of end plates  26  that extend downward from the bottom cord  24 . In addition, the use of mounting brackets  314  and spreader beams  302  facilitates placement of mounting bracket  314  directly below a vertical post  28 , which provides a rigid transfer of support from the bottom cord  24  to the top cord  22 . In addition, the use of mounting brackets  314  and spreader beams  302  facilitates strengthening of joint  34  by allowing the passage of fasteners  120  through side plate  318  of mounting bracket  314  as well as through bottom cord  24  as well as through end plate  102 . 
     Once installed, spreader beams  302  distribute support across a span or section of catwalk system  10  thereby ensuring proper support is provided to catwalk system  10 . As such a spreader beam system is presented that resolves many of the problems in the art. Namely, the spreader beam system is easy to install, provides adequate support, is easy to assemble, is adjustable, can be installed along any portion of the catwalk system, among countless other improvements and advantages. 
     From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the catwalk floorbeam connection system presented herein improves upon the state of the art. 
     Specifically, the catwalk floorbeam connection system presented herein: is easy to assemble; reduces the labor required to assemble; reduces assembly errors; speeds the assembly process over prior art systems; is difficult to misassemble; is durable; has a long useful life; is rigid; can be used in a great number of applications; can be used with a wide variety of equipment; is relatively inexpensive; is easy to manufacture; has a robust design; is high quality; can be used with any grain bin; is dimensionally accurate; eliminates the need to weld in the field; has tight dimensional tolerances; allows catwalks to be shipped in a disassembled state and assembled on site; that reduces shipping costs; that provides a pocket that receives an end of the floorbeams therein, among countless other advantages and improvements. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.