Description of the Related Art There is a common practice when building most structures, such as a building or dwelling, to define a strong structural frame from concrete, thereby permitting wood, concrete block or other materials to be in laid between the strong concrete frame components. Specifically, the principal portions which generally must be defined from the poured concrete include a base/floor slab, such as at a ground floor of a structure or a foundation surface at an upper floor of a multistory building, a foundation edge, so as to define the perimeter of the structure or various rooms within the structure, and which is raised from the underlying slab, and preferably vertical support pillars, all of which usually have re- bar type reinforcements embedded in the concrete. Typically, these concrete structural elements are formed by staking out an area, making plywood boarders to define molded areas, pouring the concrete into the molded areas, waiting for the concrete to harden, removing and discarding the plywood boarders, and obtaining more wood and defining new borders. Moreover, because the plywood boarder are generally flimsy in nature only some segments can be manufactured at one time, and full hardening of each component must be achieved before starting on a new component. Also, because of the precise nature of specifically forming wood frames for each job, often specific personnel are required.

Naturally, the conventional methods can be quite costly and time-consuming, requiring extensive quantities of wood, which may not necessary be available, especially in some third world countries, requiring specific cutting and shaping of the wood, often by specific workers, and securing the wood often in makeshift fashions to define the frame. Further, as indicated, the process is often excessively time consuming, generally requiring complete formation of individual sections prior to formation of other sections as the wood cannot support any load thereon and a builder must wait for the concrete to be fully hardened to support the load, thereby slowing the overall construction process. As a result, such conventional construction techniques often take a number of days to complete at a large labor cost and wasted material expense.

Similarly, current techniques of defining a roofing frame are also time consuming and can be expensive, significantly adding to the cost of potentially low cost housing. In the conventional techniques, wooden trusses are typically formed of standard dimensions and are brought to an installation site in a preformed state, such as through various nailed in brackets and plates.

Unfortunately, however, these trusses do not provide for effective securing of the roof panel thereto other than by nails or complex strap type assemblies, and can be quite expensive and difficult to transport in their preformed state. Indeed, it is quite uncommon for a construction facility to have the laborers with the skill necessary to define and form the conventional wooden trusses directly at a work site, and for that reason, the wooden trusses must be shipped in and hoisted into place, usually with expensive heavy equipment. Of course, all of these added steps also increase the overall time required for completing the structure, with time necessarily equaling a greater expense.

For the preceding reasons as well as others, it would be highly beneficial to provide a structural framing system which can quickly and effectively define the molds for concrete to be poured to define various structural frame components. Such a system should not be wasteful of materials, but preferably be reusable and substantially quick and easy to assemble into any of a variety of

proper framing structures. Moreover, such a framing structure should preferably be strong enough and define a sturdy enough frame such that a variety of structural components can be defined at one time or in relatively rapid succession, and indeed such that the framing materials can be reused to form multiple stories or additional areas, if necessary, thereby reducing the cost associated with procuring additional framing components. Possibly most importantly, however, such a framing system should be substantially quick and easy to assemble and disassemble by almost all personnel, and should be easy to transport from one location to another without extensive labor and adaptation or modification to define the specific function. Also, such a framing system should be able to provide a roof framing assembly which can be easily and quickly transported to a work site, which is substantially strong and sturdy providing for rapid and effective interconnection of roofing panels thereto, and eliminating the need for the transport of large preformed trusses with the use of heavy machinery for proper structural interconnection.

Summarv of the Invention The present invention is directed towards a structural framing system to be utilized to substantially, economically and rapidly construct and define the preferably concrete frame components of a structure, such as a multi-story building, warehouse or dwelling, and the roofing structure thereof, in a substantially safe, rapid and effective manner.

The structural framing system of the present invention includes a plurality of primary frame elements configured to be used in a variety of manners. Each of the frame elements has a number of sidewall elements and a planar backing element that are coupled with one another, thereby defining the primary frame element.

Moreover, the structural framing system of the present invention further includes at least one coupling edge. The coupling edge has a mating edge and a terminal edge, disposed in generally co-planar relation with one another, and a lock segment spanning the mating and terminal edges. Furthermore, the lock

segment includes an inclined segment, that extends angularly away from the terminal edge, and a return edge, which couples the inclined segment to the mating edge and defines a lock notch therebetween. Each coupling edge is structured to be matingly abutted against a corresponding adjacent coupling edge so as to receive a locking clip thereover. Specifically, the locking clip is structured to secure the adjacent coupling edges to one another, and thereby secure structures which the coupling edges are part of to one another.

Preferably, the lock clips include a receptacle segment that receives the terminal edge and lock segment of the adjacently disposed coupling edges therein, and an inwardly biased grip sector. In particular, the inwardly biased grip sector is structured to extend behind the return edge of the lock segments of the adjacently disposed coupling edges, and into the lock notch so as to resist removal thereof from the coupling edges and so as to maintain a secure coupled engagement between the adjacently disposed coupling edges. Preferably, the grip section is inwardly biased so as to hold the coupling edges towards one another.

Each of the sidewall elements of the primary frame elements is structured to include a coupling edge extending therefrom, with the mating edge of the coupling edge being secured in generally co- planer relation with the sidewall element, and with the lock segment of the coupling edge extending inwardly relative to the primary frame element. As such, upon primary frame elements being disposed adjacent one another such that correspond sidewall elements are disposed adjacent, generally abutting relation to one another, the coupling edges will be disposed relative to one another so as to effectively receive a locking clip thereover and secure the primary frame elements to one another.

The primary frame elements are structured to be coupled to one another so as to define a plurality of framing edges. In particular, the framing edges are structured to define an enclosed pillar pour region, into which a pillar molding material such as concrete is disposed until set to independently define a structural pillar, a foundation edge pour region, into which a foundation edge molding material is disposed until set to independently define a

structural foundation edge, and a base surface, onto which a structural base slab is defined.

Additionally, the system of the present invention includes a plurality of roof frame elements. In particular, each of the roof frame elements is generally elongate having a base segment and a pair of side edge elements. The roof frame elements are structured to be coupled with one another so as to define an overall roof frame assembly atop which a plurality of roofing panels are disposed to define the entire roof assembly. Preferably each of the roof frame elements includes a pair of side edges with a retention region, the retention region being disposed to be engaged by a plurality of fasteners that extend through the roofing panels for secure coupled engagement of the roofing panels to the roof frame elements that define the roof frame assembly.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a substantially modular structural framing system which is substantially rapid and easy to assemble to effectively define the necessary structural framing components.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a structural framing system which can be effectively reused, either from site to site, or to make multiple stries.

Also an object of the present invention is to provide a structural framing system which can be utilized to define the framing structure in a substantially rapid and effective manner, as a result of its stable frame defining characteristics, and whose rapid interconnection eliminates the requirements of time consuming conventional wood frame defining and formation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a structural framing system that defines a roof structure which is substantially rapid to assembly, yet which is substantially strong and durable, to provide an effective and inexpensive roof structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a structural framing system which can be quickly and effectively constructed, can be reused in a variety of locations, and can be readily adapted into a variety of configurations.

Also an object of the present invention is to provide a

structural framing system whose primary components are substantially interchangeable so as to substantially increase the adaptability of the system, lessen the manufacturing costs thereof, and provide a great degree of adaptability.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the locking clip of the system of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side cross-section view of the coupling edge of the system of the present invention; Figure 3 is a side cross-section view illustrating adjacent coupling edges and the positioning of the locking clip thereover; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the primary frame element of the structural framing system of the present invention; Figure 5 is an exploded view of the primary frame element of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an elongated primary frame element; Figure 7 is a cross-section view of the side panel segment of the pillar defining connector of the present invention; Figure 8 is an exploded view of a defined enclosed pillar pour region utilizing the side panel segment of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a partially formed view of the enclosed pillar pour region defined utilizing the side panel segment as the pillar defining connector; Figure 10 is a partially exploded view of another embodiment of the enclosed pillar pour region utilizing an edge adaptor segment as a pillar defining connector; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the edge adaptor segment of the pillar defining connector; Figure 12 is an isolated view of the first embodiment of an end anchor of the system of the present invention; Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment

of the end anchor of the present system including an extension region; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the primary frame elements forming an enclosed foundation edge pour region; Figure 15 is an enlarged, isolated view of detail 15 of Figure 14; Figure 16 is an enlarged, isolated view of detail 16 of Figure 14; Figure 17 is an enlarged, isolated view of detail 17 of Figure 14; Figure 18 is an isolated, first embodiment of a corner frame element utilized as a foundation edge defining connector in the present invention; Figure 19 is an isolated, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a corner frame element of the foundation edge defining connector of the present system; Figure 20 is a perspective view of the present system illustrating a formed foundation edge pour region, pillar pour region, and a base surface onto which a structural base slab is defined; Figure 21 is an isolated, underside view of the primary frame elements defining the base surface; Figure 22 is an isolated, perspective view of an alternative primary frame element to be utilized in defining a spine pour region in which a structural spin of the structural base slabi s formed; Figure 23 is an isolated perspective view of the primary frame element of Figure 22 in an assembled form to define the base region and the spine pour region; Figure 24 is a profile view of a first, apex roof frame element; Figure 25 is a profile view of a second, outer roof frame element; Figure 26 is a profile view of a third, inclined roof frame element; Figure 27 is a perspective view of the roof frame elements in position to define the roof assembly;

Figure 28 is a perspective view of the roof frame element of Figure 25 including roof frame connectors; Figure 29 is a perspective view of the roof frame element of Figure 24 including roof frame connectors; Figure 30 is an isolated view of roof frame elements coupled to one another by said roof frame connectors; Figure 31 is an isolated view illustrating connection of a roofing panel to the roof frame element at an apex; Figure 32 is an isolated view illustrating connection of the roof frame panel to the roof frame element at an outer edge of the roof frame assembly; Figure 33 is a perspective view of a roof snap connector; Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating positioning of a roof frame element over the roof snap connector in coupled relation thereto; and Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the retention end of a fastener coupled to a downwardly depending one of said roof frame elements structured preferably to be fitted onto said roof snap connector of Figure 33.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Shown throughout the Figures, the present invention is directed towards a structural framing system to be utilized to define various structural framing components of a structure, such as a building or dwelling in a substantially cost effective, easy and precisely assembled manner.

Looking first to Figure 1, the present invention includes a locking clip 20. Specifically, the preferred locking clip 20 is structured to secure various structures/components of the present system to one another so as to define the necessary frame edges utilized in the formation of the structural components. In particular, these locking clips are structured to extend over and couple a plurality of coupling edges 30 to one another.

The coupling edges 30 of the present invention are best illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. Specifically, the coupling edges

30 preferably includes primarily a mating edge 32, a terminal edge 34, and a lock segment 35. In the preferred embodiment, the mating edge 32 and the terminal edge 34 are disposed in generally co- planer relation with one another, and the terminal edge 34 is preferably not merely the edge surface, but actually extends slightly from the lock segment 35 with some length, as illustrated in the figures. Moreover, the lock segment 35 preferably includes both an inclined segment 36 and a return edge 37. In particular, the inclined segment 36 extends angularly away from the terminal edge 34, as best shown in Figure 2. As such, in order to connect the inclined segment 36 of the lock segment 35 with the mating edge 32, the lock segment 35 includes the return edge 37. Indeed, the return edge 37 provides for direct coupling of the inclined segment 36 with the mating segment 32, of course, indirect coupling with regard to all of these various interconnections may also be contemplated. From the Figures, it is also seen that the return edge 37 defines a lock notch 38 between the return edge 37 of the lock segment 35 and the mating edge 32. It is this lock notch 38 which functions to facilitate coupled interconnection between the confrontingly disposed coupling edges 30 and the locking clip 20.

In the preferred embodiment, the locking clip 20 includes a receptacle segment 22 and an inwardly biased grip sector comprised of a pair of confronting grip sector segments 24 and 24'.

Specifically, the receptacle segment 22 of the locking clip 20 is structured to receive the terminal edge 34 and the lock segment 35 of a pair of confrontingly disposed coupling edges 30 for retention therein. Furthermore, the inwardly biased grip sector segments 24 and 24'preferably pass over and beyond the inclined segment 36 of the lock segment 35 of the coupling edge 30, and engage the return edge 37, resting within the lock notch 38. As such, removal of the lock clip 20 from the adjacently disposed coupling edges 30 is resisted, and secured coupled engagement between the coupling edges 30 disposed therein is maintained. Moreover, it is noted that the inclined segment 36 functions to facilitate introduction of the locking clip 20, which is normally inwardly biased into its coupled relation over the adjacently disposed coupling edges 30. Turning to Figures 4 and 5, the structural framing system of the present

invention further includes a plurality of primary frame elements 40. Preferably, each of the primary frame elements 40 includes a plurality of sidewall elements 42,44,46 and 48, such as a top wall element 48, a bottom wall element 46, a first side element 42, and a second side element 44, coupled with one another. Indeed, this coupling to one another may be achieved utilizing any of a variety of methods, such as via clamps or clips, but preferably the sidewall elements will be welded to one another. Further, each of the primary frame elements 40 also includes a generally planar backing element 45. The planar backing element 45 is also secured, preferably through welding, to the sidewall elements 42,44,46 and 48 to define the complete primary frame elements 40. As will be seen throughout the several drawings, the primary frame elements 40 are structured to be disposed in adjacent, generally abutting relation with one another so that the respective coupling edges on the corresponding abutting sidewall elements will also be adjacently disposed relative to one another. As a result, the adjacent coupling edges 30 can receive corresponding locking clips 20 thereon in order to secure the adjacent primary frame elements 40 to one another. As illustrated throughout the Figures, the primary frame elements 40 may be secured with one another utilizing one or more locking clips 20 in an end to end or side to side type orientation, and/or in generally the same plane with one another, and/or through the use of a adapters as will be described subsequently, in generally perpendicular relation with one another.

Moreover, it is seen that the primary frame elements 40 thereby define a plurality of framing edges, preferably at the generally smooth planar backing elements 45 thereof, the framing edges defined by the primary frame elements 40 providing a bordered area into or onto which a building material such as concrete may be poured until it hardens into an desired molded shape.

Additionally, it is noted that the primary frame elements 40 may include a variety of specific lengths and dimensions, as desired by the particular user, however, it is preferred that the primary frame elements 40 be of a generally standard, easily manageable configurations, with multiple primary frame elements 40 being coupled with one another to define larger shapes. Still, however,

as illustrated in Figure 6, a substantially more elongate primary frame element 40'may be provided with appropriate spar elements 41 disposed therein for more effective strengthening.

Looking to Figures 7 through 11, the framing edges defined by the primary frame elements 40 are structured to at least define an enclosed pillar pour region A, into which a pillar molding material, such as poured concrete, and if desired reinforced re-bar frames, may be disposed until the molding material sets to independently define the structural pillar. In particular, the primary frame elements 40 are disposed in such a manner so as to define the appropriate borders, but once the concrete or other molding material has hardened, they may be easily and effectively removed by un-clipping the various components from one another, and indeed, those components may be reutilized to form another pillar or other structure of the present system.

Preferably, the structural pillars defined by the present invention will have generally square or rectangular type configurations. As a result, at least some of the primary frame elements 40 must be disposed in generally perpendicular relation to one another, thereby defining the corners of the enclosed pillar pour region A. To this end, the present invention preferably includes at least one type of pillar defining connector that couples the generally perpendicularly oriented framing edges defined by the primary frame elements 40 to one another. The specific, preferred configuration of the pillar defining connectors, however, will preferably vary depending upon the dimensions and/or size of the pillar to be formed. It is, however, noted that either pillar defining connector and/or structure to be described may be utilized for any size structural pillar, and the following is merely the preferred use of the preferred configurations of pillar defining connectors.

Specifically, when forming a smaller structural pillar, as illustrated in Figure 9, the pillar defining connector preferably includes a side panel segment 50. The side panel 50 is structured to span a pair of confronting ones of the frame edges defined by one or more primary frame elements 40. Along these lines, the side panel segment 50 includes a pair of opposite side edges 51 and 52

that extend towards those confronting framing edges. Additionally, extending preferably directly from those opposite side edges 51 and 52, in generally co-planar relation therewith, are coupling edges 30. As illustrated in Figures 7,8 and 9, the coupling edges 30 extend along the entire length of the side panel segment 50 and are either integrally molded therewith or secured to the opposite side edges 51 and 52 of the side panel segment 50. In this regard, it is seen that the side panel segment 50 is generally thin, and as such is preferred for the smaller pilings to be defined. Also as illustrated, the coupling edges 30 on the side panel segments 50 will be disposed in abutting, adjacent relation with the coupling edges 30 on the primary frame elements 40 of the framing edges that are spanned by the side panel segment 50 for subsequent clipped engagement therebetween. It should be noted that a spacer item may be positioned between adjacent, abutting coupling edges 30, if desired, as direct abutment, although preferred, need not be provided in any portion of the system. Returning to the illustration of Figure 9, it is seen that a plurality of the locking clips 20 can be effectively utilized in order to secure the frame edges with the side panel segment 50 in order enclose and define the enclosed pillar pour region A. Once defined, the re-bar may be introduced and the concrete poured until solidified.

Looking now to Figures 10 and 11, in an alternative embodiment, wherein the pillar to be defined is a larger structural pillar, the pillar defining connector preferably will include an edge adapter segment 60. In particular, as illustrated in Figure 10, larger pillars are preferably defined by frame edges that comprise a plurality of adjacently disposed primary frame elements 40 secured with one another utilizing a plurality of the locking clips 20. In order to secure the perpendicularly oriented, generally adjacent primary frame elements 40 to one another, the edge adapter segment 60 is provided and disposed therebetween.

Specifically, the edge adapter segment 60 preferably includes a pair of the coupling edges 30 secured with one another, at the respective mating edges 32 thereof, and in generally perpendicular relation with one another. As such, the edge adapter segment can be put between the adjacent primary frame elements 40 and secured

in place utilizing the locking clips 20 so as to define the enclosed pillar pour region A.

Turning to Figures 12 and 13, as these larger structural pillars require a substantial amount of concrete, additional reinforcement and anchored engagement between the primary frame elements 40 may be warranted, in a preferred embodiment. To this end, it is seen that at least one, but preferably each of the side wall elements 42,44,46,48 of the primary frame elements 40 include at least one aperture 49 defined therein. Indeed, preferably a plurality of apertures 49 are positioned and are precisely spaced and consistently positioned throughout each of the primary frame element 40 so as to be aligned with one another when the primary frame elements 40 are positioned in adjacent abutting relation with one another. As such, the present invention may also include at least one end anchor 62. The end anchor 62 includes at least two spaced apart, elongate segments 63 that extend therefrom and are structured to extend through the apertures 49 defined in the primary frame elements 40, thereby further coupling the adjacent primary frame elements 40, or any primary frame elements 40 to which they are secured, to one another. As illustrated in Figure 10, the end anchor 62 is preferably utilized between both perpendicularly disposed and co-planer disposed primary frame elements 40. Additionally, preferably at least one of the end anchors 64, as illustrated in Figure 13, in addition to the spaced apart elongate segment 63, also includes an extension region 65.

Specifically, the extension region 65, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 13 is structured to pass over adjacent ones of the side wall elements of the adjacent primary frame elements 40, thereby facilitating extension of the elongate segments 63 through the corresponding apertures 49 defined in the interior sidewall elements.

As best seen in Figures 14 through 19, the framing edges as defined by the primary frame elements 40 are also further structured to define an enclosed foundation edge pour region B into which a foundation edge molding material, such as concrete, and if desired some re-bar reinforcements, may be disposed until set to independently define a structural foundation edge. As illustrated,

the structural foundation edge may be defined either on a ground floor or any upper floor, as desired, with the same primary frame elements 40 and components utilized to define all of the structural foundation edges, or with a plurality of structural foundation edges being defined at once, if practical. To this end, it is noted that to define the enclosed foundation edge pour region B, a plurality of the primary frame elements 40 are preferably disposed in generally end to end, generally adjacent relation to one another, with some being generally perpendicularly positioned relative to one another to achieve necessary enclosures and interconnections. In order to facilitate the perpendicular positioning of some framing edges relative to one another so as to define the enclosed foundation edge pour region B, however, at least one foundation edge defining connector is provided.

Specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the foundation edge defining connector preferably includes a corner frame element 70.

Furthermore, the corner frame element 70 preferably includes a first corner section 71 and a second corner section 71'coupled with one another and disposed in generally perpendicular relation with one another. Moreover, preferably the coupling is direct coupling such as by welding or another strong fastening method.

Each of the corner frame elements 71 and 71'also includes a plurality of corner sidewall elements 73 that generally define a perimeter thereof, and at least two backing segments 72 and 72' defining a frame edge defining portion of the first and second corner section 71 and 71'. Further, each of the corner sidewall elements 73 also preferably includes a coupling edge 30 coupled thereto so that at least two of those coupling edges 30 are structured to engage corresponding coupling edges 30 of adjacent ones of the primary frame elements 40, and thereby can receive at least one of the locking clips 20 in securing engagement thereover.

This of course provides effective securing between the primary frame elements 40 and the corner frame elements 70. Looking to Figures 15,16 and 17, it is seen that these corner frame elements 70 can define an interior"four corners"section, as in Figure 16, an exterior"perimeter corner"section, as in Figure 17, and a side wall"edge corner"section, as in Figure 15. In the"edge corner"

section as in Figure 15, two of the corner frame elements 70 are required, with the exterior perimeter defined merely by adjacent, abutting primary frame elements 40. Conversely, as in Figure 17 for the"perimeter corner"section, a small segment of the edge adapter segment 60 may be incorporated and secured in place by the locking clips 20 to secure the adjacent primary frame elements 40 to one another and complete the enclosure.

Looking again to Figures 18 and 19, it is noted that in a first embodiment of the corner frame element 70, the backing segment 72 and 72'are structured to engage one another and define a complete corner. In an alternative embodiment of the corner frame element 70', however, the backing segments 72 and 72'do not meet with one another, but rather additional corner sidewall elements 73 are provided to achieve complete sealed integrity.

Such an alternative configuration may be utilized in the"four corners"section of Figure 16 if a larger area, such as for a structural pillar, is desired to be defined.

Additionally, as illustrated in Figures 15,16 and 17, an elongate fastener 68 may also be provided and structured to extend through the apertures 49 defined in the sidewall elements of the primary frame elements 40. These elongate fasteners 68 are structured to extend through aligned ones of the apertures 49 and into an underlying support surface, thereby further anchoring the assembly to the underlying support surface. Similarly, the corner sidewall elements 73 of the corner frame element 70 may also include at least one, but preferably a number of aligned apertures structured to receive an elongate fastener 68 therethrough, if necessary.

Turning to Figures 20 through 23, the primary frame elements 40 are further structured to be coupled with one another so as to define a large, preferably planer, base surface 80 onto which a base slab is defined. Specifically, the base slab may be defined all by poured concrete such that further framing edges, such as utilizing the system of the present invention or a limited amount of wood may be provided, or smaller pre-molded sections may be disposed thereon and secured into a solid matrix by pouring concrete or other known assemblies or configurations thereabout.

Indeed, certain spacings for plumbing, wiring and the like may also be provided utilizing additional roof frame elements, as required.

Looking to the Figures, however, in order to define the base surface 80, the primary frame elements 40 are preferably coupled with one another, with the sidewall elements depending downwardly and thereby the frame edges defined thereby extending upwardly.

A plurality of the locking clips 20 are provided to achieve the secure interconnection. Moreover, while the preformed structural components, such as the pillars, may be utilized to suspend and support the primary frame elements 40 utilized to define the base surface, it may be preferred for a number of conventional types of temporary support stanchions to be utilized, as illustrated in the Figures.

If it is preferred, the structural base slab formed utilizing the present system may include a plurality downwardly of depending structural spines for added strength. In this embodiment, the primary frame elements 40', as illustrated in Figure 22, may be configured with the first and second side elements 42 and 44 thereof being outwardly angled. As such, when the coupling edges 30 of adjacent ones thereof are secured to one another, as illustrated in Figure 23, a spine pour region 82 is defined.

Additionally, as previously indicated, although the system of the present invention may be utilized to form side or perimeter edges of the structural base slab, a conventional preformed trough segment 84, which may remain or be removed may be incorporated, as deemed necessary.

In cases where the structural base slab is not necessary, but rather it is preferred that a roof assembly be directly defined, the system of the present invention further includes a plurality of roof frame elements 90,90'and 90". The roof frame elements 90,90'and 90"are preferably elongate, and each includes a base segment 92 along with a pair of side edge elements 94 to define its shape. It is seen that these roof frame elements, 90,90'and 90" are structured to be coupled with one another, as will be subsequently described, so as to define the overall roof frame of the roof assembly. In particular, the system further includes a plurality of roof panels 110 and 111 which is structured to be

disposed atop the plurality of roof frame elements 90,90', and 90" in order to define the entirety of the roof assembly. In order to provide for secure interconnection of the roofing panels 110 and 111 with the roof frame elements 90,90'and 90", each of the side edge elements 94 of the roof frame elements includes a retention region 96. This retention region 96 is structured to be coupled with a retention end 107 of each of a plurality of fasteners 105 that extend through the roofing panels 110 and 111 for coupled engagement with the roof frame elements, thereby securing the roofing panels 110 and 111 in place. Indeed, it is noted that a majority of the roof frame elements 90,90'and 90"are disposed with the side edge elements 94 upwardly depending. As such, the retention region 96, preferably includes a generally hooked configuration, so that the retention end 107 of the fastener 105, which also includes a generally hooked configuration, can matingly engage the retention region 96 for coupled engagement therewith.

Also, a head 106 of the fastener 105 is structured to protrude beyond the roofing panels 110 and 11, and may be tightened to provide for effective secured interconnection. Further, a protective cap 106'may provided to prevent rusting or disengagement. Conversely, and as illustrated in Figure 35, unlike the hooked engagement that is achieved when the retention end 107 extends into an upwardly depending roof frame element 90,90'and 90", the retention end 107 may also be structured to extend over the retention region 96 of a downwardly depending roof frame element 90"'. These downwardly depending roof frame elements 90"' are generally utilized as spanning elements, as will be described in the following sections.

As indicated, the roof frame elements 90,90', 90", and 90"' are structured to be coupled with one another so as to define the entire roof assembly, as illustrated in Figure 27. Along this line, it is preferred that three distinct types of roof frame elements be provided. As illustrated in Figure 24, roof frame element 90 is provided with outwardly angled side edge elements 94, and is preferably a first, apex roof frame element 90 which defines an apex or peak of the roof assembly. Conversely, the roof frame element 90', as illustrated in Figure 25 is provided with one

generally vertically depending slide edge element 94 and another inwardly angled side edge element 94. It is seen that this roof frame element 90'is a second, outer roof frame element 90' preferably structured to define an outer perimeter of the roof assembly, with the inwardly angled side edge element 94 thereof being aligned in generally confronting relation with the outwardly angled side edge element 94 of the apex roof frame element 90.

Lastly, as illustrated in Figure 26, a third, inclined roof frame element 90"is shown, with preferably both side edge elements 94 generally vertically disposed. These inclined roof frame elements 90"are preferably structured and disposed to span and connect the apex roof frame element 90 and the outer roof frame elements 90'.

Moreover, the inclined roof frame elements 90"may also be inverted in order to function as the spanning roof frame element 90"' previously described, when disposed in its downwardly depending orientation. Indeed, this downwardly depending orientation of the spanning roof frame elements 90"'is provided for added security and engagement utilizing a preferred method of securing, as will be described subsequently.

Preferably, the variety of roof frame elements 90,90'and 90" are coupled with one another utilizing a plurality of roof frame connectors 98. The roof frame connectors 98 include a generally U-shaped configuration so as to receive the inclined roof frame elements 90"effectively therein for coupled engagement therewith, such as utilizing a transverse fastener. Moreover, it is preferred that the roof frame connectors 98 be directly coupled, such as by welding, to at least one of the side edge elements 94 of at least one of the roof frame elements 90 and 90', thereby providing for the generally perpendicular engagement between the roof frame elements 90 and 90'and the inclined roof frame element 90".

Additionally, and as illustrated in Figures 28 and 29, a number of downwardly depending rods 99 may also be secured, such as through welding, preferably generally at the point of attachment of the roof frame connectors 98. The rods 99 are preferably structured to extend into the vertical pillars, especially when being formed, for secure interconnection between the roof frame elements and the pillars or other frame portions of the structure.

As indicated, preferably the spanning roof frame elements are downwardly depending roof frame elements 90"'. In order to effectuate more secure engagement, the present invention preferably also includes roof snap connectors 100, as illustrated in Figures 33 and 34. The roof snap connectors 100 include a pair of outwardly biased sides 101 are connected, such as by welding to the side edge elements 94 of at least one of the roof frame elements, such as 90". In this regard, it is seen that the outwardly biased sides 101 of the roof snap connector 100 receive a downwardly depending, generally perpendicularly disposed roof frame elements 90"'into a snug secure engagement thereover, thereby define the spanning, cross support element. Indeed, such interconnection utilizing the roof snap connectors 100 generally resists upward lifting, such as from heavy hurricane force winds, and thereby increases the overall structural integrity of the assembly.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides an effective and comprehensive structural framing system which can be adapted in a variety of configurations, and is preferably substantially easy to adapt, modify and install to the circumstance necessary. Moreover, each of the various components thereof is preferably formed of a strong, generally rigid metal, such as aluminum or steel, and such as by roll forming. Also, since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,