Retrofit Framing System for Metal Roof

Abstract

An improved sub-structural roof construction component which provides support for exterior building metal roofing materials, which allows for standard components designed and manufactured in factory to be installed at jobsite, and which can accommodate variations required in the field. These framing components can be adjusted in field for height and can be rotated to fit the customer's roof design slope.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A method of constructing a new roofing structure over an existing roofing structure of a building, the method comprising: providing a roof framing assembly configured to provide sub-structural support for roofing materials over an existing roofing structure of a building, said roof framing assembly comprising: a top shaped element configured to provide a mounting surface for said roofing materials; a first vertical web element configured to connect to said top shaped element, said top shaped element configured to pivot on said first vertical web element when connected to said first vertical web element; and, a base element having a bottom surface configured to connect to said existing roofing structure; positioning a bottom portion of said base element on said existing roof structure; securing said base element to said existing roofing structure; vertically adjusting a height of said roof framing assembly to accommodate a desired height of said new roofing structure; rotationally adjusting a pitch and/or slope of said roof framing assembly to accommodate a desired pitch of said new roofing structure; and securing said new roofing structure to said top shaped element.

22. A method of constructing a new roofing structure over an existing roofing structure of a building, the method comprising: providing at least one roof framing assembly having a vertically adjustable height and having a free pitch rotation; positioning a bottom portion of the at least one roof framing assembly on the existing roofing structure of the building; securing the at least one roof framing assembly to the existing roofing structure of the building; vertically adjusting the height of the at least one roof framing assembly to accommodate the desired height of the new roofing structure; rotationally adjusting the pitch and/or slope of the at least one roof framing assembly to accommodate the desired pitch of the new roofing structure; sufficiently securing the at least one roof framing assembly in position; positioning the new roofing structure over the at least one roof framing assembly; and, securing the new roofing structure to the at least one roof framing assembly.

23. The method as defined in claim 22, wherein the at least one roof framing assembly further comprises: a top shaped element having at least one flat surface and designed to provide a mounting surface for the exterior building roofing materials, said top shaped element oriented in the horizontal plane; a first vertical web element having at least one flat surface and designed to connect to said top shaped element, said first vertical web element oriented in the vertical plane; a second vertical web element having at least one flat surface and designed to connect to said first vertical web element, said second vertical web element oriented in the vertical plane; and, a base element having at least one flat surface and designed to connect to the second vertical web element, and further designed to connect to the existing roofing structure of the building, said base element capable of providing an adjustable attachment to a building structural component, said base element oriented in the horizontal plane.

24. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein the top shaped element further comprises: a vertical portion capable of providing a mounting surface for attachment to the first vertical web portion; a first horizontal portion extending outwardly from an end of the vertical portion; a second horizontal portion extending outwardly from an end of the vertical portion opposite where the first horizontal portion and the vertical portion of the top shaped element meet; and, at least one preformed hole for alignment and/or ease of installing fasteners.

25. The method as defined in claim 24, wherein the top shaped element is further designed to be rotatable in the field so as to fit a desired roof slope.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the first vertical web element further comprises: a vertical body portion capable of releasably securing attachment of the top shaped element; a first vertical portion extending outwardly from an end of the vertical body portion; a second vertical portion extending outwardly from an end of the vertical body portion opposite where the first vertical portion and the vertical body portion of the first vertical web element meet; at least one preformed hole for alignment and/or ease of installing fasteners; and, a calibrated radial slot capable of guiding the rotation of the top shaped element.

27. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein the second vertical web element further comprises: a vertical body portion capable of facilitating attachment of the first vertical web element thereto; a first vertical portion extending outwardly from an end of the vertical body portion; a second vertical portion extending outwardly from an end of the vertical body portion opposite where the first vertical portion and the vertical body portion of the second vertical web element meet; and, at least one slot capable of providing a means for height adjustment of the roof framing assembly.

28. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein at least a majority of the roof framing assembly is formed from an engineered light-gauge metal component.

29. A method of constructing a new roofing structure over an existing roofing structure of a building, the method comprising: providing at least one roof framing assembly capable of providing sub-structural support for exterior roofing materials over an existing roofing structure of a building, the assembly comprising: a top shaped element having a longitudinal element axis and an element portion and a first horizontal portion extending along said longitudinal axis, said element portion having a front and back side, said first horizontal portion extending outwardly from said front side of said element portion, said element portion including an element connection arrangement positioned between a first and second end of said element portion, said first horizontal portion configured to provide a mounting surface for the exterior building roofing materials; a first vertical web element having a longitudinal axis and a first web portion extending along said longitudinal first web axis, said first web portion having a front and back side and including a web connection arrangement configured to releasably connect to said element connection arrangement of said element portion, said web connection arrangement and said element connection arrangement when releasably connected together configured to enable said top shape element to be connected to said first vertical web element and to enable said top shape element to rotate about a rotation axis that is normal to said first web axis such that said top shape element can be positioned at a plurality of angles relative to said first vertical web, said back side of said element portion faces front side of said first web portion and said longitudinal element axis and said longitudinal first web axis are nonparallel to one another when said top shaped element is releasably connected to said first vertical web element; a second vertical web element having a second web portion extending along a longitudinal second web axis, said second vertical web element having a front and back side and including an adjustable connection arrangement to releasably connect to said first vertical web element and to enable said first vertical web to be secured to said second vertical web at different locations along a longitudinal length of said second vertical web, said longitudinal first web axis oriented parallel to said longitudinal second web axis when said first vertical web element is releasably connected to said second vertical web element; and, a base element having a base portion extending along a longitudinal base axis, said base portion connected to said second vertical web element such that said longitudinal base axis and said longitudinal second web axis are nonparallel to one another, said base element configured to connect to the existing roofing structure of the building; securing the at least one roof framing assembly to the existing roofing structure of the building; vertically adjusting the height of the at least one roof framing assembly to accommodate the desired height of the new roofing structure; rotationally adjusting the pitch and/or slope of the at least one roof framing assembly to accommodate the desired pitch of the new roofing structure; sufficiently securing the at least one roof framing assembly in position; positioning the new roofing structure over the at least one roof framing assembly; and, securing the new roofing structure to the at least one roof framing assembly.

30. The method as defined in claim 29, wherein said web connection arrangement includes an arcuate shaped slot and a fastener portion located in said first web portion, said fastener portion spaced from said arcuate shaped slot, a central axis of said fastener portion is positioned along said rotation axis, said fastener portion configured to engage a first element connector, and said element connection arrangement including first and second connector portions, said first element connector configured to connect to said element portion to said first web portion to via said first connector portion and said fastener portion to enable said top shaped element to rotate about said rotation axis, said arcuate shaped slot configured to receive a second element connector, said second element connector configured to form a second connection between said element portion and said first web portion via said second connector portion and said arcuate shaped slot, a portion of said second connection configured to move in and along said arcuate shaped slot when said top shaped element is rotated about said rotation axis, said slot configured to prevent said top shaped element from rotating 360 about said rotation axis, said first and second element connectors configured to secure said top shaped element in a single position relative to said first vertical web element after said top shaped element has been rotated to a desired position about said rotation axis.

31. The method as defined in claim 30, wherein said fastener portion is a circular shaped opening, said first web portion including a plurality of angle markers positioned adjacent to said arcuate shaped slot.

32. The method as defined in claim 29, wherein the top shaped element includes a second horizontal portion, said second horizontal portion extending outwardly from said front side of said element portion, said first and second horizontal portions positioned parallel to one another, at least one of said first and second fastener portions is a circular shaped opening.

33. The method as defined in claim 30, wherein the top shaped element includes a second horizontal portion, said second horizontal portion extending outwardly from said front side of said element portion, said first and second horizontal portions positioned parallel to one another, at least one of said first and second fastener portions is a circular shaped opening.

34. The method as defined in claim 29, wherein said adjustable connection arrangement of said second vertical web element includes a first web slot having a longitudinal length that is parallel to said longitudinal second web axis, said first vertical web element including a second web connection arrangement, said second web connection arrangement and said first web slot configured to receive a first web fastener, said first web fastener configured to move along a length of said first web slot when said first vertical web element is positioned at different locations along a longitudinal length of said second vertical web, said first web fastener configured to secure said first vertical web element to a single position relative to said second vertical web when said first web fastener is in a fasten position.

35. The method as defined in claim 30, wherein said adjustable connection arrangement of said second vertical web element includes a first web slot having a longitudinal length that is parallel to said longitudinal second web axis, said first vertical web element including a second web connection arrangement, said second web connection arrangement and said first web slot configured to receive a first web fastener, said first web fastener configured to move along a length of said first web slot when said first vertical web element is positioned at different locations along a longitudinal length of said second vertical web, said first web fastener configured to secure said first vertical web element to a single position relative to said second vertical web when said first web fastener is in a fasten position.

36. The method as defined in claim 33, wherein said adjustable connection arrangement of said second vertical web element includes a first web slot having a longitudinal length that is parallel to said longitudinal second web axis, said first vertical web element including a second web connection arrangement, said second web connection arrangement and said first web slot configured to receive a first web fastener, said first web fastener configured to move along a length of said first web slot when said first vertical web element is positioned at different locations along a longitudinal length of said second vertical web, said first web fastener configured to secure said first vertical web element to a single position relative to said second vertical web when said first web fastener is in a fasten position.

37. The method as defined in claim 29, wherein said first vertical web element includes first and second flanges, said first vertical web element including first and second connector openings, said first and second flanges extending outwardly from a back side of said first web portion, said first connector opening positioned on said first flange, said second connector opening positioned on said second flange, said second vertical web element includes first and second flanges and first and second web slots, said first and second flanges extending outwardly from a front side of said second web portion, said first web slot positioned on said first flange, said second web slot positioned on said second flange, said first connector opening and said first web slot configured to receive a first web fastener, said first web fastener configured to move along a length of said first web slot when said first vertical web element is positioned at different locations along a longitudinal length of said second vertical web, said second connector opening and said second web slot configured to receive a second web fastener, said second web fastener configured to move along a length of said second web slot when said second vertical web element is positioned at different locations along a longitudinal length of said second vertical web, said first and second web fasteners configured to secure said first vertical web element to a single position relative to said second vertical web when said first and second web fasteners are in a fasten position.

38. The method as defined in claim 30, wherein said first vertical web element includes first and second flanges, said first vertical web element including first and second connector openings, said first and second flanges extending outwardly from a back side of said first web portion, said first connector opening positioned on said first flange, said second connector opening positioned on said second flange, said second vertical web element includes first and second flanges and first and second web slots, said first and second flanges extending outwardly from a front side of said second web portion, said first web slot positioned on said first flange, said second web slot positioned on said second flange, said first connector opening and said first web slot configured to receive a first web fastener, said first web fastener configured to move along a length of said first web slot when said first vertical web element is positioned at different locations along a longitudinal length of said second vertical web, said second connector opening and said second web slot configured to receive a second web fastener, said second web fastener configured to move along a length of said second web slot when said second vertical web element is positioned at different locations along a longitudinal length of said second vertical web, said first and second web fasteners configured to secure said first vertical web element to a single position relative to said second vertical web when said first and second web fasteners are in a fasten position.

39. The method as defined in claim 36, wherein said first vertical web element includes first and second flanges, said first vertical web element including first and second connector openings, said first and second flanges extending outwardly from a back side of said first web portion, said first connector opening positioned on said first flange, said second connector opening positioned on said second flange, said second vertical web element includes first and second flanges and first and second web slots, said first and second flanges extending outwardly from a front side of said second web portion, said first web slot positioned on said first flange, said second web slot positioned on said second flange, said first connector opening and said first web slot configured to receive a first web fastener, said first web fastener configured to move along a length of said first web slot when said first vertical web element is positioned at different locations along a longitudinal length of said second vertical web, said second connector opening and said second web slot configured to receive a second web fastener, said second web fastener configured to move along a length of said second web slot when said second vertical web element is positioned at different locations along a longitudinal length of said second vertical web, said first and second web fasteners configured to secure said first vertical web element to a single position relative to said second vertical web when said first and second web fasteners are in a fasten position.

40. The method as defined in claim 37, wherein said first and second flanges of said first vertical web element positioned between said first and second flanges of said second vertical web element when said first vertical web element is connected to said second vertical web element.

41. The method as defined in claim 38, wherein said first and second flanges of said first vertical web element positioned between said first and second flanges of said second vertical web element when said first vertical web element is connected to said second vertical web element.

42. The method as defined in claim 39, wherein said first and second flanges of said first vertical web element positioned between said first and second flanges of said second vertical web element when said first vertical web element is connected to said second vertical web element.

43. The method as defined in claim 29, wherein said base portion of said base element includes a base connection arrangement to facilitate in connecting said base element to the existing roofing structure of the building, said base connection arrangement including first and second base slots positioned between a side edge of said base portion and said second vertical web element when said second vertical web element is connected to said base portion.

44. The method as defined in claim 30, wherein said base portion of said base element includes a base connection arrangement to facilitate in connecting said base element to the existing roofing structure of the building, said base connection arrangement including first and second base slots positioned between a side edge of said base portion and said second vertical web element when said second vertical web element is connected to said base portion.

45. The method as defined in claim 39, wherein said base portion of said base element includes a base connection arrangement to facilitate in connecting said base element to the existing roofing structure of the building, said base connection arrangement including first and second base slots positioned between a side edge of said base portion and said second vertical web element when said second vertical web element is connected to said base portion.

46. The method as defined in claim 29, wherein said base portion of said base element includes first and second flanges extending upwardly from a top surface of said base portion, first and second flanges positioned parallel to one another, said first and second flanges connected to said second vertical web element.

47. The method as defined in claim 30, wherein said base portion of said base element includes first and second flanges extending upwardly from a top surface of said base portion, first and second flanges positioned parallel to one another, said first and second flanges connected to said second vertical web element.

48. The method as defined in claim 39, wherein said base portion of said base element includes first and second flanges extending upwardly from a top surface of said base portion, first and second flanges positioned parallel to one another, said first and second flanges connected to said second vertical web element.

49. The method as defined in claim 29, wherein said web connection arrangement includes only one of said arcuate shaped slot and only one of said fastener.

50. The method as defined in claim 30, wherein said web connection arrangement includes only one of said arcuate shaped slot and only one of said fastener.

51. The method as defined in claim 39, wherein said web connection arrangement includes only one of said arcuate shaped slot and only one of said fastener.

52. The method as defined in claim 29, wherein said element portion includes first and second ends, said first vertical web element including first and second sides, said first end of said element portion extending beyond said first side of said vertical web element and said second end of said element portion extending beyond said second side of said vertical web element when a top shaped element is connected to said first vertical web element.

53. The method as defined in claim 30, wherein said element portion includes first and second ends, said first vertical web element including first and second sides, said first end of said element portion extending beyond said first side of said vertical web element and said second end of said element portion extending beyond said second side of said vertical web element when said top shaped element is connected to said first vertical web element.

54. The method as defined in claim 39, wherein said element portion includes first and second ends, said first vertical web element including first and second sides, said first end of said element portion extending beyond said first side of said vertical web element and said second end of said element portion extending beyond said second side of said vertical web element when said top shaped element is connected to said first vertical web element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate various embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangement of parts wherein:

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a framing system in accordance with one non-limiting aspect of the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 2 is an exploded-view of the framing system of FIG. 1;

[0047] FIG. 3 is a side-view perspective illustration of the framing system of FIG. 1 wherein the framing assembly is connected to an existing roof and to a new roof; and,

[0048] FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of a framing system in accordance with another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

[0049] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate various non-limiting framing assemblies in accordance with the present invention.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a framing assembly 10 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The framing assembly 10 is illustrated as having a top shaped element 20, a first vertical web element 40, an optional second vertical web element 60, and a base plate element 80. As illustrated in FIG. 1, second vertical web element 60 extends upwardly from base plate element 80, first vertical web element 40 is connected to and extends upwardly from second vertical web element 60, and top shaped element 20 is connected approximately perpendicularly (e.g., about 85-95) to an upper portion of first vertical web element 40; however, other or alternative arrangements can be used. In such a configuration, the framing assembly 10 can be generally T-shaped or I-shaped; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the second vertical web element can be optionally eliminated and the first vertical web elements is connected to the base plate element. FIG. 2 is an exploded-view perspective illustration of the framing assembly of FIG. 1.

[0051] Top shaped element 20 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 as being provided at or near the top portion (i.e., the end away from ground-level or existing roof) of framing assembly 10. Generally, top shaped element 20 is configured to connect to a portion of an overlaying roofing system as illustrated in FIG. 3 for the purpose of providing sub-structural support thereto. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, top shaped element 20 has a vertical portion 26, a first horizontal portion 22, and a second horizontal portion 24. First horizontal portion 22 is illustrated as extending approximately perpendicularly and outwardly from edge 21 of vertical portion 26. Second horizontal portion 24 is illustrated as extending approximately perpendicularly and outwardly from edge 23 of vertical portion 26 opposite edge 21 where first vertical portion 22 and vertical body portion 26 of top shaped element 20 meet. As such, top shaped element 20 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as being generally U-shaped, C-shaped, or [-shaped; however, this is not required. Vertical portion 26 is illustrated as being generally planar and rectangular in shape providing a front surface 28 and a rear surface 29. Front surface 28 of vertical portion 26 is illustrated as providing a mounting surface such that first vertical web element 40 can be connected thereto. Vertical portion 26 is also illustrated as including a hole and/or aperture 30 configured to receive at least a portion of a fastener 12 for the purpose of at least partially securing first vertical web element 40 thereto. Vertical portion 26 is also illustrated as including hole and/or aperture 32 configured to receive at least a portion of a fastener 14. Hole and/or aperture 32 is typically spaced apart from hole and/or aperture 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2, hole and/or aperture 30 is positioned a distance from edge 25 of top shaped element 20 at about an equal distance as hole and/or aperture 32 is positioned from edge 27 of top shaped element 20, thereby providing symmetry across top shaped element 20; however, this is not required. Holes and/or apertures 30, 32 are typically configured to facilitate in receiving fasteners 12, 14, respectively, as top shaped element 20 is releasably secured to first vertical web element 40.

[0052] First vertical web element 40 is illustrated as having a vertical main portion 42, a first vertical side portion 44, and a second vertical side portion 48. Vertical main portion 42 is illustrated as being generally planar and rectangular in shape providing a front surface 54 and a rear surface 52. First vertical side portion 44 is illustrated as being connected approximately perpendicularly (e.g., about 80-100 and all values and ranges therebetween) at a first end of vertical main portion 42. Second vertical side portion 48 is illustrated as being connected approximately perpendicularly (e.g., about 80-100 and all values and ranges therebetween) at an end of vertical main portion 42 opposite where first vertical side portion 44 and vertical main portion 42 of first vertical web element 40 meet. The end of first vertical side portion 44 opposite where first vertical side portion 44 and the vertical main portion 42 meet is illustrated as having a flange 46 extending approximately perpendicular and outwardly therefrom. Flange 46 is illustrated as being generally rectangular and planar in shape. Similarly, the end of second vertical side portion 48 opposite where second vertical side portion 48 and vertical main portion 42 meet is illustrated as having a flange 50 extending approximately perpendicularly and outwardly therefrom. Flange 50 is illustrated as being generally rectangular and planar in shape. In operation, flanges 46, 50 can be configured to 1) at least partially frictionally engage with a portion of the second vertical web element 60, and/or 2) provide structural support to framing assembly 10 by improving the strength and rigidity properties of first vertical web element 40; however, this is not required.

[0053] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, first vertical side portion 44 is illustrated as having a hole and/or aperture 56 provided at or near a lower end thereof. Hole and/or aperture 56 is generally configured to receive at least a portion of a fastener 16 for the purpose of at least partially releasably securing first vertical web element 40 to second vertical web element 60. Similarly, second vertical side portion 48 is illustrated as having a hole and/or aperture 58 provided at or near a lower end thereof. Hole and/or aperture 58 is generally configures to receive at least a portion of a fastener 18 for the purpose of at least partially releasably securing the first vertical web element 40 to the second vertical web element 60. As such, first vertical web element 40 can be releasably secured to second vertical web element 60 by at least 1) fastener 16 inserted throughhole and/or aperture 56, and/or 2) fastener 18 inserted through hole and/or aperture 58.

[0054] Vertical body portion 42 of first vertical web element 40 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 as having a hole and/or aperture 41 configured to facilitate insertion of fastener 12 therethrough. Vertical body portion 42 of first vertical web element 40 is also illustrated as having a slot 43 provided at or near hole and/or aperture 41. Slot 43 is typically configured to facilitate in receiving fastener 14 therethrough, and is illustrated as having a generally arcuate and/or radial shape; however, this is not required.

[0055] Generally, hole and/or aperture 41 and slot 43 are configured to correspond with holes and/or apertures 30, 32, respectively. In operation, the front surface 28 of vertical portion 26 is configured to engage the substantially flat rear surface 52 of vertical body portion 42 such that hole and/or aperture 41 aligns with hole and/or aperture 30, and such that slot 43 aligns with hole and/or aperture 32. In such a configuration, fastener 12 can be inserted through hole and/or aperture 41 of first vertical web element 40 and subsequently through hole and/or aperture 30 of top shaped element 20. Similarly, fastener 14 can be inserted through slot 43 of first vertical web element 40 and subsequently through hole and/or aperture 32 of top shaped element 20. When fastener 12 is inserted through hole and/or aperture 41, fastener 12 can serve as a pivot point about which the top shaped element can rotate. A plurality of angle markers 45 are illustrated as being provided at or near slot 43 for the purpose of setting the top shaped element 20 at a specified angle relative to the first vertical web element 40. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, angle markers 45 can be lines provided on the front surface 54 of vertical body portion 42; however, the markers can be other forms (e.g., printed markers, laminated markers, etc.).

[0056] Second vertical web element 60 is illustrated as having a vertical main portion 62, a first vertical side portion 64, and a second vertical side portion 66. The vertical main portion 62 is illustrated as being generally planar and rectangular in shape providing a front surface 68 and a rear surface 70. First vertical side portion 64 is illustrated as being connected approximately perpendicularly at a first end of vertical main portion 62. Second vertical side portion 66 is illustrated as being connected approximately perpendicularly to an end of vertical main portion 62 opposite where first vertical side portion 64 and vertical main portion 62 of second vertical web element 60 meet. As such, second vertical web element 60 is illustrated as being generally U-shaped, C-shaped, or [-shaped; however, other or alternative shapes can be used.

[0057] First vertical side portion 64 is illustrated as being generally planar and rectangular in shape, and as having a slot 65 therein. Slot 65 is illustrated as extending lengthwise from a bottom end (i.e., an end closer to ground-level) of first vertical side portion 64 to an upper end (i.e., an end away from ground-level) of first vertical side portion 64. Similarly, second vertical side portion 66 is illustrated as being generally planar and rectangular in shape, and as having a slot 67 therein. Slot 67 is illustrated as extending lengthwise from a bottom end (i.e., an end closer to ground-level) of first vertical side portion 64 to an upper end (i.e. an end away from ground-level) of first vertical side portion 64. Generally, slots 65, 67 are configured to facilitate movement of fasteners 16, 18, respectively, therethrough.

[0058] Base plate element 80 is illustrated as being substantially planar and as having a generally rectangular shape providing a top surface 82 and a bottom surface 84. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, base plate element 80 has a first slot 86 and a second slot 88. The first slot 86 is illustrated as being provided at or near a first edge 81 of base plate element 80. Second slot 88 is illustrated as being provided at or near a second edge 83 of base plate element 80. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the second vertical web element 60 can be connected to the top surface 82 of base plate element 80 (e.g., weld bead, rivet, melted seam, bolt, screw, etc.). The second vertical web element 60 and the base plate element 80 are illustrated as being formed as separate components; however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the base plate element 80 and the second vertical web element 60 can be integrally formed in a one-piece construction.

[0059] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, framing assembly 10 includes multiple components movable relative to each other. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, top shaped element 20 and first vertical web element 40 are at least partially connected together by fastener 12, and at least partially connected together by fastener 14. As such, fastener 12 can be configured to provide a pivot point about which top shaped element 20 can be rotated relative to first vertical web element 40 as illustrated by arrow A in FIG. 1. Similarly, first vertical web element 40 and second vertical web element 60 are at least partially connected together by fastener 16, and at least partially connected together by fastener 18. As such, vertical web element 40 is capable of moving vertically relative to second vertical web element 60. While fasteners 16, 18 remain in a constant position in holes and/or apertures 56, 58, respectively, fasteners 16, 18 are free to move in an upward and/or downward direction in slots 65, 67, respectively, of second vertical web element 60. As such, the top portion of framing assembly 10 (i.e., top shaped member 20 and first vertical portion 40) can be moved vertically relative to the bottom portion (i.e., second vertical web element 60 and base plate element 80) of framing assembly 10, as illustrated by arrow B in FIG. 1. Thus, framing assembly 10 can provide 1) a vertically adjustable height, and/or 2) a free pitch rotation for the purpose of accommodating the use of framing assembly 10 in various roofing systems.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a side-view perspective illustration of the framing assembly 10 of FIGS. 1-2. Like numbers used in FIGS. 1-2 correspond to like features of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 3, framing assembly 10 is capable of providing support for a new roofing system 2 over the existing roofing system 4 of a building (not shown). The existing roofing system 4 can include one or more components, such as, for example, a metal component 5 and an upper layer 6; however, the framing assembly of the present invention can be used in conjunction with existing roof systems having other or additional components. In operation, second vertical web element 60 can typically be connected to base plate element 80 prior to installation; however, this is not required. The connection means is non-limiting. In the non-limiting illustration of FIG. 3, a welding 3 can be used to connect second vertical web element 60 to the top surface 82 of base plate element 80; however, this is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 3, fasteners 87, 89 can be inserted through holes and/or apertures 86, 88 of base plate element 80, thereby releasably securing the base plate element 80 to the existing roofing system 4. First vertical web element 40 can then be inserted between first vertical side portion 64 and second vertical side portion 66 of second vertical web element 80. Fastener 16 can then be inserted through slot 67 of second vertical web element 60, and further through hole and/or aperture 56 of first vertical web element 60. Similarly, fastener 18 can be inserted through slot 65 of second vertical web element 60, and further through hole and/or aperture 58 of first vertical web element 40. As such, first vertical web element 40 is free to slide upwardly and downwardly via slots 65, 67 of second vertical web element so as to provide a vertically adjustable height of framing assembly 10. Once fasteners 16, 18 have been sufficiently tightened, movement of the first vertical web element 40 can be ceased, so as to provide a fixed vertical height of framing assembly 10. Top shaped element 20 can be attached to first vertical web element 40. Fastener 12 can be inserted through hole and/or aperture 41 of first vertical web element 40, and further through hole and/or aperture 30 of top shaped element 20. Similarly, fastener 14 can be inserted through slot 43 of first vertical web element 40, and further through hole and/or aperture 32 of top shaped element 20. In such a configuration, top shaped element 20 can be freely rotated relative to first vertical web element 40 about fastener 12. Once fasteners 12, 14 have been sufficiently tightened, rotational movement of top shaped element 20 is ceased, so as to provide a fixed angle and/or slope of framing assembly 10.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a framing assembly 110 in accordance with another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The framing assembly 110 is similar to framing assembly 10 and many of the parts and functions and advantages are the same, thus many of the details will not be repeated herein.

[0063] The framing assembly 110 is illustrated as having a top shaped element 120, a first vertical web element 140, a second vertical web element 160, and a base element 180. Generally, the top shaped element 120 of FIG. 4 can be the same in structure and function as top shaped element 20 of FIG. 1, first vertical web element 140 of FIG. 4 can be the same in structure and function as first vertical web element 40 of FIG. 1, and second vertical web element 160 of FIG. 4 can be the same in structure and function as second vertical web element 60 of FIG. 1; however, this is not required. As illustrated in FIG. 4, second vertical web element 160 is connected to and extends upwardly from base track element 180, first vertical web element 140 is connected to and extends upwardly from second vertical web element 160, and top shaped element 120 is connected approximately perpendicularly (e.g., about 80-100) to an upper portion of first vertical web element 140; however, other or alternative arrangements can be used. In such a configuration, the framing assembly 110 can be generally T-shaped or I-shaped; however, this is not required. Framing assembly 110 can be configured to 1) have a vertically adjustable height, 2) have a free pitch rotation, and/or 3) support exterior building roofing materials over an existing roof.

[0064] Top shaped element 120 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as being provided at or near the top portion (i.e., the end away from ground-level) of framing assembly 110. Generally, top shaped element 120 is configured to connect to a portion of an overlaying roofing system (similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3) for the purpose of providing sub-structural support thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 4, top shaped element 120 has a vertical portion 126, a first horizontal portion 122, and a second horizontal portion 124. First horizontal portion 122 is illustrated as extending approximately perpendicularly and outwardly from edge 121 of vertical portion 126. Second horizontal portion 124 is illustrated as extending approximately perpendicularly and outwardly from edge 123 of vertical portion 126 opposite edge 121 where first vertical portion 122 and vertical body portion 126 of top shaped element 120 meet. As such, top shaped element 120 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as being generally U-shaped, C-shaped, or [-shaped; however, this is not required. Vertical portion 126 is illustrated as being generally planar and rectangular in shape providing at least a front surface 128. Front surface 128 of vertical portion 126 is illustrated as having a substantially flat surface, thereby providing a mounting surface such that first vertical web element 140 can be connected thereto. Vertical portion 126 can include at least one hole and/or aperture configured to receive at least a portion of fasteners 112, 114 for the purpose of at least partially securing first vertical web element 140 thereto.

[0065] First vertical web element 140 is illustrated as having a vertical main portion 142, a first vertical side portion 144, and a second vertical side portion 148. Vertical main portion 142 is illustrated as being generally planar and rectangular in shape providing at least a front surface 154. First vertical side portion 144 is illustrated as being connected approximately perpendicularly (e.g., about 80-100) and as extending outwardly from a first end of vertical main portion 142. Second vertical side portion 148 is illustrated as being connected approximately perpendicularly (e.g., about 80-100) and extending outwardly from an end of vertical main portion 142 opposite where first vertical side portion 144 and vertical main portion 142 of first vertical web element 140 meet. The end of first vertical side portion 144 opposite where first vertical side portion 144 and the vertical main portion 142 meet is illustrated as having a flange 146 extending approximately perpendicular and outwardly therefrom. Flange 146 is illustrated as being generally rectangular and planar in shape. Similarly, the end of second vertical side portion 148 opposite where second vertical side portion 148 and vertical main portion 142 meet is illustrated as having a flange 150 extending approximately perpendicularly and outwardly therefrom. Flange 150 is illustrated as being generally rectangular and planar in shape. In operation, flanges 146, 150 can be configured to 1) at least partially frictionally engage with a portion of the second vertical web element 160, and/or 2) provide structural support to framing assembly 110 by improving the strength and rigidity properties of first vertical web element 40; however, this is not required.

[0066] With continued reference to FIG. 4, first vertical side portion 144 is illustrated as having a hole and/or aperture 156 provided at or near a lower end thereof and configured to receive at least a portion of a fastener 116 for the purpose of at least partially releasably securing first vertical web element 140 to second vertical web element 160. Similarly, second vertical side portion 148 can have a second hole and/or aperture 156 provided at or near a lower end thereof and configured to receive at least a portion of a fastener 118 for the purpose of at least partially releasably securing the first vertical web element 140 to the second vertical web element 160. As such, first vertical web element 140 can be releasably secured to second vertical web element 160 by at least 1) fastener 116 inserted through hole and/or aperture 156, and/or 2) fastener 118 inserted through the second hole and/or aperture 156.

[0067] Vertical body portion 142 of first vertical web element 140 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as having a hole and/or aperture 141 configured to facilitate insertion of fastener 112 therethrough. Vertical body portion 142 of first vertical web element 140 is also illustrated as having a slot 143 provided at or near hole and/or aperture 141. Slot 143 is typically configured to facilitate fastener 114 therethrough, and is illustrated as having a generally arcuate and/or radial shape; however, this is not required. Slot 143 is illustrated as having an arcuate and/or radial shape relative to hole and/or aperture 141.

[0068] Second vertical web element 160 is illustrated as having a vertical main portion 162, a first vertical side portion 164, and a second vertical side portion 166. The vertical main portion 162 is illustrated as being generally planar and rectangular in shape providing at least a front surface 168. First vertical side portion 164 is illustrated as being connected approximately perpendicularly and extending outwardly from a first end of vertical main portion 162. Second vertical side portion 166 is illustrated as being connected approximately perpendicularly and extending outwardly from an end of vertical main portion 162 opposite where first vertical side portion 164 and vertical main portion 162 of second vertical web element 160 meet. As such, second vertical web element 160 is illustrated as being generally U-shaped or [-shaped; however, other or alternative shapes can be used.

[0069] First vertical side portion 164 is illustrated as being generally planar and rectangular in shape, and as having a slot therein. The slot of first vertical web element 164 is illustrated as extending lengthwise from a bottom end (i.e., an end closer to ground-level) of first vertical side portion 164 to an upper end (i.e., an end away from ground-level) of first vertical side portion 164. Similarly, second vertical side portion 166 is illustrated as being generally planar and rectangular in shape, and as having a slot 167 therein. Slot 167 is illustrated as extending lengthwise from a bottom end (i.e., an end closer to ground-level) of first vertical side portion 164 to an upper end (i.e., an end away from ground-level) of first vertical side portion 164.

[0070] Base element 180 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as being provided at or near the bottom portion (i.e., the end closest to ground-level) of framing assembly 110. Generally, base element 180 is configured to connect to a portion of an underlying, existing roofing system (not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 4, base element 180 has a base portion 182, a first vertical portion 184, and a second vertical portion 186. First vertical portion 184 is illustrated as extending approximately perpendicularly and outwardly from edge 181 of base portion 182. Second vertical portion 186 is illustrated as extending approximately perpendicularly and outwardly from edge 183 of base portion 182 opposite edge 181 where first vertical portion 184 and base portion 182 meet. As such, base element 180 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as being generally U-shaped, C-shaped, or [-shaped; however, this is not required. Base portion 182 is illustrated as being generally planar and rectangular in shape and as providing a top surface 188 and a bottom surface 182. As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the second vertical web element 160 is connected to the top surface 188 of base element 180. The bottom surface 190 of base element 180 can be connected to an existing roof component. Base element 180 can include a plurality of holes and/or apertures 199, 201, 203, 205 for the purpose of facilitating insertion of fasteners 200, 202, 204, 206, respectively, therethrough.

[0071] Framing assembly 110 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as including multiple components movable relative to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 4, top shaped element 120 and first vertical web element 140 are at least partially connected together by fastener 112, and at least partially connected together by fastener 114. As such, fastener 112 can be configured to provide a pivot point about which top shaped element 120 can be rotated relative to first vertical web element 140 as illustrated by arrow C in FIG. 4. Similarly, first vertical web element 140 and second vertical web element 160 are at least partially connected together by fastener 116, and at least partially connected together by fastener 118. As such, vertical web element 140 is capable of moving relative to second vertical web element 160. While fasteners 116, 118 remain in a constant position relative to first vertical web element 140, fasteners 116, 118 are free to move in an upward and/or downward direction relative to second vertical web element 160. As such, the top portion of framing assembly 110 (i.e., top shaped member 120 and first vertical portion 140) can be moved vertically relative to the bottom portion (i.e., second vertical web element 160 and base track element 180) of framing assembly 110, as illustrated by arrow D in FIG. 4. Thus, framing assembly 110 can provide 1) a vertically adjustable height, and/or 2) a free pitch rotation for the purpose of accommodating the use of framing assembly 10 in various roofing systems.

[0072] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein. This invention is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.