SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING AN IMPROVED BEAM AND BEAM COUPLING SYSTEM

Abstract

A building system that utilizes an improved beam and coupling system for building a frame or structure having improved strength and durability and improving performance and/or spanning distance of the beam. The beams may include an installation aperture for receiving an internal coupler and an auxiliary aperture, which may be utilized to run cables or wires. The beams each include an inner wall that divides an interior of the beam into the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture.

Claims

1. A structure, comprising: a horizontal support beam having a first open end, an opposite second open end, an inner wall that divides an interior of the horizontal support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture extending longitudinally through the horizontal support beam between the first and second open ends, and at least two spline grooves formed in the horizontal support beam; a first vertical support beam having a first open end, an opposite second open end, an inner wall that divides an interior of the first vertical support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture extending longitudinally through the first vertical support beam between the first and second open ends, and at least two spline grooves formed in the first vertical support beam, the first vertical support beam being operatively coupled to the horizontal support beam via a first internal coupler inserted into the installation apertures of the horizontal support beam and the first vertical support beam; and a second vertical support beam having a first open end, an opposite second open end, an inner wall that divides an interior of the second vertical support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture extending longitudinally through the second vertical support beam between the first and second open ends, and at least two spline grooves formed in the second vertical support beam, the second vertical support beam being operatively coupled to the horizontal support beam via a second internal coupler inserted into the installation apertures of the horizontal support beam and the second vertical support beam; wherein the horizontal support beam and the first and second vertical support beams define a viewing area that is unobstructed by any support beam structure.

2. The structure of claim 1, further comprising at least one vertical wall screen mounted in at least one of the at least two spline grooves of the horizontal support beam, the first vertical support beam, and the second vertical support beam.

3. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a first support coupler arranged in the installation aperture of the first vertical support beam and a second support coupler arranged in the installation aperture of the second vertical support beam, wherein the first and second support couplers are operable to secure the first and second vertical support beams to a foundation.

4. The structure of claim 1, wherein the first internal coupler and the second internal coupler are each a corner coupler having a first portion and a second portion that are oriented at a ninety degree angle, wherein the first portions are inserted into the open ends of the horizontal support beam and the second portions are inserted into upper open ends of the first and second vertical support beams.

5. The structure of claim 1, wherein the horizontal support beam comprises a first horizontal support beam and a second horizontal support beam, the first horizontal support beam having an inner wall that divides an interior of the first horizontal support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, and the second horizontal support beam having an inner wall that divides an interior of the second horizontal support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, wherein the structure further comprises: a splicing coupler having a first portion extending into the installation aperture of the first horizontal support beam and a second portion extending into the installation aperture of the second horizontal support beam.

6. The structure of claim 1, further a first knee brace and a second knee brace, the first knee brace extending between the horizontal support beam and the first vertical support beam, and the second knee brace extending between the horizontal support beam and the second vertical support beam.

7. The structure of claim 1, wherein the first vertical support beam, the second vertical support beam, and the horizontal support beam each comprises: a plurality of beam walls that define a pair of opposite first and second facia walls and a pair of opposite first and second end walls extending between the pair of first and second fascia walls; and wherein the at least two spline grooves of the first vertical support beam, the second vertical support beam, and the horizontal support beam each comprises: a first spline groove located on one of the first or second facia walls and facing outward from a fascia wall surface of the one of the first or second fascia walls; and a second spline groove located on one of the first or second end walls and facing outward from an end wall surface of the one of the first or second end walls, the second spline groove being located generally diagonally to the first spline groove.

8. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least two spline grooves of the first vertical support beam, the second vertical support beam, and the horizontal support beam each comprises: a first spline groove; and a second spline groove located generally diagonally to the first spline groove.

9. The structure of claim 1, wherein the first vertical support beam, the second vertical support beam, and the horizontal support beam each comprises: a plurality of beam walls that define a pair of opposite first and second facia walls and a pair of opposite first and second end walls extending between the pair of first and second fascia walls; and wherein the at least two spline grooves of the first vertical support beam, the second vertical support beam, and the horizontal support beam each comprises: a first spline groove located on the first facia wall and facing outward therefrom; a second spline groove located on the second facia wall and facing outward therefrom; and a pair of spline grooves located on one of the first or second end walls and facing outward from an end wall surface of the one of the first or second end walls, a first of the pair of spline grooves being located generally diagonally to the first spline groove, and a second of the pair of spline grooves being located generally diagonally to the second spline groove.

10. The structure of claim 1, wherein the first vertical support beam, the second vertical support beam, and the horizontal support beam each comprises: a plurality of beam walls that define a pair of opposite first and second facia walls and a pair of opposite first and second end walls extending between the pair of first and second fascia walls; and wherein the at least two spline grooves of the first vertical support beam, the second vertical support beam, and the horizontal support beam each comprises: a first spline groove located on the first end wall and facing outward therefrom; a pair of spline grooves located on the second end wall and facing outward therefrom, a first of the pair of spline grooves being located generally diagonally to the first spline groove.

11. The structure of claim 1, wherein the first vertical support beam, the second vertical support beam, and the horizontal support beam each comprises: a plurality of beam walls that define a pair of opposite first and second facia walls and a pair of opposite first and second end walls extending between the pair of first and second fascia walls; and wherein the at least two spline grooves of the first vertical support beam, the second vertical support beam, and the horizontal support beam each comprises: a pair of spline grooves located on the first end wall and facing outward therefrom, a third spline groove located on the first or second facia wall and facing outward therefrom, wherein the third spline groove is located generally diagonally from either one of the pair of spline grooves.

12. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a first type of fasteners and a second type of fasteners that are longer than the first type of fasteners, wherein the second type of fasteners extend through the auxiliary aperture and into the first or second internal coupler arranged in the installation aperture.

13. A structure, comprising: a first horizontal support beam having a first open end, an opposite second open end, an inner wall that divides an interior of the first horizontal support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture extending longitudinally through the first horizontal support beam between the first and second open ends, and at least two spline grooves formed in the first horizontal support beam; a second horizontal support beam having a first open end, an opposite second open end, an inner wall that divides an interior of the second horizontal support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture extending longitudinally through the second horizontal support beam between the first and second open ends, and at least two spline grooves formed in the second horizontal support beam, the first horizontal support beam being operatively coupled to the second horizontal support beam via an internal splicing coupler inserted into the installation apertures of the first and second horizontal support beam; a first vertical support beam having a first open end, an opposite second open end, an inner wall that divides an interior of the first vertical support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture extending longitudinally through the first vertical support beam between the first and second open ends, and at least two spline grooves formed in the first vertical support beam, the first vertical support beam being operatively coupled to the first horizontal support beam via a first internal coupler inserted into the installation apertures of the first horizontal support beam and the first vertical support beam; and a second vertical support beam having a first open end, an opposite second open end, an inner wall that divides an interior of the second vertical support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture extending longitudinally through the second vertical support beam between the first and second open ends, and at least two spline grooves formed in the second vertical support beam, the second vertical support beam being operatively coupled to the second horizontal support beam via a second internal coupler inserted into the installation apertures of the second horizontal support beam and the second vertical support beam; wherein the first and second horizontal support beams and the first and second vertical support beams define a viewing area that is unobstructed by any support beam structure.

14. The structure of claim 13, further a first knee brace and a second knee brace, the first knee brace extending between the first horizontal support beam and the first vertical support beam, and the second knee brace extending between the second horizontal support beam and the second vertical support beam.

15. The structure of claim 13, further comprising at least one vertical wall screen mounted in at least one of the at least two spline grooves of the first and second horizontal support beams and the first and second vertical support beams.

16. The structure of claim 13, further comprising a first support coupler arranged in the installation aperture of the first vertical support beam and a second support coupler arranged in the installation aperture of the second vertical support beam, wherein the first and second support couplers are operable to secure the first and second vertical support beams to a foundation.

17. The structure of claim 13, wherein the first internal coupler and the second internal coupler are each a corner coupler having a first portion and a second portion that are oriented at a ninety degree angle, wherein the first portions are inserted into the open ends of the first and second horizontal support beams and the second portions are inserted into upper open ends of the first and second vertical support beams.

18. A structure, comprising: a first horizontal support beam having a first open end, an opposite second open end, an inner wall that divides an interior of the first horizontal support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture extending longitudinally through the first horizontal support beam between the first and second open ends, and at least two spline grooves formed in the first horizontal support beam; a second horizontal support beam having a first open end, an opposite second open end, an inner wall that divides an interior of the second horizontal support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture extending longitudinally through the second horizontal support beam between the first and second open ends, and at least two spline grooves formed in the second horizontal support beam, the first horizontal support beam being operatively coupled to the second horizontal support beam via an internal splicing coupler inserted into the installation apertures of the first and second horizontal support beam; a first vertical support beam having a first open end, an opposite second open end, an inner wall that divides an interior of the first vertical support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture extending longitudinally through the first vertical support beam between the first and second open ends, and at least two spline grooves formed in the first vertical support beam, the first vertical support beam being operatively coupled to the first horizontal support beam via a first internal coupler inserted into the installation apertures of the first horizontal support beam and the first vertical support beam; a second vertical support beam having a first open end, an opposite second open end, an inner wall that divides an interior of the second vertical support beam into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture extending longitudinally through the second vertical support beam between the first and second open ends, and at least two spline grooves formed in the second vertical support beam, the second vertical support beam being operatively coupled to the second horizontal support beam via a second internal coupler inserted into the installation apertures of the second horizontal support beam and the second vertical support beam; wherein the first internal coupler and the second internal coupler are each a corner coupler having a first portion and a second portion that are oriented at a ninety degree angle, wherein the first portions are inserted into the open ends of the first and second horizontal support beams and the second portions are inserted into upper open ends of the first and second vertical support beams; and a first knee brace and a second knee brace, the first knee brace extending between the first horizontal support beam and the first vertical support beam, and the second knee brace extending between the second horizontal support beam and the second vertical support beam wherein the first and second horizontal support beams and the first and second vertical support beams define a viewing area that is unobstructed by any support beam structure.

19. The structure of claim 18, further comprising at least one vertical wall screen mounted in at least one of the at least two spline grooves of the first and second horizontal support beams and the first and second vertical support beams.

20. The structure of claim 18, wherein the at least two spline grooves of the first and second vertical support beams and the first and second horizontal support beam each comprises: a first spline groove; and a second spline groove located generally diagonally to the first spline groove.

21. A support beam for a structure, comprising: a plurality of outer beam walls extending between a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end, the plurality of outer beam walls defining an interior; an inner wall that divides the interior into an installation aperture and an auxiliary aperture, the installation aperture and the auxiliary aperture extending longitudinally through the interior between the first and second open ends; and at least two spline grooves formed in the plurality of outer beam walls.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0117] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment with all walls having a full or wide viewing aspect;

[0118] FIG. 1B is a view of another embodiment showing only one wall with a large or wide viewing aspect;

[0119] FIG. 1C is a partial fragmentary view showing a plurality of couplers used in constructing a frame;

[0120] FIGS. 2A-2E are various fragmentary views illustrating at least one coupler in the form of a corner key or corner coupler;

[0121] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2E;

[0122] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of a support beam in accordance with one embodiment showing exploded views of the spline grooves and their respective facing directions;

[0123] FIGS. 5A-5E are various fragmentary views showing at least one coupler in the form of a splicing coupler for splicing multiple beams together;

[0124] FIGS. 6A-6E are various fragmentary views of another embodiment showing at least one coupler in the form of a support coupler for coupling at least one beam to a support structure;

[0125] FIG. 6F is an enlarged view of the coupler illustrating a plate or wall having a plurality of internal aperture walls that define a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners;

[0126] FIGS. 7A-7E are views of another embodiment showing the at least one support coupler for securing at least one beam to another beam;

[0127] FIG. 8 is a view of another embodiment showing the at least one support coupler for coupling a beam to another beam or structure;

[0128] FIGS. 9A-9I are various views showing an ornamental design of a coupler in the form of a corner key or corner coupler;

[0129] FIGS. 10A-10I are various views showing an ornamental design of a coupler in the form of a support coupler;

[0130] FIGS. 11A-11I are various views showing an ornamental design of a coupler in the form of a splicing coupler;

[0131] FIGS. 12A-12I are various views showing an ornamental design of a beam used in association with either the corner key coupler, the anchor coupler or the splice coupler;

[0132] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a structure utilizing an alternately configured supper beam, according to one or more alternate embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0133] FIG. 14A is an exploded isometric view of an upper left corner of the structure identified as Detail A in FIG. 13;

[0134] FIG. 14B is an isometric view of the upper left corner of the structure identified as Detail A in FIG. 13 when assembled;

[0135] FIG. 14C is cross-sectional view of the upper left corner of the structure identified as Detail A in FIG. 13 when assembled taken along section line 14C-14C in FIG. 14B;

[0136] FIG. 14D is cross-sectional view of the upper left corner of the structure identified as Detail A in FIG. 13 when assembled taken along section line 14D-14D in FIG. 14C;

[0137] FIG. 15A is an exploded isometric view of lower left corner of the structure identified as Detail B in FIG. 13;

[0138] FIG. 15B is an isometric view of the lower left corner of the structure identified as Detail B in FIG. 13 when assembled;

[0139] FIG. 15C is cross-sectional view of the lower left corner of the structure identified as Detail B in FIG. 13 when assembled taken along section line 15C-15C in FIG. 15B;

[0140] FIG. 15D is cross-sectional view of the lower left corner of the structure identified as Detail B in FIG. 13 when assembled taken along section line 15D-15D in FIG. 15C;

[0141] FIG. 16A is an exploded isometric view of an upper middle area of the structure identified as Detail C in FIG. 13;

[0142] FIG. 16B is an isometric view of the upper middle area of the structure identified as Detail C in FIG. 13 when assembled;

[0143] FIG. 16C is cross-sectional view of the upper middle area of the structure identified as Detail C in FIG. 13 when assembled taken along section line 16C-16C in FIG. 16B;

[0144] FIG. 16D is cross-sectional view of the upper middle area of the structure identified as Detail C in FIG. 13 when assembled taken along section line 16D-16D in FIG. 16C; and

[0145] FIGS. 17A-17C depict various alternate configurations of support beams utilizable with the various types of couplers, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0146] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-12I, a system and method for constructing a structure 10 is shown. In the illustration being described, the structure 10 defines at least one of a lanai, screen enclosure, carport, walkway cover or other outdoor or indoor framed structure. In the illustration being described, the structure 10 is a lanai frame 12 that supports a mesh screen 14 of the type conventionally known. The structure 10 is a lanai that is attached to a building 16, such as a house, office or other structure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C. One significant advantage of the structure 10 is that it reduces or eliminates a number of vertical and horizontal beams that were traditionally required in the past so that it provides relatively large viewing areas VA that are unobstructed by beam structure. Of course, the structure 10 also requires fewer beams. Consequently, the structure 10 is less expensive than comparable wide view systems of the past. This is advantageous, for example, when people are located inside the lanai and viewing the environment outside of the lanai. For ease of illustration, the viewing area is labeled VA in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0147] The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the contrast between a screen wall that defines a large viewing area VA and one that does not. For example, FIG. 1A illustrates a screen wall 14a that defines a side of the lanai structure 10. Note that other than the primary horizontal support beam 11 and lateral support beam 22, there are no horizontal or vertical support beams or columns that are necessary to support the screen wall 14a in FIG. 1A. In contrast, note in FIG. 1B that a side wall 18 is defined by a plurality of screens 14b that are supported by a plurality of vertical and horizontal beams 20 and 21, respectively. Note the difference in FIGS. 1A and 1B, with the wall 18 in FIG. 1B being typical of the prior art. The embodiments described and claimed herein advantageously permit an entire wall to be formed and defined by the screen 14 while reducing or eliminating vertical or horizontal support beams of the past, thereby providing the large viewing area VA.

[0148] The structure 10 is typically mounted to a support structure, such as a concrete or cement slab and/or the building 16 to which it is attached. Details of the structure 10 and its various components will now be described.

[0149] For ease of illustration, FIG. 1C is a view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1A showing a plurality of vertical beams 22 and 24 that extend from a surface or support structure 26, such as a concrete slab, and that are coupled to at least one or a plurality of horizontal beams 28 and 30 as shown. In the illustration being described, the structure 10 comprises at least one or a plurality of beams, such as beams 11, 20, 21, 22, 24, 28 and 30. The structure 10 further comprises at least one or a plurality of internal couplers 32, 34 and 36 as shown in FIG. 1C. In the illustration being described, note that the at least one or a plurality of internal couplers 32, 34 and 36 are received inside the beam structures 22, 24, 28 and 30 as shown. For ease of illustration, the beams 22, 24, 28 and 30 shown in FIG. 1C are partially fragmented to show the at least one or a plurality of internal couplers 32, 34 and 36. It should be understood that the beams 11, 20, 21, 22, 24, 28 and 30 receive the at least one or a plurality of internal couplers 32, 34 and 36 and are fastened thereto. The at least one or a plurality of internal couplers 32, 34 and 36 are positioned inside the beams and not visible to the naked eye. In the illustration being described, the at least one coupler 32 is a corner coupler and couples two beams, such as beams 22 and 30, together such that they are oriented relative to each other at an angle B of approximately 90 degrees as illustrated in FIG. 1C. Details of the corner key or corner coupler 32 are illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E, which will now be described. FIG. 2E is an enlarged view after the corner coupling 32 is mounted in the beams 24 and 28.

[0150] The at least one splicing coupler 34 is generally elongated and linear and couples two beams, such as beams 28 and 30, together as illustrated in FIG. 1C. Note, for example, the beams 28 and 30 are coupled together using a splice coupler 34 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Details of the at least one coupler 34 are illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E. Finally, the at least one support coupler 36 supports or secures at least one beam to a support structure, such as the building 16 of the surface or support structure 26. FIG. 1C illustrates the at least one or a plurality of internal couplers 36 mounted to the surface or support structure 26 and the beams 22 and 24 mounted thereon. The details of the at least one coupler 36 are shown in FIGS. 6A-7E.

[0151] Referring now to FIG. 2A, details of the at least one coupler 32 will now be described. In the illustration being described, the at least one coupler 32 comprises a body having a first portion 32a and a generally orthogonal second portion 32b, each of which generally comprises an I-beam or H-beam shape in cross-section (depending on viewing orientation) as illustrated in FIG. 3. Note that each of the embodiments of the at least one or a plurality of internal couplers 32, 34 and 36 comprises a similar cross-sectional configuration.

[0152] For ease of description, the shape, configuration and operation of the first portion 32a and second portion 32b will be described, with it being understood that the couplers 34 and 36 of the other embodiments described herein have the same or generally similar cross-sectional shape and operate and function in the same or generally similar manner as that which is now being described in FIGS. 2A-2E.

[0153] For ease of illustration, the at least one coupler 32 is shown in FIG. 2A, with it being understood that the at least one coupler 32 is a corner key or corner coupler that couples beams 24 and 28 together to form an elbow or corner. The at least one coupler 32 has the first portion 32a that is received in a beam end 24a of the vertical beam 24. Likewise, the at least one coupler 32 comprises the second portion 32b that is received in a beam end 28a of the horizontal beam 28. In the illustration being described, the coupler portions 32a and 32b are each generally in the shape of an I in cross-section and are received inside the beams 24 and 28. For ease of manufacturing, the at least one coupler 32 is comprised of the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b as illustrated in FIG. 2A. The portions 32a and 32b comprise ends 32a1 and 32b1 (FIG. 2A) that are miter cut at approximately 45 degrees and then brought together in a fixture (not shown) and fastened together, such as by at least one weld 40 (FIG. 2A), adhesive, screw, glue or other type of bond or fastener.

[0154] Referring back to FIGS. 2A-2E, it should be understood that the portions 32a and 32b are sized and adapted to be press-fit or fit snugly into the ends 24a and 28a, respectively. Notice in the sectional view in FIG. 3 that the coupler portion, such as coupler portion 32b, is adapted and sized to be inserted into a beam (beam 28 in the illustration).

[0155] Preferably, the at least one coupler 32 is sized, shaped and adapted to be press-fit into the beams 24 and 28 or otherwise fit snugly therein. It has been found that the at least one or a plurality of internal couplers 32, 34 and 36 increase an overall strength of the spanning beam. The inventor has found that increasing the internal enforcement/reinforcement length allows for a greater transfer of load to the substrate or beam.

[0156] In the illustration being described, each of the beams 24 and 28 (FIG. 3) comprises a plurality of internal wall surfaces, some of which either contact or become juxtaposed next to at least a portion of the at least one coupler 32. For example, the beam 28 comprises a plurality of beam walls 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d (FIG. 3) having internal beam wall surfaces 28a1, 28b1, 28c1 and 28d1, respectively. These walls 28a-28d cooperate to define an aperture 42 into which the portion 32b may be situated. As mentioned earlier herein, the at least one coupler 32 is adapted and dimensioned to be received in the aperture 42 and comprises a plurality of coupling surfaces described herein that become positioned or juxtaposed in operative relationship with the plurality of internal wall surfaces 28a1-28d1 of the at least one support beam 28.

[0157] As best illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3 and as mentioned earlier herein, note that each of the at least one or plurality of couplers 32, 34 and 36 have a cross-sectional shape that is generally in the form of an I or an H depending on one's viewing angle. The first and second portions 32a and 32b of the at least one coupler 32 cooperate to generally define an L-shape as shown in FIGS. 2A-2E and 9A-9H, and this predetermined configuration will now be described relative to FIG. 3.

[0158] As previously mentioned, each of the at least one or plurality of couplers 32, 34 and 36 have a generally common cross-sectional configuration, although they could be slightly different in size, dimension or shape depending on the beam into which they are received. For ease of description, the configuration, mounting, shape and operation of the at least one coupler 32 and beam 28 will be described. The second portion 32b comprises a first flange 44, a second flange 46 and a rib or web 48 that is monolithically formed with the first and second flanges 44 and 46 as shown in FIG. 3. Note that the flanges 44 and 46 are generally U-shaped (as viewed in FIG. 3) in cross-section, with their openings facing each other. In this regard, note that the first flange 44 is integral or monolithically formed in a first end 48a of the rib 48 and the second flange 46 is integral and monolithically formed with a second end 48b of the rib 48.

[0159] The flanges 44 and 46 have a first elongated portion 44a and 46a, respectively, which are generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the rib 48. The flange 44 comprises a monolithic or integral first flange wall 44b and a second flange wall 44c, both of which are generally parallel to the rib 48 as shown. The flange walls 44b and 44c are integrally or monolithically formed and coupled to the flange elongated portion 44a by beveled or truncated wall portions 44d and 44e, respectively, as shown. The second flange 46 also comprises a third flange wall 46b and a fourth flange wall 46c, both of which are generally parallel to the rib 48. Note that the third and fourth flange walls 46b and 46c are also integrally or monolithically formed with the first elongated portion 46a by a truncated or beveled portion 46d and 46e as shown.

[0160] It is important to note that the beveled portion 44d comprises a surface 44d1 that cooperates with the interior surfaces 28d1 and 28a1 of the beam 28 to define an interior internal triangularly shaped aperture or channel 50. Likewise, the beveled portion 44e comprises a surface 44e1 that cooperates with the interior surfaces 28d1 and 28b1 to define an interior aperture or channel 52. The beveled portion 46d comprises a corner or surface 46d1 that cooperates with the interior surfaces 28c1 and 28a1 to define an interior aperture or channel 54. Finally, the beveled portion 46e comprises a surface 46e1 that cooperates with the interior surfaces 28c1 and 28b1 to define the interior generally rectangular shaped and elongated aperture or channel 56.

[0161] In the illustration being described, the channels 50-56 generally extend in the beam 28 the lengths L1 and L2 (FIG. 2B) of the portions 32a and 32b. Thus, the channels 50-56 for the corner coupler 32 extend a length L3 and L4 (FIG. 2A).

[0162] It is important to note that the truncated portions 44d, 44e, 46d and 46e all facilitate defining the interior channels 50-56, respectively, that have or define a predetermined shape. The channels 50-56 are adapted to accommodate an internal beam structure, such as an internal beam structure 60 (shown in the enlarged view in FIG. 3) of the at least one or plurality of support beams 22, 24, 28 and 30. In the illustration being described, the internal beam structure 60 (FIG. 3) may comprise a spline groove channel wall or projection 62 that cooperates with a flange 64 to define a first spline groove or channel 66 for receiving the screen 14 and a conventional spline (not shown) for retaining this screen 14 in the spline groove or channel 66. The spline groove or channel 66 opens in a direction of arrow C in FIG. 3. Note that the spline groove channel wall or projection 62 extends into and is accommodated by the interior aperture or channel 52 of the beam 28 as illustrated. The beam 28 has a second projecting portion 70 that cooperates with a flange 72 to define a second spline groove or channel 74. The portion 70 also extends into the area 68 as shown in FIG. 3 and into the aperture or channel 54 as illustrated in FIG. 3. It should be appreciated that the beam 28 in this example has only two spline grooves or channels 66 and 74 (FIGS. 3 and 4), but more or fewer spline grooves or channels could be provided. It should be understood that in the prior art, the beams typically had a spline groove used for either a roof screen or wall screen, but not both. In fact, it was not uncommon that a second beam structure, such as a 12 beam having a spline groove had to be mounted to a primary beam to provide a spline groove for the wall screen.

[0163] Advantageously, the at least one corner coupler 32 is adapted, shaped and sized to accommodate the internal beam structure 60 and it has been found that the beveled corners facilitate inserting the at least one corner coupler 32 into the beams 24 and 28. It is significant to note that the spline groove or channel 66, for example, is located on the wall 28b and faces outward from the fascia wall surface 28b2 in the direction of arrow C as illustrated in FIG. 3. In contrast, the spline groove or channel 74 is located catty-corner or generally diagonally to the spline groove or channel 66 and opens in a direction facing arrow D (FIG. 3), which is generally orthogonal to the direction C of channel 66. This different orientation of spline grooves or channels 66 and 74 enables the beam 28 to accommodate the vertical wall screens 14b (FIG. 1A) and the angled or horizontal ceiling screen 14c. The embodiments shown and described herein provide the beam 28 that has spline grooves 66 and 74 for the wall and roof screen, without the need of additional beam or extrusion structures.

[0164] FIG. 4 shows a typical beam 28 in the illustration being described. In the illustration, the beam 28 is 48 and of varying lengths. The plurality of internal couplers 32, 34 and 36 and the beam 28, as well as the other beams shown and described herein, are made of aluminum. Likewise, the at least one or a plurality of internal couplers 32, 34 and 36 are generally integral or monolithically formed or manufactured and are made of aluminum, but could be made of other material, such as steel, metal alloys or any other suitable metal.

[0165] Advantageously, the at least one or a plurality of internal couplers 32, 34 and 36 are adapted, sized and shaped to accommodate the internal beam structure 60 of the beam being used. While the embodiment being shown shows that each of the flanges 44 and 46 have multiple truncated corners, it should be appreciated that each flange 44 and 46 may be provided with only one truncated corner, depending on the beam 28 being used. If the beam 28 has other internal beam structures that need to be accommodated, then the corners of the flanges 44 and 46 or other portions of the coupler 32 may be truncated, recessed or indented so that accommodating apertures or channels can be provided.

[0166] FIGS. 2B-2E illustrate the assembly of the structure using the corner key coupler 32. In the illustration being described, note that the beams 24 and 28 have the mitered or angled ends 24a and 28a that receive the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b, respectively. The second portion 32b of the coupler 32 is guided into and received in the end 28a of the beam 28 and the first portion 32a of the coupler 32 is guided into and received in the end 24a of the beam 24, as illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, after the second portion 32b is received in the beam 28, the screws or fasteners 80 are used to fasten the beam 28 to the coupler 32 as shown. Likewise, after the first portion 32a is received in the beam 24, the screws or fasteners 80 are used to secure the beam 24 to the first portion 32a as illustrated in FIG. 2D. Once these parts are assembled, the vertical beam 24 is coupled to the beam 28, and they form generally a ninety degree (90) angle to define a corner of the structure 10.

[0167] It is important to note the positioning of the screws or fasteners 80, which is a unique feature of the embodiments. In this regard, note that beam 28 has the generally opposing end walls 28c and 28d (FIG. 3) that are typically oriented as illustrated in FIG. 3 and fascia walls 28a and 28b that are relatively longer and define side walls or fascia of the beam 28. Note that none of the screws or fasteners 80 are screwed into the fascia walls 28a and 28b when coupling the corner coupler 32 to the beam 28. As best illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E, after the corner coupler 32 is received in the ends 24a and 28a of the beams 24 and 28, respectively, the screws or fasteners 80 are used to secure the beams 24 and 28 to the corner coupler 32. Note also that the screws or fasteners 80 extend through one of the beam walls 28c and 28d. In this regard, note that the screws or fasteners 80 only extend through one of the end walls, such as wall 28c or wall 28d of beam 28, and into the flanges 44 and 46 (FIG. 3) as shown. Likewise, beam 24 is similarly secured with the screws or fasteners 80 to the first portion 32a of the coupler 32.

[0168] In contrast, it was not uncommon in the prior art that through-bolts were mounted completely through the fascia or side faces, such as ends or fascia walls 28a and 28b of beam 28, which is aesthetically unpleasing.

[0169] Advantageously, the embodiment being described eliminates or reduces the need for such through-bolts and fascia fasteners.

[0170] After the screws or fasteners 80 have secured the beams 24 and 28 to the corner key or corner coupler 32, as illustrated in FIGS. 2D and 2E, note that the joint between the beams 24 and 28 increases the overall strength and support of the structure 10 and increases the lateral support. Advantageously, the embodiment being described may reduce or eliminate the need for traditional tie-down cables in view of the increased strength and resilience of the improved coupling between the beams 24 and 28.

[0171] It is important to note that the couplers 32, 34 and 36 and, for example, the first and second portions 32a and 32b, are sized and adapted depending upon a plurality of factors, including the desired overall span length, such as an overall desired length of beams 28 and 30. In this regard, note that the first portion 32a and second portion 32b of the corner coupler 32 have the lengths L1 and L2, respectively, that are generally the same in the illustration being described. It should be understood, however, that these lengths L1 and L2 could be different. In general, the couplers 32, 34 and 36 are dimensioned and sized based upon engineering requirements for the building or structure 16. The coupler 34 has a length L5 (FIG. 5A) and the coupler 36 has a length L6 (FIG. 6A). These lengths are selected depending upon several factors, such as an overall span length, such as beams 28 and 30, beam dimensions, and, for example, distance from the building 16. One predominate factor is the overall span length of the beams 28 and 30. In general, the portions 32a and 32b may be increased or decreased in response to a longer or shorter, respectively, span length. Again, various factors influence the size, length and/or shape of the couplers 32, 34 and 36 based on design load, distance from the building 16, height and length of the structure 10 walls.

[0172] After the beams 28 and 30 are coupled together, the coupler 32 is not visible to the naked eye as illustrated in FIG. 2E. Note also that the fascia or sides, such as side wall or fascia wall 28a and side wall or fascia wall 28b (FIG. 3), do not have any visible screws or fasteners 80, which is more aesthetically pleasing compared to prior art assemblies.

[0173] Referring now to FIG. 5A, the elongated splicing coupler 34 is shown. Like parts for this embodiment and for the embodiment showing the coupler 36 are identified with the same part numbers, except a prime mark ( ) for the splicing coupler 34 embodiment and 36 for the coupler 36 embodiment have been added. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E, note that generally equal portions 34a and 34b of the elongated coupler 34 are received in the beams 28 and 30', respectively, and the screws or fasteners 80 (FIGS. 5B-5E) are used to secure them together as illustrated. The coupler 34 in the illustration being described has the same or substantially similar generally I or H shape and cross-sectional configuration as the cross-sectional first and second portions 32a and 32b of the coupler 32.

[0174] The coupler 34 is adapted and sized to be received in the beams 28 and 30 and splice them as illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 5A-5E.

[0175] Once generally equal parts of the coupler 34 are received in the beams 28 and 30', the screws or fasteners 80 secure the beams 28 and 30 to the coupler 34 in a manner similar to the corner key coupler 32 described earlier herein. As mentioned, the coupler 34 has a general I or H shape depending on orientation as with the prior embodiments and has generally U-shaped flanges 44 and 46', with beveled corners or surfaces 44d1, 44e1, 46d1 and 46e1, as with the embodiment described relative to the corner key coupler 32. Again, a length L5 (FIG. 5A) of the coupler 34 is directly related to a desired overall span length of the beams 28 and 30 when they are coupled together. In other words, the length L5 is increased for greater desired span lengths and decreased for lesser span lengths, depending on the building structure 10 or the overall desired span length of the joined beams 28 and 30.

[0176] It should be understood that while the embodiment illustrated shows only one coupler 34 coupling the beams 28 and 30, multiple couplers 34 could be used in an overall span. Shorter couplers 34 are required for shorter lengths, whereas longer couplers 34 or multiple couplers 34 may be required for longer lengths. Again, the overall length and size of the coupler 34 is selected depending upon the size and dimensions of the beams 28 and 30 and overall span length desired and the size of the structure 10 being built.

[0177] The coupler 34 comprises the first portion 34a (FIGS. 5B-5E) and the second portion 34b mentioned earlier that are received in the ends 28b and 30a of the beams 28 and 30, respectively. The components and parts 28, 30 and 34 are moved relative to each other such that the portion 34b is received in the end 30a of the beam 30 and the portion 34a is received in the end 28b of the beam 28 as illustrated in FIGS. 5C and 5D. Once an end, such as end 28b or end 30a, has been received on the first and second portions 34a and 34b, respectively, the screws or fasteners 80 are used to secure the beams 28 and 30 to the coupler 34 as shown. As with the previous embodiment being described relative to the corner key coupler 32, note in FIG. 5E that the coupler 34 is not visible to the naked eye once the beams 28 and 30 are received on the coupler 34 and the screws or fasteners 80 secured thereto.

[0178] The intermediate or splicing coupler 34 enables the coupling of beams 28 and 30 to provide an overall elongated beam which is beneficial for providing longer spans and increased large viewing aspect. In the illustration being described, the beams 28 and 30, once spliced together, can span a predetermined length selected by the user. In the illustration, the length is typically less than 50 feet. Note that in the prior art, beams of this length could only be achieved by increasing an overall size or dimension of the beam. For example, the wall thickness of the prior art beams was increased, which also typically increased the overall cost of the beam and structure.

[0179] Advantageously, the embodiments described herein can be used with beams, such as beams 28 and 30, that have reduced wall thicknesses compared to that of the prior art. It should be understood that the couplers 32, 34 and 36 could also be used with a split beam, such as the split beam shown or having the features of the beams shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,877,962; U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D620,618; D620,619; D636,095; D666,743; D713,054 and D791,342, all of which are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

[0180] Another embodiment illustrates a support coupler 36 (FIGS. 6A-6E) that has a cross-sectional shape that is similar to the shape of the cross-sectional shape of the couplers 32 and 34. In this embodiment, like parts are identified with the same part numbers as in prior embodiments and operate in substantially the same manner except that a double prime mark () has been added to the like part numbers for this embodiment. The coupler 36 has a similar I-beam or H-beam shape in cross-section as in prior embodiments and further comprises an end plate or wall 90 that is situated on and fastened to a support, such as the surface or support structure 26 of a concrete slab, patio deck, beam, building wall or other support surface onto which the coupler 36 may be mounted using screws or fasteners 82, as illustrated in FIGS. 6B-6D. Note that a vertical or horizontal beam, such as beam 22, is received and mounted on the coupler 36 in a manner similar to the prior embodiments using the screws or fasteners 80 as shown. In this illustration, the coupler 36 has a length L6 (FIG. 6A) that is substantially shorter than the lengths L1-L5 of the prior embodiments. It should be understood, however, that each of the lengths L1-L6 could be longer or shorter and are selected in response to the beam size and dimension and the overall structural support needed.

[0181] As with the prior embodiments, once the beam, such as beam 22, is mounted to the surface or support structure 26 with fasteners 82 (FIGS. 6A-6D). The fasteners 80 are used to secure the beam 22 to the coupler 36 as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6E. As shown in FIG. 6E, the coupler 36 itself is not visible to the naked eye.

[0182] As mentioned earlier, the coupler 36 has a cross-sectional shape that is generally the same or similar to the cross-sectional shapes of the couplers 32 and 34 and functions and operates similarly as described earlier herein relative to FIGS. 1-5E. One advantageous feature of the coupler 36 is that it is adapted to be secured to any suitable support surface. In the illustrations being described in FIGS. 6A-6E, the surface or support structure 26 could be a patio deck, cement slab, building wall or other structure associated with building 16. In the example in FIGS. 6A-6E, the beam 22 is mounted on the coupler 36 and is generally vertical.

[0183] FIG. 6F is an enlarged view of the coupler 36 that shows the plate or wall 90 that has a plurality of internal aperture walls 92a-92d that define a plurality of apertures 94a-94d, respectively, for receiving the fasteners 82. The coupler 36 (FIG. 6F) comprises the flanges 44a and 46a and the rib 48. The flanges 44a and 46a and rib 48 operate and have generally the same shape, configuration and structure as the flanges 44a and 46a and rib 48 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 relative to the coupler 32. What is unique about the coupler 36 is that it has the plate or wall 90 integrally or monolithically formed or fastened to an end 36a by, for example, a weld or adhesive. The plurality of internal aperture walls 92a-92d that define a plurality of apertures 94a-94d, respectively, for receiving the fasteners 82 for securing or mounting the coupler 36 to the support surface or structure.

[0184] FIGS. 7A-7E show another embodiment wherein the coupler 36 is mounted directly to another beam, such as one of the joined beams 24 and 11 as illustrated in FIG. 7A. Again, like parts are identified with the same part numbers as in prior art embodiments and operate in substantially the same manner except that a triple prime mark () has been added to the part numbers of the like parts in this embodiment. Another beam, such as beam 92 (FIG. 7A), may then be mounted on the coupler 36 using the fasteners 80, thereby securing the beams 24, 11 and 92 together as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E. In the example, the beams 28 and 92 are generally horizontal. FIGS. 7B-7E show views taken in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 7A illustrating the corner key coupler 32 and the coupler 36 joining beams 24 and 11 as shown. Once the coupler 36 is mounted on the beams 24 and 11 using fasteners 80, the beam 92 may be mounted on the coupler 36 as illustrated in FIGS. 7B-7E and the screws or fasteners 80 are used to secure the beam 92 to the beams 24 and 11 as shown.

[0185] FIG. 8 illustrates another application of the coupler 36. In this embodiment, the coupler 36 is mounted directly to a gutter 16a or surface of the building structure 16 as shown. In this embodiment, the beam 11 is mounted to the coupler 36 which in turn is mounted to the gutter 16a or other structure of the building 16 and supports the beam 11 in a generally horizontal plane. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E, the beam 92 is generally horizontal and generally orthogonal to the beam 11 to which it is attached. In contrast, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6E, the beam 92 lies in a generally vertical plane and provides a generally vertical support beam or column.

[0186] It should be understood that during construction of the structure 10 in one embodiment, the vertical beams 22 and 24 (FIG. 1C) are mounted to the structure or building 16 using the coupler 36. These vertical beams 22 and 24 are attached or secured to the horizontal beams 28 and 30 using the corner key couplers 32. The beams 28 and 30 are attached to each other using the splice coupler 34. Once the beams and couplers 22-36 are coupled together, they define the structure 10. The mesh screen 14a, 14b may then be secured thereto, thereby providing a structure having a side or large viewing area VA.

[0187] FIGS. 9A-12I show the ornamental design of the couplers 32, 34 and 36 and the beam 11, 22, 24, 28, 30 and 92.

[0188] FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of a corner key coupler in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of the corner key coupler of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is a front view of the corner key coupler of FIG. 9A, viewed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9D is a rear or back view of the corner key coupler of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9E is a right side view of the corner key coupler of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9F is a left side view of the corner key coupler of FIG. 9A, viewed in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9G is a top view of the corner key coupler of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9H is a bottom view of the corner key coupler of FIG. 9A and FIG. 9I is another top view of the corner key coupler with dashed lines to disclose indefinite length.

[0189] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an anchor coupler in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10B is another perspective view of the anchor coupler of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10C is a front view of the anchor coupler of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10D is a rear or back view of the anchor coupler of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10E is a right side view of the anchor coupler of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10F is a left side view of the anchor coupler of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10G is a top view of the anchor coupler of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10H is a bottom view of the anchor coupler of FIG. 10A and FIG. 10I is another view of the anchor coupler of FIG. 10A, shown upside down and illustrated with dashed lines to disclose indefinite length.

[0190] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a splice coupler in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11B is another perspective view of the splice coupler of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11C is a front view of the splice coupler of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11D is a rear or back view of the splice coupler of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11E is a right side view of the splice coupler of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11F is a left side view of the splice coupler of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11G is a top view of the splice coupler of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11H is a bottom view of the splice coupler of FIG. 11A and FIG. 11I is another top view of the anchor coupler of FIG. 11A with dashed lines to disclose indefinite length.

[0191] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a beam used in association with either the corner key coupler, the anchor coupler or the splice coupler with a middle portion broken away to disclose indefinite length. FIG. 12B is a front view of the beam of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12C is a back view of the beam of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12D is a right side view of the beam of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12E is a left side view of the beam of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12F is a top view of the beam of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12G is a bottom view of the beam of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12H is another bottom view of the beam of FIG. 12A with dashed lines to disclose indefinite length and FIG. 12I is a perspective view of the splice coupler in a typical environment illustrating the use of the splice coupler coupling two beams together.

[0192] FIG. 13 depicts a sideview of a structure 110, according to one or more embodiments. The structure 110 includes beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 and internal couplers 32, 34, and 36 arranged therein for joining the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130. Here, the internal couplers include the corner coupler (or key coupler) 32, the support coupler 36, and the splicing couplers 34 (collectively, the couplers 32, 34, and 36). Depending on the desired width dimension of the structure 110, the splicing coupler 34 may not be utilized.

[0193] The beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 are all similarly configured support beams, and differ only in their orientation (i.e., whether horizontal or vertical) and whether they are cut at their ends (e.g., whether their ends are miter cut) for mating with a neighboring one of the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130. Thus, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 may all be identically formed, and then oriented and cut as desired to form a structure such as the structure 110 depicted in FIG. 13. For this reason, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 may be collectively or individually referred to as the support beams.

[0194] In the depicted embodiment, the beams 122 and 124 are vertical beams and beams 128 and 130 are horizontal beams. Thus, the beams 122 and 124 are sometimes referred to as the vertical beams 122 and 124 and the beams 128 and 130 are sometimes referred to as the horizontal beams 128 and 130. As mentioned, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 have identical construction and identical internal configurations, as detailed below, with the only difference between the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 being their orientation (i.e., whether they are horizontal, vertical, or extending in some other angle), their position or location about the structure 110, and possibly their lengths and whether their ends are cut at an angle or some other geometry to abut a neighboring beam.

[0195] As FIG. 13 depicts a sideview of the structure 110, it should be appreciated that the structure 110 may also include one or more additional vertical or horizontal beams (or other beams in other orientations), which may be similarly configured as described with reference to the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130. The beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 are each at least partially hollow and configured to receive the couplers 32, 34, and 36, such that the couplers 32, 34, and 36 are all arranged within at least a portion of their respective beams and hidden from view when the structure 110 is fully assembled. For that reason, the couplers 32, 34, and 36 are not depicted in FIG. 13.

[0196] The vertical beams 122 and 124 are coupled to the surface or support structure 126, such as a foundation (e.g., concrete slab) or building using the support couplers 36 and extend upward therefrom. The vertical beams 122 and 124 are coupled to the horizontal beams 128 and 130 using the corner couplers 32. The horizontal beams 128 and 130 extend horizontally from their respective vertical beam 122 and 124, such that the horizontal beams 128 and 130 span horizontally toward each other, where they are joined using the splicing coupler 34. In this manner, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 together form a frame that defines a window 112 within which a screen (e.g., such as the screen mesh 14) may be mounted.

[0197] The beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 are more robust than the above described beams 22, 24, 28, and 30, described above, such that the structure 110 utilizing the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 is able to provide a relatively larger window 112 without obstructions (i.e., less intermediate support beams that would obstruct view), as compared to the structure 10 utilizing beams 22, 24, 28, and 30. For example, while the beams 22, 24, 28, and 30 may each be 4 inches by 8 inches in cross-section, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 may each be 4 inches by 10 inches in cross-section, which thereby enables the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 to span larger distances without intermediate vertical support as compared to beams 22, 24, 28, and 30. Stated differently, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 have greater load-bearing capabilities and spanning capabilities than the above described beams 22, 24, 28, and 30 because the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 have larger dimensions (i.e., larger cross-section) and are more robust. Moreover, despite the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 having a larger cross-sectional area as compared to the beams 22, 24, 28, and 30, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 are configured to be utilizable with the same internal couplers (i.e., the couplers 32, 34, and 36) detailed above with respect to the beams 22, 24, 28, and 30. The internal configuration of the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 which permits them to be utilized with such internal couplers is detailed below.

[0198] Detail A in FIG. 13 refers to the upper left corner of the structure 110, and FIGS. 14A-14D further illustrate how the corner coupler 32 is utilized to join vertical beam 122 and horizontal beam 130 at the upper left corner. It should be appreciated that while Detail A refers to the upper left corner of the structure 110 where the (left) vertical beam 122 and (left) horizontal beam 130 are joined via the (left) corner coupler 32, the (right) vertical beam 124 and the (right) horizontal beam 128 at the upper right corner of the structure 110 are similarly joined via another one of the corner couplers 32 (i.e., a second or right corner coupler 32). It should also be appreciated that the corner couplers 32 utilized at the upper left and upper right corners of the structure 110 are the same as the couplers 32 described above, and are thus configured to support the horizontal beams 128 and 130 relative to their respective vertical beam 124 and 122 at an angle of approximately ninety degrees to thereby define upper corners of the structure 110.

[0199] Detail B in FIG. 13 refers to the lower left corner of the structure 110, and FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate how the support coupler 36 is utilized to support and connect the vertical beam 122 with respect to the support structure 126 at the lower left corner. It should be appreciated that while Detail B refers to the lower left corner of the structure 110 where the (left) vertical beam 122 is joined to the support structure 126 via the (left) support coupler 36, the (right) vertical beam 124 and the support structure 126 are similarly joined via another one of the support couplers 36 (i.e., a second or right side support coupler 36) at the lower right corner of the structure 110. Moreover, it should also be appreciated that the support couplers 36 utilized at the lower left and lower right corners of the structure 110 are the same as the support couplers 36 described above, and are thus configured to support the vertical beams 122 and 124 relative to the support structure(s) 126 such that the beams 122 and 124 are orthogonal to the support structure 126 (i.e., such that the beams 122 and 124 extend at an angle of approximately ninety degrees relative to the support structure 126) to thereby define lower corners of the structure 110.

[0200] Detail C in FIG. 13 refers to an upper, intermediate location of the structure 110, and FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate how the splicing coupler 34 is arranged within, and utilized to support and connect, neighboring ends of the horizontal beams 128 and 130 at this location. It should be appreciated that the splicing coupler 34 is the same as the splicing coupler 34 described above, and is thus configured to join and support neighboring horizontal beams relative to each other in a substantially horizontal (i.e., straight or parallel) orientation. It should also be appreciated, in embodiments where just one of the horizontal beams 128 or 130 is desired, the splicing coupler 34 may not be included (i.e., it may be omitted).

[0201] As shown in FIG. 13, the vertical beams 122, 124 each have a first (upper) end 122a, 124a and a second (lower) end 122b, 124b that is opposite the first end 122a, 124a. Similarly, the horizontal beams 128, 130 each have a first (outer) end 128a, 130a and a second (inner) end 128b, 130b that is opposite the first end 128a, 130a. When the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 are all joined together with the couplers 32, 34, and 36, the lower ends 122b, 124b of the vertical beams 122, 124 will be proximate to (and/or in contact with) the support structure 126, and the upper ends 122b, 124b of the vertical beams 122, 124 will be proximate to (and/or in contact with) outer ends 130a, 128a of the horizontal beams 130, 128, and the inner ends 128b, 130b of the horizontal beams 128, 130 proximate to (and/or in contact with) each other.

[0202] To help enhance or increase the horizontal span of the structure 110, one or more support members or brackets may be provided to help brace or support the horizontally extending beams while not substantially impeding view through the window 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the structure 100 includes a pair of brackets or knee braces 116 that extend between vertical beams 122, 124 and horizontal beams 128, 130. In particular, a first of the knee braces 116 extends between the vertical beam 122 and the horizontal beam 130, and a second of the knee braces 116 extends between the vertical beam 124 and the horizontal beam 128. By including the knee braces 116, the horizontal beams 128 and 130 may have even longer lengths (i.e., horizontal or span dimensions).

[0203] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the knee braces 116 includes a beam 102, an upper mounting plate 104, and a lower mounting plate 106. The upper mounting plate 104 is secured to an upper end of the beam 102 and configured to be mounted to one of the horizontal beams 128 or 130, and the lower mounting plate 106 is secured to a lower end of the beam 102 and configured to be mounted to one of the vertical beams 122 or 124. Thus, the upper mounting plate 104 is oriented such that a planar mounting surface thereof is oriented substantially horizontally, and the lower mounting plate 106 is oriented such that a planar mounting surface thereof is oriented substantially vertically. Also, the beam 102 extends (or is oriented) at an angle relative to the beams 124, 126, 128, and 130, and the beam 120 is not parallel or perpendicular to any of the beams 124, 126, 128, and 130. Thus, the upper and lower ends of the beam 102 are miter cut to accommodate securing the mounting plates 104 and 106 at their horizontal and vertical orientations when the beam 102 extends at an angle, as depicted in FIG. 13. The manner in which the knee brace 116 is attached to the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 is further described with reference to FIGS. 14A-14D.

[0204] As previously mentioned, each of the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 are similarly configured, such that they are identical when evaluated in cross-section. This enables the beams to be formed as a large/long extrusion that is subsequently cut into individual lengths that are each utilizable with any one or more of the couplers 32, 34, and 36.

[0205] Referring now to FIGS. 14A-14D, the manner in which the corner coupler 32 is utilized to join the horizontal beam 130 and the vertical beam 122 is depicted, according to one or more embodiments. While these figures describe utilization of the corner coupler 32 at the upper left corner of the structure 110 to join vertical beam 122 and horizontal beam 130, it will be appreciated that another one of the corner couplers 32 may be utilized at the upper right corner of the structure 110 to join the vertical beam 124 and the horizontal beam 128 and that the vertical beam 124 and the horizontal beam 128 are thus configured in the same manner as described below with reference to the vertical beam 122 and the horizontal beam 130. It should also be appreciated that while the following description details the structure and internal configuration of the beam 122 and 130, such description is also applicable to the beams 124 and 130 as indicated by the use of similar reference numerals with respect to beams 124 and 130.

[0206] As shown in at least FIGS. 14A and 14D, the vertical beam 122 and the horizontal beam 130 each include a plurality of beam walls and internal wall surfaces, some of which either contact or become juxtaposed next to at least a portion of the corner coupler 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the beams 122 and 130 each comprise a plurality of beam walls 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d having internal beam wall surfaces 230a1, 230b1, 230c1, and 230d1, respectively. The beams 122 and 130 also include an inner wall 230e having opposite facing internal beam wall surfaces 230e1 and 230e2. The inner beam wall 230e is located inside an interior space defined by the beam walls 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d, such that the beam walls 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d may collectively be referred to as the outer beam walls and may each be individually referred to as an outer beam wall. Further, the inner beam wall 230e and any one or more of the outer beam walls 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d may collectively be referred to as the beam walls or may each be individually referred to as a beam wall.

[0207] In embodiments, the top and bottom beam walls 230c and 230d have the same thickness (i.e., a first thickness)), the beam walls 230a and 230b and the inner beam wall 130e have the same thickness (i.e., a second thickness), and the thickness of the top and bottom beam walls 230c and 230d is greater than the thickness of the beam walls 230a, 230b, and 230e (i.e., beam walls 230c and 230d are thicker than beams walls 230a, 230b, and 230e, or the first thickness is greater than the second thickness). In embodiments where the beams are shaped as shown in the figures, providing the top and bottom beam walls 230c and 230d with a greater thickness than the other beam walls (i.e., beams walls 230a, 230b, and 230e), the overall strength or structural rigidity of the beam may be enhanced. In other embodiments, the (outer) beam walls 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d and the inner beam wall 230e all have the same thickness.

[0208] As previously mentioned, each of the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 is similarly configured, such that they are identical when evaluated in cross-section. This enables the beams to be formed as a large/long extrusion that is subsequently cut into individual lengths that are each utilizable with any one or more of the couplers 32, 34, and 36. Thus, the vertical beam 122 described with reference to FIGS. 15A-15D and the horizontal beam 130 described with reference to FIGS. 16A-16D similarly include the beam walls 230a-230d and corresponding internal beam wall surfaces 230a1-230c1 as described with reference to FIGS. 14A-14D, above.

[0209] In contrast to the beams 22, 24, 28, and 30 which include the single aperture 42 as detailed above, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 each include a pair of channels or apertures 142 and 143, with the first aperture 142 of the pair utilized for receiving an end of one of the couplers (32, 34, 36) and the second aperture 143 of the pair being utilizable for auxiliary purposes. Because the first aperture 142 is utilized for installing and mounting the couplers 32, 34, and 26, the first aperture 142 may be referred to as the installation aperture or installation channel 142, and because the second aperture 143 is utilized for other/auxiliary purposes, the second aperture 143 may be referred to as the auxiliary aperture 143.

[0210] Thus, each of the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 includes outer beam walls 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d and the inner beam wall 230e, wherein the outer beams walls 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d define an interior (of the beam) that is divided by the inner beam wall 230e into the installation aperture 142 and the auxiliary aperture 143. Stated differently, the inner beam wall 230e divides an interior of the beam into the installation aperture 142 and the auxiliary aperture 143. Also, the installation aperture 142 and the auxiliary aperture 143 each extend through the entire length of the beam, between the opposite open ends of the beam. For example, as to the horizontal beam 130, the installation aperture 142 and the auxiliary aperture 143 each extend through the entire length of the beam 130, between the opposite open ends 130a and 130b of the beam 130. Also in this example, each of the open ends 130a and 130b of the horizontal beam 130 is divided by the inner beam wall 230e such that part of the open ends 130a and 130b extends into the installation aperture 142 and part of the open ends 130a and 130b extends into the auxiliary aperture 143.

[0211] Also, due to the presence of the inner wall 230e inside the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 as shown in the figures, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 also include the auxiliary channel or aperture 143 next to the installation aperture 142. The inner beam wall 230e, together with the outer beam walls 230a, 230b, and 230d, cooperate to define the auxiliary aperture 143. Stated differently, the beam walls 230a, 230b, 230d, and 230e together define the auxiliary aperture 143. The auxiliary aperture 143 may be utilized to run various types of cables and/or wires to hide them from view. For example, electrical wires for lighting may be run through the auxiliary aperture 142 to hide them from view.

[0212] As best shown in FIGS. 14A, 14D, 15A, 15D, 16A, and 16D, the inner beam wall 230e, together with the outer beam walls 230a, 230b, and 230c, cooperate to define the installation aperture 142 into which a portion of one of the couplers 32, 36 and 34 may be arranged. The installation aperture 142 may be sized and dimensioned such that the couplers 32, 36, and 34 may be press-fit into the installation aperture 142 or otherwise fit snugly therein. Thus, the beam walls 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230e together define the installation aperture 142 into which at least a portion of the couplers 32, 36, and 34 may be inserted when assembling the structure 110.

[0213] For example, FIG. 14A depicts how the second portion 32b of the corner coupler 32 may be inserted into the installation aperture 142 at the end 130a of the horizontal beam 130, and how the first portion 32a of the corner coupler 32 may be inserted into the installation aperture 142 at the end 122a of the vertical beam 122, to thereby couple (or join) the beams 122 and 130 together; and, while not illustrated, the corner coupler 32 at the upper right corner of the structure 110 may be similarly arranged in the installation aperture 142 at the ends 124a and 128a of the beams 124 and 128, respectively. Also in this example, FIG. 15A depicts how the support coupler 36 may be inserted into the end 122b of the beam 122 to couple the beam 122 to the support structure 126; and, while not illustrated, the support coupler 36 at the lower right corner of the structure 110 may be similarly arranged in the installation aperture 142 at the end 124b of the beam 124 to connect the beam 124 to the support structure 126. Further, FIG. 16A depicts how the splicing coupler 34 is inserted into the ends 128b and 130b of the horizontal beams 128 and 130, respectively, to couple (join) the beams 128 and 130 together.

[0214] The installation aperture 142 of each of the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 is adapted and dimensioned to snugly receive any one of the couplers 32, 36, and 34, as respectively by the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 14D, 15D, and 16D. As shown in these figures, the couplers 32, 34, and 36 each include a plurality of coupling surfaces (described above) that become positioned or juxtaposed in operative relationship with the plurality of internal wall surfaces 230a1, 230b1, 230c1 and 230e1 that surround the installation aperture 142. For example, when assembled, the elongated portion 46a will abut and contact the internal beam wall surface 230c1, the elongated portion 44a will abut and contact the first internal beam wall surface 230e1, the elongated flange walls 44b and 46b will abut and contact the internal beam wall surface 230a1, and the elongated flange walls 44c and 46c will abut and contact the internal beam wall surface 230b1.

[0215] In particular, FIG. 14D depicts this arrangement of the second portion 32b of the corner coupler 32 in the beam 130; however, it should be appreciated that the first portion 32a will be similarly arranged in the vertical beam 122, and that the first and second portion 32a and 32b of the corner coupler at the upper right corner of the structure 110 is similarly arranged within the horizontal beam 128 and the vertical beam 124. is depicted in FIG. 14D. Further, while FIG. 15D depicts the arrangement of the support coupler 36 in second end 122b of the beam 122; however, it should appreciated that the corner support 126 at the lower right corner of the structure 110 is similarly arranged in the vertical beam 124 associated therewith. Lastly, while FIG. 16D depicts the splicing coupler 34 arranged within horizontal beam 128, the splicing coupler 34 is similarly arranged in the other horizontal beam 130.

[0216] Various types of screws or fasteners are utilized to attach the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 to the couplers 32, 34, and 36 together. Screws or fasteners 180 are utilized to at least partially secure the couplers 32, 34, and 36 to the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 and vice versa. In the illustrated embodiment, the screws or fasteners 180 are the same type as described above with reference to the screws or fasteners 80. The screws or fasteners 180 may also be utilized to secure the mounting plates 106 to the vertical beams 122 and 124 and to secure the mounting plates 104 to the horizontal beams 128 and 130; however, in the illustrated embodiment, screws or fasteners 181 are utilized to secure the bracket or knee brace 116 to the vertical and horizontal beams 122, 124 and 128, 130. For example, the screws or fasteners 181 may be utilized to secure the mounting plates 106 to the vertical beams 122 and 124 and to secure the mounting plates 104 to the horizontal beams 128 and 130. In embodiments, the screws or fasteners 181 are 141 long self drilling screws.

[0217] As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 14D, 15D, and 16D, the screws or fasteners 180 are inserted through the beam wall 230c and the second flange 46. For example, as shown in FIG. 14D, corresponding openings sized to receive the screws or fasteners 180 may be formed in the beam wall 230c of the beam 130 and the elongated portion 46a of the corner coupler 32, wherein such corresponding openings are aligned with each other when the coupler 32 is arranged in the beam 130; and then the screws or fasteners 180 may be inserted through the corresponding openings to thereby fasten/secure the beam wall 230c and the second flange 46 relative to each other. For example, a pattern of bolt holes may be formed in the flange 36 and the beam wall 230c may have a corresponding pattern of bolt holes that aligns with the pattern of bolt holes in the coupler when assembled together for receiving the fasteners or screws 180.

[0218] Also in the illustrated embodiment, a second type of screws or fasteners 182 is also utilized to at least partially secure the couplers 32, 34, and 36 to the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 and vice versa. Here, the screws or fasteners 182 extend through the beam wall 230d and the inner beam wall 230e, and then into and through the first flange 44 (of the coupler), to thereby fasten/secure the first flange 44 (of the coupler) relative to the beam wall 230d and the inner beam wall 230e. Thus, the (second type of) screws or fasteners 182 are relatively longer than the (first type of screws or fasteners) 180, because the screws or fasteners 182 first extend through the auxiliary aperture 143 and then into installation aperture 142, whereas the screws and fasteners 180 just extend into and through the installation aperture 142. Stated differently, the fasteners and screws 182 are long enough to extend through beam walls 230d, through the auxiliary apertures 143, through the inner walls 230e, and into the coupler 32, 34, or 36 that is arranged in the installation aperture 142; whereas, the screws or fasteners 180 may be relatively shorter as they extend through the wall 230c and into the coupler 32, 34, or 36 that is arranged in the installation aperture 142. In embodiments, the screws or fasteners 182 are 143 self drilling screws.

[0219] In examples, corresponding openings (or bolt patterns) sized to receive the screws or fasteners 182 may be formed in the beam wall 230d, the inner beam wall 230e, and the first flange 44 for receiving the screws or fasteners 182 and such corresponding openings (or bolt patterns) align with each other when assembled for receiving the screws or fasteners 182. For example, as shown in FIG. 14D, corresponding openings sized to receive the screws or fasteners 182 may be formed in the beam wall 230d, the inner beam wall 230e of the beam 130, and the first flange 44a of the corner coupler 32, wherein such corresponding openings are aligned with each other when the coupler 32 is arranged in the beam 130; and then the screws or fasteners 180 may be inserted through the corresponding openings to thereby fasten/secure the beam wall 230c and the second flange 46 relative to each other. It will be appreciated that, while FIG. 14D depicts utilization of the fasteners or screws 180 and 182 with regard to the second portion 32b of the corner coupler 32 and the horizontal beam 130, the fasteners or screws 180 and 182 are similarly utilized to secure the first portion of the 32a of the corner coupler 32 in the vertical beam 122 and that the fasteners or screws 180 and 182 are similarly utilized to secure the first and second portions 32a and 32b of the corner coupler 32 in the horizontal beam 128 and the vertical beam 124 at the upper right corner of the structure 110.

[0220] As shown in FIG. 15D, the fasteners or screws 180 are similarly utilized to secure the beam wall 230c of the vertical beam 124 and the second flange 46 of the support coupler 36 and the fasteners or screws 182 are similarly utilized to secure the beam wall 230d and the inner beam wall 230e of the vertical beam 122 and the first flange 44 of the support coupler 36. It will be appreciated that, while FIG. 15D depicts utilization of the fasteners or screws 180 and 182 with regard to the support coupler 36 and the vertical beam 122 at the lower left corner of the structure 110, the fasteners or screws 180 and 182 are similarly utilized to secure the vertical beam 124 and to the support coupler 36 at the lower right corner of the structure 110. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16D, the fasteners or screws 180 are similarly utilized to secure the beam wall 230c of the horizontal beam 128 and the second flange 46 of the splicing coupler 36 and the fasteners or screws 182 are similarly utilized to secure the beam wall 230d and the inner beam wall 230e of the horizontal beam 128 to the first flange 44 of the splicing coupler 34. However, it will be appreciated that the fasteners or screws 180 may be similarly utilized to secure the beam wall 230c of the horizontal beam 130 and the second flange 46 of the splicing coupler 36 and the fasteners or screws 182 may be similarly utilized to secure the beam wall 230d and the inner beam wall 230e of the horizontal beam 130 to the first flange 44 of the splicing coupler 34.

[0221] In this manner, two different types of screws or fasteners are utilized to secure any one of the couplers 32, 34, or 36 to any one of the beams 122, 124, 128 or 130, with a second type of the screws or fasteners (i.e., the screws 182) being relatively longer than the first type of screws or fasteners (i.e., the screws 180) so that they can span and extend through the auxiliary aperture 140 and reach the particular coupler assembled/arranged in the installation aperture 142.

[0222] As previously mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment (a third type of) the screws or fastener 181 are utilized to secure the knee braces 116. For example, as shown in FIG. 14D, the upper mounting plate 104 of the knee brace 116 may be placed on the outer surface of the beam wall 230d of the horizontal beam 130, and then the screws or fastener 181 may be inserted there-through to thereby secure the upper mounting plate 104 to the beam wall 230d. Similarly, while not depicted, the lower mounting plate 106 may be placed on the outer surface of the beam wall 230d of the vertical beam 122, and then the screws or fastener 181 may be inserted there-through to thereby secure the lower mounting plate 106 to the beam wall 230d of the vertical beam 122. Also, while not depicted, it will be appreciated that the knee brace 116 at the upper corner of the structure 110 may be similar attached to the horizontal beam 128 and the vertical beam 124. In embodiments, the mounting plates 104 and 106 have bolt hole patterns that match and correspond bolt hole patterns on the beam walls 230d to facilitate inserting the screws or fasteners 181.

[0223] As with the beams 22, 24, 28, and 30 detailed above, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 are also configured to hold and retain the screen mesh 14. While the beams 22, 24, 28, and 30 detailed above are provided with a pair of spline grooves or channels 66 and 74 for receiving the screen mesh 14, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 described with reference to FIGS. 13-16D include four (4) spline grooves or channels 66 and 74 that are arranged proximate to the four (4) corners of the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130.

[0224] In particular, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 each include a first spline groove or channel 266 formed on the beam wall 230b near an edge or corner thereof where the beam wall 230b meets the beam wall 230d, a second spline groove or channel 274 formed on the beam wall 230c near an edge or corner thereof where the beam wall 230c meets the beam wall 230a, a third spline groove or channel 282 formed on the beam wall 230a near an edge or corner thereof where the beam wall 230a meets the beam wall 230d, and a fourth spline groove or channel 290 formed on the beam wall 230c near an edge or corner thereof where the beam wall 230c meets the beam wall 230b. The spline grooves or channels 266, 274, 282, and 290 are best shown in the cross-sectional views of FIG. 14D, FIG. 15D, and FIG. 16D.

[0225] The first spline groove or channel 266 is located and formed in a similar manner as described with reference to the spline groove or channel 66, detailed above. Thus, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 each include an internal beam structure 260 that corresponds with the first spline groove or channel 266 thereof, wherein the internal beam structure 260 includes a spline groove channel wall or projection 262 that cooperates with a flange 264 to thereby define the first spline groove or channel 266 for receiving the screen 14 and a conventional spline (not shown). It will be appreciated that the conventional spline may be inserted into the first spline groove or channel 266 to hold and retain the screen mesh 14 within the first spline groove or channel 266. The first spline groove or channel 266 opens in a direction of arrow C in FIG. 14D. Note that the internal beam structure 260, and the spline groove channel wall or projection 262 thereof, extends into and is accommodated by the auxiliary aperture 143, as illustrated.

[0226] The third spline groove or channel 282 is similar to the first spline groove or channel 266, except that the third spline groove or channel 282 is formed in the beam wall 230a and opens in an opposite direction, as indicated by arrow C in FIG. 14D. Thus, the third spline groove or channel 282 includes an internal beam structure 280 having a spline groove channel wall or projection 284 that cooperates with a flange 286 to define the third spline groove or channel 282 for receiving the screen mesh 14 and associated spline (not shown). Note that the internal beam structure 280, and the spline groove channel wall or projection 284 thereof, extends into and is accommodated by the auxiliary aperture 143, as illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges of the first and third spline grooves or channels 266 and 282 extend in the same direction, as both extend from the beam wall 230d towards the beam wall 230c and towards the inner beam wall 230e.

[0227] The second spline groove or channel 274 is located and formed in a similar manner as described with reference to the spline groove or channel 74, detailed above. Thus, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 each include an internal beam structure 268 that corresponds with the second spline groove or channel 274 thereof, wherein the beam structure 268 includes a spline groove channel wall or projection portion 270 that cooperates with a flange 272 to define the second spline groove or channel 274. To attach the mesh screen 14 in the second spline groove or channel 274, the mesh screen 14 may be arranged therein and then secured therein via a conventional spline (not shown). The second spline groove or channel 274 opens in a direction of arrow D in FIG. 14D. Note that the internal beam structure 268, and the spline groove channel wall or projection portion 270 thereof, extends into and is accommodated by the interior aperture or channel 154, as illustrated, wherein the interior aperture or channel 154 is defined between the surfaces 46d1, 230a1, and 230c1.

[0228] The fourth spline groove or channel 290 is similar to the second spline groove or channel 274, except that the second spline groove or channel 274 is formed at an opposite end the beam wall 230c than the second spline groove or channel 274 (i.e., the fourth spline groove or channel 290 is formed at an edge where the beam wall 230c meets beam wall 230b, whereas the second spline groove or channel 274 is formed near the edge where the beam wall 230c meets the beam wall 230a). Thus, the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 each include an internal beam structure 288 that corresponds with the fourth spline groove or channel 290 thereof, wherein the beam structure 288 includes a spline groove channel wall or projection portion 292 that cooperates with a flange 294 to define the fourth spline groove or channel 290. To attach the mesh screen 14 in the fourth spline groove or channel 290, the mesh screen 14 may be arranged therein and then secured therein via a conventional spline (not shown). As shown, the fourth spline groove or channel 290 in the same direction (as indicated by the arrow D) as does the second spline groove or channel 274; however, the flange 294 of the fourth spline groove or channel 290 extends from the beam wall 230b towards the beam wall 230a, while the flange 272 of the second spline groove or channel 274 extends from the beam wall 230a towards the beam wall 230b. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 272 and 294 of the second and fourth spline grooves or channels 274 and 290 extend towards each other. Note that the internal beam structure 288, and the spline groove channel wall or projection portion 292 thereof, extends into and is accommodated by the interior aperture or channel 156, as illustrated, wherein the interior aperture or channel 156 is defined between the surfaces 46e1, 230b1, and 230c1.

[0229] It should be appreciated that while the spline grooves or channels 266, 274, 282, and 290 have been described with reference to the horizontal beam 130 depicted in FIG. 14D, each of the other beams 122, 124, and 128 include the same arrangement of spline grooves or channels 266, 274, 282, and 290. Also, FIGS. 14A-16D depict just one example arrangement of the spline grooves or channels 266, 274, 282, and 290; however, any one or more of the beams may have different arrangement of spline grooves or channels, as described with reference to FIGS. 17A-17E.

[0230] Referring now to FIGS. 15A-15D, the manner in which the support coupler 36 is utilized to join the vertical beam 122 to the support structure 126 is depicted, according to one or more embodiments. While these figures describe utilization of the support coupler 36 at the lower left corner of the structure 110 to join vertical beam 122 to the support structure 126, it will be appreciated that another one of the support couplers 36 may be utilized at the lower right corner of the structure 110 to join the vertical beam 124 and the support structure 126 and that the vertical beam 124 is thus configured in the same manner as described below with reference to the vertical beam 122.

[0231] The support coupler 36 is secured to the support surface 126 using the screws or fasteners 82, as described above. Thus, as shown, the screws or fasteners 82 are inserted through the end plate or wall 90 of the support coupler 36. In embodiments, openings may be formed in the end plate or wall 90 for receiving the screws or fasteners 82. In embodiments, the screws or fasteners 82 are stainless steel concrete anchors with stainless steel washers.

[0232] Thereafter, the vertical beam 122 is installed on the support coupler 36 by aligning the support coupler 36 with the installation channel 142 and sliding the vertical beam 122 down onto the support coupler 36 such that the support coupler 36 is fully inserted into the installation channel 142.

[0233] Then, the vertical beam 122 is secured to the support coupler 36 using the fasteners 180 and 182. The fasteners 180 are inserted through beam wall 230c of the vertical beam 122 and the second flange 46 of the support coupler 36, and the fasteners or screws 182 are inserted through beam wall 230d and through the inner beam wall 230e of the vertical beam 122 and then through the first flange 44 of the support coupler 36.

[0234] Referring now to FIGS. 16A-16D, the manner in which the splicing coupler 34 is utilized to join the end 128b of the first horizontal beam 128 to the end 130b of the second horizontal beam 130 is depicted, according to one or more embodiments. As shown, the portion 34b of the splicing coupler 34 is inserted into the installation channel 142 of the horizontal beam 130 and the portion 34a of the splicing coupler 34 is inserted into the installation channel 142 of the horizontal beam 128.

[0235] Then, the beams 128 and 130 are secured to the splicing coupler 34 using the fasteners 180 and 182. The fasteners 180 are inserted through beam wall 230c of the beams 128 and 130 and the second flange 46 of the splicing coupler 34, and the fasteners or screws 182 are inserted through beam wall 230d and through the inner beam wall 230e of the beams 128 and 130 and then through the first flange 44 of the splicing coupler 34.

[0236] As previously mentioned, the beams include spline grooves or channels for receiving edges of the mesh screen 14. In FIGS. 14A-16D, each of the support beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 includes spline grooves or channels 266, 274, 282, and 290, with spline grooves or channels 274 and 290 arranged or formed at opposite sides of beam wall 230c near corners where beam walls 230a and 230b respectively meet the beam wall 230c, with the spline groove or channel 266 formed or arranged in the beam wall 230b at a side thereof near the corner where the beam wall 230b meets the beam wall 230d, and with the spline groove or channel 282 formed or arranged in the beam wall 230a at a side thereof near the corner where the beam wall 230a meets the beam wall 230d.

[0237] FIG. 17A depicts a first alternate example beam 1702 having a different arrangement of spline grooves or channels, according to embodiments. It should be appreciated that the beam 1702 may be utilized in the structure 110, instead of (i.e., replace) any one or more of the beams 122, 124, 128, and/or 130, or in addition to any one or more of the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130. Thus, the beam 1702 may be a horizontal or vertical beam in the structure 110.

[0238] In the illustrated embodiment, the beam 1702 includes the spline groove or channel 290 at the corner of the beam 1702 where the beam walls 230c and 230b meet; however, the beam 1702 does not include the spline grooves or channels 262, 274, or 282. Rather, in this embodiment, the beam 1702 includes a pair of the spline grooves or channels 1704 and 1706 formed or arranged in the beam wall 230d. In particular, the spline groove or channel 1704 is formed at a side of the beam wall 230d near a corner thereof where the beam wall 230d meets the beam wall 230b, and the spline groove or channel 1706 is formed at a side of the beam wall 230d near a corner thereof where the beam wall 230d meets the beam wall 230a. The spline grooves or channels 1704 and 1706 are formed in a similar or identical manner as described with any of the other spline grooves or channels 266, 274, 282, and 290.

[0239] Thus, the beam 1702 includes an internal beam structure 1708 that corresponds with the spline groove or channel 1704 thereof, wherein the internal beam structure 1708 includes a spline groove channel wall or projection 1710 that cooperates with a flange 1712 to thereby define the spline groove or channel 1704 for receiving the screen 14 and a conventional spline (not shown). As to the other spline groove or channel 1706 on the beam wall 230d, the beam 1702 includes an internal beam structure 1714 that corresponds with the spline groove or channel 1706 thereof, wherein the internal beam structure 1714 includes a spline groove channel wall or projection 1716 that cooperates with a flange 1718 to thereby define the spline groove or channel 1706 for receiving the screen 14 and a conventional spline (not shown). In this embodiment, the flange 1712 of the spline groove or channel 1704 extends in the same direction as the flange 294 of the spline groove or channel 290, and the flange 1712 of the spline groove or channel 1704 and the flange 1718 of the spline groove or channel 1706 extend in opposite directions and extend towards each other.

[0240] FIG. 17B depicts a second alternate example beam 1720 having a different arrangement of spline grooves or channels, according to embodiments. It should be appreciated that the beam 1720 may be utilized in the structure 110, instead of (i.e., replace) any one or more of the beams 122, 124, 128, and/or 130, or in addition to any one or more of the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130. Thus, the beam 1720 may be a horizontal or vertical beam in the structure 110.

[0241] In the illustrated embodiment, the beam 1720 has a nearly identical arrangement of spline grooves or channels as described with reference to the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130 above. In particular, the beam 1720 includes the spline grooves or channels 266, 274, and 290, but does not include the spline groove or channel 282. Thus, the beam 1720 includes some, but not all, of the spline grooves or channels as described above with reference to the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130.

[0242] FIG. 17C depicts yet another alternate example beam 1750 having a different arrangement of spline grooves or channels, according to embodiments. It should be appreciated that the beam 1750 may be utilized in the structure 110, instead of (i.e., replace) any one or more of the beams 122, 124, 128, and/or 130, or in addition to any one or more of the beams 122, 124, 128, and 130. Thus, the beam 1750 may be a horizontal or vertical beam in the structure 110.

[0243] In the illustrated embodiment, the beam 1750 includes the spline groove or channel 290 (at a corner of the beam 1750 where the beam walls 230c and 230b meet) and the spline groove or channel 1706 (at a corner of the beam 1750 where the beam walls 230d and 230a meet). Here, the flange 294 of the spline groove or channel 290 and the flange 1718 of the spline groove or channel 1706 extend towards each other and in opposite directions.

ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES AND CONSIDERATIONS

[0244] Some additional advantages and considerations of the embodiments are listed below: [0245] Eliminates need for through-bolts and fascial fasteners. [0246] A length of the couplers 34 and 36 and corner coupler key 32 increases an overall span of beam. [0247] The corner coupler 32 increases lateral support and may reduce or eliminate cable tie downs. [0248] A position of spline groove eliminates need for separate and additional spline beams, such as the prior art 12 beam that was typically mounted on the horizontal support beams. [0249] The coupler 36 can be mounted to any internal coupler including a substrate. [0250] The embodiments can be used with split beams and beams of U.S. Pat. No. 7,877,962; U.S. Design Patent Nos. D620,618; D620,619; D636,095; D666,743; D713,054 and D791,342. [0251] Design eliminates face screws and also bolts. [0252] The hollow one piece beam having built in spline grooves like those shown in FIG. 3 eliminates the need for additional 12. [0253] The couplers 32, 34 and 36 are not visible once installed in the beams. [0254] An increase in overall strength, spanning length, and robustness is improved by the embodiments being described herein as well as the size, length and other dimensions of the couplers 32, 34 and 36. [0255] The corner coupler 32 bonds and couples beams together to form a corner having plane and unobstructed fascia surfaces, which is aesthetically pleasing. [0256] Utilization of beams 122, 124, 128, 130 permit formation of structures having a variety of different dimensions wherein the structure includes at least a pair of vertical posts 122 and 124 and horizontal posts 12 and 130 spanning between the vertical posts 122 and 124, without any intermediate vertical support posts between the vertical posts 122 and 124, such as a structure having a sixty (60) foot unobstructed view (i.e., width) with a thirty-four (34) depth (wherein depth is the measure of how far the structure protrudes outward from the side of the building) without any extra posts/supports, a structure having a fifty (50) foot unobstructed view with (i.e., width) with a fifty (50) foot depth without any extra posts, etc. [0257] The beams 122, 124, 128, 130 may be extruded in various lengths, such as thirty (30) feet, thirty-six (36) feet, or forty (40) feet. [0258] Utilization of beams 122, 124, 128, 130 provides an additional void/conduit (i.e., the auxiliary aperture 143) for running wires or cables, such as low voltage lighting wires. [0259] The beams 122, 124, 128, 130 have enhanced strength which leads to less deflection and being able to span larger distances.

[0260] Advantageously, the embodiments shown and described herein could be used alone or together and/or in combination with one or more of the features covered by one or more of the claims set forth herein, including but not limited to one or more of the features or steps mentioned in the Summary of the Invention and the claims.

[0261] While the system, apparatus and method herein described constitute preferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise system, apparatus and method, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.