Pre-Stressed Structural Framing System

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of Invention

The present invention relates primarily to a novel and useful products and methods for steel framing of all types, and more particularly it relates to the steel framing system which is focused on bend strength for solar applications.

Description of Related Art

In the past there has been little change in the structural and non-structural steel framing market since its inception as an alternative to wood. The steel studs used today are essentially the same design and serve the same functions as when they were first introduced as a “C” shape. In solar applications, other shapes have emerged that look more like a ‘t’. All of them lack superb bend strength and rely on angle mounting plates, sag rod and knee braces to support them on top of rafters or between them.

The present invention is hereinafter disclosed which provides the pre-stressed structural framing systems that will bridge longer distances requiring less posts and concrete materials, while at the same time providing a level of torsion strength that eliminates or reduces the number of sag rods and knee braces that are used between posts and rafters to strengthen the purlins. The shapes of the present invention will also eliminate the need for structural angles to support the purlins because they have bases that are wide eliminating the need to use them. All of these benefits also eliminate the labor, hardware and equipment needed to install them. They will also provide anti-reversal characteristics for screws because of the way their shapes interact with the fastener heads not allowing them to rotate freely.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present application, novel and useful Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems are herein provided that include specially shaped studs, purlins, posts, I and H-Beams, the method of assembly of complete solar systems both ground applications and coverings, the method of solar panel installation, and manufacturing process of these steel members including how to add stress to them in different ways.

The purlins and posts are made of galvanized steel and are generally triangulated in shape, an I-Beam shape, or a combination of these and other shapes. These structural members may be fabricated and formed of a single piece of material such as galvanized steel sheet metal or from the same material in coil form and produced on roll forming machines with various in-line punches, dies, top and bottom rollers, wheels, shears, etc. They may also be made with multiple machines such as a turret press and brake press. Parts of them may be separate attachments if desired and attached using any mechanical means such as a spot welder, self drilling screws, rivets, adhesives, by use of clinching tools that join dissimilar materials, etc. The steel studs will have holes for various purposes such as fasteners or to run materials through such as conductors. Indentations for stiffening and strength, such as low profile stiffening grooves, offset web planking embossed shapes to create stiffness or to make one section of the purlin shorter than another in order to add pre-induced stress into the purlin for stronger support in a particular direction.

Purlins having cavities running the length of them may utilize the cavities for running conductors in order to protect them. The purlins may have partial knock-outs allowing for tabs to be bent and formed to attach to other objects such as solar panels provided by others.

It may be apparent that novel and useful Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems have been hereinabove described which work and are used in a manner not consistent with conventional products and methods.

It is therefore an object of the present application to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems with a purlin having multiple walls for a screw to penetrate through and to prevent the movement of that screw, and for the fasteners to assist in preventing deformation of the purlin wall material.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems that allow for the structural members to be made as a single unit, or as multiple components connected together.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems that allows a screw that takes onto itself tensive, compressive, bending, shear and other forces that may otherwise be exerted to the purlin and/or post/stud, when used with either the structural members of this application.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems that allow solar panels to be installed quickly, continuously and safely by sliding them through the purlins' being used as “tracks” and then to be fastened once in their final position.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems that greatly reduces friction on the solar panels sliding across the purlin ‘tracks’ when being installed by the ‘T’ portion of the purlins being at a slight upward angle so that only a small portion of the ‘T’ actually contacts the bottom of the solar panels.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems with a single purlin for both outer and inner positioning in an array, eliminating the need for a second shape that must be accounted for and purchased, and with the single purlin of this invention using a portion of the ‘T’ to support an aesthetic covering instead, minimizing the engineering to a single direct solar panel supporting member for any array.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems that allows for structural members with shapes that limit the amount of movement when loads are applied to them by having increased bend and torsion strength, eliminating the need for other materials to be used to support the purlins otherwise.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems is to allow solar panel mounting clips that double as a mounting surface for conduits, conductors, pipes, etc, by having built-in snap-cavities for conduits and conductors.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems having purlins with ink marked measuring tape marks to make it easier to align panel joints during installation.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems with purlins that are able to cantilever beyond rafters and posts, and that can interconnect to one another via splice plates to allow for further cantilevering.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems is to make bends in the structural members that normally couldn't be made by using aligned slots at bend lines that allow bends to be made without normal male/female tooling, with these final bends being made using rollers in a roll forming process or by hand or mechanical bending depending on the fabrication/manufacturing process used.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems is to have a purlin that can be used as the rafter and/or the post to minimize the number of components required to build a framing system to a single structural component for a solar array.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems with double nailing flanges in the purlins so that walls of the purlins are further supported by the fasteners.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems is to utilize the aligned slots (obround holes), that may be used to bend the steel of the stud material, as openings to run straps or cables through in order to provide shear and/or stiffness for extended spans in order to further minimize the number of posts, concrete and rafters used.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems is to allow known adhesives and fabrication in any and all locations required within these framing components to attach them together better, help prevent vibration, or to help increase strength.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing is to use aligned indentations where aligned slots would normally be so that holes are not required, strengthening the final shape without the use of aligned slots for bending in those locations.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems is to allow for structural shapes that utilize lighter gauge steel while providing comparable structural or superior structural bend, torsion and axial strength.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems that utilizes straps or cables within the purlins that are fastened at the top of the purlin on each end, and on the bottom of the purlin in the middle to create a triangulated brace that helps prevent the purlin from bending and/or rolling to increase the spans of the purlins in order to use less posts, rafters and concrete.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems that allow for an arch, radius or curve to be installed into the purlin prior to final clinching to store the strength of that bend in the part so that when loads are applied it doesn't sag as easily as a part that doesn't have the pre-existing curve.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems with triangulated shapes whenever possible to increase bend strengths.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems having structural shapes that otherwise couldn't be made in normal processes in an effort to create the highest possible strength to weight ratios in all categories including axial, bend and torsion strengths.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems having the least amount of steel used on a solar array by increasing the structural strengths of the structural members.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems creating the safest possible solar array framing system available by providing means for personnel to install the panels with the least amount of effort and by not having to get on top of the array to do any work.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems with weep holes in the purlins should any liquid get inside them even though the ends will be covered with plastic caps or steel sheet metal shapes.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems that allows for triangulated shapes that are equilateral, isosceles, obtuse or other shapes that provide the most strengths to a solar array.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems having I-Beams with additional outer webs for increased compression and tension strengths, and where additional flanges can be easily added for further strengths effectively creating triple or quadruple I-Beam structural shapes.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems allowing for the combination of structural shapes such as triangles and I-Beams in order to harness the combined structural strengths of both to make the strongest possible shapes that couldn't otherwise be made without this manufacturing process that can include pre-bending curves into the metal prior anytime up to final clinching.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems with stresses added between materials used in the same structural framing shape, such as the one labelled as XI where the radiuses portions purposely contact each other creating stress within the member, and where a further curve can be added prior to clinching for additional strength in a particular direction such as to help increase bend and torsion strength.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems with cut-outs in posts that allow for the insertion of rafters that provide the angle needed, and where once inserted the rafter can't be moved without fasteners and without purposeful intent because of the friction of a cantilever, and where u-shaped spacers can be added to the post under one side of the rafter in order to adjust the height of the end of rafter so that the ends of all of the rafters can be planed without moving the established posts.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems is having holes in the rafters that are in alignment with circular shaped obrounds in the post so that mechanical fastening can be made without drilling further holes, and where the holes in the rafter have a pem-nut installed so that utilizing bolts only for final fastening is fast and easy.

Another object of the present application is to provide Pre-stressed Structural Framing Systems with posts that extend beyond the rafters vertically so that a strap or cable can be ran from the top of one post to the top of the next post, with the strap being directed underneath a sag rod that extends perpendicular to the middle of all of the purlins, and the sag rod is attached to all of the purlins, so that the strap or cable creates a means to support the sag rod which then supports the middle of all of the purlins so that they don't sag in the middle. The strap or cable can extend beyond the top of the posts and down to the base of the next adjacent post so that the posts aren't pulled inward towards each other. In this way the length of the purlins can be extended even further to minimize the use of posts, rafters and concrete even further.

The invention possesses other objects or advantages especially with concerns to particular characteristics and features thereof which will become apparent as the specification continues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific structures disclosed herein. The description of a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

FIG. 1 is a 3D isometric plan view of a structural member VI of the present invention that can be used as a post, rafter and purlin all in the same shape, and aligned slot holes or aligned indentations that provide a means to make bends otherwise impossible to make that are the length of the stud.

FIG. 2 is a 3D isometric plan view of structural member VI of FIG. 1 showing it from the opposite side, better depicting a screw penetrating both flange walls so that the screw then becomes able to hold cantilevered loads far away from the outer wall if needed.

FIG. 3 is an isometric profile view of preferred purlin VII of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an isometric profile view of preferred purlin VIII of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an isometric profile view of preferred purlin IX of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an isometric profile view of preferred purlin X of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an isometric profile view of preferred purlin XI of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an isometric profile view of preferred purlin XII of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an isometric profile view of preferred purlin XIII of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an isometric elevation view of the connection point between a cantilevered rafter (or beam) and a post.

FIG. 11 is an isometric elevation view of a raised cantilevered solar array.

FIG. 12 is an isometric elevation view of a clip that self-clamps a flange of a solar panel to an arm of the purlins of this invention prior to final mechanical fastening, and it has a means to support electrical conductors and/or conduits.

FIG. 13 is an isometric plan view of a ground application solar array.

FIG. 14 is an isometric elevation view of a purlin at an extremity of a solar array supporting a solar panel and aesthetic flashing.

FIG. 15 is an isometric elevation view of a purlin in the middle of a solar array supporting more than one solar panel.

FIG. 16 is an isometric elevation section view of how fasteners are positionally held to prevent them from bending by being captured by multiple points of contact from both the rafter and purlin.

For a better understanding of the invention of this application, reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof which should be referenced to the prior described drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present application will evolve from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof which should be taken in conjunction with the prior described drawings.

Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments, as depicted in different figures as described above and of being practiced or conducted in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “exemplary embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “another embodiment,” or variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “A/B” or in the form “A and/or B” or in the form “at least one of A and B” means (A), (B), or (A and B), where A and B are variables indicating a particular object or attribute. When used, this phrase is intended to and is hereby defined as a choice of A or B or both A and B, which is similar to the phrase “and/or”. Where more than two variables are present in such a phrase, this phrase is hereby defined as including only one of the variables, any one of the variables, any combination of any of the variables, and all of the variables, for example, a phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).

It is to be understood that the term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components.

Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows structural member VI having inner nailing flange 810, space 820, return 830, outer nailing flange 840, outer web 860, double U notches 870, crease 880, hole 890 and web 900.

Creases 880 help stiffen webs 860 and 900. Double U notches 870 are used for permanent fixing of the location of inner nailing flange 810 as will be shown in FIG. 18. Screw 850 is shown penetrating outer nailing flange 840 and inner nailing flange 810 so that cantilevered loads (not shown) may be placed upon screw 950 far away from structural member VI with deflection of screw 950 dependent in part on its material make-up, exposed distance from structural member VI, diameter, and angle into stud M.

FIG. 2 further shows structural member VI of FIG. 17 having aligned slots 910 allowing for inner nailing flange 810 to be bent into position from external tooling only (rollers in a roll forming system, not shown) so that tabs 920 are pushed into structural member VI (via small diameter rollers on a roll forming machine (not shown)) adjacent to both sides of inner nailing flange 810 so that they won't allow inner nailing flange 810 to move perpendicularly to structural member VI's length when external forces such as from adding mechanical pressure (not shown).

FIG. 3 show a preferred structural member VII having base 1850 extending to webs 1852 and 1854 to form a triangular shape, webs 1852 and 1854 extending to flanges 1856 and 1858. Flanges 1856 and 1858 having partial knock-outs 1864 and 1866 (referenced location by arrow) where tabs 1860 and 1862 are bent out to form platforms for solar panels (not shown) to rest on and attach to via mechanical fastening devices (not shown). Mechanical force 1851 is used to create a bend in base 1850 prior to clinching 1868 of flanges 1856 and 1858 in order to capture a curved shape (not shown) within structural member VII so that it has a higher bending strength.

Fasteners (not shown) are positioned through upper hole 1853 and lower hole 1855 prior to mechanically fastening into a rafter (not shown). Holes 1853 and 1855 can be located on both sides of structural member VII. Fasteners (not shown) don't allow webs 1852 and 1854 to move providing extra torsion and bending strengths to structural member VII. Webs 1852 and 1854 also provide a surface for the hexagonal head of the fastener (not shown) to lay flat against so that the fastener (not shown) is unable to back out, providing a means to lock the fastener (not shown) in permanent position. As with several purlins of this invention, purling VII may be half the size (not shown) by eliminating a portion of base 1850, all of web 1852, and all of vertical flange 1858 and replacing them with a vertical web (not shown) that extends perpendicularly from the middle of base 1850 and terminates adjacent to end of flange 1856. In this way two half sized purlins (not shown) may be positioned or fastened (not shown) to each other back to back (not shown) so that the two halves become one full purlin (not shown) offering greater flexural strength as a result of the combination of them.

FIG. 4 shows preferred embodiment structural member VIII having base 1870 extending to webs 1872 and 1874 which extend to flanges 1876 and 1878 and is hemmed via clinching 1880 (location referenced by arrow) to complete the triangle shape of structural member VIII. Flanges 1876 and 1878 extend to lower arms 1882 and 1884 which extend to hems 1886 and 1888, which then extend to upper arms 1890 and 1892 which then extend to vertical flanges 1894 and 1896 to complete the partial I-Beam portion of structural member VIII. Clinching 1880 locations are generically shown by arrows in some locations, but they can be used in any location where more than one part (not shown) contacts another. Angle 1879 may be less than 90 degrees so that hems 1886 and 1888 are raised up slightly (not shown) in order for solar panels (not shown) to slide over them with minimal amounts of friction (not shown). Webs 1872 and 1874 are pushed down while base 1870 is pushed up to close vertical flanges 1894 and 1896 together in order to clinch 1880 all locations. Opening 1877 is formed and may be used to attach cable or strapping (not shown) at each end so that the middle of the cable or strapping (not shown) is able to be fastened (not shown) in the middle and at the bottom (not shown) of structural member VIII in order to triangulate the cable or strapping (not shown) in order to increase the bending strength of structural member VII with minimal added materials. Fasteners (not shown) are positioned through upper hole 1871 and lower hole 1873 prior to mechanically fastening into a rafter (not shown). Holes 1871 and 1873 can be located on both sides of structural member VIII. Fasteners (not shown) don't allow webs 1872 and 1874 to move providing extra torsion and bending strengths to structural member VIII. Webs 1872 and 1874 also provide a surface for the hexagonal head of the fastener (not shown) to lay flat against so that the fastener (not shown) is unable to back out because the apex (not shown) between two flat portions of the hex head (not shown) would need to overcome the push-back (not shown) of webs 1872 and 1874 in order to rotate, providing a means to lock the fastener (not shown) in permanent position. Vertical flanges 1894 and 1896, upper arms 1890 and 1892, and hems 1886 and 1888 are not required when utilizing these structural member shapes with materials other than solar panels (not shown) such as corrugated metal roofing (not shown). Micro-inverters and optimizers (not shown) may be fastened to webs 1872, 1874 and/or base 1870.

FIG. 5 shows structural member IX having an extended I-Beam shape having vertical flange 1898 and 1900 extending to upper flanges 1904 and 1906 which extend to hems 1908 and 1910 which extend to lower flanges 1912 and 1914 which then extend to webs 1916 and 1918 which then extend to inner flanges 1920 and 1922 which extend to hems 1924 and 1926 which extend to outer flanges 1928 and 1930 which extend to secondary vertical flanges 1932 and 1934 which then terminate in hem 1936. In this structural member, hem 1936 is the last to be made to make this shape. Clinching 1902 is used to join the metals together permanently and in a pattern (not shown) that provides the most structural strength to structural member IX. All segments of structural member IX are substantially perpendicular to each other.

FIG. 6 shows structural member X having bases 1938 and 1940 for attachment to a rafter (not shown) via pre-drilled holes (not shown). Bases 1938 and 1940 extend to angled flanges 1942 and 1944 which extend to webs 1946 and 1948 so that when clinch 1950 (location generally shown by arrow) is made a triangle is created that includes the rafter (not shown) to provide added torsional strength (not shown). Webs 1946 and 1948 extend to lower arms 1952 and 1954 which extend to hems 1960 and 1962 which extend to upper arms 1964 and 1966 which extend to vertical flanges 1968 and 1970 which terminate in hem 1972 which is the last bend to make structural shape X. Hem 1972 provides support separation of solar panels (not shown) when on a slope (not shown), while hems 1960 and 1962 provide support to 2 sides of a solar panel (not shown) until the solar panel (not shown) can be permanently affixed to hem locations 1960 and 1962 which include upper arms 1964 and 1966 as well as lower arms 1952 and 1954. Most segments of structural member X are substantially perpendicular to each other except angled flanges 1942 and 1944 which are at approximately 135 degree angles to their surrounding segments.

FIG. 7 shows structural member XI having base 1994 extending to hems 1996 and 1998 which extend to flanges 1990 and 1992 which then extend to curved webs 1986 and 2000 which extend to flanges 1982 and 2002. Flange 1982 extends to hem 1984 which extends to top 1976 terminating flush with the end of flange 2002. Webs 1986 and 2000 are pushed against each other so that they push back (not shown) against each other to create internal stress that is then captured by clinching 1974 including at web 1986 and 2000 contact point shown generally with an arrow. Triangulated areas 1978 and 1988 are created to form unique structural member XI which can include bending adjacent to base 1944 prior to clinching 1974 to provide an arch (not shown) to further increase structural performance (not shown). Final bends of structural member XI may be made at one or both hems 1996 and 1998 by having aligned slot holes (not shown) at these bend locations so that pressure (not shown) alone can make these final bends to complete the part. Attachment 1980 is shown as two overlapping pieces of metal, which is the same at all for corners of structural member XI.

FIG. 8 shows structural member XII having base 2004 extending to hems 2014 and 2016 which extend to flanges 2010 and 2012 which extend to angled flanges 2018 and 2020 which extend to webs 2024 and 2026 which extend to upper angled flanges 2028 and 2030 which extend to flanges 2032 and 2034. Flange 2032 extends to hem 2036 which extends to arm 2038 which terminates flush with the end of flange 2034. Triangles 2022 and 2042 are made at each end of structural member XII with the last bends being made at one or both hems 2014 and 2016 by having aligned slot holes (not shown) at these bend locations so that pressure (not shown) alone can make these final bends to complete the part prior to clinching 2043 generally shown by an arrow and which may be at any location that metals are adjacent to each other.

FIG. 9 shows structural member XIII having base 2044 extending perpendicularly to flanges 2046 and 2048 which extend perpendicularly to flanges 2050 and 2052, which makes box shape 2054 to provide additional structural strength and additional contact points on fasteners (not shown) used. Flanges 2050 and 2052 then extend perpendicularly to webs 2058 and 2060 which then extend to flanges 2062 and 2064. Flange 2064 extends to hem 2066 which extends to arm 2068 which terminates flush with the end of flange 2062. Final bends of structural member XIII may be made at one or both bend locations 2043 or 2045 by having aligned slot holes (not shown) at these bend locations so that pressure (not shown) alone can make these final bends to complete the part prior to clinching 2056.

FIG. 10 shows a generic rafter 2070 (in place of one of our structural members) to generic post 2072 (in place of one of our structural members) attachment means where post 2072 has cut out 2074 on one side that extends to it's opening 2078. On the opposite side of post 2072 is hole 2080 (location generally shown with an arrow) that leaves portion 2076 in post 2072 so that when rafter 2070 is installed through hole 2080 it can be lowered down (not shown) to rest on the bottom slot 2074 which automatically puts rafter 2070 at a prescribed angle (not shown). If the angle (not shown) needs to be adjusted U-shapes 2082 (not shown but their location is generally shown with an arrow) can be added for this purpose. Fastener 2076 is positioned through a radiused obround slot (not shown) in post 2072 to allow for the angle adjustment (not shown), which is then threaded into a pem nut (not shown) in rafter 2070 for permanent fastening. Another fastener 2076 may also be used solely in post 2072 if rafter 2070 sits below the top of the post 2072 so that a bolt can be installed over the top of rafter 2070. FIG. 11 shows the installed rafter 2070 in post 2072 and held by fastener 2076 in an array assembly with purlins 2084 of the present invention used to support solar panels 2086 and having decorative flashing 2088 on all sides (not shown). Bolsters 2090 protect the cantilevered post assembly 2070 and 2072 from damage from vehicles (not shown) in parking spaces 2092. The strong structural members 2084 with multiple contact points (not shown) to the rafters 2070 allow for a very strong solar array FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 shows clip XIV having arm 2070 extending perpendicularly to segment 2072 which extends at a slight angle to web 2076. Web 2076 has partial knock-out 2074 to provide for perpendicular arm 2078 having ramp 2080 making slot 2081 which will combine solar panel flange (not shown here) and upper and lower arms (not shown) of preferred embodiment VIII (not shown) to temporarily hold them together (not shown here). Arm 2078 helps prevent clip XIV from moving while fastener (not shown) is drilling into web (not shown) of purlin (not shown). Web 2076 extend at an angle to base 2084 via bend 2082, and base 2084 having protrusion 2086 having hole 2088 for fasteners (not shown) to pass through. Hole 2088 positioned in protrusion 2086 so that a fastener (not shown here) will not walk in any direction when drilling through preferred embodiment VIII's angled webs (not shown here). Base 2084 extends to radius 2090 creating cavity 2092 for conduits and/or conductors (not shown) to be held by, with ramp 2094 facilitating easy entry for the conductors/conduits (not shown) to enter cavity 2092 and then snap back to its original position. Cavity 2092 may also be formed similarly in place of ramp 2080.

FIG. 13 shows a solar array having rafter 2102 being used as a post, and the same rafter 2098 being used as rafters to support the purlins (not shown here) on top of them. Solar panels 2096 are mounted to the top of the purlins (not shown here), and fascia 2100 is mounted to the purlins (not shown) as well.

FIG. 14 shows rafter 2098 supporting purlin VIII via fasteners 2014. Fastener 2106 holds fascia 2100 in place where it rests at general location 2112 on purlin VIII. Solar panel 2096 rests adjacent and parallel to fascia 2100 separated only by purlin VIII. Clip XIV is shown attached to purlin VIII.

FIG. 15 shows rafter 2098 supporting purlin VIII that's in turn supporting solar panels 2096.

FIG. 16 shows rafter 2098 having multiple contact points 2116 and purling VIII having multiple points of contact 2118 (holes) for fastener 2014 to pass through. Multiple points of contact 2116 and 2118 don't allow fastener 2104 to flex so that fastener shaft 2119 remains straight and not prone to bending (not shown) which in turn prevents purlin VIII webs 2121 to flex (not shown) which further increases the bending strength of purlin VIII. Fastener head 2120 is positioned firmly against purlin VIII webs 2121 providing an anti-reversal mechanism for fasteners 2104 in addition to the multiple points of contact 2116 in rafter 2098. A post (not shown) would be attached to rafter 2098 in a similar fashion utilizing multiple points of contact on fasteners (not shown) to provide additional structural support between the post (not shown) and the rafter 2098.

While the foregoing embodiments of the application have been set forth in considerable particularity for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, it may be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and principles of the application. Additionally, combinations and interchangeability or inter-use of components and embodiments should be considered apparent to the spirit and principles of the application, and in which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Pre-Stressed Structural Framing System

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)