Metal framing system

A system and method are provided for framing at least a portion of a wide variety of structures. In each embodiment, the framing system includes a base, which may be attached to a foundation of the structure by conventional means, which preferably comprises at least one rectangular or square metal tube. Alternatively, the base may be made of other metal structures. The framing system further includes a plurality of lower connecting members attached to and extending upwardly from the base and a plurality of upwardly extending support members which are interconnected to the lower connecting members. The framing system may further include an upper member and a plurality of upper connecting members attached to and extending downwardly from the upper member. Each of the support members is also interconnected to one of the upper connecting members, which is aligned with one of the lower connecting members. The interconnections between the support members and the corresponding lower and upper connecting members may be achieved by various alternative configurations, but in each case one member has a reduced end portion which is inserted into a non-reduced end portion of the adjacent member. The reduced end portion is preferably achieved by a roll reduction process.

BACKGROUND
 1. Field of the Invention
 The present invention relates generally to framing systems used in the
 construction of buildings, and more particularly to a metal framing system
 which incorporates hollow metal tubing.
 2. Related Art
 Known framing systems used in the construction industry are typically made
 of either wood or metal, with wood framing systems being the most common.
 As is well known, wood framing systems have enjoyed widespread use, for
 instance in the construction of residential homes. Wood frames are
 typically constructed by connecting pieces of wood, such as 2.times.4's or
 2.times.6's, with nails in a form that creates either the interior or
 exterior outline of a structure, or both. In known wood framing systems,
 all major components are typically made of wood, including components
 which may be referred to in the art as the bottom plate, studs, top plate
 and roof trusses. With the exception of roof trusses, which utilize miter
 cuts on the ends of adjacent pieces of wood to accomplish the desired
 angular relationship between adjacent members, most wood framing systems
 consist primarily of straight 2.times.4's nailed together to define the
 outside and inside areas of the structure and to provide the load bearing
 support.
 Although wood framing systems have enjoyed widespread use, they are subject
 to several disadvantages. For instance, the process of constructing a wood
 framing system is relatively slow since all joints within the system are
 typically connected with several nails. For example, even if the included
 roof trusses are pre-assembled, it typically takes a framing crew of four
 people between five and seven working days to frame a 1,500 square foot
 house.
 Furthermore, the quality of the workmanship associated with the
 construction of wood framing is often poor, especially in conjunction with
 low and moderate priced housing where builder's profit margins are
 relatively low and building costs are suppressed as much as possible. The
 primary result of this poor workmanship is typically the lack of
 squareness in the structure frame which adversely affects the installation
 of other components in the structure.
 Other disadvantages associated with wood framing is the flammability of
 wood, and the potential for deterioration due to exposure to weather or
 insects such as termites or carpenter ants. Another disadvantage is that
 the system strength may be reduced at angled connections which require a
 miter cut and attachment with either nails or screws. Yet another
 disadvantage associated with use of wood framing systems is the depletion
 of wood as a natural resource.
 Although metal framing systems may represent an improvement relative to
 wood framing systems with regard to improved strength and reduced
 deterioration, known metal framing systems are also typically subject to
 one or more disadvantages. For instance, like a wood framing system, the
 assembly of a metal framing system may be very time consuming since the
 metal framing system may require nearly as many metal screws as the nails
 used in a comparable wood framing system to connect adjacent metal
 components. Moreover, the screws are generally not as quickly inserted as
 nails, and therefore the metal framed structure may actually require more
 time to assemble than a comparable wood framed structure. These and other
 disadvantages associated with metal framing systems may be further
 illustrated by the following discussion of known metal framing systems.
 Metal framing systems have been used for some time in commercial
 construction and have recently become more popular in residential
 construction. Known metal framing systems used in these applications
 commonly include metal components which are formed as three-sided
 channels, such as U-channels. For instance, these systems may include
 vertically extending metal channels, which are inserted into the open side
 of horizontally extending metal channels used for the bottom and top
 members of the metal framing system. The joints between the vertically and
 horizontally extending members are typically secured with numerous
 fasteners such as screws. Additionally, metal straps are often utilized to
 secure the vertically extending channel members to one another.
 Accordingly, the assembly of a metal framing system of this type may be
 very time consuming due to the requirement to secure the numerous
 fasteners and metal straps.
 Another known metal framing system, which is used to frame a carport,
 utilizes round hollow tubing with one end of each of the round tubing
 members being inserted into the hollow end of an adjacent round tubing
 member. The joint between the two round tubing members may then be
 stabilized with conventional fasteners. The male portion of each joint may
 be accomplished by a swaging process to reduce an end portion of the
 corresponding round tubing member. Although the foregoing carport framing
 system has been advantageously utilized, use of round metal tubing makes
 it difficult to insert fasteners into the tubing joints which complicates
 the assembly of the framing system. Furthermore, in some applications,
 such as when the carport is placed adjacent to a residential structure,
 the carport frame may not be viewed as aesthetically appealing.
 It is often more advantageous to use either square or rectangular metal
 tubing in certain applications. However, the connection of adjacent
 components of square or rectangular metal tubing has been subject to the
 following problems. Known methods of reducing square and rectangular metal
 tubing include those which utilize one or more dies. With this form of
 reduction, one end of the square or rectangular tube is crushed by the
 force created by various configurations of press equipment, with the size
 of the reduction being determined by the die design. This method of end
 reduction of square and rectangular metal tubing is subject to the
 following disadvantages. In the first instance, the end reduction of the
 tubing may require several "hits" or applications of the press equipment
 to achieve the desired reduction, with each application adding to the
 manufacturing cost. Furthermore, the crushing force of the press equipment
 may cause excessive and/or non-uniform deformation of the tube end. More
 specifically, one or more sides of the tubing may become concave, thereby
 reducing the overall strength of the tube and detracting from the
 smoothness of the transition between the original shape and the reduced
 end. In certain instances, the excessive and/or non-uniform deformation
 may be so severe that the reduced end of the tube is not capable of
 insertion into a tube of the same size prior to reduction, as intended.
 Due to the foregoing problems associated with the use of dies to end reduce
 square and rectangular tubing, connections of adjacent lengths of
 like-sized square and rectangular metal tubing has generally been
 accomplished by inserting a smaller tube, of the same shape, inside two
 adjacent like-sized pieces of rectangular or square metal tubing, and then
 securing the joint by fastening each section of the outer tubes to the
 inner tube. Framing systems of this type have been used to frame carports.
 The inner tube, as well as the required fasteners, add to the cost of this
 method of joining adjacent sections of square or rectangular metal tubing.
 Another disadvantage associated with this type of metal framing system is
 that the strength of the included joints may be be limited to the strength
 of the required fasteners at each joint.
 In view of the foregoing disadvantages associated with known wood and metal
 framing systems, there is a continuing need for improved framing systems
 for use in the construction of a wide variety of buildings including
 residential and commercial structures.
 SUMMARY
 In view of the foregoing needs, the present invention is directed to a
 simple, cost effective and efficient system and method for framing at
 least a portion of a wide variety of structures including, but not limited
 to the following structures: residential homes; carports; commercial
 buildings such as office, retail, mini-storage and industrial buildings;
 apartment and condominium buildings; office build-out and commercial
 buildings; utility buildings; and modular/kiosk structures. The framing
 system and method of the present invention utilizes either rectangular or
 square metal tubing, or a combination thereof, and therefore has several
 advantages over existing wood framing systems or metal framing systems
 utilizing components other than rectangular or square metal tubing. For
 instance, due to the use of rectangular or square metal tubing, systems
 embodying the principles of the present invention exhibit improved
 mechanical strength relative to similar wood framing systems or various
 metal framing systems such as those which utilize open channel members.
 The ease of assembling various components of the framing system of the
 present invention allows a significant reduction in time, and therefore of
 cost, in framing various structures relative to prior wood or metal
 framing systems. For instance, the speed of assembly and therefore the
 reduction in cost associated with the apparatus and method of the present
 invention is accomplished by interconnecting various components of the
 framing system by inserting a reduced end portion of one member or
 component into an adjacent component which is constructed of a like-sized
 and similarly shaped metal tube, i.e., either rectangular or square, which
 has not been end reduced. As an example of the time and cost reductions
 which may be realized using a framing system embodying the principles of
 the present invention, a 1,500 square foot house may be framed in less
 than one day using a crew of four people whereas it typically takes a
 similar sized crew between five and seven working days to frame a similar
 structure using wood.
 The various components of the framing system of the present invention may
 be manufactured in a plant setting where relatively stringent quality
 control measures may be applied, resulting in improved workmanship
 relative to a comparable wood framed structure. More particularly, the
 squareness of the frame may be significantly improved relative to the
 squareness of a comparable wood framed structure, which is often less than
 desirable, especially in low and moderate priced housing where builder's
 margins are relatively low and costs are typically suppressed as much as
 possible.
 The rectangular and square metal tubes incorporated in the framing systems
 of the present invention have four sides and a welded seam. Assuming
 similar size and wall thickness, these metal tubes are significantly
 stronger than the three-sided metal channels used in many known metal
 framing systems. Also, as compared to a wood stud, similar sized metal
 tubing is significantly stronger. Additionally, the four sides of the
 rectangular and square metal tubes provide flat surfaces which facilitate
 the attachment of other structures to the framing system.
 Another advantage of the framing system of the present invention, at least
 with respect to prior wood framing systems, is that the metal framing
 system of the present invention is not subject to deterioration from
 insects, rotting or warping. Furthermore, the metal framing system of the
 present invention is not flammable.
 According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system is provided
 for framing at least a portion of a structure which may include a
 foundation. According to a preferred embodiment, the system includes a
 base which may be attached to the foundation of the structure, and a
 plurality of lower connecting members attached to the base and extending
 upwardly therefrom. Each of the lower connecting members comprises a metal
 tube selected from the group consisting of rectangular metal tubes and
 square metal tubes. The system further includes a plurality of upwardly
 extending support members which also comprise a metal tube selected from
 the group consisting of rectangular metal tubes and square metal tubes. A
 plurality of lower joints interconnect the support members and lower
 connecting members with each of the lower joints interconnecting one of
 the support members and one of the lower connecting members. The support
 members have a cross-sectional shape which is substantially the same as
 the cross-sectional shape of the interconnected one of the lower
 connecting members. For instance, if the lower connecting member comprises
 a rectangular metal tube, then the corresponding, interconnected one of
 the support members also comprises a rectangular metal tube. For each of
 the lower joints, either the support member or the lower connecting member
 has a reduced end portion which is inserted into the other of the support
 member and interconnected one of the lower connecting members.
 In one embodiment the reduced end portion, which corresponds to the male
 portion of the lower joint, comprises the lower end portion of the
 corresponding support member which is inserted into the interconnected one
 of the lower connecting members. This may apply to at least a portion of
 the lower joints. In another embodiment, the reduced end portion comprises
 an upper portion of the corresponding lower connecting member which is
 inserted into the interconnected one of the support members, for each one
 of at least a portion of the lower joints.
 The system may further include an upper member, which may be substantially
 horizontally extending or may alternatively be sloped relative to
 horizontal. The upper member preferably comprises either a rectangular
 metal tube or a square metal tube, with the selection depending upon the
 cross-sectional shape of the support members included in the framing
 system. A plurality of upper connecting members are attached to the upper
 member and extend downwardly therefrom, with each of the upper connecting
 members comprising a metal tube selected from the group consisting of
 rectangular metal tubes and square metal tubes.
 A plurality of upper joints interconnects the upwardly extending support
 members and the upper connecting members with each of the upper joints
 interconnecting one of the support members and one of the upper connecting
 members. The cross-sectional shape of each of the support members matches
 the cross-sectional shape of the interconnected one of the upper
 connecting members. For each of the upper joints, either the support
 member or the upper connecting member has a reduced end portion which is
 inserted into the other member. In one embodiment, the reduced end portion
 of each one of at least a portion of the upper joints comprises the upper
 end portion of the corresponding one of the support members, with the
 upper end portion being inserted into the corresponding, interconnected
 one of the upper connecting members. In another embodiment, the reduced
 end portion of each one of at least a portion of the upper joints
 comprises a lower end portion of the corresponding one of the upper
 connecting members, which is attached to the upper member at an upper end
 portion thereof, with the lower end portion of the upper connecting member
 being inserted into the corresponding, interconnected one of the support
 members.
 The reduced end portion of each of the upper and lower joints is preferably
 formed by a roll reduction process, in which the end of the corresponding
 rectangular or square metal tube to be reduced is inserted into a tool
 having a plurality of rollers which are configured and arranged to
 accomplish the desired end reduction of the tube. This process is
 disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/957,354.
 According to another embodiment, a system is provided for framing at least
 a portion of a structure having a foundation, such as a residential home.
 The system comprises a plurality of exterior wall frames interconnected to
 one another and extending upwardly from the foundation of the structure.
 Each of the wall frames includes a base attached to the foundation, a
 plurality of lower connecting members attached to the base and extending
 upwardly therefrom, and a plurality of upwardly extending support members,
 with each being interconnected to one of the lower connecting members by
 one of a plurality of lower joints. Each of the lower connecting members
 and each of the support members comprises a rectangular metal tube. For
 each of the lower joints, either the support member or the lower
 connecting member has a reduced end portion which is inserted into the
 other member.
 Each of the wall frames further includes an upper member comprising a
 rectangular metal tube and a plurality of upper connecting members
 attached to the upper member and extending downwardly therefrom. Each of
 the upper connecting members also comprises a rectangular metal tube and
 is aligned with one of the lower connecting members. A plurality of upper
 joints interconnects the support members and the upper connecting members,
 with each of the upper joints interconnecting one of the support members
 and one of the upper connecting members. Each of the support members
 extends between one of the lower connecting members and the aligned one of
 the upper connecting members. For each of the upper joints, either the
 support member or the upper connecting member has a reduced end portion
 which is inserted into the other member. Similar to the previously
 discussed embodiment, the reduced end portion of each of the lower and
 upper joints is preferably formed by a roll reduction process.
 At least one of the exterior wall frames may further include a window frame
 disposed between and interconnected to the base and the upper member. The
 window frame may be connected to the base via a second plurality of lower
 connecting members attached to the base and extending upwardly therefrom,
 a plurality of lower window frame connecting members attached to and
 extending downwardly from the window frame, and a second plurality of
 upwardly extending support members. Each one of the support members
 extends between and is connected to one of the second plurality of lower
 connecting members and an aligned one of the lower window frame connecting
 members. The joints between each support member and the corresponding one
 of the lower window frame connecting members and the second plurality of
 lower connecting member is preferably configured as described previously,
 i.e., a reduced end portion of one member is inserted into the
 corresponding adjacent member. The window frame may be connected to the
 upper member in a similar fashion.
 The system may further include an interior wall frame attached to and
 extending inwardly from one of the exterior wall fires. The interior wall
 frame may include a base attached to the foundation of the structure, a
 plurality of lower connecting members attached to and extending upwardly
 from the base, an upper member spaced apart from the base and a plurality
 of upper connecting members attached to and extending downwardly from the
 upper member. The interior wall frame further includes a plurality of
 upwardly extending members, with each one extending between and connected
 to one of the lower connecting members and an aligned one of the upper
 connecting members.
 According to another embodiment, a system is provided for framing a
 structure which may comprise a carport. The system includes first and
 second bases which are laterally spaced apart from one another. First and
 second pluralities of lower connecting members are attached to the first
 and second bases, respectively, and extend upwardly therefrom. A plurality
 of first side posts are interconnected to the first plurality of lower
 connecting members via a first plurality of lower joints and a plurality
 of second side posts are interconnected to the second plurality of lower
 connecting members, via a second plurality of lower joints. Each of the
 lower connecting members and side posts comprises a metal tube selected
 from the group consisting of rectangular metal tubes and square metal
 tubes. Each side post and the corresponding one of the lower connecting
 members is interconnected via the corresponding lower joint, in the
 fashion discussed with respect to previous embodiments. The system further
 includes a plurality of bridge members, with each of the bridge members
 extending between and interconnecting one of the first side posts and one
 of the second side posts.
 According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method of
 constructing a framing system is provided for use in framing at least a
 portion of a structure. The method comprises the steps of providing a base
 made of metal, making each of a plurality of lower connecting members from
 a four-sided metal tube, and attaching each one of the lower connecting
 members to the base. The method further includes the steps of making each
 one of a plurality of support members from a four-sided metal tube and
 interconnecting each of the support members to one of the lower connecting
 members so that each of the support members extends upwardly from the
 interconnected one of the lower connecting members.
 The step of interconnecting comprises the steps of forming a reduced end
 portion on one of the support member and the lower connecting member for
 each interconnected pair of the support members and the lower connecting
 members, and inserting the reduced end portion into the other member. The
 step of forming may comprise the step of roll reducing one end of either
 the support member or the lower connecting member for each interconnected
 pair of the support members and the lower connecting members.
 The method may further include the steps of providing an upper member
 comprising at least one four-sided metal tube, making each one of a
 plurality of upper connecting members from a four-sided metal tube, and
 attaching each one of the upper connecting members to the upper member.
 The method may further include the steps of interconnecting each of the
 support members to one of the upper connecting members. This step of
 interconnecting may comprise the steps of forming a reduced end portion on
 one of the support member and the upper connecting member for each
 interconnected pair of the support members and the lower connecting
 members, and inserting the reduced end portion into the other member. The
 step of forming the reduced end portion may comprise the step of roll
 reducing one end of either the support member or the upper connecting
 member for each interconnected pair of the support members and the upper
 connecting members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
 Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been
 used for similar elements throughout, FIG. 1 is an elevation view
 illustrating a framing system 10, according to a first embodiment of the
 present invention. The framing system 10 may be used to frame either an
 exterior or an interior wall for a wide variety of structures including,
 but not limited to the following structures: residential homes; carports;
 commercial buildings such as office, retail, mini-storage and industrial
 buildings; apartment and condominium buildings; office build-out and
 commercial buildings; utility buildings; and modular/ kiosk structures.
 The framing system 10 may be attached to a concrete support structure 12
 which may comprise a concrete slab or a portion of a poured concrete
 foundation. Alternatively, the framing system may be attached to other
 conventional foundation or support structures. As yet another alternative,
 in certain applications, the framing system may rest upon a ground
 surface.
 The framing system 10 includes a base 14, which is attached to the concrete
 support structure 12 by conventional means as subsequently discussed in
 greater detail. Base 14 is preferably made from either rectangular metal
 tubing or square metal tubing but may alternatively be made from other
 metal structures such as metal plates, metal channel sections, and angled
 metal sections. Additionally, base 14 may be made as either a unitary or
 one piece construction, or alternatively may be made from a plurality of
 the foregoing metal components, such as rectangular or square metal
 tubing, which are attached to one another. In the illustrative embodiments
 shown in FIGS. 1-8, base 14 is made from a single section of rectangular
 metal tubing.
 As used herein, the term "rectangular metal tubing" refers to hollow metal
 tubing having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and the
 term "square metal tubing" refers to hollow metal tubing having a
 substantially square cross-sectional shape. The rectangular and square
 metal tubing incorporated in the various embodiments of the framing system
 of the present invention may be made of steel or aluminum or any other
 metal or metal alloy which is suitable for use in constructing a system
 for use in framing a wide variety of structures including, but not limited
 to those mentioned previously with respect to framing system 10. It is a
 further requirement with respect to certain components of the various
 framing systems of the present invention which require an end reduction,
 that the metal selected to construct the component must be compatible with
 achieving the end reduction via a roll reduction process as disclosed in
 co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/957,354.
 Framing system 10 further includes a plurality of lower connecting members
 16 which are preferably made from either rectangular or square metal
 tubing and are attached to the base 14 by conventional means, such as
 welding. As shown in FIG. 1, the lower connecting members 16 are spaced
 apart from one another along base 14, with the particular spacing
 depending upon the application of system 10. For instance, if the framing
 system 10 is used to frame the wall of a residential structure, the lower
 connecting members 16 may be advantageously spaced either 16 or 24 inches
 from one another due to the common use of this spacing in wood framed
 residential structures. However, it should be understood that other
 spacings may be utilized in residential home applications.
 The framing system 10 further includes a plurality of upwardly extending
 support members 18, which may be referred to as studs depending upon the
 particular application of system 10. Each of the support members 18 is
 made from either a rectangular metal tube or a square metal tube and is
 interconnected to one of the lower connecting members 16 via one of a
 plurality of lower joints 20 as discussed further in conjunction with FIG.
 2. The cross-sectional shape of each support member 18 must match the
 cross-sectional shape of the corresponding or interconnected one of the
 lower connecting members 16. Accordingly, if a particular lower connecting
 member 16 is made from a rectangular metal tube, then the interconnected
 one of the support members 18 must also be made from a rectangular metal
 tube. Similarly, if a particular lower connecting member 16 is made from a
 square metal tube, then the interconnected one of the support members 18
 must also be made from a square metal tube. The support members 18 extend
 upwardly from the lower connecting members 16 and, in one preferred
 embodiment, are substantially vertically extending.
 In the illustrative embodiment, the framing system 10 further includes an
 upper member 22 which is made from at least one rectangular or square
 metal tube. In the illustrative embodiment, the upper member 22 is made
 from a single rectangular metal tube, but alternatively may be constructed
 from a plurality of rectangular metal tubes which may be attached to one
 another. In other embodiments, when the support members 18 are made from
 square metal tubes, the upper member 22 may be made from either a single
 square metal tube or a plurality of square metal tubes. In other
 embodiments the upper member 22 may be made of other metal components such
 as metal plates, metal channel sections, and angled metal sections.
 System 10 further includes a plurality of upper connecting members 24 which
 are attached to and extend downwardly from the upper member 22. The upper
 connecting members 24 are made from either rectangular or square metal
 tubes, with the chosen configuration depending upon the shape of the
 corresponding support member 18 and lower connecting member 16. For
 instance, if both the corresponding lower connecting member 16 and support
 member 18 are made from rectangular metal tubing, then the upper
 connecting member 24 must also be made from rectangular metal tubing, as
 shown in FIG. 2. The upper connecting members 24 are attached to the upper
 member 22 by conventional means, such as welding. Each of the support
 members 18 is interconnected to one of the upper connecting members 24 via
 one of a plurality of upper joints 26. Each of the upper connecting
 members 24 is positioned on the upper member 22 so that it is aligned with
 one of the lower connecting members 16. Each of the support members or
 studs 18 extends between one of the lower connecting members 16 and the
 aligned one of the upper connecting members 24 as shown in FIG. 1.
 As shown in FIG. 2, each of the support members 18 includes a lower end
 portion 28, an upper end portion 30 and an intermediate portion 32 which
 extends between and is integral with the lower 28 and upper 30 end
 portions. The lower 28 and upper 30 end portions and intermediate portion
 32 are preferably made as a one-piece construction. As shown in FIG. 2,
 the lower 28 and upper 30 end portions comprise reduced end portions of
 support member 18 and have a rectangular cross-sectional shape which is
 reduced in size relative to the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the
 intermediate portion 32 of the corresponding support member 18.
 The reduced, lower end portion 28 of each support member 18 is inserted
 into the corresponding lower connecting member 16 which has a rectangular
 cross-sectional shape which may be the same size as that of the
 intermediate portion 32 of the support member 18. In this instance, the
 reduced, lower end portion 28 comprises the male portion of the
 corresponding lower joint 20, while the lower connecting member 16
 comprises the female portion of the corresponding lower joint 20. The
 reduced end portion 28 and lower connecting member 16 are preferably sized
 so that they engage one another in a snug fit. Similarly, the reduced,
 upper end portion 30 of each support member 18 is inserted into the
 corresponding one of the upper connecting members 24. Accordingly, the
 upper end portion 30 of each support member 18 comprises the male portion
 of the corresponding upper joint 26, while the interconnected one of the
 upper connecting members 24 comprises the female portion of the
 corresponding joint 26.
 The reduced end portions 28 and 30 of each support member 18 are preferably
 formed by a process which may be referred to as a roll reduction process.
 As used herein, the term "roll reduction process" is intended to refer to
 reducing an end portion of either a square or rectangular metal tube by
 inserting the tube into a tool which incorporates a plurality of rollers
 which are configured and arranged to achieve the desired end reduction in
 the tube. More specifically, as used herein, the term "roll reduction
 process" is intended to refer to achieving the desired end reduction in
 either a square or rectangular metal tube by utilizing a tool such as tool
 10 or tool 100 which are disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application
 having Ser. No. 08/957,354 entitled "Tool for Working Shaped, Hollow Metal
 Tubing to Achieve an End Reduction", which is expressly incorporated by
 reference herein in its entirety. As shown in application Ser. No.
 08/957,354 an end reduction of a square metal tube may be achieved by
 using tool 10, while an end reduction of a rectangular metal tube may be
 achieved by using tool 100. For further information regarding the
 structural features of the tools disclosed and the manner in which an end
 reduction of a square or rectangular metal tube is achieved, the reader is
 referred to application Ser. No. 08/957,354.
 Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 it may be seen that the longitudinal lengths
 of the lower connecting members 16 and the reduced, lower end portions 28
 of the support members 18 may be sized to achieve somewhat different
 results. For instance, as shown in FIG. 3, the longitudinal length of the
 lower end portion 28 is greater than that of the corresponding lower
 connecting member 16 so that the lower end portion 28 extends upwardly
 above the upper edge 34 of the corresponding lower connecting member 16.
 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the support members 18 may include a
 lower tapered portion 36, having a relatively small longitudinal length
 which forms a transition between the intermediate portion 32 and the
 reduced end portion 28. As shown in FIG. 2, each support member 18 further
 includes an upper, tapered portion 38, which also has a relatively small
 longitudinal length, and forms a transition between the intermediate
 portion 32 and the reduced end portion 30 of member 18.
 The relative lengths of the lower connecting member 16 and the reduced end
 portion 28 shown in FIG. 3 may be desirable in certain applications so
 that any vertical load existing in the support member 18 is reacted at the
 interface between a lower edge 40 of support member 18 and base 14. This
 configuration provides increased surface area to react the load carried by
 support member 18 as compared to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, for
 the following reasons. The longitudinal length of the lower connecting
 member 16 shown in FIG. 4 is substantially the same as the longitudinal
 length of the reduced end portion 28 of support member 18. Accordingly, a
 portion of the upper edge 34 of the lower connecting member 16 engages the
 tapered portion 36 of the support member 18. The entire edge 34 may not
 contact the tapered portion 36 of member 18 due to the sloped surface of
 the tapered portion 36. The configuration shown in FIG. 3 may be desirable
 in instances when the framing system 10 is used to frame a relatively
 heavily loaded wall, such as that which may be incorporated in a portion
 of a residential home, for instance. The configuration shown in FIG. 4 may
 be advantageously utilized when the corresponding support member 18 is
 subjected to a relatively smaller load.
 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 14 may be attached to the foundation 12
 by a plurality of concrete bolts 42 (one shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), with
 each bolt 42 being secured by a nut 44. Alternatively, the base 14 may be
 attached, or secured to the foundation 12 by other conventional means,
 such as nails, screws, anchor bolts, or equivalent fasteners.
 Each of the lower joints 20 may comprise a staked joint as shown in FIGS. 3
 and 5. In this instance, a local indentation 46 is formed in the lower
 connecting member 16 and a complimentary, local indentation 48 is formed
 in the lower end portion 28 of the corresponding one of the support
 members 18 so that the support member 18 and lower connecting member 16
 are staked or secured to one another. Alternatively, for one or more of
 the lower joints 20, the support member 18 and the corresponding lower
 connecting member 16 may be fastened to one another by conventional
 fasteners such as bolts or sheet metal screws. As yet another alternative,
 support members 18 may be secured to the corresponding lower connecting
 members 16 using nails or pins. Similarly, each of the upper joints may
 comprise a staked joint, with complimentary local indentations formed in
 the reduced upper end portion 30 and the corresponding one of the upper
 connecting members 24. Alternatively, the reduced upper end portion 30 of
 the support member 18 may be fastened or pinned to the corresponding upper
 connecting member 24, for one or more of the upper joints 26.
 FIG. 6 is fragmentary, perspective view illustrating a portion of a framing
 system 50 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The
 framing system 50 is the same as framing system 10 with the following
 exceptions. Each of the lower connecting members 16 of system 10 is
 replaced by a lower connecting member 52 which is attached to base 14 by
 conventional means such as welding and extends upwardly from base 14. Each
 of the upper connecting members 24 of system 10 is replaced by an upper
 connecting member 54 which is attached to and extends downwardly from the
 upper member 22, and each of the support members 18 of system 10 is
 replaced by an upwardly extending support member 56. Each of the lower 52
 and upper 54 connecting members as well as the support members 56
 comprises a rectangular metal tube. As shown in FIG. 6, each lower
 connecting member 52 includes a lower portion 58 which is attached to base
 14 and a reduced upper end portion 60 which has a reduced size relative to
 lower portion 58 which is preferably achieved by the roll reduction
 process discussed previously. The reduced end portion 60, which comprises
 the male portion of the corresponding lower joint 20, is inserted into a
 lower end 57 of the support member 56.
 Each of the upper connecting members 54 (one shown) includes an upper
 portion 62 which is attached to the upper member 22 and a reduced, lower
 end portion 64 which has a reduced size relative to the upper portion 62.
 The reduced end portion 64 is preferably formed by the roll reduction
 process discussed previously. The lower end portion 64 of the upper
 connecting member 62, which comprises the male portion of the
 corresponding upper joint 26, is inserted into an upper end 59 of the
 support member 56.
 FIG. 7 is a fragmentary exploded isometric view illustrating a portion of a
 framing system 70 according to a third embodiment of the present
 invention. The framing system 70 is the same as system 50, with the
 exceptions noted below. Each of the upper connecting members 24 of system
 10 is replaced by an upper connecting member 72 which is attached to and
 extends downwardly from the upper member 22. Each of the support members
 18 of system 10 is replaced by a support member 74 which has an upper end
 portion 76, an intermediate portion 78 and a lower end portion 80. The
 upper end portion 76 and the intermediate portion 78 are the same size
 with respect to a rectangular cross-section of each portion. However, the
 lower end portion 80 has a reduced size relative to portions 76 and 78.
 The reduced end portion 80 of member 74 comprises a male portion of the
 corresponding lower joint 20 and is inserted into the corresponding one of
 the lower connecting members 16.
 Each of the upper connecting members 72 includes an upper portion 82 which
 is attached to the upper member 22 by conventional means such as welding,
 and a lower end portion 84 which is reduced in size relative to the
 cross-section of the upper portion 82. The reduced, lower end portion 84
 comprises the male portion of the corresponding upper joint 26 and is
 inserted into the upper end portion 76 of the corresponding support member
 74. End portion 80 of member 74 and end portion 84 of member 72 are
 preferably formed by the roll reduction process discussed previously.
 FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, exploded isometric view illustrating a portion of
 a framing system 90, according to a fourth embodiment of the present
 invention. System 90 is the same as system 10, with the following
 exceptions. Each of the lower connecting members 16 of system 10 is
 replaced by one of the lower connecting members 52, described previously
 with respect to system 50, which is attached to the base 14. Additionally,
 each of the support members 18 of system 10 is replaced by a support
 member 92 having a lower end portion 94, an intermediate portion 96 having
 the same cross-sectional size as the lower end portion 94, and an upper
 end portion 98 which has a reduced cross-sectional size relative to the
 lower 94 and intermediate portions 96.
 The reduced, upper end portion 60 of each of the lower connecting members
 52, which comprises a male portion of the corresponding one of the lower
 joints 20 is inserted into the lower end portion 94 of the corresponding
 support member 92. End portion 60 is preferably formed by the roll
 reduction process discussed previously. The reduced, upper end portion 98
 of each support member 92 comprises the male portion of the corresponding
 one of the upper joints 26 and is inserted into the corresponding one of
 the upper connecting members 24. The upper end portion 98 is also
 preferably made by the roll reduction process discussed previously.
 FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, exploded isometric view illustrating a portion of
 a framing system 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the present
 invention. The components of system 100 are the same as the corresponding
 components of system 10 except that the components of system 100 are made
 of square metal tubing instead of rectangular metal tubing. System 100
 includes a base 102 which, in the illustrative embodiment comprises a
 square metal tube. Alternatively, the base 102 may be made of other metal
 structures including metal plates, metal channels and angled metal
 sections. System 100 further includes a plurality of lower connecting
 members 104 (one shown) which are attached to base 102 by conventional
 means such as welding. System 100 further includes a plurality of upwardly
 extending support members 106 (one shown) which may be substantially
 vertically extending. Each of the support members 106 includes a lower end
 portion 108, an intermediate portion 110 and an upper end portion 112.
 Portions 108, 110 and 112 are preferably made as a one piece construction,
 with the lower 108 and upper 112 end portions having a reduced
 cross-sectional size relative to the intermediate portion 110. The reduced
 end portions 108 and 112 are preferably formed by the roll reduction
 process discussed previously. Each of the support members 106 is
 interconnected to one of the lower connecting members 104 via one of a
 plurality of lower joints 114. The reduced, lower end portion 108 of each
 of the connecting members 106 comprises a male portion of the
 corresponding joint 120 and is inserted into the corresponding one of the
 lower connecting members 104.
 System 100 further includes an upper member 116 and a plurality of upper
 connecting members 118 which are attached to the upper member 116 by
 conventional means such as welding and extend downwardly therefrom. Each
 of the support members 106 is interconnected to one of the upper
 connecting members 118 via one of a plurality of upper joints 120. The
 reduced, upper end portion 112 of each of the support members 106
 comprises a male portion of the corresponding upper joint 120 and is
 inserted into the corresponding one of the upper connecting members 118.
 In other embodiments (not shown) of the present invention the lower 104
 and upper 118 connecting members and the support members 106 of system 100
 may be replaced with similar components made from square metal tubing
 which are configured as shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 or FIG. 8.
 FIG. 10 is an elevation view illustrating a framing system 130 according to
 a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The framing system 130 is the
 same as framing system 10 with the following exceptions. Framing system
 130 includes an upper member 132 which is inclined relative to horizontal,
 unlike the upper member 22 of framing system 10 which is substantially
 horizontally extending. Accordingly, the framing system 130 may have
 particular application for use in framing a structure having a vaulted
 ceiling. The length of the support members 18 included in system 130 are
 varied to accommodate the sloped upper member 132. Framing system 130
 further includes a plurality of upper connecting members 134, which
 replace the upper connecting members 24 of system 10. Member 132 and each
 of the members 134 comprises a rectangular metal tube in the illustrative
 embodiment. Members 134 are attached to the upper member 132 by
 conventional means such as welding. The upper edge of each of the upper
 connecting members 134 is tapered to accommodate the sloped upper member
 132. The remaining members of system 130, as well as the manner in which
 adjacent members are interconnected is the same as system 10. For
 instance, each of the members 18 of system 130 includes reduced upper and
 lower end portions (not shown in FIG. 10) which are inserted into the
 upper 134 and lower 16 connecting members, respectively. The base 14 of
 system 130 may be attached to the concrete foundation 12 in any of the
 manners discussed previously with respect to system 10.
 In other embodiments (not shown) of the present invention, the upper member
 22 of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, or the upper member 116 of
 the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, may be replaced with sloped upper
 members and the included support members may have varying lengths to
 accommodate the sloped upper members.
 FIG. 11 illustrates a framing system 140 according to a seventh embodiment
 of the present invention which is particularly useful for framing a
 residential home or a similar, commercial structure. While framing system
 140 illustrates the advantageous use of the framing system according to
 the present invention, with respect to a particular floor plan, it should
 be understood that the principles of the present invention may be
 advantageously utilized with an almost unlimited number of floor plans of
 residential and commercial structures, as well as the other structures
 mentioned previously. The framing system 140 includes a plurality of
 exterior wall frames comprising a front wall frame 142 which is shown in
 further detail in FIG. 12, a first sidewall frame 144 which is shown in
 further detail in FIG. 13, a second, opposite sidewall frame 146, and a
 rear wall frame 148. As shown in FIG. 11, the wall frames 142, 144, 146
 and 148 are interconnected to one another and extend upwardly from a
 foundation 150 of the structure. The framing system 140 further includes
 an interior all frame 152 which is attached to and extends inwardly from
 the rear wall frame 148.
 With the exception of the lengths of the included bases and upper members,
 and the number of support members, the construction of each of the wall
 frames 146, 148 and 152 in the illustrative embodiment is the same as the
 construction of framing system 10 discussed previously. Alternatively, the
 ends of adjacent components of these wall frames may be as shown
 previously in FIGS. 6-8. The wall frames 142 and 144 further differ from
 the framing system 10 due to the incorporation of additional components,
 comprising one or more window frames or door headers which are included in
 the wall frames 142 and 144 as subsequently discussed in greater detail.
 Each of the wall frames 142-148 include a base which is attached to the
 foundation 150 as further shown in FIG. 14. In the illustrative
 embodiment, the front wall frame 142 includes a base, indicated generally
 at 154, with base 154 including a first end portion 156, an intermediate
 portion 158 and a second end portion 160. As shown in FIG. 14, portions
 156, 158 and 160 are spaced apart from one another, with each being
 attached to the foundation 150. The sidewall frames 144 and 146 include
 bases 162 and 164, respectively, which are attached to the foundation 150.
 The rear wall frame 148 and interior wall frame 152 include bases 166 and
 168 respectively. Each of the bases 154, 162, 164, 166 and 168 comprise
 one or more rectangular metal tubes in the illustrative embodiment, and
 may be preferably made of rectangular metal tubing having outside,
 cross-sectional dimensions of 11/2 inches by 31/20 inches. Alternatively,
 each of the foregoing bases may comprise other metal structures, including
 metal plates, metal channel sections and angled metal sections. However,
 all of the remaining components of system 140 are preferably made from
 rectangular metal tubing, and most preferably are made from 11/2 inch by
 31/2 inch rectangular metal tubing.
 In the illustrative embodiment, each of the exterior wall frames 142-148
 and the interior wall frame 152 include a plurality of lower connecting
 members 16 which are attached to the corresponding bases by conventional
 means such as welding. The wall frame 146 includes an upper member 170,
 the wall frame 148 includes an upper member 172 and the interior wall
 frame 152 includes an upper member 174. The wall frames 146, 148 and 152
 each further include a plurality of upper connecting members 24, discussed
 with respect to previous embodiments of the present invention, which are
 attached to the corresponding one of the upper members 170, 172 and 174 by
 conventional means such as welding and extend downwardly therefrom. Each
 of the wall frames 146, 148 and 152 further include a plurality of support
 members 18 which are constructed as illustrated and discussed previously
 with respect to FIG. 2, in the illustrative embodiment of framing system
 140. Each of the support members 18 of wall frames 146, 148 and 152 extend
 between and are interconnected to one of the lower connecting members 16
 and an aligned one of the upper connecting members 24 in the manner
 discussed previously with respect to FIG. 2. However, in alternate
 embodiments, one or more of the support members 18 and the corresponding
 lower 16 and upper 24 connecting members may be replaced by support
 members, and lower and upper connecting members which are configured as
 shown in the framing system embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6-8.
 Furthermore, although not presently preferred in residential home
 applications, square metal tubing may be used to construct at least a
 portion of the support members and upper and lower connecting members of
 framing system 140, as illustrated previously with respect to FIG. 9.
 Referring now to FIG. 12, the front wall frame 142 is illustrated and
 discussed in further detail. It is noted that for purposes of clarity, the
 portions of the rear wall frame 148 which would normally be seen by
 viewing through the front wall frame 142, are not shown in FIG. 12. The
 front wall frame 142 includes an upper member 176 and a plurality of the
 upper connecting members 24 which are attached to the upper member 176 by
 conventional means such as welding and extend downwardly therefrom. As
 shown in FIG. 12, each one of a portion of the lower connecting members 16
 is aligned with one of the upper connecting members 24. The wall frame 142
 further includes a plurality of support members 18 which extend between
 and are interconnected to the lower connecting members 16 and the upper
 connecting members 24. In the illustrative embodiment, the lower 16 and
 upper 24 connecting members and support members 18 are configured and are
 interconnected to one another as illustrated and discussed previously with
 respect to FIG. 2. Alternatively, these components may be replaced by the
 lower and upper connecting members and support members shown in any of the
 embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, although the configuration shown in
 FIG. 9 is not presently preferred for use with residential homes.
 The wall frame 142 further includes a window frame 178 disposed between and
 connected to the base 154 and upper member 176 of the wall frame 142.
 Frame 178 may be made from rectangular metal tubing. Frame 142 further
 includes a plurality of lower window frame connecting members 180 which
 are made of rectangular metal tubing and are attached to the window frame
 178 by conventional means such as welding and extend downwardly therefrom.
 Each of the lower window frame connecting members 180 is aligned with one
 of the lower connecting members 16 attached to base 154. Similarly, the
 frame 142 further includes a plurality of upper window frame connecting
 members 182 which are attached to the window frame 178 by conventional
 means such as welding and extend upwardly therefrom. Each one of the upper
 window frame connecting members 182 is aligned with one of the upper
 connecting members 24 attached to the upper member 176. The front wall
 frame 142 further includes a plurality of support members 184 which
 interconnect the base 154 and the window frame 178. Each one of the
 support members 184 extends between and is interconnected to one of the
 lower connecting members 16 and an aligned one of the lower window frame
 connecting members 180. Each of the support members 184 may have reduced
 upper and lower end portions, similar to that shown with respect to
 support members 18, with the reduced upper and lower end portions being
 inserted into the lower window frame connecting members 180 and lower
 connecting members 16, respectively. Alternatively, the lower window frame
 connecting members 180, lower connecting members 16 and support members
 184 may be replaced by similar members which are configured such as those
 shown in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6-8.
 The exterior wall frame 142 further includes a plurality of support members
 186 which interconnect the window frame 178 and the upper member 24. Each
 one of the support members 186 extends between and is interconnected to
 one of the upper window frame connecting members 182 and the aligned one
 of the upper connecting members 24. As with the support members 184, the
 support members 186 may be configured as shown with respect to support
 members 18, such that an upper end portion (not shown) of each support
 member 186 is inserted into the corresponding upper connecting member 24,
 while the reduced lower end portion (not shown) of each one of the support
 members 186 is inserted into the corresponding one of the upper window
 frame connecting members 182.
 The wall frame 142 further includes a door header 188 and a garage door
 header 190. Both of the headers 188 and 190 are disposed below and
 supported by the upper member 176. The headers 188 and 190 may be made
 from rectangular metal tubing. The wall frame 142 further includes a
 plurality of header connecting members 192, made of rectangular metal
 tubing, which are attached to the garage door header 190 by conventional
 means such as welding and extend upwardly therefrom. At least one of the
 header connecting members 192 is attached to and extends upwardly from the
 door header 188. The wall frame 142 further includes a plurality of
 support members 194, with each one of the support members 194 extending
 between and being interconnected to one of the header connecting members
 192 and an aligned one of the upper connecting members 24, thereby
 interconnecting the door header 188 and the garage door header 190 with
 the upper member 176. The support members 194 may be configured with
 reduced upper and lower end portions as shown with respect to support
 member 18 and therefore, may be interconnected to the upper connecting
 members 24 and the header connecting members 192 as shown in FIG. 2 with
 respect to members 16, 18 and 24. Alternatively, other configurations of
 rectangular metal tubing, such as the upper and lower connecting members
 and the support members shown in FIGS. 6-8 may be used to interconnect the
 door header 188 and garage door header 190 with the upper member 176.
 However, as stated previously, the use of square metal tubing as shown in
 FIG. 9 is not presently preferred in residential home applications. This
 may change in the future due to changes in the construction industry and
 therefore the use of square metal tubing to construct interconnected
 components of framing system 140 is considered to be within the scope of
 the present invention.
 Referring now to FIG. 13, the side wall frame 144 is illustrated and
 discussed in further detail. The wall frame 144 further includes an upper
 member 196 and a plurality of the upper connecting members 24 attached to
 the upper member 196 by conventional means such as welding and extending
 downwardly therefrom. Frame 144 further includes a plurality of the
 support members 18, with each one being interconnected to and extending
 between one of the lower connecting members 16 and an aligned one of the
 upper connecting members 24. A pair of window frames 198, which may be
 made from rectangular metal tubing, are disposed between and connected to
 the base 162 and upper member 196 of wall frame 144. A plurality of the
 lower window frame connecting members 180 and upper window frame
 connecting members 182, discussed previously with respect to window frames
 178 of wall frame 142, are attached to each one of the window frames 198
 of wall frame 144 as shown in FIG. 13. Wall frame 144 further includes a
 plurality of relatively short support members 200 which interconnect the
 base 162 and the window frames 198, and a plurality of relatively short
 support members 202 which interconnect the window frames 198 with the
 upper member 196. Each of the support members 200 extends between and is
 interconnected to one of the lower connecting members 16 and an aligned
 one of the lower window frame connecting members 180. Each of the support
 members 202 extends between and is interconnected to one of the upper
 window frame connecting members 182 and an aligned one of the upper
 connecting members 24. Except for length, members 200 and 202 are the same
 as members 18.
 The manner in which one of the support members 18 of the side wall frame
 146 interfaces with the corresponding lower connecting member 16 is
 illustrated in FIG. 15 which is similar to FIG. 3 discussed previously
 with respect to framing system 10. As shown in FIG. 15, the lower, reduced
 end portion 28 of the member 18 extends above the lower connecting member
 16 for purposes of providing increased surface area to react the load
 carried by support member 18 as discussed previously with respect to
 framing system 10. The connection shown in FIG. 15 is typical of the
 manner in which all the support members of framing system 140 are
 interconnected to the corresponding lower connecting members and to the
 corresponding upper connecting members.
 FIGS. 16-18 illustrate a framing system 210 according to an eighth
 embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the
 framing system 210 as assembled, while FIG. 17 is an exploded, isometric
 view showing the various components of the framing system 210 in further
 detail. The framing system 210 has particular application for use in
 framing a carport. Framing system 210 includes a first base 212 and a
 second base 214 which is laterally spaced apart from base 212. As shown in
 FIG. 17, base 212 includes first 216, second 218 and third 220 portions,
 and each of the portions 216-220 preferably comprises either a rectangular
 or square metal tube. Alternatively, portions 216-220 may comprise other
 metal structures, such as metal plates, channel sections or angled
 sections. As a further alternative, base 212 may be made as a unitary
 construction, either out of rectangular or square metal tubing or one of
 the foregoing alternative metal structures.
 Base 214 similarly includes first 222, second 224, and third 226 portions,
 with each comprising a rectangular metal tube in the illustrative
 embodiment. However, portions 222, 224 and 226 may alternatively be made
 of square metal tubing or the alternative metal structures listed
 previously with respect to base 212. Each of the base portions 216-222 of
 bases 212 and 214 is attached to a foundation 229 of the carport in the
 illustrative embodiment by conventional means such as a plurality of nails
 231 as further illustrated in FIG. 18. In other embodiments the framing
 system 210 may rest on a ground surface. The framing system 210 farther
 includes a first plurality of lower connecting members 228 which are
 attached to the base 212 by conventional means such as welding, and extend
 upwardly therefrom. Framing system 210 further includes a second plurality
 of lower connecting members 228 attached to the base 214 in a similar
 manner. Each of the lower connecting members 228 includes a lower portion
 230 which is attached to the corresponding one of bases 212 and 214, and
 an upper portion 232 which has a reduced cross-sectional size relative to
 the lower portion 230. The reduction in size of the upper portion 232 is
 preferably accomplished by the roll reduction process discussed
 previously. The framing system 210 further includes a plurality of first
 side posts 234, with each having a substantially straight portion 236 and
 an arcuate portion 238 integral with an upper end of the substantially
 straight portion 236. The reduced end portion 232 of each one of the lower
 connecting members 228 is inserted into a lower end 240 of the
 substantially straight portion 236 of one of the first side posts 234.
 The framing system 210 further includes a plurality of second side posts
 242 which are preferably identical in construction to the side posts 234.
 Each of the second side posts 242 includes a substantially straight
 portion 244 and an upper, arcuate portion 246 which is integral with the
 substantially straight portion 244. The reduced end portion of each one of
 the second plurality of lower connecting members 228 is inserted into a
 lower end 248 of the substantially straight portion 244 of one of the
 second side posts 242. The interconnected members may be further secured
 by one or more bolts 249 or alternatively the second side posts 242 may be
 staked to the corresponding lower connecting member 228. The first side
 posts 234 may be similarly connected to the lower connecting members 228.
 As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, each of the first side posts 234 is aligned
 with one of the second side posts 242 and is interconnected to the aligned
 one of the second side posts 242 by a bridge member 250. Each of the
 bridge members 250 includes a pair of rafters 252 and a peak 254 in the
 illustrative embodiment. Each of the rafters 252 has a first end portion
 256, an intermediate portion 258 and a second end portion 260. The end
 portions 256 and 260 have a reduced cross-sectional size relative to that
 of the intermediate portion 258, with the reduced end portions 256 and 258
 of rafters 252 preferably being formed by the roll reduction process
 discussed previously. The end portion 256 of a first one of the rafters
 252 of each bridge member 254 is inserted into the arcuate portion 238 of
 the corresponding one of the first side posts 234. The reduced end portion
 256 of the second rafter 252 of each bridge member 250 is inserted into
 the arcuate portion 246 of the aligned second side post 242. The ends 260
 of each of the pair of rafters is then inserted into opposite ends of the
 corresponding peak 254.
 Each of the following components of the framing system 210 preferably
 comprises a rectangular metal tube and even more preferably comprises a
 rectangular metal tube having a cross-section which has outside dimensions
 of 11/2 inches.times.31/2 inches: base portions 216-222; lower connecting
 members 228; first 234 and second 242 side posts; rafters 252 and peaks
 254.
 Each bridge member 250 may alternatively comprise a unitary construction or
 as another alternative, may be constructed of fewer or greater components
 provided the same overall shape of each bridge member 250 is substantially
 retained. Furthermore, the configurations of the ends of selected
 components of the flaming system 210 may be varied to achieve the same
 results. For instance, each of the lower connecting members 228 may
 comprise a substantially uniformly shaped rectangular tube, with the lower
 ends 236 and 248 of the first 234 and second 242 side posts comprising
 reduced end portions which are inserted into the corresponding lower
 connecting members 228.
 The arcuate portions of the first 234 and second 242 side posts, as well as
 peaks 254 is achieved by bending the corresponding rectangular metal tubes
 and provides the advantage of eliminating mitered joints which might
 otherwise be required.
 While the foregoing description has set forth the preferred embodiments of
 the present invention in particular detail, it must be understood that
 numerous modifications, substitutions and changes can be undertaken
 without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention
 as defined by the ensuing claims. For instance, while the reduced end
 portions of the rectangular or square metal tubes included in the various
 embodiments of the present invention are preferably formed by the roll
 reduction process disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
 08/957,354, these reduced end portions may be achieved by other methods
 such as die forming. The invention is therefore not limited to specific
 preferred embodiments as described, but is only defined by the following
 claims.