Abstract:
A roofing apparatus for forming round, square, and oval rooms utilizing channel beams and interlocking roof panels. A system and method for utilizing vinyl as a construction material for forming roofing system is taught along with the use of connecting spiders, connection blocks, and insulated and sheathed vinyl panels. The system teaches the use of a non-thermally conductive I-beam for forming a roof system for improved insulation and long-term longevity of building structures.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to roofing systems for buildings and sunroom additions to homes. More particularly, this invention pertains to a method and apparatus for constructing a roof from an extruded material for improved thermal characteristics and stability. 
     FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a prior art profile of a metal I-beam  10 . The design utilizes a top planar member  12 , a vertical planar member  14 , and a bottom planar member  16 . While the metal I-beam  10  design is well recognized in standard construction techniques and assemblies, This design is limited in its functionality and effective utilization of materials. 
     Prior art disclosures are found in a multitude of U.S. Pat. Nos. including 2,947,040 issued to Schultz on Aug. 2, 1960; 3,055,461 issued to Ridder on Sep. 25, 1962; 3,096,861 issued to Frick et al. on Jul. 9, 1963; 3,340,657 issued to Thomas on Sep. 12, 1967; 3,345,794 issued to Proud on Oct. 10, 1967; 3,562,992 issued to Kinsey on Feb. 16, 1971; 3,733,756 issued to Butler on May 22, 1973; 3,760,544 issued to Hawes et al. on Sep. 25, 1973; 3,805,470 issued to Brown on Apr. 23, 1974; 3,848,387 issued to Hafner on Nov. 19, 1974; 3,952,461 issued to Kinsey on Apr. 27, 1976; 3,978,629 issued to Echols, Sr. on Sep. 7, 1976; 4,040,219 issued to Budich on Aug. 9, 1977; 4,057,941 issued to Schwartz on Nov. 15, 1977; 4,069,627 issued to Pegg on Jan. 24, 1978; 4,110,942 issued to Slocomb, Jr. on Sep. 5, 1978; 4,167,838 issued to Metheny on Sep. 18, 1979; 4,583,333 issued to Minter on Apr. 22, 1986; 4,594,828 issued to Taylor on Jun. 17, 1986; 4,601,139 issued to Esposito on Jul. 22, 1986; 4,724,646 issued to Meyers on Feb. 16, 1988; 4,745,723 issued to Esposito on May 24, 1988; 4,765,102 issued to Kuchem on Aug. 23, 1988; 4,773,193 issued to Biebuyck et al. on Sep. 27, 1988; 4,796,395 issued to Israel on Jan. 10, 1989; 4,884,376 issued to DeBlock et al. on Dec. 5, 1989; 4,903,455 issued to Veazey on Feb. 27, 1990; 4,918,882 issued to Funk on Apr. 24, 1990; 5,003,733 issued to Strobl, Jr. et al. on Apr. 2, 1991; 5,007,215 issued to Minter on Apr. 16, 1991; 5,046,791 issued to Kooiman on Sep. 10, 1991; 5,090,164 issued to Mische on Feb. 25, 1992; 5,125,207 issued to Strobl, Jr. et al. on Jun. 30, 1992; 5,197,253 issued to Johnson on Mar. 30, 1993; 5,293,728 issued to Christopher et al. on Mar. 15, 1994; 5,325,647 issued to Forry et al. on Jul. 5, 1994; 5,363,615 issued to Christopher et al. on Nov. 15, 1994; 5,394,664 issued to Nowell on Mar. 7, 1995; 5,555,681 issued to Cawthon on Sep. 17, 1996; 5,560,155 issued to Back on Oct. 1, 1996; 5,568,707 issued to Ishikawa et al. on Oct. 29, 1996; 5,608,997 issued to Mahowich on Mar. 11, 1997; 5,771,640 issued to Back on Jun. 30, 1998; 5,783,286 issued to DiNicola on Jul. 21, 1998; 5,792,529 issued to May on Aug. 11, 1998; Design Patent Des. 327,744 issued to Francis on Jul. 7, 1992; and Swiss Patent No. 459 516. These patents are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     A representative number of these patents will be reviewed in the following discussion: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,544 issued to Hawes et al. on Sep. 25, 1973, discloses a SEALING GASKET WITH ELONGATED INTERNAL STIFFENER. This specification is directed towards an extruded plastic gasket which is constructed with a full length of strip or insert of a different material in the gasket. This inner material is utilized to strengthen the portion of the gasket in which it is located and reduce any creeping or other movement of the gasket after it has been installed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,952,461 issued to Kinsey on Apr. 27, 1976, discloses MULTI-LAYER WALLS FOR FRAMELESS BUILDINGS FORMED FROM EXTRUDED ALUMINUM OR PLASTIC INTERLOCKING WALL ELEMENTS. FIG. 20 of this application describes the use of a sub-comb having upwardly facing, angularly disposed surfaces for engaging and supporting the upper ends of the metallic roof rafters. As noted by the remainder of the specification, the specification is directed towards a multi-layer wall structure which utilizes so extruded wall elements to interlock and form a frameless multi-story building complex. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,139 issued to Esposito on Jul. 22, 1986, discloses a METHOD AND FRAMEWORK FOR A GREENHOUSE OR THE LIKE INCLUDING A REVERSIBLE GABLE ADAPTER. As noted in FIG. 8 of the drawings, wedge-shaped adapters is utilized to join vertical bars with sloped bars. This adapter is inserted into a chamber using the prong of the adapter. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,791 issued to Kooiman on Sep. 10, 1991, discloses an Extrusion Frame and Components Therefor. This specification is directed towards the framing of cabinetry and the like which utilizes a connecting element for joining extrusion frame components. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,647 issued to Forry et al. on Jul. 5, 1994, discloses a Composite Ceiling Grid. This specification is directed towards ceiling grid runners and the associated method of assembly which utilizes metal reinforced thermal plastic compounds. This system utilizes the metal in strategically positioned areas to maximize the strength ratio of the plastic. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,681 issued to Cawthon on Sep. 17, 1996, discloses a Modular Building System. This specification is directed towards the construction of various light structures. An octagonal cap is described which may be separated to serve as an Apex for a quarter-end structure for a shed like addition. As shown in FIG. 13 of the drawings, a roof ridge member may be used to form the roof ridge or crest of a gabled structure. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,529 issued to May on Aug. 11, 1998, discloses a Reinforced Plastic Extrusion. This specification describes the use of three different extrusions in order to form a single configuration with increased components strength and stiffness. Thus, the desired profile is extruded which allows for the strategic placement within a profile to obtain optimum strength and stiffness. 
     Prior art aluminum roofing systems for additions or sunrooms are well known. These sunrooms pose certain problems during their life. Aluminum works as an excellent heat conductor as evidenced by its use in a variety of heat dissipation applications. However, this high thermal conductivity causes several problems in roofing systems. Aluminum roofing systems transfer cold from the outside of a structure to the interior environment. This heat transfer can lead to condensation on the interior roof of the structure, and the transfer of interior heat to the outside environment results in thermal inefficiencies. In addition, aluminum structures are rigid and may dent, scratch, or be punctured due to contact with normal everyday items such as lawn mower, foot traffic, or wind blown debris. Thus, the present art of aluminum roof construction has several disadvantages. can lead to condensation on the interior roof of the structure, and the transfer of interior heat to the outside environment results in thermal inefficiencies. In addition, aluminum structures are rigid and may dent, scratch, or be punctured due to contact with normal everyday items such as lawn mower, foot traffic, or wind blown debris. Thus, the present art of aluminum roof construction has several disadvantages. 
     Thus, the prior art patents teach limited structures which pose problems for temperature variations, normal wear and tear associated with buildings, and long term stability. What is needed, then, is an improved method and apparatus for constructing buildings with increased efficiency. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed towards a vinyl roofing system utilizing beams to inter-connect roof panels with a roof cap for providing a roof structure. The system may utilize a connecting spider for forming rounded roofing systems, and an upper and lower roof cap for connecting the roofing system together. The system may utilize channel beams with top and bottom plates with a plurality of vertical members to form a center aperture. This center aperture may be utilized with a beam filler, and may also be utilized as a raceway for electrical, water, or other connections within the structure. A further embodiment of the present invention utilizes channel V-beams to form a rounded roofing system for efficient roofing construction and methods. These beams may utilize end caps for completing the structural appearance and integrity of the building. 
     Different connecting blocks and means are taught for connecting the various rafters together. Different panels including vinyl sheathing panels, insulated and polycarbonate panels, as well as polycarbonate panels are taught in the present invention which may utilize fascia caps for protecting the ends of the panels, or the sheathing may wrap over edges to cover adjacent surfaces of the roofing panels. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows a prior art I-beam profile. 
     FIG. 2 of the drawings shows a channel I-beam. 
     FIG. 3 of the drawings shows a channel I-beam with a filler insert. 
     FIG. 4 of the drawings shows a pointed channel V-beam. 
     FIG. 5 of the drawings shows a pointed channel V-beam with filler insert. 
     FIG. 6 of the drawings shows a flat top channel V-beam. 
     FIG. 7 of the drawings shows a flat top channel V-beam with filler insert. 
     FIG. 8 of the drawings shows a channel T-beam. 
     FIG. 9 of the drawings shows a pointed channel arrow beam. 
     FIG. 10 of the drawings shows a flat top channel arrow beam 
     FIGS. 11-19 of the drawings shows various configurations for end caps for the different profile configurations of the beams. 
     FIG. 20 of the drawings shows the interconnection of two channel T-beams for extended thickness insulated roof panels with the channel beams. 
     FIG. 21 of the drawings shows the interconnection of a flat top channel V-beam with insulated panels. 
     FIG. 22 shows a straight wall stud rafter-stud channel connecting block. 
     FIG. 23 shows a curved wall stud rafter-stud channel connecting block. 
     FIGS. 24 and 25 of the drawings show the interconnection of the rafter-stud channel connecting block with the wall and the rafter. 
     FIGS. 26-28 of the drawings show the rafter-rafter channel connecting block. 
     FIGS. 29-32 of the drawings show the multiple rafter spider connecting block. 
     FIG. 33 of the drawings shows a circular roof with insulated panels. 
     FIG. 33 a  of the drawings shows the connecting cap apparatus. 
     FIG. 34 of the drawings shows a circular roof with poly-carbonate panels. 
     FIG. 35 of the drawings shows a circular insulated wall and stud configuration. 
     FIGS. 36-44 of the drawings show an oval room configuration. 
     FIGS. 45-47 of the drawings show an embossed roof panel configuration. 
     FIG. 48 of the drawings shows a partial oval room configuration. 
     FIGS. 49-51 of the drawings show a shed and gable roof configurations for the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is directed towards a new apparatus and method for building and roof construction utilizing individual members which are interconnected to form the desired structure. Each of these members will be described in detail, and then the combination of the members to form structures will also be described for the varying embodiments. 
     While the I-beam  10  profile of FIG. 1 may be used for certain positions in building structures, a typical I-beam is limited in application due to its basic structure. Thus, the preferred embodiment of this invention utilizes a different configuration for the beams that are used in constructing a roofing apparatus. FIGS. 2 and 3 show one preferred embodiment of the channel beam apparatus as utilized in the present invention. This channel beam apparatus  20  is a channel I-beam  21  which includes a top structure  22 , a plurality of vertical members  25  engaging the top structure  22 , and a bottom structure  28  engaging the plurality of vertical members  25 . The plurality of vertical members  25  is shown as separate vertical members  24  and  26 . It is also envisioned that the plurality of vertical members  25  could include more than two vertical members for constructing various configurations of the channels beams  20 . Each of the vertical members  24  and  26  is inwardly disposed from the outer edges of the top structure  22  to form a central aperture  30 . 
     The channel beam  20  is preferably constructed from an extruded vinyl with degradation inhibitors for weather and sunlight, including ultraviolet light exposure. Vinyl compositions are well known for outdoor exposures and thus, will not be described in further detail. 
     The top structure  22  and bottom structure  28  may be formed as a flat planar structure  23  as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or may be formed in a more complex configuration as shown in FIGS. 4 through 10. The more complex configurations for the top structure  22  and bottom structure  28  utilize wings  40  that may be directly connected to each other as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, or may utilize a connection to an aperture base  42  as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. These wings  40  are angled in a wing angle  44  to form the general shape of a pointed or flat bottom upper V for the top structure  22  and a pointed or flat bottom lower V for the bottom structure  28 . These angles  44  maybe formed so that the wing angle  44  allows for forming a central roof rafter, curved wall studs, finishing edges for panels, or a curved roof structure. One preferred embodiment utilizes a wing angle  44  of 135 degrees. This allows for the formation of curved buildings with 45 degree angling between each panel around the curve. The drawings show a steep wing angle  44  to emphasize the wing angle  44  for illustrative purposes. 
     The open space between the plurality of vertical members  25  forms a central aperture  30 . The plurality of vertical members  25  is generally formed as parallel planar structures  24  and  26  between the top structure  22  and bottom structure  28 , although it is envisioned that deviations from the parallel planar construction could be utilized for varying embodiments of the channel beams  20 . 
     The central aperture  30  may be utilized as a utility run for installing electrical cables, water pipes, gas lines, or other connections as required in the construction process. A beam filler  32  may be placed within the central aperture  30  to add strength, insulation properties for use as a connecting base for screws, or for other purposes. The preferred beam filler  32  is a compressed wood product with laminated wood layers which adds strength and insulation properties to the channel beam  22  as well as providing a solid base for screw installation. 
     Each of the various configurations of the beam elements, including the top structure  22 , plurality of vertical members  25 , and bottom structure  28  form different types of beams. 
     FIG. 4 shows a pointed channel V-beam configuration  48 . The pointed channel V-beam  48  utilizes a plurality of vertical members  25 , a pointed V top structure  22 , and pointed V bottom structure  28 . FIG. 5 shows the pointed channel V-beam  48  with a filler  32  in the central aperture  30 . 
     FIG. 6 shows the channel flat bottom V-beam  50 . The flat bottom channel V-beam  50  utilizes a plurality of vertical members  25 , a flat bottom V top structure  22 , and flat bottom V bottom structure  28 . FIG. 7 shows the flat bottom channel V-beam  50  with a filler  32  in the central aperture  30 . 
     FIG. 8 of the drawings shows another possible configuration of a channel beam  20  as a channel T-beam  52 . The channel T-beam  52  utilizes a plurality of vertical members  25 , a planar bottom structure  28 , and a planar top structure  22 . The channel T-beam  52  may be formed by machine the lower wings  40  from the channel I-beam  20 . This allows for one extrusion to be made and then machined when necessary for installation. The machining of the wings  40  from the other styles of the channel beams may also be performed to obtain different shapes as called for in the construction process. 
     FIG. 9 shows a pointed channel arrow-beam  54  which utilizes a plurality of vertical members  25 , a pointed V top structure  22 , and wingless pointed V bottom structure  28 . 
     FIG. 10 shows the channel flat bottom V-arrow-beam  56 . The flat bottom V channel arrow-beam  56  utilizes a plurality of vertical members  25 , a a flat bottom V top structure  22 , and an aperture base  42  bottom structure  28 . 
     FIGS. 11 through 19 show various configurations of end caps  60  for covering the center aperture  30  and covering the end of the various configurations of the channel beams  20 . These end caps  60  are also known as retainer caps  60 . As shown in FIG. 11, the retainer caps  60  may be attached to the filler  32  in the center aperture  30  through the use of screws  62  which pass through attachment holes  64  in the end caps. Alternative methods for attachment, including clip-on-caps, friction-engagement caps, and glue or adhevisely held caps are also envisioned. 
     FIG. 11 shows a simple center aperture cover  60  designed only to cover the aperture  30  itself. FIG. 12 shows a complete end cover  60  for the channel I-Beams  20  shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The end cap  60  shown in FIG. 13 may be used to cover the end of a channel T-beam  52  as shown in FIG.  8 . FIG. 14 shows the end cover  60  for the center aperture of any of the pointed V style of beams. FIGS. 15 through 17 show additional embodiments that may be utilized for covering additional portions of the pointed V style of beams. FIGS. 18 and 19 show curved end caps  60  that may be used for covering the angled end where the adjoining roof panels form an angle on a circular or oval style of room construction. These end caps  60  fit the angle formed on the end of the roof rafters necessary to form the curved roof line at the wall stud top plate. 
     FIG. 20 of the drawings shows the interconnection of two channel T-beams  52  for extended thickness insulated roof panels  102  with the channel T-beams  52 . A first channel T-beam  52  is placed on top of the insulated panels  102  and a filler  32  is inserted into the aperture  30  of the first channel T-beam  52 . A second channel T-beam  52  is placed under the insulated panels  102 . The first and second channel T-beams  52  are then joined by screws  53  which are driven through the second channel T-beam  52  and into the filler  32  in the first channel T-beam  52 . This connection method allows for varying sizes of roofing materials to be utilized by changing the length of screw  53  that is used to connect the first and second channel T-beams. For a finished look, a screw cap  55  may be placed over the head of the screw  53 . The construction of the insulated panels is discussed infra. 
     FIG. 21 of the drawings shows the interconnection of a flat top channel V-beam  50  with insulated panels  102 . The panels  102  may be held in place by screws driven through the wings  40  of the beam  50 , friction, adhesive, or the physical shape of the surrounding building structure. 
     FIG. 22 shows a straight wall stud rafter-stud channel connecting block  70 , and FIG. 23 shows a curved wall stud rafter-stud channel connecting block  71 . These blocks are used to connect the roof rafters to the wall studs and their associated top plate. FIGS. 24 and 25 show the connection of a straight rafter-stud channel connecting block  70  to a roof rafter  72  and wall stud top plate  74 . The straight channel connecting block  70  utilizes a base  76  which is screwed into center aperture  30  of the wall stud top plate  74 . The embodiment shown utilizes screws  80  as an attachment means for connecting the connecting block  70  to the wall stud top plate  74 . A pointed V-plane top or a flat bottom V-plane top plate can be utilized for the connecting block to connect to the wall stud top plate  74  and the rafter  72 . The top  78  of the connecting block  70  mates inside the center aperture  30  of the roof rafter  72  profile. The connecting block  70  may also be attached with screws  80 . 
     The connecting block  70  is shown in one preferred embodiment as utilizing a top  78  with a pitch angle  79  for connection to the pitch angle of the roof rafter  72 . The top  78  profile is designed to slip into the center aperture  30  of the rafter  72  and use burrs or other frictional means for retaining the connection. A simple slot in the bottom of the roof rafter allows the rafter to overhang if an end opening for the center aperture is not available. A similar style of insert connection may be used for connection to the wall stud top plate or even a direct connection into a wall stud. Another alternative embodiment could use attachment arms that can be crimped to engage the wings  40  of the wall stud top plate  74  or the roof rafter  72 . By utilizing the frictional engagement or the crimp engagement, no additional connectors would be necessary for connecting the stud top plate  74  to the rafter  72  with the rafter-stud block  70 . 
     FIGS. 26 through 28 show the rafter channel connecting block  84  and the method for connecting rafters  72  together. The rafter channel connecting block  84  is inserted into each of the rafters  72  and secured with screws  80 . As previously noted for the rafter-stud connecting block  70 , the rafter-rafter connecting block  84  may also utilize a frictional or bur style of arrangement for connecting rafters  72  together. The use of adhesive is also anticipated for this connection. 
     FIGS. 29 through 32 show the use of a multiple rafter spider connecting block  90  that is utilized to construct round roofing systems. This spider block  90  utilizes legs  92  that are inserted and secured into the center aperture  30  of the channel beams  20 . These legs  92  may also be placed next to the vertical member  25  for constructing a round roofing system. FIG. 29 shows the use of the spider block  90  for connecting two rafters  72  together like a rafter-rafter connector  84 . Note the angle-cut end  96  of the second rafter  72 . This angle cut end is utilized when multiple rafters  72  are to be connected to the spider block  90  to form a rounded roof. As shown in FIG. 30, the angle cut ends  96  allow for multiple rafters  72  to be connected to a single spider block  90  to allow for the rounded roofs. FIGS. 31 and 32 show the connection of eight rafters  72  to a spider connecting block  90  for the formation of a round roof for a structure such as a gazebo. 
     This circular or rounded roofing apparatus  100  utilizes the connecting spider  90  and multiple channel beams  72  which are connected to the spider  90  and supported by the spider arms  92 . The connecting spider includes a spider body  94  and can use any number of spider arms  92  to connect the channel beams  20  to the spider body  94 . The preferred embodiment as shown utilizes eight spider arms  92  so that a gazebo style structure with eight roofing panels may be constructed. Note that the number of spider arms  92  will dictate the panel to panel angle across the roofing panels and thus, the wing angle of the channel beam  20 . In addition, the pitch angle of the spider arms to the spider body will control the pitch angle of the roof once constructed. Thus, the number of spider arms  92 , their location around the spider body  94 , and the pitch angle of the spider arms  92  to the spider body  94  will control the style of roof to be built. 
     The rounded roofing apparatus  100  shown in FIG. 33 is shown with pointed channel V-beams  48 . It is also envisioned that other channel beams  20  such as I-beams, or channel I-beams, could be utilized for this construction. However, the preferred embodiment will utilize pointed channel V-beams  48 . 
     As shown in FIG. 33, the rounded roofing apparatus  100  utilizes pointed channel V-beams  48  and each pointed channel V-beam  48  supports at least two roof panels  102 . The wing angle  44  of each pointed channel V-beam  48  is associated with the roof curve angle between two roof panels  102 . As illustrated, this configuration will utilizes eight roof panels  102 , so the wing angle  44  will equal to forty-five degrees. Obviously, the pitch angle can be any angle. The pitch angle is usually chosen for aesthetic reasons, and may be influenced by local building codes or weather conditions. Each pointed-channel V-beam  48  that is connected to the spider  90  utilizes an angle-cut end  96  for the roof pitch angle, and the sides of the pointed channel V-beams  48  are adapted for the roof curve angle. Note that a large spider connecting block  90  would allow for the rafters  72  to be cut only for the pitch angle. Furthermore, if the spider connecting arms  92  were of sufficient length, then the rafters  72  would not need to be cut for the pitch angle. Thus, a standard square end cut channel beam  20  could be utilized as a rafter  72  with any of the top structures  22  or bottom structures  28  to form a roofing system. However, the preferred embodiment utilizes the small connecting spider  90  and the angle-cut ends  96  as illustrated. 
     FIG. 33 shows the circular roof  100  utilizing pointed channel V-beams  48  and panels  101  shown as insulated panels  102  which are held in place by the end caps  60 . The end caps are removed for illustrative purposes on the right side of the drawing. The pointed channel V-beams  48  are connected by a spider block  90  (not shown) and the connection to the spider block  90  is covered and secured by a roof connecting cap apparatus  104 . This roof cap apparatus may be used for both round rooms and oval room construction. This roof connecting cap apparatus  104  includes an upper roof cap  106  and a lower roof cap  108 . The lower roof cap  108  is adjustably connected to the upper roof cap  106  to clamp the spider  90  and rafter  72  assembly together and to finish off the inside look of the roof apparatus  100 . 
     As shown in FIG. 33 a  of the drawings, the lower roof cap  108  and upper roof cap  106  form a clamping system for holding the roof rafters  72  and connecting spider  90  together as a unitary assembly. It is envisioned that connecting cap apparatus  104  could be designed to eliminate the spider connecting block  90  and only utilize the roof connecting cap assembly  104 , but the preferred embodiment utilizes the spider connecting block  90  for additional strength. The lower roof cap  108  is connected to the upper roof cap  106  by a threaded connecting bolt  110 . Alternative means for connection, including welding, clamping, fictional engagement, and mating connectors are also envisioned for this connection. The roof connecting cap apparatus  104  may also include an electrical connection through the lower roof cap  108  for an internal electrical fixture. 
     FIG. 34 of the drawings shows a circular style roof  100  with panels  101  shown as ploy-carbonate panels  110 . These poly-carbonate panels  110  may be clear to allow for the utilization of the roof apparatus  100  for a sun room or greenhouse. These thinner panels  110  may be held in place by a quarter round sealing bead  112  as shown in the drawings, or it is also envisioned that bead wings  40  could be molded with the vertical members  25  of the channel beam  20 . Thus, the roofing apparatus may include a channel beam  20  with a roof panel  101  interlocked with the channel beam  20 . 
     Different styles of panels  101  may be utilized in the roofing apparatus, including the insulated panels  102  and poly-carbonate panels  110  previously described, or alternatives such as glass panels and sheathing panels including both aluminum and polyvinyl-chloride. These panels  101  may be light permeable to allow for skylights, sunrooms, or green house construction, or the panels  101  may include insulated panels  102  for thermal efficiency. A mixture of panels  101  may be used for varying the different effects of each style of roof. 
     The preferred insulated panel  102  is constructed from poly-vinyl chloride sheathing  114  with polystyrene  116  adhesively laminated to provide insulation for the insulated panel  102 . The panel edges  118  may be covered with a fascia cap  122 , or the sheathing  114  may wrap around the edges  118  of the panel  102  so that the sheathing  114  continuously covers two adjoining surfaces of the panel  102 . Further adaptations may be made to the various styles of panels  101  by including a faux shingle appearance as shown in FIG.  45 . 
     FIG. 35 shows the construction of a circular room configuration  120  with insulated walls  122  formed from insulated panels  102  and pointed channel V-beams  48 . The preferred embodiment seals the panel to wall connection with silicon adhesive although any suitable adhesive may be used. 
     FIGS. 36-44 show the oval room configuration  130 . In this embodiment, an oval roof apparatus  130  is constructed from eight panels  101 . These panels  101  include two side panels  132  and six end panels  134 . The roof panel angle  136  is forty five degrees, and any pitch may be utilized for the roofing apparatus as previously discussed. 
     An oval room utilizes a spider connecting block  90  at each end of the oval room to form a rounded end for each end of the oval room. Then a connecting rafter  72  will be utilized between the two spider blocks  90  to form the center of the oval room. Fascia caps  120  are shown mounted on the edges of the roof panels  101 , and retainer caps  60  are shown on the ends of the channel beams  20 . As shown in FIG. 38 of the drawings, two spider connecting blocks  90  are utilized to construct an oval room. Each spider connecting block  90  utilizes five arms  92 , four arms to form the rounded roof for each end, and one arm to support the central rafter header  138 . 
     FIG. 39 shows an isometric view of the oval room  130  frame construction. Note that the central rafter header  138  has not been used in this embodiment of the design, and that the roof connecting cap apparatus  104  is not shown. Clear panels  101  have been drawn in for both the roof and side wall structure. FIGS. 40 and 41 show the upper roof cap  104  for this embodiment, and FIGS. 42-44 show the various roof panel  101  configurations used for the construction. This embodiment has utilized both angled and rectangular side panels  101  to illustrate another style or embodiment for the roofing system. As shown by FIGS. 42-44, an oval room uses three different roof panel shapes and a round room uses only one roof panel shape. 
     FIGS. 45 and 47 show the roof panel  101  with embossing  140  with a shingle pattern formed into the vinyl. FIG. 46 shows two inverted panels  101  connected with a C-channel  142 . 
     FIG. 48 shows a partial oval room configuration  150 . The channel beams  20  on each end have been modified to form channel C-beams  142  for flush mounting with the walls  152 . The underlying walls  154  have been shown using conventional frame style construction. 
     FIGS. 49 and 50 show the use of channel beams  20  with flat insulated sheathing panels  102  for the construction of a shed style roofing system  160 , and FIG. 51 shows the end view of the gable style construction  170 . 
     Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful Vinyl I-beam Roofing System and Method, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.