Patent Publication Number: US-10316508-B1

Title: Screen support assembly with wide lateral support efficiency

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY/CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part patent application of previously filed, currently pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/470,893 filed on Mar. 27, 2017, which is a continuation patent application of previously-filed, currently pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/211,898 filed on Jul. 15, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,605,425, which is a continuation-in-part patent application of previously-filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/660,673 filed on Mar. 17, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,711. 
     The present application is also a continuation-in-part patent application of the following three (3) currently pending U.S. design patent applications: Ser. No. 29/637,972 filed on Feb. 23, 2018, Ser. No. 29/637,975 filed on Feb. 23, 2018, and Ser. No. 29/637,977 filed on Feb. 23, 2018. 
     The contents of all of the above-referenced previously-filed patent applications (namely, Ser. Nos. 15/470,893, 15/211,898, 14/660,673, 29/637,972, 29/637,975, and 29/637,977) are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to a support assembly, and in particular, a screen support assembly with a wide lateral support efficiency in that with the construction of the various embodiments of the present invention, horizontal or lateral beams may extend large distances from the vertical supports, allowing for large or wide open screen portions between vertical supports. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Screen enclosures for patios, pool areas, porches, etc. are well known in the art and are installed on many homes, buildings, and apartments throughout the United States and the World. Such screen enclosures are often constructed by installing closely spaced vertical posts or beams with horizontal beams spanning between them. Screen material, often in square or rectangular panels, will then fill the open spaces between the vertical posts and horizontal beams. 
     The problem, however, is that the vertical posts, and sometimes the horizontal beams, may obstruct views and scenery for those individuals positioned within the enclosure and who wish to gaze or look out through the screen and beyond the enclosure. This is particularly true for many luxurious homes and buildings that overlook bodies of water, such as lakes, oceans, etc. or golf courses, pastures, mountains, etc. While the screened enclosure may be beneficial in protecting the enclosed area from many of the outside elements, wildlife, and insects, it also obstructs the once stunning view of the outside scenery. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new screen enclosure or support assembly that includes a high degree of lateral strength and structural integrity between the joints where the vertical and horizontal or lateral beams meet. The high strength and integrity of the proposed screen enclosure and support assembly must support horizontal beams that can span great distances (e.g., greater than thirty feet) between vertical posts, thereby creating a wide open viewing panel that is not obstructed by intermediate vertical support posts. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is generally directed to a support assembly which includes a high degree of lateral strength and integrity in order to allow for lateral beams to span great distances between vertical supports. This provides wide open spaces or screened panels that create unobstructed or less obstructed views there through. 
     In particular, the support assembly of at least one embodiment includes a beam support bracket having at least one laterally disposed elongated portion that is slidingly or telescopically engaged with a corresponding lateral beam. For instance, the elongated portion of the beam support bracket is defined by spaced apart first and second extension members or support plates. In some embodiments the extension members or support plates may be connected to one another via internal support webbing or spacer plates, while in other embodiments, the support plates may be disconnected or otherwise independent of one another. 
     Further, the extension members or support plates each include oppositely disposed edges, such as, but not limited to, upper and lower edges, which will mate with corresponding ledges or protrusions disposed within the lateral beam, for example, at or near inside corners thereof. 
     Specifically, the lateral beam(s) may include rectangular-shaped tubes manufactured out of extruded aluminum or other materials capable of facilitating the implementation of the present invention. The beam(s) include an internal receiving portion with reinforced corners or surface protrusions which define channels through which the extension members or support plates of the beam support bracket are slidingly or telescopically engaged. 
     For instance, the elongated portion of the beam support bracket may be disposed within the internal receiving portion of the lateral beam such that the oppositely disposed edges of each of the extension members or support plates correspondingly mate with the reinforced corners on the inside of the lateral beam. The mating engagement between the bracket and the beam restrict side-to-side, up and down and rotational movement there between. 
     Further embodiments may also include a support post with an internal receiving portion similar to that of the lateral beam. Specifically, the support post may include reinforced corners on the inside thereof in order to define channels through which a downwardly directed portion of the support beam will fit or engage. Certain embodiments of the support post are constructed from an extruded aluminum, similar to the lateral beams, although other materials and methods of construction may be implemented. 
     The lateral beams and the support post may further include screen retention assemblies, such as spline grooves, within which a screen panel and retention spline may be inserted for attaching screen material thereto. Other screen retention assemblies may be implemented or incorporated within the full spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Further, it should also be noted that the screen or support assembly of certain embodiments of the present invention may be constructed to withstand high velocity winds, including hurricane force winds. Thus, certain embodiments may be constructed to pass stringent wind velocity standards and tests that may be found or implemented in many parts of the United States, including Florida, and Worldwide. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the support assembly of at least one embodiment of the present invention installed on home or other structure. 
         FIG. 2A  is an exploded view of the support assembly as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the support assembly illustrated in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a lateral beam as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a partial perspective end view of the lateral beam illustrated in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  is a partially exploded and cut-away view of the beam support bracket and lateral beams as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a cut-away view of  FIG. 4A  along line  4 B- 4 B as illustrated therein. 
         FIG. 5  is a partial end view of the support post as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a cut away view of the interconnected support post and beam support bracket as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the support boot as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a cut-away view of the interconnected support boot and support post along line  6 A- 6 A illustrated in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another beam support bracket and intermediate lateral beam as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective and partially exploded view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8B  is an elevation and partially exploded view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective, assembled view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
         FIG. 9  is a cut-away view of the lateral beam along line  9 - 9  illustrated in  FIG. 8C . 
         FIG. 10  is a cut-away view of the support post along line  10 - 10  illustrated in  FIG. 8C . 
         FIG. 11  is a cut-away view of the support post along line  11 - 11  illustrated in  FIG. 8C . 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective and exploded view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective and assembled view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective and exploded view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13B  is a perspective and assembled view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of the beam support bracket of yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14B  is right side view of the beam support bracket illustrated in  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of the beam support bracket of another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15B  is a right side view of the beam support bracket illustrated in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of the lateral beam as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention with break-away lines indicating indeterminate length. 
         FIG. 16B  is an end view of the lateral beam illustrated in  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of at least a portion of the support assembly as disclose din accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, with break-away lines indicating indeterminate length. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a beam support bracket as disclosed in accordance with yet another embodiment is the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an exemplary support assembly as disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings provided herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As shown in the accompanying drawings, and with particular reference to  FIG. 1 , the present invention is directed to a support assembly, as generally shown by reference character  10 . Particularly, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the support assembly  10  is structured to support one or more screen panels  5  as is shown installed on the rear portion of a structure  1 , such as a home. The screened or other enclosure may enclose a pool, patio, or other area. However, while many implementations of the support assembly  10  of the present invention may be used to support or construct screen enclosures on homes, businesses or other structures  1 , as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1 , for example, other embodiments may be used for other various support assembly applications. 
     In any event, as provided herein, the support assembly  10  of the various embodiments of the present invention provides significant lateral or horizontal strength and integrity allowing for the construction of or implementation of wide open screen panels or other areas, for example, as generally represented by reference character  7  in  FIG. 1 . Particularly, the large or wide open screen panels may be configured such that vertical support members  30 , which at least partially support the horizontal or lateral beams  20 , may be positioned great distances from one another, including, for example, up to approximately thirty-five (35) feet or more. Such a configuration, made possible by the lateral strength and integrity between the horizontal or lateral beams  20  and the vertical support posts  20 , creates large, wide and quite visually stunning, viewing panels unobstructed by vertical support posts  30 . 
     For instance, referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the support assembly  10  includes a beam support bracket  40 , at least one lateral beam  20 , and a substantially vertically oriented support post  30 . As described herein, the lateral beam(s)  20  are slidingly engaged with or otherwise over elongated portions  41  of the beam support bracket  40 . It should be noted, however, that a reverse configuration may be implemented wherein the beam support bracket  40  is configured to slide over the lateral beam(s)  20 . Similarly, a downward portion  50  of the beam support bracket  40  is slidingly engaged within an end of the support post  30 , such as an upper end, although, again, a reverse embodiment may be implemented wherein the support post slides within the downward portion  50 . 
     It should also be noted that while  FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a “T” shaped beam support bracket, other shapes may be contemplated within the full spirit and scope of the present invention in order to install or construct a support assembly  10 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 1 . For instance, the beam support assembly  40  may comprise a corner or “L” shape, or other configurations which may facilitate support angles, etc. Accordingly, a single beam support bracket  40  may support or engage with one, two or more lateral beams  20 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2A , the beam support bracket  40  of at least one embodiment of the present invention includes laterally spaced first and second extension members or support plates  42 ,  44  which define the elongated portion(s)  41  that is/are slidingly engaged or disposed within a corresponding lateral beam  20 . Each of the extension members or support plates  42 ,  44  include oppositely disposed edges, such as, but not limited to, upper edges  42 A,  44 A and lower edges  42 B,  44 B that will correspondingly mate with cooperatively constructed and disposed portions within the lateral beam(s)  20 , as described herein. 
     Further, in at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the beam support bracket  40  is constructed by securing a plurality of spacer plates  45  between the two laterally spaced extension members  42 ,  44  in order to space the extension members  42 ,  44  a proper distance from one another to correspondingly and slidingly fit within the lateral beam  20 . Accordingly, the extension members  42 ,  44  may comprise separately structured metal, aluminum or other like plates laterally spaced from one another via at least one, but more practically, a plurality of spacer plates  45 . For instance, in the “T” shaped construction illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the beam support bracket  40  may comprise two (2) “T” shaped support plates  42 ,  44  laterally spaced from one another and interconnected to one another via one or more spacers  45 . The “T” shape creates two elongated portions  41  extending from the downward portion  50 , although, as noted above, other shapes and brackets can be implemented. The spacer plates  45  may thus be welded, screwed, glued, adhered, or otherwise connected to the inside surface of the plates or extension members or support plates  42 ,  44 . Other ways of manufacturing or constructing the beam support bracket  40  may be contemplated within the full spirit and scope of the various embodiments disclosed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , an exemplary embodiment of the lateral beam  20  is shown. For instance, the lateral beam  20  may be connected to a support bracket  40  on each end  21 ,  29 . Due to the significant strength and integrity of the interconnections between the lateral beam  20  and the support brackets  40 , the lateral beam  20  may, in some instances, span a distance of approximately thirty-five (35) feet or more between the support brackets  40  or vertical supports  20 . Of course, other distances, whether longer or shorter may be implemented in order to construct the support assembly  10 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Further, the lateral beams  20  and/or the support post  30  of the various embodiments disclosed herein may include one or more screen retention assemblies  60 , such as retention channels configured to receive a portion of a screen panel and a corresponding spline member therein. Other screen retentions assemblies now known or later developed in the art are contemplated in order to secure a screen panel to the lateral beam  20 . 
     Furthermore, the lateral beams  20  of the various embodiments of the present invention may be constructed by way of metal or aluminum extrusion techniques in that the lateral beam(s)  20  may be extruded pieces of aluminum or other metal. For example, in one illustrative embodiments, the lateral beams  20  may comprise 60-63 T6 extruded aluminum, although other materials may be implemented in order to facilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended manner. In addition, the lateral beam(s)  20  of at least one exemplary embodiment may comprise a rectangular tube comprising a width of six (6) inches, a height of eight (8) inches and a thickness of 0.19 inches. Other dimensions and configuration may be implemented within the scope of the present invention. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the lateral beam  20  includes an internal receiving portion  25  with first and second surface protrusion pairs or reinforced corner portions, wherein the first surface protrusion pair may be defined by a first upper surface protrusion  22 A and a first lower surface protrusion  22 B, and the second surface protrusion pair defined by a second upper surface protrusion  24 A and a second lower surface protrusion  24 B. For instance, the surface protrusions  22 A,  22 B,  24 A,  24 B of the various embodiments comprise cooperatively structured surfaces or ledges that will correspondingly mate or fit with the upper and lower edges  42 A,  42 B,  44 A,  44 B of the first and second extension members  42 ,  44  of the beam support bracket  40 . In the embodiments shown, the upper and lower edges  42 A,  42 B,  44 A,  44 B and the surface protrusions  22 A,  22 B,  24 A,  24 B comprise generally corresponding flat surfaces, although it should be noted that other surface configurations such as curved surfaces, locking surfaces, tongue and groove, etc. may be contemplated. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the surface protrusions  22 A,  22 B,  24 A,  24 B are disposed in the inside corners of the internal receiving portion  25  of the lateral beam  20 , thereby providing reinforced corner portions. Particularly, the first surface protrusions  22 A and  22 B are disposed on adjacent corners and in some implementations, vertically aligned corners such that the first surface protrusions  22 A and  22 B will mate with the first upper and lower edges  42 A,  42 B of the first extension member  42 . Similarly, the second surface protrusions  24 A and  24 B are disposed on a different set of adjacent corners within the lateral beam  20  and in some implementations, vertically aligned corners such that the second surface protrusions  24 A and  24 B will mate with the second upper and lower edges  44 A,  44 B of the second extension member  44  of the beam support bracket  40 . 
     In addition, and still referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the internal receiving portion  25  of the lateral beam  20  includes internal lateral surfaces, such as a first internal lateral surface  22 C and a second internal lateral surface  24 C. The first internal lateral surface  22 C is disposed between the first upper surface protrusion  22 A and the first lower surface protrusion  22 B, and similarly, the second internal lateral surface  24 C is disposed between the second upper surface protrusion  24 A and the second lower surface protrusion  24 B. In this manner, the external lateral surfaces  42 C and  44 C of the elongated portions  42 ,  44  of the support bracket  40  will correspondingly mate with the internal lateral surfaces  22 C,  24 C of the lateral beam  20 . 
     Accordingly, the first surface protrusion pair  22 A,  22 B and the connecting internal surface  22 C define a first side channel within which the first extension member  42  of the beam support bracket  40  will slide. Similarly, the second surface protrusion pair  24 A,  24 B and the connecting internal surface  24 C define a second channel within which the second extension member  44  of the beam support bracket will slide. 
     Furthermore,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate exemplary embodiments wherein the lateral beam(s)  20  is slidingly or telescopically engaged with or onto the beam support bracket  40 . Particularly,  FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 B- 4 B shown in  FIG. 4A . For instance, the elongated portion  41  of the beam support bracket  40  is disposed within the internal portion  25  of the lateral beam  20  in a manner such that the oppositely disposed or upper and lower edges  42 A,  42 B of the first extension member  42  correspondingly mate with the first surface protrusion pair (for example, defined by the first upper surface protrusion  22 A and first lower surface protrusion  22 B in one embodiment) and the oppositely disposed edges or upper and lower edges  44 A,  44 B of the second extension member  44  of the same elongated portion  41  correspondingly mate with the second surface protrusion pair (for example, defined by the second upper surface protrusion  44 A and the second lower surface protrusion  44 B of one embodiment). In addition, the external lateral surfaces  42 C and  44 C of the elongated portions  42 ,  44  of the support bracket  40  are correspondingly aligned or mated with the internal lateral surfaces  22 C,  24 C of the lateral beam  20 . The lateral beam  20  may be secured to the beam support bracket  40  by way of securing one or more bolts, screws, or other like securing mechanisms through correspondingly positioned and aligned holes, as generally represented as  15 . Depending on the particular beam support bracket  40 , a cap  45 C may be secured to a top portion of the bracket  40 , such as, for example, between adjacent lateral beams  40 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
     In this regard, the lateral beam  20  is secured into place on the beam support bracket  20  and is prevented from twisting, rotating, or otherwise moving relative to the beam support bracket  40 . Particularly, the mating engagement between the various edges  42 A,  42 B,  44 A,  44 B and the corresponding protrusions  22 A,  22 B,  24 A,  24 B, as well as the mating alignment or engagement between the surfaces  42 C,  44 C and  22 C,  24 C restrict movement between the lateral beam  20  and the beam support bracket  40 . In addition, the spacer plates or spacers  45  secured between the two extension members  42 ,  44  maintain the appropriate spacing between the extension members  42 ,  44  and thereby further restrict or contribute to the movement restriction between the lateral beam  20  and the beam support bracket  40 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2A , in at least one embodiment, the beam support bracket  40  further comprises a downward portion  50  defined by the laterally spaced first and second extension members  42 ,  44 , for example. The downward portion  50  is structured to slidingly or telescopically fit or engage within a support post  30 , in a similar manner as the elongated portion(s)  41  slidingly fit or engage within the lateral beams  20 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 5A , the support post  30  includes an internal receiving portion  35  with a first surface protrusion pair  32 A,  32 B and a second surface protrusion pair  34 A,  34 B, each defining a first channel and a second channel, respectively. 
     The downward portion  50  of the beam support bracket  40  includes corresponding edges  52 A,  52 B and  54 A,  54 B which correspondingly mate with the first and second channels defined by the surface protrusion portions  32 A,  32 B and  34 A,  34 B, as shown in  FIG. 5A . Thus, the mating engagement between the edges  52 A,  52 B,  54 A,  54 B of the downward portion  50  and the surface protrusion portions  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B disposed in the internal receiving portion  35  of the support post  30  is structured to restrict movement, such as lateral, rotational or twisting movement between the beam support bracket  40  and the support post  30 . In additional, the spacers  45  which, as above, are structured to maintain a corresponding spacing between the extension members  42 ,  44 , may also restrict movement or contribute to the movement restriction between the beam support bracket  40  and the support post  30 . Of course, screws, bolts or other securing mechanisms may be secured through or between the support post  30  and the beam support bracket  20 , for example, through correspondingly aligned holes  15 , which also contribute to the secure engagement and movement restriction relation between the support post  30  and the beam support bracket  20 . 
     It should also be noted that, as illustrated in  FIG. 5A , for example, the support post  50  may include a plurality of screen retention assemblies  60  for securely retaining a screen panel  5  therein. As an example, the screen retention assembly  60  may include a channel for securely retaining a portion of the screen panel  5  therein, along with a flexible or other spline for retaining the screen portion therein. Other screen retention assemblies may be incorporated within the full spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In addition, the support post  30  of at least one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more upper flanges  36  extending upward beyond the interior portion  35 . Accordingly, the flange(s)  36  of at least one embodiment, may extend in an at least partially overlapping relation with an external surface of the beam support bracket  40 , as generally illustrated in  FIG. 2A . Corresponding holes and bolts, screws or other securing mechanisms may be implemented to keep the flanges secured to the beam support bracket. 
     Furthermore, the support post(s)  30  of the various embodiments of the present invention may be constructed by way of metal or aluminum extrusion techniques in that the support posts(s)  30  may be a single piece of extruded aluminum or other metal. For example, in one illustrative embodiments, the support post(s)  30  may comprise 60-63 T6 extruded aluminum, although other materials may be implemented in order to facilitate the practice of the present invention in the intended manner. In addition, the support post(s)  30  of at least one exemplary embodiment may comprise a rectangular or square tube comprising a width of six (6) inches, a height of six (6) inches and a thickness of 0.25 inches. Other dimensions and configuration may be implemented within the scope of the present invention. 
     Additional features of certain embodiments of the present invention include a support boot  70  slidingly or telescopically engaged to or within a lower end of the support post  30 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6A , the support boot  70  of at least one embodiment comprises a generally upright portion  76  and a base  78 . The base  78  may be flanged outward from the upright portion  76  in order to provide additional stability or support. The base  78  may be secured to a floor, concrete slab, ground, or other surface. 
     Further, still referring to  FIGS. 6 and 6A , the upright portion  76  of the boot  70  may include surface indents or external receiving corner portions  72 A,  72 B,  74 A,  74 B which correspond to the surface protrusions  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B disposed on the inside of the support post  30 , as described herein. In this manner, the surface protrusions  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B of the support post  30  will correspondingly mate with the surface indents  72 A,  72 B,  74 A,  74 B on the boot  70 , proving a secure mating engagement there between. As before, the surface protrusions  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B and the surface indents  72 A,  72 B,  74 A,  74 B may be disposed on the corners of the corresponding element, as illustrated. While the surface protrusions  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B and the surface indents  72 A,  72 B,  74 A,  74 B are shown as comprising generally flat 90 degree surfaces, it is contemplated that any surface shapes may be implemented such that the surface protrusions  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B and the surface indents  72 A,  72 B,  74 A,  74 B correspondingly mate with one another and provide a secure interconnection. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , yet another embodiment of the beam support bracket  40  is shown. Particularly, instead of being secured to a vertically oriented support post, the beam support bracket  40  may be secured to the structure  1 , itself, such as a tie-beam, wall, post, pillar, etc. For instance, the beam support bracket  40  may include a base  43  secured to the structure  1 , wherein the extension members  42 ,  44  extend outwardly there from. The lateral beam  20  may therefore slidingly engage with the beam support bracket  40  or extension members  42 ,  44 , in the manner described herein. Other embodiments may include an intermediate beam  20 ′ configured similarly to the lateral beam  20  in that the intermediate beam  20 ′ can be slidingly engaged with the beam support bracket  40  in the same manner the lateral beam  20  can be secured, as described herein. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the lateral beam  20  may then be secured to the intermediate beam  20 ′, for example, by providing bolts, screws, or other securing devices there between (not shown). The outer end  20  of the lateral beam  20  may then be slidingly engaged with another beam support bracket  40  to assemble the support assembly of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A through 11 , yet another embodiment of the support assembly  10  is illustrated. Specifically, in this embodiment, the support plates  42 ,  44  of the beam support bracket  40  may be disconnected, such that they are independent from one another. As described herein, the support plates  42 ,  44  are cooperatively configured with the internal portion  25  of the lateral beam(s)  20  such that the support plates  42 ,  44  slide within cooperatively structured channels so as to securely retain the beam(s)  20  onto the support plate(s)  42 ,  44 . 
     Particularly, with reference to the cut-away view of  FIG. 9 , the surface protrusions  22 A,  22 B are configured to define a first receiving channel  122  there between, and surface protrusions  24 A,  24 B are configured to define a second receiving channel  124 . As provided above with regard to other embodiments, the elongated portion(s)  41  of the support plates  42 ,  44  are slidingly disposed within the receiving channels  122 ,  124 . Still referring to  FIG. 9 , in at least one embodiment, the surface protrusions  22 A,  22 B include an extended lip  122 A and  122 B, respectively. Similarly, the surface protrusions  24 A and  24 B each include a corresponding extend lip  124 A and  124 B. These extended lips  122 A,  122 B,  124 A,  124 B are structured to further define the corresponding channels  122 ,  124 , as well as facilitate in the retention of the support plate(s)  42 ,  44  and in particular the extended or elongated portions  41  thereof within the channels  122 ,  124 . Specifically, the extended lips  122 A,  122 B,  124 A and  124 B extend from the corresponding surface protrusion and at least partially define the channel within which the support plate is disposed. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 9 , at least one embodiment of the present invention may further include a reinforcement wall or panel  27  disposed within the internal receiving portion of the lateral beam(s)  20 . Particularly, the reinforcement wall or panel  27  may span across or between oppositely disposed surfaces or wall of the lateral beam  20  separating the internal receiving portion into at least two portions, such that the first receiving channel  122  and the second receiving channel  124  are disposed within different portions, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The reinforcement wall or panel  27  may extend longitudinally along the entire or a substantial portion of the lateral beam  20 . This provides additional rigidity and strength to the lateral beam  20 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a cut-away view of the support post  30  showing the downward portions  50  of the support plates  42 ,  44  inserted therein. Particularly, as described herein, the support post  30  of at least one embodiment includes at least two elongated peripheral channels  132 ,  133 ,  134 ,  135  defined by a plurality of surface protrusions  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the downward portions  50  of the support plates  42 ,  44  are inserted or slidingly engaged within two of the channels  132  and  134 . However, it should be noted that, in at least one embodiment, the support bracket  40  may include more than two downward portions  50 , such as in the corner embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12A . In that embodiment, the downward portions of the support plates may fit within three or all four of the channels  132 ,  133 ,  134 ,  135 . 
     In any event, referring back to  FIG. 10 , in at least one embodiment, the plurality of surface protrusions  32 A,  32 B,  34 A,  34 B of the support post  30  may include extended lips or extenisions generally referenced as  132 A,  132 A′,  132 B,  132 B′,  134 A,  134 A′,  134 B,  134 B′. These extended lips or extensions further define the elongated peripheral channels within which the downward portion  50  of the support plate(s)  42 ,  44  may be disposed. 
     Furthermore, the extended lips of the support post  30  may also define a center channel through which the support boot  70  may be disposed. For instance, the support boot  70  may include external corner surfaces or portions  171 ,  172 ,  173 ,  174  that engage or mate with the surface protrusions on the interior of the support post  30 . Particularly, in the embodiments shown, the extended lips or extensions of the surface protrusions may define L-shaped corner receiving portions that will mate with the corners of the support boot  70 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , for example. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 8A , the support plates  42 ,  44  of at least one embodiment further include a plurality of notches  145 , for example, where the lateral elongated portion  41  and the downwardly extended portion  50  meet. It should be noted that both of the support plates  42 ,  44  are identical in construction such that the they both include notches  145 , even though the notches in the support plate  44  are not visible in  FIG. 8A . 
     Specifically, the notches  145  are structured to receive a corresponding upper edge  135  of the support post  30  therein when the downward portion  50  of the support plate is slidingly disposed within the support post  30 , as described herein. For example,  FIG. 8B  illustrates a front plan view wherein the support plate  42  is disposed within the support post  30  and the notches  145  have received the upper edge  135  of the support post  30  therein. In this manner, the lower edge  42 B of the elongated portion  41  of the support plate  42  may extend or be disposed slightly below the upper edge  135  of the support post  30 . 
     Furthermore, still referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the lateral beam(s)  20  of at least one embodiment may include a notch  125  disposed on at least one end  21 ,  29  of the beam  20 . The notch  125  may be defined by a recessed lower edge  120  and a recessed lip  122 , as shown in  FIG. 8B . The recessed lower edge will be disposed at least partially over or on top of the upper edge  135  of the support post  30 , and the recessed lip  122  will mate with an upper portion or surface  136  of the support post  130 . The connected assembly is illustrated in  FIG. 8C . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , yet another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, and in particular, a corner embodiment is shown. Specifically, the bracket  40  may include one or more support plates  42 ,  44  with elongated portions  41  and one or more downward extended portions  50 , as provided herein, although configured to be implemented or assembled on a corner. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket  40  includes four downward portions  50 , which correspondingly fit within the four elongated peripheral channels on the interior of the support post  30 . 
     Furthermore, the lateral beams  20  may include corner extensions  128  on at least one end so as to extend all the way to the corner and meet with one another, as shown in  FIG. 12B . 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate another embodiment of the support assembly  10 . Particularly, instead of being secured to a vertically oriented support post, at least one beam support bracket  140  may be secured to the structure, itself, such as a tie-beam, wall, post, pillar, etc., or to an existing post. For instance, the beam support bracket  140  of this embodiment may include a base  43  secured to the structure, wherein the extension members  142 ,  144  extend outwardly there from. Although not shown, the lateral beam  20  may therefore slidingly engage with the beam support bracket  140  or extension members  142 ,  144 , in the manner described herein. Other embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 13A and 13B , may include an intermediate beam  220  configured to slidingly engage with the beam support bracket  140  in the same manner as the lateral beam  20  can be secured, as described herein. As shown in  FIG. 13A , the lateral beam  20  may then be secured to the intermediate beam  220 , for example via an additional support bracket  240 . In particular, the additional support bracket  240  may include two spaced apart support plates that slidingly engage between the lateral beam  20  and the intermediate beam  220  via receiving channels in a similar manner as described herein, for example, via surface protrusions disposed on the interior surfaces of the corresponding beams  20 ,  220  to define corresponding receiving channels. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 14A through 19 , yet another embodiment of the support assembly is illustrated. In particular, in this embodiment, the beam support bracket  40  includes a body  340  and at least two elongated extension members  342 ,  344  extending from an end  340 A and/or  340 B. Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the body  340  of the beam support bracket  40  of at least one embodiment includes an internal receiving portion  345 . A first surface protrusion pair  322 A,  322 B and a second surface protrusion pair  324 A,  324 B are disposed on the inside of the body  340 , for example, along the four internal corners or edges as shown. 
     In this manner, the a first elongated extension member  342  may be disposed within or at least partially between the first surface protrusion pair  322 A,  322 B, and a second elongated extension member  344  can be disposed at least partially between the second surface protrusion pairs  324 A,  324 B. As illustrated, the elongated extension members  342 ,  344  can be generally flat elongated pieces of material, such as metal, aluminum, plastic, etc. that first snugly between the surface protrusions of the body  340 . It should be noted that other shapes of the elongate exensions members  342 ,  344  of the various embodiments disclosed herein are contemplated, for instance, other than being flat as illustrated. 
     Furthermore, the elongated extension members  342 ,  344  can be secured to the body  340  via virtually any manner, including, but not limited to, one or more screws, bolts, or other like fasteners. In other embodiments, the elongated extension members  342 ,  344  can be welded to the body  340  or even integrated or constructed as a single piece. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14B , each of the surface protrusions  322 A,  322 B,  324 A,  324 B of at least one embodiment can also include a lip  3122 A,  3122 B,  3124 A,  3124 B, respectively. The lips of each pair, e.g.,  3122 A,  3122 B, extend from the corresponding surface protrusion, e.g.,  322 A,  322 B, toward one another. This at least partially defines or creates a receiving channel there between, within which the corresponding extension member, e.g.,  342 , is disposed. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 14A , the beam support bracket  40  of at least one embodiment can include extension members  342 ,  344  extending outward from two ends, such as first end  340 A and second end  340 B. For example, in one embodiment (e.g., when the body  340  comprises a linear configuration as shown in  FIGS. 14A, 14B ) a single extension member, for example, extension member  342 , can, in some cases, extend all the way through the body  340  such that the extension member  342  extends from both ends  340 A,  340 B of the body  340 . Similarly, the other extension member  344  can, in some cases, extend all the way through the body  340  such that the extension member  344  extends from both ends  340 ,  340 B of the body  340 . In other embodiments, however, the beam support bracket  340  can include four (4) separate extension members, such that two (2) extend from one end  340 B, and the other two (2) extend from the second end  340 B. Furthermore, with reference to  FIGS. 15A and 15B , the beam support bracket  40  may include an angled configuration. In the embodiment shown, the bracket  40  exhibits a ninety degree angle, however, other angles are contemplated. Again, the bracket  40  includes a plurality of at least two elongated extension members  342 ,  344  extending outwardly from at least one end  340 A,  340 B. The cross-section or end view of the body  340  of  FIGS. 15A, 15B  is the same as the cross section or end view of the body of  FIG. 14A, 14B . 
     In addition, referring now to  FIGS. 16A and 16B , the lateral beam  20  of at least one embodiment is illustrated. Particularly, the lateral beam  20  illustrated may include a similar cross section as the body  340  of the beam support bracket  40  in that the lateral beam  20  can include surface protrusions  22 A,  22 B and  24 A,  24 B disposed on or within an internal surface thereof. In some embodiments, each of the surface protrusions  22 A,  22 B,  24 A,  24 B may be configured to define or otherwise include an extended lip  122 A,  122 B,  124 A,  124 B, respectively. These extended lips  122 A,  122 B,  124 A,  124 B are structured to at least partially define a corresponding channel  122 ,  124 , as well as facilitate in the retention of the support plate(s) or extension members  342 ,  344  within the channels  122 ,  124 . 
     It should be noted that the lateral beam illustrated in  FIGS. 16A and 16B  may be constructed in a similar manner to the body  340  illustrated in  FIGS. 14A, 14B , although with different lengths. The body  340  of the corner or angled bracket  40  illustrated in  FIGS. 15A, 15B  can also be constructed from the same or similar beam, but instead with angular cuts or bends to create the angled configuration. 
     For instance, as shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 17 , the beam support bracket  40  of at least one embodiment may engage with a support post  30  via downward portion  50 . Extension members  342 ,  344  extending from the body  340  of the beam support bracket will slidingly engaged lateral beam(s)  20 , in the manner described herein. In this embodiment, a first end  340 A of the body  340  will mate flush against a corresponding end  20 A of a corresponding lateral beam  20 , and a second end  340 B of the body  340  will mate flush against a corresponding end  20 B of a corresponding lateral beam  20 . This can also be seen in the exemplary assembled support assembly  10  illustrated in  FIG. 19 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , and similar to  FIG. 7 , yet another embodiment of the beam support bracket  340  is shown. Particularly, instead of being secured to a vertically oriented support post, the beam support bracket  340  illustrated in  FIG. 18  may be secured to the structure  1 , itself, such as a tie-beam, wall, post, pillar, etc., via a mounting bracket  341 . For instance, the mounting bracket  341  of the beam support bracket  340  may include a base  343  secured to the structure  1 , wherein the extension members  342 ,  344  (not shown) extend outwardly there from. The first end  340 A of the body  340  may therefore slidingly engage extension members (not shown) extending from mounting bracket  341  in the manner described herein. Additional extension members  342 ,  344  extend outward from the second end  340 B of the body  340 , as shown in  FIG. 18 , which will then slidingly engage with the lateral beam  20 , as provided herein. 
     This written description provides an illustrative explanation and/or account of the present invention. It may be possible to deliver equivalent benefits and insights using variations of the sequence, steps, specific embodiments and methods, without departing from the inventive concept. This description and these drawings, therefore, are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive. 
     Now that the invention has been described.