Patent Publication Number: US-7210271-B2

Title: Header apparatus and method for a structural framing system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to the field of structural framing systems and more particularly without limitation to an apparatus and associated method for framing a header structural member. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Recent developments in devices and methods used to construct structural framing systems have resulted in a proliferation in the use of nonlinear architecture such as curved walls, columns and barrel ceilings. These developments include flexible framing systems that are selectively conformable to a desired arcuate shape and then fixable to retain that shape. Where framing curved structures once required expert framing skill, they can now be achieved by one of relatively little framing experience with such a flexible framing system. 
   For example, flexible framing systems are used in constructing curved walls. Generally, this type of flexible framing system comprises an opposing pair of longitudinally disposable track members with a plurality of studs transversely interposed therebetween. In some cases, the track members are preformed to the desired arcuate shape. Preferably, for more flexibility, the track members can comprise a plurality of flexibly joined segments that are moveable to achieve the desired shape. The track members, in turn, locate the studs so as to define the curved wall frame. A wall covering, such as gypsum board or paneling, can then be attached to the wall frame to complete the curved wall. 
   Presently, flexible framing systems are limited in use to non-load-bearing, or interior partition wall portions of a structural framing system. This means that curved architecture in a load-bearing member requires custom fabrication by a highly skilled framing craftsperson. A header member for an opening in a curved wall, such as for a passageway or a window, is one example of such a load-bearing member requiring custom fabrication. 
   It has been determined, however, that sufficient structural integrity can be achieved in a flexible header apparatus by ultimately tying the opposing track members and the studs together by a compliant web member. By defining receiving portions in the track members, the web member can be slidingly supported so as to conform to the selective shaping and/or placement of the track members. After the desired shape is achieved, the web member can be fixed to the studs and/or to the track members to produce an operatively unitary structural member. It is to these improvements and others as exemplified by the description and appended claims that embodiments of the present invention are directed. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a header apparatus for a structural framing system. The apparatus comprises a pair of track members defining opposing receiving portions. A plurality of column members is disposed substantially transversely to the track members and joined thereto. A web member is receivingly engaged in the receiving portions and spans the column members. 
   In one embodiment the receiving portion is defined between the track members and the columns. The first of the pair of track members comprises a lateral segment and a flange extending substantially orthogonally from the lateral segment. Likewise, the second of the pair of track members comprises a lateral segment disposable substantially parallel to the first track member lateral segment and a flange opposing the first track member flange. Each of the adjacent lateral segments and flanges intersect to define the respective receiving portions. 
   Alternatively, the receiving portions can be solely defined by the track members. The first of the pair of track members comprises a lateral segment and a bifurcated flange extending substantially orthogonally from the lateral segment. The bifurcated flange comprises a first segment disposed substantially along a first longitudinal plane and a second segment disposed substantially along a second longitudinal plane spatially disposed from the first longitudinal plane establishing a longitudinal gap therebetween defining the receiving portion. Likewise, the second of the pair of track members comprises a lateral segment disposable substantially parallel to the first track member lateral segment and a bifurcated flange opposing the first track member bifurcated flange with a third segment disposed substantially along a third longitudinal plane and a fourth segment disposed substantially along a fourth longitudinal plane spatially disposed from the third longitudinal plane establishing a longitudinal gap therebetween defining the opposing receiving portion. 
   In one aspect of the apparatus the track members are characteristically arcuate and the web member is characteristically conformable to the shape of the track members. For example, the track members can comprise a plurality of flexibly joined sections that are selectively moveable to define a desired shape. 
   The embodiments of the present invention furthermore contemplate a method for framing a header spanning supporting portions of a structural framing system. The method comprises providing a header apparatus comprising opposing tracks with a plurality of studs interposed substantially transversely therebetween, the tracks defining receiving portions receivingly engaging a structural web member in a sliding relationship between the tracks and the web member, the web member spanning the studs. The method furthermore provides fixing the web member to at least one of the studs. 
   In one embodiment the method contemplates tracks comprising a plurality of flexibly joined sections. Therein, the method contemplates, after orienting the tracks to a desired longitudinal shape, then retaining the tracks in the desired shape and then fixing the web member to at least one of the studs and/or to at least one of the track members. 
   In one aspect of the present invention a structural framing system is contemplated, comprising a first structural member, a second structural member spatially disposed from the first structural member, and means for framing a header support member spanning the structural members. The means for framing is characterized by an apparatus comprising a pair of track members defining opposing receiving portions, a plurality of column members disposed substantially transversely to the track members and joined thereto, and a web member receivingly engaged in the receiving portions and spanning the column members. 
   The means for framing can be characterized by a first of the pair of track members comprising a lateral segment and a flange extending substantially orthogonally from the lateral segment, the second of the pair of track members comprising a lateral segment disposable substantially parallel to the first track member lateral segment and a flange opposing the first track member flange, each of the adjacent lateral segments and flanges intersecting to define the respective receiving portions. 
   The means for framing can be characterized by a first of the pair of track members comprising a lateral segment and a bifurcated flange extending substantially orthogonally from the lateral segment. The bifurcated flange comprises a first segment disposed substantially along a first longitudinal plane and a second segment disposed substantially along a second longitudinal plane and spatially disposed from the first longitudinal plane establishing a longitudinal gap therebetween defining the receiving portion, the second of the pair of track members comprising a lateral segment disposable substantially parallel to the first track member lateral segment and a bifurcated flange opposing the first track member bifurcated flange with a third segment disposed substantially along a third longitudinal plane and a fourth segment disposed substantially along a fourth longitudinal plane and spatially disposed from the third longitudinal plane establishing a longitudinal gap therebetween defining the opposing receiving portion. 
   The means for framing can be characterized by the track members being characteristically arcuate and the web member being characteristically conformable to the arcuate shape of the track members. For example, the means for framing can be characterized by at least one of the track members comprising a plurality of flexibly joined sections that are selectively moveable to orient the track member in a desired shape, wherein the web member is characteristically conformable to the desired shape. 
   These and various other features as well as advantages which characterize the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent upon reading of the following detailed description and review of the associated drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a partially cutaway isometric view of a header apparatus for a structural framing system that is constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the header apparatus of  FIGS. 1 ,  6  and  8 . 
       FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic view of the header apparatus of  FIG. 1  in the structural framing system. 
       FIG. 4  is a partially cutaway isometric view of a header apparatus similar to  FIG. 1  but constructed in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of the header apparatus of  FIGS. 4 ,  7  and  9 . 
       FIG. 6  is a partially cutaway isometric view of an arcuate header apparatus constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a partially cutaway isometric view of an arcuate header apparatus constructed in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a flexibly arcuate header apparatus constructed in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is an isometric view of a flexibly arcuate header constructed in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is an elevational view of a structural framing system including a header apparatus contemplated by the embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart of a method contemplated by the embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  are cross sectional views of track members constructed in accordance with alternative embodiments for use with only one web member. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  is a partially cutaway isometric view of a header apparatus  10  for a structural framing system. The header  10  has a first track member  12  and a second track member  14  and a plurality of column members  16  (sometimes referred to as “studs  16 ”) disposed substantially transversely to the track members  12 ,  14  and joined thereto. The studs  16  can be joined to the track members  12 ,  14  by fasteners  17 . Two fasteners  17  through the track member  12 ,  14  and into the respective end of the stud  16  prevents rotation of the stud  16  relative to the track member  12 ,  14 . The track members  12 ,  14  define receiving portions (discussed below) for receivingly engaging a structural web member  18  spanning the column members  16 . 
     FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the header  10  of  FIG. 1 . The track member  12  comprises a lateral segment  20  and a flange  22  extending substantially orthogonally from the lateral segment  20 . The track member  14  comprises a lateral segment  24  disposable substantially parallel to the lateral segment  20  and a flange  26  opposing the flange  22 . The lateral segment  20  and the flange  22  intersect to define a receiving portion  28  therebetween. Similarly, the lateral segment  24  and the flange  26  intersect to define an opposing receiving portion  30  therebetween. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  the stud  16  is sized such that the web member  18  is receivingly engaged in the receiving portions  28 ,  30  between the stud  16  and the flanges  22 ,  26 . 
   In one embodiment the header  10  comprises only one web member  18 . Alternatively, as in  FIG. 2 , the track member  12  comprises a pair of flanges  22 ,  32  defining a substantially u-shaped arrangement with two receiving portions  28 ,  34 . Similarly, the track member  14  comprises a pair of flanges  26 ,  36  defining a substantially u-shaped arrangement with two receiving portions  30 ,  38 . Accordingly, the header  10  can comprise the first web member  18  receivingly engaged between the studs  16  and the respective opposing flanges  22 ,  26 , as well as a second web member  40  receivingly engaged between the studs  16  and the other opposing flanges  32 ,  36 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the web member  18  slidingly engages the receiving portions  28 ,  30 . That is, the track members  12 ,  14  are somewhat movable relative to each other independently of the web member  18 . This permits fitting the track members  12 ,  14  into a framing system, such as illustrated by upright supporting members  46 ,  48  in  FIG. 3 , without shear resistance of the web member  18 . In this manner, the header  10  is readily adaptable to slightly unlevel or out-of-square conditions present in the supporting members  46 ,  48 . After the track members  12 ,  14  are attached, the web member  18  can then be fixed to the track members  12 ,  14  and/or to the studs  16  such as by fixing members  42 ,  44 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the web member  18  can also be extended beyond the track members  12 ,  14  and fixed directly to the supporting members  46 ,  48  with fasteners  45 . The fixing members  42 ,  44  can be any type of fastener device such as but not limited to a screw, nail, or interference tab. Fixing the web member  18  to at least one of the studs  16  and/or at least one of the track members  12 ,  14  forms a unitary structural system transferring the supporting forces  50  of the framing system to a uniform force array  52  along the span of the header  10 . Thus, the force array  52  provides structural support for depending a framing structure and associated building products therebeneath, such as a window or a door, and/or for supporting a load from above. 
   In the embodiments described hereinabove the receiving portions  28 ,  30  are defined at the intersection of the lateral segments  20 ,  24  and the respective flanges  22 ,  26 , with the web member  18  receivingly disposed between the studs  16  and the flanges  22 ,  26 . This provides for a relatively simple design, but requires consideration of the stud  16  size and placement in order to define an appropriate clearance with the web member  18 . Alternatively, the track members  12 ,  14  can solely define the receiving portions  28 ,  30  to eliminate consideration of the stud  16  size and placement. 
   For example,  FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate a header  110  that is constructed in this alternative manner of defining the receiving portions  28 ,  30  and  34 ,  38 . The header  110  comprises a track member  112 . The track member  112  comprises a lateral segment  120  and a bifurcated flange  121  characterized by a segment  122  substantially disposed along a first longitudinal plane and extending substantially orthogonally from the lateral segment  120 . Furthermore, the bifurcated flange  121  comprises a second segment  123  substantially disposed along a second longitudinal plane and spatially disposed from the first longitudinal plane establishing a longitudinal gap therebetween defining the receiving portion  28 . 
   Similarly, an opposing track member  114  comprises a lateral segment  124 , that is disposable substantially parallel to the lateral segment  120 , and a bifurcated flange  125  characterized by a third segment  126  substantially disposed along a third longitudinal plane. Furthermore, the flange  125  comprises a fourth segment  127  substantially disposed along a fourth longitudinal plane and spatially disposed from the third longitudinal plane establishing a longitudinal gap therebetween defining the opposing receiving portion  30 . It will be noted that the first and third longitudinal planes of the segments  122 ,  126  and the second and fourth longitudinal planes of the segments  123 ,  127  can be nominally coplanar, respectively. 
   As above, the header  110  can comprise a single web member  18 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the track members  112 ,  114  can each comprise a pair of bifurcated flanges  121 ,  133  and  125 ,  137 , respectively, defining a substantially unshaped arrangement with two receiving portions  28 ,  34  and  30 ,  38 , respectively. In this manner the header  110  comprises the web member  18  receivingly engaged in the first pair of the opposing receiving portions  28 ,  30  and the second web member  40  receivingly engaged in the other pair of the opposing receiving portions  34 ,  38 . 
   The embodiments discussed so far contemplate a substantially straight header  10 ,  110 , such as is useful in framing a straight header. In many instances, however, a header is needed in conjunction with a curved wall portion of a framing system.  FIG. 6  illustrates a header  210  constructed in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention and in contemplation of such curved wall applications. 
   The header  210  comprises a track member  212  that is characteristically longitudinally arcuate. An opposing track member  214  is disposable substantially parallel to and matches the arcuate shape of the track member  212 . The studs  16  are disposed substantially transversely to the track members  212 ,  214  and attached thereto such as by fasteners  17 . 
   It will be noted that the studs  16  above comprise wood while the studs  16  in  FIG. 6  comprise metal. In equivalent embodiments either type of stud  16  can be used in any of the embodiments of the present invention. The web member  18  is characteristically conformable to the arcuate shape of the track members  212 ,  214 . For example, in one embodiment the web member  18  comprises sheet metal. Alternatively, the track members  212 ,  214 , the studs  16 , and the web member  18  can comprise any suitable construction material including without limitation steel, wood, plastics, composites and the like as desired. 
   The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6  is similarly constructed to that of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in that the web member  18  is receivingly engaged between the track member  212 ,  214  and the studs  16 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the track member  212  comprises a lateral segment  220  and a flange  222  extending substantially orthogonally from the lateral segment  220 . The track member  214  similarly comprises a lateral segment  224  disposable substantially parallel to the lateral segment  220  and a flange  226  opposing the flange  222 . The adjacent lateral segments  220 ,  224  and flanges  222 ,  226  intersect to define the respective receiving portions  28 ,  30  wherein the web member  18  is receivingly engaged between the studs  16  and the flanges  222 ,  226 . 
   Although only one web member  18  is contemplated,  FIG. 2  illustrates alternatively a header  210  employing opposing web members  18 ,  40 . Accordingly, the track member  212  comprises the flange  222  and an opposing flange  232  defining a substantially unshaped arrangement with two receiving portions  28 ,  34 . Likewise, the track member  214  comprises opposing flanges  226 ,  236 . The header  210  thus comprises the web member  18  receivingly engaged in the receiving portions  28 ,  30  between the studs  16  and the flanges  222 ,  226  and the web member  40  receivingly engaged in the receiving portions  34 ,  38  between the studs  16  and the flanges  232 ,  236 . 
     FIGS. 5 and 7  illustrate a header  310  constructed in accordance with embodiments similar to that of  FIG. 4  in that the web member  18  is receivingly engaged within a receiving portion defined solely by the track members. More particularly, the header  310  comprises a track member  312  and an opposing track member  314 . The track member  312  comprises a lateral segment  320  and a bifurcated flange  321  characterized by a segment  322  substantially disposed along a first longitudinal plane and extending substantially orthogonally from the lateral segment  320 . Furthermore, the flange  321  comprises a second segment  323  substantially disposed along a second longitudinal plane and spatially disposed from the first longitudinal plane establishing a longitudinal gap therebetween defining the receiving portion  28 . 
   Similarly, the opposing track member  314  comprises a lateral segment  324  that is disposable substantially parallel to the lateral segment  320  and a bifurcated flange  325  characterized by a third segment  326  substantially disposed along a third longitudinal plane. Furthermore, the flange  325  comprises a fourth segment  327  substantially disposed along a fourth longitudinal plane and spatially disposed from the third longitudinal plane establishing a longitudinal gap therebetween defining the opposing receiving portion  30 . It will be noted that the first and third longitudinal planes of the segments  322 ,  326  and the second and fourth longitudinal planes of the segments  323 ,  327  can be nominally coplanar, respectively. 
   As above, the header  310  can comprise a single web member  18 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the track members  312 ,  314  can each comprise a pair of bifurcated flanges  321 ,  333  and  325 ,  337 , respectively, defining a substantially u-shaped arrangement with two receiving portions  28 ,  34  and  30 ,  38 , respectively. In this manner the header  310  comprises the web member  18  receivingly engaged in the first pair of the opposing receiving portions  28 ,  30  and the second web member  40  receivingly engaged in the other pair of the opposing receiving portions  34 ,  38 . 
   The embodiments discussed heretofore have contemplated headers comprising substantially fixed-shaped track members, whether they are straight (such as  FIG. 1 ) or arcuate (such as  FIG. 6 ). In an alternative embodiment a header  410  illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 8  comprises track members formed by a plurality of flexibly joined sections that are selectively moveable to orient the track members in a desired shape. One example of such an arrangement comprising pivotally connected segments forming the flexible track members is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,181 entitled APPARATUS AND METHODS OF FORMING A CURVED STRUCTURE which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. Another example of such an arrangement, not illustrated, comprising an accordion-type unitary construction is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,301 entitled FLEXIBLE RUNNER. For purposes of the embodiments of the present invention, “flexibly joined sections” contemplates pivotally connected sections, mechanically linked sections, and unitary construction and equivalent alternatives thereto. 
   More particularly, the header  410  has a track member  412  and an opposing track member  414 ., The track member  412  has a track segment  401  that is journalled to a track segment  402  by a crimp connection  403  therebetween. This permits a sliding pivotally moveable relationship between the segments  401 ,  402  for imparting a desired shape to the track member  412 . This segmented and journalled construction is repeated to establish a flexible track member  412  that can be placed in a desired arcuate or straight arrangement. Once the desired arrangement is achieved, any of a number of retention procedures can be used to retain the desired shape. For example, the overlapping segments  401 ,  402  can be fixed by a fastener  410  or by a crimping operation, by a bendable tab, or by other material interference means. Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a strap  405  can be passed through slotted flanges  406  and used as an anchoring member by driving a fastener  407  through the strap  405  and into a respective stud  16 . Alternatively, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,181, the strap  405  can be provided as a portion of each of the segments  401 ,  402 . As above, the web member  18  is characteristically conformable to assume the arcuate shape of the track members  412 ,  414 . In a preferred embodiment the web member  18  comprises sheet metal. 
   The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 8  is similarly constructed to that of  FIG. 1  to the extent that the web member  18  is receivingly engaged between the track member  412 ,  414  and the studs  16 . That is, the track member  412  comprises a lateral segment  420  and a flange  422  extending substantially orthogonally from the lateral segment  420 . The track member  414  similarly comprises a lateral segment  424  disposable substantially parallel to the lateral segment  420  and a flange  426  opposing the flange  422 . The adjacent lateral segments  420 ,  424  and flanges  422 ,  426  intersect to define the respective receiving portions  28 ,  30  wherein the web member  18  is receivingly engaged in the receiving portions  28 ,  30  between the studs  16  and the flanges  422 ,  426 . 
   Although only the one web member  18  is contemplated, the embodiments of  FIG. 2  illustrates employing opposing web members  18 ,  40 . Accordingly, the track member  412  comprises the flange  422  and an opposing flange  432  defining a substantially u-shaped arrangement with two receiving portions  28 ,  34 . Similarly, the track member  414  comprises the flange  426  and an opposing flange  436  defining a substantially u-shaped arrangement with two receiving portions  30 ,  38 . The header  410  thus comprises the web member  18  receivingly engaged in the receiving portions  28 ,  30  between the studs  16  and the flanges  422 ,  426 , and the web member  40  receivingly engaged in the receiving portions  34 ,  38  between the studs  16  and the flanges  432 ,  436 . 
     FIGS. 5 and 9  show a header  510  comprising a plurality of pivotally joined segments like the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , but wherein the web member  18  is receivingly engaged within receiving portions defined solely by the track members. More particularly, the header  510  comprises a track member  512  and an opposing track member  514 . The track member  512  comprises a track segment  501  that is journalled to a track segment  502  such as by a crimp connection  503 .  FIG. 5  shows the track segment  501 , for example, comprises a lateral segment  520  and a bifurcated flange  521  characterized by a segment  522  substantially disposed along a first longitudinal plane and extending substantially orthogonally from the lateral segment  520 . Furthermore, the bifurcated flange  521  comprises a second segment  523  substantially disposed along a second longitudinal plane and spatially disposed from the first longitudinal plane establishing a longitudinal gap therebetween defining the receiving portion  28 . 
   Similarly, the opposing track member  514  comprises a lateral segment  524  that is disposable substantially parallel to the lateral segment  520  and a bifurcated flange  525  characterized by a third segment  526  substantially disposed along a third longitudinal plane. Furthermore, the flange  525  comprises a fourth segment  527  substantially disposed along a fourth longitudinal plane and spatially disposed from the third longitudinal plane establishing a longitudinal gap therebetween defining the opposing receiving portion  30 . 
   As above, the header  510  can comprise a single web member  18 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the track members  512 ,  514  can each comprise a pair of bifurcated flanges  521 ,  533  and  525 ,  537 , respectively, defining a substantially unshaped arrangement with two receiving portions  28 ,  34  and  30 ,  38 , respectively. In this manner the header  510  comprises the web member  18  receivingly engaged in the first pair of the opposing receiving portions  28 ,  30  and the second web member  40  receivingly engaged in the other pair of the opposing receiving portions  34 ,  38 . 
     FIG. 10  illustrates a structural framing system for an arcuate wall  600  of a building, comprising the header  410  spanning an opening for accommodating windows. It will be noted that the header  410  can be placed above and/or below a nailer board  604  for ease in framing members that connect to the header  410 . 
   The embodiments of the present invention further contemplate a method for framing a header spanning supporting portions of a structural framing system.  FIG. 11  is a flowchart of a method  700  for constructing such a header  410  as contemplated by the embodiments of the present invention. 
   The method  700  begins at block  702  by providing a header apparatus, such as header  410 , comprising opposing tracks  412 ,  414  with the plurality of studs  16  interposed substantially transversely therebetween. The tracks  412 ,  414  define receiving portions  28 ,  30  receivingly engaging the structural web member  18 . 
   The method  700  continues at block  704  in placing one end of the header apparatus  410  in a reference location. The end of the header can be attached to a portion of the structural framing system when framing the header in place. Alternatively, the header apparatus  410  can be shaped and retained in place on the ground, as described below, and then placed to the structural framing system. At block  706  the header  410  is oriented in a desired longitudinal shape by moving the flexibly connected segments forming the track members. At block  708  a second end of the header  410  is placed in the position corresponding to the desired shape. Again, this may be done be attaching the second end to another portion of the structural framing system, or alternatively to a reference position on the ground. 
   With the header apparatus  410  oriented in the desired shape, at block  710  the track members are retained in place with a retention member to retain the desired longitudinal shape. The retention member can be a crimp connection interlocking the flexibly connected track segments. Alternatively, the retention member can be a fastener such as a screw or a nail. In block  712  a fixing member is installed to fix the web member to the studs and/or to the track members. The fixing member can be any type of fastening device such as but not limited to a screw or a nail. 
   The header apparatus is now a unitary structural member that, if built off-site, can be placed into the structural framing system in block  714  and attached to the structural framing system in block  716 . In one embodiment, as described above, the web member  18  can be extended beyond the track members  412 ,  414  and attached to the supporting portions of the structural framing system. Loads can be placed to the header such as framing structure and building components placed above and/or below the header. 
   Most generally, the embodiments of the present invention contemplate a structural framing system. The framing system comprises a first structural member and a second structural member, and a means for framing a header spanning the structural members. The means for framing is characterized by a pair of track members defining opposing receiving portions; a plurality of column members disposed substantially transversely to the track members and joined thereto; and a web member receivingly engaged in the receiving portions and spanning the column members. 
   Furthermore, the means for framing can be characterized by a first of the pair of track members comprising a lateral segment and a flange extending substantially orthogonally from the lateral segment, the second of the pair of track members comprising a lateral segment disposable substantially parallel to the first track member lateral segment and a flange opposing the first track member flange, each of the adjacent lateral segments and flanges intersecting to define the respective receiving portions. 
   Alternatively, the means for framing can be characterized by a first of the pair of track members comprising a lateral segment and a bifurcated flange extending substantially orthogonally from the lateral segment, the bifurcated flange comprising a first segment substantially disposed along a first longitudinal plane and a second segment substantially disposed along a second longitudinal plane and spatially disposed from the first longitudinal plane establishing a longitudinal gap therebetween defining the receiving portion, the second of the pair of track members comprising a lateral segment disposable substantially parallel to the first track member lateral segment and a bifurcated flange opposing the first track member flange with a third segment substantially disposed along a third longitudinal plane and a fourth segment substantially disposed along a fourth longitudinal plane and spatially disposed from the third longitudinal plane establishing a gap therebetween defining the opposing receiving portion. 
   In some embodiments the means for framing is characterized by the track members being characteristically longitudinally arcuate and the web member being characteristically conformable to the arcuate shape of the track members. For example, the means for framing can be characterized by at least one of the track members comprising a plurality of flexibly joined sections that are moveable to define a selected arcuate longitudinal shape, wherein the web member is characteristically conformable to assume the arcuate shape of the track members. 
   The means for framing expressly does not contemplate known methods of custom fabricating header members to span the first and second structural members. Such solutions require highly skilled framing artisans, especially when an arcuate header is needed. The means for framing herein, rather, as defined by the proper construction of the appended claims, contemplates a self-contained and modular header apparatus comprising a pair of opposing track members defining opposing receiving portions, a plurality of column members disposed substantially transversely to the track members and joined thereto, and a web member receivingly engaged in the receiving portions and spanning the column members. The means for framing is further characterized by the web member being slidingly engaged within the receiving portions until such time that the header is oriented in a desired shape. The web member is then fixed to the column members and/or the track members to provide a unitary structural beam. 
   It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. For example, construction of the receiving portions may vary while maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, alternative embodiments such as in  FIGS. 12 and 13  can employ only one web member  18  rather than two. Also, as in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , complex curves such as serpentine curved headers can be framed in equivalent alternative embodiments. In addition, although the preferred embodiment described herein is directed to a header structural support member, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the teachings of the present invention can be applied to other systems, so as to form roofing systems and archways, for example, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.