Soffit support

Abstract

The support structure for a soffit which comprises a first member having a central vertical section with a support element extending outwardly from a lower portion thereof and the retaining structure located proximate an upper end of the central vertical section, a second member having a central section adapted to lie adjacent the central section of the first member with the second member having engaging means located at a lower portion thereof designed to engage the support element of the first member and the second member having a second portion extending upwardly and outwardly to abut a soffit, the arrangement being such that the second member central section is retained between the retaining structure of the first member and the support element of the first member. This provides an arrangement wherein the soffit is supported without any outwardly visible attaching beams.

1 . A support structure for a soffit, said support structure comprisinig: 
 a first member having a central vertical section, a support element extending outwardly from a lower portion of said central vertical section, a retaining structure located proximate an upper portion of said central vertical section;    a second member having a second member central section adapted to lie adjacent said central section of said first member, said second member having engaging means located at a lower portion of said central section, said engaging means being designed to engage said support element of said first member, said second member having a second portion extending upwardly and outwardly to abut a soffit;    the arrangement being such that said second member central section is retained between said retaining structure of said first member and said support element of said first member.    
   
   
       2 . The support structure of  claim 1  wherein said support element comprises an outwardly directed flange, said vertical section of said second member having a plurality of projections extending outwardly towards said first member, the arrangement being such that said projections rest on said outwardly directed flange.  
   
   
       3 . The support structure of  claim 1  wherein said first member and said second member are formed from metallic sheet material.  
   
   
       4 . The support structure of  claim 3  wherein said metallic sheet material is selected from the group consisting of aluminum and aluminum alloys.  
   
   
       5 . The support structure of  claim 1  wherein said retaining means first member has a U-shaped channel sized to frictionally receive and engage said planar portion of said second member.