Self aligning three dimensional support structure for a roof constructed with prefabricated components

Abstract

The invention provides a method for easy prefabrication of a self aligning three dimensional roof support and roof structure, such as a dormer or porch roof, which is fully constructed of sheet goods with tab and slot interconnecting components. The roof support structure is constructed of a parallel aligned space series of substantially rigid sheet truss members and a parallel aligned space series of substantially rigid purlin members running perpendicular to the truss members and interlocked with the truss members with opposing interlocking slots to form a self- aligning three dimensional support structure whereby the flush upper sheet ends provide support for roof sheathing. The roof sheathing and additional side fascia members are fit to the substructure with inter-engaging tabs and slots.

1 . A prefabricated self aligning three dimensional support structure for a roof, such as a dormer or a porch roof, the support structure comprising:
 a parallel aligned spaced series of substantially rigid sheet truss members;   a parallel aligned spaced series of substantially rigid sheet purlin members running perpendicular to said truss members and interlocked with said truss members with opposing inter-engaging slots to form a self aligning three dimensioned support structure with flush upper sheet edges for supporting roof sheathing.   
   
   
       2 . The support structure of  claim 1 , including substantially rigid sheet end truss members inter-engaged at right angles with opposite ends of said purlin members with intermeshing tabs and slots. 
   
   
       3 . The support structure of  claim 2 , including substantially rigid sheet fascia members inter-engage at right angles with opposite ends of said truss members with intermeshing tabs and slots. 
   
   
       4 . The support structure of  claim 3 , including substantially rigid roof sheathing covering and inter-engaging upper edges of said members with intermeshing tabs and slots. 
   
   
       5 . The support structure of  claim 4 , wherein upper edges of said truss members form a center ridge peak. 
   
   
       6 . The support structure of  claim 4 , wherein selected exterior exposed surfaces of said structure are covered with weather impervious sheet material. 
   
   
       7 . The support structure of  claim 4 , wherein selected inter-engaging connections between said members, and between said members and said sheathing, are secured with fasteners or glue. 
   
   
       8 . The support structure of  claim 4 , wherein said members and said sheathing are cut to appropriate size, shape and dimension with a preprogrammed CNC router programmed whereby a minimum of only projection, width and height to ridge dimensions need be input into said CNC router to provide production of all the prefabricated parts, with slots and tabs as required, for assembly of the structure. 
   
   
       9 . The support structure of  claim 4 , wherein said substantially rigid sheet members are comprised of plywood. 
   
   
       10 . The support structure of  claim 9 , wherein said sheathing is comprised of plywood.