Modular Structural Framing System

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a modular, structural framing system.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A modular structural framing system comprising:
 (a) at least one I-beam structural member, and   (b) at least one bracket having an aperture,   the bracket capable of connecting to one flange of the I-beam structural member by engaging the flange.   
     
     
         2 . The modular structural framing system of  claim 1 , further comprising a base foundation. 
     
     
         3 . The modular structural framing system of  claim 2 , wherein the base foundation is earthen ground. 
     
     
         4 . The modular structural framing system of  claim 2 , wherein the base foundation is concrete. 
     
     
         5 . The modular structural framing system of  claim 2 , further comprising a module capable of being connected to the structural member by at least one bracket. 
     
     
         6 . The modular structural framing system of  claim 5 , wherein the module is a photovoltaic panel. 
     
     
         7 . A photovoltaic structural framing system for ground mounted, high volume photovoltaic panel installation comprising:
 (a) a vertical I-beam support member,   (b) at least two friction clamps affixed to the vertical I-beam support member by thru bolts or set screws,   (c) a diagonal support brace,   (d) an I-beam or C-channel top chord,   (e) at least one horizontal I-beam support member, and   (f) an I-beam rail member,   wherein the diagonal support brace is connected to the lower friction clamp affixed to the vertical I-beam support member by thru bolts,   wherein the other end of the diagonal support brace is connected to the C-channel top chord,   wherein the I-beam top chord is connected to the upper friction clamp affixed to the vertical I-beam support member by thru bolts,   wherein the horizontal I-beam support member is connected to the C-channel top chord by a U-bracket capable of both connecting top chord channels using thru bolts and connecting the horizontal support member using thru bolts,   wherein the I-beam rail member connects to the horizontal support members by a bracket capable of both connecting the I-beam flange of the rail member using a thru bolt and hooking the flange of the horizontal support member, and   wherein the photovoltaic panels connect to the I-beam rail member by brackets.   
     
     
         8 . The photovoltaic structural framing system for ground mounted, high volume photovoltaic panel installation of  claim 7 , further comprising a base foundation, to which the vertical I-beam support member is attached. 
     
     
         9 . The photovoltaic structural framing system for ground mounted, high volume photovoltaic panel installation of  claim 8 , wherein the base foundation is earthen ground. 
     
     
         10 . The photovoltaic structural framing system for ground mounted, high volume photovoltaic panel installation of  claim 8 , wherein the base foundation is concrete. 
     
     
         11 . The photovoltaic structural framing system for ground mounted, high volume photovoltaic panel installation of  claim 7 , wherein the vertical support member is a pile driven hot-rolled steel I-beam. 
     
     
         12 . The photovoltaic structural framing system for ground mounted, high volume photovoltaic panel installation of  claim 7 , wherein a 90 degree angle is formed between the diagonal support brace and top chord. 
     
     
         13 . A combination of several photovoltaic structural framing systems of  claim 7 . 
     
     
         14 . A photovoltaic structural framing system for roof mounted, high volume photovoltaic panel installation comprising:
 (a) at least two roof support bases,   (b) at least two horizontal I-beam support members,   (c) at least two clamp brackets,   (d) at least two tilt support brackets, and   (e) at least two I-beam rail members,   wherein the horizontal I-beam support members are attached to the roof support bases by a bracket capable of connecting the bottom I-beam flange of the horizontal I-beam support member, said bracket affixed to the roof support bases using thru bolts,   wherein the horizontal I-beam support member is connected to the tilt support bracket by a clamp bracket capable of connecting the top I-beam flange of the horizontal I-beam support member, said tilt support bracket affixed to said clamp bracket using thru bolts,   wherein the tilt support bracket attaches to the I-beam rail members by another clamp bracket capable of connecting the bottom I-beam flange of the I-beam rail member, said clamp bracket affixed to the tilt support bracket using thru bolts, and   wherein the photovoltaic panels connect to the I-beam rail member by brackets.   
     
     
         15 . The photovoltaic structural framing system for roof mounted, high volume photovoltaic panel installation of  claim 14 , wherein the roof support bases rest on a roof surface. 
     
     
         16 . The photovoltaic structural framing system for roof mounted, high volume photovoltaic panel installation of  claim 14 , wherein the roof support bases are affixed to a roof structure. 
     
     
         17 . A combination of several photovoltaic structural framing systems of  claim 14 .