Systems and Assemblies for Constructing Structures

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19/014,149, filed on Jan. 8, 2025, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/946,274, filed on Sep. 16, 2022, which matured into U.S. Pat. No. 12,215,499 on Feb. 4, 2025, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/221,061, filed on Apr. 2, 2021, which matured into U.S. Pat. No. 11,680,403 on Jun. 20, 2023, which claims the benefit, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/081,041, filed on Sep. 21, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/161,678, filed on Mar. 16, 2021. The entire contents of each of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention is directed to systems and assemblies for connecting and assembling multi-purpose structural panels which can be used for any surface or support member within a building or structure. The present invention includes track members and corner members.

The “Structural Insulated Panel” (also referred to as “SIP”) is a relatively new building material consisting of a foam core and two layers of sheathing, typically this is expanded polystyrene sandwiched between two thin metal veneers or oriented strand board. While they present some improvement over the typical lumber frame construction, there are several key issues. One major issue is durability and corrosion resistance. Because the panels are glued together, they tend to delaminate in poor conditions. SIPs also present difficulties when running mechanical, electrical, or plumbing lines through them as cuts through the SIP can reduce the strength of the panel. SIPs also have inadequate fire safety ratings and must be surrounded by a separate fire-rated product.

Intermodal shipping containers have also been utilized as an alloy-based construction system. However, they tend to be difficult to work with and are only manufactured in a few standard sizes, leading to limited options for building configurations made from shipping containers. Therefore, the present invention presents substantial improvements in these and other areas.

The inventor has proposed a construction system that utilizes, as its basic construction component, a panel member which is preferably, though not necessarily, extruded monolithically and reinforced with webbing. The disclosure of the present application addresses this invention as well as auxiliary components, such as track members and corner members, which facilitate assembly of the panel members into various constructions.

The present invention is directed to improvements in construction technology by way of an inventive, multi-purpose structural panel member and systems and methods for its use. Primarily, the inventive panel member is an improved rectangular profile for aluminum extrusions that can be utilized as virtually any surface or support member within a building or structure. The panel is capable of withstanding load in any direction and includes interior channels for insulation and ventilation. As such, it may be employed as walls, ceilings, roofs, structural supports, girders, lintels, and the like.

In a preferred embodiment the panel is monolithically extruded from aluminum, such as 6082 T6 aluminum alloy. Other materials and construction methods may be employed, however. By way of example, the particular alloy can be customized based on the location or use of the structure, such has high corrosion resistance for marine environments or low thermal coefficient for environments with extreme temperatures. Non-metal materials such as carbon fiber or basalt may be suitable as well. The panel may also be assembled from components, rather than monolithically formed.

The panel may be dimensioned to suit any desired construction element; however, the inventor has determined that a convenient dimension, suitable for a variety of construction techniques, is a rectangular profile approximately 4 inches in thickness by 24.5 inches in width. Another convenient dimension is 6 inches in thickness. The length of the panel can also be as long as desired, particularly if the panel is extruded, but a maximum length of 60 feet allows the panel members to be transported on roadways. The panel can include a plurality of interior channels, approximately 4 inches by 6 inches, separated by webs spanning the two faces of the panel. The wall thickness of the panel member may be uniform in order to facilitate extrusion. The inventor has determined that an aluminum alloy of 6082 T6 need only ⅛inch uniform wall thickness in order to provide the strength and load resistance for hurricanes, high wind speeds, snow loading, and earthquakes.

Another aspect of the invention employs the inventive panel with a variety of other components to create a system in which buildings may be assembled, rather than constructed in the traditional sense. To elaborate, the panel members include male and female interlocking components, which are not critical, but facilitate alignment of the panel members. Tracks may be used to fasten the panel members to foundations and to one another in order to form ceiling, floor, and roof structures. Frame elements may be employed to cap off panel members in order to create flat surfaces on the edge of panel members, which facilitates openings for door jambs or windows.

In a preferred embodiment, the panels are substantially hollow or have channels within them and can accommodate a variety of purposes. By way of example, the channels can be utilized to run mechanical, electrical, or plumbing lines. Additionally, the channels may be utilized as ducting for air conditioning. Not only does this contribute to more efficient construction but conditioning the air within the panel will more efficiently heat or cool the structure. This is due in part to the fact that conduction of heat from one side of the panel to the other (and therefore heat loss or heat gain from one side of the panel to the other) can be tempered by conditioning the air within the panel. Such a structure can virtually eliminate the need for drop ceiling construction because of the space saving design. It will be appreciated that the channels can also store and/or act as conduits for a variety of future home technologies.

In yet another embodiment, the channels can be configured to collect, transport, and/or store rainwater. Where the inventive panels are used as roof members, apertures can be selectively created to facilitate introduction of rainwater into the channels. The channels of roof members can also be disposed in communication with channels of other panel members, such as walls or ceilings, to facilitate transportation and/or storage of collected rain water.

Another feature of the present invention is the ability to create buildings which are electromagnetically insulated due to the use of aluminum panels for all surfaces of the building. This can provide benefits in certain scenarios, such as where it may be desirable to prevent radio frequency transmissions from entering or leaving a building. On the other hand, the present invention may also block radio transmissions between various rooms in the same building. In this scenario a wired mesh network or similar may be desired to promote coverage of WiFi, cellular, and other signals throughout the building.

Yet another feature of the invention is the ability to utilize certain panels in an electrically conductive fashion. While using the panels to conduct main electrical voltage (e.g., in the range of 100-240 V) should be done with extreme caution, low voltage electrical transmission can be accomplished relatively easily, and with less safety concern. Therefore, a variety of low voltage electronic equipment can be powered merely through contact with the surface of the panel. This can facilitate placement of such household items as air conditioning thermostats, smoke detectors, security alarm panels and sensors, cameras, and other items, including, but certainly not limited to, internet connected and/or “Internet of Things” devices. Additionally, the aluminum panels themselves can be utilized as transducers to more accurately and more efficiently determine temperatures within the building. As is known, the resistivity of aluminum changes with temperature fluctuations. Therefore, each aluminum panel can be utilized as a temperature sensor if the fluctuations in low voltage current applied across the panel are monitored. Therefore, the temperature of each room in a building can be monitored with far more granularity than is currently possible. “Smart” air conditioning systems can then direct cooled or heated air where necessary, such as by opening or closing diffuser grills in certain rooms. It will be appreciated that the use of the panels as sensors and/or transducers is not strictly limited to use as a temperature sensor.

The panel members of the present invention are not limited to use in buildings or enclosures, and instead may be utilized as virtually any structural member. As such, bridges and other spans may be rapidly assembled from the system of the present invention. The present invention may find particular suitability where a temporary and/or reusable structural member is desired, such as pedestrian bridges, staging for event venues, or possibly even as a structural pool cover providing additional floor space to hotels.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that building components may be sold by weight, instead of per piece. Given that all of the components of the system may be made from extruded aluminum, a total mass of aluminum required to assemble any structure can be calculated from the known quantities of components required for the structure. Therefore, the material cost to construct a particular structure can be estimated with ease.

The invention may also encompass a construction system in which panel members are connected with a variety of auxiliary components, such as track members and corner members. A track member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention can include at least one flange dimensioned and configured to receive at least one edge of a panel member. In alternative embodiments, a track member may include a plurality of flanges, interconnected by webs, configured to form one or more open-ended channels, the channels being dimensioned and configured to receive a panel member. The channels on a track member may be arranged in any of a variety of configurations to connect and support panel members in a desired configuration, including, but certainly not limited to, an “L” shape for a 90 degree connection, a “T” shape for connecting three panel members, or a “V” shape for an angled connection (other than 90 degrees).

In one embodiment a track member includes two exterior flanges generally disposed in an “L” shape for an approximately 90 degree connection of two panel members. A central flange projects orthogonally from a first one of the exterior flanges, and is substantially parallel to a second of the exterior flanges, to create a first open-ended channel which can receive a second panel member. If desired, a third flange may project orthogonally from the central flange, being substantially parallel to the first exterior flange, to create a second open-ended channel which can receive a second panel member.

In certain embodiments, the length of the flanges may be altered to achieve different configurations of interconnection with panel members. In a basic configuration, all flanges May be of sufficient length to permit a fastener to pass through each flange flanking a channel, which results in a structurally secure connection. However, if such a level of structural security is not required, then certain flanges can be made shorter, only as long as is adequate to receive the panel. This configuration can offer substantial cost, material, and weight savings to a large-scale project.

The track members may include mounting apertures along their length, which are correspondingly dimensioned and configured with apertures in the panel members to receive fasteners. Additionally, or alternatively, self-drilling fasteners may be utilized to connect a panel to the track without the need for pre-configured apertures.

Another auxiliary component may include corner members as an additional component for interconnecting panel members. In a preferred embodiment, the corner member may be constructed as an enclosed channel with at least one of a ridge member or valley member on one face, and at least one of a ridge member or valley member on another face, with a predetermined included angle between the two ridge and/or valley members. The corner member may also include ornamental features, such as aesthetically pleasing curvature, in order to act as a finishing element or decorative cap where two panels meet and may be easily visible. In a preferred embodiment, the corner member includes a curved apex.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

While the overall construction system of the present invention will be disclosed in detail, it is worthwhile to first discuss the various individual components of the system. With reference to, a preferred embodiment of a panel member or panelis depicted. The panel is preferably formed monolithically, such as by extrusion, but assembly of a panelfrom a plurality of components may be possible. The panelincludes two oppositely disposed facessupported by a plurality of webs. The facesalso define a long edgeof the profile of the panel. The panelalso includes a ridge memberand a valley memberdefining a short edgeof the profile of the panel. The ridge memberand valley memberalso serve to facilitate a mating relationship between consecutive, adjoining panel memberswhen utilized for construction of a wall, floor, or ceiling, for example. It will be understood that the precise shape of the ridge memberand valley memberare not critical, so long as they can facilitate a mating relationship. In the Figures, they are represented as simple shapes. The websat least partially define a plurality of channelsthat run lengthwise along the paneland terminate in open endsat each end of the panel. The panelsmay also include a plurality of mounting apertureslocated where desired, and as discussed further below, may be placed to coordinate with other mounting apertures on the various components of the system of the present invention.

Turning to, two corner members,′ are presented which may be employed with one embodiment of the present invention, though they are not required or necessary. As can be seen the corner member,′ is essentially an enclosed channel,′ with a ridge member,′ and valley member,′ disposed on faces to facilitate the adjoining of panelsat angles other than zero (i.e., not in a straight line). A relatively standard corner angle in building construction is ninety degrees, which is represented in. As can be seen, the ridge memberand valley memberare orthogonal to each other, which facilitates the adjoining of consecutive panel memberat ninety degree angles. However, virtually any adjoinment angle may be accommodated as represented by.

represents a trackaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The track includes a channelat least partially defined by two webs, as well as an external flange. Panel membersmay be inserted into the channelto facilitate alignment and fastening when construction walls, floors, or ceilings. In that regard, the mounting aperturesmay be aligned with the mounting aperturesof the panel members (as depicted in) in order to facilitate fastening of a panelto the track.

Turning now to, a framein accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The framemay serve as an end cap when required, such as when framing window openings with panels. As such it includes a channelat least partially defined by webs, and is distinguished from the track by the lack of an external flange. The framemay also include a plurality of mounting aperturesin order to facilitate fastening to a panel.

depicts a ridge plateto facilitate adjoinment of panel members along the ridge of a gabled roof.depicts an insert, essentially an enclosed channel or box beam, which may be inserted into a channelof a panelin order to provide structural reinforcement for the panel, e.g., when used as a support beam or girder. The insertmay also be used to increase the safety margin for a free-standing span or cantilevered configuration of panels.

Now that several of the individual components have been described, the interconnectivity of the components can be discussed. With reference to, several partial, detail views of assemblies created with the foregoing components can be seen. In each of the views, a plurality of panels, tracks, and framesare disposed in various configurations on top of a foundationfor a structure such as a home or building. As can be seen, the panels are used to form the various external and internal walls, ceilings, upper story floors, and the roof of the building. The tracksare utilized to secure the panelsto the foundationand to each other when two panels are joined to form a ceiling/floor or roof connection with a wall. The framesserve as an “end cap” when framing a window, otherwise the interior opening of the window would not be a uniform, flat surface given the existence of the valleysand ridgeson the panels.

In, a plurality of tracksare fastened to a foundationand are being utilized to support a plurality of panel membersin a vertical orientation to be utilized as wall members. In, two panel members can be seen in a “T” configuration to show that the panel members may also be used as columns and support beams. Also, in, the panelshave been arranged to form a window by suspending a panelas a lintel across two other panelsacting as columns. It may also be seen that framesare fastened to the interior of the window in order to prepare a flat surface for installation of the window and/or window jamb.

depicts a plurality of tracksthat have been fastened to the top of a plurality of vertically oriented panel members. In this regard, the structure is being prepared for the addition of a second story or flat roof.shows a panel memberin a horizontal orientation employed as a first story ceiling and second story floor. As will be disclosed in further detail below, the horizontal panel memberis secured to the tracksby fasteners, such as self-drilling screws, bolts, or rivets inserted through the external flange. Init can be seen that another vertically oriented panel member′ has been installed in the trackto create a second story wall. It may also be seen that the horizontally oriented panel memberis cantilevered outside of the structure, and may act as an awning or balcony. Finally, in, it can be seen that yet another panel memberhas been mounted in an angled configuration in order to create a peak or gabled roof. It is secured to the vertically oriented panel membervia a track.

show detail views of a corner configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.depicts the interconnection between two adjoining panelsvia a ninety degree corner member, along with the associated mating interface between the panelridge and valley members,and the ridge and valley members,, of the corner member.shows a plurality of tracksfastened to a foundationvia fastenersthrough the external flange. In certain scenarios, it may be desirable to use steel fasteners to penetrate a concrete foundation. However, when the trackis made of aluminum, galvanic corrosion may occur over time. Therefore, a neoprene gasket or washer may be used to insulate the fastenerfrom the trackto avoid electrical contact between the fastenerand the track. Additionally, a plurality of fastenersare disposed through the corresponding mounting apertures in each of the tracksand panelsin order to secure the panelsto the tracks.

provide a detail view of the system of the present invention utilized to construct a multi-story building. As such a plurality of panelsare utilized to construct the walls as well as the ceiling of the first floor and floor of the second floor. The panelserving as a ceiling/floor is sandwiched between two tracksdisposed on the panelsserving as walls. In this scenario, fastenersare disposed through the external flangesof the tracks and into the panelserving as a floor. Therefore, the panel serving as a floor can be securely retained in place. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to use self-tapping screws, bolts, or rivets for this purpose as the panelsmay not have mounting apertures appropriately placed.

show a partially completed structure in both constructed and exploded form for further exemplification. As can also be seen, several panel membersare adjoined together to create a gabled roof. Thus, two ridge platesare employed to facilitate the connection of each panelat the ridge of the roof.

depicts a partially completed structure utilizing a membranebetween consecutive panels. In a preferred embodiment, the membraneis self-adhering and water resistant. Therefore, particularly with regard to roof construction, the system of the present invention can be employed where resistance to water intrusion is a concern. As can be seen, the membranemay be applied at the intersection of any two consecutive panelsin order to ensure that water does not weep between the crevice formed therein. The Figure also shows that panel membersmay be employed in a cantilevered configuration to create awnings and balconies. Caulking may be employed in addition to, or in lieu of, the membrane, particularly between adjoining panels.

show how traditional interior and exterior finishes can be used in conjunction with the system by applying them on top of the panel members. By way of non-limiting example, the exterior finishes may include sheathing, housewrap/mesh, and stucco (), rigid insulation, fiberglass mesh, and stucco (), or sheathing, high-density polyethylene paper, and siding (). Non-limiting examples for interior finish include drywall and paint (), cement board and stucco (), and furring strips, cement board, and wall tiles ().

show how traditional roof and floor finishes may be used in conjunction with the system. By way of non-limiting example, such roof finishes may include rigid insulation, sheathing, and TPO (), rigid insulation, a moisture barrier, and metal tiles (), or rigid insulation, plywood, and asphalt shingles (). Flooring finishes May include, by way of non-limiting example building paper/mesh and tile flooring (), plastic barrier, foam pad, and laminate wood (), or furring strips, foam padding, and hard wood ().

depict how traditional mechanical, electrical, and plumbing lines may be integrated with the present invention. In particular, water linesand electrical conduitsmay be simply routed through the channelswithin the panels. Additionally, the channelsmay be used as air conditioning ductsas shown in.

show various insulation options that may be applied to the surface of a panel or disposed within the channelof a panel.is a depiction of pre-formed or pre-cut insulation, such as foam, that may be slid into the channelsduring construction.depicts a spray insulationthat may be applied to the faceof a panel.depicts an injection foam insulationthat can be utilized in channelswhere electrical or plumbing lines are utilized.show that the insulation may be added in-situ due to the open endsof the panels.

provides a schematic depiction of how the present invention may be utilized to route cooled air more efficiently from an air conditioning unit via the channelsof the panels.depicts additional components to facilitate this aim. As can be seen, connectorsand elbowsmay be used to route the cooled air from the air conditioning unitinto one or more channelsand between channelsin consecutive panels. While it May be possible to simply provide apertures in the tracks(and ends of panels) to facilitate air flow between successive panelsand tracks, that may hinder construction of the overall structure. The elbowsand connectorsallow for implementation of this benefit after construction. Diffuser grillscan also be employed to introduce cooled air into the room via the wall panelsor ceiling panels.

Turning toanother embodiment of a panel′ is depicted therein. This embodiment finds particular suitability for utilizing the panel′ as a roof member. As can be seen, the panel member′ contains the same structure as in previous embodiments, including opposite faces′ spaced by a plurality of webs′, which at least partially define channels′ traversing the open ends′ of the panel′. The panel′ also includes a ridge member′ and a valley member′. The additional structure of the present embodiment is a flanged extensiontraversing the length of the panel. Each flanged extensionincludes a flange which extends inwardly toward the panel′. As can be seen in, when two panels′ are adjoined next to one another, the flanged extensionabut one another. A capwhich encompasses the flange portion of the flanged extension can then be disposed about both flanged extensions, thereby locking the two panels′ together and creating a water-resistant seal. In this fashion, the assembly approximates the typical crimped construction of existing metal roofs. Utilizing this embodiment of the present invention avoids the need for additional waterproofing steps, such as membranes and caulking, when the panels′ are employed as roof members.

depict an alternative embodiment of a track′ that may be utilized to facilitate construction of a gabled roof. As can be seen the webs′ are angled relative to the external flange′. Therefore, when a panel memberor′ is positioned at an angle to be used for a gabled roof, it may sit flush against the external flange′, which facilitates better fastening.

depict yet another embodiment of a track″ which includes two external flanges″, each projecting perpendicularly from the two webs″. This embodiment of a track″ is suitable for certain installation scenarios, such as when an interior wall is used to support a ceiling. The wall can be inserted into the channel between the two webs″, while the ceiling panels can be secured to each of the two flanges″.

depicts a partially completed structure wherein the panelsare used in a vertically oriented configuration to support longer spans between panels acting as columns. For purposes of aiding disclosure in the context of, the vertically oriented panels are denoted as′, while horizontally oriented panels are denoted as″. The vertically oriented panels′ can also be referred to as those supporting loads in the plane of the panel, while the horizontally oriented panels″ can be referred to as those supporting loads out of the plan of the panel. It will be appreciated that the bending strength of the panel is much greater around its short edge than its long edge. Thus, the vertically oriented panels′ are capable of withstanding much greater loads when cantilevered, suspended between two or more points, or otherwise not continuously supported, as compared to the horizontally oriented panels″. The panelsacting as columns are configured to support axial loading.

also depicts a configuration to support a peaked roof using panel members′ disposed in vertical orientation. With additionally reference to, a gusset platecan be used to facilitate the angled and vertically oriented connection between panel membersand′. The gusset platemay include mounting aperturesto support the use of bolts or other fasteners.

depict an insert platein accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The insert plate includes two websat least partially defining an interior channel. Two flangesproject exteriorly of the insert plate. As depicted, the flangesare orthogonal to the webs, but they may be disposed at any angle that is desired. Turning now to, it can be seen that the insert plateis to be inserted within a channelof a panel member. Therefore, the length of the insert platedistance between the two websshould be correspondingly configured and dimensioned with the channel. In a most preferred embodiment, this is approximately a 4 inch square (as disclosed above). Accordingly, as can now be seen, the insert platecan be used in a similar fashion to the track,′, and″ in any scenario where it is more desirable to have the webs disposed within the panel. This can be for aesthetic purposes, for water proofing, or other reasons. Additionally, the insert platecan also be useful for installations where a full length track member may not be suitable, such as when some of the channelsof a panel member, are used for mechanical, electrical, or plumbing conduits, or a variety of other purposes. Using a plurality of single channel-sized insert platesmay be preferable to cutting a trackto the desired size.

Turning to, yet another embodiment of a panel″″ is depicted which includes protrusions or bossesalong the inner faces of the panel. The bossesprovide additional material for a fastener to grip, which can reduce the total number of fasteners per panel necessary to securely retain the panels″″. The bossescan take on virtually and size, dimension, or placement that is desired for the purpose. In the depicted embodiment, the bossesare arranged approximately ½ inch from the side of each panel″″ and are approximately ¼ inch in thickness. The bossesmay run the entire length of the panel or may be truncated to the desired length. With specific reference to, a visual markercan be provided on the outer surface to assist users with accurate placement of fasteners.

Turning to, further embodiments of tracks″′ and″″ are depicted, respectively. Each track′″,″″ contains additional flanges′″,″″ relative to previously disclosed embodiments to provide a more structurally secure fitment of panels within the channels′″,″″ of the tracks′″,″″. This is due to the fact that fasteners can be driven into both flanges′″,″″ instead of relying on a single flange as previously disclosed.shows a “T” shaped track′″ which can accommodate three panels at each of the three channels′″.shows an “L” shaped track″″ which accommodates two panels. The tracks′″,″″ may be dimensioned and configured to suit any orientation or load capacity. For example, the flanges′″,″″ may be lengthened to provide additional support.

represent different track members,configurations according to one embodiment of the present invention. The track members,include two channels,as well as a a plurality of external flanges,. Panel membersmay be inserted into the channels,to facilitate alignment and fastening when construction walls, floors, or ceilings. In that regard, mounting apertures may be aligned along the flanges,in order to facilitate fastening of a panelto the tracks,. With regard to the differences between the depicted embodiments, as can be seen best in, the embodiment ofhas a short flange, while the embodiment ofhas a long flange. As can be seen in, the differing lengths of flanges permits different fastening configurations. In certain embodiments, as shown in, it may only be necessary to fasten the panelthrough the central flange. However, if additional support is desired, as shown in, the fastenermay also be secured through both the central flangeand the long flange.

The track members,may also be described as including two exterior flanges, a first exterior flangeand a second exterior flange, generally disposed in an “L” shape for an approximately 90 degree connection of two panel members. A central flangeprojects orthogonally from the first exterior flange, and is substantially parallel to the second exterior flange, to create a first open-ended channel,which can receive a panel member. Additionally, a third flangemay project orthogonally from the central flange, being substantial parallel to the first exterior flange, to create a second open-ended channel,which can receive a panel member.

depict corner membersaccording to various embodiments of the invention, and having different included angles. For reference, corner membershown onhas a 90 degree included angle; corner membershown onhas a 30 degree included angle; corner membershown onhas a 45 degree included angle; and corner membershown onhas a 60 degree included angle. It should be appreciated that the corner members of the present invention can be configured in virtually any included angle desired, from 0 to 180. It may be necessary to reduce the thickness of the panel members for smaller angles, such as those below 30 degrees, in order to avoid overly elongating the corner member. With general reference to, the corner member,,, and, is essentially an enclosed channel,,, and, with a ridge member,,, and, and valley member,,,disposed on faces to facilitate the adjoining of panelsat angles other than zero (i.e., not in a straight line). The corner member,,, andshould include ridge,,, andand valley members,,,that are dimensioned to accommodate the desired panelsize. Thus, for a panel of 4 inches thickness, the ridge,,, andand valley members,,,should each span the 4 inch thickness of the panelfor optimum fitment, though other configurations may also work. It should also be appreciated the one each of the ridge and valley members is not required. Depending upon the type of construction and desired configuration, the corner member may employ two ridge members or two valley members, alternately.