AWNING AND PORTICO KITS

Abstract

A roofing structure kit including: (A) first and second angled frame members defining, respectively, a first and second plurality of recesses; and (B) a pre-assembled roof assembly defining a plurality of elongated tabs adjacent its bottom surface. The frame members and roof assembly are adapted to allow a user to form a supplemental roofing structure on a building by: (A) mounting the first frame member on an outer wall of the building so that the first angled frame member extends outwardly and downwardly from the outer wall; (B) mounting the second frame member on an outer wall of the building so that the second angled frame member extends outwardly and downwardly from the outer wall; and (C) positioning the roof assembly on top of the first and second frame members so that each of the elongated tabs extends downwardly into a respective one of the first and second plurality of recesses.

Description

BACKGROUND

Currently, when most consumers wish to add an awning or portico onto their home, they hire a skilled craftsman to build and/or install the awning or portico. This can be time consuming and expensive. Accordingly, there is a need for new products that make it possible for unskilled consumers to assemble and install awnings, porticos, or other roof structures without assistance from a skilled professional.

SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

A roofing structure kit according to various embodiments comprises: (1) a first angled frame member comprising a first roof support portion that defines a first plurality of recesses; (2) a second angled frame member comprising a second roof support portion that defines a second plurality of recesses; and (3) a pre-assembled roof assembly that includes a plurality of elongated tabs that extend from the roof assembly's bottom surface. In particular embodiments, the frame members and roof assembly are adapted to allow a user to form a supplemental roofing structure on a building by: (1) mounting the first angled frame member on an outer wall of the building so that the first roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from the outer wall; (2) mounting the second angled frame member on an outer wall of the building so that the second roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from the outer wall; and (3) positioning the roof assembly on top of the first and second frame members so that each of the elongated tabs extends downwardly into a respective one of the first and second plurality of recesses.

A roofing structure kit according to particular embodiments of the invention comprises: (1) a first angled frame member; (2) a second angled frame member; and (3) a pre-assembled roof assembly. In various embodiments, the first angled frame member includes: (1) a first base portion that is adapted to be mounted in a first at least substantially vertical orientation adjacent an existing building; and (2) a first roof support portion that defines a first plurality of recesses. In particular embodiments, when the first base portion is mounted in the first substantially vertical orientation, the first roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from the first base portion.

Also, in particular embodiments, the second angled frame member comprises: (1) a second base portion that is adapted to be mounted in a second substantially vertical orientation adjacent the building; and (2) a second roof support portion that defines a second plurality of recesses. When the second base portion is mounted in the second substantially vertical orientation, the second roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from the second base portion.

In various embodiments, the pre-assembled roof assembly comprises: (1) a roof base structure; (2) a plurality of shingles that have been preinstalled on the roof base structure; and (3) a plurality of elongated tabs that extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the roof base structure. In various embodiments, the first angled frame member, the second angled frame member, and the roof assembly are collectively adapted so that a user may mount them to a building to form a supplemental roofing structure on the building by: (1) mounting the first base portion to the building in the first substantially vertical orientation so that the first roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from the first base portion; (2) mounting the second base portion to the building in the second substantially vertical orientation so that the second roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from the second base portion; and (3) moving the roof assembly into a particular position adjacent respective top surfaces of the first and second angled frame members. In particular embodiments, when the roof assembly is in the particular position, each of the roof assembly's elongated tabs extends downwardly into at least a respective one of the first and/or second plurality of recesses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described various embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a base frame member for use in a roofing structure kit according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1B is an elevation view of the base frame member of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an end angled frame member for use in a roofing structure kit according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2B is an elevation view of the end angled frame member of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a middle angled frame member for use in a roofing structure kit according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3B is an elevation view of the end angled frame member of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a roof assembly for use in a roofing structure kit according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the roof assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the roof assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is an elevation view of two of the base frame members of FIG. 1A in an installed arrangement.

FIG. 5B is an elevation view of a base frame member according to an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of two of the base frame members of FIG. 1A, two of the end angled frame members of FIG. 2A, and the middle angled frame member of FIG. 3A in an installed arrangement.

FIG. 7 shows the roof assembly of FIG. 4A in a pre-installation position adjacent the installed collection of kit parts shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is an elevation view of an assembled roof structure that includes the kit parts shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8B is a side view of the assembled roof structure of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of an assembled roof structure, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, that is in the form of a portico.

FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of the assembled portico of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the assembled portico of FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the invention are shown. The inventions may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Exemplary Roof Structure Kit

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a roof structure kit according to a particular embodiment of the invention comprises the following parts: (1) a plurality of (e.g., two or more) base frame members 100; (2) a plurality of (e.g., two or more) end angled frame members 200; (3) at least one middle angled frame member 250; (4) a roof assembly 300; and (5) suitable hardware for assembling the kit's frame members 100, 200, 250 and roof assembly 300 into a roof structure (e.g., an awning or a portico). These parts are discussed in greater detail below.

Base Frame Members

An exemplary base frame member 100 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As may be understood from these figures, a base frame member 100 according to a particular embodiment is substantially P-shaped. In this embodiment, the base frame member 100 comprises: (1) an elongated first side portion 105; (2) an elongated second side portion 110 that is spaced apart from, and oriented substantially parallel to, the first side portion 105; (3) an elongated top portion 115; and (4) an elongated bottom portion 120 that is spaced apart from, and oriented substantially parallel to, the top portion 115. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first and second side portions 105, 110 are substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom portions 115, 120.

As shown in FIG. 1B, in particular embodiments, the second side portion 110, top portion 115, bottom portion 120, and at least a part of the first side portion 105 of the base frame member 100 cooperate to form a rectangle. A lower part of the first side portion 105 extends downwardly from a lower corner of the rectangle.

In particular embodiments, the base frame member's first side portion 105, second side portion 110, top portion 115, and bottom portion 120 are all substantially in the form of a rectangular cuboid and are made at least primarily of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), another type of solid plastic, or wood. It should be understood, however, that these components may be made of any other suitable material.

End Angled Frame Members

An exemplary end angled frame member 200 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. As may be understood from these figures, an end angled frame member 200 according to a particular embodiment is substantially A-shaped. In this embodiment, the end angled frame member 200 comprises: (1) an elongated base portion 205; (2) an elongated lower support portion 220 that extends outwardly from a lower side surface of the elongated base portion 205 so that the base portion 205 and lower support portion 220 form an acute angle; (3) an elongated angled support portion 215 that extends between a portion (e.g., an upper portion) of the base portion 205 and a distal end of the lower support portion 220. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the elongated angled support portion 215 extends downwardly and away from the base portion 205. For example, in the embodiment shown, the elongated angled support portion 215 extends downwardly and away from a top part of the base portion 205.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in particular embodiments, a part of the base portion 205, a part of the angled support portion 215, and the lower support portion 220 cooperate to form a substantially triangular shape. Also, a lower part of the base portion 205 extends downwardly beyond a lower corner of the triangular portion of the end angled frame member 200. Similarly, a lower part of the angled support portion 215 extends downwardly beyond the end of the lower support portion 220.

In particular embodiments, the elongated base portion 205 and elongated lower support portion 220 are substantially in the form of a rectangular cuboid and are made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), another type of substantially solid plastic, or wood. It should be understood, however, that these components may be made of any other suitable material.

Also, in particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the angled support portion 215 defines a plurality of recesses 234-238 that are dimensioned to receive (and, in various embodiments, substantially mate with) corresponding tabs that extend from the lower surface of the kit's roof assembly 300. (See FIG. 8B). These recesses 234-238 are defined, respectively, between and/or adjacent protrusions 225-228 defined by the angled support portion's upper surface. In particular embodiments, these protrusions 225-228 are respective, separate blocks that are attached to the rest of the angled support portion 215 by suitable fasteners, such as screws. However, in other embodiments, the protrusions 225-228 may be defined by another part of the angled support portion 215.

Middle Angled Frame Member(s)

An exemplary middle angled frame member 250 is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. As may be understood from these figures, a middle angled frame member 250 according to a particular embodiment is substantially triangular. In this embodiment, the middle angled frame member 250 comprises: (1) an elongated base portion 255; (2) an elongated lower support portion 270 that extends outwardly from, and substantially perpendicular to, a lower surface of the elongated base portion 255; (3) an elongated angled support portion 265 that extends between a portion (e.g., an upper portion) of the base portion 255 and a distal end of the lower support portion 270. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the base portion 255 and lower support portion 270 are substantially perpendicular to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in particular embodiments, a part of the base portion 255, a part of the angled support portion 265, and the lower support portion 270 cooperate to form a substantially triangular shape. In some embodiments, a lower part of the base portion 255 may extend downwardly from a lower corner of the triangular portion of the middle angled frame member 250. Similarly, in certain embodiments, a lower part of the angled support portion 265 may extend downwardly beyond the end of the lower support portion 270.

In particular embodiments, the elongated base portion 255 and elongated lower support portion 270 are in the form of a rectangular cuboid and are made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), another type of substantially solid plastic, or wood. It should be understood, however, that these components may be made of any other suitable material. Also, in particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the angled support portion 265 defines a plurality of recesses 279-283 that are dimensioned to receive (and, in various embodiments, substantially mate with) corresponding tabs 315-319 that extend from the lower surface of the kit's roof assembly 300. (See FIGS. 4B and 8B.) These recesses are defined, respectively, between or adjacent protrusions 275-278 defined by the angled support portion's upper surface. In particular embodiments, these protrusions 275-278 are respective, separate blocks that are attached to the rest of the angled support portion 265 by suitable fasteners, such as screws. However, in other embodiments, the protrusions 275-278 may be defined by another portion of the angled support portion 265.

Roof Assembly

A roof assembly 300 according to various embodiments of the invention is shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, 7, 8A and 8B. As may be understood, in particular, from FIGS. 4A-4C, in particular embodiments, the roof assembly 300 is substantially planar and defines a top surface 305 and a bottom surface 310. In various embodiments, the roof assembly 300 defines a layer of shingles 307 that are preinstalled on (e.g., are attached to) the top surface 305 of the roof assembly 300.

As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, in particular embodiments, the roof assembly 300 includes a plurality of tabs 315-319 that extend downwardly from, and substantially perpendicular to, the bottom surface 310 of the roof assembly 300. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, these tabs are elongated, substantially planar tabs 315-319 that form a substantially parallel array adjacent the roof assembly's bottom surface. In particular embodiments, each substantially planar tab 315-319 is adapted to be substantially matingly positioned into at least one recess 234-238 defined by at least one of the end angled frame members 200 and/or at least one recess 279-283 defined by the middle angled frame member 250.

Hardware

In particular embodiments, the kit includes appropriate hardware for assembling the kit into a roof assembly and for attaching the various elements of the assembled roof structure to a building. As will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, such hardware may include, for example, screws, bolts, washers, nuts, nails, and the like.

Assembly of Exemplary Roof Structure Kit

In order to assemble the roof structure kit of FIGS. 1-4, a user first attaches (using suitable hardware) two base frame members 100 to the exterior vertical surface of an exterior wall of a building (e.g., just above the door of a building) as shown in FIG. 5A. In this arrangement, the respective first side portions 105 of the base frame members 100 are in a substantially vertical orientation and the base frame members 100 are positioned so that: (1) they are co-facing; (2) their respective top portions 115 are in a substantially co-linear arrangement; (3) their respective bottom portions 120 are in a substantially co-linear arrangement; and (4) their respective second side portions 110 are each in a substantially vertical orientation and spaced apart from each other by a distance that is equal to about the width of the base portion 255 of the middle angled frame member 250.

Next, turning to FIG. 6, the user installs an end angled frame member 200 adjacent an outer lateral side edge of each respective base frame members' first side portion. As shown in FIG. 6, the end angled frame members 200 are installed so that they are substantially perpendicular to, and extend outwardly from, the vertical wall surface to which they are attached. In particular embodiments, each base frame member 100 engages a respective end angled frame member 200, and the base frame members 100 extend substantially all the way between the respective end angled frame members 200.

Next, the user attaches a middle angled frame member 250 to the vertical wall surface so that: (1) the middle angled frame member's base portion 255 is disposed immediately adjacent and between the respective second side portions of the base frame members 100; and (2) the middle angled frame member's angled support portion 265 is at least substantially perpendicular to the vertical wall surface. In various embodiments, the upper surface of the middle angled frame member 250 and the respective upper surfaces of the two end angled frame members 200 all lie substantially in a plane that forms an angle of between 10 and 30 degrees (e.g., about 25 degrees) with the horizontal. Also, in particular embodiments, the respective recesses within the middle angled frame member 250 and end angled framed frame members 200 form parallel arrays of substantially collinear recesses, as shown in FIG. 7.

After the base frame members 100, end angle frame members 200, and middle angled frame member 250 are installed as shown in FIG. 6, the kit's roof assembly 300 is lowered (e.g., by two people) onto the upper surfaces of the middle angled frame member 250 and the two end angled frame members 200. During this process, each of the roof assembly's tabs 315-319 is positioned so that it is disposed within: (1) a recess defined by the left end angled frame member 200; (2) a recess defined by the middle angled frame member 250; and (3) a recess defined by the right end angled frame member 200. (These recesses may be, for example, co-linear.) In various embodiments, the tabs 315-319 are dimensioned to matingly engage the respective frame members 200, 250 when the tabs 315-319 are disposed within these recesses (see FIGS. 7 and 8A-8B).

After the roof assembly's tabs are disposed in place within the frame members' recesses, the roof assembly 300 may be repositioned so that it is laterally centered on the end angled frame members 200, and the middle angled frame member 250. The user may then use appropriate hardware to secure the roof assembly 300 in place on the assembled frame structure. Once assembled, the completed roof structure may provide additional shelter above, for example, a particular door or window.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, in particular embodiments, the roofing structure kit may include one or more columns 341, 342 that may be installed, respectively, adjacent the roof structure's respective outer corners. In such embodiments, the roof structure and columns 341, 342 cooperate to form a portico. It should be understood that, in FIGS. 9A-9C, the various elements of the roof structure correspond generally to the corresponding elements of the roof structure shown, for example, in FIG. 8A. However, in certain embodiments, the length of the base portions of the roof structure's end angled frame members 200A may be shorter than those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A (see, for example, FIG. 9B). This may be possible, for example, due to the additional support provided by the columns 341, 342.

Packaging of Roof Structure Kit

In particular embodiments, the roof structure kit may be adapted to fit into a box (such as a standard rectangular box) for easy shipping. To aid in packaging the kit, some or all of the kit's frame members 100, 200, 250 and/or the kit's roof assembly 300 may be substantially planar. This allows the components to fit (for example, in a substantially stacked arrangement) within a cardboard box that is substantially in the form of a rectangular cuboid.

Alternative Embodiments

It should be understood that while the roof structure kit's various components are shown as having particular shapes and relative dimensions in the enclosed figures, the kit's components may be in the form of a variety of different, suitable structures. For example, while the base frame members 100 are shown, in FIGS. 1A and 1B, as being substantially P-shaped, the base frame members 100 may be, for example, in the form of another shape (e.g., O-shaped). Similarly, while the end angled frame member 200 and middle angled frame member 250 are shown, respectively, as being substantially A-shaped and triangular, these components may be in the form of another suitable shape (e.g., the end angled frame member 200 may be in the form of a standard triangle or other shape).

Also, while the kit's roof assembly 300 is shown, in FIGS. 3A and 3B as being substantially planar, in alternative embodiments, the roof assembly 300 may be non-planar (e.g., peaked).

In addition, while the roof structure kit is shown as including a single middle angled frame member 200, in alternative embodiments, the kit may include multiple middle angled frame members 200 for providing additional support for the middle portion of the roof assembly 300. It should also be understood that the total number of each kit component may vary from embodiment to embodiment.

Also, various embodiments described herein are described as being portico or awning kits, it should be understood that the kits may also be used to build other structures, such as other roofing structures.

Similarly, various frame components may be replaced with other types and shapes of frame components. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, three parts of the kit shown in the enclosed figures (the two substantially P-shaped base frame members 100 and the middle angled frame member 250) are replaced by the single frame member 100A shown in FIG. 5B. In this embodiment, the base frame member 100A comprises: (1) an elongated first side portion 105A; (2) an elongated second side portion 110A that is spaced apart from, and oriented substantially parallel to, the first side portion 105A; (3) an elongated top portion 115A; and (4) an elongated bottom portion 120A that is spaced apart from, and oriented substantially parallel to, the top portion 115A. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the first and second side portions 105A, 110A are substantially perpendicular to the base frame member's top and bottom portions 115A, 120A.

As shown in FIG. 5B, in particular embodiments, at least a part of the second side portion 110A, top portion 115A, bottom portion 120A, and at least a part of the first side portion 105A of the base frame member 100A cooperate to form a rectangle. A lower part of the first side portion 105A extends downwardly from a lower corner of the rectangle. Similarly, a lower part of the second side portion 110A extends downwardly from a lower corner of the rectangle.

In particular embodiments, the base frame member's first side portion 105A, second side portion 110A, top portion 115A, and bottom portion 120A are all substantially in the form of a rectangular cuboid and are made at least primarily of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), another type of solid plastic, or wood. It should be understood, however, that these components may be made of any other suitable material.

In various embodiment, the base frame member 100A is used in substantially the same way as the first and second base frame members 100 shown in FIGS. 5A, 6, and 7, except that the base frame member 100A does not engage a middle angled frame member 250. (This situation may occur, for example, in a smaller embodiment that does not include a middle angled frame member.) In particular, in various embodiments, the base frame member 100A is positioned relative to the end angled frame members 200 so the first and second side portions 105A, 110A of the base frame member 100A are in substantially the same configuration and position as the two first side portions 105 of the respective base frame members 100 shown in FIG. 7.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, as will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, the invention may take form in a variety of different mechanical and operational configurations. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended exemplary concepts. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A roofing structure kit comprising:

(A) a first angled frame member comprising: (1) a first base portion that is adapted to be mounted in a first at least substantially vertical orientation adjacent an existing building; and (2) a first roof support portion, wherein: (a) said first roof support portion is configured so that when said first base portion is mounted in said first substantially vertical orientation, said first roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from said first base portion, and (b) said first roof support portion defines a first plurality of recesses;

(B) a second angled frame member comprising: (1) a second base portion that is adapted to be mounted in a second substantially vertical orientation adjacent said building; (2) a second roof support portion, wherein: (a) said second roof support is configured so that when said second base portion is mounted in said second substantially vertical orientation, said second roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from said second base portion, and (b) said second roof support portion defines a second plurality of recesses; and

(C) a pre-assembled roof assembly comprising: (1) a roof base structure; (2) a plurality of shingles that have been preinstalled on said roof base structure; and (3) a plurality of elongated tabs that extend downwardly from a bottom surface of said roof base structure, wherein: said first angled frame member, said second angled frame member, and said roof assembly are collectively adapted so that a user may mount them to said building to form a supplemental roofing structure on said building by: (a) mounting said first base portion to said building in said first substantially vertical orientation so that said first roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from said first base portion; (b) mounting said second base portion to said building in said second substantially vertical orientation so that said second roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from said second base portion; and (c) moving said roof assembly into a particular position adjacent respective top surfaces of said first and second angled frame members, wherein when said roof assembly is in said particular position, each of said elongated tabs extends downwardly into at least a respective one of said first or second plurality of recesses.

2. The roofing structure kit of claim 1, wherein:

when said roof assembly is in said particular position, each of said elongated tabs extends downwardly into:

at least one of said first plurality of recesses, and

at least one of said second plurality of recesses.

3. The roofing structure kit of claim 2, wherein:

said roofing structure kit comprises one or more support columns; and

said supplemental roofing structure is a portico.

4. The roofing structure kit of claim 2, wherein, when said roof assembly is in said particular position, at least one of said elongate tabs matingly engages:

said first roof support portion adjacent at least one of said first plurality of recesses, and

said second roof support portion adjacent at least one of said second plurality of recesses.

5. The roofing structure kit of claim 1, wherein said first and second angled frame members are substantially A-shaped.

6. The roofing structure kit of claim 5, wherein said first and second angled frame members are substantially planar.

7. The roofing structure kit of claim 6, wherein said roof assembly is substantially planar.

8. The roofing structure kit of claim 1, wherein said roofing structure kit comprises at least two substantially P-shaped frame structures that are adapted to be mounted in a co-facing arrangement between said first and second angled frame members so that:

a first of said P-shaped frame structures engages a lateral portion of said first angled frame member and thereby provides lateral support to said first angled frame member; and

a second of said P-shaped frame structures engages a lateral portion of said second angled frame member and thereby provides lateral support to said second angled frame member.

9. The roofing structure kit of claim 8, wherein:

(A) said roofing structure kit comprises a third angled frame member comprising: (1) a third base portion that is adapted to be mounted in a third substantially vertical orientation adjacent said building; (2) a third roof support portion, wherein: (a) said third roof support portion is configured so that when said third base portion is mounted in said third substantially vertical orientation, said third roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from said third base portion, and (b) said third roof support portion defines a third plurality of recesses; and

(B) when said third angled frame member is in said third substantially vertical orientation, said third angled frame member is disposed between and engages said first and second P-shaped frame members.

10. The roofing structure kit of claim 9, wherein:

when said roof assembly is in said particular position, each of said elongated tabs extends downwardly into:

at least one of said first plurality of recesses,

at least one of said second plurality of recesses, and

at least one of said third plurality of recesses.

11. A roofing structure kit comprising:

(A) a first angled frame member comprising: (1) a first base portion that is adapted to be mounted in a first orientation adjacent an existing building; (2) a first roof support portion, wherein: (a) said first roof support is configured so that when said first base portion is mounted in said first orientation, said first roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from said first base portion, and (b) said first roof support portion defines a first plurality of recesses;

(B) a second angled frame member comprising: (1) a second base portion that is adapted to be mounted in a second orientation adjacent said building; (2) a second roof support portion, wherein: (a) said second roof support is configured so that when said second base portion is mounted in said second orientation, said second roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from said second base portion, and (b) said second roof support portion defines a second plurality of recesses; and

(C) a pre-assembled roof assembly comprising: (1) a roof base structure; (2) a plurality of shingles that have been preinstalled on said roof base structure; and (3) a plurality of elongated tabs that extend downwardly from a bottom surface of said roof base structure, wherein: said first angled frame member, said second angled frame member, and said roof assembly are collectively adapted so that a user may mount them to said building to form a supplemental roofing structure on said building by: (a) mounting said first base portion to said building in said first orientation so that said first roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from said first base portion; (b) mounting said second base portion to said building in said second orientation so that said second roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from said second base portion; and (c) moving said roof assembly into a particular position adjacent respective top surfaces of said first and second angled frame members, wherein when said roof assembly is in said particular position, each of said elongated tabs extends downwardly into at least a respective one of said first or second plurality of recesses.

12. The roofing structure kit of claim 11, wherein, when said roof assembly is in said particular position, each of said elongated tabs extends downwardly into:

at least one of said first plurality of recesses, and

at least one of said second plurality of recesses.

13. The roofing structure kit of claim 12, wherein, when said roof assembly is in said particular position, at least one of said elongate tabs matingly engages:

said first roof support portion adjacent at least one of said first plurality of recesses, and

said second roof support portion adjacent at least one of said second plurality of recesses.

14. The roofing structure kit of claim 11, wherein:

said roofing structure kit comprises one or more support columns; and

said supplemental roofing structure is a portico.

15. A roofing structure kit comprising:

(A) a first angled frame member comprising a first roof support portion that defines a first plurality of recesses;

(B) a second angled frame member comprising a second roof support portion that defines a second plurality of recesses; and

(C) a pre-assembled roof assembly defining a plurality of elongated tabs that extend from a bottom surface of said roof assembly, wherein: the frame members and roof assembly are adapted to allow a user to form a supplemental roofing structure on a building by: (A) mounting the first frame member on an outer wall of the building so that the first roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from the outer wall; (B) mounting the second frame member on an outer wall of the building so that the second roof support portion extends outwardly and downwardly from the outer wall; and (C) positioning the roof assembly on top of the first and second frame members so that each of the elongated tabs extends downwardly into a respective one of the first and second plurality of recesses.

16. The roofing structure kit of claim 15, wherein:

when said roof assembly is in said particular position, at least one of said elongate tabs matingly engages:

said first roof support portion adjacent at least one of said first plurality of recesses, and

said second roof support portion adjacent at least one of said second plurality of recesses.