SHELTER STRUCTURE WITH AN ADJUSTABLE ROOF

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to shelter structures, and more particularly, to a shelter structure with an adjustable roof that can be adjusted to various angles and wherein a side of the roof may be supported on/by a separate (i.e. stand-alone) structure, such as a wall of a building, such as house for example and not limitation.

Movable roofs are known. For example, CN218562712 describes a glass greenhouse having a glass roof that is hinged to the greenhouse body. A driving motor is provided such that the glass roof may be driven to move and the angle of the roof can be adjusted.

Pergolas that can be secured to a wall are also known, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,851,544, which illustrates a pergola that is attached to a wall.

However, the known prior art is quite deficient in the ability to provide an adjustable roof on a (preferably outdoor) shelter structure as disclosed herein. Moreover, the prior art is believed to be devoid of a shelter structure as disclosed herein wherein the adjustability is preferably achieved by one or more assemblies at the front corners of the shelter structure and wherein the roof of the shelter structure may be secured to the wall (at the desired height). In this way, an easy to construct and maintain shelter structure is provided with both improved efficiency and minimal need for components and parts. Moreover, the versatility of such a shelter structure is also heretofore unknown.

The present invention also provides advantages heretofore unrealized, such as, but not limited to, a construction that provides for a roof angle adjustability for a pergola, provides for an easier set up and storage than known shelter structures, provides an improved and more easily to assemble shelter structure than heretofore known, and the present invention is further believed to provide advantages in its compactness, construction, portability, roof adjustability, and easier assembly over known outdoor shelter structures, among other advantages.

With the state of the art deficient in the recognition and the ability to achieve the above and below mentioned advantages, it would be desirable to provide an improved shelter structure with an adjustable angled roof, which overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art and achieves the advantages disclosed and contemplated herein, all of which are provided by the embodiments and figures disclosed herein.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an objective of the present invention to overcome the perceived deficiencies in the prior art and achieve the advantages disclosed herein.

For example, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a shelter structure that can be secured to a wall on one side and wherein the angle of the roof is adjustable. Another advantage and objective of the present invention is to provide a shelter structure that includes an adjustable roof, which allows for increased versality and use than known shelter structures having two (2) or four (4) posts.

Still another advantage and objective of the present invention is to provide a method of adjustability of a shelter structure roof that provides the advantages and objectives set forth herein. Further objectives and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the images and figures and ensuing disclosure.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, methods of operation and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction, illustration and description hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

Therefore, to overcome the perceived deficiencies in the prior art and to achieve the objects and advantages set forth above and below, preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to, generally speaking, a shelter structure including a first post; at least a second post spaced from the first post; a roof assembly having a first side and a second side; a first adjustability mechanism for coupling a first corner of the second side of the roof assembly to the first post; a second adjustability mechanism for coupling a second corner of the second side of the roof assembly to the second post; wherein an angle of the roof assembly is adjustable relative to the first and second posts. In a preferred embodiment, the shelter structure has only a first post and a second post and wherein the first side of the roof assembly is supported by a structure independent of the shelter structure.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a shelter structure comprising a first post; at least a second post spaced from the first post; a roof and at least a left side beam and a right side beam for supporting the roof; a first adjustability mechanism for coupling the left side beam to the first post; a second adjustability mechanism for coupling the right side beam to the second post; wherein an angle of the roof is adjustable relative to the first and second posts.

And in yet a further preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a shelter structure comprising only a first post and a second post spaced from the first post; a roof and at least a left side beam and a right side beam for supporting the roof; a first post tab and a first pivot plate rotatable on the first post tab; a second post tab and a second pivot plate rotatable on the second post tab; and wherein a first end of the first beam is slidable and secured onto the first pivot plate and a first end of the second beam is slidable and secured onto the second pivot plate; wherein an angle of the roof is adjustable relative to the first and second posts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above set forth and other features of the invention are made more apparent in the ensuing Description of the Preferred Embodiments when read in conjunction with the attached Drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rendering of an exemplary use and configuration of preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the versality and exemplary advantages of the present invention by particularly illustrating the adjustability of the roof assembly and installation options of a shelter structure constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an assembly on one side of the shelter structure constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, it being understood that the opposite (i.e. other) side assembly is preferably constructed in an identical and mirror-image manner;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating certain other parts and features of an assembly on one side of the shelter structure, including parts of an adjustability mechanism constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, it being understood that the opposite (i.e. other) side assembly is preferably constructed in an identical and mirror-image manner;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing yet additional features of an assembly on one side of the shelter structure constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, again it being understood that the opposite (i.e. other) side assembly is preferably constructed in an identical and mirror-image manner;

FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred coupling of the roof assembly to the adjustability mechanism on one side of the shelter structure in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, with it being understood that the opposite (i.e. other) side of the shelter structure is preferably being constructed in an identical and mirror-image manner;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing at least some of the above features of the present invention and still additional features of a shelter structure constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates features of a roof assembly constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, while FIGS. 8A and 8B are enlarged views of certain preferred couplings of certain parts of a roof assembly constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates yet additional features of the present invention constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a preferred assembly of the roof panels of the roof assembly constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate preferred features and construction in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate exemplary and preferred dimensions of a roof assembly and the height of the posts, respectively, in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates features of the present invention in connection with its advantageous water management arrangement, and FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D are enlarged views of certain features thereof; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a kit comprising the components for constructing a shelter structure in accordance with the present invention.

Identical reference numerals in the figures are intended to indicate like parts, although not every feature in every figure may be called out with a reference numeral.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures and images in connection with the following disclosure of preferred embodiments of a shelter structure, generally indicated at 10, comprising a roof assembly, generally indicated at 100, all constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which is a rendering of an exemplary use and configuration of a first embodiment of shelter structure 10 coupled to a structure, e.g. a wall of a building e.g. house, and to FIG. 2, which illustrates the versality and advantages of the present invention by particularly illustrating the adjustability of the roof assembly 100 and installation options of shelter structure 10 all in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

For example, FIG. 2 illustrates in an exemplary manner that the roof assembly 100 can be preferably angled from about 92° to about 105° relative to the longitudinal axis “L” of the first and second posts 20, 25. For the avoidance of doubt, FIG. 2 illustrates that as the angle of the roof assembly 100 is increased, e.g. from the about 92° to the about 105° relative to the longitudinal axis of the first and second posts 20, 25, the first and second posts 20, 25 must be positioned closer to the wall to factor in the angle of the roof assembly. Similarly and in an opposite way, as the angle of the roof assembly 100 is decreased, e.g. from the about 105° to the about 92° relative to the longitudinal axis of the first and second posts 20, 25, the first and second posts 20, 25 must be moved further away from wall for proper positioning. The term “about” as used above is intended to include angles from 9020 to 115°.

Generally speaking, in a first embodiment of the present invention, shelter structure 10 comprises a first post 20 and at least a second post 25 spaced from the first post 20; a roof assembly, generally indicated at 100; a roof bracket and wall mount, generally indicated at 170, on a first side 100A of the roof assembly 100; a first adjustability mechanism, generally indicated at 50, for coupling a first corner of the second side 100B of the roof assembly 100 to the first post 20; and a second adjustability mechanism 50 constructed in a preferably identical manner and with preferably identical parts to those of the first adjustability mechanism, for coupling the other corner of the second side 100B of the roof assembly 100 to the second post 25. As shown in the Figures, and exemplarily in FIG. 2, the features and construction of the shelter structure 10 permit the angle of the roof assembly 100 to be adjustable. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the roof bracket and wall mount 170 is couplable to a structure (e.g. a wall of a building, such as a house) and assists in securing the first side 100A of the roof assembly 100 to the structure, e.g. building/house.

In a preferred embodiment, the shelter structure has only a first post 20 and a second post 25 and wherein the second side 100B of the roof assembly is supported by a structure independent of the shelter structure (i.e. a wall of a building/house). In other words, in a preferred embodiment, there is no third or fourth post in the opposite corners such as there may be in a conventional 4-post freestanding pergola.

Reference will also now be made to FIGS. 3-6, wherein FIGS. 3-5 illustrate exploded views of features of the present invention, including the left side post 20 and an assembly constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, it being understood that the opposite (i.e. right) side post 25 and beam assembly is preferably constructed in an identical and mirror-image manner, and wherein FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred coupling of the roof assembly 100 to the post 20 on one side of the shelter structure in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, with it being understood that the opposite (i.e. other) side of the shelter structure is preferably constructed in an identical and mirror-image manner.

As should now be well understood from the figures, the first adjustability mechanism 50 (and together with the second adjustability mechanism, also indicated generally at 50 since the first and second adjustability mechanisms are preferably identical) permit the adjustability of the angle of the roof assembly 100. To achieve the objectives and advantages set forth herein, the first adjustability mechanism 50 for coupling a first corner of the second side 100B of the roof assembly to the first post 20 comprises a first pivot post plate 52 having a post tab 54 thereon, wherein the first pivot post plate 52 is coupled to the first post 20. Screws and/or other securing means are preferably used to secure first pivot post plate 52 to first post 20. Adjustability mechanism 50 also preferably includes a first pivot plate 56 mounted and rotatable on the first post tab 54. As exemplary shown in FIGS. 4-6, the first pivot plate 56 has an aperture for receiving the post tab 54 on the first pivot post plate 52.

In an identical manner, the second adjustability mechanism 50 for coupling the other corner of the second side 100B of the roof assembly 100 to the second post 25 comprises a pivot post plate having a post tab, wherein the second pivot post plate is coupled to the second post 25, and also comprises a pivot plate 56 mounted and rotatable on the post tab of the second pivot post, all as preferably identically constructed and provided with respect to the first adjustability mechanism 50. That is, in a likewise and identical manner on the opposite side, the second pivot plate 56 has an aperture for receiving the post tab of the second pivot post plate associated with post 25. A conventional nut/washer(s) combination, generally indicated at 59, may be used to secure the first pivot plate 56 on the first post tab 54 of the first pivot post plate 52. In a likewise and identical manner, a nut/washer(s) combination may be provided for securing the second pivot plate 56 on the post tab of the second pivot post plate, which itself is preferably coupled to post 25.

As also shown in the figures (e.g. FIGS. 3 and 4), shelter structure 10 comprises a first gutter beam 32 secured between first post 20, 25. A further beam 30 may be secured between first post 20, 25.

Screws and/or other securing means are preferably used to secure these components as illustrated in the figures. A corner bracket 34 is also preferably provided to further secure the aforementioned components as illustrated in the figures. A corner bracket 34 is also preferably provided on the opposite (i.e. post 25) corner of the shelter structure 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, roof assembly 100 comprises at least a first side beam 105 and a second side beam 110, and wherein a first end 105A of the first beam 105 is coupled to the first pivot plate 56; and a first end 110A of the second beam 110 is coupled to the second pivot plate 56 associated with post 25 in a like manner. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first end 105A of the first beam 105 is preferably slidable onto the first pivot plate 56, and likewise in a mirror-image and identical manner, the first end 110A of the second beam 110 is slidable onto the second pivot plate 56. In this way, the first end 105A of the first beam 105 is slidable and secured onto the first pivot plate 56 and the first end 110A of the second beam 110 is slidable and secured onto the second pivot plate 56. Conventional screws and/or other securing means are preferably be used to further secure the components together as illustrated in the figures.

In a preferred embodiment, the roof assembly 100 of the shelter structure 10 further comprises one or more center beams 115, and one or more cross bars 120 (e.g. see FIG. 7) to further comprise the roof assembly 100 and provide stability for the panels as disclosed below.

Reference is thus now made to FIGS. 8-14 in which FIG. 8 illustrates more particulars of roof assembly 100 constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, while FIGS. 8A and 8B are enlarged views of certain preferred features, components, and couplings as illustrated therein; FIG. 9 also illustrates features of the present invention constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 10 illustrates an assembly of the roof panels of the roof assembly 100 constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate additional features of the present invention constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate exemplary and preferred dimensions of roof assembly 100 and the height of the posts 20, 25, respectively, in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention; and FIG. 14 illustrates features of the present invention in connection with water management arrangement, while FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D are enlarged views of certain features thereof.

For example, and in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the figures illustrate roof assembly 100 comprising a plurality of beams, including at least left beam 105, right beam 110, and preferably at least two center beams 115. A plurality of cross bars 120 are also provided as shown in the figures. Roof assembly 100 also includes a plurality of roof panels 135 that are assembled together with the other roof assembly 100 components as shown in the figures, including FIG. 10 for example. Assisting in supporting and coupling the roof panels 135 are one or more roof panel joints 140 (see FIG. 10). Brackets and other components as known in the art may be used to construct and assist in securing and maintaining the structural integrity of roof assembly 100.

Roof bracket and wall mount 170 is provided to support and provide structural integrity to first end 100A of the roof assembly 100, with one or more brackets 157 helping to secure roof bracket and wall mount 170 to the disclosed beams 105, 110, 115 (see FIG. 8B). A plurality of brackets 160 are also provided on roof bracket and wall mount 170 to help permit flexibility in the support of the roof assembly 100 to a wall (or other surface) of a building or house or the like, generally indicated at 200. It should be understood that FIG. 8B clearly shows the two elongated beam members of roof bracket and wall mount 170. Apertures 180 are preferably provided at least at the ends of roof bracket and wall mount 170 for permitting bolts, screws, and/or other mounting/securing means to be inserted therethrough for mounting and securing the roof bracket and wall mount 170 to the wall/surface of the building, house, or the like. However, it should be understood that the mounting means, e.g. bolts, screws, and/or other mounting/securing means is intended to permit releasable/removable coupling/securing of the roof assembly and wall mount 170 to the wall/structure of the building or house so as to achieve the objects and advantages as set forth herein, including to be able to achieve the objectives illustrated in FIG. 2 (i.e. movement and repositioning of the wall mount 170 along the wall 200).

It should be understood that the wall structure of the house/building may also be provided with brackets/support arrangement thereon to work in a complementary manner with roof bracket and wall mount 170 to support end 100A of roof assembly to the wall/structure as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 11 illustrates a protector bracket 175 that is preferably installed on roof bracket and wall mount bracket 170 as a water protection to avoid water going between the roof assembly 100 and roof bracket and wall mount bracket 170. FIG. 12 illustrates roof bracket and wall mount 170 being secured to roof assembly 100 and to the wall/surface of the independent structure (e.g. house or building).

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate exemplary and preferred dimensions of a fully constructed shelter assembly 10, namely dimensions of the roof assembly 100 and the height of the posts 20, 25, respectively, in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is also now made to FIG. 14, which illustrates features of the present invention in connection with a water management arrangement, with FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D being enlarged views of certain features thereof. In particular, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the left side beam 105, right side beam 110 and/or center beams 115 may be provided with gutter/channels for directing water towards the edges of roof assembly 100 as illustrated in FIG. 14 and accompanying FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D. Such channels/gutters/beams are dimensioned to direct rainwater towards the posts 20, 25. The edges of the left side beam 105, right side beam 110 and/or center beams 115, as well as gutter beam 32 are preferably dimensioned and formed (e.g. with channels/gutters such that water will run off the edges of the internal gutters/channels into the posts 20, 25 which are themselves preferably hollow, with each of the posts themselves being provided with an opening (e.g. FIG. 14B) at the bottom thereof, so that the rainwater has a path out of the posts 20, 25 and into the ground, thus providing an advantageous rainwater/gutter system in the shelter structure 10 of the present invention.

It should also be understood that the dimensions provided herein are exemplary as other sizes (e.g. height of posts, size of the roof assembly, e.g. length and/or width) of the disclosed shelter frame 10 are contemplated herein and achievable using the teachings of the present disclosure.

While the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, the preferred roof assembly comprises a roof comprising plates, but it should be understood that other roof designs can be implemented and are contemplated herein, e.g. instead of plates the roof assembly may comprise a roof that comprises louvers/louvres and/or fabric and/or flexible material(s) by way of example and not limitation, all of which would be within the scope of the present invention and claims. As should thus be understood, a variety of roof constructions (e.g. plates and/or louvers/louvres and/or fabric and/or flexible material(s)) are supportable by at least the left beam 105 and right beam 110.

It should also be understood that the measurements as provided in the figures are by way of preferred examples and should not be interpreted in a limiting sense.

Also, in the preferred embodiments, the present invention comprises only two (2) posts as illustrated in the figures but it is within the scope of the invention that one or more additional posts may be included for additional structural integrity, e.g. such as one or more posts that are colinear with posts 20 and 25.

As used herein, “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to both singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term “about” refers to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like and is meant to include variations of +/−15% or less, preferably variations of +/−10% or less, more preferably variations of +/-5% or less, even more preferably variations of +/−1% or less, and still more preferably variations of +/-0.1% or less of and from the particularly recited value, in so far as such variations are appropriate to perform in the invention described herein. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the value to which the modifier “about” refers is itself specifically disclosed herein. To the extent used herein, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, are used for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is further understood that the terms “front” and “back” to the extent used herein are not intended to be limiting and are intended to be interchangeable where appropriate. As used herein, the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof unless explicitly stated herein.

Lastly, it is contemplated that the shelter structure embodiments as disclosed herein may be provided and sold (and transported) in a conventional box and therefore, it should be understood that the present invention also is directed to the following embodiments, namely, a kit, generally indicated at 1000 and illustrated in FIG. 15, comprising the components for constructing a shelter structure, wherein the components comprise a first post; at least a second post spaceable from the first post; a roof assembly having a first side and a second side; a first adjustability mechanism for coupling a first corner of the second side of the roof assembly to the first post; a second adjustability mechanism for coupling a second corner of the second side of the roof assembly to the second post; wherein an angle of the roof assembly is adjustable relative to the first and second posts. In a preferred embodiment, the kit may further comprise only a first post and a second post and wherein the first side of the roof assembly is supportable by a structure independent of the shelter structure. The kit may further comprise a roof bracket and wall mount couplable to the first side of the roof assembly for supporting the first side of the roof assembly on a wall. Further components of the kit may include a first pivot post plate having a post tab, wherein the first pivot post plate is couplable to the first post; a first pivot plate rotatable on the first post tab; a second pivot post plate having a post tab, wherein the second pivot post plate is couplable to the second post; and a second pivot plate rotatable on the post tab of the second pivot post. The kit of this first kit embodiment may include any one or more of any other components as disclosed herein.

In another embodiment, a kit, generally indicated at 1000 and illustrated in FIG. 15, may be provided with components for constructing a shelter structure comprising a first post; at least a second post spaceable from the first post; a roof and at least a left side beam and a right side beam for supporting the roof; a first adjustability mechanism for coupling the left side beam to the first post; a second adjustability mechanism for coupling the right side beam to the second post; wherein an angle of the roof is adjustable relative to the first and second posts. Here again, the kit of this alternative embodiment may have only a first post and a second post and wherein the roof, the left side beam and the right side beam are also supportable by a structure independent of the shelter structure. Here too, the kit of this alternative embodiment may include any one or more of any other components as disclosed herein.

And yet in another embodiment, a kit 1000 including components for constructing a shelter structure may preferably comprise only a first post and a second post spaceable from the first post; a roof and at least a left side beam and a right side beam for supporting the roof; a first post tab and a first pivot plate rotatable on the first post tab; a second post tab and a second pivot plate rotatable on the second post tab; and wherein a first end of the first beam is slidable and securable onto the first pivot plate and a first end of the second beam is slidable and securable onto the second pivot plate; wherein an angle of the roof is adjustable relative to the first and second posts. And here too, the kit of this yet further alternative embodiment may include any one or more of any other components as disclosed herein.

As disclosed herein, a “kit” is intended to comprise an elongated box comprising the components disclosed herein and/or above, as illustrated in FIG. 15. The box may be of varying materials, including cardboard or the like by way of example and not limitation.

It will thus be seen that the objectives set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying Figures and images shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It should also be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention described herein and all statements of the scope of the invention that as a matter of language might fill therebetween.

As should now be understood, the present invention overcomes deficiencies in the prior art while also providing the advantages mentioned herein as well as those advantages that should be understood by those skilled in the art. Other advantages and objectives are deemed to be apparent from the disclosure herein. It should also be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways.