Gazebo Structure

Abstract

The present invention includes a system or kit of injection molded and extruded panels and other components having integrated connectors which combine together to form an enclosure, preferably in the form of a gazebo. Optional kits are available to provide the gazebo with screen and / or solid enclosures. The support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and walls are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The system incorporates a minimum number of components to construct a gazebo type enclosure by integrally forming connectors in to the injection molded components and panels. This minimizes the need for separate extruded or molded connectors to assemble the enclosure. The symmetry of the support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and other components also minimizes the shapes of the components and simplifies construction of the gazebo.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 250,967, filed Oct. 14, 2008, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to prefabricated, multi-sided building and construction system. In particular it relates to a prefabricated gazebo and a construction system which utilizes lightweight framing components, a unique roof support and roof which results in the construction of the gazebo. The gazebo includes an optional screen enclosure kit, an optional solid panel kit and an optional storm window kit.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Multi-sided buildings are known in the prior art. One group of these buildings generally “round” and has a substantially circular outer wall or side made from a plurality of generally flat walls. One type of the building in this group is a gazebo. The majority of gazebos have six to eight sides and thus have six to eight oute...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The present invention includes a system or kit of injection molded panels and other components having integrated connectors which combine together to form an enclosure, preferably in the form of a gazebo. Optional kits are available to provide the gazebo with screen and / or solid enclosures. The support posts, roof rafters, roof supports are formed of extruded plastic. The roof panels and walls are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The system incorporates a minimum number of components to construct a gazebo type enclosure by integrally forming connectors into the extruded components and panels. This minimizes the need for separate extruded or molded connectors to assemble the enclosure. The symmetry of the support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and other components also minimizes the shapes of the injection molded connectors and panels and simplifies construction of the gazebo. The heavy duty interlocking construction of the support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and other components create a structural frame which permits construction of larger gazebos. The support posts are extruded which allows them to be formed to a sufficient length to provide a gazebo with adequate height for all intended purposes, including the provision of overhead fans. This eliminates the need for a plurality of support posts to be stacked one above the other to achieve the heights desired. Injection molding allows the roof panels to be formed with integral cross-bracing, ribs and gussets for increased rigidity when compared to blow molded or extruded panels.

[0013]It is yet another objective of the instant invention system or kit which utilizes roof rafters and roof supports having interlocking bosses and apertures to increase rigidity and prevent bowing of the rafters and supports.

[0014]It is a still further objective of the invention to provide structural roof panel members including integrated connectors, cross-bracing and gussets to increase rigidity and prevent bowing of the roof panels.

[0015]It is still yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a system or kit which reduces the number of components required to assemble a gazebo and simplifies construction of a gazebo.

Problems solved by technology

However, this structure does not offer an easily assembled gazebo constructed of light weight materials, such as plastic and which can be readily assembled by a single individual.

It also does not offer a basic gazebo structure with different embodiments.

However, there is no disclosure of the use of preformed roof panels.

While this gazebo is made from eight (8) preformed single side units, each side unit required a considerable amount of space on a delivery truck.

However, there is no disclosure of constructing a gazebo from a plurality of light weight materials, such as plastic and which can be readily assembled by a single individual.

Therefore, what is lacking in the art is a gazebo structure which can be constructed from a plurality of light weight materials, such as plastic and which can be readily assembled by a single individual.

The art also lacks a gazebo that can be enclosed with screens to keep out insects and other unwanted life.

Further, the art does not provide gazebos with kits and or other means to provide solid enclosures for the gazebos.

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