Modulating Thatch Shade Structure

Abstract

The present disclosure presents a thatch shade structure including at least one post having a top end and a bottom end; a frame coupled to the top end of the at least one post; a plurality of longitudinal rods, the longitudinal rods of the plurality of longitudinal rods are connected to one another to form an arrangement, the arrangement being coupled to the frame; and a plurality of thatch shingles, the thatch shingles of the plurality of thatch shingles being pivotally connected to the longitudinal rods.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to a thatch shade structure and more specifically to a wind damage resistant modulating thatch shade structure.

BACKGROUND

Thatch shade structures are frequently used at coastal locations, such as beaches, island resorts, and restaurants, to provide a tropical and serene ambiance while effectively shielding individuals from intense sunlight.

Several factors must be considered when constructing a conventional thatch shade structure, including but not limited to material availability, structural design, and environmental conditions. Strong winds associated with extreme climate events, such as hurricanes, typhoons, tropical storms, or tornados, may accelerate deterioration of existing thatch shade structures due to unsustainable wind uplift being exerted on the structure, thereby causing a loss of structural integrity or structural failure of the structure.

Consequently, constructing and maintaining a thatch shade structure in locations with severe climates may be challenging. Accordingly, there is a need for a thatch shade structure that may be resistant to wind damage.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following is a concise summary of the disclosure presented herein with the primary aim of providing a preliminary understanding of certain aspects of the disclosure. It should be noted, however, that this summary is not intended to serve as a comprehensive overview of the disclosure, nor does it seek to identify or describe any critical or significant elements of the disclosure or the boundaries of its scope. Its sole purpose is to provide a rudimentary understanding of the disclosure's concepts and features, which will be expounded upon in greater detail in the ensuing sections.

The present disclosure is generally directed towards to a wind damage resistant modulating thatch shade structure, hereinafter referred to as a “thatch shade structure”, that permits flows of wind to pass through it, advantageously preventing the thatch shade structure from wind damage, being blown away or tipping over, and thus, withstanding gusty winds or turbulence. The disclosure generally comprises at least one post, a frame, a plurality of longitudinal rods, and a plurality of thatch shingles. The frame is coupled to the post, and at least one rod of the plurality of the longitudinal rods are connected to one another forming at least one longitudinal rod arrangement. The at least one longitudinal rod arrangement is coupled to the frame. Each thatch shingle of the plurality of thatch shingles is pivotally attached to at least one of the longitudinal rods.

As a result, when winds blow laterally or from underneath the thatch shade structure, one or more of the plurality of thatch shingles may modulate, thereby allow the wind to escape through spaces, advantageously strengthening the structure's resilience to uplift wind pressures. It is anticipated that components of the frame, the number of posts and the longitudinal rod arrangements may vary in number and in geometry according to the type of the thatch shade structure, which may include, but is not limited to, an umbrella, a canopy, or a gazebo.

An exemplary, nonlimiting embodiment of the present disclosure provides a thatch shade structure, comprising a post, a frame coupled to the post, and a plurality of thatch shingles pivotally connected to the frame by a plurality of longitudinal rods.

The post may be installed in an upright position by insertion into a base or into the ground. The post has a top end, a bottom end, and a peripheral wall.

The disclosed frame comprises a rafter tie bracket, a plurality of ribs, a plurality of stretchers, a plurality of longitudinal brackets. The rafter tie bracket has a central portion and a plurality of extensions prolonging radially along a periphery of the central portion. Each of the plurality of extensions extends from the central portion about a predetermined angle. The rafter tie bracket further comprises a plurality of mounting holes. The central portion of the rafter tie bracket is coupled to the top end of the post. Each of the plurality of ribs has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of each of the ribs is coupled to each of the plurality of extensions of the rafter tie bracket respectively, such that the ribs of the plurality of ribs are dimensioned radially along the peripheral wall of the post, and each of the plurality of ribs is positioned in a predetermined angle relative to the post. Further, adjacent ribs are coupled to one another by at least one longitudinal bracket on the distal end. Each of the plurality of longitudinal brackets is preferably arched, according to an angular separation of the adjacent ribs. The plurality of ribs and the plurality of longitudinal brackets may form a variety of geometric configurations, but preferably forming a conical configuration for the presently described embodiment. Each of the plurality of stretchers is connected to the peripheral wall of the post on one end and connected to one of the plurality of ribs on the other end to provide additional support. In addition, both ends of each of the plurality of stretches, and both ends of each of the plurality of longitudinal brackets may be bent about a predetermined angle.

It is anticipated that the frame may also be formed by rafters and trusses if used in other roofing structures. It is additionally anticipated that the number and geometry of the longitudinal brackets, the rafter tie bracket, stretchers, rafters, and pole may each be modified for use with other types of roofing structures.

Each of the plurality of thatch shingles further comprises a pivot connector and a thatch segment coupled to the pivot connector. The pivot connector is further pivotally coupled to at least one of the longitudinal rods to advantageously allow the thatch shingle to modulate about the respective at least one longitudinal rod and create pass-through spaces for the wind. It is preferable that the pivot connector is a longitudinal loop, and the thatch segment is attached to a length of the longitudinal loop. The longitudinal loop is closed along the length of the longitudinal loop forming a through-hole. Advantageously, as a result, an exemplary user may effortlessly slide the longitudinal loops onto the longitudinal rods for installation of the respective thatch shingle.

The rods in the plurality of longitudinal rods are connected to one another on their two ends, forming an arrangement. The arrangement may comprise the plurality of longitudinal rods connected to each other to form a plurality of concentric rings which have different diameters and share the central portion of the rafter tie bracket as the center. Further, the rings of the plurality of rings are spaced apart from one another in a predetermined distance. However, it is anticipated that the arrangement comprises the plurality of longitudinal rods connected to each other to form other enclosed shapes, such as, but not limited to, an oval, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, or a pentagon. Further, the enclosed shapes may or may not be arranged concentrically. It is also anticipated that the plurality of longitudinal rods may be arranged in rows, instead of enclosed shapes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a thatch shade structure showing a plurality of thatch shingles attached to a frame in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a bottom perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the thatch shade structure showing the plurality of thatch shingles attached to the frame.

FIG. 3 depicts a top perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the thatch shade structure without the plurality of thatch shingles attached to the frame.

FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged top perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the thatch shade structure.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary rafter tie bracket of the exemplary embodiment of the thatch shade structure.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary stretcher of the exemplary embodiment of the thatch shade structure.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary longitudinal bracket of the exemplary embodiment of the thatch shade structure.

FIG. 8 depicts an enlarged perspective view showing adjacent ribs positioned for coupling to longitudinal brackets of the exemplary embodiment of the thatch shade structure.

FIG. 9 depicts an enlarged perspective view showing the plurality of stretchers positioned for coupling to a post of the exemplary embodiment of the thatch shade structure.

FIG. 10 depicts a front perspective view of the thatch shingle coupled to a longitudinal rod of the exemplary embodiment of the thatch shade structure.

FIG. 11 depicts an enlarged rear perspective view of the thatch shingle coupled to the longitudinal rod of the exemplary embodiment of the thatch shade structure.

NUMBER REFERENCES

• • 1—Exemplary Embodiment of the Thatch Shade Structure
  • 10—Post
  • 20—Rafter Tie Bracket
  • 20A—Central Portion
  • 20B—Extension
  • 20C—Mounting hole
  • 30—Frame
  • 31—Rib
  • 31A—Proximal End
  • 31B—Distal End
  • 32—Stretcher
  • 33—Longitudinal Bracket
  • 40—Longitudinal Rod
  • 50—Thatch Shingle
  • 51—Pivot Connector/Longitudinal Loop
  • 51A—Through-hole
  • 52—Thatch Segment
  • 60—Table
  • 61—Bore
  • 62—Recess
  • 63—Support Member

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description and accompanying drawings provide a provisional disclosure of an exemplary embodiment for the purpose of facilitating one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and use the disclosure. As such, the detailed description and illustration of the one or more exemplary embodiments presented herein are purely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its protection in any manner. It is further noted that the drawings may not be to scale, and in some cases, certain details may be omitted which are not necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly.

In one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a wind damage resistant modulating thatch shade structure, hereinafter referred to as the “thatch shade structure” 1, that permits wind to pass through, advantageously preventing it from wind uplift damage, such as losing roofing material, being blown away or tipping over, while also withstanding gusty winds or turbulence.

Referring to FIG. 1, the disclosed thatch shade structure 1 generally comprises at least one post 10, a frame 30, a plurality of longitudinal rods 40, and a plurality of thatch shingles 50. The frame 30 is coupled to the post 10, thereby elevating the frame 30 above the ground. The longitudinal rods 40 in the plurality of longitudinal rods are connected to one another, and each longitudinal rod 40 is coupled to the frame 30. Each of the plurality of thatch shingles 50 is pivotally attached to a corresponding one of the longitudinal rods 40. As a result, when wind blows from underneath the thatch shade structure 1, the thatch shingles 50 pivot about the corresponding rod 40 that the corresponding thatch shingle 50 is attached to, thereby allowing wind to escape through spaces formed by the thatch shingles 50, which advantageously reduces wind uplift pressures on the thatch shade structure 1 and increase the resilience of the thatch shade structure 1 to withstand strong wind. It is anticipated that components of the frame 30 and the number of posts 10 may vary in number and geometry according to the type and design of the thatch shade structure 1, which may include, but is not limited to, an umbrella, a canopy, or a gazebo.

An exemplary, nonlimiting embodiment of the present disclosure provides a thatch shade structure 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprising a post 10, a frame 30 coupled to the post 10, and a plurality of thatch shingles 50 coupled to the frame 30.

The post 10 preferably has a cylindrical profile having a consistent diameter from top to bottom, and may be inserted into a base (not shown) or into the ground in an upright position. The post 10 has a top end, bottom end, and a peripheral wall. It is anticipated that the post 10 may be in a variety of configurations, such as a square post, a tapered post, an octagonal post, or other geometric configurations of post.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the frame 30 further comprises a rafter tie bracket 20, a plurality of ribs 31, a plurality of stretchers 32, and a plurality of longitudinal brackets 33. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 5, the rafter tie bracket 20 further comprises a central portion 20A and a plurality of extensions 20B prolonging radially along a periphery of the central portion 20A. Each of the plurality of extensions 20B extends from the central portion 20A about a predetermined angular distance from each other. As described in more detail below, the plurality of extensions 20B serve as a connection point for the frame 30 to be coupled to the rafter tie bracket 20. The rafter tie bracket 20 further comprises a plurality of mounting holes 20C. As best shown in FIG. 5, each extension 20B can include two mounting holes 20C arranged in a column on the corresponding extension 20B, and the central portion 20A can include four mounting holes 20C forming the shape of a square thereon (although any suitable number, positioning, or arrangement of the mounting holes 20C is contemplated) The central portion 20A of the rafter tie bracket 20 is coupled to the top end of the post 10. For example, the central portion 20A of the rafter tie bracket 20 serves as a center point or hub to which portions of the frame 30 are coupled, thereby coupling the frame 30 to the post 10.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, and now with reference to FIGS. 6-9, the frame 30 includes a plurality ribs 31, a plurality of stretchers 32, and a plurality of longitudinal brackets 33. each of the plurality of ribs 31 has a proximal end 31A and a distal end 31B. The proximal end 31A of each of the ribs 31 is coupled to each of the plurality of extensions 20B of the rafter tie bracket 20, respectively. For example, the ribs 31 can each include one or more holes (not shown) that, when positioned on a corresponding extension 20B, align(s) with a corresponding mounting hole(s) 20C of that extension 20B. A fastening mechanism, such as a screw or clip (not shown) can be inserted into these aligned holes to couple the extension 20B of the rafter tie bracket 20 to the proximal end 31A of the rib 31. Once coupled to the plurality of extensions 20B of the rafter tie bracket 20, the plurality of ribs 31 are dimensioned radially along a peripheral wall of the post 10 (as shown in FIG. 9), and each of the plurality of ribs 31 is positioned in a predetermined angle relative to the post 10. Further, adjacent ribs 31 are coupled to one another by longitudinal brackets 33 (shown in FIG. 7) on the distal end 31B of corresponding adjacent ribs 31. Each of the plurality of longitudinal brackets 33 is preferably arched (as shown in FIG. 8), according to an angle of the adjacent ribs 31. The plurality of ribs 31 and the plurality of longitudinal brackets 33 may form a variety of geometric configurations, but as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, such a geometric configuration is a conical configuration in the presently described embodiment. Each of the plurality of stretchers 32 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 9) is connected to the peripheral wall of the post 10 on one end of a corresponding stretcher 32, and connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of ribs 31 on the other end of the corresponding stretcher 32 to provide additional support for the thatch structure 1. In addition, both ends of each of the plurality of stretches 32, and both ends of each of the plurality of longitudinal brackets 33 may be bent about a predetermined angle. It is anticipated that the frame 30 may also be formed by rafters and trusses if used in other roofing structures.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, each of the plurality of thatch shingles 50 further comprises a pivot connector 51 and a thatch segment 52 perpendicularly coupled to the pivot connector 51. The pivot connector 51 is further rotatably coupled to one of the longitudinal rods 40. In the exemplary embodiment, the pivot connector 51, is illustrated as a longitudinal loop 51, and the thatch segment 52 is attached to a length of the longitudinal loop 51. The longitudinal loop 51 is closed along the length of the longitudinal loop 51 forming a through-hole 51A. As a result, an exemplary user may effortlessly slide the longitudinal loops 51 onto the longitudinal rods 40. It is anticipated that the pivot connector 41 may also be a clipping member configured to be clipped onto the one of the longitudinal rods 40.

The plurality of longitudinal rods 40 are detachably connected to one another at their corresponding ends forming an arrangement. In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 2, the arrangement comprises the plurality of longitudinal rods 40 connected to each other to form a plurality of concentric rings which have different diameters and share the central portion 20A of the rafter tie bracket 20 as the center. FIG. 2 shows four such concentric rings, although any suitable number of concentric rings is contemplated. Further, each ring of the plurality of rings is spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance. However, it is anticipated that the arrangement may comprise the plurality of longitudinal rods 40 connected to form other enclosed shapes, such as an oval, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon or any other suitable enclosed shape. Further the enclosed shapes may or may not be arranged concentrically. It is also anticipated the arrangement may comprise the plurality of longitudinal rods 40 connected in rows, instead of enclosed shapes.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the thatch shade structure 1 may further comprise additional accessories, such as a table 60. The table 60 comprises a bore 61 configured to receive the pole 10. The table 60 is attached to the pole 10 by a plurality of support members 63. The table 60 may further comprise a plurality of receptacles 62 configured to receive personal objects, such as a mobile phone 70, or a cup, or any other associated item.

Typically, the wind above the thatch shade structure 1 moves faster than the wind below the thatch shade structure 1, which causes the pressure above the thatch shade structure 1 to be less than the pressure below the thatch shade structure 1, according to the Bernoulli effect. Therefore, the pressure difference may cause air underneath the thatch shade structure 1 to flow upwards, potentially damaging or carrying away the thatch shade structure 1. An advantage of the pivot connector 41 being rotatably connected to the longitudinal rods 33 is that when the wind flows upwards, the plurality of thatch shingles 50 modulate and create spaces between adjacent thatch shingles 40 of the plurality of thatch shingles 40, which allows the wind to pass through these created spaces and reduce wind uplift pressure. Consequently, the resilience of the thatch shade structure 1 to strong winds is increased. Further, another advantage is that the thatch shingles 50 of the plurality of thatch shingles 50 are easily detachable from the pivot connector 51. In circumstances where some thatch shingles 50 are damaged and need to be replaced, the exemplary user may effortlessly disassemble the longitudinal rods 40, slide the damaged thatch shingles 50 out, and slide another new thatch shingles 50 onto the longitudinal rods 40.

While the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has been disclosed, certain modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to modify the disclosure without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A thatch shade structure, comprising: at least one post having a top end and a bottom end;a frame coupled to the top end of the at least one post;a plurality of longitudinal rods, the longitudinal rods of the plurality of longitudinal rods are connected to one another to form an arrangement, the arrangement being coupled to the frame; anda plurality of thatch shingles, the thatch shingles of the plurality of thatch shingles being pivotally connected to the longitudinal rods.

2. The structure of claim 1, wherein each thatch shingle comprises: a pivot connector disposed at one end of the thatch shingle, the pivot connector including a through-hole through which a corresponding longitudinal rod is inserted; anda thatch segment disposed at an opposing second end of the thatch shingle.

3. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a rafter tie bracket including: a central portion attached to the top end of the at least one post; andat least one extension extending from the central portion.

4. The structure of claim 3, wherein the frame comprises: a plurality of ribs coupled, at a first end thereof, to a corresponding one of the at least one extensions of the rafter tie bracket;a plurality of longitudinal brackets coupled to a corresponding second end of the ribs of the plurality of ribs.

5. The structure of claim 4, wherein the frame further comprises: a plurality of stretchers coupled, at a first end thereof, to a portion of the at least one post, and coupled, at a second end thereof, to a portion of a corresponding rib of the plurality of ribs.

6. The structure of claim 1, wherein the arrangement comprises: a plurality of concentric shapes spaced from each other between the top end of the at least one post and a bottom portion of the frame.

7. The structure of claim 1, wherein, upon movement of the thatch shingles, the thatch shingles pivotably modulate away from each other to form a space adjacent to an adjacent thatch shingle.

8. A thatch shade structure, comprising: at least one post;a frame coupled to the at least one post;a plurality of longitudinal rods the longitudinal rods of the plurality of longitudinal rods are connected to one another to form an arrangement, the arrangement being coupled to the frame;a plurality of thatch shingles, each thatch shingle including a pivot connector pivotally connected to the longitudinal rods.

9. The structure of claim 1, wherein the pivot connector of each thatch shingle is disposed at one end of the thatch shingle, the pivot connector including a through-hole through which a corresponding longitudinal rod is inserted; and a thatch segment disposed at an opposing second end of the thatch shingle.

10. The structure of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a rafter tie bracket including: a central portion attached to the top end of the at least one post; andat least one extension extending from the central portion.

11. The structure of claim 10, wherein the frame comprises: a plurality of ribs coupled, at a first end thereof, to a corresponding one of the at least one extensions of the rafter tie bracket;a plurality of longitudinal brackets coupled to a corresponding second end of the ribs of the plurality of ribs.

12. The structure of claim 11, wherein the frame further comprises: a plurality of stretchers coupled, at a first end thereof, to a portion of the at least one post, and coupled, at a second end thereof, to a portion of a corresponding rib of the plurality of ribs.

13. The structure of claim 8, wherein the arrangement comprises: a plurality of concentric shapes spaced from each other between the top end of the at least one post and a bottom portion of the frame.

14. The structure of claim 8, wherein, upon movement of the thatch shingles, the thatch shingles pivotably modulate away from each other to form a space adjacent to an adjacent thatch shingle.

15. A thatch shade structure, comprising: at least one post;a frame including; a plurality of ribs;at least one rafter tie bracket coupled to the at least one post and at least one rib of the plurality of ribs;a plurality of longitudinal rods the longitudinal rods of the plurality of longitudinal rods are connected to one another to form an arrangement, the arrangement being coupled to the frame;a plurality of thatch shingles, each thatch shingle being pivotally connected to a corresponding rod of the plurality of longitudinal rods, wherein, upon movement of the thatch shingles, the thatch shingles pivotably modulate away from each other to form a space adjacent to an adjacent thatch shingle.

16. The structure of claim 15, wherein each thatch shingle comprises: a pivot connector disposed at one end of the thatch shingle, the pivot connector including a through-hole through which a corresponding longitudinal rod is inserted; anda thatch segment disposed at an opposing second end of the thatch shingle.

17. The structure of claim 15, further comprising a rafter tie bracket including: a central portion attached to the top end of the at least one post; andat least one extension extending from the central portion.

18. The structure of claim 17, wherein the frame comprises: a plurality of ribs coupled, at a first end thereof, to a corresponding one of the at least one extensions of the rafter tie bracket;a plurality of longitudinal brackets coupled to a corresponding second end of the ribs of the plurality of ribs.

19. The structure of claim 18, wherein the frame further comprises: a plurality of stretchers coupled, at a first end thereof, to a portion of the at least one post, and coupled, at a second end thereof, to a portion of a corresponding rib of the plurality of ribs.

20. The structure of claim 15, wherein the arrangement comprises: a plurality of concentric rings spaced from each other between the top end of the at least one post and a bottom portion of the frame.