STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable.
NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
Not Applicable.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL IN APPENDIX
A copy of a parts list and assembly instructions for the Outdoor Shelter described herein is attached as an appendix to this specification. The contents of this parts list and assembly instructions are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to an outdoor shelter. More particularly, the invention relates to an outdoor shelter that may be used as a multipurpose building in a backyard of a home.
2. Background
Portable shelters, such as outdoor gazebos and screen rooms, are useful for a myriad of different applications. For example, portable gazebos are often used for outdoor parties, such as backyard cookouts or tailgate parties at various sporting events. Because the portable gazebos provide at least some degree of protection from the weather elements, a food serving table or tables are often placed inside of the gazebo to protect the food being served at the event from sunlight, rain, and/or insects. Also, dining tables may be arranged underneath the portable gazebo so that attendees at the party may remain cooler by being shaded from direct sunlight.
Although, because conventional portable shelters are often not completely enclosed or interiorly conditioned, these conventional portable shelters are not suitable for many applications during intemperate weather. For example, these conventional portable shelters are not able to be comfortably used as an office or exercise room on a very hot day.
Therefore, what is needed is an outdoor shelter that has enhanced functionality, such as being used as a multipurpose building in a backyard of a home. In addition, an outdoor shelter is needed is capable of being used even during intemperate weather conditions, such as on a hot summer day in a warm climate.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an outdoor shelter that substantially obviates one or more problems resulting from the limitations and deficiencies of the related art.
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an outdoor shelter that comprises a base assembly, the base assembly including a plurality of base frame members, the base assembly configured to be disposed on a support surface; a wall assembly coupled to the base assembly, the wall assembly including a plurality of upstanding walls formed by a plurality of wall panels, at least one of the plurality of upstanding walls including a door for providing access to an interior of the outdoor shelter, and at least one of the plurality of wall panels being modular and interchangeable so as to allow the at least one of the plurality of wall panels to be installed in different wall positions around a perimeter of the outdoor shelter; and a roof assembly coupled to the wall assembly, the roof assembly including a plurality of roof frame members and a plurality of roof panel members supported on the roof frame members.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the base assembly further comprises an insulated flooring subassembly, the insulated flooring subassembly including a plurality of flooring layers.
In yet a further embodiment, the plurality of flooring layers include an upper finished floor layer, a middle insulating layer, and a lower base layer disposed underneath the middle insulating layer.
In still a further embodiment, one or more of the plurality of wall panels comprise a plurality of wall layers, the plurality of wall layers include an outer wall layer, a middle insulating wall layer, and an interior wall layer disposed on the interior of the outdoor shelter.
In yet a further embodiment, at least another one of the plurality of upstanding walls includes a window, the window including a window frame and double-pane glass disposed within the window frame.
In still a further embodiment, the window is configured to pivot open at an angle that shields the window opening from rainfall and other precipitation.
In yet a further embodiment, the window further comprises a retractable window screen for allowing airflow therethrough, but preventing bugs and other pests from entering the interior of the outdoor shelter.
In still a further embodiment, the window further comprises a retractable blind for providing privacy and/or light filtering in the interior of the outdoor shelter.
In yet a further embodiment, the door in the at least one of the plurality of upstanding walls is in a form of a double-door, the double-door including a pair of door frames with double-pane glass panels disposed within the door frames.
In still a further embodiment, the door further comprises a door handle and a door lock for securing the interior of the outdoor shelter.
In yet a further embodiment, one or more of the plurality of roof panels comprise a plurality of roof layers, the plurality of roof layers include an outer roof layer, a middle insulating roof layer, and an interior roof layer disposed on the interior of the outdoor shelter.
In still a further embodiment, one or more of the plurality of wall panels is provided with predrilled holes for accommodating a wall-mounted television, a wall-mounted air conditioning unit, artwork, and/or a mirror.
In yet a further embodiment, the outdoor shelter further comprises a mounting bracket disposed on the one or more of the plurality of wall panels, the mounting bracket configured to support the wall-mounted television, the wall-mounted air conditioning unit, the artwork, and/or the mirror on the one or more of the plurality of wall panels.
In still a further embodiment, one or more of the plurality of wall panels is provided with a duct opening for accommodating a duct of an air conditioning unit vented to an exterior of the outdoor shelter.
In yet a further embodiment, one or more of the plurality of wall panels is provided with an access port for accommodating a power cable routed to an exterior of the outdoor shelter.
It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are merely exemplary and explanatory in nature. As such, the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention should not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any sense.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side-top perspective view of an outdoor shelter, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, wherein the doors of the outdoor shelter are in a closed position;
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the outdoor shelter shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the outdoor shelter shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a first side elevational view of the outdoor shelter shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a second side elevational view of the outdoor shelter shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the outdoor shelter shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the outdoor shelter shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is another side-top perspective view of the outdoor shelter shown in FIG. 1, wherein the doors of the outdoor shelter are in an open position;
FIG. 9 is a bottom-side perspective view of the outdoor shelter shown in FIG. 1, wherein the doors of the outdoor shelter are in the open position;
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor shelter shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the outdoor shelter shown in FIG. 1, wherein the section is generally cut along the cutting-plane line 11-11 in FIG. 6; and
FIG. 12 is a transverse sectional view of the outdoor shelter shown in FIG. 1, wherein the section is generally cut along the cutting-plane line 12-12 in FIG. 6;
FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view inside the outdoor shelter shown in FIG. 1, wherein a portable air conditioning unit is disposed inside the outdoor shelter.
Throughout the figures, the same parts are always denoted using the same reference characters so that, as a general rule, they will only be described once.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
An illustrative embodiment of an outdoor shelter is seen generally at 100 in FIGS. 1-12. Initially, referring collectively to the assembled perspective view of FIG. 1 and the exploded perspective view of FIG. 10, it can be seen that the outdoor shelter 100 generally comprises a base assembly 132, the base assembly 132 including a plurality of base frame members 10, 12, 14, the base assembly 132 configured to be disposed on a support surface (e.g., a concrete pad or gravel shed foundation); a wall assembly 134, 136, 138, 140 coupled to the base assembly 132, the wall assembly including a plurality of upstanding walls 134, 136, 138, 140 formed by a plurality of wall panels 34, 40, 54, at least one of the plurality of upstanding walls 134 including a door 128, 130 for providing access to an interior of the outdoor shelter 100, and at least one of the plurality of wall panels 40 being modular and interchangeable so as to allow the at least one of the plurality of wall panels 40 to be installed in different wall positions around a perimeter of the outdoor shelter 100; and a roof assembly 150 coupled to the wall assembly 134, 136, 138, 140, the roof assembly 150 including a plurality of roof frame members 72, 80 and a plurality of roof panel members 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 102 supported on the roof frame members 72, 80.
In the illustrative embodiment, the outdoor shelter 100 may be used as a multipurpose building in a backyard of a home for variety of different uses, such as a garden shed, a backyard office, a “she” shed, a home fitness studio, a pool house, or a multipurpose outdoor room. Advantageously, the outdoor shelter 100 is able to expand the functional space of a home and garden with its innovative, versatile, and customizable design.
In the illustrative embodiment, the base assembly 132 further comprises an insulated flooring subassembly with a plurality of flooring layers. The plurality of flooring layers of the base assembly 132 may include an upper finished floor layer, a middle insulating layer, and a lower base layer disposed underneath the middle insulating layer. In the illustrative embodiment, the insulated flooring subassembly of the outdoor shelter 100 may comprise a 25.4 mm insulated floor featuring 3-layer construction supported by strong steel framing. The insulated flooring subassembly may comprise a 5 mm polyvinyl chloride (PVC) upper floor surface with a woodgrain finish, a waterproof noise-reducing insulating mat middle layer, a 1 mm galvanized steel sheet base layer. The insulated flooring subassembly of the outdoor shelter 100 may be supported by sturdy galvanized steel framing, and the woodgrain upper floor layer may comprise an easy tongue-and-groove flooring construction.
Now, with reference to FIGS. 1-5 and 10, the wall assembly 134, 136, 138, 140 of the outdoor shelter 100 will be described in detail. As shown in these figures, in the illustrative embodiment, the outdoor shelter 100 comprises four (4) upstanding walls 134, 136, 138, 140 arranged in a rectangular configuration, namely a front wall 134, a left wall 136, a right wall 138, and a rear wall 140. Each of these walls 134, 136, 138, 140 is disposed generally perpendicular or perpendicular to their adjoining walls 134, 136, 138, 140. For example, the front wall 134 is disposed generally perpendicular or perpendicular to the left wall 136 and to the right wall 138. In the illustrative embodiment, one or more of the plurality of wall panels 34, 40, 54 comprise a plurality of wall layers that include an outer wall layer (e.g., a 0.4 mm galvanized steel sheet), a middle insulating wall layer (e.g., 40 mm polyurethane thermal insulation), and an interior wall layer (e.g., a 0.4 mm galvanized steel sheet) disposed on the interior of the outdoor shelter 100. In the illustrative embodiment, the 3-layer construction of the 40.8 mm thick wall panels 34, 40, 54 advantageously provides three layers of protection for the occupant(s) of the outdoor shelter 100.
In the illustrative embodiment, the outdoor shelter 100 may comprise the following main structural framing components: (i) support posts (e.g., formed from 1.6 mm galvanized steel tube, and the posts being 3.75″ square with an 85″ height); (ii) U-shaped tubes (e.g., formed from 0.6 mm galvanized steel tube); and (iii) wall panel support tubes (e.g., formed from 1.6 mm aluminum).
In addition, as shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 10, the left wall 136 may include a left window 146 and the right wall 138 may include a right window 148. In the illustrative embodiment, each of the windows 146, 148 includes a window frame and double-pane glass disposed within the window frame. Also, in the illustrative embodiment, each window 146, 148 is configured to pivot open at an angle that shields the window opening from rainfall and other precipitation (e.g., each window rotates about an axis at the top edge of the window). In addition, each window 146, 148 may further comprise a retractable window screen for allowing airflow therethrough, but preventing bugs and other pests from entering the interior of the outdoor shelter 100. Further, in the illustrative embodiment, each window 146, 148 further comprises a retractable blind for providing privacy and/or light filtering in the interior of the outdoor shelter. In the illustrative embodiment, the windows 146, 148 may include one or more of the following features: (i) double-pane glass windows that provide smooth-and-easy operation, energy efficiency, and enhanced functions; (ii) a 1 mm steel window frame; (iii) 5 mm tempered glass window; (iv) 48.6″×26.6″ window dimensions; (v) a simple outward pivoting operation, with the angle shielding the opening from rainfall; (vi) a secure locking rotary handle; (vii) window blinds control; (viii) retractable window screens; (ix) window screens that provide plenty of airflow and protection from bugs and pests; and (x) integrated blinds that offer easy operation and full control of light filtering and privacy.
In the illustrative embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1 and 8-10, it can be seen that the door 128, 130 in the front wall 134 is in a form of a double-door (e.g., French double doors). The double-door 128, 130 includes a pair of door frames with double-pane glass panels disposed within the door frames. In the illustrative embodiment, one door 130 of the double-door comprises a door handle and a door lock for securing the interior of the outdoor shelter. In the illustrative embodiment, the double-door 128, 130 may include one or more of the following features: (i) a 2 millimeter (mm) aluminum door frame; (ii) 5 mm tempered glass windows; (iii) overall dimensions of 83.3″×67″; (iv) a lock and handle set; and (v) integrated window blinds.
Next, with reference primarily to FIGS. 1, 6, and 10, the roof assembly 150 of the outdoor shelter 100 will be explained in detail. In the illustrative embodiment, one or more of the plurality of roof panel members 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 102 comprise a plurality of roof layers. The plurality of roof layers may include an outer roof layer (e.g., a 0.4 mm galvanized steel sheet), a middle insulating roof layer (e.g., 20 mm polyurethane thermal insulation), and an interior roof layer (e.g., a 0.4 mm galvanized steel sheet) disposed on the interior of the outdoor shelter. In the illustrative embodiment, the 3-layer construction of the 20.8 mm thick roof assembly 150 advantageously provides a three-layered barrier, with the 20 mm insulation protected by a 0.4 mm galvanized steel sheet on each side to keep the occupant(s) of the outdoor shelter 100 warm and dry for years to come. In the illustrative embodiment, the four corner sections of the roof may be reinforced with stainless steel to provide many years of durability and stability.
In the illustrative embodiment, referring collectively to FIGS. 10 and 12, it can be seen that one or more of the plurality of wall panels (e.g., wall panel 34 of left wall 136) is provided with predrilled holes (e.g., four (4) predrilled holes) for accommodating a wall-mounted television, a wall-mounted air conditioning unit, artwork, and/or a mirror. In the illustrative embodiment, the wall panel 34 may comprise a reinforced (3 mm steel) wall panel to accommodate mounting a television, a wall-mounted air conditioning unit (e.g., an indoor unit of mini-split air conditioner), or another heavy item. In addition, with reference again to FIGS. 10 and 12, it can be seen that the outdoor shelter 100 may further comprise a mounting bracket 56, 58 disposed on the one or more of the plurality of wall panels (e.g., on wall panel 34 of left wall 136). The mounting bracket, which may be formed by U-shaped channel members 56, 58, is configured to support a wall-mounted television, a wall-mounted air conditioning unit, artwork, and/or a mirror on the wall panel 34 of left wall 136. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the wall panel 34 of left wall 136 may be provided with a circular duct opening 142 for accommodating a duct of an air conditioning unit vented to an exterior of the outdoor shelter 100. In addition, referring again to FIG. 12, the wall panel 34 of left wall 136 may be provided with a pass-through access port 144 for accommodating a power cable routed to an exterior of the outdoor shelter 100.
An illustrative configuration of a portable air conditioning unit 151 in the interior of the outdoor shelter 100 is depicted in FIG. 13. As shown in this figure, the flexible exhaust air duct 156 of the portable air conditioning unit 151 is routed through the circular duct opening 142 in the left wall 136 of the outdoor shelter 100 so that warm condenser discharge air from the air conditioning unit 151 is able to be discharged to the outside (i.e., air conditioning unit exhaust air). Also, as depicted in FIG. 13, the electrical power cord 158 of the portable air conditioning unit 151 is routed through the access port 144 in the left wall 136 of the outdoor shelter 100 so that the air conditioning unit 151 is able to be connected to a power source outside of the outdoor shelter 100. In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the portable air conditioning unit 151 may also be powered by a battery pack 152 disposed underneath the air conditioning unit 151. The portable air conditioning unit 151 is removably attached to the top of the battery pack 152, and the battery pack 152 rests on the floor 160 of the outdoor shelter 100. As such, the battery pack 152 essentially operates as a floor stand for the portable air conditioning unit 151. As shown in FIG. 13, the portable air conditioning unit 151 additionally comprises a cold air outlet 154 for discharging cooled, conditioned air into the interior of the outdoor shelter 100.
In the illustrative embodiment, the outdoor shelter 100 includes one or more of the following features: (i) the outdoor shelter 100 provides a 9′-0″×12′-0″ usable interior space; (ii) the outdoor shelter 100 has a 83″×67″ double-door entry 128, 130 with double-pane glass windows, door hardware and blinds; (iii) the outdoor shelter 100 includes aluminum base trim for long lasting durability and stability; (iv) the outdoor shelter 100 has insulated wall panels, doors, windows, roof, and floor; (v) the outdoor shelter 100 will not warp, rot, rust, or easily dent; (vi) the outdoor shelter 100 includes two 48.5″×26.5″ operable double-pane energy efficient windows 146, 148; (vii) the French doors 128, 130 and windows 146, 148 feature integrated screens and blinds; (viii) the outdoor shelter 100 is reinforced throughout for extra strength and durability; (ix) the outdoor shelter 100 has a continuous air barrier that decreases air leakage for optimum efficiency; (x) the outdoor shelter 100 has superior moisture protection and thermal resistance; (xi) the outdoor shelter 100 has a premium insulated roof system that is corrosion and heat resistant for long lasting comfort and durability; (xii) the inside wall panels have customization potential (e.g., the panels can be painted however a user wants); (xiii) the outdoor shelter 100 has an innovative modular panel design that allows for easy assembly; and (xiv) the outdoor shelter 100 has fully panelized wall sections to expedite the assembly process of the outdoor shelter 100.
For example, as best shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 10, the walls 134, 136, 138, 140 of the outdoor shelter 100 are formed by one (1) modular wall panel 34 with the circular duct opening 142 and access port 144, nine (9) solid wall panels 40, and two (2) wall panels 54 with windows 146, 148. The solid wall panels 40 are modular and interchangeable, and can be used anywhere on the outdoor shelter 100 that requires a solid wall panel. Similarly, the wall panel 34 with openings 142, 144 can be used anywhere on the outdoor shelter 100 that requires utility openings, while the wall panels 54 with windows 146, 148 can be used anywhere on the outdoor shelter 100 that requires a window. Also, due to their interchangeability, the wall panels 54 with windows 146, 148 can be moved to other locations about the periphery of the outdoor shelter 100. That is, in the illustrative embodiment, all of the wall and window panels 34, 40, 54 of the outdoor shelter 100 are modular and interchangeable, allowing them to be installed in different wall positions around the perimeter, offering maximum flexibility and customization. In addition, the double-doors 128, 130 can be installed on any side of the outdoor shelter 100 to maximize versatility and customization of the space.
It is readily apparent that the aforedescribed outdoor shelter 100 offers numerous advantages. For example, as described above, the outdoor shelter 100 has enhanced functionality, such as being used as a multipurpose building in a backyard of a home. As another example, the outdoor shelter 100 is capable of being used even during intemperate weather conditions, such as on a hot summer day in a warm climate (e.g., when the outdoor shelter 100 is provided with the portable air conditioning unit 151 therein).
The following is a list of reference characters that are utilized in the drawings of this application together with the components that they are used to represent:
- 10 Corner for base
- 12 Long base beam
- 14 Short base beam
- 16 Base foot member
- 18 U-connector for base
- 20 L-connector for base
- 22 Floor joist
- 24 Floor reinforcement board
- 26 Corner for top frame
- 28 Long beam for top frame
- 30 Short beam for top frame
- 32 U-connector for top frame
- 34 Wall panel with predrilled holes
- 36 L-connector for top frame
- 38 Corner post
- 40 Solid wall panel
- 42 Wall connector
- 44 Gap filler
- 46 First secure plate for wall
- 48 Second secure plate for wall
- 50 Third secure plate for wall
- 52 Screw cap
- 54 Wall panel with window
- 56 First mounting channel
- 58 Second mounting channel
- 60 Stone-polymer composite (SPC) floor
- 62 Side support for door
- 64 Bottom support for door
- 66 Upper support for door
- 68 Corner cover plate
- 70 Corner post cover
- 72 Inclined roof beam
- 74 First connector member
- 76 Second connector member
- 78 Third connector member
- 80 Middle roof beam
- 82 Fourth connector member
- 84 Fifth connector member
- 86 Sixth connector member
- 88 Center roof frame
- 90 First roof heat shield
- 92 Second roof heat shield
- 94 Third roof heat shield
- 96 Fourth roof heat shield
- 98 Fifth roof heat shield
- 100 Outdoor Shelter
- 102 Sixth roof heat shield
- 104 Right gutter
- 106 Middle gutter
- 108 Left gutter
- 110 Corner decoration
- 112 Center roof cover
- 114 Seventh roof heat shield
- 116 Hook beam
- 118 Hook
- 120 Door frame with pinhole
- 122 Door frame without pinhole
- 124 First door frame connector
- 126 Second door frame connector
- 128 Door with latch
- 130 Door without latch
- 132 Base assembly
- 134 Front wall
- 136 Left wall
- 138 Right wall
- 140 Rear wall
- 142 Exhaust port
- 144 Pass-through access port
- 146 Left window
- 148 Right window
- 150 Roof assembly
- 151 Portable air conditioning unit
- 152 Battery pack
- 154 Cold air outlet
- 156 Exhaust air duct
- 158 Power cord
- 160 Floor
Any of the features or attributes of the above described embodiments and variations can be used in combination with any of the other features and attributes of the above described embodiments and variations as desired. As described herein, when an illustrative embodiment is said to include one or more listed features, the embodiment may include one such feature, any plurality of the listed features, or all of the listed features.
Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is apparent that this invention can be embodied in many different forms and that many other modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
Moreover, while exemplary embodiments have been described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the exemplary embodiments set forth above are merely illustrative in nature and should not be construed as to limit the claims in any manner. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents, and not, by the preceding description.
Patent Application
20250188759
