Patent Application
20220064947
The present invention is in the field of roof structures for outbuildings such as gazebos, rotundas, arbors, kiosks, bandstands, and sheds. More particularly, the present invention is a unique roof supporting system that utilizes a series of bands, tubes or other concentric rings that interlock with other construction elements of the outbuilding. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
There are numerous types of outbuildings that provide various functions and benefits to the owners of the real property upon which they are located. For example, some outbuildings, such as arbors, gazebos, bandstands, and rotundas (a round building covered by a dome) provide relaxation, and can contribute to the aesthetics of the property or the owner's home on which the structure is erected. Other outbuildings, such as kiosks and sheds, provide a more utilitarian function, such as service point for retail sales, information or the like, or for the storage of lawn and garden tools and equipment, as well as other household items.
Outbuildings may be constructed in a number of different ways. Some structures can be provided pre-made, and are then just set up or “dropped” on a foundation of stones, concrete, or other graded and leveled surface. Other buildings may be provided in the form of a kit, which is delivered to the address of the purchaser and then the purchaser assembles, or hires someone else to assemble, the kit to obtain a finished structure. Still other structures are built from scratch from a set of plans that the owner may have purchased or developed themselves. Such structures require traditional framing, and then possibly siding, windows, doors or any other features that the owner may desire. Regardless of the style and type of the outbuilding that has been selected, the structure often requires that the roofing rafters must be affixed to joists that are then supported by the frame. When the structures are generally square or rectangular in shape, such arrangements are generally acceptable since the walls come to meet the roof and do not not interfere with the functionality or use of the structure.
Rotundas, gazebos, bandstands and the like are each more decorative, and are typically used for relaxation and enjoyment, such as entertaining, performances or overlooking a scenic area. Rotundas and gazebos each have generally rounded or octagonal roofs, and often when the roof structure meets the ceiling joists, the roof line is lowered which can eliminate a portion of the view for which the structure was constructed. The lowering of the roof line is due to the extension of the rafter tails that extend downwardly from the roof, and over the top of the frame joists. This then leaves the rafter tails in the eyesight of the individual enjoying the performance, or the view from the structure. The view can be outgoing, that is looking out over a scenic area, or incoming, wherein an audience located outside of the gazebo watches a performance being presented under the gazebo and may only be able to see a portion of the performers or artists. In either event, the resulting effect is disappointing, particularly since the structure was not only intended to add to the appearance of the property, but also was not intended to distract or obstruct the view.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved construction and roof supporting system that allows the owners and users of rotundas, gazebos, and other similarly shaped buildings to fully enjoy and optimize the use of such buildings. There is also a long felt need in the art for a rotunda or gazebo design that eliminates the need for traditional ceiling joists, without sacrificing the structural integrity of the structure. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a rotunda or gazebo design that allows the owner to enjoy more of the interior space of the gazebo, including those portions of the interior space that would typically be consumed by the presence of ceiling joists, but that is still sturdy enough to accommodate both traditional live and dead loads. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a rotunda or gazebo design that is relatively inexpensive to construct, and safe and easy to use.
In the manner described herein, the improved roof supporting system for a rotunda, gazebo or the like of the present invention eliminates the need for traditional ceiling joists, reduces construction costs without sacrificing safety, increases the amount of available interior space, generally accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and substantially departs from the concepts and designs of the conventional.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The present invention relates to a unique roof supporting structure for an outbuilding, such as a gazebo, rotunda, arbor, kiosk, bandstand, shed, etc. The improved roof supporting system utilizes a series of bands, tubes, or other rigid elements to form a series of generally concentric, hexagonal, or octagonal rings that interlock with other construction elements of the outbuilding in order to provide a clean edge structure. The presence of the series of bands, tubes, or other rigid elements allow for the effective elimination of traditional ceiling joists, and ensure that the supporting rafters do not extend beyond the roof line or obstruct the incoming or outgoing view of those sitting outside the structure, or those present within the structure. The improved roof supporting structure may be further covered by cosmetic elements, such as a facia, which conceals the presence of the bands, tubes, rods or the like so that the same are not visible.
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a generally octagonal shaped outbuilding is disclosed. The outbuilding or gazebo is generally comprised of a foundation, a frame, a roof, and the roof supporting structure of the present invention. More specifically, the frame is comprised of a plurality of spaced apart columns or posts that extend from the foundation to the roof to partially support the same, and that are interconnected with a plurality of perimeter or rim joists. The roof is comprised of a plurality of rafters having first and second ends that support the ceiling, which may be comprised of, for example, tongue and groove boards, plywood, sheathing or the like. Traditional roofing materials, such as roll paper, ice guard, drip edge, shingles and the like are then installed atop the ceiling materials to protect the same from the elements. The roof supporting structure is preferably comprised of at least one metal band extending about the upper end of the perimeter or rim joists and supporting the second end of the rafters, such that the tails of the rafters do not extend over the upper end of the rim joists. The metal band is in tension to resist the outwardly facing (i.e., away from the interior of the gazebo) forces being placed on each of the rim joists by the rafters and the dead and live loads (e.g., snow, ice, wind, etc.) associated with the roof. Stated differently, when properly installed, the supporting band applies a compressive force against the outer surface of the rim joists.
In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an improved gazebo design is disclosed that includes a plurality of posts, wherein each of the plurality of posts is comprised of a first end and a second end. The first end of the post terminates on, and is supported by, a foundation, and the second end of the post terminates at a rim or perimeter joist. A roof is also provided and is comprised of a plurality of rafters and a roofing material covering the rafters to form the roof. Each of the rafters has a first end and a second end, wherein each rafter is sloped downwardly from an apex and terminates as a rim joist. The rafters do not extend beyond the rim joist, and form a clean edge roof line. A plurality of bands forming a support are disposed adjacent to each of the rim joist and encircle the structure. Each of the plurality of bands is in tension to resist the outwardly facing (i.e., away from the interior of the gazebo) forces being placed on each of the rim joists by the rafters and the dead and live loads (e.g., snow, ice, wind, etc.) associated with the roof. The plurality of bands offer a degree of safety redundancy in the event that one of the bands should fail.
In a yet still further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a roof support for an outbuilding is disclosed. The roof support is comprised of a plurality of substantially rigid supporting elements, with each of the supporting elements having one of a circular, hexagonal or octagonal shape. The rigid supporting elements are positioned beneath a plurality of rafters supporting a roof for the outbuilding, and the rigid supporting elements disposed on joists arising from a frame. The plurality of rafters does not extend beyond a roof line.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are neither intended as an exhaustive description of the invention, nor do they limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
The improved roof supporting system of the present invention eliminates the need for unsightly and costly ceiling joists that have long been associated with obstructing the interior view of an otherwise aesthetically pleasing structure, such as a gazebo, rotunda, or similar outbuilding, all without compromising structural integrity. Additionally, by providing a clean or unobstructive edge, individuals inside the structure can enjoy their surroundings while those outside the outbuilding can watch performers and other activities within the structure. As used herein, the term “clean edge” refers to the roof line without any additional supporting material extending outwardly from under the roofing material, such as rafters, studs or other extensions, thereby allowing the roof to sit essentially cleanly on the rim or perimeter joist of the frame.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The roof 130 preferably has conventional roofing materials 132 to cover and protect the structure 100. For example, the roofing materials may be comprised of planks, boards, roll paper, ice guards, shingles, panels, or combinations thereof, and the materials may be interlocking with one another, such as through the use of tongue and groove, biscuits, as well as fasteners and the like. The roof 130 and associated roofing materials 132 are intended to protect the structure 100, as well as those therein.
The live and dead loads associated with the roof 230 are transferred from the plurality of boards 232 to the plurality of rafters 210 that transfer both a horizontal load component and a vertical load component to the plurality of rim or perimeter joists 235. In traditional structures, the horizontal load component is accounted for via the presence of a plurality of internal roof joists (not shown) that suffer from the limitations described above. However, in the unique design of the roof supporting system of the present invention, the horizontal load component is accounted for and addressed by the presence of one or more continuous support bands 212 positioned along the outside face of the rim or perimeter joists 235, as described more fully below. In short, the one or more continuous support bands 212 that surround the perimeter of the structure 100 counter-balance the horizontal load component of the roof 230 (both the live and dead loads) and prevent the rim or perimeter joists 235 from buckling outward and failing.
In traditional structures and with structure 100, the vertical load component of the roof 230 is transferred from the rafters 210 to the plurality of rim or perimeter joists 235. The plurality of rim or perimeter joists 235 are, in turn, attached to the plurality of support posts 120 that are positioned around the perimeter of the structure 100 in spaced apart fashion by any common fastening means known in the art, such as nails, screws, bolts and the like. The plurality of support posts 120 are, in turn, supported by the foundation 110. In this manner, the entire load associated with the roof 230, including both live loads (e.g., wind, snow, etc.) and dead loads (e.g., the weight of the roofing materials 132, etc.) is efficient and safely transferred to the foundation 110.
The supporting bands 212 are not required to be an actual band, and may also be in the form of a tube, rod, or the like. For example, if reinforcing rods or tubes are used, the rods or tubes may be bent or configured to form the particular shape that the parties are interested in. Then, the ends of the reinforcing rod or tube can be secured to one another to form a continuous loop or band capable of withstanding the necessary tensile forces. Supporting bands 212 may be comprised of any suitable plastic, steel, aluminum, metal alloys, or combinations thereof, provided that they are capable of exhibiting the necessary tensile strength properties without failing. More specifically, and regardless of their form or configuration, the continuous support bands 212 must be capable of counter-balancing the horizontal load component of the roof 230 (both the live and dead loads) and preventing the rim or perimeter joists 235 and the support posts 120 that support the same from buckling outward and failing. It is also contemplated that when selecting the appropriate size of supporting band 212 and/or the number of bands 212 for a particular application, an appropriate factor of safety will also be employed in accordance with sound engineering practice.
In traditional structures and with structure 100, the vertical load component of the roof 230 is transferred from the rafters 210 to the plurality of rim or perimeter joists 235. The plurality of rim or perimeter joists 235 are, in turn, attached to the plurality of support posts 120 that are positioned around the perimeter of the structure 100 in spaced apart fashion by any common fastening means known in the art, such as nails, screws, bolts and the like. The plurality of support posts 120 are, in turn, supported by the foundation 110. In this manner, the entire load associated with the roof 230, including both live loads (e.g., wind, snow, etc.) and dead loads (e.g., the weight of the roofing materials 132, etc.) is efficient and safely transferred to the foundation 110.
The live and dead loads associated with the roof 230 are transferred from the plurality of boards 232 to the plurality of rafters 210 that transfer both a horizontal load component and a vertical load component to the plurality of rim or perimeter joists 235. In this instance, the vertical load component of the roof 230 is transferred from the rafters 210 to the plurality of rim or perimeter joists 235, which are, in turn, attached to the plurality of support posts 120. The plurality of support posts 120 are positioned around the perimeter of the structure 100 in spaced apart fashion by any common fastening means known in the art, such as nails, screws, bolts and the like. The plurality of support posts 120 are, in turn, supported by the foundation 110.
However in this instance, and unlike prior art structures, the horizontal load component is counter-balanced by the presence of one or more continuous support bands 212 positioned along the outside face of the rim or perimeter joists 235, as best shown in
However, as best shown in
Further, the structure 100 may further comprise one or more architectural components 320 positioned at each of the support posts 120, as best shown in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “bands” are interchangeable and refer to tubes, rings, wires, bands, strips and the like of the present invention.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/071,606, which was filed on Aug. 29, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63071606 | Aug 2020 | US |
