U.S. patent application number 11/301390 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for systems and methods for fabricating a structure on an uneven surface.
Invention is credited to Gerardo Estadilla Detal.
Application Number | 20070130875 11/301390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38137885 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070130875 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Detal; Gerardo Estadilla |
June 14, 2007 |
Systems and methods for fabricating a structure on an uneven
surface
Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods for fabricating a structure on
an uneven surface. A bracket is disclosed for attachment of a beam
or the like to an uneven surface such as a tree trunk, telephone
pole, or the like. The bracket includes mechanisms for leveling and
adjusting the height and horizontal and vertical orientations of
the beam. Coupling of one or more beams to the uneven surface
facilitates attachment of frames, which facilitates attachment of
additional beams or similar members upon which additional
components may be assembled such as additional support members,
flooring, posts, railings, walls, windows, doors, ladders, roofs,
and the like. Further disclosed are frame hinges that facilitate
attachment of the frame to the uneven surface. Also, coupling
brackets are disclosed for coupling of beams, frames, support
members, and the like to each other. Additionally, a kit for
fabricating a treehouse on a tree trunk is disclosed.
Inventors: |
Detal; Gerardo Estadilla;
(Piscataway, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF RITA C. CHIPPERSON
89 HEADQUARTERS PLAZA NORTH
14TH FLOOR, SUITE 1472
MORRISTOWN
NJ
07960
US
|
Family ID: |
38137885 |
Appl. No.: |
11/301390 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/650.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/650.3 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/00 20060101
E04H012/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for assembling a structure on an uneven surface
comprising: at least two main beams; at least two main brackets
coupled to said main beams for attachment of said main beams to
said uneven surface and for support of said main beams; at least
two perpendicular frames coupled to said main beams and said uneven
surface for support of said main beams and said structure; and at
least parallel frames coupled to said at least two perpendicular
frames and said uneven surface for support of said structure.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said
main brackets facilitates at least one of the group consisting of
adjustment of a height of said main beam, adjustment of a vertical
angular orientation of said main beam, adjustment of a horizontal
orientation of said main beam, adjustment of a horizontal angular
orientation of said main beam, leveling of said main beam, and
combinations thereof.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
group consisting of said main beam, said perpendicular frame, said
parallel frame, and combinations thereof is coupled to at least one
of the group consisting of said main beam, said perpendicular
frame, said parallel frame, and combinations thereof via at least
one coupling bracket.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said coupling bracket
includes at least two pairs of flanges; and wherein said first pair
of flanges is oriented perpendicular to said second pair of
flanges.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
group consisting of said perpendicular frame, said parallel frame,
and combinations thereof includes at least one frame hinge; wherein
each of said frame hinges includes a first frame hinge member and a
second frame hinge member; wherein said first frame hinge member is
bent at a ninety degree angle to form a seat; and wherein said
second frame hinge member is linear.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1, said apparatus further
comprising: a plurality of members coupled to at least one of the
group consisting of said main beam, said perpendicular frame, said
parallel frame, and combinations thereof; at least one floor board
coupled to the upwardly facing surfaces of said members; wherein
said at least one floor board provides a horizontal surface.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the
group consisting of at least one wall, a roof, at least one
railing, at least one ladder, at least one post, at least one
window, at least one door, and combinations thereof are assembled
atop said horizontal surface.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said structure is a
tree house and said uneven surface is an outwardly facing surface
of a tree trunk.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8, said apparatus further
comprising: at least one filler for filling at least one vertical
surface gap; wherein said fillers facilitate conversion of said
treehouse to a playhouse; and wherein said playhouse is assembled
on a horizontal surface.
10. An apparatus for coupling a beam to an uneven surface
comprising: at least one vertical member for affixing said
apparatus to said uneven surface; at least one horizontal member
coupled to said at least one vertical member; at least one hinging
mechanism coupled to said vertical member via said horizontal
member; and at least one beam holder coupled to said hinging
mechanism for holding at least one beam.
11. An apparatus according to claim 10, said apparatus further
comprising: at least one supportive member coupled to a bottommost
end of said vertical member and a distal end of said horizontal
member for supporting said horizontal member.
12. An apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: at
least one strap encircling the perimeter of said uneven surface for
securing said apparatus to said uneven surface.
13. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said apparatus
includes at least one of the group consisting of a height
adjustment mechanism for adjusting a height of said beam contained
therein, a leveling mechanism for adjusting a level of said beam
contained therein, a horizontal angular orientation adjustment
mechanism for adjusting a horizontal angular orientation of said
beam relative to said uneven surface, and combinations thereof.
14. A method of manufacturing a structure adjacent to an uneven
surface comprising: attaching at least two main brackets to an
uneven surface; coupling at least one main beam to each of said
main brackets; coupling at least two perpendicular frames to said
main beams; and coupling at least two parallel frames to said
perpendicular frames.
15. A method according to claim 14, said method further comprising:
securing said main brackets to said uneven surface via at least one
strap.
16. A method according to claim 14, wherein at least one of said
main brackets facilitates at least one of the group consisting of
adjustment of a height of said main beam, adjustment of a vertical
angular orientation of said main beam, adjustment of a horizontal
orientation of said main beam, adjustment of a horizontal angular
orientation of said main beam, leveling of said main beam, and
combinations thereof.
17. A method according to claim 14, said apparatus further
comprising: at least one strap encircling the perimeter of said
uneven surface for securing at least one of said main brackets to
said uneven surface.
18. A method according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the
group consisting of said main beam, said perpendicular frame, said
parallel frame, and combinations thereof is coupled to at least one
of the group consisting of said main beam, said perpendicular
frame, said parallel frame, and combinations thereof via at least
one coupling bracket.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said coupling
bracket includes at least two pairs of flanges; and wherein said
first pair of flanges is oriented perpendicular to said second pair
of flanges.
20. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the
group consisting of said perpendicular frame, said parallel frame,
and combinations thereof includes at least one frame hinge; wherein
each of said frame hinges includes a first frame hinge member and a
second frame hinge member; wherein said first frame hinge member is
bent at a ninety degree angle to form a seat; and wherein said
second frame hinge member is linear.
21. An apparatus according to claim 14, said apparatus further
comprising: a plurality of members coupled to at least one of the
group consisting of said main beam, said perpendicular frame, said
parallel frame, and combinations thereof; at least one floor board
coupled to the upwardly facing surfaces of said members; wherein
said at least one floor board provides a horizontal surface.
22. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the
group consisting of at least one wall, a roof, at least one
railing, at least one ladder, at least one post, at least one
window, at least one door, and combinations thereof are assembled
atop said horizontal surface.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said structure is a
tree house and said uneven surface is an outwardly facing surface
of a tree trunk.
24. An apparatus according to claim 23, said apparatus further
comprising: at least one filler for filling at least one vertical
surface gap; wherein said fillers facilitate conversion of said
treehouse to a playhouse; and wherein said playhouse is assembled
on a horizontal surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to
systems and methods for facilitating fabrication of a structure on
an uneven surface. More specifically, embodiments of the present
invention relate to systems and methods for facilitating
fabrication of a structure such as a treehouse, platform, and the
like on an uneven surface such as a tree trunk, telephone pole, and
the like.
[0002] Many systems and methods have been created for suspending a
horizontal platform from a vertical surface. Many such systems and
methods have been created as temporary or moveable platforms for
workers. In its most simplistic form, such systems are created to
encircle a cylindrical object such as a chimney or pole. In one
such system, eight triangular brackets are included, wherein one
side of each triangular bracket includes a hook and a bumper, as
well as a cable with eight spacer blocks. To install the platform,
the cable is passed about the chimney, pulled taut, and secured.
Each bracket is then secured to the cable by passing its hook over
the cable at a position adjacent to a respective one of the spacer
blocks such that its bumper is flush with the vertical surface at a
position below the cable. Such orientation causes a second side of
each triangular bracket to be perpendicular to the vertical surface
such that floorboards, railings, and the like may be attached
thereto. Additionally, the brackets may be collapsible to
facilitate transportation. In other similar systems, the railings
are permanently attached to the brackets to eliminate an assembly
step.
[0003] Many systems and methods have also been created to suspend
an enclosed structure having a horizontal floor, walls, and a roof
from a vertical surface such as a tree or pole. Many such systems
and methods are intended to allow an inexperienced installer to
easily assemble the structure. In its most simplistic form, such
systems include a set of frames, a set of templates, and assembly
instructions.
[0004] In one such system, a set of eight floor, wall, and roof
frames are included and the frames are configured such that the
resulting structure has an octagonal configuration. Each floor
frame is equidistantly attached to the vertical surface around the
circumference of the vertical surface such that even support is
provided for the structure. After attachment of the floor frames to
the vertical surface, plywood is attached thereto to create a floor
for the structure. Next, a wall frame is attached to each floor
frame. Thereafter, roof frames are attached to the vertical surface
such that they align with the previously installed floor frames,
thereby facilitating attachment of each roof frame to the upper end
of a respective one of the wall frames. After the wall and roof
frames have been installed, the walls and roof are mounted to the
wall and roof frames, respectively. The provided templates and
instructions aid the installer in accurately cutting the floor,
wall, and roof members.
[0005] In a similar system, a tree house kit is provided that
includes, inter alia, three annular members, timber joists, timber
outer members, angled brackets, floor boards, vertical posts, a
rope railing, netting, tension cables, walls, a door, roof boards,
and a roof skirt. The annular members are attached to the trunk of
the tree at varying heights to provide support for specific
components of the tree house. The annular member mounted at the
lowest height supports the floor joists, which in turn support the
bases of the walls and the floorboards. The annual member located
at a height between two annular members supports radial roof
joists, which in turn support the upper portions of the walls and
the roof boards of the tree house. The annular member located at
the highest height supports tension cables that extend from the
annular member to each wall. A roof skirt is then placed atop the
tension cables, thereby forming the roof of the treehouse.
Furthermore, one of the walls includes a door for access to the
interior of the treehouse. Also, rope and netting may be strung
between vertical railing poles extending from the edge of the base
to create a railing.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Briefly stated, in one aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus for assembling a structure on an uneven surface is
provided. This apparatus includes at least two main beams, at least
two main brackets coupled to the main beams for attachment of the
main beams to the uneven surface and for support of the main beams,
at least two perpendicular frames coupled to the main beams and the
uneven surface for support of the main beams and the structure, and
at least parallel frames coupled to the perpendicular frames and
the uneven surface for support of the structure.
[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for
coupling a beam to an uneven surface is provided. This apparatus
includes at least one vertical member for affixing the apparatus to
the uneven surface, at least one horizontal member coupled to the
vertical member(s), at least one hinging mechanism coupled to the
vertical member via the horizontal member, and at least one beam
holder coupled to the hinging mechanism for holding at least one
beam.
[0008] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of
manufacturing a structure adjacent to an uneven surface is
provided. This method includes attaching at least two main brackets
to an uneven surface, coupling at least one main beam to each of
the main brackets, coupling at least two perpendicular frames to
the main beams; and coupling at least two parallel frames to the
perpendicular frames.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are
shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the
drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts an assembled structure in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2A depicts a side view of two main brackets secured to
a tree trunk and secured with a strap thereto in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 2B depicts an enlarged detailed view of a main bracket
in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted
in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a front view of one main bracket secured to a
tree trunk and supporting a main beam in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 including an
exploded view of a primary coupling bracket.
[0014] FIG. 4A depicts a top view of a main bracket secured to a
tree trunk and supporting a main beam in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 including a
mechanism for horizontally adjusting a main beam.
[0015] FIG. 4B depicts an angled side and top view of a main
bracket secured to a tree trunk and supporting a main beam in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in
FIG. 1 including a mechanism for adjusting a rotational angle of a
main beam.
[0016] FIG. 5A depicts an angled front view of an assembled
perpendicular frame in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention depicted in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 5B depicts an enlarged angled front view of a frame
hinge in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
depicted in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5C depicts a magnified side view of the coupling of a
perpendicular beam to a perpendicular frame vertical member via the
frame hinge illustrated in FIG. 5B in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a perpendicular frame attached
to two main beams and a tree trunk in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 including
exploded views of primary coupling brackets.
[0020] FIG. 7 depicts an angled front view of an assembled parallel
frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
depicted in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a parallel frame attached to
two perpendicular frames and a tree trunk in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 9 depicts an angled top view of a partial base frame in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in
FIG. 1 including attachment of primary and secondary coupling
brackets thereto and an exploded view of a parallel frame.
[0023] FIG. 10 depicts an angled top and side view of an assembled
outer floor frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention depicted in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 11 depicts an angled top and side view of an assembled
inner floor frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention depicted in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 12 depicts an angled top and side view of a base in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in
FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 13 depicts an angled top and side view of a floor in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in
FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 14A depicts three wall panels in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 14B depicts a rear view of the attachment of two wall
panels to each other in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention depicted in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 15 depicts side and front railings attached to the
base, an inner post, and a wall paper in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 16 depicts a side wall, side outer railings, a center
side post, and a front side post after attachment to the base in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in
FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 17 depicts front center railings, front posts, and a
ladder after attachment to front side posts, the floor, and the
floor base in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention depicted in FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 18 depicts an exploded view of the assembly of a rear
wall in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
depicted in FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 19 depicts the attachment of a front roof to wall
panels, center side posts, and front side posts in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 20 depicts attachment of a rear roof to wall panels and
a rear wall in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention depicted in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Referring first to FIG. 1, depicted is an assembled
structure 100 (e.g., a tree house) in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the
present invention, structure 100 is assembled around the perimeter
of tree trunk 102. However, in alternate embodiments, the structure
may be attached to tree trunk 102 or may partially surround tree
trunk 102 without departing from the scope of the present
invention. In the depicted embodiment, structure 100 is supported
by base 104, which is in turn supported by perpendicular and
parallel frames 106 and 108, respectively, as discussed in greater
detail below.
[0036] Turning next to FIG. 2A, depicted is a side view of main
brackets 202 secured to tree trunk 102 in accordance with an
initial step of assembling structure 100 (FIG. 1) in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. Each main bracket 202
provides support for main beams 234 (FIG. 2B). A strap such as
strap 230 is implemented for additional support of main brackets
202. In such embodiments, strap 230 is passed around the
circumference of tree trunk 102 at a height just above main bracket
horizontal member 206 (FIG. 2B), pulled taut, and secured via a
strap faster such as strap fastener 232.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 2B, each main bracket 202 of the
embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 2A includes,
inter alia, main bracket vertical member 204, main bracket
horizontal member 206, main bracket supportive member 210, main
bracket hinging mechanism 212, aperture fastener 236, main beam
holder 220, main beam fastener 218, and main beam height adjustment
mechanism 224.
[0038] Main bracket vertical member 204, main bracket horizontal
member 206, main bracket supportive member 210, main bracket
hinging mechanism 212, and main beam holder 220 may be fabricated
from any rigid, non-corrosive material or other suitable material.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned
items are fabricated from steel with a thickness of at least one
quarter of an inch. In one embodiment of the present invention,
main bracket vertical member 204 is a rectangular plate, however,
other forms of main bracket vertical member 204 may be substituted
without departing from the scope of the present invention. Main
bracket horizontal member 206 extends perpendicularly from the
vertical midpoint of main bracket vertical member 204. The
horizontal position of main bracket horizontal member 206 is
maintained by one or more main bracket supportive members 210. In
one embodiment of the present invention, main bracket supportive
members 210 are triangular plates. In this embodiment, one main
bracket supportive member 210 is attached to each edge of main
bracket horizontal member 206 and main bracket vertical member 204
such that the ninety degree angle of main bracket supportive member
210 is located at the point of intersection of main bracket
horizontal member 206 and main bracket vertical member 204.
[0039] In one aspect of the present invention, main bracket hinging
mechanism 212 includes first hinge member 214, second hinge member
216, and coupler 208 (e.g. hinge pin). First hinge member 214 is
moveably attached to main bracket horizontal member 206 via
aperture fastener 236 and horizontal adjusters 402 (FIG. 4A).
Aperture fastener 236 is passed through first hinge member aperture
217 and main bracket horizontal member aperture 207, after which it
is tightened, thereby coupling first hinge member 214 to main
bracket horizontal member 206. Second hinge member 216 is attached
to first hinge member 214 via coupler 208 such that second hinge
member 216 may pivot with respect to first hinge member 214 about
coupler 208.
[0040] Main beam holder 220 may be permanently or removably
attached to second hinge member 216. In some embodiments of the
present invention, main beam holders 220 are U-shaped and have a
width slightly larger than the width of the respective main beam
234 to accommodate insertion of main beams 234 within the
respective main beam holder 220. After insertion, main beams 234
may be secured to main brackets 202 by aligning main beam aperture
222 with corresponding main beam holder apertures 244 and second
hinge member aperture 246 such that main beam fastener 218 may be
passed therethrough. Thereafter, main beam fastener 218 is secured
by affixing main beam fastener retainers 248 to one or more ends of
main beam fastener 218. In the depicted embodiment of the present
invention, main beam fastener aperture 222 is prefabricated within
main beams 234 to ensure that brackets 202 are affixed to the
center of main beams 234 (as depicted in FIG. 3). Other
embodiments, however, are envisioned in which creation of main beam
fastener aperture 222 is an additional step of the process of
assembling the structure. Although main beam fastener 218 is
depicted as a bolt secured by nuts (i.e., the main beam fastener
retainers 248), other fasteners and/or retainers may be substituted
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more of
main beam 234 may be comprised of one or more main beam segments.
In one aspect of the present invention, such beam segments are
identical, aligned mated two inch by four inch by eight foot wooden
beams. However, other dimensions and materials may be substituted
without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For
example, main beams 234 may be constructed from any durable
suitable construction material including, but not limited to,
steel, aluminum, heavyweight plastic polymer, and wood and plastic
composites. Additionally, other main beams 234 having varying
dimensions may be employed to alter the resulting dimensions of the
assembled structure.
[0042] After attachment of perpendicular frame 106 to beams 234 as
described with respect to FIG. 6, beams 234 may require adjustment.
The need for adjustment may occur for a variety of reasons. For
example, tree trunk 102 may not be perfectly vertical. Or, the
assembler may not have accurately installed main brackets 202 at
the same height of tree trunk 102, thereby causing the height of a
first main beam 234a secured to a first main bracket such as main
bracket 202a to be different than the height of a second main beam
234b secured to a second main bracket such as main bracket 202b.
Therefore, the present invention provides a variety of systems and
methods for adjusting main beams 234 that do not require removal
and reinstallation of main brackets 202. Such methods of adjustment
maintain the integrity of tree trunk 102, which may be comprised if
such brackets are removed and reinstalled.
[0043] One such method of adjustment adjusts the height of main
beam 234 within the respective main beam holder 220 using main beam
height adjustment mechanism 224. In the embodiment of the present
invention depicted in FIG. 2B, main beam height adjustment
mechanism 224 includes main beam support base 238 and one or more
height adjusters 240. In one embodiment of the present invention,
height adjuster 240 is simply a bolt threaded through the
downwardly facing surface of main beam holder 220. In such an
embodiment, the height of main beam support base 238 is adjusted by
threading or unthreading height adjuster 240. Prior to such
adjustment, main beam fastener retainers 248 may be loosened
slightly to allow main beam fastener 218 to ascend or descend with
respect to main beam holder apertures 244 and second hinge member
aperture 246 during the adjustment process. The assembler may then
adjust the position of main beam height adjustment mechanism 224,
thereby altering the height of main beam support base 238, until
the height of main beam 234 is aligned with all other main beams
234, or as otherwise desired by the assembler. When the desired
heights have been obtained, main beam fastener retainers 248 may be
retightened. In this embodiment, main beam height adjustment
mechanism 224 includes main beam support base 238 and height
adjuster 240, however, other methods of adjustment may be
substituted without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0044] Another such method of adjustment adjusts the vertical
angular orientation of main beam 234 with respect to tree trunk
102. As depicted in FIG. 2B, main bracket hinging mechanism 212
couples main bracket horizontal member 206 to main beam holder 220
in a hinged manner such that main beam holder 220, and main beam
234 contained therein, can be rotated about coupler 208 to achieve
the desired vertical angular orientation of main beam 234. In the
embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 2B, coupler
208 may be loosened to allow the free rotation of main beam holder
220, and main beam 234 contained therein as a single unit to
achieve a level or otherwise desired vertical angular orientation
of main beam 234. Thereafter, coupler 208 is re-tightened to lock
main beam 234 in its orientation, thereby rendering it motionless.
In one embodiment of the present invention, main bracket hinging
mechanism 212 comprises one or more hinges coupled with a threaded
hinge pin secured with a nut, however other fasteners or adjusters,
or any combination thereof, may be substituted without departing
from the scope of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
vertical angular orientation of main beam 234 is achieved through
the adjustment of main bracket hinging mechanism 212, however,
other methods of adjustment may be substituted without departing
from the scope of the invention. For example, in one embodiment of
the present invention, no adjustment is required because attachment
of perpendicular frame 106 causes proper vertical angular
orientation of main beam 234 to occur naturally.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 3, depicted is main bracket 202a
attached to tree trunk 102 and containing a main beam 234. To
attach main bracket 202a to tree trunk 102, main bracket vertical
member 204 is positioned on tree trunk 102 such that the desired
height of base 104 (FIG. 1) of the assembled structure 100 will be
achieved. Once the desired position is achieved, main bracket
vertical member 204 is initially attached to tree trunk 102 by
fastening a fastener such as penetrating fastener 226 (FIG. 2B) to
tree trunk 102 through main bracket vertical member aperture 302a.
The location of main bracket vertical member aperture 302a and the
weight of main bracket vertical member 204, alone or in combination
with the weight of main bracket horizontal member 206 (FIG. 2B) and
main bracket supportive member 210 (FIG. 2B), cause main bracket
vertical member 204 to become plumb. Thereafter, main bracket
vertical member 204 is further secured to tree trunk 102 via
additional penetrating fasteners 226 (FIG. 2B) fastened to tree
trunk 102 through the remaining main bracket vertical member
apertures 302b-302i. Penetrating fasteners 226 (FIG. 2B) may be
virtually any fastener known in the art capable of penetrating a
material (e.g., wood, plastic and wood composite, tree trunks,
etc.) including, but not limited to, screws, nails, duplex nails,
lag bolts, and staples, or any combination thereof.
[0046] Next, additional main brackets may be positioned at heights
equivalent to main bracket 202a. For example, a second main bracket
202b may be located approximately one hundred and eighty degrees
around the circumference of tree trunk 102 relative to main bracket
202a as depicted in FIG. 2A. After all main brackets 202 are
secured to tree trunk 102, or after each individual main bracket
202 is secured thereto, main beams 234 may be attached to
respective main beam holders 220 as discussed above with respect to
FIG. 2B. In one aspect of the present invention, main beam fastener
218 (FIG. 2B) passes through the longitudinal center of main beam
234 such that equal lengths of main beam 234 extend from both sides
of main bracket 202.
[0047] Either after or before main beams 234 are assembled within
main beam holders 220, primary coupling brackets 306 may be
attached to either or both ends or at other intermediate locations
of main beams 234. In one embodiment of the present invention,
primary coupling brackets 306 are attached to both ends of both
main beams 234. Main beams 234 contain main beam coupling bracket
apertures 309 to facilitate such attachment. Primary coupling
brackets 306 are passed over the ends of main beam 234 until main
beam primary coupling bracket first flange apertures 310a and 310b
of primary coupling bracket first flanges 308 align with main beam
coupling bracket apertures 309a and 309b, respectively. Fasteners
such as aperture fasteners 236 are then passed through main beam
primary coupling bracket first flange apertures 310 and main beam
coupling bracket apertures 309 to affix primary coupling bracket
306 to the respective main beam 234. Alternatively, primary
coupling brackets 306 may be attached to main beams 234 during
another part of the assembly process (e.g., after assembly of
perpendicular frame 106). Primary coupling brackets 306 facilitate
attachment to a beam or the like inserted between primary coupling
bracket second flanges 314, the latter of which include primary
coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 for use as discussed
in greater detail below.
[0048] Turning next to FIG. 4A, depicted is a top view of main
bracket 202 attached to tree trunk 102 after insertion of main beam
234 in main bracket 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. While securing perpendicular frame 106 to main
beams 234, as described with respect to FIG. 6, and adjusting the
height and vertical orientation of main beams 234 as described
above with respect to FIG. 2B, main beams 234 may require further
adjustment of their horizontal orientations. To provide a level
floor and evenly distributed support for an assembled structure 100
(FIG. 1), all main beams should be parallel to all other main beams
234. After the initial installation of main brackets 202, all main
beams 234 may not be parallel if, for example, the curvature of
tree trunk 102 varies or if the user did not properly locate each
main bracket 202 with respect to all other main brackets 202.
[0049] The horizontal orientations of main beams 234 relative to
main bracket horizontal member 206 and tree trunk 102 may be
adjusted by first loosening all horizontal adjusters 402 and all
aperture fasteners 236 that couple main bracket horizontal member
206 to hinging mechanism 212. After such aperture fasteners 236 and
horizontal adjusters 402 have been loosened, main beam 234, main
beam holder 220, and main bracket hinging mechanism 212 (FIG. 2B)
will rotate horizontally as a single unit. Such rotation may be
desired during attachment of perpendicular frame 106 to main beam
234 to achieve the desired horizontal orientation. Horizontal
adjuster slides 404 are configured to allow horizontal adjusters
402 to move with horizontal adjustment of main beam 234. After the
attachment of perpendicular frame 106, or other horizontal
adjustment, aperture fasteners 236 and horizontal adjusters 402 are
re-tightened to lock main beam 234 in its orientation, thereby
rendering it motionless. In one embodiment of the present
invention, horizontal adjusters 402 are bolts secured with nuts,
however other fasteners or adjusters, or any combination thereof,
may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the horizontal angular adjustment of
main beam 234 is achieved through the adjustment of hinging
mechanism 212, aperture fastener 236, and horizontal adjusters 402,
however, other methods of adjustment may be substituted without
departing from the scope of the invention. Using the systems and
methods of the present invention, additional adjustments to the
height and/or orientation of main beam 234 may be performed
throughout the assembly process and after all elements of the
structure have been assembled, for example, to accommodate for
shifts due to the resulting load of each additional element.
[0050] FIG. 4B depicts another such method of adjustment that
allows main beam 234 and its respective main beam holder 220 to be
rotated relative to main beam fastener 218. In the embodiment of
the present invention depicted in FIG. 4B, main beam fastener
retainers 248 may be loosened to allow main beam 234 and its
respective main beam holder 220 to rotate about main beam fastener
218 until the desired position is achieved. In one aspect of the
present invention, main beam 234 may be rotated such that main beam
234 is leveled. In one embodiment of the present invention, main
beam fastener 218 and main beam fastener retainers 248 are simply
nuts and bolts that can be freely loosened and retightened by the
assembler to allow for the rotation of main beams 234 as desired.
Furthermore, although the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4B achieves
rotation of main beam 234 via adjustment of main beam fastener 218
and main beam fastener retainers 248, other methods of rotational
adjustment may be substituted without departing from the scope of
the present invention.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 5A, depicted is an angled front view
of an assembled perpendicular frame 106 (i.e., a frame mounted
perpendicular to main beams 234) in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. Perpendicular frame 106 provides
structural support to main beams 234 and base 104. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the assembly and/or
installation of perpendicular frames 106 is performed after main
beams 234 have been properly oriented and leveled. Each
perpendicular frame 106 includes, inter alia, perpendicular frame
beam 502, perpendicular frame vertical member 504, and one or more
perpendicular frame supportive members 506. Perpendicular beam 502
may be a single member or a combination of one or more
perpendicular beam segments (e.g., two inch by four inch by eight
foot beams). The first step in assembling perpendicular frame 106
is to attach a first end of perpendicular frame vertical member 504
to the center of perpendicular beam 502 via one or more frame
hinges 508.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 5B, depicted is a magnified front view
of frame hinge 508 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. Frame hinge 508 includes first frame hinge member 518,
second frame hinge member 520, and frame hinge 522. In one aspect
of the present invention, first frame member 518 is a steel plate
bent at a ninety degree angle to form a seat upon which a beam or
member such as perpendicular beam 502 rests. First frame member 518
includes one or more frame hinge apertures 524 to facilitate
attachment of frame hinge 508 to perpendicular beam 502. Similarly,
second frame member 520 includes one or more frame hinge apertures
524 to facilitate attachment of frame hinge 508 to a beam or member
such as perpendicular frame vertical member 504.
[0053] Referring next to FIG. 5C, depicted is a magnified side view
of frame hinge 508 assembled such that perpendicular beam 502 is
coupled to perpendicular frame vertical member 504 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. To perform this
assembly, frame hinge 508 is first attached to perpendicular beam
502 by aligning frame hinge apertures 524a and 524b with
perpendicular beam apertures 534a and 534b, the latter of which
extend through the width of perpendicular beam 502. After proper
alignment is achieved, frame hinge 508 is secured to perpendicular
beam 502 via aperture fasteners 236. To further secure frame hinge
508 to perpendicular beam 502, penetrating fastener 226 is passed
through frame hinge aperture 524c and allowed to penetrate
perpendicular beam 502 until the head of penetrating fastener 226
is flush with the outwardly facing surface of first frame hinge
member 518.
[0054] Perpendicular frame hinge 508 is then affixed to
perpendicular frame vertical member 504 by aligning perpendicular
frame hinge apertures 524d-524f with perpendicular frame vertical
member apertures 526a and 526b of second frame hinge member 520,
the latter of which extend through the width of perpendicular frame
vertical member 504. After proper alignment is achieved,
perpendicular frame hinge 508 is secured to perpendicular frame
vertical member 504 via aperture fasteners 236. After perpendicular
beam 502 is coupled to perpendicular frame vertical member 504 via
perpendicular frame hinge 508 in the aforementioned manner, frame
hinge 522 (e.g., a hinge pin) allows the angle between
perpendicular beam 502 and perpendicular frame vertical member 504
to be altered to facilitate attachment of perpendicular frame 106
to tree trunk 102 as described below with respect to FIG. 6.
Although aperture fasteners 236 and penetrating fastener 226 are
depicted as nut and bolt combinations and a duplex nail,
respectively, any similar fasteners may be substituted without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0055] Referring back to FIG. 5A, once perpendicular frame vertical
member 504 has been secured to the approximate center point of
perpendicular beam 502, the distal end of perpendicular frame
vertical member 504 is joined with an end of each of perpendicular
frame supportive members 506. The union of these elements is formed
by aligning perpendicular frame vertical member aperture 510a with
perpendicular frame supportive member apertures 512a and 512b such
that the distal end of perpendicular frame vertical member 504 is
joined to perpendicular frame supportive members 506 via an
aperture fastener such as aperture fastener 236. Thereafter, the
non-joined ends of perpendicular frame supportive members 506a and
506b may be attached to a respective end of perpendicular beam 502.
In one embodiment of the present invention, such attachment is
performed using the same method described above with respect to
FIG. 5C for attachment of perpendicular frame vertical member 504
to perpendicular beam 502. However, other similar methods may be
substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
[0056] The final step in assembling perpendicular frame 106 is
attachment of frame coupler 538 to the bottommost end of
perpendicular frame vertical member 504. This coupler facilitates
attachment of perpendicular frame 106 to a surface such as a
surface of tree trunk 102. In the embodiment of the present
invention depicted in FIG. 5A, frame coupler 538 is a U channel.
Frame coupler 538 is attached to perpendicular frame vertical
member 504 by aligning frame coupler apertures 540a and 540b with
perpendicular frame vertical member aperture 510b such that they
may be coupled via a fastener such as aperture fastener 236.
Thereafter, the bottom end of perpendicular frame 106 may be
attached to a surface by passing a fastener through one or more
perpendicular frame coupler apertures 542. Preferably this fastener
is a duplex nail to allow perpendicular frame 106 to be removed if
initial attachment requires readjustment, but other fasteners could
be substituted without departing from the spirit of the present
invention. Similarly, perpendicular beam 502 also includes
perpendicular beam apertures 536 to facilitate attachment of
perpendicular frame 106 to main beams 234 and perpendicular beam
coupling bracket apertures 544 to facilitate attachment of
perpendicular frame 106 to primary coupling brackets 306. A
plurality of perpendicular beam apertures 536 are provided to allow
the position of beam 234 to be adjusted with respect to beam
relative to perpendicular beam 502. That is, the position of beam
234 relative to perpendicular beam 502 may be modified by attaching
its primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 to any one
of multiple pairs of perpendicular beam apertures 536. Such
flexibility allows structure 100 to be adapted to fit a variety of
tree trunk sizes.
[0057] After a first perpendicular frame 106 has been assembled,
the process described above with respect to FIG. 5A is then
repeated to assemble a second perpendicular frame 106. Or,
alternatively, both perpendicular frames 106 may be assembled
simultaneously. Any one or more of the steps discussed herein may
be performed in a different sequence than that described without
departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, one
or more steps may be omitted without departing from the scope
hereof. Each perpendicular frame 106 is then secured to tree trunk
102 and a respective one of main beams 234 as discussed with
respect to FIG. 6.
[0058] Turning now to FIG. 6, depicted is a side view of one
perpendicular frame 106 attached to main beams 234 and tree trunk
102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To
attach a first perpendicular frame 106 to one end of a first main
beam 234, a first perpendicular beam 502 is inserted between
primary coupling bracket second flanges 314 of both primary
coupling brackets 306 at the same ends of main beams 234 such that
perpendicular frame vertical member 504 of perpendicular frame 106
is approximately centered between primary coupling brackets 306 and
the inwardly facing surface of frame coupler 538 is in contact with
tree trunk 102. Upon proper alignment, aperture fasteners 236 are
passed through primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316
and the corresponding coupling bracket apertures 536 to secure
perpendicular frame 106 to main beams 234. The elongated nature of
primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 allows
perpendicular frame vertical member 504 to be precisely located
between each primary coupling bracket 306 regardless of the
diameter of tree trunk 102 while still exposing one or more
coupling bracket apertures 536.
[0059] After attachment of both perpendicular frames 106 to both
main beams 234, each perpendicular frame 106 is then attached to
tree trunk 102 via its respective frame coupler 538 and penetrating
fasteners 226. As discussed above, perpendicular frames 106 are
angled until frame couplers 538 are in their desired position
(e.g., flush with tree trunk 102). The locations of frame couplers
538 are then adjusted until perpendicular beams 502 are level. Upon
proper positioning of perpendicular frames 106, penetrating
fasteners 226 are passed through frame coupler apertures 542 (FIG.
5A) such that they penetrate tree trunk 102 until the head of
penetrating fasteners 226 are flush with the outwardly facing
surface of frame couplers 538. After securing frame couplers 538 to
tree trunk 102, beams 234 may require adjustment. Such adjustment
is described above with respect to FIGS. 2A and 4A.
[0060] After installation of perpendicular frames 106, first
flanges 308 of primary coupling brackets 306 are attached to both
ends of perpendicular beams 502 in an inverted position as compared
to primary coupling brackets 306 attached to main beams 234 as
discussed above with respect to FIG. 3. The ends of perpendicular
beams 502 contain perpendicular beam coupling bracket apertures 544
to facilitate such attachment. Primary coupling brackets 306 are
passed over the ends of perpendicular beam 502 until perpendicular
beam coupling bracket apertures 544a and 544b align with primary
coupling bracket first flange apertures 310b and 310a,
respectively. Aperture fasteners 236 are then passed through
primary coupling bracket first flange apertures 310 and
perpendicular beam coupling bracket apertures 544 to affix primary
coupling bracket 306 to the respective perpendicular beam 502.
Alternatively, primary coupling brackets 306 may be attached to
perpendicular beams 502 during another part of the assembly process
(e.g., after assembly of perpendicular frame 106 as described with
respect to FIG. 5A or after assembly of parallel frame 108 as
described with respect to FIG. 7) without departing from the scope
of the present invention. Primary coupling brackets 306 facilitate
attachment to a beam or the like inserted between primary coupling
bracket second flanges 314, the latter of which include primary
coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 as discussed in
greater detail above.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 7, depicted is an angled front view of
an assembled parallel frame 108 (i.e., a frame mounted parallel to
main beams 234) in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Each parallel frame 108 includes, inter alia, parallel
beam 702, parallel beam vertical member 704, and parallel beam
supportive members 706. Parallel beam 702 may be a single member or
a combination of one or more beam segments (e.g., two inch by four
inch by eight foot beams).
[0062] The first step in assembling parallel frame 108 is to attach
a first end of parallel frame vertical member 704 to the center of
parallel beam 702 via one or more frame hinges 508 in the same
manner with which a first end of perpendicular frame vertical
member 504 was attached to the center of perpendicular beam 502 as
discussed above with respect to FIG. 5C. Once parallel frame
vertical member 704 has been secured to the approximate center
point of parallel beam 702, the distal end of parallel frame
vertical member 704 is joined with an end of each of parallel frame
supportive members 706 in the same manner with which the distal end
of perpendicular frame vertical member 504 was joined with an end
of each of perpendicular frame supportive members 506. That is,
vertical member 704 is joined with an end of each of parallel frame
supportive members 706 by aligning parallel frame vertical member
aperture 710a with parallel frame supportive member apertures 712a
and 712b such that the distal end of parallel frame vertical member
704 is joined to parallel frame supportive members 706 via an
aperture fastener such as aperture fastener 236.
[0063] Thereafter, the non-joined ends of parallel frame supportive
members 706a and 706b may be attached to a respective end of
parallel beam 702. In one embodiment of the present invention, such
attachment is performed using frame hinges 508 and the same method
described above with respect to FIG. 5C for attachment of
perpendicular frame vertical member 504 to perpendicular beam 502.
However, other similar methods may be substituted without departing
from the scope hereof.
[0064] The final step in assembling parallel frame 108 is
attachment of frame coupler 538 to the bottommost end of parallel
frame vertical member 704. This coupler facilitates attachment of
parallel frame 108 to a surface such as a surface of tree trunk
102. Frame coupler 538 may be attached to parallel frame vertical
member 704 by aligning frame coupler apertures 540a and 540b with
parallel frame vertical member aperture 710b such that they may be
coupled via a fastener such as aperture fastener 236. Thereafter,
the bottom end of parallel frame 108 may be attached to a surface
by passing one or more penetrating fasteners through one or more
frame coupler apertures 542. Parallel beams 702 also include
parallel beam apertures 720 at each end, which facilitate
attachment of parallel frame 108 to perpendicular frame 106.
[0065] Turning next to FIG. 8, depicted is a side view of one
parallel frame 108 attached to two perpendicular beams 502 and tree
trunk 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Both parallel frames 108 may be attached to
perpendicular frames 106 by inserting either end of each parallel
beam 702 between opposing primary coupling bracket second flanges
314 of primary coupling brackets 306 attached to the ends of
perpendicular beams 502 such that parallel frame vertical member
704 is approximately centered between primary coupling brackets 306
and the inwardly facing surface of perpendicular frame coupler 538
is in contact with tree trunk 102. Upon proper alignment, aperture
fasteners 236 (FIG. 7) are passed through primary coupling bracket
second flange apertures 316 and the corresponding parallel beam
apertures 720 (FIG. 7) to secure parallel frames 108 to
perpendicular frames 106. The elongated nature of primary coupling
bracket second flange apertures 316 allows parallel frame vertical
member 704 to be precisely located between each primary coupling
bracket 306 regardless of the diameter of tree trunk 102.
[0066] After attachment of parallel frame 108 to perpendicular
frame 106, each parallel frame 108 is then attached to tree trunk
102 via its respective frame coupler 538 and penetrating fasteners
226. As discussed above, parallel frames 108 are angled until frame
couplers 538 are in their desired position (e.g., flush with tree
trunk 102). The locations of frame couplers 538 are then adjusted
until parallel beams 702 are level. Upon proper positioning of
parallel frames 108, penetrating fasteners 226 are passed through
frame coupler apertures 542 (FIG. 7) such that they penetrate tree
trunk 102 until the head of penetrating fasteners 226 are flush
with the outwardly facing surface of frame couplers 538.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 9, depicted is an angled top view of
partial base frame 902 after attachment of secondary coupling
brackets 904 and primary coupling brackets 306 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. Partial base frame 902
includes main beams 234, perpendicular beams 502, and parallel
beams 702. Main beams 234 and parallel beams 702 are supported by
perpendicular beams 502 such that main beams 234 and parallel beams
702 are at the same height, thereby facilitating installation of a
level base 104 as described below in greater detail with respect to
FIG. 12.
[0068] Secondary coupling brackets 904 and primary coupling
brackets 306 allow outer and inner floor frames 1002 (FIG. 10) and
1102 (FIG. 11), respectively, to be attached to partial base frame
902 as described below with respect to FIG. 12. In the embodiment
of the present invention depicted in FIG. 9, secondary coupling
brackets 904 are attached to main beams 234 at each end. Additional
secondary coupling brackets 904 are also attached at intermediate
positions approximately centered between the ends of main beams 234
and tree trunk 102. However, such locations may be varied without
departing from the scope of the present invention. Secondary
coupling brackets 904 are installed by passing them over main beams
234 such that each side of main beams 234 contacts an inwardly
facing surface of a respective one of secondary coupling bracket
first flanges 908 and such that the outwardly facing surface of
secondary coupling bracket second flange 910 is directed toward
tree trunk 102. Exact positioning of secondary coupling brackets
904 is not necessary as further adjustment may be performed during
installation of outer floor frames 1002 (FIG. 10). Secondary
coupling brackets 904 additionally include secondary coupling
bracket seat 912, secondary coupling bracket first flange apertures
916, and secondary coupling bracket second flange apertures 914 to
facilitate attachment of outer floor frames 1002.
[0069] In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG.
9, primary coupling brackets 306 are attached to main beams 234 at
locations surrounding tree trunk 102 as depicted in FIG. 9 using
the method described above with respect of FIG. 3. Primary coupling
brackets are also installed on parallel beams 702 such that they
align with the primary coupling brackets 306 installed on main
beams 234 using similar methods. Exact positioning of primary
coupling brackets 306 is not necessary as further adjustment may be
performed during installation of inner floor frames 1102 (FIG. 11).
Primary coupling brackets 306 additionally include primary coupling
bracket first flange apertures 310 and primary coupling bracket
second flange apertures 316 to facilitate attachment of inner floor
frames 1102.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 10, depicted is an angled top and side
view of an assembled outer floor frame 1002 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the
present invention, outer floor frames 1002 are preassembled and
contain floor boards such as floor boards 1304 (FIG. 13), however,
in another embodiment of the present invention, the assembly of
four identical outer floor frames 1002 is required. Each outer
floor frame 1002 includes three outer floor longitudinal members
1004 and two outer floor latitudinal members 1006. Outer floor
frame 1002 is assembled by aligning outer floor longitudinal member
apertures 1010 located at the ends of outer floor longitudinal
members 1004a and 1004c with outer floor latitudinal member bores
1012 located at the ends of outer floor latitudinal members 1006a
and 1006b. After proper alignment, these members are coupled via
insertion of bore fastener 1008 through outer floor longitudinal
member apertures 1010 into outer floor latitudinal member bores
1012 such that a rectangular or square frame is formed. Thereafter,
the ends of the remaining outer floor longitudinal member 1004b are
coupled to the midpoints of outer floor latitudinal members 1006 in
the same manner. That is, after proper alignment, these members are
coupled via insertion of bore fasteners 1008 through outer floor
latitudinal member apertures 1014 into outer floor longitudinal
member bores 1016. Bore fasteners 1008 may include, but are not
limited to, duplex nails and tee nuts.
[0071] Referring next to FIG. 11, depicted is an angled top and
side view of an assembled inner floor frame 1102 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. Inner floor frames 1102 are
identical to outer floor frames 1002 except that inner floor
longitudinal members 1104 and inner floor latitudinal members 1106
have dimensions that vary from the dimensions of outer floor
longitudinal members 1004 and outer floor latitudinal members 1006,
respectively. In one embodiment of the present invention, inner
floor frames 1102 are preassembled and contain floor boards such as
floor boards 1304 (FIG. 13), however, in another embodiment of the
present invention, the assembly of four identical inner floor
frames 1102 is required. Each inner floor frame 1102 includes three
inner floor longitudinal members 1104 and two inner floor
latitudinal members 1106. Inner floor frame 1102 is assembled by
aligning inner floor longitudinal member apertures 1110 located at
the ends of inner floor longitudinal members 1104a and 1104c with
inner floor latitudinal member bores 1112 located at the ends of
inner floor latitudinal members 1106a and 1106b. After proper
alignment, these members are coupled via insertion of bore fastener
1008 through inner floor longitudinal member apertures 1110 into
inner floor latitudinal member bores 1112 such that a rectangular
or square frame is formed. Thereafter, the ends of the remaining
inner floor longitudinal member 1104b are coupled to the midpoints
of inner floor latitudinal members 1106 in the same manner. That
is, after proper alignment, these members are coupled via insertion
of bore fasteners 1008 through inner floor latitudinal member
apertures 1114 into inner floor longitudinal member bores 1116.
[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, inner floor
latitudinal members 1106 include indents 1136. Such indents 1136
allow brackets such as primary coupling brackets 306 to be recessed
such that inner floor latitudinal members 1106 may be assembled
directly adjacent to primary coupling brackets 306 (i.e., without
forming a gap between inner floor latitudinal members 1106 and
outer floor longitudinal members 1104).
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 12, depicted is an angled top and side
view of base 104. In one embodiment of the present invention, base
104 includes outer and inner floor frames 1002 and 1102,
respectively, mounted atop partial base frame 902 (FIG. 9). Outer
floor frames 1002 may be affixed to partial base frame 902 (FIG. 9)
by positioning outer frame longitudinal members 1004 perpendicular
to a respective one of parallel beams 702 such that inwardly facing
surfaces (i.e., surfaces facing toward tree trunk 102) of the
opposing ends of such outer frame longitudinal members 1004 contact
the outwardly facing surfaces of secondary coupling bracket second
flanges 910 (FIG. 9) and fastening aperture fasteners such as
aperture fasteners 236 through outer floor frame bores 1032 and
secondary coupling bracket second flange apertures 914. Outer floor
frames 1002 are also positioned such that the outer frame
longitudinal member 1004 is inserted into one-half of the space
located between primary coupling bracket second flanges 314 of
primary coupling brackets 306 (FIG. 9) assembled atop a respective
one of main beams 234 and parallel beams 702, thereby allowing
aperture fasteners such as aperture fasteners 236 to be fastened
through outer floor frame bores 1032 and primary coupling bracket
second flange apertures 316.
[0074] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as that
depicted in FIG. 12, inner floor frames 1102 are attached after
outer floor frames 1002 have been assembled atop partial base frame
902. Inner floor frames 1102 may be affixed to partial base frame
902 by positioning inner frame longitudinal members 1104
perpendicular to a respective one of parallel beams 702 such that
externally-located inner frame longitudinal members 1104 are
inserted into the available one-half of the space located between
primary coupling bracket second flanges 314 of primary coupling
brackets 306 (FIG. 9) assembled atop a respective one of main beams
234 and parallel beams 702, thereby allowing aperture fasteners
such as aperture fasteners 236 to be fastened through inner floor
frame bores 1132 and primary coupling bracket second flange
apertures 316.
[0075] Once outer and inner floor frames 1004 and 1104,
respectively, have been attached to partial base frame 902, shams
1204 are inserted into the square opening 1206 formed by the
inwardly facing surfaces of outer and inner floor frames, 1002 and
1102, respectively. Thereafter, aperture fasteners 236 are inserted
into all outer and inner floor frame interconnection bores 1034 and
1134, respectively, and sham interconnection bores 1234 to secure
all outer and inner frames, 1002 and 1102, respectively, to each
other and to secure shams 1204 to outer frames 1102. Also, aperture
fasteners 236 are inserted into one or more sham bores 1232 to
secure shams 1204 to brackets such as primary coupling brackets
306. Aperture fasteners 236 may also be used to fill empty outer
and inner floor frame bores 1032 and 1132, respectively, and sham
bores 1232 that are not used for coupling purposes. Once all
aperture fasteners 236 have been inserted, all brackets (e.g.,
primary coupling brackets 306 and secondary coupling brackets 904)
may be secured with fasteners such as aperture fasteners 236.
[0076] Turning now to FIG. 13, depicted is an angled top and side
view of floor 1300 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, floor 1300 is created by attaching
floor boards 1304 to base 104 (FIG. 12). Such attachment may be
performed using any one of a variety of methods known in the art.
In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 13,
floor boards 1304 are affixed to base 104 via fasteners such as
penetrating fasteners 226. Although six floor boards 1304a through
1304f are depicted in FIG. 13, any quantity of floor boards may be
substituted. Floor boards having varying dimensions and shapes may
also be substituted.
[0077] Also depicted in FIG. 13 is floor filler 1306. Whenever
structure 100 is assembled on a vertical surface such as a tree
trunk or the like, floor filler 1306 may be omitted from the
installation of structure 100 to provide an empty space in base 104
and floor 1300 through which the vertical surface may pass.
However, inclusion of a filler such as floor filler 1306 in an
installation kit allows the same structure 100 to be mounted on
either a horizontal surface such as a floor, yard, etc. or a
vertical surface such as a tree trunk. When the former surface is
desired, floor filler 1306 may be installed to patch the empty
space in floor 1300.
[0078] Referring next to FIGS. 14A and 14B, FIG. 14B depicts a rear
view of the attachment of two wall panels 1402 to each other and to
base 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
A front wall comprised of three wall panels 1402a-1402c is depicted
in FIG. 14A. Wall panel s may be fabricated from any suitable
construction including, but not limited to, plywood, plastic and
wood composite, metal, and fiberglass. In one aspect of the present
invention, wall panels 1402 are prefabricated and are provided as
part of a structure kit. However, wall panels may also be
fabricated as a part of the structure assembly. Each wall panel
1402 includes, inter alia, wall panel base plate 1404, wall panel
base plate apertures 1406, wall panel side plates 1416, and wall
panel side plate apertures 1408. Wall panels 1402 are attached to
each other by aligning side wall panel plate apertures 1408 and
attaching aperture fasteners such as aperture fasteners 236
therethrough. Similarly, wall panels 1402 are attached to floor
1300 and base 104 via installation of penetrating fasteners such as
penetrating fasteners 226 through wall panel base plate apertures
1406. Wall panels 1402 may include a door, window, or the like such
as door 1410 and window 1412 without departing from the scope of
the present invention.
[0079] Turning next to FIG. 15, depicted are side and front tree
railings 1502 and 1504, respectively, (i.e., the railings that
surround tree trunk 102) and inner posts 1506 after attachment to
base 104 and a front wall comprised of one or more wall panels 1402
such as the front wall depicted in FIG. 14. Side and front tree
railings 1502 and 1504, respectively, may be fabricated from any
suitable construction including, but not limited to, plywood,
plastic and wood composite, metal, and fiberglass. In one aspect of
the present invention, the railings are prefabricated and are
provided as part of a structure kit. However, the railings may also
be fabricated as a step of the structure assembly. In addition,
front tree railing 1504 is designed such that it may tilt forward
to accommodate assembly adjacent to tree trunks that are not
relatively straight. Such tilting ability may be implemented via
hinge 1510 or the like.
[0080] To attach side tree railings 1502, a first end of each of
side tree railings 1502 is attached to a wall panel such as wall
panel 1402. Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating
fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through side tree
railing apertures 1508 into wall panels 1402. One inner post 1506
is then attached to each side tree railing 1502. Such attachment is
also performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as
penetrating fasteners 226 through side tree railing apertures 1508
into inner posts 1506. Similarly, side and front tree railings 1502
and 1504, respectively may be coupled to each other and to base 104
and inner post 1506 by fastening penetrating fasteners such as
penetrating fasteners 226 through strategically located front and
side tree railing apertures. Side tree railings 1502 may be
installed on both sides of tree trunk 102 to prevent a child or the
like from falling from base 102.
[0081] Referring next to FIG. 16, depicted are side wall 1602, side
outer railings 1604, center side post 1606, and front side post
1608 after attachment to base 104 in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention. Side wall 1602, side outer railings 1604,
center side post 1606, and front side post 1608 may be fabricated
from any suitable construction including, but not limited to,
plywood, plastic and wood composite, metal, and fiberglass. In one
aspect of the present invention, the side wall, railings, and posts
are prefabricated and are provided as part of a structure kit.
However, these items may also be fabricated as a step of the
structure assembly.
[0082] Each side wall 1602 includes, inter alia, side wall base
plate 1610, side wall base plate apertures 1612, side wall side
plates 1616, and side wall side plate apertures 1614. Side walls
1602 are attached to wall panels 1402 by properly positioning side
wall 1602 with respect to wall panels 1402 and fastening aperture
fasteners such as aperture fasteners 236 through side wall side
plate apertures 1614. Similarly, side walls 1602 are attached to
base 104 via installation of penetrating fasteners such as
penetrating fasteners 226 through side wall base plate apertures
1612. Side walls 1602 may include any combination of doors,
windows, or the like without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0083] To attach outer railings 1604, a first end of each of side
outer railings 1604 is attached to a side wall such as side wall
1602. Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating
fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through side outer
railing apertures 1624 into side walls 1602. One center side post
1606 is then attached to each side outer railing 1604. Such
attachment is also performed by fastening penetrating fasteners
such as penetrating fasteners 226 through side outer railing
apertures 1624 into center side posts 1606. Next a side outer
railing 1604 is attached to the opposite side of each center side
post 1606 by the same method. Similarly, front side post 1608 is
then attached to the opposite end of each of the newly installed
side outer railings 1604 through strategically located side outer
railing apertures. After attachment of center side post 1606 and
front side post 1608, outer railings 1604 are secured to base 104.
Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners
such as penetrating fasteners 226 through base outer railing
apertures 1632 into base 104.
[0084] Turning next to FIG. 17, depicted are front center railings
1702, front posts 1704, and ladder 1706 after attachment to front
side posts 1608 and base 104 in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. Front railings 1702, front posts 1704, and
ladder 1706 may be fabricated from any suitable construction
including, but not limited to, plywood, plastic and wood composite,
metal, and fiberglass. In one aspect of the present invention, the
railings, posts, and/or ladders are prefabricated and are provided
as part of a structure kit. However, the railings, posts, and/or
ladders may also be fabricated as a step of the structure
assembly.
[0085] Both ends of front railings 1702 are attached to a
respective one of front side posts 1608 and front center posts
1704. Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating
fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through front railing
apertures 1710 into front side posts 1608 and front center posts
1704. Similarly, front railings 1702 are attached to base 104 via
installation of penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners
226 through front railing base plate apertures 1718.
[0086] Ladder 1706, or another method of entering structure 100,
may also be attached to base 104. Ladder 1706 may include ladder
safety bar 1720, ladder posts 1722, ladder plates 1724, and ladder
rope 1726. Ladder safety bar 1720 indicates the edge of base 104
and prevents accidental falls that may occur due to misjudging the
location of the edge of base 104. To attach ladder 1706 to base
104, ladder rope loops 1728 are passed over ladder posts 1722.
Next, ladder safety bar 1720 is approximately centered with respect
to front posts 1704 and ladder posts 1722 and latter plates 1724
are positioned such that the inwardly facing surfaces of ladder
posts 1722 contact the outwardly facing surface of ladder plates
1724, and the inwardly facing surfaces of ladder plates 1724
contact the outwardly facing surface of base 104. Once proper
positioning is achieved, penetrating fasteners such as penetrating
fasteners 226 are fastened through ladder plate apertures 1730,
thereby rendering ladder safety bar 1720, ladder posts 1722, and
ladder plates 1724 immobile.
[0087] Referring next to FIG. 18, depicted is an exploded view of
the assembly of rear wall 1802 in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. Rear wall 1802 includes, inter alia, left
rear wall member 1804, right rear wall member 1806, upper central
rear wall member 1808, and lower central rear wall member 1810.
Left rear wall member 1804, right rear wall member 1806, upper
central rear wall member 1808, and lower central rear wall member
1810 may be fabricated from any suitable construction including,
but not limited to, plywood, plastic and wood composite, metal, and
fiberglass. In one aspect of the present invention, the rear wall
members are prefabricated and are provided as part of a structure
kit. However, the rear wall members may also be fabricated as a
step of the structure assembly.
[0088] To assemble rear wall 1802, the sides of left and right rear
wall members 1804 and 1806, respectively, that include outer side
rear wall apertures 1812 are aligned with corresponding apertures
in the rears of side walls 1602 (FIG. 16). Thereafter, left and
right rear wall members 1804 and 1806, respectively, are coupled to
side walls 1602 (FIG. 16) via aperture fasteners such as aperture
fasteners 236. Thereafter, the sides of upper central rear wall
member 1808 and lower central rear wall member 1810 may be coupled
to the inner sides of left and right rear wall members 1804 and
1806, respectively, in the same manner by fastening aperture
fasteners 236 through aligned inner side rear wall apertures 1830
and outer central rear wall apertures 1828. Next, left rear wall
member 1804, right rear wall member 1806, and lower central rear
wall member 1810 may be attached to base 104 via installation of
penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through
rear wall base plate apertures 1820. After rear wall 1802 has been
assembled, it may be sided, or otherwise covered, using methods
known in the art. Alternatively, the components of rear wall 1802
may be prefabricated with siding already attached.
[0089] Turning now to FIG. 19, depicted is attachment of front roof
1902 to wall panels 1402, center side posts 1606, and front side
posts 1608 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Front roof 1902 includes one or more preassembled
components of the structure kit. As depicted in FIG. 19, front roof
1902 includes two preassembled front roof members 1902a and 1902b,
each including, inter alia, front roof seal 1904, front roof frame
1906, and front roof covering 1908.
[0090] To assemble front roof 1902, front roof longitudinal members
1910 are attached to wall panels 1402 and center side posts 1606.
Front roof longitudinal members 1910 include front roof hinges 1912
and front roof longitudinal member bores 1914 to facilitate such
attachment. Front roof longitudinal members 1910 are first attached
to wall panels 1402 by securing front roof hinges 1912 to the top
of a respective one of wall panels 1402 via penetrating fasteners
such as penetrating fasteners 226 fastened through front roof hinge
apertures 1918. Similarly, front roof longitudinal members 1910 are
attached to the upper ends of a respective one of center side posts
1606 via penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226
fastened through front roof longitudinal member apertures 1914.
After front roof longitudinal members 1910 have been assembled,
front roof latitudinal member 1920 is secured to both front side
posts 1608 by passing penetrating fasteners such as penetrating
fasteners 226 through front roof longitudinal member apertures
1914, front side posts 1608, and front roof latitudinal member
1920.
[0091] After front roof latitudinal member 1920 have been
assembled, front roof members 1902 are attached atop front roof
longitudinal members 1910 and wall panels 1402. Such attachment is
performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetrating
fasteners 226 through front roof member apertures 1926. Front roof
seal 1904 is attached to the edge of front roof members 1902a and
1902b facing wall panel 1402. Upon installation of rear roof 2002
as described with respect to FIG. 20, rear roof seal 2004 is
aligned with front roof seal 1904 such that water cannot penetrate
through the point of attachment of front roof 1902 and rear roof
2004. Similarly, front roof members 1902a and 1902b may contain
seals on their inner edges to prevent water from penetration the
point of attachment to each other. After front roof 1902, or front
roof 1902 and rear roof 2002, have been assembled, it may be
shingled, or otherwise covered, using methods known in the art.
Alternatively, front roof 1902 and rear roof 2002 may be
prefabricated with shingles already attached.
[0092] Also depicted in FIG. 19 is roof filler 1928. Whenever
structure 100 is assembled on a vertical surface such as a tree
trunk or the like, roof filler 1928 may be omitted from the
installation of structure 100 to provide an empty space in the roof
through which the vertical surface may pass. However, inclusion of
a filler such as roof filler 1928 in an installation kit allows the
same structure 100 to be mounted on either a horizontal surface
such as a floor, yard, etc. or a vertical surface such as a tree
trunk. When the former surface is desired, roof filler 1928 may be
installed to patch the empty space in the roof.
[0093] Referring lastly to FIG. 20, depicted is attachment of rear
roof 2002 to wall panels 1402 and rear wall 1802 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. Rear roof 2002 includes one
or more preassembled components of the structure kit. As depicted
in FIG. 20, rear roof 2002 includes two, preassembled rear roof
members 2002a and 2002b, each including, inter alia, rear roof seal
2004, rear roof frame 2006, and rear roof covering 2008.
[0094] To assemble rear roof 2002, rear roof longitudinal members
2010 are attached to wall panels 1402 and rear walls 1802. Rear
roof longitudinal members 2010 include rear roof hinges 2012 and
rear roof longitudinal member bores 2014 to facilitate such
attachment. Rear roof longitudinal members 2010 are first attached
to wall panels 1402 by securing rear roof hinges 2012 to the top of
a respective one of wall panels 1402 via penetrating fasteners such
as penetrating fasteners 226 fastened through rear roof hinge
apertures 2018. Similarly, rear roof longitudinal members 1910 are
attached to the upper ends of a rear wall 1802 via penetrating
fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 fastened through rear
roof longitudinal member apertures 2014.
[0095] After rear roof longitudinal members 2010 have been
assembled, rear roof members 2002 are attached atop rear roof
longitudinal members 2010, wall panels 1402, and rear wall 1802.
Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners
such as penetrating fasteners 226 through rear roof member
apertures 2026. Rear roof seal 2004 is attached to the edge of rear
roof members 2002a and 2002b that face wall panel 1402. Rear roof
seal 2004 is aligned with front roof seal 1904 such that water
cannot penetrate through the point of attachment of front roof 1902
and rear roof 2004. Similarly, back roof members 2002a and 2002b
may contain seals on their inner edges to prevent water from
penetration the point of attachment to each other. After rear roof
2002, or front roof 1902 and rear roof 2002, have been assembled,
it may be shingled, or otherwise covered, using methods known in
the art. Alternatively, front roof 1902 and rear roof 2002 may be
prefabricated with shingles already attached.
[0096] In one aspect of the present invention, a kit for assembling
a treehouse is provided with fillers that allow the treehouse to be
converted to a playhouse. Such fillers may be incorporated whenever
structure 100 is assembled on a horizontal surface such as a floor,
yard, etc. rather than a vertical surface such as a tree trunk.
Structure 100 may be assembled on a horizontal surface as discussed
herein by eliminating the steps associated with the installation of
the supporting members such as main brackets 202, perpendicular
frame 106, parallel frame 108, and the like. That is, the base of
structure 100 such as base 104 rests directly atop the horizontal
surface. When structure 100 is installed in this manner, fillers
are installed to replace the gaps in structure 100 through which
the vertical surface or tree trunk passes when structure 100 is
installed on a vertical surface.
[0097] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *