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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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:

FIG. 1 depicts an assembled structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

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.

FIG. 2B depicts an enlarged detailed view of a main bracket in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 14A depicts three wall panels in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.