Outdoor Structure Construction Kits, Such as Pavilion Construction Kits
Outdoor structure kits according to various embodiments are adapted to construct one or more outdoor structures, such as a pavilion. The outdoor structure kits may include a plurality of modular truss sub-assemblies that are adapted to be assembled into trusses. In particular embodiments, the kits are adapted to allow users to install pre-assembled roof panels on the assembled trusses by fitting tabs that extend from the bottoms of the roof panels into recesses defined in the respective top surfaces of the trusses. In particular embodiments, the kits may include a plurality of posts and a plurality of reinforced truss members (which may be made of a reinforced plastic material) that may be assembled to create the structure's floor and/or ceiling frames. In certain embodiments, the kits may include a plurality of roof sub-panels that may be assembled to form a larger roof panel with shingles that overlap the edges of the subpanels.
Latest Patents:
- METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR RNA-GUIDED TREATMENT OF HIV INFECTION
- IRRIGATION TUBING WITH REGULATED FLUID EMISSION
- RESISTIVE MEMORY ELEMENTS ACCESSED BY BIPOLAR JUNCTION TRANSISTORS
- SIDELINK COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND DEVICE AND STORAGE MEDIUM
- SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURE HAVING MEMORY DEVICE AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/727,140 entitled “Joist Assemblies and Assembly Kits”, which was filed on Mar. 18, 2010 and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/725,618 entitled “Reinforced Boards and Other Building Materials”, which was filed on Mar. 17, 2010; this application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/698,126 entitled “Awning and Portico Kits”, which was filed on Feb. 1, 2010. All of the above-referenced patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUNDCurrently, most outdoor deck structures, such as decks and pavilions, are made of wood. However, there are several disadvantages associated with using wood to build decks and other outdoor structures. For example, although wood has proven to be a suitable, relatively inexpensive decking material, wooden deck structures tend to fade and splinter over time. Also, out of concern for a decreasing supply of natural resources, many consumers prefer to avoid using wood as a building material. Wood boards can also be relatively heavy and expensive.
Although alternative decking products are currently used, in some cases, for the surfaces of decks and other outdoor structures, the structural portions of such structures (e.g., the structure's posts, beams, and joists) are still typically made of wood. This is due to challenges in producing a low maintenance product that has the structural integrity to support the alternative deck structure surfacing products that are available on the market today.
Accordingly, there is a need for new building materials, such as decking materials (e.g., floor, ceiling, and band joists), that are durable, lightweight, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. There is also a need for improved outdoor structures, and related roofing structures, that are made of such new materials and/or other materials.
SUMMARYA building structure kit for use in building a particular building structure, according to various embodiments of the invention, comprises a first roof panel and a second roof panel. The first roof panel comprises a first base portion and a first plurality of shingles that have been pre-installed adjacent an upper surface of the first roof panel. The second roof panel comprises a second base portion and a second plurality of shingles that have been pre-installed adjacent an upper surface of the second roof panel. The first roof panel also comprises a first protruding shingle that extends over a side edge of the first base portion, and the second plurality of shingles are adapted to receive a particular portion of the first protruding shingle between a first shingle of the second plurality of shingles and a second shingle of the second plurality of shingles.
A building structure kit for use in building a particular building structure, according to particular embodiments of the invention, comprises a base portion assembly kit for building a base portion of the building structure and a roof assembly. The base portion assembly kit comprises: (1) a plurality of posts, each of the posts defining at least one lower recess; (2) a plurality of band members; and (3) a plurality of joists, each of the joists having a first tenon adjacent a first end of the joist, and a second tenon adjacent a second end of the joist. The plurality of posts, plurality of band members, and plurality of joist members are collectively adapted to be assembled to create a base portion of the building structure. The roof assembly is adapted to be assembled to form a roof of the building structure.
In various embodiments, a particular one of the plurality of joist members comprises: (1) a first elongated casing that is substantially in the form of a rectangular prism; (2) a tenon that is disposed adjacent an end portion of the first elongated casing; and (3) a first metal reinforcing member. The first metal reinforcing member extends longitudinally within an interior of the first elongated casing and extends longitudinally within an interior of the tenon. A particular portion of the first metal reinforcing member extends out of the interior of the tenon adjacent a particular end surface of the tenon. A particular one of the band members comprises a second elongated casing that is substantially in the form of a rectangular prism, and a second metal reinforcing member that extends longitudinally within an interior of the second elongated casing. The second elongated casing defines at least one mortise. The tenon of the particular joist is adapted and dimensioned so that when the tenon is inserted into the particular band member's mortise, the particular joist's tenon matingly engages the particular band member about a perimeter of the mortise, and the particular joist and the particular band member are adapted and dimensioned so that a particular portion of the first metal reinforcing member engages a particular portion of the second metal reinforcing member when the tenon is inserted into the particular band member's mortise.
A building structure kit for use in building a particular building structure, according to further embodiments of the invention, comprises: (1) a base portion assembly kit for building a base portion of the building structure; and (2) a roof assembly. The base portion assembly kit comprises: (1) a plurality of elongated posts having a first end and a second end, each of the posts defining a groove adjacent the first end; (2) a plurality of band members; and (3) a plurality of joists, each of the joists having a first tenon adjacent a first end of the joist, and a second tenon adjacent a second end of the joist. The plurality of posts, plurality of band members, and plurality of joist members are collectively adapted to be assembled to create a base portion of the building structure. The plurality of band members and the plurality of joist members are collectively adapted to be assembled to create a ceiling frame of the building structure, and the roof assembly is adapted to be assembled to form a roof of the building structure. A particular one of the plurality of joist members comprises: (1) a first elongated casing that is substantially in the form of a rectangular prism; (2) a tenon that is disposed adjacent an end portion of the first elongated casing; and (3) a first metal reinforcing member that: (a) extends longitudinally within an interior of the first elongated casing, and (b) extends longitudinally within an interior of the tenon.
In particular embodiments, a particular portion of the first metal reinforcing member extends out of the interior of the tenon adjacent a particular end surface of the tenon. A particular one of the band members comprises a second elongated casing that is substantially in the form of a rectangular prism, and a second metal reinforcing member that extends longitudinally within an interior of the second elongated casing. The second elongated casing defines at least one mortise. The tenon of the particular joist is adapted and dimensioned so that when the tenon is inserted into the particular band member's mortise, the particular joist's tenon matingly engages the particular band member about a perimeter of the mortise. The particular joist and the particular band member are adapted and dimensioned so that a particular portion of the first metal reinforcing member engages a particular portion of the second metal reinforcing member when the tenon is inserted into the particular band member's mortise. The particular tenon of the particular joist and the particular band member are adapted to be attached together to form at least part of the ceiling frame, and the ceiling frame is adapted to be supported adjacent respective top surfaces of the plurality of posts and held in place, at least in part, by respective portions of the ceiling frame extending into respective grooves that are defined within respective end surfaces of the posts.
A building structure kit for use in building a particular building structure, according to additional embodiments of the invention comprises: (1) a base portion assembly kit that comprises a plurality of base portion components, the base portion components being adapted to be assembled to create a base portion of the building structure; (2) a truss assembly kit; and (3) a pre-assembled roof assembly. The truss assembly kit comprises: (1) a first truss portion; (2) a second truss portion, the first and second truss portions being adapted to be attached together to form at least a portion of a first truss; (3) a third truss portion; and (4) a fourth truss portion. The third and fourth truss portions are adapted to be attached together to form at least a portion of a second truss. The pre-assembled roof assembly comprises: (1) a roof base structure; (2) a plurality of shingles that have been preinstalled on the roof base structure; and (3) a plurality of elongated tabs that extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the roof base structure. The first and second truss portions are adapted so that, when they are attached together to form the portion of the first truss, the first and second truss portions cooperate to form a first roof support structure that defines a first plurality of recesses. The third and fourth truss portions are adapted so that, when they are attached together to form the portion of the second truss, the third and fourth truss portions cooperate to form a second roof support structure that defines a second plurality of recesses. The truss assembly kit and the pre-assembled roof assembly are adapted to be installed adjacent the base portion of the building structure to create at least a portion of a roof of the building structure by: (1) installing the first truss adjacent the base portion of the building structure; (2) installing the second truss adjacent the base portion of the building structure; and (3) moving the roof assembly into a particular position adjacent respective top surfaces of the first and second trusses. When the roof assembly is in the particular position, each of the elongated tabs extends downwardly into at least a respective one of the first or second plurality of recesses.
Having thus described various embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Various embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the invention are shown. The inventions may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Exemplary Building StructuresFIGS. 11 and 13A-13C show building structure kits (in an at least partially assembled form) according to various embodiments. These kits include the parts necessary to build: (1) one or more post assemblies; (2) a floor frame; (3) a ceiling frame; (4) one or more truss assemblies; and (5) a roof assembly. Each of these components is discussed in greater detail below.
Post AssembliesA corner post assembly 400 according to a particular embodiment is shown in
As may be understood from
In particular embodiments, the building structure kits' floor and ceiling frames comprise reinforced boards that are used as the floor and ceiling frames' joists. These reinforced boards are discussed in greater detail below.
First Exemplary Reinforced BoardA reinforced board (e.g., a reinforced joist 10, such as a floor joist) according to a particular embodiment is shown in
As may be understood from
In the embodiment shown in
The reinforcing member 100 further includes a first extension portion 102 that, in various embodiments, is substantially planar (e.g., planar). In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in
As may be understood from
In the embodiment shown in
As may be understood from
In the embodiment shown in
As may be understood from
Turning further to
This third length of material 130 is mounted below: (1) the first and second lengths of material 110, 120; and (2) the second extension portion 103 of the reinforcing member 100. In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in
Turning again to
This fourth length of material 140 is mounted above: (1) the first and second lengths of material 110, 120; and (2) the first extension portion 102 of the reinforcing member 100. In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in
In various embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth lengths of material 110, 120, 130, 140, and the reinforcing member 100 are attached together in the arrangement shown in
As noted above, and as shown in
As shown in
A second exemplary reinforced board (e.g., a reinforced joist, such as a band joist 15, 151) according to a particular embodiment is shown in
In other embodiments, such as when the band joist is used as an end band joist 151, the end band joist 151includes no mortises 40.
In particular embodiments, the band joist's body portion 211 has a substantially uniform cross section along the length of the body portion 211, except where a portion of the cross section (e.g., the second length of material 220 referenced below) has been removed to create a recess (e.g., a mortise 40) in the band joist 15 (See
As may be understood from
In the embodiment shown in
As may be understood from
In the embodiment shown in
As may be understood from
In the embodiment shown in
Turning further to
This third length of material 230 is mounted below: (1) the first and second lengths of material 210; and (2) the second extension portion 203 of the reinforcing member 200. In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in
Turning again to
This fourth length of material 240 is mounted above: (1) the first and second lengths of material 210, 220; and (2) the first extension portion 202 of the reinforcing member 200. In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in
In various embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth lengths of material 210, 220, 230, 240, and the reinforcing member 200 are attached together in the arrangement shown in
It should be understood that the structure of the various reinforced board structures described above may vary in other embodiments of the invention. For example, the relative sizes of the various components of the board may be different than those described above. For example, the joist 35 of
It should also be understood that the shape, position, and relative size of the reinforcing member may vary among different embodiments of the invention. For example, the reinforcing member may be substantially in the form of an I, an L, or an O.
Similarly, although various embodiments of the reinforced boards are described above as having plastic first, second, third, and fourth lengths of material, it should be understood that, in other embodiments, these components may be made of any other suitable material, such as wood or fiberglass. Also, although the first, second, third, and fourth lengths of material are described above as being in the form of at least substantially rectangular prisms, these components can be of any other suitable shape.
In addition, it should be understood, in light of this disclosure, that the board structures described herein may be used in the context of a variety of different building materials, such as posts, beams, and other types of joists.
Exemplary Deck Frame including Exemplary Reinforced Boards
As noted above, each floor joist 10 comprises two tenons 125, each of which extends from a respective end of the joist 10. These tenons 125 are substantially in the form of a rectangular prism, and the body portion 101 of the joist's reinforcing member 100 (which, in various embodiments, is made of steel) folds over (or otherwise extends adjacent) and is attached to the end of the tenons 125.
To assemble the deck frame 7, an individual first attaches a first side of each of: (1) the deck frame's floor joists 10; and (2) the deck frame's end band joists 151 to one of the deck frame's side band joists 15 (or to one co-linear set of side band joists 15 if multiple side band joists are used to define one side of the deck band). As noted above, in the embodiment shown in
To attach one of the deck frame's floor joists 10 to one of the deck frame's side band joists 15, the user inserts the floor band joist's tenon 125 into a respective mortise 40 within the side band joist 15, and affixes the tenon 125 in place within the mortise 40 (e.g., by using suitable hardware and/or adhesives).
For example, to attach a first side of one of the deck frame's floor joists 10 to one of the deck frame's side band joists 15, the user first coats the floor joist's tenon 125 with PVC glue and inserts the tenon 125 into a mortise 40 defined by the first side band joist 15 as shown in
After the individual attaches a first side of each of: (1) the deck frame's floor joists 10; and (2) the deck frame's end band joists 151 to one or more of the deck frame's side band joists 15 as described above, the individual attaches, in the manner described above, a second side of each of: (1) the deck frame's floor joists 10; and (2) the deck frame's end band joists 151 to another one of the deck frame's side band joists 15 (or to one co-linear set of side band joists 15 if multiple side band joists are used to define one side of the deck band). This step typically completes the deck frame assembly process.
In light of the discussion above, it should be understood that, in various embodiments, when the deck frame 7 is entirely assembled, the reinforcing members 100, 200 of the various joists 10, 15, 151 are at least substantially encased (e.g., entirely encased) in other components of the joists 10, 15, 151 (e.g., in the joists' respective first, second, third, and fourth lengths of material which may, for example, be polystyrene). This may, in particular embodiments, serve to at least substantially insulate the reinforcing members 100, 200 from the atmosphere. This may reduce the possibility that the reinforcing members 100, 200 will rust or otherwise degrade over time.
Exemplary Floor and Ceiling FramesIt should be understood that the type of deck frame described above may be used as the floor or ceiling frame of a building structure, such as the floor frame 710 or ceiling frame 720 of the pavilions shown in FIGS. 11 and 13A-13C. Turning to the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 13A-13C, in particular embodiments, each of the pavilions' floor band joists (which, in various embodiments, may be the type of band joist described herein) includes a tenon adjacent each of its respective ends (e.g., in a configuration similar to that of the joist shown in
Similarly, in various embodiments, the base frame 50 defines one or more cutouts in non-corner portions of the base frame 50, so that each of the cutouts defines a mid-frame attachment portion 60 that is adapted to mate with a corresponding groove 515 in a top surface of the pavilion's middle post assembly posts 505 (See
Also, in particular embodiments, the base frame 50 defines a plurality of mortises (not shown) adjacent its bottom surface that are each adapted to at least substantially matingly receive a corresponding tenon 522 of a roof support 520.
Exemplary Roof AssemblyIn particular embodiments, the building structure kit comprises a roof assembly that includes one or more roof support assemblies 600 and one or more roof panels 800. These components are described in greater detail below.
Roof Support AssembliesAn exemplary roof support assembly 600 is shown in
In the embodiment shown in
The truss subsections further include two interior truss subsections 620, 630 that each include: (1) a substantially horizontal base member 621, 631; (2) a first substantially vertical support 627, 637 that extends upwardly from a first end of the base member 621, 631; (3) a second substantially vertical support 629, 639 that extends upwardly from a first end of the base member 621, 631; (3) an angled roof panel support member 625, 635 that extends between the upper end of the first substantially vertical support 627, 637 and the upper end of the second substantially vertical support 629, 639; and (4) a plurality of internal supports 623, 624, 633, 634 that are adapted to extend between the base member 621, 631, the first and second vertical supports 627, 629, 637, 639 and/or the roof panel support 625, 635 to provide additional structural support to the truss subsection 620, 630.
In the embodiment shown in
A roof panel 800 according to various embodiments of the invention is shown in
As shown in
In particular embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in
The roof panels 900, 1000 shown in
The rightmost end shingle 910 in the first roof panel's second course of shingles 902 extends over a first side edge 935 of the first roof panel 900 so that the central axis of this shingle 910 is substantially perpendicular to this first side edge 935. In the embodiment shown in
As may be understood from
The left end shingle 1010 in the second roof panel's fourth course of shingles 1008 extends over a first side edge 1035 of the second roof panel 1000 so that the central axis of this shingle 1010 is substantially perpendicular to this first side edge 1035. In the embodiment shown in
As may be understood from
In particular embodiments, the kit includes appropriate hardware for assembling the kit into a building structure. As will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, such hardware may include, for example, screws, bolts, washers, nuts, nails, and the like.
Assembly of Exemplary Building Assembly KitTo assemble the building assembly kit shown (partially assembled, with roof panels omitted) in
Once the floor frame 710 is assembled and the kit's posts are in the vertical orientation, the user assembles the kit's ceiling frame 720 as generally described above. The user then attaches the ceiling frame 720 to the top of the kit's posts 405, 505 by: (1) fitting the ceiling frame's corner attachment portions 64 into the L-shaped grooves defined within the tops of the building structure's corner posts 405; (2) fitting the ceiling frame's mid-frame attachment portions 60 into the grooves 510 defined within the tops of the posts 505 of the building structure's middle post assemblies 500; and (3) attaching the kit's roof supports 520 so that they extend between a respective post 400, 500 and an adjacent bottom surface of the ceiling frame 720 as shown in
Once the floor frame 710, posts 405, 505, and ceiling frame 710 are in place, the kit's roof trusses 600 are assembled, and then positioned and installed in an array on top of, and along the length of, the ceiling frame 720. In particular embodiments, the trusses 600 are spaced evenly apart along the length of the building structure and are each positioned at least substantially parallel to the end band joists 151 of the structure's floor frame 710.
After the building structure's trusses 600 are installed, each of the kit's roof panels 800 is installed on the trusses 600 as generally described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/698,126, which, as mentioned above, is incorporated herein by reference. For example, one of the kit's roof panels 800 may be lowered onto the respective roof panel support members 615, 625, 635, 645 of at least two of the trusses 600 (e.g., at least two adjacent trusses). During this process, each of the roof panel's tabs 810 is positioned so that a respective portion of it is disposed within: (1) a recess 602 defined by the first of the trusses 600; and (2) a recess 602 defined by a second of the trusses 600. (These recesses may be, for example, at least substantially co-linear.) In various embodiments, the tabs 810 are dimensioned to matingly engage the respective first and second trusses 600 when the tabs 810 are disposed within these recesses 602.
After the roof panel's tabs are disposed in place within the trusses' recesses, the roof panel 800 may be repositioned laterally, as needed. The user may then use appropriate hardware to secure the roof panel 300 in place on the trusses. (
To assemble roof panels, such as those shown in
As the respective first edges 935, 1035 of the first and second panels 900, 1000 approach each other, a user: (1) flexes the distal end of the end shingle 915 in the first roof panel's third course of shingles 906 from the roof panel's upper surface; (2) positions the second roof panel's protruding shingle 1010 in a nested arrangement between (a) the end shingle 915 in the first roof panel's third course of shingles 906 and (b) the end shingle 921 of the first roof panel's fourth course of shingles 908; (3) flexes the distal end of the end shingle 1015 in the second roof panel's first course of shingles 1002 from the roof panel's upper surface; and (4) positions the first roof panel's protruding shingle 910 in a nested arrangement between (a) the end shingle 1015 in the second roof panel's first course of shingles 1002 and (b) the end shingle 1021 of the second roof panel's second course of shingles 1004. The user then continues to laterally move the second roof panel 1000 toward the first roof panel 900 until: (1) the first, second, third, and fourth courses 902, 904, 906, 908 of the first roof panel 900 align respectively with the first, second, third, and fourth courses 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008 of the second roof panel 1000; and (2) the courses of shingles on the first and second roof panels 900, 1000 cooperate to form a plurality of substantially horizontal courses of shingles in which the shingles within each of these courses of shingles are substantially uniformly spaced apart as shown in
It should be understood that, although the interlocking shingle concept described above is described herein in regard to two adjacent roof panels, it should be understood that the concept may also be used in a larger continuous series of roof panels (e.g., a continuous series of 3, 4, or 5 roof panels). In such embodiments, a particular roof panel may, for example have one or more protruding shingles on each of its lateral sides.
Packaging of Pavilion KitIn particular embodiments, the pavilion kit may be adapted to fit into one or more boxes (such as a standard rectangular box) for easy shipping. To aid in packaging the kit, some or all of the kit's components and/or the kit's roof panel 800 may be substantially planar. This allows the components to fit (for example, in a substantially stacked arrangement) within a cardboard box that is substantially in the form of a rectangular cuboid.
Alternative EmbodimentsIt should be understood that while the roof structure kit's various components are shown as having particular shapes and relative dimensions in the enclosed figures, the kit's components may be in the form of a variety of different, suitable structures. Similarly, while the kits described above as being adapted to form a pavilion, the kits may be adapted to form other types of building structures. Also, it should be understood that, while the kit's various components are described above as comprising various particular types of materials, in other embodiments, other suitable materials may be used to form the components.
ConclusionMany modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, as will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, the invention may take form in a variety of different mechanical and operational configurations. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.
Claims
1. A building structure kit for use in building a particular building structure, said building structure kit comprising:
- (A) a first roof panel comprising a first base portion and a first plurality of shingles that have been pre-installed adjacent an upper surface of said first roof panel;
- (B) a second roof panel comprising a second base portion and a second plurality of shingles that have been pre-installed adjacent an upper surface of said second roof panel, wherein: said first roof panel comprises a first protruding shingle that extends over a side edge of said first base portion; said second plurality of shingles are adapted to receive a particular portion of said first protruding shingle between: (1) a first shingle of said second plurality of shingles; and (2) a second shingle of said second plurality of shingles.
2. The building structure of claim 1, wherein:
- said first and second pluralities of shingles are flexible shingles; and
- said first shingle of said second plurality of shingles is adapted to allow a user to bend said first shingle of said second plurality of shingles away from said upper surface of said second roof panel to facilitate positioning said particular portion of said first protruding shingle between: (1) said first shingle of said second plurality of shingles; and (2) said second shingle of said second plurality of shingles.
3. The building structure of claim 1, wherein said first and second roof panels are adapted so that, when said portion of said first protruding shingle is disposed between said first and second shingles of said second plurality of shingles, said first protruding shingle and said first and second shingles of said second plurality of shingles cooperate to form a nested array of shingles.
4. The building structure of claim 3, wherein said first and second roof panels are adapted so that, when said first and second roof panels are properly installed adjacent each other, at least 40% of a width of said first protruding shingle is disposed adjacent said upper surface of said second roof panel.
5. The building structure of claim 3, wherein said first and second roof panels are adapted so that, when said first and second roof panels are properly installed adjacent each other, a particular course of said first plurality of shingles aligns with a particular course of said second plurality of shingles to form an at least substantially continuous course of shingles that extends across abutting portions of said first and second roof panels.
6. The building structure of claim 5, wherein said at least substantially continuous course of shingles is a continuous course of substantially evenly spaced shingles.
7. The building structure of claim 1, wherein said second roof panel comprises a second protruding shingle that extends over a side edge of said second base portion;
- said first plurality of shingles are adapted to receive a particular portion of said second protruding shingle between: (1) a first of said first plurality of shingles; and (2) a second of said first plurality of shingles.
8. The building structure of claim 1, wherein:
- said first and second pluralities of shingles are flexible shingles; and
- said first shingle of said second plurality of shingles is adapted to allow a user to bend said first shingle of said second plurality of shingles away from said upper surface of said second roof panel to facilitate positioning said particular portion of said first protruding shingle between: (1) said first shingle of said second plurality of shingles; and (2) said second shingle of said second plurality of shingles.
- said first shingle of said first plurality of shingles is adapted to allow a user to bend said first shingle of said first plurality of shingles away from said upper surface of said first roof panel to facilitate positioning said particular portion of said second protruding shingle between: (1) said first shingle of said first plurality of shingles; and (2) said second shingle of said first plurality of shingles.
9. The building structure of claim 7, wherein said first and second roof panels are adapted so that:
- when said portion of said first protruding shingle is disposed between said first and second shingles of said second plurality of shingles, said first protruding shingle and said first and second shingles of said second plurality of shingles cooperate to form a first nested array of shingles, and
- when said portion of said second protruding shingle is disposed between said first and second shingles of said first plurality of shingles, said second protruding shingle and said first and second shingles of said first plurality of shingles cooperate to form a second nested array of shingles.
10. The building structure of claim 9, wherein said first and second roof panels are adapted so that:
- when said first and second roof panels are properly installed adjacent each other, at least 40% of a width of said first protruding shingle is disposed adjacent said upper surface of said second roof panel; and
- said first and second roof panels are adapted so that, when said first and second roof panels are properly installed adjacent each other, at least 40% of a width of said second protruding shingle is disposed adjacent said upper surface of said first roof panel.
11. The building structure of claim 9, wherein said first and second roof panels are adapted so that, when said first and second roof panels are properly installed adjacent each other:
- a particular course of said first plurality of shingles aligns with a particular course of said second plurality of shingles to form an at least substantially continuous course of shingles that extends across abutting portions of said first and second roof panels.
12. The building structure of claim 11, wherein said at least substantially continuous course of shingles is a continuous course of substantially evenly spaced shingles.
13. A building structure kit for use in building a particular building structure, said building structure kit comprising:
- (A) a base portion assembly kit for building a base portion of said building structure, said base portion assembly kit comprising: a plurality of posts, each of said posts defining at least one lower recess; a plurality of band members; a plurality of joists, each of said joists having a first tenon adjacent a first end of said joist, and a second tenon adjacent a second end of said joist; and
- (B) a roof assembly, wherein: said plurality of posts, plurality of band members, and plurality of joist members are collectively adapted to be assembled to create a base portion of said building structure; said roof assembly is adapted to be assembled to form a roof of said building structure; a particular one of said plurality of joist members comprises: a first elongated casing that is substantially in the form of a rectangular prism; a tenon that is disposed adjacent an end portion of said first elongated casing; and a first metal reinforcing member that: (1) extends longitudinally within an interior of said first elongated casing; and (2) extends longitudinally within an interior of said tenon, a particular portion of said first metal reinforcing member extends out of said interior of said tenon adjacent a particular end surface of said tenon; and a particular one of said band members comprises: a second elongated casing that is substantially in the form of a rectangular prism; and a second metal reinforcing member that extends longitudinally within an interior of said second elongated casing, said second elongated casing defines at least one mortise; said tenon of said particular joist is adapted and dimensioned so that when said tenon is inserted into said particular band member's mortise, said particular joist's tenon matingly engages said particular band member about a perimeter of said mortise; and said particular joist and said particular band member are adapted and dimensioned so that a particular portion of said first metal reinforcing member engages a particular portion of said second metal reinforcing member when said tenon is inserted into said particular band member's mortise.
14. The building structure kit of claim 13, wherein said joist assembly kit further comprises at least one fastener that is adapted to fasten said first and second joists together by extending through both:
- a) said particular portion of said first metal reinforcing member; and
- b) said particular portion of said second metal reinforcing member.
15. The building structure kit of claim 14, wherein said first metal reinforcing member has a substantially Z-shaped cross-section.
16. The building structure kit of claim 15, wherein said second metal reinforcing member has a substantially U-shaped cross-section.
17. The building structure kit of claim 16, wherein:
- said first elongated casing comprises a plurality of elongated structures that are disposed circumferentially about said first metal reinforcing member; and
- said second elongated plastic casing comprises a plurality of elongated plastic structures that are disposed circumferentially about said second metal reinforcing member.
18. The building structure kit of claim 17, wherein:
- said first and second joists are configured so that, when said tenon is inserted into said second joist's mortise said first and second plastic casings at least substantially insulate both said particular metal surface of said second joist and said particular portion of said first metal reinforcing member from the atmosphere.
19. A building structure kit for use in building a particular building structure, said building structure kit comprising:
- (A) a base portion assembly kit for building a base portion of said building structure, said base portion assembly kit comprising: a plurality of elongated posts having a first end and a second end, each of said posts defining a groove adjacent said first end; a plurality of band members; a plurality of joists, each of said joists having a first tenon adjacent a first end of said joist, and a second tenon adjacent a second end of said joist; and
- (B) a roof assembly, wherein: said plurality of posts, plurality of band members, and plurality of joist members are collectively adapted to be assembled to create a base portion of said building structure; said plurality of band members and said plurality of joist members are collectively adapted to be assembled to create a ceiling frame of said building structure; said roof assembly is adapted to be assembled to form a roof of said building structure; a particular one of said plurality of joist members comprises: a first elongated casing that is substantially in the form of a rectangular prism; a tenon that is disposed adjacent an end portion of said first elongated casing; and a first metal reinforcing member that: (1) extends longitudinally within an interior of said first elongated casing; and (2) extends longitudinally within an interior of said tenon, a particular portion of said first metal reinforcing member extends out of said interior of said tenon adjacent a particular end surface of said tenon; and a particular one of said band members comprises: a second elongated casing that is substantially in the form of a rectangular prism; and a second metal reinforcing member that extends longitudinally within an interior of said second elongated casing, said second elongated casing defines at least one mortise; said tenon of said particular joist is adapted and dimensioned so that when said tenon is inserted into said particular band member's mortise, said particular joist's tenon matingly engages said particular band member about a perimeter of said mortise; said particular joist and said particular band member are adapted and dimensioned so that a particular portion of said first metal reinforcing member engages a particular portion of said second metal reinforcing member when said tenon is inserted into said particular band member's mortise; said particular tenon of said particular joist and said particular band member are adapted to be attached together to form at least part of said ceiling frame; and said ceiling frame is adapted to be supported adjacent respective top surfaces of said plurality of posts, and held in place, at least in part, by respective portions of said ceiling frame extending into respective grooves that are defined within respective end surfaces of said posts.
20. The building structure kit of claim 19, wherein said joist assembly kit further comprises at least one fastener that is adapted to fasten said first and second joists together by extending through both:
- a) said particular portion of said first metal reinforcing member; and
- b) said particular portion of said second metal reinforcing member.
21. The building structure kit of claim 20, wherein said first metal reinforcing member has a substantially Z-shaped cross-section.
22. The building structure kit of claim 21, wherein said second metal reinforcing member has a substantially U-shaped cross-section.
23. The building structure kit of claim 22, wherein:
- said first elongated casing comprises a plurality of elongated structures that are disposed circumferentially about said first metal reinforcing member; and
- said second elongated plastic casing comprises a plurality of elongated plastic structures that are disposed circumferentially about said second metal reinforcing member.
24. The building structure kit of claim 23, wherein:
- said first and second joists are configured so that, when said tenon is inserted into said second joist's mortise said first and second plastic casings at least substantially insulate both said particular metal surface of said second joist and said particular portion of said first metal reinforcing member from the atmosphere.
25. A building structure kit for use in building a particular building structure, said building structure kit comprising:
- (A) a base portion assembly kit comprising a plurality of base portion components, said base portion components being adapted to be assembled to create a base portion of said building structure;
- (B) a truss assembly kit comprising:
- a first truss portion,
- a second truss portion, said first and second truss portions being adapted to be attached together to form at least a portion of a first truss,
- a third truss portion, and
- a fourth truss portion, said third and fourth truss portions being adapted to be attached together to form at least a portion of a second truss;
- (C) a pre-assembled roof assembly comprising: (1) a roof base structure; (2) a plurality of shingles that have been preinstalled on said roof base structure; and (3) a plurality of elongated tabs that extend downwardly from a bottom surface of said roof base structure, wherein: said first and second truss portions are adapted so that, when they are attached together to form said portion of said first truss, said first and second truss portions cooperate to form a first roof support structure that defines a first plurality of recesses; said third and fourth truss portions are adapted so that, when they are attached together to form said portion of said second truss, said third and fourth truss portions cooperate to form a second roof support structure that defines a second plurality of recesses; said truss assembly kit and said pre-assembled roof assembly are adapted to be installed adjacent said base portion of said building structure to create at least a portion of a roof for said building structure by: (a) installing said first truss adjacent said base portion of said building structure; (b) installing said second truss adjacent said base portion of said building structure; and (c) moving said roof assembly into a particular position adjacent respective top surfaces of said first and second trusses, wherein when said roof assembly is in said particular position, each of said elongated tabs extends downwardly into at least a respective one of said first or second plurality of recesses.
26. The building structure kit of claim 25, wherein:
- said base portion assembly kit comprises one or more support columns; and
- said building structure is a pavilion.
27. The building structure kit of claim 26, wherein said base portion assembly kit comprises a plurality of joists that are adapted to form at least a portion of a framing assembly for said building structure, wherein each of said joists has an exterior surface and an interior portion, and each of said joists comprises:
- (A) an elongated structural support that extends longitudinally within said interior portion of said joist; and
- (B) a plurality of lengths of material that each have a substantially rectangular cross section and that each extend longitudinally along a particular length of said joist; and wherein: said plurality of lengths of material are at least substantially matingly attached together in at least a substantially circumferential manner about said elongated structural support to form said joist.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 20, 2010
Publication Date: Aug 4, 2011
Applicant:
Inventor: Douglas K. Dueker (Jasper, GA)
Application Number: 12/840,079
International Classification: E04C 3/02 (20060101); E04D 1/00 (20060101);