GAZEBO
A gazebo provided in this invention includes a gazebo frame and a canopy coupled to the gazebo frame. The gazebo according to embodiments of the invention. has the following advantages, such as no need for additional connecting components or tools to connect or fasten different sections of the gazebo, low potential security risk, quick disassembling under inclement weather conditions which may reduce the potential losses of a user, conveniences for a user to disassemble and store, capability of repeated assembling and disassembling for connecting components which prolongs the life of a gazebo, little chances of missing connecting components, no burden of worrying about after-sales service.
Latest Test Rite International Company Limited Patents:
The present application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201120505559.1 tiled on Dec. 7, 2011 and entitled “GAZEBO”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention generally relates to a gazebo, and more particularly. to a collapsible gazebo.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONGazebos are used widely to provide shade from the sun and protection from rain in traveling, enjoying leisure, relaxing on a beach, camping during geological exploration. Because a gazebo can be disassembled into separated sections, it is convenient for carrying and storing. Despite this, the conventional gazebo has the following disadvantages.
Firstly, connecting components, such as screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, pins and the like, are typically used to connect or fasten the separated sections of the gazebo, which requires additional assembling tools, complicated assembling processes, and brings more chances of damage to the gazebo. In addition, there are potential security risks in assembling and disassembling the gazebo.
Secondly, properties or personal safety may be damaged or threatened in the event of inclement or stormy weather if the gazebo cannot be disassembled quickly due to the complicated disassembling processes.
Thirdly, after the gazebo is disassembled, the connecting components, such as screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, pins and the like, have to be carefully classified and stored, otherwise sonic of which may be lost, which may put the gazebo unusable.
Fourthly, if the disassembling or assembling processes are complicated, a user may be unwilling to disassemble the gazebo for appropriate storage even if there is no need for the gazebo, which may shorten the life of the gazebo.
Finally, the conventional gazebo may be unstable.
Therefore, there is a need for a convenient gazebo.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONEmbodiments of the invention provide a gazebo including a plurality of separated sections which can be connected or fastened without additional connecting components, which is convenient for a user to assemble and disassemble. In addition, there are multiple connecting and fastening structures among different sections, which thereby improve the overall stableness of the gazebo.
To solve above problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a gazebo. The gazebo includes a gazebo frame which comprises a plurality of lintels and a plurality of posts adapted for fixing the gazebo to the ground, and a canopy which is coupled to the gazebo frame. Each of the plurality of lintels comprises a first lintel member extending along the axis of the post, and a second lintel member connected at an intersection to the first lintel member; and each of the plurality of posts comprises a first socket on the outer side of the post, the first lintel member can be inserted into the first socket.
Optionally, the first socket is connected to the first lintel member by means of a first self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, a hole is disposed on the first socket, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the first lintel member, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the first self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, a plurality of first slots extending along the axis of the post are disposed at the upper end of each of the plurality of posts, and a chuck board is disposed extending outward from an end of each of the plurality of lintels, the chuck board having a second slot therein. The plurality of first slots include one part of first slots, the arrangement direction of which is consistent with the axis of a first lintel which has the chuck board to be inserted into the one part of first slots, and other part of first slots, the arrangement direction of which is consistent with the axis of a second lintel (which can be connected to the post as well as the first lintel) which has the chuck board to be inserted into the other part of first slots. When attaching two lintels to a post, the chuck board of the first lintel is inserted into the one part of first slots, then the chuck board of the second lintel is inserted into the other part of first slots and the second slot.
Optionally, a plurality of third slots extending along the axis of the post are disposed at the upper end of each of the plurality of posts, and a T-shaped clamping member is disposed extending from an end of at least one of the plurality of lintels, wherein when attaching two lintels to a post, the T-shaped clamping member is fit into the inner side of the post and is stuck by one of the plurality of third slots.
Optionally, a barrier plate is disposed coupled to the upper end of each of the plurality of posts, which restricts the T-shaped clamping member in the inner side of the post.
Optionally, the barrier plate is connected to the post by means of a second self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, a hole is disposed on a sidewall of the post, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the side of the barrier plate which is facing towards the post, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the second self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, the canopy includes a plurality of first bars, and each of the plurality of first bars is connected to one of the plurality of posts by means of a third self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, a hole is disposed on a sidewall of the post, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the first bar, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the third self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, the canopy includes a plurality of first bars, and each of the first bars is connected to the barrier plate by means of a fourth self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, a hole is disposed on the other side of the harrier plate which is facing towards the first bar, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the first bar, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the fourth self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, the canopy further includes at least one second bar, and a second socket extending along the axis of the post is disposed on the second lintel member, the second bar being inserted into the second socket.
Optionally, the at least one second bar is connected to the second socket by means of a fifth self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, a hole is disposed on the second socket, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the second bar, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the fifth self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, the canopy comprises a centre connector, a plurality of first bars, and a plurality of second bars, and each of the plurality of first bars and the plurality of second bars can be connected to the centre connector respectively by means of a sixth self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, a hole is disposed respectively on each of the plurality of first bars and the second bars, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the centre connector, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the sixth self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, each of the plurality of first bars, the second bars and the lintels respectively comprises at least two members which is adjacent to be connected together, and the adjacent members are connected together by means of a seventh self-locking mechanism.
Optionally, a hole is disposed respectively on one member of each of the plurality of first bars, the second bars and the lintels, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the other member, and the push button can be lit into the hole so as to constitute the seventh self-locking mechanism.
Compared with the prior art, this invention has the following advantages:
No additional connecting components or tools are needed to connect or fasten different sections of the gazebo, which brings more conveniences in assembling, disassembling and storing the gazebo. Furthermore, despite less complexity in assembling and disassembling, there are following advantages in the embodiments of the present invention, such as low potential security risk, quick disassembling under inclement weather conditions which may reduce the potential losses of a user, conveniences for a user to disassemble and store, capability of repeated assembling and disassembling for connecting components which prolongs the life of a gazebo, little chances of missing connecting components, no burden of worrying about after-sales service.
In addition, multiple connecting and fastening structures are formed among different sections of the gazebo, which thereby improves the overall firmness of the gazebo.
In order to clarify the objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be limiting.
To better understand the following embodiments, the term “self-locking mechanism” used in the description is defined as following.
The self-locking mechanism includes two linking members, a first linking member and a second linking member. When each or both of the linking members move to a predetermined position after the first linking member is inserted into the second linking member, a first element in the first linking member is coupled to a second element in the second linking member and restrict each other to move, as a result, self-locking is achieved between the first linking member and the second linking member. Merely manual operations on the first element in the first linking member, and manual operations on the second element in the second linking member, respectively or simultaneously may release the first linking member and the second linking member.
In an embodiment as shown in
To fasten the connection between the lintel 4 and the post 5, a connection structure may be further employed to connect the lintel 4 and the post 5 a second time. Meanwhile, in order to make the gazebo 1 more convenient and easy to use, the connection structure may not need to be mounted/dismounted during assembling or disassembling the gazebo. That is to say, no additional connection components may be required during assembling or disassembling the gazebo 1, which provides convenience for using the gazebo 1. As an embodiment shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the firmness of connection between the two lintels 4 (4a, 4b) and the post 5 is further enhanced. As shown in
In another exemplary embodiment, the firmness of connection between the two lintels 4 (4a, 4b) and the post 5 is further enhanced. As shown in
Additionally, in order to enhance firmness of the gazebo 1, a T-shaped clamping member 15b may be disposed to extend from an end 4Ab of the second lintel 4b which is attached to the post 5 as well as the first lintel 4a. After the first lintel member 7 of the second lintel 4b is inserted into the first socket 6 of the post 5, the I-shaped clamping member 15b is stuck in the inner side of the post 5 and is stuck by the third slot 12d, so that movement of the second lintel 4b is restricted. After the first lintel 4a and the second lintel 4h are attached to the post 5 in such manner, the lintels 4a. 4b and the post 5 may still be connected tightly, even the gazebo suffers from great environmental impact.
To enhance firmness and aesthetic feeling of the gazebo 1, an embodiment is provided herein. As shown in
Referring to
Referring to
The barrier plate 20 may connect to the post 5 in different ways. In order to mount/dismount the barrier plate 20 and the post 5 easily and quickly without mounting/dismounting additional parts, the barrier plate 20 is connected to the post 5 by means of a second self-locking mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to
In the case that the barrier plate 20 is disposed at the upper end 5A of the post 5, the first bar 16 is coupled to the post 5 through the barrier plate 20. In order to mount/dismount the barrier plate 20 and the first bar 16 easily and quickly without mounting/dismounting additional parts, the barrier plate 20 is connected to the first bar 16 by means of a fourth self-locking mechanism 25 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to
As shown in
To enhance firmness of connection, another connection structure may be Further employed to connect the second bar 27 and the lintel 4 a second time. Meanwhile, additional connection components may not be required during assembling or disassembling the gazebo 1, which provides convenience for using the gazebo 1. In an embodiment, the second bar 27 is connected to the second socket 28 by means of a fifth self-locking mechanism 9 to form a connection between the second bar 27 and the lintel 4.
As shown n
A hole 31 is disposed on the second socket 28, a push button 30 which is retractable along the axis of the hole 31 is disposed on a pole 27a where the second bar 27 connects with the second socket 28. The push button 30 can fit into the hole 31 so as to constitute the fifth self-locking mechanism 29. After the second bar 27 is inserted into the second socket 28, the push button 30 is brought into a contraction state. The push button 30 is then released to turn into an expansion state gradually when the second bar 27 reaches a predetermined position in the second socket 28, so that the push button 30 can fit into the hole 31. With the result that the push button 30 is restricted in the hole 31, the second bar 27 may not move further, as a result, the second bar 27 is locked with the second socket 28. If the second bar 27 is to be dismounted from the second socket 28, merely manual operation, like pressing, needs be performed on the push button 30. Under pressure, the push button 30 turns into the contraction state gradually until the locking state is released, thereby dismounting the second bar 27 from the second socket 28.
As shown in
In order to mount/dismount one of the plurality of first bars 16 or one of the plurality of second bars 27 and the centre connector 32 easily and quickly without mounting/dismounting additional parts, the plurality of first bars 16, the plurality of second bars 27 may be connected to the centre connector 32 respectively by means of a sixth self-locking mechanism 33 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
In an embodiment, the sixth self-locking mechanism 33 between one of the plurality of first bars 16 or one of the plurality of second bars 27 and the centre connector 32 may be designed as follows. Referring to
For the purpose of storing, each of the plurality of first bars 16, each of the plurality of second bars 27 and each of the plurality of the lintels 4 respectively comprises at least two members, as shown in
In an embodiment, the seventh self-locking mechanism of the lintel 4 may be designed as follows. As shown in
In an embodiment, the seventh self-locking mechanism of one of the plurality of first bars 16 and one of the plurality of second bars 27 may be designed as follows. Referring to
It should be understood that the self-locking mechanism discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Referring to
Referring to
Compared with the prior art, this invention has the following advantages:
There is no need for additional connection members to assemble all pars of the gazebo or to fix the gazebo parts without using any tools. This not only brings more convenience for assembling, disassembling and storing the gazebo, but also reduces the risk of potential safety problems, such as assembling or disassembling the gazebo under inclement weather conditions. The gazebo according to the embodiments of the present invention maybe be easily assembled and disassembled, with the result that the self-locking mechanism can be mounted and dismounted repeatedly, thereby extending the life of the gazebo. There is no need for additional connection components for the gazebo, which may avoid the possibility of losing connection components, and avoiding the possibility of maintenance and repair problems after sale.
In addition, multiple connection and fastening structures are formed among adjacent sections of the gazebo, thereby improving the overall firmness of the gazebo.
Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood that the invention is presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Those skilled in the art can modify and vary the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A gazebo, comprising:
- a gazebo frame which comprises a plurality of lintels and a plurality of posts adapted for fixing the gazebo to the ground, and a canopy which is coupled to the gazebo frame,
- wherein each of the plurality of lintels comprises a first lintel member extending along the axis of the post, and a second lintel member connected at an intersection to the first lintel member; and each of the plurality of posts comprises a first socket on the outer side of the post, the first lintel member can be inserted into the first socket.
2. The gazebo according to claim 1, wherein the first socket is connected to the first lintel member by means of a first self-locking mechanism.
3. The gazebo according to claim 2, wherein a hole is disposed on the first socket, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the first lintel member, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the first self-locking mechanism.
4. The gazebo according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of first slots extending along the axis of the post are disposed at the upper end of each of the plurality of posts, and a chuck board is disposed extending outward from an end of each of the plurality of lintels, the chuck board having a second slot therein,
- wherein the plurality of first slots comprise one part of first slots, the arrangement direction of which is consistent with the axis of a first lintel which has the chuck board to be inserted into the one part of first slots, and other part of first slots, the arrangement direction of which is consistent with the axis of a second lintel (which can be connected to the post as well as the first lintel) which has the chuck board to be inserted into the other part of first slots; when attaching two lintels to a post, the chuck board of the first lintel is inserted into the one part of first slots, then the chuck board of the second lintel is inserted into the other part of first slots and the second slot.
5. The gazebo according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of third slots extending along the axis of the post are disposed at the upper end of each of the plurality of posts, and a T-shaped clamping member is disposed extending from an end of at least one of the plurality of lintels,
- wherein when attaching two lintels to a post, the T-shaped clamping member is fit into the inner side of the post and is stuck by one of the plurality of third slots.
6. The gazebo according to claim 5, wherein a barrier plate is disposed coupled to the upper end of each of the plurality of posts, which restricts the T-shaped clamping member in the inner side of the post.
7. The gazebo according to claim 6, wherein the barrier plate is connected to the post by means of a second self-locking mechanism.
8. The gazebo according to claim 7, wherein a hole is disposed on a sidewall of the post, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the side of the barrier plate which is facing towards the post, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the second self-locking mechanism.
9. The gazebo according to claim 1, wherein the canopy comprises a plurality of first bars, and each of the plurality of first bars is connected to one of the plurality of posts by means of a third self-locking mechanism.
10. The gazebo according to claim 9, wherein a hole is disposed on a sidewall of the post, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the first bar, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the third self-locking mechanism.
11. The gazebo according to claim 6, wherein the canopy comprises a plurality of first bars, and each of the first bars is connected to the barrier plate by means of a fourth self-locking mechanism.
12. The gazebo according to claim 11, wherein a hole is disposed on the other side of the barrier plate which is facing towards the first bar, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the first bar, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the fourth self-locking mechanism.
13. The gazebo according to claim 1, wherein the canopy further comprises at least one second bar, and a second socket extending along the axis of the post is disposed on the second lintel member, the second bar being inserted into the second socket.
14. The gazebo according to claim 13, wherein the at least one second bar is connected to the second socket by means of a fifth self-locking mechanism.
15. The gazebo according to claim 14, wherein a hole is disposed on the second socket, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the second bar, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the fifth self-locking mechanism.
16. The gazebo according to claim 1, wherein the canopy comprises a centre connector, a plurality of first bars, and a plurality of second bars, and each of the plurality of first bars and the plurality of second bars can be connected to the centre connector respectively by means of a sixth self-locking mechanism.
17. The gazebo according to claim 16, wherein a hole is disposed respectively on each of the plurality of first bars and the second bars, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the centre connector, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the sixth self-locking mechanism.
18. The gazebo according to claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of first bars, the second bars and the lintels respectively comprises at least two members which is adjacent to be connected together, and the adjacent members are connected together by means of a seventh self-locking mechanism.
19. The gazebo according to claim 18, wherein a hole is disposed respectively on one member of each of the plurality of first bars, the second bars and the lintels, a push button retractable along the axis of the hole is disposed on the other member, and the push button can be fit into the hole so as to constitute the seventh self-locking mechanism.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 4, 2012
Publication Date: Jun 13, 2013
Applicant: Test Rite International Company Limited (Taipei)
Inventor: Chung-I TSENG (Taipei)
Application Number: 13/487,614
International Classification: E04B 1/19 (20060101); E04B 1/38 (20060101);