GB2386137A

GB2386137A - Garden structure with trellis, such as a pergola

Info

Publication number: GB2386137A
Application number: GB0305170A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Lennon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-03-07
Filing date: 2003-03-07
Publication date: 2003-09-10
Also published as: GB0305170D0; GB0205467D0

Abstract

A garden structure such as a pergola is formed from a kit of parts comprising at least two support members 3, 4, connectable by brackets, such as 6, having a male or female part for connection with a corresponding female or male part of the support member, and a modular trellis part 8. The kit may be of plastics, and various corner and straight line joints 6 are provided: end stops such as 14 and ground engaging feet or planters may also be provided.

Description

Title: Improvements in and relating to garden structures, particularly pergola systems.

DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to an improved garden structure system, particularly pergola systems.

It is known to provide pergolas, arches and arbors as decorative features of a garden. Generally, these are constructed from preformed wooden pieces that are then secured together using conventional fixing means, such as nails. The construction of such structures is time-consuming and physically demanding.

Additionally, the structures are generally made of a material that degrades in response to environmental conditions and therefore has to be regularly treated, for example, using creosote.

It an object of the present invention to provide an improved system that aims to overcome the abovementioned drawbacks.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a garden structure, such as a pergola system, the structure comprising at least two modular support members and a modular trellis part wherein the support members are connected by engagement of a male and a female part.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a kit of parts for forming a garden structure comprising at least two modular support members and a modular trellis part, the support members being connectable by engagement of a male and a female part.

Preferably, the garden structure is in the form of a pergola system and is comprised of a number of modular support members and trellis parts. More

preferably, horizontal and vertical modular support members are provided that may be connected together and may support trellis parts. However, it is to be appreciated that other garden structures may be formed using the components of the present invention, such as verandahs, porches, arches, fencing and screening.

More preferably, the support members are connected together by the provision of brackets that provide the male or female part for engagement with the support member that forms the corresponding female or male part respectively. It is preferable to provide support members that are hollow in at least the regions that are to be connected to the bracket, i. e. generally the end of the member, whereby a part of the bracket may be fitted into an end of one support member and another part of the bracket may be fitted into an end of another support member thereby joining the two together. Alternatively, the brackets could be provided with a female member that receives part of the support member, acting as the male member.

Preferably, the parts of the bracket that fit into the support member are in the form of a stepped projection. Preferably, the dimensions of the support members and brackets are the same for all components of the system.

It is preferable to provide different types of bracket to enable a different number of support members to be connected together in differing orientations. For example, a three-way bracket may be provided comprising a core unit with three projections extending therefrom for inserting in three support members. Preferably, the core is in the form of a cube, more preferably being a solid cube. The projections may be orientated such as to provide a straight bracket, i. e. connecting two adjacent horizontal or vertical support members in line, together with a vertical or horizontal member at the junction of the two members that are in line or a comer

bracket, i. e. having the two projections that fit into the horizontal support members at right angles to each other. It is to be appreciated that projections could be provided from each face of the cubic core for attachment of a member. The projections of the brackets are preferably hollow to impart a degree of flexibility to enable them to be inserted into the member.

A sleeve having a projection, preferably stepped, may also be provided to assist supporting the members.

Preferably, the support members are provided with trellis clips for securing the trellis part thereto. More preferably, the trellis clip consists of a flange having two adjacent hooks attached thereto. The bends of the hooks preferably face inwardly to provide a small channel therebetween for receiving the trellis part. The clip is preferably formed of a material having a small degree of flexibility to enable the trellis to be inserted into the gap and be retained between the hooks. Preferably, the clip is provided with adhesive on the reverse side of the flange for attachment to a support member.

It is preferable to provide modular feet having a projection for inserting within the end of a vertical support member. Alternatively, the feet may be provided with a female member for receiving the end of a vertical support member.

Additionally, end caps may be provided, again having appropriately dimensioned male or female member for inserting or receiving a support member or bracket, thereby forming a complete system. Any suitable shape of end cap may be provided depending upon the desired look of the garden structure.

Certain structures may require additional securing means to enhance the stability of the system. For example, a mount may be provided to securing the

system to an external surface, such as a wall. Preferably, the mount comprises a base plate having means for securement to a surface, the plate having a stepped projection extending outwardly therefrom for receiving a support member. The plate may be provided with holes for receiving fixing means, such as nails.

Additionally, a planter unit may be provided as part of the structure.

Preferably, the planter is formed of modular components, for example two parts that may be slotted or fixed together. A hook having means for attachment to a part of the structure may also be provided for hanging ornaments, such as hanging baskets.

Preferably, the rear side of the hook is provided with adhesive for securement to the structure.

The modular components are preferably injection moulded components.

Preferably, the components are comprised of a plastics material, such as UPVC.

The components may be provided in various colours and finishes.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which :- Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of part of a fully assembled pergola system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2a and 2b are respectively a front and side perspective view of a mount for the pergola system shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a beam for the pergola system shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a three-way comer bracket for the pergola system shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a three-way straight bracket for a pergola system shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a five-way bracket for the pergola system shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a support beam for the pergola system shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a trellis clip for the pergola system shown in Figure 1; Figures 9 and 10 are plan views of trellises for the pergola system shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a sleeve for the pergola system shown in Figure 1; Figures 12 and 13 are respectively rear and front perspective views of end caps for the pergola system shown in Figure 1; Figures 14 and 15 are respectively rear and front perspective views of end caps for a pergola system according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figures 16 and 17 are respectively rear and front perspective views of end caps for a pergola system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 is a perspective view of the components of a planter unit for a pergola system according to the present invention; Figure 19 is a perspective view of an end cap for a garden structure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 20 is a perspective view of a garden structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, a self-assembly pergola system according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The system comprises a kit of modular parts that may be slotted together with minimal use of separate fixing means. The parts of preferably made of injection moulded components of a plastics material, such as UPVC.

The kit contains a mount 2 for attachment of the parts to a wall or other surface, one or more horizontal and vertical beams 3,4, brackets 6, trellis 8, trellis clips 10, sleeves 12, end caps 14 and planter units 16 and feet 18. The mount 2 has a square flat mounting plate 20 having an aperture 22 at each comer thereof and a hollow, stepped projection 24 extends from one side of the plate. The projection 24 comprises a first flange 24a and four further stepped regions 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, getting smaller in area with distance from the plate, that extend from the flange to provide a tapered projection. The flange is substantially the same size as the component to be attached to the mount.

The projection of the mount is dimensioned such as to allow a hollow beam 3 to be pressed over the stepped regions until it becomes flush with the first flange 24a. The particular dimensions are such that, once on, it will be difficult to remove the beam from the mount. A bracket 6 may be attached to the beam to enable further horizontal beams or vertical support beams to extend therefrom.

Different types of bracket are provided within the kit. The brackets are again injection moulded, hollow components that have stepped projections for receiving a beam or other component. A three-way comer bracket 30 may be provided as shown in Figure 4. This has a stepped projection 32 extending from the top or bottom thereof and two projections 34 extending from the side thereof at right

angles to one another. Alternatively, a three way straight bracket 40 may be provided as shown in Figure 5 wherein the side projections 44 extend at 180 from each other. Alternatively or additionally, four, five or six way comer brackets may be provided. For example, Figure 6 illustrates a five way comer bracket 50 that has stepped projections 52 from five of the sides of the central cube. Beams or other components may be fastened to each projection of the bracket 50 to attach components extending in five different directions.

The kit also includes an adhesive backed trellis clip 10, as shown in Figure 8.

Again this component is comprised of an injection moulded component that has a flange 60 having the adhesive on one side thereof and two hooks 62,64 having a small gap 66 therebetween for receiving an edge of trellis 8. In this manner, the clip may be stuck onto a horizontal or vertical beam where desired and receive a pre-constructed trellis component, such as those illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings.

A sleeve 12 may also be provided for supporting the beams, as shown in Figure 11. The sleeve again has a stepped projection for insertion in a part that is to be attached thereto. The base of the hollow vertical beams 3 may be provided with feet 18 that are also provided with a stepped region for fitting into the interior of the beam.

The kit also includes end caps 14 that are dimensioned to fit onto the projections of the brackets 6. Different shapes of end caps may be provided depending upon the desired look of system. For example, Figures 12 and 13 illustrate an oriental style end cap, whereas Figures 14 and 15 illustrate a Mediterranean style end cap and Figures 16 and 17 illustrate a ranch-style end cap.

Additionally, the kit may further comprise a planter unit 16 for receiving plants such that they can grow up and over the trellis and other parts of the pergola system. The planter is again comprised of injection moulded components, preferably of the same material, that may be quickly and simply fastened together to form the finished article. For example, Figure 18 illustrates one embodiment of a planter unit that comprises two triangular sections 70, each having side walls 72, 74 and a base 76. The edge of each wall is provided with a cylindrical tube 78, being positioned higher in one section than the other whereby a fixing pin 80 may be inserted through both tubes to secure the adjacent edges together. A triangular indentation 82 is provided in the free edge of each base parts of the triangular sections that form a square drainage outlet in the assembled article.

Further optional components may be included in the kit, such as a hook (not shown) provided with self-adhesive tape on the rear side thereof for attachment to a part of the structure. Additionally, a square end cap 100 may be provided for fencing and screens (see Figure 19).

In this manner, a pergola system may be constructed simply and easily from the component parts with minimal, if any, external fixing means. The system may be constructed in a variety of different ways to provide variations in the end product and in different designs. However, the dimensions of the various components are the same such that the components are interchangeable. The material of the system is also such as to require minimal maintenance.

It is apparent that the system is versatile enough to create other garden structures in addition to pergolas, such as verandahs, porches, fencing, screening etc.

Its final application is not restricted therefore to pergolas.

Figure 20 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a free-standing system wherein the horizontal support beams 3 are provided at ground level to join and support the vertical beams 4. It is clear that a multitude of designs may be provided using the components of the present invention. The system may be used to create an extension to a conservatory or to provide an outdoor dining area.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A garden structure comprising at least two modular support members and a modular trellis part, the support members being connectable by engagement of a male and a female part.
2. A garden structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the structure is a pergola system comprising a number of modular support members and trellis parts.
3. A garden structure as claimed in claim 2 wherein horizontal and vertical support members are provided that are connectable together.
4. A garden structure as claimed in claim 3 wherein the horizontal and vertical support members support the trellis part.
5. A garden structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the support members are connected by the provision of brackets that provide the male or female part for engagement with the support member that forms the corresponding female or male part respectively.
6. A garden structure as claimed in claim 5 wherein the support members are hollow in at least the regions that are to be connected to the bracket whereby a part of the bracket can be fitted into an end of one support member and another part of the bracket can be fitted into an end of another support member thereby joining the two together.
7. A garden structure as claimed in claim 5 wherein the bracket is provided with a female member that receives part of the support member, acting as the male member.

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8. A garden structure as claimed in claim 5,6 or 7 wherein the parts of the bracket that fit into the support member are in the form of a projection.
9. A garden structure as claimed in claim 5,6, 7 or 8 wherein a three-way bracket is provided comprising a core unit with three projections extending therefrom for insertion in three support members.
10. A garden structure as claimed in claim 9 wherein the core is in the form of a cube.
11. A garden structure as claimed in claim 10 wherein the core is a solid cube.
12. A garden structure as claimed in claim 5,6, 7 or 8 wherein the bracket is provided with projections that are orientated to provide a straight bracket for connecting adjacent horizontal or vertical support members in line.
13. A garden structure as claimed in claim 12 wherein a vertical or horizontal member is provided at a junction of the two members for connection to another support member.
14. A garden structure as claimed in claim 5,6, 7 or 8 wherein a comer bracket is provided, having two projections at right angles to each other for connection to the support members.
15. A garden structure as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein projections extend from each face of the cube core for attachment of a support member.
16. A garden structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a sleeve having a projection for supporting the members.
17. A garden structure as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 16 wherein each projection is stepped.

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18. A garden structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the support members are provided with trellis clips for securing the trellis part thereto.
19. A garden structure as claimed in claim 18 wherein the trellis clip comprises a flange having two adjacent hooks attached thereto.
20. A garden structure as claimed in claim 19 wherein a bended region of each hook faces inwardly to provide a channel between the hooks for receiving the trellis part.
21. A garden structure as claimed in claim 18,19 or 20 wherein the clip is formed of a material having a small degree of flexibility.
22. A garden structure as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21 wherein the clip is provided with adhesive on the reverse side of the flange to the hooks for attachment to a support member.
23. A garden structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a modular foot having a projection for insertion within the end of a support member.
24. A garden structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 further comprising a modular foot having a female member for receiving the end of a support member.
25. A garden structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one end cap having an appropriately dimensioned male or female member for inserting or receiving a support member.
26. A garden structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein additional securing means is provided to enhance the stability of the structure.

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27. A garden structure as claimed in claim 26 wherein a mount is provided for securing the structure to an external surface.
28. A garden structure as claimed in claim 27 wherein the mount comprises a base plate having means for securement to a surface, the plate having a stepped projection extending outwardly therefrom for receiving a support member.
29. A garden structure as claimed in claim 28 wherein the base plate is provided with holes for receiving fixing means.
30. A garden structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a planter unit.
31. A garden structure as claimed in claim 30 wherein the planter is formed of modular components.
32. A garden structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the modular components are injection moulded components.
33. A kit of parts for forming a garden structure comprising at least two modular support members and a modular trellis part, the support members being connectable by engagement of a male and a female part.
34. A garden structure substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.
35. A kit of parts for forming a garden structure substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figures 2a and 2b, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9, Figure 10, Figure 11, Figures 12 and 13, Figures 14 and 15, Figures 16 and 17, Figure 18 or Figure 19 of the accompanying drawings.