US20070130875A1 - Systems and methods for fabricating a structure on an uneven surface - Google Patents
Systems and methods for fabricating a structure on an uneven surface Download PDFInfo
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- US20070130875A1 US20070130875A1 US11/301,390 US30139005A US2007130875A1 US 20070130875 A1 US20070130875 A1 US 20070130875A1 US 30139005 A US30139005 A US 30139005A US 2007130875 A1 US2007130875 A1 US 2007130875A1
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- frame
- main
- main beam
- uneven surface
- horizontal
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/008—Playhouses, play-tents, big enough for playing inside
Definitions
- Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems and methods for facilitating fabrication of a structure on an uneven surface. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for facilitating fabrication of a structure such as a treehouse, platform, and the like on an uneven surface such as a tree trunk, telephone pole, and the like.
- each triangular bracket Such orientation causes a second side of each triangular bracket to be perpendicular to the vertical surface such that floorboards, railings, and the like may be attached thereto. Additionally, the brackets may be collapsible to facilitate transportation. In other similar systems, the railings are permanently attached to the brackets to eliminate an assembly step.
- a set of eight floor, wall, and roof frames are included and the frames are configured such that the resulting structure has an octagonal configuration.
- Each floor frame is equidistantly attached to the vertical surface around the circumference of the vertical surface such that even support is provided for the structure.
- plywood is attached thereto to create a floor for the structure.
- a wall frame is attached to each floor frame.
- roof frames are attached to the vertical surface such that they align with the previously installed floor frames, thereby facilitating attachment of each roof frame to the upper end of a respective one of the wall frames.
- the walls and roof are mounted to the wall and roof frames, respectively.
- the provided templates and instructions aid the installer in accurately cutting the floor, wall, and roof members.
- a tree house kit in a similar system, includes, inter alia, three annular members, timber joists, timber outer members, angled brackets, floor boards, vertical posts, a rope railing, netting, tension cables, walls, a door, roof boards, and a roof skirt.
- the annular members are attached to the trunk of the tree at varying heights to provide support for specific components of the tree house.
- the annular member mounted at the lowest height supports the floor joists, which in turn support the bases of the walls and the floorboards.
- the annual member located at a height between two annular members supports radial roof joists, which in turn support the upper portions of the walls and the roof boards of the tree house.
- the annular member located at the highest height supports tension cables that extend from the annular member to each wall.
- a roof skirt is then placed atop the tension cables, thereby forming the roof of the treehouse.
- one of the walls includes a door for access to the interior of the treehouse.
- rope and netting may be strung between vertical railing poles extending from the edge of the base to create a railing.
- an apparatus for assembling a structure on an uneven surface includes at least two main beams, at least two main brackets coupled to the main beams for attachment of the main beams to the uneven surface and for support of the main beams, at least two perpendicular frames coupled to the main beams and the uneven surface for support of the main beams and the structure, and at least parallel frames coupled to the perpendicular frames and the uneven surface for support of the structure.
- an apparatus for coupling a beam to an uneven surface includes at least one vertical member for affixing the apparatus to the uneven surface, at least one horizontal member coupled to the vertical member(s), at least one hinging mechanism coupled to the vertical member via the horizontal member, and at least one beam holder coupled to the hinging mechanism for holding at least one beam.
- a method of manufacturing a structure adjacent to an uneven surface includes attaching at least two main brackets to an uneven surface, coupling at least one main beam to each of the main brackets, coupling at least two perpendicular frames to the main beams; and coupling at least two parallel frames to the perpendicular frames.
- FIG. 1 depicts an assembled structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2A depicts a side view of two main brackets secured to a tree trunk and secured with a strap thereto in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2B depicts an enlarged detailed view of a main bracket in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 depicts a front view of one main bracket secured to a tree trunk and supporting a main beam in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 including an exploded view of a primary coupling bracket.
- FIG. 4A depicts a top view of a main bracket secured to a tree trunk and supporting a main beam in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 including a mechanism for horizontally adjusting a main beam.
- FIG. 4B depicts an angled side and top view of a main bracket secured to a tree trunk and supporting a main beam in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 including a mechanism for adjusting a rotational angle of a main beam.
- FIG. 5A depicts an angled front view of an assembled perpendicular frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5B depicts an enlarged angled front view of a frame hinge in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5C depicts a magnified side view of the coupling of a perpendicular beam to a perpendicular frame vertical member via the frame hinge illustrated in FIG. 5B in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a perpendicular frame attached to two main beams and a tree trunk in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 including exploded views of primary coupling brackets.
- FIG. 7 depicts an angled front view of an assembled parallel frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a parallel frame attached to two perpendicular frames and a tree trunk in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 9 depicts an angled top view of a partial base frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 including attachment of primary and secondary coupling brackets thereto and an exploded view of a parallel frame.
- FIG. 10 depicts an angled top and side view of an assembled outer floor frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 11 depicts an angled top and side view of an assembled inner floor frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 12 depicts an angled top and side view of a base in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 13 depicts an angled top and side view of a floor in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 14A depicts three wall panels in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 14B depicts a rear view of the attachment of two wall panels to each other in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 15 depicts side and front railings attached to the base, an inner post, and a wall paper in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 16 depicts a side wall, side outer railings, a center side post, and a front side post after attachment to the base in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 17 depicts front center railings, front posts, and a ladder after attachment to front side posts, the floor, and the floor base in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 18 depicts an exploded view of the assembly of a rear wall in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 19 depicts the attachment of a front roof to wall panels, center side posts, and front side posts in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 20 depicts attachment of a rear roof to wall panels and a rear wall in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 .
- structure 100 e.g., a tree house
- structure 100 is assembled around the perimeter of tree trunk 102 .
- the structure may be attached to tree trunk 102 or may partially surround tree trunk 102 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- structure 100 is supported by base 104 , which is in turn supported by perpendicular and parallel frames 106 and 108 , respectively, as discussed in greater detail below.
- FIG. 2A depicted is a side view of main brackets 202 secured to tree trunk 102 in accordance with an initial step of assembling structure 100 ( FIG. 1 ) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- Each main bracket 202 provides support for main beams 234 ( FIG. 2B ).
- a strap such as strap 230 is implemented for additional support of main brackets 202 .
- strap 230 is passed around the circumference of tree trunk 102 at a height just above main bracket horizontal member 206 ( FIG. 2B ), pulled taut, and secured via a strap faster such as strap fastener 232 .
- each main bracket 202 of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 2A includes, inter alia, main bracket vertical member 204 , main bracket horizontal member 206 , main bracket supportive member 210 , main bracket hinging mechanism 212 , aperture fastener 236 , main beam holder 220 , main beam fastener 218 , and main beam height adjustment mechanism 224 .
- Main bracket vertical member 204 , main bracket horizontal member 206 , main bracket supportive member 210 , main bracket hinging mechanism 212 , and main beam holder 220 may be fabricated from any rigid, non-corrosive material or other suitable material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned items are fabricated from steel with a thickness of at least one quarter of an inch. In one embodiment of the present invention, main bracket vertical member 204 is a rectangular plate, however, other forms of main bracket vertical member 204 may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- Main bracket horizontal member 206 extends perpendicularly from the vertical midpoint of main bracket vertical member 204 . The horizontal position of main bracket horizontal member 206 is maintained by one or more main bracket supportive members 210 .
- main bracket supportive members 210 are triangular plates.
- one main bracket supportive member 210 is attached to each edge of main bracket horizontal member 206 and main bracket vertical member 204 such that the ninety degree angle of main bracket supportive member 210 is located at the point of intersection of main bracket horizontal member 206 and main bracket vertical member 204 .
- main bracket hinging mechanism 212 includes first hinge member 214 , second hinge member 216 , and coupler 208 (e.g. hinge pin).
- First hinge member 214 is moveably attached to main bracket horizontal member 206 via aperture fastener 236 and horizontal adjusters 402 ( FIG. 4A ).
- Aperture fastener 236 is passed through first hinge member aperture 217 and main bracket horizontal member aperture 207 , after which it is tightened, thereby coupling first hinge member 214 to main bracket horizontal member 206 .
- Second hinge member 216 is attached to first hinge member 214 via coupler 208 such that second hinge member 216 may pivot with respect to first hinge member 214 about coupler 208 .
- Main beam holder 220 may be permanently or removably attached to second hinge member 216 .
- main beam holders 220 are U-shaped and have a width slightly larger than the width of the respective main beam 234 to accommodate insertion of main beams 234 within the respective main beam holder 220 .
- main beams 234 may be secured to main brackets 202 by aligning main beam aperture 222 with corresponding main beam holder apertures 244 and second hinge member aperture 246 such that main beam fastener 218 may be passed therethrough. Thereafter, main beam fastener 218 is secured by affixing main beam fastener retainers 248 to one or more ends of main beam fastener 218 .
- main beam fastener aperture 222 is prefabricated within main beams 234 to ensure that brackets 202 are affixed to the center of main beams 234 (as depicted in FIG. 3 ).
- main beam fastener 218 is depicted as a bolt secured by nuts (i.e., the main beam fastener retainers 248 ), other fasteners and/or retainers may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- main beam 234 may be comprised of one or more main beam segments.
- beam segments are identical, aligned mated two inch by four inch by eight foot wooden beams.
- main beams 234 may be constructed from any durable suitable construction material including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, heavyweight plastic polymer, and wood and plastic composites.
- other main beams 234 having varying dimensions may be employed to alter the resulting dimensions of the assembled structure.
- beams 234 may require adjustment.
- the need for adjustment may occur for a variety of reasons.
- tree trunk 102 may not be perfectly vertical.
- the assembler may not have accurately installed main brackets 202 at the same height of tree trunk 102 , thereby causing the height of a first main beam 234 a secured to a first main bracket such as main bracket 202 a to be different than the height of a second main beam 234 b secured to a second main bracket such as main bracket 202 b . Therefore, the present invention provides a variety of systems and methods for adjusting main beams 234 that do not require removal and reinstallation of main brackets 202 . Such methods of adjustment maintain the integrity of tree trunk 102 , which may be comprised if such brackets are removed and reinstalled.
- main beam height adjustment mechanism 224 includes main beam support base 238 and one or more height adjusters 240 .
- height adjuster 240 is simply a bolt threaded through the downwardly facing surface of main beam holder 220 .
- the height of main beam support base 238 is adjusted by threading or unthreading height adjuster 240 .
- main beam fastener retainers 248 may be loosened slightly to allow main beam fastener 218 to ascend or descend with respect to main beam holder apertures 244 and second hinge member aperture 246 during the adjustment process.
- the assembler may then adjust the position of main beam height adjustment mechanism 224 , thereby altering the height of main beam support base 238 , until the height of main beam 234 is aligned with all other main beams 234 , or as otherwise desired by the assembler.
- main beam fastener retainers 248 may be retightened.
- main beam height adjustment mechanism 224 includes main beam support base 238 and height adjuster 240 , however, other methods of adjustment may be substituted without departing from the spirit of the invention.
- main bracket hinging mechanism 212 couples main bracket horizontal member 206 to main beam holder 220 in a hinged manner such that main beam holder 220 , and main beam 234 contained therein, can be rotated about coupler 208 to achieve the desired vertical angular orientation of main beam 234 .
- coupler 208 may be loosened to allow the free rotation of main beam holder 220 , and main beam 234 contained therein as a single unit to achieve a level or otherwise desired vertical angular orientation of main beam 234 .
- main bracket hinging mechanism 212 comprises one or more hinges coupled with a threaded hinge pin secured with a nut, however other fasteners or adjusters, or any combination thereof, may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the vertical angular orientation of main beam 234 is achieved through the adjustment of main bracket hinging mechanism 212 , however, other methods of adjustment may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, no adjustment is required because attachment of perpendicular frame 106 causes proper vertical angular orientation of main beam 234 to occur naturally.
- main bracket 202 a attached to tree trunk 102 and containing a main beam 234 .
- main bracket vertical member 204 is positioned on tree trunk 102 such that the desired height of base 104 ( FIG. 1 ) of the assembled structure 100 will be achieved.
- main bracket vertical member 204 is initially attached to tree trunk 102 by fastening a fastener such as penetrating fastener 226 ( FIG. 2B ) to tree trunk 102 through main bracket vertical member aperture 302 a .
- main bracket vertical member aperture 302 a and the weight of main bracket vertical member 204 alone or in combination with the weight of main bracket horizontal member 206 ( FIG. 2B ) and main bracket supportive member 210 ( FIG. 2B ), cause main bracket vertical member 204 to become plumb. Thereafter, main bracket vertical member 204 is further secured to tree trunk 102 via additional penetrating fasteners 226 ( FIG. 2B ) fastened to tree trunk 102 through the remaining main bracket vertical member apertures 302 b - 302 i . Penetrating fasteners 226 ( FIG.
- 2B may be virtually any fastener known in the art capable of penetrating a material (e.g., wood, plastic and wood composite, tree trunks, etc.) including, but not limited to, screws, nails, duplex nails, lag bolts, and staples, or any combination thereof.
- a material e.g., wood, plastic and wood composite, tree trunks, etc.
- screws, nails, duplex nails, lag bolts, and staples or any combination thereof.
- main brackets may be positioned at heights equivalent to main bracket 202 a .
- a second main bracket 202 b may be located approximately one hundred and eighty degrees around the circumference of tree trunk 102 relative to main bracket 202 a as depicted in FIG. 2A .
- main beams 234 may be attached to respective main beam holders 220 as discussed above with respect to FIG. 2B .
- main beam fastener 218 FIG. 2B ) passes through the longitudinal center of main beam 234 such that equal lengths of main beam 234 extend from both sides of main bracket 202 .
- primary coupling brackets 306 may be attached to either or both ends or at other intermediate locations of main beams 234 .
- primary coupling brackets 306 are attached to both ends of both main beams 234 .
- Main beams 234 contain main beam coupling bracket apertures 309 to facilitate such attachment.
- Primary coupling brackets 306 are passed over the ends of main beam 234 until main beam primary coupling bracket first flange apertures 310 a and 310 b of primary coupling bracket first flanges 308 align with main beam coupling bracket apertures 309 a and 309 b , respectively.
- Fasteners such as aperture fasteners 236 are then passed through main beam primary coupling bracket first flange apertures 310 and main beam coupling bracket apertures 309 to affix primary coupling bracket 306 to the respective main beam 234 .
- primary coupling brackets 306 may be attached to main beams 234 during another part of the assembly process (e.g., after assembly of perpendicular frame 106 ).
- Primary coupling brackets 306 facilitate attachment to a beam or the like inserted between primary coupling bracket second flanges 314 , the latter of which include primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 for use as discussed in greater detail below.
- FIG. 4A depicted is a top view of main bracket 202 attached to tree trunk 102 after insertion of main beam 234 in main bracket 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. While securing perpendicular frame 106 to main beams 234 , as described with respect to FIG. 6 , and adjusting the height and vertical orientation of main beams 234 as described above with respect to FIG. 2B , main beams 234 may require further adjustment of their horizontal orientations. To provide a level floor and evenly distributed support for an assembled structure 100 ( FIG. 1 ), all main beams should be parallel to all other main beams 234 .
- all main beams 234 may not be parallel if, for example, the curvature of tree trunk 102 varies or if the user did not properly locate each main bracket 202 with respect to all other main brackets 202 .
- the horizontal orientations of main beams 234 relative to main bracket horizontal member 206 and tree trunk 102 may be adjusted by first loosening all horizontal adjusters 402 and all aperture fasteners 236 that couple main bracket horizontal member 206 to hinging mechanism 212 . After such aperture fasteners 236 and horizontal adjusters 402 have been loosened, main beam 234 , main beam holder 220 , and main bracket hinging mechanism 212 ( FIG. 2B ) will rotate horizontally as a single unit. Such rotation may be desired during attachment of perpendicular frame 106 to main beam 234 to achieve the desired horizontal orientation.
- Horizontal adjuster slides 404 are configured to allow horizontal adjusters 402 to move with horizontal adjustment of main beam 234 .
- aperture fasteners 236 and horizontal adjusters 402 are re-tightened to lock main beam 234 in its orientation, thereby rendering it motionless.
- horizontal adjusters 402 are bolts secured with nuts, however other fasteners or adjusters, or any combination thereof, may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the horizontal angular adjustment of main beam 234 is achieved through the adjustment of hinging mechanism 212 , aperture fastener 236 , and horizontal adjusters 402 , however, other methods of adjustment may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention.
- additional adjustments to the height and/or orientation of main beam 234 may be performed throughout the assembly process and after all elements of the structure have been assembled, for example, to accommodate for shifts due to the resulting load of each additional element.
- FIG. 4B depicts another such method of adjustment that allows main beam 234 and its respective main beam holder 220 to be rotated relative to main beam fastener 218 .
- main beam fastener retainers 248 may be loosened to allow main beam 234 and its respective main beam holder 220 to rotate about main beam fastener 218 until the desired position is achieved.
- main beam 234 may be rotated such that main beam 234 is leveled.
- main beam fastener 218 and main beam fastener retainers 248 are simply nuts and bolts that can be freely loosened and retightened by the assembler to allow for the rotation of main beams 234 as desired.
- FIG. 4B achieves rotation of main beam 234 via adjustment of main beam fastener 218 and main beam fastener retainers 248 , other methods of rotational adjustment may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- FIG. 5A depicted is an angled front view of an assembled perpendicular frame 106 (i.e., a frame mounted perpendicular to main beams 234 ) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Perpendicular frame 106 provides structural support to main beams 234 and base 104 .
- the assembly and/or installation of perpendicular frames 106 is performed after main beams 234 have been properly oriented and leveled.
- Each perpendicular frame 106 includes, inter alia, perpendicular frame beam 502 , perpendicular frame vertical member 504 , and one or more perpendicular frame supportive members 506 .
- Perpendicular beam 502 may be a single member or a combination of one or more perpendicular beam segments (e.g., two inch by four inch by eight foot beams).
- the first step in assembling perpendicular frame 106 is to attach a first end of perpendicular frame vertical member 504 to the center of perpendicular beam 502 via one or more frame hinges 508 .
- Frame hinge 508 includes first frame hinge member 518 , second frame hinge member 520 , and frame hinge 522 .
- first frame member 518 is a steel plate bent at a ninety degree angle to form a seat upon which a beam or member such as perpendicular beam 502 rests.
- First frame member 518 includes one or more frame hinge apertures 524 to facilitate attachment of frame hinge 508 to perpendicular beam 502 .
- second frame member 520 includes one or more frame hinge apertures 524 to facilitate attachment of frame hinge 508 to a beam or member such as perpendicular frame vertical member 504 .
- FIG. 5C depicted is a magnified side view of frame hinge 508 assembled such that perpendicular beam 502 is coupled to perpendicular frame vertical member 504 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- frame hinge 508 is first attached to perpendicular beam 502 by aligning frame hinge apertures 524 a and 524 b with perpendicular beam apertures 534 a and 534 b , the latter of which extend through the width of perpendicular beam 502 .
- frame hinge 508 is secured to perpendicular beam 502 via aperture fasteners 236 .
- penetrating fastener 226 is passed through frame hinge aperture 524 c and allowed to penetrate perpendicular beam 502 until the head of penetrating fastener 226 is flush with the outwardly facing surface of first frame hinge member 518 .
- Perpendicular frame hinge 508 is then affixed to perpendicular frame vertical member 504 by aligning perpendicular frame hinge apertures 524 d - 524 f with perpendicular frame vertical member apertures 526 a and 526 b of second frame hinge member 520 , the latter of which extend through the width of perpendicular frame vertical member 504 . After proper alignment is achieved, perpendicular frame hinge 508 is secured to perpendicular frame vertical member 504 via aperture fasteners 236 .
- frame hinge 522 e.g., a hinge pin
- aperture fasteners 236 and penetrating fastener 226 are depicted as nut and bolt combinations and a duplex nail, respectively, any similar fasteners may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- perpendicular frame vertical member 504 once perpendicular frame vertical member 504 has been secured to the approximate center point of perpendicular beam 502 , the distal end of perpendicular frame vertical member 504 is joined with an end of each of perpendicular frame supportive members 506 .
- the union of these elements is formed by aligning perpendicular frame vertical member aperture 510 a with perpendicular frame supportive member apertures 512 a and 512 b such that the distal end of perpendicular frame vertical member 504 is joined to perpendicular frame supportive members 506 via an aperture fastener such as aperture fastener 236 .
- perpendicular frame supportive members 506 a and 506 b may be attached to a respective end of perpendicular beam 502 .
- such attachment is performed using the same method described above with respect to FIG. 5C for attachment of perpendicular frame vertical member 504 to perpendicular beam 502 .
- other similar methods may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
- frame coupler 538 The final step in assembling perpendicular frame 106 is attachment of frame coupler 538 to the bottommost end of perpendicular frame vertical member 504 .
- This coupler facilitates attachment of perpendicular frame 106 to a surface such as a surface of tree trunk 102 .
- frame coupler 538 is a U channel.
- Frame coupler 538 is attached to perpendicular frame vertical member 504 by aligning frame coupler apertures 540 a and 540 b with perpendicular frame vertical member aperture 510 b such that they may be coupled via a fastener such as aperture fastener 236 .
- perpendicular frame 106 may be attached to a surface by passing a fastener through one or more perpendicular frame coupler apertures 542 .
- this fastener is a duplex nail to allow perpendicular frame 106 to be removed if initial attachment requires readjustment, but other fasteners could be substituted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- perpendicular beam 502 also includes perpendicular beam apertures 536 to facilitate attachment of perpendicular frame 106 to main beams 234 and perpendicular beam coupling bracket apertures 544 to facilitate attachment of perpendicular frame 106 to primary coupling brackets 306 .
- a plurality of perpendicular beam apertures 536 are provided to allow the position of beam 234 to be adjusted with respect to beam relative to perpendicular beam 502 . That is, the position of beam 234 relative to perpendicular beam 502 may be modified by attaching its primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 to any one of multiple pairs of perpendicular beam apertures 536 . Such flexibility allows structure 100 to be adapted to fit a variety of tree trunk sizes.
- each perpendicular frame 106 is then secured to tree trunk 102 and a respective one of main beams 234 as discussed with respect to FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 6 depicted is a side view of one perpendicular frame 106 attached to main beams 234 and tree trunk 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- a first perpendicular beam 502 is inserted between primary coupling bracket second flanges 314 of both primary coupling brackets 306 at the same ends of main beams 234 such that perpendicular frame vertical member 504 of perpendicular frame 106 is approximately centered between primary coupling brackets 306 and the inwardly facing surface of frame coupler 538 is in contact with tree trunk 102 .
- aperture fasteners 236 are passed through primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 and the corresponding coupling bracket apertures 536 to secure perpendicular frame 106 to main beams 234 .
- the elongated nature of primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 allows perpendicular frame vertical member 504 to be precisely located between each primary coupling bracket 306 regardless of the diameter of tree trunk 102 while still exposing one or more coupling bracket apertures 536 .
- each perpendicular frame 106 is then attached to tree trunk 102 via its respective frame coupler 538 and penetrating fasteners 226 .
- perpendicular frames 106 are angled until frame couplers 538 are in their desired position (e.g., flush with tree trunk 102 ).
- the locations of frame couplers 538 are then adjusted until perpendicular beams 502 are level.
- penetrating fasteners 226 are passed through frame coupler apertures 542 ( FIG.
- beams 234 may require adjustment. Such adjustment is described above with respect to FIGS. 2A and 4A .
- first flanges 308 of primary coupling brackets 306 are attached to both ends of perpendicular beams 502 in an inverted position as compared to primary coupling brackets 306 attached to main beams 234 as discussed above with respect to FIG. 3 .
- the ends of perpendicular beams 502 contain perpendicular beam coupling bracket apertures 544 to facilitate such attachment.
- Primary coupling brackets 306 are passed over the ends of perpendicular beam 502 until perpendicular beam coupling bracket apertures 544 a and 544 b align with primary coupling bracket first flange apertures 310 b and 310 a , respectively.
- Aperture fasteners 236 are then passed through primary coupling bracket first flange apertures 310 and perpendicular beam coupling bracket apertures 544 to affix primary coupling bracket 306 to the respective perpendicular beam 502 .
- primary coupling brackets 306 may be attached to perpendicular beams 502 during another part of the assembly process (e.g., after assembly of perpendicular frame 106 as described with respect to FIG. 5A or after assembly of parallel frame 108 as described with respect to FIG. 7 ) without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- Primary coupling brackets 306 facilitate attachment to a beam or the like inserted between primary coupling bracket second flanges 314 , the latter of which include primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 as discussed in greater detail above.
- FIG. 7 depicted is an angled front view of an assembled parallel frame 108 (i.e., a frame mounted parallel to main beams 234 ) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Each parallel frame 108 includes, inter alia, parallel beam 702 , parallel beam vertical member 704 , and parallel beam supportive members 706 .
- Parallel beam 702 may be a single member or a combination of one or more beam segments (e.g., two inch by four inch by eight foot beams).
- the first step in assembling parallel frame 108 is to attach a first end of parallel frame vertical member 704 to the center of parallel beam 702 via one or more frame hinges 508 in the same manner with which a first end of perpendicular frame vertical member 504 was attached to the center of perpendicular beam 502 as discussed above with respect to FIG. 5C .
- the distal end of parallel frame vertical member 704 is joined with an end of each of parallel frame supportive members 706 in the same manner with which the distal end of perpendicular frame vertical member 504 was joined with an end of each of perpendicular frame supportive members 506 .
- vertical member 704 is joined with an end of each of parallel frame supportive members 706 by aligning parallel frame vertical member aperture 710 a with parallel frame supportive member apertures 712 a and 712 b such that the distal end of parallel frame vertical member 704 is joined to parallel frame supportive members 706 via an aperture fastener such as aperture fastener 236 .
- parallel frame supportive members 706 a and 706 b may be attached to a respective end of parallel beam 702 .
- such attachment is performed using frame hinges 508 and the same method described above with respect to FIG. 5C for attachment of perpendicular frame vertical member 504 to perpendicular beam 502 .
- other similar methods may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
- the final step in assembling parallel frame 108 is attachment of frame coupler 538 to the bottommost end of parallel frame vertical member 704 .
- This coupler facilitates attachment of parallel frame 108 to a surface such as a surface of tree trunk 102 .
- Frame coupler 538 may be attached to parallel frame vertical member 704 by aligning frame coupler apertures 540 a and 540 b with parallel frame vertical member aperture 710 b such that they may be coupled via a fastener such as aperture fastener 236 . Thereafter, the bottom end of parallel frame 108 may be attached to a surface by passing one or more penetrating fasteners through one or more frame coupler apertures 542 .
- Parallel beams 702 also include parallel beam apertures 720 at each end, which facilitate attachment of parallel frame 108 to perpendicular frame 106 .
- FIG. 8 depicted is a side view of one parallel frame 108 attached to two perpendicular beams 502 and tree trunk 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Both parallel frames 108 may be attached to perpendicular frames 106 by inserting either end of each parallel beam 702 between opposing primary coupling bracket second flanges 314 of primary coupling brackets 306 attached to the ends of perpendicular beams 502 such that parallel frame vertical member 704 is approximately centered between primary coupling brackets 306 and the inwardly facing surface of perpendicular frame coupler 538 is in contact with tree trunk 102 .
- aperture fasteners 236 FIG.
- primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 are passed through primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 and the corresponding parallel beam apertures 720 ( FIG. 7 ) to secure parallel frames 108 to perpendicular frames 106 .
- the elongated nature of primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 allows parallel frame vertical member 704 to be precisely located between each primary coupling bracket 306 regardless of the diameter of tree trunk 102 .
- each parallel frame 108 is then attached to tree trunk 102 via its respective frame coupler 538 and penetrating fasteners 226 .
- parallel frames 108 are angled until frame couplers 538 are in their desired position (e.g., flush with tree trunk 102 ).
- the locations of frame couplers 538 are then adjusted until parallel beams 702 are level.
- penetrating fasteners 226 are passed through frame coupler apertures 542 ( FIG. 7 ) such that they penetrate tree trunk 102 until the head of penetrating fasteners 226 are flush with the outwardly facing surface of frame couplers 538 .
- Partial base frame 902 includes main beams 234 , perpendicular beams 502 , and parallel beams 702 .
- Main beams 234 and parallel beams 702 are supported by perpendicular beams 502 such that main beams 234 and parallel beams 702 are at the same height, thereby facilitating installation of a level base 104 as described below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 12 .
- Secondary coupling brackets 904 and primary coupling brackets 306 allow outer and inner floor frames 1002 ( FIG. 10 ) and 1102 ( FIG. 11 ), respectively, to be attached to partial base frame 902 as described below with respect to FIG. 12 .
- secondary coupling brackets 904 are attached to main beams 234 at each end. Additional secondary coupling brackets 904 are also attached at intermediate positions approximately centered between the ends of main beams 234 and tree trunk 102 . However, such locations may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- Secondary coupling brackets 904 are installed by passing them over main beams 234 such that each side of main beams 234 contacts an inwardly facing surface of a respective one of secondary coupling bracket first flanges 908 and such that the outwardly facing surface of secondary coupling bracket second flange 910 is directed toward tree trunk 102 . Exact positioning of secondary coupling brackets 904 is not necessary as further adjustment may be performed during installation of outer floor frames 1002 ( FIG. 10 ). Secondary coupling brackets 904 additionally include secondary coupling bracket seat 912 , secondary coupling bracket first flange apertures 916 , and secondary coupling bracket second flange apertures 914 to facilitate attachment of outer floor frames 1002 .
- primary coupling brackets 306 are attached to main beams 234 at locations surrounding tree trunk 102 as depicted in FIG. 9 using the method described above with respect of FIG. 3 .
- Primary coupling brackets are also installed on parallel beams 702 such that they align with the primary coupling brackets 306 installed on main beams 234 using similar methods. Exact positioning of primary coupling brackets 306 is not necessary as further adjustment may be performed during installation of inner floor frames 1102 ( FIG. 11 ).
- Primary coupling brackets 306 additionally include primary coupling bracket first flange apertures 310 and primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 to facilitate attachment of inner floor frames 1102 .
- outer floor frames 1002 are preassembled and contain floor boards such as floor boards 1304 ( FIG. 13 ), however, in another embodiment of the present invention, the assembly of four identical outer floor frames 1002 is required.
- Each outer floor frame 1002 includes three outer floor longitudinal members 1004 and two outer floor latitudinal members 1006 .
- Outer floor frame 1002 is assembled by aligning outer floor longitudinal member apertures 1010 located at the ends of outer floor longitudinal members 1004 a and 1004 c with outer floor latitudinal member bores 1012 located at the ends of outer floor latitudinal members 1006 a and 1006 b . After proper alignment, these members are coupled via insertion of bore fastener 1008 through outer floor longitudinal member apertures 1010 into outer floor latitudinal member bores 1012 such that a rectangular or square frame is formed. Thereafter, the ends of the remaining outer floor longitudinal member 1004 b are coupled to the midpoints of outer floor latitudinal members 1006 in the same manner.
- Bore fasteners 1008 may include, but are not limited to, duplex nails and tee nuts.
- Inner floor frames 1102 are identical to outer floor frames 1002 except that inner floor longitudinal members 1104 and inner floor latitudinal members 1106 have dimensions that vary from the dimensions of outer floor longitudinal members 1004 and outer floor latitudinal members 1006 , respectively.
- inner floor frames 1102 are preassembled and contain floor boards such as floor boards 1304 ( FIG. 13 ), however, in another embodiment of the present invention, the assembly of four identical inner floor frames 1102 is required.
- Each inner floor frame 1102 includes three inner floor longitudinal members 1104 and two inner floor latitudinal members 1106 .
- Inner floor frame 1102 is assembled by aligning inner floor longitudinal member apertures 1110 located at the ends of inner floor longitudinal members 1104 a and 1104 c with inner floor latitudinal member bores 1112 located at the ends of inner floor latitudinal members 1106 a and 1106 b . After proper alignment, these members are coupled via insertion of bore fastener 1008 through inner floor longitudinal member apertures 1110 into inner floor latitudinal member bores 1112 such that a rectangular or square frame is formed. Thereafter, the ends of the remaining inner floor longitudinal member 1104 b are coupled to the midpoints of inner floor latitudinal members 1106 in the same manner. That is, after proper alignment, these members are coupled via insertion of bore fasteners 1008 through inner floor latitudinal member apertures 1114 into inner floor longitudinal member bores 1116 .
- inner floor latitudinal members 1106 include indents 1136 .
- Such indents 1136 allow brackets such as primary coupling brackets 306 to be recessed such that inner floor latitudinal members 1106 may be assembled directly adjacent to primary coupling brackets 306 (i.e., without forming a gap between inner floor latitudinal members 1106 and outer floor longitudinal members 1104 ).
- base 104 includes outer and inner floor frames 1002 and 1102 , respectively, mounted atop partial base frame 902 ( FIG. 9 ).
- Outer floor frames 1002 may be affixed to partial base frame 902 ( FIG. 9 ) by positioning outer frame longitudinal members 1004 perpendicular to a respective one of parallel beams 702 such that inwardly facing surfaces (i.e., surfaces facing toward tree trunk 102 ) of the opposing ends of such outer frame longitudinal members 1004 contact the outwardly facing surfaces of secondary coupling bracket second flanges 910 ( FIG.
- Outer floor frames 1002 are also positioned such that the outer frame longitudinal member 1004 is inserted into one-half of the space located between primary coupling bracket second flanges 314 of primary coupling brackets 306 ( FIG. 9 ) assembled atop a respective one of main beams 234 and parallel beams 702 , thereby allowing aperture fasteners such as aperture fasteners 236 to be fastened through outer floor frame bores 1032 and primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 .
- inner floor frames 1102 are attached after outer floor frames 1002 have been assembled atop partial base frame 902 .
- Inner floor frames 1102 may be affixed to partial base frame 902 by positioning inner frame longitudinal members 1104 perpendicular to a respective one of parallel beams 702 such that externally-located inner frame longitudinal members 1104 are inserted into the available one-half of the space located between primary coupling bracket second flanges 314 of primary coupling brackets 306 ( FIG.
- aperture fasteners such as aperture fasteners 236 to be fastened through inner floor frame bores 1132 and primary coupling bracket second flange apertures 316 .
- shams 1204 are inserted into the square opening 1206 formed by the inwardly facing surfaces of outer and inner floor frames, 1002 and 1102 , respectively. Thereafter, aperture fasteners 236 are inserted into all outer and inner floor frame interconnection bores 1034 and 1134 , respectively, and sham interconnection bores 1234 to secure all outer and inner frames, 1002 and 1102 , respectively, to each other and to secure shams 1204 to outer frames 1102 . Also, aperture fasteners 236 are inserted into one or more sham bores 1232 to secure shams 1204 to brackets such as primary coupling brackets 306 .
- Aperture fasteners 236 may also be used to fill empty outer and inner floor frame bores 1032 and 1132 , respectively, and sham bores 1232 that are not used for coupling purposes. Once all aperture fasteners 236 have been inserted, all brackets (e.g., primary coupling brackets 306 and secondary coupling brackets 904 ) may be secured with fasteners such as aperture fasteners 236 .
- FIG. 13 depicted is an angled top and side view of floor 1300 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- floor 1300 is created by attaching floor boards 1304 to base 104 ( FIG. 12 ). Such attachment may be performed using any one of a variety of methods known in the art.
- floor boards 1304 are affixed to base 104 via fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 .
- fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 .
- FIG. 13 depicts six floor boards 1304 a through 1304 f are depicted in FIG. 13 , any quantity of floor boards may be substituted.
- Floor boards having varying dimensions and shapes may also be substituted.
- floor filler 1306 is also depicted in FIG. 13 .
- floor filler 1306 may be omitted from the installation of structure 100 to provide an empty space in base 104 and floor 1300 through which the vertical surface may pass.
- inclusion of a filler such as floor filler 1306 in an installation kit allows the same structure 100 to be mounted on either a horizontal surface such as a floor, yard, etc. or a vertical surface such as a tree trunk.
- floor filler 1306 may be installed to patch the empty space in floor 1300 .
- FIG. 14B depicts a rear view of the attachment of two wall panels 1402 to each other and to base 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- a front wall comprised of three wall panels 1402 a - 1402 c is depicted in FIG. 14A .
- Wall panel s may be fabricated from any suitable construction including, but not limited to, plywood, plastic and wood composite, metal, and fiberglass.
- wall panels 1402 are prefabricated and are provided as part of a structure kit. However, wall panels may also be fabricated as a part of the structure assembly.
- Each wall panel 1402 includes, inter alia, wall panel base plate 1404 , wall panel base plate apertures 1406 , wall panel side plates 1416 , and wall panel side plate apertures 1408 .
- Wall panels 1402 are attached to each other by aligning side wall panel plate apertures 1408 and attaching aperture fasteners such as aperture fasteners 236 therethrough.
- wall panels 1402 are attached to floor 1300 and base 104 via installation of penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through wall panel base plate apertures 1406 .
- Wall panels 1402 may include a door, window, or the like such as door 1410 and window 1412 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- side and front tree railings 1502 and 1504 depicted are side and front tree railings 1502 and 1504 , respectively, (i.e., the railings that surround tree trunk 102 ) and inner posts 1506 after attachment to base 104 and a front wall comprised of one or more wall panels 1402 such as the front wall depicted in FIG. 14 .
- Side and front tree railings 1502 and 1504 may be fabricated from any suitable construction including, but not limited to, plywood, plastic and wood composite, metal, and fiberglass.
- the railings are prefabricated and are provided as part of a structure kit. However, the railings may also be fabricated as a step of the structure assembly.
- front tree railing 1504 is designed such that it may tilt forward to accommodate assembly adjacent to tree trunks that are not relatively straight. Such tilting ability may be implemented via hinge 1510 or the like.
- each of side tree railings 1502 is attached to a wall panel such as wall panel 1402 .
- Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through side tree railing apertures 1508 into wall panels 1402 .
- One inner post 1506 is then attached to each side tree railing 1502 .
- Such attachment is also performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through side tree railing apertures 1508 into inner posts 1506 .
- side and front tree railings 1502 and 1504 may be coupled to each other and to base 104 and inner post 1506 by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through strategically located front and side tree railing apertures.
- Side tree railings 1502 may be installed on both sides of tree trunk 102 to prevent a child or the like from falling from base 102 .
- side wall 1602 depicted are side wall 1602 , side outer railings 1604 , center side post 1606 , and front side post 1608 after attachment to base 104 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- Side wall 1602 , side outer railings 1604 , center side post 1606 , and front side post 1608 may be fabricated from any suitable construction including, but not limited to, plywood, plastic and wood composite, metal, and fiberglass.
- the side wall, railings, and posts are prefabricated and are provided as part of a structure kit. However, these items may also be fabricated as a step of the structure assembly.
- Each side wall 1602 includes, inter alia, side wall base plate 1610 , side wall base plate apertures 1612 , side wall side plates 1616 , and side wall side plate apertures 1614 .
- Side walls 1602 are attached to wall panels 1402 by properly positioning side wall 1602 with respect to wall panels 1402 and fastening aperture fasteners such as aperture fasteners 236 through side wall side plate apertures 1614 .
- side walls 1602 are attached to base 104 via installation of penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through side wall base plate apertures 1612 .
- Side walls 1602 may include any combination of doors, windows, or the like without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- each of side outer railings 1604 is attached to a side wall such as side wall 1602 .
- Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through side outer railing apertures 1624 into side walls 1602 .
- One center side post 1606 is then attached to each side outer railing 1604 .
- Such attachment is also performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through side outer railing apertures 1624 into center side posts 1606 .
- a side outer railing 1604 is attached to the opposite side of each center side post 1606 by the same method.
- front side post 1608 is then attached to the opposite end of each of the newly installed side outer railings 1604 through strategically located side outer railing apertures.
- outer railings 1604 are secured to base 104 . Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through base outer railing apertures 1632 into base 104 .
- Front railings 1702 , front posts 1704 , and ladder 1706 after attachment to front side posts 1608 and base 104 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- Front railings 1702 , front posts 1704 , and ladder 1706 may be fabricated from any suitable construction including, but not limited to, plywood, plastic and wood composite, metal, and fiberglass.
- the railings, posts, and/or ladders are prefabricated and are provided as part of a structure kit. However, the railings, posts, and/or ladders may also be fabricated as a step of the structure assembly.
- Both ends of front railings 1702 are attached to a respective one of front side posts 1608 and front center posts 1704 . Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through front railing apertures 1710 into front side posts 1608 and front center posts 1704 .
- front railings 1702 are attached to base 104 via installation of penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through front railing base plate apertures 1718 .
- Ladder 1706 may also be attached to base 104 .
- Ladder 1706 may include ladder safety bar 1720 , ladder posts 1722 , ladder plates 1724 , and ladder rope 1726 .
- Ladder safety bar 1720 indicates the edge of base 104 and prevents accidental falls that may occur due to misjudging the location of the edge of base 104 .
- ladder rope loops 1728 are passed over ladder posts 1722 .
- ladder safety bar 1720 is approximately centered with respect to front posts 1704 and ladder posts 1722 and latter plates 1724 are positioned such that the inwardly facing surfaces of ladder posts 1722 contact the outwardly facing surface of ladder plates 1724 , and the inwardly facing surfaces of ladder plates 1724 contact the outwardly facing surface of base 104 .
- penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 are fastened through ladder plate apertures 1730 , thereby rendering ladder safety bar 1720 , ladder posts 1722 , and ladder plates 1724 immobile.
- Rear wall 1802 includes, inter alia, left rear wall member 1804 , right rear wall member 1806 , upper central rear wall member 1808 , and lower central rear wall member 1810 .
- Left rear wall member 1804 , right rear wall member 1806 , upper central rear wall member 1808 , and lower central rear wall member 1810 may be fabricated from any suitable construction including, but not limited to, plywood, plastic and wood composite, metal, and fiberglass.
- the rear wall members are prefabricated and are provided as part of a structure kit. However, the rear wall members may also be fabricated as a step of the structure assembly.
- left and right rear wall members 1804 and 1806 that include outer side rear wall apertures 1812 are aligned with corresponding apertures in the rears of side walls 1602 ( FIG. 16 ).
- left and right rear wall members 1804 and 1806 are coupled to side walls 1602 ( FIG. 16 ) via aperture fasteners such as aperture fasteners 236 .
- the sides of upper central rear wall member 1808 and lower central rear wall member 1810 may be coupled to the inner sides of left and right rear wall members 1804 and 1806 , respectively, in the same manner by fastening aperture fasteners 236 through aligned inner side rear wall apertures 1830 and outer central rear wall apertures 1828 .
- left rear wall member 1804 , right rear wall member 1806 , and lower central rear wall member 1810 may be attached to base 104 via installation of penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through rear wall base plate apertures 1820 .
- penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226
- rear wall 1802 may be sided, or otherwise covered, using methods known in the art.
- the components of rear wall 1802 may be prefabricated with siding already attached.
- Front roof 1902 includes one or more preassembled components of the structure kit. As depicted in FIG. 19 , front roof 1902 includes two preassembled front roof members 1902 a and 1902 b , each including, inter alia, front roof seal 1904 , front roof frame 1906 , and front roof covering 1908 .
- Front roof longitudinal members 1910 are attached to wall panels 1402 and center side posts 1606 .
- Front roof longitudinal members 1910 include front roof hinges 1912 and front roof longitudinal member bores 1914 to facilitate such attachment.
- Front roof longitudinal members 1910 are first attached to wall panels 1402 by securing front roof hinges 1912 to the top of a respective one of wall panels 1402 via penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 fastened through front roof hinge apertures 1918 .
- front roof longitudinal members 1910 are attached to the upper ends of a respective one of center side posts 1606 via penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 fastened through front roof longitudinal member apertures 1914 .
- front roof latitudinal member 1920 is secured to both front side posts 1608 by passing penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through front roof longitudinal member apertures 1914 , front side posts 1608 , and front roof latitudinal member 1920 .
- front roof members 1902 are attached atop front roof longitudinal members 1910 and wall panels 1402 . Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through front roof member apertures 1926 .
- Front roof seal 1904 is attached to the edge of front roof members 1902 a and 1902 b facing wall panel 1402 .
- rear roof seal 2004 is aligned with front roof seal 1904 such that water cannot penetrate through the point of attachment of front roof 1902 and rear roof 2004 .
- front roof members 1902 a and 1902 b may contain seals on their inner edges to prevent water from penetration the point of attachment to each other.
- front roof 1902 , or front roof 1902 and rear roof 2002 have been assembled, it may be shingled, or otherwise covered, using methods known in the art. Alternatively, front roof 1902 and rear roof 2002 may be prefabricated with shingles already attached.
- roof filler 1928 is also depicted in FIG. 19 .
- roof filler 1928 may be omitted from the installation of structure 100 to provide an empty space in the roof through which the vertical surface may pass.
- inclusion of a filler such as roof filler 1928 in an installation kit allows the same structure 100 to be mounted on either a horizontal surface such as a floor, yard, etc. or a vertical surface such as a tree trunk.
- roof filler 1928 may be installed to patch the empty space in the roof.
- Rear roof 2002 includes one or more preassembled components of the structure kit. As depicted in FIG. 20 , rear roof 2002 includes two, preassembled rear roof members 2002 a and 2002 b , each including, inter alia, rear roof seal 2004 , rear roof frame 2006 , and rear roof covering 2008 .
- rear roof longitudinal members 2010 are attached to wall panels 1402 and rear walls 1802 .
- Rear roof longitudinal members 2010 include rear roof hinges 2012 and rear roof longitudinal member bores 2014 to facilitate such attachment.
- Rear roof longitudinal members 2010 are first attached to wall panels 1402 by securing rear roof hinges 2012 to the top of a respective one of wall panels 1402 via penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 fastened through rear roof hinge apertures 2018 .
- rear roof longitudinal members 1910 are attached to the upper ends of a rear wall 1802 via penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 fastened through rear roof longitudinal member apertures 2014 .
- rear roof members 2002 are attached atop rear roof longitudinal members 2010 , wall panels 1402 , and rear wall 1802 . Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetrating fasteners 226 through rear roof member apertures 2026 .
- Rear roof seal 2004 is attached to the edge of rear roof members 2002 a and 2002 b that face wall panel 1402 . Rear roof seal 2004 is aligned with front roof seal 1904 such that water cannot penetrate through the point of attachment of front roof 1902 and rear roof 2004 .
- back roof members 2002 a and 2002 b may contain seals on their inner edges to prevent water from penetration the point of attachment to each other.
- rear roof 2002 , or front roof 1902 and rear roof 2002 have been assembled, it may be shingled, or otherwise covered, using methods known in the art. Alternatively, front roof 1902 and rear roof 2002 may be prefabricated with shingles already attached.
- a kit for assembling a treehouse is provided with fillers that allow the treehouse to be converted to a playhouse.
- Such fillers may be incorporated whenever structure 100 is assembled on a horizontal surface such as a floor, yard, etc. rather than a vertical surface such as a tree trunk.
- Structure 100 may be assembled on a horizontal surface as discussed herein by eliminating the steps associated with the installation of the supporting members such as main brackets 202 , perpendicular frame 106 , parallel frame 108 , and the like. That is, the base of structure 100 such as base 104 rests directly atop the horizontal surface.
- fillers are installed to replace the gaps in structure 100 through which the vertical surface or tree trunk passes when structure 100 is installed on a vertical surface.
Landscapes
- Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods for fabricating a structure on an uneven surface. A bracket is disclosed for attachment of a beam or the like to an uneven surface such as a tree trunk, telephone pole, or the like. The bracket includes mechanisms for leveling and adjusting the height and horizontal and vertical orientations of the beam. Coupling of one or more beams to the uneven surface facilitates attachment of frames, which facilitates attachment of additional beams or similar members upon which additional components may be assembled such as additional support members, flooring, posts, railings, walls, windows, doors, ladders, roofs, and the like. Further disclosed are frame hinges that facilitate attachment of the frame to the uneven surface. Also, coupling brackets are disclosed for coupling of beams, frames, support members, and the like to each other. Additionally, a kit for fabricating a treehouse on a tree trunk is disclosed.
Description
- Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems and methods for facilitating fabrication of a structure on an uneven surface. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for facilitating fabrication of a structure such as a treehouse, platform, and the like on an uneven surface such as a tree trunk, telephone pole, and the like.
- Many systems and methods have been created for suspending a horizontal platform from a vertical surface. Many such systems and methods have been created as temporary or moveable platforms for workers. In its most simplistic form, such systems are created to encircle a cylindrical object such as a chimney or pole. In one such system, eight triangular brackets are included, wherein one side of each triangular bracket includes a hook and a bumper, as well as a cable with eight spacer blocks. To install the platform, the cable is passed about the chimney, pulled taut, and secured. Each bracket is then secured to the cable by passing its hook over the cable at a position adjacent to a respective one of the spacer blocks such that its bumper is flush with the vertical surface at a position below the cable. Such orientation causes a second side of each triangular bracket to be perpendicular to the vertical surface such that floorboards, railings, and the like may be attached thereto. Additionally, the brackets may be collapsible to facilitate transportation. In other similar systems, the railings are permanently attached to the brackets to eliminate an assembly step.
- Many systems and methods have also been created to suspend an enclosed structure having a horizontal floor, walls, and a roof from a vertical surface such as a tree or pole. Many such systems and methods are intended to allow an inexperienced installer to easily assemble the structure. In its most simplistic form, such systems include a set of frames, a set of templates, and assembly instructions.
- In one such system, a set of eight floor, wall, and roof frames are included and the frames are configured such that the resulting structure has an octagonal configuration. Each floor frame is equidistantly attached to the vertical surface around the circumference of the vertical surface such that even support is provided for the structure. After attachment of the floor frames to the vertical surface, plywood is attached thereto to create a floor for the structure. Next, a wall frame is attached to each floor frame. Thereafter, roof frames are attached to the vertical surface such that they align with the previously installed floor frames, thereby facilitating attachment of each roof frame to the upper end of a respective one of the wall frames. After the wall and roof frames have been installed, the walls and roof are mounted to the wall and roof frames, respectively. The provided templates and instructions aid the installer in accurately cutting the floor, wall, and roof members.
- In a similar system, a tree house kit is provided that includes, inter alia, three annular members, timber joists, timber outer members, angled brackets, floor boards, vertical posts, a rope railing, netting, tension cables, walls, a door, roof boards, and a roof skirt. The annular members are attached to the trunk of the tree at varying heights to provide support for specific components of the tree house. The annular member mounted at the lowest height supports the floor joists, which in turn support the bases of the walls and the floorboards. The annual member located at a height between two annular members supports radial roof joists, which in turn support the upper portions of the walls and the roof boards of the tree house. The annular member located at the highest height supports tension cables that extend from the annular member to each wall. A roof skirt is then placed atop the tension cables, thereby forming the roof of the treehouse. Furthermore, one of the walls includes a door for access to the interior of the treehouse. Also, rope and netting may be strung between vertical railing poles extending from the edge of the base to create a railing.
- Briefly stated, in one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for assembling a structure on an uneven surface is provided. This apparatus includes at least two main beams, at least two main brackets coupled to the main beams for attachment of the main beams to the uneven surface and for support of the main beams, at least two perpendicular frames coupled to the main beams and the uneven surface for support of the main beams and the structure, and at least parallel frames coupled to the perpendicular frames and the uneven surface for support of the structure.
- In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for coupling a beam to an uneven surface is provided. This apparatus includes at least one vertical member for affixing the apparatus to the uneven surface, at least one horizontal member coupled to the vertical member(s), at least one hinging mechanism coupled to the vertical member via the horizontal member, and at least one beam holder coupled to the hinging mechanism for holding at least one beam.
- In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a structure adjacent to an uneven surface is provided. This method includes attaching at least two main brackets to an uneven surface, coupling at least one main beam to each of the main brackets, coupling at least two perpendicular frames to the main beams; and coupling at least two parallel frames to the perpendicular frames.
- The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
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FIG. 1 depicts an assembled structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2A depicts a side view of two main brackets secured to a tree trunk and secured with a strap thereto in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 2B depicts an enlarged detailed view of a main bracket in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 depicts a front view of one main bracket secured to a tree trunk and supporting a main beam in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 including an exploded view of a primary coupling bracket. -
FIG. 4A depicts a top view of a main bracket secured to a tree trunk and supporting a main beam in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 including a mechanism for horizontally adjusting a main beam. -
FIG. 4B depicts an angled side and top view of a main bracket secured to a tree trunk and supporting a main beam in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 including a mechanism for adjusting a rotational angle of a main beam. -
FIG. 5A depicts an angled front view of an assembled perpendicular frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5B depicts an enlarged angled front view of a frame hinge in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5C depicts a magnified side view of the coupling of a perpendicular beam to a perpendicular frame vertical member via the frame hinge illustrated inFIG. 5B in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a perpendicular frame attached to two main beams and a tree trunk in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 including exploded views of primary coupling brackets. -
FIG. 7 depicts an angled front view of an assembled parallel frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a parallel frame attached to two perpendicular frames and a tree trunk in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 depicts an angled top view of a partial base frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 including attachment of primary and secondary coupling brackets thereto and an exploded view of a parallel frame. -
FIG. 10 depicts an angled top and side view of an assembled outer floor frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 11 depicts an angled top and side view of an assembled inner floor frame in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 12 depicts an angled top and side view of a base in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 13 depicts an angled top and side view of a floor in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 14A depicts three wall panels in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 14B depicts a rear view of the attachment of two wall panels to each other in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 15 depicts side and front railings attached to the base, an inner post, and a wall paper in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 16 depicts a side wall, side outer railings, a center side post, and a front side post after attachment to the base in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 17 depicts front center railings, front posts, and a ladder after attachment to front side posts, the floor, and the floor base in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 18 depicts an exploded view of the assembly of a rear wall in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 19 depicts the attachment of a front roof to wall panels, center side posts, and front side posts in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 20 depicts attachment of a rear roof to wall panels and a rear wall in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 1 . - Referring first to
FIG. 1 , depicted is an assembled structure 100 (e.g., a tree house) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention,structure 100 is assembled around the perimeter oftree trunk 102. However, in alternate embodiments, the structure may be attached totree trunk 102 or may partially surroundtree trunk 102 without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment,structure 100 is supported bybase 104, which is in turn supported by perpendicular andparallel frames - Turning next to
FIG. 2A , depicted is a side view ofmain brackets 202 secured totree trunk 102 in accordance with an initial step of assembling structure 100 (FIG. 1 ) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Eachmain bracket 202 provides support for main beams 234 (FIG. 2B ). A strap such asstrap 230 is implemented for additional support ofmain brackets 202. In such embodiments,strap 230 is passed around the circumference oftree trunk 102 at a height just above main bracket horizontal member 206 (FIG. 2B ), pulled taut, and secured via a strap faster such asstrap fastener 232. - Referring now to
FIG. 2B , eachmain bracket 202 of the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 2A includes, inter alia, main bracketvertical member 204, main brackethorizontal member 206, main bracketsupportive member 210, mainbracket hinging mechanism 212,aperture fastener 236,main beam holder 220,main beam fastener 218, and main beamheight adjustment mechanism 224. - Main bracket
vertical member 204, main brackethorizontal member 206, main bracketsupportive member 210, mainbracket hinging mechanism 212, andmain beam holder 220 may be fabricated from any rigid, non-corrosive material or other suitable material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned items are fabricated from steel with a thickness of at least one quarter of an inch. In one embodiment of the present invention, main bracketvertical member 204 is a rectangular plate, however, other forms of main bracketvertical member 204 may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. Main brackethorizontal member 206 extends perpendicularly from the vertical midpoint of main bracketvertical member 204. The horizontal position of main brackethorizontal member 206 is maintained by one or more main bracketsupportive members 210. In one embodiment of the present invention, main bracketsupportive members 210 are triangular plates. In this embodiment, one main bracketsupportive member 210 is attached to each edge of main brackethorizontal member 206 and main bracketvertical member 204 such that the ninety degree angle of main bracketsupportive member 210 is located at the point of intersection of main brackethorizontal member 206 and main bracketvertical member 204. - In one aspect of the present invention, main
bracket hinging mechanism 212 includesfirst hinge member 214,second hinge member 216, and coupler 208 (e.g. hinge pin).First hinge member 214 is moveably attached to main brackethorizontal member 206 viaaperture fastener 236 and horizontal adjusters 402 (FIG. 4A ).Aperture fastener 236 is passed through firsthinge member aperture 217 and main bracket horizontal member aperture 207, after which it is tightened, thereby couplingfirst hinge member 214 to main brackethorizontal member 206.Second hinge member 216 is attached tofirst hinge member 214 viacoupler 208 such thatsecond hinge member 216 may pivot with respect tofirst hinge member 214 aboutcoupler 208. -
Main beam holder 220 may be permanently or removably attached tosecond hinge member 216. In some embodiments of the present invention,main beam holders 220 are U-shaped and have a width slightly larger than the width of the respectivemain beam 234 to accommodate insertion ofmain beams 234 within the respectivemain beam holder 220. After insertion,main beams 234 may be secured tomain brackets 202 by aligningmain beam aperture 222 with corresponding mainbeam holder apertures 244 and secondhinge member aperture 246 such thatmain beam fastener 218 may be passed therethrough. Thereafter,main beam fastener 218 is secured by affixing mainbeam fastener retainers 248 to one or more ends ofmain beam fastener 218. In the depicted embodiment of the present invention, mainbeam fastener aperture 222 is prefabricated withinmain beams 234 to ensure thatbrackets 202 are affixed to the center of main beams 234 (as depicted inFIG. 3 ). Other embodiments, however, are envisioned in which creation of mainbeam fastener aperture 222 is an additional step of the process of assembling the structure. Althoughmain beam fastener 218 is depicted as a bolt secured by nuts (i.e., the main beam fastener retainers 248), other fasteners and/or retainers may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. - In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more of
main beam 234 may be comprised of one or more main beam segments. In one aspect of the present invention, such beam segments are identical, aligned mated two inch by four inch by eight foot wooden beams. However, other dimensions and materials may be substituted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example,main beams 234 may be constructed from any durable suitable construction material including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, heavyweight plastic polymer, and wood and plastic composites. Additionally, othermain beams 234 having varying dimensions may be employed to alter the resulting dimensions of the assembled structure. - After attachment of
perpendicular frame 106 tobeams 234 as described with respect toFIG. 6 ,beams 234 may require adjustment. The need for adjustment may occur for a variety of reasons. For example,tree trunk 102 may not be perfectly vertical. Or, the assembler may not have accurately installedmain brackets 202 at the same height oftree trunk 102, thereby causing the height of a firstmain beam 234 a secured to a first main bracket such asmain bracket 202 a to be different than the height of a secondmain beam 234 b secured to a second main bracket such asmain bracket 202 b. Therefore, the present invention provides a variety of systems and methods for adjustingmain beams 234 that do not require removal and reinstallation ofmain brackets 202. Such methods of adjustment maintain the integrity oftree trunk 102, which may be comprised if such brackets are removed and reinstalled. - One such method of adjustment adjusts the height of
main beam 234 within the respectivemain beam holder 220 using main beamheight adjustment mechanism 224. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 2B , main beamheight adjustment mechanism 224 includes mainbeam support base 238 and one ormore height adjusters 240. In one embodiment of the present invention,height adjuster 240 is simply a bolt threaded through the downwardly facing surface ofmain beam holder 220. In such an embodiment, the height of mainbeam support base 238 is adjusted by threading or unthreadingheight adjuster 240. Prior to such adjustment, mainbeam fastener retainers 248 may be loosened slightly to allowmain beam fastener 218 to ascend or descend with respect to mainbeam holder apertures 244 and secondhinge member aperture 246 during the adjustment process. The assembler may then adjust the position of main beamheight adjustment mechanism 224, thereby altering the height of mainbeam support base 238, until the height ofmain beam 234 is aligned with all othermain beams 234, or as otherwise desired by the assembler. When the desired heights have been obtained, mainbeam fastener retainers 248 may be retightened. In this embodiment, main beamheight adjustment mechanism 224 includes mainbeam support base 238 andheight adjuster 240, however, other methods of adjustment may be substituted without departing from the spirit of the invention. - Another such method of adjustment adjusts the vertical angular orientation of
main beam 234 with respect totree trunk 102. As depicted inFIG. 2B , mainbracket hinging mechanism 212 couples main brackethorizontal member 206 tomain beam holder 220 in a hinged manner such thatmain beam holder 220, andmain beam 234 contained therein, can be rotated aboutcoupler 208 to achieve the desired vertical angular orientation ofmain beam 234. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 2B ,coupler 208 may be loosened to allow the free rotation ofmain beam holder 220, andmain beam 234 contained therein as a single unit to achieve a level or otherwise desired vertical angular orientation ofmain beam 234. Thereafter,coupler 208 is re-tightened to lockmain beam 234 in its orientation, thereby rendering it motionless. In one embodiment of the present invention, mainbracket hinging mechanism 212 comprises one or more hinges coupled with a threaded hinge pin secured with a nut, however other fasteners or adjusters, or any combination thereof, may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In this embodiment, the vertical angular orientation ofmain beam 234 is achieved through the adjustment of mainbracket hinging mechanism 212, however, other methods of adjustment may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, no adjustment is required because attachment ofperpendicular frame 106 causes proper vertical angular orientation ofmain beam 234 to occur naturally. - Turning now to
FIG. 3 , depicted ismain bracket 202 a attached totree trunk 102 and containing amain beam 234. To attachmain bracket 202 a totree trunk 102, main bracketvertical member 204 is positioned ontree trunk 102 such that the desired height of base 104 (FIG. 1 ) of the assembledstructure 100 will be achieved. Once the desired position is achieved, main bracketvertical member 204 is initially attached totree trunk 102 by fastening a fastener such as penetrating fastener 226 (FIG. 2B ) totree trunk 102 through main bracketvertical member aperture 302 a. The location of main bracketvertical member aperture 302 a and the weight of main bracketvertical member 204, alone or in combination with the weight of main bracket horizontal member 206 (FIG. 2B ) and main bracket supportive member 210 (FIG. 2B ), cause main bracketvertical member 204 to become plumb. Thereafter, main bracketvertical member 204 is further secured totree trunk 102 via additional penetrating fasteners 226 (FIG. 2B ) fastened totree trunk 102 through the remaining main bracketvertical member apertures 302 b-302 i. Penetrating fasteners 226 (FIG. 2B ) may be virtually any fastener known in the art capable of penetrating a material (e.g., wood, plastic and wood composite, tree trunks, etc.) including, but not limited to, screws, nails, duplex nails, lag bolts, and staples, or any combination thereof. - Next, additional main brackets may be positioned at heights equivalent to
main bracket 202 a. For example, a secondmain bracket 202 b may be located approximately one hundred and eighty degrees around the circumference oftree trunk 102 relative tomain bracket 202 a as depicted inFIG. 2A . After allmain brackets 202 are secured totree trunk 102, or after each individualmain bracket 202 is secured thereto,main beams 234 may be attached to respectivemain beam holders 220 as discussed above with respect toFIG. 2B . In one aspect of the present invention, main beam fastener 218 (FIG. 2B ) passes through the longitudinal center ofmain beam 234 such that equal lengths ofmain beam 234 extend from both sides ofmain bracket 202. - Either after or before
main beams 234 are assembled withinmain beam holders 220,primary coupling brackets 306 may be attached to either or both ends or at other intermediate locations ofmain beams 234. In one embodiment of the present invention,primary coupling brackets 306 are attached to both ends of bothmain beams 234.Main beams 234 contain main beam coupling bracket apertures 309 to facilitate such attachment.Primary coupling brackets 306 are passed over the ends ofmain beam 234 until main beam primary coupling bracketfirst flange apertures first flanges 308 align with main beamcoupling bracket apertures aperture fasteners 236 are then passed through main beam primary coupling bracket first flange apertures 310 and main beam coupling bracket apertures 309 to affixprimary coupling bracket 306 to the respectivemain beam 234. Alternatively,primary coupling brackets 306 may be attached tomain beams 234 during another part of the assembly process (e.g., after assembly of perpendicular frame 106).Primary coupling brackets 306 facilitate attachment to a beam or the like inserted between primary coupling bracketsecond flanges 314, the latter of which include primary coupling bracketsecond flange apertures 316 for use as discussed in greater detail below. - Turning next to
FIG. 4A , depicted is a top view ofmain bracket 202 attached totree trunk 102 after insertion ofmain beam 234 inmain bracket 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. While securingperpendicular frame 106 tomain beams 234, as described with respect toFIG. 6 , and adjusting the height and vertical orientation ofmain beams 234 as described above with respect toFIG. 2B ,main beams 234 may require further adjustment of their horizontal orientations. To provide a level floor and evenly distributed support for an assembled structure 100 (FIG. 1 ), all main beams should be parallel to all othermain beams 234. After the initial installation ofmain brackets 202, allmain beams 234 may not be parallel if, for example, the curvature oftree trunk 102 varies or if the user did not properly locate eachmain bracket 202 with respect to all othermain brackets 202. - The horizontal orientations of
main beams 234 relative to main brackethorizontal member 206 andtree trunk 102 may be adjusted by first loosening allhorizontal adjusters 402 and allaperture fasteners 236 that couple main brackethorizontal member 206 to hingingmechanism 212. Aftersuch aperture fasteners 236 andhorizontal adjusters 402 have been loosened,main beam 234,main beam holder 220, and main bracket hinging mechanism 212 (FIG. 2B ) will rotate horizontally as a single unit. Such rotation may be desired during attachment ofperpendicular frame 106 tomain beam 234 to achieve the desired horizontal orientation. Horizontal adjuster slides 404 are configured to allowhorizontal adjusters 402 to move with horizontal adjustment ofmain beam 234. After the attachment ofperpendicular frame 106, or other horizontal adjustment,aperture fasteners 236 andhorizontal adjusters 402 are re-tightened to lockmain beam 234 in its orientation, thereby rendering it motionless. In one embodiment of the present invention,horizontal adjusters 402 are bolts secured with nuts, however other fasteners or adjusters, or any combination thereof, may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In this embodiment, the horizontal angular adjustment ofmain beam 234 is achieved through the adjustment of hingingmechanism 212,aperture fastener 236, andhorizontal adjusters 402, however, other methods of adjustment may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. Using the systems and methods of the present invention, additional adjustments to the height and/or orientation ofmain beam 234 may be performed throughout the assembly process and after all elements of the structure have been assembled, for example, to accommodate for shifts due to the resulting load of each additional element. -
FIG. 4B depicts another such method of adjustment that allowsmain beam 234 and its respectivemain beam holder 220 to be rotated relative tomain beam fastener 218. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 4B , mainbeam fastener retainers 248 may be loosened to allowmain beam 234 and its respectivemain beam holder 220 to rotate aboutmain beam fastener 218 until the desired position is achieved. In one aspect of the present invention,main beam 234 may be rotated such thatmain beam 234 is leveled. In one embodiment of the present invention,main beam fastener 218 and mainbeam fastener retainers 248 are simply nuts and bolts that can be freely loosened and retightened by the assembler to allow for the rotation ofmain beams 234 as desired. Furthermore, although the embodiment depicted inFIG. 4B achieves rotation ofmain beam 234 via adjustment ofmain beam fastener 218 and mainbeam fastener retainers 248, other methods of rotational adjustment may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. - Referring now to
FIG. 5A , depicted is an angled front view of an assembled perpendicular frame 106 (i.e., a frame mounted perpendicular to main beams 234) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Perpendicular frame 106 provides structural support tomain beams 234 andbase 104. In one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly and/or installation ofperpendicular frames 106 is performed aftermain beams 234 have been properly oriented and leveled. Eachperpendicular frame 106 includes, inter alia,perpendicular frame beam 502, perpendicular framevertical member 504, and one or more perpendicular frame supportive members 506.Perpendicular beam 502 may be a single member or a combination of one or more perpendicular beam segments (e.g., two inch by four inch by eight foot beams). The first step in assemblingperpendicular frame 106 is to attach a first end of perpendicular framevertical member 504 to the center ofperpendicular beam 502 via one or more frame hinges 508. - Turning now to
FIG. 5B , depicted is a magnified front view offrame hinge 508 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Frame hinge 508 includes firstframe hinge member 518, secondframe hinge member 520, andframe hinge 522. In one aspect of the present invention,first frame member 518 is a steel plate bent at a ninety degree angle to form a seat upon which a beam or member such asperpendicular beam 502 rests.First frame member 518 includes one or more frame hinge apertures 524 to facilitate attachment offrame hinge 508 toperpendicular beam 502. Similarly,second frame member 520 includes one or more frame hinge apertures 524 to facilitate attachment offrame hinge 508 to a beam or member such as perpendicular framevertical member 504. - Referring next to
FIG. 5C , depicted is a magnified side view offrame hinge 508 assembled such thatperpendicular beam 502 is coupled to perpendicular framevertical member 504 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To perform this assembly,frame hinge 508 is first attached toperpendicular beam 502 by aligningframe hinge apertures perpendicular beam apertures perpendicular beam 502. After proper alignment is achieved,frame hinge 508 is secured toperpendicular beam 502 viaaperture fasteners 236. To further secureframe hinge 508 toperpendicular beam 502, penetratingfastener 226 is passed throughframe hinge aperture 524 c and allowed to penetrateperpendicular beam 502 until the head of penetratingfastener 226 is flush with the outwardly facing surface of firstframe hinge member 518. -
Perpendicular frame hinge 508 is then affixed to perpendicular framevertical member 504 by aligning perpendicularframe hinge apertures 524 d-524 f with perpendicular framevertical member apertures frame hinge member 520, the latter of which extend through the width of perpendicular framevertical member 504. After proper alignment is achieved,perpendicular frame hinge 508 is secured to perpendicular framevertical member 504 viaaperture fasteners 236. Afterperpendicular beam 502 is coupled to perpendicular framevertical member 504 viaperpendicular frame hinge 508 in the aforementioned manner, frame hinge 522 (e.g., a hinge pin) allows the angle betweenperpendicular beam 502 and perpendicular framevertical member 504 to be altered to facilitate attachment ofperpendicular frame 106 totree trunk 102 as described below with respect toFIG. 6 . Althoughaperture fasteners 236 and penetratingfastener 226 are depicted as nut and bolt combinations and a duplex nail, respectively, any similar fasteners may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. - Referring back to
FIG. 5A , once perpendicular framevertical member 504 has been secured to the approximate center point ofperpendicular beam 502, the distal end of perpendicular framevertical member 504 is joined with an end of each of perpendicular frame supportive members 506. The union of these elements is formed by aligning perpendicular framevertical member aperture 510 a with perpendicular framesupportive member apertures vertical member 504 is joined to perpendicular frame supportive members 506 via an aperture fastener such asaperture fastener 236. Thereafter, the non-joined ends of perpendicular framesupportive members perpendicular beam 502. In one embodiment of the present invention, such attachment is performed using the same method described above with respect toFIG. 5C for attachment of perpendicular framevertical member 504 toperpendicular beam 502. However, other similar methods may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof. - The final step in assembling
perpendicular frame 106 is attachment offrame coupler 538 to the bottommost end of perpendicular framevertical member 504. This coupler facilitates attachment ofperpendicular frame 106 to a surface such as a surface oftree trunk 102. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 5A ,frame coupler 538 is a U channel.Frame coupler 538 is attached to perpendicular framevertical member 504 by aligningframe coupler apertures vertical member aperture 510 b such that they may be coupled via a fastener such asaperture fastener 236. Thereafter, the bottom end ofperpendicular frame 106 may be attached to a surface by passing a fastener through one or more perpendicularframe coupler apertures 542. Preferably this fastener is a duplex nail to allowperpendicular frame 106 to be removed if initial attachment requires readjustment, but other fasteners could be substituted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Similarly,perpendicular beam 502 also includesperpendicular beam apertures 536 to facilitate attachment ofperpendicular frame 106 tomain beams 234 and perpendicular beamcoupling bracket apertures 544 to facilitate attachment ofperpendicular frame 106 toprimary coupling brackets 306. A plurality ofperpendicular beam apertures 536 are provided to allow the position ofbeam 234 to be adjusted with respect to beam relative toperpendicular beam 502. That is, the position ofbeam 234 relative toperpendicular beam 502 may be modified by attaching its primary coupling bracketsecond flange apertures 316 to any one of multiple pairs ofperpendicular beam apertures 536. Such flexibility allowsstructure 100 to be adapted to fit a variety of tree trunk sizes. - After a first
perpendicular frame 106 has been assembled, the process described above with respect toFIG. 5A is then repeated to assemble a secondperpendicular frame 106. Or, alternatively, bothperpendicular frames 106 may be assembled simultaneously. Any one or more of the steps discussed herein may be performed in a different sequence than that described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more steps may be omitted without departing from the scope hereof. Eachperpendicular frame 106 is then secured totree trunk 102 and a respective one ofmain beams 234 as discussed with respect toFIG. 6 . - Turning now to
FIG. 6 , depicted is a side view of oneperpendicular frame 106 attached tomain beams 234 andtree trunk 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To attach a firstperpendicular frame 106 to one end of a firstmain beam 234, a firstperpendicular beam 502 is inserted between primary coupling bracketsecond flanges 314 of bothprimary coupling brackets 306 at the same ends ofmain beams 234 such that perpendicular framevertical member 504 ofperpendicular frame 106 is approximately centered betweenprimary coupling brackets 306 and the inwardly facing surface offrame coupler 538 is in contact withtree trunk 102. Upon proper alignment,aperture fasteners 236 are passed through primary coupling bracketsecond flange apertures 316 and the correspondingcoupling bracket apertures 536 to secureperpendicular frame 106 tomain beams 234. The elongated nature of primary coupling bracketsecond flange apertures 316 allows perpendicular framevertical member 504 to be precisely located between eachprimary coupling bracket 306 regardless of the diameter oftree trunk 102 while still exposing one or morecoupling bracket apertures 536. - After attachment of both
perpendicular frames 106 to bothmain beams 234, eachperpendicular frame 106 is then attached totree trunk 102 via itsrespective frame coupler 538 and penetratingfasteners 226. As discussed above,perpendicular frames 106 are angled untilframe couplers 538 are in their desired position (e.g., flush with tree trunk 102). The locations offrame couplers 538 are then adjusted untilperpendicular beams 502 are level. Upon proper positioning ofperpendicular frames 106, penetratingfasteners 226 are passed through frame coupler apertures 542 (FIG. 5A ) such that they penetratetree trunk 102 until the head of penetratingfasteners 226 are flush with the outwardly facing surface offrame couplers 538. After securingframe couplers 538 totree trunk 102,beams 234 may require adjustment. Such adjustment is described above with respect toFIGS. 2A and 4A . - After installation of
perpendicular frames 106,first flanges 308 ofprimary coupling brackets 306 are attached to both ends ofperpendicular beams 502 in an inverted position as compared toprimary coupling brackets 306 attached tomain beams 234 as discussed above with respect toFIG. 3 . The ends ofperpendicular beams 502 contain perpendicular beamcoupling bracket apertures 544 to facilitate such attachment.Primary coupling brackets 306 are passed over the ends ofperpendicular beam 502 until perpendicular beamcoupling bracket apertures first flange apertures Aperture fasteners 236 are then passed through primary coupling bracket first flange apertures 310 and perpendicular beamcoupling bracket apertures 544 to affixprimary coupling bracket 306 to the respectiveperpendicular beam 502. Alternatively,primary coupling brackets 306 may be attached toperpendicular beams 502 during another part of the assembly process (e.g., after assembly ofperpendicular frame 106 as described with respect toFIG. 5A or after assembly ofparallel frame 108 as described with respect toFIG. 7 ) without departing from the scope of the present invention.Primary coupling brackets 306 facilitate attachment to a beam or the like inserted between primary coupling bracketsecond flanges 314, the latter of which include primary coupling bracketsecond flange apertures 316 as discussed in greater detail above. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , depicted is an angled front view of an assembled parallel frame 108 (i.e., a frame mounted parallel to main beams 234) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Eachparallel frame 108 includes, inter alia,parallel beam 702, parallel beamvertical member 704, and parallel beam supportive members 706.Parallel beam 702 may be a single member or a combination of one or more beam segments (e.g., two inch by four inch by eight foot beams). - The first step in assembling
parallel frame 108 is to attach a first end of parallel framevertical member 704 to the center ofparallel beam 702 via one or more frame hinges 508 in the same manner with which a first end of perpendicular framevertical member 504 was attached to the center ofperpendicular beam 502 as discussed above with respect toFIG. 5C . Once parallel framevertical member 704 has been secured to the approximate center point ofparallel beam 702, the distal end of parallel framevertical member 704 is joined with an end of each of parallel frame supportive members 706 in the same manner with which the distal end of perpendicular framevertical member 504 was joined with an end of each of perpendicular frame supportive members 506. That is,vertical member 704 is joined with an end of each of parallel frame supportive members 706 by aligning parallel framevertical member aperture 710 a with parallel framesupportive member apertures vertical member 704 is joined to parallel frame supportive members 706 via an aperture fastener such asaperture fastener 236. - Thereafter, the non-joined ends of parallel frame
supportive members parallel beam 702. In one embodiment of the present invention, such attachment is performed using frame hinges 508 and the same method described above with respect toFIG. 5C for attachment of perpendicular framevertical member 504 toperpendicular beam 502. However, other similar methods may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof. - The final step in assembling
parallel frame 108 is attachment offrame coupler 538 to the bottommost end of parallel framevertical member 704. This coupler facilitates attachment ofparallel frame 108 to a surface such as a surface oftree trunk 102.Frame coupler 538 may be attached to parallel framevertical member 704 by aligningframe coupler apertures vertical member aperture 710 b such that they may be coupled via a fastener such asaperture fastener 236. Thereafter, the bottom end ofparallel frame 108 may be attached to a surface by passing one or more penetrating fasteners through one or moreframe coupler apertures 542.Parallel beams 702 also includeparallel beam apertures 720 at each end, which facilitate attachment ofparallel frame 108 toperpendicular frame 106. - Turning next to
FIG. 8 , depicted is a side view of oneparallel frame 108 attached to twoperpendicular beams 502 andtree trunk 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Bothparallel frames 108 may be attached toperpendicular frames 106 by inserting either end of eachparallel beam 702 between opposing primary coupling bracketsecond flanges 314 ofprimary coupling brackets 306 attached to the ends ofperpendicular beams 502 such that parallel framevertical member 704 is approximately centered betweenprimary coupling brackets 306 and the inwardly facing surface ofperpendicular frame coupler 538 is in contact withtree trunk 102. Upon proper alignment, aperture fasteners 236 (FIG. 7 ) are passed through primary coupling bracketsecond flange apertures 316 and the corresponding parallel beam apertures 720 (FIG. 7 ) to secureparallel frames 108 toperpendicular frames 106. The elongated nature of primary coupling bracketsecond flange apertures 316 allows parallel framevertical member 704 to be precisely located between eachprimary coupling bracket 306 regardless of the diameter oftree trunk 102. - After attachment of
parallel frame 108 toperpendicular frame 106, eachparallel frame 108 is then attached totree trunk 102 via itsrespective frame coupler 538 and penetratingfasteners 226. As discussed above,parallel frames 108 are angled untilframe couplers 538 are in their desired position (e.g., flush with tree trunk 102). The locations offrame couplers 538 are then adjusted untilparallel beams 702 are level. Upon proper positioning ofparallel frames 108, penetratingfasteners 226 are passed through frame coupler apertures 542 (FIG. 7 ) such that they penetratetree trunk 102 until the head of penetratingfasteners 226 are flush with the outwardly facing surface offrame couplers 538. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 , depicted is an angled top view ofpartial base frame 902 after attachment ofsecondary coupling brackets 904 andprimary coupling brackets 306 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Partial base frame 902 includesmain beams 234,perpendicular beams 502, andparallel beams 702.Main beams 234 andparallel beams 702 are supported byperpendicular beams 502 such thatmain beams 234 andparallel beams 702 are at the same height, thereby facilitating installation of alevel base 104 as described below in greater detail with respect toFIG. 12 . -
Secondary coupling brackets 904 andprimary coupling brackets 306 allow outer and inner floor frames 1002 (FIG. 10 ) and 1102 (FIG. 11 ), respectively, to be attached topartial base frame 902 as described below with respect toFIG. 12 . In the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 9 ,secondary coupling brackets 904 are attached tomain beams 234 at each end. Additionalsecondary coupling brackets 904 are also attached at intermediate positions approximately centered between the ends ofmain beams 234 andtree trunk 102. However, such locations may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.Secondary coupling brackets 904 are installed by passing them overmain beams 234 such that each side ofmain beams 234 contacts an inwardly facing surface of a respective one of secondary coupling bracketfirst flanges 908 and such that the outwardly facing surface of secondary coupling bracketsecond flange 910 is directed towardtree trunk 102. Exact positioning ofsecondary coupling brackets 904 is not necessary as further adjustment may be performed during installation of outer floor frames 1002 (FIG. 10 ).Secondary coupling brackets 904 additionally include secondarycoupling bracket seat 912, secondary coupling bracketfirst flange apertures 916, and secondary coupling bracketsecond flange apertures 914 to facilitate attachment of outer floor frames 1002. - In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in
FIG. 9 ,primary coupling brackets 306 are attached tomain beams 234 at locations surroundingtree trunk 102 as depicted inFIG. 9 using the method described above with respect ofFIG. 3 . Primary coupling brackets are also installed onparallel beams 702 such that they align with theprimary coupling brackets 306 installed onmain beams 234 using similar methods. Exact positioning ofprimary coupling brackets 306 is not necessary as further adjustment may be performed during installation of inner floor frames 1102 (FIG. 11 ).Primary coupling brackets 306 additionally include primary coupling bracket first flange apertures 310 and primary coupling bracketsecond flange apertures 316 to facilitate attachment of inner floor frames 1102. - Referring now to
FIG. 10 , depicted is an angled top and side view of an assembledouter floor frame 1002 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, outer floor frames 1002 are preassembled and contain floor boards such as floor boards 1304 (FIG. 13 ), however, in another embodiment of the present invention, the assembly of four identical outer floor frames 1002 is required. Eachouter floor frame 1002 includes three outer floor longitudinal members 1004 and two outer floor latitudinal members 1006.Outer floor frame 1002 is assembled by aligning outer floorlongitudinal member apertures 1010 located at the ends of outer floorlongitudinal members latitudinal members bore fastener 1008 through outer floorlongitudinal member apertures 1010 into outer floor latitudinal member bores 1012 such that a rectangular or square frame is formed. Thereafter, the ends of the remaining outer floorlongitudinal member 1004 b are coupled to the midpoints of outer floor latitudinal members 1006 in the same manner. That is, after proper alignment, these members are coupled via insertion ofbore fasteners 1008 through outer floorlatitudinal member apertures 1014 into outer floor longitudinal member bores 1016.Bore fasteners 1008 may include, but are not limited to, duplex nails and tee nuts. - Referring next to
FIG. 11 , depicted is an angled top and side view of an assembledinner floor frame 1102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Inner floor frames 1102 are identical to outer floor frames 1002 except that inner floor longitudinal members 1104 and inner floor latitudinal members 1106 have dimensions that vary from the dimensions of outer floor longitudinal members 1004 and outer floor latitudinal members 1006, respectively. In one embodiment of the present invention, inner floor frames 1102 are preassembled and contain floor boards such as floor boards 1304 (FIG. 13 ), however, in another embodiment of the present invention, the assembly of four identical inner floor frames 1102 is required. Eachinner floor frame 1102 includes three inner floor longitudinal members 1104 and two inner floor latitudinal members 1106.Inner floor frame 1102 is assembled by aligning inner floorlongitudinal member apertures 1110 located at the ends of inner floorlongitudinal members latitudinal members bore fastener 1008 through inner floorlongitudinal member apertures 1110 into inner floor latitudinal member bores 1112 such that a rectangular or square frame is formed. Thereafter, the ends of the remaining inner floorlongitudinal member 1104 b are coupled to the midpoints of inner floor latitudinal members 1106 in the same manner. That is, after proper alignment, these members are coupled via insertion ofbore fasteners 1008 through inner floorlatitudinal member apertures 1114 into inner floor longitudinal member bores 1116. - In some embodiments of the present invention, inner floor latitudinal members 1106 include
indents 1136.Such indents 1136 allow brackets such asprimary coupling brackets 306 to be recessed such that inner floor latitudinal members 1106 may be assembled directly adjacent to primary coupling brackets 306 (i.e., without forming a gap between inner floor latitudinal members 1106 and outer floor longitudinal members 1104). - Referring now to
FIG. 12 , depicted is an angled top and side view ofbase 104. In one embodiment of the present invention,base 104 includes outer and inner floor frames 1002 and 1102, respectively, mounted atop partial base frame 902 (FIG. 9 ). Outer floor frames 1002 may be affixed to partial base frame 902 (FIG. 9 ) by positioning outer frame longitudinal members 1004 perpendicular to a respective one ofparallel beams 702 such that inwardly facing surfaces (i.e., surfaces facing toward tree trunk 102) of the opposing ends of such outer frame longitudinal members 1004 contact the outwardly facing surfaces of secondary coupling bracket second flanges 910 (FIG. 9 ) and fastening aperture fasteners such asaperture fasteners 236 through outer floor frame bores 1032 and secondary coupling bracketsecond flange apertures 914. Outer floor frames 1002 are also positioned such that the outer frame longitudinal member 1004 is inserted into one-half of the space located between primary coupling bracketsecond flanges 314 of primary coupling brackets 306 (FIG. 9 ) assembled atop a respective one ofmain beams 234 andparallel beams 702, thereby allowing aperture fasteners such asaperture fasteners 236 to be fastened through outer floor frame bores 1032 and primary coupling bracketsecond flange apertures 316. - In some embodiments of the present invention, such as that depicted in
FIG. 12 , inner floor frames 1102 are attached after outer floor frames 1002 have been assembled atoppartial base frame 902. Inner floor frames 1102 may be affixed topartial base frame 902 by positioning inner frame longitudinal members 1104 perpendicular to a respective one ofparallel beams 702 such that externally-located inner frame longitudinal members 1104 are inserted into the available one-half of the space located between primary coupling bracketsecond flanges 314 of primary coupling brackets 306 (FIG. 9 ) assembled atop a respective one ofmain beams 234 andparallel beams 702, thereby allowing aperture fasteners such asaperture fasteners 236 to be fastened through inner floor frame bores 1132 and primary coupling bracketsecond flange apertures 316. - Once outer and inner floor frames 1004 and 1104, respectively, have been attached to
partial base frame 902,shams 1204 are inserted into the square opening 1206 formed by the inwardly facing surfaces of outer and inner floor frames, 1002 and 1102, respectively. Thereafter,aperture fasteners 236 are inserted into all outer and inner floor frame interconnection bores 1034 and 1134, respectively, and sham interconnection bores 1234 to secure all outer and inner frames, 1002 and 1102, respectively, to each other and to secureshams 1204 toouter frames 1102. Also,aperture fasteners 236 are inserted into one or moresham bores 1232 to secureshams 1204 to brackets such asprimary coupling brackets 306.Aperture fasteners 236 may also be used to fill empty outer and inner floor frame bores 1032 and 1132, respectively, andsham bores 1232 that are not used for coupling purposes. Once allaperture fasteners 236 have been inserted, all brackets (e.g.,primary coupling brackets 306 and secondary coupling brackets 904) may be secured with fasteners such asaperture fasteners 236. - Turning now to
FIG. 13 , depicted is an angled top and side view offloor 1300 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,floor 1300 is created by attaching floor boards 1304 to base 104 (FIG. 12 ). Such attachment may be performed using any one of a variety of methods known in the art. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 13 , floor boards 1304 are affixed to base 104 via fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226. Although sixfloor boards 1304 a through 1304 f are depicted inFIG. 13 , any quantity of floor boards may be substituted. Floor boards having varying dimensions and shapes may also be substituted. - Also depicted in
FIG. 13 isfloor filler 1306. Wheneverstructure 100 is assembled on a vertical surface such as a tree trunk or the like,floor filler 1306 may be omitted from the installation ofstructure 100 to provide an empty space inbase 104 andfloor 1300 through which the vertical surface may pass. However, inclusion of a filler such asfloor filler 1306 in an installation kit allows thesame structure 100 to be mounted on either a horizontal surface such as a floor, yard, etc. or a vertical surface such as a tree trunk. When the former surface is desired,floor filler 1306 may be installed to patch the empty space infloor 1300. - Referring next to
FIGS. 14A and 14B ,FIG. 14B depicts a rear view of the attachment of twowall panels 1402 to each other and tobase 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A front wall comprised of threewall panels 1402 a-1402 c is depicted inFIG. 14A . Wall panel s may be fabricated from any suitable construction including, but not limited to, plywood, plastic and wood composite, metal, and fiberglass. In one aspect of the present invention,wall panels 1402 are prefabricated and are provided as part of a structure kit. However, wall panels may also be fabricated as a part of the structure assembly. Eachwall panel 1402 includes, inter alia, wallpanel base plate 1404, wall panelbase plate apertures 1406, wallpanel side plates 1416, and wall panelside plate apertures 1408.Wall panels 1402 are attached to each other by aligning side wallpanel plate apertures 1408 and attaching aperture fasteners such asaperture fasteners 236 therethrough. Similarly,wall panels 1402 are attached tofloor 1300 andbase 104 via installation of penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through wall panelbase plate apertures 1406.Wall panels 1402 may include a door, window, or the like such asdoor 1410 andwindow 1412 without departing from the scope of the present invention. - Turning next to
FIG. 15 , depicted are side andfront tree railings inner posts 1506 after attachment tobase 104 and a front wall comprised of one ormore wall panels 1402 such as the front wall depicted inFIG. 14 . Side andfront tree railings front tree railing 1504 is designed such that it may tilt forward to accommodate assembly adjacent to tree trunks that are not relatively straight. Such tilting ability may be implemented viahinge 1510 or the like. - To attach
side tree railings 1502, a first end of each ofside tree railings 1502 is attached to a wall panel such aswall panel 1402. Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through sidetree railing apertures 1508 intowall panels 1402. Oneinner post 1506 is then attached to eachside tree railing 1502. Such attachment is also performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through sidetree railing apertures 1508 intoinner posts 1506. Similarly, side andfront tree railings base 104 andinner post 1506 by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through strategically located front and side tree railing apertures.Side tree railings 1502 may be installed on both sides oftree trunk 102 to prevent a child or the like from falling frombase 102. - Referring next to
FIG. 16 , depicted areside wall 1602, sideouter railings 1604,center side post 1606, andfront side post 1608 after attachment tobase 104 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Side wall 1602, sideouter railings 1604,center side post 1606, andfront side post 1608 may be fabricated from any suitable construction including, but not limited to, plywood, plastic and wood composite, metal, and fiberglass. In one aspect of the present invention, the side wall, railings, and posts are prefabricated and are provided as part of a structure kit. However, these items may also be fabricated as a step of the structure assembly. - Each
side wall 1602 includes, inter alia, sidewall base plate 1610, side wallbase plate apertures 1612, sidewall side plates 1616, and side wallside plate apertures 1614.Side walls 1602 are attached to wallpanels 1402 by properly positioningside wall 1602 with respect towall panels 1402 and fastening aperture fasteners such asaperture fasteners 236 through side wallside plate apertures 1614. Similarly,side walls 1602 are attached to base 104 via installation of penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through side wallbase plate apertures 1612.Side walls 1602 may include any combination of doors, windows, or the like without departing from the scope of the present invention. - To attach
outer railings 1604, a first end of each of sideouter railings 1604 is attached to a side wall such asside wall 1602. Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through sideouter railing apertures 1624 intoside walls 1602. Onecenter side post 1606 is then attached to each sideouter railing 1604. Such attachment is also performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through sideouter railing apertures 1624 into center side posts 1606. Next a sideouter railing 1604 is attached to the opposite side of eachcenter side post 1606 by the same method. Similarly,front side post 1608 is then attached to the opposite end of each of the newly installed sideouter railings 1604 through strategically located side outer railing apertures. After attachment ofcenter side post 1606 andfront side post 1608,outer railings 1604 are secured tobase 104. Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through baseouter railing apertures 1632 intobase 104. - Turning next to
FIG. 17 , depicted arefront center railings 1702,front posts 1704, andladder 1706 after attachment tofront side posts 1608 andbase 104 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Front railings 1702,front posts 1704, andladder 1706 may be fabricated from any suitable construction including, but not limited to, plywood, plastic and wood composite, metal, and fiberglass. In one aspect of the present invention, the railings, posts, and/or ladders are prefabricated and are provided as part of a structure kit. However, the railings, posts, and/or ladders may also be fabricated as a step of the structure assembly. - Both ends of
front railings 1702 are attached to a respective one offront side posts 1608 and front center posts 1704. Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 throughfront railing apertures 1710 intofront side posts 1608 and front center posts 1704. Similarly,front railings 1702 are attached to base 104 via installation of penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through front railingbase plate apertures 1718. -
Ladder 1706, or another method of enteringstructure 100, may also be attached tobase 104.Ladder 1706 may includeladder safety bar 1720, ladder posts 1722,ladder plates 1724, andladder rope 1726.Ladder safety bar 1720 indicates the edge ofbase 104 and prevents accidental falls that may occur due to misjudging the location of the edge ofbase 104. To attachladder 1706 tobase 104,ladder rope loops 1728 are passed over ladder posts 1722. Next,ladder safety bar 1720 is approximately centered with respect tofront posts 1704 andladder posts 1722 andlatter plates 1724 are positioned such that the inwardly facing surfaces ofladder posts 1722 contact the outwardly facing surface ofladder plates 1724, and the inwardly facing surfaces ofladder plates 1724 contact the outwardly facing surface ofbase 104. Once proper positioning is achieved, penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 are fastened throughladder plate apertures 1730, thereby renderingladder safety bar 1720, ladder posts 1722, andladder plates 1724 immobile. - Referring next to
FIG. 18 , depicted is an exploded view of the assembly ofrear wall 1802 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Rear wall 1802 includes, inter alia, leftrear wall member 1804, rightrear wall member 1806, upper centralrear wall member 1808, and lower centralrear wall member 1810. Leftrear wall member 1804, rightrear wall member 1806, upper centralrear wall member 1808, and lower centralrear wall member 1810 may be fabricated from any suitable construction including, but not limited to, plywood, plastic and wood composite, metal, and fiberglass. In one aspect of the present invention, the rear wall members are prefabricated and are provided as part of a structure kit. However, the rear wall members may also be fabricated as a step of the structure assembly. - To assemble
rear wall 1802, the sides of left and rightrear wall members rear wall apertures 1812 are aligned with corresponding apertures in the rears of side walls 1602 (FIG. 16 ). Thereafter, left and rightrear wall members FIG. 16 ) via aperture fasteners such asaperture fasteners 236. Thereafter, the sides of upper centralrear wall member 1808 and lower centralrear wall member 1810 may be coupled to the inner sides of left and rightrear wall members aperture fasteners 236 through aligned inner siderear wall apertures 1830 and outer centralrear wall apertures 1828. Next, leftrear wall member 1804, rightrear wall member 1806, and lower centralrear wall member 1810 may be attached tobase 104 via installation of penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through rear wallbase plate apertures 1820. Afterrear wall 1802 has been assembled, it may be sided, or otherwise covered, using methods known in the art. Alternatively, the components ofrear wall 1802 may be prefabricated with siding already attached. - Turning now to
FIG. 19 , depicted is attachment of front roof 1902 towall panels 1402,center side posts 1606, andfront side posts 1608 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Front roof 1902 includes one or more preassembled components of the structure kit. As depicted inFIG. 19 , front roof 1902 includes two preassembledfront roof members front roof seal 1904,front roof frame 1906, and front roof covering 1908. - To assemble front roof 1902, front roof
longitudinal members 1910 are attached to wallpanels 1402 and center side posts 1606. Front rooflongitudinal members 1910 include front roof hinges 1912 and front roof longitudinal member bores 1914 to facilitate such attachment. Front rooflongitudinal members 1910 are first attached to wallpanels 1402 by securing front roof hinges 1912 to the top of a respective one ofwall panels 1402 via penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 fastened through frontroof hinge apertures 1918. Similarly, front rooflongitudinal members 1910 are attached to the upper ends of a respective one ofcenter side posts 1606 via penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 fastened through front rooflongitudinal member apertures 1914. After front rooflongitudinal members 1910 have been assembled, front rooflatitudinal member 1920 is secured to bothfront side posts 1608 by passing penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through front rooflongitudinal member apertures 1914,front side posts 1608, and front rooflatitudinal member 1920. - After front roof
latitudinal member 1920 have been assembled, front roof members 1902 are attached atop front rooflongitudinal members 1910 andwall panels 1402. Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through frontroof member apertures 1926.Front roof seal 1904 is attached to the edge offront roof members wall panel 1402. Upon installation of rear roof 2002 as described with respect toFIG. 20 ,rear roof seal 2004 is aligned withfront roof seal 1904 such that water cannot penetrate through the point of attachment of front roof 1902 andrear roof 2004. Similarly,front roof members - Also depicted in
FIG. 19 is roof filler 1928. Wheneverstructure 100 is assembled on a vertical surface such as a tree trunk or the like, roof filler 1928 may be omitted from the installation ofstructure 100 to provide an empty space in the roof through which the vertical surface may pass. However, inclusion of a filler such as roof filler 1928 in an installation kit allows thesame structure 100 to be mounted on either a horizontal surface such as a floor, yard, etc. or a vertical surface such as a tree trunk. When the former surface is desired, roof filler 1928 may be installed to patch the empty space in the roof. - Referring lastly to
FIG. 20 , depicted is attachment of rear roof 2002 towall panels 1402 andrear wall 1802 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Rear roof 2002 includes one or more preassembled components of the structure kit. As depicted inFIG. 20 , rear roof 2002 includes two, preassembledrear roof members rear roof seal 2004,rear roof frame 2006, and rear roof covering 2008. - To assemble rear roof 2002, rear roof
longitudinal members 2010 are attached to wallpanels 1402 andrear walls 1802. Rear rooflongitudinal members 2010 include rear roof hinges 2012 and rear roof longitudinal member bores 2014 to facilitate such attachment. Rear rooflongitudinal members 2010 are first attached to wallpanels 1402 by securing rear roof hinges 2012 to the top of a respective one ofwall panels 1402 via penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 fastened through rear roof hinge apertures 2018. Similarly, rear rooflongitudinal members 1910 are attached to the upper ends of arear wall 1802 via penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 fastened through rear rooflongitudinal member apertures 2014. - After rear roof
longitudinal members 2010 have been assembled, rear roof members 2002 are attached atop rear rooflongitudinal members 2010,wall panels 1402, andrear wall 1802. Such attachment is performed by fastening penetrating fasteners such as penetratingfasteners 226 through rearroof member apertures 2026.Rear roof seal 2004 is attached to the edge ofrear roof members wall panel 1402.Rear roof seal 2004 is aligned withfront roof seal 1904 such that water cannot penetrate through the point of attachment of front roof 1902 andrear roof 2004. Similarly, backroof members - In one aspect of the present invention, a kit for assembling a treehouse is provided with fillers that allow the treehouse to be converted to a playhouse. Such fillers may be incorporated whenever
structure 100 is assembled on a horizontal surface such as a floor, yard, etc. rather than a vertical surface such as a tree trunk.Structure 100 may be assembled on a horizontal surface as discussed herein by eliminating the steps associated with the installation of the supporting members such asmain brackets 202,perpendicular frame 106,parallel frame 108, and the like. That is, the base ofstructure 100 such asbase 104 rests directly atop the horizontal surface. Whenstructure 100 is installed in this manner, fillers are installed to replace the gaps instructure 100 through which the vertical surface or tree trunk passes whenstructure 100 is installed on a vertical surface. - It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (24)
1. An apparatus for assembling a structure on an uneven surface comprising:
at least two main beams;
at least two main brackets coupled to said main beams for attachment of said main beams to said uneven surface and for support of said main beams;
at least two perpendicular frames coupled to said main beams and said uneven surface for support of said main beams and said structure; and
at least parallel frames coupled to said at least two perpendicular frames and said uneven surface for support of said structure.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of said main brackets facilitates at least one of the group consisting of adjustment of a height of said main beam, adjustment of a vertical angular orientation of said main beam, adjustment of a horizontal orientation of said main beam, adjustment of a horizontal angular orientation of said main beam, leveling of said main beam, and combinations thereof.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the group consisting of said main beam, said perpendicular frame, said parallel frame, and combinations thereof is coupled to at least one of the group consisting of said main beam, said perpendicular frame, said parallel frame, and combinations thereof via at least one coupling bracket.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 ,
wherein said coupling bracket includes at least two pairs of flanges; and
wherein said first pair of flanges is oriented perpendicular to said second pair of flanges.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 ,
wherein at least one of the group consisting of said perpendicular frame, said parallel frame, and combinations thereof includes at least one frame hinge;
wherein each of said frame hinges includes a first frame hinge member and a second frame hinge member;
wherein said first frame hinge member is bent at a ninety degree angle to form a seat; and
wherein said second frame hinge member is linear.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 , said apparatus further comprising:
a plurality of members coupled to at least one of the group consisting of said main beam, said perpendicular frame, said parallel frame, and combinations thereof;
at least one floor board coupled to the upwardly facing surfaces of said members;
wherein said at least one floor board provides a horizontal surface.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein at least one of the group consisting of at least one wall, a roof, at least one railing, at least one ladder, at least one post, at least one window, at least one door, and combinations thereof are assembled atop said horizontal surface.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said structure is a tree house and said uneven surface is an outwardly facing surface of a tree trunk.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8 , said apparatus further comprising:
at least one filler for filling at least one vertical surface gap;
wherein said fillers facilitate conversion of said treehouse to a playhouse; and
wherein said playhouse is assembled on a horizontal surface.
10. An apparatus for coupling a beam to an uneven surface comprising:
at least one vertical member for affixing said apparatus to said uneven surface;
at least one horizontal member coupled to said at least one vertical member;
at least one hinging mechanism coupled to said vertical member via said horizontal member; and
at least one beam holder coupled to said hinging mechanism for holding at least one beam.
11. An apparatus according to claim 10 , said apparatus further comprising:
at least one supportive member coupled to a bottommost end of said vertical member and a distal end of said horizontal member for supporting said horizontal member.
12. An apparatus according to claim 10 , further comprising:
at least one strap encircling the perimeter of said uneven surface for securing said apparatus to said uneven surface.
13. An apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein said apparatus includes at least one of the group consisting of a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting a height of said beam contained therein, a leveling mechanism for adjusting a level of said beam contained therein, a horizontal angular orientation adjustment mechanism for adjusting a horizontal angular orientation of said beam relative to said uneven surface, and combinations thereof.
14. A method of manufacturing a structure adjacent to an uneven surface comprising:
attaching at least two main brackets to an uneven surface;
coupling at least one main beam to each of said main brackets;
coupling at least two perpendicular frames to said main beams; and
coupling at least two parallel frames to said perpendicular frames.
15. A method according to claim 14 , said method further comprising:
securing said main brackets to said uneven surface via at least one strap.
16. A method according to claim 14 , wherein at least one of said main brackets facilitates at least one of the group consisting of adjustment of a height of said main beam, adjustment of a vertical angular orientation of said main beam, adjustment of a horizontal orientation of said main beam, adjustment of a horizontal angular orientation of said main beam, leveling of said main beam, and combinations thereof.
17. A method according to claim 14 , said apparatus further comprising:
at least one strap encircling the perimeter of said uneven surface for securing at least one of said main brackets to said uneven surface.
18. A method according to claim 14 , wherein at least one of the group consisting of said main beam, said perpendicular frame, said parallel frame, and combinations thereof is coupled to at least one of the group consisting of said main beam, said perpendicular frame, said parallel frame, and combinations thereof via at least one coupling bracket.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18 ,
wherein said coupling bracket includes at least two pairs of flanges; and
wherein said first pair of flanges is oriented perpendicular to said second pair of flanges.
20. An apparatus according to claim 14 ,
wherein at least one of the group consisting of said perpendicular frame, said parallel frame, and combinations thereof includes at least one frame hinge;
wherein each of said frame hinges includes a first frame hinge member and a second frame hinge member;
wherein said first frame hinge member is bent at a ninety degree angle to form a seat; and
wherein said second frame hinge member is linear.
21. An apparatus according to claim 14 , said apparatus further comprising:
a plurality of members coupled to at least one of the group consisting of said main beam, said perpendicular frame, said parallel frame, and combinations thereof;
at least one floor board coupled to the upwardly facing surfaces of said members;
wherein said at least one floor board provides a horizontal surface.
22. An apparatus according to claim 21 , wherein at least one of the group consisting of at least one wall, a roof, at least one railing, at least one ladder, at least one post, at least one window, at least one door, and combinations thereof are assembled atop said horizontal surface.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22 , wherein said structure is a tree house
and said uneven surface is an outwardly facing surface of a tree trunk.
24. An apparatus according to claim 23 , said apparatus further comprising:
at least one filler for filling at least one vertical surface gap;
wherein said fillers facilitate conversion of said treehouse to a playhouse; and
wherein said playhouse is assembled on a horizontal surface.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/301,390 US20070130875A1 (en) | 2005-12-13 | 2005-12-13 | Systems and methods for fabricating a structure on an uneven surface |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/301,390 US20070130875A1 (en) | 2005-12-13 | 2005-12-13 | Systems and methods for fabricating a structure on an uneven surface |
Publications (1)
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US20070130875A1 true US20070130875A1 (en) | 2007-06-14 |
Family
ID=38137885
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/301,390 Abandoned US20070130875A1 (en) | 2005-12-13 | 2005-12-13 | Systems and methods for fabricating a structure on an uneven surface |
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US (1) | US20070130875A1 (en) |
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FR2928670A1 (en) * | 2008-03-12 | 2009-09-18 | Stephane Dumas | Triangular shaped arboreal platform for use with tree to accommodate two adult persons, has beams carrying upper fixation unit to fix platform in two support points of platform before and behind trunk on axis of symmetry of platform |
US20090277721A1 (en) * | 2008-05-08 | 2009-11-12 | Weir Joe A | Tree stand |
US20100186338A1 (en) * | 2007-07-02 | 2010-07-29 | Ecoform Pty Ltd | Abutment for a Modular Decking System |
US20120125714A1 (en) * | 2010-11-24 | 2012-05-24 | Dominic Allam | Play Structure Safety Device |
US20140174017A1 (en) * | 2012-12-24 | 2014-06-26 | Whole Trees, LLC | Truss and column structures incorporating natural round timbers and natural branched round timbers |
CN107060374A (en) * | 2017-04-14 | 2017-08-18 | 储裕龙 | A kind of tree room and its manufacture method suitable for mankind's activity |
US9896834B1 (en) * | 2013-11-13 | 2018-02-20 | Jeanette Hyams | Tree house elevated in a simulated tree, and method of making |
CN108005246A (en) * | 2017-11-25 | 2018-05-08 | 深圳市山月园园艺有限公司 | A kind of vibration prevention system in artificial tree room |
US10006584B2 (en) | 2013-12-19 | 2018-06-26 | Qtran, Inc. | Adjustable retaining bracket |
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US9096975B2 (en) * | 2007-07-02 | 2015-08-04 | Ecoform Pty Ltd | Abutment for a modular decking system |
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US9896834B1 (en) * | 2013-11-13 | 2018-02-20 | Jeanette Hyams | Tree house elevated in a simulated tree, and method of making |
US10006584B2 (en) | 2013-12-19 | 2018-06-26 | Qtran, Inc. | Adjustable retaining bracket |
CN107060374A (en) * | 2017-04-14 | 2017-08-18 | 储裕龙 | A kind of tree room and its manufacture method suitable for mankind's activity |
CN108005246A (en) * | 2017-11-25 | 2018-05-08 | 深圳市山月园园艺有限公司 | A kind of vibration prevention system in artificial tree room |
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Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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