US20230046879A1

US20230046879A1 - Outdoor structure design and components

Info

Publication number: US20230046879A1
Application number: US17/885,112
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Scott Selzer
Original assignee: CPG International LLC
Current assignee: Azek Group LLC
Priority date: 2021-08-11
Filing date: 2022-08-10
Publication date: 2023-02-16
Also published as: WO2023018820A1; CA3228974A1

Abstract

An outdoor structure is disclosed. In some examples, the outdoor structure includes a front beam, a back beam opposite the front beam, and a first side beam and a second side beam each coupled to the front beam and the back beam. The outdoor structure also includes a plurality of posts coupled to one or more of the beams. Further, the outdoor structure includes a plurality of panel supporting elements secured to the posts. In some examples, one or more panels are secured to the panel supporting elements. In some examples, the outdoor structure includes a plurality of rod supporting elements secured to the posts. In some examples, a rod is secured to the plurality of rod supporting elements.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63/231,855, filed on Aug. 11, 2021, and entitled “OUTDOOR STRUCTURE DESIGN AND COMPONENTS.” The entire contents of the aforementioned application are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally to outdoor structures outdoor structure components.

BACKGROUND

Various outdoor structures can include a number of posts supporting one or more beams and a shade structure or roof on the top of the outdoor structure.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an outdoor structure is provided. The outdoor structure includes a front beam; a back beam opposite the front beam; a first side beam; a second side beam opposite the first side beam; a plurality of posts, each post coupled to at least one of the front beam, the back beam, the first side beam, and the second side beam; and a panel support coupled to at least one of the plurality of posts.
In another aspect, an outdoor structure is provided. The outdoor structure includes a front beam; a back beam opposite the front beam; a first side beam; a second side beam opposite the first side beam; a plurality of posts, each post coupled to at least one of the front beam, the back beam, the first side beam, and the second side beam; and a rod support coupled to at least one of the plurality of posts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present disclosures will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by the following detailed descriptions of example embodiments. The detailed descriptions of the example embodiments are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein:

FIG. 1A depicts an outdoor structure, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIGS. 1B-1E depict a panel support, bolts 184, locking pieces, and a portion of a post having an external slot, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 1F depicts an outdoor structure with the panel support of FIGS. 1B-1E coupled to a post, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 2A depicts an outdoor structure with a panel support coupled to a post, and a panel for coupling to the outdoor structure, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 2B depicts the outdoor structure of FIG. 2A with the panel coupled between two posts via one or more panel supports and two support covers coupled to the panel, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 2C depicts a close up view of a portion of the outdoor structure and panel of FIG. 2B; in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 2D depicts a close up view of a portion of the outdoor structure and panel of FIG. 2C with the support cover positioned over and/or coupled to the panel support; in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 2E depicts the outdoor structure and panel of FIG. 2B with the support covers positioned over and/or coupled to the respective panel supports; in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 3A depicts an outdoor structure with a panel support coupled to a post, and a panel for coupling to the outdoor structure, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 3B depicts the outdoor structure of FIG. 3A with the panel coupled to one post via a panel support and two support covers coupled to the panel, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 3C depicts a close up view of a portion of the outdoor structure and panel of FIG. 3B; in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 3D depicts the outdoor structure of FIG. 3A with the panel coupled to two posts via panel supports and two support covers coupled to the panel, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 3E depicts a close up view of a portion of the outdoor structure and panel of FIG. 3C with the support cover positioned over and/or coupled to the panel support; in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 3F depicts the outdoor structure and panel of FIG. 2D with the support covers positioned over and/or coupled to the respective panel supports; in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 4A depicts an outdoor structure with a panel support coupled to a post, and a panel for coupling to the outdoor structure, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 4B depicts a close up view of a portion of the panel of FIG. 4A coupled to a post of the outdoor structure of FIG. 4A, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 4C depicts a close up view of a portion of the outdoor structure and panel of FIG. 4B with a support cover positioned over and/or coupled to the panel support; in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 4D depicts the outdoor structure and panel of FIG. 4A with the support covers positioned over and/or coupled to the respective panel supports; in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict a portion of an outdoor structure and a rod support for coupling to the outdoor structure, two locking pieces, and a spacer, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 5C depicts the rod support of FIGS. 5A and 5B positioned on a post of the outdoor structure; in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 5D depicts the rod support of FIG. 5C being secured to the post with a tightening tool, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 5E depicts the rod support of FIG. 5D secured to the post, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 6A depicts an outdoor structure with a rod holder coupled to a post and a rod for coupling to the outdoor structure, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 6B depicts the outdoor structure of FIG. 6A with the rod coupled between two posts, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 6C depicts the rod of FIG. 6A coupled to one post via a rod holder, with a spacer positioned above the rod holder, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 6D depicts the rod of FIG. 6C with a support cover positioned over the rod holder, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein;

FIG. 6E depicts the outdoor structure and rod of FIG. 6A with the rod coupled between two posts and a support cover positioned over a rod holder, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a panel support and a support cover coupled to the panel support, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 8A depicts a top portion of a post and a corbel for coupling to the post, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIGS. 8B and 8C depict the corbel coupled to the top portion of the post, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 8D depicts the corbel coupled to the top portion of the post of FIGS. 8B and 8C with a cover for coupling to at least the post, in accordance with aspects hereof; and

FIGS. 8E and 8F depict the cover of FIG. 8D secured or coupled to at least the post, in accordance with aspects hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description of the preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of these disclosures. In this description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling, and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise, and includes terms such as “directly” coupled, secured, etc. The term “operatively coupled” is such an attachment, coupling, or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. Terms concerning communications, such as “commutatively coupled” and “in communication with,” refer to a relationship wherein structures, such as devices, are operable to communicate with each other over one or more wired or wireless communication channels.
Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1A shows an example outdoor structure 102 in accordance with some embodiments. Outdoor structure 102 may be a pergola or cabana, for example, that allows for the enjoyment of an outdoor space. Outdoor structure 102 may be manufactured out of metal (e.g., aluminum), wood, plastic, plastic composite, or any other suitable material or combination of materials, in certain aspects. The outdoor structure 102 can include a plurality of posts 104 and a plurality of beams 106, in various aspects. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 1A, the outdoor structure 102 can include a front beam 106, a back beam 106 opposite the front beam 106, a first side beam 106, and a second side beam 106 opposite the first side beam 106. In addition, the plurality of posts 104 can be coupled to one or more of the front beam 106, the back beam 106, the first side beam 106, and the second side beam 106. For example, a first post 104 can be coupled to the front and first side beams 106. A second post 104 can be coupled to the back and first side beams 106. A third post 105 can be coupled to the back and second side beams 106. Further, a fourth post 104 can be coupled to the front and second side beams 106.
Each of the plurality of posts 104 can include a respective base portion 105. In addition, a cover 119 may connect each post 104 to one or more of the beams 106. Further, each post can include an external slot 180. The external slot 180 may be covered by slot plates 181 and 183, and/or may allow for the attachment of a panel support 182 to hold one or more panels, as depicted in FIGS. 1B-1E.
For example, FIG. 1B illustrates, in part, a panel support 182 that includes a plurality of openings 186, each opening 186 configured to accept a bolt 184. Panel support 182 further includes a plurality of windows 187 that allow for at least partial insertion of a beam of a panel. Further, panel support 182 also includes a plurality of first support levels 188 and corresponding second support levels 189. Each first support level 188 includes a lip 197, and each second support level 189 includes a lip 198. Each first support level 188 and corresponding second support level 189 allow for a beam of a panel to rest thereon, e.g., as depicted in FIG. 2C discussed below. In aspects, the lips 197, 198 may secure the panel beams, thereby preventing the beams, and thus the panel, from falling off to a side. In at least some examples, the first support levels 188 and corresponding second support levels 189 are located at the bottom of a window 187 (e.g., the first support level 188 and corresponding second support level 189 are flush with the bottom of the corresponding window 187). Further, panel support 182 may include a bottom support level 191 that, in some examples, may be flush with the bottom of a bottom window 193 of the plurality of windows 187. Bottom support level 191 may allow for a bottom beam of a panel to rest thereon, in aspects.
In certain aspects, bolts 184 may secure panel support 182 to post 104 by engaging with locking pieces 175, which may be secured within external slot 180 of post 104. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, each bolt 184 may pass through an opening 186 of panel support 182 and into a receiving cavity of a locking piece 175. The receiving cavity may, for example, include threads configured to receive corresponding threads of bolt 184, in aspects. As illustrated in FIG. 1D, the locking pieces 175 may be positioned such as to be inserted into external slot 180. For example, the locking pieces 175 may be positioned vertically along external slot 180, and inserted into external slot 180. As such, a back surface of panel support 182 may engage with a front surface of each of slot plate 181 and slot plate 183 defining slot 180.
Further, and with reference to FIG. 1E, to secure panel support 182 to post 104, a tightening tool 197 (e.g., a ratchet, screwdriver, etc.) may be used to tighten each bolt 184, which causes the corresponding locking piece 175 to turn. When turned, a front surface of locking piece 175 may engage a back surface of each of slot plate 181 and slot plate 183, in aspects. In some examples, each locking piece 175 is turned until it is in a horizontal position (e.g., at or near 90 degrees to external slot 180). In one aspect, once the bolt 184 is tightened, the front surface of the locking piece 175 may press up against the back surface of each of slot plate 181 and slot plate 183, while the back surface of the panel support 182 presses up against the front surface of each of slot plate 181 and slot plate 183 defining slot 180 of the post 104, which may secure the panel support 182 to a specific vertical position within the slot 180 of the post 104. In the same or alternative aspects, the locking pieces 175 may engage with an internal lip or surface within the slot 180 that can secure the panel support 182 to a specific vertical position within the slot 180 of the post 104. FIG. 1F illustrates panel support 182 secured to post 104 of outdoor structure 102.
FIG. 2A illustrates a panel 208 that includes a plurality of beams 213, and a plurality of support covers 215 that each include openings 217 to allow support cover 215 to slide along the plurality of beams 213. In one or more aspects, one or more panels 208 may form a wall of outdoor structure 102. For example, a plurality of panels 208 may be stacked between two posts 104 of outdoor structure 102 to at least partially close in a side of outdoor structure 102. Further, panels 208 may be modular such that one or more panels 208 may be placed onto, or removed from, outdoor structure 102. For example, a panel 208 may be placed onto outdoor structure 102 as described herein after outdoor structure 102 is built. Similarly, a panel 208 may be removed from outdoor structure 102 without dismantling outdoor structure 102. FIG. 2B illustrates panel 208 secured to outdoor structure 102 by one or more panel supports 182. In the aspect depicted in FIG. 2B, the panel 208 is initially and/or removably secured to each of the two posts 104 by a corresponding panel support 182.
FIG. 2C illustrates a closer view of the attachment of panel 208 to post 104 using a panel support 182. As can be seen in the aspect depicted in FIG. 2C, the bottom beam 213 a of the plurality of beams 213 rests on bottom support level 191, while each of the remaining plurality of beams 213 rests on a corresponding first support level. For instance, as can be seen in FIG. 2C the top beam 213 b of the plurality of beams 213 rests on the second support level 189 (and the first support level 188. In some embodiments, a portion of the plurality of beams 213 can insert into the corresponding window 193 or 187 of the panel support 182. As also illustrated in FIG. 2C, each of the plurality of beams 213 proceeds through a corresponding opening 217 of support cover 215. Further, in various aspects, a slot plate 251 can be secured over the portion of external slot 180 (e.g., using a snap-fit) above panel support 182, while a second slot plate 253 can be secured over the portion of external slot 180 under panel support 182.
In the aspect depicted in FIG. 2D, the support cover 215 is positioned to cover a panel support, e.g., the panel support 182 depicted in FIG. 2C. For example, in one aspect, after the beams 213 of panel 208 are installed on the levels of the panel support, support cover 215 may be slid along the beams 213 and over panel support 182 (e.g., snapped onto). FIG. 2E illustrates panel 208 secured to outdoor structure 102 with support cover 215 positioned over and covering the panel support. While not viewable in FIG. 2E, both ends of the panel 208 may include a support cover 215 that covers a panel support, in aspects.
In some aspects, support cover 215 can secured to panel support 182 using one or more snap-fits. The snap-fit mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, cantilever, torsional, and annular snap-fits. For instance, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, panel support 182 may include a plurality of protruding tabs 702 that can be aligned and/or received with corresponding structures or snap-fit areas 710 of support cover 715. For example, in various aspects, each protruding tab 702 may be placed over a corresponding snap-fit area 710 where, when force is applied to support cover 715 in a direction towards panel support 182, each of the protruding tabs 702 on the panel support 182 “snap” into the corresponding snap-fit area 710 of support cover 715. In FIG. 7A, the close up illustration on the right side also reveals the position of: an opening 186 of the panel support 182 (e.g., for a bolt or other fastener); a window 187; and lips 188 and 189 of the panel support 182. While the close up illustration on the right of FIG. 7A shows the interaction of the protruding tabs 702 with the support cover 715 in the regions 700 a, 700 b, and 700 c, at one end of the panel support 182 and support cover 715, it should be understood that, in aspects, protruding tabs 702 on the opposing end of the panel support 182 and support cover 715 may similarly interact. For instance, the region 700 a may resemble an interaction with a protruding tab 702 of the panel support 182 and the support cover 715 on the opposing end, represented by region 700 j, while the interactions depicted in regions 700 b and 700 c may resemble interactions of the protruding tabs 702 and support cover 715 in the regions 700 h and 700 i, respectively. In the same or alternative aspects, the interactions between the protruding tabs 702 and support cover 715 depicted in regions 700 b and 700 c may resemble interactions of the protruding tabs 702 and support cover 715 in one or more of regions 700 d, 700 e, 700 f, and 700 g.
FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a panel 308 that includes a plurality of slats 333 positioned between two beams 331, and a plurality of support covers 315 that each include openings 319 and a slot 317 to allow support cover 315 to slide along the two beams 331 and the plurality of slats 333. Each of the plurality of slats 333 are inserted into a corresponding slot 321 of at least one beam 331. For example, a portion of the plurality of slats 333 may include one end that is inserted into a slot 321 of one beam 331 (e.g., an upper beam) and another end that is inserted into a slot 321 of another beam 331 (e.g., a lower beam). Another portion of the plurality of slats 333 may include one end that is inserted into the slot 321 of one beam, while the other end forms part of a slat support 323. Slat supports 323 may be inserted into a corresponding slot 321 of each of two beams 331. As discussed further below, the panel 308 may be coupled to the outdoor structure 102, e.g., between two posts 104 via panel supports 182.
One or more panels 308 may form a wall of outdoor structure 102. For example, a plurality of panels 308 may be stacked between two posts 104 of outdoor structure 102 to at least partially close in a side of outdoor structure 102. Further, panels 308 may be modular such that one or more panels 308 may be placed onto, or removed from, outdoor structure 102. For example, a panel 308 may be placed onto outdoor structure 102 as described herein after outdoor structure 102 is built. Similarly, a panel 308 may be removed from outdoor structure 102 without dismantling outdoor structure 102. FIG. 3B illustrates panel 308 secured to outdoor structure 102 by a panel support 182. Although only one panel support 182 is illustrated, panel 308 may be secured to each of two posts 104 by a corresponding panel support 182.
FIG. 3C illustrates a closer view of the attachment of panel 308 to post 104 using a panel support 182. As illustrated, the bottom beam 331 rests on bottom support level 191 and inserts, at least partially, into bottom window 193. The top beam 331 rests on a corresponding first support level (not viewable in this figure) and second support level 189. In some instances, the beam 331 can be inserted, at least partially, into a corresponding window 187. Further, slat support 323 may be positioned within a gap that is formed between the first support levels 188 and corresponding second support levels 189 of panel support 182 to provide additional integrity to the panel 308.
As also illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3C, each of the beams 331 proceed through a corresponding opening 319 of support cover 315. Openings 319 and slot 317 allow support cover 315 to slide along panel 308. FIG. 3D illustrates panel 308 attached to two posts 104 using, for each post 104, a panel support 182 (although only one panel support is illustrated based on the view of FIG. 3D).
FIG. 3E illustrates support cover 315 positioned over and covering a panel support, e.g., the panel support 182 of FIG. 3D. For example, after the beams 331 of panel 308 are rested on the levels of panel support 182, support cover 315 may be slid along panel 308 until it covers and comes into contact with panel support 182, and is flush with slot plates 181 and 183. Further, a first slot plate 351 is secured over the portion of external slot 180 (e.g., using a snap-fit) above panel support 182, while a second slot plate 353 is secured over the portion of external slot 180 under panel support 182. FIG. 3F illustrates panel 308 secured to outdoor structure 102 with support cover 315 positioned over and covering a panel support, e.g., panel support 182 of FIG. 3D.
FIG. 4A illustrates a panel 408 that includes a solid slat 433 positioned between two beams 431, and a plurality of support covers 415 that each include openings 419 and a slot 417 to allow support cover 415 to slide along the two beams 431 and the solid slat 433. The solid slat 433 is inserted into a corresponding slot 421 of each of the two beams 431. For example, solid slat 433 may include one end that is inserted into a slot 421 of one beam 431 and another end that is inserted into a slot 421 of another beam 431. In addition, the solid slat 433 can optionally be inserted into the gap between the first and second support levels of a panel support, e.g., the first and second support levels 188, 189 of panel support 182, as depicted in FIG. 1B, for example.
One or more panels 408 may form a wall of outdoor structure 102, e.g., by being coupled to one or more posts 104 via respective panel supports 182. For example, a plurality of panels 408 may be stacked between two posts 104 of outdoor structure 102 to at least partially close in a side of outdoor structure 102. Further, panels 408 may be modular such that one or more panels 308 may be installed onto, or removed from, outdoor structure 102. For example, a panel 408 may be installed onto outdoor structure 102 as described herein after outdoor structure 102 is built. Similarly, a panel 408 may be removed from outdoor structure 102 without dismantling outdoor structure 102.
FIG. 4B illustrates a view of the attachment of panel 408 to post 104 using a panel support 182. As illustrated, the bottom beam 431 rests on bottom support level 191. A portion of the bottom beam 431 can be inserted into bottom window 193. The top beam 431 rests on a corresponding first support level (not seen in the view shown in FIG. 4B) and second support level 189 of a top window 187. A portion of top beam 431 can be inserted into a corresponding window 187. Further, end 423 of solid slat 433 may be positioned within the gap 199 that is formed between the first support levels and corresponding second support levels 189 of panel support 182.
As also illustrated in FIG. 4B (and in FIG. 4A), each of the beams 431 proceed through a corresponding opening 419 of support cover 415. Openings 419 and slot 417 allow support cover 415 to slide along panel 408.
FIG. 4C illustrates support cover 415 positioned over and covering a panel support, e.g., the panel support 182 of FIG. 4B. For example, after the beams 431 of panel 408 are supported on the levels of panel support 182, support cover 415 may be slid along panel 408 until it covers and comes into contact with panel support 182, and is flush with slot plates 181 and 183. Further, a first slot plate 451 is secured over the portion of external slot 180 (e.g., using a snap-fit) above panel support 182, while a second slot plate 453 is secured over the portion of external slot 180 under panel support 182. FIG. 4D illustrates panel 408 secured to outdoor structure 102 with support cover 415 positioned over and covering the panel support.
FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate a rod support 504 that can be attached to post 104 to hold a rod, such as a curtain rod. To attach rod support 504 to post 104, a plurality of bolts 184 may be positioned through corresponding openings 505 of rod support 504, and further into corresponding cavities of locking pieces 175. Rod support 504 includes a support level 511 that allows for a rod (e.g., rod end) to rest. In some aspects, a spacer 506 may be positioned between rod support 504 and beam 106, to provide a defined space between beam 106 and rod support 504. The spacer 506 may be held in place due to a friction fit between beam 106 and one or more protrusions 572 of rod support 504, in certain aspects.
As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the locking pieces 175 may be positioned such as to be inserted into external slot 180 of post 104. For example, the locking pieces 175 may be positioned vertically along external slot 180, and inserted into external slot 180. As illustrated in FIG. 5C, a back surface of rod support 504 may engage with a front surface of each of slot plate 181 and slot plate 183 defining slot 180.
Further, and with reference to FIG. 5D, to secure rod support 504 to post 104, a tightening tool 197 (e.g., a ratchet, screw driver, etc.) may be used to tighten each bolt 184, which causes the corresponding locking piece 175 to turn. When turned, a front surface of locking piece 175 may engage a back surface of each of slot plate 181 and slot plate 183. In some examples, each locking piece 175 is turned until it is in a horizontal position (e.g., at or near 90 degrees to external slot 180). FIG. 5E illustrates rod support 504 secured to post 104, and with spacer 506 positioned between beam 106 and rod support 504.
FIG. 6A illustrates outdoor structure 102 with a rod support 504 secured to a post 104. Further, rod 602 may be supported, on either end, by a support level of rod support 504, e.g., support level 511 of rod support 504 depicted in FIG. 5A. Rod 602 further includes a plurality of rod holder covers 604 which include an opening allowing them to slide along rod 602. When rod 602 is rested on rod supports 504, the rod holder covers 604 may be slid, on either end, over rod supports 504. In some examples, a snap-fit mechanism as described herein secures rod support covers 604 to rod supports 504. FIG. 6B illustrates rod 602 secured to a rod holder 504 on a post 104. As shown in FIG. 6B, rod 602 is secured at both ends to a post 104 using a rod holder 504 prior to securing the rod support covers 604. In this example aspect of FIG. 6B, no spacer 506 is utilized.
In the example aspect of FIG. 6C, spacer 506 is positioned between rod support 504 and beam 506, with the rod 602 in position to be secured by the rod support 504. Spacer 506 can be held in place due to friction with a bottom surface 611 of beam 106 and one or more one or more protrusions 572 of rod support 504. FIGS. 6D and 6E illustrate rod 602 secured to post 104 with rod support 504, as well as rod support cover 604 over and covering rod support 504. Further, spacer 506 is positioned between rod support 504 and beam 106. In the aspect depicted in FIGS. 6D and 6E, a cover 603 is provided to cover the opening of the post 104.
FIG. 8A illustrates a corbel 802 that may be attached to a post 104. Corbel 802 includes a securing element 806 with a receiving slot 808, and a guiding element 804 that includes a first guiding slot 810 and a second guiding slot 812. As seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, post 104 includes an external slot 867 that can be defined by first and second slot plates 865A, 865B that extend toward one another from side plates 883A, 883B, respectively. First and second slot plates 865A, 865B correspond to slot plates 181 and 183 as described herein. Post 104 further includes first and second shoulders 869A, 869B, that also extend toward one another from side plates 883A, 883B, respectively.
To secure corbel 802 to post 104, first and second slot plates 865A, 865B of post 104 are inserted into and through first guiding slot 810 and second guiding slot 812, respectively, of corbel 802. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, guiding element 804 of corbel 802 may be positioned between side plates 883A, 883B, where first guiding slot 810 and second guiding slot 812 allow for the passage of first and second slot plates 865A, 865B, respectively. In some examples, a length of guiding element 804 extends from side plate 883A to side plate 883B. In some examples, a length of guiding element 804 is wider than a width of external slot 867. As corbel 802 is slid further down post 104, receiving slot 808 of securing element 806 engages with an upper edge, e.g., first and second shoulders 869A, 869B, of post 104. For example, FIG. 8C illustrates securing element 806 secured to post 104. Specifically, first and second shoulders 869A, 869B of post 104 engage with receiving slot 808 of securing element 806, to complete the securing of corbel 802 to post 104.
FIG. 8D illustrates a cover 119 that can be secured to post 104 using one or more fasteners, such as bolts. For example, a bolt may be placed through an opening 893 of cover 119, and further into a receiving cavity 895. Receiving cavity 895 may include threads configured to receive corresponding threads of the bolt. In some examples, a portion of cover 119 is positioned over a beam, e.g., beam 106 of FIG. 1A, such that the cover 119 is attached to both the post 104 and the beam 106. FIGS. 8E and 8F illustrate cover 119 on post 104. As illustrated in FIG. 8E, while a bolt may be placed into each opening 893 of cover 119 to secure the cover 119 to the post 104, a bolt may be placed through each of the openings 897 to secure the cover 119 to one or more beams 106. FIG. 8F also depicts the cover 119 contacting the post 104 and at least a portion of the corbel 802, e.g., the securing element 806.
Various aspects of the present disclosure are also be described in the following numbered clauses.
Clause 1. An outdoor structure, comprising: a front beam; a back beam opposite the front beam; a first side beam; a second side beam opposite the first side beam; a plurality of posts, each post coupled to at least one of the front beam, the back beam, the first side beam, and the second side beam; and a panel support coupled to at least one of the plurality of posts.
Clause 2. The outdoor structure of clause 1, comprising a panel coupled to the panel support.
Clause 3. The outdoor structure of clause 2, wherein the panel support comprises a plurality of windows and corresponding support levels.
Clause 4. The outdoor structure of clause 3, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of
Clause 5. The outdoor structure of clause 4, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of slats coupled to at least one of the plurality of beams.
Clause 6. The outdoor structure of clause 4, wherein the panel comprises a slat forming a solid surface between the plurality of beams.
Clause 7. The outdoor structure of clause 4, wherein the panel comprises at least one support cover configured to slide along the plurality of beams and over the panel support.
Clause 8. The outdoor structure of clause 7, wherein the at least one support cover couples to the panel support with at least one snap-fit.
Clause 9. The outdoor structure of clause 1 wherein: the at least one of the plurality of posts comprises an external slot defined by a first slot plate and a second slot plate; and the panel support is in contact with the first slot plate and the second slot plate.
Clause 10. The outdoor structure of clause 9, comprising at least one locking piece, wherein the locking piece is configured to rotate within the external slot to couple the panel support to the at least one of the plurality of posts.
Clause 11. An outdoor structure, comprising: a front beam; a back beam opposite the front beam; a first side beam; a second side beam opposite the first side beam; a plurality of posts, each post coupled to at least one of the front beam, the back beam, the first side beam, and the second side beam; and a rod support coupled to at least one of the plurality of posts.
Clause 12. The outdoor structure of clause 11 comprising a rod coupled to the rod support.
Clause 13. The outdoor structure of clause 11 wherein: the at least one of the plurality of posts comprises an external slot defined by a first slot plate and a second slot plate; and the rod support is in contact with the first slot plate and the second slot plate.
Clause 14. The outdoor structure of clause 13 comprising at least one locking piece, wherein the locking piece is configured to rotate within the external slot to couple the rod support to the at least one of the plurality of posts.
Clause 15. The outdoor structure of clause 11 comprising a spacing element positioned between the rod support and one of the front beam, the back beam, the first side beam, and the second side beam.
Clause 16. The outdoor structure of clause 15, wherein the rod support comprises a protrusion, and the spacing element is secured by a friction fit between a bottom surface of the one of the front beam, the back beam, the first side beam, and the second side beam and the protrusion.
The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of these disclosures. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of these disclosures.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An outdoor structure, comprising:

a front beam;

a back beam opposite the front beam;

a first side beam;

a second side beam opposite the first side beam;

a plurality of posts, each post coupled to at least one of the front beam, the back beam, the first side beam, and the second side beam; and

a panel support coupled to at least one of the plurality of posts.

2. The outdoor structure of claim 1, comprising a panel coupled to the panel support.

3. The outdoor structure of claim 2, wherein the panel support comprises a plurality of windows and corresponding support levels.

4. The outdoor structure of claim 3, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of beams, and each of the plurality of beams rest on one of the support levels.

5. The outdoor structure of claim 4, wherein the panel comprises a plurality of slats coupled to at least one of the plurality of beams.

6. The outdoor structure of claim 4, wherein the panel comprises a slat forming a solid surface between the plurality of beams.

7. The outdoor structure of claim 4, wherein the panel comprises at least one support cover configured to slide along the plurality of beams and over the panel support.

8. The outdoor structure of claim 7, wherein the at least one support cover couples to the panel support with at least one snap-fit.

9. The outdoor structure of claim 1 wherein:

the at least one of the plurality of posts comprises an external slot defined by a first slot plate and a second slot plate; and

the panel support is in contact with the first slot plate and the second slot plate.

10. The outdoor structure of claim 9 comprising at least one locking piece, wherein the locking piece is configured to rotate within the external slot to couple the panel support to the at least one of the plurality of posts.

11. An outdoor structure, comprising:

a front beam;

a back beam opposite the front beam;

a first side beam;

a second side beam opposite the first side beam;

a rod support coupled to at least one of the plurality of posts.

12. The outdoor structure of claim 11 comprising a rod coupled to the rod support.

13. The outdoor structure of claim 11 wherein:

the rod support is in contact with the first slot plate and the second slot plate.

14. The outdoor structure of claim 13 comprising at least one locking piece, wherein the locking piece is configured to rotate within the external slot to couple the rod support to the at least one of the plurality of posts.

15. The outdoor structure of claim 11 comprising a spacing element positioned between the rod support and one of the front beam, the back beam, the first side beam, and the second side beam.

16. The outdoor structure of claim 15, wherein the rod support comprises a protrusion, and the spacing element is secured by a friction fit between a bottom surface of the one of the front beam, the back beam, the first side beam, and the second side beam and the protrusion.