WO1999053747A1 - Modular interlocking shrub shelter and method of assembly - Google Patents
Modular interlocking shrub shelter and method of assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999053747A1 WO1999053747A1 PCT/US1999/008707 US9908707W WO9953747A1 WO 1999053747 A1 WO1999053747 A1 WO 1999053747A1 US 9908707 W US9908707 W US 9908707W WO 9953747 A1 WO9953747 A1 WO 9953747A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- leg
- interlocking means
- slat
- interlocking
- framework panel
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
- E06C7/08—Special construction of longitudinal members, or rungs or other treads
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G13/00—Protecting plants
- A01G13/02—Protective coverings for plants; Coverings for the ground; Devices for laying-out or removing coverings
- A01G13/0225—Wind breakers, i.e. devices providing lateral protection of the plants
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C1/00—Ladders in general
- E06C1/02—Ladders in general with rigid longitudinal member or members
- E06C1/14—Ladders capable of standing by themselves
- E06C1/16—Ladders capable of standing by themselves with hinged struts which rest on the ground
- E06C1/18—Ladders capable of standing by themselves with hinged struts which rest on the ground with supporting struts formed as ladders
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06C—LADDERS
- E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
- E06C7/42—Ladder feet; Supports therefor
Definitions
- the present invention relates in general to plant protection devices and in particular to hingedly connected framework panels of interlocking modular components to protect shrubs, plants, small trees and the Uke from the damaging effects of falling ice and snow.
- Prior devices that provide adequate protection for such plants, shrubs and trees are lacking in one or more of the following attributes: durability and attractiveness, ease of assembly and disassembly, portability and storability, adaptability to various plant heights and shapes, and economic manufacture of a device to permit simple user assembly, without the use of separate parts or fasteners, and a reasonable consumer investment.
- Wooden shrub protectors have also been used in colder climate regions, but they are expensive to fabricate, are time and labor intensive in their assembly, and are difficult and expensive to maintain from the deteriorating effects of weather.
- Other known protection devices offer a solution to some of the above lacking attributes, but not all.
- the "Shrub Protector" of Greenman and Pelky U.S. Patent No. 3,878,643 has advantages of being portable and inexpensive but employs outdated technology using wooden slats as supporting side members. The slats must be procured separately, time-consumingly fitted with several pieces of hardware and fasteners, and are subject to deterioration from weather conditions. Storability, upon disassembly, may also be problematic without the use of separate containers to hold its various parts.
- the "Shrub Protector" of Wagner U.S. Patent No. 3,846,935 incorporates a feature to adjust its legs to irregular land conformation surrounding a shrub, but does little to provide continuing protection for shrubs or trees which may grow beyond its overall height. Additionally, the device may now be cost prohibitive, being constructed of aluminum, stainless steel and other such materials, especially in light of technological advances in the use of high-impact plastics, extruded polyvinyl and the like.
- a primary object and major advantage of the present invention is to provide a device for sheltering shrubs, plants and small trees from the damaging effects of falling ice and snow which comprises similar modular components, with integrally-manufactured interlocking mechanisms, to permit simple assembly of the shrub shelter without the need or use of any separate parts or fasteners, whatsoever.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a device of strong and durable construction, requiring lit ⁇ e or no maintenance to preserve a near-original appearance, which is lightweight and functional in form and in manufacture to allow ease of portability and convenient space-saving storage when not in use.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that incorporates a height extension feature and mechanism, to accommodate substantial growth of shrubs or trees, by means of connecting optional framework panels to existing framework panels.
- the present invention merely provides the means for height extenders to be added, with a modest consumer expense incurred when, and if, needed.
- a further and most significant object of the present invention is the use of substantially-identical modular components, as a practical means of reducing production costs and to provide greater consumer choices among shelter size, style and color. These features allow users to selectively obtain an aesthetically pleasing product, best suited to their particular need, and to coordinate or contrast colors of the interlocking shrub shelter of the present invention with colors of exterior shutters, siding and trim work of nearby buildings, thus enhancing property appearance and value.
- the use of components of similar sizes and shapes, in conjunction with a unique and useful assembly system of integrated interlocking mechanisms, lends itself particularly well to pre -assembly, packaging and marketing of the present invention in a ready-to-use form at modest cost and greater convenience to consumers.
- the present invention is a shrub and plant sheltering device of modular construction. It comprises a front framework panel and an opposing rear framework panel assembled from a plurality of leg and slat members, a hinge assembly, a pair of latch arms, a set of ground stakes, and optional framework extender panels also having leg and slat members. All components may be connected to one another without the use of any separate parts or fasteners.
- the front and rear framework panels are connected by a hinge, at the apex of the shelter, to form an inverted v-shaped structure which provides full protection for a shrub, plant or tree by deflecting falling ice or snow.
- the pair of adjustable latch arms are connected with leg members, on each side of the framework panels, to maintain the desired open-position distance between the two panels and to further strengthen and stabilize the entire structure.
- Two optional framework extender panels are also assembled from a plurality of leg and slat members. Those panels are simply an extension of the front and rear primary panels and are easily connected to them to extend the overall height of the shelter.
- All leg and slat components of the interlocking shrub shelter are substantially identical to one another in their basic shape and peripheral dimensions. These components would be fabricated in different lengths to permit assembly of the shrub shelter in several heights and in different style configurations. All components would be manufactured in a variety of colors and embossed with a simulated woodgrain or other pattern to closely assimilate characteristics commonly found in exterior vinyl shutters and in exterior millwork products.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the interlocking shrub shelter of the present invention, resting upon the ground above a shrub to be protected, showing two hingedly connected framework panels, configured with horizontal slats connected to vertical leg members, and held in their open position by a pair of adjustable latch arms;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the shrub shelter of FIG. 1, shown with an optional framework extender panel, with all modular components in their unassembled positions for reference to their various parts and interlocking mechanisms;
- FIG. 2A is a supplementary view of FIG. 2 showing an enlarged portion of a leg and slat to better illustrate elements of their corresponding keypins and keyholes.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front portion of the shrub shelter of FIG. 1, with an attached framework extender panel, showing a partial assembly of components to illustrate their connection to one another by reference to their interlocking mechanisms;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along plane IV-IV of FIG. 1 to depict elements of the hinge assembly and connection of its slats, by means of interlocking keyholes-to-keypins, to legs of the front and rear framework panels;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged, perspective view of one adjustable latch arm of FIG. 2 to better illustrate its receiver arm and slidable arm and its integrally manufactured keyholes, bar lock and bar slots;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along plane VI-VI of FIG. 3 to illustrate a leg extender slidably inserted within the lower portion of an associated leg member and interlocked with one another by means of their respective bar lock and bar slot mechanisms;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing its hingedly connected framework panels, configured with vertical legs and vertical slat members connected with horizontal slats, its adjustable latch arms, a set of ground stakes and its optional framework extender panels, as they would appear if connected to the existing framework panels, with some components unassembled for reference to their interlocking mechanisms.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the four leg and slat components which are used, as a plurality of such members, to assemble the various framework panels shown in the several views of the drawing.
- Multiple reference numbers, associated with each component, merely indicate the different framework panels in which they may be found and correspond to the reference numbers used to describe each component, its location and method of assembly.
- the interlocking shrub shelter of the present invention is of modular construction comprising the following components: (A) vertical legs; (B) vertical slats; (C) vertical leg/slat extenders; (D) horizontal slats; (E) flexible hinge assembly; (F) latch arms; and (G) ground stakes.
- a plurality of the above four leg and slat components, as seen in FIG. 8, are the only members required to assemble the framework panels which form the bulk of the shrub shelter's protective structure.
- the hinge assembly, latch arms and ground stakes are used to connect, position, strengthen, and stabilize the framework panels.
- rear framework panel 20 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is assembled with substantially-identical left and right legs 22, 21 and a plurality of substantially-identical horizontal slats 25;
- front framework panel 30 (FIGS. 1 and 3) is assembled with corresponding left and right legs 31, 32 substantially identical to each other and to legs 21, 22, and a plurality of slats 35 substantially identical to one another and to slats 25; similarly for the plurality of leg and slat components which are used to assemble framework panels 80, 90 (FIG. 7) and framework extender panels 60, 70 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 7).
- FIG. 8 is primarily intended to consolidate the above four leg and slat components (A, B, C and D) with their interlocking mechanisms in order to depict the various reference numbers which correspond to the different framework panels in which they are located, as will become apparent in the following detailed description of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the fully assembled interlocking shrub shelter, generally indicated at 10, resting upon the ground on either side and above an ordinary shrub 1 to be protected from failing ice and snow.
- shrub shelter 10 comprises two, substantially-identical framework panels 20 (rear) and 30 (front), hinge assembly 40, and a pair of adjustable-length latch arms 50.
- Rear and front framework panels 20 and 30 are respectively assembled from a plurality of rectangular, elongated, vertical legs 21,22 and 31,32 which are perpendicularly connected to a plurality of similarly shaped, but shorter, corresponding horizontal slats 25 and 35, to form the protective, rectangular framework panels seen in FIG. 1.
- Framework panels 20 and 30 of FIG. 1 are hingedly connected to one another along line A- A, by flexible hinge 41 and its integrally joined slats 42 and 43 of hinge assembly 40, to form the apex 2 of shrub shelter 10.
- Hinge assembly 40 also stabilizes the upper portion of framework panels 20 and 30 and serves to deflect falling ice and snow.
- a pair of adjustable latch arms 50 each one connected to leg members of framework panels 20 and 30 on opposite sides of shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1, in a middle region of framework panels 20 and 30, hold panels 20 and 30 in an open position during normal use of the shrub shelter and serve to further stabilize framework panels 20 and 30.
- All leg, slat and latch arm members of the interlocking shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1 are of a substantially rigid, durable and lightweight material such as high-impact plastic, extruded polyvinyl, or other similar material.
- Flexible hinge 41 is of a strong, pliable material such as a polyvinyl. All components are manufactured in a variety of colors and embossed with a woodgrain or similar pattern to simulate real wood construction.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively show the rear and front sides of shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1, with optional framework extender panels 60, to better illustrate their component members and understand how they will be connected to one another during assembly of the shrub shelter.
- FIG. 2 shows the rear side of shrub shelter 10 comprising: a rear framework panel 20 with vertical legs 21 and 22 and a plurality of horizontal slats 25; a portion of hinge assembly 40 with flexible hinge 41 integrally joined to a horizontal slat 42; a pair of adjustable latch arms 50 with each receiver arm 51 common to framework panel 20; an optional framework extender panel 60 with two vertical rear leg extenders 61 and a plurality of horizontal extender slats 65; and two ground stakes 11. All rear components are shown in their unassembled positions.
- FIG. 3 shows the front side of shrub shelter 10, partially assembled, and comprising: a front framework panel 30 with vertical legs 31 and 32 and a plurality of horizontal slats 35; a hinge assembly 40 with a flexible hinge 41 which is commonly and integrally joined to horizontal slat 43 of front panel 30 and to a horizontal slat 42 (FIG. 2) of rear panel 20; a pair of adjustable latch arms 50 with each slidable arm 52 common to framework panel 30; an optional framework extender panel 60 with two vertical front leg extenders 62 and a plurality of horizontal extender slats 65; and two ground stakes 11.
- leg 21 has a plurality of keypins 23 which are strategically spaced and located along its length and at about the midpoint of its width. Substantially-identical keypins 23 are correspondingly located along the length of leg 22. Keypins 63 are similarly located along the length of each rear leg extender 61. One latch arm keypin 26 is located on the outer edge, and above midpoint between the extreme ends, of leg 21. Another latch arm keypin, not shown, is correspondingly located on leg 22.
- leg 31 has a plurality of keypins 33 located along its length, in the same manner and in corresponding positions as described above for keypins 23 of legs 21 and 22.
- Substantially -identical keypins 33 are correspondingly located along the length of leg 32.
- Keypins 63 are similarly located along the length of each front leg extender 62 in corresponding positions to keypins 63 of rear leg extenders 61.
- One latch arm keypin 36 is located on each leg 31 and 32, in the same corresponding positions described above for latch arm keypins 26 of legs 21 and 22.
- Each keypin as described above, is of the same size, shape and tolerance as to be inserted and interlocked with any keyhole of a corresponding slat or latch arm member described below.
- a plurality of horizontal slats 25 are each seen as having a plurality of keyholes 24, which are strategically spaced and located along the length of each slat 25 and at about the midpoint of its width, with the two outermost to receive and interlock with corresponding keypins 23 of legs 21 and 22.
- a plurality of keyholes 64 are likewise located along the length of each horizontal extender slat 65, with the two outermost to receive and interlock with corresponding keypins 63 of each rear leg extender 61.
- a plurality of substantially-identical keyholes 44 are similarly located along the length of slat 42 of hinge assembly 40, with the two outermost to receive and interlock with corresponding keypins 23 of legs 21 and 22.
- a plurality of horizontal slats 35 each have a plurality of keyholes 34 located along their length, in the same manner as described above for keyholes 24 of slats 25, with the two outermost keyholes to receive and interlock with corresponding keypins 33 of legs 31 and 32.
- each extender slat 65 is similarly configured with a plurality of keyholes 64, with the two outermost keyholes to receive and interlock with corresponding keypins 63 of front leg extenders 62.
- a plurality of keyholes, not shown, are similarly located along slat 43 of hinge assembly 40, witfi the two outermost keyholes to receive and interlock with corresponding keypins 33 of legs 31 and 32.
- FIG. 4 depicts a portion of the top of framework panels 20 and 30, hingedly connected by hinge assembly 40, with keyholes 44 of slats 42 and 43 respectively interlocked with corresponding keypins 23 and 33 of legs 21 and 31 and with slats 42 and 43 integrally joined by flexible hinge 41.
- FIG. 5 shows one of a pair of latch arms 50 (FIGS. 2 and 3) having one keyhole 54, of receiver arm 51, to receive and interlock with a corresponding latch arm keypin 26 of leg 21 (FIG. 2).
- Another keyhole 54 is located on each slidable arm 52 (FIG. 5) of each latch arm 50 (FIGS. 2 and 3) to respectively interlock with latch arm keypin 36 of leg 31 (FIG. 3) and a corresponding latch arm keypin, not shown, of leg 32.
- Each keyhole is of the same size, shape and tolerance as to receive and interlock with any keypin of a corresponding leg member.
- the configuration of keypins and keyholes, and the method of interlocking one with the other, will now be described.
- keypin 23 of leg 21 is comprised of two parts; a round, elongated pin 232 which is integrally attached to leg 21 at one end and terminated at its opposite end by a round, flat head 231. All keypins 23 and 26, of legs 21 and 22 (FIG. 2), are of the same configuration. Likewise, as seen in FIG. 3, each keypin 33 and each keypin 36, of legs 31 and 32, lias a pin 332 and a head 331. Each keypin 63 of rear leg extenders 61 (FIG. 2) and each keypin 63 of front leg extenders 62 (FIG. 3) is similarly configured with a pin 632 and a head 631.
- an integrally-manufactured keyhole 24, of one slat 25, is shown as having two parts; a round, open hole 241 which is of sufficient diameter as to marginally receive the head 231 of a corresponding keypin 23 and being openly joined to an open-end, elongated slot 242, with slot 242 closed at its opposite end.
- Each slot 242 is of sufficient width as to marginally receive a pin 232 of a corresponding keypin 23, yet narrow enough to retain a substantial portion of the planar surface of a keypin head 231 behind the adjacent planar surface surrounding keyhole slot 242.
- the thickness of the planar surfaces surrounding the hole 241 and the slot 242 of each keyhole 24 is marginally less than the length of the pin 232 of each keypin 23 so as to frictionally and sufficiently engage the planar surface of the keypin head 231 with the adjacent planar surface surrounding the keyhole slot 242 when pin 232 is fully seated in slot 242.
- the open end of each slot 242, adjoining the open side of hole 241 is slightly constricted so as to positively engage and interlock pin 232 within slot 242 and to prevent accidental dislodging of pin 232.
- each such keyhole is basically an inverse form of, and marginally larger than, each keypin so as to receive die keypin widi die keyhole. Additionally, die above dimensions apply equally to all keyholes and keypins and are of a precise tolerance so that any keypin may be inserted and positively interlocked with any keyhole of shrub shelter 10.
- a protruding bar lock 521 is integrally joined to slidable arm 52.
- Bar lock 521 is of such size, shape and tolerance as to automatically interlock within any one of a plurality of corresponding, evenly-spaced, open bar slots 511 (complementary bar lock receptacles) of receiver arm 51 , as slidable arm 52 is pushed inward or pulled outward within receiver arm 51 of each adjustable latch arm 50.
- This permits each adjustable latch arm 50 to be shortened or leng ened, as required, to decrease or increase the separation of framework panels 20 and 30 (FIG. 1) to accommodate the varying fullness of most shrubs, plants or trees.
- the shape of the bar lock and bar slots can be not only a "bar”, but, e.g. , an oval, a circle, a rectangle, or any other suitable shape that permits mating and interlocking suitable to the adjustability function they are designed to serve.
- FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 a somewhat similar bar lock and bar slot feature, as described above, permits optional framework extender panels 60 to be connected to existing framework panels 20 (FIG. 2) and 30 (FIG. 3) to extend the height of shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1 to accommodate taller shrubs, plants or trees.
- FIG. 6 depicts such a connection with the upper portion 622 , of a front leg extender 62 of framework extender panel 60, fully and slidably inserted within the lower portion 313 of a corresponding front leg 31 of framework panel 30 (FIG. 3).
- Front leg extender 62 has an integral, protruding bar lock 621 of such size, shape and tolerance as to automatically engage and interlock with a corresponding open-hole bar slot 311 of leg 31 when the upper portion 622 of front leg extender 62 is fully inserted within the lower portion 313 of leg 31.
- a second front leg extender 62 of mis same framework extender panel 60, is similarly configured with a bar lock 621 so that its upper portion 622 may be slidably and fully inserted within the lower portion 323 of leg 32 and interlocked with an open-hole bar slot 321.
- leg extender bar lock 611 so that the upper portion 612 of a leg extender 61, may be slidably and fully inserted with the lower portion 213 or 223 of a corresponding leg 21 or 22 and respectively interlocked with an open-hole bar slot receptacles 211 or 221. While this is illustrated and referred to as a "bar" lock and slot, it is understood that other suitable shapes, e.g., rectangles, circles, ovals, etc., are also suitable to achieve the interlocking function. With regard to the foregoing description of the component members of shrub shelter 10 and their interlocking mechanisms, the complete assembly, operation and use of the interlocking shrub shelter 10 of the present invention may now be explained and understood.
- die rear framework panel 20 is assembled as follows: legs 21 and 22 are first placed on a flat horizontal surface with keypins 23 facing up and with bar slots 211 and 221 aligned at the bottom; with keyholes 24 of a slat 25 facing keypins 23 of legs 21 and 22, and with the closed end of its keyhole slots 242 facing the top of legs 21 and 22, the hole 241 of me extreme right-end keyhole 24 of this slat 25 is then placed over the head 231 of the second keypin 23 upward from the bottom of the leg 21; the hole 241 of the extreme left-end keyhole 24 of this same slat 25 is now placed over the head 231 of the second keypin 23 upward from die bottom of leg 22; finally, while holding legs 21 and 22 firmly in place, mis same slat 25 is pulled firmly downward to interlock both keyhole slots 242 upon the corresponding pins 232 of both keypins 23, thus engaging and retaining the surface of each head 231 of each keypin 23 behind the adjacent planar surface surrounding the
- Each remaining horizontal slat 25 of rear framework panel 20 is subsequently connected to the next set of corresponding keypins 23 of legs 21 and 22, in the same manner as just described, working in an upward direction from each previously connected slat 25, until all slats 25 have been connected to legs 21 and 22, as seen in FIG. 1.
- the front framework panel 30 is assembled by connecting all slats 35 to legs 31 and 32, by means of their respective keyholes 34 and keypins 33, in the same general manner as described above for connecting slats 25 to legs 21 and 22 of the rear framework panel 20, as seen in FIG. 1.
- one slat 42 (FIG. 2) is first connected to legs 21 and 22 by interlocking its extreme end keyholes 44 upon die corresponding uppermost keypins 23 of legs 21 and 22, in me same manner as previously described for connecting slats 25 to legs 21 and 22 and slat 43 (FIG. 3) is then connected to legs 31 and 32 by interlocking its two extreme end keyholes 44 to the uppermost set of keypins 33 (FIG. 4), as previously described for connecting slats 35 to legs 31 and 32.
- the hingedly connected framework panels 20 and 30, along line A-A at apex 2 of shrub shelter 10, may now be placed at the desired angle to the ground, or either side of shrub 1 to be protected, with the bottom of each leg 21, 22 and 31, 32 resting upon the ground.
- FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 of the drawings framework panels 20 and 30 are now locked in their open position by means of adjustable latch arms 50.
- One latch arm 50 (FIG. 5) is first connected to legs 21 and 31 of FIGS. 2 and 3, as follows: with the closed end of its keyhole slots 542 of latch arm 50 facing upward, hole 541 of keyhole 54 of receiver arm 51 (FIG. 5) is placed over the head 261 of latch arm keypin 26 of leg 21 (FIG. 2); hole 541 of keyhole 54 of slidable arm 52, of this same latch arm 50 (FIG. 5), is now placed over the head 361 of latch arm keypin 36 of leg 31 (FIG.
- latch arm 50 is pulled firmly downward to engage each keyhole slot 542 upon corresponding pins 262 and 362 of latch arm keypins 26 and 36, simultaneously interlocking the head 261 and 361 of keypins 26 and 36 behind the surrounding planar surfaces of slots 542 of each keyhole 54 of this latch arm 50.
- the second latch arm 50 is then connected to legs 22 and 32, on the opposite side of framework panel 20 and 30, as seen in FIG. 1 , by means of interlocking its keyholes 54 (FIGS. 2 and 3) witii corresponding latch arm keypins, not shown, of legs 22 and 32 in the same general manner as just described for connecting the first latch arm 50 to legs 21 and 31.
- latch arms 50 It may be necessary, in making die above connection of latch arms 50, to move one framework panel slightly inward or outward to properly align latch arm keyholes 54 with latch arm keypins 26 and 36 and to engage and interlock each slidable arm bar lock 521 within the closest corresponding receiver arm bar slot 511 of each adjustable latch arm 50.
- Framework panels 20 and 30 may be further adjusted inward or outward.
- the end of each slidable arm 52 is pulled firmly upward to disengage each slidable arm keyhole 54 from corresponding latch arm keypins 36 of each leg 31 and 32.
- One or bodi framework panels 20 and 30 may then be repositioned, as desired, and each slidable arm 52 is then reconnected to its corresponding leg 31 and 32, as previously described above for die initial set-up of shrub shelter 10.
- shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1 may now be staked to me ground to furtiier stabilize die entire structure and to reduce the possibility of its upset from a significant impact of falling ice or snow.
- the four ground stakes 11 are driven into the ground and each one is connected to one of die four legs.
- the stakes 11 may be any appropriate staking means known in the art, and is not limited simply to the staking configuration illustrated. Means known in the art for attaching the stakes to one or more of the various modular components of the invention when not in use, for storage purposes, are also desirable.
- one ground stake 11 is driven into the ground and connected to leg 21, as follows: this stake 11 is first aligned in front of bar slot 211 of leg 21 with its open keyhole 14 facing the extreme bottom keypin 23 of leg 21 and its stake point 111 touching both me ground and the bottom of leg 21 ; a downward force is then exerted on the stake head 112, by one's hand or foot or by striking the head 112 witii an ordinary hammer, until the hole 141 of keyhole 14 is aligned with the head 231 of the extreme bottom keypin 23 of leg 21; ground stake 11 is then pushed toward leg 21 so as to place hole 141 of keyhole 14 over the head 231 of this same keypin 23 and; finally, a downward force is again applied to stake head 112 to engage and interlock slot 142 of keyhole 14 with pin 232 of keypin 23, to complete connection of die first stake 11 to die ground and to leg 21.
- a second ground stake 11 is next driven into die ground and connected to die extreme bottom keypin 23 of leg 22, in the same general manner
- a third ground stake 11 and a fourth ground stake 11 are each driven into the ground, the third stake 11 adjacent to leg 31 and the fourtii stake 11 next to leg 32, and respectively connected to legs 31 and 32 in the same general fashion as described above for connecting the first two ground stakes 11 to legs 21 and 22.
- one optional framework extender panel 60 may be connected to each framework panel 20 and 30 to extend the height of an existing shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1.
- Component leg and slat members of framework extender panels 60 are of the same material and general form of manufacture as leg and slat members of framework panels 20 and 30.
- Framework extender panels 60 correspond in height, width and color to each available size and color of framework panels 20 and 30. This makes it possible, depending on die length of extender panel 60 selected, for users to extend an existing shrub shelter 10 two-to-diree times its initial height to accommodate substantial growdi of shrubs, trees and die like. Framework extender panels would most likely be pre-assembled, packaged and sold in pairs, as an optional accessory of the shrub shelter 10 of FIG.
- one framework extender panel 60 to be connected to rear framework panel 20, is assembled by connecting its plurality of horizontal extender slats 65 to each rear leg extender 61. To do so, die extreme end keyholes 64 of each extender slat 65 are interlocked witii die corresponding set of keypins 63 of rear leg extenders 61, in die same general manner as previously described for connecting slats 25 to legs 21 and 22.
- One additional horizontal slat 25 is included with this optional extender panel 60, to be connected to the bottom set of keypins 23 of legs 21 and 22, of die rear framework panel 20, after this framework extender panel 60 has been connected to legs 21 and 22.
- a second framework extender panel 60 to be connected to front framework panel 30, is assembled by connecting its plurality of horizontal extender slats 65 to each of die front leg extenders 62, interlocking the extreme end keyholes of each extender slat 65 wi the corresponding set of keypins 63 of front leg extenders 62, in the same manner as earlier described for connecting slats 35 to legs 31 and 32.
- One additional slat 35 is included witii this optional extender panel 60, to be connected to die bottom set of keypins 33 of legs 31 and 32, of front framework panel 30, after mis framework extender panel 60 has been connected to legs 31 and 32.
- FIG. 6 One of the fully assembled framework extender panels 60, as described above, is now connected to each framework panel 20 and 30.
- the upper portion 623 of a front leg extender 62 is of the size, shape and tolerance as to be snugly and slidably inserted within die lower portion 313 of leg 31.
- the bar lock 621, of this front leg extender 62 automatically engages and interlocks with bar slot 311 of leg 31 when die upper portion 623 of the front leg extender 62 is fully inserted within die lower portion 313 of leg 31.
- a second front leg extender 62 is similarly connected to leg 32 with bar lock 621 interlocking with bar slot 321, as seen in FIG. 3.
- leg extender 62 also is seen as having a keypin 63 with a head 631 and a pin 632 to be interlocked with a keyhole 64 of a horizontal extender slat 65 (FIG. 3).
- FIG. 3 shows the connection of a framework extender panel 60 to legs 31 and 32 of front framework panel 30.
- FIG. 2 shows another framework extender panel 60 in position to be connected to legs 21 and 22 of rear framework panel 20, where the upper portion 613 of each rear leg extender 61 is to be inserted witiiin the lower portion 213 or 223 of corresponding legs 21 and 22.
- the bar lock 611 of each rear leg extender 61 will automatically engage and interlock, respectively, with a corresponding bar slot 211 or 221 of legs 21 and 22.
- each additional horizontal slat 25 and 35, included with each framework extender panel 60 is respectively connected to legs 21, 22 and 31, 32 of the corresponding framework panels 20 and 30, as described earlier for connecting all other slats 25 and 35 to legs 21, 22 and 31, 32.
- each framework extender panel 60 may be easily disconnected from its corresponding framework panel 20 or 30. To do so, pressure is applied to the face of each bar lock 611 or 621 to disengage it from its corresponding bar slot 211, 221 or 311, 321 while pulling downward on its associated leg extender 61 or 62.
- An additional framework extender panel 60 may also be connected to any existing framework extender panel 60, in the same general manner as described above, with its bar locks 611 or 621 respectively engaging bar slots 612 (FIG. 2) or 622 (FIG. 3) of the previously connected extender panel. This feature allows for even greater height extension of the interlocking shrub shelter, if desired.
- Each additional framework extender panel 60 is easily disconnected from another extender panel 60 in die same general manner as just described for disconnecting extender panel 60 from primary framework panels 20 and 30.
- Shrub shelter 10 extended in height by framework extender panels 60, may also be staked to die ground by means of the four ground stakes 11.
- the four ground stakes 11 are driven into die ground, one in front of each leg extender 61 and 62, and each stake 11 is then connected to the extreme bottom keypin 63 of its corresponding leg extender 61 and 62, as previously described for connected each stake 11 to keypins 23 and 33 of legs 21, 22 and 31, 32.
- each slidable arm 52 of each adjustable latch arm 50 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) is simply disconnected from its corresponding latch pin 26 or 36 (FIGS. 2 and 3), allowing framework panels 20 and 30 to be folded flat, one against die other, by means of hinge assembly 40. This feature permits a number of shrub shelters 10 of FIG. 1 to be neatly and stackably stored in relatively little space.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a partially assembled alternate embodiment 100 of the interlocking shrub shelter of the present invention comprising; two substantially-identical, opposing framework panels 80 (rear) and 90 (front), a hinge assembly 40 (the same as shown for shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1), a pair of adjustable latch arms 50 (the same as shown for shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1), four ground stakes 11 (the same as shown for shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1) and two optional framework extender panels 70, shown by broken lines, as they would appear if connected to front and rear framework panels 90 and 80.
- Shrub shelter 100 and its optional framework extender panels 70 would be manufactured and available to consumers in several sizes and a variety of colors, in a ready-to-use form, as similarly described earlier for shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1. Its component members, of the same material and general form of manufacture as those of shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1, will now be described.
- Rear framework panel 80 of shrub shelter 100 of FIG. 7 comprises vertical legs 81 and 82, at least one vertical slat 87, and a plurality of horizontal slats 85.
- Each leg 81 and 82 has a plurality of keypins 83 located along its lengtii and one latch arm keypin 86, each such keypin respectively configured witii heads 831, 861 and pins 832, 862.
- the location and configuration of keypins 83 and 86 are substantially identical to keypins 23 of legs 21 and 22 of shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1, as described earlier.
- Horizontal slats 85 are substantially identical to slats 25 of shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1, each having a plurality of keyholes 84 along its length which correspond in location, number and configuration to keyholes 24 of slats 25, each keyhole 84 having a hole 841 and a slot 842.
- Front framework panel 90 of shrub shelter 100 of FIG. 7 is essentially a mirror image of rear framework panel 80, as just described above. It comprises: legs 91 and 92, each having a plurality of keypins, not shown, and one latch arm keypin 96 which correspond to keypins 83 and latch arm keypin 86 of legs 81 and 82; a plurality of vertical slats 97, each having a plurality of keypins, not shown, which correspond to keypins 83 of vertical slats 87 and; a plurality of horizontal slats 95, each having a plurality of keyholes, not shown, which correspond to keyholes 84 of horizontal slats 85.
- Framework panels 80 and 90 of FIG. 7 are hingedly connected along line B-B, by hinge assembly 40, to form apex 3 of shrub shelter 100.
- Hinge assembly 40 of shrub shelter 100 is of the same form and manufacture as described earlier for hinge assembly 40 of shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1.
- a pair of adjustable latch arms 50 each one to be connected to leg members of framework panels 80 and 90 on opposite sides of shrub shelter 100 of FIG. 7, hold framework panels 80 and 90 in their open position.
- Latch arms 50 of shrub shelter 100 are of the same form and manufacture as described earlier for latch arms 50 of shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1.
- the four ground stakes 11 seen in FIG. 7 are used, if desired, to stake shrub shelter 100 to the ground, with or without attached framework extender panels 70, in the same general manner as described for staking shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1 to die ground.
- the assembly of shrub shelter 100 of FIG. 7 begins with a partial assembly of rear framework panel 80, using vertical legs 81 and 82 and a plurality of horizontal slats 85.
- Legs 81 and 82 are first placed on a flat horizontal surface with their keypins 83 facing up and with their bar slots 811 and 821 aligned at the bottom; widi keyholes 84 of one horizontal slat 85 facing keypins 83 of legs 81 and 82, and with die closed end of its keyhole slots 842 facing the bottom of legs 81 and 82, the hole 841 of the extreme left-end keyhole 84 of this slat 85 is placed over the head 831 of the second keypin 83 upward from die bottom of leg 81; the hole 841 of the extreme right-end keyhole 84 of this same slat 85 is now placed over die head 831 of the second keypin 83 upward from the bottom of leg 82 and; finally, while holding legs 81 and 82 firmly in place, this slat 85 is
- a second horizontal slat 85 is now connected to legs 81 and 82 by engaging and interlocking its extreme end keyholes 84 with the second set of keypins 83 upward from the first-connected slat 85, in die same manner as just described for connecting the first slat 85 to legs 81 and 82.
- a diird slat 85 is likewise connected to the second set of keypins 83 upward from the second-connected slat 85. All remaining horizontal slats 85 are subsequently connected to legs 81 and 82 in die manner just described, skipping one set of keypins 83 between each previously connected slat 85, to complete die partial assembly of rear framework panel 80.
- Final assembly of rear framework panel 80 of FIG. 7 is accomplished by perpendicularly connecting each vertical slat 87 to each of the previously-connected horizontal slats 85.
- the head 831 of die extreme bottom keypin 83 of one vertical slat 87 is inserted into hole 841 of the keyhole 84, of bottom slat 85, which is located nearest to leg 81; the head 831 of each keypin 83 of this same slat 87 is then aligned and inserted into the hole 841 of each corresponding keyhole 84, of die remaining horizontal slats 85, which are located nearest to leg 81 and; finally, this slat 87 is pulled firmly downward to interlock its pins 832 within slots 842 of each corresponding keyhole 84 of each slat 85, simultaneously engaging die surface of each keypin head 831 behind die adjacent planar surface surrounding each corresponding keyhole slot 842.
- Each remaining vertical slat 87 is then connected to each of the previously connected horizontal slats 85, in the manner just described, beginning with the open keyhole 84 of each slat 85 nearest to die vertical slat 87 so previously connected. This completes full assembly of rear framework panel 80 of shrub shelter 100.
- front framework panel 90 of shrub shelter 100 is next assembled, following the same general procedure as described above for assembly of rear framework panel 80, by first connecting its plurality of horizontal slats 95 to legs 91 and 92 and tiien connecting its plurality of vertical slats 97 to each horizontal slat 95.
- Slat 42 is first connected to legs 81, 82 and vertical slats 87, as follows: with slat 42 keyholes 44 (FIG. 2) facing the keypins 83 of legs 81, 82 and keypins 83 of vertical slats 87, and with the closed end of its keyhole slots 442 (FIG. 2) facing upward, the hole 441 of each keyhole 44 of slat 42 (FIG.
- Slat 43 of hinge assembly 40 is then connected to legs 91 , 92 and to vertical slats 97 of the front framework panel 90, in the same general manner as just described for connecting slat 42 to legs 81, 82 and to vertical slats 87 of rear framework panel 80.
- the hingedly connected framework panels 80 and 90 of shrub shelter 100 may now be placed on either side and above a shrub, plant or tree to be protected.
- Full assembly of the shelter is completed by positioning panels 80 and 90 at die desired angle to die ground and securing their open position by connecting the pair of adjustable latch arms 50 to the legs of each framework panel 80 and 90.
- One latch arm 50 is first connected, by means of its keyholes 54 (FIG. 5), to latch arm keypins 86 and 96 of legs 81 an 91 in the same general manner as previously described for connecting a latch arm 50 to legs 21 and 31 of shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1.
- the second adjustable latch arm 50 is then connected, in this same manner, to legs 82 and 92 on die opposite side of framework panels 80 and 90.
- the framework panels may be adjusted inward or outward, by means of die adjustable latch arms 50, as earlier described for adjusting framework panels 20 and 30 of shrub shelter 10.
- framework extender panels 70 may be connected to framework panels 80 and 90 to extend the height of shrub shelter 100 to accommodate taller shrubs or trees.
- One framework extender panel 70 to be connected to rear framework panel 80, is first assembled by connecting each horizontal slat 75 to each rear leg extender 71 and dien connecting a plurality of substantially- identical, but shorter vertical slat extenders 77 to each horizontal slat 75. This is done following the same general procedure as earlier described for full and partial assembly of rear framework panel 80.
- a second framework extender panel 70 to be connected to front framework panel 90, is then assembled widi each front leg extender 72 first being connected with each horizontal slat 75 and dien connecting a plurality of vertical slat extenders 77 to each horizontal slat 75, in the same way as just described for assembly of the first framework extender panel 70.
- Each rear leg extender 71 is configured widi an integral bar lock 711 to engage and interlock widi a corresponding integral bar slot 811 and 821 of legs 81 and 82.
- Each rear panel vertical slat extender 77 is likewise configured with a bar lock 771 to engage and interlock with a corresponding bar slot 871 of each vertical slat 87.
- Each front leg extender 72 and each vertical slat extender 77 of the front framework extender panel 70 is likewise configured with a bar lock, not shown, to engage and interlock with a corresponding bar slot, not shown, of each vertical leg 91, 92 and each vertical slat 97 of front framework panel 90.
- the bar lock and bar slot feature permits framework extender panels 70 to be easily connected and interlocked with members of the front and rear framework panels 90 and 80, in the same general manner as previously described for connecting framework extender panels 60 to die front and rear framework panels 30 and 20 of shrub shelter 10.
- framework extender panels 70 may be disconnected from framework panels 80 and 90, in die same general manner as described earlier for disconnecting framework extender panels 60 from framework panels 20 and 30 of shrub shelter 10 of FIG. 1, by depressing each bar lock 711 and 771 while pulling downward on its associated leg extender 71, 72 or vertical slat extender 77.
- Additional framework extender panels 70 may be added, if desired, to further extend the height of the interlocking shrub shelter 100. This is done in die same manner as described above for connecting primary panels 80 and 90, but with its bar locks 711 and 771 respectively engaging bar slots 712 and 772 of the previously connected extender panel. Each additional panel 70 is easily disconnected from anodier extender panel 70 in the same general manner as just described for disconnecting extender panels 70 from primary framework panels 80 and 90.
- the alternate embodiment shrub shelter 100 my be conveniently and stackably stored in its entirety, following its seasonal use, by disconnecting each slidable arm 52 of each latch arm 50 and folding panels 80 and 90 against one anodier, by means of hinge assembly 40.
- the basic modular components might be significantly reduced in number to further reduce production costs by manufacturing the framework panels and extender panels in either a one-piece or two-piece configuration while still maintaining protective framework panels with the same leg and slat appearance and configuration.
- all components would continue to be connected to one anodier by means of integrally manufactured interlocking mechanisms, such as die illustrated keyholes, but including spot welds, rivets, and similar manufacturing techniques for assembling and interlocking the disclosed modular pieces, permanently, into larger units such as an entire front panel 30 or rear panel 20.
- die invention be limited to the precise form described and shown herein, for modifications and changes may be made in the size, shape, form and function of materials, as well as manufacture technique, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention defined by die following claims. It is also understood that various decorative elements such as ornamental lighting and various designs can obviously be added to the embodiment of die invention as disclosed, all witiiin the scope of ti ⁇ s disclosure and its associated claims.
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Abstract
Description
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Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002327757A CA2327757A1 (en) | 1998-04-23 | 1999-04-20 | Modular interlocking shrub shelter and method of assembly |
AU35714/99A AU3571499A (en) | 1998-04-23 | 1999-04-20 | Modular interlocking shrub shelter and method of assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US60/082,816 | 1998-04-23 | ||
US09/129,804 US6006469A (en) | 1998-04-23 | 1998-08-06 | Modular interlocking shrub shelter and method of assembly |
US09/129,804 | 1998-08-06 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO1999053747A1 true WO1999053747A1 (en) | 1999-10-28 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/US1999/008707 WO1999053747A1 (en) | 1998-04-23 | 1999-04-20 | Modular interlocking shrub shelter and method of assembly |
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WO (1) | WO1999053747A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3830340A (en) * | 1972-04-14 | 1974-08-20 | W Schaffel | Clamping stand |
WO1986004210A1 (en) * | 1985-01-21 | 1986-07-31 | Bruno Richard | Micro-climatic shelter for the protection of plants against the sun and the cold |
US5577574A (en) * | 1994-11-15 | 1996-11-26 | Joseph; Michael E. | Adjustable stepladder |
-
1999
- 1999-04-20 WO PCT/US1999/008707 patent/WO1999053747A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3830340A (en) * | 1972-04-14 | 1974-08-20 | W Schaffel | Clamping stand |
WO1986004210A1 (en) * | 1985-01-21 | 1986-07-31 | Bruno Richard | Micro-climatic shelter for the protection of plants against the sun and the cold |
US5577574A (en) * | 1994-11-15 | 1996-11-26 | Joseph; Michael E. | Adjustable stepladder |
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