Patent Publication Number: US-11649653-B2

Title: Spring-loaded plug insert and an outdoor shelter including the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference in its entirety, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/955,908, entitled “Spring-Loaded Plug Insert And An Outdoor Shelter Including The Same”, filed on Dec. 31, 2019. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention generally relates to a spring-loaded plug insert and an outdoor shelter including the same. More particularly, the invention relates to a spring-loaded plug insert for an outdoor shelter that facilitates the installation of the roof canopy on the roof frame members of the outdoor shelter. 
     2. Background and Description of Related Art 
     Portable outdoor shelters, such as portable gazebos, are useful for a myriad of different applications. For example, outdoor gazebos are often used for backyard patio gathering spaces. Because the outdoor gazebos are at least partially enclosed, table and chair sets may be arranged underneath the outdoor gazebos so that the individuals seated around the table may remain cooler by being shaded from direct sunlight. Also, when food is being served outside, a food serving table or tables are often placed underneath the gazebo to protect the food from direct sunlight and rain. 
     Although, conventional outdoor shelters often require a great deal of time to assemble because they include a large collection of constituent components that must be assembled to one another. For example, the roof canopy of a conventional outdoor shelter is often difficult to install on the roof frame of the conventional outdoor shelter. As such, the overall time required to assemble the outdoor shelter is increased. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a spring-loaded plug insert for an outdoor shelter that facilitates the installation of the roof canopy on the roof frame members of the outdoor shelter. In addition, an outdoor shelter that includes the spring-loaded plug insert is needed that enables a user to more easily assemble the outdoor shelter in a shorter amount of time. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a spring-loaded plug insert and an outdoor shelter including the same that substantially obviates one or more problems resulting from the limitations and deficiencies of the related art. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a spring-loaded plug insert for facilitating a fitting of a canopy over a frame member of an outdoor shelter. The spring-loaded plug insert includes a base member defining a cavity, the base member configured to be inserted into an opening of the frame member of the outdoor shelter; a displaceable plug member slidably received within the cavity of the base member, the displaceable plug member including an end portion for attaching to the canopy of the outdoor shelter; and a spring member configured to bias the displaceable plug member in an extended position relative to the base member. In these one or more embodiments, the displaceable plug member is configured to be displaced by a user to a retracted position relative to the base member in order to facilitate the fitting of the canopy over the frame member of the outdoor shelter. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, the base member further comprises a base wall and a plurality of side walls extending outwardly from the base wall, at least one of the plurality of side walls comprising one or more rib members for creating a tighter fit between the base member and the opening of the frame member of the outdoor shelter. 
     In yet a further embodiment, at least one of the plurality of side walls of the base member comprises a longitudinally extending slot formed therein, and the displaceable plug member comprises a protrusion slidingly received within the longitudinally extending slot of the base member; and an engagement between the protrusion of the displaceable plug member and the longitudinally extending slot of the base member defines a range of the sliding movement of the displaceable plug member relative to the base member. 
     In still a further embodiment, the base member further comprises a peripheral rim disposed on an end of the plurality of side walls that is opposite to the base wall, the peripheral rim configured to prevent the over-insertion of the base member into the opening of the frame member of the outdoor shelter. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the base wall of the base member comprises a first spring protrusion extending outwardly from the base wall, and the displaceable plug member comprises a second spring protrusion extending outwardly from the displaceable plug member; and a first end of the spring member is supported by the first spring protrusion of the base member and a second end of the spring member is supported by the second spring protrusion of the displaceable plug member, the first end of the spring member being oppositely disposed relative to the second end of the spring member. 
     In still a further embodiment, the displaceable plug member further comprises a stem portion attached to the end portion of the displaceable plug member. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the end portion of the displaceable plug member further comprises a curved surface defining a finger recess for receiving a finger of the user when the user displaces the displaceable plug member to the retracted position. 
     In still a further embodiment, when the displaceable plug member is displaced by the user to the retracted position, the spring member is configured to be compressed. 
     In accordance with one or more other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an outdoor shelter that includes at least one frame member having an opening; a canopy configured to be supported by the at least one frame member; and a spring-loaded plug insert for facilitating a fitting of the canopy over the at least one frame member of the outdoor shelter. The spring-loaded plug insert includes a base member defining a cavity, the base member configured to be inserted into the opening of the at least one frame member of the outdoor shelter; a displaceable plug member slidably received within the cavity of the base member, the displaceable plug member including an end portion for attaching to the canopy of the outdoor shelter; and a spring member configured to bias the displaceable plug member in an extended position relative to the base member. In these one or more other embodiments, the displaceable plug member is configured to be displaced by a user to a retracted position relative to the base member in order to facilitate the fitting of the canopy over the at least one frame member of the outdoor shelter. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, the base member of the spring-loaded plug insert further comprises a base wall and a plurality of side walls extending outwardly from the base wall, at least one of the plurality of side walls comprising one or more rib members for creating a tighter fit between the base member and the opening of the at least one frame member of the outdoor shelter. 
     In yet a further embodiment, at least one of the plurality of side walls of the base member of the spring-loaded plug insert comprises a longitudinally extending slot formed therein, and the displaceable plug member comprises a protrusion slidingly received within the longitudinally extending slot of the base member; and an engagement between the protrusion of the displaceable plug member and the longitudinally extending slot of the base member defines a range of the sliding movement of the displaceable plug member relative to the base member. 
     In still a further embodiment, the base member of the spring-loaded plug insert further comprises a peripheral rim disposed on an end of the plurality of side walls that is opposite to the base wall, the peripheral rim configured to prevent the over-insertion of the base member into the opening of the at least one frame member of the outdoor shelter. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the base wall of the base member of the spring-loaded plug insert comprises a first spring protrusion extending outwardly from the base wall, and the displaceable plug member comprises a second spring protrusion extending outwardly from the displaceable plug member; and a first end of the spring member is supported by the first spring protrusion of the base member and a second end of the spring member is supported by the second spring protrusion of the displaceable plug member, the first end of the spring member being oppositely disposed relative to the second end of the spring member. 
     In still a further embodiment, the displaceable plug member of the spring-loaded plug insert further comprises a stem portion attached to the end portion of the displaceable plug member. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the end portion of the displaceable plug member of the spring-loaded plug insert further comprises a curved surface defining a finger recess for receiving a finger of the user when the user displaces the displaceable plug member to the retracted position. 
     In still a further embodiment, when the displaceable plug member of the spring-loaded plug insert is displaced by the user to the retracted position, the spring member of the spring-loaded plug insert is configured to be compressed. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the canopy further comprises at least one pocket structure, the at least one pocket structure defining a pocket cavity configured to receive the end portion of the displaceable plug member of the spring-loaded plug insert therein. 
     In still a further embodiment, the canopy of the outdoor shelter comprises a roof canopy, the at least one frame member of the outdoor shelter comprises a roof frame member, and the end portion of the displaceable plug member attaches the roof canopy to the roof frame member of the outdoor shelter. 
     It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are merely exemplary and explanatory in nature. As such, the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention should not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any sense. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an outdoor shelter with a roof canopy, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    is another perspective view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG.  1   , wherein the roof canopy has been removed from the outdoor shelter so as to better illustrate the frame members of the outdoor shelter; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view illustrating one of the spring-loaded plug inserts of the outdoor shelter; 
         FIG.  4    is another perspective view of the spring-loaded plug insert of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a first side elevational view of the spring-loaded plug insert of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a second side elevational view of the spring-loaded plug insert of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a bottom plan view of the spring-loaded plug insert of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a top plan view of the spring-loaded plug insert of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a first end view of the spring-loaded plug insert of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a second end view of the spring-loaded plug insert of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded perspective view of the spring-loaded plug insert of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  12    is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the insertion of a spring-loaded plug insert into an opening at an end of one of the roof frame members of the outdoor shelter of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  13 A  is a cross-sectional view of the spring-loaded plug insert of  FIG.  3   , wherein the displaceable plug member of the spring-loaded plug insert is in an extended position relative to the base member of the spring-loaded plug insert; 
         FIG.  13 B  is a cross-sectional view of the spring-loaded plug insert of  FIG.  3   , wherein the displaceable plug member of the spring-loaded plug insert is in a retracted position relative to the base member of the spring-loaded plug insert; 
         FIG.  14    is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the manner in which a corner of the peripheral roof canopy portion in  FIG.  1    is grasped by a user; 
         FIG.  15    is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the manner in which a corner of the peripheral roof canopy portion in  FIG.  1    is fitted over one of the spring-loaded plug inserts disposed in one of the corner roof frame members; and 
         FIG.  16    is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the corner of the peripheral roof canopy portion in  FIG.  1    after it has been fitted over the spring-loaded plug insert disposed in the corner roof frame member. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the figures, the same parts are always denoted using the same reference characters so that, as a general rule, they will only be described once. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     An illustrative embodiment of an outdoor shelter in the form of a gazebo is seen generally at  100  in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . In particular, referring to the perspective views of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , it can be seen that the outdoor shelter  100  generally comprises a plurality of corner support members (e.g., corner support post members  102 ); a plurality of crossbeam members  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 , each of the crossbeam members  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  configured to be connected between a pair of corner support post members  102 ; a plurality of roof frame members  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 , each of the roof frame members  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136  configured to be coupled to one of the plurality of corner support post members  102  or one of the plurality of crossbeam members  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ; and a roof canopy  144 ,  146  configured to be supported by the plurality of roof frame members  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 . The details of the roof canopy  144 ,  146  of the outdoor shelter  100  will be described hereinafter. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the corner support members of the illustrated outdoor shelter  100  are in the form of corner support post members  102 . With reference to these figures, it can be seen that each of the corner support post members  102  is provided with a respective post base cover  104  at the bottom end of each corner support post member  102 . 
     Now, with reference again to the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the crossbeam members  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  of the outdoor shelter  100  will be described. As shown in these figures, the outdoor shelter  100  includes a pair of first longitudinal crossbeam members  106 ,  108  and a pair of second transverse crossbeam members  110 ,  112 . The first longitudinal crossbeam members  106 ,  108  are essentially the same as the second transverse crossbeam members  110 ,  112 , except that the first longitudinal crossbeam members  106 ,  108  have a longer length than the second transverse crossbeam members  110 ,  112  (the outdoor shelter  100  has a generally rectangular shape with two longer sides and two shorter sides). As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , each of the crossbeam members  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  may include a linear bottom member that is connected to a linear top member by a plurality of spaced-apart vertical members. 
     Next, turning again to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the roof frame members  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136  of the illustrative embodiment of the outdoor shelter  100  will be explained. In general, it can be seen that the roof frame members  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136  are circumferentially spaced apart from one another so as to form a supporting structure for the roof canopy  144 ,  146 . An upper end of each of the roof frame members  132 ,  134 ,  136  is designed to be inserted into a respective outwardly extending tubular member of a large roof central connecting member  138  (see  FIG.  2   ). As shown in  FIG.  2   , the large roof central connecting member  138  has a central body portion with a plurality of peripheral tubular members extending outwardly therefrom. As such, the lower central connecting member  138  generally resembles an octopus, wherein the central body portion forms the body of the octopus and the peripheral tubular members form the legs of the octopus. As shown in  FIG.  2   , each of the roof frame members  132 ,  134 ,  136  engages with a respective one of the peripheral tubular members of the large roof central connecting member  138  so that a generally rigid roof structure is formed thereby. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the roof framing members of the outdoor shelter  100  include two (2) middle roof frame members  134  having a first length, two (2) middle roof frame members  136  having a second length, four (4) corner roof frame members  132 , and four (4) corner roof frame end members  130 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the first length of the middle roof frame members  134  is greater than the second length of the middle roof frame members  136 . The corner roof frame end members  130  are provided with open end portions having larger cross-sectional sizes than the cross-sectional sizes of the corner roof frame members  132  so that they are capable of receiving a lower end portion of a respective corner roof frame member  132 . That is, the corner roof frame end members  130  attach to the lower ends of the corner roof frame members  132 , thereby extending their overall length. 
     Next, referring again to  FIG.  2   , it can be seen that the outdoor shelter  100  further includes a plurality of small roof corner frame members  140 . In  FIG.  2   , it can be seen that each corner roof frame member  132  comprises an upwardly extending tubular portion for engaging a downwardly extending tubular portion of a respective small roof corner frame member  140  (i.e., each downwardly extending tubular portion of the small roof corner frame member  140  is inserted into a respective open end of the upwardly extending tubular portion of the corner roof frame member  132 ). As shown in  FIG.  2   , each small roof corner frame member  140  is spaced apart from the respective corner roof frame member  132  by the upwardly extending tubular portion and the downwardly extending tubular portion, thereby forming the gap for the roof vent of portable shelter  100 . With reference again to  FIG.  2   , it can be seen that an upper end of each of the small roof corner frame members  140  is designed to be coupled to an outwardly extending tubular member of a small roof central connecting member  142 . In one or more embodiments, the roof vent of the outdoor shelter  100  may be provided with roof vent netting therearound in order to prevent birds and large insects from entering the interior of the outdoor shelter  100  through the roof vent. 
     Initially, referring again to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the roof canopy  144 ,  146  and other features of the outdoor shelter  100  will now be described. As best shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a peripheral roof canopy portion  144  covers a majority of the roof framing system, while a central roof canopy portion  146  is disposed over the small roof corner frame members  140  that form the roof vent of the outdoor shelter  100 . Together the peripheral roof canopy portion  144  and the central roof canopy portion  146  form the roof of the outdoor shelter  100 . 
     Also, as shown in the illustrative embodiment of  FIG.  2   , the outdoor shelter  100  may be provided with a plurality of netting support members  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  that provide a support structure for side curtain netting of the outdoor shelter  100 . The side curtain netting may be designed to permit airflow therethrough, yet keep insects from entering the interior of the outdoor shelter  100 . The side curtain netting may be supported from the netting support members  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  of the outdoor shelter  100  by fastening straps or other suitable fastening members. In the illustrative embodiment, the netting support members of the outdoor shelter  100  include four (4) long netting support members  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  having a first length and four (4) short netting support members  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  having a second length, wherein the first length of the netting support members  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  is greater than the second length of the netting support members  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . 
     Now, with reference to  FIGS.  1  and  14 - 16   , the details of the peripheral roof canopy portion  144  of the outdoor shelter  100  will be explained. In the illustrative embodiment, the peripheral roof canopy portion  144  includes a canopy fabric material (e.g., a polyester fabric—see  FIG.  1   ) configured to form a roof cover of the outdoor shelter  100 , the canopy fabric material having a first surface configured to face outwardly away from an interior of the outdoor shelter  100  and a second surface configured to face inwardly toward the interior of the outdoor shelter  100 , the first surface being oppositely disposed relative to the second surface; a plurality of pocket structures  178  (see e.g.,  FIGS.  14 - 16   ) attached to the second surface of the canopy fabric material, each one of the plurality of pocket structures  178  including a pocket fabric sheet at least partially spaced apart from the canopy fabric material, the pocket fabric sheet and the canopy fabric material together defining a pocket cavity (see  FIG.  16   ) configured to receive an end portion of a roof frame member  130  of the outdoor shelter  100  therein (see  FIG.  16   ); and a plurality of handle members  176  attached to the first surface (see e.g.,  FIGS.  1  and  14 - 16   ) of the canopy fabric material, each one of the plurality of handle members  176  overlapping the canopy fabric material that partially defines the pocket cavity, and each one of the plurality of handle members  176  configured to be grasped by a user so as to facilitate a respective one of the pocket structures  178  being fitted over a respective one of the roof frame member end portions. In the illustrative embodiment, referring to  FIG.  1   , it can be seen that the canopy fabric material forming the peripheral roof canopy portion  144  comprises a plurality of corners (i.e., four (4) corners), and each of the plurality of pocket structures  178  is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of corners (i.e., each corner includes a pocket structure  178 ). Also, in the illustrative embodiment, a handle member  176  may be provided above each of the corner pockets  178  so as to facilitate the engagement of each pocket  178  with its respective roof frame member end portion. In addition, in the illustrative embodiment, a pocket structure may also be provided in approximately the middle of each side of the peripheral roof canopy portion  144  so as to accommodate a respective lower end portion of a middle roof frame member  134 ,  136 . That is, each of these four (4) additional pocket structures is approximately centered between the corners of the canopy fabric material forming the peripheral roof canopy portion  144 . Similar to the corner pockets  178 , each of these middle pockets may be provided with a handle member disposed thereabove in order to facilitate the engagement of each middle pocket with its respective middle roof frame member end portion. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the central roof canopy portion  146 , which forms the top cover of the roof vent of the outdoor shelter  100 , may comprise handle members and pocket structures in the corners thereof that are similar to the handle members  176  and pocket structures  178  described above for peripheral roof canopy portion  144 . In particular, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the central roof canopy portion  146  may comprise a handle member  175  disposed in each of the four (4) corners of the central roof canopy portion  146 . Similar to that explained above for the peripheral roof canopy portion  144 , the handle members  175  may be grasped by a user so as to facilitate a respective one of the pocket structures of the central roof canopy portion  146  being fitted over a respective one of the end portions of small roof corner frame members  140 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the constituent components of the framing system of the outdoor shelter  100  (e.g., as illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) are formed from a suitable metallic material, such as steel, while the roof canopy portions  144 ,  146 , the handle members  175 ,  176 , and the pocket structures  178  are all formed from a suitable fabric, such as a polyester fabric material. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other suitable materials can be used for the various components of the outdoor shelter  100  as well. In the illustrative embodiment, the canopy fabric material forming the roof canopy portions  144 ,  146  is stretchable so that the canopy fabric material is capable of being elastically deformed by the user as the pocket structure is fitted over the end portions of the roof frame members. 
     Now, referring primarily to the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS.  3 ,  4 , and  11   , the spring-loaded plug inserts  150  of the outdoor shelter  100  will be described in detail. The spring-loaded plug inserts  150  facilitate a fitting of the roof canopy  144  over the roof frame members  130  of the outdoor shelter  100 . In particular, referring to  FIGS.  3 ,  4 , and  11   , it can be seen that each of the spring-loaded plug inserts  150  generally comprises a base member  152  defining a cavity  160 , the base member  152  configured to be inserted into an opening  131  of the roof frame member  130  of the outdoor shelter  100  (see e.g.,  FIG.  12   ); a displaceable plug member  164  slidably received within the cavity  160  of the base member  152 , the displaceable plug member  164  including an end portion  170  for attaching to the roof canopy  144  of the outdoor shelter  100 ; and a spring member  162  configured to bias the displaceable plug member  164  in an extended position relative to the base member  152  (e.g., the extended position depicted in  FIG.  13 A ). In the illustrative embodiment, each displaceable plug member  164  is configured to be displaced by a user to a retracted position relative to the base member  152  (e.g., the retracted position depicted in  FIG.  13 B ) in order to facilitate the fitting of the roof canopy  144  over the roof frame member  130  of the outdoor shelter  100 . 
     With combined reference to the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS.  3  and  11   , the base member  152  of each spring-loaded plug insert  150  will be explained in further detail. As shown in these figures, the base member  152  further comprises a base wall  153  and a plurality of side walls extending outwardly from the base wall  153 . Each of the plurality of side walls includes a plurality of rib members  156  for creating a tighter fit between the base member  152  and the opening  131  of the roof frame member  130  of the outdoor shelter  100 . Also, in the illustrative embodiment, each of the plurality of side walls of the base member  152  comprises a longitudinally extending slot  154  formed therein (see  FIGS.  3  and  11   ). In the illustrative embodiment, the displaceable plug member  164  comprises corresponding angled protrusions  168  slidingly received within the respective longitudinally extending slots  154  of the base member  152  (refer to  FIGS.  3 - 8 ,  11 ,  13 A, and  13 B ). An engagement between the angled protrusions  168  of the displaceable plug member  164  and the respective longitudinally extending slots  154  of the base member  152  defines a range of the sliding movement of the displaceable plug member  164  relative to the base member  152 . 
     In addition, in the illustrative embodiment, the base member  152  of each spring-loaded plug insert  150  further comprises a peripheral rim  161  disposed on an end of the plurality of side walls that is opposite to the base wall  153  (see e.g.,  FIGS.  3  and  11   ). The peripheral rim  161  is configured to prevent the over-insertion of the base member  152  into the opening  131  of the roof frame member  130  of the outdoor shelter  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  12   , the peripheral rim  161  of the base member  152  prevents the over-insertion of the spring-loaded plug insert  150  into the opening  131  of the roof frame member  130  because the peripheral rim  161  abuts the outer edge of the roof frame member  130  when the spring-loaded plug insert  150  is fully inserted into the roof frame member  130  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15   ). In  FIG.  12   , the insertion of the spring-loaded plug insert  150  into the opening  131  of the roof frame member  130  is diagrammatically represented by the directional arrow  174 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  11 ,  13 A, and  13 B , the base wall  153  of the base member  152  of each spring-loaded plug insert  150  comprises a first spring protrusion  158  extending outwardly from the base wall  153 , and the displaceable plug member  164  comprises a second spring protrusion  171  extending outwardly from the displaceable plug member  164 . As best shown in the sectional views of  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B , a first end of the spring member  162  is supported by the first spring protrusion  158  of the base member  152  and a second end of the spring member  162  is supported by the second spring protrusion  171  of the displaceable plug member  164 , wherein the first end of the spring member  162  is oppositely disposed relative to the second end of the spring member  162 . In the illustrative embodiment, the first and second spring protrusions  158 ,  171  are in the form of cylindrical bosses that are fitted into the circular openings defined by the opposed ends of the spring member  162 . 
     Next, referring again to the illustrative embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  3 ,  4 , and  11   , the displaceable plug member  164  of each spring-loaded plug insert  150  will be explained in further detail. As shown in these figures, the displaceable plug member  164  further comprises a stem portion  166  attached to the end portion  170  of the displaceable plug member  164 . Also, in the illustrative embodiment, the end portion  170  of the displaceable plug member  164  further comprises a curved surface defining a finger recess  172  for receiving a finger of the user (see e.g.,  FIG.  15   ) when the user displaces the displaceable plug member  164  to the retracted position. When the displaceable plug member  164  is displaced by the user to the retracted position, the spring member  162  is configured to be compressed (e.g., the compressed spring position of  FIG.  13 B ). 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the spring-loaded plug insert  150  may have an overall length (i.e., when it is in its fully extended position of  FIGS.  3  and  13 A ) of approximately 3.62 inches (approximately 92 millimeters) and the base member  152  of the spring-loaded plug insert  150  may have a length of approximately 1.57 inches (approximately 40 millimeters) from the outer surface of the base wall  153  to the inside surface of the peripheral rim  161 . In other words, the install depth of the base member  152  of the spring-loaded plug insert  150  into the opening  131  of the roof frame member  130  may be approximately 1.57 inches (approximately 40 millimeters). Also, in the exemplary embodiment, when the spring-loaded plug insert  150  is in its fully extended position of  FIGS.  3  and  13 A , the exposed stem portion  166  of the displaceable plug member  164  between the outside surface of the peripheral rim  161  and the bottom ledge of the end portion  170  of the displaceable plug member  164  may have a length of approximately 1.0 inch (approximately 25 millimeters). In other words, the gap length between the outside surface of the peripheral rim  161  and the bottom ledge of the end portion  170  of the displaceable plug member  164  may be approximately 1.0 inch (approximately 25 millimeters). Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional dimensions of the base member  152  of the spring-loaded plug insert  150  may be approximately 0.78 inches (approximately 20 millimeters) by 0.78 inches (approximately 20 millimeters). That is, the base member  152  may have an approximately square cross-section that is approximately 0.78 inches (approximately 20 millimeters) by 0.78 inches (approximately 20 millimeters). Although, it is to be understood that the invention is in no way limited to these particular dimensions. Rather, the invention may be practiced using any other suitable dimensions without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
     Now, referring primarily to  FIGS.  14 - 16   , the manner in which the pocket structures  178  of the roof canopy  144  are fitted over the end portions of the roof frame members  130  by a user using the spring-loaded plug inserts  150  will be described. As shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15   , grasps the handle member  176  of the roof canopy portion  144  with his or her first hand  180 , and elastically stretches the fabric of the roof canopy portion  144  while simultaneously pushing the displaceable plug member  164  of the spring-loaded plug insert  150  to a retracted position with a finger of his or her second hand, until the end portion of the roof frame member  130  with the spring-loaded plug insert  150  is able to be inserted into the pocket cavity of the pocket structure  178 . Then, the end portion of the roof frame member  130  with the spring-loaded plug insert  150  is inserted into the pocket cavity of the pocket structure  178  (as indicated by the directional arrow  182  in  FIG.  15   ). After which, the elasticity of the fabric that forms the roof canopy portion  144  allows the fabric to compress so that the end portion of the corner roof frame member  130  with the spring-loaded plug insert  150  is snugly received within the pocket cavity of the pocket structure  178  (refer to  FIG.  16   ). In this manner, as shown in  FIG.  16   , the end portion  170  of the displaceable plug member  164  of the spring-loaded plug insert  150  attaches the roof canopy  144  to the roof frame member  130  of the outdoor shelter  100 . 
     While the spring-loaded plug inserts  150  have been described primarily in conjunction with the peripheral roof canopy portion  144 , it is to be understood that the small roof corner frame members  140  supporting the central roof canopy portion  146  may also be provided with spring-loaded plug inserts  150  disposed in the lower ends thereof so that the central roof canopy portion  146  may be installed in an easier manner as well. 
     It is readily apparent that the aforedescribed spring-loaded plug insert  150  and the outdoor shelter  100  including the same offer numerous advantages. First, the spring-loaded plug insert  150  facilitates the installation of the roof canopy  144 ,  146  on the roof frame members  130 ,  140  of the outdoor shelter  100 . In addition, the outdoor shelter  100  described herein that includes the spring-loaded plug insert  150  enables a user to more easily assemble the outdoor shelter  100  in a shorter amount of time. 
     Any of the features or attributes of the above described embodiments and variations can be used in combination with any of the other features and attributes of the above described embodiments and variations as desired. 
     Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is apparent that this invention can be embodied in many different forms and that many other modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. 
     Moreover, while exemplary embodiments have been described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the exemplary embodiments set forth above are merely illustrative in nature and should not be construed as to limit the claims in any manner. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents, and not, by the preceding description.