Patent Publication Number: US-2022220724-A1

Title: Shelter structure and method of assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of: U.S. application Ser. No. 29/765,557, filed Jan. 8, 2021; U.S. application Ser. No. 29/766,544, filed Jan. 15, 2021; U.S. application Ser. No. 29/766,552, filed Jan. 15, 2021; U.S. application Ser. No. 29/765,555, filed Jan. 8, 2021; U.S. application Ser. No. 29/766,563, filed Jan. 15, 2021; and U.S. application Ser. No. 29/766,538, filed Jan. 15, 2021; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     This disclosure generally relates to skeletal structures for freestanding or non-freestanding buildings or structures and methods of assembling the same. 
     SUMMARY 
     A skeletal structure and method of assembly are provided. The skeletal structure includes one or more vertical columns, one or more upper tracks operatively attachable to the vertical columns, and one or more base tracks operatively attachable to the vertical columns. 
     Upper brackets are attached to the upper tracks, such that the upper brackets attach the upper tracks to the vertical columns. Base brackets are attached to the base tracks, such that the base brackets attach the base tracks to the vertical columns. The skeletal structure is freestanding upon attachment of the upper tracks and the base tracks to the vertical columns. 
     The method of assembly includes laying at least two base tracks on a floor surface; attaching at least three vertical columns to the at least two base tracks; and attaching at least two upper tracks to the vertical columns, opposite the base tracks. Attaching the upper tracks to the vertical columns may occur via one or more of bolts, pins, or spring-loaded pins, and attaching the vertical columns to the base tracks may occur via one or more of bolts, pins, or spring-loaded pins. 
     The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages, of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates an isometric view of a shelter structure or dining structure having a freestanding skeletal structure to which various panels and sheathing elements may be attached. 
         FIG. 2  schematically illustrates a front view of a shelter structure similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  schematically illustrates an isometric view of a portion of a freestanding skeletal structure configured for a shelter structure, such as that shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 4  schematically illustrates a front or side view of the portion of the freestanding skeletal structure shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  schematically illustrates an exploded isometric view of the freestanding skeletal structure shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings, like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components wherever possible throughout the several figures. All figures may be referred to in any section of the specification, without regard to numerical order.  FIGS. 1 and 2  schematically illustrate isometric and side/front views of a shelter structure  10 , which may be used, for example and without limitation, as a dining structure. The shelter structure  10  may be referred to simply as the structure  10 . In the example shown, the shelter structure  10  has five sides and is substantially enclosed, however, different numbers of sides are possible and non-enclosed structures are possible. 
     The structure  10  includes an interior skeletal structure that provides support and helps the structure  10  be freestanding, such that it supports itself without additional support members. Note, however, that some configurations of the structure  10  may be attached to additional structures, such as other buildings or structures. 
     The structure  10  includes a plurality of wall panels  12  and a plurality of roof panels  14 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there are five wall panels  12  and five roof panels  14 , such that there is approximately a 70-75 degree angle between adjacent wall panels  12 . A door panel  16  or entry panel takes the place of, or may be considered one of, the wall panels  12 , and includes an opening  17 , which may be selectively closed by a door element (not shown), for ingress and egress from the interior of the structure  10 . 
     A plurality of corner members  18  overlap portions of the wall panels  12 , particularly at junctions or abutments between the wall panels  12 . Similarly, a ridge cap  20  and a plurality of edge members  22  cover portions of the roof panels  14 , particularly at junctions or abutments between the roof panels  14 . 
     The structure  10  is generally assembled on a floor surface  26 , which may be an interior surface, an exterior surface, or a combination of both. The floor surface  26  is a substantially flat area upon which the structure  10  may be assembled and is sufficient to provide underlying support for the structure  10 . Imperfections in the floor surface  26  may be corrected by techniques recognizable to those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     While the present disclosure may be illustrated with respect to particular industries or applications, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the products, methods, and techniques, described herein. For example, similar structures, methods, or combinations thereof, may be used in other industries. 
     Those having ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” et cetera, are used descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the appended claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. 
     When used herein, the term “substantially” refers to relationships that are ideally perfect or complete, but where manufacturing realties prevent absolute perfection. Therefore, substantially denotes typical variance from perfection in the relevant art. For example, if height A is substantially equal to height B, it may be preferred that the two heights are 100.0% equivalent, but manufacturing realities likely result in the distances varying from such perfection. Skilled artisans would recognize the amount of acceptable variance. For example, and without limitation, coverages, areas, or distances may generally be within 10% of perfection for substantial equivalence. Similarly, relative alignments, such as parallel or perpendicular, may generally be within 5%. 
     Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting. Any use of the term, “or,” whether in the specification or claims, is inclusive of any specific element referenced and, also, includes any combination of the elements referenced, unless otherwise explicitly stated. 
       FIGS. 3-5  show various views of a portion of a skeletal structure  30  for the structure  10 . The skeletal structure  30  generally provides the support for the structure  10  and allows the structure  10  to be freestanding, when the structure  10  is configured to be freestanding.  FIG. 3  shows an isometric view of a portion of the skeletal structure  30 ;  FIG. 4  shows a front/side view of a portion of the skeletal structure  30 ; and  FIG. 5  shows an exploded isometric view of a portion of the skeletal structure  30 . Note that only some portions of the skeletal structure  30  are shown in  FIGS. 3-5  and that additional elements may be used for structural support, aesthetics, or both. 
     The skeletal structure  30  includes several structural elements. A plurality of vertical columns  32  extend upward from the floor surface  26 . Each vertical column  32  defines an insertion track  33 . In the figures, the insertion track  33  is substantially square, but that configuration is not limiting. The insertion track  33  could also be open, such as a U-shape or triangle shape. For example, and without limitation, where the insertion track  33  is an open, triangle shape, the triangle may be angled relative to the number of sides of the structure  10 , such that it may be between 70-75 degrees for the five-sided structure  10  shown in the figures. 
     A plurality of base tracks  34  are configured to be placed onto the floor surface  26 . Each of the base tracks  34  is operatively attachable to one or more of the vertical columns  32 . In some configurations, the base tracks  34  may be anchored or, otherwise, attached to the floor surface  26 . Similarly, a plurality of upper tracks  36  are operatively attachable to one or more of the vertical columns  32 , at the opposite end of the vertical columns  32  from the base tracks  34 . Note that some of the base tracks  34  and the upper tracks  36  are hidden from view in  FIG. 4  to better illustrate other components. 
     A plurality of roof trusses  40  are operatively attachable to one or more of the vertical columns  32 . In the example shown in the figures, and without limitation, the roof trusses  40  have a post  42  attached, or extending, therefrom. As best viewed in  FIG. 5 , the post  42 —and each of the posts  42  of the roof trusses  40 —is operatively mateable to the insertion track  33  of the vertical column  32 . 
     Note that several of the components, particularly the base tracks  34 , the upper tracks  36 , and the roof trusses  40 , extend further than shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , such that they provide support for the entire structure, as best viewed in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The views shown in  FIGS. 3-5  have abbreviated or cut-off components, in order to better illustrate the features of the skeletal structure  30 . 
     Attachment or assembly of the skeletal structure  30  may occur via one or more base brackets  44  attached to the base tracks  34  and one or more upper brackets  46  attached to the upper tracks  36 . In many configurations, but without limitation, each base track  34  will have two base brackets  44  and each upper track  36  will have two upper brackets  46 . The base bracket  44  attaches the base track  34  to the vertical column  32  and the upper bracket  46  attaches the upper track  36  to the vertical column  32 , such that each side of the respective brackets are attached to different vertical columns  32 . 
     The upper brackets  46  and the base brackets  44  may be attached to the vertical columns  32  via attachment features, such as, for example, and without limitation: bolts, pins, or spring-loaded pins. The dashed lines in  FIG. 5  show one example of paths for the attachment features between the upper brackets  46  and base brackets  44  and the vertical columns  32 . 
     Note that several cladding elements hide most of the skeletal structure  30  within the structure  10 . Furthermore, the roof panels  14  are operatively attached to one or more of the roof trusses  40  or the upper tracks  36 , and the wall panels  12  operatively attached to one or more of the base tracks  34 , the upper tracks  36 , or the vertical columns  32 . In many instances, the wall panels  12  generally slot or fit between the base tracks  34  and the upper tracks  36 , with the corner members  18 , or other cladding elements, covering the intersections therebetween. 
     The door panel  16  may include some features that replace or substitute for one of the base tracks  34 . For example, and without limitation, the lower portion of the door panel  16  may have a base member (not separately numbered) that provides better ingress/egress through the opening  17 . 
     The wall panels  12  and the roof panels  14  may include various elements to provide different functional or aesthetic features for the structure  10 . For example, and without limitation, the wall panels  12  may include: glass or plastic window elements; mesh screens; decorative design elements, including stenciling or metal work; substantially opaque panels to provide privacy within the structure  10 ; or combinations thereof. The door panel  16  may also include any of the wall panel  12  elements, in addition to swinging, sliding, flapping, or otherwise opening door elements. 
     The structure  10  may also be configured with additional elements, including, without limitation: heaters, various lights, or floor coverings. Additionally, furniture, such as tables and chairs, may be placed inside the structure  10 , particularly where the structure  10  is used for dining or seating. 
     The elements of the skeletal structure  30 , in addition to other elements of the structure  10 , may be formed from any suitable materials recognizable by those having ordinary skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the skeletal structure  30  may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, steel, or alloys thereof, and may be extruded or stamped into the preferred shape(s). Additionally, and without limitation, the skeletal structure  30  may be formed from polymer-based materials, such composites, reinforced polymers, or combinations thereof. 
     Furthermore, the elements of the skeletal structure  30 , in addition to other elements of the structure  10 , may be coated for aesthetics, corrosion protection, or combinations thereof. For example, and without limitation, the skeletal structure  30  may be painted, powder coated, plated, or combinations thereof. 
     The upper brackets  46  and the base brackets  44  may be attached to the upper tracks  36  and the base tracks  34  via any suitable means, as recognized by skilled artisans. For example, and without limitation, the upper brackets  46  and the base brackets  44  may be attached via welding, adhesives, rivets or other fasteners, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the upper brackets  46  and the base brackets  44  may be formed directly, or integrally, with the material of the upper tracks  36  and the base tracks  34 , such as, for example, and without limitation, cutting and folding portions of the upper tracks  36  and the base tracks  34  to form the upper brackets  46  and the base brackets  44 . 
     While  FIG. 1  shows the structure  10  having five sides, additional configurations of the structure  10  may be used. For example, and without limitation, three, four, or six sided structures  10  may be assembled. In many configurations, the structure  10  will be generally enclosed, like the structure  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, structures  10  having open portions, such as only three of the  5  sides shown in  FIG. 1 , may be formed within the scope of the disclosure. 
     Additionally, while the structure  10  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  as freestanding—i.e., supported solely by the skeletal structure  30 —other configurations may not be freestanding, or may be capable of being freestanding but are also supported by, or attached to, an additional structure. For example, and without limitation, a three-sided structure  10  may be assembled with wall panels  12  generally forming a U-shape, with the open side of the U-shape closed via attachment to another structure, such as a building. 
     Assembly of the structure  10  may occur in several ways, and any order of steps disclosed herein is not required. Note, also, that the assembly methods described herein refer to the five-sided structure  10  shown in  FIG. 1  but may generally be applied to structures with other numbers of sides and, also, to both enclosed and open sided structures  10 . 
     The structure  10  may be assembled by laying out at least two base tracks  34  on the floor surface  26 , but possibly four or five base tracks. Up to three vertical columns  32  may be attached to the at least two base tracks  34 . Attachment of the base tracks  34  to the vertical columns may occur with bolts, including along the dashed attachment lines shown in  FIG. 5 , or with other attachment features, such as spring-loaded pins. 
     Similarly, at least two upper tracks  36  may be attached to the vertical columns  32 , opposite the base tracks  34 . In some configurations the upper tracks  36  may be attached to the vertical columns  32  first. At least three roof trusses  40  may be attached to the vertical columns  32 , substantially adjacent to the upper tracks  36 . The roof trusses  40  may be capped or joined, such as with the ridge cap  20 , opposite the side of the roof trusses  40  attached to the vertical columns  32 . After assembling the upper tracks  36 , base tracks  34 , and vertical columns  32 , the skeletal structure  30  will likely be freestanding. The freestanding skeletal structure  30  may be further stabilized by the addition of the roof trusses  40  and the ridge cap  20 . 
     The wall panels  12  and the roof panels  14  may then be assembled to the skeletal structure  30 . For example, the two wall panels  12  may be slotted between the vertical columns  32 , such that the wall panels  12  abut one or more of the base tracks  34  and the upper tracks  36 . Additionally, the two roof panels  14  may be placed between, or onto, the roof trusses  40 , such that the roof panels  14  abut one or more of the upper tracks  36  and the roof trusses  40 . 
     Note that the assembly process described herein is only one example of possible methods of assembly for the skeletal structure  30  and the structure  10 . In many configurations, the wall panels  12  may be assembled to portions of the skeletal structure  30  prior to, for example, and without limitation, attachment of the upper tracks  36  to the vertical columns  32 . 
     The skeletal structure  30 , in addition to the entire structure  10 , has several assembly and disassembly benefits. After assembly, the structure  10  is easily disassembled and broken down into individual components, such that it is easily transported, or easily stored, in relatively small space. The components of multiple structures  10  may be stacked together, such that multiple structures  10  may be transported or stored in compact space. 
     The skeletal structure  30 , in addition to the entire structure  10 , may be assembled with relatively simple tools. Where the components of the skeletal structure  30  are attached via bolts, as partially illustrated in  FIG. 5 , only standard tools are needed. Furthermore, where spring-loaded or push pins are used to assemble the skeletal structure  30 , minimal tools may be required for both assembly and disassembly of the structure  10 . 
     The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the disclosure. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs, configurations, and embodiments exist for practicing the appended claims, as will be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art.