Patent Publication Number: US-10760280-B2

Title: Rail system for an outdoor shelter

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 15/599,455, entitled “Rail System For An Outdoor Shelter”, filed May 18, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/339,138, entitled “Rail System For An Outdoor Shelter”, filed on May 20, 2016, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein. 
    
    
     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 rail system for an outdoor shelter. More particularly, the invention relates to a rail system for an outdoor shelter that enables a shade member of the outdoor shelter to be adjusted. 
     2. Background and Description of Related Art 
     Portable outdoor shelters, such as portable gazebos and pergolas, are useful for a myriad of different applications. For example, outdoor gazebos and pergolas are often used for backyard patio gathering spaces. Because the outdoor gazebos and pergolas are at least partially enclosed, table and chair sets may be arranged underneath the outdoor gazebo or pergola 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 or pergola to protect the food from direct sunlight and rain. 
     Although, the shading elements of conventional outdoor shelters are not adjustable so as to allow the amount of shade to be adjusted by a user. For example, conventional outdoor shelters have fixed roof structures that are not capable of being adjusted. As such, conventional outdoor shelters have no means of compensating for the directional differences in the sunlight entering the outdoor shelter throughout the course of the day. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a rail system for an outdoor shelter that enables the shade member of the outdoor shelter to be readily adjusted by a user so as to permit shading qualities of the outdoor shelter to be modified. In addition, a rail system for an outdoor shelter is needed that allows the shade member of the outdoor shelter to be easily adjusted for the directional differences in the sunlight entering the outdoor shelter throughout the course of the day. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a rail system for an outdoor shelter 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 an outdoor shelter that includes at least one pair of support post members, each pair of support post members comprising a first support post member being spaced apart from a second support post member; a first guide rail member coupled to the first support post member; a second guide rail member coupled to the second support post member; and a shade support pole member slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members, the shade support pole member being coupled to an end portion of a shade member of the outdoor shelter, and the shade support pole member configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the first and second guide rail members so as to allow an amount by which the shade member overhangs a side of the outdoor shelter to be adjusted by a user. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first guide rail member is coupled to the first support post member by a guide rail connector member. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the guide rail connector member comprises a guide rail aperture extending longitudinally therein, the guide rail aperture configured to receive a longitudinal section of the first guide rail member. 
     In still a further embodiment, the guide rail connector member comprises a fastener aperture disposed therethrough, the fastener aperture configured to receive a fastener member for securing the guide rail connector member and the first guide rail member to the first support post member. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the fastener member is configured to pass through the guide rail connector member, through the first guide rail member, and into a side of the first support post member. 
     In still a further embodiment, the shade support pole member is slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members by a pair of spaced-apart shade support pole connector members, at least one of the pair of spaced-apart shade support pole connector members being disposed proximate to a longitudinal end of the shade support pole member. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the outdoor shelter further comprises at least one peripheral beam member, the at least one peripheral beam member configured to be disposed between a first pair of the support post members and a second pair of the support post members, the at least one peripheral beam member having a curved configuration such that a center portion of the at least one peripheral beam member is disposed higher than end portions of the at least one peripheral beam member. 
     In still a further embodiment, the at least one peripheral beam member comprises a first beam section coupled to a second beam section by a beam connector member that is slidingly received within inner end portions of the first and beam sections. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the end portion of the shade member is looped so as to form a longitudinal cavity for receiving the shade support pole member. 
     In still a further embodiment, the end portion of the shade member comprises at least one handle cutout portion formed in an edge thereof, the at least one handle cutout portion and a longitudinal section of the shade support pole member together defining a handle aperture configured to receive a portion of a hand of the user so as to facilitate the grasping of the shade member and the shade support pole member by the user during the adjustment of the shade member. 
     In accordance with one or more other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a rail system for an outdoor shelter that includes a plurality of support post members disposed at respective corners of the outdoor shelter, the plurality of support post members comprising a first support post member and a second support post member disposed at a first longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter, the plurality of support post members further comprising a third support post member and a fourth support post member disposed at a second longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter; a first guide rail member coupled to the first support post member; a second guide rail member coupled to the second support post member; a third guide rail member coupled to the third support post member; a fourth guide rail member coupled to the fourth support post member; a first shade support pole member slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members, the first shade support pole member being coupled to a first end portion of a shade member of the outdoor shelter, the first shade support pole member configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the first and second guide rail members so as to allow an amount by which the shade member overhangs a first side of the outdoor shelter to be adjusted by a user; and a second shade support pole member slidably coupled to the third and fourth guide rail members, the second shade support pole member being coupled to a second end portion of the shade member of the outdoor shelter, the second shade support pole member configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the third and fourth guide rail members so as to allow an amount by which the shade member overhangs a second side of the outdoor shelter to be adjusted by the user. In this embodiment, when the amount by which the shade member overhangs the first side of the outdoor shelter is increased by the user, the amount by which the shade member overhangs the second side of the outdoor shelter is decreased. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first, second, third, and fourth guide rail members are respectively coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth support post members by one or more guide rail connector members. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the first shade support pole member is slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members by a first pair of spaced-apart shade support pole connector members, the second shade support pole member is slidably coupled to the third and fourth guide rail members by a second pair of spaced-apart shade support pole connector members, at least one of the spaced-apart shade support pole connector members being disposed proximate to a longitudinal end of the first and second shade support pole members. 
     In accordance with yet one or more other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an outdoor shelter that includes a plurality of corner support members disposed at respective corners of the outdoor shelter, the plurality of corner support members comprising a first corner support member and a second corner support member disposed at a first longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter, the plurality of corner support members further comprising a third corner support member and a fourth corner support member disposed at a second longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter; a plurality of peripheral beam members, a first one of the plurality of peripheral beam members configured to extend in a longitudinal direction between the first and third corner support members, and a second one of the plurality of peripheral beam members configured to extend in a transverse direction between the first and second corner support members; and a shade member, the shade member configured to be slidably coupled to one or more of the plurality of corner support members so as to allow an amount by which the shade member overhangs a side of the outdoor shelter to be adjusted by a user. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, the outdoor shelter further comprises a plurality of upper beam members, a third one of the plurality of peripheral beam members configured to extend in a longitudinal direction between the second and fourth corner support members, the third one of the plurality of peripheral beam members being transversely spaced apart from the first one of the plurality of peripheral beam members, and at least one of the upper beam members configured to be supported on the first and third ones of the plurality of peripheral beam members. 
     In yet a further embodiment, at least one of the plurality of upper beam members comprises a first beam section coupled to a second beam section, one of the first and second beam sections having an end portion of reduced cross-sectional area that is slidingly received within an end cavity of the other of the first and second beam sections. 
     In still a further embodiment, the first one of the plurality of peripheral beam members has a curved configuration such that a center portion of the first one of the plurality of peripheral beam members is disposed higher than end portions of the first one of the plurality of peripheral beam members. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the first one of the plurality of peripheral beam members comprises a first longitudinal beam section coupled to a second longitudinal beam section by a longitudinal beam connector member that is slidingly received within inner end portions of the first and second longitudinal beam sections. 
     In still a further embodiment, the longitudinal beam connector member has a curvature that corresponds to the curvature of the first and second longitudinal beam sections. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the second one of the plurality of peripheral beam members comprises a first transverse beam section coupled to a second transverse beam section by a transverse beam connector member that is slidingly received within inner end portions of the first and second transverse beam sections. 
     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 an assembled perspective view of an outdoor shelter having a rail system, according to a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the roof structure of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the connection between several of the transverse roof beam members and one of the longitudinal roof beam members in  FIG. 3  (Detail “A”); 
         FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of a first one of the arc support members of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of a second one of the arc support members of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the connection between an upper end of one of the arc support members and one of the transverse roof beam members in  FIG. 2  (Detail “B”); 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the connection between a lower end of one of the arc support members and one of the corner post members in  FIG. 1  (Detail “C”); 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the engagement between one of the shade support pole connector members and one of the guide rail members in  FIG. 1  (Detail “D”); 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the connection between one of the guide rail connector members, one of the guide rail members, and one of the corner post members in  FIG. 1  (Detail “E”); 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the engagement between one of the shade support pole members and the longitudinal cavity at one of the ends of the shade member in  FIG. 1  (Detail “F”); 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the connection between one of the shade support pole connector members and one of the shade support pole members in  FIG. 1  (Detail “G”); 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the connection between one of the corner post members and its respective ground stake plate in  FIG. 2  (Detail “H”); 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the manner in which one of the ground stake plates in  FIG. 2  is secured using stakes (Detail “I”); 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of one of the ground plate cover members of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of one of the ground stake plates of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of one of the guide rail connector members of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an assembled perspective view of an outdoor shelter having a rail system, according to a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the roof structure of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the connection between several of the transverse roof beam members and one of the longitudinal roof beam members in  FIG. 20  (Detail “J”); 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the connection between two of the peripheral roof beam members and one of the corner bracket members in  FIG. 20  (Detail “K”); 
         FIG. 23  is a side perspective view of one of the shade support pole members of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a side perspective view of a first one of the arc support members of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a side perspective view of a second one of the arc support members of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the connection between an upper end of one of the arc support members and one of the transverse roof beam members in  FIG. 19  (Detail “L”); 
         FIG. 27  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the connection between a lower end of one of the arc support members and one of the corner post members in  FIG. 18  (Detail “M”); 
         FIG. 28  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the engagement between one of the shade support pole connector members and one of the guide rail members in  FIG. 18  (Detail “N”); 
         FIG. 29  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the engagement between one of the shade support pole members and the longitudinal cavity at one of the ends of the shade member in  FIG. 18  (Detail “O”); 
         FIG. 30  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the connection between one of the shade support pole connector members and one of the shade support pole members in  FIG. 18  (Detail “P”); 
         FIG. 31  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the connection between one of the corner post members and its respective ground stake plate in  FIG. 19  (Detail “Q”); 
         FIG. 32  is an enlarged, partial perspective view illustrating the manner in which one of the ground stake plates in  FIG. 19  is secured using stakes (Detail “R”); 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of one of the ground plate cover members of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of one of the ground stake plates of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of one of the shade support pole connector members of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a side-top assembled perspective view of an outdoor shelter having a rail system, according to a third embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 37  is a bottom-side assembled perspective view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a first side elevational view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a second side elevational view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a front elevational view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a rear elevational view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a bottom plan view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 44  is a top plan view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a side-top assembled perspective view of an outdoor shelter having a rail system, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 46  is a bottom-side assembled perspective view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 47  is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 48  is a first side elevational view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a second side elevational view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 50  is a front elevational view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 51  is a rear elevational view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a top plan view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 45 ; and 
         FIG. 53  is a bottom plan view of the outdoor shelter of  FIG. 45 . 
     
    
    
     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 
     A first exemplary embodiment of an outdoor shelter in the form of a pergola is seen generally at  100  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Initially, referring to the exploded perspective view of  FIG. 2 , it can be seen that the frame system of the outdoor shelter  100  generally comprises a plurality of vertical support members (e.g., corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b ); a plurality of transverse roof beam members  38 ,  40 , a plurality of longitudinal roof beam members  42 ,  44 , and a plurality of end roof beam members  46 ,  48 . As will be described hereinafter, an adjustable shade member  24  is supported on the frame system of the outdoor shelter  100  so as to partially enclose the outdoor shelter  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the vertical support members of the portable shelter framing system of the illustrated embodiment are in the form of corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b . First and second ones of the plurality of corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b  are disposed at a first longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  100 , while third and fourth ones of the plurality of corner support post members  12   a ,  12   b  are disposed at a second longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  100 . That is, a first pair of the corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b  is disposed at a first longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  100 , while a second pair of the corner support post members  12   a ,  12   b  is disposed at a second longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the two pairs of support post members comprises spaced-apart corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b  disposed at opposite longitudinal ends of the outdoor shelter  100 . With reference again to the exploded perspective view of  FIG. 2 , it can be seen that each corner post support member  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b  has a respective corner bracket member  34 ,  36  mounted thereto. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the corner bracket members  34 ,  36  connect the peripheral roof frame members  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  to the corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 2 , each of the corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b  is provided with a ground stake plate  28  for securely attaching the outdoor shelter  100  to the ground or a floor slab. With combined reference to detail views in  FIGS. 14 and 16 , it can be seen that the ground stake plate  28  is provided with a plurality of outer apertures  62  for receiving stakes  80  for anchoring the outdoor shelter  100  to the ground (e.g., to the lawn of a user). Alternatively, the outer apertures  62  may be used for receiving fasteners, such as screws or bolts, for anchoring the outdoor shelter  100  to a floor slab (e.g., to a concrete patio slab of the user). For example, as shown in  FIG. 14 , when the outdoor shelter  100  is anchored to the ground (e.g., to a lawn), a plurality of ground stakes  80  are used to anchor each plate  28  to the ground. Alternatively, when the outdoor shelter  100  is anchored to a floor (e.g., to a concrete slab or wood floor), a plurality of threaded fasteners (e.g., expansion bolts) may be used to anchor each plate  28  to the floor. 
     Next, with combined reference to  FIGS. 13 and 16 , the manner in which each of the ground stake plates  28  are attached to their respective corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b  will be described. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 13 , the ground stake plate  28  comprises a raised central portion  29  that is received within the bottom end of the corner support post member  10   b . The raised central portion  29  of the ground stake plate  28  comprises a plurality of fastener apertures  60  disposed therethrough that receive respective fasteners (e.g., screws  98 ) for securing the ground stake plate  28  to the bottom end of the corner post support member  10   b . Also, as shown in  FIG. 13 , in the illustrative embodiment, each fastener  98  is provided with a respective washer  99  that is configured to be disposed between the head of the fastener  98  and the bottom surface of the plate  28 . In  FIGS. 13 and 16 , it can be seen that the fastener apertures  60  are disposed inwardly from the stake apertures  62 . In other words, the stake apertures  62  are disposed closer to a periphery of the ground stake plate  28  than the fastener apertures  60 . 
     Also, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each of the corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b  is provided with a respective ground plate cover member  26  to conceal each ground stake plate  28  and the stakes  80  or fasteners used to secure outdoor shelter  100  to the ground or floor. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the illustrated ground plate cover member  26  comprises a bottom base portion  21  that is generally in the shape of a square prism, and a top portion  23  that is generally in the shape of a truncated pyramid. The ground plate cover member  26  further comprises a central aperture  27  formed therethrough for accommodating a passage of the corner support post member  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a , or  12   b  through the ground plate cover member  26 . 
     Next, with reference again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the rail system of the exemplary outdoor shelter  100  will be explained in detail. As best shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 2 , in the illustrative embodiment, the rail system of the exemplary outdoor shelter  100  generally includes the plurality of support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b  disposed at the respective corners of the outdoor shelter  100 , a first guide rail member  14   a  coupled to the first one of the plurality of support post members  10   a , a second guide rail member  14   b  coupled to the second one of the plurality of support post members  10   b , a third guide rail member  14   c  coupled to the third one of the plurality of support post members  12   a , a fourth guide rail member  14   d  coupled to the fourth one of the plurality of support post members  12   b , a first shade support pole member  18   a ,  20   a  slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members  14   a ,  14   b , and a second shade support pole member  18   b ,  20   b  slidably coupled to the third and fourth guide rail members  14   c ,  14   d . The first shade support pole member  18   a ,  20   a  is attached to a first end portion of a shade member  24  of the outdoor shelter (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), while the second shade support pole member  18   b ,  20   b  is attached to a second end portion of the shade member  24  of the outdoor shelter  100 . The first shade support pole member  18   a ,  20   a  is configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the first and second guide rail members  14   a ,  14   b  so as to allow an amount by which the shade member  24  overhangs a first side of the outdoor shelter  100  to be adjusted by a user. Similarly, the second shade support pole member  18   b ,  20   b  is configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the third and fourth guide rail members  14   c ,  14   d  so as to allow an amount by which the shade member  24  overhangs a second side of the outdoor shelter  100  to be adjusted by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, when the amount by which the shade member  24  overhangs the first side of the outdoor shelter  100  is increased by the user (e.g., by pulling on the lower end of the shade member  24  with shade support pole member  18   a ,  20   a ), the amount by which the shade member  24  overhangs the second side of the outdoor shelter  100  is decreased. In other words, pulling down on one end of the shade member  24  will raise the shade member  24  on the opposite longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  100  because the shade member  24  has a constant overall length. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it can be seen that the first, second, third, and fourth guide rail members  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d  are each coupled to respective first, second, third, and fourth ones of the corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b  by means of a pair of spaced-apart guide rail connector members  16 . That is, as shown in these figures, each guide rail member  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d  is supported at its longitudinal ends by oppositely disposed guide rail connector members  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, each guide rail connector member  16  is in the form of a generally rectangular block with one semi-circular side (see  FIG. 17 ). Each guide rail connector member  16  has a circular aperture  17  disposed longitudinally therethrough for receiving the cylindrical longitudinal end portion of the guide rail member  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d , which is in the form of a cylindrical rod in the illustrative embodiment. In addition, as shown in  FIG. 17 , each guide rail connector member  16  may be provided with a plurality of spaced-apart fastener apertures  15  for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) for securing the guide rail connector member  16  and a respective one of the guide rail members  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c , or  14   d  to the side of one of the corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a , or  12   b . For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , each fastener member (e.g., screw  88 ) is configured to pass through the guide rail connector member  16 , through the guide rail member  14   a , and into a side of the corner support post member  10   a  through a respective fastener aperture  11 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 10 , in the illustrative embodiment, each fastener  88  is provided with a respective washer  90  that is configured to be disposed between the head of the fastener  88  and the semi-circular side of the guide rail connector member  16 . 
     Turning again to the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the first shade support pole member  18   a ,  20   a  is slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members  14   a ,  14   b  by means of a first pair of spaced-apart shade support pole connector members  22 . Similarly, the second shade support pole member  18   b ,  20   b  is slidably coupled to the third and fourth guide rail members  14   c ,  14   d  by means of a second pair of spaced-apart shade support pole connector members  22 . In the illustrative embodiment, each of the spaced-apart shade support pole connector members  22  is disposed proximate to a respective longitudinal end of the first and second shade support pole members  18   a ,  18   b ,  20   a ,  20   b . That is, the first and second shade support pole members  18   a ,  18   b ,  20   a ,  20   b  are supported at their longitudinal ends by shade support pole connector members  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 9 , each shade support pole connector member  22  is in the form of a side mount bracket with opposed flanges  82  disposed on opposite sides of a cylindrical body portion  86 . The cylindrical body portion  86  of each shade support pole connector member  22  has a circular pole receiving cavity disposed longitudinally therethrough for receiving the cylindrical cross-section of a respective guide rail member  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d . In addition, each of the pair of opposed flanges  82  of each shade support pole connector member  22  may be provided with a fastener aperture  84  disposed therein for receiving a fastener (e.g., a screw or bolt) for securing the shade support pole connector member  22  to the back side of one of the shade support pole members  18   a ,  18   b ,  20   a ,  20   b  (see  FIG. 12 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , each fastener member (e.g., screw  94 ) is configured to pass through the flange  82  of the shade support pole connector member  22 , through the back side of the shade member  24 , and into a back side of one of the shade support pole members  18   a ,  18   b ,  20   a ,  20   b . Also, as shown in  FIG. 12 , in the illustrative embodiment, each fastener  94  is provided with a respective washer  96  that is configured to be disposed between the head of the fastener  94  and the back side of the shade member  24 . By means of the shade support pole members  18   a ,  18   b ,  20   a ,  20   b , the shade support pole connector members  22  slidably couple the opposed longitudinal ends of the shade member  24  to the guide rail members  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d . As depicted in the illustrative detail view of  FIG. 9 , during the assembly of the outdoor shelter  100 , the shade support pole connector member  22  is slipped over the end of its respective guide rail member  14   a  prior to being attached to the shade support pole member  18   a ,  20   a.    
     Referring again to the exploded view of  FIG. 2 , it can be seen that, in the first illustrative embodiment, the first and second shade support pole members  18   a ,  18   b ,  20   a ,  20   b  each comprise a pair of shade support pole sections  18   a ,  20   a  and  18   b ,  20   b . A first one  20   a ,  20   b  of each pair of shade support pole sections has an end portion of reduced cross-sectional area that is receivable within a recess of an end portion of a second one  18   a ,  18   b  of the pair of shade support pole sections. That is, the end portion of each shade support pole section  20   a ,  20   b  is received within the central recess of a respective shade support pole section  18   a ,  18   b . Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the end portion of each shade support pole section  20   a ,  20   b  may be secured within the recess of its respective shade support pole section  18   a ,  18   b  by means of a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) passing through the paired shade support pole sections  18   a ,  20   a  and  18   b ,  20   b . In the illustrative embodiment, the first and second longitudinal end portions of the shade member  24  are looped so as to form cavities  92  (or pockets) for receiving respective first and second shade support pole members  18   a ,  20   a  and  18   b ,  20   b  (refer to  FIG. 11 ). That is, the first paired shade support pole sections  18   a ,  20   a  are inserted into the first looped longitudinal end portion of the shade member  24 , and the second paired shade support pole sections  18   b ,  20   b  are inserted into the second looped longitudinal end portion of the shade member  24  before the shade support pole members  18   a ,  18   b ,  20   a ,  20   b  are secured to the guide rail members  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d  by means of the shade support pole connector members  22 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the shade member  24  of the outdoor shelter  100  may be formed from a fabric material. For example, in one or more exemplary embodiments, the shade member  24  may be formed from a waterproof fabric material so that the area underneath the shade member  24  of the outdoor shelter  100  remains dry during a rain storm. In addition, as shown in the overall perspective view of  FIG. 1 , in the illustrative embodiment, each longitudinal end portion of the shade member  24  may comprise a pair of spaced-apart, semi-circular handle cutout portions formed in the edges of the shade member  24 . The handle cutout portion of the shade member  24  and a longitudinal section of the shade support pole member  18   a ,  18   b ,  20   a , or  20   b  together define a semi-circular handle aperture  25  that is configured to receive a portion of a hand of the user so as to facilitate the grasping of the shade member  24  and the shade support pole member  18   a ,  18   b ,  20   a , or  20   b  by the user during the adjustment of the shade member  24  (refer to  FIG. 1 ). 
     Next, as best shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 3 , the roof frame assembly  70  of the outdoor shelter  100  of the illustrative embodiment will be explained. In the illustrative embodiment, the peripheral frame structure of the outdoor shelter  100  is formed by the longitudinal roof beam members  42 ,  44  and the end roof beam members  46 ,  48 . The longitudinal roof beam members  42 ,  44  are connected to the end roof beam members  46 ,  48  by means of the first and second corner bracket members  34 ,  36  so as to form a rectangular peripheral frame structure for the roof of the outdoor shelter  100 . For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the end portions of the longitudinal roof beam members  42 ,  44  and the end roof beam members  46 ,  48  may be secured to a respective one of the corner bracket members  34 ,  36  by means of a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts). As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the longitudinal roof beam members  42 ,  44  extend in a longitudinal direction between one spaced-apart pair of the plurality of corner bracket members  34 ,  36 , while the end roof beam members  46 ,  48  extend in a transverse direction between another spaced-apart pair of the plurality of corner bracket members  34 ,  36 . In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , in the illustrative embodiment, each of the corner bracket members  34 ,  36  includes a corner cover member disposed at the base thereof. The corner cover member is configured to be disposed over a top end of one of the corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b  so as to at least partially conceal the top end of the corner support post member  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b  from view. The corner cover member has a central aperture or recess formed therein for receiving the top end of the corner support post member  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a , or  12   b.    
     Each of the corners of the outdoor shelter  100  is reinforced by means of a pair of arc support members  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b . That is, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the arc support members  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b  attach the roof beam members  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  to sides of the corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b . That is, each arc support member  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b  is configured to be attached between a respective one of the corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b  and a respective one of the plurality of peripheral beam members  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 . A detail view of a first configuration of the arc support members  30   b ,  32   b  is depicted in  FIG. 5 , while a second configuration of the arc support members  30   a ,  32   a  is depicted in  FIG. 6 . The two configurations of the arc support members  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b  are mounted on opposite sides of the outdoor shelter  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each of the arc support members  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b  comprises a semi-circular body portion with flange portions  64  disposed at each of the oppositely disposed ends of the semi-circular body portion. Also, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each of the flange portions  64  comprises a pair of spaced-apart fastener apertures  66  for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) for securing the arc support members  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b  to either one of the roof beam members  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  or to a side of one of the corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , each fastener member (e.g., bolt  76 ) is configured to pass through a respective fastener aperture  66  in the top flange portion  64  of the arc support member  30   b , and into a side of the end roof beam member  48 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 7 , in the illustrative embodiment, each fastener  76  is provided with a respective washer  78  that is configured to be disposed between the head of the fastener  76  and the side surface of the top flange portion  64  of the arc support member  30   b . Similarly, turning to  FIG. 8 , which depicts the illustrative bottom securement of the arc support members  30   a ,  30   b ,  32   a ,  32   b , each fastener member (e.g., bolt  76 ) is configured to pass through a respective fastener aperture  66  in the bottom flange portion  64  of the arc support member  32   b , and into a side of the corner support post member  12   b . Also, as shown in  FIG. 8 , and similar to that described above with regard to  FIG. 7 , each fastener  76  is provided with a respective washer  78  that is configured to be disposed between the head of the fastener  76  and the side surface of the bottom flange portion  64  of the arc support member  32   b.    
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 , the roof frame structure  70  of the outdoor shelter  100  further comprises a plurality of transverse roof beam members  38 ,  40  that are mounted to the top surfaces of the longitudinal roof beam members  42 ,  44  or the top surfaces of the corner bracket members  34 ,  36  (e.g., by using fasteners, such as screws or bolts). That is, the transverse roof beam members  38 ,  40  located between the corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b  are supported on the top surfaces of the spaced-apart longitudinal roof beam members  42 ,  44  (refer to  FIG. 3 ), while the two transverse roof beam members  38 ,  40  disposed outwardly from the corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b ,  12   a ,  12   b  on the longitudinal ends of the outdoor shelter  100  are supported on the top surfaces of the corner bracket members  34 ,  36  such that these two transverse roof beam members  38 ,  40  are supported in a cantilevered manner outwardly from the respective pairs of the plurality of corner support post members  10   a ,  10   b  and  12   a ,  12   b  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). 
     In the first illustrative embodiment, each one of the transverse roof beam members is formed by a first transverse roof beam section  38  that is affixed to a second transverse roof beam section  40  by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts). Also, in the illustrative embodiment, the transverse roof beam members  38 ,  40  are generally equally spaced apart across the top of the longitudinal roof beam members  42 ,  44  so as to form a supporting structure for the shade member  24 . As best shown in  FIG. 1 , the shade member  24  is draped over the top of the middle transverse roof beam members  38 ,  40 . That is, in the illustrative embodiment, the shade member  24  passes over the top of the middle transverse roof beam members  38 ,  40  when the outdoor shelter  100  is in an assembled state, but not over the two transverse roof beam members  38 ,  40  at the ends of the outdoor shelter  100 . 
     Next, turning to the detail view of  FIG. 4 , an exemplary manner in which transverse roof beam members  38 ,  40  may be secured to the longitudinal roof beam members  42 ,  44  in the illustrative embodiment will be described. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the ends of the transverse roof beam members  38  are provided with respective fastener apertures  39  for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) for securing the transverse roof beam members  38  to the top surface of the longitudinal roof beam member  44 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , each fastener member (e.g., screw  72 ) is configured to pass through a respective fastener aperture  39  in the transverse roof beam member  38 , and into a respective fastener aperture  45  in the top surface of the longitudinal roof beam member  44 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 4 , in the illustrative embodiment, each fastener  72  is provided with a respective washer  74  that is configured to be disposed between the head of the fastener  72  and the top surface of the transverse roof beam member  38 . The opposite ends of the transverse roof beam members  38  are secured to the longitudinal roof beam member  42  in a similar manner to that illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the framing components of the outdoor shelter  100  (e.g., as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) are formed from a suitable metallic material, such as steel. 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. Also, each of the fastener members described in conjunction with the first embodiment may comprise a plurality of external threads disposed on the outer periphery thereof, and one or more of the fastener apertures with which the threaded fastener members are threadingly engaged may be provided with corresponding internal threads around the circumference thereof so as to obviate the need for the use of nuts (e.g., the fastener aperture that is the furthest in the axial direction from the head of the fastener member may be internally threaded). 
     A second exemplary embodiment of an outdoor shelter in the form of a pergola is seen generally at  101  in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . Referring to these figures, it can be seen that, in most respects, the second illustrative embodiment is similar to that of the first illustrative embodiment. As such, many elements are common to both such embodiments. 
     The second illustrative embodiment of the outdoor shelter  101  is generally the same as the outdoor shelter  100  described above, except that the roof frame members  138 ,  142 ,  146  are single piece members that span the entire width or length of the outdoor shelter  101 , rather than being formed from two sections as described above for the first embodiment. There are also other minor differences between the embodiments that will be made apparent from the description provided hereinafter. 
     Initially, referring to the exploded perspective view of  FIG. 19 , it can be seen that the frame system of the outdoor shelter  101  generally comprises a plurality of vertical support members (e.g., corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b ); a plurality of transverse roof beam members  138 , a plurality of longitudinal roof beam members  142 , and a plurality of end roof beam members  146 . As will be described hereinafter, an adjustable shade member  124  is supported on the frame system of the outdoor shelter  101  so as to partially enclose the outdoor shelter  101 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the vertical support members of the portable shelter framing system of the illustrated embodiment are in the form of corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b . First and second ones of the plurality of corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b  are disposed at a first longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  101 , while third and fourth ones of the plurality of corner support post members  112   a ,  112   b  are disposed at a second longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  101 . That is, a first pair of the corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b  is disposed at a first longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  101 , while a second pair of the corner support post members  112   a ,  112   b  is disposed at a second longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  101 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , each of the two pairs of support post members comprises spaced-apart corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  disposed at opposite longitudinal ends of the outdoor shelter  101 . With reference again to the exploded perspective view of  FIG. 19 , it can be seen that each corner post support member  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  has a respective corner bracket member  134  mounted thereto. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the corner bracket members  134  connect the peripheral roof frame members  142 ,  146  to the corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 19 , each of the corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  is provided with a ground stake plate  128  for securely attaching the outdoor shelter  101  to the ground or a floor slab. With combined reference to detail views in  FIGS. 32 and 34 , it can be seen that the ground stake plate  128  is provided with a plurality of outer apertures  162  for receiving stakes  180  for anchoring the outdoor shelter  101  to the ground (e.g., to the lawn of a user). Alternatively, the outer apertures  162  may be used for receiving fasteners, such as screws or bolts, for anchoring the outdoor shelter  101  to a floor slab (e.g., to a concrete patio slab of the user). For example, as shown in  FIG. 32 , when the outdoor shelter  101  is anchored to the ground (e.g., to a lawn), a plurality of ground stakes  180  are used to anchor each plate  128  to the ground. Alternatively, when the outdoor shelter  101  is anchored to a floor (e.g., to a concrete slab or wood floor), a plurality of threaded fasteners (e.g., expansion bolts) may be used to anchor each plate  128  to the floor. 
     Next, with combined reference to  FIGS. 31 and 34 , the manner in which each of the ground stake plates  128  are attached to their respective corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  will be described. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 31 , the ground stake plate  128  comprises a plurality of raised portions  129  that are received within the bottom end of the corner support post member  110   b . In the illustrative embodiment, each raised portions  129  is in the form of an upstanding attachment tab that is configured to be disposed adjacent to a respective inner side surface of the corner support post member  110   b . Each upstanding attachment tab  129  of the ground stake plate  128  comprises a fastener aperture  160  disposed therethrough that receives a fastener (e.g., a screw  198 ) for securing the ground stake plate  128  to a sidewall of the bottom end portion of the corner post support member  110   b . As shown in  FIG. 31 , the sidewalls of the corner post support member  110   b  are provided with fastener apertures  111  formed therein for receiving respective fasteners  198 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 31 , in the illustrative embodiment, each fastener  198  is provided with a respective washer  199  that is configured to be disposed between the head of the fastener  198  and an outer side surface of the corner support post member  110   b . In  FIGS. 31 and 34 , it can be seen that the fastener apertures  160  are disposed inwardly from the stake apertures  162  relative to a center of the ground stake plate  128 . In other words, the stake apertures  162  are disposed closer to a periphery of the ground stake plate  128  than the fastener apertures  160 . 
     Also, as illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , each of the corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  is provided with a respective ground plate cover member  126  to conceal each ground stake plate  128  and the stakes  180  or fasteners used to secure outdoor shelter  101  to the ground or floor. As shown in  FIG. 33 , the illustrated ground plate cover member  126  comprises a bottom base portion  121  that is generally in the shape of a square prism, and a top portion  123  that is generally in the shape of a truncated pyramid. The ground plate cover member  126  further comprises a central aperture  127  formed therethrough for accommodating a passage of the corner support post member  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a , or  112   b  through the ground plate cover member  126 . 
     Next, with again reference to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the rail system of the exemplary outdoor shelter  101  will be explained in detail. As best shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 19 , in the illustrative embodiment, the rail system of the exemplary outdoor shelter  101  generally includes the plurality of support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  disposed at the respective corners of the outdoor shelter  101 , a first guide rail member  114   a  coupled to the first one of the plurality of support post members  110   a , a second guide rail member  114   b  coupled to the second one of the plurality of support post members  110   b , a third guide rail member  114   c  coupled to the third one of the plurality of support post members  112   a , a fourth guide rail member  114   d  coupled to the fourth one of the plurality of support post members  112   b , a first shade support pole member  118   a  slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members  114   a ,  114   b , and a second shade support pole member  118   b  slidably coupled to the third and fourth guide rail members  114   c ,  114   d . The first shade support pole member  118   a  is attached to a first end portion of a shade member  124  of the outdoor shelter (see  FIGS. 18 and 19 ), while the second shade support pole member  118   b  is attached to a second end portion of the shade member  124  of the outdoor shelter  101 . The first shade support pole member  118   a  is configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the first and second guide rail members  114   a ,  114   b  so as to allow an amount by which the shade member  124  overhangs a first side of the outdoor shelter  101  to be adjusted by a user. Similarly, the second shade support pole member  118   b  is configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the third and fourth guide rail members  114   c ,  114   d  so as to allow an amount by which the shade member  124  overhangs a second side of the outdoor shelter  101  to be adjusted by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, when the amount by which the shade member  124  overhangs the first side of the outdoor shelter  101  is increased by the user (e.g., by pulling on the lower end of the shade member  124  with shade support pole member  118   a ), the amount by which the shade member  124  overhangs the second side of the outdoor shelter  101  is decreased. In other words, pulling down on one end of the shade member  124  will raise the shade member  124  on the opposite longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  101  because the shade member  124  has a constant overall length. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , it can be seen that the first, second, third, and fourth guide rail members  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c ,  114   d  are each coupled to respective first, second, third, and fourth ones of the corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  by means of a pair of spaced-apart guide rail connector members  116 . That is, as shown in these figures, each guide rail member  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c ,  114   d  is supported at its longitudinal ends by oppositely disposed guide rail connector members  116 . In the illustrated embodiment, each guide rail connector member  116  is in the form of a generally rectangular block with one semi-circular side (see  FIG. 18 ). As described above for the first embodiment, each guide rail connector member  116  has a circular aperture disposed longitudinally therethrough for receiving the cylindrical longitudinal end portion of the guide rail member  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c ,  114   d , which is in the form of a cylindrical rod in the illustrative embodiment. Each guide rail connector member  116  attaches a respective one of the guide rail members  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c , or  114   d  to the side of one of the corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a , or  112   b.    
     Turning again to the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 19 , the first shade support pole member  118   a  is slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members  114   a ,  114   b  by means of a first pair of spaced-apart shade support pole connector members  122 . Similarly, the second shade support pole member  118   b  is slidably coupled to the third and fourth guide rail members  114   c ,  114   d  by means of a second pair of spaced-apart shade support pole connector members  122 . In the illustrative embodiment, each of the spaced-apart shade support pole connector members  122  is disposed proximate to a respective longitudinal end of the first and second shade support pole members  118   a ,  118   b . That is, the first and second shade support pole members  118   a ,  118   b  are supported at their longitudinal ends by shade support pole connector members  122 . In the illustrated embodiment, with reference to  FIGS. 28 and 35 , each shade support pole connector member  122  is in the form of a side mount bracket with opposed flanges  182  disposed on opposite sides of a cylindrical body portion  186 . The cylindrical body portion  186  of each shade support pole connector member  122  has a circular pole receiving cavity disposed longitudinally therethrough for receiving the cylindrical cross-section of a respective guide rail member  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c ,  114   d . In addition, each of the pair of opposed flanges  182  of each shade support pole connector member  122  may be provided with a fastener aperture  184  disposed therein for receiving a fastener (e.g., a screw or bolt) for securing the shade support pole connector member  122  to the back side of one of the shade support pole members  118   a ,  118   b  (see  FIG. 30 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 30 , each fastener member (e.g., screw  194 ) is configured to pass through the flange  182  of the shade support pole connector member  122 , through the back side of the shade member  124 , and into a back side of one of the shade support pole members  118   a ,  118   b . Also, as shown in  FIG. 30 , in the illustrative embodiment, each fastener  194  is provided with a respective washer  196  that is configured to be disposed between the head of the fastener  194  and the back side of the shade member  124 . By means of the shade support pole members  118   a ,  118   b , the shade support pole connector members  122  slidably couple the opposed longitudinal ends of the shade member  124  to the guide rail members  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c ,  114   d . As depicted in the illustrative detail view of  FIG. 28 , during the assembly of the outdoor shelter  101 , the shade support pole connector member  122  is slipped over the end of its respective guide rail member  114   a  prior to being attached to the shade support pole member  118   a.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , it can be seen that, in the second illustrative embodiment, each of the first and second shade support pole members  118   a ,  118   b  comprises a one-piece elongate oval-shaped body portion  120 , rather than the two-piece pole construction described above with respect to the first embodiment. In the second illustrative embodiment, referring to  FIG. 29 , the first and second longitudinal end portions of the shade member  124  are looped so as to form cavities  192  (or pockets) for receiving respective first and second shade support pole members  118   a  and  118   b . That is, the first shade support pole member  118   a  is inserted into the first looped longitudinal end portion of the shade member  124 , and the second shade support pole member  118   b  is inserted into the second looped longitudinal end portion of the shade member  124  before the shade support pole members  118   a ,  118   b  are secured to the guide rail members  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c ,  114   d  by means of the shade support pole connector members  122 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the shade member  124  of the outdoor shelter  101  may be formed from a fabric material. For example, in one or more exemplary embodiments, the shade member  124  may be formed from a waterproof fabric material so that the area underneath the shade member  124  of the outdoor shelter  101  remains dry during a rain storm. In addition, as shown in the overall perspective view of  FIG. 18 , in the illustrative embodiment, each longitudinal end portion of the shade member  124  may comprise a pair of spaced-apart, semi-circular handle cutout portions formed in the edges of the shade member  124 . The handle cutout portion of the shade member  124  and a longitudinal section of the shade support pole member  118   a ,  118   b  together define a semi-circular handle aperture  125  that is configured to receive a portion of a hand of the user so as to facilitate the grasping of the shade member  124  and the shade support pole member  118   a ,  118   b  by the user during the adjustment of the shade member  124  (refer to  FIG. 18 ). 
     Next, as best shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 20 , the roof frame assembly  170  of the outdoor shelter  101  of the illustrative embodiment will be explained. In the illustrative embodiment, the peripheral frame structure of the outdoor shelter  101  is formed by the longitudinal roof beam members  142  and the end roof beam members  146 . The longitudinal roof beam members  142  are connected to the end roof beam members  146  by means of the corner bracket members  134  so as to form a rectangular peripheral frame structure for the roof of the outdoor shelter  101 . For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the end portions of the longitudinal roof beam members  142  and the end roof beam members  146  may be secured to a respective one of the corner bracket members  134  by means of a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts—see  FIG. 22 ). As shown in the detail view of  FIG. 22 , the longitudinal roof beam member  142  comprises a mounting flange  143  with a fastener aperture  144  disposed therethrough for receiving a fastener (e.g., screw  152 ) for securing the end of the longitudinal roof beam member  142  to the top of the corner bracket member  134 . Similarly, the end roof beam member  146  comprises a mounting flange  148  with a fastener aperture  150  disposed therethrough for receiving a fastener (e.g., screw  152 ) for securing the end of the end roof beam member  146  to the top of the corner bracket member  134 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 22 , in the illustrative embodiment, each fastener  152  is provided with a respective washer  154  that is configured to be disposed between the head of the fastener  152  and the top surface of the mounting flange  143  or  148 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the longitudinal roof beam member  142  and the end roof beam member  146  are further secured to the corner bracket member  134  by means of fasteners (e.g., screws  156 ) with washers  158  passing through fastener apertures  136  in lower mounting flanges of the roof beam members  142 ,  146 , and thereby also attaching respective lower mounting flanges of the roof beam members  142 ,  146  to the corner bracket member  134 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the longitudinal roof beam members  142  extend in a longitudinal direction between one spaced-apart pair of the plurality of corner bracket members  134 , while the end roof beam members  146  extend in a transverse direction between another spaced-apart pair of the plurality of corner bracket members  134 . In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 18-20 , in the illustrative embodiment, each of the corner bracket members  134  includes a corner cover member disposed at the base thereof. The corner cover member is configured to be disposed over a top end of one of the corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  so as to at least partially conceal the top end of the corner support post member  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  from view. The corner cover member has a central aperture or recess formed therein for receiving the top end of the corner support post member  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a , or  112   b.    
     Each of the corners of the outdoor shelter  101  is reinforced by means of a pair of arc support members  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b . That is, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the arc support members  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  attach the roof beam members  142 ,  146  to sides of the corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b . That is, each arc support member  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  is configured to be attached between a respective one of the corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  and a respective one of the plurality of peripheral beam members  142 ,  146 . A detail view of a first configuration of the arc support members  130   b ,  132   b  is depicted in  FIG. 24 , while a second configuration of the arc support members  130   a ,  132   a  is depicted in  FIG. 25 . The two configurations of the arc support members  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  are mounted on opposite sides of the outdoor shelter  101 . As shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , each of the arc support members  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  comprises a semi-circular body portion with flange portions  164  disposed at each of the oppositely disposed ends of the semi-circular body portion. Also, as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , each of the flange portions  164  comprises a pair of spaced-apart fastener apertures  166  for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) for securing the arc support members  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  to either one of the roof beam members  142 ,  146  or to a side of one of the corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b . For example, as shown in  FIG. 26 , each fastener member (e.g., bolt  176 ) is configured to pass through a respective fastener aperture  166  in the top flange portion  164  of the arc support member  130   b , and into a side of the end roof beam member  146 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 26 , in the illustrative embodiment, each fastener  176  is provided with a respective washer  178  that is configured to be disposed between the head of the fastener  176  and the side surface of the top flange portion  164  of the arc support member  130   b . Similarly, turning to  FIG. 27 , which depicts the illustrative bottom securement of the arc support members  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b , each fastener member (e.g., bolt  176 ) is configured to pass through a respective fastener aperture  166  in the bottom flange portion  164  of the arc support member  132   b , and into a side of the corner support post member  112   b . Also, as shown in  FIG. 27 , and similar to that described above with regard to  FIG. 26 , each fastener  176  is provided with a respective washer  178  that is configured to be disposed between the head of the fastener  176  and the side surface of the bottom flange portion  164  of the arc support member  132   b.    
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 18, 19, and 20 , the roof frame structure  170  of the outdoor shelter  101  further comprises a plurality of transverse roof beam members  138  that are mounted to the top surfaces of the longitudinal roof beam members  142  or the top surfaces of the corner bracket members  134  (e.g., by using fasteners, such as screws or bolts). That is, the transverse roof beam members  138  located between the corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  are supported on the top surfaces of the spaced-apart longitudinal roof beam members  142  (refer to  FIG. 20 ), while the two transverse roof beam members  138  disposed outwardly from the corner support post members  110   a ,  110   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  on the longitudinal ends of the outdoor shelter  101  are supported on the top surfaces of the corner bracket members  134  such that these two transverse roof beam members  138  are supported in a cantilevered manner outwardly from the respective pairs of the plurality of corner support members  110   a ,  110   b  and  112   a ,  112   b  (see  FIG. 20 ). 
     In the second illustrative embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 20 , it can be seen that the transverse roof beam members  138  are generally equally spaced apart across the top of the longitudinal roof beam members  142  so as to form a supporting structure for the shade member  124 . As best shown in  FIG. 18 , the shade member  124  is draped over the top of the middle transverse roof beam members  138 . That is, in the illustrative embodiment, the shade member  124  passes over the top of the middle transverse roof beam members  138  when the outdoor shelter  101  is in an assembled state, but not over the two transverse roof beam members  138  at the ends of the outdoor shelter  101 . 
     Next, turning to the detail view of  FIG. 21 , an exemplary manner in which transverse roof beam members  138  may be secured to the longitudinal roof beam members  142  in the illustrative embodiment will be described. As shown in  FIG. 21 , the ends of the transverse roof beam members  138  are provided with respective fastener apertures  139  for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) for securing the transverse roof beam members  138  to the top surface of the longitudinal roof beam member  142 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 21 , each fastener member (e.g., screw  172 ) is configured to pass through a respective fastener aperture  139  in the transverse roof beam member  138 , and into a respective fastener aperture  144  in the top surface of the longitudinal roof beam member  142 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 21 , in the illustrative embodiment, each fastener  172  is provided with a respective washer  174  that is configured to be disposed between the head of the fastener  172  and the top surface of the transverse roof beam member  138 . The opposite ends of the transverse roof beam members  138  are secured to the other longitudinal roof beam member  142  in a similar manner to that illustrated in  FIG. 21 . 
     As described above for the first embodiment, in one or more embodiments, the framing components of the outdoor shelter  101  (e.g., as illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19 ) are formed from a suitable metallic material, such as steel. 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  101  as well. Also, each of the fastener members described in conjunction with the second embodiment may comprise a plurality of external threads disposed on the outer periphery thereof, and one or more of the fastener apertures with which the threaded fastener members are threadingly engaged may be provided with corresponding internal threads around the circumference thereof so as to obviate the need for the use of nuts (e.g., the fastener aperture that is the furthest in the axial direction from the head of the fastener member may be internally threaded). 
     A third exemplary embodiment of an outdoor shelter in the form of a pergola is seen generally at  200  in  FIGS. 36-44 . Referring to these figures, it can be seen that, in many respects, the third illustrative embodiment is similar to that of the first and second illustrative embodiments described above. As such, many elements are common to all of these embodiments. 
     The third illustrative embodiment of the outdoor shelter  200  is similar to the outdoor shelters  100 ,  101  described above, except that the roof structure of the outdoor shelter  200  is curved, rather than generally flat as in the first two embodiments described above. There are also other minor differences between the embodiments that will be made apparent from the drawings and the description provided hereinafter. 
     Initially, referring to the exploded perspective view of  FIG. 38 , it can be seen that the frame system of the outdoor shelter  200  generally comprises a plurality of vertical support members (e.g., corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a ,  212   b ); a plurality of transverse roof beam members  238 ,  240 , a plurality of longitudinal roof beam members  242 ,  244 , and a plurality of end roof beam members  246 ,  250 . As will be described hereinafter, an adjustable shade member  224  is supported on the frame system of the outdoor shelter  200  so as to partially enclose the outdoor shelter  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 36-38 , the vertical support members of the portable shelter framing system of the illustrated embodiment are in the form of corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a ,  212   b . First and second ones of the plurality of corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b  are disposed at a first longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  200 , while third and fourth ones of the plurality of corner support post members  212   a ,  212   b  are disposed at a second longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  200 . That is, a first pair of the corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b  is disposed at a first longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  200 , while a second pair of the corner support post members  212   a ,  212   b  is disposed at a second longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  200 . As shown in  FIGS. 36 and 37 , each of the two pairs of support post members comprises spaced-apart corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a ,  212   b  disposed at opposite longitudinal ends of the outdoor shelter  200 . With reference again to the exploded perspective view of  FIG. 38 , it can be seen that each corner post support member  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a ,  212   b  has a respective post cap member  234  mounted thereto. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the post cap members  234  connect the end roof beam members  246 ,  250  to the corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a ,  212   b . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 38 , each of the corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a ,  212   b  is provided with a ground stake plate  228  for securely attaching the outdoor shelter  200  to the ground or a floor slab, as explained above in detail with regard to the first two embodiments. 
     Also, as illustrated in  FIGS. 36-38 , each of the corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a ,  212   b  is provided with a respective ground plate cover member  226  to conceal each ground stake plate  228  and the stakes or fasteners used to secure outdoor shelter  200  to the ground or floor. As shown in  FIG. 38 , the illustrated ground plate cover member  226  comprises a central aperture formed therethrough for accommodating a passage of the corner support post member  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a , or  212   b  through the ground plate cover member  226 . 
     Next, with again reference to  FIGS. 36-38 , the rail system of the exemplary outdoor shelter  200  will be explained in detail. As best shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 38 , in the illustrative embodiment, the rail system of the exemplary outdoor shelter  200  generally includes the plurality of support post members  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a ,  212   b  disposed at the respective corners of the outdoor shelter  200 , a first guide rail member  214   a  coupled to the first one of the plurality of support post members  210   a , a second guide rail member  214   b  coupled to the second one of the plurality of support post members  210   b , a third guide rail member  214   c  coupled to the third one of the plurality of support post members  212   a , a fourth guide rail member  214   d  coupled to the fourth one of the plurality of support post members  212   b , a first shade support pole member  218   a ,  220   a  slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members  214   a ,  214   b , and a second shade support pole member  218   b ,  220   b  slidably coupled to the third and fourth guide rail members  214   c ,  214   d . The first shade support pole member  218   a ,  220   a  is attached to a first end portion of a shade member  224  of the outdoor shelter (see  FIGS. 36-38 ), while the second shade support pole member  218   b ,  220   b  is attached to a second end portion of the shade member  224  of the outdoor shelter  200 . The first shade support pole member  218   a ,  220   a  is configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the first and second guide rail members  214   a ,  214   b  so as to allow an amount by which the shade member  224  overhangs a first side of the outdoor shelter  200  to be adjusted by a user. Similarly, the second shade support pole member  218   b ,  220   b  is configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the third and fourth guide rail members  214   c ,  214   d  so as to allow an amount by which the shade member  224  overhangs a second side of the outdoor shelter  200  to be adjusted by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, when the amount by which the shade member  224  overhangs the first side of the outdoor shelter  200  is increased by the user (e.g., by pulling on the lower end of the shade member  224  with shade support pole member  218   a ,  220   a ), the amount by which the shade member  224  overhangs the second side of the outdoor shelter  200  is decreased. In other words, pulling down on one end of the shade member  224  will raise the shade member  224  on the opposite longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  200  because the shade member  224  has a constant overall length. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 36-38 , it can be seen that the first, second, third, and fourth guide rail members  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c ,  214   d  are each coupled to respective first, second, third, and fourth ones of the corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a ,  212   b  by means of a pair of spaced-apart guide rail connector members  215 ,  216  or  215 ,  217 . That is, as shown in these figures, each guide rail member  214   a ,  214   d  is supported at its longitudinal ends by oppositely disposed guide rail connector members  215 ,  217  (i.e., guide rail connector member  215  is provided at the top longitudinal end and guide rail connector member  217  is provided at the bottom longitudinal end). Each guide rail member  214   b ,  214   c  is supported at its longitudinal ends by oppositely disposed guide rail connector members  215 ,  216  (i.e., guide rail connector member  215  is provided at the top longitudinal end and guide rail connector member  216  is provided at the bottom longitudinal end). In the illustrated embodiment, each guide rail connector member  215 ,  216 ,  217  is in the form of a generally rectangular block with one semi-circular side (see  FIG. 38 ). As described above for the first two embodiments, each guide rail connector member  215 ,  216 ,  217  has a circular aperture disposed longitudinally therethrough for receiving the cylindrical longitudinal end portion of the guide rail member  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c ,  214   d , which is in the form of a cylindrical rod in the illustrative embodiment. Each guide rail connector member  215 ,  216 ,  217  attaches a respective one of the guide rail members  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c , or  214   d  to the side of one of the corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a , or  212   b.    
     Turning again to the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 36-38 , the first shade support pole member  218   a ,  220   a  is slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members  214   a ,  214   b  by means of a first pair of spaced-apart shade support pole connector members  222 . Similarly, the second shade support pole member  218   b ,  220   b  is slidably coupled to the third and fourth guide rail members  214   c ,  214   d  by means of a second pair of spaced-apart shade support pole connector members  222 . In the illustrative embodiment, each of the spaced-apart shade support pole connector members  222  is disposed proximate to a respective longitudinal end of the first and second shade support pole members  218   a ,  220   a  and  218   b ,  220   b . That is, the first and second shade support pole members  218   a ,  220   a  and  218   b ,  220   b  are supported at their longitudinal ends by shade support pole connector members  222 . In the illustrated embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 38 , each shade support pole connector member  222  is in the form of a side mount bracket with opposed flanges disposed on opposite sides of a cylindrical body portion. The cylindrical body portion of each shade support pole connector member  222  has a circular pole receiving cavity disposed longitudinally therethrough for receiving the cylindrical cross-section of a respective guide rail member  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c ,  214   d . In addition, each of the pair of opposed flanges of each shade support pole connector member  222  may be provided with a fastener aperture disposed therein for receiving a fastener (e.g., a screw or bolt) for securing the shade support pole connector member  222  to the back side of one of the shade support pole members  218   a ,  220   a  and  218   b ,  220   b  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 30 ). By means of the shade support pole members  218   a ,  220   a  and  218   b ,  220   b , the shade support pole connector members  222  slidably couple the opposed longitudinal ends of the shade member  224  to the guide rail members  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c ,  214   d.    
     Referring again to the exploded view of  FIG. 38 , it can be seen that, in the third illustrative embodiment, the first and second shade support pole members  218   a ,  218   b ,  220   a ,  220   b  each comprise a pair of shade support pole sections  218   a ,  220   a  and  218   b ,  220   b . A first one  220   a ,  220   b  of each pair of shade support pole sections has an end portion of reduced cross-sectional area that is receivable within a recess of an end portion of a second one  218   a ,  218   b  of the pair of shade support pole sections. That is, the end portion of each shade support pole section  220   a ,  220   b  is received within the central recess of a respective shade support pole section  218   a ,  218   b . Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the end portion of each shade support pole section  220   a ,  220   b  may be secured within the recess of its respective shade support pole section  218   a ,  218   b  by means of a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) passing through the paired shade support pole sections  218   a ,  220   a  and  218   b ,  220   b . In the illustrative embodiment, the first and second longitudinal end portions of the shade member  224  are looped so as to form cavities (or pockets) for receiving respective first and second shade support pole members  218   a ,  220   a  and  218   b ,  220   b  (see e.g., refer to  FIG. 11 ). That is, the first paired shade support pole sections  218   a ,  220   a  are inserted into the first looped longitudinal end portion of the shade member  224 , and the second paired shade support pole sections  218   b ,  220   b  are inserted into the second looped longitudinal end portion of the shade member  224  before the shade support pole members  218   a ,  218   b ,  220   a ,  220   b  are secured to the guide rail members  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c ,  214   d  by means of the shade support pole connector members  222 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the shade member  224  of the outdoor shelter  200  may be formed from a fabric material. For example, in one or more exemplary embodiments, the shade member  224  may be formed from a waterproof fabric material so that the area underneath the shade member  224  of the outdoor shelter  200  remains dry during a rain storm. In addition, as shown in the overall perspective view of  FIG. 36 , in the illustrative embodiment, each longitudinal end portion of the shade member  224  may comprise a pair of spaced-apart, semi-circular handle cutout portions formed in the edges of the shade member  224 . The handle cutout portion of the shade member  224  and a longitudinal section of the shade support pole member  218   a ,  220   a  and  218   b ,  220   b  together define a semi-circular handle aperture  225  that is configured to receive a portion of a hand of the user so as to facilitate the grasping of the shade member  224  and the shade support pole member  218   a ,  220   a  and  218   b ,  220   b  by the user during the adjustment of the shade member  224  (refer to  FIG. 36 ). 
     Next, as best shown in the perspective views of  FIGS. 37 and 38 , the roof frame assembly of the outdoor shelter  200  of the illustrative embodiment will be explained. In the illustrative embodiment, the peripheral frame structure of the outdoor shelter  200  is formed by the longitudinal roof beam members  242 ,  244  and the end roof beam members  246 ,  250 . The longitudinal roof beam members  242 ,  244  are connected to the sides of the end roof beam members  246 ,  250  (see  FIG. 38 ) so as to form a rectangular peripheral frame structure for the roof of the outdoor shelter  200 . For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the end roof beam members  246 ,  250  may be provided with bottom plate members that are secured to a respective one of the post cap members  234  by means of a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts). As best shown in  FIGS. 37 and 38 , the longitudinal roof beam members  242 ,  244  extend in a longitudinal direction between spaced-apart end roof beam members  246 ,  250 . In the third illustrative embodiment, each one of the longitudinal roof beam members  242  is attached to a respective one of the longitudinal roof beam members  244  by a longitudinal roof beam connector  243  (see  FIG. 38 ) that slides into the inner ends of the longitudinal roof beam members  242 ,  244 . In the illustrative embodiment, the longitudinal roof beam connector  243  has a curvature that corresponds to the curvature of the longitudinal roof beam members  242 ,  244 . Similarly, each one of the end roof beam members  246  is attached to a respective one of the end roof beam members  250  by an end roof beam connector  248  (see  FIG. 38 ) that slides into the inner ends of the end roof beam members  246 ,  250 . In addition, as best shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 38 , a beam trim member  236  is mounted on a side of each end roof beam member  246 ,  250 , which is opposite to the side on which the longitudinal roof beam member  242 ,  244  is mounted. Also, as shown in  FIG. 38 , a decorative ferrule  252  is provided at the location where the inner end of each longitudinal roof beam member  242  is joined to the inner end of each longitudinal roof beam member  244 . 
     Each of the corners of the outdoor shelter  200  is reinforced by means of a pair of arc support members  230   a ,  230   b ,  232   a ,  232   b . That is, as shown in  FIGS. 37-40 , the arc support members  230   a ,  230   b ,  232   a ,  232   b  attach the roof beam members  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  250  to sides of the corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a ,  212   b . That is, each arc support member  230   a ,  230   b ,  232   a ,  232   b  is configured to be attached between a respective one of the corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a ,  212   b  and a respective one of the plurality of peripheral beam members  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  250  by means of fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts). 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 37 and 38 , the roof frame structure of the outdoor shelter  200  further comprises a plurality of transverse roof beam members  238 ,  240  that are mounted to the top surfaces of the longitudinal roof beam members  242 ,  244  (e.g., by using fasteners, such as screws or bolts). The transverse roof beam members  238 ,  240  are located between the corner support post members  210   a ,  210   b ,  212   a ,  212   b , and are supported on the top surfaces of the spaced-apart longitudinal roof beam members  242 ,  244  (refer to  FIGS. 37 and 38 ). 
     In the third illustrative embodiment, each one of the transverse roof beam members is formed by a first transverse roof beam section  238  that is affixed to a second transverse roof beam section  240  by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts). Also, in the illustrative embodiment, the transverse roof beam members  238 ,  240  are generally equally spaced apart across the top of the longitudinal roof beam members  242 ,  244  so as to form a supporting structure for the shade member  224 . As best shown in  FIGS. 36 and 37 , the shade member  224  is draped over the top of the transverse roof beam members  238 ,  240 . That is, in the illustrative embodiment, the shade member  224  passes over the top of the transverse roof beam members  238 ,  240  when the outdoor shelter  200  is in an assembled state. 
     In one or more embodiments, the framing components of the outdoor shelter  200  (e.g., as illustrated in  FIGS. 37 and 38 ) are formed from a suitable metallic material, such as steel. 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  200  as well. Also, each of the fastener members described in conjunction with the third embodiment may comprise a plurality of external threads disposed on the outer periphery thereof, and one or more of the fastener apertures with which the threaded fastener members are threadingly engaged may be provided with corresponding internal threads around the circumference thereof so as to obviate the need for the use of nuts (e.g., the fastener aperture that is the furthest in the axial direction from the head of the fastener member may be internally threaded). 
     A fourth exemplary embodiment of an outdoor shelter in the form of a pergola is seen generally at  300  in  FIGS. 45-53 . Referring to these figures, it can be seen that, in most respects, the fourth illustrative embodiment is similar to that of the third illustrative embodiment. As such, many elements are common to both such embodiments. 
     The fourth illustrative embodiment of the outdoor shelter  300  is generally the same as the outdoor shelter  200  described above, except that several of the side-specific components of the outdoor shelter  200  have a more universal configuration in the outdoor shelter  300  (e.g., components  315 ,  316 ,  317 ,  330   a ,  330   b ,  332   a ,  332   b ,  342 ,  344 ,  346 ,  350 ) so that they are able to be interchangeably used on multiple sides of the outdoor shelter  300 , thereby advantageously reducing the number of unique parts required for the assembly of the outdoor shelter  300 . For example, to form the guide rail connector members  315 ,  316 ,  317 , a universal guide rail connector member may be used. There are also other minor differences between the embodiments that will be made apparent from the drawings and the description provided hereinafter. 
     Initially, referring to the exploded perspective view of  FIG. 47 , it can be seen that the frame system of the outdoor shelter  300  generally comprises a plurality of vertical support members (e.g., corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a ,  312   b ); a plurality of transverse roof beam members  338 ,  340 , a plurality of longitudinal roof beam members  342 ,  344 , and a plurality of end roof beam members  346 ,  350 . Similar to that described above for the outdoor shelter  200 , an adjustable shade member may be supported on the frame system of the outdoor shelter  300  so as to partially enclose the outdoor shelter  300 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 45-47 , the vertical support members of the portable shelter framing system of the illustrated embodiment are in the form of corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a ,  312   b . First and second ones of the plurality of corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b  are disposed at a first longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  300 , while third and fourth ones of the plurality of corner support post members  312   a ,  312   b  are disposed at a second longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  300 . That is, a first pair of the corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b  is disposed at a first longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  300 , while a second pair of the corner support post members  312   a ,  312   b  is disposed at a second longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  300 . As shown in  FIGS. 45 and 46 , each of the two pairs of support post members comprises spaced-apart corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a ,  312   b  disposed at opposite longitudinal ends of the outdoor shelter  300 . With reference again to the exploded perspective view of  FIG. 47 , it can be seen that each corner post support member  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a ,  312   b  has a respective post cap member  334  mounted thereto. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the post cap members  334  connect the end roof beam members  346 ,  350  to the corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a ,  312   b . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 47 , each of the corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a ,  312   b  is provided with a ground stake plate  328  for securely attaching the outdoor shelter  300  to the ground or a floor slab, as explained above in detail with regard to the first two embodiments. 
     Also, as illustrated in  FIGS. 45-47 , each of the corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a ,  312   b  is provided with a respective ground plate cover member  326  to conceal each ground stake plate  328  and the stakes or fasteners used to secure outdoor shelter  300  to the ground or floor. As shown in  FIG. 47 , the illustrated ground plate cover member  326  comprises a central aperture formed therethrough for accommodating a passage of the corner support post member  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a , or  312   b  through the ground plate cover member  326 . 
     Next, with again reference to  FIGS. 45-47 , the rail system of the exemplary outdoor shelter  300  will be explained in detail. As best shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 47 , in the illustrative embodiment, the rail system of the exemplary outdoor shelter  300  generally includes the plurality of support post members  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a ,  312   b  disposed at the respective corners of the outdoor shelter  300 , a first guide rail member  314   a  coupled to the first one of the plurality of support post members  310   a , a second guide rail member  314   b  coupled to the second one of the plurality of support post members  310   b , a third guide rail member  314   c  coupled to the third one of the plurality of support post members  312   a , a fourth guide rail member  314   d  coupled to the fourth one of the plurality of support post members  312   b , a first shade support pole member  318   a ,  320   a  slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members  314   a ,  314   b , and a second shade support pole member  318   b ,  320   b  slidably coupled to the third and fourth guide rail members  314   c ,  314   d . The first shade support pole member  318   a ,  320   a  is configured to be attached to a first end portion of a shade member (not shown) of the outdoor shelter  300 , while the second shade support pole member  318   b ,  320   b  is configured to be attached to a second end portion of the shade member of the outdoor shelter  300 . The first shade support pole member  318   a ,  320   a  is configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the first and second guide rail members  314   a ,  314   b  so as to allow an amount by which the shade member overhangs a first side of the outdoor shelter  300  to be adjusted by a user. Similarly, the second shade support pole member  318   b ,  320   b  is configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the third and fourth guide rail members  314   c ,  314   d  so as to allow an amount by which the shade member overhangs a second side of the outdoor shelter  300  to be adjusted by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, when the amount by which the shade member overhangs the first side of the outdoor shelter  300  is increased by the user (e.g., by pulling on the lower end of the shade member with shade support pole member  318   a ,  320   a ), the amount by which the shade member overhangs the second side of the outdoor shelter  300  is decreased. In other words, pulling down on one end of the shade member will raise the shade member on the opposite longitudinal end of the outdoor shelter  300  because the shade member has a constant overall length. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 45-47 , it can be seen that the first, second, third, and fourth guide rail members  314   a ,  314   b ,  314   c ,  314   d  are each coupled to respective first, second, third, and fourth ones of the corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a ,  312   b  by means of a pair of spaced-apart guide rail connector members  315 ,  316  or  315 ,  317 . That is, as shown in these figures, each guide rail member  314   a ,  314   d  is supported at its longitudinal ends by oppositely disposed guide rail connector members  315 ,  317  (i.e., guide rail connector member  315  is provided at the top longitudinal end and guide rail connector member  317  is provided at the bottom longitudinal end). Each guide rail member  314   b ,  314   c  is supported at its longitudinal ends by oppositely disposed guide rail connector members  315 ,  316  (i.e., guide rail connector member  315  is provided at the top longitudinal end and guide rail connector member  316  is provided at the bottom longitudinal end). In the illustrated embodiment, each guide rail connector member  315 ,  316 ,  317  is in the form of a generally rectangular block with one semi-circular side (see  FIG. 47 ). As described above for the first three embodiments, each guide rail connector member  315 ,  316 ,  317  has a circular aperture disposed longitudinally therethrough for receiving the cylindrical longitudinal end portion of the guide rail member  314   a ,  314   b ,  314   c ,  314   d , which is in the form of a cylindrical rod in the illustrative embodiment. Each guide rail connector member  315 ,  316 ,  317  attaches a respective one of the guide rail members  314   a ,  314   b ,  314   c , or  314   d  to the side of one of the corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a , or  312   b.    
     Turning again to the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 45-47 , the first shade support pole member  318   a ,  320   a  is slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members  314   a ,  314   b  by means of a first pair of spaced-apart shade support pole connector members  322 . Similarly, the second shade support pole member  318   b ,  320   b  is slidably coupled to the third and fourth guide rail members  314   c ,  314   d  by means of a second pair of spaced-apart shade support pole connector members  322 . In the illustrative embodiment, each of the spaced-apart shade support pole connector members  322  is disposed proximate to a respective longitudinal end of the first and second shade support pole members  318   a ,  320   a  and  318   b ,  320   b . That is, the first and second shade support pole members  318   a ,  320   a  and  318   b ,  320   b  are supported at their longitudinal ends by shade support pole connector members  322 . In the illustrated embodiment, with reference to  FIG. 47 , each shade support pole connector member  322  is in the form of a side mount bracket with opposed flanges disposed on opposite sides of a cylindrical body portion. The cylindrical body portion of each shade support pole connector member  322  has a circular pole receiving cavity disposed longitudinally therethrough for receiving the cylindrical cross-section of a respective guide rail member  314   a ,  314   b ,  314   c ,  314   d . In addition, each of the pair of opposed flanges of each shade support pole connector member  322  may be provided with a fastener aperture disposed therein for receiving a fastener (e.g., a screw or bolt) for securing the shade support pole connector member  322  to the back side of one of the shade support pole members  318   a ,  320   a  and  318   b ,  320   b  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 30 ). By means of the shade support pole members  318   a ,  320   a  and  318   b ,  320   b , the shade support pole connector members  322  slidably couple the opposed longitudinal ends of the shade member to the guide rail members  314   a ,  314   b ,  314   c ,  314   d.    
     Referring again to the exploded view of  FIG. 47 , it can be seen that, in the fourth illustrative embodiment, the first and second shade support pole members  318   a ,  318   b ,  320   a ,  320   b  each comprise a pair of shade support pole sections  318   a ,  320   a  and  318   b ,  320   b . A first one  320   a ,  320   b  of each pair of shade support pole sections has an end portion of reduced cross-sectional area that is receivable within a recess of an end portion of a second one  318   a ,  318   b  of the pair of shade support pole sections. That is, the end portion of each shade support pole section  320   a ,  320   b  is received within the central recess of a respective shade support pole section  318   a ,  318   b . Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the end portion of each shade support pole section  320   a ,  320   b  may be secured within the recess of its respective shade support pole section  318   a ,  318   b  by means of a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) passing through the paired shade support pole sections  318   a ,  320   a  and  318   b ,  320   b . In the illustrative embodiment, the first and second longitudinal end portions of the shade member (not shown) are looped so as to form cavities (or pockets) for receiving respective first and second shade support pole members  318   a ,  320   a  and  318   b ,  320   b  (see e.g., refer to  FIG. 11 ). That is, the first paired shade support pole sections  318   a ,  320   a  are inserted into the first looped longitudinal end portion of the shade member, and the second paired shade support pole sections  318   b ,  320   b  are inserted into the second looped longitudinal end portion of the shade member before the shade support pole members  318   a ,  318   b ,  320   a ,  320   b  are secured to the guide rail members  314   a ,  314   b ,  314   c ,  314   d  by means of the shade support pole connector members  322 . 
     Next, as best shown in the perspective views of  FIGS. 46 and 47 , the roof frame assembly of the outdoor shelter  300  of the illustrative embodiment will be explained. In the illustrative embodiment, the peripheral frame structure of the outdoor shelter  300  is formed by the longitudinal roof beam members  342 ,  344  and the end roof beam members  346 ,  350 . The longitudinal roof beam members  342 ,  344  are connected to the sides of the end roof beam members  346 ,  350  (see  FIG. 47 ) so as to form a rectangular peripheral frame structure for the roof of the outdoor shelter  300 . For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the end roof beam members  346 ,  350  may be provided with bottom plate members that are secured to a respective one of the post cap members  334  by means of a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts). As best shown in  FIGS. 46 and 47 , the longitudinal roof beam members  342 ,  344  extend in a longitudinal direction between spaced-apart end roof beam members  346 ,  350 . In the fourth illustrative embodiment, each one of the longitudinal roof beam members  342  is attached to a respective one of the longitudinal roof beam members  344  by a longitudinal roof beam connector  343  (see  FIG. 47 ) that slides into the inner ends of the longitudinal roof beam members  342 ,  344 . In the illustrative embodiment, the longitudinal roof beam connector  343  has a curvature that corresponds to the curvature of the longitudinal roof beam members  342 ,  344 . Similarly, each one of the end roof beam members  346  is attached to a respective one of the end roof beam members  350  by an end roof beam connector  348  (see  FIG. 47 ) that slides into the inner ends of the end roof beam members  346 ,  350 . In addition, as best shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 47 , a beam trim member  336  is mounted on a side of each end roof beam member  346 ,  350 , which is opposite to the side on which the longitudinal roof beam member  342 ,  344  is mounted. Also, as shown in  FIG. 47 , a decorative ferrule  352  is provided at the location where the inner end of each longitudinal roof beam member  342  is joined to the inner end of each longitudinal roof beam member  344 . 
     Each of the corners of the outdoor shelter  300  is reinforced by means of a pair of arc support members  330   a ,  330   b ,  332   a ,  332   b . That is, as shown in  FIGS. 46-51 , the arc support members  330   a ,  330   b ,  332   a ,  332   b  attach the roof beam members  342 ,  344 ,  346 ,  350  to sides of the corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a ,  312   b . That is, each arc support member  330   a ,  330   b ,  332   a ,  332   b  is configured to be attached between a respective one of the corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a ,  312   b  and a respective one of the plurality of peripheral beam members  342 ,  344 ,  346 ,  350  by means of fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts). 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 46 and 47 , the roof frame structure of the outdoor shelter  300  further comprises a plurality of transverse roof beam members  338 ,  340  that are mounted to the top surfaces of the longitudinal roof beam members  342 ,  344  (e.g., by using fasteners, such as screws or bolts). The transverse roof beam members  338 ,  340  are located between the corner support post members  310   a ,  310   b ,  312   a ,  312   b , and are supported on the top surfaces of the spaced-apart longitudinal roof beam members  342 ,  344  (refer to  FIGS. 46 and 47 ). 
     In the fourth illustrative embodiment, each one of the transverse roof beam members is formed by a first transverse roof beam section  338  that is affixed to a second transverse roof beam section  340  by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts). Also, in the illustrative embodiment, the transverse roof beam members  338 ,  340  are generally equally spaced apart across the top of the longitudinal roof beam members  342 ,  344  so as to form a supporting structure for the shade member (not shown). In the illustrative embodiment, the shade member passes over the top of the transverse roof beam members  338 ,  340  when the outdoor shelter  300  is in an assembled state. 
     In one or more embodiments, the framing components of the outdoor shelter  300  (e.g., as illustrated in  FIGS. 46 and 47 ) are formed from a suitable metallic material, such as steel. 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  300  as well. Also, each of the fastener members described in conjunction with the fourth embodiment may comprise a plurality of external threads disposed on the outer periphery thereof, and one or more of the fastener apertures with which the threaded fastener members are threadingly engaged may be provided with corresponding internal threads around the circumference thereof so as to obviate the need for the use of nuts (e.g., the fastener aperture that is the furthest in the axial direction from the head of the fastener member may be internally threaded). 
     It is readily apparent that the aforedescribed outdoor shelter  100 ,  101 ,  200 ,  300  with a shade member rail system offers numerous advantages. First of all, the rail system of the outdoor shelter  100 ,  101 ,  200 ,  300  described herein enables the shade member  24 ,  124 ,  224  of the outdoor shelter  100 ,  101 ,  200 ,  300  to be readily adjusted by a user so as to permit the shading qualities of the outdoor shelter  100 ,  101 ,  200 ,  300  to be modified. Secondly, the aforedescribed rail system of the outdoor shelter  100 ,  101 ,  200 ,  300  allows the shade member  24 ,  124 ,  224  of the outdoor shelter  100 ,  101 ,  200 ,  300  to be easily adjusted for the directional differences in the sunlight entering the outdoor shelter  100 ,  101 ,  200 ,  300  throughout the course of the day. 
     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.