Patent Abstract:
The present invention includes a system or kit of injection molded and extruded panels and other components having integrated connectors which combine together to form an enclosure, preferably in the form of a gazebo. Optional kits are available to provide the gazebo with screen and/or solid enclosures. The support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and walls are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The system incorporates a minimum number of components to construct a gazebo type enclosure by integrally forming connectors in to the injection molded components and panels. This minimizes the need for separate extruded or molded connectors to assemble the enclosure. The symmetry of the support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and other components also minimizes the shapes of the components and simplifies construction of the gazebo.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/250,967, filed Oct. 14, 2008, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to prefabricated, multi-sided building and construction system. In particular it relates to a prefabricated gazebo and a construction system which utilizes lightweight framing components, a unique roof support and roof which results in the construction of the gazebo. The gazebo includes an optional screen enclosure kit, an optional solid panel kit and an optional storm window kit. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Multi-sided buildings are known in the prior art. One group of these buildings generally “round” and has a substantially circular outer wall or side made from a plurality of generally flat walls. One type of the building in this group is a gazebo. The majority of gazebos have six to eight sides and thus have six to eight outer walls. In addition, most gazeboes have a single roof. Gazebos are predominately found in a areas of multi-family homes, single family homes or public parks. Gazebos are predominately used during the warm weather in the Northeast, Midwest and Northeast portions of the U.S. However, in the Southeast and Southwest they are used during the entire year. Since most gazebos are only used during the warm weather they do not include windows and/or doors. Therefore they are not provided with screens to keep insects and other undesirable life outside of the confines of the gazebo. 
         [0004]    Most gazebos are made from wood and constructed at a location separate from the location where they are to be used. They are normally made at a factory and delivered fully assembled to a buyer&#39;s residence. Since most gazebos used around homes are about 10 to 15 feet in diameter, the delivery of these involves a considerable expense and transportation problems. Only the very large gazebos, such as those which house a band in a park, are constructed on site. The wood construction of the gazebos also requires yearly maintenance and painting. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,855 discloses a prefabricated building or gazebo having an octagonal configuration. The structure includes a structural support system, a floor system carried by the support system above the level of the ground, and a roof system supported solely by the support system. The floor and roof systems are provided with collars, each with at least three sides, which are spaced apart and are located on the central vertical axis of the structure. The structural support system includes at least three vertical support columns with each column being spaced an equal distance from the central axis of the structure and also equal distances form adjacent columns. The roof system includes rafters of equal length one for each side of the roof collar and corresponding support column. However, this structure does not offer an easily assembled gazebo constructed of light weight materials, such as plastic and which can be readily assembled by a single individual. It also does not offer a basic gazebo structure with different embodiments. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,908,329 discloses a polygonal building which has a perimeter wall made from a plurality of initially roughly plumbed rectangular wall sections arranged in end-to-end but spaced apart relation to each other. Roof rafter extend from a common point, approximately centrally of the building, down to and between the upper ends of adjacent wall sections. A perimeter cable is threaded through the all of the wall sections and the roof rafters. Tightening of the cable plumbs the wall sections and centers the roof rafters. While this is a multi-sided building, there is no disclosure of it being used and a gazebo, being constructed from plastic or other non-metallic materials. Further, the roof of this building utilizes sheathing and conventional shingles. However, there is no disclosure of the use of preformed roof panels. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,511 discloses a gazebo which is fabricated from lightweight aluminum framing components. The preferred structure has eight sides. Each side includes a pair of vertical posts, a pair of header members, a rail and foot member, columns disposed between the rail and foot member and the pair of header members, and an insulated composite roof panel. As each side unit is attached by self mating beam and vertical post members to an adjacent side unit, the gazebo structure is formed. The gazebo can be provided with screening on the vertical posts and shingles on the roof. While this gazebo is made from eight (8) preformed single side units, each side unit required a considerable amount of space on a delivery truck. However, there is no disclosure of constructing a gazebo from a plurality of light weight materials, such as plastic and which can be readily assembled by a single individual. 
         [0008]    Therefore, what is lacking in the art is a gazebo structure which can be constructed from a plurality of light weight materials, such as plastic and which can be readily assembled by a single individual. The unassembled lightweight materials can be packaged in a relatively compact container for shipping purposes. Therefore, the individual light weight materials can shipped to a user&#39;s residence in a very compact container without the use of specialized trucks or delivery vehicles. The art also lacks a gazebo that can be enclosed with screens to keep out insects and other unwanted life. Further, the art does not provide gazebos with kits and or other means to provide solid enclosures for the gazebos. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention includes a system or kit of injection molded panels and other components having integrated connectors which combine together to form an enclosure, preferably in the form of a gazebo. Optional kits are available to provide the gazebo with screen and/or solid enclosures. The support posts, roof rafters, roof supports are formed of extruded plastic. The roof panels and walls are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The system incorporates a minimum number of components to construct a gazebo type enclosure by integrally forming connectors into the extruded components and panels. This minimizes the need for separate extruded or molded connectors to assemble the enclosure. The symmetry of the support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and other components also minimizes the shapes of the injection molded connectors and panels and simplifies construction of the gazebo. The heavy duty interlocking construction of the support posts, roof rafters, roof supports, roof panels and other components create a structural frame which permits construction of larger gazebos. The support posts are extruded which allows them to be formed to a sufficient length to provide a gazebo with adequate height for all intended purposes, including the provision of overhead fans. This eliminates the need for a plurality of support posts to be stacked one above the other to achieve the heights desired. Injection molding allows the roof panels to be formed with integral cross-bracing, ribs and gussets for increased rigidity when compared to blow molded or extruded panels. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the gazebo system or kit utilizes interlocking support posts, roof rafters and roof supports to create a structural frame. Three types of support structure construction are integrated into the structural frame. The first is utilized for the support posts, the second is utilized for the roof rafters and the third is utilized for the roof supports. The support posts are constructed to cooperate, via integrally formed connectors, with the roof rafters and other members that permit the support posts to be secured to a base or other means to secure the support posts to the ground. The roof rafters are constructed to cooperate, via integrally formed connectors, with the roof supports to form a support structure which will support the roof panels. The roof supports also include integrally formed connectors which permit the roof supports to cooperate with the roof rafters to form a support structure which will support the roof panels. The structural frame may include provisions for standard electrical current hookups. The roof support may also include connectors to permit the use of additional components such as fans or lighting components. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a system or kit which utilizes plastic frame and panel members having integral connectors to create a gazebo type structure or enclosure of varying dimensions using common components. 
         [0012]    It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a system or kit wherein the structural components include integrated connectors which accommodate injection molding plastic formation of the components for increased structural integrity. 
         [0013]    It is yet another objective of the instant invention system or kit which utilizes roof rafters and roof supports having interlocking bosses and apertures to increase rigidity and prevent bowing of the rafters and supports. 
         [0014]    It is a still further objective of the invention to provide structural roof panel members including integrated connectors, cross-bracing and gussets to increase rigidity and prevent bowing of the roof panels. 
         [0015]    It is still yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a system or kit which reduces the number of components required to assemble a gazebo and simplifies construction of a gazebo. 
         [0016]    Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the gazebo of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  is a view of a base onto which the gazebo is secured using a plurality of support posts; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2B  is a detailed view of the attachment of the support posts to the base; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2C  is a detailed view of the attachment of the supports to the base; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is view of a support posts illustrated in  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a roof support member; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4B  is a detailed view of the attachment of an outer roof support the roof rafters; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a view of a lower roof rafter and a socket secured to an end; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a view of the ramp lock connection between the sockets and the roof rafters; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7A  is a view of the attachment of the roof support members to the support posts; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7B  is a detailed view of the arrangement of the upper receptacles; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7C  is a detailed view of the attachment of a roof rafter to a support post; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8A  is a view of all of the roof support members secured together; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8B  is a detailed view of a fascia board secured to an upper roof rafter; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9A  is a view of the attachment of an upper roof panel to the upper roof rafters; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9B  is a detailed view of the attachment of an upper roof panel to an upper roof rafter; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10A  is a view of all of the upper roof panels secured to the upper roof rafters; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10B  is a detailed view of an end cap on an upper roof rafter; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11A  is a view of an upper roof railing including a screen panel; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11B  is a detailed view of an upper roof railing with a screen panel and an upper roof panel; 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  is a view of the upper roof of the gazebo and a screen/panel ready to be inserted into a screen/panel holder; 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  is a detailed view of a screen/panel and screen/panel holder; 
           [0039]      FIG. 14A  is a view of a fascia board secured to a lower roof rafter; 
           [0040]      FIG. 14B  is a detailed view of a fascia board secured to a lower roof rafter; 
           [0041]      FIG. 15A  is a detailed view of a fascia board secured to a lower roof rafter; 
           [0042]      FIG. 15B  is a detailed view of the fastener used to secure a fascia board to a lower roof rafter; 
           [0043]      FIG. 16A  is a view of a support board secured to a lower roof rafter; 
           [0044]      FIG. 16B  is a detailed view of a support board secured to a lower roof rafter; 
           [0045]      FIG. 17A  is another detailed view of a support board secured to a lower roof rafter; 
           [0046]      FIG. 17B  is another detailed view of a fastener used to secure a support board to a lower roof rafter; 
           [0047]      FIG. 18A  is a view of the attachment of a lower roof panel to the lower roof rafters; 
           [0048]      FIG. 18B  is a detailed view of the attachment of a lower roof panel to a lower roof rafter; 
           [0049]      FIGS. 19A-C  are a view of the underside of a lower roof panel and a support panel; 
           [0050]      FIG. 20A  is a view of a lower roof panel extension; 
           [0051]      FIG. 20B  is a view of the lower roof panel extension securing feature for attaching to the lower roof rafter; 
           [0052]      FIGS. 21A-C  are a view of the underside of a lower roof panel extension and a support panel; 
           [0053]      FIG. 22A  is a view of a cap which fits over the top longitudinal portion of a lower roof rafter; 
           [0054]      FIG. 22B  is a cross sectional view of a cap which fits over the top longitudinal portion of a lower roof rafter and the lower roof rafter; 
           [0055]      FIG. 23A  is a view of all of the lower roof panels secured to the lower roof rafters; 
           [0056]      FIG. 23B  is a detailed view of an end cap on a lower roof rafter; 
           [0057]      FIG. 24A  is a view of a lower roof railing; 
           [0058]      FIG. 24B  is a detailed view of a lower roof railing and a lower roof panel; 
           [0059]      FIG. 25A  is a view of the attachment posts secured to a base and the support posts placed over them; 
           [0060]      FIG. 25B  is a detailed view of the top of a support post; 
           [0061]      FIG. 26A  is a view of hand rails secured to the support posts; 
           [0062]      FIG. 26B  is a detailed view of the attachment of the hand rails to the support posts; 
           [0063]      FIG. 27A  is a view of hand rails secured to the support posts; 
           [0064]      FIG. 27B  is a detailed view of the attachment of the hand rails to the support posts; 
           [0065]      FIG. 28A  is a view of hand rails secured to the support posts; 
           [0066]      FIG. 28B  is a detailed view of the attachment of the hand rails to the support posts; 
           [0067]      FIG. 29A  is an exploded view of an upper roof panel; 
           [0068]      FIG. 29B  is a detailed view of the attachment of the upper and lower portions of an upper roof panel; 
           [0069]      FIG. 30A  is an exploded view of an upper roof panel; 
           [0070]      FIG. 30B  is a detailed view of the attachment of the upper and lower portions of an upper roof panel; 
           [0071]      FIG. 31A  is an exploded view of an upper roof panel; 
           [0072]      FIG. 31B  is a detailed view of the attachment of the upper and lower portions of an upper roof panel; 
           [0073]      FIG. 32A  is an exploded view of a lower roof panel; 
           [0074]      FIG. 32B  is a detailed view of the attachment of the upper and lower portions of a lower roof panel; 
           [0075]      FIG. 33A  is an exploded view of a lower roof panel; 
           [0076]      FIG. 33B  is a detailed view of the attachment of the upper and lower portions of a lower roof panel; 
           [0077]      FIG. 34A  is an exploded view of a lower roof panel; 
           [0078]      FIG. 34B  is a detailed view of the attachment of the upper and lower portions of a lower roof panel; 
           [0079]      FIG. 35  is a perspective of an optional provision for attaching a fan to the interior of the gazebo of the present invention; 
           [0080]      FIG. 36  is another embodiment of the gazebo of the present invention; 
           [0081]      FIG. 37  is another embodiment of the gazebo of the present invention; 
           [0082]      FIG. 38  is another embodiment of the gazebo of the present invention; 
           [0083]      FIGS. 39A-C  illustrate the manner in which an upper screen is secured to the gazebo; 
           [0084]      FIG. 40  illustrates the manner in which an upper screen is secured to the gazebo; 
           [0085]      FIG. 41  illustrates the manner in which a lower screen is secured to the gazebo; 
           [0086]      FIGS. 42A , B and C illustrate the manner in which a screen door can be secured to the gazebo; 
           [0087]      FIGS. 43A  and B illustrate the manner in which a screen door can be secured to the gazebo; 
           [0088]      FIGS. 44A-C  illustrate the manner in which a screen door can be secured to the gazebo; 
           [0089]      FIGS. 45A  and B illustrate the manner in which a screen door can be secured to the gazebo; 
           [0090]      FIGS. 46A-C  illustrate the manner in which a screen door can be secured to the gazebo; and 
           [0091]      FIGS. 47A  and B illustrate how a screen can be secured to the gazebo above a screen door. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0092]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0093]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a gazebo type structure, generally referenced as  10 , constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the components of the gazebo, including the roof, are preferably formed of polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other suitable plastics such as polystyrene, polypropylene or polyethylene, through the process of injection molding or extrusion. The gazebo is set upon a base or platform  12 . The base or platform may be included as an element of the gazebo, but preferably it is not. The base can be formed as a poured concrete slab or platform, as a wooden deck, or as a plurality of interconnected components such as bricks or pavers. One of the requirements of the base or platform  12  is that it is capable of properly supporting and securing the support posts  14  and attached gazebo structure, including the roof assembly  22 . The base or platform must also be capable of providing proper support for individuals and other objects enclosed within the gazebo. 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A-C  the support posts  14  are secured to the base  12  utilizing attachment posts  16 . These attachment posts are preferable made from steel. However, other materials could be used providing these materials permit the support posts  14  to be properly secured to base  12 . The base of the attachment posts are provided with apertures  18 , as shown in  FIGS. 2B and 2C . The attachment posts  16  are preferably secured to the base in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 2C . A plurality of fasteners  20  are secured in base  12 . The posts are secured to the fasteners using nuts and washers. The fasteners  20  could be set into a poured concrete slab prior to its drying. They could also be set into holes drilled into a dried and cured concrete slab and secured with expansion anchors. When a wooden deck is employed as the base, the fasteners  20  can be bolts or screws. Depending on the type of base that is used, appropriate fasteners are utilized.  FIG. 2A  illustrates that a number of support posts, in this case  8 , are secured to base  12 . The support posts  14  are preferably secured in a substantially circular pattern. 
         [0095]    The support posts  14  are next secured to the attachment posts  16  by use of fasteners. Preferably a support post  14  is placed over an attachment post  16  and set onto base  12 . After the support post  14  is in place it is secured to the attachment post  16  with fasteners. The fasteners are inserted into apertures which are drilled into posts  14  and  16 . 
         [0096]    A roof for the disclosed embodiment of the gazebo includes an upper roof and a lower roof. While a multi-layered is disclosed, a roof comprising a single layer is an alternative. The roof  22  comprises a plurality of roof support members and roof panels. These roof support members and roof panels are readily assembled from a plurality of various components as will be described hereinafter.  FIGS. 4-6  illustrate an assembly of one of the roof support members  23 . A roof support member  23  is formed from roof rafters and roof supports. A lower roof rafter  24  is positioned below and aligned with an upper roof rafter  26 . Roof rafters  24  and  26  are secured together, at one end thereof, by an inner roof support  28 . A receptacle or socket  30  is attached to one end of rafter  24 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Receptacle  30  is provided with a connection member  32  along one side. The connection member  32  is formed with a ramp lock  34  on at least one surface thereof. The ramp lock  34  is positioned so that when the connection member is placed into the interior of roof rafter  24 , the ramp lock  34  will engage aperture  36 , located on a side of roof rafter  24 , for interlocking engagement therewith. The interlocking engagement between ramp lock  34  and aperture  36  secures connection member  32  of the receptacle  30  to the lower roof rafter  24 . The receptacle  30  further includes a socket  31  which is sized so that an end of inner roof support  28  will fit snugly therein. Another receptacle or socket  38  is attached to one end of an upper roof rafter  26 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . Receptacle  38  is provided with a connection member  40  along one side thereof. The connection member  40  is formed with a ramp lock  42  on at least one surface thereof. The ramp lock  42  is positioned on the connection member so that when the connection member is placed in the interior of roof rafter  26 , the ramp lock  42  will engage aperture  44 , located on a side of upper roof rafter  26 , for interlocking engagement therewith. The interlocking engagement between ramp lock  42  and aperture  44  secures receptacle to the upper rafter  26 . The receptacle feather includes a socket  39 , opening toward the bottom of the socket. The socket  39  is sized so that an upper end of inner roof support  28  will fit snugly therein. 
         [0097]    An outer roof support  46  is secured between and holds roof rafters  24  and  26  together, as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . A lower end of outer roof support  46  is placed into the interior of lower roof rafter  24  through a slot on an upper edge of lower roof rafter  24 . The lower end of the outer roof support is preferably formed at an angle with respect to the edges of the outer roof support. This angle corresponds to the angle or pitch of the lower roof rafter  24 . After the support  46  has been inserted into lower roof rafter  24  it is secured therein with fasteners. An upper end of roof support  46  is placed into the interior of upper roof rafter  26  through a slot on a lower edge of upper roof rafter  26 . After the support  46  has been inserted into rafter  26  it is secured therein with fasteners. Each roof support member  23  is first secured to a support post  14 , as seen in  FIG. 7C . A plurality of roof support members  23  are then secured together to form a center hub  48 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 8A . The center hub  48  includes an upper section  50 , a middle section  52  and a lower section  54 . The upper section  50  comprises a plurality of receptacles  38  secured together as illustrated in  FIG. 7A . The receptacles  38  are formed with complementary sides, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B . These complementary sides enable the receptacles  38  to be secured together to form the upper section  50  of the central hub  48 . A cap  56  ( FIG. 8A ) secures a plurality of receptacles  38  together thereby form the upper section  50 . The middle section of the center hub comprises a plurality of inner roof supports  28  secured around a central point. The upper ends of the inner roof supports are positioned within receptacles  38  and the lower ends of the inner roof supports are positioned within receptacles  30 . The lower section of the center hub comprises a plurality of receptacles  30  secured together. The receptacles  30  are formed with complementary sides, similar to sides of receptacles  38 . These complementary sides enable the receptacles  30  to be secured together to form the lower section  54  of the central hub  48 . A cap  58  ( FIG. 7A ) is secured to the bottom portions of the receptacles  30  and provides assistance in holding the plurality of receptacles  30  together. 
         [0098]    The outer portions of the lower roof rafters  24  are secured to the upper portions of support posts  14  in a manner illustrated in  FIG. 7C . A slot is provided in the top of support post  14  and an end portion of a lower roof rafter  24  is placed into the slot. A plurality of fasteners  60  secure each of the support posts  14  to each roof rafter  24 . A plurality of roof rafter assemblies are attached to each of the support posts and secured together by caps  56  and  58  to form a support for the roofs ( FIG. 8A ). A wire  62  encircles the support posts  14 . It can be secured to an outer surface of support posts  14  or passed through a portion of the support posts  14 . The wire helps hold the upper portion of the gazebo together and oppose any radial outwardly forces. 
         [0099]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B  upper roof fascia boards  64  are secured between the outer ends of upper roof rafters  26 . The ends of the upper roof fascia boards are placed into slots  66  formed in an outer portion of the upper roof rafters  26 ,  FIG. 8B . In the embodiment illustrated there are 8 fascia boards. The upper fascia boards  64  can also be secured to the upper roof rafters  26  by fasteners, friction or other securing means. The upper roof fascia boards  64  provide stability to the upper roof rafters so that they will maintain a substantially fixed position relative to each other. This positioning of the upper roof rafters enables upper roof panels  68  to be secured between the upper roof rafters. The upper roof panels are provided with a flange  70  which extends along each longitudinal side. The flange  70  is designed to be placed into a slot  72  which extends longitudinally along both sides of an upper portion of upper roof rafter  26 , FIG.  9 B. The upper roof panels are slid up along the upper roof rafters into their final position wherein the narrow portion of the upper roof panel is positioned below cap  56 . Once the roof panels are in their final position they are also secured to the upper roof fascia boards  64  by fasteners or other securing means. Trim elements  74  are secured over the top portion of each of the upper roof raters, as illustrated in  FIG. 10A . A cap  76  is placed over each outer open end of each of the upper roof rafters  26  and secured in place as illustrated in  FIG. 10B . 
         [0100]    A wire or cable  67  extends through each of the support posts  14  and lower roof rafters  24 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 9A . The wire or cable is substantially circular and one end of the wire or cable is secured to the other end of the wire or cable by a turnbuckle  69  or similar device ( FIG. 9A ). The wire or cable helps to secure and hold the supports posts and roof rafters together. Other means could be used in place of the wire or cable as long as it performed the same or similar function. The wire or cable could also extend through other elements of the gazebo as long as it performed the same or a similar function. The number of walls which the gazebo has determines the shape of the wire or cable. 
         [0101]    Referring to  FIGS. 11A and 11B  upper roof railings  78  are secured in between the outer roof supports  46 . In the embodiment illustrated herein there are 8 upper roof railings. The number of upper roof railings preferably corresponds to the number of outer roof supports. As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 11B  each of the outer roof supports  46  has at least two apertures  80 . Preferably there are two apertures  80  on a first side of outer roof support  46  and two apertures on a side of outer roof support  46  opposite the first side. The ends  82  of the upper roof railings are placed into apertures  80 . The upper roof railings are held in place by the fact that the railings  78  are longer than the distance between the outer roof supports  46 . In addition the ends  82  of the upper roof railings can be secured to the outer roof supports  46  by fasteners, friction or other securing means. Preferably the shape of apertures  80  is the same or similar to the cross sectional shape of ends  82 . In a preferred embodiment that upper roof railings are formed from a plurality of individual elements such as a top rail, a bottom rail and individual pickets or balusters all of which are extruded. 
         [0102]      FIG. 12  illustrates the location of upper roof railing  78  within the upper roof by having one of the roof panels removed from the upper roof. A screen  79  can be secured within the upper roof railing, as shown in  FIG. 13 . Screen  79  can also be readily removed from upper roof railing  78 . 
         [0103]    Referring to  FIGS. 14A and 14B  primary lower roof fascia boards  84  are secured between the outer ends of lower roof rafters  24 . The ends of the primary lower roof fascia boards are placed into slots  88  formed in an outer portion of the lower roof rafters  24 ,  FIG. 14B . In the embodiment illustrated there are 8 primary fascia boards. The primary lower roof fascia boards  84  provide stability to the lower roof rafters so that they will maintain a substantially fixed position relative to each other. The primary lower fascia boards can also be secured to the lower roof rafters  24  by fasteners, friction or other securing means  85  as illustrated in  FIG. 15A . A sleeve  87  can also be placed over the securing means  85  prior to securing it to the lower roof rafter. This positioning of the lower roof rafters enables lower roof panels  68  to be secured between the lower roof rafters. 
         [0104]    The lower roof is also provided with secondary lower fascia boards  89 ,  FIGS. 16A ,  16 B. These secondary fascia boards  89  are secured within slots  91  in the lower roof rafters  24 . Fasteners  93  can be used to secure the secondary fascia boards to the lower roof rafters  24 , as illustrated in  FIG. 17A . 
         [0105]    The lower roof panels  90  are provided with a flange  92  ( FIG. 18B ) which extends along each longitudinal side of the lower roof panel. The flange  92  is designed to be placed into a slot  94  which extends longitudinally along both sides of an upper portion of lower roof rafter  24 ,  FIG. 18B . The lower roof panels  90  are slid up along the lower roof rafters into their final position wherein the narrow portion of the upper roof panel is positioned below the upper roof. Once the roof panels are in their final position they are also secured to the lower roof fascia boards  84  by fasteners or other securing means. Trim elements  96  are secured over the top portion of each of the lower roof raters, as illustrated in  FIGS. 22A and 22B . A cap  98  is placed over each outer open end of each of the lower roof rafters  24  and secured in place as illustrated in  FIGS. 223   a  and  23 B.  FIGS. 19A-C  and  21 A-C illustrate how a lower roof panel  90  is secured to the fascia boards using fasteners. 
         [0106]    Referring to  FIGS. 24A and 24B  lower roof railings  100  are secured in between the support posts  14 . In the embodiment illustrated there are 8 lower roof railings. As illustrated in  FIG. 24B  each of the support posts  14  has at least two apertures  102  in an upper portion. Preferably there are two apertures  102  on a first side of support post  14  and two apertures on a side of post  14  opposite the first side. The ends  104  of the lower roof railings are inserted into these apertures. The lower roof railings are held in place by the fact that the railings  100  are longer that the distance between the support posts  14 . In addition the ends  104  of the lower roof railings can be secured to the support posts  14  by fasteners, friction or other securing means. Preferably the shape of apertures  102  is the same or similar to the cross sectional shape of ends  104 . 
         [0107]    Referring to  FIGS. 16A ,  18 A,  20 A,  22 A,  23 A and  24 A hand rails  106  are placed in between support posts  14  at a lower portion of the support posts. Each of the support posts  14  has at least two apertures  108  in a lower portion of the post. Preferably there are two apertures  108  along a first side of support post  14  and two apertures  108  along another side of post  14  opposite the first side, as illustrated in  FIGS. 26A ,  27 B and  28 B. The ends  110  of hand rails  106  are inserted into the apertures  108  thereby securing the hand rails to the support posts  14 . The hand railings are held in place by the fact that the railings  106  are longer that the distance between the support posts  14 . Preferably the shape of the apertures  108  is the same or similar to the cross sectional shape of the ends  110  of the hand rails. In addition, other means such as fasteners can be employed to secure the handrails to support posts  14 . In the embodiment illustrated there are 7 hand rails, see  FIG. 1 . A hand rail is not secured between support posts  14  wherever an entrance/exit is desired for access to the interior of the gazebo. Although one entrance/exit is shown, there can be a plurality of entrances/exits. 
         [0108]    Referring to  FIGS. 29A-31B  the upper roof of the gazebo comprises a plurality of upper roof panels  112 . In the embodiment illustrated herein there are 8 upper roof panels. Usually the number of upper roof panels corresponds to the number of sides of the gazebo. However, there could be any number of upper roof panels. In the illustrated embodiment there are 8 sides and 8 upper roof panels. Each of the upper roof panels  112  comprises an upper portion  114  and a lower portion  116 . Each upper and lower portion includes a top member and a bottom member. The top member  118  of the upper portion  114  is illustrated in  FIGS. 29A ,  30 A and  31 A. The bottom member  120  of the upper portion  114  is illustrated in  FIG. 31A . The bottom member  122  of the lower portion  116  is illustrated in  FIGS. 29A ,  30 A and  31 A. The top member of the lower portion is not illustrated. The top members of the upper and lower portions of the roof panels have a plurality of roof shingles molded therein. The underside of the top member  120  of the upper portion is illustrated in  FIGS. 29B ,  30 A and  31 B. As can be seen in these Figures a plurality of roof shingles are molded into the member. 
         [0109]    The upper portion  114  of the roof panel  112  is connected to the lower portion  116  of the roof panel utilizing projections  124  formed or molded onto the upper portions of the roof panel. These projections cooperate with apertures  126  and slots  128  formed on the lower portion  116  of the roof panel. In order to connect the upper and lower portions of the roof panels together the projections  124  are placed into slots  126 , as illustrated in  FIG. 29B . Upper portion  114  is then slid toward the right ( FIGS. 29B and 30B ) so that projection  124  engages slot  128  to secure the upper and lower portions  114  and  116  together. Of course the locations of the projections, apertures and slots could be reversed so the projections  124  were on the lower portion  116  and the apertures  126  and slots  128  were on the upper portion  114 . 
         [0110]    Referring to  FIGS. 32A-34B  the lower roof of the gazebo comprises a plurality of lower roof panels  90 . In the embodiment illustrated herein there are 8 lower roof panels. Usually the number of lower roof panels corresponds to the number of sides of the gazebo. However, there could be any number of lower roof panels. In the illustrated embodiment there are 8 sides and 8 lower roof panels. Each of the lower roof panels  90  comprises an upper portion  130  and a lower portion  132 . Each upper and lower portion includes a top member and a bottom member. The top member  134  of the upper portion  130  is illustrated in  FIGS. 32A ,  33 A and  34 A. The bottom member  136  of the upper portion  130  is illustrated in  FIG. 32A . The bottom member  138  of the lower portion  132  is illustrated in  FIGS. 32A ,  33 A and  34 A. The top member of the lower portion is not illustrated. The top members of the upper and lower portions of the roof panels have a plurality of roof shingles molded therein. The underside of the top member  134  of the upper portion is illustrated in  FIGS. 32A , and  33 A. As can be seen in these figures a plurality of roof shingles are molded into the member  134 . 
         [0111]    The upper portion  130  of the roof panel  90  is connected to the lower portion  132  of the roof panel utilizing projections  140  formed or molded onto the upper portions of the roof panel. These projections cooperate with apertures  142  and slots  144  formed on the lower portion  132  of the roof panel. In order to connect the upper and lower portions of the roof panels together the projections  140  are placed into slots  144 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21B . Upper portion  130  is then slid toward the right ( FIGS. 32B and 33B ) so that projection  140  engages slot  144  to secure the upper and lower portions  130  and  132  together. Of course the locations of the projections, apertures and slots could be reversed so the projections  140  were on the lower portion  132  and the apertures  142  and slots  144  were on the upper portion  130 . 
         [0112]    A fan can optionally be installed in the gazebo  10 . The fan, not shown could be secured to a box  146  constructed and arranged to support the fan and provide electrical power to the fan, as illustrated in  FIG. 35 . Box  146  is secure to cap  58  which in turn is secured to the bottom portions of receptacles  30  and holds the receptacles  30  together, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A . Another box  148  is secured to another cap  56 . Cap  56  secures a plurality of receptacles  38  together, as illustrated in  FIG. 8A . A rod or similar member  150  is secured to box  146  and box  148 . This provides and optional structure to help secure the upper, middle and lower sections of the center hub together. Electrical power is supplied to the fan by wires or other electrical transmitting devices which are connected to a source of electrical power. The wires are next run to an up the support posts  14 , through the lower roof rafters  24  and into the electrical box  146 . Other paths for the electrical wires are also possible. The different paths would be determined by the structure of the gazebo, the needs of the builder, aesthetic appearances, building codes, etc. 
         [0113]    Another embodiment of the gazebo is illustrated in  FIG. 36 . In this embodiment the gazebo has a single roof in place of the upper and lower roofs. 
         [0114]    A further embodiment of the gazebo is illustrated in  FIG. 37 . In this embodiment the side portions of the gazebo include partial side walls  152 , screens  154  and a door  156 . 
         [0115]    A still further embodiment of the gazebo is illustrated in  FIG. 38 . In this embodiment solid molded panels or a plastic sheet  158  can be placed over the screens  154  to enable the gazebo to be utilized in the winter and to protect items within the gazebo from the elements of the weather. 
         [0116]      FIG. 39A-C  illustrate the preferred manner in which an upper screen  160  is secured to the gazebo. A plurality of pivoting fasteners  163  are secured to the top rail of the hand rail  106  by fasteners  164 . When a screen is to be installed or removed the fasteners  162  are pivoted to their horizontal position. After the screen has been placed in position, the fasteners  162  are pivoted to their vertical position thereby securing the upper screen in position. 
         [0117]      FIG. 40  illustrates roof panel tabs  166  which help to secure the upper portion of the upper screen  160  to the gazebo. A groove  168  in the hand rail  106  and a groove  170  in the secondary fascia board also secure the upper screen within the gazebo. Other methods of securement can also be employed. 
         [0118]      FIG. 41  illustrates a lower screen panel  172  secured to the hand rail  106 . A plurality of pivoting fasteners  174  and  176  secure lower screen panel  172  to the hand rail  106 . 
         [0119]      FIGS. 42A-C  illustrate the door supports  178  which are required when eve a door is secured to the gazebo. 
         [0120]      FIGS. 43A  and B illustrate the manner in which the door support  178  is fastened to a support post  14  utilizing fasteners  180 . 
         [0121]      FIGS. 44A-C  illustrated another manner of securing door support  178  to support post  14  using toggle bolts  182 . 
         [0122]      FIGS. 45A  and B illustrated the manner in which an upper door attaching support  184  is secured to a roof railing utilizing fasteners  186 . 
         [0123]      FIGS. 46A-C  illustrate the manner in which a door frame  188  is secured to the support posts  14  utilizing fasteners  190 . 
         [0124]      FIGS. 47   a  and B illustrate a screen  192  secured in position above a screen door  194 . 
         [0125]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0126]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0127]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4