WO2012168750A1

WO2012168750A1 - Tree house assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2012168750A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/001288
Authority: WO
Inventors: Divyaraj SINGH
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-06-10
Filing date: 2011-06-10
Publication date: 2012-12-13
Anticipated expiration: 2013-12-10

Abstract

A tree house supporting structure (3) and a tree house assembly (1) with said supporting structure are provided. The tree house supporting structure (3) comprises: a first pillar (6); a second pillar (7) located at the side of the first pillar; a plurality of steel beams (8) mounted horizontally over the first pillar and the second pillar; each of the first pillar and the second pillar together with the steel beams forming a first cantilever truss (12) and a second cantilever truss (13) which provide support for a floor (14) of the tree house; a plurality of steel/aluminium tubes (9) extending vertically upward from said plurality of steel beams and providing support for one or more walls (15) of the tree house; and one or more roof trusses (10) mounted over said plurality of steel/aluminium tubes, which provide support for a roof (16) of the tree house.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

TREE HOUSE ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tree house assembly which is easy and convenient to build and does not require support from a tree. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tree house supporting structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As it is conventionally known, a tree house is constructed using support from a tree. More specifically, a tree house is constructed using support from the trunk and branches of a tree, where the tree house platform is nailed or clamped with the tree. The tree needed for supporting a tree house should be mature, healthy and strong enough to support plenty of weight. An ideal tree is one which has thick and sturdy branches that can support plenty of weight and which grow horizontally (parallel to the ground).

Further, the tree must have roots that go deep into the ground and the trunk of the tree should be strong. Also, it is very important to determine that the tree should not have any diseases or parasites that could weaken it. Thus, the choice of a tree for constructing a tree house is often limited. Generally, most ideal trees for constructing a tree house are oak, beech, maple, fir and hemlock, however, it is very difficult to find such kind of trees in the right location and thus it is very difficult to build a tree house in locations such as in a garden or in the backyard of a house.

Furthermore, constructing a tree house is a very daunting job, as no pre-built system exists which can be used to construct a tree house. Some designs for constructing a tree house are available in books, but require advance knowledge and expertise. Also, for constructing a tree house one has to consider many things such as the view along with how much wind exposure the tree has, branch thickness, locations on the trunk of the tree where the support structures can be nailed so that the tree house is stable. Many times the

] branches are not in the desired position and the trunk of the tree has bends or irregularities which make it difficult to provide better support and causes damage under windy and/or overload conditions. There are chances of accidents and injuries being caused to the people sitting inside the tree house, if the tree house falls in case of windy and/or overload conditions.

Therefore, there always existed a need to provide an alternative way of constructing a tree house that overcomes the above mentioned problems.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a tree house supporting structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tree house assembly which is easy and convenient to build and does not require support from a tree.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a tree house supporting structure, characterized by: a first pillar; a second pillar located sideways of the first pillar; a plurality of steel beams mounted horizontally over the first and the second pillars, each of the said first pillar and the second pillar together with the steel beams forming a first and a second cantilever truss that provide a support for a floor of the tree house; a plurality of steel/aluminium tubes extending vertically upward from the said plurality of steel beams, said plurality of steel/aluminium tubes providing a support for one or more walls of the tree house; and one or more roof trusses mounted over the said plurality of steel/aluminium tubes, said one or more roof trusses providing a support for a roof of the tree house.

Also, the present invention relates to a tree house assembly, comprising: a tree house; a tree house supporting structure for supporting the said tree house; a staircase for providing a pathway to the said tree house from ground; a swing and slide arrangement connected to the said tree house supporting structure and/or the said tree house; and a tree located underneath the said tree house, wherein the said tree house supporting structure is hidden behind the tree.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 ,· illustrates the bird's eye view of the tree house assembly according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2, ilhistrates another bird's eye view of the tree house assembly with a tree according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3, illustrates an isometric view of the tree house assembly according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4, illustrates another isometric view of the tree house assembly according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5, illustrates yet another isometric view of the tree house assembly according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6, illustrates the structural drawing of the tree house assembly according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7, illustrates the sectional side view of the tree house assembly according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8, illustrates the first floor plan of the tree house assembly according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9, illustrates the second floor plan of the tree house assembly according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10, illustrates the third floor plan of the tree house assembly according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 1 , illustrates the bird's eye view of the tree house assembly according to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12, illustrates an isometric view of the tree house assembly according to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13, illustrates another isometric view of the tree house assembly according to another aspect of first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14, illustrates the sectional side view of the tree house assembly according to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15, illustrates the first floor plan of the tree house assembly according to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16, illustrates the second floor plan of the tree house assembly according to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17, illustrates the sectional side view of the tree house assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 18, illustrates the first floor plan of the tree house assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19, illustrates the second floor plan of the tree house assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20, illustrates the third floor plan of the tree house assembly according, to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21 , illustrates an isometric view of the tree house assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 22, illustrates another isometric view of the tree house assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23, illustrates the front elevation of the tree house assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24, illustrates the ground floor plan of the tree house assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 25, illustrates the first floor plan of the tree house assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 26, illustrates the second floor plan of the tree house assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 27, 28, 29 and 30 illustrate the structural drawings of the tree house assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The features of this invention are set forth with particularly in the detailed description. The invention together with its objects and advantages thereof may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify substantially like elements in the several figures. In the following description well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.

According to an aspect the present invention relates to a tree house supporting structure, further comprising a third pillar located at a first predetermined distance behind the first pillar or the second pillar for providing additional support or stability to the tree house under windy and/or overload conditions and wherein a length of the third pillar is greater than a length of the first pillar or the second pillar.

According to another aspect the present invention relates to a tree house supporting structure, further comprising a fourth pillar located at a second predetermined distance in front of the first pillar or the second pillar thereby creating a free space for locating a tree therein.

According to another aspect the present invention relates to a tree . house supporting structure, wherein the said fourth pillar is connected to the first pillar or the second pillar by means of a horizontal platform, said horizontal platform providing a support for a crawler cushion located over it.

According to yet another aspect the present invention relates to a tree house supporting structure, wherein each of the first pillar, second pillar, first cantilever truss and second cantilever truss are hidden behind the tree.

According to yet another aspect the present invention relates to a tree house supporting structure, wherein each of the first pillar and second pillar are disguised to look like trunk of a tree or bamboo rods with leaves by painting them and/or covering them with suitable fiber material. According to yet another aspect the present invention relates to a tree house supporting structure, wherein each of the first cantilever truss and second cantilever truss are disguised to look like branches of a tree with leaves by painting them and/or covering them with suitable fiber material.

According to a still another aspect the present invention relates to a tree house supporting structure, wherein in front of the first and second pillars a new tree is planted or an existing tree is trimmed.

According to a further aspect the present invention relates to a tree house assembly, comprising: a tree house; a tree house supporting structure for supporting the said tree house; a staircase for providing a pathway to the said tree house from ground; a swing and slide arrangement connected to the said tree house supporting structure and/or the said tree house; and a tree located underneath the said tree house, wherein the said tree house supporting structure is hidden behind the tree.

According to a still further aspect the present invention relates to a tree house supporting structure and a tree house assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the foregoing specification.

In general, the present invention provides an easy and convenient way to build a tree house assembly, wherein the tree house does not require support from the tree. The said objective is achieved by assembling or mounting the tree house over a tree house supporting structure. In other words, the present invention provides a tree house supporting structure for supporting a tree house. The said tree house supporting structure is designed in a way that it provides adequate support to the tree house under all conditions and especially under windy and/or overload conditions.

The following paragraphs describe the first embodiment of the present invention with reference to figures 1-16. Figures 1-10, shows a tree house assembly (1) according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, figures 1-5 shows a three dimensional representation, figure 6 shows a structural representation and figures 7-10 shows a two dimensional representation of the tree house assembly (1 ) according to an aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in figures 1-5 and 7, the tree house assembly (1) comprises a tree house (2), a tree house supporting structure (3) for supporting the tree house (2), a staircase (4) for providing a pathway to the tree house (2) from the ground, a swing and slide arrangement (5) connected to the said tree house supporting structure (3) and/or said tree house (2) and a tree located underneath the said tree house (2) for hiding the tree house supporting structure (3) and giving appearance of a natural tree house assembly. The tree may be located in such a way that that either a new tree can be planted or an existing tree can be trimmed to make space for the installation of the tree house supporting structure (3). The said tree house supporting structure (3) is designed in a way that it provides adequate support to the tree house (2). The tree house (2) may be assembled over the said supporting structure (3) or may be mounted in the case where the tree house (2) is pre- assembled. The swing and slide arrangement (5) may comprise at least one swing or at least one slide or at least one ladder or at least one climbing means or any combination thereof.

Now referring to figures 1 -7 and particularly to figure 6, it can be noticed that, the said tree house supporting structure (3) comprises of a first pillar (6), a second pillar (7) located sideways of the first pillar (6), a plurality of steel beams (8) mounted horizontally over the said first and second pillars (6, 7), a plurality of steel/aluminium square tubes (9) extending vertically from the said plurality of, steel beams (8) and one or roof trusses (10) mounted over the said plurality of steel tubes (9).

As shown in figures 3-7, each of the first pillar (6) and the second pillar (7) together with the steel beams (8) form a first cantilever truss (12) and a second cantilever truss (13) respectively for providing a support for a floor (14) of the tree house (2). The said cantilever trusses (12, 13) may be welded or bolted with the pillars (6, 7) and the steel beams (8).

Further, it can be noticed from figure 6, the plurality of steel/aluminium square tubes (9) are coupled to the plurality of steel beams (8) and extend vertically upward from them on all the sides of the tree house (2) for providing a support for the walls (15) of the tree house (2). Also, it can be noticed that one or more roof trusses (10) are mounted over the plurality of steel/aluminium square tubes (9) for providing a support for a roof (16) of the tree house (2).

Furthermore, it can be noticed from figures 6-10 and particularly from figures 6-7, the tree house supporting structure (3) comprises a third pillar (1 1) located at a first predetermined distance behind the first pillar (6) or the second pillar (7). The said third pillar (1 1) has a length that is greater than a length of the first pillar (6) or the second pillar (7) and provides an additional support or stability to the tree house (2) under windy and/or overload conditions. In this aspect of the first embodiment, the length of the first pillar (6) and the second pillar (7) is selected in such a way that the floor (14) of the tree house (2) is located at a distance of 16 feet from the ground level.

Referring again to figure 6 it can be noticed that, each of the first, second and third pillars (6, 7, and 1 1) are supported by RCC columns with RCC footings. Also, it can be noticed that the steel beams (8) are members B, C and D, where member B is the main beam forming cantilever trusses (12, 13) with the pillars (6, 7). These members are pre- engineered C or Z channels of 2-3 mm steel sheet of required depth. Member C is of the form of C or Z secondary channels that supports the super structure of the tree house (2) and member D is of the form of angle supports in average grid of 600x600 or below to support the floor. Further, it can be noticed that bison panels or wooden panels may be placed over the steel beams (8) to construct the floor (14) of the tree house (2). Similarly, bison panels or wooden panels may be placed over the steel/aluminium square tubes (9) to construct the walls (15) of the tree house (2). Further, roofing sheets (PPGI roofing sheets, aluminium roofing sheets, bare galvalume, tile profile sheets, etc) may be placed over the said one or more roof trusses (10) to construct the roof (16) of the tree house (2). In addition to the above mentioned components, the tree house supporting structure (3) may further comprise a fourth pillar (17) located at a second predetermined distance in front of the first pillar (6) or the second pillar (7) for defining a free space wherein the tree can be located, as shown in figure 3. However, it is not necessary to have a fourth pillar (17) and the tree can be located at any position in front of the first and the second pillars (6, 7). The main purpose of locating the tree is to hide the tree house supporting structure (3) and to give appearance of a natural tree house assembly.

The present invention provides a number of ways of locating a tree underneath the tree house (2). Some of them are listed here below:

1. A new tree may be planted in the free space mentioned above with the trunk extending till floor (14) and branches covering the tree house (2). In this case, the first pillar (6), second pillar (7), first cantilever truss (12) and the second cantilever truss (13) will be hidden behind the trunk and the branches of the tree.

2. A new tree may be planted in the free space mentioned above with the trunk passing through an opening in the floor (14) and branches covering the tree house (2). In this case, the first pillar (6), second pillar (7), first cantilever truss (12) and the second cantilever truss (13) will be hidden behind the trunk and the branches of the tree.

3. An existing tree may be trimmed to make space for the installation of the tree house supporting structure (3) and thereafter allowing the branches to spread and cover the tree house (2). In this case, the first pillar (6), second pillar (7), first cantilever truss (12) and the second cantilever truss (13) will be hidden behind the trunk and the branches of the tree.

4. A new tree may be planted or an existing tree may be trimmed in front of the first and second pillars (6, 7) with the trunk extending till floor (14) and branches covering the tree house (2). In this case, the first pillar (6), second pillar (7), first cantilever truss (12) and the second cantilever truss (13) will be hidden behind the trunk and the branches of the tree.

Since, it takes around 3-6 years for a tree to grow the present invention provides an alternative way of hiding the tree house supporting structure (3). In this case, the first pillar (6) and the second pillar (7) may be disguised to look like trunk of the tree or bamboo rods with leaves by painting them and/or by covering them with suitable fiber material. Similarly, the first cantilever truss (12) and the second cantilever truss (13) may be disguised to look like branches of the tree with leaves by painting them and/or by covering them with suitable fiber material.

Additionally, it can be noticed from figures 3 and 7, the fourth pillar (17) may be connected or linked to the first pillar (6) or the second pillar (7) by means of a horizontal platform (18). The said horizontal platform (18) provides a support for a crawler cushion (19) located over it. Further, it can be noticed that the said horizontal platform ( 18) provides a support for the swing and slide arrangement (5) connected to it. More specifically, the said horizontal platform (18) provides a support for the slide and ladder connected to it. With the attachment of the crawler cushion (19) along with the swing and slide arrangement (5), the tree house assembly (1) of the present invention may be used as a play center for children.

Figures 1 1 -16, shows a tree house assembly (1) according to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, figures 1 1 -13 shows a three dimensional representation and figures 14-16 shows a two dimensional representation of the tree house assembly (1 ) according to another aspect of the first embodiment.

The tree house assembly (1) according to this aspect of the first embodiment is same as the one described above. In this aspect of the first embodiment, the length of the first pillar (6) and the second pillar (7) is selected in such a way that the floor (14) of the tree house (2) is located at a distance of 8 feet from the ground level. The following paragraphs describe the second and the third embodiments of the present invention with reference to figures 17-20 and 21 -30 respectively.

The tree house assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown in figures 17-20 and is referred by reference numeral (Γ). The tree house assembly ( ) is mainly similar to the tree house assembly (1). The tree house assembly (1 ') differs from the tree house assembly (1) in the following points:

1. The tree house assembly ( ) is provided with an additional deck at 8 feet 4 inch level, as shown in figures 17-20. The said deck may provide an extra sitting space.

2. The third pillar is not present in the tree house assembly (1 '). In this case additional support or stability under windy and /or overload conditions is achieved by increasing the strength of the first pillar, second pillar, steel beams and the cantilever trusses.

3. The design of the staircase is also different as shown in figure 17.

Similarly, the tree house assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention is shown in figures 21-30 and is referred by reference numeral (1 "). The tree house assembly (1 ") is mainly similar to the tree house assembly (1 ). The tree house assembly (1 ") differs from the tree house assembly (1) in the following points:

1. The third pillar is not present in the tree house assembly (1 "). In this case additional support or stability under windy and /or overload conditions is achieved by increasing the strength of the first pillar, second pillar, steel beams and the cantilever trusses.

3. The design of the staircase is also different as shown in figures 21 , 22 and 28.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

1. The tree house assembly of the present invention is easy to build as all the parts used to construct it are pre-built. One has to just prepare a proper pit to install the tree house supporting structure and assemble the parts over them.

2. The present invention provides a flexible design of constructing a tree house assembly, wherein one can plant a new tree or trim an already existing tree. 3. The present invention provides a stable structure for a tree house assembly, using latest engineering technology, tools.

4. The present invention provides a safe and stable structure for a tree-house assembly that can be designed according to country specific standard code for load capacity.

5. The present invention provides a compact design for constructing a tree house assembly.

6. The tree house assembly of the present invention is true to the definition of an ideal tree house assembly as the tree house supporting structure can be well camouflaged by the trunk and the branches of the tree.

7. The present tree house assembly with air passing through the leaves and chirrping of birds on branches of the tree around the balcony creates relaxing conditions for people in tree house.

8. The tree house assembly of the present invention can also be used by hunters for hunting and as a place of hiding.

9. The tree house assembly of the present invention can also act as a play center for children by assembling swings and slides.

10. The present invention provides an easy access to the tree house with a good design of staircase around the pillars. This provides a convenient and less tiring approach to reach the tree house without much risk. '

11. In the present invention as the tree is not required to support the tree house, one can plant a tree of his/her choice. Hence, provides freedom to choose ideal location to build a tree-house. Even if the tree dies down or gets damaged due to termites or strong wind or rain, a new tree can be planted.

12. The tree house assembly of the present invention provides greater flexibility by varying the height of the tree house supporting structure. In the embodiments described above, the height of the tree house supporting structure varies between 8 feet-20 feet, more preferably, 12ft-16feet. Top of tree trunk could be realized underneath the floor of the house. Alternatively, the trunk of the tree can be passed through the balcony of the tree-house. The present invention is described with reference to the figures and specific embodiments; this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various alternate embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such alternative embodiments form part of the present invention.

ANNEXURE B

INDEX

FIGURES 6 AND 29

DOORS: MADE OUT OF PRESSED STEEL SECTION 80X50 MM. FRAME SCREWED TO FRAME OF STRUCTURE PANEL OUT OF W/P FLUSH DOORS WITH C/P FITTINGS.

WINDOWS: POWDER COATED AL. FRAMES & SLIDING FULLY GLAZED SHUTTER WITH SEPARATE STEER SAFETY GRILL.

WALLS: FABRICATED OUT OF SQUARE TUBE SECTION. FINISHED WITH EXTERNAL BISON PANEL BOARD WITH WOOD TEXTURE/PAINTED TO GIVE WOOD LOOK.

FINISHED INTERNALLY BY FIXING 9MM TH. BISON PANEL/PAINTED INTERNALLY BY TEXTURED PAINT.

ROOF: PPGI (GALVALOUME COLOR COATED SHEET, GREEN COL.). ROOFING FIXED WITH SELT TAPPING SCREW.

FLOORING: AVG. 2'X2' BISON BOARD 12MM TH. SUPPORTED OVER GRID OF 2'X2' (AVG) T SECTION FLOOR FINISH WITH RUSTIC TILES FIXED WITH ADHESIVES.

BUILT UP SECTION (PEB): BUILT UP SECTION OUT OF 5-8 MM TH. PLATES (350MPa)

TIE BARS: 12MM Φ

BUILT UP SECTION (PEB): CANTILEVER BEAM

STEEL LADDER: STEEL LADDER (STAIR) WITH WOOD PLANK FINNISH TREAD

Bi MAIN BEAMS

Cj_SECONDARY SUPPORT BEAM (C-CHANNEL) D: FLOORING SUPPORT T-SECTION

FIGURE 27 RCC COLUMN FOOTING; TO SUPPORT MAIN PRE ENGINEERED COLUMN RCC; RCC 100MM THICK

FIGURE 30

Aj_COLUMN (BUS) OUT OF 5-8 MM TH. PLATE SEC.

B: MAIN BEAMS

Cj_SECONDARY SUPPORT BEAM (C-CHANNEL)

D: FLOORING SUPPORT T-SECTION

Claims

I Claim:

1. A tree house supporting structure, characterized by:

a first pillar;

a second pillar located sideways of the first pillar;

a plurality of steel beams mounted horizontally over the first and the second pillars, each of the said first pillar and the second pillar together with the steel beams forming a first and a second cantilever truss that provide a support for a floor of the tree house;

a plurality of steel/aluminium tubes extending vertically upward from the said plurality of steel beams, said plurality of steel/aluminium tubes providing a support for one or more walls of the tree house; and

one or more roof trusses mounted over the said plurality of steel tubes, said one or more roof trusses providing a support for a roof of the tree house.

2. The tree house supporting structure as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising: a third pillar located at a first predetermined distance behind the first pillar or the second pillar for providing additional support or stability to the tree house under wind and/or overload conditions and wherein a length of the third pillar is greater than a length of the first pillar or the second pillar.

3. The tree house supporting structure as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising: a fourth pillar located at a second predetermined distance in front of the first pillar or the second pillar thereby creating a free space for locating a tree therein.

4. The tree house supporting structure as claimed in claim 3, wherein the said fourth pillar is connected to the first pillar or the second pillar by means of a horizontal platform, said horizontal platform providing a support for a crawler cushion located over it.

5. The tree house supporting structure as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein each of the first pillar, second pillar, first cantilever truss and second cantilever truss are hidden behind the tree.

6. The tree house supporting structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the first pillar and second pillar are disguised to look like trunk of a tree or bamboo rods with leaves by painting them and/or covering them with suitable fiber material.

7. The tree house supporting structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the first cantilever truss and second cantilever truss are disguised to look like branches of a tree with leaves by painting them and/or covering them with suitable fiber material.

8. The tree house supporting structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein in front of the first and second pillars a new tree is planted or an existing tree is trimmed.

9. A tree house assembly, comprising:

a tree house;

a tree house supporting structure for supporting the said tree house;

a staircase for providing a pathway to the said tree house from ground;

a swing and slide arrangement connected to the said tree house supporting structure and/or the said tree house; and

a tree located underneath the said tree house, wherein the said tree house supporting structure is hidden behind the tree.

10. A tree house supporting structure and a tree house assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the foregoing specification.