Multifunctional Design Housing Components

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 17/346,385, filed on Jun. 14, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/065,556, filed Aug. 14, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/039,214, filed Jun. 15, 2020, each of which the entire contents are incorporated herein by reference.

The disclosure relates generally to building materials and, more particularly, to building components for outdoor structures.

Outdoor structures such as pergolas and gazebos provide an area for the enjoyment of an outdoor space. These outdoor structures can be made of wood and include vertical posts that support cross beams. The outdoor structures may be used to provide full or partial shade from the sun or rain protection, thereby allowing for a more enjoyable outdoor experience, such as for dining or recreation purposes.

In some embodiments, a multifunctional design housing includes an outer case including a back wall, a first side wall extending forward from a first back wall edge and a second side wall extending forward from a second back wall edge. The multifunctional design housing further includes a front opening between a first side wall front edge and a second side wall front edge, where the front opening provides access to an interior volume within the outer case. The multifunctional design housing also includes a conduit control arm, where the conduit control arm includes a support element spaced forward from the back wall and coupled to the outer case by a spacing element, and where a back surface of the conduit control arm is in contact with the interior volume.

In some embodiments, a multifunctional design housing includes an outer case including a back wall, a first side wall extending forward from a first back wall edge and a second side wall extending forward from a second back wall edge. The multifunctional design housing further includes a first front opening and a second front opening between a first side wall front edge and a second side wall front edge, where the first front opening provides access to a first interior volume within the outer case and the second front opening provides access to a second interior volume within the outer case. The multifunctional design housing also includes a conduit control arm, where the conduit control arm includes a support element spaced forward from the back wall and coupled to the outer case by a spacing element. Further, a back surface of the conduit control arm is in contact with the first interior volume and the second interior volume.

In some embodiments, an ornamental structure includes at least one multifunctional design housing. The multifunctional design housing includes an outer case including a back wall, a first side wall extending forward from a first back wall edge and a second side wall extending forward from a second back wall edge. The multifunctional design housing further includes a front opening between a first side wall front edge and a second side wall front edge, where the front opening provides access to an interior volume within the outer case. The multifunctional design housing also includes a conduit control arm, where the conduit control arm includes a support element spaced forward from the back wall and coupled to the outer case by a spacing element, and where a back surface of the conduit control arm is in contact with the interior volume. The ornamental structure further includes lights disposed with the interior volume, where there is an unobstructed path between the lights and the front opening.

The description of the preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of these disclosures. In this description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise, and includes terms such as “directly” coupled, secured, etc. The term “operatively coupled” is such an attachment, coupling, or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

Turning to the drawings,shows an example ornamental structurelocated adjacent a house. Ornamental structuremay be a pergola, for example, that allows for the enjoyment of an outdoor space. The ornamental structurecan include a front beam, a middle beam, and a back beameach positioned between a first side beamand a second side beam. The ornamental structurefurther includes a plurality of louversA positioned between front beamand middle beam, and a plurality of louversB positioned between middle beamand back beam. Ornamental structurealso includes a first postA and a second postB. Each of first postA and second postB are coupled to front beam. For example, each of first postA and second postB may be secured to front beamwith nails, glue, brackets, or any other suitable securing mechanism. Each of front beam, middle beam, back beam, first postA and second postB may be manufactured out of wood, plastic, plastic composite, metal (e.g., aluminum), or any other suitable material. LouversA,B may be manufactured out of wood, plastic, plastic composite, metal (e.g., aluminum), or any other suitable material.

In the example of, a portion of the ornamental structureis supported by the house. However, the portion of the ornamental structuresupported by the house could also be supported at the corners by additional postsC,D.

Ornamental structurefurther includes various multifunctional design housings that can hold components such as wiring and motorized screens. The wiring may provide power to various components including lighting (e.g., LED lighting), and to power electrical devices, such as motorized screens, motorized louvres, ceiling fans, etc. that are attached of used in connection with the ornamental structure. In this example, the multifunctional design housings include a first hood trackA and a second hood trackB. Each of first hood trackA and second hood trackB are secured to front beam. For example, the first hood trackA and the second hood trackB may be secured to front beamwith nails, screws, glues, brackets, or any other suitable securing mechanisms.

Although illustrated as a single first hood trackA, in some examples, first hood trackA includes multiple first hood tracksA coupled to each other longitudinally to span longer distances. In addition, each of the first hood trackA and second hood trackB may include LED strip lightingA,B, respectively.

Multifunction design housings also include a first column trackA and a second column trackB. First column trackA is secured to second postB, and second column trackB is secured to first postA. Although illustrated as a single first column trackA, in some examples, first column trackA includes multiple column tracksA coupled to each other (e.g., with clips, brackets, or attached to postB). Similarly, second column trackB may be a single second column trackB or, in some examples, may include multiple second column trackB coupled to each other.

In addition, first column trackA includes LED strip lightingA,B. Similarly, second column trackB includes LED strip lightingC,D.

The multifunction design housings, including first hood trackA, second hood trackB, first column trackA, and second column trackB, may each be manufactured out of wood, plastic, plastic composite, metal (e.g., aluminum), or any other suitable material.

illustrate a track componentthat includes an outer casewith a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wallopposite the first side wall. First side wallextends forward from a first back wall edge, and second side wallextends forward from a second back wall edge. Further, track componentincludes a front openingbetween a first side wall front edgeand a second side wall front edge. The front openingprovides access to an interior volumewithin the outer case.

Track componentalso includes a conduit control armwith a support elementspaced forward from the back walland coupled to the outer caseby a spacing element, where a front surfaceof the support elementis in contact with the interior volume. In some examples, a lateral cross-section of the conduit control armis generally L-shaped. In some examples, support elementincludes one or more lights, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In some embodiments, the one or more lightscan be secured along the front surfaceof the support element.

Spacing elementextends from back wall, thereby allowing room for components, such as wiring, to be supported by or run along a back surfaceof the of the support element. For example, as illustrated in, one or more cablesmay be supported by or run along the back surfaceof the of the support element. In this example, the back surfaceof the support elementis in contact with the interior volume.

In some examples, track componentincludes a uniform lateral cross-section (e.g., from first side wallto second side wallacross front opening). In some examples, the first back wall edgeand the second back walledge extend longitudinally (e.g., on either side of conduit control arm).

In this example, front openingincludes an elongated slotdefined by a first front opening edgeand a second front opening edge. In some examples, the support elementof the conduit control armis centered behind the elongated slot.

In some examples, track componentincludes a first front opening coveringadapted to be removably coupled to the first and second front opening edges,.illustrates first front opening coveringremoved from the first and second front opening edges,, whileillustrates first front opening coveringcoupled to the first and second front opening edges,. The conduit control armis spaced apart from the front opening coveringwhen the first front opening coveringis removably coupled to the first and second front opening edges,. To accommodate the coupling, front opening coveringmay include a first channeland a second channel. First channeland second channelare adapted to be removably coupled to the first and second front opening edges,. For example, each of the first and second front opening edges,may “snap” or slide into first channeland second channel, respectively, to secure the first front opening coveringto outer case. In some examples, first front opening coveringis translucent or transparent in order to obtain a desired lighting effect.

Trackmay be employed as a hood track, such as first hood trackA or second hood trackB, or as a column track, such as first column trackA or second column trackB, of an ornamental structure, such as ornamental structure.

illustrates lateral cross-sectional diagram of track component. The arrows indicate distances that may be determined prior to manufacturing.

illustrate a track componentincludes an outer casewith a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wallopposite the first side wall. First side wallextends forward from a first back wall edge, and second side wallextends forward from a second back wall edge. Further, track componentincludes a first front openingA and a second front openingB between a first side wall front edgeand a second side wall front edge. The first front openingA provides access to a first interior volumeA within the outer case, and the second front openingB provides access to a second interior volumeB within the outer case.

Track componentalso includes a conduit control armwith a support elementspaced forward from the back walland coupled to the outer caseby a spacing element, where a back surfaceof the conduit control armis in contact with the first interior volumeA and the second interior volumeB. First interior volumeA and second interior volumeB are separated by spacing element. In some examples, the first interior volumeA and the second interior volumeB include a similar amount of space (e.g., each may include near 50% of their total volume). In some examples, heights of the first side wall, the second side wall, and the conduit control armare the same. In this example, a front surfaceof the conduit control armis on an exterior of the track component.

In some examples, spacing elementextends from the back wallof the outer caseto an intermediate portion of the support element. In some examples, a lateral cross-section of the conduit control armis generally T-shaped. Support elementincludes a first support element longitudinal edgeand a second support element longitudinal edgeopposite the first support element longitudinal edge. In some examples, at least one side of the support elementincludes a conduit retention ridge extending rearwardly. In this example, support elementincludes a first conduit retention ridgeand a second conduit retention ridgeeach extending rearwardly. As illustrated in, one or more sets of cablesmay be supported by or run along a back surfaceof the support elementon either side of spacing element.

In this example, first front openingA includes a first slotand second front openingB includes a second slot, each of the first slotand second slotlocated on opposite sides of the spacing element. The first slotis defined by a first slot inner edgeand a first slot outer edge, and the second slotis defined by a second slot inner edgeand a second slot outer edge. As illustrated, in some examples the opposing first and second longitudinal edges,of the support elementinclude the first slot inner edgeand the second slot inner edge, respectively. In some examples, the first side walland the second side wallinclude the first slot outer edgeand the second slot outer edge, respectively.

In some examples, the back wallincludes at least one channel aligned with either the first slotor the second slot. In this example, the back wallincludes a first channelaligned with the first slot, and a second channelaligned with the second slot.

In some examples, track componentincludes a first slot coveringadapted to be removably coupled to the first slot inner edgeand the first slot outer edge. For example, the first slot coveringmay be slidably coupled, snapably coupled, or screwed to each of the first slot inner edgeand the first slot outer edge. In some examples, track component includes a second slot coveringadapted to be removably coupled to the second slot inner edgeand the second slot outer edge. For example, the second slot coveringmay be slidably coupled, snapably coupled, or screwed to each of the second slot inner edgeand the second slot outer edge.

In some examples, at least one of the first slot coveringand the second slot coveringare translucent or transparent. For example, each of the first slot coveringand the second slot coveringmay be translucent or transparent. Whileillustrates first slot coveringand second slot coveringremoved the support element,illustrates first slot coveringremovably coupled to the first slot inner edgeand the first slot outer edge, and second slot coveringremovably coupled to the second slot inner edgeand the second slot outer edge.

Trackmay be employed as a hood track, such as first hood trackA or second hood trackB, or as a column track, such as first column trackA or second column trackB, of an ornamental structure, such as ornamental structure.

illustrate diagrams of track component. Referring to, track componentincludes a first back wall channelwithin first interior volumeA. First back wall channelis defined by a first back wall channel first walland a first back wall channel second wall. First back wall channelmay run longitudinally along first channel. Track componentalso includes a second back wall channelwithin second interior volumeB. Second back wall channelis defined by a second back wall channel first walland a second back wall channel second wall. Second back wall channelmay run longitudinally along second channel. The arrows inindicate distances that may be determined prior to manufacturing.

illustrate a track componentthat includes an outer casewith a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wallopposite the first side wall. First side wallextends forward from a first back wall edge, and second side wallextends forward from a second back wall edge. Further, track componentincludes a first front openingA and a second front openingB between a first side wall front edgeand a second side wall front edge. The first front openingA provides access to a first interior volumeA within the outer case, and the second front openingB provides access to a second interior volumeB within the outer case.

Track componentalso includes a conduit control armwith a support elementspaced forward from the back walland coupled to the outer caseby a spacing element, where a back surfaceof the conduit control armis in contact with the first interior volumeA and the second interior volumeB. First interior volumeA and the second interior volumeB are separated by spacing element. In some examples, the first interior volumeA and the second interior volumeB include a similar amount of space (e.g., each may include near 50% of their total volume). In some examples, heights of the first side wall, the second side wall, and the conduit control armare the same. In this example, a front surfaceof the conduit control armis on an exterior of the track component.

In some examples, spacing elementextends from the back wallof the outer caseto an intermediate portion of the support element. In some examples, the conduit control armis generally T-shaped. Support elementincludes a first support element longitudinal edgeand a second support element longitudinal edgeopposite the first support element longitudinal edge. In some examples, at least one side of the support elementincludes a conduit retention ridge extending rearwardly. In this example, support elementincludes a first conduit retention ridgeand a second conduit retention ridgeeach extending rearwardly. As illustrated in, one or more sets of cablesmay be run along a back surfaceof the support elementon either side of spacing element.

In this example, first front openingA includes a first slotand second front openingB includes a second slot, each of the first slotand second slotlocated on opposite sides of the spacing element. The first slotis defined by a first slot inner edgeand a first slot outer edge, and the second slotis defined by a second slot inner edgeand a second slot outer edge. As illustrated, in some examples the opposing first and second longitudinal edges,of the support elementinclude the first slot inner edgeand the second slot inner edge, respectively. In some examples, the first side walland the second side wallinclude the first slot outer edgeand the second slot outer edge, respectively.

In some examples, the back wallincludes at least one channel aligned with either the first slotor the second slot. In this example, the back wallincludes a first channelaligned with the first slot, and a second channelaligned with the second slot.

In some examples, track componentincludes a first slot coveringadapted to be removably coupled to the first slot inner edgeand the first slot outer edge. For example, the first slot coveringmay be slidably coupled, snapably coupled, or screwed to each of the first slot inner edgeand the first slot outer edge. In some examples, track component includes a second slot coveringadapted to be removably coupled to the second slot inner edgeand the second slot outer edge. For example, the second slot coveringmay include a first edge channeland a second edge channelthat can be slidably coupled, snapably coupled, or screwed to each of the second slot inner edgeand the second slot outer edge, respectively.

In some examples, at least one of the first slot coveringand the second slot coveringare translucent or transparent. For example, each of the first slot coveringand the second slot coveringmay be translucent or transparent. Whileillustrates first slot coveringand second slot coveringremoved the support element,illustrates first slot coveringremovably coupled to the first slot inner edgeand the first slot outer edge, and second slot coveringremovably coupled to the second slot inner edgeand the second slot outer edge.

Trackmay be employed as a hood track, such as first hood trackA or second hood trackB, or as a column track, such as first column trackA or second column trackB, of an ornamental structure, such as ornamental structure. Track component

illustrate diagrams of track component. Referring to, track componentincludes a first back wall channelwithin first interior volumeA. First back wall channelis defined by a first back wall channel first walland a first back wall channel second wall. First back wall channelmay run longitudinally along first channel. Track componentalso includes a second back wall channelwithin second interior volumeB. Second back wall channelis defined by a second back wall channel first walland a second back wall channel second wall. Second back wall channelmay run longitudinally along second channel. The arrows inindicate distances that may be determined prior to manufacturing.

illustrate a hood componentthat may be employed as a hood track, such as first hood trackA or second hood trackB, of an ornamental structure, such as ornamental structure. Hood componentincludes an outer casewith a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wallopposite the first side wall. First side wallextends forward from a first back wall edge, and second side wallextends forward from a second back wall edge. First side wallincludes a first end tabA, and second side wallincludes a second end tabB. First end tabA and second end tabB may extend longitudinally along the length of first side walland second side wall, respectively. First end tabA can be slidably coupled, snapably coupled, or suitable coupled to a first back wall channelA. Similarly, second end tabB can be slidably coupled, snapably coupled, or otherwise suitably coupled to a second back wall channelB. In some examples, there is a friction fit between first end tabA and first back wall channelA, and between second end tabB and second back wall channelB.

Further, track componentincludes a first front openingA and a second front openingB between a first side wall front edgeand a second side wall front edge. The first front openingA provides access to a first interior volumeA within the outer caseand the second front openingB provides access to a second interior volumeB. Track componentalso includes a conduit control armwith a spacing elementthat extends from the second side wallto an intermediate portion of a support element. A back surfaceof the conduit control armis in contact with each of the first interior volumeA and the second interior volumeB.

First interior volumeA and second interior volumeB are separated by spacing element. In some examples, a space of the second interior volumeB is less than 40% of the space of the total of the first interior volumeA and the second interior volumeB. In some examples, maximum distances from the back wallto an end of the first side wall, an end of the second side wall, and the support elementare the same. In some examples, a front surfaceof the conduit control armis on an exterior of the track component. A space element channelextends along a surface of the space elementand is in contact with the second interior volumeB.

First front openingA includes a first slotand second front openingB includes a second slot, each of first front openingA and second front openingB located on opposite sides of the spacing element. The first slotis defined by a first slot inner edgeand a first slot outer edge, and the second slotis defined by a second slot inner edgeand a second slot outer edge.

In some examples, hood componentincludes a slot coveringadapted to be removably coupled to second slot inner edgeand second slot outer edge. For example, the slot coveringmay include a first edge channeland a second edge channelthat can be slidably coupled, snapably coupled, or screwed to each of the second slot inner edgeand the second slot outer edge, respectively. Whileillustrates slot coveringremoved the support element,illustrates slot coveringremovably coupled to the second slot inner edgeand the second slot outer edge.

Hood componentfurther includes a screen rollthat may extend through the length of the first interior volumeA of one or more hood components. In this example, the screen rollis part of a retractable screen assemblythat includes a retractable screen, a weighting memberto assist during the lowering of the retractable screen, and bristlesthat may contact the ground when the retractable screenis lowered. The screen rollmay be electrically rotated to lower, or raise, the retractable screen. In some examples, retractable screen assemblyincludes a guide rod that extends through first front openingA. For example, the guide rod may support and allow the screen roll to rotate. The guide rod may extend through front openings of other components, such as through first front openingsA of other hood components.

illustrates hood componentcoupled to a track componentalong interface plane. Hood componentmay be secured to the track component,with nails, screws, glue, brackets, via soldering, or any other suitable securing mechanism. In some examples, hood componentmay be attached to adjacent portions of ornamental structure. In this example, retractable screencan raise and lower through first interior volumeA of track component. As such, in this example, track componentdoes not include first slot covering.

illustrate portions of hood component.illustrates a diagram of an end tab, such as first end tabA or second end tabB. End tabincludes a channeldefined by a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall.illustrates a diagram of first side wallwith an end tab.illustrates a diagram of back wallincluding a back wall channel, such as first back wall channelA and second back wall channelB. Back wall channelis defined by a first wallthat curves radially inward and includes a first wall end, and a second wallthat includes a second wall end. End tabmay couple to back wall channel. For example, end tabmay “snap” into back wall channel. In some examples, a friction fit is formed when end tabis inserted into back wall channel. A maximum distance between first walland second wallmay, in some examples, be greater than a maximum distance between first wall endand second wall end.illustrates a diagram of back wallwith first back wall channelA and second back wall channelB.

illustrates a diagram of an exemplary slot covering, such as first slot coveringand second slot coveringof, first slot coveringand second slot coveringof, or slot coveringof. Slot coveringincludes a first endwith a first edge channel, and a second endwith a second edge channel. The arrows indicate distances that may be determined prior to manufacturing. Slot coveringmay be manufactured such that it will couple to track component, track component, track component, or hood component.

In some examples, a multifunctional design housing includes an outer case comprising a back wall, a first side wall extending forward from a first back wall edge and a second side wall extending forward from a second back wall edge. The multifunctional design housing also includes a front opening between a first side wall front edge and a second side wall front edge, where the front opening provides access to an interior volume within the outer case. Further, the multifunctional design housing includes a conduit control arm with a support element spaced forward from the back wall and coupled to the outer case by a spacing element. A back surface of the conduit control arm is in contact with the interior volume.