WO2005094367A2 - Packaging system for a modular enclosure - Google Patents

Packaging system for a modular enclosure Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005094367A2
WO2005094367A2 PCT/US2005/010737 US2005010737W WO2005094367A2 WO 2005094367 A2 WO2005094367 A2 WO 2005094367A2 US 2005010737 W US2005010737 W US 2005010737W WO 2005094367 A2 WO2005094367 A2 WO 2005094367A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
shed
panel
panels
container
roof
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/010737
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2005094367A3 (en
Inventor
Barry D. Mower
Brent Steed
L. Curtis Strong
Jay Calkin
Rich Howe
Neil Watson
David C. Winter
Robert A. Astle
Kent Ashby
Troy William Nye
Original Assignee
Lifetime Products, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US29/202,299 external-priority patent/USD506267S1/en
Priority claimed from US29/202,291 external-priority patent/USD506266S1/en
Priority claimed from US29/202,267 external-priority patent/USD505497S1/en
Priority claimed from US29/204,811 external-priority patent/USD506268S1/en
Priority claimed from US29/204,812 external-priority patent/USD506011S1/en
Application filed by Lifetime Products, Inc. filed Critical Lifetime Products, Inc.
Priority to MXPA05013375A priority Critical patent/MXPA05013375A/en
Priority to CA2525833A priority patent/CA2525833C/en
Publication of WO2005094367A2 publication Critical patent/WO2005094367A2/en
Publication of WO2005094367A3 publication Critical patent/WO2005094367A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/343Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport
    • E04B1/34315Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport characterised by separable parts
    • E04B1/34321Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport characterised by separable parts mainly constituted by panels
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04HBUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H1/00Buildings or groups of buildings for dwelling or office purposes; General layout, e.g. modular co-ordination or staggered storeys
    • E04H1/12Small buildings or other erections for limited occupation, erected in the open air or arranged in buildings, e.g. kiosks, waiting shelters for bus stops or for filling stations, roofs for railway platforms, watchmen's huts or dressing cubicles
    • E04H1/1205Small buildings erected in the open air
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/343Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport
    • E04B1/34315Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport characterised by separable parts
    • E04B1/34317Set of building elements forming a self-contained package for transport before assembly

Definitions

  • Patent Application Serial No. 60/557,369 entitled SHED CONSTRUCTED FROM BLOW-MOLDED PLASTIC, which was filed on March 29, 2004.
  • This application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/586,387, entitled SHED CONSTRUCTED FROM BLOW-MOLDED PLASTIC, which was filed on July 8, 2004.
  • This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/202,299, entitled SHED, which was filed on March 29, 2004.
  • This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/202,291, entitled SHED CONSTRUCTED FROM BLOW-MOLDED PLASTIC, which was filed on March 29, 2004.
  • the invention generally relates to enclosures and, in particular, to modular enclosures.
  • enclosures are used for storing various items such as tools, machines, lawn care equipment, recreational equipment, athletic equipment, supplies and the like.
  • Conventional storage enclosures often include walls, a door, a floor and a roof.
  • the walls, door, floor and roof of typical storage enclosures often include one or more parts that are interconnected. The walls, door, floor and roof may then be attached to form the enclosure.
  • a well known type of storage enclosure is a shed.
  • Conventional sheds are typically relatively small structures that may be either freestanding or attached to another structure, and sheds are often used for storage and/or shelter.
  • conventional sheds often require a substantial amount of time, labor, skill and effort to build and construct.
  • Conventional sheds may include one or more windows or vents to allow light and air to enter the shed.
  • the windows and vents of many conventional sheds often require a number of interconnected components and are difficult to manufacture and install.
  • many conventional sheds are difficult to. repair, modify, change or rearrange because the sheds may be difficult or impossible to disassemble or dismantle.
  • Conventional sheds are often constructed from wood. Wooden sheds, however, are relatively heavy and require a large amount of time to construct and assemble. In particular, wooden sheds are frequently constructed from a large number of support beams, trusses, sidewalls and roof panels that are connected by a large number of screws or bolts. These numerous parts typically increase the costs of the shed and require a large amount of time and effort to construct the shed. In addition, wooden sheds typically deteriorate over time and often require continual maintenance. For example, conventional wooden sheds may be damaged by rotting or otherwise deteriorating when exposed to the elements. In addition, the wood may warp or decay over time. In order to help protect the wood from being damaged, conventional sheds must be periodically painted, stained or otherwise finished. Undesirably, this may result in significant maintenance costs.
  • Known sheds may also be constructed from metal.
  • the roof and walls of conventional metal sheds may be constructed from sheet metal.
  • the sheet metal is often flexible and easily damaged.
  • the sheet metal walls may be damaged by forces being applied to either the inner or outer walls of the shed. In particular, this may cause the walls to undesirably bow inwardly or outwardly and, in some circumstances, may create an opening in the wall.
  • the damaged sheet metal may be more susceptible to rust or corrosion and the damaged sheet metal may be very difficult to repair or replace.
  • conventional metal sheds often require a plurality of screws or bolts to assemble the shed, which may increase manufacturing costs and the time required to assemble the shed.
  • metal sheds often have a tendency to rust and deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to the elements. Thus, metal sheds may have to be painted or otherwise protected from rusting or oxidation.
  • the materials used to construct conventional sheds are often heavy and bulky. For example, many conventional sheds have a length of 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters), and a width of 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters).
  • known sheds are often 8 feet by 8 feet (2.4 by 2.4 meters), 8 feet by 10 feet (2.4 by 3 meters), 8 feet by 12 feet (2.4 by 3.7 meters), 10 feet by 12 feet (3 by 3.7 meters) or 12 feet by 12 feet (3.7 by 3.7 meters).
  • the components used to constructed these sheds are often elongated and may have a length of 6 feet (1.8 meters) or more and a width of 2 feet (0.6 meters) or greater. Accordingly, many of the components are large and bulky. In addition, if these components are constructed from wood or metal, then the components may be very heavy. Thus, the components of conventional sheds may be large, awkward, heavy and generally unwieldy.
  • a conventional shed having a width of 10 feet (3 meters), a length of 8 feet (2.4 meters) and a height of 7 feet (2.1 meters) that is constructed from polyvinylchloride (PNC) plastic is shipped in a box having a length of 96 inches (2.4 meters), a width of 48 inches (1.2 meters) and a height of 36 inches (0.9 meters).
  • PNC polyvinylchloride
  • the packaging has a volume of 96 cubic feet (2.7 cubic meters).
  • Another known shed which is constructed from blow-molded and injection-molded plastic, has a width of 7 feet (2.1 meters), a length of 7 feet (2.1 meters) and a height of 8 feet (2.4 meters) is shipped in a box that has a length of 78 inches (2 meters), a width of 48 inches (1.2 meters) and a height of 32 inches (0.8 meters).
  • This packaging has a volume of 69.3 cubic feet (2 cubic meters).
  • Still another known shed which is constructed from roto-molded plastic and plastic coated aluminum, has a width of 7 feet (2.1 meters), a length of 7 feet (2.1 meters) and a height of 8 feet, 8 inches (2.6 meters) is shipped in a box that has a length of 100 inches (2.5 meters), a width of 55 inches (1.4 meters) and a height of 50 inches (1.27 meters), and this packaging has a volume of 159.1 cubic feet (4.5 cubic meters) and a weight of 540 pounds (245 kilograms) including the packaging.
  • Still yet another known shed which is constructed from injection-molded plastic, has a width of 7 feet (2.1 meters), a length of 7 feet (2.1 meters) and a height of 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) is shipped in a box that has a length of 96 inches (2.4 meters), a width of 48 inches (1.2 meters) and a height of 46 inches (1.17 meters).
  • This packaging has a volume of about 69.3 cubic feet (1.9 cubic meters) and a weight of 350 pounds (159 kilograms) including the packaging.
  • a further known shed that is constructed from blow-molded plastic has a width of 7 feet (2.1 meters), a length of 15.5 feet (4.7 meters), and a height of 6.5 feet (2 meters) is shipped in a box that has a length of 96 inches (2.4 meters), a width of 48. inches (1.2 meters) and a height of 48 inches (1.2 meters), and this packaging has a volume of 128 cubic feet (3.6 cubic meters) and a weight of 548 pounds (249 kilograms) including the packaging.
  • Another conventional shed is constructed from roto-molded plastic and it has a width of 5.5 feet (1.7 meters), a length of 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a height of 6.5 feet (2 meters).
  • This known shed is shipped in packaging, having a length of 77 inches (1.96 meters), a width of 38 inches (0.96 meters), a height of 12 inches (0.3 meters) and a weight of 248 pounds (112 kilograma).
  • Still another conventional shed is constructed from extruded polypropylene and it has a width of 8 feet (2.4 meters), a length of 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a height of 7 feet (2.1 meters).
  • This shed is shipped in packaging having a length of 78 inches (2 meters), a width of 30 inches (0.76 meters), a height of 33 inches (0.84 meters) and a weight of 318 pounds (144 kilograms).
  • Yet another conventional shed is constructed from therrno- formed ABS plastic and it has a width of 8 feet (2.4 meters), a length of 8.
  • This shed is shipped in packaging having a length of 66 inches (1.68 meters), a width of 39.5 inches (1 meter), a height of 15 inches (0.38 meters) and a weight of 325 pounds (147 kilograms). Accordingly, the size and weight of many known sheds is substantial, which may greatly complicate and increase the costs of shipping.
  • Known storage sheds are also typically constructed of a variety of awkwardly shaped components, which can be difficult to ship and can be susceptible to damage if shipped.
  • large amounts of packaging materials may be required.
  • the packing material takes additional space in the packaging and the packing material increases the shipping costs.
  • custom packing materials may be required and the packing material may be irreparably damaged during shipping.
  • the packing material may not be reusable and may create a significant amount of waste. Further, it may require a significant amount of time to prepare these awkward components for shipping, and this may increase labor costs and decrease manufacturing efficiency.
  • the awkwardly shaped components often consume a large amount of area, which may increase the overall volume required to ship the shed and that may correspondingly increasing shipping costs.
  • sheds are subjected to a variety of adverse weather conditions and some conventional sheds may be damaged if they are constructed from weak materials or poorly assembled. For example, conventional sheds, may be damaged by heavy winds.
  • Known sheds may also have a flat or slightly sloped roof, which may allow snow to collect on the roof. Undesirably, the snow may damage the roof and, in extreme circumstances, may cause the roof to collapse.
  • the flat roofs may also allow water and other objects to collect on the roof, which may damage the roof and/or leak through the roof and into the shed.
  • One aspect is an enclosure that may be constructed from a number of components. At least some of the components may be interchangeable and the enclosure may be a modular enclosure.
  • kits may include a number of components that may be interchangeable and/or interconnected.
  • the components may also be part of a group and/or be available individually or separately.
  • Still another aspect is an enclosure that may include one or more components that may be interconnected to form a structure.
  • the structure may include walls, roof, floor, etc. and these components can be connected.
  • the components can be relatively quickly and easily connected and disconnected.
  • this may allow the components to be easily reconfigured, repaired and/or replaced.
  • this may allow the structure to be easily moved, reused and the like.
  • an enclosure that may be used in a variety of different situations and environments.
  • the enclosure may be used for storage and/or to protect items from the elements.
  • the enclosure may be a shed, but it will be appreciated that the enclosure may have a much wider applicability and may be used for a number of different purposes.
  • the enclosure may be illustrated and described in connection with a shed, the enclosure could have other suitable arrangements, configurations, designs, purposes and the like.
  • a further aspect is an enclosure, such as a shed, that may be at least partially constructed from relatively lightweight materials such as blow-molded plastic.
  • the blow-molded plastic components may be constructed from polyethylene with ultraviolet (UV) additives or inhibitors, if desired, but other suitable plastics and materials may be used to construct the shed.
  • the blow-molded plastic components may provide superior weathering and durability because, for example, the blow-molded plastic may be able to withstand the elements and it is generally impact resistant.
  • the blow-molded plastic components may be easy to clean and virtually maintenance free. For example, painting and finishing of the blow-molded plastic is not required.
  • the blow-molded plastic may include two walls that are separated by a distance. The double walls may create air pockets that help insulate the shed.
  • blow-molded plastic generally does not rust or otherwise deteriorate over time, and the blow-molded plastic is rodent and insect resistant.
  • constructing at least a portion of the shed from blow-molded plastic may allow the shed to be used in a wide variety of situations and environments.
  • a still further aspect is a shed that is at least substantially constructed from blow-molded plastic.
  • at least a portion of the walls, roof, floor and/or doors may be constructed from blow-molded plastic.
  • the gables, corners and other portions of the shed may also be constructed from blow-molded plastic.
  • the blow-molded plastic components may include finished interior and exterior surfaces.
  • the exterior surface could include one design or pattern and the interior surface could include another design or pattern.
  • the patterns on the opposing surfaces may include discrete points of intersection and depressions, which may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the components, may be located at those points.
  • Another aspect is a shed that may be constructed from lightweight materials so that the shed can be easily transported and shipped.
  • the shed is preferably constructed from lightweight materials so that a consumer can transport the shed and more easily assembly the shed.
  • a shed that may be sized and configured to be shipped and transported in relatively small sized packaging.
  • the components of the shed are sized and configured to fit within a limited area so that the size of the packaging is decreased or minimized.
  • a shed with a length of about 1 feet (3 meters), a width of about 8 feet (2.4 meters) and a height of about 8 feet (2.4 meters) is preferably sized and configured to fit within one package that is about 94 inches (2.38 meters) in length by about 31 inches (0.8 meters) in width by about 12 inches (0.3 meters) in height and a second package that is about 72 inches (1.8 meters) in length by about 31 inches (0.8 meters) in width by about 12 inches (0.3 meters) in height. This significantly decreases the size of the packaging in comparison to the packaging of conventional sheds.
  • Still another aspect is a shed that may include components constructed from plastic, such as high density polyethylene, and the plastic components may provide sufficient strength and rigidity to allow a strong and sturdy structure to be created.
  • various components of the shed may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, but other processes such as injection molding, rotary molding, compression molding and the like may also be used to construct the various components of the shed.
  • the blow-molded plastic components are desirably designed to create rigid, high-strength structures that are capable of withstanding repeated use and wear.
  • the blow-molded plastic components may be easily manufactured and formed into the desired size and shape.
  • the blow-molded plastic components can form structural elements of the shed to minimize the number of parts required to construct the shed.
  • blow-molded plastic components may be easily interconnected and disconnected, and the blow-molded plastic components may be simply and easily assembled and/or disassembled with minimum effort and tools. It will be appreciated that frames, braces, other support members, fasteners, and the like may also be used to support and construct the shed, if desired.
  • the shed may be relatively simple to manufacture because one or more of the components constructed from blow-molded plastic.
  • one or more features may be integrally formed in the blow-molded plastic components, such as a window or window frame.
  • the blow-molded plastic components may by strong and lightweight because the components may include two opposing walls that are spaced apart by a relatively small distance.
  • the blow-molded plastic components may include one or more depressions, connections or tack-offs that may interconnect the opposing surfaces and these depressions may further increase the strength of the components.
  • the blow-molded plastic components can desirably be formed in various shapes, sizes, configurations and designs, which may allow an attractive and functional shed that is available in a variety of configurations and sizes to be constructed.
  • a shed that may be quickly and easily assembled, which may reduce manufacturing and labor costs. For example, this may allow the manufacturer to quickly and easily assemble the shed. In addition, this may allow the manufacturer to ship the shed in an unassembled configuration and the consumer may quickly and easily assembly the shed. Advantageously, shipping the shed in the unassembled configuration may reduce manufacturing and shipping costs.
  • a shed that may contain one or more different types of connections between various components. For example, one or more of the walls may include a living hinge and that may allow the corners of the shed to be formed.
  • the roof top or cap, skylights, door, gables and/or shelves may also include one or more living hinges.
  • the living hinges may allow the shed to be quickly and easily assembled.
  • the living hinges allow these components to be moved between a generally flat or planar position and a folded or angled position.
  • these components may be efficiently packed and shipped in the generally planar configuration, which may significantly decrease the size of the packaging.
  • the living hinges are also generally impervious to the elements, such as wind or rain, which may increase the potential uses of the shed. Further, the living hinges may increase the strength and/or rigidity of the structure and/or the connection of the various components.
  • a shed may include one or more skylights.
  • the skylights are preferably located in the roof of the shed and, in particular, in the roof cap.
  • the skylights are preferably constructed from injection molded plastic and, as discussed above, the skylights may include a living hinge.
  • the skylights may be permanently fastened to the shed or at least a portion of the skylights may be selectively attached to the shed to form a vent or opening.
  • a further aspect is a shed that may include one or more doors that are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic.
  • the doors may include a rod or tube that preferably extends that entire length of the door to provide an upper and lower pivot point.
  • the rod or tube may also increase the strength and/or rigidity of the door.
  • the door may also include an outwardly extending flange or projection, which may be positioned proximate the rod or tube, that may help create a seal for the door.
  • a still further aspect is a shed that may include a door handle that allows the door to be more easily opened and closed.
  • the handle may also allow the door to be locked, if desired.
  • the handle may be connected to a metal strip or member that is located proximate the outer edge of the door.
  • the metal strip may extend the length of the door and it may reinforce and/or stiffen the door.
  • the metal strip may increase the mass or weight of the door, which may allow the door to be more easily opened and closed. The increased mass or weight may also improve the feel of the door when it is being opened or closed.
  • the door may also include an end piece and the metal strip may be disposed between the end piece and the door.
  • Another aspect is a shed that may include a plurality of panels that are interconnected.
  • the shed may include one or more floor panels, wall panels and/or roof panels that are interconnected.
  • the floor panels, wall panels and/or roof panels are connected to adjacent floor panels, sidewalls and/or roof panels, respectively, with one or more overlapping portions, to help securely connect the panels or walls.
  • the panels may include one or more extensions, flanges, projections, protrusions, etc., that extend outwardly from one panel and overlap with one or more receiving portions, notches, grooves, openings, etc. in the adjacent panel.
  • This may allow the panels to be interconnected.
  • the overlapping portions may be connected by fasteners, such as screws or bolts, or adhesives to help secure the panels together.
  • the overlapping portions may help prevent rain, snow, sunlight, foreign objects and the like from undesirably entering the shed.
  • a shed may include interconnected floor panels, interconnected wall panels and interconnected roof panels.
  • the connections between adjoining floor panels are not aligned with the connections of adjoining wall panels.
  • the connections of the adjoining wall panels are not aligned with the connections of the adjoining roof panels.
  • the connections of the floor panels are preferably offset from the connections of the wall panels, and the connections of the wall panels are preferably offset from the connections of the roof panels-
  • the floor panel connections are preferably offset from the wall panel connection by a distance, and the wall panel connections are preferably offset from the roof panel connection by a distance, but it will be appreciated that these connections may also be aligned at different angles or otherwise offset.
  • the offset connections may allow a strong and sturdy shed to be constructed. Additionally, the connections of the floor panels may be generally vertically aligned with the connections of the roof panels, " but these connections may also be offset. Further, the offset connections may allow trie size of the shed to be changed while still allowing a strong and rigid shed to be constructed.
  • a shed may include one or more floor panels, wall panels and/or roof panels, and one or more of these panels may be reinforced.
  • the floor, wall or roof panels may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and one or more reinforcing members may be disposed within the panels.
  • the reinforcing members may increase the strength and/or rigidity of the panels.
  • the reinforcing members may be encapsulated within the panels, which may protect the reinforcing members from the elements.
  • a further aspect is a shed that may include sidewalls that are directly connected to the floor.
  • the sidewalls may contain one of more protrusions or projections and the floor may include one or more openings or receiving portions.
  • the projections may be inserted into the receiving portions to securely connect the sidewalls to the floor.
  • this may allow the sidewalls to be connected to the floor by a friction, interference and/or snap fit connection, if desired.
  • the sidewalls and floor may also be connected by one or more fasteners, such as screws or bolts, if desired.
  • a still further aspect is a shed that may include a roof that is directly connected to the sidewalls.
  • the roof is connected to the sidewalls so that there is an overhang of the roof to the sidewalls.
  • this may allow water to run off the roof to the ground without contacting the sidewalls, which may help prevent water leaks and the water from marring or damaging the sidewalls.
  • the roof and sidewalls may be connected, for example, by one or more interlocking pieces such as a tongue and groove arrangement.
  • the roof and sidewalls may also be connected by one or more fasteners, such as screws or bolts, if desired.
  • a shed may include a gable and the gable may be connected to the sidewalls and the roof.
  • the gable may be connected to the sidewalls and/or roof by one or more interlocking pieces, such as a tongue and groove arrangement.
  • the gable may also be connected to the sidewalls and/or roof by one or more fasteners, such as screws or bolts, if desired.
  • the gable may also be connected to the sidewalls and/or roof by one or more tabs.
  • the tabs for example, may be formed as part of the gable and may be pivotally attached to the gable by a living hinge.
  • a further aspect is a shed that may include roof trusses constructed from metal.
  • the shed may include trusses that are constructed from metal and have a generally A-frame type configuration.
  • the metal roof truss may be used in connection with panels constructed from blow-molded plastic to create a strong and durable roof.
  • the roodf truss may assist in connecting the roof panels to the shed and the truss may be sized and configured to allow any water or moisture that passes between the roof panels to be drained from the shed.
  • a still further aspect is a shed t at may include a roof cap that is disposed at the top of the roof.
  • the roof cap is preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and it may include a living hinge tbat allows a portion of the roof cap to be disposed on each side of the roof.
  • the roof cap may help prevent water or moisture from entering the shed.
  • the roof cap may also include one or more openings that are sized and configured to allow skylights to be attached to the shed.
  • a shed may include one or more windows. The windows, for example, may be for aesthetic reasons and/or to allow light to enter the shed.
  • the windows may include a frame that is integrally formed in a sidewall of the shed and the frame may include opposing grooves or slots into which a polycarbonate or acrylic sheet may be disposed.
  • the polycarbonate or acrylic sheet is slidably disposed within the grooves or sleets to allow the window to be opened and closed.
  • the window may also include a locking mechanism to lock the window and the window may be sized and configured to allow it to be partially opened, if desired.
  • Still another aspect is a shed that may allow pegboard, tool holders and the like to be attached.
  • the sitesd may include one or more receiving portions that are sized and configured to allow attachment members to be attached.
  • the attachment members may be constructed from plastic, such as injection molded plastic, and attachment members may include a base that is sized and configured to be attached to the receiving portions. If desired, the attachment members may be attached to the receiving portions by a friction, interference or snap fit.
  • a shed that may include one or more shelves.
  • a shelf may be attached to the rear wall of the shed and the shelf may extend from one sidewall to the opposing sidewalk Ndvantageously, if the shelf extends from one sidewall to the opposing sidewall, then the shelf may be connected to the sidewalls and/or the rear wall, which may increase the strength and/or rigidity of the shed.
  • a shelf may also be connected to a corner, and that may further increase the strength and/or rigidity of the shed.
  • the shelves- could be attached to any desired portion of the shed.
  • the she ves may include living hinges that allow the shelves to be securely attached to the shed.
  • vents that ma-y include one or more vents.
  • the vents preferably allow air to circulate within the shed and the vents may be constructed from injection molded plastic.
  • the vents may be connected to any suitable portions of the shed, such as the gables-, and the vents may be quickly and easily connected to an opening that is integrally formed in the gable.
  • the vents may be connected to the gables by a friction, snap or interference fit, and/or the vents may be connected to the shed by fasteners or adhesives, if desired.
  • the vent may also include a screen or other type of partition to help prevent foreign objects from undesirably entering the shed.
  • FIG. 1 Another aspect is a packaging systeun for a shed that may include a container; at least two wall panels that are sized and configured to form at least a portion of one or more outer walls of the shed; and at least two corner panels, each of the corner panels including a living hinge that a-llows the corner panel to be moved between a generally planar position and an angled position, each of the comer panels forming a comer of the shed when the co er panel is in the angled position.
  • the wall panels and the comer panels are preferably capable of being stacked within the container to facilitate packaging of the shed vhen the comer panels are in the generally planar position.
  • the wall panels and the comer panels are constructed from blow-molded plastic; and the living hinge is integrally formed with the corner panels as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process.
  • the height and the width of the wall panels may be generally equal to the height and the width of the corner panels when the corner panels are in the generally planar configuration.
  • the wall panels and the comer panels, in the generally planar configuration may have a height of about 72 inches and a width of about 30 inches.
  • each of the wall panels and each of the comer panels have a maximum thickness of about 0.75 inches in order to minimize the size of the container.
  • eight wall panels and four comer panels may be packaged together within a container having a length of about 72 inches, a width of about 31 inches and a height of about 12 inches.
  • a shed pack-aging system may include a container; an elongated first panel that forms an exterior portion of the shed, the first panel being constructed from blow-molded plastic and including an outwardly extending lip that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the first panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container; a first storage area at least partially defined by the firs"t panel and the outwardly extending lip, the first storage area being sized and configured to receive one or more other components of the shed when the first panel is disposed within the container in order to decrease the size of the container; an elongated second panel that forms an ex terior portion of the shed, the second panel being constructed from blow-molded plastic and including an outwardly extending lip that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the second panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container; and a second storage area at least partially defined by the second panel and the outwardly extending lip, the second storage area
  • the first panel may be disposed proximate the lip of the second panel when the first and second panels are disposed within the container so that the first storage area is disposed proximate the second storage area to facilitate packaging of the shed.
  • the first panel and the second panel may be generally aligned in the same plane within the container.
  • the shed ma ?* have a width of approximately eight feet, a length of approximately ten feet and a height of approximately eight feet; and the shed may be packaged within a container having total outside dimensions less than or equal to a length of approximately ninety-six inches, a width of approximately thirty-one inches and a height of approximately twenty-four inches.
  • the shed may also have a volume of approximately four hu-iidred and eighty cubic feet, and the shed may be packaged within a container having a total outside volume less than or equal to approximately forty-two cubic feet. Additionally, the ratio of a volume of the shed to a volume of the container may be approximately twelve or less.
  • Still another aspect is a shed packaging system that may inchude a container; a roof cap constructed from blow-molded plastic that is sized and configured to be disposed within the container; and a cavity formed in the roof cap that is sized and configured to receive other components of the shed when the roof cap is disposed within the container in order to minimize the size of the container.
  • a further aspect is a shed packaging system that may include a container; an elongated first panel that forms an exterior portion of the shed, the first panel being constructed from blow-molded plastic and including an alignment member that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the first panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container; and an elongated second panel that forms an exterior portion of the shed, the second panel being constructed from blow-molded plastic and including an alignment member that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the second panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container.
  • the alignment member of the first panel and the alignment member of the second panel may be sized and configured to align the first panel with the second panel when the first panel and the second panel are disposed within the container.
  • Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shed
  • Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the shed shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is an exploded, front perspective view of the shed shown in
  • Figure 1 [054]
  • Figure 4 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the shed shown in Figure
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a connection of two panels;
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a connection of two panels;
  • Figure 6A ia an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the two panels shown in Figure 5, illustrating an exemplary pattern on one side of the panel and an exemplary pattern on the other side of the panel;
  • Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the panels shown in Figure 6, illustrating a reinforcing member disposed within one of the panels;
  • Figure 8 is perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary comer panel with a living hinge, illustrating the comer panel in a generally planar configuration;
  • Figure 9 is another perspective view of the comer panel shown in Figure 8, illustrating the comer panel in a folded or angled configuration
  • Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in
  • FIG. 1 illustrating exemplary connectors that may be used in connection with the shed
  • Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the connectors shown in Figure 10;
  • Figure 12 is a perspective view of a pegboard connected to a panel using at least one of the connectors shown in Figure 10;
  • Figure 13A is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure
  • Figure 13B is another perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in
  • Figure 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary roof truss;
  • Figure 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the roof truss shown in
  • FIG. 14 illustrating an exemplary bracket that may be used in connection with the truss
  • Figure 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1 , illustrating an exemplary a connection of a pair of roof panels to a portion of the roof truss shown in Figure 14;
  • Figure 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary connection of a wall panel to the roof panels shown in
  • Figure 18 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary connection of a pair of roof cap portions to a roof panel;
  • Figure 19 is another perspective view of the connection of the roof cap portions and roof panel shown in Figure 18;
  • Figure 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1 , illustrating an exemplary connection of a pair of roof cap portions;
  • Figure 21 is another perspective view of the connection of the roof cap portions shown in Figure 20;
  • Figure 22 is perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary skylight including a living hinge in a generally planar configuration;
  • Figure 23 is another perspective view of the skylight shown in Figure 22, illustrating the skylight in the generally planar configuration
  • Figure 24 is yet another perspective view of the skylight shown in Figure
  • Figure 25 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1 , illustrating an exemplary connection of the skylight to the roof cap portions;
  • Figure 26 is another perspective view of the connection of the skylight to the roof cap portions shown in Figure 25;
  • Figure 27 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in
  • Figure 1 illustrating a vent
  • Figure 28 is a bottom view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary floor panel
  • Figure 29 is a side view of the floor panel shown in Figure 28;
  • Figure 30 is a top view of the floor panel shown in Figure 28;
  • Figure 31 is an enlarged bottom view of a portion of the floor panel shown in Figure 28, illustrating a plurality of depressions formed in the lower surface and extending towards, the upper surface;
  • Figure 32 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the floor panel shown in
  • Figure 33 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary door panel
  • Figure 34 is a top view of the door panel shown in Figure 33;
  • Figure 35 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary mechanism for securing the door in a closed position;
  • Figure 36 is perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary mechanism for securing the door in a closed position;
  • Figure 37 perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary door handle
  • Figures 38-46 are perspective views illustrating exemplary arrangements for packaging various components of the shed shown in Figure 1 within a container;
  • Figure 47 is a block diagram of a left side view of a shed, illustrating an exemplary configuration of the roof caps, roof panels ⁇ comer panels, wall panels and floor panels;
  • Figure 48 is a block diagram of a right side view of a shed, illustrating an exemplary configuration of the roof caps, roof panels, comer panels, wall panels and floor panels;
  • Figure 49 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an extension kit
  • Figure 50 is a block diagram of a left side view of the shed shown in
  • FIG 47 illustrating a use of the extension kit shown in Figure 49 to enlarge the size of the shed
  • Figure 51 is a block diagram of a right side view of the shed shown in
  • Figure 52 is a block diagram of a left side view of the shed shown in
  • Figure 53 is a block diagram of a right side view of the shed shown in
  • Figure 54 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the components of the shed shown in Figure 47.
  • the following detailed description of prefened and other exemplary embodiments is generally directed towards an enclosure such as a storage enclosure.
  • the storage enclosure may be used to temporarily and/or permanently store a variety of items, objects, devices and the like depending, for example, upon the intended use of the enclosure.
  • the principles of the present invention are not limited to storage enclosures. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the enclosures disclosed herein can have a variety of suitable shapes, anangements, configurations and the like; and that the enclosures can be used for a variety of different functions, purposes and uses.
  • the enclosures discussed in more detail below and shown in the accompanying figures are illustrated in connection with exemplary and prefened embodiments of a shed. It will be appreciated that the shed can have a wide variety of suitable arrangements and configurations. It will also be appreciated that the enclosure does not have to be a shed and the enclosures can be other types of structures, storage devices, units, enclosures, boxes, bins, containers, recreational equipment enclosures, organizers and the like. In addition, the size and dimensions of the shed and its various components can be varied depending, for example, upon the intended use and/or desired purpose of the shed.
  • blow-molded plastic is preferably used to construct various portions of the shed, such as floor panels, wall panels, door panels and/or roof panels.
  • blow-molded plastic is preferably used to construct various portions of the shed, such as floor panels, wall panels, door panels and/or roof panels.
  • other materials can be used such as thermoplastics, resins, polymers, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyurethane, nylon, composites and the like.
  • ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • polyurethane nylon, composites and the like.
  • other suitable processes may be used to construct these various components, such as extrusion molding, injection molding vacuum molding, rotational molding and the like.
  • these and other components of the shed can be made from other materials such as metal (including steel, aluminum, etc.), wood and the like.
  • an exemplary embodiment of the shed 10 includes a front wall 12, a rear wall 14, a left sidewall 16 and a right sidewall 18.
  • the shed 10 also includes a roof 20, a floor 22 and doors 28.
  • the edges of the roof 20 may overhang the left and right sidewalls 16, 18.
  • this may allow rain to run off the roof without contacting the sidewalls.
  • the edges of the roof 20 may overhand the front and rear walls 12, 14, which may also allow rain to run off the roof without contacting the front or rear walls.
  • the floor 22 may extend beyond the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 and the outer edges of the floor may be generally aligned with the edges of the roof 20, if desired. All or a portion of the roof 20 may also extend beyond the outer edges of the floor 22 or, if desired, the floor may extend beyond the edges of the roof.
  • the walls 12, 14, 16, 18; roof 20; and floor 22 may also be generally aligned and/or spaced apart depending, for example, upon the intended use or purpose of the shed 10.
  • the shed 10 may be a modular structure with a number of connected and/or interlocking components.
  • the components may be connected by a snap-fit, interference and/or friction fit; and the components may be connected by one or more connectors or fasteners, such as screws and bolts.
  • the modular structure may allow the same components to be used to form different parts of the shed 10.
  • the walls 12, 14, 16, 18; roof 20 and/or floor 22 may be formed from a number of panels and one or more of the panels may be interchangeable. This may allow the shed 10 to be more easily constructed and it may reduce the number of molds required to make the components.
  • this may also allow the shed 10 to be quickly and easily assembled without a large number of parts or tools.
  • the modular components may allow the shed 10 to be made with larger or smaller dimensions using generally the same components. This may significantly increase the potential uses of the shed 10.
  • the shed 10 may also provide a relatively inexpensive enclosure that may be efficiently manufactured, shipped, stored, displayed, transported and the like.
  • the shed 10 may also be sold as a kit or as an assembled structure.
  • the shed 10 may include components that are sold separately, which may allow a consumer to repair, replace, reconfigure and/or modify the shed.
  • the shed 10 may also be sold according to specified dimensions, but the dimensions may be changed to expand or contract the shed.
  • the shed 10 may also be sold with an expansion kit that is sized and configured to increase the size of the shed.
  • the walls 12, 14, 16 and l& may include a pattern or design.
  • the outer surfaces of the walls 12, 14, 16 and 18 may have textured surfaces and/or the walls may have a pattern that includes blocks, slats, siding and the like.
  • the front right and front left comers of the shed 10 may include blocks that extend from the floor 22 to the roof 20, and blocks may extend along the left and right sidewalls 16, 18 of the shed.
  • the shed 10 can include other suitable patterns and designs to create the structure.
  • the outer surfaces of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 may include a generally horizontal pattern that creates the appearance of slats or siding.
  • the shed 10 is constructed from a number of components that are interconnected to form the shed.
  • the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 of the shed 10 can be constructed from a number of interconnected panels.
  • the roof 20 may include a number of interconnected panels and the floor 22 may also include a number of interconnected panels. It will be appreciated that the number of components used to form the walls 12, 14, 16, 18; roof 20; and floor 22 may depend, for example, upon the size and configuration of the shed 10.
  • the various components may allow the shed 10 to be relatively quickly and easily assembled. This may allow, for example, the manufacturing costs of the shed 10 to be decreased. This may also allow the shed 10 to be shipped in an unassembled configuration and the consumer may be able to quickly and easily assemble the shed.
  • shipping the shed 10 in an unassembled configuration may reduce shipping costs and increase the potential uses of the shed.
  • the components of the shed 10 are preferably generally lightweight and that may also reduce shipping costs and facilitate transportation or shipping of the shed.
  • various components of the shed 10 may be sized and configured to minimize the size and shape of the packaging. This may greatly decrease the size of the packaging, which may considerably decrease shipping costs and allow, for example, the consumer to readily transport the shed 10.
  • the shed 10 may be shown in the accompanying drawings as having a general size and configuration, it will be appreciated that the shed may be larger, smaller or have other suitable dimensions.
  • the length of the shed 10 may be increased or decreased, which may significantly expand the potential uses and functionality of the shed.
  • the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 may include a number of panels that are interconnected.
  • the walls 12, 14, 16 18 may include a number of modular panels and one or more of these modular panels may be interchangeable.
  • the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 may be constructed from wall panels 24a-h and comer panels 26a-d. These wall panels 24a-h and corner panels 26a-d may be used to construct a shed with a generally rectangular configuration. It will be appreciated, however, that shed could have other suitable configurations such as square, polygonal, triangular, circular and the like.
  • the roof 20 may be constructed from a number of roof panels, the floor 22 constructed from a number of floor panels, and the doors 28 may be constructed from a number of door panels.
  • the rear wall 14, the left sidewall 16 and the right sidewall 18 may have a generally similar construction in that they may be primarily constructed from wall panels 24 and comer panels 26.
  • the right sidewall 18 may be formed from a portion of the front right corner panel 26a, three wall panels 24a, 24b, 24c, and a portion of the right rear comer panel 26b.
  • the rear wall 14 may be constructed from another portion of the right rear comer panel 26b, two wall panels 24d, 24e, and a portion of the left rear comer panel 26c.
  • the left sidewall 16 may be constructed from another portion of the left rear corner panel 26c, three wall panels 24f, 24g, 24h, and a portion of the left front comer panel 26d.
  • Each of the wall panels 24a-h preferably has a generally rectangular configuration with a height of about 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a width of about thirty inches 30 inches (0.76 meters) to create a shed 10 with a minimum height of about 6 feet (1.8 meters), a length of about 10 feet (3 meters), and a width of about 8 feet (2.4 meters).
  • manufacturing and assembly of the shed may be greatly simplified because each of the wall panels 24a-h may have the same size and configuration.
  • the wall panels 24 could have other suitable sizes and configurations depending, for example, upon the size and/or intended use of the shed.
  • the panels could be larger or smaller to create a shed of different dimensions and, as discussed below, additional or fewer panels may be used to change the size of the shed.
  • the comer panels 26a-d desirably include a first portion that is separated by a second portion by a living hinge.
  • the living hinge extends from the top to the bottom of the comer panels 26 and it allows the first and second portions to move relative to each other.
  • the living hinge may allow the comer panels 26 to be positioned in a generally flat, planar configuration, which may facilitate shipping.
  • the living hinge may also allow the comer panels 26 to be disposed at an angle to form, for example, a comer of the shed 10.
  • the living, hinge preferably divides the comer panels 26 in half and it allows the corner panels to form a ninety degree or right angle.
  • the living hinge extends the entire length of the comer panel 26, that may help prevent water and foreign objects from undesirably entering the shed 10.
  • the living hinge may allow a strong and sturdy connection of the first and second portions of the corner panels 26 to be created.
  • the corner panels 26 may also include one or more living hinges, which may extend along all or just a portion of the length of the co er panels, and the comer panels could be disposed at other suitable angles.
  • the comer panels 26 do not require living hinges and the comer panels may have other suitable configurations, arrangements, connections and the like.
  • each of the corner panels 26a-d preferably have the same general configuration, which may help create a modular structure.
  • the corner panels 26a-d may have a generally rectangular configuration with a height of about 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a width of about thirty inches 30 inches (0.76 meters) when the panels are in the generally flat, planar configuration.
  • this flat, generally planar configuration may facilitate shipping, transport and/or storage of the shed 10 because the comer panels 26 may be shipped and stored in the generally planar configuration and then simply bent into the desired position for assembly of the shed.
  • the comer panels 26 may have generally the same size and configuration as the wall panels 24 in the planar configuration, that may allow the shed to be easily shipped, transported and/or stored. In particular, this may allow the wall panels 24 and comer panels 26 to be stacked and/or positioned adjacent to each other within the packaging. It will be appreciated, however, that the wall and comer panels 24, 26 may be shipped in any desired configuration.
  • the wall panels 24 may be connected to a comer panel 26 and/or another -wall panel.
  • the same type of connection configuration may be used to connect the wall panels 24 and/or corner panels 26.
  • the left side of each wall panel 24a-h may have generally the same configuration and the right side of each wall panels 24a-h may have generally the same configuration so that the wall panels 24 can be used interchangeably.
  • the left side of each comer panel 26a-d may have generally the same configuration and the right side of each comer panel 26a-d may have generally the same configuration so that the corner panels 26 can be used interchangeably.
  • Such a construction may simplify the manufacturing and assembly of the shed 10.
  • each wall panels 24a-h may have generally the same configuration as the left side of ea-ch corner panels 26a-d
  • the right side of each wall panels 24a-h may have generally the same configuration as the right side of each corner panels 26a-d, which may allow the wall and/or comer panels to be used interchangeably.
  • the right and left sides of the wall and/or comer panels 24, 26 may be generally minor images and/or include complementary features that allow the panels to be readily connected and disconnected. It will be appreciated, however, that the wall panels 24 and/or comer panels 26 may also have other suitable configurations and a ⁇ angements, and the panels do not have to be interchangeable or have the same general configuration.
  • the wall panels 24a-h and/or comer panels 26a-d preferably are securely connected to allow a strong and sturdy shed 10 to be constructed.
  • the secure connection of the panels 24, 26 may help prevent inadvertent separation of the panels and may enhance the stmctural integrity of the shed 10.
  • a tight-fit between the panels 24, 26 may help prevent water and/or air from undesirably entering the shed 10.
  • the secure connection of the panels 24, 26 may prevent undesirable movement of panels and other portions of the shed 10.
  • the connection of the walls panels 24 and/or comer panels 26 may include overlapping portions.
  • the overlapping portions may extend along all or just a portion of the connection between the panels 24, 26, and the panels may be connected by one or more overlapping portions. That is, for example, two adjacent panels 24, 26 may be connected by a single overlapping portion or multiple overlapping portions depending,, for example, upon the intended design and/or use of the shed 10.
  • the wall panels 24a, 24b are used to illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the connection between two adjacent wall panels and this same general configuration may be used to connect other wall and comer panels 24, 26.
  • This type of connection does not have to connect all the wall and corner panels 24, 26 and that other suitable types of connections and connectors may also be used.
  • the wall panel 24 may include an inner surface, an outer surface, a top portion, a bottom portion, a left side and a right side.
  • the top portion of wall panel 24a may be substantially flat but, if desired, the inner surface can have a different height that the outer surface.
  • a mating interface is provided on the left side of the wall panel 24a and the right side of the wall panel 24b.
  • the left side of the wall panel 24a may include one or more connectors, which may include an extension or flange 34 that is generally aligned with and flush with the outer surface of wall panel 24a.
  • the extension 34 may include a connecting member, which may include an enlarged portion 34a, and an extension, such as a neck portion 34b.
  • the right side of the wall panel 24b may include one or more connectors, which may include an extension or flange 36 that is generally aligned with and flush with the inner surface of the wall panel 24b.
  • the extension 36 may include a connecting member, which may include an enlarged head portion 36a and an extension, such as a neck portion 36b.
  • the extensions 34, 36 may overlap and mate together to connect the panels 24a, 24b.
  • the enlarged head portion 34a of the extension 34 may fit within the neck portion 36b of the extension 36 and the enlarged head portion 36a of the extension 36 may fit within the neck portion 34b.
  • these extending portions and receivmig portions may allow the panels 24a, 24b to be rigidly connected and help prevent "the panels from inadvertently separating.
  • these extensions or flanges may interlock to secure the panels 24a, 24b together.
  • the extensions or flanges ma.y be sized and configured to allow the panels 24a, 24b to be connected by a friction, interference or snap fit.
  • the panels 24a, 24b may also include c * ther features that facilitate attachment of the panels.
  • the extensions. 34, 36 may include one or more detents, ribs, projections and the like that may help connect and/or align the panels.
  • the panels may include beveled and/or rounded surfaces to facilitate connection of the panels.
  • the overlapping portions, suxch as the extensions 34, 36 do not extend beyond a plane generally aligned with the inner or outer surfaces of the panels 24a, 24b. This allows the panels 24a, 24b to be connected so that the inner and outer surfaces of the panels are generally aligned. While the panels 24a, 24b preferably include complimentary overlapping portions that allow the panels to be securely connected and the inner and outer surfaces of the panels to be generally aligned, the panels could be connected in any suitable manner or a ⁇ angement. [0125] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the extension 36 on the wall panel 24b may include one or more portions 37 that are sized and con-figured to allow a fastener, such as a screw, to connect the panels 24a, 24b.
  • the portions 37 of the wall panel 24a may include a screw boss that is sized andL configured to receive a screw.
  • the mechanical fastener may secure the wall panels 24a, 24b together. It will be appreciated that any number of screw bosses and screws may be used to connect the panels 24a, 24b, but screw bosses and/or screws are not required.
  • the bottom portion of the wall panels 24a, 24b may include outwardly extending protrusions 38.
  • the outwardly extending protrusions 38 may include a locking portion 38a that is formed on the inner and/or outer surfaces of the protrusion.
  • the locking portion 38a may have a generally tapered configuration and it may extend outwardly from the side of protrusion 38.
  • the locking portion 38a may also include an outwardly extending lip or edge, which may be spaced apart from the bottom of the protrusion 38.
  • the protrusion 38 and locking portion 38a may assist in connecting the wall panels 24a-h to the floor 22.
  • wall panels 24a-h and the comer panels 26a-d, and the interconnection of these panels may have other suitable configurations, anangements, features and the like. Additional embodiments and disclosure regarding wall panels, corner panels and the interconnection of these and other components is disclosed in Assignee- 's co-pending United States Application Serial No. , entitled SHED " WALL SYSTEM, filed March 28, 2005 (Attorney Docket No. 15499.671), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the wall panels 24 and comer panels 26 are preferably constructed from a lightweight material such as plastic.
  • other portionsv of the shed 10, such as the roof 20, floor 22 and doors 28, may also be constructed from a lightweight material such as plastic.
  • these and other components may be constructed from high density polyethylene and these coroponents are desirably formed by a blow-molding process.
  • blow-molding may allow strong lightweight, rigid and sturdy components to be quickly and easily manufactured.
  • the blow-molded components may include a hollow interior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process, which may allow a lightweight component to be manufactured.
  • this may allow the shed 10 to have significantly lighter weight than conventional sheds constructed from wood or metal.
  • blow-molded plastic may allow the shed to be constructed from less plastic than conventional plastic shed, which may save manufacturing costs and reduce consumer costs.
  • the blow- ⁇ xolded plastic may also include ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors that help prevent the plastic from deteriorating when exposed to sunlight. It will be appreciated that other suitable plastic, materials and/or processes may also be used to construct these a.nd other components depending, for example, upon the particular design and use of the shed 10. [0129]
  • the shed 10 may also be constructed from blow-molded plastic because this may allow the shed to be economically manufactured.
  • blow- molded plastic may allow the shed 10 to be readily produced because, among other reasons, the components may be quickly manufactured and the blow-molded plastic components may be created with a variety of suitable shapes, sizes, designs and/or colors depending, for example, upon the intended use of the shed. Further, the blow- molded plastic components may be durable, weather resistant, generally temperature insensitive, conosion resistant, mst resistant and generally do not deteriorate over time. Thus, the blow-molded plastic may allow a long-lasting and durable shed 10 to be constructed.
  • the blow-molded plastic components may include finished interior and exterior surfaces.
  • the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 may include an outer surface that has a particular design or pattern such as blocks.
  • the outer surfaces of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 may also be textured or include designs that create the appearance of wood, siding, bricks, stone, stucco and the like.
  • the walls 12, 14, 16, 18- may include a generally horizontal pattern that creates the look of siding or slats.
  • the interior surfaces of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 may include a particular pattern or design such as a grid, network, lattice, web or other desired type of pattern or design.
  • these designs or patterns may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during the manufacturing process.
  • the blow-molded plastic components of the shed 10 may also include one or more depressions, indentations or the like, and these depressions may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the component.
  • These depressions which may also be known as "tack-offs," preferably cover at least a substantial portion of the components and the depressions may be a ⁇ anged into a predetermined pattern.
  • the depressions for example, may be formed in one surface and extend towards an opposing surface. The ends of the depressions may contact or engage the opposing surface and/or the ends of the depressions may be spaced apart from the opposing surface.
  • the depressions may help support the opposing surface and/or increase the structural integrity of the component-
  • the depressions may be closely spaced in order to increase the strength and/or structural integrity of the component.
  • the depressions may be spaced or positioned into a generally regular or constant pattern so that the component has generally consistent properties.
  • the depressions may have a variety of suitable configurations and a ⁇ angements. For instance, additional information regarding other suitable configurations and a ⁇ angements off the depressions is disclosed in Assignee's co-pending United States Patent Application Serial No. 10/490,000, entitled HIGH STRENGTH, LIGHT WEIGHT BL,OW- MOLDED PLASTIC STRUCTURES, which was filed on April 8, 2003; and U.S.
  • the depressions may also be positioned on opposing surfaces of va-rious components of the shed 10, if desired.
  • one or more depressions may be formed on a first surface and these depressions may extend towards the second, opposing surface.
  • one or more depressions may be formed on the second surface and these depressions may extend towards the first surface.
  • These depressions on the first and second surfaces may be generally aligned and the ertds of the opposing depressions may touch or engage.
  • this may create depressions that may contact and support the opposing surface, but the depres-sions have a smaller size and/or height than conventional depressions because the depressions do not span the entire distance between the opposing surfaces.
  • the depressions on the opposing, surfaces only span a portion of the distance separating the opposing surfaces.
  • a design or pattern may be disposed on both the inner surface and the outer surface of the exemplary wall panel 24a. While the design or pattern is illustrated in connection with the exemplary wall panel 24a, it will be appreciated that other components of the shed 10, such aa the other wall panels 24, the corner panels 26, the door panels 28, the roof panels 72, the roof cap portions 74, 76, the floor panels 138, 140, the gables 114, 116 and the like may also include similar features and designs. At least a portion of each design or pattern preferably extends towards the opposing surface. Importantly, these designs or patterns may be specifically a ⁇ anged to facilitate creating points of intersection between the designs or patterns.
  • these points of intersection may allow depressions or contact points to be created, which may allow the strength and/or rigidity of the panel to be increased.
  • the design or pattern on one surface of the panel may have a first orientation, such as horizontal, and the design or pattern on the other surface may have a second orientation, such as vertical.
  • the points of intersection are located where the patterns or designs on the opposing surfaces meet or are positioned proximate to each other.
  • the designs or patterns may be particularly configured to allow depressions to be positioned at the points of intersection.
  • the points of intersection may allow the depressions to be quickly and easily created. In addition, this may also allow the depressions to be hidden or concealed because they may be disposed within the pattern, which may improve the aesthetics and/or design of the shed.
  • the outer surface of the exemplary wall panel 24a may include a first pattern 31a and the first pattern may be disposed in a generally horizontal orientation, for example, to create the appearance of siding or horizontal wood panels.
  • the inner surface of the exemplary wall panel 24a may include a second pattern 31b and the second pattern, for example, may be disposed in a generally vertical orientation, such as a grid or vertical panels.
  • at least a portion of the first pattern 31a extends towards the inner surface of the wall panel 24a and at least a portion of the second pattern 31b extends towards the outer surface of the wall panel.
  • the first pattern 31a and the second pattern 31b preferably include one or more locations where the patterns overlap or intersect.
  • the points of intersection between the first pattern 31a and the second pattern 31b may be separated by a smaller distance than the distance separating the inner and outer surfaces of the wall panel 24a because of the extending patterns.
  • all or at least a portion of one or more of the depressions 33 may be located where the patterns intersect to minimize the size of the depressions.
  • the points of intersection may minimize the distance separating the opposing surfaces.
  • this may allow the depressions to be smaller in size because the distance between the opposing surfaces is decreased.
  • the depressions have a smaller length and/or size, less plastic material and/or less stretching of the plastic material may be required to create the depressions. Accordingly, this may allow the panel to be constructed with thinner walls. Importantly, if the panels are created with thinner walls, then less plastic material may be used to create the walls and that may decrease the cost of the panels.
  • the patterns or designs on the opposing surfaces are preferably sized and configured to allow the depressions to be closely spaced, which may allow panels with increased strength and/or structural integrity to be created.
  • these patterns or designs may be sized and configured to allow the depressions to be separated by a generally constant distance so that the panels have generally uniform characteristics. It will be appreciated that the panels may also have other suitable designs and configurations, including angled, random, systematic and the like, depending, for example, upon the intended aesthetics or purpose of the panel and/or shed.
  • disposing the depressions at the points of intersection between the patterns formed in the opposing surfaces and reinforcing the panels with one or more reinforcing members may significantly increase the strength and/or stmctural integrity of the panels. This may also allow the panels to be constructed with thinner outer walls and a reduced amount of plastic material.
  • the patterns and depressions may be integrally formed in the panels during the manufacturing process, this may allow the shed to be quickly and easily manufactured.
  • blow-molded plastic is preferably used to construct various components of the shed 10. Further, if the living hinge is integrally formed during the manufacturing process, it may reduce the steps and time required to assemble the shed.
  • the components do not have to be constructed from blow-molded plastic and other suitable materials and/or processes can be used to construct the various components depending, for example, upon the intended use of the shed 10.
  • some or all of the components could also be constructed from other materials with suitable characteristics, such as wood, metal and other types of plastic.
  • all the components do not have to be constructed from blow-molded plastic and some or all of the components could be constructed from injection molded plastic, extrusion molded plastic, and the like.
  • Various components of the shed 10 may also include reinforcements that may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the shed.
  • the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, which are preferably constructed from blow- molded plastic panels may include reinforcements to increase their strength and/or rigidity.
  • the blow-molded plastic panels may include one or more reinforcing members that have different capabilities or characteristics than the panels.
  • the reinforcing members may have different strength, resilience, compression and/or tension capabilities that the panels, which may allow the panel to be reinforced.
  • the reinforced panel may have greater sitesngth, rigidity, impact resistance, resilience and/or ability to prevent deformation.
  • the reinforcing members may be a ⁇ anged or configured to maximize the strengths or characteristics of the reinforcing members.
  • the exemplary wall panel 24a may be reinforced by a reinforcing member 41.
  • the reinforcing member 41 is. preferably disposed within a receiving portion that is formed inside of the wall panel 24b and it is sized and configured to support the reinforcing member in a desired position.
  • the reinforcing member 41 may be disposed at an angle to maximize the desirable characteristics of the reinforcing member.
  • the reinforcing member 41 may be sized and configured to be disposed between one or more alignment portions, such as a groove 32, and an outer edge of the panel 24a.
  • the panel 24a may include one or more connectors, which may include the neck portion 36b of the extension 36, which may facilitate connection of the wall panel 24a to another wall panel and/or a comer panel.
  • the reinforcing member 41 may be disposed between the groove 32 and the extension 36.
  • the reinforcing member 41 may have a width that is greater than the distance between the inner surface and the outside surface of wall panel 24b so that the reinforcing member is disposed at an angle with respect to the inside surface and the outside surface.
  • angling the reinforcing member 41 in this manner can maximize the strength and characteristics of the reinforcing member.
  • the reinforcing member 41 maybe disposed in any desired portion of the wall panel 24a and at any desired angle or orientation depending, for example, upon the characteristics of the reinforcing member and/or the intended use of the shed 10.
  • the reinforcing member 41 may be disposed near an edge of the wall panel 24b, which may facilitate connection of the wall panel to another structure. It will be understood that each of the wall panels 24a-h may include one or more reinforcing members and other portions of the shed, such as the roof 20, may also include reinforcing portions if desired. While the reinforcing members 41 may be disposed near the edges of the panels, it will be appreciated that the reinforcing members may be disposed in any suitable position, angle, orientation and the like.
  • the reinforcing member 41 is preferably connected to the exemplary wall panel 24a by cutting an opening or slit into an end of the panel and inserting the reinforcing member into the receiving portion formed inside the panel.
  • the reinforcing member 41 is preferably an elongated structure that extends generally the length of the panel, but the reinforcing member could have any suitable size and configuration.
  • the blow-molded plastic may recover and close the opening.
  • the reinforcing member 41 may be enclosed or encapsulated within the panel 24b. Therefore, the panel 24b may help protect the reinforcing member 41 from damage.
  • the reinforcing member 41 may be disposed within the wall panel 24b, it does not have to be finished and it is not exposed to the elements. It will be appreciated, however, that all of a portion of the reinforcing member 41 may be disposed outside of the wall panel 24b. Further, while mechanical fasteners are not required to connect the reinforcing member 41 and the panel 24b, mechanical fasteners may be used if desired.
  • the reinforcing member 41 is preferably an elongated member that is constructed from metal.
  • the reinforcing member 41 may be a thin, flat, generally planar metal strip, such as a sheet metal strip, that is relatively simple to cut and form. It will be appreciated that the reinforcing member 41 could also have other suitable configurations such as cylindrical, tubular, T-shaped, L-shaped, V- shaped, corrugated and the like.
  • the reinforcing member 41 may also be constructed from other materials with suitable characteristics such as other types of metals, plastics, composites, wood, etc. Further, while the reinforcing member 41 may be disposed at an angle, such as 45 degrees, the reinforcing member could be disposed in any suitable position and/or orientation.
  • the shed 10 includes four comer panels 26a-d, which are preferably construed from bl ⁇ w-m ⁇ lded plastic and include a living hinge.
  • the exemplary comer panel 26 may include a first portion 42 a and a second portion 42b disposed about the living hinge 42.
  • the living hinge 42 allows the corner panel 26 to be positioned between a first position as shown in Figure 8 in which the first portion 42a and second portion 42b have a generally flat, planar configuration and a second position as shown in Figure 9 in which the first portion 42a and second portion 42b are disposed at an angle about the living hinge 42.
  • the comer panel is in the first, generally planar configuration, that may facilitate packing, shipping and transportation of the shed 10.
  • the comer panel 26 can be constructed in a similar manner and configuration as the wall panel 24.
  • the corner panel 26 may include an inner surface, an outer surface, a top portion, a bottom portion, a left side and a right side.
  • the living hinge 42 may be positioned proximate the outer surface and the living hinge may include a first inner surface 43a and a second inner surface 43b that are disposed at an angle.
  • the first inner surface 43a and the second inner surface 43b are disposed at approximately a 45 degree angle relative to the outer surface so that when the corner panel 26 is folded into the second angled position, the first and second inner surfaces 43a, 43b may abut or be positioned proximate to each other.
  • the first and second inner surfaces 43a, 43b may help position the comer panel 26 at the desired angle in the second position. It will be appreciated that the corner panel could also be disposed at other suitable angles and, accordingly, the first and second inner surfaces 43a, 43b may be disposed at other desired angles.
  • the left side and the right side of the comer panel 26 may include extensions 34, 36 that are sized and configured to allow the comer panel to be attached to the adjacent wall panels.
  • the comer panels 26 may also be sized and configured to be connected to the doors 28.
  • the bottom portion- of the comer panels 26a-d may include protrusions 38 that are sized and configured to be connected to the floor 22.
  • the comer panels 26 may include one or more reinforcing members.
  • the shed 10 may include one or more shelves.
  • the shed 10 may include a shelf 56 that is located proximate the rear wall 14 of the shed.
  • the shelf 56 is preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and it may include one or more extensions that are sized and configured to facilitate attachment of the shelf to the shed 10.
  • the shelf 56 may include a first extension disposed on the right side of the shelf and a second extension disposed on the left side of the shelf.
  • the first and second extensions are preferably integrally formed as part of the shelf 56 by living hinges and the extensions can be attached to desired portions of the shed, such as the inner surfaces of wall and/or comer panels 24, 26, by one or more fasteners.
  • the shelf 56 may be attached to opposing walls of the shed 10, that may increase the strength and structural integrity of the shed.
  • the shelf 56 may also include one or more extensions disposed on the rear portion of the shelf to allow the shelf to be attached to the rear wall of the shed.
  • the extensions and living hinges allow the shelf 56 to be securely connected to the shed 10 and the extensions may extend upwardly and/or downwardly depending, for example, upon the intended use of the shelf.
  • the living hinges allow the shelf 56 to be shipped in a generally flat, planar configuration and then the extensions can be disposed at an angle when the shelf is attached to the shed.
  • the extensions may include one or more screw bossea so that the shelf 56 can be attached to the shed 10 via screws or other suitable fasteners.
  • the shelf 56 may include a top surface, a bottom surface (not shown), a front side, a rear side, a left side and a right side (not shown).
  • the shelf 56 may also include a left extension 60a, a rear extension (not shown) and a right extension (not shown), which extensions are preferably connected to the shelf 56 by living hinges located on the left side, the rear side and the right side.
  • the shelf 56 is preferably sized and configured so that the outer perimeter of shelf fits snugly within inside perimeter of shed 10 and one or more screw bosses can be formed in the left, rear and right extensions so that shelf can be attached to shed via screws.
  • the shelf 56 may also one or more reinforcing member, as described above, if desired.
  • one or more shelves 57 may include a top surface, a bottom surface (not shown), a front side, a left rear side, and a right rear side.
  • the shelf 57 may also include a left rear extension 60b and a right rear extension 60c, which extensions are preferably connected to the shelf 57 by living hinges located on the left rear side and the right rear side.
  • the shelf 57 is preferably sized and configured so that the outer perimeter of shelf fits snugly within inside perimeter of shed 10 and one or more screw bosses can be formed in the extensions 60b, 60c so that shelf can be attached to shed via screws.
  • the shelf 57 may also one or more reinforcing member, as described above, if desired.
  • the shelves can have a variety of suitable configurations and anangements.
  • the shelves may include one or more features disclosed in Assignee's co-pending application United
  • the shed 10 may also include a window 62.
  • the window 62 is preferably located in one or more of the wall panels 24a-h depending, for example, upon the intended design and/or appearance of the shed 10.
  • the window 62 may provide light and/or ventilation for the shed 10.
  • the window 62 is disposed in a wall panel 24 that is generally the same as the other wall panels and the window preferably does not include any outwardly extending projections that would interfere with the packaging, shipping or transportation of the shed 10.
  • the window 62 is preferably relatively easy to manufacture and straightforward to install.
  • the window may include a frame that is integrally formed in one of the panels 24 and su ⁇ ounds an opening.
  • the frame may include one or more decorative or aesthetic portions that may improve the appearance of the window 62.
  • the frame may also include one or more cross- members that extend across part of the opening.
  • the frame may also include grooves or slots that are disposed on opposing sides of the opening and which are sized and configured to receive the window.
  • the window is preferably a transparent or translucent member that allows at least some light to pass through.
  • the window is also preferably constructed from a relatively flexible, strong and impact resistant material such as acrylic or polycarbonate.
  • the window may be constructed using a wide variety of techniques and methods, such as injection molding, rotary molding compression molding and the like.
  • the window may include a first portion and a second portion connected by a living hinge, for example, to permit the window to be moved between an opened or angled position and a closed or generally flat position.
  • the window may be constructed from other suitable materials, including glass, and processes, if desired, and the shed does not require windows.
  • the window is preferably disposed within the grooves and the window may be removable if desired.
  • the window may be slidable within the grooves to allow the window to be opened or closed.
  • the window may also include one or more stops, detents and the like which may hold the window in the open, closed or partially open positions.
  • the window may also include an optional locking member that secures the window in the closed or partially open position.
  • the locking member may simply include a bracket that is attached to the panel or window frame and is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, the window may not be opened. On the other hand, when the locking member is in the unlocked position, the window may be freely opened.
  • the frame may be integrally formed in the panel 24 as part of a unitary, one-piece structure.
  • the frame may not extend outwardly from either the inner or outer surfaces of the panel, which may facilitate stacking and manufacturing of the panels. Further, the consumer may easily install and remove the window, and the window can be locked if desired. Additional information regarding these and other aspects of a window with suitable features is disclosed in Assignee's co-pending application United States Application Serial No. , entitled SHED WITH ONE OR MORE LINING HINGES, filed March 28,
  • the shed 10 may also include other features, if desired.
  • the shed 10 may include one or more features that allow items to be attached to the shed.
  • the shed 10 may include one or more attachment portions that allow pegboard 53 to be attached to a portion of the shed such as a wall panel. It will be appreciated that this feature may be extremely useful since pegboards are commonly used inside sheds to allow various items, such as tools, to be stored.
  • the exemplary wall panel 26 may include a plurality of depressions 48 on the inner surface of the wall panel 26, and the depressions may include a bottom surface and a sidewall.
  • the sidewall of the depressions 48 may be slightly curved inward nearest the inner surface of the wall panel 26, and the depressions 48 can include one or more access regions.
  • a connecting member 52 is preferably sized and configured to be connected to one or more of the depressions 48.
  • the connecting member 52 may include a base 54a with two outwardly extending projections 54b, 54c.
  • the first projection 54b may include a screw boss that is sized and configured to receive a fastener such as a screw and the second projection 54c may be sized and configured to help align and position the pegboard 53.
  • the base 54a is preferably sized and configured to be received and retained within one or more of the depressions 48.
  • the sidewall of the depressions may be slightly curved inward, the area of sidewall nearest inner surface of the wall panel 26 may be smaller than the area of the bottom surface of the depressions.
  • the wall panel 24 is preferably formed of plastic, the sidewall of the depressions 48 may expand as the base 54a ia pushed into the depression 48 and then the sidewall may contract after the connecting member 52 is inserted.
  • the connecting member 52 may be received and retained within the depression 48 by a snap, interference or friction fit.
  • the connecting member 52 can be removed by inserting a tool (e.g., a screw driver) into the access region of the depression 48 and applying force to the underside of base 54a.
  • a tool e.g., a screw driver
  • the connecting member 52 may be attached to any desired portion of the shed 10 and it may be attached in any suitable manner.
  • the connecting members 52 may allow pegboard 53 to be attached to the shed 10.
  • one or more connecting members 52 may be attached to an inner surface of a wall panel and the second projections 54c may be used to position and align the pegboard 53.
  • the projections 54c may be inserted into holes in the pegboard 53 to co ⁇ ectly position the pegboard and fasteners can then be inserted through the pegboard and attached to the screw bossea formed in the projection 54b.
  • the connecting members 52 are preferably constructed from injection molded plastic, but the connecting members can be formed from other suitable processes, such as rotary or compression molding and other materials, such as metal. While the connecting members 52 are preferably separate components that are selectively attached to the shed 10, one or more connecting members may also be integrally formed as a unitary part of the shed.
  • the roof 20 may include a plurality of trusses 64, and as shown in Figure 14, each truss may include a pair of support beams 66 that are connected at one end by a bracket 68.
  • the support beams 66 are preferably elongated structures and each of the support beams may include a channel.
  • a cross beam 70 or rafter is connected proximate the midsection of the pair of support beams 66 to form a generally A-frame type truss system.
  • a bracket 69 may connect the bracket 68 and the cross beam 70, as shown in Figures 14 and 15.
  • the support beams 66 and cross beams 70 are preferably constructed of metal (such as steel) and these beams can be powder coated, galvanized, or otherwise processed to reduce or minimize conosion. It will be appreciated that these beams could also be constructed from other materials with suitable characteristics.
  • the roof 20 preferably has a modular construction with a plurality of roof panels 72 and roof caps 74, 76.
  • the roof 20 may include lower roof panels 72a-h, end roof cap portions 74a, 74b, and intermediate roof cap portions 76a, 76b, 76c.
  • the roof panels 72 and roof caps 74, 76 are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic, but these components could also be constructed from other materials and processes with suitable characteristics.
  • the roof 20 may include lower roof panels 72a-h and each lower roof panel may include an inner surface, an outer surface, a top portion, a bottom portion, a left side and a right side.
  • the lower roof panels 72a-h may also include a lip 80 that extends outwardly away from the inner surface and is formed on one or more sides of the lower roof panel.
  • the lip 80 may be formed on the outer periphery of selected lower roof panel 72a-h to create a ttiicker edge, which may create the appearance of thicker roof.
  • the lip 80 may include a hollow interior portion that is formed during the manufacturing process.
  • the lower roof panels 72 and the lip 80 are constructed from blow-molded plastic, which may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece stmcture.
  • Tbte lower roof panels 72a- h can include a textured surface or pattern on the outer surface to imitate, for example, shingles.
  • the outer surface of the lower roof panels 72a-h and/or the lip 80 may also have a textured surface or pattern, such as shingles.
  • the shed 10 could have a variety of suitable designs and configurations.
  • the lower roof panels 72a-h may include a depression or recess 82 formed on the top portion of the outer surface. As shown in Figures 3, 18 and 19, the depression 82 is preferably tapered and the depressions may be used to receive a portion of a pair of roof cap portions TA ⁇ , 76.
  • the lower roof panels 72a-h may have generally the same or identical shape and configuration, the lower roof panels may be used interch-angeably.
  • the lower roof panels 72 may include one or more depressions that may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity off the roof panels, such as depressions 81 shown in Figure 18.
  • the pattem on the outer surface of the lower roof panels 72 may create the appearance of shingles and the pattern on the inner surface of the lower roof panels may be sized and configured to allow the depressions 81 to be formed in the pattern so that the size of " the depressions may be minimized.
  • the lower roof panels 72 may include one or more reinforcing members, if desired.
  • the roof cap portions 74, 76 may include one or more depressions that may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the roof cap portions, such as depressions 81 shown in Figure 44.
  • the roof cap portions 74, 76 may include one or more reinforcing members, if desired.
  • the roof cap portions 74, 76 and/or the roof panels 72 may include a pattern on one side and another pattern on the other side, and one or more depressions may be positioned where the patterns overlap or intersect.
  • the roof 20, as seen in Figure 3 may include a roofline that is formed from the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b and the intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c.
  • the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b and the intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic. It will be appreciated that the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b can be substantially minor images of each other and the intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c can also be substantially minor images of each other. It will be understood, however, that the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b and/or the intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c do not have to be minor images, respectively, and these portions may have other suitable designs and configurations. [0167]
  • the end roof cap portions may include a first portion and a second portion that are joined together by a living hinge.
  • the end roof cap portion 74a may include a first portion 83a and a second portion 83b that are joined together by a living hinge 84.
  • the end roof cap portion 74a can be selectively positioned between a generally flat, planar position that may facilitate packaging and an angled or use position.
  • the end roof cap portion 74a may include a top surface, a bottom surface, a front side, a back side, a left side and a right side.
  • the top surface of the end roof cap portion 74a can be textured- to imitate shingles.
  • a space may be located between the first and second portions 83a, 83b, and the end roof cap portion 74a may have a generally C-shaped configuration.
  • the space may be configured to assist in installing an option-al skylight in roof 20.
  • the end roof cap portion 74a can be configured without the space.
  • the roof 20 may also include an intermediate roof cap portion, such as the intermediate roof cap portion 76a, may include a first portion and a seco_nd portion joined by a living hinge.
  • the end roof cap portion 76a may ⁇ include a first portion 91a and a second portion 91b that are joined together by autz hinge 92.
  • the intermediate roof cap portion 76a can be selectively positioned between a generally flat, planar position that may facilitate packaging and an ang ⁇ led or use position.
  • the intermediate roof cap portions 76 may also include an inside surface, an outside surface, a front side, a back side, a left side and a right side. Desirably, the outside surface of the intermediate roof cap portions 76 is textured to imita ⁇ te shingles so that it matches the other portions of the roof 20.
  • the intermediate roof cap portions 76 may also include one or more spaces located between the first portion and second portion, and the intermediate roof cap portions may have a generall -: H-shaped configuration. The spaces may be sized and configured to assist in installing an optional skylight in the roof 20. It will be appreciated that the skylight is not required and the intermediate roof cap portion 76 can be configured without the spaces.
  • the end roof cap portions * 7A and the intermediate roof cap portions 76 preferably include one or more extensions, such as extensions 88, which may overlap and interconnect with other extensions.
  • extensions 88 extensions
  • an extension of an end roof cap portion 74 may engage or be connected to an extension of an intermediate roof cap portion 76.
  • the extensions of " an intermediate roof cap portion 76 may engage or be connected to extensions of two intermediate roof cap portions, or the extensions of an intermediate roof cap portion may engage or be connected to extensions of an end roof cap portion 74 and an intermediate roof cap portion 76.
  • the end roof cap portions 74a, T ⁇ b, the intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c and the lower roof panels 72a-h can be connected to form the roof 20.
  • the roofline of the roof 20 may- be formed by joining the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b and the intermediate roof oap portions 76a-c.
  • the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b are disposed on the ends of the roof 20 while the intermediate roof cap portiona 76a-c are disposed towards the middle portion of the roof.
  • end roof cap portions T ⁇ a, 74b may engage or be connected to extensions of intermediate roof cap portions 7 ⁇ 6a- c, respectively, in an interlocking and/or overlapping configuration.
  • the extensions of the intermediate roof cap portion 76b may engage or be connected to the other extensions of the intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c in an interlocking and/or overlapping configuration.
  • one or more mechanical fasteners, suck* as screws, rivets or the like may also be used to secure the various portions of the roof 20, such as the roof cap portions 74, 76.
  • the roof 20 can have other suitable configurations and anangements.
  • all or a portion of one intermediate roof cap portion may be placed adjacent to all or a portion of another intermediate roof cap portion or to all or a portion of an end roof cap portion.
  • these adjacent portions may be sized and configured to fit in the tap&red depression 82 formed on the top side of lower roof panels 74 ⁇ which may form a joint between the roof panel, the intermediate roof cap portion, and the end roof cap portion (or other intermediate roof cap portion).
  • These adjacent portions may form at least a part of the engaged or connected extensions that are discussed above, and these portions may help provide a more water-tight configuration.
  • the tapered depression 82 or other portion of the lower roof panel 72 may be disposed underneath the lower portion of the seam between the extensions 88 of adjacent cap portions. 74, 76, water leaving that seam may advantageously be guided to the top surface of the lower roof panel to n off the roof 20.
  • an extension S8 of a cap portion 74, 76 may include a channel, groove, or other recessed portion that may help guide any water entering the seam between the cap portions.
  • the roof truss 64 may be sized and configured to assist in connecting the roof panels to the shed 10, and the truss may be sized and configured to allow any water or moisture that passes between the roof panels to be drained from the shed.
  • an exemplary support beam 66 of a truss 64 may have a channel that is sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the lower roof panels 72a and 72b.
  • the support beam 66 may help connect the lower roof panels 72a, 72b.
  • at least a portion of the lip 80 of the lower roof panel 72a and at least a portion of the lip of the lower roof panel 72b ma-y be disposed within the channel of the support beam 66. Because the channel and/or other portions of the support beam 66 may be disposed underneath the seam between the lower roof panels 72a, 72b, any water or moisture penetrating the seam ma_y be collected within the channel.
  • the "truss 64 and the lower roof panels 72a, 72b preferably extend to and beyond the outer walls of the shed 10, the water or moisture may be transported out of the interior portion of the shed.
  • the support beam 66 may have a generally U-shaped configuration that defines at least a portion of the channel, it will be appreciated that the trass and support beam may have other suitable shapes, sizes and configurations.
  • the roof 20 may be connected to one or more wall panels 24.
  • the wall panels 24 may include one or more screw bosses 39 that are sized and configured to receive a screw or other fastener to connect the wall panels to the roof (or to other portions of the shed, such as the gables 114, 116 discussed below).
  • the wall panels 24 preferably include a receiving portion or opening 40 that is sized and configured to receive and/or be connected to at least a portion of the truss 64 and/or lower roof panel 72.
  • the opening 40 may be sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the support beam 66 or other portion the truss 64, at least a portion of the lip 80 of the lower roof panel 72a and at least a portion of the lip 80 of the lower roof panel 72b. This may allow the truss 64, the lower roof panel 72a, the lower roof panel 72b and the wall panel 24h to be securely connected, which may allow a strong and stable shed 10 to be created.
  • the roof 20 of the shed 10 may be cost effective because it may be constructed from a plurality of blow-molded panels that may be part of a modular construction.
  • the blow-molded panels may be strong, lightweight and relatively rigid.
  • the roof 20 may also be constructed with a pitch of about 6:12, which may allow water and snow to quickly and easily ran off the roof. Further, the roof may be quickly and easily assembled because it is constructed from a relatively few parts that may be quickly and easily connected.
  • roof 20 may have other suitable shapes, sizes and configuration depending, for example, upon the intended use and/or design of the shed 10. Additional information and other features of a roof 20 that may be used in connection with the shed 10 are disclosed in
  • the roof 20 can include one or more skylights.
  • the skylights may reduce the need for artificial light.
  • the skylights may be configured to provide ventilation for the shed 10.
  • the skylights may be positioned on the roof line so that light may be equally distributed throughout the shed 10. While the skylights are preferably constructed from transparent or translucent materials, the skylights could also be constructed from opaque materials. It will also be appreciated that the shed 10 may include any desired number of skylights, but skylights are not required.
  • the openings or spaces in the cap portions may form apertures 100 in the roof cap.
  • These openings are preferably sized and configured to receive a skylight 102, as shown in Figure 22-26.
  • the spaces in end roof cap portions 74 and intermediate roof cap portions 76 have similar configurations so that resulting apertures 100 are similar in size along the roof cap.
  • the same size and configuration of the skylight 102 can be used, which may reduce the cost of manufacturing.
  • the skylights 102 could have any suitable size and configuration, and the different skylights could have different sizes and configurations.
  • the skylight 102 may include a first portion 104a and a second portion 104b that are connected by a living hinge 106 that allows the skylight to be selectively moved between a generally flat, planar position (as shown in Figures 22 and 23) that may facilitate packaging and an angled, use position (as shown in Figure 24).
  • the skylight 102 preferably includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front side, a back side, a left side and a right side.
  • the skylight 102 may include a plurality of ribs 110 that extend generally downwardly from the bottom surface of skylight.
  • the ribs 110 are preferably positioned along the edge of the skylight 102 and the ribs may generally correspond to the size of aperture 100.
  • the skylight 102 may also include a plurality of projections 112 that extend generally downwardly from the bottom surface of skylight. As shown in Figure 23, some of the projections 112 can be formed on or along the living hinge 106.
  • some of the projections 112 can also be sized and configured to be disposed in apertures 101a formed at or near the spaces on end roof cap portions 74 or intermediate roof cap portion 76.
  • some of the projections 112 that are formed on or along the living hinge 106 can be disposed in apertures 101b formed on the living hinges of the end roof cap portions 74 or the intermediate roof cap portions 76.
  • the ribs 110 may be spaced apart slightly more than the perimeter of the aperture 100 so that the skylight 102 may be held within the aperture by a friction, snap or interference fit.
  • the projections 112 may then be disposed in co ⁇ esponding apertures 101.
  • the one or more mechanical fasteners such as screws, may then be used to secure the skylight 102 to the roof 20.
  • all or a portion of the skylight 102 may be held by a friction, snap or interference fit to allow the skylight to be opened or closed.
  • this may allow the skylight 102 to be used as a vent.
  • the skylight 102 can be attached to the roof 20 in any suitable manner and the skylights may be permanently or selectively attached to the roof.
  • the skylight 102 preferably has a substantially rectangular configuration, but it will be appreciated that the skylight may have any suitable configuration such as circular, oval, polygonal and the like. It will also be appreciated that the spaces formed in the end roof cap portions 74 and the intermediate roof cap portions 76 could have a different configuration and a ⁇ angement depending upon the size and configuration of the skylight.
  • the skylight 102 is preferably constructed from a relatively strong and durable material such as plastic.
  • the plastic skylights 102 are preferably constructed by an injection molding process and the living hinge 106 is preferably integrally formed in the skylight, which may help create a watertight seal. It will be understood, however, that the skylight 102 could be constracted from other materials and processes with suitable characteristics.
  • the skylight 102 may also have other features and configurations, such as disclosed in Assignee's co-pending application United States Application Serial No. , entitled SHED WITH ONE OR MORE LIVING HINGES, filed March 28,
  • the shed 10 may also include one or more gables.
  • the shed 10 may include a front gable 114 and rear gable 116, and these gables may form part of the roof 20.
  • the front and rear gables 114, 116 are preferably constructed from panels and the panels may have generally the same construction as the wall and/or roof panels.
  • the gables 114, 116 may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, include one or more depressions that are sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the gables, and include one or more reinforcing members.
  • the front and rear gables 114, 116 preferably have a generally triangular shaped configuration that extends between the right sidewall and the left sidewall. Further, the front gable 114 preferable extends between the front wall and the roof 20 and the rear gable 116 preferably extends between the rear wall and the roof. It will be appreciated that the gables 114, 116 may have other suitable a ⁇ angements, configurations and characteristics depending, for example, upon the size, configuration and intended use of the shed 10. [0184] As shown in Figure 3, the front gable 114 may include a front surface, a rear surface, a top left portion, a top right portion, a bottom left portion, a bottom right portion and a central bottom portion.
  • the central bottom portion of the front gable 114 is preferably sized and configured to conform to the shape of the doors 28.
  • the central bottom portion of the front gable 114 may include a curved portion that is sized and configured to facilitate the doors 28.
  • the top left portion and the top right portion of the front gable 114 are preferably sized and configured to conform to the shape of the roof 20.
  • the top left portion and the top right portion of the front gable 114 may include one or more protrusions that, as explained in further detail below, are sized and configured to assist in connecting the front gable 114 to the roof 20.
  • the bottom left portion and the bottom right portion of the front gable 114 may include one or more protrasions that, as explained in further detail below, are sized and configured to assist in connecting the front gable 114 to the comer panels 26a, 26d.
  • the front gable 114 may include an aperture 124 that is sized and configured to receive a vent 126.
  • the front gable 114 may include one or more door stops 115 that are sized and configured to contact, engage and/or abut at least a portion of the door panels 28 to help secure the door panels in a closed position and/or to help restrict the movement of the door panels.
  • the door stops 115 are preferably integrally formed in the front gable 114 as a unitary construction during the manufacturing process, but the door stops may be connected to the front gable or other suitable portion of the shed 10. While the vent 126 may increase circulation of the air within the shed 10, the vent is not required.
  • the front gable 114 may consist of a single panel that extends substantially from the left sidewall 16 to the right sidewall 18.
  • the front gable 114 may consist of a single panel, that may facilitate assembly of the shed 10 and help create a strong and sturdy shed. It will be appreciated, however, that the gable 114 may consist of two or more parts and it may have other suitable designs and configurations.
  • the rear gable 116 may includes a front surface, a rear surface, a top left portion, a top right portion and a bottom portion.
  • the bottom portion of the rear gable 116 is preferably sized and configured to conform to the shape of the rear wall 14.
  • the top left portion and the top right portion of the rear gable 116 are preferably sized and configured to conform to the shape of the roof 20.
  • the top left portion and the top right portion of the rear gable 116 may include one or more protrusions that are sized and configured to assist in connecting the rear gable 116 to roof 20.
  • the bottom portion may also include one or more protrusions that are sized and configured to assist in connecting the rear gable 116 to the rear wall 14.
  • the rear gable 116 may include an aperture 134 that is sized and configured to receive a vent 136, but the aperture and vent are not required. Also, the rear gable 116 may include one or more extensions 117 sized and configured to mate with and/or be received into co ⁇ esponding channels 40 in the wall panela 24d, 24e.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates that the rear gable 116 can be formed from two parts 116a, 116b that may be interconnected.
  • the rear gable 116 may be formed with two generally identical portions that are minor images of each other.
  • a portion of the aperture 134 may be formed in one portion of the rear gable 116 and another portion of the aperture may be formed in the other portion of the rear gable.
  • forming the rear gable 116 in two pieces may facilitate packaging of the shed 10, discussed further below.
  • One or more protrusions can be used to connect the front and rear gables 114, 116 to the lower roof panels 72a, 72d, 72e, 72h.
  • the protrasions are preferably connected to the front and rear gables 114, 116, respectively, by living hinges.
  • the living hinges allow the protrusions to be moved between a generally planar, flat position that may facilitate shipping and an angled, use position that may facilitate attachment of the gables 114, 116 to the lower roof panels 72a, 72d, 72e, 72h.
  • the protrusions when the protrasions are folded into the used position, the protrusions can be disposed adjacent or next to the bottom surface of lower roof panels 74.
  • the protrusions can then be attached to the lower roof panels 74 by any suitable type of connection, such as mechanical fasteners.
  • the protrusions may comprise, for example, flaps having a generally rectangular configuration.
  • additional protrusions 122, 132 formed on the bottom portions of the gable 114, 116 can be connected to the comer panels 26a-d by any suitable type of connection, such as mechanical fasteners.
  • the protrusions 122, 132 may have a smaller thickness than the corner panels 26a-d so that the bottom portions of the front gable 114 and the rear gable 116 can rest on the top of the wall panels 24d, 24e and/or the comer panels 26a-d.
  • the front and rear gables 114 and 116 may include one or more screw bosses so that the front and rear gables can be attached to the lower roof panels 74, wall panels 24d, 24e, and/or the comer panels 26a-d using screws or other suitable fasteners.
  • the wall panels 24d, 24e may also include one or more portions 39 that may include screw bosses sized and configured to receive a screw or other fastener to connect so that the wall panels to the rear gable 116.
  • the gables 114, 116; walls 12, 14, 16, 18; the protrasions of the gables; and roof 20 may have other suitable a ⁇ angements and configurations to allow the shed 10 to be formed and assembled.
  • the front gable 114 can include the vent 126 disposed within the aperture 124.
  • the vent 126 may include an outer edge and a plurality of slats.
  • the vent 126 can also include a rib that extends outwardly from the bottom surface, if desired.
  • the vent 126 can be constructed from extrusion molded plastic, for example, and the vent is preferably removable to allow it to be repaired and/or replaced.
  • the vent 126 could be secured to the aperture 124 by snap, friction or interference fit.
  • the vent 126 can also be secured to the aperture 124 by mechanical fasteners such as screws.
  • the front portion of the aperture 124 can include a recess or depression that is sized and configured to receive the outer edge of the vent 126, which may allow the outer surface of the vent to be generally aligned with the outer surface of the gable.
  • the gables 114, 116 could also have other suitable configurations and anangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the shed 10.
  • the gables 114, 116 may also other suitable features, such as the features described in Assignee's co-pending application United States Application
  • the shed 1 ⁇ preferably includes a floor 22 and the floor may provide a base or foundation for the shed.
  • the floor 22 may also help position various components of the shed 10, such as the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 and doors 28.
  • the floor 22 may increase the potential uses of the shed 10 and it may allow the shed to be used in a wide variety of situations and environments.
  • the floor 22 may include one or more floor panels and the floor panels may be interchangeable. This may allow the floor 22 to be part of a modular constraction and, as discussed in greater detail below, the floor panels may have generally the same size and configuration as the wall panels and/or roof panels, which may facilitate manufacturing, shipping and transport of the shed.
  • the floor 22 preferably has a modular construction including end floor panels 138a, 138b and intermediate floor panels 140a, 140b.
  • Each of the floor panels 138, 140 may include a top portion, a bottom portion, a front side, a rear side, a left side and a right side.
  • each of the end floor panels 138a, 138b may include a plurality of receiving portions 144 that are preferably sized and configured to allow, for example, the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 to be connected to the floor 22.
  • the receiving portions 144 are formed along three of the sides of the end floor panels 138a, 138b.
  • the end floor panels 138a, 138b may include receiving portions 144 that are disposed along the left side, the right side and either the front side or the rear side.
  • the intermediate floor panels 140a, 140b may include such receiving portions 144 formed along two of their sides, in particular, the left side and the right side.
  • the sides of a floor panel without the receiving portions 144 may be sized and configured to be connected to an adjacent floor panel.
  • the side of the end floor panels 138 without the receiving portions 144 may include a plurality of outwardly extending portions or protrusions that are sized and configured to be attached to an intermediate floor panel 140
  • the sides of the intermediate floor panel 140 without the receiving portions 144 may also include a plurality of outwardly extending portions or protrasions that are sized and configured to be attached to an intermediate floor panel 140 or an end floor panel 138.
  • the end floor panels 138 may include one or more inwardly extending or recessed portions 147 sized and configured to contact, engage, and/or overlap co ⁇ esponding protrasions of an intermediate floor panel 140, and the end floor panels may include one or more protrasions 146 sized and configured to contact, engage, and/or overlap co ⁇ esponding inwardly extending or recessed portions of an intermediate floor panel.
  • an intermediate floor panel 140 may include one or more inwardly extending or recessed portions sized and configured to contact, engage, and/or overlap co ⁇ esponding protrusions of a pair of adjacent floor panels 138, 140, and the pair of floor panels may include one or more protrusions sized and configured to contact, engage, and/or overlap conespo ⁇ ding inwardly extending or recessed portions of the intermediate floor panel.
  • the protrusions 146 and the recessed portions 147 of a floor panel 138, 140 preferably alternate, and the protrusions are preferably flush with the bottom surface of the floor panels.
  • the protrasions 146 and the recessed portions 147 of a floor panel 138, 140 may be generally aligned, and the protrasions may be alternately flush with top surface or bottom surface of the floor panel.
  • the floor panels may be securely connected.
  • the floor panels may be connected by a snap, friction or interference fit, or other suitable type of connection.
  • the connection can be reinforced by using, for example, mechanical fasteners such as screws.
  • the bottom surface of end floor panels 138 and the intermediate floor panels 140 may include a plurality of depressions, such as depressions 149 shown in Figure 28 and 31.
  • the depressions may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the floor panels 138, 140.
  • the depressions preferably cover substantially the entire bottom surface of the floor panels 138, 140 so that the panels have generally the same characteristics.
  • the depressions may provide an integral support structure to the upper surface of the floor panels 138, 140 and the ends of the depressions may contact or engage the upper surface of the floor panels.
  • the ends of the depressions may also be spaced apart from the upper surface of the floor panels 138, 140.
  • the depressions are preferably closely spaced in a predetermined patter or a ⁇ ay.
  • the plurality of closely spaced depressions may allow the structures to be constracted with thinner walls.
  • the plurality of closely spaced depressions may increase the strength and structural integrity of the stracture despite forming disruptions in the continuity of bottom surface of floor panels 138, 1-40 and less plastic can be used to make the structure even though the plurality of depressions are formed in the stracture.
  • the costs of manufacturing and transportation may be decreased because less plastic may be used to construct the floor panels 138, 140 and the panels may allow a lighter weight shed to be constructed.
  • the plurality of closely spaced depressions may allow the thickness of the floor panels 138, 140 to be decreased.
  • the floor panels 138, 140 may now have a thickness of about 0.75 inches (1.9 centimeters) and still have the required strength and structural integrity.
  • one or both sides of the floor panels L 38, 140 may include designs or patterns that allow the height and/or size of the depressions to be decreased.
  • one side of the floor panels 138, 140 may inchude a pattern and the other side of the floor panels may have a different pattern.
  • T ie patterns are preferably sized and configured to include a number of points of intersection where the opposing surfaces are more closely spaced than other portions of the panels 138, 140.
  • this may allow depressions to be located at the points of intersection of the patterns and the depressions may have a smaller size and/or height because the distance separating these points may be smaller. Because the depressions have a smaller size and/or height, that may allow the floor panels to be constracted with a thickness of about 0.75 inches (1.9 centimeters) or less.
  • the floor panels 138, 140 are preferably sized and configured to be directly connected to the walls 12, 14, 16, 18.
  • the wall panels 24a-b and the comer panels 26a-d may include a number of outwardly extending protrasions 38 that are sized and configured to connect the wall panels to the floor panels 138, 140.
  • exemplary wall panels 24a, 24b are joined together and connected to exemplary floor panel 140a.
  • the protrasions 38 extending outwardly from the wall panels 24a, 24b are at least partially disposed within the receiving portions 144 formed in the floor panels 138, 140.
  • the interconnection between the floor panels 138, 140 and the wall panels 24 or the comer panels 26 can be made by snap, interference or friction fit.
  • the protrusions 38 can include one or more locking portions 38a and the receiving portions 144 can have a smaller opening or inwardly extending lip.
  • the locking portions 38a and the opening or inwardly extending lip are preferably sized and configured so that as the protrasions 38 are being inserted into the receiving portions 144, the opening or inwardly extending lip may move, deform or deflect slightly to allow the protrusion to be inserted into the receiving portion.
  • the locking portions 38a may help prevent the wall or comer panel 24, 26 from being inadvertently removed from the floor panel 138, 140.
  • the various protrasions 38, locking portions 38a, receiving portions 144 and the like may allow the components to be connected in a modular or interchangeable manner.
  • floor 22 and the interconnection of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 and the floor could have other suitable a ⁇ angements and configurations.
  • floor 22 may include one or more features described in Assignee's co-pending application United States Application
  • connection of the floor panels 138, 140 may be offset from the connection of xvall panels 24 and/or the connection of wall panels 24 and corner panels 26.
  • This configuration can assist making a strong and sturdy shed 10 because the connections or seams formed by joining adjacent floor panels 138, 140 and the connections or seams formed by joining adjacent wall panels 24 (and/or a wall panel 24 and a comer panel 26) are not aligned.
  • connection of the roof panels 72 may be offset from the connection of wall panels -24 and/or the connection of wall panels 24 and comer panels 26.
  • connection of the floor panels 138, 140 and the connection of the roof panels 72 are generally vertically aligned and these connections are offset or spaced apart from the connection of the wall panels 24 to wall panels 24 or comer panels 26.
  • this may allow a strong and sturdy shed 10 to be constracted.
  • the offset or spaced apart connection between the floor panels 138, 140 and the panels 24, 26; and the offset or spaced apart connection between the roof panels 72 and the panels 24, 26 may be created by the corner panels 26.
  • the comer panels 26 desirably include a living hinge, which may bisects the panel in half.
  • the comer panel 26 preferably has one-half the width of a wall panel 24.
  • the wall panels 24, roof panels 72 and floor panels 138, 140 preferably have generally the same width. Therefore, when the shed 10 is assembled, the comer panels 26 with the living hinges cause the connection of the wall panels 24, 26 to be offset from the connection of the roof panels and ftoor panels.
  • This offset configuration can assist to strengthen the interlocking connections formed between wall panels 24, comer panels 26, roof panels 72, and floor panels 138, 140. Further, this offset configuration may increase the structural integrity of the shed 10 by staggering the locations of the connection of the panels.
  • the shed 1Q> may be relatively easy to assembly, manufacture and ship because the wall, corner, roof and floor panels may have generally the same dimensions when the corner panels are disposed in the flat, planar configuration.
  • the size and configuration of the shed 10 may also be changed., if desired.
  • the shed 10 may have specified dimensions, but the dimensions may be changed to expand or contract the size of the shed.
  • an expansion kit may be used to change the size and configuration of the shed 10.
  • this may allow the shed 10 to be sold with one size and expansion kits may also be sold to allow the size and configuration of the shed to be changed. This may greatly enhance the potential uses of the shed 10.
  • the shed 10 may have a first size as shown in Figi ⁇ res 47 and 48 and the shed 10 may be expanded to the size shown in Figures 50 and 51 using an expansion kit 200.
  • the expansion kit 200 may include a wall panel 24i, a wall panel 24j, an intermediate roof cap portion 76d, an intermediate floor panel 140c, a lower roof panel 72i and a lower roof panel 72j.
  • the expansion kit 200 ' may be used to provide, for example, a longer shed 10.
  • the expansion kit 200 may also include a trass, one or more fasteners, and or other components suitable for expanding the size of the shed 10.
  • the size of the shed 10 shown in Figures 47 and 48 may be contracted to the size shown in Figures 52 and 53 by removing various components, such as those shown in Figure 54.
  • the shed 10 may have a variety of suitable sizes and configurations.
  • the shed 10 may have other suitable anangements and configurations.
  • the shed 10 may include one or more of the features disclosed in Assignee's co-pending application United States
  • the shed 10 preferably includes a door assembly which, as discussed above, may include one or more doors 28.
  • the shed 10 may include two doors 28 and each door may include a door panel 28a, 28b.
  • the shed 10 can include any suitable number of doors and door panels.
  • the door panels 28a, 28b may have similar characteristics and constructions as the floor panels, wall panels and/or roof panels.
  • the door panels 28a, 28b are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and the door panels may include one or more reinforcing members.
  • the door panels 28a, 28b may include one or more depressions that may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or structural integrity of " the door panels.
  • one or both sides of the door panels 28a, 28b may include a pattern or design.
  • both sides of the door panels 28a, 28b include pa-tterns or designs and the patterns are sized and configured so that a number of points of intersection are formed between the patterns and depressions can be disposed at these points of intersection.
  • locating one or more depressions at these points of intersection may minimize the size of the depressions and that may allow door panels 28a, 28b to be constructed with less plastic and/or lighter weight.
  • the door panel 28a preferably has a generally similar configuration and constraction.
  • the door panel 28a preferably has a generally rectangular configuration with a front side, a rear side, a top portion, a bottom- portion, an outer portion and an inner portion.
  • the top portion of the door panel 28a may be curved to form an arched door. Consequently, the bottom center portion of the front gable 114 may have a complimentary curved configuration that co ⁇ esponds to the top portion of the door panel 28a.
  • the door 28 and door panel 28a may have other suitable configurations, designs and anangements depending, for upon, upon the intended aesthetics or uses of the shed 10.
  • the door panel 28a may include a hinge portion 152 that is sized and configured to allow the door 28 to open and close.
  • the hinge portion 152 is preferably integrally formed with the door panel 28a, but it will be appreciated that the hinge portion can also be a separate component and/or separately constructed.
  • the hinge portion 152 preferably includes an elongated receiving portion '153 that is sized and configured to receive a hinge member 154.
  • the hinge member 154 is preferably a hollow or solid metal rod that has a length approximately equal to or slightly greater than the height of the door panel 28a. It will be appreciated that the hinge member 154 may also include one or more components and the hinge member could have other suitable shapes and configurations.
  • the hinge member 154 is pivotally connected to the shed 10 to allow the door panel 28a to be opened and closed.
  • the lower end of the hinge member 154 can be disposed in an aperture or recess formed in the top surface of the floor panel 138 and the upper end of the hinge member can be disposed in an aperture or recess formed in the bottom portion of the front gable 114.
  • the door panel 28a can pivot about the hinge member 154 and/or the hinge member may be pivotally connected to the shed 10.
  • the door panel 28a may also include an outwardly extending flange or barrier 156.
  • the flange 156 preferably extends outwardly from the hinge portion 152 and it is preferably an elongated thin strip of plastic that extends along the length of the hinge portion.
  • the flange 156 may help prevent water or foreign objects from entering the shed 10.
  • the flange 156 is preferably generally aligned with in the door panel 28a and when the door 28 is in the closed position, the flange is preferably generally flush with the inner surface of the comer panel 26d.
  • the inner surface of the comer panel 26d may include a recess or indentation so that the flange 156 is generally parallel to the inner surface.
  • the flange 156 may cover the opening or the seam disposed between the comer panel 26d and the door panel. Accordingly, the flange 156 may act as a seal to prevent water or other objects from undesirably entering the shed 10.
  • the flange 156 and the hinge portion 152 are integrally formed with the door panel 28a as part of a one-piece construction so that the connection is wate ⁇ roof. It will be appreciated, however, that the flange 156 does not have to be a unitary part of the hinge portion 152 or the door 28. It will also be appreciated that the flange 156 may have other suitable shapes and configurations, and the flange is not required.
  • the hinge member 154 may help reinforce and strengthen the door panel 28a.
  • the door panel 28a may include one or more reinforcing members.
  • one side of the door panel 28a may be reinforced by the hinge member 154 and the other side may be reinforced by another reinforcing member (not shown).
  • the reinforcing member (not shown) is a metal strip that is disposed along the outer surface of the door panel 28a.
  • the reinforcing member (not shown) is disposed on the outer surface of the door panel 28a, it may create the appearance of a stronger and more rigid door.
  • the exposed reinforcing member may allow the door 28 to be more securely closed and the increased weight may create a door with a more rigid feel.
  • the reinforcing member preferably has different characteristics than the door panel- 28a and the reinforcing member may be sized and configured to increase the sitesngth and rigidity of the door panel. It will be appreciated that all or a portion of the reinforcing member (not shown) may also be disposed within the door panel 28a and the reinforcing member may have other suitable a ⁇ angements and configurations.
  • the inner portion of the door panel 28a can include an outwardly extending protrusion 158.
  • the protrasion 158 is preferably an elongated member that extends along at least a portion of the length of the door panel 28a.
  • the protrusion 158 may be sized and configured to contact, engage or interlock with other structures.
  • the protrasion 158 may include an enlarged head that forms part of an interlocking mechanism. It will be appreciated that the protrasion 158 may have other suitable shapes and configurations, and the protrusion is not required.
  • the doors 28 may include a mechanism that allows the doors to be secured in the closed position and a handle that allows one or more of the doors to be more easily opened and closed.
  • a first frame 160 may be connected to the protrasion 158 on the door panel 28a.
  • the first frame 160 may include a groove 162 that is sized and configured to interlock with the protrusion 158.
  • the first frame 160 may also include an elongated protrusion 164.
  • the first frame 160 may include an elongated recess or indentation 166.
  • the elongated protrasion 164 is generally aligned with the rear portion of the first frame 160 and the elongated recess is generally aligned with the front portion of the first frame.
  • the door panel 28b may include a second frame 168 that is sized and configured to be connected to the first frame 160.
  • the second frame 168 may also include a groove 162 that is sized and configured to interlock with the protrusion 158 of the door panel 28b.
  • the second frame 168 may also include an elongated recess or indentation 172. Additionally, the second frame 168 may include an elongated protrasion 174.
  • the first frame 160 and the second frame 168 preferably have matingly engageable surfaces. That is, the protrasion 164 formed on the first frame 160 is preferably sized and configured to be disposed in the recess 172 on the second frame 168. Similarly, the protrusion 174 on the second frame 168 is preferably sized and configured to be disposed in the recess 166 on the first frame 160. Significantly, the first frame 160 and the second frame 168 may be sized and configured to strengthen the inner portions of the door panels 28a, 28b. In addition, a reinforcing member may be partially or completely disposed in protrasion 1 4.
  • a latch may be used to secure the doors 28 in the closed position.
  • the latch may include an elongated locking member 176, such as a metal bar, that is disposed between the protrasion 158 and the second frame 168 of the door panel 28b.
  • the locking member 176 has a length that is approximately equal to or greater than the length of the door panel 28b.
  • a catch or securing portion 178 may be disposed at the upper end of the locking member 176.
  • the catch or securing portion 178 preferably has a generally hook-shaped configuration that is sized and configured to help secure the door 28 in the closed position.
  • the lower end of the locking member 176 is preferably sized and configured to be disposed in an opening or recess when the door 28 is in the closed position.
  • the lower end of the locking member 176 may be tapered or angled to help position the end of the bar in the opening or recess.
  • the locking member 176 is preferably constracted from steel and it preferably has a generally square or circular cross-section. It will be appreciated, however, that the locking member 176 may have other suitable configurations and a ⁇ angements, and the bar may be constructed from other suitable materials such as aluminum, plastics, composites and the like.
  • the locking member 176 can also help reinforce the door 28 and/or increase the weight of the door so that it has a more solid feel.
  • the latch may include a receiving member 180 that is connected to one of the end floor panels 138a.
  • the receiving member 180 may include a body portion 182a, a ramp portion 182b that extends downwardly from the body portion, an aperture or recess 182c formed in the body portion and two edges 182d that extend downwardly and outwardly from the body portion.
  • the receiving member 180 can be connected to the end floor panel 138a via the edges 182d and the receiving member is preferably positioned so that the lower end of the locking member 176 is disposed in the aperture or recess 182c when the door panel 28b is closed.
  • the lower end of the locking member 176 may contact the ramp portion 182b of the receiving member 180 and the ramp portion causes the locking member to be raised.
  • the securing portion 178 at the upper end of the metal bar is able to engage a locking portion, such as a metal bar or rod (not shown), disposed near the lower portion of the front gable 114.
  • the lower end of the locking member 176 then falls into the aperture 182c and the securing portion 178 engages the locking portion.
  • the upper and lower ends of the locking member 176 may be securely held in a fixed position when the door 28 is closed.
  • the locking member 176 may prevent inadvertent opening of the doors 28.
  • a handle assembly 186 may be used to assist in opening and closing the doors 28.
  • the handle assembly 186 can be generally disposed on the door panel 28b, and the door panel 28b can include a recess or opening so that at least a portion of the locking member 176 may be accessed. This may allow the handle assembly 186 to be connected to the locking member 176.
  • the handle assembly 186 may include a handle member 187 and a panel 188, which can be disposed proximate the recess or opening.
  • the panel 188 may be used to seal off the space formed by the recess or opening in the door panel 28b.
  • the panel 188 may also include a slot 189 and a locking portion 190 that extends outwardly from the panel.
  • the locking portion 190 may receive at least a portion of handle member 187, which may be secured using, for example a lock.
  • the handle member 187 may be at least partially disposed in the slot 189, and the movement of the handle member may control the movement of the locking member 176.
  • upward movement of the handle member 187 may also cause the locking member 176 to move upwardly and downward movement of the handle member may cause the locking member to move downwardly.
  • handle member 187 may be used to move the locking member 176, which may facilitate opening and closing of the door 28.
  • the handle member 187 may be moved between a locked position in which it secures the door 28 in a locked position and an unlocked position in which the door can be opened or closed.
  • door, handle and locking mechanism may have other suitable shapes, configurations and anangements.
  • door, handle and locking mechanism may have other features, such as disclosed in Assignee's co-pending application United States Patent Application Serial No. , entitled SHED DOOR SYSTEM, filed March 28, 2005 (Attorney
  • the various components of the shed 10 may be sized and configured to be compactly packaged in one or more shipping boxes or other containers.
  • many of the components may have generally similar dimensions to facilitate packaging.
  • some of the components may include one or more cavities or recesses in which other components of the shed 10 may be disposed.
  • one or more of the panels may include an outwardly extending lip and the lip may help define a cavity or recess in which other components may be disposed.
  • a number of the components may also be sized and configured to permit the components to be packaged in substantially uniform layers. For instance, many of the components may have substantially the same height and/or thickness to facilitate packaging of the shed 10.
  • various components may also include one or more living hinges that allow the components to be stored or packed in a generally flat or planar configuration. Significantly, this may minimize the size of the required packaging.
  • the relatively small size of the packaging may allow the shed 10 to be more easily transported and stored.
  • the relatively small size packaging may also facilitate the consumer transporting and moving the shed 10, such as from the store to the person's home or office
  • the shed 10 is preferably sized and configured to be packaged within two packages.
  • One of the packages may include the wall panels 24a-h and the comer panels 26a-d.
  • the other packaging may include all of the other components of the shed 10.
  • the shed 10 may be packaged within a first package that is about 72 inches (1.8 meters) by about 31 inches (0.8 meters) by about 12 inches (0.3 meters) and a second package that is about 94 inches (2.38 meters) by about 31 inches (0.8 meters) by about 12 inches (0.3 meters).
  • the total weight of the shed, including the packaging as approximately 450 pounds (204 kilograms).
  • the shed 10 may have dimensions of approximately 94 inches in width (2.38 meters), 118 inches (3 meters) in length and a height of 96 inches (2.4 meters). This may allow the shed to have an interior width of approximately 90 inches (2.3 meters), length of approximately 114 inches (2.9 meters), a minimum height of approximately 70 inches (1.7 meters) and a maximum height of approximately 94 inches (2.38 meters). This may create a shed 10 with about 71.3 square feet (6.62 square meters) and 486.9 cubic feet (13.79 cubic meters).
  • the shed 10 may be packaged within a first package that is about 72 inches (1.8 meters) by about 31 inches (0.8 meters) by about 12 inches (0.3 meters) and a second package that is about 94 inches (2.38 meters) by about 31 inches (0.8 meters) by about 12 inches (0.3 meters). Accordingly, the packaging efficiency of the shed 10 having the above dimensions is about 11.79 (which the ratio of the shed volume to the packaging volume).
  • the shed 10 is preferably packaged into two packages.
  • the first package includes the wall panels 24a-h and the comer panels 26a-d.
  • the wall panels 24a-h and the comer panels 26a-d preferably have generally the same dimensions so that, during packaging, the comer panels and wall panels can be stacked on top of each other.
  • the wall panels 24 are preferably about 72 inches (1.8 meters) in length, about 30 inches (0.76 meters) in width and about 0.75 inches (1.9 centimeters) thick; and the comer panels 24 are about 72 inches (1.8 meters) in length, about 30 inches (0.76 meters) in width and about 0.75 inches (1.9 centimeters) thick. Because the thickness of the wall panels 24 and the comer panels 26 has been reduced to about 0.75 inches (1.9 centimeters), the size of the packaging to be minimized.
  • the other components of the shed are preferably disposed in the second package.
  • the other components are disposed in a number of layers, which may facilitate packaging and assembly of the shed 10.
  • One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the order and sequencing of the layers may be varied. Accordingly, while an exemplary embodiment of placing the components is described in detail below, the shed 10 may also be packaged in other suitable a ⁇ angements and configurations.
  • the second package may include the four floor panels 138, 140 stacked in a horizontal position.
  • two lower roof panels 72a, 72b are then positioned next to each other and stacked on the floor panels 138, 140.
  • the lower roof panels 72a, 72b preferably include a lip 80 disposed on three sides. The sides of the lower roof panels 72a, 72b without the lip 80 are preferably placed facing each other to form at least a portion of a cavity or storage area.
  • various components may- be stored within the cavity and that may further minimize the size and volume of the packaging.
  • a door panel 28a, the corner shelf 57, the vent 126 and the front gable 114 may be placed in the storage area formed by lower roof panels 72a, 72b.
  • the two pieces of the rear gable 116 may then be placed in generally the same layer and adjacent to the front gable 114.
  • this allows the gables 114, 116 to be positioned in a generally rectangular configuration.
  • Such a generally rectangular configuration may also be used to more efficiently manufacture the gables 114, 116.
  • the gables 114, 116 may be molded as a layer in a generally rectangular configuration using a blow molding or other process, which may advantageously help reduce the number and/or size of the molds used to manufacture the gables 114, 116.
  • FIG. 41 another set of the lower roof panels 72c, 72d are then stacked on top of the gables 114, 116 and the lips 80 preferably face downwardly to generally enclose the components positioned between the lower roof panels 72a-d. That is, the bottom portions of the lips 80 of the lower roof panels 72a- d are generally positioned adjacent to each other to form the cavity that may receive at least the door panel 28a, the comer shelf 57, the vent 126, the front gable 114 and the rear gable 116. Significantly, this configuration may help minimize the size and volume of the packaging.
  • a third layer of the lower roof panels 72e, 72f are preferably positioned next to each other and stacked on the floor panels 138, 140.
  • the lower roof panels 72e, 74f preferably include a lip 80 disposed on three sides and the sides of the lower roof panels without the lip 80 are preferably placed facing each other to form at least a portion of a cavity or storage area. Significantly, this may create another cavity or storage area in which various components may be stored.
  • the other door panel 28b, another comer shelf 57, the vent 136, a light (which is preferably battery powered), the first door handle, the second door handle, the door handle lever, the locking mechanism for the door, the door latch, the door latch cover plate, the deadbolt from the door, one or more pegboard attachments and one or more pieces of pegboard may be placed inside the storage area.
  • a light which is preferably battery powered
  • the first door handle, the second door handle, the door handle lever, the locking mechanism for the door, the door latch, the door latch cover plate, the deadbolt from the door, one or more pegboard attachments and one or more pieces of pegboard may be placed inside the storage area.
  • Figure 44 illustrates that additional components may be stacked on these I , ' components.
  • the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b, the intermediate roof cap portions 76a, 76b, and the support beams 66 may be stacked on top of the other components.
  • the extensions of the cap portions 74, 76 may be coupled to help provide a more secure package.
  • a fourth layer of the lower roof panels 72g, 72h may be stacked on or above these components.
  • the lip 80 of the lower roof panels 72g, 72h extends downwardly towards the lip of the lower roof panels 72e, 72f to create the storage area and generally enclose the components positioned between the lower roof panels 72e-h.
  • the bottom portions of the lips 80 of the lower roof panels 72e-h are generally positioned adjacent to each other to form the cavity that may receive the door panel 28b, the other corner shelf 57, the vent 136 and various components of the roof.
  • this cavity or storage area may also include one or more hardware bags that may include items such as fasteners.
  • the lower roof panels 72g and 72h may be spaced apart a distance to form a gap with at least a portion of the end roof cap portions 74 (such as the lips of the end roof cap portions) extending between the gap, which may help minimize the size and volume of the packaging.
  • the rear shelf 56 may be stacked on the lower roof panels 72e, 72f and the third intermediate roof cap portion 76c may also be stacked on the lower roof panels.
  • the skylights 102 may be stacked on the lower roof panels 72e, 72f.
  • various portions of the roof (such as the front roof cap member, the center roof cap members and the rear roof cap member) preferably include a living hinge that is sized and configured to permit the roof cap members to lay substantially flat for shipping and packaging, and also to be folded into an angled configuration for constructing the shed.
  • the front roof cap member, the center roof cap members and the rear roof cap member preferably include one or more skylight receiving portions.
  • one or more hardware bags may be positioned within the skylight receiving portions.
  • FIG. 46 also shown that one or more skylights, shelves, door edges, door hinges, shelf supports, roof trasses, roof channels and/or components of the door or latch assembly may be stacked in a compact manner or layer. Significantly, a ⁇ anging the components of the shed 10 in this configuration may significantly minimize the size and volume of the packaging. It will be appreciated that the shed 10 may also be packaged in other suitable arrangements and configurations. For example, the shed 10 may be packaged as disclosed in Assignee's co-pending application United States.

Abstract

A modular enclosure may include a number of interlocking components, such as panels, that may be interconnected to form sidewalk, roof and/or floor. In particular, the modular enclosure may consist of a shed and the shed may be packaged within a container. For example, the shed may constructed from a number of outer wall panels and corner panels. The corner panels preferably include a living hinge that allows the corner panel to be moved between a generally planar position and an angled position. Advantageously, the wall panels and the corner panels may be capable of being stacked within the container to facilitate packaging of the shed when the corner panels are in the generally planar position.

Description

PACKAGING SYSTEM FOR A MODULAR ENCLOSURE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/557,369, entitled SHED CONSTRUCTED FROM BLOW-MOLDED PLASTIC, which was filed on March 29, 2004. This application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/586,387, entitled SHED CONSTRUCTED FROM BLOW-MOLDED PLASTIC, which was filed on July 8, 2004. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/202,299, entitled SHED, which was filed on March 29, 2004. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/202,291, entitled SHED CONSTRUCTED FROM BLOW-MOLDED PLASTIC, which was filed on March 29, 2004. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/202,267, entitled EXTERIOR SURFACES OF A SHED, which was filed on March 29, 2004. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/202,397, entitled DEVICE FOR ATTACHING PEGBOARD TO A SURFACE, which was filed on March 29, 2004. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/204,812, entitled EXTERIOR PORTIONS OF A SHED, which was filed on May 3, 2004. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/204,811, entitled EXTERIOR PORTIONS OF A SHED, which was filed on May 3, 2004. Each of these applications is expressly incoφorated by reference herein in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention
[002] The invention generally relates to enclosures and, in particular, to modular enclosures.
Description of Related Art
[003] Many types of enclosures are used for storing various items such as tools, machines, lawn care equipment, recreational equipment, athletic equipment, supplies and the like. Conventional storage enclosures often include walls, a door, a floor and a roof. The walls, door, floor and roof of typical storage enclosures often include one or more parts that are interconnected. The walls, door, floor and roof may then be attached to form the enclosure.
[004] A well known type of storage enclosure is a shed. Conventional sheds are typically relatively small structures that may be either freestanding or attached to another structure, and sheds are often used for storage and/or shelter. Disadvantageously, conventional sheds often require a substantial amount of time, labor, skill and effort to build and construct. Conventional sheds may include one or more windows or vents to allow light and air to enter the shed. The windows and vents of many conventional sheds, however, often require a number of interconnected components and are difficult to manufacture and install. Additionally, many conventional sheds are difficult to. repair, modify, change or rearrange because the sheds may be difficult or impossible to disassemble or dismantle. Accordingly, it is often impractical or unfeasible to move or reconfigure many conventional sheds. [005] Conventional sheds are often constructed from wood. Wooden sheds, however, are relatively heavy and require a large amount of time to construct and assemble. In particular, wooden sheds are frequently constructed from a large number of support beams, trusses, sidewalls and roof panels that are connected by a large number of screws or bolts. These numerous parts typically increase the costs of the shed and require a large amount of time and effort to construct the shed. In addition, wooden sheds typically deteriorate over time and often require continual maintenance. For example, conventional wooden sheds may be damaged by rotting or otherwise deteriorating when exposed to the elements. In addition, the wood may warp or decay over time. In order to help protect the wood from being damaged, conventional sheds must be periodically painted, stained or otherwise finished. Undesirably, this may result in significant maintenance costs.
[006] Known sheds may also be constructed from metal. For example, the roof and walls of conventional metal sheds may be constructed from sheet metal. Disadvantageously, the sheet metal is often flexible and easily damaged. In particular, the sheet metal walls may be damaged by forces being applied to either the inner or outer walls of the shed. In particular, this may cause the walls to undesirably bow inwardly or outwardly and, in some circumstances, may create an opening in the wall. Significantly, the damaged sheet metal may be more susceptible to rust or corrosion and the damaged sheet metal may be very difficult to repair or replace. In addition, conventional metal sheds often require a plurality of screws or bolts to assemble the shed, which may increase manufacturing costs and the time required to assemble the shed. Moreover, metal sheds often have a tendency to rust and deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to the elements. Thus, metal sheds may have to be painted or otherwise protected from rusting or oxidation. [007] The materials used to construct conventional sheds are often heavy and bulky. For example, many conventional sheds have a length of 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters), and a width of 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters). In particular, known sheds are often 8 feet by 8 feet (2.4 by 2.4 meters), 8 feet by 10 feet (2.4 by 3 meters), 8 feet by 12 feet (2.4 by 3.7 meters), 10 feet by 12 feet (3 by 3.7 meters) or 12 feet by 12 feet (3.7 by 3.7 meters). Thus, the components used to constructed these sheds are often elongated and may have a length of 6 feet (1.8 meters) or more and a width of 2 feet (0.6 meters) or greater. Accordingly, many of the components are large and bulky. In addition, if these components are constructed from wood or metal, then the components may be very heavy. Thus, the components of conventional sheds may be large, awkward, heavy and generally unwieldy.
[008] Many conventional sheds are shipped in an unassembled configuration because of their large size in the assembled configuration. The weight of the components, however, may result in significant shipping expenses and those expenses may be compounded every time the shed is transported or shipped. For example, there may be significant costs when the manufacturer ships the shed to the retailer, which the consumer may ultimately have to pay. Many consumers may have to pay more to have the shed delivered from the retailer because of the weight of the packaging. In addition, many consumers may be unwilling or unable to purchase these conventional sheds because they have no practical way of taking the shed home. Specifically, many consumers are unable to lift or move the packaging of many conventional sheds. In particular, the consumer may also have to rent or borrow a forklift to load and unload the shed from the vehicle. Accordingly, these large costs and difficulties in transportation may discourage many potential consumers from purchasing conventional sheds. [009] In addition to conventional sheds being constructed from heavy and bulky materials and components, conventional sheds are often shipped in very large and heavy boxes. These gigantic shipping boxes often will not fit in a typical retail consumer's vehicle. Accordingly, the consumer may have to rent or borrow a vehicle, such as a truck, to take the shed home.
[010] In greater detail, a conventional shed having a width of 10 feet (3 meters), a length of 8 feet (2.4 meters) and a height of 7 feet (2.1 meters) that is constructed from polyvinylchloride (PNC) plastic is shipped in a box having a length of 96 inches (2.4 meters), a width of 48 inches (1.2 meters) and a height of 36 inches (0.9 meters). Thus, the packaging has a volume of 96 cubic feet (2.7 cubic meters). Another known shed, which is constructed from blow-molded and injection-molded plastic, has a width of 7 feet (2.1 meters), a length of 7 feet (2.1 meters) and a height of 8 feet (2.4 meters) is shipped in a box that has a length of 78 inches (2 meters), a width of 48 inches (1.2 meters) and a height of 32 inches (0.8 meters). This packaging has a volume of 69.3 cubic feet (2 cubic meters). Still another known shed, which is constructed from roto-molded plastic and plastic coated aluminum, has a width of 7 feet (2.1 meters), a length of 7 feet (2.1 meters) and a height of 8 feet, 8 inches (2.6 meters) is shipped in a box that has a length of 100 inches (2.5 meters), a width of 55 inches (1.4 meters) and a height of 50 inches (1.27 meters), and this packaging has a volume of 159.1 cubic feet (4.5 cubic meters) and a weight of 540 pounds (245 kilograms) including the packaging. Still yet another known shed, which is constructed from injection-molded plastic, has a width of 7 feet (2.1 meters), a length of 7 feet (2.1 meters) and a height of 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) is shipped in a box that has a length of 96 inches (2.4 meters), a width of 48 inches (1.2 meters) and a height of 46 inches (1.17 meters). This packaging has a volume of about 69.3 cubic feet (1.9 cubic meters) and a weight of 350 pounds (159 kilograms) including the packaging. A further known shed that is constructed from blow-molded plastic has a width of 7 feet (2.1 meters), a length of 15.5 feet (4.7 meters), and a height of 6.5 feet (2 meters) is shipped in a box that has a length of 96 inches (2.4 meters), a width of 48. inches (1.2 meters) and a height of 48 inches (1.2 meters), and this packaging has a volume of 128 cubic feet (3.6 cubic meters) and a weight of 548 pounds (249 kilograms) including the packaging. Another conventional shed is constructed from roto-molded plastic and it has a width of 5.5 feet (1.7 meters), a length of 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a height of 6.5 feet (2 meters). This known shed is shipped in packaging, having a length of 77 inches (1.96 meters), a width of 38 inches (0.96 meters), a height of 12 inches (0.3 meters) and a weight of 248 pounds (112 kilograma). Still another conventional shed is constructed from extruded polypropylene and it has a width of 8 feet (2.4 meters), a length of 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a height of 7 feet (2.1 meters). This shed is shipped in packaging having a length of 78 inches (2 meters), a width of 30 inches (0.76 meters), a height of 33 inches (0.84 meters) and a weight of 318 pounds (144 kilograms). Yet another conventional shed is constructed from therrno- formed ABS plastic and it has a width of 8 feet (2.4 meters), a length of 8. feet (2.4 meters) and a height of 6 feet (1.8 meters). This shed is shipped in packaging having a length of 66 inches (1.68 meters), a width of 39.5 inches (1 meter), a height of 15 inches (0.38 meters) and a weight of 325 pounds (147 kilograms). Accordingly, the size and weight of many known sheds is substantial, which may greatly complicate and increase the costs of shipping.
[011] Because conventional sheds are shipped in boxes that have such a large size and volume, fewer sheds may be shipped in standard shipping containers or in commercial trailers. Accordingly, the shipping costs per shed (such as, from a supplier to a retailer) can be significantly increased. Also, because these packaged sheds are so large and heavy, many shippers may find it difficult to efficiently deliver the sheds and may refuse to ship the sheds. In addition, because many conventional packaged sheds are so large and heavy, they typically must be shipped to consumers using freight shippers, which may charge even more for these heavy, large and awkward boxes. In some instances, this cost may be simply too large for a customer to justify the purchase.
[012] Known storage sheds are also typically constructed of a variety of awkwardly shaped components, which can be difficult to ship and can be susceptible to damage if shipped. In order to ship and protect these awkwardly shaped components, large amounts of packaging materials may be required. The packing material, however, takes additional space in the packaging and the packing material increases the shipping costs. In addition, because the components may be awkwardly shaped, custom packing materials may be required and the packing material may be irreparably damaged during shipping. Thus, the packing material may not be reusable and may create a significant amount of waste. Further, it may require a significant amount of time to prepare these awkward components for shipping, and this may increase labor costs and decrease manufacturing efficiency. Finally, the awkwardly shaped components often consume a large amount of area, which may increase the overall volume required to ship the shed and that may correspondingly increasing shipping costs.
[013] Conventional sheds are also often constructed from a variety of interconnected components that form a number of joints or seams. Disadvantageously, these seams or joints are often susceptible to leaks. For example, the seams or joints may allow water to enter the shed and the water can damage whatever is stored within the shed.
[014] In addition, many sheds are subjected to a variety of adverse weather conditions and some conventional sheds may be damaged if they are constructed from weak materials or poorly assembled. For example, conventional sheds, may be damaged by heavy winds. Known sheds may also have a flat or slightly sloped roof, which may allow snow to collect on the roof. Undesirably, the snow may damage the roof and, in extreme circumstances, may cause the roof to collapse. The flat roofs may also allow water and other objects to collect on the roof, which may damage the roof and/or leak through the roof and into the shed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [015] A need therefore exists for an enclosure that eliminates the above-described disadvantages and problems.
[016] One aspect is an enclosure that may be constructed from a number of components. At least some of the components may be interchangeable and the enclosure may be a modular enclosure.
[017] Another aspect is an enclosure that may be part of a kit. The kit, for example, may include a number of components that may be interchangeable and/or interconnected. The components may also be part of a group and/or be available individually or separately.
[018] Still another aspect is an enclosure that may include one or more components that may be interconnected to form a structure. The structure may include walls, roof, floor, etc. and these components can be connected. Preferably, the components can be relatively quickly and easily connected and disconnected. Advantageously, this may allow the components to be easily reconfigured, repaired and/or replaced. In addition, this may allow the structure to be easily moved, reused and the like.
[019] Yet another aspect is an enclosure that may be used in a variety of different situations and environments. For instance, the enclosure may be used for storage and/or to protect items from the elements. In particular, the enclosure may be a shed, but it will be appreciated that the enclosure may have a much wider applicability and may be used for a number of different purposes. Thus, while the enclosure may be illustrated and described in connection with a shed, the enclosure could have other suitable arrangements, configurations, designs, purposes and the like. [020] A further aspect is an enclosure, such as a shed, that may be at least partially constructed from relatively lightweight materials such as blow-molded plastic. The blow-molded plastic components may be constructed from polyethylene with ultraviolet (UV) additives or inhibitors, if desired, but other suitable plastics and materials may be used to construct the shed. Advantageously, the blow-molded plastic components may provide superior weathering and durability because, for example, the blow-molded plastic may be able to withstand the elements and it is generally impact resistant. In addition, the blow-molded plastic components, may be easy to clean and virtually maintenance free. For example, painting and finishing of the blow-molded plastic is not required. Further, the blow-molded plastic may include two walls that are separated by a distance. The double walls may create air pockets that help insulate the shed. Further, blow-molded plastic generally does not rust or otherwise deteriorate over time, and the blow-molded plastic is rodent and insect resistant. Thus, constructing at least a portion of the shed from blow-molded plastic may allow the shed to be used in a wide variety of situations and environments.
[021] A still further aspect is a shed that is at least substantially constructed from blow-molded plastic. Advantageously, at least a portion of the walls, roof, floor and/or doors may be constructed from blow-molded plastic. The gables, corners and other portions of the shed may also be constructed from blow-molded plastic. Significantly, the blow-molded plastic components may include finished interior and exterior surfaces. For example, the exterior surface could include one design or pattern and the interior surface could include another design or pattern. Advantageously, the patterns on the opposing surfaces may include discrete points of intersection and depressions, which may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the components, may be located at those points. In particular, because the patterns may extend inwardly, that may decrease the size and/or height of the depressions located at the points of intersection. [022] Another aspect is a shed that may be constructed from lightweight materials so that the shed can be easily transported and shipped. In addition, the shed is preferably constructed from lightweight materials so that a consumer can transport the shed and more easily assembly the shed.
[023] Yet another aspect is a shed that may be sized and configured to be shipped and transported in relatively small sized packaging. Desirably, the components of the shed are sized and configured to fit within a limited area so that the size of the packaging is decreased or minimized. For example, a shed with a length of about 1 feet (3 meters), a width of about 8 feet (2.4 meters) and a height of about 8 feet (2.4 meters) is preferably sized and configured to fit within one package that is about 94 inches (2.38 meters) in length by about 31 inches (0.8 meters) in width by about 12 inches (0.3 meters) in height and a second package that is about 72 inches (1.8 meters) in length by about 31 inches (0.8 meters) in width by about 12 inches (0.3 meters) in height. This significantly decreases the size of the packaging in comparison to the packaging of conventional sheds.
[024] Still another aspect is a shed that may include components constructed from plastic, such as high density polyethylene, and the plastic components may provide sufficient strength and rigidity to allow a strong and sturdy structure to be created. As discussed above, various components of the shed may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, but other processes such as injection molding, rotary molding, compression molding and the like may also be used to construct the various components of the shed. Advantageously, the blow-molded plastic components are desirably designed to create rigid, high-strength structures that are capable of withstanding repeated use and wear. Significantly, the blow-molded plastic components may be easily manufactured and formed into the desired size and shape. In addition, the blow-molded plastic components can form structural elements of the shed to minimize the number of parts required to construct the shed. Further, the blow-molded plastic components may be easily interconnected and disconnected, and the blow-molded plastic components may be simply and easily assembled and/or disassembled with minimum effort and tools. It will be appreciated that frames, braces, other support members, fasteners, and the like may also be used to support and construct the shed, if desired.
[025] Advantageously, the shed may be relatively simple to manufacture because one or more of the components constructed from blow-molded plastic. In addition, one or more features may be integrally formed in the blow-molded plastic components, such as a window or window frame. The blow-molded plastic components may by strong and lightweight because the components may include two opposing walls that are spaced apart by a relatively small distance. In addition, the blow-molded plastic components may include one or more depressions, connections or tack-offs that may interconnect the opposing surfaces and these depressions may further increase the strength of the components. Further, the blow-molded plastic components can desirably be formed in various shapes, sizes, configurations and designs, which may allow an attractive and functional shed that is available in a variety of configurations and sizes to be constructed.
[026] Another aspect is a shed that may be quickly and easily assembled, which may reduce manufacturing and labor costs. For example, this may allow the manufacturer to quickly and easily assemble the shed. In addition, this may allow the manufacturer to ship the shed in an unassembled configuration and the consumer may quickly and easily assembly the shed. Advantageously, shipping the shed in the unassembled configuration may reduce manufacturing and shipping costs. [027] Yet another aspect is a shed that may contain one or more different types of connections between various components. For example, one or more of the walls may include a living hinge and that may allow the corners of the shed to be formed. In addition, the roof top or cap, skylights, door, gables and/or shelves may also include one or more living hinges. Advantageously, the living hinges may allow the shed to be quickly and easily assembled. In addition, the living hinges allow these components to be moved between a generally flat or planar position and a folded or angled position. Significantly, these components may be efficiently packed and shipped in the generally planar configuration, which may significantly decrease the size of the packaging. The living hinges are also generally impervious to the elements, such as wind or rain, which may increase the potential uses of the shed. Further, the living hinges may increase the strength and/or rigidity of the structure and/or the connection of the various components.
[028] Still another aspect is a shed that may include one or more skylights. The skylights are preferably located in the roof of the shed and, in particular, in the roof cap. The skylights are preferably constructed from injection molded plastic and, as discussed above, the skylights may include a living hinge. The skylights may be permanently fastened to the shed or at least a portion of the skylights may be selectively attached to the shed to form a vent or opening.
[029] A further aspect is a shed that may include one or more doors that are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic. The doors may include a rod or tube that preferably extends that entire length of the door to provide an upper and lower pivot point. Advantageously, the rod or tube may also increase the strength and/or rigidity of the door. The door may also include an outwardly extending flange or projection, which may be positioned proximate the rod or tube, that may help create a seal for the door.
[030] A still further aspect is a shed that may include a door handle that allows the door to be more easily opened and closed. The handle may also allow the door to be locked, if desired. The handle may be connected to a metal strip or member that is located proximate the outer edge of the door. The metal strip may extend the length of the door and it may reinforce and/or stiffen the door. In addition, the metal strip may increase the mass or weight of the door, which may allow the door to be more easily opened and closed. The increased mass or weight may also improve the feel of the door when it is being opened or closed. The door may also include an end piece and the metal strip may be disposed between the end piece and the door. [031] Another aspect is a shed that may include a plurality of panels that are interconnected. For example, the shed may include one or more floor panels, wall panels and/or roof panels that are interconnected. Preferably, the floor panels, wall panels and/or roof panels are connected to adjacent floor panels, sidewalls and/or roof panels, respectively, with one or more overlapping portions, to help securely connect the panels or walls. In particular, the panels may include one or more extensions, flanges, projections, protrusions, etc., that extend outwardly from one panel and overlap with one or more receiving portions, notches, grooves, openings, etc. in the adjacent panel. Advantageously, this may allow the panels to be interconnected. The overlapping portions may be connected by fasteners, such as screws or bolts, or adhesives to help secure the panels together. Significantly, the overlapping portions may help prevent rain, snow, sunlight, foreign objects and the like from undesirably entering the shed.
[032] Yet another aspect is a shed that may include interconnected floor panels, interconnected wall panels and interconnected roof panels. Desirably, the connections between adjoining floor panels are not aligned with the connections of adjoining wall panels. In addition, the connections of the adjoining wall panels are not aligned with the connections of the adjoining roof panels. Thus, the connections of the floor panels are preferably offset from the connections of the wall panels, and the connections of the wall panels are preferably offset from the connections of the roof panels- The floor panel connections are preferably offset from the wall panel connection by a distance, and the wall panel connections are preferably offset from the roof panel connection by a distance, but it will be appreciated that these connections may also be aligned at different angles or otherwise offset. Advantageously, the offset connections may allow a strong and sturdy shed to be constructed. Additionally, the connections of the floor panels may be generally vertically aligned with the connections of the roof panels, "but these connections may also be offset. Further, the offset connections may allow trie size of the shed to be changed while still allowing a strong and rigid shed to be constructed.
[033] Still another aspect is a shed that may include one or more floor panels, wall panels and/or roof panels, and one or more of these panels may be reinforced. For example, the floor, wall or roof panels may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and one or more reinforcing members may be disposed within the panels. Advantageously, the reinforcing members may increase the strength and/or rigidity of the panels. In addition, the reinforcing members may be encapsulated within the panels, which may protect the reinforcing members from the elements. [034] A further aspect is a shed that may include sidewalls that are directly connected to the floor. For example, the sidewalls may contain one of more protrusions or projections and the floor may include one or more openings or receiving portions. The projections may be inserted into the receiving portions to securely connect the sidewalls to the floor. Advantageously, this may allow the sidewalls to be connected to the floor by a friction, interference and/or snap fit connection, if desired. The sidewalls and floor may also be connected by one or more fasteners, such as screws or bolts, if desired.
[035] A still further aspect is a shed that may include a roof that is directly connected to the sidewalls. Preferably the roof is connected to the sidewalls so that there is an overhang of the roof to the sidewalls. Advantageously, this may allow water to run off the roof to the ground without contacting the sidewalls, which may help prevent water leaks and the water from marring or damaging the sidewalls. The roof and sidewalls may be connected, for example, by one or more interlocking pieces such as a tongue and groove arrangement. The roof and sidewalls may also be connected by one or more fasteners, such as screws or bolts, if desired. [036] Yet another aspect is a shed that may include a gable and the gable may be connected to the sidewalls and the roof. In particular, the gable may be connected to the sidewalls and/or roof by one or more interlocking pieces, such as a tongue and groove arrangement. The gable may also be connected to the sidewalls and/or roof by one or more fasteners, such as screws or bolts, if desired. The gable may also be connected to the sidewalls and/or roof by one or more tabs. The tabs, for example, may be formed as part of the gable and may be pivotally attached to the gable by a living hinge. The tabs could be connected to the sidewalls or roof by a fastener such as a screw or bolt. [037] A further aspect is a shed that may include roof trusses constructed from metal. In particular, the shed may include trusses that are constructed from metal and have a generally A-frame type configuration. Advantageously, the metal roof truss may be used in connection with panels constructed from blow-molded plastic to create a strong and durable roof. The roodf truss may assist in connecting the roof panels to the shed and the truss may be sized and configured to allow any water or moisture that passes between the roof panels to be drained from the shed. [038] A still further aspect is a shed t at may include a roof cap that is disposed at the top of the roof. The roof cap is preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and it may include a living hinge tbat allows a portion of the roof cap to be disposed on each side of the roof. Advantageously, the roof cap may help prevent water or moisture from entering the shed. The roof cap may also include one or more openings that are sized and configured to allow skylights to be attached to the shed. [039] Yet another aspect is a shed that may include one or more windows. The windows, for example, may be for aesthetic reasons and/or to allow light to enter the shed. The windows may include a frame that is integrally formed in a sidewall of the shed and the frame may include opposing grooves or slots into which a polycarbonate or acrylic sheet may be disposed. Preferably, the polycarbonate or acrylic sheet is slidably disposed within the grooves or sleets to allow the window to be opened and closed. The window may also include a locking mechanism to lock the window and the window may be sized and configured to allow it to be partially opened, if desired. [040] Still another aspect is a shed that may allow pegboard, tool holders and the like to be attached. For example, the stied may include one or more receiving portions that are sized and configured to allow attachment members to be attached. The attachment members may be constructed from plastic, such as injection molded plastic, and attachment members may include a base that is sized and configured to be attached to the receiving portions. If desired, the attachment members may be attached to the receiving portions by a friction, interference or snap fit. [041] Another aspect is a shed that may include one or more shelves. For example, a shelf may be attached to the rear wall of the shed and the shelf may extend from one sidewall to the opposing sidewalk Ndvantageously, if the shelf extends from one sidewall to the opposing sidewall, then the shelf may be connected to the sidewalls and/or the rear wall, which may increase the strength and/or rigidity of the shed. A shelf may also be connected to a corner, and that may further increase the strength and/or rigidity of the shed. The shelves-, however, could be attached to any desired portion of the shed. In addition, the she ves may include living hinges that allow the shelves to be securely attached to the shed.
[042] Yet another aspect is a shed that ma-y include one or more vents. The vents preferably allow air to circulate within the shed and the vents may be constructed from injection molded plastic. The vents may be connected to any suitable portions of the shed, such as the gables-, and the vents may be quickly and easily connected to an opening that is integrally formed in the gable. Advantageously, the vents may be connected to the gables by a friction, snap or interference fit, and/or the vents may be connected to the shed by fasteners or adhesives, if desired. The vent may also include a screen or other type of partition to help prevent foreign objects from undesirably entering the shed. [043] Another aspect is a packaging systeun for a shed that may include a container; at least two wall panels that are sized and configured to form at least a portion of one or more outer walls of the shed; and at least two corner panels, each of the corner panels including a living hinge that a-llows the corner panel to be moved between a generally planar position and an angled position, each of the comer panels forming a comer of the shed when the co er panel is in the angled position. The wall panels and the comer panels are preferably capable of being stacked within the container to facilitate packaging of the shed vhen the comer panels are in the generally planar position. Desirably, the wall panels and the comer panels are constructed from blow-molded plastic; and the living hinge is integrally formed with the corner panels as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process.
[044] Advantageously, the height and the width of the wall panels may be generally equal to the height and the width of the corner panels when the corner panels are in the generally planar configuration. In particular, the wall panels and the comer panels, in the generally planar configuration, may have a height of about 72 inches and a width of about 30 inches. In addition, each of the wall panels and each of the comer panels have a maximum thickness of about 0.75 inches in order to minimize the size of the container. Further, eight wall panels and four comer panels may be packaged together within a container having a length of about 72 inches, a width of about 31 inches and a height of about 12 inches.
[045] Yet another aspect is a shed pack-aging system that may include a container; an elongated first panel that forms an exterior portion of the shed, the first panel being constructed from blow-molded plastic and including an outwardly extending lip that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the first panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container; a first storage area at least partially defined by the firs"t panel and the outwardly extending lip, the first storage area being sized and configured to receive one or more other components of the shed when the first panel is disposed within the container in order to decrease the size of the container; an elongated second panel that forms an ex terior portion of the shed, the second panel being constructed from blow-molded plastic and including an outwardly extending lip that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the second panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container; and a second storage area at least partially defined by the second panel and the outwardly extending lip, the second storage area being sized and configured to receive one or more other components of the shed when the second panel is disposed within the container in order to decrease the size of the container. [046] Significantly, the first panel may be disposed proximate the lip of the second panel when the first and second panels are disposed within the container so that the first storage area is disposed proximate the second storage area to facilitate packaging of the shed. In addition, the first panel and the second panel may be generally aligned in the same plane within the container. Further, the shed ma ?* have a width of approximately eight feet, a length of approximately ten feet and a height of approximately eight feet; and the shed may be packaged within a container having total outside dimensions less than or equal to a length of approximately ninety-six inches, a width of approximately thirty-one inches and a height of approximately twenty-four inches. The shed may also have a volume of approximately four hu-iidred and eighty cubic feet, and the shed may be packaged within a container having a total outside volume less than or equal to approximately forty-two cubic feet. Additionally, the ratio of a volume of the shed to a volume of the container may be approximately twelve or less.
[047] Still another aspect is a shed packaging system that may inchude a container; a roof cap constructed from blow-molded plastic that is sized and configured to be disposed within the container; and a cavity formed in the roof cap that is sized and configured to receive other components of the shed when the roof cap is disposed within the container in order to minimize the size of the container. [048] A further aspect is a shed packaging system that may include a container; an elongated first panel that forms an exterior portion of the shed, the first panel being constructed from blow-molded plastic and including an alignment member that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the first panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container; and an elongated second panel that forms an exterior portion of the shed, the second panel being constructed from blow-molded plastic and including an alignment member that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the second panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container. The alignment member of the first panel and the alignment member of the second panel may be sized and configured to align the first panel with the second panel when the first panel and the second panel are disposed within the container.
[049] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [050] The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to further clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limits its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[051] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shed;
[05.2] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the shed shown in Figure 1 ;
[053] Figure 3 is an exploded, front perspective view of the shed shown in
Figure 1; [054] Figure 4 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the shed shown in Figure
i;
[055] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a connection of two panels;
[056] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a connection of two panels;
[057] Figure 6A ia an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the two panels shown in Figure 5, illustrating an exemplary pattern on one side of the panel and an exemplary pattern on the other side of the panel;
[058] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the panels shown in Figure 6, illustrating a reinforcing member disposed within one of the panels; [059] Figure 8 is perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary comer panel with a living hinge, illustrating the comer panel in a generally planar configuration;
[060] Figure 9 is another perspective view of the comer panel shown in Figure 8, illustrating the comer panel in a folded or angled configuration;
[061] Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in
Figure 1, illustrating exemplary connectors that may be used in connection with the shed;
[062] Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the connectors shown in Figure 10;
[063] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a pegboard connected to a panel using at least one of the connectors shown in Figure 10;
[064] Figure 13A is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure
1, illustrating an exemplary shelf;
[065] Figure 13B is another perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in
Figure 1, illustrating another exemplary shelf;
[066] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary roof truss;
[067] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the roof truss shown in
Figure 14, illustrating an exemplary bracket that may be used in connection with the truss;
[068] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1 , illustrating an exemplary a connection of a pair of roof panels to a portion of the roof truss shown in Figure 14; [069] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary connection of a wall panel to the roof panels shown in
Figure 16;
[070] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary connection of a pair of roof cap portions to a roof panel;
[071] Figure 19 is another perspective view of the connection of the roof cap portions and roof panel shown in Figure 18;
[072] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1 , illustrating an exemplary connection of a pair of roof cap portions;
[073] Figure 21 is another perspective view of the connection of the roof cap portions shown in Figure 20;
[074] Figure 22 is perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary skylight including a living hinge in a generally planar configuration;
[075] Figure 23 is another perspective view of the skylight shown in Figure 22, illustrating the skylight in the generally planar configuration;
[076] Figure 24 is yet another perspective view of the skylight shown in Figure
22, illustrating the skylight in a folded or angled configuration;
[077] Figure 25 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1 , illustrating an exemplary connection of the skylight to the roof cap portions;
[078] Figure 26 is another perspective view of the connection of the skylight to the roof cap portions shown in Figure 25;
[079] Figure 27 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in
Figure 1, illustrating a vent; [080] Figure 28 is a bottom view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary floor panel;
[081] Figure 29 is a side view of the floor panel shown in Figure 28;
[082] Figure 30 is a top view of the floor panel shown in Figure 28;
[083] Figure 31 is an enlarged bottom view of a portion of the floor panel shown in Figure 28, illustrating a plurality of depressions formed in the lower surface and extending towards, the upper surface;
[084] Figure 32 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the floor panel shown in
Figure 28, illustrating a pattern on the upper surface;
[085] Figure 33 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary door panel;
[086] Figure 34 is a top view of the door panel shown in Figure 33;
[087] Figure 35 is a perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary mechanism for securing the door in a closed position;
[088] Figure 36 is perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary mechanism for securing the door in a closed position;
[089] Figure 37 perspective view of a portion of the shed shown in Figure 1, illustrating an exemplary door handle;
[090] Figures 38-46 are perspective views illustrating exemplary arrangements for packaging various components of the shed shown in Figure 1 within a container;
[091] Figure 47 is a block diagram of a left side view of a shed, illustrating an exemplary configuration of the roof caps, roof panels^ comer panels, wall panels and floor panels; [092] Figure 48 is a block diagram of a right side view of a shed, illustrating an exemplary configuration of the roof caps, roof panels, comer panels, wall panels and floor panels;
[093] Figure 49 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an extension kit;
[094] Figure 50 is a block diagram of a left side view of the shed shown in
Figure 47, illustrating a use of the extension kit shown in Figure 49 to enlarge the size of the shed;
[095] Figure 51 is a block diagram of a right side view of the shed shown in
Figure 50;
[096] Figure 52 is a block diagram of a left side view of the shed shown in
Figure 47, illustrating the shed contracted in position;
[097] Figure 53 is a block diagram of a right side view of the shed shown in
Figure 52; and
[098] Figure 54 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the components of the shed shown in Figure 47.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [099] Before describing preferred and other exemplary embodiments in greater detail, several introductory comments regarding the general applicability and scope of the invention may be helpful.
[O100] First, the following detailed description of prefened and other exemplary embodiments is generally directed towards an enclosure such as a storage enclosure. It will be appreciated that the storage enclosure may be used to temporarily and/or permanently store a variety of items, objects, devices and the like depending, for example, upon the intended use of the enclosure. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to storage enclosures. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the enclosures disclosed herein can have a variety of suitable shapes, anangements, configurations and the like; and that the enclosures can be used for a variety of different functions, purposes and uses.
[O101] Second, the enclosures discussed in more detail below and shown in the accompanying figures are illustrated in connection with exemplary and prefened embodiments of a shed. It will be appreciated that the shed can have a wide variety of suitable arrangements and configurations. It will also be appreciated that the enclosure does not have to be a shed and the enclosures can be other types of structures, storage devices, units, enclosures, boxes, bins, containers, recreational equipment enclosures, organizers and the like. In addition, the size and dimensions of the shed and its various components can be varied depending, for example, upon the intended use and/or desired purpose of the shed.
[0102] Third, the particular materials used to construct prefened and exemplary embodiments of the shed are illustrative. For example, as discussed in greater detail below, blow-molded plastic is preferably used to construct various portions of the shed, such as floor panels, wall panels, door panels and/or roof panels. It will be understood, however, that other materials can be used such as thermoplastics, resins, polymers, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyurethane, nylon, composites and the like. It will also be understood that other suitable processes may be used to construct these various components, such as extrusion molding, injection molding vacuum molding, rotational molding and the like. Further, it will be understood that these and other components of the shed can be made from other materials such as metal (including steel, aluminum, etc.), wood and the like.
[0103] Further, to assist in the description of the shed, words such as upper, lower, top, bottom, front, back, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated, however, that the shed can be located in a variety of desired positions, angles and orientations. A detailed description of the shed now follows. [0104] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of the shed 10 includes a front wall 12, a rear wall 14, a left sidewall 16 and a right sidewall 18. The shed 10 also includes a roof 20, a floor 22 and doors 28. As shown in the accompanying figures, the edges of the roof 20 may overhang the left and right sidewalls 16, 18. Advantageously, this may allow rain to run off the roof without contacting the sidewalls. In addition, the edges of the roof 20 may overhand the front and rear walls 12, 14, which may also allow rain to run off the roof without contacting the front or rear walls. Further, the floor 22 may extend beyond the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 and the outer edges of the floor may be generally aligned with the edges of the roof 20, if desired. All or a portion of the roof 20 may also extend beyond the outer edges of the floor 22 or, if desired, the floor may extend beyond the edges of the roof. The walls 12, 14, 16, 18; roof 20; and floor 22 may also be generally aligned and/or spaced apart depending, for example, upon the intended use or purpose of the shed 10. [0105] As discussed in greater detail below, the shed 10 may be a modular structure with a number of connected and/or interlocking components. The components, for example, may be connected by a snap-fit, interference and/or friction fit; and the components may be connected by one or more connectors or fasteners, such as screws and bolts. The modular structure may allow the same components to be used to form different parts of the shed 10. For example, the walls 12, 14, 16, 18; roof 20 and/or floor 22 may be formed from a number of panels and one or more of the panels may be interchangeable. This may allow the shed 10 to be more easily constructed and it may reduce the number of molds required to make the components. Advantageously, this may also allow the shed 10 to be quickly and easily assembled without a large number of parts or tools. In addition, the modular components may allow the shed 10 to be made with larger or smaller dimensions using generally the same components. This may significantly increase the potential uses of the shed 10. [0106] The shed 10 may also provide a relatively inexpensive enclosure that may be efficiently manufactured, shipped, stored, displayed, transported and the like. The shed 10 may also be sold as a kit or as an assembled structure. In addition, the shed 10 may include components that are sold separately, which may allow a consumer to repair, replace, reconfigure and/or modify the shed. The shed 10 may also be sold according to specified dimensions, but the dimensions may be changed to expand or contract the shed. The shed 10 may also be sold with an expansion kit that is sized and configured to increase the size of the shed.
[0107] As shown in the accompanying figures, the walls 12, 14, 16 and l& may include a pattern or design. For example, the outer surfaces of the walls 12, 14, 16 and 18 may have textured surfaces and/or the walls may have a pattern that includes blocks, slats, siding and the like. In particular, the front right and front left comers of the shed 10 may include blocks that extend from the floor 22 to the roof 20, and blocks may extend along the left and right sidewalls 16, 18 of the shed. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shed 10 can include other suitable patterns and designs to create the structure. For example, as seen in Figures 1 and 2, the outer surfaces of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 may include a generally horizontal pattern that creates the appearance of slats or siding.
[0108] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the shed 10 is constructed from a number of components that are interconnected to form the shed. In particular, as described in greater detail below, the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 of the shed 10 can be constructed from a number of interconnected panels. Additionally, the roof 20 may include a number of interconnected panels and the floor 22 may also include a number of interconnected panels. It will be appreciated that the number of components used to form the walls 12, 14, 16, 18; roof 20; and floor 22 may depend, for example, upon the size and configuration of the shed 10.
[0109] Significantly, the various components may allow the shed 10 to be relatively quickly and easily assembled. This may allow, for example, the manufacturing costs of the shed 10 to be decreased. This may also allow the shed 10 to be shipped in an unassembled configuration and the consumer may be able to quickly and easily assemble the shed. Advantageously, shipping the shed 10 in an unassembled configuration may reduce shipping costs and increase the potential uses of the shed. In addition, as discussed in greater detail below, the components of the shed 10 are preferably generally lightweight and that may also reduce shipping costs and facilitate transportation or shipping of the shed. Further, as discussed in greater detail below, various components of the shed 10 may be sized and configured to minimize the size and shape of the packaging. This may greatly decrease the size of the packaging, which may considerably decrease shipping costs and allow, for example, the consumer to readily transport the shed 10.
[0110] Further, while the shed 10 may be shown in the accompanying drawings as having a general size and configuration, it will be appreciated that the shed may be larger, smaller or have other suitable dimensions. In addition, as discussed below, the length of the shed 10 may be increased or decreased, which may significantly expand the potential uses and functionality of the shed.
[0111] Various exemplary features and aspects of the shed 10 will now be discussed in more detail. It will be appreciated that the shed 10 does not require all or any of these exemplary features and aspects, and the shed could have other suitable features and aspects depending, for example, upon the intended design, use or purpose of the shed.
Wall Panels & Corner Panels
[0112] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 may include a number of panels that are interconnected. In particular, the walls 12, 14, 16 18 may include a number of modular panels and one or more of these modular panels may be interchangeable. For example, the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 may be constructed from wall panels 24a-h and comer panels 26a-d. These wall panels 24a-h and corner panels 26a-d may be used to construct a shed with a generally rectangular configuration. It will be appreciated, however, that shed could have other suitable configurations such as square, polygonal, triangular, circular and the like. In addition, as discussed in greater detail below, the roof 20 may be constructed from a number of roof panels, the floor 22 constructed from a number of floor panels, and the doors 28 may be constructed from a number of door panels. [0113] In greater detail, the rear wall 14, the left sidewall 16 and the right sidewall 18 may have a generally similar construction in that they may be primarily constructed from wall panels 24 and comer panels 26. For example, the right sidewall 18 may be formed from a portion of the front right corner panel 26a, three wall panels 24a, 24b, 24c, and a portion of the right rear comer panel 26b. The rear wall 14 may be constructed from another portion of the right rear comer panel 26b, two wall panels 24d, 24e, and a portion of the left rear comer panel 26c. Similarly, the left sidewall 16 may be constructed from another portion of the left rear corner panel 26c, three wall panels 24f, 24g, 24h, and a portion of the left front comer panel 26d. [0114] Each of the wall panels 24a-h preferably has a generally rectangular configuration with a height of about 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a width of about thirty inches 30 inches (0.76 meters) to create a shed 10 with a minimum height of about 6 feet (1.8 meters), a length of about 10 feet (3 meters), and a width of about 8 feet (2.4 meters). Advantageously, manufacturing and assembly of the shed may be greatly simplified because each of the wall panels 24a-h may have the same size and configuration. It will be appreciated that the wall panels 24 could have other suitable sizes and configurations depending, for example, upon the size and/or intended use of the shed. In particular, the panels could be larger or smaller to create a shed of different dimensions and, as discussed below, additional or fewer panels may be used to change the size of the shed.
[0115] The comer panels 26a-d desirably include a first portion that is separated by a second portion by a living hinge. Preferably, the living hinge extends from the top to the bottom of the comer panels 26 and it allows the first and second portions to move relative to each other. For example, the living hinge may allow the comer panels 26 to be positioned in a generally flat, planar configuration, which may facilitate shipping. The living hinge may also allow the comer panels 26 to be disposed at an angle to form, for example, a comer of the shed 10. In particular, the living, hinge preferably divides the comer panels 26 in half and it allows the corner panels to form a ninety degree or right angle. Significantly, if the living hinge extends the entire length of the comer panel 26, that may help prevent water and foreign objects from undesirably entering the shed 10. In addition, the living hinge may allow a strong and sturdy connection of the first and second portions of the corner panels 26 to be created. It will be appreciated that the corner panels 26 may also include one or more living hinges, which may extend along all or just a portion of the length of the co er panels, and the comer panels could be disposed at other suitable angles. It will also be appreciated that the comer panels 26 do not require living hinges and the comer panels may have other suitable configurations, arrangements, connections and the like.
[0116] Each of the corner panels 26a-d preferably have the same general configuration, which may help create a modular structure. For example, the corner panels 26a-d may have a generally rectangular configuration with a height of about 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a width of about thirty inches 30 inches (0.76 meters) when the panels are in the generally flat, planar configuration. Advantageously, this flat, generally planar configuration may facilitate shipping, transport and/or storage of the shed 10 because the comer panels 26 may be shipped and stored in the generally planar configuration and then simply bent into the desired position for assembly of the shed. In addition, because the comer panels 26 may have generally the same size and configuration as the wall panels 24 in the planar configuration, that may allow the shed to be easily shipped, transported and/or stored. In particular, this may allow the wall panels 24 and comer panels 26 to be stacked and/or positioned adjacent to each other within the packaging. It will be appreciated, however, that the wall and comer panels 24, 26 may be shipped in any desired configuration.
[0117] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the wall panels 24 may be connected to a comer panel 26 and/or another -wall panel. Advantageously, the same type of connection configuration may be used to connect the wall panels 24 and/or corner panels 26. For example, the left side of each wall panel 24a-h may have generally the same configuration and the right side of each wall panels 24a-h may have generally the same configuration so that the wall panels 24 can be used interchangeably. In addition, the left side of each comer panel 26a-d may have generally the same configuration and the right side of each comer panel 26a-d may have generally the same configuration so that the corner panels 26 can be used interchangeably. Such a construction may simplify the manufacturing and assembly of the shed 10. Additionally, the left side of each wall panels 24a-h may have generally the same configuration as the left side of ea-ch corner panels 26a-d, and the right side of each wall panels 24a-h may have generally the same configuration as the right side of each corner panels 26a-d, which may allow the wall and/or comer panels to be used interchangeably. Further, the right and left sides of the wall and/or comer panels 24, 26 may be generally minor images and/or include complementary features that allow the panels to be readily connected and disconnected. It will be appreciated, however, that the wall panels 24 and/or comer panels 26 may also have other suitable configurations and aπangements, and the panels do not have to be interchangeable or have the same general configuration.
[0118] The wall panels 24a-h and/or comer panels 26a-d preferably are securely connected to allow a strong and sturdy shed 10 to be constructed. Advantageously, the secure connection of the panels 24, 26 may help prevent inadvertent separation of the panels and may enhance the stmctural integrity of the shed 10. In addition, a tight-fit between the panels 24, 26 may help prevent water and/or air from undesirably entering the shed 10. Further, the secure connection of the panels 24, 26 may prevent undesirable movement of panels and other portions of the shed 10. [0119] As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the connection of the walls panels 24 and/or comer panels 26 may include overlapping portions. The overlapping portions may extend along all or just a portion of the connection between the panels 24, 26, and the panels may be connected by one or more overlapping portions. That is, for example, two adjacent panels 24, 26 may be connected by a single overlapping portion or multiple overlapping portions depending,, for example, upon the intended design and/or use of the shed 10.
[0120] In greater detail, as shown in Figure 7, the wall panels 24a, 24b are used to illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the connection between two adjacent wall panels and this same general configuration may be used to connect other wall and comer panels 24, 26. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that this type of connection does not have to connect all the wall and corner panels 24, 26 and that other suitable types of connections and connectors may also be used. [0121] The wall panel 24 may include an inner surface, an outer surface, a top portion, a bottom portion, a left side and a right side. The top portion of wall panel 24a may be substantially flat but, if desired, the inner surface can have a different height that the outer surface. A mating interface is provided on the left side of the wall panel 24a and the right side of the wall panel 24b. For example, aa shown in Figure 7, the left side of the wall panel 24a may include one or more connectors, which may include an extension or flange 34 that is generally aligned with and flush with the outer surface of wall panel 24a. The extension 34 may include a connecting member, which may include an enlarged portion 34a, and an extension, such as a neck portion 34b. In addition, the right side of the wall panel 24b may include one or more connectors, which may include an extension or flange 36 that is generally aligned with and flush with the inner surface of the wall panel 24b. The extension 36 may include a connecting member, which may include an enlarged head portion 36a and an extension, such as a neck portion 36b.
[0122] As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the extensions 34, 36 may overlap and mate together to connect the panels 24a, 24b. In particular, the enlarged head portion 34a of the extension 34 may fit within the neck portion 36b of the extension 36 and the enlarged head portion 36a of the extension 36 may fit within the neck portion 34b. Advantageously, these extending portions and receivmig portions may allow the panels 24a, 24b to be rigidly connected and help prevent "the panels from inadvertently separating. In addition, these extensions or flanges may interlock to secure the panels 24a, 24b together. Further, the extensions or flanges ma.y be sized and configured to allow the panels 24a, 24b to be connected by a friction, interference or snap fit. [0123] The panels 24a, 24b may also include c*ther features that facilitate attachment of the panels. For example, the extensions. 34, 36 may include one or more detents, ribs, projections and the like that may help connect and/or align the panels. In addition, the panels may include beveled and/or rounded surfaces to facilitate connection of the panels.
[0124] Advantageously, the overlapping portions, suxch as the extensions 34, 36, do not extend beyond a plane generally aligned with the inner or outer surfaces of the panels 24a, 24b. This allows the panels 24a, 24b to be connected so that the inner and outer surfaces of the panels are generally aligned. While the panels 24a, 24b preferably include complimentary overlapping portions that allow the panels to be securely connected and the inner and outer surfaces of the panels to be generally aligned, the panels could be connected in any suitable manner or aπangement. [0125] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the extension 36 on the wall panel 24b may include one or more portions 37 that are sized and con-figured to allow a fastener, such as a screw, to connect the panels 24a, 24b. In particolar, the portions 37 of the wall panel 24a may include a screw boss that is sized andL configured to receive a screw. Advantageously, the mechanical fastener may secure the wall panels 24a, 24b together. It will be appreciated that any number of screw bosses and screws may be used to connect the panels 24a, 24b, but screw bosses and/or screws are not required. [0126] Additionally, as seen in Figures 6 and 7, the bottom portion of the wall panels 24a, 24b may include outwardly extending protrusions 38. The outwardly extending protrusions 38 may include a locking portion 38a that is formed on the inner and/or outer surfaces of the protrusion. The locking portion 38a may have a generally tapered configuration and it may extend outwardly from the side of protrusion 38. The locking portion 38a may also include an outwardly extending lip or edge, which may be spaced apart from the bottom of the protrusion 38. As will be discussed in more detail below, the protrusion 38 and locking portion 38a may assist in connecting the wall panels 24a-h to the floor 22.
[0127] One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the wall panels 24a-h and the comer panels 26a-d, and the interconnection of these panels, may have other suitable configurations, anangements, features and the like. Additional embodiments and disclosure regarding wall panels, corner panels and the interconnection of these and other components is disclosed in Assignee- 's co-pending United States Application Serial No. , entitled SHED "WALL SYSTEM, filed March 28, 2005 (Attorney Docket No. 15499.671), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Blow-Molded Plastic
[0128] The wall panels 24 and comer panels 26 are preferably constructed from a lightweight material such as plastic. In addition, other portionsv of the shed 10, such as the roof 20, floor 22 and doors 28, may also be constructed from a lightweight material such as plastic. In particular, these and other components may be constructed from high density polyethylene and these coroponents are desirably formed by a blow-molding process. Importantly, blow-molding may allow strong lightweight, rigid and sturdy components to be quickly and easily manufactured. In particular, the blow-molded components may include a hollow interior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process, which may allow a lightweight component to be manufactured. Advantageously, this may allow the shed 10 to have significantly lighter weight than conventional sheds constructed from wood or metal. In addition, constructing the shed 10 from blow-molded plastic may allow the shed to be constructed from less plastic than conventional plastic shed, which may save manufacturing costs and reduce consumer costs. The blow-πxolded plastic may also include ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors that help prevent the plastic from deteriorating when exposed to sunlight. It will be appreciated that other suitable plastic, materials and/or processes may also be used to construct these a.nd other components depending, for example, upon the particular design and use of the shed 10. [0129] The shed 10 may also be constructed from blow-molded plastic because this may allow the shed to be economically manufactured. In addition, the blow- molded plastic may allow the shed 10 to be readily produced because, among other reasons, the components may be quickly manufactured and the blow-molded plastic components may be created with a variety of suitable shapes, sizes, designs and/or colors depending, for example, upon the intended use of the shed. Further, the blow- molded plastic components may be durable, weather resistant, generally temperature insensitive, conosion resistant, mst resistant and generally do not deteriorate over time. Thus, the blow-molded plastic may allow a long-lasting and durable shed 10 to be constructed.
[0130] Advantageously, the blow-molded plastic components may include finished interior and exterior surfaces. For example, the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 may include an outer surface that has a particular design or pattern such as blocks. The outer surfaces of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 may also be textured or include designs that create the appearance of wood, siding, bricks, stone, stucco and the like. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the walls 12, 14, 16, 18- may include a generally horizontal pattern that creates the look of siding or slats. In addition, the interior surfaces of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 may include a particular pattern or design such as a grid, network, lattice, web or other desired type of pattern or design. Significantly, these designs or patterns may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during the manufacturing process.
[0131] The blow-molded plastic components of the shed 10 may also include one or more depressions, indentations or the like, and these depressions may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the component. These depressions, which may also be known as "tack-offs," preferably cover at least a substantial portion of the components and the depressions may be aπanged into a predetermined pattern. The depressions, for example, may be formed in one surface and extend towards an opposing surface. The ends of the depressions may contact or engage the opposing surface and/or the ends of the depressions may be spaced apart from the opposing surface. Advantageously, the depressions may help support the opposing surface and/or increase the structural integrity of the component- In addition, the depressions may be closely spaced in order to increase the strength and/or structural integrity of the component. Further, the depressions may be spaced or positioned into a generally regular or constant pattern so that the component has generally consistent properties. It will be appreciated that the depressions may have a variety of suitable configurations and aπangements. For instance, additional information regarding other suitable configurations and aπangements off the depressions is disclosed in Assignee's co-pending United States Patent Application Serial No. 10/490,000, entitled HIGH STRENGTH, LIGHT WEIGHT BL,OW- MOLDED PLASTIC STRUCTURES, which was filed on April 8, 2003; and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. , entitled HIGH-STRENGTH,
LIGHTWEIGHT BLOW-MOLDED PLASTIC STRUCTURES, which was filed on March 9, 2005 (Attorney Docket No. 15499.715). These applications are incorpovrated by reference in their entireties.
[0132] The depressions may also be positioned on opposing surfaces of va-rious components of the shed 10, if desired. For example, one or more depressions may be formed on a first surface and these depressions may extend towards the second, opposing surface. In addition, one or more depressions may be formed on the second surface and these depressions may extend towards the first surface. These depressions on the first and second surfaces may be generally aligned and the ertds of the opposing depressions may touch or engage. Significantly, this may create depressions that may contact and support the opposing surface, but the depres-sions have a smaller size and/or height than conventional depressions because the depressions do not span the entire distance between the opposing surfaces. In contrast, the depressions on the opposing, surfaces only span a portion of the distance separating the opposing surfaces.
[0133] In greater detail, as best seen in Figures 5, 6, and 6a, a design or pattern may be disposed on both the inner surface and the outer surface of the exemplary wall panel 24a. While the design or pattern is illustrated in connection with the exemplary wall panel 24a, it will be appreciated that other components of the shed 10, such aa the other wall panels 24, the corner panels 26, the door panels 28, the roof panels 72, the roof cap portions 74, 76, the floor panels 138, 140, the gables 114, 116 and the like may also include similar features and designs. At least a portion of each design or pattern preferably extends towards the opposing surface. Importantly, these designs or patterns may be specifically aπanged to facilitate creating points of intersection between the designs or patterns. Advantageously, these points of intersection may allow depressions or contact points to be created, which may allow the strength and/or rigidity of the panel to be increased. In particular, the design or pattern on one surface of the panel may have a first orientation, such as horizontal, and the design or pattern on the other surface may have a second orientation, such as vertical. The points of intersection are located where the patterns or designs on the opposing surfaces meet or are positioned proximate to each other. Significantly, the designs or patterns may be particularly configured to allow depressions to be positioned at the points of intersection. Advantageously, the points of intersection may allow the depressions to be quickly and easily created. In addition, this may also allow the depressions to be hidden or concealed because they may be disposed within the pattern, which may improve the aesthetics and/or design of the shed. Further, this allows depressions to be formed on both or only one side of the panel. [0134] For example, as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6A, the outer surface of the exemplary wall panel 24a may include a first pattern 31a and the first pattern may be disposed in a generally horizontal orientation, for example, to create the appearance of siding or horizontal wood panels. The inner surface of the exemplary wall panel 24a may include a second pattern 31b and the second pattern, for example, may be disposed in a generally vertical orientation, such as a grid or vertical panels. Desirably, at least a portion of the first pattern 31a extends towards the inner surface of the wall panel 24a and at least a portion of the second pattern 31b extends towards the outer surface of the wall panel. The first pattern 31a and the second pattern 31b preferably include one or more locations where the patterns overlap or intersect. Advantageously, the points of intersection between the first pattern 31a and the second pattern 31b may be separated by a smaller distance than the distance separating the inner and outer surfaces of the wall panel 24a because of the extending patterns.
[0135] Advantageously, all or at least a portion of one or more of the depressions 33 may be located where the patterns intersect to minimize the size of the depressions. In particular, because at least a portion of the patterns extend towards the opposing surfaces, the points of intersection may minimize the distance separating the opposing surfaces. Significantly, this may allow the depressions to be smaller in size because the distance between the opposing surfaces is decreased. Because the depressions have a smaller length and/or size, less plastic material and/or less stretching of the plastic material may be required to create the depressions. Accordingly, this may allow the panel to be constructed with thinner walls. Importantly, if the panels are created with thinner walls, then less plastic material may be used to create the walls and that may decrease the cost of the panels. [0136] The patterns or designs on the opposing surfaces are preferably sized and configured to allow the depressions to be closely spaced, which may allow panels with increased strength and/or structural integrity to be created. In addition,, these patterns or designs may be sized and configured to allow the depressions to be separated by a generally constant distance so that the panels have generally uniform characteristics. It will be appreciated that the panels may also have other suitable designs and configurations, including angled, random, systematic and the like, depending, for example, upon the intended aesthetics or purpose of the panel and/or shed. As discussed in greater detail below, disposing the depressions at the points of intersection between the patterns formed in the opposing surfaces and reinforcing the panels with one or more reinforcing members may significantly increase the strength and/or stmctural integrity of the panels. This may also allow the panels to be constructed with thinner outer walls and a reduced amount of plastic material. [0137] Because the patterns and depressions may be integrally formed in the panels during the manufacturing process, this may allow the shed to be quickly and easily manufactured. In addition, because features such as the living hinge may be integrally formed during the manufacturing process, blow-molded plastic is preferably used to construct various components of the shed 10. Further, if the living hinge is integrally formed during the manufacturing process, it may reduce the steps and time required to assemble the shed.
[0138] One skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that the components do not have to be constructed from blow-molded plastic and other suitable materials and/or processes can be used to construct the various components depending, for example, upon the intended use of the shed 10. Thus, some or all of the components could also be constructed from other materials with suitable characteristics, such as wood, metal and other types of plastic. Additionally, all the components do not have to be constructed from blow-molded plastic and some or all of the components could be constructed from injection molded plastic, extrusion molded plastic, and the like. [0139] Various components of the shed 10 may also include reinforcements that may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the shed. For example, the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, which are preferably constructed from blow- molded plastic panels, may include reinforcements to increase their strength and/or rigidity. In particular, the blow-molded plastic panels may include one or more reinforcing members that have different capabilities or characteristics than the panels. For instance, the reinforcing members may have different strength, resilience, compression and/or tension capabilities that the panels, which may allow the panel to be reinforced. Advantageously, the reinforced panel may have greater stiength, rigidity, impact resistance, resilience and/or ability to prevent deformation. In addition, the reinforcing members may be aπanged or configured to maximize the strengths or characteristics of the reinforcing members.
[0140] For example, as seen in Figure 1 the exemplary wall panel 24a may be reinforced by a reinforcing member 41. The reinforcing member 41 is. preferably disposed within a receiving portion that is formed inside of the wall panel 24b and it is sized and configured to support the reinforcing member in a desired position. For example, as seen in Figure 7, the reinforcing member 41 may be disposed at an angle to maximize the desirable characteristics of the reinforcing member. In particular, the reinforcing member 41 may be sized and configured to be disposed between one or more alignment portions, such as a groove 32, and an outer edge of the panel 24a. As discussed above, the panel 24a may include one or more connectors, which may include the neck portion 36b of the extension 36, which may facilitate connection of the wall panel 24a to another wall panel and/or a comer panel. Thus, the reinforcing member 41 may be disposed between the groove 32 and the extension 36. In addition, the reinforcing member 41 may have a width that is greater than the distance between the inner surface and the outside surface of wall panel 24b so that the reinforcing member is disposed at an angle with respect to the inside surface and the outside surface. Advantageously, angling the reinforcing member 41 in this manner can maximize the strength and characteristics of the reinforcing member. It will be appreciated, however, that the reinforcing member 41 maybe disposed in any desired portion of the wall panel 24a and at any desired angle or orientation depending, for example, upon the characteristics of the reinforcing member and/or the intended use of the shed 10.
[0141] As shown in Figure 7, the reinforcing member 41 may be disposed near an edge of the wall panel 24b, which may facilitate connection of the wall panel to another structure. It will be understood that each of the wall panels 24a-h may include one or more reinforcing members and other portions of the shed, such as the roof 20, may also include reinforcing portions if desired. While the reinforcing members 41 may be disposed near the edges of the panels, it will be appreciated that the reinforcing members may be disposed in any suitable position, angle, orientation and the like.
[0142] The reinforcing member 41 is preferably connected to the exemplary wall panel 24a by cutting an opening or slit into an end of the panel and inserting the reinforcing member into the receiving portion formed inside the panel. The reinforcing member 41 is preferably an elongated structure that extends generally the length of the panel, but the reinforcing member could have any suitable size and configuration. Advantageously, after the reinforcing member is inserted into the panel 24b, the blow-molded plastic may recover and close the opening. Thus, the reinforcing member 41 may be enclosed or encapsulated within the panel 24b. Therefore, the panel 24b may help protect the reinforcing member 41 from damage. Because the reinforcing member 41 may be disposed within the wall panel 24b, it does not have to be finished and it is not exposed to the elements. It will be appreciated, however, that all of a portion of the reinforcing member 41 may be disposed outside of the wall panel 24b. Further, while mechanical fasteners are not required to connect the reinforcing member 41 and the panel 24b, mechanical fasteners may be used if desired.
[0143] The reinforcing member 41 is preferably an elongated member that is constructed from metal. Advantageously, the reinforcing member 41 may be a thin, flat, generally planar metal strip, such as a sheet metal strip, that is relatively simple to cut and form. It will be appreciated that the reinforcing member 41 could also have other suitable configurations such as cylindrical, tubular, T-shaped, L-shaped, V- shaped, corrugated and the like. The reinforcing member 41 may also be constructed from other materials with suitable characteristics such as other types of metals, plastics, composites, wood, etc. Further, while the reinforcing member 41 may be disposed at an angle, such as 45 degrees, the reinforcing member could be disposed in any suitable position and/or orientation.
[0144] Additional information regarding structures constructed from blow-molded plastic and reinforcing members for blow-molded plastic structures is disclosed in Assignee's co-pending United States Application Serial No. 10/890,601, entitled PARTITION SYSTEM, which was filed on July 14, 2004, and is. incorporated by reference in its entirety. Corner Panels
[0145] As discussed above, the shed 10 includes four comer panels 26a-d, which are preferably construed from blόw-mόlded plastic and include a living hinge. In greater detail, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the exemplary comer panel 26 may include a first portion 42 a and a second portion 42b disposed about the living hinge 42. The living hinge 42 allows the corner panel 26 to be positioned between a first position as shown in Figure 8 in which the first portion 42a and second portion 42b have a generally flat, planar configuration and a second position as shown in Figure 9 in which the first portion 42a and second portion 42b are disposed at an angle about the living hinge 42. Advantageously, when the comer panel is in the first, generally planar configuration, that may facilitate packing, shipping and transportation of the shed 10.
[0146] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the comer panel 26 can be constructed in a similar manner and configuration as the wall panel 24. For example, the corner panel 26 may include an inner surface, an outer surface, a top portion, a bottom portion, a left side and a right side. The living hinge 42, for example, may be positioned proximate the outer surface and the living hinge may include a first inner surface 43a and a second inner surface 43b that are disposed at an angle. Preferably, the first inner surface 43a and the second inner surface 43b are disposed at approximately a 45 degree angle relative to the outer surface so that when the corner panel 26 is folded into the second angled position, the first and second inner surfaces 43a, 43b may abut or be positioned proximate to each other. Advantageously, the first and second inner surfaces 43a, 43b may help position the comer panel 26 at the desired angle in the second position. It will be appreciated that the corner panel could also be disposed at other suitable angles and, accordingly, the first and second inner surfaces 43a, 43b may be disposed at other desired angles.
[0147] As best seen in Figure 8, the left side and the right side of the comer panel 26 may include extensions 34, 36 that are sized and configured to allow the comer panel to be attached to the adjacent wall panels. As discussed below, the comer panels 26 may also be sized and configured to be connected to the doors 28. In addition, as also discussed below, the bottom portion- of the comer panels 26a-d may include protrusions 38 that are sized and configured to be connected to the floor 22. Further, although not shown in Figures 8 and 9, the comer panels 26 may include one or more reinforcing members.
Shelf
[0148] As shown in the accompanying figures, the shed 10 may include one or more shelves. For example, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 13B, the shed 10 may include a shelf 56 that is located proximate the rear wall 14 of the shed. The shelf 56 is preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and it may include one or more extensions that are sized and configured to facilitate attachment of the shelf to the shed 10. In particular, the shelf 56 may include a first extension disposed on the right side of the shelf and a second extension disposed on the left side of the shelf. The first and second extensions are preferably integrally formed as part of the shelf 56 by living hinges and the extensions can be attached to desired portions of the shed, such as the inner surfaces of wall and/or comer panels 24, 26, by one or more fasteners. Significantly, because the shelf 56 may be attached to opposing walls of the shed 10, that may increase the strength and structural integrity of the shed. [0149] The shelf 56 may also include one or more extensions disposed on the rear portion of the shelf to allow the shelf to be attached to the rear wall of the shed. Advantageously, the extensions and living hinges allow the shelf 56 to be securely connected to the shed 10 and the extensions may extend upwardly and/or downwardly depending, for example, upon the intended use of the shelf. Significantly, the living hinges allow the shelf 56 to be shipped in a generally flat, planar configuration and then the extensions can be disposed at an angle when the shelf is attached to the shed. In addition, the extensions may include one or more screw bossea so that the shelf 56 can be attached to the shed 10 via screws or other suitable fasteners. [0150] In greater detail, as shown in Figure 13B, the shelf 56 may include a top surface, a bottom surface (not shown), a front side, a rear side, a left side and a right side (not shown). The shelf 56 may also include a left extension 60a, a rear extension (not shown) and a right extension (not shown), which extensions are preferably connected to the shelf 56 by living hinges located on the left side, the rear side and the right side. The shelf 56 is preferably sized and configured so that the outer perimeter of shelf fits snugly within inside perimeter of shed 10 and one or more screw bosses can be formed in the left, rear and right extensions so that shelf can be attached to shed via screws. The shelf 56 may also one or more reinforcing member, as described above, if desired.
[0151] Likewise, as shown in Figure 13 A, one or more shelves 57 may include a top surface, a bottom surface (not shown), a front side, a left rear side, and a right rear side. The shelf 57 may also include a left rear extension 60b and a right rear extension 60c, which extensions are preferably connected to the shelf 57 by living hinges located on the left rear side and the right rear side. The shelf 57 is preferably sized and configured so that the outer perimeter of shelf fits snugly within inside perimeter of shed 10 and one or more screw bosses can be formed in the extensions 60b, 60c so that shelf can be attached to shed via screws. The shelf 57 may also one or more reinforcing member, as described above, if desired.
[0152] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shelves can have a variety of suitable configurations and anangements. For example, the shelves may include one or more features disclosed in Assignee's co-pending application United
States Application Serial No. , entitled SHED WITH ONE OR MORE
LIVING HINGES, filed March 28, 2005 (Attorney Docket No. 15499.670), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Window
[0153] As shown in Figure 1, the shed 10 may also include a window 62. The window 62 is preferably located in one or more of the wall panels 24a-h depending, for example, upon the intended design and/or appearance of the shed 10. Advantageously, the window 62 may provide light and/or ventilation for the shed 10. Preferably, the window 62 is disposed in a wall panel 24 that is generally the same as the other wall panels and the window preferably does not include any outwardly extending projections that would interfere with the packaging, shipping or transportation of the shed 10. In addition, the window 62 is preferably relatively easy to manufacture and straightforward to install.
[0154] For example, as seen in Figures 1 and 3, the window may include a frame that is integrally formed in one of the panels 24 and suπounds an opening. The frame may include one or more decorative or aesthetic portions that may improve the appearance of the window 62. The frame may also include one or more cross- members that extend across part of the opening. The frame may also include grooves or slots that are disposed on opposing sides of the opening and which are sized and configured to receive the window. The window is preferably a transparent or translucent member that allows at least some light to pass through. The window is also preferably constructed from a relatively flexible, strong and impact resistant material such as acrylic or polycarbonate. Advantageously, the window may be constructed using a wide variety of techniques and methods, such as injection molding, rotary molding compression molding and the like. In addition, the window may include a first portion and a second portion connected by a living hinge, for example, to permit the window to be moved between an opened or angled position and a closed or generally flat position. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the window may be constructed from other suitable materials, including glass, and processes, if desired, and the shed does not require windows. [0155] In greater detail, the window is preferably disposed within the grooves and the window may be removable if desired. In addition, the window may be slidable within the grooves to allow the window to be opened or closed. The window may also include one or more stops, detents and the like which may hold the window in the open, closed or partially open positions. The window may also include an optional locking member that secures the window in the closed or partially open position. The locking member may simply include a bracket that is attached to the panel or window frame and is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, the window may not be opened. On the other hand, when the locking member is in the unlocked position, the window may be freely opened.
[0156] Advantageously, the frame may be integrally formed in the panel 24 as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. In addition, the frame may not extend outwardly from either the inner or outer surfaces of the panel, which may facilitate stacking and manufacturing of the panels. Further, the consumer may easily install and remove the window, and the window can be locked if desired. Additional information regarding these and other aspects of a window with suitable features is disclosed in Assignee's co-pending application United States Application Serial No. , entitled SHED WITH ONE OR MORE LINING HINGES, filed March 28,
2005 (Attorney Docket No. 15499.670), which is incoφorated by reference in its entirety.
Pegboard
[0157] The shed 10 may also include other features, if desired. For example, the shed 10 may include one or more features that allow items to be attached to the shed. In particular, the shed 10 may include one or more attachment portions that allow pegboard 53 to be attached to a portion of the shed such as a wall panel. It will be appreciated that this feature may be extremely useful since pegboards are commonly used inside sheds to allow various items, such as tools, to be stored. [0158] For example, as shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12, the exemplary wall panel 26 may include a plurality of depressions 48 on the inner surface of the wall panel 26, and the depressions may include a bottom surface and a sidewall. The sidewall of the depressions 48 may be slightly curved inward nearest the inner surface of the wall panel 26, and the depressions 48 can include one or more access regions. As shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12, a connecting member 52 is preferably sized and configured to be connected to one or more of the depressions 48. The connecting member 52 may include a base 54a with two outwardly extending projections 54b, 54c. The first projection 54b may include a screw boss that is sized and configured to receive a fastener such as a screw and the second projection 54c may be sized and configured to help align and position the pegboard 53.
[0159] The base 54a is preferably sized and configured to be received and retained within one or more of the depressions 48. In particular, because the sidewall of the depressions may be slightly curved inward, the area of sidewall nearest inner surface of the wall panel 26 may be smaller than the area of the bottom surface of the depressions. Because the wall panel 24 is preferably formed of plastic, the sidewall of the depressions 48 may expand as the base 54a ia pushed into the depression 48 and then the sidewall may contract after the connecting member 52 is inserted. Thus, the connecting member 52 may be received and retained within the depression 48 by a snap, interference or friction fit. The connecting member 52 can be removed by inserting a tool (e.g., a screw driver) into the access region of the depression 48 and applying force to the underside of base 54a. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the connecting member 52 may be attached to any desired portion of the shed 10 and it may be attached in any suitable manner.
[0160] As illustrated in Figure 12, the connecting members 52 may allow pegboard 53 to be attached to the shed 10. In particular, one or more connecting members 52 may be attached to an inner surface of a wall panel and the second projections 54c may be used to position and align the pegboard 53. Specifically, the projections 54c may be inserted into holes in the pegboard 53 to coπectly position the pegboard and fasteners can then be inserted through the pegboard and attached to the screw bossea formed in the projection 54b. The connecting members 52 are preferably constructed from injection molded plastic, but the connecting members can be formed from other suitable processes, such as rotary or compression molding and other materials, such as metal. While the connecting members 52 are preferably separate components that are selectively attached to the shed 10, one or more connecting members may also be integrally formed as a unitary part of the shed.
Roof Assembly
[0161] Turning back to Figures 3 and 4, the roof 20 of the shed 10 will now be discussed in further detail. The roof 20 may include a plurality of trusses 64, and as shown in Figure 14, each truss may include a pair of support beams 66 that are connected at one end by a bracket 68. The support beams 66 are preferably elongated structures and each of the support beams may include a channel. A cross beam 70 or rafter is connected proximate the midsection of the pair of support beams 66 to form a generally A-frame type truss system. A bracket 69 may connect the bracket 68 and the cross beam 70, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. The support beams 66 and cross beams 70 are preferably constructed of metal (such as steel) and these beams can be powder coated, galvanized, or otherwise processed to reduce or minimize conosion. It will be appreciated that these beams could also be constructed from other materials with suitable characteristics.
[0162] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the roof 20 preferably has a modular construction with a plurality of roof panels 72 and roof caps 74, 76. For example, as shown in the accompanying figures, the roof 20 may include lower roof panels 72a-h, end roof cap portions 74a, 74b, and intermediate roof cap portions 76a, 76b, 76c. The roof panels 72 and roof caps 74, 76 are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic, but these components could also be constructed from other materials and processes with suitable characteristics.
[0163] In greater detail, the roof 20 may include lower roof panels 72a-h and each lower roof panel may include an inner surface, an outer surface, a top portion, a bottom portion, a left side and a right side. The lower roof panels 72a-h may also include a lip 80 that extends outwardly away from the inner surface and is formed on one or more sides of the lower roof panel. The lip 80 may be formed on the outer periphery of selected lower roof panel 72a-h to create a ttiicker edge, which may create the appearance of thicker roof. The lip 80 may include a hollow interior portion that is formed during the manufacturing process. Advantageously, the lower roof panels 72 and the lip 80 are constructed from blow-molded plastic, which may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece stmcture. Tbte lower roof panels 72a- h can include a textured surface or pattern on the outer surface to imitate, for example, shingles. In addition, the outer surface of the lower roof panels 72a-h and/or the lip 80 may also have a textured surface or pattern, such as shingles. One or ordinary skill in the art will appreciated that the shed 10 could have a variety of suitable designs and configurations.
[0164] As shown in Figure 3, the lower roof panels 72a-h may include a depression or recess 82 formed on the top portion of the outer surface. As shown in Figures 3, 18 and 19, the depression 82 is preferably tapered and the depressions may be used to receive a portion of a pair of roof cap portions TA~ , 76. Advantageously, because the lower roof panels 72a-h may have generally the same or identical shape and configuration, the lower roof panels may be used interch-angeably. As discussed above, the lower roof panels 72 may include one or more depressions that may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity off the roof panels, such as depressions 81 shown in Figure 18. In particular, the pattem on the outer surface of the lower roof panels 72 may create the appearance of shingles and the pattern on the inner surface of the lower roof panels may be sized and configured to allow the depressions 81 to be formed in the pattern so that the size of" the depressions may be minimized. In addition, as discussed above, the lower roof panels 72 may include one or more reinforcing members, if desired.
[0165] Similarly, the roof cap portions 74, 76 may include one or more depressions that may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the roof cap portions, such as depressions 81 shown in Figure 44. In addition, the roof cap portions 74, 76 may include one or more reinforcing members, if desired. Further, as discussed above, the roof cap portions 74, 76 and/or the roof panels 72 may include a pattern on one side and another pattern on the other side, and one or more depressions may be positioned where the patterns overlap or intersect. [0166] The roof 20, as seen in Figure 3, may include a roofline that is formed from the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b and the intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c. The end roof cap portions 74a, 74b and the intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic. It will be appreciated that the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b can be substantially minor images of each other and the intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c can also be substantially minor images of each other. It will be understood, however, that the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b and/or the intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c do not have to be minor images, respectively, and these portions may have other suitable designs and configurations. [0167] Advantageously, the end roof cap portions may include a first portion and a second portion that are joined together by a living hinge. For example, the end roof cap portion 74a may include a first portion 83a and a second portion 83b that are joined together by a living hinge 84. As such, the end roof cap portion 74a can be selectively positioned between a generally flat, planar position that may facilitate packaging and an angled or use position. In addition, the end roof cap portion 74a may include a top surface, a bottom surface, a front side, a back side, a left side and a right side. The top surface of the end roof cap portion 74a can be textured- to imitate shingles. Additionally, a space may be located between the first and second portions 83a, 83b, and the end roof cap portion 74a may have a generally C-shaped configuration. The space may be configured to assist in installing an option-al skylight in roof 20. However, it will be appreciated that a skylight is not necessaryr, in which case, the end roof cap portion 74a can be configured without the space. [0168] The roof 20 may also include an intermediate roof cap portion, such as the intermediate roof cap portion 76a, may include a first portion and a seco_nd portion joined by a living hinge. For example, the end roof cap portion 76a, may^ include a first portion 91a and a second portion 91b that are joined together by a Irving hinge 92. Thus, the intermediate roof cap portion 76a can be selectively positioned between a generally flat, planar position that may facilitate packaging and an angςled or use position. The intermediate roof cap portions 76 may also include an inside surface, an outside surface, a front side, a back side, a left side and a right side. Desirably, the outside surface of the intermediate roof cap portions 76 is textured to imita~te shingles so that it matches the other portions of the roof 20. The intermediate roof cap portions 76 may also include one or more spaces located between the first portion and second portion, and the intermediate roof cap portions may have a generall -: H-shaped configuration. The spaces may be sized and configured to assist in installing an optional skylight in the roof 20. It will be appreciated that the skylight is not required and the intermediate roof cap portion 76 can be configured without the spaces. [0169] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the end roof cap portions *7A and the intermediate roof cap portions 76 preferably include one or more extensions, such as extensions 88, which may overlap and interconnect with other extensions. For example, an extension of an end roof cap portion 74 may engage or be connected to an extension of an intermediate roof cap portion 76. Also, the extensions of" an intermediate roof cap portion 76 may engage or be connected to extensions of two intermediate roof cap portions, or the extensions of an intermediate roof cap portion may engage or be connected to extensions of an end roof cap portion 74 and an intermediate roof cap portion 76.
[0170] As shown in the accompanying figures, the end roof cap portions 74a, T^b, the intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c and the lower roof panels 72a-h can be connected to form the roof 20. For example, the roofline of the roof 20 may- be formed by joining the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b and the intermediate roof oap portions 76a-c. As shown in Figure 3, the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b are disposed on the ends of the roof 20 while the intermediate roof cap portiona 76a-c are disposed towards the middle portion of the roof. The extensions of end roof cap portions T^a, 74b may engage or be connected to extensions of intermediate roof cap portions 7~6a- c, respectively, in an interlocking and/or overlapping configuration. The extensions of the intermediate roof cap portion 76b may engage or be connected to the other extensions of the intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c in an interlocking and/or overlapping configuration. Additionally, one or more mechanical fasteners, suck* as screws, rivets or the like, may also be used to secure the various portions of the roof 20, such as the roof cap portions 74, 76.
[0171] It will be appreciated that the roof 20 can have other suitable configurations and anangements. For example, all or a portion of one intermediate roof cap portion may be placed adjacent to all or a portion of another intermediate roof cap portion or to all or a portion of an end roof cap portion. As shown in Figumres 3, 18 and 19, these adjacent portions may be sized and configured to fit in the tap&red depression 82 formed on the top side of lower roof panels 74 ~ which may form a joint between the roof panel, the intermediate roof cap portion, and the end roof cap portion (or other intermediate roof cap portion). These adjacent portions may form at least a part of the engaged or connected extensions that are discussed above, and these portions may help provide a more water-tight configuration. Further, because the tapered depression 82 or other portion of the lower roof panel 72 may be disposed underneath the lower portion of the seam between the extensions 88 of adjacent cap portions. 74, 76, water leaving that seam may advantageously be guided to the top surface of the lower roof panel to n off the roof 20. For example, an extension S8 of a cap portion 74, 76 may include a channel, groove, or other recessed portion that may help guide any water entering the seam between the cap portions. [0172] The roof truss 64 may be sized and configured to assist in connecting the roof panels to the shed 10, and the truss may be sized and configured to allow any water or moisture that passes between the roof panels to be drained from the shed. For example, as shown in Figure 17, an exemplary support beam 66 of a truss 64 may have a channel that is sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the lower roof panels 72a and 72b. In particular, the support beam 66 may help connect the lower roof panels 72a, 72b. Additionally, at least a portion of the lip 80 of the lower roof panel 72a and at least a portion of the lip of the lower roof panel 72b ma-y be disposed within the channel of the support beam 66. Because the channel and/or other portions of the support beam 66 may be disposed underneath the seam between the lower roof panels 72a, 72b, any water or moisture penetrating the seam ma_y be collected within the channel. Advantageously, as discussed below, because the "truss 64 and the lower roof panels 72a, 72b preferably extend to and beyond the outer walls of the shed 10, the water or moisture may be transported out of the interior portion of the shed. While the support beam 66 may have a generally U-shaped configuration that defines at least a portion of the channel, it will be appreciated that the trass and support beam may have other suitable shapes, sizes and configurations. [0173] As shown in the accompanying figures, the roof 20 may be connected to one or more wall panels 24. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the wall panels 24 may include one or more screw bosses 39 that are sized and configured to receive a screw or other fastener to connect the wall panels to the roof (or to other portions of the shed, such as the gables 114, 116 discussed below). The wall panels 24 preferably include a receiving portion or opening 40 that is sized and configured to receive and/or be connected to at least a portion of the truss 64 and/or lower roof panel 72. In particular, as shown in Figure 17, the opening 40 may be sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the support beam 66 or other portion the truss 64, at least a portion of the lip 80 of the lower roof panel 72a and at least a portion of the lip 80 of the lower roof panel 72b. This may allow the truss 64, the lower roof panel 72a, the lower roof panel 72b and the wall panel 24h to be securely connected, which may allow a strong and stable shed 10 to be created.
[0174] Advantageously, the roof 20 of the shed 10 may be cost effective because it may be constructed from a plurality of blow-molded panels that may be part of a modular construction. In addition, the blow-molded panels may be strong, lightweight and relatively rigid. The roof 20 may also be constructed with a pitch of about 6:12, which may allow water and snow to quickly and easily ran off the roof. Further, the roof may be quickly and easily assembled because it is constructed from a relatively few parts that may be quickly and easily connected.
[0175] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the roof 20 may have other suitable shapes, sizes and configuration depending, for example, upon the intended use and/or design of the shed 10. Additional information and other features of a roof 20 that may be used in connection with the shed 10 are disclosed in
Assignee's co-pending application United States Application Serial No. , entitled SHED ROOF SYSTEM, filed March 28, 2005 (Attorney Docket No. 15499.672), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Skylight
[0176] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the roof 20 can include one or more skylights. Advantageously, the skylights may reduce the need for artificial light. In addition, the skylights may be configured to provide ventilation for the shed 10. Further, the skylights may be positioned on the roof line so that light may be equally distributed throughout the shed 10. While the skylights are preferably constructed from transparent or translucent materials, the skylights could also be constructed from opaque materials. It will also be appreciated that the shed 10 may include any desired number of skylights, but skylights are not required.
[0177] In greater detail, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, when the roof cap is formed by joining end roof cap portions 74a, 74b and intermediate roof cap portions 76a-c, the openings or spaces in the cap portions may form apertures 100 in the roof cap. These openings are preferably sized and configured to receive a skylight 102, as shown in Figure 22-26. Preferably, the spaces in end roof cap portions 74 and intermediate roof cap portions 76 have similar configurations so that resulting apertures 100 are similar in size along the roof cap. Thus, the same size and configuration of the skylight 102 can be used, which may reduce the cost of manufacturing. It will be understood, however, that the skylights 102 could have any suitable size and configuration, and the different skylights could have different sizes and configurations. [0178] As shown in Figures 22, 23 and 24, the skylight 102 may include a first portion 104a and a second portion 104b that are connected by a living hinge 106 that allows the skylight to be selectively moved between a generally flat, planar position (as shown in Figures 22 and 23) that may facilitate packaging and an angled, use position (as shown in Figure 24). The skylight 102 preferably includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front side, a back side, a left side and a right side. A number of features may be formed on the bottom surface of skylight 102 to assist in connecting the skylight to roof 20. For example, the skylight 102 may include a plurality of ribs 110 that extend generally downwardly from the bottom surface of skylight. The ribs 110 are preferably positioned along the edge of the skylight 102 and the ribs may generally correspond to the size of aperture 100. The skylight 102 may also include a plurality of projections 112 that extend generally downwardly from the bottom surface of skylight. As shown in Figure 23, some of the projections 112 can be formed on or along the living hinge 106. As shown in Figures 25 and 26, some of the projections 112 can also be sized and configured to be disposed in apertures 101a formed at or near the spaces on end roof cap portions 74 or intermediate roof cap portion 76. In addition, some of the projections 112 that are formed on or along the living hinge 106 can be disposed in apertures 101b formed on the living hinges of the end roof cap portions 74 or the intermediate roof cap portions 76. [0179] When the skylight 102 is being attached to the roof 20, as shown in Figures 25 and 26, the skylight 102 may be positioned over the aperture 100 and at least partially inserted into the aperture so that the ribs 110 engage the sides of the aperture. The ribs 110 may be spaced apart slightly more than the perimeter of the aperture 100 so that the skylight 102 may be held within the aperture by a friction, snap or interference fit. The projections 112 may then be disposed in coπesponding apertures 101. If desired, the one or more mechanical fasteners, such as screws, may then be used to secure the skylight 102 to the roof 20. On the other hand, all or a portion of the skylight 102 may be held by a friction, snap or interference fit to allow the skylight to be opened or closed. Advantageously, this may allow the skylight 102 to be used as a vent. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the skylight 102 can be attached to the roof 20 in any suitable manner and the skylights may be permanently or selectively attached to the roof.
[0180] As shown in the accompanying figures, the skylight 102 preferably has a substantially rectangular configuration, but it will be appreciated that the skylight may have any suitable configuration such as circular, oval, polygonal and the like. It will also be appreciated that the spaces formed in the end roof cap portions 74 and the intermediate roof cap portions 76 could have a different configuration and aπangement depending upon the size and configuration of the skylight. [0181] The skylight 102 is preferably constructed from a relatively strong and durable material such as plastic. The plastic skylights 102 are preferably constructed by an injection molding process and the living hinge 106 is preferably integrally formed in the skylight, which may help create a watertight seal. It will be understood, however, that the skylight 102 could be constracted from other materials and processes with suitable characteristics.
[0182] The skylight 102 may also have other features and configurations, such as disclosed in Assignee's co-pending application United States Application Serial No. , entitled SHED WITH ONE OR MORE LIVING HINGES, filed March 28,
2005 (Attorney Docket No. 15499.670), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Gables
[0183] Returning back to Figures 3 and 4, the shed 10 may also include one or more gables. In particular, the shed 10 may include a front gable 114 and rear gable 116, and these gables may form part of the roof 20. The front and rear gables 114, 116 are preferably constructed from panels and the panels may have generally the same construction as the wall and/or roof panels. For example, the gables 114, 116 may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, include one or more depressions that are sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the gables, and include one or more reinforcing members. In addition, the front and rear gables 114, 116 preferably have a generally triangular shaped configuration that extends between the right sidewall and the left sidewall. Further, the front gable 114 preferable extends between the front wall and the roof 20 and the rear gable 116 preferably extends between the rear wall and the roof. It will be appreciated that the gables 114, 116 may have other suitable aπangements, configurations and characteristics depending, for example, upon the size, configuration and intended use of the shed 10. [0184] As shown in Figure 3, the front gable 114 may include a front surface, a rear surface, a top left portion, a top right portion, a bottom left portion, a bottom right portion and a central bottom portion. The central bottom portion of the front gable 114 is preferably sized and configured to conform to the shape of the doors 28. In particular, the central bottom portion of the front gable 114 may include a curved portion that is sized and configured to facilitate the doors 28. Additionally, the top left portion and the top right portion of the front gable 114 are preferably sized and configured to conform to the shape of the roof 20. The top left portion and the top right portion of the front gable 114 may include one or more protrusions that, as explained in further detail below, are sized and configured to assist in connecting the front gable 114 to the roof 20. In addition, the bottom left portion and the bottom right portion of the front gable 114 may include one or more protrasions that, as explained in further detail below, are sized and configured to assist in connecting the front gable 114 to the comer panels 26a, 26d. Further, the front gable 114 may include an aperture 124 that is sized and configured to receive a vent 126. Also, the front gable 114 may include one or more door stops 115 that are sized and configured to contact, engage and/or abut at least a portion of the door panels 28 to help secure the door panels in a closed position and/or to help restrict the movement of the door panels. The door stops 115 are preferably integrally formed in the front gable 114 as a unitary construction during the manufacturing process, but the door stops may be connected to the front gable or other suitable portion of the shed 10. While the vent 126 may increase circulation of the air within the shed 10, the vent is not required. [0185] Additionally, as shown in Figure 3, the front gable 114 may consist of a single panel that extends substantially from the left sidewall 16 to the right sidewall 18. Advantageously, because the front gable 114 may consist of a single panel, that may facilitate assembly of the shed 10 and help create a strong and sturdy shed. It will be appreciated, however, that the gable 114 may consist of two or more parts and it may have other suitable designs and configurations.
[0186] As shown in Figure 4, the rear gable 116 may includes a front surface, a rear surface, a top left portion, a top right portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the rear gable 116 is preferably sized and configured to conform to the shape of the rear wall 14. The top left portion and the top right portion of the rear gable 116 are preferably sized and configured to conform to the shape of the roof 20. In addition, the top left portion and the top right portion of the rear gable 116 may include one or more protrusions that are sized and configured to assist in connecting the rear gable 116 to roof 20. The bottom portion may also include one or more protrusions that are sized and configured to assist in connecting the rear gable 116 to the rear wall 14. Further, the rear gable 116 may include an aperture 134 that is sized and configured to receive a vent 136, but the aperture and vent are not required. Also, the rear gable 116 may include one or more extensions 117 sized and configured to mate with and/or be received into coπesponding channels 40 in the wall panela 24d, 24e.
[0187] Figure 4 illustrates that the rear gable 116 can be formed from two parts 116a, 116b that may be interconnected. For example, the rear gable 116 may be formed with two generally identical portions that are minor images of each other. In addition, a portion of the aperture 134 may be formed in one portion of the rear gable 116 and another portion of the aperture may be formed in the other portion of the rear gable. Advantageously, forming the rear gable 116 in two pieces may facilitate packaging of the shed 10, discussed further below.
[0188] One or more protrusions (not shown) can be used to connect the front and rear gables 114, 116 to the lower roof panels 72a, 72d, 72e, 72h. In greater detail, the protrasions are preferably connected to the front and rear gables 114, 116, respectively, by living hinges. Advantageously, the living hinges allow the protrusions to be moved between a generally planar, flat position that may facilitate shipping and an angled, use position that may facilitate attachment of the gables 114, 116 to the lower roof panels 72a, 72d, 72e, 72h. In particular, when the protrasions are folded into the used position, the protrusions can be disposed adjacent or next to the bottom surface of lower roof panels 74. The protrusions can then be attached to the lower roof panels 74 by any suitable type of connection, such as mechanical fasteners. The protrusions may comprise, for example, flaps having a generally rectangular configuration. Further, additional protrusions 122, 132 formed on the bottom portions of the gable 114, 116 can be connected to the comer panels 26a-d by any suitable type of connection, such as mechanical fasteners. Preferably, the protrusions 122, 132 may have a smaller thickness than the corner panels 26a-d so that the bottom portions of the front gable 114 and the rear gable 116 can rest on the top of the wall panels 24d, 24e and/or the comer panels 26a-d. If desired, the front and rear gables 114 and 116 may include one or more screw bosses so that the front and rear gables can be attached to the lower roof panels 74, wall panels 24d, 24e, and/or the comer panels 26a-d using screws or other suitable fasteners. Further, the wall panels 24d, 24e may also include one or more portions 39 that may include screw bosses sized and configured to receive a screw or other fastener to connect so that the wall panels to the rear gable 116. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the gables 114, 116; walls 12, 14, 16, 18; the protrasions of the gables; and roof 20 may have other suitable aπangements and configurations to allow the shed 10 to be formed and assembled.
[0189] As discussed above and shown in Figures 1-4, the front gable 114 can include the vent 126 disposed within the aperture 124. The vent 126 may include an outer edge and a plurality of slats. The vent 126 can also include a rib that extends outwardly from the bottom surface, if desired. The vent 126 can be constructed from extrusion molded plastic, for example, and the vent is preferably removable to allow it to be repaired and/or replaced. For example, the vent 126 could be secured to the aperture 124 by snap, friction or interference fit. The vent 126 can also be secured to the aperture 124 by mechanical fasteners such as screws. In addition, the front portion of the aperture 124 can include a recess or depression that is sized and configured to receive the outer edge of the vent 126, which may allow the outer surface of the vent to be generally aligned with the outer surface of the gable. [0190] It will be appreciated that the gables 114, 116 could also have other suitable configurations and anangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the shed 10. The gables 114, 116 may also other suitable features, such as the features described in Assignee's co-pending application United States Application
Serial No. , entitled SHED ROOF SYSTEM, filed March 28, 2005
(Attorney Docket No. 15499.672), which is incoφorated by reference in its entirety.
Floor
[0191] As discussed above, the shed 1Φ preferably includes a floor 22 and the floor may provide a base or foundation for the shed. The floor 22 may also help position various components of the shed 10, such as the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 and doors 28. In addition, the floor 22 may increase the potential uses of the shed 10 and it may allow the shed to be used in a wide variety of situations and environments. Further, the floor 22 may include one or more floor panels and the floor panels may be interchangeable. This may allow the floor 22 to be part of a modular constraction and, as discussed in greater detail below, the floor panels may have generally the same size and configuration as the wall panels and/or roof panels, which may facilitate manufacturing, shipping and transport of the shed. The floor panels may also have the same type of construction and/or structure as the as the wall panels and/or roof panels, which may also facilitate manufacturing of the shed. [0192] In greater detail, as seen in Figures 3 and 4, the floor 22 preferably has a modular construction including end floor panels 138a, 138b and intermediate floor panels 140a, 140b. Each of the floor panels 138, 140 may include a top portion, a bottom portion, a front side, a rear side, a left side and a right side. As shown in Figures 28, 29 and 30, each of the end floor panels 138a, 138b may include a plurality of receiving portions 144 that are preferably sized and configured to allow, for example, the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 to be connected to the floor 22. Desirably, the receiving portions 144 are formed along three of the sides of the end floor panels 138a, 138b. In greater detail, the end floor panels 138a, 138b may include receiving portions 144 that are disposed along the left side, the right side and either the front side or the rear side. Similarly, the intermediate floor panels 140a, 140b may include such receiving portions 144 formed along two of their sides, in particular, the left side and the right side.
[0193] The sides of a floor panel without the receiving portions 144 may be sized and configured to be connected to an adjacent floor panel. In particular, the side of the end floor panels 138 without the receiving portions 144 may include a plurality of outwardly extending portions or protrusions that are sized and configured to be attached to an intermediate floor panel 140, and the sides of the intermediate floor panel 140 without the receiving portions 144 may also include a plurality of outwardly extending portions or protrasions that are sized and configured to be attached to an intermediate floor panel 140 or an end floor panel 138. For example, as shown in Figures 28-30, the end floor panels 138 may include one or more inwardly extending or recessed portions 147 sized and configured to contact, engage, and/or overlap coπesponding protrasions of an intermediate floor panel 140, and the end floor panels may include one or more protrasions 146 sized and configured to contact, engage, and/or overlap coπesponding inwardly extending or recessed portions of an intermediate floor panel. Similarly, an intermediate floor panel 140 may include one or more inwardly extending or recessed portions sized and configured to contact, engage, and/or overlap coπesponding protrusions of a pair of adjacent floor panels 138, 140, and the pair of floor panels may include one or more protrusions sized and configured to contact, engage, and/or overlap conespoήding inwardly extending or recessed portions of the intermediate floor panel. As shown in Figures 28-30, the protrusions 146 and the recessed portions 147 of a floor panel 138, 140 preferably alternate, and the protrusions are preferably flush with the bottom surface of the floor panels. In one embodiment, rather than alternating, the protrasions 146 and the recessed portions 147 of a floor panel 138, 140 may be generally aligned, and the protrasions may be alternately flush with top surface or bottom surface of the floor panel. When the two adjacent floor panels are connected by the overlapping and/or conesponding portions, the floor panels may be securely connected. In particular, the floor panels may be connected by a snap, friction or interference fit, or other suitable type of connection. Additionally, if desired, the connection can be reinforced by using, for example, mechanical fasteners such as screws.
[0194] The bottom surface of end floor panels 138 and the intermediate floor panels 140 may include a plurality of depressions, such as depressions 149 shown in Figure 28 and 31. As discussed above, the depressions may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the floor panels 138, 140. In particular, the depressions preferably cover substantially the entire bottom surface of the floor panels 138, 140 so that the panels have generally the same characteristics. It will be appreciated that the depressions may provide an integral support structure to the upper surface of the floor panels 138, 140 and the ends of the depressions may contact or engage the upper surface of the floor panels. On the other hand, the ends of the depressions may also be spaced apart from the upper surface of the floor panels 138, 140. In addition, the depressions are preferably closely spaced in a predetermined patter or aπay.
[0195] As discussed above, while it was previously believed that structures constracted from blow-molded plastic were made stronger by making the walls thicker and or adding reinforcement structures such as ribs. The increased number of closely spaced depressions, however, provides the suφrising and unexpected result that a stronger stracture may be created without increasing the wall thickness or adding reinforcement structures such as ribs. In fact, the plurality of closely spaced depressions may allow the structures to be constracted with thinner walls. In addition, the plurality of closely spaced depressions may increase the strength and structural integrity of the stracture despite forming disruptions in the continuity of bottom surface of floor panels 138, 1-40 and less plastic can be used to make the structure even though the plurality of depressions are formed in the stracture. The costs of manufacturing and transportation may be decreased because less plastic may be used to construct the floor panels 138, 140 and the panels may allow a lighter weight shed to be constructed.
[0196] In particular, the plurality of closely spaced depressions may allow the thickness of the floor panels 138, 140 to be decreased. For example, the floor panels 138, 140 may now have a thickness of about 0.75 inches (1.9 centimeters) and still have the required strength and structural integrity. Additionally, as discussed above, one or both sides of the floor panels L 38, 140 may include designs or patterns that allow the height and/or size of the depressions to be decreased. For example, one side of the floor panels 138, 140 may inchude a pattern and the other side of the floor panels may have a different pattern. T ie patterns are preferably sized and configured to include a number of points of intersection where the opposing surfaces are more closely spaced than other portions of the panels 138, 140. Advantageously, this may allow depressions to be located at the points of intersection of the patterns and the depressions may have a smaller size and/or height because the distance separating these points may be smaller. Because the depressions have a smaller size and/or height, that may allow the floor panels to be constracted with a thickness of about 0.75 inches (1.9 centimeters) or less.
[0197] The floor panels 138, 140 are preferably sized and configured to be directly connected to the walls 12, 14, 16, 18. As discussed above, the wall panels 24a-b and the comer panels 26a-d may include a number of outwardly extending protrasions 38 that are sized and configured to connect the wall panels to the floor panels 138, 140. In particular, as shown in the accompanying figures, exemplary wall panels 24a, 24b are joined together and connected to exemplary floor panel 140a. The protrasions 38 extending outwardly from the wall panels 24a, 24b are at least partially disposed within the receiving portions 144 formed in the floor panels 138, 140. Advantageously, the interconnection between the floor panels 138, 140 and the wall panels 24 or the comer panels 26 can be made by snap, interference or friction fit. In addition, as discussed above, the protrusions 38 can include one or more locking portions 38a and the receiving portions 144 can have a smaller opening or inwardly extending lip. The locking portions 38a and the opening or inwardly extending lip are preferably sized and configured so that as the protrasions 38 are being inserted into the receiving portions 144, the opening or inwardly extending lip may move, deform or deflect slightly to allow the protrusion to be inserted into the receiving portion. When the protrusion 38 is fully disposed within the receiving portion 144, the locking portions 38a may help prevent the wall or comer panel 24, 26 from being inadvertently removed from the floor panel 138, 140. Advantageously, the various protrasions 38, locking portions 38a, receiving portions 144 and the like may allow the components to be connected in a modular or interchangeable manner. [0198] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the floor 22 and the interconnection of the walls 12, 14, 16, 18 and the floor could have other suitable aπangements and configurations. For example, floor 22 may include one or more features described in Assignee's co-pending application United States Application
Serial No. , entitled SHED FLOOR SYSTEM, filed March 28, 2005
(Attorney Docket No. 15499.674), which is incoφorated by reference in its entirety.
Offset Configuration
[0199] As shown in Figures 1-4 and in Figures 47" and <48, the connection of the floor panels 138, 140 may be offset from the connection of xvall panels 24 and/or the connection of wall panels 24 and corner panels 26. This configuration can assist making a strong and sturdy shed 10 because the connections or seams formed by joining adjacent floor panels 138, 140 and the connections or seams formed by joining adjacent wall panels 24 (and/or a wall panel 24 and a comer panel 26) are not aligned. In addition, as seen in Figures 1-4 and in Figures 47 and 48, the connection of the roof panels 72 may be offset from the connection of wall panels -24 and/or the connection of wall panels 24 and comer panels 26. Preferably, the connection of the floor panels 138, 140 and the connection of the roof panels 72 are generally vertically aligned and these connections are offset or spaced apart from the connection of the wall panels 24 to wall panels 24 or comer panels 26. Advantageously, this may allow a strong and sturdy shed 10 to be constracted.
[0200] Significantly, the offset or spaced apart connection between the floor panels 138, 140 and the panels 24, 26; and the offset or spaced apart connection between the roof panels 72 and the panels 24, 26 may be created by the corner panels 26. As discussed above, the comer panels 26 desirably include a living hinge, which may bisects the panel in half. Thus, the comer panel 26 preferably has one-half the width of a wall panel 24. The wall panels 24, roof panels 72 and floor panels 138, 140, preferably have generally the same width. Therefore, when the shed 10 is assembled, the comer panels 26 with the living hinges cause the connection of the wall panels 24, 26 to be offset from the connection of the roof panels and ftoor panels. This offset configuration can assist to strengthen the interlocking connections formed between wall panels 24, comer panels 26, roof panels 72, and floor panels 138, 140. Further, this offset configuration may increase the structural integrity of the shed 10 by staggering the locations of the connection of the panels. The shed 1Q>, however, may be relatively easy to assembly, manufacture and ship because the wall, corner, roof and floor panels may have generally the same dimensions when the corner panels are disposed in the flat, planar configuration.
[0201] The size and configuration of the shed 10 may also be changed., if desired. For example, the shed 10 may have specified dimensions, but the dimensions may be changed to expand or contract the size of the shed. In particular, an expansion kit may be used to change the size and configuration of the shed 10. Advantageously, this may allow the shed 10 to be sold with one size and expansion kits may also be sold to allow the size and configuration of the shed to be changed. This may greatly enhance the potential uses of the shed 10.
[0202] For example, the shed 10 may have a first size as shown in Figiαres 47 and 48 and the shed 10 may be expanded to the size shown in Figures 50 and 51 using an expansion kit 200. In particular, as shown in Figure 49, the expansion kit 200 may include a wall panel 24i, a wall panel 24j, an intermediate roof cap portion 76d, an intermediate floor panel 140c, a lower roof panel 72i and a lower roof panel 72j. As shown in Figures 50 and 51, the expansion kit 200 'may be used to provide, for example, a longer shed 10. The expansion kit 200 may also include a trass, one or more fasteners, and or other components suitable for expanding the size of the shed 10. Also, the size of the shed 10 shown in Figures 47 and 48 may be contracted to the size shown in Figures 52 and 53 by removing various components, such as those shown in Figure 54. Thus, it will be understood that the shed 10 may have a variety of suitable sizes and configurations.
[0203] It will be appreciated that the shed 10 may have other suitable anangements and configurations. For instance, the shed 10 may include one or more of the features disclosed in Assignee's co-pending application United States
Application Serial No. , entitled SHED WITH OFFSET STRUCTURES, filed March 28, 2005 (Attorney Docket No. 15499.683), which is incoφorated by reference in its entirety.
Door Assembly
[0204] The shed 10 preferably includes a door assembly which, as discussed above, may include one or more doors 28. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the shed 10 may include two doors 28 and each door may include a door panel 28a, 28b. However, it will be appreciated that the shed 10 can include any suitable number of doors and door panels. Advantageously, the door panels 28a, 28b may have similar characteristics and constructions as the floor panels, wall panels and/or roof panels. In particular, the door panels 28a, 28b are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and the door panels may include one or more reinforcing members. Additionally, the door panels 28a, 28b may include one or more depressions that may be sized and configured to increase the strength and/or structural integrity of" the door panels. Further, one or both sides of the door panels 28a, 28b may include a pattern or design. Preferably, both sides of the door panels 28a, 28b include pa-tterns or designs and the patterns are sized and configured so that a number of points of intersection are formed between the patterns and depressions can be disposed at these points of intersection. Significantly, as discussed above, locating one or more depressions at these points of intersection may minimize the size of the depressions and that may allow door panels 28a, 28b to be constructed with less plastic and/or lighter weight.
[0205] As seen in Figures 33 and 34, the door panel 28a will now be discussed in greater detail. It will be appreciated that the door panel 28b preferably has a generally similar configuration and constraction. The door panel 28a preferably has a generally rectangular configuration with a front side, a rear side, a top portion, a bottom- portion, an outer portion and an inner portion. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the top portion of the door panel 28a, however, may be curved to form an arched door. Consequently, the bottom center portion of the front gable 114 may have a complimentary curved configuration that coπesponds to the top portion of the door panel 28a. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the door 28 and door panel 28a may have other suitable configurations, designs and anangements depending, for upon, upon the intended aesthetics or uses of the shed 10.
[0206] As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the door panel 28a may include a hinge portion 152 that is sized and configured to allow the door 28 to open and close. The hinge portion 152 is preferably integrally formed with the door panel 28a, but it will be appreciated that the hinge portion can also be a separate component and/or separately constructed. The hinge portion 152 preferably includes an elongated receiving portion '153 that is sized and configured to receive a hinge member 154. The hinge member 154 is preferably a hollow or solid metal rod that has a length approximately equal to or slightly greater than the height of the door panel 28a. It will be appreciated that the hinge member 154 may also include one or more components and the hinge member could have other suitable shapes and configurations. Preferably, the hinge member 154 is pivotally connected to the shed 10 to allow the door panel 28a to be opened and closed. For example, the lower end of the hinge member 154 can be disposed in an aperture or recess formed in the top surface of the floor panel 138 and the upper end of the hinge member can be disposed in an aperture or recess formed in the bottom portion of the front gable 114. Thus, the door panel 28a can pivot about the hinge member 154 and/or the hinge member may be pivotally connected to the shed 10.
[0207] The door panel 28a may also include an outwardly extending flange or barrier 156. The flange 156 preferably extends outwardly from the hinge portion 152 and it is preferably an elongated thin strip of plastic that extends along the length of the hinge portion. Advantageously, the flange 156 may help prevent water or foreign objects from entering the shed 10. In particular, the flange 156 is preferably generally aligned with in the door panel 28a and when the door 28 is in the closed position, the flange is preferably generally flush with the inner surface of the comer panel 26d. The inner surface of the comer panel 26d may include a recess or indentation so that the flange 156 is generally parallel to the inner surface. Thus, when the door panel 28a is closed, the flange 156 may cover the opening or the seam disposed between the comer panel 26d and the door panel. Accordingly, the flange 156 may act as a seal to prevent water or other objects from undesirably entering the shed 10. Preferably, the flange 156 and the hinge portion 152 are integrally formed with the door panel 28a as part of a one-piece construction so that the connection is wateφroof. It will be appreciated, however, that the flange 156 does not have to be a unitary part of the hinge portion 152 or the door 28. It will also be appreciated that the flange 156 may have other suitable shapes and configurations, and the flange is not required. [0208] Advantageously, the hinge member 154 may help reinforce and strengthen the door panel 28a. In addition, as discussed above, the door panel 28a may include one or more reinforcing members. In particular, one side of the door panel 28a may be reinforced by the hinge member 154 and the other side may be reinforced by another reinforcing member (not shown). Desirably, the reinforcing member (not shown) is a metal strip that is disposed along the outer surface of the door panel 28a. Advantageously, if the reinforcing member (not shown) is disposed on the outer surface of the door panel 28a, it may create the appearance of a stronger and more rigid door. In addition, the exposed reinforcing member (not shown) may allow the door 28 to be more securely closed and the increased weight may create a door with a more rigid feel. As discussed above, the reinforcing member (not shown) preferably has different characteristics than the door panel- 28a and the reinforcing member may be sized and configured to increase the stiength and rigidity of the door panel. It will be appreciated that all or a portion of the reinforcing member (not shown) may also be disposed within the door panel 28a and the reinforcing member may have other suitable aπangements and configurations.
[0209] As shown in Figure 34, the inner portion of the door panel 28a can include an outwardly extending protrusion 158. The protrasion 158 is preferably an elongated member that extends along at least a portion of the length of the door panel 28a. The protrusion 158 may be sized and configured to contact, engage or interlock with other structures. In particular, the protrasion 158 may include an enlarged head that forms part of an interlocking mechanism. It will be appreciated that the protrasion 158 may have other suitable shapes and configurations, and the protrusion is not required. [0210] The doors 28 may include a mechanism that allows the doors to be secured in the closed position and a handle that allows one or more of the doors to be more easily opened and closed. For example, as seen in Figures 35-37, a first frame 160 may be connected to the protrasion 158 on the door panel 28a. The first frame 160 may include a groove 162 that is sized and configured to interlock with the protrusion 158. The first frame 160 may also include an elongated protrusion 164. In addition, the first frame 160 may include an elongated recess or indentation 166. Preferably, the elongated protrasion 164 is generally aligned with the rear portion of the first frame 160 and the elongated recess is generally aligned with the front portion of the first frame.
[0211] As seen in Figures 35-37, the door panel 28b may include a second frame 168 that is sized and configured to be connected to the first frame 160. The second frame 168 may also include a groove 162 that is sized and configured to interlock with the protrusion 158 of the door panel 28b. The second frame 168 may also include an elongated recess or indentation 172. Additionally, the second frame 168 may include an elongated protrasion 174.
[0212] The first frame 160 and the second frame 168 preferably have matingly engageable surfaces. That is, the protrasion 164 formed on the first frame 160 is preferably sized and configured to be disposed in the recess 172 on the second frame 168. Similarly, the protrusion 174 on the second frame 168 is preferably sized and configured to be disposed in the recess 166 on the first frame 160. Significantly, the first frame 160 and the second frame 168 may be sized and configured to strengthen the inner portions of the door panels 28a, 28b. In addition, a reinforcing member may be partially or completely disposed in protrasion 1 4.
[0213] As shown in Figures 35 and 36, a latch may be used to secure the doors 28 in the closed position. The latch may include an elongated locking member 176, such as a metal bar, that is disposed between the protrasion 158 and the second frame 168 of the door panel 28b. Preferably, the locking member 176 has a length that is approximately equal to or greater than the length of the door panel 28b. A catch or securing portion 178 may be disposed at the upper end of the locking member 176. The catch or securing portion 178 preferably has a generally hook-shaped configuration that is sized and configured to help secure the door 28 in the closed position. The lower end of the locking member 176 is preferably sized and configured to be disposed in an opening or recess when the door 28 is in the closed position. In particular, as discussed in further detail below, the lower end of the locking member 176 may be tapered or angled to help position the end of the bar in the opening or recess. The locking member 176 is preferably constracted from steel and it preferably has a generally square or circular cross-section. It will be appreciated, however, that the locking member 176 may have other suitable configurations and aπangements, and the bar may be constructed from other suitable materials such as aluminum, plastics, composites and the like. Advantageously, the locking member 176 can also help reinforce the door 28 and/or increase the weight of the door so that it has a more solid feel.
[0214] As shown in Figure 36, the latch may include a receiving member 180 that is connected to one of the end floor panels 138a. The receiving member 180 may include a body portion 182a, a ramp portion 182b that extends downwardly from the body portion, an aperture or recess 182c formed in the body portion and two edges 182d that extend downwardly and outwardly from the body portion. The receiving member 180 can be connected to the end floor panel 138a via the edges 182d and the receiving member is preferably positioned so that the lower end of the locking member 176 is disposed in the aperture or recess 182c when the door panel 28b is closed.
[0215] When the door 28 is being closed, the lower end of the locking member 176 may contact the ramp portion 182b of the receiving member 180 and the ramp portion causes the locking member to be raised. When the locking member 176 is raised, the securing portion 178 at the upper end of the metal bar is able to engage a locking portion, such as a metal bar or rod (not shown), disposed near the lower portion of the front gable 114. When the door 28 is fully closed, the lower end of the locking member 176 then falls into the aperture 182c and the securing portion 178 engages the locking portion. Thus, the upper and lower ends of the locking member 176 may be securely held in a fixed position when the door 28 is closed. Advantageously, the locking member 176 may prevent inadvertent opening of the doors 28.
[0216] To open the door 28, the locking member 176 is lifted upward to disengage the securing portion 178 from the locking portion and the lower end of the bar is lifted from the aperture or recess 182c. The door 28 can then be opened and the locking member 176 may slide along the ramp portion 182b of the receiving member 180. Advantageously, when the locking member 176 is not lifted upwardly, the securing portion 178 may engage a top portion of the door panel 28. [0217] A handle assembly 186 may be used to assist in opening and closing the doors 28. For example, as seen in Figure 37, the handle assembly 186 can be generally disposed on the door panel 28b, and the door panel 28b can include a recess or opening so that at least a portion of the locking member 176 may be accessed. This may allow the handle assembly 186 to be connected to the locking member 176. In greater detail, the handle assembly 186 may include a handle member 187 and a panel 188, which can be disposed proximate the recess or opening. The panel 188 may be used to seal off the space formed by the recess or opening in the door panel 28b. The panel 188 may also include a slot 189 and a locking portion 190 that extends outwardly from the panel. As shown in Figure 37, the locking portion 190 may receive at least a portion of handle member 187, which may be secured using, for example a lock. As shown in the accompanying figures, the handle member 187 may be at least partially disposed in the slot 189, and the movement of the handle member may control the movement of the locking member 176. In particular, upward movement of the handle member 187 may also cause the locking member 176 to move upwardly and downward movement of the handle member may cause the locking member to move downwardly. Thus, handle member 187 may be used to move the locking member 176, which may facilitate opening and closing of the door 28. In addition, the handle member 187 may be moved between a locked position in which it secures the door 28 in a locked position and an unlocked position in which the door can be opened or closed.
[0218] It will be appreciated that the door, handle and locking mechanism may have other suitable shapes, configurations and anangements. In addition, the door, handle and locking mechanism may have other features, such as disclosed in Assignee's co-pending application United States Patent Application Serial No. , entitled SHED DOOR SYSTEM, filed March 28, 2005 (Attorney
Docket No. 15499.673), which is hereby incoφorated by reference in its entirety. Packaging
[0219] Advantageously, the various components of the shed 10 may be sized and configured to be compactly packaged in one or more shipping boxes or other containers. For example, many of the components may have generally similar dimensions to facilitate packaging. In addition, some of the components may include one or more cavities or recesses in which other components of the shed 10 may be disposed. In particular, one or more of the panels may include an outwardly extending lip and the lip may help define a cavity or recess in which other components may be disposed. A number of the components may also be sized and configured to permit the components to be packaged in substantially uniform layers. For instance, many of the components may have substantially the same height and/or thickness to facilitate packaging of the shed 10.
[0220] As discussed above, various components may also include one or more living hinges that allow the components to be stored or packed in a generally flat or planar configuration. Significantly, this may minimize the size of the required packaging. In addition, the relatively small size of the packaging may allow the shed 10 to be more easily transported and stored. The relatively small size packaging may also facilitate the consumer transporting and moving the shed 10, such as from the store to the person's home or office
[0221] In particular, the shed 10 is preferably sized and configured to be packaged within two packages. One of the packages may include the wall panels 24a-h and the comer panels 26a-d. The other packaging may include all of the other components of the shed 10. Advantageously, if the shed 10 has a width of approximately 8 feet (2.4 meters), length of approximately 10 feet (3 meters) and height of approximately 8 feet (2.4 meters), then it may be packaged within a first package that is about 72 inches (1.8 meters) by about 31 inches (0.8 meters) by about 12 inches (0.3 meters) and a second package that is about 94 inches (2.38 meters) by about 31 inches (0.8 meters) by about 12 inches (0.3 meters). In addition, the total weight of the shed, including the packaging, as approximately 450 pounds (204 kilograms).
[0222] In greater detail, the shed 10 may have dimensions of approximately 94 inches in width (2.38 meters), 118 inches (3 meters) in length and a height of 96 inches (2.4 meters). This may allow the shed to have an interior width of approximately 90 inches (2.3 meters), length of approximately 114 inches (2.9 meters), a minimum height of approximately 70 inches (1.7 meters) and a maximum height of approximately 94 inches (2.38 meters). This may create a shed 10 with about 71.3 square feet (6.62 square meters) and 486.9 cubic feet (13.79 cubic meters). As discussed above, the shed 10 may be packaged within a first package that is about 72 inches (1.8 meters) by about 31 inches (0.8 meters) by about 12 inches (0.3 meters) and a second package that is about 94 inches (2.38 meters) by about 31 inches (0.8 meters) by about 12 inches (0.3 meters). Accordingly, the packaging efficiency of the shed 10 having the above dimensions is about 11.79 (which the ratio of the shed volume to the packaging volume).
[0223] As discussed above, the shed 10 is preferably packaged into two packages. The first package includes the wall panels 24a-h and the comer panels 26a-d. The wall panels 24a-h and the comer panels 26a-d preferably have generally the same dimensions so that, during packaging, the comer panels and wall panels can be stacked on top of each other. For example, the wall panels 24 are preferably about 72 inches (1.8 meters) in length, about 30 inches (0.76 meters) in width and about 0.75 inches (1.9 centimeters) thick; and the comer panels 24 are about 72 inches (1.8 meters) in length, about 30 inches (0.76 meters) in width and about 0.75 inches (1.9 centimeters) thick. Because the thickness of the wall panels 24 and the comer panels 26 has been reduced to about 0.75 inches (1.9 centimeters), the size of the packaging to be minimized.
[0224] The other components of the shed are preferably disposed in the second package. Advantageously, the other components are disposed in a number of layers, which may facilitate packaging and assembly of the shed 10. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the order and sequencing of the layers may be varied. Accordingly, while an exemplary embodiment of placing the components is described in detail below, the shed 10 may also be packaged in other suitable aπangements and configurations.
[0225] For example, as seen in Figure 38, the second package may include the four floor panels 138, 140 stacked in a horizontal position. As seen in Figure 39, two lower roof panels 72a, 72b are then positioned next to each other and stacked on the floor panels 138, 140. As discussed above, the lower roof panels 72a, 72b preferably include a lip 80 disposed on three sides. The sides of the lower roof panels 72a, 72b without the lip 80 are preferably placed facing each other to form at least a portion of a cavity or storage area. Advantageously, various components may- be stored within the cavity and that may further minimize the size and volume of the packaging. For example, as shown in Figure 40, a door panel 28a, the corner shelf 57, the vent 126 and the front gable 114 may be placed in the storage area formed by lower roof panels 72a, 72b. The two pieces of the rear gable 116 may then be placed in generally the same layer and adjacent to the front gable 114. Importantly, this allows the gables 114, 116 to be positioned in a generally rectangular configuration. Such a generally rectangular configuration may also be used to more efficiently manufacture the gables 114, 116. For example, the gables 114, 116 may be molded as a layer in a generally rectangular configuration using a blow molding or other process, which may advantageously help reduce the number and/or size of the molds used to manufacture the gables 114, 116. As shown in Figure 41, another set of the lower roof panels 72c, 72d are then stacked on top of the gables 114, 116 and the lips 80 preferably face downwardly to generally enclose the components positioned between the lower roof panels 72a-d. That is, the bottom portions of the lips 80 of the lower roof panels 72a- d are generally positioned adjacent to each other to form the cavity that may receive at least the door panel 28a, the comer shelf 57, the vent 126, the front gable 114 and the rear gable 116. Significantly, this configuration may help minimize the size and volume of the packaging.
[0226] As shown in Figure 42, a third layer of the lower roof panels 72e, 72f are preferably positioned next to each other and stacked on the floor panels 138, 140. As discussed above, the lower roof panels 72e, 74f preferably include a lip 80 disposed on three sides and the sides of the lower roof panels without the lip 80 are preferably placed facing each other to form at least a portion of a cavity or storage area. Significantly, this may create another cavity or storage area in which various components may be stored. For example, as shown in Figure 43, the other door panel 28b, another comer shelf 57, the vent 136, a light (which is preferably battery powered), the first door handle, the second door handle, the door handle lever, the locking mechanism for the door, the door latch, the door latch cover plate, the deadbolt from the door, one or more pegboard attachments and one or more pieces of pegboard may be placed inside the storage area. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these and other components may be aπanged differently within the packaging depending, for example, upon the intended size and configuration of the packaging. [0227] Figure 44 illustrates that additional components may be stacked on these I , ' components. For example, the end roof cap portions 74a, 74b, the intermediate roof cap portions 76a, 76b, and the support beams 66 may be stacked on top of the other components. Also note that the extensions of the cap portions 74, 76 may be coupled to help provide a more secure package. As shown in Figure 45, a fourth layer of the lower roof panels 72g, 72h may be stacked on or above these components. Preferably the lip 80 of the lower roof panels 72g, 72h extends downwardly towards the lip of the lower roof panels 72e, 72f to create the storage area and generally enclose the components positioned between the lower roof panels 72e-h. That is, the bottom portions of the lips 80 of the lower roof panels 72e-h are generally positioned adjacent to each other to form the cavity that may receive the door panel 28b, the other corner shelf 57, the vent 136 and various components of the roof. Advantageously, this cavity or storage area may also include one or more hardware bags that may include items such as fasteners. Also, as shown in Figure 45, the lower roof panels 72g and 72h may be spaced apart a distance to form a gap with at least a portion of the end roof cap portions 74 (such as the lips of the end roof cap portions) extending between the gap, which may help minimize the size and volume of the packaging. [0228] As shown in Figure 46, the rear shelf 56 may be stacked on the lower roof panels 72e, 72f and the third intermediate roof cap portion 76c may also be stacked on the lower roof panels. In addition, the skylights 102 may be stacked on the lower roof panels 72e, 72f. As shown in the accompanying figures and discussed above, various portions of the roof (such as the front roof cap member, the center roof cap members and the rear roof cap member) preferably include a living hinge that is sized and configured to permit the roof cap members to lay substantially flat for shipping and packaging, and also to be folded into an angled configuration for constructing the shed. In addition, the front roof cap member, the center roof cap members and the rear roof cap member preferably include one or more skylight receiving portions. Advantageously, one or more hardware bags may be positioned within the skylight receiving portions.
[0229] Figure 46 also shown that one or more skylights, shelves, door edges, door hinges, shelf supports, roof trasses, roof channels and/or components of the door or latch assembly may be stacked in a compact manner or layer. Significantly, aπanging the components of the shed 10 in this configuration may significantly minimize the size and volume of the packaging. It will be appreciated that the shed 10 may also be packaged in other suitable arrangements and configurations. For example, the shed 10 may be packaged as disclosed in Assignee's co-pending application United States.
Application Serial No. , entitled SHED PACKAGING SYSTEM, filed
March 28, 2005 (Attorney Docket No. 15499.669), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0230] Although this invention has been described in terms of certain prefened embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A packaging system for a shed, the packaging system comprising: a container; at least two wall panels that are sized and configured to form at least a portion of one or more outer walls of the shed; and at least two comer panels, each of the comer panels including a living hinge that allows the comer panel to be moved between a generally planar position and an angled position, each of the corner panels forming a corner of the shed when the comer panel ia in the angled position; wherein the wall panels and the comer panels are capable of being stacked within the container to facilitate packaging of the shed when the comer panels are in the generally planar position.
2. The packaging system as in Claim 1, wherein the wall panels and the comer panels are constracted from blow-molded plastic; and wherein the living hinge is integrally formed with the comer panels as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during the blow-molding process.
3. The packaging system as in Claim 1, further comprising a height and a width of the wall panels and a height and a width of the comer panels, the height and the width of the wall panels being generally equal to the height and the width of the comer panels when the comer panels are in the generally planar configuration.
4. The packaging system as in Claim 1, wherein each of the wall panels and each of the comer panels have a maxinirim thickness of about 0.75 inches in order to minimize the size of the container.
5. The packaging system as in- Claim 1, further comprising a height of about 72 inches and a width of about 30 inches for each of the wall panels and a height of about 72 inches and a width of about 30 inches for each of the corner panels when the comer panels are in the generally planar configuration.
6. The packaging system as bn Claim 5, wherein the container has a length of about 72 inches, a width of about 31 inches and a height of about 12 inches; and wherein eight wall panels and four corner panels are packaged within the container.
7. A packaging system for a shied that is sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the shed, the shed packa-ging system comprising: a container; an elongated first panel that forms an exterior portion of the shed, the first panel being constracted from blow-molded plastic and including an outwardly extending lip that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece constraction, the first panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container; a first storage area at least partially defined by the first panel and the outwardly extending lip, the first storage area being sized and configured to receive one or more other components of the shed when the first panel is disposed within the container in order to decrease the size of the container; an elongated second panel that forms an exterior portion of the shed, the second panel being constructed from blow-molded plastic and including an outwardly extending lip that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece constraction, the second panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container; and a second storage area at least partially defined by the second panel and the outwardly extending lip, the second storage area being sized and configured to receive one or more other components of the shed when the second panel is disposed within the container in order to decrease the size of the container.
8. The packaging system as in Claim 7, wherein the lip of the first panel is disposed proximate the lip of the second panel when the first and second panels are disposed within the container so that the first storage area is disposed proximate the second storage area to facilitate packaging of the shed.
9. The packaging system as in Claim 7, wherein the first panel and the second panel are generally aligned in the same plane within the container.
10. The packaging system as in Claim 7, further comprising an elongated third panel that forms an exterior portion of the shed, the third panel being constracted from blow-molded plastic and including an outwardly extending lip that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece constraction, the third panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container; a third storage area at least partially defined by the third panel and the outwardly extending lip, the third cavity storage area being sized and configured to receive one or more other components of the shed when the ttiird panel is disposed within the container in order to decrease the size of the container; an elongated fourth panel that forms an exterior portion of the shed, the fourth panel being constracted from blow-molded plastic and including an outwardly extending lip that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the fourth panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container; and a fourth storage area at least partially defined by the fourth panel and the outwardly extending lip, the fourth storage area being sized and configured to receive one or more other components of the shed when the fourth panel is disposed within the container in order to decrease the size of the container.
11. The packaging system as in Claim 10, wherein the lip of the third panel is disposed proximate the lip of the fourth panel when the third and fourth panels are disposed within the container so that the third storage area is d sposed proximate the fourth storage area to facilitate packaging of the shed.
12. The packaging system as in Claim 10, wherein the first panel and the second panel are generally aligned in a first plane when disposed within the container; and wherein the third panel and the forth panel are generally aligned in a second plane when disposed within the container, the first plane being gerterally parallel to the second plane.
13. The shed packaging system as in Claim 7, wherein the lip of the first panel is disposed about at least three sides of the first panel and the lip of the second panel is disposed about at least three sides of the second panel.
14. The shed packaging system as in Claim 7, wherein the first panel is a roof panel and the second panel is a roof panel.
15. The shed packaging system as in Claim 7, wherein the first panel and the second panel have substantially the same dimensions and shape.
16. The shed packaging system as in Claim 7, wh-erein the shed has a width of approximately eight feet, a length of approximately tern feet and a height of approximately eight feet; and wherein the shed is packaged within the container having total outside dimensions less than or equal to a length of approximately ninety- six inches, a width of approximately thirty-one inches and a height of approximately twenty-four inches.
17. The shed packaging system as in Claim 7, wh-erein the shed has a volume of approximately four hundred and eighty cubic feet; and wherein the shed is packaged within the container having a total outside volume less than or equal to approximately forty-two cubic feet.
18. The shed packaging system as in Claim 7, w-herein the ratio of a volume of the shed to a volume of the container is approximately twelve or less.
19. A packaging system that is sized and configured to receive at least a portion of a shed, the shed packaging system comprising: a container; a roof cap constructed from blow-molded plastic that is sized and configured to be disposed within the container; and a cavity formed in the roof cap that is sized and configured to receive other components of the shed when the roof cap is disposed within the container in order to minimize the size of the container.
20. The shed packaging system as in Claim 19, further comprising a second cavity formed in the roof cap that is sized and configured to receive other components of the shed when the roof cap is disposed within the container in order to minimize the size of the container.
21. The shed packaging system as in Claim 19 wherein the roof cap includes a living hinge to allow the roof cap to be disposed in a generally planar configuration when the roof cap is disposed in the container.
22. A packaging system that is sized and configured to receive at least a portion of a shed, the shed packaging system comprising: a container; an elongated first panel that forms an exterior portion of the shed, the first panel being constracted from blow-molded plastic and including an alignment member that is integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction, the first panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container; and an elongated second panel that forms an exterior portion of the shed, the second panel being constructed from blow-molded plastic and including an alignment member that is integrally formed aa part of a unitary,, one-piece construction, the second panel being sized and configured to be disposed within the container; wherein the alignment member of the first panel and the alignment member of the second panel are sized and configured to align the first panel with the second panel when the first panel and the second panel are disposed within the container.
23. The shed packaging system as in Claim 22, wherein the first panel comprises a door to the shed and the second panel comprises a portion of the roof of the shed.
24. The shed packaging system as in Claim 22, wherein the alignment member of the first panel comprises at least one protrasion and the alignment member of the second panel comprises at least one recessed portion that is sized and configured to receive the at least one protrasion from the first panel when the first panel and the second panel are disposed within the container to facilitate packaging.
PCT/US2005/010737 2004-03-29 2005-03-29 Packaging system for a modular enclosure WO2005094367A2 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MXPA05013375A MXPA05013375A (en) 2004-03-29 2005-03-29 Packaging system for a modular enclosure.
CA2525833A CA2525833C (en) 2004-03-29 2005-03-29 Packaging system for a modular enclosure

Applications Claiming Priority (18)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US55736904P 2004-03-29 2004-03-29
US29/202,267 2004-03-29
US29/202,397 2004-03-29
US29/202,299 USD506267S1 (en) 2004-03-29 2004-03-29 Shed
US29/202,291 USD506266S1 (en) 2004-03-29 2004-03-29 Shed constructed from blow-molded plastic
US29/202,291 2004-03-29
US29/202,299 2004-03-29
US29/202,267 USD505497S1 (en) 2004-03-29 2004-03-29 Exterior surface of a shed
US29202397 2004-03-29
US60/557,369 2004-03-29
US29/204,811 USD506268S1 (en) 2004-05-03 2004-05-03 Exterior portion of a shed
US29/204,812 2004-05-03
US29/204,811 2004-05-03
US29/204,812 USD506011S1 (en) 2004-05-03 2004-05-03 Exterior portion of a shed
US58638704P 2004-07-08 2004-07-08
US60/586,387 2004-07-08
US11/091,849 US7779579B2 (en) 2004-03-29 2005-03-28 Packaging system for a modular enclosure
US11/091,849 2005-03-28

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005094367A2 true WO2005094367A2 (en) 2005-10-13
WO2005094367A3 WO2005094367A3 (en) 2009-04-02

Family

ID=35064328

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2005/010737 WO2005094367A2 (en) 2004-03-29 2005-03-29 Packaging system for a modular enclosure

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US7779579B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2525833C (en)
MX (1) MXPA05013375A (en)
WO (1) WO2005094367A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7210277B2 (en) 2003-04-30 2007-05-01 Lifetime Products, Inc. Partition system
US8091289B2 (en) 2004-03-29 2012-01-10 Lifetime Products, Inc. Floor for a modular enclosure
US7797885B2 (en) * 2004-03-29 2010-09-21 Lifetime Products, Inc. Modular enclosure
US7658038B2 (en) 2004-03-29 2010-02-09 Lifetime Products, Inc. System and method for constructing a modular enclosure
US7926227B2 (en) 2004-03-29 2011-04-19 Lifetime Products, Inc. Modular enclosure with living hinges
US7509776B2 (en) * 2005-02-28 2009-03-31 Arrow Group Industries, Inc. Modular storage shed system
US7877936B2 (en) * 2005-08-30 2011-02-01 Suncast Corporation Plastic utility shed roof system
US20070267155A1 (en) * 2006-05-17 2007-11-22 Rich Howe Door for an enclosure
US8065840B2 (en) * 2009-04-06 2011-11-29 Syed Azmat Ali Zaidi Modular building construction system and method of constructing
US8561358B2 (en) * 2010-02-26 2013-10-22 Marian G Rowan Shelter building
US8776449B1 (en) * 2010-02-26 2014-07-15 Marian Gilmore Rowan Shelter building
US9428926B2 (en) 2010-07-19 2016-08-30 Richard H. Kramer Prefabricated building and kit
US20130091796A1 (en) * 2011-10-14 2013-04-18 American Cooler Technologies Corp. Modular exterior building
US9702147B2 (en) * 2013-01-07 2017-07-11 Clifford Eugene Babson Panels for framing and constructing a building structure
CA2846343A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-15 Suncast Technologies, Llc Blow molded modular shed
US20150132082A1 (en) * 2013-11-11 2015-05-14 Michael N. Goshi Pre-assembly of casework components in shipping container
WO2016118953A1 (en) 2015-01-23 2016-07-28 Richard Kramer Improved fabricated building
US11199001B2 (en) * 2016-11-22 2021-12-14 Suncast Technologies, Llc Plastic wall panel with edge reinforcement
WO2020047238A1 (en) 2018-08-31 2020-03-05 Shelterlogic Corp. Erectable shed and the packaging thereof
USD932054S1 (en) * 2019-08-08 2021-09-28 Keter Plastic Ltd. Shed
US11447946B2 (en) * 2020-04-03 2022-09-20 Duffield Marine, Inc. Portable shelter
CN114674294B (en) * 2022-03-16 2023-09-01 贵州师范学院 Wind-proof device for ocean surveying and mapping and using method thereof
USD998823S1 (en) * 2023-06-19 2023-09-12 Jingning Meige Operation Management Co., Ltd. Storage shed
USD998822S1 (en) * 2023-06-19 2023-09-12 Jingning Meige Operation Management Co., Ltd. Storage shed

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5743426A (en) * 1996-07-16 1998-04-28 Mosley; James William Reusable shipping and packaging container
US6823639B2 (en) * 1999-02-19 2004-11-30 Lance T. Hampel Resin building

Family Cites Families (258)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US383353A (en) 1888-05-22 Cable-covering machine
US1300439A (en) 1918-07-10 1919-04-15 John O Madison Trussed sheet structure.
US1516096A (en) 1918-09-07 1924-11-18 Clark Ag Building construction
US1736548A (en) 1926-11-17 1929-11-19 David W Pye Vehicle-floor construction
US1828193A (en) 1928-08-24 1931-10-20 Flintkote Co Laminated flooring
US2107418A (en) 1935-11-25 1938-02-08 Bitting Inc Means for attaching wall panel units together
US2304145A (en) 1941-01-31 1942-12-08 American Cabinet Hardware Corp Catch operator
US2388297A (en) 1941-07-10 1945-11-06 Extruded Plastics Inc Composite article, including extruded sections
US2766855A (en) 1951-05-24 1956-10-16 Steel Partitions Inc Demountable metal partition
US2922344A (en) 1953-10-13 1960-01-26 Olin Mathieson Landing mat
US2863185A (en) 1954-02-16 1958-12-09 Arnold T Riedi Joint construction including a fastener for securing two structural members together in edge-to-edge closely abutting relation
US2816329A (en) 1955-04-28 1957-12-17 Louis S Sogaro Plastic building and construction unit
US3077426A (en) 1957-05-24 1963-02-12 Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp Acoustical panel
US3090087A (en) 1961-02-14 1963-05-21 Peter H Miller Stock material for use as edging strip
US3199258A (en) 1962-02-23 1965-08-10 Robertson Co H H Building outer wall structure
BE631347A (en) 1962-04-24
US3222829A (en) 1962-06-18 1965-12-14 Lucy M Bening Knockdown shelter
US3200547A (en) 1963-07-01 1965-08-17 Standard Coated Products Inc Corner molding
US3194596A (en) 1963-08-15 1965-07-13 Keeler Brass Co Door handles
US3234700A (en) 1963-11-01 1966-02-15 Marion A Creveling Building panel
US3344564A (en) 1965-03-12 1967-10-03 Kenron Awning And Window Corp Canopy structure with stressed bowed panels
US3423891A (en) 1965-08-25 1969-01-28 Certain Teed Prod Corp Building structure with the means between spaced panels
US3438312A (en) 1965-10-22 1969-04-15 Jean P M Becker Ground covering capable for use in playing tennis in the open air or under cover
US3436881A (en) 1967-01-20 1969-04-08 Ralph O Schlecht Prefabricated structure and a joint assembly therefor
US3401494A (en) 1967-01-23 1968-09-17 Dallas A. Anderson Metal stud for polystyrene foam sheets
US3488905A (en) 1967-12-29 1970-01-13 William C Campbell Building roof structure
US3543456A (en) 1968-06-11 1970-12-01 Gregoire Eng & Dev Co Total lock building structure
US3563582A (en) 1968-08-05 1971-02-16 Grace W R & Co Spline joint
US3521414A (en) 1968-08-23 1970-07-21 Penn Ventilator Co Inc Base for roof mounted devices
US3566554A (en) 1968-09-26 1971-03-02 Martin B Schaffer Prefabricated building
US3597858A (en) 1968-11-27 1971-08-10 Charles S Ogsbury Scale building set and elements
DE2024453A1 (en) 1970-05-20 1971-12-09 Arbed S.A. Arbed - Feiten & Guilleaume Vereinigte Drahtwerke, 5000 Köln-Mülheim High-strength, rod-shaped or flat component
US4032680A (en) 1970-07-22 1977-06-28 Francois Allard Construction member
US3700213A (en) 1971-02-12 1972-10-24 Pioneer Plastics Inc Plastic fence
AT320237B (en) 1971-06-04 1975-01-27 Anton H Dinkel Construction system, in particular for erecting buildings and vehicle superstructures
US3807100A (en) 1971-08-16 1974-04-30 Prod Specialties Inc Building construction with elongated support member and interfitting panels
BE788968A (en) 1971-09-21 1973-01-15 Avd A Votre Disposition GRID
US3762109A (en) 1972-01-20 1973-10-02 A Cohen Bus shelters
US3935357A (en) 1973-03-27 1976-01-27 I. S. A. P. S.P.A. Hollow extruded plastic strips for packings
GB1478964A (en) 1973-06-21 1977-07-06 Credelca Ag Buildings
US3865679A (en) 1973-07-09 1975-02-11 Jesse R Hale Sandwich panel having cellular core structure with reinforcing elements
US3905167A (en) 1973-11-09 1975-09-16 Berne A Watkins Modularized building system
US3908326A (en) 1973-12-20 1975-09-30 Gerald T Francis Brick panel construction
CH562376A5 (en) 1974-02-27 1975-05-30 Brechbuehler Fritz
US3928691A (en) 1974-06-17 1975-12-23 Richard A Knudson Reinforced panels and method of constructing same
US3992839A (en) 1974-11-21 1976-11-23 Ethyl Corporation Snap-on paneling
US4028750A (en) 1974-12-05 1977-06-14 Barracudaverken Aktiebolag Cover for water-filled outdoor swimming pools
US4031682A (en) 1975-04-14 1977-06-28 Metropolitan Industries Prefabricated building panel and method of making
US3984961A (en) 1975-08-04 1976-10-12 Fruehauf Corporation Composite extruded floor
US4004387A (en) 1975-08-20 1977-01-25 Ellingson Jerome B Panels and the method of same for house construction
US4008548A (en) 1975-09-24 1977-02-22 Leclerc Raymond W Playing surface
US4023317A (en) 1975-10-14 1977-05-17 Lloyd Erwin Bettger Building unit
US4054987A (en) 1976-02-26 1977-10-25 Mateflex/Mele Corporation Construction method
NL7701096A (en) 1977-02-02 1978-08-04 Kraayenhof Design B V Vlosberg FLOOR COVERING, COMPOSED OF CONNECTING PLASTIC ELEMENTS.
GB1585930A (en) 1977-12-01 1981-03-11 Linkman Building Co Ltd Greenhouses
US4186723A (en) 1978-04-10 1980-02-05 Corning Glass Works Contoured insulation window for evacuated solar collector
US4236361A (en) 1978-06-12 1980-12-02 Joseph Boden Prefabricated building components
US4258519A (en) 1979-03-19 1981-03-31 Andrew Hugens Means for joining panels
US4348442A (en) 1979-08-17 1982-09-07 Figge Irving E Structural panel
US4563374A (en) 1981-10-19 1986-01-07 Gebr, Happich Gmbh Blow molded decorative or protective strip with temperature compensation
US4470405A (en) 1981-12-28 1984-09-11 Battelle Memorial Institute Method and apparatus for controlling insolation in a building
US4557091A (en) 1982-02-10 1985-12-10 Corflex International, Inc. Extruded structural system
US4436779A (en) 1982-07-02 1984-03-13 Menconi K Anthony Modular surface such as for use in sports
US4641468A (en) 1982-11-16 1987-02-10 Cano International, N.V. Panel structure and building structure made therefrom
FR2552467B1 (en) 1983-09-26 1985-12-20 Under Sun Srl ARCHED COVERING STRUCTURE OF A MEDIUM, ESPECIALLY FOR GREENHOUSES
US5191985B2 (en) 1983-12-30 1994-11-29 Basic Line Ind Inc Modular support and display unit
US4674250A (en) 1984-08-13 1987-06-23 Wayne Altizer Modular building panel
US4568584A (en) 1984-11-20 1986-02-04 Holland Don A Garden structure
US4662515A (en) 1986-03-18 1987-05-05 Southern Case, Inc. Plastic blow-molded articles with fold-up sides
US4805357A (en) 1987-01-12 1989-02-21 Aleixo Vitor C Structural mold system
US4792082A (en) 1987-03-03 1988-12-20 Williamson Gaylord L Enclosed animal litter box
US4910280A (en) 1987-07-10 1990-03-20 Robbins Edward S Iii Modular dock bumper
US4826265A (en) 1987-07-16 1989-05-02 Wenger Corporation Shelving system for musical instrument storage
US4790112A (en) 1987-07-17 1988-12-13 Cheh Wang Assembly of two interconnected similar plastic planks and a framework
US4843788A (en) 1988-01-11 1989-07-04 Moduform, Inc. Modular seclusion room
GB8800773D0 (en) 1988-01-14 1988-02-17 Friesen P Building panel
US4930286A (en) 1988-03-14 1990-06-05 Daniel Kotler Modular sports tile with lateral absorption
US5671913A (en) 1988-04-06 1997-09-30 Vesper; Dale E. Fence wall construction with decorative facing
IT1218229B (en) 1988-04-28 1990-04-12 Giovanni Celsi TRANSLUCENT SELF-TRANSPORT POLISHING FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
US4862653A (en) 1988-10-18 1989-09-05 Pomento Patrick G Building for particulate material
US4925338A (en) 1988-11-18 1990-05-15 K-Dron, Inc. Decorative functional element for construction and the like
US4903445A (en) 1989-01-09 1990-02-27 Mankowski John P Roof ridge ventilators
US4998023A (en) 1989-06-22 1991-03-05 Lakeside Manufacturing, Inc. Portable utility cart
GB9004795D0 (en) 1990-03-02 1990-04-25 Macleod Iain M Cover for grassed area
US5036634A (en) 1990-05-14 1991-08-06 Lessard Ronald R Knock down shelter and storage structure
US5125697A (en) 1990-11-29 1992-06-30 Rubbermaid Incorporated Lockable latch for a container
US5040834A (en) 1990-11-29 1991-08-20 Rubbermaid Incorporated Lockable latch for a container
US5265385A (en) 1991-07-30 1993-11-30 Smith Andrew M Small vehicle storage apparatus
US5184436A (en) 1991-11-12 1993-02-09 Ted Sadler Portable utility structure
CA2070079C (en) 1992-05-29 1997-06-10 Vittorio De Zen Thermoplastic structural system and components therefor and method of making same
US5331778A (en) 1992-07-08 1994-07-26 Antonio Mazpule Portable enclosure assembly
US5219085A (en) 1992-07-21 1993-06-15 Rubbermaid Incorporated Domed lid for refuse container
US5293725A (en) 1992-10-02 1994-03-15 Matticks Richard B Building structure with interlocking components
US5470641A (en) 1992-12-18 1995-11-28 Shuert; Lyle H. Panel structure
ES2065248B1 (en) 1992-12-24 1995-09-01 Ferre Jose Manuel Rodriguez NEW STRUCTURE FOR CHILDREN'S GAMES.
US5411782A (en) 1993-12-20 1995-05-02 Jarvis; Barry M. Interfitting plastic panels
US5459967A (en) 1994-02-10 1995-10-24 Bodtker; Carl E. Adjustable support structure
WO1995023679A1 (en) 1994-03-01 1995-09-08 Victor Stanley, Inc. Reinforced structural member of recycled plastic and method of making same
USD365154S (en) 1994-04-19 1995-12-12 Rubbermaid Specialty Products Inc. Storage shed
USD364468S (en) 1994-04-19 1995-11-21 Rubbermaid Specialty Products Inc. Utility shed
US5566961A (en) 1994-07-11 1996-10-22 Rubbermaid Office Products Inc. Modular storage unit
US5724774A (en) 1994-07-22 1998-03-10 Rooney; James W. Modular building assembly and method of assembling the same
US5544870A (en) 1994-08-19 1996-08-13 Fisher-Price, Inc. Play enclosure apparatus
US5605344A (en) 1994-09-14 1997-02-25 Herman Miller, Inc. Transport cart
US5647181A (en) 1994-10-11 1997-07-15 Hunts; Larry David Construction system and method for connecting rigid sheet-like panels together into doll houses, play houses, utility sheds and other structures
US5596843A (en) 1995-02-27 1997-01-28 Watson; Robert L. Rigid structural members and structures for buildings and retaining means for securing sheets thereto
US5609327A (en) 1995-04-03 1997-03-11 Amidon; William D. Portable fence panel
US5568772A (en) 1995-05-24 1996-10-29 Carson; Bradley C. Shower door shelf
JPH08323842A (en) 1995-06-02 1996-12-10 Tsutsunaka Plast Ind Co Ltd Sheet blow molding and molding thereof
USD375169S (en) 1995-06-06 1996-10-29 Rubbermaid Specialty Products Inc. Upright shed
USD375168S (en) 1995-06-06 1996-10-29 Rubbermaid Specialty Products Inc. Shed
US5555681A (en) 1995-07-06 1996-09-17 Cawthon; Mark A. Modular building system
ES1031697Y (en) 1995-07-17 1996-12-01 Ferre Jose Manuel Rodriguez STRUCTURE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES INTENDED FOR CHILDREN'S GAMES.
US6101768A (en) 1995-09-11 2000-08-15 Springstead; Gary Center supported ventilated raised floor with grated core
USD387876S (en) 1995-09-20 1997-12-16 Rubbermaid Specialty Products, Inc. Portion of a utility shed
US5992106A (en) 1995-09-21 1999-11-30 Sport Court, Inc. Hexagon tile with equilateral reinforcement
US5787654A (en) 1995-09-21 1998-08-04 Sport Court, Inc. Isogrid tile
US5657583A (en) 1995-11-24 1997-08-19 Tennant; Donald Portable knock-down utility shed
US5826389A (en) 1995-11-29 1998-10-27 Siler; Steven Lynn Building manufacture and method using synthetic polymer structural elements and adhesive bonding
US5715854A (en) 1996-04-09 1998-02-10 Jean-Claude Andrieux Dome-like structure and kit of parts therefor
USD393724S (en) 1996-04-17 1998-04-21 Keter Plastic Ltd. Garden shed
USD399575S (en) 1996-06-04 1998-10-13 Rubbermaid Speciality Products Inc. Shed
US5970663A (en) 1996-07-01 1999-10-26 Mcdonough; Michael C. Storage shed for providing easy access to tools and related items through a system of shelves and holders
US5704699A (en) 1996-07-25 1998-01-06 Tratec Products, Inc. Modular cabinet system
DE19630646A1 (en) 1996-07-30 1998-02-05 Porsche Ag Floor assembly for motor vehicles, in particular passenger cars
US6939599B2 (en) 1996-09-13 2005-09-06 Brian H. Clark Structural dimple panel
US5761867A (en) 1996-10-11 1998-06-09 Sport Court, Inc. Tile support insert
US5694730A (en) 1996-10-25 1997-12-09 Noranda Inc. Spline for joining boards
US5778604A (en) 1996-11-12 1998-07-14 Snow; Guy B. Storage building with ram openable roof
US5755341A (en) 1996-11-20 1998-05-26 The Mead Corporation Display shelf and method of making the same
USD405540S (en) 1996-11-25 1999-02-09 Rubbermaid Specialty Products, Inc. Utility shed
US6044598A (en) 1996-12-19 2000-04-04 Western Profiles Limited Elongated member of extruded plastic suitable for flooring, decking, seating, and like uses
US5713806A (en) 1997-01-10 1998-02-03 Sport Court, Inc. Backboard pad
US5935510A (en) 1997-01-21 1999-08-10 R & J Hansen, L.L.C. Method for using recycled glass as a filler in molded plastics
US5882140A (en) 1997-01-30 1999-03-16 Yodock, Jr.; Leo J. Barrier device
US6061987A (en) 1997-04-24 2000-05-16 Lemke Manufacturing, Inc. Sheet panels for easy to assemble structures
US6158178A (en) 1997-05-30 2000-12-12 Steelcase Inc. Panel wall construction
US5904021A (en) 1997-07-29 1999-05-18 Fisher; Kirk R. Modular flooring recreational use
US6129605A (en) 1997-09-24 2000-10-10 Parvia Corporation Modular base units for a toy building set
US6061979A (en) 1997-09-30 2000-05-16 Johannes; Nicholas J. Inline skating sports floor
US6067769A (en) 1997-11-07 2000-05-30 Hardy Industries Reinforcing brace frame
US5915724A (en) 1997-12-03 1999-06-29 Chrysler Corporation Airbag cover assembly with integrated hinge
US5950378A (en) 1997-12-22 1999-09-14 Council; Walter S. Composite modular floor tile
US6012253A (en) 1998-03-07 2000-01-11 Burns; Peter R. Portable enclosure for small vehicles
US6068308A (en) 1998-03-13 2000-05-30 Austin Hardware, Inc. Latch assembly
US6098354A (en) 1998-04-07 2000-08-08 Dante Design Associates, Inc. Modular floor tile having reinforced interlocking portions
USD411625S (en) 1998-05-26 1999-06-29 Rubbermaid Incorporated Storage shed lid
USD411629S (en) 1998-05-27 1999-06-29 Rubbermaid Incorporated Shed panel
US6185878B1 (en) 1998-05-27 2001-02-13 Rubbermaid Incorporated Modular panel construction system
US5975660A (en) 1998-06-02 1999-11-02 Suncast Corporation Cabinet
USD416091S (en) 1998-06-18 1999-11-02 Harout Ohanesian Storage shed
JP3136287B2 (en) 1998-08-07 2001-02-19 株式会社八木熊 Folding moving fence
US6250022B1 (en) 1998-08-10 2001-06-26 Keter Plastic Ltd. Extendible shed
CA2245624C (en) 1998-08-20 2008-01-08 Vic De Zen Prefabricated plastic shed and components therefor
DE19844028A1 (en) 1998-09-25 2000-03-30 Preform Raumgliederungssysteme partition wall
CA2254020C (en) 1998-11-12 2006-07-18 Royal Group Technologies Limited Single piece multiple section building trim
CA2256825C (en) 1998-12-22 2006-05-16 Royal Group Technologies Limited Storage box
US6325962B1 (en) 1998-12-29 2001-12-04 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Method of manufacturing a blow molded hinge assembly
USD437421S1 (en) 1999-02-19 2001-02-06 Lance T. Hampel Resin building
US6418672B1 (en) 1999-02-19 2002-07-16 Lance T. Hampel Resin building
US5950568A (en) 1999-02-22 1999-09-14 T.F.H. Publications Foldable/collapsible structure
JP3770798B2 (en) 1999-02-22 2006-04-26 ティーエフエイチ パブリケイションズ, インク. Foldable / assembled structures
US6868081B1 (en) 1999-04-13 2005-03-15 Sprint Communications Company L.P. Method and apparatus for simultaneous multiline phone and data services over a single access facility
JP2003503231A (en) 1999-06-28 2003-01-28 リア コーポレイション Method of forming a blow molded plastic part with an integrally formed hinge
USD436830S1 (en) 1999-08-13 2001-01-30 Truth Hardware Corporation Latch handle
US6385942B1 (en) 1999-11-01 2002-05-14 Acsys Inc. Building panels
US6354119B1 (en) 1999-11-24 2002-03-12 Austin Hardware, Inc. Handle and lock
US6589891B1 (en) 1999-11-26 2003-07-08 Rastar Corporation Abrasion resistant conformal beaded-matrix for use in safety garments
USD431869S (en) 1999-11-29 2000-10-10 Hampel Lance T Resin structure entryway front
US7169460B1 (en) 1999-12-14 2007-01-30 Mannington Mills, Inc. Thermoplastic planks and methods for making the same
GB0000129D0 (en) 2000-01-06 2000-02-23 Whiting Richard A Components for roof assemblies
AUPQ514100A0 (en) 2000-01-17 2000-02-10 Lee, Alan Sian Ghee Interconnectable structural module
JP3221871B2 (en) 2000-01-24 2001-10-22 株式会社利川プラスチック Apparatus and method for molding blow molded article having reinforcing material inside
US6298619B1 (en) 2000-03-02 2001-10-09 William D. Davie Modular building frame system
WO2001076960A1 (en) 2000-04-07 2001-10-18 Arca Xytec Systems, Inc. Collapsible container with closed, multi-paneled side walls
US6539680B2 (en) 2000-05-17 2003-04-01 Phillips Manufacturing Co. Paper bead and trim
CA2312695A1 (en) 2000-06-29 2001-12-29 Fredrick M. Pettit Molded picket fence section
CA2312694A1 (en) 2000-06-29 2001-12-29 Laurie D. Higgins Plastic privacy fence
US6389769B1 (en) 2000-07-05 2002-05-21 Efp Corporation Door and method of making same
US6581337B1 (en) 2000-07-20 2003-06-24 Rubbermaid Incorporated Modular enclosure
US6729097B2 (en) 2000-10-12 2004-05-04 Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Hollow building panel having an angled support member and method of making same
US6631821B2 (en) 2000-10-31 2003-10-14 Peter N. Vourganas Reinforced double-wall knock-down bin
US6681447B2 (en) 2001-01-12 2004-01-27 Rubbermaid Incorporated Hinge assembly for a storage enclosure
US6837007B2 (en) 2001-01-12 2005-01-04 Rubbermaid Inc. Roof support with integral gutter
US6820757B2 (en) 2001-01-12 2004-11-23 Rubbermaid Incorporated Beam structures for shelving apparatus
USD452913S1 (en) 2001-03-30 2002-01-08 Harout Ohanesian Stand alone garage
US6808674B1 (en) 2001-04-02 2004-10-26 Rubbermaid Incorporated Enclosed area on a blow molded article and method of making the same
USD455501S1 (en) 2001-04-09 2002-04-09 Michael Greene Storage shed with multiple access doors
US20020170259A1 (en) 2001-05-15 2002-11-21 Ferris Stephen M. Interlocking sidewalk block system
US7003863B2 (en) 2001-05-18 2006-02-28 Rubbermaid Incorporated Apparatus and method for mounting accessory devices to panels
US6701678B1 (en) 2001-05-18 2004-03-09 Rubbermaid Incorporated Modular storage enclosure
US6668514B2 (en) 2001-05-18 2003-12-30 Rubbermaid Incorporated Apparatus and method for connecting adjacent panels
US20030033770A1 (en) 2001-08-20 2003-02-20 Harel Kenneth N. Drywall bead with knurled paper flaps
US6543197B2 (en) 2001-08-10 2003-04-08 Arrow Group Industries, Inc. Snap-fit panel connection apparatus
US6604328B1 (en) 2001-09-12 2003-08-12 David R. Paddock Portable cabin, components therefor, methods of making and erecting same
US6562414B2 (en) 2001-10-10 2003-05-13 Sport Court, Inc. Method of coating polyolefin floor tile
USD468833S1 (en) 2001-10-23 2003-01-14 Suncast Corporation Four-section storage shed
USD468834S1 (en) 2001-10-23 2003-01-14 Suncast Corporation Five-section storage shed
USD469188S1 (en) 2001-10-23 2003-01-21 Suncast Corporation Three-section storage shed
USD468026S1 (en) 2001-10-23 2002-12-31 Suncast Corporation Horizontal shed
USD479882S1 (en) 2001-10-23 2003-09-23 Suncast Corp. Two-section storage shed
USD468442S1 (en) 2001-10-23 2003-01-07 Suncast Corporation Vertical shed
US7530204B2 (en) 2001-10-26 2009-05-12 Celestia Climate controlled housing unit
US20030106472A1 (en) 2001-12-06 2003-06-12 Alan Lonneman Multiple stem artificial holiday tree with shelves
US20030114101A1 (en) 2001-12-13 2003-06-19 Keter Plastic Ltd. Companion sealing and ventilation window modules
CA2366430A1 (en) 2002-01-02 2003-07-02 Chengjie Zhang Composite plastic materials produced from waste materials and method of producing same
US20030146426A1 (en) 2002-01-12 2003-08-07 Ray Susan R. Portable collapsible corral fence and method of use
US6581788B1 (en) 2002-01-23 2003-06-24 Eye Designs Llc Shelf and bracket assembly
US6948280B2 (en) 2002-01-30 2005-09-27 Dave Marcinkowski Assembleable and towable/trailerable ice fishing shanty/hunting blind
US6672970B2 (en) 2002-02-07 2004-01-06 David R. Barlow Portable golf putting practice green
US6871465B2 (en) 2002-02-19 2005-03-29 Labruzza Mathew G. Modular connection system
US6782624B2 (en) 2002-03-14 2004-08-31 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Modular barrier system for satisfying needs unique to a specific user
AU2003225796A1 (en) 2002-03-19 2003-10-08 Rubbermaid Incorporated Sports equipment storage rack
US7069865B2 (en) 2002-04-09 2006-07-04 Lifetime Products, Inc. High strength, lightweight blow-molded plastic structures
US6821049B1 (en) 2002-04-16 2004-11-23 Thinking Outside, L.L.C. Floor attachment device for storage shed
US6802158B1 (en) 2002-04-16 2004-10-12 Thinking Outside, L.L.C. Storage shed with preformed roof assembly
USD484339S1 (en) 2002-04-16 2003-12-30 Thinking Outside, L.L.C. Shelf
US6796087B1 (en) 2002-04-16 2004-09-28 Thinking Outside, L.L.C. Door hinge assembly
US20030197165A1 (en) 2002-04-19 2003-10-23 Rubbermaid Commercial Products Llc Expandable and contractible barrier
US6936321B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2005-08-30 Lear Corporation Blow molded article having an integrally molded living hinge and method of making the same
US20030201272A1 (en) 2002-04-29 2003-10-30 Carter Alan T. Container with reinforcing rigid hoop and locking arrangement
US7007614B2 (en) 2002-05-31 2006-03-07 Rubbermaid Incorporated Expandable shelf
US6709034B2 (en) 2002-07-10 2004-03-23 Alex Michael Sliding door handle having an integral push button locking mechanism
USD481138S1 (en) 2002-07-16 2003-10-21 Sport Court, Inc. Interlocking tile for ice surfaces
US8474194B2 (en) 2002-08-30 2013-07-02 500 Group Inc. Modular prefabricated house
USD476424S1 (en) 2002-09-10 2003-06-24 Paul J. Shanahan Building structure facade
US20040049992A1 (en) 2002-09-13 2004-03-18 Seavy Richard J. Structures incorporating interlocking wall modules
EP1549812A1 (en) 2002-09-20 2005-07-06 Shing Chi Tsang A modular garden building
US6782672B2 (en) 2002-10-08 2004-08-31 Alliance Spacesystems, Inc. Sandwich panel structural joint
US6719360B1 (en) 2002-10-09 2004-04-13 Travis Body & Trailer, Inc. Trailer body construction
US6802327B2 (en) 2002-10-15 2004-10-12 Dennis R. Koss Retractable portable shelter with an attachment for vehicles
USD484612S1 (en) 2003-03-05 2003-12-30 Thinking Outside, L.L.C. Gardening shed
US7395634B2 (en) 2003-03-31 2008-07-08 Suncast Corporation Plastic expandable utility shed
US6892497B2 (en) 2003-03-31 2005-05-17 Suncast Corporation Plastic panel enclosure system
US7210277B2 (en) 2003-04-30 2007-05-01 Lifetime Products, Inc. Partition system
USD500605S1 (en) 2003-05-21 2005-01-11 Jeffrey M. Schmidt Combined folding chair and flag pole support
USD494834S1 (en) 2003-06-17 2004-08-24 Truth Hardware Corporation Push button handle
USD492793S1 (en) 2003-08-22 2004-07-06 Suncast Corporation Plastic expandable utility shed
USD494281S1 (en) 2003-09-11 2004-08-10 Thinking Outside, L.L.C. Storage shed
USD496737S1 (en) 2003-10-02 2004-09-28 Suncast Corporation Extended utility shed
US20050166476A1 (en) 2003-12-25 2005-08-04 Shiang Feng Apparatus for Tornado Shelter in Automobile Maintenance Pit
WO2005081923A2 (en) 2004-02-20 2005-09-09 Tennessee Mat Company, Inc Interlocking modular floor tile
USD506011S1 (en) 2004-05-03 2005-06-07 Lifetime Products, Inc. Exterior portion of a shed
USD506268S1 (en) 2004-05-03 2005-06-14 Lifetime Products, Inc. Exterior portion of a shed
USD506266S1 (en) 2004-03-29 2005-06-14 Lifetime Products, Inc. Shed constructed from blow-molded plastic
US7770337B2 (en) 2004-03-29 2010-08-10 Lifetime Products, Inc. Modular enclosure with offset panels
USD506267S1 (en) 2004-03-29 2005-06-14 Lifetime Products, Inc. Shed
USD505497S1 (en) 2004-03-29 2005-05-24 Lifetime Products, Inc. Exterior surface of a shed
US20060108899A1 (en) 2004-08-09 2006-05-25 Ju-Young Jin Storage enclosure
US20060048459A1 (en) 2004-09-07 2006-03-09 Moore Thomas D Modular insulated panel collapsible sport/utility shanty
US7509776B2 (en) 2005-02-28 2009-03-31 Arrow Group Industries, Inc. Modular storage shed system
US7707783B2 (en) 2005-05-11 2010-05-04 Lifetime Products, Inc. Modular enclosure
USD525715S1 (en) 2005-05-27 2006-07-25 Suncast Corporation Expanded modular shed
USD529623S1 (en) 2005-05-27 2006-10-03 Suncast Corp. Modular shed
US7581357B2 (en) 2005-08-30 2009-09-01 Suncast Corporation Plastic expandable utility shed
USD548362S1 (en) 2006-02-27 2007-08-07 Lifetime Products, Inc. Shed
USD547880S1 (en) 2006-02-27 2007-07-31 Lifetime Products, Inc. Portion of a shed
US7992361B2 (en) 2006-04-13 2011-08-09 Sabic Innovative Plastics Ip B.V. Polymer panels and methods of making the same

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5743426A (en) * 1996-07-16 1998-04-28 Mosley; James William Reusable shipping and packaging container
US6823639B2 (en) * 1999-02-19 2004-11-30 Lance T. Hampel Resin building

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MXPA05013375A (en) 2006-03-09
US20050210766A1 (en) 2005-09-29
CA2525833C (en) 2011-05-10
US7779579B2 (en) 2010-08-24
WO2005094367A3 (en) 2009-04-02
CA2525833A1 (en) 2005-10-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2526922C (en) System and method for constructing a modular enclosure
CA2526923C (en) Modular enclosure with offset panels
CA2526927C (en) Modular enclosure with living hinges
CA2525833C (en) Packaging system for a modular enclosure
CA2525098C (en) Roof system for a modular enclosure
CA2525709C (en) Floor for a modular enclosure
US8051617B2 (en) Modular enclosure
CA2525711C (en) Door assembly for a modular enclosure
US8020347B2 (en) Modular enclosure
US7707783B2 (en) Modular enclosure
CN101421467B (en) Modular enclosure
US20060108899A1 (en) Storage enclosure
CN101421466A (en) Modular enclosure with offset panels
CN100552168C (en) The ground that is used for modular mobile home
CN101421469A (en) Packaging system for a modular enclosure

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 200580001163.0

Country of ref document: CN

AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SM SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GM KE LS MW MZ NA SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2525833

Country of ref document: CA

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: PA/a/2005/013375

Country of ref document: MX

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 05752112

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2