Storage enclosure

Abstract

A storage enclosure may include a number of components, such as floor panels, wall panels and roof panels, which may be interconnected to form a structure such as a storage cabinet. The storage enclosure may include wall panels with outwardly extending projections that are sized and configured to allow the wall panels to be connected to floor panels and roof panels. The storage enclosure may also include one or more living hinges, which may facilitate storage and/or shipping of the storage enclosure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 600,243, filed Aug. 9, 2004 and entitled STORAGE CABINET, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention generally relates to enclosures and, in particular, to storage enclosures. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Many types of enclosures are used for storing various items such as tools, machines, lawn care equipment, recreational equipment, athletic equipment, supplies, provisions 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 and these various components may be attached to form the enclosure. [0006] A well known type of storage enclosure is a shed. Conventional sheds are typic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0034] Yet another aspect is an enclosure that may include interchangeable components. For example, the enclosure may include a floor and a roof that are at least partially interchangeable. The enclosure may also include other interchangeable components such as wall panels and/or door panels. Advantageously, because one or more of the components may be interchangeable, a manufacturer may require less manufacturing equipment, such as different molds. The interchangeable components may also allow for simpler, more efficient storage because fewer types of components may be stored. In addition, the interchangeable components may allow the enclosure to be more quickly and/or easily assembled.

[0035] Another aspect is an

Problems solved by technology

Disadvantageously, conventional sheds often require a substantial amount of time, labor, skill and effort to build and construct.

In addition, 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.

The windows and vents of many conventional sheds, however, are often constructed from a number of interconnected components and may be difficult to manufacture and install.

For example, conventional sheds may require substantial construction and/or modification of the shed to install the windows or vents, which may require a significant amount of time.

In addition, the windows and vents of many conventional sheds may undesirably allow water and/or other materials to enter the shed.

Wooden sheds, however, are relatively heavy and require a large amount of time to construct and assemble.

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.

Undesirably, this may result in significant maintenance costs.

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.

The materials used to construct conventional sheds are often heavy and bulky.

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.

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.

In addition, it may be very difficult for many consumers to transport the shed from the retailer to their home or other location because of its large size and weight.

Thus, many consumers may have to pay extr

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