Self-registering, modular outbuilding apparatus and method

Abstract

A modular shed that is comprised of a floor frame, side frames, a back frame, a front frame, and a roof frame. The connections between the individual component frames is designed to self-registering, or substantially orthogonal upon connection. The roof frame may be configured to provide the shed structure a slanted roof or a gabled roof. The modular shed provides a strong, durable structure that is also easy to assemble, dis-assemble, transport, and store.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 407,364, filed Oct. 27, 2010 and entitled SELF-REGISTERING, MODULAR OUTBUILDING APPARATUS AND METHOD, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. The Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to buildings, such as a outbuildings or utility sheds, and, more particularly, to kits for building outbuildings from modular structures.[0004]2. Background[0005]The use of outbuildings, and especially small, readily erected utility buildings such as mini-barns, shops, garages, garden sheds, storage sheds, and the like is utlitarian, and very traditional. They have traditionally been used as space for storage, various specialized work, and hobby functions. Smokehouses, granaries, sheds, barns, coops, and the like have been used for centuries. Small housing lots, apartments, industrial sites, farms, and so forth all need storage space. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024]These outbuildings are designed to be knocked down, moved, and re-used, and even then are quickly and easily dismantled, with the skin actually being optionally removable, but not needing to be removed from any particular panel (e.g., wall, floor, roof). No destruction thereof is required, with no great difficulty or significant damage resulting. All structural components are able to self support in virtually any stage from fully dismantled to fully erected.

[0025]Outbuildings in accord with the invention can actually be taken down quickly and often. They can provide a modified configuration from a single structure. For example, opening a side by removing that corresponding wall is already engineered into the design, and accommodated by the structural design thereof. A few fasteners, easily removed, are all that is required to remove a wall and make a booth of it. Optionally, a short wall and counter can be added back in place of the wall. In one embodiment, a side wall may be made in two sections, the upper one of which can be removed and be replaced by a counter fitted over the lower half of the wall framing.

[0026]The result is a a comparatively inexpensive outbuilding (e.g., shed) structure that is easily erected, self-standing, modular for multiple configurations, durable, and readily knocked down and re-usable. The outbuilding is self-squaring, its parts are self-registering, and the frame provides support independent from the enclosure skin or wall material. Thus the building does not have to rely on its “skin” for its principle shear strength, and certainly not for vertical support or buckling stability. Its frame is suitable for various configurations at any time. It is easily and quickly constructed or erected by a single person, can be easily dismantled. Its parts are readily and intuitively fitted together, transported, stored and re-erected from undamaged, original components.

Problems solved by technology

The skin may act as a shear plate to its own frame, but typically does not provide any shear connection between adjacent frames or frame modules.

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