U.S. patent application number 09/928119 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-13 for elongated spring clip members for storage buildings.
Invention is credited to Brennan, Timothy J., DeBoer, Frank J., Hall, Jeffrey L., Hemann, Curtis B., Huegen, Steven D., Spicer, Michael A., Wetzel, John III.
Application Number | 20030029126 09/928119 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25455759 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030029126 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wetzel, John III ; et
al. |
February 13, 2003 |
Elongated spring clip members for storage buildings
Abstract
A spring clip member for a storage building is provided. The
spring clip member is adapted to be snap-fit to an elongate
structural member of the storage building. The spring clip member
includes a first portion shaped to follow a first contour of the
elongate structural member, a second portion extending from said
first portion and shaped to follow a second contour of the elongate
structural member, a third portion extending from said second
portion and shaped to follow a third contour of the elongate
structural member, and a deflectable portion extending from said
third portion and adapted to elastically deflect and to securely
engage the elongate structural member. The spring clip member may
be, for example, part of a gable member adapted to be snap-fit to
an upper panel channel of a storage building, or, alternatively,
part of a debris deflector adapted to be snap-fit to a lower panel
channel of a storage building.
Inventors: |
Wetzel, John III; (Sparta,
IL) ; Hemann, Curtis B.; (Breese, IL) ; Hall,
Jeffrey L.; (Breese, IL) ; DeBoer, Frank J.;
(O'Fallon, IL) ; Spicer, Michael A.; (Trenton,
IL) ; Huegen, Steven D.; (Bartelso, IL) ;
Brennan, Timothy J.; (Lebanon, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN
6300 SEARS TOWER
233 SOUTH WACKER
CHICAGO
IL
60606-6357
US
|
Family ID: |
25455759 |
Appl. No.: |
09/928119 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/716.8 ;
52/482; 52/588.1; 52/717.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 3/30 20130101; E04D
3/40 20130101; E04B 1/34315 20130101; E04D 3/363 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/716.8 ;
52/717.06; 52/482; 52/588.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 002/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A spring clip member for a storage building, adapted to be
snap-fit to an elongate structural member of the storage building,
the spring clip member comprising in combination: a first portion
shaped to follow a first contour of the elongate structural member;
a second portion extending from said first portion and shaped to
follow a second contour of the elongate structural member; a third
portion extending from said second portion and shaped to follow a
third contour of the elongate structural member; and a deflectable
portion extending from said third portion and adapted to
elastically deflect and to securely engage the elongate structural
member.
2. The spring clip member of claim 1, and a gable panel for the
storage building, and wherein the spring clip member is integrally
attached to said gable panel.
3. The spring clip member of claim 1, wherein the spring clip
member is integrally attached to a debris deflector for the storage
building.
4. A storage building, comprising in combination: an elongate
structural member having a first contour, a second contour, and a
third contour terminating in an edge portion; a spring clip member
adapted to be snap-fit to said elongate structural member, said
spring clip member including a first portion shaped to follow said
first contour of said elongate structural member, a second portion
extending from said first portion and shaped to follow said second
contour of said elongate structural member, a third portion
extending from said second portion and shaped to follow said third
contour of said elongate structural member, and a deflectable
portion extending from said third portion and adapted to
elastically deflect and to securely engage said edge portion of
said elongate structural member.
5. The storage building of claim 4, wherein said spring clip member
is integrally attached to a gable panel of the storage
building.
6. The storage building of claim 4, wherein said spring clip member
is integrally attached to a debris deflector of the storage
building.
7. A gable member for a storage building, adapted to be snap-fit to
an upper channel-shaped structural member of the storage building,
wherein the upper-channel shaped structural member includes a first
flange portion, a web portion, and a second flange portion, the
gable member comprising in combination: a first portion shaped to
follow said first flange portion of said channel shaped structural
member; a second portion extending from said first portion and
shaped to follow said web portion of said channel-shaped structural
member; a third portion extending from said second portion and
shaped to follow said second flange portion of said channel-shaped
structural member; a deflectable portion extending from said third
portion and adapted to elastically deflect and to securely engage
an edge portion of said second flange portion.
8. The gable member of claim 7, wherein said first portion includes
at least one transition portion and an elongate cross web extending
from said at least one transition portion and disposed at
approximately a 90.degree. angle from said at least one transition
portion.
9. The gable member of claim 7, wherein upper channel-shaped
structural member includes at least one foot portion said second
portion includes a foot engaging member extending from said first
portion.
10. The gable member of claim 7, wherein said third portion
includes a generally planar transition portion.
11. The gable member of claim 7, wherein said deflectable portion
includes a U-shaped engaging member.
12. A debris deflector for a storage building, adapted to be
snap-fit to a lower channel-shaped structural member of the storage
building, the debris deflector comprising: a first portion shaped
to engage an edge portion of a first flange portion of the lower
channel-shaped structural member; a second portion extending from
the first portion and shaped to follow the first flange portion of
the lower channel-shaped structural member; a third portion
extending from the second portion and shaped to follow a web
portion of the lower channel-shaped structural member; and a
deflectable portion extending from the third portion and adapted to
elastically deflect and to securely an indentation in the web
portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to building
structures and, more particularly, to storage building structures
and an apparatus for connecting load bearing members for storage
building structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Prefabricated buildings, such as storage buildings or sheds,
are intended to be purchased, assembled, and maintained by
consumers who do not necessarily have the training or inclination
to assemble and maintain such a structure, particularly if such
assembly and/or maintenance requires a great deal of skill.
Accordingly, prefabricated metal storage buildings have been
developed that include pre-punched fastener holes and other design
features that simplify the assembly of such a storage building.
However, such designs typically require a large number of threaded
fasteners (e.g., 600 or more threaded fasteners), such as screws
and bolts, for a typical storage building having a length of about
eight feet (about 2.4 meters) and a width of about ten feet (about
3.0 meters). This large number of threaded fasteners causes the
assembly, maintenance and disassembly of a storage building to be a
time consuming and tedious task, especially for the typical
consumer who is not accustomed to assembling storage buildings.
Assembly could be simplified by providing only a few but relatively
large portions of the storage building to the ultimate purchaser.
For example, each portion could comprise either an integral or
preassembled major component (such as an entire wall). However,
such an approach is inconsistent with the need to package the
unassembled storage building in a relatively small shipping
container to enable the consumer to easily transport it from the
place of purchase to the site on which the storage building is to
be erected. Further, preassembly of numerous separate components
involves additional labor, increasing the overall cost of the
storage building.
[0003] In addition, the large number of threaded fasteners,
associated holes and inevitable nicks and scratches that occur
during installation of the fasteners provide a large number of
locations that can be undesirably prone to corrosion.
[0004] Accordingly, efforts have been made to design storage
buildings that may be assembled with a substantial reduction in the
required number of threaded fasteners and/or rivets.
[0005] For example, Australian Petty Patent No. AU-B-46098/97
discloses a storage building structure that includes corrugated
panels, made from sheet steel, and edge channels for attachment to
upper and lower ends of the corrugated panels. The edge channels
are formed from rolled sheet steel. Each corrugated panel includes
punched lugs adjacent the upper and lower edges thereof while the
edge channels include projections engaged by the punched lugs in
the corrugated panels in order to lock the corrugated panels to the
edge channels.
[0006] Another example of a storage building structure with reduced
reliance on fasteners is shown in PCT published application No.
PCT/AU99/00765, which discloses a clip fastening system for
attaching a wall panel to a frame rail using a clip. The clip is
fitted to the frame rail and has pawl-like tabs which locate in
apertures in a side wall of the frame rail. Corresponding apertures
on the edge of the wall panels permit the pawl-like tabs to snap
fit through the apertures and retain the wall panel to the frame
rail. In an alternative embodiment, the clip is formed integrally
with the frame rail by pressing out a flap from a side wall of the
frame rail, each flap including a pawl-like indent.
[0007] Yet another example of a storage building that uses a
reduced number of threaded fasteners is shown in Danhof et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,328 ("the '328 patent"), which is assigned to
the assignee of the present invention. The '328 patent discloses an
apparatus that uses slotted horizontal frame members sized and
spaced to accept ends of vertical support members. The apparatus
also includes a panel connection configuration utilizing U-shaped
vertical edges of wall panels that are adapted to hook onto edges
of vertical support members, and that are locked in place using a
clip member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a spring
clip member for a storage building is provided. The spring clip
member is adapted to be snap-fit to an elongate structural member
of the storage building. The spring clip member includes: a first
portion shaped to follow a first contour of the elongate structural
member; a second portion extending from the first portion and
shaped to follow a second contour of the elongate structural
member; a third portion extending from the second portion and
shaped to follow a third contour of the elongate structural member;
and a deflectable portion extending from the third portion and
adapted to elastically deflect and to securely engage the elongate
structural member.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
spring clip member is integrally attached to a gable panel of the
storage building.
[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the
spring clip member is integrally attached to a debris deflector of
the storage building.
[0011] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a
storage building comprises an elongate structural member having a
first contour, a second contour, and a third contour terminating in
an edge portion. The storage building further includes a spring
clip member adapted to be snap-fit to the elongate structural
member. The spring clip member includes a first portion shaped to
follow the first contour of the elongate structural member, a
second portion extending from the first portion and shaped to
follow the second contour of the elongate structural member, a
third portion extending from the second portion and shaped to
follow the third contour of the elongate structural member, and a
deflectable portion extending from the third portion and adapted to
elastically deflect and to securely engage the edge portion of the
elongate structural member.
[0012] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a
gable member for a storage building is adapted to be snap-fit to an
upper channel-shaped structural member of the storage building. The
gable member includes: a first portion shaped to follow a first
flange portion of the upper channel-shaped structural member; a
second portion extending from the first portion and shaped to
follow a web portion of the upper channel-shaped structural member;
a third portion extending from the second portion and shaped to
follow a second flange portion of the upper channel-shaped
structural member; and a deflectable portion extending from the
third portion and adapted to elastically deflect and to securely
engage an edge portion of the second flange portion.
[0013] In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention,
a debris deflector for a storage building, adapted to be snap-fit
to a lower channel-shaped structural member of the storage
building, is provided. The debris deflector includes: a first
portion shaped to engage an edge portion of a first flange portion
of the lower channel-shaped structural member; a second portion
extending from the first portion and shaped to follow the first
flange portion of the lower channel-shaped structural member; a
third portion extending from the second portion and shaped to
follow a web portion of the lower channel-shaped structural member;
and a deflectable portion extending from the third portion and
adapted to elastically deflect and to securely engage an
indentation in the web portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other features of the present invention will be
more clearly understood from a consideration of the following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a storage building
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is top view of a standard wall panel in accordance
with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a detailed enlarged top view of a first ridged end
portion of the panel of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a detailed enlarged top view of a middle ridged
portion of the panel of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a detailed enlarged top view of a second ridged
end portion of the panel of FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 6a is an enlarged top view of a first and second ridged
end portion in proximity to one another;
[0021] FIG. 6b is a top view of a first and second ridged end
portion nestably engaged to one another;
[0022] FIG. 7a is a top view of an alternate, narrow panel
embodiment in accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 7b is a top view of an alternate, corner panel
embodiment in accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a standard panel in
accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a detailed enlarged end view of a panel channel in
accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a panel about to be engaged
with a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 11a is a perspective view of a panel engaged to a panel
channel and a debris deflector about to be engaged therewith in
accordance with the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 11b is a perspective view of the engaged combination of
a panel, a panel channel, and a debris deflector in accordance with
the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a detailed enlarged end view of a debris
deflector in accordance with the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 13 is an detailed enlarged end view of a panel engaged
to a panel channel further engaged to a debris deflector in
accordance with the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a detailed enlarged end view of the panel channel
clipping portion of a gable in accordance with the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 15a is an enlarged perspective view of a gable about to
engage a panel channel in accordance with the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 15b is an enlarged perspective view of a gable engaged
to a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 16a is an enlarged perspective view of a corner bracket
about to engage a panel channel in accordance with the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 16b is an enlarged perspective view of a corner bracket
engaged to a panel channel in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary storage building 20 has a
rectangular frame 22 with opposing front and back, right and left
walls, 24, 26, 28, 30, respectively. The storage building 20 also
includes a roof 32. The front and back, right and left, walls 24,
26, 28, 30 and the roof 32 define an interior space 34. The front
wall 24 defines an opening 36 there through which provides access
to the interior space 34. A door (not shown) may be attached to the
front wall 24 at the opening 36. The door may by hinged or mounted
in order to swing or slide open and closed.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is depicted a standard
snap-fit panel 48 in accordance with the present invention. The
roof 32, right wall 28, left wall 30 and back wall 26 are
constructed of a plurality of snap fit standard snap-fit panels 48.
The standard snap-fit panel 48 includes a first and a second ridged
end portion 50, 52. In addition to the first and second ridged end
portions 50, 52, the standard snap-fit panel 48 further includes at
least one middle ridged portion 54. The middle ridged portion 54 is
disposed between the first and second ridged end portion 50, 52.
Additionally, the middle ridged portion 54 is formed to be
equidistant from the first and second ridged end portions 50, 52.
Standard snap-fit panels 48 are made of a continuous piece of
material such as sheet metal or plastic with several bent up or
otherwise formed contours. Additionally, the standard snap-fit
panels 48 include an inner and outer surface 56, 58. The inner and
outer surfaces 56, 58 define a thickness 60 of the standard
snap-fit panel 48. Thickness 60 is substantially constant
throughout the standard snap-fit panel 48. For example, if the
standard snap-fit panel 48 is constructed from steel, the thickness
60 of approximately 0.22 mm may be used.
[0038] As best seen in FIG. 3, the first ridged end portion 50 also
includes a first U-shaped portion 62 that terminates in a first
standard snap-fit panel edge 64. Directly adjacent the first
U-shaped portion 62, is a first clamping portion 66. The outer side
58 of the first clamping portion 66 forms approximately a
90.degree. angle with the outer surface of the first U-shaped edge
portion 62. Additionally, a first web portion 70, is adjacent the
first clamping portion 66 of the first ridged end portion 50. The
outer surface 58 of the first web portion 70 forms approximately a
270.degree. angle with the outer surface 58 of the first clamping
portion 50. The outer surface 58 of the first U-shaped portion 62,
the first clamping portion 66, and the first web portion 70 combine
to form a first engaging portion 74.
[0039] Adjacent to the first engaging portion 74 is the first end
arcuate portion 76. Portion 76 may be formed with a variety of
different contoured shapes. These contoured shapes work to provide
an aesthetically pleasing surface appearance to the exterior
surface 58 of standard snap-fit panel 48. Moreover, these contoured
shapes work to add stability to the standard snap-fit panel 48, and
therefore rigidity to the building 20 made therefrom. As such, the
majority of the length of each of the first end arcuate portion 76,
second end arcuate portion 78, and even middle arcuate portion 80
are substantially similar to one another. (Compare FIGS. 2-5).
[0040] Referring again to FIG. 3 and the first ridged end portion
50, note that adjacent to the first end arcuate portion 76 and
opposite the first engaging portion 74, is a second engaging
portion 82. Portion 82 is comprised of a second web portion 84, a
second clamping portion 86 and a first connecting member 88. The
outer surface 58 of the second web portion 84 forms approximately a
275.degree. angle with the outer surface 58 of the second clamping
portion 86. The outer surface 58 of the second clamping portion 86
forms approximately a 85.degree. angle with the outer surface 58 of
the first connecting member 88. As better seen in FIG. 2, a
transition member 89 of the first ridged end portion 50 attaches
the second engaging portion 82 of the first ridged end portion 50
to the first substantially flat portion 94. Adjacent to the first
substantially flat portion 94 and opposite the first connecting
member 88, is the middle ridged portion 54 (See FIG. 2).
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 4, the middle ridged portion 54
includes a first middle transition member 95 which connects the
first substantially flat portion 94 to a first middle connecting
member 96. Member 96 attaches the first middle transition member 95
to the middle arcuate section 80. Adjacent portion 80 is a second
middle connecting portion 98. Portion 98 connects the middle
arcuate portion 80 to the second middle transition member 99.
Member 99 in turn connects the middle ridged end portion 54 to a
second substantially flat portion 100.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 5, the second substantially flat
portion 100 attaches to a transition portion 102 of the second
ridged end portion 52. This transition portion 102 connects the
second substantially flat portion 100 to a second connecting member
104. Immediately adjacent the second connecting member 104 is a
third clamping portion 106. The inner surface 56 of the second
connecting member 104 is approximately 270.degree. from the inner
surface 56 of the third clamping portion 106. Formed at
approximately 90.degree. from the inner surface 56 of the third
clamping portion 106, and opposite the first connecting member 104,
is a third web portion 108. The inner surfaces 56 of the second
connecting member 104, the third clamping portion 106 and third web
portion 108 combine to form a first engaging portion 110 of the
second ridged end portion 52. Adjacent portion 110 is the second
end arcuate portion 78. As seen, the majority of the length of
portion 78 is substantially similar in shape and contour as such
lengths of the first end arcuate portion 76 and the middle arcuate
portion 80. Adjacent the second end arcuate portion 78 is a second
engaging portion 112 of the second ridged end portion 52. Portion
112 includes a second U-shaped edge portion 114, which portion, in
turn, terminates in a second panel edge 116.
[0043] Turning now to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the first ridged end portion
50 of a standard snap-fit panel 48 and the second ridged end panel
52 of another adjacent standard snap-fit panel 48 are adapted to
securely engage one another, i.e. nestably lock together, without
the need for fasteners, such as screws, rivets, or bolts, that
might otherwise be needed to secure adjacent panels to one another
in the absence of such a snap-fit configuration. The inner surface
56 of the second ridged end panel 52 securely snaps in a friction
fit manner over the outer surface 58 of the first ridged end
portion 50. As seen in FIG. 6b, the first engaging portion 74 of
the first ridged end portion 50 engages to the first engaging
portion 110 of the second ridged end portion 52. As such, the outer
surface 58 of the first U-shaped portion 62 directly engages the
inner surface 56 of the second connecting member 104. At the
location where the first U-shaped portion 62 engages the second
connecting member 104 is formed a first interface 118. Similarly,
second interface 120 is formed from the engagement of the outer
surface 58 of the first clamping portion 66 and the inner surface
56 of the third clamping portion 106. Moreover, a third interface
122 is formed by the engaging of the inner surface 56 of the third
web portion 108 and the outer surface 58 of the first web portion
70. Furthermore, a fourth interface 124 is formed where the inner
surface 56 of the second U-shaped edge portion 114 engages the
outer surface 58 of the second web portion 84. Still further, a
fifth interface 126 is formed at the second panel edge 116 and the
second clamping portion 86. Although not an engaging interface, as
seen in FIG. 6b, the inner surface 56 of the second end arcuate
portion 78 (of a first panel 48) substantially follows the outer
surface 58 of the first end arcuate portion 76, when the first
ridged end portion 50 engages the second ridged end portion 52 of a
second, adjacent snap-fit panel 48.
[0044] FIGS. 7a and 7b show alternative embodiments of the standard
snap-fit panel 48. (Hereafter, portions of the embodiments found in
FIGS. 7a and 7b that are identical to previously described portions
shall be indicated with the same reference number with the addition
of a prime.) First, FIG. 7a shows a narrow panel 128. This panel is
identical to the standard snap-fit panel 48 except that it does not
include a middle ridged portion 54 and a second substantially flat
portion 100. As seen in FIG. 7a, the narrow panel 128 includes a
first ridged end portion 50', a second ridged end portion 52' and
first substantially flat portion 94'. The shorter overall width of
panel 128, contrasted to that of panel 48, is beneficial when a
given building length demands less than an full panel 48.
[0045] Then, FIG. 7b depicts a corner panel 130. The corner panel
130 is similar to the narrow panel 128 in that it does not contain
a middle ridged portion 54 or a second substantially flat portion
100. As such, the corner panel 130 includes a first ridged end
portion 50' and a second ridged end portion 52'. However, the first
substantially flat portion 94' that is found in narrow panel 128 is
not present in the corner panel 130. Instead, the corner panel 130
contains a bent portion 132 that is disposed between the first
ridged end portion 50' and the second ridged end portion 52'.
[0046] FIG. 8 depicts a front elevation view of the lower portion
of a standard snap-fit panel 48. From this view, several apertures
132 can be seen. These apertures 132 are generally rectangular in
shape, and are located at a predetermined distance 134 from the
bottom edge 136 and similarly from the top edge 138, of the
standard snap-fit panel 48. Specifically, apertures 132 can be
found in first end arcuate portion 76, and in the first transition
member 89 of the first ridged end portion 50. Moreover,
centrally-located such apertures 132 can also be found in the first
and second middle transition members 95, 99, and the middle arcuate
portion 80 of the middle ridged portion 54. Furthermore, the
apertures can be found in the second transition member 102 and the
second end arcuate portion 78 of the second ridged end portion 52.
Still further, with respect to the narrow panel 128 and corner
panel 130, the apertures 132 are also found at predetermined
distance 134 from the top and bottom edges (not shown). The
apertures 132 as formed in the narrow panel 128 and corner panel
130 embodiments are located in the same places as with the standard
snap-fit panel 48, with the exception, of course, that there are no
apertures 132 formed in the middle ridged portion 54, namely,
because panels 128, 130 do not have such a middle ridged portion
54.
[0047] FIG. 9 generally depicts an enlarged end view looking along
the length of a panel channel 140. Channel 140 is designed to fit
over the respective top edges 138, and the respective bottom edges
136 of the standard snap-fit panels 48, once the same have been
snap-fit together in end-to-end fashion as described above.
Additionally, the corner panel embodiment 130 and the narrow panel
embodiment 128 also fit with the panel channel 140. As best seen in
FIGS. 9-11b, the panel channel 140 is a continuous piece of
material such as sheet metal or plastic that includes an inside
surface 142 and an outside surface 144. The inside and outside
surfaces 142, 144 define a thickness 146 of the panel channel 140.
For example, if the panel channel 140 is constructed from steel, a
thickness 146 of about 0.43 mm may be used. The panel channel 140
further includes a first and second inwardly-turned U-shaped
portions 148, 150. These U-shaped portions 148, 150 are also formed
to contain first and second aperture engaging portions 152, 154.
Such aperture engaging portions 152, 154 terminate at first and
second panel channel edges 156, 158. The aperture engaging portions
152, 154 further include angled transitions 160, 162. These angled
transitions 160, 162 are angled at approximately 45.degree. toward
the outside surface 144. Additionally, the panel channel 140
includes a first and second foot portion 164, 166. Such portions
164, 166 are connected to one another by a cross web portion 168.
The distance from the inside surface 142 of the web portion 168 to
the angled transitions 160, 162, is approximately the same as the
predetermined distance 134. Furthermore, cross web portion 168 is
formed to sit slightly higher (relative to ground surface G) than
the first and second foot portions 164, 166.
[0048] FIGS. 10 and 11a show the method in which the panel channel
140 engages the bottom edge 136 of a standard snap-fit panel 48.
The standard snap-fit panel 48 is inserted into the panel channel
140, such that its bottom edge 136 rests on the cross web portion
168. Once the bottom edge 136 is on the web portion 168, the
aperture engaging portions 152, 154 of the panel channel 140 engage
the apertures 132 of the standard snap-fit panel 48. In this manner
the standard snap-fit panels 48 may be secured to the panel channel
140 without the need for separate fasteners, such as screws,
rivets, or bolts. Although not shown, the panel channel 140 also
engages the lower (and upper) edges 136', 138' of the narrow panel
128 and corner panel 130 embodiments in the same manner as
previously described.
[0049] As indicated, the panel channel 140 may engage either the
top edge 138 or the bottom edge 136 of a standard snap-fit panel
48. As better seen in FIG. 11a, when the panel channel 140 engages
the bottom edge 136 of a standard snap-fit panel, there are gaps
170 where there is a distance between the outer surface 58 of the
standard snap-fit panel 48 and the first or second panel channel
edge 156, 158. Thus, due to the fact that the storage building 20
will generally be located outdoors, it would be desirable to keep
debris from collecting in gaps 170. A debris deflector 172 is
designed to prevent debris from getting into gaps 170. The debris
deflector 172 may be constructed from plastic or sheet metal. For
example, if the debris deflector 172 is constructed from steel, it
may have a thickness of about 0.43 mm. In addition, drainage holes
or slots 173 may be provided in the panel channel 140 to prevent
water or other liquids from collecting in the panel channel 140.
The debris deflector 172 contains several recesses 174 formed in
upper and lower wall segments 175a, 175b of deflector 172that
follow the contours of the standard snap-fit panel 48. More
specifically, the recesses 174 follow the contours of outer surface
58 of the second ridged end portion 52 and the outer surface 58 of
the middle ridged portion 54. The recesses 174 allow the debris
deflector 172, and especially walls segments 175a, 175b to fit
snugly against to the standard snap-fit panel 48, thereby
preventing access to gaps 170 when the debris deflector 172 is
snapped onto the outside surface 144 of the panel channel 140. See
FIG. 11b.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 12, the debris deflector 172 includes
an upper and lower hemmed portion 176, 178, formed respectively an
upper and lower wall segments 175a, 175b. The upper hemmed portion
176 terminates in an upper debris deflector edge 180. The lower
hemmed portion 178 terminates in a lower debris deflector edge 182.
Immediately adjacent the upper hemmed portion 176 is a first
transition portion 184. The first transition portion 184 connects
the upper hemmed portion 176 to a U-shaped engaging portion 186. It
is important to note that the transition portion 184 is formed to
be slightly lower than the U-shaped engaging portion 186. This is
important in assuring that the debris deflector 172 snaps into
place on the panel channel 140. Additionally, the debris deflector
also includes a second transition portion 188. The second
transition portion 188 travels in a substantially vertical manner
and attaches the U-shaped portion 186 to a foot engaging portion
190. Adjacent the foot engaging portion 190 and opposite the second
transition portion 188, is a third transition portion 192. This
third transition portion 192 which is formed to be slightly higher
than the foot engaging portion 190, and attaches the foot engaging
portion 192 to the lower hemmed portion 178. As seen in FIGS. 11a
and 11b, the upper hemmed portion 176 contains recesses 174 at
regular intervals.
[0051] FIG. 13 demonstrates the manner in which the standard
snap-fit panel 48, panel channel 140 and debris deflector 172 work
in conjunction with one another. The bottom edge 136 of the
standard channel 48 is rested on the cross web portion 168 of the
panel channel 140. When the standard snap-fit panel 48 is placed on
the web portion 168, the first and second aperture engaging
portions 152, 154 of channel 140 engage apertures 132 of panel 48.
This snap-fit engagement of apertures 132 secures the panel channel
140 to the standard channel 48. Finally, the debris deflector 172
is snapped over the panel channel 140. Specifically, the U-shaped
engaging portion 186 engages the second u-shaped portion 150, and
the foot engaging portion 190 snaps over the top of the second foot
portion 166 of the panel channel 140. Note that FIG. 11b shows, in
perspective view, the snap together interrelationship between the
standard snap-fit panel 48, the panel channel 140 and the debris
deflector 172.
[0052] As previously mentioned, the panel channel 140 may be
disposed at either the bottom edge 136 or the top edge 138 of the
standard snap-fit panel 48. When the panel channel 140 is disposed
at the bottom edge of the standard snap-fit panel 48, a debris
deflector 172 is preferably used to keep debris out of the gaps
170. However, when the panel channel 140 is disposed at the top
edge 138 of the standard snap-fit panel 48, there is little to no
need for a debris deflector 172. Instead, there is a need to
provide a support means for the roof structure 32. This support
means comes in the form of a gable 194. The gable 194 may be
constructed from plastic or sheet metal. For example, if the gable
194 is constructed from steel, it may have a thickness of about
0.36 mm. The gable 194, as best seen in FIGS. 15a and 15b, engages
to the panel channel 140 in a manner similar to the way that the
debris deflector 172 engages the panel channel 140. However,
instead of preventing debris from entering gaps 170, the gable 194
provides support for the roof structure 32. The gable 194 includes
a substantially vertical panel 196, and a panel channel clipping
portion 198.
[0053] FIG. 14 demonstrates an end view of the panel channel
clipping portion 198 of the gable 194. Similar to the debris
deflector 172, the panel channel clipping portion 198 includes a
U-shaped engaging portion 200. The U-shaped engaging portion
terminates in edge 202. The panel channel clipping portion further
includes a first generally planar transition portion 204, having an
inner surface 214. That portion 204 attaches the U-shaped engaging
portion 200 to a foot engaging portion 206. Immediately adjacent
the foot engaging portion 206 is a second transition portion 208.
That portion 208 connects the foot engaging portion 206 to
elongated contour portion 210. Adjacent the elongated contour
portion 210, is a third transition portion 212, which connects the
panel channel clipping portion 198 to the rest of the gable
structure 194 (See FIG. 15a).
[0054] As seen in FIGS. 15a and 15b, the panel channel clipping
portion 198 engages the panel channel 140 in a snap-fit manner.
Specifically, the U-shaped engaging portion 200 of the clipping
portion 198 snaps over the U-shaped portion 164 of the panel
channel 140. Then the foot engaging portion 206, in turn, is
snapped over the top of the first inwardly-turned U-shaped portion
148. When the foot engaging portion 206 snaps over the foot portion
164, the elongated contour portion 210 simultaneously engages cross
web 168.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 16a and 16b, a corner connector
bracket 215 is shown. The corner bracket 215 is used to secure two
panel channels 140 to one another at a 90.degree. angle. To that
end, it is preferable to bevel the panel channels such that a
45.degree. edge 216 is formed. Additionally, it is preferable that
an aperture 218 is cut at a predetermined distance 220 from the
45.degree. edge 216.
[0056] The corner bracket 215 is formed from a continuous piece of
material such as plastic or sheet metal, and is bent at an
approximate 90.degree. angle. Additionally, the corner bracket 215
includes a first and second opposing aperture engaging tabs 222,
224. The height 226 of the corner bracket 215 is determined by the
distance measured from the inner surface 142 of the second U-shaped
portion 150 to the inside surface 142 of the second foot portion
166 of the panel channel 140. Moreover, the corner bracket 215 also
includes first and second edges 228, 230. As seen in FIG. 16a,
second edge 230 is inserted into the panel channel 140, in the
space 232 bounded by the inside surface 142 of the second U-shaped
portion 150 and the inside surface 142 of the second foot portion
166 of the panel channel 140.
[0057] FIG. 16b shows how the second opposing aperture engaging tab
224 engages aperture 218, thereby securing the corner bracket 215
into place in the panel channel 140. Although not shown, first edge
228 can also be inserted into another panel channel 140, thereby
engaging the two panel channels 140 to one another at a right angle
to one another such as at the corner of the shed building 20.
[0058] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications
and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and
operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention as claimed.
* * * * *