Patent Application
20200071947
The present invention relates to arrangements and methods for erecting, storing, displaying and/or transporting sheds and/or the components thereof, and more particularly, to a kit comprising components of an erectable shed that when erected, the space perimetered by the wall panels and side panels of the erected shed is at least 6 feet long (L) by 40 inches wide (W) and wherein the height of the erectable shed when erected is at least 6 feet (H), and wherein when the erectable shed is not erected, the components thereof are storable, transportable and/or displayable in a box having dimensions of no greater than 48 inches×20 inches×10 inches.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,584 describes a system and method for packaging and transporting canopies that can fit in an automobile trunk.
However, the state of the art is deficient in the recognition and the ability to achieve similar advantages and objectives in connection with sheds, and preferably, but not limited to, metal sheds. Specifically, the state of the art is devoid of any description, teaching or suggestion of being able to assemble, store, transport and/or display a metal shed that is, for example and not limitation, at least 6 feet long by 40 inches in width, with a wall height of at least 6 feet when erected, and in which all of the components thereof can fit and be stored, transported and/or displayed in a box that is no greater than 48 inches×20 inches by 10 inches. It should be recognized however, that the invention is not limited thereby, as those skilled in the art would understand variations thereof are achievable in view of the disclosure herein. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “erected” and “assembled” and/or “erectable” and “assembleable” may be used interchangeably herein and are intended to have identical meanings.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide an erectable metal shed having dimensions, when erected, of at least 6 feet long by 40 inches wide, with a wall height of at least 6 feet, and when stored, transported and/or displayed (e.g. in a store or the like), can fit, i.e. or more accurately, the components thereof can fit and be packaged, in a box that is no greater than 48 inches×20 inches by 10 inches. Such a box also permits for easy carrying and transport of the erectable shed kit to one's destination (e.g. home) in a passenger vehicle, such as a car. It is thus believed that further advances to the state of the art are both desirable and achievable, all of which are provided by the embodiments disclosed herein.
There is also a need for an improved erectable shed kit and methods for assembling, storing, transporting and/or displaying such erectable sheds and/or the components thereof, which provides for compact storage and transport while still providing for easy assembly and acceptable structural integrity when assembled, all of which are also provided by the embodiments disclosed herein.
It is thus an objective of the present invention to overcome the perceived deficiencies in the prior art.
For example, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide arrangements and methods for assembling, storing, transporting and/or displaying sheds, and preferably metal sheds, and/or the components thereof in a smaller container (e.g. box) or packaging than heretofore achieved.
It is a particular advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an erectable and preferably metal shed having dimensions, when erected, of at least 6 feet long×40 inches wide, with a wall height of at least 6 feet, and when stored, transported and/or displayed in an unassembled form, can fit, i.e. or more accurately, the components thereof can fit, in a box that is no greater than 48 inches×20 inches by 10 inches.
It is a further advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a kit of an erectable shed of the erected dimensions disclosed herein and storable and displayable and packaged in a box with the dimensions herein that is also easy assembleable and provides for acceptable structural integrity when assembled.
Other advantages and objectives will be made apparent from the disclosure herein. It should also be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways.
Further objects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, methods of operation and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction, illustration and description hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
Therefore, to overcome the perceived deficiencies in the prior art and to achieve the objects and advantages set forth above and below, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is, generally speaking, directed to a kit comprising components of an erectable shed, comprising a plurality of wall panels and side panels; a plurality of posts for supporting the wall panels and side panels coupled thereto; a plurality of roof panels, coupleable to the plurality of wall panels and/or the plurality of posts, for providing shelter to a space perimetered by the plurality of wall panels and side panels when coupled together and vertically supported by the plurality of posts; at least two (2) door panels, each of at least 34 inches in height, for providing access to the space perimetered by the plurality of wall panels and side panels when coupled together and vertically supported by the plurality of posts; and wherein when the erectable shed is erected the space perimetered by the wall panels and side panels is at least 6 feet long by 40 inches wide and wherein the height of the erectable shed when erected is at least 6 feet; and wherein when the erectable shed is not erected, the components thereof are storable in a box having dimensions of no greater than 48 inches×20 inches by 10 inches.
Based thereon, in another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a kit comprising components of an erectable shed, wherein the kit comprises a plurality of wall panels and side panels; a plurality of posts for supporting the wall panels and side panels coupled thereto; a plurality of roof panels, coupleable to the plurality of wall panels and/or the plurality of posts, for providing shelter to a space perimetered by the plurality of wall panels and side panels when coupled together and vertically supported by the plurality of posts; at least two (2) door panels, each of which is at least thirty four inches in height, for providing access to the space perimetered by the plurality of wall panels and side panels when coupled together and vertically supported by the plurality of posts; and a box having dimensions of no greater than 48 inches×20 inches×10 inches, wherein said plurality of wall panels and side panels, said plurality of posts, said plurality of roof panels, and said at least two (2) door panels are provided in said box when the erectable shed is not erected; and wherein the space perimetered by the wall panels and side panels when the erectable shed is erected is at least 6 feet long by 40 inches wide and wherein the height of the shed when erected is at least 6 feet.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of erecting the above mentioned erectable sheds, wherein the method comprises the steps of removing all of the components of the erectable shed from the box; and constructing the erectable shed so as to have a space perimetered by the wall panels and side panels of at least 6 feet long by 40 inches wide and wherein the height of the shed is at least 6 feet.
In a specific preferred embodiment and as illustrated in the Figures, the interior space provided by the erectable sheds of the present invention is at least 72 inches long (L), at least 40 inches wide (W) and at least 72 inches high (H), with an exterior size of at least 78 inches long, at least 45 inches wide and at least 77 inches high. In a specific preferred embodiment, the interior space provided by the erectable sheds of the present invention is at least 72 inches long (L), at least 41 inches wide (W) and at least 76 inches high (H), with a specific preferred exterior size being at least 79 inches long (L), at least 45 inches wide (W) and at least 77 inches high (H). In a specific preferred embodiment, the interior space provided by the erectable sheds of the present invention is 72.34 inches long (L), 41.90 inches wide (W) and 77 inches high (H), with a specific preferred exterior size being 80 inches long (L), 45.69 inches wide (W) and 77.31 inches high (H). The foregoing provides a footprint of about 21 square feet inside the shed and about 126 cubic feet of space inside the shed.
The above set forth and other features of the invention are made more apparent in the ensuing Description of the Preferred Embodiments when read in conjunction with the attached Drawings, wherein:
Identical reference numerals in the figures are intended to indicate like parts, although not every feature in every figure may be called out with a reference numeral.
Reference will now be made to the figures in connection with an erectable shed, and a kit comprising components of such an erectable shed that when erected, the space perimetered by the wall panels and side panels is at least 6 feet long (L) by 40 inches wide (W) and wherein the height of the erectable shed is at least 6 feet (H) as indicated in the figures, and wherein when the erectable shed is not erected, the components thereof are storable, transportable and/or displayable in a box having dimensions of no greater than 48 inches×20 inches by 10 inches.
It should be understood that the dimensions provided herein are preferred dimensions, but manufacturing and/or other tolerances are anticipated, so small variations in the foregoing are expected. Moreover, while a packaging box of 48″ long×20″ wide×10″ high is preferred for a shed of the foregoing dimensions, the objective of the present invention would be that such a box is could be reduced further, if desired. Therefore, a packaging box of less than 48″ inches long×20″ wide×10″ high is also anticipated to package, store, transport and/or display the foregoing exemplary dimensioned sheds of the present invention.
It should also be noted that in accordance with the present invention, a box having dimensions that are no greater than 48″ long×20″ wide×10″ high can be packaged with components of an erectable shed as disclosed herein that is provided with an interior space that is at least 72 inches long (L), at least 40 inches wide (W) and at least 72 inches high (H), with an exterior size of at least 78 inches long, at least 45 inches wide and at least 77 inches high. In a specific preferred embodiment, the interior space provided by the erectable sheds of the present invention is at least 72 inches long (L), at least 41 inches wide (W) and at least 76 inches high (H), with a specific preferred exterior size being at least 79 inches long (L), at least 45 inches wide (W) and at least 77 inches high (H). In a specific preferred embodiment, the interior space provided by the erectable sheds of the present invention is 72.34 inches long (L), 41.90 inches wide (W) and 77 inches high (H), with a specific preferred exterior size being 80 inches long (L), 45.69 inches wide (W) and 77.31 inches high (H). The foregoing provides a footprint of about 21 square feet inside the shed and about 126 cubic feet of space inside the shed. Sheds of the above dimensions can be packaged in a box that is no greater than 48″ long×20″ wide×10″ high. It is to be understood that such a box is no greater than 48 inches long, no greater than 20 inches wide and no greater than 10 inches high (the “no greater than” term is distributed among each dimension of the box as recited herein).
Among other features as disclosed in the figures, advantages and objectives of the preferred embodiments of the present invention are preferably carried out by designing rear, front and side walls that are horizontal alignable and stacked together to provide the height as illustrated herein. Advantageously, sufficient structural strength, e.g. vertical column strength on the preferred sheds, which in the preferred embodiments are made of metal, is achieved by using posts that fit between the horizontal panels. For example, a shed constructed in accordance with the present invention that is at least 6′ high will be preferably provided with posts that are spliced as illustrated in the accompanying figures. For example, with a preferred door also being at least 6′ high, it is preferable to split the doors and vertically “stack” them to make a Dutch-style door, connected together by a locking pin, as disclosed and illustrated herein. In this way, a key feature of the present invention is providing a door to the shed, wherein the door is comprised of at least two (2) panels, each of which is at least 34 inches in height. Nowhere in the prior art is there a shed having a door constructed that is at least 68 inches in height (e.g. 34 inches×2) that can be packaged in a box no greater than 48″ long×20″ wide×10″ high. In a preferred embodiment, the total height of the door(s) (e.g. DP1+DP2) when aligned vertically as shown in the completed shed figures, is greater than 69 inches, and preferably about 69.1 inches high.
Two (2) preferred designs include a peak roof style and a pent roof style, as illustrated herein, each of which are constructed to be at least 6 feet long and 40 inches wide, with a wall height of at least 6 feet, and which can be packaged into a box that is preferably no greater than 48″ long×20″ wide×10″ high.
Constructing sheds that are of the aforementioned dimensions and structural integrity, such as those disclosed herein, are achieved by carrying out the assembly steps disclosed and illustrated herein. A preferred list of components for erecting one or more sheds disclosed herein is provided below in Table 1:
With the above parts list, preferred sheds can be constructed. For example,
In particular,
Furthermore
Once assembled/erected, sheds constructed in accordance with the present invention should be anchored to the ground, into concrete or wood.
As can thus be seen, a kit comprising components of an erectable shed will have such components including at least a plurality of wall panels and side panels (19, 20, 21), a plurality of posts (18) for supporting the wall panels and side panels (19, 20, 21) coupled thereto; a plurality of roof panels (45, 46, 48), coupleable to the plurality of wall panels and/or the plurality of posts, for providing shelter to a space perimetered by the plurality of wall panels and side panels when coupled together and vertically supported by the plurality of posts; at least two (2) door panels (e.g. DP1, DP2) shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the kit comprises at least fifteen (15) wall panels, at least ten (10) side panels, at least (six) 6 corner posts, at least four (4) splice posts, and at least four (4) door panels, Preferably, at least the wall panels, side panels, posts and door panels are each comprised of metal.
Preferably, the kit will comprise additional components, i.e. one or more of such additional components being identified in description and quantity as set forth in Table 1. It should also be understood that the figures identify the components of Table 1 by both part numbers and key numbers. Such identification nevertheless should be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In a particularly specific embodiment, the kit comprises all of the components, in description and quantity, as set forth in Table 1 that have references to “key nos.” 15-40. In a more specific preferred embodiment, the kit comprise all the parts illustrated in Table 1, including the parts with “key” numbers 1-14.
To be sure, a kit of a preferred embodiment comprises a box, generally indicated in the figures with reference number 100, having dimensions of no greater than 48 inches long (L)×no greater than 20 inches wide (W)×no greater than 10 inches high (H), wherein at least said plurality of wall panels and side panels, said plurality of posts, said plurality of roof panels, and said at least two (2) door panels are provided in said box when the erectable shed is not erected.
Reference is next made to
Reference is now particularly made to
Based on the foregoing, it can thus be seen that the present invention is also directed to a method of erecting an erectable shed comprising the components of the erectable shed as set forth herein, wherein the method comprises the steps of removing all of the components of the erectable shed from the box (100); and constructing the erectable shed (10) so as to have a space perimetered by the wall panels and side panels of at least 6 feet long by 40 inches wide and wherein the height of the shed is at least 6 feet. In accordance with a particular embodiment, it is preferable to include many additional components of the erectable shed as set forth in Table 1 into box (100) during the packaging and display thereof. In such an embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of erecting an erectable shed comprising many of the components set forth in Table 1, wherein the method comprises the steps of removing all of the included components of the erectable shed from the box (100); and constructing the erectable shed (10) so as to have a space perimetered by the wall panels and side panels of at least 6 feet long by 40 inches wide and wherein the height of the shed is at least 6 feet. Even further preferably, the box (100) will contact all of the components as set forth in Table 1, thus providing a method of erecting an erectable shed 10 comprising all the components of Table 1, comprising the steps of removing all of the components of the erectable shed from the box (100); and constructing the erectable shed (10) so as to have a space perimetered by the wall panels and side panels of at least 6 feet long by 40 inches wide and wherein the height of the shed is at least 6 feet.
In summary, the present invention provides for an arrangement and method of assembling, storing, transporting and/or displaying a shed that is, for example, and not limitation, at least and preferably six (6) feet long and 40 inches wide, with a wall height of at least six (6) feet, in which all of the components thereof can fit in, and be stored, transported and/or displayed in, a package or box that is no greater than 48 inches (L)×no greater than 20 inches (W) by no greater than 10 inches (H) (see
While the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is intended that the terms “couple” or “coupled” or “couplable” should be given their plain and ordinary meaning. In other words, these terms should not be interpreted so strictly as meaning physically joined or attached or (e.g.) direct attachment. That is, as used herein “couple” or “coupled” or “coupleable” should be understood so as not to require (but could of course permit) direct attachment or direct connection, noting that it is intended that such terms include (e.g.) “coupling” or being “coupleable” by indirect connection through one or more intermediate components.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention described herein and all statements of the scope of the invention that as a matter of language might fall therebetween.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62725291 | Aug 2018 | US |
