EP1284329A1 - Elongated spring clip members for storage buildings - Google Patents
Elongated spring clip members for storage buildings Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1284329A1 EP1284329A1 EP02291787A EP02291787A EP1284329A1 EP 1284329 A1 EP1284329 A1 EP 1284329A1 EP 02291787 A EP02291787 A EP 02291787A EP 02291787 A EP02291787 A EP 02291787A EP 1284329 A1 EP1284329 A1 EP 1284329A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- shaped
- structural member
- panel
- storage building
- channel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/343—Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport
- E04B1/34315—Structures characterised by movable, separable, or collapsible parts, e.g. for transport characterised by separable parts
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D3/00—Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets
- E04D3/24—Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets with special cross-section, e.g. with corrugations on both sides, with ribs, flanges, or the like
- E04D3/30—Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets with special cross-section, e.g. with corrugations on both sides, with ribs, flanges, or the like of metal
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D3/00—Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets
- E04D3/36—Connecting; Fastening
- E04D3/361—Connecting; Fastening by specially-profiled marginal portions of the slabs or sheets
- E04D3/363—Connecting; Fastening by specially-profiled marginal portions of the slabs or sheets with snap action
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
- E04D3/00—Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets
- E04D3/40—Slabs or sheets locally modified for auxiliary purposes, e.g. for resting on walls, for serving as guttering; Elements for particular purposes, e.g. ridge elements, specially designed for use in conjunction with slabs or sheets
Definitions
- 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.
- Prefabricated buildings such as storage buildings or sheds
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- PCT published application No. PCT/AU99/00765 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.
- 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.
- FIG. 6 Yet another example of a storage building that uses a reduced number of threaded fasteners is shown in Danhof et al., U.S. Patent 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.
- 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.
- the spring clip member is integrally attached to a gable panel of the storage building.
- the spring clip member is integrally attached to a debris deflector of the storage building.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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° 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° 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.
- first end arcuate portion 76 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).
- 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° 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° angle with the outer surface 58 of the first connecting member 88.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- a third clamping portion 106 Located 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° from the inner surface 56 of the third clamping portion 106.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the outer surface 58 of the first U-shaped portion 62 directly engages the inner surface 56 of the second connecting member 104.
- a first interface 118 At the location where the first U-shaped portion 62 engages the second connecting member 104 is formed a first interface 118.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- a fifth interface 126 is formed at the second panel edge 116 and the second clamping portion 86.
- 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.
- Figs. 7a and 7b show alternative embodiments of the standard snap-fit panel 48.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fig. 7b depicts a comer 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.
- the corner panel 130 includes a first ridged end portion 50' and a second ridged end portion 52'.
- the first substantially flat portion 94' that is found in narrow panel 128 is not present in the corner panel 130.
- 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'.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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° toward the outside surface 144.
- 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.
- cross web portion 168 is formed to sit slightly higher (relative to ground surface G) than the first and second foot portions 164, 166.
- 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.
- the aperture engaging portions 152, 154 of the panel channel 140 engage the apertures 132 of the standard snap-fit panel 48.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the debris deflector 172 may have a thickness of about 0.43 mm.
- 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.
- 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.
- a first transition portion 184 Located 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the upper hemmed portion 176 contains recesses 174 at regular intervals.
- 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.
- 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.
- the debris deflector 172 is snapped over the panel channel 140.
- the U-shaped engaging portion 186 engages the second u-shaped portion 150
- the foot engaging portion 190 snaps over the top of the second foot portion 166 of the panel channel 140.
- 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.
- 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.
- a debris deflector 172 is preferably used to keep debris out of the gaps 170.
- This support means comes in the form of a gable 194.
- the gable 194 may be constructed from plastic or sheet metal.
- the gable 194 may have a thickness of about 0.36 mm.
- the gable 194 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- a corner connector bracket 215 is shown.
- the comer bracket 215 is used to secure two panel channels 140 to one another at a 90° angle. To that end, it is preferable to bevel the panel channels such that a 45° edge 216 is formed. Additionally, it is preferable that an aperture 218 is cut at a predetermined distance 220 from the 45° edge 216.
- the comer bracket 215 is formed from a continuous piece of material such as plastic or sheet metal, and is bent at an approximate 90° angle. Additionally, the comer 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.
- 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.
- first edge 228 can also be inserted into another panel channel 140, thereby engaging the two panel channels 140 to one another a t a right angle to one another such as at the comer of the shed building 20.
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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.
Description
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Yet another example of a storage building that uses a reduced number of threaded fasteners is shown in Danhof et al., U.S. Patent 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.
- 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.
- In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the spring clip member is integrally attached to a gable panel of the storage building.
- In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the spring clip member is integrally attached to a debris deflector of the storage building.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a storage building constructed in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig. 2 is top view of a standard wall panel in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig. 3 is a detailed enlarged top view of a first ridged end portion of the panel of Fig. 2;
- Fig. 4 is a detailed enlarged top view of a middle ridged portion of the panel of Fig. 2;
- Fig. 5 is a detailed enlarged top view of a second ridged end portion of the panel of Fig. 2;
- Fig. 6a is an enlarged top view of a first and second ridged end portion in proximity to one another;
- Fig. 6b is a top view of a first and second ridged end portion nestably engaged to one another;
- Fig. 7a is a top view of an alternate, narrow panel embodiment in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig. 7b is a top view of an alternate, comer panel embodiment in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig. 8 is a front elevation view of a standard panel in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig. 9 is a detailed enlarged end view of a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a panel about to be engaged with a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;
- 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;
- 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;
- Fig. 12 is a detailed enlarged end view of a debris deflector in accordance with the present invention;
- 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;
- Fig. 14 is a detailed enlarged end view of the panel channel clipping portion of a gable in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig. 15a is an enlarged perspective view of a gable about to engage a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig. 15b is an enlarged perspective view of a gable engaged to a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig. 16a is an enlarged perspective view of a corner bracket about to engage a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;
- Fig, 16b is an enlarged perspective view of a corner bracket engaged to a panel channel in accordance with the present invention.
-
- 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 aroof 32. The front and back, right and left,walls roof 32 define aninterior space 34. Thefront wall 24 defines anopening 36 there through which provides access to theinterior space 34. A door (not shown) may be attached to thefront wall 24 at theopening 36. The door may by hinged or mounted in order to swing or slide open and closed. - Referring now to Fig. 2, there is depicted a standard snap-
fit panel 48 in accordance with the present invention. Theroof 32,right wall 28, leftwall 30 andback 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 secondridged end portion ridged end portions fit panel 48 further includes at least one middle ridgedportion 54. The middle ridgedportion 54 is disposed between the first and secondridged end portion portion 54 is formed to be equidistant from the first and secondridged end portions 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 andouter surface outer surfaces 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. - As best seen in Fig. 3, the first
ridged end portion 50 also includes a firstU-shaped portion 62 that terminates in a first standard snap-fit panel edge 64. Directly adjacent the firstU-shaped portion 62, is afirst clamping portion 66. Theouter side 58 of thefirst clamping portion 66 forms approximately a 90° angle with the outer surface of the firstU-shaped edge portion 62. Additionally, afirst web portion 70, is adjacent thefirst clamping portion 66 of the firstridged end portion 50. Theouter surface 58 of thefirst web portion 70 forms approximately a 270° angle with theouter surface 58 of thefirst clamping portion 50. Theouter surface 58 of the firstU-shaped portion 62, thefirst clamping portion 66, and thefirst web portion 70 combine to form a first engagingportion 74. - Adjacent to the first engaging
portion 74 is the first endarcuate 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 theexterior 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 endarcuate portion 76, second endarcuate portion 78, and even middlearcuate portion 80 are substantially similar to one another. (Compare Figs. 2-5). - Referring again to Fig. 3 and the first
ridged end portion 50, note that adjacent to the first endarcuate portion 76 and opposite the first engagingportion 74, is a second engagingportion 82.Portion 82 is comprised of asecond web portion 84, asecond clamping portion 86 and a first connectingmember 88. Theouter surface 58 of thesecond web portion 84 forms approximately a 275° angle with theouter surface 58 of thesecond clamping portion 86. Theouter surface 58 of thesecond clamping portion 86 forms approximately a 85° angle with theouter surface 58 of the first connectingmember 88. As better seen in Fig. 2, atransition member 89 of the firstridged end portion 50 attaches the second engagingportion 82 of the firstridged end portion 50 to the first substantiallyflat portion 94. Adjacent to the first substantiallyflat portion 94 and opposite the first connectingmember 88, is the middle ridged portion 54 (See Fig. 2). - Referring now to Fig. 4, the middle ridged
portion 54 includes a firstmiddle transition member 95 which connects the first substantiallyflat portion 94 to a firstmiddle connecting member 96.Member 96 attaches the firstmiddle transition member 95 to the middlearcuate section 80.Adjacent portion 80 is a secondmiddle connecting portion 98.Portion 98 connects the middlearcuate portion 80 to the secondmiddle transition member 99.Member 99 in turn connects the middleridged end portion 54 to a second substantiallyflat portion 100. - Referring now to Fig. 5, the second substantially
flat portion 100 attaches to atransition portion 102 of the secondridged end portion 52. Thistransition portion 102 connects the second substantiallyflat portion 100 to a second connectingmember 104. Immediately adjacent the second connectingmember 104 is athird clamping portion 106. Theinner surface 56 of the second connectingmember 104 is approximately 270° from theinner surface 56 of thethird clamping portion 106. Formed at approximately 90° from theinner surface 56 of thethird clamping portion 106, and opposite the first connectingmember 104, is athird web portion 108. Theinner surfaces 56 of the second connectingmember 104, thethird clamping portion 106 andthird web portion 108 combine to form a first engaging portion 110 of the secondridged end portion 52. Adjacent portion 110 is the second endarcuate portion 78. As seen, the majority of the length ofportion 78 is substantially similar in shape and contour as such lengths of the first endarcuate portion 76 and the middlearcuate portion 80. Adjacent the second endarcuate portion 78 is a secondengaging portion 112 of the secondridged end portion 52.Portion 112 includes a secondU-shaped edge portion 114, which portion., in turn, terminates in asecond panel edge 116. - Turning now to Figs. 6a and 6b, the first
ridged end portion 50 of a standard snap-fit panel 48 and the secondridged 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. Theinner surface 56 of the secondridged end panel 52 securely snaps in a friction fit manner over theouter surface 58 of the firstridged end portion 50. As seen in Fig. 6b, the first engagingportion 74 of the firstridged end portion 50 engages to the first engaging portion 110 of the secondridged end portion 52. As such, theouter surface 58 of the firstU-shaped portion 62 directly engages theinner surface 56 of the second connectingmember 104. At the location where the firstU-shaped portion 62 engages the second connectingmember 104 is formed a first interface 118. Similarly,second interface 120 is formed from the engagement of theouter surface 58 of thefirst clamping portion 66 and theinner surface 56 of thethird clamping portion 106. Moreover, athird interface 122 is formed by the engaging of theinner surface 56 of thethird web portion 108 and theouter surface 58 of thefirst web portion 70. Furthermore, afourth interface 124 is formed where theinner surface 56 of the secondU-shaped edge portion 114 engages theouter surface 58 of thesecond web portion 84. Still further, afifth interface 126 is formed at thesecond panel edge 116 and thesecond clamping portion 86. Although not an engaging interface, as seen in Fig. 6b, theinner surface 56 of the second end arcuate portion 78 (of a first panel 48) substantially follows theouter surface 58 of the first endarcuate portion 76, when the firstridged end portion 50 engages the secondridged end portion 52 of a second, adjacent snap-fit panel 48. - 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 anarrow panel 128. This panel is identical to the standard snap-fit panel 48 except that it does not include a middle ridgedportion 54 and a second substantiallyflat portion 100. As seen in Fig. 7a, thenarrow 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 ofpanel 128, contrasted to that ofpanel 48, is beneficial when a given building length demands less than anfull panel 48. - Then, Fig. 7b depicts a
comer panel 130. Thecorner panel 130 is similar to thenarrow panel 128 in that it does not contain a middle ridgedportion 54 or a second substantiallyflat portion 100. As such, thecorner 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 innarrow panel 128 is not present in thecorner panel 130. Instead, thecorner panel 130 contains abent portion 132 that is disposed between the first ridged end portion 50' and the second ridged end portion 52'. - 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. Theseapertures 132 are generally rectangular in shape, and are located at apredetermined distance 134 from thebottom edge 136 and similarly from the top edge 138, of the standard snap-fit panel 48. Specifically,apertures 132 can be found in first endarcuate portion 76, and in thefirst transition member 89 of the firstridged end portion 50. Moreover, centrally-locatedsuch apertures 132 can also be found in the first and secondmiddle transition members arcuate portion 80 of the middle ridgedportion 54. Furthermore, the apertures can be found in thesecond transition member 102 and the second endarcuate portion 78 of the secondridged end portion 52. Still further, with respect to thenarrow panel 128 andcorner panel 130, theapertures 132 are also found atpredetermined distance 134 from the top and bottom edges (not shown). Theapertures 132 as formed in thenarrow panel 128 andcorner 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 noapertures 132 formed in the middle ridgedportion 54, namely, becausepanels portion 54. - 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 respectivebottom 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, thecorner panel embodiment 130 and thenarrow panel embodiment 128 also fit with thepanel channel 140. As best seen in Figs. 9-1 1b, thepanel channel 140 is a continuous piece of material such as sheet metal or plastic that includes aninside surface 142 and anoutside surface 144. The inside and outsidesurfaces thickness 146 of thepanel channel 140. For example, if thepanel channel 140 is constructed from steel, athickness 146 of about 0.43 mm may be used. Thepanel channel 140 further includes a first and second inwardly-turnedU-shaped portions U-shaped portions aperture engaging portions aperture engaging portions aperture engaging portions angled transitions angled transitions outside surface 144. Additionally, thepanel channel 140 includes a first andsecond foot portion Such portions cross web portion 168. The distance from theinside surface 142 of theweb portion 168 to theangled transitions predetermined distance 134. Furthermore,cross web portion 168 is formed to sit slightly higher (relative to ground surface G) than the first andsecond foot portions - Figs. 10 and 11a show the method in which the
panel channel 140 engages thebottom edge 136 of a standard snap-fit panel 48. The standard snap-fit panel 48 is inserted into thepanel channel 140, such that itsbottom edge 136 rests on thecross web portion 168. Once thebottom edge 136 is on theweb portion 168, theaperture engaging portions panel channel 140 engage theapertures 132 of the standard snap-fit panel 48. In this manner the standard snap-fit panels 48 may be secured to thepanel channel 140 without the need for separate fasteners, such as screws, rivets, or bolts. Although not shown, thepanel channel 140 also engages the lower (and upper) edges 136', 138' of thenarrow panel 128 andcorner panel 130 embodiments in the same manner as previously described. - As indicated, the
panel channel 140 may engage either the top edge 138 or thebottom edge 136 of a standard snap-fit panel 48. As better seen in Fig. 11a, when thepanel channel 140 engages thebottom edge 136 of a standard snap-fit panel, there aregaps 170 where there is a distance between theouter surface 58 of the standard snap-fit panel 48 and the first or secondpanel channel edge gaps 170. Adebris deflector 172 is designed to prevent debris from getting intogaps 170. Thedebris deflector 172 may be constructed from plastic or sheet metal. For example, if thedebris deflector 172 is constructed from steel, it may have a thickness of about 0.43 mm. In addition, drainage holes orslots 173 may be provided in thepanel channel 140 to prevent water or other liquids from collecting in thepanel channel 140. Thedebris deflector 172 containsseveral recesses 174 formed in upper andlower wall segments 175a, 175b of deflector 172that follow the contours of the standard snap-fit panel 48. More specifically, therecesses 174 follow the contours ofouter surface 58 of the secondridged end portion 52 and theouter surface 58 of the middle ridgedportion 54. Therecesses 174 allow thedebris deflector 172, and especiallywalls segments 175a, 175b to fit snugly against to the standard snap-fit panel 48, thereby preventing access togaps 170 when thedebris deflector 172 is snapped onto theoutside surface 144 of thepanel channel 140. See Fig. 11b. - Referring now to Fig. 12, the
debris deflector 172 includes an upper and lower hemmedportion lower wall segments 175a, 175b. The upper hemmedportion 176 terminates in an upperdebris deflector edge 180. The lower hemmedportion 178 terminates in a lowerdebris deflector edge 182. Immediately adjacent the upper hemmedportion 176 is afirst transition portion 184. Thefirst transition portion 184 connects the upper hemmedportion 176 to a U-shapedengaging portion 186. It is important to note that thetransition portion 184 is formed to be slightly lower than the U-shaped engagingportion 186. This is important in assuring that thedebris deflector 172 snaps into place on thepanel channel 140. Additionally, the debris deflector also includes asecond transition portion 188. Thesecond transition portion 188 travels in a substantially vertical manner and attaches theU-shaped portion 186 to afoot engaging portion 190. Adjacent thefoot engaging portion 190 and opposite thesecond transition portion 188, is athird transition portion 192. Thisthird transition portion 192 which is formed to be slightly higher than thefoot engaging portion 190, and attaches thefoot engaging portion 192 to the lower hemmedportion 178. As seen in Figs. 11a and 11b, the upper hemmedportion 176 containsrecesses 174 at regular intervals. - Fig. 13 demonstrates the manner in which the standard snap-
fit panel 48,panel channel 140 anddebris deflector 172 work in conjunction with one another. Thebottom edge 136 of thestandard channel 48 is rested on thecross web portion 168 of thepanel channel 140. When the standard snap-fit panel 48 is placed on theweb portion 168, the first and secondaperture engaging portions channel 140 engageapertures 132 ofpanel 48. This snap-fit engagement ofapertures 132 secures thepanel channel 140 .to thestandard channel 48. Finally, thedebris deflector 172 is snapped over thepanel channel 140. Specifically, theU-shaped engaging portion 186 engages the secondu-shaped portion 150, and thefoot engaging portion 190 snaps over the top of thesecond foot portion 166 of thepanel channel 140. Note that Fig. 11b shows, in perspective view, the snap together interrelationship between the standard snap-fit panel 48, thepanel channel 140 and thedebris deflector 172. - As previously mentioned, the
panel channel 140 may be disposed at either thebottom edge 136 or the top edge 138 of the standard snap-fit panel 48. When thepanel channel 140 is disposed at the bottom edge of the standard snap-fit panel 48, adebris deflector 172 is preferably used to keep debris out of thegaps 170. However, when thepanel channel 140 is disposed at the top edge 138 of the standard snap-fit panel 48, there is little to no need for adebris deflector 172. Instead, there is a need to provide a support means for theroof structure 32. This support means comes in the form of agable 194. Thegable 194 may be constructed from plastic or sheet metal. For example, if thegable 194 is constructed from steel, it may have a thickness of about 0.36 mm. Thegable 194, as best seen in Figs. 15a and 15b, engages to thepanel channel 140 in a manner similar to the way that thedebris deflector 172 engages thepanel channel 140. However, instead of preventing debris from enteringgaps 170, thegable 194 provides support for theroof structure 32. Thegable 194 includes a substantiallyvertical panel 196, and a panelchannel clipping portion 198. - Fig. 14 demonstrates an end view of the panel
channel clipping portion 198 of thegable 194. Similar to thedebris deflector 172, the panelchannel clipping portion 198 includes a U-shapedengaging portion 200. The U-shaped engaging portion terminates inedge 202. The panel channel clipping portion further includes a first generallyplanar transition portion 204, having aninner surface 214. Thatportion 204 attaches the U-shaped engagingportion 200 to afoot engaging portion 206. Immediately adjacent thefoot engaging portion 206 is asecond transition portion 208. Thatportion 208 connects thefoot engaging portion 206 toelongated contour portion 210. Adjacent theelongated contour portion 210, is athird transition portion 212, which connects the panelchannel clipping portion 198 to the rest of the gable structure 194 (See Fig 15a). - As seen in Figs. 15a and 15b, the panel
channel clipping portion 198 engages thepanel channel 140 in a snap-fit manner. Specifically, theU-shaped engaging portion 200 of the clippingportion 198 snaps over theU-shaped portion 164 of thepanel channel 140. Then thefoot engaging portion 206, in turn, is snapped over the top of the first inwardly-turnedU-shaped portion 148. When thefoot engaging portion 206 snaps over thefoot portion 164, theelongated contour portion 210 simultaneously engagescross web 168. - Referring now to Figs. 16a and 16b, a corner connector bracket 215 is shown. The comer bracket 215 is used to secure two
panel channels 140 to one another at a 90° angle. To that end, it is preferable to bevel the panel channels such that a 45°edge 216 is formed. Additionally, it is preferable that anaperture 218 is cut at apredetermined distance 220 from the 45°edge 216. - The comer bracket 215 is formed from a continuous piece of material such as plastic or sheet metal, and is bent at an approximate 90° angle. Additionally, the comer bracket 215 includes a first and second opposing
aperture engaging tabs height 226 of the corner bracket 215 is determined by the distance measured from theinner surface 142 of the secondU-shaped portion 150 to theinside surface 142 of thesecond foot portion 166 of thepanel channel 140. Moreover, the corner bracket 215 also includes first andsecond edges second edge 230 is inserted into thepanel channel 140, in the space 232 bounded by theinside surface 142 of the secondU-shaped portion 150 and theinside surface 142 of thesecond foot portion 166 of thepanel channel 140. - Fig. 16b shows how the second opposing
aperture engaging tab 224 engagesaperture 218, thereby securing the corner bracket 215 into place in thepanel channel 140. Although not shown,first edge 228 can also be inserted into anotherpanel channel 140, thereby engaging the twopanel channels 140 to one another a t a right angle to one another such as at the comer of the shed building 20. - 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.
Claims (12)
- 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; anda deflectable portion extending from said third portion and adapted to elastically deflect and to securely engage the elongate structural member. - 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.
- The spring clip member of claim 1, wherein the spring clip member is integrally attached to a debris deflector for the storage building.
- 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.
- The storage building of claim 4, wherein said spring clip member is integrally attached to a gable panel of the storage building.
- The storage building of claim 4, wherein said spring clip member is integrally attached to a debris deflector of the storage building.
- 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.
- 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° angle from said at least one transition portion.
- 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.
- The gable member of claim 7, wherein said third portion includes a generally planar transition portion.
- The gable member of claim 7, wherein said deflectable portion includes a U-shaped engaging member.
- 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; anda deflectable portion extending from the third portion and adapted to elastically deflect and to securely an indentation in the web portion.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US928119 | 2001-08-10 | ||
US09/928,119 US20030029126A1 (en) | 2001-08-10 | 2001-08-10 | Elongated spring clip members for storage buildings |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1284329A1 true EP1284329A1 (en) | 2003-02-19 |
Family
ID=25455759
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP02291787A Withdrawn EP1284329A1 (en) | 2001-08-10 | 2002-07-16 | Elongated spring clip members for storage buildings |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20030029126A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1284329A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU4241402A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2383789A1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL149692A0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003014493A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1885965A1 (en) * | 2005-05-20 | 2008-02-13 | Steel Storage Holdings PTY Ltd | Wall assembly |
DE102021123792A1 (en) | 2021-09-14 | 2023-03-16 | Hörmann KG Steinhagen | Sheet metal wall element with folded edges for connection to another sheet metal wall element and uses of the same |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP5898461B2 (en) * | 2011-11-02 | 2016-04-06 | 日鉄住金鋼板株式会社 | Roofing material |
US10053866B2 (en) * | 2016-05-30 | 2018-08-21 | Weeks Holdings Pty Ltd | Roofing batten |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR1233563A (en) * | 1958-03-29 | 1960-10-12 | Metallwerk Friedrichshafen G M | Pinch assembly, without screws, of profiled sheets and strips |
GB984136A (en) * | 1960-10-18 | 1965-02-24 | Lysaght Australia Ltd | Sheet metal decking |
US4326365A (en) * | 1977-03-10 | 1982-04-27 | Ab Svenska Flaktfabriken | Joint system for walls, doors and the like |
WO1992001129A1 (en) * | 1990-07-06 | 1992-01-23 | Euroclad (South Wales) Limited | Building covering |
US5619837A (en) * | 1995-07-26 | 1997-04-15 | Disanto; Fabricio N. | Corrugated panel structure |
WO2000015917A1 (en) * | 1998-09-14 | 2000-03-23 | Spanbilt (Australia) Pty Ltd. | Clip fastening system for walls |
-
2001
- 2001-08-10 US US09/928,119 patent/US20030029126A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2002
- 2002-04-26 CA CA002383789A patent/CA2383789A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-05-15 IL IL14969202A patent/IL149692A0/en unknown
- 2002-05-21 AU AU42414/02A patent/AU4241402A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-07-16 EP EP02291787A patent/EP1284329A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-08-09 WO PCT/US2002/025519 patent/WO2003014493A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR1233563A (en) * | 1958-03-29 | 1960-10-12 | Metallwerk Friedrichshafen G M | Pinch assembly, without screws, of profiled sheets and strips |
GB984136A (en) * | 1960-10-18 | 1965-02-24 | Lysaght Australia Ltd | Sheet metal decking |
US4326365A (en) * | 1977-03-10 | 1982-04-27 | Ab Svenska Flaktfabriken | Joint system for walls, doors and the like |
WO1992001129A1 (en) * | 1990-07-06 | 1992-01-23 | Euroclad (South Wales) Limited | Building covering |
US5619837A (en) * | 1995-07-26 | 1997-04-15 | Disanto; Fabricio N. | Corrugated panel structure |
WO2000015917A1 (en) * | 1998-09-14 | 2000-03-23 | Spanbilt (Australia) Pty Ltd. | Clip fastening system for walls |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1885965A1 (en) * | 2005-05-20 | 2008-02-13 | Steel Storage Holdings PTY Ltd | Wall assembly |
EP1885965A4 (en) * | 2005-05-20 | 2014-12-03 | Steel Storage Holdings Pty Ltd | Wall assembly |
DE102021123792A1 (en) | 2021-09-14 | 2023-03-16 | Hörmann KG Steinhagen | Sheet metal wall element with folded edges for connection to another sheet metal wall element and uses of the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20030029126A1 (en) | 2003-02-13 |
AU4241402A (en) | 2003-02-13 |
IL149692A0 (en) | 2002-11-10 |
CA2383789A1 (en) | 2003-02-10 |
WO2003014493A1 (en) | 2003-02-20 |
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