MXPA99004948A - Modu panel construction system - Google Patents

Abstract

A utility shed is described comprising modular side panels that are connected by corner connectors and in-line connectors to form sidewalls, the connectors have an I-beam cross section and comprise U-shaped ends that couple relatively wide channels for securely fasten the wall panels, a door assembly is provided to gather the corner connectors and include pivot pin members that fit the vertical channel of the corner connectors and allow the pivot door panels to be suspended from the same, the floor panels and the cover panels are provided in a manner compatible with the configuration of beam edge in 1 and the side panels, so that the cover, floor and side walls mutually cross each other with high structure integrity; Modularity of the side panels allow larger or smaller sized accommodations to be created using the same set to bread components

Description

MODULAR PANEL CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to structural panel systems that combine a plurality of panel members with connector joining members to create a housing and, very specifically, to systems of this type wherein the components are modular to allow the construction of variablely sized accommodations using the same components.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Panel systems, or equipment, comprising connector members and cooperation panels for forming a wide variety of products are well known. Applications include the construction of: building divisions and, from these, accommodations such as utility sheds; furniture; sets for games; and containers for the storage or shipment of goods. Typically, such systems include connector members that have a specific cross sectional geometry that facilitates a coupling between said members and one or more panels having a complementary edge configuration. A particularly common structure for the connecting members in said systems is a cross section of beam I. The beam I defines free edge portions of connector member which engage in grooves dimensioned and suitably located in the panel members. US Patent No. D-371,208 teaches a corner extrusion for a building side wall which is representative of the state of the art of the beam-connecting member I. The sides of the beam I of the connector are coupled with the peripheral edge channels a respective wall panel and thus serve to join said panels at right angles. The straight, or inline versions of the I beam connector members are also included in the equipment to join the panels in a coplanar relationship, thus creating walls of variable length. The aforementioned systems may also incorporate roof and floor panels to form a freestanding roof structure such as a utility shed. The patents of E.U.A. Nos. 3,866,381; 5036,634; and 4,557,091 describe various systems that have panel components and interconnected connectors. Said prior art system, however, although it works well, does not meet all the needs of consumers from a structural point of view. The most important of these needs is a panel and connector system to create the housing walls that resist separation, hunching, tearing, infiltration of the panel's climate. Another problem is that the wall formed by the panels and connectors must be joined to the ceiling and the floor in such a way that unifies the entire housing. Also from a structural point of view, a door system must be present, being compatible with the panel side walls and the connector, and which provides a hanging pivot door access to the housing. There are also commercial considerations that must be met by any viable housing system or equipment; considerations that are not completely satisfied by the state of the products of the technique. The housing should be formed of relatively few component parts that are not expensive to manufacture by conventional, cost-effective manufacturing techniques; and the system must be able to be packaged and shipped in a disassembled state. In addition, the system should ideally be modular and facilitate the creation of a group of accommodations that vary in size but share common, interchangeable components. Finally, there are also ergonomic needs that a hosting system must satisfy in order to achieve the acceptance of the end user. The system must be assembled easily and quickly using a minimum of work and requiring a minimum number of tools. The system should also not require excessive force to assemble and include heavy component parts. In addition, the system must be assembled in such a way that the internal storage volume of the resulting housing does not decrease or otherwise adversely affect the usefulness of the structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention meets the needs of the market by providing a system, or equipment, of panels and connectors that combine to form a housing, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The panels are formed by blow molded plastic and they overlap each other to form the side walls of the housing. A connecting strip, generally, a cross section of beam I is provided for joining the adjacent panels at the corner of the structure or in line. The connector strip forms a channel for receiving a free peripheral edge of the panel, and includes inwardly directed tabs that are received within the slots of the panel. The tabs of the connector strip are U-shaped, filling the amplitude of grooves within the panels that are created by the blow molding process. The filling of said grooves creates a tight fit between the component parts and, thus, in the resulting structure. The overlap between the vertically oriented panels and the coupling between the detents and the retainer flanges formed within the panels serve to rigidly connect the opposing components and force that would otherwise act to separate the components or cause the components to be bent or twisted. tear The system further includes a door assembly comprising a plurality of pivot pin members that slide in the channel of a corner connector strip having a vertical pivot pin in which the door panels can be suspended. A ceiling panel and a floor panel are joined by connecting straps and side wall panels to create a mutually reinforced and unitary housing. The same components are used to create sheds of varying size and the assembly of the system requires minimal work and a minimum number of tools. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular panel and a connector system for creating accommodations of varying dimension using common components. Another objective is to provide a panel and a connector system that accommodates the molded plastic formation by blowing the panel components without degradation in structural integrity. Another objective is to provide a panel and a connector housing whose sides, ceiling and floor are integrally intertwined. Another objective is to provide a panel and a connector housing system that have an integral door system that is easily assembled and installed. A further objective is to provide a panel and a connector housing system that have a minimum number of component parts in which minimum assembly work and a minimum number of assembly tools are required. Another objective is to provide connector members for a panel housing system having improved structural integrity and means for securely and rigidly attaching adjacent panels. Yet another object is to provide side panel and connector housing walls that resist bending or tearing. Still another object is to provide a panel and connector housing system formed of modular components useful in various housing configurations. Another object is to provide a panel and connector housing system that is produced economically and easily, capable of being shipped in a removable state, and that is easily assembled for the end user. These and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved by a preferred embodiment which are described in detail below and illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPENDIX DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a utility shed incorporating the object panel and connector system. Figure 2 is a front top perspective view thereof with one of the roof panels removed.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of an elongate connector and two panels connected together. Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a corner connector and two panels connected together. Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective explored view of a straight connector and two panels that are joined together. Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective explored view of a corner connector, panel, a pivot pin member. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view through a corner connector. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view through a straight connector, or in line. Figure 9 is a front plan view of a side panel. Figure 10 is a rear plan view and a side panel. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view through a side panel, taken along line 11-11 of Figure 10. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view through a side panel, taken at along the line 12-12 of Figure 10. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view through a side panel, taken along line 13-13 of Figure 10. Figure 14 is a view in longitudinal section through a side panel, taken along line 14-14 of figure 10.

Figure 15 is a top plan view of two coupling floor panels. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view through an edge strip of door panel. Figure 17 is a perspective view of a partial door panel edge strip. Figure 18 is a perspective view of a door pivot pin member. Figure 19 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a door handle and a door panel. Figure 20 is a front perspective view of a door panel. Figure 21 is a top plan view of a roof panel. Figure 22 is a fragmentary front perspective view of a roof panel. Figure 23 is a front top fragmentary perspective view of the floor panel translapping joint. Fig. 24 is a front bottom perspective view of the floor panel translane joint. Figure 25 is a rear perspective view of the door panel.

Figure 26 is a front perspective view of the front tip strip.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY With initial reference to Figures 1 and 2, the subject invention is shown coupled in the form of a utility shed housing 10, comprising an upper panel assembly 12, a floor assembly 14, opposite side assemblies 16, 17, assembly of adjacent door 18, 19 a pair of handles 20, and a rear panel assembly 22. In the preferred embodiment, the panels are formed of conventional plastic such as polyethylene, by the conventional blow molding process in the industry. The result is that the panels comprising the sides, lid, floor and doors of the object shed 10 are hollow and have a relatively thick dimensional section. The elongated depressions 24 are formed within the inner surfaces of said panels to drive the rigidity of the panels out of the outer surface in a soft condition for aesthetic purposes, as shown in Figure 2. The object system further includes a plurality of elongated corner connectors 26 and a plurality of in-line, or straight, connectors 28. Connectors 26 and 28 may be formed of suitable conventional plastic material such as polyethylene, or other suitable plastic, by an extrusion molding process or by injection molding.

With reference to Figures 9, 10 and 11, a side panel 30 is shown. The side panel 30 constitutes one of a plurality of panels similarly configured in the system and represents a central building block in the formation of the side panel assemblies. And later. The side panel 30 is configured to overlap and engage at the top and bottom with other panels configured in a similar manner, and comprises an upper lap tab 32 for said purpose. The flange 32 is positioned inwardly as a protrusion 34 at a transverse middle location, and an elongated male retainer flange 36 is formed within the protrusion 34 and projects upwardly. A complementary overlap tab 38 is formed along the lower edge of the panel 30 and provides a retainer 40 positioned in the mid-transverse position, sized to receive the male retainer flange 36 of a second panel similarly configured. A flange shoulder 42 extends from a central location on an inner surface of the panel 30, and provides with protrusions of other side panels a support for a shelf (not shown). Still referring to Figures 9, 10 and 11, the end surface 43 of the panel 30 is threaded or crimped for added strength. A pair of detent depressions 44 are provided within the upper lap flange 32, located on opposite sides of the projection 34. Positioned above and extending along the detent depressions 44 are the retaining ribs 46. In the lower overlap tab 38, the complementary depressions 44 are located and configured and interlocked by the detent flanges, or ribs, 46. The flanges 46 have a bevelled head on the surface 48 along one side outwardly and a flat stopping surface 50 formed along an internal side. It will be appreciated that the purpose of the projection 34 is to align two panels vertically to facilitate their mechanical connection. The panels, aligned in this way, are placed in an overlapping relationship according to an upper lap tab 32 of one panel overlapping the lower lap tab 38 of the other. The retainer flange 36 of the lower panel enters the retainer 40 of the upper panel. Similarly, the retainer ribs 46 of the upper flange 32 of the lower panel are placed on the ribs 46 in the lower flange 38 of the upper panel and in the retainer depressions 44 thereof. The result is a mechanically secure connection between the two panels. The overlap junction between aligned and connected panels as described above provides a secure connection and offers several advantages. First, the overlap prevents rain from entering the housing between the upper and lower panels. Secondly, the head inclined on the surface 48 in the securing flange rib 46 easily covers the rib 46 of the second panel, bringing to a minimum the force required by the user to effect the evacuation. As the rib 46 is properly introduced into the channel 44 of the opposite panel, the flat surface 50 of the rib comes out from the flat surface 50 of the opposite rib. The above creates a positive assurance and avoids the accidental separation of the panels. The retaining channels 44 and the retaining rib tabs 46 prevent separation of the panels from the tension forces and also prevent rotational movement in the plane of one panel covering the other. The coupling between the protuberances or retaining flanges 36 of a panel in a retainer 40 on the opposite side also acts to ensure the connection between panels. In the same way, the coupling keeps the panels in the same plane and avoids arcing of any panel. The projection 34 of a panel is aligned against the projection 34 of the opposite panel and serves to reinforce the connection against tearing, or the transverse movement of one panel relative to the other. In this way, from the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the structural overlap connections and profiling retainer and retainer flange between the panels effect resistance against undesirable movement from one panel to the other in any direction. That is, the separation in the transverse or longitudinal directions is avoided, because the movement is rotational and the deformation is arched in any panel. The resulting wall created by the combination of interlocking panels, as taught herein, has benefits of high structural integrity. With reference to Figures 5, 6 and 14, the peripheral side edge of each panel member 30 is further structured to provide a beam section configuration I. The edge flanges 54, 56 extend from opposite sides of the panel 30. from the upper tab 32 to the lower overlap tab 38. The beveled surfaces 58, 60 extend along the side heads of the flanges 54, 56. A pair of channels 62, 64 extend into the adjacent flanges 54, 56, respectively. The method of blown panel member 30 of the plastic material requires that the channels 62, 64 be relatively large, approximately an amplitude equal to the depth. Connector members comprising component parts of the target system will be understood from a consideration of FIGS. 3, 5 and 8. A straight, or in-line connector 28 is shown having essentially a cross-sectional configuration of beam I. The connector 28 comprises parallel side walls 68 bisected by a transverse partition wall 70. The arms 72, 74, 76 and 78 are defined in this manner to extend from a dividing wall 70, each arm terminating at an U-shaped end 80 directed inwardly. Each U-shaped arm end 80 is defined by an outer flange 82 and an inner flange 84, separated by a cable channel 86. It will be appreciated that the amplitude dimension "A" of the U-shaped end 80 is preferably approximately equal to the depth dimension "B", as shown in Figure 8, as a result of the blow molding process. A pair of elongated channels 88, 90 are consequently defined along each connector 66 on opposite sides of the partition wall 70. Each channel 88, 90 is partially housed along the side outwards at the ends 80 in U-shaped directed into the respective arms defining the sides of the channels 88, 90.

Figures 4 and 7 better show the configuration of the corner or straight angle connector 26, which takes the general cross section of the two beams I intersecting at a right angle. The connectors 26 include separate and parallel side walls 92, 94 that extend in a first direction and separate, and parallel side walls 96, 98 that extend at a right angle to the first direction, a curved outer wall 100 connects the two beam components I of the connector 26. An inner wall 102 defines with the side walls 96, 98 a channel 114, and an internal wall 104 defines with the side walls 92, 94 a similar channel 114 on the opposite side. The side walls 92, 94, 96, 98, similar to the straight connector 28, have ends 106 formed in an inwardly directed U, each defined by an external flange 108 and an internal flange 110 separated by a cable channel 112. The dimension relative depth to amplitude of the U-shaped ends 106 to the corner connector 26 is the same as described above with reference to the straight connector 28. The connectors 26, 28 serve to join the side panels 30 to form the wall assemblies lateral 16, 17 and the rear assembly 22. It will be seen from figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, that, for the size of the housing represented therein, the side walls comprise 3 stacked side panels 30 and the rear assembly 24 comprises 6 panels 30. The side panel assemblies 16, 17 are formed by the sequential introduction of the peripheral edges 52 of the 3-panel beam I in the channels of two corner connectors 26. The channels 1 14 of the connectors 26 are dimensioned to receive edges 52 as the U-shaped ends 106 of the connector 26 enter the channels 62, 64 of the edges 52. The opposite panel edges 52 of the first side panel 30 are pushed down into the connector channels 114 of two connectors 26 to the bottom. Subsequently, the second of the three side panels 30 is inserted downwards into the connector channels 114 to an overlap coupling with the first channel 30. The coupling between the overlap panels and their respective retainer tabs and retainers are as previously described . The third panel 30 is assembled in a similar manner until the three panels and one side of the housing are in an overlapping formation. The assembly of the rear assembly 22 proceeds in a similar manner except that one edge 52 of the three panels 30 is assembled in an overlapped formation to a connector 26 and the opposite edge 52 of the panels is assembled into a connector 28. The connector 28 acts as This shape for bending the length of the rear wall relative to the side wall of the housing. It will be appreciated that the U-shaped ends 106 (connector 26) and 80 (connector 28) are sufficiently wide to substantially fill the relatively wide channels 62, 64 at the panel edges 52. The U-shaped configuration effects this In addition, the material used in the formation at the U-shaped ends is substantially smaller than that required for the ends of the connector arms made of solid material at a thickness equivalent to that of the connector arms. the amplitude of the channels 62, 64. The object connectors 26, 28, consequently, make a positive connection for the relatively wide channels which are a natural consequence of the blow molding process, made still in an effective cost manner. With reference to Figures 15, 23 and 24, the object housing includes a pair of identical floor panels 116, 118. The panels 116, 118 are identically configured. Each panel 116, 118 has a surface 120 and a peripheral channel 122 that extends around three sides. The channel 122 is defined along an external side by an upright flange wall 124 of spiral coupling and along an internal side by the flat vertical wall 126. Six securing tabs, each dimensioned and configured identically to the securing tabs 46 of the side panels 30, are placed on the periphery of the panels 116, 118 within the channel 122. A series of separate edge openings 130 extend through each panel 116, 118 outwardly from the flange wall 124. Positioned along and extending forward from each of the panels 116, 118 separate finger flange projections 132 with adjacent projections 132 separated by depressions 134. As best is seen in Figures 23 and 24, each projection 132 has a pair of flange projections 136 extending therefrom, and each projection 136 is formed having a pair of plugs 138 on a lower side. The projection body 132 further has two additional plugs 142 formed on a lower side.

A flange 144 is formed within each depression 134 and a pair of spaced plugs 146 is formed therein. Each plug 146 has a detent flange projecting upward therefrom. Above the flange 144 in each depression 134 is a second pair of plug 150, each having likewise a detent flange 152 projecting upward therefrom. It will be appreciated that the floor section panels 116, 118 engage as the projections 132 fit and overlap the depressions 134. The retainer flanges 148 of the coated depression are flexibly held in the sockets 142 of the top panel and the flanges retainer 152 flexibly grasps plugs 138. Panels 116, 118 are thus secured in an intra-adjustment coupling and their respective surfaces 120 are coplanar. The side assemblies 16, 17 are joined to the interconnected floor panels 116, 118 by inserting the bottom edge of the side panel 30 into the floor channel 122. The shape of the outer surfaces of the side panels 30 are aligned in the shape of the outer wall 124 of the channel 122 and the flat inner surface of the side panels 30 in the flat channel wall 126. The retaining flanges 128 of the panels 116, 118 align and extend in the securing retainer tabs 46 of the side panels and cover said tabs in the retainer channels 44 located upstream. The result is a positive mechanical connection between the assembled side wall assemblies 16, 17 and the floor surface.

Referring now to Figures 21, 22, each cover panel 154 is shown to comprise a generally planar, spaced bottom surface 156. A series of six plugs 158 of generally rectangular shape extends on the surface 156, placed two on each side. The detail of each plug 158, as best seen in Figure 22, includes a retainer flange 160 configured and identically dimensioned with the securing detent tabs 46 of the side panels 30. Placed next to each flange 160 is a channel of detent 162 sized and configured correspondingly as channels 44 of the side panels 30. It will be readily understood that the side panel assemblies 16, 17 interconnected along their upper overlapping edge flange 32 in the lid panels 154 in a similar manner. the panel assemblies 16, 17 are connected along their lower overlapping edge flange 38 in the floor panels 116, 118. That is, the securing detent tabs 46 along the upper side panel 30. are engaged in the retainer flange 160 of each plug 158 until entering the channel 162. Accordingly, the side assemblies 16, 17 are mechanically connected simultaneously and n stage panels and floor panels. The resulting housing is structurally bonded, since the floor and lid panels are connected with the opposite upper and lower edges of the side assemblies 16, 17. The housing representing the preferred embodiment is configured having two door panels 164, each configured as the opposite image of the opposite. Although a panel is represented in Figures 20, 25, it will be readily appreciated that the other panel member (not shown) is of identical mirror configuration. The panel 164 is configured having a flat front side 166 in which a series of separate handle cavities 168 are formed. Figure 20 shows panel 164 in an inverted condition. An upper pivot pin hole 172 is formed in the left corner of the panel 164 and a lower pivot pin hole 170 is formed in the lower left corner. A free head edge 174 of the door panel 164 is opposite the pivot pin holes 170, 172 and is substantially of cross-sectional configuration of beam I. Formed lengthwise, and outwardly of the surface of the panel 164, the proximal edge 174 is a retainer flange 176 that elongates and projects outwardly extending from the top to the bottom. The adjacent flange 176 has a retainer channel 178 or extensive therein. The opposite flange 176 and the channel 178 on the opposite side of the edge 174 are a retainer flange 180 and a retainer channel 182. The beam edge 174 extends to an upper lap flange 184. The flange 184 in the upper of the door panels 164 is substantially configured as the upper flange 32 of each side panel 30 previously described. The flange 184 has a rectangular projection 184 in the middle and a detent projection 188 therein. A securing retainer flange and a retainer channel 190, 192, respectively, are located on opposite sides of the boss 186. The front edge 174 of the door panel 164 intends to couple an edge strip 194 as it will be apparent from the Figures 16, 17. The edge strip 194 is manufactured by extrusion or injection molding and has a substantial beam I cross-sectional side with which the door panel edge 174 engages. A channel 196 is formed and housed partially on an external side by U-shaped ends 198 in a manner similar to the previously described connectors. The strip 194 provides a flat surface 200 on the opposite side of the beam I to exit against a surface 200 similarly configured to the opposite door panel. Strip 194 is reversible, so that it can be used in the left and right door panels 164, while avoiding the cost of a separate part for each door side. A pivot pin member 202 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 18 retained to engage the front corner connectors 26 of the housing and pivotally suspend the door panels 164, right and left, thereof. The member 202 is configured on a side 204 to have a generally beam-shaped section I configuration, sized and adapted to allow the member 202 to slide into the channel 114 of the corner connector 26. The beam section I is defined by extending in contrast the catch tabs 206, 208 and channels 210, 212 adjacent thereto, respectively. The member 202 further includes a generally circular, horizontal flange 314 extending from the side 204. A pivot pin 216 extends upward and a pivot pin 218 extends from the flange 214. The pivot pin member 202 it is formed integrally of conventional plastic material, preferably by the injection molding process. The pivot members 202 can be used interchangeably in the left or right door panels. The handle body 220 of the housing is shown in Figure 19. The body is generally concave and rectangular and includes a mounting flange 222, 224 at an opposite end adapted to fit into respective ends of the depressions 168 in the door panels 164 Then, the screws (not shown) can be inserted through the bottom surface of the depressions 168 and in the handle lugs 222, 224 to securely attach the handle to the door. An outer edge 226 of the handle body 220 provides the user with an edge to hold the handle to open the door. A front tip member 228 is shown in Figure 26. A member 228 is mounted on a front side of each of the floor panels 116, 118. The member 228 comprises an inclined front surface 230 and a raised support enhancement 232. at an external end. Extending upwardly from the support ridge 232 is a pivot at 234. A series of 4 engaging finger flanges 236 are spaced apart and extend externally from a rear side of the tip member 228. It will be apparent from of Figure 15 that the finger flanges 236 of the member 228 are positioned to align with the edge openings 130 of the floor panels 116, 118 and include detent tabs (not shown) in a jump that fits through the openings 130 and the tip member 228 is securely fixed to the floor panels 116, 118. The assembly of the door to the housing will be appreciated from Figures 6, 18, 20 and 26. A first door panel 164 is aligned with the edge of a rear corner connector 26 and the lower pivot pin hole 170 of the panel 164 is lowered into the pin of pivot 234 directed upward from tip member 228. Subsequently, one of the pivot pin members is inserted into the same corner connector 26 from the top and slides down into beam channel I until the pivot bottom 118 enters upper hole 172 of first panel 164. A second panel is then aligned with the same corner connector 26 and lower hole 170 receives upper pivot 216 of pivot pin member. A second pivot pin member 202 continues at the connector 26 until received within the second panel 164. A third and final panel 164 then aligns with the connector 26 and receives the upper pivot 216. A third and final pivot member 202 is inserted into the upper hole 172 of the third panel and the upper pivot 218 thereof is captured in the upper lid panel. The edge extrusion 194 is then assembled to the rear edge of the door with the channel 196 receiving the rear edges of the panels 164 thereof. The extrusion 194 assists in securing the three stacked door panels 164. In the preferred embodiment, three panels 164 and three pivot pin members 202 are deployed on the side of the door.

Already assembled, the door assembly is supported by the pivot pin 234 of the tip member 228 and the three pivot pin members 202 to rotate freely. The door members can thus open and close freely on both sides of the housing. From the foregoing, it will be understood that the invention objects is composed of modular components. For the size structure shown in the preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sides of the utility shed comprise three side panels 30, connected at opposite edges to two corner connectors 26. The back of the structure It comprises 6 panels and 30 sides, three highs. A straight connector 28 divides the back of the housing with two groups of three side panels 30 connected by said connector. The outer edges of the side panels are connected in the same rear corner connectors as the sides. The roof or upper part comprises two of the lid panels 154 and the floor comprises two lower panels 1 16. Each door side comprises three grouped panels connected to a front corner connector 26 by the pivot pin members 202 described above. Two tip members 228 are provided at the lower front edge of the housing. The modularity means object of the same side panel 30 is used in the formation of the sides at the rear. Similarly, the floor panels are identical, reducing the number of molds required to make the component parts; a minimum number of parts needed to be formed and sent to the end user. It will be appreciated that the housing assembly, as described above, is relatively simple and can be achieved without a large number of insurers or tools. Furthermore, the component parts can be shipped disassembled in a "removable" state, thereby reducing packaging and shipping costs. In addition, the panels comprising the housing preferably are formed by the blow molding process. As such, a thickness and strength can be achieved in the resulting hollow panels with minimal use of plastic material. The corner and in-line connectors can effectively join the blow molded panels along the channels that are necessarily wide due to the manufacturing process. The connectors 26, 28 comply with said connection by the unique U-shaped beam ends that fill the wide channels in the panel edge portions. The U-shaped fingers are rigidly connected to the panels in a tight manner, and do not separate from the structural integrity of the housing. In addition, the crossover detents and retainer flanges on the panels 30 reinforce the sides and back of the housing for separation, bending, tearing and weather infiltration. The integrity of the resulting housing is improved. Although the preferred embodiments show a shed in intermediate proportion utility, the modularity of the components used therein allows a shed to be made larger or smaller, if desired as using the same components. As an example, a larger housing can be made by attaching the side walls of the shed to the amplitude of the panels, joined by an in-line connector 28. A roof panel and additional floor panels (not shown) may be required but the same side panels 30 can be used as described above. Alternatively, the shed can be made smaller by reducing the sides, the front, and the back to two tall panels. The shorter connectors (not shown) may be needed at the corners and in line along the back. Finally, the subject invention has been described in the preferred embodiment as a utility shed. Nevertheless, the invention needs not be limited. Other applications for accommodation formed by the teachings set forth herein are also intended. As an example, the modular side panels and the connector system can be useful in the creation of divisions, fencing or the creation of other types of products such as interactive toys. Other uses and applications, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, which use the teachings set forth herein, are intended within the scope and spirit of the subject invention.

Claims (31)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A construction panel assembly for housings, containing: a first and a second panel member, the first panel member having a lower edge flange and the second panel member having a top edge flange that overlaps to place panel members in a grouped and overlapping relationship; a connector strip having a longitudinal channel for receiving the side edges of the first and second panel members and keeping the edges in an aligned relationship.

2. A panel assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the connector strip comprises a second longitudinal channel for receiving the lateral edges of a third and a fourth panel member configured in a similar manner.

3. A panel assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that the longitudinal strip channel is defined by separate side walls, at least one of said side walls having an outer edge portion extending inward that covers at least partially an external side of the channel.

4. A panel assembly according to claim 3, further characterized in that the side edges of the first and second panel member are sized to be received in the connector strip channel and the first and second panel members further comprise at least one longitudinal groove positioned and dimensioned to receive therein the outer edge portion of a connector strip anal of a side wall.

5. A panel assembly according to claim 4, further characterized in that the outer edge portion of the connector strip channel and a side wall is substantially U-shaped and comprises separate tabs defining a loop slot between them.

6. A panel assembly according to claim 5, further characterized in that the flanges are spaced a distance substantially equivalent to the amplitude of a longitudinal groove in the first and second panel members.

7. A construction panel connector for aligning a first and a second panel member, comprising: an elongated body having a longitudinal channel for receiving the respective lateral edges of the first and second panels and maintaining the edges in an aligned relationship; a channel of bodies is defined by separate side walls, at least one of said side walls having an outer edge portion extending inward, at least partially housing an outer side of the channel; and the outer edge portion of the body channel of a side wall is substantially U-shaped and comprises separate flanges defining a loop groove with each other.

8. - A connector according to claim 7, further characterized in that the side edges of the first and second panel members further comprise at least one slot sized and positioned to receive therein an outer edge portion of the connector body of a side wall.

9. A connector according to claim 8, further characterized in that the U-shaped edge portion of the connecting body of a side wall is separated and dimensioned in amplitude to be substantially equivalent to the amplitude of the longitudinal groove in the first and second side edges of panel member.

10. A connector according to claim 9, further characterized in that the connector body comprises a second longitudinal body for receiving the respective lateral edges of a third and fourth panel members.

11. A connector according to claim 10, further characterized in that the second longitudinal channel is positioned to align the third and fourth panel members in coplanar relation with the first and second panel members.

12. A connector according to claim 10, further characterized in that the longitudinal channel is positioned to align the third and fourth panel members in a normal relationship with the first and second panel members.

13. - A construction panel connector for connecting a first panel member to a second panel member, containing: an elongated body having a first longitudinal channel and a second longitudinal channel for receiving a respective lateral edge of the first and second panels in the same and keeping said lateral edges in an aligned relationship; the body of the first and second channels are defined by separate side walls, at least one of said side walls of each channel having an outer edge portion extending inwardly housing at least partially an outer side of said respective channel; and the outer edge portion of the body channel and a side wall is substantially U-shaped and comprises separate tabs defining a loop groove with respect to each other.

14. A connector according to claim 13, further characterized in that the side edges of the first and second panel members further comprise at least one slot sized and positioned to receive therein an outer edge portion of a respective connector body and a side wall.

15. A connector according to claim 14, further characterized in that the outer U-shaped edge portion tabs of each connecting body of a side wall are separated at a distance substantially equal to the width of a slot in the first and second side edges of panel member.

16. - A housing containing at least a pair of side panels configured in a similar way, joined by an elongated connector, the connector having at least a first longitudinal channel sized to receive a respective lateral edge of each of the side panels and keeping the panels in an aligned relationship; a roof connected to the side panels and housing an upper part of the housing; a door connected to the side panels and housing a rear side of the housing.

17. A housing according to claim 16, further characterized in that the longitudinal channel is defined by separate side walls, and at least one side wall having a remote edge portion extending inwardly and at least partially housing a rear side of the wall. channel.

18. A housing according to claim 17, further characterized in that the remote edge portion is substantially U-shaped and comprises the first and second separated tabs, defining a loop slot with respect to each other.

19. A housing according to claim 18, further characterized in that the lateral edge and at least one of the side panels comprises a longitudinal groove and dimensioned to receive closely the U-shaped remote edge portion of the connector.

20. A housing according to claim 16, further characterized in that it comprises at least one floor panel having a channel located peripherally to receive a lower edge portion of at least one of said side panels.

21. A housing according to claim 20, further characterized in that the roof comprises at least one roof panel having a concealed surface and coupling means thereon for receiving a coupling of an upper edge portion of at least one of said side panels.

22. A housing according to claim 16, further characterized in that it contains: at least one corner connector located in a front corner of the housing and having an elongate channel substantially open along an external side; at least one pivot pin member comprising a rear portion sized to receive the corner connector channel therein and further containing a rear portion extending outwardly from the corner connector channel and the front portion having a pivot pin directed toward up fixed in it; the door comprising at least one door panel having a hole extending the length and an outer edge portion sized to receive the pivot pin therein, the door being pivotally supported by the pivot pin member and pivoting about of the pivot pin between a closed position and an open position.

23. A housing according to claim 22, further characterized in that the corner connector channel is defined by side walls, at least one of said side walls having an end portion directed inward to accommodate at least a portion of said channel of the outer side, and the pivot pin member of the rear portion comprising a slot sized to receive the side wall end portion therein for connecting the pivot pin member to the corner connector.

24. A housing according to claim 16, further characterized in that it comprises: at least one elongated door connector located on the rear side of the housing and having an elongated channel substantially open along an external side; a plurality and pivot pin members, each comprising a rear portion sized to receive therein the door connector channel and further comprising a rear portion extending outwardly from the connector channel and the rear portion having a pivot pin upper directed upwards, fixed therein, and a fixed pivot pin directed downwardly therein in axial alignment with the upper pivot pin; the door comprising a plurality of door panels, each having an upper and a lower hole extending along and an outer edge portion, the door panels and the pivot pin members alternately positioned along the connecting channel of the door. door with the upper and lower holes of each door panel receiving therein the pivot pivots of the respective pivot pin members located in proximity, wherein the door panels are pivotally supported by the pivot pin members and the pivot between a closed position and an open position.

25. A housing according to claim 24, further characterized in that it comprises a free edge connector connected to the rear edge portions of the door panels, the free edge connector comprising an elongated channel sized to receive the edge portions. of the door panels in them.

26.- A housing according to claim 25, further characterized in that the free-edge connector channel is defined by separate side walls and at least one of said walls has an end portion projecting inward to at least partially accommodate a side Rear of the free edge connector channel; and the door panels comprise an elongated slot located along said rear edge portions to receive the end portion located along said back edge portions to receive the end portion of the free edge connector channel from a side wall. .

27. A housing according to claim 26, further characterized in that the end portion of the free-edge connector channel is substantially U-shaped and is dimensioned in amplitude to be substantially equivalent to the elongated slot of the door panel.

28. A door assembly for a housing containing: an elongate connector located on a rear side of the housing and having an elongate channel substantially open along an external side; a plurality of pivot pin members, each comprising a rear portion dimensioned to receive therein the connector channel and further comprising a rear portion extending outwardly from the connector channel and the rear portion having a portion of upper pivot pin directed upwardly fixed thereon and a portion of inner pivot pin directed downwards, fixed therein in axial alignment with the upper pivot pin portion; a plurality of door panels, each panel having an upper and a lower hole extending along and an outer edge portion, the door panels and pivot pin members alternately positioned along the connector channel with the upper holes and bottom of each door panel, receiving therein the pivot pin portions of the respective pivot pin members disposed in proximity, wherein the door panels are pivotally supported by the pivot pin and pivot members between a closed position and an open position.

29. A housing according to claim 28, further characterized in that it comprises a free edge connector connected to the rear edge portions of the door panels, the free edge connector comprising an elongated channel sized to receive the portions of rear edges of the door panels therein.

30. - A housing according to claim 29, further characterized in that the edge connector channel is defined by separate side walls and at least one of said side walls has an end portion projecting inward to accommodate, at least partially, one side Rear of the free edge connector channel; and the door panels each comprise an elongated slot located along said rear edge portions to receive the end portion of the free edge connector channel in a side wall.

31. A housing according to claim 30, further characterized in that the end portion of the free-edge connector channel is substantially U-shaped and dimensioned in amplitude to be substantially equivalent to the elongated slot of the door panel.