US 8,800,216 B2 · System for connecting dissimilar components with plastic connectors

Abstract

The present invention provides a system or kit of connectors and panels which can be readily assembled to form a structure with the use of a minimal number of tools. Panels are precut so that measurements and cutting of the panel component materials is eliminated. Connectors are provided for attachment to the panels which allow the panels to be assembled to the floor and roof panels without the need for fasteners. The roof and floor structures are formed from interlocking plastic panels. The roof and floor panels include a structure that cooperates with the connectors secured to the wall panels to allow for the construction of a plurality of structures using like constructed connectors. Wall panels may be chosen from a variety of materials which allow a consumer to construct a building such as a storage shed that best suits his/her needs.

A connector system for connecting panels together to form an enclosure comprising;

a floor panel for enclosing the bottom portion of said enclosure, said floor panel including a first portion of a floor connector, said first portion of said floor connector being constructed and arranged to cooperate with a second portion of a floor connector to secure a wall assembly to said floor panel in a perpendicular arrangement without fasteners,
said first portion of said floor connector including at least one recessed socket for each panel, said at least one recessed socket including an undercut, whereby said second portion of said floor connector cooperates with said at least one socket and said undercut to secure said panels together in a substantially perpendicular arrangement with respect to each other,
said second portion of said floor connector including at least one tab member extending downwardly from a bottom surface of said second portion of said floor connector, said tab having at least one bend for cooperating with said undercut in said at least one socket, said bend requiring said tab to enter said socket at an angle other than perpendicular and thereafter be rotated to a perpendicular position to interlock said first and said second portions of said floor connector, said second portion of said floor connector constructed and arranged for connection to a lower portion of a wall assembly;
wherein said second portion of said floor connector includes a horizontal wall portion, said horizontal wall portion securable to the lower portion of the wall assembly,
a rear wall assembly having a top portion and a bottom portion, said bottom portion including said second portion of said floor connector secured thereto, said second portion of said floor connector being constructed and arranged to cooperate with said first portion of said floor connector for securing said rear wall assembly to said floor panel without fasteners, said top portion of said rear wall assembly including a first portion of a roof connector secured thereto, said first portion of said roof connector being constructed and arranged to cooperate with a second portion of a roof connector for securing said rear wall assembly to a roof panel;
a pair of side wall assemblies each having a top portion and a bottom portion, each said bottom portion including said second portion of said floor connector secured thereto, said second portion of said floor connector being constructed and arranged to cooperate with said first portion of said floor connector for securing said pair of side wall assemblies to said floor panel without fasteners, each said top portion of said pair of side wall assemblies including said first portion of said roof connector secured thereto, said first portion of said roof connector being constructed and arranged to cooperate with said second portion of said roof connector for securing said pair of side wall assemblies to a roof panel;
said roof panel for enclosing the top portion of said enclosure, said roof panel including a second portion of said roof connector for securing said roof panel to said wall assemblies;
at least one door member, said at least one door member secured along one edge to at least one of said pair of side wall assemblies with a hinge.

5 more elements

System for connecting dissimilar components with plastic connectors

Life of this patent

System for connecting dissimilar components with plastic connectors

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26