Abstract:
The present invention provides a system which includes injection molded wall panels, corner posts, and doors having integrated connectors which combine to form a family of variously sized wall assemblies and door assemblies for utility enclosures. The injection molding facilitates integrally formed connectors so that the panels, posts and door frames interlock with one another without the need for separate connectors. A window assembly is provided which optionally can be installed in one of the wall panels to provide light to the interior of the utility enclosure.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of utility patent application entitled Plastic Expandable Utility Shed filed Aug. 30, 2005, the contents of which are herein incorporated in their entirety. This application is also related to Ser. No. 29/230,885 filed May 27, 2005; and Ser. No. 29/230,978 filed May 27, 2005, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to utility sheds, and more specifically to a modular wall system constructed of injection molded plastic panels for creating utility shed walls and doors of various sizes from standardized components.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Utility sheds are a necessity for lawn and garden care, as well as general all-around home storage space. Typically, items such as garden tractors, snow blowers, tillers, ATVs, motorcycles, lawn tools and the like are stored within utility sheds for the convenience of the homeowner.  
         [0004]     The prior art has proposed a number of different panel systems, or kits, comprising blow molded and/or extruded panels which are combined with connector members for forming storage structures, e.g. utility sheds. Unfortunately, blow molding and/or extrusion of panels for utility sheds has resulted in shortcomings within the state of the art products. For example, due to the nature of the manufacturing process, blow molded and/or extruded plastic components cannot be formed with the intricate shapes and/or sharp corners required for integrated connectors. Therefore, these systems require various metal or plastic connector members having a specific cross-sectional geometry that facilitates an engagement between the blow molded or extruded panels to complete the structure.  
         [0005]     A particularly common structure for the connector members includes a member having cross section in the form of an I-beam. The I-beam defines free edge portions of the connector member which fit within appropriately dimensioned and located slots in the edges of the panel members. U.S. Patent No. D-371,208 teaches a corner extrusion for a building sidewall that is representative of the state of the art I-beam connector members. The I-beam sides of the connector engage with the peripheral edge channels of a respective panel and thereby serve to join such panels together at right angles. Straight or in-line versions of the connector members are also included in the kits to join panels in a coplanar relationship to create walls of varying length.  
         [0006]     Another shortcoming associated with blow molded panels is the requirement of an inner and an outer wall. The inner and outer walls are a necessary product of the blow molding manufacturing process. While the inner wall may add some rigidity to the panels, it also adds a significant amount of weight and dramatically increases the volume of plastic necessary to form a panel of a given size when compared to other methods of manufacturing, such as injection molding.  
         [0007]     A further shortcoming associated with blow molded panels relates to accurate control of wall thickness throughout the panels. The blow molding process does not allow the wall thickness of the panels to be accurately controlled. Once the molten plastic is conveyed to the tooling, there is minimal control over where the plastic flows during formation of the panel. Also, the blow molding process does not allow the intentional formation of thick and thin sections within a single panel for engineered rigidity at the points of high stress or high load concentration.  
         [0008]     Extruded panels generally require hollow longitudinal conduits for strength. Due to the nature of the manufacturing process, the conduits are difficult to extrude in long sections for structural panels. Thus, they also require connectors to achieve adequate length for utility shed walls. A common structure for connecting extruded members has a center I-beam with upper and lower protrusions for engaging the conduits. Wall panels utilizing these connectors are vulnerable to buckling under loads, such as those produced by snow and wind, and may have aesthetically unappealing appearance. U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,022 discloses an extendable shed utilizing side wall connector members representing the state of the art. The connectors have a center strip with hollow protrusions extending from its upper and lower surfaces along its length; the protrusions being situated to slidably engage the conduits located in the panel sections to create the height needed for utility shed walls.  
         [0009]     Larger structures must perform differently than small structures. Large structures must withstand increased wind and snow loads when compared to smaller structures. Paramount to achieving these needs is a panel system which eliminates the need for extruded connectors to create enclosure walls which resist panel separation, buckling, and racking. A further problem is that the wall formed by the panels must tie into the roof and floor in such a way as to unify the entire enclosure. Also, from a structural standpoint, the enclosure should include components capable of withstanding the increased wind, snow, and storage loads required by large structures. From a convenience standpoint, a door must be present which is compatible with the sidewalls, and which provides dependable pivoting access to the enclosure.  
         [0010]     Therefore, what is needed in the art is an injection molded modular wall system for utility enclosures. The modular wall system should achieve objectives such as lightweight single wall construction. The construction of the panels should eliminate the need for I-beam type connectors to create a wall assembly which resists panel separation, buckling, and racking. The wall assembly should be capable of withstanding the loads typically associated with utility enclosures. Also, from a convenience standpoint, the wall assembly should include various design features to enable cooperation with shelving and/or other storage enhancements.  
         [0011]     There are also commercial considerations that must be satisfied by any viable utility shed enclosure system or kit; considerations which are not entirely satisfied by state of the art products. The wall assembly must be formed of relatively few component parts that are inexpensive to manufacture by conventional techniques. The wall assembly must also be capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state. In addition, the wall assembly must be modular and facilitate the creation of a family of wall assemblies that vary in size but which share common, interchangeable components.  
         [0012]     Finally, there are ergonomic needs that a wall assembly must satisfy in order to achieve acceptance by the end user. The wall assembly must be easily and quickly assembled using minimal hardware and requiring a minimal number of tools. Further, the wall components must not require excessive strength to assemble or include heavy component parts. Moreover, the wall components must assemble together in such a way so as to not detract from the internal storage volume of the resulting enclosure, or otherwise negatively affect the utility of the structure.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     The present invention provides a system including injection molded wall panels having integrated connectors which combine to form a family of variously sized wall assemblies for utility enclosures. The wall panels are formed of injection molded plastic to create light-weight panels having integrally formed ribs and gussets for strength and integrity. The injection molding also facilitates integrally formed connectors so that the panels interlock with one another without the need for separate connectors or fasteners. These integrally formed connectors also allow the wall panels to be utilized for door frames as well as corner sections. The wall panels are also constructed to accept windows for natural lighting, and may include provisions for standard electrical current hookup. The internal surfaces of the wall panels include integrally formed connectors for easy assembly of added components such as shelving, baskets, slat wall storage and the like. The wall assembly further includes a door assembly which may be locked in an open or closed position. The wall assembly eliminates the need for extruded connectors to create enclosure walls which resist panel separation, buckling, racking; and a roof system which allows ventilation while preventing weather infiltration. The walls formed by the panels must tie into the roof and floor in such a way as to unify the entire enclosure.  
         [0014]     Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a plastic wall assembly which utilizes wall panels having single wall construction with integrally formed ribs and gussets for a lightweight yet robust wall assembly.  
         [0015]     It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a plastic wall assembly which accommodates injection molding plastic formation of the panel components for increased structural integrity.  
         [0016]     It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a plastic wall assembly which utilizes structural corner assemblies for increased enclosure rigidity.  
         [0017]     Still another objective of the instant invention is to provide a wall system in which the wall panel members include integrally formed connectors.  
         [0018]     Yet another objective of the instant invention is to provide a wall assembly which includes wall panels having predetermined sizes for creating enclosures of varying dimensions using common components.  
         [0019]     Still yet another objective of the instant invention is to provide a wall assembly which may be optionally configured with clear windows thereby allowing natural light to enter the enclosure.  
         [0020]     Still yet another further objective of the instant invention is to provide a wall assembly which reduces the number of components required to assemble an enclosure and simplifies construction.  
         [0021]     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way-of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0022]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an enclosure constructed using the instant utility wall system;  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the walls and doors of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view illustrating a wall panel as utilized in the instant invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a partial section view illustrating assembly of adjacently positioned wall panels;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a partial section view illustrating assembly of adjacently positioned wall panels;  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is a partial view illustrating the assembled wall panels;  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is a partial sectional view illustrating assembly of the top portion of the wall panels;  
         [0029]      FIG. 8  is a partial sectional view illustrating the assembled top portion of the wall panels;  
         [0030]      FIG. 9A  is a rear perspective of a wall panel;  
         [0031]      FIG. 9B  is a partial sectional view illustrating a metal reinforcing strip in the panel connectors;  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating one of the corner posts utilized in the instant invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating one of the corner posts utilized in the instant invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating assembly of first and second corner post members;  
         [0035]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating assembly of the door frame member to a wall panel;  
         [0036]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating assembly of a wall panel to the floor assembly;  
         [0037]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view illustrating assembly of the corner post assembly to the wall panel and floor assembly;  
         [0038]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating the assembled wall and floor panels;  
         [0039]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view illustrating one of the door panels utilized in the instant invention as well as assembly of a sliding door latch;  
         [0040]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view illustrating one of the door panels utilized in the instant invention as well as assembly of a sliding door latch;  
         [0041]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view illustrating assembly of a door panel to the assembled wall panels;  
         [0042]      FIG. 20  is a partial perspective view taken along line  1 - 1  of  FIG. 19 , illustrating the lower hinge pin, door catch feature, a portion of the roof support structure, door gap seal, and wall key as utilized in the instant invention;  
         [0043]      FIG. 21A  is a perspective view illustrating assembly of the other door frame member to a wall panel and a roof support member;  
         [0044]      FIG. 21B  is a partial view illustrating assembly of the other door frame member to a wall panel and a roof support member;  
         [0045]      FIG. 21C  is an enlarged view of  FIG. 21B ;  
         [0046]      FIG. 22A  is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of a reinforcement channel and wall panels;  
         [0047]      FIG. 22B  is a partial view illustrating the assembly of a reinforcement channel and wall panels;  
         [0048]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of shelf support brackets onto the wall panels;  
         [0049]      FIG. 24  is a partial perspective view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 23 , illustrating wall panel engagement feature of the shelf support;  
         [0050]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view illustrating a corner shelf mounted on the wall panels;  
         [0051]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view illustrating a wall panel with a portion cut out for a window;  
         [0052]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view illustrating a wall panel and the assembly of a window;  
         [0053]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view illustrating a wall panel and the assembly of a window frame;  
         [0054]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view illustrating a wall panel and the assembly of window shutters;  
         [0055]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view illustrating a wall panel and the assembly of flower box supports; and  
         [0056]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view illustrating a wall panel and the assembled window, shutters, and flower box. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0057]     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.  
         [0058]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-31  the walls of the enclosure are formed of left and right side wall assemblies  200 , corner post assemblies  300 , rear wall assembly  500 , front wall assembly  600  and door assembly  700 . In various illustrative, albeit non-limiting embodiments, the panels comprising the assemblies may be formed of a suitable plastic such as polystyrene, polypropylene or polyethylene, through the process of injection molding. The result is that the panels comprising the side wall assemblies  200 , corner post assemblies  300 , rear wall assembly  500  and front wall assembly  600  of the enclosure  10  are formed as unitary panels with integral connectors and cross bracing. Strengthening ribs and gussets are formed within the inner surfaces of the various panels and components in order to enhance rigidity of the panels while leaving the external surface in a generally smooth condition for aesthetic purposes, as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0059]     Referring to  FIGS. 10-12 , a structural corner post assembly  300  is shown. The corner post assembly  300  constitutes one of a plurality of like-configured structural corner post assemblies in the system used to add significant strength and rigidity to the enclosure  10 . The corner post assemblies  300  are generally L-shaped having a first member  302  extending at least partially along the front or rear wall of the enclosure and a second member  304  extending at least partially along a side wall of the enclosure. The first corner post members  302  are each configured having a first longitudinal end  306  and a second longitudinal end  308  each including an integrally formed means of attachment illustrated herein as at least one inwardly extending socket  210 . The socket is generally constructed and arranged to cooperate with either a floor assembly boss  180  or a roof assembly boss  418  in a generally perpendicular relationship, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 20 . To facilitate the perpendicular connection the roof and/or floor assemblies are provided with outwardly extending bosses which preferably have a generally conjugate shape with respect to the sockets. To facilitate the mechanical connection with other structural panel members  202 , in a coplanar relationship, the first corner post member is provided a first edge  314  including a means of attachment illustrated herein as a plurality of inwardly extending sockets  330  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ). The sockets include an inner wall  316 , an outer wall  318 , and a bottom wall  320 . The bottom wall includes at least one and more preferably includes a plurality of apertures or notches  321  there through for cooperative engagement with at least one or a plurality of hook-locks  322  included on an adjacently positioned wall panel or second corner post member  304  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). In the preferred embodiment the first edge  314  also includes a groove  324  extending from about the first longitudinal end  306  to about the second longitudinal  308  of the first edge  314 . The groove  324  is arranged to cooperate with a wall panel member  202  having a complimentary ridge which includes tapered side walls for compressive engagement with the groove in an interlocking coplanar relationship, as shown in  FIG. 13 . This interlocking coplanar relationship prevents panel separation, weather and insect intrusion. The second member  304  includes a first end  330  and a second end  332 . Extending outwardly along the edge of the second member is a plurality of bosses constructed and arranged to cooperate with sockets  330  integrally formed into the edge of the first member  302 . A portion of the bosses include integrally formed hook-locks  322  for cooperation with the apertures or notches  321  provided in the first member or wall panels. The first and second members are attached together by sliding the bosses of the second member into the sockets of the first member and thereafter sliding the second member downward to engage the hook-locks ( FIG. 12 ). The result is a positive mechanical connection between the first member of the post  302  and the second member of the post  304 . The outer surface  326  of the corner post assemblies  300  are constructed generally smooth for aesthetic appearance, while the internal portion of the assembly includes a plurality of box structures  328  for added strength, rigidity, and weight carrying capacity. The construction of the corner posts  300  assemblies increase the structural integrity of the enclosure  10  by preventing the corner posts  300  from bowing or bending inwardly or outwardly, and thus, adversely affecting the appearance or operation of the enclosure  10 . The L-shaped corner post assemblies  300  are attached to the floor assembly by sliding the first longitudinal end of the corner post assembly over a plurality of bosses, not shown, which extend upwardly from the floor assembly.  
         [0060]     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a structural wall panel  202  is shown. The wall panel  202  constitutes one of a plurality of like-configured panels in the system used to construct the left, right, front and rear wall assemblies  200 ,  600 , and  500 . The structural wall panels  202  are each configured having a first longitudinal end  208  including an integrally formed means of attachment illustrated herein as a plurality of sockets  210 . A second longitudinal end  212  also including an integrally formed means of attachment illustrated herein as a plurality of sockets  210 . The sockets are generally constructed and arranged to cooperate with either a floor assembly or a roof assembly to facilitate mechanical connection in a generally perpendicular relationship. The outer surface  256  and inner surface  258  of the panels  202  are constructed generally smooth having a plurality of ribs  260 , extending from the first edge  214  across the panel  202  to the second edge  222 , for added strength and aesthetic appearance. The ribs  260  increase the structural integrity of the enclosure  10  by preventing the panels  202  from bowing or bending, inwardly or outwardly and thus adversely affecting the appearance or operation of an assembled enclosure  10 .  
         [0061]     To facilitate mechanical connection with other structural wall panel members  202  in a co-planar relationship the panels are provided with a first edge  214  constructed with a means of attachment illustrated herein as a plurality of sockets  330 . The sockets include an inner wall  316 , an outer wall  318 , and a bottom wall  320 . The bottom wall includes an aperture  321  ( FIG. 4 ) or notch there through for cooperative engagement with a hook-lock  322  included on an adjacently positioned wall panel or corner post. For additional structural rigidity between the side wall panels or between the side wall panels and the floor assembly, the wall panels may also include a groove  216 . The groove extends along first and second longitudinal ends as well as along the first edge of the panels. The groove  216  is arranged to cooperate with a corner post assembly  300 , wall panel member  202 , or floor assembly having a complimentary ridge  180  in an interlocking coplanar relationship. The ridge  180  extends from about the first longitudinal end  208  of each panel to about the second longitudinal end  212  of each panel along the second edge  222  of the panels ( FIG. 13 ). An additional ridge  180  ( FIGS. 14 and 20 ) extends around the perimeter of the floor assembly. In a most preferred embodiment the ridge includes a taper constructed and arranged to cooperate with the wall panel groove to provide a weather and insect resistant seal around the lower perimeter of the enclosure.  
         [0062]     The second edge  222  of each wall panel is constructed generally flat having a plurality of outwardly extending bosses  334 . The bosses are constructed and arranged to cooperate with sockets  330  integrally formed into the second edge of the wall panel  202 . A portion of the bosses include integrally formed hook-locks  322  for cooperation with the apertures or notches  321  provided in the first member of the corner post assembly or first edge of the wall panels. In addition, the side surfaces of the bosses may include a ramp-lock  250  ( FIG. 6 ) having a ramping surface  254  constructed to cooperate with apertures  252  positioned along the inner wall  316 . Bosses  334  are also provided with apertures  340  and function as a means to connect accessories such as shelving, benches and the like to the inner surface of a wall assembly. An additional means is provided to facilitate the mechanical connection with the wall panels and the corner post assemblies. At the junction of the second edge and the second longitudinal end  212  of a wall panel a hook shaped boss  322  is formed. This boss cooperates with a socket  321  formed at the junction of the second longitudinal end and first edge  214  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ).  
         [0063]     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , engagement of the bosses  334  and sockets  330  is illustrated. The wall panels  202  are attached together by sliding the bosses of one panel into the sockets of an adjacently positioned wall panel ( FIG. 4 ) and thereafter sliding the wall panel downward to engage the hook-locks ( FIG. 5 ). In addition to engagement of the hook-locks, the downward motion preferably causes the ramping surface  254  to flex the inner wall  316  until the ramp-lock  250  slips through aperture  252  allowing the inner wall to return to its normal position, locking the wall panels in an engaged position. Also, aperture  340  of boss  334  comes into alignment with aperture  256  of wall panel  202 . The result is a positive mechanical connection between the panels. The overlapping connection between the panels resists weather infiltration and prevents lifting and/or separation of the panels under high wind loads.  
         [0064]     In an alternate embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a metal strip  350  is provided for additional reinforcement. The metal strip is positioned between bosses  334  and the second edge  222  of a wall panel. This strip enhances the strength of the mechanical connection between the panels to further prevent the panels from bowing or bending inwardly or outwardly. It should be appreciated that the groove is constructed and arranged to provide support to the sides of the metal strip  350  to add further rigidity to the assembly.  
         [0065]     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 ,  13 ,  21 A,  21 B and  21 C, a door frame member  750  is attached to a wall panel  202 . The door frame member includes at least one hinge pin conduit  718  and a pair of hinge pin clearance sockets  728  integrally formed thereto. The door frame member also includes a door seal  752  integrally formed thereto to provide a weather resistant seal to the door assembly  700 . The wall panel  202  and the door frame member  750  are attached together by sliding the bosses of the panel into the sockets of the adjacently positioned door frame member, as shown in  FIG. 4 , and thereafter sliding the wall panel downwardly to engage the hook-locks, as shown in  FIG. 5 . In addition to engagement of the hook-locks, the downward motion preferably causes the ramping surface  254  to flex the inner wall  316  until the ramp-lock  250  slips through aperture  252  allowing the inner wall to return to its normal position locking the wall panels in an engaged position. The result is a positive mechanical connection between the wall panel and the door frame member  750 . Another door frame member  760 , as shown in  FIGS. 21A, 21B  and  21 C, is attached to a wall panel  202 . The door frame member is provided with a hinge conduit  718  which cooperates with a hinge pin  720  formed on a door panel  702  to allow pivoting movement of the door panel. Additional support for door frame member  760  is provided by hook  764  positioned on roof support pillar  602 . Hook  764  passes through aperture  256  of wall panel  202  and aperture  340  of door frame member  760  to provide a strong mechanical connection to roof support pillar  602 .  
         [0066]     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 17  and  18  the door assembly  700  is illustrated. The door assembly includes a pair of door panels  702 , a pair of door frame members  750 ,  760 , a hinge means  720 , a door handle assembly  728 ,  729 , and a latch assembly  724 . The door panel  702  constitutes one of a plurality of like-configured panels in the system used to construct the door assembly. The door panels are configured each having a first longitudinal end  708 , a second longitudinal end  712 , an inner surface  704 , and outer surface  706 , a first edge  714 , and a second edge  716 . To facilitate mechanical connection with door frame members  750 , in a pivoting relationship, the first edge of the panels are provided with a pair of circular hinge conduits  718  and a hinge pin  720 . The hinge conduits and hinge pin are constructed and arranged to cooperate with hinge pins and conduits integrally formed onto the door frame members  750 ,  760  to allow pivoting movement of the door panel. The second edge  716  is constructed generally flat with the exception of an optional overlapping seal  722  ( FIG. 2 ) extending the full length of the panel. The optional overlapping seal  722  may be attached by any suitable fastening means well known in the art or may be integrally formed with the panel. The door panels  702  are also provided with an upper and lower sliding latch mechanism  724  ( FIGS. 17 and 18 ), as well as left and right door handles  728 ,  729  ( FIG. 2 ).  
         [0067]     The outer surface  706  of the panels  702  are constructed generally smooth having a plurality of raised panels  726  for added strength and aesthetic appearance. The inside surface of the panel  704  is constructed with a plurality of raised panels  726  for added strength and aesthetic appearance. The raised panels  726  increase the structural integrity of the enclosure  10  by preventing the panels  702  from bowing or bending, inwardly or outwardly and thus, adversely affecting the appearance or operation of the enclosure  10 .  
         [0068]     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the door panels  702  are attached to the floor panels, and front wall assembly  600  by sliding the respective hinge pin  720 , located on door panel  702 , hinge pin  176 , located on the floor panel ( FIG. 20 ) and a hinge pin located in a header portion of the roof, not shown, into the corresponding hinge conduits  718  located along the edge of the door panels  702 . Either door panel is aligned with the hinge pins by sliding it vertically into place over the respective pins. It should be appreciated that this construction provides an economic advantage by allowing hinge components to be integrally formed onto the door panels. The door panels are also provided with removable and replaceable door latching mechanisms including slide latches  724 , left door handle  729  and right door handle  728  ( FIG. 2 ).  
         [0069]     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , installation of the upper and lower slide latches  724  is illustrated. The slide latches are constructed and arranged to allow simple push-in installation. The latch housings  730  are merely pushed into apertures  732  located adjacent the edge  716  in the door panels  702  until the spring clips (not shown) engage an inner surface of the panel. Thereafter one end of the door latch pin  734  is inserted through the housing  730  and pushed downward until spring clip  736  is snapped into place. In this manner the door latches can be installed and removed as needed with out the need for tools or screw type fasteners. By sliding the latch pin  734  to extend it outwardly to engage the roof assembly or the floor assembly the contents within the enclosure  10  are secured. The door handles  728 ,  729  are constructed and arranged to allow simple push-in installation. The handles are merely pushed into apertures  738  contained in door panels  702  until the spring clips (not shown) engage an inner surface of the panel  702 . In this manner the door handles can be installed and removed as needed without the need for tools or screw type fasteners. The handles are also provided with lock apertures allowing the contents within the enclosure to be secured with a padlock or the like.  
         [0070]     Referring to  FIGS. 22A and 22B , a wall panel reinforcement channel  701  is illustrated. The wall panel reinforcement channel is generally C-shaped and includes a first end  740 , a second end  742 , an outer surface  747 , and side surfaces  744 . A plurality of flexible hooks  748  extend inwardly from aperture  750 . In operation the reinforcement channel is attached to the inner socket wall  316  of a pair of assembled wall panels  202  by inserting the flexible hooks through apertures  256  until the side surfaces  744  engage the wall panels  202 . The reinforcement channels are preferably constructed of steel or other suitable metal and provide significant rigidity and weight carrying capacity to the wall assemblies. In addition, the reinforcement channels prevent the panels  202  form bowing or bending inwardly or outwardly, and thus, adversely affecting the appearance or operation of the enclosure  10 . In addition, the reinforced ribs provide support for optional cantilever shelves or stackable shelves (not shown) by distributing any load applied to the shelves across the length of the wall panels.  
         [0071]     Referring to  FIGS. 23-25  a shelf system  760  is illustrated. The shelf system includes a shelf  762  supported by shelf brackets  764 . Although a corner shelf is illustrated, a straight shelf of any length may also be employed. The shelf brackets  764  are attached to wall panels  202  by means of hooks  766 . Each bracket normally has two hooks. The hooks  766  are constructed and arranged to pass through apertures  256  of the wall panels  202  and engage aperture  340  of boss  334 . Additional support is provided by hooks  768  which engage the inner portions of inner wall  316  of socket  330 . Working in cooperation with hook  768 , base plate  770  engages the outer portions of inner wall  316 . This provides a tight frictional fit between the wall panels and the brackets while also distributing the load along the wall panel. The shelf is attached to the bracket  764  by engagement of both the base plate and front lip  772  ( FIG. 25 ). In this manner the shelves and shelf brackets can be installed and removed as needed without the need for tools or screw type fasteners.  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIGS. 26-31  installation of a window system  800  is illustrated. The window assembly includes an interior window frame  804 , a window panel  806 , an exterior window frame  808 , shutters  810 ,  812 , and a flower box  814 . A wall panel  202  is provided with an area  802  ( FIG. 26 ) to be removed for the installation of the window if desired. The area  802  is provided with means to indicate which portion of the wall panel is to be removed prior to installation of the window. Once this portion of the wall panel is removed, the interior window frame  804  is inserted into the opening. The window frame  804  is provided with a plurality of projections  816  ( FIG. 27 ). A window panel  806  is placed over the interior window frame. The window panel is made of a transparent material and provided with apertures  818  and notches  820  which cooperate with projections  816  to align the window panel with the frame. The exterior window frame  808  is placed over the window panel. The exterior window frame is provided with projections (not shown) which cooperate with  816  to hold the window assembly together. Both the interior and exterior window frames are provided with notches  822  and edge portions  824  that form an interlocking coplanar relationship with the inner surface  258 , the outer surface  256 , and the ribs  260  of wall panel  202 . The result is a positive mechanical connection between the components of the window assembly which will resist weather infiltration.  
         [0073]     Referring to  FIGS. 29-31  window shutters  810  and  812  are illustrated. The shutters are provided with notches  826  and edge portions  828  that form an interlocking coplanar relationship with the outer surface  256  and ribs  260  of the wall panel. In addition, the shutters have notches  830  that cooperate with the first edge  214  of the wall panels. The shutters are attached to the wall panels with fasteners.  
         [0074]     Referring to  FIGS. 30 and 31  a flower box assembly is illustrated. The flower box assembly includes a flower box  814 , side brackets  830 , and support brace  832 . The support brace is provided with an attachment bracket  834  at each end thereof (only one is shown). The bracket is provided with hooks  836 . These pass through apertures  256  in the edge portions of the wall panels and hook onto bosses  334  located in sockets  330  of the wall panel. Plates  838  which are provided with an aperture  840  are securely attached to support brace  832  (only one plate is shown). The side brackets are provided with hooks  844 , as shown in  FIG. 30 . The hooks are inserted through apertures  844 , formed in the wall panel, and apertures  840  of plate  838  to securely attach the side brackets to the wall panel. The side brackets extend outwardly from the wall panel for cooperative engagement with the upper edge portions of flower box  814  ( FIG. 31 ).  
         [0075]     All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.  
         [0076]     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.  
         [0077]     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.