Abstract:
A storage unit is provided. The storage unit includes a floor assembly, a sidewall assembly, and a lid assembly. The sidewall assembly includes a number of modular corner members and a number of modular panel members. The sidewall assembly including a lower perimeter and an upper perimeter. The sidewall assembly lower perimeter is coupled to said floor assembly with the sidewall assembly extending upwardly from said floor assembly. The lid assembly is movably coupled to said sidewall assembly and is structured to move between a closed, first position and an open, second position. The floor assembly, the sidewall assembly and said lid assembly define an enclosed space. Use of the modular sidewall members and, in an exemplary embodiment a modular floor assembly, allows the manufacturer to produce storage units of different sizes at a minimal cost.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The disclosed and claimed concept relates to storage units and, more specifically, to a storage unit that includes a number of modular assemblies. 
         [0003]    2. Background Information 
         [0004]    Storage units, such as but not limited to storage units constructed primarily of sheet metal, are known. One common storage unit assembly includes a frame assembly to which a number of sheet metal panels are coupled. This configuration has several disadvantages. For example, a storage unit in this configuration typically requires the manufacturer to produces elements of a specific size for each size of storage unit. That is, for example, a storage unit with a floor space measuring four feet by eight feet requires the manufacturer to produce two four foot wide panels and two eight foot wide panels as well as corresponding frame members. The manufacturer must further produce a floor element measuring about four feet by eight feet. Further, if the manufacturer produces a storage unit measuring four feet by ten feet, the manufacturer must produce two four foot wide panels and two ten foot wide panels as well as corresponding frame members and a floor element measuring four feet by ten feet. The manufacture of specific sized elements is expensive. 
         [0005]    Further, such storage units are commonly assembled by fasteners passed from the outer side of the panels into the frame members. In this configuration, the fastener heads are disposed on the outer side of the storage unit. Thus, a patient, but morally challenged person, may gain access to the storage unit&#39;s enclosed space by removing the fasteners and then removing a panel. 
         [0006]    Further, the panels, typically, must be braced. Thus, the frame assembly requires additional members to assist in supporting the panels. 
         [0007]    Further, the panels often include corrugations. When such panels are coupled to a frame member, such as but not limited to a square tubular frame member, there are gaps between the corrugations and the frame member that allow liquids and insects ingress into the storage unit. 
         [0008]    There is a need for an improved storage unit that addresses such disadvantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    These needs, and others, are met by at least one embodiment of this invention which provides a storage unit including a floor assembly, a sidewall assembly, and a lid assembly. The sidewall assembly includes a number of modular corner members and a number of modular panel members. The sidewall assembly includes a lower perimeter and an upper perimeter. The sidewall assembly lower perimeter is coupled to said floor assembly with the sidewall assembly extending upwardly from said floor assembly. The lid assembly is movably coupled to said sidewall assembly and is structured to move between a closed, first position and an open, second position. The floor assembly, the sidewall assembly and said lid assembly define an enclosed space. Use of the modular sidewall members and, in an exemplary embodiment a modular floor assembly, allows the manufacturer to produce storage units of different sizes at a minimal cost. That is, the size of the storage unit can be increased or decreased by adding or removing the modular sidewall units. 
         [0010]    Further, the modular sidewall units include inwardly extending flanges that are coupled in an abutting interface. The abutting interface resists the ingress of liquids, insects and other undesirable environmental elements. The abutting interface is, in an exemplary embodiment, enhanced by a U-splice element that provides additional abutting interfaces as well as a seam cross member. The features of the U-splice element further resist the ingress of undesirable environmental elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a storage unit. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a storage unit. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view is a floor assembly.  FIG. 3A  is a detail cross-sectional view of an interface of two floor assembly elements. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a fastener. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is another isometric view of a floor assembly.  FIG. 5A  is a detail cross-sectional view of an interface of a floor assembly element and a lower channel member. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a portion of a sidewall assembly. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a detail cross-sectional view of a flange coupling. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a detail cross-sectional view of an alternate flange coupling. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a detail isometric view of an alternate lid assembly front side. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein. 
         [0022]    As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0023]    As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof. Further, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not “coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto. 
         [0024]    As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the elements exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. 
         [0025]    As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and which are then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body. 
         [0026]    As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). 
         [0027]    As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other component. As such, the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the same time in the following description. 
         [0028]    As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or more component(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components that are structured to be coupled together. It is understood that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the other coup component is a nut. 
         [0029]    As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire. 
         [0030]    As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is modified if the two components are said to fit “snugly” together or “snuggly correspond.” In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into the opening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. This definition is further modified if the two components are said to “substantially correspond.” “Substantially correspond” means that the size of the opening is very dose to the size of the element inserted therein; that is, not so close as to cause substantial friction, as with a snug fit, but with more contact and friction than a “corresponding fit,” i.e., a “slightly larger” fit. Further, as used herein, “loosely correspond” means that a slot or opening is sized to be larger than an element disposed therein. This means that the increased size of the slot or opening is intentional and is more than a manufacturing tolerance. Further, with regard to a surface formed by two or more elements, a “corresponding” shape means that surface features, e.g. curvature, are similar. 
         [0031]    As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. 
         [0032]    As used herein, “at” means on or near. 
         [0033]    As used herein, a “modular” element is one element of a number elements wherein the “modular” elements have substantially the same configuration and/or wherein the “modular” elements are interchangeable. 
         [0034]    As used herein, a “brace” is a construct capable of transferring more than a minimal load. Further, as used herein, a “brace” includes a construct having a planar assembly with a flange, or flanges, extending generally perpendicular to the plane of the planar assembly. 
         [0035]    As used herein, a “U-shaped” element, or an element with a “U-shaped cross-section,” includes two tines, which correspond to the vertical elements of the “U” and a “bight” which corresponds to the generally horizontal element of the “U.” That is, as used herein, it is inherent that a “U-shaped” element includes a bight and two tines. Further, a “U-shaped” element, or an element with a “U-shaped cross-section,” includes elements wherein the tines and the bight are at generally right angles. That is, “U-shaped” does not require the bight to be curved. 
         [0036]    As used herein, an “abutting interface” is a construct wherein two substantially planar surfaces are coupled, or directly coupled, with the planar surfaces disposed generally parallel to each other and overlapping each other. Further, a “partially abutting interface” is a construct wherein two generally planar surfaces, e.g. a planar member with corrugations, are coupled with the planar surfaces disposed generally parallel to each other and overlapping each other. 
         [0037]    As used herein, a “linear interface” is a construct wherein a curved surface is coupled, or directly coupled, to a generally planar surface along a line. 
         [0038]    As used herein, a “corner body” is a body including two generally planar members disposed generally perpendicular to each other. The two planar members meet at a vertex, i.e. the planar members do not intersect each other. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a storage unit  10  includes a floor assembly  12 , a sidewall assembly  14  and a lid assembly  16 . The lid assembly  16  is movably coupled to the sidewall assembly  14  and is structured to move between a closed, first position and an open, second position. The storage unit  10 , that is the floor assembly  112 , the sidewall assembly  14  and the lid assembly  16 , define an enclosed space  18 . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  5 , the floor assembly  12  includes a number of modular floor elements  20 , a number of fasteners  22  (discussed below), and, in an exemplary embodiment, a lower channel assembly  24 . As modular elements, each modular floor element  20  is substantially similar and, as such, only one modular floor element  20  is described herein. As shown in  FIG. 3 , each modular floor element  20  includes an elongated body  30  with a winged U-shaped cross-section. That is, each modular floor element body  30  has a cross-sectional shape including a bight  32 , two tines  34 ,  36  and two “wings”  38 ,  40 . Each modular floor element body component, i.e. each bight  32 , tine  34 ,  36  and wing  38 ,  40 , is generally planar. Each modular floor element body tine  34 ,  36  extends in the same direction generally perpendicular to the modular floor element body bight  32 . Further, each wing  38 ,  40  extends outwardly and generally perpendicular to an associated modular floor element body tine  34 ,  36 . Further, each modular floor element body  30  includes a first lateral end  42  and a second lateral end  44 . Further, when the shape of the assembled number of modular floor elements  20 , as discussed below, is generally rectangular, the number of modular floor elements  20  includes a front modular floor element  46  and a rear modular floor element  48 . In an exemplary embodiment, each modular floor element body  30  has a length of between about 12.0 inches and 96.0 inches, or about 56.2 inches. an exemplary embodiment, each modular floor element body  30  has a width of between about 2.0 inches and 12.0 inches, or about 5.3 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, each modular floor element body  30  has a total thickness, i.e. each modular floor element body tine  34 ,  36  has a height, of between about 0.25 inch and 2.0 inches, or about 0.75 inch. That is, the “total thickness” does not refer to the thickness of the planar components. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the lower channel assembly  24 , as a whole, has a shape corresponding to the shape of the assembled number of modular floor elements  20 . In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, the number of modular floor elements  20  have a generally rectangular shape so the lower channel assembly  24 , as a whole, has a generally rectangular shape. The lower channel assembly  24  includes a number of elongated channel members  50 . Each lower channel assembly channel member  50  is generally similar, except for the lengths of selected elements as set forth below, and as such only one will be described. As shown in  FIG. 5A , each lower channel assembly channel member  50  includes a body  52  having a tabbed U-shaped cross-section. That is, each lower channel assembly channel member body  52  includes a bight  54 , two tines  56 ,  58  and a tab  60 . Each lower channel assembly channel member body  52  component, i.e. each bight  54 , tine  56 ,  58  and tab  60 , is generally planar. Each lower channel assembly channel member body tine  56 ,  58  extends in the same direction generally perpendicular to the lower channel assembly channel member body bight  54 . Further, the lower channel assembly channel member body tab  60  extends outwardly and generally perpendicular from an associated lower channel assembly channel member body tine  56 . Further, in this configuration, the lower channel assembly channel member body tine  56  with the tab  60  includes an upper, outer surface  61 . In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal ends of each lower channel assembly channel member body  52 , i.e. the distal end of the tine  58  without the tab  60 , and, the tab  60 , are rolled. That is, the longitudinal ends of each lower channel assembly channel member body  52  are curled over upon themselves. 
         [0042]    In an exemplary embodiment, each lower channel assembly channel member body  52  has a thickness, i.e. each lower channel assembly channel member body bight  54  has a height, corresponding to the total thickness of a modular floor element body  30 . Stated alternately, the lower channel assembly channel member body tines  56 ,  58  are spaced to correspond to the thickness of a modular floor element body  30 . When the lower channel assembly  24 , as a whole, has a generally rectangular shape, the lower channel assembly  24  includes a first lateral channel member  62 , a second lateral channel member  64 , a front channel member  66 , and a rear channel member  68 . It is noted that on one pair of opposing lower channel assembly channel members  50 , i.e. either the first lateral channel member  62  and the second lateral channel member  64 , or, the front channel member  66  and the rear channel member  68 , at least one set of lower channel assembly channel member body tabs  60  do not extend to the ends of the associated lower channel assembly channel members  50 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , this allows for one pair of opposing lower channel assembly channel members  50  to be disposed within the other pair of opposing lower channel assembly channel members  50  when assembled. 
         [0043]    Further, in another exemplary embodiment, the lower channel assembly  24  includes a number of “feet”  70 . The feet  70  are similar and only one is described. A foot  70  includes a body  72  and a coupling  74 . The foot body is, in an exemplary embodiment, rigid or semi-rigid. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, each foot body has a generally square cross-section of about 1.0 inch 2  and a height of about 0.25 inch. Each foot  70  is coupled to the lower side of the lower channel assembly  24 . In an exemplary embodiment, each foot coupling  74  includes a passage, such as, but not limited to a circular passage that is structured to be coupled to a lug or bushing extending from the lower channel assembly  24  (neither shown. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the sidewall assembly  14  includes a number of modular corner members  80 , a number of modular panel members  100 , and a number of fasteners  130  (discussed below). In an exemplary embodiment, the sidewall assembly  14  further includes a number of U-splice elements  140  ( FIG. 7 ) and an upper channel assembly  160 . Each modular corner member  80  is substantially similar and, as such, only one will be described. Each modular corner member  80  includes a corner body  82 . In an exemplary embodiment, the corner member body  82  includes two generally rectangular planar members  84 ,  86  having a vertex  87  disposed along the longitudinal sides. Each modular corner member  80  further includes a first lateral flange  88  and a second lateral flange  90 . Each modular corner member lateral flange  88 ,  90  extends from the outer lateral side of a planar member  84 ,  86 , i.e. the lateral side opposite the vertex  87 . Each modular corner member lateral flange  88 ,  90  extends generally perpendicular to the associated planar member  84 ,  86 . In an exemplary embodiment, each modular corner member lateral flange  88 ,  90  has a width of between about 0.25 and 2.0 inches or about 0.81 inch. Each modular corner member  80  further includes and upper flange  92  and a lower flange  94 . Each modular corner member upper and lower flange  92 ,  94 , is bifurcated and includes a portion  92 A,  92 B,  94 A,  94 B on each planar member  84 ,  86 . Each modular corner member upper and lower flange  92 ,  94  extends generally perpendicular to the associated modular corner member planar member  84 ,  86 . In an exemplary embodiment, each modular corner member upper and lower flange  92 ,  94  has a width of between about between about 0.25 and 2.0 inches or about 0.81 inch. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, each modular corner member upper and lower flange  92 ,  94  has a length that is less than the width of the associated modular corner member planar member  84 ,  86  so that the modular corner member upper flange portions  92 A,  92 B and the modular corner member lower flange portions  94 A,  94 B do not overlap adjacent the vertex  87 . In an alternate embodiment, not shown, the modular corner member upper flange portions  92 A,  92 B and the modular corner member lower flange portions  94 A,  94 B each include a miter cut, that is perpendicular to the associated planar member  84 ,  86 . 
         [0045]    Each modular panel member  100  is substantially similar and, as such, only one will be described. Each modular panel member  100  includes a generally planar body  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, the modular panel member body  102  is generally rectangular. Each modular panel member  100  further includes a first lateral flange  104  and a second lateral flange  106 . Each modular panel member lateral flange  104 ,  106  extends generally perpendicular to the modular panel member body  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, each modular panel member lateral flange  104 ,  106  has a width of between about between about 0.25 and 2.0 inches or about 0.81 inch. Each modular panel member  100  further includes an upper flange  108  and a lower flange  110 . Each modular panel member upper and lower flange  108 ,  110  extends generally perpendicular to the modular panel member body  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, each modular panel member upper and lower flange  108 ,  110  has a width of between about 0.25 and 2.0 inches or about 0.81 inch. 
         [0046]    In this configuration, the modular corner member lateral flanges  88 ,  90  and the modular panel member lateral flanges  104 ,  106  are substantially similar and are identified collectively by the term “lateral flange.” As described below, a modular corner member lateral flange  88  or  90  may be coupled to another modular corner member lateral flange  88  or  90  or to a modular panel member lateral flanges  104  or  106 . Similarly, a modular panel member lateral flanges  104  or  106  are coupled to a either modular corner member lateral flange  88 ,  90 , or are coupled to another modular panel member lateral flanges  104 ,  106 . Any pair of coupled lateral flanges,  88 ,  90 ,  104 ,  106  is identified, and as used herein, as a “flange coupling  120 ” as shown in  FIG. 7 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 6 , each modular corner member lateral flange  88 ,  90  and each modular panel member lateral flange  104 ,  106  is a generally planar element. Each modular corner member lateral flange  88 ,  90  and each modular panel member lateral flange  104 ,  106  includes an inner side  122  and an outer side  124 . A flange inner side  122  is the side facing the associated body  82 ,  102 , i.e. the body  82 ,  102  from which the flange  88 ,  90 ,  104 ,  106  depends. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , each U-splice element  140  is substantially similar and, as such, only one will be described. Each U-splice element  140  includes an elongated body  142  having a U-shaped cross-section. That is, the U-splice element body  142  includes two tines  144 ,  146  and a bight  148 . The U-splice element body  142  has a length corresponding to the length of a modular corner member lateral flange  88 ,  90  and/or a modular panel member lateral flange  104 ,  106 . The U-splice element body tines  144 ,  146  have a width corresponding to the width of a modular corner member lateral flange  88 ,  90  and/or a modular panel member lateral flange  104 ,  106 . In an exemplary embodiment, the U-splice element body tines  144 ,  146  have a width of between about 0.5 inch and 1.0 inch, or about 0.75 inch. The U-splice element body tines  144 ,  146  are generally planar and disposed generally parallel to each other. The U-splice element body bight  148  is generally curvilinear and has an inner width of between about 0.031 inch and 0.10 inch or about 0.062 inch. Each U-splice element  140  is structured to fit over a flange coupling  120  as described below. Thus, the U-splice element tines  144 ,  146  are spaced to correspond to the width of two lateral flanges  88 ,  90 ,  104 ,  106 . In an exemplary embodiment, shown in  FIG. 8 , the U-splice element body  142  further includes two outwardly extending extensions  150 ,  152 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the upper channel assembly  160  includes a number of upper channel members  162 . Each upper channel members  162  is generally similar, except for the lengths of selected elements as set forth below, and as such only one will be described. Each upper channel member  162  includes an elongated body  164  having a U-shaped cross-section. Thus, each upper channel member body  164  includes a bight  166  and two tines  168 ,  170 . Each upper channel member body  164  component, i.e. each bight  166  and tine  168 ,  170  is generally planar. Each upper channel member body tine  168 ,  170  extends in the same direction and generally perpendicular to the upper channel member body bight  166 . Each upper channel member body bight  166  has a width generally corresponding to the width of a modular corner member upper flange  92  and/or a modular panel member upper flange  108 . In an exemplary embodiment, each upper channel member body bight  166  has a width of about 1.0 inch. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal ends of each upper channel member body tine  168 ,  170  is rolled, as described above. 
         [0049]    In an exemplary embodiment, the sidewall assembly  14 , when assembled as described below, has a generally rectangular shape. The upper channel assembly  160  corresponds to the shape of the sidewall assembly  14  and, therefore, is generally rectangular. In this configuration, the upper channel assembly  160  includes a first lateral channel member  180 , a second lateral channel member  182 , a front channel member  184  and a rear channel member  186 . In an exemplary embodiment, the upper channel member body bight  166  of the first lateral channel member  180  and the second lateral channel member  182  extend beyond the associated upper channel member body tines  168 ,  170 . 
         [0050]    The lid assembly  116  includes a generally planar member  190 , a number of modular brace members  192 , and a number of fasteners (discussed below). The lid assembly planar member  190  is shaped to correspond to the shape of the assembled sidewall assembly  14 . Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the lid assembly planar member  190  is generally rectangular. In this configuration the lid assembly planar member  190  includes a front side  193 , a rear side  194 , a first lateral side  196  and a second lateral side  198 . In an exemplary embodiment, the lid assembly planar member front side  193  and rear side  194  are formed into channels. That is, the lid assembly planar member front side  193  defines an inwardly facing U-shaped channel  200  including a bight  202  and two tines  204 ,  206 . Similarly, the lid assembly planar member rear side  194  defines an inwardly facing U-shaped channel  210  including a bight  212  and two tines  214 ,  216 . Hereinafter, the lid assembly planar member front side  193  is identified as the “front channel side  193 ” and the lid assembly planar member rear side  194  is identified as the “rear channel side  194 .” In an exemplary embodiment, the bights  202 ,  212  of the front channel side  193  and the rear channel side  194  are sized to correspond to the total thickness of a lid assembly modular brace members  192  which, as described below, is about 0.75 inch. One tine  204 ,  214  of the front channel side  192  and the rear channel side  194  are unitary with the planar portion of the lid assembly planar member  190 . In this embodiment, each of the bights  202 ,  212  and the tines  206 ,  216  are generally planar. 
         [0051]    In another exemplary embodiment, shown in  FIG. 9 , the bight  202 , of the front channel side  193  is slightly longer than the total thickness of a lid assembly modular brace members  192 . In this embodiment, the tine  206 A that is not unitary with the planar portion of the lid assembly planar member  190  is generally S-shaped. That is the tines  206 A include a first planar portion  206 A′, a second planar portion  206 A″, and a third planar portion  206 A″′. The tine first portion  206 A′ extends generally parallel to the opposing tine  204  and is spaced therefrom by a distance that is greater than the total thickness of a lid assembly modular brace member  192 . The tine second portion  206 A″ extends generally perpendicular to the tine first portion  206 A′ and toward the opposing tine  204 . The tine third portion  206 A″′ extends generally perpendicular to the tine second portion  206 A″ and away from the bight  202  with tine third portion  206 A″′ spaced about 0.875 inch from the opposing tine  204 . In one exemplary embodiment, when lid assembly  16  is in the closed, first position, the lid assembly planar member front side  193  is spaced from the upper channel assembly  160 . In another exemplary embodiment, and when the lid assembly  16  is in the closed, first position, the tine third portion  206 A″′ is in an abutting interface with the upper channel assembly  160 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , each modular brace member  192  is generally similar and, as such, only one will be described. Each modular brace member  192  includes an elongated body  220  with a first end  222  and a second end  224 . Each modular brace member body  220  has a U-shaped cross-section with outwardly extending extensions  232 ,  234 . Thus, each modular brace member body  220  includes a bight  226 , two tines  228 ,  230  and two extensions  232 ,  234 . Each component of a modular brace member body  220  is generally planar. The modular brace member body tines  228 ,  230  extends generally perpendicular to the modular brace member body bight  226 . Each modular brace member body tine  228 ,  230  is between about 0.25 inch and 2.0 inches, about 0.75 inch. Thus, the total thickness, as opposed to the thickness of the planar components, is, in an exemplary embodiment, about 0.75 inch. The modular brace member body extensions  232 ,  234  extend generally parallel to the modular brace member body bight  226 . 
         [0053]    In an exemplary embodiment, the lid assembly  16  includes a first lid cap  240  and a second lid cap  242 . The first lid cap  240  and second lid cap  242  are generally similar and, as such, only one will be described. The first lid cap  240  includes an elongated body  250  having a U-shaped cross-section. Thus, the first lid cap body  250  includes a bight  252  and two tines  254 ,  256 . The first lid cap body bight  252  has a width that corresponds to the width of the front channel side bight  202 . That is, the first lid cap body tines  254 ,  256  are spaced to correspond to the front channel side bight  202 . 
         [0054]    The fasteners  22 ,  130  discussed above may be any type of fastener. It is understood that the elements of the floor assembly  12 , the sidewall assembly  14  and the lid assembly  16  include openings or passages that are aligned and through which the fasteners  22 ,  130  are disposed. In an exemplary embodiment, the floor assembly fasteners  22  and the lid assembly fasteners (not shown) are threaded fasteners such as, but not limited to, screws or nuts and bolts. The sidewall fasteners  130  are, in an exemplary embodiment, a fastener  130  that includes a pin  21  made from a resilient material and having an elongated body  23  with conical extensions  25 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The conical extensions  25  are angled away from the distal end of the fastener body  23 . The sidewall fasteners  130  are inserted through aligned openings or passages in the modular panel members  100  and modular corner member  80  whereby the conical extensions  25  resist the removal of the pin  21  from the passages. 
         [0055]    The storage unit  10  is assembled with the various elements discussed above in the following configuration. A shown in  FIG. 3A , the modular floor elements  20  are disposed one adjacent to another with the modular floor element body bights  32  generally disposed in a plane and with the adjacent wings  38 ,  40  overlapping. In an exemplary embodiment the modular floor element body bights  32  are disposed above the wings  38 ,  40 . In an exemplary embodiment, the wings  38 ,  40  include passages (not shown) disposed in substantially the same pattern on each modular floor element  20 . Thus, the passages align when the adjacent wing  38 ,  40  overlap. The modular floor elements  20  are coupled by floor assembly fasteners  22  passed through the passages. The modular floor element  20  at the front of the floor assembly  12  is the front modular floor element  46  and the modular floor element  20  at the rear of the floor assembly  12  is the rear modular floor element  48 . In this configuration, each pair of overlapping wings  38 ,  40  form an abutting interface  300 . 
         [0056]    The lower channel assembly  24  is coupled to the modular floor elements  20  as follows. The front channel member  66  oriented so that the U-shaped channel faces the front modular floor element  46  and the tab  60  extends generally vertically. In this configuration, as shown in  FIG. 5A , the front modular floor element wing  38  is disposed generally parallel to the lower channel assembly channel member body tine  58  without the tab  60 . As before the lower channel assembly channel member body tine  58  includes passages disposed in the same pattern as on the wing  38 ,  40 . The front modular floor element wing  38  is coupled to the front channel member  66 . Because the front channel member  66  includes rolled edges, the interface between these elements is a linear interface  302 . That is, the coupling of these elements forms a linear interface  302 . The rear channel member  68  is coupled to the rear modular floor element  48  in a substantially similar manner. 
         [0057]    The first lateral channel member  62  is coupled to the assembled modular floor elements  20  as follows. The first lateral channel member  62  is oriented so that the U-shaped channel faces the modular floor elements  20 . The first lateral channel member  62  is moved over the modular floor elements  20 , i.e. the modular floor elements  20  are disposed with the first lateral channel member  62  channel. In this configuration, the upper surfaces of each modular floor element body bight  32  form an abutting interface  300  with the inner surface of the lower channel assembly channel member body tine  56  with the tab  60 . Further, as the distal end of the tine  58  without the tab  60  is rolled, the coupling of the wings  38 ,  40  to the lower channel assembly tine  58  without the tab  60  form a linear interface  302 . The second lateral channel member  64  is coupled to the assembled modular floor elements  20  in a substantially similar manner. Thus, the lower channel assembly  24  is coupled to the modular floor elements  20  in a partially abutting interface. 
         [0058]    The sidewall assembly  14  is, in an exemplary embodiment, a rectangular shape. That is, as shown, the front and rear sides include three modular panel members  100  and the lateral sides each include a single modular panel member  100 . A modular corner member  80  is disposed at each corner of the rectangle. Each of the modular corner members  80  and modular panel members  100  are oriented so that the lateral flanges,  88 ,  90 ,  104 ,  106  extend inwardly, i.e. into the enclosed space  118 . In this configuration, each modular panel member first flange  104  is coupled to one of an adjacent modular panel member second flange  106  or an adjacent modular corner member second flange  90 . Further, each modular corner member first flange  88  is coupled to an adjacent modular panel member second flange  106 . In an exemplary embodiment, the lateral flanges,  88 ,  90 ,  104 ,  106  each include a number of passages  290  disposed in substantially similar patterns. Thus, sidewall assembly fasteners  130  are passed through the lateral flange passages  290  coupling the modular corner members  80  and modular panel members  100 . The fastener body  23  extends generally perpendicular to the associated lateral flanges,  88 ,  90 ,  104 ,  106 . In this configuration, the lateral flanges,  88 ,  90 ,  104 ,  106  are coupled in flange coupling  120 . Each flange coupling  120  forms an abutting interface  300 . 
         [0059]    In an exemplary embodiment, each flange coupling  120  also includes a U-splice element  140 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . That is, a U-splice element  140  is disposed over the flange coupling  120  so that the flange coupling  120  is disposed between the U-splice element body tines  144 ,  146 . In this configuration, each interface between a lateral flanges,  88 ,  90 ,  104 ,  106  and a U-splice element body tine  144 ,  146  forms an abutting interface. 
         [0060]    Further, in this configuration, the modular corner member upper flange portions  92 A,  92 B and the modular panel member upper flanges  108  are disposed generally in a plane. That is, the sidewall assembly  14  includes a substantially planar upper perimeter  320  ( FIG. 1 ). Similarly, the modular corner member lower flange portions  94 A,  91 B and the modular panel member lower flanges  110  are disposed generally in a plane. Thus, the sidewall assembly  14  includes a substantially planar lower perimeter  322  ( FIG. 1 ). In an exemplary embodiment, however, the upper channel assembly  160  is coupled to the sidewall assembly upper perimeter  320 . 
         [0061]    That is, the upper channel members  162  are oriented in an inverted orientation, i.e. the U-shaped channel faces downwardly. The upper channel members  162  are then moved downwardly over the sidewall assembly upper perimeter  320 . That is, the modular corner member upper flange portions  92 A,  92 B and the modular panel member upper flanges  108  are disposed within the upper channel members  162 . In this configuration, the modular corner member upper flange portions  92 A,  92 B and the modular panel member upper flanges  108  form an abutting interface  300  with the upper channel members bight  166 . As before, passages disposed in similar patterns extend through both the modular corner member upper flange portions  92 A,  92 B, the modular panel member upper flanges  108 , and the upper channel members bight  166  so that the upper channel members  162  are fixed to the sidewall assembly upper perimeter  320 . It is noted that in this configuration the upper channel assembly  160  also defines a substantially planar upper perimeter. 
         [0062]    The sidewall assembly  14  is further coupled to the floor assembly  12  and, as shown, to the lower channel assembly  24 . That is, as noted above, the lower channel assembly channel member body tine  56  with the tab  60  includes an upper, outer surface  61 . The lower channel assembly channel member outer surface  61  is generally planar and extends about the lower channel assembly  24 . The sidewall assembly  14  is coupled to the lower channel assembly channel member outer surface  61 . That is, the modular corner member lower flange portions  94 A,  94 B and the modular panel member lower flanges  110  are disposed over, and coupled to, the lower channel assembly channel member outer surface  61 . As before, the modular corner member lower flange portions  94 A,  94 B, the modular panel member lower flanges  110  and the lower channel assembly channel member outer surface  61  includes passages (not shown) disposed in similar patterns and through which fasteners are disposed. As the lower channel assembly channel member outer surface  61  and the modular corner member tower flange portions  94 A,  94 B and the modular panel member lower flanges  110  are all generally planar, the interface between the lower channel assembly channel member outer surface  61  and the sidewall assembly  14  forms an abutting interface. 
         [0063]    The lid assembly  16  is assembled with each modular brace member body  220  coupled to the lid assembly planar member  190 . That is, each modular brace member  192  is oriented to extend from the front channel side  193  to the rear channel side  194 . In an exemplary embodiment, each modular brace member body first end  222  is disposed with the channel defined by the front channel side  193 , and, each modular brace member body second end  224  is disposed with the channel defined by the rear channel side  194 . Passages (not shown) in the front channel side  193 , the rear channel side  194 , the each modular brace member body first end  222 , and each modular brace member body second end  224  allow for fasteners to fix each modular brace member  192  to the lid assembly planar member  190 . Additional support members  258  extend between the outer most modular brace members  192  and the first lid cap  240  and second lid cap  242 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the lid assembly  16  further includes a number of hinge assemblies  260 . The hinge assemblies  260  movably couple the lid assembly  16  to the sidewall assembly  14 . In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge assemblies  260  are incorporated into the sidewall assembly upper perimeter  320  or the upper channel assembly  160 . The sidewall assembly  14  and the lid assembly further includes a lockable latch assembly  270 . As is known, a latch hoop  272  is disposed on the lid assembly planar member  190  inner side and a rotating, lockable latch  274  is coupled to the sidewall assembly  14 . The rotating, lockable latch  274  moves between a first position, wherein the rotating, lockable latch  274  does not engage the hoop  272 , and a second position, wherein the lockable latch  274  engages the hoop  272 . In an exemplary embodiment, the latch has a length that is slightly longer than the width of the hoop  272 . Further, the distal end of the latch  270  includes a nub  276  that, when the latch  274  is in the second position, extends beyond the hoop  272 . 
         [0064]    In this configuration the storage unit  10  includes several advantages. First, when assembled as described above, all fasteners are disposed inside the enclosed space  18 . As such, when the lid assembly  16  is in the first position, and when the lockable latch  274  is in the second position and locked, the storage unit fasteners  22 ,  130  are not accessible. Further, in this configuration, each flange coupling  120  acts as a brace for the associated modular corner members  80  and modular panel members  100 . That is, each flange coupling  120  is a brace  330 . 
         [0065]    While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.