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.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/942,679, filed Nov. 9, 2010, and entitled “Combo Wood and Plastic Storage Enclosure”, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to connectors for assembling structures from panels; more specifically, the present invention relates to a system of connectors that provide for the assemblage of an enclosure from panels constructed of various materials whereby the material used for the panel may be readily substituted with another material to construct substantially the same enclosure. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Utility sheds are a necessity for lawn and garden maintenance, as well as general all-around home storage space. Typically, items such as lawn mowers, garden tillers, snow blowers, wheel barrows, shovels, rakes, brooms and the like consume a great deal of floor space in a garage. This results in the homeowner parking his/her vehicles outside of the garage. 
         [0004]    The prior art has proposed a number of different storage buildings or utility sheds assembled from a kit which includes a plurality of blow molded or extruded plastic panels and connectors. These kits are readily assembled by a homeowner to form storage structures or utility sheds of various sizes. These structures are generally suitable for the storage of hand tools and smaller lawn equipment. Typically, these kits require extruded metal or plastic connector members having a specific cross-sectional geometry which facilitates an engagement between the connector members and one or more of the blow molded plastic panels having a complimentary edge configuration. Due to the nature of the manufacturing process, blow molded plastic components cannot be formed with the intricate shapes and/or sharp corners required for integrated connectors. In addition, blow molded plastic components are hollow and cannot be formed with the integral strengthening ribs and gussets that injection molded panels can be formed with. 
         [0005]    A particularly common structure for the connector members is the I-beam cross section. The I-beam defines free edge portions of the connector member which fit within approximately dimensioned and located slots in the panel members. U.S. Pat. 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 wall 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]    Extruded components 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, the panels require connectors to achieve adequate height 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. However, wall panels utilizing connectors are vulnerable to buckling under loads and may have an aesthetically unpleasing appearance. Moreover, roof loads from snow and the like may cause such walls to bow outwardly due to the clearances required between the connectors and the internal bores of the conduits. 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 are situated to slidably engage the conduits located in the side panel sections to create the height required for utility shed walls. 
         [0007]    The aforementioned systems can also incorporate roof and floor panels to form a freestanding enclosed structure such as a utility shed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,866,381; 5,241,634; and 4,557,091 disclose various systems having inter-fitting panel and connector components. Such prior art systems, while working well, have not met all of the needs of consumers to provide the structural integrity required to construct larger sized structures. Larger structures must perform differently than smaller structures. Larger structures require constant ventilation in order to control moisture within the structure. Large structures must also withstand larger wind and snow loads 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, racking, and a roof system which allows ventilation while preventing weather infiltration. A further problem is that the walls formed by the panels must tie into the roof and floor in such a way as to unify the entire structure. Also, from a structural standpoint, the structure should include components capable of withstanding the increased wind, snow and storage loads required by larger structures. From a convenience standpoint, a door must be present which can be readily installed after assembly of the wall and roof components. The door must also be comparable with the sidewalls and provide ready access to the interior of the structure. Also, from a convenience standpoint, the structure should permit natural as well as artificial lighting. The structure should be aesthetically pleasing in appearance to blend in with the surrounding structures. 
         [0008]    There are also commercial considerations that must be satisfied by any viable structure assembly system or kit; considerations which are not entirely satisfied by the state of the art products. The structure must be formed from relatively few components which are inexpensive to manufacture by conventional techniques. The enclosure must also be capable of being packaged and shipped in a knock-down state. In addition, the system or kit must be modular and facilitate the creation of a family of enclosures that vary in size but which share common, interchangeable components. 
         [0009]    Finally, there are ergonomic needs that an enclosure system must satisfy in order to achieve acceptance by the end user. The system must be easily and quickly assembled using integrally formed connectors requiring minimal hardware and tools. Further, the system must not require excessive strength to assemble or include heavy component parts. Moreover, the system must assemble together in such a way so as not to detract from the internal storage volume of the resulting enclosure, or otherwise detract from the internal storage volume of the resulting enclosure, or otherwise negatively affect the utility of the structure. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    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. For example, the roof and floor may comprise one or more plastic panels secured together. 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. For example, the consumer can choose a storage structure size whereby the roof, floor and connectors are provided. The consumer can then choose the material for the walls of the structure from materials such as wood, plastic, cement board, metal or the like. The connectors can then be secured to the panels and thereafter be snapped into position along the preassembled floor. The roof may then be snapped into place along the upper surface of the wall panels. 
         [0011]    The connectors may be secured to the wall panels using conventional fasteners and simple hand tools. The components have preformed notches and tabs in order to facilitate assembly of the components without the requirement for measurements. This assures that the components will be assembled correctly and eliminates the opportunity for inaccurate measurements and incorrect assembly. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a system or kit for assembly of a utility enclosure which utilizes plastic connector components to create structures of varying dimensions by using common components. 
         [0013]    It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide wall panels selected from either precut wood or molded plastic that utilize the plastic connectors to provide interchangeability to the panels. 
         [0014]    It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a utility enclosure system or kit which utilizes plastic connector components to secure walls between the roof and floor structures. 
         [0015]    It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a utility enclosure system or kit which utilizes plastic structural frame and panel members having integrated connectors for creating enclosures of varying sizes. 
         [0016]    It is a still further objective of the instant invention to provide a utility enclosure system or kit wherein the panel members utilize connectors which accommodate various panel materials for increased versatility in shed construction. 
         [0017]    It is still another objective of the instant invention to provide a utility enclosure system or kit which utilizes structural corner assemblies for increased enclosure rigidity. 
         [0018]    It is still another objective of the instant invention to provide a utility enclosure system or kit which utilizes interlocking tabs and pockets to secure wall panels to a floor and/or roof. 
         [0019]    It is still another objective of the instant invention to provide a utility enclosure system or kit which utilizes roof and floor components which interlock together for structural stability and the prevention of incursion of water into the enclosure. 
         [0020]    It is still another objective of the present invention to provide connector members constructed to secure panels to a floor and roof structure without the need for traditional fasteners. 
         [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 one embodiment of the present invention including common roof and floor assemblies and plastic wall panels; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2A-F  are views of side and back panels of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 3A-C  are perspective views of the floor assembly of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the interlocking connection of the floor components; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 4A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the assembly and connection of the rear panel to the floor assembly; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 5A-D  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating assembly and connection of the right side panels to the floor assembly and the assembly of the corner extending between the rear and side panels; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 6A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating the assembly and connection of the left side panels to the floor assembly and rear panel; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 7A-C  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating assembly and connection of the right side panels to the floor assembly and another side panel; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 8A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating assembly and connection of the right side panels to each other; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 9A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating assembly and connection of the rear panels to each other; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 10A-D  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating assembly and connection of one left side panel to the floor assembly; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 11A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating assembly of the left side panels to the rear panels; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 12A-C  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating connection between the left side panels; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 13A-C  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating assembly of the roof panels to the side panels; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 14A-B  are partial side views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the assembled connection of the components of the roof assembly to each other and the wall panels; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 15A-D  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating assembly of the left door panel to the side panels; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 16A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the connection of a handle to the left door; 
           [0038]      FIGS. 17A-D  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating assembly of the right door panel to the right side panels; 
           [0039]      FIGS. 18A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating assembly of a roof support assembled to the wall and roof assemblies; 
           [0040]      FIGS. 19A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating further assembly of the roof support; 
           [0041]      FIGS. 20A-B  are partial perspective views of the assembled roof support; 
           [0042]      FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrated with wooden side panels and common floor and roof assemblies; 
           [0043]      FIGS. 22A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating the assembly of a wooden corner panel to a wooden side panel; 
           [0044]      FIGS. 23A-B  are partial perspective views further illustrating the assembly of a wooden corner panel to a wooden side panel; 
           [0045]      FIG. 24  is a partial view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating assembly of an internal brace to the inside surface of a side panel and two corner panels; 
           [0046]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of one of the internal braces illustrated in  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0047]      FIGS. 26A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating assembly of a face frame to a corner panel; 
           [0048]      FIGS. 27A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , further illustrating the attachment of the face frame to a corner panel; 
           [0049]      FIG. 28  is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating assembly of a plastic top connector and a wooden side panel; 
           [0050]      FIGS. 29A-B  are partial perspective views of the assembled top connector and side panel of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 30  is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating assembly of a plastic bottom connector and a wooden side panel; 
           [0052]      FIG. 31  is a partial perspective view of the assembled bottom connector secured to the side panel of  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 32  is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating assembly of a filler board between two back panels; 
           [0054]      FIGS. 33A-B  are partial perspective views of the filler board of  FIG. 32  secured to the two back panels; 
           [0055]      FIG. 34  is a partial perspective view, illustrating assembly of support braces to the inner surface of the back panels; 
           [0056]      FIG. 35  is a perspective view of the support brace, securable to the inner surface of the back panels; 
           [0057]      FIG. 36  is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating a bottom connector being secured to one of the back panels; 
           [0058]      FIG. 37  is a partial perspective view of the bottom connectors of  FIG. 36  secured to the back panels; 
           [0059]      FIGS. 38A-B  are partial perspective views of the back panel being secured to a floor panel; 
           [0060]      FIG. 39  is a partial perspective view of the back panel secured to a floor panel; 
           [0061]      FIG. 40  is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating side and corner panels being secured to a floor panel; 
           [0062]      FIG. 41  is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating side and corner panels being secured to a floor panel; 
           [0063]      FIG. 42  is a perspective view of the side, corner, and back panels secured to the floor panel; 
           [0064]      FIG. 43  is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating assembly of a top connector to the assembled wall and floor panels; 
           [0065]      FIGS. 44A-B  are partial perspective views, illustrating the top connectors assembled to the back and side panels; 
           [0066]      FIGS. 45A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating a door header being installed between the side panels; 
           [0067]      FIG. 46  is a partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating assembly of a roof panel to the top connectors; 
           [0068]      FIG. 47  is a partial cross sectional view taken along lines  47 - 47  of  FIG. 21 , illustrating connection of the roof panel to the top connectors; 
           [0069]      FIG. 48  is a partial cross sectional view taken along lines  48 - 48  of  FIG. 21 , illustrating connection of the roof panel to the top connectors; 
           [0070]      FIGS. 49A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrating assembly of hinges to the left door panel; 
           [0071]      FIGS. 50A-B  are partial perspective views illustrating the assembled hinges of the left door; 
           [0072]      FIG. 51  is a partial perspective view of a door handle being installed on the left door; 
           [0073]      FIGS. 52A-B  are partial perspective views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , illustrated with the back panels removed to show a slide bolt being installed on the left door; 
           [0074]      FIG. 53  is a perspective view of a hasp to be installed on the doors; 
           [0075]      FIG. 54  is a partial perspective view of the hasp assembled to the doors; and 
           [0076]      FIG. 55  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0077]    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, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-55 , a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-27  having plastic side wall panels and a second embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 28-55  having wooden side panels. Generally, the present invention provides a system of connectors securable to, or integrally formable to, panels to allow construction of a variety of enclosures or sheds  10 . The enclosure or shed  10  includes a floor assembly  27 , a roof assembly  83 , a right side wall assembly  13 , a back wall assembly  17 , a left side wall assembly  21  and a door assembly  95 . The wall assemblies may comprise one or more panels arranged in a substantially linear arrangement. In one particular embodiment, each side of the enclosure includes at least two panels, for example, right side front panel  12  and a right side rear panel  14 , back right panel  16  and a back left panel  18 , left side front panel  20  and a left side rear panel  22 , roof front panel  26  and roof rear panel  28 , floor front panel  28  and rear floor panel  26 . These panels are secured to one another in a manner which will be described hereinafter. 
         [0079]    Floor connector members  240  are either integrally formed to the bottom portion of plastic panels or secured along the bottom edge of panels constructed from dissimilar materials such as wood, metal, cement board or the like. Floor connector members  240  are preferably formed from molded plastic by the process of injection molding, and are designed with the purpose of permitting the interchangeable choice between panel materials to be secured to the floor assembly. The floor connector members  240  include a horizontal wall portion  107  ( FIG. 30 ) that is securable or formable to the lower portion of a wall panel. A depending flange member  108  extends adjacent to a substantially vertical surface  109  of the wall panel to secure the connector to the wall panel via fasteners, adhesive or the like. A plurality of tabs  241  extend downwardly with respect to the horizontal wall portion in a spaced apart but substantially linear arrangement. The tab  241  includes at least one bend, and is preferably L-shaped for cooperating with an undercut  38  in each socket. The bend, therefore, requires the tab to enter the socket at an angle other than perpendicular, and thereafter be rotated to a perpendicular position to interlock the first portion  111  and second portion  112  of the floor connector. In at least one embodiment, the floor connector  240  includes a key member  113  extending along said second portion of said floor connector. The key member provides positive alignment with the floor panel and prevents the ingress of bugs and water into the interior portion of the structure. The floor connector may also include at least one pin member  114  extending downwardly therefrom. The pin member is generally constructed and arranged to cooperate with the floor member(s) to locate the second portion of the floor connector with respect to the first portion of the floor connector. 
         [0080]    The floor assembly  27  preferably includes at least two floor panels  26  and  28  which are secured to each other to form the floor of the enclosure. In an alternative configuration, the floor assembly  27  is one solid floor panel  212  formed from a material such as plastic,  FIG. 55 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 3A-C , the floor panels  26  and  28  are secured to each other along a longitudinal edge of each panel. The panel  26  includes an upwardly facing groove  29 ,  FIG. 3B , which extends along a longitudinal edge thereof. Adjacent the groove  29  is a lip or upturned ridge  30 . The lip or ridge  30  extends along the length of groove  29  and is adjacent thereto. Floor panel  28  includes a downwardly facing groove  32 ,  FIG. 3B , which extends along a longitudinal edge thereof. Adjacent groove  32  is a lip or ridge  34  which extends along the length of the groove  32 . Lip  34  is constructed sized to mate with groove  29 . Lip  30  is constructed and sized to mate with groove  32 . The structural inter-fitting of the lips into the grooves provides structural integrity and support for the connection of the floor panels  26  and  28  to each other. This structural relationship also provides a seal or boundary which prevents the intrusion of water or other fluids from passing from the bottom of the panels to the top of the panels. This structure therefore prevents water or other fluids from entering into the enclosure or shed from below. In addition, fasteners, such as screws, may be utilized to connect the floor panels  26  and  28  together. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 4A  and B illustrate the manner in which floor connector  240  couples rear panel  16  to a floor panel  26 . Floor connector  240  includes a plurality of tabs  241  formed to or secured along a bottom portion or edge of the rear panel  16 . The plurality of tabs  241  may be formed as curved members that include a bend of substantially 90 degrees, as seen in  FIG. 4B . A peripheral portion of both floor panels  26  and  28  include apertures or slots  38  having an undercut  110 ,  FIGS. 4A  and B. The tabs  241  fit into the groove  117  and engage the undercut  110  portion of the floor panel  26  to secure the rear panel  16  to the floor panel  26 . This engagement is accomplished by tilting the top of the rear panel  16  downwardly prior to inserting the tabs  241  into the slots  38 . Next, panel  16  is returned to its upright, vertical position. This moves the outer edge  37  of tabs  241  below the peripheral portion of the floor panel and prevents the rear panel  16  from moving upwardly and thus becoming detached from the floor panel. 
         [0082]    Rear panel  16  also includes apertures  40  and  42  which will be described hereinafter. 
         [0083]    A right side rear panel  14  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-D . It is secured to the floor assembly  24  utilizing the same construction and elements that rear panel  16  utilizes to be secured to the floor assembly  24 . Tabs  241  on the bottom portion or lower edge of right side rear panel  14  fit into apertures or slots  38  having an undercut  110  on the peripheral portion of the floor panel  26  to secure the right side rear panel  14  onto the floor panel  26 . This engagement is accomplished by tilting the top of the right side rear panel  14  downwardly prior to inserting the tabs  241  into the slots  38 . Next, panel  14  is returned to its upright, vertical position. This moves the outer edge of tabs  241  below the peripheral portion of the floor panel and prevents the right side rear panel  14  from moving upwardly and thus becoming detached from the floor panel. Right side rear panel  14  also includes a corner member or flap  48  ( FIG. 5B ) which is secured to panel  14  along an edge portion via a living hinge  115 . Corner member  48  engages and is secured along an edge  50  of rear panel  16  (FIG.  5 C). Corner member  48  fits into a panel edge groove  52  which extends along the edge  50 . This enables the outer surface of the corner member  48  to be flush with the outer surface of rear panel  16 . This presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the outer portion of the enclosure  10 . Fastening elements  54 , such as screws, are employed to secure corner member  48  to rear panel  16 . The fastening elements  54  pass through the apertures  40  in panel  16  and engage corner member  48 , thus securing panels  16  and  14  to each other, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A . A tool  56 , such as a screwdriver, is employed to connect fastening elements  54  to panel  14 . 
         [0084]    A right side front panel  12  and right side rear panel are illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 8A . The right side front panel  12  includes a plurality of tabs  241  on the bottom portion or lower edge of right side front panel  12  which fit into apertures or slots  38  on the peripheral portion of the floor panel  28  to secure the right side front panel  12  onto the floor panel  28 . This engagement is accomplished in a manner similar to the securing of panel  14  to floor panel  26 . The right side front panel  12  includes an offset  62  which extends along the length of the panel. The right side rear panel  14  includes an offset  64  which extends along the length of the panel. Offsets  62  and  64  are constructed and arranged to mate with each other so as to enable panels  12  and  14  to be joined together without increasing the thickness of the panels to present an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The offsets  62  and  64  further provide a connection between panels  12  and  14  which does not distract from the inner or outer surfaces of the panels while creating a weather-tight and bug resistant connection. Fasteners  54  are utilized to secure panels  12  and  14  together, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A  and B. Fasteners  54  pass through apertures  40  in panel  12  and are screwed in panel  14 , thus securing panels  12  and  14  together. 
         [0085]      FIGS. 9A  and B illustrate the right and left back panels  16  and  18  secured to floor panel  26 . The back panel  18  is secured to the floor panel utilizing tabs  241  on the back panel and apertures  38  on the floor panel  26 ; similar to the manner in which back panel  16  is secured to floor panel  26 . Back panels  16  and  18  also include offsets  62  and  64  respectively along their length. Offsets  62  and  64  are constructed and arranged to mate with each other. Fasteners  54  pass through apertures  40  in panel  16  and are screwed into panel  18  so as to secure panels  16  and  18  together. This connection is similar to the connection which joins panels  12  and  14  together. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 12A-C  illustrate the connection of left side panels  20  and  22  to each other, and their installation onto floor panels  26  and  28 . Left side front panel  20 , secured to floor connector  240 , includes a plurality of tabs  241  formed to or secured along a bottom portion or edge. Tabs  241  fit into apertures  38  on floor panel  28 . Panel  20  is secured to floor panel  28  in a manner similar to that of panel  16  being secured to floor panel  26 . Left side rear panel  22  also secures to floor connector member  240  and includes tabs (not shown) along a bottom portion thereof. These tabs fit into apertures  38  in floor panel  26  and thus secure panel  22  to floor panel  26  in a manner similar to that employed to secure panel  20  to floor panel  28 . Left side panels  20  and  22  include offsets  62  and  64 , respectively, which extend along their length. Offsets  62  and  64  are constructed and arranged to mate with each other so as to enable panels  20  and  22  to be joined together. The offsets  62  and  64  further provide a connection between panels  20  and  22  which does not distract from the inner or outer surfaces of the panels. The grooves also present an aesthetically pleasing appearance of a single said wall of the utility enclosure. Fasteners  54  are utilized to secure panels  20  and  22  together. Fasteners  54  pass through apertures  40  in panel  22  and are screwed in panel  20 , thus securing panels  20  and  22  together. 
         [0087]      FIGS. 10B-C  illustrate the connection between left side rear panel  22  and left back panel  18 . Left side rear panel includes a corner member or flap  78  ( FIG. 10B ) which is hingedly secured along an edge portion. Corner member  78  fits into a groove  80  which extends along an edge of panel  18 . This enables the outer surface of the corner member  78  to be flush with the outer surface of panel  18 . This presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the outer portion of enclosure  10 . Fastening elements  54 , such as screws, are employed to secure panels  22  and  18  together, similar to the manner in which the other panels are secured to each other.  FIGS. 12A-B  illustrate the manner in which fastening elements  54  secure panels  22  and  18  together. 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIGS. 13-15  and  46 - 48 , assembly of the roof is illustrated. The roof assembly  83  includes at least one panel  82 ,  84  of molded plastic. In  FIG. 46 , the roof assembly is illustrated as a single roof panel  210 . In all configurations, roof assemblies are made from molded plastic, preferably formed by blow molding to form a double wall structure. The upper surface of the roof panels  82 ,  84  and  210  are preferably curved along their lateral dimension to enable rain, snow and other elements of the weather to readily roll off the roof. This prevents accumulation of water, etc. on the roof which can lead to water leaking into the enclosure  10 . Each of the roof panels and  84  include the second portion of the roof connector, illustrated herein as at least one and preferably a plurality of bayonet slots  86  formed therein on an inside edge at each end of the panels, as illustrated in  FIGS. 47 and 48 . Each bayonet slot  86  includes a receiving portion  120  and a ramp portion  124  extending from said receiving portion. The receiving portion is generally sized and shaped to accept a key  122  positioned on the top surface of the wall panels. The ramp surface is arranged to cooperate with a bearing surface  126  of the key during linear translation of the roof panel to cause the roof panel to pull tightly against a top surface of the wall panels. At least one stop member  268  is positioned on the bottom surface of each wall panel to cooperate with an inner surface of a wall panel once the roof panel has been translated a predetermined distance to prevent the roof panel from moving in an opposite direction. 
         [0089]    When the roof assembly includes two or more panels, each of the roof panels is separately placed on the enclosure  10 . The roof panels are placed atop the side panels, offset to the front or rear of the enclosure. The panels are then slid or moved toward the center of the enclosure  10 . The keys  122  on the side panels are then slid in and engage the bayonet slots  86 . Each of the roof panels  82  and  84  are provided with a channel  90  and  92 , respectively, along a longitudinal edge thereof. The channels  90  and  92  are formed as compliments to each other so that when the channels  90  and  92  are engaged they form an interlocking seal between roof panels  82  and  84  ( FIG. 14B ). This interlocking seal holds the panels together and prevents the intrusion of water or other fluids into the enclosure. 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 ,  28 ,  29 ,  43 ,  44  and  46 , the first portion of the roof connector  236  is illustrated. Each of the side panels  12 ,  14 ,  20  and  22  include the first portion of the roof connector secured or integrally formed thereto. The first portion of the roof connector includes a flange portion  130  that extends upward beyond a top surface of each wall panel. The flange includes a plurality of key members  122  extending outwardly from the vertical flange, the key member having a bearing surface  126  on a bottom portion thereof. In at least one embodiment, the first portion of the roof connector includes a second flange  132  extending outwardly from the first flange  130 . The second flange  132  is constructed and arranged to fit adjacent to bottom surface of a wall panel. A third flange  134  depends from the second flange to form a U-shaped trough that is sized to fit around an inner, an outer and a bottom surface of a wall panel. The first flange may include apertures for fasteners, adhesive or the like to connect the first portion of the roof connector to the panel, or alternatively, the first portion of the roof connector may be integrally formed to end portion of the panel. 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-18  and  49 - 54 , construction of the door assembly is illustrated. The front of the enclosure  10  includes a door assembly  95  which comprises one or two door panels. A left door panel  94  ( FIG. 15A ) and a right door panel ( FIG. 17A ). The door panels are hingedly secured to the side panels, as illustrated in  FIGS. 15-17 . Left door panel  94  is hingedly secured to left front panel  20  with three hinges  98 ,  100 , and  102 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 15B ,  15 C and  15 D respectively. Hinges  98 ,  100 , and  102  are slid into apertures on panel  20 . These apertures  40  retain the hinge members and prevent their disengagement from the side panel. The apertures also permit the hinge members to pivot which permits the doors to open and close. Door panel  94  is also provided with a handle  104  to assist the opening and closing of the door panel. Handle  104  is secured to the door panel with fasteners  106 . 
         [0092]    Right door panel  96  is hingedly secured to right front panel  12  with three hinges  108 ,  110 , and  112 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 17B ,  17 C and  17 D respectively. Hinges  108 ,  110 , and  112  are slid into apertures on panel  12 . These apertures retain the hinge members and prevent their disengagement from the side panel. The apertures also permit the hinge members to pivot which permits the doors to open and close. Door panel  96  is also provided with a handle (not shown) to assist the opening and closing of the door panel. The handle is secured to the door panel with fasteners similar to  106 . 
         [0093]      FIGS. 49A-B  and  55  illustrate the left door  214  and hinges  270  which are employed to secure the door to the face frame  228 . Fasteners, such as screws, are used to secure the hinges  270  to the door and the face frame.  FIGS. 50A-B  also illustrate the manner in which the door  214  is secured to the face frame. In a preferred embodiment, the edges of the door  214  and the face frame  228  are mortised to permit the hinges to be mounted flush with the surfaces of the door and face frame, as illustrated in  FIGS. 50A-B . 
         [0094]      FIG. 51  illustrates the manner in which a door handle  272  and face plate  274  are secured to door  214 . A fastener  276  is employed to secure the handle  272  and face plate  274  to the door. A similar handle  278  and face plate  280  are secured to the right hand door  216  in the same manner ( FIG. 54 ). A slide bolt  282  is secured to the top of the left door  214  ( FIG. 52B ). The slide bolt moves up and down to engage and disengage an aperture in header  260 . When the slide bolt engages header  260  ( FIG. 55 ) it locks the door  214  in a closed position. To open the door, one simply lowers the slide bolt  282  until it disengages the header. The door  214  can now be opened. 
         [0095]      FIG. 53  illustrates a hasp  284  which is installed on the doors  214  and  216  to lock the door in a closed position. The hasp includes a left portion  286  and a right portion  288 . The right portion  288  includes a pivotable locking member  290 . The locking member  290  fits through aperture  292  in the left portion  286 . The locking member can then be pivoted so that it cannot pass through the aperture. This action interlocks the left and right portions of the hasp together. Since the left and right portions are mounted on the left and right doors respectively, this action also locks the doors  214  and  216  of the enclosure in a closed position. A lock, such as a padlock, can also be placed through the aperture  294  of the locking member  290 . This enables the enclosure to be securely locked and prevents unauthorized intrusion. 
         [0096]      FIGS. 18A-B  illustrate a roof brace  114  secured to left side panel  20  with fasteners. The roof brace provides additional support for the roof panels. This additional support is useful to prevent collapse of the roof under heavy snow loads, etc.  FIGS. 19A-B  illustrate the roof brace  114  secured to right side panel  12  with fasteners.  FIG. 18B  illustrates the fasteners  116  used to secure the roof brace  114  to the side panels. 
         [0097]      FIGS. 21-52 , which are now referenced, show isometric and exploded views of a system or kit for the assembly of the present invention.  FIGS. 21-51  utilize the floor panels, roof, top connectors, top connector members, floor connectors and floor connector members, found in  FIGS. 1-20 . 
         [0098]    A utility enclosure or shed is generally illustrated at  200 . The enclosure or shed  200  includes a right side panel  202 , a left side panel  204 , a back panel  206  ( FIG. 22A ), corner panels  208  ( FIG. 22A ), a roof panel  210 , a floor panel  212  and front doors  214  and  216 . The right side panel, left side panel, corner panels, back panels and doors are selected from one of wood and molded plastic. These panels are secured to each other in a manner which will be described hereinafter. 
         [0099]    A corner panel  208  may be formed from a material selected from one of wood and molded plastic. When wood is selected to construct the corner panel  208 , the corner panel  208  is formed from a plurality of wooden boards or siding  218  ( FIG. 22B ). Each board or siding  218  is provided with a “tongue side”  220  along one longitudinal edge and a “groove side”  222  along an opposite longitudinal edge. The tongue side of each board fits into the groove side of an adjacent board, as illustrated in  FIG. 22B , to provide a water tight joint between the boards. This type of connection also provides a secure, structural connection between adjacent boards. A plurality of braces  224 , are secured to an inner side of the corner panels. These braces  224  hold the boards or siding  218  together and provide structural support for the boards  218 . While three braces  224  are illustrated, any number can be employed on each of the corner panels. 
         [0100]    Support braces  226  are illustrated in  FIGS. 22A  and B; the support braces  226  are secured to the top and bottom portions of the side panel  204 . Each of the boards or siding  218  on the side panel  204  are secured to the support braces. The ends of the support braces  226  are provided with apertures  228  ( FIG. 22B ). Fastening devices, such as screws, are set in to these apertures to secure the braces  226  of the side panel to the boards  218  of the corner panel ( FIGS. 22B ,  23 A-B). 
         [0101]    Additional support braces  227  are provided on the side panel between the top and bottom support braces ( FIG. 24 ). These additional support braces provide structural strength and rigidity to the side panel. The additional support braces are secured to the corner panel  208  in the same manner that the top and bottom support braces were secured to the corner panel. 
         [0102]    A face frame member  228  is secured to a corner panel ( FIGS. 26A-B ). A longitudinal edge of the face frame  228  is provided with a “groove”  230  along the length thereof. The groove  230  is constructed and arranged to mate with the “tongue”  220  along the edge of a board  218  of the corner panel  208 . Fasteners, such as screws, pass through apertures  232  on the face frame. These fasteners are used to secure the face frame  228  to the corner panel  208  ( FIGS. 27A  and B). Portions of the face frame are cut away at  234  to allow the face frame to fit around the braces  224  on the corner panel  208 . A similar face frame member  229  ( FIG. 45A ) is secured to an opposite corner panel on the other side of the enclosure. 
         [0103]    A top connector member  236  is secured along the top edge of a side panel and corner panel, as illustrated in  FIGS. 28 ,  29 A and  29 B. The top connector member  236  includes a plurality of apertures  238  that receive fasteners, such as screws, that are passed through these apertures and secure the top connector member  236  to the side and corner panels ( FIG. 29A ). The top connector member  236  is made of a plastic or resin material. The top connector member is constructed and arranged to secure to the top edge of wood and molded plastic side panels. 
         [0104]    The back panel  206  of the enclosure includes a left back panel  244  and a right back panel  246  ( FIG. 33A ). This is mainly for manufacturing and shipping purposes. A filler board  248  is designed to be inserted between the left and right back panels, and provide a support to secure the left and right back panels together. A “groove” is provided along one longitudinal edge of filler board  248  and a “tongue” is provided along an opposite longitudinal edge of the filler board. These tongue and groove connections mate with comparable tongue and groove connections on boards  218  of the left and right back panels ( FIG. 33B ). 
         [0105]      FIGS. 34 , the left and right back panels are provided with support braces  226  along a top and bottom edge thereof. These support braces hold the boards  218  together during shipping, prior to assembly and afterwards. Additional support braces  250  extend across the widths of the left and right back panels. These additional braces  250 , together with the filler board  248 , securely hold the left and right back panels to each other and thus form the back panel  206 . The support braces  250  are provided with apertures  252 . Fasteners, such as screws, are passed through these apertures and secure the support braces  250  to the back panels and the corner panels. 
         [0106]    Bottom connectors  236  are secured along the bottom edge of the back panel  206 . As illustrated in  FIG. 30 , there are two bottom connectors secured to the bottom edge of panel  206 . While two bottom connectors are illustrated, any number of connectors can be employed. The bottom connectors  236  are made of a plastic or resin material. 
         [0107]    Referring to  FIGS. 45A  and B, the header member of the present invention is illustrated. The header member  260  is secured to the left and right face frame members  228  and  229 . Apertures  262  are provided on the header which permits fasteners, such as screws, to secure the header to the face frame members. In a preferred embodiment the header  260  is made from metal. Other materials can also be used for the header. 
         [0108]    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. 
         [0109]    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. 
         [0110]    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.