Abstract:
A quick-assembly storage unit comprises a back panel, a pair of side panels, a top panel, a bottom panel and at least one shelf member. In one embodiment, the unit includes door panels that are hingedly attached to the side panels. The back, side, top, and bottom panels are each configured to have a particular structure that provides a tight-fitting relationship between all interconnecting panels. Each of the shelf members are configured to have a particular structure that provides a tight-fitting relationship between each shelf member and the side panels and between each shelf member and the back panel. The structure and interconnection of the back, side, top, and bottom panels and shelf members provide the quick-assembly storage unit with a relatively high degree of structural integrity. The quick-assembly storage unit can be quickly assembled by the end user or consumer with a minimal amount of tools.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to commonly owned and co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/277,299, filed Mar. 20, 2001. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to quick assembly storage unit such as a storage cabinet or container. 
     2. Problem to be Solved 
     Storage units such as cabinets have many industrial, commercial and residential uses. Typically, conventional storage cabinets are first assembled at the manufacturing location and then shipped to the end buyer or consumer. However, such a practice creates several problems. First, since the cabinet is being shipped fully assembled, it occupies a significant amount of space on the carrier&#39;s delivery vehicle or plane. The same problem would occur if rail is used to ship the assembled cabinets. Furthermore, shipping the fully assembled storage cabinets requires large-sized shipping cartons or packaging thereby further increasing the overall shipping costs. What is needed is a storage cabinet that can be shipped in a disassembled state so as to reduce shipping costs and shipping time, and be then quickly assembled by the consumer or end user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a quick-assembly storage unit. In one embodiment, the quick-assembly storage unit comprises a back panel, a pair of side panels, a top panel, a bottom panel and at least one shelf member. The back panel has a front side, back side, a pair of flanged widthwise ends generally perpendicular to the front and rear sides, a pair of flanged lengthwise ends generally perpendicular to the front and back sides, a pair of inner flanges extending from the front side and being generally parallel and adjacent to a corresponding one of the flanged lengthwise ends so as to define a channel between the inner flange and corresponding flanged lengthwise end wherein each inner flange has at least one cut-out therein. The back panel further includes at least one male engagement region adjacent each flanged widthwise end. In one embodiment, each of the male engagement regions comprising a half-round bump having a perimetrical edge. 
     Each side panel has an interior side corresponding to the front side of the back panel and an exterior side corresponding to the rear side of the back panel. Each side panel has a pair of widthwise ends, a front flanged lengthwise end portion, and a rear flanged lengthwise end portion. The rear flanged lengthwise end is sized for frictional insertion into a corresponding channel of the back panel. Each flanged lengthwise end portion of each side panel has a first portion extending from the interior side and being generally perpendicular to the interior side of the side panel and a second portion that is attached and generally perpendicular to the first portion. The second portion extends generally parallel to and confronts the interior side. The second portion of the rear flanged lengthwise end portion has at least one cut-out therein that is generally aligned with the cut-out in a corresponding one of the inner flanges of the back panel. The second portion of the front flanged lengthwise portion has a cut-out therein. Each side panel has at least one male engagement region located on the exterior side and adjacent a corresponding widthwise end of the side panel. In one embodiment, each male engagement region comprises a half round bump that has a perimetrical edge. 
     The top panel has a top side, a bottom side, a pair of flanged widthwise ends and a pair of flanged lengthwise ends. The top panel has at least one female engagement region on each flanged lengthwise and widthwise end. Each female engagement region corresponds to one of the male engagement regions on the back panel and side panels. In one embodiment, each female engagement region comprises an opening having a perimetrical edge; 
     The bottom panel has a top side, a bottom side, a pair of flanged widthwise ends and a pair of flanged lengthwise ends. The bottom panel has at least one female engagement region on each flanged lengthwise and widthwise end thereof. Each female engagement region on the flanged lengthwise and widthwise ends of the bottom panel corresponds to one of the male engagement regions on the back panel and side panels. In one embodiment, each female engagement region on the flanged lengthwise and widthwise ends of the bottom panel comprises an opening having a perimetrical edge. 
     The shelf member having a top side, a bottom side, a pair of widthwise end portions, a front flanged lengthwise end portion, and a rear flanged lengthwise end portion. Each of the flanged lengthwise end portions has a first portion generally perpendicular to the bottom side of the shelf member and a second portion attached to and generally perpendicular to the first portion and which confronts the bottom side. The second portion of the front flanged lengthwise end portion of the shelf member has a pair of cut-outs. Each of the cut-outs being located in proximity to a corresponding widthwise end of the shelf member. 
     The quick assembly storage unit further includes at least one shelf support member that is attached to the back panel and defines a region that is sized for frictionally receiving a portion of the rear flanged lengthwise end portion of the shelf member. 
     The side panels are configured to be attached to the back panel such that the rear flanged lengthwise end portion of each side panel is frictionally inserted into a corresponding channel of the back panel such that the interior sides of the side panels face each other and the cut-outs of the rear flanged lengthwise end portions of the side panel are generally aligned with the cut-outs of the inner flanges. The back panel and the side panels attached to the back panel define an intermediate assembly. 
     The top panel is configured to be attached to the back and side panels wherein the perimetrical edge of each half round bump on the side and back panels extends through a corresponding one of the openings on the top panel. The top panel is sized, in relation to the intermediate assembly, so as to allow a tight-fitting relationship between the top panel and the side and back panels and to allow the perimetrical edge of each half round bump to firmly abut the perimetrical edge of a corresponding opening on the top panel. 
     The bottom panel is configured to be attached to the back and side panels wherein the perimetrical edge of each half round bump on the side and back panels extends through a corresponding one of the openings on the bottom panel. The bottom panel is sized, in relation to the intermediate assembly, so as to allow a tight-fitting relationship between the bottom panel and the side and back panels and to allow the perimetrical edge of each half round bump to firmly abut the perimetrical edge of a corresponding opening on the bottom panel. 
     The shelf member is configured to be removably attached to the side panels and back panel wherein portions of the rear flanged lengthwise end portion that are adjacent to the widthwise ends of the shelf member are received by the cut-outs in the inner flanges and the rear flanged lengthwise end portions of the side panels and wherein a portion of the rear flanged lengthwise end portion of the shelf member is frictionally disposed in the region of the shelf support member. 
     The particular structures of-the back, side, top, and bottom panels provide a tight-fitting relationship between all interconnecting panels, and the particular structure of the shelf members provides a tight-fitting relationship between each shelf member and the side panels and between each shelf member and the back panel thereby providing the quick-assembly a storage unit with a relatively high degree of structural integrity. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features of the invention are believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the quick-assembly storage unit of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a back panel of the quick-assembly storage unit of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2A is an elevational view, partially in cross-section, showing a shelf support bracket depicted in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 2B is a side elevational view, partially in cross-section, showing a shelf member, depicted in FIG. 1, supported by the shelf support bracket of FIG.  2 A. 
     FIG. 2C is a view, partially in cross-section, taken along line  2 C— 2 C in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 2D is view, partially in cross-section, taken along line  2 D— 2 D in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a side panel depicted in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating the connection of the door, side and back panels of the quick-assembly storage unit of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a top panel of the quick-assembly storage unit of the present invention, the bottom panel of the quick-assembly storage unit of the present invention being essentially the same. 
     FIG. 5A is a partial side-elevational exploded view illustrating the manner in which the top panel of FIG. 5 is attached to the side panels of FIGS. 1 and 3. 
     FIG. 5B is a partial, side-elevational exploded view showing the top and side panels of FIG. 5A connected together. 
     FIG. 5C is a partial, exploded view, in perspective, illustrating the manner in which the top panel of FIG. 5 is attached to the side and back panels of FIGS. 1,  3  and  5 , and showing the bottom panel, depicted in FIG. 1, attached to the side and back panels. 
     FIG. 6A is a plan view of a hinge push-plate depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. 
     FIG. 6B is a view taken along line  6 B— 6 B in FIG.  6 A. 
     FIG. 6C is a plan view of a retainer-clip depicted in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 6D is a view taken along line  6 D— 6 D in FIG.  6 C. 
     FIG. 6E is exploded view illustrating the manner in which the hinge push-plate of FIG. 6A is interlocked with the retainer clip of FIG.  6 C. 
     FIG. 6F is plan view showing the hinge push-plate interlocked with the retainer clip, both of which being shown in FIG.  6 E. 
     FIG. 7 is a partial view looking downward into the partially assembled storage unit of the present invention without the top panel or shelf members being shown in order to facilitate viewing the attachment of a door panel to a side panel, the retainer clip of FIGS. 6C being shown in cross-section. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a door panel shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of a shelf member shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of the shelf member of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is a view taken along line  11 — 11  in FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 12 is a partial, side elevational view illustrating the interconnection of the top, side and back panels of the quick-assembly storage unit of FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made herein to FIGS. 1-12 of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like features of the invention. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown quick-assembly storage unit  10  of the present invention. Storage unit  10  can be configured as a storage cabinet, storage box or any other type of container that can be used for storing items. Storage unit  10  generally comprises top panel  12 , side panels  14  and  16 , back panel  18 , door panels  20  and  22 , bottom panel  24  and shelves  26 . In one embodiment, door panels  20  and  22  are not utilized. 
     In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, each component of storage unit  10  is described in detail in the ensuing description. 
     1) The Back Panel 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, back panel  18  generally comprises front side  28  and rear side  30  (shown in FIG.  7 ). Back panel  18  includes flanged widthwise ends  34  and  36  and flanged lengthwise ends  38  and  40 . Back panel  18  further includes flange portion or member  42  that is attached to and extends from front side  28 . Flange portion  42  is in proximity and generally parallel to lengthwise end  38 . Back panel  18  also includes similar flange portion or member  44  that is attached to and extends from front side  28 . Flange portion  44  is in proximity and generally parallel to lengthwise end  40 . Referring to FIGS. 2,  2 C and  2 D, flanged portion  42  is spaced apart from flanged lengthwise end  38  by a predetermined distance. Similarly, flanged portion  44  is spaced apart from flanged lengthwise end  40  by a predetermined distance. Lengthwise end  38  and flanged portion  42  define a channel  46 . Similarly, lengthwise end  40  and flanged portion  44  define a channel  48 . The purpose of channels  46  and  48  is discussed in the ensuing description. 
     In a preferred embodiment, flange portions  42  and  44  extend for substantially the entire length of lengthwise ends  38  and  40 . Flange portion  42  includes cut-outs or notches  50 . In a preferred embodiment, cut-outs  50  are equidistantly spaced apart. Similarly, flange portion  44  includes cut-outs or notches  52  (see FIG.  2 ). The purpose of cut-outs  50  and  52  is discussed in the ensuing description. In an alternate embodiment, each flanged portion  42  and  44  comprises segmented flanged portions that are equidistantly spaced rather than one continuous flanged portion. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2,  2 A and  2 B, back panel  18  further includes shelf support brackets  54  that attached to side  28  of back panel  18 . Brackets  54  support shelves  26 . In one embodiment, brackets  54  are configured as generally “L” shaped members and are rigidly attached to back panel  18 . Back panel  18  includes keyholes or openings  60  that enable storage unit  10  to be secured to hooks, screws, nails, etc. that are fixed to a wall or other structural member. 
     Referring to. FIGS. 7 and 12, back panel  18  includes protrusions  62  that are formed on the rear side  30  of back panel  18 . In one embodiment, each protrusion  62  is formed by the creation of what is known as a “half-round bump” or “half-round protrusion”. In order to create such a bump or protrusion, a round or circular protrusion or bump is made in the sheet of metal from which back panel  18  is fabricated. The protrusion or bump is then cut at is midpoint, i.e. across the diameter. One half of the protrusion or bump is hammered or flattened while the remaining half remains intact. The half that remains becomes the half-round bump and includes an edge resulting from the flattening of the other half of the bump. Half-round bumps are described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,908, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Protrusions  62  are used to attach top and bottom panels  12  and  24 , respectively, to back panel  18 . Back panel  18  further includes a recess or crevice  63  adjacent to each protrusion  62 . The purpose of protrusions  62  and the corresponding recesses  63  is discussed in the ensuing description. 
     In an alternate embodiment, protrusions  62  are separate pieces that are attached to rear side  30  of back panel  18 . 
     2) The Side Panels 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  3  and  4 , side panels  14  and  16  are substantially identical in construction. Therefore, for purposes of brevity, only side panel  14  is described in the ensuing description. Side panel  14  generally comprises an interior side  64  and an exterior side (not shown) that is opposite interior side  64 . Side panel  14  includes longitudinally extending end portions  66  and  68 . End portion  66  comprises portion  70 , which is angulated with respect to interior side  64 , and portion  72  which is angulated with respect to portion  70 . In a preferred embodiment, portion  70  is substantially perpendicular to interior side  64 , and portion  72  is substantially perpendicular to portion  70 . Portion  70  has a plurality of slots  71  formed therein. Portion  72  has a plurality of cut-outs  73 . The purposes of slots  71  and cut-outs  73  are discussed in the ensuing description. Similarly, end portion  68  comprises portion  74 , which is angulated with respect to interior side  64 , and portion  76  which is angulated with respect to portion  74 . In a preferred embodiment, portion  74  is substantially perpendicular to interior side  64 , and portion  76  is substantially perpendicular to portion  74 . Portion  76  has a plurality of cut-outs  78 . The purpose of cut-outs  78  is discussed in the ensuing description. 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, lengthwise end portion  68  is sized for frictional insertion into channel  46  of back panel  18 . Once lengthwise end portion  68  is completely inserted into channel  46 , side panel  14  becomes firmly attached to back panel  18 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 5A,  5 B and  5 C, side panel  14  further includes protrusions  80 . In one embodiment, protrusions  80  are configured as half-round bumps which were described in the foregoing description. Protrusion  80  has a rounded-portion  82  and edge  84 . Side panel  14  further includes recess or crevice  85  below each protrusion  80 . The purpose of protrusions  80  and recess  85  is discussed in the ensuing description. 
     Side panel  16  is attached to back panel  18  in the same manner. Specifically, the appropriate lengthwise end portion of side panel  16  is frictionally inserted into channel  48  of back panel  18 . 
     3) Top and Bottom Panels 
     Top and bottom panels  12  and  24 , respectively, are substantially the same in construction. Thus, for purposes of brevity, only top panel  12  is described in the ensuing description. Referring to FIGS. 1,  5 ,  5 A,  5 B and  5 C, top panel  12  generally comprises exterior side  90 , interior side  92 , flanged lengthwise ends  94  and  96  and flanged widthwise ends  98  and  100 . Lengthwise end  94  includes flange portion  102  that is attached and generally perpendicular to end  14 . When storage unit  10  is completely assembled, door panels  20  and  22  are adjacent to flange portion  102  when door panels  20  and  22  are completely closed. Lengthwise ends  94  and  96  and widthwise ends  98  and  100  have openings  104 . Each opening  104  has a perimetrical edge  105 . In one embodiment, openings  104  have a generally rectangular shape. However, other suitable shapes can be used as well. As shown in FIG. 5, top panel  12  further includes protrusions  106  that are adjacent to openings  104 . In one embodiment, protrusions  106  have a generally triangular shape. Protrusions  106  are sized to snugly fit into recesses  85  on side panel  14  (see FIG. 5A) and the corresponding recesses  63  that are adjacent to protrusions  62  on back panel  18  and corresponding recesses (not shown) on side panel  16 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 5A,  5 B and  5 C, top panel  12  is sized so that when top panel  12  is being attached to side panels  14  and  16  and back panel  18 , widthwise ends  98  and  100  of top panel  12  contact the exterior sides of side panels  14  and  16 , and back panel  18 , protrusions  106  frictionally slide over protrusions  80  and snap into recesses  63  and  85 . When each protrusion  106  is positioned within a corresponding recess  63  or  85 , each protrusion  80  is completely positioned within a corresponding opening  104  and each edge  105  of each opening  104  abuts either edge  84  of a corresponding protrusion  80  or the edge (not shown) of a corresponding protrusion  62 . As a result, top panel  12  is firmly attached to side panels  12  and  16  and back panel  18 . 
     4) The Door Panels 
     Referring to FIG. 1, door panels  20  and  22  are substantially identical in construction. Furthermore, door panels  20  and  22  are attached to side panels  14  and  16  in an identical manner. Therefore, for purposes of brevity, only door panel  20  is described in the ensuing description. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, door panel  20  has an interior side  110  and an exterior side (not shown) that is opposite interior side  110 . Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, door panel  20  includes hinged push plates.  112  attached thereto. Each hinged push plate  112  comprises hinge portion  114  and plate portion  116 . Plate portion  116  includes protrusion  118 . Protrusion  118  comprises rounded-portion  120  and edge portion  122 . In a preferred embodiment, protrusion  118  is configured as a half-round bump that was described in the ensuing description. As shown in FIG. 6B, plate portion  116  is angulated with respect to reference plane  124  (indicated by the dotted line). The purpose of such a configuration is described in the ensuing description. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in order to movably attach door panels  20  and  22  to side panels  14  and  16 , respectively, retainer clips  130  are, attached to the interior sides of side panels  14  and  16  adjacent slots  71  formed in side panels  14  and  16 . Retainer clip  130  can be attached by any suitable means, e.g. fasteners, rivets, screws, spot welding, etc. However, it is to be understood that retainer clips  130  are attached to side panels  14  and  16  prior to storage unit  10  being shipped to the end user or consumer. 
     As shown in FIG. 6D, clip retainer  130  comprises rear side  131 , end portions  132  and  133  that are separated by central portion  134 . End portions  132  and  133  have contact surfaces  135  that contact the interior side of side panels  14  and  16 . Central portion  134  is angulated with respect to end portions  132  and  133 . Such a configuration provides a space within which to insert plate portion  116 . This is illustrated in FIGS. 6E,  6 F and  7 . Surfaces  135  of end portions  132  and  133  contact and are flush with the interior sides of side panels  14  and  16 . Since central portion  134  is angulated with respect to end portions  132  and  133 , space  140  is created between central portion  134  and the interior side  64  of side panel  14 . Plate portion  116  is then inserted into space  140 . Protrusion  118  and the angulation of central portion  134  cooperate to provide a frictional relationship between protrusion  118  and rear side  131  of central portion  134  as plate portion  116  is being inserted into space  140 . Plate portion  116  is inserted through space  140  until protrusion  118  exits space  140  and edge  122  of protrusion  118  abuts perimetrical edge  143  of central portion  134  of clip retainer  130 . Protrusion  118  and the angulation of central portion  134  effect a firm lodgment of plate portion  116  within space  140  when plate portion  116  is completely inserted into space  140 , as shown in FIG.  6 F. As shown in FIGS. 7-9, hinge portion  114  of each hinge push plate  112  is attached to door panel  20  thereby enabling door panel  20  to swing open or close. Since hinge push plate  112  is firmly positioned within space  140 , door panel  20  does not become dislodged, loose or misaligned. 
     Hinge portions  114  can be attached to door panels  20  and  22  by any suitable means, e.g. fasteners, rivets, screws, spot welding. However, it is to be understood that hinge push plates  112  are already attached to the door panels  20  and  22  prior to storage unit  10  being shipped to the end user or consumer. 
     In a preferred embodiment, rubber or plastic bumpers  150  (see FIGS. 1 and 7) are attached to the top and bottom panels  12  and  24  so as to function as door stops which reduce noise and cushion the impact when door panels  20  and  22  are closed. 
     5) Shelf Members 
     Referring to FIG. 1, shelf members  26  are removably secured to side panels  14  and  16  and back panel  18 . Shelf members  26  are identically constructed. Referring to FIGS. 9-11, each shelf member  26  comprises top side  151  for receiving stored articles, items, etc., bottom side  152 , lengthwise end portions  154  and  156 , and widthwise end portions  158  and  160 . Lengthwise end portions  154  and  156  include flange portions  162  and  164 , respectively. Flange portion  162  includes cut-outs  170 . Shelf members  26  are inserted into storage unit  10  and secured to side panels  14 ,  16  and back panel  18  so that lengthwise end portion  156  is supported by a bracket  54  (see FIG.  2 B), a portion of lengthwise end portion  156  is positioned within cut-outs  78  of side panel  14  (and corresponding cut-outs of side panel  16 ) and cut-outs  50  of back panel  18 , and cut-out  170  of shelf member  26  receives the perimetrical edge of cut-out  73  of side panel  14  (as well as the corresponding cut-outs of side panel  16 ). The structural configurations of side panels  14 ,  16 , back panel  18  and shelf member  26  described in the foregoing description provide for firm placement or lodgment of shelf members  26  within storage unit  10 . Furthermore, once shelf members  26  are secured to side panels  14 ,  16  and back panel  18 , shelf members  26  significantly improve the overall structural integrity of storage unit  10 . 
     In one embodiment, push rivets, such as push rivet  180  shown in FIG. 5C, are used to further improve the structural integrity of storage unit  10 . Referring to FIGS. 1,  4  and  5 C, push rivets  180  are inserted through openings  200  that are located on the front and rear sides of top and bottom panels  12  and  24 , respectively, and in back panel  18  and side panels  14  and  16 . Push rivets  180  lock together side panels  14  and  16 , back panel  18  and top and bottom panels  12  and  24 , respectively. 
     Storage unit  10  is preferably assembled in the following manner: 
     a) back panel  18  is positioned on a flat surface with interior side  28  facing upward; 
     b) side panel  14  is attached to back panel  18  as described in the foregoing description; 
     c) side panel  16  is attached to back panel  18  as described in the foregoing description; 
     d) push rivets  180  are inserted into openings  200  in the back panel  18  and flange  76  of side panel  14  and into openings  200  of the corresponding flange of side panel  16  in order to lock the side panels  14  and  16  to back panel  18  (see FIG.  4 ); 
     e) top panel  12  is positioned over side panels  14  and  16  and back panel  18  as shown in FIG. 12; 
     f) top panel  12  is then snapped securely into place such that protrusions  62  and  80  are disposed within openings  104  (the user may grasp one of brackets  54  for support during this step); 
     g) the bottom most shelf member  26  is inserted as described in the foregoing description; 
     h) the remaining shelf members  26  are inserted in the same manner; 
     i) bottom panel  24  is positioned over side panels  14  and  16  and back panel  18  in the same manners as was done for top panel  12  and snapped securely into place such that protrusions  62  and  80  are disposed with the openings formed in bottom panel  24  (the openings being similar to openings  104  of top panel  12 ); 
     j) push rivets  180  are inserted into openings  200  in the front sides of top and bottom panels  12  and  24 , respectively, and in lengthwise end portion  66  of side panel  14  and the corresponding lengthwise end portion of side panel  16  so as to lock storage unit  10  together (see FIGS.  1  and  4 ); 
     k) flour rubber door bumpers  150  are attached as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7; 
     l) door panel  20  is positioned so that plate portion  116  of each hinge push plate  112  is aligned with a corresponding slot  71  of side panel  14 ; 
     m) a downward force is exerted on door panel  20  so that plate portions  116  are inserted into spaces  140  and plate portions  116  become locked into place as described in the ensuing description; 
     n) the previous steps are repeated for door panel  22 ; 
     o) storage unit  10  is then positioned so that it is upright; and 
     p) push rivets  180  are inserted into openings  200  in the rear sides of top and bottom panels  12  and  24 , respectively, and back panel  18  as shown in FIG.  5 C. 
     In a preferred embodiment, storage unit  10  is mounted to a flat surface such as a wall or other structural member by using keyholes  60  in back panel  18 . 
     Storage unit  10  can be manufactured from a variety of materials, e.g. metal, plastic etc. 
     Thus, storage unit  10  can be shipped in a disassembled state and then quickly assembled by the consumer or end user. In addition to solving the problems associated with the prior art storage units, storage unit  10  can be assembled by the consumer or end user with a minimal amount of tools. 
     The relatively high degree of structural integrity of the completely assembled storage unit  10  eliminates the need to use additional fastening devices (e.g. screws, rivets, etc.). However, if the user or consumer desires, such additional fasteners can be used to further strengthen the completely assembled storage unit  10 . 
     In one embodiment, quick-assembly storage unit  10  includes a locking device, latch, magnets or other mechanism to keep door panels  20  and  22  in a closed position when the user desires that the door panels be kept in a closed position. 
     While the present invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.