Patent Publication Number: US-9416528-B2

Title: Folding shed with portable feature

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/776,982 filed Jul. 12, 2007, which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The field of the invention generally relates to structures, and more particularly to folding sheds. 
     2. Background Art 
     Sheds have many practical uses, including providing storage space for tools or equipment or shelter for people or animals. However, when not being used, a shed may undesirably occupy space. Further, it may be difficult to transport an assembled shed to a site or move it to another site because of the space occupied by it. This may be solved by transporting the shed in unassembled components. This solution, however, requires the shed to be assembled at the site and/or disassembled and reassembled. 
     Accordingly, what is needed in the art is an improved shed. Ideally, an improved shed would occupy less space when not being used than it does when being used. Also ideally, an improved shed would be easier to transport than a typical shed. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the present invention takes the form of a folding shed. The folding shed includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. A first roof section is pivotally coupled with the first sidewall. A second roof section is pivotally coupled with the second sidewall. A foldable first end wall is pivotally coupled with the first sidewall, and the first end wall is pivotally coupled with the second sidewall. A foldable second end wall is pivotally coupled with the first sidewall, and the second end wall is pivotally coupled with the second sidewall. The first and second sidewalls, the first and second roof sections, and the first and second foldable end walls are configurable into a first position to define an interior of a shed. The first roof section is pivotally movable outwardly from the interior of the shed when the first and second sidewalls, the first and second roof sections, and the first and second foldable end walls are configured in the first position. 
     This embodiment of the shed may also include multiple wheels, which may be permanently or removably attached to the shed. The wheels facilitate transport of the shed by rolling, and thus typically at least three wheels are included, and more typically at least four wheels are included. In various embodiments, the wheels may be adjustable from a raised position, in which the wheels are raised off of the ground and are inactive, to a lowered position, in which the wheels contact the ground, lift the bottom of the shed off of the ground, and are active. In one embodiment, for example, the wheels may be attached to the shed via caster jacks. 
     A second embodiment of the present invention takes the form of a method for configuring a folding building from an operation to a storage configuration. The method includes pivoting a first roof section of a roof of a building outwardly until a surface of the first roof section approximately abuts a first sidewall. The method further includes pivoting a second roof section of the roof outwardly until a surface of the second roof section approximately abuts a second sidewall. Optionally, the method may further include rolling the shed from one location to another on wheels attached to the shed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view of a first example of a folding shed. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a rear perspective view of the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  depicts a cross-sectional view of the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 1  viewed along line  3 - 3 . 
         FIG. 4  depicts a cross-sectional view of the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 1  viewed along line  4 - 4 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts a side elevation view of the roof peak of the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  depicts a front elevation view of an end wall connector for the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  depicts a side elevation view of a roof hinge for the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  depicts a front perspective view of the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 1  showing the left roof section partially opened. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a front perspective view of the folding shed shown in  FIG. 1  with the left and right roof sections shown in opened positions. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a front perspective view of the folding shed shown in  FIG. 1  with the left and right roof sections abutting the left and right sidewalls respectively. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a front perspective view of the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 1  with the front and rear end walls pivoted inwardly towards each other. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a front perspective view of the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 1  with the left and right sections of the front and rear end walls abutting each other. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a top plan view of the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 1  with the folding shed in a storage or transport configuration. 
         FIG. 14  depicts a front perspective view of a second example of a folding shed. 
         FIG. 15  depicts a front perspective view of the second example of the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 14  with two roof segments for the left roof section shown in a partially opened position. 
         FIG. 16  depicts a front perspective view of a third example of a folding shed. 
         FIG. 17  depicts a front perspective view of a third example of the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 16  with the right roof section shown in a partially opened configuration. 
         FIG. 18  depicts a front elevation view of a third example of the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 16  with the right roof section shown in a partially opened configuration in which the upper and lower roof segments of the right roof section abut each other. 
         FIG. 19  depicts a front elevation view of the third example of the folding shed depicted in  FIG. 16  with the lower roof segments of the right roof section shown abutting the right sidewall. 
         FIG. 20  depicts a front perspective view of a fourth example of a folding shed. 
         FIG. 21  depicts an exploded front perspective view of the fourth example of a folding shed depicted in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  depicts a front perspective view of the folding shed shown in  FIG. 1  with wheels attached to the sidewalls of the shed. 
         FIG. 23  depicts a front elevation view of the folding shed shown in  FIG. 1  with wheels attached to the sidewalls of the shed. 
         FIG. 24  depicts a top elevation view of the folding shed shown in  FIG. 1  with wheels attached to the sidewalls of the shed. 
         FIG. 25  depicts a side perspective view of a wheel, caster jack and bracket for attachment to a shed, as depicted in  FIGS. 22-24 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Implementations of the present invention involve a folding shelter structure. One particular implementation is a folding shed. The folding structure may include a roof, two sidewalls, and two end walls. The roof may be divided into two sections, each section pivotally connected to a sidewall. Each end wall may be divided into two sections that are pivotally connected to each other and to the sidewall adjacent the section. The folding structure may be transformed from an operation to a storage or transport configuration by outwardly pivoting each roof section until the exterior surface of each roof section approximately abuts the exterior surface of the respective sidewall to which it is connected and inwardly pivoting the two sections of each end wall until the exterior sections for each end wall approximately abut each other. Once transformed into a storage or transport configuration, the structure may be readily stored or transported, especially compared to a similarly sized, fully assembled, non-folding structure. The assembled folding shed may be used to store tools or equipment, provide shelter for people or animals, or serve as a green house or duck blind. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  depict front and rear perspective views of a first example of a folding shed  100  in an unfolded configuration, and  FIG. 11  depicts a front perspective view of the first example of a folding shed  100  in a partially folded configuration. In this example, the folding shed  100  includes a rectangular base  102  and a roof  104 . The base  102  includes left and right sidewalls  106 ,  108  and front and rear end walls  110 ,  112 . The roof  104  is divided into separate left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  with each roof section  114 ,  116  pivotally coupled to its respective sidewall  106 ,  108 . In one particular arrangement, the roof sections  114 ,  116  are connected to the sidewall  106 ,  108  supporting it with one or more roof hinges  118  so that each section may be independently pivoted with respect to the sidewall  106 ,  108 . Further, each end wall  110 ,  112  is divided into separate right and left end wall sections  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 . The end wall sections  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  are connected together by one or more end wall hinges  128  so that the right and left sections of an end wall  110 ,  112  may be pivoted or folded relative to each other. Although the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  are each shown as connected to their respective sidewalls  106 ,  108  by two roof hinges  118 , more or fewer roof hinges may be used to connect each roof section  114 ,  116  to its respective sidewall  106 ,  108 . Similarly, although the right and left end wall sections  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  for the front and back end walls  110 ,  112  are shown as connected together by two end wall hinges  128 , more or fewer end wall hinges may be used. Moreover, other pivoting or rotating arrangements besides hinges may be employed, such as ball and socket joints, universal joints, and so on. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the left and right sidewalls  106 ,  108  may be formed using horizontal and vertical sidewall members  130   a - c ,  132   a - c  with sidewall panels  134   a - b  therebetween. The horizontal and vertical sidewall members  130   a - c ,  132   a - c  may be configured to define sidewall frame structures for receiving and retaining the sidewall panels  134   a - b  as described in more detail below. Each horizontal and vertical sidewall member  130   a - c ,  132   a - c  may be joined to another horizontal or vertical sidewall member  130   a - c ,  132   a - c  by fasteners, welds, adhesives, any other known methods for joining two items together, or any combination thereof. In a similar manner, which will be described in more detail below, the roof  104  may be formed using horizontal and sloping roof members  140 ,  142   a - c  with roof panels  144  therebetween, and each end wall  110 ,  112  may be formed using horizontal, vertical, and sloping end wall members  150   a - c ,  152   a - b ,  154  with end wall panels  156  therebetween. The number and arrangement of sidewall, roof and end wall members will depend on various factors, including the desired overall weight for the structure or any particular part of the structure, the desired rigidity or size of the structure, visual or other aesthetic considerations, cost and availability of materials, and so on. 
     The folding shed  100  may also include a door  160  connected to the front end wall  110  by one or more door hinges  162  to enable entry into and out of the shed  100 . Although the door  160  is shown as connected to the front end wall  110  by two door hinges  162 , more or fewer door hinges may be used. Also, although only one door  160  is shown, the folding shed may include one or more doors or windows, which may located in any of the end walls  110 ,  112  or sidewalls  106 ,  108 . 
     When the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  are configured in a closed position as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a joint is formed between them at the peak of the roof  104 . Water from rain, hoses, or other water sources may leak through this joint. To minimize water leakage through it, a roof plate  164  may be placed over the joint along the joint&#39;s length. Although only one roof plate  164  is shown, more than one roof plate may be used to prevent water leakage through the roof joint. Additionally, other devices or methods for sealing a joint to prevent water leakage through it may be used in lieu of, or in combination with, the roof plate  164 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts a cross-sectional view of the folding shed  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  viewed along line  3 - 3 . The right sidewall  108  may be pivotally connected to the front end wall  110  using one or more front sidewall hinges  170 . The right sidewall  108  may also be pivotally connected to the rear end wall  112  using one or more rear sidewall hinges  172 . Like the right sidewall  108 , the left sidewall  106  may also be pivotally connected to the front and rear end walls  110 ,  112  using front and rear sidewall hinges  170 ,  172 . 
     When the right roof section  116  is in a closed position, it may be secured to the front and rear end walls  110 ,  112  using end wall connectors  174 , such as latches. Securing the right roof section  116  to the front end wall  110 , the rear end wall  112 , or both end walls  110 ,  112  prevents the right roof section  116  from being undesirably separated from the end walls  110 ,  112 . For example, wind uplift forces could cause the right roof section  116  to be lifted away from the front and rear end walls  110 ,  112  if not positively connected to at least one of the end walls  110 ,  112 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the right roof section  116  is secured to both the front and rear end walls  110 ,  112 . However, the right roof section  116  may be secured to only the front end wall  110  or to only the rear end wall  112 . The left roof section  114  may also be secured to either the front end wall  110 , the rear end wall  112 , or both, in a manner similar to the right roof section  116 . 
     In the unfolded orientation, roof connectors  180  are provided to join the right and left roof sections  114 ,  116 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , a roof connector  180  may include right and left roof connector plates  182 ,  184 . The right roof connector plate  182  may be connected to the right horizontal top roof member  140   a  using a first roof connector fastener  186 , such as a bolt, screw or the like. Similarly, the left connector plate  184  may be connected to the left top horizontal roof member  140   b  using a second roof connector fastener  188 . When the right and left roof sections  114 ,  116  are both in a closed position as shown in  FIG. 5 , the right and left roof connector plates  182 ,  184  may be connected together using a third roof connector fastener  190 . In some embodiments, one of the plates  182 ,  184  has a latch biased into a closed position and the other a pin for snap joining the roof connector plates  182 ,  184  together. By using a roof connector  180 , the right and left roof sections  114 ,  116  may be prevented from moving towards the interior of the folding shed under the influence of gravity or other downward forces, or away from the interior of the shed under the influence of wind uplift or other upward forces when the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  are in a closed position. 
     Although the roof connector  180  is depicted as including two roof connector plates  182 ,  184 , the roof connector  180  could be formed using more or fewer plates or using different components. For example, the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  may be connected together using a single plate that is connected to both roof sections. As another example, the left and right sections  114 ,  116  may be connected together using a tie rod connected to each section  114 ,  116 . Further, although the roof connector plates  182 ,  184  are depicted as mechanically fastened to the right and left roof sections  114 ,  116  and to each other, other known methods of joining two items together such as welding or adhering, or a combination of other known methods, could be used to join the roof connector plates  182 ,  184  to the right and left roof sections  114 ,  116  and to each other. Similarly, alternative forms of the roof connector  180  (e.g., the tie rod) could be mechanically fastened, welded, adhered, joined by other known methods for joining two items together, or joined by a combination thereof. The roof connectors  180  may also be omitted. If omitted, the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  may be directly connected to each other without the use of an intermediate component such as a roof connector  180 , or may not be connected together. 
     Generally, the roof connectors  180  form a more stable roof by structurally tying the right and left roof sections  114 ,  116  together. Columns (not shown) may also be used to support the roof  104 , especially for larger sheds. The columns could be connected to the roof  104  by welding or adhering the columns to the roof members  140   a - b ,  142   a - c ,  144 , using mechanical fasteners, such as bolts or screws, to join the columns to the roof members  140   a - b ,  142   a - c ,  144 , using any other suitable method of joining two or more components together, or any combination thereof. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a cross-sectional view of the folding shed  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  viewed along line  4 - 4 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , upper sidewall panels  134   a  may span between top and intermediate horizontal sidewall members  130   a, b , and lower sidewall panels  134   b  may span between intermediate and bottom horizontal sidewall members  130   b, c . The sidewall panels  134   a, b  may contain a sidewall filler  200  to maintain the spaced relationship between plates forming the sidewall panels  134   a, b , to enhance the structural integrity of the sidewall panels  134   a, b  (e.g., to reduce the tendency of the plates forming a sidewall panel to buckle), to provide insulation for the folding shed  100 , to soundproof the folding shed  100 , to increase the weight of the folding shed  100  to resist uplift or overturning forces, to increase the fire resistance of the folding shed  100 , or to do a combination thereof. One or more stiffener plates (not shown) may also located between plates forming the sidewall panels  134   a, b  to maintain the plates&#39; spaced relationship or to enhance the panel&#39;s structural integrity. Although each sidewall panel  134   a, b  is shown as including a sidewall filler  200 , the sidewall filler  200  may be omitted from any or all of the sidewall panels  134   a, b . Similarly, stiffener plates may be omitted from any or all of the sidewall panels  134   a, b.    
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the top horizontal sidewall members  130   a  may have generally rectangular, hollow cross-sectional bodies  202 . As shown best in  FIG. 7 , a pair of opposing, generally parallel plates  204   a, b  may extend vertically downward from each top horizontal sidewall member body  202  to define generally U-shaped channels for receiving top end portions of the upper sidewall panels  134   a . The top horizontal sidewall member plates  204   a, b  may be integral with their respective top horizontal sidewall member body  202  or may be separate components connected to their respective top horizontal sidewall member body  202  by fasteners, welds, adhesives, any other known method for joining two members together, or a combination thereof. Further, each top horizontal sidewall member  130   a  may be integral along its length or may be made up of multiple, separate components that are connected together by fasteners, welds, adhesives, any other known method for joining two members together, or any combination thereof. Referring back to  FIG. 4 , the bottom horizontal sidewall members  130   c  may be generally similar to the top horizontal sidewall members  130   a  except their generally parallel plates may extend vertically upward from generally rectangular, hollow bodies to define generally U-shaped channels for receiving bottom end portions of the lower sidewall panels  134   b.    
     With further reference to  FIG. 4 , the intermediate horizontal sidewall members  130   b  may have generally H-shaped cross-sectional areas that define upper and a lower U-shaped channels. The upper U-shaped channels may receive bottom end portions of upper sidewall panels  134   a  while the lower U-shaped channels may receive top end portions of the lower sidewall panels  134   b . Each intermediate horizontal sidewall member  130   b  may be formed as single member or may be formed from separate components (e.g., three plates configured to form an H-shaped cross-sectional area) connected together by fasteners, welds, adhesives, any other known method for joining two members together, or a combination thereof. Further, each intermediate horizontal sidewall member  130   b  may be integral along its length or may be made up of multiple, separate components that are connected together by fasteners, welds, adhesives, any other known method for joining two members together, or any combination thereof. 
     The exterior vertical sidewall members  132   a, b  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2  for locations) may generally resemble the top and bottom sidewall horizontal members  130   a, c  and may generally receive end portions of sidewall panels  134   a, b  within U-shaped channels. The interior vertical sidewall members  132   c  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2  for locations) may generally resemble the intermediate horizontal sidewall members  130   b  and may generally receive end portions of sidewall panels  134   a  within U-shaped channels. 
     The horizontal and vertical sidewall members  130   a - c ,  132   a - c  may be configured to define sidewall frame structures as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The U-shaped channels, which are generically shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , for each horizontal and vertical sidewall member  130   a - c ,  132   a - c  that forms a sidewall frame structure may collectively define a tongue and groove system for connecting the sidewall panels  134   a - b  to the sidewall frame structure. For example, the intermediate and bottom horizontal left sidewall members  130   b - c  and the front and rear exterior vertical left sidewall members  132   a - b  may together define a groove encompassing the outer perimeter of the lower left sidewall panel  134   b  when top, bottom, left, and right end portions of the lower sidewall panel  134   b  are received within the U-shaped grooves of the intermediate horizontal left sidewall member  130   b , the bottom horizontal left sidewall member  130   c , the front exterior vertical left sidewall member  134   a , and the rear exterior left vertical sidewall member  134   b , respectively. Because the outer perimeter of the lower left sidewall panel  134   b  is encompassed by these left sidewall members  130   b - c ,  132   a - b , the lower left sidewall panel  134   b  is retained with the left sidewall frame structure, thereby effectively connecting the lower left sidewall panel  134   b  to the sidewall frame structures. Other left and right sidewall panels  134   a, b  may have their outer perimeters similarly encompassed by left and right sidewall horizontal and vertical members  130   a - c ,  132   a - c , thereby retaining them within their respective left and right sidewall frame structures. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , roof panels  144  may span between top and bottom roof members  140   a - d . The roof panels  144  may be formed from interior and exterior roof panel plates. The roof panels  144  may include roof filler  210  to maintain the spaced relationship between the plates forming the panels  144 , to enhance the structural integrity of the roof panels  144  (e.g., to reduce the tendency of the plates forming a roof panel  144  to buckle), to provide insulation for the folding shed  100 , to soundproof the folding shed  100 , to increase the weight of the folding shed  100  to resist uplift or overturning forces, to increase the fire resistance of the folding shed  100 , or to do a combination thereof. One or more stiffener plates (not shown) may also located between the plates forming the roof panels  144  to maintain the plates&#39; spaced relationship or to enhance the roof panels&#39; structural integrity. Although the roof panels  144  are shown as including a roof filler  210 , the roof filler  210  may be omitted from any or all of the roof panels  144 . Similarly, stiffener plates may be omitted from any or all of the roof panels  144 . 
     The top and bottom horizontal roof members  140   a - d  may generally resemble the top and bottom horizontal sidewall members  130   a, c , which are best shown in  FIG. 4 . In particular and with reference to  FIG. 5 , the top horizontal roof members  140   a, b  may have generally rectangular, hollow cross-sectional bodies  212 . A pair of opposing, generally parallel plates  214  may extend downward from each top horizontal roof member body  212  to define a generally U-shaped channel for receiving a top end portion of a roof panel  144 . The top horizontal roof member plates  214  may be integral with their respective top horizontal roof member body  212  or may be separate components connected to their respective top roof member body  212  by fasteners, welds, adhesives, any other known method for joining two members together, or a combination thereof. Further, each top horizontal roof member  140   a - b  may be integral along its length or may be multiple, separate components that are connected together by fasteners, welds, adhesives, any other known method for joining two members together, or a combination thereof. Turning back to  FIG. 4 , the bottom horizontal roof members  140   c - d  may be generally similar to the top horizontal roof members  140   a - b  except the generally parallel plates may extend upward from generally rectangular, hollow bodies to define a generally U-shaped channels for receiving bottom end portions of roof panels  144 . 
     The front and rear sloping roof members  142   a, b  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2  for locations) may generally resemble the top and bottom horizontal roof members  130   a, c  and may generally receive end portions of roof panels  144  within U-shaped channels. The interior sloping roof members  142   c  may generally resemble the intermediate horizontal sidewall members  130   b  (i.e., have H-shaped cross-sectional areas) and may generally receive end portions of roof panels  144  within U-shaped channels. 
     The horizontal and sloping roof members  142   a - c  may be configured to define a roof frame structure as shown in  FIG. 1 . As discussed above with respect to the sidewall horizontal and vertical members  130   a - c ,  132   a - c , the U-shaped channels for each horizontal and sloping roof member  140   a - d ,  142   a - c  may collectively define a tongue and groove system for connecting the roof panels  144  to the roof frame structure in a manner similar to the one described above for the sidewalls  106 ,  108 . 
     The front and rear end walls  110 ,  112  may be created in a manner similar to the left and right sidewalls  106 ,  108 . In particular, the end wall panels  156  may include interior and exterior end wall panel plates with end wall filler located between them. Like the sidewall filler, the end wall filler may be used to maintain the spaced relationship between the interior and exterior end wall panel plates, to enhance the structural integrity of the end wall panel plates (e.g., to reduce the tendency of the end wall panel plates to buckle), to provide insulation for the folding shed  100 , to soundproof the folding shed  100 , to increase the weight of the folding shed  100  to resist uplift or overturning forces, to increase the fire resistance of the folding shed  100 , or to do a combination thereof. One or more stiffener plates may also located between the interior and exterior end panel plates to maintain their spaced relationship or to enhance their structural integrity. The end wall filler may be omitted from any or all of the end wall panels  156 , and the stiffener plates may be omitted from any or all of the end wall panels  156 . 
     The exterior and interior vertical end wall members  152   a, b  may generally resemble the exterior vertical sidewall members  132   a, b , the sloping and bottom horizontal end wall members  154 ,  150   a  may generally resemble the top and bottom horizontal sidewall members  130   a, c , and the intermediate and top horizontal end wall members  150   b, c  may generally resemble the intermediate horizontal sidewall members  130   b . As required, vertical and horizontal end wall members  152   b ,  150   a, c , adjacent the door  160  may have slightly modified cross-sectional areas to accommodate the door  160 . For example, the portion of the top horizontal front end wall member  150   c  adjacent the door  160  may have a rectangular, hollow cross-sectional area with a pair of opposing plates extending vertically upward from the rectangular cross-sectional area rather than an H-shaped cross-sectional area. 
     The horizontal, vertical and sloping end wall members may be configured to define end wall frame structures as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As discussed above with respect to the sidewalls  106 ,  108 , the U-shaped channels for each horizontal, vertical, and sloping end wall member  150   a - c ,  152   a - b ,  154  may collectively define a tongue and groove system for connecting the end wall panels  156  to the end wall frame structures in a manner similar to the one described above for the sidewalls  106 ,  108 . 
     The right or left front end wall sections  120 ,  122  may include a sliding bar (not shown). The other front end wall section  122 ,  120  may include a slot (not shown) or other suitable means for receiving the sliding bar. When the shed is configured in the unfolded position as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bar is received within the slot to maintain the alignment of the right and left sections  120 ,  122  of the front end wall  110 . The rear end wall  112  may also have a sliding bar and slot to maintain the alignment of the right and left sections  124 ,  126  of the rear end wall  112  when the shed is configured in its unfolded position. 
     The door  160  may be created in a manner similar to the left and right sidewalls  106 ,  108 . In particular, the door panels  220  may include interior and exterior door panel plates with door filler located between them. Like the sidewall filler, the door filler may be used to maintain the spaced relationship between the interior and exterior door panel plates, to enhance the structural integrity of the door panel plates (e.g., to reduce the tendency of the door panel plates to buckle), to provide insulation for the folding shed  100 , to soundproof the folding shed  100 , to increase the weight of the folding shed  100  to resist uplift or overturning forces, to increase the fire resistance of the folding shed  100 , or to do a combination thereof. One or more stiffener plates may also located between the interior and exterior door panel plates to maintain their spaced relationship or to enhance their structural integrity. The door filler may be omitted from any or all of the door panels  220 , and the stiffener plates may be omitted from any or all of the door panels  220 . 
     The vertical door members  222  may generally resemble the exterior vertical sidewall members  132   a - b , the top and bottom horizontal door members  224   a, c  may generally resemble the top and bottom horizontal sidewall members  130   a, c , and the intermediate horizontal door member  224   b  may generally resemble the intermediate sidewall member  130   b.    
     The horizontal and vertical door members  222 ,  224   a - c  may be configured to define a door frame structure as shown in  FIG. 1 . As described above for the sidewalls  106 ,  108 , the U-shaped channels for each horizontal and vertical door member  222 ,  224   a - c  may collectively define a tongue and groove system for connecting the door panels  220  to the door frame structure in a manner similar to the one described above for the sidewall. 
     Any or all of the end wall, sidewall, roof, and door panels  156 ,  134   a - b ,  144 ,  220  may include one or more openings through their respective interior or exterior panel plates. These openings may be used to selectively insert or remove filler from panels containing such openings and may be selectively closable. Selectively inserting or removing filler from one or more of the panels may be useful to minimize the weight of the folding shed  100  during transport, and/or to periodically replace or repair filler. 
     The end wall, sidewall, roof, and door members and panel plates may be made of metal, wood, plastic, concrete, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. The end wall, sidewall, and roof filler may be foam, insulation, sand, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. 
     A method of pre-assembling a left sidewall  106  for use with the folding shed will be now be described. First, the bottom horizontal sidewall member  130   c  may be connected to the exterior vertical sidewall members  132   a - b . The lower sidewall panel  134   b  may then be received within the U-shaped channels of the bottom horizontal sidewall member  130   c  and the exterior vertical sidewall members  132   a - b . The intermediate horizontal member  130   b  may then be connected to the exterior vertical sidewall members  132   a - b  with the upper portion of the bottom sidewall panel  134   b  received within the U-shaped channel of the intermediate horizontal member  130   b . The interior vertical sidewall members  132   c  may be connected to the intermediate horizontal member  130   b . The upper sidewall panels  134   a  may then be received within the U-shaped channels of the intermediate horizontal sidewall member  130   b , the exterior vertical sidewall members  132   a - b , and/or the interior sidewall members  132   c . The top horizontal sidewall member  130   a  may be connected to the exterior and interior vertical sidewall members  132   a - c  with the upper portion of the upper sidewall panels  134   a  received within the U-shaped channel of the top horizontal sidewall member  130   a . The horizontal and vertical sidewall members  130   a - c ,  132   a - c  may be connected together by fasteners, welds, adhesives, any other known method for joining two members together, or a combination thereof. 
     Although assembly of the left sidewall  106  has been described with members and panels connected together in a certain order, the order of assembly could be different. For example, the bottom sidewall panel  134   b  could be received within the bottom horizontal sidewall member  130   c , and then the exterior vertical sidewall members  132   a - b  could be connected to the bottom horizontal member  130   c . As another example, the intermediate horizontal sidewall member  130   b  could be connected to the interior and exterior vertical members  132   a - c , and then the lower and upper sidewall panels  134   a - b  could be received within the U-shaped grooves of the intermediate horizontal sidewall member  130   b  and the exterior and interior vertical members  132   a - c.    
     The right sidewall  108 , the roof  104 , the front and rear end walls  110 ,  112 , and the door  160  may be pre-assembled in a manner similar to that described for the left sidewall  108  for use as part of the folding shed  100 . Once the left and right sidewalls  106 ,  108 , the front and rear end walls  110 ,  112 , the roof  104 , and the door  160  are assembled, they may be connected together using hinges  118 ,  128 ,  162 ,  170 ,  172  as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3  to form the folding shed. Although the assembly of the folding shed  100  has been described as occurring in a certain order, the order of assembly could be different. For example, some or all of the end wall, sidewall, roof, and door members that are connected together by hinges may first be connected together with their respective hinges  118 ,  128 ,  162 ,  170 ,  172 , and then the end walls  110 ,  112 , sidewalls  106 ,  108 , roof  104 , and door  160  could be assembled. 
     Although the shape and configuration for members forming each frame structure for the sidewalls  106 ,  108 , end walls  110 ,  112 , roof  104 , and door  160  have been described with a certain specificity, other shapes and configurations may be used for any or all of the members. Further, although a tongue and groove system has been described for connecting the panels  134   a - b ,  144 ,  156 ,  220  for the sidewalls  106 ,  108 , end walls  110 ,  112 , roof  104 , and door  160  to their respective frame structures, other methods of connecting the panels  134   a - b ,  144 ,  156 ,  220  to the frame structure may used in lieu of, or in combination with, the tongue and groove system described above including connecting the panels  134   a - b ,  144 ,  156 ,  220  to their respective supporting frame structures by mechanical fasteners, welds, adhesives, any other known method to join two items together, or any combination thereof. Yet further, although the sidewalls  106 ,  108 , end walls  110 ,  112 , roof  104 , and door  160  have been depicted in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4  and other figures as being a certain frame and panel structure, any or all may be created using any wall, roof, or door construction method used to create a structure. For example, a wood framing structure with plywood connected to the exterior side of the wood framing may be used for any or all of the sidewalls, end walls, roof, or the door. As another example, lightweight pre-cast concrete panels may be used to create any or all of the sidewalls, end walls, the roof, or the door for the folding shed. As yet another example, the sidewalls and end walls could be formed from a molded plastic that resembles the logs of a log cabin. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the roof plate  164  may be connected to the left roof section  114  using a roof plate connection member  230 . In particular, the roof plate connection member  230  may be welded to the left roof section  114  and the roof plate  164 . The roof plate connection member  230  may be an angle as shown in  FIG. 5 , a plate, or any other suitably shaped member. Further, more than one roof plate connection member  230  may be used. The roof plate  164  may be connected to the right roof section  116  using one or more roof plate fasteners  232 . A water sealant  234  may be located between the roof plate  164  and the right and left sections  114 ,  116 . The water sealant  234  helps prevent water from passing through the joint formed between the roof plate  164  and the right and left roof sections  114 ,  116 . The combination of the roof plate  164  and the water sealant  234  may be used to prevent water from entering the joint formed between the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  when the sections  114 ,  116  are configured in a closed position. 
     The roof plate  164  may be made of metal, wood, plastic, concrete, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. The water sealant  234  may be made of rubber, plastic, or any other suitable material. 
     Methods of joining the roof plate  164  to the right and left roof sections  114 ,  116  other than the method depicted in  FIG. 5  and described above may be used. For example, the roof plate  164  could be connected to both the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  by roof plate fasteners  232 . As another example, the roof plate  164  could be connected to the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  by gluing the roof plate  164  to the water sealant  234  and gluing the water sealant  234  to the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116 . 
     Methods of preventing water from passing through the joint formed between the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  when the sections  114 ,  116  are configured in a closed position other than the one depicted in  FIG. 5  and described above may be used. For example, a first waterproof material (e.g., rubber) may be connected to the left roof section  114  and a second waterproof material may be connected to the right roof section  116 . Continuing with the example, the first and second waterproof materials may be configured to be pressed together when the roof sections  114 ,  116  are in a closed position in order to create a watertight seal at the joint formed between the roof sections  114 ,  116 . As another example, a waterproof material could be configured to form a shape similar to the shape of the roof plate  164  depicted in  FIG. 5  and connected to the roof sections  114 ,  116  by fasteners. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a detailed view of an end wall connector  174 , which may be used to prevent the roof  104  from being undesirably separated from the end walls  110 ,  112  when the roof  104  is in a closed position. The end wall connector  174  may include an end wall connector plate  240  connected to the roof  104  by welding the plate  240  to the roof  104 . Although depicted as connected to the roof  104  by welds, the plate  240  could be connected to the roof  104  by use of fasteners, adhesives, any other known method of connecting two members together, or any combination thereof. The end wall connector plate  240  may include a slot for receiving a peg  242  connected to the end wall  112 . The peg  242  may be connected to the end wall  112  using mechanical fasteners, welds, adhesives, any other known connection method, or any combination thereof. 
     Attached to the plate  240  may be a latch  244  that forms an enclosed space with the slot in the end wall connector plate  240  for retaining the peg  242  within the slot. The latch  244  may be generally biased by a spring or other suitable device into a closed a position and may be connected to a latch handle  246  that permits the latch  244  to be moved from the closed position to an open position. To receive the peg  242  within the slot, the latch  244  may be moved to an open position as the roof  104  is moved into its closed position. Once the peg  242  is received within the slot, the latch  244  may be returned to its closed position (e.g., for example, by releasing the handle  246  if the latch  244  is biased to the closed position), thereby retaining the peg  242  within the enclosed space formed by the slot and the latch  244 . The latch  244  may be configured to be moved into an open position by contact with the peg  242  as the roof  104  is moved into a closed position. Once the peg  242  clears the latch  244 , the latch  244  may then be biased by a spring or other suitable device to return the latch  244  to its closed position. Methods other than the one depicted in  FIG. 6  and described above may be used to prevent the roof  104  from being undesirably separated from the end walls  110 ,  112  when the roof  104  is configured in a closed position. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a side elevation view of a roof hinge  118  for the folding shed  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The roof hinge  118  may include a side wall hinge plate  250  pivotally connected to a roof hinge plate  252 . The side wall hinge plate  250  may be configured to form T-shaped cross-section and may be connected to the top horizontal sidewall member  130   a  by welds. Although the side wall hinge plate  250  is depicted as connected to the top horizontal sidewall member  130   a  by welds, it may be connected to the top horizontal sidewall member  130   a  using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, any other known method for joining two items together, or any combination thereof. Similarly, the roof hinge plate  252  may be connected to the bottom horizontal roof member  140   d  using mechanical fasteners, welds, adhesives, any other known method for connecting two items together, or any combination thereof. Although the roof hinge  118  is depicted as a T-shaped side wall hinge plate  250  pivotally connected to a roof hinge plate  252 , any other method for forming a hinged connection may be used to form a pivot connection between the sidewalls  106 ,  108  and the roof  104 . 
     A method for transforming the folding shed  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1-7  from an operation configuration to a storage or transport configuration will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 8 through 13 . If required, any connections between the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  to each other or to the sidewalls  106 ,  108  or end walls  110 ,  112  (other than the hinged connections between the roof  104  and the sidewalls  106 ,  108 ) are undone. For example, if the roof connector  180  depicted in  FIG. 5  is utilized, then the third roof fastener  190  may be removed in order to disconnect the right and left roof connector plates  182 ,  184  from each other. Similarly, if the roof plate  164  depicted in  FIG. 5  is utilized, the roof plate fasteners  232  may be removed to disconnect the roof plate  164  from the right roof section  116 . As yet another example, if the end wall connector  174  depicted in  FIG. 6  is utilized, then the latch  244  may be moved into an open position to allow the peg  242  to be removed from the slot in the end wall connector plate  240 . 
     After disconnecting any connections between the left and right sections  114 ,  116  to each other and to the sidewalls  106 ,  108  and end walls  110 ,  112 , the left roof section  114  may be pivoted outwardly relative to the left sidewall  106  until its exterior surface approximately abuts the exterior surface of the left sidewall  106  as shown in  FIG. 9 . The right roof section  116  may then be pivoted outwardly relative to the right sidewall  108  until its exterior surface approximately abuts the exterior surface of the right sidewall  108  as shown in  FIG. 10 . After the exterior surfaces of the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  approximately abut the exterior surfaces of their respective sidewalls  106 ,  108 , any connections between the sidewalls  106 ,  108  and end walls  110 ,  112  to each other, to the ground or a foundation (other than the hinged connections between the end walls to each other or the sidewalls  106 ,  108 ) are undone. Once these connections, if any, are undone, the right and left sections  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  of the front and rear end walls  110 ,  112  may be moved inwardly toward the interior of the folding shed  100  as shown in  FIG. 11  until the exterior surfaces for the left and right sections  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  for each front and rear end walls  110 ,  112  approximately abut each other as shown in  FIG. 12 . Upon completion of this step, the folding shed  100  is now in a storage or transport configuration. As shown in  FIG. 13 , in such a configuration the exterior surfaces of the left and right sections  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  of the front and rear end walls  110 ,  112  approximately abut each other and the interior surfaces of the left and right sections  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  of the front and rear end walls  110 ,  112  approximately abut the interior surfaces of the left and right sidewalls  106 ,  108 , respectively. 
     As described above, any or all of the roof, end wall, and sidewall panels  144 ,  156 ,  134   a - b  may include openings in order to remove some or all of the roof, end wall, and sidewall filler from any or all of the roof, end wall and sidewall panels  144 ,  156 ,  134   a - b , respectively. The removal of some or all of roof, end wall, or sidewall filler prior to transforming the folding shed  100  from an operation to a transport or storage configuration may reduce the weight of the folding shed  100 , thereby potentially reducing the effort required to transform the folding shed  100  to its storage or transport configuration. Such a situation may especially arise when the material used for the filler (e.g., sand) is selected to increase the weight of the folding shed  100  to resist wind and other overturning or uplift forces. 
     To transform the folding shed  100  from the storage or transport configuration shown in  FIG. 13  to an operation configuration as shown in  FIG. 1 or 2 , the steps described above for transforming the folding shed  100  from an operation to a storage or transport configuration may be repeated in reverse order. Also, although the steps for transforming a shed  100  from an operation to a storage or transport configuration, or vice versa, are described in a certain order, the steps may be performed in a different order or some steps may be omitted. For example, rather than outwardly pivoting the left roof section  114  first, the right roof section  116  may be outwardly pivoted first for some folding sheds  100 . Further, it should be appreciated that the end wall and sidewall hinges  128 ,  170 ,  172  may be configured to permit the left and right sections  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126  for either or both end walls  110 ,  112  to pivot outwardly rather than inwardly. When so configured, the interior surfaces of the left and right sidewalls  106 ,  108  will approximately abut when the folding shed  100  is configured into its storage or operation configuration. 
     In one embodiment, the folding shed  100  in its operation configuration may be approximately 12′ wide by 12′ long with a height of 6½′ at the eaves and 8′ at the peak. At this size or smaller, the folding shed  100  can be readily configured from its folded configuration to its unfolded configuration, or vice versa, by one or two people. For larger sheds, mechanical equipment may be used to help move the folding shed  100  to a desired location on site and/or to change the folding shed  100  from a folded to an unfolded configuration, and vice versa. 
       FIG. 14  depicts a perspective view of a second example of a folding shed  300  where like numbers are used for similar components. The second folding shed  300  is similar to the first folding shed  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  except the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  are separated along vertical lines into one or more roof segments  302   a - c ,  304   a - c . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  are each broken into three roof segments  302   a - c ,  304   a - c  although each roof section  114 ,  116  could be divided into more or fewer than three roof segments  302   a - c ,  304   a - c . The second example of a folding shed  300  as shown in  FIG. 14  may also include sloping roof plates  306   a - d  located over the joints formed by the roof segments  302   a - c ,  304   a - c . These sloping roof plates  306   a - d  help prevent water from entering into the folding shed  300  through the joints formed by adjacent roof segments  302   a - c ,  304   a - c  and may be connected to the roof segment  302   a - c ,  304   a - c  in a manner similar to that described above for connecting the roof plate  164  to the right and left roof sections  114 ,  116 . The framing structure of the roof  104 , the sidewalls  106 ,  108 , the end walls  110 ,  112 , and the door  160 , is also slightly varied from the system depicted and described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Specifically, the panels for the roof  104 , the sidewalls  106 ,  108 , the end walls  110 ,  112 , and the door  160 , are connected on the exterior of the horizontal, vertical, and/or sloping roof, sidewall, end wall, and door members rather than between these members as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . It should be recognized, however, that the frame structure depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  for the roof  104 , the sidewalls  106 ,  108 , and the end walls  110 ,  112  may also be used in the second example of a folding shed  300 . Further, any other construction method used to form walls, roofs, and doors for structures may be used. 
     The method for transforming the second folding shed  300  depicted in  FIG. 14  from an operation to a storage or transport configuration is similar to that described for the first example of the folding shed  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The primary difference is that transforming the left and right roof segments  114 ,  116  from an operation to a storage or transport configuration (or vice versa) involves pivoting multiple roof segments  302   a - c ,  304   a - c  for each roof section  114 ,  116  rather than the entire roof section  114 ,  116 . A potential advantage for configuring the roof sections  114 ,  116  this way is that rather than moving one large roof section, each roof section  114 ,  116  may be pivoted relative to its respective sidewall  106 ,  108  in smaller, potentially more manageable segments. The remaining steps for transforming the second folding shed  300  depicted in  FIGS. 14 and 15  are substantially the same as those described above with respect to the first folding shed  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       FIG. 16  depicts a perspective view of a third example of a folding shed  400 , where like numbers are used for similar components. The third folding shed  400  is similar to the first folding shed  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  except the left and right roof sections  114 ,  116  have been separated into horizontal roof segments  402   a - b ,  404   a - b . The upper and lower roof segments  402   a - b ,  404   a - b  for each roof section  114 ,  116  may be connected together by hinges so that each upper roof segment  402   b ,  404   b  may be pivoted relative to its respective lower roof segment  402   a ,  404   a . Further, the upper roof segments  402   b ,  404   b  for each roof section  114 ,  116  may have a lesser slope than their respective lower roof segments  402   a ,  404   a . Although the slopes of upper roof segments  402   b ,  404   b  for each roof section  114 ,  116  are depicted as being smaller than the slopes of their respective lower roof segments  402   a ,  404   a , the slopes of the upper roof segments  402   b ,  404   b  for either roof section  114 ,  116  could be the same as or greater than the slopes of their respective lower roof segment  402   a ,  404   a . Additionally, although each roof section  114 ,  116  is depicted as being divided into two horizontal roof segments  402   a - b ,  404   a - b , each roof section  114 ,  116  may be divided into more than two horizontal roof segments. Also, the roof may also be divided, if desired, into vertical segments, as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     An operation for configuring the third folding shed  400  from an operation to a storage or transport configuration is similar to that described with respect to the first and second folding sheds  100 ,  300  except with respect to the movement of the roof sections  114 ,  116 .  FIGS. 17 through 19  show one method for transforming the roof sections  114 ,  116  for the third folding shed  400  from an operation to a storage or transport configuration, or vice versa. As shown in  FIG. 17 , both the lower and upper roof segments  404   a - b  of the right roof segment  116  may be pivoted outwardly away from the right end wall  108 . After pivoting both roof segments  404   a - b  away from the right end wall  108 , the upper roof segment  404   b  may be pivoted inwardly towards the lower roof segment  404   a  until the upper roof segment  404   b  abuts the lower roof segment  404   a  as shown in  FIG. 18 . The lower roof segment  404   a  may then be pivoted outwardly towards the right sidewall  108  until the lower roof segment  404   a  abuts the right sidewall  108  as shown in  FIG. 19 . The upper and lower roof segments  402   a - b  of the left roof section  114  may be similarly pivoted to cause the left roof section  114  to abut the left sidewall  106  in a manner similar to that shown for the right roof section  116 . The method of transforming the third folding shed  400  depicted in  FIG. 16  from an operation to a storage or transport configuration (or vice versa) then proceeds in a manner similar to the one described with respect to the first folding shed  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Although the upper roof segment  404   b  is depicted and described as being pivoted inwardly towards the lower roof segment  404   a , the upper roof segments  402   b ,  404   b  for either roof section  114 ,  116  may be configured to pivot outwardly towards its respective lower roof segment  402   a ,  404   a  until it aligns with or abuts is respective lower roof segment  402   a ,  404   a . Each lower roof segment  402   a ,  404   a  would then be pivoted outwardly towards its respective sidewall  106 ,  108  until the upper roof segments  402   b ,  404   b  approximately abut their respective sidewalls  106 ,  108 . 
       FIG. 20  depicts a perspective view of a fourth example of a folding shed  500  where like numbers are used for similar components. The fourth folding shed  500  is similar to the second example of the folding shed  300  depicted in  FIG. 14  except the left and right sidewalls  106 ,  108  have also been divided into vertical segments  502   a - c ,  504   a - b . By dividing the left and right sidewalls  106 ,  108  into multiple segments  502   a - c ,  504   a - b , the fourth example of a folding shed  500  now includes four separate structural components. The first structural component includes the front end wall  110  and a portion of the left and right sidewalls  106 ,  108  and roof sections  114 ,  116 . The second and third structural components include a portion of either the left and right sidewalls  106 ,  108  and their respective roof sections  114 ,  116 . The fourth structural component includes the rear end wall  112  with a portion of the right and left sidewalls  106 ,  108  and roof sections  114 ,  116 . Although depicted in  FIG. 20  as having only two structural components composed of only a portion of the sidewalls  106 ,  108  and the roof sections  114 ,  116 , the folding shed  500  may have more than two structural components that include partial roof and sidewall sections  106 ,  108 ,  114 ,  116 . For example, the fourth example of the folding shed  500  could have two partial right sidewall and roof sections  108 ,  116  and two partial left sidewall and roof sections  106 ,  114  for a total of four structural components with partial sidewalls and roof sections  106 ,  108 ,  114 ,  116 . 
     The fourth example of a folding shed  500  as shown in  FIG. 20  may further include vertical sidewall plates  506   a - c  located over the joints formed by the sidewall segments  502   a - c ,  504   a - b . These vertical sidewall plates  506   a - c  help prevent water from entering into the folding shed  500  through the joints formed by adjacent sidewall segments  502   a - c ,  504   a - b  and may be connected to their respective sidewall segments  502   a - c ,  504   a - b  in a manner similar to that described above for connecting the roof plate  104  to the right and left roof sections  114 ,  116 . 
     A method for transforming the fourth example of a folding shed  500  from an operation to a transport or storage configuration may be similar to the one described above for the first folding  100  shed except the four structural components may be disconnected from each other prior to pivoting the roof sections  114 ,  116  and the end walls  110 ,  112 . More particularly, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the roof plate  104  may be first removed from the folding shed  500  and each structural component may be disconnected from its adjacent structural component. After disconnecting each structural component, the various roof segments  302   a - c ,  304   a - c  may be pivoted relative to their supporting sidewalls segments  502   a - c ,  504   a - b  and the various end wall sections for each end wall  110 ,  112  pivoted relative to each other as described in more detail above with respect to the first folding shed  100 . It should be appreciated, however, that any or all of the structural components may be disconnected from adjacent structural components after performing any or all of the pivoting steps when transforming the shed  500 , or that any or all the structural components may not be disconnected from adjacent structural components at any time during transformation of the folding shed  500 . 
       FIGS. 22-24  depict another example of a folding shed  100 , in which all features are similar or identical to those of the shed  100  described in reference to  FIGS. 1-13 , with the additional feature of at least one wheel assembly  600   a  associated therewith. More than one wheel assembly, such as wheel assembly  600   a - d  may be employed (only  600   a  and  600   b  are visible in  FIG. 22 ). In the example shown, four wheel assemblies  600   a - d  are attached to the sidewalls  106 ,  108  of the folding shed  100  at location separated from one another. As illustrated more clearly in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , each wheel assembly  600   a - d  includes a wheel  602   a - d  attached to a caster jack  604   a - d , which is in turn attached to a bracket  606   a - d , which is in turn attached to one of the side walls  106 ,  108 . Wheels, caster jacks and brackets are well known so will not be described in further detail here. 
     In various alternative examples, the folding shed  100  may include any suitable number of wheel assemblies, from as few as one wheel assembly to as many as ten or more wheel assemblies. In embodiments that include only two wheel assemblies, it may only be possible to use the wheels for moving the shed when it is in a folded/transport configuration. Otherwise, most embodiments will include three or more wheel assemblies, so that the folding shed can be moved, using the wheels, in an open/operation configuration. In the embodiment shown, the folding shed  100  includes four wheel assemblies  600   a - d . The wheel assemblies  600   a - d  may be used to facilitate transfer of the shed  100  when it is in an operation configuration, as shown, or in a transport configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the wheel assemblies  600   a - d  may be permanently attached to the foldable shed  100 . Alternatively, the wheel assemblies  600   a - d  may be removably attached. Using the caster jacks  604   a - d , the wheels  602   a - d  of the wheel assemblies  600   a - d  may be adjusted up or down. In the up position, the wheels  602   a - d  will be off the ground and the shed  100  will fully contact the ground. In the down position, the wheels  602   a - d  will fully contact the ground and lift the shed  100  off the ground. The shed  100  may then be moved from one place to the next, using the wheels. Additionally, in a neutral position, the wheels may be in contact with the ground and the shed may not be lifted off the ground. Each caster jack may be actuated to a different height, with one or some not actuated at all, and others actuated to different height levels. This allows the different parts of the shed supported by the caster jacks  604   a - d  to be lifted as much as needed to sufficiently clear the obstructions necessary to move that part of the shed. Further, if the shed may require that a particular angle be maintained during transport (whether a short or long distance), the separately mounted caster jacks allow for the adjustment of the relative height of the shed to approximate or obtain the required angle. 
     In some examples, one or more of the wheels  600   a - d  may include a wheel lock (not shown), which may help to stop the shed  100  from moving even when the wheels  602   a - d  are in the down position. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates one embodiment of the wheel assembly  600  in greater detail. In this embodiment, the wheel assembly  600  includes a wheel  602 , a caster jack  604  for lowering and raising the wheel  602 , a bracket  606  for attaching the caster jack  604  to the shed  100 , a hand crank  608  for lowering and raising the wheel  602 , and two fasteners (such as bolts)  610   a ,  610   b  for attaching the bracket  606  to the shed  100 . In this example of  FIG. 25 , the fasteners are positioned on an upright member of the bracket  606 , with one fastener positioned near a top end of the bracket, and the other fastener positioned near a bottom end of the bracket. The lateral member of the bracket extends outwardly from the bottom end of the upright member t form an “L” shape, with the upright member extending along an outer wall of the shed and the lateral member extending along a bottom surface or portion of the shed during use. The fasteners releasably mount the upright member to the shed, which assists the lateral member to carry the load of the shed. The fasteners are shown as bolts in this embodiment, which may be attached to pre-positioned receiving bores (having threaded sidewalls for threaded engagement with the bolts in this example). Alternatively, the fasteners may be positioned through the walls of the shed and secured from the inside of the shed by nuts or other retainers. The bolts may be inserted from the house and fastened to the bracket also. The fasteners may also be positioned on the lateral member only, or on both as desired. Other fasteners are contemplated, such as hooks, latches or the like. 
     It is contemplated that in the circumstance where only one or two wheel assemblies are utilized to move the shed, that a secondary rolling support mechanism may be utilized to movably support on the ground the portion of the shed not lifted off the ground by the first or second wheel assemblies. Such secondary rolling support mechanism may be positioned entirely under the shed, partially under the shed, or not under the shed (such as by suspension from a crane extending off the rear of a service truck). The secondary rolling support mechanism may take the form of, in one example, a flat platform with one or more caster wheels mounted on its bottom side. This would be positioned at least partially under the shed during repositioning of the shed. 
     The various components of the wheel assembly  600  may be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, for example, all or substantially all components may be made of metal. In another example, all components may be made of metal, except the wheel  602 , which may be made of rubber. In various embodiments, the wheel assembly  600  may either permanently or removably attach to the shed  100 . Permanent attachment may be made by welds or other permanent attachment means. Removable attachment may be made by bolts  610   a ,  610   b  or other temporary attachment means. As the component parts of the wheel assembly  600  are generally well known, they will not be described further herein. 
     Although the sidewalls, end walls, roofs, and doors for various representative examples of folding sheds have been depicted and described as having certain frame or panel structures, the sidewalls, end walls, roofs, and doors for any of the various examples of folding sheds illustrated in the figures or described above may be created using any wall, roof, or door construction method used to create a structure. Furthermore, although various representative examples of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. 
     All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the examples of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. 
     In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.