Patent Abstract:
A system for installation and removal of a storage shed is disclosed. The system includes a custom trailer, a specialized storage shed, and a complete set of unique lifting components. The system allows a single operator to conveniently and safely deliver/remove a storage shed, without causing damage to the it in the process.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Transportable storage sheds are not new. Fully assembled storage sheds are normally hauled on bulky trailers, to and from their destination. Upon delivery, sheds are physically slid off of the trailer. Separate leveling equipment, such as jacks, hoists or pry bars must then be used to block and level the shed. 
         [0002]    During pick-up, the sheds are usually pulled back onto the trailer with a winch. This repetitive routine often causes damage to the shed, and reduces is useful lifetime. This routine can also damage the delivery site, as well as any contents that may remain in the shed. 
         [0003]    This specialized shed installation and removal system allows a single person to deliver a storage shed safely and accurately. The unique construction of the system, lends itself to an extremely efficient and versatile technique, which can prolong the useful life of the shed and make delivery possible in tighter areas. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a system of delivery and removal for storage sheds, which allows for access to tighter areas than would otherwise be possible. 
         [0005]    It is another object of the present invention to use the same jacks for the leveling and blocking procedure, as well as the delivery and removal process. This allows a single person to deliver and block and level a large all-wood shed without any help. 
         [0006]    It is another object of the present invention to provide safe and simple components that are easy to handle, attach, and stow in the towing vehicle. Additionally, some components remain on the shed and actually protect it from damage during transit. 
         [0007]    It is another object of the present invention to provide removable braces (outriggers) on the trailer to reduce the trailer&#39;s overall weight and width. The narrow trailer (without outriggers) can then be removed from under the shed and clear the front jacks even if the truck is at an angle to the trailer (jackknifed to some degree). In situations where the trailer is at such an angle that it will hit the front jack on the way out, a front jack can be removed and the shed can be blocked or supported by a 4″×6″ or larger timber approx. 24″ to 30″ long or other appropriate blocking. This support would be placed farther back on the skid to allow the trailer to be removed. After the trailer is removed the jack assembly can be re-attached and the shed can be lowered into place. The lightweight trailer design allows it to be moved by hand or by winch, in certain situations. The number of outriggers required can vary with the weight and length of the cargo being hauled. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the present invention to provide folding fenders on the trailer, which swing away from the tires and allow the shed to ride much lower on the trailer, creating a lower center of gravity for safe hauling. The shed covers the wheels during transit, and acts as fenders. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING VIEWS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a street-level perspective view of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a close-up perspective view. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is an overhead perspective view of a portion of the jack assembly. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is an overhead perspective view of a portion of the jack assembly. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a close-up perspective view. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a close-up perspective view. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a street-level close-up view. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a street-level view of a portion of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a portion of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a portion of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a street-level close-up view 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is an overhead perspective view of a portion of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a street-level close-up view. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is a street-level close-up view. 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a close-up perspective view. 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is a close-up perspective view. 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  is a close-up perspective view. 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  is a close-up perspective view. 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  is a street-level view of the invention. 
           [0000]    
         
           
                 
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                     
                 
                 
                     
                   Item List 
                   Item numbers 
                 
                 
                     
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                   SHED 
                   10 
                 
                 
                     
                   SKID 
                   11 
                 
                 
                     
                   SKID PROTRUSION 
                   12 
                 
                 
                     
                   JACK ASSEMBLY 
                   20 
                 
                 
                     
                   SLIDE COLLAR 
                   21 
                 
                 
                     
                   OUTER SLIDE COLLAR PIPE 
                   22 
                 
                 
                     
                   HOOK 
                   23 
                 
                 
                     
                   FOOT PAD 
                   24 
                 
                 
                     
                   INNER DOWEL PIPE 
                   25 
                 
                 
                     
                   LOWER SEGMENT LIFT PIPE 
                   26 
                 
                 
                     
                   UPPER SEGMENT LIFT PIPE 
                   27 
                 
                 
                     
                   HOIST 
                   28 
                 
                 
                     
                   TRAILER 
                   30 
                 
                 
                     
                   FOLDING FENDERS 
                   31 
                 
                 
                     
                   OUTRIGGERS 
                   32 
                 
                 
                     
                   SET BOLT 
                   33 
                 
                 
                     
                   TIE-DOWN CHAINS 
                   34 
                 
                 
                     
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]      FIG. 1  shows a Shed  10  that has been loaded onto its Trailer  30 , appearing so as part of the system that comprises the invention. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  shows the complete system being utilized at once. The Shed  10  has been lifted into loading position and held there with the four Jack Assemblies  20 , as the Trailer  30  backs into place. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  shows three of the four components of a single Jack Assembly  20 : the Slide Collar  21 , the Foot Pad  24 , and the Upper Segment Lift Pipe  27 . 
         [0032]    The metal Slide Collar  21  slides over a Skid Protrusions (not shown in this figure) at the base of a specialized Shed (not shown in this figure). They also possess a short Outer Slide Collar Pipe  22  and a Hook  23 , which are all welded together as shown. 
         [0033]    The metal Foot Pad  24  has a square base welded to an Inner Dowel Pipe  25  and an Lower Segment Lift Pipe  26 . 
         [0034]    The metal Upper Segment Lift Pipe  27  assembles to the Foot Pad  24  and guides the Slide Collar  21  vertically. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  shows the components listed in  FIG. 3 , in their assembled state. Here, the Upper Segment Lift Pipe  27  has been assembled onto the Foot Pad  24 , and the Slide Collar  21  has been slid thereon. When lifted by the Hook  23 , the Slide Collar  21  will be guided up and down the Pipe Assembly. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  Shows One Foot Pad  24  and one Slide Collar  21  assembled just prior to mounting onto the Shed  10 , which possesses a Skid Protrusion  12  at each corner for mounting the Slide Collars  21 . A Skid  11  runs along each side of the specialized Shed  10 , at its base. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  shows the foot pad/slide collar assembly of  FIG. 5  after it has been mounted onto the Skid Protrusion  12  of the specialized Shed  10 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  shows the Upper Segment Lift Pipe  27  in place within the Outer Slide Collar Pipe  22  of the Slide Collar  21 , and mounted over the Inner Dowel Pipe (not visible in this figure) of the Foot Pad  24 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 8  shows one complete Jack Assembly  20 , which also includes a Hoist  28 . In this case, it is a chain-type hoist. Any appropriate means for hoisting objects can be used. The Hoist  28  hooks into open end at the top of the Upper Segment Lift Pipe  27 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 9  shows a single operator able to adjust each Jack Assembly  20  incrementally, able to keep the Shed level, and able to gradually raise it high enough for the Trailer. (Four jack assemblies are used at one time, one at each corner of the shed.) 
         [0041]      FIG. 10  shows an operator preparing to swing one of the Folding Fenders  31  out of the way. The Trailer  30  is a low-profile, open frame (no decking), tandem-axle unit. The rear frame area is 2-3 feet narrower than the rest of the frame. This helps in the removal of the Trailer from under the lifted shed. 
         [0042]      FIG. 11  shows one of the Folding Fenders  31  after it has been moved away from the tires. 
         [0043]      FIG. 12  shows the Trailer  30  being backed under the Shed  10 , to prepare it for removal. 
         [0044]      FIG. 13  shows a single metal Outrigger  32 , which is made of a square stock piece with an angle piece welded to the outer top portion, and a stop piece welded to the end. ( FIG. 14  shows this from a different angle.) 
         [0045]      FIG. 14  shows the Outrigger  32  in position, after it has been inserted into the Trailer  30 . This figure gives a better view of the angle piece near the outer end of the Outrigger  32 , which helps to keep the wooden skid of the shed from sliding forwards and backwards on the trailer. A set bolt is used to secure the Outrigger  32  to the Trailer  30 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 15  shows the Shed  10  as it is ready to be lowered onto the Trailer  30 . The Outriggers  32  extend a total of a few inches wider than the Shed. This allows some latitude for loading the Shed  10  within the stops. 
         [0047]      FIG. 16  show the Shed  10  as it is being lowered onto the Trailer  30 . The Shed is built with a pair of wood Skids at its base, which protrude past each corner of the Shed at floor level. The Skid Protrusions allow the Slide Collars to attach, for lifting and loading. 
         [0048]      FIG. 17  shows the Shed  10  after it has been lowered onto the Trailer  30 . The Hoist and Upper Segment Lift Pipe have been removed from the Jack Assembly in the foreground. 
         [0049]      FIG. 18  shows all but the Slide Collar  21  removed from one corner of the Shed  10 . A Tie-Down Chain  34  has been hooked to the Slide Collar, which stays with the shed during transport. 
         [0050]      FIG. 19  shows the operator securing the front Tie-Down Chains  34  to the Trailer  30 . When the rear ones are also secure, the specialized Shed  10  is ready to be hauled away safely. 
         [0051]      FIG. 20  shows a shed being hauled away.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1