Abstract:
A spring clip member for a storage building is provided. The spring clip member is adapted to be snap-fit to an elongate structural member of the storage building. The spring clip member includes a first portion shaped to follow a first contour of the elongate structural member, a second portion extending from said first portion and shaped to follow a second contour of the elongate structural member, a third portion extending from said second portion and shaped to follow a third contour of the elongate structural member, and a deflectable portion extending from said third portion and adapted to elastically deflect and to securely engage the elongate structural member. The spring clip member may be, for example, part of a gable member adapted to be snap-fit to an upper panel channel of a storage building, or, alternatively, part of a debris deflector adapted to be snap-fit to a lower panel channel of a storage building.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to building structures and, more particularly, to storage building structures and an apparatus for connecting load bearing members for storage building structures.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Prefabricated buildings, such as storage buildings or sheds, are intended to be purchased, assembled, and maintained by consumers who do not necessarily have the training or inclination to assemble and maintain such a structure, particularly if such assembly and/or maintenance requires a great deal of skill. Accordingly, prefabricated metal storage buildings have been developed that include pre-punched fastener holes and other design features that simplify the assembly of such a storage building. However, such designs typically require a large number of threaded fasteners (e.g., 600 or more threaded fasteners), such as screws and bolts, for a typical storage building having a length of about eight feet (about 2.4 meters) and a width of about ten feet (about 3.0 meters). This large number of threaded fasteners causes the assembly, maintenance and disassembly of a storage building to be a time consuming and tedious task, especially for the typical consumer who is not accustomed to assembling storage buildings. Assembly could be simplified by providing only a few but relatively large portions of the storage building to the ultimate purchaser. For example, each portion could comprise either an integral or preassembled major component (such as an entire wall). However, such an approach is inconsistent with the need to package the unassembled storage building in a relatively small shipping container to enable the consumer to easily transport it from the place of purchase to the site on which the storage building is to be erected. Further, preassembly of numerous separate components involves additional labor, increasing the overall cost of the storage building.  
           [0003]    In addition, the large number of threaded fasteners, associated holes and inevitable nicks and scratches that occur during installation of the fasteners provide a large number of locations that can be undesirably prone to corrosion.  
           [0004]    Accordingly, efforts have been made to design storage buildings that may be assembled with a substantial reduction in the required number of threaded fasteners and/or rivets.  
           [0005]    For example, Australian Petty Patent No. AU-B-46098/97 discloses a storage building structure that includes corrugated panels, made from sheet steel, and edge channels for attachment to upper and lower ends of the corrugated panels. The edge channels are formed from rolled sheet steel. Each corrugated panel includes punched lugs adjacent the upper and lower edges thereof while the edge channels include projections engaged by the punched lugs in the corrugated panels in order to lock the corrugated panels to the edge channels.  
           [0006]    Another example of a storage building structure with reduced reliance on fasteners is shown in PCT published application No. PCT/AU99/00765, which discloses a clip fastening system for attaching a wall panel to a frame rail using a clip. The clip is fitted to the frame rail and has pawl-like tabs which locate in apertures in a side wall of the frame rail. Corresponding apertures on the edge of the wall panels permit the pawl-like tabs to snap fit through the apertures and retain the wall panel to the frame rail. In an alternative embodiment, the clip is formed integrally with the frame rail by pressing out a flap from a side wall of the frame rail, each flap including a pawl-like indent.  
           [0007]    Yet another example of a storage building that uses a reduced number of threaded fasteners is shown in Danhof et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,328 (“the &#39;328 patent”), which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The &#39;328 patent discloses an apparatus that uses slotted horizontal frame members sized and spaced to accept ends of vertical support members. The apparatus also includes a panel connection configuration utilizing U-shaped vertical edges of wall panels that are adapted to hook onto edges of vertical support members, and that are locked in place using a clip member.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a spring clip member for a storage building is provided. The spring clip member is adapted to be snap-fit to an elongate structural member of the storage building. The spring clip member includes: a first portion shaped to follow a first contour of the elongate structural member; a second portion extending from the first portion and shaped to follow a second contour of the elongate structural member; a third portion extending from the second portion and shaped to follow a third contour of the elongate structural member; and a deflectable portion extending from the third portion and adapted to elastically deflect and to securely engage the elongate structural member.  
           [0009]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the spring clip member is integrally attached to a gable panel of the storage building.  
           [0010]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the spring clip member is integrally attached to a debris deflector of the storage building.  
           [0011]    In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a storage building comprises an elongate structural member having a first contour, a second contour, and a third contour terminating in an edge portion. The storage building further includes a spring clip member adapted to be snap-fit to the elongate structural member. The spring clip member includes a first portion shaped to follow the first contour of the elongate structural member, a second portion extending from the first portion and shaped to follow the second contour of the elongate structural member, a third portion extending from the second portion and shaped to follow the third contour of the elongate structural member, and a deflectable portion extending from the third portion and adapted to elastically deflect and to securely engage the edge portion of the elongate structural member.  
           [0012]    In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a gable member for a storage building is adapted to be snap-fit to an upper channel-shaped structural member of the storage building. The gable member includes: a first portion shaped to follow a first flange portion of the upper channel-shaped structural member; a second portion extending from the first portion and shaped to follow a web portion of the upper channel-shaped structural member; a third portion extending from the second portion and shaped to follow a second flange portion of the upper channel-shaped structural member; and a deflectable portion extending from the third portion and adapted to elastically deflect and to securely engage an edge portion of the second flange portion.  
           [0013]    In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, a debris deflector for a storage building, adapted to be snap-fit to a lower channel-shaped structural member of the storage building, is provided. The debris deflector includes: a first portion shaped to engage an edge portion of a first flange portion of the lower channel-shaped structural member; a second portion extending from the first portion and shaped to follow the first flange portion of the lower channel-shaped structural member; a third portion extending from the second portion and shaped to follow a web portion of the lower channel-shaped structural member; and a deflectable portion extending from the third portion and adapted to elastically deflect and to securely engage an indentation in the web portion. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    These and other features of the present invention will be more clearly understood from a consideration of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a storage building constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 is top view of a standard wall panel in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3 is a detailed enlarged top view of a first ridged end portion of the panel of FIG. 2;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4 is a detailed enlarged top view of a middle ridged portion of the panel of FIG. 2;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5 is a detailed enlarged top view of a second ridged end portion of the panel of FIG. 2;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 6 a  is an enlarged top view of a first and second ridged end portion in proximity to one another;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 b  is a top view of a first and second ridged end portion nestably engaged to one another;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7 a  is a top view of an alternate, narrow panel embodiment in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 b  is a top view of an alternate, corner panel embodiment in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a standard panel in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9 is a detailed enlarged end view of a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a panel about to be engaged with a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 11 a  is a perspective view of a panel engaged to a panel channel and a debris deflector about to be engaged therewith in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 11 b  is a perspective view of the engaged combination of a panel, a panel channel, and a debris deflector in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 12 is a detailed enlarged end view of a debris deflector in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 13 is an detailed enlarged end view of a panel engaged to a panel channel further engaged to a debris deflector in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 14 is a detailed enlarged end view of the panel channel clipping portion of a gable in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 15 a  is an enlarged perspective view of a gable about to engage a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 15 b  is an enlarged perspective view of a gable engaged to a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 16 a  is an enlarged perspective view of a corner bracket about to engage a panel channel in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 16 b  is an enlarged perspective view of a corner bracket engaged to a panel channel in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0036]    Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary storage building  20  has a rectangular frame  22  with opposing front and back, right and left walls,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 , respectively. The storage building  20  also includes a roof  32 . The front and back, right and left, walls  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  and the roof  32  define an interior space  34 . The front wall  24  defines an opening  36  there through which provides access to the interior space  34 . A door (not shown) may be attached to the front wall  24  at the opening  36 . The door may by hinged or mounted in order to swing or slide open and closed.  
         [0037]    Referring now to FIG. 2, there is depicted a standard snap-fit panel  48  in accordance with the present invention. The roof  32 , right wall  28 , left wall  30  and back wall  26  are constructed of a plurality of snap fit standard snap-fit panels  48 . The standard snap-fit panel  48  includes a first and a second ridged end portion  50 ,  52 . In addition to the first and second ridged end portions  50 ,  52 , the standard snap-fit panel  48  further includes at least one middle ridged portion  54 . The middle ridged portion  54  is disposed between the first and second ridged end portion  50 ,  52 . Additionally, the middle ridged portion  54  is formed to be equidistant from the first and second ridged end portions  50 ,  52 . Standard snap-fit panels  48  are made of a continuous piece of material such as sheet metal or plastic with several bent up or otherwise formed contours. Additionally, the standard snap-fit panels  48  include an inner and outer surface  56 ,  58 . The inner and outer surfaces  56 ,  58  define a thickness  60  of the standard snap-fit panel  48 . Thickness  60  is substantially constant throughout the standard snap-fit panel  48 . For example, if the standard snap-fit panel  48  is constructed from steel, the thickness  60  of approximately 0.22 mm may be used.  
         [0038]    As best seen in FIG. 3, the first ridged end portion  50  also includes a first U-shaped portion  62  that terminates in a first standard snap-fit panel edge  64 . Directly adjacent the first U-shaped portion  62 , is a first clamping portion  66 . The outer side  58  of the first clamping portion  66  forms approximately a 90° angle with the outer surface of the first U-shaped edge portion  62 . Additionally, a first web portion  70 , is adjacent the first clamping portion  66  of the first ridged end portion  50 . The outer surface  58  of the first web portion  70  forms approximately a 270° angle with the outer surface  58  of the first clamping portion  50 . The outer surface  58  of the first U-shaped portion  62 , the first clamping portion  66 , and the first web portion  70  combine to form a first engaging portion  74 .  
         [0039]    Adjacent to the first engaging portion  74  is the first end arcuate portion  76 . Portion  76  may be formed with a variety of different contoured shapes. These contoured shapes work to provide an aesthetically pleasing surface appearance to the exterior surface  58  of standard snap-fit panel  48 . Moreover, these contoured shapes work to add stability to the standard snap-fit panel  48 , and therefore rigidity to the building  20  made therefrom. As such, the majority of the length of each of the first end arcuate portion  76 , second end arcuate portion  78 , and even middle arcuate portion  80  are substantially similar to one another. (Compare FIGS.  2 - 5 ).  
         [0040]    Referring again to FIG. 3 and the first ridged end portion  50 , note that adjacent to the first end arcuate portion  76  and opposite the first engaging portion  74 , is a second engaging portion  82 . Portion  82  is comprised of a second web portion  84 , a second clamping portion  86  and a first connecting member  88 . The outer surface  58  of the second web portion  84  forms approximately a 275° angle with the outer surface  58  of the second clamping portion  86 . The outer surface  58  of the second clamping portion  86  forms approximately a 85° angle with the outer surface  58  of the first connecting member  88 . As better seen in FIG. 2, a transition member  89  of the first ridged end portion  50  attaches the second engaging portion  82  of the first ridged end portion  50  to the first substantially flat portion  94 . Adjacent to the first substantially flat portion  94  and opposite the first connecting member  88 , is the middle ridged portion  54  (See FIG. 2).  
         [0041]    Referring now to FIG. 4, the middle ridged portion  54  includes a first middle transition member  95  which connects the first substantially flat portion  94  to a first middle connecting member  96 . Member  96  attaches the first middle transition member  95  to the middle arcuate section  80 . Adjacent portion  80  is a second middle connecting portion  98 . Portion  98  connects the middle arcuate portion  80  to the second middle transition member  99 . Member  99  in turn connects the middle ridged end portion  54  to a second substantially flat portion  100 .  
         [0042]    Referring now to FIG. 5, the second substantially flat portion  100  attaches to a transition portion  102  of the second ridged end portion  52 . This transition portion  102  connects the second substantially flat portion  100  to a second connecting member  104 . Immediately adjacent the second connecting member  104  is a third clamping portion  106 . The inner surface  56  of the second connecting member  104  is approximately 270° from the inner surface  56  of the third clamping portion  106 . Formed at approximately 90° from the inner surface  56  of the third clamping portion  106 , and opposite the first connecting member  104 , is a third web portion  108 . The inner surfaces  56  of the second connecting member  104 , the third clamping portion  106  and third web portion  108  combine to form a first engaging portion  110  of the second ridged end portion  52 . Adjacent portion  110  is the second end arcuate portion  78 . As seen, the majority of the length of portion  78  is substantially similar in shape and contour as such lengths of the first end arcuate portion  76  and the middle arcuate portion  80 . Adjacent the second end arcuate portion  78  is a second engaging portion  112  of the second ridged end portion  52 . Portion  112  includes a second U-shaped edge portion  114 , which portion, in turn, terminates in a second panel edge  116 .  
         [0043]    Turning now to FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b , the first ridged end portion  50  of a standard snap-fit panel  48  and the second ridged end panel  52  of another adjacent standard snap-fit panel  48  are adapted to securely engage one another, i.e. nestably lock together, without the need for fasteners, such as screws, rivets, or bolts, that might otherwise be needed to secure adjacent panels to one another in the absence of such a snap-fit configuration. The inner surface  56  of the second ridged end panel  52  securely snaps in a friction fit manner over the outer surface  58  of the first ridged end portion  50 . As seen in FIG. 6 b , the first engaging portion  74  of the first ridged end portion  50  engages to the first engaging portion  110  of the second ridged end portion  52 . As such, the outer surface  58  of the first U-shaped portion  62  directly engages the inner surface  56  of the second connecting member  104 . At the location where the first U-shaped portion  62  engages the second connecting member  104  is formed a first interface  118 . Similarly, second interface  120  is formed from the engagement of the outer surface  58  of the first clamping portion  66  and the inner surface  56  of the third clamping portion  106 . Moreover, a third interface  122  is formed by the engaging of the inner surface  56  of the third web portion  108  and the outer surface  58  of the first web portion  70 . Furthermore, a fourth interface  124  is formed where the inner surface  56  of the second U-shaped edge portion  114  engages the outer surface  58  of the second web portion  84 . Still further, a fifth interface  126  is formed at the second panel edge  116  and the second clamping portion  86 . Although not an engaging interface, as seen in FIG. 6 b , the inner surface  56  of the second end arcuate portion  78  (of a first panel  48 ) substantially follows the outer surface  58  of the first end arcuate portion  76 , when the first ridged end portion  50  engages the second ridged end portion  52  of a second, adjacent snap-fit panel  48 .  
         [0044]    [0044]FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b  show alternative embodiments of the standard snap-fit panel  48 . (Hereafter, portions of the embodiments found in FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b  that are identical to previously described portions shall be indicated with the same reference number with the addition of a prime.) First, FIG. 7 a  shows a narrow panel  128 . This panel is identical to the standard snap-fit panel  48  except that it does not include a middle ridged portion  54  and a second substantially flat portion  100 . As seen in FIG. 7 a , the narrow panel  128  includes a first ridged end portion  50 ′, a second ridged end portion  52 ′ and first substantially flat portion  94 ′. The shorter overall width of panel  128 , contrasted to that of panel  48 , is beneficial when a given building length demands less than an full panel  48 .  
         [0045]    Then, FIG. 7 b  depicts a corner panel  130 . The corner panel  130  is similar to the narrow panel  128  in that it does not contain a middle ridged portion  54  or a second substantially flat portion  100 . As such, the corner panel  130  includes a first ridged end portion  50 ′ and a second ridged end portion  52 ′. However, the first substantially flat portion  94 ′ that is found in narrow panel  128  is not present in the corner panel  130 . Instead, the corner panel  130  contains a bent portion  132  that is disposed between the first ridged end portion  50 ′ and the second ridged end portion  52 ′.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 8 depicts a front elevation view of the lower portion of a standard snap-fit panel  48 . From this view, several apertures  132  can be seen. These apertures  132  are generally rectangular in shape, and are located at a predetermined distance  134  from the bottom edge  136  and similarly from the top edge  138 , of the standard snap-fit panel  48 . Specifically, apertures  132  can be found in first end arcuate portion  76 , and in the first transition member  89  of the first ridged end portion  50 . Moreover, centrally-located such apertures  132  can also be found in the first and second middle transition members  95 ,  99 , and the middle arcuate portion  80  of the middle ridged portion  54 . Furthermore, the apertures can be found in the second transition member  102  and the second end arcuate portion  78  of the second ridged end portion  52 . Still further, with respect to the narrow panel  128  and corner panel  130 , the apertures  132  are also found at predetermined distance  134  from the top and bottom edges (not shown). The apertures  132  as formed in the narrow panel  128  and corner panel  130  embodiments are located in the same places as with the standard snap-fit panel  48 , with the exception, of course, that there are no apertures  132  formed in the middle ridged portion  54 , namely, because panels  128 ,  130  do not have such a middle ridged portion  54 .  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 9 generally depicts an enlarged end view looking along the length of a panel channel  140 . Channel  140  is designed to fit over the respective top edges  138 , and the respective bottom edges  136  of the standard snap-fit panels  48 , once the same have been snap-fit together in end-to-end fashion as described above. Additionally, the corner panel embodiment  130  and the narrow panel embodiment  128  also fit with the panel channel  140 . As best seen in FIGS.  9 - 11   b , the panel channel  140  is a continuous piece of material such as sheet metal or plastic that includes an inside surface  142  and an outside surface  144 . The inside and outside surfaces  142 ,  144  define a thickness  146  of the panel channel  140 . For example, if the panel channel  140  is constructed from steel, a thickness  146  of about 0.43 mm may be used. The panel channel  140  further includes a first and second inwardly-turned U-shaped portions  148 ,  150 . These U-shaped portions  148 ,  150  are also formed to contain first and second aperture engaging portions  152 ,  154 . Such aperture engaging portions  152 ,  154  terminate at first and second panel channel edges  156 ,  158 . The aperture engaging portions  152 ,  154  further include angled transitions  160 ,  162 . These angled transitions  160 ,  162  are angled at approximately 45° toward the outside surface  144 . Additionally, the panel channel  140  includes a first and second foot portion  164 ,  166 . Such portions  164 ,  166  are connected to one another by a cross web portion  168 . The distance from the inside surface  142  of the web portion  168  to the angled transitions  160 ,  162 , is approximately the same as the predetermined distance  134 . Furthermore, cross web portion  168  is formed to sit slightly higher (relative to ground surface G) than the first and second foot portions  164 ,  166 .  
         [0048]    [0048]FIGS. 10 and 11 a  show the method in which the panel channel  140  engages the bottom edge  136  of a standard snap-fit panel  48 . The standard snap-fit panel  48  is inserted into the panel channel  140 , such that its bottom edge  136  rests on the cross web portion  168 . Once the bottom edge  136  is on the web portion  168 , the aperture engaging portions  152 ,  154  of the panel channel  140  engage the apertures  132  of the standard snap-fit panel  48 . In this manner the standard snap-fit panels  48  may be secured to the panel channel  140  without the need for separate fasteners, such as screws, rivets, or bolts. Although not shown, the panel channel  140  also engages the lower (and upper) edges  136 ′,  138 ′ of the narrow panel  128  and corner panel  130  embodiments in the same manner as previously described.  
         [0049]    As indicated, the panel channel  140  may engage either the top edge  138  or the bottom edge  136  of a standard snap-fit panel  48 . As better seen in FIG. 11 a , when the panel channel  140  engages the bottom edge  136  of a standard snap-fit panel, there are gaps  170  where there is a distance between the outer surface  58  of the standard snap-fit panel  48  and the first or second panel channel edge  156 ,  158 . Thus, due to the fact that the storage building  20  will generally be located outdoors, it would be desirable to keep debris from collecting in gaps  170 . A debris deflector  172  is designed to prevent debris from getting into gaps  170 . The debris deflector  172  may be constructed from plastic or sheet metal. For example, if the debris deflector  172  is constructed from steel, it may have a thickness of about 0.43 mm. In addition, drainage holes or slots  173  may be provided in the panel channel  140  to prevent water or other liquids from collecting in the panel channel  140 . The debris deflector  172  contains several recesses  174  formed in upper and lower wall segments  175   a ,  175   b  of deflector  172 that follow the contours of the standard snap-fit panel  48 . More specifically, the recesses  174  follow the contours of outer surface  58  of the second ridged end portion  52  and the outer surface  58  of the middle ridged portion  54 . The recesses  174  allow the debris deflector  172 , and especially walls segments  175   a ,  175   b  to fit snugly against to the standard snap-fit panel  48 , thereby preventing access to gaps  170  when the debris deflector  172  is snapped onto the outside surface  144  of the panel channel  140 . See FIG. 11 b.    
         [0050]    Referring now to FIG. 12, the debris deflector  172  includes an upper and lower hemmed portion  176 ,  178 , formed respectively an upper and lower wall segments  175   a ,  175   b . The upper hemmed portion  176  terminates in an upper debris deflector edge  180 . The lower hemmed portion  178  terminates in a lower debris deflector edge  182 . Immediately adjacent the upper hemmed portion  176  is a first transition portion  184 . The first transition portion  184  connects the upper hemmed portion  176  to a U-shaped engaging portion  186 . It is important to note that the transition portion  184  is formed to be slightly lower than the U-shaped engaging portion  186 . This is important in assuring that the debris deflector  172  snaps into place on the panel channel  140 . Additionally, the debris deflector also includes a second transition portion  188 . The second transition portion  188  travels in a substantially vertical manner and attaches the U-shaped portion  186  to a foot engaging portion  190 . Adjacent the foot engaging portion  190  and opposite the second transition portion  188 , is a third transition portion  192 . This third transition portion  192  which is formed to be slightly higher than the foot engaging portion  190 , and attaches the foot engaging portion  192  to the lower hemmed portion  178 . As seen in FIGS. 11 a  and  11   b , the upper hemmed portion  176  contains recesses  174  at regular intervals.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 13 demonstrates the manner in which the standard snap-fit panel  48 , panel channel  140  and debris deflector  172  work in conjunction with one another. The bottom edge  136  of the standard channel  48  is rested on the cross web portion  168  of the panel channel  140 . When the standard snap-fit panel  48  is placed on the web portion  168 , the first and second aperture engaging portions  152 ,  154  of channel  140  engage apertures  132  of panel  48 . This snap-fit engagement of apertures  132  secures the panel channel  140  to the standard channel  48 . Finally, the debris deflector  172  is snapped over the panel channel  140 . Specifically, the U-shaped engaging portion  186  engages the second u-shaped portion  150 , and the foot engaging portion  190  snaps over the top of the second foot portion  166  of the panel channel  140 . Note that FIG. 11 b  shows, in perspective view, the snap together interrelationship between the standard snap-fit panel  48 , the panel channel  140  and the debris deflector  172 .  
         [0052]    As previously mentioned, the panel channel  140  may be disposed at either the bottom edge  136  or the top edge  138  of the standard snap-fit panel  48 . When the panel channel  140  is disposed at the bottom edge of the standard snap-fit panel  48 , a debris deflector  172  is preferably used to keep debris out of the gaps  170 . However, when the panel channel  140  is disposed at the top edge  138  of the standard snap-fit panel  48 , there is little to no need for a debris deflector  172 . Instead, there is a need to provide a support means for the roof structure  32 . This support means comes in the form of a gable  194 . The gable  194  may be constructed from plastic or sheet metal. For example, if the gable  194  is constructed from steel, it may have a thickness of about 0.36 mm. The gable  194 , as best seen in FIGS. 15 a  and  15   b , engages to the panel channel  140  in a manner similar to the way that the debris deflector  172  engages the panel channel  140 . However, instead of preventing debris from entering gaps  170 , the gable  194  provides support for the roof structure  32 . The gable  194  includes a substantially vertical panel  196 , and a panel channel clipping portion  198 .  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 14 demonstrates an end view of the panel channel clipping portion  198  of the gable  194 . Similar to the debris deflector  172 , the panel channel clipping portion  198  includes a U-shaped engaging portion  200 . The U-shaped engaging portion terminates in edge  202 . The panel channel clipping portion further includes a first generally planar transition portion  204 , having an inner surface  214 . That portion  204  attaches the U-shaped engaging portion  200  to a foot engaging portion  206 . Immediately adjacent the foot engaging portion  206  is a second transition portion  208 . That portion  208  connects the foot engaging portion  206  to elongated contour portion  210 . Adjacent the elongated contour portion  210 , is a third transition portion  212 , which connects the panel channel clipping portion  198  to the rest of the gable structure  194  (See FIG. 15 a ).  
         [0054]    As seen in FIGS. 15 a  and  15   b , the panel channel clipping portion  198  engages the panel channel  140  in a snap-fit manner. Specifically, the U-shaped engaging portion  200  of the clipping portion  198  snaps over the U-shaped portion  164  of the panel channel  140 . Then the foot engaging portion  206 , in turn, is snapped over the top of the first inwardly-turned U-shaped portion  148 . When the foot engaging portion  206  snaps over the foot portion  164 , the elongated contour portion  210  simultaneously engages cross web  168 .  
         [0055]    Referring now to FIGS. 16 a  and  16   b , a corner connector bracket  215  is shown. The corner bracket  215  is used to secure two panel channels  140  to one another at a 90° angle. To that end, it is preferable to bevel the panel channels such that a 45° edge  216  is formed. Additionally, it is preferable that an aperture  218  is cut at a predetermined distance  220  from the 45° edge  216 .  
         [0056]    The corner bracket  215  is formed from a continuous piece of material such as plastic or sheet metal, and is bent at an approximate 90° angle. Additionally, the corner bracket  215  includes a first and second opposing aperture engaging tabs  222 ,  224 . The height  226  of the corner bracket  215  is determined by the distance measured from the inner surface  142  of the second U-shaped portion  150  to the inside surface  142  of the second foot portion  166  of the panel channel  140 . Moreover, the corner bracket  215  also includes first and second edges  228 ,  230 . As seen in FIG. 16 a , second edge  230  is inserted into the panel channel  140 , in the space  232  bounded by the inside surface  142  of the second U-shaped portion  150  and the inside surface  142  of the second foot portion  166  of the panel channel  140 .  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 16 b  shows how the second opposing aperture engaging tab  224  engages aperture  218 , thereby securing the corner bracket  215  into place in the panel channel  140 . Although not shown, first edge  228  can also be inserted into another panel channel  140 , thereby engaging the two panel channels  140  to one another at a right angle to one another such as at the corner of the shed building  20 .  
         [0058]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.