Modular enclosure with living hinges

US7926227B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• LIFETIME PRODUCTS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Barry D. Mower · Layton, US
• Brent Steed · Syracuse, US
• Jay Calkin · Ogden, US
• Neil Watson · Layton, US
• Robert A. Astle · Kaysville, US
• L. Curtis Strong · Clearfield, US
• Rich Howe · Pleasant View, US
• David C. Winter · Layton, US
• Kent Ashby · Logan, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 28, 2005
• Grant date: Apr 19, 2011
• Expiry date: Aug 1, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E04H1/1205
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include a plurality of corner panels that are constructed from blow-molded plastic. Each of the corner panels may include a living hinge that generally divides the corner panel in half and allows the corner panel to be moved between a generally planar position to facilitate packaging of the shed and an angled position. The shed may also include a plurality of wall panels constructed from blow-molded plastic and disposed between the corner panels. The living hinge is preferably generally vertically positioned when the corner panels are used to construct the shed and the living hinge preferably extends generally from a top portion of the corner panel to a lower portion of the corner panel. Advantageously, the living hinge may be used to construct other portions of the shed such as shelves, skylights and roof caps.