TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to enclosures and particularly enclosures suitable for use as raised garden beds and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Enclosures of many types are con entionally available, in the context of the present invention which will normally be used on a domestic basis and outside a building, an enclosure can be used a a garden bed or pen for animals. The enclosure could be used indoors in certain situations.

[0003] In this context, enclosures of this t e are typically assembled or erected by the home owner who normally has little experienc and quite often does not have access to expensive tools for assembly. Still further, whilst there may be a variety of enclosures available that can be used for these purposes, they are generally difficult to assembly, require more than one person to assembl e or require the use of fasteners or tools.

[0004] Therefore, it would clearly be advantageous to provide an enclosure that was robust enough for use outside and in taxing circumstances as well as being simple to construct, with a small number of components and without the need for tools, fasteners or experti se,

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to an enclosure, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in . one form, resides broadl an enclosure including at least one wall member and at least one post member, the at least one wall member having at least two attachment heads extending laterally at each end of the at least one wall member, and the at least one post member including at least one flange and at least two L- shaped openings in the at least one flange to attach the attachment heads of the at least one wall member.

[0008] In an alternative form, the invention resides in an enclosure including at least one wall member and at least one post member, the at least one wall member having at least two attaehraent heads extending lateraliy at each end of the at least one wall member, and the at least one post member including at least one edge channel formed from a pair of spaced apart flanges and at least two L-shaped openings in at least one of the flanges to attach the attachment heads of the at least one wall member.

[0009] h another form, the present invention resides in an enclosure including at least one elongate, substantially planar wall member and at least one post member having at least one edge channel, each at least one wall member having an edge which fits into at least one edge channel, the edge of the wall member having a plurali ty of spaced apart attachment heads whi ch extend laterally from at least one side of the wall member at each end of the wall member, the edge channel having a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel flanges between which the edge of a wall member is received and a number of I.. -shaped openings i at least one of the substantially parallel flanges in order to engage the attachment heads o the wall member,

[0010] In another form, the present invention resides in an enclosure including at least one wall member and at least one post member, the at least one wall member having at least two L- shaped openings at each end of the at least one wall member, and the at least one post member including at least one flange and at least two attachment heads extending laterally from the flange to attach to the L-shaped openings of the at least one wall member,

[0011] In another form, the present invention resides in a enclosure including at least one elongate, substantially planar wall member and at least one post member having at least one flange, the edge of the wall member having a plurality of L-shaped openings at each end of the wall member, the at least one flange provided with a number of spaced apart attachment heads i order to engage the L-shaped openings on the wall member.

[0012] The enclosure of the present i nvention can be easily and economically mass produced, packaged and distributed. The preferred embodiment typically includes only two different components (or three if an end cap for the posts are included) that can be easily assembled or disassembled, without the need for tools, fasteners or a high level of expertise,

[0013] The enclosure of the present invention will preferably be modular. It i s particularly preferred that the enclosure could be capable of packaging in what has come to be known as a "flat pack", with assembly by the user required. [0014] Generally, the wall members will run between spaced apart posts. The wall members may overlap with one another but this will typically be limited to a vertical overlap rather than a horizontal overlap in order to eliminate the use of fasteners between wall members.

[0015] The components of the present invention allow formation of a variety of different shapes for example rectangular, triangular or an enclosure having more than four sides. The enclosure may also be circular with one wall member and one post being provided.

[0016] The enclosure of the present invention is not intended to be limited by the use to which it is put. Generally, the enclosure of the present invention is for use in an outside environment such as for storage, as a garden bed, pet enclosure or the like but could be used inside in certain situations.

[0017] The wall members of the enclosure of the present invention are not required to be of the same dimension. For example, the height of some of the wall panels may be greater than that of others in order to offer shade, function as a windbreak or to provide privacy i a particular direction. In addition, the length of the wall members may differ,

[0018] The enclosure of the present inventio may be sold with accessories (or the accessories may be sold separately and simply used with the enclosure). Accessories can be used to attach to wall panels or to posts in order to support shade cloth, workbenches, or for tool storage or the like as examples only.

[0019] More than one enclosure can be used together. The enclosures may simply be placed to abut one another but more than one enclosure can also be connected together using posts having ore than two edge channels. For example, one or more post members can be used to attach a wall member defining one enclosure and one or more additional walls to define part of second (or more) enclosure. In this way, multiple enclosures can be formed together increasing the stability and functionality of all enclosures.

[0020] The height of any one or more enclosure can be increased by placing one enclosure on to of another. Post members of greater height can be used in order to form an increased height enclosure or alternatively post members may be offset over the height of the enclosure. In this embodiment, the wall members may be partially overlapped vertically.

[0021] The enclosure of the present invention includes at feast one elongate, substantially planar wail member. Each at least one wall member preferably has an end edge which is received into at least one edge channel on the at least one post member. The end edge of the wall member preferably has a plurality of spaced apart attachment heads which extend from at least one, and typically each, side of the wall member

[0022] The wall members may be panel members. Typically, the wall members are substantially planar. The term "substantially planar" does not require that the wall members be flat and includes corrugated wall members which typically provide enhanced strength. Where corrugated wall members are provided, the corrugations can have any shape.

[0023] The wall members or panel members will typically be generally rectangular with a pair of end edges, a top edge and bottom edge. Typically, the end edges will be at least partially received into an edge channel in a post member. The panel member can be a continuous panel member such as a steel sheet. The steel sheet is usually profiled or corrugated to provide strength and rigidity. The steel sheet can be treated to prevent corrosion and can be painted, profiled, and the like. Any profile may be used. Typically, the wall members will be either roll formed or extruded.

[0024 j Other materials may he used to form the wall panel s such as aluminium, plastic, fibreglass or timber as examples.

[0025] The panel can comprise a non -continuous panel and this could include wire grid panels, panels with openings in them, or perforated panels.

[0026] The panel can comprise one or more sheets and can include double thickness panels, triple thickness panels, strengthened panels, and the like.

[0027] Panels can have varying sizes and shapes and vary in thickness and profile depending on the use of the panel.

[0028] The edges of the wall panels will preferably have a safety edge provided. Ty pically, the safety edge will be provided to the top and bottom edges. The end edges are normally received into the edge channel, and therefore, a safety edge is not normally provided on these edges. Forming a safety edge typically involves folding of the edge of the wall panel back on itself to leave an arcuate fold exposed.

[0029] For an edge of the panel member where it s desi red to attach an edge channel, th ere is preferably provided a plurality of spaced apart attachment heads. As mentioned above, this will typically be o or adjacent the end edges of the wall panel although, capping may be provided on the top and/or bottom edges and therefore, these edges may also include a plurality of spaced apart attachment heads.

10030 ] Preferably, at least two attachment heads are provided, one at an upper regio of the wall member and one at a l ower region of the wall member. As mentioned above, normall more than two attachment heads are provided, and typically, each attachment head will extend laterall from a high point of each corrugation on one side of the wall member at eac end of the wall member. Typically, the attachment heads extend substantially perpendicularly from the plane of the wall m ember.

[0031] Each of the attachment heads preferably has a neck portion and an enlarged head portion at the end of the neck portion spaced from the wall member. The attachment heads may be integrally formed wit the wall member or formed separately from the wall member and attached thereto. Typically, the method of attachment will depend upon the material used. For example, if the attachment head and wall member are both plastic, and typically, the attachment heads will be integrall formed with the wall member, If the attachment heads and wall member are metal, the the attachment heads may be formed separately and fixed to the wall member, such as by welding for example.

[0032] In one form, the attachment heads may be formed using a fastener such as a bolt which has a shank and an enl rged head. In this embodiment, the wall member can be provided with openings and the bolt can be located through an opening with the nut on the outside and the fixed head o the inside. This may allow some adjustment of the separation distance between the head of the bolt and the wall member using the nut and the typically threaded shank.

[0033] Typically , the neck of the attachment head i s sized to fee received in the L-shaped openings. Preferably, the neck will be dimensioned to be closely received in the L-shaped openings.

[0034] The enlarged head of each attachment head will normally be separated from the neck by a land portion. The land portion will typically abut the periphery of the L-shaped openings in order to prevent lateral removal, The spacing between the wall member and the land will preferably approximate the thickness of the flange (ail wall member) in which the L-shaped openings are provided. Small tolerance provides a snug attachment which minimises rattling and relative movement of the components once properly engaged.

[0035] The land may be a planar- land or maybe arcuate for example.

[0036] The attachment heads are spaced apart and the distance between attachment heads, the size of the attachment heads, the shape of the attachment heads, can be varied to suit the type of attachment required. That is, if the attachment is. meant to be very secure, more attachment heads than usual can be used.

[0037] The attachment heads may extend from each side of the panel member such that the panel member can lock to each side of the edge channel which can provide a more secure locking action. However, generally the attachment heads extend from one side of the wall member only. Preferabl the attachment heads will be positioned to the inside of the enclosure during assembly.

[0038] Generally, the attachment heads extend substantially perpendicularly from a high point of at least one corrugation on the wall member and preferably, a high point of at least one corrugation on at least one side, and potentially both sides of the wall member.

[0039] To improve the locking strength between the edge channel and the panel member, it is preferred that the plurality of spaced apart attachment heads on the panel member are spaced somewhat from the edge of the panel member. That is, the more material there is between the attachment heads and the edge of the panel member, the lower will be the chance of the attachment heads becoming torn away.

[0040] The enclosure of the present invention also includes at least one post member having at least one edge channel. Each edge channel preferably has a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel flanges between which the edge of a wall member is received. At least one of the flanges is preferably provided with either a set of L-shaped openings or a set of attachment heads depending upon the configuration.

[0041 ] The post member of the present invention is typically elongate with a constant cross- section over its ^' length height. An extrusion process is preferred for forming the post member particularly if the post is provided with the L-shaped openings. Although providing the post with the attachment heads and providing the L-shaped openings on the wall is an optio in the present invention, it is less preferred.

[0042] The post member can be formed from any material including metal, but a plastic, particularly an impact modified, UV stabilised plastic is preferred. A particularly preferred plastic is unplasticised polyvinylchloride (uPVC) also known as rigid PVC. The wall could also be formed from this material.

[0043] The post member may be provided with an end cap and/or a foot. Where provided, the end cap or foot will preferably be a push fit component with a portion adapted to be received in the, or each edge channel in order to retain the end cap or foot relative to the post. The end cap or foot will preferably be manufactured from plastic. A friction or interference fit is preferred in order to allow for the end ca or foot to be removed relatively easily from the post member.

[0044] Typically, each post member will include at least a pair of edge channels. The edge channels may be at any angle relative to one another with the angle between the edge channels chosen in order to provide walls or partitions at particular angles relative to one another to form the enclosure or partitions within the enclosure. For example, post may be provided with three edge channels approximately 60° apart, four edge channels approximately 90° apart, three edge channels 90° apart, two edge channels 180° apart, two edge channels 150° apart, two edge channels 120° apart or two edge channels at 90° apart,

10 453 A typical channel shape is one which is substantially U-shaped having a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel side flanges and a connecting member.

[0046] The channel length, cross-section size and thickness can vary to suit and the channel can also be coated or otherwise treated to prevent corrosion (dependent on material used) or provide a decorative appearance. The channel can be provided with drainage slots or apertures, if desired.

[0047] The ends of the side flanges may be tapered in order to guide the wall or panel member thereinto.

[0048] The flanges may be of substantiall the same length or alternatively, the more preferred, the outer flange is longer than the inner flange. Preferably, the openings will be provided in the inner flange and not the outer flange. This will typically lead the oute flange with a more pleasing aesthetic appearance as it will then be substantially continuous.

[0049] The openings i the at least one flange of the edge channel will be at least L-shaped. It is particularly preferred that the openings be substantially J-shaped. In each of these configurations, the openings will include a long leg which is preferably substantially horizontally oriented and a shorter leg which is preferably substantially vertical . The shorter leg will typically extend downwardly from the longer leg rather than upwardly.

[0050] In the J-shaped configuration, the opening will possess an additional return leg which extends substantially parallel to the long leg. [0051 j Typically, the number of openings provided will equal the number of attachment heads provided. Generally, the openings will be spaced over the height of the post or wall member,

[0052] In use, in order to engage the attachment heads with the openings, the members will be moved through the long leg of the opening, and substantially perpendicularl to the end of the shorter leg. In the L-shaped opening configuration, the attachment head will remain abutting the end wall of the shorter length of the opening.

[0053] If the openings are provided in the J -shaped configuration, the members are then moved substantially perpendicularly again such that the attachment head is located within the return leg of the preferred J-shaped openings.

[0054] Stop means may also be provided within the edge channel in order to prevent insertion of the wall member into the edge channel too far.

[0055] In order to allow the edge channel and the panel member to push-lock together, it is preferred that the edge channel has a degree of resiliency to allow it to expand somewhat to accommodate the attachment heads.

[0056 j Alternatively, the attachment heads can hav a degree of resiliency and it is envisaged that in a further alternative both the edge channel and the wall member can be resilient to some extent.

[0057] The wall member ca be inserted into the edge channel in any direction, for example horizontally, vertically or at an angle thereto with one end of the post engaging the wal l member initially and working towards the other end. As explained above, generally a multipart movement will be required in order to properly engage the attachment heads in the opening is provided.

[0058] The enclosure of the present i nventio can also include one or more partiti ons. In general, partitions are simply wall members which extend within the enclosure between one or more of the side walls and any other side wall or another point within the enclosure.

[0059] Typically, partitions and their location are defined by one or more posts. Any number of partitions and an configuration of partitions that may be useful can be created. Using different combinations of posts can form different shapes not only of the enclosure itself, but also the partitions within an enclosure.

[0060] Using the posts described above, it is clear that one or more partitioning walls can be provided within an enclosure to divide the volume of the enclosure into different segregated areas. Fo example, a post may be provided wit three edge channels approximately 60° apart, for each channels approximately 90° apart, three edge channels 90° apart, to edge channels 180° apart, to each channels 1.50° apart, to edge channels 120° apart or to edge channels at 90° apart. These allow partitioning wall members to be provided within the enclosure.

[0061] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combi nation with any one or more of the other features described herein wi thi the scope of the invention.

[0062] The reference to any prior an in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowl edgem ent or any form of suggestion that the prior ait forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0063] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention i any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows;

[0064] Figure 1 is a detailed isometric view of a wall member and a post member according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the engagement there between.

[0065] Figure 2 is an axonometric view of a post member according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 3 is a detailed view of the post member illustrated in Figure 2 showing the edge channel s and openings,

[0067] Figure 4 is an isometric view of a wall member and post member of a preferred embodiment in the engaged condition.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0068] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, an enclosure is provided.

[0069] The enclosure illustrated in the accompanying Figures includes an elongate, substantially planar wall member 10 and a post member 11 having a pair of edge channels 12 oriented substantiall perpendicularly to one another as best illustrated i Figure 4. Each wail member 10 has a pair of end edges (only one end edge is illustrated) which fits into one of the edge channels 12. The edge of the wall member 10 has a plurality of spaced apart attachment heads 13 which extend laterally from one side of the wall member 10 at each end of the wall member 10. The edge channel 12 has a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel flanges 14 between which the edge of a wall member 10 is received and a number of J-shaped openings 15 in one of the substantially parallel fl anges 14 in order to engage the attachment heads 13 on the wall member 1.0.

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 4, each wall member 10 has an end edge which is received into an edge channel 12 on the post member 1 1 , The end edge of the wall member 10 has a plurality of spaced apart attachment heads 13 which extend from one side of the wall member 10.

[0071 ) The wall members illustrated are generall rectangular with a pair of end edges and a top and bottom edge. The wall members of the illustrated embodiment are also corrugated.

[0072] As illustrated, an attachment head 13 extends substantially perpendicularly from a high point of each corrugation on one side of the wall member 10 at each end of the wall member.

[0073] Each of the attachment heads has a neck portion and an enlarged head portion at the end of the neck portion spaced from the wall member. Typically, the neck of the attachment head is sized to be received in the L-shaped openings. Preferably, the neck will be dimensioned to be closel received in the L-shaped openings.

[0074] The enlarged head of each attachment head will normally be separated from the neck b a l and portion. The land portion will typically abut the periphery of the L-shaped openings in order to prevent lateral removal. The spacing between the wall member and the land will preferably approximate the thickness of the flange (all wall member) in which the L-shaped openings are provided. Small tolerance provides a snug attachment which minimises rattling and relati ve movement of the components once properly engaged.

[0075] Generally the attachment heads 13 extend from one side of the wall member 10 only and in the illustrated embodiment, the attachment heads are positioned to the inside of the enclosure duri g assembly. [0076] To improve the locking strengt between the edge channel and the wall member, the attachment heads on the wall member are spaced somewhat from the edge of the wall member. That is, the more material there is between the attachment heads and the edge of the panel member, the lower will be the chance of the attachment heads becoming torn away.

[0077] The post member illustrated has a pair of edge channels, each edge channel formed by a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel flanges 14 between which the edge of a wall member 10 is received.

[0078] The post member of the present invention is typically elongate with a constant cross- section over its length/height. An extrusion' process is preferred for forming the post member.

[0079J The post member may be provided with an end cap and/or a foot. Where provided, the end cap or foot will preferably be a push fit component with a portion adapted to be received in the or each edge channel in order to retain the end cap or foot relative to the post. The end cap or foot will preferably be manufactured from plastic. A friction or interference fit is preferred in order to allow for the end cap or foot to be removed relatively easily from the post member.

[0080] A typical channel shape is one which is substantially U-shaped having a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel side flanges 14 and a connecting member 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 14 extend from a solid connecting member 16.

[0081] According to the preferred embodiment, the outer flange f 4" is longer than the inner flange 14 ^* . The openings are provided in the inner flange 14' and not the outer flange 14" leaving the outer flange 14" with a more pleasing aesthetic appearance as it is substantially continuous.

[0082 j The openings in the inner flange 14 ' of the edge channel of the illustrated embodiment are substantially J-shaped. Each opening includes a long leg 17 which is substantially horizontally oriented, a shorter leg 18 which is substantially vertical and a return leg 1 which extends substantially parallel to the long leg 17. The shorter leg 18 is oriented to extend downwardly from the long leg 17 rather than upwardly.

10083] Typically, the number of openings provided will equal the number of attachment heads provided. Generally, the openings will be spaced over the height of the post member.

[0084] In use, in order to engage the attachment heads 13 with the openings 15 _s . the wall is moved such that the attachment heads 13 move through the long leg 17 of the opening, and then substantially perpendicularly to the end of the shorter leg 18, The wall is then moved

substantially perpendicularly again such that the attachment head 13 is located within the return leg 19 of the preferred J shaped openings,

[0085] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and it derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each, of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

10086 j Reference throughout this specif cation to One embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases n one embodiment' or 'in an embodi ment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.