Portable, folding storage structures with carrying case and methods therefor

Abstract

Foldable storage structures and methods of erecting, contracting and storing such structures are described. The storage structure includes effectively rigid wall panels coupled by hinges to form an enclosure. The wall panels can be foldable and connected to a foldable floor panel assembly. The structure has a roof assembly which has a foldable panel assembly which mounts to or within a cover. The preferred cover has two layers to provide a flexible pouch in which the floor panels, wall panels and roof panels can be stored when folded into contracted conditions. The cover is configured to be releasably coupled to the top edge of the wall panels. Encircling straps may be used about the folded parts of the structure to serve as carrying handles. The cover preferably serves as both the roof skin when erected and as a carrying case when the structure is collapsed for portability or storage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains to portable foldable storage structures and to methods for erecting, contracting and storing such structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In society today, many individuals enjoy spending time traveling in recreational vehicles, campers, motor homes, trailers, and boats. In fact, many people live in such vehicles on either a full-time or on a part-time basis. Unfortunately, it is common for such vehicles to have limited storage space, and many personal items are therefore stored or stowed either within or attached to such vehicles.

This lack of adequate storage creates many problems. For example, when stopping in campgrounds, recreational vehicle parks, or in other locations, many individuals would like to store their personal items outside of their vehicles. However, the rules and regulations of many campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks do not allow the storage of personal items in an open manner. Therefore, there is a need for storage structures which will satisfy such storage needs.

Numerous foldable structures have been developed over the years. Such foldable structures have been used for various purposes. Although some of these structures can be used for storage, such structures tend to be bulky, heavy, and difficult to erect. Such structures have not typically been sufficiently lightweight and foldable or collapsible to be easily transported and/or stored. Providing such a structure which is weather tight is difficult and even more so while maintaining portability. Thus, the prior art structures have various shortcomings and have failed to adequately resolve some of the problems faced by those who would benefit from portable and collapsible storage structures.

In brief, there has long been a need for a portable, collapsible, foldable, durable, and light weight storage structure which is quickly and easily erected from a stored configuration. There has also been a need for such a storage structure which can be easily collapsed to facilitate transportation and storage.

The current invention addresses one or more of these problems and challenges using a number of features that provide an improved portable, collapsible structure and related methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable storage structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the foldable storage structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the foldable storage structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the foldable storage structure of FIG. 1, showing the wall assembly, the roof assembly, the floor assembly, and other aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the wall assembly in isolation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the wall assembly of FIG. 5 from the opposite end.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a preferred flexible basket weave hinge of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8A is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the wall assembly in folded configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the wall assembly of FIG. 8A in a partially folded configuration.

FIG. 8C is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the wall assembly of FIG. 8A in a partially folded configuration.

FIG. 8D is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the wall assembly of FIG. 8A in a partially folded configuration.

FIG. 8E is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the wall assembly of FIG. 8A in an unfolded configuration.

FIG. 9A is a diagrammatic top view showing the wall assembly of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9B is a diagrammatic top view showing the wall assembly of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9C is a diagrammatic top view showing the wall assembly of FIG. 8C.

FIG. 9D is a diagrammatic top view showing the wall assembly of FIG. 8D.

FIG. 9E is a diagrammatic top view showing the wall assembly of FIG. 8E.

FIG. 10 is a top view showing the foldable roof member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view showing a roof skin or shell which includes a flexible pouch in accordance with some preferred forms of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top view showing the roof member of FIG. 10 being placed into the roof shell with flexible pouch of FIG. 11 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top view showing the roof assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a diagrammatic elevational view showing the roof member in folded configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a diagrammatic elevational view showing the roof assembly of FIG. 14A in a partially folded configuration.

FIG. 14C is a diagrammatic elevational view showing the roof assembly of FIG. 14A in a partially folded configuration.

FIG. 14D is a diagrammatic elevational view showing the roof assembly of FIG. 14A in an unfolded configuration.

FIG. 15 is a top view showing floor assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16A is a diagrammatic elevational view showing the floor member in folded configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16B is a diagrammatic elevational view showing the or assembly of FIG. 16A in a partially folded configuration.

FIG. 16C is a diagrammatic elevational view showing the floor assembly of FIG. 16A in an unfolded configuration.

FIG. 17 is a top view of a second preferred combined roof skin and carrying case according to the invention.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the roof and case shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is view similar to FIG. 18 with portions of the bottom layer broken away to show the folded parts of the collapsible, portable structure contained therein.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view similar to FIG. 18 but with a longitudinal flap turned up and over other portions to close the roof pouch opening.

FIG. 21 is another bottom view similar to FIGS. 18 and 20 but with an end flap folded over to make the collapsed structure and carrying pouch more compact.

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 with additional straps shown that are fitted around the assembly to hold it securely and act as handles for easy portability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Introductory Note

The readers of this document should understand that the embodiments described herein may rely on terminology used in any section of this document and other terms readily apparent from the drawings and language common therefor. This document is premised upon using one or more terms with one embodiment that will in general apply to other embodiments for similar structures, functions, features and aspects of the invention. Wording used in the claims is also descriptive of the invention. Terminology used with one, some or all embodiments may be used for describing and defining the technology and exclusive rights associated herewith.

The Foldable Storage Structure in General

FIGS. 1-4 show a preferred structure according to the present invention, which is generally indicated by the numeral 10. The apparatus 10 can be generally described as being a foldable storage structure. As will be described in detail below, the foldable storage structure 10 can be placed in a folded configuration to facilitate storage and/or transport of the storage structure 10. The storage structure 10 is preferably placed in an erect configuration (as shown in FIGS. 1-3) so that it can be used for storing personal items, providing privacy, child's play, or for any other suitable purpose. A full description of the foldable storage structure 10, including descriptions of its erect and folded configurations is provided below.

When in its erect configuration, the storage structure 10 advantageously rests on a supporting surface 12. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, straps 14 can be included for attaching the bottom corners 16 of the storage structure 10 to the ground or other supporting structure. The straps 14 can include grommets 17 which are located near the end of each of the tie-down straps 14. Tie-down straps 14 are used to secure the storage structure 10 to the supporting surface 12 below as needed or desired. For example, stakes 20 can be inserted through the grommets and driven into the supporting surface 12 to secure the storage structure 10 to the supporting surface 12. The storage structure 10 can also be secured to the supporting surface 12 by other suitable means. For example, straps 14 and grommets 17 can be used as a point of attachment to a wooden deck using nails or screws (now shown), if desired.

The Wall Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the foldable storage structure 10 includes a wall assembly or assemblies generally indicated by the numeral 30. In some preferred versions the walls are joined as a single assembly. Other configurations may be possible. Some aspects of the wall assembly 30 may best be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 9E, where the wall assembly 30 is shown in isolation. For example, referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 9E, the wall assembly 30 (shown in its unfolded configuration) can be seen to be a polygonal shape, such as the rectangular enclosure 31 shown. In the context of this document, the term “rectangular” is defined to mean any four-sided structure preferably having four approximately right angles at the corners. This includes square figures.

As shown, wall assembly 30 includes four walls, a front wall 33, a back wall 34, a right wall 35, and a left wall 36. Each of these four walls 33, 34, 35, and 36 may include at least two wall panels. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9E, the front wall 33 can include a first wall panel 41 and a second wall panel 42. The back wall 31 can include of a first wall panel 43 and a second wall panel 44. The right wall 35 can include a first wall panel 46, and a second wall panel 47. The left wall 36 can include a first wall panel 48 and a second wall panel 49. The eight wall panels (e.g., wall panels 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, and 49) which when expanded into the open condition collectively form the rectangular enclosure 31 can be referred to hereafter as wall panels 50 for convenience.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9E, each of the wall panels (41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48 and 49) has an interior facing side 55 and an exterior facing side 56. In addition, each of the wall panels 50 has a top edge 60, a bottom edge 61, and side edges 62.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6 and 9E, in its erect or unfolded configuration, the wall assembly 30 can be described as a rectangular enclosure 31 having foldable joints or hinged couplings 70 between adjacent panels. In one preferred implementation, the wall assembly 30 is a rectangular enclosure 31 having foldable joints 70 which define eight wall panels which are advantageously stiff as needed for the intended use (e.g., wall panels 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, and 49). The shape of the rectangular enclosure 31 may best be appreciated by the top view provided in FIG. 9E. This figure clearly shows the eight rigid wall panels 50 and the foldable joints 70. However, other views of the wall panels 50 and the foldable joints 70 may be appreciated in any of FIGS. 1-6.

In one implementation, the rectangular enclosure 31 can comprise one continuous piece of wall material having foldable joints 70 which define the eight rigid wall panels (e.g., wall panels 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, and 49). In another implementation, the walls of the rectangular enclosure 31 can include a plurality of individual wall panels 50 which are hingedly coupled at foldable joint or coupling 70. Thus in one embodiment, the rectangular enclosure 31 can include a plurality of individual wall panels 50 which are foldably or hingedly coupled.

A preferred material of construction for the wall and other relatively stiff panels is an extruded plastic (polypropylene) corrugated board material sold under the trademark COROPLAST which is widely available. It has hollow compartments running longitudinally with connecting webs that join the inner and outer facing layers. Other material may be suitable, but this preferred material is water resistant and of particular utility for the inventions described herein.

The rigid panels 50 which comprise the wall assembly 30 are preferably lightweight, to facilitate set-up and take down of the storage structure 10. Such panels 50 can be made of various suitable materials in addition to the preferred material described above. For example, suitably rigid panels 50 can comprise materials selected from the group consisting of such extruded plastic hollow core board, cardboard, honeycomb plastic, foam core board, polyvinylchloride sheets, metal, wood, and wood based composite materials.

It should be noted that the height of the wall panels 50 can be varied or adapted to accommodate a variety of roof shapes. For example, the storage structure 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 has a gambrel roof shape. However, the height of the wall panels 50 can be adapted to accommodate any suitable roof shape. For example, gable roofs, shed roofs, or flat roofs can be used in place of the gambrel roof.

Panel Hinges

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, the wall assembly 30 can advantageously include eight wall panels 50. Each of the wall panels (e.g., wall panels 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, and 49) having a top edge 60, a bottom edge 61, and two side edges 62. These edges can thus define the individual wall panels (e.g., wall panels 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, and 49). These eight individual wall panels (e.g., wall panels 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, and 49) can be coupled by hinges to form the rectangular enclosure 31 and allow collapsing. For example, the side edges 62 of the wall panels 50 can be hingedly coupled (at coupling 70) to form the rectangular enclosure 31. This may be best seen in reference to FIG. 6, which shows one of the side edges 62 of the first wall panel 43, and one of the side edges 62 of the second wall panels 44 being hingedly coupled (at coupling 70) to help form the rectangular enclosure 31.

The preferred hinged couplings 70 which join the wall panels 50 can be made of various suitable materials. For example, in one implementation at least one of the hinged couplings 70 which join the wall panels 50 can comprise a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting. The hinged couplings 70 can be attached to the storage structure 10 by various suitable means. For example, in one implementation the hinged couplings 70 can be attached to the storage structure 10 by adhesives, double-faced tape, screws, bolts, braids, and/or heat welding. The preferred form may vary dependent upon the hinge and panel materials being used.

In one implementation, which may best be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 1-7, the hinged coupling 70 which join the wall panels 50 are a flexible basket weave hinge 75 made of flexible nylon strapping. This same type of flexible basket weave hinges 75 can also be used to foldably or hingedly join other parts of the storage structure 10 (as shown in FIGS. 1-16) as will be discussed below.

A detailed description of the flexible basket weave hinges 75 is now provided with particular attention directed to FIGS. 3 and 7. Referring first to FIG. 3, the illustration shows the back wall 34 of the storage structure 10. The back wall 34 can be made up of two rigid wall panels (i.e., first wall panel 43 and second wall panel 44) which are attached at the hinged coupling 70. Although any suitable coupling may be used for hinged coupling 70, the first and second wall panels 43, 44, are in some forms most preferably coupled with a basket weave hinge 75. A segment of the basket weave hinge 75 (from FIG. 3) is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a portion of the basket weave hinge 75 (from FIG. 3) is shown coupling the first wall panel 43 to the second wall panel 44. The basket weave hinge 75 can be made of a series of short segments of nylon strap 76. Each of these short segments of nylon strap 76 have a first end 78 which is attached to the first wall panel 43, and a second end 79 which is attached to the second wall panel 44. The ends of the nylon straps 76 can be attached to the first and second wall panels 43, 44 by any suitable means. For example, in one implementation, the nylon straps 76 can be attached by adhesive or sewn or both.

The hinge 75 is formed in a “basket weave” pattern, so that if one nylon strap 76 has its first end 78 attached to the interior facing side 55 of the first wall panel 43, then its second end 79 will be attached to the exterior facing surface 56 of the second wall panel 44. An adjacent nylon strap 76 which is part of the basket weave hinge 75 will alternate this arrangement, therefore its first end 78 will be attached to the exterior facing side 56 of the first wall panel 43, and its second end 79 will be attached to the interior facing side 55 of the second wall panel 44. Additional nylon straps 76 will follow this alternating pattern of attachment to form the basket weave hinge 75. In FIG. 7, the portions of the nylon straps 76 which are attached to the interior facing side of the first or second wall panels 43, 44 are shown in phantom lines 80.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, in a preferred embodiment, at least one of the wall panels 50 includes a door opening 83 formed therethrough to facilitate ingress to or egress from the storage structure 10. The door opening 83 may best be appreciated in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6. Door openings 83 can also be present in more than one of the wall panels 50. For example, two adjacent wall panels, such as the first and second wall panels 41, 42 of the front wall 33 can each have door openings 83 formed therethrough to provide a wide opening to the storage structure 10 (as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6).

Doors or Structure Closures

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the foldable storage structure 10 preferably includes at least one door 85. Door 85 can be coupled by hinges to at least one of the wall panels 50 at the door opening 83 to control ingress to and egress from the foldable storage structure 10. If the wall panels 50 include more than one door opening 83, more than one door 85 can be used to control ingress to and egress from the foldable storage structure 10. For example, two adjacent doors 85 may be used as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. The doors 85 can include various ornamentation or designs to improve their aesthetic appeal or function. For example, the doors can include windows 86. The door or doors may also include a lock mechanism or chain 87 which can be used to secure doors 85 in a closed, secured condition.

Panel Attachments

A plurality of attachment points 88 are preferably located at the top and bottom edges 60, 61 of the wall panels 50 (See FIGS. 1-4). Attachments 88 have features and are configured to facilitate the attachment of other components (i.e., the roof assembly and floor assembly to the wall assembly 30) as will be described in detail below. The attachment points 88 can be configured to utilize any suitable method of attachment. For example, the attachment points 88 can use hook and loop, strap and buckle, strap and snap, or any combination of these to form a selectively releasable attachment.

Folding Action of Wall Assembly

FIGS. 8A-E provide a series of diagrammatic representations showing a process whereby a wall assembly 30 in the folded configuration (FIG. 8A) can be unfolded to be placed in the open, erect or unfolded configuration 91 (FIG. 8E). A top view of this same process is provided by FIGS. 9A-9E. In order to most clearly describe this process, the door opening 83 is not illustrated in FIGS. 8A-E and FIGS. 9A-E for easier understanding. However, in a preferred embodiment described above, at least one door opening 83 is provided.

As shown by FIGS. 8A and 9A, the wall assembly 30 can be placed in a folded configuration 90 for placement in pouch 102 to facilitate storage and/or transport of the wall assembly 30. In this folded configuration 90, the walls 50 are in an essentially co-planar arrangement, with each of the walls (i.e., wall panels 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, and 49) being folded one on the other. To provide this preferred flattened condition, the various hinge structures may have smaller or large spacing to accommodate the thickness of a partition wall sheet making the panels.

FIGS. 8B and 9B show a first group of wall panels 95 (i.e., the second wall panel 42 of the front wall 33, the second wall panel 44 of the back wall 34, and the first and second wall panels 48, 49 of the left wall) being rotated away from a second group of wall panels 96 (i.e., the first wall panel 41 of the front wall 33, the first wall panel 43 of the back wall 34, and the first and second wall panels 46, 47 of the right wall). This rotation continues until the first group of wall panels 95 and the second group of wall panels 96 are once again in an essentially co-planar relationship as shown in FIGS. 8C and 9C. As shown in FIGS. 8C and 9C, in this partially folded configuration, the front and back walls 33, 34 are in an unfolded configuration, while the right and left walls 35, 36 remain in a folded configuration.

Referring now to FIGS. 8D and 9D, the front and back walls 33, 34 are now urged apart, causing the right and left walls 35, 36 to begin unfolding. When the right and left walls 35, 36 have completely unfolded, the wall assembly 30 takes on its rectangular shape, as shown in FIGS. 8E and 9E. In its unfolded configuration 91, the wall assembly 30 can be coupled to other components (described below) to form the storage structure 10. It should be noted, that the erect storage structure 10 can be once again re-folded to facilitate storage and/or transport of the wall assembly 30 by performing the reverse operations and actions described for unfolding.

The Roof Assembly

Referring to FIGS. 1-14, the foldable storage structure 10 also includes a roof assembly 100. The roof assembly 100 may be best seen in FIGS. 4 and 10-14. The roof assembly 100 includes a roof member 101, and a roof skin or shell. The roof skin or shell is preferably of double layer construction and provides a flexible storage pouch 102 (FIG. 11) in which all other parts of the structure 10 may be stowed for portage.

In preferred versions, the roof member 101 includes at least one foldable joint or hinged coupling 105 which joins a plurality of rigid roof panels 106. As best seen in FIGS. 10, 12 and 14, this implementation of the roof member 101 includes four roof panels 106. These include a first roof panel 111, a second roof panel 112, a third roof panel 113, and a fourth roof panel 114. Each of the roof panels 106 has a front edge 118, a rear edge 119, and two side edges 120.

In one implementation, the roof member 101 can be one continuous piece of material having fold lines creased thereinto to provide foldable joints 105. This construction may enhance the stiffness or rigidity of the roof panels (e.g., panels 111, 112, 113, and 114) by providing continuous support along the lines of joinder. In a more preferred alternative implementation, the roof assembly 101 can also include a plurality of individual roof panels 106 which are hinged at couplings 105. In another implementation, the roof member 101 may include two or more roof panels 106 which are hinged whereas other roof panels may be otherwise joined.

The foldable joints or hinged couplings 105 which join the roof panels 106 can be made of various suitable materials as described above. For example, in one implementation at least one of the foldable joints or hinged couplings 105 which join the roof panels 106 comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting. The roof panel couplings 105 can be attached to the roof panels 106 by any suitable means. For example, the hinged couplings 105 can be attached to the roof panels 106 by adhesives, double-faced tape, screws, bolts, braids, and/or heat welding.

In one embodiment, which may best be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, the hinged couplings 105 which join the roof panels 106 are a flexible basket weave hinge 125 made of nylon strapping. The flexible basket weave hinge 125 which is used to join the roof panels 106 can be of the same design as the flexible basket weave hinge 75 which was described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, and which was used a to join the wall panels 50. For a detailed description of the flexible basket weave hinges 125, please see the detailed description provided above, as flexible basket weave hinges 75 and 125 are preferably of the same or similar design.

The roof panels 106 which comprise the roof member 101 are preferably lightweight, to facilitate set-up and take-down of the storage structure 10. Such panels 106 can be made of various suitable materials. For example, the roof panels 106 can comprise a material or materials selected from the group consisting of the preferred extruded polypropylene board, cardboard, honeycomb plastic, foam core board, polyvinylchloride sheets, metal, wood, and wax coated paper based materials.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, roof assembly 100 also includes roof skin. The roof skin also preferably serves to cover or enclose the panel assembly 101 when unfolded to form the roof assembly. The roof skin is preferably two layer and configured to provide a flexible pouch 102. The flexible pouch 102 can be rectangular in shape, having four edges, a front edge 131, a back edge 132, a right edge 133, and a left edge 134. The flexible pouch 102 also includes an upper cover 138, and a lower cover 139. The upper and lower covers 138, 139 are sealed or joined at three edges to form the flexible pouch 102.

Any three of the edges may be sealed or joined to form the flexible pouch 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the front edge 131, the right edge 133, and the left edge 134 can be sealed to form the pouch 102. These three edges 131, 133, and 134 can be connected or sealed in any suitable fashion, such as by sewing, adhesive attachment, heat sealed, or other suitable perimeter joinder and/or by banding using edging strips. The remaining edge, here the back edge 132 of the flexible pouch 102, is configured to be opened or closed to access an interior pocket 140 which has been formed. Back edge 132 is preferably provided with a closure. The closure may use couplings such as snaps, hook and loop materials, zippers, ties or other suitable connectors. These are preferably both strong and easily opened and closed to open and close the pouch. Other roof pouch closures may also be suitable and within the various forms of the inventions described herein.

As shown in FIG. 12, the back edge 132 of the flexible pouch 102 can be configured to be opened or closed, so that the rigid roof panels 106 can be inserted into the interior pocket 140 of the flexible pouch 102. The back edge 132 of the flexible pouch 102 can be configured to be selectively releasably sealed in any suitable manner. For example, the back edge 132 can include openings 141 which facilitate the use of hooks, fasteners, snaps, or ties to selectively releasably seal the upper cover sheet 138 to the lower cover sheet 139 at back edge 132.

The flexible pouch 102 can be made of any suitable material. For example, the flexible pouch 102 can be made of fabric, plastic, canvas, or a combination of these materials. The materials used can be water-proof, water-resistant, non-water-proof depending on the characteristics desired by the user. The flexible pouch 102 can also include various optional aesthetic features such as scalloped eves 145 which are shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 11-13. Plain eves, or other eve designs can also be utilized as desired to provide water shedding or sun blocking capabilities.

Referring again to FIGS. 10-13, the flexible pouch 102 is configured so that the roof members 101 can be inserted into the interior pocket 140 of the pouch 102. The flexible pouch 102 is configured to enclose the roof members 101 in an unfolded configuration, thereby combining to form the roof assembly 100. The flexible pouch 102 containing the roof members 101, namely the roof assembly 100, is configured to be releasably coupled to the top edge 60 of the wall panels 50.

Folding the Roof Assembly

FIGS. 14A-D provide a series of diagrammatic representations showing a process whereby the roof member 101 is first shown in a folded configuration 150 (FIG. 14A), and is then unfolded to be placed in a flat or unfolded configuration 151 (FIG. 14D).

As shown by FIG. 14A, the roof member 101 can be placed in a folded configuration 150 to facilitate placement in pouch 102, for storage and/or other transport of the roof member 101. In this folded configuration 150, the roof panels 106 are in an essentially co-planar arrangement, with each of the roof panels (i.e., roof panels 111, 112, 113, and 114) being folded one on the other.

FIG. 14B shows the first and second roof panels 111, 112 being rotated away from the third and fourth roof panels 113, 114 to begin unfolding the roof member 101. This unfolding continues until the roof panels 106 are once again in an essentially co-planar relationship as shown in FIG. 14D.

When the roof panels 106 are in the unfolded configuration 151 (as shown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 14D), the roof member 101 can be inserted into the interior pocket 140 of the flexible pouch 102. For example, FIG. 12 shows the unfolded roof member 101 being inserted into the interior pocket 140 of the flexible pouch 102. The flexible pouch 102 is designed to securely hold the roof member 101 in an essentially unfolded position 151. However, when the roof assembly 100 is releasably coupled to the top edge 60 of the wall panels 50, the flexible pouch 102 allows enough movement of the roof panels 106 so that the roof panels 106 and flexible pouch 102 can conform to the top edges 60 of the wall panels 50 to create the desired roof shape.

As noted above, the height of the wall panels 50 can be varied or adapted to accommodate a variety of roof shapes, such as gambrel, gable, shed, curved or flat roofs. The use of any suitable roof shape is contemplated. As one example, the storage structure 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 has a gambrel roof shape.

The Floor Assembly

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 15 and 16, a preferred but optional floor assembly is generally indicated by the numeral 160. In one implementation, the floor assembly 160 can be described as being a generally rectangular floor member 161 having at least one foldable joint or hinged coupling 165 which defines a plurality of rigid floor panels 166. As shown, the floor assembly 160 can include a first floor panel 170, and a second floor panel 171.

Each of the floor panels 166 has a front edge 175, a back edge 176, an outer side edge 177, and an inner side edges 178. Each of the floor panels 166 has an upper surface 179, and a lower surface 180.

In one implementation, the floor assembly 160 has at least one foldable joint 165 which defines a plurality of floor panels (e.g., first and second floor panels 170, 171). In this implementation, the floor assembly 161 can be one continuous piece of floor material having foldable joints 165 which define the first and second floor panels 170, 171. In another implementation, the floor assembly 160 can include a plurality of individual floor panels 166 which are hingedly coupled at foldable joint or coupling 165. Thus, in some implementations, the floor assembly 160 can include a plurality of individual floor panels 166 which are hingedly coupled.

In one implementation, the floor assembly 160 includes a plurality of hingedly coupled rigid floor panels 166. The foldable joints or hinged couplings 165 which join the floor panels 166 can be made of any suitable material. For example, in one implementation at least one of the foldable joints or hinged couplings 165 which join the floor panels 166 comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting. The hinged couplings 165 can be attached to the floor panels 166 by any suitable means. For example, the hinged couplings 165 can be attached to the floor panels 166 by adhesives, double-faced tape, screws, bolts, brads, and/or heat welding.

In one embodiment, which may best be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 4 and 15, the hinged coupling 165 which join the floor panels 166 are a flexible basket weave hinge 185 made of nylon strapping. The flexible basket weave hinge 185 which is used to join the floor panels 166 can be of the same design as the flexible basket weave hinge 75 which was described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, and which was used to join the wall panels 50. For a detailed description of the flexible basket weave hinges 185, please see the detailed description provided above, as flexible basket weave hinges 75 and 185 are preferably of the same or similar design.

The floor panels 166 which comprise the floor assembly 160 are preferably lightweight to facilitate set-up and take down of the storage structure 10. Such panels 166 can be made of any suitable material. For example, the floor panels 166 can comprise materials selected from the group consisting of extruded hollow core polypropylene, cardboard, honeycomb plastic, foam core board, polyvinylchloride sheets, metal, wood, wood based and other lightweight composite materials. Non-skid strips can be applied to the floor panels 166 to provide better traction for those walking on the floor.

The floor assembly 160 is advantageously configured to be releasably coupled to the bottom edge 61 of the wall panels 50. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 15, a plurality of connectors 187 can be attached to the front edge 175, back edge 176, and outer side edge 177 of the floor panels 166. These connectors 187 can be configured to releasably couple to the bottom edge 61 of the wall panels 50. The connectors 187 can be configured to utilize any suitable method of attachment. For example, the connectors can use hook and loop, strap and buckle, strap and snap, or any combination of these or other connectors to form an attachment.

Folding the Floor Assembly

FIGS. 16A-C provide a series of diagrammatic representations showing a process whereby the floor assembly 160 is first shown in a folded configuration 190 (FIG. 16A), and is then unfolded to be placed in a flat or unfolded configuration 191 (FIG. 16C).

As shown by FIG. 16A, the floor assembly 160 can be placed in a folded configuration 190 to facilitate storage placement in pouch 102 and/or transport of the floor assembly 160. In this folded configuration 190, the floor panels 166 are in an essentially co-planar arrangement, with each of the floor panels (i.e., first and second floor panels 170, 171) being folded one on the other. FIG. 16B show the first and second floor panels 170, 171 being rotated away from one another to begin unfolding the floor assembly 160. This unfolding continues until the floor panels 166 are once again in an essentially co-planar relationship as shown in FIG. 16C. When the floor panels 160 are in the unfolded configuration 191 (as shown in FIGS. 4, 15, and 16C), the floor assembly 160 can be releasably coupled to the bottom edge 61 of the wall panels 50 by connectors 187.

Methods for Erecting the Storage Structures

The present invention includes methods of erecting the foldable storage structure 10. The methods may include providing a flexible pouch 102 which contains a disassembled storage structure 10 in a folded configuration. The flexible pouch 102 which is provided, contains a wall structure assembly, such as the eight rigid wall panels 50 in a folded configuration 90, a plurality of rigid roof panels 106 in a folded configuration 150, and a plurality of rigid floor panels 166 in a folded configuration 190. The method includes removing the wall panels 50, the plurality of roof panels 106, and the plurality of floor panels 166 from the flexible roof pouch 102. The method includes unfolding the wall panels 50, to form a rectangular enclosure 31 having a top edge 60 and a bottom edge 61. The method also includes unfolding the plurality of roof panels 106, and then after unfolding the plurality of roof panels 106, placing the plurality of roof panels 106 inside of the flexible pouch 102 to form a roof assembly 100. The roof assembly 100 is releasably coupled to the top edge 60 of the rectangular enclosure 31. The method also includes unfolding the plurality of floor panels 166, and then after unfolding the plurality of floor panels 166, releasably coupling the plurality of floor panels 166 to the bottom edge 61 of the rectangular enclosure 31.

Second Embodiment Roof Cover and Pouch

FIGS. 17-21 show a preferred second embodiment roof cover 200. The features of roof cover 200 include a pouch for carrying the folded and contracted wall, roof and floor panel assemblies discussed above or ones substantially similar thereto. Cover 200 also has features that serve to fold shut the pouch opening.

As shown, this embodiment further shows a cover which either or both folds an opening side flap and an end flap. This is used to reduce the overall width and length of the completely knocked-down and encased structure in the storage or stowage condition. The foldable panel assemblies and the stowed unit thus become easily portable and carrying case cover protect the folding panel assemblies for transport and stowage. This may be in a storage compartment of a recreational vehicle, a boat, home storage shelving or wherever the unit is stored. Further specifics of the second embodiment will now be described with aid and in light of the first embodiment description.

FIG. 17 shows a top view of the cover 200 in a fully flattened condition. Cover 200 has a front edge 204, back edge 205, foldable right end 206 and a left end 207. The front edge 204 is advantageously provided with an eave 202 which provides greater aesthetic appeal and serves to improve weather resistance by overhanging the joinder between the front wall and roof assembly.

As shown, cover 200 is made with a relatively heavy nylon fabric which is rip and tear resistant. It is also advantageously provided with a water resistant coating that lines the inside of both top layer 201 and bottom layer 203 (FIG. 18). The top layer 201 of cover 200 is positioned upward when installed upon the wall assembly or assemblies. The bottom layer is facing the interior of the structure.

FIG. 17 also shows that the top layer 201 of cover 200 has a top layer longitudinal row 212 of snaps 210 or other suitable connectors. The top layer also preferably includes a series of end snaps or other suitable connections 213. Another snap or other connector 214 is provided for securing the end flap when folded over. Snap connector 214 engages with a mating snap connector 218 (FIG. 18) when the side and end flaps 254 and 253 are folded and properly fastened.

The cover 200 is provided with a pouch (not shown in FIG. 17) which may be used to store the folding panel assemblies. After the folding panel assemblies are inserted into the pouch, then the cover is folded along a first fold line 241 which runs longitudinally. This causes a side flap 254 to double over adjacent parts of the cover. The cover may also be folded along a second fold line 242 which runs transversely toward one end of the cover. The second fold line 242 defines an end flap area 253. The operation of such flaps will be described further below.

The cover may be advantageously provided with a binding or edging 209 which extends along edges 204-207. This can be a sewn-on strip of heavier nylon fabric or other suitable edging material. This helps to protect the edges against wear and tear.

FIG. 18 shows the opposing bottom side of cover 200 in a fully flattened condition. The bottom side is made from a bottom layer 203 of fabric or other suitable material whereas the top side is made from a top layer of fabric or other suitable material. The layers are preferably flexible.

The two cover layers are joined along the perimeter at edges 204, 206 and 207 by sewing, glueing, heat welding and/or other suitable joinder techniques. The two layers are open (disconnected) or detachably connected near back edge 205 to allow access to an internal compartment of a storage pouch 250 formed between the two layers of the cover.

The mouth of the storage pouch 250 is adjacent the outer edge of a first reinforcement strip 261. Strip 261 is sewn, glued, welded, etc. to become a part of the bottom layer. It is a longitudinal reinforcement strip which extends between the end edges 206 and 207. As shown, the bottom layer also advantageously has similar second and third longitudinal reinforcement strips 262 and 263. An end reinforcement strip 264 may a further be included.

The first longitudinal reinforcement strip 261 has a group of snaps 211 having individual snap pieces or other suitable connectors 231. Snaps 231 mate with snaps 210 mounted in the top layer. This connection causes the pouch opening to be fastened closed. This occurs most frequently when the roof panel assembly is installed therein in the unfolded condition and the roof assembly is ready for mounting upon the erected wall panel assembly.

The first strip 261 is also provided with appropriately positioned hook and loop connection pieces 221 for connection to the wall panel assembly with mating connectors mounted thereon.

The second reinforcement strip 262 is provided with another group or series of snaps or other suitable fasteners or connectors 217. Snaps 217 are coordinated to connect with snaps 210 of series 212 when the longitudinal flap is folded over along fold line 241. In this condition, the snaps 231 of series 211 are disconnected from snaps 210 and displaced inward.

Third longitudinal reinforcement strip 263 is provided with a series of connectors 221 which may be hook and loop type fasteners for a connection to the top edge of the wall panel assembly when the unit is erected.

The transverse reinforcement strip 264 is provided with snaps 213 which engage and mate with snaps 267 on the second transverse reinforcement strip 265 when the end flap 253 is folded along fold line 242. Snap 218 on strip 264 connects with snap 214 on the face of upper layer 201 when the cover is fully folded into a closed storage position.

Assembly of Structure Into Storage Condition

FIG. 19 shows the cover with portions of the bottom layer 203 broken away to better illustrate the approximate manner that the folded panel assemblies are stored therein. The floor panel assembly 160 is positioned in the pouch 250 in a folded condition as described above and inserted between the layers. The folded floor assembly 160 is positioned toward the right edge 207 although some play is possible. The folded wall panel assembly is shown on top of assembly 160 and is positioned approximately against or tight against the right edge 207. The folded roof panel assembly 101 is shown positioned on top of the wall panel assembly 90.

FIGS. 18-22 show the cover in different stages. FIG. 18 shows the unloaded cover from the bottom side ready to receive the folded panel assemblies. The mouth of pouch 250 is opened by detaching the snaps of group 211 from those of group 212. Then the panel assemblies are inserted into the pouch, such as illustrated in FIG. 19.

FIG. 20 shows the longitudinal flap 254 folded over adjacent portions of the cover and fold line 241 becomes the lower edge. Snaps 212 are then coupled to snaps 217 to connect the longitudinal flap and close the mouth of the pouch. This also narrows the transverse width size of the folded cover assembly.

FIG. 21 shows another step where the end flap 253 is folded along fold line 242. The end flap is detachably secured by connecting the snaps 213 to snaps 267. The bottom of the edge 206 is coupled using snaps 214 and 218 and are not apparent in the view of FIG. 21.

FIG. 22 shows another optional condition wherein the folded storage assembly of FIG. 21 is further provided with a series of encircling bands or straps 264 which can be of various types and sizes. The encircling straps preferably have a connector which allows the strap to be tightened about the assembly to better secure it in the storage condition. Straps 264 also serve as carrying handles by inserting the hands beneath the straps a and lifting the assembly.

Straps 264 may further serve an added optional purpose of being guys which can be connected at the top corners of the wall assembly and staked to the ground or otherwise mounted upon a supporting surface to stabilize the erected structure against wind, rain and snow.

Operation and Further Aspects

Advantageously, the foldable storage structure 10 may also be contracted or collapsed. This includes the wall assembly 30, the roof assembly 100, and the floor assembly 160, which all can be easily placed in a folded configuration and stored in the flexible pouch 102 for storage and/or transport. Transport of the foldable storage structure 10 is further facilitated by the fact that when the foldable storage structure 10 is placed in a folded configuration and stored in the flexible pouch 102, the flexible pouch 102 containing the foldable storage structure 10 (in the folded configuration) is so dimensioned as to be insertable into a cargo compartment of a recreational vehicle. The foldable storage structure 10 is preferably configured to be assembled and disassembled without tools.

The methods, operation and further aspects of the described embodiments of the present invention are believed to be apparent from the description given herein. For convenience they will be briefly summarized at this point.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a foldable storage structure 10. The foldable storage structure 10 includes a rectangular enclosure 31 having foldable joints 70 which define eight effectively rigid wall panels 50. Each of the wall panels 50 have a top edge 60 and a bottom edge 61, and at least one of the wall panels 50 includes a door opening 83 formed therethrough.

The foldable storage structure 10 includes a roof member 101 having at least one foldable joint 105 which defines a plurality of rigid roof panels 106. The foldable storage structure 10 also includes a roof skin or envelope, preferably in the form of flexible pouch 102 which is configured to enclose the roof panels 106 to form a roof assembly 100. The roof assembly 100 is configured to be releasably coupled to the top edge 60 of the wall panels 50.

The foldable storage structure 10 also includes a floor assembly 160 having at least one foldable joint 165 which defines a plurality of rigid floor panels 166. The floor panels 166 are configured to be releasably coupled to the bottom edge 61 of the wall panels 50.

In one preferred embodiment, the foldable storage structure includes a door 85 which is pivotally coupled, such as by hinge structures, to at least one of the wall panels 50 at the door opening 83 to control ingress to and egress from the foldable storage structure 10.

The joints which connect various panels of the foldable storage structure 10 can be made from various suitable materials. For example, in one variation, at least one of the foldable joints 70 which define the rigid wall panels 50 is made from a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting. In another variation, at least one of the foldable joints 50 which define the plurality of rigid roof panels 106 comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting. In another variation, at least one of the foldable joints 165 which define the plurality of rigid floor panels 166 comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting. In one preferred embodiment, at least one of the foldable joints 70 which define the wall panels 50 is a flexible basket weave hinge 75 made of nylon strapping 76 or other enumerated material or their equivalent.

In another variation, the rigid wall panels 50 comprise a material selected from the group consisting of extruded hollow core polypropylene board, cardboard, plastic, foam core board, polyvinylchloride sheet, metal, wood and wood based materials.

In other embodiments, the foldable storage structure includes a wall assembly 30 including eight rigid wall panels 50, each wall panel (i.e., 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48 and 49) having a top edge 60 a bottom edge 61 and side edges 62. The side edges 62 of the wall panels 50 are hingedly coupled to form a rectangular enclosure 31, and at least one of the wall panels 50 includes a door opening 83 formed therethrough. The foldable storage structure 10 includes a roof assembly 100 including a plurality of hingedly coupled rigid roof panels 106, and a flexible pouch 102 which is configured to enclose the roof panels 106. The roof assembly 100 is configured to be releasably coupled to the top edge 60 of the wall panels 50. The foldable storage structure 10 also preferably includes a floor assembly 160. The floor assembly 160 includes a plurality of pivotally coupled rigid floor panels 166, and is configured to be releasably coupled to the bottom edge 61 of the wall panels 50.

In yet another embodiment, the foldable storage structure includes eight wall panels 50, each of the wall panels 50 having a top edge 60 a bottom edge 61 and side edges 62. The side edges 62 of the wall panels 50 are hingedly coupled to form a rectangular enclosure 31. At least one of the wall panels 50 includes a door opening 83 formed therethrough. The foldable storage structure 10 also includes a plurality of hingedly coupled roof panels 106, and a flexible pouch 102 which is configured to enclose the roof panels 106. The flexible pouch 102 is also configured to be releasably coupled to the top edge 60 of the wall panels 50. The foldable storage structure 10 also includes a plurality of hingedly coupled floor panels 166. The floor panels 166 are configured to be releasably coupled to the bottom edge 61 of the wall panels 50.

Further Aspects and Features

The above description has set out various features and aspects of the inventions developed by the inventors and the best mode and certain preferred embodiments are shown and described. Such aspects and features may further be described and defined according to the following claims which may individually or in various combinations help to define the 3 invention.

Interpretation Note

The invention has been described in language directed to the current embodiments shown and described with regard to various structural and methodological features. The scope of protection as defined by the claims is not intended to be necessarily limited to the specific features shown and described. Other forms and equivalents for implementing the inventions can be made without departing from the scope of concepts properly protected hereby.

Claims

1. A foldable storage structure, comprising:

a wall assembly including eight rigid wall panels, each wall panel having a top edge a bottom edge and side edges, wherein the side edges of the wall panels are hingedly coupled to form a rectangular enclosure, and wherein at least one of the wall panels includes a door opening formed therethrough;

a roof assembly including a plurality of hingedly coupled rigid roof panels and a flexible pouch configured to enclose the roof panels, wherein the roof assembly is configured to be releasably coupled to the top edge of the wall panels; and

a floor assembly including a plurality of hingedly coupled rigid floor panels, wherein the floor assembly is configured to be releasably coupled to the bottom edge of the wall panels.

2. The foldable storage structure of claim 1, and further comprising a door, wherein the door is hingedly coupled to at least one of the wall panels at the door opening to control ingress to and egress from the foldable storage structure.

3. The foldable storage structure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the hinged couplings which join the wall panels comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting.

4. The foldable storage structure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the hinged couplings which join the roof panels comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting.

5. The foldable storage structure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the hinged couplings which join the floor panels comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting.

6. The foldable storage structure of claim 1, wherein the foldable storage structure can be placed in a folded configuration and stored in the flexible pouch.

7. The foldable storage structure of claim 1, wherein the foldable storage structure can be placed in a folded configuration and stored in the flexible pouch, and wherein the flexible pouch includes a closure.

8. The foldable storage structure of claim 1, wherein the foldable storage structure is configured to be assembled and disassembled without tools.

9. The foldable storage structure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the hinged couplings which join the wall panels comprises a flexible basket weave hinge made of nylon strapping.

10. A foldable storage structure, comprising:

a rectangular enclosure having foldable joints which define eight rigid wall panels, wherein the wall panels have a top edge and a bottom edge, and wherein at least one of the wall panels includes a door opening formed therethrough;

a roof member having at least one foldable joint which defines a plurality of rigid roof panels;

a flexible pouch configured to enclose the roof panels to form a roof assembly, wherein the roof assembly is configured to be releasably coupled to the top edge of the wall panels; and

a floor assembly having at least one foldable joint which defines a plurality of rigid floor panels, wherein the floor panels are configured to be releasably coupled to the bottom edge of the wall panels.

11. The foldable storage structure of claim 10, and further comprising a door, wherein the door is hingedly coupled to at least one of the wall panels at the door opening to control ingress to and egress from the foldable storage structure.

12. The foldable storage structure of claim 10, wherein at least one of the foldable joints which define the eight rigid wall panels comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting.

13. The foldable storage structure of claim 10, wherein at least one of the foldable joints which define the plurality of rigid roof panels comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting.

14. The foldable storage structure of claim 10, wherein at least one of the foldable joints which define the plurality of rigid floor panels comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting.

15. The foldable storage structure of claim 10, wherein the foldable storage structure can be placed in a folded configuration and stored in the flexible pouch.

16. The foldable storage structure of claim 10, wherein the foldable storage structure can be placed in a folded configuration and stored in the flexible pouch, and wherein the flexible pouch includes a closure along at least one edge.

17. The foldable storage structure of claim 10, wherein the foldable storage structure is configured to be assembled and disassembled without tools.

18. The foldable storage structure of claim 10, wherein at least one of the foldable joints which define the wall panels comprises a flexible basket weave hinge made of nylon strapping.

19. The foldable storage structure of claim 10, wherein the eight rigid wall panels comprise a material selected from the group consisting of extruded hollow core polypropylene sheet, cardboard, plastic, foam core board, polyvinylchloride sheet, metal, wood and wood based materials.

20. A foldable storage structure, comprising:

eight rigid wall panels, each of the wall panels having a top edge a bottom edge and side edges, wherein the side edges of the wall panels are hingedly coupled to form a rectangular enclosure, and wherein at least one of the wall panels includes a door opening formed therethrough;

a plurality of hingedly coupled rigid roof panels;

a flexible pouch configured to enclose the roof panels, wherein the flexible pouch is also configured to be releasably coupled to the top edge of the wall panels; and

a plurality of hingedly coupled rigid floor panels, wherein the floor panels are configured to be releasably coupled to the bottom edge of the wall panels.

21. The foldable storage structure of claim 20, and further comprising a door, wherein the door is hingedly coupled to at least one of the wall panels at the door opening to control ingress to and egress from the foldable storage structure.

22. The foldable storage structure of claim 20, wherein at least one of the hinged couplings which join the wall panels comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting.

23. The foldable storage structure of claim 20, wherein at least one of the hinged couplings which join the roof panels comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting.

24. The foldable storage structure of claim 20, wherein at least one of the hinged couplings which join the floor panels comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nylon strapping, webbing, fabric, plastic, leather and belting.

25. The foldable storage structure of claim 20, wherein the foldable storage structure can be placed in a folded configuration and stored in the flexible pouch.

26. The foldable storage structure of claim 20, wherein the foldable storage structure can be placed in a folded configuration and stored in the flexible pouch, and wherein the flexible pouch includes a closure along at least one edge.

27. The foldable storage structure of claim 20, wherein the foldable storage structure is configured to be assembled and disassembled without tools.

28. The foldable storage structure of claim 20, wherein at least one of the hinged couplings which join the wall panels comprises a flexible basket weave hinge made of nylon strapping.

29. A method of erecting a foldable storage structure, comprising:

providing a flexible pouch including eight rigid wall panels in a folded configuration, a plurality of rigid roof panels in a folded configuration, and a plurality of rigid floor panels in a folded configuration;

removing the eight wall panels, the plurality of roof panels, and the plurality of floor panels from the flexible pouch;

unfolding the eight wall panels to form a rectangular enclosure having a top edge and a bottom edge;

unfolding the plurality of roof panels;

after unfolding the plurality of roof panels, placing the plurality of roof panels inside of the flexible pouch to form a roof assembly;

releasably coupling the roof assembly to the top edge of the rectangular enclosure;

unfolding the plurality of floor panels; and

after unfolding the plurality of floor panels, releasably coupling the plurality of floor panels to the bottom edge of the rectangular enclosure.

30. An apparatus forming a collapsible, portable storage structure, comprising:

a foldable wall structure having a plurality of wall panels and at least one door opening;

a foldable roof panel assembly having a plurality of roof panels;

a flexible roof cover constructed with a pouch that can receive the foldable wall structure and foldable roof panel assembly therein when in folded conditions to provide portability and a carrying case.

31. An apparatus according to claim 30 and further comprising, a foldable floor panel assembly which may also be received within the pouch when in a folded condition with said foldable roof panel assembly and said foldable wall structure.

32. An apparatus according to claim 30 and further comprising connectors for connecting:

a flexible roof assembly formed from the folding roof panel assembly when in an extended condition and the flexible roof cover;

to the foldable wall structure when in an open condition.