Snap-fit corner connection apparatus for a storage building

Abstract

A corner connector bracket member for connecting adjacent elongate structural members of a storage building to one another is provided. Each corner connector bracket includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion disposed at approximately a right angle to the first connecting portion. Each of the first and second connecting portions includes a snap-fit tab adapted to engage a corresponding slot in each of the adjacent elongate structural members.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A corner connector bracket member for connecting adjacent elongate structural members of a storage building to one another, each said elongate structural member bearing slots, said corner connector bracket member comprising in combination: 
 a first connecting portion;    a second connecting portion disposed at approximately a right angle to said first connecting portion; and    each said first and second connecting portion including a snap-fit tab adapted to engage a corresponding slot in each of the adjacent elongate structural members.    
     
     
         2 . The corner connector bracket member of  claim 1 , wherein each said snap-fit tab includes a ramp-shaped deflectable portion and a locking surface disposed at substantially a right angle from said ramp-shaped deflectable portion.  
     
     
         3 . A storage building comprising: 
 a plurality of elongate structural members each having a receiving slot disposed near an end thereof; and    a plurality of corner connector bracket members for connecting adjacent said elongate structural members to one another;    wherein each said corner connector bracket members includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion disposed at approximately a right angle to said first connecting portion, and each said first and second connecting portion includes a snap-fit tab adapted to engage a corresponding said receiving slot in each of said adjacent elongate structural members.    
     
     
         4 . The storage building of  claim 3 , wherein each said snap-fit tab includes a ramp-shaped deflectable portion and a locking surface disposed at substantially a right angle from said ramp-shaped deflectable portion.  
     
     
         5 . The storage building of  claim 3 , wherein each said elongate structural member has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially channel shaped.  
     
     
         6 . A corner bracket for use in connecting together adjacent elongate channel-shaped structural members of a storage building comprising in combination: 
 an angle portion separating two end portions;    said angle portions spanning the width of the corner bracket and forming an angle of approximately 90°, and each said end portion including a planar portion extending away from said angle portion and having a snap-fit tab member angularly extending therefrom.    
     
     
         7 . The corner bracket of  claim 6 , wherein each said tab member is generally centrally located in the associated said planar portion.