FOLDABLE ENCLOSURE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/657,284, filed Jun. 7, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an enclosure. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a foldable enclosure.

BACKGROUND

Enclosures or containers may be used to store or contain a variety of components in different application. For example, an enclosure may be an electrical enclosure that may contain energized components.

In a global economy, goods, like enclosures, are typically manufactured in one location and then transported (e.g., via ship, plane, truck, etc.) to a separate location where they may be used by an end user or resold to an end user. Regardless of the method used to transport the enclosure, the medium used to transport the enclosures has a finite area. Designing containers that can maximize the number shipped at one time, while also remaining large enough to meet customer requirements, may be an important factor in reducing costs.

One current solution is using an enclosure that is foldable and is capable of taking up a smaller volume while in transit and can expand to a larger volume in use to meet customer requirements. While current solutions are effective at reducing each enclosures shipping footprint and creating more space for shipping, they also introduce safety concerns. For example, current solutions may create pinch points, or places where installers' appendages (e.g., fingers, arms, etc.) could become caught as the enclosure is being unfolded. There is a need to develop an enclosure that similarly reduces its shipping footprint, while also minimizing safety risks to technicians.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure can overcome various of the aforementioned and other disadvantages associated with known enclosures and offer new advantages as well.

According to one aspect of various embodiments of the present disclosure there is provided a foldable enclosure.

According to one aspect of various examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a collapsible enclosure.

According to one aspect of various examples of the present disclosure, there is provided an enclosure constructed from a light-weight material.

According to one aspect of various examples of the present disclosure, there is provided an enclosure with a first side and a second side. The first side is pivotable relative to the second side.

According to another aspect of various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a collapsible enclosure that includes an anchor structure, a pair of side walls, and a pair of end walls. The anchor structure includes a plurality of corner pieces, and a plurality of rods. Each rod is connected between two adjacent corner pieces to form an enclosed perimeter. Each side wall is movably connected to a rod of the plurality of rods. Each end wall is movably connected to a rod of the plurality of rods between the pair of side walls. The pair of side walls and the pair of end walls move between an expanded position where each side wall of the pair of side walls is perpendicular to each end wall of the pair of end walls, to a collapsed position where the pair of side walls and the pair of end walls are stacked on top of one another.

According to another aspect of various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a collapsible enclosure that includes an anchor structure, a side wall, and an end wall. The anchor structure includes a corner piece, a first rod extending from the corner piece in a first direction, and second rod extending from corner piece in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The side wall is movably connected to the first rod. The end wall movably connected to the second rod. The side wall and the end wall move between an expanded position where a corner of the side wall engages a corner of the end wall, and a collapsed position where the side wall is parallel to the end wall.

According to another aspect of various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided an anchor structure for a collapsible enclosure that includes a first corner support, a second corner support, a third corner support, and a fourth corner support. The first corner support has a first upper end and a first lower end. A first opening is disposed more proximate to the first upper end and a second opening is disposed more proximate to the first lower end. The second corner support has a second upper end and a second lower end. A third opening is disposed more proximate to the second upper end and a fourth opening is disposed more proximate to the second lower end. The third corner support has a third upper end and a third lower end. A fifth opening is disposed more proximate to the third upper end and a sixth opening is disposed more proximate to the third lower end. The fourth corner support has a fourth upper end and a fourth lower end. A seventh opening is disposed more proximate to the fourth upper end and an eighth opening is disposed more proximate to the fourth lower end. The anchor structure also includes a first rod, a second rod, a third rod, and a fourth rod. The first rod is connected to the first corner support and the second corner support and extending between the first opening and the third opening. The second rod is connected to the first corner support and the third corner support and extending between the second opening and the sixth opening. The third rod is connected to the fourth corner support and the second corner support and extending between the eighth opening and the fourth opening. The fourth rod is connected to the third corner support and the fourth corner support and extending between the fifth opening and the seventh opening.

According to another aspect of various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of collapsing an enclosure. The method includes rotating a first side wall in a first rotational direction away from a first end wall and a second end wall and rotating a second side wall in a second rotational direction away from the first end wall and the second end wall. The first rotational direction is opposite to the second rotational direction. The method also includes rotating the first end wall about 90 degrees in a third rotational direction perpendicular to the first rotational direction and rotating the second end wall about 90 degrees in a fourth rotational direction opposite to the third rotational direction so that the first end wall and the second end wall is on top of the first end wall. The method also includes continuing to rotate the first side wall in the first rotational direction to contact a surface of the second end wall and continuing to rotate the second side wall in the second rotational direction to contact a surface of the first side wall.

According to another aspect of various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of collapsing an enclosure. The method includes moving a first side wall in a first rotational direction from a first position in engagement with a first end wall and a second end wall to a second position at least partially spaced apart from the first end wall and the second end wall. The method also includes moving a second side wall in a second rotational direction from a first position in engagement with a first end wall and a second end wall to a second position at least partially spaced apart from the first end wall and the second end wall. The second rotational direction is opposite to the first direction. The method also includes rotating the first end wall in a third rotational direction perpendicular to the first rotational direction and rotating the second end wall in a fourth rotational direction opposite to the third rotational direction to be in contact with the first end wall. The method further includes continuing to rotate the first side wall in the first rotational direction to be oriented parallel to the first end wall and the second end wall and continuing to rotate the second side wall in the second rotational direction to contact a surface of the first side wall.

The disclosure herein should become evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art given the following enabling description and drawings. The drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The following enabling disclosure is directed to one of ordinary skill in the art and presupposes that those aspects within the ability of the ordinarily skilled artisan are understood and appreciated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects and advantageous features of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill when described in the detailed description of preferred embodiments and reference to the accompany drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible enclosure according to a first example.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an anchor structure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tube of the anchor structure of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tube of FIG. 4 viewed along section 5-5.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a corner anchor of the anchor structure of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the corner anchor of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the corner anchor of FIG. 6, viewed along section 8-8.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a side wall of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an end wall of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a first cross-sectional view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 1, viewed along section 11-11.

FIG. 12 is a first cross-sectional view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 1, viewed along section 12-12.

FIG. 13 is a first cross-sectional view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 1, viewed along section 13-13.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG.1, illustrating an end wall and a side wall in a pivoted position.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 1 in a collapsed position.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a collapsible enclosure according to another example.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 16 with a lid removed.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an anchor structure of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a tube of the anchor structure of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the tube of FIG. 20 viewed along section 21-21.

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of a corner anchor of the anchor structure of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of the corner anchor of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the corner anchor of FIG. 22, viewed along section 24-24.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a side wall of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 16.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an end wall of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 16.

FIG. 27 is a first cross-sectional view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 16, viewed along section 27-27.

FIG. 28 is a first cross-sectional view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 16, viewed along section 28-28.

FIG. 29 is a first cross-sectional view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 16, viewed along section 29-29.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG.16, illustrating an end wall in a pivoted position.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 16 in the collapsed position.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 16 moved toward an expanded position.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the collapsible enclosure of FIG. 16 continued to move toward an expanded position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an enclosure 100 with an internal volume 105. In some forms, the enclosure 100 may have a substantially rectangular cross-section, and the internal volume may be at least partially formed by a pair of side walls 110 and a pair of end walls 115. In other examples, the enclosure 100 may have a different cross-sectional shape and may have a different number of walls.

In some forms, a corner anchor 120 may be disposed between adjacent walls 110, 115. For example, a corner anchor 120 may be disposed between an adjacent side wall 110 and end wall 115. The illustrated example may include four corner anchors 120, although any number may be used.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the enclosure 100. In addition to the walls 110, 115 and the corner anchors 120, the enclosure 100 includes a number of rods 125. For example, the enclosure includes four rods 125, although any number of rods 125 may be used. As described in more detail below, the rods 125 may assist in connecting and anchoring the walls 110, 115.

FIG. 3 shows the rods 125 connected between the corner anchors 120. The rods 125 may be substantially straight, cylindrical members (see e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5). The resulting connection between the corner anchors 120 and the rods 125 may form a substantially rectangular base.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each rod 125 may be substantially hollow with a channel opening 130 at either end. In other examples, one or more of the rods 125 may have an opening 130 at only one end and/or may not be hollow along the entire length. The hollow channel through each rod 125 may have substantially the same width along the respective rod's length.

In some forms, each rod 125 may include at least one connection passage 135 (e.g., two shown). Each illustrated connection passage 135 is disposed proximate to an end of the respective rod 125 and may be oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the channel openings 130. However, the connection passage(s) 135 may be disposed at any length along the respective rod 125 and/or may be oriented at any angle with respect to the channel and channel openings 130.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, each corner anchor 120 may include an outer surface 140 with a substantially curved shape that extends between a pair of planar faces 145. In some forms, the outer surface 140 may extend about 90 degrees, although other examples of the outer surface 140 may extend any angular distance.

In some forms, the outer surface 140 may include apertures 150, which may be spread out around the outer surface 140. The illustrated outer surface 140 may include a pair of upper apertures 150 and a pair of lower apertures 150. Each pair of apertures 150 may be grouped together in the respective region of the outer surface. The upper pair of apertures 150 may also be offset from the lower pair of apertures 150.

In some forms, the inner surface of each corner anchor 120 may include an anchor lip 155. The illustrated anchor lip 155 may extend continuously between the planar faces 145. In other examples, there may be a discontinuity along at least a portion of the anchor lip 155.

In some forms, each planar surface 145 may include a hole 160 that may extend into the body of the corner anchor 120. In the illustrated example, the hole 160 on one planar surface 145 is more inferior (e.g., lower as viewed in FIG. 7) than the hole 160 on the other planar surface 145. The holes 160 may be circular in shape and have substantially the same diameter, although in other examples, the shape and/or size of one hole 160 may be different.

As shown in FIG. 8, the lower hole 160 may be oriented proximate to the lower pair of apertures 150. In the illustrated example, the pair of apertures 150 may be oriented substantially perpendicularly so that one lower aperture 150 is substantially concentric with the hole 160 and the other lower aperture is perpendicular to an axis that extends through the center of the hole 160. Although not show, the upper hole 160 and the upper pair of apertures 150 may be oriented in substantially the same configuration.

In some forms, the rods 125 may be inserted into the holes 160. Some rods 125 may extend between the upper holes 160 of adjacent corner anchors 120 and other rods 125 may extend between lower holes 160 of adjacent corner anchors 120. As shown in FIG. 3, two rods 125 (e.g., the rods 125 that extend along a length of the enclosure 100) may be oriented in the upper holes 160, and two rods 125 (e.g., the rods 125 that extend along the width of the enclosure 100) may be oriented in the lower holes 160.

Fasteners may be used to retain each rod 125 within the respective corner anchor 120. Specifically, the fasteners may be inserted through the apertures 150 after the rods 125 are inserted through the respective holes 160.

In some forms, an end of each rod 125 may be retained by a first fastener 165 and a second fastener 170. The first fastener 165 may be inserted through an aperture 150 and the aligned connection passage 135. The second fastener 170 may be inserted through the other aperture 150 and the aligned channel opening 130. The second fastener 170 may be received within the first fastener 165 (e.g., by a threaded connection). The engagement of the first and second fasteners 165, 170 within the tube 125 may limit the respective end of the tube 125 from being removed from the respective corner anchor 120.

FIG. 9 illustrates the side wall 110 of the enclosure 100. The side wall 110 includes an upper end 175 and a pair of side portions 180. The upper end 175 includes a passage 185 that extends along a length of the side wall 110. The passage 185 may have a width that is approximately the same as a width of the tubes 125. As described in more detail below, a tube 125 may be inserted into the passage 185.

The upper end 175 may also include a ledge 190, which may be positioned on an inner surface of the side wall 110. As described in more detail below, the ledge 190 may be at least partially aligned with the anchor lip 155 when the enclosure 100 is assembled.

Each side portion 180 may be at least partially curved (e.g., toward the inner surface of the side wall 110). An end of each side portion 180 may include a groove 182. The illustrated groove 182 includes a central channel and extends along the entire length of the side portion 180. Other examples may include a groove 182 that extends only part of the length.

FIG. 10 illustrates the end wall 115 of the enclosure 100. The end wall 115 includes an upper end 195 and a pair of side edges 200. The upper end 195 includes a passage 205 that extends along a length of the end wall 115. The passage 205 may have a width that is approximately the same as a width of the tubes 125. As described in more detail below, a tube 125 may be inserted into the passage 205.

The upper end 195 may also include a ledge 210, which may be positioned on an inner surface of the end wall 115. As described in more detail below, the ledge 210 may be at least partially aligned with the anchor lip 155 when the enclosure 100 is assembled.

Each side edge 200 may include a groove 215. The illustrated groove 215 includes a central channel and extends along the entire length of the side edge 200. Other examples may include a groove 215 that extends only part of the length.

In some forms, the side walls 110 and the end walls 115 may include a series of protrusions and recesses formed in the respective inner and outer surfaces. The protrusions and recesses may be arranged in a series of equally spaced rows, although any pattern may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the enclosure 100 may be assembled by passing a tube 125 though one of the passages 185, 205. Specifically, the longer tubes 125 may be inserted through a passage 185 of the side wall 110 and the shorter tubes 125 may be inserted through a passage 205 of the end wall 115. Each tube 125 may be centered in its respective passage 185, 205 so that a portion of each tube 125 extends out of the respective passage 185, 205 on either end.

As shown in FIG. 13, the portion of each tube 125 extending from the respective passage 185, 205 may be received within the holes 160 of the corner anchors 120, as described above. Once received within the corner anchors 120, the first and second fasteners 165, 170 may be inserted through the apertures 150 to secure each wall 110, 115.

Returning to FIG. 1, once all four walls 110, 115 are connected to the respective corner anchors 120 in this manner, the enclosure 100 may include a complete perimeter. This this position, the anchor lip 155 and the ledges 190, 210 may be aligned on a common plain. The anchor lip 155 and the ledges 190, 210 may also be recessed from an upper edge of the enclosure 100. In some examples, a cover (not shown) may be positioned at least partially within the internal volume 105 and rest against the anchor lip 155 and the ledges 190, 210. The cover may be used to enclose the internal volume 105.

As shown in FIG. 14, the walls 110, 115 of some forms of the enclosure 100 may be movable. For example, each wall 110, 115 may be able to pivot about the respective tube 125. As a wall 110, 115, the respective corner anchors 120 may remain stationary.

In some forms, the walls 110, 115 may be movable to reduce the footprint of the enclosure 100, which may assist with shipping and transportation. From an assembled position, the enclosure 100 may be disassembled by first pivoting the side walls 110 radially outwardly. When connected, the groove 182 of a side wall 110 may interface with a groove 215 of an adjacent end wall 115. The direction of interface may limit movement of the end walls 115 but may not substantially limit movement of the side walls 110 (see e.g., example in FIG. 33). The side walls 110 can therefore move outwardly away from the end walls 115.

Once the side walls 110 are free from the end walls 115, the end walls 115 may be free to pivot. Specifically, the end walls 115 may pivot toward a center of the enclosure 100 (e.g., toward one another). The end walls 115 may pivot so that one end wall 115 rests on top of the other end wall 115 and both end walls 115 are substantially parallel to one another (e.g., both rotated about 90 degrees).

The side walls 110 may then be similarly rotated toward a center of the enclosure 100. Each side wall 110 may continue to be rotated in the same direction. For example, each side wall 110 may be rotated about 270 degrees and stacked on top of the end walls 115. Each side wall 110 may be substantially parallel to the other side wall 110 and to the end walls 115.

When the walls 110, 115 are rotated and stacked, the outer perimeter of the collapsed enclosure 100 may be substantially the same as the expanded enclosure 100. As shown in FIG. 15, the corner anchors 120 may remain in substantially the same position after the walls 110, 115 are pivoted.

In some forms, the walls 110, 115 may latch together when they are connected (e.g., a mechanical latch, a snap fit, a press fit, a magnetic engagement, etc.). In other examples, the walls 110, 115 may remain freely pivotable and may be secured in position by an additional connector (e.g., a cable, a strap, etc.).

The enclosure 100 in the collapsed position may be more easily transported than the expanded enclosure 100 because it takes up less space. For example, a greater number of enclosures 100 may be transported and/or stored in a given location than expanded enclosures.

When the enclosure 100 reaches its desired location, it can be unfolded and returned to its expanded position. For example, the side walls 110 may be pivoted away from the center to expose the end walls 115. The end walls 115 can then be pivoted back to their initial portion. Then, the side walls 110 can be pivoted toward the end walls 115.

In some forms, the side walls 110 may engage with the end walls 115 to secure the walls 110, 115 together. For example, the grooves 182, 215 may engage with one another (e.g., in a snap fit).

FIGS. 16 to 33 illustrate another example of an enclosure 500. The enclosure 500 may be similar to the enclosure 100. Similar features may include similar reference numbers plus “400”. Only some similarities and differences may be described.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate an enclosure 500 with an internal volume 505. In some forms, the enclosure 500 may have a substantially rectangular cross-section, and the internal volume may be at least partially formed by a pair of side walls 510 and a pair of end walls 515. In other examples, the enclosure 500 may have a different cross-sectional shape and may have a different number of walls.

In some forms, a corner anchor 520 may be disposed between adjacent walls 510, 515. For example, a corner anchor 520 may be disposed between an adjacent side wall 510 and end wall 515. The illustrated example may include four corner anchors 520, although any number may be used.

As shown in FIG. 16, a lid 507 may be used to enclose the internal volume 505. As described in more detail below, the lid 507 may rest against a ledge of the walls 510, 515 and may be secured to the walls 510, 515. The lid 507 may be removable to access the internal volume 505 (see e.g., FIG. 17). The enclosure 500 may include a support 517. The support 517 may extend across the internal volume 505. For example, the support 517 may extend between the side walls 510, although it may extend between the end walls 515 in other examples.

In some forms, the support 517 may be formed proximate to the upper end of the walls 510, 515 so that the lid 507 can rest on the support 517. The support 517 may be disposed through a center of an opening to the internal volume 505 to evenly support the lid 507.

In certain forms, the support 517 may be U-shaped or C-shaped. The center portion may extend across the opening to the internal volume 505 as described above. Side portions of the support 517 may extend along a surface of each side wall 510. The illustrated support 517 may extend along the outer surface of each side wall 510, although other examples may include the support extending on one or more inner side wall surface 510. The support 517 may be fixed to the side walls 510 (e.g., with fasteners). In certain examples, the support 517 may limit movement of the side walls 510 relative to one another (e.g., the support 517 must be disconnected to collapse the enclosure 500).

FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded view of the enclosure 500. In addition to the walls 510, 515 and the corner anchors 520, the enclosure 500 includes a number of rods 525. For example, the enclosure includes four rods 525, although any number of rods 525 may be used. As described in more detail below, the rods 525 may assist in connecting and anchoring the walls 510, 515.

FIG. 19 shows the rods 525 connected between the corner anchors 520. The rods 525 may be substantially straight, cylindrical members (see e.g., FIGS. 20 and 21). The resulting connection between the corner anchors 120 and the rods 125 may form a substantially rectangular base.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, each rod 525 may be substantially hollow with a channel opening 530 at either end. In other examples, one or more of the rods 525 may have an opening 530 at only one end and/or may not be hollow along the entire length. The hollow channel through each rod 525 may have substantially the same width along the respective rod's length.

In some forms, each rod 525 may include at least one connection passage 535 (e.g., two shown). Each illustrated connection passage 535 is disposed proximate to an end of the respective rod 525 and may be oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the channel openings 530. However, the connection passage(s) 535 may be disposed at any length along the respective rod 525 and/or may be oriented at any angle with respect to the channel and channel openings 530.

As shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, each corner anchor 520 may include an outer section 540 with a substantially curved shape that extends between a pair of planar faces 545. In some forms, the outer section 540 may extend about 90 degrees, although other examples of the outer section 540 may extend any angular distance.

In some forms, the outer section 540 may be formed from curved ribs. For example, the outer section 540 may be a series of spaced apart curved ribs, as opposed to a solid surface like the outer surface 140.

In some forms, apertures 550 may be formed between the ribs of the outer section 540. The apertures 550 may be spread out around the outer section 540. The illustrated corner anchor 520 may include an upper aperture 550 and a lower aperture 550. The upper aperture 550 may also be offset from the lower aperture 550. The apertures 550 may also be radially within the ribs of the outer section 540.

In some forms, the inner surface of each corner anchor 520 may include an anchor lip 555. The illustrated anchor lip 555 may extend continuously between the planar faces 545. In other examples, there may be a discontinuity along at least a portion of the anchor lip 555.

In certain forms, at least one of the lips 555 may include an aperture 557. For example, the illustrated form may include only two of the corner anchors 520 with apertures 557 through the respective lip 555. The corner anchors 520 with the apertures 557 may be arranged diagonally from one another. The apertures 557 may receive a fastener to secure the lid 507 in place.

In some forms, each planar surface 545 may include a hole 560 that may extend into the body of the corner anchor 520. In the illustrated example, the hole 560 on one planar surface 545 is more inferior (e.g., lower as viewed in FIG. 23) than the hole 560 on the other planar surface 545. The holes 560 may be circular in shape and have substantially the same diameter, although in other examples, the shape and/or size of one hole 560 may be different.

In some forms, an opening to the hole 560 may project from the planar surface 545. The aperture 550 may be formed through the planar surface and radially within the hole 560. The outer width of the aperture 550 may be less than the inner width of the hole 560.

In some forms, the rods 525 may be inserted into the holes 560. Some rods 525 may extend between the upper holes 560 of adjacent corner anchors 520 and other rods 525 may extend between lower holes 560 of adjacent corner anchors 520. As shown in FIG. 19, two rods 525 (e.g., the rods 525 that extend along a length of the enclosure 500) may be oriented in the upper holes 560, and two rods 525 (e.g., the rods 525 that extend along the width of the enclosure 500) may be oriented in the lower holes 560.

Fasteners may be used to retain each rod 525 within the respective corner anchor 520. Specifically, the fasteners may be inserted through the apertures 550 after the rods 525 are inserted through the respective holes 560.

In some forms, an end of each rod 525 may be retained by a first fastener 565 and a second fastener 570. The first fastener 565 may be inserted through the connection passage 535. The second fastener 570 may be inserted through the aperture 550 and the aligned channel opening 530. The second fastener 570 may be received within the first fastener 565 (e.g., by a threaded connection). The engagement of the first and second fasteners 565, 570 within the tube 525 may limit the respective end of the tube 525 from being removed from the respective corner anchor 520.

FIG. 25 illustrates the side wall 510 of the enclosure 500. The side wall 510 includes an upper end 575 and a pair of side portions 580. The upper end 575 includes a passage 585 that extends along a length of the side wall 510. The passage 585 may have a width that is approximately the same as a width of the tubes 525. As described in more detail below, a tube 525 may be inserted into the passage 585.

In some forms, the passage 585 may be at least partially exposed along an outer surface of the side wall 510. For example, the passage 585 may be formed between a series of ribs. The ribs may form a portion of the outer surface of the side wall 510 so that the passage 585 is viewable when the enclosure 500 is assembled.

The upper end 575 may also include a ledge 590, which may be positioned on an inner surface of the side wall 510. As described in more detail below, the ledge 590 may be at least partially aligned with the anchor lip 555 when the enclosure 500 is assembled.

Each side portion 580 may be at least partially curved (e.g., toward the inner surface of the side wall 510). An end of each side portion 580 may include a groove 582. The illustrated groove 582 includes a central channel and extends along the entire length of the side portion 580. Other examples may include a groove 582 that extends only part of the length.

FIG. 26 illustrates the end wall 515 of the enclosure 500. The end wall 515 includes an upper end 595 and a pair of side edges 600. The upper end 595 includes a passage 605 that extends along a length of the end wall 515. The passage 605 may have a width that is approximately the same as a width of the tubes 525. As described in more detail below, a tube 525 may be inserted into the passage 605.

The upper end 595 may also include a ledge 610, which may be positioned on an inner surface of the end wall 515. As described in more detail below, the ledge 610 may be at least partially aligned with the anchor lip 555 when the enclosure 500 is assembled.

Each side edge 600 may include a groove 615. The illustrated groove 615 includes a central channel and extends along the entire length of the side edge 600. Other examples may include a groove 615 that extends only part of the length.

In some forms, the side walls 510 and the end walls 515 may include a series of protrusions and recesses formed in the respective inner and outer surfaces. The protrusions and recesses may be arranged in a series of equally spaced rows, although any pattern may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 27 to 29, the enclosure 500 may be assembled by passing a tube 525 though one of the passages 585, 605. Specifically, the longer tubes 525 may be inserted through a passage 585 of the side wall 510 and the shorter tubes 525 may be inserted through a passage 605 of the end wall 515. Each tube 525 may be centered in its respective passage 585, 605 so that a portion of each tube 525 extends out of the respective passage 585, 605 on either end.

As shown in FIG. 28, the portion of each tube 525 extending from the respective passage 585, 605 may be received within the holes 560 of the corner anchors 520, as described above. Once received within the corner anchors 520, the first and second fasteners 565, 570 may be inserted through the apertures 550 to secure each wall 510, 515.

Returning to FIG. 16, once all four walls 510, 515 are connected to the respective corner anchors 520 in this manner, the enclosure 500 may include a complete perimeter. This this position, the anchor lip 555 and the ledges 590, 610 may be aligned on a common plain. The anchor lip 555 and the ledges 590, 610 may also be recessed from an upper edge of the enclosure 500. In some examples, a lid 507 may be positioned at least partially within the internal volume 505 and rest against the anchor lip 555 and the ledges 590, 610. The cover may be used to enclose the internal volume 505.

As shown in FIG. 30, the walls 510, 515 of some forms of the enclosure 500 may be movable. For example, each wall 510, 515 may be able to pivot about the respective tube 525. As a wall 510, 515, the respective corner anchors 520 may remain stationary.

In some forms, the walls 510, 515 may be movable to reduce the footprint of the enclosure 500, which may assist with shipping and transportation. From an assembled position, the enclosure 500 may be disassembled by first pivoting the side walls 510 radially outwardly. When connected, the groove 582 of a side wall 510 may interface with a groove 615 of an adjacent end wall 515. As shown in FIG. 33, the direction of interface may limit movement of the end walls 515 but may not substantially limit movement of the side walls 510. The side walls 510 can therefore move outwardly away from the end walls 515.

Once the side walls 510 are free from the end walls 515, the end walls 515 may be free to pivot. Specifically, the end walls 515 may pivot toward a center of the enclosure 500 (e.g., toward one another). The end walls 515 may pivot so that one end wall 515 rests on top of the other end wall 515 and both end walls 515 are substantially parallel to one another (e.g., both rotated about 90 degrees).

The side walls 510 may then be similarly rotated toward a center of the enclosure 500. Each side wall 510 may continue to be rotated in the same direction. For example, each side wall 510 may be rotated about 270 degrees and stacked on top of the end walls 515. Each side wall 510 may be substantially parallel to the other side wall 510 and to the end walls 515.

When the walls 510, 515 are rotated and stacked, the outer perimeter of the collapsed enclosure 500 may be substantially the same as the expanded enclosure 500. As shown in FIG. 31, the corner anchors 520 may remain in substantially the same position after the walls 510, 515 are pivoted.

In some forms, the walls 510, 515 may latch together when they are connected (e.g., a mechanical latch, a snap fit, a press fit, a magnetic engagement, etc.). In other examples, the walls 510, 515 may remain freely pivotable and may be secured in position by an additional connector (e.g., a cable, a strap, etc.).

The enclosure 500 in the collapsed position may be more easily transported than the expanded enclosure 500 because it takes up less space. For example, a greater number of enclosures 500 may be transported and/or stored in a given location than expanded enclosures.

When the enclosure 500 reaches its desired location, it can be unfolded and returned to its expanded position. For example, the side walls 510 may be pivoted away from the center to expose the end walls 515. The end walls 515 can then be pivoted back to their initial portion. Then, the side walls 510 can be pivoted toward the end walls 515.

In some forms, the side walls 510 may engage with the end walls 515 to secure the walls 510, 515 together. For example, the grooves 582, 615 may engage with one another (e.g., in a snap fit).

One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the exact dimensions and materials are not critical to the disclosure and all suitable variations should be deemed to be within the scope of the disclosure if deemed suitable for carrying out the objects of the disclosure.

One of ordinary skill in the art will also readily appreciate that it is well within the ability of the ordinarily skilled artisan to modify one or more of the constituent parts for carrying out the various embodiments of the disclosure. Once armed with the present specification, routine experimentation is all that is needed to determine adjustments and modifications that will carry out the present disclosure.

The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or the adaptation of the features described herein. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the above-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.