U.S. patent application number 09/903558 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-16 for self-contained transportable dwelling.
Invention is credited to Bradley, Chuck.
Application Number | 20030009954 09/903558 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25417696 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030009954 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bradley, Chuck |
January 16, 2003 |
Self-contained transportable dwelling
Abstract
A self-contained, portable dwelling fabricated from a cargo
container is described. The dwelling includes windows and a door in
its walls and a plurality of solar panels on the roof. The solar
panels collect solar power, which is transferred to storage
batteries. The solar panels, storage batteries, and a power
inverter make up a self-contained electrical system for the
dwelling. The dwelling includes a self-contained sewage and water
system including a black water tank, a gray water tank, a potable
water storage tank, a toilet, a shower, and a sink. Various
electrical appliances, such as an air conditioner, microwave,
refrigerator, may be included. Further, a solar powered exhaust fan
and a skylight may be included. The dwelling includes International
Standards Organization (ISO) locking devices to allow transport on
ISO compliant transporting vehicles.
Inventors: |
Bradley, Chuck; (Santa Rosa,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO MORIN & OSHINSKY LLP
2101 L STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20037-1526
US
|
Family ID: |
25417696 |
Appl. No.: |
09/903558 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/79.1 ;
52/169.1; 52/169.6; 52/745.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 1/1205 20130101;
E04H 2001/1283 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/79.1 ;
52/169.1; 52/169.6; 52/745.01 |
International
Class: |
E04H 001/00; E02D
001/00; E04B 001/00; E04G 021/00 |
Claims
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent of the United States is:
1. A self-contained, transportable dwelling, comprising: a roof,
four external walls and a base; a plurality of solar panels
positioned on said roof; a door located in one of said walls; and a
plurality of windows located on at least one of said walls.
2. The dwelling of claim 1, comprising a self-contained water and
sewage system.
3. The dwelling of claim 2, wherein said self-contained water and
sewage system comprises: a black water tank; a toilet which is
drainable into said black water tank; a gray water tank; a shower
which is drainable into said gray water tank; and a sink which is
drainable into said gray water tank.
4. The dwelling of claim 3, wherein said self-contained water and
sewage system comprises a potable water storage tank which provides
water to said toilet, shower and sink.
5. The dwelling of claim 3, wherein said self-contained water and
sewage system comprises an accumulator tank.
6. The dwelling of claim 3, wherein said self-contained water and
sewage system comprises a pump.
7. The dwelling of claim 1, comprising a self-contained electrical
system.
8. The dwelling of claim 7, wherein said self-contained electrical
system comprises: said solar panels; and one or more storage
batteries.
9. The dwelling of claim 8, wherein said self-contained electrical
system further comprises an inverter to translate stored electrical
power to one-hundred ten alternate current electrical power.
10. The dwelling of claim 8, wherein one of said solar panels is
dedicated to heating water for use in said shower.
11. The dwelling of claim 8, comprising: a refrigerator; a
microwave; an air conditioner; a heater; and an exhaust fan.
12. The dwelling of claim 1, comprising a storage closet accessible
from outside the dwelling.
13. The dwelling of claim 1, wherein the dwelling is fabricated
from an International Standards Organization compliant cargo
container.
14. The dwelling of claim 13, comprising a corner International
Standards Organization locking device.
15. The dwelling of claim 13, comprising a plurality of forklift
pockets.
16. The dwelling of claim 1, comprising separate sleeping quarters,
toilet facilities and showering facilities.
17. A self-contained, transportable dwelling having separate
sleeping quarters, toilet facilities and showering facilities,
comprising: a roof, four external walls and a base; a door located
in one of said walls; a plurality of windows located on at least
one of said walls; a self-contained water and sewage system,
including: a black water tank; a toilet which is drainable into
said black water tank; a gray water tank; a shower which is
drainable into said gray water tank; a sink which is drainable into
said gray water tank; a potable water storage tank which provides
water to said toilet, shower and sink; an accumulator tank; and a
pump; and a self-contained electrical system, including: a
plurality of solar panels positioned on said roof; one or more
storage batteries; and an inverter to translate stored electrical
power to one-hundred ten alternate current electrical power.
18. The dwelling of claim 17, further comprising: a refrigerator; a
microwave; and an exhaust fan.
19. The dwelling of claim 17, further comprising: an air
conditioner; and a heater.
20. A self-contained, transportable dwelling, comprising: a roof,
four external walls and a base; and at least one solar panel
rotatably positioned on said roof
21. The dwelling of claim 20, wherein said solar panel is mounted
to said roof with a rotatable shaft.
22. A method of providing a habitable, self-contained transportable
dwelling from a cargo container, comprising: providing a cargo
container; installing a self-contained electrical system;
installing a self-contained water and sewage system; and preparing
a sleeping quarters.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein said installing of the
self-contained electrical system comprises: installing a plurality
of solar panels; installing one or more storage batteries; and
installing an inverter to translate stored electrical power to
one-hundred ten alternate current electrical power.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein said installing of the
self-contained water and sewage system comprises: installing a
black water tank; installing a toilet which is drainable into said
black water tank; installing a gray water tank; installing a shower
which is drainable into said gray water tank; installing a sink
which is drainable into said gray water tank; installing a potable
water storage tank which provides water to said toilet, shower and
sink; installing an accumulator tank; and installing a pump.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to transportable housing and
more particularly to a self-contained transportable housing unit
which includes various amenities such as sleeping quarters, shower
facilities, a toilet and a sink, and cooking facilities.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Portable dwellings have existed almost since the advent of
civilization. Nomadic societies have utilized portable dwellings,
which have allowed them to periodically uproot and move their
belongings, including their dwellings, to a new location. Examples
of such portable dwellings include tepees used by native Americans,
yurts used by central Asian nomads, and matjieshuis used by
Khoikhoi herders in southern Africa.
[0003] The matjieshuis, as an example, is a portable mat-house.
Structurally, it is a semi-permanent shelter that can be erected or
dismantled quickly. The matjieshuis includes a framework of
lightweight poles and a covering of sedge mats. Today, the
matjieshuis are rare, but they include variants utilizing plastic
and corrugated iron.
[0004] Another example of portable dwellings are yurts. A yurt, or
ger, is a Mongolian dwelling which is a round, somewhat portable
structure which utilizes its walls, rafters, roof ring, and
tensioning bands in unison to hold itself up. Yurts include
numerous pieces which must be put together to create the structure.
Further, yurts do not contain toilet facilities or electrical
amenities.
[0005] Numerous disadvantages exist in the portable shelters in
conventional use today and in the past. Some of the portable
dwellings may require a concrete foundation, and all of these
dwellings may require insulation to be useful in most climate areas
of the world. Further, while considered portable, the amount of
time necessary to assemble such dwellings may be hours or days.
When it is required to move these portable dwellings, it is
required that they be taken apart. The conventional portable
dwellings require outside power for electricity and outside water
hookups for water supply. Further, conventional portable dwellings
lack various amenities, such as separate toilet facilities and
shower facilities and electrical appliances for refrigeration,
cooking, heating, etc. Also, the conventional portable dwellings
may not withstand heavy winds or bad weather, and they have a short
life expectancy. Examples of conventional portable housing units
may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,706,614 (Wiley, Jr. et al.),
5,193,325 (Allison), 5,070,661 (Lo Guidici), 4,854,094 (Clark) and
4,299,065 (Fairgrieve).
[0006] There are numerous reasons in today's society necessitating
portable housing. For example, construction sites which are located
many miles from the normal housing of construction workers have a
need to temporarily provide shelter for the workers. The shelter
may come in the form of a hotel or motel or other such
accommodation, if one exists close enough to the construction site.
However, for lengthy construction projects, the costs associated
with sheltering an entire construction crew at a hotel can become
prohibitive.
[0007] Another example is an oilfield exploration project, where
oilfield equipment and crews are often dispatched to areas far from
human population centers. Further need for temporary housing occurs
during the aftermath of natural disasters, such as floods,
earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. Such natural disasters
often displace numerous people, either through the destruction of
their homes, or by making it difficult or impossible to reach or
habitate in their homes.
[0008] Yet another example for the need for temporary housing is at
times when a house is being renovated. Also, temporary living space
is needed in farming and vineyard areas to accommodate seasonal
migrant workers brought in to harvest crops. Temporary living
spaces are also needed as hunting camps, overnight shelters in
wilderness areas or along wilderness trails, camp areas, and as low
income housing for college students. Also, the need for temporary
housing for the homeless remains a continuing problem.
[0009] All of the aforementioned examples of needs for temporary
housing can occur virtually anywhere in the world. There thus
exists a need for all-weather temporary housing which includes
basic amenities to allow for extending stays.
SUMMARY
[0010] The invention provides a self-contained, transportable
housing unit. The housing unit includes a roof, four external walls
and a base, a plurality of solar panels positioned on the roof, a
door located in one of the walls, and a plurality of windows
located on at least one of the walls.
[0011] In one aspect of the invention, a self-contained water and
sewage system is provided, including a black water tank, a toilet
which is drainable into the black water tank, a gray water tank, a
shower which is drainable into the gray water tank, and a sink
which is drainable into the gray water tank.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, a self-contained
electrical system is provided, including a plurality of solar
panels, one or more storage batteries, and an inverter to translate
stored electrical power to one-hundred ten alternate current
electrical power.
[0013] The invention also provides a method for providing a
habitable, self-contained transportable housing unit from a cargo
container. The method includes the steps of providing a cargo
container, installing a self-contained electrical system,
installing a selfcontained water and sewage system, and preparing a
sleeping quarters.
[0014] These and other advantages and features of the invention
will be more readily understood from the following detailed
description of the invention which is provided in connection with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transportable dwelling
constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the transportable
dwelling of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an interior layout of the transportable dwelling
of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another transportable
dwelling constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the transportable
dwelling of FIG. 4.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an interior layout of the transportable dwelling
of FIG. 4.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a partial side view of a solar panel mounted on
the transportable dwelling of FIG. 1
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, in which like numerals denote
like elements, there is shown a transportable dwelling 10. The
transportable dwelling 10 may be fabricated from International
Standards Organization (ISO) compliant cargo containers.
Preferably, new cargo containers are used, since used cargo
containers may include contaminants which are toxic or otherwise
undesirable. The dwelling 10 includes a pair of long walls 12.sub.a
and 12.sub.b extending between a first end 14.sub.a and a second
end 14.sub.b. A base 16 and a roof 18 connect with the walls
12.sub.a, 12.sub.b and the ends 14, 14.sub.b. The dwelling 10 as
illustrated is approximately eight feet wide by eight feet tall by
twenty feet long.
[0023] The walls 12.sub.a, 12.sub.b, the ends 14.sub.a, 14.sub.b,
the base 16 and the roof 18 may all be formed of a corrugated
metallic material. Preferably, an insulating material 20 is affixed
to the structural components of the dwelling 10. In one preferred
embodiment, the insulating material 20 is sandwiched between a pair
of aluminum sheeting to form each of the walls 12.sub.a, 12.sub.b,
the ends 14.sub.a, 14.sub.b, the base 16 and the roof 18. In
another preferred embodiment, the insulating material 20 is a flame
retardant polyurethane foam material which is sprayed onto the
walls 12.sub.a, 12.sub.b and the ends 14.sub.a, 14.sub.b to a
thickness of approximately one and one-half inches. In yet another
embodiment, the insulating material 20 is interior flame retardant
panels. By utilizing such building materials, the portable dwelling
10 is an all-weather dwelling, meaning that it may be used in
virtually all climates.
[0024] A rectangular opening is formed in the wall 12.sub.a and a
door 22 is installed therein. The door 22 is sufficiently large to
allow ingress and egress from the dwelling 10, but not large enough
to hamper the structural integrity of the dwelling 10. The door 22
may be designed for handicap access. For dwellings 10 formed from
ISO compliant cargo containers, the door 22 is sized and shaped so
as to allow the dwelling 10 to be shipped through ISO compliant
shipping means, such as, for example, cargo ships, ground cargo
transports, railcars, and other such shipping means with guidelines
pertaining to the required structural integrity of shipped items.
Preferably, the door 22 is about thirty inches by about
seventy-eight inches. The door 22 may include a lock to provide
enhanced security.
[0025] As illustrated, a large window 24 is also installed in the
wall 12.sub.a. The window 24, which is optional, allows light into
the interior of the dwelling 10, namely the sleeping quarters 47
(FIG. 3). Preferably, the window 24 is dimensioned at three feet by
four feet. Two smaller windows 26 are installed in the wall
12.sub.b, and the windows 26 may each be preferably two feet by two
feet in size. The windows 26 also allow light into the sleeping
quarters 47. An additional two windows 28 may be installed in the
first end 14.sub.a. As with the windows 26, the windows 28 are
preferably two feet by two feet in size, and like the windows 24,
26, the windows 28 allow light into the sleeping quarters 47. The
windows 24, 26, 28 may include screens.
[0026] End doors 30.sub.a, 30.sub.b are installed in the wall
14.sub.b. The end doors 30.sub.a, 30.sub.b allow access to a
storage closet 32 positioned between a partition wall 34 and the
doors 30.sub.a, 30.sub.b. The storage closet 32 may be used to
store necessary equipment (described in detail below) used to make
the dwelling 10 more habitable.
[0027] Within the dwelling 10, aside from the storage closet 32 and
the sleeping quarters 47, there are two additional partitioned
sections, namely a shower room 36 and a bathroom 42. The shower
room 36 contains a shower 38 and may include a door 40 to afford
privacy. Likewise, the bathroom 42 includes a toilet 44 and may
include a door 46 to afford privacy. The shower room 36 and the
bathroom 42 may include a twelve volt direct current light.
[0028] A pair of bunks 48.sub.a, b, each containing a pair of cots,
are located in the sleeping quarters 47 to allow four grown
individuals to occupy the dwelling 10. Preferably, the cots include
a standard twin size mattress. Obviously, more than one child may
be able to use one of the cots of the bunks 48.sub.a, b. Each of
the bunks 48.sub.a, b may include a low wattage, twelve volt direct
current reading light. An additional twelve volt light may also be
located separately in the sleeping quarters 47, and another twelve
volt light may be exteriorly located at the entrance to the
portable dwelling 10 near the door 22.
[0029] An awning (not shown) may be mounted on the exterior of the
dwelling 10 to provide an expanded living area. The awning may be
of ample size, such as approximately seventeen feet by eight feet,
and may include screening so that the area within the screening
under the awning may be utilized to accommodate additional
cots.
[0030] The dwelling 10 includes one or more solar panels, shown
schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2 as solar panels 50, which collect
solar power and translate it into usable electrical power which are
stored in storage batteries. Specifically, solar energy is absorbed
in the panels 50 and transferred to one or more twelve volt direct
current storage batteries 52, shown in FIG. 3 as being stored in
the storage closet 32. An inverter system 54 is included to
transfer the twelve volt direct current electricity to 110 volt
alternate current power to run various electrical appliances. To
take advantage of areas where outside power is available, the
dwelling 10 is also outfitted with an outside power hookup 56.
Examples of outside power may include an external electrical grid
and a power generator.
[0031] The solar panels 50 may be mounted to the roof 18 in such a
way as to allow rotation of the solar panels 50. Unlike permanent
dwellings, upon which solar panels are permanently mounted in such
a way as to absorb optimal sunlight, transportable dwellings, such
as the dwelling 10, may be placed in a location which precludes the
ability to optimally line up the solar panels 50 relative to the
line of travel of the sun. Hence, the ability to rotate the solar
panels 50 adds the benefit of being able to take advantage of solar
radiation regardless of the positioning of the dwelling 10 relative
to the line of travel of the sun. As shown in FIG. 7, the solar
panels 50 may be mounted to the roof 18 by a shaft 82, which is
capable of being rotated by a turn crank 80. Other suitable
constructions may be utilized to allow for rotation of the solar
panels 50. Additionally, the solar panels 50 may be situated close
to an edge of the roof 18 to allow for clamping of the solar panels
50 in position. This feature may take on added importance in high
wind areas.
[0032] The toilet 44 is preferably permanently affixed to the
floor, such as by bolts, and may be a Sealand brand Vacuflush and
which uses approximately one pint of water per flush, the water
being supplied by a storage tank 58. Such a toilet 44 is powered by
a twelve volt direct current diaphragm pump, which pumps the toilet
water from the toilet 44 to an approved black water tank 60. The
tank 60 is preferably a fifty or one hundred gallon holding tank.
The tank 60 may be periodically pumped out by portable toilet
personnel such as those that maintain standard porta-johns or
porta-potties at construction sites. Additionally, the tank 60 will
include a separate drain valve (not shown) for allowing drainage
into a sewer hookup such as those used conventionally in
recreational vehicle camp sites.
[0033] The shower 38 will be supplied water from the storage tank
58, and water used in the shower 38 will be pumped into a gray
water tank 62. The gray water tank 62 will have a separate drain
valve (not shown) like the black water tank 60.
[0034] The storage tank 58 will preferably be a one hundred to two
hundred gallon tank and include a water filter to supply potable
water to the dwelling 10. A twelve volt direct current pump 68 may
be used to pump water from the storage tank 58 through the dwelling
10. An accumulator tank 64 may be included within the water system
of the dwelling 10 to minimize pulsating water flow and pump
cycling. Alternatively, to take advantage of areas where outside
water is available, an outside water hookup 66 is included with the
dwelling 10. The outside water hookup 66 will allow flow from the
outside water source, such as a city water supply, and bypass the
storage tank 58 and the accumulator tank 64. A pressure regulator
(not shown) may be used to decrease water pressure coming from a
city water supply to about forty or fifty pounds per square inch A
sink 70 is located within the dwelling 10 for access to the potable
water. The sink 70 includes hot and cold water and drains into the
gray water tank 62.
[0035] One of the solar panels 50 is dedicated to heating water
used in the shower 38 and the sink 70. This dedicated solar panel
50 will include a heat control system (not shown) which can
regulate the temperature of the water.
[0036] The roof 18 may further include a skylight and exhaust
system 72. The skylight and exhaust system 72 includes a solar
powered exhaust fan (not shown) and are provided to provide air
circulation to the interior of the portable dwelling 10.
[0037] The portable dwelling 10 may further accommodate several
electrical appliances (not shown), such as, for example, a small
refrigerator 77, a microwave 78, and a low voltage heat/air
conditioner 79. Further, the dwelling 10 may be outfitted with a
small CSA certified propane heater approved for indoor use. The
dwelling 10 also has outside telephone connections, for those areas
where telephone service is available, and a twelve volt phone
adapter for charging cellular phones and/or flashlights.
[0038] Each dwelling 10 includes a standard lower corner ISO
locking device 74 located exteriorly. Such locking devices 74 are
conventionally used on ISO cargo containers. Thus, the dwellings 10
are adapted to be transported anywhere in the world on standard ISO
trailers. Each dwelling 10 also includes forklift pockets 76 to
adapt the dwelling 10 for forklift loading and unloading.
[0039] A second, emergency exit may also be included in the
dwelling 10. Such an exit may be mandatory based upon local
ordinances, and would certainly be practical. The second emergency
exit may be situated at the large window 24 or in the roof, such as
through the skylight and exhaust system 72. If the exit is situated
in the roof, a ladder will be included to provide easy access to
the exit and an easy descent from the roof to the ground.
[0040] While the dwelling 10 has been described as being
transportable, there may be occasions when it may be desired to
more permanently secure the dwelling 10 to the ground. In areas
where high winds are common, such as, for example, the Gulf Coast
region of the United States, which is prone to hurricanes,
tornadoes, and funnel clouds, it may be desired to anchor the
dwelling 10. To accomplish this, holes may be drilled in the ground
at the corner edges of the dwelling 10. Re-bar or steel is then
cemented in place in the holes and attached to the lower ISO
corners, either through welding or through some other attachment
mechanism.
[0041] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a portable dwelling 110, which differs
from the dwelling 10 in several significant respects. The portable
dwelling 110 includes long walls 112.sub.a, 112.sub.b, a first end
114.sub.a, a second end 14.sub.b, a base 116 and a roof 118. The
long walls 112.sub.a, 112.sub.b differ from, respectively, the
walls 12.sub.a, 12.sub.b in that they are twice as long,
approximately forty feet in length. Further, wall 112.sub.a
includes four small windows 26 instead of a large window 24 (on
wall 12.sub.a) and wall 112b includes four small windows 26 instead
of two small windows 26 (on wall 12.sub.b). The first end 114.sub.a
differs from the first end 14.sub.a in that as illustrated it does
not include any windows 26. The base 116 differs from the base 16,
and the roof 118 differs from the roof 18, in that the base 116 and
the roof 118 are approximately forty feet in length, twice the
approximately twenty feet in length of the base 16 and the roof 18.
Thus, the portable dwelling 110 as illustrated is approximately
eight feet wide by eight feet tall by forty feet long.
[0042] The portable dwelling 110 further lacks an inside shower
room, such as the shower room 36 in FIGS. 1-3. Instead, the
portable dwelling 110 includes an outside shower enclosure 136 with
a shower 138. As with the portable dwelling 10, water for the
shower 136 will be received from the storage tank 58, and drained
back to a gray water tank 62 or to a sewer or septic system.
[0043] Finally, the sleeping quarters 147 are larger than the
sleeping quarters 47 of the portable dwelling 10. The sleeping
quarters 147 are large enough to accommodate three bunks 48.sub.a,
b, c, each having a pair of cots. Thus, the portable dwelling 110
can accommodate up to six sleeping adults. The cots may be a
smaller than standard size twin mattress.
[0044] While the invention has been described in detail in
connection with exemplary embodiments known at the time, it should
be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such
disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to
incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or
equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are
commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the
foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *