U.S. patent application number 10/651177 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for foldale house and container assembly.
Invention is credited to Bin, Chang Ho, Bin, Ho Jun.
Application Number | 20050044804 10/651177 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34217332 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050044804 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bin, Chang Ho ; et
al. |
March 3, 2005 |
Foldale house and container assembly
Abstract
A foldable house assembly that minimizes transportation size and
assembly time is provided. The assembly includes a rectangular
base, a front wall, a rear wall, two side walls pivotally attached
to the base, and two roof halves that are pivotally attached to the
two side walls. Each of the walls and roofs has a panel and
reinforcements fixed to the panel. Hinges are used between
reinforcements for pivoting, and bolts and nuts are used for
assembly of the walls and roofs. The panel extends over the
reinforcements to provide sealing effects. In a second embodiment,
the assembly is divided into a center unit, a left unit and a right
unit. The wall between the center unit and the left unit, and the
wall between the center unit and the right unit are omitted. The
assembly may be extended by inserting center units as needed.
Inventors: |
Bin, Chang Ho; (Norwalk,
CA) ; Bin, Ho Jun; (Norwalk, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PARK & SUTTON LLP
3255 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 1110
LOS ANGELES
CA
90010
US
|
Family ID: |
34217332 |
Appl. No.: |
10/651177 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/79.5 ;
446/478; 52/71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/3445
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/079.5 ;
052/071; 446/478 |
International
Class: |
E04H 001/00; A63H
003/52 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A foldable house assembly comprising: a) a rectangular base
comprising first and second long edges and first and second short
edges; b) a front wall comprising a top edge, a bottom edge and two
side edges, wherein the two side edges connect between the top edge
and the bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge of the front wall is
pivotally attached on the first short edge of the base; c) a rear
wall comprising a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges,
wherein the two side edges connect between the top edge and the
bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge of the rear wall is pivotally
attached on the second short edge of the base; d) a first side wall
pivotally attached on the first long edge of the base; e) a first
roof comprising a first edge, a second edge and two side edges,
wherein the two side edges connect between the first edge and the
second edge, wherein the first edge is pivotally attached on the
first side wall; wherein when the foldable house assembly is in an
assembled state, the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall
and the first roof are pivoted upward whereby a space is confined
by the base, the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall,
and the first roof, wherein when the foldable house assembly is in
a folded state, the first roof is folded on the first side wall,
and the front wall, the rear wall and the first side wall are
folded on the base.
2. The foldable house assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a) a
second side wall comprising a top edge, a bottom edge and two side
edges, wherein the two side edges connect between the top edge and
the bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge of the second side wall is
pivotally attached on the second long edge of the base; and b) a
second roof comprising a first edge, a second edge and two side
edges, wherein the two side edges connect between the first edge
and the second edge, wherein the first edge is pivotally attached
on the top edge of the second side wall; wherein the second edge of
the first roof and the second edge of the second roof are fixed on
each other, wherein the first side wall comprises a top edge, a
bottom edge and two side edges connecting between the top edge and
the bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge of the first side wall is
pivotally attached on the first long edge of the base, wherein the
first edge of the first roof is pivotally attached on the top edge
of the first side wall.
3. The foldable house assembly of claim 2 wherein the base
comprises a front member on the first short edge, a rear member on
the second short edge, a first side member on the first long edge,
and a second side member on the second long edge; wherein the
bottom edge of the front wall is pivotally attached on top of the
front member, wherein the bottom edge of the rear wall is pivotally
attached on top of the rear member, wherein the bottom edge of the
first side wall is pivotally attached on top of the first side
member, wherein the bottom edge of the second side wall is
pivotally attached on top of the second side member; wherein the
front member and the rear member have the same height, wherein the
second side member is higher than the front member, wherein the
first side member is higher than the second side member; wherein
the sum of heights of the front wall and the rear wall is smaller
than the length of the first long edge of the base, and the heights
of the first side wall and the second side wall are smaller than
the length of the first short edge of the base; whereby when the
foldable house assembly is folded, the second side wall is
positioned over the front wall, and the first side wall is
positioned over the second side wall.
4. The foldable house assembly of claim 3 wherein when the foldable
house assembly is folded, the first roof is pivoted to be
positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall,
and the second roof is pivoted to be positioned between the second
side wall and the front wall or the rear wall.
5. The foldable house assembly of claim 4 wherein each of the front
wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, the
first roof and the second roof comprises a panel and a plurality of
reinforcements attached to the panel.
6. The foldable house assembly of claim 5 wherein one or more
hinges are provided between the reinforcement of the front wall and
the front member of the base; wherein one or more hinges are
provided between the reinforcement of the rear wall and the rear
member of the base; wherein one or more hinges are provided between
the reinforcement of the first side wall and the first side member
of the base; wherein one or more hinges are provided between the
reinforcement of the second side wall and the second side member of
the base; wherein one or more hinges are provided between the
reinforcement of the first roof and the reinforcement of the first
side wall; wherein one or more hinges are provided between the
reinforcement of the second roof and the reinforcement of the
second side wall; wherein for each of the front wall, the rear
wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, the first roof and
the second roof, the panel extends over the reinforcements whereby
sealing around the hinges is provided.
7. The foldable house assembly of claim 6 wherein the hinges are
fixed to the reinforcements with blind rivets.
8. The foldable house assembly of claim 6 wherein the hinges are
fixed to the reinforcements with bolts.
9. The foldable house assembly of claim 6 wherein when the foldable
house assembly is assembled, the first roof and the second roof are
inclined, and the panels of the front wall and the rear wall abut
under the panels of the first roof and the second roof.
10. The foldable house assembly of claim 5 wherein when the
foldable house assembly is assembled, joints between the first side
wall and the front wall, between the front wall and the second side
wall, between second side wall and the rear wall, and between the
rear wall and the first side wall are provided by bolts and nuts
that pass through holes provided in the reinforcements and in
brackets fixed to the reinforcements.
11. The foldable house assembly of claim 5 wherein the panel is
made of plywood, steel plate, sandwich panel or FRP plate.
12. The foldable house assembly of claim 11 wherein the
reinforcements are made of C-channel steel, wherein a plurality of
wood columns are fixed to the panel, wherein the reinforcements
surround the wood columns and fixed to the wood columns.
13. The foldable house assembly of claim 5 wherein when the
foldable house assembly is assembled, joint between the first roof
and the second roof is provided by bolts and nuts that pass through
holes provided in the reinforcements.
14. The foldable house assembly of claim 13 wherein one or more
tension wires are provided between and fixed to the reinforcements
of the first roof and the second roof.
15. The foldable house assembly of claim 14 wherein an inverted V
shaped cover is positioned over and fixed to the second edges of
the first roof and the second roof.
16. The foldable house assembly of claim 1 further comprising a
left unit and a right unit, wherein the base, the front wall, the
rear wall, the first side wall, and the first roof forms a center
unit, wherein the first side wall has two columns, each of which
has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the first edge of the
first roof is pivotally attached on the upper ends of the columns,
wherein the lower ends of the columns are pivotally attached on the
first long edge of the base; wherein the left unit comprises: a) a
rectangular base comprising first and second long edges and first
and second short edges; b) a front wall comprising a top edge, a
bottom edge and two side edges, wherein the two side edges connect
between the top edge and the bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge
of the front wall is pivotally attached on the first short edge of
the base; c) a rear wall comprising a top edge, a bottom edge and
two side edges, wherein the two side edges connect between the top
edge and the bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge of the rear wall
is pivotally attached on the second short edge of the base; d) a
left wall comprising a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges,
wherein the two side edges connect between the top edge and the
bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge is pivotally attached on the
first long edge of the base; and e) a left roof comprising a first
edge, a second edge and two side edges, wherein the two side edges
connect between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the
first edge is pivotally attached on the top edge of the left wall;
wherein the right unit comprises: a) a rectangular base comprising
first and second long edges and first and second short edges; b) a
front wall comprising a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges,
wherein the two side edges connect between the top edge and the
bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge of the front wall is pivotally
attached on the first short edge of the base; c) a rear wall
comprising a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, wherein
the two side edges connect between the top edge and the bottom
edge, wherein the bottom edge of the rear wall is pivotally
attached on the second short edge of the base; d) a right wall
comprising a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, wherein
the two side edges connect between the top edge and the bottom
edge, wherein the bottom edge is pivotally attached on the first
long edge of the base; and e) a right roof comprising a first edge,
a second edge and two side edges, wherein the two side edges
connect between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the
first edge is pivotally attached on the top edge of the right wall;
wherein when the foldable house is assembled, the second edge of
the left roof is attached to the first edge of the first roof of
the center unit; and the second edge of the right roof is attached
to the second edge of the first roof of the center unit.
17. The foldable house assembly of claim 16 further comprising one
or more center units between the center unit and the left unit, or
between the center unit and the right unit.
18. The foldable house assembly of claim 16 wherein for the center
unit: the base comprises a front member on the first short edge, a
rear member on the second short edge, a first side member on the
first long edge, and a second side member on the second long edge;
wherein the bottom edge of the front wall is pivotally attached on
top of the front member, wherein the bottom edge of the rear wall
is pivotally attached on top of the rear member, wherein the lower
ends of the columns are pivotally attached on top of the first side
member, wherein the front member and the rear member have the same
height, wherein the first side member is higher than the front
member; wherein the sum of heights of the front wall and the rear
wall is smaller than the length of the first long edge of the base;
whereby when the center unit is folded, the first side wall is
positioned over the front wall and the rear wall, and the first
roof is pivoted to be positioned between the first side wall and
the front wall or the rear wall; wherein for the left unit: the
base comprises a front member on the first short edge, a rear
member on the second short edge, a first side member on the first
long edge, and a second side member on the second long edge;
wherein the bottom edge of the front wall is pivotally attached on
top of the front member, wherein the bottom edge of the rear wall
is pivotally attached on top of the rear member, wherein the bottom
edge of the left wall is pivotally attached on top of the first
side member, wherein the front member and the rear member have the
same height, wherein the first side member is higher than the front
member; wherein the sum of heights of the front wall and the rear
wall is smaller than the length of the first long edge of the base;
whereby when the left unit is folded, the left wall is positioned
over the front wall and the rear wall, and the left roof is pivoted
to be positioned between the left wall and the front wall or the
rear wall; wherein for the right unit: the base comprises a front
member on the first short edge, a rear member on the second short
edge, a first side member on the first long edge, and a second side
member on the second long edge; wherein the bottom edge of the
front wall is pivotally attached on top of the front member,
wherein the bottom edge of the rear wall is pivotally attached on
top of the rear member, wherein the bottom edge of the right wall
is pivotally attached on top of the first side member, wherein the
front member and the rear member have the same height, wherein the
first side member is higher than the front member; wherein the sum
of heights of the front wall and the rear wall is smaller than the
length of the first long edge of the base; whereby when the right
unit is folded, the right wall is positioned over the front wall
and the rear wall, and the right roof is pivoted to be positioned
between the right wall and the front wall or the rear wall; wherein
when the foldable house assembly is assembled, the first side
member of the center unit abuts on the second side member of the
left unit, and the second side member of the center unit member
abuts on the second side member of the right unit.
19. The foldable house assembly of claim 16 wherein for the center
unit, each of the front wall, the rear wall, and the first roof
comprises a panel and a plurality of reinforcements attached to the
panel; wherein for the left unit, each of the front wall, the rear
wall, the left wall and the left roof comprises a panel and a
plurality of reinforcements attached to the panel; wherein for the
right unit, each of the front wall, the rear wall, the right wall
and the right roof comprises a panel and a plurality of
reinforcements attached to the panel.
20. The foldable house assembly of claim 19 wherein for the center
unit: one or more hinges are provided between the reinforcement of
the front wall and the front member of the base; wherein one or
more hinges are provided between the reinforcement of the rear wall
and the rear member of the base; wherein one or more hinges are
provided between the lower ends of the columns of the first side
wall and the first side member of the base; wherein one or more
hinges are provided between the reinforcement of the first roof and
the upper ends of the columns of the first side wall; wherein for
each of the front wall and the rear wall, the panel extends over
the reinforcements whereby sealing around the hinges is provided;
wherein for the left unit: one or more hinges are provided between
the reinforcement of the front wall and the front member of the
base; wherein one or more hinges are provided between the
reinforcement of the rear wall and the rear member of the base;
wherein one or more hinges are provided between the reinforcement
of the left wall and the first side member of the base; wherein one
or more hinges are provided between the reinforcement of the left
roof and the reinforcement of the left wall; wherein for each of
the front wall, the rear wall, the left wall, and the left roof,
the panel extends over the reinforcements whereby sealing around
the hinges is provided; wherein for the right unit: one or more
hinges are provided between the reinforcement of the front wall and
the front member of the base; wherein one or more hinges are
provided between the reinforcement of the rear wall and the rear
member of the base; wherein one or more hinges are provided between
the reinforcement of the right wall and the first side member of
the base; wherein one or more hinges are provided between the
reinforcement of the right roof and the reinforcement of the right
wall; wherein for each of the front wall, the rear wall, the right
wall, and the right roof, the panel extends over the reinforcements
whereby sealing around the hinges is provided.
21. The foldable house assembly of claim 20 wherein the hinges are
fixed to the reinforcements with blind rivets.
22. The foldable house assembly of claim 20 wherein the hinges are
fixed to the reinforcements with bolts.
23. The foldable house assembly of claim 20 wherein for the center
unit, when the foldable house assembly is assembled, the panels of
the front wall and the rear wall abut under the panel of the first
roof; wherein for the left unit, when the foldable house assembly
is assembled, the panels of the front wall and the rear wall abut
under the panel of the left roof; wherein for the right unit, when
the foldable house assembly is assembled, the panels of the front
wall and the rear wall abut under the panel of the right roof.
24. The foldable house assembly of claim 19 wherein for the left
unit, when the foldable house assembly is assembled, joints between
the left wall and the front wall and between the rear wall and the
left wall are provided by bolts and nuts that pass through holes
provided in the reinforcements and in brackets fixed to the
reinforcements; wherein for the right unit, when the foldable house
assembly is assembled, joints between the right wall and the front
wall and between the rear wall and the right wall are provided by
bolts and nuts that pass through holes provided in the
reinforcements and in brackets fixed to the reinforcements.
25. The foldable house assembly of claim 19 wherein the panel is
made of plywood, steel plate, sandwich panel or FRP plate.
26. The foldable house assembly of claim 25 wherein the
reinforcements are made of C-channel steel, wherein a plurality of
wood columns are fixed to the panel, wherein the reinforcements
surround the wood columns and fixed to the wood columns.
27. The foldable house assembly of claim 19 wherein when the
foldable house assembly is assembled, joint between the first roof
of the center unit and the left roof of the left unit, and the
first roof of the center unit and the right roof of the right unit
are provided by bolts and nuts that pass through holes provided in
the reinforcements.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable house assembly
or a foldable container assembly. More particularly, this invention
relates to a foldable house that has minimum size when it is
folded, and requires minimum assembly operation, when it is
unfolded and assembled to its service state.
[0002] There have been many house assemblies that are disassembled
for easy and economic transportation to the locations at which the
house assemblies are assembled and used.
[0003] Korean Patent Number 10-0337519 discloses a foldable house
that has a base panel, side panels, a front panel, a rear panel,
and a roof panel. The base panel has a frame and a bottom plate
fixed thereon. Lower edges of the side panels are pivotally
supported on the side edges of the base panel with hinges. The
front panel is pivotally supported on the front edge of the base
panel with hinges. The sides of the front panel are connected with
the front surfaces of the side panels. The rear panel abuts on the
front panel when the house is folded. The lower edge of the rear
panel is pivotally supported on the rear edge of the base panel
with hinges. The roof is detachably attached to the upper edges of
the side panels, front panel and rear panel. The foldable house has
disadvantages that time and labor required for assembly is
substantial since the roof panel should be lifted above the side
panels, front panel and rear panel after they are unfolded and
erected, and be assembled to the erected panels.
[0004] A foldable house that minimizes assembly time and labor
while keeping the transportation size minimum has been in need for
a long time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention contrives to solve the disadvantage of
the prior art.
[0006] An objective of the invention is to provide a foldable house
that has a small size for ease of transportation.
[0007] Another objective of the invention is to provide a foldable
house that is easy to assemble in site.
[0008] Still another objective of the invention is to provide a
foldable house that is durable and cheap to produce.
[0009] To achieve the above objectives, a foldable house assembly
according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes
a rectangular base, a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, a
first roof, a second side wall, and a second roof. Each of the
walls includes a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges
connecting between the top edge and the bottom edge. The bottom
edge of the each wall is pivotally attached on the corresponding
edge of the base. The first roof includes a first edge, a second
edge and two side edges connecting between the first edge and the
second edge. The first edge of the first roof is pivotally attached
on the top edge of the first side wall. Similarly, the second roof
includes a first edge, a second edge and two side edges connecting
between the first edge and the second edge, and the first edge of
the second roof is pivotally attached on the top edge of the second
side wall.
[0010] When the foldable house assembly is in an assembled state,
the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, the second side
wall, the first roof and the second roof are pivoted upward whereby
a space is confined by them. The second edge of the first roof and
the second edge of the second roof are fixed on each other.
[0011] When the foldable house assembly is in a folded state, the
first roof is folded on the first side wall; the second roof is
folded on the second side wall; and the front wall, the rear wall,
the first side wall and the second side wall are folded on the
base.
[0012] The base includes a front member on the first short edge, a
rear member on the second short edge, a first side member on the
first long edge, and a second side member on the second long edge.
The bottom edge of the front wall is pivotally attached on top of
the front member. The bottom edge of the rear wall is pivotally
attached on top of the rear member. The bottom edge of the first
side wall is pivotally attached on top of the first side member.
The bottom edge of the second side wall is pivotally attached on
top of the second side member.
[0013] In order to ensure a compact size for ease of
transportation, the dimensions of elements of the foldable house
assembly have predetermined relationships. The front member and the
rear member have the same height; the second side member is higher
than the front member; and the first side member is higher than the
second side member. The sum of heights of the front wall and the
rear wall is smaller than the length of the first long edge of the
base, and the heights of the first side wall and the second side
wall are smaller than the length of the first short edge of the
base. In this way, when the foldable house assembly is folded, the
second side wall is positioned over the front wall and the rear
wall, and the first side wall is positioned over the second side
wall. Also, the first roof is pivoted to be positioned between the
first side wall and the second side wall, and the second roof is
pivoted to be positioned between the second side wall and the front
wall or the rear wall.
[0014] Each of the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall,
the second side wall, the first roof and the second roof comprises
a panel and a plurality of reinforcements attached to the panel.
The panel is made of plywood, steel plate, sandwich panel or FRP
plate. The reinforcements are made of C-channel steel. A plurality
of wood columns are fixed to the panel, and the reinforcements
surround the wood columns and fixed to the wood columns.
[0015] One or more hinges are provided between the reinforcement of
each of the pivoting walls and the corresponding member of the
base. Also, one or more hinges are provided between the
reinforcement of each of the roofs and the reinforcement of the
corresponding side wall. The hinges are fixed to the reinforcements
with blind rivets or with bolts.
[0016] For each of the walls and roofs, the panel extends over the
reinforcements so that sealing around the hinges is provided.
[0017] When the foldable house assembly is assembled, the first
roof and the second roof are inclined, and the panels of the front
wall and the rear wall abut under the panels of the first roof and
the second roof, again for effective sealing.
[0018] When the foldable house assembly is assembled, joints
between the four walls are provided by bolts and nuts that pass
through holes provided in the reinforcements and in brackets fixed
to the reinforcements.
[0019] When the foldable house assembly is assembled, joint between
the first roof and the second roof is provided by bolts and nuts
that pass through holes provided in the reinforcements, and one or
more tension wires are provided between and fixed to the
reinforcements of the first roof and the second roof. An inverted V
shaped cover is positioned over and fixed to the second edges of
the first roof and the second roof for sealing purpose.
[0020] A foldable house assembly according to the second embodiment
of the present invention includes a center unit, a left unit and a
right unit. The center unit has a base, a front wall, a rear wall,
a first side wall, and a first roof, which are similar those in the
first embodiment. In the center unit, the first side wall has two
columns, each of which has an upper end and a lower end. The first
edge of the first roof is pivotally attached on the upper ends of
the columns, and the lower ends of the columns are pivotally
attached on the first long edge of the base.
[0021] The left unit includes a rectangular base, a front wall, a
rear wall, a left wall and a left roof. The walls and the roof are
pivotally attached on the corresponding edges of the base or the
wall in a way similar to the first embodiment.
[0022] The right unit is symmetrical with the left unit.
[0023] When the foldable house is assembled, the second edge of the
left roof is attached to the first edge of the first roof of the
center unit, and the second edge of the right roof is attached to
the second edge of the first roof of the center unit.
[0024] The foldable house assembly of the second embodiment may be
extended to a desirable size by adding one or more center units
between the center unit and the left unit, or between the center
unit and the right unit.
[0025] In order to ensure a compact size for ease of
transportation, the dimensions of elements have predetermined
relationships, similar to those of the first embodiment. As a
result, when the center unit is folded, the first side wall is
positioned over the front wall and the rear wall, and the first
roof is pivoted to be positioned between the first side wall and
the front wall or the rear wall. When the left unit is folded, the
left wall is positioned over the front wall and the rear wall, and
the left roof is pivoted to be positioned between the left wall and
the front wall or the rear wall. When the right unit is folded, the
right wall is positioned over the front wall and the rear wall, and
the right roof is pivoted to be positioned between the right wall
and the front wall or the rear wall.
[0026] The walls and roofs of the foldable house assembly of the
second embodiment are made of panels and reinforcements similar to
those of the first embodiment.
[0027] When the foldable house assembly is assembled, joint between
the first roof of the center unit and the left roof of the left
unit, and the first roof of the center unit and the right roof of
the right unit are provided by bolts and nuts that pass through
holes provided in the reinforcements of them.
[0028] The advantages of the present invention are: (1)
transportation of the house assembly is simple and easy, and
oversize transportation can be avoided; (2) transportation cost is
reduced; (3) assembly in site is simple and easy; (4) the house
assembly may be used as a storage or a house regardless the
location in which it is assembled and used; (5) the size of the
assembled house may be adjusted according to storage requirement by
addition of units; and (6) Storage and housing costs in the back
country are reduced.
[0029] Although the present invention is briefly summarized, the
fuller understanding of the invention can be obtained by the
following drawings, detailed description and appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0030] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0031] FIG. 1 is an elevation view showing a foldable house
assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention,
wherein the assembly is in a fully folded state;
[0032] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the assembly showing that a
first side wall is erected;
[0033] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the assembly showing that a
second side wall is erected;
[0034] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the assembly showing that a
first roof is pivoted upward;
[0035] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the assembly showing that a
second roof is pivoted upward and attached to the first roof;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the assembly showing that a front
wall and a rear wall are folded and abut on a base;
[0037] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the assembly with the front
wall, rear wall and base;
[0038] FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the assembly showing that the
front wall and the rear wall are erected;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assembly in a fully
assembled state;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view showing a joint between
the front wall and the second side wall;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing a hinge
connecting the first side wall and the base;
[0042] FIG. 12 is a partial elevation view showing a hinge
connecting the second side wall and the second roof;
[0043] FIG. 13 is a partial elevation view showing a joint between
the first roof and the second roof;
[0044] FIG. 14 is an elevation view of a center unit for a foldable
house assembly according to the second embodiment of the invention
in a fully folded state;
[0045] FIG. 15 is an elevation view of the center unit showing that
columns are erected;
[0046] FIG. 16 is an elevation view of the center unit showing that
a roof is pivoted upward;
[0047] FIG. 17 is an elevation view of the center unit showing that
a front wall is erected;
[0048] FIG. 18 is an elevation view of a left unit for the foldable
house assembly according to the second embodiment of the invention
in a fully folded state;
[0049] FIG. 19 is an elevation view of the left unit showing that a
left wall is erected;
[0050] FIG. 20 is an elevation view of the left unit showing that a
left roof is pivoted upward;
[0051] FIG. 21 is an elevation view of a right unit for the
foldable house assembly according to the second embodiment of the
invention in a fully folded state;
[0052] FIG. 22 is an elevation view of the right unit showing that
a right wall is erected;
[0053] FIG. 23 is an elevation view of the right unit showing that
a right roof is pivoted upward;
[0054] FIG. 24 is a plan view showing that the front wall and the
rear wall are folded and abut on a base;
[0055] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the foldable house assembly
according to the second embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 26 is a schematic elevation view showing that the
foldable house assembly is extendible;
[0057] FIG. 27 is a partial elevation view showing joints among a
base, the left wall and the left roof of the left unit, and the
roof of the center unit;
[0058] FIG. 28 is a partial elevation view showing the structures
of walls and roofs;
[0059] FIG. 29 is a partial elevation view showing how an elongated
member is constructed; and
[0060] FIG. 30 is a partial side elevation view showing an end
bracket and a reinforcement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0061] FIG. 1 shows a foldable house assembly 10 of the present
invention. FIG. 1 shows the assembly 10 in a fully folded state.
The assembly 10 includes a rectangular base 12, a front wall 14, a
rear wall 16 (refer to FIG. 6), a first side wall 18, a first roof
20.
[0062] FIGS. 1-9 show a first embodiment of the foldable house
assembly 10. In this embodiment, the assembly 10 further includes a
second side wall 22 and a second roof 24.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the base 12 includes a first long edge
26, a second long edge 28, a first short edge 30, and a second
short edge 32. The front wall 14 includes a top edge 34, a bottom
edge 36 and two side edges 38. The two side edges 38 connect
between the top edge 34 and the bottom edge 36. The bottom edge 36
of the front wall 14 is pivotally attached on the first short edge
30 of the base 12. The rear wall 16 includes a top edge 40, a
bottom edge 42 and two side edges 44. The two side edges 44 connect
between the top edge 40 and the bottom edge 42. The bottom edge 42
of the rear wall 16 is pivotally attached on the second short edge
32 of the base 12.
[0064] FIG. 2 shows that the first side wall 18 is pivoted upward
and erected vertical. The first side wall 18 is pivotally attached
on the first long edge 26 of the base 12. The first roof includes a
first edge 46, a second edge 48 and two side edges 50. The two side
edges 50 connect between the first edge 46 and the second edge 48.
The first edge 46 is pivotally attached on the first side wall
18.
[0065] The first side wall 18 comprises a top edge 52, a bottom
edge 54 and two side edges 56 connecting between the top edge 52
and the bottom edge 54. The bottom edge 54 of the first side wall
18 is pivotally attached on the first long edge 26 of the base 12.
The first edge 46 of the first roof 20 is pivotally attached on the
top edge 52 of the first side wall 18.
[0066] FIG. 3 shows that the second side wall 22 is pivoted upward
and erected vertical. The second side wall 22 includes a top edge
58, a bottom edge 60 and two side edges 62. The two side edges 62
connect between the top edge 58 and the bottom edge 60. The bottom
edge 60 of the second side wall 22 is pivotally attached on the
second long edge 28 of the base 12. The second roof 24 includes a
first edge 64, a second edge 66 and two side edges 68. The two side
edges 68 connect between the first edge 64 and the second edge 66.
The first edge 64 of the second roof 24 is pivotally attached on
the top edge 58 of the second side wall 22.
[0067] FIG. 4 shows that the first roof 20 is pivoted upward from
the first side wall 18. FIG. 5 shows that the second roof 24 is
pivoted upward from the second side wall 22, and the second edge 48
of the first roof 20 and the second edge 66 of the second roof 24
are fixed on each other.
[0068] FIGS. 6 and 7 show that the front wall 14 and the rear wall
16 are folded on the base 12. Other wall and roofs are not shown
for ease of illustration. FIG. 8 shows that the front wall 14 and
the rear wall 16 are pivoted upward and erected vertical.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 9, when the foldable house assembly 10 is
in the assembled state, an enclosed space is confined by the base
12, the front wall 14, the rear wall 16, the first side wall 18,
the first roof 20, the second side wall 22, and the second roof
24.
[0070] Referring back to FIG. 1, when the foldable house assembly
10 is in the folded state, the first roof 20 is folded on the first
side wall 18, and the front wall 14, the rear wall 16 and the first
side wall 18 are folded on the base 12.
[0071] The dimensional relationship between the elements of the
foldable house assembly 10 is explained. As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and
7, the base 12 includes a front member 70 on the first short edge
30, a rear member 72 on the second short edge 32, a first side
member 74 on the first long edge 26, and a second side member 76 on
the second long edge 28.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom edge 36 of the front wall 14
is pivotally attached on top of the front member 70. The bottom
edge 42 of the rear wall 16 is pivotally attached on top of the
rear member 72. As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom edge 54 of the first
side wall 18 is pivotally attached on top of the first side member
74, and the bottom edge 60 of the second side wall 22 is pivotally
attached on top of the second side member 76.
[0073] Referring back to FIG. 1, the front member 70 and the rear
member 72 have the same height. The second side member 76 is higher
than the front member 70, and the first side member 74 is higher
than the second side member 76. Referring back to FIG. 6, the sum
of heights of the front wall 14 and the rear wall 16 is smaller
than the length of the first long edge 26 of the base 12. Referring
back to FIG. 1, the heights of the first side wall 18 and the
second side wall 22 are smaller than the length of the first short
edge 30 of the base 12.
[0074] In this way, when the foldable house assembly 10 is folded,
the second side wall 22 is positioned over the front wall 14 and
the rear wall 16, and the first side wall 18 is positioned over the
second side wall 22. Also, the first roof 20 is pivoted to be
positioned between the first side wall 18 and the second side wall
22, and the second roof 24 is pivoted to be positioned between the
second side wall 22 and the front wall 14 or the rear wall 16.
[0075] Details regarding structures of walls and roofs, and joint
mechanisms between them are explained. As shown in FIG. 28, Each of
the front wall 14, the rear wall 16, the first side wall 18, the
second side wall 22, the first roof 20 and the second roof 22
comprises a panel 78 and a plurality of reinforcements 80 attached
to the panel 78. The panel 78 is made of plywood, steel plate,
sandwich panel or FRP plate. The reinforcements 80 are made of
C-channel steel. A plurality of wood columns 82 are fixed to the
panel witch screws, etc. The reinforcements 80 surround the wood
columns 82 and fixed to the wood columns 82. The thickness of the
reinforcement 80 is about 6 mm. The size of the reinforcement 80
for the walls and roofs is about 2 inches by 4 inches in the cross
section and about 20 feet in the length. For the base, a bigger
reinforcement or rail (2 inches by 6 inches) is used.
[0076] FIGS. 29 and 30 show how an elongated member such as
reinforcement 80 is made from off-the-shelf parts. Elongated
reinforcements 80 are required for long edges 26, 28 of the base
12, or for edges 52, 54 of the first side wall 18, etc. End
brackets 96 are welded to standard C-channel steel parts, and bolts
and nuts are used to attach the end brackets 96, and thus C-channel
steel parts.
[0077] FIG. 10 shows how the walls are assembled when the foldable
house assembly is assembled. Joints between the first side wall 18
and the front wall 14, between the front wall 14 and the second
side wall 22, between second side wall 22 and the rear wall 16, and
between the rear wall 16 and the first side wall 18 are provided by
bolts 84 and nuts 86 that pass through holes 88 provided in the
reinforcements 80 and in brackets 90 fixed to the reinforcements
80. When the walls are joined, sealant is applied on the joints
inside and outside of the assembly 10.
[0078] FIGS. 11 and 12 show pivoting mechanism between the walls
and roofs. One or more hinges 92 are provided between pivoting
edges of the walls and roofs, and fixed on the reinforcements 80
positioned at the edges. Specifically, the hinges 92 are provided
between the reinforcement 80 of the front wall 14 and the front
member 70 of the base 12, between the reinforcement 80 of the rear
wall 16 and the rear member 72 of the base 12, between the
reinforcement 80 of the first side wall 18 and the first side
member 74 of the base 12, between the reinforcement 80 of the
second side wall 22 and the second side member 76 of the base 12,
between the reinforcement 80 of the first roof 20 and the
reinforcement 80 of the first side wall 18, and between the
reinforcement 80 of the second roof 24 and the reinforcement 80 of
the second side wall 22. The hinges 92 are fixed to the
reinforcements 80 with blind rivets or bolts. Rubber gaskets (not
shown) are attached on the mating edges adjacent the hinges 92 to
provide sealing after the foldable house assembly is installed. A
sealing member (not shown) is inserted in the space between the
reinforcements 80 and under the second roof 24. The size of hinges
is about 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches.
[0079] As shown well in FIGS. 5 and 8, for each of the front wall
14, the rear wall 16, the first side wall 18, the second side wall
22, the first roof 20 and the second roof 24, the panel 78 extends
over the reinforcements 80 whereby sealing around the hinges 92 is
provided. As shown in FIG. 9, when the foldable house assembly 10
is assembled, the first roof 20 and the second roof 24 are
inclined, and the panels 78 of the front wall 14 and the rear wall
16 abut under the panels 78 of the first roof 20 and the second
roof 24, thereby providing sealing effect and enhancing
appearance.
[0080] FIG. 13 shows how the first roof 20 and the second roof 24
are fixed to each other when the foldable house assembly is
assembled. Joint between the first roof 20 and the second roof 24
is provided by bolts 84 and nuts 86 that pass through holes 88
provided in the reinforcements 80. One or more tension wires 94 are
provided between and fixed to the reinforcements 80 of the first
roof 20 and the second roof 24 to enhance stability of assembly of
the roofs 20, 24. An inverted V shaped cover 96 is positioned over
and fixed to the second edges 48, 66 of the first roof 20 and the
second roof 24.
[0081] FIGS. 14-27 show a foldable house assembly 100 according to
the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.
25, the assembly 100 includes a center unit 102, a left unit 101
and a right unit 103.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 14, which shows the center unit 102 in a
fully folded state, the center unit 102 includes a base 104, the
front wall 106, the rear wall 108 (not shown, symmetrical with the
front wall 106), a first side wall 110, and a first roof 112. The
first side wall 110 has two columns 114, each of which has an upper
end 116 and a lower end 118. The two columns 114 are positioned at
the ends of the first side wall 110. The base 104, the front wall
106, the rear wall 108, and the first roof 112 have a similar
construction as in the first embodiment. A first edge 120 of the
first roof 112 is pivotally attached on the upper ends 116 of the
columns 114. The lower ends 118 of the columns 114 are pivotally
attached on a first long edge 122 of the base 104. FIG. 15 shows
that the first side wall 110 is pivoted upward and erected
vertical. FIG. 16 shows that the first roof 112 is pivoted upward
and becomes horizontal. FIG. 17 shows that the front wall 106 is
pivoted upward and abuts with the first roof 112 and the first side
wall 110.
[0083] FIGS. 18-20 and 24 show the left unit 101. As shown in FIG.
18, which shows the left unit 101 in a fully folded state, the left
unit 101 includes a rectangular base 124, a front wall 126, a rear
wall 128 (refer to FIG. 24), a left wall 130, and a left roof 132.
The base 124, the front wall 126, the rear wall 128, and the left
wall 130 and the left roof 132 have a similar construction as in
the first embodiment. A first edge 134 of the left roof 132 is
pivotally attached on a top edge 136 of the left wall 130. FIG. 19
shows that the left wall 130 is pivoted upward and erected
vertical. FIG. 20 shows that the left roof 132 is pivoted upward to
a position that mates with the first roof 112 of the center unit
102. FIG. 24 shows the left unit 101 without the left wall 130 and
the left roof 132 for ease of illustration.
[0084] FIGS. 21-23 show the right unit 103. The right unit 103
includes a base 138, a front wall 140, a rear wall 142 (not shown,
symmetrical with the front wall 140), a right wall 144, and a right
roof 146. The right unit 103 is symmetrical with the left unit 101.
FIG. 21 shows that the right unit 103 is fully folded. FIG. 22
shows that the right wall 144 is pivoted upward and erected
vertical. FIG. 23 shows that the right roof 146 is pivoted upward
to a position that mates with the first roof 112 of the center unit
102.
[0085] FIG. 25 shows that the left unit 101, the center unit 102
and the right unit 103 are fully unfolded and assembled to form the
foldable house assembly 100 in a service state. A second edge 135
of the left roof 132 is attached to the first edge 120 of the first
roof 112 of the center unit 102, and a second edge 148 of the right
roof 146 is attached to a second edge 121 of the first roof 112 of
the center unit 102.
[0086] FIG. 26 shows that an additional center unit 102 is
positioned between the center unit 102 and the left unit 101, or
between the center unit 102 and the right unit 103. In this way,
the foldable house assembly 100 may be extended to a required
size.
[0087] The dimensions of elements of the center unit 102 have a
predetermined relationship so that the center unit 102 can be
folded as small as possible. As shown in FIG. 15, a first side
member 105 of the base 104 is higher than a front member 107 of the
base 104. The sum of heights of the front wall 106 and the rear
wall 108 is smaller than the length of the first long edge 122 of
the base 104. In this way, when the center unit 102 is folded, the
first side wall 110 is positioned over the front wall 106 and the
rear wall 108, and the first roof 112 is pivoted to be positioned
between the first side wall 110 and the front wall 106 or the rear
wall 108.
[0088] The dimensions of the elements of the left unit 101 have a
predetermined relationship so that the left unit 101 can be folded
as small as possible. As shown in FIG. 19, a first side member 125
of the base 124 is higher than a front member 127 of the base 124.
As shown in FIG. 24, the sum of heights of the front wall 126 and
the rear wall 128 is smaller than the length of a first long edge
129 of the base 124. In this way, when the left unit 101 is folded,
the left wall 130 is positioned over the front wall 126 and the
rear wall 128, and the left roof 132 is pivoted to be positioned
between the left wall 130 and the front wall 126 or the rear wall
128.
[0089] The dimensions of the elements of the right unit 103 have a
predetermined relationship so that the left unit 101 can be folded
as small as possible. As shown in FIG. 21, a first side member 139
of the base 138 is higher than a front member 141 of the base 138.
The sum of heights of the front wall 140 and the rear wall 142 is
smaller than the length of the base 138 so that the front wall 140
and the rear wall 142 can be folded on the base 138 without
interfering with each other. In this way, when the right unit 103
is folded, the right wall 144 is positioned over the front wall 140
and the rear wall 142, and the right roof 146 is pivoted to be
positioned between the right wall 144 and the front wall 140 or the
rear wall 142.
[0090] When the foldable house assembly 100 is assembled as shown
in FIG. 25, the base 124 of the left unit 101 and the base 138 of
the right unit 103 abut with the base 104 of the center unit
102.
[0091] The elements of the left unit 101, the center unit 102, and
the right unit 103 are constructed with panels 78 and
reinforcements 80 as shown in FIG. 28.
[0092] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 25, the panels of front walls and
the rear walls of the units 101, 102, 103 abut under the panels of
the roofs. Joints between erected walls are provided with bolts and
nuts as shown in FIG. 10.
[0093] FIG. 27 shows that joint between the first roof 112 of the
center unit 102 and the left roof 132 of the left unit 101 is
provided by bolts 84 and nuts 86 that pass through holes provided
in the reinforcements 80. Joint between the first roof 112 of the
center unit 102 and the right roof 146 of the right unit 103 is
provided in the same way.
[0094] With the above construction, five house assemblies may be
transported with a truck. The house assemblies are fully folded and
loaded vertically on a bed of a truck during transportation.
Assembly in site may be performed with minimum time, tools and
materials since the structure of the foldable house assembly
already provides most of the sealing and jointing functions
required for assembly in service state.
[0095] While the invention has been shown and described with
reference to different embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated
by those skilled in the art that variations in form, detail,
compositions and operation may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *