U.S. patent application number 11/532394 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for assembleable and modular housing unit exhibiting powder impression molded construction.
Invention is credited to Miguel A. Linares.
Application Number | 20070074462 11/532394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37900271 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070074462 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Linares; Miguel A. |
April 5, 2007 |
ASSEMBLEABLE AND MODULAR HOUSING UNIT EXHIBITING POWDER IMPRESSION
MOLDED CONSTRUCTION
Abstract
A modularizable and assembleable structure including a plurality
of individual and three-dimensional shaped components, each being
interengageable along opposingly extending edges in order to
establish a three-dimensional and internally accessible structure.
The components include a roof, a plurality of walls and a floor,
each exhibiting an impression molded plasticized/polymer based
construction with an aggregate filler material incorporated
therein.
Inventors: |
Linares; Miguel A.;
(Bloomfield Hills, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIFFORD, KRASS, SPRINKLE,ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, P.C
PO BOX 7021
TROY
MI
48007-7021
US
|
Family ID: |
37900271 |
Appl. No.: |
11/532394 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60719688 |
Sep 22, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/79.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/34321 20130101;
E04H 1/1205 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/079.1 |
International
Class: |
E04H 6/00 20060101
E04H006/00 |
Claims
1. A modularizable and assembleable structure, comprising: a
plurality of individual and three-dimensional shaped components,
each of said components further comprising an impression molded
plasticized/polymer based construction, an aggregate filler
material incorporated into said impression molded construction; and
each of said components being interengageable along opposingly
extending edges in order to establish a three-dimensional and
internally accessible structure.
2. The structure as described in claim 1, further comprising upper
and lower pluralities of assembleable components defining,
collectively, a roof, a plurality of walls, and a floor.
3. The structure as described in claim 2, further comprising a
plurality of ground embedding spikes projecting downwardly from
said floor.
4. The structure as described in claim 2, further comprising at
least one of a window, a doorway and an exteriorly configured
rainwater collection unit integrally formed with said assembleable
components.
5. The structure as described in claim 2, further comprising a
waste access drainage hole defined in said floor.
6. The structure as described in claim 4, further comprising a sink
and faucet communicating with an interior accessible location of
said rainwater collection unit.
7. The structure as described in claim 3, further comprising a
plurality of interiorly accessible apertures defined in said floor
through which is forcibly embedded said spikes.
8. The structure as described in claim 2, further comprising at
least one of an exhaust roof vent and updraft vents defined in said
roof and walls, respectively.
9. The structure as described in claim 4, said exteriorly
configured rainwater collection unit further comprising primary and
overflow collections tanks.
10. The structure as described in claim 2, said plurality of walls
further comprising interengaging and vertically disposed pins
defined along adjoining edges.
11. The structure as described in claim 4, further comprising a
perimeter extending gutter collection edge associated with said
roof and for redirecting collected rainwater into said collection
unit.
12. The structure as described in claim 11, said roof further
comprising drainage apertures redirecting water to said collection
unit.
13. The structure as described in claim 11, said collection unit
further comprising a fluid retaining base, said drainage apertures
communicating said roof with said base.
14. The structure as described in claim 13, further comprising a
hand pump for withdrawing volumes of fluid from within said
base.
15. The structure as described in claim 2, further comprising third
world style toilet, incorporated into said floor of said modular
housing unit, and including pivoting sewage pipe for selectively
accessing at least one exterior excavated waste collection
site.
16. The structure as described in claim 2, further comprising a
plurality of stackable beds defined in said floor.
17. The structure as described in claim 2, further comprising a
wall joining component for interconnecting together at pair of
proximately located units.
18. The structure as described in claim 2, further comprising and
buoyant housing unit is elevatable, upon each of a plurality of
downwardly extending and vertically displaceable rods, actuated in
response to a degree of flooding condition.
19. A modularizable and assembleable structure, comprising: a
plurality of individual and three-dimensional shaped components
collectively defining a roof, walls and a floor, each of said
components further comprising an impression molded
plasticized/polymer based construction, an aggregate filler
material incorporated into said impression molded construction; at
least one of a window, a doorway and an exteriorly configured
rainwater collection unit being integrally formed with said
assembleable components; each of said components being
interengageable along opposingly extending edges in order to
establish a three-dimensional and internally accessible structure;
and a plurality of interiorly accessible apertures defined in said
floor, through which are inserted a plurality of ground stakes for
forcibly embedding into an underlying ground location.
20. A modularizable and assembleable structure, comprising: a
plurality of individual and three-dimensional shaped components
collectively defining a roof, walls and a floor, each of said
components further comprising an impression molded
plasticized/polymer based construction within which is incorporated
an aggregate filler material; each of said components being
interengageable along opposingly extending edges in order to
establish a three-dimensional and internally accessible structure;
a perimeter extending gutter collection edge associated with said
roof and for redirected collected rainwater into a collection unit
being integrally formed with at least one of said assembleable
components, said collection unit communicating with an interior
sink and faucet secured to a selected wall; and a waste access
drainage hole defined in said floor, a further plurality of
interiorly accessible apertures being defined in said floor,
through which are inserted a plurality of ground stakes for
forcibly embedding into an underlying ground location.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/719,688, filed Sep. 22,
2005, and entitled "Assembleable and Modular Housing Unit
Exhibiting Powder Impression Molded Construction."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to modularized and
assembleable housing constructions. More specifically, the present
invention teaches a multiple (eight) piece assembly of individual
and assembleable members for creating a modular structure, such as
for use as housing in third world environments.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] The prior art is documented with varying types of
modularized or component based housing structures. The objective of
such assemblies is to quickly and effectively construct a
three-dimensional enclosure, and in contrast to the requirements of
having to assemble a permanent structure in conventional
fashion.
[0006] A first example selected from the prior art is set forth in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,778,528, to Heifetz et al., and which teaches a
prefabricated building module of substantially all plastic
construction and which can comprise an entire housing unit of one
or more rooms. The module includes walls, floor and ceiling and may
include interior partitions to section the unit into a plurality of
rooms and to house plumbing, as well as windows, doorways and
doors. The walls, floor and ceiling are formed from inner and outer
shells of molded reinforced plastic material. An insulating core of
polyurethane foam material is sandwiched between the shells. All of
the electrical, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and/or gas
conduits, junction boxes, terminals and the like can be provided in
the insulated core in place and ready for connection and use at the
building site.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,347, issued to Walburger, teaches a
modular emergency shelter system including a sleeping and storage
module having a rectangular box-like structure with curved interior
side walls defining a sleeping area, and exterior sidewalls
extending to an opposing end defining a separate storage area. The
box-like structure is preferably fabricated of molded plastic
filled with fire resistant and sound dampening foam, and is
watertight to keep out the rain and facilitate hosing out after
use. The module further includes electronic locking doors operable
from inside or outside the module. The module is configured for
securing together a number of similar structures including
additional shelter modules stacked one atop another, or
vertically-oriented modular utility units such as toilets, showers
and dressing rooms.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,240, issued to Miller, teaches a compact
sleeping unit which can be mated with similarly configured sleeping
units to form a grouping for use in a wide range of situations and
settings. Each unit includes a horizontal platform and mattress for
the compact sleeping of an occupant and a vertically oriented area
for dressing and changing which is accessible to each sleeping area
through a passage. The compact sleeping unit of the present
invention provides a safe, clean, secure, private, inexpensive,
portable and easily erected structure to service humans in a wide
range of applications.
[0009] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,724,142, issued to Worthington,
teaches a modular building structure including a plurality of
prefabricated modular units arranged to branch outwardly from a
common central area and connected together to form a central room.
Each modular unit has an open inner end and terminates in an outer
end wall. A horizontally disposed floor member partitions each
modular unit into an upper room and a lower space. The modular
units are conveniently arranged side by side or one on another to
provide building structures of a desired size.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0010] The present invention therefore discloses a novel and
nonobvious assembly for creating a modularizable and quickly
constructed living shelter, such as in use in third world
locations. In one non-limiting embodiment, the present invention
discloses a multiple (eight) piece assembly of individual and
assembleable members for creating a modular structure. The
modularized housing assembly provides a habitable environment
satisfying the basic needs of an insulating and sheltered
environment, and additional to being configured to collect and
retain rainwater, as well provide access for waste discharge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when
read in combination with the following detailed description,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled modular housing
unit according to the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an underside perspective of the modular housing
unit illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective line drawing of the modular housing
unit illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating interior features
associated with the present design;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a line art drawing of a modular housing unit
according to a further preferred variant and which includes a
plurality of door and roof vents for providing interior
ventilation;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of an assembled modular
housing unit according to a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention and incorporating a sixteen piece modular
construction with additional features such as updraft vents formed
in the wall joint construction, as well as an open/closable exhaust
roof vent;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cutaway interior illustration of a quadrant
corner of the housing unit of FIG. 5 and illustration the airflow
path generated by the gap venting between the upper and lower
parts;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a further variant of a modular
housing unit and incorporating additional features such as primary
and overflow water tanks, insect and small creature inhibitors, and
fluid retaining base;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a sectional illustration of the interconnecting
floor panel base according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a succeeding illustration to that of FIG. 7 and
showing the window, door and upper/lower water retaining tanks
mounted in place;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an illustration of attachable roof sections;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a line art illustration of a gutter seal for door
and window sides;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a further illustration of a plurality of
interconnected roof sections with interior drainage capability;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a further illustration of the water tank system
and illustrating both upper and lower overflow capabilities;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective illustration of an assembled
modular housing unit according to a still further preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a sectional illustration of a ridge beam
component securing together a seam edge established between
adjacent roof panels;
[0027] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective illustrating the water
collection and retention capabilities established between the
ceiling and floor components of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a sectional inside perspective illustrating an
interior positioned sink in fluidic communication with the exterior
positioned water tank;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a sectional perspective of a third world style
toilet, incorporated into a modular housing unit according to the
present invention, and including pivoting sewage pipe for
selectively accessing exterior excavated waste collection
sites;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a partial illustration of the toilet in FIG. 31
and illustrating the collection trap and flush pail features;
[0031] FIG. 20 is an illustration of an optional variant of the
modular lousing unit (with roof removed) and incorporating a
plurality of individual lavatories;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a sectional perspective of a plurality of
stackable beds incorporated into a variant of the modular housing
unit;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a sectional illustration of an optional wall
joiner, in substitution for removable doors, for interconnecting a
plurality of housing units;
[0034] FIG. 23 is an illustration of a double housing unit created
with the interconnecting wall joiner of FIG. 22;
[0035] FIG. 24 is an illustration similar to that previously shown
in FIG. 14 and illustrating an alternate arrangement whereby the
waterproof and buoyant housing unit is elevatable in response to
flooding conditions;
[0036] FIG. 25A is a plan view illustration of the housing unit of
FIG. 24 in a ground supported condition;
[0037] FIG. 25B is a partial environmental illustration of a
selected ground embedded stake which permits elevation of the
modular housing unit secured thereupon;
[0038] FIG. 26 is a succeeding illustration of the housing unit in
a flooded, elevated and supported fashion;
[0039] FIG. 27 is a sectional illustration of one possible
interconnection scheme, such as which is established between first
and second roof components;
[0040] FIG. 28 is a further sectional illustration of a corner
interconnection scheme; and;
[0041] FIG. 29 is a yet further sectional illustration of an
intermediate wall interconnection scheme according to the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an assembleable and modularized
housing assembly is illustrated generally at 10 according to the
present invention. As previously described, the present invention
according to one non-limiting embodiment discloses a multiple
(eight) piece assembly of individual and assembleable members for
creating a modular structure, such as for use as housing in third
world environments. The assembleable construction provides the
basic need of an insulating and sheltered environment, additional
to being configured to collect and retain rainwater, as well
provide access for waste discharge.
[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention
is constructed from a plurality of eight individual sections,
although it is further understood that any plurality of sections
can be interconnected in a manner to erect the construction
according to illustration 10. In the embodiment illustrated, a
total of eight inter-assembleable sections are provided and include
a first upper four plurality of sections 12, 14, 16 and 18, layered
upon a second lower four plurality of sections 20, 22 (hidden from
view in FIG. 1 but shown in the rotated underside perspective of
FIG. 2), 24 and 26.
[0044] Of note, it is understood that associated portions of the
roof and floor are incorporated into each of the upper 12-18 and
lower 20-26 pluralities of sections. It is further understood that
the roof and floor can, alternatively, be incorporated into
separate assembleable sections within the scope of the present
invention.
[0045] Each of the assembleable sections is constructed of a
three-dimensional, durable and insulating material, such as in one
variant including an impression molded plasticized/polymer based
construction. In one preferred embodiment, a powder impression
molded (PIM) material is provided and which is constructed of a
lightweight and durable material, this in a preferred embodiment
exhibiting the necessary properties of strength, weight, resiliency
and durability, and such as including certain types of plastics or
polymers.
[0046] In a preferred variant, the powder impression molding (PIM)
process includes a powdered thermoplastic resin, fused together
with any of a range of reinforcing materials (typically provided in
a particulate or granulate form), and the result of which is a
strengthened plastic composite exhibiting properties comparable to
those of steel. As described above, the PIM process can be employed
to create a lightweight and durable three-dimensional component
which incorporates into its construction scrap plastic (and such as
in particular which is reground and recast with a foam agent).
[0047] The molded component is typically coated with a waterproof
and antimicrobial material, such as a higher grade plastic. It is
also again understood that the individual and assembleable sections
can also be constructed of other materials, outside of the PIM
process generated materials described above.
[0048] Although not shown, it is understood that each of the
individual sections is interconnected along opposing edges by such
as clips, screw/bolt fasteners or the like. To assist in creating a
solid and unitary structure, it is also envisioned that
interengageable locations established between the individual
sections may also include clamps, cam-actuated surfaces, or other
types of tensioning/compressing structure. It is further understood
that the housing construction is capable of being quickly delivered
and assembled, in one variant without the use of tools, in order to
provide immediate and effective shelter, such as for the benefit of
individuals located in third world regions or areas devastated by
disaster.
[0049] As illustrated throughout the several views, additional
features associated with the construction 10 include the provision
of a doorway, window, and rainwater collection unit. These are
illustrated in additional detail at 28 (doorway), 30 (rain
collection unit) and 32 (window in FIG. 3) throughout the several
illustrations.
[0050] It is important to note that the items 28, 30 and 32 are, in
the preferred variant, incorporated into the individual and
assembleable pieces 12-18 and 20-26, it being also understood that
these may consist of additional attachable components. The doorway
28 and window 32 components are additionally shown in the line art
view of FIG. 3 and the rainwater collection unit 30 may include a
55 gallon collection unit exhibiting a top collection area 34, see
FIG. 3, and such as further including a grate covering.
[0051] An interior and fluid accessible location of the rainwater
collection unit 30 may also include a sink 36 and a faucet 38. An
aperture 40 defined in a corner floor location of the assembled
construction, see again in FIG. 6, may define an access point for a
waste discharge line 42, and such that a toilet unit 44 or the like
can be placed thereupon.
[0052] As further illustrated throughout the several views, the
assembled floor further exhibits a plurality of spaced apart and
downwardly projecting spikes 46, these permitting the assembled
structure to be securably embedded within a round location. As
previously described, a typical installation application of the
present invention contemplates the initial four (lower) attachable
components 20, 22, 24 and 26 being aligned relative to one another
and driven downward into a substantially level ground location.
Following this, they are assembled together, again through the use
of fasteners, clips, tensioning clamps, and the like. At this
point, the upper four components 12, 14, 16 and 18 are stacked in
place upon the lower assembled components 20-26 and likewise
interengaged both together and thereupon utilizing additional
fasteners.
[0053] Additional features include the provision of a rain gutter
edge formed along an upper facing and outer perimeter edge (see at
48 in FIG. 1) and such as which includes a perimeter located
aperture 50 (also in FIG. 1) communicable with and emptying
additional rainwater volumes into the collection unit 30. As will
be subsequently described in additional detail, it is further
contemplated that the assembly can utilize a plurality of
interconnecting sections, and such as in order to be modularizable
to create larger sized or irregular shaped housing enclosures.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 4, a line art drawing is illustrated
at 52 of a modular housing unit according to a further preferred
variant and which includes a plurality of door 54 and roof (both
front 56 and rear 58) vents for providing interior ventilation. The
vents are emplaced such that they permit interior flow in a
waterproof fashion. Ground stakes are illustrated at 60 and, in the
embodiment illustrated, are hammered or otherwise driven downward
through interior collars 62 extending through the floor of the unit
52. Upon downwardly driving the stakes 60 so that its annular head
seats upon a recessed surface associated with each interior collar,
plugs 64 (such as rubberized in construction) are secured in place
to seal the floor of the housing unit.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows, at 66, a perspective illustration of an
assembled modular housing unit according to a further preferred
embodiment of the present invention and incorporating an enlarged
modular construction, and in comparison to the variant disclosed in
FIG. 1. While not specifying an actual number of assembleable
components, it is understood that an equal (as shown) or even
greater number of assembleable pieces (up to sixteen or more) may
be employed in creating the structure 66. Additional features
illustrated in this embodiment include such as updraft vents 68
formed in the wall joint construction, in addition to the provision
of openable/closable exhaust roof vent 707 in-molded fluid (water)
retaining tank 72, and in addition to such previously disclosed
features as a top-edge encircling gutter 74, such as collecting
through aperture 76 into the in-molded tank 72, as well as again a
plurality of ground engaging stakes 78 arrayed around a
circumference of the floor support (see associated floor disposed
apertures 79 in FIG. 6 for permitting passage therethrough of the
ground supporting stakes) associated with the enclosure.
[0056] Illustrated at 80 in FIG. 6 is a cutaway interior
illustration of a quadrant corner of the housing unit of FIG. 5,
and illustrating in particular the airflow path generated by the
gap venting between upper 82 and lower 84 connecting portions.
Exterior air currents (see directional arrow 86) are illustrated
and which, upon entering through the updraft vents 68, travel
upwardly within the structure interior (see additional directional
arrows at 88).
[0057] FIG. 7 is an illustration 90 of a further variant of a
modular housing unit. As will be described in further detail with
reference to the succeeding embodiments, features of this design
include a three-dimensional top 92 with an edgewise extending
rainwater collecting trough 94 and with proximately located and
underside venting (optionally screened) 96 location. Interconnected
sides (by example at 98) are again illustrated, typically four, and
within which are formed a screened door 100, an opposite screened
window not shown, and both primary 102 and overflow 104
interconnected water tanks, insect and small creature inhibitors
106 (extending about a lower extending edge), and a fluid retaining
and three-dimensional base (not shown), this typically being
fluidly interconnected to the water collecting top 94 and side
retaining tanks (102 and 104) and in order to store collected
volumes of such as rain water. It is further understood that a pump
(either electric or manual) is employed to withdraw volumes of
fluid from within the base on an as-needed basis, and such as for
delivery through a hose, tap or faucet located on either an
interior/exterior facing side of the unit 90.
[0058] Illustrated at 108 in FIG. 8 is a sectional illustration of
the interconnecting floor panel base and shown by four
interconnecting sections 110, 112, 114 and 116. Features associated
with the base include a stepped outer and perimeter extending edge
118 (such as for supporting the interconnecting and upwardly
extending walls) and interior collar shaped apertures 120, for
seating therethrough the downward/ angled spike portions 122.
[0059] FIG. 9 illustrates, at 124, a further sectional view of the
floor with eight interconnected wall panels 126-140, two per side,
and with the roof portion removed. The wall panels are
interconnected along suitable hinged edges, such as through the
provision of slid down wall pins extending through joints, a
doorway opening 142 being formed in a first panel 138, whereas a
window opening 144 is formed in a substantially opposite wall
portion 130. Although not shown, it is further understood that a
four piece roof section can be secured in place, these typically
being placed first upon the interconnected wall structure,
following which mounting seals are applied to opposite extending
edges of the gutters and prior to the installation of the remaining
roof sections.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 10, an illustration is shown of selected
and attachable roof (as well as intermediate wall) sections 146 and
148 and by which an interior and crosswise extending thru joint 150
is formed for permitting water to drain out to the outer annular
extending gutter edge (as previously illustrated). FIG. 11 further
illustrates, at 152, a line art depiction of a gutter seal applied
to the door and window sides of the modular housing unit. In
particular, the gutter seal includes a first rounded seal side 154
and an opposite and interiorly channeled attaching side 156. The
arrangement and configuration of the gutter seal facilitates
collection and conveyance of such as rainwater to the storage tank
associated with the modular housing unit.
[0061] Referring further to FIG. 12, a further illustration is
rendered of the plurality of interconnected roof sections 158, 160,
162 and 164, and exhibiting its interior drainage capability.
Specifically, drainage apertures 166 are illustrated along
proximate edge locations established between selected
interconnected panels 160 and 122 and provide for communication of
the rainwater collected by the outer perimeter extending trough 94
(as also previously identified in FIG. 7) with the reservoir
containing tanks and/or the fluid holding floor/base.
[0062] FIG. 13 is a further illustration of the water tank system
previously shown (see FIG. 9), including an upper tank 168 and
lower interconnecting tank 170, and illustrating both upper and
lower overflow capabilities associated with the design. In
particular, arrows 172 illustrate rainwater collecting from
drainage apertures (see as previously shown at 166 in FIG. 12). The
arrangement of FIG. 13 includes additional directional arrows
referencing, respectively, a top tank filtered spigot 174, as well
as a lower tank filtered spigot 176. Other features include the
provision of a full tank overflow 178 into the secondary tank and a
secondary tank overflow 180 to around.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 14, a perspective illustration is
shown at 182 of an assembled modular housing unit according to a
still further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The
design includes the features previously recited and further
including a top attachable strip 184 for sealing the
interconnecting roof sections (similar in configuration to those
previously described), as well as front 186 and side 188 vents for
providing interior ventilation to the modular structure.
[0064] FIG. 15 expands upon the illustration of FIG. 14, previously
described, and includes, in section, a ridge beam component 190
securing together a scam edge established between selected and
adjacent roof panels, see as identified at 192 and 194, and to
include downwardly angled interior edges 196 and 198. The ridge
beam established thereby further includes recessed and lengthwise
extending supports 200 and 202 for seating, respectively, the
downwardly turned inner edges 196 and 198, as well as the
corresponding and extending edges associated with the other top
panels illustrated.
[0065] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective 204 illustrating the
water collection and retention capabilities established between the
ceiling and floor components of the present invention.
Specifically, sample roof 206 and floor/base 208 components are
illustrated, the roof 206 exhibiting a portion of an extending
outer gutter edge 710 through which a drainage aperture 212 is
formed.
[0066] A downspout (vertically extending run of conduit) 214
connects to a collar 216 at the upper end as well as to a lower
mounted cap 218 communicating with a fluid inlet of the
three-dimensional and fluid holding base 208. A tank cover 220
secures to an underside of the three-dimensional base 208 to close
off the assembly and in order to provide it with its fluid holding
capabilities.
[0067] A further optional sub-assembly includes the ability to
evacuate fluid from the water retaining base, and discloses a hand
pump 222 metered to withdraw such as in 8 oz or 16 oz strokes, e.g.
through a tube 221 for evacuation out of a spigot 223. The pump is
illustrated in reference to a further fluid evacuation sub-assembly
generally referenced at 224 and including an upper closed downspout
plug 226 and interconnecting pipe end fitting 228 and lower end cap
mount 230. In this fashion, the assembly makes possible the ability
to store, for extended periods Of time, uncontaminated rainwater
within the sealed three-dimensional base and for selective
withdrawal later on.
[0068] FIG. 17 illustrates at 232 a sectional inside perspective of
an interior positioned sink 234 in fluidic communication with the
exterior positioned water tank, such as via spigot 236 extending
through associated wall section 238 and to exterior located water
supply tank (not shown). Other features shown include upper
positioned and air ventilation slot 240 and lower extending drain
pipe 242 exiting through wall and under the outside lower tank
(also not shown).
[0069] Referring to FIG. 18, a sectional perspective 244 explains
the operation of a third world style toilet, incorporated into a
modular housing unit according to the present invention. This
design assists in the prevention of disease, given the limited
sanitary resources, and includes the provision of a pivoting sewage
pipe 246 extending from a floor situated toilet 248 (in the manner
previously described) and forming a part of an interconnecting
floor section 250 associated with the modularized housing unit. The
swivelability of the pipe 246 (see as referenced by arrow 252)
renders possible the selective accessing of exterior and
individually excavated Waste collection sites 254, 256, et seq. In
this fashion, and upon a given site being filled with human waste,
the hole is filled in and the sewer pipe rotated to a succeeding
dump site.
[0070] FIG. 19 is an enlarged and partial illustration of the
toilet in FIG. 18 and illustrating the collection trap and flush
pail features. In particular, a trap 258 is provided as is known in
the relevant art and to prevent undesirable odors from the exterior
excavation site from accessing the modular structure interior. A
pail of water (not shown) is poured into a central aperture. 260
associated with the floor mounted toilet (and over which a user
squats to relieve him/herself) and in order to discharge human
waste through the tube and into the designated waste collection
site 254.
[0071] FIG. 20 is an illustration 262 of an optional variant of the
modular lousing unit (with roof removed) and incorporating a
plurality of individual subdivided locations 264, 266, 268 and 270,
each corresponding to a given lavatory and which accesses either of
a pair of designated and exterior excavated waste collection
sites.
[0072] FIG. 21 further shows, at 272, a sectional perspective of a
plurality of stackable beds 274, incorporated into a variant of the
modular housing unit. The beds 274 are secured upon an assembled
floor (generally referenced at 276) in order to increase the
housing capability of the design.
[0073] FIG. 22 illustrates at 278 an optional wall joiner, this
being in substitution of the removable doors, and for
interconnecting together any plurality of housing units. The joiner
operates to achieve multiple layouts by installing along a wall
location in order to create a pathway between adjacent structures.
The joiner further includes pairs of wall locating tabs, in
addition to a floor channel location 279 seating between adjacent
and abutting floors. FIG. 93 is an illustration 280 of an
interconnected double housing unit, see individual units 282 and
284, created with the use of the interconnecting wall joiner 278 of
FIG. 22 and further illustrated in phantom in FIG. 23.
[0074] FIG. 24 is an illustration 286 similar to that previously
shown in FIG. 14 of a multipiece assembleable modular unit and
illustrating an alternate arrangement whereby a waterproof and
buoyant housing unit is elevatable, upon each of a plurality of
downwardly extending and vertically displaceable rods 288 are
actuated in response to a degree of flooding condition. As will be
described infra, the elongated and displaceable rods substitute for
the ground stakes previously described.
[0075] FIG. 25 is a succeeding plan view illustration of the
housing unit 286 of FIG. 24, in a first ground supported condition
and by which each of the displaceable rods 288 are illustrated in a
most-withdrawn condition, and by which upper angled ends 290 (see
FIG. 25B) of each of the rods 288 are inwardly turned in engaging
fashion into apertures formed into height approximate locations of
the wall components and the lower ends of the rods project
approximately 5' (in one non-limiting valiant) downward from a
floor 292 of the structure into associated and excavated ground
apertures, see further as shown by inset 294 on FIG. 25B.
[0076] Referring further to FIG. 26, a succeeding illustration is
shown at 296 of the housing unit in a first flooded (see water
level 298) and elevated/supported fashion. In this condition, each
of the rods 288 are rotated so that the upper angled ends 290
unseat from within the associated and height dependent locations
defined in the wall components.
[0077] The base 292 rises as a function of the water level and the
buoyancy of the modular unit, the rods 288 each being displaced
downwardly to maintain a seating condition within the ground
excavated apertures (these also being understood to include lengths
of hollow PVC or pipe embedded into the ground) and prior to the
rods 288 each being re-engaged into lower positioned wall situated
apertures. It is also appreciated that the rods 288 can each
vertically displaceable by means of channels vertically formed into
the interconnected sides, as well as mechanically attached clips or
the like within the scope of the invention.
[0078] FIG. 27 is a sectional illustration at 294 of one possible
interconnection scheme, such as which is established between first
and second roof components 296 and 298. In particular, an underside
channel arrangement is provided for engaging underside extending
and mating locations 300 and 302 of the roof components 296 and
298, these being seated within a top face groove 304 associated
with an underside extending (typically wall) support 306. The
underside channel configuration associated with the roof components
may further include outer spaced vertical supports 308 and 310,
these preventing disengagement or misalignment of the roof
components when supported upon the vertically extending support
306.
[0079] Referring further to FIG. 28, a further sectional
illustration 312 is shown of a corner interconnection scheme. In
particular, first 314 and second 316 wall sections are provided and
by which a first extending corner configuration 318, associated
with the first wall section 314, is seatingly engaged against a
corresponding corner configuration 320, associated with the second
wall section 316. An angled corner support 322 is provided (and
which can be either integrally formed in half sections with given
interior locations of each wall section 314 and 316 or
alternatively provided as a separate extending piece and engaged in
a mechanical or biasing fashion to hold the wall sections together
at the corner location).
[0080] Finally, and referring to FIG. 29, a yet further sectional
illustration is shown at 324 of an intermediate wall
interconnection scheme and which may include additional wall
sections 326 and 328 which are interconnected by a similar ball and
socket arrangement (see as shown at 330 and 332 for opposing edges
of sections 326 and 328 and corresponding to that shown at 318 and
320 in the valiant of FIG. 28). A further configured reinforcing or
connecting piece, see at 334, may extend vertically along an inside
adjoining location of the wall sections 326 and 328.
[0081] The present invention therefore discloses a novel and
nonobvious assembly for creating a modularizable and quickly
constructed living shelter, such as in use in third world
locations. Having described my invention, other and additional
preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the
art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of
the appended claims.
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