U.S. patent application number 12/374068 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-21 for convertible building.
Invention is credited to Robert Graham Barry.
Application Number | 20100011676 12/374068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38956415 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100011676 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barry; Robert Graham |
January 21, 2010 |
Convertible Building
Abstract
A building comprising (a) a rectangular central structure having
a horizontal roof section, a floor section and at least one support
for the roof section, (b) two roof extensions each pivotally
attached on either side of the roof section with an offset hinge
such that each can pivot from a first, horizontal position to a
second, vertical position, wherein in the first position the two
roof extensions are offset vertically relative to the roof section,
and (c) two floor extensions each pivotally attached on either side
of the floor section such that each can pivot from a first,
horizontal position to a second, vertical position, wherein during
transport or storage of the building, the two roof extensions and
two floor extensions are each located in the second, vertical
position, the floor extensions being located interior to the roof
extensions.
Inventors: |
Barry; Robert Graham;
(Thomastown, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FELLERS SNIDER BLANKENSHIP;BAILEY & TIPPENS
THE KENNEDY BUILDING, 321 SOUTH BOSTON SUITE 800
TULSA
OK
74103-3318
US
|
Family ID: |
38956415 |
Appl. No.: |
12/374068 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
July 6, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU07/00939 |
371 Date: |
January 16, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/79.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/3444
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/79.5 |
International
Class: |
E04H 1/00 20060101
E04H001/00 |
Claims
1. A building comprising: (a) a rectangular central structure
having a horizontal roof section, a floor section and at least one
support for the roof section, (b) two roof extensions each
pivotally attached on either side of the roof section with an
offset hinge such that each can pivot from a first, horizontal
position to a second, vertical position, wherein in the first
position the two roof extensions are offset vertically relative to
the roof section, and (c) two floor extensions each pivotally
attached on either side of the floor section such that each can
pivot from a first, horizontal position to a second, vertical
position, wherein during transport or storage of the building, the
two roof extensions and two floor extensions are each located in
the second, vertical position, the floor extensions being located
interior to the roof extensions.
2. A building according to claim 1, which during transport or
storage has an external height of 2.5 to 3.5 m, an external width
of 2.0 to 3.0 m and an internal width of 1.5 to 2.0 m.
3. A building according to claim 1 which is suitable for ISO
certification for transport as a freight container.
4. A building according to claim 1 wherein in the first position
the two roof extensions are co-planar, and this plane is offset
vertically to the plane of the roof section.
5. A building according to claim 1 wherein when the roof extensions
and floor extensions are located in the second, vertical position,
a recess is formed between adjacent roof and floor extensions.
6. A building according to claim 1 wherein the roof extensions
extend beyond the ends of the rectangular central structure.
7. A building according to claim 1 wherein one or more items chosen
from the group comprising structural members, fixtures and fittings
are contained within the building during transport.
8. A building according to claim 7 wherein the one or more items
contained within the building during transport are incorporated
into the assembled building.
9. A building according to claim 1 when used as part of a larger
structure.
10. A structure comprising one or more modules, each module
consisting of a building according to claim 1.
11. A structure according to claim 10 comprising at least two or
more adjacently located modules.
12. A structure according to claim 10 or claim 11 comprising two or
more modules stacked vertically.
13. A method of providing habitation comprising the steps of
transporting one or more buildings according to claim 1, and
locating said one or more buildings at a site.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a building, more particularly a
convertible building structure that can be readily converted from a
configuration suitable for transport and a configuration suitable
for use as a dwelling. Optionally the convertible building may
comprise one module of a larger building structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In this specification where a document, act or item of
knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion
is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or
any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly
available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge;
or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with
which this specification is concerned.
[0003] While the present invention will be discussed with reference
to convertible structures that can be transported long distances,
in the manner of transport of freight containers and used as homes,
it will be appreciated that the present invention is not so limited
and the convertible structures of the present invention can be used
for a wide range of applications including offices, studios,
display areas and so forth.
[0004] Containerization revolutionised freight handling in the 20th
century. Today, approximately 90% of non-bulk cargo worldwide moves
by containers stacked on transport ships. Accordingly, in order to
take advantage of the fact that freight infrastructure is well
adapted to handling of containers, attempts have been made to
provide transportable buildings that are commensurate in size with
the dimensions of a standard freight container so they can be
readily transported long distances. Typically such buildings are
intended for transport to a desired site where they are unloaded
from the transportation means, assembled and connected to local
facilities such as water, plumbing, electricity and gas.
[0005] For example it is known to convert old shipping containers
into habitable structures which have been used as homes, offices,
emergency shelters and many other uses because they are strong,
movable and relatively inexpensive. During the 1991 Gulf War
containers were frequently used as habitations for military
personnel. More recently in 2005 a temporary structure comprised of
156 shipping containers and termed `The Nomadic Museum` was built
on Pier 54 in New York to house a photographic exhibition. At the
end of the exhibition it was dismantled, and transported to Santa
Monica, Calif. where it was reassembled.
[0006] One of the disadvantages of such conversions is that the
interior volume of the shipping container provides very limited
usable space. Furthermore the conversion typically requires cutting
through the walls, weakening the structure and thus voiding the ISO
(International Standards Organisation) rating. Without the ISO
rating the container cannot again be transported as a
container.
[0007] WO 98/02626 (Kalinowski) relates to a portable building that
can be completely folded down to fit inside a shipping container to
facilitate transportation and storage. The building comprises a
rigid main support into which the floor, wall and roof sections can
be folded.
[0008] WO 2005/106147 (Gibson) relates to a building construction
that is substantially in the shape of a shipping container and can
be picked up by a crane or arranged in a freight vehicle with a
normally loaded freight container loaded on top. The building can
be assembled by swinging the roof and floor extensions out from a
main portion, the roof portion typically being angled relative to
the main portion, or overhanging the main portion to resist rain
water entering the building. In use this particular building
construction marketed under the name `Habode` includes large metal
struts or supports at either end which add considerable weight to
the structure increasing the effort needed during lifting and
transportation. Furthermore the struts extend beyond the limits of
the container body, increasing the dimensions of the building
beyond normal container size making it inconvenient to transport on
vehicles designed for transporting standard sized containers.
[0009] US-2002/0116878 (Ciotti) describes an engineered
purpose-built portable habitable structure formed from a
transformable rectangular enclosure which is the size of an ISO
shipping container and which includes a base shell having hingedly
attached exterior and interior walls that fold outwards to form
walls and a continuous flat roof. The walls may be pre-plumbed and
pre-wired ready for connection to appropriate supply sources
exterior to the structure and on-site.
[0010] WO 93/20297 (Morris et al) relates to a portable building
unit which can be folded to be shipped and transported as a
standard cargo shipping container. The building walls, floors and
roof panels are hinged together and form the sidewalls of the
container when in the closed position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides a building comprising: [0012]
(a) a rectangular central structure having a horizontal roof
section and a floor section, [0013] (b) two roof extensions each
pivotally attached on either side of the roof section with an
offset hinge such that each can pivot from a first, horizontal
position to a second, vertical position, wherein in the first
position the two roof extensions are offset vertically relative to
the roof section, and [0014] (c) two floor extensions each
pivotally attached on either side of the floor section such that
each can pivot from a first, horizontal position to a second,
vertical position, wherein during transport or storage of the
building, the two roof extensions and two floor extensions are each
located in the second, vertical position, the floor extensions
being located interior to the roof extensions.
[0015] In general, when the roof and floor extensions are in the
second position, the building is in the disassembled configuration
and is suitable for transport or storage; and when the roof and
floor extensions are in the first position, the building is
assembled and either habitable or able to be configured for
habitation.
[0016] Typically the two floor extensions and two roof extensions
can be locked into the first position or the second position. The
floor and roof extensions can be pivoted independently between the
first and second positions. For example the floor and roof
extension may each pivot on a conventional pin/bush hinge system or
other simple hinge. Preferably the floor extensions pivot about a
`piano` hinge so that when the floor extensions are in the first
position, the floor section and floor extensions all lie in the
same plane, with no gaps. This creates a continuous expanse of flat
flooring. One of the advantages of these types of pivot systems is
that they can be used multiple times, that is, the building of the
present invention can be assembled and disassembled multiple times
and shifted to different locations.
[0017] When the two roof extensions are in the first position
typically they lie in the same plane, and this plane is offset to
the plane of the roof section. The gaps between the roof section
and the two roof extensions may be bridged by structures, such as,
for example, windows or weather seals. A gutter is also typically
included along one or more edges of the roof extensions.
[0018] Typically the building of the present invention has two roof
extensions and two floor extensions on either sides of the
rectangular central structure. The person skilled in the art will
appreciate that the building of the present invention could have
two or more roof or floor extensions located on either side of the
rectangular central structure.
[0019] When the building is disassembled and both the roof
extensions and floor extensions are located in the second, vertical
position, typically there is a long, narrow gap or recess between
adjacent roof and floor extensions. This recess may be used for
storage. For example it may be used for storing structural members,
structural frames or independent walls and panels which, in the
assembled building can be located intermediate adjacent roof and
floor extensions to form internal or external walls or cladding.
Furthermore, when the building is disassembled, other items may be
stored in the main body of the building. These items may be
intended for incorporation into the building structure when it is
assembled (such as, for example, windows, doors, extra panels or
structural supports). The items may alternatively be intended for
use as fixtures or fittings when the building structure is
assembled (such as, for example, whitegoods, plumbing fixtures or
furniture).
[0020] Typically during transport or storage, the building of the
present invention has the same dimensions as an ISO freight
container so that it can take advantage of the existing
infrastructure for lifting, handling storing and transporting
freight containers. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the two roof extensions extend slightly beyond the ends
of the rectangular central structure and provide it with some
protection when the building of the present invention is
disassembled. However preferably the overall dimensions of the
building are comparable with the dimensions of an ISO freight
container.
[0021] There are five common standard lengths--6.1, 12.2, 13.7,
14.6 and 16.2 metres for containers. Container capacity is measured
in `twenty-foot equivalent units` (TEU), which equates to a
container cargo capacity equal to 39 m.sup.3, or one standard
container (that is 6.10 m length, 2.44 m width.times.2.59 m
height). There are variations on this standard size. Many
containers today are 2 TEU or `forty-foot equivalents` (FEU). High
cube containers have a height of 2.9 m. When referring to
containers in terms of TEUs, the height of the container is
typically not considered.
[0022] Preferably the building of the present invention has a
capacity of a TEU or an FEU. More preferably during transport or
storage the building has an external height of 2.5 to 3.5 m, an
external width of 2.0 to 3.0 m and an internal width of 1.5 to 2.0
m. In a particularly preferred embodiment the building as
configured for transport or storage can be certified as suitable
for use as a freight container, for example, suitable for ISO
certification for transport as a freight container.
[0023] Typically, the building in the disassembled configuration
has sufficient structural strength and integrity that it can be
lifted, handled and transported as if it were a freight container.
Freight containers are frequently stacked to maximise efficient use
of the space available on ship decks, rail bodies or truck trays.
Accordingly preferably the building of the present invention can,
in the disassembled configuration support the load of other
containers. The building typically has one or more steel structural
supports incorporated in the rectangular body structure to provide
sufficient strength for the building to support the load of a
container under which it may be transported or stored. The
structural supports may be sufficiently strong to support at least
one other building of the invention, both being in the assembled
state so as to provide a multi storied dwelling.
[0024] In a further embodiment the convertible building of the
present invention is part of, or incorporated into a larger
structure. For example the building of the present invention may
comprise a module of a larger structure. For example two or more
examples according to the present invention can be stacked or
located side-by-side or end-to-end.
[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment, two modules
according to the present invention are located one on top of the
other to form a double story building. The roof extensions of the
lower building abut the floor extensions of the upper module. If it
is intended to include an internal stair between the upper and
lower module, abutting roof and floor extensions may be provided
with corresponding openings or removable portions in which a stair
may be located. For example, the stair could be a spiral stair of
the type that can be flat packed and then, during assembly, the
steps can be attached or unfolded around the central pole.
[0026] In addition, because the two roof extensions are offset
relative to the roof section, there is a gap between the floor
section of the upper module and the roof section of the lower
module. This cavity can be used for locating pipes or wiring along
the length of the building and providing services for both the
upper and lower module.
[0027] Fitting Out
[0028] As mentioned above, when the two roof extensions and floor
extensions are in the first, horizontal position on either side of
the rectangular central structure, the building is configured for
habitation. In one embodiment the building is provided to a site
with fittings, fixtures, and optionally furniture, that makes it
immediately suitable for occupation--only connection to facilities
such as plumbing, sewerage and electricity is required.
[0029] Alternatively, the building may be provided with items such
as fixtures and fittings for incorporation into the building
structure when it is assembled (such as, for example, windows,
doors, extra panels or structural supports.) The structure may need
to be fitted out with these items prior to habitation.
[0030] For example, the structural supports, rectangular central
structure, roof extensions and floor extensions, may provide a
framework to which interior and exterior panels can readily be
attached. The panels may be attached by any convenient means but
preferably they are attached by a click-fit or sliding system that
minimises, or does not require the use of tools.
[0031] The panels may be of any type suitable for interior or
exterior use as appropriate and can be used to divide the building
into rooms or living spaces. For example a building of 2 FEU
capacity can readily be divided up into 8 individual rooms,
optionally each with an ensuite bathroom, if high density housing
is required. This configuration would be useful for example, for
high density, short term housing.
[0032] As previously mentioned, the two roof extensions are offset
relative to the roof section thus forming a recess or cavity which
runs along the length of the building and within which plumbing
pipes or electrical wiring can be located. The cavity may
optionally be covered over.
[0033] The plumbing pipes may alternatively be located under the
building, typically located in trenches prior to installation of
the building on-site.
[0034] Other preparation may be appropriate prior to location of
the building of the present invention. For example, the building
may be located on a pre-poured concrete slab within which the
plumbing, sewerage and optionally, electrical wiring is located,
ready for connection to the building.
[0035] The present invention further provides a method of providing
habitation comprising the steps of transporting one or more
buildings according to the present invention, and locating the one
or more building at a site.
DRAWINGS
[0036] Various embodiments/aspects of the invention will now be
described with reference to the following drawings depicting
non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. In
particular,
[0037] FIG. 1a is a plan drawing of the disassembled building of
the present invention in a configuration suitable for storage or
transport;
[0038] FIGS. 1b and 1c are plan drawings showing in greater detail
the pivots for the floor and roof extensions of the building of
FIG. 1a;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a plan drawing of the building of FIG. 1 in the
partly assembled state;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a plan drawing of the assembled building according
to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 4 is a plan drawing of two assembled buildings of FIG.
1 forming a double story construction;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the disassembled building of
FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the partly assembled
building of FIG. 2;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fully assembled building
of FIG. 3;
[0045] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the building of FIG. 7 with
wall panels inserted to complete the building for habitation;
[0046] FIGS. 9a & 9b are side elevation views of the building
of FIG. 7 incorporating both wall and door panels; and
[0047] FIG. 10a is a floor plan of the building of FIG. 7, divided
internally to provide eight rooms and FIG. 10b and FIG. 10c show
the plan of the plumbing and power and lighting respectively.
FIG. 1a
[0048] FIG. 1a depicts the building (1) of the present invention
disassembled for storage or transport and having the dimensions
commensurate with those of a high-top freight container. In this
configuration the two roof extensions (12a, 12b) are located in the
second, vertical position, and together with the horizontal roof
section (7) and floor section (10), define the outer limits of the
construction. The floor extensions (15a, 15b) are located interior
to the roof extensions. The roof extensions can rotate about pivots
(14a, 14b) consisting of hinges and the floor extensions can rotate
about pivots (17a, 17b) consisting of hinges. In this configuration
the building has the approximate dimensions of a standard freight
container--specifically, external dimensions of 2.9 m
(height).times.2.4 m (width as measured to the exterior of each of
the roof extensions (12a, 12b)). The internal void space has
dimensions of 2.8 m (height).times.1.8 m (width as measured between
the two floor extensions (15a, 15b)).
FIGS. 1b & 1c
[0049] FIG. 1b depicts part of the building (1) of the present
invention disassembled for storage or transport with a roof
extension (12b) and floor extension (15b) located in the vertical
position. The roof extension can rotate about pivot (14b) and the
floor extension can rotate about pivot (17b). FIG. 1c depicts the
roof extension (12b) after it has been rotated about the pivot
(14b) to the horizontal position.
FIG. 2
[0050] FIG. 2 depicts the building (1) of FIG. 1 partly assembled.
In this depiction one of two roof extensions (12a) is located in
the second, vertical position and the other (12b) is in the first,
horizontal position. One floor extensions (15a) is located interior
to the roof extensions while the other (15b) is extended co-planar
with the floor section (10).
FIG. 3
[0051] FIG. 3 depicts the building (1) of FIG. 1 when fully
assembled. The building comprises a rectangular central structure
(5) having a horizontal roof section (7) and a parallel floor
section (10). In this embodiment vertical support is provided to
the central structure (5) by an open framework (6a, 6b)(shown in
outline only).
[0052] Two roof extensions (12a, 12b) are attached by hinges (14a,
14b) on either side of the roof section (7). In this view the roof
extensions (12a, 12b) are depicted in the first, horizontal
position, the two roof extensions (12a, 12b) being coplanar, but
offset vertically relative to the plane of the roof section (7). In
this embodiment the roof section (7) is 1.8 m in length while the
roof extensions (12a, 12b) are each about 2.8 m in length, the
plane of the roof extensions being offset vertically from the plane
of the roof section (7) by about 39 cms.
[0053] Two floor extensions (15a, 15b) are attached by hinges (17a,
17b) on either side of the floor section (10) and are depicted in
the first, horizontal position. In this embodiment the floor
section (10) is 1.8 m in length while the two floor extensions
(15a, 15b) are each about 2.8 m in length.
[0054] The building may also include an extension to which decking
can be applied. This support can slide out from the interior of one
of the floor extensions (15a).
[0055] A steel support structure (18) is located intermediate a
floor extension (15a) and the corresponding overhanging roof
extension (12a).
FIG. 4
[0056] FIG. 4 shows the use of the building depicted in FIG. 3 as a
module for forming a larger building. The modules (1, 2) are
located one above the other. The lower module (1) has a rectangular
central structure (5), a horizontal roof section (7), a floor
section (10) and two floor extensions (15a, 15b). The two roof
extensions (12a, 12b) abut corresponding floor extensions (15'a,
15'b) of the floor extensions of the upper module.
[0057] The two roof extensions (12a, 12b) of the lower module are
offset relative to the roof section (7) thus forming a gap between
the roof section (7) of the lower module and the floor section
(10') of the upper module. This gap can be used for locating pipes
or wiring along the length of the building and providing services
for both the upper and lower module.
[0058] The two roof extensions (12'a, 12'b) of the upper module are
similarly offset relative to the roof section (7'), thus forming a
recess into which a device such as an air-conditioner (20) may be
located.
FIGS. 5 TO 8
[0059] FIGS. 5 to 7 are perspective views of the building as
depicted in plan view in FIGS. 1 to 3 respectively. FIG. 8 is a
perspective view of the building of FIG. 7 with external wall
panels (25) inserted to complete the building for habitation.
Internal wall panels (not visible) can be inserted to divide the
interior into multiple rooms or living areas. For example, a
building according to the present invention having a 2 TEU capacity
can readily be divided up into 8 convenient sized rooms, each with
an ensuite bathroom.
FIGS. 9a & 9b
[0060] FIGS. 9a & 9b are side elevation views of the building
of FIG. 7 incorporating both wall and door panels. In FIG. 9a the
door (20) is located in the framework comprising the horizontal
roof section (7), the floor section (10) and the open framework
(6a, 6b). On either side of the door, wall panels (22a, 22b) are
located within a framework comprising the two roof extensions (12a,
12b), the floor extensions (15a, 15b) and support struts (18a,
18b), thus completing the closure of the end of the building. At
the side of the building, further wall panels (22c to 22g) are
inserted, separated by window structures (32a to 32d) framed by the
existing structural members of the building including the floor
extensions, roof extensions and support struts.
FIG. 10
[0061] FIG. 10a is a floor plan of the building of FIG. 7, divided
internally to provide eight rooms, each with an ensuite bathroom.
Each room is sufficiently large to include a bed (35), a chest of
drawers (36) and a table and chair (37). Each room has an interior
door (42) leading to an ensuite bathroom incorporating a toilet
(43), vanity unit (44) and shower recess (45). Each room has its
own exterior door (47).
[0062] FIG. 10b is a typical sewerage plan for the building. The
central location of the ensuite bathrooms permits a simple and
convenient layout. The plan includes sewerage pipes (50) which are
typically 80 mm diameter and shower and hand basin waste pipes (52)
which are typically 50 mm diameter.
[0063] FIG. 10c is a typical power and lighting plan for the
building. In this plan each room has a recessed lighting track with
3 spotlights (55) centrally located in the ceiling, multiple TV,
electricity and data points (56) and a porch light (57) located
beneath the exterior door.
[0064] Each ensuite bathroom is provided with a recessed halogen
light (58) and an exhaust fan (59).
[0065] The lighting may be supplemented by natural light by the
inclusion of sky lights in the ceiling/roof of each ensuite.
[0066] The word `comprising` and forms of the word `comprising` as
used in this description and in the claims does not limit the
invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.
[0067] Modifications and improvements to the invention will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications
and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this
invention.
* * * * *