U.S. patent application number 12/546911 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-03 for building components and the buildings constructed therewith.
Invention is credited to David K. Hudgins.
Application Number | 20110047898 12/546911 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43622768 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110047898 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hudgins; David K. |
March 3, 2011 |
BUILDING COMPONENTS AND THE BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED THEREWITH
Abstract
Building components that interconnect with one another to form a
building are disclosed. The building components can be arranged in
an almost limitless number of combinations to construct
differently-shaped buildings. Embodiments include foundation blocks
with vertically extending floor supports that form an open space
beneath the floor when the floor tiles are placed on the floor
supports. Alternate embodiments include side foundation blocks with
recesses that form connecting passageways between the floor chase
and open chases formed in the walls. Still other embodiments
include side foundation blocks with abutment portions that inhibit
the floor tiles from moving horizontally outside the
foundation.
Inventors: |
Hudgins; David K.;
(Mooresville, IN) |
Family ID: |
43622768 |
Appl. No.: |
12/546911 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/169.9 ;
52/274; 52/745.13; 52/745.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 7/12 20130101; E04B
1/04 20130101; E04F 15/02452 20130101; E04B 5/08 20130101; E04B
7/04 20130101; E04B 7/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/169.9 ;
52/745.13; 52/274; 52/745.21 |
International
Class: |
E02D 27/00 20060101
E02D027/00; E04B 1/16 20060101 E04B001/16; E04B 5/04 20060101
E04B005/04; E04B 1/41 20060101 E04B001/41 |
Claims
1. A building system, comprising: a plurality of central foundation
members adapted for placement adjacent one another, each central
foundation member including a base portion and an integral floor
support extending upward from the base portion; a plurality of
exterior foundation members, each adapted for placement adjacent to
one or more of said central foundation members, each exterior
foundation member including a base portion, an integral floor
support extending upward from the base portion, and a recessed
portion; a plurality of flooring members adapted to mount to the
integral floor supports of the central and exterior foundation
members; wherein said central foundation members, said exterior
foundation members and said flooring members are adapted to form a
floor and a floor chase when said central foundation members are
positioned adjacent one another, said exterior foundation members
are positioned adjacent to and surrounding the perimeter of said
central foundation members, and said flooring members are mounted
to the integral floor supports of the central and exterior
foundation members, the floor chase being beneath the flooring
members and above the base portions of said central and exterior
foundation members; and a plurality of wall columns, each wall
column including a wall chase extending along the height of said
wall column; wherein the recessed portion of at least one exterior
foundation member is adapted to form a passageway for routing
utility components between the floor chase and the wall chase of a
wall column connected to said at least one exterior foundation
member.
2. The building system of claim 1, wherein the wall chase of the
wall column connected to the at least one exterior foundation
member is enclosed along the height of the wall column with
openings at both ends of said height.
3. The building system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of
central foundation members, plurality of exterior foundation
members and plurality of wall columns comprise concrete and
rebar.
4. The building system of claim 1, wherein each central foundation
member includes five (5) floor supports separated from one another
and extending upward from the base portion.
5. The building system of claim 1, wherein each exterior foundation
member further includes a vertically extending abutment surface,
and wherein said vertically extending abutment surfaces on said
plurality of exterior foundation members abut the flooring members
mounted to the integral floor supports of the exterior foundation
members and inhibit the flooring members from moving horizontally
past the vertically extending abutment surfaces.
6. The building system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality
of substantially planar footers, each with at least one connector,
wherein the plurality of central foundation members and the
plurality of exterior foundation members are connected with said
plurality of footers, and wherein each of said footers connects to
at least two foundation members.
7. The building system of claim 1, wherein said floor and said
floor chase are formed when said central foundation members abut
one another, when said exterior foundation members surround and
abut the perimeter of said central foundation members, and said
flooring members are mounted to the floor supports of the central
and exterior foundation members
8. The building system of claim 1, wherein said floor and said
floor chase are formed when said central foundation members are
positioned adjacent one another with gaps therebetween and said
exterior foundation members are positioned adjacent to and
surrounding the perimeter of said central foundation members with
gaps therebetween.
9. The building system of claim 1, wherein said flooring members
are adapted for mounting in a staggered relation to said foundation
members to form the floor with each flooring member being mounted
to at least one (1) floor support of two (2) separate foundation
members.
10. The building system of claim 1, wherein each said flooring
member includes a substantially planar upper surface.
11. The building system of claim 1, wherein each of said exterior
foundation members includes at least three integral floor supports
extending upward from the base portion.
12. The building system of claim 1, wherein each exterior
foundation member includes a mortise and each of said wall columns
includes a tenon adapted to register with a mortise to hold each
wall column in a vertical orientation.
13. A method for erecting a building, comprising: placing a
plurality of footer members adjacent one another on a support
surface, each footer member being substantially planar and
including a connector, the connector being selected from a group
consisting of a protrusion and a cavity; mounting a plurality of
foundation members adjacent one another and in staggered relation
to the plurality of footer members with each foundation member
contacting at least two footer members, the plurality of foundation
members including central and side foundation members, the
plurality of adjacent central members defining an outside periphery
and the side foundation members being adjacent the outside
periphery of the central foundation members, each of the central
and side foundation members including a connector and an upwardly
extending floor support, the connector being complimentary to and
engaging the connectors of the footer members, each of the side
foundation members further including an upwardly extending abutment
surface; mounting a plurality of flooring members to the floor
supports of the foundation members and in staggered relation to the
foundation members with one flooring member contacting at least two
foundation members, wherein said mounting forms a chase between the
flooring members and the foundation members; and positioning the
flooring members mounted to the floor supports of the side
foundation members in abutting relation to the upwardly extending
abutment surface to inhibit the flooring members from moving
horizontally past the vertically extending abutment surface.
14. The method for erecting a building of claim 13, wherein said
placing includes placing a plurality of footer members abutting one
another on a support surface; wherein said mounting a plurality of
foundation members includes mounting the plurality of foundation
members abutting one another; and wherein said mounting a plurality
of flooring members includes mounting the plurality of flooring
members abutting one another.
15. The method for erecting a building of claim 13, further
comprising: mounting a plurality of wall columns to the side
foundation members, the wall columns being held in a vertical
orientation by said mounting.
16. An apparatus for constructing a building, comprising: a central
foundation member including a flat base portion with a square
periphery and a center portion, and a central floor support
extending upward from the center of said central foundation base
portion; a side foundation member including a flat base portion
with a square periphery and a center portion, a central floor
support extending upward from the center of the side foundation
base portion, and a vertically oriented abutment surface adjacent
said central floor support; and a square, planar flooring member;
wherein the central foundation member, the side foundation member,
and the flooring member form a chase between said central
foundation member, said side foundation member and said flooring
member when said side foundation member is abuttingly engaged with
said central foundation member, and when said flooring member is
engaged with said central floor support of said central foundation
member, said central floor support of said side foundation member,
and said vertically oriented abutment surface of said side
foundation member.
17. The apparatus for constructing a building of claim 16, wherein
said central foundation member further includes four peripheral
floor supports, each extending upward from a corner of said central
foundation base portion; and wherein said side foundation member
further includes two peripheral floor supports, each extending
upward from a corner of the side foundation base portion, wherein
said corners of said side foundation member are adjacent one
another.
18. The apparatus for constructing a building of claim 17, wherein
said side foundation member includes three central floor supports
separated from one another and extending upward adjacent the center
of the side foundation base portion.
19. A method for erecting a building, comprising: placing a
plurality of central foundation members adjacent one another on a
support surface, each central foundation member including a base
portion and an integral floor support extending upward from the
base portion; placing a plurality of exterior foundation members
adjacent one another and surrounding the periphery of the plurality
of central foundation members, each exterior foundation member
including a base portion, an integral floor support extending
upward from the base portion, a connector for attaching a wall
column, and a recessed portion; mounting a plurality of wall
columns to the exterior foundation members, each wall column
including an open channel extending along the length of the wall
column and a connector with a shape complementary to the shape of
the exterior foundation member connectors, said wall column
connector registering with an exterior foundation member connector
and supporting the wall columns in a vertical orientation; mounting
a plurality of flooring members to the integral floor supports of
the central and exterior foundation members; forming a floor with
an open floor chase beneath the flooring members and above the base
portions of the central and exterior foundation members by mounting
a plurality of flooring members to the integral floor supports of
the central and exterior foundation members; and forming connecting
passageways between the open floor chase and the wall column
channels by registering the wall column connectors with the
connectors of the exterior foundation members and mounting a
plurality of flooring members to the integral floor supports of the
exterior foundation members.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: placing a plurality
of footer members adjacent one another on a support surface, each
footer member being substantially planar and including a connector;
and mounting the plurality of central foundation members and the
plurality of exterior foundation members to the plurality of footer
member, wherein each central foundation member and each exterior
foundation members are mounted to at least two footer members.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein said placing a plurality of
central foundation members includes placing the plurality of
central foundation members in abutting contact with one another,
and wherein said placing a plurality of exterior foundation members
includes placing the plurality of exterior foundation members in
abutting contact with one another and said plurality of central
foundation members.
Description
FIELD
[0001] Embodiments of this invention relate generally to buildings
and the building components used to construct the buildings.
BACKGROUND
[0002] One important consideration when designing and constructing
buildings is determining how the utility components, such as air
ducting, electrical wires and plumbing, should be laid out and
incorporated into the building. Time and effort must be expended to
determine an appropriate plan for the utility components.
Furthermore, the utility components are generally located where
they cannot be viewed by the building's occupants. As such, the
utility components are generally installed before the walls are
enclosed, making it difficult to change the layout of the utility
components or access the utility components for maintenance and/or
repair once the floors and walls are complete. After the utility
components are enclosed and the building is complete, the walls,
floors or ceilings must be damaged to access the utility components
for maintenance, repair or upgrading. Moreover, extensive
modification to the building structure may be required to provide
utilities to a newly redefined space or room if it is later desired
to extend utilities to a location where utilities were originally
not planned. For example, when a room originally designed for
storage is later converted to a room for people to occupy.
[0003] Another important consideration in building construction is
the amount of maintenance required to maintain the building
components. For example, climate control and/or corrosion
inhibiting coatings (such as paint) are required when constructing
buildings with steel framing to prevent rust and loss of structural
integrity. Similarly, the wood in wood-framed buildings must be
treated to prevent rotting and/or insect infestation, which can
lead to loss of structural integrity if not treated. Concrete, on
the other hand, requires relatively little maintenance as compared
to other materials such as steel and wood. However, concrete can be
more difficult to work with since, as typically used, forms must be
custom assembled at the building site and wet, uncured concrete
must be transported and poured into the molds relatively quickly to
avoid degradations in its structural integrity once cured.
[0004] Furthermore, most buildings require the workers at the
building site to customize the building components in accordance
with the building plans. For example, most of a home's framing is
custom built on-site by cutting and adjusting wood beams to the
appropriate size and shape, and connecting the beams to one another
to form the frame of the house in accordance with the building
plans. This on-site customization of building components increases
the time and cost required for building construction. Although some
components such as trusses may be preassembled, these preassembled
components generally comprise a small percentage of the
building.
[0005] Consequently, the inventor realized there is a need for
improvements in building construction and the components used to
construct buildings. Certain preferred features of the present
invention address these and other needs and provide other important
advantages.
SUMMARY
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide improved
building components and the buildings constructed therewith.
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of embodiments of the present
invention, an improved method and apparatus for constructing
buildings using interconnecting, preformed components is disclosed.
The preformed components are generally formed at a location
different from the building site (off-site), although the
components may also be formed on-site and connected together to
form a building. The individual components are constructed of
concrete or similar material, and may optionally include
reinforcing bars (rebar).
[0008] To form the foundation for a building, foundation members,
for example interior and exterior foundation blocks, are arranged
on a surface, such as the ground. Each foundation block has a
substantially flat base portion with at least one upwardly
extending floor support. The floor supports are adapted to support
flooring members, such as floor tiles. Optionally, the foundation
blocks can each include one or more connectors (which include, for
example, mortises or recesses), for coupling with vertical support
columns, such as wall columns, that extend above the floor.
[0009] The base portions of the foundation blocks optionally
include connectors, such as vertically oriented apertures, that can
connect to optional footers that may be positioned below the
foundation blocks and inhibit the foundation blocks from shifting
with respect to one another. As still another option, the
connectors in the base portions of the foundation blocks can
connect to supplemental floor supports that extend upward from the
base of the foundation block to support floor tiles.
[0010] Central foundation blocks, which in one embodiment are
generally square with a substantially flat base portion, a floor
support on each corner and a floor support in the middle, are
typically arranged side-by-side. Exterior foundation blocks, which
in one embodiment have substantially flat base portions and
spaced-apart vertical floor supports extending upward from the base
portions, are typically arranged around the perimeter of central
foundation blocks.
[0011] Floor tiles are placed on top of the foundation blocks and
are supported by the upwardly extending floor supports. The
foundation block floor supports are spaced apart and, when floor
tiles are positioned atop the floor supports, a floor chase is
formed above the base portion of the foundation blocks and below
the floor tiles. The floor chase extends between adjacent
foundation blocks and throughout the entire arrangement of
foundation blocks and floor tiles. The open space provided by the
floor chase is useful as providing a built-in location for
utilities, such as electrical wire, gas lines, sewage lines and
water lines.
[0012] In addition to the vertical floor supports, the exterior
foundation blocks optionally include vertically-oriented abutments
to inhibit the floor tiles from moving horizontally toward the
outside of the foundation.
[0013] The wall columns include connectors (which include, for
example, tenons or posts) that are complementary to the connectors
on the exterior foundation blocks. The wall columns are elongated
and, when connected to the exterior foundation blocks, extend
upwardly to form, for example, portions of interior walls, portions
of exterior walls, supports for additional floors, and/or supports
for roof trusses. In one embodiment, the wall columns further
include elongated recesses, for example channels, extending along
the length of the wall columns. The elongated recesses form utility
space within the walls when covering panels, such as wall plates,
are attached to the wall columns.
[0014] In one aspect of the invention, the exterior foundation
blocks are constructed with at least one recess that form
passageways to interconnect the utility space in the walls with the
floor chase.
[0015] Roof supports, for example roof support blocks, can be
placed on top of and span the distance between the wall column in a
wall. The roof support blocks include connectors (for example,
downwardly extending protrusions) for securing the roof support
blocks to the tops of the wall columns. The roof support blocks can
also include upwardly extending connectors for attaching the roof
support blocks to trusses that span the distance between walls. In
one embodiment, the trusses are generally triangular and include
reinforcing cross-members. V-shaped roof panels are optionally
placed on the trusses to form the roof structure, and ridge covers
can be placed between the roof panels to inhibit moisture from
entering the building between the roof panels.
[0016] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of the
concepts that are described in further detail in the detailed
description and drawings contained herein. This summary is not
intended to identify any primary or essential features of the
claimed subject matter. Some or all of the described features may
be present in the corresponding independent or dependent claims,
but should not be construed to be a limitation unless expressly
recited in a particular claim. Each embodiment described herein is
not intended to address every object described herein, and each
embodiment does not necessarily include each feature described.
Other forms, embodiments, objects, advantages, benefits, features,
and aspects of the present invention will become apparent to one of
skill in the art from the detailed description and drawings
contained herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a partially-constructed
building according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a central foundation block
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the central foundation block
depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0020] FIG. 2C is a side elevational view of the central foundation
block depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0021] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exterior side foundation
block according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the exterior side foundation
block depicted in FIG. 3A.
[0023] FIG. 3C is a side elevational view of the exterior side
foundation block depicted in FIG. 3A.
[0024] FIG. 3D is a cross-section view of the exterior side
foundation block depicted in FIG. 3B taken along the line
3D-3D.
[0025] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the top of an exterior side
foundation block with an external conduit according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the bottom of the exterior
side foundation block with an external conduit depicted in FIG.
4A.
[0027] FIG. 4C is a side elevational view of the exterior side
foundation block with an external conduit depicted in FIG. 4A.
[0028] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exterior corner
foundation block according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 5B is a top plan view of the exterior corner foundation
block depicted in FIG. 5A.
[0030] FIG. 5C is a side elevational view of the exterior corner
foundation block depicted in FIG. 5B taken along the line
5C-5C.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a footer according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a floor tile according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a wall column according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a wall column with a wall
plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a corner wall column
mounted on an exterior corner foundation block according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a component of the corner
wall column depicted in FIG. 9A.
[0037] FIG. 9C is a perspective view of another component of the
corner wall column depicted in FIG. 9A.
[0038] FIG. 9D is a perspective view of still another component of
the corner wall column depicted in FIG. 9A.
[0039] FIG. 9E is a perspective view of yet another component
depicted in FIG. 9A.
[0040] FIG. 9F is a perspective view of a corner wall column
mounted on an exterior corner foundation block according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the exterior side of a
roof support block according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the interior side of the
roof support block depicted in FIG. 10A.
[0043] FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the interior side of the
roof support block depicted in FIG. 10B with an alternate
embodiment truss connector.
[0044] FIG. 10D is a perspective view of the interior side of the
roof support block depicted in FIG. 10B with another alternate
embodiment truss connector.
[0045] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the exterior side of a
roof support block according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of an interior side of the
roof support block depicted in FIG. 11A.
[0047] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a roof truss according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a roof truss according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the top side of a roof
panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the bottom side of the
roof panel depicted in FIG. 13A.
[0051] FIG. 13C is a cross-section view of the roof panel depicted
in FIG. 13A taken along the line 13C-13C.
[0052] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the top side of a roof
panel according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the bottom side of the
roof panel depicted in FIG. 14A.
[0054] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a partially constructed
building according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0055] FIG. 16 is a perspective of a garage side wall column and
garage side wall foundation block according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of two roof support trusses
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 17B is a side elevational view of the two roof support
trusses depicted in FIG. 17A.
[0058] FIG. 17C is a side elevational view of two roof support
trusses according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0059] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a roof tile according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a roof tile according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0061] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
selected embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific
language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is
hereby intended, such alterations, modifications, and further
applications of the principles of the invention being contemplated
as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the
invention relates. Embodiments of the invention are shown in great
detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the
relevant art that some features or some combinations of features
may not be shown for the sake of clarity.
[0062] A chase is an open space that, typically, is substantially
enclosed and substantially concealed from the occupiable space of a
building with the building occupants being unable to view the
interior of the chase. A chase is generally suited for containing
utility components (for example, wires, ducts and pipes) and
provides space through which the utility components can be routed
between different portions of a building, which includes different
portions of a room within a building. A chase may also be filled
with insulating material to enhance the ability of the structure to
insulate the interior from the outside elements.
[0063] A recess is an open space, such as a groove or other type of
indentation, that is not substantially enclosed. A chase may be
formed by enclosing portions, either whole portions or partial
portions, of a recess.
[0064] Depicted in FIG. 1 is a partially-constructed building 100
according to one embodiment of the present invention. Building 100
includes a foundation 110, walls 120 and roof 130. Foundation 110
includes central foundation blocks 140, exterior side foundation
blocks 150, exterior corner foundation blocks 160, and optionally
footers 170. The foundation blocks 140, 150 and 160 are placed on
leveled ground, sand, compressed aggregate, footings or footing
blocks. Footers 170 can be placed under the foundation blocks 140,
150 and 160 when the ground is not sufficiently stable to place
foundation blocks 140, 150 and 160 directly on the ground or onto
compressed aggregate.
[0065] It should be appreciated that foundation 110 requires less
preparation and time to form than traditional foundations. For
example, traditional concrete foundations typically require
preparation of the ground followed by the construction of custom
assembled forms. After construction of the forms, wet concrete is
poured and it must be allowed to cure, which may take days, before
it may be built upon. In contrast, depending on the ground upon
which the building is to be constructed, all that may be required
is to level the ground before the foundation blocks 140, 150 and
160, and optional footers 170, are arranged on top of the ground.
Furthermore, the rest of the building can be built upon the
foundation immediately after the foundation blocks are in
place.
[0066] Floor tiles 180 are positioned on top of foundation blocks
140, 150 and 160 to form a usable floor inside the building. Floor
tiles 180 are supported by foundation block floor supports 142, 152
and 162, which extend upward from the bases of the foundation
blocks 140, 150 and 160, respectively. A floor chase 185 is formed
in the gap created by the distance the floor supports hold the
floor tiles above the base of the foundation blocks, between the
base of the foundation blocks 140, 150 and 160 and the floor tiles
180.
[0067] Wall columns 190 are connected adjacent the exterior side
foundation blocks 150. Wall columns 190 typically include recesses,
for example recessed channels 192, that form chases 194 within the
walls. In the illustrated embodiment, wall plates 200 are connected
to wall columns 190. The interior side of the wall is also formed
by wall plates 200. Preferably, exterior side foundation blocks 150
include recesses 154 that form connecting passageways capable of
routing utility components between the wall chase 194 and the floor
chase 185.
[0068] Corner wall columns 210 are connected to the exterior corner
foundation blocks 160, and include recesses 212 that form chases
214 (see FIG. 9A) within the corner wall columns 210. Exterior
corner foundation blocks 160 include recesses 164 (see FIGS. 5A-5C)
that form connecting passageways capable of routing utility
components between the corner wall chases 214 and the floor chase
185.
[0069] Optionally connected to the top of wall columns 190 are roof
support blocks 220, and optionally connected to the top of corner
wall columns 210 are roof support blocks 230. Connectors 222 (see
FIG. 10A) and connectors 240 may be used to engage roof support
blocks 220 and assist in connecting roof support blocks 220 to wall
columns 190. The connectors 232 (see FIG. 11A) and the connectors
240 may be used to connect roof support blocks 230 to corner wall
columns 210. Depicted in FIG. 1 are two example embodiments of
connector 240: connector 240A and connector 240C. Trusses 250 are
optionally connected to roof support blocks 220 and 230 (and wall
columns 190 and corner wall columns 160), at least in part, using
connectors 240.
[0070] Roof panels 260 and 270 may be connected to the tops of
trusses 250, each roof panel 260 or 270 forming a portion of the
exterior of roof 130. Ridge covers 280 are optionally placed
between individual roof panels to seal the roof and inhibit rain,
snow or other forms of weather phenomena from entering the
building. The ridge covers 280 can be made from a variety of
materials, such as copper, brass, stainless steel, rubber,
concrete, ceramic or asphalt.
[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, the components
used to construct building 100 are formed from concrete, and may
include reinforcing bar ("rebar") as required for particular
applications. Using concrete to form the components provides
building structures that do not rust and are not structurally
degraded by pests such as rodents or insects. Additionally, the
thermal mass of the concrete components can collectively operate as
a hot or cold temperature reservoir and enhance the efficiency of
the building by requiring less energy to either cool or heat the
building throughout the year. In other embodiments, some of the
components used to construct building 100 are formed from materials
other than concrete that provide sufficient strength to construct a
building, such as recycled composites. In still further
embodiments, some of the above-disclosed components may be used in
conjunction with more traditional building components, such as
prefabricated wooden or steel trusses.
[0072] Depicted in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C is a central foundation
block according to one embodiment of the present invention. Central
foundation block 140 includes a base portion 144 with floor
supports 142 extending upwardly from base portion 144. The floor
support 142 located near the center of central foundation block 140
includes a connector 146, which includes a recess (or mortise) 147.
Connector 146 can be used to connect central foundation block 140
to support columns, for example, support columns 310, 312 and 315
(see FIG. 15). Connector 146 may alternatively be used to connect
central foundation block 140 to a handle or other apparatus for
moving central foundation block 140. For example, the depicted
recess of connector 146 may include a flared portion at the bottom
of the recess, which is adapted to receive an expanding tool that a
person can use to lift central foundation block 140. Although
connector 146 is depicted as generally square, alternate
embodiments include connectors 146 with different geometric shapes,
such as circles.
[0073] Central foundation block 140 also includes connectors 148 in
base portion 144. Connectors 148 are adapted to connect to the
connectors 174 on footers 170 (see FIG. 6), and may alternatively
be used for handling and moving central foundation block 140,
similar to connector 146. Connectors 148 may also be used to
connect to supplemental floor supports extending upward from
connectors 148. The supplemental floor supports (not depicted) can
be cylindrical dowel-type rods that fit into connectors 148, or may
be thicker block-like structures with a pin-type connector on the
bottom surface that is complementary to connector 148.
[0074] Depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D is an exterior side
foundation block 150 according to one embodiment of the present
invention. Exterior side foundation block 150 includes a base
portion 151 with floor supports 152 extending upwardly therefrom.
Exterior side foundation block optionally includes a connector 153,
which is similar to connector 146 in central foundation block 140,
which includes a recess (or mortise) 153A, and connects with wall
columns 190 (see FIG. 8A). Recesses 154 in exterior side foundation
block 150 may also be included to create a passageway connecting
the recessed channels 192 in wall columns 190 (see FIGS. 1 and 8A)
to the floor chase 185. See FIG. 1. See also FIG. 9A for another
example of a recess (recess 164) forming a connecting passageway
between a wall chase (corner wall chase 214) and the floor chase
185.
[0075] Exterior side foundation block 150 can also include
connectors 155 (see FIG. 3B), which are similar to connectors 148
in central foundation block 140. Side connectors 155, which are
recesses that provide locations for the attachment of tools for
moving and positioning exterior side foundation block 150, may also
be included with exterior side foundation block 150
[0076] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B, exterior side
foundation block 150 includes five floor supports: two floor
supports 152 similar to floor supports 142 in central foundation
block 140, and three floor supports 152A. Floor supports 152A
support the edges of floor tiles 180 while the floor supports 152
support central portions of floor tiles 180 that are spaced from
the edges. As depicted in FIG. 1, the exterior side foundation
block 150 may support two separate floor tiles 180 that abut one
another along the central floor support 152A located adjacent
connector 153.
[0077] Positioned adjacent to the floor supports 152A in the
depicted embodiment are floor tile abutments 156 (see FIG. 3C).
Floor tile abutments 156 abut the side edges of floor tiles 180,
restrain the lateral movement of floor tiles 180, and inhibit floor
tiles 180 from moving outside of the building structure.
[0078] The exterior surface portion 157 of foundation block 150 may
be sloped to channel water and enhance water run-off. In an
alternate embodiment, the exterior surface portion 157 of exterior
side foundation block 150 is shaped to perform different tasks or
provide different capabilities. For example, in one alternate
embodiment of exterior side foundation block 150, exterior surface
portion 157 is formed into steps 157A (see FIG. 1) to enhance the
accessibility to building 100 by those entering the building 100 by
foot. In another embodiment, exterior surface portion 157 includes
concave portions that form gutters 157B (see FIG. 1) that channel
water to drainage holes 157C (see FIG. 1) which can connect to
drainage pipes to carry water away from the foundation. In still
another embodiment, exterior surface portion 157 forms ramps for
assisting the entry and exit of wheeled devices, such as
wheelchairs, forklifts or hand trucks.
[0079] Depicted in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C is an exterior foundation
block 158 with an external conduit 159 according to one embodiment
of the present invention. Although similar to exterior side
foundation block 150 in many ways, the inclusion of an external
conduit 159 in exterior foundation block 158 provides the ability
to connect utilities, such as water, electrical, gas and sewer,
without the need to drill holes in building 100.
[0080] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C depict an exterior corner foundation
block 160 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Exterior corner foundation block 160 includes base portion 161 and
floor supports 162 and 162A extending upwardly therefrom. Optional
connector 163, which in the illustrated embodiment include a recess
(or mortise) 168, is similar to connector 146 in central foundation
block 140 and can be used to connect exterior corner foundation
block 160 to corner wall column 210.
[0081] Recess 164 may also be included in exterior corner
foundation block 160 and provides a passageway connecting floor
chase 185 (see FIG. 1) to the chases in corner wall columns 210
(see FIGS. 1 and 9A). Exterior corner foundation block 160 may also
include connectors 165 that are similar to connectors 148 in
central foundation block 150.
[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, exterior corner foundation
block 160 includes three floor supports: a single floor support 162
similar to floor supports 142 on central foundation block 140, and
two floor supports 162A that support the edges near the corner of a
floor tile 180. Positioned adjacent to the floor supports 162 are
floor tile abutment portions 166 that abut the edges of floor tiles
180 and inhibit the movement of the floor tiles 180 outside of the
building structure.
[0083] Exterior corner foundation block 160 may also include a
sloped exterior surface 167 which aids in the drainage of water
away from the building 100. Side connectors 169, which are recesses
that provide locations for the attachment of tools for moving and
positioning exterior corner foundation block 160, may also be
included in exterior corner foundation block 160
[0084] Depicted in FIG. 6 is a footer 170 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. Footer 170 includes base
portion 172 and connectors 174. In the illustrated embodiment, base
portion 172 is generally planar with connectors 174 extending
upwardly therefrom. Connectors 174 connect with connectors 148 in
central foundation block 140 and may be formed of, for example,
rebar.
[0085] Footers 170 may be optionally used to connect to and hold
the foundation blocks 140, 150 and 160 together. Using the optional
footers to inhibit the relative movement of the foundation blocks
has benefits when constructing a building on a surface that is not
sufficiently stable for the foundation blocks to rest directly on
top. Referring once again to FIG. 1, footers 170 and foundation
blocks 140, 150 and 160 may be generally arranged in a staggered
relationship with a single footer 170 being connected to two or
more foundation blocks. By staggering the footers 170 between the
foundation blocks, the connectors 174 and 148 are able to restrain
lateral movement between adjacent foundation blocks and create a
stronger and more stable foundation for the building. The
staggering of footers 170 between the foundation blocks 140, 150
and 160 also gives the foundation flexibility and is capable of
holding the foundation together during vertical ground movement,
enhancing the ability for the building to maintain structural
integrity during an earthquake. Although a square footer 170 with
four connectors 174 is depicted in FIG. 3, footers with different
shapes and different numbers of pins are also utilized. For
example, FIG. 1 also depicts rectangular footers 170 with two
connectors 174 and square footers 170 with a single connector
174.
[0086] FIG. 7 depicts a floor tile 180 according to one embodiment
of the present invention. Floor tile 180 is generally planar and
optionally includes connectors 182 that can be used to handle and
move floor tiles 180. Floor tiles 180 are arranged on top of floor
supports 142, 152, 152A, 162 and 162A to form a floor for building
100 (see FIG. 1). Placing floor tiles 180 atop the floor supports
142, 152, 152A, 162 and 162A creates a utility space (floor chase
185) beneath floor tiles 180 and above the base portions of the
foundation blocks. Furthermore, floor tiles 180 may be horizontally
offset with respect to the central foundation blocks 140 with a
single floor tile 180 being supported by at least two foundation
blocks. This staggered arrangement between the foundation blocks
and the floor tiles 180 assists in providing a stable and secure
floor structure.
[0087] The floor chase 185 provides a convenient space in which
utilities such electrical wires, gas lines, water lines, sewer
lines and conduits may be located. During construction of, for
example, building 100, utility components can be installed and laid
out before all of the floor tiles 180 are positioned on top of the
foundation blocks. Once the utility components are set and routed
appropriately, the floor tiles 180 may be positioned atop of the
foundation blocks to form the floor and floor chase 185, with the
utility components being contained within the floor chase 185. If
it is later desirable to either change the layout of the utility
components or access the utility components for, for example,
maintenance, some or all of the floor tiles 180 may be removed to
provide access to the floor chase 185 and the utility components
contained therein. As such, there is no need to damage the floor to
provide maintenance or to extend utility components to areas where
they were not originally positioned.
[0088] Although depicted as being generally square in FIG. 7, the
floor tiles can be formed in various geometric shapes as required
for various floor plans. Additionally, the floor tiles 180 may be
positioned directly on top of footers 170 to form, for example,
garage floors or patio surfaces. Still further, alternate
embodiments of floor tiles 180 include apertures or holes, through
which access may be gained to the floor chase 185. For example, a
heating and/or air conditioning register may be formed in an
aperture in floor tile 180, and the register may connect to heating
and/or air conditioning ducting in floor chase 185.
[0089] Depicted in FIG. 8A is a wall column 190 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. Wall column 190 is an
elongated member and typically includes recessed channels 192 and a
connector 195. Recessed channels 192 both reduce the overall weight
of wall column 190 and provide a chase through which utility
components may run even after a wall plate 200 is attached to wall
column 190. Connector 195, which in the illustrated embodiment is a
protrusion or tenon, is complimentary to connector 153 in exterior
side foundation block 150 and used to connect wall column 190 to
exterior side foundation block 150.
[0090] The tapering of connector 195 enhances the ability of
building 100 to withstand earthquakes. For example, the tapered end
of connector 195 allows the wall column 190 to reseat itself
within, for example, connector 153 of exterior side foundation
block 150 if connector 195 is moved out of position during an
earthquake. Furthermore, initial testing indicates that a tapered
connector 195 appears to resist fracturing better during
earthquake-induced movement than a non-tapered connector 195.
Nevertheless, it is contemplated that embodiments of the present
invention include non-tapered connectors for use in, for example,
non-earthquake prone areas.
[0091] Depicted in FIG. 8B is a wall column 196 and wall plate 200
according to another embodiment of the present invention. Wall
column 196 is shorter, but otherwise similar to wall column 190.
With wall plate 200 connected to wall column 196, two chases 194
are formed between recessed channels 192 and wall plate 200. Wall
plate 200 optionally includes one or more apertures 202 which
allows access to wall chase 194. Aperture 202 is useful for forming
electrical outlets, switches or other types of controls or access
to utilities.
[0092] The space between the wall columns 190 can be filled with
solid wall panels, such as the solid wall panel 197 depicted in
FIG. 1, to form a wall. The space between the wall columns 190 may
also be filled with wall panels 198 that include windows.
Alternately, one or more doors 199 may be included in the space
between wall columns 190 and serve as points of entry into the
building.
[0093] It should be appreciated that the width of wall column 190,
wall panels 197 and 198 can vary. For example, the width of wall
columns 190 can be less than that depicted in FIGS. 1 and 8A and
the width of the solid wall panel 197 depicted in FIG. 1 can be
wider than that depicted in FIG. 1.
[0094] Depicted in FIG. 9A is a corner wall column 210 connected to
an exterior corner foundation block 160 according to one embodiment
of the present invention. Corner wall column 210 includes a
connector 216 (see FIG. 9B) similar to connector 195 of wall column
190, which connects to connector 163 of corner wall column 160.
Corner wall column 210 can also include chases 214, which are
integrally formed with corner wall column 210 and communicate with
recess 164 in exterior corner foundation block 160. Corner wall
column 210 optionally includes connector 215, which connects to
connector 240A, 240B or 240C (see FIGS. 10-11B).
[0095] Corner wall column 210 includes four pieces that combine to
form corner wall column 210. Depicted in FIG. 9B is corner wall
column component 210A, which includes connector 216 and recessed
channel 217. Depicted in 9C is corner wall column component 210B,
which is an L-shaped component that connects with corner wall
column component 210A and forms an exterior portion of corner wall
column 210 and a portion of an additional recessed channel similar
to recessed channel 217, which will form one of the corner wall
chases 214. FIG. 9D depicts corner wall column component 210C,
which attaches to corner wall column component 210A, encloses a
corner wall chase 214, and forms an inside panel of corner wall
column 210. Depicted in FIG. 9E is corner wall component 210D,
which attaches to corner wall column component 210B, forms a corner
wall chase 214, and forms another inside panel for corner wall
column 210.
[0096] Referring again to FIG. 9A, when a floor tile 180 is
positioned on top of floor supports 162 and 162A, a floor chase 185
is formed below the floor tile 180 and the base portion 161. Recess
164 provides a connecting passageway between floor chase 185 and
corner wall chase 214 through which utility components may pass. As
such, a worker constructing a building is able to route utility
components between the wall chase and the floor chase without
requiring modification to the building components.
[0097] If the utility components that are routed through the
connecting passageway form by recess 164 require maintenance, the
utility components may be easily accessed by removing either floor
tile 180, corner wall component 210C and/or corner wall column
component 210D.
[0098] Depicted in FIG. 9F is a corner wall column 211 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. Corner wall column 211
is similar to corner wall column 210; however, corner wall column
211 includes recesses 213 instead of integral chases 214.
Nevertheless, when recesses 213 are covered, at least one chase is
formed within wall column 211, which communicates with recess 164
in a similar manner to integral chases 214 in corner wall column
210. Corner wall column 211 can further include connector 215,
which can connect to connector 240A, 240B or 240C (see FIGS.
10-11B).
[0099] Depicted in FIGS. 10A and 10B is a roof support block 220
according to one embodiment of the present invention. Roof support
block 220 includes connectors 222, which can connect with recessed
channels 192 of wall column 190 and 196. Optionally included in
roof support block 220 are two truss abutments 204, between which a
truss 250 may be placed (see FIG. 1). Also depicted in FIGS. 10A
and 10B is a connector 240A, which can also be used to enhance the
connection between roof support block 220 and wall columns 190 and
196 and inhibit the outward movement of the top portion of wall
column 190 with respect to roof support block 220. Roof support
block 220 further includes upper surfaces 225 that abut portions of
roof panels 260.
[0100] Depicted in FIGS. 10C and 10D are alternate embodiments of
connector 240: connectors 240B and 240C. Connector 240B is
generally shaped as a half-sphere and fits into a complementary
hemispherical recess in truss 250. Connector 240C is generally
conical and fits into a complementary generally conical-shaped
recess in truss 250. The shape of connectors 240B and 240C can
enhance the earthquake resistance of building 100 by allowing the
trusses to slip back into proper position after being dislodged by,
for example, the ground moving during an earthquake.
[0101] Also depicted in FIG. 10C is an alternative embodiment
connector 222A. Connector 222A is similar to connector 222;
however, the bottom portion of connector 222A is angled, which can
serve to deflect air flow from, for example, chase 194 in wall
column 196 into the interior of building 100.
[0102] Depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B is a roof support block 230
according to another embodiment of the present invention. Roof
support blocks 230 are generally used at the end of a wall, and in
particular, when it is desired to have the roof angle downward at
the edge of the building (see FIG. 1). Included with roof support
block 230 is a connector 232, which connects with chase 214 in
corner wall column 210 or with recess 213 in corner wall column
211. Roof support block 230 can also include truss abutments 234,
between which a truss 250 can be positioned. A connector 240 (for
example connector 240A, 240B or 240C) may also be used to further
secure roof support block 230 to corner wall column 210 or 211 by
insertion into connectors 215. A connector 240 may further be used
to connect roof support block 230 to truss 250 in a manner similar
to those described with respect to FIGS. 10A-10D.
[0103] Depicted in FIG. 12A is a roof truss 250 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. Roof truss 250 includes upper
members 251 that can support roof panels 260 (see FIGS. 13A-14B).
Roof truss 250 further includes lower members 252 and cross members
253 that connect upper members 251 and lower members 250 and add
strength to roof truss 250.
[0104] Depicted in FIG. 12B is a roof truss 255 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. Roof truss 255
includes upper members 251, lower members 252 and cross members 253
similar to those in roof truss 250. Roof truss 255 further includes
a panel 256 that forms a weather resistant closure with no
apertures extending through the roof truss between the upper, lower
and cross members. As such, roof truss 255 may be used as the
end-most roof truss on a side of a building to prevent water and
other types of weather phenomena from entering the building.
[0105] Roof truss 255 can further includes at least one recess 257
at opposite ends of roof truss 255. Recesses 257 include abutment
portions 258, which abut portions of roof support blocks 220 and
230. Optionally included in roof truss 255 are connections 259,
which connect to connectors 240 (240A, 240B or 240C) and assist in
securing roof truss 255 to roof support blocks 220 and 230.
[0106] Depicted in FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C is a roof panel 260
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The upper
surface 266 of roof panel 260 (as depicted in FIG. 13B) forms an
elongated, V-shaped channel between two generally flat surfaces.
The upper surface 266 gathers and directs water or other
precipitation away from the building structure and enhances the
overall strength of roof 130 by presenting a corrugated-type
structure.
[0107] The lower surface of roof panel 260 includes flange 261 near
one end of the elongated roof panel 260. Flange 261 includes an
abutment surface 262, which abuts against roof support block 220
when roof panel 260 is installed. Flange 261 inhibits roof panel
260 from sliding down roof truss 250 or 255 by abutting against
roof support block 220.
[0108] The lower surface of roof panel 260 further includes a ridge
263 extending along the bottom of the elongated "V." Ridge 263
includes a channel 264 that is complementary in shape to the upper
surface of roof truss 250 and 255 with side abutments 265 that
cradle and abut the side surfaces of trusses 250 and 255. As such,
the roof panel 260 rests atop a roof truss 250 or 255 and is
inhibited from sliding sideways off the truss by side abutments
265. Additionally, the V-shape of the roof panel 260 fits snugly
against the upper surface 225 of roof support block 220 and
inhibits roof panel 260 from pivoting around channel 264 and
rolling off of truss 250 or 255. Roof panel 260 optionally includes
overhang 268, which provides an extension of roof panel 260 to
direct water and snow away from the exterior walls of building
100.
[0109] Depicted in FIGS. 14A and 14B is a roof panel 270 according
to another embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated
embodiment, the upper surface 272 of roof panel 270 is generally
flat, while the underside of roof panel 270 includes a flange 274
and ridge 276. Flange 274 forms an abutment surface 275, which
abuts against roof support block 230 when roof panel 270 is
installed. Ridge 276 includes abutment surface 277 which abuts
against roof truss 255 or 250 when roof panel 270 is installed. The
bottom side of roof panel 270 fits snugly against the upper surface
235 of roof support block 230, which helps inhibit roof panel 270
from pivoting around and rolling off of truss 250 or 255.
[0110] Roof panel 270 depicted in FIGS. 14A and 14B is adapted for
use with roof support block 230 depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B.
Furthermore, it should be appreciated that alternate embodiments
include roof panels that are the minor-image of the roof panel 270
depicted in FIGS. 14A and 14B, which are adapted to connect to roof
support blocks that are the mirror-image of the roof support blocks
depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B. For example, the building 100
depicted in FIG. 11, when fully constructed, requires two roof
support blocks 230 as depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B and two roof
support blocks that are the mirror-image of roof support block 230
depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B. Additionally, the completed building
100 requires two roof panels 270 as depicted in FIGS. 14A and 14B
(which would connect with the roof support blocks 230 depicted in
FIGS. 11A and 11B) and two roof panels that are the mirror-image of
roof panel 270 depicted in FIGS. 14A and 14B (which would
individually connect to two roof support blocks that are the
mirror-image of roof support blocks 230 depicted in FIGS. 11A and
11B).
[0111] Roof panel 270 optionally includes overhang 278, which
directs water away from the exterior walls of building 100 before
allowing it to fall to the ground.
[0112] Depicted in FIG. 15 is a partially-constructed building 300
according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
Building 300 includes components similar to those used to construct
building 100, for example, central foundation blocks 140, exterior
side foundation blocks 150, exterior corner foundation blocks 160,
floor tiles 180 and wall columns 190.
[0113] Building 300 also includes alternate embodiments of central
foundation block 140. For example, central foundation blocks 140A
and 140B. Central foundation blocks 140A and 140B include ridges
149 that separate garage floor space 305 from the rest of the
interior of building 300.
[0114] Building 300 further includes interior support columns 310,
312 and 315. Interior support column 315 is generally T-shaped,
interior support column 310 is a generally square column, and
internal wall column 312 is a generally circular column. It should
be appreciated that the lengths of interior support columns 310,
312 and 315 can vary and that interior support columns 310, 312 and
315 may support, for example, additional floors or interior walls.
It should also be appreciated that the cross-sectional shape of
column 310, 312 and 315 can take on various forms, for example, the
cross-sectional shape can resemble any of a number of geometric
shapes, such as rectangles or ovals. The upper portions of the
support columns can optionally include expanded structures, such as
the T-shaped portion at the top of column 315, that provide
additional support for the second floor 318. For example, the upper
portion of column 312 can include an expanded region where the
cross-sectional area of column 312 increases to provide additional
support to the second floor 318.
[0115] The building 300 optionally includes central foundation
blocks 307. Central foundation blocks 307 are used as the flooring
in garage space 305. Central foundation blocks 307 include a
generally flat upper surface and connectors 308, which are similar
to connectors 148 in central foundation block 140.
[0116] The depicted building 300 further includes a second floor
318, which is formed using deck plates 380. Deck plates 380 are
mounted atop interior and/or exterior support columns and span the
distance between the support columns upon which they are mounted.
Deck plates 380 include a substantially planar upper surface that
forms the second floor and a lower surface with integrated
supports, such as elongated trusses spanning the length of deck
plate 380, that provide structural support to resist sagging or
bending of deck plate 380 between the support columns supporting
deck plate 380.
[0117] Extending above the second floor are trusses 320, 327 and
328. Positioned atop trusses 320, 327 and 328 are roof tiles
340.
[0118] Building 300 also includes shingle support blocks 336 and
shingle end support blocks 337. Shingle support blocks 336 and 337
are positioned atop deck plates 380 and provide support for roof
tiles 340, such as an abutment surface against which roof tile
abutment surface 343 may be positioned (see FIG. 15). Shingle
support blocks 336 and 337 optionally include connectors, such as
pins, extending between shingle support blocks 336/337 and deck
plates 380. These pins assist in limiting the horizontal movement
of the shingle support blocks 336/337 with respect to deck plates
380, and are particularly beneficial during an earthquake.
[0119] Depicted in FIG. 16 is a garage side wall foundation block
350 connected to a garage side wall column 360 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. Garage side wall foundation
block 350 includes a substantially flat base 352 and a wall support
354 extending upwardly from base 352. Wall support 354 includes a
connector (not depicted, although similar to the connector 153 of
exterior side foundation block 150 in FIGS. 3A and 3B), which
connects to a complementary connector in garage side wall column
360 which is similar to connector 195 in wall column 190, see FIGS.
8A and 8B. Garage side wall column 360 can further include a recess
362 similar to recess 192 in wall column 190, and a connector 364,
which is similar to connector 215 in corner wall column 210 (see
FIG. 9A), for connecting to a connector 240.
[0120] Depicted in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C is a roof truss 320,
which is formed by two roof truss halves 321 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. Each roof truss half 321
includes an optionally flared base 322, which may be supported by,
for example, a floor (such as a floor comprising floor tiles 180),
deck plates (such as deck plates 380 depicted in FIG. 15), interior
support columns (such as interior support columns 310, 312 and
315), wall columns 190, or an elongated beam spanning the distance
between two vertical columns, such as exterior wall columns 190 or
interior support columns 310, 312 and 315.
[0121] Each roof truss half 321 includes an upwardly-extending arm
323, a channel 324, and an abutment surface 325. Channel 324 is
used for attaching roof tiles 340. Roof truss 320 is formed by
abutment surface 325 resting against a complementary abutment
surface 325 on a second roof truss half 321. Together, the two roof
truss halves 321 form an A-shaped support (truss 320) for the
roof.
[0122] Each truss half 321 further includes an optional flared end
portion 326 that defines an abutment surface 327. Abutment surface
327 (and similar abutment surfaces on shingle support blocks
336--depicted in FIG. 15) abuts against complementary abutment
surfaces 343 on roof tiles 340 (see FIG. 18) to inhibit roof tiles
340 from sliding off roof trusses 320.
[0123] Still further, each truss half 321 optionally includes a
connector, for example, pin 331. Pin 331 can attach to the surface
supporting truss half 321 to resist the horizontal movement of
truss half 321 with respect to, for example, deck plate 380 during
an earthquake. It should also be appreciated that the connector in
roof truss half 321 may be a receptacle for receiving connectors
protruding from the surfaces upon which roof truss halves 321 are
mounted, for example, connector 240A of wall column 196 (see FIG.
8B).
[0124] In still other embodiments, apertures (holes) may be formed
in roof truss half 321 above the flared base 322 to reduce
weight.
[0125] In alternate embodiments, roof truss 320 may be placed upon
and supported by leveled ground, sand, compressed aggregate,
footings or footing blocks, which can result in an "A-frame" type
building with the roof extending to the ground or a pyramid-type
structure with four roof truss halves 321 being joined together at
the top of arms 323.
[0126] In still other embodiments, the bottom edge of the flared
end portion 326 of roof truss half 321 can include a connector,
which connects roof truss half 321 to the top of wall columns
190.
[0127] Depicted in FIG. 17C is a roof truss 328, which includes two
truss halves 321A according to another embodiment of the present
invention. Each truss half 321A is similar to truss half 321,
although truss half 321A further includes a cutout portion 329
which can help decrease the overall weight of truss 321A.
[0128] Depicted in FIG. 18 is a roof tile 340 (depicted in an
orientation that is rotated with respect to the orientation of roof
tile 340 in FIG. 15 to more clearly illustrate abutment portion
341) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Roof
tile 340 includes four raised portions 341 located on the sides of
roof tile 340. Raised portions 341 are complementary in shape to
one half of channel 324 in roof truss 320. For example, when roof
tiles 340 are placed atop trusses 320, the raised portions 341 from
two side-by-side roof tiles 340 will abut one another, and together
will form a shape that is complementary to and fits inside channel
324 of roof truss 320.
[0129] Roof tile 340 further includes cutout portions 342 and
abutment portions 343. Cutout portions 342 allow roof tiles 340
that are adjacent to one another along the direction of the roof
truss 320 to overlap and form a roof that inhibits, for example,
rain from entering the building. When overlapping as depicted in
FIG. 15, the abutment portions 343 of one roof tile abut against
the abutment portions 344 of adjacent roof tiles. As such, an upper
roof tile situated above a lower roof tile is prevented from
sliding over the lower roof tile.
[0130] The abutment surface 343 of the bottom-most roof tile 340,
for example the roof tile 340A depicted in FIG. 15, abuts against
abutment surface 327 of roof truss 320 and a complementary abutment
surface on shingle support block 336. As such, the roof truss 320
and the shingle support block 336 prevent roof tile 340A from
sliding downward and off of roof truss 320A.
[0131] Increasing the thickness 347 of abutment surface 343 tends
to enhance the earthquake resistance of building 300. For example,
the roof tile 340 can move vertically with respect to shingle
support block 336 during an earthquake. If the vertical movement of
roof tile 340 exceeds the thickness 347 of abutment surface 343,
the roof tile 340 can become unsupported by, for example, the
shingle support block 336 positioned below the roof tile 340. As
such, the out-of-position roof tile 340 can slide downward and off
of the roof trusses 320. Alternate embodiments include abutment
surfaces 343 with increased thicknesses 347. In still other
embodiments, such as roof tile 340B depicted in FIG. 19, roof tile
340 includes raised portions 348 that increase the thickness 347 of
abutment surface 343 in a particular region of roof tile 340.
[0132] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 18, roof tile 340 is
symmetric. The first surface 345 (side of roof tile 340 facing the
reader of this application) and the second surface 346 (side of
roof tile 340 hidden from view from the reader of this application)
are similar. As such, the roof tile 340 may be mounted to the roof
trusses with either the first surface 345 or the second surface 346
facing the exterior of the building. This feature enhances the
ability for workers to quickly construct a roof since the workers
can orient the roof tile 340 in one of the two orientations.
[0133] In an alternate embodiment, the second surface 346 of roof
tile 340 includes two raised portions 341 while the upper surface
345 of roof tile 340 does not include any raised portions 341. As
such, a finished roof using the alternate embodiment roof tiles 340
will not have raised ridges on it, although the alternate
embodiment roof tiles are not symmetric like the roof tile 340 in
FIG. 18 and must be rotated to one particular orientation prior to
installation.
[0134] When constructing the above-described components of building
100 using concrete, the thermal mass of the concrete can operate as
a hot or cold reservoir, which can increase the heating or cooling
efficiency of building 100. For example, as can be seen in Table 1,
a building similar to building 100 depicted in FIG. 1 with the
quantity of components as listed in Table 1 will require
approximately 83 cubic yards of concrete, the thermal mass of which
can aid in heating and cooling the structure.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Cubic Weight Total Yards (lbs.) Yards
Component Name Quantity (approx.) (approx.) (approx.) Foundation
Blocks 18 0.75 3,000 13.5 Side Foundation Blocks 18 1.06 4,240 19.8
Corner Foundation Block 4 1.15 4,600 4.6 Center Floor Tiles 10 0.37
1,480 3.7 Side Floor Tiles 14 0.34 1,360 4.76 Corner Floor Tiles 4
0.33 1,320 1.32 Wall Columns 18 0.54 2,160 9.72 Corner Wall Columns
4 0.62 2,480 2.48 Roof Support Blocks 12 0.12 480 1.44 Roof End
Support Blocks 4 0.09 360 0.18 Trusses 6 0.68 2,720 4.08 End
Trusses 2 1.18 4,720 2.36 Roof Panels 12 0.92 3,680 11.04 Roof End
Panels 4 0.52 2,080 2.08 Total 130 8.67 34,680 81.06
[0135] Additionally, the cost of the materials used to construct a
building, for example one similar to that depicted in FIG. 1, can
be significantly less than the material cost for constructing a
comparable building with more traditional materials. For example,
Table 2 includes estimated costs for the materials required to
construct buildings with different wall column lengths, where the
estimated prices include an estimated cost of $80 per cubic yard
for 4,000 psi concrete and $2,000 per ton ($1 per pound) for
rebar.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 1 Story 2 Story 3 Story 9' Column 18' Column
27' Column Yards 81.06 95.42 107.62 Concrete $6,484.80 $7,633.60
$8,609.60 Rebar $4,163.00 $4,771.00 $5,381.00 Total Cost $10,647.80
$12,404.60 $13,990.60
Alternate embodiments utilize 5,000 psi concrete, 6,000 psi
concrete, concrete micro silica (for use with buildings exposed to,
for example, salt water), and/or green rebar.
[0136] Furthermore, since the individual components used to
construct a building are pre-fabricated and fit together without
requiring modification of the individual components, the building
may be constructed quickly, which will reduce labor costs and
further reduce the total costs of the building.
[0137] It should be appreciated that the aforementioned building
components may be used to construct a variety of different
buildings with a variety of different building designs. The
buildings constructed with the aforementioned building components
provide for easy installation of utility components and allow for
easy access to the chases in which the utility components are
contained during building construction and after the building is
complete for easy maintenance, repair and upgrade. Additionally,
the buildings may be readily constructed without the need for
conventional foundations and frequently require only minimal
preparation of the ground underlying the building. Furthermore,
there is little if any need for modification or adjustment to the
building components after they are formed and the manner in which
the building components connect aids in earthquake resistance.
Moreover, when constructed of materials such as concrete, the
building components require minimal maintenance over the lifetime
of the building.
[0138] While illustrated examples, representative embodiments and
specific forms of the invention have been illustrated and described
in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to
be considered as illustrative and not restrictive or limiting. The
description of particular features in one embodiment does not imply
that those particular features are necessarily limited to that one
embodiment. Features of one embodiment may be used in combination
with features of other embodiments as would be understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art, whether or not explicitly described as
such. Dimensions, whether used explicitly or implicitly, are not
intended to be limiting and may be altered as would be understood
by one of ordinary skill in the art. Only exemplary embodiments
have been shown and described, and all changes and modifications
that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be
protected.
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