U.S. patent application number 17/513176 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-14 for enclosure component edge seal systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is Build IP LLC. Invention is credited to Kyle Denman, Galiano Tiramani, Paolo Tiramani.
Application Number | 20220220727 17/513176 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220220727 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tiramani; Paolo ; et
al. |
July 14, 2022 |
Enclosure Component Edge Seal Systems
Abstract
An end cap, to be secured to an edge of a building structure
enclosure component, which comprises a planar elongate seal plate
having an interior face, an opposed exterior face, a first edge, an
opposed second edge and a thickness. The interior face is adapted
to be secured to the edge of the enclosure component, an elongate
key is provided on the interior face of the seal plate, and an
elongate accessory slot is defined in the exterior face of the seal
plate, with the accessory slot having a depth less than the
thickness of the seal plate.
Inventors: |
Tiramani; Paolo; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Tiramani; Galiano; (Las Vegas, NV) ;
Denman; Kyle; (North Las Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Build IP LLC |
North Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
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|
Appl. No.: |
17/513176 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US2021/056415 |
Oct 25, 2021 |
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17513176 |
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17504883 |
Oct 19, 2021 |
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PCT/US2021/056415 |
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63196400 |
Jun 3, 2021 |
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63181447 |
Apr 29, 2021 |
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63136268 |
Jan 12, 2021 |
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63196400 |
Jun 3, 2021 |
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63181447 |
Apr 29, 2021 |
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63136268 |
Jan 12, 2021 |
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63196400 |
Jun 3, 2021 |
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63181447 |
Apr 29, 2021 |
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63136268 |
Jan 12, 2021 |
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International
Class: |
E04B 1/61 20060101
E04B001/61; E04B 1/14 20060101 E04B001/14; E04B 1/41 20060101
E04B001/41 |
Claims
1. An end cap for securing to an edge of a building structure
enclosure component comprising: (a) a planar elongate seal plate
having an interior face, an opposed exterior face, a first edge, an
opposed second edge and a thickness, the interior face adapted to
be secured to the edge of the enclosure component; (b) an elongate
key on the interior face of the seal plate; (c) an elongate
accessory slot defined in the exterior face of the seal plate of a
depth less than the thickness of the seal plate; (d) a first
locating slot extending from the first edge of the seal plate
inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward the second
edge; and (e) a second locating slot extending from the second edge
of the seal plate inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate
toward the first edge.
2. The end cap of claim 1, wherein the exterior face defines at
least one elongate locating groove positioned between the elongate
accessory slot and the first edge or the second edge.
3. The end cap of claim 1, further comprising a first locating
ridge at the first edge of the seal plate proximate to the first
locating slot.
4. The end cap of claim 3, further comprising a second locating
ridge at the second edge of the seal plate proximate to the second
locating slot.
5. The end cap of claim 1, wherein an edge of the first locating
slot proximate the interior face of the seal plate terminates an
inset distance from the first edge of the seal plate.
6. The end cap of claim 1 where the seal plate is foamed polyvinyl
chloride.
7. An enclosure component comprising: (a) a planar laminate having
an elongate edge and including (i) a planar foam panel layer having
a first face and an opposed second face, (ii) a planar first metal
layer bonded to the first face of the planar foam panel layer, and
(iii) a planar second metal layer bonded to the second face of the
planar foam panel layer; (b) a planar elongate edge reinforcement
having an interior face positioned on the edge of the planar
laminate and an opposed exterior face in which is defined an
elongate slot; (c) a planar elongate seal plate having an interior
face, an opposed exterior face, a first edge, an opposed second
edge and a thickness, the interior face of the seal plate
positioned proximate to the exterior face of the edge
reinforcement, with an elongate key on the interior face of the
seal plate positioned in the elongate slot of the edge
reinforcement; and (d) an elongate accessory slot defined in the
exterior face of the seal plate of a depth less than the thickness
of the seal plate.
8. The enclosure component of claim 7, further comprising: (e) a
first locating slot extending from the first edge of the seal plate
inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward the second
edge; and (f) a second locating slot extending from the second edge
of the seal plate inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate
toward the first edge.
9. The enclosure component of claim 7, wherein the exterior face of
the seal plate defines at least one elongate locating groove
positioned between the accessory slot and the first edge or the
second edge.
10. The enclosure component of claim 7, further comprising a first
locating ridge at the first edge of the seal plate proximate to the
first locating slot.
11. The enclosure component of claim 10, further comprising a
second locating ridge at the second edge of the seal plate
proximate to the second locating slot.
12. The enclosure component of claim 7, wherein the edge
reinforcement is selected from the group consisting of laminated
strand lumber board and wooden board and the seal plate is foamed
polyvinyl chloride.
13. A perimeter board comprising: (a) a planar elongate perimeter
plate having an interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a
first edge and an opposed second edge; (b) an elongate key on the
interior face of the perimeter plate adapted to be received in an
elongate accessory slot defined in an exterior face of an elongate
seal plate; (c) an elongate clearance slot defined in the interior
face of the perimeter plate positioned between the key and the
first edge, or between the key and the second edge; and (d) an
elongate fastener slot defined in the first exterior face of the
perimeter plate.
14. The perimeter board of claim 13, wherein there is an elongate
locating groove defined in the portion of the exterior face of the
first seal plate defining the fastener slot.
15. The perimeter board of claim 13, wherein the fastener slot is
dovetail shaped in cross section.
16. The perimeter board of claim 14, wherein the fastener slot is
dovetail shaped in cross section.
17. The perimeter board of claim 13, further comprising an elongate
resilient strip snapped into the fastener slot.
18. The perimeter board of claim 15, further comprising an elongate
resilient strip snapped into the fastener slot.
19. The perimeter board of claim 16, further comprising an elongate
resilient strip snapped into the fastener slot.
20. The perimeter board of claim 13, wherein the perimeter plate is
foamed polyvinyl chloride.
21. A perimeter seal assembly comprising: (a) an end cap
comprising: (i) a planar elongate seal plate having a first
interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an
opposed second edge, the first interior face adapted to be secured
to an edge of an enclosure component; (ii) an elongate seal key on
the first interior face of the seal plate; and (iii) an elongate
accessory slot defined in the first exterior face; and (b) a
perimeter board comprising: (i) a planar elongate perimeter plate
having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face;
(ii) the second interior face positioned proximate to the first
exterior face, with an elongate accessory key on the second
interior face received in the accessory slot defined in the first
exterior face; (iii) an elongate fastener slot defined in the
second exterior face; and (d) an elongate clearance slot defined in
the second interior face of the perimeter plate positioned between
the accessory key and the first edge, or between the accessory key
and the second edge.
22. The perimeter seal assembly of claim 21, wherein the first
exterior face defines at least one elongate locating groove
positioned between the accessory slot and the first edge or the
second edge.
23. The perimeter seal assembly of claim 22, wherein the clearance
slot defined in the second interior face is positioned over the
locating groove defined in the first exterior face.
24. The perimeter seal assembly of claim 21, wherein one or both of
the end cap and perimeter board is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
25. A roof skirt board comprising: (a) a planar elongate skirt
plate having a first interior face and an opposed first exterior
face; (b) an elongate cinch key positioned on the first interior
face of the skirt plate and adapted to be received in an elongate
accessory slot defined in a second exterior face of a planar
elongate seal plate, with the cinch key having a serpentine cross
section; and (c) a portion of the first exterior face of the skirt
plate defining a fastener slot that is positioned proximate to the
cinch key positioned on the first interior face.
26. The roof skirt board of claim 25, wherein there is an elongate
locating groove defined in the portion of the first exterior face
of the skirt plate defining the fastener slot.
27. The roof skirt board of claim 26, wherein the fastener slot is
dovetail shaped in cross section.
28. The roof skirt board of claim 27, further comprising an
elongate resilient strip snapped into the fastener slot.
29. The roof skirt board of claim 25, wherein the first seal plate
is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
30. A roof seal assembly comprising: (a) an end cap comprising: (i)
a planar elongate seal plate having a first interior face and an
opposed first exterior face, the first interior face adapted to be
secured to an edge of an enclosure component; (ii) an elongate seal
key on the first interior face; and (iii) an elongate accessory
slot defined in the first exterior face; and (b) a roof skirt board
comprising: (i) a planar elongate skirt plate having a second
interior face and an opposed second exterior face; (ii) the second
interior face positioned proximate to the first exterior face, with
an elongate cinch key on the second interior face of the skirt
plate received in the accessory slot defined in the first exterior
face of the seal plate, and with the cinch key having a serpentine
cross section; and (iii) an elongate fastener slot defined in the
second exterior face of the skirt plate positioned proximate to the
cinch key positioned on the second interior face.
31. The roof seal assembly of claim 30, wherein one or both of the
end cap and roof skirt board is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of PCT Patent
Application No. PCT/US21/056415, filed Oct. 25, 2021 and a
continuation-in-part application of U.S. Nonprovisional patent
application Ser. No. 17/504,883, filed Oct. 19, 2021, each of which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/136,268
filed Jan. 12, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/181,447,
filed Apr. 29, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No.
63/196,400 filed Jun. 3, 2021; and this application claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/136,268 filed Jan.
12, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/181,447, filed Apr.
29, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/196,400 filed
Jun. 3, 2021.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The inventions herein relate to structures, such as
dwellings and other buildings for residential occupancy, commercial
occupancy and/or material storage, and to components for such
structures.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] In the field of residential housing, the traditional
technique for building homes is referred to as "stick-built"
construction, where a builder constructs housing at the intended
location using in substantial part raw materials such as wooden
boards, plywood panels, and steel columns. The materials are
assembled piece by piece over a previously prepared portion of
ground, for example, a poured concrete slab or a poured concrete or
cinder block foundation.
[0004] There have been a variety of efforts to depart from the
conventional construction techniques used to create dwellings, as
well as commercial spaces and like. One of the alternatives to
stick-built construction is very generally referred to as modular
housing. As opposed to stick-built construction, where the
structure is built on-site, a modular house is constructed in a
factory and then shipped to the site, often by means of a
tractor-trailer.
[0005] Such modular housing often exceeds in size
normally-permitted legal limits for road transport. For example, in
the United States the maximum permitted dimensions for road
transport are in general 102 inches (259.1 cm) in width, 13.5 feet
(4.11 m) in height and 65 to 75 feet (19.81 to 22.86 m) in length.
Thus, in many cases transporting a modular house from factory to
site requires oversize load permits, which may impose restrictions
on when transport can be undertaken and what routes can be
utilized. Oversize road regulations may also require the use of an
escort car and a trailing car as well. All of these requirements
and restrictions inevitably increase the cost of the modular
housing.
[0006] Significant advancements in the construction of dwellings
and commercial space are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,474,194,
8,733,029, 10,688,906, 10,829,029 and 10,926,689. In one aspect,
these patents pertain to fabricating wall, floor and roof
components in a factory that are folded together into a compact
shipping module, and which are then transported to the intended
location and unfolded to yield a fully formed structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present inventions are directed to enclosure component
sealing systems for foldable, transportable building structures.
These foldable, transportable structures can include a number of
wall, floor and roof components with exterior edges abutting top,
bottom or interior faces of other wall, floor and roof components.
In addition, these foldable, transportable structures can include a
number of partitioned wall, floor and roof components with abutting
interior edges when the enclosure components are fully
unfolded.
[0008] The present inventions describe advancements in sealing the
exterior edges and the abutting portions of the wall, floor and
roof components to limit or prevent the ingress of rain water,
noise and outside air into the interior of the structure. The
present inventions include sealing systems that in general terms
utilize two enclosure component sealing structures in pressing
contact either when the building structure is manufactured, or
later when the structure is transported to its final location and
fully unfolded.
[0009] In one aspect, the present inventions are directed to an end
cap, to be secured to an edge of a building structure enclosure
component, which comprises a planar elongate seal plate having an
interior face, an opposed exterior face, a first edge, an opposed
second edge and a thickness. The interior face is adapted to be
secured to the edge of the enclosure component, an elongate key is
provided on the interior face of the seal plate, and an elongate
accessory slot is defined in the exterior face of the seal plate,
with the accessory slot having a depth less than the thickness of
the seal plate. There is also provided a first locating slot
extending from the first edge of the seal plate inwardly into the
thickness of the seal plate toward the second edge, and a second
locating slot extending from the second edge of the seal plate
inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward the first
edge.
[0010] In another aspect, the present inventions are directed to a
perimeter seal assembly comprising an end cap and a perimeter
board. The end cap comprises a planar elongate seal plate having a
first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge
and an opposed second edge, with the first interior face adapted to
be secured to an edge of an enclosure component, an elongate seal
key on the first interior face of the seal plate, and an elongate
accessory slot defined in the first exterior face. The perimeter
board comprises a planar elongate perimeter plate having a second
interior face and an opposed second exterior face. The second
interior face is positioned proximate to the first exterior face,
with an elongate accessory key on the second interior face received
in the accessory slot defined in the first exterior face. An
elongate fastener slot is defined in the second exterior face, and
an elongate clearance slot is defined in the second interior face
of the perimeter plate, positioned between the accessory key and
the first edge, or between the accessory key and the second
edge.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the present inventions are directed
to a roof seal assembly comprising an end cap and a roof skirt
board. The end cap comprises a planar elongate seal plate having a
first interior face and an opposed first exterior face, with the
first interior face adapted to be secured to an edge of an
enclosure component, an elongate seal key on the first interior
face, and an elongate accessory slot defined in the first exterior
face. The roof skirt board comprises a planar elongate skirt plate
having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face.
The second interior face is positioned proximate to the first
exterior face, with an elongate cinch key on the second interior
face of the skirt plate received in the accessory slot defined in
the first exterior face of the seal plate, and with the cinch key
having a serpentine cross section. An elongate fastener slot is
defined in the second exterior face of the skirt plate and is
positioned proximate to the cinch key positioned on the second
interior face.
[0012] These and other aspects of the present inventions are
described in the drawings annexed hereto, and in the description of
the preferred embodiments and claims set forth below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a structure prepared in
accordance with the present inventions.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top schematic view of the structure shown in
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an end view of a shipping module from which is
formed the finished structure shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial cutaway views of a finished
structure in accordance with the present inventions, depicting in
greater detail aspects of the roof, wall and floor components.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view depicting the
exterior edge reinforcement for a wall component in accordance with
the present inventions.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a
multi-layered, laminate design for use in the enclosure components
of the present inventions.
[0019] FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view of a finished
structure in accordance with the present inventions, depicting
suitable locations for the sealing systems of the present
inventions on the horizontally positioned enclosure components, and
FIG. 8B is an exploded perspective view of a finished structure in
accordance with the present inventions, depicting correspondingly
suitable locations for the sealing systems of the present
inventions on the vertically positioned enclosure components
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side view of a roof portion in accordance with
the present inventions.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of an I-beam end cap in
accordance with the present inventions.
[0022] FIG. 11A is a section view of a compression seal in
accordance with the present inventions, and FIG. 11B is a side view
of a roof bottom plate with a compression seal provided in one of
its two seal slots in accordance with the present inventions.
[0023] FIG. 12 is an exploded side view of the junction between a
wall vertical interlock and a wall end cap in accordance with the
present inventions, and FIG. 13 is an exploded side view of the
junction between a roof bottom plate and wall end cap in accordance
with the present inventions.
[0024] FIG. 14 is an exploded side view of the junction between an
I-beam interlock A and an I-beam interlock B in accordance with the
present inventions.
[0025] FIG. 15 is an exploded side view of the junction between a
floor top plate and a wall end cap in accordance with the present
inventions.
[0026] FIG. 16A is a section view of a shear seal in accordance
with the present inventions, and FIG. 16B is a side view of a wall
end interlock with a shear seal provided in its seal slot in
accordance with the present inventions.
[0027] FIG. 17 is an exploded side view of the junction between a
floor top interlock and a wall end interlock A in accordance with
the present inventions.
[0028] FIG. 18 is an exploded side view of the junction between a
wall end interlock B and a wall end interlock A in accordance with
the present inventions.
[0029] FIG. 19A is a side view of the junction between a perimeter
board and an I-beam end lock in accordance with the present
inventions, and FIG. 19B is a depiction of the positioning of an
I-beam end cap, a floor top plate, a wall end cap and a perimeter
board in accordance with the present inventions.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a side view of the junction between a roof skirt
board and an I-beam end lock in accordance with the present
inventions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] An embodiment of the foldable, transportable structure 150
in which the inventions disclosed herein can be implemented is
depicted in FIGS. 1 through 5. When fully unfolded, as exemplified
by FIG. 1, structure 150 has a rectangular shape made of three
types of generally planar and rectangular enclosure components 155,
the three types of enclosure components 155 consisting of a wall
component 200, a floor component 300, and a roof component 400. As
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the perimeter of structure 150 is defined
by first longitudinal edge 106, first transverse edge 108, second
longitudinal edge 116 and second transverse edge 110. For
convenience, a direction parallel to first longitudinal edge 106
and second longitudinal edge 116 may be referred to as the
"longitudinal" direction, a direction parallel to first transverse
edge 108 and second transverse edge 110 may be referred to as the
"transverse" direction; and a direction parallel to the vertical
direction in FIG. 1 may be referred to as the "vertical" direction.
Structure 150 as shown has one floor component 300, one roof
component 400 and four wall components 200; although it should be
understood that the present inventions are applicable to structures
having other configurations as well.
[0032] Enclosure components 155 (wall component 200, floor
component 300 and roof component 400) can be fabricated and
dimensioned as described herein and positioned together to form a
shipping module 100, shown end-on in FIG. 3. The enclosure
components 155 are dimensioned so that the shipping module 100 is
within U.S. federal highway dimensional restrictions. As a result,
shipping module 100 can be transported over a limited access
highway more easily, and with appropriate trailering equipment,
transported without the need for oversize permits. Thus, the basic
components of structure 150 can be manufactured in a factory,
positioned together to form the shipping module 100, and the
modules 100 can be transported to the desired site for the
structure, where they can be readily assembled, as described
herein.
Enclosure Component (155): General Description
[0033] The enclosure components 155 of the present invention
include a number of shared design features that are described
below.
[0034] A. Laminate Structure Design
[0035] Enclosure components 155 can be fabricated using a
multi-layered, laminate design. A particular laminate design that
can be used to fabricate enclosure components 155 comprises a first
structural layer 210, a foam panel layer 213, a second structural
layer 215 and a protective layer 218, as shown in FIG. 7 and
described further below.
[0036] In particular, first structural layer 210 is provided in the
embodiment of enclosure component 155 that is depicted in FIG. 7.
First structural layer 210 in the embodiment shown comprises a
sheet metal layer 205, which can be for example galvanized steel or
aluminum. Sheet metal layer 205 is made from a plurality of
generally planar rectangular metal sheets 206 positioned adjacent
to each other to generally cover the full area of the intended
enclosure component 155.
[0037] Referring again to FIG. 7, there is next provided in the
depicted embodiment of enclosure component 155 a foam panel layer
213, comprising a plurality of generally planar rectangular foam
panels 214 collectively presenting a first face 211 and a second
opposing face 212. Foam panels 214 are made for example of expanded
polystyrene (EPS) foam. A number of these foam panels 214 are
positioned adjacent to each other and superposed first face-down on
first structural layer 210 to generally cover the full area of the
intended enclosure component 155. The foam panels 214 of foam panel
layer 213 preferably are fastened to the metal sheets 206 of first
structural layer 210 using a suitable adhesive, preferably a
polyurethane based construction adhesive. Foam panel layer 213 can
include exterior edge reinforcement and interior edge
reinforcement, as described further below.
[0038] In the embodiment of the enclosure component 155 depicted in
FIG. 7, there is next provided a second structural layer 215,
having a first face that is positioned on the second opposing face
212 of foam panels 214 (the face distal from first structural layer
210), and also having a second opposing face. Second structural
layer 215 in the embodiment shown comprises a sheet metal layer
216, which can be for example galvanized steel or aluminum. Sheet
metal layer 216 is made from a plurality of generally planar
rectangular metal sheets 217 positioned adjacent to each other and
superposed first face-down on the second opposing face of foam
panel layer 213 to generally cover the full area of the intended
enclosure component 155. The metal sheets 217 of second structural
layer 215 preferably are fastened to foam panel layer 213 using a
suitable adhesive, preferably a polyurethane based construction
adhesive.
[0039] In the embodiment of the enclosure component 155 depicted in
FIG. 7, there is optionally next provided a protective layer 218,
having a first face that is positioned on the second opposing face
of second structural layer 215 (the face distal from foam panel
layer 213), and also having a second opposing face. Optional
protective layer 218 in the embodiment shown comprises a plurality
of rectangular structural building panels 219 principally
comprising an inorganic composition of relatively high strength,
such as magnesium oxide (MgO). The structural building panels 219
are positioned adjacent to each other and superposed first
face-down on the second opposing face of second structural layer
215 to generally cover the full area of the intended enclosure
component 155. The building panels 219 of protective layer 218
preferably are fastened to second structural layer 215 using a
suitable adhesive, preferably a polyurethane based construction
adhesive. Protective layer 218 can be used if desired to impart a
degree of fire resistance to the enclosure component 155, as well
as to provide a pleasing texture and/or feel.
[0040] Other embodiments of multi-layered, laminate designs that
can be used to fabricate the enclosure components 155 of the
present invention, are described in U.S. Nonprovisional patent
application Ser. No. 16/786,130, entitled "Foldable Building
Structures with Utility Channels and Laminate Enclosures," filed on
Feb. 10, 2020, which has issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,118,344. The
contents of that U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.
16/786,130, entitled "Foldable Building Structures with Utility
Channels and Laminate Enclosures" and filed on Feb. 10, 2020 are
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein,
particularly including the multi-layered, laminate designs
described for example at 0034-57 and depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D
thereof.
[0041] B. Enclosure Component Exterior Edge Reinforcement
[0042] The exterior edges of each enclosure component 155 (i.e.,
the edges that define the perimeter of enclosure component 155) can
be provided with exterior edge reinforcement, as desired. Exterior
edge reinforcement generally comprises an elongate rigid member
which can protect the foam panel material of foam panel layer 213
that would otherwise be exposed at the exterior edges of enclosure
components 155. Exterior edge reinforcement can be fabricated from
one or more of laminated strand lumber board, wooden board,
C-channel extruded aluminum or steel, or the like, and is generally
secured to the exterior edges of enclosure component 155 with
fasteners, such as screw or nail fasteners, and/or adhesive.
[0043] C. Enclosure Component Partitioning
[0044] Enclosure components 155 in certain instances are
partitioned into enclosure component portions to facilitate forming
a compact shipping module 100. In those instances where an
enclosure component 155 is partitioned into enclosure component
portions, any exterior edge reinforcement on the exterior edges
defining the perimeter of the enclosure component is segmented as
necessary between or among the portions.
[0045] The enclosure component portions can be joined by hinge
structures or mechanisms to permit the enclosure component portions
to be "folded" and thereby contribute to forming a compact shipping
module 100.
[0046] D. Enclosure Component Interior Edge Reinforcement
[0047] An enclosure component 155 partitioned into enclosure
component portions will have interior edges. There will be two
adjacent interior edges for each adjacent pair of enclosure
component portions. Such interior edges can be provided with
interior edge reinforcement. Similar to exterior edge
reinforcement, such interior edge reinforcement generally comprises
an elongate, rigid member which can protect the foam panel material
of foam panel layer 213 which that would otherwise be exposed at
the interior edges of enclosure components 155. Interior edge
reinforcement can be fabricated from one or more of laminated
strand lumber board, wooden board, C-channel extruded aluminum or
steel, or the like, and is generally secured to the interior edges
of enclosure component 155 with fasteners, such as screw or nail
fasteners, and/or adhesive.
[0048] E. Enclosure Component Load Transfer
[0049] In the case of enclosure components 155, it is necessary to
transfer the loads imposed on their surfaces to their exterior
edges, where those loads can be transferred either to or through
adjoining walls, or to the building foundation. For enclosure
components 155 that are horizontally oriented when in use (floor
component 300 and roof component 400), such loads include the
weight of equipment, furniture and people borne by their surfaces,
as well as vertical seismic loads. For enclosure components that
are vertically oriented when in use (wall component 200), such
loads include those arising from meteorological conditions
(hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.) and human action (vehicle and other
object impacts).
[0050] For this purpose, multi-layered, laminate designs as shown
in FIG. 7 will function to transfer the loads described above. To
add additional load transfer capability, structural members, such
as beams and/or joists, can be utilized within the perimeter of the
enclosure components 155, as is deemed appropriate to the specific
design of structure 150 and the particular enclosure component 155,
to assist in the transfer of loads to the exterior edges.
Particular embodiments of such structural members, which also
incorporate hinge structures, are described in U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 63/188,101, filed May 13, 2021, entitled
"Folding Beam Systems" and having the same inventors as this
disclosure.
[0051] Further design details of wall component 200, floor
component 300, and roof component 400 are provided in the sections
following.
Wall Component (200)
[0052] Typically, a structure 150 will utilize four wall components
200, with each wall component 200 corresponding to an entire wall
of structure 150.
[0053] A. General Description
[0054] Wall component 200 has a generally rectangular perimeter. As
shown in FIG. 1, wall components 200 have plural apertures,
specifically a door aperture 202, which has a door frame and door
assembly, and plural window apertures 204, each of which has a
window frame and a window assembly. The height and length of wall
components 200 can vary in accordance with design preference,
subject as desired to the dimensional restrictions applicable to
transport, described above. In this disclosure, structure 150 is
fashioned with all sides of equal length; accordingly, its first
and second longitudinal edges 106 and 116, and its first and second
transverse edges 108 and 110, are all of equal length. It should be
understood however, that the inventions described herein are
applicable to structures having other dimensions, such as where two
opposing wall components 200 are longer than the other two opposing
wall components 200.
[0055] As indicated above, wall components 200 of the present
inventions can utilize a multi-layered, laminate design. In the
embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 through 6, wall component 200
utilizes the multi-layered, laminate design shown in FIG. 7
employing these particular elements: sheet metal layer 205 of first
structural layer 210 is 24 gauge galvanized steel approximately
0.022-0.028 inch thick, the foam panels 214 of foam panel layer 213
are EPS foam approximately 5.68 inches thick, the sheet metal layer
216 of second structural layer 215 is 24 gauge galvanized steel
approximately 0.022-0.028 inch thick, and the building panels 219
of protective layer 218 are MgO board approximately 0.25 inch (6
mm) thick.
[0056] The perimeter of each wall component 200 is generally
provided with exterior edge reinforcement. As exemplified by wall
component 200 shown in FIG. 6, the exterior edge reinforcement for
wall component 200 is a floor plate 220 along the bottom horizontal
edge, a ceiling plate 240 along the top horizontal edge and two end
pieces 270 respectively fastened at each vertical edge of wall
component 200. In the case of a wall component 200, exterior edge
reinforcement provides regions for fastening like regions of
abutting wall components 200, roof component 400 and floor
component 300, in addition to protecting the exterior edges of foam
panel material.
[0057] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the exterior
edge reinforcement for wall component 200 provided by floor plate
220, ceiling plate 240, and end pieces 270 is fabricated from
laminated strand lumber board 5.625'' deep and 1.5'' thick.
[0058] B. Partitioned Wall Components
[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, structure 150 has two opposing wall
components 200, where one of the two opposing wall components 200
comprises first wall portion 200s-1 and second wall portion 200s-2,
and the other of the two opposing wall components 200 comprises
third wall portion 200s-3 and fourth wall portion 200s-4. Each of
wall portions 200s-1, 200s-2, 200s-3 and 200s-4 has a generally
rectangular planar structure. As shown in FIG. 2, the interior
vertical edge 192-1 of wall portion 200s-1 is proximate to a
respective interior vertical edge 192-2 of wall portion 200s-2, and
the interior vertical edge 194-3 of wall portion 200s-3 is
proximate a respective interior vertical wall edge 194-4 of wall
portion 200s-4. Interior edge reinforcement can be provided at any
one or more of vertical edges 192-1, 192-2, 194-3 and 194-4. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the interior edge
reinforcement provided at vertical edges 192-1, 192-2, 194-3 and
194-4 is fabricated from laminated strand lumber board 5.625'' deep
and 1.5'' thick.
[0060] Referring again to FIG. 2, first wall portion 200s-1 is
fixed in position on floor portion 300a proximate to first
transverse edge 108, and third wall portion 200s-3 is fixed in
position on floor portion 300a, opposite first wall portion 200s-1
and proximate to second transverse edge 110. First wall portion
200s-1 is joined to second wall portion 200s-2 with a hinge
structure that permits wall portion 200s-2 to pivot about vertical
axis 192 between a folded position and an unfolded position, and
third wall portion 200s-3 is joined to fourth wall portion 200s-4
with a hinge structure to permit fourth wall portion 200s-4 to
pivot about vertical axis 194 between a folded position and an
unfolded position.
[0061] Notably, first wall portion 200s-1 is longer than third wall
portion 200s-3 by a distance approximately equal to the thickness
of wall component 200, and second wall portion 200s-2 is shorter
than third wall portion 200s-3 by a distance approximately equal to
the thickness of wall component 200. Furthermore, wall portion
200s-1 and wall portion 200s-3 are each shorter in length (the
dimension in the transverse direction) than the dimension of floor
portion 300a in the transverse direction. Dimensioning the lengths
of wall portions 200s-1, 200s-2, 200s-3 and 200s-4 in this manner
permits wall portions 200s-2 and 200s-4 to nest against each other
in an overlapping relationship when in an inwardly folded position.
In this regard, FIG. 2 depicts wall portions 200s-2 and 200s-4 both
in their unfolded positions, where they are labelled 200s-2u and
200s4-u respectively, and FIG. 2 also depicts wall portions 200s-2
and 200s-4 both in their inwardly folded positions, where they are
labelled 200s-2f and 200s4-f respectively. When wall portions
200s-2 and 200s-4 are in their inwardly folded positions (200s-2f
and 200s-4f), they facilitate forming a compact shipping module.
When wall portion 200s-2 is in its unfolded position (200s-2u), it
forms with wall portion 200s-1 a wall component 200 proximate first
transverse edge 108, and when wall portion 200s-4 is in its
unfolded position (200s-4u), it forms with wall portion 200s-3 a
wall component 200 proximate second transverse edge 110.
[0062] The hinge structures referenced above, for securing first
wall portion 200s-1 to second wall portion 200s-2, and third wall
portion 200s-3 to fourth wall portion 200s-4, can be surface
mounted or recessed, and of a temporary or permanent nature. The
provision of interior edge reinforcement, as described above, can
provide a region for securing such hinge structures. Suitable hinge
structures can be fabricated for example of ferrous or non-ferrous
metal, plastic or leather material.
[0063] C. Unpartitioned Wall Components
[0064] As compared to the two wall components 200 proximate first
and second transverse edges 108 and 110, which are partitioned into
wall portions, the remaining two wall components 200 proximate
first and second longitudinal edges 106 and 116 do not comprise
plural wall portions, but rather each is a single piece structure.
However, one of these wall components 200, which is sometimes
denominated 200P in this disclosure, and which is located on floor
portion 300b proximate first longitudinal edge 106, is pivotally
secured to floor portion 300b by means of hinge structures to
permit wall component 200P to pivot about horizontal axis 105 shown
in FIG. 3 from a folded position to an unfolded position. Pivotally
securing wall component 200P also facilitates forming a compact
shipping module 100. The remaining wall component 200, sometimes
denominated 200R in this disclosure, is rigidly secured on floor
portion 300a proximate second longitudinal edge 116 and abutting
the vertical edges of first wall portion 200s-1 and third wall
portion 200s-3 proximate to second longitudinal edge 116, as shown
in FIG. 2.
[0065] The hinge structures referenced above, for securing wall
component 200P to floor portion 300b, can be surface mounted or
recessed, and of a temporary or permanent nature. The provision of
exterior edge reinforcement, as described above, can provide a
region for securing such hinge structures. Suitable hinge
structures can be fabricated for example of ferrous or non-ferrous
metal, plastic or leather material.
Floor Component (300)
[0066] Typically, structure 150 will utilize one floor component
300; thus floor component 300 generally is the full floor of
structure 150.
[0067] A. General Description
[0068] Floor component 300 has a generally rectangular perimeter.
FIGS. 4 and 5 depict floor component 300 in accordance with the
present inventions. The perimeter of floor component 300 is defined
by first longitudinal floor edge 117, first transverse floor edge
120, second longitudinal floor edge 119 and second transverse floor
edge 118. In particular, (a) first longitudinal floor edge 117, (b)
first transverse floor edge 120, (c) second longitudinal floor edge
119 and (d) second transverse floor edge 118 generally coincide
with (i.e., underlie) (w) first longitudinal edge 106, (x) first
transverse edge 108, (y) second longitudinal edge 116 and (z)
second transverse edge 110, respectively, of structure 150.
[0069] The length and width of floor component 300 can vary in
accordance with design preference. In the particular embodiment of
structure 150 depicted in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, floor component 300 is
approximately 19 feet (5.79 m) by 19 feet (5.79 m).
[0070] Floor component 300 and its constituent elements are
generally designed and dimensioned in thickness and in other
respects to accommodate the particular loads to which floor
component 300 may be subject. It is preferred that floor component
300 utilize a multi-layered, laminate design, such as that
described in connection with FIG. 7. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5, the bottom-most surface of floor component 300
comprises sheet metal layer 205 of first structural layer 210, with
sheet metal layer 205 being 24 gauge galvanized steel approximately
0.022-0.028 inch thick. Above sheet metal layer 205 there are
provided foam panels 214 of foam panel layer 213. In the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, foam panels 214 are EPS foam approximately
7.125 inches thick. Above foam panel layer 213 there is provided
sheet metal layer 216 of second structural layer 215, with sheet
metal layer 216 being 24 gauge galvanized steel approximately
0.022-0.028 inch thick. Above sheet metal layer 216 of second
structural layer 215, there are provided building panels 219 of
protective layer 218, with building panels 219 being MgO board
approximately 0.25 inch (6 mm) thick.
[0071] The perimeter of each floor component 300 is generally
provided with exterior edge reinforcement. As exterior edge
reinforcement for the embodiments of floor component 300 shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5, a first footing beam 320 (visible edge-on in FIG. 4)
is positioned at the first longitudinal floor edge 117 of floor
component 300, a second footing beam 320 (visible edge-on in FIG.
5) is positioned at the second transverse floor edge 118 of floor
component 300, a third footing beam 320 (visible edge-on in FIG. 5)
is positioned at the first transverse floor edge 120 of floor
component 300, and a fourth footing beam 320 (visible edge-on in
FIG. 4) is positioned at the second longitudinal floor edge 119 of
floor component 300. In the case of floor component 300, the
exterior edge reinforcement provided by footing beams 320 assists
in resisting vertical loads and transferring such loads to any roof
component 400 thereunder and then to underlying wall components
200, and/or to the foundation of the structure 150, in addition to
protecting the edges of foam panel material of the foam panel layer
213.
[0072] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the exterior
edge reinforcement provided by footing beams 420 of floor component
300 is fabricated from laminated strand lumber board 7.125'' deep
and 1.5'' thick.
[0073] B. Floor Partitioning
[0074] The floor component 300 is partitioned into floor portion
300a and floor portion 300b. FIG. 2 shows flow portions 300a and
300b in plan view, and FIG. 4 shows floor portions 300a and 300b in
section view, edge-on.
[0075] Each of the floor portions 300a and 300b is a planar
generally rectangular structure, with floor portion 300a adjoining
floor portion 300b. Interior edge 301a of floor portion 300a abuts
interior edge 301b of floor portion 300b, as shown in FIG. 4. As
interior edge reinforcement, a reinforcing board 307 is positioned
in floor portion 300a adjacent interior edge 301a, and a
reinforcing board is positioned in floor portion 300b adjacent
interior edge 301b. Additional structural members, such as beam
and/or joists, can be utilized within the perimeter of one or more
of floor portions 300a and 300b, as is deemed appropriate to the
specific design of structure 150 and floor component 300, to assist
in the transfer of vertical loads to one or more of reinforcing
boards 307.
[0076] Referring to structure 150 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, floor
portion 300a is fixed in position relative to first wall portion
200s-1, third wall portion 200s-3 and wall component 200s-R. Floor
portion 300a is joined with hinge structures to floor portion 300b,
so as to permit floor portion 300b to pivot through approximately
ninety degrees (90.degree.) of arc about a horizontal axis 305,
located proximate the top surface of floor component 300, between a
fully folded position, where floor portion 300b is vertically
oriented as shown in FIG. 3, and the fully unfolded position shown
in FIGS. 2 and 4, where floor portion 300b is horizontally oriented
and co-planar with floor portion 300a.
[0077] The hinge structures joining floor portions 300a and 300b
can be surface mounted or recessed, and of a temporary or permanent
nature. Suitable hinge structures can be fabricated for example of
ferrous or non-ferrous metal, plastic or leather material. The
hinge structures joining floor portions 300a and 300b are adapted
to pivot through approximately ninety degrees (90.degree.) of
arc.
[0078] There is provided interior edge reinforcement, reinforcing
board 307, at each of interior edges 301a and 301b, as shown in
FIG. 4. The interior edge reinforcement provided by reinforcing
board 307 at interior edges 301, 301b can provide a region for
mounting hinge structures, in addition to protecting the edges of
foam panel material. Reinforcing boards 307 can be made of
laminated strand lumber board 7.125'' deep and 1.5'' thick.
Roof Component (400)
[0079] Typically, structure 150 will utilize one roof component
400; thus roof component 400 generally is the full roof of
structure 150.
[0080] A. General Description
[0081] Roof component 400 has a generally rectangular perimeter.
FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 depict roof component 400 in accordance with the
present inventions. The perimeter of roof component 400 is defined
by first longitudinal roof edge 406, first transverse roof edge
408, second longitudinal roof edge 416 and second transverse roof
edge 410. In particular, (a) first longitudinal roof edge 406, (b)
first transverse roof edge 408, (c) second longitudinal roof edge
416 and (d) second transverse roof edge 410 of roof component 400
generally coincide with (i.e., overlie) (w) first longitudinal edge
106, (x) first transverse edge 108, (y) second longitudinal edge
116 and (z) second transverse edge 110, respectively, of structure
150.
[0082] The length and width of roof component 400 can vary in
accordance with design preference. In the particular embodiment of
structure 150 depicted in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the length and width of
roof component 400 approximates the length and width of floor
component 300.
[0083] Roof component 400 and its constituent elements are
generally designed and dimensioned in thickness and in other
respects to accommodate the particular loads to which roof
component 400 may be subject. It is preferred that roof component
400 utilize a multi-layered, laminate design, such as that
described in connection with FIG. 7. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5, the top-most surface of roof component 400 comprises
sheet metal layer 205 of first structural layer 210, with sheet
metal layer 205 being 24 gauge galvanized steel approximately
0.022-0.028 inch thick. Below sheet metal layer 205 there are
provided foam panels 214 of foam panel layer 213, with foam panels
214 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 being EPS foam for
example approximately 7.125 inches thick. Below foam panel layer
213 there is provided sheet metal layer 216 of second structural
layer 215, with sheet metal layer 216 being 24 gauge galvanized
steel approximately 0.022-0.028 inch thick. Below sheet metal layer
216 of second structural layer 215, there are provided building
panels 219 of protective layer 218, with building panels 219 being
MgO board approximately 0.25 inch (6 mm) thick.
[0084] The perimeter of roof component 400 is generally provided
with exterior edge reinforcement. As exterior edge reinforcement
for the embodiment of roof component 400 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a
first shoulder beam 435 (visible edge-on in FIG. 4) is positioned
at the first longitudinal roof edge 406 of roof component 400, a
second shoulder beam 435 (visible edge-on in FIG. 5) is positioned
at the first transverse roof edge 408 of roof component 400, a
third shoulder beam 435 (visible edge-on in FIG. 5) is positioned
at the second transverse roof edge 410 of roof component 400, and a
fourth shoulder beam 435 (visible edge-on in FIG. 4) is positioned
at the second longitudinal roof edge 416 of roof component 400. In
addition to protecting the exterior edges of foam panel material,
the exterior edge reinforcement provided by shoulder beams 435
assists in resisting vertical loads and transferring such loads to
lower floors through underlying wall components 200 supporting roof
component 400, and then to the foundation of the structure 150.
Such exterior edge reinforcement can also provide a region for
fastening like regions of abutting enclosure components 155
(underlying and any overlying). Shoulder beams 435 of roof
component 400 can be fabricated from laminated strand lumber board
7.125'' deep and 1.5'' thick.
[0085] B. Roof Partitioning
[0086] The roof component 400 of structure 150 is partitioned into
roof portions 400a, 400b and 400c. FIG. 1 shows roof portions 400a,
400b and 400c in perspective view, and FIG. 4 shows roof portions
400a, 400b and 400c in section view, edge-on.
[0087] Each of the roof portions 400a, 400b and 400c is a planar
generally rectangular structure, with roof portion 400a adjoining
roof portion 400b, and roof portion 400b adjoining roof portion
400c. Interior edge 412c of roof component 400c abuts a first
interior edge 412b of roof component 400b, as shown in FIG. 4. For
interior edge reinforcement, a reinforcing board 437 is positioned
adjacent interior edge 412c, and a reinforcing board 437 is
positioned against first interior edge 412b. Interior edge 412a of
roof portion 400a abuts a second interior edge 412b of roof portion
400b, as shown in FIG. 4. For interior edge reinforcement, a
reinforcing board 437 is positioned adjacent interior edge 412a,
and a reinforcing board 437 is positioned against second interior
edge 412b. Additional structural members, such as beams and/or
joists, can be utilized within the perimeter of one or more of roof
portions 400a, 400b and 400c, as is deemed appropriate to the
specific design of structure 150 and roof component 400, to assist
in the transfer of vertical loads to one or more shoulder beams
435.
[0088] Referring to structure 150 shown in FIG. 4, roof portion
400a is fixed in position relative to first wall portion 200s-1,
third wall portion 200s-3 and wall component 200R. Roof portion
400a is joined to roof portion 400b with hinge structures provided
between interior edge 412a of roof portion 400a and second interior
edge 412b of roof portion 400b. Such hinge structures are adapted
to permit roof portion 400b to pivot through up to one hundred and
eighty degrees (180.degree.) of arc about a horizontal axis 405a,
located proximate the top of roof component 400 and shown in FIG.
4, between the fully folded position shown in FIG. 3, where roof
portion 400b lies flat against roof portion 400a, and the fully
unfolded position shown in FIG. 4.
[0089] In turn, roof portion 400b is joined to roof portion 400c
with hinge structures provided between first interior edge 412b of
roof portion 400b and interior edge 412c of roof portion 400c. Such
hinge structures are adapted to permit roof portion 400c to pivot
through up to one hundred and eighty degrees (180.degree.) of arc
about a horizontal axis 405b, located proximate the bottom of roof
component 400 and shown in FIG. 4, between the folded position
shown in FIG. 3, where roof portion 400c lies flat against roof
portion 400b (when roof portion 400b is positioned to lie flat
against roof portion 400a), and the fully unfolded position shown
in FIG. 4.
[0090] The hinge structures joining roof portions 400a, 400b and
400c can be surface mounted or recessed, and of a temporary or
permanent nature. Suitable hinge structures can be fabricated for
example of ferrous or non-ferrous metal, plastic or leather
material. The interior edge reinforcement provided by reinforcing
boards 437 of roof portions 400a, 400b and 400c can provide a
region for mounting hinge structures, in addition to protecting the
edges of foam panel material. Reinforcing boards 437 can be
fabricated from laminated strand lumber board 7.125'' deep and
1.5'' thick.
Enclosure Component Sealing Systems
[0091] Structure 150 can utilize the enclosure component sealing
systems described below to limit or prevent the ingress of rain
water, noise and outside air into the interior of structure
150.
[0092] A. General Description
[0093] The enclosure component sealing systems for structure 150
utilize the sealing structures described below. Except for I-beam
end cap 221, which functions to seal the edges of select enclosure
components 155, the enclosure component sealing systems comprise in
general terms two enclosure component sealing structures, paired in
in pressing contact in different combinations, to seal the
junctions between different regions of the enclosure components 155
found in structure 150. These junctions consist of either two
interior edges of adjacent enclosure component portions, positioned
edge-to-edge when structure 150 is unfolded, or an exterior edge of
an enclosure component 155 which abuts an interior surface of
another enclosure component 155. Where an enclosure component
sealing structure is positioned on an interior or exterior edge of
an enclosure component 155, there can respectively be provided
interior edge reinforcement or exterior edge reinforcement between
the sealing structure and the respective interior or exterior edge
of the foam panel layer 213 in the case where the multi-layered,
laminate design depicted in FIG. 7 is utilized (such that the
enclosure component sealing structure is positioned proximate to
the interior or exterior edge, as the case may be, of the foam
panel layer 213).
[0094] The specific enclosure component sealing structures
described below are I-beam end cap 221; wall vertical interlock
245; wall end cap 246; I-beam interlock A 250; I-beam interlock B
251; floor top plate 252; roof bottom plate 255; floor top
interlock 261; wall end interlock A 262; and wall end interlock B
263. Excepting I-beam end cap 221, each of the foregoing enclosure
component sealing structures utilizes either two or more
compression seals 230, or one shear seal 260, which are also
described below. Exemplary placements of the enclosure component
sealing structures described herein are found in Subsections B.
through J. below and also in the Section below entitled "Enclosure
Component Sealing Structure Exemplary Placements".
[0095] The current inventions include two closure boards, namely
perimeter board 310 and roof skirt board 280. These closure boards,
which are described below, are utilized in conjunction with I-beam
end cap 221 to provide additional sealing, as well as to realize
additional benefits.
[0096] B. I-Beam End Cap (221)
[0097] I-beam end cap 221, shown in cross-section in FIG. 10, is a
rigid elongate member that is fastened to the periphery of select
enclosure components 155, preferably the exterior edges of floor
component 300 and roof component 400. I-beam end cap 221
constitutes an edge seal that performs a sealing function against
water ingress into and environmental exposure of the edge of the
enclosure component 155 to which it is secured, and imparts impact
resistance to that edge.
[0098] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary installation of I-beam end cap
221 secured to the edge of a schematic representation of floor
portion 300a. In particular, I-beam end cap 221 has an elongate
seal plate 223 with seal plate 223 having an elongate interior face
226 and an opposing elongate planar exterior face 227. I-beam end
cap 221 has a length and width the same, or substantially the same,
as the length and width of the exterior edge of floor portion 300a,
so as to cover the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of the
exterior edge of floor portion 300a.
[0099] At the mid-point of the interior face 226 of seal plate 223,
there is provided an elongate key 222, which is rectangular in
cross section (as shown in FIG. 10), and has a length the same, or
substantially the same, as the length of I-beam end cap 221. Key
222 is received in a corresponding slot formed in the exterior edge
reinforcement positioned on the exterior edge of the enclosure
component 155 to which I-beam end cap 221 is secured. Thus for
example, FIG. 9 depicts key 222 of an I-beam end cap 221 received
in slot 422 of a shoulder beam 435 of roof portion 400a. Each of
the top and bottom edges of I-beam end cap 221 define locating
slots 229. In the case where the enclosure component 155 utilizes
the enclosure component laminate design shown in FIG. 7, locating
slots 229 receive the edge portions 207 of metal sheets 206 and 217
(of sheet metal layers 205 and 216 respectively), bent down at a
ninety degree (90.degree.) angle, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0100] Still referring to FIG. 10, the exterior face 227 of seal
plate 223 of I-beam end cap 221 includes an elongate accessory slot
224, which is rectangular in cross section and has a length the
same, or substantially the same, as the length of the exterior face
227 of I-beam end cap 221. The exterior face 227 further includes a
plurality of elongate fastener locating grooves 225, each of which
has a length the same, or substantially the same, as the length of
seal plate 223. I-beam end cap 221 can be secured to an exterior
edge of an enclosure component 155, such as the roof portion 400a
shown in FIG. 9 and the floor portion 300a shown in FIG. 10, for
example by adhesive applied to interior face 226, or by fasteners,
such as screw or nail fasteners, spaced apart along the length of
I-beam end cap 221 and driven through the exterior face 227, or by
utilizing a combination of adhesive and fasteners. Locating grooves
225 assist in accurate positioning of such fasteners.
[0101] C. Compression Seal (230)
[0102] A number of the enclosure component sealing systems
described herein and utilized in structure 150 include a
compression seal system. An element of that compression seal system
is a compression seal 230.
[0103] Compression seal 230, which is shown in cross-section in
FIG. 11A, is an elongate member having in cross-section an elongate
base 231 with an elongate arched portion 232 that is flanked by two
elongate winglets 233. At the intersection of the arched portion
232 of base 231 and each of the winglets 233, there are provided
two opposed elongate seal walls 234, joined to and extending away
from base 231 in a diverging relationship at a divergence angle
.theta., where .theta.<180.degree., for example
.theta.<90.degree. or in the range of
40.degree.<.theta.<50.degree.. It is most preferred that
.theta. be the same, or nearly so, as the divergence angle of the
slot walls 244 described below. Thus as shown in FIG. 11A, the ends
of the seal walls 234 distal from base 231 are further apart than
the ends of the seal walls proximate to base 231.
[0104] At the ends of the seal walls 234 distal from base 231, each
seal wall 234 is joined to an elongate arcuate buttress 235. The
end of each arcuate buttress 235, distal from the seal wall 234 to
which it is joined, is in turn joined to a respective planar
elongate seal surface 236; thus there are two planar seal surfaces
236 in compression seal 230. The planar seal surfaces 236 extend
away from the seal walls 234 in a converging relationship at a
convergence angle .delta., where .delta.<180.degree., for
example 90.degree.. Thus the ends of seal surfaces 236 distal from
arcuate buttresses 235 are closer together than the ends of seal
surfaces 236 proximate to arcuate buttresses 235. The ends of seal
surfaces 236 distal from arcuate buttresses 235 are joined by an
elongate seal closure 237. The base 231, seal walls 234, arcuate
buttresses 235, seal surfaces 236 and seal closure 237 thereby
define a hollow elongate seal chamber 238, as shown in FIG. 11A.
Seal closure 237 is curved in shape toward seal chamber 238, such
as to assume a cupped appearance.
[0105] Seal 230 is intended to be received in an elongate seal slot
240, shown for example in FIG. 11B. Slot 240 in general has a
dovetail shape, with an elongate planar floor 241 flanked by two
elongate lateral grooves 242, and with an elongate planar slot wall
244 abutting and extending from each groove 242 toward an elongate
shoulder 243 at the surface of the slot 240. Thus there are two
opposed shoulders 243 in seal slot 240. The planar slot walls 244
extend away from grooves 242 in a diverging relationship at a
divergence angle .epsilon., where .epsilon.<180.degree. (for
example .epsilon.<90.degree. or in the range of
40.degree.<.epsilon.<50.degree.), such that the edges of slot
walls 244 coincident with shoulders 243 are further apart than the
edges of slot walls 244 abutting grooves 242. Compression seal 230
is dimensioned to snugly fit within slot 240, as shown in FIG. 11B,
such that winglets 233 are received in grooves 242 and the arched
portion 232 of base 231 is compressed sufficiently to provide a
resilient force that urges winglets 233 into grooves 242 and causes
seal 230 to be retained in its proper position in slot 240 during
fabrication and following fabrication of the enclosure component
155.
[0106] When two enclosure components 155 on which are mounted two
paired enclosure component sealing structures, one of which bears a
compression seal 230, are appropriately positioned and pressed
together, compression seal 230 will be squeezed against the planar
exterior face 227 of the opposed seal plate 223, which causes seal
closure 237 and arcuate buttresses 235 to be urged into seal
chamber 238. This permits the two planar exterior faces 227 of the
pressed-together seal plates 223 of the paired sealing structures
to come into full contact. At the same time, arcuate buttresses 235
rotate down and seal surfaces 236 are urged into a generally
coplanar relationship (with arcuate buttresses 238 functioning as
hinges) with the opposing planar exterior face 227 pressing against
it, to create two lines of sealing.
[0107] Compression seal 230 can be fabricated from a resilient
material, such as rubber or plastic, for example polyurethane.
Particular embodiments of enclosure component sealing structures
utilizing the foregoing compression sealing system are described
below.
[0108] D. Wall Vertical Interlock (245), Wall End Cap (246) Sealing
System
[0109] FIG. 12 depicts in exploded form the junction between a wall
vertical interlock 245 and a wall end cap 246. The particular
junction is shown for illustrative purposes between wall portion
200s-1 and 200s-2, with wall vertical interlock 245 positioned on
the interior vertical edge of wall portion 200s-2 (interior
vertical edge 192-2 shown in FIG. 2) and wall end cap 246
positioned on the interior vertical edge of wall portion 200s-1
(interior vertical edge 192-1 shown in FIG. 2). In structure 150,
wall vertical interlock 245 and wall end cap 246 shown in FIG. 12
are vertically-oriented.
[0110] In particular, wall vertical interlock 245 is a rigid
elongate member that has an elongate seal plate 223 with an
elongate interior face 226 and an opposing elongate planar exterior
face 227. The exterior face 227 preferably is hard and smooth to
provide a good sealing surface. Seal plate 223 has a length and
width the same, or substantially the same, as the length and width
of the interior edge of wall portion 200s-2, so as to cover the
entirety, or substantially the entirety, of that interior edge of
wall portion 200s-2.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 12, at the mid-point of the interior face
226 of wall vertical interlock 245 there is provided an elongate
key 222, which is rectangular in cross section has a length the
same, or substantially the same, as the length of seal plate 223.
Key 222 is received in a corresponding elongate slot formed in the
interior edge reinforcement positioned on the interior vertical
edge of wall portion 200s-2, to which wall vertical interlock 245
is secured. Each of the top and bottom edges of wall vertical
interlock 245 define elongate locating slots 229 for receiving the
edge portions of sheet metal layers 205 and 216, when bent down at
a ninety degree (90.degree.) angle. In addition, the edge of one of
the slots 229 abutting the interior face 226 of wall vertical
interlock 245 is terminated an inset distance "I" from the opposing
edge of that slot, where I is the thickness of the protective layer
218, such as magnesium oxide (MgO) board.
[0112] Still referring to FIG. 12, at the mid-point of the exterior
face 227 of seal plate 223 of wall vertical interlock 245 there is
provided an elongate interlock slot 228, which is rectangular in
cross-section and has a length the same, or substantially the same,
as the length of the exterior face 227 of wall vertical interlock
245. Two elongate seal slots 240 are defined on the exterior face
227 of wall vertical interlock 245, one above interlock slot 228
and the other below interlock slot 228, as shown in FIG. 12. Each
slot 240 has a length the same, or substantially the same, as the
length of wall vertical interlock 245.
[0113] Wall vertical interlock 245 can be secured to the vertical
edge of wall portion 200s-2 shown in FIG. 12 for example by
adhesive applied to interior face 226, or by fasteners, such as
screw or nail fasteners, spaced apart along the length of wall
vertical interlock 245 and driven through the exterior face 227, or
by utilizing a combination of adhesive and fasteners.
[0114] FIG. 12 additionally depicts a wall end cap 246. Wall end
cap 246 shown in FIG. 12 is a rigid elongate member that is defined
by an elongate seal plate 223 having an elongate interior face 226
and an opposing elongate planar exterior face 227. The exterior
face 227 preferably is hard and smooth to provide a good sealing
surface. Seal plate 223 has a length and width the same, or
substantially the same, as the length and width of the exterior
edge of wall portion 200s-1, so as to cover the entirety, or
substantially the entirety, of the vertical edge of wall portion
200s-1 shown in in FIG. 12.
[0115] At the mid-point of the interior face 226 of wall end cap
246 show in in FIG. 12 there is provided an elongate key 222, which
is rectangular in cross-section and has a length the same, or
substantially the same, as the length of seal plate 223. Key 222 of
wall end cap 246 is received in a corresponding elongate slot
formed in the interior edge reinforcement, positioned on the
interior vertical edge of wall portion 200s-1, to which wall end
cap 246 is secured. Each of the top and bottom edges of wall end
cap 246 define elongate locating slots 229 for receiving the edge
portions of sheet metal layers 205 and 216, when bent down at a
ninety degree (90.degree.) angle. In addition, the edge of one of
the slots 229 abutting the interior face 226 of wall end cap 246 is
terminated an inset distance "I" from the opposing edge of that
slot, where I is the thickness of the protective layer 218, such as
magnesium oxide (MgO) board.
[0116] Wall end cap 246 can be secured to the vertical edge of wall
portion 200s-1 shown in FIG. 12 for example by adhesive applied to
interior face 226, or by fasteners, such as screw or nail
fasteners, spaced apart along the length of wall end cap 246 and
driven through the exterior face 227, or by utilizing a combination
of adhesive and fasteners.
[0117] In FIG. 12, wall vertical interlock 245 mates with wall end
cap 246. For this purpose, at the mid-point of the exterior face
227 of seal plate 223 of wall end cap 246 there is provided an
elongate interlock key 247, which is rectangular in cross-section
and has a length the same, or substantially the same, as the length
of the exterior face 227 of wall end cap 246. Interlock key 247
mates with interlock slot 228 when wall vertical interlock 245 and
wall end cap 246 are pressed together. Additionally, the two edges
of wall end cap 246 are provided with elongate coupling ridges 248
which mate with elongate coupling insets 249 located at the edges
of wall vertical interlock 245. Coupling ridges 248 and coupling
insets 249 can have the same, or approximately the same, lengths as
wall end cap 246 and wall vertical interlock 245 respectively.
[0118] Prior to mating wall vertical interlock 245 with wall end
cap 246, a compression seal 230 is placed in each of the two seal
slots 240 of wall vertical interlock 245, with each seal 230 having
the same, or approximately the same, length as the slot 240 in
which it is inserted. When wall vertical interlock 245 with wall
end cap 246 are pressed together in a mating relationship, the two
compression seals 230 are deformed in the manner described
previously to provide four lines of sealing between wall vertical
interlock 245 and wall end cap 246.
[0119] E. I-Beam Interlock A (250), I-Beam Interlock B (251)
Sealing System
[0120] FIG. 14 depicts in exploded form the junction between an
I-beam interlock A 250 and an I-beam interlock B 251, each shown in
cross-section. The particular junction is shown for illustrative
purposes between roof portion 400b and roof portion 400c, with
I-beam interlock A 250 positioned on the interior edge 412c of roof
portion 400c, and with I-beam interlock B 251 positioned on first
interior edge 412b of roof portion 400b. In structure 150, I-beam
interlock A 250 and I-beam interlock B 251 shown in FIG. 14 are
horizontally-oriented.
[0121] In particular, I-beam interlock A 250 is a rigid elongate
member that is defined by an elongate seal plate 223 having an
elongate interior face 226 and an opposing elongate planar exterior
face 227. The exterior face 227 preferably is hard and smooth to
provide a good sealing surface. Seal plate 223 has a length and
width the same, or substantially the same, as the length and width
of the interior edge 412c of roof portion 400c shown in FIG. 14, so
as to cover the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of that
interior edge.
[0122] As shown in FIG. 14, at the mid-point of the interior face
226 of I-beam interlock A 250 there is provided an elongate key
222, which has a rectangular cross-section and a length the same,
or substantially the same, as the length of I-beam interlock A 250.
Key 222 is received in a corresponding elongate slot formed in the
interior edge reinforcement positioned on the horizontal edge of
roof portion 400c, to which I-beam interlock A 250 is secured. Each
of the top and bottom edges of I-beam interlock A 250 define
elongate locating slots 229 for receiving the edge portions of
sheet metal layers 205 and 216, bent down at a ninety degree
(90.degree.) angle. In addition, the edge of one of the slots 229
abutting the interior face 226 of I-beam interlock A 250 is
terminated an inset distance "I" from the opposing edge of that
slot, where I is the thickness of the protective layer 218, such as
magnesium oxide (MgO) board.
[0123] Still referring to FIG. 14, in the lower half of the
exterior face 227 of seal plate 223 of I-beam interlock A 250 there
is provided an elongate interlock slot 228, which has a rectangular
cross-section and a length the same, or substantially the same, as
the length of the exterior face 227 of I-beam interlock A 250.
Three elongate seal slots 240 are defined on the exterior face 227
of I-beam interlock A 250, two above interlock slot 228 and one
below interlock slot 228, as shown in FIG. 14. Each seal slot 240
has a length the same, or substantially the same, as the length of
I-beam interlock A 250.
[0124] I-beam interlock A 250 can be secured to the interior edge
412c of roof portion 400c shown in FIG. 14 for example by adhesive
applied to interior face 226, or by fasteners, such as screw or
nail fasteners, spaced apart along the length of I-beam interlock A
250 and driven through the exterior face 227, or by utilizing a
combination of adhesive and fasteners.
[0125] FIG. 14 additionally depicts an I-beam interlock B 251.
I-beam interlock B 251 is a rigid elongate member that is defined
by an elongate seal plate 223 having an elongate interior face 226
and an opposing elongate planar exterior face 227. The exterior
face 227 preferably is hard and smooth to provide a good sealing
surface. Seal plate 223 has a length and width the same, or
substantially the same, as the length and width of the first
interior edge 412b of roof portion 400b, so as to cover the
entirety, or substantially the entirety, of that interior edge.
[0126] At the mid-point of the interior face 226 of I-beam
interlock B 251 shown in in FIG. 14 there is provided an elongate
key 222, which has a rectangular cross-section and a length the
same, or substantially the same, as the length of I-beam interlock
B 251. Key 222 of I-beam interlock B 251 is received in a
corresponding elongate slot formed in the exterior edge
reinforcement positioned on first interior edge 412b of roof
portion 400b, to which I-beam interlock B 251 is secured. Each of
the top and bottom edges of I-beam interlock B 251 define elongate
locating slots 229 for receiving the edge portions of sheet metal
layers 205 and 216, bent down at a ninety degree (90.degree.)
angle. In addition, the edge of one of the slots 229 abutting the
interior face 226 of wall end cap 246 is terminated an inset
distance "I" from the opposing edge of that slot, where I is the
thickness of the protective layer 218, such as magnesium oxide
(MgO) board.
[0127] I-beam interlock B 251 can be secured to the first interior
edge 412b of roof portion 400b for example by adhesive applied to
interior face 226, or by fasteners, such as screw or nail
fasteners, spaced apart along the length of I-beam interlock B 251
and driven through the exterior face 227, or by utilizing a
combination of adhesive and fasteners.
[0128] In FIG. 14, I-beam interlock A 250 mates with I-beam
interlock B 251. For this purpose, in the lower half of the
exterior face 227 of seal plate 223 of I-beam interlock B 251 there
is provided an elongate interlock key 247, which has a rectangular
cross-section and a length the same, or substantially the same, as
the length of I-beam interlock B 251. Interlock key 247 mates with
interlock slot 228 when I-beam interlock A 250 and I-beam interlock
B 251 are pressed together. Additionally, the exterior edges of
I-beam interlock B 251 are provided with elongate coupling ridges
248 which mate with elongate coupling insets 249 located at the
exterior edges of I-beam interlock A 250. Coupling ridges 248 and
coupling insets 249 can have the same, or approximately the same,
lengths as I-beam interlock A 250 and I-beam interlock B 251
respectively.
[0129] Prior to mating I-beam interlock A 250 with I-beam interlock
B 251, a compression seal 230 is placed in each of the three seal
slots 240 of I-beam interlock A 250, with each seal 230 having the
same, or approximately the same, length as the slot 240 in which it
is inserted. When I-beam interlock A 250 and I-beam interlock B 251
are pressed together in a mating relationship, the three
compression seals 230 are deformed in the manner described
previously to provide six lines of sealing between I-beam interlock
A 250 and I-beam interlock B 251.
[0130] F. Floor Top Plate (252), Wall End Cap (246) Sealing
System
[0131] FIG. 15 depicts in exploded form the junction between a
floor top plate 252 and a wall end cap 246, each shown in
cross-section. The particular junction is shown for illustrative
purposes between wall component 200R and floor portion 300a, with
floor top plate 252 positioned along the upper surface of floor
portion 300a adjacent second longitudinal floor edge 119, and with
wall end cap 246 positioned on the bottom edge of wall component
200R. In structure 150, wall 200R shown in FIG. 15 is vertically
oriented and floor portion 300a is horizontally oriented.
[0132] In particular, floor top plate 252 in FIG. 15 is a rigid
elongate member that has an elongate seal plate 223 with an
elongate interior face 226 and an opposing elongate planar exterior
face 227. The exterior face 227 preferably is hard and smooth to
provide a good sealing surface. Seal plate 223 has a length the
same, or substantially the same, as the length of second
longitudinal floor edge 119, so as to cover the top edge of floor
portion 300a proximate to second longitudinal floor edge 119. Seal
plate 223 of floor top plate 252 has a width the same, or
substantially the same, as the width of wall component 200R. The
floor top plate 252 preferably has a thickness "J" sufficient to
accommodate the thickness of any protective layer 218 and/or
flooring used to surface floor portion 300a, such as stone, wood or
carpeting.
[0133] As shown in FIG. 15, at the exterior edge of the interior
face 226 of floor top plate 252, proximate to second longitudinal
floor edge 119, there is provided a series of elongate stepped
locating ridges 254. These stepped locating ridges, which have a
length the same, or substantially the same, as the length of floor
top plate 252, mesh with the corresponding stepped locating ridges
253 shown on I-beam end cap 221 depicted in FIG. 10 and with dashed
lines in FIG. 15.
[0134] Still referring to FIG. 15, at the mid-point of the exterior
face 227 of seal plate 223 of floor top plate 252 there is provided
an elongate interlock slot 228, which has a rectangular
cross-section and a length the same, or substantially the same, as
the length of floor top plate 252. Two elongate seal slots 240 are
defined on the exterior face 227 of floor top plate 252, one on
each side of interlock slot 228, as shown in FIG. 15. Each slot 240
has a length the same, or substantially the same, as the length of
floor top plate 252.
[0135] Floor top plate 252 can be secured to the top edge of floor
portion 300a proximate to second longitudinal floor edge 119 shown
in FIG. 15 for example by adhesive applied to interior face 226, or
by fasteners, such as screw or nail fasteners, spaced apart along
the length of floor top plate 252 and driven through the exterior
face 227, or by utilizing a combination of adhesive and
fasteners.
[0136] FIG. 15 additionally depicts a wall end cap 246 positioned
along the bottom edge of wall component 200R. The design of wall
end cap 246 was previously described in connection with FIG. 12.
The seal plate 223 of wall end cap 246 shown in FIG. 15 has a
length and width the same, or substantially the same, as the length
and width of the bottom edge of wall component 200R, so as to cover
the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of the bottom edge of
wall component 200R shown in in FIG. 15.
[0137] Wall end cap 246 can be secured to the bottom edge of wall
component 200R shown in FIG. 15 for example by adhesive applied to
interior face 226, or by fasteners, such as screw or nail
fasteners, spaced apart along the length of wall end cap 246 and
driven through the exterior face 227, or by utilizing a combination
of adhesive and fasteners.
[0138] In FIG. 15, floor top plate 252 mates with wall end cap 246.
For this purpose, the interlock key 247 of wall end cap 246 is
provided with a length the same, or substantially the same, as the
length of the exterior face 227 of floor top plate 252. That
interlock key 247 mates with the interlock slot 228 of floor top
plate 252 when floor top plate 252 and wall end cap 246 are pressed
together, with the elongate coupling ridges 248 of wall end cap 246
mating with the elongate coupling insets 249 of floor top plate
252. Coupling ridges 248 and coupling insets 249 can have the same,
or approximately the same, lengths as wall end cap 246 and floor
top plate 252 respectively.
[0139] Prior to mating wall end cap 246 and floor top plate 252, a
compression seal 230 is placed in each of the two seal slots 240 of
floor top plate 252, with each seal 230 having the same, or
approximately the same, length as the seal slot 240 in which it is
inserted. When wall vertical interlock 245 and wall end cap 246 are
pressed together in a mating relationship, the two compression
seals 230 are deformed in the manner described previously to
provide four lines of sealing between wall end cap 246 and floor
top plate 252.
[0140] G. Roof Bottom Plate (255), Wall End Cap (246) Sealing
System
[0141] FIG. 13 depicts in exploded form the junction between a roof
bottom plate 255 and a wall end cap 246, each shown in
cross-section. The particular junction shown for illustrative
purposes is between wall component 200R and roof portion 400a, with
roof bottom plate 255 positioned along the lower face of roof
portion 400a adjacent second longitudinal roof edge 416, and wall
end cap 246 positioned on the top edge of wall component 200R. In
structure 150, wall component 200R in FIG. 13 is vertically
oriented and roof portion 400a is horizontally oriented.
[0142] The design of roof bottom plate 255 shown in FIG. 13 is
substantially the same as floor top plate 252 shown in FIG. 15,
except that roof bottom plate 255 is thinner because it need not
accommodate the thickness of any flooring; for example, roof bottom
plate 255 can have a thickness "I", equal to the thickness of an
abutting protective layer 218, such as MgO board. Roof bottom plate
255 in FIG. 13 is a rigid elongate member that has an elongate seal
plate 223 with an elongate planar interior face 226 and an opposing
elongate planar exterior face 227. The exterior face 227 preferably
is hard and smooth to provide a good sealing surface. Seal plate
223 of roof bottom plate 255 has a length the same, or
substantially the same, as the length of second longitudinal roof
edge 416, so as to cover the bottom edge of roof portion 400a
proximate to second longitudinal roof edge 416. Seal plate 223 of
roof bottom plate 255 has a width the same, or substantially the
same, as the width of wall component 200R.
[0143] As shown in FIG. 13, at the exterior edge of the interior
face 226 of roof bottom plate 255, proximate to second longitudinal
roof edge 416, there is provided a series of elongate stepped
locating ridges 254. These stepped locating ridges, which have a
length the same, or substantially the same, as the length of roof
bottom plate 255, mesh with the corresponding stepped locating
ridges 253 of wall end cap 221 depicted in FIG. 10 and with dashed
lines in FIG. 13, and positioned at the exterior edge of roof
portion 400a.
[0144] Still referring to FIG. 13, at the mid-point of the exterior
face 227 of seal plate 223 of roof bottom plate 255 there is
provided an elongate interlock slot 228, which has a rectangular
cross-section and a length the same, or substantially the same, as
the length of roof bottom plate 255. There are two elongate seal
slots 240 defined on the exterior face 227 of roof bottom plate
255, one on each side of interlock slot 228, as shown in FIG. 13.
Each seal slot 240 has a length the same, or substantially the
same, as the length of roof bottom plate 255.
[0145] Roof bottom plate 255 can be secured to the bottom face of
roof portion 400a shown in FIG. 13 for example by adhesive applied
to interior face 226, or by fasteners, such as screw or nail
fasteners, spaced apart along the length of roof bottom plate 255
and driven through the exterior face 227, or by utilizing a
combination of adhesive and fasteners.
[0146] FIG. 13 additionally depicts a wall end cap 246 positioned
along the top edge of wall component 200R. The design of wall end
cap 246 was previously described in connection with FIG. 12. The
seal plate 223 of wall end cap 246 shown in FIG. 13 has a length
and width the same, or substantially the same, as the length and
width of the top edge of wall component 200R, so as to cover the
entirety, or substantially the entirety, of the top edge of wall
component 200R. Wall end cap 246 can be fastened to that top edge
for example by adhesive applied to its interior face 226, or by
fasteners, such as screw or nail fasteners, spaced apart along the
length of wall end cap 246 and driven through its exterior face
227, or by utilizing a combination of adhesive and fasteners.
[0147] In FIG. 13, roof bottom plate 255 mates with wall end cap
246. For this purpose, the interlock key 247 of wall end cap 246 is
provided with a length the same, or substantially the same, as the
length of roof bottom plate 255. That interlock key 247 mates with
the interlock slot 228 of roof bottom plate 255 when roof bottom
plate 255 and wall end cap 246 are pressed together, with the
elongate coupling ridges 248 of wall end cap 246 mating with
elongate coupling insets 249 of roof bottom plate 255. Coupling
ridges 248 and coupling insets 249 can be the same, or
approximately the same, as the lengths of wall end cap 246 and roof
bottom plate 255 respectively.
[0148] Prior to mating wall end cap 246 and roof bottom plate 255,
a compression seal 230 is placed in each of the two seal slots 240
of roof bottom plate 255, with each seal 230 having the same, or
approximately the same, length as the slot 240 in which it is
inserted. When roof bottom plate 255 and wall end cap 246 are
pressed together in a mating relationship, the two compression
seals 230 are deformed in the manner described previously to
provide four lines of sealing between roof bottom plate 255 and
wall end cap 246.
[0149] H. Shear Seal (260)
[0150] A number of the enclosure component sealing systems
described herein and utilized in structure 150 include a shear seal
system. An element of that shear seal system is a shear seal
260.
[0151] Shear seal 260, which is shown in cross-section in FIG. 16A,
is an elongate member having a planar elongate base 231 flanked by
two elongate winglets 233. At the intersection of base 231 and each
of the winglets 233, there is provided two opposed elongate seal
walls 234 (individually referred to as seal walls 234A, 234B),
joined to and extending away from base 231 in a diverging
relationship at a divergence angle .lamda. where
.lamda.<180.degree., for example .lamda.<90.degree. or in the
range of 40.degree.<.lamda.<50.degree.. It is most preferred
that .lamda. be the same, or nearly so, as the divergence angle E
of the slot walls 244 shown in FIG. 11B. Thus as shown in FIG. 16A,
the ends of the seal walls 234 distal from base 231 are further
apart than the ends of the seal walls 234 proximate to base
231.
[0152] At the end of seal wall 234B distal from base 231, seal wall
234B is joined to an elongate seal closure 237, a planar surface
oriented at an upward angle .alpha. (relative to the planar
orientation of base 231) away from seal wall 234B in a direction
toward an elongate seal support 239, described below, with
.alpha.<90.degree.. A planar cantilevered seal surface 257 is
joined to the edge of seal closure 237 that is distal from seal
wall 234B, as shown in FIG. 16A.
[0153] At the end of seal wall 234A distal from base 231, seal wall
234A is joined to the elongate seal support 239. Proximate to seal
wall 234A, seal support 239 comprises an elongate planar region
oriented parallel to base 231. Distal from seal wall 234A, seal
support 239 comprises an elongate arcuate buttress region. The edge
of the arcuate buttress region of seal support 239, which is distal
from seal wall 234A, joins cantilevered seal surface 257 proximate
to the junction of cantilevered seal surface 257 and seal closure
237 to define a hollow seal chamber 238. Planar cantilevered seal
surface 257 is oriented at an upward angle .beta. away from the
junction of arcuate buttress 235 and seal closure 237 and
terminates at a free end 258, with .beta.<90.degree., for
example .beta.>.alpha..
[0154] Shear seal 260 is intended to be received in an elongate
seal slot 240, shown for example in FIG. 16B, which has the same
geometry as the seal slots 40 utilized to receive compression seals
230. Shear seal 260 is dimensioned to snugly fit within slot 240,
such that winglets 233 of seal 260 are received in grooves 242 of
slot 240. An exemplary placement of a shear seal 260 is depicted in
FIG. 16B, which shows a shear seal 260 placed within the slot 240
of a wall end interlock A 262, described further below. As can be
seen, when shear seal 260 is properly positioned in slot 240, both
seal wall 234A and seal wall 234B terminate below the level of
exterior face 227 of wall end interlock A 262, with seal wall 234A
(underlying planar cantilevered seal surface 257) terminating below
the level at which seal wall 234B terminates.
[0155] Shear seal 260 is preferably utilized where two enclosure
components 155 are laterally moved during unfolding, one over the
other. In such an instance, the two enclosure components 155 are
provided with paired enclosure component sealing structures, with
one enclosure component sealing structure mounted on one of the
enclosure components 155 (such as on an exterior edge), and the
other enclosure component sealing structure mounted on the other of
the enclosure component structures 155 (such as on an interior
face). Each of the paired enclosure component sealing structures
has a shear seal 260, with the two shear seals 260 being oppositely
oriented; that is to say, the cantilevered seal surface 257 of each
is oriented away from the cantilevered seal surface 257 of the
other, and each is oriented in the direction of relative movement.
Thus in the case of each of the two shear seals 260, the lateral
movement of one enclosure component 155, relative to the other, is
in the direction from seal wall 234B toward seal wall 234A. This
lateral movement flattens the cantilevered seal surface 257, as
well as the seal closure 237, and squeezes down each shear seal
260, such that its seal closure 237 and seal support 239 are urged
into seal chamber 238. This permits the opposing planar exterior
faces 227 of each of the two enclosure component sealing structures
to come into full contact. At the same time, the cantilevered seal
surface 257 and seal closure 237 of each shear seal 260 are urged
into a generally coplanar relationship, with the planar exterior
face 227 of the opposing enclosure component seal structure
pressing against them, to create an elongate area of sealing.
[0156] Shear seal 260 can be fabricated from a resilient material,
such as rubber or plastic, for example polyurethane. Particular
embodiments of enclosure component sealing structures utilizing the
foregoing compression sealing system are described below.
[0157] I. Wall End Interlock A (262), Floor Top Interlock (261)
Sealing System
[0158] FIG. 17 depicts in exploded form the junction between a
floor top interlock 261 and a wall end interlock A 262, each shown
in cross-section. The particular junction is shown for illustrative
purposes between wall portion 200s-2 and floor portion 300b, with
floor top interlock 261 positioned along the upper face of floor
portion 300b adjacent first transverse floor edge 120, and with
wall end interlock A 262 positioned on the bottom edge of wall
portion 200s-2. In structure 150, wall portion 200s-2 in FIG. 17 is
vertically oriented and floor portion 300b is horizontally
oriented.
[0159] In particular, floor top interlock 261 shown in FIG. 17 is a
rigid elongate member that has an elongate seal plate 223 with an
interior face 226 and an opposing planar exterior face 227. The
exterior face 227 preferably is hard and smooth to provide a good
sealing surface. Seal plate 223 has a length the same, or
substantially the same, as the dimension of floor portion 300b
coinciding with first transverse floor edge 120, so as to cover the
top edge of floor portion 300b proximate to first transverse floor
edge 120. Seal plate 223 of floor top interlock 261 has a width the
same, or substantially the same, as the width of wall portion
200s-2. The floor top interlock 261 preferably has a thickness "J"
at its interior edge, as shown in FIG. 17, sufficient to
accommodate the thickness of any protective layer 218 and/or
flooring used to surface floor portion 300b, such as stone, wood or
carpeting.
[0160] As shown in FIG. 17, at the exterior edge of the interior
face 226 of floor top interlock 261, adjacent first transverse
floor edge 120, there is provided a series of elongate stepped
locating ridges 254. These stepped locating ridges 254, which have
a length the same, or substantially the same, as the length of
floor top interlock 261, mesh with the corresponding stepped
locating ridges 253. shown on the wall end cap 221 depicted in FIG.
10. Such a wall end cap 221 is located at the exterior edge of wall
portion 300b, as indicated in FIG. 17 by dashed lines.
[0161] Still referring to FIG. 17, an elongate seal slot 240 is
defined on the exterior face 227 of floor top interlock 261,
proximate to the exterior edge of floor portion 300b (such exterior
edge coincides with first transverse floor edge 120). Seal slot 240
has a length the same, or substantially the same, as the length of
floor top interlock 261.
[0162] Floor top interlock 261 can be secured to the top edge of
floor portion 300b at first transverse floor edge 120 shown in FIG.
17 for example by adhesive applied to interior face 226, or by
fasteners, such as screw or nail fasteners, spaced apart along the
length of floor top interlock 261 and driven through the exterior
face 227, or by utilizing a combination of adhesive and
fasteners.
[0163] Wall end interlock A 262, also shown in FIG. 17, is a rigid
elongate member that has an elongate seal plate 223 with an
interior face 226 and an opposing exterior face 227. The exterior
face 227 preferably is hard and smooth to provide a good sealing
surface. The seal plate 223 of wall end interlock A 262 has a
length and width the same, or substantially the same, as the length
and width of the bottom edge of wall portion 200s-2, so as to cover
the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of the bottom edge of
wall portion 200s-2, as shown in in FIG. 17.
[0164] At the mid-point of the interior face 226 of seal plate 223
of wall end interlock A 262, there is provided an elongate key 222,
which has a rectangular cross section and a length the same, or
substantially the same, as the length of wall end interlock A 262.
Key 222 is received in a corresponding elongate slot formed in the
exterior edge reinforcement positioned on the bottom edge of the
wall portion 200s-2 to which wall end interlock A 262 is
secured.
[0165] Again referring to FIG. 17, an elongate seal slot 240 is
defined on the exterior face 227 of wall end interlock A 262,
toward the interior edge of wall end interlock A 262 (distal from
first transverse floor edge 120). This seal slot 240 has a length
the same, or substantially the same, as the length of wall end
interlock A 262. Additionally, each of the interior and exterior
edges of wall end interlock A 262 define locating slots 229. In the
case where the enclosure component 155, in this case wall portion
200s-2, utilizes the enclosure component laminate design shown in
FIG. 7, locating slots 229 receive the edge portions of sheet metal
layers 205 and 216, bent down at a ninety degree (90.degree.)
angle.
[0166] Wall end interlock A 262 can be fastened to the bottom edge
of wall portion 200s-2 for example by adhesive applied to its
interior face 226, or by fasteners, such as screw or nail
fasteners, spaced apart along the length of wall end interlock A
262 and driven through its exterior face 227, or by utilizing a
combination of adhesive and fasteners.
[0167] In FIG. 17, floor top interlock 261 mates with wall end
interlock A 262. Prior to mating, a shear seal 260 is placed in the
seal slot 240 of floor top interlock 261, and a shear seal 260 is
placed in the seal slot 240 of wall end interlock A 262. The shear
seals 260 placed in the seals slots 240 of floor top interlock 261
and wall end interlock A 262 each has the same, or approximately
the same, length as the slot 240 in which it is inserted.
[0168] Mating of floor top interlock 261 with wall end interlock A
262 occurs by the bottom edge of wall portion 200s-2 moving over
the top surface of floor portion 300b, from a folded position to an
unfolded position. Thus in the arrangement shown in FIG. 17, such
mating will correspond to a movement of wall portion 200s-2 from
the right-hand side of the figure toward the left, with wall end
interlock A 262 sliding over floor top interlock 261 until the
fully unfolded position is reached. In that fully unfolded
position, the shear seal 260 in floor top interlock 261, and
particularly its seal surface 257, will be in pressing contact with
the exterior face 227 of wall end interlock A 262; and the shear
seal 260 in wall end interlock A 262, and particularly its seal
surface 257, will be in pressing contact with the exterior face 227
of floor top interlock 261. Consistent with this movement, the
shear seal 260 placed in seal slot 240 of floor top interlock 261
is preferably oriented so that the free end 258 of its cantilevered
seal surface 257 is directed toward the exterior edge of floor top
interlock 261 (toward first transverse floor edge 120), and the
shear seal 260 placed in the seal slot 240 of wall end interlock A
262 is preferably oriented so that the free end 258 of its
cantilevered seal surface 257 is directed toward the interior edge
of wall end interlock A 262 (away from first transverse floor edge
120).
[0169] To facilitate mating, it is preferred that planar exterior
face 227 of floor top interlock 261 not be parallel to the interior
face 226 of floor top interlock 261, or to the top face of wall
portion 300b, but rather be inclined downward, in the direction
moving away from first transverse floor edge 120 at an angle
.gamma., as shown in FIG. 17. Likewise, it is preferred that planar
exterior face 227 of wall end interlock A 262 be inclined upward,
in the direction moving toward first transverse floor edge 120, at
the same angle .gamma., as shown in FIG. 17. Accordingly, when
bottom edge of wall portion 200s-2 moves over the top surface of
floor portion 300b, from a folded position to an unfolded position,
the shear seals 260 located in slots 240 of floor top interlock 261
and wall end interlock A 262 will be compressed by the sliding
movement of wall end interlock A 262 to provide two elongate
sealing areas between floor portion 300b and wall portion 200s-2.
Also to facilitate mating, there is shown in FIG. 17 a step-down
268 on the exterior face 227 of wall end interlock A 262. Step-down
268 is an abrupt reduction in the thickness of wall end interlock A
262, in the direction moving from the inside edge of wall end
interlock A 262 toward the outside edge of wall end interlock A
262, which outside edge in the case of the junction depicted in
FIG. 17 is proximate first transverse floor edge 120 when wall
portion 200s-2 is in the fully unfolded position. Step-down 268 is
located between the slot 240 and the outside edge of wall end
interlock A 262. There is also shown in FIG. 17 a corresponding
step-up 269 on the exterior face 227 of floor top interlock 261.
Step-up 269 is an abrupt increase in the thickness of floor top
interlock 261, in the direction moving from the inside edge of
floor top interlock 261 toward the outside edge of floor top
interlock 261, which outside edge in the case of the junction
depicted in FIG. 17 is proximate first transverse floor edge 120
when floor portion 300b is in the fully unfolded position. Step-up
269 is located between the slot 240 and the inside edge of floor
top interlock 261 (distal from first transverse floor edge 120).
Step-down 268 and step-up 269 are appropriately located to act as a
"stop" and insure correct alignment of wall end interlock A 262
with floor top interlock 261 as wall end interlock A 262 slides
over floor top interlock 261.
[0170] J. Wall End Interlock B (263), Wall End Interlock A (262)
Sealing System
[0171] FIG. 18 depicts in exploded form the junction between a wall
end interlock B 263 and a wall end interlock A 262, each shown in
cross-section. The particular junction is shown for illustrative
purposes between wall portion 200s-2 and wall component 200P, with
wall end interlock B 263 positioned on the interior edge of wall
component 200P proximate first transverse edge 108 and wall end
interlock A 262 positioned on the vertical edge of wall portion
200s-2 proximate first longitudinal edge 106. In structure 150,
wall portion 200s-2 depicted in FIG. 18 is vertically oriented and
wall component 200P is vertically oriented.
[0172] In particular, wall end interlock B 263 in FIG. 18 is an
elongate member that has an elongate seal plate 223 with an
elongate interior face 226 and an opposing elongate planar exterior
face 227. The exterior face 227 preferably is hard and smooth to
provide a good sealing surface. Seal plate 223 has a length the
same, or substantially the same, as the height of wall component
200P when unfolded, so as to cover the interior edge of wall
component 200P proximate to first transverse edge 108. Seal plate
223 of wall end interlock B 263 has a width the same, or
substantially the same, as the width of wall portion 200s-2. In
general terms, the design of wall end interlock B 263 is
substantially the same as floor top interlock 261 depicted in FIG.
17, except wall end interlock B 263 is thinner because it need not
accommodate any flooring; for example, wall end interlock B 263 can
have a thickness "I" (not shown in FIG. 18) at its interior edge
equal to the thickness of an abutting protective layer 218, such as
MgO board.
[0173] Still referring to FIG. 18, an elongate seal slot 240 is
defined on the exterior face 227 of wall end interlock B 263,
proximate the interior edge of wall component 200P positioned
adjacent to first longitudinal edge 106. Seal slot 240 has a length
the same, or substantially the same, as the length of wall end
interlock B 263.
[0174] Wall end interlock B 263 can be secured to the interior edge
of wall component 200P as shown in FIG. 18 for example by adhesive
applied to interior face 226, or by fasteners, such as screw or
nail fasteners, spaced apart along the length of wall end interlock
B 263 and driven through the exterior face 227, or by utilizing a
combination of adhesive and fasteners.
[0175] FIG. 18 additionally shows a wall end interlock A 262
positioned along the depicted vertical edge of wall portion 200s-2.
The design of wall end interlock A 262 was previously disclosed in
connection with FIG. 17. The seal plate 223 of the wall end
interlock A 262 shown in FIG. 18 has a length and width the same,
or substantially the same, as the length and width of the depicted
vertical edge of wall portion 200s-2, so as to cover the entirety,
or substantially the entirety, of that vertical edge of wall
portion 200s-2, as shown in in FIG. 18. The elongate rectangular
key 222 of wall end interlock A 262 shown in FIG. 18 has a length
the same, or substantially the same, as the length of that wall end
interlock A 262. Key 222 is received in a corresponding elongate
slot formed in the exterior edge reinforcement positioned on the
vertical edge of the wall portion 200s-2 to which wall end
interlock A 262 is secured. The seal slot 240 of wall end interlock
A 262 shown in FIG. 18 has a length the same, or substantially the
same, as the length of that wall end interlock A 262. In the case
where the enclosure component 155, in this case wall portion
200s-2, utilizes the enclosure component laminate design shown in
FIG. 7, the locating slots 229 of wall end interlock A 262 shown in
FIG. 18 receive the edge portions of sheet metal layers 205 and
216, bent down at a ninety degree (90.degree.) angle.
[0176] Wall end interlock A 262 can be secured to the vertical edge
of wall portion 200s-2 shown in FIG. 18 for example by adhesive
applied to its interior face 226, or by fasteners, such as screw or
nail fasteners, spaced apart along the length of wall end interlock
A 262 and driven through its exterior face 227, or by utilizing a
combination of adhesive and fasteners.
[0177] In FIG. 18, wall end interlock A 262 mates with a wall end
interlock B 263. Prior to mating, a shear seal 260 is placed in the
seal slot 240 of wall end interlock A 262, and a shear seal 260 is
placed in the seal slot 240 of wall end interlock B 263. Each of
the shear seals 260 placed in the seals slots 240 of wall end
interlock A 262 and a wall end interlock B 263 has the same, or
approximately the same, length as the slot 240 in which it is
inserted.
[0178] Mating of wall end interlock A 262 and a wall end interlock
B 263 occurs by the vertical edge of wall portion 200s-2 depicted
in FIG. 18 swinging toward and across the interior surface of wall
component 200P, as wall portion 200s-2 moves from a folded position
to an unfolded position. Thus in the arrangement shown in FIG. 18,
such mating will correspond to a movement of wall portion 200s-2
from the top of the figure toward the bottom, with wall end
interlock A 262 sliding across wall end interlock B 263 until the
fully unfolded position is reached. In that fully unfolded
position, the shear seal 260 in wall end interlock A 262, and
particularly its seal surface 257, will be in pressing contact with
the exterior face 227 of wall end interlock B 263; and the shear
seal 260 in wall end interlock B 263, and particularly its seal
surface 257, will be in pressing contact with the exterior face 227
of wall end interlock A 262. Consistent with this movement, the
shear seal 260 placed in seal slot 240 of floor top interlock B 263
is preferably oriented so that the free end 258 of its cantilevered
seal surface 257 is directed toward the exterior edge of wall end
interlock B 263 (toward first transverse edge 108), and the shear
seal 260 placed in the seal slot 240 of wall end interlock A 262 is
preferably oriented so that the free end 258 of its cantilevered
seal surface 257 is directed toward the interior edge of wall end
interlock A 262 (away from first transverse edge 108).
[0179] To facilitate mating, it is preferred that planar exterior
face 227 of wall end interlock B 263 not be parallel to the
interior face 226 of wall end interlock B or to the interior face
of wall component 200P, but rather be inclined at an angle .gamma.,
as shown in FIG. 17, so that seal plate 223 of wall end interlock B
263 becomes progressively thinner moving away from first transverse
edge 108. Likewise, it is preferred that planar exterior face 227
of wall end interlock A 262 be inclined at the same angle .gamma.,
as shown in FIG. 17, so that seal plate 223 of wall end interlock A
262 becomes progressively thicker moving away from first transverse
edge 108. Accordingly, when vertical edge of wall portion 200s-2
swings toward and across the interior surface of wall component
200P, from a folded position to an unfolded position, the shear
seals 260 located in slots 240 of floor end interlock A 262 and
wall end interlock B 263 will be compressed by the sliding movement
of wall end interlock A 262 to provide two elongate sealing areas
between wall component 200P and wall portion 200s-2. Also to
facilitate mating, as previously described a step-down 268 is
provided on the exterior face 227 of wall end interlock A 262.
Step-down 268 is an abrupt reduction in the thickness of wall end
interlock A 262, in the direction moving from the inside edge of
wall end interlock A 262 toward the outside edge of wall end
interlock A 262, which outside edge in the case of the junction
depicted in FIG. 18 is proximate first transverse edge 108 when
wall portion 200s-2 is in the fully unfolded position. Step-down
268 is positioned between the slot 240 and the outside edge of wall
end interlock A 262 (proximate transverse edge 108), as depicted in
FIG. 18. Also as depicted in FIG. 18, a corresponding step-up 269
is provided on the exterior face 227 of wall end interlock B 263.
Step-up 269 is an abrupt increase in thickness of wall end
interlock B 263, in the direction moving from the inside edge of
wall end interlock B 263 toward the outside edge of wall end
interlock B 263, which outside edge in the case of the junction
depicted in FIG. 18 is proximate first transverse edge 108. Step-up
269 is positioned between the slot 240 and the inside edge of wall
end interlock B 263 (distal from first transverse edge 108).
Step-down 268 and step-up 269 are appropriately located to act as a
"stop" and insure correct alignment of wall end interlock A 262
with wall end interlock B 263 as wall end interlock A 262 slides
across wall end interlock B 263.
[0180] K. Closure Boards
[0181] The two closure boards of these inventions, namely perimeter
board 310 and roof skirt board 280, are described below.
[0182] Perimeter Board (310). The exterior edges of floor component
300, or portions thereof, are optionally provided with a perimeter
board 310.
[0183] FIG. 19A depicts in cross section an exemplary positioning
of perimeter board 310. In particular, perimeter board 310 is
designed to be positioned against an I-beam end cap 221, in this
instance the I-beam end cap 221 located on an exterior edge of
floor portion 300a. Perimeter board 310 includes an elongate seal
plate 223 with an interior face 226 and an opposing exterior face
227. Perimeter board 310 has such length as is desired, such as to
span the entirety of the exterior edge of floor portion 300a. As
shown in FIG. 19A, the width of perimeter board 310 can be
sufficient to capture the thickness of the floor component 300a, or
floor portion thereof against which it is positioned, plus a
portion of the abutting wall component 200 or wall component
portion.
[0184] The interior face 226 of perimeter board 310 includes an
elongate locating key 264, which is rectangular in cross section
and dimensioned to be received in accessory slot 224 of I-beam end
cap 221. Locating key 264 can be the same length as the perimeter
board 310, or can comprise space apart discrete segments. The
interior face 226 of perimeter board 310 in FIG. 19A also includes
a plurality of elongate clearance slots 266, rectangular in cross
section in the embodiment shown, and having a length the same as,
or substantially the same as, the length of perimeter board 310.
Clearance slots 266 are preferably located so as to be positioned
over locating grooves 225 of I-beam end cap 221 when locating key
264 is received in accessory slot 224. When so located, clearance
slots 266 provide space for fastener heads driven into locating
grooves 225 of I-beam end cap 221 so that perimeter board 310 can
be snugly positioned against I-beam end cap 221.
[0185] The exterior face 227 of perimeter board 310 depicted in
FIG. 19A includes two elongate fastener slots 265, each of which
has a dovetail shape in cross section in the embodiment shown, and
a length the same as, or substantially the same as, the length of
perimeter board 310. A locating groove 225 is provided in each
fastener slot 265, so as to facilitate the accurate positioning of
nails or other fasteners utilized to secure perimeter board 310 to
abutting components.
[0186] FIG. 19B depicts in cross section the positioning of I-beam
end cap 221, floor top plate 252, wall end cap 246 and perimeter
board 310 relative to each other at a junction between wall
component 200R and floor portion 300a. As can be seen, perimeter
board 310 masks this junction from external view to achieve a more
attractive appearance, as well as providing an additional barrier
against the ingress of soil, dust, rain and the like. A resilient
strip 267, such as those shown in FIG. 19B, can be snapped into
each of the fastener slots 265 to cover any nail or fastener heads
exposed in those slots.
[0187] Roof Skirt Board. The exterior edges of roof component 400,
or portions thereof, are optionally provided with a roof skirt
board 280.
[0188] FIG. 20 depicts in cross section an exemplary positioning of
roof skirt board 280. In particular, roof skirt board 280 is
designed to be positioned against an I-beam end cap 221, in this
instance the I-beam end cap 221 located on an exterior edge of roof
portion 400a. Roof skirt board 280 includes an elongate seal plate
223 with an interior face 226 and an opposing exterior face 227.
Roof skirt board 280 has such length as is desired, such as to span
the entirety of the exterior edge of roof portion 400a. As shown in
FIG. 20, the width of roof skirt board 280 can be sufficient to
capture the thickness of the roof component 400, or portion thereof
against which it is positioned, plus a portion of the abutting wall
component 200 or wall portion.
[0189] The interior face 226 of roof skirt board 280 includes an
elongate cinch key 278, which is preferably serpentine in cross
section and dimensioned to be received in accessory slot 224 of
I-beam end cap 221. Cinch key 278 can be the same length as the
perimeter board 310, or can comprise space apart discrete segments.
In turn, the exterior face 227 of roof skirt board 280 includes an
elongate fastener slot 265 positioned over cinch key 278. Fastener
slot 265 has a dovetail shape in cross section in the embodiment
shown, and a length the same as, or substantially the same as, the
length of roof skirt board 280. An elongate locating groove 225 is
provided in the fastener slot 265 of roof skirt board 280, and
provides a visual indication of where to place fasteners during
construction.
[0190] Roof skirt board 280 facilitates the securing of roofing
material, such as thermoplastic polyolefin membrane, to wall
components 200. After fully unfolding the roof portions, such
roofing material is optionally used to cover the top of roof
component 400. The roofing material extending beyond roof component
400 is then folded down to extend between exterior face 227 of
I-beam end cap 221 of roof portion 400a shown in FIG. 20 and
interior face 226 of roof skirt board 280. After the roofing
material is so positioned, nails or other fasteners are driven at
spaced intervals along locating groove 225, to press roof skirt
board 280 against the roofing material and secure the roofing
material in place between roof skirt board 280 and I-beam end cap
221. Cinch key 278, if provided with a serpentine or like cross
section, provides additional area so as to better capture the
roofing material. An elongate resilient strip 267, such as the one
shown in FIG. 20, can be snapped into fastener slot 265 to cover
any nail or fastener heads exposed in this slot.
[0191] Enclosure Component Sealing Structure Materials
[0192] The enclosure component sealing structures described herein
can be fabricated from a number of materials, such as wood,
aluminum, plastics and the like. It is preferred to fabricate the
enclosure component sealing structures from foamed polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), particularly Celuka foamed PVC. This material
provides a strong, impact and crack-resistant lightweight material
with a hard attractive exterior, which, in addition to contributing
a sealing function, additionally contributes to the structural
rigidity of the enclosure components 155.
[0193] Enclosure Component Sealing Structure Exemplary
Placements
[0194] The exploded views in FIGS. 8A and 8B of structure 150
depicted in FIG. 1 provide exemplary placements of the enclosure
component sealing structures described herein. For illustrative
purposes to better understand some of these exemplary placements,
certain of the enclosure component sealing structures shown in
FIGS. 8A and 8B are shown slightly separated from the enclosure
component 155 to which they are fastened.
[0195] Referring to FIG. 8A, I-beam end caps 221 can be utilized to
seal the horizontal exterior edges of floor portion 300a (three
placements), floor portion 300b (three placements), roof portion
300a (three placements), roof portion 300b (two placements) and
roof portion 300c (three placements). Further, as shown in FIG. 8B
and in detail in FIG. 12, the hinged junction between wall portion
200s-1 and 200s-2 can be sealed by positioning a wall end cap 246
on the vertical edge of wall portion 200s-1 and a wall vertical
interlock 245 on the vertical edge of wall portion 200s-2.
Likewise, the hinged vertical junction between wall portion 200s-3
and 200s-4 can be sealed as shown in FIG. 8B by positioning a wall
end cap 246 on the hinged vertical edge of wall portion 200s-3 and
a wall vertical interlock 245 on the hinged vertical edge of wall
portion 200s-4.
[0196] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, and in detail in
FIG. 13, the horizontal junction between wall component 200R and
roof portion 400a can be sealed by positioning a roof bottom plate
255 on the bottom face of roof portion 400a overlying wall
component 200R and by positioning a wall end cap 246 on the
horizontal edge of wall component 200R, which supports roof portion
400a. A like seal arrangement can be used to seal the horizontal
junctions between roof portions 400a, 400b and 400c, and wall
portions 200s-1 through 200s-4 (unfolded roof portion 400b will
rest on unfolded wall portion 200s-2 and also on a section of wall
portion 200s-1, as can be appreciated from FIG. 3), as well as to
seal the horizontal junction between roof portion 400c and wall
component 200P. The two vertical exterior edges of wall component
200R can each be sealed by positioning on each of them a wall end
cap 246.
[0197] In a comparable manner, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and in
detail in FIG. 15, the horizontal junction between wall component
200R and floor portion 300a can be sealed by positioning a wall end
cap 246 on the horizontal edge of wall component 200R resting on
floor portion 300a and by positioning on the top face of floor
portion 300a underlying wall component 200R a floor top plate 252.
A like seal arrangement can be used to seal the horizontal
junctions between floor portion 300b and wall component 200P, and
between floor portion 300a and wall portions 200s-1 and 200s-3, up
to the point where wall portion 200s-1 meets wall portion 200s-2,
and up to the point where wall portion 200s-3 meets wall portion
200s-4. The two vertical exterior edges of wall component 200P can
be sealed by positioning on each of them a wall end cap 246.
[0198] Furthermore, the hinged horizontal junction between roof
portion 400b and roof portion 400c, as shown in FIG. 8A and in
detail in FIG. 14, can be sealed by positioning an I-beam interlock
A 250 on interior edge 412c of roof portion 400c, and an I-beam
interlock B 251 on first interior edge 412b of roof portion 400b.
Similarly, the hinged horizontal junction between roof portion 400a
and roof portion 400b shown in FIG. 8A can be sealed by positioning
an I-beam interlock A 250 on second interior edge 412b of roof
portion 400b, and an I-beam interlock B 251 on interior edge 412a
of roof portion 400a. In like manner, the hinged horizontal
junction between floor portion 300a and floor portion 300b can be
sealed by positioning an I-beam interlock A 250 on the interior
edge 301b of floor portion 300b and an I-beam interlock B 251 on
the interior edge 301a of floor portion 300a.
[0199] Referring now to FIGS. 8A, 8B and in detail to FIG. 17, the
horizontal junction between wall portion 200s-2 and floor portions
300a and 300b can be sealed by positioning a wall end interlock A
262 on the bottom edge of wall portion 200s-2 and a floor top
interlock 261 on the regions of the upper face of floor portions
300a and 300b underlying wall portion 200s-2 when wall portion
200s-2 is in its fully unfolded position. The horizontal junction
between wall portion 200s-4 and floor portions 300a and 300b when
wall portion 200s-4 in its fully unfolded position can be sealed
similarly.
[0200] Finally, referring to FIG. 8B and in detail to FIG. 18, the
vertical junction between wall portion 200s-2 and wall component
200P can be sealed by positioning a wall end interlock A 262 on the
vertical edge of wall portion 200s-2 that is adjacent to wall
component 200P when both wall portion 200s-2 and wall component
200P are in their fully unfolded positons, and by positioning a
wall end interlock B 263 on the region of the interior face of wall
component 200P that is adjacent wall portion 200s-2 when both wall
portion 200s-2 and wall component 200P are in their fully unfolded
positions. The vertical junction between wall portion 200s-4 and
wall component 200P can be sealed in like manner.
[0201] Enclosure Component Manufacture
[0202] For enclosure components 155 having the construction
disclosed herein in reference to FIG. 7, the metal sheets 206 and
217 that can be used to form first structural layer 210 and second
structural layer 215 respectively can be entirely flat and
juxtaposed in a simple abutting relationship. Optionally, metal
sheets 206 and 217 can be provided with edge structures that
facilitate placement of sheets and panels during manufacture.
[0203] Particular edge structure designs for metal sheets 206 and
217 are described in U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser.
No. 17/504,883 entitled "Sheet/Panel Design for Enclosure Component
Manufacture," having the same inventors as the inventions described
herein and filed on Oct. 19, 2021. The contents of U.S.
Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/504,883 entitled
"Sheet/Panel Design for Enclosure Component Manufacture," having
the same inventors as the inventions described herein and filed on
Oct. 19, 2021, are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth
herein, particularly including the exterior and interior edge
structure designs described for example at paragraphs 00187-00205
and 00212 and in FIGS. 8, 9A-9C, 23A-23J and 24A-24B thereof.
[0204] A facility suitable for manufacturing the enclosure
components 155 of the present invention, as well as exemplary
manufacturing steps, are also described in U.S. Nonprovisional
patent application Ser. No. 17/504,883 entitled "Sheet/Panel Design
for Enclosure Component Manufacture," having the same U.S.
Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/504,883 entitled
"Sheet/Panel Design for Enclosure Component Manufacture," having
the same inventors as the inventions described herein and filed on
Oct. 19, 2021, are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth
herein, particularly including the facility suitable for
manufacturing the enclosure components 155 of the present
invention, as well as exemplary manufacturing steps, described for
example at paragraphs 00178-00186 and 00206-00222, and in FIGS. 22,
23A-23J and 24A-24B.
[0205] Enclosure Component Relationships and Assembly for
Transport
[0206] For ease of transport and maximum design flexibility, it is
preferred that there be a specific dimensional relationship among
enclosure components 155.
[0207] FIG. 2 shows a top schematic view of structure 150 shown in
FIG. 1, and includes a geometrical orthogonal grid for clarity of
explaining the preferred dimensional relationships among its
enclosure components 155. The basic length used for dimensioning is
indicated as "E" in FIG. 2; the orthogonal grid overlaid in FIG. 2
is 8E long and 8E wide; notably, the entire structure 150,
including perimeter boards 310, preferably is bounded by this 8E by
8E orthogonal grid.
[0208] Roof portions 400a, 400b and 400c each can be identically
dimensioned in the transverse direction. Alternatively, referring
to FIG. 3, roof portion 400c (which is stacked upon roof portions
400a and 400b when roof portions 400b, 400c are fully folded) can
be dimensioned to be larger than either of roof portion 400a and
roof portion 400b in the transverse direction for example, by ten
to fifteen percent, or by at least the aggregate thickness of roof
components 400a and 400b. This transverse direction dimensional
increase is to reduce the chances of binding during the unfolding
of roof portions 400b, 400c. In addition, as described in U.S.
Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/786,315, entitled
"Equipment and Methods for Erecting a Transportable Foldable
Building Structure," and filed on Feb. 10, 2020, friction-reducing
components can be used to facilitate unfolding roof component 400,
such as by positioning a first wheel caster at the leading edge of
roof portion 400c proximate to the corner of roof portion 400c that
is supported by wall portion 200s-2 as roof portion 400c is
deployed, and by positioning a second similar wheel caster at the
leading edge of roof portion 400c proximate to the corner of roof
portion 400c that is supported by wall portion 200s-4 as roof
portion 400c is deployed. In such a case, roof portion 400c can be
dimensioned larger than either of roof portions 400a and 400b in
the transverse direction by at least the aggregate thickness of
roof components 400a and 400b, less the length of the first or
second wheel caster.
[0209] In FIG. 2, the four wall components 200 are each
approximately 8E long, and each of roof portions 400a and 400b is
approximately 8E long and 2.5E wide. Roof portion 400c is
approximately 8E long and 2.9E wide. In FIGS. 2 and 3, each of
floor components 300a and 300b is 8H long; whereas floor component
300a is just over 3E wide and floor component 300b is just under 5E
wide.
[0210] The shipping module 100 shown edge-on in FIG. 3 includes a
fixed space portion 102 defined by roof component 400a, floor
component 300a, wall component 200R, wall portion 200s-1 and wall
portion 200s-3. As shown in FIG. 2, second wall portion 200s-2 is
folded inward and positioned generally against fixed space portion
102, and fourth wall portion 200s-4 is folded inward and positioned
generally against second wall portion 200s-2 (wall portions 200s-2
and 200s-4 are respectively identified in FIG. 2 as portions
200s-2f and 200s-4f when so folded and positioned). The three roof
components 400a, 400b and 400c are shown unfolded in FIG. 1 and
shown folded (stacked) in FIG. 3, with roof component 400b stacked
on top of roof component 400a, and roof component 400c stacked on
top of the roof component 400b. Wall component 200P, shown in FIGS.
2 and 3, is pivotally secured to floor portion 300b at the location
of axis 105, and is vertically positioned against the outside of
wall portions 200s-2 and 200s-4. In turn, floor portion 300b is
vertically positioned proximate fixed space portion 102, with wall
component 200P pending from floor portion 300b between floor
portion 300b and wall portions 200s-2 and 200s-4.
[0211] Sizing the enclosure components 155 of structure 150
according to the dimensional relationships disclosed above yields a
compact shipping module 100, as can be seen from the figures. Thus
shipping module 100 depicted in FIG. 3, when dimensioned according
to the relationships disclosed herein using an "E" dimension (see
FIG. 2) of approximately 28.625 inches (72.7 cm), and when its
components are stacked and positioned as shown in FIG. 3, has an
overall length of approximately 19 feet (5.79 m), an overall width
of approximately 8.5 feet (2.59 meters) and an overall height of
approximately 12.7 feet (3.87 meters). These overall dimensions are
less than a typical shipping container.
[0212] It is preferred that the fixed space portion 102 be in a
relatively finished state prior to positioning (folding) together
of the all other wall, roof and floor portions as described above.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, wall components 200 are
fitted during manufacture and prior to shipment with all necessary
door and window assemblies, with the enclosure components 155 being
pre-wired, and fixed space portion 102 is fitted during manufacture
with all mechanical and other functionality that structure 150 will
require, such as kitchens, bathrooms, closets and other interior
partitions, storage areas, corridors, etc. Carrying out the
foregoing steps prior to shipment permits the builder, in effect,
to erect a largely finished structure 150 simply by "unfolding"
(deploying) the positioned components of shipping module 100.
[0213] Each of the wall, floor and roof components 200, 300 and
400, and/or the portions thereof, can be sheathed in protective
film 177 during fabrication and prior to forming the shipping
module 100. Alternatively or in addition, the entire shipping
module 100 can be sheathed in a protective film. Such protective
films can remain in place until after the shipping module 100 is at
the construction site, and then removed as required to facilitate
enclosure component deployment and finishing.
Shipping Module Transport
[0214] The shipping module 100 is shipped to the building site by
appropriate transport means. One such transport means is disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 11,007,921, issued May 18, 2021; the contents of
which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein,
particularly as found at paragraphs 0020-0035 and in FIGS. 1A-2D
thereof. As an alternative transport means, shipping module 100 can
be shipped to the building site by means of a conventional truck
trailer or a low bed trailer (also referred to as a lowboy
trailer), and in the case of over-the-water shipments, by ship.
Structure Deployment and Finishing
[0215] At the building site, shipping module 100 is positioned over
its desired location, such as over a prepared foundation; for
example, a poured concrete slab, a poured concrete or cinder block
foundation, sleeper beams or concrete posts or columns. This can be
accomplished by using a crane, either to lift shipping module 100
from its transport and move it to the desired location, or by
positioning the transport means over the desired location, lifting
shipping module 100, then moving the transport means from the
desired location, and then lowering shipping module 100 to a rest
state at the desired location. Particularly suitable equipment and
techniques for facilitating the positioning of a shipping module
100 at the desired location are disclosed in U.S. Nonprovisional
patent application Ser. No. 16/786,315, entitled "Equipment and
Methods for Erecting a Transportable Foldable Building Structure,"
and filed on Feb. 10, 2020. The contents of that U.S.
Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/786,315, entitled
"Equipment and Methods for Erecting a Transportable Foldable
Building Structure," and filed on Feb. 10, 2020, are incorporated
by reference as if fully set forth herein, particularly including
the equipment and techniques described for example at paragraphs
00126-00128 and in connection with FIGS. 11A and 11B thereof.
[0216] Following positioning of shipping module 100 at the building
site, the appropriate portions of wall, floor and roof components
200, 300 and 400 are "unfolded" (i.e., deployed) to yield structure
150. Unfolding occurs in the following sequence: (1) floor portion
300b is pivotally rotated about horizontal axis 305 (shown in FIGS.
3 and 4) to an unfolded position, (2) wall component 200P is
pivotally rotated about horizontal axis 105 (shown in FIG. 3 behind
perimeter board 312) to an unfolded position, (3) wall portions
200s-2 and 200s-4 are pivotally rotated about vertical axes 192 and
194 (shown in FIG. 2) respectively to unfolded positions, and (4)
roof portions 400b and 400c are pivotally rotated about horizontal
axes 405a and 405b (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) respectively to
unfolded positions.
[0217] A mobile crane can be used to assist in the deployment of
certain of the enclosure components 155, specifically roof portions
400b and 400c, floor portion 300b, as well as the wall component
200P pivotally secured to floor portion 300b. Alternatively,
particularly suitable equipment and techniques for facilitating the
deployment of enclosure components 155 are disclosed in U.S.
Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/786,315, entitled
"Equipment and Methods for Erecting a Transportable Foldable
Building Structure," and filed on Feb. 10, 2020. The contents of
that U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/786,315,
entitled "Equipment and Methods for Erecting a Transportable
Foldable Building Structure," and filed on Feb. 10, 2020, are
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein,
particularly including the equipment and techniques described for
example at paragraphs 00132-00145 and depicted in FIGS. 12A-14B
thereof.
[0218] After unfolding, the enclosure components 155 are secured
together to finish the structure 150 that is shown in FIG. 1.
Perimeter board 312 and roof skirt board 280 provide structures for
securing wall, floor and roof components in their deployed
positions. If any temporary hinge structures have been utilized,
then these temporary hinge structures can be removed if desired and
the enclosure components 155 can be secured together. During or
after unfolding and securing of the enclosure components 155, any
remaining finishing operations are performed, such as addition of
roofing material, and making hook-ups to electrical, fresh water
and sewer lines to complete structure 150, as relevant here.
[0219] This disclosure should be understood to include (as
illustrative and not limiting) the subject matter set forth in the
following numbered clauses:
[0220] Clause 1. An end cap for securing to an edge of a building
structure enclosure component comprising:
[0221] (a) a planar elongate seal plate having an interior face, an
opposed exterior face, a first edge, an opposed second edge and a
thickness, the interior face adapted to be secured to the edge of
the enclosure component;
[0222] (b) an elongate key on the interior face of the seal
plate;
[0223] (c) an elongate accessory slot defined in the exterior face
of the seal plate of a depth less than the thickness of the seal
plate;
[0224] (d) a first locating slot extending from the first edge of
the seal plate inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward
the second edge; and
[0225] (e) a second locating slot extending from the second edge of
the seal plate inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward
the first edge.
[0226] Clause 2. The end cap of clause 1, wherein the exterior face
defines at least one elongate locating groove positioned between
the elongate accessory slot and the first edge or the second
edge.
[0227] Clause 3. The end cap of either clause 1 or 2, further
comprising a first locating ridge at the first edge of the seal
plate proximate to the first locating slot.
[0228] Clause 4. The end cap of clause 3, further comprising a
second locating ridge at the second edge of the seal plate
proximate to the second locating slot.
[0229] Clause 5. The end cap of any one of clause 1, 2, 3 or 4,
wherein an edge of the first locating slot proximate the interior
face of the seal plate terminates an inset distance from the first
edge of the seal plate.
[0230] Clause 6. The end cap of any one of clause 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5,
wherein the seal plate is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
[0231] Clause 7. An enclosure component comprising:
[0232] (a) a planar laminate having an elongate edge and including
(i) a planar foam panel layer having a first face and an opposed
second face, (ii) a planar first metal layer bonded to the first
face of the planar foam panel layer, and (iii) a planar second
metal layer bonded to the second face of the planar foam panel
layer;
[0233] (b) a planar elongate edge reinforcement having an interior
face positioned on the edge of the planar laminate and an opposed
exterior face in which is defined an elongate slot;
[0234] (c) a planar elongate seal plate having an interior face, an
opposed exterior face, a first edge, an opposed second edge and a
thickness, the interior face of the seal plate positioned proximate
to the exterior face of the edge reinforcement, with an elongate
key on the interior face of the seal plate positioned in the
elongate slot of the edge reinforcement; and
[0235] (d) an elongate accessory slot defined in the exterior face
of the seal plate of a depth less than the thickness of the seal
plate.
[0236] Clause 8. The enclosure component of clause 7, further
comprising:
[0237] (e) a first locating slot extending from the first edge of
the seal plate inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward
the second edge; and
[0238] (f) a second locating slot extending from the second edge of
the seal plate inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward
the first edge.
[0239] Clause 9. The enclosure component of either clause 7 or
clause 8, wherein the exterior face of the seal plate defines at
least one elongate locating groove positioned between the accessory
slot and the first edge or the second edge.
[0240] Clause 10. The enclosure component of any one of clause 7, 8
or 9, further comprising a first locating ridge at the first edge
of the seal plate proximate to the first locating slot.
[0241] Clause 11. The enclosure component of clause 10, further
comprising a second locating ridge at the second edge of the seal
plate proximate to the second locating slot.
[0242] Clause 12. The enclosure component of any one of clause 7,
8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the edge reinforcement is selected from the
group consisting of laminated strand lumber board and wooden board
and the seal plate is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
[0243] Clause 13. A perimeter board comprising:
[0244] (a) a planar elongate perimeter plate having an interior
face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed
second edge;
[0245] (b) an elongate key on the interior face of the perimeter
plate adapted to be received in an elongate accessory slot defined
in an exterior face of an elongate seal plate;
[0246] (c) an elongate clearance slot defined in the interior face
of the perimeter plate positioned between the key and the first
edge, or between the key and the second edge; and
[0247] (d) an elongate fastener slot defined in the first exterior
face of the perimeter plate.
[0248] Clause 14. The perimeter board of clause 13, wherein there
is an elongate locating groove defined in the portion of the
exterior face of the first seal plate defining the fastener
slot.
[0249] Clause 15. The perimeter board of clause 13, wherein the
fastener slot is dovetail shaped in cross section.
[0250] Clause 16. The perimeter board of clause 14, wherein the
fastener slot is dovetail shaped in cross section.
[0251] Clause 17. The perimeter board of clause 13, further
comprising an elongate resilient strip snapped into the fastener
slot.
[0252] Clause 18. The perimeter board of either of clause 14 or
clause 15, further comprising an elongate resilient strip snapped
into the fastener slot.
[0253] Clause 19. The perimeter board of clause 16, further
comprising an elongate resilient strip snapped into the fastener
slot.
[0254] Clause 20. The perimeter board of any one of clause 13, 14,
15, 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein the perimeter plate is foamed
polyvinyl chloride.
[0255] Clause 21. A perimeter seal assembly comprising:
[0256] (a) an end cap comprising:
[0257] (i) a planar elongate seal plate having a first interior
face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed
second edge, the first interior face adapted to be secured to an
edge of an enclosure component;
[0258] (ii) an elongate seal key on the first interior face of the
seal plate; and
[0259] (iii) an elongate accessory slot defined in the first
exterior face; and
[0260] (b) a perimeter board comprising:
[0261] (i) a planar elongate perimeter plate having a second
interior face and an opposed second exterior face;
[0262] (ii) the second interior face positioned proximate to the
first exterior face, with an elongate accessory key on the second
interior face received in the accessory slot defined in the first
exterior face;
[0263] (iii) an elongate fastener slot defined in the second
exterior face; and
[0264] (d) an elongate clearance slot defined in the second
interior face of the perimeter plate positioned between the
accessory key and the first edge, or between the accessory key and
the second edge.
[0265] Clause 22. The perimeter seal assembly of clause 21, wherein
the first exterior face defines at least one elongate locating
groove positioned between the accessory slot and the first edge or
the second edge.
[0266] Clause 23. The perimeter seal assembly of clause 22, wherein
the clearance slot defined in the second interior face is
positioned over the locating groove defined in the first exterior
face.
[0267] Clause 24. The perimeter seal assembly of any one of clause
21, 22 or 23, wherein one or both of the end cap and perimeter
board is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
[0268] Clause 25. A roof skirt board comprising:
[0269] (a) a planar elongate skirt plate having a first interior
face and an opposed first exterior face;
[0270] (b) an elongate cinch key positioned on the first interior
face of the skirt plate and adapted to be received in an elongate
accessory slot defined in a second exterior face of a planar
elongate seal plate, with the cinch key having a serpentine cross
section; and
[0271] (c) a portion of the first exterior face of the skirt plate
defining a fastener slot that is positioned proximate to the cinch
key positioned on the first interior face.
[0272] Clause 26. The roof skirt board of clause 25, wherein there
is an elongate locating groove defined in the portion of the first
exterior face of the skirt plate defining the fastener slot.
[0273] Clause 27. The roof skirt board of either of clause 25 or
26, wherein the fastener slot is dovetail shaped in cross
section.
[0274] Clause 28. The roof skirt board of any one of clause 25, 26
or 27, further comprising an elongate resilient strip snapped into
the fastener slot.
[0275] Clause 29. The roof skirt board of any one of clause 25, 26,
27 or 28, wherein the first seal plate is foamed polyvinyl
chloride.
[0276] Clause 30. A roof seal assembly comprising:
[0277] (a) an end cap comprising:
[0278] (i) a planar elongate seal plate having a first interior
face and an opposed first exterior face, the first interior face
adapted to be secured to an edge of an enclosure component;
[0279] (ii) an elongate seal key on the first interior face;
and
[0280] (iii) an elongate accessory slot defined in the first
exterior face; and
[0281] (b) a roof skirt board comprising:
[0282] (i) a planar elongate skirt plate having a second interior
face and an opposed second exterior face;
[0283] (ii) the second interior face positioned proximate to the
first exterior face, with an elongate cinch key on the second
interior face of the skirt plate received in the accessory slot
defined in the first exterior face of the seal plate, and with the
cinch key having a serpentine cross section; and
[0284] (iii) an elongate fastener slot defined in the second
exterior face of the skirt plate positioned proximate to the cinch
key positioned on the second interior face.
[0285] Clause 31. The roof seal assembly of claim 30 where one or
both of the end cap and roof skirt board is foamed polyvinyl
chloride.
[0286] Clause 32. A sealing system for abutting regions of building
structure enclosure components, comprising:
[0287] (a) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first
interior face and an opposed first exterior face, the first
interior face adapted to be secured to an enclosure component, and
the first exterior face defining an elongate seal slot;
[0288] (b) the first seal plate adapted to mate with a planar
elongate second seal plate, with the first exterior face positioned
in proximity with a second exterior face of the second seal
plate;
[0289] (c) an elongate resilient compression seal positioned in the
elongate seal slot, the elongate resilient compression seal having
a hollow seal chamber and comprising:
[0290] (1) an elongate base;
[0291] (2) an elongate first seal wall joined to the base, and an
opposed elongate second seal wall joined to the base, the first and
second seal walls extending away from the base in a diverging
relationship;
[0292] (3) an elongate first arcuate buttress joined to an end of
the first seal wall distal from the base, and an elongate second
arcuate buttress joined to an end of the second seal wall distal
from the base;
[0293] (4) an elongate planar first seal surface joined to an end
of the first arcuate buttress distal from the first seal wall, and
an elongate planar second seal surface joined to an end of the
second arcuate buttress distal from the second seal wall, the first
seal surface and the second seal surface each extending away at an
angle from the first arcuate buttress and the second arcuate
buttress respectively in a converging relationship; and
[0294] (5) an elongate seal closure having a first closure end
joined to an end of the first seal surface distal from the first
arcuate buttress and a second closure end joined to an end of the
second seal surface distal from the second arcuate buttress; and
wherein the base, the first and second seal walls, the first and
second arcuate buttresses, the first and second seal surfaces and
the seal closure define the hollow seal chamber.
[0295] Clause 33. The sealing system of clause 32, wherein the base
of the compression seal has an arched section arched inwardly
toward the seal chamber.
[0296] Clause 34. The sealing system of clause 33, wherein the
arched section of the base has a first end and an opposed second
end, and the base further comprises an elongate first winglet
extending from the first end of the arched section and an elongate
second winglet extending from the second end of the arched
section.
[0297] Clause 35. The sealing system of any one of clause 32, 33 or
34, wherein the first and second seal walls extend away from the
base at a divergence angle .theta., where
.theta.<90.degree..
[0298] Clause 36. The sealing system of clause 35, wherein the
divergence angle .theta. is in the range of
40.degree.<.theta.<50.degree..
[0299] Clause 37. The sealing system of any one of clause 32, 33,
34, 35 or 36, wherein the first and second seal surfaces extend
away from the first arcuate buttress and the second arcuate
buttress respectively at a convergence angle .delta. of about
90.degree..
[0300] Clause 38. The sealing system of any one of clause 32, 33,
34, 35, 36 or 37, wherein the seal slot has an elongate planar
floor section with a first end and an opposed second end, with a
first lateral groove extending away from the first end of the seal
slot and a second lateral groove extending away from the second end
of the seal slot.
[0301] Clause 39. The sealing system of clause 34, wherein the seal
slot has an elongate planar floor section with a first end and an
opposed second end, a first lateral groove extends away from the
first end of the seal slot, a second lateral groove extends away
from the second end of the seal slot, the first winglet is
positioned in the first lateral groove and the second winglet is
positioned in the second lateral groove.
[0302] Clause 40. The sealing system of clause 32, wherein the seal
slot is further defined by an elongate first slot wall extending
away from the floor section from a first location, an elongate
second slot wall extending away from the floor section from an
opposed second location, and the first and second slot walls extend
away from the floor section in a diverging relationship.
[0303] Clause 41. The sealing system of clause 40, wherein the
first and second slot walls extend away from the floor section at a
divergence angle .epsilon., where .epsilon.<90.degree..
[0304] Clause 42. The sealing system of clause 41, wherein the
divergence angle .epsilon. is in the range of
40.degree.<.epsilon.<50.degree..
[0305] Clause 43. The sealing system of clause 35, wherein the seal
slot is further defined by an elongate first slot wall extending
away from the floor section from a first location, an elongate
second slot wall extending away from the floor section from an
opposed second location, and the first and second slot walls extend
away from the floor section at a divergence angle .epsilon. equal
to the divergence angle .theta..
[0306] Clause 44. The sealing system of any one of clause 32, 33,
34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 or 43, wherein the seal closure
is curved in shape inwardly toward the seal chamber.
[0307] Clause 45. The sealing system of any one of clause 32, 33,
34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 or 44, wherein the first
seal plate is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
[0308] Clause 46. A seal assembly for abutting regions of building
structure enclosure components, comprising:
[0309] (a) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first
interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an
opposed second edge, the first interior face being adapted to be
secured to a first enclosure component, with (i) an elongate first
seal slot defined in the first exterior face, and (ii) an elongate
interlock slot defined in the first exterior face and positioned
distal from the first and second edges;
[0310] (b) a planar elongate second seal plate having a second
interior face and an opposed second exterior face, a first edge and
an opposed second edge, the second interior face being adapted to
be secured to a second enclosure component, the second seal plate
adapted to mate with the first seal plate with the second exterior
face in proximity with the first exterior face of the first seal
plate; the second seal plate including an elongate interlock key on
the second exterior face which is adapted to be received in the
interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the first seal
plate when the first and second seal plates mate; and
[0311] (c) an elongate resilient first compression seal positioned
in the elongate first seal slot and adapted to be in pressing
contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate when
the first and second seal plates mate, the first compression seal
having a hollow seal chamber.
[0312] Clause 47. The seal assembly of clause 46, wherein the first
compression seal (c) comprises:
[0313] (1) an elongate base;
[0314] (2) an elongate first seal wall joined to the base, and an
opposed elongate second seal wall joined to the base, the first and
second seal walls extending away from the base in a diverging
relationship;
[0315] (3) an elongate first buttress joined to an edge of the
first seal wall distal from the base, and an elongate second
buttress joined to an edge of the second seal wall distal from the
base;
[0316] (4) an elongate planar first seal surface joined to an edge
of the first buttress distal from the first seal wall, and an
elongate planar second seal surface joined to an edge of the second
buttress distal from the second seal wall, the first seal surface
and the second seal surface each extending away at an angle from
the first buttress and the second buttress respectively in a
converging relationship; and
[0317] (5) an elongate seal closure having a first edge joined to
an edge of the first seal surface distal from the first arcuate
buttress and a second edge joined to an edge of the second seal
surface distal from the second buttress;
[0318] wherein the base, the first and second seal walls, the first
and second buttresses, the first and second seal surfaces and the
seal closure define the hollow seal chamber.
[0319] Clause 48. The sealing system of either of clause 46 or 47,
wherein the first exterior face further defines an elongate second
seal slot, with the interlock slot positioned between the first
seal slot and the second seal slot, and further comprising an
elongate resilient second compression seal positioned in the
elongate second seal slot and adapted to be in pressing contact
with the second exterior face of the second seal plate when the
second exterior face is in proximity with the first exterior face,
the second compression seal having a hollow seal chamber.
[0320] Clause 49. The sealing system of any one of clause 46, 47 or
48, further comprising an elongate coupling inset defined in the
first exterior face at each of the first and second edges of the
first seal plate, an elongate coupling ridge extending from the
second exterior face at each of the first and second edges of the
second seal plate, the coupling inset at the first edge of the
first seal plate adapted to mate with the coupling ridge at the
first edge of the second seal plate, and the coupling inset at the
second edge of the first seal plate adapted to mate with the
coupling ridge at the second edge of the second seal plate, when
the first and second seal plates mate.
[0321] Clause 50. The sealing system of any one of clause 46, 47,
48 or 49, further comprising a series of elongate stepped locating
ridges extending from the first interior face at the first edge of
the first seal plate.
[0322] Clause 51. The sealing system of clause 48, wherein the
first exterior face of the first seal plate further defines an
elongate third seal slot, with the third seal slot positioned
between the interlock slot and the second seal slot, and further
comprising an elongate resilient third compression seal positioned
in the elongate third seal slot and adapted to be in pressing
contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate when
the first and second seal plates mate, the third compression seal
having a hollow seal chamber.
[0323] Clause 52. The sealing system of any one of clause 46, 47,
48, 49, 50 or 51, wherein each of the first and second seal plates
is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
[0324] Clause 53. An enclosure component assembly comprising:
[0325] (a) a first planar laminate having an elongate edge, a first
face and an opposed second face;
[0326] (b) a planar elongate first seal plate having an interior
face, an opposed exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second
edge, with an elongate interlock slot defined in the first exterior
face and positioned distal from the first and second edges; and
[0327] (c) the interior face of the first seal plate secured to the
first face of the planar laminate proximate the edge.
[0328] Clause 54. The enclosure component assembly of clause 53,
further comprising flooring having a flooring thickness disposed on
the first face of the first planar laminate, and wherein the first
seal plate has a thickness at least equal to the flooring
thickness.
[0329] Clause 55. The enclosure component assembly of clause 53,
further comprising:
[0330] (d) a second planar laminate have an elongate edge, a first
face and an opposed second face;
[0331] (e) a planar elongate second seal plate having a second
interior face and an opposed second exterior face, a first edge and
an opposed second edge, the second interior face secured to the
edge of the second planar laminate and including an interlock
key;
[0332] (f) the first seal plate mating with the second seal plate,
with the second exterior face in proximity with the first exterior
face and the interlock key received in the interlock slot.
[0333] Clause 56. The enclosure component assembly of clause 55,
further comprising an elongate seal slot defined in the first
exterior face of the first seal plate between the interlock slot
and the first edge, and an elongate resilient compression seal
positioned in the first seal slot in pressing contact with the
second exterior face of the second seal plate, the compression seal
having a hollow seal chamber.
[0334] Clause 57. The enclosure component assembly of either of
clause 55 or 56, in which either or both of the first and second
seal plates is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
[0335] Clause 58. A folded building structure transportable to a
site at which the folded building structure is to be erected,
comprising:
[0336] a fixed space portion defined by (i) a first floor portion,
(ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a
second wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the
first wall component, the fixed wall portion having a fixed wall
portion top edge, and (iii) a first roof portion adjoining the
first wall component and the fixed wall portion;
[0337] a second roof portion horizontally stacked in a second roof
portion folded position on the first roof portion and pivotally
connected thereto to permit the second roof portion to pivot, about
a first horizontal axis relative to the first roof portion, from
the second roof portion folded position to a second roof portion
unfolded position, the second roof portion having a planar interior
surface;
[0338] a third roof portion horizontally stacked in a third roof
portion folded position on the second roof portion and pivotally
connected thereto to permit the third roof portion to pivot, about
a second horizontal axis relative to the second roof portion, from
the third roof portion folded position to a third roof portion
unfolded position, the third roof portion having a planar interior
surface;
[0339] a second floor portion vertically positioned in a second
floor portion folded position opposite to the first wall component
and pivotally connected to the first floor portion to permit the
second floor portion to pivot, about a third horizontal axis
relative to the first floor portion, from the second floor portion
folded position to a second floor portion unfolded position;
[0340] a third wall component vertically positioned in a third wall
component folded position against the second floor portion, the
third wall component pivotally connected to the second floor
portion to permit the third wall portion to pivot, about a fourth
horizontal axis relative to the second floor portion, from the
third wall component folded position to a third wall component
unfolded position;
[0341] the second wall component additionally including a planar
pivoting wall portion with a pivoting portion top edge, the
pivoting wall portion (i) disposed in a pivoting portion folded
position against the third wall component in the third wall
component folded position and (ii) pivotally connected to the fixed
wall portion of the second wall component to permit the pivoting
wall portion to pivot, about a vertical axis relative to the fixed
wall portion of the second wall component, from the pivoting
portion folded position to a pivoting portion unfolded position in
which the pivoting portion top edge is positioned under the
interior surfaces of the second and third roof portions when the
second and third roof portions are in their unfolded positions;
[0342] a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior
face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed
second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first
exterior face, an elongate resilient first compression seal with a
hollow seal chamber positioned in the first seal slot, and an
elongate first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face
and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
[0343] a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior
face and an opposed second exterior face, and an elongate first
interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in
the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the
first seal plate;
[0344] one of the first interior face of the first seal plate and
the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to the
pivoting portion top edge;
[0345] the other of the first interior face of the first seal plate
and the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to
the interior surface of the second roof portion at a position so
that when the pivoting wall portion and the second roof portion are
in their respective unfolded positions, the first seal plate mates
with the second seal plate, with the first interlock key received
in the first interlock slot, and the first compression seal in
pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal
plate.
[0346] Clause 59. The folded building structure of clause 58,
wherein the first seal slot defined in the first exterior face is
positioned between one of the first interlock slot and the first
edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, and wherein
the first exterior face further defines an elongate second seal
slot positioned between the other of the first interlock slot and
the first edge, and there is an elongate resilient second
compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the
second seal slot, so that when the first seal plate mates with the
second seal plate, the second compression seal is in pressing
contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
[0347] Clause 60. The folded building structure of clause 58,
wherein the second interior face of the second seal plate is
secured to the pivoting portion top edge, and the folded building
structure further comprises:
[0348] a planar elongate third seal plate having a third interior
face, an opposed third exterior face, and an elongate second
interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in
the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the
first seal plate;
[0349] the fixed wall portion of the first wall component having a
fixed wall portion top edge that is positioned under the interior
surface of the second roof portion when the second roof portion is
in the second roof portion unfolded position;
[0350] the third interior face of the third seal plate secured to
the fixed wall portion top edge; and
[0351] the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to
the interior surface of the second roof portion at a position so
that when the second roof portion is in the second roof portion
unfolded position, the third seal plate mates with the first seal
plate, with the second interlock key received in the first
interlock slot and the first compression seal in pressing contact
with the third exterior face of the third seal plate.
[0352] Clause 61. The folded building structure of clause 58,
wherein the second interior face of the second seal plate is
secured to the pivoting portion top edge, and the folded building
structure further comprises:
[0353] a planar elongate fourth seal plate having a fourth interior
face, an opposed fourth exterior face, a third edge and an opposed
fourth edge, with an elongate second seal slot defined in the
fourth exterior face, an elongate resilient second compression seal
with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the second seal slot, and
an elongate second interlock slot defined in the fourth exterior
face and positioned distal from the third and fourth edges;
[0354] the fourth interior face of the fourth seal plate secured to
the interior surface of the third roof portion at a position so
that when the pivoting wall portion and the third roof portion are
in their respective unfolded positions, the fourth seal plate mates
with the second seal plate, with the first interlock key received
in the second interlock slot, and the second compression seal in
pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal
plate.
[0355] Clause 62. The folded building structure of clause 58,
further comprising:
[0356] a planar elongate fifth seal plate having a fifth interior
face, an opposed fifth exterior face, a fifth edge and an opposed
sixth edge, with an elongate third seal slot defined in the fifth
exterior face, an elongate resilient third compression seal with a
hollow seal chamber positioned in the third seal slot, and an
elongate third interlock slot defined in the fifth exterior face
and positioned distal from the fifth and sixth edges;
[0357] a planar elongate sixth seal plate having a sixth interior
face and an opposed sixth exterior face, and an elongate third
interlock key on the sixth exterior face adapted to be received in
the third interlock slot defined in the fifth exterior face of the
fifth seal plate;
[0358] the third wall component having a third wall component top
edge;
[0359] the sixth interior face of the sixth seal plate secured to
the third wall component top edge;
[0360] the fifth interior face of the fifth seal plate secured to
the interior surface of the third roof portion at a position so
that when the second floor portion, the third wall component and
the third roof portion are in their respective unfolded positions:
(i) the fifth seal plate mates with the sixth seal plate, (ii) the
third interlock key is received in the third interlock slot, and
(iii) the third compression seal is in pressing contact with the
sixth exterior face of the sixth seal plate.
[0361] Clause 63. A folded building structure transportable to a
site at which the folded building structure is to be erected,
comprising:
[0362] a fixed space portion defined by (i) a floor portion, (ii) a
first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a second
wall component adjoining the floor portion and the first wall
component, and (iii) a first roof portion adjoining the first wall
component and the fixed wall portion, the first roof portion having
a first interior edge;
[0363] a second roof portion having a second interior edge and an
opposed third interior edge, the second roof portion horizontally
stacked in a second roof portion folded position on the first roof
portion and pivotally connected between the second and first
interior edges thereof to permit the second roof portion to pivot,
about a first horizontal axis relative to the first roof portion,
from the second roof portion folded position to a second roof
portion unfolded position;
[0364] a third roof portion having a fourth interior edge, the
third roof horizontally stacked in a third roof portion folded
position on the second roof portion and pivotally connected between
the fourth and third interior edges thereof to permit the third
roof portion to pivot, about a second horizontal axis relative to
the second roof portion, from the third roof portion folded
position to a third roof portion unfolded position, the third roof
portion having a planar interior surface;
[0365] the second wall component additionally including a planar
pivoting wall portion with a pivoting portion top edge, the
pivoting wall portion (i) disposed in a pivoting portion folded
position opposite to the first wall component, and (ii) pivotally
connected to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component to
permit the pivoting wall portion to pivot, about a vertical axis
relative to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component,
from the pivoting portion folded position to a pivoting portion
unfolded position in which the pivoting portion top edge is
positioned under the interior surfaces of the second and third roof
portions when the second and third roof portions are in their
unfolded positions;
[0366] a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior
face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed
second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first
exterior face, an elongate resilient first compression seal with a
hollow seal chamber positioned in the first seal slot, and an
elongate first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face
and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
[0367] a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior
face and an opposed second exterior face, and an elongate first
interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in
the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the
first seal plate;
[0368] the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to
one of the first and second interior edges;
[0369] the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to
the other of the first and second interior edges so that when the
second roof portion is in the unfolded position, the first seal
plate mates with the second seal plate, with the first interlock
key received in the first interlock slot, and the first compression
seal in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the
second seal plate.
[0370] Clause 64. The folded building structure of clause 63,
further comprising:
[0371] a planar elongate third seal plate having a third interior
face, an opposed third exterior face, a third edge and an opposed
fourth edge, with an elongate second seal slot defined in the third
exterior face, an elongate resilient second compression seal with a
hollow seal chamber positioned in the second seal slot, and an
elongate second interlock slot defined in the third exterior face
and positioned distal from the third and fourth edges;
[0372] a planar elongate fourth seal plate having a fourth interior
face and an opposed fourth exterior face, and an elongate second
interlock key on the fourth exterior face adapted to be received in
the second interlock slot defined in the third exterior face of the
third seal plate;
[0373] the third interior face of the third seal plate secured to
one of the third and fourth interior edges;
[0374] the fourth interior face of the fourth seal plate secured to
the other of the third and fourth interior edges so that when the
third roof portion is in the unfolded position, the third seal
plate is mates with the fourth seal plate, with the second
interlock key received in the second interlock slot, and the second
compression seal in pressing contact with the fourth exterior face
of the fourth seal plate.
[0375] Clause 65. The folded building structure of either of clause
63 or 64, wherein the first seal slot defined in the first exterior
face is positioned between one of the first interlock slot and the
first edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, and
wherein the first exterior face further defines an elongate third
seal slot and an elongate fourth seal slot, each of the third and
fourth seal slots is positioned between the other of the first
interlock slot and the first edge, and the first interlock slot and
the second edge, an elongate resilient third compression seal with
a hollow seal chamber positioned in the third seal slot, and an
elongate resilient fourth compression seal with a hollow seal
chamber positioned in the fourth seal slot, so that when the second
roof portion is in the unfolded position the third and fourth
compression seals are in pressing contact with the second exterior
face of the second seal plate.
[0376] Clause 66. The folded building structure of clause 64,
wherein the second seal slot defined in the third exterior face is
positioned between one of the second interlock slot and the third
edge, and the second interlock slot and the fourth edge, and
wherein the third exterior face further defines an elongate fifth
seal slot and an elongate sixth seal slot, each of the fifth and
sixth seal slots is positioned between the other of the second
interlock slot and the third edge, and the second interlock slot
and the fourth edge, an elongate resilient fifth compression seal
with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the fifth seal slot, and
an elongate resilient sixth compression seal with a hollow seal
chamber positioned in the sixth seal slot, so that when the third
roof portion is in the unfolded position the fifth and sixth
compression seals are in pressing contact with the fourth exterior
face of the fourth seal plate.
[0377] Clause 67. A folded building structure transportable to a
site at which the folded building structure is to be erected,
comprising:
[0378] a fixed space portion defined by (i) a floor portion, (ii) a
first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a second
wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the first wall
component, the fixed wall portion having a fixed wall portion
interior edge, and (iii) a roof portion adjoining the first wall
component and the fixed wall portion;
[0379] the second wall component additionally including a planar
pivoting wall portion with a pivoting portion interior edge, the
pivoting wall portion (i) disposed in a pivoting portion folded
position opposite to the first wall component, and (ii) pivotally
connected to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component to
permit the pivoting wall portion to pivot, about a vertical axis
relative to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component,
from the pivoting portion folded position to a pivoting portion
unfolded position;
[0380] a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior
face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed
second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first
exterior face, an elongate resilient first compression seal with a
hollow seal chamber positioned in the first seal slot, and an
elongate first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face
and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
[0381] a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior
face and an opposed second exterior face, and an elongate first
interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in
the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the
first seal plate;
[0382] the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to
one of the fixed portion interior edge and the pivoting portion
interior edge;
[0383] the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to
the other of the fixed portion interior edge and the pivoting
portion interior edge so that when the pivoting wall portion is in
its unfolded position, the first seal plate mates with the second
seal plate, with the first interlock key received in the first
interlock slot, and the first compression seal in pressing contact
with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
[0384] Clause 68. The folded building structure of clause 67,
wherein the first seal slot defined in the first exterior face is
positioned between one of the first interlock slot and the first
edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, and wherein
the first exterior face further defines an elongate second seal
slot positioned between the other of the first interlock slot and
the first edge, and there is an elongate resilient second
compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the
second seal slot, so that when the pivoting portion is in the
unfolded position the second compression seal is in pressing
contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
[0385] Clause 69. A folded building structure transportable to a
site at which the folded building structure is to be erected,
comprising:
[0386] a fixed space portion defined by (i) a first floor portion,
(ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a
second wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the
first wall component, and (iii) a first roof portion adjoining the
first wall component and the fixed wall portion;
[0387] a second floor portion vertically positioned in a second
floor portion folded position opposite to the first wall component
and pivotally connected to the first floor portion to permit the
second floor portion to pivot, about a first horizontal axis
relative to the first floor portion, from the second floor portion
folded position to a second floor portion unfolded position, the
second floor portion including an interior surface;
[0388] a third wall component having a third wall component lower
edge and vertically positioned in a third wall component folded
position against the second floor portion, the third wall component
pivotally connected to the second floor portion proximate to the
third wall component lower edge to permit the third wall portion to
pivot, about a second horizontal axis relative to the second floor
portion, from the third wall component folded position to a third
wall component unfolded position;
[0389] a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior
face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed
second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first
exterior face, an elongate resilient first compression seal with a
hollow seal chamber positioned in the first seal slot, and an
elongate first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face
and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
[0390] a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior
face and an opposed second exterior face, and an elongate first
interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in
the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the
first seal plate; one of the first interior face of the first seal
plate and the second interior face of the second seal plate secured
to the third wall component lower edge;
[0391] the other of the first interior face of the first seal plate
and the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to
the interior surface of the second floor portion at a position so
that when the second floor portion and the third wall component are
in their respective unfolded positions, the first seal plate mates
with the second seal plate, with the first interlock key received
in the first interlock slot, and the first compression seal in
pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal
plate.
[0392] Clause 70. The folded building structure of clause 69,
wherein the first seal slot defined in the first exterior face is
positioned between one of the first interlock slot and the first
edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, and wherein
the first exterior face further defines an elongate second seal
slot positioned between the other of the first interlock slot and
the first edge, and there is an elongate resilient second
compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the
second seal slot, so that when the pivoting portion is in the
unfolded position the second compression seal is in pressing
contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
[0393] Clause 71. A folded building structure transportable to a
site at which the folded building structure is to be erected,
comprising:
[0394] a fixed space portion defined by (i) a first floor portion,
(ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a
second wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the
first wall component, and (iii) a first roof portion adjoining the
first wall component and the fixed wall portion;
[0395] a second roof portion horizontally stacked in a second roof
portion folded position on the first roof portion and pivotally
connected thereto to permit the second roof portion to pivot, about
a first horizontal axis relative to the first roof portion, from
the second roof portion folded position to a second roof portion
unfolded position, the second roof portion having a planar interior
surface;
[0396] third roof portion horizontally stacked in a third roof
portion folded position on the second roof portion and pivotally
connected thereto to permit the third roof portion to pivot, about
a second horizontal axis relative to the second roof portion, from
the third roof portion folded position to a third roof portion
unfolded position, the third roof portion having a planar interior
surface;
[0397] a second floor portion vertically positioned in a second
floor portion folded position opposite to the first wall component
and pivotally connected to the first floor portion to permit the
second floor portion to pivot, about a third horizontal axis
relative to the first floor portion, from the second floor portion
folded position to a second floor portion unfolded position, the
second floor portion including an interior surface;
[0398] a third wall component having a third wall component lower
edge and an opposed third wall component upper edge and vertically
positioned in a third wall component folded position against the
second floor portion, the third wall component pivotally connected
to the second floor portion proximate to the third wall component
lower edge to permit the third wall portion to pivot, about a
fourth horizontal axis relative to the second floor portion, from
the third wall component folded position to a third wall component
unfolded position;
[0399] a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior
face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed
second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first
exterior face, an elongate resilient first compression seal with a
hollow seal chamber positioned in the first seal slot, and an
elongate first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face
and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
[0400] a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior
face and an opposed second exterior face, and an elongate first
interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in
the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the
first seal plate;
[0401] one of the first interior face of the first seal plate and
the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to the
third wall component upper edge;
[0402] the other of the first interior face of the first seal plate
and the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to
the interior surface of the third roof portion at a position so
that when the second floor portion, the third wall component and
the third roof portion are in their respective unfolded positions,
the first seal plate mates with the second seal plate, with the
first interlock key received in the first interlock slot, and the
first compression seal in pressing contact with the second exterior
face of the second seal plate.
[0403] Clause 72. The folded building structure of clause 71,
wherein the first seal slot defined in the first exterior face is
positioned between one of the first interlock slot and the first
edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, and wherein
the first exterior face further defines an elongate second seal
slot positioned between the other of the first interlock slot and
the first edge, and there is an elongate resilient second
compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the
second seal slot, so that when the first seal plate mates with the
second seal plate, the second compression seal is in pressing
contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
[0404] Clause 73. A folded building structure transportable to a
site at which the folded building structure is to be erected,
comprising:
[0405] a fixed space portion defined by (i) a first floor portion
having a first floor portion interior edge, (ii) a first wall
component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a second wall
component adjoining the first floor portion and the first wall
component, and (iii) a first roof portion adjoining the first wall
component and the fixed wall portion;
[0406] a second floor portion having a second floor portion
interior edge and vertically positioned in a second floor portion
folded position opposite to the first wall component, the second
floor portion pivotally connected to the first floor portion
between the first floor portion interior edge and the second floor
portion interior edge to permit the second floor portion to pivot,
about a horizontal axis relative to the first floor portion, from
the second floor portion folded position to a second floor portion
unfolded position;
[0407] a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior
face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed
second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first
exterior face, an elongate resilient first compression seal with a
hollow seal chamber positioned in the first seal slot, and an
elongate first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face
and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
[0408] a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior
face and an opposed second exterior face, and an elongate first
interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in
the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the
first seal plate;
[0409] the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to
one of the first floor portion interior edge and the second floor
portion interior edge;
[0410] the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to
the other of the first floor portion interior edge and the second
floor portion interior edge so that when the second floor portion
is in its unfolded position, the first seal plate mates with the
second seal plate, with the first interlock key received in the
first interlock slot, and the first compression seal in pressing
contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
[0411] Clause 74. The folded building structure of clause 73,
wherein the first seal slot defined in the first exterior face is
positioned between one of the first interlock slot and the first
edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, and wherein
the first exterior face further defines an elongate third seal slot
and an elongate fourth seal slot, each of the third and fourth seal
slots positioned between the other of the first interlock slot and
the first edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge,
with an elongate resilient third compression seal with a hollow
seal chamber positioned in the third seal slot, and an elongate
resilient fourth compression seal with a hollow seal chamber
positioned in the fourth seal slot, so that when the first seal
plate mates with the second seal plate the third and fourth
compression seals are in pressing contact with the second exterior
face of the second seal plate.
[0412] Clause 75. A sealing system for abutting regions of
enclosure components for a building structure, comprising:
[0413] (a) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first
interior face and an opposed first exterior face, the first
interior face being adapted to be secured to a first enclosure
component, and the first exterior face defining an elongate seal
slot; the first seal plate adapted to mate with a planar elongate
second seal plate by lateral movement of a second exterior face of
the second seal plate relative to the first exterior face of the
first seal plate;
[0414] (c) an elongate resilient shear seal positioned in the
elongate seal slot, the elongate resilient shear seal having a
hollow seal chamber and comprising:
[0415] (1) an elongate base;
[0416] (2) an elongate first seal wall joined to the base, and an
opposed elongate second seal wall joined to the base, the first and
second seal walls extending away from the base in a diverging
relationship;
[0417] (3) an elongate seal support having an arcuate region joined
to an end of the first seal wall distal from the base;
[0418] (4) an elongate planar seal closure joined to an end of the
second seal wall distal from the base;
[0419] (5) an elongate planar cantilevered seal surface joined to
the seal closure distal from the second seal wall at a shear seal
junction, the cantilevered seal surface oriented at an upward angle
.beta. relative to the base and terminating at a free end; and
[0420] (6) an end of the seal support distal from the first seal
wall joined either to the shear seal junction, or to the elongate
planar cantilevered seal surface proximate to the shear seal
junction, thereby defining the hollow seal chamber.
[0421] Clause 76. The sealing system of clause 75, wherein the base
of the shear seal is planar.
[0422] Clause 77. The sealing system of either of clause 75 or 76,
wherein the base has a first end and an opposed second end, and
there is an elongate first winglet extending from the first end of
the base and an elongate second winglet extending from the second
end of the base.
[0423] Clause 78. The sealing system of any one of clause 75, 76 or
77, wherein the first and second seal walls extend away from the
base at a divergence angle .lamda., where
.lamda.<90.degree..
[0424] Clause 79. The sealing system of clause 78, wherein the
divergence angle .lamda. is in the range of
40.degree.<.lamda.<50.degree..
[0425] Clause 80. The sealing system of clause 76, wherein the seal
closure is oriented at an angle of inclination a relative to the
planar base.
[0426] Clause 81. The sealing system of clause 80, wherein
.beta.>.alpha..
[0427] Clause 82. The sealing system of any one of clause 75, 76,
77, 78, 79, 80 or 81, wherein the seal slot has an elongate planar
floor section with a first end and an opposed second end, a first
lateral groove extends away from the first end of the seal slot and
a second lateral groove extends away from the second end of the
seal slot.
[0428] Clause 83. The sealing system of clause 77, wherein the seal
slot has a elongate planar floor section with a first end and an
opposed second end, a first lateral groove extends away from the
first end of the seal slot, a second lateral groove extends away
from the second end of the seal slot, the first winglet is
positioned in the first lateral groove and the second winglet is
positioned in the second lateral groove.
[0429] Clause 84. The sealing system of any one of clause 75, 76,
77, 78, 79, 80 or 81, wherein the seal slot has an elongate floor
section, and the seal slot is further defined by a first elongate
slot wall extending away from the floor section from a first
location, a second elongate slot wall extending away from the floor
section from an opposed second location, and the first and second
slot walls extend away from the floor section in a diverging
relationship.
[0430] Clause 85. The sealing system of clause 84, wherein the
first and second slot walls extend away from the floor section at a
divergence angle .epsilon., where .epsilon.<90.degree..
[0431] Clause 86. The sealing system of clause 85, wherein the
divergence angle .epsilon. is in the range of
40.degree.<.epsilon.<50.degree..
[0432] Clause 87. The sealing system of clause 78, wherein the seal
slot has an elongate floor section, and the seal slot is further
defined by a first elongate slot wall extending away from the floor
section from a first location, a second elongate slot wall
extending away from the floor section from an opposed second
location, and the first and second slot walls extend away from the
floor section at a divergence angle .epsilon. equal to the
divergence angle .lamda..
[0433] Clause 88. The sealing system of any one of clause 75, 76,
77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 or 87, wherein the seal
plate is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
[0434] Clause 89. An interlock seal component comprising:
[0435] (a) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first
interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an
opposed second edge, the first interior face adapted to be secured
to an enclosure component;
[0436] (b) an elongate key on the interior face of the seal plate;
and
[0437] (c) the exterior face being inclined at an angle relative to
the interior face.
[0438] Clause 90. The interlock seal component of clause 89,
further comprising an elongate first seal slot defined in the first
exterior face of the seal plate proximate the first edge.
[0439] Clause 91. The interlock seal component of clause 90,
further comprising a step-down, in the direction moving from the
first edge to the second edge, on the first exterior face between
the first seal slot and the second edge.
[0440] Clause 92. An interlock seal component comprising:
[0441] (a) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first
interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an
opposed second edge, the first interior face being adapted to be
secured to a first enclosure component;
[0442] (b) an elongate first seal slot defined in the first
exterior face of the seal plate proximate the first edge; and
[0443] (c) the first exterior face being inclined at an angle
relative to the interior face.
[0444] Clause 93. The interlock seal component of clause 92,
further comprising one of a step-up and a step-down on the first
exterior face positioned between the first seal slot and the second
edge.
[0445] Clause 94. An interlock seal assembly comprising:
[0446] (a) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first
interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge, an
opposed second edge and a first thickness, the first interior face
being adapted to be secured to a first enclosure component;
[0447] (b) an elongate first seal slot defined in the first
exterior face of the first seal plate proximate the first edge;
and
[0448] (c) the first exterior face being inclined at an angle
.gamma. relative to the first interior face so that the first
thickness decreases with increasing distance from the first
edge;
[0449] (d) a planar elongate second seal plate having a second
interior face, an opposed second exterior face, a third edge, an
opposed fourth edge and a second thickness, the second interior
face being adapted to be secured to a second enclosure
component;
[0450] (e) an elongate second seal slot defined in the second
exterior face of the second seal plate proximate the fourth
edge;
[0451] (f) the second exterior face being inclined at the angle
.gamma. relative to the second interior face so that the second
thickness increases with increasing distance from the third edge;
and
[0452] (g) the first seal plate adapted to mate with the second
seal plate by lateral movement of the first exterior face relative
to the second exterior face so that when mated the first exterior
face is in proximity with the second exterior face, with the first
edge proximate to the third edge and the second edge proximate to
the fourth edge.
[0453] Clause 95. The interlock seal assembly of clause 94, further
comprising:
[0454] (h) a first shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and a
first cantilevered seal surface, the first shear seal positioned in
the first seal slot;
[0455] (i) a second shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and a
second cantilevered seal surface, the second shear seal positioned
in the second seal slot; and
[0456] (j) the first and second shear seals respectively positioned
in the first and second seal slots so that the first and second
cantilevered seal surfaces are oppositely oriented away from each
other.
[0457] Clause 96. The interlock seal assembly of either of clause
94 or 95, further comprising a step-down, in the direction moving
from the first edge to the second edge, on the first exterior face,
in proximity to a step-up, in the direction moving from the third
edge to the fourth edge, on the second exterior face.
[0458] Clause 97. An enclosure component assembly comprising:
[0459] (a) a first planar laminate having an elongate laminate
edge, a first face and an opposed second face;
[0460] (b) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first
interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge, an
opposed second edge and a first thickness;
[0461] (c) the first exterior face being inclined at an angle
.gamma. relative to the first interior face so that the first
thickness increases with increasing distance from the first edge;
and
[0462] (d) the first interior face of the first seal plate secured
to the first face of the planar laminate parallel to the laminate
edge, with the second edge proximate to the laminate edge.
[0463] Clause 98. The enclosure component assembly of clause 97,
further comprising:
[0464] (e) a second planar laminate have an elongate edge, a first
face and an opposed second face;
[0465] (f) a planar elongate second seal plate having a second
interior face and an opposed second exterior face, a third edge and
an opposed fourth edge, the second interior face secured to the
edge of the second planar laminate, the first and second seal
plates mated with the first exterior face in proximity with the
second exterior face, the first edge proximate the third edge and
the second edge proximate the fourth edge; and
[0466] (g) the second exterior face being inclined at the angle
.gamma. relative to the second interior face so that the second
thickness increases with increasing distance from the fourth
edge.
[0467] Clause 99. The enclosure component assembly of clause 98,
further comprising flooring having a flooring thickness disposed on
the first face of the first planar laminate, and wherein the first
seal plate has a thickness at least equal to the flooring
thickness.
[0468] Clause 100. The enclosure component assembly of either of
clause 98 or 99, further comprising:
[0469] (g) an elongate first seal slot defined in the first
exterior face of the first seal plate proximate the second edge;
and
[0470] (h) an elongate second seal slot defined in the second
exterior face of the second seal plate proximate the third
edge.
[0471] Clause 101. The enclosure component assembly of clause 100,
further comprising:
[0472] (i) a first shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and a
first cantilevered seal surface, the first shear seal positioned in
the first seal slot;
[0473] (j) a second shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and a
second cantilevered seal surface, the second shear seal positioned
in the second seal slot; and
[0474] (k) the first and second shear seals respectively positioned
in the first and second seal slots so that the first and second
cantilevered seal surfaces are oppositely oriented away from each
other.
[0475] Clause 102. The enclosure component assembly of any one of
clause 98, 99, 100 or 101, having a step-up, in the direction
moving from the first edge to the second edge, on the first
exterior face in proximity with a step-down on the second exterior
face, in the direction moving from the third edge to the fourth
edge.
[0476] Clause 103. The enclosure component assembly of clause 102,
wherein the step-up is positioned between the first seal slot and
the first edge, and the step-down is positioned between the second
seal slot and the fourth edge.
[0477] Clause 104. The enclosure component assembly of any one of
clause 98, 99, 100, 101, 102 or 103, wherein either or both of the
first and second seal plates is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
[0478] Clause 105. A folded building structure transportable to a
site at which the folded building structure is to be erected,
comprising:
[0479] a fixed space portion defined by (i) a first floor portion,
(ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a
second wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the
first wall component, the fixed wall portion having a fixed wall
portion top edge, and (iii) a first roof portion adjoining the
first wall component and the fixed wall portion; a second floor
portion vertically positioned in a second floor portion folded
position opposite to the first wall component and pivotally
connected to the first floor portion to permit the second floor
portion to pivot, about a horizontal axis relative to the first
floor portion, from the second floor portion folded position to a
second floor portion unfolded position, the second floor portion
having an interior surface and the first and second floor portions
defining an exterior floor edge when the second floor portion is in
the second floor portion unfolded position;
[0480] the second wall component additionally including a planar
pivoting wall portion with a pivoting portion bottom edge, the
pivoting wall portion (i) disposed in a pivoting portion folded
position against the third wall component in the third wall
component folded position and (ii) pivotally connected to the fixed
wall portion of the second wall component to permit the pivoting
wall portion to pivot, about a vertical axis relative to the fixed
wall portion of the second wall component, from the pivoting
portion folded position to a pivoting portion unfolded position in
which at least a segment of the pivoting portion bottom edge is
positioned over a select region of the interior surface of the
second floor portion proximate to the exterior floor edge when the
second floor portion is in the second floor portion unfolded
position;
[0481] a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior
face, an opposed first exterior face, a first thickness, a first
edge and an opposed second edge, with an elongate first seal slot
defined in the first exterior face proximate to the first edge;
[0482] a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior
face, an opposed second exterior face, a second thickness, a third
edge and an opposed fourth edge, with an elongate second seal slot
defined in the second exterior face proximate to the fourth
edge;
[0483] an elongate resilient first shear seal having a hollow seal
chamber and an elongate first cantilevered seal surface terminating
at a free end, the first shear seal positioned in the first seal
slot, with the first cantilevered seal surface oriented toward the
first edge, and an elongate resilient second shear seal having a
hollow seal chamber and an elongate second cantilevered seal
surface terminating at a free end, the second shear seal positioned
in the second seal slot, with the second cantilevered seal surface
oriented toward the fourth edge;
[0484] the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to
the select region of the interior surface of the second floor
portion, with the fourth edge of the second seal plate proximate to
the exterior floor edge when the second floor portion is in the
second floor portion unfolded position;
[0485] the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to
the pivoting portion bottom edge with the second edge proximate to
the exterior floor edge when the second floor portion is in the
second floor portion unfolded position and the pivoting wall
portion is in the pivoting wall portion unfolded position, so that
when the second floor portion and the pivoting wall portion are in
their respective unfolded positions, the first seal plate mates
with the second seal plate, with the first edge being proximate to
the third edge, the first cantilevered seal surface in pressing
contact with the exterior face of the second seal plate, and the
second cantilevered seal surface in pressing contact with the
exterior face of the first seal plate.
[0486] Clause 106. The folded building structure of clause 105,
wherein a segment of the pivoting wall portion is positioned over a
select region of the interior surface of the first floor portion
proximate to the exterior floor edge when the pivoting wall portion
is in the pivoting wall portion unfolded position and the second
floor portion is in the second floor portion unfolded position, and
the folded building structure further comprises:
[0487] a planar elongate third seal plate having a third interior
face, an opposed third exterior face, a third thickness, a fifth
edge and an opposed sixth edge, with an elongate third seal slot
defined in the third exterior face proximate to the sixth edge;
[0488] an elongate resilient third shear seal having a hollow seal
chamber and a third cantilevered seal surface terminating at a free
end, the third shear seal positioned in the third seal slot, with
the third cantilevered seal surface oriented toward the sixth
edge;
[0489] the third interior face of the third seal plate secured to
the select region of the interior surface of the first floor
portion so that when the pivoting wall portion is in the pivoting
wall portion unfolded position, the fifth edge is proximate to the
first edge, and the third seal plate mates with the first seal
plate, with the third cantilevered seal surface in pressing contact
with the first exterior face of the first seal plate.
[0490] Clause 107 The folded building structure of either of clause
105 or 106, wherein the first exterior face is inclined at an angle
.gamma. relative to the first interior face so that the first
thickness increases with increasing distance from the first edge,
and the second exterior face being inclined at the angle .gamma.
relative to the second interior face so that the second thickness
decreases with increasing distance from the fourth edge.
[0491] Clause 108. The folded building structure of any one of
clause 105, 106 or 107, where the first and second cantilevered
seal surfaces are each oriented at an upward angle .beta..
[0492] Clause 109. The folded building structure of clause 106,
wherein the first exterior face is inclined at an angle .gamma.
relative to the first interior face so that the first thickness
decreases with increasing distance from the first edge, the second
exterior face being inclined at the angle .gamma. relative to the
second interior face so that the second thickness increases with
increasing distance from the third edge, and the third exterior
face being inclined at the angle .gamma. relative to the third
interior face so that the third thickness increases with increasing
distance from the fifth edge.
[0493] Clause 110. The folded building structure of clause 106,
wherein the first and second cantilevered seal surfaces are each
oriented at an upward angle .beta..
[0494] Clause 111. The folded building structure of either of
clause 106 or 110, wherein the third cantilevered seal surface is
oriented at the upward angle .beta..
[0495] Clause 112. The folded building structure of clause 105,
wherein there is a step-down, in the direction moving from the
first edge to the second edge, on the first exterior face which is
in proximity with a step-up, in the direction moving from the third
edge to the fourth edge, on the second exterior face when the
pivoting wall portion is in the pivoting portion unfolded
position.
[0496] Clause 113. A folded building structure transportable to a
site at which the folded building structure is to be erected,
comprising:
[0497] a fixed space portion defined by (i) a first floor portion,
(ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a
second wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the
first wall component, and (iii) a roof portion adjoining the first
wall component and the fixed wall portion;
[0498] a second floor portion vertically positioned in a second
floor portion folded position opposite to the first wall component
and pivotally connected to the first floor portion to permit the
second floor portion to pivot, about a first horizontal axis
relative to the first floor portion, from the second floor portion
folded position to a second floor portion unfolded position;
[0499] a third wall component vertically positioned in a third wall
component folded position against the second floor portion, the
third wall component pivotally connected to the second floor
portion to permit the third wall portion to pivot, about a second
horizontal axis relative to the second floor portion, from the
third wall component folded position to a third wall component
unfolded position, the third wall component having an interior
surface and an exterior wall edge;
[0500] the second wall component additionally including a planar
pivoting wall portion with a pivoting portion vertical edge, the
pivoting wall portion (i) disposed in a pivoting portion folded
position against the third wall component in the third wall
component folded position and (ii) pivotally connected to the fixed
wall portion of the second wall component to permit the pivoting
wall portion to pivot, about a vertical axis relative to the fixed
wall portion of the second wall component, from the pivoting
portion folded position to a pivoting portion unfolded position in
which the pivoting portion vertical edge is positioned adjacent to
a select region of the interior surface of the third wall component
proximate to the exterior wall edge when the second floor portion
and the third call components are in their unfolded positions;
[0501] a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior
face, an opposed first exterior face, a first thickness, a first
edge and an opposed second edge, with an elongate first seal slot
defined in the first exterior face proximate to the first edge;
[0502] a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior
face, an opposed second exterior face, a second thickness, a third
edge and an opposed fourth edge, with an elongate second seal slot
defined in the second exterior face proximate to the fourth
edge;
[0503] an elongate resilient first shear seal having a hollow seal
chamber and an elongate first cantilevered seal surface terminating
at a free end, the first shear seal positioned in the first seal
slot, with the first cantilevered seal surface oriented toward the
first edge, and an elongate resilient second shear seal having a
hollow seal chamber and an elongate second cantilevered seal
surface terminating at a free end, the second shear seal positioned
in the second seal slot, with the second cantilevered seal surface
oriented toward the fourth edge;
[0504] the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to
the select region of the interior surface of the third wall
component, with the fourth edge of the second seal plate proximate
to the exterior wall edge of the third wall component;
[0505] the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to
the pivoting portion vertical edge with the second edge proximate
to the exterior wall edge of the third wall component when the
second floor portion is in the second floor portion unfolded
position, the third wall component is in the third wall component
unfolded position and the pivoting wall portion is in the pivoting
wall portion unfolded position, so that when the second floor
portion, the third wall component and the pivoting wall portion are
in their respective unfolded positions, the first seal plate mates
with the second seal plate, with the first edge being proximate to
the third edge, the first cantilevered seal surface in pressing
contact with the exterior face of the second seal plate, and the
second cantilevered seal surface in pressing contact with the
exterior face of the first seal plate.
[0506] Clause 114. The folded building structure of clause 113,
wherein the first exterior face is inclined at an angle .gamma.
relative to the first interior face so that the first thickness
increases with increasing distance from the first edge, and the
second exterior face being inclined at the angle .gamma. relative
to the second interior face so that the second thickness decreases
with increasing distance from the fourth edge.
[0507] Clause 115. The folded building structure of clause 113,
wherein the first and second cantilevered seal surfaces are each
oriented at an upward angle .beta..
[0508] Clause 116. The folded building structure of clause 113,
wherein there is a step-down, in the direction moving from the
first edge to the second edge, on the first exterior face which is
in proximity with a step-up, in the direction moving from the third
edge to the fourth edge, on the second exterior face when the
pivoting wall portion is in the pivoting portion unfolded
position.
[0509] Clause 117. The folded building structure of any one of
clauses 58-74, wherein the first compression seal comprises:
[0510] (1) an elongate base;
[0511] (2) an elongate first seal wall joined to the base, and an
opposed elongate second seal wall joined to the base, the first and
second seal walls extending away from the base in a diverging
relationship;
[0512] (3) an elongate first arcuate buttress joined to an end of
the first seal wall distal from the base, and an elongate second
arcuate buttress joined to an end of the second seal wall distal
from the base;
[0513] (4) an elongate planar first seal surface joined to an end
of the first arcuate buttress distal from the first seal wall, and
an elongate planar second seal surface joined to an end of the
second arcuate buttress distal from the second seal wall, the first
seal surface and the second seal surface each extending away at an
angle from the first arcuate buttress and the second arcuate
buttress respectively in a converging relationship; and
[0514] (5) an elongate seal closure having a first closure end
joined to an end of the first seal surface distal from the first
arcuate buttress and a second closure end joined to an end of the
second seal surface distal from the second arcuate buttress; and
wherein the base, the first and second seal walls, the first and
second arcuate buttresses, the first and second seal surfaces and
the seal closure define the hollow seal chamber.
[0515] Clause 118. The folded building structure of clause 117,
wherein the base of the first compression seal has an arched
section arched inwardly toward the seal chamber.
[0516] Clause 119. The folded building structure of either of
clause 117 or 118, wherein the base of the first compression seal
has a first end and an opposed second end, and the base further
comprises an elongate first winglet extending from the first end of
the base and an elongate second winglet extending from the second
end of the base.
[0517] Clause 120. The folded building structure of clause 119,
wherein the first seal slot has an elongate planar floor section
with a first end and an opposed second end, a first lateral groove
extends away from the first end of the first seal slot, a second
lateral groove extends away from the second end of the first seal
slot, the first winglet is positioned in the first lateral groove
and the second winglet is positioned in the second lateral
groove.
[0518] Clause 121. The folded building structure of clause 120,
wherein the first seal slot is further defined by an elongate first
slot wall extending away from the floor section from a first
location, an elongate second slot wall extending away from the
floor section from an opposed second location, with the first and
second slot walls extending away from the floor section in a
diverging relationship.
[0519] Clause 122. The folded building structure of any one of
clause 105, 106, 107, 109, 112, 113, 114 or 116, wherein the first
and second shear seals each comprises:
[0520] (1) an elongate base;
[0521] (2) an elongate first seal wall joined to the base, and an
opposed elongate second seal wall joined to the base, the first and
second seal walls extending away from the base in a diverging
relationship;
[0522] (3) an elongate seal support having an arcuate region joined
to an end of the first seal wall distal from the base;
[0523] (4) an elongate planar seal closure joined to an end of the
second seal wall distal from the base;
[0524] (5) the cantilevered seal surface being joined to the seal
closure distal from the second seal wall at a shear seal junction,
the cantilevered seal surface oriented at an upward angle relative
to the base; and
[0525] (6) an end of the seal support distal from the first seal
wall joined either to the shear seal junction, or to the
cantilevered seal surface proximate to the shear seal junction,
thereby defining the hollow seal chamber.
[0526] Clause 123. The folded building structure of clause 122,
wherein the base of each of the first and second shear seals is
planar.
[0527] Clause 124. The folded building structure of either of
clause 122 or 123, wherein the base of each of the first and second
shear seals has a first end and an opposed second end, and there is
an elongate first winglet extending from the first end of the base
and an elongate second winglet extending from the second end of the
base.
[0528] Clause 125. The folded building structure of clause 124,
wherein each of the first seal slot and the second seal slot has an
elongate planar floor section with a first end and an opposed
second end, a first lateral groove extends away from the first end
of the first seal slot, a second lateral groove extends away from
the second end of the first seal slot, the first winglet is
positioned in the first lateral groove and the second winglet is
positioned in the second lateral groove.
[0529] Clause 126. The folded building structure of clause 125,
wherein each of the first seal slot and the second seal slot is
further defined by an elongate first slot wall extending away from
the floor section from a first location, an elongate second slot
wall extending away from the floor section from an opposed second
location, with the first and second slot walls extending away from
the floor section in a diverging relationship.
[0530] Clause 127. The folded building structure of any one of
clauses 122-126, wherein the cantilevered seal surface of either or
both of the first and second shear seals is planar.
[0531] Clause 128. The folded building structure of any one of
clauses 105-127, wherein either or both of the first and second
seal plates is formed of foamed polyvinyl chloride.
* * * * *