MODULAR BUILDING SYSTEM
Disclosed is a modular building system for configuring a building structure. The modular building system includes a foundation member, a plurality of wall members, a plurality of wall-retaining members and a roofing member. The foundation member has a plurality of engaging members that engages with a plurality of complementary engaging members of wall members. The foundation member and the wall members are detachably attached as the engaging members and the complementary engaging members engage to each other and create a space with a top opening. The adjacent wall members are attached by a plurality of the wall-retaining members. Further, the wall member includes a plurality of engagement members that engages with a plurality of complementary engagement members provided on the roofing member to detachably attach the plurality of engagement members on top portion of the plurality of wall members for covering the top opening, thereby configuring the building structure.
The present invention claims priority under 35 United States Code, Section 119 on the U.S. Provisional Patent Application numbered 60/933,411 filed on Jun. 5, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to modular buildings, and more particularly, to structural elements for use in construction of the modular buildings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn present scenarios, the building construction field is generally labor and cost intensive. Construction of a building further requires involvement of a considerable amount of time. To reduce the factors such as labor, cost and time involvement in the construction of the building, prefabrication systems have been proven as one of the potential solutions. A typical prefabrication system involves prefabricated structures that are erected together to form a building structure.
Existing prefabrication systems fall into two major categories, namely, wood and aluminum frame prefabrication systems, and concrete prefabrication system. The wood and aluminum frame prefabrication systems are limited to low density suburban housing and where ground conditions are stable and dry. The wood and aluminum frame prefabrication systems are not suitable to those areas where the ground conditions are erosive and wet. The wood and aluminum frame prefabrication systems involve wood and aluminum frame structures and a foundation on which a building structure is formed by erecting the wood and the aluminum frame structures. The wood and aluminum frame structures and the foundation are generally light-weight. In case of the ground conditions being erosive and wet, light-weight foundation of such a building structure may not withstand and may result in collapsing of the building structure, thereby resulting in injuries to individuals living in the building structure. Further, the concrete prefabrication system is more appropriate for urban buildings due to fire and structural safety requirements.
These prefabrication systems have not been exploited to a great extent. More specifically, these prefabrication systems are exploited in commercial construction sectors of industry, but in case of residential construction sector of the industry, their use is very limited. Most of the prefabrication systems include structural systems such as, walls and floors, which do not solve architectural design needs of users. In addition to not being user or market oriented to any substantial degree, these prefabrication systems tend to be costly, require expensive erection and dismantling cost. Due to these reasons, such prefabrication systems have been unsuitable for applications in both commercial and residential construction sectors.
Apart from the above, building structures made by such prefabricated structures suffer from several disadvantages, such as cracking due to inclement weather conditions, which result into wear and tear to the building structures and often lead to leaks, creaks and structural damage. Further, inadequate and ineffective insulation to noise, heat and cold is one of the major problems in such building structures. Also, existing designs of such building structures are generally of a temporary nature and may not be easily customized to meet requirements of change in sizes and places of the building structures.
Furthermore, the portability of such prefabricated structures can be another problem because of their weight, complexity of structure and the danger of rupture of the prefabricated structures while transporting. The prefabricated structures are often required in areas where accommodation is needed in an emergency or on a temporary basis, such as in natural disasters areas, refugee camps and military bases. Oftentimes, such prefabricated structures need to be rapidly transported and erected to provide emergency habitable structures within a required time. Such prefabricated structures may not be easily and quickly erected to meet demands for such structures without a great deal of manpower, within the required time.
Accordingly, there is a need for prefabricated structures that can be used in dry as well as in wet and erosive ground conditions. Further, there is a need for all-purpose prefabricated structures that can be exploited by both the residential and commercial construction sectors of industry. Furthermore, there is a need for prefabricated structures that may be easily erected and dismantled. The prefabricated structures should also be reconfigurable to meet requirements of changes in size or place of a building structure, and should also meet requirements depending on need of long-term or permanent applications. The prefabricated structures should also be readily transportable. Moreover, the prefabricated structures should further be capable of withstanding poor weather conditions and of providing insulation to noise, heat and cold.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide prefabricated building structures such as a modular building system for configuring a building structure that is configured to include all advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
An object of the present invention is to provide a modular building system that may be utilized for constructing buildings for residential, commercial and emergency accommodation purposes, in areas such as, coastal areas, suburban housing areas and urban buildings areas. Further, the modular building system may be utilized to construct buildings independent of the nature of ground.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular building system that may be easily erected and dismantled, and may be customizable to meet changing requirements in size and needs of long-term or permanent applications of buildings, or places of the buildings.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modular building system that may be able to withstand poor weather conditions and may provide insulation from noise, heat and cold.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a modular building system that may be readily transportable.
To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present invention, a modular building system for configuring a building structure is provided. The modular building system comprises a foundation member, a plurality of wall members, a plurality of wall-retaining members and a roofing member. The foundation member has a plurality of engaging members. Further, each of the plurality of wall members has a plurality of complementary engaging members on a bottom portion and a plurality of engagement member on a top portion. The complementary engaging members enable the wall members to be detachably attached to the foundation member by engaging with the engaging members. The attachments of the wall members and the foundation member configure a space therebetween above the foundation member with a top opening. Furthermore, the plurality of wall-retaining members is adapted to be detachably attached with the plurality of wall members. Each of the plurality of wall-retaining members is detachably attached to the foundation member. More particularly, each of the plurality of wall-retaining members extends vertically from a top surface of the foundation member, and between at least two adjacent wall members of the plurality of wall members for configuring a detachable attachment therebetween. Further, the roofing member having complementary engagement members is adapted to be detachably attached to the plurality of engagement members of the plurality of wall members providing for covering the top opening to configure the building structure.
These together with the other aspects of the present invention, along with the various feature of novelty that characterized the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of the present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONFor a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the following detailed description, including the appended claims, in connection with the above-described drawings. Although the present invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The term “first”, “second”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
The present invention provides a modular building system for configuring a building structure for residential, commercial and emergency accommodation purposes. The modular building system comprises a plurality of modular structures, such as a foundation member, a plurality of wall members, a plurality of wall-retaining members and a roof members that are assembled together to configure the building structure that may be used as residential and commercial purpose in case of emergency as well as a permanent shelter. Further, the building structure may be disassembled back into the plurality of modular structures, and may be transported to required construction locations.
The modular building system for configuring the building structure, such as a building structure 1000 is shown in
The modular building system used in the construction of the building 1000 may be understood with the help of
The foundation member 100 comprises a plurality of engaging members 108 utilized to detachably attach the foundation member 100 to the wall members 200. Each of the wall members 200 comprises a plurality of complementary engaging members 202. The complementary engaging members 202 of a wall member 200 enable the wall member 200 to be detachably attached to the foundation member 100 by engaging with the engaging members 108 thereon. When the wall members 200 are attached to the foundation member 100, a space (not shown) with a top opening (not shown) is created therebetween. The wall members 200 and the complementary engaging members 202 are further described in detail in conjunction with
More particularly, the wall-retaining member 300 extends vertically from the foundation member 100 to the roofing member 400, and between at least two adjacent wall members 200 for configuring a detachable attachment therebetween. The wall-retaining member 300 will be explained in detail in conjunction with
The roofing member 400 is detachably attached above the wall members 200 to cover the top opening, thereby configuring the building 1000. The detailed description of the roofing member 400 is provided in conjunction with
Referring now to 3A and 3B, a top view and a cross sectional view of the foundation member 100, are shown, respectively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Herein, references are made of
The foundation member 100 comprises the foundation base 102 and the foundation floor 104. The foundation base 102 includes a first projecting portion 110 that is substantially thick. The first projecting portion 110 extends vertically upward from a periphery of the foundation base 102 in a manner such that a cavity 118 is formed therebetween as shown in
Referring now to
Referring again to
The weighting material 106 is either placed or not placed in the cavity 118, depending upon the nature of the selected ground. The cavity 118 needs to be closed for providing suitable flooring to the foundation base 102. The foundation floor 104 is provided on the foundation base 102 in a manner such that the foundation floor 104 covers the cavity 118. The foundation floor 104 may be provided over the foundation base 102 in a variety of manners. In one embodiment of the present invention, a second projecting portion 120 is formed adjacent to the first projecting portion 110. More specifically, the second projecting portion 120 extends vertically upward from the foundation base 102, and further, extends horizontally adjacent to the first projecting portion 110 for configuring a channel 122 therebetween. Further, the foundation floor 104 includes a projecting member 124 extending vertically downward from a periphery of the foundation floor 104. The projecting member 124 is adapted to snugly fit into the channel 122 providing covering to the cavity 118, thereby configuring the foundation member 100.
Further, the engaging members 108 as described herein above are provided on the top surface 114 of the first projecting portion 110. The engaging members 108 are capable of detachably attaching to the wall members 200. In the embodiment shown in
Further, the foundation member 100 comprises a plurality of retaining recesses, such as a retaining recess 128 provided at each corner of the square-shaped or the rectangular shaped foundation member 100. More particularly, the retaining recess 128 is provided on each corner of the top surface 114 of the first projecting portion 110. The retaining recess 128 is capable of receiving a portion of the wall-retaining member 300 for detachably attaching the wall-retaining member 300 to the foundation member 100. The detachable attachment of the wall-retaining member 300 with the foundation member 100 is further described in conjunction with
Furthermore, the foundation member 100 includes a longitudinal through hole 130 (hereinafter referred to as ‘hole 130’) extending along a length of the foundation member 100. More particularly, the hole 130 extends from one corner portion of the first projecting portion 110 to another corner portion of the first projecting portion 110. The placement and number of holes, such as the hole 130, as illustrated in
Referring specifically to
Similar to the holding pin 600, the holding pin 620 includes a head area 622 and a tail area 624 as shown in
In one embodiment of the present invention, for engaging the foundation member 100 and the wall members 200, two of each of the holding pins 600 and holding pins 620 are utilized. More specifically, two of the holding pins 600 are inserted completely into any two alternate holes 130 for configuring the stable engagement between the foundation member 100 and corresponding two wall members 200. Further in remaining two alternate holes 130, two of the holding pins 620 are inserted for configuring the stable engagement between the foundation member 100 and remaining two wall members 200. The engagement of the wall members 200 and the foundation member 100 by the holding pins 600 and 620 is further described in conjunction with
Now referring to
Further, the complementary engaging members 202 are provided on the bottom portion 216 of the wall member 200. In one embodiment, the complementary engaging members 202 are a plurality of teethed prolongations. Each of the complementary engaging members 202 includes a through hole 224 (hereinafter referred to as ‘hole 224’) extending horizontally along each of the complementary engaging members 202. The hole 224 is capable of receiving the holding pins 600 and 620 for engaging the wall member 200 with the foundation member 100. The engaging members 108 of the foundation member 100 are adapted to be engaged with the complementary engaging members 202 for vertically disposing the wall member 200 onto the top surface 114 of the foundation member 100. The engagement of the foundation member 100 and the wall member 200 by engaging the engaging members 108 and the complementary engaging members 202 enables the hole 130 and the hole 224 to align with each other. In one embodiment, the alignment of the hole 130 and the hole 224 provide a passage (not shown) that allows the holding pins 600 or 620 to pass therethrough, thereby providing stable engagement between the foundation member 100 and the wall member 200. The holding pin 600 is inserted by using a mallet (not shown) and a pin awl (not shown) until the O-rings 606a, 606b, 610a and 610b, and the snap knobs 608 and 612 sit in the passage. Similarly, the passage provided by the alignment of the holes 130 and 224 also allows the holding pin 620 to pass therethrough in a similar fashion. As described in conjunction with
Further, as shown in
A front view of the inner wall panel 206 of the wall member 200 is shown in
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the design of the grooves 230 and the groove cover 234 may be modified, depending upon the nature of the plumbing-unit, electric wiring and other home appliances. Further, the grooves 230 are capable of incorporating the fixtures and the cabinets depending upon requirements of the individuals living in the building 1000. Grooves, such as the grooves 230 are capable of configuring the cabinets and the closets inside the building 1000. More specifically, the cabinets or the closets may be especially designed to include engaging means at their back side. The engaging means may be engaged within the grooves 230 to provide support to the cabinets or the closets onto the inner wall panel 206.
Referring now to
Similarly, the spine 306 includes a plurality of recesses 319 equally spaced apart from each other on a surface 320 of the spine 306. Further, similar to the panel 302, the panel 310 includes a plurality of protruded members 322. The recesses 319 are capable of receiving the protruded members 322, thereby engaging the panel 310 to the spine 306 and configuring the slot 312 between the panel 310 and the panel 304.
In one embodiment, the recesses 318 and 319 are L-shaped recesses, and the protruded member 318 and 322 are also L-shaped protruded members that respectively act as female and male members. The wall-retaining member 300 as illustrated in
Further, the wall-retaining member 300 includes a retaining-recessed indentation 324 at a top portion 326, as shown in
The wall-retaining member 300 is provided at each corner of the foundation member 100 in a similar manner as described above. Therefore, the through hole 328 of each the wall-retaining member 300 is aligned to the hole 222 of the wall member 200, and the holding pin 600 or the holding pin 620 may be inserted within aligned holes 328 and 222. Similarly, the through holes 330 of each the wall-retaining member 300 is aligned to the hole 222 of the wall member 200, and the holding pin 600 or the holding pin 620 may be inserted within aligned holes 330 and 222. Similarly, the through holes 336 and 338 align with the holes 224 of the wall member 200 and the hole 130 of the foundation member 100. Further, holding pins 600 or the holding pin 620 may be inserted within aligned holes 336, 224 and 130, and aligned holes 338, 224 and 130.
The wall-retaining member 300 as illustrates in
In
Referring now to
The triangular roof sections 402a and 402b are attached by the attaching members 404a and 404b for configuring a section of the roofing member 400. The attaching member 404a includes a rubber sealing strip 406, a grooved section 408 and a tapered cut portion 412 above the rubber sealing strip 406. Each of the rubber sealing strip 406, a grooved section 408 and a tapered cut portion 412 extends longitudinally along the surface 404a1. Similarly, the attaching member 404b includes a rubber sealing strip 414, a grooved section 416 and a tapered cut portion 418, extending longitudinally along the side surface 404b, of the triangular roof section 402b.
The rubber sealing strip 406 of the triangular roof section 402a is configured to be received into the grooved section 416 of the triangular roof section 402b, and the rubber sealing strip 414 of the triangular roof section 402b is configured to be received into the grooved section 408 of the triangular roof section 402a. Therefore, the triangular roof sections 402a and 402b may be joined as shown in
As shown in
A covering to the apex opening 426 is provided by at least one covering member, such as a covering member 428 as shown in
The roofing member 400 is detachably coupled to the wall members 200 by using a plurality of complementary engagement members, such as complementary engagement members 403 as shown in
Furthermore, similar to the holes 130 as shown in
Further, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the attaching member 404a and 404b may be as shown in
Furthermore, in
Now referring to
Panels 302 and 310 are detachably attached to the spine 306 to support the wall members 200 to provide support to the wall members 200 on the foundation member 100 and between the wall-retaining members 300. Further, the holding pins 600 or the holding pins 620 are inserted into aligned holes, such as the holes 112 of the foundation member 100, the holes 224 of the wall members 200, and the through holes 336 and 338 of the wall-retaining member 300. The holding pins 600 and the holding pins 620 provide a rigid engagement of the foundation member 100, wall members 200 and the wall-retaining member 300. Furthermore, the roofing member 400 with the apex opening 426 is configured by attaching the triangular roof sections 402a-d. The roofing member 400 is further engaged to the wall members 200, by engaging the engagement members 208 and the complementary engagement members 403. Further, the covering member 428 is provided on the apex opening 426, thereby closing the apex opening 426 for configuring the building 1000.
The building 1000 constructed by the modular building system may be easily dismantled by removing holding pins 600 and 620, and anchoring pins 500 used in assembling of the building 1000. The disassembled parts such as, the foundation member 100, the wall members 200, the wall-retaining members 300 and the roofing members 400 and other parts may be easily transported from one place to the other place. Further, based on the need of the users of the building 1000, the size of the building 1000 and the number of rooms in the building 1000 may be customized based on using the various wall members 200 and the various wall-retaining members such as, the dual wall-retaining member 300 and 370, triple wall-retaining member 340, quadruple wall-retaining member 350, and the like. The building 1000 constructed by the modular building system may be used on a long-term and permanent basis.
The modular building system of the present invention is advantageous in constructing buildings for both residential and commercial purposes in suburban housing areas, urban buildings areas and disaster areas. The modular building system may also be utilized to construct a building structure in wet ground conditions. Further, the modular building system may be easily erected and dismantled. Furthermore, the modular building system is capable of providing insulation against noise, heat and cold, and is capable of withstanding in inadequate weather conditions. Moreover, the modular building system is easily and readily transportable.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A modular building system for configuring a building structure, the modular building system comprising:
- a foundation member having a plurality of engaging members;
- a plurality of wall members, each of the plurality of wall members having a plurality of complementary engaging members on a bottom portion and a plurality of engagement members on a top portion of each of the plurality of wall members, the plurality of complementary engaging members enabling the plurality of wall members to be detachably attached to the foundation member by engaging with the plurality of engaging members for configuring a space therebetween with a top opening;
- a plurality of wall-retaining members, each of the plurality of wall-retaining members capable of being attached between at least two adjacent wall members of the plurality of wall members for joining the at least two adjacent wall members; and
- a roofing member having a plurality of complementary engagement members, the plurality of complementary engagement members capable of being detachably attached to the plurality of engagement member on the top portion of each of the plurality of wall members for covering the top opening.
2. The modular building system of claim 1, wherein the foundation member comprises:
- a foundation base comprising a first projecting portion extending vertically upward from a periphery of the foundation base configuring a cavity therebetween, the cavity capable of being filled by a weighting material, the first projecting portion comprising the plurality of engaging members; and
- a foundation floor adapted to be disposed on the foundation base for covering the cavity.
3. The modular building system of claim 2, wherein the foundation base further comprises a plurality of through holes configured on the foundation base, each of the plurality of holes capable of receiving an anchoring pin to anchor the foundation base.
4. The modular building system of claim 2, wherein the foundation base further comprises a second projecting portion extending vertically upward from the foundation base, and extending horizontally parallel to the first projecting portion, thereby configuring a channel therebetween.
5. The modular building system of claim 4, wherein the foundation floor comprises a projecting member extending vertically downward from a periphery of the foundation floor, the projecting member capable of being received in the channel configured between the first projecting portion and the second projecting portion of the foundation base.
6. The modular building system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of engaging members is a plurality of recessed indentations spaced apart from each other.
7. The modular building system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of wall members comprises a pair of wall panels having an inner wall and an outer wall disposed parallel to each other and coupled together to configure a double-paneled wall structure with a clearance space between the pair of wall panels, each of the plurality of wall members having a top portion, a bottom portion and vertical side portions, the top portion comprising the plurality of engagement members.
8. The modular building system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of complementary engaging members is a plurality of teethed prolongations and the plurality of engaging members is a plurality of recessed indentations, each of the plurality of teethed prolongations configured to be received into corresponding recessed indentation of the plurality of recessed indentations of the foundation member for vertically disposing each of the plurality of wall members on the foundation member.
9. The modular building system of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of holding pins, each of the plurality of holding pins configured to engage the at least one engaging member and the at least one complementary engaging member by penetrating in a longitudinal through hole configured on the foundation member and each of the at least one complementary engaging member in an engaged state of the at least one engaging member and the at least one complementary engaging member.
10. The modular building system of claim 8, wherein the inner wall of the pair of wall panels comprises a plurality of grooves, the plurality of grooves capable of engaging to at least one home appliance.
11. The modular building system of claim 8, wherein the outer wall of the pair of wall panels comprises a plurality of holes to provide a passage to fill the clearance space by an insulation material.
12. The modular building system of claim 11, wherein the outer wall panel further comprises a plurality of insertion plugs to cover the plurality of holes.
13. The modular building system of claim 7, wherein the pair of wall panels has at least one opening for providing at least one of an entrance means and ventilation means for the building structure.
14. The modular building system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of wall-retaining members comprises at least two longitudinally extending panels attached in a manner to configure a slot therebetween, the slot capable of receiving a vertical side portion of a wall member of the plurality of wall members.
15. The modular building system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the two longitudinally extending panels is detachably attachable to configure the slot.
16. The modular building system of claim 8, wherein the roofing member further comprises:
- a plurality of triangular roof sections, each of the plurality of triangular roof sections comprising the complementary engagement members configured on a bottom edge of each of the plurality of the triangular roof sections;
- a plurality of attaching members, each of the plurality of attaching members adapted to attach two adjacent triangular roof sections of the plurality of triangular roof sections to configure a dome-shaped structure having an apex opening; and
- at least one covering member adapted to cover the apex opening,
- wherein the plurality of attaching members detachably attach the plurality of triangular roof sections to configure the dome-shaped structure in a manner such that the plurality of complementary engagement members is capable of being engaged with the engagement members on the top portion of each of the plurality of wall members.
17. The modular building system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of complementary engagement members is a plurality of teethed prolongations, and the plurality of engagement members is a plurality of recessed indentations, each of the plurality of teethed prolongations configured to be received into corresponding recessed indentation of the plurality of recessed indentations of the plurality of wall members for engaging the roofing member to the plurality of wall members.
18. The modular building system of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of holding pins, each of the plurality of holding pins configured to engage the at least one engagement member and the at least one complementary engagement member by penetrating in a longitudinal through hole configured on the top portion of each of the plurality of wall members and each of the at least one complementary engagement member in an engaged state of the at least one engagement member and the at least one complementary engagement member.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 4, 2008
Publication Date: Dec 24, 2009
Inventors: Victoria Lyons (Bakersfield, CA), Kitt Samuel (Garfield Heights, OH)
Application Number: 12/132,995
International Classification: E04B 1/343 (20060101);