Abstract: A construction transportation system comprises at least one transport assembly having gross dimensions generally corresponding to those of a standard freight container. The transport assembly comprises at least two construction components. Each of the two construction components has a first gross dimension whose maximum value is generally equal to C.sub.1 /x, where C.sub.1 is the width of a standard freight container, and x is greater than or equal to 1. Each of the two components has a second gross dimension perpendicular to the first dimension whose maximum value is generally equal to C.sub.2 /y, where C.sub.2 is the length of a standard freight container, and y is greater than 1. Each of the two components has a third gross dimension perpendicular to the first and second dimensions. At least a first side of each of the two components extends in the directions of that components' first and third dimensions, and that first side is provided with connectors.

Abstract: A transportation and construction method utilizing construction components of the type comprising vertically spaced pairs of male and female lock assemblies, with vertically reciprocating female locks for locking horizontally extending pin members of the male lock assemblies into receiving sockets of the female assemblies, comprising the steps of transporting a plurality of construction components having such lock assemblies to a construction site in the manner of standard freight containers, emplacing a first such component at the site supported by an underlying earth formation, positioning a second such component adjacent the first component, placing at least some of the female locks in raised or release positions, mating pin members with the respective sockets of the raised female locks, and then lowering the female locks to lock the second component to the first component and support it thereon in cantilever fashion, then extending supports downwardly adjacent the second component into load bearing engage

Abstract: A construction transportation system comprises at least one transport assembly having gross dimensions generally corresponding to those of a standard freight container. The transport assembly comprises at least two construction components. Each of the two construction components has a first gross dimension whose maximum value is generally equal to C.sub.1 /x, where C.sub.1 is the width of a standard freight container, and x is greater than or equal to 1. Each of the two components has a second gross dimension perpendicular to the first dimension whose maximum value is generally equal to C.sub.2 /y, where C.sub.2 is the length of a standard freight container, and y is greater than 1. Each of the two components has a third gross dimension perpendicular to the first and second dimensions. At least a first side of each of the two components extends in the directions of that components' first and third dimensions, and that first side is provided with connectors.

Abstract: Improved lock assemblies for locking two construction components together. A pair of tandem male lock assemblies each includes a rigid pin which is reciprocable with respect to a surrounding male socket between an advanced position and a retracted position. Each male lock assembly includes a transversely reciprocable lock adapted to lock the pin in at least one of, and preferably both of, its two positions. All parts of each lock assembly are retained against separation. The locks of the tandem male lock assemblies are connected for joint movement and are adapted so that, when moved from release positions to pin-locking positions, one lock engages its respective pin before the other lock engages its pin. A cooperative pair of tandem female lock assemblies may have identical jointly movable locks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming elevated structures. A first construction component is emplaced at a construction site, supported by an underlying earth formation. A second construction component is locked in cantilevered relation to the first such component. A support is extended downwardly from the second component, distal the first component, into load bearing engagement with the earth formation, whereafter the second component is interlocked to the support. The ends of the longitudinal components have improved locks in which a connector of the male lock can be passed through a receiving bore in a female lock only if oriented in a particular angular position, whereafter, if rotated to a different angular position, it cannot be withdrawn from the receiving bore. Similar locks are provided for interconnecting such longitudinal components in side-by-side relation via transom components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming elevated structures. A first construction component is emplaced at a construction site, supported by an underlying earth formation. A second construction component is locked in cantilevered relation to the first such component. A support is extended downwardly from the second component, distal the first component, into load bearing engagement with the earth formation, whereafter the second component is interlocked to the support. The ends of the longitudinal components have improved locks in which a connector of the male lock can be passed through a receiving bore in a female lock only if oriented in a particular angular position, whereafter, if rotated to a different angular position, it cannot be withdrawn from the receiving bore. Similar locks are provided for interconnecting such longitudinal components in side-by-side relation via transom components.

Abstract: A construction component has a plurality of male and female lock assemblies for engagement with female and male lock assemblies of a similar construction component for locking the two components together. The male lock assemblies are arranged in vertical tandem pairs, as are the female lock assemblies. Each of the male lock assemblies includes a rigid pin which is reciprocable with respect to the component between an advanced position and a retracted position. Each female lock assembly defines a socket opening and includes a transversely reciprocable lock for locking a pin in the socket opening. The male lock assembly includes a similar transversely reciprocable lock adapted to lock the pin in at least one of, and preferably both of, its two positions. The locks of each tandem pair of assemblies are connected for joint movement and are adapted so that, when lowered, the lower lock engages its respective pin before the upper lock engages its pin.