WOODEN HOUSE

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wooden house comprises a wall structure, a ridge structure formed on the wall structure, a rafter structure formed on the ridge structure, and a roof structure formed on the rafter structure. Each of the wall structure, the ridge structure, and the rafter structure includes a lumber stack. The lumber stack includes a plurality of wooden boards stacked in tiers, with wider sides facing each other. Each of the wooden boards is shaped substantially as a cuboid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0182445, tiled on Dec. 17, 2014, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a wooden house, and more specifically, to a wooden house with walls, a ridge, rafters, and a roof, each formed with multiple cuboidal wooden boards stacked up with wider sides feeing each other.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Wood-framed houses are common in many westernized countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and European countries. As compared with other construction materials, e.g., brick, stone, or concrete, wood is a healthier and eco-friendly choice and enables easier construction and cost and energy savings. For such reasons, there is an increasing demand and popularity for wood constructions.

Despite the above enumerated benefits, however, houses made of wood are quite vulnerable to naturally disastrous events, such, as tornado, hurricane, or earthquake, and tend to be easily damaged or even collapsed. Therefore, a need exists for a wooden house structure more resistant to external impacts.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wooden house comprises a wall structure, a ridge structure formed on the wall structure, a rafter structure formed on the ridge structure, and a roof structure formed on the rafter structure. Each of the wall structure, the ridge structure, and the rafter structure includes a lumber stack. The lumber stack includes a plurality of wooden boards stacked in tiers, with wider sides facing each other. Each of the wooden hoards is shaped substantially as a cuboid.

The wall structure includes a first wall and a second wall and is shaped substantially as a polygonal column. The first wall and the second wall each include a plurality of lumber stacks stacked up in tiers so that alternating rows of the lumber stacks are offset with respect to each other and so that the respective ends of the lumber stacks in the first wall are engaged with the respective ends of the lumber stacks in the second side wall.

Each of the lumber stacks has a cut end at a corresponding edge of the wall structure where the first wall meets the second wall. The cut end is even with a surface of the first or second wall.

The ridge structure includes a lumber stack with multiple wooden boards stacked up in tier, and the ridge structure is placed midway on the wall structure to cross the first wall and the second wall of the wall structure.

The rafter structure connects to the wall structure and the ridge structure on the wall structure and the ridge structure. The rafter structure includes a plurality of lumber stacks arranged lengthwise of the ridge structure, spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance to form multiple rafters.

The roof structure includes a first lumber array layer including multiple wooden boards arranged widthwise of the ridge structure or lengthwise of each rafter on the rafter structure to cover opened portions between the rafters of the rafter structure, a second lumber array layer including multiple wooden boards arranged width wise of each rafter or lengthwise of the ridge structure on the first lumber array layer, and a third lumber array layer including multiple wooden boards width wise of the ridge structure or lengthwise of each rafter on the second lumber array layer. The first lumber array layer, the second lumber array layer, and the second lumber array layer together form a roof.

The rafters and the roof are fastened by screws passing through the rafters and threaded into the first to third lumber array layers.

A direction in which the multiple wooden boards of one of the first to third lumber array layers are arranged is substantially perpendicular with a direction in which the multiple wooden boards of another of the first to third lumber array layers are arranged.

The stacked wooden boards of the lumber stack are firmly joined together by screws passing through at least two of the wooden boards in a direction and threaded into another one of the wooden boards.

A direction in which the wooden boards of one of the wall structure, the ridge structure, and the rafter structure are stacked is substantially perpendicular with a direction in which the wooden boards of another of the wall structure, the ridge structure, and the rafter structure are stacked.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant aspects thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a wooden house according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views illustrating lumber slacks each having multiple stacked wooden boards according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a screw used for a wooden house according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a wall structure of a wooden house according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a ridge structure and a rafter structure of a wooden house according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a wooden house according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a roof structure of a wooden house according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure, however, may be modified in various different ways, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on, “connected to,” or “adjacent to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected, or adjacent to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. The same reference numerals may be used to denote the same or substantially the same elements throughout the specification and the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a wooden house according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 2 and 3 are views illustrating lumber stacks each having multiple stacked wooden boards according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the wooden house includes a lumber stack 2 formed of multiple wooden boards 1 stacked one on another.

Each wooden board 1 may be a dimensional lumber, measuring, e.g., 2″ thick by 8″ wide. The length of the wooden board 1 may be adjusted depending on in-situ conditions. Alternatively, each wooden board 1 may range in thickness from 2″ to 5″ and in width from 4″ to 12″ depending on the type of a building to which to be applied.

The lumber stack 2 is formed by stacking the wooden boards 1, with the wooden boards 1 aligned along a vertical direction, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The wooden boards 1 may be stacked up in tiers, with wider sides facing each other, and the respective ends of the wooden boards 1 may be aligned evenly with each other to form a flat surface as illustrated in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the wooden boards 1 may be stacked in a zig-zag pattern or in an offset pattern where alternating rows of the wooden boards 1 are offset, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The stacked wooden boards 1 are joined together, fastened by screws 3 (e.g., wood screws or lag screws) as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The screw 3, as illustrated in FIG. 4, may be formed of metal and may be designed for use in fastening wooden boards together. The screw 3 may measure about 5″ long to about 12″ long. The screw 3 is inserted into the wooden boards 1 by a screwdriver, preventing the wooden boards 1 from releasing or escaping.

About 10 cm long nails typically used to build a wooden house cannot offer resistance enough to hold the house against external impacts, such as tornado, hurricane, or earthquake. The screw 3 includes a pointed end portion for drilling holes in the wooden board, a threaded shank portion and unthreaded shank portion that tightly fit with the wooden board, and a head. The external diameter of the pointed end portion is about 1 mm to about 2 mm smaller than the external diameter of the threaded shank portion, and the unthreaded shank portion is about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm smaller in external diameter than the threaded shank portion, thus allowing for easier drilling and reinforced fastening.

The head may be hexagonal in shape. The hex head may have a tapered portion where the head meets the unthreaded shank portion, aiding in the head being fully inserted into the wooden board. The lumber stack 2 may be formed of three to five wooden boards 1 laid one over another. For example, the lumber stack 2 may include four stacked wooden boards 1 to provide more tightness while preventing overload.

The wooden boards 1 are vertically stacked one on another, with the two opposite broader flat surfaces of each wooden board 1 positioned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the wooden boards 1 are stacked, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, forming a wall structure 10, a rafter structure 30, and a ridge structure 20. Extra wireless device 1 are attached onto the rafter structure 30 by screws 3, forming a roof structure 40.

As such, a wooden house may be built up with wooden boards 1 and screws 3.

Now described in detail are the wall structure 10, the ridge structure 20, the rafter structure 30, and the roof structure 40.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a wall structure of a wooden house according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a ridge structure and a rafter structure of a wooden house according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a wooden house according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a roof structure of a wooden house according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, multiple lumber stacks 2, each including a plurality of wooden boards 1 layered in tiers, are stacked up one on another to leave an empty space therein, forming the wall structure 10 shaped substantially as a polygonal column (e.g., a rectangular column). The wall structure 10 may function as walls of the wooden house.

Although the wall structure 10 is illustrated as a rectangular column in the drawings, the wall structure 10 may have other various shapes depending on the shape of the ground on which the walls are built up, without limited thereto.

For example, the lumber stacks 2 in each side wall of the wall structure 10 may be stacked in such a manner that alternating rows of the lumber stacks 2 are offset with respect to each other, so that the respective ends of the lumber stacks 2 in a first side wall of the wall structure 10 are engaged with the respective ends of the lumber stacks 2 in a second side wall, adjacent to the first side wall, of the wall structure 10, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

Such stacking structure may allow the stacked wooden boards 1 or lumber stacks 2 to be firmly fastened, properly leaving the wooden house against any natural disastrous events coming with vibrations or updrafts. Accordingly, the wall structure 10 may prevent damage while absorbing physical impacts.

In case the wall structure 10 is shaped as a polygonal column (e.g., a pentagonal column), other than the rectangular column, protrusions of the lumber stacks 2, projecting beyond the edges, may be cut away, for example, so that the cut surface of each lumber stack 2 is even or coplanar with the side surface (formed by the narrower side surface of each wooden board 1) of the lumber stack 2. Plasterboards may be attached onto the internal surface of the wall structure 10 that may be then finished with paint or wallpaper. Water-resistant sheets and plasterboards may be attached onto the external surface of the wall structure 10 that may be then finished with paint or Drybit™.

Referring to FIG. 6, the ridge structure 20 for building ridges includes a lumber stack 2 with multiple wooden boards 1 stacked in tiers. The ridge structure 20 is placed midway on top of the wall structure 10 to cross two opposite side walls of the wall structure 10.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ridge structure 20 may include a plurality of ridges.

A first direction along which wooden boards 1 for the ridge structure 20 are stacked up may be different from a second direction along which wooden boards 1 for the wall structure 10 are stacked up. For example, the first direction may be substantially perpendicular to the second direction. Accordingly, the rafter structure 30 and the roof structure 40 may be firmly supported by the wall structure 10 and the ridge structure 20.

More lumber stacks 2 may be stacked on the wall structure 10 to reach the top of the ridge structure 20, leaving the wooden house resistant to earthquakes or strong or violent winds, such as typhoon or hurricane, together with keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter.

The rafter structure 30 for building rafters connects on the top of the wall structure 10 and the top of the ridge structure 20. Lumber stacks 2 are stacked on the top of the wall structure 10 and the ridge structure 20, forming the rafter structure 30.

Multiple lumber stacks 2 are arranged lengthwise of the ridge structure 20, spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance, forming a plurality of rafters. The predetermined distance may be, e.g., 1 m.

Two rows of rafters may be formed, angled with respect to each other, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

The rafter structure 30 may be securely fastened with the wall structure 10 and the ridge structure 20 by way of wood screws 3 which are, e.g., 12″ long.

Each rafter of the rafter structure 30 may include a lumber stack 2 with multiple (e.g., three or five) stacked wooden boards 1 each measuring 2″ thick by 10″ wide.

A direction along which the wooden boards 1 for the rafter structure 30 are stacked up may be substantially perpendicular to directions along which the wooden boards 1 for the wall structure 50 and the ridge structure 20 are stacked up, firmly backing up the weight of the roof structure 40.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the roof structure 40 for building a roof includes a first lumber array layer 41, a second lumber array layer 42, and a third lumber array layer 43.

The first lumber array layer 41 are formed by arranging multiple wooden boards 1 width wise of the ridge structure 20 or lengthwise of each rafter. The first lumber array layer 41 is disposed on the rafter structure 30 to cover the opened portions between the rafters of the rafter structure 30.

The second lumber array layer 42 is formed by arranging multiple wooden boards 1 widthwise of each rafter or lengthwise of the ridge structure 20. The second lumber array layer 42 is disposed on the first lumber array layer 41.

The third lumber array layer 43 is formed by arranging multiple wooden boards widthwise of the ridge structure 20 or lengthwise of each rafter. The third lumber array layer 43 is disposed on the second lumber array layer 42.

For example, two alternating lumber array layers, respectively, may have arrangement directions of wooden boards 1, which are substantially perpendicular with each other. For example, a direction in which the wooden boards 1 are arranged in the first lumber array layer 41 may be substantially perpendicular with a direction in which the wooden boards 1 are arranged in the second lumber array layer 42, and the direction in which the wooden boards 1 are arranged in the second lumber array layer 42 may be substantially perpendicular with a direction in which the wooden boards 1 are arranged in a third lumber array layer 43.

The roof structure 40 may further include a fourth lumber array layer 44. The fourth lumber array layer 44 is formed by arranging multiple wooden boards 1 widthwise of each rafter or lengthwise of the ridge structure 20. The fourth lumber array layer 44 is disposed on the third lumber array layer 43. One or more lumber array layers may be disposed on the fourth lumber array layer 44 in the above-described arrangement pattern.

Although FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the roof structure 40 includes four lumber array layers (first to fourth lumber array layers 41, 42, 43, and 44) forming a roof, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the roof structure 40 may consist of two or three lumber array layers depending on circumstances. For example, the third lumber array layer or third and fourth lumber array layers may be excluded from the roof structure 40 when building a roof.

The rafter structure 30 and the roof structure 40 are securely fastened to each other by wood screws 3.

For example, the wood screws 3 may be inserted in a bottom-to-top direction through the rafter structure 30 up into one of the first to fourth lumber array layers 41, 42, 43, and 44.

As such, the roof structure 40 includes a plurality of lumber array layers (e.g., first to fourth lumber array layers 41, 42, 43, and 44) sequentially stacked up in tiers so that the directions of arrangement of the wooden boards 1 therein alternate and repeat a vertical direction and a horizontal direction upward or downward, thus remaining secure and tightened against tornado, hurricane, earthquake or any other external impacts.

Each wooden board 1 used in the roof structure 40 may measure about 2″ thick by about 8″ wide and about 6 m long.

Water proof sheets may be attached on the top of the roof structure 40 to prevent water penetration, and roof finishes, such as roof tiles or asphalt shingles are installed on the water proof sheets. Plasterboards are attached onto the inside surface of the roof structure 40 that is then finished with paint or wallpaper.

The stacked wooden boards 1 constituting the lumber stack 2 may be firmly joined together by allowing screws 3 to pass through at least two of the wooden boards 1 in a top-to-bottom direction and thread themselves into another underneath.

The wall structure 10, the ridge structure 20, the rafter structure 30, and the roof structure 40 maybe assembled together by screws 3.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the wall structure, the ridge structure, and the rafter structure of the wooden house is built up with lumber stacks each formed of multiple wooden boards stacked up in tiers, with wide sides facing each other. The roof structure of the wooden house is formed with multiple lumber array layers stacked up one on another, and the wooden boards in each lumber array layer are arranged with narrow sides facing each other. Accordingly, the wooden house may remain secure without damage against any external impacts, like hurricane or tornado.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A wooden house, comprising:

a wall structure;

a ridge structure formed on the wall structure;

a rafter structure formed on the ridge structure; and

a roof structure formed on the rafter structure,

wherein the wall structure includes a first lumber stack, the ridge structure includes a second lumber stack, and the rafter structure includes a plurality of third lumber stacks,

wherein each of the first lumber stack, the second lumber stack, the plurality of third lumber stacks includes a plurality of wooden boards,

wherein the wooden boards of the first lumber stack are stacked one on another in a first direction,

wherein the wooden boards of the second lumber stack are stacked one on another in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the second lumber stack extending in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions,

wherein the third lumber stacks of the rafter structure are arranged in the third direction.

2. The wooden house of claim 1, wherein the wall structure includes a first wall and a second wall and is shaped substantially as a polygonal column, wherein the first wall and the second wall each include a plurality of lumber stacks stacked up in tiers so that alternating rows of the lumber stacks of each of the first and second walls are offset with respect to each other and so that the respective ends of the lumber stacks in the first wall are engaged with the respective ends of the lumber stacks in the second side wall.

3. The wooden house of claim 2, wherein each of the lumber stacks of each of the first and seconds walls has a cut end at a corresponding edge of the wall structure where the first wall meets the second wall, and wherein the cut end is even with a surface of the first or second wall.

4. The wooden house of claim 1, wherein the ridge structure is placed midway on the wall structure to cross the first wall and the second wall of the wall structure.

5. The wooden house of claim 1, wherein the rafter structure connects a top of the wall structure and a top of the ridge structure,

wherein the third lumber stacks of the rafter structure are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance to form multiple rafters.

6. The wooden house of claim 5, wherein the roof structure includes:

a first lumber array layer including multiple wooden boards arranged widthwise of the ridge structure or lengthwise of each rafter on the rafter structure to cover opened portions between the rafters of the rafter structure;

a second lumber array layer including multiple wooden boards arranged widthwise of each rafter or lengthwise of the ridge structure on the first lumber array layer; and

a third lumber array layer including multiple wooden boards widthwise of the ridge structure or lengthwise of each rafter on the second lumber array layer, and wherein the first lumber array layer, the second lumber array layer, and the third lumber array layer together form a roof.

7. The wooden house of claim 6, wherein the rafters and the roof are fastened by inserting screws in a bottom-to-top direction through the rafter structure into one of the first to third lumber array layers.

8. The wooden house of claim 6, wherein a direction in which the multiple wooden boards of one of the first to third lumber array layers are arranged is substantially perpendicular with a direction in which the multiple wooden boards of another of the first to third lumber array layers are arranged.

9. The wooden house of claim 1, wherein the stacked wooden boards of the lumber stack of the wall structure are firmly joined together by screws passing through at least two of the wooden boards in a direction and threaded into another one of the wooden boards.

10. The wooden house of claim 1, wherein a direction in which the wooden boards of one of the wall structure, the ridge structure, and the rafter structure are stacked is substantially perpendicular with a direction in which the wooden boards of another of the wall structure, the ridge structure, and the rafter structure are stacked.

11. A wooden house, comprising:

a wall structure;

a ridge structure formed on the wall structure;

a rafter structure formed on the ridge structure; and

a roof structure formed on the rafter structure,

wherein the roof structure includes:

a first lumber array layer including a plurality of first wooden boards arranged widthwise of the ridge structure to cover opened portions between rafters of the rafter structure; and

a second lumber array layer disposed on the first lumber array, the second lumber array layer including a plurality of second wooden boards arranged to cross the plurality of first wooden boards.