HEXAGONAL BUILDING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A polyhedral building module may be connected along its sides to manufacture free form buildings or structures. A multiplicity of individual polyhedral building modules may be manufactured remotely and shipped to a building site where they can be attached to one another and the building constructed. Ideally, the polyhedral building modules may be attached to each other using hand tools. Upright members or columns provide support for a roof structure. The building module may be raised off of the ground by brace members attached to the underside of the building module's floor structure.

Description

This application is based upon and claims priority from U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 62/196,827, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

Applicants' invention relates to a device for building modular structures and method for same. More particularly, it relates to polygonal, often anticipated to be hexagonal, building modules or pods, referred to herein as Hexapods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a Hexapod building structure. As used herein, the Hexapod is a polygonal structure that has five (5) or more sides, however in a preferred embodiment the Hexapod has six (6) sides. The method of the present invention includes linking multiple Hexapod units into a single, free formed structure.

The Hexapod structure is designed to withstand inclement weather. It is intended to be able to be assembled in the field (at the building site) with handheld power tools and with a minimal use of cranes and manpower. The structures could be elevated and erected in flood plain areas, as well as have the ability to connect to one another giving flexibility and an extensive array of design possibilities.

The Hexapod structure combines triangles and squares, but the area enclosed by a hexagon is greater than that enclosed by either a triangle or square.

The form of a structure constructed from a multiplicity of the Hexapod units can be grouped in harmonious shapes and figures. Platting a development and organizing the hexagonal shapes, the layout surges when form and function are taken into account. When given commercial uses and anthropometric dimensions, the end result is a project that accommodates the Hexapods in perfect symmetry, since there are no empty spaces between the buildings and corridors, resulting in a layout that, by its symmetry, can accommodate as many modules as necessary, given that there are six sides to grow the sets as the project requires.

The layout of the Hexapods can be placed as needed to accommodate desired natural and landscaped objects, allowing the shape of the Hexapod based structure to be formed around desirable objects and in ways that the building shape can imitate nature.

Today, construction projects have to be erected taking into consideration both time and budget. Return on investment is always a consideration, and the metal structure of the Hexapod with its bottom concentric rings, and elevated structure, gives the Hexapod an advantage to incorporate innovative materials as well as allowing the use of common dimensional items used in construction. The building configuration adapts to fulfill the needs of inexpensive construction projects, as well as being able to incorporate state of the art materials. Working with metal, adds the advantage of creating additions to the existing in ergonomic fashion.

The benefits of constructing with a Hexapod metal structure include:

i. the resulting structure rests on a foundation that is tied to the beams or supports;

ii. the roofing system is designed to work in conjunction with the vertical beams;

iii. the Hexapod modules allow for rapid construction and deployment;

iv. durability;

v. vermin and pest resistant;

vi. ease of maintenance; and

vii. can improve the return on investment for the developer on the project.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top, perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side, perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial, perspective view of the central portion of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial, perspective view of the floor portion of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention, with a ceiling structure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a multiplicity of the present invention combined to create the frame of a structure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic showing possible connections of the present invention to create varying shaped structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

10  Hexapod
12  Second circumferential ring member
14  First circumferential ring member
16  Radial member
18  Upper joint
20  Center piece
22  Upper circumferential member
24  Upright member
26  Bracket
28  Lower joint
30  Brace member
32  Footing
34  Brace plate
36  Fastener
38  Ceiling Structure
100 Landscape feature

Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a top, perspective view of the present invention. The Hexapod 10 of the present invention is a polyhedral, generally anticipated to be hexagonal, building module. Because of the shape, multiple units of the Hexapod 10 can be adjoined and connected in order to create building structures of varying shapes and sizes. The Hexapod 10 has a floor with a top and bottom. The floor structure that is made up of a number of five (5) or more radial members—generally anticipated to be six (6). The floor structure is further made up of a center piece 20 connected to a first end of each of the six (6) radial members 16, thus the center piece 20 is attached to the bottom of the floor generally at the center of the polyhedral floor. The length of each of the six (6) radial members 16 is approximately equal. The radial members 16 extend outwardly from the center piece 20 with the angles between the radial members 16 being approximately equal. The ends opposite the center piece 20, or the second ends, of adjacent radial members 16 are connected creating an outer circumference. A second circumferential ring member 12 is attached to the bottom of the floor near the outer circumference of the floor. In order to complete a hexagon will shape, a single Hexapod 10 will have six (6) second circumferential ring members 12 creating an outer circumferential ring.

Each of the six (6) second circumferential ring members 12 is approximately the same length. Due to the commonality of the sides (or length of the six (6) second circumferential ring members 12), multiple Hexapod 10 units can have sides placed adjacent to one another and the sides will be the same length. However, it is anticipated that Hexapods 10 of varying sizes can be used to create building units.

The floor structure of the Hexapod 10 also may have an intermediary, first ring (or inner circumferential ring) made up of six (6) first circumferential ring members 14. The six (6) first circumferential ring members 14 are also anticipated to be of approximately equal length with one another. Each and of the six (6) first circumferential ring members 14 are connected at a first end to a radial member 16 at a point along the radial member's 16 length and at a second end to an adjoining radial member 16 at a point along the adjoining radial member's 16 length.

Each radial member 16 is connected to its two (2) adjoining radial members 16 at a midpoint by first circumferential ring members 14 and at its second end by second circumferential ring members 12. Thus, there is a “double ring” about the center piece 20 in the floor structure of the Hexapod 10. However, it is anticipated that a second embodiment of the Hexapod 10 could be constructed without the first circumferential ring members 14 leaving only a single, outer ring.

The point at which the second and of the radial member 16 connects with the second circumferential ring members 12 is the lower joint 28. Connected at the lower joint 28 and extending upwardly (or at generally a right angle from the plane of the floor) from the floor structure of the Hexapod 10 may be a upright member 24. The upright members 24 are used to support upper circumferential members 22 and a ceiling structure 38. While an upright member 24 they be attached at each lower joint 28, is anticipated that some lower joint 28 may not have an attached upright member 24 in order to allow for the flexibility of rooms within the building structure when multiple Hexapods 10 are connected. The upright members 24 are each attached at the upright member's 24 first end to a single lower joint 28. While the radial members 16 extend horizontally from the center piece 20, the upright members 24 extend vertically from the lower joints 28. The six (6) upright members 24 (or however many upright members 24 depending upon the embodiment), are connected by upper circumferential members 22. Each upper circumferential member 22 is connected at one end to the second end of the upright member 24 at a upper joint 18. Thus, the upper circumferential members 22 are generally parallel with the second circumferential ring members 12.

It is anticipated that it may be beneficial to raise the floor structure of the Hexapod 10 up off of the ground. Therefore, a first end of a multiplicity of brace members 30 may be attached to the underside of the floor structure—generally anticipated to be attached to the radial members 16, but potentially to the first circumferential ring members 14 or second circumferential ring members 12. The brace members 30 are attached vertically to the floor structure but in the opposite direction from the upright members 24. The brace members 30 are intended to support the Hexapod 10 and raise it off of the substrate. The second and of the brace members 30 may be attached to a brace plate 34. The brace plate 34 acts as an apparatus that allows for connection of the brace member 32 the substrate. Alternatively, the brace member 30 and brace plate 34 may be attached to a footing 32. It is generally anticipated that the footing 32 would be made from concrete or some similar material. The connections of the brace members 30 and brace plates 34 to the substrate or footings 32 act to anchor the Hexapod 10 in place.

While other building materials could be used, is generally anticipated that the Hexapod 10 will be constructed from steel beams or rods. In order to connect such beams or rods is anticipated that brackets 26 and fasteners 36 may be used. The brackets 26 may be of many different designs but are generally a support that holds or bears the weight of the connected pieces. Often, the brackets 26 and various pieces of the Hexapod 10 will be connected using fasteners 36 and it is anticipated that the fasteners 36 may include all of the regular construction fastening modes such as bolts/nuts, screws, rivets, welds, adhesives, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a side, perspective view of the present invention. It illustrates the orientation of the various structural members of the Hexapod 10. The floor structure with its center piece 20, radial members 16, and first and second circumferential ring members 14 & 12 are generally horizontal in relation to the substrate or ground. The brace members 30 extend vertically down from the floor structure to the substrate or ground upon which the Hexapod 10 rests. The lower joints 28 baby held together using brackets 26 and fasteners 36. At the lower joints 28 and extending vertically upward from the floor structure are the upright members 24. At the opposite end of the upright members 24 from the floor structure are the upper circumferential members 22 which are connected to the upright members 24 at the upper joints 18. The ring created by the multiplicity of upper circumferential members 22 and support a ceiling structure 38. When completed, multiple Hexapods 10 will be connected along second circumferential ring members 12 creating a unitary structure with “rooms” within individual Hexapod 10 units or within multiple Hexapods 10.

FIG. 3 is a partial, perspective view of the central portion of the present invention. It illustrates more clearly how the radial members 16 extend outwardly from the center piece 20. First ends of the radial members 16 are attached to the center piece 20. They may be connected using brackets 26 and fasteners 36. The brace members 30 may also be attached to the radial members 16 using brackets 26 and fasteners 36. As shown in this figure, the footings 32 are generally anticipated to rest upon the ground or substrate.

FIG. 4 is a partial, perspective view of the floor portion of the present invention. In this figure, it is as illustrated how steel I-beams may be used in order to construct the floor structure of the Hexapod 10.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention, with a ceiling structure. In order to complete a building, the Hexapod 10, or multiplicity of connected Hexapods 10, need to have roofs (not shown). A ceiling structure 38 may be added at the top of the Hexapod 10 in order to support a roof (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, and annex may be attached to, or hung, from an outside wall. In the overall structure of the connected Hexapods 10, the Annex could act as an additional room such as a porch, bathroom, closet, or the like.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a multiplicity of the present invention combined to create the frame of a structure. As illustrated in this figure, the Hexapods 10 may be connected to one another in an orientation such as to construct a building that extends around landscape features 100.

FIG. 7 is a schematic showing possible connections of the present invention to create varying shaped structures. Again, the Hexapods 10 may be connected so as to create a building that “flows” around landscape features 100. Thus, architecturally pleasing buildings may be created that incorporate natural and desirable features in the landscaping. The building of connected Hexapods 10 is exceptionally flexible because it can be manufactured into virtually any shape. When Hexapods 10 are connected various walls or upright members 24 will become unnecessary or unwanted. It is particularly anticipated that such upright members 24 would not be used in conjunction with Hexapods 10 that are in the interior of a multiple Hexapod 10 structure.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A building module comprising:

a polyhedral floor having a top and a bottom, said floor having five (5) or more sides;

a floor structure comprising said floor, a center piece connected to said bottom of said floor generally at the center of said polyhedral floor, and a circumferential ring attached to said floor bottom near the outer circumference of said floor bottom;

an upright member connected to said circumferential ring, wherein said upright member extends at generally a right angle from the plane of the floor;

a ceiling structure attached to said upright member at an opposite end of said upright member from said floor; and

wherein a side of said outer circumferential ring is capable of being attached to a side of a outer circumferential ring from a second building module.

2. The building module of claim 1, wherein said floor structure further comprises an inner circumferential ring attached to said floor bottom between said outer circumference of said floor bottom and said center of said floor bottom.

3. The building module of claim 2, wherein said outer circumferential ring and said inner circumferential ring are manufactured from steel beams.

4. The building module of claim 1, further comprising a multiplicity of brace members attached to said bottom of said floor structure, wherein said brace members raise said floor structure off of a substrate.

5. The building module of claim 2, further comprising a multiplicity of brace members attached to said bottom of said floor structure, wherein said brace members raise said floor structure off of a substrate.

6. The building module of claim 1, wherein a side of said outer circumferential ring is capable of being attached to a side of a outer circumferential ring from a second building module with handheld power tools at a building site.

7. A building module comprising:

a hexagonal floor having a top and a bottom, said floor having six (6) sides;

a floor structure comprising said floor, a center piece connected to said bottom of said floor generally at the center of said polyhedral floor, and a circumferential ring attached to said floor bottom near the outer circumference of said floor bottom;

an upright member connected to said circumferential ring, wherein said upright member extends at generally a right angle from the plane of the floor;

a ceiling structure attached to said upright member at an opposite end of said upright member from said floor; and

wherein a side of said outer circumferential ring is capable of being attached to a side of a outer circumferential ring from a second building module.

8. The building module of claim 7, wherein said floor structure further comprises an inner circumferential ring attached to said floor bottom between said outer circumference of said floor bottom and said center of said floor bottom.

9. The building module of claim 8, wherein said outer circumferential ring and said inner circumferential ring are manufactured from steel beams.

10. The building module of claim 7, further comprising a multiplicity of brace members attached to said bottom of said floor structure, wherein said brace members raise said floor structure off of a substrate.

11. The building module of claim 8, further comprising a multiplicity of brace members attached to said bottom of said floor structure, wherein said brace members raise said floor structure off of a substrate.

12. The building module of claim 7, wherein a side of said outer circumferential ring is capable of being attached to a side of a outer circumferential ring from a second building module with handheld power tools at a building site.

13. A building module comprising:

a floor structure comprising six (6) radial members of generally equal length attached at a center piece and extending outwardly from said center piece wherein angles between the radial members are approximately equal, and a circumferential ring attached to said radial members at the ends of said radial members opposite from said center piece;

an upright member connected to said circumferential ring, wherein said upright member extends at generally a right angle from the plane of said floor structure;

a ceiling structure attached to said upright member at an opposite end of said upright member from said floor structure; and

wherein a side of said outer circumferential ring is capable of being attached to a side of a outer circumferential ring from a second building module.

14. The building module of claim 13, wherein said floor structure further comprises an inner circumferential ring attached to said radial members between said outer circumferential ring of said floor structure and said center piece.

15. The building module of claim 14, wherein said radial members, said outer circumferential ring, and said inner circumferential ring are manufactured from steel beams.

16. The building module of claim 13, further comprising a multiplicity of brace members attached to said bottom of said floor structure, wherein said brace members raise said floor structure off of a substrate.

17. The building module of claim 14, further comprising a multiplicity of brace members attached to said bottom of said floor structure, wherein said brace members raise said floor structure off of a substrate.

18. The building module of claim 13, wherein a side of said outer circumferential ring is capable of being attached to a side of a outer circumferential ring from a second building module with handheld power tools at a building site.