Modular Multi-Container Housing Structure, Multi-Container Interlock, and Methods for Manufacture of Same
A modular multi-container housing structure connection system for shipping containers having fittings defining orifices includes modular interchangeable interlocks each comprising a lock part shaped and configured to lock within an orifice of a container in a locked state, a modular connector frame comprising interchangeable struts, each of the struts comprising opposing first and second interlock assembly bodies, each of the opposing interlock assembly bodies configured to receive therein at least one of the interlocks, a set of the struts comprising at least one of a pair of right and left vertical struts and of upper and lower horizontal struts, and at least one of the interlocks being disposed and positioned within a respective one of the interlock assembly bodies of the strut set such that, placing a respective interlock in the locked state causes the interlock assembly body containing the respective interlock to be locked within an adjacent container orifice.
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- MODULAR MULTI-CONTAINER HOUSING STRUCTURE, MULTI-CONTAINER INTERLOCK, AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURE OF SAME
- MODULAR MULTI-CONTAINER HOUSING STRUCTURE, MULTI-CONTAINER INTERLOCK, AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURE OF SAME
This application is:
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- a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/138,632, filed on Dec. 30, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,479,963, issued on Oct. 25, 2022, of which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120 (which application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/036,751, filed Jun. 9, 2020), and
- a continuing application, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of copending international application No. PCT/US2021/035789, filed Jun. 3, 2021, published as WO 2021/252270 on Dec. 16, 2021, which designated the United States and was published in English, which application:
- is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/146,316, filed on Jan. 11, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,377,843, issued Jul. 5, 2022, which application:
- is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/138,632, filed on Dec. 30, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,479,963, issued on Oct. 25, 2022 (which application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/036,751, filed Jun. 9, 2020); and
- claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/036,751, filed Jun. 9, 2020;
- is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/138,632, filed on Dec. 30, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,479,963, issued on Oct. 25, 2022 (which application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/036,751, filed Jun. 9, 2020); and
- is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/036,751, filed on Jun. 9, 2020;
- is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/146,316, filed on Jan. 11, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,377,843, issued Jul. 5, 2022, which application:
the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present systems, apparatuses, and methods lie in the field of modular structures, in particular, houses. The present disclosure relates to a modular multi-container housing structure, a multi-container interlock, and methods for manufacturing the housing structure and the interlock.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAs used herein, a container refers to an intermodal, box-type, shipping or freight container, for example, those that are loaded and moved on container ships, trains, and 18-wheel container trucks. A container can refer to short or long shipping containers, for example, containers that are 20′, 40′, 6 m, and/or 12 m in length. Many containers are 8′ (2.43 m) wide and 8.5′ (2.59 m) high, although they can come in any length, width, or height. The container can be made of any metal or plastic material but, typically, the container is made of steel. The containers may have corrugated sides, roof, and/or floor. Some have flat sides, roof, and/or floor. Typical containers are rectanguloid or box-type and have one side that also operates as a door. Either the entire side or part of the side is the door to access the interior of the container.
All container housing to date has been using existing containers and cutting into the container, welding the containers together, and reinforcing the containers to meet the desired configurations. This required significant manual labor in the field, specialized tools, torches, welders, etc., thus, resulting in high production cost. It would be beneficial to eliminate and/or reduce cutting into containers, welding the containers together, and reinforcing the containers.
Thus, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art systems, designs, and processes as discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe systems, apparatuses, and methods described provide a modular multi-container housing structure, a multi-container interlock, and methods for manufacturing the housing structure and the interlock that overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that provide such features with a housing structure that is able to withstand hurricane wind forces that could approach 480 kilometers per hour (300 miles per hour).
The systems, apparatuses, and methods described eliminates or substantially reduces the need to cut into containers. The systems, apparatuses, and methods described eliminates the need to welding containers together. The systems, apparatuses, and methods described eliminates the need to reinforce containers used for modular housing. All of this is accomplished by producing the containers and modules in a factory for field assembly using nothing more than a handheld power tool, such as a corded or cordless drill.
The modularized system is weather-tight once assembled and testing of the systems will assure that the modular housing will withstand winds of up to approximately 482.8 kph (approximately 300 mph), thus complying and exceeding current hurricane and tornado building codes. The unique systems, apparatuses, and methods of attaching the units together create a unified component without the need of manual fasteners or welding.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, a modular multi-container housing structure connector for containers each having sides including a roof, a floor, and four lateral sides, the connector comprising a connector frame comprising vertical and horizontal struts shaped to connect to at least one of the sides of two adjacent containers and at least one interlock configured to secure the connector frame to the side of one container.
With the objects in view, there is also provided a modular multi-container housing structure connector for containers each having sides including a roof, a floor, and four lateral sides, the connector comprising a connector frame comprising two vertical struts and two horizontal struts each shaped to removably connect to a respective edge of an adjacent side of two adjacent containers and a plurality of interlocks each configured to secure at least one of the struts to the side of at least one of the two adjacent containers, and, responsive to the connector frame being connected to two adjacent sides of two adjacent containers by the plurality of interlocks, the connector frame and interlocks form a container-to-connector frame-to-container connection to establish a weather-tight housing structure with the two connected containers.
With the objects in view, there is also provided a modular multi-container housing structure comprising at least two containers each having sides including a roof, a floor, and four lateral sides and a container connector comprising a connector frame comprising two vertical struts and two horizontal struts each shaped to removably connect to a respective edge of an adjacent side of two adjacent containers and a plurality of interlocks each configured to secure at least one of the struts to the side of at least one of the two adjacent containers, and, responsive to the connector frame being connected to two adjacent sides of two adjacent containers by the plurality of interlocks, the connector frame and interlocks form a container-to-connector frame-to-container connection to establish a weather-tight housing structure with the two connected containers.
In accordance with another feature, the at least one interlock is a plurality of interlocks and the connector frame comprises two vertical struts and two horizontal struts each shaped and configured to connect to a respective edge of an adjacent side of two adjacent containers and, responsive to the connector frame being connected to two adjacent sides of two adjacent containers by the plurality of interlocks, forms a container-to-connector frame-to-container connection to establish a weather-tight housing structure with the two connected containers.
In accordance with a further feature, the at least one of the sides is selected from one of the roof, the floor, and one of the four lateral sides.
In accordance with an added feature, the housing structure is configured to withstand wind forces up to 480 kilometers per hour.
In accordance with an additional feature, the at least one interlock is shaped to secure the connector frame to the side of one container with a hand tool having an actuator.
In accordance with yet another feature, the shape of the at least one interlock that corresponds to the actuator of the hand tool to secure the at least one interlock to the connector frame comprises at least one of a screw drive and a nut drive.
In accordance with yet a further feature, the screw drive comprises at least one of a Phillips head orifice, a slotted orifice, a torx orifice, a tri-wing orifice, a spline orifice, a hex socket, a square orifice, and a triangle orifice.
In accordance with yet an added feature, the interlock is configured to removably lock with standard corner fittings of a container.
In accordance with yet an additional feature, the connector frame comprises at least one of a rectangular, one-piece frame, a square, one-piece frame, a rectangular, two-piece frame, a square, two-piece frame, a rectangular, four-piece frame, and a square, four-piece frame.
In accordance with again another feature, there is provided a water-proofing seal disposed between the connector frame and an adjacent side of the adjacent container.
In accordance with again a further feature, the connector frame further comprises a window frame system as well as a window's shutter system.
In accordance with a concomitant feature, the connector frame further comprises a door frame system.
In accordance with an associated feature, the connector frame further comprises a roof module frame system, including and not limited to gable roof, hip roof, Polynesian roof, curved roof, and/or shed roof. The roof module is connected from its bottom side to the connector frame connected above or on top of a shipping container.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, a modular multi-container housing structure connection system for shipping containers having corner fittings defining orifices, comprising a plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks each having a lock part, movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and shaped and configured to lock within an orifice of a corner fitting of a shipping container, a modular connector frame comprising a plurality of modular, interchangeable struts each having, a first corner interlock assembly defining a first hollow interlock assembly compartment shaped to contain therein at least one of the interchangeable interlocks, a second corner interlock assembly defining a second hollow interlock assembly compartment shaped to contain therein at least another one of the interchangeable interlocks, wherein the plurality of modular, interchangeable struts includes at least a pair of right and left vertical struts and a pair of upper and lower horizontal struts, at least a first subset of the interchangeable interlocks are disposed within each of the first and second hollow interlock assembly compartments and positioned such that, responsive to moving each lock part into the locked position, the pairs of vertical and horizontal struts are removably locked together to form a completely enclosed rectangular frame having four corners, and a second subset of the interchangeable interlocks are disposed in at least one of the first and second corner interlock assemblies at each of the four corners of the frame positioned and are configured to lock within an opposing orifice of a corner fitting of a shipping container responsive to the frame being placed against a side of the shipping container and to the second subset of the interchangeable interlocks being moved into the locked position.
With the objects in view, there is also provided a modular multi-container housing structure connection system for shipping containers having corner fittings defining orifices comprises a plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks shaped and configured to lock within an orifice of a shipping container, a modular connector frame comprising modular, interchangeable struts each having opposing first and second corner interlock assemblies each containing at least one of the modular interchangeable interlocks, the struts comprising a pair of right and left vertical struts and a pair of upper and lower horizontal struts, a first subset of the plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks is within the corner interlock assemblies and is positioned such that, when locked, the vertical and horizontal struts removably lock together to form a rectangular frame, and a second subset of the plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks is within the corner interlock assemblies of the frame positioned and configured to lock within an opposing orifice of a corner fitting of a shipping container when the frame is placed against a shipping container and when the second subset is locked.
In accordance with a further feature, there is provided a third subset of the interchangeable interlocks disposed in at least one of the first and second corner interlock assemblies at each of the four corners of the frame positioned and configured to lock within an opposing orifice of a corner fitting of a shipping container responsive to the frame being placed against a side of the shipping container and to the third subset of the interchangeable interlocks being moved into the locked position, a first shipping container having a first side comprising four corner fittings each defining at least one lock part orifice, a second shipping container having a second side opposing and facing the first side and comprising four corner fittings each defining at least one lock part orifice, and wherein the frame has a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and is disposed to face the lock parts of the second subset of the interchangeable interlocks towards the first side such that, responsive to the second subset of the interchangeable interlocks being moved into the locked position, each lock part of the second subset of the interchangeable interlocks removably locks within a respective opposing lock part orifice of each of the four corner fittings of the first side and water tightly seals the first face of the frame against the first side of the first shipping container and to face the lock parts of the third subset of the interchangeable interlocks towards the second side such that, responsive to the third subset of the interchangeable interlocks being moved into the locked position, each lock part of the third subset of the interchangeable interlocks removably locks within a respective opposing lock part orifice of each of the four corner fittings of the second side and water tightly seals the second face of the frame against the second side of the second shipping container.
In accordance with an added feature, each of the plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks is identical in shape and is configured to be any of the first and second subsets of the interchangeable interlocks.
In accordance with an additional feature, each of the plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks is identical in shape and configured to be any of the first, second, and third subsets of the interchangeable interlocks.
In accordance with yet another feature, each of the plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks comprises a pivot boss, a body, and a driveshaft, the lock part has threads and is configured to pivot on the pivot boss with respect to the body, and the driveshaft comprises threads operably connected to and corresponding with the threads of the lock part and a connector shaped to interact with a standard power tool and, responsive to rotation of the connector by the power tool, to pivot the lock part about the pivot boss between the unlocked position and the locked position.
In accordance with yet a further feature, the driveshaft has a longitudinal axis, is fixed in place with respect to the body, and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis.
In accordance with yet an added feature, there is provided a washer and nut assembly fixing the driveshaft in place in the body with the driveshaft being freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis.
In accordance with yet an additional feature, the connector has a head comprising one of an internal Philips head connector, an internal flat head connector, an external hexagonal nut connector, an external star nut connector, and an external square nut connector.
In accordance with again another feature, each of the plurality of modular, interchangeable struts comprises a first end at which the first corner interlock assembly defines the first hollow interlock assembly compartment shaped to contain therein at least three of the interchangeable interlocks and a second end, opposite the first end, at which the second corner interlock assembly defines the second hollow interlock assembly compartment shaped to contain therein at least another three of the interchangeable interlocks.
In accordance with again a further feature, there is provided at least one accessory comprising at least one of a stairway, a façade, siding, a window, a window treatment, a window casement, a roof, a roof segment, a wall, a door, and a door casement, each accessory comprising at least one hollow interlock assembly compartment shaped to receive therein at least one of the modular interchangeable interlocks.
In accordance with again an added feature, responsive to the at least one modular interchangeable interlock being disposed in the at least one hollow interlock assembly compartment and to the lock part of the at least one modular interchangeable interlock being moved into the locked position, the at least one modular interchangeable interlock removably locks the respective accessory to a respective opposing lock part orifice of one of the corner fittings of one of the first and second shipping containers.
In accordance with again an additional feature, at least one of the first and second shipping containers have dimensions of one of 8′ wide by 8.5′ high by 20′ long, 8′ wide by 8.5′ high by 40′ long, 8′ wide by 8.5′ high by 40′ long, 8′ wide by 8.5′ high by 10′ long, 8′ wide by 9.5′ high by 40′ long, and 8′ wide by 9.5′ high by 45′ long.
In accordance with still another feature, the first and second shipping containers and the modular connector frame comprise at least one school room.
In accordance with still a further feature, the first and second shipping containers and the modular connector frame comprise at least one laboratory.
In accordance with still an added feature, the first and second shipping containers and the modular connector frame comprise at least one clean room.
In accordance with a concomitant feature, the first and second shipping containers and the modular connector frame comprise a hurricane shelter configured withstand winds of up to 300 mph.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, a modular multi-container housing structure connection system for shipping containers having fittings defining orifices comprises a plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks each comprising a lock part shaped and configured to lock within an orifice of a shipping container in a locked state, a modular connector frame comprising modular, interchangeable struts, each of the struts comprising opposing first and second interlock assembly bodies, each of the opposing first and second interlock assembly bodies configured to receive therein at least one of the modular interchangeable interlocks, a set of the struts comprising at least one of a pair of right and left vertical struts and a pair of upper and lower horizontal struts, and at least one of the interlocks being disposed and positioned within a respective one of the interlock assembly bodies of the set of struts such that, placing a respective one of the interlocks in the locked state causes the interlock assembly body containing the respective interlock to be locked within an adjacent orifice of the shipping container.
With the objects in view, there is also provided a modular multi-container housing structure connection system for shipping containers having fittings defining orifices comprises a plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks each comprising a lock part shaped and configured to lock within an orifice of a shipping container in a locked state, a modular connector frame comprising modular, interchangeable struts having end compartments configured to receive therein at least one of the modular interchangeable interlocks, and at least one of the interlocks being disposed and positioned within a respective one of the end compartments of the struts such that, placing a respective one of the interlocks in the locked state causes the end compartment containing the respective interlock to be locked within an adjacent orifice of the shipping container.
With the objects in view, there is also provided a modular multi-container housing structure connection system for shipping containers having corner fittings defining orifices comprises a plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks each comprising a pivot boss, a body, and a driveshaft and having a lock part movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and shaped and configured to lock within an orifice of a corner fitting of a shipping container, a modular connector frame comprising a plurality of modular, interchangeable struts each having a first corner interlock assembly body defining a first hollow interlock assembly compartment shaped to contain therein at least one of the interchangeable interlocks and a second corner interlock assembly body defining a second hollow interlock assembly compartment shaped to contain therein at least another one of the interchangeable interlocks, wherein the plurality of modular, interchangeable struts includes at least one of a pair of right and left vertical struts and a pair of upper and lower horizontal struts, at least a subset of the modular, interchangeable interlocks is disposed within at least one of the first and second hollow interlock assembly compartments and positioned such that, moving each lock part into the locked position causes the at least one pair of struts to be removably locked to corner fittings of a shipping container, and each of the subset of the modular, interchangeable interlocks being identical in shape.
In accordance with another feature, each of the modular interchangeable interlocks comprises a pivot boss about which the lock part pivots, and a driveshaft configured to pivot the lock part between a first position in the locked state and a second position different from the first position in an unlocked state of the lock part.
In accordance with a further feature, each of the modular, interchangeable struts comprises opposing strut ends and the opposing first and second interlock assembly bodies are disposed respectively at one of the opposing strut ends.
In accordance with an added feature, each of the opposing first and second interlock assembly bodies of each of the modular, interchangeable struts is configured to receive therein at least two of the modular interchangeable interlocks.
In accordance with an additional feature, each of the opposing first and second interlock assembly bodies of each of the modular, interchangeable struts is configured to receive therein at least first and second modular interchangeable interlocks.
In accordance with yet another feature, the first interlock assembly comprises first and second orifices and is configured to receive therein the first and second modular interchangeable interlocks, the lock part of the first modular interchangeable interlock is configured to extend out from the first orifice in the locked state and retract back through in an unlocked state, and the lock part of the second modular interchangeable interlock is configured to extend out from the second orifice in the locked state and retract back through in an unlocked state, and the second interlock assembly is configured to receive therein at least third and fourth modular interchangeable interlocks comprises third and fourth orifices and is configured to receive therein the third and fourth modular interchangeable interlocks, the lock part of the third modular interchangeable interlock is configured to extend out from the third orifice in the locked state and retract back through in an unlocked state, and the lock part of the fourth modular interchangeable interlock is configured to extend out from the fourth orifice in the locked state and retract back through in an unlocked state, and, in the locked state of at least two of the first, second, third, and fourth modular interchangeable interlocks, the respective lock parts releasably hold two fittings of at least one shipping container.
In accordance with yet a further feature, in the locked state of the first, second, third, and fourth modular interchangeable interlocks, the respective lock parts releasably hold four fittings of at least two adjacent shipping containers.
In accordance with yet an added feature, the modular connector frame comprises four modular, interchangeable struts, each of the first interlock assembly bodies of each of the modular, interchangeable struts contains a first modular interchangeable interlock, each of the second interlock assembly bodies of each of the modular, interchangeable struts contains a second modular interchangeable interlock, and, which further comprises a first shipping container having a first side comprising four corner fittings each defining at least one lock part orifice, the first side being adjacent the modular connector frame to align an orifice of at least one of the first and second interlock assembly bodies with one lock part orifice of the first shipping container, wherein, placing the lock part of the at least one of the first and second modular interchangeable interlocks into the locked state removably locks the modular connector frame to the first side of the first shipping container.
In accordance with yet an additional feature, each of the first interlock assembly bodies of each of the modular, interchangeable struts contains a third modular interchangeable interlock and each of the second interlock assembly bodies of each of the modular, interchangeable struts contains a fourth modular interchangeable interlock, and which further comprises a second shipping container having a second side adjacently opposing and facing the first side and comprising four corner fittings each defining at least one lock part orifice, wherein, placing the lock part of at least one of the third and fourth modular interchangeable into the locked state removably locks the modular connector frame to the second side of the second shipping container to, thereby, secure the first shipping container to the second shipping container.
In accordance with again another feature, the modular connector frame defines a first surface facing the first shipping container and a second surface facing the second shipping container, removably locking the modular connector frame to the first side of the first shipping container water tightly seals the first side of the first shipping container to the first surface of the modular connector frame, and removably locking the modular connector frame to the second side of the second shipping container water tightly seals the second side of the second shipping container to the second surface of the modular connector frame.
In accordance with again a further feature, each of the plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks is identical in shape.
In accordance with again an added feature, the modular, interchangeable struts of the modular connector frame comprise end struts and side struts.
In accordance with again an additional feature, the end struts comprise at least one of a pair of modular, vertical struts and a pair of modular, horizontal struts.
In accordance with still another feature, the side struts comprise at least two modular, side struts shaped to extend along opposing, longitudinal edges of the shipping container.
In accordance with still a further feature, each of the plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks comprises a body, each lock part has threads and is configured to pivot on the pivot boss with respect to the body, and the driveshaft comprises threads operably connected to and corresponding with the threads of the lock part and a connector shaped to interact with a standard power tool and, responsive to rotation of the connector by the power tool, to pivot the lock part about the pivot boss between the first position and the second position.
In accordance with still an added feature, the driveshaft has a longitudinal axis, is fixed in place with respect to the body, and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis.
In accordance with still an additional feature, there is provided a washer and nut assembly fixing the driveshaft in place in the body with the driveshaft being freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis.
In accordance with a concomitant feature, the connector has a head comprising one of an internal Philips head connector, an internal flat head connector, an external hexagonal nut connector, an external star nut connector, and an external square nut connector.
Although the systems, apparatuses, and methods are illustrated and described herein as embodied in a modular multi-container housing structure, a multi-container interlock, and methods for manufacturing the housing structure and the interlock, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.
Additional advantages and other features characteristic of the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be set forth in the detailed description that follows and may be apparent from the detailed description or may be learned by practice of exemplary embodiments. Still other advantages of the systems, apparatuses, and methods may be realized by any of the instrumentalities, methods, or combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the systems, apparatuses, and methods are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the systems, apparatuses, and methods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the systems, apparatuses, and methods in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the systems, apparatuses, and methods. While the specification concludes with claims defining the systems, apparatuses, and methods of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, which are not true to scale, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the systems, apparatuses, and methods. Advantages of embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
As required, detailed embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the systems, apparatuses, and methods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the systems, apparatuses, and methods in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the systems, apparatuses, and methods. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the systems, apparatuses, and methods that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.
Before the systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The description may use the terms “embodiment” or “embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments.
The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact (e.g., directly coupled). However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other (e.g., indirectly coupled).
For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “A/B” or in the form “A and/or B” or in the form “at least one of A and B” means (A), (B), or (A and B), where A and B are variables indicating a particular object or attribute. When used, this phrase is intended to and is hereby defined as a choice of A or B or both A and B, which is similar to the phrase “and/or”. Where more than two variables are present in such a phrase, this phrase is hereby defined as including only one of the variables, any one of the variables, any combination of any of the variables, and all of the variables, for example, a phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).
Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front, top/bottom, and proximal/distal. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of disclosed embodiments. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.
As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. As used herein, the terms “substantial” and “substantially” means, when comparing various parts to one another that the parts being compared are equal to or are so close enough in dimension that one skill in the art would consider the same. Substantial and substantially, as used herein, are not limited to a single dimension and specifically include a range of values for those parts being compared. The range of values, both above and below (e.g., “+1-” or greater/lesser or larger/smaller), includes a variance that one skilled in the art would know to be a reasonable tolerance for the parts mentioned.
Herein various embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods are described. In many of the different embodiments, features are similar. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of these similar features may not be made in some circumstances. It shall be understood, however, that description of a first-appearing feature applies to the later described similar feature and each respective description, therefore, is to be incorporated therein without such repetition.
Described herein are various configurations for a container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systems and processes for installation of the connection systems. Included in the various connections are horizontal container-to-container connection systems, vertical container-to-container connection systems window-to-container connection systems, door-to-container connection systems, and shutters for doors, sliding and pinned, and shutters for windows, sliding and pinned. Roof modules include, for example, gable roof, curved roof, shed roof, Polynesian roof, and hip roof, on connector frame connection and/or on-legs connection allowing in-between space for hot water/HVAC systems, and solar panels. Various configurations of a connection interlock are described to secure the container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systems to shipping containers.
Described now are exemplary embodiments. Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to
The exploded view of
In an exemplary process for creating a horizontal container-to-connector frame-to-container connection 100, reference is made to
In an alternative configuration, four pieces of the connector frame 110 are attached one at a time to respective edges of the container 10. This configuration is depicted in the progression of
Once the connector frame 10 is completely attached to a first shipping container 10, it is then ready to secure (e.g., in a water-tight manner with a second seal 160) to a second shipping container at a side of the connector frame 10 opposite the adjacent shipping container 10. With locking of the interlocks 150 of the connector frame 10 to the second shipping container using a second seal 160, a water-tightly sealed connection between the two containers is established.
The interlocks 150 of the corner interlock assemblies 140 allow the four struts 120, 122, 130, 132 to come together, interlocking with one another as a single system, referred to herein as the connector frame 110, while also allowing the connector frame 110 to interlock with the shipping container's corner fittings 60.
As shown in
An exemplary configuration of an interlocking mechanism 170 that controls the interlocks 150 on opposite sides of the corner interlock assembly 140 is shown in
Another exemplary configuration of an interlock mechanism 270 that controls a further exemplary embodiment of a lock part or twist lock 254 of a corner interlock assembly 140 is illustrated in
Another exemplary configuration of an interlock mechanism 370 that controls the lock part 354 of a corner interlock assembly 140 is illustrated in
As indicated above, in both versions,
Another exemplary configuration of an interlock mechanism 470 that controls the lock part of a corner interlock assembly 140 is illustrated in
Another exemplary configuration of an interlock mechanism 570 that controls the lock part of a corner interlock assembly 140 is illustrated in
The modular interlock part 1050 comprises a driveshaft 1052 with threads 1053 in the form of a worm screw and the lock part 1054 with threads 1055 in the form of a worm wheel. The hex-shaped connector 1051 of the driveshaft 1052 is shaped to fit to a standard power tool 101, such as a drill. The driveshaft 1052 is fixed in place with respect to the body 141 with a washer and nut assembly 1058 but is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The distal worm screw threads 1053 operatively connect to corresponding worm threads 1055 at the proximal end of the lock part 1054. The lock part 1054 is also fixed with respect to the body 141 at a pivot point or boss 1056 and, therefore, can pivot about the pivot point 1056. The lock part 1054 extends orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal extent of the driveshaft 1052 to position a lock hook 1057 through an opposing orifice 62 of a corner fitting 60 of an adjacent container 10 (not illustrated in
The cap inserts 1066 have a perimeter shape corresponding to a shape of side orifices 64 of the corner fittings 60-14, 60-15. In such a configuration, when the flange channel 1060 is moved against the side/top side of the connector frame 110 and the side/top side edges of the facing containers 10-14, 10-15, the cap inserts 1066 removably secure the corner fitting's orifices 64, and can be made of a material that is water-tight, providing a water-tight connection and insulation against liquid penetration to the interior of the corner fittings 60-14, 60-15. This deformable insert cap 1066, made of rubber, for example, is first moved against the container corner fitting and press-fits against into the orifice of it in order to water-tightly seal the orifice. Later the sealant metal flange channel is moved and locked into place. In one exemplary embodiment, the cap 1066 is slightly larger than the orifice 64 and press-fits into the orifice 64 to water-tightly seal the orifice 64 from above. In another exemplary embodiment, a separate hollow female insert 1068 is fixed (removably or permanently) into the orifice 64 and the cap 1066 has a shape corresponding to the female hollow and fits into the hollow to water-tightly seal the orifice 64.
In this exemplary process for creating a horizontal container-to-connector frame-to-container connection in
As explained herein with regard to
Because a standard shipping container 10 has dimensions of 8′ (2.43 m) wide, 8.5′ (2.59 m) high, and 20′ (6.06 m) long, two of the vertical connector frames 110 will not extend over the entire 20′ of the side length of the container. However, two vertical connector frames 110 can be combined with a 4′ wide vertical window frame extension 134, as shown in
It is noted that the modular interlock parts 250, 1050 are shown only securing a modular window frame 42 in between two of the connector frames 110 in a vertical orientation. While windows are mostly hung vertically, a horizontal orientation connected to connector frame 111 is also envisioned, for example, to create a skylight, with the window glass 44 being a single sheet, such as that shown in
Another exemplary configuration of a doorframe is depicted in
An exemplary configuration of a window frame is depicted in
It is noted that various configurations described herein have been depicted or described with one or another of different combinations. For example, some connector frames have been depicted and/or described with modular interlock part 1050 while others have been depicted and/or described with modular interlock part 1250. No one combination of the various different embodiment should be understood as limited to that single combination shown or described. Herein, any of the various parts can be combined or exchanged with another one of the parts in any combination that is possible. For example, where a particular configuration is shown or described with modular interlock part 1250, it is equally possible to be combined with any of the other interlocks 140, 150, 250, 350, 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1150 or modular interlock part 1250. No single part is to be understood as being required to be combined with another singular part and all possible combinations thereof are expressly claimed herein without repetitive description for reasons of brevity.
While one exemplary embodiment for the container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systems is to utilize shipping containers for homes, these can also be used for safe schools, for laboratories, and for clean rooms, to name a few applications. Regarding use for schools, the shipping containers provide significant bullet resistance and can be enhanced to be bullet proof. The shipping containers can be attached together with the container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systems in units or packs of four or six to make larger classrooms or to make separate rooms with interconnected hallways.
The structures can also be used as bullet-proof/resistant safe rooms or houses or as a bunker.
In each of the exemplary embodiments that the container-to-connector frame-to-container connection systems can be used with shipping containers, the structures have attributes allowing them to qualify as hurricane shelters, being able to withstand winds of up to 300 mph in various configurations.
It is noted that various individual features of the inventive processes and systems may be described only in one exemplary embodiment herein. The particular choice for description herein with regard to a single exemplary embodiment is not to be taken as a limitation that the particular feature is only applicable to the embodiment in which it is described. All features described herein are equally applicable to, additive, or interchangeable with any or all of the other exemplary embodiments described herein and, in any combination, or grouping or arrangement. In particular, use of a single reference numeral herein to illustrate, define, or describe a particular feature does not mean that the feature cannot be associated or equated to another feature in another drawing figure or description. Further, where two or more reference numerals are used in the figures or in the drawings, this should not be construed as being limited to only those embodiments or features, they are equally applicable to similar features or not a reference numeral is used or another reference numeral is omitted.
Unless otherwise described, reference signs differing by the value 100 or a multiple of 100 hereinabove are intended to describe similar, same, or corresponding features or components, so that reference can be made to the respective descriptions elsewhere in this description. For example, the reference signs 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 etc., are used to designate, describe, and display interlock mechanisms. Each of these is interchangeable with the other and this applies to every similarly functioning part with a different reference sign.
The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of the systems, apparatuses, and methods. However, the systems, apparatuses, and methods should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the systems, apparatuses, and methods as defined by the following claims.
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A modular multi-container housing structure connection system for shipping containers having fittings defining orifices, the system comprising:
- a plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks each comprising a lock part shaped and configured to lock within an orifice of a shipping container in a locked state;
- a modular connector frame comprising modular, interchangeable struts, each of the struts comprising at least one interlock assembly body configured to receive therein at least one of the modular interchangeable interlocks; and
- at least one of the interlocks being disposed and positioned within an interlock assembly body of one of the struts such that: placing the interlock assembly body adjacent an orifice of the shipping container; and placing the at least one of the interlocks in the locked state;
- causes the lock part of the at least one of the interlocks to be locked releasably within the adjacent orifice to thereby secure the one of the struts to the shipping container.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein:
- the modular connector frame comprises a pair of at least one of: right and left modular, interchangeable struts; and upper and lower modular, interchangeable struts;
- each of the pair of struts comprises at least one interlock assembly body configured to receive therein at least one of the modular interchangeable interlocks; and
- at least one of the interlocks being disposed and positioned within a respective one of the interlock assembly bodies of each of the set of struts such that: placing the interlock assembly bodies adjacent a respective orifice of the shipping container; and placing the at least one of the interlocks in the interlock assembly bodies in the locked state;
- causes the lock parts of the respective interlocks to be locked releasably within respective adjacent orifices of the shipping container.
4. The system according to claim 2, wherein:
- the shipping container defines six sides;
- the modular connector frame comprises at least four modular, interchangeable struts that, together, form a rectangle;
- each of the struts comprises at least one interlock assembly body configured to receive therein at least one of the modular interchangeable interlocks; and
- at least one of the interlocks being disposed and positioned within a respective one of the interlock assembly bodies of each of the four struts such that: placing the interlock assembly bodies adjacent a respective orifice on one of the six sides of the shipping container; and placing the at least one of the interlocks in the interlock assembly bodies in the locked state;
- causes the lock parts of the respective interlocks to be locked releasably within respective adjacent orifices of the shipping container.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the four struts are integral.
6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the four struts are four separate pieces.
7. The system according to claim 4, wherein the four struts are a combination of integral and separate pieces.
8. The system according to claim 5, wherein the four struts are integral and the interlock assembly bodies are four in number.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the four interlock assembly bodies are located at a respective corner of the rectangle.
10. The system according to claim 2, wherein each of the modular interchangeable interlocks comprises a pivot boss about which the lock part pivots, and a driveshaft configured to pivot the lock part between:
- a first position in the locked state; and
- a second position different from the first position in an unlocked state of the lock part.
11. The system according to claim 2, wherein each of the modular, interchangeable struts comprises opposing strut ends and the interlock assembly body is disposed respectively at one of the opposing strut ends.
12. The system according to claim 2, wherein:
- the shipping container is a plurality of shipping containers, two of the plurality of shipping containers placed adjacent one another such that at least one pair of fittings on a respective one of the two shipping containers face one another;
- the at least one interlock assembly body: comprising first and second orifices; and being configured to receive therein first and second modular interchangeable interlocks, the lock part of the first modular interchangeable interlock is configured to extend out from the first orifice in the locked state and retract back through in an unlocked state, and the lock part of the second modular interchangeable interlock is configured to extend out from the second orifice in the locked state and retract back through in an unlocked state;
- the lock part of the first modular interchangeable interlock in the locked state releasably locks the at least one interlock assembly body to a first of the pair of fittings of a first of the two shipping containers; and
- the lock part of the second modular interchangeable interlock in the locked state releasably locks the at least one interlock assembly to a second of the pair of fittings of a second of the two shipping containers.
13. The system according to claim 4, wherein:
- the shipping container comprises first and second shipping containers placed adjacent one another such that at least four pairs of fittings on the two shipping containers face one another;
- each of the at least four interlock assembly bodies: comprises first and second orifices; and are configured to receive therein first and second modular interchangeable interlocks, the lock part of the first modular interchangeable interlock is configured to extend out from the first orifice in the locked state and retract back through in an unlocked state, and the lock part of the second modular interchangeable interlock is configured to extend out from the second orifice in the locked state and retract back through in an unlocked state;
- the lock part of the first modular interchangeable interlock in the locked state releasably locks a respective one of the at least four interlock assembly bodies to a first of one pair of fittings of the first shipping container; and
- the lock part of the second modular interchangeable interlock in the locked state releasably locks the respective one of the at least four interlock assembly bodies to a second of the one pair of fittings of the second shipping container.
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the at least four pairs of fittings on the two shipping containers are respective corner fittings of one of the six sides on the first shipping container facing the opposite one of the six sides of the second shipping container.
15. The system according to claim 2, wherein:
- the shipping container comprises: a first shipping container having a first side; and a second shipping container having a second side facing the first side;
- the modular connector frame defines: a first surface facing the first side; and a second surface facing the second side;
- removably locking the modular connector frame to the first side of the first shipping container water tightly seals the first side of the first shipping container to the first surface of the modular connector frame; and
- removably locking the modular connector frame to the second side of the second shipping container water tightly seals the second side of the second shipping container to the second surface of the modular connector frame.
16. The system according to claim 4, wherein:
- the shipping container comprises: a first shipping container having a first side; and a second shipping container having a second side facing the first side;
- the modular connector frame defines: a first surface facing the first side; and a second surface facing the second side;
- removably locking the modular connector frame to the first side of the first shipping container water tightly seals the first side of the first shipping container to the first surface of the modular connector frame; and
- removably locking the modular connector frame to the second side of the second shipping container water tightly seals the second side of the second shipping container to the second surface of the modular connector frame.
17. The system according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks is identical in shape.
18. The system according to claim 2, wherein the modular, interchangeable struts of the modular connector frame comprises:
- a pair of modular, vertical end struts; and
- a pair of modular, horizontal end struts.
19. The system according to claim 2, wherein the modular, interchangeable struts of the modular connector frame comprises:
- a pair of modular, vertical side struts; and
- a pair of modular, horizontal side struts.
20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the pair of modular, horizontal side struts are shaped to extend along opposing, longitudinal edges of the shipping container.
21. The system according to claim 2, wherein:
- each lock part has threads; and
- each of the plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks comprises a body, a pivot boss about which the lock part pivots with respect to the body, and a driveshaft: configured to pivot the lock part between: a first position in the locked state; and a second position different from the first position in an unlocked state of the lock part. comprising: threads operably connected to and corresponding with the threads of the lock part; and a connector shaped to interact with a standard power tool and, responsive to rotation of the connector by the power tool, to pivot the lock part about the pivot boss between the first position and the second position.
22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the driveshaft has a longitudinal axis, is fixed in place with respect to the body, and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis.
23. The system according to claim 21, which further comprises a washer and nut assembly fixing the driveshaft in place in the body with the driveshaft being freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis.
24. The system according to claim 21, wherein the connector has a head comprising one of:
- an internal Philips head connector;
- an internal flat head connector;
- an external hexagonal nut connector;
- an external star nut connector; and
- an external square nut connector.
25. A modular multi-container housing structure connection system for shipping containers having fittings defining orifices, the system comprising:
- a plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks each comprising a lock part shaped and configured to lock within an orifice of a shipping container in a locked state;
- a modular connector frame comprising modular, interchangeable struts having at least one end compartment configured to receive therein at least one of the modular interchangeable interlocks; and
- at least one of the interlocks being disposed and positioned within a respective one of the at least one end compartments of the struts such that, placing a respective one of the interlocks in the locked state causes the at least one end compartment containing the respective interlock to be locked within an adjacent orifice of the shipping container.
26. The system according to claim 25, wherein each of the plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks is identical in shape.
27. A modular multi-container housing structure connection system for shipping containers having corner fittings defining orifices, the system comprising:
- a plurality of modular interchangeable interlocks each comprising a pivot boss, a body, a driveshaft; and a lock part: movable about the pivot boss between a locked position and an unlocked position; and shaped and configured to lock within an orifice of a corner fitting of a shipping container;
- a modular connector frame comprising a plurality of modular, interchangeable struts each having a corner interlock assembly body defining a hollow interlock assembly compartment shaped to contain therein at least one of the interchangeable interlocks; and
- the plurality of modular, interchangeable struts comprising a pair of at least one of: right and left modular, interchangeable struts; and upper and lower modular, interchangeable struts;
- at least a subset of the modular, interchangeable interlocks is disposed within a respective one of the hollow interlock assembly compartments and positioned such that, moving each lock part into the locked position causes the pair of struts to be removably locked to respective corner fittings of the shipping container; and
- each of the subset of the modular, interchangeable interlocks being identical in shape.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 20, 2022
Publication Date: Apr 25, 2024
Applicant: BEA Architects, Inc. (Miami, FL)
Inventors: Bruno Elias Ramos (Key Biscayne, FL), Mario F. Ortega (Miami, FL), Evelyn Iglesias (Miami, FL)
Application Number: 18/048,722