AU2012200483A1 - Relocatable building - Google Patents

Abstract

A relocatable building suitable for providing shelter, accommodation or protection for people and goods is 5 provided which can be quickly and easily transported and assembled. The relocatable building has a main part and an auxiliary part which is movable with respect to the main part. A foundation for the relocatable building includes a tripod arrangement having a stabiliser plate 10 with three inclined bores through which are received stakes to securely anchor the supporting substructure upon which the relocatable building can be mounted. The relocatable building is convertible from a storage or transport configuration in which the auxiliary part of the 15 building is received in the main part of the building and an in use configuration or position in which the auxiliary part extends outwardly from one side of the building. The auxiliary part has two different movements when being converted from between the two configurations or 20 positions. The floor or decking of the auxiliary part slides linearly, whereas the roof rotates from the main part. The advantage of the relocatable building is that it can be retracted to a relatively small size for storage, is able to be transported using existing 25 vehicles, such as a trailer for transporting containers, and can be quickly and easily assembled on site. 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269 AU 1 27/01/12 LoL

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant (s): Craig Andrew Eury Invention Title: RELOCATABLE BUILDING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: 2 RELOCATABLE BUILDING FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 In one form, the present invention relates to relocatable structures. In one form the present invention relates to a support substructure for anchoring the substructure securely in 10 the ground upon which the relocatable structure is to be assembled or is to be located. In one form, the present invention relates to a structure in the form of a relocatable building having a main part 15 and an auxiliary part in which the auxiliary part is at least partially movably connected to the main part. In one form the present invention relates to one form of the auxiliary part of a relocatable structure being in the 20 form of an extension capable of being moved between two configurations. In one form, the extension includes a floor portion and a roof portion in which the roof portion is movable with 25 respect to the roof of the main part of the building in a first movement whereas the floor portion is moveable with respect to the building in a second movement in which the first movement is a different movement to the second movement. 30 In one form the present invention relates to a hinge for hingedly connecting a part of an auxiliary part of a building to part of the main structure of the building in 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27101/12 3 which the hinge facilitates pivotal movement of part of the extension with respect to the building to convert the auxiliary part between a first and a second configuration. 5 In one form the present invention relates to a locking connection for lockingly connecting one framework member to another framework member. In one form, the locking connection finds particular 1o application in connecting part of the auxiliary part of the relocatable building to part of the main part of the relocatable building to securely maintain the auxiliary part in a connected configuration to the main part. is In one form the locking connection includes one or more framework members having a first part of the locking connection that, when moved from a first configuration to a second configuration lockingly engage with a second part of the locking connection to connect the part of the 20 auxiliary part of the building to part of the main part of the building. Although the present invention will now be described with particular reference to one or other embodiments of forms 2S of the various parts and components of a relocatable building it is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments but rather the scope of the present invention is more extensive so as to include other forms and arrangements of various 30 structures, including relocatable buildings, other forms and arrangements of the various components of the various forms of the structures and relocatable buildings, and to the use or application of the various forms of the 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269.AU 1 27/01/12 4 structures and the components therefor, for a variety of different purposes. BACKGROUND 5 In many situations, there is a need for a temporary building that can be used for the time of need and then quickly and easily moved, and preferably quickly and easily assembled when required at a new location, such as 10 for example, a relocatable building of the type that could be used to provide temporary accommodation, such as in times of emergencies and homelessness caused by bush fires, floods, earthquakes or the like. Other examples of tye type of buildings that are required temporarily is include mining offices, mining laboratories, crew quarters, workmen's huts, classrooms, store rooms, buildings providing services and the like. Another use of relocatable buildings is to provide a low cost housing in developing countries 20 One problem associated with the use of a relocatable building or transportable building, is to be able to store the building when not in use, and/or to transport the building conveniently using conventionally available 25 transportation, such as for example, the trailers of articulated vehicles, prime movers, semitrailers or the like, and/or to be able to easily and quickly assemble the relocatable building at the desired building site in order to quickly provide protection for people and/or goods 30 displaced during the emergency or when setting up a camp for mining exploration or even as portable offices or classrooms in remote locations. 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269 AU. 1 27/01/12 5 Currently available relocatable buildings suffer from one or other disadvantages, including being of a size that are difficult or inconvenient to store because of their large size, or being of a configuration that is not easily 5 transported, or being of a construction that cannot be readily assembled, typically by untrained and/or unskilled workmen in a variety of different terrains and circumstances, such as in remote locations where facilities, utilities or services such as mains 10 electricity, are not readily available, such as in remote locations or the like. Thus, there is a need for a relocatable structure, typically in the form of a relocatable building that is is more convenient to store and/or transport and/or assemble, particularly by untrained and/or inexperienced workmen. Thus, it is one aim of the present invention to provide a structure in the form of a relocatable building which 20 occupies reduced space on storage, and/or allows ease of transportation and/or ease of assembly so that such buildings are more convenient to have available for use in times of need, such as for example, natural disasters or when establishing a new camp or community. 25 It is one aim of the present invention to provide a relocatable structure having a main part and an auxiliary part in which at least a part of the auxiliary part is transported along with the building. 30 It is one aim of the present invention to provide a hinge for hingedly connecting an auxiliary part of the building structure to a main part of the building structure. 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269.AU 1 27/01/12 6 It is one aim of the present invention to provide a locking connection for connecting an auxiliary part of a structure to the main part of the structure. 5 SUMMARY According to one form there is provided a foundation or substructure arrangement for a structure comprising a 10 stabiliser member for location at or towards one end of a framework member, said stabiliser member having at least two apertures for receiving therethrough retaining elements wherein the apertures of the stabiliser member are arranged to receive the retaining elements in is orientations that are angularly inclined to one another to anchor the foundation or substructure to a suitable supporting substrate by resisting movement of the substructure in at least one direction. 20 According to one form, there is provided a flooring framework assembly for a structure comprising at least two transversely extending fixed floor framework members for a main part of the structure, each framework member having a first track portion extending along at least a part of the 25 framework member and an auxiliary part of the structure having at least two transversely extending moveable auxiliary framework members, each provided with a second track portion, said first track portion being complementary to said second track portion to allow the 30 second track portion to move with respect to the first track portion, wherein when the structure is in a storage or transport mode, the auxiliary part of the structure is retracted such that the second track portion is received 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269.AU. 1 27101112 7 within or adjacent to the first track portion and when the main part of the structure is in an in-use mode the second track portion extends at least partially outwardly from the first track portion to support the auxiliary part of s the structure. According to one form, there is provided a hinge arrangement for hingedly connecting at least one movable auxiliary roof framework member to at least one fixed roof 10 framework member of a main part of the structure, said hinge comprising a first fixed hinge element fixedly connected to the roof framework member and provided with a first pivot element at or towards one end and a second movable hinge element fixedly connected to the movable is auxiliary roof framework member and provided with a second pivot element at or towards one end, the first and second hinge elements capable of being pivotally connected together so that the roof of the auxiliary part and the movable hinge element move in unison with respect to the 20 roof of the structure wherein when the building is in the transport or storage mode the auxiliary part is pivoted about the hinge so as to be supported on the roof of the main part and the hinge elements extend in oppositely arranged orientations with respect to each other and when 25 the building is in the in-use mode the auxiliary part extends from the building so that the first hinge element and the second hinge element are generally in the same orientation as one another. 30 According to one form, there is provided a locking connection for lockingly connecting a first framework member to a second framework member said first framework member having a projection extending outwardly from at or 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269.AU 1 27/01/12 8 near one end thereof, said projection having a first projecting part and a second projection part, and said second framework member having a receiver for receiving the projection, the receiver having a first receiving 5 element and a second receiving element wherein when the first and second framework members are in a first configuration with respect to each other said first projection part is received in the first receiving part and when the first and second framework members are moved 10 with respect to each other to a second configuration, the second projection part and the second receiving part cooperatively engage to retain the projection in the receiver and the second projecting part is received in the first receiving part to lock the first and second is framework members to one another. BRIEF DETAILS In one form, the structure is an assemblage of various 20 components interconnected together. Typically, the structure is a construction, such as for example, an engineering construction made from a variety of different components interconnected together. 25 In one form, the structure is a building or similar, typically a relocatable or transportable building structure, such as a house, hut, shed, garage, lodge, office, classroom, store, dormitory, or other building. However, it is to be noted that the structure can have any 30 suitable form and be for any purpose to provide shelter, storage, weather protection for people, goods, machinery, vehicles or the like. In one form, the building is a partially open building or is a partially closed or fully 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01/12 9 closed building, including a building to lock-up stage or the like. In one form, the building is a more or less temporary s building, such as for example, of the type used by mining companies to house workers in remote locations or of the type for low cost housing in developing countries or for use by disadvantaged ethnic or regional groups as low cost and easily erected community buildings to provide services 10 to the community or the like. In one form, the relocatable building is a single room or is made as two or more rooms, including a sleeping area or room and a living area or room, including an eating area 15 or space. In one form, the building is a commercial building, such as an office, store room, laboratory or the like. In one form, the relocatable building has a main part and 20 an auxiliary part, such as an annex, extension, side room, space, veranda, decking, outdoor room located at or towards one side or one end of the main part of the building. 25 Typically, the building is a kit type building in which all of the components for the building are provided as a self contained package. In one form, the building has a foundation or substructure for supporting the building when being assembled and after assembly. In one form, the 30 substructure is part of the main part of the building or is a separate assembly which is located in the ground before the building is located on the substructure. 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01/12 10 Typically the substructure arrangement includes a number of different components interconnected together, including a retainer plate and two or more retaining elements. In one form, the retainer plate is a footing plate or 5 similar. Typically, the footing plate has a central aperture. In one for, the aperture is an oval or oval shape such as an oblique oval, a tri-oval, a quad-oval, a D-oval or the like having a pair of straight sides in opposed parallel relationship. Typically, the shape of 10 the oval is the same as that on the base of a sea container so that the relocatable building can be transported by trailers that are used to transport sea containers. is In one form, the retaining elements are elongate elements, more typically, stakes, pins, pegs, skewers, anchors, poles, piles, posts, or similar. In one form the stakes are provided with an enlarged portion at or towards one end, typically the upper or top end in use in close 20 proximity to the plate. In one form, the enlargement is a head or shoulder portion of the stake. In one form the head portion is of increased size and/or is reinforced. In one form, the enlargement of the stake is a stop 25 element or abutment element which is provided at or towards the top or upper end in use of a stake for engaging with a stabilising member to retain the stake for facilitating anchoring of the building. In one form, the stop member is a collar or similar provided around the 30 stake, or is provided with a shoulder. In one form, the stop member is a pin which passes through an aperture provided in or at the top or upper end of the stake. Typically, the stake is cylindrical. In one form, the 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27101/12 11 stake is solid or is hollow. In one form, the plane of the stop member, typically in the form of a collar, is generally perpendicular to the lengthwise extending axis of the stake. In one form, the collar engages or abuts 5 against the upper surface in use of the stabilising member or other retainer for the stakes. In one form the stabilising member is a substantially planar member, typically in the form of a plate or 10 similar. The plate is provided with at least two, preferably three or more apertures, including the central oval shaped aperture. Typically the apertures are in spaced apart relationship to one another. In one form, the apertures are in the form of elongate apertures, is slots, truncated bores, truncated conical sleeves, or the like. More typically, the centre line of the apertures are angularly inclined to each other. Typically when one of the stakes is received in one of the 20 elongate apertures, the stake is arranged to be received through the stabilising plate at an angle of about 550 to 650, preferably 600 to the plate. If there are two stakes received through the plate, each of the two stakes is inclined at an angle of about 55* to 650, preferably 60*. 25 In one form there are three stakes received through respective apertures of the plate, in which each stake is arranged to extend at 55 0 to 650 to the plate in three different orientations or configurations to one another at 30 regular spaced apart locations. In one form, the orientation or configuration is in the form of a three legged structure, sub assembly, or arrangement, such as 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269 AU 1 2710112 12 for example, a tripod or tripod-like arrangement for anchoring the substructure or assembly to the ground, earth or similar at a desired location. The substructure is provided to resist movement in a variety of different s directions in order to provide support for the building. In one form, there are four separate substructures, one substructure being located at each corner of the base of the main part of the building, to support the building in 10 use. In one form, the framework of the base of the building and/or the upright framework members of the main part of the building are supported by or are received upon the four substructures. is In one form there are four tripod arrangements each consisting of a single plate having three angularly inclined apertures through which three stakes are received in respective apertures in which one tripod arrangement is located at or towards each corner of the main part of the 20 structure, and optionally at one or more places of the base of the auxiliary part of the building. Typically, the four substructure arrangements are located at the lower end in use of the upright framework members forming the main frame of the main part of the relocatable 25 building in order to anchor the building to the ground, earth or other suitable substrate at the desired location. In one form, the auxiliary part of the structure is an addition to the main part of the structure. In one form, 30 where the main part of the structure is a relocatable building, the auxiliary part is an annex, an extension, a veranda, another room, a decking, a roofed enclosure, or the like extending from one side of the main part of the 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269 AU1 27/01/12 13 building. Typically, the main part of the relocatable building is provided with an arrangement for increasing the size of 5 the building. In one form, the main part of the building is provided with a track member or track portions. In one form, the track portion of the building includes two spaced apart elongate track members, typically in parallel relationship to one another, more typically in opposed 10 face to face parallel relationship to each other with a space, void, slot, clearance, gap or similar located therebetween, typically an elongate space, void or gap, and more typically, in the form of a slot or other lengthwise extending elongate gap or similar. 15 Typically, the first fixed hinge element is an arcuate element or generally curved element which in one form, extends from the top of an upright framework member forming the framework of the main part of the relocatable 20 building. Typically the second hinge element is a movable hinge element fixedly connected to a transverse member of the extension part of the relocatable building, typically the 25 extension is in the form of a veranda. In one form, the hinge arrangement is provided with a pivot arrangement which includes a pivot member, element or similar for assisting movement of the hinge members relative to each other. In one form, the pivot element of the first hinge 30 member is an aperture and the pivot element of the second hinge member is an aperture such that in use the two apertures are aligned with each other to receive therethrough a suitable fastener, typically in the form of 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269 AU 1 27101/12 14 a nut and bolt, more typically a high tensile strength nut and bolt arrangement to connect the two hinge elements to each other to allow the two hinge elements to pivot with respect to each other thereby allowing movement of the s extension part of the building with respect to the main part of the building. When the auxiliary part of the structure is connected to the main part of the structure, and the structure is in a 10 storage or transport mode, the first hinge element is upwardly curved in an arc as an extension of the framework member and the second hinged element is downwardly curved depending downwardly from the pivot point to support the framework of the auxiliary part of the structure. 15 The first and second hinge elements are pivotally connected to each other allowing between about 1800 to 2100 of movement of the extension with respect to the main part of the building to convert the building between the 20 storage/transport configuration in which in one form, the extension is folded back upon the roof of the main body portion, such as for example at a low angle of up to about 100 - 200, and the in-use configuration in which the extension extends outwardly from one side or end of the 25 main part of the building after rotating through an angle of about 1800 to 210* or larger. Typically, the locking connection includes two parts, typically being complementary to one another in which a 30 first locking part is provided on the upright framework member in the form of a post and a second locking part is provided in a roof member of the extension such as in the 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269.AU 1 27/01/12 15 form of a veranda roof support. More typically, the projection is in the form of a projecting element which, in one embodiment is a tongue member or similar, having a number of sections in which the first section of the 5 projecting part of the tongue member is a flat extension and the second section of the projecting part is a curved hook member arranged such that the first section of the projecting part is distal of the hook member which is located intermediate the first section and a third section lo which is in the form of an elongate shank to connect the projection to the framework member. In one form, the second part of the locking connection is a received having a first receiving part, and a second 15 receiving part. In one form, the first receiving part of the receiver is a slot, aperture, groove or similar and the second receiving part is a curved rod, tube, shaft, peg, contour, pin, tab, projection or similar, typically of a round, circular or cylindrical shape, and more 20 typically having a solid cylindrical core or similar. Typically, the locking connection further includes a hook member, typically, a curved or arcuate hook member. In one form, the curvature of the hook member corresponds to 2S the curvature of the curved rod so as to cooperatively interact with one another in a locking configuration. Typically, the second framework member is a hollow member such as a tube, preferably a square section tube or 30 rectangular section tube having an inner wall. In the locking position, the distal projecting part of the tongue engages against the inner wall of the hollow tube. 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01112 16 Typically, when in use in a first configuration, the distal extension and part of the hook are received in the slot and the curved section curves around the outer wall of the cylindrical core of the receiver. 5 In a further configuration, the hook of the projection engages the rod within the tube to support and lock the two framework members together. In this position the flat extension abuts against the internal wall of the tube to 10 prevent disengagement of the projection from the receiver and thus maintain the assembly in a locking configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 15 An embodiment of one form of the structure in the form of a relocatable building will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to illustrate one or more examples of the invention in which: 20 Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of one form of a relocatable building in one configuration in which the veranda decking is extended. Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are each a schematic end view of a 25 framework for forming one form of the relocatable building showing the top of the veranda support connected to upright veranda posts being converted in various stages from a retracted position in which the veranda roof substantially overlies the roof of the main part of the 30 building to a fully extended position in which the veranda extends outwardly from one side of the building. Figure 3 is a schematic close-up view of one form of a 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269.AU. 1 27/01/12 17 hinge facilitating hinged movement of the top veranda support with respect to the top building support. Figure 4 is a schematic view of one arrangement of one 5 form of a track assembly located inboard of the building for allowing the veranda decking to move with respect to the main part of the building. Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of one form of a 10 substructure for supporting the relocatable building including a plate for receiving one form of a stake therethrough to anchor the substructure to the ground. Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of one form of is the retainer plate. Figure 5C is a schematic elevation view of the retainer plate of Figure 5B. 20 Figure 6A is a schematic side view of one form of the substructure of Figure 5. Figure 6B is a schematic side view of an alternative form of a retainer plate. 25 Figure 7 is a schematic side view of one form of an extension in the form of a veranda connected to one form of the main part of a relocable building. 30 Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the top of the veranda post of Figure 7 cooperatively engaged with the top of the veranda. 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269.AU 1 27/01/12 18 Figures 9A to 9H is a sequence of 8 separate partial side elevation views of one form of the locking connector illustrating movement of the veranda post with respect to the veranda frame for lockingly installing the veranda s post to the veranda frame when assembling the veranda as an extension of the building. SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT 10 One form of the relocatable building comprises a number of individual components interconnected together to form the building which is generally denoted as 2. Building 2 comprises a multitude of individual main framework members arranged to form a hollow parallel-piped like structure, is typically a trapezoidal-like structure in which one side is higher than the opposite side, to which internal framing members, typically timber or metal framing elements 4 are attached covered by an external cladding or covering such as for example, panels, boards, sheets or 20 the like made from a suitable material, including natural, synthetic or manufactured materials (not shown). Typical examples of the cladding include custom board, weatherboard or fibrous cement sheeting or the like. The main framework members comprise four upright members 25 8a, b, c, d, located at or towards each of the four corners of building 2, and four lower framework members 6a, b, c, d, arranged in a horizontal plane to define the floor area of building 2 at the base of the building. A suitable covering for forming flooring (not shown), such 30 as for example, sheets 9 of suitable Australian Standard flooring materials, including particle board, hardwood or the like, cover the base of the building. Four such sheets 9 are illustrated in Figure 1. The set of four 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01/12 19 upright posts 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, extend from the corners of the floor section for supporting a roof of the building. The upright posts can each be of a fixed length or can be adjustable in length, such as for example, by being 5 telescopically adjustable in length to alter the height of one or more parts of the main part of the building. The roof portion comprises four roof framework members 10a, b, c, d forming a rectangle or a similar along the top of the roof portion. It is to be noted that the length of two 10 upright posts 8a, 8b is greater than the length of two opposite upright posts 8c, 8d so as to impart a slope to the roof to assist in drainage, water runoff or similar, from the roof. 15 A foundation arrangement, typically in the form of a tripod arrangement is provided at the base of each upright post 8a, b, c, d. In one form, the tripod arrangement comprises three individual elongate retaining elements, in the form of stakes 14a, b, c, d, pins or pegs or similar. 20 One end of stakes 14 are optionally tapered or sharpened to facilitate penetration into the ground, earth or other substrate when being driven into the ground to provide support for the building when the building is being erected. A stabiliser member in the form of a connector 25 or retainer plate 20, which typically has a rectangular shape is provided at the lower end of each upright post 8a, b, c, d, to form a footing plate or the like. In one form, retainer plate 20 has three elongate apertures (not shown) , typically in the form of three slots or conical 30 bores or similar for receiving respective ends of stakes 14a, b, c, d, angularly, therethrough. It is to be noted that connector plate 20 and the apertures can have any suitable form, shape, size or configuration. 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01/12 20 One form of retainer plate 20 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 5B and 5C which illustrate one embodiment. In this embodiment, plate 80 has a 5 generally rectangular planar member 82 forming the body of the plate. A generally oval shaped aperture 84 having two opposed semicircular ends and two opposed parallel straight sides, is centrally located on body 82. A first flange or gusset 86 is provided at or along one side of 10 body 82 and is of a generally planar triangular shape or a trapezium-like shape having at least one inclined side. A slot 88 is provided in flange 86 for receiving therethrough stake 90. A second flange or gusset 92 is provided at or along another side of body 82 to extend 15 perpendicularly to first flange 86. Flange 92 is of the same general shape as flange 82 having an upper tapering side. Flange 92 is provided with slot 94 for receiving 20 therethrough stake 96. Body 82 is provided with a first slot or similar 98, in alignment with slot 88 of flange 86 to receive stake 90 through the aligned pair of slots 88, 98. Body 82 is also provided with slot 100, in spaced apart relationship to the location of slot 98, and in 25 alignment with slot 94 of flange 92, to receive therethrough stake 104. A third slot 102 is provided in body 82 in spaced apart relationship to both slots 98, 100 and is located at or 30 towards one corner of body 82. The aligned apertures 88, 98 are located at or towards one corner of body 82 whereas aligned apertures 94, 100 are located at or towards another corner of body 82. 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269.AU 1 27/01/12 21 An upwardly extending stub 110 is connected to body 82 and is sized and shaped to be received within the hollow interior of one of the upright framework members 8 forming 5 the main vertical framework of the main part of building 2. Stub 110 is generally of a square cross section and is provided with a triangular prism shaped cut-out 112 at or 10 towards the base to allow clearance to central oval aperture 82. Plate 80 is a footing plate for forming one of the foundations of the building stub 110 is provided with a collar 114 around the perimeter of the square section tube and is provided with a multitude of regularly is spaced apart apertures 116 for receiving therethrough suitable pins or pegs to secure upright framework 8 to plate 80 to form the foundation of building 10. In one form each stake 14 is received at an angle of 55 0 to 20 650 through plate 20 so that all three stakes 14 are arranged to extend angularly to each other, each at about 55*to 654 to the plate but in different configurations or orientations to form a tripod. Although each stake 14 extends at the same angle, typically, about 55 0 to 650, all 25 of the stakes are angularly inclined to each other to assist in stability and to withstand movement on any direction. Part way along the length of each stake, typically towards the upper end in use, each stake is provided with a stop member, or abutment, typically in the 30 form of a collar 26, as shown in Figure 6A, or a pin 27 as shown in Figure 6B to allow the stake to be retained in position within a respective aperture of plate 20. The tripod arrangement comprising three angularly inclined 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01/12 22 stakes is driven into the ground at the same angle in different orientations or configurations to anchor the relocatable building in position. Braces or struts 28 extend between respective base framework members 6 and 5 upright posts 8 and between the roof framework members 10 and the upright posts 8 to provide rigidity and strength to building 2, as shown more particularly in Figures 1 and 2A, 2B, 2C. 10 Suitable timber framing 4 can be installed on each side of building 2 to form the four walls of building 2, particularly as shown in Figure 1. With particular reference the Figures 2 and 3 the manner 15 in which the veranda roof is connected to the main part of the building will now be described. In one form hinge 30 comprises a first curved hinge element in the form of an arcuate hinge finger 32 20 extending generally outwardly from the top end of front upright framework member 8c so as to extend in a curve both upwardly and outwardly. In one form, lower end in use of hinge element 32 is fixedly attached to the top end of upright 8c such as by welding or other suitable 25 fastening or attachment arrangement including being integrally formed. An aperture, typically in the form of a circular hole or similar is provided at or towards the distal end of arcuate hinge finger 32. 30 Hinge 30 further includes a second hinge element, in the form of an arcuate hinge finger 34 which is also typically arcuate in shape extending from one side of side roof framework member 40 forming part of the veranda roof. One 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01/12 23 end of second arcuate hinge finger 34 is fixedly connected to the veranda roof framework member 40, such as by welding or similar, or is integrally formed with member 40 and an aperture, typically a circular hole is provided at 5 or towards the distal end of generally arcuate upwardly extending hinge finger 34. In use, both of the apertures at the distal ends of the hinge elements 32, 34 are aligned with each other so as to be in register, so as to be able to receive therethrough, a suitable fastener, 10 typically in the form of a bolt 36 which interconnects the two hinge fingers 32, 34 when the pivot apertures are aligned. In one form, bolt 36 is a high tensile bolt. Hinge 30 interconnects framework members Bc and roof member 40 together whilst allowing pivotal movement of the 15 veranda roof support framework 40 with respect to the building in the direction of arrow 'A' as shown in Figure 3. A second similar hinge is provided at the other side of building 2, such as to connect upright member 8d to veranda framework member on that side. Optionally, other 20 hinges 30 may be provided at spaced apart locations along the edge of the building to provide further support for the veranda roof. With particular reference to Figure 2A, framework member 25 40 of the veranda is shown in a storage or transportation configuration in which framework member 40 is folded back upon the roof of the main part of building 2. The roof comprising the veranda roof members and framework member 40 is pivoted from the storage position as shown in Figure 30 2A by pivotally moving about hinge 30 through one of the intermediate positions in which member 40 extends outwardly from upright post 8 as shown in Figure 2B through to a fully extended or in-use position in which 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269 AU 1 27/01/12 24 member 40 extends outwardly from the main part of th building to form the top of the veranda. The arcuate arrangement of the hinge elements 32, 34 allows the veranda to pivotally move with respect to the roof to 5 enable the veranda framework to pivot in the direction of arrow 'A' so as to be located underneath the framework of the roof to seal the veranda against ingress of water, such as for example during rain or the like by the level of the top of the veranda being below the level of the top 10 of the roof of the main part of the building. With particular reference to Figures 1 and 4, one form of a movable connection for connecting one form of the auxiliary part of the building to the main part of the is building will now be described. In one form, the auxiliary part is an extension to the main building, such as for example, the floor of a veranda, particularly in the form of decking. In one form, the decking is movable with respect to the main building between a retracted 20 position and an extended position, such as for example, by the decking being slidably movable with respect to the main building. In Figure 2A, the decking or floor of the veranda is shown 25 as being in the fully retracted position in which the decking is received under the floor of the main part of the building. In Figure 2B, the decking is shown in a a partially extended position in which the decking is partially extended and partially under the floor of the 30 main part of the building. In Figure 2C, the decking is shown as being fully extended to extend outwardly from one side of the main part of the building. 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269 AU 1 27/01/12 25 One form of the sliding veranda floor or decking for forming part of the extension to the building will now be described. This form of the decking comprises a generally rectangular framework arrangement defining the floor or 5 decking of the veranda which is convertible between a transport mode or storage mode in which the veranda decking is located immediately underneath the floor of the building in a fully retracted position such as shown more particularly in Figure 2A, and an extended position in 10 which the veranda decking extends outwardly from one side of the building for forming the floor or base of the veranda as shown more particularly in Figure 2C. The mechanism for facilitating sliding movement of the decking with respect to the main part of the building has two main is forms. A first type of the sliding mechanism (not shown) is provided at either end of the decking which comprises a pair of L-shaped angle iron elongate members in reverse overlapping relationship to each other in which the upper member is in the normal orientation of the L-shape being 20 in the orientation 'L' whereas the lower member is in the reverse orientation '-1 ' so that the overlapping parts of the 'L's being the horizontal parts of the angle irons slide one upon the other in the lengthwise direction to move the decking of the veranda with respect to the floor 25 of the main part. A second type of the sliding mechanism which is illustrated in Figure 4, is located inboard of the decking, such as for example, about the midpoint of the 30 decking as shown in Figure 1 and denoted by reference numeral 50. 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU 1 27/01/12 26 Centrally located sliding mechanism 50, comprises a pair of transversely extending runners 52 (one runner 52 is shown in Figure 4 for clarity, which are provided on the undersurface of the floor of the main part of building 2 5 to form a track upon which a complementary rail slidably moves to facilitate telescopic sliding movement of the veranda floor with respect to the floor of the building to extend the veranda from the building during assembly of the building into an in-use mode or configuration in which 10 the veranda extends outwardly from the side of the main building, and to retract the veranda decking into the floor of the main part when building 2 is to be transported after use. 15 In one form the track of the main part comprises two spaced apart 'L' shaped angle irons 54a, 54b or similar located in parallel face to face relationship to one another as shown more particularly in Figure 4 defining an elongate space 56 therebetween. A complementary shaped 20 rail is provided on the undersurface of the decking of the veranda and is received in the elongate space to allow sliding movement between the rail on the veranda and the track on the main part by the rail being received in the elongate space 56. The rail has any suitable shape or 25 profile. With particular reference to Figures 7, 8 and 9, one form of the manner in which the veranda posts are connected to the veranda frame members will now be described in order to assist in assembling the veranda. It is to e noted 30 that veranda post 38 may be of a fixed length or may be adjustable to vary the length by being telescopically movable to increase or reduce the length of the veranda post. 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01112 27 Each veranda post 38 is provided with a fastener generally denoted as 60 extending from the end, typically from the upper end in use of the veranda post 38. In one form, 5 fastener 60 is in the form of a generally curved clip, hook, tongue, finger or similar, generally comprising a projection or projection portion and a receiving portion or receiver. In one form, the fastener 60 has a projection comprising a first generally straight 10 projecting portion 62 which is located distally of fastener 60 and extends generally parallel to the lengthwise extending direction of the veranda support member 38. Fastener 60 also has a second projection portion which is in the form of a hook arrangement having is a second generally arcuate section 64 bent through about 1800, and being provided with a generally straight shank portion in the form of a straight section 66 arranged to extend substantially parallel to the lengthwise extending axis of member 38 aligned more closely with the central 20 axis of member 38. The first projection portion 62 is aligned to extend substantially parallel to the lengthwise extending direction of the post 38 but being offset from the position of the proximal parallel portion 66. 25 Veranda framework member 40 is a generally square section hollow tube having internal straight walls 42 and is provided with a receiver having a first receiver part in the form of an elongate slot 68 or similar and a second receiver portion in the form of a generally cylindrical 30 element, typically in the form of a rod, shaft, tube 70 or the like fixedly located along one internal corner of the veranda frame typically the lower inner corner of the frame. Rod 70 can be formed integrally with tube 40 or be 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27101/12 28 fastened internally within tube 40 such as for example, by being welded or the like at one internal corner of hollow tube 40. Hook 64 of veranda post 38 cooperatively engages with rod 70 to lock veranda post 38 to framework member 5 40. With particular reference to Figures 9A to 9H, end 62 of fastener 60 extending from post 38, is received through elongated slot 68 of hollow member 40, and veranda post 38 10 rotated through an angle so as to allow curved portion 64 of fastener 60 to enter slot 68 and pass around the outside circumference of cylindrical rod 70 to capture fastener 60 within member 40 by the inside curve of curved portion 64 engaging against rod 70. Rotation of veranda is post 38 towards a more upright position allows fastener 60 to cooperatively engage with rod 70 as shown in Figure 9, to securely retain the fastener 60 internally within veranda post 38 in contact with rod 70. Further stability for the connector is provided by the flat surface of end 20 part 62 of fastener 60 abutting against the internal wall 42 of the veranda frame 40 to prevent movement of veranda post 38 in the same direction. With veranda frame 40 extending outwardly from the main 25 building, each veranda post 38 in turn is fitted into slot 68 of each of veranda frames 40 and rotated to the almost vertical position to allow fastener 60 to be received through slot 68 to engage rod 70 and internal wall 42 to support the roof of the veranda when each of the veranda 30 posts is lockingly engaged with the veranda frame. 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27101112 29 ADVANTAGES e The building can be relocated at a number of different locations multiple times. 5 e The building arrives with deck and veranda included, which increases the size of adds to the living area in the as delivered form without impinging upon the transportability of the building by not increasing 10 the size of the building in the transport mode during storage/transport. * The building can be fastened to the ground surface without the need of concrete which is environmentally 15 more acceptable and does not cause any unnecessary damage to the environment particularly at the footprint of the building. * The footing legs are independently 20 extendable/retractable, meaning that no site cut is required for the building i.e., it can be set up on uneven ground without the need for digging, excavation, or the like. 25 * No bolts on the veranda posts eliminate the likelihood of posts seizing or adhering to the roof structure as a result of exposure to the elements. * Locking point on foot plate allow building to be 30 attached to transport vehicles in the same manner as a standard 20foot sea container because of the presence of the oval shaped central aperture in the retainer plate forming the footplate of the substructure. 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01/12 30 " Building can be internally configured in any format including the location and placement of windows and doors. 5 " Buildings can be modulated together to form larger building once on site. The described arrangement has been advanced by explanation 10 and many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which includes every novel feature and novel combination of features herein disclosed. 15 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit 20 and scope. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary 25 implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269 AU. 1 27/01/12

Claims (45)

1. A foundation or substructure arrangement for a structure comprising a stabiliser member for location 5 at or towards one end of a framework member, said stabiliser member having at least two apertures for receiving therethrough retaining elements wherein the apertures of the stabiliser member are arranged to receive the retaining elements in orientations that 10 are angularly inclined to one another to anchor the foundation or substructure to a suitable supporting substrate by resisting movement of the substructure in at least one direction. 15

2. A flooring framework assembly for a structure comprising at least two transversely extending fixed floor framework members for a main part of the structure, each framework member having a first track portion extending along at least a part of the 20 framework member and an auxiliary part of the structure having at least two transversely extending moveable auxiliary framework members, each provided with a second track portion, said first track portion being complementary to said second track portion to 25 allow the second track portion to move with respect to the first track portion, wherein when the structure is in a storage or transport mode, the auxiliary part of the structure is retracted such that the second track portion is received within or 30 adjacent to the first track portion and when the main part of the structure is in an in-use mode the second track portion extends at least partially outwardly from the first track portion to support the auxiliary 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU 1 27/01/12 32 part of the structure.

3. A hinge arrangement for hingedly connecting at least one movable auxiliary roof framework member to at s least one fixed roof framework member of a main part of the structure, said hinge comprising a first fixed hinge element fixedly connected to the roof framework member and provided with a first pivot element at or towards one end and a second movable hinge element 10 fixedly connected to the movable auxiliary roof framework member and provided with a second pivot element at or towards one end, the first and second hinge elements capable of being pivotally connected together so that the roof of the auxiliary part and is the movable hinge element move in unison with respect to the roof of the structure wherein when the building is in the transport or storage mode the auxiliary part is pivoted about the hinge so as to be supported on the roof of the main part and the hinge 20 elements extend in oppositely arranged orientations with respect to each other and when the building is in the in-use mode the auxiliary part extends from the building so that the first hinge element and the second hinge element are generally in the same 25 orientation as one another.

4. A locking connection for lockingly connecting a first framework member to a second framework member said first framework member having a projection extending 30 outwardly from at or near one end thereof, said projection having a first projecting part and a second projection part, and said second framework member having a receiver for receiving the 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01/12 33 projection, the receiver having a first receiving element and a second receiving element wherein when the first and second framework members are in a first configuration with respect to each other said first 5 projection part is received in the first receiving part and when the first and second framework members are moved with respect to each other to a second configuration, the second projection part and the second receiving part cooperatively engage to retain 10 the projection in the receiver and the second projecting part is received in the first receiving part to lock the first and second framework members to one another. is

5. A structure according to any preceding claim in the form of a building, including a relocatable or transportable building, for providing shelter to people or goods. 20

6. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the building is for use in a mining camp at a remote location.

7. A structure according to any preceding claim in the 25 form of a relocatable building having a main part and an auxiliary part located at or towards one side of the main part of the building.

8. A structure according to any preceding claim in the 30 form of a substructure for supporting a building in which the substructure comprises a retainer and at least one retaining element in which the retaining element cooperatively engages with the retainer plate 3099970_1 (GHMatters) P86269 AU. 1 27/01112 34 to anchor the substructure to a substrate for securely locating the building at a desired location.

9. A structure according to any preceding claim in which 5 the retaining elements are elongate elements in the form of stakes, pins, pegs, skewers, anchors, poles, piles, posts or the like.

10. A structure according to any preceding claim in which 10 the retaining element is provided with an enlarged portion at or towards one end, preferably the upper or top end in use of the retaining element, which is located in close proximity to the retainer. 15

11. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the enlargement of the retaining element is a head or shoulder portion for forming a stop element for cooperative engagement with the retainer element. 20

12. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the stop element is an abutment element for cooperatively engaging with the retainer to limit movement of the retainer in order to facilitate anchoring of the building. 25

13. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the stop member is in the form of a collar or similar provided more or less around the outer surface or wall of the stake in which the collar is more or less 30 cylindrical for engaging with the upper surface of the retainer in the form of a plate to limit movement of the retaining element to provide support for the building by providing resistance against movement of the substructure. 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU1 27/01/12 35

14. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the retainer element is in the form of a retainer plate or stabilising plate having at least two, s preferably three or more apertures wherein the apertures are ranged in spaced apart relationship to each other and are angled so as to receive respective retaining elements therein permitting the retaining elements to be angularly inclined to one another. 10

15. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the apertures of the retainer are in the form of elongate apertures, slots, truncated bores or the like having a truncated conical sleeve or similar for is engaging with the retaining element received in the apertures.

16. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the individual receiving elements, when received in 20 the apertures of the retainer are arranged with respect to one another at an angle of 55 0 to 650, preferably at 60*, to the retainer.

17. A structure according to any preceding claim in which 25 the retaining elements are in the form of a stake, pin, peg, skewer, anchor, pole, pile, post or the like in which the longitudinal axis of the stake, when received in respective apertures, are arranged at 55 0 to 654, preferably at 600, to the retainer. 30

18. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the substructure comprises four substructure supports in which each substructure support is in the form of 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269 AU. 1 27/01/12 36 a tripod, or tripod-like configuration, comprising three elongate retaining members and a plate retainer member having apertures through which the elongate members are received so that the three stakes are 5 angularly inclined to one another to form the substructure.

19. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the structure comprises a main part and an auxiliary 10 part in which the auxiliary part is located at or towards one side of the main part and is connected to the main part.

20. A structure according to any preceding claim in which is the auxiliary part is movably connected to the main part.

21. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the auxiliary part is connected to the main part by 20 two connections in which the two connections are different to one another such that one movement is a linear movement and the other movement is a rotational movement about a pivot axis or the like. 25

22. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the main part of the structure is provided with a track member or track portion and the auxiliary part is provided with a corresponding track member or track portion. 30

23. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the track member or portion includes two spaced apart elongate track members arranged in parallel relationship to each other to define a track 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269 AU 1 27/01112 37 therebetween.

24. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the two spaced apart elongate track members are in 5 opposed face-to-face parallel relationship with each other to define a space, void, slot, clearance, gap or similar between the track members in which the space, void, slot, clearance or the like is a lengthwise extending elongate gap or similar in which 10 a corresponding part of the auxiliary part of the building is received to slidingly move to move the auxiliary part with respect to the main part of the building to form one embodiment of the rotary movement of the auxiliary part to the main part. 15

25. A structure according to any preceding claim comprising a hinge arrangement for permitting hinged movement of the auxiliary part to the main part of the building. 20

26. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the hinge arrangement comprises a first fixed hinge element and a second moveable hinged element. 25

27. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the first fixed hinge element is an arcuate element, or generally curved element.

28. A structure according to any preceding claim in which 30 the first fixed hinge element is an arcuately curved element extending from the top of an upright framework member or beam forming the main framework of the main part of the relocatable building. 30999701 (GHMalters) P86269 AU 1 27/01/12 38

29. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the second hinge element is a movable hinged element, fixedly connected to a transverse member of the auxiliary part of the structure in which the 5 transverse member is a part of the roof structure of the auxiliary part so that when the roof structure moves, both the transverse member and hinge member move in unison with each other and with respect to the first fixed hinge member. 10

30. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the hinge element is provided with a pivot member element or arrangement in which the pivot element of the first hinge member is an aperture, and the pivot is element of the second hinge member is an aperture wherein the two apertures are aligned with each other to be in register so as to receive therethrough a fastener allowing pivoting movement of the first and second hinge members with respect to each other. 20

31. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the pivot element or member is in the form of a nut and bolt arrangement, preferably a high tensile strength nut and bolt arrangement. 25

32. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the hinge arrangement rotational allows movement of the extension part of the building with respect to the main part of the building to convert the building 30 between a storage configuration and a use configuration. 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01/12 39

33. A structure according to any preceding claim in which, when the auxiliary part of the structure is connected to the main part of the structure, and the structure is in a storage or transport mode, the s first hinge element of the hinge arrangement is upwardly curved in an arc as an extension of the framework member to which it is attached and the second hinge element is downwardly curved depending downwardly from the pivot to support framework of the 10 auxiliary part of the structure and hence the auxiliary part of the building.

34. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the first and second hinge elements are pivotally 15 movable with respect to each other through an arc of about 1800 to 2100 of movement of the extension with respect to the main part of the building to convert the building between the storage transport configuration in which the roof of the extension is 20 folded back upon the roof of the main body portion and the in use configuration in which the extension extends outwardly from one side or end of the main part of the building. 25

35. A structure according to any preceding claim further comprising a locking connection for lockingly connecting the auxiliary part of the building to the main part of the building. 30

36. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the locking connection includes a first part and a second part in which the first and second parts are complementary to each other to cooperatively engage 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01/12 40 with each other, in which the first part is provided on or in connection with an upright framework member of the auxiliary part of the building and the second part is provided on a roof member of the auxiliary s part of the building.

37. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the locking connection includes a projection in the form of a projecting element which is a tongue member 10 having sections in which a first section is a flat extension piece, the second section is a curved hook member and the third section is an elongate shank section in which the curved hook section is located intermediate the first flat section and the third 15 elongate shank section, said projection being fixedly connected to an end of a a veranda post or similar for supporting the auxiliary part of the building, preferably to the upper end in use of the veranda post. 20

38. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the second part of the locking connection is a receiver comprising a first receiving part and a second receiving part, in which the first receiving 25 part is a slot, aperture, groove or similar, for receiving therethrough part of the first part of the locking connection, and the second receiving part is a curved rod, tube, shaft, peg, contour, pin, tab, projection or similar for engaging with the first 30 part of the first part of the locking connection received through the slot or aperture of the first receiving part. 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269 AU 1 27101/12 41

39. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the curved second receiving part is a round, circular or cylindrical shape and is a solid or hollow s cylindrical tube, rod or similar.

40. A structure according to any preceding claim in which the second intermediate section of the projecting part of the locking connection further includes a 10 hook member, typically a curved or arcuate hook member in which the curvature of the hook member corresponds to the curvature of the curved rod or similar of the second receiving part so as to cooperatively interact with each other to support the 15 auxiliary part.

41. A structure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings 20

42. A foundation for a relocatable building substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

43. A flooring framework assembly for a relocatable 25 building substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

44. A hinge arrangement for hingedly connecting at least one movable extension rook framework member to at 30 least one fixed roof framework member of a relocatable building substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 30999701 (GHMatlers) P86269.AU.1 27/01/12 42

45. A locking connection for lockingly connecting a first framework member to a second framework member substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 30999701 (GHMatters) P86269.AU.1 27/01/12