AU2012211473A1 - Relocatable building system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a relocatable building system including a support structure; one or more floor panels; a plurality of wall panels; and a roof structure. A plurality of connectors for connection of the wall panels between the support structure and the roof structure and also included. In use, the components are supplied in a container that can be readily transported by road, and on arrival at the desired site the relocatable building can be readily assembled from the components following the instructions supplied. Assembly uses standard fastenings and the assembly and installation of the components can be performed without the need of specialised skills or tools. The invention also relates to a method of use. specPA210512 0 12 11 16a 350 16b 20\ .14a 76 52 1822 14b

Description

1 PATENTS ACT 1990 Section 29 Standard Patent Applicant: New Wave Housing Pty Limited ABN 95147784389 ACN 147784389 190 North Vickers Road Condon Queensland 4815 Inventors: Derek Michael Gostelow 77 Cypress Drive Annandale Queensland 4814 AND Ashley McClean Cronin 16 Edgewater Terrace Fairfield Waters, Idalia Queensland 4811 Title of Invention: RELOCATABLE BUILDING SYSTEM The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification: The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us: 2 RELOCATABLE BUILDING SYSTEM [0001] The present invention relates to a relocatable building system and in particular a relocatable building system that can be readily installed without the need for specialist skills or equipment. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Relocatable buildings are a useful way to provide housing, in particular at remote locations such as mine sites or remote communities. At these remote sites the building of permanent structures is not always possible or desirable. For example, in remote communities affordable housing may be required quickly or at a mine site it is preferable to able to remove the housing from the site at the end of the usable life of the mine. [0003] Construction of permanent buildings requires workers skilled in numerous trades including electricians, carpenters, plasters, painters, plumbers and builders themselves. Relocatable buildings similarly require numerous trades people and skilled builders to properly construct the building. Typically relocatable buildings are built by the supplier of the relocatable building and then supplied either as a whole building or in two halves. These relocatable buildings or half buildings must be carefully transported considerable distances, often hundreds of kilometres or further. Usually transportation of these buildings requires not only the drivers of the trucks but also support vehicles alerting the on-coming traffic of the wide load. Often such a journey takes many days and hence dramatically adds to the cost to the customer of the relocatable building. Once at the remote site skilled workers are required to put the building in position from the truck on a constructed base, and to install power, water so that the relocatable building can be used. In remote communities all materials and skilled workers need to be brought into a site, often over long distances and at further considerable cost.

3 [0004] It would be most desirable to have a building system that can be transported by standard trucks and installed at the remote location without the need for numerous skilled workers and additional materials. [0005] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere. [0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a building system, that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] Accordingly, the present invention provides a relocatable building system including the following components: a support structure; one or more floor panels; a plurality of wall panels; a roof structure; and a plurality of connectors for connection of the wall panels between the support structure and the roof structure, wherein the components are supplied in a container that can be readily transported by road, and on arrival at the desired site the relocatable building can be readily assembled from the components following the instructions supplied and using standard fasteners, so that the support structure is installed at a desired location and the connectors used to attach the wall panels to the support structure, and the connectors are used to attach the wall panels to the roof structure installed above the wall panels and support structure, and the floor panels installed between the wall panels, and the assembly and installation of the components can be performed without the need of specialised skills or tools.

4 [0008] The relocatable building may be a single person dwelling. The relocatable building may be a many roomed building. The relocatable building may be used for housing or office purposes. The relocatable building may be a farm, commercial or industrial building. The relocatable building may be a shed or garage. The relocatable building may be a family home. The relocatable building may be for any purpose where it is desired to have a relocatable building. The relocatable building may include any of the following chosen from the group; carport; garage; balcony; kitchen; bathroom; toilet; shower; living rooms; bedrooms; dining room; study; office; or workshop. [0009] The support structure may take any suitable form. Preferably, the support structure includes a chassis on which the relocatable building is installed. The chassis may be a single structure. The chassis may be several components that are assembled together during installation to form a single chassis on which the relocatable building can be installed. Preferably, the chassis is made of two pieces bolted together during installation. Preferably, the chassis is made of metal. Preferably, the chassis is made of strong steel. Preferably, the chassis is a double layer of strong steel with supports in between. [0010] Preferably, the support structure includes one or more floor beams. Preferably, the or each floor beam is substantially rectangular in cross-section. Preferably, the or each floor beam is configured to have a length suitable to the length of wall they are to support. Preferably, the or each floor beam is configured to have a length of a room. Preferably, the or each floor beam is configured to have a length of the width of a room. Preferably, floor beams are included for installation below each wall panel. Preferably, a grid of floor beams are used to create a base on which the wall panels can be installed. Preferably, a ring beam structure is created. Preferably, 4 floor beams are included for a single use dwelling. Any number of floor beams may be used to create larger dwellings. The required number of floor beams will the number to structurally satisfy the requirements of the relocatable building, as would be understood by a 5 person skilled in the art. Preferably, the floor beams are metal beams. Preferably, the floor beams are made of strong steel. Preferably, the or each floor beam is welded to other parts of the support structure. Preferably, the support structure includes a chassis and the or each floor beam is welded to the chassis. [0011] The support structure may be installed on a concrete slab. Where a concrete slab is included the support structure may be tied in to the concrete slab. The support structure may be attached to the concrete slab in any suitable manner. The chassis may be attached to the concrete slab. Preferably, the support structure may be installed on a raised frame, as is known for "Queenslander" style buildings. Alternatively the support structure may include components for raising a chassis. [0012] One or more floor panels are included and may take any suitable form. Preferably, the floor panels are substantially rectangular. Preferably, the floor panels include a top and a bottom surface with a core between. Preferably, the floor panels include insulation. Preferably, there is a separate floor panel for each room of the relocatable building adapted to fit between an arrangement of wall panels. An aesthetically pleasing finish may be applied to the top surface of the floor panels. Preferably, a flooring is included applied over the floor panel or each floor panel. The flooring may be any flooring. The flooring may be chosen from the group: wooden planks; floating wooden flooring; tiles; vinyl; or carpet. [0013] The wall panels may take any suitable form. Preferably, external wall panels and internal wall panels are included. The external wall panels may be the same or different to the internal wall panels. Preferably, each panel has a first surface and second surface with a core between them. The wall panels may include insulation. Preferably, there are at least four external wall panels surrounding a room. More than one external wall panel may be used to form a wall of a room. Preferably, a plurality of external wall panels are used to create the outer wall of the relocatable building. Where the relocatable building includes 6 a plurality of rooms numerous external wall panels are used to surround all the rooms. The number of external wall panels used can be varied to suit the particular application. Preferably, the external wall panels are adapted to protect the relocatable building from the elements. [0014] Preferably, the a plurality of internal wall panels are included. Preferably, the internal wall panels are adapted to divide the space created by the external wall panels into more than one room. For example, for a single person dwelling a room may be created for living and sleeping by four external walls and two internal walls may be used to create a separate toilet and shower cubicle at one end. Preferably, many internal wall panels are used to create many rooms within the relocatable building. Preferably, each room includes four walls created by a plurality of wall panels some of which may be external wall panels some of which may be internal wall panels. The number of external wall panels and internal wall panels used will depend on the nature and size of the building to be installed. [0015] Preferably, the walls substantially surround the floor. Preferably, the surrounding of the floor by one or more walls includes the or each wall having a part at a level below the level of the floor so as to surround the floor. Preferably, the walls do not sit on the floor but instead the or each wall sits next to an end of the floor. [0016] Preferably, the lower part of the or each wall and the floor make an insulated junction. Preferably, each insulated junction has improved insulation properties. Preferably, the insulated junction has a tight fit. Preferably, each insulated junction substantially prevents air and associated temperature to enter or leave the room. Preferably, the insulated junction substantially prevents ingress of water into the relocatable building and room. Preferably, the floor and wall of the insulated junction contains insulation.

7 [0017] Preferably, the roof structure is formed of a number of components. Preferably, the roof structure includes some preformed sections. Preferably, the roof structure is composed of a number of roof trusses that can be fixed together to form the roof structure on the relocatable building. Preferably, the roof structure includes a plurality of roof trusses for installation longitudinally above the floor and walls. Preferably, the roof trusses are installed to orientated 90 different to conventional roof trusses. Preferably, the roof trusses are installed front to back of the building. Any suitable number of roof trusses may be included. The preformed sections may be attached together to form a roof structure for the relocatable building. Preferably, the roof structure is formed of a number of components which can be assembled and screwed and or bolted together for form the roof structure of a relocatable building. Preferably, the design of the roof structure is simple so that it can be readily constructed by an unskilled worker through training on the job by following the instructions and by use of basic tools. Preferably, the roof structure includes a plurality of struts screwed together to form substantially rectangular structures, diagonally braced by other struts. Preferably, the roof structure includes a roof frame. Preferably, the roof structure includes a roof frame formed of struts attached together. The struts may be screwed together. Preferably, in this way the size of the roof can be readily scaled up or down from a basic design as is required for the particular needs of the customer. Preferably, the struts are metal struts screwed together to from a roof frame. Alternatively, wooden struts or other suitable materials may be used. [0018] Preferably, a roof space is defined by the roof structure and the roof space improves the insulating properties of the relocatable building. Preferably, the roof frame defines a roof space. The roof space may include insulation. Preferably, the configuration of the roof structure enables a flat roof or pitched roof to be included without significant changes to the design. For example, where a number of relocatable buildings are to be supplied to a customer the roof line and colour may be varied for each building so as to distinguish one building from another.

8 [0019] Corrugated steel sheets may be included in the roof structure or applied thereto. Preferably, corrugated steel sheets are included in the roof structure and are attached to the frame of struts. Preferably, corrugated steel sheets are attached to the top and sides of a roof frame. Preferably, the corrugated steel sheets are applied to the sides of the relocatable building extending from the top to beyond the level of the roof structure. Preferably, corrugated steel sheeting is used to protect the join between the roof structure and wall. Use of corrugated steel sheets on the sides of the relocatable building is particularly advantageous to protect against ingress of water or dust. Preferably, capping is used with corrugated steel sheeting at the join between one sheet and another. Preferably, corner capping is used to cover the corner of the relocatable building where the corrugated steel sheeting covering the top of the relocatable building joins with other corrugated steel sheeting covering the sides of the relocatable building. Preferably, the corner capping is a metal extrusion adapted to surround the top edge of the relocatable building where the corrugated steel sheeting on the top of the building joins with corrugated steel sheeting on the sides. Preferably, the corner capping acts against the action of the wind to raise the corrugated steel sheeting. Preferably, the arrangement of the corrugated steel sheeting and corner capping acts against damage that may be caused in a cyclone. [0020] Preferably, the roof structure includes a roof frame and the same roof frame can be used for either a corrugated steel sheeting roof or a pitched roof. [0021] A pitched roof may be included in the roof structure. Tiles may be applied to the pitched roof in the usual manner. A guttering arrangement may be included installed below an eave of the pitched roof. The guttering arrangement may take any suitable form. Preferably, the guttering arrangement includes a metal extrusion adapted to capture water from the roof and direct it away from the building. A downpipe may be included to direct water away from the sides of the building. Preferably, the downpipe extends from the guttering arrangement to 9 below the level of the wall panels. Alternatively, a guttering arrangement may be used with the corrugated steel sheeting roof. [0022] Preferably, the roof structure includes one or more ceiling panel. Preferably, a ceiling panel is included for each room of the relocatable building. Alternatively, a single ceiling panel may be included that spans the entire relocatable building. Preferably, the or each ceiling panel includes an upper surface and a lower surface with a core between. The or each ceiling panel may include insulation. The or each ceiling panel may be attached to the roof structure. The attachment of the ceiling panel to the roof structure may be through use of bolts. Preferably, one or more bolt is used to secure the or each ceiling panel to the roof structure. Preferably, the or each bolt secures the ceiling panel between the roof structure and a wall panel. [0023] Preferably, the connectors include connectors for connecting a wall to a surface are included, the connectors including a projecting part, and the wall panels including a corresponding cut-out adapted to receive the projecting part of the connector therein. Preferably, the projecting part of the connector is fitted into the corresponding cut-out of the of the wall panel to connect the wall panel and connector together, and the connector is attached to the surface so that the wall panel is also attached thereto, and the construction system substantially prevents water entering or pooling at the junction between the connector and the wall panel, when connected to the surface. [0024] Preferably, a plurality of connectors are used to erect the wall panels. Preferably, at least one connector is used at the lower surface of a wall panel to connect to one surface and at least one connector is used at the upper surface of the wall to connect to another surface. Preferably, each wall panel includes at least one connector. Preferably, each wall panel includes a connector at an upper surface and a connector at a lower surface to connect the wall panel to two different surfaces.

10 [0025] The or each connector may be made of any suitable material. Preferably, the or each connector is made of metal. Preferably, the or each connector is made of galvanised steel. The or each connector may alternatively be made of a plastics material. Preferably, a rust resistance coating is included on the or each connector. The rust resistance coating may be a zinc coating. [0026] Preferably, the or each connector is a metal extrusion. Alternatively, the or each connector may be made by bending a piece of flat material. The flat material may be metal or a plastics material. Preferably, the or each connector is adapted to have a length similar to the part of the wall panel to which it is to be attached. The length of the or each connector may be any suitable length. There may be numerous short connectors, a few medium length connectors or a single connector of a similar length to the wall panel to which the connector is to be connected. [0027] Preferably, the or each connector includes one or more wings. Preferably, the or each wing extends out from a projecting part. Preferably, a pair of wings are included extending out on either side of the projecting part. Preferably, the or each wing is adapted to enable attachment of the connector to the surface. The or each wing may include holes to enable attachment of the connector to the surface therethrough. Alternatively, attachment may occur by screwing holes through the or each wing, rather than making holes first. [0028] Preferably, the or each wing is substantially a rectangular shape extending from the projecting part. Preferably, a pair of wings is included and each wing is a substantially similar rectangular shape extending out each side of the connector. Preferably, a pair of wings is used and when in position on the surface the wings are substantially horizontal. The wings are useful as they discourage ingress of water into the junction between the connector and the wall and surface when installed and being a flat surface water does not pool thereon.

11 [0029] Preferably, the projecting part is a cuboid shape open at the bottom surface. Preferably, the projecting part is an inverted channel. Preferably, the connector is an extrusion and the inverted channel runs substantially the length of the extrusion. Preferably, the or each wing extends from a rim of the inverted channel. Preferably, a pair of wings are included extending from a rim of the projecting part, the projecting part being an inverted channel. Preferably, the connector is a continuous flat piece of material with an inverted channel shape bent into it, creating a wing on either side. Alternatively, the projecting part can take any suitable shape to correspond with the cut-out of the wall panel. [0030] Preferably, the connector is adapted to have an overall width substantially identical to the thickness of the wall panel to which it is to be attached so that when the connector is connected to the wall panel with the projecting part in the corresponding cut-out the connector is obscured from view by the wall panel. Preferably, the connector fits into the base or top surface of the wall panel so that once the wall panel is installed the connector is obscured from view. Use of connectors in this manner enables the finished wall panel to have a smart, streamlined and aesthetically pleasing result. [0031] Any suitable means of connecting the connector to the wall panel may be used. Preferably, the connector is connected to the wall panel by a push fit of the projecting part into the cut-out of the wall panel. Preferably, additional means of connection between the wall panel and the connector are used. Preferably, the additional means of connection are one or more fasteners attached through the connector and the wall panel to hold the wall panel and the connector together. Preferably, the or each fastener passes through the connector and wall panel horizontally. Preferably, the or each fasteners pass through the projecting part of the connector to attach to the wall panel. The fasteners may be any suitable fasteners. Preferably, a pair of screw fasteners are included and the screw fasteners are screwed into the wall panel through the projecting part of the 12 connector inside the wall panel, one from each side so as to substantially meet within the connector. Washers may be used with the screw fasteners. [0032] Preferably, the connector attaches the wall panel to a floor, base or support structure of the relocatable building. Preferably, the connector connects the wall panel to a floor beam. Preferably, the surface that the lower part of the wall panel attaches to is a floor, base or support structure of the relocatable building. Preferably, the surface is a floor or support beam. In another form of the invention the surface is a concrete slab. The surface may be any floor or base to which it is desired to attach the wall panel. The surface may be a ceiling panel or roof structure. Where the surface is a ceiling panel or roof structure the connector may be inverted for use to fit into a cut-out of the wall panel. Most preferably, a pair of connectors is used and one connector attaches the wall panel to a floor beam and one connector is used inverted at the other end of the same wall panel and attaches the wall panel to the ceiling panel. Preferably, the wall panel includes cut-outs at both ends adapted to receive projecting parts of two different connectors so that the wall panel can be installed between the floor or base and the ceiling. The connectors are preferably the same as one another but used in the inverted state to attach the wall panel to the ceiling. Alternatively, other connectors may be used to attach the top of the wall panel to the ceiling panel or roof structure. Preferably, a connector is included of an inverted channel shape adapted to fit over the top end of a wall panel and used to attach the wall panel to the roof structure or ceiling panel. The plurality of connectors may include other connectors for connecting other parts of the relocatable building, as is suitable to the particular application. [0033] Preferably, one or more fastener is used to attach the connector to the surface. The fasteners may be included in the relocatable building system or the fasteners may be provided by the user. Any suitable fastener may be used. Preferably, fasteners are attached through the connector to the surface. Holes may be pre-formed in the connector or holes may be formed as the fasteners are 13 attached. Preferably, the or each fastener passes through wings of the connector on either side of the projecting part to attach the connector to the surface. Washers may be used with the fasteners. One or more bolts may be used to assist attachment of the wall panel, connector and fastener. For example, a bolt may be used through a ceiling panel to attach a connector and associated wall panel together strongly. The strong connection may include a cyclone rod attached through to the support structure. Preferably, water is substantially prevented from entering the junction between the connector and the wall panel and or the connector and the surface. Preferably, water contacting the wall will run down the wall past the connector and not enter the junction. Preferably, the configuration of the connector substantially prevents water from collecting between the connector and the wall panel or the connector and the surface. Since the wings are flat and flush with the edges of the wall panel water does not enter the junction. Use of the projecting part may substantially prevent pooling of water at the junction. Preferably, the projecting part is an inverted channel and a pair of wings is included, one on each side of the inverted channel and the inverted channel and wings arrangement substantially prevents ingress or pooling of water at the junction. [0034] Preferably, the overall finish of the connected wall panel is aesthetically pleasing. Preferably, the connector and connection between the wall and the surface is substantially obscured from view once the wall panel is installed. [0035] A plurality of connectors may be used to attach the wall panel to the same surface. That is several connectors may be used along the base of a wall panel for example, and in this case separate cut-outs may be included of a shape corresponding to the projections of the connectors. The projections and corresponding cut-outs may be the same or different to one another from one connector to another.

14 [0036] A plurality of cut-outs may be used in the wall panel and the projecting parts of one or more connector corresponds to one or more of the cut-outs to connect the connectors to the wall panel. The number of connectors used to attach an end of a wall panel to surface may be varied as is suitable to the particular application. [0037] Preferably, one or more fastener is used to attach the components together. The fasteners may be screw fasteners. The fasteners may be bolts. The fasteners may be any suitable fasteners. [0038] Preferably, a plurality of cornices are included on the upper inner wall panels to substantially cover the join between the top of a wall panel and the ceiling panel. Preferably, each cornice is an aluminium extrusion configured to fit between wall panels. Preferably, each cornice is adapted to substantially prevent ingress or water or dust into the join between the top of the wall panel and ceiling panel. Preferably, each cornice is attached to the wall panel and or ceiling panel by one or more fasteners. Preferably, the or each fastener is a screw fastener. [0039] Preferably, the container is a standard shipping container that can be readily transported by a truck or road train. Preferably, all the large components of the relocatable building system are provided in a single container. Preferably, all the components of the relocatable building system are provided in a single container. Fasteners and other supplemental components may be provided by the end user or they may be supplied in the container. Preferably, the relocatable building system is adapted so that an entire relocatable building can be carried in a single shipping container. Preferably, the components of a single person use relocatable building can be supplied in a single container. Where larger buildings are desired several shipping containers may be necessary. Preferably, the components of the relocatable building can be readily removed from the container for assembly without the need for specialist skills or equipment.

15 Preferably, the container can be used as a secure lock up during installation of the relocatable building. [0040] Preferably, the instructions supplied are in the form of words and pictures to assist the unskilled worker to assemble the relocatable building. The instructions may take any suitable form. Preferably, the instructions are provided in electronic form. Alternatively, the instructions may be provided in paper form. [0041] Preferably, the support structure is constructed first. Where the support structure is a chassis installation is positioning at a desired location. If a concrete foundation is used the concrete foundation may be poured before installation of the support structure. If the relocatable building is to be raised the raising structure may be built first and the support structure built thereon. Preferably, a raising structure is built and the chassis of the support structure is welded thereon. Preferably, floor beams of the support structure are then welded to the chassis. Preferably, the floor beams are formed into ring beam structure to support the relocatable building. Preferably, a grid of floor beams are firmly attached to the chassis. [0042] Preferably, external wall panels are erected first with internal wall panels erected thereafter. Preferably, connectors are applied to each wall panel at a lower surface and fasteners used to attach the connector to a floor beam so that the wall panel is attached to the floor beam. Preferably, further fasteners are used to attach the wall panel to the connector by passing through the sides of the wall panel into the connector. [0043] Preferably, the upper part of the wall panel is attached to a connector which in turn is attached to a ceiling panel. Preferably, bolts are used to secure the top of the wall panel to the ceiling panel.

16 [0044] Preferably, the roof structure is installed over wall panels. Preferably, floor panels are installed between the walls over the floor beams and attached using fasteners. Preferably, the fasteners are screw fasteners. Preferably, guttering arrangements, capping, or other external fixtures can be attached using fasteners. The fasteners may be screw fasteners or bolts. Preferably, cornices are attached at the upper surface of the walls inside using fastener to attach to the wall panel and to the ceiling panel. [0045] Paint, carpet or other finishing touches may be applied as well as supplies of water and electricity, fitted by professionals. [0046] Preferably, minimal training is required in order that a person can install the relocatable building. Preferably, the person is not a skilled builder or other tradesperson. [0047] Accordingly, the invention also includes a method of installing a relocatable building system, the method including the following steps: a) receiving a container, containing the components of a relocatable building; b) removing from the container a support structure of the relocatable building and assembling and installing at a desired site; c) removing from the container a plurality of wall panels and connectors and erecting the wall panels by use of the connectors attached to the support structure; d) removing from the container one or more ceiling panel and attaching through use of one or more connectors to the upper part of the erected wall panels; e) removing from the container a roof structure formed of a number of components, assembling and installing over the erected wall panels; 17 f) removing from the container one or more floor panels and installing between the wall panels over the support structure. [0048] Preferably, the method includes the further step of: g) removing from the container one or more cornices and installing over the junction between the top of the wall panels and the ceiling panel by use of two or more fasteners. [0049] Preferably, the method includes the further step of h) removing from the container on or more guttering arrangements and installing on the outside of the relocatable building to catch and direct water from the roof structure of the building. [0050] Preferably, the container is a standard shipping container that can be readily transported by road. [0051] Preferably, the method uses the relocatable building system according to the invention in any of its many forms or variants. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0052] The invention will now be described in connection with non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front cross-sectional view of one of the rooms and attached part room of a relocatable building according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a detailed front cross-sectional view of the join between the external wall panel and the floor panel of Figure 1; 18 Figure 3 is a detailed front cross-sectional view of the join between the external wall panel and the ceiling panel of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a detailed front cross-sectional view of the join between the internal wall panel and the ceiling panel of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a detailed front cross-sectional view of the join between the internal wall and the floor panel of Figure 1; and Figure 6 is a detailed exploded view of the connector and wall panel used in Figures 1 to 5; Figure 7 is detailed front cross-sectional view of the join between the external wall and the ceiling panel of second preferred embodiment of the invention, similar to the first but including a pitched roof; Figure 8 is a detailed front cross-sectional view of the join between the external wall panel and the floor panel of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a detailed front cross-sectional view of the join between the internal wall panel and the ceiling panel of Figure 7 illustrating the cornices; Figure 10 is a detailed view from above of the joining of two external walls of the second preferred embodiment; and Figure 11 is a perspective view of the relocatable building of the second preferred embodiment.

19 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS INCLUDING A BEST METHOD [0053] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, a first preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, of relocatable building 1. Relocatable building 1 as illustrated is a single person abode including a living and sleeping area with a separate area for toilet, shower and kitchen (not shown). Relocatable building 1 is shown as already assembled and includes external wall panels 10 around the entire building with roof structure 11 covering the area created by external wall panels 10. Roof structure 11 is illustrated including struts 12 fixed to create an insulating roof space. Each side of roof structure 11 is surrounded on the sides and top by corrugated steel sheeting 13. In Figure 1 in particular corrugated steel sheeting 13 can be seen to cover roof structure 11 and to extend down external wall panel 10 to below the level of the insulating roof space. Corrugated steel sheeting 13 actual extends beyond the joins between external wall panel 10 and roof structure 11 to protect the join from ingress of water or dust, as is described further below. [0054] Floor panels 14a, 14b, ceiling panels 16a, 16b, and internal wall panels 18 surround room 20 a sleeping and living area of relocatable building 1. Room 20 is one room and the numbers of rooms can be changed to suit the requirements of the customer when they are placing an order for relocatable building 1. Room 20 is of a cuboid shape with external wall panels 10 on the front and left side and two internal walls 18 on the back and right side. The front and back walls are omitted for ease of illustration. The back of room 1 joins another room of relocatable building 1, not shown, as well as to the right, room 22, shown only partially. External wall panel 10, floor panels 14a, 14b, ceiling panels 16a, 16b and internal wall panel 18 are shown made of several panels of a suitable size. The dimensions of each of the panels can be changed to suit the particular application, for example, wall panel 10 as illustrated is 1200 millimetres wide and a similar height with several panels used to form the completed wall.

20 Alternatively, a single panel of the dimensions of the wall, floor or ceiling could be used. [0055] Each of external wall panel 10, internal wall panel 18, floor panels 14a, 14b and ceiling panels 16a, 16b are filled with fire retardant, insect resistant, foam insulation material. The insulation material is treated so that in the case of a fire the foam will resist burning and only smoulder even in extreme heat. With respect to insects, ants in particular are a significant problem for demountable buildings used in the bush and outback environments as ants can eat their way through panels and foam. Use of a suitable insecticide such as bifenthrin, incorporated into the foam during manufacture, stops ants and other insects from trying to enter and damage the panels. The insecticide may be incorporated into the panels themselves or painted on to provide protection from insects entering the building. [0056] During assembly of relocatable building 1, chassis 24 is installed formed of steel base platesbolted together to form a single solid base. Chassis 24 can be raised, as is the nature of many "Queenslander" style buildings, or can be installed on a concrete slab. External walls 10 and internal walls 18 do not sit on floor panels 14a, 14b but surround them on either side. In conventional buildings walls sit on a floor of the building which is less efficient for insulation. There also tends to be a gap between the wall and the floor on which the wall sits. Any gaps allow for sound to enter relocatable building 1, a significant problem for shift workers trying to sleep on a noisy site. Any gaps are also a problem for trying to insulate the place as cold or hot air will try to equalise and reduce the cooling or heating of within the building by entering or escaping through the gap. Further, the presence of gaps is most undesirable in relocatable buildings as it allows ingress of water and for water to pool, around the gaps, potentially leading to rust and degradation of the metal and other components.

21 [0057] In the described embodiment, floor beam 28 of external wall 10, shown to the left as on the drawing, can be seen to be welded to chassis 24. Also as can be seen outside wall 10 is flush with an end 30 of chassis so that water runs down and away and does not enter the building. An end of floor 14a abuts end external wall 10 to the left forming a neat junction that is protected from the outside. Floor beam 34 of internal wall panel 18 includes screw fastening 36 which secures internal wall panel 18 to chassis 24, as is described in further detail below. Floor beam 34 of internal wall panel 18 abuts the other end of floor 14a so that floor beam 34 of internal wall panel 18 lies below the level of floor 14a, rather than on the floor as in conventional relocatable buildings. In this the way floor 14a is surrounded by internal wall panel 18 and the further internal wall panel at the back and further external wall panels. Water, dust, insects or other debris are not able to enter room 20 and room 20 is insulated and protected from the outside elements. [0058] Ceiling panel 16a overlays room 20 and ceiling panel 16b overlays room 22. Top end 40 of external wall panel 10 is overlaid by end 42 of ceiling panel 16a on the left side. Similarly, top end 44 of inside wall panel 18 is overlaid by end 46 of ceiling panel 16a and also end 48 of ceiling panel 16b. The joining of ceiling panels 16a and 16b over inside wall panel 18 works well for internal rooms of a multiple room building. Equally, 16a could be configured to fit completely over a wall panel where internal wall panel 18 is replaced with another external wall panel 10, such as in a single bed self-contained unit. Connectors 50 are used to secure top end 40 of external wall panel 10 to end 42 of ceiling panel 16a and similarly another connector 50 is used to secure top end 44 of internal wall panel 18 to end 46 of ceiling panel 16a and to end 48 of ceiling panel 16b. Similarly, connector 52 is used to attach the bottom of wall panels 10 or 18 to floor beams 28 or 34, as is described in further detail below. [0059] In use relocatable building 1 is provided to remote site in a shipping container, not shown, in a disassembled state. Use of a shipping container is 22 especially important as being of a standard size for transportation, transportation of relocatable building 1 can be readily achieved. All the components of relocatable building 1 are therefore designed to fit with a shipping container. Transportation by road can be through use of standard trucks and enables a truck driver to deliver one or more container, each containing relocatable building 1 ready for assembly. There is no need for specialised trucks or other support vehicles, a standard double B or similar can be used. Many containers can be carried together by the truck to provide multiple buildings or in the case of a large building more than one container may be required to contain the parts for the many rooms. Clearly, use of shipping containers also enables the buildings to be readily transported by sea or even air such as transports to offshore sites or in war time situations, a significant advantage. [0060] Cranes and heavy equipment are required to lift and position known relocatable buildings from the specialist trucks that deliver them to their site, adding time and expense. Relocatable building 1 is delivered in a shipping container and can be put on the ground by use of standard equipment. Once on the ground workers such as people in the community can get to work to start assembling the building. The shipping container can be used as a secure lockable site storage during assembly of relocatable building 1, a further advantage. Once the assembly of relocatable building 1 is complete the shipping container can be removed by truck and easily removed from the site. [0061] Relocatable building 1 can be installed on a concrete slab, and if this is the case the concrete slab will be poured and set before commencement of assembly of relocatable building 1. [0062] Once any foundations are finished assembly of relocatable building 1 can commence following instructions provided. Only standard equipment and tools are needed to assemble and install relocatable building, such as: drill with attachments; a screw gun with attachments; spirit level; spanners; and saws.

23 Typically, one person at the site will have been previously given some basic training and practice of assembling relocatable building 1. The training may be in onsite or elsewhere so that the assembled building and all the construction stages need to be undergone can be seen. The trained person can then lead a team of untrained lay people who can be trained on the job to assemble relocatable building 1, none of the trained person or the lay people needing any formal training or qualifications in a trade, and certainly do not need to be experienced builders or other craftsman to be able to successfully install relocatable building 1. Doors or windows can be installed in the usual manner, following the instructions. [0063] The shipping container once opened reveals the following: -Chassis 24 (2 pieces); -Floor beams 28, 34 and others for forming the ring beam support (4 beams) -external wall panels 10 (10 panels); -internal wall panels 18 (3 panels); -connectors 50 and 52 for connecting the wall panels 10 or 18 between a floor and ceiling (4 of each) -roof struts 12 (many formed into a number of roof trusses and cross pieces suitable for the size of roof area) -corrugated steel sheeting for roof 11 (12 sheets); -ceiling panels 16a and 16b (16 panels); -floor panels 14a and 14b (3 panels); -screw fasteners 26 and 28 (using a box of 1000) -bolts 54 (approximately 50); -long screw fasteners 56 (approximately 130); -cornices 58 (8) and -roof corner pieces 60 (4 pieces).

24 [0064] Chassis 24 is removed from the shipping container and lifted into place to form the base for the building. Chassis 24 is formed of strong steel. For single person use buildings a single chassis 24 is provided as a solid piece in the shipping container. For larger buildings several chassis 24 are provided and bolted together during assembly. Chassis 24 is important as the rest of relocatable building 1 is built on chassis 24 including a ring beam support formed of floor beams 28 and 34 and other beams between, bolted to chassis 24 to which wall panels 10 and 18 are attached. Floor beams 28 and 34 run from front to back at the position of the walls to be attached. Further floor beams are also included (not shown) to support further walls between the wall panels shown so that a grid arrangement of beam supports are created. Floor beams 28, 34 and others are all steel beams as well known in the art. Once floor beams, 28, 34 and others are in place bolted to chassis 24 relocatable building 1 has its strong structure to which walls, floor and ceiling panels can be added. It is important the base structure is correctly made and this can be readily achieved with minimal training and equipment, welding equipment being already found at most mine or industrial sites and remote communities. [0065] As shown in Figure 2, for example, connector 52 is attached to floor beam 28 by screw fasteners 26 in pairs along the length of floor beam 28. The detailed shape and how connectors 50 and 52 fit into cut-outs in the ends of the wall panels is shown in Figure 6. Connectors 50 and 52 are illustrated as galvanised steel extrusions. Referring to Figure 6 connector 52 with channel 62 and wings 64 and 66 is used to fit into cut-out 67 and across the bottom of external wall panel 10. Similarly, second connector 50 can be seen to with channel 70 and wings 72 and 74 adapted to fit into cut-out 74 at the top of external wall panel 10. External wall panel 10 is shown with the central and extended section omitted for ease of illustration. [0066] Connector 52 rests on floor beam 28 and screw fasteners 26 are used to secure through downward holes (not shown) in each of wings 64 and 66 so that 25 connector 52 and floor beam 28 is secured firmly together. Clearly floor beam 28 and connector 52 are both extrusions and screw fasteners 26 are used along the length of wings 64 and 66 and suitable spacing to secure connector 52 and floor beam 28 together along their length. In other forms of the invention several connectors could be used to connect a wall to a surface. [0067] Long screw fasteners 56 are used in pairs to connect connector 52 to wall panel 10 itself. Each long screw fastener 56 of a pair each of passing through horizontal holes (not shown) in each side of wall panel 10, through horizontal holes (not shown) in connector 52 to touch together inside. Again connector 52 and wall panel 10 have length and pairs of long screw fasteners 56 are used along the length to secure connector 52 to wall panel 10. [0068] Once external wall panel 10 is attached to floor beam 28 it needs to be also attached to ceiling panel 16a. As the connection to the ceiling panel 16a is protected by roof structure 11 it is not necessary to use connector 50 in the inverted orientation, although this is an option. That is connector 50 and 52 are the same however connector 50 is used with a channel formed, rather than inverted for attaching to floor beam 28. As illustrated connector 50 is used in so channel 68 is facing ceiling panel 16a. Similar to connection of connector 52 to external wall panel 10, channel 68 of connector 50 forms a projection that fits into corresponding cut-out 74 in the top surface of external wall panel 10. Only long screw fasteners 56 are used to connect connector 50 to ceiling 16a, due to access issues. Again a pair of long screw fastenings 56 are used each passing through horizontal holes (not shown) in each side of external wall panel 10, through horizontal holes (not shown) in connector 50 to touch together inside. Bolt 56 is also used from above, through ceiling panel 16a to attach through connector 50 into external wall panel 10. [0069] The beauty of the construction design is that cut-outs 67 and 74 in either end of external wall panel 10 correspond to the shape and position of channels 26 62 and 68 so that connectors 52 and 50 can fit together with external wall panel 10. Once cut-outs 67 and 74 are in place in channels 62 and 68 the interlocking shape and nature acts to prevent separation of external wall panel 10 from connectors 52 and 50. As cut-outs 67 and 74 fit into channels 62 and 68 any sideways movement, such as through leaning on the wall is resisted, connectors 52 and 50 should remain fitted together with external wall panel 10. [0070] The shape of connector 52 prevents water getting between the junction between external wall panel 10 and floor beam 28. In known buildings water collects leading to rust and deterioration of the metal structure and panels, a serious problem. The problem of water pooling at the floor level junction is removed through use of connector 52 and as connector 52 can also be used to attach external wall panel 10 to ceiling panel 16a (labelled as connector 50 for clarity when used in the reverse orientation) is a dual use connector. Erection of walls using the described preferred method is quick and easy in construction but with superior finish and durability compared to known manners of construction. [0071] Only one external wall panel 10 is shown but clearly there three further external wall panels that are not shown and these are installed in the same way. [0072] Internal wall panels 18 are also erected in the same manner as external wall panels 10. Use of the same manner of erecting all the walls adds to the ease with which the a person with no special training can quickly be taught how to assemble relocatable building 1. To erect internal wall panels 18 connector 52 is attached to floor beam 34 by screw fasteners 36 in pairs along the length of floor beam 34. Connector 52 with channel 62 and wings 64 and 66 is used to fit into cut-out 67 and across the bottom of internal wall panel 18 exactly as for external wall 10. Also second connector 50 with channel 70 and wings 72 and 74 is adapted to fit into cut-out 74 at the top of internal wall panel 18.

27 [0073] Connector 52 rests on floor beam 34 and screw fasteners 36 are used to secure through downward holes (not shown) in each of wings 64 and 66 so that connector 52 and floor beam 34 are secured firmly together. Screw fasteners 36 are used along the length of wings 64 and 66 and suitable spacing to secure connector 52 and floor beam 34 together. [0074] Long screw fasteners 56 are used in pairs to connect connector 52 to internal wall panel 18 itself. Each long screw fastener 56 of a pair each of passing through horizontal holes (not shown) in each side of internal wall panel 18, through horizontal holes (not shown) in connector 52 to touch together inside. [0075] Internal wall panel 18 as attached to floor beam 34 also needs to be attached to ceiling panel 16a and 16b that overlap the top end of internal wall panel 18. Connector 50 is again used so channel 68 faces ceiling panels 16a and 16b. Channel 68 of connector 50 forms a projection that fits into corresponding cut-out 74 in the top surface of internal wall panel 18. Long screw fasteners 56 are used to attach connector 50 to ceiling panels 16a and 16b, each passing through horizontal holes (not shown) in each side of internal wall panel 18, through horizontal holes (not shown) in connector 50 to touch together inside. Bolt 56 is also used from above, through ceiling panel 16a and 16b to attach through connector 50 into internal wall panel 18. [0076] Once cut-outs 67 and 74 are in place in channels 62 and 68 the interlocking shape and nature acts to prevent separation of internal wall panel 18 from connectors 52 and 50. [0077] Having installed all external walls 10 and all internal walls 18 the basic arrangement of rooms 20 and 22 of relocatable building 1 can be seen. [0078] Roof structure 11 is preferably supplied pre-constructed in sections of struts 12 joined together so that sections can be attached together to form roof 28 structure 11. Alternatively all struts 12 can be supplied separately and attached one to another to form roof structure 11 in accordance with the instructions. In either case metal struts 12 are screwed together until the frame is formed. Once formed corrugated steel sheets 13 can be screwed on top. Larger pieces of sheeting clearly are to be used to cover roof structure 11 with smaller narrow pieces to be used to cover the sides of building 1, as can be seen in Figure 1. Corner pieces 60 can be applied to secure corrugated steel sheeting 13 and act against lifting such as in cyclonic conditions. It is intended that relocatable building 1 be built to withstand winds of up to 300 kilometres an hour, as can occur in a severe cyclone system. [0079] The design of roof structure 11 is such that the customer can request a different roof such as a pitched roof and this can be readily installed over the same basic roof structure. A number of relocatable buildings 1 can therefore be supplied to a customer for a number of homes and each home can be adapted to have a different look by having a different roof line, colour or arrangement of rooms. The modular nature of the relocatable buildings 1 enables many variants to be made to make different forms of buildings from the same design plans. [0080] Cornices 58 are screwed to the inner top parts of external wall panels 10 and to both sides of internal walls panels 18 for a more pleasing aesthetic finish and to improve insulation for temperature and sound benefits. As shown cornices 58 are made of aluminium and are aluminium extrusions. [0081] The particular number of external wall panels 10 and internal wall panels 18 can be varied as is desired by a particular customer but once it is understood how one wall panel 10 or 18 is installed all further walls are installed in the same manner. It is another advantage of the invention that a single method of installation can be repeated for all the wall panels.

29 [0082] Floor panels 14a and 14b can be installed on floor beams 28 and 34 to complete all four sides of the room. Screw fastenings can be used to secure floor panels 14a and 14b respectively. As shown a floating wooden floor 76 is applied over floor panels 14a and 14b to give a pleasing finish. [0083] Insulation is including in each of the wall, floor and ceiling panels and due to the sealed effect of the construction of room 20 for example, room 20 has excellent thermal and sound insulating properties, a significant advantage over the prior art. [0084] Having completed installation and assembly of relocatable building 1, the shipping container can be returned to the manufacturer, again by truck. [0085] Referring to Figures 7 to 11 a second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, similar to the first and with similar reference numerals used. The differences between the first preferred embodiment and the second preferred embodiment are the pitched roof and guttering and some of the connectors and joins. The second preferred embodiment is substantially as described for the first preferred embodiment. As illustrated relocatable building 101 is shown already assembled after being delivered in shipping containers, as described for the first preferred embodiment. Relocatable building 101 includes external wall panel 110 with roof structure 111 above. Roof structure 111 in the second embodiment is a pitched roof built on the same structure of struts as described for the first preferred embodiment. Bolts 112 are used for roof structure 111 with guttering arrangement 113 attached. Guttering arrangement 113 is useful to keep water from falling directly on external wall panel 110. Water can be extremely damaging to joins and panels of relocatable buildings and so it is desirable to keep water from falling directly on external wall panel 110. [0086] Floor panel 114 and ceiling panel 116 are included between external wall panels 110 and internal wall panels 118 to define room 120.

30 [0087] Screw fasteners 126 are used throughout to attach components together in accordance with the provided instructions, including to floor beams 128 and 129, connectors 151 and 152, together with use of bolts 154 and long screw fasteners 156. Screw fasteners 125 are used to attach cornices 158 throughout, as described in further detail below. Connector 152 is attached to floor beam 128 by screw fasteners 126 in pairs along the length of floor beam 128. Long screw fasteners 156 are also used to fix external wall panel 110 to floor beam 128, as described further below. Connector 152 is the same as described as connector 52 for the first preferred embodiment and shown in particular in Figure 6. Connector 152 has channel 162 and wings 164 and 166 adapted to fit into a cut out and across the bottom of external wall panel 110. [0088] Connector 152 rests on floor beam 128 which in turn has been bolted to a chassis (not shown) as described for the first preferred embodiment. Floor beam 129 runs horizontally between floor beams 128. Screw fasteners are used to secure connector 152 through downward holes (not shown) in each of wings 164 and 166 so that connector 152 and floor beam 128 is secured firmly together. Floor beam 128 and connector 152 are both extrusions and screw fasteners 126 are used along the length of wings 164 and 166 and suitable spacing to secure connector 152 and floor beam 128 together along their length. In other forms of the invention several connectors could be used to connect a wall to a surface. [0089] Long screw fasteners 156 are used in pairs to connect connector 152 to wall panel 110 itself. Each long screw fastener 156 of a pair each of passing through horizontal holes (not shown) in each side of wall panel 110, through horizontal holes (not shown) in connector 152 to touch together inside. Again connector 152 and wall panel 110 have length and pairs of long screw fasteners 156 are used along the length to secure connector 152 to wall panel 110.

31 [0090] Once external wall panel 110 is attached to floor beam 128 external wall panel 110 needs to be also attached to ceiling panel 116. As the connection to the ceiling panel 116 is protected by roof structure 111 it is not necessary to use connector 152 to avoid pooling of water. Connector 151 is an inverted U-shape that fits over the top end of external wall panel 110 and is secured thereto by use of screw fastening 126. Bolt 154 is also used from above, through ceiling panel 116 to attach through connector 150 into external wall panel 110. [0091] The process is repeated for each of the external wall panels, only one of which is shown but clearly relocatable building 101 has external wall panels all around the outside. Internal wall panels 118 are used throughout to divide relocatable building 101 into numerous rooms. Each upper edge of external wall panel 110 inside room 120 and both sides of internal wall panels 118 include cornice 158. Cornices 158 are aluminium extrusions designed particularly to be readily installed without specialist skills. Screw fasteners 126 are used throughout to attach cornices 158 to wall panels 110 or 118 and the overlying ceiling panel 116. Use of cornices 158 improves the aesthetic appearance of room 120 but more importantly seals the joins between wall panels 110 and 118 and ceiling panel 116 preventing moisture or dust entering the join that could lead to degradation. Similarly cap 178 is used on the outer side of external wall 110 to protect the join from water and dust, and again to improve insulation from heat and sound. [0092] Referring to Figure 10 in particular corner capping 178 is used to cover the external joins between two external wall panels 110. Again capping 178 is used to prevent ingress or water or dust into the join or into room 120. [0093] At this stage after all the structural elements have been installed relocatable building 101 then if electricity and or water are to be provided in the building suitable tradespeople can be used at that stage.

32 [0094] As illustrated in Figure 11, relocatable building 1 has numerous rooms and walls and is a spacious family home. The invention is applicable for all sizes of building including large homes or work buildings. The invention is also very useful for single bed self-contained units as are used on work or mine sites to house workers. The difference in construction of a single bed demountable and a fully roomed house is a matter of scale and design. The principles of the invention to provide strong insulation to the installation are the same as described in further detail below. [0095] The described two embodiments have clear advantages over the prior art as relocatable building 1 and 101 are designed to included easy to use components that can be readily assembled by unskilled workers. The hard work has gone into the care design and development of each of the components so that they fit together and the building can be erected easily and quickly. [0096] Further the design of relocatable building 1 and 101 minimises the ingress of water or dust into the building or into joins. It is a deliberate design benefit that cornices and caps are used to cover joins and that connectors 52 and 152 protect against water entering the join with floor beams 28 or 128. All of these design elements have been carefully developed to seal relocatable building 1 or 101 so as to improve both insulation but also to prevent degradation. Therefore the inventors have developed a significantly improved relocatable building that requires no maintenance as it can be washed down for reuse, has a long life and is more comfortable to stay in due to the excellent thermal and sound installation properties. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0097] The building system of the invention can be manufactured industrially and supplied to customers for construction on-site.

33 [0098] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, in its various aspects.

34 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST: 1 Relocatable Building Emb. 1 60 Roof corner pieces 10 External wall panels 62 Channel 52 11 Roof structure 64 Wing left 12 Struts of 11 66 Wing right 13 Corrugated steel sheets 68 Channel 50 14a Floor panel left 70 Wing left 14b Floor panel right 72 Wing right 16a Ceiling panels left 74 Cut-out top 16b Ceiling panels right 76 Floating wooden floor 18 Internal wall 101 Relocatable building Emb. 2 20 Room left 110 External wall panel 22 Room right 111 Roof structure 24 Chassis 112 Bolt 26 Screw fastening 113 Guttering arrangement 28 Floor beam 114 Floor panel 30 End of chassis 116 Ceiling panel 34 Floor beam 118 Internal wall panel 36 Screw fastening 120 Room 40 Top end of 10 126 Screw fastenings 42 End of 16a left 128 Floor beam 44 Top of 18 129 Floor beam 46 Other end of 16a right 151 Connector (top) 48 End of 16 b 152 Connector (bottom) 50 Connector top 154 Bolts 52 Connector bottom 156 Long screw fasteners 54 Bolts 162 Channel 152 56 Long screw fasteners 164 Wing left 58 Cornices 166 Wing right 178 External wall cap

Claims (64)

1. A relocatable building system including the following components: a support structure; one or more floor panels; a plurality of wall panels; a roof structure; and a plurality of connectors for connection of the wall panels between the support structure and the roof structure, wherein the components are supplied in a container that can be readily transported by road, and on arrival at the desired site the relocatable building can be readily assembled from the components following the instructions supplied and using standard fasteners, so that the support structure is installed at a desired location and the connectors used to attach the wall panels to the support structure, and the connectors are used to attach the wall panels to the roof structure installed above the wall panels and support structure, and the floor panels installed between the wall panels, and the assembly and installation of the components can be performed without the need of specialised skills or tools.

2. The relocatable building system of claim 1, wherein the relocatable building is a single person dwelling.

3. The relocatable building system of claim 1, wherein the relocatable building is a many roomed building including for housing, office, farm, commercial or industrial buildings or a shed or garage.

4. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support structure includes a chassis on which the relocatable building is installed. specPA210512 36

5. The relocatable building system of claim 4, wherein the chassis is several components that are assembled together during installation to form a single chassis on which the relocatable building can be installed.

6. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support structure includes one or more floor beams.

7. The relocatable building system of claim 6, wherein the or each floor beam is configured to have a length suitable to the length of wall they are to support.

8. The relocatable building system of claim 6 or 7, wherein a grid of floor beams are used to create a base on which the wall panels can be installed.

9. The relocatable building system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the support structure includes a chassis and the or each floor beam is strongly attached to the chassis.

10. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein there is a separate floor panel for each room of the relocatable building adapted to fit between an arrangement of wall panels.

11. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the wall panels include external wall panels and internal wall panels are included.

12. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the wall panels include insulation.

13. The relocatable building system of claim 11, wherein a plurality of external wall panels are included to create the outer wall of the relocatable building and specPA210512 37 the internal wall panels are adapted to divide the space created by the external wall panels into more than one room.

14. The relocatable building system of any one of claims 1 to or 13, wherein the walls substantially surround the floor, including having a part at a level below the level of the floor so as to surround the floor.

15. The relocatable building system of claim 14, wherein the lower part of the or each wall and the floor make an insulated junction.

16. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the roof structure is formed of a number of components which can be assembled and screwed and or bolted together for form the roof structure of a relocatable building.

17. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the roof structure includes a plurality of roof trusses for installation longitudinally above the floor and walls.

18. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the size of the roof can be readily scaled up or down from a basic design as is required for the particular needs of the customer.

19. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the configuration of the roof structure enables a flat roof or pitched roof to be included without significant changes to the design.

20. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein corrugated steel sheets are included in the roof structure or applied thereto. specPA210512 38

21. The relocatable building system of claim 20, wherein corrugated steel sheets are attached to the top and sides of a roof frame of the roof structure.

22. The relocatable building system of claim 20 or 21, wherein corner capping is used to cover the corner of the relocatable building where the corrugated steel sheeting covering the top of the relocatable building joins with other corrugated steel sheeting covering the sides of the relocatable building.

23. The relocatable building system of claim 22, wherein the corner capping is a metal extrusion adapted to surround the top edge of the relocatable building where the corrugated steel sheeting on the top of the building joins with corrugated steel sheeting on the sides and the corner capping acts against the action of the wind to raise the corrugated steel sheeting.

24. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a pitched roof is included in the roof structure.

25. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the roof structure includes a roof frame and the same roof frame can be used for either a corrugated steel sheeting roof or a pitched roof.

26. The relocatable building system of claim 24, wherein a guttering arrangement is included installed below an eave of the pitched roof.

27. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the roof structure includes one or more ceiling panel.

28. The relocatable building system of claim 27, wherein a ceiling panel is included for each room of the relocatable building. specPA210512 39

29. The relocatable building system of claim 27, wherein a single ceiling panel is included that spans the entire relocatable building.

30. The relocatable building system according to any one of claim 27 to 29, wherein the ceiling panel includes insulation.

31. The relocatable building system according to any one of claim 27 to 30, wherein the or each ceiling panel is attached to the roof structure.

32. The relocatable building system of claim 31, wherein the attachment of the ceiling panel to the roof structure is through use of bolts between the roof structure and a wall panel.

33. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein one or more of the connectors include a projecting part, and the wall panels include a corresponding cut-out adapted to receive the projecting part of the connector therein and, in use, the projecting part of the connector is fitted into the corresponding cut-out of the of the wall panel to connect the wall panel and connector together, and the connector is attached to a surface so that the wall panel is also attached thereto, and the construction system substantially prevents water entering or pooling at the junction between the connector and the wall panel.

34. The relocatable building system of claim 33, wherein a plurality of connectors are used to erect the wall panels.

35. The relocatable building system of claim 33 or 34, wherein at least one connector is used at the lower surface of a wall panel to connect to one surface and at least one connector is used at the upper surface of the wall panel to connect to another surface. specPA210512 40

36. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein each wall panel includes a connector at an upper surface and a connector at a lower surface to connect the wall panel to two different surfaces.

37. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein each connector includes one or more wings.

38. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein a pair of wings are included extending out on either side of the projecting part. 37. The relocatable building system of claim 37 or 38, wherein the or each wing is adapted to enable attachment of the connector to the surface. 38. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the projecting part is an inverted channel.

39. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein the connector fits into the base or top surface of the wall panel so that once the wall panel is installed the connector is obscured from view.

40. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 33 to 41, wherein additional means of connection between the wall panel and the connector are used and the additional means of connection are one or more fasteners attached through the connector and the wall panel to hold the wall panel and the connector together and the or each fastener passes through the connector and wall panel horizontally.

41. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 33 to 42, wherein the connector attaches the wall panel to a floor beam of a support structure of the relocatable building. specPA210512 41

42. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 33 to 41, wherein a pair of connectors is used and one connector attaches the wall panel to a floor beam and one connector is used inverted at the other end of the same wall panel and attaches the wall panel to a ceiling panel and the wall panel includes cut-outs at both ends adapted to receive projecting parts of the two different connectors.

43. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein a connector is included of an inverted channel shape adapted to fit over the top end of a wall panel and used to attach the wall panel to the roof structure or ceiling panel.

44. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein one or more fastener is used to attach the components together.

45. The relocatable building system according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein a plurality of cornices are included on the upper inner wall panels to substantially cover the join between the top of a wall panel and the ceiling panel.

46. The relocatable building system of claim 45, wherein each cornice is an aluminium extrusion configured to fit between wall panels.

47. The relocatable building system of claim 45 or 46, wherein each cornice is adapted to substantially prevent ingress or water or dust into the join between the top of the wall panel and ceiling panel.

48. The relocatable building system of according to any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein each cornice is attached to the wall panel and or ceiling panel by one or more fasteners. specPA210512 42

49. The relocatable building system of according to any one of claims 1 to 48, wherein the container is a standard shipping container that can be readily transported by a truck or road train.

50. The relocatable building system of according to any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein all the large components of the relocatable building system are provided in a single container.

51. The relocatable building system of according to any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein fasteners and other supplemental components may be provided by the end user.

52. The relocatable building system of according to any one of claims 1 to 51, wherein the relocatable building system is adapted so that an entire relocatable building can be carried in a single shipping container.

53. The relocatable building system of according to any one of claims 1 to 52, wherein the support structure is constructed first including a chassis and a grid of floor beams are welded to the chassis.

54. The relocatable building system of claim 53, wherein external wall panels are erected first with internal wall panels erected thereafter, and connectors are applied to each wall panel at a lower surface and fasteners used to attach the connector to a floor beam so that the wall panel is attached to the floor beam.

55. The relocatable building system of claim 54, wherein further fasteners are used to attach the wall panel to the connector by passing through the sides of the wall panel into the connector. specPA210512 43

56. The relocatable building system of claim 55, wherein the upper part of the wall panel is attached to a connector which in turn is attached to a ceiling panel and bolts are used to secure the top of the wall panel to the ceiling panel.

57. The relocatable building system of claim 56, wherein the roof structure is installed over wall panels.

58. The relocatable building system of claim 57, wherein floor panels are installed between the walls over the floor beams and attached using fasteners.

59. The relocatable building system of claim 58, wherein guttering arrangements, capping, or other external fixtures can then be attached using fasteners.

60. A method of installing a relocatable building system, the method including the following steps: a) receiving a container, packed into which are the components of a relocatable building; b) removing from the container a support structure of the relocatable building and assembling and installing at a desired site; c) removing from the container a plurality of wall panels and connectors and erecting the wall panels by use of the connectors attached to the support structure; d) removing from the container one or more ceiling panel and attaching through use of one or more connectors to the upper part of the erected wall panels; e) removing from the container a roof structure formed of a number of components, assembling and installing over the erected wall panels; specPA210512 44 f) removing from the container one or more floor panels and installing between the wall panels over the support structure.

61. The method of claim 60 including the further step of: g) removing from the container one or more cornices and installing over the junction between the top of the wall panels and the ceiling panel by use of two or more fasteners.

62. The method of claim 61 including the further step of: h) removing from the container on or more guttering arrangements and installing on the outside of the relocatable building to catch and direct water from the roof structure of the building.

63. The method according to any one of claims 60 to 62, wherein the container is a standard shipping container that can be readily transported by road.

64. The method according to any one of claims 60 to 63, wherein the relocatable building system is the relocatable building system of any one of claims 1 to 59. Dated this day 11 August 2012 New Wave Housing Pty Ltd By their Patent Attorney TJ IP Patents, Trade Marks & Designs specPA210512