AU2012216841B2 - A Construction Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A construction apparatus includes a support structure that is mountable on a substrate. A chassis is mountable onto the support structure so that the chassis is rotatable relative to the support structure, the chassis being configured to support building components of a building to be erected on the chassis.

Description

A CONSTRUCTION APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to construction of buildings. In particular, the invention relates to a construction apparatus for use in erecting a building, a method of erecting a building, and a building erected in accordance with the method.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to the construction of yurt-like buildings. It will therefore be convenient hereinafter to describe the invention with reference to this example application. However it is to be understood that the invention also finds application in the construction other types of buildings, such as sheds and temporary structures.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] The building of conventional housing can impose a number of difficulties. For example, it can be difficult to access certain areas within a structure in order to deliver building components to those areas. Many houses and other buildings require the use of scaffolding that introduces the need to consider various safety aspects, slowing the building process down and introducing an element of danger.

[0004] More recently, many homeowners are requiring homes that are distinct from conventional homes that are based on orthogonal relationships between adjacent walls. A problem with such homes is that they require careful planning and design to achieve habitable rooms that have windows for natural light or a view. An example of a building type that has become popular is the yurt-type building which is polygonal or circular in plan.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention provides a construction apparatus for use in erecting a building, the construction apparatus including: a support structure that is mountable on a substrate; and a chassis mountable onto the support structure so that the chassis is rotatable relative to the support structure, the chassis being configured to support building components of a building to be erected on the chassis.

[0006] The support structure may include a centrally orientated support post assembly, and the chassis may include a hub assembly that is mountable onto the support post assembly so that the hub assembly is rotatable relative to the support post assembly.

[0007] The chassis may be mountable onto the support structure so that the chassis is pivotal in a substantially vertical plane relative to the support structure to facilitate leveling of the chassis.

[0008] The construction apparatus may include a ball-and-socket arrangement for mounting the hub assembly pivotally onto the support post assembly so that the chassis is rotatable and can be tilted or pivoted relative to the support structure.

[0009] The construction apparatus may include a leveling mechanism for adjusting a tilting orientation of the chassis relative to the support structure.

[0010] The leveling mechanism may include a plurality of adjustable cams that are interposed between the support structure assembly and the chassis, the adjustable cams being for adjusting the tilt of the chassis relative to the support structure.

[0011] The chassis may include a number of spoke assemblies fast with the hub assembly and extending radially away from the hub assembly.

[0012] The chassis may include perimeter beams that interconnect outward ends of the spoke assemblies.

[0013] The chassis may include adjustable connectors for connecting the spoke assemblies to the perimeter beams and for forcing the perimeter beams radially away from the spokes to pre-stress the perimeter beams.

[0014] The construction apparatus may include a plurality of perimeter support assemblies having support members for perimeter support of the chassis.

[0015] Each perimeter support assembly may include a displacement mechanism to facilitate rotation of the chassis about the support post assembly and to facilitate elevation adjustment of the support members.

[0016] The construction apparatus may include an elongated mast that is mountable onto the support post assembly, and a lifting mechanism arranged on the elongated mast, the lifting mechanism being operatively connected to the chassis for elevating the chassis.

[0017] The construction apparatus may include a roof panel carrier assembly which is mountable to the elongated mast for elevating the roof panel carrier assembly with the lifting mechanism along the mast to lift roof panels.

[0018] The construction apparatus may include a plurality of spacer members that are spaced apart along the perimeter beam for spacing floor panels apart in their relative orientation.

[0019] The roof panel carrier may include a roof panel carrier frame having displacement members mounted towards its radially outer end to facilitate loading of a roof panel onto the roof panel carrier.

[0020] The invention also provides a method of erecting a building which includes: mounting a support structure on a substrate; mounting a chassis onto the support structure so that the chassis is rotatable relative to the support structure, the chassis being configured to support building components of the building to be erected on the chassis; and erecting building components of the building on the chassis.

[0021] The method may include mounting the chassis onto the support structure so that the chassis is pivotal relative to the support structure to be rotatable and capable of tilting relative to the support structure.

[0022] The method may include rotating the chassis while erecting the building components so as to orientate the chassis relative to an access point adjacent the chassis.

[0023] The method may include erecting floor panels on the chassis to form a floor structure and erecting walls and a roof structure of the building, adjusting rotation and tilt of the chassis to level the floor structure and to determine positions for perimeter stump support posts of the floor structure, and mounting the stump support posts at their positions in guiding relationship with the floor structure.

[0024] The method may include mounting an elongated mast onto the support post assembly, arranging a lifting mechanism on the elongated mast, connecting the lifting mechanism operatively with the chassis, elevating the chassis to a position at which the floor structure is at a desired elevation, and securing the floor structure in position to the perimeter stump support posts.

[0025] The method may include mounting a roof panel carrier assembly to be longitudinally displaceable along the elongated mast, connecting the roof panel carrier assembly operatively with the lifting mechanism, and lifting roof panels with the roof panel carrier into elevated positions.

[0026] The method may include erecting floor panels on the chassis to form an upper floor structure on top of a lower floor structure, erecting walls of the building on the upper floor structure, erecting a roof structure on the walls, adjusting rotation and tilt of the chassis to level the floor structure and to determine positions for perimeter stump support posts of the floor structures, and mounting the stump support posts at their positions in guiding relationship with the floor structures.

[0027] The method may include mounting a roof panel carrier assembly to be longitudinally displaceable along the elongated mast, connecting the roof panel carrier assembly operatively with the lifting mechanism, lifting roof panels with the roof panel carrier into elevated positions, and securing the roof panels in position.

[0028] The method may include mounting an elongated mast onto the support post assembly, arranging a lifting mechanism on the elongated mast, connecting the lifting mechanism operatively with the chassis, and elevating the chassis to a position in which the upper floor structure is at its desired elevation.

[0029] The method may include lowering the chassis to a position at which the lower floor structure is at its elevation, and erecting walls between the upper floor structure and the lower floor structure.

[0030] The method may include removing the chassis from the building.

[0031] The invention further provides a building which is erected in accordance with the method as defined and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0032] A construction apparatus, in accordance with the invention, may manifest itself in a variety of forms. It will be convenient hereinafter to describe embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The purpose of providing this detailed description is to instruct persons having an interest in the subject matter of the invention how to carry the invention into practical effect. However it is to be clearly understood that the specific nature of this detailed description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a chassis that forms part of a construction apparatus, in accordance with the invention.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a part exploded schematic side elevation view of the construction apparatus along a section line I-I in Figure 1, and part of a support structure that forms part of the construction apparatus.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an exploded side elevation view of a central part of the construction apparatus in Figure 2.

[0036] Figure 4 shows a plan view of a hub and a shoe ring that forms part of the construction apparatus.

[0037] Figure 5 shows a schematic bottom plan view of an inner ring of the hub and a leveling mechanism.

[0038] Figure 6 shows an enlarged side elevation view of a part of the hub where it connects to a spoke assembly.

[0039] Figure 7 shows a schematic side elevation view of the spoke assembly.

[0040] Figures 8A - 8C show the spoke assembly in more detail.

[0041] Figure 9 shows a radially outer connector of the spoke assembly in more detail.

[0042] Figure 10 shows part of a support post assembly of a support structure of the construction apparatus.

[0043] Figure 11 shows a schematic side elevation view of one embodiment of a mast assembly and a lifting arrangement of a construction apparatus.

[0044] Figure 12 shows a schematic side elevation view of another embodiment of a mast assembly and a lifting mechanism of a construction apparatus.

[0045] Figure 13 shows a plan view of a hanger assembly that forms part of the mast assembly in Figure 12.

[0046] Figure 14A-14B shows a further embodiment of a mast assembly and lifting mechanism.

[0047] Figure 15 shows a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of a mast assembly and lifting mechanism.

[0048] Figures 16A and 16 B show a side elevation view and a plan view respectively of a lifting mechanism in Figure 15.

[0049] Figure 16C shows a side elevation view of another embodiment of a lifting mechanism.

[0050] Figure 17 A shows in plan view the geometry of outer perimeters of a floor structure on top of a chassis.

[0051] Figure 17B shows in plan view an orientation of braces and ties of the mast assembly in Figure 15 relative to each other.

[0052] Figure 18A shows a schematic plan view of a support post assembly having brace attachments.

[0053] Figure 18B shows in top plan view an orientation of braces attached to the support post assembly in Figure 18A relative to each other.

[0054] Figure 18C shows a brace pole extending between the support post assembly and a post of a perimeter support assembly.

[0055] Figure 18D shows a schematic representation of a perimeter support assembly.

[0056] Figure 19A shows a side elevation view of one embodiment of a roof panel lifting assembly mounted on a mast.

[0057] Figure 19B shows another embodiment of a roof panel lifting assembly.

[0058] Figures 20A to 20C show a side elevation view of a perimeter construction of a yurt-like building.

[0059] Figure 21 shows a plan view of a layout of a yurt-like building that is constructed using the construction apparatus.

[0060] Figure 22 shows a side elevation view of the building in Figure 21.

[0061] Figure 23 shows a partly sectioned side elevation view of another embodiment of a construction apparatus, in accordance with the invention.

[0062] Figure 24 shows a partly sectioned side elevation view of an outer end part of the construction apparatus in Figure 23.

[0063] Figure 25 shows a sectioned side elevation view of a lower mast forming part of the construction apparatus in Figure 23.

[0064] Figure 26 shows a top plan view of the lower mast in Figure 25.

[0065] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 indicates a chassis that forms part of a construction apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for use in erecting a building such as a yurt-like building 240 as shown in Figure 22.

[0066] Broadly, the chassis 10 includes a central hub assembly 12 and a number of spoke assemblies 14 fast with the hub assembly 12 extending radially away from the hub assembly 12. The chassis 10 also includes perimeter beams 16 that interconnect outward ends of the spoke assemblies 14. The spoke assemblies 14 are connected to the perimeter beams 16 with adjustable connectors 20 which are adjustable (see arrow 18) in a way that forces the perimeter beams 16 radially away from the spoke assemblies 14 to pre-stress the perimeter beams 16.

[0067] The construction apparatus further includes a support structure, generally indicated by reference numeral 22 (Figure 2), which is mountable on a substrate such as the ground on a building site.

[0068] The chassis 10 is mountable onto the support structure 22 so that the chassis 10 is rotatable (see arrow 24) relative to the support structure 22. Also, the chassis 10 is configured to support building components of a building to be erected on the chassis 10.

[0069] The support structure 22 includes a centrally orientated support post assembly 26. The support post assembly 26 includes a post formed from a pipe that is fixedly mounted into the ground 28.

[0070] A ball-and-socket arrangement 30 is used for mounting the hub assembly pivotally onto the support post assembly 26 so that the chassis 10 is rotatable and is capable of being tilted (see arrow 32) relative to the support structure 22. The ball-and socket arrangement 30 includes a ball 34 that is mounted on a flange that is bolted to a flange on top of the support post 26, and a socket assembly 36 that is bolted onto the hub assembly 12.

[0071] The construction apparatus also includes a plurality of temporary perimeter support assemblies 38 having support members 40 in the form of rollers mounted on a base 42 for perimeter support of the chassis 10. The perimeter support assembly 38 includes a displacement mechanism 44 that permits elevation adjustment (see arrow 46) of the support members 40.

[0072] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a central part of the chassis 10 and the support post assembly 26 in more detail. The hub 12 includes an annular upper ring 50 axially spaced from an annular lower ring 52 between which struts 54 extend. The hub 12 also includes triangular tabs 56 which are fixed to the upper ring 50 and that extend radially for connecting a shoe ring 58 concentrically with the upper ring 50.

[0073] The shoe ring 58 is for interconnecting apices of floor panels 220 (Figure 8A) together as part of forming a floor structure, and is removable from the upper ring 50 so that the shoe ring 58 forms part of the permanent floor structure. The shoe ring 58 is constructed from an annular ring 60 and angle iron bar sections 62 that are attached, in a removable manner, to the annular ring 60.

[0074] The socket assembly 36 includes an elongated generally box-shaped member 66 that defines a socket opening 64 for receiving the ball 34. An adjustable bolt 65 projects in a threaded manner through the box-shaped member 66 at a position so that its tip abuts the top of the ball 34, in use.

[0075] The chassis 10 also includes a leveling mechanism 68 for adjusting a tilting orientation of the chassis 10 relative to the support structure 22. The leveling mechanism 68 includes a plurality of adjustable cams 70 that are interposed between the support post assembly 26 and the chassis 10. The cams 70 include adjustable bolts 71 that are mounted on the support post assembly 26 and that define radially outer cam surfaces 72 for abutting a radially inner surface of the lower ring 52 of the hub 12 (Figure 5). The bolts of the cams 70 are adjustable for adjusting the tilt of the chassis 10 relative to the support structure 22.

[0076] The leveling mechanism 68 includes a flange 69 at a number of cleats 73 that are fixed to the flange 69 and extend from the support post assembly 26. A cradle arm 75 and a brace arm 77 are connected pivotally, at one end, to respective cleats 73. Opposite ends of the arms 75, 77 are connected to the perimeter support assemblies to brace the support post assembly 26 and to support the chassis 10.

[0077] Figure 6 shows part of the hub 12, shoe ring 58, and spoke assembly 14 in more detail. The spoke assembly 14 includes a lattice frame or truss that has chords 74 and struts and braces 74. A downwardly extending radially inner post 76 of the spoke assembly is fastened to one of the struts 54 in with a bolting arrangement 79 for removal from the hub 12 once at least the floor structure is in position.

[0078] The inner post 76 is also connected to the hub 12 with complementary U-shaped mounting formations 80 that are provided on the inner post 76 and the hub 12. The U-shaped mounting formations of the spoke assembly 14 are received from an underneath direction into the U-shaped mounting formation of the hub 12, and then securely bolted in position. It follows that when the associated bolts are removed, the spoke assembly 14 can drop and disengage the hub 12. The U-shaped mounting formations 80 can comprise plates 78 that interlock with each other so inhibiting angular, horizontal movement of the spoke assemblies 14 relative to the hub 12.

[0079] The U-shaped mounting formations 80 are also shown in Figures 8A and 8B, and in plan view in Figure 8C. Figure 8B is a section taken through ll-ll in Figure 8C.

[0080] Elongated alignment tags or bars extend from a top chord 74 to facilitate angular alignment of floor panels 220 to be fastened to the annular ring 60 with bolts 61 extending through the sections 62. For clarity, the floor panels 220 are not shown in Figure 6.

[0081] The annular ring 60 is fastened to the tabs 56 with bolts 81. The upper ring 50 of the hub assembly 12 is also attached to the tabs 56 with bolts 81.

[0082] Once the floor panels 220 are assembled to form a floor structure and the chassis 10, together with the floor structure is hoisted or otherwise raised to a desired height, the bolts 81 and bolting arrangement 79 can be unscrewed to release the chassis 10 while the floor structure is either temporarily or permanently supported in position in one of the various manners described below.

[0083] Figure 8A and Figure 9 (part exploded view) also show the adjustable connector 20 in more detail. The adjustable connector 20 includes a bracket 85 for connecting associated ends of the perimeter beams 16. The bracket 85 includes a telescoping box 87 fixed to at least one of the chords 74 and to which corresponding ends of the perimeter beams 16 are fastened. In particular, the telescoping box 87 is positioned between top and bottom chords 74. An end bracket 89 is fixed to the telescoping box 87, while corresponding ends of the perimeter beams 16 are fixed to the end bracket 89. An adjusting bolt 92 is engaged with the box 87 so that when wound or turned in a particular direction, causes the box 87 to expand, forcing the bracket 89 radially outwardly and so forcing the perimeter beams 16 also radially outwardly against resistance. This prestresses the perimeter beams 16 so as to increase the overall stiffness of the chassis 10.

[0084] The adjustable connector 20 also includes a mounting bracket 83 which includes a mount formation 84 that defines a U-shaped opening 86 for receiving a post or stump 88, and a clamp 90 for clamping the post or stump 88 into position relative to the mounting bracket 83. A pair of threaded rods 97 is interposed between a clamp plate 99 of the clamp 90 and the post 88. Clamping bolts 101 are used to drive the clamp plate 99 towards the post 88 so that the threaded rods 97 engage the post, thereby enhancing a clamping effect.

[0085] The mounting bracket 83 includes a pair of opposed supports or carriers 95 that extend outwardly from the opening 86 and generally at right angles to the chords 74.

Each carrier 95 is in the form of a trapezoidal plate and is configured for supporting a timber of steel floor frame.

[0086] The mounting bracket 83 includes a ledge or lip 91 that extends radially inwardly. A height adjusting bolt assembly 93 interconnects the lip 91 and the top chord 74. This allows further fine height adjustment of the floor structure relative to the post 88 prior to clamping.

[0087] It is to be appreciated that in Figures 6 to 9 just a portion of the chassis 10 is shown. In each of those drawings, the portion is replicated a number of times, depending on requirements, about the hub assembly 12. For example, the portion can be replicated six times. In that example, the chassis can have 12 tabs (Figure 4). It will readily be appreciated that the chassis could have 6 tabs or 24 tabs or any other number, depending on the required size.

[0088] Figure 10 shows the support assembly 26 which includes a rest formation 105 onto which the lower ring 52 of the hub 12 can rest when the socket assembly 36 is removed from the hub 12. For clarity, the rest formation 105 is not shown in Figure 3 and the leveling mechanism 70 is not shown in Figure 10. In a preferred embodiment, the support post assembly 26 includes both the leveling mechanism 70 and the rest formation 105. The rest formation 105 includes arms 103 that extend radially outwardly and which are mounted, for example bolted, to cleats 94 which are fixed to the support post. The rest formation 93 also includes vertically adjustable bolts 96 which abut the lower ring 52 of the hub assembly 12. These facilitate tilt adjustment of a floor structure once the socket assembly is removed and before the floor structure is clamped or fastened to support posts or stumps 88.

[0089] The construction apparatus also includes an elongated mast assembly 100 (figure 11) that is mountable onto the support post assembly 26, and a lifting mechanism 107 arranged on the mast assembly 100. The lifting mechanism 107 is operatively connected to the chassis 10 for elevating the chassis 10, as is explained in more detail below. Thus, the chassis 10 can be supported on the rest formation 105 so that the socket assembly 36 can be removed subsequent to which the mast 100 is mountable onto the support post assembly 26 and secured with bolted flanges 109. In Figure 11, the ball 34 is shown within the mast to indicate that it remains in position. However, it would not be seen since it would be within the mast 100.

[0090] A mast assembly and lifting mechanism can manifest in various forms. In Figure 11, for example, the mast assembly 100 includes a mast 106 and a mast top assembly 102. The mast top assembly 102 includes a capped sleeve 104 that slides telescopically over the mast 106 and that has arms 110 for connecting to the chassis 10. A cross arm 108 is pivotally mounted transversely atop the sleeve 104, and includes mounting formations 112 for suspending chain hoists (not shown). The chain hoists are operatively connected with the sleeve 104 for hoisting the sleeve and hence the chassis 10. The sleeve 104 allows for rotation of the chassis 10 during hoisting.

[0091] Figures 12 and 13 show another mast assembly 114 which includes a lower fixed mast 116 and a telescopically received upper mast 118. The upper mast 118 includes a stop formation 120 at a lower end for resting on top of the ball 34.

[0092] The mast assembly 114 further includes a mast top assembly that has a sleeve 124 that is concentrically mounted in a rotatable manner over a top end portion of the displaceable mast 118. A cross arm 126 extends across the sleeve 124 for connecting tie down cables or rods 128 to the ground for bracing the mast assembly 114.

[0093] A hanger assembly 130 is mounted towards a top of the upper mast 118 for suspending chain blocks. The hanger assembly 130 includes a pair of spaced elongated bars 132 that are mounted in a cross-flanked manner onto the upper mast 118 with a bolt 140 so that the hanger assembly 130 can tilt about the bolt 140. At each end of the bars 132, a pair of cross bars 134 is mounted to the bars 132 having mounting formations 136 towards their ends for suspending chain blocks which are operatively connected with the chassis 10.

[0094] Figures 14A and 14B show another mast assembly and lifting mechanism configuration. The mast assembly 142 includes a lower mast 144 that receives an upper mast 150 telescopically within it. The upper mast 150 includes an elongated cross member 146 at its top. Tie cables or rods interconnect the chassis 10 and ends of the cross member 146. The lifting mechanism is in the form of a block-and-tackle mechanism which includes a pulley 152 that is mounted at a lower end of the inner mast, a return pulley 154 that is mounted at a top end of the outer mast, and a lifting cable 156. The lifting mechanism may include a power winch (not shown) that is operatively connected to the lifting cable or rope 156.

[0095] Figure 15 shows another mast assembly and lifting mechanism configuration, in which the mast assembly 158 includes a telescopic mast that includes a fixed mast 160 and a displaceable inner mast 162. The mast assembly 158 also includes a mast top cap assembly 164 that includes an inverted sleeve 166 and connectors for connecting to tie cables or rods 178 which are connected with the chassis 10.

[0096] The lifting mechanism 172 includes a ram-and-cylinder, such as a hydraulic ram or a pneumatic ram, and a lifting support, such as a top flange 173 of the outer mast 160 against which a ram 179 is driven. The lifting mechanism also includes lifter formations 174 that are fixed relative to a cylinder 176 of the ram for interaction with lifting formations 170 on the inner mast 162. At least one hole is provided in the outer mast for positive locking, with pins or bolts 175, of the inner mast relative to the fixed mast during resetting of the lifting formations. Further detail of the lifting mechanism 172 can be seen in figure 16A and 16B.

[0097] Figure 16C shows another example of a lifting mechanism. In this example, the lifting mechanism includes a ram and cylinder assembly 280 that is arranged between the fixed mast 160 and the displaceable mast 162.

[0098] The mast assembly 158 includes a ball 168 at its top over which the inverted sleeve 166 is mounted so that the chassis is pivotally rotatable about the mast 162.

[0099] The mast assembly 158 also includes attachment formations 180 on the outer mast for attaching ground anchor ties 182. The attachment formations 180 are welded or otherwise fastened to the outer mast 160 at 184.

[0100] A bracing structure 186 is received about the outer mast 160 to stabilize movement of the chassis 10 as it is hoisted. The bracing structure 186 includes a number of gussets or brace members 188 positioned about the mast 160 and on the chassis 10.

[0101] The chassis 10 may include intermediate members 190 that extend between adjacent spoke assemblies 14. Figure 17B shows in plan view the relative orientation of anchor ropes 182 relative to the tie cables or rods 178 that extend from the masts 160, 162. The dotted lines represent the chassis 10 shown beneath the floor panels 220. As can be seen a gap is provided between the floor panels 220.

[0102] The tie cables or rods 178 are connected to the intermediate members 190 in the gaps, and the anchor ropes 182 pass through the gaps and radially inwardly of the intermediate members 190, to avoid interference between the intermediate members 190 and the anchor ropes 182 during lifting of the chassis 10.

[0103] Figure 18D shows a temporary perimeter support assembly which includes two parallel spaced rollers 210 mounted on a bracket 208 that is adjustably mounted to a roller support pole 206. The bracket 208 can be loosened to adjust the height of the rollers or to rotate the rollers relative to the roller support pole 206. A perimeter of the chassis 10 can rest on the rollers 210 to permit the chassis 10 to be rotated in a stable manner.

[0104] Figure 18A shows the central support post assembly 26, in plan view, having six brace attachment formations 202, 204 of which three (202) are for connecting a brace pole 209 and the roller support poles 206, and three (204) are for connecting braces to three ground anchor points 214 (Figure 18B) with, for example, chains 212. Additional braces can extend between the ground anchor points 214 and the roller support poles 206. The additional braces can be rods or poles 211.

[0105] In use, a building in the form of a yurt-like building 240 can be erected with the construction apparatus. A central support post assembly 26 and a number of perimeter support assemblies 38 are erected on the work site in an equiangular manner.

[0106] The socket assembly 36 is mounted onto the upper ring 50 of the hub 12 and the hub 12 is pivotally mounted with the socket opening 64 over the ball 36.

[0107] The spoke assemblies 14 are connected to the hub 12 and the perimeter beams 16 are connected between outer ends of the spoke assemblies 14 with the adjustable connectors 20. Bolts 92 are tightened to pre-stress the perimeter rings 16 so as to increase the overall integrity of the chassis 10.

[0108] A floor structure is formed by loading triangular floor panels 220 (Figures 8A and 17A) onto the chassis from a single access point by rotating the chassis 10 and positioning them side-by-side in a circumferentially segmented fashion. The apices of the floor panels 220 are bolted in position to the shoe ring 62 with the bolts 61 received through the angle sections 62.

[0109] The chassis 10 can include spacers (not shown) that are configured and positioned along the perimeter beams 16 to guide positioning of the floor panels 220 on the chassis 10 in their proper orientation relative to each other.

[0110] When the floor structure is formed, the chassis 10 can be rotated and leveled with the leveling mechanism 70 to determine appropriate positions for yurt building perimeter support posts 222 (or stumps). A plumb-line is then used to mark the anchor points for the stumps 222 at which piers are then constructed for mounting the stumps 222 (figure 20A -20B).

[0111] Wall panels are fitted to the floor structure, also by rotating the chassis 10, and an access opening is left in the wall for loading roof panels 224 onto the floor structure.

[0112] The socket assembly 36 can then be removed from the hub 12 and a mast assembly and lifting mechanism are installed by mounting the masts 160, 162 and arranging a lifting mechanism 174 on the mast. At this point, the yurt-like building is still rotatable.

[0113] The lifting mechanism is operatively connected to the chassis 10 with which the floor structure is positioned at its desired elevation at which the floor structure can be secured with appropriate clamps.

[0114] Figure 19A shows a roof panel carrier 240 which includes a guide mast 242 that is mounted on the support post assembly 26 and a carrier frame 244. The carrier frame 244 is displaceable along the mast with the lifting mechanism.

[0115] In use, a roof panel 220 is loaded onto the carrier frame 244 and the carrier frame 244 is displaced along the mast 242 and also rotates about the mast 242 to position the roof panel 220 into its desired position.

[0116] Figure 19B shows another embodiment of a roof panel lifting assembly 250. The roof panel lifting assembly includes a mast 252 and a lower frame assembly 254. The lower frame assembly 254 is mounted pivotally onto the support post assembly 26. The lower frame assembly is mounted offset (see arrow 256) from the support post assembly 26. Two wheels 258, such as jockey wheels, are mounted at a radially outer end of the lower frame assembly 252. The wheels 258 support the lower frame assembly on the floor structure so that it can be wheeled about the support post assembly 26 in a rotational manner. The roof panel lifting assembly also includes a panel lifter 260 onto which the roof panel is supported and which is operatively connected to the lifting mechanism 262.

[0117] As a result of the lower frame assembly 254 being mounted in an offset manner, its radially outer end is spaced radially inwardly from the erected walls. This means that the lower frame can rotate freely inside the partly erected yurt building. This facilitates support of a roof panel in a manner in which part of the roof panel projects past the centre of the yurt, which means that a radially outer edge of the roof panel is spaced radially inward from the erected walls so that the roof panel is free to rotate with the lower frame assembly 254 inside the partially erected yurt building. This rotation allows fixing of the roof components from the single access point.

[0118] Once the wall and roof structure are assembled or erected, the yurt building can be leveled, rotated and elevated, as the case may be to determine positions for the stumps 222 (Figures 20A-20C). The stumps 222 are then mounted into the ground at the determined positions, and the radially outer ends of the floor structure, indicated at 220, are clamped to the stumps 222 with a clamp assembly 227. The clamp assembly 227 can be loosened so that it remains in sliding relationship with the stump 222. An alternative clamp assembly is described above with reference to Figure 8A and 9.

[0119] The building 240 can also include tie rods 225 that are installed alongside the stumps 222 (figure 20A-20B). One end of the tie rod 225 is engaged in a threaded manner with the clamp assembly 227. The other end of the tie rod 225 projects through a lug 223 that is fast with an upper end of the stump 222. In the example of figure 20A, a nut 221 is threaded onto the tie rod 225 into abutment with the lug 223 so that rotation of the nut 221 can be used to adjust elevation of the floor structure.

[0120] In the example of figure 20B, the tie rod 225 includes a bolt head. A power tool, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic wrench can engage the head to drive the tie rod and so adjust elevation of the floor structure.

[0121] The tie rods 225 and their ability to interact with the floor structure allow the floor structure to be raised in a safe manner with a primary lifting mechanism during construction. The tie rods 225 can be used to stabilize the floor structure against excessive tilting.

[0122] It will be appreciated that the tie rod 225 can be used to elevate the floor structure once construction of the building is complete.

[0123] The tie rods 225 can function as cyclone rods to enhance the structural integrity of the building.

[0124] With reference to Figure 17A, the perimeter outlines of the chassis 10 and the floor structure are shown in one configuration in which outer apices of the chassis 10 and the floor structure coincide, at 233. Instead, the floor structure can be constructed so that the floor structure is orientated with its apex at 231. That way, the apex end of the floor structure is free from obstruction by the chassis when a perimeter support post of the building is attached to the apex end of the floor structure.

[0125] Referring to Figures 23 to 26, reference numeral 300 generally indicates another embodiment of a construction apparatus in accordance with the invention. Broadly, the construction apparatus 300 includes a rotatable chassis 302, a central mast 304 about which the chassis 302 is rotatable, and a hoisting mechanism 306 for hoisting the chassis 302.

[0126] The mast 304 includes a lower mast portion 308 and an upper mast portion 310 that is telescopically received in the lower mast portion 308. The lower mast portion 308 is in the form of a metal tube that has a square cross section. The lower mast portion 308 is supported upright in the ground by a mounting sleeve 312 that is concreted into the ground 315. The mounting sleeve 312 includes a spigot 314, for example a mushroom spigot, that is mounted on an end wall of the mounting sleeve 312 for locating a bottom lower end of the lower mast portion 308. Four equiangularly spaced adjuster bolts 316 project radially through the mounting sleeve 312 towards its upper end, each for abutting an associated side wall of the lower mast portion 308 for adjusting an upright orientation of the lower mast portion 308.

[0127] The chassis 302 includes a hub 316. The hub 316 includes a hub sleeve 318 that is formed from a circular cylindrical tube and that is sized so that it fits axially snugly over the lower mast portion 308, so that the hub sleeve 318 can rotate about the lower mast portion 308 without undue tilting. The hub 316 also includes a bottom flange 320 that is fixedly mounted to the hub sleeve 318. A spoke mounting bracket 322 is provided on the bottom flange 320 for mounting ends of spokes 324 which incline towards an outer peripheral rim of the chassis 302. The hub 316 also includes a top flange 326 that is fixedly mounted to the hub sleeve 318, onto which angle iron brackets 328 are mounted for mounting ends of spokes 330 that extend toward the outer peripheral rim of the chassis 302.

[0128] Similarly as described above, the radiating spokes 330 form a platform on which floor panels 332 are placed. Inward ends of the floor panels 332 are connected together with a ring 334 that can be formed from angle iron section. The ring 334 is detachably secured to the spokes 330.

[0129] The construction apparatus 300 also includes a hub support 336 that includes a mounting bracket, for example an annular ring 338 and a clamp 342 for clamping onto the lower mast portion 308. A plurality of wheels 340 is mounted along the annular ring 338 on which the bottom hub flange 320 rests. The wheels 340 facilitate rotation of the chassis 302. Another flange 344 extends around the hub support for mounting ends of four equiangularly spaced horizontal beams 346 which radiate outwards. Outer ends of the beams 346 can be supported by temporary supports mounted on the ground, during early stages of construction, and can later be mounted to the yurt building perimeter support posts 222 (or stumps).

[0130] The hoisting mechanism 306 includes a support bracket 350 mounted towards an upper end of the lower mast portion 308, a lifter bracket 356 that is clamped onto the upper mast portion, and a plurality of holes that extend through the lower mast portion 308 and upper mast portion 310 for receiving a locking pin. A jack 358 is placed on the support bracket 350 for jacking the lifter bracket 356 until two holes register through which the locking pin is then passed. The lifting bracket 356 is then reset and the locking pin is removed to repeat the lifting process.

[0131] Four cables 362 extend from the lifter bracket 356. Each cable 362 extends downwards through a gap between adjacent floor panels 332 over two pulleys 360 that are mounted on an associated one of the beams 346, upwardly over a pulley 364 that is mounted to an upper end of the perimeter support post 222, downwardly towards the spoke 330 to which the cable is attached. It follows that lifting of the support bracket 356 also hoists the chassis 302.

[0132] The cables 362 and pulleys 360, 364 are configured in a block-and-tackle arrangement which facilitates hoisting of the chassis 330. Also, hoisting the chassis 302 simultaneously at four equiangularly spaced points towards the outer periphery of the chassis 302 resists undue tilting of the chassis 302 during hoisting.

[0133] The construction apparatus can also be used to construct a double story yurt building (not shown). Broadly, this includes erecting floor panels on the chassis to form an upper floor structure on top of a lower floor structure, erecting walls of the building on the upper floor structure, adjusting rotation and tilt of the chassis to level the floor structure and to determine positions for perimeter stump support posts of the floor structures and mounting the stump support posts at their positions in guiding relationship with the floor structures. The upper story floor, walls and roofs are then lifted into position with a mast and lifting mechanism, after which wall panels are installed between the upper and lower floor structures.

[0134] The construction apparatus includes a chassis that is rotatable so that a building can be erected on the chassis while rotating the chassis to orientate the chassis relative to a point of access, for example a single point of access. This can reduce handling time of components and can also reduce safety risks by having one only working bay adjacent the chassis.

[0135] By rotating the chassis relative to a point of access, a builder remains at one place and therefore can avoid the need to convey components around the work site which can save time and reduce safety risks. The need for erecting and moving scaffolding can be reduced which can save construction time and improve safety over conventional building systems.

[0136] The chassis can be elevated to position and reposition the floor structure at a desired elevation. Yet further, a multi-story yurt building can be constructed by erecting an upper story construction first and lifting it up to erect the lower story, as is explained above. This can be repeated any number of times depending on the number of stories required.

[0137] The construction apparatus includes a roof panel lifting mechanism to install the roof panels which can facilitate installation.

[0138] It will be appreciated that the orientation of the yurt building can be significantly adjusted post-completion. This can be done by re-installing the chassis 10 about the support post assembly 26. This will allow the floor structure to be elevated, as described above. Furthermore, the stumps 88, 222, can be disengaged from the floor structure to support a rotating mechanism on which the floor structure can itself be supported. This would allow the yurt building to be rotated as desired.

[0139] In another application, the clamp assemblies 227 or other fastening arrangement, such as that described in Figures 8A and 9 can be loosened to allow elevation of the floor structure. A suitable float arrangement, such as a plurality of empty drums, can be positioned beneath the floor structure to float the yurt building in the event of a flood.

[0140] It will also be appreciated that the yurt building can function as a houseboat or the like, using the above principles.

[0141] Still further, the invention encompasses a building and a method in which just the floor structure and perhaps one or more walls is erected according to the above principles to define a stage, such as a performance stage.

[0142] Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0143] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the claimed subject matter.

[0144] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise: there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements; any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.

[0145] The use of the terms “a”, “an”, “said”, “the”, and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted.

[0146] It will of course be realized that the above has been given only by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all such modifications and variations thereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as is herein set forth.

Claims (16)

1. A construction apparatus for use in erecting a building, the construction apparatus comprising: a support structure that is mountable on a substrate; and a chassis mountable onto the support structure so that the chassis is rotatable relative to the support structure, the chassis being configured to support building components of a building to be erected on the chassis in which the chassis is mountable onto the support structure so that the chassis is pivotal relative to the support structure, a leveling mechanism being capable of engagement with the chassis to adjust a tilting orientating of the chassis relative to the support structure.

2. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the support structure includes a centrally orientated support post assembly, and the chassis includes a hub assembly that is mountable onto the support post assembly so that the hub assembly is rotatable relative to the support post assembly.

3. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes a ball-and-socket and adjustable bolt arrangement for mounting the hub assembly pivotally onto the support post assembly so that the chassis is rotatable and tiltable relative to the support structure.

4. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the leveling mechanism includes a plurality of adjustable cams that are interposed between the support structure assembly and the chassis, the adjustable cams being for adjusting the tilt of the chassis relative to the support structure.

5. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the chassis includes a number of spoke assemblies fast with the hub assembly and extending radially away from the hub assembly and perimeter beams that interconnect outward ends of the spoke assemblies.

6. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the chassis includes adjustable connectors for connecting the spoke assemblies to the perimeter beams and for forcing the perimeter beams radially away from the spokes to pre-stress the perimeter beams.

7. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 6, which includes a plurality of perimeter support assemblies having support members for perimeter support of the chassis, each perimeter support assembly including a displacement mechanism interposed between the base and the chassis to facilitate rotation of the chassis about the support post assembly.

8. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 2, which includes an elongated mast that is mountable onto the support post assembly, and a lifting mechanism arranged on the elongated mast, the lifting mechanism being operatively connected to the chassis for elevating the chassis.

9. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 8, which includes a roof panel carrier assembly which is mountable to the elongated mast for elevating the roof panel carrier assembly with the lifting mechanism along the mast to lift roof panels.

10. A method of erecting a building which comprises the steps of: mounting a support structure on a substrate; mounting a chassis onto the support structure so that the chassis is rotatable and pivotal relative to the support structure, the chassis being configured to support building components of the building to be erected on the chassis; and erecting building components of the building on the chassis.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10, which includes rotating the chassis while erecting the building components so as to orientate the chassis relative to an access point adjacent the chassis.

12. A method as claimed in claim 11, which includes erecting floor panels on the chassis to form a floor structure and erecting walls and a roof structure of the building, adjusting rotation and tilt of the chassis to level the floor structure and to determine positions for perimeter support posts of the floor structure and mounting the support posts at their positions in guiding relationship with the floor structure.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, which includes mounting an elongated mast onto the support post assembly, arranging a lifting mechanism on the elongated mast, connecting the lifting mechanism operatively with the chassis, elevating the chassis to a position at which the floor structure is at a desired elevation, and securing the floor structure in position to the perimeter support posts such that a double storey yurt can be constructed.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, which includes mounting a roof panel carrier assembly in a longitudinally displaceable manner on the elongated mast, connecting the roof panel carrier assembly operatively with the lifting mechanism, and lifting roof panels with the roof panel carrier into elevated positions.

15. A method as claimed in claims 10, which includes removing the chassis from the building.

16. A building which is erected in accordance with the method as claimed in claim 10.