AU2020277259B2

AU2020277259B2 - A Waterproofing Cover

Info

Publication number: AU2020277259B2
Application number: AU2020277259A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Carlo Paneni
Original assignee: Ausco Modular Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Ausco Modular Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-29
Filing date: 2020-11-27
Publication date: 2023-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-27
Also published as: AU2024201374A1; AU2020277259A1

Abstract

C:\Users\gw\AppDaa\Roa ,ManacWork\Recn35550705AU A arproofingCovr35550705 - Abstract(209239971).docx-27/11220 ABSTRACT Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a waterproofing cover that seeks to address the safety risks faced by a construction worker when installing waterproofing covers for a building at height. The waterproofing cover 100 is to overlie a boundary between adjacent sides of first and second building modules arranged one-beside-the-other so as to preclude ingress of water into the boundary. The cover 100 is engaged or engageable with a section of the first building module, to form a seal with said section, and compressible against the second building module to form a seal with the second building module. 1/10 100 110 120 112 130 122 FIGURE 1A 2001 220 210 212 230 FIGURE 1B 312 3003 310 320320 FIGURE 1C

Description

1/10

1 00 110 120

112

130 122

FIGURE 1A

2001 220

210

212 230

FIGURE 1B

312 3003 310

320320

FIGURE 1C

A waterproofing cover

[0001] The invention relates to a waterproofing cover. Preferred embodiments of the invention relates to a waterproofing cover for modular buildings.

[0002] Modular buildings comprise lightweight modules that are used to construct buildings. These modular buildings can be erected quickly and efficiently than in situ-constructed buildings. These modular buildings can also, advantageously, be relocatable and constructed with a relatively high degree of repeatability in terms of quality control.

[00031 In general, modular buildings comprise one or more transportable modules manufactured and at least partially fitted out in a factory environment. The modules are then joined together, once on site, to form the final building. Typically, there is a need to waterproof over an otherwise exposed gap orjunction between adjacent modules in the building, particularly at the building roof but also possibly at an outer wall of the building. The provision of appropriate waterproofing is one of the final steps in the formation of the modular building. In a similar way, the gaps orjunctions between the external walls of the buildings will also require waterproofing.

[0004] One current technique of waterproofing over gaps or junctions between building modules requires workers to apply a cover that overlies the gap or junction between the building modules. The successful application of the cover depends on three elements. Firstly, the cover must be precisely positioned and fitted to prevent ingress of wind, rain or dust. Secondly, the cover must be secured in place along its length. Thirdly, if thejoin is long, it may be necessary that the cover be formed byjoining several elements end-to-end to cover the entire gap or junction between the building modules. Particularly where the waterproof join is to be applied over a roof gap orjunction, the current technique not only requires construction to work at height (including directly on the building roof), exposing them to falling hazards, but also requires significant effort and time.

[0005] Having construction workers on the roof of a building generally necessitates the use of scaffolding and/or other safety precautions, in line with current safety rules and regulations. Assembly and disassembly of scaffolding and other safety procedures involved with constructions workers operating at height incurs cost, complexity and time consumption.

[00061 Further, in spite of the stringent precautions and regulations surrounding the safe working of construction workers at height, the very practice of being on the roof embodies danger.

[0007] In this context, there is a need for improved waterproofing systems or to at least provide a waterproofing system that provides the public with a useful choice.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waterproofing cover to preclude ingress of water into a boundary between adjacent sides of building modules arranged one beside-the-other, the cover comprising at least one sealing portion and being part of, integrally formed with, or mounted on one building module so as to be located to overlie the boundary, and such that said at least one sealing portion is compressible against the other building module to form a seal with said other building module, when the building modules are so arranged.

[0009] The cover may comprise one or more sealing portions compressed or compressible against a section of said one module to form a seal therewith.

[0010] The cover may be compressible against said one building module to form a seal with a section of said one building module.

[0011] Said at least one sealing portion compressible against said other building module may comprise at least one elongate member deformable against said other building module to form the seal therewith.

[0012] The sealing portion(s) for forming the seal with a respective may comprise a first deformable elongate member along a length of the cover, and may further comprise a second deformable elongate member spaced apart from the first deformable elongate member and along a length of the cover. The/each deformable elongate member preferably comprises a gasket.

[00131 The two modules may be first and second building modules. Disclosed herein is a cover for overlying a boundary between adjacent sides of the first building module and a third building module arranged one-beside-the-other, the first and second building modules being arranged along a first axis and the first and third building modules being arranged in a second axis intersecting the first axis, so as to preclude ingress of water into the boundary. This cover may be compressible against the third building module to form a seal with the third building module, and include third sealing portions deformable against the third building module to form one or more seals therewith.

[0014] Disclosed herein is a cover for overlying a boundary between adjacent sides of the third building module and a fourth building module arranged one-beside-the-other, the third and fourth building modules being arranged along a third axis parallel to the first axis, so as to preclude ingress of water into the boundary. This cover may be compressible against the third building module to form a seal with the third building module, and may include fourth sealing portions deformable against the fourth building module to form one or more seals therewith.

[0015] A cover according to a preferred example includes a mounting member locatable in the boundary.

[00161 A cover according to a preferred example has a substantially T-shape cross section, having a central leg that is locatable in the boundary between adjacent sides of two building modules and an upper portion that is compressible against the two building modules. The central leg preferably forms a said mounting member locatable in the boundary.

[0017] A cover according to a preferred example includes sealing portions along at least a part of an edge boundary of the cover, the sealing portions being deformable against an edge of another cover to form a seal therewith.

[0017A] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular building including the cover of the first aspect and said building modules arranged one-beside-the-other, wherein said cover overlies a said boundary between adjacent sides of said modules, being part of, integrally formed with, or mounted on said one building module, and said at least one sealing portion is compressed against said other building module, such that ingress of water into the boundary is precluded.

[0017B] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing the modular building of the second aspect, in which said building modules are arranged one-beside-the-other and said cover is part of, integrally formed with, or mounted on said one building module, and which includes compressing said at least one sealing portion of the cover against said other building module.

[0017C] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, said building modules comprise first and second building modules arranged along a first axis, and the building includes a further building module and, in addition to said cover ("first cover"), another cover of the first aspect ("second cover"), the first or second building module and the further building module are arranged one-beside-the-other along an axis intersecting with the first axis ("second axis"), said second cover overlies a boundary between adjacent sides of the modules arranged along the second axis ("other boundary"), being part of, integrally formed with, or mounted on with one of said modules arranged along the second axis, and said at least one sealing portion of the second cover is compressed against the other of said modules arranged along the second axis to form a seal therewith, such that ingress of water into the further boundary is precluded. The method may further include compressing the first cover portion against the first building module to form the seal with said section.

[0018] Disclosed herein is a waterproofing method including: waterproofing a boundary between adjacent sides of first and second building modules arranged one-beside-the-other so as to preclude ingress of water into the boundary using a first cover portion, the first cover portion being engaged or with a section of the first building module, to form a seal with said section, wherein the method of waterproofing the boundary between adjacent sides of first and second building modules includes compressing the first cover portion against the second building module to form a seal with the second building module.

[0019] Said waterproofing method may further include compressing the first cover portion against the first building module to form the seal with said section.

[0020] Waterproofing the boundary between adjacent sides of first and second building modules may include lowering the first building module with the first cover portion engaged therewith next to the second building module such that the first cover portion overlies the boundary between the first and second building modules.

[0021] The waterproofing method may further include: waterproofing a boundary between adjacent sides of first building module and a third building module arranged one-beside-the-other so as to preclude ingress of water into that boundary using a second cover portion, the first and second building modules being arranged along a first axis and the first and third building modules being arranged in a second axis intersecting the first axis, the second cover portion being engaged or engageable with a section of the third building module, to form a seal with said section, waterproofing the boundary between adjacent sides of first and third building modules including compressing the second cover portion against the first building module to form a seal with the first building module.

[0022] The waterproofing method may further include compressing the second cover portion against the third building module to form the seal with said section.

[00231 Waterproofing the boundary between adjacent sides of first and third building modules may include lowering the third building module with the second cover portion engaged therewith next to the first building module such that the second cover portion overlies the boundary between the first and third building modules.

[0024] The waterproofing method may further include waterproofing a boundary between adjacent sides of the third building module and a fourth building module arranged one-beside-the-other so as to preclude ingress of water into the boundary using a third cover portion, and waterproofing a boundary between adjacent sides of the second and fourth building modules arranged one-beside-the other so as to preclude ingress of water into the boundary using a fourth cover portion, the third and fourth building modules being arranged along a third axis that is parallel to the first axis, the third and fourth cover portions being engaged or engageable with sections of the fourth building module, to form a seal with said sections, waterproofing of the boundary between adjacent sides of third and fourth building modules including compressing the third cover portion against the third building module to form a seal with the third building module, and compressing the fourth cover portion against the second building module to form a seal with the second building module.

[0025] The waterproofing method may further include compressing the third and fourth cover portions against the fourth building module to form the seal with said sections.

[00261 Waterproofing the boundary between adjacent sides of third and fourth building modules and waterproofing the boundary between adjacent sides of the second and fourth building modules may include lowering the fourth building module with the second cover portion engaged therewith next to the second and third building modules such that the third and fourth cover portions overlie the boundary between the third and fourth building modules and the boundary between the second and fourth building modules respectively.

[0027] The method may include locating a central waterproofing cover at an intersection of the boundaries between the first, second, third, and fourth building modules, the central cover having a guide member locatable in the intersection and a plurality of arms extending from the guide member for maintaining a coverage provided by the central cover.

[0028] The invention will now be described, by way ofnon-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A to 1C show schematic views of covers for waterproofing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

Figures 2A and 2B show schematic views of a first building module with the waterproofing cover of Figure 1A arranged in relation to a second building module;

Figures 3A and 3B show schematic views of a third building module with the waterproofing cover of Figure lB arranged in relation to the building modules of Figure 2B;

Figures 4A and 4B show schematic views of a fourth building module with the waterproofing covers of Figure 1A to 1C arranged in relation to the building modules of Figure 3B;

Figures 5A and 5B show a schematic view of a fourth building module with waterproofing covers arranged in relation to building modules of Figure 3B in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

Figures 6A to 6C show schematic views of a building module with parapet wall portions;

Figure 7A shows a building module with a waterproofing cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7B and 7C respectively show a perspective-detailed view and a side-detailed views of A of Figure 6A;

Figure 7D shows the waterproofing cover used for the building module shown in Figures 6A to 6C;

Figures 8A to 8D show schematic views of an arrangement of building modules with the waterproofing covers according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 9 show an waterproofing cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a waterproofing cover according to another embodiment of the present invention located in relation to an arrangement of four building modules;

Figure 11 shows a schematic view of four building modules with waterproofing covers according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 shows a waterproofing cover located in relation to two building modules according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 13A to 13C show an arrangement of building modules with waterproofing covers according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1A shows a waterproofing cover 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention for overlying a boundary between adjacent sides of a first building module and a second building module that are arranged one-beside-the-other. The cover 100 is located to overlie the boundary between the first and second building modules so as to preclude the ingress of water into the boundary. As used herein, two building modules that are 'arranged one-beside-the-other' includes building modules that are arranged such that a long side of one building module is adjacent to (or side by-side with) a long side of the other building module, or building modules that are arranged such that a short side of one building module is adjacent to a short side of the other building module, or building modules that are arranged such that a long side one building module is adjacent to a short side of the other building module, or building modules arranged such that a side of one building module is adjacent a side of the other building module.

[00301 The waterproofing cover 100 is for covering a boundary between adjacent sides of the first building and the second building that are arranged such that the long side of the first building is adjacent to the long side of the second building. At sections of this specification, the waterproofing cover 100 is referred to as along cover'.

[00311 The waterproofing cover 100 is an elongate body with a substantially T-shape profile. The upper portion of the body covers the boundary between adjacent sides of the building modules, while the central leg portion of the body is locatable within the boundary. The central leg extends along a length of the body. In other embodiments, the elongate body may have a plurality of central legs that are spaced apart from each other, the legs being arranged along a length of the body and extending from an underside of the body. The body has a length that corresponds to a length of the building module(s). For example, the body has a length of at least about 80% a length of the building. When the body is mounted onto the building module, the body is located on the building module so that an end of the body substantially lines up with an end of the building module such that the body spans a length of a first section of the building module from an end section to an intermediate section of the building module thereby providing coverage to that section. The body does not provide coverage to a second section from the intermediate section to the other end section of the building module. In other examples, the body has a length that is substantially equal to a length of the building such that the body covers a section of the building module from one end to the other end.

[0032] The waterproofing cover 100 has a first cover portion 110 that is mountable onto a section of a first building module and a second cover portion 120 that is mountable onto a section of a second building module. The first and second cover portions 110, 120 form the upper portion of the elongate body. The first and second cover portions form part of a continuous cover that overlies the boundary between the building modules. The first and second cover portions each have a top side surface that has a substantially downward slope, or a substantially downward taper, from a central axis of the cover 100, where the first and second cover portions meet each other, towards the sides of the cover 100. The sloped surface of the top side portion encourages a flow of any water that falls or forms on the top side of the first or second cover portion 110/120 towards the sides of the cover and off the cover, in a direction away from the boundary between the building modules. Thereby, water does not accumulate on the cover.

[00331 The cover is made from a sheet of material such as metal or a plastic.

[0034] Each cover portion 110, 120 is mountable onto the respective building module to form a seal with the respective building module. The formed seal prevents the ingress of water into the boundary between the buildings. The seal would prevent an ingress of water on the building module into the boundary and prevent an ingress of any water that flows from an upper portion of the cover towards the side of the cover into the boundary. Each cover portion 110, 120 has, on its underside, sealing portions 112, 122 that are compressible against the building module to form the seal. The first cover portion 110 has sealing portions in the form of two spaced-apart deformable elongate members 112 that extend along a length of the cover portion 110. Similarly, the second cover portion 120 has sealing portions 122 in the form of two-spaced apart deformable elongate members that extend along a length of the cover portion 120. The elongate members 112, 122 of each of the first and second cover portions are substantially parallel to each other.

[0035] When the cover portions 110, 120 are respectively mounted onto a building module, the cover portion is fastened onto the upper section of the building module to secure it in place on the building module. As the cover portion is being fastened onto the building module, the cover portion compresses the elongate members thereby forming the seal between the cover portion and the building module.

[00361 The deformable elongate member is in the form of a gasket. In other embodiments, the elongate members may be any deformable material, including a rubber strip, a silicon strip, or resiliently deformable material. In other embodiments, the sealing portions may be provided substantially around a perimeter of the cover or cover portions on an underside thereof.

[0037] The cover 200 has a mounting member 130 that is locatable in the boundary between the two building modules that are arranged one-beside-the-other. The mounting member 130 corresponds to the central leg of the body. The mounting member 130 is securable to a side wall of the building module to retain the cover in position relative to the building module. For example, the mounting member 130 can be fastened, e.g. screwed or bolted, to the side wall of the building module. The mounting member 130 has a one or more apertures, each for receiving a fastener for securing the cover to the building module. Alternatively, the mounting member may be attached to the building module using, for example, an adhesive.

[00381 Figure lB shows a waterproofing cover 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The waterproofing cover 200 has a shorter length compared to the waterproofing cover 100 of the previous embodiment. Unless otherwise described, features of the cover 200 are similar to the features of the cover of the embodiment described previously in relation to Figure 1A.

[00391 The waterproofing cover 200 is for covering a boundary between adjacent sides of the first building and the secondbuilding that are arranged such that the short side of the first building is adjacent to the short side of the second building. At sections of this specification, the waterproofing cover 200 is referred to as a 'short cover'.

[0040] Similar to the embodiment described previously, the waterproofing cover 200 has a first cover portion 210 that is mountable onto a first building module and a second cover portion 220 that is mountable onto another building module. The first and second cover portions form part of a continuous cover that overlies the boundary between the building modules. The cover 200 further includes a mounting member 230 that is locatable in the boundary. The cover 200 has a T-shape profile with the cover portions 210, 220 forming an upper portion of the cover and the mounting member 230 forming a central leg of the cover.

[0041] The first and second cover portions 210, 220 form part of a continuous cover that overlies the boundary between the building modules. The first and second cover portions 210, 220 each have a top side surface that has a substantially downward slope, or a substantially downward taper, from a central axis of the cover 200, where the first and second cover portions meet each other, towards the sides of the cover 200.

[0042] Sealing portions 212 are provided on underside of the cover portions to form a seal with the respective building module. The formed seal prevents the ingress of water into the boundary between the buildings. The seal would prevent an ingress of water on the building module into the boundary as well as prevent an ingress of water that flows from an upper portion of the cover towards the side of the cover into the boundary. The sealing portions 212 are compressible against the building module to form the seal. The sealing portions 212 surround a perimeter of the cover on its underside. With this arrangement, the sealing portions 212 prevent an ingress of water into the boundary from a sideward direction, and prevent an ingress of water into the boundary from a forward direction and a rearward direction. The seal is formed as the cover portions are fastened onto the building modules, which compresses the sealing portions against the building module. Similar to the previous embodiment, the sealing portion is a gasket. In other embodiments, the sealing portions may be any deformable material, including a rubber strip, a silicon strip, or resiliently deformable material.

[00431 Figure IC shows a waterproofing cover 300 for covering one or more boundaries between two or more building modules arranged one-beside-the-other according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the canopy may be for covering a boundary between two building modules that are arranged one-beside-the-other. As another example, the canopy may be for covering a first boundary between two building modules that are arranged one beside-the-other another and a second boundary between two building modules that are arranged one beside-the-other, such that an axis along the first boundary intersects an axis along the second boundary. As another example, the canopy may be for covering an intersection of axes along two or more boundaries, each boundary being between a pair of building modules arranged one-beside-the-other. At sections of this specification, the waterproofing cover 300 is referred to as an 'intersection cover'.

[0044] The cover 300 has a central leg portion 310, a plurality of arms 320 that extend from the central leg portion 310, and a canopy 330 attached to the arms 320. The arms 320 spread out the canopy to cover the one or more boundaries. The central leg portion 310 has a hook portion 312 at an upper end that is engageable with a hook of a crane for locating the cover in position.

[0045] The leg portion 310 and the plurality of arms 320 are made from a rigid material. For example, the leg portions are made from metal.

[00461 The canopy 330 is made from a flexible material. For example, the canopy 330 may be made from a sheet of water-resistant nylon fabric or a sheet of plastic. Alternatively, the canopy 330 may be made from a rigid material.

[0047] Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B illustrate arrangements of building modules with the covers 100, 200, 300 described previously above to form a modular building.

[0048] Figure 2A shows a first building module 910 to be arranged next to a second building module 920 so that the first and second building modules are one-beside-the-other. The first and second building modules are to be arranged so that the long side of the first building module 910 is adjacent the long side of the second building module 920.

[0049] Prior to locating the first building module 910 next to the second building module 920, the first building module 910 is provided with the waterproofing cover 100, described previously above in relation to Figure 1, mounted thereon. The cover 100 is located on a long side of the building module 910. The mounting member of the cover 100 is fastened or attached to a side wall of the first building module 910 to hold the cover 100 in place relative to the first building module 910. A first cover portion

110 of the cover 100 is located on the first building module 910 such that the sealing portions on the underside thereof rest on an upper section of the first building module 910. The second cover portion 120 of the cover extends outwardly away from the first building module 910.

[0050] With the cover 100 mounted on the first building module 910, the first building module is lifted (e.g. by a crane) for positioning next to the second building module 920. The building module is oriented relative to the second building module 920 such that the second cover portion 120 of the cover 100 is located over the second building module 920. The first building module 910 is lowered next to the second building module such that the second cover portion 120 is located on the second building module 920, as shown in Figure 2B. Once the first building module 910 is located next to the second building module 920, the first and second cover portions 110, 120 are respectively fastened onto the first and second building modules 910, 920. As the cover portion is fastened to the building module, the sealing portions located on an underside of the cover portion is compressed, thereby forming a seal between the cover portion and the building modules.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2B, the cover 100 provides coverage of a section of the boundary from an end of the boundary to an intermediate location on the boundary. The cover 100 leaves another section of the boundary from the intermediate location to the other end of the boundary uncovered (the 'uncovered section').

[0052] After the first and second building modules 910, 920 are arranged one-beside-the-other with the cover 100 covering the boundary therebetween, and with reference to Figure 3A, a third building module 930 can then be arranged next to the second building module 920 so that the second and third building modules are one-beside-the-other. The second and third building modules are to be arranged such that the short side of the second building module is adjacent to the short side of the third building module. The first and second building modules 910, 920 are arranged along a first axis, while the second and third building modules 920, 930 are to be arranged along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

[0053] Prior to locating the third building module 930 next to the second building module 920, the third building module 930 is provided with the waterproofing cover 200, described previously above in relation to Figure IB, mounted thereon. The cover 200 is in particular located on a short side of the building module 930. The mounting member of the cover 200 is fastened or attached to a side wall of the building module 930 to hold the cover 200 in place relative to the building module 930. A first cover portion 210 of the cover 200 is located on the first building module 910 such that the sealing portions 212 on the underside thereof rest on an upper section of the building module 930. The second cover portion 220 of the cover extends outwardly away from the third building module 930.

[0054] With the cover 200 mounted on the third building module 930, the third building module 930 is lifted (e.g. by a crane) for positioning next to the second building module 920. The building module 930 is oriented relative to the second building module 920 such that the second cover portion 220 of the cover 200 is located over the second building module 920. The third building module 930 is lowered next to the second building module 920 such that the second cover portion 220 is located on the second building module 920, as shown in Figure 3B. Once the third building module 930 is located next to the second building module 920, the first and second cover portions 210, 220 are respectively fastened onto the second and third building modules 920, 930. As the cover portion is fastened to the building module, the sealing portions located on an underside of the cover portion is compressed, thereby forming a seal between the cover portion and the building modules.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3B, the cover 200 provides coverage of a section of the boundary from an end of the boundary to an intermediate location on the boundary. The cover 200 leaves another section of the boundary from the intermediate location to the other end of the boundary uncovered (the 'uncovered section'). The uncovered section of the boundary between the second and third building modules is in close proximity to the uncovered section of the boundary between the first and second building modules.

[0056] After the first and second building modules are arranged one-beside-the-other with the cover 100 covering the boundary therebetween and the second and third building modules are arranged one-beside the other with the cover 200 covering the boundary therebetween, and with reference to Figure 4A, a fourth building module 940 can then be arranged next to the first building module 910 so that the first and fourth building modules are one-beside-the-other. The first and fourth building modules are arranged such that the short side of the first building module is adjacent to the short side of the fourth building module, and such that the long side of the fourth building module is adjacent to the long side of the third building module. The first and fourth building modules 910, 940 are arranged along a third axis, that is parallel with the second axis along which the second and third building modules 920, 930 are arranged.

[0057] Prior to locating the fourth building module 940 next to the first building module 910, the fourth building module 940 is provided with the waterproofing covers 100', 200', 300, described previously above in relation to Figures 1A to 1C, mounted thereon.

[0058] The long cover 100'is located on a long side of the building module 940, with the mounting member of the cover 100' fastened to a side wall of the building module 940 to hold the cover 100' in place relative to the building module 940. A first cover portion of the cover 100'is located on the fourth building module 940 such that the sealing portions on the underside thereof rest on an upper section of the building module 940. The second cover portion of the cover extends outwardly away from the fourth building module 940.

[0059] The short cover 200' is located on a short side of the building module 940, with the mounting member of the cover 200' fastened to another side wall of the building module 940 to hold the cover 200' in place relative to the building module 940. A first cover portion of the cover 200' is located on the fourth building module 940 such that the sealing portions on the underside thereof rest on an upper section of the building module 940. The second cover portion of the cover extends outwardly away from the fourth building module 940.

[0060] The intersection cover 300 is located at or near a corner of the fourth building module 940 such that a canopy of the central cover 300 surrounds a region around the corner including a portion of the upper section of the building module 940.

[00611 With the covers 100', 200', 300 mounted on the fourth building module 940, the fourth building module 940 is lifted (e.g. by a crane) for positioning next to the first building module 910. The building module 940 is oriented relative to the second building module such that the second cover portion 120' of the long cover 100' is located over the third building module 930 and such that the second cover portion of the short cover 200' is located over the first building module 910. The fourth building module 940 is lowered next to the first building module 910 such that the second cover portions 110', 210' are located on the third and first building module 910, 930 respectively, as shown in Figure 4B. Once the fourth building module 940 is in location relative to the first building module 910 and third building module 930, the cover portions of the long and short covers are fastened onto respective first, third, or fourth building modules 910, 930 940. As the cover portion is fastened to the building module, the sealing portions located on an underside of the cover portion is compressed, thereby forming a seal between the cover portion and the building modules.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4B, the long and short covers 100', 200' each provide coverage of a section of the boundary from an end of the boundary to an intermediate location on the boundary. Each cover 100', 200' leaves another section of the boundary from the intermediate location to the other end of the boundary uncovered (the'uncovered section'). The uncovered section of each boundary is in close proximity to each other. The intersection cover that is substantially centrally located at an intersection between the building modules provides coverage to these uncovered sections of the boundary. Thereby, the waterproofing covers form a four-way seal for the modular building.

[00631 In an embodiment of the present invention, a building module with the cover(s) can be lowered from height and then moved transversely into position relative to one of more other building modules such that the cover(s) mounted on the building module covers the boundary between that building module and other adjacent building module(s). In particular, with reference to Figures 5A and B, a fourth building module 940'having covers mounted thereon is first lowered from height to a level, e.g. a ground level, of the other building modules 910', 920', 930'. The building module 940' is suspended from its bottom using a crane that that carries a beam that has length that is greater than a width of the building module 940'. Cables are attached to opposite ends of the beam and are passed under the building module 940' at or near opposite ends of the building module to evenly balance the building module 940'when the building module 940'is suspended by the crane. By having the length of the beam (from which the cables to the bottom of the building module extend) greater than a width of the building module 940', the cables are angled from the bottom of the container away from the cover(s) on the top of the building module to a respective end of the beam. Thereby, when the building is suspended by the crane, the cables from the bottom of the building do not the interfere or damage the cover(s) mounted on the building cover. The building module 940' is lowered onto a platform that allows for the building module to be pushed in place relative to the other building modules. When the fourth building module 940' is on the same level as the other building modules, the cables are removed from the building module 940'. The fourth building module is then pushed into position so that it is arranged beside the third building module and the covers on the fourth building module cover the boundary between the fourth building module 940' and the third building module 930' and cover the boundary between the fourth building module and the second building module 920'. With this system and method of arranging building modules, constructions workers do not need to climb onto the roof of the building modules to unhook the crane elements from the building modules, which could create a safety hazard for these workers working at height as described in the Background section. Rather, with this system and method, the construction workers can easily access and detach the cable from an underside of the building module when the building module is lowered into position, which is typically at or near a ground level.

[0064] Figures 6A and 6B show a building module 950 including a parapet wall portions 951 on a roof portion. Figure 6B shows a side view of a upper portion of the building module with the parapet wall portions. The parapet wall portions can be retrofitted to a conventional building module, which typically has an uneven, slopped or corrugated upper surface. The parapet wall portions 951 provide a flat surface on which the cover according to preferred embodiments of the present invention can rest and against which the sealing portions of the cover are compressible to form a seal. The parapet wall portion of the building module is in the same horizontal plane as a parapet wall portion of another building module that is arranged next to the building module such that the cover, for covering the boundary between those two building modules, is stably located on the building modules. Further, the sealing portions of that cover is compressible against the flat surface provided by both parapet wall portions to form a seal between the cover and the parapet portions of the building modules. Thereby any positioning inaccuracy of the cover relative to the building modules would not affect the effectiveness of the seal formed by the compression of the sealing members of the cover against the flat parapet wall portions.

[0065] Figure 6C shows a side view of two building modules 960, 970 arranged one-beside-the other, each having sloped parapet wall portions 961, 971 thereon. The parapet wall portions 961, 971 are sloped in a direction to direct or guide water on the respective parapet wall portion away from the boundary between the building modules 960, 970. In this case, a distance between the two building modules is adjusted accordingly so as to adjust the width of the boundary between the building modules and so that the cover 100" (similar to the embodiment described above in relation to Figure 1) that is located on the sloped parapet wall portions 961, 971 is compressible thereagainst to form an effective seal. In particular, the cover 100" is first mounted on the one of the building modules 960 and fastened onto the parapet wall portion 961 so that the sealing portions on the underside of the cover portion mounted on the building module form an effective seal with the parapet wall portion 961. That building module 960 is then moved into location next to the other building module 970. The location of the building module 960 relative to the other building module 970 is adjusted so that the sealing portions on the underside of other cover portion (for mounting on the other building module 970) would be sufficiently compressible against the sloped parapet wall portion of the other building module 970 to form an effective seal therewith.

[00661 Figures 7A to 7D show a building module 910" with parapet wall portions 912", 914" provided along edges on an upper surface of the building module 910". A first parapet wall portion 912" is provided along a length of the building module 910", while a second parapet wall portion 914" is provided along a width of the building module 910". Each parapet wall portion provides a substantially flat surface on which the cover can be stably mounted and against which the sealing portions on an underside of the cover can be compressed to form a substantially effective seal between the cover and the building module 910". Most existing building modules have an uneven upper surface (e.g. a corrugated upper surface), which would compromise the effectiveness of the sealing provided the sealing portions of the cover according to preferred embodiments of the present invention between the cover and the building module. The parapet wall portions can be retrofitted to these existing building modules to compensate for the uneven upper surfaces of those building modules.

[0067] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 7A to 7D, the cover 400 is mounted on the first parapet wall portion. The cover 400 has similar features to the cover 100 described with reference to Figure 1 above, with sealing portions 410 on an underside of the cover for forming a seal with a respective building module. Additionally, the cover 400 has edge-sealing portions 430 provided along edges of the cover. The edge sealing portion 430 extend along a part of a boundary of the cover 400. The sealing portions 430 include first and second portions that respectively extend along a portion of the length of the cover 400 on opposite edges of the cover, and a middle portion that extends along a short edge of the cover 400. The first and second portions are connected to, and extend from, the middle portion. The first portion, the second portion, and the middle portion form a single, continuous, sealing member. The edge-sealing portions are beveled to avoid the sealing portions from being damaged, and thereby preventing the created sealing from being compromised, when the edge-sealing portions are compressed against a surface or against other edge-sealing portions of another cover.

[00681 When the cover 400 is provided on the building module, these edge-sealing portions 430 are located in a vicinity of where a cover mounted to another building module is to be located. The edges of the cover of the other building module also has edge-sealing portions. When the building module and the other building module are arranged one-beside-the other, edge-sealing portions of the two covers are compressible against each other to thereby form a seal between the two covers. The edge-sealing portions prevent an ingress of water into a boundary between two covers.

[00691 Figures 8A to 8D show an assembly of building modules with parapet walls and the cover described above.

[0070] With reference to Figure 8A, a first building module 910" and a second building module 920" are arranged one-beside-the-other with a first cover 400 covering a boundary between the first and second building modules 910", 920". The sealing portions on the underside of the first cover 400 are compressed against the parapet wall portions of the first and second building modules 910", 920" such that the sealing portions on an underside of the first cover 400 form an effective seal between the first cover and the first and second building modules respectively. The cover 400 is arranged relative to the first and second building module 910", 920" such that the edge-sealing portions 430 of the first cover 400 is in a vicinity where other cover(s) of other building modules are to be located.

[0071] With reference to Figure 8B, a third building module 930", with a second cover 500 thereon, and the second building module 920" are arranged one-beside-the-other such that that the second covercovers a boundary between the second and thirdbuilding modules 920", 930". The sealing portions on the underside of the second cover 500 are compressed against the parapet wall portions of the second and third building modules 920", 930" such that the sealing portions on the underside of the second cover 500 form an effective seal between the second cover and the second and third building modules 920", 930" respectively. The second cover 500 has an edge-sealing portion 530 at least on a short edge of the cover 500. When the second building module 920" and the third building module 930" are arranged one-beside-the-other, the edge-sealing portion 530 of the second cover 500 is compressed against the first edge-sealing portion of the first cover 400 that extends along a portion of the length of the first cover 400 to thereby form a seal between the first and second covers 400, 500.

[0072] With reference to Figure 8C, a third building module 940", with a third cover 600 and fourth cover 700 thereon, and the third building module 930" are arranged one-beside-the-other such that that the third cover 600 covers a boundary between the first and fourth building modules 910", 940", and the fourth cover 700 coves a boundary between the third and fourth building modules 930", 940". The sealing portions on the underside of the third cover 600 are compressed against the parapet wall portions of the first and fourth building modules 910", 940" such that the sealing portions on the underside of the third cover 600 form an effective seal between the third cover and the first and fourth building modules 910", 940" respectively. Similarly, the sealing portions on the underside of the fourth cover 700 are compressed against the parapet wall portions of the third and fourth building modules 930", 940" such that the sealing portions on the underside of the fourth cover 700 form an effective seal between the fourth cover and the third and fourth building modules 930", 940" respectively.

[00731 The third cover 600 has an edge-sealing portion at least on a short edge of the third cover 600, while the fourth cover 700 has edge-sealing portions each along opposite edges of the fourth cover 700 and extending at least partially along a length of the cover 700. When the third and fourth covers 600, 700 are provided on the fourth building module 940", the edge-sealing portion of the third cover 600 is compressed against one of the edge-sealing portions of the fourth cover 700 to thereby form a seal between the third and fourth covers 600, 700. When the third building module 930" and the fourth building module 940" are arranged one-beside-the-other, the other edge-sealing portion of the fourth cover 700 is compressed against the edge sealing portion of the second cover 500 to thereby form a seal between the second and fourth covers 500, 700.

[0074] When the third building module 930" and the fourth building module 940" are arranged one-beside-the-other, the edge-sealing portion 530 of the second cover 500 presses against the first edge-sealing portion of the first cover 400 that extends along a portion of the length of the first cover 400 to thereby form a seal between the first and second covers 400, 500.

[0075] With reference to Figure 8D, once the first, second, third, and fourth building modules 910", 920", 930", 940" are arranged relative to each other, an intersection cover 800 is located to cover the intersection or space between the first, second, third and fourth covers 400, 500, 600, 700. The intersection cover prevents an ingress of water at an intersection of the building modules. The intersection cover 800 is, in particular, mounted onto the covers 400, 500, 600, 700. With reference to Figure 9, the intersection cover 800 has sealing portions 830 on an underside of the cover that are compressible against a flat upper surface of the covers on the other building modules to thereby form a seal between the intersection cover 800 and each cover thereunder. The intersection cover 800 has fasteners 840 for fastening the intersection cover onto the building modules to compress the sealing portions 830 on the underside. The sealing portions 830 on the underside of the intersection cover 800 are arranged on the underside such that when the intersection cover 800 is mounted onto the covers, the sealing portions are wholly located on the covers to form a continuous seal around the intersection.

[00761 Figure 10 shows an intersection cover 800'according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the intersection cover 800' has a cross-shape. Like the embodiment described with reference to Figure 10, the intersection cover 800' of this embodiment has sealing portions on an underside of the intersection cover 800' that is compressible to form a continuous seal around an intersection between building modules. The intersection cover 800 additionally includes four pairs of wall portions 852', 854', 856', 858'extending in different directions. The intersection cover 800' is located to cover the intersection between four building modules such that each cover 400, 500, 600, 700 (that covers a boundary between two adjacent building modules) is locatable between wall portions of a respective pair such that the wall portions of that pair provide additional protection to a joint between the cover and the parapet wall portions of the building modules.

[0077] With reference to the Figure 11 and similar to the embodiment described with reference to Figure 5, building modules 930", 940" with covers thereon can be can be laterally moved into position relative to each other and relative to other building modules 910", 920". Each cover on these building modules have edge-sealing portions, as described above, that are compressible to form a seal between two covers. These edge-sealing portions have a beveled shape that facilitate a smooth and gentle compression as the building module(s) are laterally moved into position thereby preventing the edge sealing portions from getting damaged.

[0078] With reference to Figure 12, an end cover 1100 is provided to cover boundary between two building modules that are arranged one-beside-the-other on an exposed side face of the building modules. The end cover 1100 has sealing portions on an underside of the cover that is compressible against a side wall of the building modules (or against the parapet side wall portions on the building modules) to form a seal between the end cover and the building modules.

[0079] While the embodiments previously described relate to an arrangement of four building modules, it should be understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement may include more than four building modules. For example, with reference to Figures 13A to 13C, the arrangement of building modules may be a two-by-four arrangement, a four-by-two arrangement, a three-by-three arrangement, or an n-by-m arrangement (n and m being integers greater than 1) In these other embodiments, there is provided covers to each cover a boundary between two building modules that are arranged one-beside-the-other, an intersection cover to cover an intersection between building modules, and an end cover to cover a boundary between two exposed side walls of the building modules. The building modules are arranged relative to each other such that a sloped roof section of each building module directs water away from the cover(s) and/or towards a gutter section. The arrows shown in Figures 12A to 12C represent a drainage direction of water on the roof section of the building modules.

[0080] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

[0081] By way of example, with reference to Figure 4B, the long cover 100, 100' and the short covers 200, 200' may form a single continuous cover body that overlies the respective boundaries between the four building modules.

[0082] By way of further example, the cover may be integrally formed with a building module such that a portion of the cover extends outwardly from the building module to cover a boundary between that building module and another building module that is arranged beside that building module.

[00831 The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

[0084] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word 'comprise', and variations such as 'comprises' and 'comprising', will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A waterproofing cover to preclude ingress of water into a boundary between adjacent sides of building modules arranged one-beside-the-other, the cover comprising at least one sealing portion and being part of, integrally formed with, or mounted on one building module so as to be located to overlie the boundary, and such that said at least one sealing portion is compressible against the other building module to form a seal with said other building module, when the building modules are so arranged.

2. A cover according to claim 1, wherein said at least one sealing portion comprises at least one deformable elongate member extending along a length of the cover.

3. A cover according to claim 2, wherein said at least one deformable elongate member comprises spaced apart first and second deformable elongate members each extending along said length.

4. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, being integrally formed with said one building module.

5. A cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, being part of said one building module.

6. A cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, being mounted on said one module.

7. A cover according to claim 6, including a mounting member via which it is so mounted, the mounting member being secured to a side wall of said one building module to be located in the boundary.

8. A cover according to claim 6 or 7, being compressible against said one module to form a seal with said one module.

9. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, including a cover portion to compress said at least one sealing portion/member against the other building module.

10. A cover according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising one or more sealing portions compressed or compressible against said one building module to form a seal with said one building module.

11. A cover according to claim 10, wherein the one or more sealing portions compressed or compressible against said one building module comprise one or more deformable elongate members extending along a/the length of the cover.

12. A cover according to claim 11, wherein said one or more deformable elongate members comprise spaced apart first and second deformable elongate members each extending along said length.

13. A cover according to any one of claims 10 to 12, including first and second cover portions to compress said one or more sealing portions and said at least one sealing portion, respectively, against said one building module and said other building module.

14. A cover according to claim 13, wherein said one or more sealing portions and said at least one sealing portion are provided on undersides of said first cover portion and said second cover portion respectively.

15. A cover according to claim 13 or 14 as dependent from claim 7, which has a substantially T-shaped cross section, having a central leg that is locatable in the boundary and forms said mounting member, and said first and second cover portions.

16. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each sealing portion comprises a gasket.

17. A modular building including a cover according to any one of the preceding claims and said building modules arranged one-beside-the-other, wherein said cover overlies a said boundary between adjacent sides of said modules, being part of, integrally formed with, or mounted on said one building module, and said at least one sealing portion is compressed against said other building module, such that ingress of water into the boundary is precluded.

18. A modular building according to claim 17, wherein said building modules comprise first and second building modules arranged along a first axis, the building including a further building module and, in addition to said cover, another cover according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first or second building module and the further building module are arranged one-beside-the-other along a second axis, which intersects with the first axis, the other cover overlies another boundary, which is between adjacent sides of the modules arranged along the second axis, being part of, integrally formed with, or mounted on one of said modules arranged along the second axis, and said at least one sealing portion of said other cover is compressed against the other of said modules arranged along the second axis to form a seal therewith, such that ingress of water into the other boundary is precluded.

19. A method of constructing the modular building of claim 17, in which said building modules are arranged one-beside-the-other and said cover is part of, integrally formed with, or mounted on said one building module, and which includes compressing said at least one sealing portion of the cover against said other building module.

20. A method according to claim 19, including positioning either building module relative to the other such that said building modules are so arranged, thereby compressing said at least one sealing portion of the cover.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the positioning of either module relative to the other comprises lowering the former next to the latter.

22. A method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the positioning of either module relative to the other comprises laterally moving the former.

23. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the positioning comprises positioning said one building module next to said other building module.