GB1581581A

GB1581581A - Foldable building modules and structures formed therefrom

Info

Publication number: GB1581581A
Application number: GB2370177A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1976-06-07
Filing date: 1977-06-03
Publication date: 1980-12-17

Description

(54) FOLDABLE BUILDING MODULES AND STRUCTURES FORMED THEREFROM (71) We, EDWIN HENRY ORIBIN and JOYCE ISOBEL ORIBIN, Australian Citizens, of 2A Stuart Street, Edge Hill, Cairns, North Queensland, Australia, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to building structures formed of a plurality of identical building modules or segments.

Various proposals have been made in the past for erecting building structures from prefabricated components.

One such proposal has involved the use of precut frames which are erected on the site and roof and wall cladding material which is also precut to shape is then fixed to the erected frame in a conventional manner.

Another proposal has involved the use of prefabricated conventional wall and roof sections which have the wall cladding and roof cladding applied thereto in the factory. The respective components are then assembled on the site to form a completed structure.

Whilst the two mentioned proposals have resulted in a saving both in the cost of materials and assembly, they have not provided a prefabricated structure which is compact, easily storable in the unerected condition and which can be assembled bv unskilled labour within very short time limits.

This invention has been devised to provide a prefabricated building which over comes the problem of prior art structures and which is formed of a plurality of in dividual modules which are easily and simply manufactured, which in the un erected condition lie flat to facilitate stor age and transport and which can be rapidly, easily and simply erected to form a dwelling shelter or the like (hereinafter referred to as a building).

According to the present invention there is provided a foldable building module comprising a pair of multi-sided non-rec- tangular wall panels and a pair of multisided non-rectangular roof panels, said wall panels being of identical shape to each other with corresponding first straight edges hinged to each other, said roof panels being identical in shape to each other with corresponding first straight edges hingedly connected together, corresponding second straight edges of the wall panels adjacent the first edges thereof being hingedly connected to corresponding second straight edges of the roof panels adjacent the first edges thereof with all the second edges being of equal length so as to connect the wall panels to the roof panels enabling an assembly, comprising a roof panel joined to a wall panel, when folded about the first edges thereof to be planar and to overlie the other assembly, comprising a roof panel joined to a wall panel, of said module, which other assembly is also then planar.

The word panel as used in this specification is used to describe a skeleton frame defining the shape of each component of a segment, or module, with or without cladding material applied to such frame or a unitary structure formed of self-supporting material, e.g. plywood or concrete which does not require a supporting frame.

The modules in the unerected condition lie flat to facilitate transportation and may be easily and simply erected to form a building by locking the feet of the wall panels of each module in position and joining the edges of adjacent roof panels to form a building.

Conveniently, the edges of adjacent roof panels of each module are hinged together, except along the edges of two roof panels of two adjacent modules. This provides a structure formed by a plurality of hingedly connected modules in which all modules in the unerected condition lie flat to facilitate transportation and storage.

The building is erected by opening the panels of the respective modules and locking the feet of the wall panels in position and joining the unjoined edges of the roof panels of the unjoined modules.

Alternatively, the modules of the first embodiment are all hinged together and the panels so folded that corresponding first surfaces of the panels are exterior surfaces but when the structure is turned outside into an erected condition the first surfaces become interior surfaces. In this way, the panels of adjoining modules can all be permanently hingedly connected to permit the erection of the assembly from a folded flat collapsed storage and transportable condition, to an arch building by turning the assembly outside in.

In those cases where the panel consists of a skeleton frame the cladding may be applied to the frame either before or after erection of the building.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building module according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a view showing the module of FIG. 1 in a folded condition; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a structure comprising a plurality of modules illustrated in FIG. 1, the structure being erected to form a building; FIG. 4 illustrates one form of a hinge; FIG. 5 illustrates a further form of a hinge; FIG. 6 illustrates a yet further form of a hinge; FTG. 7 illustrates still a further form of a hinge; FIG. 8 illustrates a structure comprising a plurality of modules according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9 illustrates the structure of modules of FIG. 8 in a folded or collapsed condition;; FIG. 10 illustrates the structure of modules of FIG. 9 erected to form a building; FIG. 11 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention; FIG. 12 is a plan view of a plurality of structures illustrated in FIG. 3 or 11 interconnected to form a building structure; FIG. 13 is a plan view of a plurality of structures illustrated in FIG. 10 interconnected to form a building structure; and FIG. 14 illustrates a form of hinge suitable for use with concrete panels.

Referring now to FIG. 1 the segment, or module, designated generally by the reference 10 is made up of four panels, 12, 14, 16 and 18. The panels may be made of a wide range of materials to suit particular requirements. They may for example be formed of frame members with or without an outer covering of waterproof material, e.g. plywood, applied thereto. In certain applications the frame may be provided with an inner and outer covering to suit particular requirements. The panels may also be formed of self-supporting material, e.g. heavy gauge plywood or concrete formed of a core material provided with laminations of plywood material on each side of the core. The method of forming the panels and the materials used is selected to suit given conditions and requirements and it is not intended that the specific examples given should be exhaustive in any way.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 the panels are formed of a frame having an outer covering of waterproof plywood secured thereto.

Two panels 12, 14 are hinged together along one edge as at 20 to form two adjacent wall panels. The wall panels 12, 14 are also hinged as at 22 and 24 to the panels 16 and 18 which form the roof panels of this module.

The adjoining edges of the panels 16, 18 are hinged together as indicated at 26 to form a "valley" extending from the angle forming the apex 28 of the adjoining roof panels to the junction 30 of the wall panels. An assembly of panels comprises one wall panel 12 or 14, hinged to its adjacent roof panel 16 or 18, respectively.

The hinged joints 20, 22, 24 and 26 may be formed in a multiplicity of ways as illustrated in FIGS. 4-7.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 the edges of adjoining panels are slotted and a hinge member 32 which is conveniently formed of water-resistant rubber fabric or plastics fabric belting is inserted in the adjoining slots and secured therein to effectively constitute a water-resistant and water-proof hinge. Cover strips 33 may be provided to afford additional protection for the hinged member 32. These cover strips may be conveniently applied after the erection of the modules to form a building.

The hinge member illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 5 is recommended in connection with panels which include a metal or plastics frame. The hinged member designated generally by the reference 36 is formed of two "U"-shaped frame members 38, 40 forming part of the panels. A hinge 42 of the same material as described with reference to the FIG. 4 embodiment is secured to the limbs 44, 46 of the respective "U"-shaped frame members 38, 40. It will be appreciated that the hinge 42 is formed on the opposite limbs of the frame members when it is desired that the panels fold outwardly and cover strips (not shown) may be provided to cover the joint.

The hinges illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 are suitable for use with heavy duty solid panels. The hinge 48 formed of the same material as described with reference to the FIG. 4 embodiment is secured in a socket 50 defined by two plate members 52, 54 secured on either side of the panels. In the case of the FIG. 7 embodiment the plate members are formed in aluminium or plastics material in an extrusion operation and are joined by a web 56. As in the case of the previous embodiment cover strips (not shown) may be provided to cover the joint.

The module as manufactured is depicted in FIG. 1 and is shown in Figure 2 folded to lie in a flat condition so as to facilitate transportation and storage. The module is adapted so that each assembly of panels 12 and 16, or 14 and 18, lies in a plane, and so that the two panels are superimposed one on each other, when the module is folded.

When it is desired to erect the modules to form a building, the modules are opened up from their flat condition, shown in Figure 1, to the condition illustrated in FIG. 1, with the bottom edges resting on a prepared foundation for example a concrete slab. The edges of adjoining roof panels are then joined. The hinge structures described with reference to FIG.

4-7 may be utilized for this purpose or the respective modules may be simply bolted or otherwise secured together to form a building. The openings designated generally by the reference 58 may be left open or closed by additional panels (not shown).

These additional panels may be hinged horizontally to open out to form a verandah roof and form an extra shaded area or the additional panels or some of them may permanently close the openings 58.

In this case the additional panels may be provided with conventional doors and windows to suit particular requirements.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention.

The individual modules designated gener ally by the reference 60 are formed in the same manner as in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. For this reason the same reference numerals are used to described identical parts. In the case of the FIGS. 8-10 embodiment the wall panels 12, 14 are not truncated as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.

1-3 but form the apex 62.

The modules 60 are formed in the same manner as the modules depicted in FIG. 1 and all modules are hinged together along the edges of adjacent roof panels except the modules designed generally by the references 64 and 66 where the edges 68, 70 are left unjoined. This arrangement permits the modules to fold one on top of the other and assume the orientation illustrated in FIG. 9.

The respective modules are then opened out as depicted in FIG. 10 and the apex 62 of the respective segments locked in position on a prepared foundation. The unjoined edges 68, 70 are then connected together to form the completed building.

The hinge structures used may be those illustrated in FIGS. 47.

As in the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 the openings 58 may be left open or provided with additional closure panels to suit particular requirements.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 each of the modules is formed in the same manner as that illustrated in FIG. 1. The modules are all hinged together in a similar manner as described with reference to FIG. 3, to form a building or a shelter.

The whole structure of interconnected modules is then turned outside in so that the outside surfaces of the respective segments become inside surfaces and the segments are folded to lie flat as illustrated in FIG. 11 to facilitate transportation and storage. Once again, each assembly 12 and 16, or 14 and 18, lies in a plane and the assemblies overlie each other when the structure is folded. The unit formed of the hinged segments is then positioned and the segments opened outwardly. This causes the outside surfaces to become internal surfaces and the finished structure is as illustrated in FIG. 3. Additional panels may be provided for the openings 58 in the same manner with reference to the FIG. 3 embodiment.

It will thus be seen that a basic structure of building unit is formed which consists of a minimum number of 4 modules all hinged together in the manner described. It is of course possible to use other numbers of modules to form a shelter or building, the only requirement being that the roof panels, when the modules are erected, cover an area described by an arc of 360".

It is possible to combine a number of units, or structures, to form a more sophisticated dwelling structure, or building structure, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. There is no limit to the number of units which can be so combined and an important feature of the invention is that a dwelling can be formed of say three units 72, 74 and 76 as illustrated in FIG.

12 and added to with minimum cost as the occasion arises.

Although FIG. 12 illustrates one parti cular layout of the appointments in a dwelling. These do not form part of the invention and may be varied to suit particular requirements. A possible subsequent additional unit is illustrated at 78.

FIG. 13 illustrates a number of units 80, 82 and 84 and 86 formed of the structure illustrated in FIG. 10 combined together to form a compact attractive and inexpensive dwelling. Possible additional units 88, 90, 92, 94 and 96 are illustrated to show the versatility of the invention. As in the case of FIG. 12, FIG. 13 also illustrates one possible method of furnishing the unit.

The method of furnishing does not however form part of the invention and for this reason has not been described.

The hinge member illustrated in FIG. 14 is suitable for use with concrete panels.

The panels 98, 100 are provided with conventional metal reinforcement which includes spaced transverse rods 102 and 104 in each panel. These rods are turned outwardly as at 106 and 108 so as to project through the adjoining edges by the respective panels as illustrated. The hinge members designated generally by the reference 110 comprise a number of spaced transverse metal members embedded in the panels. Each member includes a hooked end 112 and 114 joined by angularly displaced portions 116 and 118. The portions 116 and 118 are continuous and form the apex 120 located adjacent that face of each panel remote from the out turned ends 106 and 108.

The panels 98 and 100 are molded flat one on top of each other with the reinforcement and the hinge members positioned in the mold. When it is desired to erect the panels they are opened, the hinge members 110 bend to permit this movement and the ends 106 and 108 are welded together to form a rigid joint. The interface between the adjoining panels is filled with a water resistant mastic filling material.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that many modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

Specifically examples of particular panel hinge structures and dwellings have been described and illustrated. It is to be understood that these are exemplary only and are not intended to be limitive in any way on the invention.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A foldable building module comprising a pair of multi-sided non-rectangular wall panels and a pair of multi-sided non-rectangular roof panels, said wall panels being of identical shape to each other with corresponding first straight edges hinged to each other, said roof panels being identical in shape to each other with corresponding first straight edges hingedly connected together, corresponding second straight edges of the wall panels adjacent the first edges thereof being hingedly connected to corresponding second straight edges of the roof panels adjacent the first edges thereof with all the second edges being of equal length so as to connect the wall panels to the roof panels enabling an assembly, comprising a roof panel joined to a wall panel, when folded about the first edges thereof to be planar and to overlie the other assembly, comprising a roof panel joined to a wall panel, of said module, which other assembly is also then planar.

2. A foldable building module as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the wall panels are trapezoid in shape.

3. A foldable building module as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the wall panels are triangular in shape with the base of the triangle constituting said second edge.

4. A foldable building module as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein when the module is in the erected position the adjoining wall panels form an angle which is less than 1800 and third edges of the roof panels are parallel to the second edges of such panels, said third edges forming an angle defining the apex of the module and the first edges of the roof panels forming a valley extending from said apex to the junction of the second edges of the wall panels.

5. A structure formed of at least three of said modules as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the third straight edges of the roof panels of each module are hingedly connected to the third straight edges of the roof panels of adjacent modules, except along the third straight edges of two roof panels of two adjacent modules, the respective assemblies of panels of each module being folded to form a stack of panel assemblies, one lying on top of the other.

6. A structure as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the stack of panel assemblies is opened and the third straight edges of the roof panels of the unjoined modules are hinged together to form a building with the adjoining wall panels of each module forming an angle which is less than 180 third edges of the roof panels forming an angle to the second edges of the roof panels, said third edges of each module forming an angle defining the apex of each module and the first edges of the roof panels of each module forming a valley extending from said apex to the junction of the second edges of the wall panels.

7. A structure as claimed in Claim 5 or 6 wherein the wall and roof panels are

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. cular layout of the appointments in a dwelling. These do not form part of the invention and may be varied to suit particular requirements. A possible subsequent additional unit is illustrated at 78. FIG. 13 illustrates a number of units 80, 82 and 84 and 86 formed of the structure illustrated in FIG. 10 combined together to form a compact attractive and inexpensive dwelling. Possible additional units 88, 90, 92, 94 and 96 are illustrated to show the versatility of the invention. As in the case of FIG. 12, FIG. 13 also illustrates one possible method of furnishing the unit. The method of furnishing does not however form part of the invention and for this reason has not been described. The hinge member illustrated in FIG. 14 is suitable for use with concrete panels. The panels 98, 100 are provided with conventional metal reinforcement which includes spaced transverse rods 102 and 104 in each panel. These rods are turned outwardly as at 106 and 108 so as to project through the adjoining edges by the respective panels as illustrated. The hinge members designated generally by the reference 110 comprise a number of spaced transverse metal members embedded in the panels. Each member includes a hooked end 112 and 114 joined by angularly displaced portions 116 and 118. The portions 116 and 118 are continuous and form the apex 120 located adjacent that face of each panel remote from the out turned ends 106 and 108. The panels 98 and 100 are molded flat one on top of each other with the reinforcement and the hinge members positioned in the mold. When it is desired to erect the panels they are opened, the hinge members 110 bend to permit this movement and the ends 106 and 108 are welded together to form a rigid joint. The interface between the adjoining panels is filled with a water resistant mastic filling material. It will be apparent from the foregoing description that many modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. Specifically examples of particular panel hinge structures and dwellings have been described and illustrated. It is to be understood that these are exemplary only and are not intended to be limitive in any way on the invention. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A foldable building module comprising a pair of multi-sided non-rectangular wall panels and a pair of multi-sided non-rectangular roof panels, said wall panels being of identical shape to each other with corresponding first straight edges hinged to each other, said roof panels being identical in shape to each other with corresponding first straight edges hingedly connected together, corresponding second straight edges of the wall panels adjacent the first edges thereof being hingedly connected to corresponding second straight edges of the roof panels adjacent the first edges thereof with all the second edges being of equal length so as to connect the wall panels to the roof panels enabling an assembly, comprising a roof panel joined to a wall panel, when folded about the first edges thereof to be planar and to overlie the other assembly, comprising a roof panel joined to a wall panel, of said module, which other assembly is also then planar.

7. A structure as claimed in Claim 5 or 6 wherein the wall and roof panels are

triangular in shape with the base of said triangles constituting the second edges of the wall and roof panels respectively.

8. A structure formed of at least four modules as claimed in Claim 1 wherein third straight edges of the roof panels of each module are hingedly connected to corresponding third straight edges of the roof panels of adjacent modules.

9. A structure as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the interconnected modules are folded inwardly so that outside surfaces of each module become interior surfaces with the wall and roof panels of each of the modules comprising one half of the structure overlying the wall and roof panels of the modules comprising the other half of the structure.

10. A structure as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the interconnected modules are folded outwardly to form a building so that the inside surfaces become outside surfaces, the third edges of the roof panels of each module being angled to each other such that there is an included angle between the roof panels of each module which is less than 1800 with the corresponding first edges of the roof panels of each module forming a valley and there is an included angle between the wall panels of each module which is less than 1800.

11. A foldable building module substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

12. A structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to FIG. 3 and 11 or to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A building structure substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in FIGS. 12 or 13 of the accompanying drawings.

14. A foldable building module as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 or 11, in which at least one of the hinge connections is substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 4 to 7 or 14 of the accompanying drawings.

15. A structure as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 11 or Claim 12, in which at least one of the hinge connections is substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 4 to 7 or 14 of the accompanying drawings.

16. A building structure as claimed in Claim 13, in which at least one of the hinge connections is substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in FIGS.

4 to 7 or 14 of the accompanying drawings.