GB2158852A

GB2158852A - A constructional element for a modular structure

Info

Publication number: GB2158852A
Application number: GB08512093A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Trevor Alan Hook
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1984-05-14
Filing date: 1985-05-13
Publication date: 1985-11-20
Also published as: IT1183832B; IT8567443A1; BR8502272A; GB8512093D0; FR2564125A1; IT8567443A0; IT8553383V0; GB8511936D0

Abstract

A modular constructional element comprises a flat panel having engaging formations in the form of an enlarged rim along at least one of its edges. The formations of adjacent panels are held together by channel sections which slide over the enlarged rims. The panels are preferably made of NIMS cement polymer material, and a variety of different panels can be assembled into an octagonal house. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A constructional element a structure erected therewith and a method of erecting a structure therewith BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION THIS invention relates to a constructional element and a modular structure erected therewith.

Due to the increasing cost of providing housing, especially in developing or thirdworld countries, a need exists for dwelling structures which can be erected relatively easily and quickly comparted to standard mocern methods of building, and which are inexpensive enough to be used in large numbers to alleviate housing shortages. Such structures should be sufficiently durable to withstand normal weather conditions and should be aesthetically acceptable to the intended inhabitants thereof.

Solutions which have been proposed to the problems posed above have included prefabricated structures, but partly due to the use of materials which have proved inadequate to the task and partly due to poor design, such structures have failed to find wide application as an alternative form of housing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention there is provided a constructional element comprising a panel of stiff material having two surfaces that are opposed to one another and a plurality of linear edges, at least one of the edges defining an integral engaging formation along at least part of its length, whereby the element may be attached to a similar element having a complementary engaging formation by means of an elongate connecting member shaped to fit over the engaging formations and hold them together.

Preferably the element is made from NIMS cement polymer material. The engaging formation is preferably an extension of the edge of the panel having a rim along at least part of its length, the rim comprising a rounded enlargement of the edge of the panel and defining a recess adjacent the inner edge of the rim for receiving a part of the elongate connecting member.

Preferably, the rim is formed on one surface only of the extension of the edge of the panel.

The rim may be pear-shaped in section and may taper towards the edge of the extension.

The elongate connecting member is preferably a channel slideable over two adjacent engaging formations, the channel having inwardly projecting wall portions adjacent its open side for engaging the rims of the engaging formations.

The connecting member may also be made from NIMS material.

Further according to the invention there is provided a modular structure constructed of a plurality of constructional elements, each constructional element comprising a panel, each panel being made of stiff material having two surfaces that are opposed to one another and a plurality of linear edges, at least one of the edges defining an integral engaging formation along at least part of its length, whereby the element may be attached to a similar element having a complementary engaging formation by means of an elongate connecting member shaped to fit over the engaging formations and hold them together, the elements being interconnected to form a polygonal structure by means of elongate connecting members engaged with engaging formations at the edges of adjacent elements.

The structure is preferably octagonal.

The structure may include cantilevered base modules comprising a generally horizontal panel supported by a generally vertical panel, with a reinforcing member extending between the horizontal and vertical panels. The structure may be erected on a base framework comprising a plurality of radially spaced bars to which the lower wall panels or base modules of the structure are attached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is now described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings which are largely schematic drawings and wherein Figure 1 is a side view of a first dwellinghouse according to the invention Figure 2 is a plan view of the dwellinghouse of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of a second dwelling-house according to the invention; Figure 4 is a rear view of the dwellinghouse of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a floor plan of the house of Figures 3 and 4; Figure 6 is an end view of the house of Figures 3 to 5; Figure 7 is a section VII-VII on Figure 5; Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a first constructional element according to the invention; Figure 9 is a section IX-IX through the constructional element of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a section X-X through the element of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a detailed section at Xl on Figure 9;; Figure 1 2 is a detailed section at XII on Figure 10; Figure 1 3 is a detailed isometric at XIII on Figure 8; Figure 1 4 is a side view of a second constructional element according to the invention; Figure 1 5 is a section XXXV-XXXV through Figure 14; Figure 1 6 is a section XXXVI-XXXVI through Figure 14; Figure 1 7 is a plan view of a third constructional element according to the invention, Figure 18 is a section XXXVIII -XXXVIII through Figure 17; Figure 1 9 is a section XXXIX-XXXIX through Figure 17; Figure 20 is a section XL-XL,through Figure 17; Figure 21 is a plan view of a fourth constructional element according to the invention;; Figure 22 is a section XLII-XLII through Figure 21; Figure 23 is a detailed section at XLI II on Figure 22; Figure 24 is a detailed section at XLIV on Figure 22; Figure 25 is a transverse section through a first connecting member according to the invention; Figure 26 is a transverse section through a second connecting member according to the invention; Figure 27 is a transverse section through the connecting member of Figure 25, in use; Figure 28 is a plan view of a base framework for the first embodiment of a dwellinghouse according to the invention; Figure 29 is a transverse section through a third connecting member according to the invention; Figure 30 is a transverse section through a fourth connecting member according to the invention; Figure 31 is a perspective view of a top end of a chimney for a dwelling-house according to the invention;; Figure 32 is a perspective view of a sink unit for a dwellinghouse according to the invention; Figure 33 is a perspective view of a toilet for a dwelling house according to the invention; Figure 34 is a section through a constructional element according to the invention including a window frame; and Figure 35 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a dwelling house according to the invention.

In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a first embodiment of a dwelling house according to the invention, and reference 20 generally indicates the second embodiment of a dwelling house according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODI MENT The houses 10 and 20 are octagonal and constructed of different modular constructional elements according to the invention which are made of NIMS cement polymer material developed by Imperial Chemical Industries PLC.

A first embodiment of a constructional element 22 according to the invention constitutes a first base module 22 for the houses 10 and 20. The base module 22 can be seen in use in Figures 1, and 3 to 7, and in more detail in Figures 8 to 1 3. The base module 22 includes a panel 24 according to the invention that is rectangular having opposed planar surfaces 26 with side walls, and a rectangular, substantially planar base member 28 that is vertically oriented in use, withçthe panel 24 extending horizontally from an operatively upper side thereof.The hypotenusedefining side wall 30 of a substantially planar, triangular reinforcing member 32 extends from adjacent the operatively lower side wall of the base member 28 to adjacent the free end of the base panel 24, the two other side walls of the reinforcing member 32 being fixed to the base member 28 and base panel 24 respectively. the base module 22 further includes an elongate relatively narrow securing strip 34 whereby the base module 22 can be secured to a base framework 36 or 38 (see Figures 11.

and 52) thereby to anchor the base module 22 to the ground. The strip 34 extends a short distance from the operatively lower side of the base member 22 in a direction parallel to the base panel 24. The strip 34 defines an apertue 40 whereby a bolt 42 is receivable.

Each of the three free side walls 44 of the base panel defines an engaging member 46 which extends along the length thereof and constitutes an enlarged protruding rim formation 48 which in section is substantially pearshaped, and which defines a recess 50 adjacent and along the associated side 44 of the panel 24.

The houses 10 and 20 further include connecting members, a first 52 and a second 54 embodiment of which are shown in Figures 25 and 26 respectively. The connecting members 52,54 are of generally channel section, each defining a cavity 56 for receiving the engaging rim formations 48 of adjacent panels 24 in the manner shown in Figure 27.

Each of the cavities is in communication with the exterior via a relatively narrow passage 58 which is defined by inwardly projecting wall portions 60 receivable in the recesses 50 of the adjacent engaging rim formations 48.

The houses 10 and 20 include a second base module 62. The second base module 62 can be clearly seen in use in Figure 5 and differs from the first embodiment mainly in that its horizontal surface comprises two generally triangular sections to define the corners of the octagonal structures 10 and 20.

A third base module 74 can be seen in use in Figure 5. The base modules 74 define the bottom of a doorway 78, Figure 3 shows a door module 84 for a lower part of a door for the houses 10 and 20. The door module 84 comprises a panel according to the invention, having engaging formations 48 which are engageable by the connecting member 52. The upper part of the door comprises a wall/roof module 88, and further panels define the doorway.

Regarded in plan view, (see Figure 2) the roofs 96,98 of the houses 10 and 20 respectively comprise two portions, an outer portion 100 and an inner portion 102, the perimeters whereof define concentric octagonal figures.

The inner perimeter of the inner portion 102 of the roofs 96, defines an opening 104 at the apex 105 thereof.

The wall/roof modules are shown in use in Figures 1 to 4 and 6, and in detail in Figures 14 to 1 6. For rigidity, a centre region 110 of an outer surface of the panel 106 defines an elongate outward projection 114, and the inner surface 11 6 thereof defines a corresponding recess 118. The projection 114 defines condensation holes 1 20.

A window module 1 22 is shown in use in Figures 1,4,6 and 7. This module 122 is substantially the same as the wall/roof module 88 and is also for use in the walls 108 and/or roofs 96,98 of the houses 10 and 20, differing only in that it is moulded so as to include a frame 124 for receiving a sheet of glass 1 26 or the like. The frame 1 24 is pivotally displaceable from the remainder of the panel 106 to provide a closable window in the wall 108 or roof, 96,98 of the houses 10 and 20.The frame 1 24 has a peripheral, inwardly projecting flexible flap or lip 1 28 (see Figure 34) wherepy the sheet of glass 1 26 can merely be clipped into the frame 1 24 and be retained therein without the need for putty or the like.

The houses 10 and 20 include an outer roof module 1 30. The outer roof module 1 30 includes a substantially triangular panel 1 32 according to the invention comprising two integral parts 1 34 which are inclined to one another along a longitudinal axis to define an obtuse angle of about 150 . The peripheries of the panel parts 1 34 define engaging rim formations 48. In use, the outer roof modules 1 30 provide the eight corner sections of the outer portion 100 of the roofs 96,98. The roof module 1 30 can be seen in use in Figures 1 to 4,6 and 7, and in detail in Figures 1 7 to 20.

The houses 10 and 20 further include an inner roof module 1 36 for the inner roof portion 102 of the roofs 96,98. The roof module 1 36 includes an elongate, substantially triangular panel 1 38 according to the invention, comprising two integral parts 140 which are inclined to one another along a longitudinal axis to define an obtuse angle of about 150 . The outer peripheries of the panel parts 140 define the engaging rim formations 48;Each of the parts 1 40 has an end section 146 which is remote from the apex 105 of the roof 96,98 and is inclined to the remainder of the panel part 140 at an angle of about 128o. The inner roof module 1 36 can be seen in use in Figures 1 to 4 and 6, and in detail in Figures 21 to 24.

Although the house 10 is not partitioned internally, the house 20 includes an auxiliary partitioning module, by means of which partitions 1 54 are erected within the house 20.

In Figure 28, a first base framework 36 or spider is shown for the house 10, with eight pivotal legs 156 (ie 156.1 to 156.8) comprising steel bars or bars of other suitable material. Each of the free ends of two adjacent legs 156.7 and 156.8 have a further bar 158 bolted at an angle thereto. The further bars 1 58 are associated with the door-way 78 for the house 1 0. Cross bars 1 59 join the respective ends of the bars 1 58. The ends of the legs 1 56 and of the further bars 1 58 define apertures 1 60 wherethrough a bolt 42 is receivable for bolting the base modules 22,62 and 74 thereto (see Figure 11).

In the case of the house 20, two spiders are used, but two legs are omitted from each spider, and whereas the ends of two adjacentlegs 1 56 of the first of the spiders have further bars 1 58 bolted at an angle thereto, that are associated with the door-way 78 of the house 20, none of the legs 1 56 of the other of the spiders require the further bars 1 58.

Figure 31 shows a top end of a chimney 1 64 for the house 10 which is receivable through an opening 104 at the apex 105 of the roof 96, and which leads from a paraffin stove or the like (not shown) located in the middle of the floor 1 66 within the house 10 or 20.

A sink unit 1 68 for the houses 10 and 20 is shown in Figure 5 and in more detail in Figure 32 with a pivotal lid 170, an under surface whereof has a rack 72 for dishes or the like secured thereto. The unit 168 is located in an opening provided therefor through a panel 26 of an appropriate base module 24.

A toilet opening 1 74 for the houses 10 and 20 is shown in Figure 5, defined by a further panel 26. A toilet seat 176 and lid 178 and part of a container 1 80 for waste connected to and beneath the toilet opening 1 74 are shown in Figure 33.

Yet another panel 26 defines another opening. this time for a wash-hand basin 1 81 as shown in Figure 5. Furthermore a shower 1 90 is provided which, unlike the sink 168, to et 1 74 and wash-hand basin 181 does not comprise a suitably modified base module 22 or 62.

The houses 10 and 20 are erected as follows An adequate area of ground is cleared (for example a 3 metre circle is sufficient for the house 10).

For the house 10 the spider 36 is laid on the cleared area of ground and the legs 1 56 are pivoted to be equally spaced from one another. For the house 20, the "spiders" are laid on the cleared area of ground and at a suitable distance from one another, and the legs of the respective spiders are pivoted to be equally spaced from one another.

A bolt 42 is located through the aperture 160 at the free end of each leg 1 56 or further bar 158, and the lower panels hold the legs in position while a concrete bed 1 82 (see Figure 11) is laid over and around the legs so that the bolts 42 project upwardly therefrom.

The securing strips 34 of the base modules 22,62 and 74 are bolted via the bolts 42 to the ends of the spider legs 1 56.

The base modules 22,62 and 74 are connected together via the connecting members 52. The wall/roof modules 88 and the window modules 1 22 are connected to the free side walls of the panels 24,64 and 76 of the base modules 22,62 and 74, and to one another via further connecting modules 52, to erect the walls 108 of the houses 10 and 20.

Further wall/roof modules 88 and window modules 122, and outer roof modules 1 30 are connected to the free upper side walls of the wall/roof modules 88, and window modules 1 22 constituting the walls 108 of the houses 10 and 20, and to one another, once again via connecting members 52, to form the outer roof portion 100 of the houses 10 and 20. Then the inner roof modules (136 for the house 10, and 1 36 and 144 for the house 20) are connected to the free upper side walls of the outer roof modules 1 30 and the walls/roof modules 88 and window module 1 22 of the outer roof portion 100 and to one another to form the inner roof portion 102 adjacent the apex 105 of the roof 96,98.

Three partitions 1 54 are erected within the house 20 to provide a bathroom 1 84 and a bedroom 1 88 using, for each partition 154, wall/roof modules 88, a door module 84 and an auxiliary partitioning module 1 50. The upper surfaces 26.1 of the panels 24,64 and 76 are used for beds, seating accommodation, storage space, etc.

It will be appreciated and can be seen from the drawings, that the engaging formations 42 of panels according to the invention may protrude from the side walls thereof at any suitable angle, dependent mainly upon the desired relative location of adjacent panels/constructional elements.

Advantages of the invention, at least as exemplified, include its simplicity and versatility. Structures according to the invention comprise relatively very cheap constructional materials and can be erected swiftly with a minimum of labour, resulting in a further saving in cost.

Claims

1. A constructional element comprising a panel of stiff material having two surfaces that are opposed to one another and a plurality of linear edges, at least one of the edges defining an integral engaging formation along at least part of its length, whereby the panel may be attached to a similar panel having a complementary engaging formation by means of an elongate connecting member shaped to fit over the engaging formations and hold them together.

2. A constructional element according to claim 1 which is made from NIMS cement polymer material.

3. A constructional element according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the engaging formation is an extension of the edge of the panel having a rim along at least part of its length, the rim comprising a rounded enlargement of the edge of the panel and defining a recess adjacent the inner edge of the rim for receiving a part of the elongate connecting member.

4. A constructional element according to claim 3 in which the rim is formed on one surface only of the extension of the edge of the panel.

5. A constructional element according to claim 3 or claim 4 in which the rim is pearshaped in section.

6. A constructional element according to any one of claims 3 to 5 in which the rim tapers toward the edge of the extension;

7. A constructional element according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in which the elongate connecting member is a channel slideable over two adjacent engaging formations, the channel having inwardly projecting wall portions adjacent its open side for engaging the rims of the engaging formations.

8. A constructional element according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in whicn the elongate connecting member is made of NIMS material.

9. A modular structure constructed from a plurality of constructional elements, each constructional element comprising a panel, each panel being made of stiff material having two surfaces that are opposed to one another and a plurality of linear edges, at least one of the edges defining an integral engaging formation along at least part of its length, whereby the element may be attached to a similar element having a complementary engaging formation by means of an elongate connecting member shaped to fit over the engaging formations and hold them together, the elements being interconnected to form a polygonal structure by means of elongate connecting members engaged with engaging formations at the edges of adjacent elements.

1 0. A structure according to claim 9 which is octagonal.

11. A structure according to claim 9 or claim 10 including constructional elements in the form of cantilevered base modules comprising a generally horizontal panel supported by a generally vertical panel, with a reinforc ing member extending between the horizontal and vertical panels.

12. A structure according to claim 11 in which a domestic fixture such as a sink or toilet is provided in the horizontal panel.

1 3. A structure according to any one of claims 9 to 1 2 including a constructional element in the form of a wall panel having a window frame mounted therein.

14. A structure according to claim 1 3 in which the window frame is made of resilient material and includes a peripheral flexible flap for retaining a window pane.

1 5. A structure according to any one of claims 9 to 14 which is erected on a base framework comprising a plurality of radially spaced bars to which the lower wall panels or base modules of the structure are attached.

16. A structure according to any one of claims 9 to 1 5 in which the constructional elements are the constructional elements of any one of claims 1 to 8.

1 7. A constructional element substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of Figures 1 to 13, 34 to 41,43,44 and 49 to 58 of the accompanying drawings.

1 8. A modular structure substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of Figures 1 to 13, 34 to 41 to 44 and 49 to 58 of the accompanying drawings.