GB2510892A

GB2510892A - Roof assembly for a building and a building comprising the same

Info

Publication number: GB2510892A
Application number: GB1302795.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Martyn
Original assignee: Ten Fold Engineering Ltd
Current assignee: Ten Fold Engineering Ltd
Priority date: 2013-02-18
Filing date: 2013-02-18
Publication date: 2014-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2033-02-18
Also published as: WO2014125244A1; GB201302795D0; GB2510892B

Abstract

The expandable roof assembly 210 comprises a roof portion 212 and a support assembly 216. The support assembly supports the roof portion. The assembly moves from a retracted to expanded condition wherein between the two conditions the roof portions moves both horizontally and vertically. Preferably the change is reversible. The roof portion may comprise several parts which may overlap in the retracted and expanded conditions. The roof portion may be rotated during the changing between conditions or keep substantially the same orientation. Also included may be wall assemblies and support members. In the retracted condition the wall assemblies may be retracted into a stowed condition and unfolded as the roof assembly is expanded. There may be two wall components which are opposite each other in the expanded condition. The roof assembly may have a footprint in the retracted condition that the roof portions expand beyond in the expanded condition.

Description

ROOF ASSEMBLY FOR A BUILDING AND A BUILDING COMPRISING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a roof assembly for a building, in particular to a foldable roof assembly. The present invention further relates to a building comprising the root assembly.

House design and building methods are traditionally the result of evolution and the use of local materials. Site-built houses are the most basic example with most value being added by locally applied labour. Such houses seek to be durable and to be maintainable. Traditionally such houses are intended to provide shelter and, in recent years, to make increasingly efficient use of energy and other resources.

More recently, pre-fabrication of the key components of such houses has introduced production line techniques to house building, often in the form of panel builds and complete root cassettes. This has now been extended to volume build methods, whereby the whole building, albeit on linkable modular torm, is constructed away from the site and transported to the site tor erection and installation. In parallel to this mainstream house building sector, the mobile/static home (park home) has often been used because of its comparatively low cost and ease ot deployment.

Such houses are generally placed in close juxtaposition and are neither durable nor easily financed.

As the cost of housing in many countries continues to rise, the ability of buyers to raise adequate resources to purchase a house has continued to tall. As a result there are whole sectors ot communities which are unable to own property or even to find affordable rental properties, especially in convenient locations. In order to address this problem, it is necessary to make available to such sectors housing which offers the quality ot a built home while maintaining the overheads structure of a park home. Such a design, it it can be made durable and repairable, will retain its value and may be relocated at any time onto more suitable or more available land.

There is a need for an improved design of building that is cost etfective to construct and erect. Preferably, the building is formed from an assembly that can be

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easily transported, most preferably by road, to the site and erected or deployed with minimum time and effort. Such assemblies advantageously are expandable, such that the assembly may be converted into a building having a larger interior volume when installed than when being transported.

Building structures have one or more collapsible or folding sections are known in the art. Examples of such assemblies are disclosed in the following: US 3,360,891 discloses an extendable portable house. The building comprises a floor, a roof and a plurality of walls, of largely conventional arrangement.

To allow the building to be expanded, a wall is provided with a foldable floor member for providing the floor of the expanded portion of the building, the foldable floor member being hingedly attached to the building and able to fold down from a vertical position to a horizontal position. Foldable wall members are provided comprising a plurality of hingedly attached panels. The wall members are hingedly attached to the floor member. A moveable covering member forms part of the wall of the building, when in the collapsed condition, and a covering for the expanded portion of the building.

US 3,383,880 concerns a folding house trailer. The trailer comprises box-like end sections pivotably mounted to the floor of the trailer. The end sections when folded nest within each other. The end sections when extended form the end portions of the building. Foldable side walls and a foldable roof are provided, which nest within the end sections, when in the folded state, and can be extended to complete the side walls and roof between the extended end sections.

A foldable mobile house is described and shown in US 3,862,526. The house is provided collapsed into a conventional trailer box-like shape for transportation by road. The house comprises components for being unfolded to form an A-frame construction. In particular, the house comprises a base support structure forming a floor member. A foldable floor extension structure is provided with a hinge member, allowing the floor extension to move in a place parallel to the base. A plurality of side wall members are provided which, in the transportable position lie perpendicular to the base and, in the deployed position, lie at an angle to the base to form an A-frame configuration. Seals are provided along the edges of the side wall members.

US 3,983,665 discloses a foldable and transportable building. The building is provided in two folded assemblies, each forming one half of the completed building.

The building comprises side walls, foldable end walls and foldable roof sections. In their unfolded position, these sections form a saw-tooth configuration.

An expandable mobile building is also disclosed in US 4,155,204. The building is transportable in its collapsed state, in particular forming a trailer for an articulated vehicle. The building comprises a central, generally rectangular container body, from which booms may be extended to provide means to deploy the building into its extended state and provide support for the walls and roof members. Floor, roof and wall sections are provided in a collapsed state vertically at the sides of the container. These sections are extended laterally of the container and are supported by the booms. Additional support is provided by legs extending from the outermost wall sections to the ground, when the building is fully extended.

US 4,653,412 discloses a similar foldable building transportable in the form of a stackable container. The container may be deployed from its trailer after transportation to the site by means of jacks. A plurality of foldable, hinged members are held in a vertical orientation within the container in the collapsed state. These members are deployed from the sides of the container to form the floor, side walls and roof of the building. Booms extending from the container are used to deploy the structure.

A transportable modular house is described and shown in US 5,094,048. The house is of a fixed construction and is transportable on a trailer. A rotatable bearing is mounted between the house and the trailer, allowing the house to rotate with respect to the trailer. Each corner of the house is provided with an extensible supporting member for raising and lowering the house onto the trailer for transportation. The house is generally elongate in shape and the trailer is first introduced under the house in a transverse orientation. The support members are raised, lowering the house onto the trailer. The bearing is use to rotate the house to align with the trailer, for transport by road.

US 5,170,901 discloses a transportable construction element in the form of a container. The container comprises a hinged panel moveable between a closed position, in which the panel extends vertically at the side of the container, and an open position, in which the panel extends horizontally from the floor of the container.

An internal structure comprising an upper or roof panel, a front panel and two side panels is moveable between an inserted position, in which it lies within the container, and an extended position, in which it lies on the hinged panel, with the hinged panel forming a floor for the internal structure. A container may comprise two such assemblies, one extendable from each side of the container.

An expandable/retractable portable structure is shown and described in is us 5,265,394. In its retracted position, the structure is able to be transported on public highways. The structure comprises a stationary or fixed portion and a moveable portion. The moveable portion is pivotally attached to the fixed portion. In the retracted position, the moveable portion encloses the fixed portion. In the expanded position, the moveable portion and stationary portion together provide the structure. A winch is provided to move the moveable portion between the expanded and retracted positions. In particular, the moveable portion comprises three sections, the first section forming a floor member in the expanded position and overlying a side of the stationary portion in the retracted position. The second section forms a wall when expanded and overlies the roof of the stationary portion, when retracted.

Finally, the third section of the moveable portion forms a roof when expanded and overlies and encloses the opposing side of the stationary portion when retracted.

A foldable portable building is described and shown in US 5,596,844. The building is arranged to collapse and fit within a internationally standardised goods container. The building comprises a plurality of roof, floor and wall members arranged to fold into the container, so as to lie vertically therewithin. The roof and floor members lie outermost and are extendible to form the floor and roof of the building. A plurality of wall members are interconnected so as to extend in a concertina manner from within the container, to complete the building.

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More recently, UK patent application No. 0B1215935.6 describes an expandable building assembly having a retracted condition, in which the roof of the building has a first area, and an extended condition, in which the roof of the building has a second area, the second area being greater than the first. The assembly comprises a roof portion; and means for displacing and rotating the roof portion between the retracted condition and the expanded condition; whereby in the retracted condition, the roof portion is in a first position and at a first orientation, and in the extended condition, the roof portion is in a second position and at a second orientation, wherein the second position is displaced from the first position and the second orientation is rotated with respect to the first orientation.

Similarly, UK patent application No. GB1 215928.1 discloses an expandable building assembly having a roof assembly. The roof assembly comprises a roof member movable between a retracted position and an expanded position. When moving from the retracted position to the expanded position, a first edge of the roof member is raised first. Thereafter, a second edge of the roof member, opposite the first edge, is raised, to place the roof member in the expanded position.

There is a general need for an improved assembly for reversibly expanding the volume of a structure, in particular a building. For example, there is a need for an improved arrangement of foldable building assembly, which is simple to construct, can be transported by road to the required location, is simple and quick to deploy and provides sufficient accommodation when extended. It would also be useful if the assembly could have more general applications and be used in a wide variety of moveable and stationary buildings and installations. In particular, there is a need for a roof assembly for such a building that may be expanded in a reversible manner.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an expandable roof assembly for a building, the roof assembly having a retracted condition and an extended condition, the roof assembly being movable between the retracted and extended condition, the roof assembly comprising: a roof portion; and a support assembly for supporting the roof portion in the extended condition; wherein the roof portion is displaced both vertically and horizontally when moving between the retracted and extended conditions.

The present invention concerns a roof assembly for use with a building.

Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a building comprising a roof assembly as hereinbefore defined and described hereafter.

References herein to a building' are references to any structure that requires a temporary or permanent roof, part or all of the roof being provided by the roof portion of the assembly. The building may be a permanent structure. Alternatively, the building may be a temporary structure.

The assembly of the present invention comprises a roof portion that may be deployed between an extended condition and a retracted condition. In the extended position, the roof portion provides the building with a roof. In one embodiment, the roof portion forms the roof of the building, that is in the extended condition, the roof of the building consists essentially of the roof portion. In an alternative embodiment, the roof portion increases the area of a pre-existing roof of the building. In such a case, the roof portion may be contiguous with the pre-existing roof of the building or may provide an additional but separate roof area.

In the retracted condition, the roof portion may provide part or all of the roof of the building to which the assembly is mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the roof portion provides substantially the entire roof of the building when in the retracted condition.

The roof portion has a major surface that is presented uppermost when the roof portion is in the extended position and forms the outer surface of the roof. The roof portion of the assembly of the present invention is a rigid structure. The roof portion may be formed with any suitable rigid arrangement. The roof portion is preferably of a light weight construction, allowing it to be easily moved and positioned.

The roof portion of the assembly of the present invention is moveable between a retracted condition and an extended condition. The roof portion may simply be moveable from the retracted condition to the extended condition. More preferably, the assembly is such that the roof portion is reversibly moveable between the retracted condition and the extended condition, in particular being moved from each of the retracted condition and the extended condition to the other a plurality of times.

The roof portion may be in any suitable orientation in the retracted condition.

In one preferred embodiment, the roof portion is substantially horizontal when in the retracted condition.

The roof portion may be in any suitable orientation when in the extended condition, such that the roof portion forms part or all of the roof of the building. In one embodiment, the roof portion is substantially horizontal when in the extended condition. In an alternative embodiment, the roof portion is inclined when in the extended condition, that is presents its uppermost surface at an angle to the horizontal. The roof portion may be inclined at any suitable angle to the horizontal, for example to provide for adequate run off of water, such as rain water, that gathers on the roof. For example, the roof portion may extend at an angle of from 5°to 50°to the horizontal when in the extended condition, more preferably from 5°to 400, still more preferably from 10°to 300, more preferably stillfrom 15°to 25°. The particular angle of the roof portion is determined by the arrangement of the support assembly, details of which are described hereinafter. A wide range of roof angles are possible, depending upon the design and configuration of the support assembly.

In one embodiment, the roof portion is at the same orientation in both the retracted and extended conditions, more preferably with the roof portion remaining in substantially the same orientation when moving between the retracted condition and the extended condition and simply be displaced both vertically and laterally when moving therebetween.

In one preferred embodiment, the roof portion is substantially horizontal in both the retracted condition and the extended conditions, more preferably with the roof portion remaining substantially horizontal when moving between the retracted and extended conditions.

Alternatively, the root portion may be at a ditferent orientation, in particular at a ditterent inclination to the horizontal, in the retracted condition to that of the extended condition. In this respect, the root portion can be considered to rotate when moving between the retracted and extended conditions. In one embodiment, the root portion is substantially horizontal in the retracted condition and is inclined to the horizontal when in the extended condition. In this embodiment, the orientation ot the root portion changes as it moves between the retracted and extended conditions.

The root portion may take any suitable shape or torm. Preterably, the root portion is generally planar, more particularly in the form of a panel, more preferably a flat panel having a single, planar major surface facing upwards when in the extended condition.

The root portion may comprise a single root component, for example a single panel. Alternatively, the root portion may comprise a plurality ot roof components, such as two or more roof components, for example a plurality ot panels. In the extended condition, each roof component has a surface that is presented uppermost and forms a part of the root of the building.

Preferably, the plurality of roof components move together between the retracted condition and the extended condition. The root components may be in a fixed position relative to each other in both the retracted condition and the extended condition. Alternatively, as described in more detail below, the roof components may move relative to one another when the roof portion moves between the retracted condition and the extended condition. In particular, the roof components may move parallel to one another when moving between the retracted and extended conditions.

In the extended condition, the roof components combine to form a single roof portion, which in turn torms part or all of the roof of the building. The roof portion is preferably provided with one or more seals between the adjacent roof components, in particular to prevent the ingress of water between the roof components and through the root in the extended condition.

In embodiments in which the root portion comprises a plurality of roof components, the roof components may be contiguous in either one or both of the retracted and the extended conditions. In one preferred embodiment, the roof portion comprises a first roof component and a second roof component, with the first roof component overlapping the second roof component in one or both of the retracted condition and the extended condition.

In a particularly preferred arrangement, the first roof component overlaps the second roof component in both the retracted condition and the extended condition.

The degree of overlap of the roof components may vary between the retracted and extended conditions, in particular decrease as the roof components move from the retracted to the extended conditions.

It has been found that having the first and second roof components overlap in the extended condition allows for an improved seal to be provided between the two components, thereby making it easier to form a waterproof roof portion in the extended condition.

The degree of overlap of the first and second roof components may remain constant, that is be the same in both the retracted condition and the extended condition. More preferably, the degree of overlap of the first and second roof components is different in the retracted condition to the extended condition.

In one preferred arrangement, the first roof component overlaps the second roof component by a first amount in the retracted condition and a second amount in the extended condition, with the first amount being greater than the second. In this embodiment, the first and second components move relative to one another when moving between the retracted condition and the extended condition. More particularly, the first and/or the second root components move in a direction away from the other component when moving from the retracted condition to the extended condition, thereby reducing the overlap between the components.

Third and further root components may be provided in the roof portion, in analogous manner to that described above for the tirst and second components.

The area of the root portion may be the same in both the retracted and extended conditions. Alternatively, the area of the root portion may be different in the retracted condition to that of the extended condition. More particularly the area of the root portion may be greater in the extended condition than in the retracted condition. The arrangement described above, with the roof components overlapping in the retracted condition, is one embodiment in which the roof portion may increase in area as it moves from the retracted condition to the extended condition.

The root assembly may be considered as having a footprint when in the retracted condition, that is the area covered by or beneath the roof assembly when in the retracted condition. In one preferred embodiment, the roof portion extends to some or, more preferably all, of the edges of the footprint in the retracted condition.

In this way, the roof portion protects the entire roof assembly when in the retracted condition, which is advantageous for example when transporting the assembly and during the deployment procedure.

In one embodiment, the roof portion extends beyond at least some of the edges of the footprint when in the extended condition. This is particularly the case when the area of the roof portion increases as the roof portion moves trom the retracted to the extended condition. Having the roof portion extend beyond the footprint of the roof assembly may be advantageous, tor example to provide an extended eave to a building, as described in more detail below.

In one preferred embodiment, the roof portion extends to all of the edges of the building assembly to which the roof assembly is mounted in the retracted condition. In this way, the roof portion acts to protect the side walls of the building assembly in the retracted condition. In such embodiments in which the area of the roof portion increases when moving to the extended condition, the result of this arrangement is that the roof portion extends substantially beyond some or all of the walls ot the building assembly, in particular to provide an extended eave of the root assembly. This may be preferred for many buildings from a design point of view. In addition, this arrangement allows the roof portion to provide shade to the sides of the building. This is of particular advantage when the sides of the building are glazed and/or provided with windows therein.

In general, having the area of the roof portion increase when moving from the retracted to the extended condition also allows the roof assembly to capture more rain, when extended and deployed. This may be advantageous, in particular for self-sufficient, transportable building assemblies.

The roof portion may have any suitable or desired shape. In one preferred embodiment, the roof portion is substantially rectangular. However, the roof portion may be provided in other shapes. In embodiments in which the roof portion comprises a single component, the shape of the roof portion remains fixed when moving between the retracted and extended conditions. In embodiments in which the roof portion comprises a plurality of components, the components may have the same shape or different shapes. In such embodiments, the roof portion may retain substantially the same shape in moving from the retracted to the extended condition, possibly with the area of the roof portion changing, as noted above. Alternatively, the shape of the roof portion may change in moving between the retracted condition and the extended condition, in particular as a result of one roof component moving relative to another roof component. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of roof components is generally rectangular. However, other, different shapes of roof component may also be envisaged, as required or dictated by the form of the roof to be provided in the extended condition.

The roof assembly of the present invention further comprises a support assembly for supporting the roof portion in the extended condition. The support assembly may also support the roof portion when in the retracted condition.

Alternatively, the roof portion may be supported by an alternative structure, such as a roof base structure, when in the retracted condition.

The support assembly may be any suitable form of assembly for supporting the roof portion in the extended condition. The support assembly preferably supports the roof portion while the roof portion is moving between the retracted condition and the extended condition. The support assembly may support the roof portion when in the retracted condition. Alternatively, the roof portion may be supported by another component or structure, for example another part of the building. The support assembly may move between a retracted condition and an extended condition.

In one embodiment, the support assembly comprises one or more support members. The one or more support members are preferably movable between a retracted condition and an extended condition, more preferably moving with the roof portion as the roof portion moves between the aforesaid conditions.

The or each support may be in any suitable position and orientation to support the roof portion. In one embodiment, the or each support member is substantially horizontal when the roof portion is in the retracted condition. When in the extended condition, the or each support member may extend at any suitable angle to the horizontal, so as to support the roof portion in the extended condition.

For example, each support member may extend substantially vertical when the roof portion is in the extended condition. Alternatively, each support member may extend at an angle to the vertical when the roof portion is in the extended condition. In one embodiment, the support assembly comprises a plurality of support members, with all of the support members extending substantially vertically in the extended condition.

In an alternative embodiment, the support assembly comprises a plurality of support members, with one or more first support members extending substantially vertically in the extended condition and one or more second support members extending at an angle to the vertical in the extended condition.

In one preferred embodiment, the support assembly comprises one or more support members pivotally mounted, such that the support member pivots as the roof portion moves between the retracted condition and the extended condition, in particular rotating about the pivot as the support member moves. Each support member may be pivotally mounted at one end, more preferably pivotally mounted at both ends thereof.

The assembly of the present invention may further comprise one or more wall components. The or each wall component is moveable between a stowed position, when the roof assembly is in the retracted condition, and a deployed position, when the roof assembly is in the extended condition. Preferably, the assembly comprises sufficient wall components for the assembly to form a complete enclosure with the roof portion when in the extended condition, more preferably to thereby increase the interior volume of the building.

The or each wall component may be stowed in any suitable position and orientation. Preferably, the or each wall component is arranged to unfold from the stowed position to the deployed position. More particularly, the or each wall component is arranged to pivot about an edge thereof, for example by means of one or more hinge assemblies, preferably about a lower edge of the wall component.

With the assembly in the retracted condition, the or each wall component may lie in any suitable orientation. In one preferred arrangement, the or each wall component lies below the roof portion when the assembly is in the retracted condition. In one preferred embodiment, the or each wall component lies substantially horizontally.

In order to minimise the space occupied by the assembly when in the retracted condition, it is preferred that the roof portion and one or more wall components overlie one another, either partially or wholly, preferably arranged horizontally. In embodiments in which the assembly comprises a plurality of opposing wall components, that is wall components forming opposite walls of the assembly when in the extended condition, it is preferred that each opposing wall component comprises one or more wall portions, with the wall portion of one wall component lying adjacent a wall portion of the opposing wall component in the retracted condition. In one embodiment, each of the opposing wall components comprises a plurality of spaced apart wall portions, with the wall portions of the opposing wall components forming an interlocking pattern when in the retracted condition, that is with a wall portion of one wall component lying adjacent one or more wall portions of the opposing wall component.

In one such embodiment, each wall portion is preferably provided with a moveable wall segment that overlies the wall portion in the stowed position and is moveable to abut the adjacent wall portion in the deployed position. Each wall segment may be moveable by being slidable or pivotable relative to its respective wall portion. In one embodiment, the wall segment forms a window in the wall component when in the extended condition.

In the extended condition of the assembly, each wall component may extend at any suitable angle. In one preferred embodiment, each wall component extends substantially vertically in the extended condition. However, the or each wall component may extend at other angles, depending upon the design and form of the assembly in the extended condition.

As noted above, the roof assembly comprises a support assembly, for supporting the roof portion when in the extended condition. The wall components may be provided to support the roof portion when in the extended condition. For example, the support assembly may provide sufficient temporary support to the roof portion in the extended condition, while one or more of the wall components are moved into the extended condition, in which they act as supports for the roof portion.

The support assembly may be left in place when the wall components are in the extended condition. Alternatively, the support assembly may be removed or retracted, with the roof portion being wholly supported by one or more wall components.

In an alternative arrangement, one or more of the support members may also form a wall component, when the roof assembly is in the extended condition.

An advantage of the roof assembly of the present invention is that when in the retracted condition, the components may be arranged to occupy a minimum volume, while in the expanded condition, the assembly can provide an assembly having an interior volume that is significant and, if desired, can be entirely enclosed. In one embodiment, the roof assembly is modular in form. In particular, the roof assembly is in the form of a module having the aforementioned roof portion, support assembly and, optionally, one or more wall components.

In a preferred embodiment, the roof assembly comprises a base assembly.

The roof portion, support assembly and wall components, if present, lie on or within the base assembly in the retracted condition. In the extended condition, the support assembly preferably extends between the base assembly and the roof portion.

Similarly, the or each wall component may extend between the base assembly and the roof portion in the extended condition. The base assembly may have any suitable form, for example comprising a frame of base members, with the roof portion, support assembly and, if present, wall components lying on the base members or within the volume defined by the base members, when in the retracted condition.

The assembly of the present invention may further comprise means to move the roof portion between the retracted condition and the extended condition. Any suitable means may be employed to move the roof portion. For example, the roof portion and other portions of the assembly may be moved by means of an arrangement of cables and/or levers. Drive to the means for moving the roof portion may be any suitable means, for example one or more electric motors. Alternatively, drive for moving the roof portion and other components of the assembly may be provide manually, for example directly to the components or by way of a drive mechanism, such as a jack, screw or the like. The roof portion and other components of the assembly may be moved singly or two or more components may be moved together, simultaneously by the drive means.

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Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 a and lb show a side view and a perspective view of one embodiment of the roof assembly of the present invention in a retracted condition; Figures 2a and 2b show a side view and a perspective view of the roof assembly of Figures 1 a and lb in a first partially extended condition; Figures 3a and 3b show a side view and a perspective view of the roof assembly of Figures la and lb in a second partially extended condition; Figures 4a and 4b show a side view and a perspective view of the roof assembly of Figures 1 a and lb in a third partially extended condition; Figures 5a and 5b show a side view and a perspective view of the roof assembly of Figures 1 a and lb in a fourth partially extended condition; Figures 6a and Gb show a side view and a perspective view of the roof assembly of Figures 1 a and lb in a sixth partially extended condition; Figures 7a and 7b show an end view and a side view of the roof assembly of Figures 1 a and lb in an extended condition; Figures 8a and 8b show an end view and a side view of a roof assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a retracted condition; Figures 9a and 9b show an end view and a side view of the roof assembly of Figure 8 in a first partially extended condition; Figures 1 Oa and lOb show an end view and a side view of the roof assembly of Figure 8 in a second partially extended condition; Figures 11 a and 11 b show an end view and a side view of the roof assembly of Figure 8 in a third partially extended condition; Figures 1 2a and 1 2b show an end view and a side view of the roof assembly of Figure 8 in a first partially extended condition; Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the roof assembly of Figure 8 in an extended condition; Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of Figure 8 in the retracted condition; Figures 1 5a and 1 Sb show a side view and an end view of a further embodiment of the roof assembly of the present invention in a retracted condition; Figures 1 6a and 1 6b show a side view and an end view of the roof assembly of Figures iSa and 15b in afirst partially extended condition; Figures 1 7a and 1 7b show a side view and an end view of the roof assembly of Figures 15a and 15b in a second partially extended condition; Figures 1 Ba and 1 Sb show a side view and an end view of the roof assembly of Figures 15a and 15b in a third partially extended condition; Figures 1 Ya and 1 Yb show a side view and an end view of the roof assembly of Figures 15a and 15b in a fourth partially extended condition; Figures 20a and 20b show a side view and an end view of the roof assembly of Figures iSa and 15b in a fully extended condition; Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the roof assembly of Figures 15a and 1 Sb in a retracted condition, with the roof portion removed for clarity; Figure 22 corresponds to the perspective view of Figure 21 with the assembly in a first partially extended condition; Figure 23 corresponds to the perspective view of Figure 21 with the assembly in a second partially extended condition; Figure 24 corresponds to the perspective view of Figure 21 with the assembly in a fully extended condition.

Referring first to Figures 1 to 7, there is shown a roof assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The roof assembly is generally indicated as 2. The roof assembly 2 is shown in Figures la and lb in a retracted condition and in Figures 7a and 7b in an extended condition. Figures 2 to 6 show the roof assembly 2 in partially extended conditions and represent a sequence of the roof assembly moving from the retracted condition of Figure 1 to the extended condition of Figure 7.

The roof assembly 2 comprises a generally rectangular base assembly 4 comprising opposing side base members 6 and opposing end base members 8. The side and end base members 6, 8 define an inner base cavity.

The roof assembly 2 further comprises a roof portion 10 comprising a single roof component 12 in the form of a generally rectangular roof panel. As shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b, in the retracted condition, the roof component 12 overlies the base assembly 4. In the embodiment shown, the shape and area of the roof portion is the same as that of the base assembly 4.

The roof assembly 2 further comprises a support assembly, generally indicated as 14. The support assembly 14 comprises a plurality of elongate support members 16. In the embodiment shown, there are four support members, arranged in two pairs: a pair of first support members 1 Ga and a pair of second support members 1 6b. The support members 16 of each pair are arranged symmetrically on the opposing sides of the roof assembly. As shown in Figure 2a, the first support members 1 Ga are of a first, shorter length and the second support members 1Gb are of a second, longer length. As a result of the dissimilar lengths of the support members 16a, 16b, the roof portion 10 is oriented horizontally in the retracted condition, as shown in Figure 1 a and is inclined in the extended condition, shown in Figure 7b.

The support members 1 6a, 1 6b are pivotably mounted to the corresponding side base member G at one end and to the roof component 12 at the other end.

The roof assembly 2 further comprises wall components 18, in particular side wall components 1 8a and end wall components 1 Sb. Each wall component 18 may comprise window and/or door openings, as required for the final form of the building with the roof assembly in the extended condition. Each wall component 18 is hingedly mounted to the base assembly 4. In the retracted condition, as shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b, the wall components 18 lie within the inner cavity of the base assembly 4 and below the roof portion 10.

In operation, the roof portion lOis raised from the retracted condition shown in Figures la and lb by rotation of the support members 16a, 1Gb, indicated by the arrows A in Figures 2a, 3a and 4a. The roof portion 10 passes through the first and second partially extended conditions shown in Figures 2 and 3 to its extended position shown in Figures 4a and 4b.

The wall components 18 are rotated upwards, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, from within the base assembly 4 to a vertical position, as indicated by arrow B in Figure 5a. The wall components may be moved from their retracted condition either while the roof portion is being moved to its extended condition or once the roof portion has reached its extended condition.

The roof assembly 2 is moved from the extended condition of Figure 7 to the retracted condition of Figure 1 in the reverse manner to that described above.

As can be seen from Figures 1 to 7, in moving from the retracted condition to the extended condition, the roof portion lOis both raised vertically from the base assembly 4 and is translated horizontally relative to the base assembly 4.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 13, there is shown a roof assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The roof assembly is generally indicated as 102. The roof assembly 102 is shown in Figures 8a and Sb in a retracted condition and in Figure 13 in an extended condition. Figures 9 to 12 show the roof assembly 102 in partially extended conditions and represent a sequence of the roof assembly moving from the retracted condition of Figure 8 to the extended condition of Figure 13.

The roof assembly 102 comprises a generally rectangular base assembly 104 comprising opposing side base members 106 and opposing end base members 108.

The side and end base members 106, 108 define an inner base cavity.

The roof assembly 102 further comprises a roof portion 110 comprising a pair of roof components 11 2a and 11 2b. Each roof component 11 2a, 11 2b is in the form of a generally rectangular roof panel. As shown in Figures 8a and Sb, in the retracted condition, the roof components 1 12a, 112b overlie the base assembly 104.

In the embodiment shown, the shape and area of the roof portion 110 in the retracted condition is the same as that of the base assembly 104. In particular, it will be noted that the roof components 11 2a, 11 2b extend to and cover the side and end base members 106, 108. In this way, the roof portion 110 acts to cover and protect the components of the assembly within the inner base cavity, for example during storage, transport and deployment.

The roof components 11 2a, 11 2b overlap in the retracted condition, as shown in Figure 8b. In particular, an end portion of the roof component 1 12a overlies an end portion of the roof component 11 2b. The roof components 11 2a, 11 2b are free to move with respect to each other, in particular to slide relative to each other.

The roof assembly 102 further comprises a support assembly, generally indicated as 114. The support assembly 114 comprises a plurality of elongate support members 116. The support members 116 are arranged into two groups, with support members 11 6a forming a first group and being arranged to support the roof component 11 2a and the support members 11 6b forming a second group and being arranged to support the roof component 11 2b. The support members 11 6a, 11Gb are of the same length. In this way, both roof components 11 2a and 11 2b are oriented substantially horizontally in both the retracted condition and the extended condition.

The support members 11 6a, 11 6b are deployed on each side of the roof assembly 102. The support members 11 6a, 11 6b are pivotably mounted to a corresponding side base member 106 at one end and to the respective roof component 11 2a, 11 2b at the other end.

The root assembly 102 further comprises wall components 118, in particular side wall components 11 Ba and end wall components 11 Sb. Each wall component 118 may comprise window and/or door openings, as required tor the final torm of the building with the root assembly in the extended condition. Each wall component 118 is hingedly mounted to the base assembly 104. In the retracted condition, as shown in Figures Ba and 8b, the wall components 118 lie within the inner cavity of the base assembly 104 and below the roof portion 110.

In operation, the roof portion 110 is raised trom the retracted condition shown in Figures Ba and 8b by rotation of the support members 11 Ga, 11Gb, indicated by the arrows C in Figures 9b, and lob. The roof portion 110 passes through the partially extended conditions shown in Figures 9 and 10 to its extended position shown in Figure 11. The movement of the root portion 110 causes each root component 11 2a, ll2bto be moved both vertically and horizontally. The support members llGa, 116b are arranged rotate in opposite directions, as indicated by the arrows C in the figures.

As a result, as shown in Figures 9a and 1 Oa, as the root portion 110 is raised, the roof components 11 2a and 11 2b are moved horizontally in opposite directions, that is towards opposing ends of the root assembly 102. The roof components 11 2a, 11 2b remain substantially horizontal throughout their movement. In the embodiment shown in the tigures, the entire root portion is raised in a single movement, causing the root components 11 2a, 11 2b to rise together. Due to their horizontal movement being in opposite directions, the roof components 11 2a, 11 2b slide with respect to each other, such that the overlap between the root components is reduced. As a result, the area of the root portion 110 in the extended condition is greater than that of the root portion in the retracted condition. As can be seen in Figure 11, the roof components 11 2a and 11 2b extend well beyond their respective ends 108 ot the base 104. In this way, the root portion 110 provides extended eaves to the building when in the extended condition.

A seal assembly 120 is disposed between the roof components 11 2a, 11 2b to prevent water ingress between the components.

The wall components 118 are rotated upwards, as shown in Figures 1 2a and 12b, from within the base assembly 104 to a vertical position, as indicated by arrow D in Figure 1 2a. The wall components 118 may be moved from their retracted condition either while the root portion 110 is being moved to its extended condition or once the roof portion has reached its extended condition. As shown in Figure 11 a, an end wall component 11 8b is connected to and raised with the endmost support members 116a.

The root assembly 102 is moved from the extended condition ot Figure 13 to the retracted condition of Figure 8 in the reverse manner to that described above.

IReterring to Figure 14, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the roof assembly of Figure Sin the retracted condition. The view in Figure 14 shows the arrangement ot the components in the retracted condition. In particular, as can be seen, the roof component 11 2a overlies the base assembly 104. The wall components liSa are lying substantially horizontally within the interior cavity ot the base assembly 104 and overlie one another.

Reterring now to Figures 15 to 24, there is shown a root assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The roof assembly is generally indicated as 202 and has the same general configuration and mode ot operation as the second embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 14 and described above. The roof assembly 202 is shown in Figures 1 5a and 1 Sb in a retracted condition and in Figures 20a and 2Db in an extended condition. Figures 16 to 19 show the root assembly 202 in partially extended conditions and represent a sequence ot the roof assembly moving trom the retracted condition of Figure 15 to the extended condition of Figure 20. Figures 21 to 24 show perspective views ot the roof assembly 202, with the root portions removed for clarity, to show the arrangement and operation of the wall components.

The roof assembly 202 comprises a generally rectangular base assembly 204 comprising opposing side base members 206 and opposing end base members 208.

The side and end base members 206, 208 define an inner base cavity.

The roof assembly 202 further comprises a roof portion 210 comprising a pair of roof components 212a and 212b. Each roof component 212a, 212b is in the form of a generally rectangular roof panel. As shown in Figures 1 5a and 1 5b, in the retracted condition, the roof components 212a, 212b overlie the base assembly 204.

In the embodiment shown, the shape and area of the roof portion 210 in the retracted condition is the same as that of the base assembly 204. In particular, it will be noted that the roof components 212a, 212b extend to and cover the side and end base members 206, 208. In this way, the roof portion 210 acts to cover and protect the components of the assembly within the inner base cavity, for example during storage, transport and deployment.

The roof components 212a, 212b overlap in the retracted condition, as shown in Figure 15b. In particular, an end portion of the roof component 212a overlies an end portion of the roof component 212b. The roof components 212a, 212b are free to move with respect to each other, in particular to slide relative to each other.

The roof assembly 202 further comprises a support assembly, generally indicated as 214. The support assembly 214 comprises a plurality of elongate support members 216. The support members 216 are arranged into two groups, with support members 216a forming a first group and being arranged to support the roof component 212a and the support members 216b forming a second group and being arranged to support the roof component 21 2b. The support members 21 6a, 21 6b are of the same length. In this way, both roof components 212a and 212b are oriented substantially horizontally in both the retracted condition and the extended condition.

The support members 216a, 216b are deployed on each side of the roof assembly 202. The support members 216a, 216b are pivotably mounted to a corresponding side base member 206 at one end and to the respective roof component 212a, 212b at the other end.

The roof assembly 202 further comprises wall components 218, in particular side wall components 218a and end wall components 218b. Each wall component 218 comprises window and/or door openings, as required for the final form of the building with the roof assembly in the extended condition. Each wall component 218 is hingedly mounted to the base assembly 204. In the retracted condition, as shown in Figures 1 5a and 1 5b, the wall components 218 lie within the inner cavity of the base assembly 204 and below the roof portion 210.

In operation, the roof portion 210 is raised from the retracted condition shown in Figures 15a and 15b by rotation of the support members 216a, 21Gb, indicated by the arrows C in Figures 1 Ga, and 1 7a. The roof portion 210 passes through the partially extended condition shown in Figure 16 to its extended position shown in Figure 17. The movement of the roof portion 210 causes each roof component 212a, 2l2bto be moved both vertically and horizontally. The support members 216a, 216b are arranged rotate in opposite directions, as indicated by the arrows C in the figures.

As a result, as shown in Figures 16b and 17b, as the roof portion 210 is raised, the roof components 21 2a and 21 2b are moved horizontally in opposite directions, that is towards opposing ends of the roof assembly 202. The roof components 21 2a, 21 2b remain substantially horizontal throughout their movement. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the entire roof portion is raised in a single movement, causing the roof components 212a, 2l2bto rise together.

Due to their horizontal movement being in opposite directions, the roof components 212a, 212b slide with respect to each other, such that the overlap between the roof components is reduced. As a result, the area of the roof portion 210 in the extended condition is greater than that of the roof portion in the retracted condition. As can be seen in Figure 18b, the roof components 212a and 212b extend well beyond their respective ends 208 of the base 204. In this way, the roof portion 210 provides extended eaves to the building when in the extended condition.

A plurality of seal assemblies 220 is disposed between the roof components 21 2a, 21 2b to prevent water ingress between the components.

The wall components 218 are rotated upwards, as shown in Figures 12a and 12b, from within the base assembly 204 to a vertical position, as indicated by arrow D in Figure 18a. The wall components 218 may be moved from their retracted condition either while the root portion 210 is being moved to its extended condition or once the roof portion has reached its extended condition. As shown in Figure 1 6a, an end wall component 218b is connected to and raised with the endmost support members 216a.

The embodiment of Figures 15 to 24 differs from that of the second embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 14 in the arrangement and form of the wall components 218, in particular the side wall components 218. The form and operation of the side wall components 21 8a is shown in more detail in Figures 21 to 24, which show perspective views of the assembly of Figures 15 to 20 with the roof portion removed for clarity.

Referring to Figure 21, the side wall components 21 Ba are shown lying horizontally within the cavity of the base 204. Each opposing side wall component 21 Ba comprises a plurality of wall portions 230. The wall portions 230 are spaced apart and arranged on the side wall components 21 8a in an alternating pattern, such that in the retracted condition shown in Figure 21, the wall portions 230 of one side wall component 21 Ba lie adjacent the wall portions 230 of the other side wall component 218a. In this way, the space within the base 204 is utilised most efficiently.

Figure 22 shows the assembly 202 with the support members 216a, 21Gb in their vertical extended condition, with the end wall components 21 8b raised. Figure 23 shows the side wall components 21 8a with their corresponding wall portions 230 in a partially extended or partially raised condition. Referring to Figure 24, the wall components 218 are fully raised and extend vertically from the base 204. Each of the wall portions 230 of the side wall components 218a is provided with a slidable wall portion 232, shown in Figure 24 moving laterally towards an adjacent wall portion 230 to complete the side walls of the structure. In the embodiment shown, the wall portions 230 are solid walls, while the slidable wall portions 232 comprise window openings. As will be appreciated, alternative arrangements of the windows and doors in the side wall components to those shown in the figures are possible, according to the requirements of the final building.

The roof assembly 202 is moved from the extended condition of Figure 20 to the retracted condition of Figure 15 in the reverse manner to that described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An expandable roof assembly for a building, the roof assembly having a retracted condition and an extended condition, the roof assembly being movable between the retracted and extended condition, the roof assembly comprising: a roof portion; and a support assembly for supporting the roof portion in the extended condition; wherein the roof portion is displaced both vertically and horizontally when moving between the retracted and extended conditions.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the roof portion is reversibly moveable between the retracted and extended conditions.
3. The assembly according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the roof portion is substantially horizontal in the retracted condition.
4. The assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the roof portion is substantially horizontal when in the extended condition.
5. The assembly according to any of claims ito 3, wherein the roof portion is inclined to the horizontal when in the extended condition.
6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein in the extended condition, the roof portion is inclined at an angle of from 5 to 500 to the horizontal.I
7. The assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the roof portion remains in substantially the same orientation when moving between the retracted and extended conditions.
8. The assembly according to any of claims ito 6, wherein the roof portion is rotated when moving between the retracted and extended conditions.
9. The assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the roof portion is generally planar.
10. The assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the roof portion comprises a plurality of roof components.
11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of root components move together between the retracted and extended conditions.
12. The assembly according to either of claims 10 or 11, wherein the plurality of roof components move relative to one another when moving between the retracted and extended conditions.
13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of roof components move parallel relative to one another when moving between the retracted and extended conditions.
14. The assembly according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein a seal is provided between adjacent roof components.
15. The assembly according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the plurality of roof components comprises a first roof component and a second roof component, the first and second roof components overlapping each other in at least one of the retracted condition and the extended condition.
16. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first roof component overlaps the second roof component in both the retracted and extended conditions.
17. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the degree of overlap changes between the retracted condition and the extended condition.
18. The assembly according to claim 17, wherein the degree of overlap decreases as the roof components move from the retracted condition to the extended condition.
19. The assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the area of the roof portion is greater in the extended condition than in the retracted condition.
20. The assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly has a footprint in the retracted condition, with the roof portion extending to at least some of the edges of the footprint in the retracted condition.
21. The assembly according to claim 20, wherein the roof portion extends to all edges of the footprint in the retracted condition.
22. The assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly has a footprint in the retracted condition, with the roof portion extending beyond at least some of the edges of the footprint in the extended condition.
23. The assembly according to claim 22, wherein the roof portion provides an extended eave to the building on which the assembly is mounted when the roof portion is in the extended condition.
24. The assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the roof portion maintains substantially the same shape when moving between the extended condition and the retracted condition.
25. The assembly according to claim 24, wherein the area of the roof portion changes in moving between the retracted condition and the extended condition.I
26. The assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the support assembly supports the roof portion in the retracted condition.
27. The assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the support assembly supports the roof portion while the roof portion is moving between the retracted condition and the extended condition.
28. The assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the support assembly comprises one or more support members.
29. The assembly according to claim 28, wherein the or each support member is movable between a retracted condition and an extended condition.
30. The assembly according to claim 29, wherein the or each support assembly moves with the roof portion.
31. The assembly according to any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the or each support member is substantially horizontal when the root portion is in the retracted condition.
32. The assembly according to any of claims 28 to 31, wherein the or at least some of the support members is substantially vertical when the roof portion is in the extended condition.
33. The assembly according to any of claims 28 to 32, wherein the or each support member is pivotally mounted.
34. The assembly according to any preceding claim, turther comprising one or more wall components.
35. The assembly according to claim 34, wherein the or each wall component is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.
36. The assembly according to claim 35, wherein the or each wall component is pivotally mounted at an edge thereof, so as to unfold trom the stowed position to the deployed position.
37. The assembly according to any of claims 34 to 36, wherein the or each wall component lies below the roof portion when the assembly is in the retracted condition.
38. The assembly according to either of claims 36 or 37, comprising two opposing wall components, each wall component comprising one or more wall portions, in the stowed position, a wall portion of one of the opposing wall components lying adjacent a wall portion of the other of the opposing wall components.
39. The assembly according to claim 38, wherein one or both of the opposing wall components is provided with a movable wall segment.
40. The assembly according to claim 39, wherein the movable wall segment overlies a wall portion in the of the wall component in the stowed position.
41. The assembly according to either of claims 39 or 40, wherein the movable wall segment is movable to abut an adjacent wall portion in the deployed position.
42. The assembly according to any of claims 34 to 41, wherein a wall component acts to support the roof portion when in the extended condition.
43. The assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a base assembly.
44. The assembly according to claim 43, wherein the roof portion lies on the base assembly in the retracted condition.
45. The assembly according to either of claims 43 or 44, wherein the support assembly and any wall components present lie within the base assembly when in the retracted condition.I
46. The assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising means to move the roof portion between the retracted condition and the extended condition.
47. An expandable roof assembly for a building substantially as hereinbefore described, having reference to any of Figures 1 to 7, Figures 8 to 14 or Figures 15 to 24.
48. A building comprising a roof assembly according to any preceding claim.
49. The building according to claim 48, wherein in the retracted condition, the roof portion provides substantially the entire root of the building.
50. The building according to either of claims 48 or 49, wherein with the root assembly in the extended condition, the roof of the building consists essential of the roof portion.
51. The building according to any of claims 48 to 50, wherein the roof assembly when moved to the extended condition increases the area ot a pre-existing roof ot the building.
52. The building according to any of claims 48 to 51, wherein the roof portion in the extended condition is separate from the pre-existing roof of the building.
53. The building according to any of claims 48 to 52, wherein in the extended condition, the root portion provides extended eaves to the building.
54. A building assembly substantially as hereinbetore described, having reference to any ot Figures ito 7, Figures 8to 14 or Figures l5to 24.I