GB2534875A

GB2534875A - Temporary building structures

Info

Publication number: GB2534875A
Application number: GB1501681.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Whittle Deborah
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-31
Filing date: 2015-01-31
Publication date: 2016-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-31
Also published as: GB201501681D0; GB2534875B

Abstract

The modular stackable element comprises at least one hinge pin, a plurality of panels connected by interlocking hinge portions configured to receive the hinge pins and form a supporting structure, wherein the structure is configured to support a load when formed as a box 701, 702 or a flat section 704, the hinge pin including an internal thread for receiving a further element. Each panel may comprise interlocking hinge portions along first and second edges, and spaced stiffening portions forming a grid. The interlocking hinge portions may comprise a curved edge portion and a hole for receiving a hinge pin. The element may be plastic and comprise a handrail 711 and adjustable foot portion 712. Also claimed is a road structure formed from a plurality of the elements formed as a box section and at least one element formed as a flat section, the box structures being spaced from each other and the at least one flat section forming a support surface 707 between them. Also claimed is a method of erecting a temporary building structure.

Description

Temporary Building Structures

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a modular stackable element for use in constructing temporary building structures and a method of erecting a temporary building structure.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, with increased built up areas and poor weather conditions, localised and serious flooding has become more problematic to both the commercial sector and private individuals. In particular, damage caused by flooding can lead to increased insurance premiums as well as loss of items which may not be replaceable. In addition to damage to buildings and possessions, it is not uncommon for vehicles to become stranded on flooded roads, which leads to obstructions and can make it difficult for evacuation from flooded areas.

Devices have been developed to prevent floodwater from entering buildings and homes, however, this does not provide a solution when evacuating areas and keeping roads open for any such evacuation or allow access for emergency vehicles such as ambulances. A further problem is that the floodwater enters the area quickly and there is a limited period in which structures can be erected safely and quickly.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular stackable element for use in constructing temporary building structures, comprising: at least one hinge pin, and a plurality of panels connected by interlocking hinge portions, each said interlocking hinge portion being configured to receive said hinge pin to form a supporting structure; wherein said supporting structure is configured to support a load when said panels are formed as a box structure and further configured to support a load when said panels are formed as a flat section; and said hinge pin includes an internal thread configured to enable a further modular stackable element to be received.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of erecting a temporary building structure, comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of panels connected by interlocking hinge portions; forming a supporting structure by receiving an internally threaded hinge pin in each of said interlocking hinge portions; forming at least one of said plurality of panels into a modular stackable element; connecting said modular stackable element to a further modular stackable element by means of said internally threaded hinge pin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a vehicle having been stranded in floodwater; Figure 2 shows a panel for use in the construction of a temporary building structure; Figure 3 shows the panel of Figure 2 in combination with other substantially similar panels; Figure 4 shows the modular stackable element of Figure 3 in the form of a box structure; Figure 5 shows the connection of the interlocking hinge portions of two panels; Figure 6 shows the connection of the interlocking hinge portions of two panels in further detail; Figure 7 shows a plurality of modular stackable elements in use as a temporary road structure; Figure 8 shows a plurality of modular stackable elements combined to create a raised platform; and Figure 9 shows an alternative temporary building structure formed from the modular stackable elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 A vehicle 101 is shown in Figure 1, having been stranded in floodwater 102. This can occur in floods either from drivers being unable to see the depth of the water and attempting to drive through when it is not possible due to the depth of water, or may also occur when vehicles are parked and floodwater enters the area before the owner has had the opportunity to move the vehicle to a safer, drier area. Indeed, drier areas in the vicinity of the vehicle are not always available and drivers are left with having to abandon their vehicles knowing that they are likely to suffer damage from rising floodwater.

Individuals suffer similar problems when it comes to household furniture, for example, as there is no means to move larger items out of the way, even if floodwater is expected to enter the house. This is also a known problem for farmers, who often experience difficulties in evacuating animals.

Floodwaters have also been known to spread disease through herds of livestock who have eaten feed which has been contaminated by floodwater and sewage.

Figure 2 A panel 201 for use in the construction of a temporary building structure is shown in Figure 2. Figure 2A shows a plan view and a corresponding side view is shown in Figure 2B.

Panel 201 comprises a first plurality of hinge portions 202 positioned along edge 203 and a second plurality of hinge portions 204 along a second edge 205. Each hinge portion 202, 204 includes a hole 206, 207, as best depicted in the plan view of Figure 2A. Holes 206, 207 extend through each hinge portion 202, 204 such that, in use, the hinge portions are able to receive a hinge pin along the length of edges 203, 205.

In the embodiment, panel 201 also includes a hole 208 configured to receive a hinge pin. Hole 208 extends through the length of panel 201 such that a hinge pin or support pin can be received to provide additional strength or support to the panel 201 when in use.

Referring to Figure 2B, each hinge portion 202, 204 is spaced apart from adjacent hinge portions 202, 204 so as to create a space 209, 210 therebetween. For example, hinge portion 202A is positioned adjacent to hinge portion 202B which are separated by space 209A. Similarly, hinge portions 204A and 204B are separated by space 210B on the opposite edge 205 of panel 201. In this way, it can be seen in Figure 2B that edge 203 supports five hinge portions 202 and four corresponding spaces 209. In contrast, edge 205 supports four hinge portions and five corresponding spaces 210. It is appreciated, however, that, in further embodiments, the number of hinge portions and spaces may be increased or reduced depending on the requirements of the application in question.

In this way, hinge portions 202, 204 are configured to be interlocking in nature so as to enable mutual co-operation with a further panel which is substantially similar to panel 202 in the manner illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

As illustrated, panel 201 comprises a plurality of stiffening portions such as horizontal stiffening portion 211 and vertical stiffening portion 212.

Horizontal stiffening portions are arranged with vertical stiffening portions with spaces therebetween so as to form a grid whereby part of the panel presents a gap through which water, for example, may flow or drain through. In the embodiment, the panel is manufactured substantially from a suitable plastic material. In alternative embodiments, it is appreciated that the panel may be manufactured from glass fibre reinforced plastics (GFRP) or a metal if required.

Figure 3 The panel 201 of Figure 2 is illustrated further in Figure 3 in combination with other substantially similar panels 301, 302 and 303 to form a modular stackable element.

Each panel comprises interlocking hinge portions which, as shown in Figure 3, mutually co-operate with corresponding panels so as to interlock with the corresponding panel in question.

In the configuration of Figure 3, the plurality of panels 201, 301, 302 and 303 are connected by the interlocking hinge portions and, in combination, form a flat section 304 which is configured to be able to support an axial or lateral load. For example, the flat section 304 is able to support a load on planar surface 305 (i.e. into the page) or support an alternative load directed onto top surface 306 (i.e. onto the panel) which would be transmitted through the panels and hinge portions.

When connected, hinge portions 204 interlock with hinge portions 307 and are held in place by means of a hinge pin as described in further detail in Figure 5. Hinge portions 308, 309, 310 and 311 operate in a substantially similar manner so as to mutually co-operate and allow rotation of adjacent interlocking hinge portions.

In this way, the hinge portions allow the modular stackable element to be utilised as flat section 304 or the box structure described in Figure 4.

Figure 4 The modular stackable element of Figure 3 is shown further in Figure 4 in the form of a box structure 401. Each of the hinge portions, such as mutually co-operating hinge portions 204 and 307, have been rotated about a central axis so as to form a box 401.

Box 401 is substantially cubed in the embodiment, however, in alternative embodiments, the number of panels may be varied so as to produce alternative box structures, such as triangular-shaped or rectangular shaped boxes.

In the configuration shown in Figure 4, the box is configured to support a load, in the direction indicated by arrow 402. Thus, box structure 401 can be used in combination with flat section 304 to form more complex structures, such as those illustrated in Figures 7 and 9.

Figure 5 In order to maintain the panels of box structure 401 and flat section 304 in position, each panel is connected together by means of a hinge pin in the manner shown in Figure 5. A close-up of panels 201 and 301 is shown in Figure 5 whereby the interlocking hinge portions 204 and 307 have been brought into close contact with each other to enable a supporting structure to be formed. As shown, the hinge portions 307 have been positioned into spaces 210 of panel 201 so as to provide a solid structure with each of the hinge portions 204 and 207 interlocking with each other.

As described in Figure 2, each of the hinge portions 204, 307 include holes, such as hole 207, which provides a cavity through which hinge pin 501 is received. When interlocked, each hole 207 aligns with a corresponding hole, such as hole 205 to define a passage along the length of the panels so as to receive hinge pin 501.

In the embodiment, hinge pin 501 comprises hollow aluminium tube with an internal thread. However, in alternative embodiments, alternative materials such as steel are used for the hinge pins. In the embodiment, the internal thread runs through the whole of the internal surface of the hinge pin. In an alternative embodiment, the internal thread runs along a portion of the internal surface of the hinge pin, for example, a portion at both ends of the hinge pin 501.

Figure 6 Panels 201 and 301 are shown further and their respective interlocking hinge portions 207 and 307 are shown in greater detail in Figure 6. Hinge pin 501 is shown in situ so as to hold panels 201 and 301 in close proximity to each other.

As described previously, hinge pin 501 includes an internal thread 601 which is configured to enable further structures, such as a further modular stackable element, to be received and attached thereto.

In an embodiment, hinge pin 501 is formed from hollow aluminium tube which is fifty millimetres (50 mm) in diameter. In alternative embodiments, different sizes of tube are used and it is appreciated that any other suitable material, such as steel, can be used for hinge pin 501. Referring now to hinge portion 307, hinge portion 307 comprises a substantially curved edge portion 602. Substantially curved edge portion 602 allows for smooth rotation of hinge portion 307 as hinge portion 307 is moved from the flat configuration of Figure 3 to the box configuration of Figure 4. The curved surface of edge portion 602 also prevents wear and tear that would be present should the edges be substantially square in nature.

In the embodiment previously described in Figure 4, where the modular stackable element takes the form of a box structure, it is appreciated that each of the four corners of the box structure includes a hinge pin to maintain the box structure in that orientation. Since the hinge pin is the entire length of the panel, the hinge pin locks each of the panels together in the box formation. Additionally, when a load is applied to the top of the box, the load is transmitted through the hinge pins to enable the strength of the box to be maintained.

Figure 7 A plurality of modular stackable elements in both flat configurations and box configurations is illustrated in use as a temporary bridge or road structure in Figure 7.

Box structures 701 and 702 have been intermittently spaced so as to include a gap 703 therebetween. Flat section 704 has been attached to box structure 701 at a first end 705 and further attached to box structure 702 at a second end 706. Thus, flat section 704 forms a support surface 707 supported box structures 701 and 702 such that the support surface 707 is able to support a load. Flat section 704 is attached to each of the box structures 701 and 702 by clipping the flat section 704 at respective ends 705, 706 to a top surface 708, 709 of the box structures 701, 702.

In this illustrated embodiment, a horizontal scaffolding support in the form of a bridging ledger 710 of the type known in the art has been attached to flat section 704, which provides additional support to the flat section 704 when supporting a load. In addition, a hand rail 711 has also been fitted to provide support for anyone utilising the temporary road structure.

In the embodiment, each box structure 701, 702, includes a plurality of adjustable foot portions, such as foot portion 712, which are screwed into the bottom end of the internal thread of each of the hinge pins in each corner of the box structures. Each foot portion includes an adaptable foot which can be suitably moved to ensure that each box structure is maintained at a horizontal level such that the bridge is maintained at a constant height for users and kept in a stable position.

When constructed in this way, therefore, support surface 707 is able to provide a solid bridge above floodwaters to enable vulnerable residents to be evacuated or to provide a road surface to allow access for vehicles, such as emergency vehicles.

In particular, in order to enable the temporary structure to be utilised in this manner, each panel is manufactured from eight hundred millimetres (800 mm) by eight hundred millimetres (800 mm) plastic extruded sections. This provides a suitable dimension for supporting standard wheelchairs. In order to support vehicles, such as cars or ambulances, a plurality of boxes can be used and arranged in a manner so as to provide direct support to the wheels of the vehicle. For example, by positioning a plurality of box structures a distance apart which corresponds to the track of the vehicle, the bridge can take a form whereby at least one wheel of the car is always positioned on one of the box structures.

Figure 8 Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment whereby a plurality of modular stackable elements have been combined such that a first box structure 801 sits on a second box structure 802 to create a raised platform.

to In this embodiment, box structures 801 and 802 have been formed in the manner substantially similar to that illustrated in previous Figure 4. Thus, box structure 802, is held in position by means of hinge pin 803 and hinge pin 804 (with corresponding hinge pins also present on the opposite side). Similarly, box structure 801 is held in position by means of hinge pin 805 and hinge pin 806.

However, in order to maintain box structures 801 and 802 together as a taller structure, hinge pins 805 and 806 are screwed into corresponding hinge pins 803 and 804 respectively at points 807 and 808.

It can be seen in this manner, therefore, that the hinge pins not only allow the panels to be held to each other to form modular stackable elements of the type described in Figures 3 and 4, but are also able to be simultaneously utilised to connect and attach one modular stackable element to another modular stackable element.

Figure 9 Figure 9 shows an example of an application which utilises the flexibility of the modular stackable elements to form alternative temporary building structures.

In the embodiment of Figure 9, a plurality of modular stackable elements 901, 902, 903 have been utilised in box form to form a tower 904.

A further plurality of modular stackable elements 905, 906, 907 form a further tower 908. A flat section 909 has been utilised to form a support surface 910, which is supported by towers 904 and 908. Smaller towers 911 and 912 also provide further support for flat sections 913 and 914.

Due to the interlocking nature and flexibility of the modular stackable elements, it is envisaged that a various constructions can be manufactured from a plurality of single modular elements, formed as necessary from the element in box structure form and flat section form.

Claims

Claims What we claim is: 1. A modular stackable element for use in constructing temporary building structures, comprising: at least one hinge pin, and a plurality of panels connected by interlocking hinge portions, each said interlocking hinge portion being configured to receive said hinge pin to form a supporting structure; wherein said supporting structure is configured to support a load when said panels are formed as a box structure and further configured to support a load when said panels are formed as a flat section; and said hinge pin includes an internal thread configured to enable a further modular stackable element to be received.
2. A modular stackable element according to claim 1, wherein each said panel comprises a first plurality of interlocking hinge portions along a first edge of said panel and a second plurality of interlocking hinge portions along a second edge of said panel.
3. A modular stackable element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each said interlocking hinge portion includes a hole therethrough so as to receive said hinge pin.
4. A modular stackable element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each said interlocking hinge portion comprises at least one substantially curved edge portion to enable rotation of said hinge portion.
5. A modular stackable element according to any preceding claim, wherein any one of said plurality of panels further comprises at least one hole configured to receive a hinge pin.
6. A modular stackable element according to any preceding claim, wherein each said panel comprises a plurality of stiffening portions with spaces therebetween so as to form a grid.
7. A modular stackable element according to any preceding claim, wherein said modular stackable element is manufactured substantially from a plastics material.
8. A modular stackable element according to any preceding claim, further comprising an adjustable foot portion configured to adapt to uneven ground surfaces.
9. A modular stackable element according to claim 1, further comprising a bridging ledger to provide additional support when said panels are formed in said flat section.
10. A modular stackable element according to claim 1, further comprising a hand rail.
11. A road structure comprising: a plurality of modular stackable elements of claim 1 each formed as a box structure; at least one modular stackable element of claim 1 formed as a flat section; wherein each said box structure is intermittently spaced from another said box structure; and each said flat section is attached to one said box structure at a first end and another said box structure at a second end to form a support surface supported by said box structures.
12. The road structure of claim 11, wherein said flat section is attached to said box structure by clipping said flat section to a top part of said box structure.
13. A method of erecting a temporary building structure, comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of panels connected by interlocking hinge portions; forming a supporting structure by receiving an internally threaded hinge pin in each of said interlocking hinge portions; forming at least one of said plurality of panels into a modular stackable element; connecting said modular stackable element to a further modular stackable element by means of said internally threaded hinge pin.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of modular stackable elements into box structures; forming at least one modular stackable element into a flat section; spacing each said box structure at intermittent intervals from another said box structure; and attaching each said flat section to one said box structure at a first end and another said box structure at a second end to form a support surface supported by said box structures.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said step of attaching said flat section to one said box structures includes clipping said flat section to a top part of said box structure.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein each said interlocking hinge portion comprises at least one substantially curved edge portion to enable rotation of said hinge portion.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein any one of said plurality of panels further comprising at least one hole and further comprising the step of: receiving a further hinge pin through said at least one hole.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: attaching a bridging ledger to at least one of said panels to provide additional support when said panels are formed in said flat section.
19. A modular stackable element for constructing temporary building structures as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
20. A method of erecting a temporary building structure as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims What we claim is: 1. A modular stackable element for use in constructing temporary building structures, comprising: at least one hinge pin, and a plurality of panels comprising a plurality of stiffening portions, said plurality of stiffening portions having spaces therebetween so as to form a grid; wherein said panels are connected by interlocking hinge portions, each said interlocking hinge portion being configured to receive said hinge pin to form a supporting structure; said supporting structure is configured to support a vehicle when said panels are formed as a box structure and further configured to support a * .. * * *vehicle when said panels are formed as a flat section; and * * said hinge pin includes an internal thread configured to enable a * further modular stackable element to be received. * *2. A modular stackable element according to claim 1, wherein * .. * . ** each said panel comprises a first plurality of interlocking hinge portions along * * 20 a first edge of said panel and a second plurality of interlocking hinge portions along a second edge of said panel.3. A modular stackable element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each said interlocking hinge portion includes a hole therethrough so as to receive said hinge pin.4. A modular stackable element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each said interlocking hinge portion comprises at least one substantially curved edge portion to enable rotation of said hinge portion. * 00* * * 000O * * * * ** * * * es.* . * * 5. A modular stackable element according to any preceding claim, wherein any one of said plurality of panels further comprises at least one hole configured to receive a hinge pin.6. A modular stackable element according to any preceding claim, wherein said modular stackable element is manufactured substantially from a plastics material.7. A modular stackable element according to any preceding claim, further comprising an adjustable foot portion configured to adapt to uneven ground surfaces.8. A modular stackable element according to claim 1, further comprising a bridging ledger to provide additional support when said panels are formed in said flat section.9. A modular stackable element according to claim 1, further comprising a hand rail.10. A road structure comprising: a plurality of modular stackable elements of claim 1 each formed as a box structure; at least one modular stackable element of claim 1 formed as a flat section; wherein each said box structure is spaced from another said box structure; and each said flat section is attached to one said box structure at a first end and another said box structure at a second end to form a support surface supported by said box structures.11. The road structure of claim 10, wherein said flat section is attached to said box structure by clipping said flat section to a top part of said box structure when in use.12. A method of erecting a temporary building structure, comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of panels connected by interlocking hinge portions; forming a supporting structure by receiving an internally threaded hinge pin in each of said interlocking hinge portions; forming said plurality of panels into a plurality of modular stackable to elements; connecting at least one of said modular stackable elements to a further modular stackable element by means of said internally threaded hinge pin; forming at least two of said plurality of modular stackable elements into a plurality of box structures; forming at least one of said plurality of modular stackable elements into a flat section; spacing each said box structure at intervals from another said box structure; and attaching said flat section to first one of said box structures at a first end and further attaching said flat section to a second one of said box structures at a second end to form a support surface supported by said box structures.13. The method of claim 12, wherein said step of attaching said flat section to one said box structures includes clipping said flat section to a top part of said box structure when in use.14. The method of claim 12, wherein any one of said plurality of panels further comprising at least one hole and further comprising the step of: receiving a further hinge pin through said at least one hole. * 80* * * 0011. * * * * S. * *** * * * * * * 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: attaching a bridging ledger to at least one of said panels to provide additional support when said panels are formed in said flat section.16. A modular stackable element for constructing temporary building structures as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.17. A method of erecting a temporary building structure as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. * 00* * * 0000 * * * * * eo * * * O60 *