NZ605059B2 - Transportable buildings and methods of manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

method of forming a building (1) that includes frame and cladding materials, the frame defining a footprint for the building. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing the frame (3, 19, 22); (b) positioning the cladding materials so as to be within the external edges of the frame; and (c) securing the cladding materials with respect to the frame. The dimensions of the frame when the building module is being transported are substantially the same as when the building module is being used. A building formed by the method is also disclosed. curing the cladding materials with respect to the frame. The dimensions of the frame when the building module is being transported are substantially the same as when the building module is being used. A building formed by the method is also disclosed.

Description

/60 HCS TRANSPORTABLE BUILDINGS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to transportable buildings and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND ART Shipping containers are used for transporting and storing goods. The shipping containers generally consist of a rigid frame formed from two or more lengthwise members and two or more upright members, and two or more widthwise members. The members are secured together so as to define a substantially rectangular shell.

Walls, a roof, and floor are formed by securing corrugated steel sheets to the outside surface of the frame. Those sheets are attached to and bear against the outside surfaces of the frame.

Shipping containers have dimensions according to accepted industry standards. The two most common types of shipping containers are 20 foot and 40 foot containers. A 20 foot container has a length of 19.84 foot (6.05m), width of 8 foot (2.44m), and a height of 8.5 foot (2.59m). A 40 foot container has a length of 40 foot (12.19m), a height of 8.5 foot (2.59m), and a width of 8 foot (2.44m). There are also 10 foot containers that have a length of (3.03m), although those are not common.

Container locks are formed into the shipping container at standard positions. The container locks facilitate lifting devices engaging the shipping containers and lifting them onto or off from vehicles. This is useful to facilitate easy transport of the shipping containers and the goods which they contain.

There have been recent moves towards using shipping containers as a building block for a modular and/or transportable building. In general, the process of converting a shipping container for use as a building involves a number of steps. Often, apertures in the walls are created, and windows and door frames secured therein. In addition, amenities or internal partitions are secured within the shipping container.

Some shipping container building systems also include complex decks and verandah/awnings secured to the outside walls of the container.

In addition, it is possible to secure several shipping containers together so as to form a building of a desired shape and/or size.

A basic shipping container building simply uses the corrugated sheet material for the outer walls if its intended use is utilitarian. However, people often desire that a building has a pleasing appearance. Therefore cladding materials may be secured to the external surface / walls of the shipping container. 33137/60 HCS However, securing of cladding materials and other components to the external surface of the shipping container poses some problems. One such problem arises from the fact that the shipping industry charges for transport based on the volume utilised. Shipping containers are manufactured to maximise use of the standard volumes and therefore have dimensions that are substantially equal to the existing industry volumes. Therefore, securing additional components to the outside of the container increases the shipping container’s volume and will incur additional costs.

Furthermore, shipping and transport can be a rough process. It is common for cladding materials or other components secured to the outside surface of a shipping container to be damaged during transport. Therefore, the existing shipping containers are likely to arrive in a damaged state and require remedial repairs.

One solution to the problem of transport related damage is to secure cladding materials to the outside surface of the shipping container after it is delivered to site. However, this requires considerable time and skill, thereby reducing the benefits of a pre-assembled transportable building.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved transportable building.

It is also an objective of the present invention to reduce damage to transportable buildings during transport.

It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide an improved transportable building with a desirable appearance and which requires minimal assembly on site.

Alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. 33137/60 HCS DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a building that includes a frame and cladding materials, wherein the frame defines a footprint for the building, the method including the steps of: (a) providing the frame; (b) securing the cladding materials with respect to the frame; the method characterised by the step of: (c) positioning the cladding materials so as to be within the footprint of the frame.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a building made according to the method as substantially described above.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a building, including a frame that defines a footprint for the building, cladding materials secured with respect to the frame, the building characterised in that the cladding materials are positioned within the footprint of the building.

In preferred embodiments buildings according to the present inventions are manufactured using the method described herein, and transported to the location for its intended use. The buildings can be permanently secured in one location for use. Alternatively, the buildings can be installed at a location for use for a defined period of time, and moved when required.

Reference will therefore be made herein to the present inventions as transportable buildings.

This however should not be seen as limiting on the scope of the present invention.

The transportable buildings according to the present invention have cladding materials which provide them with a desired appearance. Those cladding materials though are within the footprints of the frame. This feature helps to protect the cladding materials from damage during transport and storage.

Furthermore, the transportable buildings according to the present invention can be quickly installed onsite requiring minimal labour and skill. It is not necessary to secure additional cladding materials to the frame to achieve a desired appearance. As a result, the present inventions are an improved way to provide buildings having a desired appearance where required, and which do not have the same problems as the prior art buildings. 33137/60 HCS Throughout the present specification reference to the term “frame” should be understood as meaning a rigid structure forming part of a transportable building.

The frame has sufficient strength and rigidity that it can be lifted without buckling or warping.

Accordingly, the frame facilitates transport of the transportable building described herein.

The inventors envisage multiple embodiments for the frame as being suitable for use with the present invention.

In one embodiment, the frame may be provided by taking an existing shipping container and removing the corrugated materials therefrom. This leaves the frame of the shipping container, which can then be used in the methods disclosed herein.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the step of providing the frame involves securing a plurality of rigid members together.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame includes a plurality of lengthwise members, a plurality of widthwise members, and a plurality of upright members.

Throughout the present specification reference to the term “lengthwise member” should be understood as referring to a member that extends along the building’s length.

Reference to the term “widthwise member” should be understood as meaning a member of the frame which extends along the building’s width.

In preferred embodiments, the frame includes at least one pair of lower widthwise members and at least one pair of upper widthwise members. In these embodiments, the upper and lower pairs of widthwise members are spaced apart and positioned at or towards the ends of the frame.

In addition, the upper and lower pairs of widthwise members are spaced vertically apart from each other, with respect to the transportable building’s normal orientation in use.

Reference throughout the present specification to the term “upright members” should be understood as meaning one or more members which are at an angle to the horizontal in the building’s normal orientation in use.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the upright members are orientated to be substantially vertical in the building’s normal orientation in use.

In particularly preferred embodiments the present invention includes at least four upright members. In these embodiments, the upright members are spaced apart from each other. The upright members connect the upper and lower pairs of lengthwise and widthwise members together. This assists in forming of the frame and it having sufficient rigidity to perform intended use. 33137/60 HCS The members of the frame may be secured together using techniques as should be known to one skilled in the arts. For instance, welding, nuts and bolts, and other forms of fasteners suited for use with the present inventions.

However, the forgoing should not be seen as limiting on the scope of the present invention. It is also envisaged that the frame may have other configurations, orientations, and/or combinations of rigid members.

Throughout the present specification reference to the term “footprint” should be understood as meaning the area which the building occupies on ground on which it is used.

Preferably the footprint is defined by the length and width of the transportable building.

In particularly preferred embodiments the length and width of the building is defined by an outer surface of the rigid members of the frame, and preferably the lower lengthwise and widthwise members.

Reference herein may also be made to the volume of the transportable building. This should be understood as referring to the transportable building’s footprint multiplied by its height. The height is defined by the distance between two points of the frame when the transportable building is in its normal in-use orientation. In these embodiments the height of the frame is constant across its width and length. This is as should be understood by one skilled in the art.

The frame may also be a non-symmetrical geometric shape or have a width, height, and/or length that caries. Accordingly, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting on the scope of the present invention.

It should be understood that the transportable building’s dimensions are defined by the frame.

Cladding materials are entirely within the frame. This may help to protect the cladding materials from damage during transport of the transportable building.

In particularly preferred embodiment, the transportable buildings according to the present invention have a footprint and volume substantially corresponding to the footprint and volume of standard shipping containers. Therefore, the frame according to the present invention may have external dimensions selected from the following:  A height in the range of 3000mm – 2250mm;  A width in the range of 2440mm – 2300mm;  A length in the range of 6058mm – 5900mm;  A length in the range of 12200mm – 12100mm; or  A length in the range of 3029mm – 2900mm. 33137/60 HCS In a particularly preferred embodiment, the frame of a transportable building according to the present invention has an external length of:  Substantially 6058mm;  Substantially 12220mm;  Substantially 3029mm.

It should be appreciated that the widths and heights of the transportable buildings described herein are essentially the same in the three preferred embodiments. However, the length of the building differs according to a number of factors.

Firstly, the length is selected according to the size of a transportable building required.

Secondly, the length is selected according to a number of shipping related factors such as for instance the mode of transport to be used.

Alternatively, the length of the transportable building may be selected according to budgetary constraints. For instance, a person may require the cheapest shipping cost and therefore chose a transportable building with a length of substantially 3029mm.

Throughout the present specification reference to the term “cladding materials” should be understood as meaning components of the transportable building which provide the outside wall(s) of the transportable building.

In particularly preferred embodiments the cladding materials provide the transportable building with a desirable appearance. For instance, the cladding materials may be stained wood planks, pre-painted sheet metal, or galvanised sheets.

In addition, the cladding materials also assist in ensuring that the transportable building is weather tight.

The types of cladding materials that can be used for the present inventions are as should be known by one skilled in the art. However, alternatives are envisaged.

Therefore, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting on the scope of the present invention.

Throughout the present specification reference to the term “within the footprint of the frame” should be understood as meaning that no part of the cladding material extends across the edge of the transportable building’s footprint. Accordingly, the cladding materials are contained entirely within the footprint.

Having the cladding materials entirely within the footprint helps to reduce damage of these during transport of the transportable buildings. In addition, the present invention has a desirable aesthetic appearance. 33137/60 HCS Furthermore, the usable space within the transportable building is maximised by ensuring that the footprint substantially utilises all of the space available in one of the existing shipping industry berths. This is because the transportable building’s dimensions are effectively defined by the footprint of the frame. As a result, the transportable building fits within the dimensions for standard shipping containers.

In preferred embodiments the transportable buildings according to the present invention include a roof.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the roof is inclined.

Throughout the present specification reference to the term “inclined” should be understood as meaning that the roof is at an angle to the horizontal when the transportable building is in its normal-use position.

Having the roof at an inclination to the horizontal helps to manage rain which may fall onto the roof. The inclination of the roof assists in draining the water, thereby minimising the load which is created on the roof. As a result, it is possible to use less materials to construct transportable buildings according to the present invention as the strength required is less. The construction methods may also reduce the complexity of engineering and bracing required to support the structure.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the roof is within the volume of the transportable building. That is, the roof does not extend across and out of the dimensions of the frame.

In a preferred embodiment, the building includes at least one lifting connector.

Throughout the present specification reference to the term “lifting connector” should be understood as meaning a component configured to be engaged by a lifting device.

The lifting connector may be a container lock as known to one skilled in the art.

The container lock(s) facilitate lifting devices such as cranes or gantry arms lifting the transportable building. The use of these components is beneficial in facilitating easy transport and movement of the transportable building.

In addition, the use of container locks facilitates use of the transportable buildings according to the present invention with existing lifting devices and transport systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 33137/60 HCS Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a transportable building according to the present invention; Figure 2A-2I are schematics showing the steps and manufacturing a transportable building according to the present inventions; Figure 3 is a close up perspective view of the corner of the frame of a transportable building; Figure 4 is a close up cross section from a lower perspective angle of a section of a transportable building; Figure 5 is a plan view of a modular building constructed according to the present invention; Figure 6 is a close up view of the detail (A) shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a close up view of the detail (B) shown in Figure 5; Figure 8a is a side cross-sectional through line C-C shown in Figure 2I; Figure 8b is a side cross-sectional through line D-D shown in figure 2I; Figure 9 is a side cross section view of a bottom joint in detail (B) shown in Figure 5; Figure 10 is a side cross section view of a top joint in detail (B) shown in Figure 5.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION There is provided a transportable building (1) and method and manufacture.

A first embodiment of the transportable building (1) is shown in Figure 1.

Further aspects of the transportable building (1) will be described with reference to its method of construction.

Throughout the Figures like references refer to like components.

Referring now to Figures 2A -2I that show the steps used in forming a transportable building (1).

The components of a floor frame, generally indicated as (2) in Figure 2A are secured together as described below to form a floor frame.

A lower length wise member (3A) and a second lower length wise member (3B) are pre- fabricated steel beams to ISO standards. The length wise members (3A, 3B) are identical and therefore only member (3A) will be described herein. 33137/60 HCS The lower length wise member (3A) has a “C” channel cross section. The lower length wise member (3A) has a first end (5) and a second end (6).

The ends (5, 6) have cut outs indicated by (7, 8) respectively.

The cut outs (7, 8) are shaped so as to correspond to a container lock as is discussed in more detail below.

Floor beams (9) are positioned, and a first end (9B) of the floor beams (9) is inserted into the cavity (4).

Each of the floor beams (9) is secured to lower length wise member (3A) by wielding or other techniques as should be known in one skilled in the art.

A first lower width wise member (10) and a second lower width wise member (11) are pre- fabricated steel beams to ISO standards. The lower width wise members (10, 11) have a “C” channel cross-section identical to lower length wise member (3A).

The first lower width wise member (10) has a first end (12) and a second end (13). The first and second ends (12,13) each have a cut out that are indicated as (14, 15) respectively.

Container locks (16, 17) are each positioned in one of cut outs (14, 15) and secured to first lower width wise member (10). This may be achieved using wielding or other fastening techniques as should be known to one skilled in the art.

The first lower width wise member (10) is positioned so that end (12) abuts end (5) of first lower length wise member (3A). This ensures that container lock (16) is positioned within cut out (7).

Fastening techniques such as wielding can be used to secure the first lower width wise member (10) to the first lower length wise member (3A).

A second width wise member (11) is secured to first lower length wise member (3A) in the same manner as first lower length wise member (10).

The second lower length wise member (3B) is positioned with respect to the first and second lower width wise members (10, 11) and floor beams (9).

The second lower length wise member (3B) is moved so that the ends (9C) of floors beams (9) are inserted into cavity (4) in the second lower length wise member (3B). Frame upright members (19A-19D) are secured to floor frame (2).

Upper container locks (20A- 20D) are secured to the top of frame upright members (19A-19D) so as to be distal to container locks (16, 17).

A first upper width wise member (21) is secured between frame upright members (19A, 19B). 33137/60 HCS A second upper width wise member (21B) is secured to the top of frame upright members (19C, 19D).

A first upper length wise member (22A) is secured between frame upright members (19A, 19D).

A second upper length wise member (22B) is secured between two top of frame uprights (19B, 19C).

This stage is shown in Figure 2C.

At this stage, the frame of the building (1) indicated generally by (26) has been substantially formed.

Each of the members (3A, 3B, 10, 11, 19A – 19D, 21A, 21B, 22A, 22B) forming the frame (26) has an outer surface that is indicated by (27).

The outer surfaces (27) of members (3A, 3B, 10, 11) define the footprint of the building (1).

The footprint will vary according to the dimensions of the building (1) required. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A – I, the footprint substantially corresponds to the footprint of a 40 foot shipping e.g the footprint has a length of substantially 6058 and a width of substantially 2400mm. In addition, the frame has a height of substantially 3000mm.

A first intermediate bearing member (23A) is secured between upper and lower length wise members (3B, 22A). A second intermediate bearing member (23B) is secured between upper and lower length wise members (3A, 22B).

A roof (24) is formed by welding edge of roofing materials to upper length wise members (22A, 22B). The roof (24) is orientated such that it will be inclined to be horizontal when the building (1) is in its normal orientation and use.

Insulation materials such as polystyrene (not shown) are secured between floor beams (9).

Floor boards (25) are positioned so as to bear down on a top surface of floor beams (9). The floor boards may be wood, particle board, or sheet metal as should be known in one skilled in the art.

Lower cladding flanges (28) are secured to each of the members (3A, 3B, 10, 11), and upper cladding flanges (29) are secured to each of members (21A, 21B, 22A, 22B). The cladding flanges (28, 29) are positioned so as to be spaced apart from the outer surface (27) of each of the members to which they are secured.

The position of the cladding flanges (28, 29) with respect to the members to which they are secured is best shown in Figures 8A and 8B.

Referring now to Figure 2G. Wall frames (30) are secured to the frame. The wall frames (30) are made from wooden trusses as known to one skilled in the art. The wall frames (30) define 33137/60 HCS window apertures (31) and a door aperture (32). Window frames (33) and door frames (34) are secured in the apertures (31, 32).

A water proofing material (35) such as building wrap as known to one skilled in the art is secured between a the upper and lower cladding flanges (28, 29). The entire building is wrapped in building wrap (35), except for window and door apertures (31, 32).

Having the building wrap (35) overlap the cladding flanges (28, 29) significantly improves the water tightness of the building (1).

Wall batons (36) are positioned against water proofing material (35) on the side distal to upper and lower cladding flanges (28, 29).

The wall batons (36) are secured to cladding flanges using screws or nails (not shown) as known to one skilled in the art.

Sheets of cladding materials (37) are positioned so as to abut outer surfaces (38) of wall batons (36). The cladding materials (37) are secured to the wall batons (38) using nails or screws as known to one skilled in the art.

Referring now to Figures 8A and 8B which show the position of the cladding materials (37) with respect to the frame members (3A, 3B, 10, 11, 21A, 21B, 22A, 22B).

It should be noted that the cladding materials (37) are spaced apart from outer surface (27) of the frame members (3A, 3B, 10, 11, 21A, 21B, 22A, 22B). Therefore, the cladding materials (37) are entirely within the footprint of the building (1). As a result, the building’s footprint can be maximized to correspond to the dimensions of commercially used shipping berths, without exceeding the dimensions of the berth.

In addition, the cladding materials (37) will provide the building (1) with a desired aesthetic appearance when in use, without the need to secure the cladding materials (37) to the building (1) on site. That is, the present inventions decrease the amount of work required to install and building (1) on site with a desirable appearance.

Furthermore, the cladding materials (37) may be less susceptible to damage during transport of the building (1). This is because the frame acts as a guard to prevent the cladding materials (37) being struck by other containers during shipping.

The interior of the transportable building (1) maybe fitted out to include any or all of the following:  Internal petitions / walls;  Kitchen furniture and appliances;  Utilities such as water, telephone cabling, electricity cabling; 33137/60 HCS  Plumbing and bathroom furniture; Alternatively, other components or fixtures may be secured inside of the building (1).

In-Use The transportable building (1) may be moved from its location of manufacture to a location at which it is intended for use. A lifting device (not shown) in the form of a crane or a HIAB style lifting device can engage container locks (9A – 9D and/or 20A – 20D). This facilitates lifting of the transportable building from the ground at the location at which it was constructed and onto a vehicle.

Once loaded onto a vehicle the transportable building (1) can be moved. Various types of transport can be used such as truck, train, or boat. This is as should be understood by one skilled in the art.

The location of use may be pre-prepared including forming of foundation piles, or leveling of the ground. This is as should be understood by one skilled in the art.

At the location, a lifting device again engages container locks (9A – 9D).

The lifting device lifts the transportable building (1) from the vehicle (not shown) and places the transportable building at a desired location for use.

The transportable building (1) can be connected to utilities such as water and electricity.

When the building is no longer required it may be moved from its current location. Therefore, the transportable building can be reused in different applications. Alternatively, this allows remediation of a site and removal of unnecessary structures.

If the transportable building (1) is required to be moved then a lifting device (not shown) again engages container locks (9A – 9D and/or 20A – 20D). The lifting device is used to move the transportable building (1) onto a vehicle such as a truck (not shown).

Alternate Embodiments Referring now to Figure 5 which shows a plan view of a modular building indicated generally as (38) according to the present invention.

The building (38) is formed from a first module (39) and a second module (40).

Both of the modules (39, 40) are manufactured using the method described above in relation to building (1). Accordingly, manufacture of modules (39, 40) will not be reiterated. In addition, similar numbering is used to describe the components of modules (39, 40) to that used in relation to building (1). 33137/60 HCS A significant difference however is that the portion of first and second modules (39, 40) corresponding to the line (41) is left open, and does not have cladding panels (37) secured thereto. Rather, to facilitate transport of the first and second modules (39, 40) temporary partitions may be secured across the openings.

Alternatively, internal doors or partitions/walls (not shown in the drawings) can be secured to the first and/or second modules (39, 40). Once the first and second modules (39, 40) are positioned with respect to each other the internal doors and partitions/walls function as per normal in a building.

When the first and second modules (39, 40) are delivered to a site then the temporary partitions (not shown in the Figures) can be removed.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 5, module (39) has a footprint and volume corresponding generally to a 20 foot container, while module (40) has a footprint and volume generally corresponding to a 40 foot container.

Referring now to Figure 6 which shows a plan cross section view of a substantially right angle joint between first and second modules (39, 40), in section A shown in Figure 5.

The first and second modules (39, 40) are positioned with respect to each other such that frame upright members (19A) are substantially parallel and positioned adjacent to each other.

A corner joint bracket indicated by (42) has a first arm (43) and a second arm (44) that are substantially perpendicular to each other.

The corner joint bracket (42) is secured to frame upright members using screws which each extend through one of first or second arms (43, 44), and into one of frame upright members (19A). There may be a plurality of screws spaced apart along the height of the frame upright members (19A).

Figure 6 also shows the position of cladding materials (37) with respect to frame upright members and outer surface (27) of frame members. Note that the outer surfaces of cladding materials (37) are set back from the edge (27) by distance (X).

Referring now to Figure 7 showing a plan view of a joint between first and second modules (39, 40) in detail B shown in Figure 5.

The first and second modules (39, 40) are positioned and orientated such that frame upright members (19B) are adjacent to each other and substantially parallel.

A plate (49), is positioned so as to abut outer surfaces (27) of frame members (19B). 33137/60 HCS The plate (49) is secured to both of the frame upright members (19) by screws (50). Each screw (50) extends through the plate (49) and into one of frame upright members (19B). There may be a plurality of screws spaced apart along the height of the frame upright members (19B).

Referring now to Figure 9 which shows a side cross section of a lower joint between first and second modules (39, 40) in detail B in Figure 5.

The first and second modules (39, 40) are positioned so that a lower length wise members (3A or 3B) of one module are adjacent to and substantially parallel to a lower length wise member (3A, 3B) of the other module.

Screws (52) and bolts (53) can be used to secure the lower length wise members (3A, 3B) to each other.

Referring now to Figure 10 which shows a side cross section of a top joint between first and second modules (39, 40) in detail B in Figure 50 The first and second modules (39, 40) are positioned so that an upper length wise members (22A or 22B) of the first and second modules (39, 40) are adjacent and substantially parallel to each other.

Nuts (54) and bolts (55) are used to secure upper length wise members (22A, 22B) together.

A capping flange (56) can be positioned over top of the junction between upper length wise members (39, 40). The capping flange (56) helps to provide a water tight seal between the adjacent modules (39, 40).

It should be appreciated from the foregoing description that the present invention has a number of advantages. These include: 1. Maximising the useable space of a transportable building to the dimensions of shipping industry. 2. Assisting to reduce damage to cladding materials of buildings. 3. Facilitating provision of a transportable building having a desirable appearance. 4. Removing the need to secure additional cladding or materials to a transportable building once delivered to a site. This may also reduce the skill and labour required to install a transportable building onsite.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 33137/60 HCS

Claims (10)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of forming a building module that includes a frame and cladding materials, wherein the frame defines a footprint for the building module of fixed dimensions, and wherein the dimensions of the frame when the building module is being transported are substantially the same as when the building module is being used, the method including the steps of: (a) providing the frame; (b) positioning the cladding materials so as to be within the external edges of the footprint; and (c) securing the cladding materials with respect to the frame.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, including the step of securing a plurality of rigid members together to form the frame.

3. The method as claimed in either one of claims 1 or 2, including the step of securing at least one lifting connecter to the frame.

4. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, including the step of securing a roof to the frame.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, including the step of orientating the roof such that it will be inclined to the horizontal in the buildings normal orientation in use.

6. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, including the step of securing a floor to the frame.

7. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, including the step of forming at least one door in the building.

8. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, including the step of forming at least one window in the building.

9. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, including the step of transporting the building to a site for use.

10. A building module, including a frame,