PT80808B

PT80808B - Prefabricated folding structure

Info

Publication number: PT80808B
Application number: PT80808A
Authority: PT
Original assignee: Shanni Int Inc
Priority date: 1985-02-07
Filing date: 1985-07-12
Publication date: 1986-11-24
Also published as: CN85102678A; IT1182526B; ZA854379B; ES8706884A1; IT8567661A0; PT80808A; ES545326A0; GR852406B; ES557009A0; IT8567661A1; ES8702973A1

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DATA

The present invention can be clearly understood from a study of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective perspective view of the exterior of the applicant's prefabricated foldable structure, shown in a fully folded transport configuration;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pre-fabricated folding structure of the applicant shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the joint 2 shown in Figure 2 and made through the cut 3-3 of Figure 8;

Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of one of the hinges 3 shown in folded position and taken through section 4-4 of Figure 7;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of one of the hinges 4 shown with the inner wall 103 completely displaced and drawn through the cut-out 5-5 of Figure 12;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the prefabricated prefabricated folding structure showing the pivotal movement of the upper foldable roof sections 50 and 53 and the lower foldable roof sections 51 and 52;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the pre-fabricated folding structure of the applicant, showing the pivotal movement of the folding floor elements 61 and 62;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the applicant's prefabricated folding structure showing movement

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15 of the folding front and rear outer walls 71 and 72, respectively;

Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of one of the hinges 3, shown in a fully unfolded position and taken through the cut 9-9 of Figure 11;

Figure 10 is a top plan view of the interior of the applicant's prefabricated folding structure showing the movement of the folding outer side walls 91, 92, 93 and 94;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the applicant's prefabricated foldable structure showing the traveling movement of the foldable roof sections 81 and 82 and the T-support struts 86 and 87;

Figure 12 is a top plan view of the interior of the applicant's prefabricated foldable structure showing the placement of foldable walls 101-104 and 108-111, and of free vertical partitions 105, 106 and 107;

Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the applicant's pre-fabricated structure, shown fully unfolded;

Figure 14 is an exterior perspective view of the applicant's pre-fabricated structure, shown fully unfolded and installed in place;

Figure 15 is a top plan view of the interior of another structure shown in a fully unfolded position embodying the present invention and shows its use in structures of different shapes;

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a variant embodiment of a pre-fabricated structure with a floor, shown fully unfolded; and

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a pre-fabricated floor of two floors of the applicant, shown fully unfolded.

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In all of the cross-sectional views indicated herein, which represent the collapsible structure in various stages of unfolding, each cross-sectional view was taken along a section generally analogous to that shown by lines 2-2 of figure 10.

In addition, to facilitate quick understanding, like reference numerals are used to indicate elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, the terms "beam", "stanchion", "plate" and "beam" indicate support elements as defined below:

1) "beam" indicates a support element placed in a horizontal plane having a height greater than its width;

2) "support" indicates a support element in a vertical position;

3) "plate" denotes a flat support member (i.e., that width is greater than its height or thickness); and

4) "beam" is used to indicate a beam or oblique beam (ie, in a non-horizontal or vertical position).

While the disclosures of the present invention are applicable to a wide variety of structures of different weights, dimensions, shapes and materials for a variety of different uses, for purposes of the following description, the present invention will be described in the context of a dwelling residential single-storey pre-built house.

Figure 1 is an exterior perspective view of a prefabricated one-story folding house according to the inventor's invention and folded in a conveying configuration. As shown, the house contains a nucleus

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-17 central portion 5 of which only the outer core wall 21 is shown.

The front and rear hinged walls and the hinged floor sections are disposed in essentially parallel positions and along this core wall - and will be described in more detail in relation to Figure 2.

On the left side of the core, a plurality of studs constituting the hinged outer side wall 71 are hingedly connected at one end of the core wall via the hinges 3, to the outer end of the hinged floor section 61 in the flooring rod 611. Ca of one of these bars of the hinged floor sections is pivotally connected at its other end, by means of the hinge 2, to the corresponding flooring bar, for example the bar 411, which bars together constitute the floor of the central core.

The floor of the central core is constituted by a plurality of beams placed approximately perpendicular to the walls of the central core, at least one beam oriented parallel to the walls of the central core attached to each of the plurality of beams, and acceptable flooring material bonded and forming substantially the coverage of the beams.

Preferably, these beams are made of wood or steel, and the flooring material may be wood plywood, wood fiber board or variants thereof. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the coating comprises a plywood subfloor of the wood or the like, if guided by an end floor covering of wood flooring. carpets, tiles or linoleum, depending on the intended use of that particular section of the house.

The central core floor beams 41, for example, are 5 x 25 cm (2 "x 10") wooden bars and the joists of the hinged deck section are 5 x 25 cm (2 "x 10 "). It is also possible to use 5 x 20 cm (2 "x 8") rails for articulated floor sections,

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instead of 5 x 25 cm (2 "x 10"), to save material costs. All the bars that make up these floor elements are arranged in a center-to-center spacing of approximately 16 " and are alternated such that one end of each floor screamer in each hinged floor member rests contiguously with one end of a corresponding floor grid bar of the central core. During pre-fabrication, both the subfloor, made for example with 16 mm thick (5/8 ") plywood, and the finished floor, for example with a 6.4 mm hardwood floor, all the bars constituting each of these floor elements except for an area existing above the hinges 2 between each hinged floor section and the core floor. The subfloor and the final floor are installed thereon after the hinged floor sa has been completely unfolded as described below.

A roof element (not shown, but see 40 in figure 2) is fixed at the top of the central core, on which are disposed a plurality of prefabricated roof sills - of which only the wing 31 is shown. foldable structure as a single-storey dwelling or as the upper deck of a multi-storey dwelling, these beds provide support for the collapsible roof which consists of lower collapsible roof sections 51 and 52 and upper collapsible roof sections 50 and 53. Each lower roof section is pivotally attached at one end thereof to one end of a respective upper foldable roof section and one end of each canopy. In the illustrated transport configuration, the lower collapsible roof sections are pivotally oriented downwardly to seat along the hinged roof section, and the upper collapsible roof sections are pivotally oriented downwardly to seat against each of the assemblies.

These collapsible roof sections preferably comprise a plurality of beams placed in position approximately

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- at least one beam perpendicular to the plurality of beams for connection therewith, a coating material connected and substantially coating the beams and moisture barrier means attached to the coating.

The moisture barrier is preferably construction felt, and is placed outside the building, for example aluminum pumice, wood shingles, cedar staves, etc., on the moisture barrier and the coating materials.

Since the weight of the collapsible structure is supported mainly by the walls constituting the central core, relatively light weight is supported by any of the articulated wall, floor and roof elements. Accordingly, the articulated elements can be manufactured with a fairly small weight. This, in addition to advantageously eliminating the need to use a reinforced foundation, also advantageously minimizes the effort required to displace articulately. the appropriate positions during the installation of the structure. Thus, as soon as the structure is placed in proper position on its foundation, only a minimal amount of labor is required and there is no need for heavy machinery to unfold the structure and complete the installation. These factors, coupled with the use of only standard and cheap building materials and with a wide pre-fabrication, advantageously allow important cost savings compared to the cost of the prior art pre-fabricated structures and that of conventional construction.

The use of articulated floor, net, roof and roof elements, which fold and unfold so that it will be exposed in detail, will shortly reduce the height and width of the house folded to specifically 3,40 m (11 ft. 4 inches) and 4.10 m (13 feet and 8 inches) respectively. This advantageously lowers the center of gravity of the folded house. Therefore, this ensures that the house is not. is subject to overturning during loading. Therefore, the house can be transported safely in a flat bed truck

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-20 to an appropriate building site.

After a suitable site has been excavated, a concrete foundation is made. This foundation has four points to support the folded structure. Two brackets are located just below and outside the core walls, and each of the other two brackets is located under one of the hinged deck sections. Thus, the two core supports support the weight of the structure while the hinged floor supports maintain the floor in the correct orientation and position, i.e. parallel and level with the floor of the core. A known wooden sink (not shown), which is constituted for example by a pair of 5 x 15 cm (2 "x 6") studs placed one on top of the other, is fixed all the way around the upper surface of this The folded house shown in Figure 1 is then placed on top of the timber plate and unfolded in a manner described below.

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional detail view of the pre-fabricated folding house of figure 1 taken through a cut essentially analogous to 2-2 of figure 10. Viewed in conjunction with figure 1 and with the internal plan view shown in figure 10, Figure 2 shows that the applicant's foldable house is comprised of a rectangular central core 5, a plurality of foldable outer wall elements - specifically, foldable front wall 71, foldable back wall 72 and foldable side walls 91, 92 , 93 and 94; and pivoting floor sections 61 and 62; foldable roof 9 containing foldable upper and lower roof sections 50 and 53, and 51 and 52, respectively; and articulated roof elements 81 and 82, and, finally, a plurality of prefabricated roof sills, of which only the wing 31 is shown.

Specifically, the central core 5 is constituted by inner core walls 22, 23, 24, 26, 27 and 28, and outer core walls 21 and 25, all secured, for example by

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-21

means of nails to the core floor 41 and the ceiling element 40. The central core is completely pre-fabricated and contains all the pipes, plumbing and electrical control means (ie, circuit breaker box, etc.) to connect the sources of supply (ie water, gas, electricity, etc.). In addition, all systems required for the entire structure, eg heating, plumbing and electricity, and all necessary plumbing fixtures and fittings are installed in the central core during pre-fabrication. On the other hand, any outlets that have to be placed on any of the hinged elements, particularly the walls, are installed while the structure is being pre-fabricated.

As shown in figure 10, this core contains the kitchen, including all its appliances; the bathroom - including the necessary plumbing fittings, in particular a toilet, bath / shower and toilet; and a cabinet with folding doors containing the water heater, washing machine and dryer.

Preferably, the core walls comprise a plurality of studs each and at least two plate members respectively attached to the top and bottom of the plurality of studs. Since these core walls are located within the folded structure, a gypsum sink is applied after all necessary piping, plumbing, and electrical installation components have been installed. A convenient stanchion is made of 5 cm x 10 cm (2 "x 4") wood although steel, aluminum or other materials may be used if desired.

Each hinged outer wall (front wall 71, rear wall 72 and side walls 91, 92, 93 and 94) is fully assembled during pre-fabrication. These walls should be constructed in the same way as the core walls. One difference, however, is that each of these must have a face facing the exterior of the building. These faces should then be covered with a coating, moisture barrier, and finally the desired exterior facade.

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Each wall is specifically manufactured from wood stents, for example, 5cm x 10cm x 240cm (2 "x 4" x 8 feet) spaced approximately 16 "(40.6 cm) apart from each other on a center base During pre-fabrication, windows are installed at predetermined locations on these walls, and the outer surface of each foldable wall, i.e. the surface facing the outer media, is covered with plywood facing material 12.7 mm (1/2 ") wood of normal type, on which a moisture barrier is applied together with the protective material, for example aluminum coating, asbestos slabs or other coating material In addition, the electrical wiring at various points of these walls is fixed to the factory and the wires are installed In order to comply with the accepted building codes, the entire electrical circuit is placed inside each wall. thermal insulation within each wall and then, for example, 12.7 mm (1/2 ") (also called" dry wall "or" leaf rock ") plasterboard is applied to the inner surface of each wall folding exterior, with an electrical outlet with the necessary circuit pre-installed and properly located.

As described above, there are means for supporting the roof and roof of the structure installed above the central core. These means are located on the common walls of the core and are supported by these, and preferably comprise a plurality of pre-fabricated assemblies. Each of the prefabricated trusses provides the structural support necessary for the upper and lower foldable roof sections whenever these are moved into an open, i.e., unfolded position. Although only one arm 31 is shown in cross-sectional view of Figure 2, the house is constituted, for example, by several separate legs, each preferably made of 5 cm x 10 cm (2 "x 4") beams and mcri spaced 61 cm (24 ") from center to center. For any number of asses to be employed, this number being determined by the desired spacing between the legs and by the dimensions 991

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Of the structure. Spacing for the assemblies (and also for flooring, wall studs, and ceiling beams) is often specified by local building regulations and / or practice, and may therefore vary from that specified below . Each wing is hingedly connected to upper roof sections 50 and 53, and lower roof sections 51 and 52 of the roof 9.

As shown in Figures 2 and 10, a plurality of structural elements, including side and front (and rear) side hinged walls and a ticted air floor element, are placed in their positions during pre-fabrication approximately in parallel with the walls of the inner core and throughout them. Specifically, these structural elements are arranged in two groups of analogous elements, the group 7 being contiguous with the inner wall 28, and the other the group 8, contiguous with the inner wall 22. In the transport configuration shown in Figure 2, the structural elements which are in each group are disposed adjacent to each other and are all approximately parallel to the contiguous inner core wall 22 or 28. The group 7 is constituted by the freely standing standing partition 105, the foldable outer wall 91, the front wall foldable outer wall 71 and the hinged floor section 61, and also - as can be seen in Figure 10 the foldable inner walls 101-104 and the foldable outer side wall 94. The group 8 is constituted by freely spaced analogous and partition structural members in particular: folding outer side walls 92 and 93, folding exterior rear stop 72, floor section (62), foldable inner walls (108-112), and freely spaced partition walls (106) and (107). It should be noted that the inner walls 1Q1 and 102 are attached to each other but have an open area between the two for access a door). The same is true of walls 103 and 104; 108 and 110; and 109 and

111.

According to this feature of the present invention, a substantial cabinet space is incorporated into the

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-24, by using the folding inner walls and freely placed standing partitions. When the structure is completely folded, these inner walls and partitions are initially placed so as to seat next to several interior walls constituting the central core. When the walls and floor elements are moved to their properly installed positions, a closed zone is defined around the core. Each hinged inner wall and each freely placed partition are then hinged or moved to a predetermined position within this zone in order to define all the compartments disposed around the core and all cabinets therein.

Structured Folding

The transport configuration shown in Figure 2 is obtained during the pre-fabrication starting by suitably hinging the folding inner walls and placing the freely installed dials standing up against the walls of the core, and then folding, i.e., placing pivotally in position, several structural members inwardly around the central core in the manner described below. Since the structural elements forming group 8 interconnect pivotally and fold approximately approximately equal to that of group 7, the sequence to be followed will be described for brevity only for members of group 7 .

First, the partition 105 is freely positioned as shown in Figure 12, next to the inner core wall 28. This partition is preferably oriented so that its vertical edges are parallel to those of the wall of the inner core. Likewise, the foldable inner walls 101-104 are hinged and positioned, as shown in figures 10 and 12, so that each of them is disposed adjacent to the inner side core walls 26 and 27.

Thereafter, the foldable roof elements 81 and 82

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are pivotally arranged upwards, as shown in figure 11, so that each collapsible roof element, for example the roof element 81, is partially placed in parallel with a corresponding lower collapsible roof element, for example the roof element 51. The beams of each collapsible roof element are alternated relative to those of each corresponding lower collapsible roof element, so that when those roof elements are folded, their joints partially intersect with those of each collapsible roof element. corresponding lower roof section.

Then, as shown in Figure 10, the foldable outer side panels 91 and 94 are hingedly inwardly disposed about the hinges 4 so that these walls are positioned adjacent the freely-spaced dividers 105 and the hinged wall 101, respectively. Then, as can be seen in Figure 8, the foldable outer front wall 71, which is hinged through one of the hinges 3, around one end of the hinged floor section 61, is pivoted downwardly from which is adjacent to the tiled section of floor 61.

7, the hinged floor section 61 is moved upwardly about the hinge 2 disposed on the left end of the core floor 41, so that the foldable outer front wall 71 is placed in the foldable outer side wall side 91 (and 94 not shown).

Now, with all of the foldable outer walls folded inwardly about the core, the foldable roof sections 50 and 53 are folded as shown in Figure 6 and are hingedly disposed downwardly until each one abuts against all the collapsible roof sections 51 and 52 are then folded, pivotally disposed downwardly and inwardly so that each is placed vertically adjacent to the folded roof elements 61 and 62 , respectively.

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-26Articulations between Foldable Structural Elements

The hinge 2 is mounted between the foldable floor elements 61 and 62, and the floor of the core 41. This articulation is constituted by a plurality of equal hinge assemblies, each of which attaches a deck floor of the central core to a roof of the corresponding floor of one of the folding floor elements. For retaining purposes, one of these pivot assemblies, i.e. one of those which is engaged between the flooring rod 611 of the pivoted floor section 61 and the flooring rod 411 of the central core floor element 41, is shown in FIG. figure 3.

This hinge 2 comprises pivot means for pivoting the pivoting floor section relative to the central core pivot, and means for transferring the load from the hinged paving section to the central paving floor. This joint also includes the means for decreasing the friction forces during rotation of the hinged floor section.

The load transfer means is preferably a metal clamp band, while the means for reducing friction is a metal washer. On the other hand, the clamp strap functions to partially decrease the friction between the two support elements. The hinge means is preferably a stud or the like.

Specifically, this hinge assembly is constituted by pin 11 (for example an ASTM A3Q7 12.7 mm (1/2 ") pin) secured by the washers 12 and the nut 13, Separate hinged straps 10 and 18, each preferably made of galvanized metal 12 or thicker, are each nailed to floor bars 411 and 611 respec- tively in the vicinity of the hinge. These straps provide a sliding frame against which each bar can rotate without causing friction of any of the bars. After the floor section 611 has been suitably hinged to its unfolded position, the nut 13 is completely tightened

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27 to secure the articulated floor section 61 in position.

The hinge 3 is mounted between the hinged floor section 61 and the foldable outer front wall 71 and erects the foldable floor member 62 and the foldable outer rear wall 72. This hinge is constituted by a plurality of hinge assemblies each of which is connected between each bar in an articulated floor section and each wall stud in a hinged outer front or rear wall. In Figure 4 there is shown a partial cross-sectional view of one of these hinge assemblies, i.e. which are applied between the floor screed 611 of the foldable floor element 61 and the wall retainer 711 of the foldable outer front stop 71.

This hinge 3 includes hinge means connected to the hinged floor and hinged wall elements, the hinging means comprises an elongate member that is foldable along a predetermined fold line. This element has sufficient strength to maintain its shape and forces it to exert a predetermined force to be displaced or bent. This elongated element facilitates the change of position of the wall elements relative to the floor from an initial position approximately parallel to a predetermined final position or unfolded position. Preferably, this final section has the wall elements substantially perpendicular to the floor.

Further, after the wall elements have been rotated to the desired angle, the hinge means may retain the wall in relative position relative to the floor. Although the pivoting means can adapt at any angle between 0 and 180 degrees, in the most advantageous embodiment, the wheel wall 902 and the hinge hold the wall in this position without the use of other constraining forces.

Specifically, the hinge assembly is constituted by a metal plate 721 which is nailed to the floor bolt 611 and to the wall stud 711, for example by means of four nails 723 of the size corresponding to 15 grams

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(10 penny) (10 d) common or greater. Two of these studs are threaded through the plate and subfloor 612 into the floor tile 611, and the remaining two are inserted through the plate and gypsum board 713 into the wall stud 711. Where the exterior front wall 71 is fully pivoted upwards to take up position, as will be described below with reference to figure 9, the outer front wall 71 is oriented perpendicular to the hinged floor section 61, and as a consequence, the metal plate 721 is folded by the movement The plate is advantageously fabricated from galvanized steel or other material which is thick, preferably measured 16 or wider, so that all the insulated plates can hold the plate. wall in a vertical perpendicular position and also withstand many folding and unfolding operations without showing signs of fracturing fatigue.

The hinge 4 includes means attached to the grid member, core roof and core paving. The hinged means comprises means for rotating the wall member up to a predetermined angle was about the axis of the hinged means. Further, the hinged means are positioned and oriented so as to facilitate rotation of the wall member, thereto they minimize the space between the wall member and the core wall when the wall member is in a position unfolding from the or open.

Preferably, the hinge means comprises two studs; one between the ceiling and the wall, and the other between the pavement and the wall. These nails are placed a little out of the way to facilitate rotation of the wall, while minimizing the space between the core wall and the rotated wall member.

Figure 5 shows the hinge 4. The inner wall 103 is hingedly connected, as shown, to the core floor 41 and the ceiling element 40 by means of two nails 49. Each of these nails is preferably of a size corresponding to 24 g ( 16 penny) (16 d) common or

frog

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-29maicr. One nail is inserted through the block 401 in its top wall member 1033 and the other is inserted through the block 412 in the inner wall member 1035. The block 401 is

secured by nails (not shown) to two contiguous ceiling bars - of which only the bar 402 is shown. The block 412 is secured by nails (not shown) to contiguous floor caps 411 and 412. As a result, the inner wall 103 pivots pivotally about the studs 49.

Figure 5 also depicts the inner wall 103 in a fully folded configuration (as shown in dashed lines in Figure 12). The hinged inner wall 103 is comprised of a sequence of wooden studs, for example, having a normal dimension of 2 cm x 10 cm x 240 cm (2 "x 4" x 8 *) - of which only the stencil 1034 is represented by - positioned spaced approximately 16.6 inches (16.6 inches) center-to-center and secured to the top wall member 1033 and the bottom wall member 1035. A bed of gypsum board 1031 is applied to each outer side of this foldable wall 1033.

The core floor 41, as depicted and described above, is made of made.i

) with measurements of for example 5 cm x 25.4 cm (2 "x 10") -

which only the floor bars 411 and 413 are represented - all placed with a spacing of approximately

40.6 cm (16 ") center-to-center The subfloor 414 - for example 5/8" (15.9 mm) plywood sheet - is nailed to the core flooring bars. is constructed in a manner analogous to the core floor 41, except that the gypsum sheet, specifically sheet 403, instead of 5/8 "(15.9 mm) plywood used in the subfloor is nailed to the underside of the ceiling beam of 5 cm x 10 cm (2 "x 4") - of which only the beam 402 is shown.

When fully deployed, the inner wall 103 is positioned approximately perpendicular to the inner core wall 27. This core wall is constituted

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(2 "x 4" x 8 ') - of which only the stanchion 273 is shown - placed with a spacing of approximately 16 inches (40.6 cm). center-to-center and nailed to the upper wall elements. 271 and 272 and the lower wall member 274, all of which are, for example, 5 cm x 10 cm x 240 cm (2 "x 4" x 8 ') wood studs. Plasterboard 276 is secured to both sides of the inner core wall 27,

Joints between the core roof 40 and the foldable outer side walls 91, 92, 93 and 94 and between the core floor 41 and the foldable outer side walls 91, 92, 93 and 94 are applied. All joints that connect each foldable outer wall to the core ceiling and the core floor are the same, and should be analogous to the hinge 4 shown in Figure 5. However, for the outer side walls, the central core side walls 21, 25 are extended as shown in Figure 10 and provides sufficient space for the non-articulated elements, for example partition 105, 'T-struts' 86, etc.

Structure Unfolding

Once the sequence in which the hinged walls and the floor and roof elements are drawn inwardly around the central core to form the folded structure shown in Figures 1 and 2 is summarized, an explanation will now be given more detailed in that all the elements are sequentially deployed to convert the sa of its transport configuration, i.e. folded, into a fully inhabitable residential dwelling. The sequence is shown in Figures 6 to 8, and 10 to 12.

The first structural elements to be deployed are the roof sections. As shown in Figure 6, the upper roof sections 50 and 53 are hingedly positioned upwardly and outwardly. The Christian beam 56 is preferably a 5 "x 15" (2 "x 6") wooden beam running through the entire length of the folded roof section,

53 and abuts against the upper edge of the collapsible roof section 50 when these sections are both completely unfolded. The beams forming each of these upper roof sections are 2 "x 4" (5 cm x 10 cm) wooden beams placed with a 24 "center-to-center spacing, and all beams which constitute each of the upper roof sections are alternated relative to each other. Since these upper roof sections completely disengaged in position as shown in Figure 6, two nails of appropriate size (not shown), preferably of a size corresponding to 24 g (16 penny)

(16d) by inserting them through the Christian beam and into each beam forming the foldable roof section 50 in order to securely fix both roof sections in place. It should be noted that all upper and lower roof sections have been completely coated and covered with slats during pre-fabrication.

Then, as shown in Figure 6, the lower roof sections 51 and 52, each consisting of crossbeams with for example 5 cm x 10 cm (2 "x 4") are turned up and beveled and placed in position. These beams are connected by hinge means comprising pin means. Each hinge connecting the upper and lower roof sections to the legs consists of a series of 12.7 mm (1/2 ") rails (not shown), each of which passes through a beam in a section of a temporary support (not shown) is positioned below the lower end of each of these lower collapsible roof sections and adjusts at a height appropriate to In order to secure the roof sections to a final position, a properly sized nut which has been screwed onto the end of each bolt is tightened completely. then at least three studs, preferably of corresponding size

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to 16 grams (16 d) common or larger by introducing them through each lock of the lower roof section and its contiguous roof leg, and, similarly, three more of these nails are applied through each beam of the upper roof section and its contiguous roof wing. All lower roof sections were also fully coated and covered with slats during pre-fabrication.

Once the roof is completely unfolded, the folding floor elements 61 and 62 are then rotated to their positions as shown in figure 7. Specifically, both folding floor elements are rotated downwardly and outwardly. from the central core, thereby forming all the flooring for the residence.

Thereafter, as shown in Figure 8, the front and rear walls 71 and 72 are deployed to their positions. Specifically, each wall is pivoted up and out around the hinges 3 to the upper ends of the front wall outer wall 71 and the outer rear wall 72 to abut against all the beams constituting the lower foldable roof sections 51 and 52, respectively.

As can be seen in Figure 9 and as previously discussed in connection with Figure 4, upward movement of the foldable outer front wall 71 away from the hinged floor section 61 causes the metal plate 721 to be taken the "L-shape". Whenever the foldable outer front wall 71 is completely unfolded, the horizontal support 725, which is located at the bottom of this wall, rests on the top of the subfloor 612 of the hinged section member 61. In this position, the outer shell 714, which is made for example of 12.7 mm (1/2 ") plywood and has been applied to this wall during pre-processing, protrudes from subfloor 611 and end piece 616. This endpiece is nailed to each of by means of at least 3 studs, preferably measuring 15 g (10 penny) (10 d) common or larger, which are all nailed

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through the casing and into the end piece in the vicinity of each floor beam.

With these foldable outer front and rear walls secured in place, the foldable outer side walls 91, 92, 93 and 94, as shown in the plan view of figure 10, are then unfolded to their positions and secured in place . Specifically, each outer wall is hinged outwardly around the hinges 4 - as previously described and shown in Figure 5 - so that each end wall rests in position substantially perpendicular to the front or rear exterior walls previously deployed. Once each foldable outer side wall hinges to its unfolded position, screws (not shown but known) are applied to wood by appropriately placed blocks between respective contiguous roof beams and floor bars in the crossbar and transverse lower part of each one of these walls.

On the end walls of the house, the ceiling and the lower roof section are pivotally attached. The hinge means used for this connection comprises means for rotating the touch member relative to the roof element, and means for connecting the roof element and roofed to the outer wall member.

At this time, the ceiling elements 81 and 82 are deployed in position, as shown in Figure 11. To do this, the foldable roof elements are hinged downwardly so that the unfolded roof element 81 assembles above the unfolded outer wall 71 and side walls 91 and 94; ε the unfolded roof member 82 rests upon the outer front wall 72 and the sidewalls 92 and 93, respectively.

Thereafter, the unfolded outer front wall 71 is affixed to the unfolded roof member 81 and the lower roof section 51. A plurality of "L-shaped" double bead plates (not shown but known) having an extension with the saddle shape, are placed in the

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So that the saddle of each nailing plate is positioned above the indentation of the folded outer front wall 71. Each crimping plate has a vertical oriented section; upwardly extending out from one end of the saddle, and is laid each along the crossbar so that its vertical section abuts against one of the beams in the lower roof section. There are as many nail plates placed in position along the crossbar as the cross beams of this roof section. As soon as a plate is placed in the proper position, it is nailed alone, preferably using at least 6 studs with a size corresponding to 15 g (10 penny) (10 d) larger, with two studs inserted through the plate saddle on the side of the crossbar and the remaining two studs inserted through the vertically oriented section of the lower roof beam. To securely engage the unfolded outer front wall to the lower roof section, a non-assembled (not shown), preferably 12.7 mn (1/2 ") diameter pin is tightened and inserted through a which is provided in the vertical section of each nailing plate and in a corresponding hole in the contiguous lower roof beam during pre-fabrication.Adjustable sized washers may be used with each bolt.The unfolded outer rear wall 72 is secured to the section of foldable lower roof 52 in substantially the same manner.

Since a suitable support is now provided for the lower roof members, across all of the unfolded outer walls, the jacks which are supporting these lower roof sections are now withdrawn.

Additional support is provided for foldable ceiling elements 81 and 82 by the installation of several "T-struts", as shown in Figure 11. In the representative embodiment shown and described herein, a T-terminal, mounted on a respective upper end of the cam and supports each roof element. The number of "heels was T" depends on the last instance of the number of asses used. Each T-bracket extends downward from one side of the

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A top end of a roof wing and rests with a corresponding beam on a collapsible roof element, and provides a surface on which the desired roofing materials can be installed.

Since all the T-struts are approximately equal, for representation purposes only the T-struts 36 and 87 are shown, which are placed between the fold 31 and the foldable roof elements 81 and 82, respectively, and are described in the description T-strut 86. The T-strut 86 consists of a stanchion having a length of approximately 5 cm x 10 cm x 240 cm (2 "x 4" x 8 ') for example the stanchion 861, which extends downwardly from and a relatively small length of 5 cm x 10 cm (2 "x 4"), for example the stanchion 862, which is positioned perpendicular to the stanchion 861.

A score plate (not shown but known) made of galvanized sheet metal measured 16 or greater and with a saddle at one end and a planar engaging surface at the other can be used to secure the strut T to the cross member ceiling Sl. This plate is placed to embrace the crossbar so that its surface of crave; (the left end) of the stud 862. The hob is then nailed to the stud and the T-strut 86, preferably using studs with a size corresponding to 9-15 g (6-10 penny ) (10 d) common or greater; four of these nails fix the nailing plate to the crossbar and the other two fix the nailing sink to the anchor. Similarly, an equal nailing plate may be used to secure the other end of this "T-bracket" to a transverse piece of wood existing at the right end of the core ceiling 40.

Preferably, the "T-bracket" can be fabricated with two 5 cm x 10 cm (2 "x 4") studs oriented perpendicular to each other and simply crimped together. This method allows the use of wood chips and is less than the use of nail plates.

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These "T struts" are used to support roof loads. They are nailed to the core wall and to the ceiling elements. Thereafter, the weight of the roof is transferred through the "T-strut" to the other elements.

When each "T-skin" is placed in the proper position, it is then secured in position with nails, preferably of 24 or more common or larger 24 g, through its upper end and the concave side. After all of the "struts T" are fixed, a rectangular sheet of gypsum board, for example the sheet 863, is folded to the underside of the wood-plating plates. Each sheet is sized to lie flatly centering the gypsum board previously affixed to the ceiling elements during pre-fabrication, and to completely fill the rectangular aperture produced between the gypsum plates on the underside of each collapsible ceiling element and the underside of the central core ceiling.All these " T struts "are completely manufactured during the pre-fabrication of the house and are temporarily stored on the floor of the central core during transport from the folded house to the construction site.

When the collapsible roof elements are completely unfolded and fixed in their positions, a closed zone is defined as the central one. Thereafter, as shown in plan view of Figure 12, the foldable inner walls 101-104 and 108-112, and the freely held standing partitions 105, 106 and 107, are hinged or disengaged. located to respective positions in this zone to define the compartments arranged around the central core and all the cabinets contained therein. Specifically, the foldable inner walls 103 and 112 are hinged in the same manner as the outer side wall 92 shown in Figure 5 and described above. When the foldable inner walls are brought to their positions, each freely placed partition is then suitably placed in place. The folding inner walls and partitions are completely assembled and plastered with

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-37profabrication. Once in position, each of these interior and partition walls is fixed by means of a wood screw to the floor bars in the articulated floor sections 61 or 62, and to the beams in the ceiling elements 81 and 82. It is. these prices are put through appropriately placed blocks, which exist between some contiguous beams. (and between some of the bars chosen in the folding floor elements), and through the upper and lower horizontal supports constituting each of these inner and partition walls. Conveniently, the use of freely placed standing partitions which are placed during on-site installation to define cabinet and cabinet dimensions allow the dimensions of these enclosures and cabinets to be easily modified at any time up to installation, causing little or no expense . While the doors to each of the cabinets formed by freely movable partitions, as well as some interior compartment doors, have all been omitted for the sake of clarity of the plan views shown in the drawing, these doors are connected, i.e., pre-hung, to corresponding hinged walls or freely placed standing partitions and inner core walls during pre-fabrication. Conveniently, this further reduces on-site installation time and costs.

As is easy to see, the applicant's collapsible prefabricated house is now completely unfolded. 13 shows a cross-sectional view thereof.

At this stage of installation, the only portion of the residence that remains to be closed is the attic. In order to do this, a pre-fabricated gable end is preloaded to the roof beams and outermost ceiling beams that exist on either side of the dwelling. Specifically, each of the two gable ends, of which only the gable end 97 is shown in Figure 14, is triangular in shape and consists of a series of notch 5 cm x 10 cm (2 "x 4") not represented, of suitable length and mounted spaced apart from each other at a spacing of about 40.6 cm (16 ^M ) center-to-center.

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A coating layer (not shown), preferably

• 12.7 mm (1/2 ") wood plywood is placed on top of the

during factory pre-fabrication. After the

'gable ends are installed in place, applies

suitable coating material, for example aluminum or wood sheets, on all sides of the house including gable. The application of this type of coating in place conveniently minimizes the likelihood of a misalignment between the coating at the gable ends and the rest of the yacht rais walls that misalignment is visible. However, if cedar wood tiles are used for coating, a slight misalignment between the coating attached to the feather ends and that attached to the remainder of the outer side walls is generally invisible. Accordingly, such a coating material can be applied during the pre-fabrication to the gable ends and to all foldable outer walls in order to further decrease installation time and costs on the spot. Pre-fabricated gable ends, such as pre-fabricated "T-struts", are temporarily stored in the central core (more specifically placed in the core floor) while the folded house is transported to the construction site.

| You can now move to the last remaining phase of the installation

the interior finish. Specifically, the edges of all of the interior surfaces of resilient structural members are suitably coated, plastered and sanded in preparation for applying the end wall coating, for example paint or wallpaper. The subfloor and final flooring or other floor finishing materials are then laminated to the previously unpaved areas of the house, i.e., above the hinges 4. Alternatively, the subfloors and endcoat may be installed in place. floors. Although the latter system slightly increases the cost of the installation, it may be necessary, depending on the final flooring chosen by the owner, to eliminate any gaps or joint lines that exist on the pavement. Then the ornaments are installed

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and any interior decorations that are still missing. At this point the residence is completely built and only needs connections to local public services - for example electricity and sewers - to be completely habitable.

Figure 14 shows an exterior perspective view of the housing as it is fully installed and ready to be occupied.

In the embodiment described herein as an example, the heat is supplied via the electrical board. Although electric heating is generally relatively expensive in operation, it is the one whose installation costs less. Accordingly, separate electric units are installed along the inner lower edge of several inner core walls and several collapsible walls. However, to minimize heating costs, a separate thermostat is installed in each compartment during pre-fabrication.

Other types of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems may, if desired, be used to replace or add to the electrical heating elements. Any desired system can be substantially installed at the factory during pre-fabrication. In addition, the necessary cables or wires (ie electric light, telephone, television, etc.) can be installed at the factory during pre-fabrication.

Since the weight of a residential housing constructed in accordance with the present invention is supported primarily by the walls constituting the central core, this conveniently allows all articulated structural members to be made relatively light. Therefore, this allows each element to be articulated to its position by a few workers, without the use of heavy machinery. On the other hand, the minimum weight inherent in the structure eliminates the need to incorporate any columns in the structure or build the foundation with reinforced concrete. These factors therefore have the advantage of lowering the installation cost.

In Figure 15 there is shown a floor plan of one of the many alternative embodiments of a house

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The invention relates to a folding housing according to the principles of the present invention. As is readily apparent from the figure, the outer pivotable front walls are not required to be compliant when fully unfolded. As shown, the two walls forming the front outer wall can be undone to create a relatively large living room, for example, and also give a pleasing appearance to the front of the dwelling. Similarly, the other collapsible walls and / or walls of. nucleus also do not necessarily have to be based entirely on one plan, but instead may be constituted by several alternating or otherwise non-co-ordinating sections. In addition, the pivoted floor and / or roof element may also have very varied non-planar geometries, to create many different and architecturally pleasing designs. Therefore, a variety of cob structures: different forms, including but not limited to

In any manner to this a limited arrangement can be easily fabricated in accordance with the present invention.

The figure 16 represents a single floor structure which may have a terrace or be used as the first floor or lower floor of a multi-floor structure. The single-deck structure or the lower deck floors of the multi-deck structure do not have foldable roofs or roof shingles, but rather have roof elements 40a only in the central core zone. Therefore, when this structure is to be used as a one-step house, ceiling elements 81a, 82a are installed for the compartments adjacent to the central core.

These Sia elements, 82a shown in dashed lines in the figure. 16, may be pivotally connected to ceiling elements 40a in the same way as the hinged floor sections are attached to the core floor. Alternatively, these ceiling elements 31a, 82a may be installed in the loca- tion. In any of the embodiments, these ceiling elements are partially supported at their ends

Opposed by a wall member

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articulated.

Then, a roof terrace or a conventional roof can be constructed on these tectc elements 40a, 81a, 82a to complete the one-story structure. For construction of several decks, the lower structures do not have those roof elements 81a, 82a, since the floors of the contiguous upper structure 61, 62 become toe-roof elements. truture.

For the manufacture of various decks, it is desirable to use 5 cm x 25 cm (2 "x 10") wooden beams 40a placed on the central core and to alternate the positions of these beams with respect to the position of the floor bars 40 of the upper structure. In addition, these beams extend a little further than the width of the central core 5 to provide sufficient area for pivotally connecting the foldable side and inner wall members. In this construction, the floor bars 40 of the upper structure will be placed between the wooden beams 40a of the lower structure. In addition, the core walls 22, 28 are of sufficient size to support the weight of the upper structure. Then, as previously mentioned, the floor elements 61, 62 of the upper structure become the lower ceiling elements of the structure.

Specifically, to build a two-storey residential housing as represented in the. figure 17, two collapsible structures - one upper and one lower of the type described above - are placed one on top of the other. The main difference between these structures is that the bottom structure does not contain a roof and has substantially the same aspect. seated in Figure 16. At the time of the on-site installation, the lower structure is first placed in proper position on the foundation supports and wooden boards that make up; from the foundation, and is then completely unfolded. All collapsible structural members of the lower structure are then secured in their positions. As shown in Figure 16, the lower collapsible structure has ceiling beams 40a 5 cm x 25 cm (2 "x 10") above the central core. Confoj?

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-42-

mentioned above, these 2 "x 10" (5 cm x 25 cm) beams are placed in an alternating configuration so as not to be directly under the floor joists of the upper structure. Thereafter, the upper structure, in a fully folded position, is placed on top of the lower structure and the floor bars of the upper structure are supported by the central core walls of the lower structure. In this arrangement, the floor bars of the upper structure 61, 62 become the ceiling beams of the lower structure. All the ceiling beams 40a of the lower structure thus engage against the central core floor caps and are attached thereto by use of nail plates and nails of appropriate dimensions. The remaining foldable structural members of the upper structure are folded in position and fixed as described above.

Appropriate openings are provided in the roof of the central core of the lower structure and in the core floor element of the upper structure during fabrications thereof in order to place a ladder which can be installed in the lower structure during its pre-fabrication. Any handrails, etc., required are installed during the final (interior) phase of the on-site installation. Unless the two-story house is intended for a two-family house, there is little or no need to include any utensils (and / or a water heater) in the upper structure. Thus, the area reserved for the kitchen and cabinet in the central core can be transformed into another usable space, for example study cabinet or study cabinet.

As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, multi-story structures of more than two floors can be easily constructed in a manner analogous to that described above. The number of separate foldable structures that can be stacked to form the multi-storey structure is determined essentially by the weight of each foldable structure, and by the weight that can be supported by the foundation and the walls of each foldable structure - in particular that which is in the lower part of the stack.

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The folded structural members (walls, flooring, roof and roof) constituting the foldable living room housing have been previously described as folding and folding in a particular sequence, it is readily apparent to those skilled in the art that any of these structural elements can easily be folded and unfolded in a variety of different sequences. The particular sequence in each case is determined by the desired volume of the fold structure and by the materials used in particular in the foldable elements and the manner in which these elements are constructed.

Although they have been represented and described in the present particular embodiments, a wide variety of different embodiments of various shapes and sizes may be designed by the skilled person and all in accordance with the principles of the present invention without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Prefabricated folding structure, characterized in that it comprises:

(a) a pre-installed central core comprising at least two wall elements oppositely disposed and a floor extending between said two wall elements;

(b) at least one first hinged floor section;

(c) first hinged means connecting said first floor section hinged to said central core floor, said first hinged means comprising means for transferring the load from said first hinged floor section to said central core floor ;

(d) at least three hinged wall elements;

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-44-

(e) a first means for pivotally connecting said third member of said wall elements hingable to said hinged floor section, said first hinged connecting means comprising an elongate foldable member along a predetermined fold line and capable of substantially maintaining its configuration by placing it in a folded or unfolded position about said fold line by a predetermined force;

(f) a second means for pivotally connecting the remaining hinged members to one of said central core wall elements; and

(g) a plurality of beams set up above said central core for stabilization and strengthening of said central core; the pre-fabricated folding structure capable of forming

i) a compact folded structure in which said at least first hinged paving section and said at least three pivotable wall elements are hingedly disposed in turn about said central core in order to settle very close to said latter and substantially parallel to said core wall member to which said two hinged wall elements are operatively connected, or

(ii) a sturdy living structure in which said at least one first hinged floor section and said at least three hinged wall elements are hingedly arranged outwardly from said central core in order to define at least one division contiguous to said central nucleus.

The prefabricated foldable structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said central core comprises at least two pairs of stop elements which are arranged oppositely to each other and are essentially rectangular in configuration.

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-4-

Prefabricated foldable structure according to claim 2, characterized in that a predetermined number of said at least two pairs of central core wall elements arranged oppositely to each other are usable as outer walls, the remaining elements of the central core wall.

The pre-fabricated folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said first hinged means also comprises means for decreasing the frictional forces during rotation of said hinged floor section.

Prefabricated folded structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said hinged connection means adapts to a predetermined position of said third wall element hingable with respect to said hinged floor section, which position varies from an essentially parallel starting position to a predetermined predetermined position.

The pre-fabricated folding structure according to claim 5, characterized in that said predetermined predetermined position of said wall element aj ' According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a cross-sectional view of the articulated floor section.

The pre-fabricated folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the second hinged connecting means is adapted to a pos. the predetermined predetermined position of said remaining respective hinged wall elements relative to said central core wall element, position ranging from an essentially parallel initial position to a predetermined final position.

Prefabricated folding structure according to claim 7, characterized in that said position

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The predetermined end of said hinged wall element is substantially perpendicular to said central core paring member.

Prefabricated folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises at least one foldable inner wall element for dividing said at least one partition.

The prefabricated folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of roof beams above said at least one partition and means for connecting said plurality of partition roof beams to said plurality of partition beams centered core for horizontal support.

The pre-fabricated folding structure according to claim 8, wherein said plurality of partition roof beams are also connected and are at least partially supported by said third pivotable wall element.

A pre-fabricated folding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a horizontal or conventional roof which is installed over said robust habitable structure.

Prefabricated folding structure, characterized in that it comprises:

a) a pre-installed central core comprising at least two pairs of wall elements arranged opposite one another and a floor extending between said wall elements;

b) at least two hinged sections of floor;

c) first hinge means connecting a first hinged floor section cum to said central core floor and second hinged means connecting a second section

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132-εη

The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing and the second hinge means comprises a means for transferring the load from said first and second floor sections hinged to the floor of the central core and means for reducing the frictional forces in said first and second pivoting means during rotation of the pivoted pavement sections;

d) at least two sets of three hinged wall elements;

e) first means for pivotally connecting each of said third wall elements hingable with said first and second hinged floor sections respectively, said first hinged connecting means comprising an elongated foldable member along a fold fold line determined and able to maintain substantially

your

when placed in a folded position.

or folded about said fold line by a predetermined force, said fold position corresponding to an initial position

QOOffif

of said third hinged wall elements was in relation to the respective hinged floor section and corresponding to

position to a predetermined final position.

of said third wall elements hinged with respect to their hinged floor section;

f) second means for connecting each of the remaining hinged wall elements of each set to each respective side of said center core wall elements oppositely positioned, the second of the hinged connecting means being able to adapt to a predetermined position of the remaining respective hinged wall elements with respect to said center core wall elements, position varying from an essentially parallel starting position to a predetermined end position; and

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g) a plurality of beams laid above said central core for stabilization and reinforcement of said central core, the pre-fabricated foldable structure being capable of forming

i) a compact folded structure in which said at least two hinged floor sections and each of said at least three hinged wall elements are pivotally disposed in turn around each respective one of said central core, in order to seat mui. and substantially parallel to each of said at least two core wall elements, or

(ii) a robust living structure in which said first and second hinged floor sections and said hinged wall elements are articulated. outwardly from said central core, in order to define at least two divisions contiguous to said central core.

Prefabricated foldable structure according to claim 13, characterized in that a predetermined number of said at least two pairs of central core wall elements positioned oppositely to each other have a substantially rectangular configuration and are usable as outer walls and the remaining central core wall elements are inner walls.

The prefabricated foldable structure according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of roof beams above said at least two divisions and means for connecting each of said plurality of partition ceiling beams to each end of the said plurality of central core roof beams for partial horizontal support.

The prefabricated foldable structure according to claim 14, characterized in that said plurality of partition ceiling beams are also connected and are connected to one another.

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They are partially supported by at least one of said hinged wall elements.

The prefabricated folding structure according to claim 13, characterized in that it also comprises a horizontal or conventional roof which is installed on said robust habitable structure.

Prefabricated folding structure, characterized in that it comprises

(a) a pre-installed central core comprising two pairs of oppositely disposed wall elements substantially rectangular in shape and a floor extending between said wall elements in which a predetermined number of said wall elements of the central core are usable as outer wall elements and the remaining central core wall elements are inner wall elements;

b) two articulated floor sections;

c) first hinge means connecting a first paving section hinged to said central core paving and second pivoting means connecting said second paving section hinged to the opposite end of said central core paving, each comprising said first and second articulated means means for transferring the load of said first and second hinged floor sections to said central core floors and means for lowering the frictional forces on said first and second hinged means during rotation of the floor sections articulated;

d) two sets of three hinged wall elements;

e) first means pivotally connecting each of said third wall elements pivotable with said first and second floor sections respectively articulated, said first connecting means

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A folded elongated member along a predetermined fold line and capable of essentially maintaining its configuration when placed in a folded or unfolded position about said fold line by a predetermined force, said position folded to an essentially parallel initial position of said third wall elements hinged with respect to their respective hinged floor section and said unfolded position corresponding to an essentially perpendicular position of said third wall element hinged with respect to its respective hinged floor section ;

f) second means for pivotally connecting each of the remaining hinged wall elements of each assembly with each side of a pair of said central center wall elements placed adjacently to each other respectively, the second hinged connecting means being capable of is adapted to an essentially parallel initial position of said remaining pivotable wall members relative to said central core wall elements, to an essentially perpendicular final portion; and

g) a plurality of prefabricated roof support legs attached to the upper sides of a pair of central core wall elements oppositely positioned to one another to a plurality of foldable roof elements hingedly connected to said prefabricated roof support legs ; the pre-fabricated folding structure capable of forming

i) a compact folded structure in which said two hinged floor sections and each of said three hinged wall elements are hingedly disposed in turn about each side of said central core, so as to lie very close to said latter and essentially parallel to each of said two core wall members, or

ii) a robust habitable structure in which the refer. of the first and second hinged floor sections and the said hinged wall elements are arranged articulated,

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Inwardly outwardly from said core

to define two divisions contiguous to said

central, order central core.

Prefabricated folding structure according to claim 18, characterized in that said pre-fabricated central core contains all necessary and desired means of channeling and electrical control.

The pre-fabricated folding structure of claim 18, wherein said pivotable wall elements and said hinged floor sections are configured and dimensioned to provide sufficient free space parallel to said central core walls, when the frame is folded over to hold construction components not hingedly connected until said frame is unfolded.

The prefabricated foldable structure according to claim 20, wherein said hinged non-connected construction materials comprise perpendicular wall partitions and web support struts.

The pre-fabricated folding structure of claim 18, wherein said central core and hinged wall elements include all necessary electrical installation belongings.

Method for constructing a robust housing from a pre-fabricated folding structure, characterized in that it comprises:

(a) the prior fabrication of a compact folded structure according to claim 1;

(b) the transport of said double folded structure; to a construction site;

(c) the support of said compact folded structure comprises at least two central core support means disposed in an appropriate manner;

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(d) deploying said compact folded structure, unfolding including

(i) hinging said hinged floor section to a horizontal position on support means;

(ii) hinging said third wall member to be hinged to a vertical position relative to said first hinged floor section;

(iii) the articulation of said other articulable wall elements; and

(e) finishing said final structural details, especially in the hinge links to form the robust habitable structure.

A method as claimed in claim 21, further comprising adding a plurality of roof beams above said roof over said partition ceiling and central core beams.

25. A method of constructing a robust dwelling house from a pre-fabricated folding structure

characterized in that it comprises:

(a) the prior fabrication of a compact folded structure according to claim 13;

(b) the transport of said folded structure compares to a construction site;

(c) the support of said compact folded structure comprises at least two central core supports properly housed on a building foundation;

(d) deploying said compacted folded structure, unfolding including

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(and)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

Rotating said first floor section hingedly around said first hinge means to a horizontal position on a floor support;

rotating said second pivot section pivotally about said second pivoting means to a horizontal position on a paving support by said second pivoting means;

the deployment of each of said third wall members hingable by said first hinged connection means to an end position relative to said first and second hinged floor sections; and

the unfolding of said remaining pivotable wall elements by said second pivotable connecting means. with a previously determined sequence of up to its final position;

finishing of said final structural details, especially in the hinge links to form the robust habitable structure.

A method according to claim 29, wherein said predetermined sequence for the hinge of said remaining hinged wall elements comprises:

(i) the hinge of the outermost wall member outwardly to an end position is. essentially perpendicular to the said central core wall;

(ii) the hinge of the wall element

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A substantially perpendicular end portion with respect to said central core wall; and

(iii) repeating ii) until all of the remaining wall members are pivoted outwardly to end positions essentially perpendicular to said central core wall.

The method of claim 26, further comprising adding a plurality of ceiling beams above said partition and joining a plurality of ceiling beams to said central core ceiling beams.

28 - Process for the construction of a residential house h

prefabricated building, ca

characterized in that it comprises:

the prior fabrication of a compact folded structure according to claim 18;

(The)

(B)

(W)

(d)

the transport of said folded structure to a construction site;

the support of said compact folded structure on at least two suitably positioned central core support means;

the folding of said compact folding structure by means of

(i)

rotating said first paving section hinged about the first hinge means to a horizontal position on a floor support;

rotating said second pivot section hinged about said second hinge means to a horizontal position on a floor support by said second hinge means;

(ii)

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(iii) unfolding each of said first and second wall elements pivotable by said first means of hinged connection to a final position substantially perpendicular to said first and second pivoted floor sections; s

(iv) unfolding of said elements of

wall portions remaining by said second hinged connection means in accordance with a predetermined sequence; their final positions

(e) finishing said final structural details, primarily in the hinge links, to appear as the robust habitable structure.

29

Method according to claim 28, characterized in that said sequence previously determined for the hinge of said remaining hinged wall elements comprises:

(i) pivoting the outermost wall member outwardly into its final position?

(ii) articulation of the next outermost wall member outwardly into its final position? and

(iii) repeating ii) until all of the remaining stop members have been hinged out to their final positions.

Process according to s. characterized in that it further comprises adding a plurality of roof beams above said roofing partitions and joining said plurality of roof beams to said central core roof beams.

31 - Process for the construction of a structure

robust color. several floors from a plurality of

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prefabricated structures, characterized in that

π

understand:

(The

(B)

(W)

(d)

(and)

(f)

(s)

the prior fabrication of a plurality of compact folded structures according to claim 1;

transporting said compact folded structures to a construction site;

the attachment of a first folded compact structure onto skin has two appropriately positioned central core support means;

the unfolding of the structure by means of

(i) articulation of said first hinged floor section to a horizontal position on; media support;

(ii) pivoting said third wall member pivotable to a vertical position relative to said pivoted floor section; and

(iii) hinging said other hinged wall elements to their end positions;

placement of a second double folded structure above said first unfolded structure;

unfolding ds. said second fold structure of the compact in the same manner as the first; and

finishing of said final structural details, especially in the hinge links to form the robust multi-storey habitable structure.

Method according to claim 31, characterized in that it also comprises repeating the steps

e) and f) as many times as necessary to form the structure

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Desired multi-storey;

A method according to claim 31, further comprising adding a plurality of ceiling beams above said partition and joining said plurality of ceiling beams to said center core ceiling beams.

A method as claimed in claim 33, further comprising installing a horizontal or conventional screen on the top frame after it has been unfolded.

A method according to claim 31, further comprising placing in the upper frame a plurality of previously fabricated support struts attached to its central core ceiling elements and a plurality of collapsible roof sections, connected together with said previously manufactured roof struts.

A method according to claim 35, further comprising hinging said plurality of collapsible roof sections in upper and lower collapsible roof sections wherein each upper section is hingedly connected at one of its ends to a corresponding lower section and to said previously manufactured roof post struts.

A robust habitable structure produced according to the process of claim 23.

A robust habitable structure produced in accordance with the process of claim 25.

A robust habitable structure produced according to the process of claim 28.

40 - Robust multi storey habitable structure

63 991

File: 3444-007-118

132-em

produced according to the process of claim 31.

A multi-storey robust living structure produced according to the process of claim 32.

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