US3863419A

US3863419A - Method of constructing a foldable building

Info

Publication number: US3863419A
Application number: US332677A
Authority: US
Inventors: John H Hendrich
Original assignee: John H Hendrich
Current assignee: UNION BANK & TRUST Co ERIE ERIE PA
Priority date: 1971-09-09
Filing date: 1973-02-15
Publication date: 1975-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 1992-02-04
Also published as: CA1000925A; US3953947A; DE2406862A1; DE2406862C2

Abstract

The specification and drawings disclose a collapsible building module which in the preferred embodiment comprises a side wall frame assembly and a roof frame assembly which are interconnected along one of their edge portions by pivotal means to permit them to be folded about an axis of interconnection to lie in generally parallel planes. The disclosed structure also includes pivotally mounted interior wall panels, roof panels and/or floor panels carried by one or the other of the wall and roof assemblies. The free end portions of the roof frame assembly and the side wall frame assembly are provided with connecting means whereby they can be connected to a base or associated support structure for pivotal movement about axes parallel to the axis of interconnection between them. The specification further discloses certain preferred methods for erecting buildings by use of the modules.

Description

1 1 Feb. 4, 1975 METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING A FOLDABLE BUILDING [76] Inventor: John II. Hendrich, 5 W. 10th St., Erie, Pa. 16501 22 Filed: Feb. 15,1973

211 App]. No.: 332,677

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 178,942, Sept. 9,

1971, abandoned.

[52] U.S. Cl 52/747, 52/70, 52/71, 46/21 [51] Int. Cl. E0411 H344, E04b H35 [58] Field of Search 52/64, 66, 69-71, 52/79, 86, 741, 745, 747

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 414,976 11/1889 Harvey 52/79 1,032,284 7/1912 Holland 52/745 2,461,916 2/1949 Omar 52/71 2,762,084 9/1956 Singer 52/64 3,236,020 2/1966 Toffolon 52/745 3,280,796 10/1966 Hatcher 52/70 3,296,752 l/l967 Philp 52/70 3,527,008 9/1970 Greenbalgh 52/745 X 3,555,749 1/1971 Aitken 52/70 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,259,551 l/l968 Germany 52/69 24,356 12/1930 Australia 52/70 554,250 6/1943 Great Britain 52/64 938,589 10/1963 Great Britain 52/64 1,118,437 ll/l96l Germany i 52/64 68,111 11/1948 Denmark 52/79 845,727 8/1939 France 52/86 1,394,991 3/1965 France 52/745 656,655 10/1963 ltaly 52/747 82,772 5/1957 Denmark H 52/745 1,085,615 10/1967 Great Britain 52186 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Arch Forum, p. 91-94, Gardner Dailey, Feb., 1942.

Primary Examiner-Ernest R. Purser Assistant Examiner-Leslie A. Braun Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Fay & Sharpe [57] ABSTRACT The specification and drawings disclose a collapsible building module which in the preferred embodiment comprises a side wall frame assembly and a roof frame assembly which are interconnected along one of their edge portions by pivotal means to permit them to be folded about an axis of interconnection to lie in generally parallel planes. The disclosed structure also includes pivotally mounted interior wall panels, roof panels and/or floor panels carried by one or the other of the wall and roof assemblies. The free end portions of the roof frame assembly and the side wall frame assembly are provided with connecting means whereby they can be connected to a base or associated support structure for pivotal movement about axes parallel to the axis of interconnection between them. The specification further discloses certain preferred methods for erecting buildings by use of the modules.

11 Claims, 22 Drawing Figures PATENTED "3863, 119

SHEEI 10F 6 PATENTEDFEBMHYS SHEEI E OF 6 METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING A FOLDABLE BUILDING This application is a continuation-in-part of US. Pat. application Ser. No. 178,942, filed Sept. 9, I971, for BUILDING MODULE, now abandoned.

The subject application is directed toward the art of building structures and, more particularly, to an improved collapsible building module and method of erecting the same.

The invention is particularly suited for use in constructing residential type single or multifamily dwellings and will be described with particular reference thereto; however, as will become apparent, the invention should not be considered as limited in this regard and could obviously be used for constructing many types and sizes of buildings for a variety of uses.

There is currently much interest in the general concept of constructing buildings. particularly residential buildings. from factory-assembled modules. The savings, both in time and money by factory as opposed to on-site construction, can be substantial. However, factory construction has had certain distinct problems.

As can be appreciated, the size and weight of factoryassembled building modules is limited by shipping requirements. For example, the upper acceptable size limitation is somewhere in the neighborhood of l2 feet in width, 40 feet in length, and I feet in height. This has tended to limit the types and sizes of buildings. Additionally. certain problems have been encountered in handling and aligning the modules when several are used to construct a single building.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION According to the subject invention, the abovementioned problems are overcome by a building module which includes a roof frame assembly having spaced, generally parallel, first and second edge portions. A side frame assembly also including spaced, generally parallel, first and second edge portions is connected generally along its second edge portion with the second edge portion of the roof frame assembly. The connection is arranged so that the two assemblies can pivot relative to one another about an axis generally parallel to the edge portions to permit them to be folded so that they lie in generally parallel frames. Additionally, second and third connecting means are provided along the first edge portions of the roof frame assembly and the side frame assembly, respectively. Each of these connecting means are also arranged so that the assemblies can have pivotal movement relative thereto about axes parallel to the edge portions. According to the invention, the roof frame assembly and the side frame assembly can be a panel construction or merely formed from structural elements such as channels. beams, and the like. Additionally, they can be in a substantially completed condition or the roofing and siding material can be added in the factory or after the module is erected on the building site.

According to another aspect of the invention. an in ternal wall or floor assembly is pivoted to either the roof frame or the side frame assembly and arranged so that it can be folded between them and lie generally parallel to both. As will be discussed at some length in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. these internal partitions can likewise be in a substantially complete or semi-finished condition.

Modules of the general type described can be folded flat for shipping and handling and quickly erected on site. According to the method aspects of the invention, the modules are assembled and erected by pivotally connecting the first edge of the side frame assembly to a permanent base. Two of the modules in their folded condition are connected to a base while the first ends of their roof assemblies in substantial alignment and pointing toward one another. One of the modules is then lifted and swung over to bring the first end of its roof assembly into engagement with the first end of the roof assembly of the other module. The roof assemblies of the two modules are then interconnected and both modules then lifted to cause them to pivot into the final building configuration. Thereafter, adjustable tensioning means are connected between the two modules and used to adjust them to their final desired location. Thereafter, rigid connecting members are suitably interconnected with the modules to hold them in their final position of adjustment.

As can be appreciated, any number of the modules can be positioned in side-by-side relationship to produce buildings of substantial length. Additionally, vari ous pivotally mounted partitions and floor panels can be built into the modules and swung out at various times during the erection procedure.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is the provision ofa building module which is extremely versatile and can be rapidly and easily erected on site.

A further object is the provision of a building module of the general type described which can have a variety of different configurations including interior floor panels and partitions in which modules can be folded substantially flat into a compact configuration for shipping, handling and storage.

A still further object is the provision of a module which can be easily and rapidly erected on site and quickly brought into proper final alignment through the use of simple adjustable tensioning means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a pictorial showing, somewhat diagrammatic, of a building frame assembly embodying features of the subject invention;

FIGS. 2-7 are diagrammatic line drawings illustrating the preferred sequence of steps for erecting the frame assembly of FIG. 1',

FIG. 8 is a view of a building module formed according to one embodiment ofthe invention (the module of FIG. 8 is shown folded in a flat condition for shipment or storage);

FIG. 9 is a view of the module of FIG. 8 showing the module partially unfolded;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view ofa base element which can be used for attaching the side elements of the modules during erection of a building;

FIGS. 11-14 are diagrammatic showings of a sequence of steps which can be used for erecting buildings according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a pictorial view of the building erected according to the sequence of FIGS. Il-I4 which illustrates the manner by which the building can be adjusted to its desired final alignment;

FIG. 16 is an end view showing a modified form of building which can be erected according to the subject invention;

FIG. [7 is a detailed showing of the juncture between the roof panels of two interconnected modules of the FIG. I embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a detailed showing of the juncture between the roof frame and the side frame of the FIG. I embodiment after the building has been erected;

FIG. l9 shows a group of building modules of the type used in the FIG. 1 embodiment folded flat for shipping or storage;

FIG. 20 shows the mounting between the lower end of the side frames and the base of the FIG. 1 embodiment; and.

FIGS. 2i and 22 are diagrammatic line illustrations showing how adjustment of the FIG. 1 embodiment can be carried out.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only. and not for the purpose of limiting same. FIG. I shows a partiallyf'inished building l which has been erected with a pair of

building modules

12 and 14 formed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention and erected by use of an inventive method which will subsequently be described in some detail. As will hereafter become apparent. the details of the modules 12 and I4 could vary substantially from the specific structures shown; however, module 12 is shown as comprising a roof frame assembly 16 and a side or wall frame assembly IS. The roof frame assembly l6, as well as the side frame assembly I8, could be formed from plate-like, panel or structural frame members or a combination thereof. The degree of completion of the various assemblies can be varied depending upon economic factors.

In the subject embodiment, the roof frame assembly 16 is shown as including a pair of channel-shaped

side frame members

20 and 22. Connected between the

side channels

20, 22 is a roof panel 24 defined by a pair of small side frame channels 2.6, 28 and interconnecting roof or decking panels 30. The roof panel member 24 is connected to the side channels 20. 22 by pivot connections 32 which are arranged to permit the roof 24 to pivot, as shown by the arrow. relative to the

size channels

20, 22 about a generally horizontal axis 34.

Carried from the outer end of the roof panel 24 is a wall panel or frame member 36 which could have many constructions but is shown as comprising a plurality of studs 38 extending between spaced upper and

lower frame members

40, 42, respectively. The well panel or frame 36 is pivotally connected to the outer or righthand end (as viewed in FIG. I) of the roofpanel assem bly 24. As can be seen. suitable pivot connections are provided to allow the well frame assembly 36 to swing or pivot about an axis 44 which is parallel to the previously mentioned axis 34. As can be appreciated. the panel or frame 36 can be pivoted in the direction shown by the arrow to assume a folded position between the

roof frame members

20 and 22 parallel to the roof panel 24. Additionally, the entire roof frame 24 together with the side frame 36 can be pivoted about axis 34 to lie within the main roof frame channels 20. 22. The side frame 18 of the subject embodiment comprises a pair of spaced, generally parallel.

channel members

46 and 48 which are rigidly joined at their lower ends by a structural member 50. As will subsequently become apparent. the side frame assembly 18 could be of panel construction and/or include several more structural members if desired. The upper ends of the

channel members

46 and 48 are pivotally connected adjacent the outer ends of the

roof frame channels

20, 22 by suitable pivot or hinge connections 52. As best shown in FIG. I8. the hinge assembly 52 includes

plates

54 and 56 which are welded to the

channel members

46 and 20, respectively. A suitable bolt or pivot pin 58 extends between the two plates to pivotally interconnect the roof frame assembly and the side frame assembly. Additionally. for reasons which will subsequently become apparent. the upper end of the side

frame channel members

46 and 48 are cut at an angle as identified by the reference numeral 60 in FIG. 18.

The module 12 of this embodiment further includes an interior floor panel or frame assembly 62. Floor panel assembly 62 is arranged so that it can be folded generally between the roof frame 24 and the side frame assembly I8 so that the entire module I2 can be folded into a flat, compact unit for shipping or storage. As will become apparent. a floor panel such as panel 62. if used in the module, could be connected to either the roof frame assembly 24 or the side frame assembly 18. Alternatively, it could be pivoted to the module at the juncture between the side frame and the roof frame.

In the subject embodiment, the floor frame assembly 62 comprises a pair of side channels 64. 66 connected at their opposite ends by suitable cross beams 68 and 70. Additionally. floor panels and suitable support members 72 extend between the

side members

64, 66. The entire floor frame assembly 62 is pivotally connected adjacent its right-hand end (as viewed in FIG. I) to the right-hand end of the roof frame assembly 16. The connections between the floor frame assembly 62 and the roof frame assembly 16 are best illustrated in FIG. 18. As shown. a plate member 74 is rigidly connected to the side channel 64 in the manner shown. A similar downwardly extending plate 76 is connected to the roof frame channel 20. A bolt or pivot pin 78 interconnects the two

plates

74, 76 so as to permit pivotal movement between the floor frame 62 and the roof frame l6. A similar hinge assembly connects between the floor frame member 66 and the roof frame assembly channel member 22. In this way, the floor frame 62 can pivot relative to the roof frame assembly about an axis parallel to

axes

34 and 44. Additionally. this arrangement permits the floor frame 62 to be folded into a position generally parallel to the roof frame 16 and the side frame 18. FIG. I9 illustrates a pair of modules 12 in their folded position such as they would be during shipping or storage.

As will subsequently be discussed in detail. both of the

modules

12 and 14 could he of identical construction; however, in the subject embodiment. module 14 differs substantially from module 12. Specifically, module 14 comprises a roof panel or frame assembly 80 and a side frame assembly 82. The roof frame assembly 80 includes a pair of

channel members

84 and 86 interconnected by roof panel members 88. The panels 88 can be of any desired type having the required structural strength. Preferably. they are positively interconnected between the

side channels

84, 86. Although not shown, the final exterior roofing material can be applied directly to the panels 88.

The side frame 82 in this embodiment is shown as comprising a pair of generally vertically extending

channel members

90, 92 that are interconnected by horizontally extending

structural members

94, 96. The side frame assembly 82 is pivotally connected to the roof frame assembly 80 by hinge-type connections 98. This arrangement permits the side frame assemblies 82 to be pivoted or folded relative to the

side channels

84, 86, as shown by the arrow, so as to lie generally parallel thereto. A module I4 in its collapsed or folded condition is illustrated in FIG. 19.

In the embodiment under consideration, the module I4 also includes an interior partition frame assembly I00. The partition frame 100 is shown as comprising a plurality of vertically extending studs I02 which can be metal, wood, or even panels if desired. The studs I02 extend between upper and lower members I04 and 106, respectively. The partition assembly 100 is pivotally connected to the roof frame assembly 80 by pivot pins or bolts 108. This permits the partition I00 to be rotated to a folded location generally within the same plane as the

side channels

84, 86. Note that, as viewed in FIG. I, the partition wall can be rotated clockwise, as shown by the arrow, to a location within or between the two side frames 84, 86.

Two relatively important aspects of the modules 12 and I4 which have not previously been discussed are the connecting means provided at the lower ends of the side frame assemblies and the upper or outer ends of the roof frame assemblies. It is these connecting means which allow the modules to be erected by the inventive method. In general, the connecting means at these locations are arranged to permit pivotal movement of the sides about an axis parallel to the previously mentioned

axes

34, 44 and 54. Although many different types of connection means could be provided, in the subject embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 20, the lower ends of the

side frame members

46, 48, 90 and 92 are provided with a reinforcing plate 110 having a pivot pin receiving opening formed therethrough.

The connecting means at the ends of the

roof frame assemblies

16 and 80 merely comprise plates H2 and 114 positively connected to the ends of the associated

respective channel members

84, 86, 20, 22, and provided with bolt or pivot pin receiving openings which can be brought into alignment.

FIGS. 2-7 illustrate, in diagrammatic form, the preferred sequence of steps used for erecting the building of FIG. 1 from the modules I2 and I4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the modules 12 and I4 are positioned in spaced-apart relationship to lie generally horizontally. The module I2 has the free end of the side frame assembly 18 (the lower ends of

members

46 and 48 as viewed in FIG. I) pivotally connected to a rigid base member 120.

In the subject embodiment. the rigid base member I20 comprises spaced-apart plates I22 extending upwardly from a concrete foundation 12; however, any suitable type of base could be used. The openings in the lower ends of the

members

46 and 48 are aligned with the openings in the upwardly extending plates I22, and suitable pivot pins or bolts placed therethrough. Similarly, the module 14 has the lower ends of its side frame pivotally connected to similar foundation or base members for rotation about an axis parallel to the previously-mentioned

axes

34 and 44. The distance D between the bases of each module represent the width of the building. With the modules I2 and 14 in the position indicated, the module 14 is lifted through the use of a crane or the like to bring the free end of its roof assembly over into engagement with the free end of roof assembly 16 of module I2. The dotted line showing of FIG. 3 illustrates module I4 as it is being swung to the solid line position wherein the openings in plates 114 are aligned with the openings in plates ll2. At this time. suitable bolts or pivot pins can be passed through the openings to pivotally interconnect the free ends of the two roof assemblies. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4, the two modules are lifted vertically causing the side frame assemblies 82 and I8 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 4). During the lifting movement of FIG. 4, the floor panel member 62 of module 12 will swing counterclockwise from its original position in the roof assembly. Suitable cables or the like can be connected between the roof assembly I6 and the floor panel assembly 62 to limit the relative movement during this portion of the erection procedure. The lifting continues through the position illustrated in FIG. 5 until reaching a final position as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 illustrates the final aligned position of the roof panel assemblies and the side panel assemblies. The assemblies must, generally, be brought into precise alignment through the use of the adjustable tensioning means.

Referring again to FIG. I, it will be noted that horizontal tensioning members I30 are connected between the free end of the floor assembly 62 and the

vertical channel members

90, 92 ofside assembly 82. Additionally, adjustable tension members 132 extend vertically between the floor assembly 62 and the

channels

20, 22. The adjustable tensioning means and I32 could be of many types such as, for example, cables and turnbuckles, adjustable straps, or the like. With the adjustable tensioning means 130 and 132 in position, final adjustment of the building alignment can take place. FIGS. 21 and 22 show how various adjustments can be made by tightening the adjustable tension members. As shown in FIG. 21, the horizontal tension member 130 can be adjusted to control or regulate the parallelism of the side walls. Note that by tightening the tension member I30, the side wall assemblies I8 and 82 can be pulled toward one another. Similarly, by loosening the tension member I30, they can be moved outwardly away from one another at their upper ends. Similarly, the tension member 132 can be adjusted to control the interior floor panel 62. By proper adjustment of the tension members, the building can be brought into exact final orientation. FIG. 22 shows a slightly moditied form of tensioning or adjusting in which the building is shown as having two

interior floor panels

62 and 63 carried by the modules I2 and 14, respectively. In this embodiment, the horizontal tension member I3] is connected between the ends of the floor panels to perform exactly the same functions as the previously discussed tension member I30 of FIG. 21. In this configuration, however, two vertical tension members 132 and I32a are provided for adjusting the position of the

floor panels

62, 63, respectively. It should be appreciated that the two members can extend between different parts of the modules and perform generally the same functions. For example. the horizontal tension member could extend between the roof assemblies of the modules or between the roof assembly of one module and the side wall assembly of the other module. Alternatively. it would be possible for the vertical tension members to extend between the floor panel of one module and the roof assembly of the other module. Irrespective of the manner in which the members are connected. it should be understood that when the alignment is completed, knee braces or the like 134 are positively connected between the

side frame members

90, 92 and the lower ends of

channels

84, 86. Additionally, the

side members

64, 66 of the floor assembly can be bolted or otherwise positively connected to the

side frame members

46, 48. Upon completion of these connections. the building is rigid and self-supporting.

Either before or after the above sequence of operations, the roof panel assembly 24 of module I2 can be moved to its final position as well as the interior partition I00. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the final erection of these two assemblies. As shown in FIG. 6. the roof panel assembly 24 is pivoted outwardly about axis 34 in a counterclockwise direction. Simultaneously therewith, the wall frame assembly 36 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction abut axis 44 to the final position shown in FIG. 7. After being moved into its final position. the lower edge of the wall 36 can be positively connected to the floor assembly 62. Similarly. the connections between the wall 36 and the roof panel 24 as well as the connections between the roof panel 24 and the

channels

20, 22 can be made rigid if desired.

The interior partition panel member 100 is pivoted counterclockwise from its folded position adjacent the roof frame assembly of module 14 to extend vertically downward and in engagement with the floor panel 62. FIG. 7 shows the interior partition I in its final loca- IIOI'I.

FIGS. 8-16 illustrate modified forms ofthe invention in terms of the construction of the modules and method by which they can be erected. Specifically. FIGS. 8 and 8 illustrate in diagrammatic form a module 150 which comprises a roof frame or panel assembly 152 and a side frame or panel assembly I54 which are pivotally interconnected through pin connection I56. An interior floor or partition panel I58 is connected to the side panel I54 by a pivot connection 160. As shown in FIG. 9, the panels can be unfolded by pivoting them relative to one another from their flat storage or shipping arrangement of FIG. 8.

FIG. II illustrates how two of the modules 150 can be interconnected while in their folded condition for erection. In general. a suitable base prepared on the building site must be provided. FIG. I0 illustrates a suitable base member I62 which includes two pairs of upwardly extending plates I64 having a pivot opening I66. A suitable number of these members 162 could be placed in alignment and the lower end or free end portion of the wall panel I54 of one of the modules 150 pinned thereto. The other module 150 would then be positioned as shown in FIG. 1] and terminal or free end of its roof panel I54 connected to the terminal or free end of the other roof panel by a suitable pivot connection 168 such as. for example. of the type described with reference to the FIG. I embodiment. Thereafter.

a crane or other lifting mechanism can be attached at I68 to lift the modules from the position shown in FIG. II to the position shown in FIG. I2. In this position. the side panel 154 of the right-hand module I50 can be pivoted downwardly and its lower end 1541: attached to the right-hand base member with a suitable pivot connection. The modules will then have the general arrangement shown in FIG. 13. The crane or other lifting mechanism will hold the peak in the elevated position while the internal floor panels I58 are swung upwardly to a generally horizontal position. As shown in FIG. 14. tension members can be connected between the peak and the ends of the floor members I58 and the ends of the floor members joined directly or by a strut member 172. By adjustment of the strut member I72 and the tension members 170, the building can be brought into alignment. Thereafter. knee braces or the like 174 can be welded or otherwise positively joined to the roof panels and the associated side panels to add structural strength to the building.

FIG. 15 illustrates how a series of separate modules can be joined end-to-end to provide a building of substantial length. Note that in this embodiment. three of the modules I50 are positioned in side-by-side relationship down each half of the building. As shown. a floor member I76 can be installed between the side panels 154.

The invention has been described in great detail sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the same. Obviously, modifications and alterations of the preferred embodiment will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the specification and it is our intention to include all such modifications and alterations as part of our invention insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

I. A method of constructing a building comprising the steps of:

a. providing a first module including a side member having first and second end portions and a roof member having first and second end portions with the second end portion of the roof member being connected to the second end portion of the side member for pivotal movement about a first axis in a manner which permits them to be folded into a configuration wherein they are in side-by-side generally parallel relationship;

b. providing a first base;

c. providing a second base spaced from said first base;

d. positioning said first module in its folded configuration to lie generally horizontally with said side member subjacent said roof member and the first end portion of the roof member extending toward the second base;

e. pivotally connecting the first end portion of the side member to said first base for pivotal move ment about a stationary. non-translatory second axis parallel to said first axis;

f. lifting said first module to pivot it relative to said second axis to produce arcuate translatory movement of said first axis and cause said side member to assume a generally vertical position with said roof member extending at an angle therefrom;

g. and. providing a support member and connecting said support member between the first end portion of said roof member and said second base to maintain said side member in the generally vertical position.

2. The method as defined in claim 1 including the additional step of connecting an adjustable tie member between said side member and said support member.

3. The method as defined in claim 1 including the step of rigidly interconnecting said side member and said roof member after said side member has been lifted to a generally vertical position.

4. A method of constructing a building comprising the steps of:

a. providing a first module including a side member having first and second end portions and a roof member having a first and second end portions with the second end portion of the roof member being connected to the second end portion of the side member for pivotal movement about a first axis in a manner which permits them to be folded into a configuration wherein they are generally parallel;

b. positioning said first module in its folded configuration to lie generally horizontally with said side member subjacent said roof member;

c. providing a first base and pivotally connecting the first end portion of the side member to said base for pivotal movement about a stationary, nontranslatory second axis parallel to said first axis;

d. lifting said first module to pivot it relative to said second axis to provide arcuate translatory movement of said first axis and cause said side member to assume a generally vertical position with said roof member extending at an angle therefrom;

e. providing a second module including a side member having first and second end portions, and a roof member having first and second end portions with the second end portion of the roof member being connected to the second end portion of the side member for pivotal movement about a first axis in a manner which permits the members to be folded into a configuration wherein they are generally parallel;

f. positioning said second module in its folded configuration to lie generally horizontally with its side member subjacent its roof member and its first axis parallel to the first axis of said first module and the first end of its roof member pointing toward the first end of the roof member of the first module;

g. providing a second base and connecting the first end portion of the side member of the second module to the second base for pivotal movement about a stationary, non-translatory axis parallel to the second axis of the first module; and. thereafter.

h. lifting said second module to pivot it relative to said second base to cause its side member to assume a generally vertical portion with its roof member extending at an angle therefrom.

5. The method as defined in claim 4 including the step of connecting the first end of the roof member of the first module with the first end of the roof member of the second module.

6. The method as defined in claim 5 including the step of:

pivotally connecting the first end of the roof member of the first module to the first end of the roof member of the second module.

7. The method as defined in claim 4 including the additional step of connecting an adjustable tension member between the first and second modules and, thereafter. adjusting said tension member to cause said modules to assume a desired position relative to one another.

8. The method as defined in claim 5 wherein said first end of the roof member of the first module is connected to the first end of the roof member of the second module prior to lifting said second module.

9. The method as defined in claim 5 wherein said first module is lifted to bring the first end of its roof member into engagement with the first end of the roof member of the second module prior to lifting said second module.

10. The method as defined in claim 5 including the step of providing a rigid connection between the roof members and the associated side members of each module subsequent to lifting.

H. The method as defined in claim 10 including the step of providing a horizontal tension member between the modules and adjusting the tension member to cause the interconnected modules to assume a desired position.

l t l l

Claims

1. A method of constructing a building comprising the steps of: a. providing a first module including a side member having first and second end portions and a roof member having first and second end portions with the second end portion of the roof member being connected to the second end portion of the side member for pivotal movement about a first axis in a manner which permits them to be folded into a confiGuration wherein they are in side-by-side generally parallel relationship; b. providing a first base; c. providing a second base spaced from said first base; d. positioning said first module in its folded configuration to lie generally horizontally with said side member subjacent said roof member and the first end portion of the roof member extending toward the second base; e. pivotally connecting the first end portion of the side member to said first base for pivotal movement about a stationary, non-translatory second axis parallel to said first axis; f. lifting said first module to pivot it relative to said second axis to produce arcuate translatory movement of said first axis and cause said side member to assume a generally vertical position with said roof member extending at an angle therefrom; g. and, providing a support member and connecting said support member between the first end portion of said roof member and said second base to maintain said side member in the generally vertical position.

4. A method of constructing a building comprising the steps of: a. providing a first module including a side member having first and second end portions and a roof member having a first and second end portions with the second end portion of the roof member being connected to the second end portion of the side member for pivotal movement about a first axis in a manner which permits them to be folded into a configuration wherein they are generally parallel; b. positioning said first module in its folded configuration to lie generally horizontally with said side member subjacent said roof member; c. providing a first base and pivotally connecting the first end portion of the side member to said base for pivotal movement about a stationary, non-translatory second axis parallel to said first axis; d. lifting said first module to pivot it relative to said second axis to provide arcuate translatory movement of said first axis and cause said side member to assume a generally vertical position with said roof member extending at an angle therefrom; e. providing a second module including a side member having first and second end portions, and a roof member having first and second end portions with the second end portion of the roof member being connected to the second end portion of the side member for pivotal movement about a first axis in a manner which permits the members to be folded into a configuration wherein they are generally parallel; f. positioning said second module in its folded configuration to lie generally horizontally with its side member subjacent its roof member and its first axis parallel to the first axis of said first module and the first end of its roof member pointing toward the first end of the roof member of the first module; g. providing a second base and connecting the first end portion of the side member of the second module to the second base for pivotal movement about a stationary, non-translatory axis parallel to the second axis of the first module; and, thereafter, h. lifting said second module to pivot it relative to said second base to cause its side member to assume a generally vertical portion with its roof member extending at an angle therefrom.

6. The method as defined in claim 5 including the step of: pivotally connecting the first end of the roof member of the first module to the first end of the roof member of the second module.

7. The method aS defined in claim 4 including the additional step of connecting an adjustable tension member between the first and second modules and, thereafter, adjusting said tension member to cause said modules to assume a desired position relative to one another.

11. The method as defined in claim 10 including the step of providing a horizontal tension member between the modules and adjusting the tension member to cause the interconnected modules to assume a desired position.