WO2011100787A1

WO2011100787A1 - A construction apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2011100787A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/000158
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian James Forbes
Original assignee: Brian James Forbes
Priority date: 2010-02-17
Filing date: 2011-02-17
Publication date: 2011-08-25

Abstract

A construction apparatus for use in erecting a building includes a support structure that is mountable on a substrate. A chassis is mountable onto the support structure so that the chassis is rota table relative to the support structure, the chassis being configured to support building components of a building to be erected on the chassis.

Description

A CONSTRUCTION APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to construction of buildings. In particular, the invention relates to a construction apparatus for use in erecting a building, a method of erecting a building, and a building erected in accordance with the method.

The invention relates more particularly to the construction of yurt buildings. It will therefore be convenient hereinafter to describe the invention with reference to this example application. However it is to be understood that the invention also finds application in the construction other types of buildings, such as sheds.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The building of conventional housing can impose a number of difficulties.

For example, it can be difficult to access certain areas within a structure in order to deliver building components to those areas. Many houses and other buildings require the use of scaffolding that introduces the need to consider various safety aspects, slowing the building process down and introducing an element of danger.

More recently, many homeowners are requiring homes that are distinct from conventional homes that are based on orthogonal relationships between adjacent walls. A problem with such homes is that they require careful planning and design to achieve habitable rooms that have windows for natural light or a view. An example of a building type that has become popular is the yurt-type building which is polygonal or circular in plan.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a construction apparatus for use in erecting a building, the construction apparatus including:

a support structure that is mountable on a substrate; and

a chassis mountable onto the support structure so that the chassis is rotatable relative to the support structure, the chassis being configured to support building components of a building to be erected on the chassis.

The support structure may include a centrally orientated support post assembly, and the chassis may include a hub assembly that is mountable onto the support post assembly so that the hub assembly is rotatable relative to the support post assembly. The chassis may be mountable onto the support structure so that the chassis is pivotal relative to the support structure.

The construction apparatus may include a ball-and-socket arrangement for mounting the hub assembly pivotally onto the support post assembly so that the chassis S is rotatable and tillable relative to the support structure.

The construction apparatus may include a leveling mechanism for adjusting a tilting orientation of the chassis relative to the support structure.

The leveling mechanism may include a plurality of adjustable cams that are interposed between the support structure assembly and the chassis, the adjustable 10 cams being for adjusting the tilt of the chassis relative to the support structure.

The chassis may include a number of spoke assemblies fast with the hub assembly and extending radially away from the hub assembly.

The chassis may include perimeter beams that interconnect outward ends of the spoke assemblies.

I S The chassis may include adjustable connectors for connecting the spoke assemblies to the perimeter beams and for forcing the perimeter beams radially away from the spokes to pre-stress the perimeter beams.

The construction apparatus may include a plurality of perimeter support assemblies having support members for perimeter support of the chassis.

20 The perimeter support assembly may include a displacement mechanism to facilitate rotation of the chassis about the support post assembly and to facilitate elevation adjustment of the support members.

The construction apparatus may include an elongated mast that is mountable onto the support post assembly, and a lifting mechanism arranged on the elongated 25 mast, the lifting mechanism being operatively connected to the chassis for elevating the . chassis.

The construction apparatus may include a roof panel carrier assembly which is mountable to the elongated mast for elevating the roof panel carrier assembly with the lifting mechanism along the mast to lift roof panels

30 The construction apparatus may include a plurality of spacer members that are spaced apart along the perimeter beam for spacing floor panels apart in their relative orientation. The roof panel carrier may include a roof panel carrier frame having displacement members mounted towards its radially outer end to facilitate loading of a roof panel onto the roof panel carrier.

The invention also provides a method of erecting a building which includes: mounting a support structure on a substrate;

mounting a chassis onto the support structure so that the chassis is rotatable relative to the support structure, the chassis being configured to support building components of the building to be erected on the chassis; and

erecting building components of the building on the chassis.

The method may include mounting the chassis onto the support structure so that the chassis is pivotal relative to the support structure to be rotatable and capable of tilting relative to the support structure.

The method may include rotating the chassis while erecting the building components so as to orientate the chassis relative to an access point adjacent the chassis.

The method may include erecting floor panels on the chassis to form a floor structure and erecting walls and a roof structure of the building, adjusting rotation and tilt of the chassis to level the floor structure and to determine positions for perimeter stump support posts of the floor structure, and mounting the stump support posts at their positions in guiding relationship with the floor structure.

The method ma include mounting an elongated mast onto the support post assembly, arranging a lifting mechanism on the elongated mast, connecting the lifting mechanism operatively with the chassis, elevating the chassis to a position at which the floor structure is at a desired elevation, and securing the floor structure in position to the perimeter stump support posts.

The method may include mounting a roof panel carrier assembly to be longitudinally displaceable along the elongated mast, connecting the roof panel carrier assembly operatively with the lifting mechanism, and lifting roof panels with the roof panel carrier into elevated positions.

The method may include erecting floor panels on the chassis to form an upper floor structure on top of a lower floor structure, erecting walls of the building on the upper floor structure, erecting a roof structure on the walls, adjusting rotation and tilt of the chassis to level the floor structure and to determine positions for perimeter stump support posts of the floor structures, and mounting the stump support posts at their positions in guiding relationship with the floor structures.

The method may include mounting a roof panel carrier assembly to be longitudinally displaceable along the elongated mast, connecting the roof panel carrier assembly operatively with the lifting mechanism, lifting roof panels with the roof panel carrier into elevated positions, and securing the roof panels in position.

The method may include mounting an elongated mast onto the support post assembly, arranging a lifting mechanism on the elongated mast, connecting the lifting mechanism operatively with the chassis, and elevating the chassis to a position in which the upper floor structure is at its desired elevation.

The method may include lowering the chassis to a position at which the lower floor structure is at its elevation, and erecting walls between the upper floor structure and the lower floor structure.

The method may include removing the chassis from the building.

The invention further provides a building which is erected in accordance with the method as defined and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A construction apparatus, in accordance with the invention, may manifest itself in a variety of forms. It will be convenient hereinafter to describe embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings: The purpose of providing this detailed description is to instruct persons having an interest in the subject matter of the invention how to carry the invention into practical effect. However it is to be clearly understood that the specific nature of this detailed description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description.

Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a chassis that forms part of a construction apparatus, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows a part exploded schematic side elevation view of the construction apparatus along a section line I-I in Figure 1 , and part of a support structure that forms part of the construction apparatus;

Figure 3 shows an exploded side elevation view of a central part of the construction apparatus in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a plan view of a hub and a shoe ring that forms part of the construction apparatus; Figure 5 shows a schematic bottom plan view of an inner ring of the hub and a leveling mechanism;

Figure 6 shows an enlarged side elevation view of a part of the hub where it connects to a spoke assembly;

Figure 7 shows a schematic side elevation view of the spoke assembly;

Figures 8A - 8C show the spoke assembly in more detail;

Figure 9 shows a radially outer connector of the spoke assembly in more detail;

Figure 10 shows part of a support post assembly of a support structure of the construction apparatus;

Figure 11 shows a schematic side elevation view of one embodiment of a mast assembly and a lifting arrangement of a construction apparatus;

Figure 12 shows a schematic side elevation view of another embodiment of a mast assembly and a lifting mechanism of a construction apparatus;

Figure 13 shows a plan view of a hanger assembly that forms part of the mast assembly in Figure 12;

Figure 1 A-1 B shows a further embodiment of a mast assembly and lifting mechanism;

Figure 15 shows a side elevation view of yet another embodiment of a mast assembly and lifting mechanism;

Figures 16A and 16 B show a side elevation view and a plan view respectively of a lifting mechanism in Figure 15;

Figure 16C shows a side elevation view of another embodiment of a lifting mechanism;

Figure 17 A shows in plan view the geometry of outer perimeters of a floor . structure on top of a chassis;

Figure 17B shows in plan view an orientation of braces and ties of the mast assembly in Figure 15 relative to each other;

Figure 18A shows a plan view of a support post assembly having brace attachments;

Figure 18B shows in top plan view an orientation of braces attached to the support post assembly in Figure 18A relative to each other;

Figure 18C shows a brace pole extending between the support post assembly and a post of a perimeter support assembly;

Figure 18D shows a schematic representation of a perimeter support assembly; Figure 19A shows a side elevation view of one embodiment of a roof panel lifting assembly mounted on a mast;

Figure 19B shows another embodiment of a roof panel lifting assembly;

Figures 20Ato 20C show a side elevation view of a perimeter construction of a yurt building;

Figure 21 shows a plan view of a layout of a yurt building that is constructed using the construction apparatus; and

Figure 22 shows a side elevation view of the yurt building in Figure 21. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 indicates a chassis that forms part of a construction apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for use in erecting a building such as a yurt building 240 as shown in Figure 22.

Broadly, the chassis 10 includes a central hub assembly 12 and a number of spoke assemblies 1 fast with the hub assembly 12 extending radially away from the hub assembly 12. The chassis 10 also includes perimeter beams 16 that interconnect outward ends of the spoke assemblies 14. The spoke assemblies 14 are connected to the perimeter beams 16 with adjustable connectors 20 which are adjustable (see arrow

18) in a way that forces the perimeter beams 16 radially away from the spoke assemblies 14 to pre-stress the perimeter beams 16.

The construction apparatus further includes a support structure, generally indicated by reference numeral 22, which is mountable on a substrate such as the ground on a building site.

The chassis 10 is mountable onto the support structure 22 so that the chassis 10 is rotatable (see arrow 24) relative to the support structure 22. Also, the chassis 10 is configured to support building components of a building to be erected on the chassis 10.

The support structure 22 includes a centrally orientated support post assembly

26. The support post assembly 26 includes a post formed from a pipe that is fixedly mounted into the ground 28.

A ball-and-socket arrangement 30 is used for mounting the hub assembly pivotally onto the support post assembly 26 so that the chassis 10 is rotatable and is capable of being tilted (see arrow 32) relative to the support structure 22. The ball-and socket arrangement 30 includes a ball 34 that is mounted on a flange that is bolted to a ^* flange on top of the support post 26, and a socket assembly 36 that is bolted onto the hub assembly 12. The construction apparatus also includes a plurality of perimeter support assemblies 38 having support members 40 in the form of rollers mounted on a base 42 for perimeter support of the chassis 10. The perimeter support assembly 38 includes a displacement mechanism 44 that permits elevation adjustment (see arrow 46) of the support members 40.

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a central part of the chassis 1 and the support post assembly 26 in more detail. The hub 12 includes an annular upper ring 50 axially spaced from an annular lower ring 52 between which struts 54 extend. The hub 12 also includes triangular tabs 56 which are fixed to the upper ring 50 and that extend radially for connecting a shoe ring 58 concentrically with the upper ring 50.

The shoe ring 58 is for interconnecting apices of floor panels 220 together as part of forming a floor structure, and is removable from the upper ring 50 so that the shoe ring 58 forms part of the permanent floor structure. The shoe ring 58 is constructed from an annular ring 60 and angle iron bar sections 62 that are fixed to the shoe ring 58.

The socket assembly 36 includes an elongated generally box -shaped member 66 that defines a socket opening 64 for receiving the ball 34. An adjustable bolt 65 projects in a threaded manner through the box-shaped member 66 at a position so that its tip abuts the top of the ball 34, in use.

The chassis 10 also includes a leveling mechanism 68 for adjusting a tilting orientation of the chassis 10 relative to the support structure 22. The leveling mechanism 68 includes a plurality of adjustable cams 70 that are interposed between the support post assembly 26 and the chassis 10. The cams 70 include adjustable bolts that are mounted on the support post assembly 26 and that define radially outer cam surfaces 72 for abutting a radially inner surface of the lower ring 52 of the hub 12. The bolts of the cams 70 are adjustable for adjusting the tilt of the chassis 10 relative to the support structure 22.

Figure 6 shows part of the hub 12, shoe ring 58, and spoke assembly 14 in more detail. The spoke assembly 14 includes a lattice frame that has struts and braces 74. A downwardly extending radially inner post 76 of the spoke assembly is connected to the hub 12 with complementary U-shaped mounting formations 80 that are provided on the inner post 76 and the hub 12. The U-shaped mounting formations of the spoke assembly 14 are received from an underneath direction into the U-shaped mounting formation of the hub, and then securely bolted in position. It follows that when the associated bolts are removed, the spoke assembly 14 can drop and disengage the hub 12. The U-shaped mounting formations 80 are also shown in Figures 8A and 8B, and in plan view in Figure 8C.

An elongated alignment bar 82 extends between the shoe ring 58 and the spoke assembly 14 to orientate an angular position of the shoe ring 58 relative to the spoke assembly 14.

Figure 8A and Figure 9 (part exploded view) also show the adjustable connector 20 in more detail. The adjustable connector 20 includes a bracket 82 for connecting associated ends of the perimeter beams 16, and an adjustable bolt 92 that is adjustable relative to the spoke assembly 1 for forcing the perimeter beams 16 radially outwardly against resistance to stress the perimeter beams 16 so as to increase the overall stiffness of the chassis 10.

The adjustable connector 20 also includes a mounting bracket 83 which includes a mount formation 84 that defines a U-shaped opening 86 for receiving a post or pillar, and a clamp 90 for clamping the post or pillar into position relative to the mounting bracket 83.

Figure 10 shows the support assembly 26 which includes a rest formation 93 onto which the lower ring 52 of the hub 12 can rest when the socket assembly 36 is removed from the hub 12. It will be noted that the rest formation 93 is not shown in Figure 3 and the leveling mechanism 70 is not shown in Figure 10. In a preferred embodiment, the support post assembly will include both the leveling mechanism 70 and the rest formation 93. The rest formation 93 includes arms 95 that extend radially outwardly and which are mounted, for example bolted, to cleats 94 which are fixed to the support post. The rest formation 93 also includes vertically adjustable bolts 96 which abut the lower ring 52 of the hub assembly 12.

The construction apparatus also includes an elongated mast assembly 100

(figure 11) that is mountable onto the support post assembly 26, and a lifting mechanism 101 arranged on the mast assembly 100. The lifting mechanism 101 is operatively connected to the chassis 10 for elevating the chassis 10, as is explained in more detail below. Thus, the chassis 10 can be supported on the resting formation 93 so that the socket assembly 36 can be removed subsequent to which the mast 100 is mountable onto the support post assembly 26 and secured with bolted flanges 102.

A mast assembly and lifting mechanism can manifest in various forms. In Figure 11 for example, the mast assembly 100 includes a mast 106 and a mast top assembly 102. The mast top assembly 102 includes a sleeve 104 that slides telescopically over the mast 106 and that has arms 110 for connecting to the chassis 10. A cross arm 108 is pivotally mounted transversely atop the mast 104, and includes mounting formations 112 for suspending chain hoists (not shown). The chain hoists are operatively connected with the sleeve 104 for hoisting the sleeve and hence the chassis 10.

Figure 13 shows another mast assembly 14 which includes a lower fixed mast

116 and a telescopically received upper mast 118. The upper mast 118 includes a stop formation 120 at a lower end for resting on top of the ball 36.

The mast assembly 114 further includes a mast top assembly that has a sleeve 124 that is concentrically and mounted in a rotatable manner over a top end portion of the displaceable mast 118. A cross arm 126 extends across the sleeve 124 for connecting tie down cables or rods 128 to the ground for bracing the mast assembly 114.

A hanger assembly 130 is mounted towards a top of the upper mast 118 for suspending chain blocks. The hanger assembly 130 includes a pair of spaced elongated bars 32 that are mounted in a cross-flanked manner onto the upper mast 118 with a bolt 0 so that the hanger assembly 130 can tilt about the bolt 140. At each end of the bars 132, a pair of cross bars 134 is mounted to the bars 132 having mounting formations 136 towards their ends for suspending chain blocks which are operatively connected with the chassis 10.

Figures 14A and 14B show another mast assembly and lifting mechanism configuration. The mast assembly 142 includes a lower mast 144 that receives an upper mast 150 telescopically within it. The upper mast 150 includes an elongated cross member 1 6 at its top. Tie cables or rods interconnect the chassis and ends of the cross member 146. The lifting mechanism is in the form of a block-and-tackle mechanism which includes a pulley 152 that is mounted at a lower end of the inner mast, a return pulley 154 that is mounted at a top end of the outer mast, and a lifting cable 156. The lifting mechanism may include a power winch (not shown) that is operatively connected to the lifting cable or rope 156.

Figure 15 shows another mast assembly and lifting mechanism configuration, in which the mast assembly 158 includes a telescopic mast that includes a fixed mast 160 and a displaceable inner mast 162. The mast assembly 158 also includes a mast top cap assembly 164 that includes an inverted sleeve 166 and connectors for connecting to tie cables or rods which are connected with the chassis 10. The lifting mechanism 172 includes a ram-and-cylinder, such as a hydraulic ram or a pneumatic ram, and a lifting support, such as the top flange of the outer mast 160 against which a ram 179 is driven. The lifting mechanism also includes lifter formations 174 that are fixed relative to the cylinder 176 for interaction with lifting formations 170 on the inner mast. At least one hole is provided in the outer mast for positive locking, with pins or bolts 175, of the inner mast relative to the fixed mast during resetting of the lifting formations. Further detail of the lifting mechanism 172 can be seen in figure 16A and 16B.

Figure 16C shows another example of a lifting mechanism. In this example, the lifting mechanism includes a ram and cylinder assembly 280 that is arranged between the fixed mast 160 and the displaces ble mast 162.

The mast assembly 158 includes a ball 168 at its top over which the inverted sleeve 166 is mounted so that the chassis is pivotally rotatable about the mast 162.

The mast assembly 158 also includes attachment formations 180 on the outer mast for attaching ground anchor ties 182.

The chassis may include intermediate members 190 that extend between adjacent spoke assemblies 14. Figure 17B shows in plan view the relative orientation of anchor ropes 194 relative to the tie cables or rods 192 that extend from the masts 160, 162. The tie cables or rods 192 are connected to the intermediate members 190, and the anchor ropes 194 pass the intermediate members 190 radially inwardly thereof, to avoid interference between the intermediate members 190 and the anchor ropes 194 during lifting of the chassis.

Figure 18D shows a perimeter support assembly which includes two parallel spaced rollers 210 mounted on a bracket 208 that is adjustably mounted to a roller support pole 206. The bracket 208 can be loosened to adjust the height of the rollers or to rotate the rollers relative to the roller support pole 206.

Figure 18A shows a central support post assembly 26, in plan view, having six brace attachment formations 202, 204 of which three are for connecting a brace pole and the roller support poles, and three are for connecting braces to three ground anchor points 214. The braces that connect to the ground anchor points can also extend from the roller support poles 206. The braces can include chains 211 , or rods or poles 212.

In use, a building in the form of a yurt 240 can be erected with the construction apparatus. A central support post assembly 26 and a number of perimeter support assemblies 38 are erected on the work site in an equiangular manner. The socket assembly 36 is mounted onto the upper ring of the hub 12 and the hub 12 is pivotally mounted with the socket opening 64 over the ball 36.

The spoke assemblies 1 are connected to the hub 12 and the perimeter beams 16 are connected between outer ends of the spoke assemblies 14 with the adjustable connectors 20. Bolts 92 are tightened to pre-stress the perimeter rings 16 so as to increase the overall integrity of the chassis.

A floor structure is formed by loading triangular segment floor panels 220 (Figure 17 A) from a single access point by rotating the chassis 10 and positioning them side-by- side in a circumferentially segmented fashion. The apices of the floor panels 220 are bolted in position to the shoe ring 62.

The chassis 10 can include spacers (not shown) that are configured and positioned along the perimeter beams 16 to guide positioning of the floor panels 220 on the chassis in their proper orientation relative to each other.

When the floor structure is formed the chassis 10 can be rotated and leveled with the leveling mechanism 70 to determine appropriate positions for the yurt building perimeter support posts 222 (or stumps). A plumb-line is then used to mark the anchor points for the stumps 222 at which piers are then constructed for mounting the stumps 222 (figure 20A -20B).

Wall panels are fitted to the floor structure, also by rotating the chassis 10, and an access opening is left in the wall for loading roof panels 224 onto the floor structure.

The socket assembly 36 can then be removed from the hub 12 and a mast assembly and lifting mechanism are installed by mounting the masts 160, 162 and arranging a lifting mechanism 174 on the mast. At this point the yurt building is still rotatable.

The lifting mechanism is operatively connected to the chassis 10 with which the floor structure is positioned at its desired elevation at which the floor structure can be secured with appropriate clamps.

Figure 19A shows a roof panel carrier assembly 240 which includes a guide mast 242 that is mounted on the support post assembly 26 and a carrier frame 244. The roof panel frame is displaceable along the mast with the lifting mechanism.

In use, a roof panel 220 is loaded onto the roof panel carrier 240 and the roof panel carrier 240 is displaced along the mast 242 and also rotates about the mast 242 to position the roof panel 220 into its desired position. Figure 19B shows another embodiment of a roof panel lifting assembly 250. The roof panel lifting assembly includes a mast 252 and a lower frame assembly 254. The lower frame assembly 252 is mounted pivotally onto the support post assembly 26. The lower frame assembly is mounted offset (see arrow 256) from the support post assembly 26. Two wheels 258, such as jockey wheels, are mounted at a radially outer end of the lower frame assembly 252. The wheels 258 support the lower frame assembly on the floor structure so that it can be wheeled about the mast 252 in a rotational manner. The roof panel lifting assembly also includes a panel lifter 260 onto which the roof panel is supported and which is operatively connected to the lifting mechanism 262.

As a result of the lower frame assembly being mounted in an offset manner, its radially outer end is spaced radially inwardly from the erected walls. This means that the lower frame can rotate freely inside the partly erected yurt building. This facilitates support of a roof panel in a manner in which part of the roof panel projects past the centre of the yurt, which means that a radially outer edge of the roof panel is spaced radially inward form the erected wall so that the roof panel is free to rotate with the lower frame assembly 254 inside the partially erected yurt building. This rotation allows fixing of the roof components from the singe access point.

Once the wall and roof structure are assembled or erected, the yurt building can be leveled, rotated and elevated, as the case may be to determine positions for the stumps 222. The stumps 222 are then mounted into the ground at the determined positions, and the radially outer ends of the floor structure are clamped to the stumps 222 with a clamp assembly 227. The clamp assembly 227 can be loosened so that it remains in sliding relationship with the stump 222.

The yurt building 240 can also include tie rods 225 that are installed alongside the stumps 222 (figure 20A-20B). One end of the tie rod is engaged in a threaded manner with the clamp assembly 227. The other end of the tie rod 224 projects through a lug 223 that Is fast with an upper end of the stump 222. In the example of figure 20A, a nut 221 is threaded onto the tie rod 224 into abutment with the lug 223 so that rotation of the nut 221 can be used to adjust elevation of the floor structure.

In the example of figure 20B, the tie rod 224 includes a bolt head. A power tool, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic wrench can engage the head to drive the tie rod and so adjust elevation of the floor structure.

The tie rods 225 and their ability to interact with the floor structure allow the floor structure to be raised in a safe manner with a primary lifting mechanism during construction. That's because the tie rods can be used to stabilize the floor structure against excessive tilting.

It will be appreciated that the tie rod 224 can be used to elevate the floor structure once construction of the yurt building is complete.

The tie rods 224 can function as cyclone rods to enhance the structural integrity of the yurt building.

If the chassis is to be removed, then further building supports (not shown) can be installed underneath the floor structure.

With reference to Figure 17A, the perimeter outlines of the chassis 10 and the floor structure are shown in one configuration in which outer apices of the chassis 10 and the floor structure coincide, at 233. Instead, the floor structure can be constructed so that the floor structure is orientated with its apex at 231. That way, the apex end of the floor structure is free from obstruction by the chassis when a perimeter support post of the yurt building is attached to the apex end of the floor structure.

The construction apparatus can also be used to construct a double story yurt building (not shown). Broadly, this includes erecting floor panels on the chassis to form an upper floor structure on top of a lower floor structure, erecting walls of the building on the upper floor structure, adjusting rotation and tilt of the chassis to level the floor structure and to determine positions for perimeter stump support posts of the floor structures and mounting the stump support posts at their positions in guiding relationship with the floor structures. The upper story floor, walls and roofs are then lifted into position with a mast and lifting mechanism, after which wall panels are installed between the upper and lower floor structures.

The construction apparatus includes a chassis that is rotatable so that a building can be erected on the chassis while rotating the chassis to orientate the chassis relative to an point of access, for example a single point of access. This can reduce handling time of components and can also reduce safety risks by having one only working bay adjacent the chassis.

By rotating the chassis relative to a point of access, a builder remains at one place and therefore can avoid the need to convey components around the work site which can save time and reduce safety risks. The need for erecting and moving scaffolding can be reduced which can save construction time.

The chassis can be elevated to position and reposition the floor structure at a desired elevation. Yet further, a multi-story yurt building can be constructed by erecting an upper story construction first and lifting it up to erect the lower story, as is explained above.

The construction apparatus includes a roof panel lifting mechanism to install the roof panels which can facilitate installation.

It will be appreciated that the orientation of the yurt building can be significantly adjusted post-completion. For example, the floor structure can be elevated, as described above. Furthermore, the stumps can be disengaged from the floor structure to. support a rotating mechanism on which the floor structure can itself be supported. This would allow the yurt building to be rotated as desired.

In another application, the clamp assemblies 227 or other fastening arrangement can be loosened to allow elevation of the floor structure. A suitable float. arrangement, such a plurality of empty drums, can be positioned beneath the floor structure to float the yurt building in the event of a flood.

It will also be appreciated that the yurt building can function as a houseboat or the like, using the above principles.

Still further, the invention encompasses a building and a method is which just the floor structure and perhaps one or more walls is erected according to the above principles to define a stage, such as a performance stage.

Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non- claimed subject matter as essential to the claimed subject matter.

Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:

there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements;

any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;

any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and

any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.

The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted.

It will of course be realized that the above has been given only by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all such modifications and variations thereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as is herein set forth.

Claims

1. A construction apparatus for use in erecting a building, the construction apparatus comprising:

a support structure that is mountable on a substrate; and

2. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , in which the support structure includes a centrally orientated support post assembly, and the chassis includes a hub assembly that is mountable onto the support post assembly so that the hub assembly is rotatable relative to the support post assembly.

3. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the chassis is^' mountable onto the support structure so that the chassis is pivotal relative to the support structure. 4. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 3, which includes a ball-and-socket arrangement for mounting the hub assembly pivotally onto the support post assembly so that the chassis is rotatable and tiltable relative to the support structure.

5. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 4, which includes a leveling mechanism for adjusting a tilting orientation of the chassis relative to the support structure.

6. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the leveling mechanism includes a plurality of adjustable cams that are interposed between the support structure assembly and the chassis, the adjustable cams being for adjusting the tilt of the chassis relative to the support structure.

7. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which the chassis includes a number of spoke assemblies fast with the hub assembly and extending radially away from the hub assembly. 8. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which the chassis includes perimeter beams that interconnect outward ends of the spoke assemblies.

Θ. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which the chassis includes adjustable connectors for connecting the spoke assemblies to the perimeter beams and for forcing the perimeter beams radially away from the spokes to pre-stress the perimeter beams.

10. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 9, which includes a plurality of perimeter support assemblies having support members for perimeter support of the chassis.

11. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which each perimeter support assembly includes a displacement mechanism interposed between the base and the chassis to facilitate rotation of the chassis about the support post assembly.

12. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , in which the displacement mechanism permits elevation adjustment of the support members.

13. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 2, which includes an elongated mast that is mountable onto the support post assembly, and a lifting mechanism arranged on the elongated mast, the lifting mechanism being operatively connected to the chassis for elevating the chassis.

14. ^' A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 13, which includes a roof panel carrier assembly which is mountable to the elongated mast for elevating the roof panel carrier assembly with the lifting mechanism along the mast to lift roof panels

15. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 14, which includes a plurality of spacer members that are spaced apart along the perimeter beam for spacing floor panels apart in their relative orientation. 16. A construction apparatus as claimed in claim 15, in which the roof panel carrier includes a roof panel carrier frame having displacement members mounted towards its radially outer end to facilitate loading of a roof panel onto the roof panel carrier.

17. A method of erecting a building which comprises the steps of:

' mounting a support structure on a substrate;

erecting building components of the building on the chassis.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, which includes mounting the chassis onto the support structure so that the chassis is pivotal relative to the support structure, so that the chassis is rotatable and tiltable relative to the support structure. 19. A method as claimed in claim 18, which includes rotating the chassis while erecting the building components so as to orientate the chassis relative to an access point adjacent the chassis.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, which includes erecting floor panels on the chassis to form a floor structure and erecting walls and a roof structure of the building, adjusting rotation and tilt of the chassis to level the floor structure and to determine positions for perimeter stump support posts of the floor structure and mounting the stump support posts at their positions in guiding relationship with the floor structure. 21. A method as claimed in claim 22, which includes, mounting an elongated mast onto the support post assembly, arranging a lifting mechanism on the elongated mast, connecting the lifting mechanism operatively with the chassis, elevating the chassis to a position at which the floor structure is at a desired elevation, and securing the floor structure in position to the perimeter stump support posts.

22. A method as claimed in claim 21 , which includes mounting a roof panel carrier assembly in a longitudinally displaceable manner on the elongated mast, connecting the roof panel earner assembly operatively with the lifting mechanism, and lifting roof panels with the roof panel carrier into elevated positions.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22, which includes erecting floor panels on the chassis to form an upper floor structure on top of a lower floor structure, erecting walls of the building on the upper floor structure, adjusting rotation and tilt of the chassis to level the floor structure and to determine positions for perimeter stump support posts of the floor structures and mounting the stump support posts at their positions in guiding relationship with the floor structures.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, which includes mounting an elongated mast onto the support post assembly, arranging a lifting mechanism on the elongated mast, connecting the lifting mechanism operatively with the chassis, and elevating the chassis to a position in which the upper floor structure is at a desired elevation.

25. A method as claimed in claim 24, which includes mounting a roof panel carrier assembly in a longitudinally displaceable manner along the elongated mast, connecting the roof panel carrier assembly operatively with the lifting mechanism, lifting roof panels with the roof panel carrier into elevated positions, and securing the roof panels in position. 26. A method as claimed in claim 25, which includes lowering the chassis to a position at which the lower floor structure is at a desired elevation, and erecting walls between the upper floor structure and the lower floor structure.

27. A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 26, which includes removing the chassis from the building.

28. A building which is erected in accordance with the method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 27.