WO2012127211A1

WO2012127211A1 - Building

Info

Publication number: WO2012127211A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/050567
Authority: WO
Inventors: Holmes ANDREW
Original assignee: Peerboom Limited
Priority date: 2011-03-18
Filing date: 2012-03-15
Publication date: 2012-09-27
Also published as: GB201104597D0

Abstract

Building (10) for storage purposes comprising a base structure (12) extendably interconnected to an expansion module (14) and encompassing an interior volume, wherein the expansion module is moveable to one or more positions to alter the interior volume, the interior volume being fully enclosable for all positions. The expansion module can comprises a plurality of nested sleeve modules (16) which telescopically extend to alter the interior volume.

Description

Title: Building Field of the invention

This invention relates to a building and particularly relates to buildings used for storage purposes.

Background to the invention

Domestic buildings for storage purposes come in a variety of forms depending on the nature of the items requiring storage. Garages are typically used to store and shelter vehicles between journeys and smaller storage facilities such as sheds or covered racks are used for items such as garden equipment and bicycles. A household will often have a variety of different storage buildings depending on the nature of the objects they own. Typically these buildings will be permanent or semi-permanent structures occupying a defined area of ground. As the storage needs of a household change, these buildings may become redundant or have an inappropriate capacity for the storage required.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a building for storage purposes comprising a base structure extendably interconnected to an expansion module and encompassing an interior volume, wherein the expansion module is moveable to one or more positions to alter the interior volume, the interior volume being fully enclosable for all positions, thereby to create a secure storage volume. Thus the interior volume can be adjusted by altering the lateral extent of the building according to need, allowing a user to adjust from a small interior volume to a large interior volume or vice-versa as their storage requirements change.

By having a variable secure storage volume, the area or footprint of the building can be adjusted as required. Such a building can be extended to provide sufficient volume to store a car securely, acting as a garage, retracted when not required, for example if the building footprint needs to be reduced temporarily, or adjusted as use requirements change so as, for example, to act as a smaller shed. Thus the structure is adjustable between a minimum interior volume and a maximum interior volume whilst at all times retaining a fully enclosed securable volume.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the base structure may be extendably interconnected to the expansion module by an expansion means or expansion sleeve such as a concertina sleeve, expandable seal, or resiliently deformable plastics material. The expansion module may comprise a plurality of sleeve modules extendably connected to each other.

In an alternative embodiment, the expansion module may comprise a plurality of sleeve modules which are telescopically moveable to alter the interior volume. The sleeve modules may be arranged to lie over each other, forming a nested arrangement external to the base structure. This provides a space-efficient way of stacking the sleeve modules together when the building is at the minimum interior volume and the minimum lateral extent. With this arrangement, typically the base structure will be extendably interconnected to a first sleeve module, with the sleeve modules extendably connected to each other.

For both embodiments, preferably the base structure is open on one face proximal the expansion module, the expansion module bearing a door such that access to the interior volume is through the door, the door being in an outermost moveable end of the expansion module.

Where the expansion module comprises a plurality of sleeve modules, the door is preferably situated on the sleeve module capable of being moved furthest from the base structure.

Preferably the base structure, expansion module and any expansion means are opaque to enhance security by ensuring that contents within the interior volume cannot be seen.

The base structure and expansion modules are preferably rigid structures so as to define a secure, tamper-resistant volume. They may desirably be based on a metal frame with attached rigid panels made from timber cladding or metal panels such as sheet steel or corrugated metal.

The base structure and expansion module may include reinforcing means, typically brackets, so as to reduce the amount of material required whilst retaining structural rigidity.

If desired, the expansion module may be provided with movement means such as wheels or rollers to assist with ease of movement.

The building may further comprise guide means or guide rails for receiving the movement means so as to define a pathway along which the expansion means is able to travel.

Another aspect of the invention lies in a kit of parts comprising components for assembly into a base structure, elements for assembly into at least one expansion module and movement elements, such as wheels or rollers.

The kit of parts may also include guide means or guide rails for securing to a ground surface and providing a guide along which the movement elements may run.

The kit of parts may also include fixing means for securing the guide means to a surface.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a building in accordance with the present invention in its fully extended position;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of guide rails associated with the building shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment when partially extended;

Figures 5(a) and (b) show a side and end view respectively of the second embodiment before extension; and

Figure 6 shows a third embodiment in (a) side, (b) plan and (c) end views. Description

A first embodiment of a domestic storage building 10 in accordance with the invention is shown in Figure 1 and comprises a cuboid base structure 12 with a roof, three solid side walls and one open side wall proximal to an expansion module 14 comprising a roof and two side walls. Base structure 12 is extendably interconnected by means of concertina sleeve 16 to expansion module 14 which has complementary dimensions to base structure 14. Expansion sleeve 16 allows expansion module 14 to be moved relative to base structure 12 so as to alter the lateral extent of the entire building structure to any position up to length X, and so adjust the enclosed interior volume. Thus the building can be expanded or contracted depending on the storage volume needed. The expansion characteristics of sleeve 16 affect the maximum lateral expansion with generally X ranging from 1 to 10m. Sleeve 16 can alternatively be an expandable seal, resiliently deformable plastics material or other equivalent variant that allows for movement of module 14 relative to structure 12. Door 18 is attached to the outermost end of the expansion module 14 and allows the interior volume defined by base structure 12, expansion sleeve 16 and module 14 to be fully enclosed and secured for all interior volumes. Door 18 is typically an up and over door with a piano hinge and employing a gas lift for ease of opening, although can be a sectional or roller door.

Base structure 12 and module 14 are typically made from rigid opaque materials such as pre-formed rigid plastics, such as fibreglass, or metal panels secured to a rigid framework. Typically the building will range from lm to 2m in height, and more typically around 1.5m- 1.6m, with a depth i.e. the dimension in the direction of X, around 1 to 3m. The maximum lateral extent in the fully expanded position typically ranges from 2m to 4m. These dimensions are only given by way of example with the dimensions selected depending on the end purpose of the building. If the building is to provide adjustable storage to accommodate a vehicle then the maximum dimensions will necessarily be selected to accommodate a vehicle. Reduced height building structures might be provided for adjustable storage to accommodate bicycles, garden equipment and the like.

As will be appreciated, the form of the building can be of any shape that allows for expansion and can incorporate curved walls and roofs.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention comprising telescopically extendable sleeve modules 20, 20' associated with base structure 12. In this embodiment base structure 12 is based on a cuboid metal frame with two sleeve modules 20, 22 based on a table-shaped frame with timber boarding or laminated panels, and internal insulation if required, attached externally to the frames. Alternatively metal or plastics panels can be used as described above. Each sleeve module 20, 20' is mounted on opposing pairs of nylon wheels 22, castors or rollers and is telescopically moveable relative to base structure 12 allowing the lateral extent of the building floor to be altered. The maximum lateral extent occurs where each sleeve is fully displaced but still adjoins the preceding element of the building, see Figure 2. Sleeve modules 20, 20' are dimensioned to nest over base structure 12 when the building is at its minimum latent extent and minimum volume, see Figures 4 and 5, and so cascade in height and width, see for example Figures 6(a) and (b). Typically the tallest module is the endmost module at a height of around 2 to 1.7m and a width of around 2 to 2.5m with base structure 12 having a height around 1.2 to 1.6m and a width around 1.5 to 2.3m. The depth of the modules, i.e. the dimension in the direction of X, is constant and around 1.6m. Using nested modules ensures that the minimum lateral extent of the building is the floor area of base structure 12.

Generally building 10 further comprises guide rails 24, 24' are secured to the ground before base structure 12 is positioned, see Figure 3 where guide rails 24, 24' for modules 20, 20' are shown when the building is at its minimum nested volume. Guide rails are particularly of use where the ground surface is rough or a gravel surface as they provide a level pathway for the moveable modules. The framework of guide rails shown in Figure 3 typically comprises a plurality of sleepers 26 orientated perpendicular to the direction of expansion X and to which are secured parallel pairs of spaced apart rails to ensure the rails maintain a constant parallel separation. An inner pair of rails 24 forms a guide means for first sleeve module 20 and an outer pair of rails 24' forms a guide means for the tallest and widest module 20'. Where more than two modules are used, it will be understood that a pair of rails is provided for each expansion module. The rails provide a cross brace for each expansion module preventing the walls of the expansion module from splaying apart. Base structure 12 does not require guide rails as the middle rear wall prevents spread of the adjacent side walls. The rails ensure that the width of the telescopic modules at ground level and at roof level remains constant during movement which allows the respective modules to be designed to fit tightly together when fully or partially nested.

Typically the sleepers and rails or tracks are freestanding on the ground so as to be easily placed on any hard standing such as concrete, tarmac, paving, well compacted gravel or firm earth/grass. The base module 12 is generally attached to the sleepers 26 so as to prevent any movement of building structure 10 around the driveway as it is expanded and contracted in lateral extent. The cross-bracing provided by the rails is particularly important for tall panels of 1.7 to 2m. For reduced height structures such as bike stores, the rails can be omitted as the modules are less likely to splay in width.

Typically the rails 24, 24' or tracks are a U-shaped cross-section aluminium channel attached by drilled and tapped machine screws to sleepers 26 having an inverted shallow U- shape cross-section and made of strip aluminium. Wheels 22 have a complementary square cross-section to the metal track and these co-operating guide elements ensure the expansion modules travel a defined pathway. Alternatively the rails can be combined in a single strip of steel formed with a plurality of V-shaped grooves, with complementary V-shaped wheels. As will be appreciated, different shaped cross-sections can be used for the rails and wheels, although the rails and wheels will necessarily have complementary cross-sections. Typically a stop 25 is placed at the end of each rail to stop wheels 22 leaving the tracks. Sleepers 26 typically include latch/bolt sockets to lock door 18 shut for all positions, although if desired door 18 can lock to the frame of the end module instead.

Large steel angle brackets 28 are placed at the corners of each module so as to ensure each backless and frontless module 20, 20' remains square and rigid and the brackets also reinforce the roof attachment. If desired, flanges 29, 29 'are formed along the edges of each module, see Figure 6(a), to ensure that modules cannot be separated by extending them too far. Typically each central module 20 has inwardly facing flanges around the opening closest to structure 12 and outwardly facing flanges around the opening closest to end module 20', with base structure 12 having outwardly facing flanges at its open end only and end module 20' having inwardly facing flanges where it adjoins the last but one module 20. The flanges 29, 29' formed along the sides and roof edges of each module interengage to prevent the modules from separating and extending beyond the track when fully expanded, and so limit the maximum lateral expansion of building 10. The flanges 29, 29' also provide a slight factional resistance to movement of adjacent modules so as to ensure the modules cannot be moved too quickly and inadvertently leave rails 24. They also provide a waterproof ridge to prevent entry of rainwater into building 10.

The embodiments shown use two or three modules, but the expandable section can be made of as many modules as required to accommodate the required maximum volume. Where metal panels are used, typically the depth of the modules will be smaller than where timber clad panels are used and can range from 80 to 90cm. Thus for a metal panel version of the second embodiment, the building can comprise base structure 12 and up to ten expandable sections 20. Typically a garage will be formed with base structure 12 and up to five sections, see Figure 6, with larger height sections chosen for taller cars. As will be appreciated, features such as wheels, rails and sleepers can be used with either embodiment.

The present invention provides buildings with adjustable secure interior volumes allowing the buildings to be modified according to a user's current needs. The building may initially be required for its maximum volume to store, for example, a car and can have its volume adjusted readily and at will depending on the storage needed for any occasion. Thus a building acting initially as a garage can be retracted to its minimum volume if floor area needs to be released for other purposes and then reinstated to its fully expanded position later. Also over time, a user's storage needs may change and in this case the building can be fully or partially expanded or retracted as required whilst at all times providing a fully enclosed securable interior volume for secure storage of possessions. The building is also easily relocated in its entirety to another area of ground.

If desired, the expansion and retraction of building 10 to alter the interior volume can be electrically operated either by a connection to a mains supply or by using rechargeable electricity storage devices, such as solar panels, to avoid an electrical connection to the garage roof. Adjustment of the building length, and so interior volume, will occur by actuation of a winch or similar using a user-operated remote control device. Thus on approach to a garage occupying the minimum interior volume, a driver operates the remote control from within a vehicle such as a car, door 18 opens and the car is driven into the available interior volume, the car doors being outside the garage. The driver leaves the car, and operates the control again to extend the structure over the car, closing the door once the garage volume encompasses the car and so securing the car within the interior volume of the garage. The reverse process allows the user to retract the garage for entry into the car. By using the garage in this way, the garage can enclose the minimum space necessary to enclose a car without internal space being needed for the user to leave the car.

If desired, the building can be sold as a collapsed nest of sections on a wooden pallet and craned into position onto secured rails or sold in kit form for home assembly as a series of panels and frames with attachable wheels and if required guide rails, sleepers and appropriate fixings.

Claims

1. A building for storage purposes comprising a base structure extendably interconnected to an expansion module and encompassing an interior volume, wherein the expansion module is

5 moveable to one or more positions to alter the interior volume, the interior volume being fully enclosable for all positions.

2. A building for storage purposes according to claim 1, wherein the base structure is extendably interconnected to the expansion module by an expansion means.

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3. A building for storage purposes according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the expansion module comprises a plurality of sleeve modules.

4. A building for storage purposes according to claim 3, wherein the sleeve modules i s telescopically extend to alter the interior volume.

5. A building for storage purposes according to claim 4, wherein the sleeve modules form a nested arrangement external to the base structure.

20 6. A building for storage purposes according to claim 3, wherein the sleeve modules are extendably interconnected to each other by further expansion means.

7. A building for storage purposes according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base structure is open on one face adjacent the expansion module, the expansion module bearing a

25 door allowing access to the interior volume, the door being in an outermost moveable end of the expansion module.

8. A building for storage purposes according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base structure and the expansion module are opaque.

30

9. A building for storage purposes according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base structure and expansion modules are rigid structures so as to define a secure, tamper-resistant volume.

10. A building for storage purposes according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base structure and expansion module include reinforcing means so as to reduce the amount of material required whilst retaining structural rigidity.

11. A building for storage purposes according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the expansion module further comprises movement means to assist with ease of movement.

12. A building for storage purposes according to claim 11, wherein the expansion module further comprises guide means for receiving the movement means along which the expansion means is able to travel.

13. A kit of parts for assembly into a building for storage purposes, the kit comprising elements for assembly into a base structure, elements for assembly into at least one expansion module and movement elements.

14. A kit of parts according to claim 13 further comprising guide means for securing to a ground surface.