WO2012151613A1

WO2012151613A1 - Transportable building

Info

Publication number: WO2012151613A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/000468
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Winfield; John Lea
Original assignee: Pearls Miihome Ip Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-05-11
Filing date: 2012-05-02
Publication date: 2012-11-15
Also published as: AU2011202177B1; AU2011202177C1

Abstract

A transportable building comprising a first floor portion (22), a second floor portion (24) hingedly connected to the first floor portion (22), the second floor portion (24) comprising a floor having at least one elongate member (32, 34, 36, 38, 40) having an open section or a hollow section connected to an underneath part of the floor, wherein the building can be configured in a transportable configuration (20) in which the second floor portion (24) is positioned generally perpendicularly to the first floor portion (22) and the building can be configured in a built configuration in which the second floor portion (24) extends generally parallel to or co-planar with the first floor portion (22), wherein in the transportable configuration, the building further comprises a beam positioned in an elongate member. The beam strengthens the structure during transport. The beam may carry lifting connectors or mounting brackets. A relatively lightweight transportable building having the size and shape of a standard ISO shipping container when in a folded configuration is provided.

Description

TRANSPORTABLE BUILDING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a transportable building. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Transportable buildings are used in a number of situations. For example, remote area mining camps or mining towns often include a number of transportable buildings that can simply be transported into place to provide short-term or long-term accommodation for employees of the mining operation. In other instances, transportable buildings are used where only a short term accommodation requirement is needed. For example, in a number of military applications, temporary villages may need to be established for housing military personnel. Transportable buildings are often used in those circumstances because the transportable buildings can be easily moved into the region and can be easily removed from the region once the requirements for the temporary accommodation have been completed. Transportable buildings are also frequently used in disaster relief situations. For example, the recent tsunami in Japan resulted in the destruction of tens of thousands of homes. Transportable buildings can rapidly provide liveable temporary accommodation for victims of such disasters.

For ease of handling and transport, transportable buildings are often sized so that they are of the same size as International Standard (ISO) shipping containers. In a most simple form, the transportable buildings simply comprise a converted shipping container in which a standard shipping container is fitted out with a small kitchen, a bathroom and a bed. Such transportable buildings provide very basic or rudimentary accommodation only.

It is often desirable to provide remote area accommodation that has a larger living area than can be provided by the floorspace of a standard shipping container. For this reason, foldable transportable buildings have been developed. Typically, such foldable, transportable buildings are based upon standard shipping containers, albeit with the width modified to accommodate the floor thickness of the building. The side walls of the shipping containers are modified such that they are hinged to the floor of the shipping container. In order to transport the building, the side walls are folded upwardly and secured in place such that the transportable building adopts the configuration of a standard shipping container. When the building is placed on site, it is expanded into its built configuration or erected configuration by folding the side walls down about the hinges until the side walls lie parallel to or generally co-planar with the floor section of the shipping container. The side walls of the container then form part of the floor of the building in the built configuration or erected configuration. This has the effect of increasing the floorspace of the building. Many known foldable, transportable buildings utilise the strong frame of the shipping container as the basis for the building. Indeed, manufacture of such transportable buildings typically involves purchasing a standard shipping container and modifying that shipping container. Advantageously, the shipping container is provided with lifting blocks or other transport connectors that facilitate ready lifting and handling of the shipping container. However, transportable buildings that are based upon converted shipping containers are typically very heavy, often weighing in excess of 24 tonnes. This can increase transport costs and can preclude transport by aeroplane or helicopter.

One possible solution to the problem of weight in transportable buildings is described in international patent application publication number WO 2007/033498. In this patent application, a containerised portable shelter which is small and light so that it can be moved by helicopter transport but which can also travel through container channels and has increased expandability of the floorspace, is described. The containerised portable shelter of this patent application has a fraction (for example, one-half) of the standard ISO width, so that a plurality of modular units can be joined to form a standard ISO container. Two or more modular units can be joined side-by-side and/or end-to-end to form a compound shipping container preferably having ISO freight container characteristics. The modules described in .this patent application each include frameworks that are generally similar to the framework of an ISO _. shipping container. Although this patent application does describe modules that can be transported by helicopter, creation of a shelter having a desirably large floorspace requires two or more modules to be connected together. This increases the assembly steps required on site. Furthermore, as each module has a very heavy frame, it would seem that a helicopter can only move one module at a time. Therefore, an increased number of helicopter trips are likely to be required to bring in all the required modules to form a structure on to the worksite.

The present applicant does not concede that the prior art discussed in this patent application forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use indicates otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE I VENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a transportable building that overcomes or at least ameliorates one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages, or provides a commercial alternative.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a transportable building comprising:

- a first floor portion,

- a second floor portion hingedly connected to the first floor portion;

- the second floor portion comprising a floor having at least one bearer connected to an underneath part of the floor,

- wherein the building can be configured in a transportable configuration in which the second floor portion is positioned generally perpendicularly to the first floor portion and the building can be configured in a built configuration in which the second floor portion extends generally parallel to or co-planar with the first floor portion,

- wherein in the transportable configuration, the bearer comprises an elongate member having an open section or a hollow section and a beam positioned in the elongate member. In one embodiment, in the transportable configuration, the bearer comprises an elongate member having an open section or a hollow section and a beam positioned in the elongate member and the beam is removable from the elongate member. In this embodiment, the elongate member may be connected to the underneath part of the floor of the second floor portion. The beam may be positioned inside the elongate member. The beam and the elongate member may be releasably connected to each other.

In another embodiment, in the transportable configuration, the bearer comprises an elongate member having an open section or a hollow section and a beam positioned in the elongate member and the elongate member is removable from the beam. In this embodiment, the beam may be connected to the underneath part of the floor of the second floor portion. The elongate member may be positioned such that it surrounds the beam. The beam and the elongate member may be releasably connected to each other. In some embodiments, one or more of the beams carry a transport connector.

In some embodiments, one or more of the beams carry a mounting bracket for connecting another beam thereto. The mounting bracket may connect another beam thereto in a fixed positional relationship.

In some embodiments, one or more of the beams carry tie member mounting bracket to enable a tie member to be connected thereto.

In some embodiments, the transportable building includes one or more further floor portions hingedly connected to the first floor portion. The one or more further floor portions extend generally perpendicularly to the first floor portion when the building is configured in its transportable configuration. The one or more further floor portions suitably extend generally parallel to or coplanar with the first floor portion when the building is in its built configuration.

In a preferred form of the present invention, the invention provides a transportable building comprising:

- a first floor portion, - a second floor portion hingedly connected to the first floor portion at one edge of the first floor portion; - the second floor portion comprising a floor having at least one elongate member having an open section or a hollow section connected to an underneath part of the floor,

- a third floor portion hingedly connected to the first floor portion at an opposite edge of the first floor portion,

- the third floor portion comprising a floor having at least one elongate member having an open section or a hollow section connected to an underneath part of the floor,

- wherein the building can be configured in a transportable configuration in which the second floor portion is positioned generally perpendicularly to the first floor portion and the third floor portion is positioned generally perpendicularly to the first floor portion, wherein the building adopts a configuration having a size and shape similar to a standard ISO shipping container and the second floor portion and the third floor portion present exterior side walls of the container, wherein the building can be configured in a built configuration in which the second floor portion and the third floor portion extend generally parallel to or co-planar with the first floor portion,

- wherein in the transportable configuration, the building further comprises a beam positioned in the elongate member. .

In some embodiments of the present invention, the floor of the building (in its built configuration) comprises a plurality of flooring panels. The flooring panels may comprise sandwich panels or composite panels, in which a central core has sheets of material laminated to either side of the core. The sheets of material that are laminated to the core may comprise skins of metal, such as sheet steel. The core may be made from a number of materials, including expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyurethane, polyisocyaniirate or indeed any other material known to be suitable to the person skilled in the art for manufacturing sandwich panels or composite panels. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the at least one elongate member having an open section or a hollow section may comprise a top hat section or a C-section. The open section or hollow section elongate member may be made from a lightweight material, such as a lightweight steel. Alternatively, the open section or hollow section elongate member may comprise a hollow section, such as a hollow rectangular or square section, that provides a closed cross-sectional surface but also includes a hollow region that can receive the structural beam.

The open section or hollow section member may include opposed sidewalls interconnected by a bottom wall. Transversely extending flanges may extend from the upper edges of the opposed sidewalls. The transversely extending flanges may extend outwardly or they may extend inwardly. The transversely extending flanges provide surfaces that facilitate connecting floor panels or a floor structure to the open section or hollow section member.

Suitably, a plurality of elongate members having an open section or a hollow section are positioned underneath the first floor portion, the second floor portion and any further floor portions. The elongate members may define a box section when they are connected to the floor. It will be understood that this provides enhanced strength whilst still allowing relatively lightweight elongate members to be used.

In order to improve the strength of the building in its transportable configuration, a beam may be positioned in each of the elongate members. Suitably, the beam is connected to each of the elongate members, for example, by bolting, screwing, nailing, riveting, welding, by use of adhesives, or the like.

The beam that is positioned within the open section or hollow section member may comprise a rectangular section beam, a square section beam, an I-section beam or a C- section or U-section beam.

The beam suitably has dimensions that allows it to fit into the open section or hollow section member. The beam suitably is able to slide into the open section or hollow section member. This enables the beam to be positioned inside the member by simply sliding the structural beam into the member. Desirably, the beam comprises a structural beam.

At least some of the beams that are positioned in (and connected to the elongate members) may have transportation connectors formed thereon or connected thereto such that the transportation connectors can be used to facilitate transport of the building when in its transportable configuration.. For example, the structural beams may have International Standard (ISO) lifting blocks attached to them, which lifting blocks enable the building to be easily lifted or moved on to a transport vehicle using container lifting apparatus when the building is in its transportable configuration. Alternatively, the structural beams may be provided with other arrangements that enable cranes or forklifts to lift and move the container/building. The transportation connectors may be removably connected to the structural beams so that the transportation connectors can be removed from the transportable building. The transportation connectors will typically be removed once the floor sections have been folded flat, but it will be appreciated that the transportation connectors may be removed at any time. In one embodiment, the transportation connectors are connected to the beams by use of appropriate nuts and bolts.

In some embodiments, the beams that extend to upper corners of the building when the building is in the transportable configuration are provided with transportation connectors.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the elongate members provide sufficient strength to support the building when the building is in the built configuration. In these embodiments, the beams may be removed from the elongate members when the building is in the built configuration. In these embodiments, the beams can be removed from the elongate members and used to transport other buildings in the transportable configuration. Alternatively, the beams can be stored until it is desired to move the building back to the transport configuration and to transport the building. The beams may be removed from the elongate members by sliding the beams out of the elongate members. Any fasteners, such as bolts, that are used to fasten or connect the beams to the elongate members, will be loosened or removed prior to removing the beams from the elongate members.

In other embodiments, it might be desirable to provide enhanced strength to the underfloor region of the building by retaining one or more of the beams in the elongate members when the building is in the built configuration. In such embodiments, it might be desirable to remove the transportation connectors from the beams. The transportation members may be re-used. Although most of the embodiments of the present invention described above have elongate members being connected to the underfloor region of the second floor portion and beams being insertable into the elongate members, the present invention also encompasses the reverse situation where beams (such as for joists made from timber or steel) are connected to the underfloor region of the second floor portion and elongate members having an open section or hollow section may be positioned to surround or encase the beams to thereby provide additional strength to the beams. In these embodiments, the elongate members may be removed when the building is in the built configuration. Similarly, in this embodiment, the elongate members may carry transport connectors, mounting brackets, or tie member mounting brackets.

For brevity of description, the invention will hereinafter be described with reference to embodiments of the transportable building in which the bearer comprises the elongate member being connected underneath the floor of the respective floor portions and beams are able to be inserted or positioned in the elongate member. However, it will be understood that the the present invention also extends to the corollary in which the bearers comprises a beam or joist being connected underneath the floor of the respective floor portions and one or more elongate members having hollow section or open section are positioned around the beams or joists to provide additional strength to the beams or joists. In order to provide further strength and rigidity to the building when in its transportable configuration, one or more tie members may be connected across the top of the roof of the container when the building is in its transportable configuration in order to securely tie the opposite sides of the container together. The one or more tie members may comprise rigid members, such as rods or beams. Alternatively, the one or more tie members may comprise cables or wires or straps. The tie members are suitably connected to beams or to connectors that are positioned on either side of the container.

In some embodiments, the building, in its transportable configuration, comprises a plurality of spaced rectangular or square frames. Each rectangular or square frame may be connected to the other rectangular square frames through the flooring, such as through flooring panels. The rectangular or square frames may comprise transverse frames (in that they extend across a width of the container). It may not be necessary to provide any longitudinal frame members to interconnect the transverse frames. Indeed, the flooring material may have sufficient strength in itself to provide the necessary longitudinal strength to the building when it is in its transportation configuration. This further assists in minimising the weight of the building.

When the building is in its transportable configuration, the building takes the shape and dimension of a standard ISO shipping container. The roof of the container may be provided by panels or materials that form the roof of the building when the building is in its built configuration.

In some embodiments, all of the components that are required to complete the building are contained within the building when it is in its transportable configuration. For example, all the building components required to complete the building could be flat packed into bales and stored within the container configuration adopted by the building when the building is in its transportable configuration. The building components that could be included within the container include the end walls or end wall panels of the building, the roof or roof panels of the building, the internal walls or internal partitions, doors, domestic goods such as washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators, plumbing equipment such as toilets, showers, sinks and taps, joinery such as kitchen fittings and wardrobe fittings, roof trims such as fascias, gutters and down pipes, and external elements such as steps, posts, decks and skirts.

In some embodiments, the side walls of the building (in its built configuration) are hingedly connected to respective floor portions. The side walls of the building are suitably hinged to their respective floor portions in a manner such that the sidewalls fold flat to their respective floor portions when in the transportable configuration. In order to move the building to its built configuration, the floor portions are folded downwardly until they lie essentially horizontally and the side walls are folded upwardly until they stand essentially vertically. The building of some embodiments of the present invention may include one or more rooms hingedly connected to the first floor portion. In some embodiments, a room that is hingedly connected to the first floor portion comprises a room floor hingedly connected to the first floor portion, the room floor having at least one wall positioned generally perpendicularly to the room floor and held in fixed relationship relative to the room floor. In this embodiment, when the room floor moves about the hinge from the transportable configuration to the built configuration, the at least one wall effectively rotates with the room floor such that the perpendicular relationship between the room floor and the least one wall is maintained. Suitably, the room floor may have at least three walls, or even four walls, positioned generally perpendicularly to the room floor and held in fixed relationship relative to the room floor. In this manner, the room be positioned in the built configuration by simply rotating the room about the hinge. It will be appreciated that the room may be provided with a ceiling or a roof that is built into the room. Alternatively, the ceiling or the roof may be added after the room has been positioned in its extended or built configuration.

In one embodiment, room comprises a bathroom. In another embodiment, the room comprises a kitchen. In these embodiments, the bathroom or the kitchen may be fully assembled (including all plumbing, electrics and fittings) during manufacture or construction of the transportable building and moving the room from the transportable configuration to the built configuration results in an essentially completed bathroom or kitchen being present in the building. It will be understood that the essentially completed bathroom kitchen may require a ceiling or roof to be added. However, the interior of the bathroom or kitchen may be essentially completed.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a transportable building, the transportable building having a transportable configuration in which the building adopts a configuration having a size and shape similar to a standard shipping container, the transportable building comprising a first floor portion, and one or more rooms hingedly connected to the first floor portion, the one or more rooms hingedly connected to the first floor portion comprising a room floor hingedly connected to the first floor portion, the room floor having at least one wall positioned generally perpendicularly to the room floor and held in fixed relationship relative to the room floor. According to another aspect, the present invention provides a transportable building comprising:

- a first floor portion,

- a second floor portion hingedly connected to the first floor portion;

- wherein in the transportable configuration, a plurality of frame members extend around a periphery of the building to maintain the building in the transportable configuration, at least some of the plurality of frame members being removable to allow the building to be moved from the transportable configuration to the built configuration.

In some embodiments, the second floor portion comprises a floor having at least one bearer connected to an underneath part of the floor, the bearer compri sing an elongate member having an open section or a hollow section and a beam positioned in the elongate member, and the beam being removablly positioned within the elongate member. In some embodiments, the beam is releasably connected to the hollow member, for example, by use of nuts and bolts. In other embodiments, the frame members may simply be positioned outside and around the periphery of the building (when in its transportable configuration) without requiring that the frame members be located within hollow section or open section elongate members connected to the underfloor regions of the building. In other embodiments, the plurality of frame members comprises a plurality of first frame members, the first frame members including a lower frame member extending underneath the building, a first side frame member extending along one side of the building, a second side frame member extending along another side of the building and a top member extending across the top of the building, and a plurality of second frame members, the second frame members including a lower frame member extending underneath the building, a first side frame member extending along one side of the building, a second side frame member extending along another side of the building and a top member extending across the top of the building, the first frame members being spaced from the second frame members. In some embodiments, the respective first frame members are connected to each other and the respective second frame members are connected to each other. The first frame members may be connected to each other to form a first frame and the second frame members may be connected to each other to form a second frame, the second frame being spaced from the first frame, ft will be appreciated that additional frames over and above the first frame and the second frame may be provided.

The plurality of frame members may be similar to those described with reference to the first aspect of the present invention. Some of the frame members may be provided with ISO transport connectors. The plurality of frame members may comprise beams. In some embodiments, the top member may comprise a tie member.

Other features and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a standard ISO shipping container;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a transportable building in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The transportable building shown in figure 2 is shown in its transportable configuration;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the components that form the floor in the erected building of a transportable building in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3A and 3B show schematic views of one possible hinge connection between the floor portions; Figure 4 shows an end view of an elongate member attached to a floor panel and having a structural beam inserted into the elongate member;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a structural beam positioned inside an elongate member;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the arrangement shown in figure 5 with a transportation connector connected to the structural beam; Figure 7 shows a perspective view showing the components of figure 3 with one of the floor portions being folded upwardly to form a side wall for the container;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view similar to that shown in figure 7, but with another floor portion followed upwardly to form another side wall for the container;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the skeleton frame of the container shown in figure 8 (with the panels removed for clarity); · ·

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the components of the skeleton frame shown in figure 9 in a packed configuration;

Figure 1 1 shows a perspective view of a base corner connector suitable for use in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 shows the base corner connector shown in figure 1 1 having other components of the transportable building connected to it;

Figure 13 shows a base intermediate connector suitable for use in an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 shows the base intermediate connector shown in figure 12 having other components of the transportable building connected to it; Figure 15 shows a perspective view of an upper part of a beam having a top corner connector connected to it;

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the top corner connector shown m figure 15 being connected to a part of the transportable building that forms a side wall of the container in the transportable configuration and forms part of the. floor in the erected configuration;

Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the top corner connector shown in figure 15 with a roof panel for the container being positioned in place;

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a top intermediate connector suitable for use in an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 19 shows the top intermediate connector shown in figure 18 being connected to the transportable building;

* Figure 20 shows the top intermediate connector shown in figure 19 having a tie member connected thereto; Figure 21 shows a transportable building in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention being ready to be folded up into the transportable configuration in which the building adopts the configuration having a size and shape similar to a standard ISO shipping container; Figure 22 shows the building of the 21 having one side wall of the container being formed by folding a floor portion in an upwardly direction;

Figure 23 shows the building of figure 22 having other components required in the erected building stacked inside the building;

Figure 24 shows the building of figure 23 having a second container sidewall being formed by folding another floor portion in an upwardly direction and showing the roofing panels for the container being put into place; Figure 25 shows the building of figure 24 with the roofing panels and tie members in place and with horizontal base connectors being ready for insertion into the elongate members under the container floor portion; Figure 26 shows the transport building of figure 25 in the transportable configuration;

Figures 27A to 27E show the steps required to move, the building from the transportable configuration (shown in figure 27A) to the built configuration or erected configuration (shown in figure 27E). The building shown in figures 27A to 27E includes folding bathrooms.;

Figures 28 to 33 show, in more detail, the various steps required to move the building ^• from the transportable configuration to the built configuration or erected configuration. The boarding shown in figures 28 to 33 includes bathrooms that are fixed in place relative ^* to the central floor portion; and

Figure 34 shows a perspective view of a transportable building in accordance with another embodiment of the present inventiori. The building shown in figure 34 includes folding bathrooms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be understood that the drawings have been provided for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the attached drawings.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a standard ISO shipping container 10. The container 10 includes a strong external steel framework that extends around each edge of the container 10. Fluted or ribbed steel panels, one of which is shown at 12, form the side walls of the container. One end 14 of the container comprises two doors that can be opened and closed. Appropriate locking means, as will be known to a person skilled in the art, are provided to enable the doors to be securely locked during transport. The container also includes a flat roof 16. Transportation connectors, in the form of ISO standard transportation blocks, are mounted to each corner of the shipping container 10. ISO standard shipping containers are built to sizes as specified in the international standard. The ISO standard allows shipping containers to be built in five standard lengths, being 20-ft (6.1 m), 40-ft (12.2 m), 45-ft (13.7 m), 48-ft (14.6 m), and 53-ft (16.2 m). The shipping container 10 shown in figure 1 is a Hi-Cube container and it has dimensions of 12.2 ^"m long, 2.9 m high and 2.4 m wide.

Figure 2 shows a transportable building 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The transportable building 20 is shown in the transportable configuration in figure 2. As can be seen from figure 2, when the building 20 is in its transportable configuration, the building has a size and shape that is essentially similar to the ISO shipping container 10 shown in figure 1. This is especially advantageous in that standard ISO shipping container handling apparatus, such as cranes, or forklifts, flatbed trucks, flatbed rail carriages and the like, can be used to handle and transport the transportable building 20 when the building is in the transportable configuration as shown in figure 2. For convenience, the transportable building will, from time to time hereinafter, be described as being a "container" when it is in the transportable configuration shown in figure 2. The transportable building 20 is made from a number of components. Unlike a number of other transportable buildings that are based upon modified standard shipping containers that fold up to adopt a configuration that is similar to a standard shipping container, the transportable building 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention does not require or utilise a sturdy, heavy steel frame inherited from a standard shipping container. Details of the components that are used in the manufacture of the transportable building in accordance with the present invention will now be provided.

Figure 3 shows the parts of the transportable building 20 that form the floor of the building when the building is in its built configuration or erected configuration. The floor comprises a first floor portion 22, a second floor portion 24 and a third floor portion 26. The first floor portion 22 forms the floor of the container when the building is in the transportable configuration. The second floor portion 24 is hingedly connected to one side of the first floor portion 22. The third floor portion 26 is hingedly connected to the opposite side of first floor portion 22. The first floor portion and the second floor portion may be hinged together by use of piano hinges, gate hinges or indeed by any other hinging arrangements known to be suitable to persons skilled in the art. The first floor portion 22 and the third floor portion 26 are hinged together in a similar fashion. Figures 3A and 3B show a side schematic view of the floor portion 22 being hingedly connected to floor portion 24. To achieve this, a hinge 23 is provided. Hinge 23 has a pivot or hinge point 25 located close to the edge of the first floor portion 22. Hinge leaf 27 is connected to the first floor portion 22. The hinge 23 has a second hinge leaf 29 that is connected to second floor portion 24. As can be seen from figure 3A, a gap 31 exists between the adjacent edges of first floor portion 22 and second floor portion 24. This allows the second floor portion to pivot, hinge or fold upwardly about the hinge point 25 when it is decided to move the transportable building to the transportable configuration. This is shown in figure 3B. The hinges shown in figures 3A and 3B may be mounted to the floor portions between the floor panels and the bearers/elongate members. Of course, it may also be possible to mount the hinge to .the upper parts of the floor portions 22, 24 and this will allow the adjacent edges of the floor portions 22, 24 to be positioned much more closely together. The skilled person would readily understand how the floor portions can be hingedly connected together. The second floor portion 24 comprises two longitudinally extending panels 28, 30. Panels 28, 30 suitably comprise sandwich panels or composite panels. For example, panels 28, 30 may comprise a central core made from expanded polystyrene having layers of sheet steel laminated to the upper and lower surfaces thereof. Such panels are well-known to person skilled in the art and need not be described further. The panels 28, 30 are relatively lightweight panels that have good strength properties. Furthermore, the panels in the second and, third floor portions act as beams when the second and third floor portions are in the vertical position (when the building is in the transportation configuration). In this position, the panels can support the dead load of the container. Other panels may also be used.

In order to connect the panels 28, 30 together, a variety of elongate members 32, 34, 36, 38, ^'40 are connected to the underside of panels 28, 30. It will be appreciated that the number of members required to positioned underneath the floor of the building may vary, depending on other variables. The person skilled in the art will really appreciate how many bearers are required underneath the building to properly support the building. The elongate members 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 are suitably open section or hollow section in elongate members. Suitably, the elongate members 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 comprise top hat sections. One such section is shown in figure 4. The top hat section 32 shown in figure 4 comprises side walls 42, 44 that are interconnected by a lower wall 46. Transversely extending flanges 48, 50 extend outwardly from the upper edges of respective side walls 42, 44. Holes 52 (see figures 5 and 6) are provided in the flanges 48, 50 in order to enable the elongate member 32 to be joined to the panel 28. To achieve this, screws, nails, bolts or other fasteners 54 are inserted through the holes 52 and into the panel 28.

The first floor portion 22 and the third floor portion 26 are manufactured in a similar fashion. The floor portions 22, 24, 26 e^'xhibit adequate longitudinal stiffness without requiring any longitudinal frame members to be attached to the panels. Accordingly, each floor portion 22, 24, 26 can be made as a relatively lightweight flooring section constructed from composite panels and lightweight top hat sections or elongate members. The top hat sections or elongate members effectively act as bearers when the transportable building 20 is in the erected configuration.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the elongate member/top hat section 32 (the flooring panels have been removed from figure 5 for clarity). As can be seen from figure 5, a structural beam 56 can be inserted into the hollow section of the elongate member 32. In particular, structural beam 56 can be slid into the elongate member 32. The structural beam 56 is in the form of a hollow, rectangular section beam. However, other cross- sectional beings may be used, such as C-section beams, U-section beams or l-beams. In order to connect the structural beam 56 to the elongate member 32, bolts 62 may pass through the elongate member 32 and the structural beam 56. The elongate member 32 and the structural beam 56 may be connected together by bolts at a number of locations along the Length. This effectively ties the structural beam and elongate member together so that they form a unified bearer arrangement. As can be seen from figure 5, the structural beam 56 has an end that extends out beyond the end of the elongate member 32. The structural beam 56 has a hole 58 formed therein. Hole 58 may be used to connect a transportation connector, such as an ISO lifting block 60, to the structural beam 56. This is shown in figure 6. Suitable bolts may be used to connect the lifting block 62 the structural beam 56. This enables the lifting block 60 to be selectively removed from the structural beam 56. It will be appreciated that other arrangements can be used to releasably connect the transportation connector to the structural beam and the present invention encompasses any such arrangement that allows the transportation connector to be releasably connected to the beam.

Alternatively, the hole 58 may be used to connect the beam 56 to another elongate member. This is particular useful in embodiments where it is desirable to connect two or more transportable buildings together when in the erected or built configuration. Figure 7 shows the third floor portion 26 being folded upwardly so that it extends generally perpendicularly to the first floor portion 22.

Figure 7 represents a first step in folding the transportable building up into a container. Figure 8 represents a second step. As shown in figure 8, the second floor portion 24 has also been folded upwardly until it is generally perpendicular to the first floor portion 22. In this manner, second floor portion 24 and third floor portion 26 form side walls of the container.

In order to provide greater rigidity to the container and to firmly hold the container in the transportable configuration, structural members/beams having connectors and/or lifting blocks are slid into the hollow elongate members mounted underneath the floor panels. Tie members are then positioned across the top of the container to hold the sidewalls of the container in position, as shown in figure 8. As can be seen from figure 8, the heavy frame elements only extend transversely of the container. There are no heavy longitudinal frame elements used in the container. The racking loads are resisted by the diaphragm action of the panels. Figure 9 shows the skeleton frame of the container shown in figure 8, but with the panels removed for clarity. As can be seen, the skeleton frame comprises a series of longitudinally spaced rectangular frames, some of which are numbered at 64, 66. The transversely extending frames are interconnected by the composite panels. The side and floor frame members are all inserted into the hollow section elongate members that are located under the floor panels in the erected building. The top frame members, which are in the form of tie members, are positioned across the top of the roof of the container.

The frame members shown in figure 9 can all be removed from the transportable building and packed into a neat stack 68, as shown in figure 10. This facilitates storage or transport of the frame members.

The floor structure of the transportable building in accordance with the present invention acts as a load bearing beam in the vertical position and as a load-bearing floor system in the horizontal position. When folded into the transportable configuration, the entire structure becomes more rigid, acting as a tubular beam section. This incredibly strong lightweight structure is achieved without the need for heavy structural steel frames that are normally required in standard shipping container construction. Further details of the framework components will now be described.

Figure 1 1 shows a perspective view of a base corner connector for use with a transportable building in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The base corner connector 70 shown in figure 1 1 comprises a beam 72. Beam 72 has openings 74. 76 formed therein. Openings 74, 76 may be slot- like openings to facilitate insertion of a bolt therethrough. The beam 72 is inserted into an end top hat section of the first floor portion, such as top hat section 32B shown in figure 3.

The beam 72 has an ISO lifting block 78 affixed to one end. A mounting bracket 80 is mounted to the lifting block 78. The mounting bracket 80 may comprise opposed ears 82, 84 having aligned slot like openings (one of which is shown at 86).

As can be seen in figure 1 1 , a similar base corner connector 88 is inserted into the other end of top hat bearer/section 32B. Figure 12 shows the connectors 70 and 88 fixed in position, in particular, base corner connector 70 is slid into one end of top hat section 32B. Base corner connector 88 is slid into the other end of top hat section 32B. Bolts 89, 90, 91 , 92 and associated nuts (not shown) are used to connect the beams of base corner connectors 70, 88 to the top hat section 32B. Longitudinally extending floor panels 93, 94 of the first floor portion 22 are also shown in figure 12. In figure 12, the second floor portion 24 has been folded up only so that floor panel 30 is located above floor panel 93. A structural beam 95 has been positioned in top hat section 32 and connected to mounting bracket 80 by bolt 96. This effectively connects the lower end of beam 95 to beam 72.

Figure 13 shows a -base intermediate connector for use in the present invention. Base intermediate connector 98 comprises a beam 100 having openings 102, 104 formed therein. A mounting bracket 106 which comprises opposed ears 108, 1 10 joined together by in intermediate section 1 12 is affixed to the end of beam 100. A similar base intermediate connector 1 14 is also provided.

Base intermediate connectors 1 12, 1 14 are intended to be slid into the top hat sections that are mounted under floor panels 93, 94 of the first floor portion 22 and are also positioned away from the ends of first floor portion 22. This is shown in figure 14, in which the beam 100 is inserted into top hat section 34B of first floor portion 22. Bolts 109, 1 1 1 are used to connect the beam 100 to the top hat section 34B. Similarly, bolts 1 13, 1 17 are used to connect the base intermediate connector 1 14 to top hat section 34B. Another beam 1 1 5 is inserted into top hat section 34 of second floor portion 24. Bolts 1 16. 1 18 are used to connect the beam 1 15 to the mounting bracket 106. This rigidly holds the second floor portion 22 in the upright position when the transportable building is in the transportable configuration. This effectively connects the lower end of beam 1 15 to beam 100.

A top corner connector 120 is positioned at the top of beam 95 (refer to figure 15). Top corner connector 120 includes an ISO lifting block 122. The ISO lifting block 122 may be connected to the beam 95 by way of bolts or other fasteners, or it may be permanently joined to the beam 95, for example, by welding. Figure 16 shows the connector 120 inserted into top hat section 32. Panel 28 is also shown in figure 16. A bolt 124 is used to firmly hold the beam 95 in connection with the top hat section 32. Figure 17 shows a similar view to that shown in figure 16 but with roofing panels 126 also being shown in position. The roofing panels 126 form the roof of the container when the transportable building is in the transportable configuration.

Figure 18 shows a top intermediate connector for use in an embodiment of the present invention. The top intermediate connector shown in figure 18 is intended to be inserted into the top hat sections that form part of the second floor portion 24 and third floor portion 26 and which are located intermediate the ends of the floor portions. The top intermediate connectors 130 are positioned at the upper part of beam 1 15 (refer to figure 14). An opening 131 is formed in beam 1 15 to enable a bolt to pass therethrough. The top intermediate connectors 130 include mounting bracket 132. The mounting brackets 132 may comprise an ear or tab 134. The ear has an opening 136.

In order to connect the beam 1 15 to the top hat section 34 (see figure 19), the beam 1 15 is inserted into the top hat section 34. The bottom of beam 1 15 is connected as shown in figure 14. Bolt 138 is passed through aligned openings in top hat section 34 and through opening 131 in beam 1 15. The bolt and associated nuts firmly connects the upper part of beam 1 15 to the top hat section 34. Again, this is shown in figure 19.

In order to complete the transportation configuration of the transportable building, a roofing panel 126 is positioned as shown in figure 20 and a tie member 1 38 is connected by bolt 140 to the mounting bracket 132. A similar top intermediate connector to that carried by beam 1 15 is mounted to the top hat section 34C that is attached to the third floor portion 26 and the other end of tie member 1 38 is connected to that top intermediate connector in order to firmly hold the top parts of the floor portions 24, 26 in position in the transportation configuration.

When the various connectors shown in figures 1 1 to 20 are connected, the rigid frames 64, 66, as shown in figure 9, are formed in the container that forms the transportable building in the transportable configuration. This acts to rigidly hold the transportable building in the container configuration and to transfer downloads through the structure as is required for stacking containers during transportation or storage.

It will be appreciated that, in another embodiment of the present invention, the rigid frames 64, 66 need not include components positioned inside the hollow elongate beams and the rigid frames may comprise frame members that are simply located next to an outer periphery of the building when the building is in the transportable configuration. Indeed, if the structural characteristics of the building are such that the hollow elongate beams are not required, the rigid frames 64, 66 may simply extend around the periphery of the building when it is in the transportable configuration. The rigid frames 64, 66 will provide strength to the building when it is in the transportable configuration, hold and maintain the building in the transportable configuration and also allow for lifting and movement of the building when in the transportable configuration. Figure 21 shows a transportable building in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in a partly unfolded form. The transportable building shown in figure 21 includes the flooring portions 22, 24 and 26 as shown in figure 3. The flooring portion 24 has building sidewalls 140 hinged there to. Similarly, flooring portion 26 has building sidewalls 142 hinged there to. The building sidewalls 140, 142 are hinged to their respective flooring portions 24, 26 in a manner such that the building sidewalls can be folded flat against their respective flooring sections. This is as shown in figure 21. The building sidewalls can simply be pivoted about the hinges to place them into a generally vertical position in the erected building. The transportable building shown in figure 21 also includes prefabricated rooms 144, 146. The prefabricated rooms 144, 146 are fixedly mounted to the first flooring portion 22. When the building is configured in the transportable configuration, the end walls of the prefabricated rooms 144, 146 form the end walls of the container. Also shown in figure 20 are the top corner connectors 120 (which includes the beams 95) and the beams 1 15 thai include the top intermediate connectors 130. The beam_. 95 is inserted into the top hat section 32 (and connected to that top hat section by bolts). Similarly, the beam 1 15 is inserted into top hat section 34 and connected to that top hat section by bolts. Once the assembly of the component shown in figure 21 has taken place, the third floor portion 26 and its associated building sidewalls 142 are folded upwardly. The lifting blocks 122 that are positioned at the top corners may be used to assist in lifting the third floor portion and building sidewall 142 using conventional lifting apparatus. The building then adopts the configuration shown in figure 22.

All of the building components required to complete the building are flat packed in bales and stored within the container, as shown in figure 23. For example, the other components required to complete the building may be stored in the space between prefabricated room 144 and prefabricated room 146, as well as in rooms 144, 146. The flat packed components, generally referred to by reference numeral 148, may include roofing panels, internal walls and partitions, building fittings, toilets, sinks, whitegoods, decking, stairs and the like. It is a particular benefit of some embodiments of the present invention that all of the building components can be packed into the container that is formed when the transportable building is in the transportable configuration. This minimises handling and transportation costs and also minimises the likelihood of building components going missing. The next step in the manufacture of the transportable building involves folding up the second floor portion 24, as shown in figure 24. Again, the lifting blocks at the top of the second floor portion 24 may be used to facilitate raising of the second floor portion from the position shown in figure 21 to the position shown in figure 24. Roofing panels 150 are then lowered into position in order to form the roof of the container. Tie members 138 are positioned across the roof and connected to the respective top connectors in order to tie the sidewalls of the container together. ,

The next step required to complete placing the transport building into the transportable configuration is shown in figure 25. In this step, base corner connectors 72 and 88 are inserted into top hat section 32B. Similarly, base intermediate connectors 98 and 1 14 (not shown) are inserted into the top hat sections that are located away from the ends of the second floor portion 22. Bolts are used to connect the beams of the base intermediate connectors and base corner connectors to their respective top hat sections. The transportable building 20 in its fully folded, transportable configuration is shown in figure 26. As mentioned previously, the use of beams having connectors that are inserted into the top hat sections and connected to the top hat sections ensures that a strong, rigid container structure is obtained whilst also avoiding the requirement to have a heavy steel frame extending along all of the edges of the container. The tie members act to hold the tops of the sidewalls of the container in position.

Figures 27A to 27E show, in simplified form, the various steps required to move the transportable building from the container configuration/transportable configuration 20 (shown in figure 27 A) to the erected configuration/built configuration (shown in figure 27E). The transportable building shown in these figures includes folding bathrooms or other rooms that can fold. The initial step involves placing the container 20 onto screw piles 160 or other footings that are located at the required positions in the ground. The flooring portion 22 rests on its respective screw piles 160. The tie members 138 and roof panels are then removed from the container. The flooring portions 24, 26 are folded downwardly until they rest on respective screw piles 162, 164. This is shown in figure 27B. The flat packed components 148 are removed from the building. This is shown in figure 27 The building shown in figure 27A to 27E includes prefabricated rooms 170, 1 2 that are hinged to the first floor portion 22. These rooms 170, 172 may then be folded outwardly, again as shown in figure 27C.

The sidewalls 140 are folded upwardly about the hinge points (see figure 27D) and propped in place. The internal walls, ceiling and roof are then constructed and the erected house 180, as shown in figure 27E, is then completed.

Figures 28 to 33 show more detailed views of the erection process. The bui lding shown in these figures includes two fixed prefabricated rooms. In figure 28, the container 20 (which comprises the transportable building in its transportable configuration) is delivered to its building site by a truck 1 0. Advantageously, truck 190 has a standard trailer that would normally be used to carry standard ISO shipping containers. Due to the relatively low weight of the transportable building, a forklift 192 may be used to lift the container 20 off the truck 190. Similarly, if the container 20 is to be transported to a remote area location, the container 20 is sufficiently light so that it may be moved to the remote area site by a helicopter. Transportable buildings in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can typically have a weight that is between one quarter to one half of the weight of a conventional foldable building that is based upon a shipping container. For example, the transportable building in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may weigh between 6 tonnes and 12 tonnes, which is considering lighter than conventional foldable buildings.

The forklift 192 lifts the container 20 off the back of truck 190 and places it on screw piles 160. This is shown in figure 29. It will be appreciated that other footing systems may also be used. Further, the container 20 may be stored on site until needed.

Once the container 20 has been positioned and secured to the footings, the base corner connectors and the base intermediate connectors may be unbolted from their respective top hat sections and removed. The roof panels of the container 20 are removed and the tie members are also removed. The hinged sides of the container are folded down onto the footings to create the floor, exposing the flat packed bales of material 148 stored within the container. This is shown in figure of 30. Advantageously, the forklift 192 may be used to facilitate folding down of the sides of the container 20 until the third floor portion 26 is generally parallel with or coplanar with the first floor portion 22. The top lifting blocks may be used as a convenient connection point for connecting the arm of the forklift 192 to the sides of the container to enable the sides of the container to be safely and quickly lowered to the configuration shown in figure 30. The other side wall is folded down (refer to figure 31 ). The top connectors and their associated beams may be unbolted from their respective top hat sections and removed at this stage. However, if additional strength is required, the beams may be retained within their respective top hat sections or replaced with alternative beams. The flatpack bales containing the balance of the building components required to complete the building are unloaded and stored on site. Some embodiments of the building may have bathrooms and services prebuilt into the central core design. The prefabricated hinged sidewalls 140, 142 are folded upwardly and braced with perpendicular wall panels (see figure 32). Again, the forklift 192 may be used to fold up the sidewalls of the building. The balance of the internal and external walls are then installed using known construction techniques. In some embodiments, the plumbing and electrical connections for the kitchen fittings are prefabricated within the common bathroom wall, allowing for quick and simple site connection. The building in its almost completely erected state is shown in figure 33. All that needs to be done to the building shown in figure 33 is installation of the roof. Figure 34 shows another embodiment of a transportable building in accordance with the present invention. In figure 34, two prefabricated rooms 170, 172 are hinged to the first floor portion 22. The floor 200 of room 170 forms an end wall of the container 20 when the transportable building is in the transportable configuration. Similarly, the floor 202 of room 172 forms the other end wall of the container 20 when the transportable building is in the transportable configuration.

Room 170 comprises the floor 200 and four side walls 204, 206, 208 and 210. It will be understood that the sidewalls 204, 206, 208 and 210 of the room 170 are all positioned generally perpendicular to floor 200. Furthermore, the relative positioning between the floor 200 and the sidewalls 204, 206, 208, 210 is maintained during transport and erection of the building. The floor 200 of building 170 is positioned on footings 222. Room 170 may comprise a bathroom that is fully fitted with plumbing, toilets, showers, sinks and cabinetry, or a kitchen that is also fully equipped. It will be appreciated that providing a prefabricated hinged room, such as room 170 or 172, allows for an increased floor space in the building when the building is in the built configuration. Furthermore, the prefabricated rooms can be easily erected by simply folding them about their hinges until the floor of the prefabricated room rests on the pre-instal ed footings.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims

1. A transportable building comprising: - a first floor portion,

- a second floor portion hingedly connected to the first floor portion;

- wherein in the transportable configuration, the bearer comprises an elongate member having an open section or a hollow section and a a beam positioned in an elongate member, the beam being removable from the elongate member.

2. A transportable building as claimed in claim 1 wherein, in the transportable configuration, the bearer comprises an elongate member having an open section or a hollow section and a beam positioned in the elongate member, the beam being removably connected to the elongate member.

3. A transportable building as claimed in claim 2 wherein the elongate member is connected to the underneath part of the floor of the second floor portion and the beam is positioned inside the elongate member in the transportable configuration.

4. A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more of the beams carry a transport connector.

5. A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more of the beams carry a mounting bracket for connecting another beam thereto.

6. A transportable building as claimed in claim 5 wherein the mounting bracket connects another beam thereto in a fixed positional relationship.

A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more of the beams carry a tie member mounting bracket to enable a tie member to be connected thereto.

A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more further floor portions hingedly connected to the first floor portion, the one or more further floor portions extending generally perpendicularly to the first floor portion when the building is configured in its transportable configuration and the one or more further floor portions extending generally parallel to or coplanar with the first floor portion when the building is in its built configuration.

A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the floor of the building (in its built configuration) comprises a plurality of flooring panels.

10. A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one elongate member having an open section or a hollow section comprises a top hat section or a C-section or a hollow section, such as a hollow rectangular or square section, that provides a closed cross-sectional surface but also includes a hollow region that can receive a beam.

1 1. A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a plurality of elongate members having an open section or a hollow section are positioned underneath the first floor portion, the second floor portion and any further floor portions.

12. A transportable building as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein the elongate members define a box section when they are connected to the floor.

13. A transportable building as claimed in any one of the pn

beam is positioned in each of the elongate members.

14. A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each beam is removably connected to a respective elongate member

15. A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the beam that is positioned within the open section or hollow section member comprises a rectangular section beam, a square section beam, an I-section beam or a C-section or U-section beam.

16. A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the beams that extend to upper corners of the building when the building is in the transportable configuration are provided with transportation connectors.

17. A transportable building as claimed in claim 1 wherein the beam is connected to the underneath part of the floor of the second floor portion and the elongate member is' positioned such that it surrounds the beam.

18. A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more tie members are connected across the top of the roof of the building when it is in its transportable configuration in order to securely tie opposite sides of the container together.

19. A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the building, in its transportable configuration, comprises a plurality of spaced rectangular or square frames.the rectangular or square frames comprising transverse frames (in that they extend across a width of the container).

20. A transportable building as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein side walls of the building (in its built configuration) are hingedly connected to respective floor portions.

21. A transportable building as claimed in any one of the \

comprising one or more rooms hingedly connected to the first floor portion.

22. A transportable building, the transportable building having a transportable configuration in which the building adopts a configuration having a size and shape similar to a standard shipping container, the transportable building comprising a first floor portion, and one or more rooms hingedly connected to the first floor portion, the one or more rooms hingedly connected to the first floor portion comprising a room floor hingedly connected to the first floor portion, the room floor having at least one wall positioned generally perpendicularly to the room floor and held in fixed relationship relative to the room floor.

23. A transportable building comprising: - a first floor portion,

- a second floor portion hingedly connected to the first floor portion; ^* ·

24. A transportable building as claimed in claim 23 wherein the second floor portion

comprises a floor having at least one bearer connected to an underneath part of the floor, the bearer comprising an elongate member having an open section or a hollow section and a beam positioned in the elongate member, and the beam being removably positioned within the elongate member.

25. A transportable building as claimed in claim 24 wherein the b

connected to the hollow member.

26. A transportable building as claimed in ant one of claim 23 to 25 wherein the plurality of frame members comprises a plurality of first frame members, the first frame members including a lower frame member extending underneath the building, a first side frame member extending along one side of the building in the transportable configuration, a second side frame a member extending along another side of the building in the transportable configuration and a top member extending across the top of the building in the transportable configuration, and a plurality of second frame members, the second frame members including a lower frame member extending underneath the building, a first side frame member extending along one side of the building in the transportable configuration, a second side frame a member extending along another side of the building in the transportable configuration and a top member extending across the top of the building in the transportable configuration, the first frame members being spaced .from the second frame members.

27. A transportable building as claimed in claim 26 wherein respective ones of the first frame members are connected to each other and respective ones of the second frame members are connected to each other.

28. A transportable building as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 26 wherein at least some of the frame members are provided with transport connectors.

29. A transportable building as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the first frame members are connected to each other to form a first frame and the second frame members are connected to each other to form a second frame, the second frame being spaced from the first frame.