Abstract
A construction module for constructing a structure, including an elongate member having a substantially L-shaped cross-section provided with connecting portions arranged to detachably attach with connecting portions on second and further construction modules, to form structure. A temporary structure can be formed from two or more of the construction modules. The structure may be temporary, semi-permanent or permanent.
Claims
1. A construction module for constructing and forming a temporary structure, said module comprising: an elongate member having a substantially L-shaped cross-section; said module comprising at least first and second panels provided adjacent and substantially at right-angles to one another, along a length of said module, said panels connected to form said L-shaped cross-section; said member provided with connecting portions arranged to detachably attach with connecting portions on second and further construction modules, to form said structure; and said connecting portions being arranged to permit detachable attachment of said module to second and/or further modules rotated 180 degrees thereto, in an inverted manner; said first panel being provided to be a substantially vertical panel, forming at least part of a face on a side of said module; said second panel being provided to be a substantially horizontal panel, forming at least part of a base, floor or top of said module; and wherein said module is configured for detachable attachment to second and/or further modules, positioned offset along the length of the first module, such that said module overlaps with said second and/or further modules rotated 180 degrees thereto.
2. A construction module according to claim 1, wherein said connecting portions are arranged to detachably attach with complementary connection portions on second and further construction modules in a predetermined pattern.
3. A construction module according to claim 1, wherein one or more rib members are provided on at least said first panel, and said one or more rib members are located along the length of the first panel and, thus, the length of the module, and are located on an interior face of said first panel.
4. A construction module according to claim 3, wherein said one or more rib members are provided with a substantially C- or T-shaped cross-section and are arranged to receive one or more joining reinforcement and/or support members.
5. A construction module according to claim 1, wherein a first connecting portion is provided on said first panel, and at least a second connecting portion is provided on said second panel, said first connecting portion being arranged to be detachably attachable to a complementary second connecting portion on a second and/or further construction module, and said second connecting portion is arranged to be detachably attachable to a complementary first connecting portion on a second and/or further construction module.
6. A construction module according to claim 1, wherein one or more plate members are provided associated with the module, said one or more plate members being provided to be located within the L-shaped cross-section of the module and having an outer profile shaped to complement an inner profile of the L-shaped construction module.
7. A construction module according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the one or more plate members is provided to act as an end plate, located at an end of, and within, two connected modules, said modules being provided at 180 degrees relative to one another and connected, so as to form a substantially rectangular profile.
8. A temporary structure formed and constructed from at least two or more construction modules according to claim 1.
9. A temporary structure, said structure formed from two or more construction modules according to claim 1 detachably attached to one another, said structure comprising a first plurality of construction modules located adjacent one another along a longitudinal axis; at least a second plurality of construction modules provided located adjacent one another along a longitudinal axis and rotated 180 degrees with respect to said first plurality of construction modules, said rotation being about the longitudinal axis of the construction modules; and wherein construction modules of the second plurality are positioned offset from construction modules of the first plurality when detachably attached thereto, along the longitudinal axis thereof.
10. A temporary structure according to claim 9, wherein a base, floor or track member is provided, on which the modules are located and, thus, the structure can be constructed.
11. A temporary structure according to claim 9, wherein one or more joining members are provided.
12. A temporary structure according to claim 11, wherein at least a first portion of said joining member is located in a recess or channel member of a first module, and a second portion of said joining member is located in a recess or channel member of a second module.
13. A temporary structure according to claim 9, wherein one or more plate members are provided.
14. A temporary structure according to claim 13, wherein said one or more plate members are provided to be located within the L-shaped profile/cross-section of the module, and thus, within two connected modules of the structure, said modules being provided at 180 degrees relative to one another and connected, so as to form a substantially rectangular profile.
15. A temporary structure according to claim 13, wherein said plate member has an outer profile shaped to complement the inner profile of the L-shaped construction modules.
Description
(1) Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:
(2) FIGS. 1a-c illustrate views of a construction module for forming a structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
(3) FIGS. 2a-c illustrate views of a plurality of construction modules forming a structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
(4) FIGS. 3a-c illustrate views of a plurality of construction modules forming multiple layers or rows of a structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
(5) FIGS. 4a-b illustrate views of a number of construction modules forming at least part of a structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
(6) FIGS. 5a-d illustrate further views of construction modules forming a structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
(7) FIGS. 6a-d illustrate a joining member and the joining of at least two constructions modules, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
(8) FIGS. 7a-c illustrate views of a plate member provided with construction modules, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
(9) Referring firstly to FIGS. 1a-c, there is shown a construction module 1 that can be used to form a larger, temporary structure. In other embodiments of the present invention, the structure may be a permanent or semi-permanent structure. While the following description refers predominantly to the use of construction modules 1 according to the present invention for use with temporary structures, it will be appreciated that the module 1 may also be used to form semi-permanent or permanent structures, as required. The structure that is to be built can vary depending on the specific needs of the user or required by the environment in which it is to be built. For example, the structure may be a simple, low-rising wall to delineate tracks, paths, areas and the like, or it may be a taller, sturdier wall or barrier. In other examples, the construction module 1 may be used to build temporary buildings in which quick and easy assembly and disassembly is required. In other examples, such buildings or structures may need to be in place for a longer period of time, thereby requiring semi-permanent of permanent structures. However, disassembly, if and when required, will still be quick and easy. Each construction module 1 is provided as an elongate member, seen best in FIGS. 1a and 1c, and has a predominantly L-shaped cross-section, seen best in FIGS. 1b and 1c. In forming the L-shaped cross-section, the module 1 comprises first and second panels 3, 5, which adjoin one another substantially at right-angles along proximal, longitudinal edges 7, forming a single, integral module 1. Provided at and along the distal edges 9 of the module 1 are connecting portions 11, 13, which are arranged to detachably attach with connecting portions on second and further construction modules, ultimately forming the temporary structure. The connecting portions 11, 13 are provided to detachably attach with complementary connecting portions 13′, 11′ located on other construction modules 1′. Such attachment is shown in FIGS. 2a-c, wherein a further module 1′ is provided, rotated 180 degrees to the first module 1 and the first connecting portion 11 of the module 1 attaches to the second, complementary connecting portion 13′ of the further module 1′. Likewise, the second connecting portion 13 of the first module 1 subsequently attaches to the first, complementary connecting portion 11′ of the further module 1′. This tessellated attachment allows a user to build a temporary structure easily and effectively, while being provided initially with modules 1 that are conveniently shaped so as to enable easy and efficient storage, packing and transport.
(10) As the further module 1′ is located on the first module 1, it is done so in an offset position, such that it may attach partially to the first module 1, and also overlap with another module 1 positioned immediately adjacent, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 1a and 1c, although the arrangement can be seen in FIGS. 2a and 2c. Such positioning of the inverted/rotated modules 1′ therefore not only helps to form the temporary structure and permits attachment in a vertical direction, but the offset nature of the modules 1′ with respect to the first-positioned modules 1 provides a direct attachment between laterally positioned segments of modules, thereby providing a more secure structure. Thus, the present invention provides a new and convenient solution overcoming the problems with the prior art, as discussed above. The module 1 of the present invention is provided with an L-shaped cross section such that it is easily and conveniently stored, packaged and transported as required and, therefore, is also lightweight when compared to other systems. It is subsequently easily connected to further modules, ultimately forming a temporary structure. The structure, wall or barrier required to be built may be done so from a single principle component—module 1—which may be joined to adjacent modules 1 and further modules 1′ by rotating and tessellating. Thus, there is no requirement for multiple and complex connecting or joining parts as per systems currently available.
(11) The panels 3, 5 that form the module 1 are provided, with respect to the temporary structure when built, as a vertical panel 3 and a horizontal panel 5. The vertical panel 3 ultimately forms at least part of a barrier or wall portion of the temporary structure when formed, and the horizontal panel 5 therefore forms at least part of a base, floor or top of the temporary structure when formed. For the sake of clarity in subsequent discussion, the panels 3, 5 comprise interior and exterior faces with respect to the L-shaped cross-section of the module 1, and which become more apparent as the structure is formed. On the interior face of the vertical panel 3, there is provided at least one, but preferably several rib members 15, which extend along the length of the panel 3 and, hence, the module 1. The rib members 15 are provided so as to give the module 1 and structure, when formed, greater strength as the weight on the module 1 builds. In particular, the rib members 15 will help in preventing any bowing of the module 1 as it supports more weight. On the opposing side of the panel 3, the exterior face is provided as a generally flat or even surface. In some examples, a rib member 515 may also be provide on the interior face of the second panel 5, as is shown in FIGS. 5-7.
(12) As discussed above, a first plurality of construction modules 1 may be provided located adjacent one another end-to-end for a specified length. A second plurality of modules 1′, having the same structure, may then be provided, rotated 180 degrees with respect to the first plurality of modules 1 and detachably attached thereto via complementary connecting portions 11, 13 and 11′, 13′. Moreover, the modules 1′ are positioned on the modules 1 such that they are offset along the length of the construction, thereby providing lateral attachment of the modules 1, 1′ when forming the temporary structure. Once attached, the combination of the modules 1, 1′ provide a structure having a square or, in the embodiments shown, a rectangular cross-section, which has a substantially hollow interior. The structure, with the hollow interior is, however, provided to be fillable and can be done so with solid or liquid material, or a combination of the two. Further, the temporary structure may be provided to comprise several rows or layers of the connected modules 1, 1′, forming a structure of any desired height by the user, shown best in FIGS. 3a-c.
(13) In addition to the ribs 15, the vertical panel 3 may also, in some embodiments of the invention, be provided with one or more apertures or holes 17 therein. Such holes 17 may generally be provided at and/or along the distal edge 9 of the panel 3. The purpose served by the provision of the holes 17 is in circumstances where, for example, the temporary structure is to be used as a flood barrier. Any floodwater, as it hits the barrier, may subsequently feed through the holes 17 and into the barrier, which serves two purposes: firstly it naturally fills that barrier to add to its weight, fortifying it; and secondly it enables the structure to absorb and dissipate the energy and force of the floodwater as it hits the barrier, thereby enabling it to maintain its structural integrity more efficiently. Furthermore, one or more holes 19 may also be provided in the horizontal panel 5. These may be located at either or both of the distal 9 and proximal 7 edges of the panel 5. The holes 17 can be provided when multiple layers or rows of modules 1, 1′ are required to be built, as per FIGS. 3a-c. These holes 17 overlap with corresponding holes 17 on panels 5 of the modules stacked above or below, and therefore allow any material poured in from the top to dissipate downwards, preventing there from being too much weight higher up the structure and over-balancing it or providing it with too high a centre of gravity.
(14) The horizontal panel 5 of the module 1 may also be provided with a recess, channel 21 or the like, which extends along the length of that panel 5 and, thus, the length of the module 1. As can be seen best in FIG. 1a, the recessed portion 21 is located on the exterior face of the panel 5, and thus creates a ridge along the interior face. FIG. 1c illustrates the recess/channel 21 extending along the lengths of two adjacent modules 1 on the panels 5. The purpose of the recess/channel portions 21 is to provide a further means by which to reinforce the temporary structure as it is built. As is shown best in FIGS. 3b and 3c, when multiple layers or rows of modules are formed, the recesses overlap, forming a contained channel 21 along the length of the modules and intermediate each row or layer. Consequently, one or more reinforcement and/or support members in the form of a pole or scaffold member 23 may be located within the channels 21 in between the rows or layers of stacked/adjoining modules. Thus, the provision of the poles/scaffold members 23 gives extra support and stability to the temporary structure when constructing the same and once fully built.
(15) In other examples of the present invention, in particular, those shown in FIGS. 6a-c, there may be provided more than one channel/recessed portion, and in this case there is provided one central channel 521, and two outer channels 535. The outer channels are provided for the receipt of one or more cables, wires and the like, while the central channel 521 is provided to receive at least part of a joining member 537. The joining member 537 is provided as an elongate bar which, typically can be slid into an hourglass-shaped channel 521 that is created by the second panels 5, 5′ two adjoining, adjacent and/or stacked modules 1, 1′. The hourglass, or “dickie-bow” shape of the joining member 537 and thus the channel 521 ensures that once the bar 537 is inserted, linear separation of the modules is substantially prohibited. Thus, the provision of a joining member 537 as described above serves to add further stability and connectivity between adjacent, stacked and/or adjoining modules 1, 1′, thereby improving the overall structural integrity of a structure formed from a plurality of the construction modules.
(16) As discussed above, each module 1 is provided with first and second connection portions 11, 13, which detachably attach to complementary second and first connecting portions 13′, 11′ on a further module 1′. The first connecting portion 11 is provided along the distal edge 9 of what forms the vertical panel 3, and the second connection portion 13 is provided along the distal edge 9 of what forms the horizontal panel 5. The portions 11, 13 are shown most clearly in FIG. 1b, and the interaction/attachment between a pair of modules 1, 1′ is shown in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 2b. The first connection portion 11, is provided as a groove, slot, trough or channel member extending along the length of the module 1. The connection portion 11 is formed on the interior face of the panel 3, however, the direction of attachment into the groove lies substantially parallel with plane of the panel 3. The detachable attachment between the first and second connection portions 11, 13 occurs via linear engagement of the two complementary portions, typically, as in a male-female engagement. This can be a snap-fit or push-fit engagement and the present embodiment illustrates the portions attaching via a tongue and groove arrangement. Thus, as the first connecting portion 11 is provided as a groove extending along the length of the module, the second connecting portion 13 is provided as a tongue, ridge or other projecting member and is located on the interior face of the horizontal panel 5, along its distal edge 9. In order to engage with the groove member on a further module, the second connecting portion 13 therefore has a direction of attachment substantially perpendicular to the plane of the horizontal panel 5. Of course, in some embodiments of the present invention, for example, those shown in FIGS. 5-7, the first connecting portion 11 may instead be provided as a tongue, ridge or other projecting member, and the second connecting portion 13, may be provided as a groove, slot, trough or channel member extending along the length of the module 1. Thus, as the engagement between two modules is in a substantially vertical direction, any stacking of modules to form numerous layers or rows will not dislodge the attachment and will serve, rather, to maintain such a connection. It will be appreciated that while it is preferable to provide the first and second connecting portions in the present arrangement, it would also be possible for the two portions to switch with one another such that the first connecting portion is a tongue member and the second connecting portion is a groove member.
(17) The module 1 is also provided with further connecting portions. Such portions are provided to enable the stacking of multiple layers or rows of modules 1, and also provide for a secure attachment of the lowermost row or layer to the ground/floor or a base/track member. A third connecting portion 25 is provided on the module 1 and located along the distal edge 9 of the horizontal panel 5, and on the exterior face thereof. Additionally, a fourth connecting portion 27 is also provided on the exterior face of the panel 5, however is located along the proximal edge thereof. The direction of attachment of both of these portions is therefore perpendicular to the plane of the panel 5. As with the first and second connecting portions arranged to form detachable attachments with complementary connecting portions on another module, the third portion 25 is arranged to be detachably attachable to a complementary fourth connecting portion 27′ on a further module 1′. Likewise, the fourth connecting portion 27 on the module 1 is arranged to be detachably attached to a complementary third connecting portion 25′ on the other module 1′, thereby providing a secure attachment between layers or rows of modules when stacking the same to form a taller temporary structure.
(18) Furthermore, the third and fourth connecting portions 25, 27 may also be provided to form detachable attachments with corresponding portions on a base, floor or track member 29 on which the modules may be located and, thus, the temporary structure may be constructed. The base 29 is provided so that the modules 1, when constructed, have a level and sturdy base on which to be set. In the present embodiment, the base 29 is provided with a pair of grooves or tracks 31, in which the third and fourth connecting portions 25, 27 may be located, in a tongue and groove manner. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 6d, the base 29 may be provided with a central channel 539 shaped so as to receive at least part of a joining member 537 as discussed above, securing the module 1 to the base 29. It will, however, be appreciated that other forms of attachment may be possible and the connecting portions 25, 27, 31 may be formed as such. The base 29 may be provided as a number of segments, which can be positioned end to end, forming an elongate base, floor or track for the modules 1. These, when not in use, may be easily stored by stacking. In other embodiments, the base member 29 may additionally, or alternatively be provided in a more flexible material, such that it may be rollable. Thus, it may be stored, when not in use, in a rolled up fashion and when a user requires such a segment, simply rolls it out like a carpet. The provision of such a feature again improves the efficiency of storing, packing and transporting such components. Each base segment 29 may also be provided with feet (not shown), which may be adjustable and further aid a user in providing as level a base/track as possible on which to construct the temporary structure using the modules 1. The feet may be formed from plastics, metal and/or metal alloy materials. In some examples of the present invention, the base segment 29 may also double up as roofing, capping or a topping off portions for the modules 1. That is to say, the segment 29 may serve to flatten out the horizontal panel 5 of the module 1, while also provided a cover for those holes 19 located therein. Thus, the structure, wall or barrier required to be built may be done so from a single principle component, which may be joined to adjacent modules 1 and further modules 1′ by rotating and tessellating. Thus, there is no requirement for multiple and complex connecting or joining parts as per systems currently available.
(19) In order to permit the provision of corners in the temporary structure, some of the modules 1 may be provided in an adapted form. This may be achieved by providing modules 1 wherein the horizontal panel 5 is mitred or bevelled (for example at point A on FIG. 4b). Such a module 1 can then act as a corner portion ensuring there are no gaps in the structure. Of course, since the structure comprises tessellated arrangements of the module 1, some modules will also be adapted to provide the horizontal panel 5 with an extended portion at a predetermined angle. This may act in unison with bevelled corner portions when module pairs are inverted with respect to one another. Reduced length modules may also be provided in order that as one approaches an end or corner of the temporary structure—be it a barrier, wall or building—the end or corner will be flush and clean, as required. In other examples of the present invention, the ribs 15 may be provided with a specific shape or cross-section. In one embodiment, the ribs 15 may be provided with a substantially C-shaped cross-section 15′, as shown in FIGS. 4a-b. In other embodiments of the invention, the ribs may be provided with a substantially T-shaped cross-section 515, as is shown in FIGS. 5-7. Subsequently, one or more joining portions may also be provided having complementary profiles in order to fit or clip within the cross-section of the ribs 15, akin to a male-female engagement. For example, a joining member having a T-shaped cross-section may be provided to locate within ribs 15, thereby joining adjacent modules 1 and further strengthening the lateral joins between modules 1. These may also be provided to engage the ribs 15 at corner sections, ensuring a secure join between modules. Such formations may also be provided on, for example, the interior face of the horizontal panel 5 on the opposing side of the recess portion 21, wherein such a formation 15′ may also be provided. The joining member 33 is illustrated in FIG. 4b as linking the formations on the horizontal panel 5, but equally an appropriately shaped joining member 33 can be arranged to be located on the ribs 15′ of the vertical panel 3.
(20) Furthermore, in instances where a corner portion is not required and the wall or barrier is simply to terminate, end caps or covers (not shown) may also be provided, thereby capping of the wall or barrier and preventing exposure of the hollow (or filled) interior of the barrier. Although the above description refers to the construction of temporary structures, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could also be used for structures of a semi-permanent or permanent nature, depending on the ultimate usage requirements.
(21) Finally, and referring now to FIGS. 7a-c, the present invention further includes the provision of one or more plate members 741, which are provided to act as joining, reinforcement and/or support members, and/or as end plates for modules 1 which are joined together. as can be seen from FIG. 7b, the plate member 741 is provided to be located within the L-shaped profile of the module 1, and is shaped to have an outer profile which is complementary to the inner profile of the L-shape. Thus, the edges of the plate member 741 are provided to engage with at least the rib members 515 provided in the interior faces of the first 3 and/or second 5 panels. It is particularly advantageous to provide the ribs 515 as having T-shaped profiles, and correspondingly, a series of T-shaped recesses 743 are located around the edges of the plate 741. A C-shaped formation 745 is provided at opposing ends of the plate 741 to engage the T-shaped ribs 515 on the second panel while also matching the profile created by the channels 537. In some examples, not shown, the T-shaped recesses 743 may instead be provided as T-shaped protrusions provided to engage the C-shaped ribs 15′ shown in FIGS. 4a-b.
(22) The plate member 741 can be provided to act as an end plate, located at an end of, and within, two connected modules 1 (FIG. 7c illustrates how the plate may be positioned/moved toward two connected modules 1, 1′), said modules being provided at 180 degree relative to one another and connected, so as to form a substantially rectangular profile. Additionally, or alternatively, a plurality of plate members 741 may be provided connected with a module 1, a located along the length of the same within its profile. These plate members 741 will then serve to reinforce a structure formed by the connection of multiple construction modules 1. The plate members 741 are detachably attachable to the module 1 via a sliding and/or friction fit arrangement of recesses/formations 743, 745 in engagement with the ribs 515 of the module 1. The sliding and friction fit arrangement is preferably enabled via the provision of a clamp and release mechanism. Finally, the plate 741 may include one or more apertures located therethrough. These may be provided as centrally located hole 747 to enable the connection of said plate member to another article, structure or the like. They may also be provided to permit one or more cables, wires or the like to be fed therethrough. Further apertures in the form of pilot holes 749 may also be provided on the plate 741. These may be provided at, for example, 45 degrees and can be used, with self-tapping screws, to lock the plate 741 in place, if required.
