Building structure and method of construction
11713582 · 2023-08-01
Inventors
Cpc classification
E04B5/02
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04B2/56
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04B7/022
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
E04H1/12
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04B1/343
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04B2/56
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E04B5/02
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
Abstract
A modular building structure that utilizes a standard, unmodified intermodal shipping container both for transport of the structural components and as an integral element of the method of construction. A modular structure kit is enclosed in the shipping container, which can be transported using all means that are standard for ISO containers. Using the preferred method of construction, the shipping container can be situated without heavy equipment. Once situated, the shipping container provides the primary support for a permanent elevated structure composed of unique components, assembled using conventional building techniques without the necessary use of heavy or specialized equipment.
Claims
1. A method for building a structure comprising: (a) delivering a modular building kit to a construction site, the modular building kit comprising: a shipping container; a plurality of foundation posts; a plurality of floor joist panels, wherein the plurality of floor joist panels is comprised of eight floor joist panels each having first dimensions and one floor joist panel having second dimensions; a plurality of wall panels, wherein the plurality of wall panels is comprised of eight wall panels each having third dimensions, two wall panels each having fourth dimensions and two end wall panels each having fifth dimensions; a floor sheathing; a wall sheathing; a plurality of roof rafters; and a roof sheathing; (b) positioning the shipping container on a permanent location; (c) positioning the plurality of foundation posts offset from sides of the shipping container, said foundation posts configured to support a periphery of the floor joist panels; (d) positioning said plurality of floor joist panels on top of the shipping container and foundation posts, said floor joist panels forming an upper floor; (e) attaching said floor sheathing to a top of the floor joist panels; (f) attaching said plurality of wall panels around the periphery of the floor joist panels, said plurality of wall panels forming an enclosure; (g) attaching said wall sheathing to an outer perimeter of the wall panels; (h) positioning said plurality of roof rafters on top of the enclosure formed by the plurality of wall panels; and (i) attaching said roof sheathing to a top surface of the roof rafters.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the permanent location is a foundation, and wherein the modular kit is delivered to and positioned upon the foundation.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein a plumbing connection is installed between steps f and g.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the shipping container is positioned via mechanical or manual lifts.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of foundation posts, the plurality of floor joist panels, the plurality of wall panels, the floor sheathing, the wall sheathing, the plurality of roof rafters, and the roof sheathing fit within the shipping container.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the shipping container is a standard ISO 53 foot shipping container.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first dimensions are 84 inches×192 inches and the second dimensions are 48 inches×192 inches; wherein the third dimensions are 92⅝ inch height×158½ inch width, the fourth dimensions are 92⅝ inch height×79¼ inch width, and the fifth dimensions are 92⅝ inch height×185 inch width; and wherein each foundation post of the plurality of foundation posts is less than 53 feet in length.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the first dimensions are 84 inches×168 inches and the second dimensions are 48 inches×168 inches, wherein the third dimensions are 92⅝ inch height×158½ inch width, the fourth dimensions are 92⅝ inch height×79¼ inch width, and the fifth dimensions are 92⅝ inch height×158½ inch width; and wherein each foundation post of the plurality of foundation posts is less than 53 feet in length.
9. A method for building a structure comprising: (a) delivering a modular building kit to a construction site, the modular building kit comprising: a shipping container; a plurality of foundation posts; a plurality of floor joist panels, wherein the plurality of floor joist panels is comprised of four floor joist panels each having first dimensions; a plurality of wall panels, wherein the plurality of wall panels is comprised of four wall panels each having second dimensions, and two end wall panels each having third dimensions; a floor sheathing; a wall sheathing; a plurality of roof rafters; and a roof sheathing; (b) positioning the shipping container on a permanent location; (c) positioning the plurality of foundation posts offset from sides of the shipping container, said foundation posts configured to support a periphery of the floor joist panels; (d) positioning said plurality of floor joist panels on top of the shipping container and foundation posts, said floor joist panels forming an upper floor; (e) attaching said floor sheathing to a top of the floor joist panels; (f) attaching said plurality of wall panels around the periphery of the floor joist panels, said plurality of wall panels forming an enclosure; (g) attaching said wall sheathing to an outer perimeter of the wall panels; (h) positioning said plurality of roof rafters on top of the enclosure formed by the plurality of wall panels; and (i) attaching said roof sheathing to a top surface of the roof rafters.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of foundation posts, the plurality of floor joist panels, the plurality of wall panels, the floor sheathing, the wall sheathing, the plurality of roof rafters, and the roof sheathing fit within the shipping container.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the shipping container is a standard ISO 20 foot shipping container.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the first dimensions are 72 inches height×168 inches width, wherein the second dimensions are 92⅝ inch height×143¼ inch width, wherein the third dimensions are 92⅝ inch height×158½ inch width, and wherein each foundation post of the plurality of foundation posts is less than 20 feet in length.
13. A method for building a structure comprising: (a) delivering a modular building kit to a construction site, the modular building kit comprising: a shipping container; a plurality of foundation posts; a plurality of floor joist panels, wherein the plurality of floor joist panels is comprised of two floor joist panels each having first dimensions and one floor joist panel having second dimensions; a plurality of wall panels, wherein the plurality of wall panels is comprised of four wall panels each having third dimensions, and two end wall panels each having fourth dimensions; a floor sheathing; a wall sheathing; a plurality of roof rafters; and a roof sheathing; (b) positioning the shipping container on a permanent location; (c) positioning the plurality of foundation posts offset from sides of the shipping container, said foundation posts configured to support a periphery of the floor joist panels; (d) positioning said plurality of floor joist panels on top of the shipping container and foundation posts, said floor joist panels forming an upper floor; (e) attaching said floor sheathing to a top of the floor joist panels; (f) attaching said plurality of wall panels around the periphery of the floor joist panels, said plurality of wall panels forming an enclosure; (g) attaching said wall sheathing to an outer perimeter of the wall panels; (h) positioning said plurality of roof rafters on top of the enclosure formed by the plurality of wall panels; and (i) attaching said roof sheathing to a top surface of the roof rafters.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of foundation posts, the plurality of floor joist panels, the plurality of wall panels, the floor sheathing, the wall sheathing, the plurality of roof rafters, and the roof sheathing fit within the shipping container.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the shipping container is a 16 foot shipping container.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first dimensions are 84 inches height×168 inches width, wherein the second dimensions are 72 inches×168 inches, wherein the third dimensions are 84 inch height×119¼ inch width, wherein the fourth dimensions are 84 inch height×158½, and wherein each foundation post of the plurality of foundation posts is less than 16 feet in length.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are given like reference numerals and, wherein:
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(15) The images in the drawings are simplified for illustrative purposes and are not depicted to scale. Within the descriptions of the figures, similar elements are provided similar names and reference numerals as those of the previous figure(s). The specific numerals assigned to the elements are provided solely to aid in the description and are not meant to imply any limitations (structural or functional) on the invention.
(16) The appended drawings illustrate exemplary configurations of the invention and, as such, should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention that may admit to other equally effective configurations. It is contemplated that features of one configuration may be beneficially incorporated in other configurations without further recitation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(17) The embodiments of the disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations or be entirely separate. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the disclosure, as represented in the Figures is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure.
(18) The invention described here is a modular or kit home and a preferred method of assembly or construction. The included drawings and descriptions of its preferred embodiments are not meant to exclude other embodiments that might fall under the scope of this invention. For instance, the drawings represent a structure with a plurality of elements that are comprised of various forms of standard dimensional lumber common in residential construction. However, this invention also imagines the use of other materials, such as conventional steel framing or even 3 dimensional printed components. And while the drawings and descriptions of this one embodiment describe a singular modular home, the scope of the invention is not limited to that embodiment, but includes groupings of similar structures or uses other than as a home.
(19) Similarly, the preferred method of assembly described here does not exclude other methods that might fall within the scope of this invention. For instance, while the present description includes two possible foundation types compatible with the proposed structure and method, other forms of foundation might similarly meet the structural and methodological needs of this invention and fall within its scope.
(20) In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a modular building kit 100 is included, as illustrated in
(21) In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a modular building 101 is provided. The modular building 101 includes a shipping container 102 that is shipped containing all materials needed for construction of the modular building 101 and is placed in a permanent position at a construction site. A plurality of foundation posts 116 are secured in a perimeter surrounding the shipping container 102. A plurality of floor joist panels 104 are positioned on top of the shipping container 102 and on top of the plurality of foundation posts 116. The plurality of floor joist panels 104 form a second story floor. Floor sheathing 106 is attached to the top surface of the plurality of floor joist panels 104. A plurality of wall panels 208 are attached around a periphery of the floor joist panels 104 and form an enclosure. Wall sheathing 108 is attached to the outer perimeter of the plurality of wall panels 110. A plurality of roof rafters 112 are positioned on top of the enclosure formed by the plurality of wall panels 110. Roof sheathing 114 is attached to the top surface of the roof rafters 112, fully enclosing the structure, as illustrated in
(22) In accordance with embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in
(23) In one embodiment, as illustrated in
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(26) In one embodiment, as illustrated in
(27) In one embodiment, as illustrated in
(28) Prior to the onsite placement of the shipping container 102, four concrete piers 222 are constructed that correspond with the locations of the four corner posts 224 of the container 102. These piers are to be of a type and size sufficient to support the combined weight of the container 102 and the completed modular structure 101.
(29) Following placement of the shipping container 102 on the foundation piers 222 and the assembly of the floor joist panels 240 in
(30) In one embodiment, as illustrated in
(31) In one embodiment, as illustrated in
(32) The sills described here are constructed with dimensional lumber, however other materials or means that result in a level surface on both sides of the container fall under the scope of this invention. These sills are to be assembled following the placement of the shipping container 102, and prior to the placement of the floor joist panels 240.
(33) In one embodiment, as illustrated in
(34) In one embodiment, as illustrated in
(35) In one embodiment, as illustrated in
(36) In one embodiment, as illustrated in
(37) In one embodiment, as illustrated in
(38) Joist panels 206 and 240 are represented here as constructions of conventional dimensional lumber that can be quickly attached to the container 102 and sills 228 using conventional fasteners. The key features of these panels relative to this invention are dimensions that allow for transport within the shipping container 102, and their ability to essentially expand the footprint of the modular home beyond the dimensions of the shipping container. While the preferred methods of construction presented here are likely the most cost-effective, other framing methods and materials can be used to the same ends and would still fall within the scope of this invention.
(39) In one embodiment, as illustrated in
(40) In one embodiment, the present invention includes a permanent structure 101 and method of construction 300 aimed at minimizing the costs and complexity of construction and transport through the use of a modular construction kit and the use of a standard ISO intermodal shipping container.
(41) In one embodiment, the structure is fabricated of components that are prefabricated off site and then transported to a permanent site inside the shipping container. Each of the components of the structure are designed to fit within the interior ISO dimensions of the container and when assembled they form the primary habitable structure. In this method, the ISO container functions not only for transport, but as a part of the foundation that supports the modular structure above it.
(42) In one embodiment, the prefabricated modular structure kit is comprised of sills which provide for a level building surface on the roof of the shipping container, floor joist panels, floor and wall sheathing, wall panels, rafters and foundation posts, that when assembled according to the present method, form the principal structure of a home or other building. This structure is intended for either individual use or in combination with other similar structures, as either a home or for other uses, though it is primarily envisaged as housing.
(43) Preferably, the ISO container is to be loaded with the modular kit off site and then relocated using any of the forms of transport associated with ISO intermodal standards, terminating with transport via standard flat or tilt bed truck. Preferably, the permanent site for the structure will be prepared with one of the present, relatively conventional concrete foundation designs. Once on site, the container is preferably offloaded using manual lifts or other means. The modular kit can then be assembled, using conventional techniques and tools, in the order of the method described herein, forming a two level, permanent structure with the container positioned below the modular home structure. The embodiments described below are optimized for particular sizes of shipping containers and the same essential considerations could be applied to smaller containers, larger containers, or to assemblages of containers.
(44) The component parts of the home kit, while all designed to fit within the ISO container, are variously configurable and can be produced with varying dimensions to provide for the construction of a variety of different structural forms. So, while certain forms are represented here, they do not represent the full range of possible structures that can result from the method of transport and construction described by this invention.
Exemplary Embodiment: 14 Foot by 44 Foot Structure on 40 Foot ISO Shipping Container
(45) In one embodiment, the building kit 100 includes floor joist panels, floor sheathing, wall sheathing, wall panels, roof rafters, roof sheathing, and foundation posts which are prefabricated to fit within a standard 40 foot shipping container. In this embodiment, the kit 100 can be used to construct a building with approximately a 559 sq/ft interior and a footprint of 14 feet×44 feet. To calculate the approximate interior square footage, it is assumed the walls are 6 inches thick, so the calculation is 13 feet×43 feet. In this embodiment, the kit 100 would contain six floor joist panels of 84 inches×168 inches, one floor joist panel of 24 inches×168 inches, six wall panels of 92⅝ inch height×160 inch width, two wall panels 92⅝ inch height×43½ inch width, and two end wall panels of 92⅝ inch height×161 inch width. Depending upon the configuration of the roof, the kit 100 may include additional prefabricated wall panels used to construct one or more walls higher than the nominal 8 foot wall. All of the components of this kit 100 are designed to fit within the interior dimensions of the standard 40 foot shipping container (94 inch height×93 inch width×474 inch length) for transport.
Exemplary Embodiment: 14 Foot by 44 Foot Structure on 40 Foot ISO Shipping Container with End Studs
(46) In one embodiment, the building kit 100 includes floor joist panels, floor sheathing, wall sheathing, wall panels, roof rafters, roof sheathing, and foundation posts which are prefabricated to fit within a standard 40 foot shipping container. In this embodiment, the kit 100 can be used to construct a building with approximately a 559 sq/ft interior and a footprint of 14 feet×44 feet. To calculate the approximate interior square footage, it is assumed the walls are 6 inches thick, so the calculation is 13 feet×43 feet. In this embodiment, the kit 100 would contain six floor joist panels of 84 inches×168 inches, one floor joist panel of 24 inches×168 inches, six wall panels of 92⅝ inch height×158½ inch width, two wall panels 92⅝ inch height×47½ inch width, two end wall panels of 92⅝ inch height×158½ inch width. On each side of the two end wall panels, a 1¼ wide stud is added to increase the width to 161 inches. Depending upon the configuration of the roof, the kit 100 may include additional prefabricated wall panels used to construct one or more walls higher than the nominal 8 foot wall. All of the components of this kit 100 are designed to fit within the interior dimensions of the standard 40 foot shipping container (94 inch height×93 inch width×474 inch length) for transport.
Exemplary Embodiment: 16 Foot by 60 Foot Structure on 53 Foot ISO Shipping Container
(47) In one embodiment, the building kit 100 includes floor joist panels, floor sheathing, wall sheathing, wall panels, roof rafters, roof sheathing, and foundation posts which are prefabricated to fit within a standard 53 foot shipping container. In this embodiment, the kit 100 can be used to construct a building with approximately an 885 sq/ft interior and a footprint of 16 feet×60 feet. To calculate the approximate interior square footage, it is assumed the walls are 6 inches thick, so the calculation is 15 feet×59 feet. In this embodiment, the kit 100 would contain eight floor joist panels of 84 inches×192 inches, one floor joist panel of 48 inches×192 inches, eight wall panels of 92⅝ inch height×158½ inch width, two wall panels 92⅝ inch heat×79¼ inch width, and two end wall panels of 92⅝ inch height×185 inch width. Depending upon the configuration of the roof, the kit 100 may include additional prefabricated wall panels used to construct one or more walls higher than the nominal 8 foot wall. All of the components of this kit 100 are designed to fit within the interior dimensions of the standard 53 foot shipping container (107 inch height×98 inch width×629 inch length) for transport.
Exemplary Embodiment: 14 Foot by 60 Foot Structure on 53 Foot ISO Shipping Container
(48) In one embodiment, the building kit 100 includes floor joist panels, floor sheathing, wall sheathing, wall panels, roof rafters, roof sheathing, and foundation posts which are prefabricated to fit within a standard 53 foot shipping container. In this embodiment, the kit 100 can be used to construct a building with approximately a 767 sq/ft interior and a footprint of 14 feet×60 feet. To calculate the approximate interior square footage, it is assume the walls are 6 inches thick, so the calculation is 13 feet×59 feet. In this embodiment, the kit 100 would contain eight floor joist panels of 84 inches×168 inches, one floor joist panel of 48 inches×168 inches, eight wall panels of 92⅝ inch height×158½ inch width, two wall panels 92⅝ inch heat×79¼ inch width, and two end wall panels of 92⅝ inch height×158½ inch width. Depending upon the configuration of the roof, the kit 100 may include additional prefabricated wall panels used to construct one or more walls higher than the nominal 8 foot wall. All of the components of this kit 100 are designed to fit within the interior dimensions of the standard 53 foot shipping container (107 inch height×98 inch width×629 inch length) for transport.
Exemplary Embodiment: 14 Foot by 24 Foot Structure on 20 Foot ISO Shipping Container
(49) In one embodiment, the building kit 100 includes floor joist panels, floor sheathing, wall sheathing, wall panels, roof rafters, roof sheathing, and foundation posts which are prefabricated to fit within a standard 20 foot shipping container. In this embodiment, the kit 100 can be used to construct a building with approximately a 300 sq/ft interior and a footprint of 14 feet×24 feet. In this embodiment, the kit 100 would contain four floor joist panels of 72 inches×168 inches, four wall panels of 92⅝ inch height×143¼ inch width, and two end wall panels of 92⅝ inch height×158½ inch width. Depending upon the configuration of the roof, the kit 100 may include additional prefabricated wall panels used to construct one or more walls higher than the nominal 8 foot wall. All of the components of this kit 100 are designed to fit within the interior dimensions of the standard 20 foot shipping container (93 inch height×93 inch width×232 inch length) for transport.
Exemplary Embodiment: 14 Foot by 20 Foot Structure on 16 Foot Storage/Shipping Container
(50) In one embodiment, the building kit 100 includes floor joist panels, floor sheathing, wall sheathing, wall panels, roof rafters, roof sheathing, and foundation posts which are prefabricated to fit within a standard 16 foot storage/shipping container. In this embodiment, the kit 100 can be used to construct a building with approximately a 250 sq/ft interior and a footprint of 14 feet×20 feet. In this embodiment, the kit 100 would contain two floor joist panels of 84 inches×168 inches, one floor joist panel of 72 inches×168 inches, four wall panels of 84 inch height×119¼ inch width, and two end wall panels of 84 inch height×158½ inch width. Depending upon the configuration of the roof, the kit 100 may include additional prefabricated wall panels used to construct one or more walls higher than 84 inch height. All of the components of this kit 100 are designed to fit within the interior dimensions of the standard 16 foot storage/shipping container, such as a shipping container that is delivered to a residence or commercial property to facilitate moving of possessions, (approximately 86 inch height×86 inch width×180 inch length) for transport.
(51) The sizing of the structure is optimized for industry standard and widely available lumber, examples including 4 feet by 8 feet sheets. In embodiments 14 feet wide, 16 foot rafters are properly sized to use as a shed roof.
(52) For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference has been made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, this specific language intends no limitation of the scope of the invention, and the invention should be construed to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, conventional aspects of the system (and components of the individual operating components of the system) may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a practical device. Moreover, no item or component is essential to the practice of the invention unless the element is specifically described as “essential” or “critical”. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.