ACCESSORY DWELLING AND/OR STORAGE STRUCTURES AND RELATED CONSTRUCTION METHODS

Abstract

Modular units for use in creating structures, such as accessory dwelling structures, and related methods. In some embodiments, such structures may be constructed by combining an anchor unit with one or more sub-units by facing open sides of the various units towards each other and coupling them together. In some embodiments, one or more of the units may further comprise one or more partially open sides that may be formed using structural members positioned adjacent to an edge of the unit(s). Preferably the units are formed in a similar shape and/or size to standard shipping containers for ease of transport.

Claims

1. A modular construction assembly for an accessory dwelling structure, comprising: a first modular construction unit comprising an open side, wherein the first modular construction unit comprises a frame at least substantially defining a C shape in cross section having a vertical portion and two horizontal portions, and wherein the open side of the first modular construction unit extends opposite from the vertical portion of the frame; and a second modular construction unit coupled with the first modular construction unit to define an accessory dwelling structure, wherein the second modular construction unit comprises an open side and a frame at least substantially defining a C shape in cross section having a vertical portion and two horizontal portions, wherein the open side of the second modular construction unit extends opposite from the vertical portion of the frame, and wherein the second modular construction unit is coupled to the first modular construction unit with the open side of the first modular construction unit facing the open side of the second modular construction unit.

2. The modular construction assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second modular construction units further comprises a structural element positioned adjacent to the vertical portion of the frame.

3. The modular construction assembly of claim 2, wherein the structural element extends only partially between the vertical portion and the open side of the at least one of the first and second modular construction units.

4. The modular construction assembly of claim 3, wherein the structural element extends between about 10% and about 40% of a distance between the open side and the vertical portion of the at least one of the first and second modular construction units.

5. The modular construction assembly of claim 2, wherein the structural element comprises a structural insulated panel.

6. The modular construction assembly of claim 5, wherein at least one of the first and second modular construction units further comprises a second structural element positioned adjacent to a first side of the vertical element, and wherein the structural element is positioned adjacent to a second side of the vertical element opposite from the first side.

7. The modular construction assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second modular construction units comprises a triangular prism modular construction unit.

8. An accessory dwelling structure, comprising: a first modular construction unit; a second modular construction unit coupled with the first modular construction unit, wherein the second modular construction unit has a different height than the first modular construction unit, and wherein the second modular construction unit has a different shape than the first modular construction unit; and a third modular construction unit coupled to the first and second modular construction units so as to define a dwelling area within the first, second, and third modular construction units.

9. The accessory dwelling structure of claim 8, wherein the third modular construction unit is positioned on top of the first modular construction unit.

10. The accessory dwelling structure of claim 8, wherein the second modular construction unit comprises a triangular construction unit.

11. The accessory dwelling structure of claim 8, wherein the third modular construction unit is positioned laterally of the first modular construction unit.

12. The accessory dwelling structure of claim 11, wherein the third modular construction unit is positioned in between the first and second modular construction units.

13. The accessory dwelling structure of claim 8, wherein the first modular construction unit is coupled with the second modular construction unit so as to form an opening above the first modular construction unit through an edge of the second modular construction unit.

14. A method for constructing an accessory dwelling structure, the method comprising the steps of: delivering a first set of building materials within a shipping container; removing the first set of building materials from the shipping container; positioning the shipping container to serve as at least a portion of a construction foundation for an accessory dwelling structure; positioning an open side of an auxiliary construction unit adjacent to an open side of an anchor construction unit to define an open space therebetween; physically coupling the auxiliary construction unit to the anchor construction unit to form a single accessory dwelling structure; and physically coupling the accessory dwelling structure to the shipping container.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the shipping container comprises a size that is either eight feet by twenty feet or eight feet by forty feet.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising coupling a lateral extender unit between the anchor construction unit and the auxiliary construction unit.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: delivering a second set of building materials within a second shipping container; removing the second set of building materials from the second shipping container; positioning the second shipping container to serve as at least a portion of a construction foundation for a second accessory dwelling structure; positioning an open side of a second auxiliary construction unit adjacent to an open side of a second anchor construction unit to define an open space therebetween; physically coupling the second auxiliary construction unit to the second anchor construction unit to form a second, single accessory dwelling structure; physically coupling the second accessory dwelling structure to the shipping container; and physically coupling the second accessory dwelling structure to the accessory dwelling structure to form a planned unit development.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising forming a carport at least in part using the shipping container.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the carport is positioned below the accessory dwelling structure.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming a deck using the shipping container such that a floor of the deck is defined by a top surface of the shipping container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 depicts perspective and exploded views of various modular construction units according to certain embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a core assembly for configuring one or more modular construction units as a dwelling structure according to some embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 3 depicts a plurality of various modular, dwelling structures each comprising a plurality of sub-units according to some embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of a unit development comprising a plurality of modular, dwelling structures according to other embodiments; and

[0027] FIG. 5 depicts a rear perspective view of the unit development of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail.

[0029] As used herein, the term substantially refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result to function as indicated. For example, an object that is substantially cylindrical or substantially perpendicular would mean that the object/feature is either cylindrical/perpendicular or nearly cylindrical/perpendicular so as to result in the same or nearly the same function. The exact allowable degree of deviation provided by this term may depend on the specific context. The use of substantially is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, structure which is substantially free of a bottom would either completely lack a bottom or so nearly completely lack a bottom that the effect would be effectively the same as if it completely lacked a bottom.

[0030] Similarly, as used herein, the term about is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be a little above or a little below the endpoint while still accomplishing the function associated with the range.

[0031] The embodiments of the disclosure may be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts may be designated by like numerals. It will be readily understood that the components of the disclosed embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In addition, the steps of a method do not necessarily need to be executed in any specific order, or even sequentially, nor need the steps be executed only once, unless otherwise specified. Additional details regarding certain preferred embodiments and implementations will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 depicts a plurality of modular units that may serve as, for example, accessory dwelling units, detached office space, storage units, and the like. As shown in this figure, there are units 100 that are shaped like rectangular prisms and other units 200 that are shaped like triangular prisms. Each of the various units 100/200 comprises an open side 102/202, which may allow for coupling of units 100/200 with adjacent units to form a larger structure, as desired. Thus, the systems disclosed herein may provide for modularity and, as discussed in greater detail below, may allow for creation of a variety of different units and configurations for a variety of different purposes as desired.

[0033] In the depicted embodiment, two other sides, which may be referred to as ends in the depicted embodiments (although in other contemplated embodiments may instead due to alternative configurations not necessarily be considered ends), may be at least partially open, as illustrated in the drawings. In some embodiments, one or both sides/ends may be initially fully, or at least substantially fully, open and may include a structural element preferably positioned adjacent an edge of the unit between opposing sides forming the top/roof and bottom/floor of the unit. Such structural element preferably only extends a fraction of the width of the unit between the open side and the side opposite the open side.

[0034] More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 1, units 100 comprise a closed side 104 opposite from open side 102, which may be defined by a structural insulated panel (SIP), another wood panel, or other suitable building materials. Structural elements 105 partially define opposing sides 106 and 108, respectively, and extend from closed side 104 on opposite ends of each unit 100 in between an upper side 110 and a lower side 112 of each unit, which may again be defined by SIPs or other suitable sheets of construction material. In alternative embodiments, the vertical portion of the C shape may be formed by providing a thickened edge region rather than providing a separate structural element at the aforementioned location(s).

[0035] As previously mentioned, in some preferred embodiments, opposing ends/sides 106/108 are at least partially open even after installation of structural elements 105, which may be beneficial from, for example, a weight standpoint given that these elements 105 may provide sufficient structural rigidity and/or strength without entirely defining opposing ends/sides 106/108. Structural elements 105 preferably comprises sheets that may be made up of the same or similar materials as the sheets used to define the other closed sides, such as SIPs, for example. In some embodiments, structural elements 105 may comprise a width (extending between sides 104 and 102) that is between about 10% and about 40% of the distance between sides 104 and 102). In some such embodiments, structural elements 105 may comprise a width (extending between sides 104 and 102) that is between about 20% and about 30% of the distance between sides 104 and 102). In some embodiments, the structural element(s) 105 may be used to mount or affix various internal elements, such as cabinets, appliances, furniture, and the like.

[0036] Thus, certain preferred embodiments comprise a shape that, in cross-section at one or both ends/sides 106/108, forms a C shape with the material forming side 104 and/or the material of structural member 105 establishing the vertical portion of the C shape and the material forming top and bottom sides 110 and 112, respectively, establishing the horizontal portions of the C shape.

[0037] Glass or other material may be used to define windows 115 in one or both of opposing ends/sides 106/108 adjacent to structural elements 105, as also depicted in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, doors 117 may also be formed in one or both of opposing ends/sides 106/108. In addition, beams or posts 119 may be used to facilitate securement of such windows 115 and/or doors 117.

[0038] Angled and/or triangular prism units 200 may have similar characteristics. For example, as also shown in FIG. 1, units 200 comprise a closed side 204 opposite from an open side 202. A single structural element (not visible in FIG. 1) may partially define a side 206 opposite from the pointed side of the opposing upper and lower sides 210 and 212, respectively, of each unit, which may again be defined by SIPs or other suitable sheets of construction material.

[0039] In some preferred embodiments, side 206 is partially open even after installation of structural element 205, which may provide sufficient structural rigidity and/or strength without entirely defining side 206. Again, glass or other material may be used to define windows 215 in end/side 206 adjacent to the structural element if desired. Also, similar to units 100, doors 217 may also be formed in end/side 206. Further, beams or posts 219 may be used to facilitate securement of such windows 215 and/or doors 217.

[0040] As suggested by the placement of adjacent units in FIG. 1, various units may be coupled to adjacent units, either of the same or different types, in order to form larger, customized structures, as may be desired by users. For example, a rectangular unit 100 may be coupled with another rectangular unit 100, preferably with their respective open sides 102 facing each other to allow for forming an open space therebetween for placement of furniture, fixtures, and/or movement of users inside the finished structure. Similarly, in other embodiments, a rectangular unit 100 may be coupled with a triangular or otherwise angled unit 200, again preferably with their respective open sides facing each other. It is also contemplated that two triangular units 200 may be coupled to one another in a similar manner to form a rectangular prism if desired. As discussed below in connection with other depicted embodiments, various modular units may also be stacked on top of one another to form still other structures.

[0041] Various other constructions elements may be provided as desired, such as sheetrock 121, foundations 120, and the like. Similarly, various units may be configured to receive various internal furnishing and/or fixture elements, such as beds, desks, bathroom fixtures, cabinets, kitchen fixtures and/or appliances, etc. For example, as shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2, a standard internal, set of elements for a dwelling core may be provided, which may preferably be positioned with a single unit referred to herein as an anchor unit. As described elsewhere herein, such anchor units may then be coupled to other auxiliary units to form a variety of customizable structures for various purposes. Thus, other types of core assemblies may be used for structures designed for other uses as desired.

[0042] More particularly, as best shown in FIG. 2, each anchor unit may comprise a core assembly 225 comprising a bathroom assembly 302 with a toilet 304 and/or shower (not shown in figure). This area may be set apart with a door 306 and/or window, which may slidably and/or pivotably extend from a wall 308 that may form a closet, shelves, and/or other storage area on the opposite side.

[0043] A kitchen assembly 310 may be positioned against a rear wall of the unit and may include various kitchen elements such as a stove top, oven, sink, cabinets, and the like. A table 312 may also be provided.

[0044] A bedroom assembly 320 may also be included, which in the depicted embodiment is positioned opposite from the bathroom assembly 302. Bedroom assembly 320 may comprise various elements typically found in a bedroom, such as a bed 322, which may be positioned between two storage towers 324. In preferred embodiments, bed 322 may comprise a Murphy bed to increase the efficiency of the unit and allow for use of the space afforded by folding bed 322 against the rear wall of the unit. Bed 322 may pivotably extend between towers 324. As best shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, table 312 of kitchen assembly 310 may be positioned adjacent to one of towers 324. In some such embodiments, table 312 may, similar to bed 322, be pivotably coupled to tower 324 and/or another suitable internal element to allow for storage against an internal wall and thereby further improve the efficiency of the space inside the unit.

[0045] Similarly, another standard set of internal elements or core assembly 225 may be provided for other auxiliary modular units. Core assembly 225 may comprise any suitable set of fixtures, furnishing, or the like for the desired purpose of the structure.

[0046] FIG. 3 depicts a series of structures 300 formed by various modular units previously discussed, along with some additional modular elements illustrated for the first time in this figure. Each of the structures 300 shown in FIG. 3 is configured for use as a dwelling. However, as those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, such structures may be used for other purposes as desired, such as offices, storage, and the like, with relatively simple modifications.

[0047] Dwelling structure 300a comprises a rectangular modular unit 100 and a triangular modular unit 200, as previously discussed. A shipping container 50, which may be the shipping container originally used to ship various internal items and/or assemblies, may be positioned adjacent to structure 300a, either immediately adjacent or with a space in between as shown in FIG. 3. Container 50 may be used for storage or any other suitable purpose. As also shown in FIG. 3, in preferred embodiments the anchor unit of each dwelling structure 300 is the same, or at least substantially the same, size and/or shape as shipping container 50, which may be a standard shipping container size (8 feet by 20 feet footprint) to improve ease of transport.

[0048] Dwelling structure 300b is similar to dwelling structure 300a except that a lateral extender unit 350b is positioned in between rectangular unit 100 and triangular unit 200. Extender unit 350b may provide for increased internal square footage within dwelling structure 300b for whatever purpose may be desired. Although not entirely visible in FIG. 3, extender unit 350b may be similar to the other units previously described and depicted in that at least one side of unit 350b is open. In some embodiments, multiple sides may be open to allow for providing open space between units 100 and 200.

[0049] Dwelling structure 300c is similar to dwelling structure 300a except that triangular unit 200 is replaced with a similar triangular unit 200c that is taller than unit 200. Due to the difference in heights between the two adjacent structures, an opening 230c may be formed above unit 100 in unit 200c. This opening may be used to provide, for example, access to natural light within structure 300c and/or access to a rooftop patio or the like on the roof of unit 100. In some embodiments, glass and/or one or more windows may be positioned within opening 230c.

[0050] Dwelling structure 300d is similar to dwelling structure 300c except that a lateral extender unit 350d is positioned in between triangular unit 200d and anchor unit 100. As mentioned previously in connection with dwelling structure 300b, extender unit 350d may provide for increased internal square footage within dwelling structure 300d for whatever purpose may be desired. Similarly, extender unit 350d may be similar to extender unit 350c and/or the other units previously described and depicted in that one or more sides of unit 350d may be open. In addition, as previously mentioned in connection with structure 300c, due to the difference in heights between the two adjacent structures, an opening 230d may be formed above unit 100 in unit 200d.

[0051] Dwelling or other structures 300e and 300f are still other possible variations of modular dwelling structures or structures that may be used for other purposes, as previously described. Both of these structures differ from those previously described in that each of them comprises a vertical extender unit. More particularly, structure 300e comprises a vertical extender unit 360e or modular loft unit positioned above anchor unit 100 adjacent to an extended-height triangular unit 200e. Vertical extender unit 360e may be configured to provide a second floor and therefore may comprise an opening and/or stairs to allow for access by occupants between the two floors. Alternatively, vertical extender unit 360e may be configured to provide more open space in structure 300e, such as higher ceilings in the structure.

[0052] Structure 300f is similar to structure 300e except that structure 300f comprises both a vertical, modular extender unit 360f and a lateral or horizontal, modular extender unit 350f. Each of these extender units may be configured in any manner as desired and/or as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0053] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a series of structures (dwelling structures in the depicted embodiments) that can be linked and/or otherwise coupled together to form a planned unit development or the like. Each of the various structures shown in these figures, namely, structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d, can be configured using any of the modular units previously described. For example, the depicted structures in these figures are most similar to structure 300f from FIG. 3 but with the triangular unit shown in FIG. 3 removed. Thus, preferably each of structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d comprises an anchor unit with one or more extender and/or accessory units coupled thereto to provide a modular construction system to meet any of a variety of user needs, including a variety of dwelling structures, storage units, office spaces, and the like.

[0054] Each of structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may also comprise a foundation that utilizes shipping containers 50. Preferably, each of shipping containers 50 may be the shipping containers used to deliver various building materials and/or other items used during the process of constructing structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d and/or other features of the development. Such containers 50 may then be left at the construction site or, more specifically, placed strategically at the construction site to form the basis for a foundation that may, in some embodiments, be used to support a frame or other suitable structure for positioning the various structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d thereon, as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5. In this manner, car ports 470, garages, or other spaces may be formed in between adjacent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d. Of course, a variety of alternative configurations and embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after having received the benefit of this disclosure. For example, structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may alternatively be placed directly on top of shipping containers 50. As another example, shipping containers 50 may be buried to form part of an underground foundation if desired.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rooftops of one or more of the structures in the development, or any of the other structures and/or units described herein, may be formed with rooftop patios by, for example, extending guardrails 55 along the perimeter of the top portion of the structure. Additional patios or decks may be formed elsewhere, such as by extending additional guardrails above shipping containers 55, as also shown in these figures. One or more sections of such guardrails 55 may comprise glass or otherwise transparent material if desired.

[0056] It will be understood by those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles presented herein. Any suitable combination of various embodiments, or the features thereof, is contemplated.

[0057] Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified.

[0058] Throughout this specification, any reference to one embodiment, an embodiment, or the embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0059] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles set forth herein.

[0060] Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to various embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, a required, or an essential feature or element. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.