EXPANDABLE AND COLLAPSIBLE BUILDING UNIT

Abstract

A collapsible and deployable building unit includes a base frame, a roof frame, and hingedly mounted walls that fold between collapsed and deployed configurations. Right and left side walls include rollers at their top corners that engage tracks in the roof frame, allowing the walls to pivot upward while rolling the roof frame to its deployed height. Front and rear walls are hingedly mounted to lay flat in the collapsed state and pivot upward after side wall deployment. The unit provides simplified assembly and reduced space requirements for transport and storage through an efficient folding mechanism and rolling wheel system. Applications include temporary/permanent housing, offices, laboratories, medical clinics, emergency shelters, and retail spaces.

Claims

1. A collapsible and deployable building unit comprising: a base frame having adjustable base frame supports; a roof frame; a right wall and a left wall, each hingedly mounted to the base frame and having rollers at top corners that engage roller tracks on an interior of the roof frame; a front wall hingedly attached to the base frame; a rear wall hingedly attached to a rear wall support panel mounted to the base frame; wherein the right wall, left wall, front wall and rear wall are configured to fold between: a collapsed configuration where the walls lay horizontally with the front wall against the base frame and the rear wall positioned horizontally above the front wall, and a deployed configuration where the walls are positioned vertically to form an enclosed space.

2. The building unit of claim 1, wherein the base frame supports are height adjustable via threaded elements engaging adjustable feet.

3. The building unit of claim 1, wherein the rear wall support panel has a height that is at least equal to a thickness of the front wall to enable the rear wall to sit horizontally without interfering with the front wall in the collapsed configuration.

4. The building unit of claim 1, wherein each of the right wall and left wall is pivotably mounted to the base frame at a hinge positioned inward from a side panel of the base frame.

5. The building unit of claim 1, wherein the right wall and left wall each provide an interior space defined by outer bottom and side edges to accommodate the front wall and rear wall when in the collapsed configuration.

6. A method of deploying a collapsible building unit comprising: providing a building unit having a base frame, a roof frame, and hingedly mounted right, left, front and rear walls in a collapsed configuration; pivoting the right wall and left wall upward from a horizontal position to a vertical position while rolling top corners of the right and left walls along tracks in the roof frame to raise the roof frame; after the right and left walls are vertical, pivoting the rear wall upward from a horizontal position to a vertical position; and pivoting the front wall upward from a horizontal position to a vertical position to complete deployment.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising adjusting base frame supports to level the building unit prior to deployment.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the right and left walls are pivoted upward manually or with assistance from mechanical lifting devices.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising installing internal elements selected from furniture, shelving, cabinetry, industrial equipment, laboratory equipment, medical equipment, and office equipment after deployment.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the deployed building unit has dimensions of 20 ft in length, 8 ft in height, and 8 ft in width.

11. A collapsible building unit comprising: a base frame; a roof frame; side walls hingedly mounted to the base frame and having rollers engaging tracks in the roof frame; and end walls hingedly mounted to fold horizontally in a collapsed state; wherein the side walls are configured to pivot upward while the rollers move along the tracks to raise the roof frame to a deployed height; and wherein the end walls are configured to pivot upward after the side walls are deployed to form an enclosed space.

12. The building unit of claim 11, wherein the base frame includes adjustable supports at each underside corner.

13. The building unit of claim 11, wherein the side walls include hinge blocks at bottom edges that engage hinges positioned inward from side panels of the base frame.

14. The building unit of claim 11, wherein the end walls comprise a front wall hingedly mounted directly to the base frame and a rear wall hingedly mounted to a raised support panel.

15. The building unit of claim 11, wherein multiple units are configured to be stacked atop one another in the collapsed configuration.

16. The building unit of claim 11, further comprising integrated hydraulic and mechanical systems to facilitate controlled expansion and contraction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized. The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements, and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an expandable and collapsible building unit in a collapsed configuration according to certain aspects of an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the expandable and collapsible building unit of FIG. 1 in a deployed configuration.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of the deployed expandable and collapsible building unit of FIG. 2.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the deployed expandable and collapsible building unit of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the deployed expandable and collapsible building unit of FIG. 2.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a left side view of the deployed expandable and collapsible building unit of FIG. 2.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the collapsed expandable and collapsible building unit of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a close-up perspective view of a side wall hinge of the expandable and collapsible building unit of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a close-up perspective view of a side wall rolling wheel system engaging an upper frame of the expandable and collapsible building unit of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the expandable and collapsible building unit moving from the collapsed configuration of FIG. 1 towards the deployed configuration of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the expandable and collapsible building unit moving further from the collapsed configuration of FIG. 1 towards the deployed configuration of FIG. 2.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the expandable and collapsible building unit of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an intermediate deployment configuration with sidewalls deployed.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the expandable and collapsible building unit of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an intermediate deployment configuration with a rear wall partially deployed.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the expandable and collapsible building unit of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an intermediate deployment configuration with the rear wall fully deployed.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the expandable and collapsible building unit of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an intermediate deployment configuration with the front wall partially deployed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The invention may be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings. This description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to practice an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the preferred embodiment, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

[0029] Descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted to enhance clarity and conciseness. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. does not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denotes the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0030] The use of the terms first, second, and the like does not imply any particular order, but they are included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. does not denote any order of importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, or includes and/or including when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0031] Although some features may be described with respect to individual exemplary embodiments, aspects need not be limited thereto such that features from one or more exemplary embodiments may be combinable with other features from one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0032] The present invention is directed to an expandable and collapsible building unit, such as by way of non-limiting example a housing unit, that simplifies assembly and reduces space requirements for transport and storage. With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a collapsible and deployable building 100 is shown in a collapsed and deployed configuration, respectively, in accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment. Collapsible and deployable building 100 includes a base frame 105, a roof frame 110, a right wall 120, a left wall 130, a front wall 140, and a rear wall 150. Each of right wall 120, left wall 130, front wall 140, and rear wall 150 are hingedly mounted to enable folding from the flat, collapsed configuration of FIG. 1 into the fully erect, vertically deployed configuration of FIG. 2, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0033] Base frame 105 is preferably mounted on four base frame supports 200 at each underside corner of base frame 105. Each base frame support 200 is preferably adjustable in height, such as by way of an adjustable threaded element 202, such as a screw or bolt, that engages a foot 204 that may be manually adjusted via threaded engagement with threaded element 202 so as to adjust the height of a corner of building 100. Preferably, a base frame support plate 206 is mounted to the bottom of each foot 204 for added stability.

[0034] In the collapsed configuration of FIG. 1, multiple units of building 100 may be easily stored in stacks, one atop another. Likewise, they may be easily transported from a storage location to a location intended for deployment, both as single units or as multiple, stacked units transported in a single shipment. Likewise, in the fully deployed configuration of FIG. 2, building 100 forms a complete building structure that may be used for any building purpose, such as temporary or permanent housing or office space, laboratory space, medical clinics, emergency shelters, retail stores, and any such other applications as may occur to those skilled in the art that may benefit from a temporary and/or transportable interior space.

[0035] As particularly shown in FIG. 2, once building 100 has been fully deployed, any suitable internal elements 500 may be added, whether furniture, shelving, cabinetry, industrial equipment, laboratory equipment, medical equipment, office equipment, and any such other items as may be suited to the intended purpose for building 100. FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 show front, rear, right side, and left side views, respectively, of building 100 in its fully deployed configuration, and as shown in the figures may incorporate windows, doors, and such other access openings as may be readily occur to those skilled in the art.

[0036] In an exemplary configuration, building 100 may, when deployed, have compact dimensions of 20 ft in length, 8 ft in height, and 8 ft in width, offering portability while ensuring that the building 100 may be effortlessly transported using standard methods while still providing a spacious interior.

[0037] The following description will detail the deployment of building 100 from the collapsed configuration of FIG. 1 to the deployed configuration of FIG. 2. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 (viewing along section lines A-A of FIG. 1), building 100 in the collapsed configured positions the interior face of front wall 140 flat against the top of base frame 105. A bottom edge of front wall 140 is hingedly attached to the top of base from 105, such that front wall 140 may be ultimately pivoted upward into a vertical orientation. Likewise, a bottom edge of rear wall 150 is hingedly attached to rear wall support panel 152, which rear wall support panel 152 in turn is mounted to the top of base frame 105. Rear wall support panel 152 preferably is of a height that is at least equal to a thickness of front wall 140. This configuration enables rear wall 150 to sit horizontally inside of building 100 in the collapsed configuration of FIG. 1 without interfering with front wall 140. With particular reference to FIG. 8, each of right wall 120 and left wall 130 is pivotably mounted to base frame 105 at a hinge 107. Hinge 107 is positioned inward from the side panel 106 of base frame 105, and engages a hinge block 132 at the bottom of each of right wall 120 and left wall 130. This orientation enables each of right wall 120 and left wall 130 to pivot upward so that, in the case of left wall 130, the bottom face 134 of left wall 130 will rest flush against the top surface of base frame 105 with the outer surface of left wall aligned with the side panel 106 of base frame 105. Further and with particular reference to FIG. 9, the top corners of each of right wall 120 and left wall 130 are provided rollers 300 that engage roller tracks 111 on the interior of roof frame 100, allowing the top edges of each of right wall 120 and left wall 130 to move outward to the outer edges of roof frame 100 as they are pivoted upward to their vertical orientations.

[0038] The folding mechanism described herein may, in accordance with certain aspects of the invention, allow building unit 100 to fully collapse down into a slim profile. This mechanism ensures that the collapse and expansion process is executed efficiently, minimizing the labor and time involved. Complementing this, the rolling wheel system configured as described above and integrated into the side wall pillars as shown in FIG. 9 plays a crucial role in facilitating smooth movement during collapse or expansion. This not only provides a convenient and user-friendly operation but also establishes durability, guaranteeing a resilient and long-lasting housing solution.

[0039] FIG. 10 shows building 100 as it starts moving from the fully collapsed configuration of FIG. 1 toward the deployed configuration of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 10, as right wall 120 and left wall 130 are raised, rollers 300 roll the top edges of right wall 120 and left wall 130 outward towards the outer side edges of roof frame 100, in turn lifting roof frame 100 upward. FIG. 11 likewise shows building 100 as it nears the fully deployed configuration of FIG. 2. As best viewed in FIG. 11, each of right wall 120 and left wall 130 provide an interior space defined by the outer bottom and side edges of each of right wall 120 and left wall 130, such that front wall 140 and rear wall 150 may both lay flat inside of collapsed building 100 while enabling each of right wall 120 and left wall 130 to lay horizontally flat. Finally, once each of right wall 120 and left wall 130 have been vertically positioned, building 100 will be in the configuration shown in FIG. 12 with right wall 120 and left wall 130 fully deployed, roof frame 110 at its final, deployed height, and front wall 140 and rear wall 150 remaining in the flat, collapsed positions.

[0040] Next and with reference to the sectional view of FIG. 13, rear wall 150 may be deployed to its vertical position by pivoting rear wall 150 upward at hinges 154 on rear wall support panel 152, until assuming the fully deployed, vertical position shown in FIG. 14 (with front wall 140 at this stage still remaining flat and parallel to the top surface of base frame 105). Finally and with reference to the sectional view of FIG. 15, front wall 140 may be deployed to its vertical position by pivoting front wall 140 upward at hinges 144 on base frame 105 until assuming the fully deployed, vertical position shown in FIG. 2.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will recognize that when building 100 is no longer needed, it may be easily collapsed into the collapsed configuration of FIG. 1 through reversing the above-described process. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that pivoting of each of right wall 120, left wall 130, front wall 140, and rear wall 150 may be carried out manually or may be assisted through mechanical lifting devices, such motors, pneumatic elements, or such other assistive devices as may occur to those skilled in the art.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be practiced other than as expressly set forth above. By way of non-limiting example, smart technologies may be integrated, enhancing the functionality of such expandable building units. This includes the incorporation of smart home systems for improved energy efficiency, advanced security features, and automated climate control, providing occupants with a seamless and connected living experience.

[0043] Moreover, the modular design and prefabrication techniques offered by such expandable building units help to streamline the construction process. This approach allows for quicker and more cost-effective assembly, contributing to the scalability and accessibility of expandable housing solutions. Additionally, the use of sustainable materials and eco-friendly building practices in such expandable building units aligns with the growing emphasis on environmentally conscious living.

[0044] Further, the integration of hydraulic and mechanical systems in such expandable building units can facilitate controlled expansion and contraction of living and other building spaces. In the case of expandable housing, this provides residents with the flexibility to adjust their home's layout according to changing needs, optimizing the use of available space.

[0045] Still further, in response to the increasing focus on energy efficiency, such expandable building units may incorporate renewable energy solutions, including the integration of solar panels and energy storage systems, allowing for instance residents of expandable housing units to reduce their environmental footprint and potentially achieve greater energy independence. These features may collectively contribute to a dynamic landscape of expandable building units that cater to diverse preferences and contemporary sustainability concerns.

[0046] Still yet further, the particular shape or configuration of the unit or the interior configuration may be readily changed to suit the system or equipment with which it is used.

[0047] Beyond the compact design and innovative mechanisms embodied in expandable and collapsible building 100 as described above, the building unit 100 excels in enhancing versatility. Its adaptable applications span a wide range, making it suitable for (by way of non-limiting example) emergency response shelters, construction site offices, mobile medical clinics, and temporary housing solutions for events or remote locations. This versatility positions the unit as a valuable asset across diverse industries, where rapid deployment and relocation are essential considerations.

[0048] In practical terms, expandable and collapsible building units configured in accordance with certain aspects of the invention may be provide more than a dwelling; they may offer a transformative solution that caters to the evolving needs of our dynamic and mobile society. As an embodiment of simplicity and efficiency, expandable and collapsible building units configured as described herein not only simplify transportation and setup, but also introduce a new standard for compact and convenient living, office, and work spaces in various professional and emergency contexts.

[0049] Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. Thus, it should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein.