PORTABLE TEMPORARY OR SEMI-PERMANENT SHELTER STRUCTURES WITH MODULAR FLOORING

Abstract

A temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure may include a modular floor and a modular shelter, each comprising pieces which together may be sized to fit within a standard shipping container for ease of transport. In some embodiments, at least two walls of the modular shelter may be attached to a center structure of the modular floor when placed within the standard shipping container. In some embodiments, lateral rails extending from the center structure can enable construction of the modular floor to be larger than the square footage of the shipping container floor through placement of additional flooring pieces on the lateral rails. In some embodiments, the shelter structure may have a footprint that is the same as the size of the modular floor. In some embodiments, the modular shelter includes a roof whose pieces fit along with the other pieces within the standard shipping container.

Claims

1. A temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure comprising: a modular floor comprising a center structure; a modular shelter having a plurality of first siding pieces and a plurality of second siding pieces, wherein the plurality of first siding pieces and the second plurality of siding pieces form a perimeter of the temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure; wherein the center structure, the plurality of first siding pieces, and the plurality of second siding pieces sized to fit within a standard shipping container; wherein the modular shelter comprises: at least two of the plurality of first siding pieces comprising opposed walls; wherein the center structure comprises: a central portion comprising one or more first flooring pieces; at least two lateral portions surrounding said central portion each of the opposed walls being attached to at least one of the at least two lateral portions; and a sliding mechanism, sized to fit within the standard shipping container and positioned beneath the center structure, to facilitate sliding of the center structure from within the standard shipping container.

2. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 1, wherein: the modular floor further comprises: one or more second flooring pieces; and a support mechanism, positioned under the central portion, and extendable laterally from the central portion to accommodate placement of the one or more second flooring pieces adjacent to the one or more first flooring pieces to form the modular floor; wherein the one or more second flooring pieces, along with the center structure, the plurality of first siding pieces, and the plurality of second siding pieces, are sized to fit within the standard shipping container.

3. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 1, further comprising a roof comprising a plurality of roofing pieces, which, along with the one or more second flooring pieces, the center structure, the plurality of first siding pieces, and the plurality of second siding pieces, are sized to fit within the standard shipping container.

4. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 3, wherein the roof comprises a roof selected from the group consisting of gable roofs, cross gable roofs, hip roofs, cross hipped roofs, pyramid hip roofs, saltbox roofs, flat roofs, butterfly roofs, or shed roofs.

5. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of roofing pieces comprise one or more roof support portions extending between the opposed walls.

6. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of roofing pieces comprise one or more posts to which the one or more roof support portions attach.

7. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of roofing pieces comprise one or more braces connected between respective ones of the one or more roof support portions.

8. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of second siding pieces comprises a door or gate.

9. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of second siding pieces comprises a partial wall attached to the center structure and wherein at least one of the one or more roof support portions is configured to wrap around the center structure to be deployable therefrom.

10. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 9, further comprising a hinge to attach the door to one of the opposed walls, and wherein the partial wall abuts the door or gate when the door or gate is closed.

11. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the opposed walls is attached to one of the at least two lateral portions within the standard shipping container prior to deployment of the temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure.

12. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 1, wherein the center structure further comprises: a top surface structure comprising the one or more first flooring pieces; a bottom surface structure on an underside of the center structure; and one or more beams or studs extending between the top surface structure and the bottom surface structure.

13. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 2, wherein there are at least two second flooring pieces, and the support mechanism comprises: a first plurality of extensions, extendable away from the center structure in a first lateral direction to support at least one of the at least two second flooring pieces.

14. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 13, wherein the support mechanism further comprises: a second plurality of extensions, extendable away from the center structure in a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction, to support at least another of the at least two second flooring pieces.

15. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 14, wherein the first and second pluralities of extensions comprise beams or tubes.

16. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 15, wherein the beams or tubes comprise materials selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, magnesium, and composites.

17. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 1, wherein the first and second flooring pieces are made of a material selected from the group consisting of engineered wood, composites, and metals.

18. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to claim 17, wherein the engineered wood comprises engineered wood selected from the group consisting of plywood, strand board (OSB), medium-density fiberboard (MDF), particle board, other composite board, and cross-laminated timber (CLT).

19. A temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure system comprising the temporary or semi-permanent structure according to claim 1 and the standard shipping container.

20. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure system according to claim 19, wherein the standard shipping container comprises a container selected from the group consisting of an International Standard Organization (ISO) container, a North American container, a Canadian container, a European pallet wide container, an Australian Railways of Australia Container Express (RACE) container, a Container for Export (CONEX) box, or a military or defense standard (MIL-STD) container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B are views of an underside of a portion of the inventive flooring structure according to various embodiments;

[0017] FIGS. 2A-2G are views of rail structure to be used with aspects of the inventive flooring structure according to various embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a view of a portion of a top of the inventive modular floor according to various embodiments;

[0019] FIGS. 4A-4D are different views of a portion of a top of the inventive modular floor according to various embodiments;

[0020] FIGS. 5A-5C are views of a portion of a top of the inventive modular floor according to various embodiments;

[0021] FIGS. 6A-6C are yet different views of a portion of a top of the inventive modular floor according to various embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a view of a larger portion of a top of the inventive modular floor according to various embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a view of a larger portion of a top of the inventive modular floor according to various embodiments;

[0024] FIGS. 9A and 9B are views of a top of the inventive modular floor, apart from the shipping container, according to various embodiments;

[0025] FIGS. 10A and 10B are still different views of a larger portion of a top of the inventive modular floor according to various embodiments;

[0026] FIGS. 11A-11D show closer aspects of a portion of a sliding mechanism according to various embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 12 shows aspects of a larger portion of a sliding mechanism according to various embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 13 is a side view of a portion of the inventive modular floor according to various embodiments;

[0029] FIGS. 14A-14D show progressive views of extension of the inventive modular floor according to various embodiments;

[0030] FIGS. 15A-15D show progressive views of assembly of an extension of the inventive modular floor according to various embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 16 is a view of an underside of a top of the inventive modular floor on a portion of a sliding mechanism, according to various embodiments;

[0032] FIGS. 17A-17D are views of a railing system on which the inventive modular floor slides away from the ISO container according to various embodiments;

[0033] FIGS. 18A and 18B are closer views of portions of the railing system according to various embodiments;

[0034] FIGS. 19A-19E are views of the extended railing system and a portion of the inventive modular floor according to various embodiments;

[0035] FIGS. 20A and 20B are views of the expanded modular floor according to various embodiments;

[0036] FIGS. 21A-21E are views of a tent structure on top of the expanded modular floor of FIGS. 20A and 20B according to various embodiments;

[0037] FIG. 22 is a drawing of a building structure according to an embodiment;

[0038] FIGS. 23A-23C are views of aspects of a building structure coming out of a container according to an embodiment;

[0039] FIGS. 24A-24C are views of a building structure out of its container according to an embodiment;

[0040] FIGS. 25A-25D are views of a side of a building structure according to an embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 26 is a view of a side of a building structure according to an embodiment;

[0042] FIGS. 27A-27E are progressive views of deployment of roof structure according to an embodiment;

[0043] FIGS. 28A-28G are additional views of deployment of roof structure according to an embodiment; and

[0044] FIGS. 29A and 29B are yet additional views of deployment of roof structure according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Throughout this description and accompanying claims, the terms modular floor, modular flooring, modular flooring system, or flooring system may be used interchangeably.

[0046] In the following discussion, there may be reference to an ISO container as the shipping container holding the components of the modular floor. In different embodiments, the standard shipping container may be an ISO container, a North American container, a Canadian container, a European pallet wide container, an Australian Railways of Australia Container Express (RACE) container, a Container for Export (CONEX) box, or a military or defense standard (MIL-STD) container. All of these are reusable standard shipping containers. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that this container list is not exhaustive, and that other types of reusable shipping containers may house modular flooring structure for intermodal freight transport (e.g. sea, rail, or land). Accordingly, any listing of standard shipping containers provided herein is merely exemplary. In addition, while the word about may be used to characterize some dimensions, ordinarily skilled artisans will recognize that shipping container standards necessarily are more precise.

[0047] FIGS. 1A and 1B show channels 100 through which beams or tubes 200 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2G) may travel. The channels 100 may be made of low-friction material that facilitates sliding of the beams or tubes 200 in the channels 100 (FIG. 16). Examples of suitable material may include durable slick plastic, such as UHMW polyethylene or HDPE, though a number of plastics, coated metals, or composites may be used. The channels are attached to a bottom surface material 315 of a center structure 300 (see also FIG. 16).

[0048] In FIG. 1A, channels 100 are shown side by side on either side of a bar or stud 375 which extends upwardly from bottom surface material 315. A top portion of bar or stud 375 would contact an underside of top surface material 305 which is part of center structure 310 (see FIGS. 1B and 16). In an embodiment, the side by side channels hold respective beams or tubes 200 which may extend in opposite directions when lateral portions 320, 320 (FIG. 3) are pulled away from central portion 310 (FIG. 3) in a manner to be described. In an embodiment, central portion 310 may contain one or more flooring pieces 330 which may be referred to as first flooring pieces.

[0049] In an embodiment, bar or stud 375 may be lined with material 250 which facilitates the sliding of beams or tubes 200 placed closest to bar or stud 375. The material 250 may be the same as, or may be different from, material for channels 100. In an embodiment, material 250 may comprise low-friction material such as UHMW polyethylene, HDPE, or other durable slick plastic.

[0050] In some embodiments, certain plastics, as noted above, are useful to facilitate sliding sides of the floor away from the center structure. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that other materials and mechanisms can work to facilitate the sliding. Ball bearings, various types of wheels, or combinations of ball bearings and wheels are among the mechanisms from which ordinarily skilled artisans may select. Depending on the floor implementation, some flooring may be heavier than others, militating in favor of the ball bearing and/or wheel approaches. In addition, as the buildings to be constructed increase in size, the flooring will become larger, and will need to bear more weight.

[0051] For example, some embodiments may involve flooring that fits into longer containers such as about 40 long shipping containers, yielding longer flooring with longer sides, and resulting increase in weight. It also is within the contemplation of aspects of the invention to provide multiple modular floors in multiple containers presented side by side, or end-to-end, or both. For such implementations, it will be helpful to have the sides of the center structure slide out more easily from the center structure.

[0052] FIGS. 2A-2F show various views of beams or tubes 200 which seat in the channels 100 and may be slid outwardly to provide a support mechanism for additional flooring structure (not shown) In an embodiment, the channels 100 are attached to a bottom surface material 315 of a center structure 300 (FIG. 3). In each of FIGS. 2A-2F, the beams or tubes 200 are retracted so that they fit within the center structure. As seen in FIG. 3, the portions of the beams or tubes 200 projecting outwardly from the bottom surface material 315 will hold the respective lateral portions 320, 320 of the center structure 300 which will extend outwardly from a central portion 310. When extended, for example, the beams or tubes 200 will move away from the bottom surface material 315 in center structure 300. Also in these Figures, in an embodiment elongate pieces 210 may be attached at ends of the beams or tubes 200 to accommodate flooring (not shown) that is part of center structure 300. In an embodiment, these elongate pieces may act as shims for the floor surfaces to facilitate leveling.

[0053] FIG. 2G is a diagram of an embodiment of center structure 300 with alternating beams or tubes 200 adjacent each other, in opposite directions (upwardly or downwardly in the Figure). Elongate pieces 210 are shown at the ends of respective beams or tubes 200, again in opposite directions (upwardly or downwardly in the Figure). In an embodiment, there are equal numbers of beams 200/elongate pieces 210 in each direction, as shown, throughout the length of center structure 300, to provide symmetrical extension of flooring space in both directions from center structure 300 as a support mechanism for flooring pieces, which are shown and described herein. In different embodiments, there may be beams 200 and elongate pieces 210 in only one direction from center structure 300. In other embodiments, there may be different numbers of beams 200 and elongate pieces 210 in each direction from center structure 300. Such embodiments may enable differently shaped modular flooring depending for example on available space for deployment, or footprint of any shelter structure that is to sit on the modular flooring.

[0054] In addition, in an embodiment employing significant amounts of wood such as plywood, wood pieces 220 (seen most easily in FIGS. 2D-2F) may be interposed between the elongate pieces 210 and the beams or tubes 200. FIGS. 2E and 2F show one or more I-beams or rails 270, discussed in more detail herein with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Bottom surface material 315 in center structure 300 is attached to sliding mechanism 1700 in FIGS. 17A-17D, as will be discussed in more detail with respect to those Figures. Briefly, the sliding mechanism 1700 moves the rest of center structure 300 along the I-beams or rails 270 to enable center structure 300 to slide out of shipping container 350.

[0055] In an embodiment, the beams or tubes 200 may be made of aluminum. In a particular embodiment, the aluminum tubes may be rectangular, 24. Their length may be roughly equivalent to the width of the center structure 300 (FIG. 3). Depending on the embodiment, lateral portions 320, 320 may be narrower, and central portion 310 may be wider, to accommodate longer beams or tubes 200, and so provide more lateral expansion of the flooring in the modular floor.

[0056] Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that the sideways extending rail structure in FIGS. 2A-2G can be extended further than is shown, so that larger pieces can be laid on the extended rails, and the resulting footprint enlarged further.

[0057] In FIG. 3, center structure 300 has a central portion 310 located centrally in the center structure 300. Lateral portions 320, 320 may located on either side of central portion 310. In an embodiment, the lateral portions 320, 320 are attached to the elongate pieces 210 on the beams or tubes 200.

[0058] FIG. 3 also shows a shipping container 350 in which center structure 300 fits for transport. In an embodiment, shipping container 350 has walls 360, doors 370, and floor 380. In an embodiment, a pair of I-beams or rails 270 are attached to container floor 380. Center structure 300 may slide out of shipping container 350 along I-beams or rails 270 inside the container, with the aid of additional structure to be described.

[0059] In an embodiment, I-beams or rails 270 may be made of metal, such as steel, aluminum, magnesium, and the like.

[0060] FIGS. 4A-4D show I-beams or rails 410, 420 attached to each other by two or more bolts 450 through plate 425 which extends to both rail 410 and rail 420. I-beams or rails 410 sit on an edge of shipping container 350 and extend outwardly from shipping container 350. In an embodiment, I-beams or rails 410 are attached to respective I-beams or rails 270 inside shipping container 350. I-beams or rails 420 extend respectively from I-beams or rails 410. In an embodiment, I-beams or rails 410, 420 form a support along which center structure 300 can slide out of shipping container 350.

[0061] In an embodiment, one or more additional I-beams (not shown) may be provided parallel to I-beams 410, 420, and may be used to augment the support mechanism with the beams or tubes 200 when extended laterally from center structure 300. The additional I-beams may help to accommodate additional weight on the deployed modular floor, and/or the weight of the deployed modular floor itself. These I-beams may be provided in addition to or in lieu of other supports at the sides of the deployed modular floor.

[0062] In an embodiment, ends of beams or tubes 200 which remain inside center structure 300 may have structure (not shown) attached thereto, to engage with structure in the bottom of central portion 310 in center structure 300. For example, one or more pieces of metal angle material attached respectively to one or more of the beams or tubes 200, may engage with respective blocks on the bottom of central portion 310. In this fashion, when the lateral portion 320 is extended from center structure 300, the engagement of the angle material with the blocks can stop the travel of the flooring portion, either at a maximum extent of travel (the maximum permissible travel relative to the length of the beams or tubes 200), or an intermediate extent of travel, depending on the embodiment.

[0063] In some embodiments, it will be useful to make the lateral portions 320, 320 of the center structure 300 easier to pull out, particularly as the weight of the floor increases, as can be the case with larger floors, or with the inclusion of components such as sidewalls. One tool which may be useful for pulling out the lateral portions is a come-along, which in some implementations may be a hand-operated winch with a ratchet. In environments where there are substantial trees or large rocks, a come-along may be attached with a wire that surrounds the tree or rock. Ratcheting with the come-along can pull against the tree or rock to facilitate the pulling out of the lateral portions.

[0064] In one embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 5A-5C, jacks 1210, such as steel jacks, may be placed at respective ends of the I-beams underneath the center structure 300. In an embodiment, as shown for example in FIG. 7, one or more jacks 1210 also may be arranged underneath one or each of the lateral portions 320, 320 as they are pulled away from central portion 310 of center structure 300. In an embodiment, a spring mechanism, such as one or more springs, may be provided between the central portion 310 of the center structure 300 and each of the lateral portions 320, 320, to provide an assist in moving the lateral portions 320, 320 away from the center portion of the center structure. In such an embodiment, a pair of hooks or latches or other devices may be secured at respective ends of the floor to hold each lateral portion 320 to the center portion 310. The hooks or latches may be released when pulling out the lateral portions 320, 320, with the spring mechanism providing a push to each lateral portion 320 as it is moved away from the center portion 310. In other, more complex embodiments, actuators, operated hydraulically or electrically, may provide a desired assist in pulling each lateral portion 320 away from the center portion 310 of the center structure 300.

[0065] In some embodiments, the modular floor may be supported by I-beams to spread the load to jacks 1210, which in some embodiments may have adjustable heights, to account for example for uneven terrain in which the modular floor may be deployed. In some embodiments, as seen for example in FIG. 7, wheel jacks 1220 may be used along with the jacks 1210, or temporarily, for example, to facilitate sliding out of lateral portions 320, 320 from the central portion 310. In an embodiment, after expansion through the outward sliding of lateral portions 320, 320 from central portion 310, the wheel jacks 1220 may be removed.

[0066] FIGS. 6A-6C show additional wood pieces 650 attached at the ends of the beams or tubes 200, to cover those ends. These Figures also show wheel jacks 1220 attached to the additional wood pieces 650. In this fashion, in an embodiment the additional wood pieces 650 provide an anchor for the mounting of the wheel jacks 1220.

[0067] FIG. 7 shows a view of the modular floor according to an embodiment, in which one lateral portion 320 has been pulled away from central portion 310, and flooring pieces 330 placed over beams or tubes 200. Herein, the flooring pieces 330 which are placed over beams or tubes 200 may be referred to as second flooring pieces. Jacks 1210 are provided at the end of the modular floor. Two of the jacks 1210 are under I-beams or rails 420, and two of the jacks 1210 are under opposite sides of the modular floor. In an embodiment, wheel jacks 1220 may facilitate pulling lateral portions 320 away from central portion 310. In an embodiment, the wheel jacks may be left in place after the lateral portion 320 has been pulled out, to provide support for the extended lateral portion and flooring pieces 330.

[0068] In FIG. 8, both lateral portions 320 are pulled away. Left side flooring pieces 330 and right side flooring pieces 330 are placed over beams or tubes 200. Jacks 1210 and wheel jacks 1220 may perform functions similar to the functions the jacks 1210 and wheel jacks 1220 perform in embodiments according to FIG. 7.

[0069] FIGS. 9A and 9B show elements similar to those in FIG. 8, but show the modular floor 1000 pulled some distance from the shipping container 350. I-beams or rails 410 are visible in the Figures. I-beams or rails 420, not visible in the Figures, are beneath modular floor 1000. In an embodiment, when I-beams or rails 410 and 420 are disconnected from each other, or in some cases when I-beams or rails 410 are disconnected from I-beams or rails 270 inside shipping container 350, the shipping container 350 may be moved away from the modular floor 1000 and used for some other purpose.

[0070] FIG. 10A shows an embodiment of modular floor 1000 with one lateral portion 320 pulled away from central portion 310, and flooring pieces 330 placed over beams or tubes 200, which therefore are not visible in this Figure. FIG. 10B shows a view similar to that in FIG. 8, with both lateral portions 320, 320 pulled away from central portion 310.

[0071] FIGS. 11A-11D show a closer view of the sliding of the sides (lateral portions 320) of center structure 300 away from the central portion 310. In these figures, only a portion of the lateral portions is shown, for ease of illustration. In each of these Figures, in order, the beams or tubes 200 are slid progressively farther away from central portion 310. As discussed earlier, one or more flooring pieces 330 may be placed next to flooring pieces 330 in central portion 310. In an embodiment, different degrees of movement of lateral portions 320 away from central portion 310 may provide space for different widths of flooring pieces 330 to be positioned. In this fashion, in addition to pulling just one lateral portion 320 away from central portion 310, there can be equal, but not maximum spacing between lateral portions 320 and central portion 310. In an embodiment, the lateral portions can be spaced unequal distances from central portion 310. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that any number of combinations of widths of flooring pieces 330 may be placed next to either side of central portion 310, purely as a function of the space made available by the degrees of sliding of respective lateral portions 320 away from central portion 310.

[0072] FIG. 12 shows center structure 300 pulled out of the shipping container 350, and with one of its lateral portions 320 pulled out to accommodate flooring pieces 330. Jacks 1210 help to handle weight at the corners of the modular floor 1000, where lateral portion 320 is pulled out. Jacks 1210 also are provided under I-beams or rails 420, to support center structure 300. Wheel jacks 1220 may handle weight at the sides of the modular floor 1000, along lateral portions 320, and may facilitate pulling lateral portions away from center structure 300. In some applications the jacks 1210 may be unnecessary. Depending on the use for the flooring, however, there may be sufficient weight to justify the jacks 1210. In an embodiment, after deployment of lateral portions 320 away from center structure 300 using wheel jacks 1220, jacks 1210 may be used in place of wheel jacks 1220, and the wheel jacks 1220 may be removed. In an embodiment, the jacks 1210 and wheel jacks 1220 may have height adjustment to compensate for or accommodate variations in ground level, and in some embodiments to carry some of the weight of the deployed modular floor at the sides, after the lateral portions 320, 320 have been pulled out.

[0073] Depending on the amount of weight involved in the flooring, to facilitate deployment of lateral portions 320 away from center structure 300, ball bearings or rollers may be used in place of the UHMW polyethylene, HDPE, or other low-friction materials described earlier, as these materials can wear out more easily than ball bearings or rollers would. Again, the amount of weight involved after deploying lateral portions 320 may be an indicator of the type of sliding materialball bearings, rollers, or low-friction materialsthat may be used.

[0074] As noted earlier, one aspect of modular floor designs according to aspects of the invention is that assembly and leveling of a raised floor for semi-permanent and temporary structures is considerably faster than previously has been possible. Prior floor structures have been provided in pieces that, when assembled, require individual leveling. With the rail structures according to aspects of the present invention, laying a flooring piece on the rails substantially levels the flooring piece. In some aspects, time to set up the modular flooring structure is reduced to minutes instead of hours. In one aspect, the jacks 1210 and wheel jacks 1220 may perform a supplemental leveling function at ends of the modular floor. In another aspect, because the flooring structure is made to be assembled and disassembled repeatedly in use, construction becomes faster with repeated use.

[0075] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which wood shims 1230 are placed beneath jacks 1210. The provision of these shims 1230 may facilitate leveling of the overall modular floor 1000 on even ground as well as on uneven ground. In an embodiment, the shims 1230 can provide a flat surface on which to place the jacks 1210.

[0076] Similarly to FIGS. 11A-11D, but in a full-size view, FIGS. 14A-14D show deployment of a lateral section 320 away from central portion 310/center structure 300. FIG. 14A shows an early part of the deployment. Shim 1230 and jacks 1210 are in the foreground, for possible placement underneath the end of lateral portion 320 when deployment is complete. A wheel jack 1220 is visible in the Figure. FIG. 14B shows a further deployment, as evidenced by the visibility of more of the beams or tubes 200. FIG. 14C shows a yet further deployment, and FIG. 14D shows an essentially complete deployment. The present of shim 1230 and jacks 1210 in the foreground of each Figure, with lateral portion 320 coming progressively closer to one of the jacks 1210, also helps to show the degree of deployment of lateral portion 320. This progressive deployment may be implemented on the lateral portion 320 on the opposite side of center structure 300.

[0077] FIGS. 15A-15D show progressive placement of flooring pieces 330 over beams or tubes 200 after lateral portion 320 has been extended. FIG. 15A shows the beginning of placement. FIG. 15B shows more advanced placement. FIG. 15C shows still more advanced placement. FIG. 14D shows substantially complete placement. In these Figures, beams or tubes 200 are visible in FIGS. 15A-15C, but not in FIG. 15D, where the flooring pieces 330 is substantially completely laid over those beams or tubes 200.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, two pieces of flooring pieces 330 suffice to cover the beams or tubes 200. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that each piece of flooring pieces 330 may be sized to facilitate its placement over beams or tubes 200, in whatever number may be appropriate to permit placement of each piece.

[0079] In another aspect, repeated assembly and disassembly of the flooring structure does not result in damage to the underlying sideways extending rail structure, nor to the flooring pieces that fit over the rail structure. The lack of damage, and the resulting preserved integrity of the various components, makes deployment and redeployment more reliable.

[0080] FIG. 16, referred to earlier, provides a close-up view of channel 100 with beam or tube 200 deployed in the channel. Channel 100 may be secured to an upper surface of bottom surface material 315. A lower surface of top surface material 305 is shown to provide a non-limiting example of vertical positioning of the top and bottom surface material 305, 315 with respect to each other. The top surface material 305 may provide top surface structure, and bottom surface material 315 may provide bottom surface structure.

[0081] Embodiments of the modular floor according to various embodiments may accommodate upwards of 100 pounds per square foot of weight. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that the weight requirements and limits for different modular floor embodiments may depend on materials used, desired floor weight, and load requirements.

[0082] As also noted earlier, another aspect of the flooring structure according to embodiments is that the absence of holes in the shipping container 350 being transported preserves the integrity of the container, and provides a closed shipping container 350 that protects all of the materials and components within, including flooring pieces, shelter structures, and accessories (such as HVAC and electricity generators). Even if such a shipping container 350 were damaged in shipment or transportation, the integrity of the uncut shipping container 350 means that the materials inside will be protected from damage.

[0083] Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that, when providing integrated features such as HVAC, generators, solar panels, windows, doors, and the like, using a shipping container 350 as part of the floor or shelter limits the design and features of the floor and of the shelter. For example, if only a floor is desired out in the field or other remote area, where temporary shelters are the easiest to transport, assemble, and manipulate into desired integrated shelter structures, having the shipping container 350 be part of the structure is not helpful, and even may be counterproductive. The dimensions of a hard shipping container 350 can impose limits on area and height. Flexibility in using different kinds of soft sided shelters enables larger area for shelter structures, or higher roofs, or both.

[0084] In addition, standardized shipping containers such as ISO containers may be certified as to structural strength, enabling them to enter the world shipping system and, among other things, giving them the advantage of easy mobility for loading and unloading at ports and on trucks, trains and ships. Once a container is cut into to change it, for example to include folding walls, a window, or the like, the container's certification for shipment will be void. As noted previously, often ISO containers and other types of shipping containers may be stacked on barges. Weakened containers could endanger stevedores or other shipping personnel. According to aspects of the present invention, the inventive rail floor/shelter system does not change the structure of the container, so that the certification can remain intact. Avoiding the high cost of cutting and remodeling an ISO or other standard shipping container is another benefit.

[0085] As to the container that holds everything (and perhaps containers may be joined together for larger square footage), the disadvantages of altered containers may be multiplied. Aspects of the present invention avoid these pitfalls, providing a contained flooring structure (and in some cases, shelter structure) that is considerably easier to ship, and considerably faster and easier to deploy. Just looking at the effort involved in leveling floors in existing modular floors, aspects of the present invention enable fast and easy floor leveling. The amount of skill needed to level flooring according to aspects of the invention can be considerably less than that needed to level existing flooring.

[0086] For the various components of the inventive floor structure, many different materials may be used. In an embodiment, the I-beams or rails are made of steel, but depending on the embodiment, the I-beams or rails could be made of aluminum, magnesium, or composite. In an embodiment, the rollers are Hillman rollers that can carry one ton each. However, depending on the embodiment, but other sizes can be used. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that there may be a number of roller types that can do the job.

[0087] In one embodiment, a steel beam may be provided, into which a roller can fit. Slick (low-friction) plastic materials may be provided on the inside of the beam so that, if the roller contacts the top of the I-beam or rail, the roller will just continue to slide. The metal piece may prevent the roller from drifting off the center of the I-beam, and also may keep the roller from being lifted off the I-beam or rail.

[0088] A structural metal framework may be bolted to the rollers. In an embodiment, the framework is made of steel, but in other embodiments, other metals, such as aluminum or magnesium, or other materials, such as composites, could be used. In an embodiment, a first layer of flooring (for example, plywood) may be bolted to the framework. In an embodiment, studs are attached to the flooring. Depending on the embodiment, the studs may be made of wood. As noted elsewhere herein, the studs may be sized to accommodate a height of beams or tubes which slide laterally out of the center structure. In an embodiment, the studs may be 26. In different embodiments, the studs may be screwed or bolted to the flooring. For other types of flooring, or just as other embodiments, the studs could be made of a number of different materials, such as steel, aluminum, magnesium, or composite.

[0089] As another part of the fabrication, low-friction material bent at a right angle may be attached to the floor between the studs. In an embodiment, the low-friction material may be durable slick plastic, such as UHMW polyethylene or HDPE, though a number of plastics, coated metals, or composites may be used. In an embodiment, the angled materials are placed in parallel, two by two, to create two channels for the beams or tubes, with one beam or tube in one channel sliding out laterally from the center structure in a direction opposite that of the beam or tube in the other channel. A plurality of pairs of channels, and accompanying beams and tubes, may be employed, depending on the length of the flooring and the degree of rigidity and structural integrity required. In an embodiment, the beams or tubes may be rectangular, and may be 24. In the event that the angled material is close enough to a stud to cause the beam or tube to rub against the stud, additional low-friction material may be attached along a side of the beam or tube. Ball bearings, rollers, wheels, or the like may be used in place of or in addition to UMHW polyethylene or HDPE to slide sections of the center structure 300.

[0090] The material that covers the beams or tubes may have HDPE located above the beams or tubes so that any contact between the top of the beam or tube and the bottom of the covering material may be slick and also may provide a tighter fit. Ball bearings, rollers, wheels, or the like may be used in place of or in addition to UMHW polyethylene or HDPE to slide sections of the center structure 300.

[0091] In an embodiment, seen in FIGS. 2C-2E and more clearly in FIGS. 19D and 19E, one or more bars or studs 375 may be positioned on bottom surface material 315, between the top and bottom surface material 305, 315, to provide spacing for lateral beams or tubes 200 that fit between, so that the lateral beams or tubes can slide out from the center structure 300. In an embodiment, the bars or studs 375 may be six inches wide and one or two inches, or more, high. Depending on the embodiment, the bars or studs 375 may be made of the same material as the top and bottom surface material 305, 315. As seen in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the bars or studs 375 may be placed widthwise between the top and bottom surface material. These Figures also show guides, attached to the bars or studs 375, on which the beams or tubes 200 slide.

[0092] Modular floors according to aspects of the present invention may be constructed using a variety of materials. In one embodiment, 26 studs may be covered with bug free, insect proof or insect resistant plywood that may be thick to form portions of the flooring surface, including the surface of the center structure as well as the flooring pieces that fill in the gap when the sides of the center structure are pulled out. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that an appropriate number of studs would supply sufficient support for the plywood surface. Different sizes of studs may require different numbers of studs to support the plywood. In an embodiment, the floor portions may be insulated.

[0093] Other types of engineered woods besides plywood may be used. For example, oriented strand board (OSB), medium-density fiberboard (MDF), particle board, or other types of composite board, depending on availability and load bearing requirements, may be used, as can cross-laminated timber (CLT). Weight considerations, and sizes of flooring pieces, may direct the ordinarily skilled artisan to one type of engineered wood over another.

[0094] FIG. 17A shows I-beams or rails 270 inside shipping container 350. A sliding mechanism 1700, which is part of the center structure 300, comprises one or more slider assemblies 1710, each of which may include one or more sliders 1750 (FIG. 17C). In an embodiment, the slider assemblies 1710 may have lower lips that curl around the upper portion of the respective I-beams or rails 270, to keep the sliding mechanism 1700 on the I-beams or rails 270 as the center structure 300 moves along the I-beams or rails 270. In an embodiment, there are three pairs of enclosures and accompanying slider assemblies 1710, at opposite ends of the sliding mechanism 1700, and in the middle. Depending on the length of the shipping container 350 and the length of the sliding mechanism 1700, there may be more or fewer slider assemblies 1710.

[0095] In an embodiment, the sliders 1750 may comprise rollers and/or roller assemblies. In an embodiment, the sliders 1750 may comprise material similar to the material in center structure 300 that facilitates the sliding of beams or tubes 200 laterally away from the center structure 300. In the latter embodiment, the I-beams or rails 270 may be coated or covered with corresponding material to facilitate the sliding, although this may not be necessary, depending on the weight of center structure 300 and any other components of a completed modular floor 1000, described below and depicted in subsequent Figures.

[0096] In an embodiment, slider assemblies 1710 may be attached to each other laterally via lateral pieces 1740 and lengthwise pieces 1720, and may come down around the sides of the sliders 1750. Depending on the embodiment, bent-in portions 1715 (best seen in FIGS. 17C and 17D) at the bottom of each slider assembly 1710 may extend under the slider or sliders 1750 by one or more inches. The bent in portions can help to keep the sliders 1750 aligned and on the I-beams or rails 270. The sides of the slider assemblies 1710 can keep the sliders 1750 from moving off course horizontally. Extending the bent in portions under the sliders 1750 can keep the sliders 1750 from lifting off the I-beam or rail 420. With this resulting structure the sliders 1750 can stay on the I-beam or rail 420 by sliding the sliders 1750 off the end of the I-beam or rail 420.

[0097] FIG. 17B shows the sliding mechanism 1700 being slid onto I-beams or rails 270 inside shipping container 350. FIG. 17C shows the sliders 1750 in sliding mechanism 1700 more clearly. In an embodiment, the sliders 1750 may be rollers of the type made by Hilman Inc. Examples may be seen at https://www.hilmanrollers.com/rollers, accessed Aug. 29, 2024, and incorporated by reference herein. FIG. 17C shows the sliding mechanism 1700 slid further onto I-beams or rails 270. FIG. 17D shows a closeup view of a roller enclosure 1710 and a roller assembly 1750 as seated on top of rail 270.

[0098] FIG. 18A shows a closeup of a connection between a lateral piece 1720 and central lengthwise piece 1730 at one end of sliding mechanism 1700. In an embodiment, bolts 1725 attach angle brackets 1735 to lateral piece 1720 and lengthwise piece 1730 to hold them together. FIG. 18B shows a closeup of connections between lateral piece 1720 and two lengthwise pieces 1730 in a central portion of sliding mechanism 1700. In an embodiment, bolts 1725 attach angle brackets 1735 to lateral piece 1720 and lengthwise pieces 1730 to hold them together.

[0099] In FIGS. 19A-19E, the I-beams or rails 420 are positioned outside the shipping container 350. In an embodiment, these I-beams or rails 420 are attached to I-beams or rails 410 which in turn are attached to I-beams or rails 270 inside the shipping container 350 (FIGS. 4A-4D). An underside of the center structure 300 may have sets of sliders 1750 (not shown) attached thereto, to slide over a top flange of the I-beams or rails 270, 410, 420. A metal framework like the one in FIGS. 17A-17C may be attached to the sliders 1750 to keep the sliders 1750 aligned with each other and also to serve as structural support for a layer of material in the flooring.

[0100] Besides the Hilman type roller which uses a steel roller system, as described at the URL provided above, slides such as plastic slides may be employed. In some embodiments, bearings or wheels may be used, but may require more maintenance, making the plastic slides a more attractive option in a number of applications.

[0101] FIGS. 20A and 20B show different views of completed modular floor 1000 according to various embodiments. In these Figures, modular floor is comprised of center structure 300 with central portion 310 and accompanying flooring, left side flooring pieces 330, and right side flooring pieces 330. Each of the left and right side flooring pieces 330 sits on beams or tubes 200 (not shown) extending from center structure 300 between central portion 310 and lateral portions 320, 320. Left and right side flooring pieces may comprise a single piece each, or may comprise multiple pieces each.

[0102] In an embodiment, plywood may be employed as top and bottom sheathing for the central portion 310, left side flooring pieces 330, and right side flooring pieces 330, as well as lateral portions 320, 320. Plywood is relatively easy to work with, transport, and install. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that in different embodiments, other materials, such as plastic, composite, aluminum, or steel may be suitable, though in some cases heavier and more difficult to work with than plywood.

[0103] FIGS. 21A-21E show various views of a shelter 2000 attached to modular floor 1000. In an embodiment, the shelter 2000 may be a rapid deployment shelter. One example of such a shelter may be seen at https://camss.com/product/camss-14tac15/. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that any shelter that has a footprint no larger than the surface area of modular floor 1000 may be placed on modular floor 1000. Ordinarily skilled artisans also will appreciate that hard sided shelters as well as soft sided shelters may be deployed on modular floor 1000.

[0104] In some implementations, multiple fabric buildings can be joined together by lining the buildings up end to end or side to side, with a connector between adjacent buildings. The connector can be hard, or it can be soft (for example, fabric). In some embodiments, a track or rail made by Keder Solutions may be provided on facing ends of a pair of fabric buildings, with a fabric panel which pulls into the track or rail to connect the two buildings. The current building design includes swing in place end wall infills that can be swung out of the way or removed to allow continuous open space or one open and one closed.

[0105] In some embodiments, two buildings may be placed side by side, and then connected to double the overall building width. End to end connections also are possible, with a number of modular floors placed in that fashion and connected to provide a continuous series of floors on which buildings may be placed.

[0106] In some embodiments, a floor panel may be added between adjacent modular floors, to make the overall floor continuous. In addition, in some embodiments a level of adjacent modular floors may be adjustable by adjusting a height of the jacks under the I-beams, so that two floors connected end to end or side to side can be adjusted to be at same height. This adjustment may be particularly useful when one or both of the floors are on uneven surfaces.

[0107] In some embodiments, the I-beams or rails supporting the center structure may be curved, making it possible to move a building or shelter on the inventive modular floor into a number of different positions.

[0108] Whether a container holding the unassembled modular floor is about 20 long or about 40 long (or shorter or longer), the center structure may be expanded as described. As an example, an about 40 container can hold a modular floor that enables about a 15 wide by about 39 long floor. Putting two floors side by side would yield a footprint that is about 30 wide and about 39 long. Adding two more modular floors, each end to end with each of the two side by side floors, could yield a footprint that is about 30 wide and about 78 long. Adding two more modular floors end to end with one of the side by side floors could yield an L-shape that is about 30 about 39 in one portion and about 15 about 78 in the other portion, so that the L would be about 30 feet wide at its short portion or base, and about 117 feet long at its long portion or extension. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that any number of combinations of modular floors would be possible. Both lateral portions 320, 320 may be attached to center structure 300, as described previously. Alternatively, one of lateral portions 320, 320 may be omitted, so that there is expansion from center structure 300 only on one side. Lateral portions 320, 320 also do not have to be the same width. They can be different widths.

[0109] Fabric buildings are not the only type of building that modular floors according to aspects of the present invention will support. Containers holding the modular floor also can accommodate materials to construct solid sided buildings. In some embodiments, a building may include loft space, to take further advantage of the modular floor footprint. Depending on the type of roof on the building, there may be more or less loft space.

[0110] FIG. 22 shows a rough outline drawing of a temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure 2200 according to an embodiment. Temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure 2200 has side walls 2210, 2220, floor 2230 (which would be a modular floor according to various embodiments described herein), roof 2240, and door 2250. FIG. 22 shows roof 2240 as a lean-to roof, though other roofing structures will be apparent to ordinarily skilled artisans. A non-exhaustive list of suitable roofs may include gable roofs, cross gable roofs, hip roofs, cross hipped roofs, pyramid hip roofs, saltbox roofs, flat roofs, butterfly roofs, shed roofs, and the like. FIG. 22 shows floor 2230 of temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure 2200 on jacks 2260, for example, steel jacks.

[0111] Throughout this description and the accompanying claims, side walls, walls, partial wall, wall support, and siding pieces may be used interchangeably.

[0112] FIGS. 23A-23C show aspects of a building frame 2300 of a temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to different embodiments. In FIG. 23A, walls 2310, 2320 of building frame 2300 may be seen inside shipping container 350, attached to lateral portions 320 of center structure 300. Rails 420 provide a path along which the building frame 2300 and center structure 300 may slide out of shipping container 350. FIG. 23B shows the same structure, with walls 2310, 2320 more visible as center structure is pulled out from shipping container 350 on rails 420 as previously described.

[0113] In FIG. 23B, studs 2312, 2322 extend upwardly, and are held together at the top by boards 2314, 2324. In an embodiment, the studs 2312, 2322 may be attached directly to lateral portions 320. In an embodiment, boards 2316, 2326 may be attached to lateral portions 320, and the studs 2312, 2322 attached between boards 2314, 2324 and boards 2316, 2326.

[0114] FIG. 23C shows center structure 300 with beams or tubes 2350 slid out from under center structure 300, as part of the expansion of center structure to form modular floor 1000. In an embodiment, the center structure 300 may be expanded in any of the ways described above in the previous figures and accompanying description, enabling frame 2300 (and hence temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure such as temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure 2200) to have a number of different sizes accordingly.

[0115] Where modular floor 1000 is wider than the width of the shipping container 350, for example, when lateral portions 320, 320 are pulled away from central portion 310, additional wall pieces will be employed to complete the perimeter of building frame 2300. Like the flooring pieces 330, in an embodiment the different additional wall pieces also fit within shipping container 350.

[0116] In an embodiment, the remaining elements of a temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure 2200, to be described in more detail below, sit on center structure 300 inside shipping container 350 as they are transported. As a result, when center structure is pulled out from shipping container 350 on rails 420, all of the components of the temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure are accessible for construction of the structure.

[0117] In an embodiment, a temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure 2200 built with building frame 2300 may use 26 studs with OSB sheets, Tyvex with exterior vertical lap pine, and also aluminum sheets. As ordinarily skilled artisans will recognize, Tyvex is a brand and type of house wrap that is gas permeable (allowing gas such as water vapor to escape) but air and water impermeable. There is a range of Tyvex products which provide varying degrees of gas permeability and air/water impermeability. There are other such house wraps available. One non-limiting example is GreenGuard, which makes a range of house wraps with different degrees of gas permeability and air/water impermeability. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that this list of house wraps is not exhaustive, but is exemplary. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that other types of insulating material besides house wrap may be appropriate, depending on the environment in which the temporary or semi-permanent structure is to be deployed. Ordinarily skilled artisans also will appreciate that various types of wood, including engineered wood, such as plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), medium-density fiberboard (MDF), particle board, cross-laminated timber (CLT), or other types of composite board, may be used for the various portions of building frame 2300.

[0118] FIGS. 24A-24C are views of components of a building frame 2300 out of its container according to an embodiment. FIG. 24A shows walls 2310, 2320 covered with insulation 2330. At opposite ends and on opposite sides of the building frame 2300 are wall supports 2360, 2370. FIG. 24A also shows lower posts 2450 which form part of the support for a roof over the temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure 2200 according to an embodiment.

[0119] FIG. 24B shows many of the same elements as FIG. 24A (unnumbered), but also shows lower posts 2450, one of which has an upper post 2460 connected to it. FIG. 24C shows another post embodiment in which a single post 2470 is a unitary version of lower post 2450 and upper post 2460. FIG. 24C also shows plywood or other engineered wood 2325 as part of wall 2320.

[0120] In an embodiment, one or both walls 2310, 2320 may have an elevated section that can include remote controlled awning windows (not shown). Such a design may have a sloped lean to type roof. This design can allow for a second temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure 2200 to be placed next to the displayed structure to create a slope in each direction, to make a larger, gable roof-shaped structure. The adjoining walls or wall pieces 2320 in the adjoining temporary or semi-permanent shelter structures 2200 may be formed differently from walls or wall pieces 2310, to allow passage from one temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure 2200 to another.

[0121] FIGS. 25A-25D are views of a building frame 2300 according to an embodiment. FIG. 25A shows a view in which one of the lateral portions 320 is pulled away from central portion 310, exposing beams or tubes 2350. Flooring pieces 330 cover some of the beams or tubes 2350. Another flooring piece 330 is leaning on its side against wall 2310, and may be laid on exposed beams or tubes 2350. Wall 2310 is covered with plywood or other engineered wood 2315. In an embodiment, a door or gate 2510 may be provided as an entrance to temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure 2200. In an embodiment, door or gate 2510 may be attached to wall support 2360 by hinge 2515. Partial wall 2530 forms part of the building frame 2300. FIG. 25B shows a different view of the building frame 2300 with door or gate 2510, hinge 2515, wall support 2360, and partial wall 2530. Door or gate 2510 is attached to wall support 2360 via hinge 2515. In an embodiment, both door or gate 2510 and partial wall may be covered with plywood or other engineered wood (not shown), similarly to wall 2310 and, as discussed below, similarly to wall 2320.

[0122] FIG. 25C shows another view of door or gate 2510, partially closed, as it is swung on hinge 2515 relative to wall support 2360. FIG. 25D shows yet another view of door or gate 2510, fully closed so that one side 2518 of door or gate 2510 abuts partial wall 2530. In an embodiment, a lock or other closure structure (not shown) may keep gate or door 2510 closed.

[0123] FIG. 26 is a view of a portion of building frame 2300 according to an embodiment. In this Figure, beams or tubes 2350 are not visible. Flooring piece 330 is leaning against wall 2320. Post 2450 abuts wall 2310. Partial wall 2530 is shown in the same relative position as in FIGS. 25A-25D. FIG. 26 makes it a little easier to see that partial wall 2530 is in a different location from wall support 2370 relative to an edge of center structure 300. FIG. 26 also shows plywood or other engineered wood 2325 as part of wall 2520

[0124] FIGS. 27A-27E, 28A-28G, and 29A and 29B show various elements of a roof for the temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to various embodiments. These Figures show various roofing pieces or roofing elements which may be referred to in more detail herein as a post or posts, a roofing frame, roof support portions, roof support pieces, roof raising supports, and/or roof braces.

[0125] FIGS. 27A-27E are progressive views of deployment of a roofing frame 2700 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 27A, roof support portion 2710, comprising roof support pieces 2712, 2714, and 2716 are shown wrapped around a partial wall 2530. This arrangement may be provided for more compact storage of temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure 2200 inside shipping container 350. A further roof support piece 2718 is shown atop wall 2310. FIG. 27B shows another view of roof support portion 2710, and also shows roof support piece 2720 on wall 2320, as well as roof support piece 2710 on wall 2310. FIG. 27B also shows door or gate 2510. Flooring pieces 330 are partially deployed, with other flooring pieces 330 available to be laid over beams or tubes 2350. FIG. 27B further shows plywood or other engineered wood 2325 as part of wall 2320.

[0126] FIG. 27C shows a beginning of deployment of roof support portion 2710, with roof support pieces 2712 and 2714 being lifted off partial wall 2530. Roof support piece 2714 is to be mated with roof support piece 2720 on top of wall 2320. FIG. 27D shows roof support piece mated with roof support piece 2710 on top of wall 2320.

[0127] FIGS. 28A-28G are additional views of deployment of roof structure according to an embodiment. In FIGS. 28A and 28B, roof support portion 2710 are shown fully deployed on walls 2310, 2320. FIG. 28A shows a roof raising support 2810 which, as will be seen below, rises to provide support for roof 2850 (not shown). FIGS. 28C and 28D show post 2460 which is raised, over connection piece 2480, with roof raising support 2810 and roof support pieces 2712, 2714, 2716, and 2718 in the foreground and background. In an embodiment, roof 2850 (not shown) is placed over raised roof raising support 2810 and roof support pieces 2712, 2714, 2716, and 2718. The arrangement in FIGS. 28C and 28D facilitates the fabrication of a lean-to roof, which was discussed earlier. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28C and 28D, the roof raising support 2810 and roof support pieces 2712, 2714, 2716, and 2718 are raised over wall 2310. Depending on the embodiment, roof raising support 2810 and roof support pieces 2712, 2714, 2716, and 2718 may be raised over wall 2320, as FIG. 28G shows.

[0128] Raising the roof raising support 2810 and roof support pieces 2712, 2714, 2716, and 2718 may be accomplished in a number of different ways, as ordinarily skill artisans will appreciate. In one embodiment, cranking mechanisms (not shown) may raise extension piece 2460 over connection piece 2480, thereby raising roof raising support 2810 and accompanying roof support portions 2710. In another embodiment, jack type of mechanism may raise roof raising support 2810 and accompanying roof support portions 2710. In an embodiment, all of the roof support portions 2710 rise in tandem with roof raising support 2810.

[0129] In an embodiment, unitary post 2470 may be raised, with extension piece 2480 being visible near the bottom of post 2470, rather than between posts 2450 and 2460 as shown in FIGS. 28C-28G.

[0130] FIGS. 29A and 29B are yet additional views of deployment of roof structure according to an embodiment. Roof brace(s) 2910 connect roof support portions 2710. FIG. 29A shows roof brace(s) 2910 connecting three roof support portions 2710. FIG. 29B shows roof brace 2910 connecting two of the roof support portions 2710. FIGS. 29A and 29B also show plywood or other engineered wood 2315 as part of wall 2310.

[0131] Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that a gable roof can provide more space underneath it than a hip roof will. A hip roof may be easier to assemble than a gable roof. Depending on the shape of a building, a lean-to roof may be appropriate, as just noted. When two buildings with lean-to roofs are put together, the resulting roof can have a gable shape (when the taller sides are joined), or a butterfly shape (when the shorter sides are joined). When multiple buildings are joined together, the overall roof could have the shape of a cross gabled roof or a cross hipped roof, or a combination of gabled and hipped roof, depending on the embodiment.

[0132] Ordinarily skilled artisans also will appreciate that the modular floor 1000 according to aspects of the present invention is not limited in application to flooring for a shelter. Other applications may include a stage area for music or other live performances, or a podium area for lecturers or speakers, in some cases with screens on which the lecturers can project text or pictures to accompany lectures. In an embodiment, for the stage area, such as amplifiers and lights, or for the podium area, such as the screens and the podium, may be stored within shipping container 350 along with the modular flooring structure.

[0133] In an embodiment, once the modular floor is constructed outside of the shipping container 350, the I-beams or rails 420 supporting the modular floor may be disconnected from the shipping container 350 by disconnecting the I-beams or rails 420 from I-beams or rails 410, for example, by removing bolts 450 from plates 425. In an embodiment, I-beams or rails 410 that connect to rails in shipping container 350 are shorter than I-beams or rails 420 that support the center structure 300. Once the floor is constructed, the shipping container 350 may be removed. The shipping container 350 may be moved offsite. In some instances, the shipping container 350 may be used for other applications, such as additional storage, or deployment of other accessories, such as solar panels.

[0134] Hospitals, military, federal agencies, schools, large construction companies, mining companies, marketing companies, and data centers and the like can benefit from quickly deployable modular flooring structures and temporary or semi-permanent shelter structures that can ship easily, and can be used for multiple deployments, with proper care.

[0135] The ability to take advantage of standard low cost regular service commercial shipping with standard shipping containers enables the ready transportation of a building with traditional construction materials, including not only the modular flooring and shelter structures, but also insulation, to locations around the world. With storage of a shelter or building, or multiple shelters or buildings within the shipping container, the container with the flooring structure and shelter(s) or building(s) may be placed anywhere for storage and then quickly deployed, or moved to an alternative location. For example, a hospital may need overflow space in case of emergencies for screening patients, clinics or bed space. With a container holding flooring structure and shelter/building materials, hospital needs may be quickly met. In embodiments, the flooring and shelter/building structure can be disassembled and returned to the container when the need has ended, and redeployed again the next time the need arises.

[0136] In embodiments involving a shelter, a number of other accessories and other equipment may be stored in the container to provide a self-contained fully functional modular flooring and shelter system. Generators, electronic control units (ECU), and the like may be included. Depending on the embodiment, these accessories may be retained in the container, or may be deployed within a constructed shelter, or may be left as standalone units outside of the constructed shelter in the event that the container is moved, or is employed for other purposes such as storage.

[0137] Aspects of the shelter design include insulation. Depending on the embodiment, the modular floor may include insulation, but ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that insulation would not serve a particularly useful purpose in a standalone (open air) floor, and in fact could obscure details of the flooring structure which may require maintenance or the like. Embodiments of the flooring and shelter system may include a built in DC powered HVAC with LED lights in the shelter. In an embodiment, solar panels may be placed on the top of the container to provide power. Battery storage may be included for night operations.

[0138] Floor and corresponding shelter sizes can vary with the size of container used. For example, there are several different ISO containers available from standard height and about 20 or about 40 length, to others with HiCube dimensions. There also are about 10 and about 45 ISO containers. As noted earlier, there are many other available shorter or longer shipping containers of varying heights. Such containers can store flooring and shelters of different sizes.

[0139] In an embodiment that enables a more permanent application, a building can be constructed over a poured concrete footing. The inventive modular floor may be rolled onto the pre-prepared footing to create a crawl space.

[0140] Equipped buildings include offices, medical clinics, classrooms, computer data storage, hospitality venues and housing as examples. The buildings may include preinstalled electrical, plumbing, lighting, insulation and HVAC (heating and cooling). In an embodiment, the equipment may be prepositioned so it is ready to go when deployed from a container.

[0141] Depending on the embodiment, there are a number of materials that may be used to fabricate the inventive modular floor and/or building, depending on the embodiment. Materials may include wood, aluminum, steel, magnesium, and a number of composites. Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that this materials list is not exhaustive. Other materials and/or combinations of materials may be employed, where strength and weight are more prominent considerations, and strong light weight structures are desirable.

[0142] Ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that, to the extent that distinct embodiments are described herein, combinations of any of the various features in such distinct embodiments are within the contemplation of the invention. In some cases, combinations of different embodiments of different aspects of the inventive temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure are within the contemplation of the invention. In some cases, combinations of different embodiments of different aspects of the inventive flooring structure are within the contemplation of the invention.

[0143] Aspects of the present invention also are described in the following clauses:

[0144] CLAUSE 1. A modular flooring system to construct a modular floor, the system comprising: [0145] a center structure sized to fit within a standard shipping container and having one or more first flooring pieces; [0146] wherein the center structure comprises: [0147] a support mechanism, positioned under a top surface of the one or more first flooring pieces, and extendable laterally from the center structure; and [0148] a sliding mechanism, sized to fit within the standard shipping container and positioned beneath the center structure, to facilitate sliding of the center structure from within the standard shipping container; [0149] the modular flooring system further comprising one or more second flooring pieces, sized to fit within the standard shipping container and placed on the support mechanism extended from the center structure adjacent to the one or more first flooring pieces, to form the modular floor.

[0150] CLAUSE 2. The modular flooring system according to clause 1, wherein the center structure further comprises: [0151] a top surface structure comprising the one or more first flooring pieces; [0152] a bottom surface structure on an underside of the center structure; and [0153] one or more beams or studs extending between the top surface structure and the bottom surface structure.

[0154] CLAUSE 3. The modular flooring system according to clause 1 or clause 2, further comprising the standard shipping container.

[0155] CLAUSE 4. The modular flooring system according to clause 3, wherein the modular flooring system contains the center structure within the standard shipping container.

[0156] CLAUSE 5. The modular flooring system according to clause 3, wherein the modular flooring system contains the sliding mechanism within the standard shipping container.

[0157] CLAUSE 6. The modular flooring system according to clause 3, wherein the modular flooring system contains the one or more second flooring pieces within the standard shipping container.

[0158] CLAUSE 7. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the standard shipping container is selected to facilitate intermodal freight transport.

[0159] CLAUSE 8. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the standard shipping container is selected from the group consisting of an International Standard Organization (ISO) container, a North American container, a Canadian container, a European pallet wide container, an Australian Railways of Australia Container Express (RACE) container, a Container for Export (CONEX) box, or a military or defense standard (MIL-STD) container.

[0160] CLAUSE 9. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the standard shipping container is sized according to an International Standard Organization (ISO) standard.

[0161] CLAUSE 10. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the sliding mechanism engages with one or more internal I-beams or rails on a floor of the standard shipping container to facilitate the sliding of the center structure out of the standard shipping container.

[0162] CLAUSE 11. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the sliding mechanism engages with one or more external I-beams or rails, positioned outside of the standard shipping container, to facilitate the sliding of the center structure out of the standard shipping container.

[0163] CLAUSE 12. The modular flooring system according to clause 11, wherein the internal I-beams or rails and external I-beams or rails form a continuous path along which the center structure slides out of the standard shipping container.

[0164] CLAUSE 13. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the modular floor comprises the one or more second flooring pieces, placed on the support mechanism when extended, adjacent to the one or more first flooring pieces in the center structure.

[0165] CLAUSE 14. The modular flooring system according to clause 13, wherein the one or more second flooring pieces are in contact with the one or more first flooring pieces.

[0166] CLAUSE 15. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises: [0167] one or more sliding assemblies which engage respectively with the one or more internal I-beams or rails on the floor of the standard shipping container; and [0168] one or more lateral pieces and one or more lengthwise pieces to connect the one or more sliding assemblies to each other.

[0169] CLAUSE 16. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 1 to 14, wherein each of the one or more sliding assemblies comprise one of low-friction material or one or more rollers, wherein the one of low-friction material or one or more rollers contact the internal I-beams or rails to enable the center structure to slide out of the standard shipping container.

[0170] CLAUSE 17. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 1 to 16, wherein there are at least two second flooring pieces, and the support mechanism comprises: [0171] a first plurality of extensions, extendable away from the center structure in a first lateral direction to support at least one of the at least two second flooring pieces.

[0172] CLAUSE 18. The modular flooring system according to clause 17, wherein the support mechanism further comprises: [0173] a second plurality of extensions, extendable away from the center structure in a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction, to support at least another of the at least two second flooring pieces.

[0174] CLAUSE 19. The modular flooring system according to clause 18, wherein the first and second pluralities of extensions comprise beams or tubes.

[0175] CLAUSE 20. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 1 to 19, wherein the center structure further comprises channels through which the first and second pluralities of extensions travel.

[0176] CLAUSE 21. The modular flooring system according to clause 20, wherein the channels comprise one of low-friction material, ball bearings, or wheels.

[0177] CLAUSE 22. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 1 to 21, wherein the first and second flooring pieces are made of a material selected from the group consisting of engineered wood, composites, and metals.

[0178] CLAUSE 23. The modular flooring system according to clause 22, wherein the engineered wood is selected from the group consisting of plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), medium-density fiberboard (MDF), particle board, other composite board, and cross-laminated timber (CLT).

[0179] CLAUSE 24. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 19 to 23, wherein the beams or tubes comprise materials selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, magnesium, and composites.

[0180] CLAUSE 25. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 15 to 24, wherein the at least one lateral piece and the at least one lengthwise piece comprise materials selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, magnesium, and composites.

[0181] CLAUSE 26. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 11 to 25, further comprising the one or more external I-beams or rails.

[0182] CLAUSE 27. The modular flooring system according to any of clauses 11 to 26, wherein the external I-beams or rails comprise a material selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, and magnesium.

[0183] CLAUSE 28. A modular shelter system comprising: [0184] a modular flooring system according to any of clauses 1 to 27; and [0185] a shelter structure, sized to fit on the modular flooring system, and comprising components sized to fit within the standard shipping container.

[0186] CLAUSE 29. A temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure comprising: [0187] a modular floor comprising a center structure; [0188] a modular shelter having a plurality of first siding pieces and a plurality of second siding pieces, wherein the plurality of first siding pieces and the second plurality of siding pieces form a perimeter of the temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure; [0189] wherein the center structure, the plurality of first siding pieces, and the plurality of second siding pieces sized to fit within a standard shipping container; [0190] wherein the modular shelter comprises: [0191] at least two of the plurality of first siding pieces comprising opposed walls; [0192] wherein the center structure comprises: [0193] a central portion comprising one or more first flooring pieces; [0194] at least two lateral portions surrounding said central portion each of the opposed walls being attached to at least one of the at least two lateral portions; and [0195] a sliding mechanism, sized to fit within the standard shipping container and positioned beneath the center structure, to facilitate sliding of the center structure from within the standard shipping container.

[0196] CLAUSE 30. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to clause 29, wherein: [0197] the modular floor further comprises: [0198] one or more second flooring pieces; and [0199] a support mechanism, positioned under the central portion, and extendable laterally from the central portion to accommodate placement of the one or more second flooring pieces adjacent to the one or more first flooring pieces to form the modular floor; [0200] wherein the one or more second flooring pieces, along with the center structure, the plurality of first siding pieces, and the plurality of second siding pieces, are sized to fit within the standard shipping container.

[0201] CLAUSE 31. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to clause 29 or clause 30, further comprising a roof comprising a plurality of roofing pieces, which, along with the one or more second flooring pieces, the center structure, the plurality of first siding pieces, and the plurality of second siding pieces, are sized to fit within the standard shipping container.

[0202] CLAUSE 32. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to clause 31, wherein the roof is selected from the group consisting of gable roofs, cross gable roofs, hip roofs, cross hipped roofs, pyramid hip roofs, saltbox roofs, flat roofs, butterfly roofs, or shed roofs.

[0203] CLAUSE 33. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to clause 31 or clause 32, wherein the plurality of roofing pieces comprise one or more roof support portions extending between the opposed walls.

[0204] CLAUSE 34. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to any of clauses 31 to 33, wherein the plurality of roofing pieces comprise one or more posts to which the one or more roof support portions attach.

[0205] CLAUSE 35. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to any of clauses 31 to 34, wherein the plurality of roofing pieces comprise one or more braces connected between respective ones of the one or more roof support portions.

[0206] CLAUSE 36. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to any of clauses 29 to 35, wherein at least one of the plurality of second siding pieces comprises a door or gate.

[0207] CLAUSE 37. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to any of clauses 31 to 36, wherein at least one of the plurality of second siding pieces comprises a partial wall attached to the center structure and wherein at least one of the one or more roof support portions is configured to wrap around the center structure to be deployable therefrom.

[0208] CLAUSE 38. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to clause 36 or clause 37, further comprising a hinge to attach the door to one of the opposed walls, and wherein the partial wall abuts the door or gate when the door or gate is closed.

[0209] CLAUSE 39. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to any of clauses 29 to 38, wherein each of the opposed walls is attached to one of the at least two lateral portions within the standard shipping container prior to deployment of the temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure.

[0210] CLAUSE 40. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to any of clauses 29 to 39, wherein the center structure further comprises: [0211] a top surface structure comprising the one or more first flooring pieces; [0212] a bottom surface structure on an underside of the center structure; and [0213] one or more beams or studs extending between the top surface structure and the bottom surface structure.

[0214] CLAUSE 41. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to clause 29, wherein there are at least two second flooring pieces, and the support mechanism comprises: [0215] a first plurality of extensions, extendable away from the center structure in a first lateral direction to support at least one of the at least two second flooring pieces.

[0216] CLAUSE 42. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to clause 41, wherein the support mechanism further comprises: [0217] a second plurality of extensions, extendable away from the center structure in a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction, to support at least another of the at least two second flooring pieces.

[0218] CLAUSE 43. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to clause 41 or clause 42, wherein the first and second pluralities of extensions comprise beams or tubes.

[0219] CLAUSE 44. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to clause 43, wherein the beams or tubes comprise materials selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, magnesium, and composites.

[0220] CLAUSE 45. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to any of clauses 29 to 44, wherein the first and second flooring pieces are made of a material selected from the group consisting of engineered wood, composites, and metals.

[0221] CLAUSE 46. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure according to clause 45, wherein the engineered wood is selected from the group consisting of plywood, strand board (OSB), medium-density fiberboard (MDF), particle board, other composite board, and cross-laminated timber (CLT).

[0222] CLAUSE 47. A temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure system comprising the temporary or semi-permanent structure according to any of clause 29 to 46 and the standard shipping container.

[0223] CLAUSE 48. The temporary or semi-permanent shelter structure system according to any of clauses 29 to 47, wherein the standard shipping container is selected from the group consisting of an International Standard Organization (ISO) container, a North American container, a Canadian container, a European pallet wide container, an Australian Railways of Australia Container Express (RACE) container, a Container for Export (CONEX) box, or a military or defense standard (MIL-STD) container.

[0224] While the invention has been described in detail above with reference to several embodiments, ordinarily skilled artisans will appreciate that variations within the scope and spirit of the invention are possible. For example, about describes a range of plus or minus 10% of the number in question. Accordingly, the invention should be construed as limited only by the scope of the following claims.