Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Barrier or major section mounted for in situ repositioning;... – Hinged to swing from vertical to nonvertical
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-23
2001-07-03
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Barrier or major section mounted for in situ repositioning;...
Hinged to swing from vertical to nonvertical
C052S068000, C052S071000, C052S143000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253498
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to self-contained, modular building systems and methods for their deployment and storage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The desirability of sturdy, reliable, readily transportable, and easily deployed temporary shelters has been recognized since the dawn of time. Over the millennia, a variety of tent structures have been developed and are used to this day. New flexible, strong materials, such as Fibreglas®, polycarbonate, and other high-strength, lightweight, flexible polymeric materials have enabled new designs, for example “dome” tents, but these do not provide the maximum interior space often required for extended use. Nor do tents provide a sturdy, reliable structure that is durable enough for long-term use and that is capable of withstanding a variety of extreme environmental conditions.
While modular structures created from pre-fabricated parts are known, they also are limited in their application. Although such structures may allow for sturdier, more durable, and larger-sized shelter than do tents, they are not lightweight and do not provide the compactability when stored, portability, and ease of deployment required in many circumstances. Even other approaches developed for smaller transportable buildings that unfold in different ways are severely limited in their applicability. For example, one known structure folds in an accordion-like fashion. However, by virtue of its design, in order for it to fit into a standard shipping container it is limited to relatively small structures. Other known systems that employ folding, hinged panels have very complicated hinge mechanisms and require expensive, complicated tracks and leveling devices in order that the structure may be deployed without the hinge mechanisms jamming. In addition, such structures are severely limited in the terrain in which they may be deployed.
The ideal modular, non-permanent structure would be capable of long-term use under a variety of environmental and field conditions. It would be relatively lightweight, self-contained, and easily deployable. The ideal structure would be capable of being stored compactly in a rigid container that is optimally suitable for shipping.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide modular building systems that overcome the deficiencies of known temporary structures.
It is another object of the present invention to provide modular building systems that create a structure that is sturdy, reliable, readily transportable, and easily deployed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide modular building systems that create a structure that is self-contained when stored in a compact container that is suitable for shipping.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide modular building systems that create a structure that allows each pre-deployed segment to be moved through the interior of previously deployed segments of the shelter before its expansion
The present invention relates to self-contained, modular building systems capable of providing relatively rigid, stable temporary structures that are sturdy, reliable, readily transportable, and easily deployed. The modules of the present invention each consist of various panels that fold compactly for shipping, but which easily deploy into complete building segments. An important feature of the systems of the present invention is that the size of the structures that they create is limited only by the size of the container used. Furthermore, a structure built using the systems of the present invention can be combined with one or more other like or compatible such structures to form a still larger structure that can also vary not only in its dimensions, but also in its configuration. For example, two rectangular structures could be combined to form one elongated rectangular structure, a T-shaped structure, or an L-shaped structure. Other combinations and possibilities are limited only by the number, design, and dimensions of the modules used and by the imagination of the designer/builder.
The systems of the present invention are unique in that they allow a large surface area of panels to be stored efficiently in a container from which they may be conveniently deployed. This results in temporary structures that have the maximum height, width, length, and floor area possible for a structure that is self-contained in one shipping container.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description hereof which includes numerous illustrative examples of the practice of the invention, with reference being made to the following figures:
REFERENCES:
patent: 414976 (1889-11-01), Harvey
patent: 2701038 (1955-02-01), Mooney
patent: 2751635 (1956-06-01), Donnahue
patent: 2883713 (1959-04-01), Zug
patent: 2890498 (1959-06-01), Bigelow
patent: 3653165 (1972-04-01), West
patent: 4742653 (1988-05-01), Napier
patent: 4989379 (1991-02-01), Suzuki
patent: 5596843 (1997-01-01), Watson
Friedman Carl D.
Kazak Composites, Inc.
McDermott Kevin
Weingarten, Schurgin Gagnebin & Hayes LLP
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