Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Log wall-type construction
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-18
2001-08-14
Callo, Laura A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Log wall-type construction
C052S282100, C052S586100, C052S592600, C052S775000, C052S780000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06272802
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a modular building system, and more particularly pertains to a building system employing interlocking construction elements.
2. Description of the Related Art
The world population has grown at an exponential rate in recent decades. One of the biggest problems created by surging population figures is housing. An even bigger problem is the absence of affordable housing. Housing costs are typically driven by two factors: the cost of building materials; and the cost of labor. The cost of labor, in turn, is dictated by the time necessary to build a structure and the skill level of the laborers. One of the many efforts to decrease housing costs comes in the form of modular housing. Through modular housing, both material costs and labor costs can be drastically reduced.
Often times these modular systems utilize concrete or mortar slabs in constructing the final product. Examples of such systems include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,359,825 to Makarov; U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,488 to Lee; U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,352 to Low; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,729.
Other efforts at modular systems employ multiple disconnectable fasteners or elaborate tongue-in-groove systems. Examples of these efforts include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,609,003 to Jouty and U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,651 to Ford. Still yet other modular systems are primarily designed for structures other than dwellings. An example of such is U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,829 to Matiere.
While each of these modular systems achieves its particular objective, they all have a common result: a modular structure that looks modular.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improvement which overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art devices and provides an improvement which is a significant contribution to the advancement of modular home construction.
Another object of this invention is to enable modular construction systems to produce dwellings with a non-modular appearance.
Another object of the present invention is to permit a dwelling to be constructed from building elements that are easily interconnected.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modular system which comprises individual building elements which are inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to create a modular construction system that allows for the modular incorporation of doors and windows at desired locations.
The foregoing has outlined some of the pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
For the purpose of summarizing the invention, this invention comprises a modular building system employing interlocking building elements. Through the use of the system dwellings can be easily constructed and maintained.
The system employs many different building elements, one of which is a fastening piece. This fastening piece has a scarf joint formed within a forward edge of the piece running the entire length of the first surface.
First and second assembly pieces constitute additional building elements of the system. Each of the pieces includes a first scarf joint formed proximate a rearward edge of the piece which runs the length of the outer surface. Likewise, a second scarf joint is formed proximate the forward edge of the piece and runs the length of the inner surface. Additionally, a transverse scarf joint is formed perpendicular to the second scarf joint and runs the entire width of the first end. This transverse scarf joint is interconnected to the first end of the fastening piece. In a similar fashion, the transverse scarf joint of the second assembly piece is interconnected to the second end of the fastening piece.
Additional building elements are present in the form of a series of panels. Each of the panels is defined by a rounded forward surface and a planar rearward surface. The panels additionally include upstanding upper and side edges, and a lower scarf joint. The panels are adapted to be slid in between the first and second assembly pieces, with the upstanding side edges being received within the second scarf joints of the assembly pieces and with the upstanding upper edge of each panel being positioned within the scarf joint of the adjacent panel. In this manner a fluid tight seal is created between adjacent panels.
Finally, a second fastening piece is secured to the second ends of the first and second assembly pieces with the series of panels secured therebetween. The first and second assembly pieces, the first and second fastening pieces, and the series of panels thus form a complete modular unit. An elongated joining piece can be secured within the facing first scarf joints of adjacent assembly pieces to permit the coupling of adjacent modular units.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
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patent: 5359825 (1994-11-01), Makarov
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patent: 5609003 (1997-03-01), Jouty
patent: 5638651 (1997-06-01), Ford
patent: 5643488 (1997-07-01), Lee
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Callo Laura A.
Holland & Knight LLP
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