Systems and utility modules for buildings

Details Systems and utility modules for buildings Systems and utility modules for buildings

1999-06-21

2001-10-30

Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)

Static structures (e.g., buildings)

Preassembled subenclosure or substructure section of unit or...

C052S034000, C052S220300, C137S360000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06308465

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to systems and utility modules for buildings such as modular buildings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional methods for constructing buildings are inefficient and expensive. For example, expensive foundations, time consuming “stick construction” methods, and specialized wiring and plumbing requirements in buildings contribute to the inefficiency and expense of constructing buildings according to traditional methods.
A major cost of construction is the installation of utility lines such as plumbing, electrical wiring, ducting, and communications lines within a building. For example, the installation of utility lines in buildings is typically performed by many different building trades (e.g., plumbers, electricians) at the site of construction. The use of such skilled labor at the site of construction is costly and time consuming.
The cost of installing utilities in buildings is even greater if the construction site is at a remote location (e.g., a location which does not have a suitable utility infrastructure). Even if utility services are available at the remote location, skilled personnel must travel to the remote location to install utility lines within the building being constructed. Consequently, the construction of buildings at remote locations can be especially costly and time consuming. As the cost of real estate in dense population centers continues to increase, constructing buildings in less expensive remote locations becomes more desirable.
Accordingly, improved systems and methods for constructing buildings such as modular buildings are desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the invention is directed to a utility module comprising: a body including a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an edge region between the first and second surfaces; a utility line within the body; a first coupling element at the edge region; and a second coupling element at the first surface in communication with the first coupling element via the utility line, wherein the first coupling element is capable of being coupled to a third coupling element by moving the first coupling element in a single direction towards the third coupling element.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a wall structure comprising: a utility module; and a structural insulated panel disposed adjacent to the utility module, wherein the utility module comprises a body including a generally planar first surface, a generally planar second surface opposite the first surface, and an edge region between the first and second surfaces, a utility line within the body, a first coupling element at the edge region, and a second coupling element at the first surface in communication with the first coupling element via the utility line.
Yet another embodiment of the invention is directed to a utility service and distribution system comprising: a utility service system comprising a fuel cell; and a utility distribution system operatively coupled to the utility service system, wherein the utility distribution system comprises a plurality of utility modules coupled together via quick-connect coupling elements on respective adjacent utility modules to provide communication between utility lines in the adjacent utility modules.
These and other embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below.


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R-Control® Structural Building Panel for Residential and Commercial Construction, Manufactured by Premier Building Systems, 8 pages (1994).

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