"Building Structure"

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to building structure.

The invention has been devised particularly, although not solely, as a building structure that can be transported in a disassembled condition and erected on site. The invention is particularly applicable to a building structure which provides accommodation.

Background Art

There are various locations which are somewhat remote in terms of the availability of building materials and also construction services. For such locations, it is advantageous to utilise a building structure which can be readily transported to site in a disassembled condition and then erected on site without the need for a large team of construction personnel covering a variety of building trades.

Furthermore, in some locations there may be a need for temporary accommodation rather than permanent accommodation. This can be the case at tourist locations which are seasonal. In such circumstances, it may be advantageous to provide a structure which can be readily assembled to provide accommodation throughout the tourist season, and then disassembled and relocated for use elsewhere during the off-season period.

Disclosure of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a building structure comprising a frame structure for supporting a roof, the frame structure comprising columns, a base frame for supporting a floor, and a roof frame for supporting a roof covering, the base frame being mounted on the columns, and the roof frame comprising a plurality of roof frame elements, each roof frame

element being elongate and having opposed ends, the roof frame elements being connected together at one end thereof to provide a roof apex, each roof frame element extending outwardly from the roof apex to be supported intermediate the ends thereof on a respective one of the columns, each roof frame element extending beyond the respective column and the outer end section thereof being supported on a brace, one end of the brace being connected to the roof frame element and the other end of the brace being connected to part of the frame structure.

Preferably, said part of the frame structure to which each brace is connected comprises the column on which the respective roof frame element is supported.

The outer end section of at least some of the roof frame elements may be supported by two braces, one of which comprises the brace connected to the column and the other of which comprises a brace connected to a part of the base frame.

Preferably, the part of the base frame to which the other brace is connected comprises a section of the base frame extending beyond the confines defined by the columns.

Preferably, the roof frame elements are located at corners of the roof.

Preferably, the roof frame further comprises intermediate roof frame elements extending outwardly from the apex between adjacent columns.

Preferably, each intermediate roof frame element is supported on an intermediate brace, one end of the intermediate brace being connected to the intermediate frame element and the other end of the intermediate brace being connected to a member extending between the respective adjacent columns.

The member extending between the adjacent columns may comprise a frame element or a wall member.

The roof may further comprise a roof covering supported on the roof frame.

The roof covering may comprise pliant sheeting such as canvas or other appropriate fabric including synthetic fabric, or any appropriate synthetic sheet material.

The pliant nature of the roof covering allows it to assume a compact condition for storage and transportation. Typically, the pliant sheet material is adapted to be folded into the compact condition.

The building structure may further comprise walls defining an enclosed interior beneath the roof. The walls may be defined by an enclosure received within the frame structure.

The walls may comprise rigid walls or alternatively flexible walls formed from pliant sheeting. In the latter case, the pliant sheeting may be of the same material type which forms the roof covering.

The enclosure may also define a ceiling for the enclosed interior.

At least some of the frame components may be adapted to be assembled into a package for transportation and storage, the package comprising a receptacle (such as a box) constructed from certain frame components for receiving other frame components.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a building structure comprising a frame structure adapted to be assembled from various frame components, at least some of the frame components being adapted to be assembled into a package for transportation and storage, the package comprising a receptacle constructed from certain frame components for receiving other frame components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of two specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is schematic perspective view of a building structure according to a first embodiment, shown in the assembled condition;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a package incorporating components from which the building structure according to the first embodiment is assembled;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the first stage of the erection process of the building structure according to the first embodiment, involving erection of columns forming part of a frame structure for the building structure;

Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a further stage of the erection process, illustrating in particular installation of a base frame for supporting a floor and also installation of a roof frame;

Figure 5 is a view similar to figure 4, with the exception that additional elements of the base frame have been installed;

Figure 6 is a view similar to figure 5, with the exception that flooring and decking have been installed in position on the base frame;

Figure 7 is a schematic side view of figure 5;

Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of figure 5;

Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a further stage of the erection process, involving installation of an enclosure providing walls and a ceiling for the interior of the building structure;

Figure 10 is a schematic front elevational view of the erected building structure as shown in figure 1 ;

Figure 11 is a schematic side view of the erected building structure as shown in figure 1 ;

Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a building structure according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a box containing some components for erection of the building structure according to the second embodiment;

Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view showing erection of the building structure according to the second embodiment;

Figure 15 is a view similar to figure 15 showing the building structure in a further stage of the erection process, including in particular installation of the roof frame;

Figure 16 is also a schematic perspective view showing the building structure in a further stage of the erection process, including in particular installation of the flooring;

Figure 17 is also a schematic perspective view showing the building structure in a further stage of the erection process including in particular installation of several wall panels;

Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 17, with the exception that a further wall panel is shown installed;

Figure 19 is also a view similar to Figure 17, with the exception that a still further wall panel is shown installed;

Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of the building structure in a further stage of the erection process showing in particular a frame structure for a ceiling; and

Figure 21 is a fragmentary view somewhat similar to Figure 20, with the exception that ceiling panels are shown installed on the ceiling frame structure.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

The embodiments are each directed to a building structure which can be erected on site from components transported to the erection site as a package.

Referring now to figures 1 to 11 , the building structure 10 according to the first embodiment incorporates aspects of a tent in the sense that it has side walls and a roof covering formed of flexible material such as canvas.

The building structure 10 comprises a frame structure 11 which supports a base 13 defining an inside floor 15 and an outside deck 17, as well as sidewalls 19 and a roof 21.

The sidewalls 19 are defined by an enclosure 23 formed of pliant material (such as canvas), as will be explained in more detail later. The roof 21 includes a roof covering 25 also formed of pliant material (again such as canvas), as will be explained in more detail later.

The flexible enclosure 23 and the flexible roof covering 25 can each be folded into a compact condition for the purposes of transportation and storage.

The various components of the frame structure 11 can be assembled into a package 29 for transportation and storage. The package 29 is delivered to the

site where the building 10 is to be erected, along with the enclosure 23 and the roof covering 25 in the compact (folded) condition. The construction and arrangement of the package 29 will be described in detail later.

The frame structure 11 comprises columns 31 positioned to define the general confines (perimeter) of the building. In this embodiment, there are four columns 31 corresponding to the generally rectangular configuration of the building 10. Each column 31 has a foot 32 adapted to rest on the ground or alternatively to be attached to any appropriate foundation such as a footing.

The columns 31 support a base frame 33 on which the inside floor 15 and the outside deck 17 are supported. The base frame 33 comprises two bearers 35 positioned in opposed relationship and joists 37 extending between the bearers.

Each bearer 35 extends between two respective columns 31 and also extends outwardly beyond one of those columns at the location of the outside deck 17.

The outer end of the bearer 35 is supported on a stump 39 upstanding from the ground. Each bearer 35 is formed in two sections, being an inner section 35a extending between the respective columns 31 and outer section 35b extending between one of the columns and the stump 39.

The inner sections 35a of the bearers 35 and secured to the respective columns 31 by joints in the form of bolted connections. Similarly, the outer sections 35b are secured to the respective columns 31 and stumps 39 by joints in the form of bolted connections. Further, the joists 37 are secured between the bearers 35 by joints in the form of bolted connections.

The inside floor 15 comprises panels 16 which are fixed to the joists 37, and the outside deck 17 comprises boards 18 also fixed to the joists.

The frame structure 11 further comprises a peripheral wall frame 41 mounted on the columns 31 adjacent the upper end thereof. The peripheral wall frame 41 comprises a plurality of frame elements 43 each extending between adjacent columns 31 and secured thereto by joints in the form of bolted connections.

The frame structure 11 further comprises a roof frame 45. The roof frame 45 comprises a plurality of frame elements 50, including first frame elements 51 and second frame elements 52, each of elongate form.

The first frame elements 51 are located at the corners of the roof 21 and are connected together at one end through hub 53 to provide a roof apex 54. The first frame elements 51 are joined to the hub 53 by bolted connections. Each first frame element 51 extends outwardly and downwardly from the roof apex 54 to be supported intermediate the ends thereof on a respective one of the columns 31. Specifically, each first frame element 51 is connected to the upper end of the respective column 31 by a joint 55. In this embodiment, the joint 55 comprises a bolted connection. The first frame element 51 extends beyond the column 31 and is supported at its outer end by a first brace 57. The first brace 57 is connected at one end to the outer end of the first frame element 51 at joint 59 and is connected at the other end to the column 31 at a location adjacent the base frame 33 by joint 61. Again, in this embodiment, the joints 59, 61 comprise bolted connections.

The particular first frame elements 51a adjacent the side of the building structure corresponding to the deck 17 are each supported by the respective first brace 57 together with a second brace 63. The second brace 63 extends from the outer end of the first frame element 51a to the bearer 35 adjacent stump 39, the second brace 63 being connected at one end by joint 65 to the first frame element 51a and being connected at the other end by joint 67 to the bearer 35. Again, joints 65, 67 comprise bolted connections.

The second frame elements 52 of the roof frame 45 extend outwardly from the hub 53 at the apex 54 to a location between adjacent columns 31. The second frame elements 52 are connected to the hub 33 by joints in the form of bolted connections. Each second frame element 52 is supported on an intermediate brace 69, one end of which is connected to the second frame element 52 at joints 71 and the other end of which is connected to the adjacent wall frame element 43 at joint 73. Again, joint 71 , 73 are bolted connections.

The interior 80 of the building structure is created by the enclosure 23 accommodated within the space which is bounded by the columns 31 , the inside floor 15 and the roof frame 45.

The enclosure 23 has sides 83 defining exterior walls 85 for the interior 80. The enclosure 23 also has a top 87 defining a ceiling 89 for the interior 80.

The sides 83 and top 87 of the enclosure 23 are made from pliant sheet material such as canvas. In this way, the enclosure 23 can be collapsed into a compact condition for transportation and storage. This can be done by folding the enclosure 23 into the compact condition.

The sides 83 of the enclosure 23 are configured to incorporate windows 91 and also an accessway 93 between the interior 80 and the outside at the deck 17. The windows 91 in this embodiment and the accessway 93 in this embodiment comprise openings 95 in the sides 83 and closures 97 for the openings 95, the closures 97 being in the form of flexible panels which can be wound between open and closed conditions with respect to the openings 95.

The enclosure 23 is suspended from the roof frame 45 and the peripheral wall frame 41 to provide the interior 80. The bottom of the interior 80 is defined by the inside floor 15.

The covering 25 is provided on the roof frame 45 to overlie the enclosure 23 and the deck 17. The covering 25 provides an awning 103 above the deck 17 and also extends outwardly beyond the enclosure 23 to define relatively wide eaves 105. The eaves 105 are of such width that they also constitute awnings 107 around the enclosure 23.

The covering 25 is made from pliant sheet material such as canvas. In this way, the covering 25 can be collapsed into a compact condition for transportation and storage. While not shown in the drawings, the covering 25 is releasably fitted to the roof frame 45 in any suitable way, such as by ties.

Because of its construction, the building structure 10 can be transported in a disassembled condition and erected on site.

As mentioned previously, various components of the frame structure 11 can be assembled into the package 29, as best seen in figure 2. The package 29 comprises a box 110 formed from certain components of the frame structure 11 to define a compartment 111 for receiving various other components of the frame structure. Specifically, the joists 37 are positioned one alongside another in an assembly 112 which provides a bottom 113 and two sides 115 for the box 110.

The joists 37 are retained in the assembly 112 by frames 117 to which they are detachably secured.

The joists 37 are each of channel configuration, having a web 118 and two side flanges 119. In forming the box 110, the joists 37 are oriented such that the joist webs 118 are outermost to define the bottom 113 and sides 115 of the box 110, and the joist side flanges 119 extend inwardly. The joists 37 are positioned so that adjacent joists have side flanges 119 in abutting relationships.

Each frame 117 to which the joists 37 are detachably secured is of rectangular configuration, comprising a bottom frame element 121 , a top frame element 122 and two side frame elements 123. Various joists 37a are detachably secured to the bottom frame elements 121 to form the box bottom 113, and various other joists 37b are detachably secured to the side frame elements 123 to form the box sides 115. The joists 37 are detachably secured to the frames 117 by bolted connections 125, as best seen in Figure 2.

The compartment 111 within the box can receive the columns 31 , bearer inner and outer sections 35a, 35b, wall frame elements 43, the various components of the roof frame 45, the panels 16 which form the inside floor 15, the deck boards 18, as well as various other components.

As can be seen in figure 2, the panels 16 are supported between ledges 127 defined by side flanges 119 of the uppermost joists 37. In this way, the panels 16 provide a closure for the top of the box 110.

During the building erection process, the various components can be progressively removed from the box 110, as illustrated in figures 2, 3 and 4.

In the first embodiment, the building structure 10 is somewhat in the nature of a tent in that the sides 83 and top 87 of the enclosure 23 are formed of pliant sheet material such as canvas.

In certain applications, there may be a need for an enclosure in which the sides 83 and top 87 are of rigid construction, such that the building structure is in the nature of a cabin. The second embodiment is directed to such an arrangement.

Referring now to figures 12 to 17 there is shown a building structure 10 according to the second embodiment. The building structure 10 according to the second embodiment is similar in some respects to the building structure according to the first embodiment and so corresponding reference numerals are used to identify similar parts.

The enclosure 23 in the building structure 10 has sides 83 and a top 87 which are rigid. Accordingly, the enclosure 23 in this embodiment is constructed differently from the enclosure of the previous embodiment. The sides of 13 and top 87 can be transported in a disassembled form and erected on site during construction of the building.

The building structure of this embodiment has two outside decks 17a, 17b although it could of course be constructed with only one deck (as in the case with the first embodiment).

In this embodiment, the base frame 33 is constructed to accommodate the two decks 17a, 17b. In this regard, the configuration of the bearers 35 and joists 37 (as best seen in Figure 15) is different from that of the first embodiment.

The sides 83 are defined by wall panels 130 which are installed between the columns 31. The panels 130 are prefabricated to include any required external windows and doors. In this embodiment, there are four wall panels 130;

specifically, panels 131 , 132, 133 and 134. Panel 131 includes a window 135 and panel 132 includes a door 136. Further, panel 133 includes a double door 137, and a panel 134 includes two windows 138. Each panel 130 can be formed in sections which are adapted to be assembled together between its respective columns. By way of example, panel 133 can be in three sections, comprising two end sections 133a , 133b, which are solid, and a central section 133c which incorporates the door 137. One end section of wall 133a can be seen in Figure 17, and that end section 133a as well as the central section 133c can be seen in Figure 18. The completed wall 133 (incorporating the second end section 133b) can be seen in Figure 19.

Forming the wall panels 130 from sections adapted to be assembled together provides for a more compact arrangement prior to assembly which assists transportation

The top 87 of the enclosure 23 comprises a frame structure 141 to which panels 145 are attached to provide a ceiling for the enclosure. The frame structure 141 includes beams which extend upwardly to a hub 142 having a central opening 143 covered by a cap 144 which may have provision for ventilation.

In this embodiment, the roof from 45 is similar to the arrangement of the first embodiment, except the struts 75 are provided to support the second frame elements 52 intermediates the ends thereof inwardly of the support provided by brace 69. The strut 75 extends upwardly from lower joint 11 adjacent the inner end of the respective brace 69 and is coupled to the respective second frame element 52 at upper joint 79. The joints 77, 79 are bolted connections.

As was the case with the first embodiment, various components of the frame structure 11 can be assembled into a package 29 for transportation and storage. The package 29 comprises a box 110 formed from certain components of the frame structure. The box 110 contains the components in a compact packaged condition even though some of the longer components may extend beyond the ends of the box.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the present embodiments each provide a simple yet highly effective structure that can be transported in a disassembled condition and erected on site without the need for a large team of construction personnel covering a variety of building trades.

Furthermore, the erected structure can be readily dismantled and then relocated, should that be desired.

While the invention has been described in relation to two specific embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.