Relocatable fire, storm and contaminant resistant modular building structures

Abstract

Transportable steel module units and methods for assembling such units to form structures on site to create living and workspace building environments which are non-combustible and resistant to unhealthy contaminants, and high winds and other environmental conditions and wherein each module unit is substantially completely prefabricated and finished to permit immediate occupancy and predetermined use of a structure created by connection of two or more module units.

Description

[0001] This application is based on and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 171,310 filed Dec. 21, 1999 in the name of the same inventors and entitled RELOCATABLE FIRE, STORM AND CONTAMINANT RESISTANT MODULAR BUILDING STRUCTURES.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] This invention is generally directed to transportable and relocatable building structures and more particularly to such structures which are fabricated from metallic and preferably steel materials and which are formed of modular units which are substantially completely prefabricated and finished such that they are ready for use when assembled on site. The invention is further directed to the field of transportable and relocatable modular building units which are readily assembled to provide contaminate free, weather resistance and fire proof structures which are safe for numerous work space and / or living environments including, but not limited to, temporary classrooms.[0004] 2. Brief Description of the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022] It is also an object of the present invention to provide modular units which may be assembled to form complete and immediately usable work, living and teaching space where the overall structure can be assembled on site by connecting only the modular units with respect to one another such that inventory of interior and exterior component parts is not required as such parts are installed prior to on site delivery.

[0023] It is also an object of the present invention to provide modular transportable building structures which may be suitable for use as classroom environments and which are substantially fire proof, storm proof, including high winds and rains, and contamination proof, including free of bacteria, mold and mildew.

[0024] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide modular units which may be assembled on site with a minimal work force and yet provide a rigid, sturdy and healthful environment suitable for a plurality of work and living uses including uses as classroom environment and wherein the structures may be erected at a substantial economic savings thereby reducing the economic burden to expand living and work space environments for the benefit of creating more beneficial work, living and educational space without over crowding.

[0026] It is also another object of the present invention to provide modular building units which can be assembled to provide single level working or living space and which can also be assembled in stacked relationship to provide multi-tiered working and living environments.

[0027] It is also an object of the present invention to provide readily assembleable modular units which are fully fabricated in order to provide immediately useful, healthful and safe environments wherein each modular unit is designed so as to be maneuvered utilizing conventional hoisting and lifting equipment such as forklifts and cranes.

Problems solved by technology

Frequently parts of systems such as electrical circuits and assembly components may be missing or misplaced during construction thereby necessitating a delay in the construction process and also increasing the overall cost by requiring that replacement parts be provided by special couriers to the construction site.

Such construction problems relating to improperly supplied or missing materials and improper use of components in an on site construction may result in unacceptable delays or in unsafe building structures being placed into use.

In addition to the foregoing, there are other problems inherent with on site construction of temporary living and working spaces.

By way of example, during construction of an on site building, weather conditions and building methods allow moisture and other external contaminates to penetrate into interior components of the building structure which contaminates can create an unhealthy living environment.

Once a structure is completed, molds and mildews may develop within floors, ceilings, and wall panels resulting from such ambient conditions and contaminants.

Inappropriate assembly of panels to substructures can result in allowing contaminates to enter spaces in walls, floors and ceilings resulting in the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria which can affect the health of individuals utilizing such structures.

Further, many on site temporary building structures are not adequately designed to provide a safe environment for those who are to be sheltered therein.

By way of example, many temporary or relocatable buildings are constructed of materials which are easily or readily combustible thus making them potentially unsafe and unsuitable for many uses.

Further, conventional temporary transportable or relocatable buildings often are subject to damage by high winds, rains, and other weather or ambient conditions thus further making them unsuitable for many uses.

In such environments, children are subjected to the adverse affects associated with conventional structures, making them undesirable and unsafe.

Even with this in mind, however, many jurisdictions utilized higher risk portable or relocatable classrooms due to economics and restrictions associated with expanding permanent school facilities.

Often school enrollments will increase faster than a jurisdiction can predict, resulting in a lack of classroom space and / or lack of funds to provide permanent space for all students.

Mobile home structures are not designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as high winds and are not fireproof or contaminant resistant.

Even when securely anchored, mobile home type structures are easily damaged and destroyed when subjected to tropical force winds.

In view of the foregoing, mobile home structures are not suitable for providing a safe temporary classroom or other temporary working enclosure.

Images