CA2531424A1 - Modular structure - Google Patents

Modular structure Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2531424A1
CA2531424A1 CA002531424A CA2531424A CA2531424A1 CA 2531424 A1 CA2531424 A1 CA 2531424A1 CA 002531424 A CA002531424 A CA 002531424A CA 2531424 A CA2531424 A CA 2531424A CA 2531424 A1 CA2531424 A1 CA 2531424A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
modular structure
face
panels
present
composite material
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002531424A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Remy Desbiens
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA002531424A priority Critical patent/CA2531424A1/en
Priority to US11/641,966 priority patent/US20070175105A1/en
Priority to CA 2571958 priority patent/CA2571958A1/en
Publication of CA2531424A1 publication Critical patent/CA2531424A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/32Arched structures; Vaulted structures; Folded structures
    • E04B1/3205Structures with a longitudinal horizontal axis, e.g. cylindrical or prismatic structures
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/32Arched structures; Vaulted structures; Folded structures
    • E04B2001/327Arched structures; Vaulted structures; Folded structures comprised of a number of panels or blocs connected together forming a self-supporting structure

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)

Abstract

The modular structure comprises a first face made of fibre reinforced composite material; a second face made of fibre reinforced composite material; a plurality of side panels made of fibre reinforced composite material; and securing means for securing the side panels to form a lateral face and for securing the lateral face between the first and second faces.
The lateral face extends from the first vertical face to the second vertical face, thereby enclosing an interior space.

Description

MODULAR STRUCTURE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to modular structures such as building structures. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular structure made of fibre reinforced composite.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Known in the art are conventional building structures and the like which are used in various storage and housing applications. Also known in the art are the various disadvantages associated with these types of conventional building structures and the like (such as difficult assembly and lack of variability and customisation).

Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for a device or a system which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome some of the aforementioned prior art problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, a modular structure is provided comprising: a first face made of fibre reinforced composite material; a second face made of fibre reinforced composite material; a plurality of side panels made of fibre reinforced composite material; and securing means for securing the side panels to form a lateral face and for securing the lateral face between the first and second faces.

In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the lateral faces are curved to focus external light inside the structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood upon reading the following non-restrictive description of the preferred embodiment thereof, made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view a modular structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a top view of a modular structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a side elevation view of a modular structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a front view of a modular structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a back view of a modular structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is an isometric view of a modular structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is an isometric view of a modular structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is an isometric view of a modular structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a detail of an exploded view of the modular structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a detail of an exploded view of a modular structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a partially exploded view of a modular structure a modular structure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a partially exploded isometric view of a modular structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention, additionally showing a base structure.

Figure 13 is an isometric view of the modular structure shown in Figure 12 in an assembled state.

Figure 14 is a plan view of a modular structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a front view of a modular structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 16 is a back view of a modular structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The modular structure 10 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 1 to 5 comprises a first face 12, a second face 14, and a plurality of side panels 16 forming a lateral side 18.
Door 20, shown in an open position, is provided in first face 12 to allow access to the interior space enclosed by modular structure 10.
In this embodiment, first and second faces 12 and 14 are semi-circular in shape and each have a straight bottom edge 22 and 24, respectively, and a curved top edge 26 and 28, respectively. Bottom edges 22 and 24 are in proximity with the ground upon which modular structure 10 is installed, while upper edges 26 and 28 engage lateral side 18, which forms the roof and sides of the structure.

First and second faces 12 and 14 are of the same size and shape, with the exception of the presence of door 20 in the first face. It is to be understood, however, that alternative configurations are within the scope of the present invention.

In this embodiment, each side panel 16 is identical to the others. This simplifies manufacture and storage of side panels 16 considerably, and aids the modularity of the design, which will be expanded upon further below.

Each side panel 16 has a primary curvature 30 over its length which corresponds to the curvature off upper edges 26, 28, and a secondary curvature 32 over its width. This primary curvature strengthens the rigidity of the panel. Curvature 30 is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 comprising a sweep of 90 . In combination, a section, or module, of modular structure 10 is created by two side panels 16 connected in series at corresponding flanges 17 to form a combined sweep of 180 . Additional side panels 16 are then connected in parallel, side by side, to extend the depth of the modular structure. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, modular structure 10 is six panels deep. However, the depth of the structure can be varied according to the needs of the end-user by varying the number of side panels 16 employed.

The main components of modular structure 10 are constructed of a moulded composite material. In addition to side panels 16, which form lateral side 18, first face 12 is assembled from a plurality of first face panels 13; second face 14 is assembled from a plurality second face panels 15;
and door 20 is formed from a plurality of door panels 21.
5 These panels are made of a fibre-reinforced composite material, such as fibreglass, carbon-epoxy, or aramid fibre composites. Achieving an arched design comprising both primary and secondary curvatures 30 and 32 is much easier with moulded materials. In addition, first face panels 13, second face panels 15, and door panels 21 are also given a curvature over their width similar to secondary curvature 32. This serves to further enhance the strength and stability of modular structure 10.

For its low cost, fibreglass is preferred for commercial applications.
However, for special cases in which a modular structure 10 is required with a lighter weight and greater strength, carbon-epoxy or aramid fibre composites are preferable. Such special cases include, for example, a temporary military barracks.

Modular structure 10 has a number of different applications. When made of transparent fibreglass, structure 10 serves readily as a greenhouse, for growing plants beyond the regular growing season. Indeed, by properly moulding the curvature of panels 13, 15 and 16, a focusing lens effect can be obtained to increase the incident light received within the structure. For example, secondary curvature of the panel can be controlled to heat the interior of the structure.

If an opaque composite is used, modular structure 10 can serve shed, garage or storage space.

With reference now to Figure 6, a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Modular structure 10a comprises much the same elements as shown in Figures 1 to 5, with the addition of openable louvers 34 for allowing, for example, ventilation.

Figure 7 illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention dubbed the "hybrid" design 10b. This hybrid design comprises two openable roof portions 38, similar in structure to the louvered embodiment illustrated in Figure 6. The roof portions 38 are made from transparent composite, such as fibreglass, while the remainder of hybrid modular structure 10b is made from an opaque composite. This design is well suited for housing an outdoor hot tub, which would allow users to open the roof for ventilation, or simply gaze through the transparent roof. The hybrid structure 10b can also be equipped with a mosquito screen.

In use, both the louvers 34 and openable roof portions 38 can be opened and closed manually, or by pneumatic or electro-mechanical actuators.
Such methods are commonly known in the art and will therefore not be discussed further here.

Figure 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention meant for installation adjacent to an existing structure. Modular structure 10c can be made from the same panels at previously-discussed embodiments, but only includes one half of the components. Open side 40 is positioned to engage a pre-existing wall and attach thereto in much the same way it would the other half of modular structure 10.
With reference now to Figures 9, 10 and 11, the assembly of a modular structure according to the present invention will be discussed.

Figure 9 illustrates in detail the engagement of a corner front face panel 13a with a corner side panel 16a. Between corner panels 13a and 16a, a gasket 42 is positioned. Gasket 42 is made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, to account for physical changes in the structure due to changes in temperature or shifting of the ground upon which it is installed.
Gasket 42 is sandwiched between side flanges 44 and 46, extending laterally from corner panels 13a and 16a, respectively. Corner panels 13a and 16a are affixed with fastening means 48, for example stainless steel bolts, engaging holes 49. Additional gaskets 42 can also be installed between any or all of the structure's adjoining panels.

Side panel 16 comprises a similar side flange 44 extending laterally from the other side of curvature 32. Pairs of side flanges 44 from adjacent side panels 16 are fixed together in the same way as described above, as are the first and the second face panels 13 and 15, and door panels 21.

Additionally, lower flanges 50 and 52 of panels 16a and 13a, respectively, are illustrated. Flange 50 is common to all side panels 16, and equivalent to flange 17, mentioned above. In a preferred embodiment, side panels 16 are symmetrical and have neither an "up" nor a "down". This simplifies the assembly of modular structure 10.

Figure 10 illustrates in detail an exploded of view the louvered construction of the second embodiment of the present invention. Louver 34 hingedly attaches to opposite side panel 16 via flanges 17 and hinge (or hinges) 54.
Hinge 54 is preferably a stainless steel piano hinge. A similar hinge is used to attach door 20 to first face 12.
Whereas side panels 16 are connected end-to-end forming an arched section of 180 , the louvered section, as shown in Figures 6 and 10, replaces one the 90 side panels 16 with louver 34 and louver base 36. In the example illustrated herein, the louver and louver base are of equal sizes, each being half of a regular side panel 16. It is to be understood however that other configurations are possible, for example a 60/40 split, or an 80/20 split.

Additionally, utility holes 56 are provided in each side flange 46 of each side panel 16. Utility holes 56 are not meant for assembly purposes but rather to provide attachment points within modular structure 10 from which to hang plants, for example.

With reference to Figure 11, modular structure 10c is shown partially exploded. Door panels 21, which make up door 20 is shown next to first face panels 13.

With reference now to Figures 12 and 13, base 56 is shown in unexploded and exploded states. Beams 58 are stacked in pairs such that at one end, a portion of a first beam 58 overlaps the second beam 58. At the other end, a portion of the second beam 58 overlaps the first beam 58. When assembled, as seen in Figure 13, four such pairs are positioned around the base of modular structure 10 pegs 60 are passed through the overlapping portions of adjacent pairs, and into the ground. Beams 58 are preferably a bio-treated wood.

In conjunction with the modularity and ease of assembly of the present invention, it is preferred that users purchase modular structure 10 online from a website that allows them to customise a modular structure according to their specific needs (size, type, colour, material, additional features, etc.).
Upon completion of the order, an unassembled modular structure is sent to the purchaser where it is to be assemble by the purchaser himself or herself. Additionally, beams 58 are preferably part of the packaging in which the un-assembled structure is shipped. In this way, packaging waste is reduced.
Figures 14 to 16 illustrate a specific example of the present invention with relevant dimensions. Side panels 16, first face panels 13 and second face panels 15 are each 2 feet in width. Semi-circular first face 12 has a radius of 96 inches and base 56 has a thickness of 2 inches. In addition, fans 60 and 62 have been installed in first and second faces 12 and 14, respectively.

With specific reference to Figure 14, double and triple glazed panels 64 and 66 are shown. Manufactured in the same manner as side panels 16, the double and triple glazed panels 64 and 66 can be used to improve the thermal insulation of the modular structure. In addition, a gas can be inserted between two of the layers to filter incoming light, or, again, improve thermal insulation.

Claims (2)

1. A modular structure comprising:
- a first face made of fibre reinforced composite material;
- a second face made of fibre reinforced composite material;
- a plurality of side panels made of fibre reinforced composite material;
and - securing means for securing the side panels to form a lateral face and for securing the lateral face between the first and second faces;
the lateral face extending from the first vertical face to the second vertical face, thereby enclosing an interior space.
2. A modular structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the lateral faces are curved to focus external light inside the structure.
CA002531424A 2005-12-23 2005-12-23 Modular structure Abandoned CA2531424A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002531424A CA2531424A1 (en) 2005-12-23 2005-12-23 Modular structure
US11/641,966 US20070175105A1 (en) 2005-12-23 2006-12-20 Ready to assemble shelter
CA 2571958 CA2571958A1 (en) 2005-12-23 2006-12-21 Ready to assemble shelter

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002531424A CA2531424A1 (en) 2005-12-23 2005-12-23 Modular structure

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2531424A1 true CA2531424A1 (en) 2007-06-23

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002531424A Abandoned CA2531424A1 (en) 2005-12-23 2005-12-23 Modular structure

Country Status (2)

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US (1) US20070175105A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2531424A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8276328B2 (en) 2009-05-14 2012-10-02 Technostructur Inc. Wall module, housing module and building made of such wall module

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US20050198741A1 (en) * 2004-03-02 2005-09-15 Epstein Adam S. Inflatable support members and structures including the same

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US3999337A (en) * 1972-04-03 1976-12-28 Tomassetti Jr Jerome Dome structures
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8276328B2 (en) 2009-05-14 2012-10-02 Technostructur Inc. Wall module, housing module and building made of such wall module

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Publication number Publication date
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Legal Events

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FZDE Discontinued