IL33868A - Displaceable unit for use principally as temporary living quarters,offices,premises with sanitary equipment or control quarters - Google Patents

Description

Diaplaceaple unit ior use principally as temporary living quarters, ofiices premises with sanitary equipment or control quarters 1ΓΠ 'Da aiDCJ"? DTPD"? mpoo rrujin'? nm*»3n n-pn* IN «ηθ'ΛΟ ITS QI7 O'iU jCPVHDD #0"30τ O'T D-3 mpa mtaipn The object of the invention is a displaceable unit of the timber yard construction camp hut type or shelter or premises capable of serving on a construction site as temporary habitation living quarters, an office, premises with sanitary equipment, etc, or in a tourist site as temporary country-side accomodation, an assembly hall etc.

There are already known constructions of this type displaceable as desired from one place to another, by loading onto a road or rail vehicle or by temporary mounting on one or several wheel axles. These constructions have, when assembled a parallelepiped form having six walls of facing pairs. They are made from wood and/or plastics material, either from a framework to vrhich interior and exterior panels or sheets are fixed or by moulding all the walls in a single piece.

In the first case the normalisation of the component pieces extends to profiles comprising the skeleton and to the panels for fitting to the latter. The number of pieces is high and the fitting time is relatively long.

In the second case there is only one component piece when the walls are moulded in a single piece but this technique has several accompanying difficulties: moulds are very bulky and costly, transport and storage demands a large apace, and the time of fabrication is rather long.

In addition in both cases the interior equipment as well as the doors and windows are fixed to the walls.

' The replacement of a damaged article, a cupboard for example, requires at least partial removal and the fitting and fixing of the replacement.

One of the objects of the invention is to attain a displaceable unit consisting of several small pieces having relatively reduced dimensions, Capable of being moulded with moulds of small bulk and small cost, the fitting of the walls of a unit nevertheless being accomplished in a relatively short time.

Another object of the invention is to obtain component pieces capable of being transported and stored in a restricted space substantially without lost space.

Still another object of the invention is to be able to make the equipment entirely outside the unit and to be able to put it in place in the latter by complete blocks rapidly replaceable, A supplementary object of the invention is to obtain units capable of being easily assembled, at least in pairs, with a possibility of interior communication from one to the other or from one to the others, and capable of being readily extended.

A displaceable unit according to the invention of the parallelepiped type having six walls in facing pairs presents in the central zone of each of the walls a relatively large opening whilst the associated panels are adapted to be fixed in these openings in order to close them up. The openings and the panels are, preferably, mutually identical.

The principle elements of the equipment of the unit (particularly the furniture) are anchored, respectively, to the interior face of a corresponding panel, these pififflAats having a general size which permits their introduction into the unit through the opening reserved in the corresponding carrier panel. Likewise the access and ventilation elements (doors, windows,etc, ) are incorporated in certain of the panels to be fixed in the openings.

The general casing, which comprises six walls, having six identical openings, consists of several individual pieces fitted together, these pieces being symmetrical in pairs in relation to one at least of the three median planes, horizontal, vertical-transversal, or vertical longitudinal of the casing.

The invention is also concerned with complete units composed of individual units joined together and/or s pe^e @¾¾d and connected by support faces applied one against the other of the openings of certain lateral and/or upper or lower walls* The units of the invention are preferably made in moulded plastics material or in material consisting substantially of a compound formed by moulding.

It will be noted however, that, if the invention has particularly appreciable advantages when moulded material is employed, it does not demand these materials; it can be applied while still providing numerous advantages with materials made or fitted by hand for example with the assistance of frames or templets without the use of moulds properly so-called.

It is accordingly to he understood that the example given below relating to units in plastics material made for the most part by moulding does not constitute a restriction of the framework of the invention.

In order the better to be able to understand this latter and the better to appreciate its advantages a description will now be given of several units in accordance with the invention. Reference is made to the accompanyin drawings in which.

Fig. 1 is an o erall view in perspective of one casing, not fitted with equipment, made in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is an over-all side view in perspective in the direction of the arrow P of the casing of Pig. 1; Pig. 3 is an elevational view of a panel for closing up the openings provided in the casing of Pigs. 1 and 2; Pig. 4 is a partial view in section showing an example of fixing a panel in an opening of a casing; Pig. 5 is a perspective view of a panel carrying two tiered bunks; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a panel to which are fixed two cupboards one on each side of a wash bowl with cupboard below; Pig. 7 is a perspective view of a panel for an opening housed in a lower wall and carrying sanitary equipment; Pig. 8 is a partial view of the lower wall of a casing, in section through a vertical transversal plane, showing how the panel of the lower opening supports the floor; Fig. 9 is an over-all view in elevation of two units joined together on which are superposed two further units joined together; Pig. 10 is a view from below of five units joined together; Fig. 11 is a view in elevation of an individual piece forming part of eight pieces forming another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 is a side view of the individual piece of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a view from below of the same individual piece; Fig. 14 is a view on an enlarged scale viewed in the direction of the arrow F of the individual piece of the preceding figures; Fig. 15 is a view in elevation of another embodiment of a casing in accordance tilth the invention for a unit of greater dimension; Fig. 16 is a view in elevation of a variant of the embodiment of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a view in elevation of the central trunk of the casing of Pig* 15.

Pig. 1 does not represent a complete unit according to the invention hut a casing, designated by reference numeral 1, which consists indeed af eight identical individual pieces assembled one with another. Each of the eight pieces is designated by the same reference numeral 2.

Pig. 2 shows the same casing 1 seen in end view, in perspective, in the direction of the arrow P on Pig. 1.

On Pigs. 1 and 2 there has been indicated the planes of jointure such as 3»4 and 5, where the pieces 2 are joined end to end. In fact the junction of the pieces 2 is concealed by strips of cover pieces.

It will be noted that each piece 2 considered alone is a kind of trihedron of which the hollowed out faces are partially reduced to three branches, it being understood that these branches are unequal in importance, in length and in width as can be confirmed on the drawings.

In the example shown, the eight pieces 2 form two groups of four and are mutually identiaal in each grou j all the pieces marked 0 on Pig. 1 are derived one from the other by rotation around one or two axes; it is the same for all the pieces marked X. Two moulds corresponding each to one eighth of a unit are sufficient in order to be able to make a complete casing.

In the example of Pig. 1 the unit has general dimensions compatible with the international gauge for transport by length: 3.75 metres, width: 2.40 metres, height, 2.40 metres. Thus the casing 1 is overall that of a rectangular parallelepiped. It will be noted that the invention is equally applicable to all other kinds of parallelepiped and especially to the particular case of a cube. It will not be departing from the framework of the invention to adopt a dxsplaceable habitable unit which will be cubic over-all. The eight pieces 2 will then be completely identical in themselves, since the branches of the trihedron will then be equal.

It must moreover be understood that the expression "parallelepiped type" is utilised here simply for convenience of expression and that it embraces all like geometric forms.

The eight pieces 2 can be readily lodged one in the other even i*hen they are not strictly identical;they can be stored or transported practically without lost space in a volume substantially more reduced than that of an assembled casing.

However, it is not strictly obligatory to break up the casing 1 into eight pieces. It can be broken up into four pieces only by keeping the planes of jointure 3 and 4 or the planes of jointure 3 and 5. These four pieces are then identical.

One can also break up the armature 1 into two identical pieces whilst keeping a single plane of jointure 3»4 or 5.

In all cases the individual pieces can be made by moulding in a single piece in the interior of a mould, or by making moulded shells of polyester reinforced with glass fibres serving as interior and exterior faces between which possible also to make the shells from sheets of plastic material such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene or A-B-S, heated and shaped to the desir d profile.

The assembling of the pieces 2 can be effected by any known means, particularly by joining by means of reinforced polyester resin applied at the desired place.

These moulding and joining techniques are well known in the field of plastic materials and it is unnecessary to describe them.

In the example represented on Fig. 1 the casing 1 has on its six faces six identical important openings situated in the central zone of each wall. These openings designated by reference numeral 6 are square and have a side of 2.280 m. It can be seen from the drawings that they are bordered by an exterior plane face 7, of limited width, which is in fact a part of the exterior face of the casing raised slightly higher in relation to the totality of this face. The face 7 is a support face its function being described below.

For closing up each opening 6 there are panels 8 such as those of Fig. capable of being laid in the casing 1 and fixed in place. Any mode of centering and fixing known for the mounting of the panels 8 on the walls of the casing 1 can be used.

In the example described an exterior band 9 somewhat larger than the opening 6 surrounds an interior projecting part 10. The rounded corners 11 of this latter take the form of the rounded corners of the opening 6 and are adapted to them, whilst the straight lengths 12 are curtailed between each of the corner in such a way that bolts 13 (Fig. 4) can be passed between the projecting interior part 10 and the ownin 6. A cover piece 14 is applied to the interior, as can be seen on Fig. 4» in order to conceal the passage space of the bolt 13.

The exterior band 9 is fitted against the support face 7 which surrounds each opening 6 and a compressible joint 15 can be interposed bet\*een this face and the corresponding face of the band 9. The bolt holes 16 are provided in desired quantity along each straight length 12 of the sides of the projecting part 10 of each panel 8.

According to another important characteristic of the invention each panel 8 can serve for locating an element of the equipment of a habitable unit.

The doors, the windows, the ventilation openings can be incorporated in the central part 10 of the lateral panels. Likewise, the upper panel can be provided in its central part with a translucent dome or hatch. The production of these elements being very simple it will not be described in detail.

Fig. 5 shows how a lateral panel 8 can be fitted with two tiered bunks 17 anchored to its central part 10 by means of two cheeks 18.

Fig. 6 shows a lateral panel 8 at the central part of which is fixed an assembly of furniture comprising a cupboard 19» a wash stand 20, surmounted by a mirror 21 furniture is greater than the dimension of the panel.

The assembly of the block fixed to the panel 8 can nevertheless be introduced through a lateral opening 6 to the interior of an assembled casing, by an oblique lateral movement followed by a rotation. The bolts 13 can be fastened through appropriate openings arranged at the desired places in the rear wall of the cupboard 22.

Pig. 7 shows a lower panel 8 on which is mounted sanitary equipment, comprising for example two showers 24 and two W.C.'s 25. This equipment is made in a single piece of plastics material, as already known, since it is fixed to a panel; it can be introduced as a whole in the interior of a casing through the lower opening 6 of the latter.

Fig. 8 shows that a lower panel 8 can be fitted with exterior blocks 26, screwed or otherwise fixed in a detachable manner, which act as props and support a unit, whilst holding it displaced from the ground. These blocks can be replaced by any other means having a like function.

In the interior of the casing 1 regularly spaced cross beams 27 are fixed to the lower panel 8, a flooring 28 resting on said beams. This flooring can be of any appropriate type (assembled sheets of wood, panels, etc.) comprising, if desired a lining of earth superficially adhered or moulded.

Figs. 5>6 and 7 are only particular, examples and are not restrictive of the equipment which can be anchored to the panels 8 which close up the openings 6 of the casing 1.

Whatever this equipment may be, there is the benefit of an important advantage brought by the invention; the panels and the equipment which they carry can be separately prepared and the assembly located in a single operation. The fabrication of the units can be more easily rationalised. Moreover the modification of the equipment of a unit in view of a change of its destination can be easily and rapidly accomplished. Finally when certain articles of equipment are damaged, it is easy to replace them 'en bloc1, with their panels, by other new articles, even at the place of utilisation of the habitable units. The repair of the damaged articles can then be made in a workshop in a more reasonable manner.

Likewise, a part a* least of the electrical network and the various channels (junction boxes, plugs in general, meters, etc.) can be incorporated on the panel 8.

Figs. 9 and 10 show another important characteristic of the invention.

Starting with habitable units 1 assemblies designated by the general reference numeral 29 on Fig. 9 and 30 on Fig. 10 can be produced. In the first case, two units 1 resting on the ground are joined edge to edge and support two other units 1 likewise joined together. The panels 8 are not mounted on the openings 6 in order that the support faces 7 may be directly in contact one against the other between the joined and/or superposed units. The openings not obturated then constitute passages between the assembled units.

It is thus possible in joining and/or in superposing as desired several units 1 to form quite large assemblies, adapted to requirements, comprising distinct pieces which communicate with one another by the openings not provided with panels. It will be understood, of course, that Figs. 9 and 10 only give particular and not limiting examples.

It will be noted as shown particularly on Pig. 9 that the upper and lower edges 31 and 32 of the lateral support faces 7 are withdrawn in relation to the upper and lower support faces 7 in order that contact between the superposed units is well made by these latter faces.

Since the invention relates to the constitutional or general architecture of the units there has not been shown or described completely finished units ready for use. It is evident that a unit made as explained above with the aid of individual pieces constituting a casing and finished with panels carrying at least the principal equipment, as shown in the examples, can have all the customary finishing work applied as in like cases(decoration, painting, setting of accessories, etc. ) .

Figs. 11 to 14 show an individual piece 2 for making up a casing 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. Each piece 2 is a rectangular trihedron, having only two faces which are hollowed out conforming to a quarter of an opening 6, the third face being full (see Fig. 13f. This face is intended to constitute a quarter of one of the lower or upper walls of an assembled casing.

In this way, a complete unit has eight walls two of which, unper and lower, are full, and six of which, the lateral walls, have a central opening intended to be closed by an equipment panel. This method of construction is advantageous in the sense that it facilitates the production of a unit of greater length due to the employment, in accordance with the invention, of a central hollow trunk.

Figs. 15 and 16 show the casing of a unit having eight individual pieces 2 similar to those of Figs. 1 and 3 and a central trunk 32. This latter has four lateral walls; it is hollow and like a tubular piece with square or rectangular section as the case may be. Its four walls are joined with the walls of the casing formed by the assembled extreme pieces 2.

The upper and lower walls of the central trunk 32 are full walls whilst the lateral faces are hollowed out as was shown on Figs. 15 and 16. Each of the hollowed out portions is equal to a semi-opening 6 and the two semi-hollows are opened on the opposite edges in front and rear trunk 32 and separated by a central mounting 33.

There is thus obtained a casing much larger than those described above. If the latter had a volume of approximately 23 cubic metres, the units of Figs. 15 and 16 can reach 33 cubic metres.

With such dimensions, it is desirable to stiffen as much as possible the upper and lower walls of the casing. For this reason individual pieces 2 having a The mountings 33 disposed on each side of the central trunk are reinforced in order to serve as support "beams. The reinforcement can be extended into the horizontal upper and lower walls so as to constitute a real reinforced transverse framework.

The central trunk 32 can be made in a single piece according to the technique known for the manufacture of the panels composed of plastics material.

It may, however be simpler to divide the central trunk 32 into several elements as shown on Pig. 17, an upper element 34 with full wall joining with the full walls of the pieces 2 , two mountings 33» a lower element 35. If desired the same mould can serve for the elements 34 and 35. In this way, the storage and transport of the trunks 32 on the assembly site is effected with a reduced volume.

In a casing such as that of Pigs. 15 and 16 , the lateral longitudinal faces have two openings 6 separated by a mounting 33. These openings can be closed up by equipment panels as previously stated.

Fig. 14 is a view in the direction of the arrow P of Figure 13, showing that each of the corners of the individual pieces 2 is fitted with a metallic reinforcement 36 having an opening 37. With this opening there corresponds a hollow in the wall so arranged that the end of a lifting member can be engaged in it.

It will be observed that the conception of a casing enlarged in accordance with the invention lends itself readily to the extension of the units. In fact it is other in order to increase the length of the casing whilst providing on each longitudinal face several identical openings 6 which can be closed up by equipment panels. - -

Claims (6)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A parallelepipedic unit having six sides, comprising a skeleton formed by eight trihedronally shaped bodies with hollowed out faces, thus resulting in three armed bodies wherein the three arms define right angles between them, these elements being disposed around an axis of symmetry with the points of Junction of the three arms forming the corners of the unit, with codirectional arms of oppositely disposed elements abutting against one another and defining an opening in each side of the unit, and further comprising closing panels fitting into said openings and closing them.

2. Unit as claimed in Claim 1, characterised thereby that the top and the bottom panel have appropriate appendages, such as supporting legs, runners or a translucent dome,

3. Unit as claimed in Cla ms 1 or 2, characterised thereby that each opening is surrounded by a plane surface of limited width at which vicinal or superposed units can be made to contact one another.

4. Unit as claimed in Claims 1 or 2, characterised thereby that it comprises a central trunk having in its side walls half size apertures which complement the half size apertures formed by each three armed element.

5. Unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised thereby that some of the panels carry on their Internal sides the internal equipment of the units, such as cupboards, couches, sanitary installations or the like.

6. Unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.