The inventions herein relate to structures, such as dwellings and other buildings for residential occupancy, commercial occupancy and/or material storage, and to components for such structures.
In the field of residential housing, the traditional technique for building homes is referred to as “stick-built” construction, where a builder constructs housing at the intended location using in substantial part raw materials such as wooden boards, plywood panels, and steel columns. The materials are assembled piece by piece over a previously prepared portion of ground, for example, a poured concrete slab or a poured concrete or cinder block foundation.
There have been a variety of efforts to depart from the conventional construction techniques used to create dwellings, as well as commercial spaces and like. One of the alternatives to stick-built construction is very generally referred to as modular housing. As opposed to stick-built construction, where the structure is built on-site, a modular house is constructed in a factory and then shipped to the site, often by means of a tractor-trailer.
Such modular housing often exceeds in size normally-permitted legal limits for road transport. For example, in the United States the maximum permitted dimensions for road transport are in general 102 inches (259.1 cm) in width, 13.5 feet (4.11 m) in height and 65 to 75 feet (19.81 to 22.86 m) in length. Thus, in many cases transporting a modular house from factory to site requires oversize load permits, which may impose restrictions on when transport can be undertaken and what routes can be utilized. Oversize road regulations may also require the use of an escort car and a trailing car as well. All of these requirements and restrictions inevitably increase the cost of the modular housing.
Significant advancements in the construction of dwellings and commercial space are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,474,194, 8,733,029, 10,688,906, 10,829,029 and 10,926,689. In one aspect, these patents pertain to fabricating wall, floor and roof components in a factory that are folded together into a compact shipping module, and which are then transported to the intended location and unfolded to yield a fully formed structure.
The present inventions are directed to enclosure component sealing systems for foldable, transportable building structures. These foldable, transportable structures can include a number of wall, floor and roof components with exterior edges abutting top, bottom or interior faces of other wall, floor and roof components. In addition, these foldable, transportable structures can include a number of partitioned wall, floor and roof components with abutting interior edges when the enclosure components are fully unfolded.
The present inventions describe advancements in sealing the exterior edges and the abutting portions of the wall, floor and roof components to limit or prevent the ingress of rain water, noise and outside air into the interior of the structure. The present inventions include sealing systems that in general terms utilize two enclosure component sealing structures in pressing contact either when the building structure is manufactured, or later when the structure is transported to its final location and fully unfolded.
In one aspect, the present inventions are directed to an end cap, to be secured to an edge of a building structure enclosure component, which comprises a planar elongate seal plate having an interior face, an opposed exterior face, a first edge, an opposed second edge and a thickness. The interior face is adapted to be secured to the edge of the enclosure component, an elongate key is provided on the interior face of the seal plate, and an elongate accessory slot is defined in the exterior face of the seal plate, with the accessory slot having a depth less than the thickness of the seal plate. There is also provided a first locating slot extending from the first edge of the seal plate inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward the second edge, and a second locating slot extending from the second edge of the seal plate inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward the first edge.
In another aspect, the present inventions are directed to a perimeter seal assembly comprising an end cap and a perimeter board. The end cap comprises a planar elongate seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, with the first interior face adapted to be secured to an edge of an enclosure component, an elongate seal key on the first interior face of the seal plate, and an elongate accessory slot defined in the first exterior face. The perimeter board comprises a planar elongate perimeter plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face. The second interior face is positioned proximate to the first exterior face, with an elongate accessory key on the second interior face received in the accessory slot defined in the first exterior face. An elongate fastener slot is defined in the second exterior face, and an elongate clearance slot is defined in the second interior face of the perimeter plate, positioned between the accessory key and the first edge, or between the accessory key and the second edge.
In yet another aspect, the present inventions are directed to a roof seal assembly comprising an end cap and a roof skirt board. The end cap comprises a planar elongate seal plate having a first interior face and an opposed first exterior face, with the first interior face adapted to be secured to an edge of an enclosure component, an elongate seal key on the first interior face, and an elongate accessory slot defined in the first exterior face. The roof skirt board comprises a planar elongate skirt plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face. The second interior face is positioned proximate to the first exterior face, with an elongate cinch key on the second interior face of the skirt plate received in the accessory slot defined in the first exterior face of the seal plate, and with the cinch key having a serpentine cross section. An elongate fastener slot is defined in the second exterior face of the skirt plate and is positioned proximate to the cinch key positioned on the second interior face.
These and other aspects of the present inventions are described in the drawings annexed hereto, and in the description of the preferred embodiments and claims set forth below.
An embodiment of the foldable, transportable structure 150 in which the inventions disclosed herein can be implemented is depicted in
Enclosure components 155 (wall component 200, floor component 300 and roof component 400) can be fabricated and dimensioned as described herein and positioned together to form a shipping module 100, shown end-on in
The enclosure components 155 of the present invention include a number of shared design features that are described below.
A. Laminate Structure Design
Enclosure components 155 can be fabricated using a multi-layered, laminate design. A particular laminate design that can be used to fabricate enclosure components 155 comprises a first structural layer 210, a foam panel layer 213, a second structural layer 215 and a protective layer 218, as shown in
In particular, first structural layer 210 is provided in the embodiment of enclosure component 155 that is depicted in
Referring again to
In the embodiment of the enclosure component 155 depicted in
In the embodiment of the enclosure component 155 depicted in
Other embodiments of multi-layered, laminate designs that can be used to fabricate the enclosure components 155 of the present invention, are described in U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/786,130, entitled “Foldable Building Structures with Utility Channels and Laminate Enclosures,” filed on Feb. 10, 2020, which has issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,118,344. The contents of that U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/786,130, entitled “Foldable Building Structures with Utility Channels and Laminate Enclosures” and filed on Feb. 10, 2020 are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, particularly including the multi-layered, laminate designs described for example at ¶¶0034-57 and depicted in
B. Enclosure Component Exterior Edge Reinforcement
The exterior edges of each enclosure component 155 (i.e., the edges that define the perimeter of enclosure component 155) can be provided with exterior edge reinforcement, as desired. Exterior edge reinforcement generally comprises an elongate rigid member which can protect the foam panel material of foam panel layer 213 that would otherwise be exposed at the exterior edges of enclosure components 155. Exterior edge reinforcement can be fabricated from one or more of laminated strand lumber board, wooden board, C-channel extruded aluminum or steel, or the like, and is generally secured to the exterior edges of enclosure component 155 with fasteners, such as screw or nail fasteners, and/or adhesive.
C. Enclosure Component Partitioning
Enclosure components 155 in certain instances are partitioned into enclosure component portions to facilitate forming a compact shipping module 100. In those instances where an enclosure component 155 is partitioned into enclosure component portions, any exterior edge reinforcement on the exterior edges defining the perimeter of the enclosure component is segmented as necessary between or among the portions.
The enclosure component portions can be joined by hinge structures or mechanisms to permit the enclosure component portions to be “folded” and thereby contribute to forming a compact shipping module 100.
D. Enclosure Component Interior Edge Reinforcement
An enclosure component 155 partitioned into enclosure component portions will have interior edges. There will be two adjacent interior edges for each adjacent pair of enclosure component portions. Such interior edges can be provided with interior edge reinforcement. Similar to exterior edge reinforcement, such interior edge reinforcement generally comprises an elongate, rigid member which can protect the foam panel material of foam panel layer 213 which that would otherwise be exposed at the interior edges of enclosure components 155. Interior edge reinforcement can be fabricated from one or more of laminated strand lumber board, wooden board, C-channel extruded aluminum or steel, or the like, and is generally secured to the interior edges of enclosure component 155 with fasteners, such as screw or nail fasteners, and/or adhesive.
E. Enclosure Component Load Transfer
In the case of enclosure components 155, it is necessary to transfer the loads imposed on their surfaces to their exterior edges, where those loads can be transferred either to or through adjoining walls, or to the building foundation. For enclosure components 155 that are horizontally oriented when in use (floor component 300 and roof component 400), such loads include the weight of equipment, furniture and people borne by their surfaces, as well as vertical seismic loads. For enclosure components that are vertically oriented when in use (wall component 200), such loads include those arising from meteorological conditions (hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.) and human action (vehicle and other object impacts).
For this purpose, multi-layered, laminate designs as shown in
Further design details of wall component 200, floor component 300, and roof component 400 are provided in the sections following.
Typically, a structure 150 will utilize four wall components 200, with each wall component 200 corresponding to an entire wall of structure 150.
A. General Description
Wall component 200 has a generally rectangular perimeter. As shown in
As indicated above, wall components 200 of the present inventions can utilize a multi-layered, laminate design. In the embodiment depicted in
The perimeter of each wall component 200 is generally provided with exterior edge reinforcement. As exemplified by wall component 200 shown in
In the embodiment shown in
B. Partitioned Wall Components
Referring to
Referring again to
Notably, first wall portion 200s-1 is longer than third wall portion 200s-3 by a distance approximately equal to the thickness of wall component 200, and second wall portion 200s-2 is shorter than third wall portion 200s-3 by a distance approximately equal to the thickness of wall component 200. Furthermore, wall portion 200s-1 and wall portion 200s-3 are each shorter in length (the dimension in the transverse direction) than the dimension of floor portion 300a in the transverse direction. Dimensioning the lengths of wall portions 200s-1, 200s-2, 200s-3 and 200s-4 in this manner permits wall portions 200s-2 and 200s-4 to nest against each other in an overlapping relationship when in an inwardly folded position. In this regard,
The hinge structures referenced above, for securing first wall portion 200s-1 to second wall portion 200s-2, and third wall portion 200s-3 to fourth wall portion 200s-4, can be surface mounted or recessed, and of a temporary or permanent nature. The provision of interior edge reinforcement, as described above, can provide a region for securing such hinge structures. Suitable hinge structures can be fabricated for example of ferrous or non-ferrous metal, plastic or leather material.
C. Unpartitioned Wall Components
As compared to the two wall components 200 proximate first and second transverse edges 108 and 110, which are partitioned into wall portions, the remaining two wall components 200 proximate first and second longitudinal edges 106 and 116 do not comprise plural wall portions, but rather each is a single piece structure. However, one of these wall components 200, which is sometimes denominated 200P in this disclosure, and which is located on floor portion 300b proximate first longitudinal edge 106, is pivotally secured to floor portion 300b by means of hinge structures to permit wall component 200P to pivot about horizontal axis 105 shown in
The hinge structures referenced above, for securing wall component 200P to floor portion 300b, can be surface mounted or recessed, and of a temporary or permanent nature. The provision of exterior edge reinforcement, as described above, can provide a region for securing such hinge structures. Suitable hinge structures can be fabricated for example of ferrous or non-ferrous metal, plastic or leather material.
Typically, structure 150 will utilize one floor component 300; thus floor component 300 generally is the full floor of structure 150.
A. General Description
Floor component 300 has a generally rectangular perimeter.
The length and width of floor component 300 can vary in accordance with design preference. In the particular embodiment of structure 150 depicted in
Floor component 300 and its constituent elements are generally designed and dimensioned in thickness and in other respects to accommodate the particular loads to which floor component 300 may be subject. It is preferred that floor component 300 utilize a multi-layered, laminate design, such as that described in connection with
The perimeter of each floor component 300 is generally provided with exterior edge reinforcement. As exterior edge reinforcement for the embodiments of floor component 300 shown in
In the embodiment shown in
B. Floor Partitioning
The floor component 300 is partitioned into floor portion 300a and floor portion 300b.
Each of the floor portions 300a and 300b is a planar generally rectangular structure, with floor portion 300a adjoining floor portion 300b. Interior edge 301a of floor portion 300a abuts interior edge 301b of floor portion 300b, as shown in
Referring to structure 150 shown in
The hinge structures joining floor portions 300a and 300b can be surface mounted or recessed, and of a temporary or permanent nature. Suitable hinge structures can be fabricated for example of ferrous or non-ferrous metal, plastic or leather material. The hinge structures joining floor portions 300a and 300b are adapted to pivot through approximately ninety degrees (90°) of arc.
There is provided interior edge reinforcement, reinforcing board 307, at each of interior edges 301a and 301b, as shown in
Typically, structure 150 will utilize one roof component 400; thus roof component 400 generally is the full roof of structure 150.
A. General Description
Roof component 400 has a generally rectangular perimeter.
The length and width of roof component 400 can vary in accordance with design preference. In the particular embodiment of structure 150 depicted in
Roof component 400 and its constituent elements are generally designed and dimensioned in thickness and in other respects to accommodate the particular loads to which roof component 400 may be subject. It is preferred that roof component 400 utilize a multi-layered, laminate design, such as that described in connection with
The perimeter of roof component 400 is generally provided with exterior edge reinforcement. As exterior edge reinforcement for the embodiment of roof component 400 shown in
B. Roof Partitioning
The roof component 400 of structure 150 is partitioned into roof portions 400a, 400b and 400c.
Each of the roof portions 400a, 400b and 400c is a planar generally rectangular structure, with roof portion 400a adjoining roof portion 400b, and roof portion 400b adjoining roof portion 400c. Interior edge 412c of roof component 400c abuts a first interior edge 412b of roof component 400b, as shown in
Referring to structure 150 shown in
In turn, roof portion 400b is joined to roof portion 400c with hinge structures provided between first interior edge 412b of roof portion 400b and interior edge 412c of roof portion 400c. Such hinge structures are adapted to permit roof portion 400c to pivot through up to one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) of arc about a horizontal axis 405b, located proximate the bottom of roof component 400 and shown in
The hinge structures joining roof portions 400a, 400b and 400c can be surface mounted or recessed, and of a temporary or permanent nature. Suitable hinge structures can be fabricated for example of ferrous or non-ferrous metal, plastic or leather material. The interior edge reinforcement provided by reinforcing boards 437 of roof portions 400a, 400b and 400c can provide a region for mounting hinge structures, in addition to protecting the edges of foam panel material. Reinforcing boards 437 can be fabricated from laminated strand lumber board 7.125″ deep and 1.5″ thick.
Structure 150 can utilize the enclosure component sealing systems described below to limit or prevent the ingress of rain water, noise and outside air into the interior of structure 150.
A. General Description
The enclosure component sealing systems for structure 150 utilize the sealing structures described below. Except for I-beam end cap 221, which functions to seal the edges of select enclosure components 155, the enclosure component sealing systems comprise in general terms two enclosure component sealing structures, paired in in pressing contact in different combinations, to seal the junctions between different regions of the enclosure components 155 found in structure 150. These junctions consist of either two interior edges of adjacent enclosure component portions, positioned edge-to-edge when structure 150 is unfolded, or an exterior edge of an enclosure component 155 which abuts an interior surface of another enclosure component 155. Where an enclosure component sealing structure is positioned on an interior or exterior edge of an enclosure component 155, there can respectively be provided interior edge reinforcement or exterior edge reinforcement between the sealing structure and the respective interior or exterior edge of the foam panel layer 213 in the case where the multi-layered, laminate design depicted in
The specific enclosure component sealing structures described below are I-beam end cap 221; wall vertical interlock 245; wall end cap 246; I-beam interlock A 250; I-beam interlock B 251; floor top plate 252; roof bottom plate 255; floor top interlock 261; wall end interlock A 262; and wall end interlock B 263. Excepting I-beam end cap 221, each of the foregoing enclosure component sealing structures utilizes either two or more compression seals 230, or one shear seal 260, which are also described below. Exemplary placements of the enclosure component sealing structures described herein are found in Subsections B. through J. below and also in the Section below entitled “Enclosure Component Sealing Structure Exemplary Placements”.
The current inventions include two closure boards, namely perimeter board 310 and roof skirt board 280. These closure boards, which are described below, are utilized in conjunction with I-beam end cap 221 to provide additional sealing, as well as to realize additional benefits.
B. I-Beam End Cap (221)
I-beam end cap 221, shown in cross-section in
At the mid-point of the interior face 226 of seal plate 223, there is provided an elongate key 222, which is rectangular in cross section (as shown in
Still referring to
C. Compression Seal (230)
A number of the enclosure component sealing systems described herein and utilized in structure 150 include a compression seal system. An element of that compression seal system is a compression seal 230.
Compression seal 230, which is shown in cross-section in
At the ends of the seal walls 234 distal from base 231, each seal wall 234 is joined to an elongate arcuate buttress 235. The end of each arcuate buttress 235, distal from the seal wall 234 to which it is joined, is in turn joined to a respective planar elongate seal surface 236; thus there are two planar seal surfaces 236 in compression seal 230. The planar seal surfaces 236 extend away from the seal walls 234 in a converging relationship at a convergence angle δ, where δ<180°, for example 90°. Thus the ends of seal surfaces 236 distal from arcuate buttresses 235 are closer together than the ends of seal surfaces 236 proximate to arcuate buttresses 235. The ends of seal surfaces 236 distal from arcuate buttresses 235 are joined by an elongate seal closure 237. The base 231, seal walls 234, arcuate buttresses 235, seal surfaces 236 and seal closure 237 thereby define a hollow elongate seal chamber 238, as shown in
Seal 230 is intended to be received in an elongate seal slot 240, shown for example in
When two enclosure components 155 on which are mounted two paired enclosure component sealing structures, one of which bears a compression seal 230, are appropriately positioned and pressed together, compression seal 230 will be squeezed against the planar exterior face 227 of the opposed seal plate 223, which causes seal closure 237 and arcuate buttresses 235 to be urged into seal chamber 238. This permits the two planar exterior faces 227 of the pressed-together seal plates 223 of the paired sealing structures to come into full contact. At the same time, arcuate buttresses 235 rotate down and seal surfaces 236 are urged into a generally coplanar relationship (with arcuate buttresses 238 functioning as hinges) with the opposing planar exterior face 227 pressing against it, to create two lines of sealing.
Compression seal 230 can be fabricated from a resilient material, such as rubber or plastic, for example polyurethane. Particular embodiments of enclosure component sealing structures utilizing the foregoing compression sealing system are described below.
D. Wall Vertical Interlock (245), Wall End Cap (246) Sealing System
In particular, wall vertical interlock 245 is a rigid elongate member that has an elongate seal plate 223 with an elongate interior face 226 and an opposing elongate planar exterior face 227. The exterior face 227 preferably is hard and smooth to provide a good sealing surface. Seal plate 223 has a length and width the same, or substantially the same, as the length and width of the interior edge of wall portion 200s-2, so as to cover the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of that interior edge of wall portion 200s-2.
As shown in
Still referring to
Wall vertical interlock 245 can be secured to the vertical edge of wall portion 200s-2 shown in
At the mid-point of the interior face 226 of wall end cap 246 show in in
Wall end cap 246 can be secured to the vertical edge of wall portion 200s-1 shown in
In
Prior to mating wall vertical interlock 245 with wall end cap 246, a compression seal 230 is placed in each of the two seal slots 240 of wall vertical interlock 245, with each seal 230 having the same, or approximately the same, length as the slot 240 in which it is inserted. When wall vertical interlock 245 with wall end cap 246 are pressed together in a mating relationship, the two compression seals 230 are deformed in the manner described previously to provide four lines of sealing between wall vertical interlock 245 and wall end cap 246.
E. I-Beam Interlock A (250), I-Beam Interlock B (251) Sealing System
In particular, I-beam interlock A 250 is a rigid elongate member that is defined by an elongate seal plate 223 having an elongate interior face 226 and an opposing elongate planar exterior face 227. The exterior face 227 preferably is hard and smooth to provide a good sealing surface. Seal plate 223 has a length and width the same, or substantially the same, as the length and width of the interior edge 412c of roof portion 400c shown in
As shown in
Still referring to
I-beam interlock A 250 can be secured to the interior edge 412c of roof portion 400c shown in
At the mid-point of the interior face 226 of I-beam interlock B 251 shown in in
I-beam interlock B 251 can be secured to the first interior edge 412b of roof portion 400b for example by adhesive applied to interior face 226, or by fasteners, such as screw or nail fasteners, spaced apart along the length of I-beam interlock B 251 and driven through the exterior face 227, or by utilizing a combination of adhesive and fasteners.
In
Prior to mating I-beam interlock A 250 with I-beam interlock B 251, a compression seal 230 is placed in each of the three seal slots 240 of I-beam interlock A 250, with each seal 230 having the same, or approximately the same, length as the slot 240 in which it is inserted. When I-beam interlock A 250 and I-beam interlock B 251 are pressed together in a mating relationship, the three compression seals 230 are deformed in the manner described previously to provide six lines of sealing between I-beam interlock A 250 and I-beam interlock B 251.
F. Floor Top Plate (252), Wall End Cap (246) Sealing System
In particular, floor top plate 252 in
As shown in
Still referring to
Floor top plate 252 can be secured to the top edge of floor portion 300a proximate to second longitudinal floor edge 119 shown in
Wall end cap 246 can be secured to the bottom edge of wall component 200R shown in
In
Prior to mating wall end cap 246 and floor top plate 252, a compression seal 230 is placed in each of the two seal slots 240 of floor top plate 252, with each seal 230 having the same, or approximately the same, length as the seal slot 240 in which it is inserted. When wall vertical interlock 245 and wall end cap 246 are pressed together in a mating relationship, the two compression seals 230 are deformed in the manner described previously to provide four lines of sealing between wall end cap 246 and floor top plate 252.
G. Roof Bottom Plate (255), Wall End Cap (246) Sealing System
The design of roof bottom plate 255 shown in
As shown in
Still referring to
Roof bottom plate 255 can be secured to the bottom face of roof portion 400a shown in
In
Prior to mating wall end cap 246 and roof bottom plate 255, a compression seal 230 is placed in each of the two seal slots 240 of roof bottom plate 255, with each seal 230 having the same, or approximately the same, length as the slot 240 in which it is inserted. When roof bottom plate 255 and wall end cap 246 are pressed together in a mating relationship, the two compression seals 230 are deformed in the manner described previously to provide four lines of sealing between roof bottom plate 255 and wall end cap 246.
H. Shear Seal (260)
A number of the enclosure component sealing systems described herein and utilized in structure 150 include a shear seal system. An element of that shear seal system is a shear seal 260.
Shear seal 260, which is shown in cross-section in
At the end of seal wall 234B distal from base 231, seal wall 234B is joined to an elongate seal closure 237, a planar surface oriented at an upward angle α (relative to the planar orientation of base 231) away from seal wall 234B in a direction toward an elongate seal support 239, described below, with α<90°. A planar cantilevered seal surface 257 is joined to the edge of seal closure 237 that is distal from seal wall 234B, as shown in
At the end of seal wall 234A distal from base 231, seal wall 234A is joined to the elongate seal support 239. Proximate to seal wall 234A, seal support 239 comprises an elongate planar region oriented parallel to base 231. Distal from seal wall 234A, seal support 239 comprises an elongate arcuate buttress region. The edge of the arcuate buttress region of seal support 239, which is distal from seal wall 234A, joins cantilevered seal surface 257 proximate to the junction of cantilevered seal surface 257 and seal closure 237 to define a hollow seal chamber 238. Planar cantilevered seal surface 257 is oriented at an upward angle β away from the junction of arcuate buttress 235 and seal closure 237 and terminates at a free end 258, with β<90°, for example β>α.
Shear seal 260 is intended to be received in an elongate seal slot 240, shown for example in
Shear seal 260 is preferably utilized where two enclosure components 155 are laterally moved during unfolding, one over the other. In such an instance, the two enclosure components 155 are provided with paired enclosure component sealing structures, with one enclosure component sealing structure mounted on one of the enclosure components 155 (such as on an exterior edge), and the other enclosure component sealing structure mounted on the other of the enclosure component structures 155 (such as on an interior face). Each of the paired enclosure component sealing structures has a shear seal 260, with the two shear seals 260 being oppositely oriented; that is to say, the cantilevered seal surface 257 of each is oriented away from the cantilevered seal surface 257 of the other, and each is oriented in the direction of relative movement. Thus in the case of each of the two shear seals 260, the lateral movement of one enclosure component 155, relative to the other, is in the direction from seal wall 234B toward seal wall 234A. This lateral movement flattens the cantilevered seal surface 257, as well as the seal closure 237, and squeezes down each shear seal 260, such that its seal closure 237 and seal support 239 are urged into seal chamber 238. This permits the opposing planar exterior faces 227 of each of the two enclosure component sealing structures to come into full contact. At the same time, the cantilevered seal surface 257 and seal closure 237 of each shear seal 260 are urged into a generally coplanar relationship, with the planar exterior face 227 of the opposing enclosure component seal structure pressing against them, to create an elongate area of sealing.
Shear seal 260 can be fabricated from a resilient material, such as rubber or plastic, for example polyurethane. Particular embodiments of enclosure component sealing structures utilizing the foregoing compression sealing system are described below.
I. Wall End Interlock A (262), Floor Top Interlock (261) Sealing System
In particular, floor top interlock 261 shown in
As shown in
Still referring to
Floor top interlock 261 can be secured to the top edge of floor portion 300b at first transverse floor edge 120 shown in
Wall end interlock A 262, also shown in
At the mid-point of the interior face 226 of seal plate 223 of wall end interlock A 262, there is provided an elongate key 222, which has a rectangular cross section and a length the same, or substantially the same, as the length of wall end interlock A 262. Key 222 is received in a corresponding elongate slot formed in the exterior edge reinforcement positioned on the bottom edge of the wall portion 200s-2 to which wall end interlock A 262 is secured.
Again referring to
Wall end interlock A 262 can be fastened to the bottom edge of wall portion 200s-2 for example by adhesive applied to its interior face 226, or by fasteners, such as screw or nail fasteners, spaced apart along the length of wall end interlock A 262 and driven through its exterior face 227, or by utilizing a combination of adhesive and fasteners.
In
Mating of floor top interlock 261 with wall end interlock A 262 occurs by the bottom edge of wall portion 200s-2 moving over the top surface of floor portion 300b, from a folded position to an unfolded position. Thus in the arrangement shown in
To facilitate mating, it is preferred that planar exterior face 227 of floor top interlock 261 not be parallel to the interior face 226 of floor top interlock 261, or to the top face of wall portion 300b, but rather be inclined downward, in the direction moving away from first transverse floor edge 120 at an angle γ, as shown in
J. Wall End Interlock B (263), Wall End Interlock A (262) Sealing System
In particular, wall end interlock B 263 in
Still referring to
Wall end interlock B 263 can be secured to the interior edge of wall component 200P as shown in
Wall end interlock A 262 can be secured to the vertical edge of wall portion 200s-2 shown in
In
Mating of wall end interlock A 262 and a wall end interlock B 263 occurs by the vertical edge of wall portion 200s-2 depicted in
To facilitate mating, it is preferred that planar exterior face 227 of wall end interlock B 263 not be parallel to the interior face 226 of wall end interlock B or to the interior face of wall component 200P, but rather be inclined at an angle γ, as shown in
K. Closure Boards
The two closure boards of these inventions, namely perimeter board 310 and roof skirt board 280, are described below.
Perimeter Board (310). The exterior edges of floor component 300, or portions thereof, are optionally provided with a perimeter board 310.
The interior face 226 of perimeter board 310 includes an elongate locating key 264, which is rectangular in cross section and dimensioned to be received in accessory slot 224 of I-beam end cap 221. Locating key 264 can be the same length as the perimeter board 310, or can comprise space apart discrete segments. The interior face 226 of perimeter board 310 in
The exterior face 227 of perimeter board 310 depicted in
Roof Skirt Board. The exterior edges of roof component 400, or portions thereof, are optionally provided with a roof skirt board 280.
The interior face 226 of roof skirt board 280 includes an elongate cinch key 278, which is preferably serpentine in cross section and dimensioned to be received in accessory slot 224 of I-beam end cap 221. Cinch key 278 can be the same length as the perimeter board 310, or can comprise space apart discrete segments. In turn, the exterior face 227 of roof skirt board 280 includes an elongate fastener slot 265 positioned over cinch key 278. Fastener slot 265 has a dovetail shape in cross section in the embodiment shown, and a length the same as, or substantially the same as, the length of roof skirt board 280. An elongate locating groove 225 is provided in the fastener slot 265 of roof skirt board 280, and provides a visual indication of where to place fasteners during construction.
Roof skirt board 280 facilitates the securing of roofing material, such as thermoplastic polyolefin membrane, to wall components 200. After fully unfolding the roof portions, such roofing material is optionally used to cover the top of roof component 400. The roofing material extending beyond roof component 400 is then folded down to extend between exterior face 227 of I-beam end cap 221 of roof portion 400a shown in
Enclosure Component Sealing Structure Materials
The enclosure component sealing structures described herein can be fabricated from a number of materials, such as wood, aluminum, plastics and the like. It is preferred to fabricate the enclosure component sealing structures from foamed polyvinyl chloride (PVC), particularly Celuka foamed PVC. This material provides a strong, impact and crack-resistant lightweight material with a hard attractive exterior, which, in addition to contributing a sealing function, additionally contributes to the structural rigidity of the enclosure components 155.
Enclosure Component Sealing Structure Exemplary Placements
The exploded views in
Referring to
In addition, as shown in
In a comparable manner, as shown in
Furthermore, the hinged horizontal junction between roof portion 400b and roof portion 400c, as shown in
Referring now to
Finally, referring to
Enclosure Component Manufacture
For enclosure components 155 having the construction disclosed herein in reference to
Particular edge structure designs for metal sheets 206 and 217 are described in U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/504,883 entitled “Sheet/Panel Design for Enclosure Component Manufacture,” having the same inventors as the inventions described herein and filed on Oct. 19, 2021. The contents of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/504,883 entitled “Sheet/Panel Design for Enclosure Component Manufacture,” having the same inventors as the inventions described herein and filed on Oct. 19, 2021, are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, particularly including the exterior and interior edge structure designs described for example at paragraphs 00187-00205 and 00212 and in
A facility suitable for manufacturing the enclosure components 155 of the present invention, as well as exemplary manufacturing steps, are also described in U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/504,883 entitled “Sheet/Panel Design for Enclosure Component Manufacture,” having the same U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/504,883 entitled “Sheet/Panel Design for Enclosure Component Manufacture,” having the same inventors as the inventions described herein and filed on Oct. 19, 2021, are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, particularly including the facility suitable for manufacturing the enclosure components 155 of the present invention, as well as exemplary manufacturing steps, described for example at paragraphs 00178-00186 and 00206-00222, and in
Enclosure Component Relationships and Assembly for Transport
For ease of transport and maximum design flexibility, it is preferred that there be a specific dimensional relationship among enclosure components 155.
Roof portions 400a, 400b and 400c each can be identically dimensioned in the transverse direction. Alternatively, referring to
In
The shipping module 100 shown edge-on in
Sizing the enclosure components 155 of structure 150 according to the dimensional relationships disclosed above yields a compact shipping module 100, as can be seen from the figures. Thus shipping module 100 depicted in
It is preferred that the fixed space portion 102 be in a relatively finished state prior to positioning (folding) together of the all other wall, roof and floor portions as described above. In the embodiment shown in
Each of the wall, floor and roof components 200, 300 and 400, and/or the portions thereof, can be sheathed in protective film 177 during fabrication and prior to forming the shipping module 100. Alternatively or in addition, the entire shipping module 100 can be sheathed in a protective film. Such protective films can remain in place until after the shipping module 100 is at the construction site, and then removed as required to facilitate enclosure component deployment and finishing.
The shipping module 100 is shipped to the building site by appropriate transport means. One such transport means is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,007,921, issued May 18, 2021; the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, particularly as found at paragraphs 0020-0035 and in
At the building site, shipping module 100 is positioned over its desired location, such as over a prepared foundation; for example, a poured concrete slab, a poured concrete or cinder block foundation, sleeper beams or concrete posts or columns. This can be accomplished by using a crane, either to lift shipping module 100 from its transport and move it to the desired location, or by positioning the transport means over the desired location, lifting shipping module 100, then moving the transport means from the desired location, and then lowering shipping module 100 to a rest state at the desired location. Particularly suitable equipment and techniques for facilitating the positioning of a shipping module 100 at the desired location are disclosed in U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/786,315, entitled “Equipment and Methods for Erecting a Transportable Foldable Building Structure,” and filed on Feb. 10, 2020. The contents of that U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/786,315, entitled “Equipment and Methods for Erecting a Transportable Foldable Building Structure,” and filed on Feb. 10, 2020, are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, particularly including the equipment and techniques described for example at paragraphs 00126-00128 and in connection with
Following positioning of shipping module 100 at the building site, the appropriate portions of wall, floor and roof components 200, 300 and 400 are “unfolded” (i.e., deployed) to yield structure 150. Unfolding occurs in the following sequence: (1) floor portion 300b is pivotally rotated about horizontal axis 305 (shown in
A mobile crane can be used to assist in the deployment of certain of the enclosure components 155, specifically roof portions 400b and 400c, floor portion 300b, as well as the wall component 200P pivotally secured to floor portion 300b. Alternatively, particularly suitable equipment and techniques for facilitating the deployment of enclosure components 155 are disclosed in U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/786,315, entitled “Equipment and Methods for Erecting a Transportable Foldable Building Structure,” and filed on Feb. 10, 2020. The contents of that U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/786,315, entitled “Equipment and Methods for Erecting a Transportable Foldable Building Structure,” and filed on Feb. 10, 2020, are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, particularly including the equipment and techniques described for example at paragraphs 00132-00145 and depicted in
After unfolding, the enclosure components 155 are secured together to finish the structure 150 that is shown in
This disclosure should be understood to include (as illustrative and not limiting) the subject matter set forth in the following numbered clauses:
Clause 1. An end cap for securing to an edge of a building structure enclosure component comprising:
(a) a planar elongate seal plate having an interior face, an opposed exterior face, a first edge, an opposed second edge and a thickness, the interior face adapted to be secured to the edge of the enclosure component;
(b) an elongate key on the interior face of the seal plate;
(c) an elongate accessory slot defined in the exterior face of the seal plate of a depth less than the thickness of the seal plate;
(d) a first locating slot extending from the first edge of the seal plate inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward the second edge; and
(e) a second locating slot extending from the second edge of the seal plate inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward the first edge.
Clause 2. The end cap of clause 1, wherein the exterior face defines at least one elongate locating groove positioned between the elongate accessory slot and the first edge or the second edge.
Clause 3. The end cap of either clause 1 or 2, further comprising a first locating ridge at the first edge of the seal plate proximate to the first locating slot.
Clause 4. The end cap of clause 3, further comprising a second locating ridge at the second edge of the seal plate proximate to the second locating slot.
Clause 5. The end cap of any one of clause 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein an edge of the first locating slot proximate the interior face of the seal plate terminates an inset distance from the first edge of the seal plate.
Clause 6. The end cap of any one of clause 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the seal plate is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
Clause 7. An enclosure component comprising:
(a) a planar laminate having an elongate edge and including (i) a planar foam panel layer having a first face and an opposed second face, (ii) a planar first metal layer bonded to the first face of the planar foam panel layer, and (iii) a planar second metal layer bonded to the second face of the planar foam panel layer;
(b) a planar elongate edge reinforcement having an interior face positioned on the edge of the planar laminate and an opposed exterior face in which is defined an elongate slot;
(c) a planar elongate seal plate having an interior face, an opposed exterior face, a first edge, an opposed second edge and a thickness, the interior face of the seal plate positioned proximate to the exterior face of the edge reinforcement, with an elongate key on the interior face of the seal plate positioned in the elongate slot of the edge reinforcement; and
(d) an elongate accessory slot defined in the exterior face of the seal plate of a depth less than the thickness of the seal plate.
Clause 8. The enclosure component of clause 7, further comprising:
(e) a first locating slot extending from the first edge of the seal plate inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward the second edge; and
(f) a second locating slot extending from the second edge of the seal plate inwardly into the thickness of the seal plate toward the first edge.
Clause 9. The enclosure component of either clause 7 or clause 8, wherein the exterior face of the seal plate defines at least one elongate locating groove positioned between the accessory slot and the first edge or the second edge.
Clause 10. The enclosure component of any one of clause 7, 8 or 9, further comprising a first locating ridge at the first edge of the seal plate proximate to the first locating slot.
Clause 11. The enclosure component of clause 10, further comprising a second locating ridge at the second edge of the seal plate proximate to the second locating slot.
Clause 12. The enclosure component of any one of clause 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the edge reinforcement is selected from the group consisting of laminated strand lumber board and wooden board and the seal plate is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
Clause 13. A perimeter board comprising:
(a) a planar elongate perimeter plate having an interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge;
(b) an elongate key on the interior face of the perimeter plate adapted to be received in an elongate accessory slot defined in an exterior face of an elongate seal plate;
(c) an elongate clearance slot defined in the interior face of the perimeter plate positioned between the key and the first edge, or between the key and the second edge; and
(d) an elongate fastener slot defined in the first exterior face of the perimeter plate.
Clause 14. The perimeter board of clause 13, wherein there is an elongate locating groove defined in the portion of the exterior face of the first seal plate defining the fastener slot.
Clause 15. The perimeter board of clause 13, wherein the fastener slot is dovetail shaped in cross section.
Clause 16. The perimeter board of clause 14, wherein the fastener slot is dovetail shaped in cross section.
Clause 17. The perimeter board of clause 13, further comprising an elongate resilient strip snapped into the fastener slot.
Clause 18. The perimeter board of either of clause 14 or clause 15, further comprising an elongate resilient strip snapped into the fastener slot.
Clause 19. The perimeter board of clause 16, further comprising an elongate resilient strip snapped into the fastener slot.
Clause 20. The perimeter board of any one of clause 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein the perimeter plate is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
Clause 21. A perimeter seal assembly comprising:
(a) an end cap comprising:
(i) a planar elongate seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, the first interior face adapted to be secured to an edge of an enclosure component;
(ii) an elongate seal key on the first interior face of the seal plate; and
(iii) an elongate accessory slot defined in the first exterior face; and
(b) a perimeter board comprising:
(i) a planar elongate perimeter plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face;
(ii) the second interior face positioned proximate to the first exterior face, with an elongate accessory key on the second interior face received in the accessory slot defined in the first exterior face;
(iii) an elongate fastener slot defined in the second exterior face; and
(d) an elongate clearance slot defined in the second interior face of the perimeter plate positioned between the accessory key and the first edge, or between the accessory key and the second edge.
Clause 22. The perimeter seal assembly of clause 21, wherein the first exterior face defines at least one elongate locating groove positioned between the accessory slot and the first edge or the second edge.
Clause 23. The perimeter seal assembly of clause 22, wherein the clearance slot defined in the second interior face is positioned over the locating groove defined in the first exterior face.
Clause 24. The perimeter seal assembly of any one of clause 21, 22 or 23, wherein one or both of the end cap and perimeter board is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
Clause 25. A roof skirt board comprising:
(a) a planar elongate skirt plate having a first interior face and an opposed first exterior face;
(b) an elongate cinch key positioned on the first interior face of the skirt plate and adapted to be received in an elongate accessory slot defined in a second exterior face of a planar elongate seal plate, with the cinch key having a serpentine cross section; and
(c) a portion of the first exterior face of the skirt plate defining a fastener slot that is positioned proximate to the cinch key positioned on the first interior face.
Clause 26. The roof skirt board of clause 25, wherein there is an elongate locating groove defined in the portion of the first exterior face of the skirt plate defining the fastener slot.
Clause 27. The roof skirt board of either of clause 25 or 26, wherein the fastener slot is dovetail shaped in cross section.
Clause 28. The roof skirt board of any one of clause 25, 26 or 27, further comprising an elongate resilient strip snapped into the fastener slot.
Clause 29. The roof skirt board of any one of clause 25, 26, 27 or 28, wherein the first seal plate is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
Clause 30. A roof seal assembly comprising:
(a) an end cap comprising:
(i) a planar elongate seal plate having a first interior face and an opposed first exterior face, the first interior face adapted to be secured to an edge of an enclosure component;
(ii) an elongate seal key on the first interior face; and
(iii) an elongate accessory slot defined in the first exterior face; and
(b) a roof skirt board comprising:
(i) a planar elongate skirt plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face;
(ii) the second interior face positioned proximate to the first exterior face, with an elongate cinch key on the second interior face of the skirt plate received in the accessory slot defined in the first exterior face of the seal plate, and with the cinch key having a serpentine cross section; and
(iii) an elongate fastener slot defined in the second exterior face of the skirt plate positioned proximate to the cinch key positioned on the second interior face.
Clause 31. The roof seal assembly of claim 30 where one or both of the end cap and roof skirt board is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
Clause 32. A sealing system for abutting regions of building structure enclosure components, comprising:
(a) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face and an opposed first exterior face, the first interior face adapted to be secured to an enclosure component, and the first exterior face defining an elongate seal slot;
(b) the first seal plate adapted to mate with a planar elongate second seal plate, with the first exterior face positioned in proximity with a second exterior face of the second seal plate;
(c) an elongate resilient compression seal positioned in the elongate seal slot, the elongate resilient compression seal having a hollow seal chamber and comprising:
(1) an elongate base;
(2) an elongate first seal wall joined to the base, and an opposed elongate second seal wall joined to the base, the first and second seal walls extending away from the base in a diverging relationship;
(3) an elongate first arcuate buttress joined to an end of the first seal wall distal from the base, and an elongate second arcuate buttress joined to an end of the second seal wall distal from the base;
(4) an elongate planar first seal surface joined to an end of the first arcuate buttress distal from the first seal wall, and an elongate planar second seal surface joined to an end of the second arcuate buttress distal from the second seal wall, the first seal surface and the second seal surface each extending away at an angle from the first arcuate buttress and the second arcuate buttress respectively in a converging relationship; and
(5) an elongate seal closure having a first closure end joined to an end of the first seal surface distal from the first arcuate buttress and a second closure end joined to an end of the second seal surface distal from the second arcuate buttress; and wherein the base, the first and second seal walls, the first and second arcuate buttresses, the first and second seal surfaces and the seal closure define the hollow seal chamber.
Clause 33. The sealing system of clause 32, wherein the base of the compression seal has an arched section arched inwardly toward the seal chamber.
Clause 34. The sealing system of clause 33, wherein the arched section of the base has a first end and an opposed second end, and the base further comprises an elongate first winglet extending from the first end of the arched section and an elongate second winglet extending from the second end of the arched section.
Clause 35. The sealing system of any one of clause 32, 33 or 34, wherein the first and second seal walls extend away from the base at a divergence angle θ, where θ<90°.
Clause 36. The sealing system of clause 35, wherein the divergence angle θ is in the range of 40°<θ<50°.
Clause 37. The sealing system of any one of clause 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36, wherein the first and second seal surfaces extend away from the first arcuate buttress and the second arcuate buttress respectively at a convergence angle δ of about 90°.
Clause 38. The sealing system of any one of clause 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 or 37, wherein the seal slot has an elongate planar floor section with a first end and an opposed second end, with a first lateral groove extending away from the first end of the seal slot and a second lateral groove extending away from the second end of the seal slot.
Clause 39. The sealing system of clause 34, wherein the seal slot has an elongate planar floor section with a first end and an opposed second end, a first lateral groove extends away from the first end of the seal slot, a second lateral groove extends away from the second end of the seal slot, the first winglet is positioned in the first lateral groove and the second winglet is positioned in the second lateral groove.
Clause 40. The sealing system of clause 32, wherein the seal slot is further defined by an elongate first slot wall extending away from the floor section from a first location, an elongate second slot wall extending away from the floor section from an opposed second location, and the first and second slot walls extend away from the floor section in a diverging relationship.
Clause 41. The sealing system of clause 40, wherein the first and second slot walls extend away from the floor section at a divergence angle ε, where ε<90°.
Clause 42. The sealing system of clause 41, wherein the divergence angle ε is in the range of 40°<ε<50°.
Clause 43. The sealing system of clause 35, wherein the seal slot is further defined by an elongate first slot wall extending away from the floor section from a first location, an elongate second slot wall extending away from the floor section from an opposed second location, and the first and second slot walls extend away from the floor section at a divergence angle ε equal to the divergence angle θ.
Clause 44. The sealing system of any one of clause 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 or 43, wherein the seal closure is curved in shape inwardly toward the seal chamber.
Clause 45. The sealing system of any one of clause 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 or 44, wherein the first seal plate is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
Clause 46. A seal assembly for abutting regions of building structure enclosure components, comprising:
(a) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, the first interior face being adapted to be secured to a first enclosure component, with (i) an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face, and (ii) an elongate interlock slot defined in the first exterior face and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
(b) a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, the second interior face being adapted to be secured to a second enclosure component, the second seal plate adapted to mate with the first seal plate with the second exterior face in proximity with the first exterior face of the first seal plate; the second seal plate including an elongate interlock key on the second exterior face which is adapted to be received in the interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the first seal plate when the first and second seal plates mate; and
(c) an elongate resilient first compression seal positioned in the elongate first seal slot and adapted to be in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate when the first and second seal plates mate, the first compression seal having a hollow seal chamber.
Clause 47. The seal assembly of clause 46, wherein the first compression seal (c) comprises:
(1) an elongate base;
(2) an elongate first seal wall joined to the base, and an opposed elongate second seal wall joined to the base, the first and second seal walls extending away from the base in a diverging relationship;
(3) an elongate first buttress joined to an edge of the first seal wall distal from the base, and an elongate second buttress joined to an edge of the second seal wall distal from the base;
(4) an elongate planar first seal surface joined to an edge of the first buttress distal from the first seal wall, and an elongate planar second seal surface joined to an edge of the second buttress distal from the second seal wall, the first seal surface and the second seal surface each extending away at an angle from the first buttress and the second buttress respectively in a converging relationship; and
(5) an elongate seal closure having a first edge joined to an edge of the first seal surface distal from the first arcuate buttress and a second edge joined to an edge of the second seal surface distal from the second buttress;
wherein the base, the first and second seal walls, the first and second buttresses, the first and second seal surfaces and the seal closure define the hollow seal chamber.
Clause 48. The sealing system of either of clause 46 or 47, wherein the first exterior face further defines an elongate second seal slot, with the interlock slot positioned between the first seal slot and the second seal slot, and further comprising an elongate resilient second compression seal positioned in the elongate second seal slot and adapted to be in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate when the second exterior face is in proximity with the first exterior face, the second compression seal having a hollow seal chamber.
Clause 49. The sealing system of any one of clause 46, 47 or 48, further comprising an elongate coupling inset defined in the first exterior face at each of the first and second edges of the first seal plate, an elongate coupling ridge extending from the second exterior face at each of the first and second edges of the second seal plate, the coupling inset at the first edge of the first seal plate adapted to mate with the coupling ridge at the first edge of the second seal plate, and the coupling inset at the second edge of the first seal plate adapted to mate with the coupling ridge at the second edge of the second seal plate, when the first and second seal plates mate.
Clause 50. The sealing system of any one of clause 46, 47, 48 or 49, further comprising a series of elongate stepped locating ridges extending from the first interior face at the first edge of the first seal plate.
Clause 51. The sealing system of clause 48, wherein the first exterior face of the first seal plate further defines an elongate third seal slot, with the third seal slot positioned between the interlock slot and the second seal slot, and further comprising an elongate resilient third compression seal positioned in the elongate third seal slot and adapted to be in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate when the first and second seal plates mate, the third compression seal having a hollow seal chamber.
Clause 52. The sealing system of any one of clause 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 or 51, wherein each of the first and second seal plates is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
Clause 53. An enclosure component assembly comprising:
(a) a first planar laminate having an elongate edge, a first face and an opposed second face;
(b) a planar elongate first seal plate having an interior face, an opposed exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, with an elongate interlock slot defined in the first exterior face and positioned distal from the first and second edges; and
(c) the interior face of the first seal plate secured to the first face of the planar laminate proximate the edge.
Clause 54. The enclosure component assembly of clause 53, further comprising flooring having a flooring thickness disposed on the first face of the first planar laminate, and wherein the first seal plate has a thickness at least equal to the flooring thickness.
Clause 55. The enclosure component assembly of clause 53, further comprising:
(d) a second planar laminate have an elongate edge, a first face and an opposed second face;
(e) a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, the second interior face secured to the edge of the second planar laminate and including an interlock key;
(f) the first seal plate mating with the second seal plate, with the second exterior face in proximity with the first exterior face and the interlock key received in the interlock slot.
Clause 56. The enclosure component assembly of clause 55, further comprising an elongate seal slot defined in the first exterior face of the first seal plate between the interlock slot and the first edge, and an elongate resilient compression seal positioned in the first seal slot in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate, the compression seal having a hollow seal chamber.
Clause 57. The enclosure component assembly of either of clause 55 or 56, in which either or both of the first and second seal plates is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
Clause 58. A folded building structure transportable to a site at which the folded building structure is to be erected, comprising:
a fixed space portion defined by (i) a first floor portion, (ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a second wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the first wall component, the fixed wall portion having a fixed wall portion top edge, and (iii) a first roof portion adjoining the first wall component and the fixed wall portion;
a second roof portion horizontally stacked in a second roof portion folded position on the first roof portion and pivotally connected thereto to permit the second roof portion to pivot, about a first horizontal axis relative to the first roof portion, from the second roof portion folded position to a second roof portion unfolded position, the second roof portion having a planar interior surface;
a third roof portion horizontally stacked in a third roof portion folded position on the second roof portion and pivotally connected thereto to permit the third roof portion to pivot, about a second horizontal axis relative to the second roof portion, from the third roof portion folded position to a third roof portion unfolded position, the third roof portion having a planar interior surface;
a second floor portion vertically positioned in a second floor portion folded position opposite to the first wall component and pivotally connected to the first floor portion to permit the second floor portion to pivot, about a third horizontal axis relative to the first floor portion, from the second floor portion folded position to a second floor portion unfolded position;
a third wall component vertically positioned in a third wall component folded position against the second floor portion, the third wall component pivotally connected to the second floor portion to permit the third wall portion to pivot, about a fourth horizontal axis relative to the second floor portion, from the third wall component folded position to a third wall component unfolded position;
the second wall component additionally including a planar pivoting wall portion with a pivoting portion top edge, the pivoting wall portion (i) disposed in a pivoting portion folded position against the third wall component in the third wall component folded position and (ii) pivotally connected to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component to permit the pivoting wall portion to pivot, about a vertical axis relative to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component, from the pivoting portion folded position to a pivoting portion unfolded position in which the pivoting portion top edge is positioned under the interior surfaces of the second and third roof portions when the second and third roof portions are in their unfolded positions;
a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face, an elongate resilient first compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the first seal slot, and an elongate first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face, and an elongate first interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the first seal plate;
one of the first interior face of the first seal plate and the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to the pivoting portion top edge;
the other of the first interior face of the first seal plate and the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to the interior surface of the second roof portion at a position so that when the pivoting wall portion and the second roof portion are in their respective unfolded positions, the first seal plate mates with the second seal plate, with the first interlock key received in the first interlock slot, and the first compression seal in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 59. The folded building structure of clause 58, wherein the first seal slot defined in the first exterior face is positioned between one of the first interlock slot and the first edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, and wherein the first exterior face further defines an elongate second seal slot positioned between the other of the first interlock slot and the first edge, and there is an elongate resilient second compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the second seal slot, so that when the first seal plate mates with the second seal plate, the second compression seal is in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 60. The folded building structure of clause 58, wherein the second interior face of the second seal plate is secured to the pivoting portion top edge, and the folded building structure further comprises:
a planar elongate third seal plate having a third interior face, an opposed third exterior face, and an elongate second interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the first seal plate;
the fixed wall portion of the first wall component having a fixed wall portion top edge that is positioned under the interior surface of the second roof portion when the second roof portion is in the second roof portion unfolded position;
the third interior face of the third seal plate secured to the fixed wall portion top edge; and
the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to the interior surface of the second roof portion at a position so that when the second roof portion is in the second roof portion unfolded position, the third seal plate mates with the first seal plate, with the second interlock key received in the first interlock slot and the first compression seal in pressing contact with the third exterior face of the third seal plate.
Clause 61. The folded building structure of clause 58, wherein the second interior face of the second seal plate is secured to the pivoting portion top edge, and the folded building structure further comprises:
a planar elongate fourth seal plate having a fourth interior face, an opposed fourth exterior face, a third edge and an opposed fourth edge, with an elongate second seal slot defined in the fourth exterior face, an elongate resilient second compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the second seal slot, and an elongate second interlock slot defined in the fourth exterior face and positioned distal from the third and fourth edges;
the fourth interior face of the fourth seal plate secured to the interior surface of the third roof portion at a position so that when the pivoting wall portion and the third roof portion are in their respective unfolded positions, the fourth seal plate mates with the second seal plate, with the first interlock key received in the second interlock slot, and the second compression seal in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 62. The folded building structure of clause 58, further comprising:
a planar elongate fifth seal plate having a fifth interior face, an opposed fifth exterior face, a fifth edge and an opposed sixth edge, with an elongate third seal slot defined in the fifth exterior face, an elongate resilient third compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the third seal slot, and an elongate third interlock slot defined in the fifth exterior face and positioned distal from the fifth and sixth edges;
a planar elongate sixth seal plate having a sixth interior face and an opposed sixth exterior face, and an elongate third interlock key on the sixth exterior face adapted to be received in the third interlock slot defined in the fifth exterior face of the fifth seal plate;
the third wall component having a third wall component top edge;
the sixth interior face of the sixth seal plate secured to the third wall component top edge;
the fifth interior face of the fifth seal plate secured to the interior surface of the third roof portion at a position so that when the second floor portion, the third wall component and the third roof portion are in their respective unfolded positions: (i) the fifth seal plate mates with the sixth seal plate, (ii) the third interlock key is received in the third interlock slot, and (iii) the third compression seal is in pressing contact with the sixth exterior face of the sixth seal plate.
Clause 63. A folded building structure transportable to a site at which the folded building structure is to be erected, comprising:
a fixed space portion defined by (i) a floor portion, (ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a second wall component adjoining the floor portion and the first wall component, and (iii) a first roof portion adjoining the first wall component and the fixed wall portion, the first roof portion having a first interior edge;
a second roof portion having a second interior edge and an opposed third interior edge, the second roof portion horizontally stacked in a second roof portion folded position on the first roof portion and pivotally connected between the second and first interior edges thereof to permit the second roof portion to pivot, about a first horizontal axis relative to the first roof portion, from the second roof portion folded position to a second roof portion unfolded position;
a third roof portion having a fourth interior edge, the third roof horizontally stacked in a third roof portion folded position on the second roof portion and pivotally connected between the fourth and third interior edges thereof to permit the third roof portion to pivot, about a second horizontal axis relative to the second roof portion, from the third roof portion folded position to a third roof portion unfolded position, the third roof portion having a planar interior surface;
the second wall component additionally including a planar pivoting wall portion with a pivoting portion top edge, the pivoting wall portion (i) disposed in a pivoting portion folded position opposite to the first wall component, and (ii) pivotally connected to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component to permit the pivoting wall portion to pivot, about a vertical axis relative to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component, from the pivoting portion folded position to a pivoting portion unfolded position in which the pivoting portion top edge is positioned under the interior surfaces of the second and third roof portions when the second and third roof portions are in their unfolded positions;
a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face, an elongate resilient first compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the first seal slot, and an elongate first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face, and an elongate first interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the first seal plate;
the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to one of the first and second interior edges;
the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to the other of the first and second interior edges so that when the second roof portion is in the unfolded position, the first seal plate mates with the second seal plate, with the first interlock key received in the first interlock slot, and the first compression seal in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 64. The folded building structure of clause 63, further comprising:
a planar elongate third seal plate having a third interior face, an opposed third exterior face, a third edge and an opposed fourth edge, with an elongate second seal slot defined in the third exterior face, an elongate resilient second compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the second seal slot, and an elongate second interlock slot defined in the third exterior face and positioned distal from the third and fourth edges;
a planar elongate fourth seal plate having a fourth interior face and an opposed fourth exterior face, and an elongate second interlock key on the fourth exterior face adapted to be received in the second interlock slot defined in the third exterior face of the third seal plate;
the third interior face of the third seal plate secured to one of the third and fourth interior edges;
the fourth interior face of the fourth seal plate secured to the other of the third and fourth interior edges so that when the third roof portion is in the unfolded position, the third seal plate is mates with the fourth seal plate, with the second interlock key received in the second interlock slot, and the second compression seal in pressing contact with the fourth exterior face of the fourth seal plate.
Clause 65. The folded building structure of either of clause 63 or 64, wherein the first seal slot defined in the first exterior face is positioned between one of the first interlock slot and the first edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, and wherein the first exterior face further defines an elongate third seal slot and an elongate fourth seal slot, each of the third and fourth seal slots is positioned between the other of the first interlock slot and the first edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, an elongate resilient third compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the third seal slot, and an elongate resilient fourth compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the fourth seal slot, so that when the second roof portion is in the unfolded position the third and fourth compression seals are in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 66. The folded building structure of clause 64, wherein the second seal slot defined in the third exterior face is positioned between one of the second interlock slot and the third edge, and the second interlock slot and the fourth edge, and wherein the third exterior face further defines an elongate fifth seal slot and an elongate sixth seal slot, each of the fifth and sixth seal slots is positioned between the other of the second interlock slot and the third edge, and the second interlock slot and the fourth edge, an elongate resilient fifth compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the fifth seal slot, and an elongate resilient sixth compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the sixth seal slot, so that when the third roof portion is in the unfolded position the fifth and sixth compression seals are in pressing contact with the fourth exterior face of the fourth seal plate.
Clause 67. A folded building structure transportable to a site at which the folded building structure is to be erected, comprising:
a fixed space portion defined by (i) a floor portion, (ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a second wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the first wall component, the fixed wall portion having a fixed wall portion interior edge, and (iii) a roof portion adjoining the first wall component and the fixed wall portion;
the second wall component additionally including a planar pivoting wall portion with a pivoting portion interior edge, the pivoting wall portion (i) disposed in a pivoting portion folded position opposite to the first wall component, and (ii) pivotally connected to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component to permit the pivoting wall portion to pivot, about a vertical axis relative to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component, from the pivoting portion folded position to a pivoting portion unfolded position;
a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face, an elongate resilient first compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the first seal slot, and an elongate first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face, and an elongate first interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the first seal plate;
the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to one of the fixed portion interior edge and the pivoting portion interior edge;
the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to the other of the fixed portion interior edge and the pivoting portion interior edge so that when the pivoting wall portion is in its unfolded position, the first seal plate mates with the second seal plate, with the first interlock key received in the first interlock slot, and the first compression seal in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 68. The folded building structure of clause 67, wherein the first seal slot defined in the first exterior face is positioned between one of the first interlock slot and the first edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, and wherein the first exterior face further defines an elongate second seal slot positioned between the other of the first interlock slot and the first edge, and there is an elongate resilient second compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the second seal slot, so that when the pivoting portion is in the unfolded position the second compression seal is in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 69. A folded building structure transportable to a site at which the folded building structure is to be erected, comprising:
a fixed space portion defined by (i) a first floor portion, (ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a second wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the first wall component, and (iii) a first roof portion adjoining the first wall component and the fixed wall portion;
a second floor portion vertically positioned in a second floor portion folded position opposite to the first wall component and pivotally connected to the first floor portion to permit the second floor portion to pivot, about a first horizontal axis relative to the first floor portion, from the second floor portion folded position to a second floor portion unfolded position, the second floor portion including an interior surface;
a third wall component having a third wall component lower edge and vertically positioned in a third wall component folded position against the second floor portion, the third wall component pivotally connected to the second floor portion proximate to the third wall component lower edge to permit the third wall portion to pivot, about a second horizontal axis relative to the second floor portion, from the third wall component folded position to a third wall component unfolded position;
a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face, an elongate resilient first compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the first seal slot, and an elongate first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face, and an elongate first interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the first seal plate; one of the first interior face of the first seal plate and the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to the third wall component lower edge;
the other of the first interior face of the first seal plate and the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to the interior surface of the second floor portion at a position so that when the second floor portion and the third wall component are in their respective unfolded positions, the first seal plate mates with the second seal plate, with the first interlock key received in the first interlock slot, and the first compression seal in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 70. The folded building structure of clause 69, wherein the first seal slot defined in the first exterior face is positioned between one of the first interlock slot and the first edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, and wherein the first exterior face further defines an elongate second seal slot positioned between the other of the first interlock slot and the first edge, and there is an elongate resilient second compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the second seal slot, so that when the pivoting portion is in the unfolded position the second compression seal is in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 71. A folded building structure transportable to a site at which the folded building structure is to be erected, comprising:
a fixed space portion defined by (i) a first floor portion, (ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a second wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the first wall component, and (iii) a first roof portion adjoining the first wall component and the fixed wall portion;
a second roof portion horizontally stacked in a second roof portion folded position on the first roof portion and pivotally connected thereto to permit the second roof portion to pivot, about a first horizontal axis relative to the first roof portion, from the second roof portion folded position to a second roof portion unfolded position, the second roof portion having a planar interior surface;
third roof portion horizontally stacked in a third roof portion folded position on the second roof portion and pivotally connected thereto to permit the third roof portion to pivot, about a second horizontal axis relative to the second roof portion, from the third roof portion folded position to a third roof portion unfolded position, the third roof portion having a planar interior surface;
a second floor portion vertically positioned in a second floor portion folded position opposite to the first wall component and pivotally connected to the first floor portion to permit the second floor portion to pivot, about a third horizontal axis relative to the first floor portion, from the second floor portion folded position to a second floor portion unfolded position, the second floor portion including an interior surface;
a third wall component having a third wall component lower edge and an opposed third wall component upper edge and vertically positioned in a third wall component folded position against the second floor portion, the third wall component pivotally connected to the second floor portion proximate to the third wall component lower edge to permit the third wall portion to pivot, about a fourth horizontal axis relative to the second floor portion, from the third wall component folded position to a third wall component unfolded position;
a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face, an elongate resilient first compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the first seal slot, and an elongate first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face, and an elongate first interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the first seal plate;
one of the first interior face of the first seal plate and the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to the third wall component upper edge;
the other of the first interior face of the first seal plate and the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to the interior surface of the third roof portion at a position so that when the second floor portion, the third wall component and the third roof portion are in their respective unfolded positions, the first seal plate mates with the second seal plate, with the first interlock key received in the first interlock slot, and the first compression seal in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 72. The folded building structure of clause 71, wherein the first seal slot defined in the first exterior face is positioned between one of the first interlock slot and the first edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, and wherein the first exterior face further defines an elongate second seal slot positioned between the other of the first interlock slot and the first edge, and there is an elongate resilient second compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the second seal slot, so that when the first seal plate mates with the second seal plate, the second compression seal is in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 73. A folded building structure transportable to a site at which the folded building structure is to be erected, comprising:
a fixed space portion defined by (i) a first floor portion having a first floor portion interior edge, (ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a second wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the first wall component, and (iii) a first roof portion adjoining the first wall component and the fixed wall portion;
a second floor portion having a second floor portion interior edge and vertically positioned in a second floor portion folded position opposite to the first wall component, the second floor portion pivotally connected to the first floor portion between the first floor portion interior edge and the second floor portion interior edge to permit the second floor portion to pivot, about a horizontal axis relative to the first floor portion, from the second floor portion folded position to a second floor portion unfolded position;
a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face, an elongate resilient first compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the first seal slot, and an elongate first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face and positioned distal from the first and second edges;
a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face, and an elongate first interlock key on the second exterior face adapted to be received in the first interlock slot defined in the first exterior face of the first seal plate;
the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to one of the first floor portion interior edge and the second floor portion interior edge;
the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to the other of the first floor portion interior edge and the second floor portion interior edge so that when the second floor portion is in its unfolded position, the first seal plate mates with the second seal plate, with the first interlock key received in the first interlock slot, and the first compression seal in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 74. The folded building structure of clause 73, wherein the first seal slot defined in the first exterior face is positioned between one of the first interlock slot and the first edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, and wherein the first exterior face further defines an elongate third seal slot and an elongate fourth seal slot, each of the third and fourth seal slots positioned between the other of the first interlock slot and the first edge, and the first interlock slot and the second edge, with an elongate resilient third compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the third seal slot, and an elongate resilient fourth compression seal with a hollow seal chamber positioned in the fourth seal slot, so that when the first seal plate mates with the second seal plate the third and fourth compression seals are in pressing contact with the second exterior face of the second seal plate.
Clause 75. A sealing system for abutting regions of enclosure components for a building structure, comprising:
(a) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face and an opposed first exterior face, the first interior face being adapted to be secured to a first enclosure component, and the first exterior face defining an elongate seal slot; the first seal plate adapted to mate with a planar elongate second seal plate by lateral movement of a second exterior face of the second seal plate relative to the first exterior face of the first seal plate;
(c) an elongate resilient shear seal positioned in the elongate seal slot, the elongate resilient shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and comprising:
(1) an elongate base;
(2) an elongate first seal wall joined to the base, and an opposed elongate second seal wall joined to the base, the first and second seal walls extending away from the base in a diverging relationship;
(3) an elongate seal support having an arcuate region joined to an end of the first seal wall distal from the base;
(4) an elongate planar seal closure joined to an end of the second seal wall distal from the base;
(5) an elongate planar cantilevered seal surface joined to the seal closure distal from the second seal wall at a shear seal junction, the cantilevered seal surface oriented at an upward angle β relative to the base and terminating at a free end; and
(6) an end of the seal support distal from the first seal wall joined either to the shear seal junction, or to the elongate planar cantilevered seal surface proximate to the shear seal junction, thereby defining the hollow seal chamber.
Clause 76. The sealing system of clause 75, wherein the base of the shear seal is planar.
Clause 77. The sealing system of either of clause 75 or 76, wherein the base has a first end and an opposed second end, and there is an elongate first winglet extending from the first end of the base and an elongate second winglet extending from the second end of the base.
Clause 78. The sealing system of any one of clause 75, 76 or 77, wherein the first and second seal walls extend away from the base at a divergence angle λ, where λ<90°.
Clause 79. The sealing system of clause 78, wherein the divergence angle λ is in the range of 40°<λ<50°.
Clause 80. The sealing system of clause 76, wherein the seal closure is oriented at an angle of inclination a relative to the planar base.
Clause 81. The sealing system of clause 80, wherein β>α.
Clause 82. The sealing system of any one of clause 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80 or 81, wherein the seal slot has an elongate planar floor section with a first end and an opposed second end, a first lateral groove extends away from the first end of the seal slot and a second lateral groove extends away from the second end of the seal slot.
Clause 83. The sealing system of clause 77, wherein the seal slot has a elongate planar floor section with a first end and an opposed second end, a first lateral groove extends away from the first end of the seal slot, a second lateral groove extends away from the second end of the seal slot, the first winglet is positioned in the first lateral groove and the second winglet is positioned in the second lateral groove.
Clause 84. The sealing system of any one of clause 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80 or 81, wherein the seal slot has an elongate floor section, and the seal slot is further defined by a first elongate slot wall extending away from the floor section from a first location, a second elongate slot wall extending away from the floor section from an opposed second location, and the first and second slot walls extend away from the floor section in a diverging relationship.
Clause 85. The sealing system of clause 84, wherein the first and second slot walls extend away from the floor section at a divergence angle ε, where ε<90°.
Clause 86. The sealing system of clause 85, wherein the divergence angle ε is in the range of 40°<ε<50°.
Clause 87. The sealing system of clause 78, wherein the seal slot has an elongate floor section, and the seal slot is further defined by a first elongate slot wall extending away from the floor section from a first location, a second elongate slot wall extending away from the floor section from an opposed second location, and the first and second slot walls extend away from the floor section at a divergence angle ε equal to the divergence angle λ.
Clause 88. The sealing system of any one of clause 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 or 87, wherein the seal plate is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
Clause 89. An interlock seal component comprising:
(a) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, the first interior face adapted to be secured to an enclosure component;
(b) an elongate key on the interior face of the seal plate; and
(c) the exterior face being inclined at an angle relative to the interior face.
Clause 90. The interlock seal component of clause 89, further comprising an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face of the seal plate proximate the first edge.
Clause 91. The interlock seal component of clause 90, further comprising a step-down, in the direction moving from the first edge to the second edge, on the first exterior face between the first seal slot and the second edge.
Clause 92. An interlock seal component comprising:
(a) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge and an opposed second edge, the first interior face being adapted to be secured to a first enclosure component;
(b) an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face of the seal plate proximate the first edge; and
(c) the first exterior face being inclined at an angle relative to the interior face.
Clause 93. The interlock seal component of clause 92, further comprising one of a step-up and a step-down on the first exterior face positioned between the first seal slot and the second edge.
Clause 94. An interlock seal assembly comprising:
(a) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge, an opposed second edge and a first thickness, the first interior face being adapted to be secured to a first enclosure component;
(b) an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face of the first seal plate proximate the first edge; and
(c) the first exterior face being inclined at an angle γ relative to the first interior face so that the first thickness decreases with increasing distance from the first edge;
(d) a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior face, an opposed second exterior face, a third edge, an opposed fourth edge and a second thickness, the second interior face being adapted to be secured to a second enclosure component;
(e) an elongate second seal slot defined in the second exterior face of the second seal plate proximate the fourth edge;
(f) the second exterior face being inclined at the angle γ relative to the second interior face so that the second thickness increases with increasing distance from the third edge; and
(g) the first seal plate adapted to mate with the second seal plate by lateral movement of the first exterior face relative to the second exterior face so that when mated the first exterior face is in proximity with the second exterior face, with the first edge proximate to the third edge and the second edge proximate to the fourth edge.
Clause 95. The interlock seal assembly of clause 94, further comprising:
(h) a first shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and a first cantilevered seal surface, the first shear seal positioned in the first seal slot;
(i) a second shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and a second cantilevered seal surface, the second shear seal positioned in the second seal slot; and
(j) the first and second shear seals respectively positioned in the first and second seal slots so that the first and second cantilevered seal surfaces are oppositely oriented away from each other.
Clause 96. The interlock seal assembly of either of clause 94 or 95, further comprising a step-down, in the direction moving from the first edge to the second edge, on the first exterior face, in proximity to a step-up, in the direction moving from the third edge to the fourth edge, on the second exterior face.
Clause 97. An enclosure component assembly comprising:
(a) a first planar laminate having an elongate laminate edge, a first face and an opposed second face;
(b) a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first edge, an opposed second edge and a first thickness;
(c) the first exterior face being inclined at an angle γ relative to the first interior face so that the first thickness increases with increasing distance from the first edge; and
(d) the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to the first face of the planar laminate parallel to the laminate edge, with the second edge proximate to the laminate edge.
Clause 98. The enclosure component assembly of clause 97, further comprising:
(e) a second planar laminate have an elongate edge, a first face and an opposed second face;
(f) a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior face and an opposed second exterior face, a third edge and an opposed fourth edge, the second interior face secured to the edge of the second planar laminate, the first and second seal plates mated with the first exterior face in proximity with the second exterior face, the first edge proximate the third edge and the second edge proximate the fourth edge; and
(g) the second exterior face being inclined at the angle γ relative to the second interior face so that the second thickness increases with increasing distance from the fourth edge.
Clause 99. The enclosure component assembly of clause 98, further comprising flooring having a flooring thickness disposed on the first face of the first planar laminate, and wherein the first seal plate has a thickness at least equal to the flooring thickness.
Clause 100. The enclosure component assembly of either of clause 98 or 99, further comprising:
(g) an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face of the first seal plate proximate the second edge; and
(h) an elongate second seal slot defined in the second exterior face of the second seal plate proximate the third edge.
Clause 101. The enclosure component assembly of clause 100, further comprising:
(i) a first shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and a first cantilevered seal surface, the first shear seal positioned in the first seal slot;
(j) a second shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and a second cantilevered seal surface, the second shear seal positioned in the second seal slot; and
(k) the first and second shear seals respectively positioned in the first and second seal slots so that the first and second cantilevered seal surfaces are oppositely oriented away from each other.
Clause 102. The enclosure component assembly of any one of clause 98, 99, 100 or 101, having a step-up, in the direction moving from the first edge to the second edge, on the first exterior face in proximity with a step-down on the second exterior face, in the direction moving from the third edge to the fourth edge.
Clause 103. The enclosure component assembly of clause 102, wherein the step-up is positioned between the first seal slot and the first edge, and the step-down is positioned between the second seal slot and the fourth edge.
Clause 104. The enclosure component assembly of any one of clause 98, 99, 100, 101, 102 or 103, wherein either or both of the first and second seal plates is foamed polyvinyl chloride.
Clause 105. A folded building structure transportable to a site at which the folded building structure is to be erected, comprising:
a fixed space portion defined by (i) a first floor portion, (ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a second wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the first wall component, the fixed wall portion having a fixed wall portion top edge, and (iii) a first roof portion adjoining the first wall component and the fixed wall portion; a second floor portion vertically positioned in a second floor portion folded position opposite to the first wall component and pivotally connected to the first floor portion to permit the second floor portion to pivot, about a horizontal axis relative to the first floor portion, from the second floor portion folded position to a second floor portion unfolded position, the second floor portion having an interior surface and the first and second floor portions defining an exterior floor edge when the second floor portion is in the second floor portion unfolded position;
the second wall component additionally including a planar pivoting wall portion with a pivoting portion bottom edge, the pivoting wall portion (i) disposed in a pivoting portion folded position against the third wall component in the third wall component folded position and (ii) pivotally connected to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component to permit the pivoting wall portion to pivot, about a vertical axis relative to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component, from the pivoting portion folded position to a pivoting portion unfolded position in which at least a segment of the pivoting portion bottom edge is positioned over a select region of the interior surface of the second floor portion proximate to the exterior floor edge when the second floor portion is in the second floor portion unfolded position;
a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first thickness, a first edge and an opposed second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face proximate to the first edge;
a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior face, an opposed second exterior face, a second thickness, a third edge and an opposed fourth edge, with an elongate second seal slot defined in the second exterior face proximate to the fourth edge;
an elongate resilient first shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and an elongate first cantilevered seal surface terminating at a free end, the first shear seal positioned in the first seal slot, with the first cantilevered seal surface oriented toward the first edge, and an elongate resilient second shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and an elongate second cantilevered seal surface terminating at a free end, the second shear seal positioned in the second seal slot, with the second cantilevered seal surface oriented toward the fourth edge;
the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to the select region of the interior surface of the second floor portion, with the fourth edge of the second seal plate proximate to the exterior floor edge when the second floor portion is in the second floor portion unfolded position;
the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to the pivoting portion bottom edge with the second edge proximate to the exterior floor edge when the second floor portion is in the second floor portion unfolded position and the pivoting wall portion is in the pivoting wall portion unfolded position, so that when the second floor portion and the pivoting wall portion are in their respective unfolded positions, the first seal plate mates with the second seal plate, with the first edge being proximate to the third edge, the first cantilevered seal surface in pressing contact with the exterior face of the second seal plate, and the second cantilevered seal surface in pressing contact with the exterior face of the first seal plate.
Clause 106. The folded building structure of clause 105, wherein a segment of the pivoting wall portion is positioned over a select region of the interior surface of the first floor portion proximate to the exterior floor edge when the pivoting wall portion is in the pivoting wall portion unfolded position and the second floor portion is in the second floor portion unfolded position, and the folded building structure further comprises:
a planar elongate third seal plate having a third interior face, an opposed third exterior face, a third thickness, a fifth edge and an opposed sixth edge, with an elongate third seal slot defined in the third exterior face proximate to the sixth edge;
an elongate resilient third shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and a third cantilevered seal surface terminating at a free end, the third shear seal positioned in the third seal slot, with the third cantilevered seal surface oriented toward the sixth edge;
the third interior face of the third seal plate secured to the select region of the interior surface of the first floor portion so that when the pivoting wall portion is in the pivoting wall portion unfolded position, the fifth edge is proximate to the first edge, and the third seal plate mates with the first seal plate, with the third cantilevered seal surface in pressing contact with the first exterior face of the first seal plate.
Clause 107 The folded building structure of either of clause 105 or 106, wherein the first exterior face is inclined at an angle γ relative to the first interior face so that the first thickness increases with increasing distance from the first edge, and the second exterior face being inclined at the angle γ relative to the second interior face so that the second thickness decreases with increasing distance from the fourth edge.
Clause 108. The folded building structure of any one of clause 105, 106 or 107, where the first and second cantilevered seal surfaces are each oriented at an upward angle β.
Clause 109. The folded building structure of clause 106, wherein the first exterior face is inclined at an angle γ relative to the first interior face so that the first thickness decreases with increasing distance from the first edge, the second exterior face being inclined at the angle γ relative to the second interior face so that the second thickness increases with increasing distance from the third edge, and the third exterior face being inclined at the angle γ relative to the third interior face so that the third thickness increases with increasing distance from the fifth edge.
Clause 110. The folded building structure of clause 106, wherein the first and second cantilevered seal surfaces are each oriented at an upward angle β.
Clause 111. The folded building structure of either of clause 106 or 110, wherein the third cantilevered seal surface is oriented at the upward angle β.
Clause 112. The folded building structure of clause 105, wherein there is a step-down, in the direction moving from the first edge to the second edge, on the first exterior face which is in proximity with a step-up, in the direction moving from the third edge to the fourth edge, on the second exterior face when the pivoting wall portion is in the pivoting portion unfolded position.
Clause 113. A folded building structure transportable to a site at which the folded building structure is to be erected, comprising:
a fixed space portion defined by (i) a first floor portion, (ii) a first wall component, (iii) a planar fixed wall portion of a second wall component adjoining the first floor portion and the first wall component, and (iii) a roof portion adjoining the first wall component and the fixed wall portion;
a second floor portion vertically positioned in a second floor portion folded position opposite to the first wall component and pivotally connected to the first floor portion to permit the second floor portion to pivot, about a first horizontal axis relative to the first floor portion, from the second floor portion folded position to a second floor portion unfolded position;
a third wall component vertically positioned in a third wall component folded position against the second floor portion, the third wall component pivotally connected to the second floor portion to permit the third wall portion to pivot, about a second horizontal axis relative to the second floor portion, from the third wall component folded position to a third wall component unfolded position, the third wall component having an interior surface and an exterior wall edge;
the second wall component additionally including a planar pivoting wall portion with a pivoting portion vertical edge, the pivoting wall portion (i) disposed in a pivoting portion folded position against the third wall component in the third wall component folded position and (ii) pivotally connected to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component to permit the pivoting wall portion to pivot, about a vertical axis relative to the fixed wall portion of the second wall component, from the pivoting portion folded position to a pivoting portion unfolded position in which the pivoting portion vertical edge is positioned adjacent to a select region of the interior surface of the third wall component proximate to the exterior wall edge when the second floor portion and the third call components are in their unfolded positions;
a planar elongate first seal plate having a first interior face, an opposed first exterior face, a first thickness, a first edge and an opposed second edge, with an elongate first seal slot defined in the first exterior face proximate to the first edge;
a planar elongate second seal plate having a second interior face, an opposed second exterior face, a second thickness, a third edge and an opposed fourth edge, with an elongate second seal slot defined in the second exterior face proximate to the fourth edge;
an elongate resilient first shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and an elongate first cantilevered seal surface terminating at a free end, the first shear seal positioned in the first seal slot, with the first cantilevered seal surface oriented toward the first edge, and an elongate resilient second shear seal having a hollow seal chamber and an elongate second cantilevered seal surface terminating at a free end, the second shear seal positioned in the second seal slot, with the second cantilevered seal surface oriented toward the fourth edge;
the second interior face of the second seal plate secured to the select region of the interior surface of the third wall component, with the fourth edge of the second seal plate proximate to the exterior wall edge of the third wall component;
the first interior face of the first seal plate secured to the pivoting portion vertical edge with the second edge proximate to the exterior wall edge of the third wall component when the second floor portion is in the second floor portion unfolded position, the third wall component is in the third wall component unfolded position and the pivoting wall portion is in the pivoting wall portion unfolded position, so that when the second floor portion, the third wall component and the pivoting wall portion are in their respective unfolded positions, the first seal plate mates with the second seal plate, with the first edge being proximate to the third edge, the first cantilevered seal surface in pressing contact with the exterior face of the second seal plate, and the second cantilevered seal surface in pressing contact with the exterior face of the first seal plate.
Clause 114. The folded building structure of clause 113, wherein the first exterior face is inclined at an angle γ relative to the first interior face so that the first thickness increases with increasing distance from the first edge, and the second exterior face being inclined at the angle γ relative to the second interior face so that the second thickness decreases with increasing distance from the fourth edge.
Clause 115. The folded building structure of clause 113, wherein the first and second cantilevered seal surfaces are each oriented at an upward angle β.
Clause 116. The folded building structure of clause 113, wherein there is a step-down, in the direction moving from the first edge to the second edge, on the first exterior face which is in proximity with a step-up, in the direction moving from the third edge to the fourth edge, on the second exterior face when the pivoting wall portion is in the pivoting portion unfolded position.
Clause 117. The folded building structure of any one of clauses 58-74, wherein the first compression seal comprises:
(1) an elongate base;
(2) an elongate first seal wall joined to the base, and an opposed elongate second seal wall joined to the base, the first and second seal walls extending away from the base in a diverging relationship;
(3) an elongate first arcuate buttress joined to an end of the first seal wall distal from the base, and an elongate second arcuate buttress joined to an end of the second seal wall distal from the base;
(4) an elongate planar first seal surface joined to an end of the first arcuate buttress distal from the first seal wall, and an elongate planar second seal surface joined to an end of the second arcuate buttress distal from the second seal wall, the first seal surface and the second seal surface each extending away at an angle from the first arcuate buttress and the second arcuate buttress respectively in a converging relationship; and
(5) an elongate seal closure having a first closure end joined to an end of the first seal surface distal from the first arcuate buttress and a second closure end joined to an end of the second seal surface distal from the second arcuate buttress; and wherein the base, the first and second seal walls, the first and second arcuate buttresses, the first and second seal surfaces and the seal closure define the hollow seal chamber.
Clause 118. The folded building structure of clause 117, wherein the base of the first compression seal has an arched section arched inwardly toward the seal chamber.
Clause 119. The folded building structure of either of clause 117 or 118, wherein the base of the first compression seal has a first end and an opposed second end, and the base further comprises an elongate first winglet extending from the first end of the base and an elongate second winglet extending from the second end of the base.
Clause 120. The folded building structure of clause 119, wherein the first seal slot has an elongate planar floor section with a first end and an opposed second end, a first lateral groove extends away from the first end of the first seal slot, a second lateral groove extends away from the second end of the first seal slot, the first winglet is positioned in the first lateral groove and the second winglet is positioned in the second lateral groove.
Clause 121. The folded building structure of clause 120, wherein the first seal slot is further defined by an elongate first slot wall extending away from the floor section from a first location, an elongate second slot wall extending away from the floor section from an opposed second location, with the first and second slot walls extending away from the floor section in a diverging relationship.
Clause 122. The folded building structure of any one of clause 105, 106, 107, 109, 112, 113, 114 or 116, wherein the first and second shear seals each comprises:
(1) an elongate base;
(2) an elongate first seal wall joined to the base, and an opposed elongate second seal wall joined to the base, the first and second seal walls extending away from the base in a diverging relationship;
(3) an elongate seal support having an arcuate region joined to an end of the first seal wall distal from the base;
(4) an elongate planar seal closure joined to an end of the second seal wall distal from the base;
(5) the cantilevered seal surface being joined to the seal closure distal from the second seal wall at a shear seal junction, the cantilevered seal surface oriented at an upward angle relative to the base; and
(6) an end of the seal support distal from the first seal wall joined either to the shear seal junction, or to the cantilevered seal surface proximate to the shear seal junction, thereby defining the hollow seal chamber.
Clause 123. The folded building structure of clause 122, wherein the base of each of the first and second shear seals is planar.
Clause 124. The folded building structure of either of clause 122 or 123, wherein the base of each of the first and second shear seals has a first end and an opposed second end, and there is an elongate first winglet extending from the first end of the base and an elongate second winglet extending from the second end of the base.
Clause 125. The folded building structure of clause 124, wherein each of the first seal slot and the second seal slot has an elongate planar floor section with a first end and an opposed second end, a first lateral groove extends away from the first end of the first seal slot, a second lateral groove extends away from the second end of the first seal slot, the first winglet is positioned in the first lateral groove and the second winglet is positioned in the second lateral groove.
Clause 126. The folded building structure of clause 125, wherein each of the first seal slot and the second seal slot is further defined by an elongate first slot wall extending away from the floor section from a first location, an elongate second slot wall extending away from the floor section from an opposed second location, with the first and second slot walls extending away from the floor section in a diverging relationship.
Clause 127. The folded building structure of any one of clauses 122-126, wherein the cantilevered seal surface of either or both of the first and second shear seals is planar.
Clause 128. The folded building structure of any one of clauses 105-127, wherein either or both of the first and second seal plates is formed of foamed polyvinyl chloride.
This application is a continuation application of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US21/056415, filed Oct. 25, 2021 and a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 17/504,883, filed Oct. 19, 2021, each of which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/136,268 filed Jan. 12, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/181,447, filed Apr. 29, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/196,400 filed Jun. 3, 2021; and this application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/136,268 filed Jan. 12, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/181,447, filed Apr. 29, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/196,400 filed Jun. 3, 2021.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63196400 | Jun 2021 | US | |
63181447 | Apr 2021 | US | |
63136268 | Jan 2021 | US | |
63196400 | Jun 2021 | US | |
63181447 | Apr 2021 | US | |
63136268 | Jan 2021 | US | |
63196400 | Jun 2021 | US | |
63181447 | Apr 2021 | US | |
63136268 | Jan 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/US2021/056415 | Oct 2021 | US |
Child | 17513176 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17504883 | Oct 2021 | US |
Child | PCT/US2021/056415 | US |