TREA

STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING SAME

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Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20230399839
  • Publication Number
    20230399839
  • Date Filed
    October 27, 2021
    2 years ago
  • Date Published
    December 14, 2023
    5 months ago
Information
Abstract
This structure 100 of the present invention comprises two ceiling members 110a, 110b, four wall members 120a-120d, and two floor members 130a, 130b, wherein each of the four wall members has a first joint edge joined to the two ceiling members, a second joint edge joined to the two floor members, a third joint edge joined to one among the four wall members adjacent to the respective four wall members, and a fourth joint edge joined to another one among the four wall members adjacent to the respective four wall members, and wherein the two ceiling members, the four wall members, and the two floor members are each formed of a foamed body.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a structure providing an internal space and a method of fabricating such a structure by joining a plurality of members.


BACKGROUND ART

Conventional structures that provide a living space include structures that can be assembled by combining parts made of extruded polystyrene foam or fiber reinforced plastic (FRP). For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a prefabricated dome erected on a concrete foundation slab as such a structure.


CITATION LIST
Patent Literature



  • [PTL 1] International Publication No. WO 2004/005633



SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem

The objective of the present invention is to obtain a structure, which can float on water, as a structure that provides an internal space and to obtain a fabrication method of such a structure.


Solution to Problem

The present invention provides, for example, the following items.


(Item 1)

A structure comprising:

    • at least one ceiling member;
    • at least four wall members; and
    • at least one floor member;
    • wherein each of the at least four wall members has:
      • a first joint edge that is joined to the at least one ceiling member;
      • a second joint edge that is joined to the at least one floor member;
      • a third joint edge that is joined to one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members; and
      • a fourth joint edge that is joined to the other one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members;
    • wherein each of the at least one ceiling member, the at least four wall members, and the at least one floor member is made of foam.


(Item 2)

The structure of item 1, wherein

    • the at least one ceiling member comprises a first ceiling member and a second ceiling member, and each of the first ceiling member and the second ceiling member comprises a first joint edge, a second joint edge, a third joint edge, and a fourth joint edge,
    • the at least four wall members comprise a first wall member, a second wall member, a third wall member, and a fourth wall member,
    • the at least one floor member comprises a first floor member and a second floor member, and each of the first floor member and the second floor member comprises a first joint edge, a second joint edge, a third joint edge, and a fourth joint edge,
    • the first joint edge of the first wall member is joined to the first joint edge of the first ceiling member, the second joint edge of the first wall member is joined to the first joint edge of the first floor member, the third joint edge of the first wall member is joined to the fourth joint edge of the third wall member, and the fourth joint edge of the first wall member is joined to the third joint edge of the fourth wall member,
    • the first joint edge of the second wall member is joined to the second joint edge of the second ceiling member, the second joint edge of the second wall member is joined to the second joint edge of the second floor member, the third joint edge of the second wall member is joined to the fourth joint edge of the fourth wall member, and the fourth joint edge of the second wall member is joined to the third joint edge of the third wall member,
    • the first joint edge of the third wall member is joined to the third joint edge of the first ceiling member and the third joint edge of the second ceiling member, and the second joint edge of the third wall member is joined to the third joint edge of the first floor member and the third joint edge of the second floor member,
    • the first joint edge of the fourth wall member is joined to the fourth joint edge of the first ceiling member and the fourth joint edge of the second ceiling member, and the second joint edge of the fourth wall member is joined to the fourth joint edge of the first floor member and the fourth joint edge of the second floor member,
    • the second joint edge of the first ceiling member is joined to the first joint edge of the second ceiling member, and
    • the second joint edge of the first floor member is joined to the first joint edge of the second floor member.


(Item 3)

An expandable structure comprising:

    • a plurality of ceiling members;
    • at least one ceiling member for expansion;
    • a plurality of wall members;
    • a plurality of floor members; and
    • at least one floor member for expansion;
    • wherein the at least one ceiling member for expansion is joined between two of the plurality of ceiling members to form an expanded ceiling section,
    • wherein the at least one floor member for expansion is joined between two of the plurality of floor members to form an expanded floor section,
    • wherein the expanded ceiling section is joined to the expanded floor section with the plurality of wall members, and
    • wherein each member is made of foam.


(Item 4)

The structure of item 3, wherein

    • each of the plurality of floor members has four joint edges, and three of the four joint edges of each of the plurality of floor members have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members, and
    • each of the at least one floor member for expansion has four joint edges, and two of the four joint edges of each of the at least one floor member for expansion have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members.


(Item 5)

The structure of item 3 or 4, wherein

    • each of the plurality of ceiling members has four joint edges, and three of the four joint edges of each of the plurality of ceiling members have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members, and
    • each of the at least one ceiling member for expansion has four joint edges, and two of the four joint edges of each of the at least one ceiling member for expansion have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members.


(Item 6)

The structure of any one of items 1 to 5, wherein a ratio of a base area (m2) of the structure to a weight of the structure itself (kg) is 1:30 to 1:80.


(Item 7)

The structure of any one of items 1 to 6, further comprising a coating, wherein the coating is configured to at least cover each joint section of the plurality of members constituting the structure.


(Item 8)

The structure of item 7, wherein the coating is formed to cover the entire outer surface of the structure.


(Item 9)

The structure of any one of items 1 to 6, wherein each of the plurality of members constituting the structure comprises a coating that covers itself.


(Item 10)

The structure of any one of items 7 to 9, wherein a material of the coating at least has a waterproof property.


(Item 11)

The structure of any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the floor member has a first portion constituting a floor of the structure and a second portion constituting a part of a wall of the structure, and the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed.


(Item 12)

The structure of item 11, wherein the wall has a first opening, and the first opening is surrounded by the ceiling member, the wall members, and the floor member.


(Item 13)

The structure of item 11 or 12, wherein the wall has a second opening, and the second opening is surrounded by the ceiling member and the wall members.


(Item 14)

The structure of any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the structure further comprises an external floor member constituting an external deck on the outside of the floor member of the structure, and the external floor member is joined to the floor member.


(Item 15)

The structure of any one of items 1 to 14, wherein

    • the ceiling member is made of first foam having a first expansion ratio,
    • the wall members are made of second foam having a second expansion ratio,
    • the floor member is made of third foam having a third expansion ratio, and
    • the third expansion ratio is less than the first expansion ratio and the second expansion ratio.


(Item 16)

The structure of any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the foam comprises polystyrene foam.


(Item 17)

A method of fabricating a structure, comprising: providing at least one ceiling member, at least four wall members, and at least one floor member, wherein each member is made of foam;

    • joining the at least four wall members to the at least one ceiling member and the at least one floor member, wherein each of the at least four wall members has at least four joint edges, and the at least four joint edges comprise a first joint edge that is joined to the at least one ceiling member, a second joint edge that is joined to the at least one floor member, a third joint edge that is joined to one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members, and a fourth joint edge that is joined to the other one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members; and
    • applying a coating to at least cover joint sections of each joined member.


(Item 18)

A method of fabricating a structure, comprising:

    • providing a plurality of ceiling members, at least one ceiling member for expansion, a plurality of wall members, a plurality of floor members, and at least one floor member for expansion, wherein each member is made of foam;
    • joining the at least one ceiling member for expansion between two of the plurality of ceiling members to form an expanded ceiling section;
    • joining the at least one floor member for expansion between two of the plurality of floor members to form an expanded floor section;
    • joining the plurality of wall members to the expanded ceiling section and floor section; and
    • applying a coating to at least cover joint sections of each joined member.


Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present invention can obtain a structure, which can float on water, as a structure that provides an internal space and obtain a fabrication method of such a structure.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the invention, which shows the arrangement of two ceiling members, four wall members, and two floor members in the structure, and the positional relationship of first to fourth joint edges in each member.



FIG. 2 is a perspective view for describing the structure 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the invention.



FIG. 3 is a plan view for describing the front and back wall members of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2.



FIG. 4 is a plan view for describing the left and right wall members of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2.



FIG. 5 is a plan view for describing the front and back ceiling members of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2.



FIG. 6 is a plan view for describing the front and back floor members of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2.



FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing the specific structure of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2. The figure shows the structure of the cross-section that is perpendicular to the Z direction of FIG. 2 and the structure of the cross-section that is perpendicular to the X direction of FIG. 2 in the structure 100.



FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing the specific structure of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2. The figure shows the structure of the cross-section that is perpendicular to the Y direction of FIG. 2 in the structure 100.



FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing structure 100a, which is Modification Example 1 of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2.



FIG. 10 is a perspective view for describing a method of assembling the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2 in the order of fabrication steps.



FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a comparison of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2 in an assembled state with constituent members of the structure 100 in a compactly stacked state.



FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing constituent members of the structure 100 that are compactly stacked and loaded onto a trailer.



FIG. 11 is a perspective view for describing structure 100b, which is Modification Example 2 of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2. The figure shows a method of assembling the structure 100b.



FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the use of the structure 100b assembled by the method shown in FIG. 11 as a residence on water.



FIG. 13 is a perspective view for describing structure 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the invention.



FIG. 14 is a plan view for describing the left and right wall members of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13.



FIG. 15 is a plan view for describing the ceiling member for expansion of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13.



FIG. 16 is a plan view for describing the floor member for expansion of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13.



FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing the specific structure of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13. The figure shows the structure of the cross-section that is perpendicular to the Z direction of FIG. 13 and the structure of the cross-section that is perpendicular to the X direction of FIG. 13 in the structure 200.



FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing the specific structure of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13. The figure shows the structure of the cross-section that is perpendicular to the Y direction of FIG. 13 in the structure 200.



FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing structure 200a, which is a modification example of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13.



FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an example of a layout of a plurality of structures obtained by combining a plurality of non-expandable structures (structure of FIG. 2) 100 and a plurality of expandable structures (structure of FIG. 13) 200.



FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for describing a plurality of non-expandable structures and a plurality of expandable structures, which are arranged on both sides of a pier moored at a wharf and utilized as a resort facility.



FIG. 22 shows a picture of a structure fabricated in the Examples when actually floated on water.





DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, “about” refers to a range of ±10% from the number that is described subsequent to “about”.


[First Structure of the Invention]

The technical problem of the first structure of the invention is to obtain a structure that can float on water, which provides an internal space. The aforementioned technical problem is solved by providing a structure comprising:

    • at least one ceiling member;
    • at least four wall members; and
    • at least one floor member;
    • wherein each of the at least four wall members has:
      • a first joint edge that is joined to the at least one ceiling member;
      • a second joint edge that is joined to the at least one floor member;
      • a third joint edge that is joined to one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members; and
      • a fourth joint edge that is joined to the other one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members;
    • wherein each of the at least one ceiling member, the at least four wall members, and the at least one floor member is made of foam.


Such a first structure of the invention, which has at least one ceiling member, at least four wall members, and at least one floor member, wherein each member is made of foam and has joint edges joined to an adjacent member, is not particularly limited in terms of other configurations.


Furthermore, the structure is expandable. The dimensions of the structure can be readily expanded in the direction of length of two opposing wall members among the four wall members in this structure.


Specifically, the dimensions of side walls of the structure can be expanded by replacing two opposing wall members among four wall members with wall members having a greater length, or by adding on wall members with the same shape to each of the opposing two wall members. When expanding the dimensions of the side walls of the structure, the dimensions of the ceiling and floor of the structure can be expanded by replacing each of the ceiling member and floor member with a member having a greater dimension or by adding on a ceiling member and floor member with the same shape as the ceiling member and the floor member in the same manner as the replacement and addition of wall members.



FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the first structure of the invention, which shows the arrangement of two ceiling members, four wall members, and two floor members in the structure, and the positional relationship of first to fourth joint edges in each member.


In this regard, the dotted wall member is a first wall member (front wall member) 120a, and wall members positioned on the back side, left side, and right side of the first wall member in the diagram of FIG. 1 are second to fourth wall members 120b to 120d in order. For ceiling members, two ceiling members positioned in the front and back in the diagram are first ceiling member (front ceiling member) 110a and second ceiling member (back ceiling member) 110b, respectively. For floor members, two floor members positioned in the front and back in the diagram are first floor member (front floor member) 130a and second floor member (back floor member) 130b, respectively.


Four joint edges of each wall member are first to fourth joint edges (1) to (4) in the order of top, bottom, left, and right toward each wall member. The four joint edges of each ceiling member are first to fourth joint edges (1) to (4) in the order of the proximal side, distal side, left side, and right side in the diagram of FIG. 1 in each ceiling member. The four joint edges of each floor member are first to fourth joint edges (1) to (4) in the order of the proximal side, distal side, left side, and right side in the diagram of FIG. 1 in each floor member.


In one exemplary embodiment, at least one ceiling member can comprise a first ceiling member 110a and a second ceiling member 110b, at least four wall members can comprise a first wall member 120a to a fourth wall member 120d, and at least one floor member can comprise a first floor member 130a and a second floor member 130b.


In another embodiment, each of the first ceiling member 110a and the second ceiling member 110b can comprises a first joint edge (1) to a fourth joint edge (4), each of the first wall member 120a to the fourth wall member 120d can comprise a first joint edge (1) to a fourth joint edge (4), and each of the first floor member 130a and the second floor member 130b can comprise a first joint edge (1) to a fourth joint edge (4).


In this regard, the first joint edge (1) of the first wall member 120a can be joined to the first joint edge (1) of the first ceiling member 110a, the second joint edge (2) of the first wall member 120a can be joined to the first joint edge (1) of the first floor member 130a, the third joint edge (3) of the first wall member 120a can be joined to the fourth joint edge (4) of the third wall member 120c, and the fourth joint edge (4) of the first wall member 120a can be joined to the third joint edge (3) of the fourth wall member 120d.


Further, the first joint edge (1) of the second wall member 120b can be joined to the second joint edge (2) of the second ceiling member 110b, the second joint edge (2) of the second wall member 120b can be joined to the second joint edge (2) of the second floor member 130b, the third joint edge (3) of the second wall member 120b can be joined to the fourth joint edge (4) of the fourth wall member 120d, and the fourth joint edge (4) of the second wall member 120b can be joined to the third joint edge (3) of the third wall member 120c.


Furthermore, the first joint edge (1) of the third wall member 120c can be joined to the third joint edge (3) of the first ceiling member 110a and the third joint edge (3) of the second ceiling member 110b, and the second joint edge (2) of the third wall member 120c can be joined to the third joint edge (3) of the first floor member 130a and the third joint edge (3) of the second floor member 130b.


The first joint edge (1) of the fourth wall member 120d can be joined to the fourth joint edge (4) of the first ceiling member 110a and the fourth joint edge (4) of the second ceiling member 110b, and the second joint edge (2) of the fourth wall member 120d can be joined to the fourth joint edge (4) of the first floor member 110a and the fourth joint edge (4) of the second floor member 130b.


Furthermore, the second joint edge (2) of the first ceiling member 110a can be joined to the first joint edge (1) of the second ceiling member 110b, and the second joint edge (2) of the first floor member 130a can be joined to the first joint edge (1) of the second floor member 130b.


In this manner, not only the ceiling and walls, but also the floor and the bottom surface of the structure is composed of foam in the first structure of the invention. The first structure of the invention does not require a frame or framework other than the ceiling member, wall members, and floor member. Thus, every part other than a window and a door can be composed of foam. In view of the above, the first structure of the invention is light weight and capable of floating on water.


For example, a structure that can float on water can float on water while supporting a given weight in addition to the structure's own weight. For example, a structure can float on water while supporting about 100 kg to about 500 kg of weight per unit area (1 m2) of the bottom surface. The ratio of the base area of the structure to the weight that can be supported in addition to its own weight (base area (m2):weight (kg)) is, for example, 1:60 to 1:800, preferably 1:100 to 1:500, and more preferably 1:100 to 1:200.


For example, if the structure of the invention can support a weight of about 100 kg per unit area (1 m2) in addition to its own weight (i.e., base area (m2):weight (kg)=1:100), the structure would be able to support the weight of one adult or approximately furniture that can be held by a person (about 100 kg or less) per 1 m2. For example, if the structure of the invention can support a weight of about 100 kg to about 200 kg per unit area (1 m2) in addition to its own weight (i.e., base area (m2):weight (kg)=1:100 to 1:200), two adults (about 100 kg to about 200 kg), or weight of heavy furniture combined with its content (about 100 kg to about 200 kg) can be comfortably accommodated on a 1 m2 floor surface. This allows the structure to be used as a living space on water.


A structure generates a buoyant force equal to the immersed amount. For example, a structure can generate a buoyant force of about 150 kg per unit area (1 m2) by sinking in by the thickness of the bottom (about 150 mm), and achieve a supported weight of about 150 kg per unit area (i.e., base area (m2):total weight (kg)=1:150).


For example, if a bottom surface area of a structure is assumed to be about 16 m2 (about 4 m×about 4 m), a buoyant force of about 2400 kg is generated by immersion of about 150 mm.


The inventor's empirical estimate of the weight of a simple house composed of foam (base area of about 10 m2) is about 600 kg. In view of the above, the weight of a structure with a base area of about 16 m2 would be about 1000 kg (≈(about 600/about 10)×about 16), so that the weight that can be supported by the structure in addition to its own weight is about 2400 kg-about 1000 kg, which is approximately 1400 kg. Thus, the weight per unit area (1 m2) that can be supported by the structure in addition to its own weight is about 100 kg (≈1400/16) (i.e., base area (m2):weight (kg)=1:80 to 1:100).


If a floor member of a structure has wainscoting provided along the circumference of the floor member, the structure can sink to the height of the wainscoting because water would not infiltrate into the structure due to the presence of the wainscoting up to the height of the wainscoting. In other words, a structure can have a maximum supported weight corresponding to the height of wainscoting. If, for example, the height of wainscoting is about 500 mm, a weight of about 500 kg per unit area (1 m2) can be supported (i.e., base area (m2):total weight (kg)=1:500).


This means that a buoyant force of about 8000 kg (about 500 kg×about 16 m2) is generated for a structure with a base area of about 16 m2 (about 4 m×about 4 m). Assuming that the structure's own weight is about 1000 kg, the structure can support a weight of about 7000 kg after subtracting its own weight, which is about 400 kg per unit area (1 m2) (about 7000 kg/about 16 m2) (i.e., base area (m2):weight (kg)=1:400 to 1:500).


The height of wainscoting itself can be a height at which the dimension of the thickness of a floor member plus the height of the wainscoting is about 500 mm or greater (about 350 mm or greater). For example, if the thickness of a floor member is about 150 mm, the height of wainscoting can be about 350 mm or greater such as about 650 mm.


A structure has a weight that can achieve the property of being floatable on water. For example, a structure has a weight at which it can float on water while supporting a weight of about 100 kg to about 500 kg per unit area (1 m2) of the bottom surface in addition to its own weight. The ratio of the base area of the structure to the structure's own weight (base area (m2):own weight (kg)) is, for example, 1:30 to 1:80, preferably 1:40 to 1:70, and more preferably 1:50 to 1:65 in view of the simple house described above (about 10 m2/a bout 600 kg).


For example, a buoyant force of about 150 kg per unit area (1 m2) can be generated by sinking in by the thickness of the bottom (about 150 mm) as described above. Thus, if for example base area (m2):own weight (kg)=1:30, a structure can support a weight of about 120 kg in addition to its own weight. If base area (m2):own weight (kg)=1:80, the structure can support a weight of about 70 kg in addition to its own weight.


Further, infiltration of water and moisture from the surface supporting the structure (e.g., ground, water surface, or the like) can be prevented by the waterproof and moisture-proof property of foam. This makes it difficult for water to infiltrate if, for example, the first structure of the invention is installed on water. If, for example, the first structure of the invention is installed on land, the bottom does not need to be raised with a foundation or block made of concrete or the like. Specifically, the first structure of the invention can be installed without a foundation or raised bottom, so that the structure has a technical advantage of being installable at locations in various states. The first structure of the invention can be installed even on, for example, grassland, sand, frozen ground, or the like.


The first structure of the invention is configured so that the floor member is separated into the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b, and the ceiling member is separated into the front ceiling member 110a and the back ceiling member 110b, while each of the left wall member 120c and the right wall member 120d sandwiched between the floor member and the ceiling member spans across the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130 and the front ceiling member 110a and the back ceiling member 110b. Thus, the first structure has a structure in which the floor member and the ceiling member separated into two members are reinforced by the left wall member 120c and the right wall member 120d.


[Second Structure of the Invention]


The technical problem of the second structure of the invention is to obtain a structure that can float on water, which provides an internal space. The aforementioned technical problem is solved by providing an expandable structure comprising:

    • a plurality of ceiling members;
    • at least one ceiling member for expansion;
    • a plurality of wall members;
    • a plurality of floor members; and
    • at least one floor member for expansion;
    • wherein the at least one ceiling member for expansion is joined between two of the plurality of ceiling members to form an expanded ceiling section,
    • wherein the at least one floor member for expansion is joined between two of the plurality of floor members to form an expanded floor section,
    • wherein the expanded ceiling section is joined to the expanded floor section with the plurality of wall members, and
    • wherein each member is made of foam.


Thus, the second structure of the invention, which is expandable and has a plurality of ceiling members, a plurality of wall members, and a plurality of floor members, as well as at least one ceiling member for expansion and at least one floor member for expansion, wherein each member is made of foam, wherein an expanded ceiling section is formed by the at least one ceiling member for expansion being joined between two ceiling members, wherein an expanded floor section is formed by the at least one floor member for expansion being joined between two floor members, and wherein the expanded ceiling section and the expanded floor section are joined to the plurality of wall members, is not particularly limited in terms of other configurations.


In one exemplary embodiment of the second structure, each of the plurality of floor members can have four joint edges, and three of the four joint edges of each of the floor members can have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members, and each of the at least one floor member for expansion can have four joint edges, and two of the four joint edges of each of the floor members for expansion can have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members.


In one embodiment of the second structure, each of the plurality of ceiling members can have four joint edges, and three of the four joint edges of each of the ceiling members can have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members, and each of the at least one ceiling member for expansion can have four joint edges, and two of the four joint edges of each of the ceiling members for expansion can have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members.


Furthermore, the first structure or the second structure can have a coating covering each joint section of the plurality of members constituting the structure. This can improve the strength of the joint sections. Furthermore, the coating can be formed to cover the entire outer surface of the structure. This can improve the overall structural strength of the structure.


Preferably, the material of the aforementioned coating at least has a waterproof property. Rain water or the like can be prevented from infiltrating from a joint section of each member by the waterproof property of the material of the coating. When floating on water, infiltration of water from a joint section of each member can be prevented.


Alternatively, each of the plurality of members constituting the first structure or the second structure can comprise a coating that covers itself. This can improve the strength of each of the plurality of members, and therefore the overall structural strength of the structure. In such a case, a joint section of each member can be coated with a caulking material. This can improve the strength of the joint section. A waterproof caulking material can prevent infiltration of rain water or the like from the joint section of each member. When floating on water, infiltration of water from a joint section of each member can be prevented.


In the first structure or the second structure, the floor member preferably has a first portion (floor board section) constituting a floor of the structure and a second portion (wainscoting) constituting a part of a wall of the structure, and the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed. In such a case, there is no joint section (joint) between the floor and the wall of the structure, so that water infiltration from below through a joint (e.g., infiltration of water from the below when floated on water, or infiltration of moisture from below when installed on land) can be avoided.


In another embodiment, the wall of the first structure or the second structure can have a first opening, and the first opening can be surrounded by the ceiling member, the wall members, and the floor member. Furthermore, the wall can have a second opening, and the second opening can be surrounded by the ceiling member and the wall members. However, the first opening and the second opening can be included inside a wall member instead of being surround by the ceiling member and the wall members.


The first structure or the second structure preferably further comprises an external floor member constituting an external deck disposed outside of the floor member of the structure, and the external floor member is joined to the floor member. In such a case, the floor of the first structure or the second structure can be expanded as a deck portion with the external floor member. The deck portion can not only increase the floor area, but also increase the buoyant force of the structure.


In the first structure or the second structure, the ceiling member, the wall members, and the floor member are each made of foam, and the expansion ratio of foam constituting the floor member is preferably less than the expansion ratio of foam constituting the ceiling member and the expansion ratio of foam constituting the wall members. An expansion ratio of foam of a floor member less than the expansion ratios of foam of a ceiling member and wall members can increase the density of the floor member to be higher than the densities of the ceiling member and the wall members and lower the center of gravity of the structure, so that the stability of the structure when installed on land or when floated on water can be improved.


In this regard, the foam constituting the ceiling member, wall members, and floor member can comprise foam resin such as polystyrene foam. For the foam, the material of resin is not limited and can be anything, as long as the resin raw material is foamed. Examples of foam resin other than polystyrene foam include polypropylene foam, polyurethane foam, polyolefin foam, and the like.


Furthermore, the aforementioned coating material has a waterproof property, but the coating material can be nonflammable because a certain degree of nonflammable property is required by law (Building Standard Law in Japan) for the exterior of structures utilized as a residence depending on the country.


It is envisioned that a structure may not be in compliance with the building code with only a nonflammable coating depending on the country. In such a case, treatment for imparting a nonflammable property to the exterior of the structure is required after assembling the structure on site.


Treatment for imparting a nonflammable property include, for example, treatment for blowing on resin mortar on the surface of an assembled structure. Treatment for applying a nonflammable panel or a steel plate (e.g., Galvalume® steel plate) to the surface of an assembled structure and the like is also conceivable.


Since the first structure 100 or second structure 200 has a box configuration by combining a floor member, wall members, and ceiling member, the structure has a bottom. Thus, the structure can be installed simply by placing the structure on any roughly horizontal location just like a freight container, even without a foundation. The installation site of the first structure 100 or second structure 200 can be in any state, as long as the site is roughly horizontal. The first structure 100 or the second structure 200 can be installed even on, for example, grassland, sand, frozen ground, or the like.


While some countries require a concrete foundation by law as in Japan (Building Standard Law) for structures used as residence, some countries legally allow structures used as residence that are simply placed or secured to the ground with a retaining apparatus such as a metal clamp as residence. The advantageous of the structure, i.e., the structure can be installed by simply placing the structure in view of having a bottom, would be a major strength in such countries.


[Method of Assembling the First Structure of the Invention]


The method of assembling the first structure of the invention only needs to comprise at least the following two steps, i.e., the first step and the second step.


The first step is a step of providing at least one ceiling member, at least four wall members, and at least one floor member. In this regard, each member is made of foam.


The second step is a step of joining the at least four wall members to the at least one ceiling member and the at least one floor member. In this regard, each of the at least four wall members has at least four joint edges, and the at least four joint edges comprise a first joint edge that is joined to the at least one ceiling member, a second joint edge that is joined to the at least one floor member, a third joint edge that is joined to one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members, and a fourth joint edge that is joined to the other one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members.


The method of assembling the first structure of the invention can comprise, for example, the following third step.


The third step is a step of applying a coating to at least cover joint sections of each joined member.


In view of the above, the first structure of the invention can comprise a coating covering joint sections of each joined member. Any material can be selected as the coating material in accordance with the objective. Preferably, a material with a waterproof property or high strength is selected. For example, the strength of a joint section can be improved by coating. A waterproof property of the coating material can prevent infiltration of rain water or the like from a joint section of each member. Infiltration of water from a joint section of each member can also be prevented when floating on water.


Specific examples of coating material include, but are not limited to, waterproof urethane resin. Examples of coating material include polyuria resin with a waterproof property and high strength.


[Method of Assembling the Second Structure of the Invention]


A method of assembling the second structure of the invention only needs to comprise at least the following four steps, i.e., first to fourth steps.


The first step is a step of providing a plurality of ceiling members, at least one ceiling member for expansion, a plurality of wall members, a plurality of floor members, and at least one floor member for expansion. In this regard, each member is made of foam.


The second step is a step of joining the at least one ceiling member for expansion between two of the plurality of ceiling members to form an expanded ceiling section.


The third step is a step of joining the at least one floor member for expansion between two of the plurality of floor members to form an expanded floor section.


The fourth step is a step of joining the plurality of wall members to the expanded ceiling section and floor section.


The method of assembling the second structure of the invention can comprise, for example, the following fifth step.


The fifth step is a step of applying a coating to at least cover joint sections of each joined member.


In view of the above, the second structure of the invention can comprise a coating covering joint sections of each joined member, whereby the strength and waterproof property of the joint sections is improved. The aforementioned coating material preferably has at least a waterproof property. A waterproof property of the coating material can prevent infiltration of rain water or the like from a joint section of each member. Infiltration of water from a joint section of each member can also be prevented when floating on water.


In this manner, the first structure of the invention, which has at least one ceiling member, at least four wall members, and at least one floor member, wherein each member is made of foam and has joint edges joined to an adjacent member, is not particularly limited in terms of other configurations. The following Embodiment 1 describes a first structure having two ceiling members, four wall members, and two floor members.


The second structure of the invention, which is expandable and has a plurality of ceiling members, a plurality of wall members, and a plurality of floor members, as well as at least one ceiling member for expansion and at least one floor member for expansion, wherein each member is made of foam, wherein an expanded ceiling section is formed by joining the at least one ceiling member for expansion between two ceiling members, wherein an expandable floor section is formed by joining the at least one floor member for expansion between two floor members, and wherein the expanded ceiling section and the expanded floor section are joined to the plurality of wall members, is not particularly limited in terms of other configurations. The following Embodiment 2 describes a second structure having two ceiling members, six wall members, and two floor members, as well as two ceiling members for expansions and two floor members for expansion.


The embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter while referring to the drawings.


Embodiment 1


FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing the structure 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the invention. FIG. 2(a) shows the outer appearance of the structure 100. FIG. 2(b) shows the contour of constituent members in the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2(a). FIG. 2(c) shows the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2(a) separated into individual constituent members.


An entrance/exit 10 and a window 20 are formed on a wall of the structure (first structure) 100 shown in FIG. 2. In this regard, the structure 100 has two ceiling members, four wall members, and two floor members.


The two ceiling members are a front ceiling member (first ceiling member) 110a on the proximal side of the diagram of FIG. 2(c) and a back ceiling member (second ceiling member) 110b on the distal side of the diagram of FIG. 2(c).


The four wall members are a front wall member (first wall member) 120a, a back wall member (second wall member) 120b, a left wall member (third wall member) 120c, and a right wall member (fourth wall member) 120d. The front wall member 120a is the wall member located in front when the structure 100 is viewed from the X-direction of FIG. 2(a). The left wall member 120c and the right wall member 120d are located on the left and right sides of the front wall member 120a, respectively. The back wall member 120b is the wall member that is located on the back side of the structure 100 when the structure 100 is viewed from the X direction of FIG. 2(a).


The two floor members are a front floor member (first floor member) 130a on the proximal side of the diagram of FIG. 2(c) and a back floor member (second floor member) 130b on the distal side of the diagram of FIG. 2(c).


In this regard, each member is made of foam such as polystyrene foam (extruded polystyrene foam), and the expansion ratio of the floor members is less than the expansion ratios of the wall members and the ceiling members.


Specifically, for extruded polystyrene foam, the foam raw material is generally foamed at an expansion ratio of about 5-fold (hard with few air layers) to 90-fold (soft with many air layers). The expansion ratio of a common cooler box is about 60-fold with respect to the foam raw material.


For example, foam with a ratio (expansion ratio) of about 10-fold to about 60-fold with respect to the foam raw material is used for each member of the structure. If, for example, the expansion ratio of the lower section (floor members) of the structure is about 20-fold to about 30-fold, the expansion ratio of the upper section of the structure (wall members and ceiling members) is set to about 40-fold.


The expansion ratios of the lower section (floor members) of the structure and the upper section (wall members and ceiling members) of the structure are compared. The expansion ratio of the upper section (wall members and ceiling members) is about 1.5-fold to about 4-fold of the expansion ratio of the lower section (floor members), and more specifically about 1.5-fold to about 2-fold of the expansion ratio of the lower section (floor members).


In this regard, an expansion ratio of foam that is too low has an advantage of increasing the strength of the foam, but the foam would be heavier because a large amount of foam raw material is required. This is disadvantageous for transportation of members and results in a higher cost and difficulty in processing. Furthermore, the ratio of air contained in the members would be low, so that the heat insulation property would be lower.


In contrast, an expansion ratio of foam that is too high has advantages such as an improved heat insulation property of the foam and lower cost, but entails negative effects such as lower strength and durability of the foam.


Thus, it is necessary to use foam with the optimal expansion ratio for each member constituting the structure while considering the advantageous and disadvantageous.


The structure (first structure) 100 can float on water by forming each of the two ceiling members, four wall members, and two floor members with foam.


In such a case, the material of each part constituting the structure is the same, so that the same bonding force acts on both bonded members.


If the materials are different between bonded members such as wood and foam, steel and foam, or brick and foam, the materials often cannot be bonded with only an adhesive. Even if the materials can be bonded with an adhesive, it is highly likely that one of the members would readily come off.


For example, an adhesive that is optimal for foam is not necessarily optimal for wood. In such a case, there would be a difference in bonding forces due to an adhesive between the two bonded members. Such a difference in bonding forces affects the strength or durability of a structure. If materials are different between members constituting a structure, the strength, durability, or the like can also be affected by the coating applied to the surface of each member constituting the structure.


As foam constituting each section of a structure, polystyrene foam is a material that does not readily deteriorate and lasts for a very long period of time unless affected by a deterioration factor such as water, ultraviolet ray, chemical, or high temperature. The effect of such deterioration factors can be prevented by a coating.


The specific structure of each member is described hereinafter.


First, the first wall member to the fourth wall member are described.



FIG. 3 is a plan view for describing the front and back wall members of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3(a) shows the exterior surface of the front wall member 120a located on the proximal side of the diagram of FIG. 2(c). FIG. 3(b) shows the exterior surface of the back wall member 120b located on the distal side of the diagram of FIG. 2(c).


(First Wall Member (Front Wall Member) 120a)


The front wall member 120a is composed of a pair of front wall members, i.e., a front wall member left fragment 120a1 and a front wall member right fragment 120a2. The top edges of the front wall member left fragment 120a1 and the front wall member right fragment 120a2 are first joint edge 121a that is joined to the front ceiling member 110a. A linear protrusion 21a is formed on the end surface of the top edge. The bottom edges of the front wall member left fragment 120a1 and the front wall member right fragment 120a2 are second joint edge 122a that is joined to the front floor member 130a. A linear groove 22a is formed on the end surface of the bottom edge.


The left edge of the front wall member left fragment 120a1 is a third joint edge 123a that is joined to the left wall member 120c. A linear protrusion 23a is formed on the end surface of the left edge. An opening frame 10a along an opening forming the entrance/exit 10 is formed on the right side edge of the front wall member left fragment 120a1.


The right edge of the front wall member right fragment 120a2 is a fourth joint edge 124a that is joined to the right wall member 120d. A linear protrusion 24a is formed on the end surface of the right edge. An opening frame 10a along an opening forming the entrance/exit 10 is formed on the left side edge of the front wall member right fragment 120a2.


The front wall member 120a has a height of about 1.5 m and a width of about 4 m, and the size of the entrance/exit 10 has a height of about 2 m and a width of about 1 m. However, the dimension of the front wall member 120a is not limited thereto. Any size that can be transported by a vehicle such as a truck and can be carried by humans does not pose any practical problem.


(Second Wall Member (Back Wall Member) 120b)


The top side edge of the back wall member 120b is a second joint edge 121b that is joined to the back ceiling member 110b. A linear protrusion 21b is formed on the end surface of the top edge.


The bottom edge of the back wall member 120b is a second joint edge 122b that is joined to the back floor member 130b. A linear groove 22b is formed on the end surface of the bottom edge.


The left edge of the back wall member 120b is a third joint edge 123b that is joined to the right wall member 120d. A linear protrusion 23b is formed on the end surface of the left edge.


The right edge of the back wall member 120b is a fourth joint edge 124b that is joined to the left wall member 120c. A linear protrusion 24b is formed on the end surface of the right edge.


The back wall member 120b has the same height (about 1.5 m) and width (about 4 m) as the front wall member 120a.



FIG. 4 is a plan view for describing the side wall member of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4(a) shows the exterior surface of the side wall member (left wall member) 120c located on the left side of the diagram of FIG. 2(c). FIG. 4(b) shows the exterior surface of the side wall member (right wall member) 120d located on the right side of the diagram of FIG. 2(c).


(Third Wall Member (Left Wall Member 120c)


The top edge of the left wall member 120c is a first joint edge 121c that is joined to the front ceiling member 110a and the back ceiling member 110b. A linear protrusion 21c is formed on the end surface of the top edge.


The bottom edge of the left wall member 120c is a second joint edge 122c that is joined to the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b. A linear groove 22c is formed on the end surface of the bottom edge.


The left edge of the left wall member 120c is a third joint edge 123c that is joined to the back wall member 120b. A linear groove 23c is formed on the inside surface of the left edge.


The right edge of the left wall member 120c is a fourth joint edge 124c that is joined to the front wall member 120a. A linear groove 24c is formed on the inside surface of the right edge.


The left wall member 120c has a height of about 1.5 m and a length of about 4 m. However, the dimensions of the left wall member 120c are not limited thereto. Any size that can be transported by a vehicle such as a truck and can be carried by humans does not pose any practical problem.


(Fourth Wall Member (Right Wall Member) 120d)


The top edge of the right wall member 120d is a first joint edge 121d that is joined to the front ceiling member 110a and the back ceiling member 110b. A linear protrusion 21d is formed on the end surface of the top edge. A window frame 20a is formed along a notched section that would be a window on the right wall member 120d.


The bottom edge of the right wall member 120d is a second joint edge 122d that is joined to the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b. A linear groove 22d is formed on the end surface of the bottom edge.


The left edge of the right wall member 120d is a third joint edge 123d that is joined to the front wall member 120a. A linear groove 23d is formed on the inside surface of the left edge.


The right edge of the right wall member 120d is a fourth joint edge 124d that is joined to the back wall member 120b. A linear groove 24d is formed on the inside surface of the right edge.


The right wall member 120d has the same height of about 1.5 m and length of about 4 m as the left wall member 120c. A notched portion for forming a window has dimensions of about 900 mm in height and about 1000 mm in width. However, the dimensions of the notched portion for forming a window are determined by the size of the window, and can be freely determined within the range of the height and length of the right wall member 120d.



FIG. 5 is a plan view for describing the ceiling members of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5(a) shows the structure of the front ceiling member 110a located on the proximal side of the diagram of FIG. 2(c) when viewed from the top. FIG. 5(b) shows the structure of the back ceiling member 110b located on the distal side of the diagram of FIG. 2(c) when viewed from the top.


(First Ceiling Member (Front Ceiling Member) 110a)


The front edge of the front ceiling member 110a is a first joint edge 111a that is joined to the front wall member 120a. A linear groove 11a is formed on the bottom side surface of the front edge.


The back edge of the front ceiling member 110a is a second joint edge 112a that is joined to the back ceiling member 110b. A linear protrusion 12a is formed on the end surface of the back edge.


The left edge of the front ceiling member 110a is a third joint edge 113a that is joined to the left wall member 120c. A linear groove 13a is formed on the bottom side surface of the left edge.


The right edge of the front ceiling member 110a is a fourth joint edge 114a that is joined to the right wall member 120d. A linear groove 14a is formed on the bottom side surface of the right edge.


The front ceiling member 110a has a width of about 4 m and a length (dimension toward the depth direction) of about 2 m. However, the dimension is not limited thereto. Any size that can be transported by a vehicle such as a truck does not pose any practical problem.


(Second Ceiling Member (Back Ceiling Member) 110b)


The front edge of the back ceiling member 110b is a first joint edge 111b that is joined to the front ceiling member 110a. A linear groove 11b is formed on the end surface of the front edge.


The back edge of the back ceiling member 110b is a second joint edge 112b that is joined to the back wall member 120b. A linear groove 12b is formed on the bottom side surface of the back edge.


The left edge of the back ceiling member 110b is a third joint edge 113b that is joined to the left wall member 120c. A linear groove 13b is formed on the bottom side surface of the left edge.


The right edge of the back ceiling member 110b is a fourth joint edge 114b that is joined to the right wall member 120d. A linear groove 14b is formed on the bottom side surface of the right edge.



FIG. 6 is a plan view for describing the floor members of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6(a) shows the structure of the front floor member 130a located on the proximal side of the diagram of FIG. 2(c) when viewed from the top. FIG. 6(b) shows the structure of the back floor member 130b located on the distal side of the diagram of FIG. 2(c) when viewed from the top.


(First Floor Member (Front Floor Member 130a))


The front floor member 130a has a rectangular floor board 103a and C-shaped wainscoting 3a raised to surround the floor board 103a from the front edge, left edge, and right edge of the floor board. The floor board 103a and the wainscoting 3a are integrally formed without a joint.


The top edge of the front edge section of the wainscoting 3a is a first joint edge 131a connected to the front wall member 120a. A linear protrusion 31a is formed to be located on both sides of a notched section forming the entrance/exit 10 at the top edge.


In this regard, the notched section forming the entrance/exit 10 is a portion that is notched from the top end of the wainscoting 3a. At the entrance/exit 10, the height of the wainscoting 3a is lower compared to other portions (portions where the entrance/exit 10 is not provided), or the wainscoting 3a is completely removed. For this reason, the entrance/exit 10 can be a path from which water can infiltrate when the structure 100 is installed on water. For example, the entrance/exit 10 can be configured so that the depth of the notched section forming the entrance/exit 10 can be made as shallow as possible or such a notched section is not formed, or a barrier that blocks at least a part of the notched section can be provided. This can prevent infiltration of water from the entrance/exit 10. Alternatively, at a portion of the front floor member 130a where the entrance/exit 10 is formed, a barrier for preventing infiltration of water can be provided on the wainscoting 3a in contrast to forming a notched section on the wainscoting 3a.


In any case, it is preferable to secure a height of at least about 20 cm to about 30 cm from the bottom surface of the front floor member 130a, at the portion of the front floor member 130a where the entrance/exit 10 is formed, as the height of the wainscoting 3a when a notched section is formed at the wainscoting 3a, the height of a barrier when a notched section of the wainscoting 3a is blocked with the barrier, the height of the wainscoting 3a when a notched section is not formed at the wainscoting 3a, or the total height of the wainscoting 3a and a barrier section formed thereon.


The back edge of the front floor member 130a is a second joint edge 132a that is joined to the back floor member 130b. A linear groove 32a is formed on the end surface of the back side edge. Specifically, the second joint edge 132a of the front floor member 130a is composed of the back edge of the floor board 103a and the back edge of the wainscoting 3a. The linear groove 32a is formed to span the end surface of the back edge of the floor board 103a and the end surface of the back edge of the wainscoting 3a.


Further, the top edge of the left side section of the wainscoting 3a is a third joint edge 133a that is connected to the left wall member 120c. A linear protrusion 33a is formed on the top edge.


The top edge of the right side section of the wainscoting 3a is a fourth joint edge 134a that is connected to the right wall member 120d. A linear protrusion 34a is formed on the top edge.


A floor member has a width of about 4 m and a length (dimension in the depth direction) of about 2 m. The height of the wainscoting is about 650 mm.


However, the dimensions (width and length) of the floor member 130a are not limited thereto. Any size that can be transported by a vehicle such as a truck and can be carried by humans does not pose any practical problem. While the height of the wainscoting is not limited, the height is at most about 800 mm because loading would be challenging upon transport if the wainscoting is too high. If the height of the wainscoting is too low at an entrance/exit, the risk of infiltration of water above floor level upon flooding increases, so that a height of at least about 200 mm needs to be secured.


(Second Floor Member (Back Floor Member 130b))


The back floor member 130b has a rectangular floor board 103b and C-shaped wainscoting 3b raised to surround the floor board 103b from the back edge, left edge, and right edge of the floor board. The floor board 103b and the wainscoting 3b are integrally formed without a joint.


The front edge of the back floor member 130b is a first joint edge 131b that is connected to the front floor member 130a. A linear protrusion 31b is formed on the end surface of the front side edge. Specifically, the first joint edge 131b of the back floor member 130b is composed of the front edge of the floor board 103b and the front edge of the wainscoting 3b. The linear protrusion 31b is formed to span the end surface of the front edge of the floor board 103b and the end surface of the front edge of the wainscoting 3b.


The top edge of the back edge section of the wainscoting 3b is a second joint edge 132b that is joined to the back wall member 120b. A linear protrusion 32b is formed on the end surface of the back side edge.


The top edge of the left side section of the wainscoting 3b is a third joint edge 133b that is connected to the left wall member 120c. A linear protrusion 33b is formed on the top edge.


The top edge of the right side section of the wainscoting 3b is a fourth joint edge 134b that is connected to the right wall member 120d. A linear protrusion 34b is formed on the top edge.


The dimensions of the back floor member 130b are the same as the dimensions of the front floor member 130a.


The structure of the structure 100 assembled with each of the members described above is now described using a cross-sectional view.



FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing the specific structure of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2(a). FIG. 7(a) is a side view showing the structure of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2(a) when viewed from the X direction. FIG. 7(b) is a side view showing the structure of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2(a) when viewed from the Y direction. FIG. 7(c) is a cross-sectional view at the VIIc-VIIc line in FIG. 7(b). FIG. 7(d) is a cross-sectional view at the VIId-VIId line in FIG. 7(b).



FIG. 7(c) shows that adjacent wall members among the four wall members are joined with each other at opposing joint edges.


Specifically, the third joint edge 123a of the front wall member 120a is joined to the fourth joint edge 124c of the left wall member 120c, and the linear protrusion 23a formed on the end surface of the third joint edge 123a is fitted with the linear groove 24c formed on the inside surface of the fourth joint edge 124c.


The fourth joint edge 124a of the front wall member 120a is joined to the third joint edge 123d of the right wall member 120d, and the linear protrusion 24a formed on the end surface of the fourth joint edge 124a is fitted with the linear groove 23d formed on the inside surface of the third joint edge 123d.


The third joint edge 123b of the back wall member 120b is joined to the fourth joint edge 124d of the right wall member 120d, and the linear protrusion 23b formed on the end surface of the third joint edge 123b is fitted with the linear groove 24d formed on the inside surface of the fourth joint edge 124d.


The fourth joint edge 124b of the back wall member 120b is joined to the third joint edge 123c of the left wall member 120c, and the linear protrusion 24b formed on the end surface of the fourth joint edge 124b is fitted with the linear groove 23c formed on the inside surface of the third joint edge 123b.



FIG. 7(d) shows that the left wall member 120c and the right wall member 120d are connected to the back ceiling member 110b and the back floor member 130b.


Specifically, the first joint edge 121c of the left wall member 120c is joined to the third joint edge 113b of the back ceiling member 110b, and the linear protrusion 21c formed on the end surface of the first joint edge 121c is fitted with the linear groove 13b formed on the end surface of the third joint edge 113b.


The second joint edge 122c of the left wall member 120c is joined to the third joint edge 133b of the back floor member 130b, and the linear groove 22c formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 122c is fitted with the linear protrusion 33b formed on the end surface of the third joint edge 133b.


The second joint edge 122d of the right wall member 120d is joined to the fourth joint edge 134b of the back floor member 130b, and the linear groove 22d formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 122d is fitted with the linear protrusion 134b formed on the end surface of the fourth joint edge 134b.



FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing the specific structure of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 8(a) is a plan view showing the structure of structure 100 shown in FIG. 2(a) when viewed from the Z direction. FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view at the VIIIb-VIIIb line of FIG. 8(a).



FIG. 8(b) shows the joined state of the front ceiling member 110a and the back ceiling member 110b, the joint state of the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b, the joined state of the front wall member 120a and the front floor member 130a, and the joined state of the back wall member 120b and the back ceiling member 110b and the back floor member 130b.


Specifically, the second joint edge 122a of the front wall member 120a is joined to the first joint edge 131a of the front floor member 130a, and the linear groove 22a formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 122a is fitted with the linear protrusion 31a formed on the end surface of the first joint edge 131a.


The first joint edge 121b of the back wall member 120b is joined to the second joint edge 112b of the back ceiling member 110b, and the linear protrusion 21b formed on the end surface of the first joint edge 121b is fitted with the linear groove 12b formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 112b.


The second joint edge 122b of the back wall member 120b is joined to the second joint edge 132b of the back floor member 130b, and the linear groove 22b formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 122b is fitted with the linear protrusion 32b formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 132b.


The second joint edge 112a of the front ceiling member 110a is joined to the first joint edge 111b of the back ceiling member 110b, and the linear protrusion 12a formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 112a is fitted with the linear groove 11b formed on the end surface of the first joint edge 111b.


The second joint edge 132a of the front floor member 130a is joined to the first joint edge 131b of the back floor member 130b, and the linear groove 32a formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 132a is fitted with the linear protrusion 31b formed on the end surface of the first joint edge 131b of the back floor member 130b.


As described in FIGS. 7 and 8, adjacent members of the plurality of members constituting the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 are joined by fitting a linear protrusion formed on one of the opposing joint edges of the adjacent members with a linear groove formed on the other opposing joint edge of the adjacent members. Further, joint edges of adjacent members are bonded with an adhesive. The adhesive can be any adhesive that is capable of bonding foam. Examples of the adhesive include, but are not limited to, one-component urethane resin adhesives. Any adhesive that is free of a solvent which dissolves foam can be used. One-component adhesives are preferable over two-component mixture adhesives because one-component adhesives are overwhelmingly advantageous in terms of processing time when applying an adhesive to a wide surface that is bonded, such as the surface of each section of a structure.


The shape of a joint section is not limited to the aforementioned linear protrusions and linear grooves. A joint section can have any other shape.


Modification Example of Embodiment 1

The structure 100 of Embodiment 1 described above uses wall members with a size (length in the depth direction of structure 100) that spans the front and back ceiling members (or front and back floor members) as left and right wall members (left wall member 120c and right wall member 120d), but the size of the wall members used in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 is not limited to a size that spans the front and back ceiling members (or front and back floor members).



FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing structure 100a, which is Modification Example 1 of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2(a). FIG. 9(a) shows the structure of the structure 100a at the cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional view at the VIIIb-VIIIb line shown in FIG. 8(a). FIG. 9(b) shows the structure of the structure 100a at the cross-section at the VIIc-VIIc line shown in FIG. 7(c).


The structure 100a in Modification Example 1 replaces the left wall member 120c in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 with two short left wall members 120c1 and 120c2 obtained by dividing the left wall member 120c in two at a division line along the direction of width (up and down directions in the diagram of FIG. 9(b)) and replaces the right wall member 120d in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 with two short right wall members 120d1 and 120d2 obtained by dividing the right wall member 120d in two at the above division line. The lengths (dimension in the depth direction) of the short left wall member 120c1 and the short right wall member 120d1 are equal to the dimension in the depth direction as the front ceiling member 110a, and the lengths (dimension in the depth direction) of short left wall member 120c2 and the short right wall member 120d2 are equal to the dimension in the depth direction of the back ceiling member 110b.


A method of assembling the structure 100 by combining two ceiling members, four wall members, and two floor members detailed above is now described.



FIG. 10 is a perspective view for describing a method of assembling the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2 in the order of fabrication steps. FIG. 10(a) shows an arrangement of a plurality of constituent members when assembling the structure 100. FIG. 10(b) shows a plurality of constituent members that are joined. Figure shows a plurality of joined constituent members, which has been coated.


First, the front ceiling member 110a and the back ceiling member 110b are provided as two ceiling members. The front wall member 120a, the back wall member 120b, the left wall member 120c, and the right wall member 120d are provided as four wall members. The front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b are provided as two floor members. Each member is made of foam.


The second joint edge 132a of the front floor member 130a is then joined to the first joint edge 131b of the back floor member 130b.


Subsequently, the second joint edge 122a of the front wall member 120a is joined to the first joint edge 131a of the front floor member 130a, and the second joint edge 122b of the back wall member 120b is joined to the second joint edge 132b of the back floor member 130b.


For example, the second joint edge 122c of the left wall member 120c is then joined to span the third joint edge 133a of the front floor member 130a and the third joint edge 133b of the back floor member 130b. Furthermore, the third joint edge 123c of the left wall member 120c is joined to the fourth joint edge 124b of the back wall member 120b, and the fourth joint edge 124c of the left wall member 120c is joined to the third joint edge 123a of the front wall member 120a.


Subsequently, the second joint edge 122d of the right wall member 120d is joined to span the fourth joint edge 134a of the front floor member 130a and the fourth joint edge 134b of the back floor member 130b. Furthermore, the third joint edge 123d of the right wall member 120d is joined to the fourth joint edge 124a of the front wall member 120a, and the fourth joint edge 124d of the right wall member 120d is joined to the third joint edge 123b of the back wall member 120b.


The front ceiling member 110a is then placed on the front wall member 120a, the left wall member 120c, and the right wall member 120d to join the first joint edge 111a of the front ceiling member 110a to the first joint edge 121a of the front wall member 120a, join the third joint edge 113a of the front ceiling member 110a to the first joint edge 121c of the left wall member 120c, and join the fourth joint edge 114a of the front ceiling member 110a to the first joint edge 121d of the right wall member 120d.


The back ceiling member 110b is then placed on the back wall member 120b, the left wall member 120c, and the right wall member 120d to join the first joint edge 111b of the back ceiling member 110b to the second joint edge 112a of the front ceiling member 110a, join the third joint edge 113b of the back ceiling member 110b to the first joint edge 121c of the left wall member 120c, and join the fourth joint edge 114b of the back ceiling member 110b to the first joint edge 121d of the right wall member 120d, and lastly join the second joint edge 112b of the back ceiling member 110b to the first joint edge 121b of the back wall member 120b.


In this regard, when a joint edge of each member is joined to a joint edge of another opposing member, an adhesive is applied to the opposing joint edges, and a linear protrusion of one of the opposing joint edges is fitted with a linear groove of the other opposing joint edge.


In this manner, the structure 100 shown in FIG. 10(b) can be assembled.


The structure 100 with inconspicuous joints of constituent members as shown in FIG. 10(c) can then be obtained by applying a coating to the surface of the assembled structure 100 using urethane resin or the like, and applying paint finishing.


Since the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 can be assembled by combining the two ceiling members 110a and 110b, the four wall members 120a to 120d, and the two floor members 130a and 130b in this manner, the structure can be transported in a preassembled state of the structure, i.e., in a state of individual constituent members that are readily transported together. Specifically, the structure 100 has an advantageous of enabling the structure 100 to be transported in a compact form. The transport method is specifically described below.



FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a comparison of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2 in an assembled state with constituent members of the structure 100 in a compactly stacked state. FIG. 10A(a) shows individual constituent members of the structure 100. FIG. 10A(b) shows exemplary dimensions of the outer shape of the assembled structure 100. FIG. 10A(c) shows exemplary dimensions of the outer shape of individual constituent members of the structure 100 that are compactly stacked.


In this regard, the structure 100 obtained by assembling the six constituent members 110a, 110b, and 120a to 120d and 130a and 130b (see FIG. 10A(a)) has dimensions of width (W=about 4.0 m), depth (D=about 4.0 m), and height (H=about 2.9 m) as shown in FIG. 10A(b).


In contrast, stack P100 obtained by compactly stacking the six constituent members 110a, 110b, and 120a to 120d and 130a and 130b (see FIG. 10A(a)) has dimensions of width (W1=about 4.0 m), depth (D1=about 2.5 m), and height (H1=about 3.3 m) as shown in FIG. 10A(c).


In the stack P100, the pair of floor members 130a and 130b is erected in an opposing state so as to be long sideways. The four front, back, left, and right wall members 120a to 120d are sandwiched between the floor members 130a and 130b, and the front and back ceiling members 110a and 110b are stacked and disposed on the pair of floor members 130a and 130b.


Dimension D1 in the depth direction of the bottom surface of the stack P100 is shorter than dimension D in the depth direction of the assembled structure 100 by stacking the constituent members of the structure 100 in this manner, thus facilitating loading thereof onto the bed of a freight transport vehicle such as a truck or a trailer.



FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing constituent members of the structure 100 that are compactly stacked and loaded onto a trailer.


The base area (W1×D1) of the stack P100 (see Figure obtained by stacking the constituent members of the structure 100 is reduced compared to the base area (W×D) of the assembled structure 100. Thus, the stack can be transported on a trailer or the like as shown in FIG. 10B. When transporting on a trailer, the stack P100 can be secured on the trailer with, for example, a belt Pb made of resin fiber, carbon fiber, or the like.


In such a structure 100 of Embodiment 1, the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b are obtained by integrally forming the floor boards 103a and 103b with the wainscoting 3a and 3b surrounding the periphery thereof by using foam such as polystyrene foam. Thus, there is no joint section (joint) between the floor and walls of the structure. Hence, infiltration of water from below via a joint (e.g., infiltration of water from below when floated on water, or infiltration of moisture from below when installed on land) can be avoided. When installed, for example, on land, infiltration of water above floor level can be prevented in case of flooding.


The structure 100 is structured so that the structure itself floats on water. Even if water infiltrates the inside of the structure 100 for some reason, the structure 100 itself functions as a buoy, so that the structure would not sink into water. Even in case of flooding, etc., damage due to flooding can be minimized by floating on water as described above.


Since the structure 100 has a box-like form by combining floor members, wall members, and ceiling members, the structure can be installed simply by being placed on a roughly horizontal site without a foundation as in a freight container. Furthermore, the floor members, wall members, and ceiling members can each be replaced with those having a structure for forming a window, a door (entrance/exit), a ventilation port, or the like. Thus, the layout and locations of entrance/exit and window can be freely selected.


Since the structure 100 can be assembled by combining two ceiling members 110a and 110b, four wall members 120a to 120d, and two floor members 130a and 130b, the structure 100 can be transported in a pre-assembly state of the structure, i.e., in a state of the constituent members thereof that are compactly stacked, so that the structure can be readily transported.


The method of assembling the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 is not limited to the order described above. The method can fabricate an assembly of two floor members, an assembly of four wall members, and an assembly of two ceiling members in advance, then place the assembly of four wall members on the assembly of two floor members and join the assemblies, and lastly place the assembly of ceiling members on the assembly of wall members and join the assembly of ceiling members to the assembly of the wall members.


Furthermore, a structure with a deck can be fabricated by using one or more (e.g., two) floor members in addition to the floor members of the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.



FIG. 11 is a perspective view for describing Modification Example 2 of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 2. The figure shows a method of assembling the structure 100b with a deck, which is suitable as, for example, a residence on water.


As shown in FIG. 11, two extra floor members 130c and 130d are prepared for a deck in addition to the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b as floor members.


As shown in FIG. 10(a), the structure 100 is formed as an assembly of two floor members, four wall members, and two ceiling members. As shown in FIG. 11, the additional floor member 130c is then attached on the front side of the front floor member 130a of the structure 100, and the additional floor member 130d is attached to span the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b on the right side surface of the structure 100.


This allows the structure 100b with a deck to be obtained.



FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the use of the structure 100b with a deck assembled by the method shown in FIG. 11 as a residence on water.


Since the structure 100b with a deck has a large buoyant force as a structure, the structure is suitable as a residence for life on water such as on the sea or lake. For example, the structure 100b with a deck can be floated and used as a residence at the shore near land as shown in FIG. 12. The deck portion can also be used as a temporary cargo storage when unloading cargo transported by a barge or the like or when loading cargo onto a barge.


The site where the structure of the invention is used is not limited to on water as described above. The structure of the invention can also be installed on land. The structure of the invention is preferably installed in, for example, an area susceptible to flooding, area with a potential of being submerged under water, or the like, because a user can benefit from the advantage due to its property of being able to float on water (e.g., water does not infiltrate or resistant to being submerged under water) when installed in such an area. Alternatively, the structure of the invention is preferably installed in, for example, an area that requires moving the entire building (e.g., pasture or the like), because a user can benefit from an advantage due to a property of being light weight (e.g., the entire structure can be moved). The installation site of the structure of the invention can be in any state, as long as the site is roughly horizontal. The structure of the invention can be installed even on, for example, grassland, sand, frozen ground, or the like.


The structure 100 of Embodiment 1 described above provides a living space with a standardized size. Meanwhile, the ceiling portion of the structure 100 is formed by joining front and back ceiling members, and a floor member of the structure 100 is configured by joining front and back floor members. Thus, a simple living space can be expanded by inserting a ceiling member for expansion between the front and back ceiling members and inserting a floor member for expansion between the front and back floor members. An expanded structure fabricated from expanding the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 is described hereinafter as Embodiment 2.


Embodiment 2


FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing the structure 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the invention. FIG. 13(a) shows the outer appearance of the structure 200. FIG. 13(b) shows the contour of the constituent members in the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13(a). FIG. 13(c) shows the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13(a) separated into individual constituent members.


The structure (second structure) 200 shown in FIG. 13 is an expandable structure. The entrances/exits 10 and 30 and window 20 are formed on a wall of the structure 200. In this regard, the structure 200 has four ceiling members, six wall members, and four floor members. The entrance/exit 10 and the window 20 are the same as those in the first structure 100 shown in FIG. 1, but the entrance/exit 30 is an entrance/exit located on the side surface of the second structure 200 unlike the entrance/exit 10 located on the front surface of the second structure 200. When the second structure 200 is expanded to the direction (Y direction in FIG. 13) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X direction), the entrance/exit is used to connect living spaces between the second structure and an adjacent structure.


The four ceiling members are a front ceiling member (first ceiling member) 210a, a back ceiling member (second ceiling member) 210b, and two ceiling members for expansion (third and fourth ceiling members) 210c and 210d.


In this regard, the front ceiling member 210a is located on the proximal side of the diagram of FIG. 13(c), and the back ceiling member 210b is located on the distal side of the diagram of FIG. 13(c). The two ceiling members for expansion 210c and 210d are located between the front ceiling member 210a and the back ceiling member 210b. One of the two ceiling members for expansion, the third ceiling member 210c, is a front ceiling member for expansion 210c that is adjacent to the front ceiling member 210a, and the other one of the two ceiling members for expansion, the fourth ceiling member 210d, is a back ceiling member for expansion 210d that is adjacent to the back ceiling member 210b.


The six wall members are a front wall member (first wall member) 220a, a back wall member (second wall member) 220b, a left front wall member (third wall member) 220c, a right front wall member (fourth wall member) 220d, a left back wall member (fifth wall member) 220e, and a right back wall member (sixth wall member) 220f.


In this regard, the front wall member 220a is a wall member located in the front when the structure 100 is viewed from the X direction of FIG. 13(a). The back wall member 220b is a wall member located on the back side of the structure 100 when the structure 100 is viewed from the A direction of FIG. 13(a). The left front wall member 220c is located on the proximal and left side of the diagram of FIG. 13(c). The right front wall member 220d is located on the proximal and right side of the diagram of FIG. 13(c). The left back wall member 220e is located on the distal and left side of the diagram of FIG. 13(c). The right back wall member (sixth wall member) 220f is located on the distal and right side of the diagram of FIG. 13(c).


The four floor members are a front floor member (first floor member) 230a, a back floor member (second floor member) 230b, and two floor members for expansion (third and fourth floor members) 230c and 230d.


In this regard, the front floor member 230a is located on the proximal side of the diagram of FIG. 13(c). The back floor member 230b is located on the distal side of the diagram in FIG. 13(c). The two floor members for expansion 230c and 230d are located between the front floor member 230a and the back floor member 230b. One of the two floor members for expansion, the third floor member 230c, is a front floor member for expansion adjacent to the front floor member 230a, and the other one of the two ceiling members for expansion, the fourth ceiling member 230d, is a back floor member for expansion that is adjacent to the back floor member 230b.


In this regard, each member is made of foam such as polystyrene foam. The expansion ratio of the floor members is less than the expansion ratios of the wall members and the ceiling members.


Specifically, the expansion ratio of the floor members in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 is the same as the expansion ratio of the floor members in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.


Further, the expansion ratios of the wall members and the ceiling members in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 are the same as the expansion ratios of the wall members and the ceiling members in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.


The structure (second structure) 200 can float on water by each of the four ceiling members, six wall members, and four floor members being made of foam.


The specific structure of each member is described hereinafter.


First, the first wall member to the sixth wall member are described.


(First Wall Member (Front Wall Member 220a) and Second Wall Member (Back Wall Member 220b))


The front wall member 220a and the back wall member 220b have the same structure as the front wall member 120a and the back wall member 120b in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1, respectively. Meanwhile, the left front wall member 220c and the left back wall member 220e have a structure that is partially different from the left wall member 120c in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1, and the right front wall member 220d and the right back wall member 220f have a structure that is partially different from the right wall member 120d in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.



FIG. 14 is a plan view for describing the side wall members of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 14(a) shows the exterior surface of the wall member (left front wall member) 120c located on the left and front side of the diagram of FIG. 13(c). FIG. 14(b) shows the exterior surface of the wall member (right front wall member) 120d located on the right and front side of the diagram of FIG. 13(c).


(Third Wall Member (Left Front Wall Member 220c))


As shown in FIG. 14(a), the left front wall member 220c has a linear protrusion 53c formed on the end surface of the third joint edge 123c instead of the linear groove 23c formed on the inside surface of the third joint edge 123c of the left wall member 120c in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.


(Fourth Wall Member (Right Front Wall Member 220d))


As shown in FIG. 14(b), the right front wall member 220d has a linear groove 54d formed on the end surface of the fourth joint edge 124d instead of the linear groove 24d formed on the inside surface of the fourth joint edge 124d of the right wall member 120d in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.


(Fifth Wall Member (Left Back Wall Member 220e))


The left back wall member 220e has the same structure as the right front wall member 220d shown in FIG. 14(b), and is configured so that the linear groove of the fourth joint edge of the left back wall member 220e fits with the linear protrusion 53c of the third joint edge 123c of the left front wall member 220c.


(Sixth Wall Member (Right Back Wall Member 220f))


The right back wall member 220f is provided with an opening to form the entrance/exit 30, which is the same as the entrance/exit 10 in the front wall member 220a, on the left front wall member 220c, and is configured so that the linear protrusion of the third joint edge of the right back wall member 220f fits with the linear groove 54d of the fourth joint edge 124d of the right front wall member 220d.



FIG. 15 is a plan view for describing the ceiling member of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13. Figure shows the structure of the second ceiling member from the proximal side of the diagram of FIG. 13(c) (front ceiling member for expansion 210c) when viewed from the top.


(First Ceiling Member (Front Ceiling Member 210a) and Second Ceiling Member (Back Ceiling Member 210b))


The front ceiling member 210a and the back ceiling member 210b in the structure 200 have the same structure as the front ceiling member 110a and the back ceiling member 110b in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1, respectively.


(Third Ceiling Member (Front Ceiling Member for Expansion 210c) and Fourth Ceiling Member (Back Ceiling Member for Expansion 210d))


The front ceiling member for expansion 210c in the structure 200 comprises a second joint edge 212b with the same curved shape as the first joint edge 111b instead of the second joint edge 112b of the back ceiling member 110b in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1, and has a linear protrusion 42b formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 212b of the front ceiling member for expansion 210c in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 instead of the linear groove 12b formed on the bottom surface of the second joint edge 112b of the back ceiling member 110b of Embodiment 1.


The back ceiling member for expansion 210d has the same structure as the front ceiling member for expansion 210c other than having an air vent 40 formed thereon.



FIG. 16 is a plan view for describing the floor member of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13, showing the structure of the front floor member for expansion 230c located at the second location from the proximal side of the diagram of FIG. 13(c) when viewed from the top.


(First Floor Member (Front Floor Member 230a) and Second Floor Member (Back Floor Member 230b))


The front floor member 230a and the back floor member 230b in the structure 200 have the same structure as the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.


The front floor member for expansion 230c has a rectangular floor board 203c and a pair of wainscoting fragments 3c that are raised so as to oppose each other across the floor board 203c from the left side edge and the right side edge of the floor board. The floor board 203c and the wainscoting fragments 3c are integrally formed without a joint.


The front edge of the wainscoting fragment 3c and the front edge of the floor board 203c are first joint edge 231c that is connected to the front floor member 230a. A linear protrusion 61c is formed on the end surface of the first joint edge 231c.


The back edge of the wainscoting fragment 3c and the back edge of the floor board 203c are second joint edge 232b that is joined to the back floor member for expansion 210d. A linear groove 62c is formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 232b.


The back floor member for expansion 210d has the same structure as the front floor member for expansion 210c.


The structure of the structure 200 assembled with each member described above is now described using a cross-section.



FIG. 17 is a diagram for specifically describing the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13(a). FIG. 17(a) is a side view showing the structure of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13(a) when viewed from the X direction. FIG. 17(b) is a side view showing the structure of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13(a) when viewed from the Y direction. FIG. 17(c) is a cross-sectional view at the XVIIc-XVIIc line of FIG. 17(b). FIG. 17(d) is a cross-sectional view at the XVIId-XVIId line of FIG. 17(b).



FIG. 17(c) shows that adjacent wall members of the six wall members are joined to each other at opposing joint edges.


Specifically, the left front wall member 220c and the left back wall member 220e are joined at their joint edges, and the left wall member consisting of the left front wall member 220c and the left back wall member 220e is joined to the front wall member 220a and the back wall member 220b in the same manner as the left wall member 120c in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.


The right front wall member 220d and the left back wall member 220f are joined at their joint edges, and the right wall member consisting of the right front wall member 220d and the right back wall member 220f is joined to the front wall member 220a and the back wall member 220b in the same manner as the right wall member 120d in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.



FIG. 17(d) shows that the left back wall member 220e and the right back wall member 220f are connected to the back floor member for expansion 210d.



FIG. 18 is a diagram for specifically describing the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13(a). FIG. 18(a) is a plan view showing the structure of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13(a) when viewed from the Z direction. FIG. 18(b) is a cross-sectional view at the XVIIIb-XVIIIb line of FIG. 18(a).



FIG. 18(b) shows the front ceiling member 210a, the front ceiling member for expansion 210c, the back ceiling member for expansion 210d, and the back ceiling member 210b, in which adjacent members are joined, and the front floor member 230a, the front floor member for expansion 230c, the back floor member for expansion 230d, and the back floor member 230b, in which adjacent members are joined.



FIG. 18(b) shows that each of the front wall member 220a, the left front wall member 220c, the left back wall member 220e, and the back wall member 220b is joined to one of the four ceiling members that is adjacent, and is joined to one of the four floor members that is adjacent.


Modification Example of Embodiment 2

The structure 200 of Embodiment 2 described above uses wall members with a size (length in the depth direction of structure 200) that spans two adjacent ceiling members and two adjacent floor members as left and right wall members (left front wall member 220c, left back wall member 220e, right front wall member 220d, and right back wall member 220f), but the size of the side wall members (left and right wall members) used in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 is not limited to a size that spans the two adjacent ceiling members and two adjacent floor members.



FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing the structure 200a, which is a modification example of the structure 200 shown in FIG. 13(a). FIG. 19(a) shows the structure of the structure 200a at the cross-section corresponding to the cross-section at the XVIIIb-XVIIIb line shown in FIG. 18(b). FIG. 19(b) shows the structure of the structure 200a at the cross-section corresponding to the cross section at the XVIIc-XVIIc shown in FIG. 17(c).


The structure 200a in this Modification Example replaces the left front wall member 220c with two short left wall members 220c1 and 220c2, replaces the left back wall member 220e with two short left wall members 220e1 and 220e2, replaces the right front wall member 220d with two short left wall members 220d1 and 220d2, and replaces the right back wall member 220f with two short left wall members 220f1 and 220f2 in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2.


The two short left wall members 220c1 and 220c2 are obtained by dividing the left front wall member 220c in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 in two. The two short left wall members 220e1 and 220e2 are obtained by dividing the left back wall member 220e in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 in two. The two short left wall members 120d1 and 120d2 are obtained by dividing the right front wall member 220d in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 in two. The two short left wall members 120f1 and 120f2 are obtained by dividing the right front wall member 220f in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 in two.


By reducing the size (length in the depth direction of structure) of a wall member located on the side surface of the structure 200 in this manner, the expansion size in the structure 200 can be adjusted in a small unit of dimension. Further, the sizes of a plurality of wall members can be aligned. This can facilitate handling of a plurality of wall members and improve the efficiency of transport.


The method of assembling the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 is the same as the method of assembling the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.


For example, the floor members for expansion 230c and 230d are first placed between, and jointed to, the front floor member 230a and the back floor member 230b to fabricate a floor portion of the structure 200.


The front wall member 220a and the back wall member 220b are then disposed on the floor portion and joined to the front floor member 230a and the back floor member 230b. Moreover, each of the left front wall member 220c, the left back wall member 220e, right front wall member 220d, and the right back wall member 220f is disposed on the floor portion, and joined to a corresponding floor member among the four floor members, and adjacent wall members among the six wall members disposed to surround the floor member are joined to each other.


Each of the four ceiling members is then disposed on the wall members and joined to an opposing wall member among the six wall members, and adjacent ceiling members of the four ceiling members are joined to each other. These members are joined using an adhesive and fitting of a linear protrusion formed on one of the opposing joint edges with a linear groove formed on the other opposing joint edge.


In addition to the effect of the structure 100 of Embodiment 1, the size of the expanded structure 200 of Embodiment 2 in the depth direction can be expanded freely, for example, theoretically to 10s of meters by using the ceiling members for expansion 210c and 210d and the floor members for expansion 230c and 230d in this manner. This enables creation of a long building with a wider internal space without division compared to, for example, a plurality of structures 100 that are linked. Furthermore, living spaces that are compatible with various applications can be formed by using a combination of a structure that is not expandable (non-expandable structure) 100 described in Embodiment 1 and an expandable structure 200 in Embodiment 2.



FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an example of a layout of structures obtained by combining a plurality of non-expandable structures 100 and a plurality of expandable structures 200. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for describing a plurality of non-expandable structures and a plurality of expandable structures, which are arranged on both sides of a pier moored at a wharf and utilized as a resort facility.


For example, by using the expandable structure 200 and a plurality of non-expandable structures 100 as shown in FIG. 20, a living space connecting a plurality of non-expandable structures 100 can be formed with the expandable structure 200, and a layout of a living space that can be materialized with the structure 100 can be expanded to improve the degree of freedom in the design of a living space using the structure 100.


When a plurality of non-expandable structures and a plurality of expandable structures are arranged on both sides of a pier moored at a wharf and utilized as a resort facility as shown in FIG. 21, the scale as a lodging facility can be selected between a facility for a small number of people provided by a non-expandable structure and a facility for a large number of people provided by an expandable structure, depending on the number of customers.


While the above example described the use of a structure for residential purposes, the application of a structure is not limited to residential use. For example, a structure can be used for disaster prevention. Since a structure can float on water, the structure can be utilized, for example, as an evacuation facility that does not readily submerge under water during flooding.


As disclosed above, the present invention is exemplified by the use of its preferred embodiments. However, the present invention should not be interpreted to be limited to such embodiments. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted based solely on the claims. It is understood that an equivalent scope can be practiced by those skilled in the art based on the descriptions of the present invention and common general knowledge from the specific descriptions in the preferred embodiments of the invention. It is also understood that any references cited herein should be incorporated herein by reference in the same manner as the contents are specifically described herein.


Examples

In this Example, a structure was fabricated by assembling polystyrene foam members. Two ceiling members, four wall members, and two floor members were utilized as members constituting the structure. As the floor members, floor members having wainscoting were utilized. A joint section of each member was joined using a urethane resin adhesive. After assembly, the entire structure was coated with a urethane resin material.


The fabricated structure had a base area of about 2.5 m×about 4.5 m, a height of about 2.6 m, and weight of about 500 kg. In this manner, a space where a human can enter was formed inside the structure. The ratio of the base area of the fabricated structure to the structure's own weight was base area (m2):own weight (kg)=about 1:45.


The fabricated structure was floated on water. When people actually entered inside, the structure comfortably floated on water without infiltration of water or sinking even after housing four adults.



FIG. 22 shows a picture of a fabricated structure when actually floated on water. FIG. 22(a) is a picture capturing the outer appearance of the fabricated structure. FIG. 22(b) is a picture capturing the vicinity of the entrance/exit of the fabricated structure. FIG. 22(c) is a picture capturing the vicinity of the floor of the fabricated structure. As shown in FIG. 22, a part of the entrance/exit was blocked by a barrier to prevent infiltration of water from the entrance/exit in the fabricated structure. The barrier was also made of a foam material.


INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is useful as an invention, which can obtain a structure that can float on water as a structure providing an internal space.


REFERENCE SIGNS LIST






    • 10, 30 Entrance/exit


    • 11
      a, 11b, 12b, 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 22a-′22d, 23c, 23d, 24c, 24d, 32a, 62c Linear groove (linear recess)


    • 12
      a, 21a to 21d, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 31a, 31b, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, 42b, 61c Linear protrusion (linear convex section)


    • 20 Window section


    • 40 Air vent


    • 100, 100a, 100b, 200, 200a Structure


    • 110
      a, 210a Front ceiling member (first ceiling member)


    • 110
      b, 210b Back ceiling member (second ceiling member)


    • 111
      a, 111b, 121a to 121d, 131a, 131b First joint edge


    • 112
      a, 112b, 122a to 122d, 132a, 132b Second joint edge


    • 113
      a, 113b, 123a to 123d, 133a, 133b Third joint edge


    • 114
      a, 114b, 124a to 124d, 134a, 134b Fourth joint edge


    • 120
      a, 220a Front wall member (first wall member)


    • 120
      a
      1 Front wall member left fragment


    • 120
      a
      2 Front wall member right fragment


    • 120
      b, 220b Back wall member (second wall member)


    • 120
      c Left wall member (third wall member)


    • 120
      c
      1, 120c2, 220c1, 220c2, 220e1, 220e2 Short left wall member


    • 120
      d Right wall member (fourth wall member)


    • 120
      d
      1, 120d2, 220d1, 220d2, 220f1, 220f2 Short right wall member


    • 130
      a, 230a Front floor member (first floor member)


    • 130
      b, 230b Back floor member (second floor member)


    • 130
      c, 130d Floor member


    • 210
      c, 210d Ceiling member for expansion


    • 220
      c Left front wall member


    • 220
      e Left back wall member


    • 220
      d Right front wall member


    • 220
      f Right back wall member


    • 230
      c, 230d Floor member for expansion




Claims
  • 1. A structure comprising: at least one ceiling member;at least four wall members; andat least one floor member;wherein each of the at least four wall members has: a first joint edge that is joined to the at least one ceiling member;a second joint edge that is joined to the at least one floor member;a third joint edge that is joined to one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members; anda fourth joint edge that is joined to the other one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members;wherein each of the at least one ceiling member, the at least four wall members, and the at least one floor member is made of foam.
  • 2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one ceiling member comprises a first ceiling member and a second ceiling member, and each of the first ceiling member and the second ceiling member comprises a first joint edge, a second joint edge, a third joint edge, and a fourth joint edge,the at least four wall members comprise a first wall member, a second wall member, a third wall member, and a fourth wall member,the at least one floor member comprises a first floor member and a second floor member, and each of the first floor member and the second floor member comprises a first joint edge, a second joint edge, a third joint edge, and a fourth joint edge,the first joint edge of the first wall member is joined to the first joint edge of the first ceiling member, the second joint edge of the first wall member is joined to the first joint edge of the first floor member, the third joint edge of the first wall member is joined to the fourth joint edge of the third wall member, and the fourth joint edge of the first wall member is joined to the third joint edge of the fourth wall member,the first joint edge of the second wall member is joined to the second joint edge of the second ceiling member, the second joint edge of the second wall member is joined to the second joint edge of the second floor member, the third joint edge of the second wall member is joined to the fourth joint edge of the fourth wall member, and the fourth joint edge of the second wall member is joined to the third joint edge of the third wall member,the first joint edge of the third wall member is joined to the third joint edge of the first ceiling member and the third joint edge of the second ceiling member, and the second joint edge of the third wall member is joined to the third joint edge of the first floor member and the third joint edge of the second floor member,the first joint edge of the fourth wall member is joined to the fourth joint edge of the first ceiling member and the fourth joint edge of the second ceiling member, and the second joint edge of the fourth wall member is joined to the fourth joint edge of the first floor member and the fourth joint edge of the second floor member,the second joint edge of the first ceiling member is joined to the first joint edge of the second ceiling member, andthe second joint edge of the first floor member is joined to the first joint edge of the second floor member.
  • 3. An expandable structure comprising: a plurality of ceiling members;at least one ceiling member for expansion;a plurality of wall members;a plurality of floor members; andat least one floor member for expansion;wherein the at least one ceiling member for expansion is joined between two of the plurality of ceiling members to form an expanded ceiling section,wherein the at least one floor member for expansion is joined between two of the plurality of floor members to form an expanded floor section,wherein the expanded ceiling section is joined to the expanded floor section with the plurality of wall members, andwherein each member is made of foam.
  • 4. The structure of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of floor members has four joint edges, and three of the four joint edges of each of the plurality of floor members have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members, andeach of the at least one floor member for expansion has four joint edges, and two of the four joint edges of each of the at least one floor member for expansion have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members.
  • 5. The structure of claim 3 or 11, wherein each of the plurality of ceiling members has four joint edges, and three of the four joint edges of each of the plurality of ceiling members have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members, andeach of the at least one ceiling member for expansion has four joint edges, and two of the four joint edges of each of the at least one ceiling member for expansion have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members.
  • 6. The structure of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a base area (m2) of the structure to a weight of the structure itself (kg) is 1:30 to 1:80.
  • 7. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a coating, wherein the coating is configured to at least cover each joint section of the plurality of members constituting the structure.
  • 8. The structure of claim 7, wherein the coating is formed to cover the entire outer surface of the structure.
  • 9. The structure of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of members constituting the structure comprises a coating that covers itself.
  • 10. The structure of claim 1, wherein a material of the coating at least has a waterproof property.
  • 11. The structure of claim 1, wherein the floor member has a first portion constituting a floor of the structure and a second portion constituting a part of a wall of the structure, and the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed.
  • 12. The structure of claim 11, wherein the wall has a first opening, and the first opening is surrounded by the ceiling member, the wall members, and the floor member.
  • 13. The structure of claim 11, wherein the wall has a second opening, and the second opening is surrounded by the ceiling member and the wall members.
  • 14. The structure of claim 1, wherein the structure further comprises an external floor member constituting an external deck on the outside of the floor member of the structure, and the external floor member is joined to the floor member.
  • 15. The structure of claim 1, wherein the ceiling member is made of first foam having a first expansion ratio,the wall members are made of second foam having a second expansion ratio,the floor member is made of third foam having a third expansion ratio, andthe third expansion ratio is less than the first expansion ratio and the second expansion ratio.
  • 16. The structure of claim 1, wherein the foam comprises polystyrene foam.
  • 17. A method of fabricating a structure, comprising: providing at least one ceiling member, at least four wall members, and at least one floor member, wherein each member is made of foam;joining the at least four wall members to the at least one ceiling member and the at least one floor member, wherein each of the at least four wall members has at least four joint edges, and the at least four joint edges comprise a first joint edge that is joined to the at least one ceiling member, a second joint edge that is joined to the at least one floor member, a third joint edge that is joined to one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members, and a fourth joint edge that is joined to the other one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members; andapplying a coating to at least cover joint sections of each joined member.
  • 18. (canceled)
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
2020-179682 Oct 2020 JP national
PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind
PCT/JP2021/039676 10/27/2021 WO