STRUCTURE

Abstract

A structure which includes a rectangular base and two substantially U-shaped assemblies pivotally fixed to respective opposed longitudinal edges of the base, the assemblies being movable, relative to the base, into a compact configuration which is substantially of the shape and size of a conventional shipping container, and away from each other to an operative configuration at which the assemblies form walls and at least part of a roof of the structure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a structure which can be placed in a compact storage mode which is suited for transport and which, at a chosen site, can be converted with relative ease into an enclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a structure which includes a base of rectangular outline with a lower surface which faces the ground and an upper surface, first and second ends which are fixed to the base, which are spaced apart and which extend vertically, and at least a first assembly which has a first side with an inner surface and an outer surface, a second side which opposes the first side, a panel fixed to and extending between the first side and the second side, a first wall fixed at least to the first side and the panel, a second wall which is spaced from and which opposes the first wall and which is fixed at least to the first side and to the panel wherein the first assembly is attached and is pivotally movable relative to the base between a compact configuration at which the panel overlies the upper surface of the base, the first wall is substantially adjacent the first end and the second wall is substantially adjacent the second end and an operative configuration at which the outer surface of the first side faces the ground, the panel extends generally vertically, the first and second walls are displaced, respectively, from the first and second ends, and the second side is positioned above and opposes the inner surface of the first side.

In order to move from the compact configuration to the operative configuration the first assembly may be pivoted relative to the base through approximately 90°.

The structure may include a second assembly, of generally similar shape to the first assembly, which is pivotally secured to the base. When the first assembly is moved to the operative configuration the second assembly, which is in a compact configuration, may then be movable to a respective operative configuration. With both assemblies in the respective compact configurations, the first assembly, which is generally similar in shape to the second assembly but which has a larger overall dimension, overlies at least a greater part of the second assembly.

With each assembly in a respective operative configuration, a space above the upper surface of the base may be closed by roof structure.

With each assembly in a respective compact configuration the structure is effectively similar in shape and size to a conventional shipping container. To enable an interior of the structure, in this mode, to be accessed, at least the first end may include an aperture e.g. a doorway or window which is positioned so that it is in register with openings in respective sides of the two assemblies which are adjacent the first end. Each opening may, itself, define a respective doorway or a window.

The structure may include guides which guide the movement of the first wall and of the second wall relative to the first end and to the second end respectively, as movement between the compact and operative configurations takes place.

Similarly the second side may be movable in a controlled and limited way relative to the panes so as to take up a desired slope (roof forming) in the operative configuration. Additionally it may be necessary to guide the second side so that it can be moved without hindrance i.e. so that it can be moved between respective positions in the compact configuration and the operative configuration without corning into contact with or otherwise snagging any part of the structure or equipment which may be positioned inside the structure in such a way that effective movement is prevented.

The first wall may include a locking member which is engageable with a complementary locking member on the first end to brace the structure, particularly when the structure is in the compact configuration.

Gaps between the first end and the first wall may be sealed by means of suitable seals which may be of an elongate U-shape. These seals may be interlocking. Additionally these seals may act as locks which mechanically firmly secure different components of the structure together in a rigid and stable manner.

Each assembly may be movable in any appropriate manner relative to the base, for example by means of hydraulically activated devices. Use may be made of piston and cylinder assemblies and, conveniently, in each assembly the respective first and second walls may be designed to be sufficiently thick so that there is adequate space inside an enclosed volume to accommodate such piston and cylinder assemblies or any equivalent mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1 to 9 illustrate somewhat schematically successive stages in the deployment of a structure according to the invention as it is moved from a compact configuration to an operative configuration,

FIG. 10 illustrates various constructional details on the structure, and

FIG. 11 depicts a structure according to a variation of the invention which includes doors and windows.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates in perspective a structure 10 according to the invention in a compact, storage and transport configuration. FIGS. 1A and 1B show respectively the structure schematically in cross-section on transverse planes.

The structure 10 includes a base 12 which, in plan, is rectangular in outline, and which has an upper surface 12A and a tower surface 12B which faces towards the ground. The structure 10 has a first end 14 and a second end 16 which is spaced from and which opposes the first end 14. The ends 14 and 16 are at respective opposed edges of the base 12. Each end 14 extends vertically.

Secured to the base 12 are a first assembly 18 and a second assembly 20.

The first assembly 18 has a first side 22, a second side 24 which is spaced from and which is generally parallel to the first side and a bridging panel 26. The first side 22 has an outer surface 22A and an inner surface 22B. With the structure 10 in the compact configuration the first side 22 is vertical and has a lower edge 22C which is attached by means of a hinge joint 30 to an adjacent longitudinal edge 12C of the base 12. The panel 26, which extends between upper extremities of the first side 22 and the second side 24, overlies the upper surface 12A of the base 12.

The assembly 18 has opposed first and second walls 34 and 36 respectively which are closely spaced from and which are generally parallel to opposing surfaces of the first and second ends 14 and 16.

The second assembly 20 is generally similar to the first assembly 18. The second assembly has a first side 42, a second side 44 which opposes the first side 42, a bridging panel 46 at opposed extremities of the first and second sides, a first wall 54 and an opposing second wall 56. The second assembly 20 is sized so that, as is shown particularly, in FIGS. 1A and 1B, with the structure 10 in the compact configuration, the second assembly 20 is nested closely inside the first assembly 18. The second assembly is pivotally connected by means of a hinged joint 60 along a lower edge of the first side 42 to a corresponding longitudinal edge of the base 12.

FIGS. 2 to 9 illustrate how the structure 10 is converted from the compact configuration shown in FIG. 1 into an operative configuration. The structure in the compact configuration is positioned on a chosen site. The lower surface 12B of the base may rest on the ground or it may be supported above the ground on suitable legs, not shown. In an initial step, shown in FIG. 2, the first assembly 18 is pivoted about the hinge 30 in a clockwise direction 62 through about 90° so that the outer surface 22A of the first side 22 is brought into ground-engaging contact. The panel 26 is thereby moved from a horizontal orientation to a generally vertical orientation. The second side 24 is moved from a vertical orientation to a position, see FIG. 3, at which the second side 24 vertically overlies the first side 22. At this point the first side 22 is generally co-planar with the base 12.

The second side 24 is attached to the panel 26 by means of a pivotal connection 64 which interconnects abutting edges of the first side 22 and the panel 26. This pivotal connection permits the second side 24 to be raised to an inclined position, as is shown in FIG. 3, at which an upper surface 24A of the second side is inclined to the horizontal.

FIG. 4 shows the first assembly 18 fully displaced from the base and in an operative position.

The aforementioned movement of the first assembly 18 exposes the second assembly 20 so that it is then possible to pivot the second assembly 20 about the pivot connection 60 in an anti-clockwise direction 66. The procedure which is followed is substantially the same as what is followed for moving the first assembly 18 to the operative mode. Thus, as is shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the second assembly 20 is pivoted to bring the first side 42 into ground-engaging contact. The first side 42 is then generally coplanar with the base 12. The panel 46 is moved to a vertical orientation and the second side 44 is thereby positioned above an upwardly facing surface of the first side 42. The second side 44 is slightly pivoted upwardly so that an upper surface 44A of the second side slopes relative to the horizontal.

FIG. 7 shows a gap 70 between an edge 44B of the second side 44, and an opposing edge 24B of the second side 24. This gap can be closed in various ways. As is shown in FIG. 8 extension pieces 24X and 44X projecting respectively from the sides 24 and 44, are moved towards each other, in order to form a roof 74 from the sides 24 and 44 and the extension pieces 24X and 44X. The roof has an apex 76. Closures 74X, on one side of the structure and 74Y (not visible in FIG. 8) on an opposing side of the structure, are then used to close respective openings adjacent the apex 76.

If the structure is to be returned to the compact storage configuration shown in FIG. 1, the preceding sequence of operations is reversed. The second assembly 20 is first pivoted into a storage configuration whereafter the first assembly 18 is pivoted into a storage configuration at which it overlies and closely encloses the second assembly.

An advantage of the construction which has been described is that conversion from one mode to the other mode is readily effected. The operative configuration defines an enclosure which is bounded above and below, and on four sides, by rigid elements. In the compact configuration those elements which form the sides and roof (in the extended configuration) are positioned close to one another so that an enclosed volume which is usable for storage purposes is defined. This is evident from an inspection of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in particular.

In the preceding description the nature of the structure has been described generally in a schematic manner. Some constructional details which are necessary for an effective implementation of the invention are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 illustrates an inner surface 16A of the second end 16, an adjacent portion of the upper surface 12A of the base, an inner surface of the second wall 36, and a part of the surface 22B of the first side 22. Also shown, on an opposing side of the base 12 is an inner surface of the second wall 56 of the second assembly, an adjacent part of the inner surface of the side 42, and a portion of the inner surface of the panel 46.

Each assembly 18 and 20 is pivotally movable relative to the base 12 by means of hydraulic cylinders 80, 82 which act between the base and the assemblies 18 and 20 respectively. The end 16 has elongate rims 84 which extend along its vertical edges. The walls 36 and 56 respectively have corresponding U-shaped channels 84A and 84B which engage in a sealing, weatherproof manner with the rims when the walls are moved to the orientation shown in FIG. 10. Additionally a strong physical lock is formed by the interengaged channel which securely fixes the walls 36, 56 to the end 16. On the other hand when the walls are moved to the compact configuration i.e. as each wall is moved to a position which is adjacent and closely spaced from the end 16, use is made of lock bolts 86. Each bolt includes a shank 88 and a head 90 designed to engage with a correspondingly elongate slot 94 in the end 16 when the wall is moved to the storage configuration. The interlocking arrangement is such that a strong and inherently rigid structure is achieved when the assemblies are put into the compact configurations. Cylinders 95 mounted in hollows in the walls 34, 36 (similarly for the second assembly 20) are used to elevate the second side 24. The extremities of the foldout portion of each assembly which are to be brought into ground contact can be fitted with pistons and cylinders or other levelling devices to ensure that each floor forming component is horizontal and each wall forming component is vertical.

FIG. 11 shows how the structure can be adapted to allow an interior of the structure to be accessed when the structure is in the storage configuration shown in FIG. 1 while, at the same time, facilitating the provision of a door and windows which are usable in a conventional manner when the structure is in the operative configuration. The end 14 is formed with a rigid door 100. The first wall 34 has an elongate window 102 and the first wall 52 has an elongate window 104. In FIG. 11 the structure is in an operative configuration and access to an interior is provided through the doorway formed when the door 100 is opened. The windows 102 and 104 can be top-hung or sliding according to requirement. When the structure is converted to the storage configuration the windows 102 and 104 are positioned in register with each other and with the door. It is then possible by opening the door to access the windows and if these windows have a suitable hinged or sliding arrangement it is possible to go into an interior of the structure.

FIG. 11 also illustrates another variation wherein the gap 70 (see FIG. 7) is closed by fabric 120, much in the nature of a tent. This is in place of the rigid roof structure shown in FIG. 9.

Claims

1-8. (canceled)

9. A structure (10) which includes a base (12) of rectangular outline with a lower surface (12B) which faces the ground and an upper surface (12A), first and second ends (14, 16) which are fixed to the base (12), which are spaced apart and which extend vertically, a first assembly (18) which has a first side (22) with an inner surface (22B) and an outer surface (22A), a second side (24) which opposes the first side (22), a panel (26) fixed to and extending between the first side (22) and the second side (24), a first wall (34) fixed at least to the first side (22) and the panel (26), and a second wall (36) which is spaced from and which opposes the first wall (34) and which is fixed at least to the first side (22) and to the panel (26), wherein the first assembly (18) is pivotally movable relative to the base (12) between a compact configuration at which the panel (26) overlies the upper surface (12A) of the base (12), the first wall (34) is substantially adjacent the first end (14) and the second wall (36) is substantially adjacent the second end (16), and an operative configuration at which the outer surface (22A) of the first side (22) faces the ground, the panel (26) extends generally vertically, the first and second walls (34, 36) are displaced, respectively, from the first and second ends (14, 16), and the second side (24) is positioned above and opposes the inner surface (22B) of the first side (22), the structure (10) further comprising a second assembly (20) which has a first side (42), a second side (44) which opposes the first side (42), a bridging panel (46) between opposed extremities of the first and second sides, a first wall (54) and an opposing second wall (56), wherein the second assembly (20) is pivotally connected along a lower edge of the first side (42) to a longitudinal edge of the base (12), and wherein the second assembly (20) is pivotally movable relative to the base (12) between a compact configuration at which the bridging panel (46) overlies the upper surface (12A) of the base (12), the first wall (54) is substantially adjacent the first end (14) and the second wall (56) is substantially adjacent the second end (16), and an operative configuration at which an outer surface of the first side (42) faces the ground, the bridging panel (46) extends generally vertically, the first and second walls (54, 56) are displaced, respectively, from the first and second ends (14, 16), and the second side (44) is positioned above and opposes an inner surface of the first side (42), wherein with each assembly (18, 20) in the respective operative configuration, a space above the upper surface of the base (12) is closed by roof structure (24X, 44X).

10. A structure (10) according to claim 9 wherein, with each assembly (18, 20) in the respective operative configuration, the second side (24) is pivotal upwardly to an inclined position about a connection (64), and the second side (44) is pivotal upwardly to an inclined position.

11. A structure (10) according to claim 9 wherein the second assembly (20) is sized so that, with the first assembly (18) in the respective compact configuration, the second assembly (20) in the respective compact configuration is nested closely inside the first assembly (18).

12. A structure according to claim 9, wherein, with each assembly (18,20) in the respective compact configuration, the structure is effectively similar in shape and size to a conventional shipping container.

13. A structure according to claim 9, wherein, with each assembly (18, 20) in the respective compact configuration and to enable an interior of the structure to be accessed, at least the first end (14) includes an aperture (100) which is positioned so that it is in register with openings (102, 104) in respective sides (32, 34) of the two assemblies (18, 20) which are adjacent the first end (14).

14. A structure (10) according to claim 10 wherein the second assembly (20) is sized so that, with the first assembly (18) in the respective compact configuration, the second assembly (20) in the respective compact configuration is nested closely inside the first assembly (18).

15. A structure according to claim 10, wherein, with each assembly (18,20) in the respective compact configuration, the structure is effectively similar in shape and size to a conventional shipping container.

16. A structure according to claim 11, wherein, with each assembly (18,20) in the respective compact configuration, the structure is effectively similar in shape and size to a conventional shipping container.

17. A structure according to claim 10, wherein, with each assembly (18, 20) in the respective compact configuration and to enable an interior of the structure to be accessed, at least the first end (14) includes an aperture (100) which is positioned so that the aperture is in register with openings (102, 104) in respective sides (32, 34) of the two assemblies (18, 20) which are adjacent the first end (14).

18. A structure according to claim 11, wherein, with each assembly (18, 20) in the respective compact configuration and to enable an interior of the structure to be accessed, at least the first end (14) includes an aperture (100) which is positioned so that the aperture is in register with openings (102, 104) in respective sides (32, 34) of the two assemblies (18, 20) which are adjacent the first end (14).

19. A structure according to claim 12, wherein, with each assembly (18, 20) in the respective compact configuration and to enable an interior of the structure to be accessed, at least the first end (14) includes an aperture (100) which is positioned so that the aperture is in register with openings (102, 104) in respective sides (32, 34) of the two assemblies (18, 20) which are adjacent the first end (14).

20. A structure according to claim 15, wherein, with each assembly (18,20) in the respective compact configuration, the structure is effectively similar in shape and size to a conventional shipping container.

21. A structure according to claim 14, wherein, with each assembly (18, 20) in the respective compact configuration and to enable an interior of the structure to be accessed, at least the first end (14) includes an aperture (100) which is positioned so that the aperture is in register with openings (102, 104) in respective sides (32, 34) of the two assemblies (18, 20) which are adjacent the first end (14).

22. A structure according to claim 15, wherein, with each assembly (18, 20) in the respective compact configuration and to enable an interior of the structure to be accessed, at least the first end (14) includes an aperture (100) which is positioned so that the aperture is in register with openings (102, 104) in respective sides (32, 34) of the two assemblies (18, 20) which are adjacent the first end (14).

23. A structure according to claim 16, wherein, with each assembly (18, 20) in the respective compact configuration and to enable an interior of the structure to be accessed, at least the first end (14) includes an aperture (100) which is positioned so that the aperture is in register with openings (102, 104) in respective sides (32, 34) of the two assemblies (18, 20) which are adjacent the first end (14).