GB2501152A

GB2501152A - Modular structure with height adjustable base for domestic extension

Info

Publication number: GB2501152A
Application number: GB1301226.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ralph Haughton; Neil Connolly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-01-24
Filing date: 2013-01-24
Publication date: 2013-10-16
Also published as: GB201201107D0; GB201301226D0

Abstract

There is provided a modular structure including platform means and a plurality of detachable panel members for location on or with the platform means. The platform means have adjustment means, such as height adjustable legs or jacks, associated therewith to allow adjustment of the platform means relative to a surface on which the modular structure is to be placed in use. Wall and roof panels may be detachably connected to the structure using sliding channel fittings. Window and door openings may be provided in the wall panels. The structure may be sealed to an existing building for access through a doorway of the building.

Description

Modular Structure and Method of Construction Thereof This invention relates to a modular structure and a method of construction of the modular structure.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to a modular structure in the form of a toilet or bathroom for use by a disabled or elderly person, that is fitted externally to an existing building, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the modular structure of the present invention could be provided in any form, for use in any application and/or for use by any suitable user. The modular structure could also be used in an interior of an existing building or structure if required.

It is often the case that elderly or disabled people have difficulties in accessing bathroom and/or toilet facilities in their own home due to most conventional houses having the bathroom and toilet facilities upstairs and/or provided in a relatively confined area which does not allow wheelchair access, easy manoeuvrability of the person within the facility and/or the like. This problem often results in the elderly or disabled person having to move house, move to a care home with suitable facilities and/or make permanent changes to their existing bathroom and/or toilet facilities to create the necessary accessibility for them. These changes are typically expensive, time consuming and can result in permanent change and/or damage to the home which may not be suitable or appropriate, particularly if the person's disability is relatively temporary or the person using the facilities is there for only a relative short period of time.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a modular structure that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

Tt is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of construction of a modular structure that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular structure, said structure includes platform means and a plurality of detachable panel members for location on or with said platform means, the platform means having adjustment means associated therewith to allow adjustment of the platform means relative to a surface on which the modular structure is to be placed in use.

The modular structure of the present invention can be used to create an additional room or facility to an existing structure or bLlilding both quickly and inexpensively in relation to traditional build methods. The structure is modular in that different arrangements of the panel members with the platform means can be created to provide different shape, size and/or designs of rooms or facilities. The mod ular structure, components panel members and the platform means are formed such that they comply with current building regulations and are typically pre-fabricated so that they can be easily stored and/or transported to a site for construction. In addition, the detachable nature of the components of the modular structure allows the components to be easily moved through relatively confined or small dimensioned areas that may otherwise be inaccessible, such as through a person's home, or allow construction in relatively confined or small dimensioned areas, such as in a person's garden, garage and/or the like.

Since the detachable pane] members are detachable re]ative to each other and the platform means, this allows the modular structure to be assembled and removed, relocated, recycled and/or the like.

Preferably the detachable panel members and/or the p]atform means is pre-fabricated off site and transported to the building site for construction.

The platform means typically provides a base to the modular structure. The platform adjustment means typically allow adjustment of the base or platform with respect to a floor or ground surface on which the structure is located in use. Thus, in one embodiment, the modular structure is for use at ground level with an existing building or structure.

In one embodiment a plurality of adjustment means are provided and each adjustment means can be independently adjustable. In one embodiment two or more of the adjustment means are adjustable together, are linked and/or can be adjusted substantially simultaneously to each other. The adjustment means allow the platform means to be provided on any surface and/or at any gradient. For examp]e, the adjustment means could a]low the p]atform means to be used on surfaces with a gradient of 0-12°, on uneven surfaces and/or the like.

Preferably an upper surface of the platform means is arranged or adjusted to be substantially hori2ontal in use.

In one embodiment the adjustment means includes one or more jacks.

In one embodiment the platform means includes a frame. The frame can be formed from any or any combination of one or more metals, steel, reinforced material and/or the like.

Preferably one or more base or floor panel members are locatable with the frame of the platform means in use. The floor panel members can be fixed to the frame by fixing means or can be "floating" relative to the frame.

In one embodiment the one or more base or floor panel members include insulating means, an insulating layer, coating and/or the like. In one example, the floor panels members include a wooden upper layer and an insulating lower layer. In one embodiment the one or more base or floor panel members include water-proof means, a water-proof layer, barrier, coating and/or the like.

Preferably the panel members can include one or more upright wall panel members, base or floor panel members, top or roof panel members and/or the like.

Preferably the panel members include attachment means for allowing detachable attachment of two or more panel members t c get her.

The attachment means can include any or any combination of a tongue and groove arrangement, inter-engaging members, one or more recesses, channels, apertures, protrusions, hooks, clips, friction fit and/or the like.

Preferably one or more panel members are arranged in an upright manner, substantially transversely and/or substantially perpendicular with respect to an upper surface of the platform means in use. Thus, in one embodiment, the panel members

S

create one or more side walls of the modular structure in use.

These side walls can be interior and/or exterior walls of the st r u c tu r e.

Preferably the platform means and/or one or more of the panel members have securing means for allowing securing of one or more of the panel members to the platform means in use.

Further preferably the securing means allow detachable securing of the one or more panel members to the platform means in use.

In one embodiment the securing means includes one or more trims, channels, grooves, tracks and/or the like provided on one of the platform means and/or one or more panel members to which a part of the other of the platform means and/or one or more panel members is inserted in use.

Preferably the part of the other of the platform means and/or one or more panel members is slidably inserted in the one or more trims, channels, grooves, tracks and/or the like in use.

Preferably the modular structure is substantially free standing, in that it does not require any other structure, such as an existing bLlilding and/or like, to provide support for the same.

In one embodiment the modular structure is arranged to substantially abut, cover and/or overlap with at least part of an existing structure or building in use. It is not essential for the modular structure to be attached or permanently attached to the existing structure or building in use, such that the modular structure can be constructed and/or removed without any damage or change required to be made to the existing structure or building. As such, the modular structure of the present invention is non-intrusive and only temporary or semi-permanent. However, relatively small fixing means, such as rawl bolts, can be used to provide some degree of attachment between one or more walls of the structure and an existing building or structure.

Preferably the modular structure is arranged such that at least part of the modular structure abuts, covets and/or overlaps with a wall, door and/or floor of an existing structure or building in use. As such, in one embodiment, the modular structure can be accessed through an existing door of an existing structure or building.

Preferably one or more of the panel members include insulating means, an insulating layer, coating and/or the like.

In one embodiment one or more roof or top members are provided. Preferably these one or more roof or top members are in the form of panel members.

The one or more roof or top members are typically detachably attached to one or mote ends of the wall panel members in use via securing means. The securing means can include one or more trims, channels, grooves, tracks and/or the like provided on one of the roof or top members and/or one or more panel members to which a part of the other of the roof or top members and/or one or more panel members is inserted in use.

In one embodiment the one or more roof or top members are arranged to be substantially horizontal or substantially parallel to an upper surface of the platform means. This provides the modular structure with a substantially flat roof. However, the one or more roof or top members could be provided at an angle if required to provide a pitched or sloping roof.

Thus, in one embodiment the modular structure includes platform means, such that an upper surface thereof is arranged substantially horizontally. An end of one or more upright wall panel members are arranged on the upper surface of the platform means and one or more opposite ends of the one or more upright wall panel members are attached to one or more roof or top members.

One or more utilities and/or services can be provided in the modular structure if required. The one or more utilities and/or services can be connected to one or more existing utilities and/or services in the locality and/or can be provided with an independent connection facility.

In one embodiment sealing means are provided to seal at least part of the modular structure to another part of the modular structure and/or to an existing building or structure. The sealing means can include one or more trims, flashing, rubber gaskets, seals, sealant and/or the like.

Preferably the exterior appearance of one or more components of the modular structure, the platform means, one or more panel members, one or more roof or top members and /or the like can be formed so as to substantially match or blend in with an existing structure or building adjacent which the modular structure is to be located in use.

Preferably one or more windows and/or doors can be defined in the modular structure as required.

In one embodiment template means are provided on an upper surface of the platform means to provide a guide as to where one or more panel members, components and/or the like should be fitted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a modular structure.

Tn one embodiment the modular structure can be constructed within a relatively short period of time, such as hours or days.

For example, in one example, the structure can be formed within 2 days.

The present invention therefore defines a modular building system comprising platform means, frame means, one or more panel members locatable on or with the platform means in use to provide an additional room to an existing building or structure, adjustment means allowing adjustment of the platform means relative to a surface on which the modular building system is to be placed in use, and attachment means allowing detachable attachment of two or more panel members together, said modular building system being suitable for location adjacent an existing building or strLlcture.

A detailed embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein: Figures 1 and 2 show a perspective view and plan view from below of platform means according to an embodiment of the present invention respectively; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the platform means abutting against a house; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the platform means in figure 3 with a vinyl covering, template and trim attached to the same; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the platform in figure 4 with some upright wall panels attached; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the partially assembled structure in figure 4 with a corner trim added; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the structure in figure 6 with a roof panel in position; and Figure 8 shows a finished version of the structure in figure 7.

The following embodiment describes the construction of a temporary bathroom facility onto the back of an existing house.

The bathroom facility is formed such that it can be accessed via a ground floor back door of the house to provide a temporary ground floor bathroom facility suitable for use by an elderly, young physically handicapped person or disabled person. The bathroom facility is formed using the modular structure of the present invention.

The modular structure includes platform means in the form of a frame 2 comprising a number of frame members joined or welded together to create a base or floor structure 4 of the required si7e, shape and design, as shown in figures 1 and 2. As can be seen from figures 1 and 2, a number of sub-frames are constructed, which together provide the main frame 2.

Adjustment means in the form of a plurality of jacks 6 are attached to the base of floor structure 4 using attachment means, such as for example nuts and bolts. Foot plates 8 can be provided at the free ends of the jacks 6 to provide a larger surface area for resting on a ground surface on which the structure is to be positioned in use. The jacks 6 allow the level of the floor structure 4 to be adjusted so as to be substantially hori1ontal. A spirit level can be used to ensure correct positioning of the floor structure.

In use the platform means is arranged so that a side edge of it abuts against the exterior wall 10 of the house 12 adjacent the back door 14, as shown in figure 3. The height of the floor surface 4 of the platform means is adjusted such that it is slightly lower than the finished required level of the floor, such as for example 25mm below the finished floor level. In addition, the level of the floor is adjusted so that there is a slight downward gradient towards the corner of the floor in which a shower unit is to be located in use, thereby allowing water in the shower unit to empty through a provided drain via gravity. A drain hole can be made in the floor at a suitable location.

Sealing means in the form of a rubber gasket is fitted between the upper floor surface 4 and the house 12. Securing means in the form of one or more rawl bolts can be used to fit the floor frame to the external side of the house if required.

A plurality of insulated floor panels 16 are then located on the upper surface of the floor surface 4. In this example, the floor panels 16 are formed from wood and insulating material. The floor panels can be fixed to the floor surface 4 via fixing means, such as screws, nuts and bolts and/or the like or they can be "floating" and simply sit on top of the upper floor surface 4.

A waterproof or vinyl floor covering or coating 18 is then located on the floor panels 16, as shown in figure 4. A template sheet 20 is located on the floor covering 18 to mark out the positions of the upright walls and room spaces. In one example, the template sheet is in the form of a protective carpet.

Securing means in the form of substantially LI-shaped trims 22 are located on floor covering 18, as shown in figure 4, adjacent the edges of where the external walls of the modular structure are to be provided to provide a means for securing a base end of the upright panel members thereto. A sealant, such as silicone sealant, can be used adjacent the trim and the trim can be securely fastened to the platform using screws and/or the like.

The ends of upright wall panels 24 are then positioned in the U-shaped channel of trims 22 to secure the same in an upright position, as shown in figure 5. Self tapping screws may be required in addition to provide further securement for the upright wall panels in the U-shaped channels. Adjacent wall panels are detachably attached along their upright edges using attachment means in the form of a tongue and groove arrangement.

The wall panels may need to be modified in order to allow utilities, such as an electricity supply and water supply to pass through the wall panels into the rooms being created in the modular structure. The utilities can have connection means to allow connection to the existing utilities of the house.

A corner trim 26 is used to join two adjacent wall panels 24, 24' together to form a corner of the structure (i.e. the trim is located between two abutting perpendicularly arranged wall panels in one example), as shown in figure 6. The corner trim typically provides the structure with increased rigidity and stability in use.

Once all the upright wall panels have been located in position on the platform, a roof panel 28 can be lifted into place, as shown in figure 7. The roof panel is secured to a top edge of the wall panels 24 using a trim arrangement similar to external corner trim 26. The roof panel can be further secured using an angle trim if required. Sealing means in the form of silicone sealant can be provided between the roof panel and the upright wall panel members to waterproof the same.

Tf more than one roof panel 28 is used to create the roof of the modular structure, adjacent roof panels are typically detachably attached together using a tongue and groove arrangement.

Sealing means, such as an elongate sealing strip and/or silicone sealant, can be provided over the external join between the roof panels.

An edge of the roof panel 28 abutting the exterior wall 10 of the house 12 can be joined to the wall using fixing means, such as rawl plugs and/or the like.

Windows and doors are located in appropriate apertures made or defined in the wall and/or roof panels.

Thus, the modular structure is built in abutting relationship to the exterior wall of the house, such that the structure can be accessed through the rear door of the house. The interior fixtures and fittings can be any suitable size, shape and design arranged to provide a suitable bathroom facility for the user of the house.

The aesthetic appearance of the interior and exterior of the modular structure can be adapted according to the requirements of the user. For example, one or more trims, trellis and/or the like can be provided to improve the aesthetic appearance of the external surfaces of the structure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular structure, said structure including platform means and a plurality of detachable panel members for location on or with said platform means, the platform means having adjustment means associated therewith to allow adjustment of the platform means relative to a surface on which the modular structure is to be placed in use.
2. A modular structure according to claim 1, wherein the detachable panel members and/or the platform means is prefabricated off site.
3. A modular structure according to claim I, wherein a plurality of adjustment means is provided.
4. A modular structure according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment means are independently adjustable and/or two or more of the adjustment means are adjustable together.
5. A modular structure according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment means are linked and/or can be adjusted substantially simultaneously to each other.
6. A modular structure according to claims 1-5, wherein the adjustment means includes one or more jacks.
7. A modular structure according to claim 1, wherein the platform means includes a frame.
8. A modular structure according to claim 7, wherein one or more base or floor panel members are locatable with the frame of the platform means in use.
9. A modular structure according to claim 8, wherein the one or more base or floor panel members are fixed or floating, relative to the frame.
10. A modular structure according to claim 8, wherein the one or more base or floor panel members includes insulating means, an insulating layer, coating and/or the like.
11. A modular structure according to claim 8, wherein the one or more base or floor panel members include water-proof means, a water-proof layer, barrier, coating and/or the like.
12. A modular structure according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of panel members includes any one or any combination of upright wall panel members, base or floor panel members, top or roof panel members and/or the like.
13. A modular structure according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of panel members includes attachment means for allowing detachable attachment of two or more panel members together.
14. A mod ular structure according to claim 13, wherein the attachment means includes any or any combination of a tongue and groove arrangement, inter-engaging memb ers, one or more recesses, channels, apertures, protrusions, hooks, clips, friction fit and/or the like.
15. A modular structure according to claim 1, wherein one or more panel members are arranged in an upright manner, substantially transversely and/or substantially perpendicular with respect to an upper surface of the platform means in use.
16. A modular structure according to claim 1, wherein the platform means and/or one or more of the panel members have securing means for allowing securing of one or more of the panel members to the platform means in use.
17. A modular structure according to claim 16, wherein the securing means includes one or more trims, channels, grooves, tracks and/or the like provided on one of the platform means and/or one or more panel members to which a part of the other of the platform means and/or one or more panel members is inserted in use.
18. A modular structure according to claim 1, wherein the modular structure is substantially free standing.
19. A modLilar structure according to claim 1, wherein the modular structure is arranged to substantially abut, cover and/or overlap with at least part of an existing structure or building in use.
20. A modular structure according to claim 19, wherein the modular structure can be accessed through an existing door of an existing strLlcture or bLlilding.
21. A modular structure according to claim 1, further comprising fixing means to provide an attachment between one or more walls of the modular structure and an existing building or structure in use.
22. A modular structure according to claim 1, wherein one or more roof or top members are provided.
23. A modular structure according to claim 22, wherein the one or more roof or top members are detachably attached to one or more ends of upright wall panel members in use via securing means.
24. A modular structure according to claim 1, wherein the modular structure includes platform means, such that an upper surface thereof is arranged substantially hori2ontally, an end of one or more upright wali panel members arranged on the upper surface of the platform means and one or more opposite ends of the one or more upright wall panel members attached to one or more roof or top members.
25. A modular structure according to claim I, wherein sealing means are provided to seal at least part of the modular structure to another part of the modular structure and/or to an existing building or structure.
26. A modular structure according to claim 1, wherein one or more windows and/or doors can be defined in the modular strLlcture as required.
27. A modular structure according to claim 1, wherein template means are provided on an upper surface of the platform means to provide a gLlide as to where one or more panel members, components and/or the like should be fitted.
28. A method of constructing a modular structure, said structure including platform means and a plurality of detachable panel members for location on or with said platform means, the platform means having adjustment means associated therewith to allow adjustment of the platform means relative to a surface on which the modular structure is to be placed in use.
29. A method according to claim 28, wherein the detachab'e panel members and/or the platform means is pre-fabricated off site.
30. A method according to claim 28, wherein the p'atform means and/or one or more of the pan& members have securing means for allowing securing of one or more of the panel members to the p'atform means in use.
31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the securing means includes one or more trims, channels, grooves, tracks and/or the like provided on one of the platform means and/or one or more panel members to which a part of the other of the platform means and/or one or more panel members is inserted in use.
32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the part of the other of the platform means and/or one or more panel members is slidably inserted in the one or more trims, channels, grooves, tracks and/or the like in use.