Modular room system and method

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present invention employ a modular room including a plurality of modular room components (e.g., anchor assemblies, upright assemblies, etc.). These anchor assemblies and upright assemblies can take different forms permitting assembly of a modular room or modular structure in different manners, and in some cases provide for interchangeable interior and exterior wall panels and components. In some embodiments, a bracket assembly is coupled to an substantially vertical elongated upright for improved strength and stability. Preferably, the anchor assembly has a base plate with at least one edge at an angle with respect to the rest of the base plate for additional strength. If desired, the vertical position of the upright with respect to the base plate can be adjusted. In some embodiments, one or more overhead trusses are used to stabilize the walls of a modular room.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 702,339 filed on Nov. 6, 2003 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,360 on Jan. 23, 2007, and also claims priority to international Patent App. No. PCT / US02 / 14353 filed on May 6, 2002, and U.S. provisional Patent App. Ser. No. 60 / 289,263 filed on May 7, 2001, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to room structures, and more particularly to modular rooms and modular room structures, methods for assembling such rooms and structures, modular room and structure components, and methods of assembling such components. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Modular rooms and modular room structures are becoming increasingly attractive for use in a variety of consumer markets due to the modularity and design flexibility of such rooms and room structures. Modular rooms are typically emp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a modular room that is easy to assemble, disassemble, and locate on uneven ground without losing stability. The modular room includes a plurality of modular room components that can be connected in different ways to create a variety of layouts. The modular room is quick and easy to assemble, disassemble, and has aesthetically pleasing appearance. The invention also includes an anchor assembly for connecting the uprights of the modular room to the floor, which allows for a stronger and more stable modular room. Overall, the invention provides a flexible and efficient solution for creating modular rooms.

Problems solved by technology

Both alternatives can be expensive, and can include costs associated with demolition, supplies, labor, etc.

In addition, both alternatives create a permanent structure that can only be altered by incurring the costs of additional construction or demolition.

However, current modular rooms still require a considerable amount of time (e.g., several weeks) to assemble and disassemble, and typically have a large number of components.

As another example, many of the modular room structures employed to assemble modular rooms do not permit adjustment, make assembly difficult, and are weak or unstable.

Compounding these problems is the fact that many conventional modular room components, though similar in shape and function, are not interchangeable with one another.

Similar components that have a variety of sizes, such as, wall panels, cross stretchers, and primary uprights can increase the cost of manufacturing a modular room or structure, can increase the complexity of assembling and disassembling the modular room or structure, and can result in a room or structure that requires a longer time to assemble and disassemble.

Some existing modular rooms and modular room structures lack sturdiness and can be damaged or ultimately collapse under heavy loads, external forces, and vibration.

Modular rooms and modular room structures can particularly lack sturdiness as a result of being loaded by shelving, fixtures, equipment, and other elements and structure attached thereto or otherwise exerting force thereon.

Another design issue with regard to modular rooms and modular room structures is related to the floor or other surface upon which such a room or structure is assembled.

Specifically, some current modular rooms are not well-suited for areas where the floor surface is uneven or sloping.

If such modular rooms are located in areas with uneven or sloping floors, problems can arise with regard to assembly and structural instability.

Still other problems with many existing modular rooms and modular room structures are related to the aesthetic appearance of such rooms and structures.

For example, many modular rooms and modular room structures have only a single exterior color scheme, therefore making it difficult to match the color scheme of a surrounding structure or environment.

In addition, current modular rooms and modular room structures are often aesthetically unpleasing due to visible structural elements, fasteners and fastening features, and the like.

Due to the design of many components of conventional modular rooms and structures, users are often significantly limited in their ability to change the modular room or structure to other configurations.

In many cases, a user is therefore only able to assemble the modular room or structure in one manner.

Such inflexibility often presents problems during planning and installation of conventional modular rooms and structures.

With reference now to FIGS. 35 and 36, a problem inherent in the design of conventional modular rooms is the inability to employ standardized room components (such as wall panels, stretchers, doors and door frame, fixtures, and the like) in both interior and exterior locations of the modular room.

As will now be described, this problem stems at least in part from the type of modular room components that are commonly employed in conventional modular room designs.

Unfortunately, the use of uprights as just described is at odds with the use of standardized modular room wall panels and other modular room components.

As mentioned above, this is not a highly desirable design for modular rooms because the primary uprights P do not have an optimal shape (i.e., efficiently shaped for connection on less than all sides and having a reduced cross-sectional size).

Therefore, different interior and exterior wall panels must be supplied to construct the modular room - a result that is highly undesirable as described in greater detail above.

Similar problems arise with modular room components to be used on the both exterior and interior of the modular room.

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