Modular building system and methods thereof

Abstract

A steel space-frame construction system includes at least a first stud, a second stud, a channel, a block, and a top cap or a second block. A first end of the first stud resides in the channel and is secured thereto. The block is secured to the first stud. A first end of the second stud resides in the channel, and the second stud is secured to the block and the channel. The block provides a predetermined fixed spacing between the first stud and the second stud. The top cap or a second block is secured to the first stud and the second stud at a second end thereof. The channel is repositioned so that the opposite sides of the first stud, second stud, block, channel, and top cap or second block may be secured together, thereby forming a space-frame.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to building, and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation to a modular building system including steel components that maybe configured quickly and easily into a structure.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Most residential homes are built using wood frames. Typically, wood boards in 2×4 or 2×6 configurations constitute residential frame construction. Using wood provides a contractor with several benefits. Most residential construction workers are trained to build house frames using wood. Therefore, using wood contributes to lower labor costs. Furthermore, wood is adaptable to any job site. For example, increasing or decreasing the number of 2×4's or 2×6's allows an increase or decrease in the strength of a particular frame. For these reasons, wood has become the accepted standard in residential frame construction because of its commonality and adaptability. Using wood in ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The steel space-frame construction system of the present invention improves over existing methods of building because, although there are wooden members presently used in construction, previously there was no method or apparatus that prevented racking of partially constructed or incomplete walls framed from wood due to the inability of a fastener and stud to resist lateral movement. The steel space-frame construction system allows for lateral stability when erecting the structure due to the ability of adjacent studs connected by at least one block and fastened with a fastener to resist distortion or racking when loaded axially.

[0013]The steel space-frame construction system of the present invention improves over existing methods of building because, although there are steel members presently used in construction, previously there was no method or apparatus that provided for a self-squaring mechanism of studs and blocks. In particular, adjacent studs are squared through the connection of at least one block therebetween.

[0014]The steel space-frame construction system of the present invention improves over existing methods of building because the first and second sides of each stud and block terminate in a curved edge that provides each stud and block with additional strength and the ability to resist axial loading.

[0015]The steel space-frame construction system of the present invention improves over existing methods of building because the first and second sides of each stud include a recess that furnishes a single plane surface free of protrusions on which to attach sheetrock, gypsum board, paneling, or other wall surface material thereby avoiding penetrations into the surfaces could result in apparent distortions. Consequently, although there

Problems solved by technology

First, wood tends to be expensive.

Also, the character of wood makes it more susceptible to the elements.

Third, a large variability exists in the quality of wood boards which contributes to higher costs.

Finally, wood frames tend to be heavy and moving such frames can become highly cumbersome.

However, using steel in place of wood framing, often, has been cost prohibitive.

Finding residential construction workers trained in using steel is difficult.

In addition, the c

Images