Method and system for a modular building structure

Abstract

A method and system for construction of building structures from a variety of standard size panels having integral dovetail tenons on all four edges and a variety of connectors with corresponding mortises for interlocking the panels. The panels may be horizontally disposed to form floors, ceilings or roofs or may be vertically disposed to form walls. The panels are produced from blow-molded plastic. Panels are interlocked in columns and rows of a planar array to form walls, floors, roofs, etc. Panels can also be interlocked edge to edge in a non-planar orthogonal manner, allowing the panels to be interconnected in virtually unlimited ways. Plastic frame members with trussing interconnect to the panels to provide rigidity and strength to the assembled building structure. The panels may be formed of opaque material for ordinary sheds or of transparent or translucent material for greenhouses.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to building structures generally and to a method of producing a building structure from pre-fabricated modular components. More particularly, this invention provides for assembling a warehouse, aircraft hanger, workshop, garage, storage building, garden or utility shed, greenhouse, cabinet, locker, or similar enclosure from pre-fabricated modular components.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]There has long been a need for affordable, low-maintenance, and easy-to-assemble prefabricated building structures. Considerable economies of scale can be achieved by the construction of warehouses, hangers, storage buildings, workshops, garages, garden and utility sheds, lockers and cabinets in modular fashion using prefabricated paneling. The panels can be prefabricated in standard sizes by relatively high-speed automated factory manufacturing lines. The panels, which can be made from materials not s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]A primary object of the invention is to provide a building system of components that are capable of low-cost factory manufacture and may be erected to form an inexpensive enclosure in a rapid and efficient manner using minimal on-site labor with minimal specialized skill and equipment.

[0015]Another object of the invention is to provide a low cost construction technique in which all portions of a building structure may be prefabricated in a factory using durable, long lasting materials which are not subject to rot, weathering or attack by insects.

[0019]Another object of the invention is to provide a low-cost flame-retardant ultra-violet resistant building capable of withstanding hurricane and earthquake shocks.

[0021]Another object of the invention is to provide a system of complementary interlocking transparent or translucent panels made entirely of plastic that can be easily assembled to provide a low-cost window, sunroof, skylight, or greenhouse of nearly any size or configuration.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems solved by technology

The step of covering the open transverse ends of extruded panels often requires the use of cements or sealants, is time consuming, and increases the total installed cost of the shed.

Such installed shelves generally have fairly limited load capacity.

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