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Structure

a prefabricated structure technology, applied in the field of structures, can solve the problems of limited or prevented development, substantial difficulties in erecting and maintaining homes in such isolated or less hospitable environments, and lack of access to potable water. achieve the effect of maximizing the orientation of sun/solar panels

Inactive Publication Date: 2010-08-19
COBB ERIC J
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a structure for housing individuals that can be placed in any environment and is designed to be easily expanded and connected with other structures. The structure includes a foundation, prefabricated walls and roof, and an elevated platform for accessing the dwelling from variable height ground conditions. The structure can be controlled and monitored remotely using a systems management system and satellite communications system. The structure also incorporates various habitability units such as photovoltaic modules, wind turbines, hydropower, solar water heating system, flexible stair systems, thermal ground storage systems, vibration isolation systems, hydronic systems, water catchment systems, battery banks, and combinations thereof. The structure is durable and can be transported off the land on which it sits and relocated with ease. The system also includes natural ventilation with sun control, insulation with high performance windows, and a composting toilet for waste disposal."

Problems solved by technology

However, there exist substantial difficulties in erecting and maintaining homes in such isolated or less hospitable environments.
Of the privately owned non-urban lands (approximately 1.35 billion acres) there is a significant proportion of undeveloped land that is zoned for residential use but with inherent hurdles that have limited or prevented development.
Such hurdles include lack of access to potable water, lack of access to power, flood plane adjacencies, poor soil conditions and lack of infrastructure.
Additional difficulties include finding reliable contractors and labor, and delivering material goods to the job site in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Method used

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Land Without Power

[0076]The Flexible Dwelling may be configured for land without power by including power generation through the roof mounted photovoltaic panels and / or the steel frame mounted wind turbine. The power generated from these systems is stored in a bank of batteries mounted within the dwelling. To reduce electrical loads, heating may be provided by roof mounted solar water panels tied to a thermal energy storage vault beneath the ground. The thermal storage vault would provide seasonal heat storage for periods when heating loads exceed solar energy exposure. Alternatively or supplementally, a propane boiler may be used for heating.

[0077]Land Without Potable Water:

[0078]The Flexible Dwelling may be configured for land without potable water by including a water catchment system. The water catchment system consists of a coated metal roof which channels rain water into a coated metal gutter. The captured water is then filtered through a screen and drained through a downspout...

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Abstract

The present invention discloses a prefabricated structure capable of being sited in any environment, wherein the structure is configured to meet the deficiencies of the intended environment. The present invention further discloses a method for developing and installing prefabricated structures, wherein the structure is capable of adapting to changes in the environment and changes and advancements in future habitability units, such that the structure is partially or completely self-sufficient.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 152,561, filed on Feb. 13, 2009, the entire disclosure and content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to the fields of architecture, construction, engineering and building design. More specifically, the subject invention discloses a prefabricated structure engineered to be capable of self-sufficiency, modular, and adaptable to most any environment. The subject structure is further designed to accept various habitability units necessary for maintaining the dwelling in a particular environment, and for retrofitting additional or substitute habitability units.BACKGROUND[0003]All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The following description includes information...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): E04H1/02E04D13/18
CPCE04B1/3483E04B1/34861E04B1/34869Y02B10/30E04B2001/34892Y02B10/12Y02B10/20E04B2001/34876Y02B10/10
Inventor COBB, ERIC J.
Owner COBB ERIC J
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