Structure and method for fabricating same

Abstract

This structure 100 of the present invention comprises two ceiling members 110a, 110b, four wall members 120a-120d, and two floor members 130a, 130b, wherein each of the four wall members has a first joint edge joined to the two ceiling members, a second joint edge joined to the two floor members, a third joint edge joined to one among the four wall members adjacent to the respective four wall members, and a fourth joint edge joined to another one among the four wall members adjacent to the respective four wall members, and wherein the two ceiling members, the four wall members, and the two floor members are each formed of a foamed body.

Description

example, the expansion ratio of the lower section (floor members) of the structure is about 20-fold to about 30-fold, the expansion ratio of the upper section of the structure (wall members and ceiling members) is set to about 40-fold.

[0077] The expansion ratios of the lower section (floor members) of the structure and the upper section (wall members and ceiling members) of the structure are compared. The expansion ratio of the upper section (wall members and ceiling members) is about 1.5-fold to about 4-fold of the expansion ratio of the lower section (floor members), and more specifically about 1.5-fold to about 2-fold of the expansion ratio of the lower section (floor members).

[0078] In this regard, an expansion ratio of foam that is too low has an advantage of increasing the strength of the foam, but the foam would be heavier because a large amount of foam raw material is required. This is disadvantageous for transportation of members and results in a higher cost and difficulty in processing. Furthermore, the ratio of air contained in the members would be low, so that the heat insulation property would be lower.

[0079] In contrast, an expansion ratio of foam that is too high has advantages such as an improved heat insulation property of the foam and lower cost, but entails negative effects such as lower strength and durability of the foam. Thus, it is necessary to use foam with the optimal expansion ratio for each member constituting the structure while considering the advantageous and disadvantageous.

[0080] The structure (first structure) 100 can float on water by forming each of the two ceiling members, four wall members, and two floor members with foam.

[0081] In such a case, the material of each part constituting the structure is the same, so that the same bonding force acts on both bonded members.

[0082] If the materials are different between bonded members such as wood and foam, steel and foam, or brick and foam, the materials often cannot be bonded with only an adhesive. Even if the materials can be bonded with an adhesive, it is highly likely that one of the members would readily come off.

[0083] For example, an adhesive that is optimal for foam is not necessarily optimal for wood. In such a case, there would be a difference in bonding forces due to an adhesive between the two bonded members. Such a difference in bonding forces affects the strength or durability of a structure. If materials are different between members constituting a structure, the strength, durability, or the like can also be affected by the coating applied to the surface of each member constituting the structure. As foam constituting each section of a structure, polystyrene foam is a material that does not readily deteriorate and lasts for a very long period of time unless affected by a deterioration factor such as water, ultraviolet ray, chemical, or high temperature. The effect of such deterioration factors can be prevented by a coating.

[0084] The specific structure of each member is described hereinafter .

[0085] First, the first wall member to the fourth wall member are described.

[0086] Figure 3 is a plan view for describing the front and back wall members of the structure 100 shown in Figure 2. Figure 3(a) shows the exterior surface of the front wall member 120a located on the proximal side of the diagram of Figure 2(c). Figure 3(b) shows the exterior surface of the back wall member 120b located on the distal side of the diagram of Figure 2(c) .

[0087] (First wall member (front wall member) 120a) The front wall member 120a is composed of a pair of front wall members, i.e., a front wall member left fragment 120al and a front wall member right fragment 120a2. The top edges of the front wall member left fragment 120al and the front wall member right fragment 120a2 are first joint edge 121a that is joined to the front ceiling member 110a. A linear protrusion 21a is formed on the end surface of the top edge. The bottom edges of the front wall member left fragment 120al and the front wall member right fragment 120a2 are second joint edge 122a that is joined to the front floor member 130a. A linear groove 22a is formed on the end surface of the bottom edge.

[0088] The left edge of the front wall member left fragment 120al is a third joint edge 123a that is joined to the left wall member 120c. A linear protrusion 23a is formed on the end surface of the left edge. An opening frame 10a along an opening forming the entrance / exit 10 is formed on the right side edge of the front wall member left fragment 120al.

[0089] The right edge of the front wall member right fragment 120a2 is a fourth joint edge 124a that is joined to the right wall member 120d. A linear protrusion 24a is formed on the end surface of the right edge. An opening frame 10a along an opening forming the entrance / exit 10 is formed on the left side edge of the front wall member right fragment 120a2.

[0090] The front wall member 120a has a height of about 1.5 m and a width of about 4 m, and the size of the entrance / exit 10 has a height of about 2 m and a width of about 1 m. However, the dimension of the front wall member 120a is not limited thereto. Any size that can be transported by a vehicle such as a truck and can be carried by humans does not pose any practical problem.

[0091] (Second wall member (back wall member) 120b) The top side edge of the back wall member 120b is a second joint edge 121b that is joined to the back ceiling member 110b. A linear protrusion 21b is formed on the end surface of the top edge.

[0092] The bottom edge of the back wall member 120b is a second joint edge 122b that is joined to the back floor member 130b. A linear groove 22b is formed on the end surface of the bottom edge.

[0093] The left edge of the back wall member 120b is a third joint edge 123b that is joined to the right wall member 120d. A linear protrusion 23b is formed on the end surface of the left edge.

[0094] The right edge of the back wall member 120b is a fourth joint edge 124b that is joined to the left wall member 120c. A linear protrusion 24b is formed on the end surface of the right edge.

[0095] The back wall member 120b has the same height (about 1.5 m) and width (about 4m) as the front wall member 120a.

[0096] Figure 4 is a plan view for describing the side wall member of the structure 100 shown in Figure 2. Figure 4(a) shows the exterior surface of the side wall member (left wall member) 120c located on the left side of the diagram of Figure 2 (c) . Figure 4 (b) shows the exterior surface of the side wall member (right wall member) 120d located on the right side of the diagram of Figure 2(c).

[0097] (Third wall member (left wall member 120c) The top edge of the left wall member 120c is a first joint edge 121c that is joined to the front ceiling member 110a and the back ceiling member 110b. A linear protrusion 21c is formed on the end surface of the top edge.

[0098] The bottom edge of the left wall member 120c is a second joint edge 122c that is joined to the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b. A linear groove 22c is formed on the end surface of the bottom edge.

[0099] The left edge of the left wall member 120c is a third joint edge 123c that is joined to the back wall member 120b. A linear groove 23c is formed on the inside surface of the left edge.

[0100] The right edge of the left wall member 120c is a fourth joint edge 124c that is joined to the front wall member 120a. A linear groove 24c is formed on the inside surface of the right edge.

[0101] The left wall member 120c has a height of about 1.5 m and a length of about 4 m. However, the dimensions of the left wall member 120c are not limited thereto. Any size that can be transported by a vehicle such as a truck and can be carried by humans does not pose any practical problem.

[0102] (Fourth wall member (right wall member) 120d) The top edge of the right wall member 120d is a first joint edge 121d that is joined to the front ceiling member 110a and the back ceiling member 110b. A linear protrusion 21d is formed on the end surface of the top edge. A window frame 20a is formed along a notched section that would be a window on the right wall member 120d.

[0103] The bottom edge of the right wall member 120d is a second joint edge 122d that is joined to the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b. A linear groove 22d is formed on the end surface of the bottom edge.

[0104] The left edge of the right wall member 120d is a third joint edge 123d that is joined to the front wall member 120a. A linear groove 23d is formed on the inside surface of the left edge.

[0105] The right edge of the right wall member 120d is a fourth joint edge 124d that is joined to the back wall member 120b. A linear groove 24d is formed on the inside surface of the right edge.

[0106] The right wall member 120d has the same height of about 1.5 m and length of about 4 m as the left wall member 120c. A notched portion for forming a window has dimensions of about 900 mm in height and about 1000 mm in width. However, the dimensions of the notched portion for forming a window are determined by the size of the window, and can be freely determined within the range of the height and length of the right wall member 120d.

[0107] Figure 5 is a plan view for describing the ceiling members of the structure 100 shown in Figure 2. Figure 5(a) shows the structure of the front ceiling member 110a located on the proximal side of the diagram of Figure 2(c) when viewed from the top. Figure 5(b) shows the structure of the back ceiling member 110b located on the distal side of the diagram of Figure 2(c) when viewed from the top.

[0108] (First ceiling member (front ceiling member) 110a) The front edge of the front ceiling member 110a is a first joint edge Illa that is joined to the front wall member 120a. A linear groove 11a is formed on the bottom side surface of the front edge.

[0109] The back edge of the front ceiling member 110a is a second joint edge 112a that is joined to the back ceiling member 110b. A linear protrusion 12a is formed on the end surface of the back edge.

[0110] The left edge of the front ceiling member 110a is a third joint edge 113a that is joined to the left wall member 120c. A linear groove 13a is formed on the bottom side surface of the left edge.

[0111] The right edge of the front ceiling member 110a is a fourth joint edge 114a that is joined to the right wall member 120d. A linear groove 14a is formed on the bottom side surface of the right edge.

[0112] The front ceiling member 110a has a width of about 4 m and a length (dimension toward the depth direction) of about 2 m. However, the dimension is not limited thereto. Any size that can be transported by a vehicle such as a truck does not pose any practical problem.

[0113] (Second ceiling member (back ceiling member) 110b) The front edge of the back ceiling member 110b is a first joint edge 111b that is joined to the front ceiling member 110a. A linear groove lib is formed on the end surface of the front edge.

[0114] The back edge of the back ceiling member 110b is a second joint edge 112b that is joined to the back wall member 120b. A linear groove 12b is formed on the bottom side surface of the back edge.

[0115] The left edge of the back ceiling member 110b is a third joint edge 113b that is joined to the left wall member 120c. A linear groove 13b is formed on the bottom side surface of the left edge.

[0116] The right edge of the back ceiling member 110b is a fourth joint edge 114b that is joined to the right wall member 120d. A linear groove 14b is formed on the bottom side surface of the right edge.

[0117] Figure 6 is a plan view for describing the floor members of the structure 100 shown in Figure 2. Figure 6(a) shows the structure of the front floor member 130a located on the proximal side of the diagram of Figure 2(c) when viewed from the top. Figure 6(b) shows the structure of the back floor member 130b located on the distal side of the diagram of Figure 2(c) when viewed from the top.

[0118] (First floor member (front floor member 130a)) The front floor member 130a has a rectangular floor board 103a and C-shaped wainscoting 3a raised to surround the floor board 103a from the front edge, left edge, and right edge of the floor board. The floor board 103a and the wainscoting 3a are integrally formed without a joint.

[0119] The top edge of the front edge section of the wainscoting 3a is a first joint edge 131a connected to the front wall member 120a. A linear protrusion 31a is formed to be located on both sides of a notched section forming the entrance / exit 10 at the top edge.

[0120] In this regard, the notched section forming the entrance / exit 10 is a portion that is notched from the top end of the wainscoting 3a. At the entrance / exit 10, the height of the wainscoting 3a is lower compared to other portions (portions where the entrance / exit 10 is not provided), or the wainscoting 3a is completely removed. For this reason, the entrance / exit 10 can be a path from which water can infiltrate when the structure 100 is installed on water. For example, the entrance / exit 10 can be configured so that the depth of the notched section forming the entrance / exit 10 can be made as shallow as possible or such a notched section is not formed, or a barrier that blocks at least a part of the notched section can be provided. This can prevent infiltration of water from the entrance / exit 10. Alternatively, at a portion of the front floor member 130a where the entrance / exit 10 is formed, a barrier for preventing infiltration of water can be provided on the wainscoting 3a in contrast to forming a notched section on the wainscoting 3a.

[0121] In any case, it is preferable to secure a height of at least about 20 cm to about 30 cm from the bottom surface of the front floor member 130a, at the portion of the front floor member 130a where the entrance / exit 10 is formed, as the height of the wainscoting 3a when a notched section is formed at the wainscoting 3a, the height of a barrier when a notched section of the wainscoting 3a is blocked with the barrier, the height of the wainscoting 3a when a notched section is not formed at the wainscoting 3a, or the total height of the wainscoting 3a and a barrier section formed thereon . The back edge of the front floor member 130a is a second joint edge 132a that is joined to the back floor member 130b. A linear groove 32a is formed on the end surface of the back side edge. Specifically, the second joint edge 132a of the front floor member 130a is composed of the back edge of the floor board 103a and the back edge of the wainscoting 3a. The linear groove 32a is formed to span the end surface of the back edge of the floor board 103a and the end surface of the back edge of the wainscoting 3a.

[0122] Further, the top edge of the left side section of the wainscoting 3a is a third joint edge 133a that is connected to the left wall member 120c. A linear protrusion 33a is formed on the top edge.

[0123] The top edge of the right side section of the wainscoting 3a is a fourth joint edge 134a that is connected to the right wall member 120d. A linear protrusion 34a is formed on the top edge.

[0124] A floor member has a width of about 4 m and a length (dimension in the depth direction) of about 2 m. The height of the wainscoting is about 650 mm.

[0125] However, the dimensions (width and length) of the floor member 130a are not limited thereto. Any size that can be transported by a vehicle such as a truck and can be carried by humans does not pose any practical problem. While the height of the wainscoting is not limited, the height is at most about 800 mm because loading would be challenging upon transport if the wainscoting is too high. If the height of the wainscoting is too low at an entrance / exit, the risk of infiltration of water above floor level upon flooding increases, so that a height of at least about 200 mm needs to be secured.

[0126] (Second floor member (back floor member 130b)) The back floor member 130b has a rectangular floor board 103b and C-shaped wainscoting 3b raised to surround the floor board 103b from the back edge, left edge, and right edge of the floor board. The floor board 103b and the wainscoting 3b are integrally formed without a joint.

[0127] The front edge of the back floor member 130b is a first joint edge 131b that is connected to the front floor member 130a. A linear protrusion 31b is formed on the end surface of the front side edge. Specifically, the first joint edge 131b of the back floor member 130b is composed of the front edge of the floor board 103b and the front edge of the wainscoting 3b. The linear protrusion 31b is formed to span the end surface of the front edge of the floor board 103b and the end surface of the front edge of the wainscoting 3b.

[0128] The top edge of the back edge section of the wainscoting 3b is a second joint edge 132b that is joined to the back wall member 120b. A linear protrusion 32b is formed on the end surface of the back side edge.

[0129] The top edge of the left side section of the wainscoting 3b is a third joint edge 133b that is connected to the left wall member 120c. A linear protrusion 33b is formed on the top edge.

[0130] The top edge of the right side section of the wainscoting 3b is a fourth joint edge 134b that is connected to the right wall member 120d. A linear protrusion 34b is formed on the top edge.

[0131] The dimensions of the back floor member 130b are the same as the dimensions of the front floor member 130a.

[0132] The structure of the structure 100 assembled with each of the members described above is now described using a cross-sectional view.

[0133] Figure 7 is a diagram for describing the specific structure of the structure 100 shown in Figure 2 (a) . Figure 7(a) is a side view showing the structure of the structure 100 shown in Figure 2(a) when viewed from the X direction. Figure 7 (b) is a side view showing the structure of the structure 100 shown in Figure 2 (a) when viewed from the Y direction. Figure 7(c) is a cross-sectional view at the VIIc-VIIc line in Figure 7(b). Figure 7(d) is a cross-sectional view at the Vlld-VIId line in Figure 7(b).

[0134] Figure 7(c) shows that adjacent wall members among the four wall members are joined with each other at opposing joint edges.

[0135] Specifically, the third joint edge 123a of the front wall member 120a is joined to the fourth joint edge 124c of the left wall member 120c, and the linear protrusion 23a formed on the end surface of the third joint edge 123a is fitted with the linear groove 24c formed on the inside surface of the fourth joint edge 124c.

[0136] The fourth joint edge 124a of the front wall member 120a is joined to the third joint edge 123d of the right wall member 120d, and the linear protrusion 24a formed on the end surface of the fourth joint edge 124a is fitted with the linear groove 23d formed on the inside surface of the third joint edge 123d.

[0137] The third joint edge 123b of the back wall member 120b is joined to the fourth joint edge 124d of the right wall member 120d, and the linear protrusion 23b formed on the end surface of the third joint edge 123b is fitted with the linear groove 24d formed on the inside surface of the fourth joint edge 124d.

[0138] The fourth joint edge 124b of the back wall member 120b is joined to the third joint edge 123c of the left wall member 120c, and the linear protrusion 24b formed on the end surface of the fourth joint edge 124b is fitted with the linear groove 23c formed on the inside surface of the third joint edge 123b.

[0139] Figure 7(d) shows that the left wall member 120c and the right wall member 120d are connected to the back ceiling member 110b and the back floor member 130b.

[0140] Specifically, the first joint edge 121c of the left wall member 120c is joined to the third joint edge 113b of the back ceiling member 110b, and the linear protrusion 21c formed on the end surface of the first joint edge 121c is fitted with the linear groove 13b formed on the end surface of the third joint edge 113b.

[0141] The second joint edge 122c of the left wall member 120c is joined to the third joint edge 133b of the back floor member 130b, and the linear groove 22c formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 122c is fitted with the linear protrusion 33b formed on the end surface of the third joint edge 133b.

[0142] The second joint edge 122d of the right wall member 120d is joined to the fourth joint edge 134b of the back floor member 130b, and the linear groove 22d formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 122d is fitted with the linear protrusion 134b formed on the end surface of the fourth joint edge 134b.

[0143] Figure 8 is a diagram for describing the specific structure of the structure 100 shown in Figure 2. Figure 8(a) is a plan view showing the structure of structure 100 shown in Figure 2(a) when viewed from the Z direction. Figure 8(b) is a cross-sectional view at the Vlllb-VIIIb line of Figure 8(a).

[0144] Figure 8(b) shows the joined state of the front ceiling member 110a and the back ceiling member 110b, the joint state of the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b, the joined state of the front wall member 120a and the front floor member 130a, and the joined state of the back wall member 120b and the back ceiling member 110b and the back floor member 130b.

[0145] Specifically, the second joint edge 122a of the front wall member 120a is joined to the first joint edge 131a of the front floor member 130a, and the linear groove 22a formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 122a is fitted with the linear protrusion 31a formed on the end surface of the first joint edge 131a.

[0146] The first joint edge 121b of the back wall member 120b is joined to the second joint edge 112b of the back ceiling member 110b, and the linear protrusion 21b formed on the end surface of the first joint edge 121b is fitted with the linear groove 12b formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 112b.

[0147] The second joint edge 122b of the back wall member 120b is joined to the second joint edge 132b of the back floor member 130b, and the linear groove 22b formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 122b is fitted with the linear protrusion 32b formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 132b.

[0148] The second joint edge 112a of the front ceiling member 110a is joined to the first joint edge 111b of the back ceiling member 110b, and the linear protrusion 12a formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 112a is fitted with the linear groove lib formed on the end surface of the first joint edge 111b.

[0149] The second joint edge 132a of the front floor member 130a is joined to the first joint edge 131b of the back floor member 130b, and the linear groove 32a formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 132a is fitted with the linear protrusion 31b formed on the end surface of the first joint edge 131b of the back floor member 130b.

[0150] As described in Figures 7 and 8, adjacent members of the plurality of members constituting the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 are joined by fitting a linear protrusion formed on one of the opposing joint edges of the adjacent members with a linear groove formed on the other opposing joint edge of the adjacent members. Further, joint edges of adjacent members are bonded with an adhesive. The adhesive can be any adhesive that is capable of bonding foam. Examples of the adhesive include, but are not limited to, one-component urethane resin adhesives. Any adhesive that is free of a solvent which dissolves foam can be used. One-component adhesives are preferable over two-component mixture adhesives because one-component adhesives are overwhelmingly advantageous in terms of processing time when applying an adhesive to a wide surface that is bonded, such as the surface of each section of a structure.

[0151] The shape of a joint section is not limited to the aforementioned linear protrusions and linear grooves. A joint section can have any other shape.

[0152] (Modification Example of Embodiment 1) The structure 100 of Embodiment 1 described above uses wall members with a size (length in the depth direction of structure 100) that spans the front and back ceiling members (or front and back floor members) as left and right wall members (left wall member 120c and right wall member 120d), but the size of the wall members used in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 is not limited to a size that spans the front and back ceiling members (or front and back floor members) .

[0153] Figure 9 is a diagram for describing structure 100a, which is Modification Example 1 of the structure 100 shown in Figure 2(a) . Figure 9(a) shows the structure of the structure 100a at the cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional view at the Vlllb-VIIIb line shown in Figure 8(a). Figure 9(b) shows the structure of the structure 100a at the cross-section at the VIIc-VIIc line shown in Figure 7(c) .

[0154] The structure 100a in Modification Example 1 replaces the left wall member 120c in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 with two short left wall members 120cl and 120c2 obtained by dividing the left wall member 120c in two at a division line along the direction of width (up and down directions in the diagram of Figure 9(b)) and replaces the right wall member 120d in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 with two short right wall members 120dl and 120d2 obtained by dividing the right wall member 120d in two at the above division line. The lengths (dimension in the depth direction) of the short left wall member 120cl and the short right wall member 120dl are equal to the dimension in the depth direction as the front ceiling member 110a, and the lengths (dimension in the depth direction) of short left wall member 120c2 and the short right wall member 120d2 are equal to the dimension in the depth direction of the back ceiling member 110b.

[0155] A method of assembling the structure 100 by combining two ceiling members, four wall members, and two floor members detailed above is now described.

[0156] Figure 10 is a perspective view for describing a method of assembling the structure 100 shown in Figure 2 in the order of fabrication steps. Figure 10(a) shows an arrangement of a plurality of constituent members when assembling the structure 100. Figure 10(b) shows a plurality of constituent members that are joined. Figure 10(c) shows a plurality of joined constituent members, which has been coated.

[0157] First, the front ceiling member 110a and the back ceiling member 110b are provided as two ceiling members. The front wall member 120a, the back wall member 120b, the left wall member 120c, and the right wall member 120d are provided as four wall members. The front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b are provided as two floor members. Each member is made of foam.

[0158] The second joint edge 132a of the front floor member 130a is then joined to the first joint edge 131b of the back floor member 130b.

[0159] Subsequently, the second joint edge 122a of the front wall member 120a is joined to the first joint edge 131a of the front floor member 130a, and the second joint edge 122b of the back wall member 120b is joined to the second joint edge 132b of the back floor member 130b.

[0160] For example, the second joint edge 122c of the left wall member 120c is then joined to span the third joint edge 133a of the front floor member 130a and the third joint edge 133b of the back floor member 130b. Furthermore, the third joint edge 123c of the left wall member 120c is joined to the fourth joint edge 124b of the back wall member 120b, and the fourth joint edge 124c of the left wall member 120c is joined to the third joint edge 123a of the front wall member 120a.

[0161] Subsequently, the second joint edge 122d of the right wall member 120d is joined to span the fourth joint edge 134a of the front floor member 130a and the fourth joint edge 134b of the back floor member 130b. Furthermore, the third joint edge 123d of the right wall member 120d is joined to the fourth joint edge 124a of the front wall member 120a, and the fourth joint edge 124d of the right wall member 120d is joined to the third joint edge 123b of the back wall member 120b.

[0162] The front ceiling member 110a is then placed on the front wall member 120a, the left wall member 120c, and the right wall member 120d to join the first joint edge Illa of the front ceiling member 110a to the first joint edge 121a of the front wall member 120a, join the third joint edge 113a of the front ceiling member 110a to the first joint edge 121c of the left wall member 120c, and join the fourth joint edge 114a of the front ceiling member 110a to the first joint edge 121d of the right wall member 120d.

[0163] The back ceiling member 110b is then placed on the back wall member 120b, the left wall member 120c, and the right wall member 120d to join the first joint edge 111b of the back ceiling member 110b to the second joint edge 112a of the front ceiling member 110a, join the third joint edge 113b of the back ceiling member 110b to the first joint edge 121c of the left wall member 120c, and join the fourth joint edge 114b of the back ceiling member 110b to the first joint edge 121d of the right wall member 120d, and lastly join the second joint edge 112b of the back ceiling member 110b to the first joint edge 121b of the back wall member 120b.

[0164] In this regard, when a joint edge of each member is joined to a joint edge of another opposing member, an adhesive is applied to the opposing joint edges, and a linear protrusion of one of the opposing joint edges is fitted with a linear groove of the other opposing joint edge.

[0165] In this manner, the structure 100 shown in Figure 10(b) can be assembled.

[0166] The structure 100 with inconspicuous joints of constituent members as shown in Figure 10(c) can then be obtained by applying a coating to the surface of the assembled structure 100 using urethane resin or the like, and applying paint finishing.

[0167] Since the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 can be assembled by combining the two ceiling members 110a and 110b, the four wall members 120a to 120d, and the two floor members 130a and 130b in this manner, the structure can be transported in a preassembled state of the structure, i.e., in a state of individual constituent members that are readily transported together. Specifically, the structure 100 has an advantageous of enabling the structure 100 to be transported in a compact form. The transport method is specifically described below.

[0168] Figure 10A is a perspective view showing a comparison of the structure 100 shown in Figure 2 in an assembled state with constituent members of the structure 100 in a compactly stacked state. Figure 10A(a) shows individual constituent members of the structure 100. Figure 10A(b) shows exemplary dimensions of the outer shape of the assembled structure 100. Figure 10A(c) shows exemplary dimensions of the outer shape of individual constituent members of the structure 100 that are compactly stacked.

[0169] In this regard, the structure 100 obtained by assembling the six constituent members 110a, 110b, and 120a to 120d and 130a and 130b (see Figure 10A(a)) has dimensions of width (W = about 4.0 m) , depth (D = about 4.0 m) , and height (H = about 2.9m) as shown in Figure 10A(b).

[0170] In contrast, stack P100 obtained by compactly stacking the six constituent members 110a, 110b, and 120a to 120d and 130a and 130b (see Figure 10A(a) ) has dimensions of width (W1 = about 4.0 m), depth (DI = about 2.5 m), and height (Hl = about 3.3m) as shown in Figure 10A(c). In the stack P100, the pair of floor members 130a and 130b is erected in an opposing state so as to be long sideways. The four front, back, left, and right wall members 120a to 120d are sandwiched between the floor members 130a and 130b, and the front and back ceiling members 110a and 110b are stacked and disposed on the pair of floor members 130a and 130b.

[0171] Dimension DI in the depth direction of the bottom surface of the stack P100 is shorter than dimension D in the depth direction of the assembled structure 100 by stacking the constituent members of the structure 100 in this manner, thus facilitating loading thereof onto the bed of a freight transport vehicle such as a truck or a trailer.

[0172] Figure 10B is a perspective view showing constituent members of the structure 100 that are compactly stacked and loaded onto a trailer.

[0173] The base area (W1 x DI) of the stack P100 (see Figure 10A(c)) obtained by stacking the constituent members of the structure 100 is reduced compared to the base area (W x d) of the assembled structure 100. Thus, the stack can be transported on a trailer or the like as shown in Figure 10B. When transporting on a trailer, the stack P100 can be secured on the trailer with, for example, a belt Pb made of resin fiber, carbon fiber, or the like.

[0174] In such a structure 100 of Embodiment 1, the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b are obtained by integrally forming the floor boards 103a and 103b with the wainscoting 3a and 3b surrounding the periphery thereof by using foam such as polystyrene foam. Thus, there is no joint section (joint) between the floor and walls of the structure. Hence, infiltration of water from below via a joint (e.g., infiltration of water from below when floated on water, or infiltration of moisture from below when installed on land) can be avoided. When installed, for example, on land, infiltration of water above floor level can be prevented in case of flooding.

[0175] The structure 100 is structured so that the structure itself floats on water. Even if water infiltrates the inside of the structure 100 for some reason, the structure 100 itself functions as a buoy, so that the structure would not sink into water. Even in case of flooding, etc., damage due to flooding can be minimized by floating on water as described above.

[0176] Since the structure 100 has a box-like form by combining floor members, wall members, and ceiling members, the structure can be installed simply by being placed on a roughly horizontal site without a foundation as in a freight container. Furthermore, the floor members, wall members, and ceiling members can each be replaced with those having a structure for forming a window, a door (entrance / exit), a ventilation port, or the like. Thus, the layout and locations of entrance / exit and window can be freely selected.

[0177] Since the structure 100 can be assembled by combining two ceiling members 110a and 110b, four wall members 120a to 120d, and two floor members 130a and 130b, the structure 100 can be transported in a pre-assembly state of the structure, i.e., in a state of the constituent members thereof that are compactly stacked, so that the structure can be readily transported.

[0178] The method of assembling the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 is not limited to the order described above. The method can fabricate an assembly of two floor members, an assembly of four wall members, and an assembly of two ceiling members in advance, then place the assembly of four wall members on the assembly of two floor members and join the assemblies, and lastly place the assembly of ceiling members on the assembly of wall members and join the assembly of ceiling members to the assembly of the wall members.

[0179] Furthermore, a structure with a deck can be fabricated by using one or more (e.g., two) floor members in addition to the floor members of the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0180] Figure 11 is a perspective view for describing Modification Example 2 of the structure 100 shown in Figure 2. The figure shows a method of assembling the structure 100b with a deck, which is suitable as, for example, a residence on water.

[0181] As shown in Figure 11, two extra floor members 130c and 130d are prepared for a deck in addition to the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b as floor members.

[0182] As shown in Figure 10(a), the structure 100 is formed as an assembly of two floor members, four wall members, and two ceiling members. As shown in Figure 11, the additional floor member 130c is then attached on the front side of the front floor member 130a of the structure 100, and the additional floor member 130d is attached to span the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b on the right side surface of the structure 100.

[0183] This allows the structure 100b with a deck to be obtained.

[0184] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the use of the structure 100b with a deck assembled by the method shown in Figure 11 as a residence on water.

[0185] Since the structure 100b with a deck has a large buoyant force as a structure, the structure is suitable as a residence for life on water such as on the sea or lake. For example, the structure 100b with a deck can be floated and used as a residence at the shore near land as shown in Figure 12. The deck portion can also be used as a temporary cargo storage when unloading cargo transported by a barge or the like or when loading cargo onto a barge.

[0186] The site where the structure of the invention is used is not limited to on water as described above. The structure of the invention can also be installed on land. The structure of the invention is preferably installed in, for example, an area susceptible to flooding, area with a potential of being submerged under water, or the like, because a user can benefit from the advantage due to its property of being able to float on water (e.g., water does not infiltrate or resistant to being submerged under water) when installed in such an area. Alternatively, the structure of the invention is preferably installed in, for example, an area that requires moving the entire building (e.g., pasture or the like), because a user can benefit from an advantage due to a property of being light weight (e.g., the entire structure can be moved). The installation site of the structure of the invention can be in any state, as long as the site is roughly horizontal. The structure of the invention can be installed even on, for example, grassland, sand, frozen ground, or the like .

[0187] The structure 100 of Embodiment 1 described above provides a living space with a standardized size. Meanwhile, the ceiling portion of the structure 100 is formed by joining front and back ceiling members, and a floor member of the structure 100 is configured by joining front and back floor members. Thus, a simple living space can be expanded by inserting a ceiling member for expansion between the front and back ceiling members and inserting a floor member for expansion between the front and back floor members. An expanded structure fabricated from expanding the structure 100 of Embodiment 1 is described hereinafter as Embodiment 2 .

[0188] (Embodiment 2) Figure 13 is a diagram for describing the structure 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the invention. Figure 13(a) shows the outer appearance of the structure 200. Figure 13(b) shows the contour of the constituent members in the structure 200 shown in Figure 13(a). Figure 13(c) shows the structure 200 shown in Figure 13(a) separated into individual constituent members.

[0189] The structure (second structure) 200 shown in Figure 13 is an expandable structure. The entrances / exits 10 and 30 and window 20 are formed on a wall of the structure 200. In this regard, the structure 200 has four ceiling members, six wall members, and four floor members. The entrance / exit 10 and the window 20 are the same as those in the first structure 100 shown in Figure 1, but the entrance / exit 30 is an entrance / exit located on the side surface of the second structure 200 unlike the entrance / exit 10 located on the front surface of the second structure 200. When the second structure 200 is expanded to the direction (Y direction in Figure 13) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X direction), the entrance / exit is used to connect living spaces between the second structure and an adjacent structure.

[0190] The four ceiling members are a front ceiling member (first ceiling member) 210a, a back ceiling member (second ceiling member) 210b, and two ceiling members for expansion (third and fourth ceiling members) 210c and 210d.

[0191] In this regard, the front ceiling member 210a is located on the proximal side of the diagram of Figure 13(c), and the back ceiling member 210b is located on the distal side of the diagram of Figure 13(c). The two ceiling members for expansion 210c and 210d are located between the front ceiling member 210a and the back ceiling member 210b. One of the two ceiling members for expansion, the third ceiling member 210c, is a front ceiling member for expansion 210c that is adjacent to the front ceiling member 210a, and the other one of the two ceiling members for expansion, the fourth ceiling member 210d, is a back ceiling member for expansion 210d that is adjacent to the back ceiling member 210b.

[0192] The six wall members are a front wall member (first wall member) 220a, a back wall member (second wall member) 220b, a left front wall member (third wall member) 220c, a right front wall member (fourth wall member) 220d, a left back wall member (fifth wall member) 220e, and a right back wall member (sixth wall member) 220f.

[0193] In this regard, the front wall member 220a is a wall member located in the front when the structure 100 is viewed from the X direction of Figure 13(a). The back wall member 220b is a wall member located on the back side of the structure 100 when the structure 100 is viewed from the A direction of Figure 13(a). The left front wall member 220c is located on the proximal and left side of the diagram of Figure 13(c). The right front wall member 220d is located on the proximal and right side of the diagram of Figure 13(c). The left back wall member 220e is located on the distal and left side of the diagram of Figure 13(c) . The right back wall member (sixth wall member) 220f is located on the distal and right side of the diagram of Figure 13(c).

[0194] The four floor members are a front floor member (first floor member) 230a, a back floor member (second floor member) 230b, and two floor members for expansion (third and fourth floor members) 230c and 230d.

[0195] In this regard, the front floor member 230a is located on the proximal side of the diagram of Figure 13(c) . The back floor member 230b is located on the distal side of the diagram in Figure 13(c). The two floor members for expansion 230c and 230d are located between the front floor member 230a and the back floor member 230b. One of the two floor members for expansion, the third floor member 230c, is a front floor member for expansion adjacent to the front floor member 230a, and the other one of the two ceiling members for expansion, the fourth ceiling member 230d, is a back floor member for expansion that is adjacent to the back floor member 230b.

[0196] In this regard, each member is made of foam such as polystyrene foam. The expansion ratio of the floor members is less than the expansion ratios of the wall members and the ceiling members.

[0197] Specifically, the expansion ratio of the floor members in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 is the same as the expansion ratio of the floor members in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0198] Further, the expansion ratios of the wall members and the ceiling members in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 are the same as the expansion ratios of the wall members and the ceiling members in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0199] The structure (second structure) 200 can float on water by each of the four ceiling members, six wall members, and four floor members being made of foam.

[0200] The specific structure of each member is described hereinafter .

[0201] First, the first wall member to the sixth wall member are described.

[0202] (First wall member (front wall member 220a) and second wall member (back wall member 220b)) The front wall member 220a and the back wall member 220b have the same structure as the front wall member 120a and the back wall member 120b in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1, respectively. Meanwhile, the left front wall member 220c and the left back wall member 220e have a structure that is partially different from the left wall member 120c in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1, and the right front wall member 220d and the right back wall member 220f have a structure that is partially different from the right wall member 120d in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0203] Figure 14 is a plan view for describing the side wall members of the structure 200 shown in Figure 13. Figure 14(a) shows the exterior surface of the wall member (left front wall member) 120c located on the left and front side of the diagram of Figure 13(c). Figure 14(b) shows the exterior surface of the wall member (right front wall member) 120d located on the right and front side of the diagram of Figure 13(c) .

[0204] (Third wall member (left front wall member 220c)) As shown in Figure 14(a), the left front wall member 220c has a linear protrusion 53c formed on the end surface of the third joint edge 123c instead of the linear groove 23c formed on the inside surface of the third joint edge 123c of the left wall member 120c in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0205] (Fourth wall member (right front wall member 220d)) As shown in Figure 14(b), the right front wall member 220d has a linear groove 54d formed on the end surface of the fourth joint edge 124d instead of the linear groove 24d formed on the inside surface of the fourth joint edge 124d of the right wall member 120d in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0206] (Fifth wall member (left back wall member 220e)) The left back wall member 220e has the same structure as the right front wall member 220d shown in Figure 14(b), and is configured so that the linear groove of the fourth joint edge of the left back wall member 220e fits with the linear protrusion 53c of the third joint edge 123c of the left front wall member 220c.

[0207] (Sixth wall member (right back wall member 220f)) The right back wall member 220f is provided with an opening to form the entrance / exit 30, which is the same as the entrance / exit 10 in the front wall member 220a, on the left front wall member 220c, and is configured so that the linear protrusion of the third joint edge of the right back wall member 220f fits with the linear groove 54d of the fourth joint edge 124d of the right front wall member 220d.

[0208] Figure 15 is a plan view for describing the ceiling member of the structure 200 shown in Figure 13. Figure 15(a) shows the structure of the second ceiling member from the proximal side of the diagram of Figure 13(c) (front ceiling member for expansion 210c) when viewed from the top.

[0209] (First ceiling member (front ceiling member 210a) and second ceiling member (back ceiling member 210b)) The front ceiling member 210a and the back ceiling member 210b in the structure 200 have the same structure as the front ceiling member 110a and the back ceiling member 110b in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1, respectively.

[0210] (Third ceiling member (front ceiling member for expansion 210c) and fourth ceiling member (back ceiling member for expansion 210d)) The front ceiling member for expansion 210c in the structure 200 comprises a second joint edge 212b with the same curved shape as the first joint edge 111b instead of the second joint edge 112b of the back ceiling member 110b in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1, and has a linear protrusion 42b formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 212b of the front ceiling member for expansion 210c in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 instead of the linear groove 12b formed on the bottom surface of the second joint edge 112b of the back ceiling member 110b of Embodiment 1.

[0211] The back ceiling member for expansion 210d has the same structure as the front ceiling member for expansion 210c other than having an air vent 40 formed thereon.

[0212] Figure 16 is a plan view for describing the floor member of the structure 200 shown in Figure 13, showing the structure of the front floor member for expansion 230c located at the second location from the proximal side of the diagram of Figure 13(c) when viewed from the top.

[0213] (First floor member (front floor member 230a) and second floor member (back floor member 230b)) The front floor member 230a and the back floor member 230b in the structure 200 have the same structure as the front floor member 130a and the back floor member 130b in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0214] The front floor member for expansion 230c has a rectangular floor board 203c and a pair of wainscoting fragments 3c that are raised so as to oppose each other across the floor board 203c from the left side edge and the right side edge of the floor board. The floor board 203c and the wainscoting fragments 3c are integrally formed without a joint.

[0215] The front edge of the wainscoting fragment 3c and the front edge of the floor board 203c are first joint edge 231c that is connected to the front floor member 230a. A linear protrusion 61c is formed on the end surface of the first joint edge 231c.

[0216] The back edge of the wainscoting fragment 3c and the back edge of the floor board 203c are second joint edge 232b that is joined to the back floor member for expansion 210d. A linear groove 62c is formed on the end surface of the second joint edge 232b.

[0217] The back floor member for expansion 210d has the same structure as the front floor member for expansion 210c.

[0218] The structure of the structure 200 assembled with each member described above is now described using a cross-section.

[0219] Figure 17 is a diagram for specifically describing the structure 200 shown in Figure 13(a). Figure 17(a) is a side view showing the structure of the structure 200 shown in Figure 13(a) when viewed from the X direction. Figure 17(b) is a side view showing the structure of the structure 200 shown in Figure 13(a) when viewed from the Y direction. Figure 17(c) is a cross-sectional view at the XVIIc-XVIIc line of Figure 17(b). Figure 17(d) is a cross-sectional view at the XVIId-XVIId line of Figure 17(b).

[0220] Figure 17(c) shows that adjacent wall members of the six wall members are joined to each other at opposing joint edges.

[0221] Specifically, the left front wall member 220c and the left back wall member 220e are joined at their joint edges, and the left wall member consisting of the left front wall member 220c and the left back wall member 220e is joined to the front wall member 220a and the back wall member 220b in the same manner as the left wall member 120c in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0222] The right front wall member 220d and the left back wall member 220f are joined at their joint edges, and the right wall member consisting of the right front wall member 220d and the right back wall member 220f is joined to the front wall member 220a and the back wall member 220b in the same manner as the right wall member 120d in the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0223] Figure 17(d) shows that the left back wall member 220e and the right back wall member 220f are connected to the back floor member for expansion 210d.

[0224] Figure 18 is a diagram for specifically describing the structure 200 shown in Figure 13(a). Figure 18(a) is a plan view showing the structure of the structure 200 shown in Figure 13(a) when viewed from the Z direction. Figure 18(b) is a cross-sectional view at the XVII Ib-XVI I lb line of Figure 18(a) .

[0225] Figure 18(b) shows the front ceiling member 210a, the front ceiling member for expansion 210c, the back ceiling member for expansion 210d, and the back ceiling member 210b, in which adjacent members are joined, and the front floor member 230a, the front floor member for expansion 230c, the back floor member for expansion 230d, and the back floor member 230b, in which adjacent members are joined.

[0226] Figure 18(b) shows that each of the front wall member 220a, the left front wall member 220c, the left back wall member 220e, and the back wall member 220b is joined to one of the four ceiling members that is adjacent, and is joined to one of the four floor members that is adjacent.

[0227] (Modification Example of Embodiment 2) The structure 200 of Embodiment 2 described above uses wall members with a size (length in the depth direction of structure 200) that spans two adjacent ceiling members and two adjacent floor members as left and right wall members (left front wall member 220c, left back wall member 220e, right front wall member 220d, and right back wall member 220f), but the size of the side wall members (left and right wall members) used in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 is not limited to a size that spans the two adjacent ceiling members and two adjacent floor members.

[0228] Figure 19 is a diagram for describing the structure 200a, which is a modification example of the structure 200 shown in Figure 13(a). Figure 19(a) shows the structure of the structure 200a at the cross-section corresponding to the cross-section at the XVIIIb-XVIIlb line shown in Figure 18(b). Figure 19(b) shows the structure of the structure 200a at the cross-section corresponding to the cross section at the XVIIc-XVIIc shown in Figure 17(c).

[0229] The structure 200a in this Modification Example replaces the left front wall member 220c with two short left wall members 220cl and 220c2, replaces the left back wall member 220e with two short left wall members 220el and 220e2, replaces the right front wall member 220d with two short left wall members 220dl and 220d2, and replaces the right back wall member 220f with two short left wall members 220fl and 220f2 in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2.

[0230] The two short left wall members 220cl and 220c2 are obtained by dividing the left front wall member 220c in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 in two. The two short left wall members 220el and 220e2 are obtained by dividing the left back wall member 220e in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 in two. The two short left wall members 120dl and 120d2 are obtained by dividing the right front wall member 220d in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 in two. The two short left wall members 120fl and 120f2 are obtained by dividing the right front wall member 220f in the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 in two.

[0231] By reducing the size (length in the depth direction of structure) of a wall member located on the side surface of the structure 200 in this manner, the expansion size in the structure 200 can be adjusted in a small unit of dimension. Further, the sizes of a plurality of wall members can be aligned. This can facilitate handling of a plurality of wall members and improve the efficiency of transport.

[0232] The method of assembling the structure 200 of Embodiment 2 is the same as the method of assembling the structure 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0233] For example, the floor members for expansion 230c and 230d are first placed between, and jointed to, the front floor member 230a and the back floor member 230b to fabricate a floor portion of the structure 200.

[0234] The front wall member 220a and the back wall member 220b are then disposed on the floor portion and joined to the front floor member 230a and the back floor member 230b. Moreover, each of the left front wall member 220c, the left back wall member 220e, right front wall member 220d, and the right back wall member 220f is disposed on the floor portion, and joined to a corresponding floor member among the four floor members, and adjacent wall members among the six wall members disposed to surround the floor member are joined to each other.

[0235] Each of the four ceiling members is then disposed on the wall members and joined to an opposing wall member among the six wall members, and adjacent ceiling members of the four ceiling members are joined to each other. These members are joined using an adhesive and fitting of a linear protrusion formed on one of the opposing joint edges with a linear groove formed on the other opposing joint edge.

[0236] In addition to the effect of the structure 100 of Embodiment 1, the size of the expanded structure 200 of Embodiment 2 in the depth direction can be expanded freely, for example, theoretically to 10s of meters by using the ceiling members for expansion 210c and 210d and the floor members for expansion 230c and 230d in this manner. This enables creation of a long building with a wider internal space without division compared to, for example, a plurality of structures 100 that are linked. Furthermore, living spaces that are compatible with various applications can be formed by using a combination of a structure that is not expandable (non-expandable structure) 100 described in Embodiment 1 and an expandable structure 200 in Embodiment 2.

[0237] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing an example of a layout of structures obtained by combining a plurality of non-expandable structures 100 and a plurality of expandable structures 200. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram for describing a plurality of non-expandable structures and a plurality of expandable structures, which are arranged on both sides of a pier moored at a wharf and utilized as a resort facility.

[0238] For example, by using the expandable structure 200 and a plurality of non-expandable structures 100 as shown in Figure 20, a living space connecting a plurality of nonexpandable structures 100 can be formed with the expandable structure 200, and a layout of a living space that can be materialized with the structure 100 can be expanded to improve the degree of freedom in the design of a living space using the structure 100.

[0239] When a plurality of non-expandable structures and a plurality of expandable structures are arranged on both sides of a pier moored at a wharf and utilized as a resort facility as shown in Figure 21, the scale as a lodging facility can be selected between a facility for a small number of people provided by a non-expandable structure and a facility for a large number of people provided by an expandable structure, depending on the number of customers.

[0240] While the above example described the use of a structure for residential purposes, the application of a structure is not limited to residential use. For example, a structure can be used for disaster prevention. Since a structure can float on water, the structure can be utilized, for example, as an evacuation facility that does not readily submerge under water during flooding.

[0241] As disclosed above, the present invention is exemplified by the use of its preferred embodiments. However, the present invention should not be interpreted to be limited to such embodiments. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted based solely on the claims. It is understood that an equivalent scope can be practiced by those skilled in the art based on the descriptions of the present invention and common general knowledge from the specific descriptions in the preferred embodiments of the invention. It is also understood that any references cited herein should be incorporated herein by reference in the same manner as the contents are specifically described herein. [Examples]

[0242] In this Example, a structure was fabricated by assembling polystyrene foam members. Two ceiling members, four wall members, and two floor members were utilized as members constituting the structure. As the floor members, floor members having wainscoting were utilized. A joint section of each member was joined using a urethane resin adhesive. After assembly, the entire structure was coated with a urethane resin material.

[0243] The fabricated structure had a base area of about 2.5 m x about 4.5m, a height of about 2.6 m, and weight of about 500 kg. In this manner, a space where a human can enter was formed inside the structure. The ratio of the base area of the fabricated structure to the structure's own weight was base area (m2) : own weight (kg) = about 1:45.

[0244] The fabricated structure was floated on water. When people actually entered inside, the structure comfortably floated on water without infiltration of water or sinking even after housing four adults.

[0245] Figure 22 shows a picture of a fabricated structure when actually floated on water. Figure 22(a) is a picture capturing the outer appearance of the fabricated structure. Figure 22(b) is a picture capturing the vicinity of the entrance / exit of the fabricated structure. Figure 22(c) is a picture capturing the vicinity of the floor of the fabricated structure. As shown in Figure 22, a part of the entrance / exit was blocked by a barrier to prevent infiltration of water from the entrance / exit in the fabricated structure. The barrier was also made of a foam material. [Industrial Applicability]

[0246] The present invention is useful as an invention, which can obtain a structure that can float on water as a structure providing an internal space. [Reference Signs List]

[0247] 10, 30 Entrance / exit 11a, lib, 12b, 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 22a~22d, 23c, 23d, 24c, 24d, 32a, 62c Linear groove (linear recess) 12a, 21a to 21d, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 31a, 31b, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, 42b, 61c Linear protrusion (linear convex section) 20 Window section 40 Air vent 100, 100a, 100b, 200, 200a Structure 110a, 210a Front ceiling member (first ceiling member) 110b, 210b Back ceiling member (second ceiling member) Illa, 111b, 121a to 121d, 131a, 131b First j oint edge 112a, 112b, 122a to 122d, 132a, 132b Second j oint edge 113a, 113b, 123a to 123d, 133a, 133b Third j oint edge 114a, 114b, 124a to 124d, 134a, 134b Fourth j oint edge 120a, 220a Front wall member (first wall member) 120al Front wall member left fragment 120a2 Front wall member right fragment 120b, 220b Back wall member (second wall member) 120c Left wall member (third wall member) 120cl, 120c2, 220cl, 220c2, 220el, 220e2 Short left wall member 120d Right wall member (fourth wall : 120dl, 120d2, 220dl, 220d2, 220fl, member) 220f2 Short right wall member 130a, 230a Front floor member (first floor member) 130b, 230b Back floor member (second floor member) 130c, 210c, 130d 210d Floor member Ceiling member for expansion 220c Left front wall member 220e Left back wall member 220d Right front wall member 220f Right back wall member 230c, 230d Floor member for expansion

Claims

[Claims]

1. A structure comprising:at least one ceiling member;at least four wall members; andat least one floor member;wherein each of the at least four wall members has:a first joint edge that is joined to the at least one ceiling member;a second joint edge that is joined to the at least one floor member;a third joint edge that is joined to one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members; anda fourth joint edge that is joined to the other one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members;wherein each of the at least one ceiling member, the at least four wall members, and the at least one floor member is made of foam.

2. The structure of claim 1, whereinthe at least one ceiling member comprises a first ceiling member and a second ceiling member, and each of the first ceiling member and the second ceiling member comprises a first joint edge, a second joint edge, a third joint edge, and a fourth joint edge,the at least four wall members comprise a first wall member, a second wall member, a third wall member, and a fourth wall member,the at least one floor member comprises a first floor member and a second floor member, and each of the first floor member and the second floor member comprises a first joint edge, a second joint edge, a third joint edge, and a fourth joint edge,the first joint edge of the first wall member is joinedto the first joint edge of the first ceiling member, the second joint edge of the first wall member is joined to the first joint edge of the first floor member, the third joint edge of the first wall member is joined to the fourth joint edge of the third wall member, and the fourth joint edge of the first wall member is joined to the third joint edge of the fourth wall member,the first joint edge of the second wall member is joined to the second joint edge of the second ceiling member, the second joint edge of the second wall member is joined to the second joint edge of the second floor member, the third joint edge of the second wall member is joined to the fourth joint edge of the fourth wall member, and the fourth joint edge of the second wall member is joined to the third joint edge of the third wall member,the first joint edge of the third wall member is joined to the third joint edge of the first ceiling member and the third joint edge of the second ceiling member, and the second joint edge of the third wall member is joined to the third joint edge of the first floor member and the third joint edge of the second floor member,the first joint edge of the fourth wall member is joined to the fourth joint edge of the first ceiling member and the fourth joint edge of the second ceiling member, and the second joint edge of the fourth wall member is joined to the fourth joint edge of the first floor member and the fourth joint edge of the second floor member,the second joint edge of the first ceiling member is joined to the first joint edge of the second ceiling member, andthe second joint edge of the first floor member is joined to the first joint edge of the second floor member.

3. An expandable structure comprising:a plurality of ceiling members;at least one ceiling member for expansion;a plurality of wall members;a plurality of floor members; andat least one floor member for expansion;wherein the at least one ceiling member for expansion is joined between two of the plurality of ceiling members to form an expanded ceiling section,wherein the at least one floor member for expansion is joined between two of the plurality of floor members to form an expanded floor section,wherein the expanded ceiling section is joined to the expanded floor section with the plurality of wall members, andwherein each member is made of foam.

4. The structure of claim 3, whereineach of the plurality of floor members has four joint edges, and three of the four joint edges of each of the plurality of floor members have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members, andeach of the at least one floor member for expansion has four joint edges, and two of the four joint edges of each of the at least one floor member for expansion have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members.

5. The structure of claim 3 or 4, whereineach of the plurality of ceiling members has four joint edges, and three of the four joint edges of each of the plurality of ceiling members have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members, andeach of the at least one ceiling member for expansion has four joint edges, and two of the four joint edges of each of the at least one ceiling member for expansion have a shape that is joined to the plurality of wall members.

6. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a ratio of a base area (m2) of the structure to a weight ofthe structure itself (kg) is 1:30 to 1:80.

7. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a coating, wherein the coating is configured to at least cover each joint section of the plurality of members constituting the structure.

8. The structure of claim 7, wherein the coating is formed to cover the entire outer surface of the structure.

9. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the plurality of members constituting the structure comprises a coating that covers itself.

10. The structure of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a material of the coating at least has a waterproof property.

11. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the floor member has a first portion constituting a floor of the structure and a second portion constituting a part of a wall of the structure, and the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed.

12. The structure of claim 11, wherein the wall has a first opening, and the first opening is surrounded by the ceiling member, the wall members, and the floor member.

13. The structure of claim 11 or 12, wherein the wall has a second opening, and the second opening is surrounded by the ceiling member and the wall members.

14. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the structure further comprises an external floor member constituting an external deck on the outside of the floor member of the structure, and the external floor member is joined to the floor member.

15. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 14, whereinthe ceiling member is made of first foam having a first expansion ratio,the wall members are made of second foam having a second expansion ratio,the floor member is made of third foam having a third expansion ratio, andthe third expansion ratio is less than the first expansion ratio and the second expansion ratio.

16. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the foam comprises polystyrene foam.

17. A method of fabricating a structure, comprising:providing at least one ceiling member, at least four wall members, and at least one floor member, wherein each member is made of foam;joining the at least four wall members to the at least one ceiling member and the at least one floor member, wherein each of the at least four wall members has at least four joint edges, and the at least four joint edges comprise a first joint edge that is joined to the at least one ceiling member, a second joint edge that is joined to the at least one floor member, a third joint edge that is joined to one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members, and a fourth joint edge that is joined to the other one of the at least four wall members adjacent to each of the at least four wall members; andapplying a coating to at least cover joint sections of each joined member.

18. A method of fabricating a structure, comprising:providing a plurality of ceiling members, at least one ceiling member for expansion, a plurality of wall members, a plurality of floor members, and at least one floor memberfor expansion, wherein each member is made of foam;joining the at least between two of the plural expanded ceiling section;5       joining the at leastbetween two of the plural expanded floor section;joining the plurality ceiling section and floor 10       applying a coating toeach joined member.one ceiling member for expansionLty of ceiling members to form anone floor member for expansion .ity of floor members to form anof wall members to the expanded section; andat least cover joint sections of

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