Life module deployable from a container.
The deployable life module, featuring a deployable floor and tent support structure, addresses the limitations of existing deployable housing modules by enabling rapid, easy deployment and a larger habitable volume within a standardized container.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022003311
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-04-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-04-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing deployable housing modules from containers often require complex assembly steps and may not offer a sufficiently large habitable volume relative to the initial container volume, while also being difficult to deploy quickly and easily.
A deployable life module comprising a container with a floor and side opening, a deployable floor articulated relative to the container, and a tent support structure with movable arches that can extend both inside and outside the container, allowing for rapid deployment and a larger habitable volume.
The solution enables quick and easy deployment of a living module with a significantly larger habitable volume compared to the initial container volume, while maintaining the ability to be transported in a standardized container.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Life module deployable from a container. Field of invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of housing modules which are transportable, in a folded configuration, in a container, and which can be deployed from this container. Prior art
[0002] Many examples are known of living modules that can be transported in containers, which most often have standardized dimensions to facilitate their transport, and which can be deployed from this container. Such living modules are commonly used by armed forces deployed on operations, for which they can be used as housing, as an office, as a living space, as a field hospital, etc.
[0003] In their folded configuration, these containers have the same shapes and dimensions as standard containers. They can therefore be easily transported by the usual container transport methods.
[0004] When placed at their place of use, such containers can be opened and deployed in order to define a habitable, enclosed and covered space, larger than the volume of the container itself. For this, the container commonly comprises movable walls, partition, roof or floor elements that are movable relative to the structure of the container. These elements can be contained in the container in the folded position thereof or deployed from the container, outside the initial volume thereof, in the deployed position.
[0005] The containers may also include structural members capable of supporting tents. These tent-supporting structural members and the tents, which are also movable between a position in which they are contained within the container and a position in which they are deployed outside the container, from the latter.
[0006] Most often, all the elements allowing the assembly of the mobile home are contained in the same container.
[0007] Many examples of such deployable containers are known, with varied deployment kinematics. In some cases, the deployment of the dwelling from the container can be done very easily, for example by sliding a side wall of the container outwards, in order to enlarge the interior volume of the dwelling. Such solutions, which are very easy to implement, however, most often only offer a relatively restricted habitable volume.
[0008] Other solutions are also known in which a container can contain structures capable of supporting tents, which can extend over a relatively large area to provide a larger habitable volume. The deployment of such housing modules, however, requires numerous assembly steps, which may require the use of components that cannot be contained in a single container. Objectives of the invention
[0009] The present invention aims to provide a living module, transportable in a container and deployable from this container, which can be deployed particularly easily and quickly.
[0010] Another objective of the invention is to offer such a living module which offers, in its deployed configuration, a particularly large habitable volume, proportionally to the initial volume of the container. Statement of the invention
[0011] These objectives, as well as others which will appear more clearly later, are achieved using a deployable life module comprising: - a container having a floor and at least one side opening, - at least one deployable floor, composed of at least one floor panel, and - at least one tent support structure comprising a plurality of arches extending in planes substantially parallel to each other, the deployable floor being articulated relative to the container, and movable between: - a folded position in which the floor panels extend substantially vertically inside the container, - a deployed position in which the floor panels extend horizontally outside the container, in front of the side opening, in line with the container floor.
[0012] According to the invention, the tent support structure is movable between: - a folded position in which the arches of the tent support structure extend in planes substantially parallel to each other, relatively close to each other, and in which the entire tent support structure is placed inside the container, and - a deployed position in which the arches of the tent support structure extend in planes substantially parallel to each other, relatively far from each other, and in which the tent support structure extends both inside and outside the container, through the side opening, and rests on at least part of the floor of the container and on at least a portion of the deployable floor that is in its deployed position.
[0013] Such a mobile tent support structure and deployable floor allow a living module to be quickly created from a container. In addition, the plurality of arches of the tent support structure extended over the floor panels allow the living module to cover a relatively large area.
[0014] Preferably, an edge of a first of the floor panels is secured to a first branch of at least one support bracket, the second branch of which is hinged to the container.
[0015] These support brackets, which are advantageously mounted to pivot and whose first branches are fixed to the floor of the container, allow the entire deployable floor to be moved between its folded position and its deployed position.
[0016] Preferably, the floor panels are hinged together along their edges.
[0017] Preferably, a second of the floor panels is hinged relative to the first floor panel, and sized to cover, in its deployed position, the space appearing between the container floor and the first floor panel in its deployed position.
[0018] In this way, when in its deployed position, the second of the floor panels constitutes an extension of the container floor.
[0019] Advantageously, the container has at least one lateral opening capable of allowing the deployment of the deployable floor, and at least one movable lateral wall capable of closing the lateral opening when the deployable floor is in its folded position.
[0020] Advantageously, in their folded position, the floor panels are placed in the container between the side opening and the arches in their folded position.
[0021] Advantageously, the arches comprise a fixed arch, fixed inside the container and a plurality of movable arches capable, when the floor is in its deployed position, of moving relative to the fixed arch and relative to each other, by translation in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the plane in which they extend.
[0022] Advantageously, the movable arches comprise sliding means capable of sliding on the floor panels.
[0023] Advantageously, the sliding means comprise wheels carried by the lower ends of uprights of the movable arches.
[0024] Advantageously, the container floor and the deployable floor panels comprise means for guiding the movable arches, extending continuously over the container floor and the deployable floor panels when The deployable floor panels are in their deployed position.
[0025] Advantageously, the guide means comprise at least one rail extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the movable arches extend.
[0026] Preferably, in the folded position of the tent support structure, the movable arches are placed between the side opening and the fixed arch.
[0027] Advantageously, the living module has two of the side openings, on two opposite faces of the container, it comprises one of the deployable floors extending, in its deployed position, in front of each of the side openings, and one of the tent support structures extending, in its deployed position, through each of the side openings.
[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lower surface of the deployable floor has rigid supports capable of supporting it in height.
[0029] Such rigid supports may be feet, hinged to the underside of the floor panels. These feet may be telescopic to adapt to the height between the floor and the ground. Furthermore, it is possible for the floor panels to have several rigid supports, such as several feet, of different sizes, so that it is possible to choose the rigid support to be used depending on the installation conditions of the living module. List of figures
[0030] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given as a simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by the figures among which: - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a representation of a life module deployable from a container according to an embodiment of the invention. - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a representation of the deployable life module of the [Fig.l] with the floor in the deployed position. - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a representation of the deployable living module of [Fig.2] with its tent support structure partially deployed. - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a representation of the deployable life module of the [Fig.2] with the tent support structure fully extended. - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a sectional view of the life module deployable from a container, according to one embodiment, and of which the floor and the tent support structure are in folded positions. - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a sectional view of the living module of [Fig.5] with the floor partially deployed. - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a sectional view of the life module of [Fig.5] whose floor is partially deployed. - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a sectional view of the living module of [Fig.5] with the floor fully deployed. - [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a sectional view of the life module of [Fig.8] whose tent support structure is partially deployed. - [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a sectional view of the living module of [Fig.8] with the tent support structure fully extended. - [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a representation of a portion of the structure of tent support that can be implemented in the living module of [Fig.l] - [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of a deployable life module according to an embodiment of the invention, which is carried by a vehicle, and fully deployed from this vehicle. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention 1. Overall composition of the structure a. The container
[0031] [Fig.l] is a representation of a life module deployable from a container, according to an embodiment of the invention, which is in a folded position. The life module comprises a container 1, a deployable floor 2, and a deployable tent support structure 3. In the folded position, represented by [Fig.l], the deployable floor 2 and the tent support structure 3 are in the folded position inside the container 1.
[0032] The container 1 is composed of a metal structure in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped which defines an interior space, and which has a floor 11, a roof 12, end side walls 13, and movable side walls 14 which make it possible to open and close one of the sides of the container 1. In the configuration represented by [Fig.l], these movable walls 14 are shown open. a. The contents of the container
[0033] In the configuration represented by [Fig.l], the deployable floor 2 is in a so-called folded position in which the floor panels which compose it extend in a vertical direction and perpendicular to the floor 11 of the container 1.
[0034] In this folded position, the deployable floor is positioned in the container 1 behind the movable walls 14 when they are in the closed position. Thus, a deployable floor panel 21 is visible when the movable walls 14 are open, as shown in [Fig.l]. The tent support structure 3, in its folded position, is positioned in the container 1 behind the deployable floor 2 in the folded position. Thus, this tent support structure 3 in its folded position is visible when the deployable floor 2 is in the deployed position, as shown in [Fig.3]. 1. Floor a. Folded position
[0035] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the living module in which the deployable floor 2 and the tent support structure 3 are in their folded positions in the container 1.
[0036] In the embodiment shown, the deployable floor 2 comprises three deployable floor panels 21, 22 and 23 having rectangular shapes. The neighboring deployable floor panels 21 and 22 are connected to each other, at their ends, by connecting means such as hinges 24. In addition, the smaller deployable floor panel 23 is connected to the deployable floor panel 22 by connecting means such as hinges 27.
[0037] In the folded position shown in [Fig. 5], the surfaces of the deployable floor panels 21, 22 and 23 are superimposed on each other and extend vertically, in a direction perpendicular to the floor 11 of the container 1.
[0038] Support brackets 25, a first branch of which is secured to an edge of the deployable floor panel 22, are pivotally mounted relative to the container 1 by means of hinges 26 articulating the second branch of each bracket to the edge of the container. These support brackets 25 are dimensioned such that their rotation, around the hinge 26, allows the deployable floor panel 22 to be brought into a deployed position, represented by [Fig. 7], in which the surface of this deployable floor panel 22 is located in the same plane as the surface of the floor 11 of the container.
[0039] Preferably, when they are folded, each support bracket 25 fits the edge of the floor 11 of the container 1. Thus, each support bracket 25, when the deployable floor 2 is in its folded position, has one of its branches positioned between the deployable floor 2 and the floor of the container 11, while its second branch is positioned on the edge of the floor of the container 11, on the side of the opening of the container 1. a. Intermediate position
[0040] Figures 6 and 7 are representations of the life module in which the deployable floor 2 is in intermediate positions between its folded and deployed positions.
[0041] During a first step of the deployment of the floor 11, the deployable floor panel 21 is simultaneously pivoted relative to the deployable floor panel 22, around the hinges 24, and the deployable floor panel 22 relative to the container 1, around the hinges 26 of the brackets 25. [Fig. 6] shows the deployable floor 2 during the execution of this first step.
[0042] At the end of this first step, the panels 21 and 22 extend horizontally. in the extension of one another, and their surface is in the same plane as the surface of the floor 11 of the container 1, as shown in [Fig.7]. The rotation of the brackets 25 has caused an empty space to appear above the brackets 25, between the deployable floor panel 22 and the floor 11 of the container 1. The deployable floor panel 23 remains folded against the deployable floor panel 22. a. Deployed position
[0043] During a second step of the deployment of the floor 11, the deployable floor panel 23 is also deployed, by rotation around the hinges 27 in order to fill the empty space created between the deployable floor panel 22 and the floor 11 of the container 1, as shown in [Fig.8]. Preferably, the deployable floor panel 23 has dimensions complementary to the dimensions of the empty space created by the brackets 25.
[0044] Following deployment of the deployable floor panel 23, the entirety of the deployable floor 2 is deployed in the horizontal direction and, advantageously, the deployable floor 2 constitutes an extension of the upper part of the floor 11 of the container 1.
[0045] Thus, the living module has a large floor area, which includes the surface of the floor 11 of the container and the surface of the deployable floor 2 which extend in continuity with each other.
[0046] Figures 2, 3 and 4 show the living module in configurations in which the deployable floor panel 2 is in its deployed position.
[0047] The deployable floor may be designed to be self-supporting in its deployed position, so as to be connected only to the container 1. However, the deployable floor may also be equipped with feet allowing it to be kept horizontal by resting on the ground. For example, the deployable floor 2 may rest on feet placed under the hinge 24 and under the free edge of the panel 21, opposite the edge carrying the hinge 24. a. Variants
[0048] The deployment mode of the deployable floor 2 which is represented by figures 5 to 8, is a preferred example which is not limiting of the invention. The person skilled in the art will thus be able to imagine other solutions for a deployable floor articulated relative to the container 1, and movable between a folded position, in which the floor panels extend substantially vertically inside the container 1, and a deployed position in which the floor panels extend horizontally outside the container, in the extension of the floor of the container.
[0049] Among these variants, those in which the deployable floor is composed of several floor panels hinged relative to each other are preferred, insofar as they make it possible to obtain a larger floor surface area. 1. Tent support structure 3 a. Deploying the arches
[0050] As shown in [Fig.5], when the deployable floor 2 and the tent support structure 3 are in folded positions, the tent support structure 3 is positioned behind the deployable floor 2.
[0051] In this folded position, the tent support structure 3 comprises a succession of arches, including a fixed arch 32 and movable arches 31, which are brought together and kept parallel. The fixed arch 32 and the movable arches 31 may advantageously be identical or almost identical, the fixed arch 32 being characterized by the fact that it is fixed inside the container.
[0052] The arches 31 and 32 are advantageously linked to each other, in such a way that they can move relative to each other, essentially in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which they are inscribed, while remaining parallel to each other.
[0053] [Fig. 8] shows the arches 31 and 32 of the tent support structure 3, in their folded configuration and [Fig. 10] shows them in their deployed configuration. [Fig. 9] shows these arches in an intermediate configuration between the folded and deployed configurations. In Figures 1 to 10, the parts connecting the arches 31 and 32 are not shown.
[0054] During this deployment, the mobile arches 31 advantageously rest on the surface formed by the floor 11 of the container and the deployable floor 2 in the deployed position, a. Structure of the arches
[0055] [Fig. 11] shows a segment of the tent support structure 3, this segment comprising three arches 31 assembled to each other, in a deployed configuration.
[0056] According to this embodiment, the tent support structure 3 comprises a succession of rigid arches 31 held parallel to each other. Each of the arches 31 is made up of metal tubes assembled together in the same plane. These tubes form a truss 310 mounted on the upper ends of two uprights 311. Each of these trusses 310 is made up of two rafters 3102 connecting a tie beam 3101 to a pillar 3103. a. Holding the arches
[0057] Preferably, the arches 31 of the tent support structure 3 are kept parallel to each other by compass systems, which may in particular be pantographs 312. In the present description, pantographs are defined as crosspiece devices, allowing two neighboring arches to move closer or further apart, while keeping them parallel to each other.
[0058] In the embodiment shown, these pantographs 312 are composed of two crosspieces forming an “X” articulated in their middle, the lower end of each crosspiece being pivotally mounted on the upright 311 of one of the arches 31, and the upper end being slidably mounted in the upright 311 of the opposite arch 31 by means of a sliding pivot sliding in a groove extending along this upright. This device makes it possible to ensure variable spacing between the arches while keeping them parallel to each other.
[0059] Advantageously, the upper ends of two crosspieces slidably mounted on a single upright are hinged to each other to slide together. Thus, the pantographs can be dependent on each other and deploy together, the pantographs can ensure that all the arches of the same tent support structure are spaced from each other evenly.
[0060] It is also possible for the upper ends of two crosspieces to slide independently on the same upright. In such a case, it is possible to move some arches apart from each other while keeping other arches close to each other.
[0061] According to another possible embodiment, the sliding axes and the fixed axes are respectively positioned at the lower and upper levels of the uprights of the arches. - Locking compass 313
[0062] The arches 31 are also connected to each other by locking compasses 313 each formed by two links articulated between them and on two neighboring arches 31. These compasses make it possible to limit the spacing in two successive arches to a maximum value. Furthermore, they can be locked by means known to those skilled in the art to maintain this spacing at the maximum value corresponding to the deployed position of the tent support structure 3.
[0063] In this locked configuration, the locking compasses 313 are oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the deployable floor 2 of the container 1.
[0064] When the tent support structure 3 moves from its deployed position to its folded position, the locking compasses 313 need to be unlocked. In this unlocked configuration, the two compass rods fold vertically against the uprights 311 of the arches 31 which support them.
[0065] One of these compasses can form a ridge compass 314 extending between the upper ends of the trusses 310 of two neighboring arches 31. When this compass is deployed, it forms a ridge capable of participating in the support of the tent canvas. a. Tent
[0066] This tent support structure 3 is intended to carry a tent canvas. In certain embodiments, the tent can be directly associated with the tent support structure 3 when the latter is in its folded configuration, and be deployed if simultaneously with the deployment of this tent support structure 3. In other embodiments, the tent may be installed after the deployment of the tent support structure 3. a. Arches equipped with wheels
[0067] In order to facilitate the deployment of the tent support structure 3 on the floor 11 of the container 1 and on the deployable floor 2, the arches 31 may be mounted on wheels assembled to the lower ends of the uprights 311 of the arches 31. Preferably, these wheels are oriented so as to facilitate the deployment of the arches 31 on the floor, in a horizontal direction and perpendicular to the plane of the arches 31.
[0068] In a particularly advantageous manner, the floor may have means for guiding these wheels, making it possible to guide them so that they remain on the deployable floor 2. These guiding means may, for example, consist of grooves or rails, extending parallel to the lateral edges of the deployable floor 2 and capable of guiding the wheels.
[0069] Preferably, when the deployable floor 2 is deployed, these guide means extend continuously over the floor 11 of the container 1 and over the floor panels 21, 22 and 23, from the fixed arch 32 to the end of the deployable floor 2 furthest from the container 1. a. Two double-sided folding tents
[0070] In the embodiments shown, the container 1 has a lateral opening on one of its lateral faces and comprises a deployable floor on the corresponding side and a tent support structure deployable on this deployable floor.
[0071] According to other embodiments, it is also possible for the container 1 to have two lateral openings on two opposite faces and to comprise a deployable floor on each of the corresponding sides, as well as a deployable tent support structure on each of these deployable floors. The living module thus comprises two tent support structures oriented in opposite directions, and capable of being deployed or folded in the same direction.
[0072] In this case, each of these tent support structures has a structural element fixed inside the living module.
[0073] The tents formed by each of the tent support structures can communicate to form a large living module. a. Module deployed from a vehicle
[0074] The container containing the life module according to the invention advantageously has the standardized dimensions of the containers, so that it can be easily transported by any means of transport. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is also possible to deploy the life module contained in such a container even though this container is carried by a vehicle.
[0075] [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of a life module deployed from a container 1 carried by a vehicle 4, in this case a truck, which is shown seen from behind.
[0076] In this embodiment, two deployable boards 2 are deployed from the container 1, each from one of the sides of this container, and each of these deployable floors carries a tent support structure 3 deployed from this container.
[0077] To be maintained in their deployed position, the deployable floors 2 are carried by rigid supports, such as telescopic feet 5, linked to their lower surfaces. For example, these telescopic feet 5 can be positioned at the level of each deployable floor panel 21 and 22.
[0078] Advantageously, these telescopic feet can be articulated on the lower faces of the floor panels in order to be integrated into the thickness of these floor panels, in a storage position, and to extend perpendicular to these floor panels, in a deployed position. They can advantageously have a variable length, in order to adapt to the height to which the container is carried. Furthermore, the lower faces of the floor panels can be equipped with several sets of rigid supports, such as telescopic feet, capable of taking different heights.Thus, in addition to the telescopic feet 5, provided to hold the floor panels when the container 1 is carried to a significant height, for example on a truck, the floor panels can be equipped with feet of lower height, which can also be telescopic or of adjustable height, the height of which is adapted to hold the floor when the container is placed on the ground, or on low supports such as concrete blocks. The most suitable feet are then deployed according to the installation conditions of the container 1.
Claims
Claims
1. Deployable life module comprising: - a container (1) having a floor (11) and at least one side opening, - at least one deployable floor (2), composed of at least one floor panel (21, 22, 23), and - at least one tent support structure (3) comprising a plurality of arches (31, 32) extending in planes substantially parallel to each other, said deployable floor (2) being articulated relative to said container (1), and movable between: - a folded position in which the floor panels extend substantially vertically inside said container (1), - a deployed position in which the floor panels extend horizontally outside said container, in front of said side opening, in the extension of said container floor (11), characterized in that said tent support structure (3) is movable between: - a folded position in which the arches (31, 32) of said tent support structure (3) extend in planes substantially parallel to each other, relatively close to each other, and in which the entirety of said tent support structure (3) is placed inside said container (1), and - a deployed position in which the arches (31, 32) of said tent support structure (3) extend in planes substantially parallel to each other, relatively distant from each other, and in which said tent support structure (3) extends both inside and outside said container (1), through said lateral opening, and rests on at least a part of said floor (11) of said container (1) and on at least a part of said deployable floor (2) which is in its deployed position.
2. Deployable living module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that an edge of a first of said floor panels (21, 22, 23) is integral with a first branch of at least one support bracket (25), a second branch of which is articulated to said container (1).
3. Deployable living module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said floor panels (21, 22, 23) are hinged together along their edges.
4. Deployable living module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a second of said floor panels (23), hinged relative to said first floor panel (22), dimensioned to cover, in its deployed position, the space appearing between said floor (11) of said container (1) and said first floor panel (22) in its deployed position.
5. Deployable living module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said container (1) has at least one lateral opening capable of allowing the deployment of said deployable floor (2), and at least one movable lateral wall (14) capable of closing off said lateral opening when said deployable floor (2) is in its folded position.
6. Deployable living module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, in their folded position, said floor panels (21, 22, 23) are placed in said container (1) between said lateral opening and said arches (31, 32) in their folded position.
7. Deployable living module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said arches (31, 32) comprise a fixed arch (32), fixed inside the container (1) and a plurality of movable arches (31) capable, when said deployable floor (2) is in its deployed position, of moving relative to said fixed arch (32) and relative to each other, by translation in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the plane in which they extend.
8. Deployable living module according to any one of the claims, characterized in that said movable arches (31) comprise sliding means capable of sliding on said floor panels (21, 22, 23).
9. Deployable life module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said sliding means comprise wheels carried by the lower ends of uprights (311) of said movable arches (31).
10. Deployable living module according to any one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that said floor (11) of said container (1) and said deployable floor panels (21, 22, 23) comprise means for guiding said movable arches, extending continuously on said floor (11) of said container (1) and said deployable floor panels (21, 22, 23) when said deployable floor panels (21, 22, 23) are in their deployed position.
11. Deployable life module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said guide means comprise at least one rail extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in which said movable arches (31) extend.
12. Deployable living module according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, in said folded position of said tent support structure (3), said movable arches (31) are placed between said side opening and said fixed arch (32).
13. Deployable living module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it has two of said side openings, on two opposite faces of said container (1), and in that it comprises one of said deployable floors (2) extending, in its deployed position, in front of each of said side openings, and one of said tent support structures (3) extending, in its deployed position, through each of said side openings.
14. Deployable living module according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the lower surface of the deployable floor (2) has rigid supports capable of supporting it in height.