Building elevating system

Abstract

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a building elevating system, including a frame, a plurality of piles and a pulley system. The frame is connectable to an underside of a floor to form a building. The plurality of piles are driven into a ground surface. The frame is slidably retainable about the piles. The pulley system including a pully wheel, a cable, a counterweight and a motor. The cable is connected to the frame on one end and the counterweight on another end. The cable is operably connected to the pulley wheel. The pulley wheel is drivable by the motor to move the building between a lowered position and an elevated position.

Description

BUILDING ELEVATING SYSTEMFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for elevating a building. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for use to raise the building to prevent damage to the structure and contents from flooding.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Floods are significant weather events that can cause a large amount of damage to buildings and property. Flooding can occur due to torrential rains, melting snow, tides and / or infrastructure damage to waterways. Areas that experience frequent floods are often deemed unsuitable for the construction of buildings, however, there are still many buildings which are constructed in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Further, changing climate conditions can also cause flooding on land that was previously unaffected which can damage buildings built on that land.

[0003] Known methods of flood prevention include the construction of barriers, such as flood walls, embankments or dams, to control the flow of water before it reaches the structure. These barriers can be expensive and time consuming to construct for the purpose of protecting individual buildings.

[0004] There are systems that raise the building to avoid flood waters. In United States Patent No. 10208474 and Czech Patent No. 6923599, there is described a motor-driven screw system and a hydraulic piston system respectively. However, these systems require significant power to lift entirety of the building. Flood waters can also damage components of these systems which can reduce their working lifetime or render them inoperable.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate at least in part one or more of the aforementioned problems or at least provide a viable alternative.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention was developed in consideration of elevating the building from within the footprint of the building. To achieve this the inventor considered internal piles that would support the raised section of building.

[0007] The inventor determined that utilizing a pulley system with a counterweight would allow the building to be elevated and lowered smoothly. Further, if the piles were hollow then the counterweight could be positioned within the piles thereby making efficient use of the available space and shielding the components of the lifting system from flood waters.

[0008] The mass required to be lifted needs to include the building and the contents of the building, such as furniture and appliances. The inventor also considered that if the counterweight was slightly less than the mass of the building without the contents the system would only need enough power to move the remaining portion of the mass of the building and contents. Thus, the power required by the system to lift the unbalanced mass could be relatively small when compared to the power required the lift the mass of the entire building. Further, the equipment could be hidden away within the building.

[0009] The system was developed with the potential for retrofitting existing buildings with the building elevating system in mind. The system only requires space within the main area of the building for the piles with the remaining components of the system able to be installed in an attic space.

[0010] In one aspect the present invention resides in a building elevating system, including a frame connectable to an underside of a floor to form a building; a plurality of piles driven into a ground surface and the frame is slidably retainable about the piles; and a pulley system including a pully wheel, a cable, a counterweight and a motor, the cable is connected to the frame on one end and the counterweight on another end, the cable is operably connected to the pulley wheel, and the pulley wheel is drivable by the motor to move the building between a lowered position and an elevated position.

[0011] Preferably, the pulley wheel is positioned adjacent a top end of one of the plurality of piles.

[0012] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of piles preferably has an independent pulley system which operates cooperatively an independent pulley system of another of the plurality of piles.

[0013] Preferably, the pulley system has a plurality of pulley wheels.

[0014] Preferably, the pulley system has a plurality of cables. Preferably, the pulley system has one or more redundant cables.

[0015] Preferably, the pulley system has a plurality of counterweights.

[0016] Preferably, the pulley system has a plurality of motors.

[0017] Preferably, each pile is hollow.

[0018] Preferably, the counterweight is positionable and movable within at least one of the plurality of piles.

[0019] Preferably, each pile is extendable. Preferably, each pile is telescopic.

[0020] Preferably, the frame has a plurality of sliding sleeves, each sliding sleeve receiving one of the plurality of piles. Preferably, each sliding sleeve has a flange. Preferably, the frame is supported by the flange of each sliding sleeve. Preferably, the frame is fixed to the flange of each sliding sleeve.

[0021] Preferably, each pile has a support flange adapted to support the flange of each sliding sleeve. Preferably, each support flange is positioned at the ground surface.

[0022] Preferably, each pile is sealed adjacent a lowermost end. Preferably, each pile is sealed adjacent a lowermost end by a plate which is positioned within the hollow portion of the pile.

[0023] Preferably, each pile includes a counterweight stop towards the lowermost end which is configured to prevent the counterweight from lowering below a predetermined point. Preferably, the counterweight stop seals the pile.

[0024] In one embodiment, the motor is preferably a worm drive motor.

[0025] In another embodiment, the motor is preferably a chain block motor. The chain block motor preferably has a chain and a chain store. Preferably, the chain block motor is attached on a side of one of the plurality of piles. Preferably, the chain block motor is positioned adjacent the pulley. Preferably, one end of the chain is connected to the frame and the chain store stores excess chain of another end of the chain. The chain block motor has a low-force high-travel input and a high-force low- travel output.

[0026] Preferably, the counterweight is lockable in position by a locking pin. Preferably, the counterweight has a receiver with a pin hole to receive the locking pin. Preferably, the counterweight is lockable in position when the building is in the lowered position. Preferably, the counterweight is lockable in position when the building is in the elevated position. In one embodiment, the counterweight preferably has a lower receiver with a pin hole to receive the locking pin and an upper receiver with a pin hole to receive the locking pin, and the counterweight is lockable in position when the building is in either the lowered position or in the elevated position.

[0027] Preferably, the locking pin actuated by a locking pin actuator. In one embodiment, the locking pin actuator is preferably configured to automatically engage the locking pin with the corresponding pin hole to lock the counterweight in position when the locking pin and the pin hole align. In another embodiment, the locking pin actuator is preferably configured to automatically engage the locking pin with the corresponding pin hole to lock the counterweight in position when a limit switch is triggered. Preferably, the locking pin actuator is configured to disengage the locking pin from the pin hole. Preferably, the locking pin actuator is a ram. Preferably, the locking pin actuator is electronically controlled. Preferably, each pile a catch configured to, when the building is in the lowered position, stop a corresponding locking pin, when engaged, from moving upwards, thus inhibiting the building from transitioning to the elevated position. Preferably, the locking pin is configured to be able to move passed the catch when disengaged.

[0028] Preferably, each sliding sleeve is lockable in position by a locking pin. Preferably, the corresponding piles has a pin hole to receive the locking pin. Preferably, each sliding sleeve is lockable in position when the building is in the lowered position. Preferably, each sliding sleeve is lockable in position when the building is in the elevated position.

[0029] Preferably, the locking pin actuated by a locking pin actuator. In one embodiment, the locking pin actuator is preferably configured to automatically engage the locking pin with the corresponding pin hole to lock the corresponding sliding sleeve in position when the locking pin and the pin hole align. In another embodiment, the locking pin actuator is preferably configured to automatically engage the locking pin with the corresponding pin hole to lock the sliding sleeve in position when a limit switch is triggered. Preferably, the locking pin actuator is configured to disengage the locking pin from the pin hole. Preferably, the locking pin actuator is a ram. Preferably, thelocking pin actuator is electronically controlled. Preferably, each pile a catch configured to, when the building is in the lowered position, stop a corresponding locking pin, when engaged, from moving upwards, thus inhibiting the building from transitioning to the elevated position. Preferably, the locking pin is configured to be able to move passed the catch when disengaged.

[0030] In one embodiment, the cable is preferably a steel wire cable. The cable can alternatively be a rope, chain, strap, belt, wire, or sling. In one embodiment the cable is preferably a nylon sling.

[0031] Preferably, each pile is substantially cylindrical.

[0032] Preferably, the building has an elevatable portion and a static portion. Preferably, the building elevating system is configured to raise and lower the elevatable portion between the elevated position and the lowered position.

[0033] Preferably, the mass of the counterweight is approximately between 70% and 100% of the mass of the elevatable portion not including the contents of the building. More preferably, the mass of the counterweight is approximately 90% of the mass of the elevatable portion not including the contents of the building. Preferably, the counterweight is approximately one tonne lighter than the combined mass of the elevatable portion and contents of the building. Preferably, the counterweight is selected so that the mass difference between the counterweight and the elevatable portion is approximately one tonne.

[0034] Preferably, the counterweight is comprised of several separatable counterweights. Preferably, the counterweight is housed within the plurality of piles.

[0035] Preferably, the plurality of piles are arranged about the centre of gravity of the building. In one embodiment, the plurality of piles are preferably arranged equidistant from the centre of gravity of the building.

[0036] Preferably, the motor drives the pulley system so that the building can be raised or lowered.

[0037] Preferably, the motor is housed within an attic space of the building. Alternatively, the motor is preferably housed within one or more of the plurality of piles.

[0038] Preferably, the building elevating system includes control system. Preferably, the control system is operably connected to the motor. Preferably, the control system is operable to cause the motor to activate and move the building between the elevated position and the lowered position. Preferably, the control system can be operated manually or automatically. Preferably, the control system has amanual mode that allows for a person to operate the building elevating system manually. Preferably, the control system has an automatic mode that allows for the control system to operate the building elevating system in response to a preset condition. Preferably, the control system is configured to cause the motor to activate and move the building between the elevated position and the lowered position in response to a preset condition. In one embodiment, the preset condition is preferably a signal from a flood sensor. In one embodiment, the preset condition is preferably a communication of a flood warning issued by a local authority or environmental agency.

[0039] Preferably, the building elevating system includes a hazard sensor. Preferably, the hazard sensor detects whether there are any obstructions, such as debris, person or animals, underneath the elevatable portion that would prevent the elevated portion from lowering safely. In one embodiment, the hazard sensor is preferably a motion sensor. Preferably, the control system is configured to stop the motor from operating or prevent the building from moving to the lowered position when the hazard sensor detects an obstruction.

[0040] In one embodiment, the locking pin actuator is preferably configured to disengage the locking pin from the pin hole in response to a preset condition prior to activation of the motor. In one embodiment, the preset condition is preferably a signal from a flood sensor. In one embodiment, the preset condition is preferably a communication of a flood warning issued by a local authority or environmental agency.

[0041] Preferably, the control system includes a communications module. Preferably, the communications module is configured to transmit and receive data via short-range and / or long-range wireless communication. Preferably, a user can control the building elevating system remotely by transmitting commands which are received by the communications module.

[0042] Preferably, the building elevating system includes a flood sensor. Preferably, the flood sensor is positioned close to the ground surface. Preferably, the flood sensor is a float switch. Preferably, when the flood sensor senses a rising water level the flood sensor signals the control system to move the building from the lowered position to the elevated position. Preferably, when the flood sensor senses that the flood has receded the flood sensor signals the control system to move the building from the elevated position to the lowered position.

[0043] Preferably, the building elevating system includes an alarm system. Preferably, the alarm system includes one or more alarm indicators. Preferably, thealarm system includes at least one visual alarm indicator. Preferably, the visual alarm indicator is a light. Preferably, the alarm system includes at least one audible alarm indicator. Preferably, the audible alarm indicator is a siren. Preferably, the one or more alarm indicators activate when the building is moving or is about to move.

[0044] Preferably, the building includes a power system. Preferably, the power system includes a battery housed within the building. Preferably, the power system includes photovoltaic panels attached to the building and operably connected to the battery.

[0045] In one embodiment, one or more of the plurality of piles houses a flexible utility line which preferably operably connects the building to a corresponding external utility line.

[0046] In one embodiment, the building elevating system preferably further includes one or more guide piles with the frame being slidably retainable about the guide piles, wherein the guide piles provide additional support against transverse forces, such as high winds.

[0047] Preferably, the building elevating system is configured to raise or lower the building at a speed between 500mm / min to 1 ,750mm / min. More preferably, the building elevating system is configured to raise or lower the building at an approximate speed of 1 ,250mm / min.

[0048] Preferably, the counterweight includes a plurality of round weights. In one embodiment, the counterweight preferably includes a plurality of round steel disks.

[0049] Preferably, the frame has a plurality of structural cross-members.

[0050] Preferably, the pulley system includes a fall arrestor.

[0051] Preferably, each pile has a toothed rack and the building has a corresponding toothed pinion which intermeshes with the toothed rack. Preferably, when the building moves between the lowered position and the elevated position each toothed pinion rotates so as to move along the corresponding toothed rack.

[0052] Preferably, the pulley system includes a locking system. Preferably, the locking system includes a toothed rack and the corresponding toothed pinion which intermeshes with the toothed rack. Preferably, the toothed rack is attached to one of the plurality of piles and the toothed pinion is rotatably attached to the building. The toothed pinion is configured to either rotate freely allowing the building to move or to remain static preventing the building from moving. Preferably, the locking system is electronically controlled.

[0053] Preferably, the pulley system includes a braking system. Preferably, the braking system is electronically controlled.

[0054] In one embodiment, each pile is preferably located within a riser of the building. Preferably, each riser has at least one access panel.

[0055] In an alterative embodiment, each pile is preferably located on the exterior of the building.

[0056] Preferably, the frame has one or more jack points. Preferably, each of the one or more jack points is configured to enable a jack to raise or lower the frame.

[0057] In another aspect the present invention resides in a building, including an elevatable portion; a static portion; and a building elevating system, the building elevating system including a frame connectable to an underside of a floor of the elevatable portion; a plurality of piles driven into a ground surface and the frame is slidably retainable about the piles; and a pulley system including a pully wheel, a cable, a counterweight and a motor, the cable is connected to the frame on one end and the counterweight on another end, the cable is operably connected to the pulley wheel, and the pulley wheel is drivable by the motor to move the elevatable portion between a lowered position and an elevated position.

[0058] Preferably, the building elevating system is located within the footprint of the building.

[0059] Preferably, the elevatable portion has a plurality of risers and each pile is located within one of the plurality of risers. Preferably, each riser has at least one access panel.

[0060] Preferably, the static portion includes a foundation with footings. In one embodiment, the elevatable portion preferably rests on the footings when in the lowered position. In another embodiment, the static portion preferably has at least one wall and the elevatable portion rests on the at least one wall when in the lowered position, thereby forming a cavity which can be a crawl space, undercroft or ground floor. In another embodiment, the static portion includes one or more floors of the building.

[0061] Preferably, the building includes at least one flexible utility line which operably connects the building to a corresponding external utility line. Preferably, the at least one flexible utility line maintains operable connection with the corresponding external utility line while the elevatable portion is in the lowered position, while the elevatable portion is moving and while the elevatable portion is in the elevated position. In one embodiment, the at least one flexible utility line is preferably a coiled hose. In another embodiment, the at least one flexible utility line is preferably a telescopic conduit. In a further embodiment, the at least one flexible utility line is preferably an articulated conduit with one or more rotatable joints. In one embodiment, the external utility line is preferably a municipal utility line. Preferably, one of the at least one flexible utility line is a power line. Preferably, the power line is operably connected to the power system. Preferably, one of the at least one flexible utility line is a water supply line. Preferably, one of the at least one flexible utility line is a sewerage line. Preferably, one of the at least one flexible utility line is a telecommunications line. Preferably, one of the at least one flexible utility line is an internet line. In one embodiment, the at least one flexible utility line are preferably housed within one or more of the plurality of piles.

[0062] Preferably, a sewerage utility line has a non-return valve in order to prevent foul water back into the property.

[0063] Preferably, the utility line has a mechanism to temporarily disconnect the utility service to the building when it is elevated. Preferably, a water supply utility line includes a cut-off valve.

[0064] In one embodiment, the building preferably includes a water storage tank for use when the water supply line is disconnected from the corresponding external water line. Preferably, the water storage tank is operably connected to the water supply line so that the water storage tank can be filled via the water supply utility line when the water supply utility line is connected to the corresponding external water line. Preferably, the water storage tank holds enough water to meet the potable water needs of the household for several days. More preferably, the water storage tank holds enough water to meet the potable water and washing water needs of the household for several days. In one embodiment, the water storage tank is preferably a rainwater tank. Preferably, the building includes a water pump operably connected to the water storage tank.

[0065] In one embodiment, the building preferably includes an emergency sewerage storage tank for use when the sewerage utility line is disconnected.

[0066] In one embodiment, the building preferably includes a net attached to the foundation of the building and the frame. Preferably, when the elevatable portion is in the lowered position the next is folded and / or collapsed. Preferably, the net is arranged to expand when the elevatable portion is moved to the elevated position. Preferably, the net provides a barrier that inhibits entry to underneath the building when the elevatable portion is in the elevated position.

[0067] In one embodiment, the building has a camera that can view below the elevatable portion and that can be used to determine whether flood waters have receded or if there are any obstructions underneath the elevatable portion that would prevent the elevated portion from lowering safely.

[0068] In another aspect the present invention resides in a method of constructing an elevatable building, the building including an elevatable portion; a static portion; and a building elevating system, the building elevating system including a plurality of piles; a frame connectable to an underside of a floor of the elevatable portion and slidably retainable about the piles; and a pulley system including a pully wheel, a cable, a counterweight and a motor, the method including, constructing the static portion on a ground surface; driving each pile into the ground surface; assembling a frame, the frame including sliding sleeves which are slidable over each pile; and constructing the elevatable portion on the frame including installing the pulley system, wherein the cable is connected to the frame on one end and the counterweight on another end, the cable is operably connected to the pulley wheel, and the pulley wheel is drivable by the motor to move the elevatable portion between a lowered position and an elevated position.

[0069] Preferably, the piles are driven into bedrock.

[0070] Preferably each pile is hollow, and the method further includes removing clay and spoil that has accumulated within the hollow portion of each pile after the plurality of piles have been driven into the ground.

[0071] Preferably, the method further includes installing counterweight stops within each hollow portion of the pile towards the lowermost ends

[0072] Preferably, the method further includes installing support flanges around each pile at the ground surface.

[0073] In another aspect the present invention resides in a method of retrofitting a building with a building elevating system, the building elevating system including a plurality of piles; a frame slidably retainable about the piles; and a pulley system including a pully wheel, a cable, a counterweight and a motor, the method including, separating the building into an elevatable portion and a static portion assembling and installing the frame beneath a floor of the elevatable portion, the frame including a plurality of sliding sleeves; constructing a plurality of internal risers for the plurality of piles driving each pile through each sliding sleeve into the ground surface; and installing the pulley system, wherein the cable is connected to the frame on one end and the counterweight on another end, the cable is operably connected to the pulley wheel, and the pulley wheel is drivable by the motor to move the elevatable portion between a lowered position and an elevated position.

[0074] The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:Figure 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a building with a building elevating system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention with the building in a lowered position.Figure 2 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the building of Figure 1 in an elevated position.Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the building of Figure 1 in an elevated position.Figure 4 is a floor plan of the ground floor of the building of Figure 1.Figure 5 is a floor plan of the first floor of the building of Figure 1.Figure 6 is a front elevation view of the building of Figure 1 in an elevated position during a flood.Figure 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a pulley system of the building of Figure 1 when the building is in a lowered position.Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a pulley system of the building of Figure 1 when the building is in an elevated position.Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a pile of the building of Figure 1 when the building is in an elevated position.Figure 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a pile of the building of Figure 1 when the building is in a lowered position.Figure 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a pile of the building of Figure 1 when the building is in an elevated position.Figure 12 is an elevation view of a braking system on a pile of the building of Figure 1.Figure 13 is a schematic view of the pulley system, control system and power system of the building of Figure 1.Figure 14 is a front elevation view of a building with a building elevating system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention in an elevated position.Figure 15 is a perspective view of a pile of a building elevating system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention in a lowered position.Figure 16 is a perspective view of the pile of Figure 15 in an elevated position.Figure 17 is elevation view of the pile of Figure 15 in the lowered position.Figure 18 is top view of the pile of Figure 15.Figure 19 is cross-sectional elevation view of the pile of Figure 15.Figure 20 is cross-sectional elevation view of the pile of Figure 15 in the lowered position.Figure 21 is cross-sectional elevation view of an actuated pin of the pile of Figure 15 in a disengaged position.Figure 22 is cross-sectional elevation view of the pile of Figure 15 in the elevated position.Figure 23 is cross-sectional elevation view of an actuated pin of the pile of Figure 15 in an engaged position.Figure 24 is plan view of a building with external piles in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.Figure 25 is plan view of a building with external piles in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.Figure 26 is plan view of a building with external piles in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.Figure 27 is front elevation view of the building in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention in a lowered position.Figure 28 is front elevation view of the building of Figure 27 in an elevated position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0076] Referring to Figures 1 to 13, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a building 10 with a building elevating system, in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The building 10 can be moved between a lowered position and an elevated position in response to flood conditions.

[0077] Figures 1 to 13 show the building 10 having a foundation with footings, a ground floor, a first floor and an attic space.

[0078] The ground floor, the first floor and attic space form the elevatable portion 12 of the building 10. The foundation forms the static portion 14 of the building 10.

[0079] The building 10 has two vertical risers 16A,16B which extend through the ground floor and the first floor. A pair of piles 20A,20B extend from the attic space of the building into a ground surface. The pair of piles 20A.20B are arranged equidistant from the centre of gravity of the building 10.

[0080] The elevatable portion 12 has a frame 18 connected to an underside of the ground floor.

[0081] The piles 20A.20B are identical and will be described with respect to pile 20A as shown in Figures 7 to 12.

[0082] The pile 20A has a hollow substantially cylindrical body 30A. The body 30A is received within a sliding sleeve 34A. The sliding sleeve 34A is vertically movable with respect to the body 30A. The sliding sleeve 34A has a flange 35A. The frame 18 rests on top of the flange 35A.

[0083] The pile 20A has a pulley system. The pulley system includes a pully wheel 40A, an arrangement of three cables 42A, a counterweight 44A and a worm-drive motor 46A.

[0084] The pulley wheel 40A is positioned adjacent a top end of the hollow cylindrical body 30A. The pulley wheel 40A is rotatably connected to the motor 46A. The pulley wheel 40A and motor 46A are located within the attic space.

[0085] The arrangement of cables 42A is operably connected to the pulley wheel 40A and is connected to the sliding sleeve 34A on one end and to the counterweight 44A on another end.

[0086] The counterweight 44A is substantially cylindrical. The counterweight 44A is positioned and movable within the body 30A. The mass of the counterweight 44A is approximately 45% of the mass of the elevatable portion not including the contents of the elevatable portion.

[0087] The elevatable portion 12 rests on the footings of the static portion 14 when the building 10 is in the lowered position.

[0088] The counterweight 44A is lockable in position by locking pins 48A. The counterweight 44A has a plurality of pin receivers 46A. Each pin receiver 46A is configured to receive one of the locking pins 48A. The body 30 has a plurality of pin holes that enable the locking pins 48A to pass through the body 30 and be received by the pin receivers 46A.

[0089] The cables of the arrangement of cables 42A are positioned side-by-side such that each cable contacts the pulley wheel 40A equally. The three cables in this arrangement provides redundancy to the pulley system to account for wear and tear. This arrangement also inhibits rotation of the counterweight which would otherwise cause the pins 48A, pin holes within the body 30A and / or pin receivers 46A to be misaligned.

[0090] The pulley wheel 40A is drivable by the motor 46A to move the elevatable portion 12 and thus move building 10 between the lowered position and the elevated position.

[0091] The body 30A has a counterweight stop 32A towards the lowermost end which is configured to prevent the counterweight 44A from lowering below a predetermined point Further, the counterweight stop 32A seals the body 30 to prevent water from entering the space where the counterweight 44A is located.

[0092] The pile 20A has a support flange 36A positioned at the ground surface. The top side of the support flange 36A is adapted to support the bottom side of the flange 35A.

[0093] The building 10 includes a power system 60 including a battery housed within the building 10 and photovoltaic panels 60 attached to the building 10 and operably connected to the battery. The building 10 includes a coiled, flexible power line 62 which operably connects the power system 60 to a corresponding external power line. The power line 62 maintains operable connection with the building 10 while the building 10 is in the lowered position, while the building is moving, and while the building is in the elevated position.

[0094] The building elevating system includes control system 50. The control system 50 is powered by the power system 60. The control system 50 is operably connected to the motor 46A. The control system 60 is operable to cause the motor 46A to activate and move the building 10 between the elevated position to the lowered position.

[0095] The building elevating system includes a flood sensor 52 positioned close to the ground surface. The flood sensor 52 is configured to detect a water level and send a signal to the control system 50.

[0096] The control system 50 is configured to cause the motor to activate and move the building 10 between the elevated position to the lowered position in response to a signal from a flood sensor 52. The building elevating system is configured to raise or lower the elevatable portion 12 at an approximate speed of 1 ,250mm / min.

[0097] The control system 50 includes a communications module 56. The communications module 56 is configured to transmit and receive data via short-range and / or long-range wireless communication. A user can control the building elevating system remotely by transmitting commands which are received by the communications module 56.

[0098] The building elevating system includes an alarm system including alarm indicators in the form of a plurality of lights 58 and a siren 56. The control system 50 is configured to activate the alarm indicators when the building 10 is moving or is about to move.

[0099] The building 10 includes a flexible sewerage line 80 which operably connects the building 10 to a corresponding external sewerage line. The sewerage line 80 is a coiled hose. The sewerage line 80 maintains operable connection with the building 10 while the building 10 is in the lowered position, while the building is moving, and while the building is in the elevated position.

[0100] Within the riser 16A the body 30A has a toothed rack 70A and the building 10 has a corresponding toothed pinion 72A rotatably attached to pinion mount 74A. The toothed pinion 72A intermeshes with the toothed rack 70A. When the building 10 moves between the lowered position and the elevated position the toothed pinion 72A rotates so as to relative to the toothed rack 70A. The toothed pinion 72A is configured to either rotate freely allowing the building 10 to move or electronically locked in place to prevent the counterweight 44A, and thus the building 10, from moving.

[0101] Before installing the building elevating system there is a preliminary planning stage which involves planning the positioning of the piles 20A.20B and calculating of the required mass of the counterweights 44A.44B to be approximately 90% of the mass of the elevatable portion.

[0102] Construction of the building 10 commences with the construction of the static portion on a ground surface.

[0103] Installation of the building elevating system involves driving two hollow pile bodies 30A.30B into bedrock. Clay and spoil that has accumulated within the hollow volume of the pile bodies 30A.30B should be removed to allow the counterweights 44A.44B to have the longest possible travel distance. Counterweight stops 32A are installed within each of the pile bodies 30A,30B towards the lowermost ends. Support flanges 36A are installed around each of the pile bodies 30A,30B at the ground surface.

[0104] Sliding sleeves 34A are slid over each of the pile bodies 30A.30B.

[0105] The frame 18 is assembled and connected to the sliding sleeves 34A.

[0106] The elevatable portion 12 can then be constructed on top of the frame 18. Additional components of the building 10 including the pulley system for each pile20A.20B, the control system 50, the power system 60, siren 56, lights 58 and sewerage line 80 are installed during the construction of the elevatable portion 12.

[0107] A flood sensor 52 is installed close to the ground surface and is operably connected to the control system 50.

[0108] When the building 10 is complete and a flood event occurs the flood sensor 52 will be activated. The flood sensor 52 will send a signal to the control system 50 which will activate the siren 56 and lights 58 thereby alerting residents.

[0109] The building 10 can be controlled through the control system 50 to manually or automatically activate the motors 46 of the pulley systems to raise the elevatable portion 12 to avoid the flood waters. The pulley systems of the piles 20A.20B move in tandem to raise the building 10 evenly.

[0110] As the elevatable portion 12 is raised the counterweights 44A.44B move down. The entirety of the mass of the elevatable portion 12 including contents and the counterweights 44A,44B rest on the pulley wheels 40A.

[0111] In an automatic mode when the flood sensor 52 senses a rising water level the flood sensor 52 triggers the control system 50 to move the building 10 from the lowered position to the elevated position.

[0112] When the elevatable portion 12 has been raised to a desired height the locking pins 48 can lock the counterweights 44A.44B in place. The locking pins 48 can be removed when the time comes to lower the elevatable portion 12.

[0113] If external power supply is cut off the photovoltaic panels 64 and battery will keep the building 10 supplied with power until the connection with the main power supply can be reestablished.

[0114] When the flood waters recede the flood sensor 52 sends a signal to the control system 50 that the elevated portion 12 can be safely lowered.

[0115] In an automatic mode when the flood sensor 52 senses that the flood has receded the flood sensor 52 triggers the control system 50 to move the building 10 from the elevated position to the lowered position.

[0116] Referring to Figure 14, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a building 110 with a building elevating system, in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

[0117] Figure 14 shows the building 110 having a foundation with footings, a ground floor, a first floor and an attic space. The first floor and attic form the elevatable portion 112 of the building 110. The ground floor and the foundation form the static portion 114 of the building 110. The elevatable portion 112 has a frame connected toan underside of the first floor. The building 110 has two vertical risers which extend through the ground floor and the first floor. A pair of piles 120B extend from the attic space of the building into a ground surface.

[0118] In use, the elevatable portion 112 can be moved between a lowered position and an elevated position in response to flood conditions.

[0119] Referring to Figures 15 to 23, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a pile 220 for a building elevating system, in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The building elevating system can be used to move an elevatable portion of a building between a lowered position and an elevated position in response to flood conditions.

[0120] The pile 220 has a hollow substantially cylindrical body 230. The body 230 is received within a sliding sleeve 234. The sliding sleeve 234 is vertically movable with respect to the body 230. The sliding sleeve 234 has a flange 235. The flange 235 is configured to support a frame of the building.

[0121] The pile 220 has a pulley system. The pulley system includes a pul ly wheel 240, a cable 242, a counterweight 244 and a chain block motor 246.

[0122] The pulley wheel 240 is positioned adjacent a top end of the hollow cylindrical body 230. The pulley wheel 240 and motor 246 are locatable within an attic space of the building.

[0123] The cable 242 is operably connected to the pulley wheel 240 and is connected to the sliding sleeve 234 on one end and to the counterweight 244 on another end.

[0124] The motor 246 has a chain 252 (shown indicatively) and a chain store 254. The chain 252 is connected to the flange 235 and the chain store 254 stores excess chain 252 of another end of the chain 252.

[0125] The counterweight 244 is substantially cylindrical. The counterweight 244 is positioned and movable within the body 230.

[0126] The elevated position is lockable in the elevated position by locking pin 248. The body 230 has a pin hole 247 is configured to receive the locking pin 248.

[0127] The building elevating system has a locking pin actuator 249 operationally associated with the locking pin 248. The locking pin actuator 249 is configured to actuate the locking pin 248 so as to engage or disengage the locking pin 248 with the pin hole 247.

[0128] The pulley wheel 240 is drivable by the motor 246 to move the elevatable portion and thus move building between the lowered position and the elevated position.

[0129] The pile 220 has a support flange 236 positioned at the ground surface. The top side of the support flange 36A is adapted to support the bottom side of the flange 35A.

[0130] The pile 220 has a catch 237 configured to, when the building is in the lowered position, stop the locking pin 248, when engaged, from moving upwards, thus inhibiting the building from transitioning to the elevated position. The locking pin 248 is configured to be able to move passed the catch 237 when disengaged. The locking pin 248 is preferably engaged when the building is in the lowered position to prevent unintentional lifting of the structure, for example in high winds.

[0131] The building elevating system includes control system. The control system is operably connected to the motor 246 and the locking pin actuator 249. The control system is operable to cause the motor 246 to activate and move the building between the elevated position to the lowered position.

[0132] A flood sensor is installed close to the ground surface and is operably connected to the control system. When a flood event occurs the flood sensor will be activated. The flood sensor will send a signal to the control system which will disengage the locking pin 248 and activate the motor 246 of the pulley system to raise the elevatable portion to avoid the flood waters. As the elevatable portion is raised the counterweight 244 moves down.

[0133] When the elevatable portion has been raised to a desired height the locking pin 248 can be received in the pin hole 247. The locking pin 248 can be disengaged when the time comes to lower the elevatable portion.

[0134] When the flood sensor senses that the flood has receded the flood sensor triggers the control system to disengage the locking pin 248 and move the building from the elevated position to the lowered position.

[0135] Referring to Figure 24, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a building 300 having a building elevating system, in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The building system having two piles 320 located on the exterior of the building 300 in a first arrangement.

[0136] Referring to Figure 25, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a building 400 having a building elevating system, in accordance with an aspect of the invention.The building system having two piles 420 located on the exterior of the building 400 in a second arrangement.

[0137] Referring to Figure 26, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a building 500 having a building elevating system, in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The building system having four piles 520 located on the exterior of the building 500.

[0138] Referring to Figures 27 and 28, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a building 600 having a building elevating system, in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The building system having two piles 420 located on the exterior of the building 400. In an alterative embodiment, the building 600 has a flat roof.ADVANTAGES

[0139] An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the use of counterweights to efficiently move with building without high power requirements. This also has the benefit of reducing the size of equipment required to move the building.

[0140] Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the counterweights can be located within hollow piles. This is an efficient use of space. Additionally, the components of the system are hidden from sight and can be protected from flood waters.

[0141] A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the building elevating system can be retrofitted to existing buildings. This is advantageous for buildings that are built on land that is likely to flood due to changing climate conditions.

[0142] Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the building elevating system can be used with permanent structures, temporary or semi-permanent structures, and modular structures.VARIATIONS

[0143] It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

[0144] Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A building elevating system, including a frame connectable to an underside of a floor to form a building; a plurality of piles driven into a ground surface and the frame is slidably retainable about the piles; and a pulley system including a pully wheel, a cable, a counterweight and a motor, the cable is connected to the frame on one end and the counterweight on another end, the cable is operably connected to the pulley wheel, and the pulley wheel is drivable by the motor to move the building between a lowered position and an elevated position.

2. A building as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pulley wheel is positioned adjacent a top end of one of the plurality of piles.

3. A building as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of piles preferably has an independent pulley system which operates cooperatively an independent pulley system of another of the plurality of piles.

4. A building as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the counterweight is positionable and movable within at least one of the plurality of piles.

5. A building as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the counterweight is lockable in position by a locking pin.

6. A building as claimed in claim 5, wherein the counterweight has a receiver with a pin hole to receive the locking pin.

7. A building as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mass of the counterweight is approximately 90% of the mass of the elevatable portion not including the contents of the building.

8. A building as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the counterweight is selected so that the mass difference between the counterweight and the elevatable portion is approximately one tonne.

9. A building as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein building elevating system includes control system.

10. A building as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control system is configured to cause the motor to activate and move the building between the elevated position and the lowered position in response to a signal from a flood sensor.

11. A building as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pulley system includes a braking system.

12. A building as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein each pile is located within a riser of the building.

13. A building as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the building elevating system includes an alarm system.

14. A building, including an elevatable portion; a static portion; and a building elevating system, the building elevating system including a frame connectable to an underside of a floor of the elevatable portion; a plurality of piles driven into a ground surface and the frame is slidably retainable about the piles; and a pulley system including a pully wheel, a cable, a counterweight and a motor, the cable is connected to the frame on one end and the counterweight on another end, the cable is operably connected to the pulley wheel, and the pulley wheel is drivable by the motor to move the elevatable portion between a lowered position and an elevated position.

15. A building as claimed in claim 14, wherein the elevatable portion has a plurality of risers and each pile is located within one of the plurality of risers.

16. A building as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the static portion preferably has at least one wall and the elevatable portion rests on the at least one wall when in the lowered position, thereby forming a cavity.

17. A building as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the building includes at least one flexible utility line which operably connects the building to a corresponding external utility line.

18. A building as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the static portion includes one or more floors of the building.

19. A method of constructing an elevatable building, the building including an elevatable portion; a static portion; and a building elevating system, the building elevating system including a plurality of piles; a frame connectable to an underside of a floor of the elevatable portion and slidably retainable about the piles; and a pulley system including a pully wheel, a cable, a counterweight and a motor, the method including, constructing the static portion on a ground surface; driving each pile into the ground surface; assembling a frame, the frame including sliding sleeves which are slidable over each pile; and constructing the elevatable portion on the frame including installing the pulley system, wherein the cable is connected to the frame on one end and the counterweight on another end, the cable is operably connected to the pulley wheel, and the pulley wheel is drivable by the motor to move the elevatable portion between a lowered position and an elevated position.

20. A method of retrofitting a building with a building elevating system, the building elevating system includinga plurality of piles; a frame slidably retainable about the piles; and a pulley system including a pully wheel, a cable, a counterweight and a motor, the method including, separating the building into an elevatable portion and a static portion assembling and installing the frame beneath a floor of the elevatable portion, the frame including a plurality of sliding sleeves; constructing a plurality of internal risers for the plurality of piles driving each pile through each sliding sleeve into the ground surface; and installing the pulley system, wherein the cable is connected to the frame on one end and the counterweight on another end, the cable is operably connected to the pulley wheel, and the pulley wheel is drivable by the motor to move the elevatable portion between a lowered position and an elevated position.

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