GB2461879A

GB2461879A - Building block and pin system

Info

Publication number: GB2461879A
Application number: GB0812885A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Robert Exton
Original assignee: BOROUGH RECYCLING SPECIALISTS
Current assignee: KEVIN EXTON
Priority date: 2008-07-15
Filing date: 2008-07-15
Publication date: 2010-01-20
Also published as: GB0812885D0

Abstract

A building system comprising a plurality of building blocks 10 each building block having a length, a width and a depth. The depth of each building block is substantially the same as the depth of each other building block. A first building block has a predetermined length, l, and each other building block has a length nl, where n is an integer. Each building block comprises at least one first bore 14 that extends depthwise from a first side thereof into the building block. Each first bore has substantially the same dimensions as each other first bore. The system further comprises a plurality of pins 18. Each of the pins is receivable within a first bore such that when two building blocks are positioned one above the other, the pin is receivable within the first bore of each of the two building blocks, thereby locking one building block to the other. The building blocks may be rubber and T shaped. The building blocks may be roof blocks.

Description

A BUILDING SYSTEM

This invention relates to a building system comprising a plurality of building blocks suitable for constructing a building, to a building block forming the building, and to a building formed from the building system.

There is a need to be able to build temporary structures such as garden sheds quickly and cheaply. In addition there is a need to be able to erect buildings quickly in areas that have suffered from a natural disaster, for example.

It is known to build such buildings from brick, wood, or concrete for example. Such materials are generally expensive, and require a certain level of expertise in order to erect the buildings. In addition, once the need for the building has passed, it can be difficult to efficiently dismantle the building.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a building system comprising a plurality of building blocks each building block having a length, a width and a depth, the depth of each building block being substantially the same as the depth of each other building block, a first building bJock having a predetermined length, I, each other building block having a length ni, where n is an integer, each building block comprising at least one first bore extending depthwise from a first side thereof into the building block, each first bore having substantially the same diameter as each other first bore, the system further comprising a plurality of pins, each of which pins is receivable within a first bore such that when two building blocks are positioned one above the other, the pin is receivable within the first bore of each of the two building blocks, thereby locking one building block to the other.

Because each building block in the building system has substantially the same depth as each other building block, each building block provides a versatile component that may be used with other building blocks to construct a building of any desired dimensions.

A first building block forming part of the building system has a length I. Each other building block has a length ni, where n is an integer. n may equal 1 in which case other building blocks may also have the same length as the first building block. Alternatively, n may be any integer greater than 1 in which case other building blocks have a length that is longer than the length I of the first building block, but which is a multiple of the length of the first building block.

The fact that each building block has a length that is either the same as the other building blocks, or a predetermined multiple of the length of the other building blocks adds to the versatility of the building system when used to construct a building of any desired dimensions.

Each building block has a first bore extending depthwise from a first side thereof into the building block. The building blocks may be stacked one on top of the other, and a pin forming part of the building system may be inserted into the first bore of a building block positioned above another building block. The pin is sized such that it is receivable within more than one first bore. This means for example that if two building blocks are positioned one above the other, a pin may extend at least partially through both first bores thus locking one building block to the other.

Thus when the building blocks are used to construct a building, it is not necessary to use cement or any other material in order to bond one building block to another. Instead, two building blocks are locked to one another when a pin is inserted into a first bore of each of the two building blocks. This simplifies the process of constructing a building.

Each building block may be formed from any suitable material, but preferably each building block is formed from rubber. Rubber provides a versatile material suitable for use in the construction of buildings.

The rubber may be either virgin rubber, or recycled rubber.

If the building blocks are formed from recycled rubber, the recycled rubber may be formed from, for example used car, truck, agricultural, earth mover and aircraft tyres.

Other types of tyres may also be used to provide the recycled rubber.

Alternatively, composite rubbers from items such as conveyor belts, lining rubber from quarry trucks, and submarine acoustic suppression hold pads may also be used.

When recycled rubber is used, the building blocks are environmentally efficient since the building blocks are made from recycled material. This avoids having to obtain virgin rubber which can be costly to the environment.

The building blocks may be manufactured using a cold moulding or a hot forming process. If a cold moulding process is used, granulated rubber may be mixed with a binding agent such as epoxy before being poured into a mould and cured under compression.

If a hot forming process is used, granulated rubber may be mixed with an extender oil known as an aromatic before being heated and then either extruded through a die and cut to length or injection moulded into a predetermined form.

Each pin may be formed from the same material as that of the building blocks, but is preferably harder than the building blocks. When a pin is inserted into one or more first bores, the relative dimensions of the first bores and the pin are such that an interference fit between the pin and the one or more first bores is formed.

At least one building block may comprise a plurality of first bores spaced apart from one another. Such an arrangement helps to align one building block with another.

Preferably, each building block comprises at least one pair of first bores spaced apart from one another. Such an arrangement permits the orientation of one building block relative to another building block to be limited, as desired. For example, it allows the relative orientation of respective building blocks to be limited to 900 intervals, which is useful when building rectangular buildings.

Each building block may comprise any number of first bores but preferably each building block comprises at least one group of four first bores. Building blocks having at least one group of four first bores may be both locked with, and aligned to, other building blocks used to construct a building. In addition, when each building block comprises a group of four first bores, the four first bores may be arranged symmetrically in the building block.

This allows further versatility of the building system when constructing any desired building.

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In a preferred embodiment of the invention each building block includes a second bore corresponding to the or each first bore, the second bore extending depthwise from a second side of a respective building block into the said building block, the second side being opposite the first side, the or each second bore having substantially the same diameter as the or each first bore, and a pin being receivable within the or each second bore to lock one building block to another. Such an arrangement permits the ready formation of a plurality of rows of building blocks within a building structure without the need for any additional fastening or cement between rows.

Optionally the or each second bore lies opposite the corresponding first bore. This assists a user when aligning one building block with another lying therebelow.

Each building block may be substantially rectangular in cross-section. Alternatively one or more building blocks may have a substantially square cross-section.

In addition, one or more building blocks may be substantially T-shaped in cross-section, comprising a bar and a stem. If a building block is substantially T-shaped, the length of the building block is defined as the length of the bar of the T, and the width of the building block is defined as the width of the bar of the T. A T-shaped building block may be used to create internal walls within the building whereby the stem of the T serves as a tie-in.

Preferably the building system further comprises at least one roof block. Such a component facilitates the addition of a roof to the building.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the or each roof block is formed from rubber. This shares the advantages mentioned above in connection with the building block.

Optionally each roof block comprises a first face lying in a first plane, and a second, opposite face, lying in a second plane, the second plane being sloped relative to the first plane. This arrangement allows for the provision of a sloped roof which assists with the shedding of, e.g. rain water from the roof.

The second plane may have any desired slope relative to the first plane, but preferably the second plane is sloped at an angle of 10 to 12 degrees relative to the first face. This allows water such as rain water to easily run off a roof of a building formed using the building system according to the present invention.

Preferably the or each roof block includes at least one first bore to receive a pin, the or each first bore extending depthwise from the first face of a respective roof block into the said roof block. This allows the or each roof block to be readily secured to the building blocks of the invention using one or more pins, without the need for other fasteners or cement.

Conveniently the or each roof block has a length ni. This minimises the need for a user to cut of otherwise modify the roof block when building a building of a given size.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the second face of the or each roof block includes at least one roof block protrusion extending therefrom. The provision of one or more roof block protrusion facilitates the correct alignment of, e.g. a roofing sheet relative to the given roof block.

In a still further preferred embodiment of the invention the second face of the or each roof block includes at least one recess to receive a roof truss. Such an arrangement allows for the ready alignment and positioning of the or each roof truss relative to the roof block.

The building system may further comprise one or more roof trusses. Such a feature facilitates the ready assembly of a roof on a building.

Prefeably the or each roof truss is formed from recycled unpiasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC). This helps to minimise the impact on the environment of the building system.

Preferably the building system further comprises at least one roofing sheet. The inclusion of one or more roofing sheets allows a user readily to add a roof to his or her building.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the or each roofing sheet is formed from rubber. This shares the advantages mentioned above in connection with the building blocks and roof blocks.

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The building system may include a plurality of roofing sheets, each roofing sheet including a first lateral protrusion extending along a first side thereof, whereby the first lateral protrusion of one roofing sheet is able to overlap the first lateral protrusion of another roofing sheet when the roofing sheets lie adjacent to one another. The ability to overlap first lateral protrusions of adjacent roofing sheets helps to ensure a weather-tight interface between adjacent roofing sheets.

Preferably at least one roofing sheet includes a second lateral protrusion extending along a second side opposite the first side thereof, the second lateral protrusion being able to overlap a first or second lateral protrusion of another roofing sheet when the said sheets lie adjacent to one another. Such a feature allows a user to form a roof from a plurality of smaller roofing sheets which are lighter, and so easier to handle, than a large single roofing sheet.

Optionally the or each roofing sheet includes at least one recess to receive a corresponding roof block protrusion. This allows a user readily to align the or each roofing sheet with a corresponding roof block.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a building block forming part of a building system described hereinabove.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a building constructed from a building system described hereinabove.

The invention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1(a) is a plan view from above of a first building block forming part of a building system according to the present invention; Figure 1(b) is an elevational view from a side of the building block shown in Figure 1(a); Figure 2 is a plan view from above of a second building block forming part of a building system according to the present invention; Figure 3 is schematic representation of a pin forming part of the present invention; Figure 4 is a plan view from above of a third building block forming part of the present invention which has a substantially T-shaped cross section; Figure 5 is a plan view from above of a fourth building block forming part of a building system according to the present invention also having a substantially 1-shaped cross section; Figure 6 is an elevational view from one side of a roof block forming part of a building system according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a plurality of roofing sheets forming part of a building system according to the present invention; and Figure 8 shows a building according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 8, a building system according to the present invention will be described.

The building system may comprise one or more of the building blocks, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, and could also comprise building blocks having other shapes to the shapes shown in these figures.

Referring first to Figures 1(a) and 1(b), a first building block is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. In this example, the first building block 10 has a length I of 150mm, a width w of 150mm and a depth d of 130mm. However, the first building block could have any desirable dimensions to suit different applications.

The building block 10 further comprises a first group 12 of four first bores 14 which extend depthwise from a first side 16 thereof into the building block 10. Each first bore 14 has a diameter which is sufficient to create an interference fit with a corresponding pin 18. This will vary according to the nature of the material from which the building block 10 and the pin 18 are made, but typically with be approximately 24mm.

In preferred embodiments of the invention the first bores 14 each extend at least 62.5mm into the building block 10.

The four first bores 14 are positioned symmetrically about both a longitudinal axis y and a transverse axis x of the building block 10.

The first building block 10 includes four second bores 20 each of which corresponds to a first bore 14. Each second bore 20 extends depthwise from a second side 22 of the building block 10 and lies opposite the corresponding first bore 14.

In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the first and second bores 14, 20 may join with one another to form a single through-bore.

The first building block 10 shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b) may be described as a half building block for reasons which will be explained in more detail below.

Turning now to Figure 2, a second building block 30 is schematically illustrated. The second building block 30 has a width w and a depth d that are substantially the same as the width w and depth d of the first building block 10 illustrated in Figures la and lb. The length of the second building block 30 is, in this example, 300mm. The length of the second building block 30 is, therefore, twice that of the length of the first building block 10. The length of the second building block 30 may therefore be defined as 2!.

The second building block 30 comprises two groups 12 of four first bores 14, each first bore 14 having substantially the same dimensions as the first bores 14 shown in Figure 1. The first bores 14 are again symmetrically positioned relative to both a transverse and a longitudinal axis of the building block 30.

The second building block 30 also includes two groups (not shown) of four second bores 20 each of which corresponds to a first bore 14. Each second bore 20 extends depthwise from a second side (not shown) of the second building block 30 and lies opposite the corresponding first bore 14.

In this example the second building block 30 forms a standard wall building block. Since the length of the second building block 30 is twice that of the first building block 10, the first building block 10 is known as a half building block.

Turning now to Figure 3, a pin forming part of the building system according to the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 18. The pin 18 in this example, has a length of 125mm, and a diameter of 25mm. The pin 18 is shaped to be receivable within both a first bore 14 and a second bore 20 such that when the pin 18 is

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received within a first or second bore 14, 20 an interference fit is created between the pin 18 and the building block 10; 30 in which the bore 14, 20 is formed.

If it is desired to lock one building block to another one or more pins 18 may be inserted into respective bores 14, 20 of a first building block 10; 30. For example, the pin 18 may be hammered into the bore 14, 20. The pin 18 is prevented from passing too far into the building block 10; 30 by the bottom 24 of the corresponding bore 14, 20.

A user may then position another building block 10; 30 over the building block 10; 30 such that the or each pin 18 located in the lower building block 10; 30 extends into a corresponding bore 14, 20 in the other building block 10; 30. Since one or more pins 18 extend into a bore 14, 20 in each of the building blocks 10; 30 the building blocks 10; 30 are connected to one another.

In order to ensure that two building blocks 10; 30 are not only locked relative to one another but are also aligned relative to one another, it is advantageous to use least two pins 18 to connect the building blocks 10; 30 to one another.

Turning now to Figure 4, a third building block forming part of the building system according to the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 40.

The third building block 40 is substantially T-shaped in cross-section and comprises a bar 42 and a stem 44 forming the T-shape.

Since the third building block 40 is substantially T-shaped, the length of the third building block 40 is defined as the length of the bar 42, and the width of the third building block 40 is defined as the width of the bar 42.

In this example, the length of the bar 42, and therefore the length of the third building block 40 is 300mm, i.e., twice the length I of the first building block 10. The length of the third building block 40 may thus be represented as 2!.

The width w of the bar 42 is, in this example, 150mm which is substantially the same as the width of the other building blocks 10; 30 forming part of the building system.

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In this example the width w of the stem is 150mm, and so the third building block 40 is suitable for building, for example, standard internal walls using building blocks 10; 30; 40 having a standard width wof 150mm.

Figure 5 shows a fourth building block 50 forming part of the building system according to the present invention. The fourth building block 50 is similar to the third building block and includes a bar 42 and a stem 44.

However, the width w of the stem 44 is 75mm which makes this building block 50 suitable for building, for example, a light-duty internal wall using building blocks having a width w of 75mm.

A rubber roof block forming part of a building system according to the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 60, as shown in Figure 6.

The roof block 60 has a first face 62 which lies in a first plane and a second, opposite face 64 which lies in a second plane. The second plane is sloped at an angle of between and 12° to the first plane.

The roof block 60 shown includes two groups 12 of four first bores 14 (only one half of each group 12 is shown in Figure 6) which extend depthwise from the first face 62. The depth of each first bore 14 is substantially the same as the depth of the first bore 14 in the other building blocks 10; 30; 40; 50.

The roof block 60 includes four roof block protrusions 66, each of which corresponds to a first bore 14, and a recess 68 to receive a roof truss 70 The roof block 60 shown has a depth d at one end of 130mm, and a length I of 300mm, i.e. 2/.

In other embodiments of the invention the roof block 60 may have a different length such as, for example, 1800mm, or 6/. Different length roof blocks 60 may include more or less first bores 14, more or less roof block protrusions 66, and/or more or less recesses 68, according to its length.

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The roof block 60 may be locked to other the building blocks 10; 30; 40; 50 via its first bores 14 and corresponding pins 18.

Figure 7 shows first and second rubber roofing sheets 80, 82.

The first roofing sheet 80 has a width w of 300mm, i.e. 2/, and includes a first lateral protrusion 84 extending along a first side 86 thereof.

The second roofing sheet 82 has the same width, but includes a second lateral protrusion 86 which extends along a second, opposite side 90 and protrudes beyond the width of the roofing sheet 82.

The first and second roofing sheets 80, 82 may be arranged in an overlapping configuration, as shown in Figure 7, in which the lateral protrusions 84, 88 of respective roofing sheets 80, 82 overlap one another.

The roofing sheets 80, 82 can be laid across one or more roof trusses 70 to form a roof on a building 100, as shown in Figure 8. Each roofing sheet 80, 82 may include a recess 92 to receive a corresponding roof block protrusion 66.

Screws, nails, or other fasteners may be inserted through the overlapping lateral protrusions 84, 88 and into a respective roof truss 70 to fix the roofing sheets 80, 82 into position.

Optionally a felt or other roofing material may be placed over the roofing sheets 80, 82 to further seal the roof.

The building 100 may include windows and/or doors (not shown) by incorporating apertures within the building structure by omitting building blocks 10; 30; 40; 50 in given regions.

Claims

SCLAIMS: 1. A building system comprising a plurality of building blocks each building block having a length, a width and a depth, the depth of each building block being substantially the same as the depth of each other building block, a first building block having a predetermined length, I, each other building block having a length ni, where n is an integer, each building block comprising at least one first bore extending depthwise from a first side thereof into the building block, each first bore having substantially the same diameter as each other first bore, the system further comprising a plurality of pins, each of which pins is receivable within a first bore such that when two building blocks are positioned one above the other, the pin is receivable within the first bore of each of the two building blocks, thereby locking one building block to the other.
2. A building system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each building block is formed from rubber.
3. A building system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein at least one building block comprises a plurality of first bores spaced apart from one another.
4. A building system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each building block comprises at least one pair of first bores spaced apart from one another.
5. A building system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each building block comprises at least one group of four first bores spaced apart from one another.
6. A building system according to any preceding claim wherein each building block includes a second bore corresponding to the or each first bore, the second bore extending depthwise from a second side of a respective building block into the said building block, the second side being opposite the first side, the or each second bore having substantially the same diameter as the or each first bore, and a pin being receivable within the or each second bore to lock one building block to another.
7. A building system according to Claim 6 wherein the or each, second bore lies opposite the corresponding first bore.
8. A building system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one building block is substantially rectangular in cross-section.
9. A building system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the building blocks is substantially T-shaped in cross-section.
10. A building system according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one roof block.
11. A building system according to Claim 10 wherein the or each roof block is formed from rubber.
12. A building system according to Claim 10 or Claim 11 wherein the or each roof block comprises a first face lying in a first plane, and a second opposite face lying in a second plane, the second plane being sloped relative to the first plane.
13. A building system according to Claim 12 wherein the second plane is sloped at an angle of 10 to 12 degrees relative to the first face.
14. A building system according to Claims 12 or 13 wherein the or each roof block includes at least one first bore to receive a pin, the or each first bore extending depthwise from the first face of a respective roof block into the said roof block.
15. A building system according to any of Claims 12 to 14 wherein the or each roof block has a length ni.
16. A building system according to any of Claims 12 to 15 wherein the second face of the or each roof block includes at least one roof block protrusion extending therefrom.
17. A building system according to any of Claims 12 to 16 wherein the second face of the or each roof block includes at least one recess to receive a roof truss.
18. A building system according to any preceding claim further comprising one or more roof trusses.
19. A building system according to Claim 18 wherein the or each roof truss is formed from recycled unpiasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC).
20. A building system according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one roofing sheet.
21. A building system according to Claim 20 wherein the or each roofing sheet is formed from rubber.
22. A building system according to Claim 20 or Claim 21 including a plurality of roofing sheets, each roofing sheet including a first lateral protrusion extending along a first side thereof, whereby the first lateral protrusion of one roofing sheet is able to overlap the first lateral protrusion of another roofing sheet when the roofing sheets lie adjacent to one another.
23. A building system according to Claim 22 wherein at least one roofing sheet includes a second lateral protrusion extending along a second side opposite the first side thereof, the second lateral protrusion being able to overlap a first or second lateral protrusion of another roofing sheet when the said sheets lie adjacent to one another.
24. A building system according to any of Claims 20 to 23 wherein the or each roofing sheet includes at least one recess to receive a corresponding roof block protrusion.
25. A building block forming part of a building system according to any one of Claim 1 to 24.
26. A building formed from a building system according to any one of Claims I to 24.
27. A building system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
28. A building block substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.S
29. A building substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.