Abstract A method of constructing buildings of modules is disclosed in which the modules are formed of overhead and wall panels fabricated with means embedded therein having no portion extending beyond the boundaries thereof for distributing the weight thereof to a plurality of points spaced from each other along their edges, which edges are mechanically interconnected by removable hinge joinder means extending between the embedded means in adjacent panels when they are in selected juxtaposition. Means for raising the overhead panels to an elevated position including said removable hinge joinder means are described. Preferred means for forming the overhead and wall panels in the selected juxtaposition and preferred removable hinge joinder means are disclosed. Preferred methods and means for interconnecting vertically and horizontally adjacent modules into structural units of the final building structure before or after removal of said removable hinge joinder means are described.
A removable hinge means for use in concrete building construction, said hinge means comprising a first plate member having opposed major surfaces and a second plate member having opposed major surfaces, said major surfaces of said first and second plate members having apertures therethrough adapted to receive threaded bolts releasably engagable with wire anchoring inserts embedded in concrete slabs to be hingedly interconnected by said hinge means; a first rigid hinge lead projecting normally from one of said opposed major surfaces of said first plate member and a second rigid leaf projecting normally from one of said opposed major surfaces of said second plate member, each of said hinge leaf members having sufficient strength to support the weight imposed thereon by an associated concrete slab and being provided with a cylindrical aperture therethrough having its aXis parallel to the opposed major surfaces of the plate member associated therewith; said first rigid hinge leaf member having a portion projecting beyond the boundaries of said first plate member in a direction parallel to said opposed major surfaces thereof, said projecting portion being provided with an aperture therethrough, said aperture being positioned so that a lifting frame may be secured thereto for lifting as an assembled unit said hinge means and associated concrete slabs; and a cylindrical hinge pin extending through said cylindrical apertures in said first and second hinge leaves.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
228 words
A removable hinge means for use in concrete building construction, said hinge means comprising a first plate member having opposed major surfaces and a second plate member having opposed major surfaces, said major surfaces of said first and second plate members having apertures therethrough adapted to receive threaded bolts releasably engagable with wire anchoring inserts embedded in concrete slabs to be hingedly interconnected by said hinge means; a first rigid hinge lead projecting normally from one of said opposed major surfaces of said first plate member and a second rigid leaf projecting normally from one of said opposed major surfaces of said second plate member, each of said hinge leaf members having sufficient strength to support the weight imposed thereon by an associated concrete slab and being provided with a cylindrical aperture therethrough having its aXis parallel to the opposed major surfaces of the plate member associated therewith; said first rigid hinge leaf member having a portion projecting beyond the boundaries of said first plate member in a direction parallel to said opposed major surfaces thereof, said projecting portion being provided with an aperture therethrough, said aperture being positioned so that a lifting frame may be secured thereto for lifting as an assembled unit said hinge means and associated concrete slabs; and a cylindrical hinge pin extending through said cylindrical apertures in said first and second hinge leaves.