Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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INVENTION TITLE
MACHINE WALLS
CROSS RFTERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[Para 1] This application claims priority to application Ser. No.
17/168,890, filed on
February 5, 2020, the entire contents of which is hereby expressly
incorporated by reference
herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[Para 2] This invention relates to improvements in building
construction. More
particularly, the present modular walls used to construct a building creates a
method to quickly
assemble a building on a foundation.
BACKGROUND ART
[Para 3] The construction of buildings has progressed from caves to more
modern
construction, but the need to construct more efficiently and more rapidly
continues to be a high
priority. After a foundation is poured and set most methods of construction
include cutting and
securing 2 x 4 lumber at 16 inches on-center and then drilling holes in the
lumber to
accommodate electrical and plumbing connections. The plumbing and electrical
wiring is then
placed though the holes to make the connections. Both the cutting and nailing
of the studs
along with the wiring and plumbing is very labor intensive and adds a great
deal of cost and
time to time to construct a building or house. While some houses are custom
built, the majority
of houses are similar. There is a need to pre-fab some house walls so they can
be quickly
connected and secured to both accelerate the construction process and reduce
the overall cost of
the construction.
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[Para 4] A number of patents and or publications have been made to address
these issues.
Exemplary examples of patents and or publication that try to address this
/these problem(s) are
identified and discussed below.
[Para 5] U.S. Patent Number 5,634,315 issued on June 3, 1997 to Kiyomi
Toya and is titled
Building Method of Construction. This patent discloses constructing a building
by forming a
foundation on a ground surface, positioning a plurality of upright supports to
project upwardly
from the foundation and securing cladding panels to said upright supports to
extend upwardly
from the foundation, positioning a plurality of preformed composite assemblies
each having a
pair of composite boards and forming a building by utilizing the plurality of
preformed
composite assemblies disposed adjacent to each other for forming the walls,
the floor and the
ceiling of the building. This is a typical construction method and does not
include pre-
fabricated wall section with installed plumbing and electrical conduit.
[Para 61 U.S. Patent Number 6,256,960 issued on July 10, 2001 to Frank
J. Babcock et al.,
and is titled Modular Building Construction and Components Thereof. This
patent discloses a
modular building construction and components thereof. A foundation for a
building includes
anchor bolts extending around its periphery. A metal lower track is installed
over the anchor
bolts and secured thereto with nuts and rod couplers. Elongated connector rods
are threaded
onto the upper ends of the couplers. Pre-manufactured modular wall panels,
integrally molded
with a metal stud along a first lateral edge and a complementary recess along
a second lateral
edge, are successively installed in the track. A first panel is installed with
an open side of the
stud surrounding the connector rod. The second, adjacent panel is installed
with its second
lateral edge facing the stud. The two panels are slid together to surround and
enclose the
connector rod. In this patent electricity and plumbing is installed by
removing the wall skin.
[Para 7] U.S. Patent Number 7,062,885 issued on June 20, 2006 to George H.
Dickenson Jr.
and is titled Foundation Wall, Construction Kit and Method. This patent
discloses a kit is
generally comprised of prefabricated modular components and hardware, which
can be used for
easily and efficiently constructing a foundation for a moderately sized
building such as a house.
In another aspect, the present invention kit can be seen as embodying a
variety of
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optional modular components that can be used for constructing steps, landings,
and/or decks.
While this kit is for home construction, it is limited to exterior walls where
there is no electrical
or plumbing.
[Para 8] What is needed is a pre-fabricated wall section(s) that can
be quickly joined
together to build a building or house. The pre-fabricated wall sections should
also include
plumbing and electrical connections. The proposed machine walls provide the
solution.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[Para 91 It is an object of the machine walls to have sides that are
tapered and dovetailed.
The dovetails are spaced per structural requirements to reduce the height that
one section must
be lifted to engage in an adjoining wall section. The taper provides a loose
fit when the dovetail
starts to enter the dovetail slot and a tight secure engagement as the
dovetail tapers at the
bottom.
[Para 1 0] It is another object of the machine walls to have earthquake or
hurricane hold-
downs in the footer or bottom plate that aligns and can be secured from the
foundation to the
wall sections. These hold-downs can be spaced according to the building code
of the area
where the building or house is being constructed.
[Para 11] It is another object of the machine walls for the modular walls to
have a lock-in-
place feature whereby there is no secondary tools to fasten the wall sections
together. The locks
can be integrated in the side dovetails and be spring loaded or one-way
engagement to quickly
lock and secure the modular walls. The installation and locking of the modular
walls can be
performed without tools other than lifting hoists on unwieldy sections.
[Para 1 2] It is another object of the machine walls for the connection of the
wall section to
the foundation to have counter flashing at the concrete insert. This prevents
water intrusion into
the wall section or from under the modular wall. The counter flashing can
extend slightly up
the side of the modular wall and also provides flashing at the vertical
intersection of each wall.
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[Para 1 3] It is another object of the machine walls to include a global
position sensor (GPS)
or similar technology connected to the foundation sleeve so the location and
position of each
modular wall can be quickly located and placed without requiring an installer
to refer to plans
as they assembly the building.
[Para 1 4] It is still another object of the machine walls for the modular
wall section to have
integrated electrical wires (creating a circuit pathway) and / or plumbing
piping or conduit.
This will minimize the installation for secondary manual operations and the
location for
electrical and plumbing fixtures can be pre-located along a wall. The
actuating in-wall
electrical circuits mechanism may include an internal release that actuates
the mechanism when
the machine wall panel locks into place that automatically releases the
actuation electrical
connectors which create the electrical circuit.
[Para 1 5] It is still another object of the machine walls for the electrical
and / or plumbing
connections that join modular walls to be connected and sealed with bonding
agents, push, spin
lock or frictional lock to provide a secure sealed system / pathway for these
utilities where the
installer can quickly make connections between the modular walls.
[Para 1 6] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will
become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred
embodiments of the
invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals
represent like
components.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[Para 17] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a machine walls with the interior
and exterior
surfaces removed.
[Para 18] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a male side of the modular wall.
[Para 19] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a female side of the modular
wall/
[Para 20] FIG. 4 shows a foundation flashing.
[Para 21] FIG. 5 shows an end detail view of the foundation flashing.
[Para 22] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of anchoring the machine walls to
the bottom
flashing hold down.
[Para 23] FIG. 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the foundation, sill
and footer with
the insulating flashing.
[Para 24] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of
an anchoring
the machine walls to the bottom flashing hold down.
[Para 25] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of
an anchoring
the machine walls to the bottom flashing hold down.
[Para 26] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the machine wall being
assembled.
[Para 27] FIG. 11 shows a perspective wire frame view of a machine wall with
dovetail
fittings, electrical connections and a one-way anchoring system.
[Para 28] FIG. 12 shows a perspective wire frame view of a machine wall with
the electrical
connections and a one-way anchoring system.
[Para 29] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of both sides of the dovetail
fittings at one end
of each wall.
[Para 30] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the one-way anchoring system on
the bottom
of a wall section.
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[Para 31] FIG. 15 a perspective view of the one-way anchoring system with both
the male
post and the female receiver connections.
[Para 32] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of both wall connections for the
electrical
connections between two machine walls.
[Para 33] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the connected electrical
connections between
two machine walls.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[Para 34] It will be readily understood that the components of the present
invention, as
generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged
and designed in a
wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the
embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented
in the drawings,
is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but is merely
representative of various
embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention
will be best
understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by
like numerals
throughout.
[Para 35] Item Numbers and Description
[Para 36] 20 machine walls 21 foundation
[Para 37] 22 installed wall 30 header
[Para 38] 31 middle stud 32 cut-out
[Para 39] 33 footer / bottom plate 34 rod
[Para 40] 35 plug 36 expanding wedge
[Para 41] 37 coupling rod 38 one-way couple
[Para 42] 39 toothed rod 40 male side stud
[Para 431 41 male dovetail 42 gap
[Para 44] 43 male sill 44 lock
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[Para 45] 46 male dovetail 47 female dovetail
[Para 46] 48 ears 49 fastener
[Para 471 50 female side stud 53 female sill
[Para 48] 54 sill receiver opening 55 flashing
[Para 49] 56 base 60 plumbing 61 side tube
[Para 50] 62 coupler 63 end coupler
[Para 51] 64 plumbing tube 70 bottom flashing
[Para 52] 71 hold-down tube 72 flashing lip
[Para 531 73 flashing bottom 74 central opening
[Para 54] 75 anker 76 post
[Para 55] 77 socket 79 hole
[Para 56] 80 receiver 81 expanding receiver
[Para 57] 84 hole 85 flange
[Para 58] 86 ledges 87 tube
[Para 59] 88 move 89 in or out
[Para 60] 90 down 91 install
[Para 61] 92 down 93 tension
[Para 62] 94 expanded 95 insert
[Para 63] 96 open 97 extend
[Para 64] 98 lift spacing 99 stud spacing
[Para 651 100 conduit 101 conductor(s)
[Para 66] 102 turn 103 rotate
[Para 67] 110 break jaw box 111 fastener
[Para 68] 112 first break jaw 113 second break jaw
[Para 69] 114 third break jaw 115 first insulating
divider
[Para 70] 116 second insulating divider 120 male post
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[Para 71] 121 cylinder wall 122 flange
[Para 72] 123 hole 124 teeth
[Para 731 125 lever 126 hinge
[Para 74] 130 knife blade box 131 shaft
[Para 75] 132 fastener 133 barrel
[Para 76] 134 blade 135 insulator
[Para 77] 136 key 137 spring
[Para 781 FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a machine walls 20 with the
interior and
exterior surfaces removed. While this figure shows both the interior and the
exterior wall
surfaces removed, it is contemplated that the wall section can be installed
with at least one
outside substrate surface on the machine walls 20. When the outside substrate
surface is
installed, flashing of adjacent panels is needed or a secondary sealing
operation is needed. An
advantage for this type of installation is that the installer can perform all
of the joining of the
plumbing and electrical conduits from within the building or house.
[Para 79] The outside surface would be typically installed, but a finished
interior surface that
is covered with drywall or sheetrock could equally be covering one-side of the
modular wall 20.
The operation(s) to connect the electrical and plumbing lines together is then
performed from
the outside of the building or house. From the inside surface the drywall or
sheetrock can be
spackled textured and painted. An advantage of this type of installation is
that the openings for
the electrical junction boxes and plumbing can be pre-cut into the drywall or
sheetrock.
[Para 80] In this preferred embodiment the machine walls 20 section is 48
inches in width to
accommodate a common width of drywall or sheetrock, but other widths are
contemplated from
16 to 96 inches or per industry standards. It should be understood that the
width can also be
shorter than 16 inches and longer than 96 inches depending upon the design
requirements. This
embodiment also shows the middle stud(s) 31 with stud spacing 99 at 16 inches
on-center, but
can also be 12 or 24 inches depending upon the design requirement(s).
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[Para 81] The machine walls 20 can be constructed with 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 header
30, middle
studs 31 and footer 33, or other dimensions, again as dictated by the design
requirements. The
stud members can be from wood, metal or other structurally capable material
for the studs. Pre-
formed concrete and structural steel wall panels are also embedded with
interlocking
mechanism shows and described herein. The outside vertical studs have a male
side stud 40
with a male dovetail 41 and a female side stud 50 with a complementary female
dovetail (not
shown in this figure). The opposing dovetails allow the modular wall 20
sections to be quickly
assembled by lifting a (second) new wall section onto a first secured wall
section of the
machine walls 20. It is contemplated that the modular walls can include a side
vertical slip
correction for a wall-to-wall connection system option. Minor labor and lift
are required to set
the wall system into place as the vertical channel openings are oriented in
such a way as to
allow for the required structural strength (Typically 16" on center). The
dovetails can be
designed with an optional taper at the base of each connection to tighten the
connection as it
slides into place. Due to the potential lack of ceiling clearance in the
system, the base
mechanical lock system can also be utilized on the side edge of the system to
eliminate the need
to lift the panel system when necessary.
[Para 82] The side have dovetail connections that are tapered. The dovetails
are spaced to
have a gap 42 of between 3 and 18 inches on center to reduce the lift spacing
98 height that one
section must be lifted to engage in an adjoining wall section(s), but can be
greater than 18
inches or less than 3 inches, the distance between the dovetail connections
can be adjusted to
meet structural requirements and/ or local building code requirements. The
taper provides a
loose fit when the dovetail starts to enter the dovetail slot and a tight
secure engagement as the
dovetail tapers at the bottom. The bottom of the modular wall 20 shows a
bottom flashing 70
with hold-down tubes 71 for earthquake or hurricane protection. There can be a
mechanical
pressure actuating snap lock connection at the base of the wall system which
allows for a quick
lock in place installation process. The bottom flashing 70 or sill plate and
hold-down tubes 71
will be shown and described in other figures herein.
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[Para 83] The vertical studs are shown with a cut-out 32 where the plumbing
tube 64 passes
through the machine walls 20. While this example shows just a single plumbing
tube 64 the
machine walls 20 would have a hot water line a cold-water line and a line for
electrical
connections. In this figure only one plumbing tube 64 line is shown for
clarity and simplicity.
There is a first tube 60 and an end coupler 63 that connects to adjacent
modular wall 20
sections. A side tube 61 connects to the plumbing tube 64 for a rough plumbing
connection for
a sink, toilet, shower, hose bib or the like. An expandable couple 62 allows
the plumbing tube
64 to be expanded or contracted to connect to other modular wall 20 sections.
[Para 84] The electrical and / or plumbing connections that join modular walls
to be
connected and sealed with bonding agents, push, spin lock or frictional lock
to provide a secure
sealed system where the installer can quickly make connections between the
modular walls.
This is contemplated to be a one-way locking or rotation system as a cam or
tab that bends and
flexes back into position after the wall section is fully inserted but may
also include an access
door or hole to release the lock to remove the wall section.
[Para 85] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a male side of the modular wall
and FIG. 3
shows a perspective view of a female side of the modular wall. In these
figures you can see the
opposing sides of the modular wall with the footer 33 in the bottom flashing
70. The hold-down
tube 71 is shown extending out the bottom of the bottom flashing 70. The
footer has a rod 34
that is secured or bonded into each hold-down tube 71 to secure the modular
wall section into
the bottom flashing 70. The rod can be threaded, studded or an expandable bold
that grips the
hold-down tube 71. A lip 72 of the bottom flashing 70 can be seen extending up
one or more
sides of the footer 33.
[Para 86] Middle stud(s) 31 are seen in these views inside of the male side
stud 40 with the
male dovetail 41. The cut-out 32 provides clearance for plumbing tube 64 and /
or electrical
tubes that can run through the modular wall(s). The end coupler 63 can extend
97 to connect
plumbing and / or electrical to multiple modular walls.
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[Para 87] FIG. 4 shows a foundation flashing and FIG. 5 shows an end detail
view of the
foundation flashing. It is contemplated that the bottom flashing 70 or sill
plate can be cast or
set into the foundation. The flashing bottom 73 is joined or sealed with the
foundation. The
bottom of the hold-down tube 71 can have one or more horizontally or
vertically joined plates
that further secure the bottom flashing 70 or sill plate into the foundation.
One or more sides of
the bottom flashing 70 can have flashing lip(s) 72 that can extend along the
bottom of the footer
that is not shown in this figure and can open 96 or flex to seal the bottom
flashing 70 to the
footer. The hold-down tube 71 has a central opening 74 that accepts and joins
to the rod that
extends from the bottom of the footer.
[Para 88] An advantage of counter flashing vertical legs that are built into
the subsurface or
foundation is for a waterproofing process at the base of the wall system,
there is a vertical lip
built into the subsurface locking channel that allows for a full counter
flashed connection when
the wall panel that is set in place.
[Para 89] Wall system has built in sensors for unmanned, autonomous or
remotely controlled
delivery systems, it allows for 2-point fulcrum setting capabilities (wall can
be set initially
manually). Each panel can have a GPS sensor and /or a RFID tag to identify the
panel and
where each panel is positioned, located and secured. This will eliminate
assembly errors and
will allow the building or house to quickly assembled with high precision.
[Para 90] While the panels are shown as solid wall panels it is contemplated
that the wall
panels can be fabricated and installed with openings for windows and / or
doors. It is also
contemplated that the window frames or window frame with glass can be
installed or pre-
installed on the machine walls 20.
[Para 91] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of anchoring the machine walls to
the bottom
flashing hold down. In this embodiment the bottom flashing 70 has a socket 77
secured to the
bottom. The socket 77 has a post 76 with a bent anker 75. These components are
cemented or
cast into the foundation. This provides a secure system in the foundation. The
socket 77 is
tapered, and the taper further secures the socket within the foundation of the
building. The
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socket 77 has a central opening 74 that accepts an expanding wedge 36 that is
secured to the
bottom of the rod 34 that is on the footer (not shown).
[Para 92] When the machine walls are being assembled, the expanding wedge 36
is inserted
95 through the central opening 74 and is expanded 94 to pull and set the
machine walls in the
foundation. The expanding wedge 36 can be expanded by creating tension 93 as a
plug 35 is
withdrawn into the expanding wedge 36. It is also contemplated that the
expanding wedge 36
can be automatically expanded with internal springs when the plug contacts the
bottom of the
socket. This does not require any tools for operation and the springs will
both pull the
expanding wedge 36 into the socket 77 and any downward force on the rod 34
will further
secure the expanding wedge 36 within the socket 77. It is contemplated that
the machine walls
can be assembled with robots or automation.
[Para 93] FIG. 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the foundation 21, and
footer 33
with the insulating flashing 55. In this figure three installed walls 22 are
shown, and a machine
wall 20 is being brought down 92. The vertical studs and middle stud 31 are
secured to the
footer / bottom plate 33. It is also contemplated that the wall can be a solid
construction
without internal studs. The footer /bottom plate 33 is secured to a male sill
43 box. The male
sill 43 box has a bottom lock 44. The male sill 43 box is pushed clown 92 into
a female sill 53
box that has a sill receiver opening 54 for the male sill 43 box. In the
bottom of the female sill
53 box is a retainer that locks onto the lock 44 in the male sill 43 box. When
the two parts are
engaged together the female sill 53 box has a flashing 55 that prevents water
intrusion into the
machine wall frame. The flashing 55 can also be configured for finishing
materials such as, but
not limited to, stucco, block, wood siding or shingles.
[Para 94] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of
an anchoring
the machine walls to the bottom flashing hold down. In this embodiment there
is a coupling rod
37 with a one-way coupling 38 that snaps into a receiver 80. The expanding
receiver 81 uses
spring loaded balls, pins or tapered latches or locks onto the one-way
coupling 38 when the
coupling rod 37 is pressed down 92. This locks the machine wall into the
foundation without
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the need for secondary operations like threading a nut onto a rod or nailing
the footer into a sill
or foundation.
[Para 95] F1G. 9 shows a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of
an anchoring
the machine walls to the bottom flashing hold down. This embodiment uses
angled teeth on a
toothed rod 39. The toothed rod 39 is pressed or driven down 92 into a hole in
the foundation.
The teeth grip into the hole 79 and adhesives may also be added into the hole
79 or onto the
teeth to bond the toothed rod 39 into the hole 79.
[Para 96] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the machine wall 20 being
assembled. This
figure shows multiple male side studs 40 with three installed and secured
machine walls 20 and
a fourth machine wall 20 being lowered down 92 into position. The bottom of
each coupling
rod 37 is a one-way coupling 38. Withing the hold-down tube(s) 71 is a
receiver 80 that
connects and secures the machine wall 20 when the machine wall 20 brought into
position.
This is completed without any secondary tightening or securing of additional
hardware.
[Para 97] FIG. 11 shows a perspective wire frame view of a machine wall 20
with dovetail
fittings, electrical connections and a one-way anchoring system and FIG. 12
shows a
perspective wire frame view of a machine wall 20 with the electrical
connections and a one-way
anchoring system. These figures show the machine wall 20 with an alternative
securing system
and an electrical connection that joins adjacent machine walls 20. At the top
of the machine
walls 20 are interconnecting dovetail fittings with the secured wall having a
female dovetail 47
and machine wall 20 that is being installed having a male dovetail 40.
[Para 98] The foundation has a plurality of receivers 80 that accept male
posts 120 that
extend from the bottom of the footer /bottom plate 33 on each machine wall 20.
Upon
installation the male posts 120 are inserted into the receiver(s) 80 and
"tapped" down to secure
the male post(s) 120. Each machine wall 20 section can be quickly set and
locked into position.
In figure 11, a section is shown with a window. Each machine wall 20 section
is pre-fabricated
with all of the doors, windows or other characteristic when the machine wall
20 is fabricated.
Upon installation the machine wall 20 sections are anchored according to the
assembly order
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and instruction. After securing the machine wall 20, the electrical (and /or
plumbing)
connections are aligned. In these figures the conduit 100 in each machine wall
20 section
includes a break jaw box 110 and a knife blade box 130_ Further figures and
description of the
interconnection is shown and described in other figures herein.
[Para 99] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of both sides of the dovetail
fittings at one end
of each wall. On the right side of this figures is an installed wall 22, and
on the left side of this
figure is a machine wall 20 that is being installed. The installed wall 22 has
a female dovetail
47, while the machine wall 20 being installed has a male dovetail 46. While
this figure shows
the walls being aligned in a linear arrangement the wall being installed could
be placed at a 90-
degree angle or at another angle where the machine wall 20 being installed has
the male
dovetail 46 set at a desired angle to mate with the female dovetail 47. The
female dovetail 47 is
recessed into the wall a mating while the male dovetail 46 is set outside of
the flush end surface
of the wall. Each male dovetail 46 and female dovetail 47 is a bracket having
ears 48 and is
secured to the respective side of the machine wall with faster (s) 49.
[Para 100] The wall being installed is simply lifted onto the installed
machine wall 22 to
engage the dovetail surfaces. While only one dovetail connection is shown,
multiple dovetail
connections can exist along the height of the wall edge to provide multiple
securing locations
based upon building code. It is also contemplated to include a lateral
adjustment track is
indicated in image 18. This allow the male stud to be adjustable if necessary,
to line the male
and female studs up when needed.
[Para 101] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the one-way anchoring system on
the bottom
of a wall section, FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the one-way anchoring
system with both
the male post 120 and the female receiver 80 connections. When the foundation
(or floor) is
poured or set the receiver(s) 80 are set, cast or poured. A flange 85 base or
foundation template
can be used to locate and retain the receiver(s) 80 in place in the base 56 or
foundation. The
flange 85 can remain or be removed and reused. The flange 85 base creates a
pre-set distance
between concrete embed inserts for a high level of accuracy of required to
space the concrete
embed inserts for installation of the wall panel system. Each receiver 80 has
hole 84 in a tube
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87 that accepts a male post 120 that extends out the bottom of the machine
wall. On one (or
more) side of the inside of the tube 87 has a plurality of ledges 86 or teeth.
The ledges 86 or
teeth are configured to engage with teeth 124 in the male post 120_
[Para 102] The male post 120 extends through a hole from the bottom of the
footer 33 on the
machine wall section(s). A flange 122 holds the footer 33 into the receiver
80. A hole 123 in
the flange 122 is the interior of the cylindrical wall 121 of the tube that
forms the male post 120.
The tube receiver can also be square, rectangular and composed of other
practical shapes, The
male post 120 has locking teeth 124 that engage in the ledges 86 within the
tube 87. The teeth
124 exist on a hinge 126 that allows the teeth 124 to flex and move 88 in and
out 89 as the teeth
ratch into the ledges 86. While a particular number of teeth 124 and ledges 86
are shown, a
different number of teeth 124 and ledges 86 can be used along with locating
the teeth 124 and
ledges in multiple locations or locating the ledges 86 around the interior of
the tube 87. The top
of the flange 122 can be "struck" or pressure applied to drive and lock the
machine wall onto
the receiver 80. The locking teeth 124 components is further shown with a
lever 125 that can be
rotated or moved 88 to release the teeth 124 from the ledges 86 so the machine
wall can be dis-
assembled, repositioned or moved.
[Para 103] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of both wall connections for the
electrical
connections between two machine walls and FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of
the connected
electrical connections between two machine walls. A time-consuming task with
erecting a
house is pulling electrical wiring through the wall studs. In the machine
walls, electrical
conduit 100 with internal conductors 101 are pre-installed within the machine
walls. Each
connection box is secured with fasteners 111 or 132. When the walls are
installed each side of
the wall sections have mating electrical connections that provide power
through the wall
sections. The installed wall section has a break jaw box 110 with the three
electrical connection
for a first break jaw 112, a second break jaw 113 and a third break jaw 114
that connect to the
hot, neutral and ground electrical wiring. A first insulating divider 115 and
a second insulating
divider 166 ensure electrical isolation between the conductors.
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PCT/US2021/026490
[Para 104] With the knife blade box 130 the conductors 101 enter a rotatable
barrel 133
having an insulator 135 where each conductor 101 connects to a separate
blade(s) 134. The
barrel 133 rotated 103 to move the blade(s) 134 from a vertical position to a
horizontal position.
A spring 137 biases the rotation of the blades 134 to maintain the position of
the blades 134. In
the horizontal position the blades (134) engage into their respective break
jaw 112 ¨ 114. A key
136 or shaft 131 is inserted into the barrel 133 to turn 102 the shaft 131 and
or barrel 133 with a
key to engage (or disengage) the electrical connection between adjacent
machine walls.
[Para 105] Thus, specific embodiments of modular walls used to construct a
building have
been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art
that many more
modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the
inventive
concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be
restricted except in the
spirit of the appended claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[Para 106] The industrial applicability relates to building construction.
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