Insert for containers

Abstract

An insert system for transforming a transport container into a habitable structure. The system includes panels that are inserted into an existing container, wherein an insulating cavity remains between the container and the inert panels. The cavity provides efficient environmental control.

1 . An insert system for transforming a container into a habitable structure comprising: 
 a plurality of insert panels to form walls within the container;    wherein when the panels are positioned in the container, there remains an insulating cavity between at least a portion of the panels and the container.    
   
   
       2 . The insert system of  claim 1  further comprising a utility panel.  
   
   
       3 . The insert system of  claim 2  wherein the utility panel provides hook-ups for one or more utility systems selected from the group comprising telephone, electricity, gas, and cable.  
   
   
       4 . The insert system of  claim 1  further comprising a frame for positioning the insert panels within the container.  
   
   
       5 . The insert system of  claim 1  further comprising a temperature control system for controlling the temperature within the cavity.  
   
   
       6 . The insert system of  claim 1  further comprising a ventilation system to ventilate the cavity.  
   
   
       7 . The insert system of  claim 6  wherein the ventilation system includes at least one fan.  
   
   
       8 . The insert system of  claim 1  further comprising a humidity control device to control the humidity within the cavity.  
   
   
       9 . The insert system of  claim 1  further comprising joining elements to join the panel inserts to one another.  
   
   
       10 . The insert system of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the insert panels are made of a composite material.  
   
   
       11 . The insert system of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the insert panels are made of a synthetic material.  
   
   
       12 . The insert system of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the insert panels are made of a laminate material.  
   
   
       13 . The insert system of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the insert panels include a material that allows transfer of moisture in only one direction.  
   
   
       14 . The insert system of  claim 1  further comprising one or more flex-inhibiting components.  
   
   
       15 . The insert system of  claim 14  wherein the flex-inhibiting components are one or more spacers disposed between the insert panels and container walls.  
   
   
       16 . The insert system of  claim 14  wherein the flex-inhibiting components are disposed within the insert panel.  
   
   
       17 . The insert system of  claim 1  further comprising a generator.  
   
   
       18 . The insert system of  claim 1  wherein at least one panel has a door.  
   
   
       19 . The insert system of  claim 1  further comprising a filtering system to filter the air in the cavity.  
   
   
       20 . The insert system of  claim 9  wherein the joining elements have one or more flex-inhibiting components.  
   
   
       21 . The insert container of  claim 20  wherein the flex inhibiting components have one or more cut-outs.  
   
   
       22 . The insert container of  claim 9  wherein the joining elements have one or more component positioning mechanisms to position one or more components other than insert panels.  
   
   
       23 . A method of creating a habitable structure, comprising the steps of: 
 inserting panels in a container leaving an insulating cavity between the insert panels and said the container.    
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , further comprising the step of: conditioning the air in the cavity.