Multi-purpose construction module

Abstract

This application relates to a light-weight, multi-purpose construction module. The module may be used, for example, as a mold for settable materials such as concrete. A plurality of modules may be aligned together in different configurations for use as a temporary road or support for use on unstable terrain, such as arctic tundra or wetlands. In yet another application the module may be deployed as a storage or shelving unit. The module comprises a deck and a plurality of wall elements projecting from the deck and defining a plurality of honeycomb-like compartments. The module may be used in conjunction with a mating cover for sealingly enclosing the module compartments.

1 . A construction module comprising:
 (a) a planar deck; and   (c) a plurality of wall elements projecting from said deck, wherein said wall elements define a plurality of compartments, each of said compartments having a closed end defined by a portion of said deck and an open end remote from said deck.   
   
   
       2 . The construction module as defined in  claim 1 , wherein at least some of said wall elements define a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart partitions extending longitudinally on said deck. 
   
   
       3 . The construction module as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said deck is a sheet having a first side and a second side, wherein said wall elements project from said first side in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of said sheet. 
   
   
       4 . The construction module as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said wall elements are arranged such that at least some of said compartments are diamond-shaped. 
   
   
       5 . The construction module as defined in  claim 4 , further comprising a plurality of ribs projecting from said second side of said sheet. 
   
   
       6 . The construction module as defined in  claim 3 , comprising a plurality of conduits extending transversely through said module at spaced-intervals for threading cable connectors therethrough. 
   
   
       7 . The construction module as defined in  claim 6 , wherein said conduits are arranged in parallel and extend in a transverse direction generally perpendicular to the direction of said partitions. 
   
   
       8 . The construction module as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said module comprises lateral cut-outs formed at the locations of end portions of said conduits to enable access to said end portions. 
   
   
       9 . The construction module as defined in  claim 8 , comprising at least one longitudinal slot formed in an end portion of said module for receiving a locking pin therein. 
   
   
       10 . The construction module as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said conduits extend through said wall elements at a location spaced-apart from said deck. 
   
   
       11 . The construction module as defined in  claim 3 , wherein some of said wall partitions formed a perimeter wall surrounding said module and enclosing said compartments. 
   
   
       12 . The construction module as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said module is formed from molded or cast plastic. 
   
   
       13 . A construction assembly comprising:
 (a) a construction module as defined in any one of  claim 1 ; and   (b) a cover connectable to said module, wherein said cover comprises a plurality of grooves formed therein for receiving end portions of said wall elements remote from said deck when said module and said cover are coupled together.   
   
   
       14 . The assembly as defined in  claim 13 , wherein cover is a sheet having a first side and a second side, wherein said grooves are formed on a first side of said cover. 
   
   
       15 . The assembly as defined in  claim 14 , wherein a plurality of ribs project from said second side of said cover. 
   
   
       16 . The assembly as defined in  claim 14 , further comprising a gasket located between said perimeter wall and said cover for sealingly coupling said module and said cover together. 
   
   
       17 . The assembly as defined in  claim 16 , wherein said module comprises male connectors and wherein said cover comprises female apertures for receiving said male connectors when said module and said cover are coupled together. 
   
   
       18 . A multi-module construction panel comprising:
 (a) a plurality of construction modules as defined in  claim 1 ; and   (b) at least one connector for releasably coupling said modules together.   
   
   
       19 . The construction panel as defined in  claim 18 , wherein each of said modules comprises a plurality of conduits extending transversely at spaced-intervals. 
   
   
       20 . The construction panel as defined in  claim 19 , wherein said modules are arranged so that said conduits are aligned and wherein said at least one connector comprises a cable threaded through said aligned connectors. 
   
   
       21 . The construction panel as defined in  claim 18 , wherein said at least one connector comprises a clip 
   
   
       22 . The construction panel as defined in  claim 21 , wherein said clip defines a recess for receiving perimeter wall portions of said modules. 
   
   
       23 . The construction panel as defined in  claim 18 , wherein said modules are arranged so that said slots in said end portions of modules are aligned and wherein said at least one connector comprises a locking pin insertable into said slots. 
   
   
       24 . The construction panel as defined in  claim 23 , wherein pin is generally U-shaped and comprises to spaced-apart prongs and a connector joining one end of said prongs together, wherein said connector is generally flush with said deck when said pin is fully inserted in said aligned slots. 
   
   
       25 . The panel as defined in  claim 24 , wherein the length of said prongs exceeds the depth of module, wherein said prongs anchor said panel in an underlying support surface when said pin is fully inserted into said aligned slots. 
   
   
       26 . A method of constructing a temporary support surface comprising:
 (a) providing a plurality of construction assemblies as defined in  claim 13 ;   (b) aligning said plurality of construction assemblies in a desired configuration; and   (c) releasably coupling said plurality of construction assemblies together.   
   
   
       27 . The method as defined in  claim 26 , wherein said coupling comprising passing one or more cables through said assemblies.