Multi-purpose mobile modular structure

Abstract

A modular building system is disclosed. The modular building includes a plurality of pre-fabricated joints having open-ended hollow arms extending orthoganally along at least two directional axes, as defined by a 3-dimensional rectangular coordinate system. The system further includes a plurality of pre-fabricated beams detachably insertable into the open-ends of the hollow arms of the joints and connectors removeably securing the beams in the hollow arms of the joints. The joints and beams are assembled to build a variety of modular grid-frame structures in accordance with pre-determined assembly plans.

1 . A modular building system comprising:
 a plurality of pre-fabricated joints having open-ended hollow arms extending orthogonally along at least two directional axes, as defined by a 3-dimensional rectangular coordinate system;   a plurality of pre-fabricated beams detachably insertable into the open-ends of the hollow arms of said joints; and   connectors removably securing said beams in the hollow arms of said joints; wherein   said joints and beams are assembled to build a variety of modular grid-frame structures in accordance with pre-determined assembly plans.   
     
     
         2 . The modular building system according to  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of pre-fabricated panels. 
     
     
         3 . The modular building system according to  claim 1 , wherein said joints and beams are made using a light-weight metal. 
     
     
         4 . The modular building system according to  claim 1 , wherein said joints and said beams are made of extruded aluminum. 
     
     
         5 . The modular building system according to  claim 1 , wherein said joints have up to six hollow arms extending orthogonally along directional axes, as defined by a 3-dimensional rectangular coordinate system. 
     
     
         6 . The modular building system according to  claim 5 , wherein said joints further comprise at least one bracing member, said bracing member is diagonally positioned between two adjacent hollow arms extending along orthogonally along directional axes, as defined by a 3-dimensional rectangular coordinate system. 
     
     
         7 . The modular building system according to  claim 5 , wherein said joints further comprise hollow arms of differing lengths extending along orthogonally along directional axes, as defined by a 3-dimensional rectangular coordinate system. 
     
     
         8 . The modular building system according to  claim 2 , wherein said panels comprising a first sheet member and a second sheet member. 
     
     
         9 . The modular building system according to  claim 8 , wherein said first sheet member is supported by a support-frame structure, and the support-frame correspondingly fits within an opening in the grid-frame structure formed by said joints and said beams. 
     
     
         10 . The modular building system according to  claim 8 , wherein said first sheet members is supported by a first support-frame structure and said second sheet member is supported by a second support-frame structure, and the first and second support-frame structures correspondingly fit within an opening in the grid-frame structure formed by said joints and said beams. 
     
     
         11 . The modular building system according to  claim 8 , wherein an insulative material is positioned between said first and second sheet members. 
     
     
         12 . The modular building system according to  claim 2 , wherein said connectors simultaneously secure said panels to the grid-frame structure. 
     
     
         13 . The modular building system according to  claim 1 , wherein said beam is a tube. 
     
     
         14 . The modular building system according to  claim 13 , wherein said beam has support members forming compartments within the tube. 
     
     
         15 . The modular building system according to  claim 13 , wherein said beam has support members forming a compartment within the tube for holding a reinforcing member. 
     
     
         16 . The modular building system according to  claim 15 , wherein said reinforcing member is a steel rod. 
     
     
         17 . A modular building system comprising:
 a plurality of pre-fabricated joints having sleeves extending along at least a first direction and a second direction;   a plurality of pre-fabricated beams which can mate with the sleeves of the joints; and   a locking mechanism for securing the beams and the joints when the beams and the joints are mated; wherein   the joints and beams are assembled to build a variety of modular frame structures in accordance with a pre-determined assembly plan.   
     
     
         18 . The modular building system of  claim 17   wherein:   the sleeves of the joints include hollow sections; and   the beams are mated with the joints by inserting the beams into the hollow sections of the joints.   
     
     
         19 . The modular building system of  claim 17   wherein:   the beams include hollow sections; and   the beams are mated with the joints by inserting the sleeves of the joints into the hollow sections of the beams.   
     
     
         20 . The modular building system of  claim 17   wherein:   the first and second directions are orthogonal to each other.   
     
     
         21 . The modular building system of  claim 17   wherein:   a disengaged locking mechanism enables unmating of the beams and joints.