Central core for a building

Abstract

A prefabricated core for a building with all services already built in. The core serves as: 1. the housing for all the home's mechanical, plumbing and electrical sources, and 2. a major structural support, providing three shear walls to the structure. This invention allows access to all of the services thus allowing for ease of maintenance and avoidance of collateral damage during renovations and remodeling.

1 . A core for a building comprising:
 a) a framework of rectangular shape having N, E, S and W sides; said framework comprised of a plurality of vertical and horizontal beams connected to each other; portions of said horizontal beams protruding past said vertical beams; whereby said protruding portions have protruding ends   b) a plurality of building subsystems attached inside of said framework; some of said subsystems provided with connections for connecting with city services;   c) an interior panel attached to said E, S and W sides; and   d) an exterior panel attached to said N side.   
     
     
         2 . A core as claimed in  claim 1  in which said framework is comprised of a front half framework and a rear half framework; said front half framework having a front E half side a front W half-side and said N side; a front S side of said front half-framework being open; said rear half-framework having a rear E half side a rear W half-side and said S side; a rear N side of said half-framework being open. 
     
     
         3 . A core as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of brackets attached to the protruding ends of said beams. 
     
     
         4 . A core as claimed in  claim 3  in which said interior panel comprises studs attached to interior facings; said studs attached to said brackets. 
     
     
         5 . A core as claimed in  claim 4  further comprising a first ledger positioned to support a floor and a second ledger positioned to support a ceiling attached through said interior facings and into said studs. 
     
     
         6 . A core as claimed in  claim 3  in which said exterior panel comprises studs attached to exterior facings; said studs attached to said brackets. 
     
     
         7 . A core as claimed in  claim 4  or  6  in which said studs and panels are wooden. 
     
     
         8 . A core as claimed in  claim 1  in which said subsystems include:
 a) an electrical subsystem; 
 b) an exhaust subsystem; 
 c) a gas subsystem; 
 d) an air supply subsystem; 
 e) a fire suppression subsystem; 
 f) a phone subsystem; 
 g) a lighting subsystem; 
 h) a sewer subsystem; and 
 i) a water subsystem. 
 
     
     
         9 . A core as claimed in  claim 8  in which said subsystems further include
 a) a TV distribution subsystem; 
 b) a Wi Fi subsystem; and 
 c) a water softening subsystem. 
 
     
     
         10 . A core as claimed in  claim 1  in which city services include water, gas, sewer, phone, cable and electricity. 
     
     
         11 . A core for a building comprising:
 a) a front half framework of rectangular shape having a front top, front E and W half sides, and front N and S sides; said front S side being open;   b) a rear half framework of rectangular shape having a rear top, rear E and W half sides, and rear N and S sides; said rear N side being open;   c) said half frameworks comprised of a plurality of vertical and horizontal beams connected to each other; portions of said horizontal beams protruding past said vertical beams; whereby said protruding portions have protruding ends;   d) a front lifting mechanism attached to said front top;   e) a rear lifting mechanism attached to said rear top;   f) a set of building subsystems attached inside said front and rear half frameworks; some of said subsystems provided with connections for connecting with city services;   g) an interior panel attached to said front E and W half sides, said rear E and W half sides, and said rear S side; and   h) an exterior panel attached to said front N side   
     
     
         12 . A core as claimed in  claim 11  further comprising a plurality of brackets attached to the protruding ends of said beams. 
     
     
         13 . A core as claimed in  claim 12  in which said interior panel comprises studs attached to interior facings; said studs attached to said brackets. 
     
     
         14 . A core as claimed in  claim 13  further comprising a first ledger positioned to support a floor and a second ledger positioned to support a ceiling attached through said interior facings and into said studs. 
     
     
         15 . A core as claimed in  claim 12  in which exterior panel comprises studs attached to exterior facings; said studs attached to said brackets. 
     
     
         16 . A core as claimed in  claim 12  or  13  in which said studs and panels are wooden. 
     
     
         17 . A core as claimed in  claim 11  in which said subsystems include:
 a) an electrical subsystem; 
 b) an exhaust subsystem; 
 c) a gas subsystem; 
 d) an air supply subsystem; 
 e) a fire suppression subsystem; 
 f) a phone subsystem; 
 g) a lighting subsystem; 
 h) a sewer subsystem; and 
 i) a water subsystem. 
 
     
     
         18 . A core as claimed in  claim 17  in which said subsystems further include
 a) a TV distribution subsystem; 
 b) a Wi Fi subsystem; and 
 c) a water softening subsystem. 
 
     
     
         19 . A core as claimed in  claim 11  in which city services are water, gas, sewer, phone, cable and electricity. 
     
     
         20 . A core as claimed in  claim 8  or  17  in in which said electrical subsystem comprises:
 a) an electric meter mounted on said exterior covering; said electrical meter adapted to connect with a city electrical service; 
 b) a circuit breaker box; and 
 c) a junction box;
 interconnected by electrical wiring running through conduit. 
 
 
     
     
         21 . A core as claimed in  claim 8  or  17  in in which said exhaust subsystem comprises an inline fan and interconnecting ducting 
     
     
         22 . A core as claimed in  claim 8  or  17  in in which said gas subsystem comprises an interconnecting a gas pipe. 
     
     
         23 . A core as claimed in  claim 8  or  17  in in which said air supply subsystem comprises:
 a) a furnace; 
 b) a heating coil; 
 c) a return plenum; 
 d) a first supply plenum; 
 e) a second supply plenum; 
 f) an air supply duct; and 
 g) an air return. 
 
     
     
         24 . A core as claimed in  claim 8  or  17  in in which said fire suppression subsystem comprises:
 a) a fire sprinkler riser connected to connect to a city water main; and 
 b) a drain connected to said fire sprinkler riser. 
 
     
     
         25 . A core as claimed in  claim 8  or  17  in in which said phone subsystem comprises:
 a) a punch block for connection to a city phone service; 
 b) a wire connected to said punch block, and adapted to connect to a telephone. 
 
     
     
         26 . A core as claimed in  claim 8  or  17  in which said lighting subsystem comprises: an internet protocol lighting control panel electrically connected to said breaker box. 
     
     
         27 . A core as claimed in  claim 8  or  17  in in which said sewer subsystem comprises:
 a) a sewer pipe adapted to connect to a city sanitary drain; 
 b) a drain pipe connected to said sewer pipe, adapted for attachment to a sink; 
 c) a drain pipe connected to said sewer pipe, attachment to a toilet bowl; 
 d) a drain pipe connected to said sewer pipe, for attachment to a tub; and 
 e) a drain pipe connected to said sewer pipe, for attachment to a shower. 
 
     
     
         28 . A core as claimed in  claim 8  or  17  in which said water subsystem comprises:
 a) a water influx pipe, adapted to connect to a city water main; 
 b) a cold water distribution pipe connected to said water influx pipe and adapted to connect to a cold water appliance; 
 c) a tankless water heater connected to cold water distribution pipe; and 
 d) a hot water distribution pipe connected to said tankless water heater and adapted to connect to a hot water appliance. 
 
     
     
         29 . A core as claimed in  claim 9  or  18  in in which said TV distribution subsystem comprises a coax adapted to connect to a TV antenna or a city cable TV service. 
     
     
         30 . A core as claimed in  claim 9  or  18  in in which said Wi-Fi subsystem comprises a wireless modem connected to a city internet service. 
     
     
         31 . A core as claimed in  claim 9  or  18  in in which said water softening subsystem comprises a water softener connected between said water influx and said cold water distribution pipe. 
     
     
         32 . A method of constructing a core for a building, comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a plurality of vertical and horizontal beams;   b) connecting said beams so as to form a framework of rectangular shape having a top, and N, E, S and W sides with portions of said horizontal beams protruding past said vertical beams; whereby said protruding portions have protruding ends;   c) providing a plurality of building subsystems; some of said subsystems provided with connections for connecting with city services;   d) providing a lifting mechanism;   e) attaching said lifting mechanism to said top;   f) attaching said subsystems inside of said framework;   g) providing an interior panel;   h) attaching said interior panel to said E, S and W sides;   i) providing an exterior panel; and   j) attaching said exterior panel to said N side.   
     
     
         33 . A method as claimed in  claim 32 , further comprising the steps of:
 a) pouring a foundation is a building site;   b) providing a location remote from said building site:   c) constructing said core at said remote location;   d) lifting said core with said lifting mechanism;   e) placing said core on a vehicle;   f) transporting said core to said building site; and   g) placing said core on said foundation so that said exterior panel is at an exterior of said building.   
     
     
         34 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  in which said framework is comprised of a front half framework and a rear half framework; said front half framework having front E and W half-sides and said N side; a front S side of said front half-framework being open; said rear half-framework having rear E and W half-sides and said S side; a rear N side of said half-framework being open 
     
     
         35 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  further comprising the step of attaching a plurality of brackets to the protruding ends of said beams. 
     
     
         36 . A method as claimed in  claim 35  wherein said step of providing said interior panel comprises the steps of:
 a) providing studs and interior facings; and 
 b) attaching said studs to said interior facings. 
 
     
     
         37 . A method as claimed in  claim 36  wherein said step of attaching said interior panel to said E, S and W sides comprises the step of attaching said studs to said brackets. 
     
     
         38 . A method as claimed in  claim 36  further comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a floor ledger and a ceiling ledger; 
 b) positioning said floor ledger on said S, E and W sides at a level to support a floor; 
 c) attaching said floor ledger through said interior facings and into said studs; 
 d) positioning said ceiling ledger on said S, E and W sides at a level to support a ceiling; and 
 e) attaching said ceiling ledger through said interior facings and into said studs. 
 
     
     
         39 . A method as claimed in  claim 35  wherein said step of providing an exterior panel comprises the steps of:
 a) providing studs and exterior facings; 
 b) attaching said studs to said exterior facings; and 
 c) attaching said studs to said facings. 
 
     
     
         40 . A method as claimed in  claim 35  wherein said step of attaching said exterior panel to said E, S and W sides comprises the step of attaching said studs to said brackets. 
     
     
         41 . A method as claimed in  claim 36  or  39  in which said studs and panels are wooden. 
     
     
         42 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  in which said subsystems include:
 a) an electrical subsystem; 
 b) an exhaust subsystem; 
 c) a gas subsystem; 
 d) an air supply subsystem; 
 e) a fire suppression subsystem; 
 f) a phone subsystem; 
 g) a lighting subsystem; 
 h) a sewer subsystem; and 
 i) a water subsystem. 
 
     
     
         43 . A method as claimed in  claim 40  in which said subsystems further include
 a) a TV distribution subsystem; 
 b) a Wi Fi subsystem; and 
 c) a water softening subsystem. 
 
     
     
         44 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  in which city services include water, gas, sewer, phone, cable and electricity. 
     
     
         45 . A method of fabricating a core for a building comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a plurality of vertical and horizontal beams   b) connecting a front set of said beams to form a front half framework of rectangular shape having a front top, front E and W half sides, and front N and S sides; said front S side being open;   c) connecting a rear set of said beams to form a rear half framework of rectangular shape having a rear top, rear E and W half sides, and rear N and S sides; said rear N side being open;
 portions of said horizontal beams protruding past said vertical beams; whereby said protruding portions have protruding ends; 
   d) providing a front lifting mechanism;   e) attaching said front lifting mechanism to said front top;   f) providing a rear lifting mechanism;   g) attaching said rear lifting mechanism to said rear top;   h) providing a set of building subsystems; some of said subsystems provided with connections for connecting with city services;   i) attaching said building subsystems inside said front and rear half frameworks; providing an interior panel;   j) attaching said interior panel to said front E and W half sides, said rear E and W half sides, and said rear S side; whereby a rear half core is fabricated;   k) providing an exterior panel; and   l) attaching said exterior panel to said front N side; whereby a front half core is fabricated.   
     
     
         46 . A method as claimed in  claim 45  further comprising the step of attaching a plurality of brackets to the protruding ends of said beams. 
     
     
         47 . A method as claimed in  claim 45  wherein said step of providing said interior panel comprises the steps of:
 a) providing studs and interior facings; and 
 b) attaching said studs to said interior facings. 
 
     
     
         48 . A method as claimed in  claim 45  wherein said step of attaching said interior panel to said E half sides, said W half sides and said S side comprises the step of attaching said studs to said brackets. 
     
     
         49 . A method as claimed in  claim 47  or  48  further comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a floor ledger and a ceiling ledger; 
 b) positioning said floor ledger on said S side and said E and W half sides at a level to support a floor; 
 c) attaching said floor ledger through said interior facings and into said studs; 
 d) positioning said ceiling ledger on said S side and said E and W half sides at a level to support a ceiling; and 
 e) attaching said ceiling ledger through said interior facings and into said studs. 
 
     
     
         50 . A method as claimed in  claim 45  wherein said step of providing an exterior panel comprises the steps of:
 a) providing studs and exterior facings; and 
 b) attaching said studs to said exterior facings. 
 
     
     
         51 . A method as claimed in  claim 46  wherein said step of attaching said exterior panel to said N side comprises the step of attaching said studs to said brackets. 
     
     
         52 . A method as claimed in  claim 47  or  50  in which said studs and panels are wooden. 
     
     
         53 . A method as claimed in  claim 45  in which said subsystems include:
 a) an electrical subsystem; 
 b) an exhaust subsystem; 
 c) a gas subsystem; 
 d) an air supply subsystem; 
 e) a fire suppression subsystem; 
 f) a phone subsystem; 
 g) a lighting subsystem; 
 h) a sewer subsystem; and 
 i) a water subsystem. 
 
     
     
         54 . A method as claimed in  claim 53  in which said subsystems further include
 a) a TV distribution subsystem; 
 b) a Wi Fi subsystem; and 
 c) a water softening subsystem. 
 
     
     
         55 . A method as claimed in  claim 45  in which city services are water, gas, sewer, phone, cable and electricity. 
     
     
         56 . A method as claimed in  claim 45 , further comprising the steps of:
 a) pouring a foundation at a building site;   b) providing a level location remote from said building site;   c) constructing said front and rear half cores adjacent each other on said level location;   d) testing a least one building subsystem;   e) lifting said half cores with their respective lifting mechanisms;   f) placing said front half core on a first vehicle;   g) placing said rear half core on a second vehicle;   h) transporting said half cores to said building site; and   i) placing said half cores on said foundation so that said N wall of said rear half core abuts said S wall of said front half core and said exterior panel is at an exterior of said building.   
     
     
         57 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  or  45  in in which said electrical subsystem comprises:
 a) an electric meter mounted on said exterior covering; said electrical meter adapted to connect with a city electrical service; 
 b) a circuit breaker box; and 
 c) a junction box;
 interconnected by electrical wiring running through conduit. 
 
 
     
     
         58 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  or  45  in in which said exhaust subsystem comprises an inline fan and interconnecting ducting 
     
     
         59 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  or  45  in in which said gas subsystem comprises an interconnecting a gas pipe. 
     
     
         60 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  or  45  in in which said air supply subsystem comprises:
 a) a furnace; 
 b) a heating coil; 
 c) a return plenum; 
 d) a first supply plenum; 
 e) a second supply plenum; 
 f) an air supply duct; and 
 g) an air return. 
 
     
     
         61 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  or  45  in in which said fire suppression subsystem comprises:
 a) a fire sprinkler riser connected to connect to a city water main; and 
 b) a drain connected to said fire sprinkler riser. 
 
     
     
         62 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  or  45  in in which said phone subsystem comprises:
 a) a punch block for connection to a city phone service; 
 b) a wire connected to said punch block, and adapted to connect to a telephone. 
 
     
     
         63 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  or  45  in which said lighting subsystem comprises an internet protocol lighting control panel electrically connected to said breaker box. 
     
     
         64 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  or  45  in in which said sewer subsystem comprises:
 a) a sewer pipe adapted to connect to a city sanitary drain; 
 b) a drain pipe connected to said sewer pipe, adapted for attachment to a sink; 
 c) a drain pipe connected to said sewer pipe, attachment to a toilet bowl; 
 d) a drain pipe connected to said sewer pipe, for attachment to a tub; and 
 e) a drain pipe connected to said sewer pipe, for attachment to a shower. 
 
     
     
         65 . A method as claimed in  claim 32  or  45  in which said water subsystem comprises:
 a) a water influx pipe, adapted to connect to a city water main; 
 b) a cold water distribution pipe connected to said water influx pipe and adapted to connect to a cold water appliance; 
 c) a tankless water heater connected to cold water distribution pipe; and 
 d) a hot water distribution pipe connected to said tankless water heater and adapted to connect to a hot water appliance. 
 
     
     
         66 . A method as claimed in  claim 33  or  46  in in which said TV distribution subsystem comprises a coax adapted to connect to a TV antenna or a city cable TV service. 
     
     
         67 . A method as claimed in  claim 33  or  46  in in which said Wi-Fi subsystem comprises a wireless modem connected to a city internet service. 
     
     
         68 . A method as claimed in  claim 33  or  46  in in which said water softening subsystem comprises a water softener connected between said water influx and said cold water distribution pipe. 
     
     
         69 . A core as claimed in  claim 1  or  11  in which said exterior panel includes a door sized to allow a person to enter and exit, upright. 
     
     
         70 . A core as claimed in  claim 32  or  45  in which said exterior panel includes a door sized to allow a person to enter and exit, upright.