727 house
- Thread starter steveny
- Start date
Where do you park you NSX in that thing!
According to the Patent Office, this guy actually has a patent on this....as a "wind resistant" house that will rotate on its base and point into the wind when a hurricane comes. I, for one would not want to be stuck in that thing during a hurricane! Anyway, here is the text of this invention from the patent itself - it makes for an entertaining read:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to building structures and, more particularly, to certain new and useful improvements in wind resistant dwellings.
2. Description of the Related Art
Severe weather events are common occurrences in the United States and other countries. The damaging winds produced by these events are responsible for the destruction of real and personal property and loss of life. Houses and commercial buildings are typically the most conspicuous casualties seen in the aftermath of such storms.
Because high winds have such a devastating affect on habitable structures, there is a need for dwellings resistant to excessive wind loading. The present invention offers a improved method of fabricating a habitable dwelling capable of withstanding severe wind forces. The present invention satisfies this need by mounting, on a rotatable support column, the fuselage of a commercial jetliner that has been withdrawn from service. The design and configuration of the fuselage enables it to always point into the wind thereby presenting the smallest cross-sectional area to the destructive wind forces.
Emergency Shelters
There are many emergency-type shelter structures known in the patent art which are designed to withstand catastrophic events. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 592,190, issued to Bond on Oct. 19, 1897 shows a cyclone shelter essentially comprised of a roofed cage capable of descending into an excavated pit. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 2,792,794, issued to Miller on May 26, 1955 describes a bomb shelter equipped with a moveable roof-forming closure made of materials capable of resisting intense heat and radiation. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,568, issued to Armanno, Sr., on Sep. 30, 1997, discloses a hurricane shelter with a domed-shaped cover, elevationally supported by a column, and a cylindrical base wall.
The above shelter structures are not designed for long-term or continuous use as a habitable dwelling. As such, their utility is limited to the problem solved namely, short-term protection of individuals during a catastrophic event. On the other hand, the present invention is specifically designed as a habitable dwelling in addition to being resistant to the forces produced by high wind.
Rotating Building Structures
The concept of rotatably mounting a habitable dwelling on a support column is known in the patent literature. However, the prior art does not suggest rotatably mounting a wind resistant dwelling as embodied by the present invention. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,166, issued to Kaiser on Sep. 16, 1975, shows a rotatable building structure supported upon a stationary base. Additional examples of similar structures are U.S. Pat. No. 3,408,777, issued to Ghirelli on Nov. 26, 1965 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,345, issued to McGlew on Apr. 4, 1989.
Although the above structures are rotatably mounted, thee rotation is not related to decreasing the effect of wind loading. The Ghirelli structure rotates to follow the sun. The McGlew and Kaiser structures, on the other hand, rotate to provide a continuously changing view of the surrounding scenery. While the present invention is provided with a mechanical rotating means to position the structure in a desired position, it is primarily designed to freely pivot about its support column to point into the direction of the wind during a severe weather event.
Aircraft Weather Vane Moorings
Weathervaning tie down devices for light aircraft are known in the patent literature. These devices permit free turning or "weathervaning" of the aircraft in response to prevailing winds to minimize the possibility of wind damage associated with severe weather conditions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,567,161, issued to Adams on Mar. 2, 1971, discloses a weathervaning tie down device for tricycle gear light aircraft comprising a support framework and a mechanism for elevating and lowering the support framework. When the Adams device is elevated, the light aircraft, positioned on the support framework, is free to rotate into the prevailing wind. A similar device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,360,175, issued to Mellblom et al. On Nov. 23, 1982.
These weathervaning devices are used with actual light aircraft, not just the fuselage of such aircraft. Accordingly, these devices require the aircraft to have working landing gear capable of being received along their support frameworks. In addition, the structural limitations of the support frameworks and rotating means make weathervaning devices appropriate only for light aircraft. They are, therefore, not used with large commercial jetliners.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a wind resistant dwelling solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, generally stated, provides a new fabrication for a building structure which provides increased protection against wind damage attributable to severe weather events such as thunder storms, tornados and hurricanes.
Briefly described, the preferred embodiment of this invention comprises the fuselage of an aircraft (such as a commercial jetliner withdrawn from service) which has been converted into a habitable dwelling, rotatably mounted on a support column. The fuselage of such an aircraft has been engineered and tested to withstand wind speeds in excess of five hundred (500) mph, temperatures below negative fifty (-50) degrees Fahrenheit and stress forces greater than 2.5 gravities.
Market forces have made certain types of commercial aircraft structures similar in cost per square foot to that of conventional ground based dwellings. Such aircraft include Boeing 727's that have been removed from active service. Of course, the quality of the materials used in the fabrication of, and the engineering associated with, such aircraft are far superior than those seen in most wood-framed homes.
The fuselage of such an aircraft has a plurality of points along its undercarriage support framework for attachment to the upper portion of a rotatable support column. The support column is substantially cylindrical in shape having a lower portion which is secured to a mounting base. The mounting base is rigidly fixed to the ground.
The upper portion of the support column, in addition to being attached to the fuselage, also includes a bearing assembly which defines a single axis of rotation that is perpendicular to a level ground surface. Accordingly, the fuselage is capable of pivoting about the support column within a plane parallel to the level ground surface.
The upper portion further includes a gearing means attached to the fuselage of the aircraft. The gearing means is driven by motors and capable of being further controlled by both dampening and braking assemblies housed in the support column. Access to the support column is provided by a ground level hatchway.
In converting the fuselage into a habitable dwelling, many of the aircraft's original components are removed, However, the tail fin structure of the fuselage is retained. Retention of the tail fin structure allows the fuselage to pivot about the support column and point into the direction of the prevailing wind. The fuselage can also be rotated in a manual mode by the motor driven gearing means.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a habitable dwelling that is resistant to damage from high wind forces.
It is another object of the invention to provide a habitable dwelling that is rotatably mounted on a support column fixed to the ground.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a habitable dwelling fabricated from aircraft-quality materials.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a habitable dwelling design based on aerospace engineering principles.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to building structures and, more particularly, to certain new and useful improvements in wind resistant dwellings.
2. Description of the Related Art
Severe weather events are common occurrences in the United States and other countries. The damaging winds produced by these events are responsible for the destruction of real and personal property and loss of life. Houses and commercial buildings are typically the most conspicuous casualties seen in the aftermath of such storms.
Because high winds have such a devastating affect on habitable structures, there is a need for dwellings resistant to excessive wind loading. The present invention offers a improved method of fabricating a habitable dwelling capable of withstanding severe wind forces. The present invention satisfies this need by mounting, on a rotatable support column, the fuselage of a commercial jetliner that has been withdrawn from service. The design and configuration of the fuselage enables it to always point into the wind thereby presenting the smallest cross-sectional area to the destructive wind forces.
Emergency Shelters
There are many emergency-type shelter structures known in the patent art which are designed to withstand catastrophic events. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 592,190, issued to Bond on Oct. 19, 1897 shows a cyclone shelter essentially comprised of a roofed cage capable of descending into an excavated pit. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 2,792,794, issued to Miller on May 26, 1955 describes a bomb shelter equipped with a moveable roof-forming closure made of materials capable of resisting intense heat and radiation. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,568, issued to Armanno, Sr., on Sep. 30, 1997, discloses a hurricane shelter with a domed-shaped cover, elevationally supported by a column, and a cylindrical base wall.
The above shelter structures are not designed for long-term or continuous use as a habitable dwelling. As such, their utility is limited to the problem solved namely, short-term protection of individuals during a catastrophic event. On the other hand, the present invention is specifically designed as a habitable dwelling in addition to being resistant to the forces produced by high wind.
Rotating Building Structures
The concept of rotatably mounting a habitable dwelling on a support column is known in the patent literature. However, the prior art does not suggest rotatably mounting a wind resistant dwelling as embodied by the present invention. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,166, issued to Kaiser on Sep. 16, 1975, shows a rotatable building structure supported upon a stationary base. Additional examples of similar structures are U.S. Pat. No. 3,408,777, issued to Ghirelli on Nov. 26, 1965 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,345, issued to McGlew on Apr. 4, 1989.
Although the above structures are rotatably mounted, thee rotation is not related to decreasing the effect of wind loading. The Ghirelli structure rotates to follow the sun. The McGlew and Kaiser structures, on the other hand, rotate to provide a continuously changing view of the surrounding scenery. While the present invention is provided with a mechanical rotating means to position the structure in a desired position, it is primarily designed to freely pivot about its support column to point into the direction of the wind during a severe weather event.
Aircraft Weather Vane Moorings
Weathervaning tie down devices for light aircraft are known in the patent literature. These devices permit free turning or "weathervaning" of the aircraft in response to prevailing winds to minimize the possibility of wind damage associated with severe weather conditions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,567,161, issued to Adams on Mar. 2, 1971, discloses a weathervaning tie down device for tricycle gear light aircraft comprising a support framework and a mechanism for elevating and lowering the support framework. When the Adams device is elevated, the light aircraft, positioned on the support framework, is free to rotate into the prevailing wind. A similar device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,360,175, issued to Mellblom et al. On Nov. 23, 1982.
These weathervaning devices are used with actual light aircraft, not just the fuselage of such aircraft. Accordingly, these devices require the aircraft to have working landing gear capable of being received along their support frameworks. In addition, the structural limitations of the support frameworks and rotating means make weathervaning devices appropriate only for light aircraft. They are, therefore, not used with large commercial jetliners.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a wind resistant dwelling solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, generally stated, provides a new fabrication for a building structure which provides increased protection against wind damage attributable to severe weather events such as thunder storms, tornados and hurricanes.
Briefly described, the preferred embodiment of this invention comprises the fuselage of an aircraft (such as a commercial jetliner withdrawn from service) which has been converted into a habitable dwelling, rotatably mounted on a support column. The fuselage of such an aircraft has been engineered and tested to withstand wind speeds in excess of five hundred (500) mph, temperatures below negative fifty (-50) degrees Fahrenheit and stress forces greater than 2.5 gravities.
Market forces have made certain types of commercial aircraft structures similar in cost per square foot to that of conventional ground based dwellings. Such aircraft include Boeing 727's that have been removed from active service. Of course, the quality of the materials used in the fabrication of, and the engineering associated with, such aircraft are far superior than those seen in most wood-framed homes.
The fuselage of such an aircraft has a plurality of points along its undercarriage support framework for attachment to the upper portion of a rotatable support column. The support column is substantially cylindrical in shape having a lower portion which is secured to a mounting base. The mounting base is rigidly fixed to the ground.
The upper portion of the support column, in addition to being attached to the fuselage, also includes a bearing assembly which defines a single axis of rotation that is perpendicular to a level ground surface. Accordingly, the fuselage is capable of pivoting about the support column within a plane parallel to the level ground surface.
The upper portion further includes a gearing means attached to the fuselage of the aircraft. The gearing means is driven by motors and capable of being further controlled by both dampening and braking assemblies housed in the support column. Access to the support column is provided by a ground level hatchway.
In converting the fuselage into a habitable dwelling, many of the aircraft's original components are removed, However, the tail fin structure of the fuselage is retained. Retention of the tail fin structure allows the fuselage to pivot about the support column and point into the direction of the prevailing wind. The fuselage can also be rotated in a manual mode by the motor driven gearing means.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a habitable dwelling that is resistant to damage from high wind forces.
It is another object of the invention to provide a habitable dwelling that is rotatably mounted on a support column fixed to the ground.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a habitable dwelling fabricated from aircraft-quality materials.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a habitable dwelling design based on aerospace engineering principles.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
It'd be nice if they actually proved this concept by actually creating a plane house. But since all the pics on ebay and their website and photoshopped, I'm guessing they're looking for a guinea pig.
People will truly try to sell anything on ebay won't they.
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ALL NSX
92 RED/BLACK 5-SPEED
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ALL NSX
92 RED/BLACK 5-SPEED
Who wants a house that has a 2x2 lavatory?
