Patent ID: 7921604
Filing Date: 2011-04-12
Classification: E04H

Abstract:
1. Building structure primarily for use in areas exposed to flooding, said building structure comprising: a storm proof self-contained floating housing unit having an upper region with a roof and a base downwardly depending from said upper region that provides a non-trussed floor and air tubing under said floor configured and positioned to add buoyancy to said housing unit; said upper region and said base both having foam filled walls configured with sufficient pumped in foam to provide optimum strength and durability to said housing unit; said walls internally containing secure guides for vertical poles used for upward deployment of said housing unit in response to rising water around it, said foam being pumped in between said interior and exterior wall surfaces and surrounding said guides to securely position them within said walls for said housing unit deployment use; said pumped in foam further configured to provide insulation, floatation, and heat resistance for said housing unit that allows it to withstand heavy winds and flooding from hurricanes, as well as tornadoes, earthquakes, and fire; said base also providing a bottom surface having upwardly tapered non-arcuate lateral edges and chambers and spaces under said floor configured for water, electrical energy, and sewer accommodation; said housing unit walls also comprising corners and vertically-extending guides positioned in said corners that are securely fixed in place in said upper region and in said base by said pumped in foam, with each said fixed guide within said aluminum and foam filled walls having a vertical pole centrally therein that is configured and positioned to allow said housing unit to deploy upwardly from the ground during flooding without lateral drift relative to the ground; each of said guides also having at least one rolling contact unit secured to it that is adapted to provide smooth movement of said housing unit during its upward deployment; said roof further comprising photovoltaic panels that are connected to said electrical energy accommodation means in said base for distribution of electrical power that helps said housing unit to function independently when needed; and said base also providing a low weight and density that creates buoyancy exceeding the total weight of said building unit, its contemplated inhabitants, and contents anticipated for habitation within said building unit so that said floor will always remain above rising floodwater.