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.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a mobile modular building system that can be rapidly deployed to create usable space for different purposes. The invention also relates to all joints and connectors that are integral parts of the invention. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Modular structures have been used in various applications. Modular structures are usually designed to combine standard components in different combinations to create varied configurations. 
         [0003]    An example of modular structures is pre-fabricated or “pre-fab” housing. Pre-fabricated housing are usually manufactured in a remote location and then transported to the place of use for assembly. These homes are usually manufactured in a large facility into partially completed structures before being transported and assembled. 
         [0004]    This method of construction necessitates the use of a large facility during the manufacturing process because of the need to handle the large assemblies. Transportation to the site of use also poses challenges because the partially completed units will require vehicles that are built to accommodate the weight and size of the structures. Similar problems also apply to the assembly process. Heavy lifting equipment will be necessary to handle the partially completed structures during the assembly process because of the weight and size of some of these units or modules. 
         [0005]    Another form of modular construction uses refurbished shipping containers. The panels of shipping containers are removed and new panels and interiors added to the frame to create structures which may look very different from the original containers. 
         [0006]    The problems that are associated with pre-fab buildings also apply to containers. The size and weight of shipping containers necessitate the need for heavy equipment during the manufacturing, transportation and assembly process. Compared to pre-fab buildings, which are generally customized designs, shipping container offers the advantage of an immediate standardized structure that can be easily utilized. Shipping containers have been engineered to withstand substantial loads, so structural strength is usually not a major concern. This means that retrofits can be made without extra consideration for the structural integrity. This helps to reduce the time required for the building process as well as costs associated with ensuring the integrity of a customized structure. 
         [0007]    The configurations obtainable using shipping containers are however also limited by the fact that they come in standard sizes. To ensure that the structural integrity of the structure is not compromised, the frame is usually left untouched. However, this also means that only certain configurations based on standard container sizes are possible. 
         [0008]    The structure of shipping containers may be altered to meet specific requirements. However, whenever this happens, proper structural analysis has to be conducted to ensure that the structural integrity is not compromised. This also means that, depending on the changes, the structure may no longer be modular. 
         [0009]    Besides these larger structures, there are also lightweight modular structures, usually made of aluminum profiles. Due to the fact that they are light weight structures, their lower structural strength means that they are generally not robust enough for use as permanent or large-scale housing solutions and only suitable as temporary structures. 
         [0010]    These lightweight structures are commonly used as exhibition booths, temporary retail showrooms and also structures that house equipment for industrial applications. The lower weight and size of these structures make them conducive to handling and transportation. 
         [0011]    These structures are also generally made from standardized designs and as such can be combined in different forms to create multiple configurations. The standardized designs also mean manufacturing costs can be lowered substantially because of larger production quantities. 
         [0012]    More importantly, the structures are generally designed to be re-usable. They can usually be disassembled and removed, then packed and stored until they are needed again. Due to the temporary nature of the structures, the panels used for these structures are however usually removed and discarded after use. 
         [0013]    The object of the present design is to provide a design that will combine the robustness and permanency of current modular or pre-fabricated buildings with the ease of handling and cost-effectiveness of lightweight modular structures. As opposed to most permanent solutions, the current design also focuses strongly on the re-use capability of the structures and all associated panels. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DESIGN 
       [0014]    The present invention consists of a structure using a system of beams and joints to create a modular structure using a basic “C” frame unit that is expandable and reconfigurable. The use of a system which can be assembled only when necessary, instead of a partially or fully completed structure, means that the difficulties associated with manufacturing, handling, storage and transportation of modular structures are drastically reduced. The objective is to create a system that can be used as a permanent structure while retaining many of the advantages associated with lightweight mobile structures. 
         [0015]    The beam is a hollow extruded section that is uniform throughout its entire length. Each joint is made up of at least two interconnected hollow elements which are perpendicular to each other with a similar cross-section that are of an enlarged size. A “C” frame is formed by inserting opposing ends of a vertical beam into joints located at each end. The beams are secured by means that may include bolts. Each joint has an additional element in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the original element into which another beam is inserted and secured. The resultant section forms a “C” with a single vertical beam and two horizontal beams protruding from each end. 
         [0016]    The basic “C” frame can be further expanded by using joints with additional elements perpendicular to those in the original joint. These additional elements will enable crossbeams to be added to either sides of the “C” frame to create multiple connected “C” frames. In order to increase the structural integrity of the assembly, additional joints may be added to the mid-section and ends of the horizontal beams for additional crossbeams. This will create a modular grid-like network that distributes lateral and vertical loads throughout the connected portions of the structure. With this arrangement, as more joints and beams are added, the expanded structure becomes an even larger interconnected network grid that distributes the loads even more evenly throughout the entire structure. 
         [0017]    This grid-like structure also forms the basic framework for attaching internal and external panels. The panel consists of a larger rectangular main body panel mounted over a smaller rectangular frame. When mounted onto the structure, the overhang of the main body panel will just extend over the outer edges of the grid while the frame will fit snugly within the opening in the grid. The presence of the frame stiffens the panel and in the same manner, both the panel and the frame will also act as strengthening elements by adding rigidity to the structure. 
         [0018]    Vertical wall panels are secured by mounting another panel on the opposing side of the grid such that both panels can be secured to each other by means of bolts and nuts inserted through the drilled holes in the panel. Horizontal roof panels can be attached in a similar manner. Floor panels can be secured by simply fitting the panels and frame into the grid. This system also allows the internal and external panels to be changed quickly and cost-effectively when the need arises. This means that the structures can be adapted for different purposes with a simple change of panels. 
         [0019]    Employing this system of beams, joints and panels shortens the time required for assembly and disassembly by making the process extremely simple. If the structures need to be removed, the beams can be easily released and removed from the joints and the structure disassembled. 
         [0020]    The joints not only act as connectors between the beams but also strengthen the structure at the weakest points within the assembled structure. Using different combinations of beams and joints, the configuration of the structure can also be changed easily. 
         [0021]    The structure is also designed to be structurally strong enough to allow for the stacking of these structures up to a designated height provided the required support structures are also in place. As such, the structure is able to not only expand laterally but also vertically, providing great flexibility. 
         [0022]    The present design also allows for the routing of internal cabling and wiring through the beams to enable the structures to be internally lighted and the additional of services such as air-conditioning or heaters. 
         [0023]    Even though the current design is robust enough to be used as a permanent structure, the design also allows the beams, joints and even the panels to be re-used. Beams and joints can be re-used for other applications and panels can be repaired and renewed if necessary. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    An embodiment of the present design will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0025]    [ FIG. 1 ] A perspective view of the frame assembly in the modular structure (embodiment 1). 
           [0026]    [ FIG. 2 ] An exploded perspective view of the frame assembly structure (embodiment 1). 
           [0027]    [ FIG. 3 ] The long and short beams used by the frame assembly from  FIG. 1 . ( a ) profile view of the long beam ( b ) profile view of the short beam. ( c ) a cross-sectional view of the long beam (embodiment 1). 
           [0028]    [ FIG. 4 ] ( a ) is the cross-sectional view of a modified long beam from  FIG. 2 . ( b ) a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration (embodiment 1). 
           [0029]    [ FIG. 5 ] Shows the joint used in the frame assembly from  FIG. 1 , ( a ) is the perspective view, ( b ) is the plan view, ( c ) is the front view for ( a ) as viewed from direction A, ( d ) is the front view for ( a ) as viewed from direction B (embodiment 1). 
           [0030]    [ FIG. 6 ] Shows the joint used in the frame assembly from  FIG. 1 , ( a ) is the perspective view, ( b ) is the plan view, ( c ) is the front view as viewed from direction C, ( d ) is the front view for ( a ) as viewed from direction D (embodiment 1). 
           [0031]    [ FIG. 7 ] Shows the joint used in the frame assembly from  FIG. 1 , ( a ) is the perspective view, ( b ) is the plan view, ( c ) is the front view as viewed from direction E, ( d ) is the front view as viewed from direction F (embodiment 1). 
           [0032]    [ FIG. 8 ] Shows a schematic view of the relationship between the end support sleeve and the long beam (embodiment 1). 
           [0033]    [ FIG. 9 ] A perspective view which shows the schematic make-up of the frame assembly in  FIG. 1  when attached with panels (embodiment 1). 
           [0034]    [ FIG. 10 ] Shows one type of main body panel from  FIG. 9 , ( a ) is the front view, ( b ) is the profile view, ( c ) is the plan view (embodiment 1). 
           [0035]    [ FIG. 11 ] Shows another type of panel from  FIG. 9 , ( a ) is the front view, ( b ) is the profile view, ( c ) is the plan view (embodiment 1). 
           [0036]    [ FIG. 12 ] Shows the schematic view of the relationship between the frame of the panel and the opening in the frame assembly structure (embodiment 1). 
           [0037]    [ FIG. 13 ] Perspective view showing the frame assembly of the modular structure (embodiment 2). 
           [0038]    [ FIG. 14 ] is the cross-sectional perspective view of the frame assembly from  FIG. 13  (embodiment 2) 
           [0039]    [ FIG. 15 ] Shows the center joint used in the frame assembly in  FIG. 13 , ( a ) is a perspective view, ( b ) is a plan view, ( c ) is the front view of ( a ) as viewed from direction G, ( d ) is the front view of ( a ) as viewed from direction H (embodiment 2). 
           [0040]    [ FIG. 16 ] shows the center joint used in the frame assembly in  FIG. 13 , ( a ) is a perspective view, ( b ) is a plan view, ( c ) is the front view of a as viewed from direction I, ( d ) is the front view of ( a ) as viewed from direction J (embodiment 2). 
           [0041]    [ FIG. 17 ] shows a perspective view of a modified example of the frame assembly for the modular structure (embodiment 2). 
           [0042]    [ FIG. 18 ] shows the joint, ( a ) is the profile view, ( b ) is the plan view, ( c ) is the rear view (embodiment 3). 
           [0043]    [ FIG. 19 ] shows the joint, ( a ) is the profile view, ( b ) is the plan view, ( c ) is the rear view (embodiment 3). 
           [0044]    [ FIG. 20 ] shows the joint, ( a ) is the front view, ( b ) is the profile view, ( c ) is the bottom view (embodiment 3). 
           [0045]    [ FIG. 21 ] shows the joint, ( a ) is the plan view, ( b ) is the profile view, ( c ) is the rear view (embodiment 3). 
           [0046]    [ FIG. 22 ] shows the joint, ( a ) is the perspective view, ( b ) is the plan view, ( c ) is the rear view (embodiment 3). 
           [0047]    [ FIG. 23 ] shows the joint, ( a ) is the perspective view, ( b ) is the profile view, ( c ) is the bottom view (embodiment 3). 
           [0048]    [ FIG. 24 ] shows the joint, ( a ) is the perspective view, ( b ) is the rear view, ( c ) is the plan view (embodiment 3). 
           [0049]    [ FIG. 25 ] shows the joint, ( a ) is the bottom view, ( b ) is the front view, ( c ) is the profile view (embodiment 3). 
           [0050]    [ FIG. 26 ] shows the joint, ( a ) is the profile view, ( b ) is the plan view, ( c ) is the profile view (embodiment 3). 
           [0051]    [ FIG. 27 ] shows the joint, ( a ) is the perspective view, ( b ) is the plan view, ( c ) is the front view (embodiment 3). 
           [0052]    [ FIG. 28 ] A perspective view of the frame assembly structure (embodiment 3). 
           [0053]    [ FIG. 29 ] A perspective view as viewed from direction K of the frame assembly structure in  FIG. 28  (embodiment 3). 
           [0054]    [ FIG. 30 ] The front view of the frame assembly structure in  FIG. 28  (embodiment 3). 
           [0055]    [ FIG. 31 ] The plan view of the frame assembly structure in  FIG. 28  (embodiment 3). 
           [0056]    [ FIG. 32 ] The profile view of the frame assembly structure in  FIG. 28  (embodiment 3). 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0057]      FIG. 1  shows the perspective view of embodiment 1 which consists of a frame assembly in a modular structure.  FIG. 2  shows the cross-sectional perspective view of the frame assembly in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , frame assembly  1  consists of a beam-like frame assembly with long beam  3  and short beam  5  and end joints  7 ,  9  and center joint  11 . Frame assembly  1  is formed from a series of intersecting and orthogonal long beam  3  and short beam  5 , numerous end joints  7 ,  9  and center joint  11 , into a three-dimensional lattical structure. This frame structure  1 , in one embodiment, is made up entirely of a “C” structure made up of the top section  13 , bottom section  15  and the side section  17 . Other shape structure may also be useful. 
         [0059]    Top section  13  and bottom section  15  are facing each other on opposing ends vertically, connected in between by the side section  17  at one end. Top section  13 , bottom section  15  and side section  17  are respectively formed by the outer frame section  19  and the numerous grid-like openings  23 . In this embodiment, the outer frame section  19  is made up of two openings  23 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 3  shows the frame assembly  1  using the long and short beams, ( a ) is the profile view of the long beam, ( b ) is the profile view of the short beam, ( c ) is the cross-sectional view of the long beam. 
         [0061]    The said long beam  3  and the short beam  5  are different only in terms of the length while being the same in terms of profile and form. As such, a detailed description will be given only for the long beam  3 . 
         [0062]    The long beam  3 , for example, can be fabricated from a lightweight aluminum alloy such as 7000 series aluminum. The long beam may also be fabricated from other types of materials. For example, the long beam may be fabricated from steel. Other materials may also be useful. The materials selected may depend on the mechanical strength or stiffness desired. The long beam  3 , in one embodiment, is hollow throughout its length. Providing the long beam which is partially hollow throughout its length may also be useful. In other embodiments, the long beam is solid throughout its length. Alternatively, the long beam may be partially solid. Both ends of the long beam  3  consist of cross-section  25  that are perpendicular to the axis. 
         [0063]    The said long beam  3  has a rectangular cross-section, whereby a vertical wall  27  is longer than the horizontal wall  29 . The horizontal wall  29  of the long beam  3  forms both the inner and outer faces of the “C” frame in the frame assembly  1 . Accordingly, the frame assembly  1  has increased flexural stiffness on both the inside and the outside of the “C”. 
         [0064]    The center of the cross-section in the long beam  3 , in one embodiment, has a circular tube section  31  that traverses the entire length. Between the circular section  31  and the corner sections as well as the vertical wall  27 , there are panel-like reinforcement sections  33 ,  35  that run along the length. The thickness of the reinforcement sections  33 ,  35  and the circular tube section  31 , for example, are the same as the vertical wall  27  and the horizontal wall  29 . 
         [0065]    The circular tube section  31  and the reinforcement sections  33 ,  35 , not only strengthen the long beam  3  but also divides the internal spaces into the hollow sections  37 ,  39 ,  41 ,  43 ,  45 ,  47  and  49 . The hollow sections  37 ˜ 49  can be used to distribute wiring used for lighting, etc. 
         [0066]    Also, the rigidity of the long beam  3  can be increased with the insertion of a rod-like component made from materials such as steel into the hollow section  49  in the circular tube section  31 . In this instance, even if the rod is made from materials such as steel, the size with respect to the cross section of the long beam  3  is small, so the increase in weight to the structure will be negligible. 
         [0067]    The cross-section profile of the long beam  3 , for example, can be modified as shown in  FIG. 4 . The long beam  3   a  in  FIG. 4(   a ), with tubular section  31   a  and reinforcement sections  33   a,    35   a,  are thinner than the wall thickness of the vertical wall  27  and the horizontal wall  29 . Also, for the long beam  3   b  in  FIG. 4(   b ), the tubular section  31   b  and the vertical wall  27  and horizontal wall  29  are connected by reinforcement section  33   b  and  35   b,  with the thickness of  31   b,    33   b  and  35   b  being thinner than the vertical wall  27  and horizontal wall  29 . 
         [0068]      FIGS. 5 to 7  show the joints used in the frame assembly  1  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0069]    The said joints  7  and  9  are, as shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , the connectors for the ends of the long beam  3  or the short beam  5 , and made from lightweight materials such as 7000 series aluminum. Other materials may also be useful. For example, the joints may be formed from steel or other types of materials which provide sufficient mechanical stability or stiffness. 
         [0070]    The said joint  7 , as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5 , makes up the extreme corners for the upper section  13  and the lower section  15  of the frame assembly  1 . It consists of the end support sleeve  51  and  53 . 
         [0071]    The end support sleeves  51  and  53  form an “L” shape structure. That is, one end of the end support sleeve  51  protrudes out from the side wall  55  of the other opposing sleeve  53 . 
         [0072]    The said end support sleeves or arms  51  and  53 , in one embodiment, are hollow rectangular cross-sections and the vertical wall  57  is longer than the horizontal wall  55 . Providing sleeves that are solid or partially solid may also be useful. On the inside of the support sleeves  51  and  53 , the openings  59  and  61  were made to fit the cross-section of the long beam  3  and the short beam  5 . 
         [0073]    The insides of the openings  59  and  61  support the ends of the long beam  3  and the short beam  5  when they are inserted longitudinally. Between the supporting sleeves  51  and  53  and the long beam  3  and short beam  5 , the position can be fixed and also prevented from becoming dislodged by using a locking mechanism or fasteners such as locking nuts. Other types of fasteners may also be useful. 
         [0074]    Inside the said openings  59  and  61 , the contact walls  67  and  69  are perpendicular to the axis of the long beam  3  and the short beam  5 . The contact surface  67  of one side of the support sleeve  51  is actually the outside surface of the vertical wall  57  of the support sleeve  53 ; the contact surface  69  of the other support sleeve  53 , becomes the inner surface of vertical wall  57 , which forms the outer face of the “L” shape structure. The contact surfaces  67  and  69  will come into contact with end  25  of the long beam  3  and the short beam  5  when these are inserted into the sleeves  51  and  53 . 
         [0075]    The said joint  9 , as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 6 , forms the corner of the “C” structure in the said frame assembly. This joint  9  is the same as joint  7  and is formed by the end support sleeve  71  and  73  in an “L” shape form with the addition of a support sleeve  75 . The end support sleeve  75  forms an “L” shape with the end support sleeve  73 . 
         [0076]    That is, the end support sleeve  75  protrudes from the outside of the vertical wall  57  of the end support sleeve  73 ; the end support sleeve  71  protrudes from the outside of the horizontal wall  55  of end support sleeve  73 . Between the supporting sleeves  73  and  71  and also between  73  and  75 , diagonal reinforcement ribs  77  and  79  have been added. 
         [0077]    The end support sleeves  71 ,  73  and  75  are similar in form to the end support sleeves  51  and  53  in the said joint  7 . Accordingly, the two long beams  3  and the short beam  5  are supported when inserted into the openings  81 ,  83  and  85  of the end support sleeves  71 ,  73  and  75 , the long beams  3  and the short beam  5  are positioned and also secured to the end support sleeves  71 ,  73  and  75  using a locking mechanism or fasteners such as bolts, nuts, etc. 
         [0078]    The contact surfaces  87 ,  89  and  91  of the said support sleeve  71 ,  73  and  75  form the external wall of the horizontal wall  55  of the support sleeve  73 , the inner surface of the horizontal wall  55  of the outside of the “L” shape, the outside surface of the vertical wall  57  of the support sleeve  73  respectively. 
         [0079]    End joint  9  can also fit into the diagonally opposite corner of the frame assembly  1  if it is rotated into a diametrically opposite direction to that in  FIG. 6(   b ). 
         [0080]    The center joint  11 , as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 7 , connect the mid-section of the long beam  3  and the ends of the short beam  5  to each other. This center joint  11  consists of the center support sleeve  93  and the end support sleeve  95 . 
         [0081]    The said center sleeve  93  consists of opening  97  that passes through both ends. The mid-section of long beam  3  is inserted into opening  97  and thus supported. The center support sleeve  93  and the end support sleeve  95  form a “T” structure. 
         [0082]    The end support sleeve  95  protrudes from the outer surface of the vertical wall  57  in the middle of the center support sleeve  93 . The end support sleeve  95  has the same profile as the support sleeve  51  and  53  of the said joint  7  and it contains the contact surface  99  that is the outer surface of vertical wall  57  of the center support sleeve  93 . As such, the end of the short beam  5  will be inserted into the opening  100  of end support sleeve  95  to be supported and the end  25  of the short beam  5  will then be pressing against the contact surface  99 . 
         [0083]    The position of the short beam  5  and long beam  3  can be fixed and held in place when inserted into the end support sleeve  95  or center support sleeve  93  by means such as bolts, nuts, etc. 
         [0084]      FIG. 8  shows the cross-sectional view of the detailed relationship between the end support sleeve of the end joint and the long beam.  FIG. 8  only shows the relationship between the support sleeve  51  of end joint  7  and long beam  3 . However, the relationship between that of the other joint  9  and the end support sleeves  53 ,  71 ,  73 ,  75  and  95  and that of either long beam  3  or short beam  5  will be the same as that illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0085]    As is mentioned above, for the end support sleeve  51 , the long beam  3  will be supported when inserted into opening  59  and at the same time the end  25  of long beam  3  will press against the contact face  67 . The end support sleeve  51  and the end of the long beam  3  can be secured using a locking mechanism or a fastener such as bolt  96 . Providing other types of fastener may also be useful. 
         [0086]    In this situation, the loading on the ends of long beam  3  due to its own weight, applied loads or external forces, etc. is sustained by sleeve  51  with the engagement of the ends of the long beam  3  against the contact surface  67 . 
         [0087]    Accordingly, even though the applied loads on the long beam  3  may force the end support sleeve  51 , as shown in the arrow in  FIG. 8 , to rotate around the bolt  96  with the bolt as a fulcrum, this does not happen because the movement of the end face  25  of the long beam  3  will be restricted by the contact surface  67 . 
         [0088]    As a result, the end support sleeve  51  can be secured to the end of the long beam  3  using, for example, a single bolt  96 , improving the efficiency of the assembly process while still being able to constrain the shaking or movement in the frame assembly  1 . 
         [0089]    Moreover, because contact surface  67  becomes the outer surface of the other end support sleeve  53 , the applied loading from the long beam  3  is transmitted through contact face  67  to the other support sleeve  53  and also to the other long beam  3  supported by this sleeve. 
         [0090]    If multiple fasteners such as bolts  96  are used, ranging for example, from 2 to 4, even better stability can be attained. 
         [0091]    As described, the support sleeves of the various types joints are configured in 90° or multiple of 90° angles with respect to other sleeves. It is understood that the joints may have sleeves which are configured to have angles other than 90°. For example, a joint may be configured to have one or more sleeves configured at 45° with another sleeve. This facilitates providing a module with different types of shapes, as desired. 
         [0092]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the structure when a panel is attached to the frame assembly in  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 10 and 11  show the main body of the panel from  FIG. 9 . 
         [0093]    As shown in  FIGS. 9 to 11 , the frame assembly  1  forms the modular structure  105  when it is attached with panels  102  within the rectangular cavities  23  on the inside and the outside.  FIG. 9  shows only the single panel  102 . 
         [0094]    The said panel  102  consists of a set of panels  101  and  103 . 
         [0095]    The panel  101 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , is attached to the external face of the “C” structure in the frame assembly  1 . However, it can also be affixed to the internal and external surfaces of the “C” structure for the extreme ends of the top section  13  and bottom section  15  of the frame assembly  1 , to form a set of double-sided panel body. 
         [0096]    The said panel main body  101  can be made from lightweight materials such as a 7000 series aluminum alloy. However, it can also be made from materials other than aluminum alloy like wood and plastic and also other materials. The panel main body  101  is a rectangular board and is larger than the cavity  23  of the frame assembly  1 . The four edges of panel main body  101  are collinear with the long beam  3  and the short beam  5  and covers the cavity  23  entirely. 
         [0097]    The said frame  109  protrudes from the inner face  111  of panel  101  and acts as the strengthening component for panel  101 . The frame  109  is formed by multiple vertical frame sections  113  and horizontal frame sections  115  at both ends. 
         [0098]    The outer face of the frame  109  fits into the cavity  23  to secure the position of panel body  101 , and through this process, frame  109  also acts to increase the strength of the frame assembly  1 . 
         [0099]    Another panel  103 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 11 , are affixed to the inside corners of the “C” structure in the frame assembly  1 . The basic structural make-up of the panel  103  is the same as panel  101 . 
         [0100]    Panel  103 , in addition to the structure of panel  101 , has sections  125 ,  127  and  129 , which are formed to accommodate the support ribs  77  and  79  of end joint  9  and the end support sleeve  73 . To conform to the shape of panel  103 , the frame  119  also has section  131 . 
         [0101]    The said panels  101  and  103 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , are affixed and secured to each other using a locking mechanism or a fastener such as bolt  133 . Other types of fastener may also be useful. The bolt  133  is inserted through the panel  103  into panel  101  and then secured into place using means such as a nut. 
         [0102]    As a result, a set of panels  101  and  103  are secured against each other by sandwiching the said “C” structure of the frame assembly  1 . The locking mechanism can be, but is not restricted to, the bolt  133  used to secure panels  101  and  103 . 
         [0103]    Within the frames  109  and  119 , for the panels  101  and  103 , there are spaces between the vertical frames  113 . Into this space, things such as insulation can be added. 
         [0104]      FIG. 12  is the schematic view of the relationship between the panel frame and the cavity of the frame assembly.  FIG. 12  only illustrates the relationship between the panel main body  101  and frame  109  with relation to the cavity  23  of the frame assembly but the relationship between the frame  119  for the other panel  103  and the cavity  23  will be the same as  FIG. 12 . 
         [0105]    As mentioned above, the edges of frame  109  in panel  101  fits into the internal perimeter of the cavity  23 . 
         [0106]    In this way, they act as structure strengthening components for frame assembly  1  by sustaining the applied loads from the long beam  3  and the short beam  5 . 
         [0107]    For this purpose, the frame  109  is able to prevent long beam  3  from collapsing because it fits snugly into the corners of the cavity  23  of the frame assembly  1  and also along the long beam  3 . 
         [0108]    The frame assembly  1  is thus prevented from shaking or moving. 
         [0109]    This embodiment consists of the joints  7  and  9  that connect the intersecting long beam  3  and short beam  5  and the two long beams  3  to form the modular structure  105  from the frame assembly  1 ; the end support sleeves  51 ,  53 ,  71 ,  73  and  75  that support the long beams  3  and the short beams  5  when they are inserted; the contact surfaces  67 ,  69 ,  87 ,  89  and  91  in the end support sleeves that engage the said long beam  3  and short beam  5 . 
         [0110]    As such, in this embodiment, the applied loading by the ends of the long beam  3  and the short beam  5  are supported by the end support sleeves  51 ,  53 ,  71 ,  73  and  75 ; and also by the contact surfaces  67 ,  69 ,  87 ,  89  and  91 , when they come into contact with the ends of the long beam  3  and the short beam  5 . 
         [0111]    As a result, by using this simple structure in this embodiment, even if lightweight materials are being used, the strength of the frame assembly  1  and the modular structure  105  will still not be compromised. 
         [0112]    Also, the joints  7  and  9 , when the long beam  3  and the short beam  5  are inserted into the end support sleeves  51 ,  53 ,  71 ,  73  and  75 , can connect the long beam  3  to the short beam  5  and also other long beams  3  easily. 
         [0113]    As such, in this embodiment, the assembly of the frame assembly  1  and the modular structure  105  can be performed easily, raising assembly efficiency. 
         [0114]    The end support sleeves  51 ,  53 ,  71 ,  73  and  75  can be positioned accurately and securely to the ends of the long beam  3  and the short beam  5  easily with a locking mechanism or fastener such as a single bolt  96 . 
         [0115]    In this instance, through the contact of the ends of the long beam  3  and the short beam  5  against the contact surfaces  67 ,  69 ,  87 ,  89  and  91 , any rotation by the long beam  3  and the short beam  6  around the bolt  96  can be restricted. 
         [0116]    As such, in this embodiment, the efficiency in assembly can be improved while ensuring that the frame assembly  1  is restricted from shaking or twisting. 
         [0117]    The center joint  11  in this embodiment is a joint that connects intersecting long beams  3  and short beams  5  to form the frame assembly  1  that make up modular structure  105 ; it consists of the end support sleeves  95  and the center end support sleeve  93  that supports the end section of the short beam  5  and the center section of the long beam  3  when they are inserted; it consists of the contact surface  99  that comes into contact with the end of the short beam  5  is inserted into the end support sleeve  95 . 
         [0118]    For this reason, the center joint  11 , similar to end joints  7  and  9 , allows the frame assembly  1  that forms modular structure  105  to be made from lightweight materials while reducing structural weakness and increasing the efficiency during assembly. 
         [0119]    The center end support sleeve  93  of joint  11  encompasses and supports the mid-section of the long beam  3 , reducing the flexing of the beam. 
         [0120]    Also, in this embodiment, the joints  7 ,  9  and  11  can be easily removed from the long beam  3  and the short beam  5 , and the frame assembly  1  that make up modular structure  105  can be easily disassembled. 
         [0121]    Also, in this embodiment, because the structural strength of the frame assembly  1  and the modular structure  105 , as mentioned earlier, has been improved, any deformation of the long beam  3 , the short beam  5  and the joints  7 ,  9  and  11 , will be limited, so it will be possible to re-use the components. 
         [0122]    The said contact surfaces  67 ,  69 ,  87 ,  89 ,  91  and  99  sustain the applied loads attributed to the ends of the long beam  3  and the short beam  5  because they are in direct contact thereby also increasing the structure strength of the frame assembly  1  and the modular structure  105 . 
         [0123]    The contact surfaces  67 ,  87 ,  91  and  99  of the said end support sleeves  51 ,  71 ,  75  and  95  form the outer surface of the end support sleeves,  53 ,  73  and the center support sleeve  93 . 
         [0124]    For this purpose, the applied loads of the long beam  3  and the short beam  5 , through the contact surfaces  67 ,  87 ,  91  and  99 , are conveyed to the other end support sleeve  53 ,  73  and the center support sleeve  93  and the long beam  3  and the short beam  5  are supported by these surfaces. 
         [0125]    As such, in this embodiment, the structural integrity of the frame assembly  1  and the modular structure  105  is increased. 
         [0126]    End joints  7 ,  9  and the center joint  11 , besides being able to distribute the applied loading of the long beam  3  and the short beam  5  easily, also strengthen the areas which are being stressed by applied loads. 
         [0127]    The frame assembly  1  in this embodiment, being an assembly formed from the connection of multiple numbers of the said long beam  3 , short beam  5 , joints  7 ,  9  and  11 , means that there is no need for partial assembles of the components, resulting in the ease of production, transportation, handling and management of the components. 
         [0128]    Moreover, besides the increased stiffness of the frame assembly  1  through joints  7 ,  9  and  11 , the structural framework created by the long beam  3  and the short beam  5 , together with the joints  7 ,  9  and  11 , is able to distribute the applied loads, creating an increase in structural strength. 
         [0129]    Also, through the appropriate combination of the joints  7 ,  9  and  11 , in the frame assembly  1 , it is possible to expand the structure to the desired height and width, ensuring flexibility in changing the form. 
         [0130]    The said lattical framework of the frame assembly  1  is made up of opposing top section  13  and bottom section  15 , both connected at one end by the side section  17  to form a “C” frame. Providing other frame shapes may also be useful. 
         [0131]    According, the frame assembly  1  can be easily constructed such that it is open on 3 sides while being able to maintain its structural integrity. 
         [0132]    The modular structure  105  in this embodiment consists of the frame assembly  1  with each rectangular cavity  23  attached with panel  102 , said panel  102  consisting of a pair of panels  101  and  103  attached on both the inside and outside of said cavity  23 , said panels  101  and  103  with attached frames  109  and  119  that fit within the said cavity  23 , and a pair of fasteners such as bolts  133  that secure panels  101  and  103  to each other. 
         [0133]    For this reason, in this embodiment, due to the manner in which the frames  109  and  119  fitting into the cavity  23  and the panels  101  and  103  being secured by the bolts  133 , the inner face and the outer face of the modular structure  105  can be easily constructed. 
         [0134]    Also, in panel  102 , as a result of securing panels  101  and  103 , there is no need for any special equipment or process for frame assembly  1 , increasing the ease of installation and application. 
         [0135]    In addition, there is no need for partially completed components for panel  102 , resulting in the ease of production, transportation, handling and management. 
         [0136]    Also, it is possible to easily change the panels in response to the intended application. 
         [0137]    Moreover, the frames  109  and  119  in the panels  101  and  103  are used as reinforcements to the panels  101  and  103 , so they help to improve the structural strength of the modular structure  105 . 
         [0138]    At the same time, because the frames  109  and  119  of the panels  101  and  103  serve as additional reinforcements for frame assembly  1  by fitting into and supporting the frame around cavity  23 , the structural strength of the modular structure  105  is further improved. 
         [0139]    In the said arrangement, the corners of the frames  109  and  119  fit into the corners of the cavity  23  of the frame assembly  1  and against the long beam  3  and the short beam  5  within the cavity  23 . In this manner, the frames  109  and  119  are able to restrain the long beam  3  and the short beam  5  from flexing and the shaking or twisting of the frame assembly  1 . 
         [0140]    In the said frames  109  and  119 , the multiple vertical frame sections  113 , due to the fact that it is connected at both ends to horizontal frame section  115  to form a single structure, serves not only to strengthen the panels but and also allow the inclusion of materials such as insulation in the gaps between the frame sections  13 . 
       Embodiment 2 
       [0141]      FIG. 13  is the perspective view of the embodiment 2 of the present invention which relates to the frame assembly of the modular structure,  FIG. 14  is the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15  shows the joints being used for the frame assembly in  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 16  shows the center joint being used in the frame assembly in  FIG. 13 . Because the basic structure of this embodiment is the same as that of embodiment 1, the structural components are numbered similarly and also added with an “A” and detailed explanation is omitted. 
         [0142]    The frame assembly  1 A for this embodiment is similar to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , end joint  135  and the center joint  137  are used for expansion of the structure. In this embodiment, the outer frame sections  19 A of the upper section  13 A, the lower section  15 A and the side section  17 A form four cavities  23 A. 
         [0143]    The said end joint  135 , as shown in  FIGS. 13 to 15 , is affixed between two end joints  9  on either side and together with said end joints  9  form the “C” structure of the frame assembly  1 A. 
         [0144]    The said end joint  135  is similar to the said joint  9  and has a pair of end support sleeves  71 A and  73 A that form an “L” shape and to this is added a pair of opposing end support sleeves  75 A on either side. The end support sleeves  75 A form a “T” shape with the end support sleeve  73 A. In other words, the end support sleeves  75 A protrude from the outside of the two vertical walls  57  of the end support sleeve  73 A. Between the end support sleeve  73 A and the end support sleeves  75 A, diagonal ribs  77  and  79 A are added for support. 
         [0145]    For the end support sleeve  75 A, it has an opening  85 A into which the short beam  5  will be inserted longitudinally to be supported. 
         [0146]    For the said end support sleeve  75 A, the contact face  91 A is the outer face of the vertical wall  57  of the end support sleeve  73 A, and the end  25  of the short beam  5  will be coming into contact with it. 
         [0147]    The center joint  137 , as shown in  FIGS. 13 ,  14  and  16 , connects the mid-section of the inner long beam  3 , which is located to the inside of the outer frame section  19 A, and the end section of the short beam  5 . This center joint  137  has two vertical walls  57  and  57 , from which a pair of end support sleeves  95 A extend outwards to form an “X” shape body. 
         [0148]    The said center joint  137  supports the mid-section of the long beam  3  when it is inserted through support sleeve  93 A and also supports short beam  5  when it is inserted through support sleeve  95 A. In support sleeve  95 A, the end  25  of short beam  5  will come into contact with contact face  99 . 
         [0149]    In this embodiment, in addition to having the same functionality as the previous embodiment, the frame assembly  1 A can be expanded using the end joint  135  and center joint  137  and thereby distributing the applied loads more widely. 
       Modified Embodiment 
       [0150]    In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 17 , by using the end joint  135  and the center joint  137  appropriately, the frame assembly  1 B can be further expanded. In this modified embodiment, the outer frame section  19 A of the upper section  13 A and the lower section  15 A and the side section  17 A form nine cavities  23 B. 
         [0151]    Accordingly, in the frame assembly  1 B, the use of the end joint  135  and the center joint  137  to further expand the structure also allows it to distribute the load even further. 
       Embodiment 3 
       [0152]      FIGS. 18 to 27  show the joints involved in embodiment 3 of the current invention. In this embodiment, because of the similarity to embodiments 1 and 2, the numbering of the respective component will be the same with the substitution of “C” for “A” and detailed descriptions will be omitted. 
         [0153]    In this embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 18 to 27 , joints  139 ,  140 ,  149 ,  157 ,  161 ,  165 ,  167 ,  171 ,  175 ,  179  can be used to further augment the frame assembly and also the form of the frame assembly in added flexibility. 
         [0154]    The joint  139  in  FIG. 18  is an end joint that is essentially the end joint  9  in embodiment 1 added with an end support sleeve  141  in the rear face. 
         [0155]    That is, joint  139  is formed by the end support sleeve  141  on the vertical wall  55  on the rear face of end support joint  73 C. With this, joint  139  forms a “T” shape body when viewed from the top and also from the side. 
         [0156]    The said end support sleeve  141  is longer than the end support joint  71 C. End support sleeve  141  and the corner of end support sleeve  73 C include a diagonal rib  77 C for additional support. 
         [0157]    The joint  140  in  FIG. 19  is the diametrically opposite version of joint  139  in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0158]    The joint  149  in  FIG. 20  forms a center joint and is the center joint  11  in embodiment 1 with an addition end support sleeve  143  extending from the bottom face. 
         [0159]    That is to say that joint  149  is formed at the center section on the lower face of the center support sleeve  93 C, protruding from vertical wall  57  to form end support sleeve  143 . 
         [0160]    The joint  157  in  FIG. 21  is an end joint that is formed with the addition of the end support sleeve  141  to the rear face of end joint  135  in embodiment 2. 
         [0161]    That is, joint  157  is formed by the addition of end support sleeve  141  to the vertical wall  55  on the rear face of the end support sleeve  73 C. With this, joint  157  forms a “T” shape body when viewed from the top and from the front. 
         [0162]    The said end support sleeve  141  is longer than the end support sleeve  71 C, with the diagonal rib  77 C located at the corner between end support sleeve  141  and end support sleeve  73 C. 
         [0163]    The joint  161  in  FIG. 22  is an end joint that is formed by the addition of end support sleeve  141  and  145  to the rear face and upper face of the joint  9  in embodiment 1. 
         [0164]    That is, joint  161  is formed by the addition of end support sleeve  141  on the horizontal wall  55  of the rear face of end support sleeve  73 C together with an end support sleeve  145  that extends from the top face of the end support sleeve  71 C. With this, the joint  161  forms an “X” when viewed from the side. 
         [0165]    The end support sleeves  141  and  145  are longer than end support sleeves  71 C,  73 C,  75 C. Between end support sleeve  141  and  145 , between  141  and  145  and at the corner of the end support sleeve  71 C and  73 C, there are diagonal reinforcement ribs  77 C. 
         [0166]    The joint  165  in  FIG. 23  is the diametrically opposite counterpart of the joint  161  in  FIG. 22 . 
         [0167]    The joint  167  in  FIG. 24  is a center joint that is formed when end support sleeves  147  and  143  are added to the top face and the bottom face of the center joint  11  in embodiment 1. 
         [0168]    That is, joint  167  is formed by the addition of end support sleeve  143  on the vertical wall  55  of the mid-section of the bottom face of center support sleeve  93 C together with an end support sleeve  147  that extends from the top face of the end support sleeve  95 C. With this, the joint  167  forms an “X” when viewed from the side. 
         [0169]    Joint  171  in  FIG. 25  is a center joint and is formed with the addition of the end support sleeve  143  to the bottom face of the center joint  137  in said embodiment 2. 
         [0170]    That is, joint  171  is formed by the addition of end support sleeve  143  on the vertical wall  55  of the bottom mid-section of center support sleeve  93 C. With this, joint  171  will form an “X” when viewed from the top and a “T” when view from the front. 
         [0171]    In  FIG. 26 , the joint  175  is an end joint formed by the addition of the end support sleeve  141  and  145  to the back face and the top face of the joint  135  in said embodiment 2. 
         [0172]    That is, joint  175  is formed by the addition of end support sleeve  141  on the vertical wall  55  of the rear face of end support sleeve  73 C. With this, the joint  175  looks like an “X” when viewed from the top. 
         [0173]    In addition, the joint  175  is formed by the end support sleeve  145  that is added to the top face of the end support sleeve  73 C. With this, joint  175  looks like an “X” when viewed from the front and from the side. 
         [0174]    At the corner section of the end support section between end support sleeve  141  and  145 ; and between  141  and  73 C, there are the diagonal ribs  77 C. The diagonal ribs  77 C and  79 C are also present at the corner section between end support sleeve  145  and the end sleeves  71 C and  75 C. 
         [0175]    In  FIG. 27 , joint  179  is a center joint formed by the addition of end support sleeve  147  and  143  to the top face and bottom face of the center joint  137  in embodiment 2. 
         [0176]    That is, joint  179  is formed by the protrusion of end support sleeves  147  and  143  from the vertical wall  55  of the top face and mid-section of the bottom face of center support sleeve  93 C. With this, the joint  179  looks like an “X” when viewed from the top, the front and also from the side. 
         [0177]      FIG. 28  shows the perspective view of the frame assembly in embodiment 3 of the current invention,  FIG. 29  is the perspective view of the frame assembly in  FIG. 28  when viewed from the direction of the arrow “K”,  FIG. 30  is the front view of the frame assembly in  FIG. 28 ,  FIG. 31  is the plan view of the frame assembly in  FIG. 28  and  FIG. 32  is the side view of the frame assembly in  FIG. 28 . 
         [0178]    In this embodiment, using the joints  139 ,  140 ,  149 ,  157 ,  161 ,  165 ,  167 ,  171 ,  175  and  179 , frame assembly  1 C, as shown in  FIGS. 28 to 32 , will be possible. 
         [0179]    Frame assembly  1 C as shown in  FIGS. 28 to 32 , for example, is formed by multiple “C” structures formed by the frame sections  183 ,  185 ,  187  and  189 . To make it easier for identification, some of the “C” frame in the frame sections in  183 ,  185 ,  187  and  189  are shown as hatched. 
         [0180]    The frame sections  183  and  185  are similar to frame assembly  1 A in embodiment 2 and are located on opposing ends. Frame sections  187  and  189  connect frame sections  183  and  185  to each other. 
         [0181]    Frame section  187  is similar to frame assembly  1 B in embodiment 2 and is connected to frame section  183  with the open end of the “C” frame facing each other. Frame section  187  is connected to the frame  189  next to it. 
         [0182]    Frame section  189  is formed by a “C” frame that faces the opposite direction to frame section  187 . The cavity  23 C of top section  193  and the bottom section  195  for frame  189  is larger by 1 extra row on each side when compared to the frame assembly  1 A in embodiment 2, with nine cavities  23 C. The frame section  189  is connected to frame section  185  such that its opening of the “C” frame faces that of frame section  185 . 
         [0183]    In this embodiment, in addition to the advantages offered by the previous embodiment, can be expanded even further and also distribute the applied loads even more widely through the joints  139 ,  140 ,  149 ,  157 ,  161 ,  165 ,  167 ,  171 ,  175  and  179 . At the same time, the flexibility of the frame assembly is further increased. 
         [0184]    Also, in the frame assembly  1 C, the “C” frame structures  183  and  187  are connected face-to-face with the frame structures  185  and  189  in a simple structure that increases the structure strength tremendously. 
         [0185]    As described, the beams are configured to fit or inserted into the hollow sections of the sleeves of the joints. In other embodiments, the sleeves may be configured to fit or inserted into the hollow sections of the beams. In such embodiments, the sleeves of the joints may be solid or partially solid, while the beams have at least a hollow at the ends to accommodate the sleeves.