Patent Abstract:
A field-deployable construction set for the assembly of a Relocatable Habitat Unit (RHU), used for simulating real world environments without costly construction expenses. The various panels, supports, and accessories used to construct an RHU provide the user with innumerable options for floor plans and building design, further providing significant options for reconfiguration of floor, ceiling, and wall panels without having to disassemble the structure. The exterior composition of the expanded polymer foam is customizable to provide a realistic environment for high quality training in a versatile system that is deployable by truck or aircraft and can be assembled with only a single tool.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/800,838 filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled “Relocatable Habitat Unit”, and currently co-pending. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains generally to Relocatable Habitat Units (RHUs) for use in simulating an environment for a military combat training scenario. More particularly, the present invention pertains to an RHU that can be assembled and disassembled on-site, using panels that can be maneuvered, positioned and interconnected by no more than two men. The Present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a system and method for the complete assembly of an RHU using only a single hand-operated tool. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Military training must necessarily be conducted in an environment that will simulate anticipated combat operations as accurately as possible. For a comprehensive training program, this requires the ability and flexibility to relocate and set-up several different types of training environments. In general, training sites may need to selectively simulate either an urban, suburban, or an open terrain environment. 
     For a training site, the realism that can be attained when simulating a particular environment can be clearly enhanced by introducing indigenous persons (i.e. actors) into the training scenario. In addition to the indigenous persons, urban and suburban environments can be even more realistic when trainees are confronted by obstacles, such as buildings (e.g. habitats). In most instances, such structures can be relatively modest. Nevertheless, their integration into the training scenario requires planning. 
     Providing realistic buildings for a training environment requires the collective consideration of several factors. For one, the buildings need to present a visual perception accurate for the particular training scenario. Stated differently, they need to “look the part.” For another, it is desirable that structures assembled on the training site be capable of relatively easy disassembly for relocation to another training site and subsequent use. The use of state-of-the-art movie industry special effects, role players, proprietary techniques, training scenarios, facilities, mobile structures, sets, props, and equipment, all contribute to the Hyper-Realistic™ training model and serve to increase the quality of training. 
     For military mountain locations such as the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Center, near Bridgeport, Calif., the 8,000 feet elevation is accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles. Some mountains, such as those in Fort Irwin, Calif., are accessible only by helicopter. Additionally, only non-permanent structures may be placed on the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Center due to regulations, the nature of the military compound, and the environment. With this last point in mind, the ability to easily transport, assemble, and disassemble a building used as a training aide is a key consideration. 
     Heretofore, military combat training scenarios have been conducted either on open terrain, or at locations where there were pre-existing buildings or structures. The alternative has been to bring prefabricated components of buildings to a training site and then assemble the components to create the building. Typically, this has required special equipment, considerable man-hours of labor, and sometimes even requiring the assistance of Military Construction Units (MILCON); requiring significant military financial resources to erect and disassemble such “non-permanent” structures. 
     In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide a training environment which can utilize the Hyper-Realistic™ combat environment at any on-site location in a variety of complex, tactically challenging configurations. It would be further advantageous to provide a training environment where the structures are field-repairable. This allows realistic visual feedback to trainees during live fire field exercise, while still allowing multiple training runs without the need to replace training structures. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a repairable construction set and method for assembling and disassembling an RHU in a variety of configurations, at a training site, with as few as two persons. Alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to provide a repairable non-permanent construction set, having the ability of off-site assembly for air transport to facilitate training in remote locations or at high altitudes for specialized military training without the need for MILCON. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a construction set that requires the use of only a single, hand operated tool for the assembly and disassembly of an entire RHU. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a construction set for the assembly and disassembly of an entire RHU that is relatively simple to manufacture, extremely simple to use, and comparatively cost effective. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The Relocatable Habitat Unit (RHU) of the present invention is assembled using a plurality of substantially flat panels, designed to be modular, scalable, reconfigurable, and relocatable. 
     The RHU is based on a lightweight 4′×8′ composite material panel system and engineered to assemble into multi-story, complex configurations with a single tool. The RHU panels are constructed with pultruded fiberglass reinforced plastic beams, bonded with wood, composite, or expanded polystyrene foam panels that are laser cut to replicate the look and texture of various building materials like brick, adobe, mud, wood, bamboo, straw, thatch, etc., sprayed with one-eighth inch of a fire retardant pro-bond and “sceniced” (Pronounced SEE-nicked; a movie industry term that means “aged” to look weathered). Materials and construction provide all-weather, long-lasting, fire-retardant structures suitable for year-round military training in all environments. 
     In a preferred embodiment, any interior or exterior panel can be interchanged. Common amenities such as windows, doors, stairs, etc. can be attached or installed to the RHU structure. Additionally, a variation of these modular panels can also be used to clad other structures, such as containers, wooden temporary structures, or permanent buildings. For this assembly operation, each panel includes male (M) and female (F) lock connectors. Specifically, these connectors are located along the periphery of each panel. Importantly, all of the (M) connectors can be engaged with a respective (F) connector using the same tool. Thus, an entire RHU can be assembled and disassembled in this manner. Further, each panel is sufficiently lightweight in order to be moved and positioned by one person. As a practical matter, a second person may be required to use the tool and activate the connectors as a panel is being held in place by the other person. 
     In detail, a construction set for use with the present invention includes a plurality of panels and only the one tool. Each panel has a periphery that is defined by a left side edge, a right side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. However, selected panels can have different configurations that include a door or a window. Still others may simply be a solid panel. In particular, solid panels are used for the floor and ceiling (roof) of the RHU. Furthermore, a panel can be omitted, leaving a void to facilitate an entry or exit to a higher or lower level when the RHU is utilized in the multi-story configuration. Each panel, regardless of its configuration, will include at least one (M) connector and at least one (F) connector that are located on its periphery. 
     In addition to the wall, floor, and ceiling panels, an embodiment of the construction set also includes corner connections and ceiling attachments. Specifically, corner connections are used to engage wall panels to each other at the corners of the RHU. The ceiling attachments, on the other hand, allow engagement of roof panels with the top edges of wall panels and can also be used to stack multiple levels of a RHU, creating complex multi-level urban structure designs. In the multi-level configuration, vertical corner posts and horizontal beams provide a similar function to the corner connections and ceiling attachments, and are used to construct a frame to support a plurality of panels. 
     The placement and location of male (M) and female (F) lock connectors on various panels of the construction set is important. Specifically, along the right side edge of each wall panel, between its top edge and bottom edge, the lock configuration is (FMMF). Along its left side edge, the lock configuration is (MFFM). Further, along the top edge the lock configuration is (MM), and along the bottom edge it is (M) or (F), depending on the connector of the floor panel. 
     Unlike the panels, the corner connections are elongated members with two surfaces that are oriented at a right angle to each other. The lock configurations for a corner connection are (F--F) along one surface and (-FF-) along the other surface. Like the corner connections, the ceiling attachments also present two surfaces that are at a right angle to each other. However, their purpose is different and, accordingly, they have a (FF) lock configuration on one surface for engagement with the top edge of a wall panel. They also have either a (MM) or a (FF) configuration along the other surface for connection with a ceiling panel. 
     Importantly, in addition to the above mentioned panels, connections, and attachments, the construction set of the present invention includes a single hand tool. Specifically, this hand tool is used for activating the various male (M) connectors for engagement with a female (F) connector, in addition to driving other required hardware. For the present invention, this tool preferably includes a hex head socket, a drive that holds the hex head socket, and a ratchet handle that is swivel-attached to the drive. 
     For assembly of the RHU, the first task is to establish a substantially flat floor. This is done by engaging male (M) connectors on a plurality of floor panels with female (F) connectors on other floor panels. The floor is then leveled using extensions that can be attached to the floor panels at each corner. Next, a wall is erected around the floor of the RHU by engaging a male (M) connector on the right side edge of a respective wall panel with a female (F) connector on the left side edge of an adjacent wall panel. Recall, the lock configurations on the left and right edges of wall panels are, respectively, (FMMF) and (MFFM). Additionally, the bottom edge of each panel in the wall is engaged to the floor using mutually compatible male (M) and female (F) connectors. Finally, the ceiling assembly of the RHU is created by engaging male (M) connectors on ceiling panels with female (F) connectors on other ceiling panels. The ceiling attachments are then engaged to the assembled ceiling. In turn, the ceiling attachments are engaged to the top edge of a wall panel using mutually compatible male (M) and female (F) connectors. All connections for the assembly of the RHU are thus accomplished using the same tool. 
     In a preferred embodiment all panels are interchangeable. A frame is constructed consisting of vertical corner posts and horizontal beams (analogous to the corner connections and ceiling attachments), each formed with M and F lock connectors along their length that complement the lock connectors on the panels. Once the frame is in place, the panels may be configured and reconfigured as needed. Vertical corner posts and horizontal beams are also secured together using the single tool and additional hardware. By assembling a plurality of RHUs in this manner, the RHUs can be configured in any complex configuration that will best simulate the indigenous environment desired. A plurality of RHUs can be placed side-to-side, back-to-back, offset, stacked, or staggered to create a multi-level scalable structure. A simple repair kit provides quick easy patching of the composite materials. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a multi-story relocatable habitat unit, “sceniced” to resemble a fortress, showing the use of compound walls, and other features; and 
         FIG. 2  is an alternative embodiment of a single story construction of the present invention showing another manner in which the relocatable habitat unit can be “sceniced” with additional props to resemble real world tactical environments. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an adjustable foot module as it is mounted to the underside of a floor panel; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the underside of the corner of a floor panel, showing the set screw that secured the adjustable foot module in place; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the bottom of a single floor panel, showing the frame, floor board, four adjustable foot modules, and the lock connectors on the visible sides; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the top of a corner of a floor panel, showing a lock connector and the tool used to adjust the height of the adjustable foot module; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of two floor boards after being leveled using the adjustable foot modules and connected together with each floor panel&#39;s respective lock connectors; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective is a perspective view of a wall panel as it is attached to the edge of a floor panel, showing the access port for actuating the lock connector on the bottom edge of the wall panel, and the ledges that maintain the wall panel&#39;s position on the floor panel allowing the user to connect the wall panel to the floor panel with the lock connectors; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a wall panel as attached to a floor panel using the lock connectors, showing the ledges on the bottom edge of the wall panel holding the wall panel in place, and the tool as it would be inserted to actuate the lock connectors; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of three floor panels connected forming a floor of a relocatable habitat unit, with two wall panels connected to the floor panels and to a corner post; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the outside of corner of  FIG. 8 , showing the interaction of the corner post as it connects to the two wall panels forming a corner of the relocatable habitat unit; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective is a top perspective view of the bottom floor of a relocatable habitat unit prior to installation of the second story, showing eight wall panels installed forming the walls of the relocatable habitat unit, with two doors, and two windows; 
         FIG. 13  is a view of two corner posts as they interact with a ceiling beam, showing the flanges formed to the corner posts that connect to the ceiling beams, and the ledges formed into the ceiling beam for support of the second story floor; 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of a complete first story of a relocatable habitat unit prior to the installation of the second story floor, showing four ceiling beams installed between the four corner posts for support of the second floor; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the interior of the corner post where the flanges and ceiling beams meet, showing a corner bracket installed, with the hardware inserted through the flanges, through the ceiling beams, and into the cage nuts formed onto the interior of the corner bracket; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the top of a corner bracket as installed in a relocatable habitat unit, showing the interaction of two ceiling beams, corner post, and the top of the corner bracket that also serves to support the second story floor; 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of the installation of the second story floor, showing the lock connectors and the interaction of the edges of the floor panel as is lies atop the ceiling beam flanges and the corner brackets, in addition to a four by four support post installed to support the second story; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the underside of a second story floor panel where the four-by-four support post is installed; 
         FIG. 19  is perspective view of the top of a partially constructed relocatable habitat unit showing the installation of a second floor panel for the second story, offset orientation of the second story floor panels, and the location and interaction of the four-by-four support post; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the top of the partially constructed relocatable habitat unit showing the installation of the third second story floor panel having a void adapted to accept a staircase; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the installation of the hardware for securing the top of the staircase following installation in the relocatable habitat unit; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective side view of a completed first story of a relocatable habitat unit showing a look-through view of the interior of the first floor with a staircase installed for access to the second floor; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the top of the nearly completed second story of the relocatable habitat unit showing the top access of the staircase and nine of the ten required panels for the top floor; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a completed two story relocatable habitat unit showing the roof panels installed on top of the second story; 
         FIG. 25  is a side view of the installation of the corner post covers that magnetically adhere to the corner post flanges and complete the exterior finish; and 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the side of a preferred embodiment of the present in invention showing the one of the many ways in which the relocatable habitat unit can be “sceniced” to resemble a real world building, yet still use the basic units of construction discussed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of a multi-story relocatable habitat unit (“RHU”) of the present invention is shown and generally designated  100 . As will be explained more fully below, the entirety of the RHU is constructed using five basic parts and a single tool and can be sceniced to resemble a real world tactical environment. Stage production techniques are utilized to provide a real world environment, increasing the quality of tactical training while remaining flexible with the execution and assembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a preferred embodiment of a single level RHU of the present invention is shown a generally designated  101 . RHU  101  is shown “sceniced” as a hut that might be found in a desert or grassland environment used to simulate real world tactical training. In this Figure a door  124  is shown formed into a wall panel  112 , as will be discussed more fully below. As can be seen in this Figure, wall panels  112  (explain more fully below) can be built to resemble buildings other than square structures. The illusion of the RHU  101  having a wider base than top is provided by adding more material to the bottom portion of the panels  112  than at the top. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the construction of the RHU  100  begins with one or more floor panels  102 , a portion of which is shown in this Figure with a single adjustable foot module  104  attached. Adjustable foot module  104  is utilized to level the floor panel in relatively flat terrain (preferably less than four percent grade). A single tool (not shown), typically a hex tool and a common ratchet can be employed to secure or adjust every attachment in the RHU  100 . 
     Floor panels are interchangeable with other floor panels and generally sturdy, being formed of a metal frame such as aluminum, steel, other suitable material, with a wooden or composite floor. Each floor panel  102  is designed to withstand tactical training, on the first level or the second level of RHU  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the underside of the floor panel  102  is shown where adjustable foot module  104  is inserted into a receiver formed in the floor panel  102  and secured by a set screw  106 . The adjustable foot module  104  can be used on any corner of any floor panel  102  in use. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the underside of a floor panel  102  is shown with four adjustable foot modules  104  inserted into a receiver and secured allowing the user to level the floor panel on the terrain. Each of the floor panels is individually leveled with the adjacent floor panels  102  to maintain a flat platform on which to construct the remainder of the RHU  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the tool  107  is inserted and engages with the adjustable foot module  104  to adjust the height and level of the floor panel  102 . Tool  107  is a notionally a common ratchet set with a hex tool, similar to an Allen wrench and will be used throughout construction of the RHU  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , multiple floor panels  102  can then be leveled and attached along their adjacent edges through the use of male (M) lock connectors  108  and female (F) lock connectors  110 . Two floor panels  102  have been connected together, forming a larger floor that will form part of the base of RHU  100 . In a preferred embodiment of RHU  100 , any practical number of floor panels  102  can be connected to create a larger floor plan. Tool  107  is used to connect and disconnect lock connectors  108  and  110 , and secure corner posts and ceiling beams to the RHU  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a wall panel  112  is shown as it would be attached to the edge of a floor panel  102 . The wall panel has ledges  114  that aid in supporting the weight of the wall panels  112 , as the user is securing the M lock  108  on the base of the wall panel  112  to an F lock  110  (not visible from this angle) on the edge of the floor panel  102 . Each of the wall panels  112  has at least one M lock  108  or at least one F lock  110  along the interior face of the bottom edge, where the wall panel  112  comes in contact with floor panel  102 . An access port  115  provides the user with access to fit the tool  107  and actuate the M lock  108 , as depicted by  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a common ratchet as tool  107  actuating the M lock  108 . Shown are ledges  114  formed into the frame of wall panel  112  that help support the weight of the wall panel  112  during construction. The ledges  114  are not intended to be critical load bearing members once the frame (shown in  FIG. 10 ) of the RHU  100  is complete. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , two wall panels  112  are shown connected to the floor panels  102  through the use of the M locks  108  and F locks  110  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). As the wall panels  112  are secured in place, a corner post  116  is connected to the first wall panel  112  through the use of the M locks  108  and F locks  110 . The corner post  116  is an elongated, metal member with a roughly square cross section. At least two of the adjacent sides that meet wall panels  112  at a given corner have M locks  108  and F locks  110  disposed about the length of the corner post  116 . In an embodiment, a corner post  116  may be formed with appropriate lock connectors  108  and  110  as needed on more than two adjacent surfaces along the corner post&#39;s  112  length to accommodate additional designs. Such an embodiment might require a T-shaped intersection where three walls come together, or even four walls, as required. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , an opposing view from that of  FIG. 10  is shown. Corner post  116  is connected along its length to two wall panels  112  with the use of the M locks  108  and F locks  110  disposed one the edges. This Figure also shows the two flanges  118  orthogonally disposed on adjacent sides of corner post  116  at approximately the height of the wall panels  112 . Flanges  118  are formed with holes  120  to accept hardware  122  that will ultimately secure ceiling beams (discussed below). 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , ten wall panels  112  are erected around the edges of the three floor panels  102  that form the floor of RHU  100 . Four corner posts  116  are utilized to support the four corners of the first floor of the RHU  100 . As shown, the wall panels  112  can be formed with one of several amenities common in a typical building. Amenities such as a door  124  or a window  126  can be formed into the wall panels  112  as needed. Additionally, the wall panels are interchangeable, being identically built and reconfigurable once the RHU  100  is complete. 
     In a preferred embodiment, wall panels  112  are formed of a frame composed of pultruded fiberglass reinforced plastic beams, bonded with wood, composite, or expanded polystyrene foam panels that are laser cut and sceniced to replicate the look and texture of various building materials like brick, adobe, mud, wood, bamboo, straw, thatch, among other materials. 
     Because tactical military training often requires live ordnance, panels may become damaged. The ability to repair or quickly reconfigure a wall panel  112  from a solid wall to a door  124  or window  126  panel is of great utility saving considerable time and money. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , to construct the ceiling attachment assembly, a ceiling beam  128  is secured between flanges  118  in order to both provide structural support to the wall panels  112 , but also to support the second floor of RHU  100 . Tabs  130  are also formed to the interior of beam  128  supplying additional support to the floor panels  102  (shown in  FIGS. 3-12 ) that will be employed as the ceiling, or floor of the second story. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , a top perspective view of the first story of the RHU  100  after the remaining ceiling beams  128  are installed creating the ceiling attachment assembly to which the ceiling or next story will be secured is shown. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15  an interior view of a corner bracket  132  is shown installed in the corner where two ceiling beams  128  meet. The corner bracket  132  is formed with at least two orthogonal faces that meet flanges  118  (shown in  FIGS. 11-13 ), and holes  134  sized to receive hardware  136  (shown in  FIG. 16 ). Hardware is notionally a bolt, capable of being driven by tool  107 , maintaining the simplicity of construction. Additionally, holes  134  in corner bracket  132  can either be internally threaded or alternatively be equipped with cage nuts connected or otherwise formed to the interior of the corner bracket  132 . In an embodiment, just as tabs  130  assist in supporting the floor panels  112  of the second story (or ceiling of the first story), the tops of corner bracket  132  are formed to assist in the support of the same. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , a perspective view of the top of a corner bracket  132  is shown as installed between two ceiling beams  128 . Hardware  136  is more clearly shown here as it is inserted to secure the components together. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , the beginning of installation of the second story floor of the RHU  100  is shown, with the addition of a first floor panel  102 . Floor panels on a second story of an RHU  100  do not physically attach to the ceiling beams  128 , but rather rest on the tabs  130  and the corner brackets  132  (shown in  FIGS. 15-16 ). The top surface of the tabs  130  and the corner brackets  132  lies below the top of ceiling beams  128  creating a ridge  138  that helps maintain the position of floor panels  102  in use as a second story floor of RHU  100 . In order to maintain integrity of the floor panels  102 , each of the panels  102  in use is connected to the adjacent floor panel  102  with the use of lock connectors  108  and  110 . 
     This Figure also shows the addition of support post  140  as it is installed to provide additional support to the floor panels  102  as they are installed on the second floor and will support the intersection of the three floor panels  102  in use in this embodiment of RHU  100 . 
     Support post  140  is provided to create a more secure upper floor. As the surface area of a second story of a multi-level RHU  100  increases, the amount of support to maintain a level second floor also increases. Support post  140  is notionally a four-by-four beam made from any of a number of materials from a composite to metal or wooden members. While weight is a concern, the more important aspect is safety and security of RHU  100 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the interaction of the support post  140  with the bottom of the floor panel  102 . The support post  140  has a registration pin (not shown) in the bottom, that fits into the registration hole (not shown) in the floor panel  102 . The registration hole indicates a strong point in the floor, generally positioned over an intersection of floor panels  102  where the increased support of the adjustable foot module  104  (shown in  FIGS. 3-7 ) is located. Thus, support post  140  transfers the load from the intersection of second story floor panels  102 , to the ground through the foot module  104 , decreasing the sheer stresses applied to the floor panels  102  that comprise the second floor of RHU  100 . 
     Notches  142  formed in the top of the support post  140  are sized to accept the rails  143  formed in the bottom of the second story floor panel. The remaining floor panels  102  are intended to be oriented 90° from the first panel, as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . This scheme of manipulating the orientation of the second story floor panels  102  more evenly distributes the loads applied to the second story and ensures a more structurally sound RHU  100 . In an embodiment, it is desirable to support each second story floor panel  102  about all four corners. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19  a second floor panel  102  is installed on the second story floor of RHU  100 , supported on each corner and connected to the adjacent floor panel  102  with lock connectors  108  and  110 . 
     In  FIG. 20 , the third and final second floor panel  102  installed on the second story floor of RHU  100  is shown, this time modified as a stairwell panel  144 , providing a means for installation of a staircase  146  (shown in  FIG. 22 ) and access to the second story of the RHU  100 . 
       FIG. 21  shows the close up of the installation of a staircase  146 , and hardware  148  as would be used to secure the staircase  146  to the stairwell panel  144 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , a side perspective of an almost complete RHU  100  is shown with a look-through to the staircase  146  and the completed first floor. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , construction of the walls, using additional wall panels  112  continues as the second story is shown nearly enclosed with nine out of ten wall panels  112  installed. As before, the corner posts secure to adjacent wall panels  112  using lock connectors  108  and  110 , in the same manner in which the lock connectors  108  and  110  are used to secure adjacent wall panels  112  together. 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , flat roof panels  150  are installed in the same manner in which the floor panels  102  were installed to create the floor of the second story. All flat roof panels  150  are identical and are substantially similar to floor panels  102 . Like floor panels  102 , flat roof panels  150  have male lock connectors  108  on two sides and female lock connectors  110  on two sides. With the wall panels  112  locked into the floor, the lock connectors  108  and  110  in the wall panels  112  will be the correct gender to mate with the roof panels  150 . Note the position of the wall locks and rotate the roof panel to mate with them. The tool  107  (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9 ) is again used to actuate the individual male lock connectors  108  to lock the panels  112  and  150  into place. 
     The last step in the process of construction of RHU  100  is the addition of the foam corner pieces  152  as shown in  FIG. 25 . Foam corner pieces are formed with a magnetic backing that adheres to the exterior of flanges  118  (shown in  FIGS. 11-13 ) on corner posts  116  (shown in  FIGS. 10-23 ). Alternatively, the foam corner pieces  152  may be attached by utilizing snap locks, hook and loop fasteners, or any other similar fastening methods known in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 26 , an alternative preferred embodiment of RHU of the present invention is shown and generally designated  200 . RHU  200  is a round construction, resulting from the ability to vary the shape of the roof panels  150  and the floor panels  102 . In an embodiment, the wall panels  112  need not be symmetrical or uniformly thick throughout their construction adding an illusion that the building is not perfectly square as in RHU  101  of  FIG. 2 . While the shape and cut of the panels that comprise the round RHU  200  are not exactly the same size or shape as the floor panels  102 , wall panels  112 , and roof panels  150 , the same concepts and mechanisms are at work. Assembly and disassembly of RHU  200  is as fast and easy and uses the same tool  107  as above. 
     While the particular Relocatable Habitat Unit  100  of the present invention as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. No limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4