Abstract: Apparatus is provided for supporting a retractable roof. The support includes a support frame which supports the roof sections, and a follower wheel which moves along a rail formed in the retraction and expansion direction of the roof sections. The support frame has a base support having a spherical surface. Also included is a base capable of tolerating movement within a given range in the horizontal direction, substantially perpendicular to the rail and supported by the base support via a movement-limiting portion which limits the movement in the rail direction.

Abstract: A modular structure consisting of three modular units of approximately the same size, the center module being the primary module containing the mechanical components of the building, with plumbing, air conditioning and heating ducts, and electrical wiring in the slab floor structural foundation and door jambs. The primary module used to transport the entire structure is completed at the factory, requiring no further work at jobsite, with heating and cooling unit, hot water heater, cabinets and appliances, plumbing and light fixtures and accessories installed at the factory in permanent locations. The major exterior walls, slab floor foundation panels, and ceiling/roof panels for all three modules are similarly manufactured in one piece in full width and the length of the building, eliminating joints, speeding assembly and strengthening the components.

Abstract: A retrofit roof riser subframing support assembly for attaching a new roof over an existing roof wherein the new roof has a slope independent of the slope of the existing roof. The assembly can include a series of spaced apart rows of roof support members having one end attachable to the new roof structure and another end mountable on the existing roof. Each row of roof support members can have a different height such that the difference in height between the tallest row and the shortest row defines the slope of the new roof. Each roof support member can include at least one fixed length post member having one end retained in a socket portion of a mounting member which is mountable on the existing roof. The other end of the post member can have a purlin clip rotatably connected thereto. The purlin clip can be rotated to the desired angle, locked in place, and attached to the new roof structure.

Abstract: Adjacent backdrop panels and a suspended canopy comprising a stage shell, wherein the backdrop panels include angular alignment devices for readily and accurately aligning adjacent panels to present a pleasing, uniform appearance and tilt aligning devices to readily align the angle of tilt of the backdrop panels. The suspended canopy formed of individual canopy panels having rotatable hinge devices for storing the canopy panels in a substantially vertical position and having a readily engageable stay assembly for accurately fixing the relative angle of the canopy panels when deployed in a performance position above the backdrop panels.

Abstract: A device for lifting a framework (65) optionally together with a portion of a building resting on said framework (65), and in particular a roof, relative to underlying walls. The device (63) is designed to be used as one of a plurality of such devices distributed around the framework (65) and it includes a wall plate (1) suitable for being fixed to the wall (3) and connected to guides (64) for guiding a cursor (76) suitable for co-operating with the framework (65), and controlled thruster (108) for said cursor (76) by common connections (42) that ensure they are identically oriented. The device is particularly applicable to lifting two-slope or four-slope roofs, or floors, or bare frameworks, by suitable adaptations to the cursor (76).

Abstract: A mobile booth, which is mounted upon a truck, comprising a primary housing and a canopy that is slidably mounted exterior to the primary housing. The canopy is mounted to the primary housing with a roller track. The canopy comprises a top panel, and side panels that are hingeably connected thereto. The side panels have a tri-partite construction, including an upper panel, middle panel, and lower panel which are hingeably connected to allow an enclosure created by canopy to be wider than the truck. To deploy the canopy, the middle panel and lower panel are lowered to the ground, and the truck is pulled forward until the primary housing is forward of substantially all of the canopy. Hydraulic jacks may extend downwardly from the primary housing to selectively engage the ground surface, raise the primary housing slightly, and allow the truck to be driven away to create a semi-permanent installation.

Abstract: A cable-stay retractable skylight roof and method of constructing the same wherein a large clear span is built over an existing or new athletic stadium or arena or other structure. The principal feature of the roof structure is that it is supported by Cable-Stays to towers standing outside of the stadium and places no vertical weight on the existing stadium. The structure includes a beam framework and roof covering installed over the framework. The covering is fabricated of a clear skylight material to allow sufficient light transmission to permit a natural grass playing field and retracts open to create an open air stadium.

Abstract: Disclosed is the method and apparatus for preventing algae growth in open-topped cooling tower reservoirs and the like which utilizes a porous flexible sheet material placed over the open top of the water reservoir, such sheet material characterized by the fact that it has an effective shade factor to prevent the growth of algae in the reservoir but is porous to allow cooling air--water interaction.

Abstract: An arrangement for openable roofs, especially for glazed verandas and balconies. The arrangement is a horizontal supporting section (10) which defines an elongated guiding channel (11) having an elongated side opening (12), and a horizontal roofing panel (20) which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the supporting section (10). The roof panel (20) has a lateral edge (21) that extends into the guide channel (11) of the supporting section (10). A plurality of separate guiding and spacing members (40) are mounted spaced from each other in a direction of the guiding channel (11), on the lateral edge (21), received in the guiding channel (11), and abuts against the inner wall of the guiding channel (11) to thereby ensure that there is a play both upwards and downwards in the side opening (12) between the panel (20) and the supporting section (10). The guiding and spacing members (40) are designed so as to allow a turning movement of the panel (20).

Abstract: An expandable retractable portable structure having a movable portion hingedly connected to a stationary portion and wherein the movable portion pivotally encloses the stationary portion of the structure in its retracted position and wherein, in its expanded position, the structure provides maximum interior space for use. An actuating mechanism includes one or more hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders connected to a linkage system. The actuator is located inside the structure on the floor of the stationary portion and the linkage system driven by the actuator is connected to the floor of the movable portion so that the movable portion is rotated by the actuator and linkage system between its expanded and retracted positions. The actuator and linkage system are removably mounted inside the structure and may be readily removed from the structure and used to open or close other structures. Alternatively, the actuator may be left inside the structure.

Abstract: A roof structure to protect a crop growing area includes a retractable roof membrane or curtain that defines pitched sections of the roof. The membrane extends across the valley between pitched sections and apertures are provided in the membrane to allow water to pass through the membrane. A gutter is disposed in the valley beneath the apertures to collect water and discharge it away from the crop growing area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable greenhouse which is constructed from at lease two left-right horizontal members which are supported at each opposite distal end by a left-right vertical support post and at least two front-rear horizontal members which are supported at each opposite distal end by a front-rear vertical support post. Each front-rear system includes a front-rear cover sheet which may be raised or lowered by a motor. Each left-right system includes a left-right cover sheet which is raised to a left-right horizontal member, travels to another left-right horizontal member (to form a top), then lowers to the ground. This forms a retractable greenhouse.

Abstract: A self-contained workstation defined by a multi-panel divider wall which defines a workstation area and is closeable by a door assembly hingedly connected thereto. The workstation is readily movable and accessible so as to facilitate repositioning of the workstation as well as opening and closing of the door assembly. The workstation further includes an overhead canopy which is pivotally connected along one edge to the divider wall and extends forwardly therefrom so as to overlie the workstation area which canopy is raisable to adjust vertical clearance within the workstation.

Abstract: A storage shed of a height less than that of an adult person, and which is accessed through a front door or ramp, when the roof portions are in an open supported position. The shed is intended for use in locations where local regulations prevent the placement of buildings that exceed the height of a residential fence. The superstructure of the shed; namely, the walls and roof portion(s) is formed of metal frame members which are covered over with a plywood or vinyl siding. The roof covering may be corrugated galvanized sheeting, or wood optionally covered by shingles as well as transparent or translucent plastic. The roof may be opened and closed by the operation of a series of water operated or electrically operated rams.

Abstract: A retractable dome stadium having a plurality of generally lune-shaped panels mounted for movement between an open position in which they are stacked one above the other in a superimposed relationship and a closed position in which they are disposed in a generally side-by-side relationship. In the open position, the dome has a low and open view in one end thereof.

Abstract: A spherical support structure is provided. The spherical support structure includes a plurality of interconnected rib structures defining a spherical shape. Each rib structure includes a vertical rib, horizontal members connected to the vertical rib, a plurality of exterior diagonal members extending diagonally outward from the rib structure for connection to other rib structures, and a plurality of internal diagonal members connected to the rib structure and extending diagonally between a spherical exterior shell and a spherical interior shell. The spherical exterior shell being connected to and enveloping the rib structures. The spherical interior shell being connected to the rib structures and forming spherical cavity therewithin. A plurality of floor structures are mounted to the horizontal members of the rib structures and are horizontally disposed between the spherical exterior shell and spherical interior shell.

Abstract: A portable, expandable protective vehicle cover comprising: a base, the base is sized to support a vehicle thereon and having a substantially flat upper surface; a canopy, the canopy is supported by a telescoping frame, the telescoping frame comprises a plurality of U-shaped ribs extending along outer edges of the base; and a drive structure, the drive structure is positioned along a horizontal central axis parallel to the flat upper surface within the base. A rotating rod is operatively connected to the drive structure, ends of the telescoping frame are pivotally connected to opposing edges on the rotating rod. The drive structure provides power to turn the rotating rod to extend the telescoping frame to open and closed positions thereby opening and closing the canopy and allowing a vehicle positioned on the base to be covered by the canopy.

Abstract: A hot tub cover and enclosure which, when in a closed position, forms a waterproof cover for a hot tub and a sloping surface to shed snow and water, and when in an open position, provides privacy screening and wind protection. The side walls of the hot tub cover and enclosure are individually self-supporting, so that any side wall or combination of side walls may remain on the hot tub in a closed position, or any number of side walls may be placed in an open position or removed from the hot tub, without need for support from neighboring side walls. The side walls attach to the hot tub using a detachable hinging mechanism.

Abstract: A stage structure disposed to a vehicle which includes a head portion and the stage structure has a base connecting to the head portion, two first posts and two second posts respectively disposed to four corners of the base and a top cover mounted to the four posts wherein one side of the top cover is pivotally connected to two of the posts in a longitudinal direction of the base, a lower supporting board connected between each pair of two posts for a first cylinder disposed thereon which connects to a mediate part so as to lift the other side of the top cover, a first frame and a second frame respectively and retractably disposed below an under surface of the top cover, each of the first frame and the second frame respectively connected to a second cylinder and a third cylinder on the top cover, a third frame pivotally connected to the second frame, an extending base respectively pivotally connected to each one of two sides of the base such that a stage can be formed by extending these frames and extending b

Abstract: A modular structure consisting of three modular units, the center module being the primary module containing the mechanical components of the building, with plumbing, air conditioning and heating ducts, and electrical wiring in the slab floor structural foundation and door jambs. The primary module is completed at the factory. The major exterior walls, slab floor foundation panels, and ceiling/roof panels for all three modules are similarly manufactured in one piece. The major components of the side modules, consisting of the slab floor foundation panels, ceiling/roof panels and the exterior side walls, are all hinged so that they fold to the side and on top of the primary module. Accessories and wall panels and partitions not hinged are placed on top of the primary module for transportation. Two end walls are bolted to the center module during transportation to the site.

Abstract: A panel support assembly apparatus for supporting panel members used in a new roof assembly is disclosed. The panel support assembly provides the ability to support a new roof assembly over underlying support structure, which may be a preexisting roof assembly such as a built up roof. An adjustable support spacer supports a new roof assembly over underlying support structure and has base support members disposed in a first direction over the underlying support structure. A support spacer is disposed in a second direction substantially normal to the direction of the base support members. Further, web spacer means support the support spacer and include attachment means for connecting the web spacer means to the base support members and top support means for connecting the web spacer means to the support spacer, thereby rigidly securing the support spacer in the first and the second directions.

Abstract: A hurricane shelter generally comprising a dome shaped cover and a cylindrically shaped base wall, designed to be sufficiently small and aesthetically pleasing to enable it to be located without difficulty near a home or a trailer and provide quick access to needed shelter in times of emergency. At other times, the dome can be raised on its own central column above the base wall to form an umbrella-like covering over the base wall. The column is designed to support a table top, making it possible to convert this safety structure into a shaded outdoor table, or in the case of a large shelter unit, into a gazebo, a useful addition to a home throughout the entire year in areas subject to hurricanes.

Abstract: A greenhouse roof structure for the usual rectangular in plan greenhouse comprises at least two rectangular roof panels each having a lower edge hinged to the structure for movement about a respective horizontal hinge axis. The roof panels are movable about their hinge axes between a fully closed position in which their upper edges meet to form a roof peak, and a fully open position in which they extend generally vertically at least approximately parallel to one another for the greenhouse space to be upwardly fully open to the ambient atmosphere, as is needed for example to "harden" new plants before they are exposed to the harsher ambient conditions outside the greenhouse. Preferably trusses extend transversely between the two outer side walls, support members are carried by the trusses, and transversely extending upwardly convex arch members are each connected at its ends to respective support members to connect them against the forces, such as wind forces, applied by the roof panels.

Abstract: A cable-stay retractable skylight roof and method of constructing the same wherein a large clear span is built over an existing or new athletic stadium or area or other structure. The principal feature of the roof structure is that it is supported by Cable-Strays to towers standing outside of the stadium and places no vertical weight on the existing stadium. The structure includes a beam framework and roof covering installed over the framework. The covering is fabricated of a clear skylight material to allow sufficient light transmission to permit a natural grass playing field and retracts open to create an open air stadium.

Abstract: An improvement for allowing service jobs to be performed on and around the tower top of wind-power plants, where it is very important that sufficient space is available to the personnel for the tools and the machine parts during service and maintenance jobs on the machinery and the turbine. At least one section (1) of the engine hood is articulated to an engine support floor (3) with the aid of a hinge connection (4), thus allowing the hood section (1) to be folded outwards and downwards to assume a horizontal position wherein it serves as a floor.

Abstract: The telescopic column is provided for a portable stage used in outdoor or indoor events produced in front of audiences or the like and comprising a haulable chassis for overland transportation between events. The column bears a roof movable vertically above the chassis and comprises a plurality of C-shaped beams operatively fitted into each other and concentric with a central beam. A plurality of pairs of upper rollers, each operatively connected to an upper end of a corresponding C-shaped beam, are provided for engagement with the surface of an adjacent interior beam and for rolling thereon upon raising or lowering of the roof. The use of rollers prevents jamming of the C-shaped beams when moving the roof vertically.

Abstract: A skyhatch or skylight having a case to which one or more wings are pivotably attached whose opening and closing is accomplished by using a combination cable system and pneumatic spring opening and closing mechanism such that the wings can be opened to any desired position between their fully closed and fully opened position on a continuously variable basis.

Abstract: The facility for preparing and deploying atmospheric sounding devices of the present invention, makes use of a structure with a retractable cover and a wind deflecting member circumscribing the shelter, to provide a transportable, reliable, and cost effective facility to prepare and deploy lighter-than-air balloons as the vehicle for carrying sounding devices. The facility permits preparation and deployment in any weather condition including, but not limited to, light to heavy winds that would otherwise cause down drafts through the roof opening in the structure.

Abstract: A base block for use in a system of onsite construction of a tower, comprising a floor, having predetermined dimensions defining a periphery. A perimeter wall is sealingly attached, extending upwardly a predetermined distance around the periphery of the floor so that an enclosed ballast reservoir is formed. Tower connectors are rigidly affixed to the base blocks at predetermined positions for mating removable engagement with the tower.

Abstract: Adjacent backdrop panels and a suspended canopy comprising a stage shell, wherein the backdrop panels include angular alignment devices for readily and accurately aligning adjacent panels to present a pleasing, uniform appearance and tilt aligning devices to readily align the angle of tilt of the backdrop panels. The suspended canopy formed of individual canopy panels having rotatable hinge devices for storing the canopy panels in a substantially vertical position and having a readily engageable stay assembly for accurately fixing the relative angle of the canopy panels when deployed in a performance position above the backdrop panels.

Abstract: A foldable portable building can be collapsed to fit within the outside dimensions of an internationally standardized (ISO) goods container to facilitate mechanical handling and transportation. The building comprises a rigid main support having a main floor section, a main wall section and a main roof section. When the building is extended, generally horizontal and planar, hingedly interconnected floor sections and roof sections extend from the main floor and roof sections respectively, and wall sections extend between the said sections. The wall sections comprise an end wall section, two first wall sections and two second wall sections which are hingedly interconnected similarly to a bellows. When the building is collapsed, the wall sections are located adjacent the main wall section, the roof sections are disposed vertically on a side of the wall sections remote from the main wall section, and the floor sections are disposed vertically outwardly of the folded wall and roof sections.

Abstract: A roof structure to protect a crop growing area includes a retractable roof membrane or curtain that defines pitched sections of the roof. The membrane extends across the valley between pitched sections and apertures are provided in the membrane to allow water to pass through the membrane. A gutter is disposed in the valley beneath the apertures to collect water and discharge it away from the crop growing area.

Abstract: An auditorium has a domed roof formed by a first part spherical portion covering, without intermediate support, most of an amphitheatre accommodating an audience, and a second part spherical portion covering a stage adjacent the amphitheatre, the first portion being supported only at its periphery, and the second portion consisting of segmental leaves which can open about a common pivot supported by the first portion to uncover the stage, the common pivot being at a vertical axis of the second portion of the roof and above the amphitheatre and the vertical axis of the first portion being above the stage. Wall panels behind the stage can be moved apart to open the rear of the stage to the exterior.

Abstract: An unmanned snow prevention and removal system is provided which prevents or eliminates the accummulation of falling snow in selected ingress and egress passageways on the ground, such as sidewalks and driveways. An array of disposed parallel linear cooperative panels is provided covering such passageways upon which the accumulated falling snow is caught, and is subsequently intermittently and automatically thrown off such panels on wither side of their respective lengths by their sweeping motion through an arc of a circle from an initial near horizontal intersecting position by an electrical motor drive. Removal of accumulated snow from the panel array during their sweeping-throw and return motion as a result of the snow sliding downward of the panels is assisted by the provision of electrical heater elements disposed along the full length thereof and contained within the body of each panel which enables the accumulated snow to slide off the panel more readily.

Abstract: An improved portable platform for the performing arts for providing a generally covered performing stage and being shiftable from a stowed configuration to a performing configuration wherein an upper and a lower roof assembly from a canopy over the stage having a rain exclusion means for preventing the passage of rain through the canopy and for preventing the entry of rain into the platform when in the stowed configuration. The portable platform includes hydraulic actuation means having at least two hydraulic loops, the first of such loops including a hydraulic ram, the ram extending and supporting the roof assembly, the two hydraulic loops being connected by an interrupter adapted to hydraulically isolate the two loops, thereby hydraulically locking the ram to support the roof assembly in the event of a loss of hydraulic pressure in the second hydraulic loop.

Abstract: A roof structure to protect a crop growing area includes a retractable roof membrane or curtain that defines pitched sections of the roof. The membrane extends across the valley between pitched sections and apertures are provided in the membrane to allow water to pass through the membrane. A gutter is disposed in the valley beneath the apertures to collect water and discharge it away from the crop growing area.

Abstract: A garage (10) generally comprises a pair of side walls (20, 40) that are vertical, parallel and semi-circular, and a peripheral wall (60) spanning between the periphery of the side walls (20, 40) to form an enclosure. The peripheral wall (60) includes a front door (61) and a rear door (71). Front and rear door support paths (30, 35) are located on the inside (28) of each side wall (20, 40) near the wall's peripheral edge. Each door path is parallel, semi-circular and supports a side edge of a door. The front and rear door paths (30, 35) are of different radius such that the door panels may overlap. Latching mechanisms (80), located at approximately midway up on the marginal side (38, 58) of each side wall (20, 40) are moveable to a latching position connecting a door to sidewalls (20, 40) such that the door cannot slide and such that the door prevents the side walls from outward movement at that location.

Abstract: A prefabricated observatory dome structure comprising a base portion constructed from connectable arcuate panels, a rotatable dome constructed from connectable panels and a vertically slidable shutter. The flange design of the base portion provides a water-tight non-caulked wall. A semi-door permits easy access to the observatory structure. The shutter has three sections that slide together using a latching system to slide back to expose more that half of the opening to permit observation at the zenith of the unit.

Abstract: A vehicle enclosure for storing and protecting a vehicle having a base plate; a cover disposed over the base plate to create an enclosed space therein adapted for receiving a vehicle; a hinge mechanism for pivotally coupling the cover to the base plate; a handle mechanism coupled to the cover for allowing the cover to be opened and closed; a retaining mechanism coupled between the base plate and cover for holding the cover open; and a retractable dolly coupled to the cover with the dolly having a retracted orientation for placing the vehicle enclosure in a stowed configuration and an extended orientation for placing the vehicle enclosure in a transportable configuration for moving it from one location to another.

Abstract: A mobile erectable stage. In one preferred embodiment, in a stored condition, the stage has the form of a trailer which can be transported from one location to another. At least one bell crank assembly is used to erect the stage by raising at least one side wall panel and the interconnected roof panel, so that a stage with a sloped roof canopy which overhangs the stage floor is deployed. The stage floor can be enlarged by adding floor panels. The stage contains a powered light truss which extends out beyond the stage floor toward the audience to shine light back onto the stage. Further, the stage contains reversible acoustic panels, one side of which is used when the stage performers are using microphones to deflect audio waves to reduce possible echoing through the microphones and the other side of which is used when the stage performers are not using sound amplification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an openable roof having two pairs of half dome openable roofs provided on a ring shaped set roof having a flat upper surface. In the center of the set roof, an aperture is provided; this aperture being opened or closed by these two pairs of openable roofs. Furthermore, either respective pair of these two pairs of openable roofs may be selected and utilized to open and close the aperture as necessary.

Abstract: A retractable roof system comprised of several inverted U-shaped, inverted L-shaped, and T-shaped segments. The vertical portion of each segment is a truss supporting the roof loads and spanning across the roof opening that can be moved on steel rails in one direction and nest overlapped with each other to produce an opened roof area or moved in the other direction to produce a closed roof.

Abstract: A portable roof and tower system of the type for building, disassembling, moving and reassembling at an intended site a covered stage from component pieces includes a plurality of movable pairs of base blocks positionable at predetermined regular spaced apart locations at the intended site. A plurality of pedestal pairs are removably fastened to each of the base block pairs at close tolerance adjustable spaced apart locations. A plurality of tower section pairs are removably fastened to and vertically extend upwardly from the plurality of base pedestal pairs. A plurality of pairs of head block sections are removably fastened at tops of the plurality of tower section pairs. A roof assembly comprising a plurality of roof trusses is constructed on-site at platform level between the plurality of opposed pairs of the towers. The roof trusses are aligned between opposed pairs of the towers and are lifted via a plurality of cable winches upwardly.

Abstract: A cottage with a rear framed section that is adjacent to a front framed section, wherein the cottage functions to position the roof completely over the rear framed section or the front framed section, and in positions therebetween. A pair of winches are mounted adjacent to one another and act upon cables which are directed by pulleys to facilitate movement of the roof in opposite directions. A pair of track members are positioned along the top of the framed sections and a pair of track engaging members depend from the roof and engage the track members to facilitate movement of the roof. The track members define track channels and the track engaging members include a plurality of wheels that are rotatably attached to a roof engaging member. The wheels partially extend into the roof engaging member and depend partially therefrom to engage and travel within the track channels. The winches, pulleys, cables, track members, and track engaging members are designed to facilitate easy movement of the roof.

Abstract: A new and improved see-through bus stop shelter includes a rigid, opaque framework that defines an interior space which includes a first interior room and a second interior room. The framework also defines a first threshold between the space exterior to the framework and the first interior room. The framework also defines a second threshold between the first interior room and the second interior room. Transparent wall elements are connected to the framework. The transparent wall elements provide walls for the first interior room and the second interior room. A roof element is placed on top of the framework for providing a roof for the first interior room and the second interior room. The first interior room includes a horizontal seat member and a newspaper dispensing machine, and the second interior room includes a telephone and a mailbox. The roof element includes a first roof edge and a roof body portion, and the framework includes a first framework edge and an upper framework body portion.

Abstract: A triangulated cable dome roof having a retractable roof portion includes a triangulated cable arrangement for supporting a roof membrane, a roof membrane which is fixed to a portion of the triangulated cable arrangement so that a portion of the underlying area is exposed, and a retractable roof portion movably secured to the triangulated cable arrangement. The retractable roof portion preferably includes one or more retractable roof sections, each of which is movable between a closed position in which the retractable roof sections overlay the uncovered portion of the triangulated cable arrangement and an opened position in which the retractable roof sections nest above the covered portion of the triangulated cable arrangement, thereby exposing a portion of the underlying area.

Abstract: A repositionable roof, for a stadium building, comprising at least two opposed ungular segments in abutting relationship, the segments being mounted each on an arcuate track and movable thereon for separation of the segments to expose the interior of the building thereby selectively providing an open air stadium.

Abstract: A transfer pad cover includes a frame structure covered by a water-proof sheet material. The frame structure is supported by bar joists that are mounted for movement along tracks. The entire structure is moved by hand or motor or by a truck from which a liquid transfer will be made to a position adjacent the transfer pad during the transfer operation. When the material and frame structure are sufficiently weighted down so that it is unsafe to move the cover, the joists will rest on a ground surface, preventing movement of the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the rails are sloped and the truck pushes the cover off of the pad. When the truck leaves the pad, the slope of the rails causes the cover to automatically return to protect the pad under the influence of gravity. Other embodiments of the transfer pad cover include covers that fold or pivot vertically to expose the pad. These other embodiments have several additional advantages such as decreased space requirements for the operation of the cover.

Abstract: A mobile erectable stage. In one preferred embodiment, in a stored condition, the stage has the form of a trailer which can be transported from one location to another. At least one bell crank assembly is used to erect the stage by raising at least one side wall panel and the interconnected roof panel, so that a stage with a sloped roof canopy which overhangs the stage floor is deployed. The stage floor can be enlarged by adding floor panels. The stage contains a powered light truss which extends out beyond the stage floor toward the audience to shine light back onto the stage. Further, the stage contains reversible acoustic panels, one side of which is used when the stage performers are using microphones to deflect audio waves to reduce possible echoing through the microphones and the other side of which is used when the stage performers are not using sound amplification.

Abstract: An improved standing seam roof assembly and support apparatus which seeks to achieve a number of objects including improved panel joining integrity both at the standing seam joints along longitudinal edges of the panels and at interlapping panel ends including the four corner juncture areas. A unique interlocking standing seam joint features cooperative clip and side lap sealant positioning. Advantageous end lapping is securely sealed via end lap sealant and a cinch strap assembly which compresses and interconnects the panel ends. Novel notching of the panel ends permits installation of near identical panels in both a first installing direction and in a recovered second installing direction. Other features include adjustable and flexible roof panel supporting structures, improved panel center and edge hold-down assemblies, and an improved seam roller apparatus.