Abstract: A greenhouse includes a hollow cylinder which is revolvably mounted. The cylinder includes an opaque portion and a translucent portion and is revolved to control the amount of sunlight entering the cylinder from any given direction, and insulate the growing area when needed. Alternative embodiments include a pair of concentric cylinders.

Abstract: A merchandising kiosk has a base shell enclosing a working area for a salesperson. The base shell has display cabinets, the top of which form a continuous counter about the working area. There is an entrance door in the base shell. A canopy that can be raised and lowered mates with the counter in the canopy's lowered position to seal the interior of the kiosk against theft and vandalism. The counter top above the door has a stop that engages the door and prevents it from being opened when the canopy is in the lowered secured position.The canopy for reasons of strength and stability are supported by at least two spaced apart posts within the central portion of the working area which posts are extensible from the closed to the open position. The canopy is raised and lowered preferably by a hydraulic piston driven by an electric pump. The hydraulic machinery and the posts are encased in a central vertical display unit.

Abstract: A living apparatus comprises a first reservoir within the ground surface of circular form and having a quantity of water therein. A building having a roof and a peripheral side wall of circular form is concentrically nested and spaced within said reservoir. A convex hull is peripherally connected and sealed to the bottom of said building wall and immersed within the water and floatingly projected into said reservoir, a substantial portion of said building wall extending above said ground surface. A second reservoir within the ground surface is spaced from and below said first reservoir. A drain outlet is spaced above the bottom of said first reservoir; and a conduit interconnects said outlet and said second reservoir.

Abstract: A portable structure for use in building pipelines and the like including an inflatable flexible elongated structure having sides and open ends, support track means operably engaged with each side of said structure and extending the structure length, and a plurality of anchor means or assemblies thereof, each including a device to engage the track means, a part of the anchor means engaging the ground to hold the structure against vertical upward movement, but permitting relative movement between the track means and the anchor means so that the structure can be operatively positioned by the anchor means but be movable in relation thereto.

Abstract: A frame assembly covering an area having expandable struts secured at their ends to connectors. Outer struts are attached to fixed anchors located at the perimeter of the area. The struts have separate members that are moved relative to each other in response to a force, as fluid under pressure or springs, to increase the length of the struts. Contracted struts and connectors are put together on the surface of the area forming a network of struts and connectors. The network may be arranged in regualr geometric patterns. The frame assembly is erected by expanding the struts to raise the network of struts and connectors from the surface of the area. The expanded struts are locked to hold the frame assembly in its erected position.

Abstract: An openable canopy housing having a series of movable, telescoping transparent arched panels which form the combination roof and sides. Part of the roof of the housing is formed by a horizontal beam which runs the length of the structure. The transparent panels can be selectively opened or closed to provide a structure which can be used for indoor as well as outdoor use.

Abstract: A simple molded plastic sales kiosk design is described having a unique closure means. The kiosk has a fixed substantially spherical shell member mounted on a cylindrical base. This fixed shell member is truncated by a vertical chordal plane in the region of the central axis, extending between the top of the shell and a horizontal serving counter mounted in an intermediate region of the shell. This serving counter is annular and extends between the vertical truncated edges of the shell. For entry into the kiosk, a gap is provided in the serving counter adjacent one of the vertical truncated edges. An outer shell including a spherical segment portion merging into a chordal skirt portion is mounted for rotation on and surrounding the fixed shell.

Abstract: A mobile type housing is provided with a plurality of telescopic movable support elements which are mounted on a base structure for movably supporting the top of the mobile housing between a lowered position and a raised position relative to the base. A pair of lugs are mounted to the base for simultaneous movement between first positions and second positions, the movement of the lugs being substantially parallel and in opposite directions to one another. A plurality of flexible, elongated, incompressible connector elements are connected between the pair of lugs and respective ones of the support members for movement with the lugs during raising and lowering of the top from its respective lowered position and raised position. Drive means is coupled to the pair of lugs to effect simultaneous movement thereof between their first and second positions.

Abstract: Hollow, generally rectilinear structures having a top, a bottom, sides and ends can be constructed so as to be capable of being manipulated between a "normal" or unfolded type configuration and a collapsed or folded configuration in which the ends extend generally parallel to and beneath the top and in which the sides are folded so as to be located next to the ends generally between the bottom and the top. Such a structure includes hinges connecting the ends to the top so that they can be pivoted so as to lie generally parallel to the top. Such a structure also includes a frame or frame-type elements forming a part of the top and extending adjacent to the ends when the ends are folded into such a collapsed position.

Abstract: An improved industrial building structure for housing the dryer section of a paper-making machine where a building substructure transfers the substantial part of the weight of a building superstructure and roof to the opposed, weight-bearing sides of the dryer frame. Edge-abutted roof sections completely spanning the dryer frame and individually rotatable about edge-mounted hinges allow access to the top of the dryer for maintenance. Operating and maintenance spaces at the sides of the dryer are defined and enclosed by the substructure.

Abstract: A multi-purpose expandable transportation apparatus convertible into a camping trailer, house trailer, truck camper or self propelled mobile home. The device is detachably mounted on an appropriate wheeled frame. Solid wall panels are hingedly connected so that in a closed position, substantial storage space is provided within the structure.

Abstract: A hunting blind which resembles a stack of straw bales, houses and camouflages a hunter. The pyramid-like structure is built of box-like elements which are disengagably connected to form three tiers. Some of the walls of the box-like elements have been partially or totally cut away to form sufficient space within the structure for the hunter. The tiers are hingably connected to each other such that the box-like elements can be swung outwardly to allow the hunter an unobstructed hunting positon. Storage and transportation is simplified by forming box-like elements of such dimensions that they may be nested to form a single, compact unit.

Abstract: A building having a roof constructed of a plurality of plates connected by hinges at the common edges, said plates initially arranged folded together, with lower edges of the outer plates hingeably connected to upper edge of side walls, and said side walls hingeably connected at each end of each side wall to a pair of end walls constructed of a plurality of wall panels, said wall panels hingeably interconnected along common vertical edges, and initially arranged folded together. Total projected width of end panels is substantially less than total width of roof plates. Unfolding the roof plates causes the side walls of the structure to move apart and the end walls to simultaneously unfold until the end walls are fully distended, at which position said end walls stop the roof plates from unfolding further, and retain the roof plates in a folded plate configuration.

Abstract: A shell structure is pivoted outwardly of a house trailer to enlarge the floor area. The shell structure can include three sides positioned over a cabin or portion of a cabin, and the shell structure is pivotal about a horizontal axis near the level of the floor of the cabin which is mounted on the trailer frame. When pivoted outwardly, a folding slidable or extensible roof can be positioned on the upper edges of the shell structure.

Abstract: Protective covers for workmen and equipment including a ground or pedestal type terminal cover fabricated to protect ground and pedestal type terminals and the cable connections connected therewith against weather, moisture, water etc. A sealed enclosure rests on the ground and encompasses the terminal ends of buried cables and conduits, the enclosure having easily accessible opening panels for access to the ends of the electrical cables but offering extensive protection to these cables when the enclosure is fully filled. A sectional pole system is mounted atop the enclosure to provide support for above ground cables that are brought to the pole and admitted to the enclosure and its associated terminals. Also included is a portable easily assembled box-like unit which may be folded flat for transport, may be set over material and equipment and also used as protection for workmen.

Abstract: A lightweight and compact tent-type camping trailer which is easy to set up and collapse and which is especially adapted for towing by motorcycles. The trailer comprises a wheel supported trailer bed and a top member. The top member covers the trailer bed when the trailer is in a towing condition and forms the top to a tent when the trailer is in a set-up condition. A pair of floor defining members for the tent are hinged along upper edges of opposite sides of the trailer bed to extend within the trailer bed when in the towing condition and to swing upwardly and outwardly to generally horizontal positions in the set-up condition for the trailer. Tent material is secured along marginal edges of the top member and along edges of the floor defining members opposite the hinged edges thereof.

Abstract: A mechanically built cover for an underground pit which accommodates one or more hunters, and gives maximum freedom of movement and firearm safety. It is preferably used by duck and goose hunters. The cover is built for instant opening, allowing time for the hunters to get their birds within shooting range. This cover will cut down on injured birds which leave the area to die. A designed safety feature of this pit cover is that one man can pull the cord which opens the cover instantly allowing other hunters in the pit to have complete control of their firearms. The pit cover may be camouflaged with whatever is in the hunting area such as corn stalks or any other natural foliages.

Abstract: A shelter comprises at least two sets of arched support ribs with the support ribs of each set being pivoted by the adjacent ends thereof upon a common locus and having one set of support ribs over spanning the other set at an angle to each other. Some of the intersections are secured together and a flexible cover is secured over the support ribs. By situating the end support ribs in a plane at an angle to the supporting surface upon which the shelter is erected, substantially triangular openings are defined which can be used for access if required.

Abstract: A specially constructed hinge, mounted within the open body of a light truck, pivotally supports a body-enclosing, box-type shell behind the truck cab for vertical swinging movement of the shell about an axis extending transversely of the truck adjacent the uppermost portion of the cab end of the shell whereby the shell may be swung selectively up or down to open or close the body without encountering interference between the shell and cab. The hinge comprises a pair of parallel, upright, laterally spaced plates each secured to a respective sidewall of the truck body and defining a pair of spaced, arcuate, non-concentric slots for captively retaining corresponding rollers carried by depending structure on said shell. An electric winch selectively retracts or releases cable and pulley assemblies associated with respective pairs of rollers for powered raising or lowering of the shell relative to the truck body.

Abstract: A plant propagation unit has a continuous wall encircling the bed to protect the plants from high wind and dust, and is preferably spaced a short distance above the bed to permit escape of water from the bed and flow of air under the wall and upwardly through its open upper end. To facilitate tending the plants and bed, upper portions of the wall may be removable or hinged so that they can be swung downwardly to lower the overall height of the wall. A top spaced above the top of the wall and the bed facilitates ventilation of the bed and the plants therein, while protecting the plants from frost or intense midday sunlight as well as from heavy rainfall. While the top may be of any suitable type depending on the area in which the plants are being grown, it is preferably of a slightly open material, such as roll bamboo fencing, to permit a limited amount of sunlight and rain to enter the bed. The top is preferably removably hinged to uprights.

Abstract: A transparent dome mountable on a multi-position lounge for shielding a person on the lounge from rain, wind, and cold has a main dome section to which are pivotally attached a head dome section and a foot dome section. Pivotal connections of the generally U-shaped dome sections to one another permits the dome to conform to a particular position of a multi-position lounge on which the dome is mounted by clips affixed to the main dome section and engageable with a rail of the frame of the lounge.

Abstract: A roofing system is provided for large-area wide-span building structures such as natatoria, comprising an interlocking gridwork of purlins supported on beams. A portion of the structure can be provided with a track, and another portion of the structure mounted on wheels movable along the track, so that one portion of the roof may be slid open or closed by movement along the track, so as to open the interior of the building structure to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A base construction is mounted on wheels and provided with a trailer hitch for towing purposes. Mounted above the base is a shelter construction comprising vertical longitudinal side walls pivoted to the base to fold inwardly and downwardly to horizontal position, thus minimizing the overall height of the trailer when traveling. A roof construction extends across the tops of the walls and is supported by releasable means connected between the walls whereby they may be released from the walls and roof construction to permit the walls to be folded inwardly. One end of the base extends beyond the associated end wall to form a porch and such end wall is pivotally supported at its upper edge to swing upwardly to a horizontal position to act as a cover or roof for the porch when the side walls are in vertical operative positions.

Abstract: A portable solar heated shelter comprising at least one fixed roof layer and a second roof layer which can be selectively deployed to vary the thermal characteristics of the shelter. The shelter preferably comprises a rigid frame on which first and second end walls are preferably pivotally mounted. The end walls are preferably foldable between a vertically upright operative position and a generally horizontal, lowered storage position, and when deployed support the roof layers to define the enclosure. The second roof layer is adapted to be unwound from a storage spool and drawn into a take-up spool, passing over the first roof layer, by a cranking action. The second roof layer preferably comprises a first sunshade portion and a series connected heat insulative portion of opaque material which may be selectively deployed to control the thermal characteristics of the enclosure.

Abstract: A doll house which collapses, without disassembly, to permit its convenient storage. The collapsible doll house includes two full length side members which mate along their respective upper edges, thereby defining the top ridge of the doll house, and then slope outwardly and downwardly therefrom, thereby defining the sides and roof of the doll house. The lower edges of the two side members are joined by a lower horizontal member to form the floor of the doll house. Additional horizontal members joining the two side members may be provided at one or more vertical locations between the upper and lower edges of the two side members.

Abstract: A collapsible camper for use in the back of a pick-up truck or mounted on a set of travel wheels is designed to be in a compact and folded position during transit or storage and to unfold into a spacious camper at the desired site with a minimum of manual effort. A central floor is provided with opposing parallelepiped sections which fold outwardly from the longitudinal sides of the floor to increase the floor space as well as to provide a portion of the side walls of the camper. A canopy extends upwardly above the central floor portion to form the roof of the camper. The end walls of the camper fold upwardly from the central floor portion and interlock with the upstanding canopy to form the end walls of the camper. The side walls are formed from a plurality of stacked longitudinal plates which slideably unfold to interlock with each other thereby providing side walls between the canopy and the extended floor portions.

Abstract: A caravan including a movable roof, a flexible wall portion connecting said movable roof to the remainder of the caravan, and at least one extendible compartment pivotally mounted to a wall of the caravan and being operatively connected to said movable roof such that, in use, said movable roof extends when said at least one extendible compartment is extended.

Abstract: A sliding roof for use on a building, particularly a sports hall, a swimming pool, the yard of a school or a shopping center, wherein in a supporting structure a plurality of parallel beams are slidably supported, two successive beams are interconnected by two layers of gas-tight cloth, the chambers formed by two beams and two layers of cloth are closed in a gas-tight manner near the ends of the beams, each chamber communicates with a compressor for the supply of a gas, particularly air, to said chamber and means are provided for securing in place the outermost beams with respect to the rims of the opening to be covered.

Abstract: A foldable shed or enclosure consisting of a rear wall, a front wall including a door, centrally foldable side walls hinged at their front and rear edges to the side edges of the front and rear walls, a floor hinged to the bottom margin of the rear wall and a roof connected at rear side edge portions thereof to the upper side edge portions of the rear wall by link bars. A foldable strut bar is pivotally and swivelly connected to the top marginal portions of the front sections of the foldable side walls, the strut bar having a locking mechanism which locks its segments in horizontal positions when the side walls are unfolded to their planar positions. By raising the floor against the rear wall, unlocking the strut bar, folding the side walls inwardly and folding the roof downwardly, the shed can be folded to a compact flat condition with the roof and link bars acting to clamp the parts together.

Abstract: A structure which can be easily and readily converted between a solid vertical structure, functioning as a fence, and a structure enclosing a space and fuctioning as a shed, vehicle garage or the like whereby a rear wall engages a pair of parallel rails for effecting movement of the wall along the rails to any desired position. A roof is pivotably connected to the rear wall along the upper edge and a side wall and front wall are pivotably connected to the roof. The other side wall is slidably connected for permitting the enclosure to receive a vehicle or the like.

Abstract: A cover of double bed size is hinged on one side of a pickup truck to form a bed beyond the side of the truck. Pivotal legs on the opposite side of the cover are equipped with latches to latch the cover closed. A pivot arm for the rear leg forms an air scoop for pressurizing the storage space under the closed cover to keep out dust in travelling. The cover is opened and closed by a hand crank windlass, by an electric or hydraulic winch and cable or by a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A reversible, all seasonal roof utility unit is disclosed adapted to be placed in juxtaposition with other like units in covering a substantial portion of a roof. The unit comprises a sheet member, preferably slotted, having a light-absorbing color on one side and a light-reflecting color on the opposite side. Elevating means elevates the sheet member with respect to the roof to form an air space therebetween. The sheet member is adapted for reversible positioning with respect to the roof, whereby the light-absorbing colored side is directed away from the roof during the colder seasons, and the light-reflecting colored side is directed away from the roof during the warmer seasons. Optionally, the roof itself can have a light-absorbing color, and the utility unit can having a light-reflecting color and be detachably secured with respect to the roof in an elevated position.

Abstract: A self-contained convertible recreational vehicle or travel trailer including an open-top box type body section provided with rigid forward and aft cover sections which are movable between collapsed and extended positions with respect to the body section and which provide a roof for the body section both when the cover sections are collapsed for towing of the trailer and when they are extended to open the trailer for camping. Torsion bar means assist in moving the forward and aft cover sections between their collapsed and extended positions. In one embodiment, spring biased sliding beds mounted at opposite ends of the body portion adjacent the top of the end walls thereof, extend to an outward position in engaging relationship with the lower margins of the opposed end walls of each of the forward and aft sections to assist in moving the cover sections between their collapsed and extended positions.

Abstract: There is described a collapsible building formed by at least one unit comprising at least one level, in which the floor and the ceiling of a unit are hinged together by means of braces, the ends of which on the one hand to upturned floor edges and on the other hand, to downturned ceiling edges, so as to be swingable in a vertical plane.

Abstract: The camper vehicle disclosed herein provides a self-contained mobile body having a convertible enclosed living compartment defined by laterally extendable berth pods and a raisable top so that in a first roadable configuration, the berth pods and top serve as the opposite sides and top closures and when in a second configuration, the extended berth pods and raised top constitute a pair of berths separated by an interior compartment suitable for standing and moving about. Foldable side covers carried by the top are deployed over the length of each berth panel to enclose the interior compartment areas when in their second configuration. Raising mechanism for the top is employed to support the top and side covers over the berths which include telescoping supports.

Abstract: A collapsible mansard roof structure for a transportable building, especially for a mobile home, in which the mansard roof structure includes panels along the upper portions of the side walls of the building hingedly connected at the upper edges to the building near the edges of the roof proper of the building. The panels making up the mansard roof structure can, thus, be pivoted downwardly against the sides of the building for transport, and when the building structure reaches the place of use thereof, the panels are tilted outwardly at the bottom and truss elements are interposed between the tilted out panels and the side walls of the building.

Abstract: A camper having a wheeled body and a top shiftable between collapsed and elevated positions relative to the body. A crank mechanism having a friction-held ratchet wheel is utilized to raise and lower the top between its extended and collapsed positions. In one direction of rotation of the crank mechanism the ratchet wheel is interlocked for rotation with the crank mechanism and in turn interlocks with a pawl to prevent reverse rotation of the crank mechanism as the top is raised. Reverse rotation of the crank mechanism releases the ratchet to permit movement of the lift mechanism relative to the ratchet wheel and a lowering of the top.

Abstract: A frame assembly covering an area having expandable struts secured at their ends to connectors. Outer struts are attached to fixed anchors located at the perimeter of the area. The struts have separate members that are moved relative to each other in response to a force, as fluid under pressure or springs, to increase the length of the struts. Contracted struts and connectors are put together on the surface of the area forming a network of struts and connectors. The network may be arranged in regular geometric patterns. The frame assembly is erected by expanding the struts to raise the network of struts and connectors from the surface of the area. The expanded struts are locked to hold the frame assembly in its erected position.

Abstract: An industrial building structure system is provided having a overhead crane and hoist system. More particularly, a building has a series of longitudinally aligned sections each with removable roof structures over which a gantry-type crane housing can be moved. Individual roof sections are removed by the appropriate crane mechanism within the crane housing and other cranes mounted within the crane housing can be used for normal repair or maintenance work within the interior of the particular building section. A much reduced size building is thereby provided with an overhead crane system which can operate inside the building. Provision is made to enclose the building section when the roof is raised by adjustable end wall members on the crane housing.

Abstract: A retractable roof closure for a vehicle body having a windshield header spaced from a fixed rear roof panel to provide an unobstructed roof opening. The closure panel has its rearward end supported and guided by the cooperation of a guide track extending along each side of the vehicle body beneath the fixed roof panel and guide rollers mounted on the rear end of the closure panel and engaged within the guide track. The forward end of the closure panel is supported by a telescopable extension device on each end of the vehicle body. Each telescopable extension device includes a first member mounted along the fixed roof panel and a second member having its forward end pivotally connected to the forward end of the panel.

Abstract: A removable structure for the bed of a truck, the components of the structure being removably joined together so that the entire structure can be easily disassembled for storage and shipment. The structure includes a framework which can be used for supporting implements such as ladders in conveying them to a work place. The invention also encompasses a roof, walls and a rear door mounted as separate components to the framework to form an enclosure such as a camper.

Abstract: A storage enclosure especially adapted for the protective storage of bicycles, motorcycles and the like comprising molded modules which may be used alone or in combination with other of the same modules to form a multiple compartment enclosure. Each module is individually accessible without need for bending or stooping over while guiding a bicycle or motorcycle into the enclosure via an aperture extending a substantial distance toward the front of the enclosure and covered by a vertically opening door. Within a preferred embodiment, the end walls and/or side wall of each module are tapered outwardly to allow compact stacking of the individual modules for storage and/or transportation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roof safety latch for use with travel trailers of the type having a top which is lifted and lowered to expand and contract the trailer between living quarters and road travel conditions, respectively. The travel trailer disclosed includes four telescoping upright posts at the corners of the trailer. The posts are extended to lift the trailer roof by operating a winch to haul in a main cable coupled to a yoke and from which yoke individual cables extend to each post. The safety latch hereof includes a rod carried by the yoke and which rod has a catch at its distal end which rides in a guideway. A keeper including an opening defined in the guideway is located such that the catch engates the keeper when the yoke has been hauled in sufficiently to fully extend the posts and raise the top. The rod is springbiased such that the catch engages the keeper as the catch traverses the guideway.

Abstract: A large rigid plastic bubble or pod is provided for removable and tilting attachment to a frame on which a motorcycle, bicycle, snowmobile or other small vehicle is positioned, the frame being removably anchored to a curbstone of a suitable parking space adjacent an apartment house or building, to provide a temporary garage and to protect the vehicle from the elements, pilfering or theft.

Abstract: A mobile rectangular base constituted by a motor home, trailer, or the like is overlain by a congruent cover. A foldable post is provided extending between each corner of the cover and the corresponding corner of the base so that when unfolded they rigidly support the cover well above the base. Walls constituted by a plurality of rigid panels can be pulled from the base or from the cover and slid along guides on the posts to enclose the structure. Hydraulic cylinders are provided to fold and unfold the posts so as to lower and raise the cover. When the walls are locked in place the entire assembly is rigid and self-supporting.

Abstract: A camper trailer adapted to be converted from a retracted, trailable condition in which it has normal length and width and reduced height which does not obstruct the rear view of the driver of the towing vehicle and a power-erected, livable condition in which it has normal length and height and expanded width whereby the amount of living space within the erected camper is increased substantially over the amount of living space available in a camper trailer having the corresponding normal length, width and height. A feature of the invention involves the provision of extension assemblies which are mounted in each side of the camper trailer and are slidable to an extended position to increase the width of the camper and substantially increase the living space therewithin.