Three Walls Hinged At Their Intersections Patents (Class 52/70)
  • Patent number: 11555305
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a foldable shelter pod is provided herein including: a top; a bottom; first and second foldable end walls; first and second foldable side walls; and, a plurality of mountable corner panels. The walls are each adjustable from an initial flat folded state to a use state where an obtuse angle is internally subtended. In the use state, first, second, third, and fourth corner openings are defined between adjacent pairs of end walls and side walls. The corner panels are mountable in the first, second, third, and fourth corner openings to brace the foldable shelter pod in an erected state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventors: Gisue Hariri, Mojgan Hariri, Richard James Hope Perkin
  • Patent number: 11377842
    Abstract: A living space is disclosed including one or more adjustable or reconfigurable rooms. A room may be made reconfigurable by including fixed walls and a frame that is mounted to move in a first direction between a first position coextensive with the fixed walls and a second position that is extended relative to the fixed walls. The room may further include panels mounted in the frame configured to move in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, to seal off a front of the room. In examples, the panels may store against the frame when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Impact Urban, LLC
    Inventor: Nolan Zail
  • Patent number: 11242696
    Abstract: A transportable corral includes a plurality of fence panels that are hinged to each other in an end to end manner, manually releasable fence panel latches that are mounted to the fence panels and are arranged to engage and latch together adjacent fence panels so that the plurality of fence panels are able to be folded into a compact fence panel set to facilitate transport. Retractable wheel assemblies that are mounted to the fence panels to facilitate movement of a fence panel set or to facilitate the movement of an individual fence panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventor: Jon Davis Mollhagen
  • Patent number: 11142903
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a protective enclosure deployable within an interior space such as a school classroom or an office, or an exterior space. The deployable protective enclosure is to protect multiple occupants against projectiles such as flying or falling debris resulting from a natural disaster such as a tornado, hurricane or earthquake, or rounds fired. Occupants may be corralled into the protective enclosure and be protected against projectiles. The protective enclosure comprises three or more articulated partitions comprising ballistic materials or high-impact resistant materials. The protective enclosure may be affixed to one wall or two walls at a corner of a classroom, office or other space. The articulated partitions may be readily and rapidly secured in a protective configuration, forming a triangular, square or other polygonal enclosure. When not in use, the partitions may be folded and stowed against the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: NETTALON SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald R. Jones, Jr., Len R. Christensen
  • Patent number: 11008773
    Abstract: A collapsible pergola comprising a traditionally configured pergola having a plurality of locking hinge mechanisms disposed about each section of the pergola thereby enabling the pergola to be unfolded to set up or folded up to store away in a low-profile manner requiring no assembly or disassembly of the pergola by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Teresa L. Gallego
  • Patent number: 10858817
    Abstract: Disclosed herewith a modular integrated building and a construction method thereof. The building comprises multiple prefabricated room units (1). A bottom of a load-bearing structure of the prefabricated room unit (1) is provided with a semi-prefabricated connecting port (2). Reinforcing bars arranged at a top of the prefabricated room unit (1) of a next floor are inserted in the connecting port (2) and thus connected with reinforcing bars arranged therein, so that the prefabricated room units (1) of two adjacent floors are connected with each other through in-situ casting concrete in the connecting port (2). A cast-in-situ concrete interlayer (3) is arranged on a top plate (11) of the prefabricated room unit (1) of a next floor, for connecting adjacent prefabricated room units (1) of a same floor together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Yau Lee Wah Construction Materials (Huizhou) Company Limited
    Inventors: Conrad Tin Cheung Wong, Rosana Wai Man Wong
  • Patent number: 10428540
    Abstract: A modular commercial structure for use on a floor in an area having an electric power source coupled thereto includes a first exterior module, a second exterior module, an interior module, a conveyance mechanism and a distribution system. The first exterior module, the second exterior module and the interior module each defines an interior space therein. The conveyance mechanism selectively facilitates movement the modules so that the modular commercial structure has a first configuration in which the modules are brought together to prevent access to the interior spaces and so that the modular commercial structure has a second configuration in which the modules are spaced apart sufficiently to provide access to the interior spaces therein. The distribution system distributes electric power to the electrical wiring system of each module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ardent Federal Credit Union
    Inventors: Robert C. Werner, Wade K. Bennett
  • Patent number: 10125486
    Abstract: A deflection system is configured to deflect munitions fired at a room. The deflection system includes a first panel, rotationally attached to a first jamb. A second panel is attached to the first jam and further rotationally attached to a second jamb. A third panel is attached to the second jamb, and further rotationally attached to a fourth panel. A third jamb is attached to the fourth panel and further rotationally attached to a fifth panel. A fourth jamb is attached to the fifth panel, and further rotationally attached to a sixth panel. Attaching the third panel to a door frame near the room enables a user to rotate the fourth panel, the fifth panel and the sixth panel to deflect the munitions fired at the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Toni Bill Handley
  • Patent number: 9988813
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a formwork plate comprising a flat rectangular central body extended in a first direction by a first series of flat tabs and in a second opposing direction by a second series of flat tabs, the tabs extending in the plane of the body while leaving a spacing between tabs of the same series, the plate having first and second sets of angled tabs, with each angled tab extending into the spacing between two flat tabs respectively from the first or second series, the tabs being angled while extending the body each having an angled portion and a flat distal end portion extending parallel to the flat tabs. The invention also relates to a formwork made from several plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventors: Dominique Tallarida, Denis Mary
  • Patent number: 9452636
    Abstract: A multi-panel stretched canvas for artists which is capable of being selectively converted from a 2-dimensional configuration suitable for mounting on a vertical surface such as a wall, for instance, to a plurality of 3-dimensional configurations suitable for mounting on a vertical surface as a bas relief-like wall hanging or resting on a horizontal surface such as a table, for instance. The apparatus in its simplest sense is comprised of three panels of stretched canvas, each in the shape of an equilateral triangle, arranged in a specific configuration and joined together in series by pivotable connection means, preferably hinges. In 2-D form, the panels together form a trapezoid which may be wall mounted in the traditional fashion. By rotating the two end panels a distance behind the center panel the apparatus forms a 3-D bas relief like structure which when mounted to a vertical surface has three sides of the trapezoid in contact with the vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Lisa Russo
  • Patent number: 8997406
    Abstract: An unfoldable modular living unit includes one or more folding modules having a bottom, pitched roof elements forming the roof and the side walls, and two opposing facades, front and back. Each one of the modules includes a folding and collapsible structure having two adjacent rigid sides or walls hinged to each other through a hinge or a fixed knot, a third foldable side or wall hinged to the first two rigid sides or walls, and at least one intermediate plane hinged to one of the pitched roof elements and suited to be constrained to the other pitched roof element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Renato Vidal
  • Patent number: 8943758
    Abstract: A shelter including a wall unit having walls. Each wall has a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposite side edges extending between the top and bottom edges. Each side edge is joined to a corresponding side edge of an adjacent wall to form a corner of the wall unit. The wall unit includes an access port in at least one wall. The shelter includes an upper rigid shell having a central portion surrounded by a channel for receiving the top edges of walls of the wall unit so the upper shell forms a roof of the shelter. The shelter includes a lower rigid shell having a central portion surrounded by a channel for receiving the bottom edges of walls of the wall unit so the lower shell forms a floor of the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: MJ Outdoors, LLC
    Inventor: Todd William Miller
  • Patent number: 8881470
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a collapsible structure. In example embodiments elements of the structure may be connected together in a manner that allows the structure to collapse from a relatively open structure into a relatively compact structure. The structure may have many uses which may include, but are not limited to, a hunting shack, a storage shack, a boat house, an emergency shelter, and a hut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Gary D. Lass
  • Patent number: 8863446
    Abstract: A foldable structure is adjustable between a folded condition for storage and shipping, and an unfolded condition for occupation by one or more users. The foldable structure may be substantially prefabricated at a manufacturing facility, transitioned into its folded condition, and placed into a shipping container for shipping to a destination site. A single foldable structure may be placed in the shipping container, or multiple foldable structures may fit in a standard shipping container. For example, in some embodiments, as many as six foldable structures may fit in a single standard shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: ZKS, LLC
    Inventors: Zachery K. Strachan, Thomas Casto
  • Publication number: 20140283462
    Abstract: A conduit clamp for securing a conduit component to channel framing includes first and second jaws each having opposite first and second end portions. The first end portions of the first and second jaws are configured for securement to one another, such that first and second jaws generally oppose one another and the second end portions of the first and second jaws are free from attachment to one another, to define a conduit receiving space between the first and second jaws. Each of the first and second jaws includes a coupling component at the second end portion thereof having a generally dovetail shape configured for reception in an external fitting groove of the channel framing to attach the conduit clamp to the channel framing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Zhihui Zhang, William E. McCarthy, James A. Knutson
  • Patent number: 8756872
    Abstract: A hunting blind rotates 360 degrees to provide a hunter with unobstructed views. A rotatable enclosure rotates atop a base that is affixed to the ground for stability. The rotatable enclosure contains a seat rigidly affixed to a back wall, a top rotatably affixed to the back wall, and right and left side walls hingedly affixed to the back wall. Either the right or left side wall serves as a door to allow the hunter access to enter the blind. The other side wall is rigidly connected to the seat to add stability to the enclosure. The hunter can place the blind pre-season in the middle of a field, for example, which can increase shot opportunities by providing the hunter with an expansive field of view. The component parts of the blind are generally lightweight, and the blind can therefore be easily transported and assembled in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Preg
  • Patent number: 8615967
    Abstract: A construction element for erecting a structure has a first panel extending vertically to form a wall and a second panel extending horizontally to form a horizontal partition when they are arranged in an erected structure, the panels together form a three-dimensional configuration and are connected with one another so that in the erected structure they extend perpendicularly to one another and are turnable to include an angle there between to reduce a horizontal extension of the construction element for transportation purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignees: Malaxit, Polymate, Ltd.
    Inventors: Oleg Figovsky, Arkady Futoriynsky
  • Patent number: 8544216
    Abstract: A portable shelter made from two corrugated plastic sheets. Each sheet has score lines that define a floor panel, two wall panels, and two roof panels. The two sheets are overlapped, and the panels are bent along the score lines to form the walls and roof. Each panel is secured to the adjacent panel with tabs and seam members to form standing seams that are secured by fasteners. An opening in the roof provides ventilation, while a cap over the opening blocks precipitation from entering. The entire structure is secured in place with stakes that are inserted through the floor into the ground. Solar panels can be affixed to the shelter to provide electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: David Hazlett
  • Patent number: 8272179
    Abstract: A barrier for a robotic work station is provided and includes a pair of upright posts, and rigid panels which are movable between a lower open position and a raised closed position. The panels are simultaneously moved between the raised and lower positions by a pneumatic cylinder and a pulley system. The movable panels are cantilevered from one of the posts, and include rollers for movement within a channel in the post. A fixed panel is provided at the bottom of the posts and extends approximately to the top of the work station table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Genesis Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Jan Christian Mangelsen, Terry Daggett, Michael P. Skahill
  • Patent number: 8201362
    Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable enclosure intending as a building or portion of a building that may be transported to a desired site in a folded configuration and then expanded into its intended form. The enclosure has a floor and two wall or roof support section extending upwardly from opposed sides of the floor section. A first roof section spans across the gap between the wall or roof support sections. At least a second roof section in provided that is pivotally mounted to the structure to overlie the first roof section in transit and fold out to extend outwardly substantially in plane with the first roof section in the expanded form. Similarly, second floor sections may be pivotally mounted to lie adjacent the wall/roof support sections in transit and extend outwardly substantially in plane with the first floor section when expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: SmarTech Designs Pty Limited
    Inventors: Arnold Alford, John Demartins, Razvan Gornoviceanu
  • Patent number: 7752820
    Abstract: A fast unfolding two-layer temporary flooring structure consisting of preferably rigid plates (1 to 6), made of a suitable material. The plates (1 to 6) are arranged mutually parallel and cascade-linked by an articulated linking element (B) so that between two consecutive plates, the element (B) is linked to an edge of the other plates, and also preferably in a central zone of the other plate, the elements defining hinge lines between parallel planes with longitudinal or transverse axis of the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Ets A. Deschamps et Fils
    Inventor: Georges-Paul Deschamps
  • Patent number: 7549255
    Abstract: Modular system for platform and shelving structures. In an assembled configuration, a module has a central vertical member hingedly-coupled to a second vertical member extending perpendicular to a first side of the central member, and a horizontal member hingedly-coupled to the central member and extending perpendicular to a second side of the central vertical member. The upper edges of the central vertical member and the second vertical member of a first module provide support to a horizontal member of a second module, whereby various structures can be formed from a plurality of modules. Each module is stowable by rotating the second vertical member and the horizontal member about their hinged edges toward the central vertical member. One or more of the members can include key portions adapted to interlock with a member of an adjacent module when in an assembled configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: David Kirkwood
  • Patent number: 7546706
    Abstract: Modular system for constructing platform and shelving structures. Each module is configurable in either a stowable or assembled configuration. In the assembled configuration, a module has a central vertical member hingedly-coupled to a second vertical member extending perpendicular to a first side of the central member, and a horizontal member hingedly-coupled to the central member and extending perpendicular to a second side of the central vertical member. The upper edges of the central vertical member and the second vertical member of a first module provide support to a horizontal member of a second module, whereby various structures can be formed from a plurality of modules. Each module is easily stowable by rotating the second vertical member and the horizontal member about their hinged edges toward the central vertical member until they are substantially parallel and adjacent thereto, whereby a plurality of modules in the stowable configuration can be stored in substantially the minimum possible space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: David Kirkwood
  • Patent number: 7201675
    Abstract: An equipment for playing a game using a racquet and ball is provided having a substantially horizontal playing surface with first and second ends. A plurality of playing walls, disposed at the first end of the horizontal playing surface, extends perpendicularly away from the playing surface. A first playing wall among the plurality of playing walls is disposed centrally between a second and a third playing wall among the plurality of playing walls. The second playing wall and the third playing wall are angled relative to the first playing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Alexander Morrison
  • Patent number: 6996939
    Abstract: A room partition system for a room having a central connecting panel and hingeably attached, foldable lateral storage units. Each of the lateral storage units has a bottom-mounted wheel assembly, thereby allowing the partition system to be rolled to various locations within the room. The lateral storage units have a plurality of shelves and provide substantial storage volume for containment of various items of clothing and other accessories. The lateral storage units are attached by hinges to the central connecting panel, thereby allowing a user to fold the storage units partially or fully against the connecting panel. The partition system has an open position, wherein the storage units extend parallel to the connecting panel, and also a folded position, wherein each lateral storage unit is rotated upon its hinges to a position perpendicular to that of the connecting panel, thereby forming a partially enclosed area for use as an entertainment center, a study center, or a work center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Herbert Jackson
  • Patent number: 6948280
    Abstract: A portable and assembleable enclosure having a floor constructed of a first rigid panel and a second hingedly interconnecting panel, a recessed channel extending about an outer perimeter of the floor panels. A plurality of walls are each constructed of a rigid material and exhibit an annular shaped projection along a first extending side edge. A corresponding and annular shaped recess extends along a second extending side edge and receives, in engaging fashion, a first extending side edge of a succeeding wall and so that the walls may be interconnected along opposing extending edges in addition to being secured to the floor in upwardly extending fashion from within the recessed channel. A peaked roof is constructed of a first rigid panel and a second interconnecting rigid panel and which is secured to an upper perimeter extending edge of the interconnected walls. First and second pairs of triangular shaped and hinged end panels securing to opposite ends of the peaked roof panels and to enclose the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: Dave Marcinkowski, Mary Marcinkowski
  • Patent number: 6895722
    Abstract: Lightweight structural panel units for construction of space enclosing structures each of which is formed from a blank of flat, suitably rigid, yet foldable sheet of material, which are profiled and pre-creased with a unique configuration. Upon folding, the blanks form a substantially hollow three dimensional polygonal beam-like unit having a shape and configuration which positively aligns and interlocks when conjoined with a plurality of similar folded beam-like units to form a substantially hollow 3-dimensional “structural panel unit” having symmetrical cross bracing inside and sufficient rigidity to enable sufficiently large areas to be produced for the construction of space enclosing structures. Each structural panel unit has a configuration and profile that positively aligns and interlocks when engaged with similar structural panel units to complete a desired space-enclosing structure which has an exterior facing surface and an interior facing surface separated by a substantially hollow void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Icosa Village, Inc.
    Inventor: Sanford Ponder
  • Publication number: 20040031211
    Abstract: A collapsible structure having walls and hinges, the walls being foldable to reduce the volume of the collapsible structure via hinges separated by a distance to form pockets which receive therein the thickness of one or more collapsed walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Becker
  • Patent number: 6553725
    Abstract: A blind for use by hunters, bird watchers, field observers and the like has at least three upstanding walls, a top cover and a bottom pan where at least one of the walls has an opening for ingress and egress and at least one of the walls has an openable and closeable window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Washington
  • Patent number: 6434895
    Abstract: A folded building, after having been trailered on its own wheel assemblies to a site, is unfolded at the site by first reorienting 90° the wheel assemblies attached to each of a pair of side walls and removing an attached trailer hitch. The side walls are drawn apart from one another while having supported by the rolling wheel assemblies. As the side walls are drawn apart, pivotally attached front and rear bifold walls unfold. Each of a pair of foldable roofs attached to a respective one of the side walls is unfolded from a location adjacent the interior of the respective side wall. Roof end caps are attached to the top edges of each of the front and rear walls. After raising the wheel assemblies the building is lowered onto the site. To remove the building from the site, the building is folded by reversing the unfolding steps and the trailer hitch is attached. The building may then be trailered to another site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Bendon, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Craig Hosterman, D. L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6422626
    Abstract: An expandable wardrobe for location along an interior wall of a truck cab passengers pace is provided by incorporating into the cab an anchor wall having two vertical edges, the anchor wall being positionally fixed against the vehicle interior wall and providing a back wall to the wardrobe. A pair of opposed sidewalls are provided with each sidewall having two vertical edges, and each of the pair of opposed sidewalls being hingedly mounted along one vertical edge to a different vertical edge of the anchor wall, leaving one vertical edge of each of the opposed sidewalls free. A freewall is hingedly mounted between the free vertical edges of each of the pair of opposed sidewalls to enclose a variably sized space. A doorway through the free wall into the variably sized space provides access to the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: International Truck and Engine Corporation Canada
    Inventor: David J. Beigel
  • Patent number: 6401411
    Abstract: A post base has an upwardly-tapering portion. The base is designed to be at least partially buried in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Walpole Woodworkers, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis A. Maglio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6368311
    Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Deknatel Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Valerio, Trinh Phung, Anthony R. Carlone, Victor E. Santos, Lawrence F. Travers
  • Publication number: 20020011034
    Abstract: The Universal Direction Post and Wall Panel Adapter consists of multiples of a single adapter to be installed on vertical round posts which when assembled on posts provide continuous vertical slots, in the desired position around the posts, in which plank like panels may be inserted one above the other, to provide the desired direction for continuing sagments of a fence or wall at each post location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: RICHARD L. WEIR
    Inventor: Richard L. Weir
  • Patent number: 6202364
    Abstract: A prefabricated self-supporting building structure and method of construction is described. The building structure comprises a plurality of substantially triangular shaped panels which are interconnected to one another by a hinge connector and along certain edges thereof whereby to form collapsible roof segments. There are four roof segments in the building structure. The triangular shaped panels are interconnected to form two pre-assembled collapsible panel sections each incorporating a pre-assembled roof segment and panel sections for adjacent roof segments. These two pre-assembled panel sections are erected by simple cable attachments which may be secured to a vehicle and these are interconnected back-to-back. The roof segments are also secured by brackets at their junction points of the panels for securing the roof segments in elevated position on supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Bernard Fredette
  • Patent number: 6178701
    Abstract: In order to provide a portable room suited for human use, the room is provided with a plurality of walls including three solid wall panels and a fourth wall panel defining a door opening for receiving a door therein. The room also includes a door hingedly mounted for movement between opened and closed positions relative to the door opening defined by the fourth wall panel. Each of the wall panels has a wall supporting post operatively associated with at least one of the opposite ends thereof The room also includes hinge means joining each of the wall panels to an adjacent wall panel for collapsible folding movement of the wall panels relative to each other. With this arrangement, a removable ceiling is supported on the wall panels and, in a preferred embodiment, cooperates with the wall panels to maintain adjacent ones in substantially perpendicular relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Sears. Roebuck and Co.
    Inventors: Denice D. De Paepe, Henry E. Schmalen, Russell E. Arnold
  • Patent number: 5983576
    Abstract: An extendable room comprises accordion type ceiling and wall panels which fold within panel covers when the room is retracted, thereby taking up much less interior space and leaving the interior of the primary structure just as attractive, albeit smaller, as prior to retraction. The wall and ceiling panels are hinged together with tongue and groove connections and are secured in the flat, extended configuration by steel cables running through the panels. The side walls also include windows which may be made clear and opaque electronically. The secondary floor is retractable below the floor of the primary structure when the room is retracted, permitting the room extension floor to become the primary floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: HWH Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Hanser, William G. Reckmeyer, Stacy M. Hanser, Marc E. Frerichs
  • Patent number: 5927025
    Abstract: The present dock shelter assembly provides, at a given warehouse or building dock, a protective unit that presents a weather-tight seal when extended from the dock against the open sliding door or side of an adjacent rail car. It is desirable that such a dock shelter not only permit complete and unobstructed rail car access, but also provide outstanding weather protection. The shelter herein is mounted along the outer perimeter of the dock opening of the terminal building and permits free access to the rail car whereupon its gap closure may be protected upon its sides and bottom during loading and unloading. The car is also sealed by a head curtain above the shelter components. The unit is sufficiently versatile to accommodate a rail car which may be somewhat out of position, relative to a dock center as defined by the building construction. Likewise, the shelter protection should continue its effectiveness despite rocking motions of the car when loaded and unloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Fairborn USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Brockman, Mark Dillon
  • Patent number: 5916096
    Abstract: A portable care facility includes at least one container defining a generally box-shaped configuration in a closed condition. The container is sized for transport and shipping and is constructed and arranged to be openable and expandable from the box-shaped configuration into a larger, operative configuration defining a space sufficient to conduct certain procedures therein. Tenting structure is provided in the container and is sized and configured to be supported over the space to define a ceiling over the space and to extend in at least one direction generally outwardly from the space to define a covered triage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventors: William P. Wiesmann, Charles L. Linden, Jr., Louis M. Guzzi
  • Patent number: 5802778
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarkson S. Thorp, Thai Q. Tran, Gary R. Ludwig, Steven A. Heyer
  • Patent number: 5661930
    Abstract: Plural flat sections hingedly coupled together from the floor of a building structure such as a house when arranged in an unfolded, flat configuration and form a generally closed container when arranged in a folded configuration. With the floor sections in the folded configuration, the thus formed container is adapted to receive and enclose other building structures and serves as a shipping container for the entire building. Removable metal joining members are attached to adjacent corners of the floor sections and are disposed in the corners of the rectangular container when the floor sections are folded. The metal joining members each include a reinforcing angle to strengthen the container and a conventional coupling bracket to facilitate handling of the container during shipping, permitting the container to be handled as a standard shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: William H. Porter
  • Patent number: 5596843
    Abstract: A rigid structural member for a building in which the member has four sides each provided with a groove having narrow opening. Two of the grooves on two opposite sides be used to assemble structural members together to provide completed building assemblies by the use of screw-threaded members while, in the completed assembly, the other two grooves are used for holding two building enclosure sheets in spaced positions, one on each side of the completed assembly. For this purpose, elongate holding members are located in the grooves to hold the sheets in place. The holding members have a particular design which secures them in place within the grooves. The grooves are preferably T-shaped and are all of the same size and shape to increase the versatility. In addition, the structural member may be formed into building structures which are hinged together such that they may be in a collapsed condition for storage and transportation or may be relatively pivoted into an erected condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Robert L. Watson
  • Patent number: 5540013
    Abstract: A structure formed from a new family of polyhedral models and rigid structures. The structure having discrete interior and exterior elements, and is formed from a plurality of stellate-hinged polygonal modules. Each stellate hinged-polygonal module has at least three polygonal structures coupled to a hinge or axis by a base edge. The angle between the at least three polygonal structures may be variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Gary C. Diamond
  • Patent number: 5511345
    Abstract: A lawn crypt is fabricated from molded unitary plastic structural members. The structural members are attached to one another so as to inhibit lateral movement therebetween by pins inserted through interengaging protuberances extending outward from the sides of the structural members. The protuberances resemble half-circles or partially open knuckles. Every adjacent protuberance of each structural member opens in the opposite direction. The lawn crypt allows burial chamber lids to be cast in place by the use of a unitary plastic molded lid form that becomes part of the lid after casting. The lid form includes molded-in sockets for restraining concrete reinforcing bars placed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Vantage Products Corporation
    Inventors: Dale C. Jones, Michael A. Lacy
  • Patent number: 5313747
    Abstract: A playhouse structure arranged to include a front and rear wall in a parallel orientation relative to one another, having first and second end walls. The first and second end walls are hingedly mounted intermediate their width and are hingedly mounted at each of their sides to the associated front and rear walls to permit projection of the first and second end walls intermediate the front and rear walls, with the roof structure having first and second roof plates hingedly mounted to the front and rear walls respectively and to one another. A modification of the invention includes crown trusses having projections projected through the roof plates and into one of the end walls to provide for a rigid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Donn L. Sakihara
  • Patent number: 5301478
    Abstract: A child's playhouse includes interfolded panels arranged for ease of assembly relative to one another, including hinged interconnection, wherein the top wall includes a pop-up plate having an accordion pleated member extending between the pop-up plate and the top wall to provide for ease of projection of a structure relative to the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Maximiliano Maese, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5252641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of bituminous compositions containing residues of polymers and in particular sterile car waste resulting mainly from the crushing and cutting into small pieces of car bodies. The process involves five successive stages, namely a grinding of the polymer mixture, washing with water to eliminate soil, drying, mixing with pulverulent bitumen and shaping, preferably by extrusion and granulation or compacting by compression. The polymer residue-concentrated bituminous compositions can be advantageously used in the diluted state for improving the use and stability characteristics, as well as the mechanical properties of bitumens for use in roads or industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Francois Dawans
  • Patent number: 5245801
    Abstract: A cover housing arranged to receive a barbecue grill assembly therewithin providing for a work surface at a top portion of the housing. The housing is arranged to optionally include doors as well as wind deflector wings mounted to the upper perimeter edge of the housing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Frederick A. Boesvert
  • Patent number: 5185977
    Abstract: A loading dock shelter with hinge gap closure wherein reinforced side curtains seal corner/hinge areas, as a truck/trailer is backed into a loading dock, to thereby form a protective weather seal. Hinge gap closures having side curtains for right and left portions of the shelter are each adapted to set the curtains parallel to the door of the dock in the normal position, when the dock is not in use, thereby protecting the door from inclement weather, etc. When a trailer is moved into the dock, reverse mobility of the vehicle is such as to cause the side curtains to be deflected from normal inoperative position, to extend them along the side of the respective trailer swing doors, whereby a collapsible wedge on the extreme extension of each curtain encompasses the gas created by the truck and its swing door, in sealing contact, preparatory to and during loading and off-loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Fairborn USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Brockman, Mark Dillon
  • Patent number: RE34468
    Abstract: A portable performance platform for the performing arts is disclosed that, in the stowed configuration, can be transported along roads and highways, and, in its unfolded configuration, presents an extended performing area having an overhead canopy. The platform includes a chassis mounted on ground engaging wheels. A pair of spaced apart, upright standards are positioned along one side margin of the chassis. Each standard includes an articulated arm that can be shifted between a stowed position (for transport of the platform) and an extended position (when the platform is set up for a performance). The articulated arm includes two arm members, and panels are fixedly carried by each of the arm members. In the stowed position, the panels make up a top wall and a sidewall of a staging compartment, and, when the arms are in the extended position, the panels provide a canopy over the performing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Rau, Harland Blume, Arie Boers, Jerry Wenger