Abstract: A void filler (14, 16) especially suited for filling large volumes is made from first and second panels (18, 20), each panel having a core (26) sandwiched between face sheets (22, 24). The core is typically a corrugated honeycomb core so that the panel is stiff, strong and yet lightweight. The panels each have generally horizontal upper and lower edges (30, 32) and generally vertical first and second (34, 36) edges. The panels are connected at a hinge (44) along their upper edges. A limiter (50), attached at or near the lower edges, limits the movement of the lower edges away from one another so the panels can move from a flat, storage condition to a use condition, exhibiting a generally inverted V-shape. Two void fillers can be hingedly connected to form an M-shaped void filler assembly (2).

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.

Abstract: Sodium hydroxide-water solutions that have freezing-melting point plateaus below 46.degree. F. can be used to store cooling capacity by their heat of fusion, and compositions that freeze at about 41.degree. F. are suitable, particularly when nucleating agents such as sodium dichromate and dispersing agents such as a clay, are also used.

Abstract: A collapsible privacy booth, for example a polling booth, includes a plurality of partition members mounted together for pivotable movement from a storage position in a which the partition members are in superimposed side-by-side relationship to an in-use position in which the partition members extend substantially radially away from a common vertical axis to define at least two separate compartments. Each partition member includes a table top pivotable along a lower edge of the partition member and movable from a storage position folded against the partition member to an in-use position in which the table top extends between the two partition members defining the compartment. Telescopic support legs for the partition members permit adjustment of the height of the table tops.

Abstract: A foldable children's playhouse having a box beam integral with one or two roof panels is disclosed. The box beam has a U-shaped cross section, with the integral panels being foldable along a line extending longitudinally at the open end of the box beam. In a preferred embodiment, walls of the playhouse are made up of two units, each including a rectangular side wall and an end wall having a rectangular bottom portion and a triangular gable portion that folds along the top of the bottom portion. The roof is attachable to the walls by placing it in alignment over the walls and engaging top edges of the walls with channels on the underside of the roof so as to obtain a force fit. Means such as Velcro fasteners are provided on overlapping surfaces for securing the wall units to one another. A rail for strengthening the roof is disposed around the edges of and underneath the roof, the rail being obtained by folding over of edge regions to provide a support member having a triangular cross section.

Abstract: Economical temporary building structures formed from a skeleton of thirteen squares, each divided along its diagonal to form a basic structure of twenty-siz triangles. When the triangles are panels, twenty-four are assembled into four trapezoidal modules of six aligned panel units each which are joined along their longer bases to form two double modules. When seen as laid flat, the double modules are joined at a right angle along one of their non-parallel ends. A three-dimensional structure is formed by folding the assembly and bringing the opposite ends of the double modules together. Alternative forms of structure are disclosed along with various means of flexibly assembling triangular panel units.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hoistway door assembly for use with temporary hoists. The assembly includes a center member pivotable about either a first or a second axis. The center member is latchable from either the front or back sides and has stacking portions. The assembly includes wing members rotatable about the first or second axis and being interchangeable with one another. The wing members have stacking portions for mateable connection with the center member stacking portions. The center member is symmetrical about its horizontal centerline and the stacking portions are also symmetrical about the center member vertical centerline. The wing members stacking portions are likewise symmetrical about the vertical wing members centerline.

Abstract: An improved folding dome-like modular building structure composed of 48 flexibly interconnected equal right isoceles triangles. Each building structure is formed from a series of four flexibly connected modules of 12 triangles each. The modules are connected in alternating right and left-handed mirror image sequence. Each triangle is defined by struts. The improvements lie in the provision of intermediate cuts and hinged joints in certain of the struts to facilitate folding of the structure into a compact mass. Variations of the basic building structure are disclosed. The building structures may be open or partially open framework or they may be enclosed by a fabric or film covering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a horizontally extensible construction comprising a series of rigid prefabricated elements capable of being moved close together to render the construction more compact, for example for transport, or moved apart into the position for use to create space units between them suitable for use as dwelling units or the like, the said elements having connecting members connected to the elements by hinges which enable the construction to be placed into the position for use by the application of a force to an end element, this force being then transmitted from one element to the next by the hinges, and the construction being then capable of being moved back into the compact position by the application of a force to the element at the end in the direction which brings the elements together.

Abstract: A display assembly of the type having a rear display panel angularly joined by lateral display panels includes foldable end sections which allow the display assembly to become relatively flat when disassembled. The relatively flat folded assembly may then be packed into a relatively small container for more cost-effective shipping.

Abstract: A collapsible hut useful, in particular, for ice fishing comprises wall and roof panels which can be releasably secured together in a first assembly to form the hut and in a second assembly to form parts of a container. Skis and/or wheels are provided for supporting the container for travel over the ground, so that the hut can readily be transported to remote locations. When the hut is collapsed, the panels can be packed flat to form a very compact storage package.

Abstract: A sound and visual partition screen panel utilizes a treated corrugated cardboard septum to which is secured a frame. Acoustic insulation pads are provided on each side of the septum within the frame. The frame is designed with rounded vertical and top edges which are adapted to receive a fabric covering in the form of a sewn sock or sleeve which includes seams with inwardly formed welts adapted to be threaded into recesses in the verticals which open to the edges of the panels through a very narrow slot. The top and bottom of each vertical is provided with a removable pin, the one on the bottom also adjustably supporting the panel, which pins in turn secure plastic blocks having semi-circular gear segments, the gear teeth projecting just beyond the rounded surface of the verticals. The gear teeth extend for only slightly less than one half the height of the semi-circular face of the block. The blocks may be inverted by removing and replacing the pins.

Abstract: A collapsible, easily relocatable structure useable for various different purposes but illustrated as an animal shelter for dogs and other animals such shelter has saddle-type, gabled roof joined to side wall panels and formed of opposed, flat sloping roof panels hingedly to the respective side wall panels and hingedly secured centrally at the roof ridge. A floor is formed of flat panels hingedly joined to the side wall panels and hingedly secured centrally. Opposite ends are each formed of a pair of flat end panels hingedly secured to the side wall panels having an opening for ingress and egress of an animal. The shelter is collapsible by outward folding of the roof and floor panels and inward folding of the end panels. A cord arrangement locks the panels in unfolded configuration for maintaining the shelter in an erected condition.

Abstract: Collapsible staging formed from modules each having end frames and side frames, the side frames incorporating vertical hinges allowing the side frames to be collapsed in a concertina fashion as the end frames are moved toward one another, so that the folded framework lies in a flat "sandwich" configuration. The frames support a platform which may be detached, or alternatively hinged to one end frame and also folded in a concertina fashion. Alternative configurations provide folding stairs and ramps.

Abstract: A modular unit (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) containing cabinets (14) adapted for medical use as described. The unit includes one or more foldable panels (25) and is portable. The unit includes access doors (30) for entry into the unit when the panels are folded and sliding doors 47 when the panels are unfolded.

Abstract: A structure on which electrically driven amusement bumper cars are operable comprises a trailer with fixed and fold out floor sections on a common level and fixed and fold out ceiling sections on an elevated level with respect thereto for supplying electrical energy to trolley equipped bumper cars.

Abstract: A building module of folded structural elements pivotably interconnected and unfoldable to present a building structure. A floor element and a pair of roof elements are connected in series by a pair of pivots and the combination is folded for transportation to a building site where the floor element can be placed on supports and the roof elements rotated to jointly form an angled roof component. A pair of wall elements may also be attached to and folded against the floor element such that when they are unfolded they form vertical walls and act to support the roof element.

Abstract: A collapsible dwelling is provided, including a plurality of elements hingedly joined with each other, which, when in assembled relationship, cooperatively define a protective enclosure suitable for pets, or, when constructed on a larger scale, for young children. All elements are hinged strategically so that the elements can be partially disassembled and the aggregate parts stacked, one upon the other, for inclusion within a container having a length and width no greater than that of the largest elements. At least two anchoring loops are attached at opposing sides of the dwelling and are so situated that ground stakes capturing the loops can be driven into the supporting surface to positively locate the dwelling. The dwelling is designed to be packaged within a rectangular container with one of the anchoring loops coinciding with a cutout in the container, which loop, when drawn through the cutout, serves conveniently as a carrying handle.

Abstract: A structure that is collapsible from a volume-enclosing, expanded position to a position wherein the walls and roof are disposed in a horizontally extending stack of generally vertically disposed members. The roof is pivotally mounted to an upper portion of a free-standing rear wall (which is operatively connected to the ground in free-standing position), and the front wall is pivotally connected to the roof generally along the front edge of the roof. A floor may be provided having at least a portion thereof pivotal with respect to the rear wall so that it can be disposed generally parallel or perpendicular to the rear wall. The side walls may be mounted to the rear wall so that they pivot outwardly with respect to the rear wall, the rear wall being disposed between the side walls and the front wall when the structure is in collapsed position. An interior partition can be provided in the structure, and mechanisms may be utilized for interconnecting two such structures together.

Abstract: A panel having means for interconnecting it to other like panels, said interconnecting means comprising hook and ring connector members which are longitudinally shiftable relative to the length of the panel and are substantially flat.

Abstract: The invention is a portable pet-house which in the preferred embodiment defines an A-frame, the roof panels of which are pivoted at the top such that they are collapsible into a generally planar, carrying mode, there preferably being floor and end wall members carried internally between the roof panels when the unit is in its portable mode.

Abstract: A room divider including a plurality of partition panels hingedly interconnected with one end of the panel assembly being pivotally connected to a permanent wall or other vertical support. Each of the panels forming the room divider is provided with caster support means for engaging a floor surface and the end of the panel remote from connection with the permanent wall or support is provided with an access door pivotally connected to the panel.

Abstract: An improved expandable mobile home having hinged longitudinal joints between a central roof supported by a plurality of spaced sloping rafters and horizontally extending purlins secured on, and extending transverse to, the rafters, and maintained elevated by a plurality of aligned, spaced vertical posts, and a pair of folding roofs having a plurality of parallel extension rafters each corresponding to one of the spaced sloping rafters supporting the central roof, between a central floor and a pair of folding floors, and between the pair of folding floors and a pair of folding walls, and having hinged vertical joints between central end walls and pairs of folding end walls, the improvement residing in specific structures by which the mobile home is maintained in weather-tight state whether collapsed for transport or expanded for residence use.

Abstract: Foldable and portable shelter structure constructed from a rigid or semi-rigid, thin material such as cardboard, plastic, and the like, formed of a pair of hexagons, placed face-to-face and secured to each other, as by taping, along two or three of the contiguous outer edges of the hexagons. According to one embodiment, each hexagon is divided into six triangles, and the lines which separate these triangles are each flexible in one direction. The pair of hexagons can be pulled apart like a "party hat" and placed on a flat surface to form a standing shelter structure. A floor can be added as an integral part of the structure, which is at full strength when set up flat on the ground.

Abstract: Folding structures useful for a variety of different utilitarian and play purposes can be constructed so as to utilize a Sarrus linkage modified so as to include an overcenter toggle mechanism to reinforce the linkage against inadvertent or undesired folding from an expanded position. As used in accordance with the invention such a Sarrus linkage includes two non-folding members or walls which are connected by two separate folding wall structures. Each of such wall structures includes two non-folding parts, an intermediate hinge connecting such parts, and edge hinges connecting such parts to the non-folding members or walls.

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 child's playhouse, or the like, particularly designed and constructed for being folded into a compact storage position when not in use and readily expandable to a complete playhouse type structure when in use. The structure may be permanently mounted on a wall, or the like, in such a manner that when the apparatus is in the storage position, the entire structure is unobstructive and may be either a decorative feature for the room wherein the apparatus is located, or may be a useful object therein, such as a chalk board, or the like.

Abstract: A structure such as a doghouse can be constructed so as to be capable of being folded between an expanded configuration in which parallel side walls are connected by a top, a bottom, and parallel ends and a folded configuration in which the side walls are adjacent to one another. In order to achieve a folding action the top, the bottom and the ends each consists of a set of two parts. The parts of each of these sets extend between the side walls. A first group of hinges are used to pivotally connect the parts of each of the sets to the side walls. A second group of hinges are employed to connect the parts of each set midway between the side walls. All of the hinges of both groups which are secured to the top and the bottom have parallel axes and all of the hinges of both groups secured to the ends have parallel axes. Further, all of the axes of the hinges of the second group are located in a common plane midway between the side walls.

Abstract: A collapsible room module assembly having a foldable ceiling construction is provided for transforming a large open space into a plurality of smaller rooms. Two ceiling panels are hinged to accommodate folding of one of the ceiling panels with respect to the other when it is desired to collapse the room and store the foldable ceiling. Wheels are attached to one of the ceiling panels and are adapted to engage a tubular insulation strip which is situated at the top of the wall panels of the collapsible room and which serves as a track for guiding the wheels of the foldable ceiling as it is folded or unfolded. Apparatus is provided for disengaging the wheels of the foldable ceiling from the tubular strip once the ceiling has been completely unfolded, thereby allowing the weight of the ceiling unit to compress the insulation strip so as to form an acoustic and hermetic seal between the wall panels and unfolded ceiling unit.

Abstract: A portable, prefabricated panel adapted to be connected with a plurality of similar panels to form a wall or partition structure. The panel is electrically prewired and includes electrical power blocks disposed adjacent the opposite lower corners of the panel, which power blocks are connected by electrical cables which extend internally of the panel. When two or more panels are connected together, electrical power is transmitted between each adjacent pair of panels by a flexible electrical connector which plugs into the power blocks of the adjacent panels. The panel also has electrical sockets integrally associated therewith, which sockets are preferably associated with the power blocks. The power blocks are symmetrical so that the same electrical connections can be made on either side of the panel. A channel-like raceway extends along the bottom edge of the panel for permitting the hidden storage of communication cables.

Abstract: An easily erected roof structure designed to be transported in a conventional trailer truck, which is particularly adapted for use in relatively low cost modular buildings. The roof structure has a centrally located roof section with two side roof sections hinged to opposite sides of the central section. During transportation the central roof section is disposed horizontally proximate the top of the trailer, and the side roof sections are parallel to the trailer side walls, extending substantially vertically downward from the central section to which they are hinged with the lower edges of the side sections resting on the bed of the trailer. Mounted underneath the central section are permanent support legs which are disposed, during transportation, in a folded or parked position spaced above and clear of the bed of the truck. The roof structure is unloaded from the truck by rolling or sliding the lowermost edges of the side sections along the trailer floor.

Abstract: A building construction and method for transforming a large open space into a plurality of smaller rooms. A portable room module is folded into an essentially planar configuration for storage. The module is supported upon retractable wheels and accommodates movement from a storage location to a predetermined utility location within a larger room. In the utility location, the portable room module is expanded to room size and an elevated ceiling unit is lowered so as to rest upon the room module and form a ceiling unit therefor. Partially collapsible insulating material is situated at joints of the wall portions of the room module and also at the top and bottom of the wall portions so as to form an acoustic and hermetic seal when the module is unfolded and when the elevated ceiling unit comes to rest upon the wall panels.

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: There is described a prefabricated structure for erecting a building, that comprises bays hinged together which can take a position with a reduced volume and a position of extension, in which each bay comprises in the structure erecting condition and from the geometrical point-of-view, two pairs of dihedrons facing one another by pairs and comprising respectively the roof, the underflooring and the frontages of the bay, each dihedron comprising two sides hinged together along the dihedron intersection line and the junction areas between the dihedrons are each comprised of a truncated polyhedron comprising four side surfaces hinged together along their converging edges, said edges converging towards an apex located outside the imaginary right angle between the intersection lines of two dihedrons, two of those edges opposite the converging edges of the polyhedron being hingedly joined to one of the dihedrons, the structure further comprising means for stabilizing the dihedron angles in the bay extension conditi

Abstract: An improved space dividing panel and a space dividing assembly incorporating such panels. The panel has means along its bottom edge for use in supporting the panel and separate means on at least one end edge at the top and bottom for use in connecting the panel to another panel. Panels are connected together, at any angle, by simple post units to form space dividing assemblies. The post units comprise a simple tubular member having an adjustable top cap. The connecting means comprise brackets at the top and bottom edges which extend past the end of the panel and are insertable into the interior of the tubular posts. The top of each tubular post is adapted to receive a threaded cap member.

Abstract: A lightweight cabin construction fabricated of a plurality of readily available lumber and plywood parts. The parts are worked to render them easily interfitting. All of the cabin construction materials may be easily transported in knocked-down condition and are designed to be easily assembled on the job site. The invention also includes a portable foundation which can be employed with the cabin construction for assembly at the job site.

Abstract: A building construction and method for transforming a large open space into a plurality of smaller rooms. A portable room module is folded into an essentially planar configuration for storage. The module is supported upon retractable wheels and accommodates movement from a storage location to a predetermined utility location within a larger room. In the utility location, the portable room module is expanded to room size and an elevated ceiling unit is lowered so as to rest upon the room module and form a ceiling unit therefor. Partially collapsible insulating material is situated at joints of the wall portions of the room module and also at the top and bottom of the wall portions so as to form an acoustic and hermetic seal when the module is unfolded and when the elevated ceiling unit comes to rest upon the wall panels.

Abstract: The specification and drawings disclose a collapsible building module which in the preferred embodiment comprises a side wall frame assembly and a roof frame assembly which are interconnected along one of their edge portions by pivotal means to permit them to be folded about an axis of interconnection to lie in generally parallel planes. The disclosed structure also includes pivotally mounted interior wall panels, roof panels and/or floor panels carried by one or the other of the wall and roof assemblies. The free end portions of the roof frame assembly and the side wall frame assembly are provided with connecting means whereby they can be connected to a base or associated support structure for pivotal movement about axes parallel to the axis of interconnection between them. The specification further discloses certain preferred methods for erecting buildings by use of the modules.

Abstract: A portable prefabricated panel adapted to be connected with a plurality of similar panels to form a wall or partition structure. The panel is electrically prewired and includes electrical power blocks disposed adjacent the opposite lower corners of the panel, which power blocks are connected by electrical cables which extend internally of the panel. When two or more panels are connected together, electrical power is transmitted between each adjacent pair of panels by a flexible electrical connector which plugs into the power blocks of the adjacent panels. The panel also has electrical sockets integrally associated therewith, which sockets are preferably associated with the power blocks. The power blocks are symmetrical so that the same electrical connections can be made on either side of the panel. A channel-like raceway extends along the bottom edge of the panel for permitting the hidden storage of communication cables.