Abstract: A roll up floor mat is provided with rails or sections hingedly interconnected by alternating, flexible strips, which, in turn serve to cushion the mat by use of laterally extending flaps interposed between the floor or other supporting surface and the rail sections, the flaps being integral with the hinge assemblies between the sections.

Abstract: An enclosure adapted for use on a trailer or a vehicle flat bed comprising at least two panels on each side of the trailer, one end of the first panel of each side being hingedly connected to the trailer, or an extension therefrom, the panels being hingedly connected to each other, the other ends of the second panel of each side being connected to a frame assembly which extends across the width of the trailer, the frame assembly being adapted for selective movement along the trailer whereby the panels can be moved from a first position, where they are located along the side of the trailer, to a position where the panels on each side extend across the trailer and are in face to face relationship.

Abstract: A roll-formed frame is provided for portable enclosures of the type comprising a series of screened wall panels with flexible hinges interconnecting the upright edges of the same. The wall panels are arranged into a closed polygon configuration, and support a domed, fabric roof. A pair of flexible cables extend around the top and bottom of the wall panels with retainers interconnecting the same, and retain the wall panels and roof in position. Roll-formed frame segments are interconnected to form the rectangular margin of the wall panels, and include a roll-formed channel in the outer peripheral edge. The channel has a dovetailed shape to interchangeably receive and retain therein a bead portion of the hinge, the fastener cables, and a body portion of the retainers. Preferably, the beads on the flexible hinge have a wedge shape which fits loosely into the side channels, and the cable retainers are symmetrical, so that they can be used on either end of the wall panels.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a construction panel system for the erection of doll and play houses, mazes, etc., and comprises a series of connected rectangular panels of approximately the same size connected together so that each panel can be rotated with respect to an adjacent panel but at least two of said panels are connected to adjacent panels by double hinges of the Jacobs ladder type so that they can be rotated in two directions with respect to adjacent panels and at least one additional panel is connected to the Jacobs ladder type so that it can be rotated in two directions with respect to said adjacent panel and at least one additional panel as connected to the Jacobs ladder panels by a hinge having its axis at right angles to the Jacobs ladder hinge. The panels are provided with holes adjacent the corners thereof and a fastening and reinforcing means is provided for holding non-connected panels together.

Abstract: A knock-down extendible shelter structure is formed by a plurality of hingeable panels of wall, floor, and roof panels. Hinges are used to join the panels. The edges of the latches are used to fix them in place. A plurality of units including similar parts are adapted to be connected together to assemble a shelter of any size. The shelter is designed to be essentially a permanent building that can be readily dismantled and stored.

Abstract: A prefabricated constructional component formed by a flat self supporting panel bent in a V shape and adapted to form a vertical section of the assembly formed by an outer wall of the construction and by the roof pane extending this wall upwardly is characterized in that it is in the form of a wooden chassis (37) with closed contour defining two flat panes connected together in a V shape, this frame being defined laterally by bonded laminate beams (38) bent into a V shape whose opened out length is greater than 5 meters, and each pane being closed by two flat parallel facings (43) of which at least the one disposed on the outside is formed from plywood.

Abstract: A frame supported structure with fabric panels is formed from a plurality of spaced arched frame members pivotally attached at their lower ends to ground plates. The ground plates are fixed in position prior to erection of the frames. The frames have open slots on each side into which slide beaded or roped edges of the fabric panels. The frames can be erected from or near ground level, and then the fabric panels pulled in along the slots, from ground level. Cranes or scaffolding are not required. After the panels are in position they are tensioned, as by inflating inflatable sections extending for the length of a panel.

Abstract: A floor mat including a plurality of rigid, elongated rails each having a side edge positioned in substantially parallel, spaced relationship to a respective side edge of an adjacent rail. A passageway opens inwardly from each rail side edge and includes an outer portion adjacent the side edge and an inner portion. The passageway inner portions have greater cross-sectional dimensions than the passageway outer portions. Each pair of adjacent rails is interconnected by an elongated, flexible hinge member which comprises a pair of opposite, spaced flanges extending longitudinally with respect to the hinge member. The flanges are interconnected by a web having a cross-sectional thickness less than a cross-sectional thickness of each of the flanges. The hinge member flanges are each slidably received in a respective passageway inner portion.

Abstract: A closure for a load container such as an open bed of a truck having a rectangular opening formed by side walls. The closure comprises a plurality of elongated panels each configured to extend greater than the width of the rectangular opening to rest on two opposite side walls of the load container. The panels are hingedly connected together side-by-side at the longitudinal edges thereof for movement between an unfolded position wherein the panels lie in a single plane and completely close the opening and a fan-folded position wherein the panels lie in a single stack superposed on one end panel. The one end panel is fastened at a third side wall forming the rectangular opening of the load container. The ends of the panels have pins for limiting lateral movement when in the unfolded position. The other end panel can be releasably locked onto the fourth side wall when the panels are in the unfolded position.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure, illustratively a residential dwelling, having a prefabricated central core and a plurality of prefabricated floor, wall and roof members that pivotally fold inwardly about the central core to produce a compact partially collapsed folded structure, which is easily transportable, and pivotally fold outwardly about the central core for quick and inexpensive on-site installation, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of building a house or the like on a previously provided foundation, starting from a packaged structure comprising a plurality of panels, wherein, after the deposition of the package on the foundation, in successive stages a superjacent part of the package is hoisted up, and in the space thus formed the panels are unfolded, and packaged structure for use in said method.

Abstract: A deployable truss which includes at least one foldable module. Each module includes two fixed frames, two gate assemblies, two base members and diagonal braces which are arranged for folding compactly. Foldable panels can also be attached to the module. The truss can include multiple modules sharing common fixed frames or common gate assemblies.

Abstract: Multi-sections vertically acting doors of the prior art comprise a plurality of horizontally longitudinally extending sections that are pivotably connected and including rollable engagement with longitudinally separated trackways. Such prior art doors are herein shown to be installed into vertical trackway lengths by a novel hoisting method that permits the installer to remain standing at ground level as all door sections are being sequentially pivotably connected and rollably engaged into the trackways; this novel hoisting method differs from the prior art ladder-method in that the installer is spared having to tediously and repetitively position, climb, descend, and re-position a ladder.

Abstract: A small portable enclosure has at least one windowlike surface for admitting the rays of the sun and an opaque interior to absorb the energy of those admitted sun rays, thereby raising the hut's interior temperature and consequently warming the hut's occupants. At least one safety vent is provided to control the hut's interior temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The shop such as a newspaper kiosk, may be installed on the pavements of towns for selling periodicals and newspapers.The kiosk is so arranged that it permits an excellent display of the products in a region sheltered from wind and rain. The kiosk comprises a cell of trapezoidal shape the small base of which forms the rear wall (1) and the large base of which forms the openable front wall (4).This cell comprises a supporting structure formed by at least four main posts (6 to 11) located at the four corners of the trapezium and interconnected by cross-members and by a roof framework. These posts act as supports for mounting product display box structures (5-7-8).The kiosk is mainly used for the sale of newspapers, magazines, periodical or books.

Abstract: This invention concerns a false ceiling element consisting of a strip of thin flexible material, folded generally in a zig-zag manner transversely to its length and hung from at least one support for longitudinal sliding thereon, characterized in that the surfaces of the folds of this strip are connected to one another by at least one flexible element.

Abstract: A container for an industry hall which can be assembled to an industry hall or similar and alternatively to a package or container, which fulfils the international regulations concerning dimensions and strength. The roof support member of the industry hall consists of two interconnected roof support beams (4). Each roof support beam has an upper (5) and a lower (6) longitudinal girder. Two roof support beams (4) are interconnected having respective upper longitudinal girder (5) abutting each other, thereby forming a rectangular composite frame 8. This rectangular composite frame forms side surfaces and the outer boundary of the container. Two such rectangular composite frames are placed alongside and spaced from each other and are interconnected by means of mounting beams (7). The remaining parts of the industry hall are placed in a suitable way inside the frame of the container formed in this way.

Abstract: A continuous, moveable thermal barrier system includes a plurality of insulating panels positioned in edge-to-edge relationship and a plurality of insulation means extending between edges of adjacent panels joining same in moveable, sealing relationship.

Abstract: An insert device cast integrally with the concrete for controlling the articulation of overlying and underlying slabs in Multi Slab Folding Building Construction, wherein the device provides a bar integral with the overlying slab which bar serves as connection for lifting hook used in erecting building and for picking up load of the overlying slab, and an extension of the device into a pocket provided in the underlying slab, engages a pivot in the underlying slab which pivot permits the underlying slab to rotate to a vertical position when the overlying slab is elevated, and the sides of the pocket are formed by short pieces of angle which engage the pivot, and in addition the angles are welded to bars extending from the angles to weld plates located at the base edge of the wall.

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: A construction system including a plurality of construction elements joined by removably received, flexible joining elements which allow for relative motion between adjacent construction elements.

Abstract: A millwork building construction member of rabbeted construction such as a doorjamb which includes a core to which a thin bendable exterior skin is bonded. The core is a non-lumber wood material such as composition board that has been folded after V-shaped grooves have been cut and the skin has been affixed. The skin is thus wrapped around the folded core to form the exterior surface of the member, while a cavity is defined that extends longitudinally through the core. The cavity can be filled for added strength. The skin may be selected for its decorative or fire-retardant properties.

Abstract: A post and panel mounting system for assembling office partitions uses a hinge arrangement which enables the panels to be positioned at any desired angle to one another. The hinge includes a pivot member in a pivot bracket which is mounted in a narrow horizontal channel in the end of the panel. A radial arm connected to the pivot member protrudes from the channel and has an enlarged head which fits into a vertical slot in a post bracket on the post. Spaced a short distance along the radial arm from the head is an annular flange which abuts the post bracket to hold the panel at a fixed distance from the post. To angularly position the panel relative to the post, the panel is pivoted about the pivot member on an axis inside the end of the panel. The end of the panel is rounded so as to maintain close spacing between the post and panel at all angles.

Abstract: A universal latch means for a drop seal assembly which is adapted for mounting to the lower end of a movable wall assembly, is disclosed. The drop seal assembly includes a universal latch means mounted on each end thereof for releasibly coupling each adjacent drop seal assembly in longitudinal alignment and in which each panel is locked from transverse relative movement. The latch means includes an alternating tongue and groove so that the tongue of one latch means nests into the complimentary groove of the adjacent latch means to releasibly lock each adjacent drop seal in longitudinal alignment and each panel is locked against vertical, horizontal and transverse movement.

Abstract: A display construction comprising first and second display panels of light-weight sheet material, each divided into a plurality of vertical planar sections by vertical folds. The top and bottom edges of each panel form a zig-zag pattern that enables the bottom panel to be supported on a flat supporting surface and the second panel supported on the first panel, the lower portions of individual sections of the second panel intersecting the upper portions of individual sections of the first panel.

Abstract: Architectural structures made up of a set of trapezoids arranged in pleated relationship, interfitted with another interfitting, transverse set of polygons also arranged in pleated relationship.

Abstract: An improved panel wall system is disclosed with means for interconnecting the panels in any desired angular relationship while providing a sight barrier through the joint. As many of the panels may be connected as are desired; and they may be placed in any desired configuration. Each panel includes an insert assembly to provide its exterior face; and these may be removed and changed, if desired. A full line of shelving and cabinets may be assembled to the panels with a limited number of interchangeable components. The cabinets include a flipper door which will not rack when opened or closed, and which slides beneath the top of the cabinet in the open position, yet has its edges flush with the top and bottom of the cabinet in the closed position.

Abstract: A ground-based portable and collapsible structure comprises two similar rectangular plates hinged together and disposed in downwardly-diverging relationship with their hinge-remote edges engaging the bottoms of re-entrant slots opening from the upper edges of spaced and parallel bar means of inverted T-section disposed on the ground transverse to said plate edges. Each bar means may be an inverted T-section bar or two L-section bars secured to one another with their vertical webs mutually opposite and spaced, preferably by spindles on which spiked metal strips are mounted for pivotal movement between a first position wherein it is accommodated in said gap and a second position wherein it projects downwardly from the L-section bars, the two strips being offset one to each side of the median plane bisecting said gap and being maintained in such dispositions by spacers mounted on the spindles alongside the strips.

Abstract: A dome-shaped structure comprising a plurality of prefabricated base panels and a plurality of upper panels hingedly connected to one another. The structure is erected by first lifting a plurality of base panels to their final position with the upper end of each upper panel remaining near ground level. The base panels are then connected together. The upper panels are then lifted to their final position and connected to a compression ring.

Abstract: A mobile vending booth of the sort having a vending opening on at least one long-side and having a chassis floor, is equipped with at least one roller shutter for shutting off at least the vending opening. Furthermore, there is a roller shutter guideframe able to be pushed slippingly into the booth and for making it broader for an operation condition, the guideframe running along the full length of the long-side of the booth and being able to be pulled out.

Abstract: There is described a prefabricated building element which comprises at least one frame and at least one closing panel which extends between the inner edges of said frame, connecting means being provided between the frame and the panel, said means being so arranged as to let the frame and panel move relative to one another, along a direction substantially in parallel relationship with the element thickness, to lie in two end positions, the one position in which the panel is received within the thickness of the frame and the other position in which the panel projects relative so said frame.

Abstract: A motorcycle garage having a truncated pyramidal structure comprising four foldable panel members which can be folded into and out of an open rectangular frame which is portable. The members are detachably interlocked by latches, with the side members rolling on ball bearing detent supports. Front and rear doors provide access to the interior of the motorcycle enclosure, and vents in the doors minimize interior heat accumulation and moisture condensation.

Abstract: The shelter is produced of a semi-rigid foldable material and can be rolled up into a compact configuration which is easy to carry. In its erect configuration, the shelter includes a generally conically shaped top covering which is connected to a triangular base. Connected to the base is a partial flooring which extends between two corners of the triangle. The occupant enters below the covering through the open floor section and places his weight on the enclosed floor section. This holds the three corners of the triangle downwardly thus causing the covering of the shelter to maintain its vertical disposition. The weight of the occupant causes the shelter to maintain a conical shape. Internal stake loops are attached at each end of the opening in the floor to allow adjustment of the shelter ground contact to seal the opening.

Abstract: A portable stage comprises a truck body with a fixed roof forming a main fixed panel (A) of a stage which is made by foldable side wall panels of the truck which can fold out into B, C and even D and E extensions for establishing a 30 or 40 foot or even greater width stage (using such foldable panel assemblies on either side of the truck) or fold down to an array which fits entirely within the cross section envelope or frame of the truck for over-the-road travel. The length of the stage is the length of the truck body. Practical 0.degree.-180.degree. movement between end to end arranged panels B and C (or between C and D or D and E) is made possible by a series of actuating assemblies running the length of the truck and each of which comprises plural linear actuating rams (hydraulically or pneumatically operated) wherein one such ram makes a forward stroke for driving a panel through an extreme acute angle range of movement (e.g., 0.degree.-60.degree.

Abstract: Credit card operated, automated teller machines are located in the vestibule of a bank where they may be accessed during normal banking hours. During off hours, a partition system segregates the vestibule from the remainder of the bank. Off-hour access to the vestibule is advantageously controlled by a customer activated door lock operated by the credit card and reader located at the bank door. Thus, access to the vestibule and the automated teller machines are controlled by the customer own credit card.

Abstract: A mobile home for retracted transport and expanded occupancy, such mobile home having a roof structure including two roof portions, each roof portion having an element mounted for transverse movement with respect to the body portion of the mobile home between a retracted position for transport and an extended position at which the element overhangs the body portion to form an eave beneath the roof structure. The element for transverse movement is hinged adjacent its outer end to a second element of each roof portion adjacent the lower edge of the roof structure so that the second elements may be unfolded upwardly for joining at their upper extending ends when the first elements are extended, thereby forming a raised roof configuration.

Abstract: There is disclosed a collapsible screen assembly for use in connection with enclosing and encircling an animal litter station formed by opposed sidewalls, a back wall and having an open front portion, and further including a removably engageable top wall, each of the opposed sidewalls being formed by a series of three sidewall panels, each being reversely hinge mounted to the next adjacent panel, the back wall being formed by a series of two back wall panels, each of the back wall panels being hingedly secured with one of the opposed sidewall panels thereby to accommodate only an interior hinge movement with respect to the back wall panel, and the top wall being formed by a series of three top wall panels wherein the first and third panels are reversely hinged mounted to the middle panel such that the opposed sidewalls may be reversely folded one panel with respect to the next with all panels being foldable against the two back wall panels which are in turn exteriorally hinge mounted together, and the top wal

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinged eave assembly for a sectional or modular structure that enables the eave of the structure to be positioned over the roof for transport, thereby reducing the effective width of the structure to conform with State highway laws. Structurally a plurality of elongated metal hinges are utilized to hingedly mount the eave to the roof at certain spaced intervals along the area where the roof joins the upper portion of an underlying wall structure. One end of the metal hinge is split or cut longitudinally so as to form a pair of legs, one leg being bent with respect to the other to form an angle therebetween for receiving the eave. The two legs are secured to the eave while the end of the hinge opposite the legs is secured directly to the roof of the structure.

Abstract: An articulated prefabricated modular building structure is provided having a pair of roof panels hingedly interconnected so as to be movable between a position in which the panels are disposed in a common horizontal plane to a position in which the panels are at a desired roof slope inclination, a pair of side wall panels each hingedly secured to a respective roof panel and movable between a folded position parallel to and underlying a respective roof panel and said inclined position, means for releasably holding the side wall panels in the folded position during transport of the structure to an erection site and means defined on the outer edges of the roof panels for engagement by a lifting device for positioning a structure at the erection site, the defined means in the roof panels lying in a plane orthogonal to the roof panel and substantially containing the center of gravity of that panel and an associated side wall panel when the side wall panel is in the folded position.

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: Structural panels are assembled and set up to afford a knock-down shelter comprising a roof which spans opposed upright sidewalls. The roof and sidewall panels are detachably secured together by devices provided with interlocked parts respectively carried by the roof and sidewall panels. The interlocked parts automatically interlock while the panels are being assembled and set up to form the shelter and automatically disengage while the shelter is being knocked down.

Abstract: The synchronizing mechanism for the unfolding of articulated carrier elements which are outwardly extendable or inwardly retractable in a bellows-type arrangement on each side of a satellite body comprises a system of gear-train units placed alternately at one end of a driving carrier element. The mechanism is adapted to cooperate with at least one drive motor for folding-back or unfolding the carrier elements.

Abstract: A folding dome-like modular building structure composed of 48 flexibly interconnected equal right isosceles 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 may be a rigid panel or an open space enclosed by struts or panel edges. The structure may be formed in part from struts and in part from panels. It may be an open or partially open framework or it may be enclosed by fabric or film supported over or suspended from the framework.

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 series of preformed panels are joined together at mating elongated male and female joint portions. The joint portions are secured together by a series of discrete spaced apart flexible tension members looped about portions of each panel.

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: Building walls and ceilings, beam or column covers, hollow columns, column covers, soffits, ducts, duct covers and solid construction posts fabricated from V-grooved gypsum board construction members which are adhesively secured in the V-groove areas to form angular faces. Interior and exterior walls using such construction members in combination with panel clips provide structures which are readily disassembled and reusable while providing good sound and thermal insulation properties.

Abstract: A portable building comprised of one or more foldable, prefabricated transverse sections which, when erected and placed end to end, form the side walls and roof of the building. Channel members extending along the edges of the transverse sections are positioned and connected face to face by protruding U-shaped brackets. The backs of the channel members engage and position appropriate insulating panels or layers of varying thicknesses. Prefabricated end panels form the end walls of the building and are connected thereto by brackets generally similar to those used to connect adjacent transverse sections.

Abstract: A floor covering, as for indoor public walking areas, being made up of sections, each section being substantially rectangular in plan, having a fairly narrow width and being disposed in closely spaced parallel relationship. Coupling members not unlike double hinges connect adjacent sides of the sections, the coupling members being particularly arranged to permit a compact rollup of the sections for cleaning purposes.