Collapsible For Ease Of Transport Patents (Class 52/79.5)
  • Publication number: 20140325921
    Abstract: A collapsible, mobile sanitary unit for accommodating sanitary facilities such as toilets showers and washbasins, the unit including a bottom, a circumferential wall, a roof element, and a partition subdividing the interior space into separate compartments, the unit further includes doors for accessing the compartments, and the wall including pivotally connected wall elements arranged to pivot to collapse the unit to reduce the wall height thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Mobile Sanitary Solutions B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Odulphus Joannes Maria Van Overbeek
  • Patent number: 8869465
    Abstract: A process for providing emergency housing for a plurality of displaced people at a geographic location, said process including the steps of estimating the number of displaced people; determining a suitable combination of facilities to accommodate the displaced people; and transporting said facilities to said geographical location, wherein said suitable combination varies in accordance with the number of displaced people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Design and Value Management Services Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Neil Clyde McDougall
  • Patent number: 8869463
    Abstract: A mobile service station includes a deployable structure configurable between a first closed configuration wherein the structure is a container having two side walls, a roof, a floor, a front wall and a rear wall, and a second deployed configuration as an operating service station. The station includes service station accessories mounted on at least one of the side walls. At least one side wall of the structure is foldable between a first vertical position, wherein the side wall acts as a vertical side wall for the closed configuration, and a second position wherein the side wall acts as additional floor space for the structure in the deployed configuration. The service station is adaptable for use as a high-end food stand, among other applications. A method configures the mobile service station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: 6943977 Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Noiseux, Pierre Maheu, François Lampron, Joseph Lacerte, Alain Neveu
  • Publication number: 20140311053
    Abstract: A folding shed including a roof with a first roof section pivotally connected to a first sidewall and a second roof section pivotally connected to a second sidewall. The folding shed may further include foldable first and second end walls, each pivotally connected to the first and second sidewalls. The folding shed may be transformed from an operation to a storage configuration by outwardly pivoting the first and second roof sections until the exterior surface of each roof section approximately abuts the exterior surface of the sidewall to which it is connected and inwardly moving foldable end walls until the interior surfaces of the sidewalls approximately abut the interior surfaces of the end walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Morris L. Hartman
  • Publication number: 20140311051
    Abstract: Deployment shelter systems and methods of articulation thereof are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Dynamic Global LLC
    Inventor: Mark Fagan
  • Publication number: 20140311052
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a portable building able to transition between a collapsed transport condition and an assembled condition, the portable building including a rear wall; a pair of side walls attached to the rear wall, the side wall including a hinged wall section, an end section, a side folding mechanism intermediate the hinged wall section and the end section for folding the hinged wall section along the end section; a front wall comprising a pair of outer doors; a pair of front folding mechanisms intermediate the outer doors and the respective side walls for folding each outer door along the respective side wall; a plurality of sliding roof trusses slidably engaged with the pair of side walls such that the plurality of sliding roof trusses can slide from a dispersed state along the pair of side walls to a collapsed state; and a roof mounted over at least a portion of the plurality of sliding roof trusses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: James Bert FARMER
  • Patent number: 8863444
    Abstract: An assembly system for modular building units having a floor and a plurality of walls is provided. The assembly system includes a floor platform, a plurality of wall platforms, and a plurality of hinge assemblies. Each of the plurality of hinge assemblies may be rotatable to at least a first position and a second position when attached to the floor and the one of the plurality of walls. In the first position, the walls and the floor are generally parallel while in the second position the wall and the floor are generally perpendicular. Methods of use are also provided, in which, during use, the hinge assembly of the system may be rotated from the first position to the second position at least in part by moving the walls in an upwards direction relative to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Feature Walters
    Inventor: Julian Bowron
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8844206
    Abstract: The present invention is a mobile performance stage mounted on a hydraulic lift truck for enabling a quick and easy performance setup in a location that does not already have a dedicated stage. The lift truck supports a hydraulic lift mechanism, which supports the stage and enables the stage to be elevated to a desired height. The stage is a rectangular cuboid resembling a cargo hold of most cargo trucks, with doors at each of the four lateral sides that open to reveal a performance area. The perimeter of the stage is outlined by short sidewalls except for the side of the stage between the performers and the audience. The stage comprises trusses outlining the vertical sides and roof of the stage for mounting lighting and other performance equipment. The stage also comprises a digital display, a safety railing, and a utility platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Michael James Johnstone
  • Publication number: 20140283464
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a system, or kit, of blow molded panels having integrally formed connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The corner sections, roof, wall and floor panels are formed of blow molded plastic with integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Vogler, Michael Thuma, Torrence Anderson, Brian C. Donnelly, Brian J. Russell
  • Patent number: 8839568
    Abstract: A structure which includes a frame and a membrane covering the frame to define an interior space, the interior space housing one or more building structures. The building structures are primarily intended for temporary residential purposes but can be configured for communal, recreational, office, medical services, storage or other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Pac West Properties Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Molander, Tammy Monsell, Gordon Guthrie
  • Patent number: 8839574
    Abstract: A pivoting solar panel device for an ISO cargo container preferably includes a base frame, at least two solar panel support frames and a plurality of solar panels. The plurality of solar panels are attached to the at least two solar panel support plates. The at least two solar panel support frames are attached to the base frame. The base frame preferably includes four structural angle members, four web truss members, four corner post toes and a plurality of web truss cross members. The pivoting solar panel support frame preferably includes a support plate, a hinge and a jacking device. A horizontal solar panel support frame preferably includes lengthwise and cross panel truss members and a support plate. An angled solar panel support frame preferably includes angled lengthwise and cross panel truss members and the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventors: Peter E. Gill, Peter E. Gill, III
  • Publication number: 20140259976
    Abstract: A storm shelter (20) is provided which includes a front wall (22), rear wall (24), and retractable side wall (28, 30) and top wall (26) assemblies, whereby the shelter to be easily deployed and thereafter stowed between a retracted storage condition and an expanded use condition. The front wall (22) is equipped with a door (38), which can be selectively locked or unlocked so as to allow opening of the door from the inside or outside of the shelter. The shelter (20) is particularly useful when installed in a basement, garage, residence, commercial or industrial building, school or other habitable area, and provides excellent safety and security.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: STAYING HOME CORPORATION
    Inventors: Troy S. Bowers, Michael D. Vogt
  • Publication number: 20140259977
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sustainable building system (SBS) that is affordable, capable of being replicated at a small and large scale, significantly reduces both the heating and cooling loads of the building as well as the total energy that the building consumes. Energy consumption can be reduced sufficiently that the building is capable of net-zero-energy status. That is, a building made using the system, method and components described herein can, with the inclusion of appropriate renewable energy technologies, generate on site all the energy that the building needs. Specific to this SBS is the design of a super-insulated and nearly air-tight building thermal envelop, that is, to the greatest extent possible, thermal-bridge-free and that has incorporated into that envelope high performance windows and doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy McDonald, Howard Steinberg, Patrick McDonald, John McDonald, Robert Benson
  • Publication number: 20140259971
    Abstract: Transportable unit for forming a straight parallelepiped-shaped residential space, provided with a bottom and a covering, and upright walls extending in between them, which walls can be converted between a—particularly retracted—transport position and a—particularly extended—operational position, in which the unit has a larger height, wherein the unit is equipped as a sanitary unit having a series of toilet bowls, urinals and/or showers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Marcel Adriaan Dirk BIKKER
  • Publication number: 20140251402
    Abstract: A generally V-shaped, foldable structure that protects the user from wind and can easily be erected and dismantled for storage and transport. In certain embodiments of the invention, covers are provided to further protect the user from sun and wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Mikel Koch
  • Patent number: 8826601
    Abstract: A modular assembly capable of converting from a shipping container configuration into a building unit, and from a building unit into a shipping container configuration. From the shipping container configuration, a plurality of frame panels and unit panels moveably connected to a frame of the modular assembly are selectively positioned to form the floors, walls, and ceilings of the building unit configuration thereby forming a living and/or commercial structure complete with electrical, water and sewage connections. The assembly may include an automated erection system, which may include a system of electric motors, gears, pulleys, cables, automated mechanical arms and electronic controls, located within the container structure of the modular assembly, and which interact with a plurality of frame panels and unit panels to deploy and retract the plurality of frame panels and unit panels for constructing the shipping container configuration and building unit configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Modular Container Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Janos B. Gyory, Istvan Gyory
  • Patent number: 8820005
    Abstract: A portable shelter is configured to be quickly and easily deployed and configured for use as a temporary shelter, such as during disaster situations. In one embodiment, the shelter includes an elongate body having a first and second body portions, the first and second body portions are configured to be folded according to different first and second folding pattern. The elongate body is collapsible and expandable between a first, expanded configuration and a second, collapsed configuration. The elongate body has a longitudinal length extending from the elongate body's first end to its second, opposite end. In the first, expanded configuration the second body is substantially flat along the longitudinal length and the first body defines a substantially c-shaped cavity that extends along the longitudinal length. In the second, collapsed configuration the second body is folded and compressed along the longitudinal length such that the second body extends into the c-shaped cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Tina Hovsepian
  • Patent number: 8813434
    Abstract: A retail kiosk includes a product fulfillment portion and a product display portion. The product fulfillment portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The product display portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The continuous, circular edge of the product fulfillment portion is out of alignment with the continuous, circular edge of the product display portion when the retail kiosk is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristin M. Koppelman, Melissa M. Champine
  • Patent number: 8813455
    Abstract: A deployable truss with modified primary orthogonal joints. The construction of these joints causes the center-hinged primary chords on opposite sides of a truss bay to fold inward in a plane orthogonal to the folding planes of the side diagonals while the two secondary chords fold in planes orthogonal to the plane of the in-folding primary chords. This provides for stiffness and stability during deploy and retract. The unique joint configuration permits the truss to deploy one bay at a time in a stable manner while having lateral bending stiffness, and the truss thus can extend and retract in a sequential manner. It can deploy integral flat panels nested between the secondary folding chords, or use cross bracing in lieu of panels. The truss can be triangular, square or rectangular in cross-section. A powered support frame may be used in conjunction with the truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Donald V. Merrifield
  • Patent number: 8806810
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a freestanding architectonic and constructive proposal, produced in the manufacturing facilities, which starting from an interconnectable basic model it can be assembled and reassembled according to specific requirements. Depending on the amount and shapes, it can scale up into horizontal, vertical or both complex architectonic structures. It is a foldable structure which allows easy arrangements for transportation and location in situ. Its configuration is carried through synchronized and symmetric orthogonal rotations and translations, both in its folding phase (1) and its unfolding phase (2), (FIG. 1), executed through any electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or manual system. Each one is integrated by axially symmetric segments forming the cover, the functional wall and the floor. The functional wall can lodge in its frame a typical wall, a functional piece of furniture or incorporate a specialized coupling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Alvaro Alfonso Barragán Olaya
  • Patent number: 8800216
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system or kit of connectors and panels which can be readily assembled to form a structure with the use of a minimal number of tools. Panels are precut so that measurements and cutting of the panel component materials is eliminated. Connectors are provided for attachment to the panels which allow the panels to be assembled to the floor and roof panels without the need for fasteners. The roof and floor structures are formed from interlocking plastic panels. The roof and floor panels include a structure that cooperates with the connectors secured to the wall panels to allow for the construction of a plurality of structures using like constructed connectors. Wall panels may be chosen from a variety of materials which allow a consumer to construct a building such as a storage shed that best suits his/her needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Phillips, Michael R. Vogler
  • Publication number: 20140202089
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a deployment shelter which can be changed between a stored state and a deployed state by smoothly driving movable panels. The deployment shelter 10 has a shelter main body 20 in which a floor panel 28 is coupled to a roof panel 29 via four poles. Movable roof panels 37a and 37b which are pivoted between stored positions and deployed positions are respectively attached to side portions of the roof panel 29, movable floor panels 41a and 41b which are pivoted between stored positions and deployed positions are respectively attached to side portions of the floor panel 28. Movable side panels 42a and 42b are respectively attached to the movable floor panels 41a and 41b. Movable end panels 43a and 43b which are pivoted between stored positions and deployed positions are respectively attached to poles. The movable roof panels, the movable floor panels, and the movable side panels are respectively driven by actuators so that they are opened and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Nippon Trex Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaya Nakajima, Junya Suzuki, Nobuyuki Morioka
  • Publication number: 20140202088
    Abstract: A deployment shelter has: a top panel; and a floor panel provided below the top panel so as to form an internal space between the top panel and the floor panel, the deployment shelter further having: an upper and a lower frame to which the top panel and the floor panel are fixed; a louver board pivotably provided to an end portion of the top panel, the louver board being movable between a stored state and a deployed state; a movable floor panel pivotably provided to an end portion of the floor panel, the movable floor panel being movable between a stored state and a deployed state; a side panel pivotably provided to a free end of the movable floor panel, and movable between a stored state and a deployed state; and a movable wall pivotably provided to the frame, and movable between a stored state and a deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Masaya Nakajima, Kenya Suzuki, Nobuyuki Morioka
  • Publication number: 20140206466
    Abstract: A outdoor structure flooring apparatus is disclosed comprising: a flooring having a one or more sockets, a length and a width. Said one or more sockets receiving a portion of a one or more legs of an outdoor structure. Said flooring comprises a shipping pallet for said outdoor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: BACKYARD PLAYSETS OF WEST TEXAS
    Inventor: Charles Sammann
  • Publication number: 20140190092
    Abstract: An extendable deck device is disclosed that creates additional room for homes with limited outdoor space. The extendable deck device comprises a plurality of squares, with each square comprising a frame and a plurality of support beams secured thereto, and a floor component positioned on top of the plurality of squares to substantially cover the plurality of squares. The extendable deck device further comprises at least one rail component secured to a perimeter edge of the floor component, which protrudes vertically upwards from the floor component. The rail components can be extended or retracted either manually or via an electric motor and reel. Further, the deck device can comprise at least one set of stairs secured underneath a corner of the floor component. The stairs can be secured to the corner, such that a user manually extends out the stairs from underneath the floor component for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher Klassen, Christopher Kratchmer
  • Patent number: 8769880
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible barrier that is lightweight and can be easily transported and erected. The barrier includes a base, a top and an enclosed volume such as a diaphragm that can be expanded with a medium such as a gas or liquid to a desired shape. The expanded volume will act as a barrier. When a series of expanded barriers are connected, they will form a wall that can contain bulk materials or liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Nikos Mouyiaris, Qizhong Guo
  • Publication number: 20140182219
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of blow molded panels having integrally formed connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The corner sections, roof, wall and floor panels are formed of blow molded plastic with integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another. In one embodiment, the ends of the wall panels have locking plugs that are constructed and arranged to fit into corresponding sockets and slide to an engaged position for interlocking cooperative engagement rigidly connecting the components together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Thuma, Torrence Anderson, Michael R. Vogler
  • Patent number: 8763315
    Abstract: A folding shed including a roof with a first roof section pivotally connected to a first sidewall and a second roof section pivotally connected to a second sidewall. The folding shed may further include foldable first and second end walls, each pivotally connected to the first and second sidewalls. The folding shed may be transformed from an operation to a storage configuration by outwardly pivoting the first and second roof sections until the exterior surface of each roof section approximately abuts the exterior surface of the sidewall to which it is connected and inwardly moving foldable end walls until the interior surfaces of the sidewalls approximately abut the interior surfaces of the end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Morris L. Hartman, Carrol O. Hartman
  • Publication number: 20140173998
    Abstract: A modular trade show booth includes a plurality of frame structures connected to form a floor support frame, a first wall support frame and a second wall support frame. A floor panel disposed on the floor support frame. A first wall panel disposed on the first wall support frame, and second wall panel disposed on the second wall support frame. A panel hanger may be attached to the wall panel to facilitate hanging the wall panel on the first wall support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Shawn Schoellkopf
  • Patent number: 8756876
    Abstract: The portable structure will generally have a pod from which a suite frame and suite may be deployed. The suite will allow personnel to administer to many critical demands and activities. The portable structure may be deployed upon any terrain, whether level or uneven, rigid or soft, and both the pod and the suite may be leveled independently. Additionally, the portable structure may incorporate at least one cocoon section wherein the cocoon section comprises at least one interior layer contacting a mesh covering placed over the suite frame, at least one thermal layer affixed to the interior layer, wherein the thermal layer includes heat adding and heat removal members capable of removing or adding heat to the mesh covering or a substance adjacent the at least one thermal layer and at least one exterior layer affixed to the thermal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: James R. Orr
  • Patent number: 8752339
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a system and method of operation for a convertible door system including a door accessible compartment having a moveable dividing wall that substantially divides the compartment into a first and a second sub-compartment. A first door assembly, configured to allow access to the first sub-compartment, is disposed between a first of two opposing sidewalls and the moveable dividing wall. A second door assembly, configured to allow access to the second sub-compartment, is disposed between a second of the two opposing sidewalls and the moveable dividing wall. A first and a second hinge assembly are adapted to rotationally join the first and second door assembly to respective opposing sidewalls. A third hinge assembly is adapted to rotationally join the moveable dividing wall to either the first door assembly or the second door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gregory A. Tubbs
  • Publication number: 20140157685
    Abstract: Deployment shelter systems and methods of articulation thereof are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Fagan
  • Patent number: 8745931
    Abstract: An emergency shelter structure is disclosed for use where people are displaced from their homes as the result of some catastrophe. The inventive shelter can be erected entirely without hand tools or power tools in less than 20 minutes. It is comprised of plastic panels which are joined together using push anchors, fasteners which permit rapid and permanent engagement of adjoining panels. Bed platforms are included as part of the assembly. In advanced embodiments, solar arrays are provided for harvesting solar energy for use as electricity and uni-directional heating apparatus is molded into the floor panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Gerhard P Hutter
  • Publication number: 20140150352
    Abstract: A foldable house comprises a body having a three-dimensional frame, each side of the three-dimensional frame being sealed by several horizontal sealing plates and vertical sealing plates but at least one vertical side of the three-dimensional frame being an open vertical side; at least a bottom plate; at least a first vertical plate; at least two second vertical plates; and at least a top plate open; whereby the bottom plate, the first vertical plate, each, second vertical plate, and the top plate are able to be folded into the open vertical side of the body to maintain the original volume of the body for easy transport, and the bottom plate, the first vertical plate, each second vertical plate, and the top plate corresponding to the open vertical side of the body are able to be unfolded to expand the interior space communicating to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: YUN FAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JUNG-HUA LEE
  • Patent number: 8739474
    Abstract: A portable shelter is erectable on a support surface for providing short to long term housing for humans. In general, the shelter includes a foundation, a floor supported by the foundation, and an enclosure. The shelter defines an interior which may be inhabited by a human. The shelter may include front, rear, side, and top walls, all of which may be folded to define inboard and outboard folds which enhance the structural integrity of the walls. The floor of the structure may include indentations corresponding to inboard folds of one or more walls for receiving the inboard folds for enhancing structural integrity of the shelter. The floor may be folded to form upstanding portions adjacent the indentations for securing the inboard folds in the indentations. Moreover, the walls may be folded to define feet which engage the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Inteplast Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Leo Yih Lang Chang, Phillip Wu
  • Patent number: 8739475
    Abstract: Foldable building units are provided based on structural frame and connection assembly designs that enable greater construction efficiency and flexibility. The structural frame and connection assembly designs allow for easier connection of frame elements in the prefabrication process of the foldable building units and for easier connection of frame elements at the building site, for example, of foldably connected frame elements after unfolding. They also allow for more finish in the prefabrication process, and/or less and faster work at the building site, for example, by enabling conventional structural lumber grids that can be continuous through the edges and corners of the building envelope for conventional exterior finishing, while providing a tight building envelope with reduced heat transfer, particularly, through the edges of the foldable building unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Blu Homes, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Michaud, Elizabeth Rothwell, Everett Morton, Steven Eason, Paul Kassabian
  • Publication number: 20140144088
    Abstract: An erectable portable housing structure is disclosed herein which has a plurality of panels that can be pivoted outward to form a two-story portable housing structure for the purpose of providing shelter for people or storage area. The portable housing structure may have an external envelope that can be transported through standard intermodal transportation systems. When the portable housing structure has been transported to a particular site, the panels within the portable housing structure may be pivoted outward to erect the two-story portable housing structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Chad Buege Heger
  • Patent number: 8733029
    Abstract: A prefabricated house including two or more modules including a core module having a fixed space portion and a passive space portion. The fixed space portion includes non-foldable walls. The fixed space portion has a functionality beyond providing volume. The passive space portion has one or more foldable panels. Each foldable panel is movable from a first, closed position to second open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: 500 Group Inc.
    Inventor: Paolo Tiramani
  • Patent number: 8732980
    Abstract: In order to provide a drier module for a drier for a coating plant, in particular for a coating plant for vehicle bodies, wherein the drier comprises a drier working space for receiving the objects to be dried, which space is bounded by a drier floor, a drier ceiling and lateral boundary walls, which reduces the transport costs for transporting the drier components from the production site to the erection site, it is proposed that the drier module comprise at least one section of a lateral boundary wall of the drier working space and one section of the drier floor and/or one section of the drier ceiling, wherein the drier floor section and/or the drier ceiling section are/is connected to the boundary wall section so as to be pivotable relative to the boundary wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Dürr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Napfel, Helmuth Zurich, Andreas Gerber
  • Publication number: 20140137483
    Abstract: A structure may include a side panel, a bottom panel may be connected to the side panel, a top panel may be connected to the side panel, and an end panel may be connected to the top panel. The side panel may be foldable to change the dimensions of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Walter Tong, Dana Huyen Dinh
  • Publication number: 20140130422
    Abstract: The present application provides a modular enclosure for use with an equipment platform and a turbo-machine. The modular enclosure may include a first number of walls attached to a number of legs of the equipment platform and a second number of walls attached to the legs of the equipment platform. The first number of walls may include a number of pivotable panels. The second number of walls may include an access aperture therein. The equipment platform may provide a roof for the modular enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Donald Gordon Laing, Gerardo Plata, Oswaldo Alberto Sanchez, Mehdi Milani Baladi
  • Publication number: 20140130423
    Abstract: The invention relates to a paint mixing room (1) comprising a base portion (2), four walls (3), a top portion (4) and at least one door (5) located in one the walls (3); at least one shelf (6), particularly for water-borne products, solvent-borne products and/or color tools; at least one workbench (7); a color station (8) comprising e.g. a personal computer, a spectrophotometer, and a barcode reader; a connector for an electrical power supply; and a ventilation system (11); wherein the paint mixing room (1) is portable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: PPG Industries OHIO, Inc
    Inventor: Thomas Leuchten
  • Patent number: 8720126
    Abstract: The invention is an expandable and contractible, transforming habitable structure, ISO-certified container designed as a single unit with all primary components contained within, to be easily transported by water, air or land (truck and rail) in stacked configurations. The unit of fold-down floors, easy swing-out interior and exterior walls, and an inter-locking roof system, rapidly expands using: specially designed and engineered “box hinges” and “pivot pins.” When expanded, the unit is structurally secured via especially designed and engineered “spring bolts” requiring little construction knowledge or tools, into HUD-approved, habitable, family friendly structure for emergency and temporary individual, or single-family use, and can be combined in multiples for various field functional applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Jack Dempsey Stone & Rapid Fabrications IP LLC
    Inventors: Joseph George Strickland, Jack Arthur Paquin
  • Patent number: 8720125
    Abstract: A sustainable, mobile, expandable, structure is designed for both short and long term deployments for various uses such as emergency or homeless shelters, fire crews, mobile clinics, research or vacation facilities. A body carriage assembly has wheels, has rigid frame assemblies and a fixed floor panel assembly fixed to it. Foldable roof panels contain energy collectors on their exterior surfaces, which are protected by a screen that is retractable into a void of a roof overhang. Foldable roof panels and adjacent foldable floor panels are deployed by a cabling system assembly, set in motion by a simple tool, requiring no motors or hydraulics. Foldable sidewall panels create eave walls when deployed. Foldable end wall panels create a gable end closure when deployed. A collapsible perimeter ballast assembly use, store and recycle water and provides a windscreen and wind forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Micah F. Andretich
  • Publication number: 20140123572
    Abstract: A construction set and method for assembling a single-, or multi-level Relocatable Habitat Unit (RHU) requiring a plurality of flat panels that include male (M) and female (F) lock connectors located on their respective peripheries and a frame constructed from a plurality vertical corner posts and horizontal beams. The entire RHU can be assembled using a single, hand-operated tool to engage a selected M lock with a selected F lock in addition to other securing hardware. First the floor is established and leveled. Next, starting at a corner, the walls are erected around the floor using vertical corner posts and horizontal beams. Finally, the roof is created. The same, hand-operated tool is used for each task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: STUART CHARLES SEGALL
  • Patent number: 8707632
    Abstract: A movable building structure is configured to selectively enclose an area. The structure includes at least one side wall and an end wall attached thereto. The side wall comprises a number of individual panels that are independently movable along a track secured to the ground. The panels are selectively collapsible such that they may travel along the track and overlap one another when in a collapsed or stowed position. The structure may be configured in any number of intermediate positions wherein the panels are partially collapsed. Roof panels may be attached to the side walls for movement therewith, or alternatively, the roof panels may operate independent of the side walls to extend and retract between an open and collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Cabrio Companies LLC
    Inventors: Kent H. Forsland, Mike Peters
  • Patent number: 8707634
    Abstract: A collapsible structure comprising four collapsible walls and a roof member, each of the four walls and roof member comprising two foam panels joined by a canvas seam. The canvas seam extends along one side of each foam panel. The invention further comprises vinyl flashing around all or part of the perimeter of each foam panel except on the side of the foam panel where the canvas seam is located. Preferably, the canvas seam is comprised of duck canvas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Edward D. Anklam
  • Patent number: 8707633
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical emergency care shelter, more specifically, to a field emergency shelter for fast minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery. The field emergency shelter for fast minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery includes a fixed central shelter body 1. The poison filter 6, purifying air conditioner 7, and heating apparatus 8, 9 are installed on the fixed central shelter body 1. A door 12 is installed on the rear wall of the fixed central shelter body 1. The retractable linkages 13 are installed around the door 12. Two extendable shelter bodies are connected to the left and right sides of the fixed central shelter body, respectively. The extendable shelter bodies 2 have an extendable structure. Doors 4 are installed on the side wall of the extend shelter bodies 2. Each of the extendable shelter bodies 2 has hydraulic cylinder 3 and an extendable unit. The working end of the hydraulic cylinder 3 is connected to one end of the foldable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: The General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region of the Chinese People's Liberation Army
    Inventors: Yaling Han, Weihong Meng, Bing Chen, Jingyang Sun, Shulin Tan, Tianming Yao, Yanchun Liang, Geng Wang, Jie Deng, Fei Li, Yi Li, Xiuguo Zhao
  • Patent number: 8707629
    Abstract: A tradeshow booth is constructed of portions including structural members [10, 28, 44, 56, 56a, 72, 103]. Each of these portions are constructed of laminated cardboard or other similar easily recyclable material, Vertical L-shaped beam members [74] connect upper and lower structural members together to form portions of a tradeshow booth. The individual portions are in turn connected together using U-shaped connectors [68], and which may be locked in place by gussets [62]. A decorative or advertising display covering [90] covers the assembled portions. Significantly, the entire tradeshow booth is extremely lightweight and strong, and may be assembled entirely by hand without using tools of any kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Disposable Exhibits LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Cuffe, Christopher M. Washco, Clay A. Womack