Collapsible For Ease Of Transport Patents (Class 52/79.5)
  • Patent number: 8381455
    Abstract: A modular shelter comprising a first side wall, first end wall, second side wall, second end wall, first roof section, and a second roof section cut from stock material, such that: (a) the first side wall and the first end wall, the first end wall and the second side wall, the second side wall and the second end wall, and the second end wall and the first side wall are disposed at an angle between 60 and 120 degrees relative to one another and are connected by at least two mortise and tenon joints; and (b) the first roof section and the second roof section are disposed at an angle between 45 and 180 degrees relative to one another and are connected by at least two mortise and tenon joints; wherein the components of the mortise and tenon joints are created using one tool resulting in a novel joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Frank W. Schooley
  • Patent number: 8381454
    Abstract: Low-cost, semi-permanent rigid-wall modular longhouse-type, peaked-roof structures, stadium-shaped (in plan view), made of light-weight, water-proof cellular extruded plastic sheet material die cut into blanks that are easily portable, quickly field erectable and dismountable by unskilled workers for a wide variety of uses. Two semi-circular end portions are spaced apart and joined by multiple segments of straight wall and roof modules, the length depending only on the number of intermediate segments. Blanks are easily folded on site into double-walled, bolt-together, modular wall and roof panels. Only four basic panel configurations are needed to form all structural elements. Multiple modular structures may be grouped to form larger compound structures with individual ones assigned to individual persons or dedicated work space usages: disaster shelters, sleeping, gathering, storage, hygiene, medical treatment, schooling, entertainment, goods manufacture, cooking, eating, herding, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Markus R. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8371087
    Abstract: A novel building block is described which is formed of two similar interlocking elements with chamfered surfaces to allow the elements to rest against each other. In one embodiment, the block is used to made structural walls, In another embodiment, a single block with a transparent or translucent pane is provided to form a window. In yet another embodiment, a building is made with at least one floor, one roof and support structures supporting the roof and being formed of the interlocking elements. Each element is made of L-shaped components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Studio Dror
    Inventor: Dror Benshetrit
  • Publication number: 20130014450
    Abstract: A self-contained structure configurable as a shipping container and as a dwelling is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Esposito
  • Patent number: 8347560
    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 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Modular Container Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Janos B. Gyory, Istvan Gyory
  • Patent number: 8337751
    Abstract: A systematic decontamination and containment method for decontaminating personnel is disclosed. This method includes providing a plurality of components positionable on a selected location for establishment of a multi-station decontamination and containment facility to decontaminate personnel and to contain contaminants collected during the decontamination process. The components can include a plurality of collapsible frame and roof assemblies, wall and roof covers, a weapons clearing assembly, a weapons storage locker, a hanging bar, a signage assembly, collapsible containment hamper assemblies, a covered dispensing assembly, a shuffle box, a multi-wipe dispensing assembly, and a transportable containment enclosure. The enclosure is shaped and sized to removably retain the system's components for transportation or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Ricky William Stewart, Lee Walker Brillhart, III
  • Publication number: 20120317898
    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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZKS, LLC
    Inventors: Zachery K. Strachan, Thomas Casto
  • Patent number: 8333209
    Abstract: A lattice support structure has lattice bars pivotally connected to one another and extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars connecting them, with the connecting lattice bars being connected directly or indirectly to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be decreased on the inward folding of the lattice support structure and increased on the folding apart of the lattice support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: ProDelta Investments b.v.
    Inventors: Kamal Daas, Doron Livnat
  • Patent number: 8333039
    Abstract: A building includes a wall and a roof. The wall encloses an enclosed area, and the wall comprises a plurality of standardized modules, each having an inner space used as a room. The roof covers the enclosed area. The standardized modules are standardized, and thus very convenient to manufacture. In addition, the standardized modules can be transported quickly and efficiently, therefore, the building as disclosed is convenient and reliable to construct and dismantle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mu-Chi Hsu, Dong-Sheng Lin, Chin-Tsan Huang, Guo-Jiang Wu
  • Publication number: 20120311940
    Abstract: A hard side shelter is convertible between transport and deployed modes. When in the transport mode, the shelter has an envelope identical to an ISO-cargo container. A side section floor and cover are each connected to the center section for rotating between being coplanar with the center section floor and roof when in the deployed mode, and being vertical and lying in a center section side planes when in a transport mode. Each side section has end and middle panels that are turnable relative to each other, and a door assembly that is turnable relative to the middle panels. Locking bars engaged the center section floor when the shelter is in a transport mode, and engage the side section floors when the shelter is in the deployed mode. The shelter is handleable by pallet handling systems and includes insulation panels to enhance the heat transfer characteristics of the shelter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Martin A. Medley
  • Publication number: 20120311939
    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: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Alvaro Alfonso Barragán Olaya
  • Patent number: 8322086
    Abstract: The off-site manufacture and on-site assembly of a prefabricated dwelling unit (“Unit”) are described herein. The Unit may be a single stand-alone Unit or an individual Unit within a group of Units such as a duplex or apartment building. The Unit is substantially prefabricated and nests within itself through a configurable design that utilizes a floor framing system. The Unit may also include fold down floor assemblies, moveable walls of 96? height, pre-installed floors and fixtures. The Unit may be configured for a decreased footprint that will fit into a single shipping container along with the other necessary components for completion of the Unit on-site. The Unit may be loaded and unloaded from a single shipping container without substantially limiting the size, shape, or aesthetics of the Unit while being substantially prefabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: James D Weber
  • Publication number: 20120291364
    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: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Tina Hovsepian
  • Publication number: 20120285104
    Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable transportable structure with a three dimensional rectangular shed roof shape having improved component and structural properties, and improved shipping and deployment capabilities. The integrated unique geometric folding pattern means provides enhanced folding accuracy and correct placement of interactive panels during collapse or assembly of the structure, and also greatly increases the flexibility for multiple unit combinations and component materials selection. The folding transportable structure provides a strong, safe, insulated weatherproof structure with a quick setup time, and requires NO tools or separate loose components for assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Vincent J. Digregory
  • Publication number: 20120279141
    Abstract: A modular building unit for use in constructing a building comprises a top, a base, two opposed ends and at least one open side. The at least one open side extends between the two opposed ends and is free of upwardly extending structural supports. The modular building unit is configured to be interconnected to a second modular building unit along the at least one open side. The building unit is dimensioned to enable the building unit to be accommodated at or within a predetermined width limit for transportation before assembly and the building unit and the second modular building unit, when assembled, exceeding the predetermined width limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: EPSILON INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Chris Wiederick, Darryl Gillespie, Steve McAllister, Bruce Johnston
  • Publication number: 20120279142
    Abstract: Prefabricated foldable building units are described that have one or more of the following advantages. They are more easily prefabricated, more easily transported to building sites without requiring special permits, unloadable and unfoldable at the building sites without using cranes (they can be unloaded using ground-level lifting rigs and unfolded using, for example, a cable mechanism), allow precise and fast completion at the building site, and allow significant reduction in the scope of work to be completed on-site, where costs and scheduling are far less manageable. Further, methods for unloading and unfolding foldable building units are described that obviate the need for one or more cranes that can be expensive and project-complicating, thereby opening up a significant percentage of building sites for placement of prefabricated foldable building units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis R. Michaud
  • Patent number: 8297002
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dwelling module, a roof module, a balcony module, a facade module, a building and a lifting tool for a modular construction system used to form a building from the aforementioned modules. The dwelling module (3) includes a floor (31), a roof (34T) and pillars between the floor (31) and the roof (34T). The pillars contain an embedded multi-purpose part (32) which is used to stack one module on top of another. The roof module is positioned on top of the building, while the balcony module (359) and the facade module (310) can be positioned peripherally to the building. The lifting tool is used to transport and install the dwelling module (3) at the desired site in order to complete a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Habidite, S.A.
    Inventor: José Javier Fernández Fernández
  • Patent number: 8291647
    Abstract: A self-contained structure configurable as a shipping container and as a dwelling is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Esposito
  • Patent number: 8291648
    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: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: James R. Orr
  • Patent number: 8286391
    Abstract: This invention reveals a type of portable building, which includes a box which forms the main body of the building, the box being cubic in shape, at least one movable top plate that forms the roof of the building, one side of such movable top plate connecting to and pivoting on one side of the top panel of the box, and such top plate rotating around the pivot downwards to lean against the side panel of the box, at least one movable bottom panel that is provided for the bottom panel of the building, one side of the movable bottom panel connecting to and pivoting on one side of the bottom panel, and such bottom panel rotating around the pivot downwards to lean against the side panel of the box, the pivots of the bottom panel and the top plate are located on the same side panel of the box, at least one side plate is provided for the side wall of the building, the side plate that supports between the edge of the bottom plate and the edge of the top plate being vertical and knock-down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventors: Zhenqiu Yang, Xiuyuan Yang
  • Publication number: 20120255240
    Abstract: A transportable prefabricated container house includes a main body and a house forming body, configured to be housed in the main body and drawn out of the main body at the installation site to be expanded/assembled into a house threefold the size of the main body. Assembly of the pre-assembled square “U”-shape walls sandwiched between the floor and ceiling boards includes tightly tying the ceiling supporting beams and the floor supporting beams together with shackles, and passing steel rods or pipes between the walls to render the house immune from earthquakes and hurricanes. A foundation of steel pipe bodies assists earthquake- and hurricane-resistance. Mega structures housing multitudes of container houses can be used when stacking two or more container houses is insufficient and large scale urban development is necessary, and are capable of resisting earthquakes and hurricanes due to a system of wire mesh covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Kangna Nelson SHEN
  • Patent number: 8256168
    Abstract: A structure comprising a plurality of regular hexagonal tubes and a plurality of rhomboid inserts is disclosed. At least one of the tubes can be placed end-to-end relative to another of the tubes in a configuration where the central axes of the tubes are parallel. These central axes can be either collinear or not collinear depending upon the overall configuration of the structure chosen. Each rhomboid insert fits inside at least one section of a hexagonal tube. Those rhomboid inserts that fit into more than one hexagonal tube provide a means for interlocking the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: George S. Bigger
  • Patent number: 8245450
    Abstract: Work crews temporarily operating in remote areas can be subject to dangers such as tornados, hurricanes and explosive blast waves. A re-deployable mobile aboveground protective shelter suitable for use in such environments utilizes retractable stabilizing arms and/or structures that leverage air pressure differential to resist uplift, overturning and sliding. Because the protective shelter does not rely exclusively upon excessive weight to counter wind forces, the protective shelter can be quickly, easily and inexpensively redeployed to new sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Oscar T Scott
  • Patent number: 8245455
    Abstract: A hard side shelter is convertible between transport and deployed modes. When in the transport mode, the shelter has an envelope identical to an ISO-cargo container. A side section floor and cover are each connected to the center section for rotating between being coplanar with the center section floor and roof when in the deployed mode, and being vertical and lying in a center section side planes when in a transport mode. Each side section has end and middle panels that are turnable relative to each other, and a door assembly that is turnable relative to the middle panels. Locking bars engaged the center section floor when the shelter is in a transport mode, and engage the side section floors when the shelter is in the deployed mode. The shelter is handleable by pallet handling systems and includes insulation panels to enhance the heat transfer characteristics of the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Global Engineering Marketing LLC
    Inventor: Martin A. Medley
  • Publication number: 20120186166
    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: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Thomas Castro
    Inventor: Thomas Casto
  • Publication number: 20120180404
    Abstract: A modular housing system, also known as “Maisons Demontables” may utilize a plurality of lightweight composite construction panels to create modular housing units that have high degrees of resistance to environmental factors like wind, hurricanes, floods and so forth. The housing units may have a very high thermal insulating rating. The panels may comprise expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels to create a bent which is a plurality of panels that are hinged to one another so that they can be compressed for shipping, and expanded or unfolded to be used as part of a housing unit. The panels may be mated together to form a section of a housing unit such as a wall. The housing unit may be easily assembled or disassembled using basic tools. A hinge technique is provided for joining the panels together to form the bents, and may include a tensioning system to bind multiple panels together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Alan SCOUTEN
  • Publication number: 20120167484
    Abstract: A one piece storage device that is automatically deployed and collapsible using an actuator which can be a remote device. The device comprises a frame structure comprising a multiplicity of interconnected rods that form a three dimensional structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Lee Bernard
  • Patent number: 8209916
    Abstract: A construction block includes a pair of base members and a pair of side wall assemblies. Each base member defines first and second upper channels and comprises a first plurality of ribs positioned within the first upper channel and a second plurality of ribs positioned within the second upper channel. Each side wall assembly defines a hollow load chamber having an open top and an open bottom and includes a plurality of hingedly interconnected panels, each including a thermoplastic material. A first side wall assembly is releasably engaged with at least some of the first plurality of ribs of a lower one of the base members, and a second side wall assembly is releasably engaged with at least some of the second plurality of ribs of the lower one of the base members. Each side wall assembly is releasably engaged with an upper one of the base members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Global Shelter Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Burke A. Herron
  • Patent number: 8209917
    Abstract: A temporary, non-load bearing wall panel that when joined together with other like panels, is used as a barrier (also known as a barricade wall) that keeps a construction area, vacant store, or any other undesirable element out of the reach and view of pedestrians. If required by the end user, the panels could be laminated with a visual graphic for reasons of aesthetic enhancement, advertisement of service, announcement of future business expectations, etc. A door and/or window display, dust curtains, etc. may be added to the panels as dictated by the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: DeZaio Productions, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael DeZaio
  • Publication number: 20120151851
    Abstract: An expandable shelter having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration in which the shelter has the approximate dimensions of a standard International Organization for Standardization (ISO) freight container. The expandable shelter includes first and second substantially parallel corner posts disposed at a first end of the shelter. The expandable shelter also includes a ramp coupled with hinges at the first end of the shelter and is configured to fit securely on the interior of the first and second corner posts when in a closed configuration in which the ramp is disposed between the first and second corner posts. The expandable shelter has sufficient strength to withstand the forces of at least eight similar shelters stacked on top of the shelter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: MOBILE MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Philip T. Cantin, Rick A. Cochran, Justin M. White
  • Publication number: 20120144762
    Abstract: A mobile training unit including a transportable cargo container having a transport position and at least one training position, the cargo container including: (a) at least one confined working compartment wholly or substantially within the cargo container dimensions; (b) at least one cargo container wall portion movable between a closed transport position and an open training position; (c) at least one door for entry into and exit from the cargo container; and (d) a tower movable between a transport position within the cargo container dimensions, and a training position extending beyond the cargo container. The mobile training unit in its transport position provides a very convenient unit for easy transportation to different locations where training is necessary or desired. This mobile training unit can at least supply facilities to provide training in relation to confined /enclosed spaces, working at height, fall potential and rescue situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Darren Eatock, Fraser Gilmour, Kenneth Shaw, Hugh Anderson
  • Patent number: 8196357
    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: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Nikos Mouyiaris
  • Patent number: 8191564
    Abstract: A portable ice fishing shelter for providing an enclosed and expandable structure for ice fishing within. The ice fishing shelter generally includes a rigid primary enclosure having sidewalls, a roof, and a base to form a first interior space, wherein the base forms an inverted U-shaped raised center portion to accommodate a seat within and allow for smoother pulling below. The primary enclosure also has a side opening extending through at least one of the sidewalls for a rigid extendable enclosure. The extendable enclosure includes an open bottom and extends from a perimeter of the side opening and is movably connected thereto. The extendable enclosure is adapted to move between a retracted position during storage or transport and an extended position during use, wherein a second interior space is formed to accommodate one or more angling holes. A tow hitch and glide members may also extend from the primary enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Michael T. Lindholm
  • Patent number: 8186109
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a reconfigurable armored unit for use in training exercises. In one aspect, a reconfigurable training facility is provided. The reconfigurable training facility includes a first modular unit. The reconfigurable training facility further includes a second modular unit, wherein each modular unit includes a frame with corner connection members and a grid system, whereby the corner connection members are used to connect the modular units together and whereby the grid system is used to selectively support a plurality of panels. In another aspect, a modular unit for use in a reconfigurable training facility is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of forming a reconfigurable training facility is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: UXB International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Warminsky
  • Patent number: 8176686
    Abstract: Disclosed is a structure that is a stage and roof system. The present invention is a system that allows a stage and roof system to be moved and folded up into a compact area in a very short period of time to be placed at an event location to broadcast talent directly on or near a terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Patrick Santini
  • Patent number: 8166715
    Abstract: A containerized portable shelter which is small and light enough for helicopter transport but which can also travel through container channels and has increased expandability of the floorspace is provided. It has a fraction (e.g. one-half) the standard ISO width, so that a plurality of modular units can be joined to form a standard ISO container. Two or more modular units can be joined side-by-side and/or end-to-end to form a compound shipping container preferably having ISO freight container characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherhaven Resources Ltd.
    Inventor: James Buchanan De Azambuja
  • Publication number: 20120096775
    Abstract: A transportable, transformable structure utilizing a tower shuttle apparatus for converting the structure from a closed, transportable unit to an open, stationary unit. The tower shuttle includes a connection post, including a socket joint, connected to a shuttle cart on casters. The socket joint is capable of receiving a ball connection at the base of a structural tower affixed to the transformable structure. This connection allows a single operator to fully assemble a mobile performance stage or other transportable, transformable structure with ease and with no damage to the stage deck. The tower shuttle allows the towers to be moved into position no matter the required direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Todd N. Allison
  • Patent number: 8156691
    Abstract: Modular building structures and methods of forming such structures are disclosed. A modular building structure may include a plurality of walls, a ceiling and a landing. The plurality of walls may include a front wall. The ceiling may be positioned at a top portion of each of the plurality of walls and may have a top surface. The landing may be connected to the ceiling by one or more pin assemblies. The one or more pin assemblies are configured to enable the landing to be moved between a retracted position and an extended position. An upper surface of the landing may be adjacent to a top surface of the ceiling when the landing is in the retracted position. The landing may extend from the front wall when the landing is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: New Enterprise Stone and Line Co., Inc
    Inventors: Russell George Dickson, Gregory James Gorman
  • Patent number: 8156690
    Abstract: An enclosed structure includes a base perimeter structure with a plurality of base plates, an exterior wall structure and a roof structure. The exterior wall structure includes a plurality of sidewall panels. The roof structure includes a plurality of roof panels. The enclosed structure has a substantially enclosed interior structure space. The enclosed structure can be prepared using plastic molding methods and may be used as a temporary emergency structure, such as a temporary emergency dwelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: LRM Industries International, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean Higley
  • Patent number: 8156952
    Abstract: A tent frame is disclosed including at least three support legs. The at least three support legs may have a connected end and a free end and may include a collapsible truss with at least two compression members, a hinge situated between the compression members, and a tension member extending from a first point near the free end to a second point near the connected end. The at least three support legs may be joined at their respective connected ends. A tent is also disclosed including a collapsible frame and a shell adapted to cover the frame, the shell having at least one window opening and at least one window curtain covering the at least one window opening, the at least one window curtain being adapted to slidably open and close. A method of setting up a tent is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Curtis J. Chesness
  • Patent number: 8141304
    Abstract: A prefabricated container house includes a container type main frame member when on a chassis capable of being pulled by a trailer truck; and dwelling forming members which can be housed in the main frame member, and which can be drawn out of the main frame member at an installation site, and assembled into a house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Kangna Nelson Shen, Coen Germeraad
  • Patent number: 8136303
    Abstract: Work crews temporarily operating in remote areas can be subject to dangers such as tornadoes, hurricanes and explosive blast waves. A re-deployable aboveground protective shelter suitable for use in such environments utilizes retractable stabilizing arms and/or passive valved ductwork to resist uplift, overturning and sliding. Because the protective shelter does not rely upon excessive weight to counter wind forces, the protective shelter can be quickly, easily and inexpensively redeployed to new sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Oscar T. Scott, IV
  • Publication number: 20120060430
    Abstract: The foldable habitation has a foldable roof with a central section which can be folded into a generally flat configuration for transportation and storage, and which can be automatically deployed into a chevron shape upon deploying lateral sections of the roof. A novel method of handling a foldable habitation is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: HABITAFLEX CONCEPT
    Inventors: Daniel Laprise, Mathieu Fortin
  • Patent number: 8112943
    Abstract: A hard side shelter is convertible between transport and deployed modes. When in the transport mode, the shelter has an envelope identical to an ISO-cargo container. A side section floor and cover are each connected to the center section for rotating between being coplanar with the center section floor and roof when in the deployed mode, and being vertical and lying in a center section side planes when in a transport mode. Each side section has end and middle panels that are turnable relative to each other, and a door assembly that is turnable relative to the middle panels. Locking bars engaged the center section floor when the shelter is in a transport mode, and engage the side section floors when the shelter is in the deployed mode. The shelter is handleable by pallet handling systems and includes insulation panels to enhance the heat transfer characteristics of the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventors: Martin A. Medley, Amadeu Pereira
  • Patent number: 8109044
    Abstract: An outdoor shower enclosure that may include a roof and a base frame having a plurality of metal structural members that are connected together to define a peripheral edge with a plurality of mounting plates. A plurality of substantially vertically extending support posts may be provided that extend between the mounting plates and the roof. In some cases, the support posts may be spaced apart approximately equidistant from each other along the peripheral edge. The shower enclosure may include a plurality of vinyl wall panels disposed between the posts. In some cases, a vinyl floor panel could be carried by the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Digger Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Loren R. Graber
  • Publication number: 20120023837
    Abstract: A building system utilizing commercially available component parts, preassembled into panelized and modular components that are easily and quickly assembled and disassembled, and a lightweight compact building system for efficient transport and assembly, not requiring a central manufacturing plant or specialized construction details. A building system to provide for numerous building floor plan layouts and configurations, and a building system that provides for the reuse of the building system component parts to construct permanent structures of virtually any size, floor plan layout, or architectural style.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: John Norman Eisenbeisz
  • Patent number: 8099913
    Abstract: A wheeled truss that is convertible into a truss with a catwalk. A carriage is removably mounted to the bottom of the truss for transporting the truss to the performance site. The carriage is removed from the truss, inverted and mounted to the top of the truss forming with the truss a catwalk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tyler Truss Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Dodd
  • Patent number: 8091289
    Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include a floor constructed from one or more floor panels. The floor panels, which may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, may include a pattern disposed on the upper surface. The floor panels may also include depressions that are formed in the lower surface and extend towards the upper surface. If desired, the depressions may be generally aligned with a portion of the pattern in the upper surface and the depressions may have a length that is less than the distance separating the upper surface and the lower surface. Advantageously, the depressions may be sized and configured to increase the strength of the floor panels. In addition, the floor panels may include a pattern disposed on the lower surface and the depressions may be at least partially disposed in the pattern. The patterns on the opposing sides of the panels may be generally offset and/or have different orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Mower, Brent Steed, Jay Calkin, Neil Watson, Robert A. Astle, L. Curtis Strong, Rich Howe, David C. Winter, Kent Ashby
  • Patent number: 8082698
    Abstract: A light weight modular enclosure that may be easily assembled by a user and mounted on a utility trailer or pickup truck includes a plurality of modular foam-encapsulated side panel assemblies and two foam-encapsulated corner panel assemblies arranged in adjacent positions in U-shaped anchor channels secured along three edges of a rectangular floorboard to form a front wall and two side walls of the modular enclosure. The side panel and corner panel assemblies each include a plurality of molded key pins and key sockets that are positioned for mating engagement to secure the panel assemblies in strict alignment when adjacently positioned in the anchor channels. A door frame assembly fits into the open rear end of the modular enclosure. A pop-up canopy assembly is installed over the top of the modular enclosure to provide additional head room during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence V. Drake
  • Patent number: 8074403
    Abstract: A full size building having three walls, an open side and a roof but no floor can be moved along parallel rails from an open free standing position to a closed position where the building abuts another structure to completely enclose an outdoor area. The building is of conventional construction but is erected over a rigid framework of iron beams. A series of roller assemblies containing rotatable axles is attached to the underside of rigid framework. The axles rest directly on the rails and rotate smoothly by means of bearings as the building moves along the rails. Stabilizers prevent wobble and keep the building on the rails when it is being moved. Locks prevent any movement when the building is in either the open or closed position. Additional locking means prevent lateral movement when the building is locked in the open position. The building can be moved using a winch and cable system or using a unique suspended sprocket wheel and track system. Concrete footings form the base for the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: John Mentnech