Abstract: Apparatus manually configurable from a portable unit configuration into an assembled configuration provides a rigid shelter including a solar powered electricity supply circuit. The rigid shelter including the solar powered electrical supply circuit is manually configurable into reusable disassembled parts. Wall elements are releasably connectable between a base element and a roof element. Corner elements are used to define a unit. A plurality of units may be arranged as a single storey shelter or as a multi-storey shelter. External shelter elements have solar energy collector cells that may form part of an external element. A shipping container arrangement includes a plurality of stacked portable unit configurations.

Abstract: A surplus-to-requirements shipping container may be adapted for use as an exhibition module, which can thus be produced in a simple, low-cost manner using surplus materials and allows articles to be displayed in unmonitored and controlled environment by displaying clearly inside the module. Typically, a shipping container comprising a square prismic frame having 4 stanchions and 8 cross-members and two facing panels, two end panels and top and bottom panels may be adapted by removing from the container at least one panel and finishing both interior and exterior, such as by glazing the opened space to produce an exhibition module having inherent strength which enables it to be easily lifted and transported.

Abstract: Portable shelters, shelter systems, and methods of deployment of such shelters are described. The shelters or housing units may be deployed in emergency housing situations and may be grouped into systems of shelters. One particular embodiment comprises a rigid top frame structure, a rigid bottom frame structure, and one or more collapsible support arms connecting the top frame structure to the bottom frame structure. The frame structures and the collapsible support arm(s) are sized and configured to form a shelter frame when the collapsible support arm(s) are in a fully extended position, and the top frame structure is brought into proximity with the bottom frame structure when the collapsible support arm(s) are in a collapsed position. Methods of rapid deployment of the shelters and systems of shelters are also described.

Abstract: Construction systems for erecting building structures comprise a plurality of prefabricated interconnectable modular building units, each unit comprising a frame shaped as a rectangular parallelopiped and comprised of framing members and a plurality of nodes, each node situated at a corner of said frame for selective interconnection with other units, the framing members comprising eight edge rails, at least one edge rail in one unit being interconnected by beam stitching with a respective edge rail in at least one other unit, the nodes and the exterior dimensions of the frame conforming to ISO shipping standards such that each unit is transportable using the ISO intermodal transportation system, and such that when the units are aggregated horizontally and vertically and adjacent units are interconnected, a building structure comprising at least one habitable space is formed.

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.

Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include sidewalls and a roof. The roof, for example, may include one or more roof panels. The roof may also include a truss that is sized and configured to support the roof panels. The shed may also include one or more support beams that may be connected to the truss and may be connected to one or more panels. The shed may include one or more brackets used to connect a pair of panels that are positioned at an angle to form a corner of the shed. The shed may also include a cover, which may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the brackets. A plurality of roof panels may be positioned within a shipping container to form storage areas or cavities sized and configured to receive all or at least a portion of one or more floor panels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a modular architecture. The modular architecture comprises a first main part and a first extended part. The first main part comprises a first main side, a second main side, a first sub side, a second sub side, and a first empty room. The first extended part can be stowed in the first empty room, or be extended from the first main side of the first main part to increase the interior space of the modular architecture. The second main side of the first main part has at least one connecting frame, and the first sub side or the second sub side has a side connecting frame. The connecting frame or the side connecting frame is used to connect the architecture to connecting frames of other modular architectures.

Abstract: Components for use in the assembly and installation of a modular decking system, comprised of structural free floating piers which distributes loads of deck pad to ground, piers have a pad bearing surface and four uniformly placed receiver blocks which interlock with corresponding recesses at four pad corners, an interlocking cam passes through pad recesses at deck surface and locks to piers by rotating cam with custom designed tool. The system is designed to be assembled without permanent fasteners to allow for expansion, reconfiguration or relocation, or addition of traditional and contemporary deck accessories that engage and interlock with the piers, pads and cams. One ideal manufacturing method of one or any of the system components is compression molded post-consumer and/or industrial thermo-plastic waste.

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.

Abstract: A portable changing room that is inflatable. The portable changing room includes an inflatable skeleton, a valve, and a removable cover. A pump is used to inflate the inflatable skeleton. The changing room is used for privacy in outdoor environments.

Abstract: A ballistic and forced entry resistant construction in which a sidewall is made up of a plurality of vertical columns, at least one perimeter floor sill section, at least one perimeter ceiling sill section, a plurality of bottom internal sleeves at spaced intervals extending upward from the perimeter floor sill section, a plurality of top internal sleeves at spaced intervals extending downward from the perimeter ceiling sill section, a plurality of upper outer panels, a plurality of lower outer panels, and a plurality of inner wall panels. A connecting tube is used to connect the upper and lower outer plates. The vertical columns are located between the bottom and top internal sleeves such that the sleeves fit inside the opposite ends of vertical columns and the upper and lower outer panels are located between vertical support columns.

Abstract: A mobile, multi-room display environment. The display environment has a first room, the first room having a first set of sensory cues, and a second room, the second room having a second set of sensory cues substantially different from the first set of sensory cues. The first and second rooms are designed for temporary use and can be easily disassembled for transport from one location to another.

Abstract: Mobile building comprising a plurality of wall elements (1, 2, 6, 9, 12, 13) which are articulated together and, in a transport configuration, the surfaces of said wall elements rest against each other at least in part and, in an operating configuration, encompass an interior room of the building.

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.

Abstract: A structure to protect occupants from storm debris comprising components that are pre-fabricated and assembled on site. Upon assembly, the void cavities in the floor, walls and ceilings are pumped with concrete to increase the unit strength and stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable enclosure intending as a building or portion of a building that may be transported to a desired site in a folded configuration and then expanded into its intended form. The enclosure has a floor and two wall or roof support section extending upwardly from opposed sides of the floor section. A first roof section spans across the gap between the wall or roof support sections. At least a second roof section in provided that is pivotally mounted to the structure to overlie the first roof section in transit and fold out to extend outwardly substantially in plane with the first roof section in the expanded form. Similarly, second floor sections may be pivotally mounted to lie adjacent the wall/roof support sections in transit and extend outwardly substantially in plane with the first floor section when expanded.

Abstract: A mobile multi-functional shelter unit, for use as a general working area or for storing and maintaining heavy machinery. The mobile multi-functional shelter unit includes a central structure that has a deployed state and a non-deployed state as well as means for translating from the deployed state to the non-deployed state. The central structure has a base section, a central floor mounted on top of the base section, track means for raising a vehicle from a ground surface onto and off of the central floor. The central structure supports a raisable roof assembly and a lateral pullout assembly.

Abstract: A flexible, inflatable shelter is held within a storage container. The shelter can be erected rapidly, by directing compressed gas held or produced within the container, into the flexible material which will define the finished shelter. Personnel using the shelter then enter through an air lock door located in the storage container. An air lock may be alternatively provided such that is located at least partly within the deployed shelter, and so that it does not occupy substantial space in the container. The container includes supplies necessary to sustain life for an extended period. The shelter can be used to protect personnel from harmful environments caused by accidents or explosions in mines, tunnels, industrial plants, and the like. The container is compact, but allows rapid deployment of the flexible material to produce a shelter which is of approximately the same volume, or greater, than that of the storage container.

Abstract: A construction block is provided that includes at least one base member that includes a plurality of lower side wall receptacles. The construction block further includes a plurality of side wall assemblies. Each of the side wall assemblies includes a plurality of interconnected panels. Each of the panels is hingedly connected to each adjacent one of the panels of the respective one of the side wall assemblies. Each of the side wall assemblies defines a hollow load chamber having an open top and an open bottom. At least some of the panels of each of the side wall assemblies are angled relative to one another. Each of the lower side wall receptacles receives one of the side wall assemblies.

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.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension deployable from the shell, the extension including an extension frame. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support. The prefabricated structure further comprises a floor panel connected with the shell by a hinge to provide a floor for the extension, wherein the floor panel is undeployed when the extension is held in place within the shell by the extension, and wherein as the extension is deployed, the floor panel pivots at the hinge and the extension guides the floor panel to a deployed position.

Abstract: A foldable portable container is described. The container end walls are hinged to the floor of the container and are attached to the roof by a hinged slide mechanism whereby vertical displacement of the roof causes the simultaneous folding or unfolding of the opposing container end walls.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension including an extension frame deployable from the shell. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support, forming corners of the shell frame. A flange extends from at least one of the columns. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support, forming at least one corner of the extension frame. An outer lip is associated with at least one column of the extension farthest from the shell when the extension is deployed. An inner lip is associated with at least one column of the extension closest to the shell when the extension is deployed. The flange provides a first pocket for receiving the outer lip when the extension is seated within the shell and a second pocket receives the inner lip when the extension is deployed from the shell.

Abstract: A transportable, prefabricated structure with internal modules and adapted for obtaining a state of wellness, includes an external containing structure (100) having a rectangular parallelepiped geometric form overall, with the walls characterized by the presence of windows (101), by an access door (102) and by at least one exit door (106). The external containing structures (100) internally include internal scalar modules (200) assigned the following functions: sauna (210), Turkish bath or caldarium (211), hydromassage (212), massages (213), exercise (214), entrance/access (220), changing room/entrance-access (221), pedicure/manicure (222) and showers-bathrooms/entrance-access (223), relaxation (250), and emotional showers (251).

Abstract: A structural system for use in areas in which space is valuable. The structural system is a self-contained meeting center capable of transforming from a closed storage position into an open position for conducting a meeting. The structural system may be used for interior and exterior applications. The structural system may also include a mobile, micro-climate controlled chair system.

Abstract: A kit of parts can be assembled into a storage building in a first configuration and a shipping package suitable for handling with pallet handling equipment in a second configuration. The kit of parts comprises a plurality of base elements including wooden floor panels and wooden floor joists arranged to be assembled into a building floor structure in the first configuration and into a pallet base with an upright frame structure thereon in the second configuration. Metal wall and roof panels are mounted in an upright orientation either on the building floor structure to form a building or on upright frame structure of the pallet base to form a tall narrow shipping package.

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.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension including an extension frame deployable from the shell. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a roof support and a plurality of columns extends between the floor support and the roof support, the plurality of columns including a “C” channel. A plurality of vertical structures extends between the floor support and the roof support, the vertical structures including a “C” channel. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support and a plurality of columns extends between the floor support and the roof support, the plurality of columns including a “C” channel. The prefabricated structure further comprises a plurality of panels including an “L” channel extending from a side, the “L” channels receivable within the “C” channels so that the panels can be associated with the shell or the extension to form an outer wall.

Abstract: A self-contained structure configurable as a shipping container and as a dwelling is provided.

Abstract: A foldable portable container provided with an integral mechanical mechanism for folding or unfolding the container is described. The integral mechanical drive mechanism is utilized to simultaneously angularly displace the opposing container end walls and the container roof attached thereto to fold or unfold the portable container.

Abstract: A modular assembly structured to assume either a shipping container configuration or a building unit configuration including a frame comprising a plurality of support members and defining both a part of the building unit configuration and shipping unit configuration. A plurality of frame panels are movably connected to the frame and disposable in either a closed position or an opened position so as to respectively and at least partially define either the shipping unit configuration or the building unit configuration. The plurality of unit panels are movably connected to the frame and disposable outwardly therefrom to collectively define end wall portions and ceiling portions of the building unit configuration wherein the unit panels may be stored within the interior of the frame. An erection assembly is selectively disposable in an assembled position exteriorly of the frame and supported thereon so as to facilitate the assembly of at least some of the frame panels and/or unit panels.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system which includes injection molded roof panels, header assemblies and ridge caps having integrated connectors which combine to form a family of variously sized roof assemblies for utility enclosures. The injection molding facilitates integrally formed connectors so that the roof panels, header assemblies and ridge caps interlock with one another without the need for separate connectors.

Abstract: A shelter of the type having collapsed and expanded configurations. In one of several example embodiments, the expanded configuration includes a tunnel-shaped portion forming a pair of opposing side walls and a roof section. The roof section has a peak positioned above the side walls and the tunnel-shaped portion may include opposing ends with a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, each opening capable of accommodating an end wall. A first sheet is foldable along at least first and second crease lines to define the walls and roof section, the walls having an upper separation distance between the first and second crease lines when the shelter is expanded. The first sheet is segmented into panels with pairs of adjoining panels forming pleats each having a vertex extending from a crease line to an adjoining footing flap, the walls having a lower separation distance between footing flaps on different walls when the shelter is expanded.

Abstract: A hard side shelter is convertible between transport and deployed modes. When in the transport mode, the shelter has an envelope that is the same as an ISO cargo container. Side sections unfold from a center section to convert the shelter into the deployed mode. A side section floor is connected to the center section for rotating between being coplanar with the center section floor when in the deployed mode and vertical and lying in a center section side plane when in the 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 engage the center section floor when the shelter is in the transport mode, and engage the side section floors when the shelter is in the deployed mode. The shelter is handleable by pallet handling systems.

Abstract: A modular enclosure may include a number of interlocking components, such as panels, that may be interconnected to form sidewalls, roof and/or floor. The panels may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and a first pattern may be disposed on one surface and a second pattern may be disposed on an opposing surface. One or more points of intersection may be located where the first pattern and the second pattern overlie, and a depression may be disposed at the points of intersection. The depressions are preferably sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the panel.

Abstract: A system for deployment of a millimeter wave concealed object detection system using an outdoor passively illuminated structure is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the structure includes at least one sidewall with at least one louvered panel within the sidewall. The louvered panel is orientated to reflect millimeter energy into the structure that is used in part by a concealed object detection system for detecting concealed objects. The louvered panel includes a plurality of adjustable parallel slats for obtaining an optimum deployment angle. The structure further includes at least one detection lane for guiding a subject through the structure and is configured between a controlled entry barrier and an exit barrier of the structure.

Abstract: A modular assembly system comprising a plurality of structural members. Each of the structural members has at least one slot along a lengthwise side of the member. Each of the structural members is also defined by a unique spaced relationship between the predetermined slot-to-side distance and the slot-to-slot distance. The slot-to-slot distance is a whole-number multiple of the predetermined slot-to-side distance. Each of the at least one along a lengthwise side of each of the plurality of structural members is adapted to be detachably and selectively connected slot-to-slot to one of all of the slots along one of the lengthwise sides of each of the other structural members. In the preferred embodiments, the system also includes a circular support structure and an arcuate support structure.

Abstract: There is proposed a preferably transportable (mobile) and/or re-usable production facility, as is quick and easy to erect virtually at any location in this world. This production facility virtually comprises a tent structure, wherein the roof of the facility is held by at least one carrier (support) and at the same time at least one device for raising or lowering or moving goods or parts thereof, for example crane structures, is also provided on the carrier itself. Such a crane structure can be of a variable configuration and facilitate in particular the production of goods which are heavy and/or which for assembly can no longer be raised or moved by human strength.

Abstract: The invention is a portable and modular shelter that are assembled and erected to serve as a background or expendable facade for range targets used in live ammunition target practice and combat exercises. The panels of the modular and portable shelter are ballistically designed to let rounds of ammunition pass through with as little damage to the panels as possible. Additionally, the panels do not cause the ballistic projectiles passing through to scatter, splashback, or ricochet. The modular and portable shelters have no lasting environmental impact if erected temporarily.

Abstract: A collapsible temporary housing system including a base, four walls being connected along each respective edge extending between at least two of the four corners, the walls being pivotally connected along the edges of the base so that when the walls are pivoted into a collapsible configuration each wall is laid upon a previously collapsed wall creating a nearly horizontal surface extending across a top surface area of the base, and a flat roof, the flat roof being detached from the four walls while the four walls are pivoted into an erected position, secured to the walls once the walls are erected, and set upon the nearly horizontal surface when the walls are pivoted into a collapsible configuration, wherein a plurality of other temporary housing systems may be stacked where a lean of the stacked housing systems which could result in the stacked housing systems falling over is not present.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible structure and an expandable and collapsible scissor assembly and module therefor are provided. The scissor assembly includes a first strut having a first end and a second end. The scissor assembly also includes a second strut upper portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second strut upper portion being pivotably connected to the first strut at an upper strut connection point, and a second strut lower portion having a first end and a second end, the second end of the second strut lower portion being pivotably connected to the first strut at a lower strut connection point.

Abstract: A prefabricated building structure having a collapsible roof and adapted to be transported by a road carrier vehicle is described. The prefabricated building structure is provided with at least opposed parallel load bearing side walls. A roof section having a plurality of spaced roof rafters is pivotally connected by one or more pivot connections to a respective one of a top plate of each of the load bearing side walls. The roof sections are interconnectable to one another when the roof sections are disposed angularly upwards to form a raised pitch roof structure. A leverage beam is connectable to one of the rafters of each roof section and is securable to a cable which is secured to a pulley whereby to permit the roof sections to be raised or lowered.

Abstract: Franchisable sales, rentals, depositing, and transportation business system contains GPS indoor/outdoor paletted and un-paletted storage containers in various sizes constructed of plastics, sheet metals, welded wires, or punched galvanized or stainless steel, for refrigerator freezer and retail/wholesale shelving and sub-containers. Shelving, containers, and sub-containers, permanent fixed, and fold-down and paletted containers with bar code security tagging and plaques for staging warehouse return by rolling door or regular semi trailer, rail car, or ocean. Also, deep stocking paletted shelving units and sub-units for expanded restocking. Both new standardized cubicle sizes and designed to fit existing shelving sizes and dimensions. Also, PVC and steel quick erect decorator embossed five and six piece forkliftable quick construct residential/commercial sheds and additions. Also, automobile skids forkliftable for self storage skids.

Abstract: A mobile facility has a fixed frame, an expandable roof section, an expandable floor section, and an expandable side section. Interior space within the mobile facility is expanded by expanding the expandable roof section, the expandable floor section and the expandable side section.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension deployable from the shell, the extension including an extension frame. The shell frame comprises a floor support including a plurality of slotted beams extending between and transverse to the floor beams, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support with an extension roof, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support, wherein the slotted beams of the shell floor support each include a slot through which a column connected between an extension floor beam and an extension roof extends when the extension is nested within the shell in an undeployed position.

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.

Abstract: A construction block is provided that includes at least one base member that includes a plurality of lower side wall receptacles. The construction block further includes a plurality of side wall assemblies. Each of the side wall assemblies includes a plurality of interconnected panels. Each of the panels is hingedly connected to each adjacent one of the panels of the respective one of the side wall assemblies. Each of the side wall assemblies defines a hollow load chamber having an open top and an open bottom. At least some of the panels of each of the side wall assemblies are angled relative to one another. Each of the lower side wall receptacles receives one of the side wall assemblies.

Abstract: A transportable building module includes a first structure for defining a first enclosed space when erected at a building site and at least one elongate structural component having at least two elements that are relatively linearly slideable for linearly extending the structural component. The structural component is part of or attached to the first structure and is upright when the first structure is installed at the building site, whereupon the structural component is linearly extensible to provide part of a second structure for defining a second enclosed space above the first space.