Abstract: A child's playhouse includes interfolded panels arranged for ease of assembly relative to one another, including hinged interconnection, wherein the top wall includes a pop-up plate having an accordion pleated member extending between the pop-up plate and the top wall to provide for ease of projection of a structure relative to the top wall.

Abstract: A tent including a fabric which contains firstly a substantially non-stretching peripheral cable and secondly substantially non-stretching cables, each substantially non-stretching cable extending from a pole to the vicinity of a perimeter edge of the fabric such as a corner. The tent further includes a support provided at each corner, at a height at least equal to that of the perimetric edge of the fabric when the tent is in a raised position, and a winch for hooking on the end of the cables extending from the pole and for tensioning the cables. The tent, applicable as a circus tent, can be raised and lowered rapidly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an openable roof having two pairs of half dome openable roofs provided on a ring shaped set roof having a flat upper surface. In the center of the set roof, an aperture is provided; this aperture being opened or closed by these two pairs of openable roofs. Furthermore, either respective pair of these two pairs of openable roofs may be selected and utilized to open and close the aperture as necessary.

Abstract: A retractable dome stadium or the like utilizing a plurality of generally lune-shaped dome panels mounted for movement between an open position in which they are stacked one above the other in superimposed relationship and a closed position in which they are disposed in a generally side-by-side relationship, and a mechanism for guiding and moving said panels between said open and closed positions. A method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cover housing arranged to receive a barbecue grill assembly therewithin providing for a work surface at a top portion of the housing. The housing is arranged to optionally include doors as well as wind deflector wings mounted to the upper perimeter edge of the housing structure.

Abstract: An arched building structure comprises an arched coupling body, a still plate and a still, which support the arched coupling body on the ground. The arched coupling body is constituted by coupling two curved members with a plate member formed separate from the curved members. Each curved member is constituted by coupling multiple large steel decks bent with roundness in a wave direction.

Abstract: An openable roof includes a plurality of movable roof members. Each of the movable roof members is of a generally sectorial shape in two-dimensional projection. The sectorial shape has a radially outer edge portion and a radially inner edge portion. The outer edge portion of the movable roof member is movably disposed on an outer arcuate support. The inner edge portion of the movable roof member is movably disposed on an inner arcuate support. The outer and inner arcuate supports are disposed concentrically about a common axis. Accordingly, each of the movable roof members is able to revolve around the axis of the arcuate supports so as to participate to open and close a sectorial opening portion provided between the arcuate supports.

Abstract: A venetian blind storage assembly for use in storing a venetian blind in a collapsible tent trailer is provided. The assembly includes a venetian blind mounted within a flexible pouch. The assembly is mounted to an interior of the collapsible tent trailer above a window formed in a collapsible side wall of the trailer. The pouch includes a bottom opening extending along the entire length of the venetian blind to allow slats of the venetian blind to be lowered and used as desired while the trailer is expanded. Prior to collapsing the trailer, the slats of the venetian blind are retracted and enclosed within the pouch. The opening of the pouch is shut tightly to completely isolate the venetian blind from the interior of the trailer. Thus, when the trailer is subsequently collapsed into a compact configuration, both the venetian blind and the interior of the trailer are protected from damage.

Abstract: A transfer pad cover includes a frame structure covered by a water-proof sheet material. The frame structure is supported by bar joists that are mounted for movement along tracks. The entire structure is moved by hand or motor or by a truck from which a liquid transfer will be made to a position adjacent the transfer pad during the transfer operation. When the material and frame structure are sufficiently weighted down so that it is unsafe to move the cover, the joists will rest on a ground surface, preventing movement of the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the rails are sloped and the truck pushes the cover off of the pad. When the truck leaves the pad, the slope of the rails causes the cover to automatically return to protect the pad under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: A structure having a movable dome-type roof including a plurality of independently movable shell sections which nest one beneath the other. A frame superstructure is arched over the dome to support the upper ends of the shell sections. The lower edges of the shell sections are mounted on self-powered carriages and are independently shiftable about a circular base of the structure. By selectively shifting individual shell sections, the dome may be contracted or expanded as desired. The superstructure may be mounted on a circular track or on a pair of linear tracks to expedite the opening and closing of the dome.

Abstract: A retractable roof for a stadium, comprising a central arch separating a pair of end segments, one end segment being fixed, the central arch being movable to a position above the fixed end segment, the other end segment being movable arcuately laterally to a position transverse to its closed position and laterally external to the central arch.

Abstract: An immproved lid assembly for roll-off sludge containers is provided wher the lid assembly is supported by oppositely disposed lip portions which extend longitudinally along each side of an opening formed in an upper side of the sludge container. The lid assembly comprises a plurality of lid members and a roller assembly connected to each of the lid members so that the lid members can be selectively moved between a first position and a second position relative to the opening of the sludge container. In the first position the lid members are telescopically disposed in adjacent lid members, thus providing access to selected portions of the opening in the sludge container. In the second position, the lid members are extended and close off the opening in the sludge container.

Abstract: A unit is described comprising a towable wheeled undercarriage upon which is mounted a unit having four independent rooms, each of which is collapsed for towing and which can be greatly extended in volume both horizontally and vertically for use. The four rooms have a common corner at the center of the unit. Each room includes a slide out section slidable beyond the sides of the undercarriage and an inner section that is attached to the floor. The slide out sections can be extended simultaneously until their roofs lock to a main roof over the fixed inner room sections. All roofs and their attached, telescoped, upper room walls can be raised simultaneously by a single drive device, such as a hydraulic cylinder, at the center of the main roof at the common corner of the rooms. With the rooms extended and the vertically extending rooms telescoped up, four large, private, independent, solid-walled, rooms with separate exterior doors are created. The undercarriage is mounted on four wheels on two axles.

Abstract: A portable performance platform for the performing arts includes a wheel mounted chassis adapted for towing by an automobile or truck. A staging compartment is mounted on the chassis that includes front and rear end walls, opposed sidewalls, an overhead roof, and a compartment floor. Opposed telescoping towers are mounted on the front and rear ends of the chassis to provide right and left upright supports for the overhead roof. The compartment sidewalls are pivotally carried along opposed side margins of the roof, and are outwardly extendible to present an extended canopy in conjunction with the roof when the platform is set up in its performance configuration. A unique actuating assembly raises and lowers the sidewalls in tandem, and tilts the raised canopy to an acoustically desirable orientation. In the performing configuration, the platform aprons of the portable performance platform are pivoted downwardly so as to be flush with the compartment floor.

Abstract: A convertible enclosure particularly adapted to cover an outside hot tub installation. The enclosure includes a tubular frame with sliding cross-pieces. A cover is attached to the cross-pieces such that the cover may be extended to encompass one side and the top of the space desired to be enclosed with the opposite side remaining open.

Abstract: A round top table arrangement in which there are one or more in-fill pieces (7,8) engaging with underneath clamps (14,16) adjacent edges of adjoining round top tables to provide contiguous edges and a preferred shape of supporting surface. The shape of the outer edges (10) of the respective round top tables includes an externally exposed convex surface including, however, abutting shapes providing for interlocking support which can also locate an in-fill piece with respect to both vertical and horizontal alignments and there are clamping means (14,16) including a clamping arm (14) which extends beneath such convex shape and which can be tightened to hold such in-fill pieces (7,8) in substantial interlocking alignment.

Abstract: An improved standing seam roof assembly and support apparatus which seeks to achieve a number of objects including improved panel joining integrity both at the standing seam joints along longitudinal edges of the panels and at interlapping panel ends including the four corner juncture areas. A unique interlocking standing seam joint features cooperative clip and side lap sealant positioning. Advantageous end lapping is securely sealed via end lap sealant and a cinch strap assembly which compresses and interconnects the panel ends. Novel notching of the panel ends permits installation of near identical panels in both a first installing direction and in a reversed second installing direction. Other features include adjustable and flexible roof panel supporting structures, improved panel center and edge hold-down assemblies, and an improved seam roller apparatus.

Abstract: In an openable roof apparatus for a space, a stationary support structure is arranged about the space. A movable roof structure is supported by the stationary support structure and is movable with respect thereto. The movable roof structure having a first movable roof section and a second swing roof section. The second swing roof section is movable angularly about the central axis of the space with respect to the first movable roof section and is capable of being overlapped therewith. A guide arrangement is arranged on the stationary support structure and extends perpendicularly to a central axis of the space. The first movable roof section and the second swing roof section, which are overlapped with each other, are movable along the guide arrangement toward and away from the space.

Abstract: A mobile accommodation unit comprises a vehicle body with side walls which pivot downwardly to provide an expanded floor area, having side-roof support members which pivot upwardly, and which carry canopy structures which unfold upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: This invention provides for a multi-purpose stadium which includes a first activity area having a natural turf playing field and a second activity area positioned below the first activity area. The first activity area is supported on a platform vertically movable with respect to the second activity area allowing for spectator sightlines to be satisfied for events occurring within the first and second activity areas. The first activity area is supported within the stadium by a plurality of piers. Each pier includes a hollow column with a continuous slot on the interior face thereof which supports a hydraulic lifting device. The hydraulic lifting devices vertically move the first activity area relative to the second activity area. Alternatively, a counterweight system may be employed to lift the first activity area.

Abstract: A domed structure having a retractable roof comprises a field area obtained by digging out a hollow, substantially concave in section, in the ground and levelling the bottom of the hollow seats for the spectators are provided by extending an upward slope outwardly from the end of the field area in an endless manner, and a movable roof element is movably mounted on a rail element laid out on the ground adjacent to the peripheral edge of said hollow. The movable roof element includes a driving arrangement to be placed on the rail element. The rail element may be tilted with a gradient rising toward the direction of solar radiation.

Abstract: A portable performance platform for the performing arts is disclosed that, in the stowed configuration, can be transported along roads and highways, and, in its unfolded configuration, presents an extended performing area having an overhead canopy. The platform includes a chassis mounted on ground engaging wheels. A pair of spaced apart, upright standards are positioned along one side margin of the chassis. Each standard includes an articulated arm that can be shifted between a stowed position (for transport of the platform) and an extended position (when the platform is set up for a performance). The articulated arm includes two arm members, and panels are fixedly carried by each of the arm members. In the stowed position, the panels make up a top wall and a sidewall of a staging compartment, and, when the arms are in the extended position, the panels provide a canopy over the performing area.

Abstract: A spray coating booth for enclosing individual articles to be coated with a liquid spray while the articles are supported in closely spaced relation on an article conveyor for movement through the booth includes a rigid frame with fixed sidewalls and movable top and end walls which may be moved between a closed position completely enclosing an article supported on the conveyor and an open position to permit articles to be moved into and out of the booth. The movable top assures against coating liquid dripping onto and contaminating articles moving on the conveyor which are not to be coated. The end walls are supported for movement in substantially a transverse vertical plane to permit close spacing of articles on the conveyor without contact of the articles by the end walls.

Abstract: In an openable roof apparatus for a space, a first and a second movable roof structures have their respective both ends which are supported respectively by a pair of stationary support structures for movement therealong. A pair of guide arrangements are arranged respectively on the pair of stationary support structures. The first and second movable roof structures are movable toward and away from each other along the guide arrangements. The first movable roof structure includes a plurality of movavble roof units having their respective axes which extend perpendicularly to the guide arrangements. The first and second movable roof structures are movable between a closed position where the movable roof units of the first movable roof structure cooperate with the second movable roof structure to close the space, and an open position where the movable roof units of the first movable roof structure are moved away from the second movable roof structure to open the space.

Abstract: In an openable roof capable of opening and closing a central space having a certain point, a stationary roof section is arranged in spaced relation to the certain point of the central space. The stationary roof section has an inner periphery which defines the central space. A movable roof section is arranged on the stationary roof section and is radially movable relatively thereto toward and away from the certain point of the central space. The movable roof section is divided into a plurality of movable roof units having their respective apexes which are substantially identical in central angle with each other. In a closed position where the central space is closed by the movable roof section, the apexes of the respective movable roof units are abutted against each other and the movable roof units cooperate with each other to close the central space.

Abstract: A domed structure having a retractable roof comprises an inside field area, a ringed structure vertically provided around said field area, two tracks laid out on the top of said ringed structure and two movable semi-vaults travelling separately on said two annular tracks, which are put one over the other when the roof is opened and are located in opposite relation to each other when the roof is formed, thereby providing a domed roof as a whole. The annular tracks laid out on the top of said ringed structure may have a gradient rising with respect to the direction of solar radiation.

Abstract: A vehicle protective cover assembly having a base frame, an elongated vehicle shell-like cover and structure for pivoting the rear end of the vehicle shell-like cover upwardly about its front end and the base frame so that a vehicle can be driven under the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatically operated opening and closing roof composed of a sheet or tarpaulin; a frame constituting the whole rim of the roof; a drum supported rotatably on the frame and holding an end of the sheet whereby allowing it to roll out and roll up the sheet; a slider holding the other end of the sheet and slidably supported by a guide rail which is mounted on the frame for allowing the slides to move toward and away from the drum; and an actuator mounted on the frame for driving the slider and/or the drum along the guide rail whereby covering over the frame with the sheet or uncovering the frame. A rain sensor for detecting rain, snow and other wetness; and a controller for switching the actuator on when a signal reaches it from the rain sensor are used for covering the sheet over the frame, and counter-switching the actuator when a reverse signal reaches the controller when the rain stops, thus uncovering the sheet from the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a building structure with a two part roof including a first generally horizontal top fixed roof part and a second roof part extending downwardly outwardly from the first roof part and formed by sliding panels for retractability of the second roof part. The first and second roof parts are separated by a first roof support which is under compression with a second roof support which is under tension being provided below the second roof part.

Abstract: An openable dome-shaped roof structure is provided upon a circular side wall and comprises a crescent-shaped fixed roof section, a pair of pivotable roof sections and a pair of slidable roof sections. Each pivotable roof section is connected to a respective slidable roof section by a pivot at peripheral end portions thereof so that the pivotable roof section can rotate to a position above the slidable roof section. The slidable roof sections are each provided to be able to rotate toward the upper surface of the fixed roof section about the center of the circle of the side wall.

Abstract: A folding house which has at least one folding part consisting of a roof which can be folded freely at its center line so that the center part would sink down, a floor which can be folded freely at its center line so that the center part would go up and two side walls which can be freely folded inside. The folding house can diminish the time for construction and dismantlement, rationalize transportation and storage and simplify the labor.

Abstract: A portable, strong, lightweight, low-height automobile housing or garage encloses an automobile on five sides. A roll up rear door provides for entry of an automobile. The driver side wall and roof include have a side access opening extending through them such that a driver taller than the roof of the enclosure can ingress and egress the driver door in a normal standing manner. A roll up side door is moveable between an closed position closing the side access opening to an open position disposed under the roof and along the passenger side wall. Side and rear doors opens simultaneously. The door opening, closing, and locking mechanism is a pair of cable winches mounted on a shaft, each with a cable attached to the door. One winch for opening and one for closing a door. The cables are counter wound on the drums so that as one calbe is played out as the other is taken in. Thus the door may not move in either direction unless the cable drums are turned.

Abstract: A recreation vehicle enclosure includes a base to which a cover is pivotally secured at one end. The base is, preferably, rectangular in plan form and triangular in section to provide stiffness and to elevate a cover hinge to allow the cover to be fully opened in irregular terrain and to be gravity stabilized when open. Optional features include wheels and wheel mounts to convert the enclosure to an open road trailer and to convert the cover, when inverted, into an off-road trailer. The cover is shaped to accept nesting of covers for shipment and to reduce profile. An optional hitch provides means to attach to a towing vehicle. An optional solar panel, on the cover, charges the battery of a protected vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention comprises essentially two parallel and aligned ranks of compound plates (1) which are pivoting and rotating around preferably vertical cylindrical bearings (2), the plates being rectangular in plane view but having a profile which may be rectilinear, polygonal or arcuated, the plates (1) being placed two by two in face to face relationship and at uniform spacements so as to fully cover the gap (or partially cover the gap), each rank of plates being controlled or coordinated by one rack device or by combined levers which similtaneously actuate the plates to turn at 0.degree. or 180.degree. in each rank; rotation at 0.degree. being possible as the plates are in face to face relationship causing closure of the gap and touching themselves by their upper ends, that is closing the coverage and fully covering the area; rotation at 90.degree. being possible as the plates are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rank, forming two vertivcal walls of plates (1); and rotation at 190.degree.

Abstract: A mobile unit comprises a lorry trailer having side wall portions which pivot down to form an enlarged floor and upwardly-slidable panels or frames from which unfold side-roof portions, e.g. canopies or pivotable panels.

Abstract: A hydraulic winch system for use in erecting clear span pole type buildings including two rows of spaced apart, vertically placed poles defining opposite sides of the building, and a plurality of roof supporting truss assemblies arranged side-by-side and each assembly supported by cooperating pairs of opposed poles. The system includes a hydraulic motor-driven winch; a portable base mounting the winch and transportable from pole to pole; pulleys mounted at the top of each pole; a cable mounted on the winch, reeved about the pulleys and extending downwardly with its end adjacent the truss assembly preliminary to hoisting the same to its erected position; and connecting means on the end of the cable for connection to the truss assembly. Using the winch system, the component truss assemblies of the building are hoisted one at a time from a low level building-assembly position to an elevated building-erected position where they are affixed to the tops of the poles, preparatory to mounting the roof thereon.

Abstract: An openable roof includes a plurality of fixed roof members and a plurality of movable roof members. Each fixed roof member is a portion of a sphere, with a subsection removed so as to produce an opening. Each movable roof member is the above-mentioned removed subsection with a further subsection removed. The fixed roof members, constitute the lower portion of the openable roof so that a complete opening results from coincidence of the openings. The movable roof members are mounted on the lower portion of the openable roof in such a manner that each movable roof member moves along a track formed along the rim of the opening of the corresponding fixed roof member.

Abstract: A roof structure of a building having two roof surfaces, one being downwardly inclined from a top ridge in a southernly direction, and the other being downwardly inclined from the ridge in a northernly direction. South and north side openings extend upwardly through the roof surfaces on opposite sides of the ridge. A shaft is rotatably along the top ridge. A roof board selectively closes off one of the south and north side openings. The roof board has a central part supported by the shaft as a fulcrum for swinging movement between a first position wherein a southern portion of the roof board closes the south side opening and a second position wherein a northern portion of the roof board closes the north side opening. A skylight is supported on the roof board adjacent one end edge thereof.

Abstract: A porch is provided having a ceiling, floor and at least three walls, the fourth wall being in most cases the wall of a house or other building to which the porch is attached. Each wall is made up of a plurality of identical window units or modules in side-by-side relationship and each window module includes a pair of laterally spaced apart vertically disposed parallel frames, one frame on each side. A multi-channel window track is mounted on the side of each frame. Both the frames and the tracks extend from the ceiling down below the floor of the porch. Independently movable window sashes are slidably mounted in each of the channels and are stored when not in use in a pocket at least partially below the floor level so that the lower edge of each window opening is spaced above the floor by a distance less than the height of one of the sashes so that the window openings are close enough to the floor to help promote a visual illusion of being outside.

Abstract: A refoldable and transportable rigid building which requires no load bearing interior walls and further permits the permanent placement of plumbing and plumbing fixtures almost anywhere within the periphery of the exterior walls. Upon unfolding, the structural components of the building become fast on one another providing a rigid building which is capable of resisting substantial racking and compression stresses without loss of integrity. Folding and unfolding of the building may be accomplished with the use of hand tools only. A sixty per cent volume reduction is achieved on folding and when folded the structure may be handled by a forklift and/or supported on a pair of dollies.

Abstract: A structural glazing system for obtaining continuous glazed facades, comprising a supporting structural framing including a plurality of uprights and transoms securable to the supporting structure of a building to be glazed, a plurality of panels, concealed support and mounting means arranged to secure each panel to the structural framing to form, in use, a mosaic of co-planar panels forming a continuous glazed facade, each panel being separated from the others by gaps, and a plurality of gap-covering slates designed to be removably secured to the structural framing and to provide uniformity and continuity in the panel mosaic.

Abstract: An outdoor cover assembly for removably covering material positioned on a base surface adjacent a vertical outdoor wall surface. The cover assembly includes a cover structure formed of a single unitary molded fiberglass member and including a top wall, a front wall, side walls, an open back, and an open bottom. Hinge means are provided to mount the rear edge of the top wall of the cover structure at a location on the vertical wall surface at a distance above the base surface approximating the height of the cover structure and a pair of gas struts are provided to assist the cover structure in its movement between a lowered storage position and a raised access position. The struts are attached at their lower ends to bracket members secured to the wall surface proximate the base storage surface and secured at their upper ends to the inboard faces of the respective side walls of the cover structure.

Abstract: A translucent cover for swimming pools, hothouses and the like comprises, a rigid supporting structure covered by rectangular panels (4) of polycarbonate sheeting. The structure comprises a number of rigid arcuate ribs (1) interconnected in parallel distanced alignment by purlins (2). The ribs are bent into arcuate shape from channels (10) open towards the outside of the cover, each rib having two co-planar flanges (11) extending along both sides of the channel opening. The panels (4) are of a width so as to cover the distance between two adjacent ribs with their two opposite margins resting on the flanges, and are held in position and pressed onto the flanges by means of flexible strips (3). The strips are of a width equal to the distance between the outer edges of the flanges (11) and of a length somewhat shorter than the length of the ribs.

Abstract: A system for protecting the cockpit of an aircraft from airborne contamination is described which comprises a generally tubular curtain of size corresponding to that of the canopy and cockpit and being pleated and collapsible along its length between an extended condition and a folded condition; a tray, attachable to and co-extensive with the canopy sill of the aircraft, the tray having a floor and inner and outer walls defining a circumferential recess for receiving the curtain in the folded condition; a lid for covering the tray with the bottom surface thereof in substantial contact with the inner and outer walls of the tray; a circumferential crimpable lip on each the floor of the tray and on the bottom surface of the lid for engaging respective ends of the curtain and providing peripheral hermetic seals between curtain and tray and between curtain and lid; inflatable circumferential seals in the sill and canopy for releasably attaching the tray to the sill and the lid to the canopy for providing hermetic

Abstract: A modular porch for a mobile home has vertically adjustable support legs which allow the modular porch to be mounted on a hill side and positioned adjacent the doorway of a wide variety of mobile homes. The modular porch utilizes four vertical support legs, each of which is independently axially adjustable. The modular porch has a stairway which is pivotally mounted to allow adjustment to match the surrounding terrain.

Abstract: Radome for protection from atmospheric influences, with a folding, rigid reinforcing structure and a flexible roofing comprising one or more parts; a radome wherein, in order to prevent any formation of pockets, this roofing is made with a double wall and is sectioned into lens-shaped panels which are independent of one another and are inflatable.

Abstract: A structure, such as for a full-size stadium roof, which has a retractable central portion capable of opening up about one-half of the total roof area. Two retractable roof panels, rectangular in plan, cover an area that can be larger than a football field, and move in the direction of the main axis of the stadium.

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

Abstract: A single stop shopping facility that comprises a plurality of customer stations, each including a vehicle parking space, which are arranged around the exterior of a circular building containing goods for sale. The customer stations and building rotate relative to one another. The building includes a loading station for delivering selected goods ordered at the customer stations. Fuel dispensing stations located around the exterior of the building permit a customer, located in a vehicle parking space, to receive a selected quantity of fuel as the relative rotation proceeds. The walls of the building support merchandise display sections which are viewable by persons located at the customer stations, the displays being cyclically exposed to the parked vehicles as a result of the relative rotation, permitting the selection and payment for merchandise as the relative rotation continues.

Abstract: A portable performance platform for the performing arts is disclosed that, in the stowed configuration, can be transported along roads and highways, and, in its unfolded configuration, presents an extended performing area having an overhead canopy. The platform includes a chassis mounted on ground engaging wheels. A pair of spaced apart, upright standards are positioned along one side margin of the chassis. Each standard includes an articulated arm that can be shifted between a stowed position (for transport of the platform) and an extended position (when the platform is set up for a performance). The articulated arm includes two arm members, and panels are fixedly carried by each of the arm members. In the stowed position, the panels make up a top wall and a sidewall of a staging compartment, and, when the arms are in the extended position, the panels provide a canopy over the performing area.