Abstract: A portable motorcycle garage is provided with a forward portion pivotal about a rear portion enabling entry into said garage. A storage compartment is positioned within said forward pivotal portion accessible for storage of paraphernalia associated with use of a motorcycle when said rear section is pivoted upwardly. A trailer hitch and wheels are selectively securable to said garage for transport of said garage. Pivotal loading feet are positioned proximate said securable wheels to ease in attachment of said wheels to said portable motorcycle garage by spacing said wheels above ground level.

Abstract: A litter box (1) including an outer front side wall (3), an outer rear side wall (4), an outer left side wall (5), a cover member (8), and an outer right side wall (6). The litter box (1) is formed from a single integral cardboard sheet (2) which, when folded in an appropriate fashion, results in an enclosed, disposable litterbox. The box (1) may be shipped with a supply of litter enclosed, and may be shipped and stored in a rectangular package of approximately 2 inches in height.

Abstract: A roof assembly exemplarily for use in outdoor theatrical and musical productions comprises a roof trusswork elevated by means of a plurality of telescoping legs. The legs are raised in unison so that the roof trusswork maintains the same orientation throughout a raising or lowering operation. A clamping or locking mechanism is provided for rigidifying the entire structure upon the raising thereof.

Abstract: Construction for roof of greenhouse consisting of triangular glazed panels are hinged together and removable to provide a sawtooth construction when assembled and placed over a rectangular base.

Abstract: A dome-shaped roof structure for a large construction such as an athletic stadium is capable of partly opening according to the environmental conditions such as weather conditions. The dome-shaped roof structure includes a stationary roof section having a central opening and fixedly secured along an outer periphery thereof to the side wall of the large construction, and a movable roof section including a plurality of roof units corresponding to a plurality of divisions of the central opening and each capable of being radially moved between an open position where the roof unit is supported on the stationary roof section and a closed position where the roof unit is supported on a beam in the central opening.

Abstract: A machining center, particularly adapted for automated turning of workpieces, includes a headstock with one or more rotatably mounted spindles located in spaced generally horizontal alignment with drive means connected to rotate the spindles independently of each other as necessary. Automatic chucks or collets are mounted on and driven by each spindle. A bed supporting a power-driven cross slide extends across the axis of the spindle and at one end substantially beyond, in an offset T configuration, defining one or more machining areas between the chucks and one end of the bed. A ram carrying one or more tools, and mounted on the slide parallel to the spindle axes, faces into the machining area. A ram drive moves it toward and away from the chuck to maneuver a tool with respect to workpieces.

Abstract: A collapsible structure for use as temporary accommodation is in modular form, with a base upon which fold the walls and roof of the structure. The roof is hinged to one side wall and supported by the opposite side wall during erection of the structure, erection being possible by one man.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a roof construction and more particularly to a roof composed of a main spanning arch or arches above or beneath which other arches or arch sections rotate horizontally for the purpose of covering large areas such as stadiums, arenas, or storage and manufacturing areas, which roof can be moved from an open position where the area is exposed to the weather elements to a closed position wherein the area is shielded from the weather elements.

Abstract: In the illustrated embodiment, the guardrail window assembly includes three outer stationary rectangular superstructures. Each superstructure forms a wall section of the assembly and adjacent superstructures are connected together by vertical posts that rise from the patio or balcony area. Each superstructure longer than four (4) feet has a header, a footer and a pair of upright jambs. Window panes are retained by window frames. Each superstructure has at least one telescoping column uprightly attached to the footer. Each telescoping column includes, in this embodiment, three column segments. The lower column segment is fixed to the footer and the upper column segments telescope from the lower column segment. The window frames are attached on one side to one column segment and the opposing side of the window frame is either set within a groove in the jamb or is affixed to another column segment of an adjacent telescoping column.

Abstract: Roof structure for transparent roofs with girders (11), each with a solar panel (15, 36). The girders preferably have a height equal to have the distance between each girder. Two trapdoors (13, 14), consisting of thermal insulating material (28), are located between each pair of girders, one on the underside of each girder, which can swing on its pivot axis on the girder between horizontal and vertical positions. In the horizontal position the trapdoors shield against heat loss, in the vertical position they allow all light to enter, and in the intermediate position incoming light is reflected towards the sides of the girders (15) for heat absorbtion.

Abstract: A retractable roof structure includes a stationary section having an opening in the central portion thereof and fixedly installed on a side wall constructed on the ground, and a retractable section for covering the opening. The retractable section includes a plurality of movable roof units which correspond to regions defined by dividing radially from a center portion of the opening each of not less than two concentric areas of the opening. The roof units in an inner area are retractable over the roof units in radially adjacent outer area, and the roof units in the outermost area are retractable with the roof units of the inner area retracted thereon over the stationary section.

Abstract: An assembly for securing roof panels at selectable pitch angles includes an extruded ridge bar having a horizontal ledge and a horizontally extending arcuate flange which form a horizontal slot in which the roof panels are supported at the desired pitch. Horizontally extending end portions of the arcuate flange are removable to set the angle of the slot for the desired pitch. Roof support bars extending along the side edges of the roof panels are connected to the ridge bar at the selected pitch by hinge assemblies having their pivot axes coincident with the center of curvature of the arcuate flange. A header supporting the panels at the eave comprises two extruded channel members pivotally connecting one flange of each channel member. A bifurcated arcuate end portion of the other flange on one channel member straddles the arcuate end portion of the other flange on the other channel member as the channel members are rotated to set the selected roof pitch.

Abstract: A retractable greenhouse canopy apparatus (10) including a support mechanism (22) pivotably mounted to the ground beside a greenhouse (12) for extending above but not fully across the greenhouse. The support mechanism includes a first portion (23) extending upwardly from the ground and a second portion hingedly attached to the distal end of said first portion. An insulated blanket (14) is supported by the support mechanism and includes a first portion (54) for covering a section of the greenhouse beneath the support mechanism and a second portion (56) for covering a section of the greenhouse beneath the second portion of the support mechanism.

Abstract: A dome-shaped roof structure for a large construction such as an athletic stadium is capable of being partly opening according to the environmental conditions such as the weather. The dome-shaped roof structure includes a dome-shaped stationary roof section having a central opening and fixedly secured at an outer periphery thereof to the external wall of the construction, and a plurality of movable roof units each having a shape to cover one of a plurality of divisions of the central opening and pivotably secured at one end thereof to a support located near the circumference of the central opening so as to be turned between a first position where the central opening is closed and a second position where the same is opened.

Abstract: A removable enclosure cover for a swimming pool or the like is disclosed. The enclosure cover includes a plurality of rigid frame members of rectangular panel sections. Th frame members are spaced apart and extend parallel to one another transversely across the pool area. A flexible material is stretched between the frame members. A pair of spaced parallel channel-shaped track members extend along the sides of the pool and guide means is attached to the lower ends of each of the frame members. The guide means has rollers which extend into the interior of the track members. One roller rolls along the bottom of the track members and is mounted on a vertically movable carriage, permitting the frame members to be moved together to one end of the pool deck and collapsing the flexible material to uncover the pool.

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: A retractable roof, for a stadium building, comprising a central arch separating a pair of ungular end segments, one end segment being fixed, the other end segment being movable into nesting relationship with the fixed end segment, and the central arch being movable to nest above the fixed end segment.

Abstract: A ventilation assembly for buildings of the type having a roof frame comprising a plurality of arcuate roof members extending outwardly from a central gutter section and supporting a flexible roof covering, the ventilation assembly including a pair of vent arms which normally rest upon the gutter section and to which the roof covering is secured on either side of the gutter section but which may be raised above the gutter section to lift the roof covering and form a ventilation opening for hot air from the building.

Abstract: A roof system positionable over an existing roof wherein the roof system is formed of at least one roof section.

Abstract: A movable roof structure for a patio, building, swimming pool or the like is comprised of a plurality of roofing units which are in an overlapping shingle-like arrangement. The roofing units are telescopically movable with respect to each other between a closed position where they partially overlap each other and an open position where they are substantially stacked one on top of the other. Each roofing unit includes a pair of end extrusions and an elongated intermediate extrusion. Each extrusion carries roof panels on the side edges thereof so that said panels are joined end to end in the direction of the width of the roof. The extrusions also carry wheel and track members which cooperate with the extrusion immediately above and below so that the roofing units are movable. A power driven chain or the like moves the roofing units between their closed and open positions.

Abstract: A collapsible building which is mounted on the platform of a conveyance has a first elongated unit which is mounted on the platform, and a pair of collapsible elongated units which flank the first unit when the building is fully erected. Each collapsible unit has a base portion including a floor and sidewalls, and a separable roof. The roof is connected to the respective base portion by two pairs of links at the front and rear ends of the respective collapsible unit and each base portion is pivotable relative to the first unit about a horizontal axis extending along the respective side adjacent to the bottom of the first unit. The links compel the roofs to move relative to the respective base portions when the base portions are pivoted by hydraulic motors between upright positions adjacent to the respective sides of the first unit and second positions in which they confine of the first unit.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover for an indoor pool which is designed to cover an in-ground pool that is positioned below floor level in a manner so that it provides a support floor when in place that is merely a continuation of the existing floor and which can be raised up vertically when the pool is to be used and become a false ceiling. The cover is provided with vertical guides that prevent it from twisting or coming out of proper orientation, and the guides have safety ratchets that prevent the pool cover from accidentally lowering. The hoist mechanism is stored out of sight in a crawl space or attic above the normal ceiling and operates through cables and pulleys for positively moving the pool cover between its raised and lowered position so that the pool, when covered, provides floor space for a recreation room or party room and also tends to seal the water surface to prevent excessive moisture from escaping into the room.

Abstract: A building structure having a roof opening which is covered by a retractable closure. The retractable closure includes a plurality of panels which are pivotally mounted about the margin of the roof opening. The panels are sized and shaped so that they fit together and cover the opening when in their closed positions, and when the panels are in their open positions the roof opening is completely unobstructed. Tracks on the roof support the panels and resist vertical load forces. Support towers and guy lines are provided to bear a part of the load forces as the panels are closed. Drive means is provided for opening and closing the panels conjointly or independently to achieve a range of roof opening capability.

Abstract: The invention concerns agriculture. It relates in particular to an agricultural greenhouse which comprises a metallic frame supporting transparent covering elements, wherein said covering elements are formed of panels made of transparent plastic material mounted flatwise and having undulations which are parallel to the metallic frame members, said undulations each having two asymmetrical slopes, with the greater slope being directed southward, the angle .alpha. between the greater slope and the horizontal being about 25.degree. to 35.degree., and the angle .beta. between the smaller slope of each undulation and the horizontal being about 55.degree. to 65.degree., and at least one of said covering elements being mounted pivotally around a horizontal axis at its free edge directed southward, with control means being provided for causing said panel or panels of the movable covering to pivot at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A multipurpose collapsible structure which may be used, for example, as a display stand or as a storage rack. The structure comprises four rectangular frames 2, 3, 4 and 5, defining a rectangular enclosure. The two opposite upright frames 2 and 4 have outwardly projecting bracket 12 which slide over the upper long sides of the other frames. The upright frames are pivoted at their bases enabling the structure to be collapsed, firstly to an oblique structure and then to a substantially flat state.

Abstract: A container assembly for rapid erection of portable buildings meets the following requirements: it is transportable by a single truck tractor, has dimensions which are customary and permissible for highway transport, and may be quickly erected on-site by simple means, whereby its floor space in the use mode is multiplied over that in the transporting mode and comprises two side containers swingably linked to a central container on the two longitudinal sides of the central container, whereby said side containers swing inwardly to fit one into the other and over the central container. When the assembly is in the swung-in transporting and storing position the available floor space is reduced to approximately one-third of that in the swung-out use position. The container assembly is particularly advantageous for use as a mobile hospital.

Abstract: A building structure comprises an outer shell of adjustable dimensions to define a substantially enclosed space. A section at least of the outer shell has a rigid lower frame including structural beams permanently mounted in foundations and defining a lower shell portion. A rigid upper frame defines an upper shell portion and includes structural beams arranged slidably to engage the structural beams of the lower frame. Each of the beams is formed with a longitudinal side flange and is arranged in slidably engagement pairs. Guide means are provided for fitting around the edges of adjacent side flanges of the beams for holding the beams in sliding engagement. Bolts or clamps are provided for fixing the upper portion relative to the lower portion in the raised position at least.

Abstract: The present invention of an adjustable roofing support spacer relates generally to the re-roofing construction area and more particularly to an adjustable roofing support spacer apparatus for use in conjunction with a roof system positionable over a preexisting roof, the roof system having at least one roof panel member, the adjustable roofing support spacer comprising a beam assembly having a first beam spatially disposable above the preexisting roof, one or more adjustable web assemblies connectable to the first beam, and an adjustable roofing support spacer connector means for connecting the adjustable support spacer to the preexisting roof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sun roof (10) which includes a plurality of roofing panels (28) supported on tracks in the form of track beams (20), the track beams forming part of a roof support structure and providing for the displacement of the panels relative to the structure. As such, the position of shade beneath the sun roof can be adjusted so as to provide for personal requirements.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for reroofing a substantially flat existing roof of a structure so as to provide a new roof structure having a predetermined slope independent of the slope of the existing roof structure. The structure has a plurality of walls, each wall having an upper end portions. The method comprises the steps of securing an eave connector assembly to the upper end portion of one of the walls, securing a lower cord of an adjustable ridge truss to the substantially flat existing roof, adjusting the web assembly of the adjustable ridge truss so that the upper cord is disposed a predetermined distance above the lower cord, positioning at least one panel member across the upper cord, and connecting the panel member to the upper cord.

Abstract: A modular home section or module whose floor system consists of trusses deep enough to extend below the frost line, having all portions that come in contact with the earth or lie within six (6) inches of the earth, resistant to decay or corrosion. Said module is box-like, consisting of the floor, the ceiling, three (3) outside walls and a marriage partition over which is attached a half roof and half gable component whose rafters are hinged to the eave wall, using bendable rafter ties as hinges and whose gables slide over the end walls when the roof is folded down for transportation purposes.

Abstract: A second story addition is provided on a pre-existing residence by severing straps connecting trusses of a first portion of the original roof of the structure covering a first section of the residence on which the second story room is to be added. The first roof section also is severed from the remaining portion of the roof. Roof lifting brackets are temporarily installed under the truss chords to support all of the trusses and are engaged by eyelet bolts which extend through the top of the first roof section. Cables support by a large crane are attached to the eyelet bolts, and the crane lifts the first roof section, including a ceiling attached to the bottom of its trusses, from the first section of the residence and sets the first roof section on the ground. Cables supported by the crane then engage eyelet bolts attached to a pre-constructed floor section. The crane lifts the floor section, aligns it with the first section of the residence, and sets it thereon.

Abstract: A collapsible dwelling is provided, including a plurality of elements hingedly joined with each other, which, when in assembled relationship, cooperatively define a protective enclosure suitable for pets, or, when constructed on a larger scale, for young children. All elements are hinged strategically so that the elements can be partially disassembled and the aggregate parts stacked, one upon the other, for inclusion within a container having a length and width no greater than that of the largest elements. At least two anchoring loops are attached at opposing sides of the dwelling and are so situated that ground stakes capturing the loops can be driven into the supporting surface to positively locate the dwelling. The dwelling is designed to be packaged within a rectangular container with one of the anchoring loops coinciding with a cutout in the container, which loop, when drawn through the cutout, serves conveniently as a carrying handle.

Abstract: In a recreational vehicle (10) a pair of pivotally mounted solid wall panels (16,18) which are selectively power (40) actuated by two pairs of operating levers, (16a,18a,16a,18a) between horizontal transit position and upright in-use position, a roof (20) which is raisable and lowerable between transit and in-use positions by compound linkages (144,146) connected one to each of the corners (140) of the roof (20) and at the opposite end (150) to a mid portion of the associated operating lever. There is thus coordinated by a single power actuating means (40) the concurrent hinge movements of the wall panels (16,18) and rectilinear vertical movement of the roof (20).

Abstract: A greenhouse comprising walls defining an area. A roof covers a portion of the area. Track means are interposed between the roof and the walls so that the roof may be moved along the track to cover a selected part of the area.

Abstract: A collapsable structure including a folding strut one end of which is pivoted to a rigid element to enable said strut to be rotated from a retracted position to an extended position, said strut having an abutment surface spaced away from the pivot and extending in a plane substantially parallel to the axis thereof, said surface being shaped to engage a co-operating engagement surface carried on said rigid element to locate said strut in its extended position, and releasable means for causing said surfaces to be held in contact with each other.

Abstract: An arrangement of tensile elements and rollers provides support for an extensible part against forces occurring in two directions perpendicular to the extension direction in which the extensible part is carried by a carrying part of conforming geometry. Two wire ropes form the tensile elements. First ends of each rope are attached to the top corners of one end of the carrying part and second ends of each rope are attached to the opposite bottom corners of the other end of the carrying part. The ropes extend in the extension direction from their carrying part attachments to the extensible part. At the extensible part, the ropes are passed over pulleys in two directions substantially transverse of the extension direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for opening and closing the flexible screen of a greenhouse or the like include an elongated driving shaft rotatably mounted about a fixed axis of rotation, a prime mover such as a reversible motor for selectively rotating the driving shaft in either one of the normal and reverse directions, transmission gear apparatus operatively connected to the driving shaft, an elongated flexible driving shaft operatively connected at one end to the transmission gear apparatus adapted to be rotated through the transmission gear apparatus upon the rotation of the driving shaft, reduction gear apparatus operatively connected to the other end of the elongated flexible driving shaft and a winding rod operatively connected at one end to the reduction gear apparatus and adapted to be rotated through the reduction gear apparatus upon rotation of the flexible driving shaft.

Abstract: A movable greenhouse construction adapted for use on a balcony or a patio having means for moving the greenhouse laterally parallel to the building wall containing a balcony door or patio door to permit direct access from the building to the interior of the greenhouse. After use, the movable greenhouse can be moved laterally out of the way to free the balcony or patio door for unobstructed access from the building to the balcony or patio and flush with the exterior of the building structure or closed balcony or patio door.

Abstract: A folding, rigid caravan with assisted erection. A base is carried by a chassis defined by a floor and four lower panels, each of which has an upper edge. Two upper end panels and two upper sidewall panels are provided pivotal about the horizontal axes and disposed respectively either substantially horizontally within the upper opening of the base or substantially vertically as extensions of the corresponding lower panel when the caravan is folded or erected. Each upper panel has a thickness, side edges and two faces defining the thickness. A roof rests horizontally either on the base or on the upper panels, respectively, when the caravan is folded or fully erected and is movably associated with the upper panels by rollers engaging in guideways. At least one uni-directional extensible erecting element is provided connected to the base and to an upper panel to urge the upper panel to pivot permanently in a caravan unfolding direction.

Abstract: A weatherproof enclosure for electronic equipment includes a base portion and a mushroom-shaped hood portion. When unlatched, the hood portion rises by spring action to permit full access to the electronic equipment mounted on the base portion. A moderate force on the hood, assisted by an internal counterweight, serves to return the hood to the latched position.

Abstract: A subterranean structure particularly adapted for greenhouse use and including a roof which can entirely close the enclosure or be moved to a position exposing the interior to natural light. Curtain assemblies are provided at the free end and sides of the roof to eliminate wind, rain or snow from entering the enclosure. Artificial light fixtures are mounted on the underside of the roof for providing artificial light when the roof is closed, and ventilation and supplemental heating means are provided to achieve the desired growing conditions in the greenhouse.

Abstract: A greenhouse structure is formed with a substantially flat and horizontal roof formed of a plurality of roof sections each pivoted about a pivot or hinge end to swing upwardly from a closed position to an open position to admit ambient air to flow into or from the interior of the structure to cool the same. The roof sections are lifted by a lift means which becomes part of the roof supporting structure, and, to this end, the lift means is associated with the vertical support columns. Preferrably, the lift means comprises elongated straight lift members each carried by and stabilized by an associated support column for traveling along vertical and rectilinear paths of travel. The preferred means for shifting the lift members and thereby the roof sections comprises a rotatable nut in threaded engagement with the lift member to shift the same vertically as the nut is turned by a worm gear means.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle enclosure comprising a base, a first housing portion pivotally secured to the base and a second housing portion pivotally secured to the base about the same pivotal axis. The second housing portion is appropriately dimensioned so as to be telescopically retracted within the first housing portion when either housing portion is pivoted from a first pivotal position to a second pivotal position. A sealant is preferably disposed around the open ends of each housing portion to weatherproof the enclosure.

Abstract: A shed is provided principally for the storage of a unitary automobile and includes a frame bolted to the ground or a cement slab, and an overlying housing substantially conforming to the external shape of the vehicle, the housing being hinged to the frame and spring-loaded such that access to the vehicle is provided by lifting the entire housing clear of the stored automobile.

Abstract: A greenhouse structure with flooring means and side and end wall means defining a plant growing area has a roof structure means comprising a ridge above said growing area and rafter means extending from said ridge downwardly and outwardly past said side wall means to terminal end portions at which anchor means are provided securing said rafter ends to said flooring means. It also has a slidable roof means mounted on said rafter means for movement to different positions thereon including a first position in which it extends from said ridge to said side wall means and preferably past the same for forming an overhang or eave therebeyond, and a second position in which it lies between said side wall means and said anchor means. The slidable roof means in the preferred embodiment is water shedding and heat insulating, and may be formed of opaque fiber glass, but preferably is formed of aluminum sheet embossed for strength and having a heat insulating layer on its under side.

Abstract: A remotely operable lid for storage bins to be used in conjunction with a storage bin (10) having an access opening (11). A cover plate (18) is carried within a pair of guides (20, 22) such that the plate may be slid laterally in the guides. The guides (20, 22) are held spaced apart by end members (26, 28) which in conjunction with the guides, form a frame. Affixed to the bottom of the frame is a cylindrical band (46) which is sized to accept within a ridge (48) extending upward and around the access opening perimeter of the storage bin. The lid and frame are thus fixed atop the access opening of the bin. Attached to the lid are two eyelets (30, 32) and attached to the frame is a pulley (30). Ropes are attached to the eyelets, one of which is threaded through the pulley. The ropes are extended downward along the side of the bin to ground level.

Abstract: A kiosk has a central base enclosing an electric motor drivingly connected to an umbrella-like cover supported over the central base for upward and downward movement. A closed counter encloses the central base with a walk space between the counter and the central base and a door in the counter permitting entry to the walk space. The umbrella-like cover is movable by the motor to an elevated position in which the kiosk can be used and a lower position in which it lies over and partially encloses the counter and prevents opening of the door in the counter. A key switch on the outer surface of the counter permits raising of the umbrella-like cover and lowering of the cover as required by the user.

Abstract: A helicopter shelter in the form of an elongated generally rectangular building having a floor defining a landing pad and a superstructure including side and end walls extending upwardly from the side and end edges, respectively, of the floor and a roof cooperating with the floor and walls to define a secure, substantially weathertight enclosure. The superstructure is divided substantially along its longitudinal vertical center plane into two complementary half-sections each supported for pivotal movement about longitudinal axis extending adjacent the side edges of the floor between a closed upright position and an open position folded downward and outward. The end wall portions of the respective half-sections of the superstructure fold inward along a diagonal line extending from their lower outside corners to their upper inside corners when the half-sections are pivoted to the open position to facilitate flying onto and off of the landing pad.

Abstract: A hunting blind which resembles a stook of straw bales, houses and camouflages a hunter. The pyramid-like structure is built of box-like elements which are disengagably connected to form three tiers. Some of the walls of the box-like elements have been partially or totally cut away to form sufficient space within the structure for the hunter. The tiers are hingably connected to each other such that the box-like elements can be swung outwardly to allow the hunter an unobstructed hunting position. Storage and transportation is simplified by forming box-like elements of such dimensions that they may be nested to form a single, compact unit.