Abstract: A basic container has at least one expansion element which can be moved out of the basic container. A lifting device permits lowering of the expansion element such that, after the expansion element has been moved out of the basic container, the floor wall of the expansion element and the basic container are situated at the same level. An expansion element can be lifted such that, after the lowering, the expansion element can be moved back into the basic container. The lifting device is active between the folded-open side wall and the expansion element.

Abstract: An observation shelter includes a plurality of generally upright walls including a first wall having a first window opening positioned therein and a second wall having a second wall positioned therein. First and second shutters are movable between respective raised and closed positions. The first and second shutters have respective shapes configured such that the shutters when in their respective raised positions meet at a joint extending from said corner to provide substantially continuous shelter from the sun for the first window opening and second window opening, and wherein with the first and second shutters in their respective closed positions, an extension portion of the first shutter is received in a pocket portion of the second shutter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fold-up scaffold system that includes multiple spaced vertical beams supported at one end on a floor of a building and scaffold sections extending across the vertical beams. The system also includes means at opposite ends of the scaffold sections for pivotally supporting the scaffold sections to the vertical beams and at least two air cylinders for each scaffold section connected between the scaffold sections and the vertical beams. In addition, each of the at least two air cylinders is adapted to be actuated between a lowered and a raised position, the scaffold sections being pivoted away from the vertical beams when the at least two air cylinders are actuated to the lowered position to provide a substantially horizontal surface and is positioned substantially vertically against the beam when the at least two air cylinders are actuated to the raised position.

Abstract: The proposed invention relates to a portable housing/shelter unit assembled in a manufacturing building, loaded on a trailer truck and delivered to a site. Once on the site it is lifted off the trailer and lowered onto a leveled ground location or a foundation. Then the unit is un-folded from its central frame (container) and secured to the foundation and final extrusions and screws are applied; thus, the unit is setting in final set up position, structurally and weather tight. If required, additional exterior fenestration can be added to the basic shell, and the exterior customized per client needs and directives.

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 through section shielding construction is disclosed in which a partitioning wall defines a slit-like opening extending along a lateral direction as a moving passage of a penetrating member relative to the partitioning wall, and a plurality of shielding plates for closing the slit-like opening are juxtaposed along the slit-like opening as being suspended pivotally to be pushed open one after another by the penetrating member moving along the slit-like opening. The shielding plates are provided as adjacent pairs, and there is provided an operative coupling mechanism for operably coupling, with each other, two shielding plates constituting each pair in such a manner that in association with one of the paired shielding plates being pushed open in one direction by the penetrating member, the other shielding plate is pivotally opened in the opposite direction to the one direction.

Abstract: A building barrier system wherein a portion of the building barrier system can transition between an erect position and a substantially flat position thereby allowing access to the interior of the structure without having to disassemble the building barrier system and associated method.

Abstract: A portable flooring system has one or more hinge members which can be used to quickly connect and secure panels or slats of the flooring system for deployment, while also allowing fast disassembly and stacking for storage or transport. The hinge member(s) can comprise a living hinge element interfacing with a pair of female elements or a female element and a male element of adjoining flooring slats. In one embodiment, the hinge elements are welded or otherwise permanently affixed to the flooring panels.

Abstract: A lawn mower cover device for storing and securing a lawn mower for storage or transport includes a container receiving the lawn mower to protect the lawn mower. The container has an open rear end to permit the lawn mower to be inserted into the container. A handle is coupled to the container. The handle is graspable to facilitate relocation of the container. A door is hingedly coupled to the handle. The door is selectively pivoted over the open rear end of the container to close the open rear end. A plurality of wheels is rotatably coupled to the container. The wheels roll along a support surface to facilitate relocation of the container.

Abstract: A container has a variable volume, wherein a basic container has a bottom panel and a roof panel. One or more hinged side panels are rotatable about a horizontal axis, and one or more expansion elements are telescopeable out of the basic container and have a bottom panel, a side open toward a front the basic container and a front panel opposite the open side. Each expansion element is open toward the top and, in a telescoped state, the roof panel is formed by a raised side panel of the basic container. One or more hoisting devices is associated with each expansion element and with which the expansion element is lowerable.

Abstract: A building module for housing purposes comprises a rigid, rectangular, three-dimensional truss formed with four steel end columns and steel beams extending between the columns. Each module includes a floor panel extending between the four end columns, wall panels, and a roof panel extending from two of the end columns, parallel to the forward column and terminating a spaced distance from the two end columns. A first rectangular folding panel has one end hingedly attached to the edge of the roof panel termination and a second rectangular folding panel, larger than the first rectangular folding panel, has one end hingedly supported between the two end columns. The first and second rectangular folding panels may be folded into positions parallel to their roof panel with their edges overlapping to form a compact module.

Abstract: A building is equipped with gull-wing doors that open the whole or substantially the whole side of the building, thereby providing easy access to the interior which may be used as a roll-through garage or when mounted on a truck or trailer, the invention makes a roll-on-roll-off covered transporter. Similarly as a horse trailer and the like. Fire fighter's rest station, equipment shed, decontamination wash room, vending kiosk, etc.

Abstract: A transportable building system including at least partially erecting a building, transporting the at least partially erected building (6) on its side to a building location, locating the at least partially erected building on a support at the building location, and orientating the at least partially erected building so that it is correctly orientated relative to its support. Further disclosed is a transportable building, including a first structural component (51; 58), a second structural component (40; 56) and a hinge (68) coupling the first and second structural components whereby the second structural component is pivotable between a folded position and an unfolded erected position of the building. The hinge is reconfigurable to allow the second structural component to be relatively displaced away from the first structural component in the unfolded erected position of the second structural component.

Abstract: An arrangement for the cooling of computer data centers. More particularly, the arrangement eliminates the problems present in the uneven or inadequate cooling of computer racks due to unwanted airflows, which are encountered between so-called hot aisles and cold aisles present in a computer data center. Specifically, this problem is solved through the provision of partitions which, under normal circumstances, prevent the unwanted airflows by standing in a vertical orientation, yet which, in the event of a fire, collapse from the vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, thereby avoiding interference with water sprays from sprinkler heads, and thus complying with fire codes and ordinances. Moreover, also employed is a method of preventing the unwanted air flows by utilization of the novel arrangement comprising the fire-code-compatible, collapsible partitions.

Abstract: Modular system for platform and shelving structures. In an assembled configuration, a module has a central vertical member hingedly-coupled to a second vertical member extending perpendicular to a first side of the central member, and a horizontal member hingedly-coupled to the central member and extending perpendicular to a second side of the central vertical member. The upper edges of the central vertical member and the second vertical member of a first module provide support to a horizontal member of a second module, whereby various structures can be formed from a plurality of modules. Each module is stowable by rotating the second vertical member and the horizontal member about their hinged edges toward the central vertical member. One or more of the members can include key portions adapted to interlock with a member of an adjacent module when in an assembled configuration.

Abstract: Modular system for constructing platform and shelving structures. Each module is configurable in either a stowable or assembled configuration. In the assembled configuration, a module has a central vertical member hingedly-coupled to a second vertical member extending perpendicular to a first side of the central member, and a horizontal member hingedly-coupled to the central member and extending perpendicular to a second side of the central vertical member. The upper edges of the central vertical member and the second vertical member of a first module provide support to a horizontal member of a second module, whereby various structures can be formed from a plurality of modules. Each module is easily stowable by rotating the second vertical member and the horizontal member about their hinged edges toward the central vertical member until they are substantially parallel and adjacent thereto, whereby a plurality of modules in the stowable configuration can be stored in substantially the minimum possible space.

Abstract: A system for temporally or permanently securing a removable window well cover or grid over a window well at, for example, a construction site is disclosed using adjustable mounts. The window well cover or grid may be pivoted open and closed without having to fully remove the window well cover from the opening of the window well. The adjustable mounts may include a grid sleeve unit slideably attached to the window well cover, and a lock keeper slideably mounted on the grid sleeve unit. In one aspect, the adjustable mounts include theft-deterring features that inhibit unauthorized removal of the window well cover from the window well.

Abstract: A modular structure system comprises a plurality of modular units connected to one another. Each of the plurality of modular units are moveable from a collapsed position to an erected position and include a plurality of sidewalls defined by a plurality of cementitious panels hingedly connected to one another and moveable from a closed position to an open position, and a top defined by a cementitious panel. The collapsed position is defined by the plurality of sidewalls and the top being separated and configured in a flat position. The erected position is defined by the plurality of sidewalls being moved from the closed position to the open position and the top being positioned to overlie the plurality of sidewalls.

Abstract: There is no device or structure in existence today that has such folding mechanism of the walls and the roof fitted in the manner described in this document. This is a novel device and given the conditions we have faced recently, the practical need of such easily transportable and easily manufactured living structure is acute.

Abstract: A low shelter swimming pool roof system is provided. The system can include, over a portion (P?) at least of its length, juxtaposed roof elements (I?) and juxtaposed roof elements (I). The distance that delimits the external chord of each of the longitudinal edges (220a?) and (220b?) of the roof elements (I?) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof arcs (210?) can be shorter than the distance which delimits the internal chord of the two longitudinal edges (220a) and (220b) the roof elements (I) of the other portion (P) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof bows (210). Such an arrangement enables the first portion (P?) of roof elements (I?) to be nested in the second portion (P) of relatively larger roof elements (I) thereby partially exposing the pool over a length corresponding to the displacement of the mobile portion (P?) of roof elements (I?).

Abstract: A multi-purpose, shaped, prefabricated, structurally-enhancing support block conforms to the side profiles of conventional I-joists. The support block is preferably installed by fastening it to the I-joist web, rather than to the I-joist flanges, thus preserving the integrity of the I-joist flanges. Further, support blocks may be used in mid-span where additional point-load support is needed, or at joist ends for additional load bearing and/or enhanced rim board, attachment and nailing capabilities. The preferred support block includes a load-jack portion for bearing compressive load and a web and flange support portion reinforcing the thin web of an I-joist to help prevent buckling, rolling, or twisting of the I-joist under peak load conditions.

Abstract: The unfolding modular building system includes a main floor section having a plurality of square frames having inverted pyramidal support assemblies depending therefrom, hinged corner sections defining wall frames, hinged roof support and truss sections defining gable end frames, and hinged roof panel frames, whereby an interior perimeter may be defined by the interconnection of a system components. The system is easily transported and assembled and its modular construction enables the assembly of a structure having a plurality of interconnected modular units.

Abstract: A folding modular structure is described. The structure typically includes a top panel, which is ultimately the roof deck. Two side panels, a front and a rear panel are connected to the top panel by pivoting mechanisms so that the side, front and rear panels can fold open to create the modular structure. Spacer panels are connected between three of the four total side, front and rear panels. The spacer panels are necessary to provide clearance so that each of the panels can be folded onto the other already folded panels. In the folded configuration, shipping many more modular structures to final destinations is possible.

Abstract: An articulated structure is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of discrete, movably connected structure elements which are movable between an extended configuration wherein the elements define two spaced, substantially parallel wall surfaces having opertaivly upper and lower ends of a roof surface transverserly orientated relative to the wall surfaces, the structure elements defining the roof surface being connected to the operatively upper ends of the structure elements defining the wall surfaces; and a retracted configuration wherein the elements are nested in compacted configuration. The invention further discloses a structure member for an articulated structure.

Abstract: A storage structure or hangar designed primarily for housing a sailplane or other small aircraft has a substantially T-shaped pre-fabricated upper frame support anchored to the ground at several locations, a first set of frame members mounted immovably to the upper frame support in areas where the fuselage and tail and the two wings are located when the sailplane or small aircraft is in the storage structure, and a second set of frame members hingedly mounted in part to the upper frame support and partly to first set of frame members. The second set of frame members are located substantially where the front or cockpit of the plane is located and in front of the wings. Panels covering the first and second frame members and enclosing the structure are mounted to the first and second frame members. A cable, chain or like mechanism operated by a winch raises the second set of hinged frame members together with the cover panels mounted thereon to allow the sailplane to be placed into the storage structure.

Abstract: An infoboard having at least one board part intended for an imprint, the infoboard comprising a frame carrying the at least one board part, the frame near an underside being firmly connected with the base, which base has such a weight that the infoboard is only movable by means of a lifting crane.

Abstract: A system for operating a retractable roof having at least two moveable roof sections, the system comprising: a first support having a first pulley; a second support positioned opposite to and across from the first support means and having a second pulley; a tie member which passes around the first and second pulleys to form an elongate loop having a crossover point between the supports; wherein the first roof section is supported, in use, by the tie member between the first support and the crossover point and the second roof section is supported, in use, by the tie member between the crossover point and the second support such that, in use, the roof sections move in opposite directions when the tie member is moved.

Abstract: A storage structure or hangar designed primarily for housing a sailplane or other small aircraft has a substantially T-shaped pre-fabricated upper frame support anchored to the ground at several locations, a first set of frame members mounted immovably to the upper frame support in areas where the fuselage and tail and the two wings are located when the sailplane or small aircraft is in the storage structure, and a second set of frame members hingedly mounted in part to the upper frame support and partly to first set of frame members. The second set of frame members are located substantially where the front or cockpit of the plane is located and in front of the wings. Panels covering the first and second frame members and enclosing the structure are mounted to the first and second frame members. A cable, chain or like mechanism operated by a winch raises the second set of hinged frame members together with the cover panels mounted thereon to allow the sailplane to be placed into the storage structure.

Abstract: A durable, secure small storage device that protects small vehicles from the elements and theft, as well as provides a platform upon which sponsors can advertise. Sponsors can include any entity that seeks to advertise or convey a specialized message such as corporations, universities, non-profit organizations, individuals, or governmental entities. The storage device includes a frame having a cross rod component and an upwardly extending rod component for laterally supporting a vehicle. A rigid shell is pivotally connected to the frame at the cross rod component and provides shelter and protection for the vehicle stored inside. The invention further includes an advertising means for displaying advertisements of sponsors. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of providing site owners with such small vehicle storage devices at little or no cost using funds received from advertisers in return for advertising space in conjunction with the devices.

Abstract: A retractable trackless spa enclosure includes at least two sections, a first section being slightly smaller than a second section. The first section may be retracted into the second section in reverse telescoping fashion. Both sections are mounted on wheels so that the spa may be more easily moved. Both sections of the enclosure may also include a sliding door for access/egress. In addition, the front end panel of the front section is pivotally mounted on rollers that move within a track. The pivotal mounting allows the front end panel to be rotated in its frame, so that it can be moved to a position horizontal to the ground, thereby providing sufficient clearance for the enclosure to pass over the spa. When the enclosure is retracted, the front end panel can be moved to a position adjacent the end wall of the rear section, so that an open-ended alcove is formed. The frame of the structure is formed from extruded aluminum, and is therefore very lightweight.

Abstract: A low profile, expandable, mobile rigid structure with unique a unique assembly and support system, that can easily be transported by an average sized vehicle. The structure features a central structure with a central roof section, a pair of endwall assemblies, and a central floor mounted to a base. The endwalls are two pieced having a bottom endwall panel and a top endwall panel. From the side of the central structure one or more side sections are retractable and expandable to increase the size of the floor space inside. The two pieced endwalls allow for compaction of the structure for travel by translating the lower portion of the endwall from supporting the upper portion. A two pieced door allows entry into the structure when it is expanded.

Abstract: A high strength window screen frame is hinged for opening. The frame has a stationary frame and a movable frame. The stationary frame attaches to a building. The stationary frame has a protective lip extending forward from its perimeter. The movable frame is secured to the stationary frame by a hinge. The movable frame has a perimeter with a beveled side edge to allow opening of the movable frame without interference with the lip. A screen is secured to the movable frame.

Abstract: A engineered purpose-built portable habitable structure formed of a transformable rectangular enclosure which is the size of an ISO shipping container and which includes a base shell having hingedly attached exterior and interior walls that fold out to form a habitable structure with the walls of the structure being prewired and preplumbed and adapted to connect to appropriate supply sources exterior to the structure.

Abstract: A folded building, after having been trailered on its own wheel assemblies to a site, is unfolded at the site by first reorienting 90° the wheel assemblies attached to each of a pair of side walls and removing an attached trailer hitch. The side walls are drawn apart from one another while having supported by the rolling wheel assemblies. As the side walls are drawn apart, pivotally attached front and rear bifold walls unfold. Each of a pair of foldable roofs attached to a respective one of the side walls is unfolded from a location adjacent the interior of the respective side wall. Roof end caps are attached to the top edges of each of the front and rear walls. After raising the wheel assemblies the building is lowered onto the site. To remove the building from the site, the building is folded by reversing the unfolding steps and the trailer hitch is attached. The building may then be trailered to another site.

Abstract: A deck for dodgems (bumper cars) to form part of a travelling fair has a central portion intended to be fixed to a road trailer. Hinged to each major side of the central portion is a pair of hinged leaves each intended to form part of the deck when in their unfolded, coplanar, positions. To permit the major axis of the deck to be longer than usual, but without raising the height of the hinged leaves to an impermissible value for travel along roads, the length of at least the outer leaf of each pair is made adjustable. Each outer leaf includes a series of parallel stringers that are effectively of adjustable length, the stringers bearing three deck plates, of which two are fixed to the stringers, while the central one is movable relative to the other two between a coplanar position and a stacked position. This arrangement of the plates permits the distance between the inner and outer plates to be altered to shorten or extend the effective width of the respective leaf.

Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.

Abstract: A collapsible awning having an automatic extending flounce is divided into a first portion spanning an awning casing and a primary front section, and a second portion spanning a flounce area between the primary front section and a secondary front section. Awning cloth suspended at one end by the awning casing extends across both the primary and the secondary front sections. Articulated arms connected to the awning casing in the primary front section maintain the front section spaced away distally from the casing when the awning is unfolded and the main part of the awning is stretched. Spring elements connected to the primary front section and the secondary front section maintain the secondary front section located outward away from the primary front section at an angle relative thereto and the flounce portion of the awning cloth between the primary front section and the secondary front section is maintained stretched as well when the awning is extended.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable mobile accommodation structure comprising a central structure provided with floor (3), roof (2), and end walls (1) and two longitudinal side walls (7), at least one of which is movable outwards together with outwardly pivotal floor and roof sections (4 and 9, resp.). The roof and floor sections comprise a rigid panel, and are pivoted to the side wall (7) and the floor and roof edges of the central structure such that in a non-expanded state the roof panel (9) and the side wall (7) are permitted to hang down double-folded outside the folded up floor panel (4). The invention is characterized in that an actuating means (14, 14′) is arranged to act between the central structure and the roof panel (9) for swinging the roof panel up and down supported by a draw rope (15) is acting between the upper part of the central structure and the outermost part of the floor panel (4).

Abstract: A planar support pad for a spa comprising at least two individual planar sections of rigid plastic foam, each of the sections defined by broad top and bottom surfaces in parallel, spaced-apart arrangement and bounded by at least two peripheral edges, a rounded or beveled surface formed on at least one of the edges of the section for spreading the force of incidental contact therewith from a solid object over a broad area to reduce damage to the foam from the contact, and tape used adjacent at least another edge of the section for permitting joining one the section to another the section in contiguous assembly.

Abstract: The shed for a snowmobile or ATV of the present invention includes a rectangular container having opposed rigid planar side walls of generally equal size in parallel spaced apart array, a rigid first end wall mounted to first ends of the side walls, and an opposite second end wall pivotally mounted to opposite second ends of the side walls so as to form a door for the container. A pair of opposed facing, substantially vertical, first arrays of apertures are formed in the side walls, adjacent the first ends of the side walls, one of the first arrays in each of the side walls. Similarly, a pair of opposed facing, substantially vertical, second arrays of apertures are formed in the side walls, adjacent the second ends of the side walls, one of the second arrays in each of the side walls.

Abstract: An expendable and collapsible mobile structure includes a central structure having a floor, a roof, front and rear end walls, and at least one longitudinal side wall that is movable out from the central structure. In an expansion operation, the front and rear side walls are adapted to be initially swung out perpendicular to the longitudinal side wall and positioned by ground supports. The top and bottom portions of inner sides of the front and rear side walls, moreover, are provided with rails, and top and bottom portions of front and rear side edges of the longitudinal side wall are provided with respective guide members which are movably journalled on the rails. The roof of the central structure is movable in a vertical direction and is provided with guide members that are guided along vertical rails provided on an inside of the front and rear end walls of the central structure.

Abstract: Self-contained, modular building systems that create temporary structures consisting of various panels that fold compactly for shipping, but that deploy into complete building segments, such that a large surface area of panels sufficient to provide a structure of superior size as compared with like known modular structures may be efficiently stored and conveniently deployed.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible mobile structure is provided that includes a central structure having a floor, a roof, front and rear end walls, and at least one longitudinal side wall that is movable out from the central structure. Foldable floor sections are hinged to a bottom edge of the longitudinal side wall and a bottom edge of the central structure, and foldable roof sections are hinged to a top edge of the longitudinal side wall and a top edge of the central structure. The foldable floor sections and foldable roof sections are adapted to be unfolded as the longitudinal side wall is moved out from the central structure. And front and rear side walls are hinged to respective outermost side edges of the front and rear end walls of the central structure. In an expansion operation, the front and rear side walls are adapted to be initially swung out perpendicular to the longitudinal side wall and positioned by ground supports.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable building includes floor and roof assemblies, each having a number of components movable between respective stowed and extended positions. A support structure may be provided to couple the floor assembly and the roof assembly. A cable coupling a component of the floor assembly and a component of the roof assembly preferably extends through at least two pullies in order to at least partially balance the weights associated with the respective components of the floor and roof assemblies. In one embodiment, the floor and roof assemblies may each include first, second, and third sections. A first cable may be coupled with support beams associated with the second floor section and a support beam connected with the third roof section. A second cable may also be provided coupled with a support beam connected with a third floor section and a support beam connected with the second roof section.

Abstract: A prefabricated self-supporting building structure and method of construction is described. The building structure comprises a plurality of substantially triangular shaped panels which are interconnected to one another by a hinge connector and along certain edges thereof whereby to form collapsible roof segments. There are four roof segments in the building structure. The triangular shaped panels are interconnected to form two pre-assembled collapsible panel sections each incorporating a pre-assembled roof segment and panel sections for adjacent roof segments. These two pre-assembled panel sections are erected by simple cable attachments which may be secured to a vehicle and these are interconnected back-to-back. The roof segments are also secured by brackets at their junction points of the panels for securing the roof segments in elevated position on supports.

Abstract: A collapsible stage (1) is provided which has a first planar wing (3), a second planar wing (5) and an intermediate planar section (7). The respective wings (3 to 5) are hinged to respective sides of the intermediate section (7) so they can both swing upwardly from a plane where they are co-planar with the intermediate section where they collectively form an open stage (1), to a collapsed position where both wings (3 to 5) are generally parallel to one another and extend upright. The intermediate section (7) has ground engaging devices (17) to permit rolling or sliding movement of the collapsed stage. A first pair of retractable legs (11) are connected with an underside of the first wing (3) adjacent one side of the intermediate section (7), and a second pair of retractable legs (13) are connected with an underside of the second wing (5) and the other side of the intermediate section (7).

Abstract: A folding stage includes a spacing linkage that is adjustable. The spacing linkage locks the folding stage at its final use position. The linkage includes an adjustable link member having an adjustment device. The adjustment device provides for changing the length of the link. The adjustment device includes a housing having a block slidably mounted therein. The housing and the block both include transverse openings for receiving a pivot bolt. The end of the housing receives a bolt threadably connected to the sliding block. A nut on the exterior of the housing threadably connects to the bolt and positions the block relative to the end of the housing for adjusting the length of the link and the position of the spacing linkage.

Abstract: A collapsible, folding play structure including wall members which are integrally connected to each other and roof members which are integrally connected to the wall members. Two end roof members lend support to two side roof members which connect to end roof members with tabs. The two side roof members join at the top of the roof with interlocking tabs. The play structure may be folded and stored by folding the roof members outward to the corresponding wall members. The roof and wall members are then folded flat and again folded together to form a flat compact storage state for reuse.

Abstract: The acoustic tower of the present invention is a portable, acoustic tower that has both a performance position and a storage position. In the storage position, a canopy panel lies substantially parallel proximate an upper panel, both of which are hingedly secured to a cross tube assembly that is supported by a lift tube. The upper panel lies substantially parallel to a lower panel that is fixedly secured to a lower panel assembly having side supports and a center shaft which substantially contains the lift tube. To raise the acoustic tower to the performance position, the canopy panel is raised to one of a plurality of preset angles and maintained in position through use of ratchet and pawl assemblies of the cross tube assembly. With the canopy panel at the desired angle, the upper panel and canopy panel are raised vertically by telescopically elevating the lift tube within the center shaft. The lift tube is elevated by virtue of a winch assembly that is connected to the lift tube by a length of webbing.

Abstract: An ice rink covering system utilizes a plurality of support mechanisms for sets of non-flexible insulated panels which are interconnected by a hinge mechanism between each pair of adjacent panels. The support mechanisms are connected to the panels by lifting units for selectively moving the panels in an accordion fashion for either edge to edge contact when the panels cover a rink or side to side contact when the panels are in their stored condition.