Collapsible For Ease Of Transport Patents (Class 52/79.5)
  • Patent number: 7784845
    Abstract: An expandable vehicle-mounted shelter is a construction connected to a vehicle, in which a shelter container body 2 thereof is laterally enlarged to have an enlarged internal space in which special equipment, such as communication equipment, medical equipment, etc., and other equipment is provided, or otherwise to be utilized as a compartment for carrying goods. In the shelter container body, expandable frames are laterally oppositely provided, each frame having folding sections. In each of the folding sections, a support plate is pivotably connected, at the upper or lower end thereof, to the body via hinge means, and at least one folding plate is foldably connected to the support plate, so that the folding section can be pivoted around the hinge means to spread out, thereby enlarging the space inside the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Mirae S&T Inc.
    Inventors: Baekhee Kim, Wanyong Rha
  • Patent number: 7779598
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lattice support structure comprising lattice rods interconnected in an articulated manner, wherein, in accordance with the invention, a first structure having small cross-sections extending constantly over its length can be spread apart into a truncated double pyramid structure which tapers toward its ends, with a plurality of first structures being able to be joined together and with the joined together first structures being able to be interconnected by lattice rods to form a second structure, with the additional lattice rods engaging at corner points of the spread-apart cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Prodelta Investments B.V.
    Inventors: Kamal Daas, Doron Livnat
  • Patent number: 7779579
    Abstract: A modular enclosure may include a number of interlocking components, such as panels, that may be interconnected to form sidewalls, roof and/or floor. In particular, the modular enclosure may consist of a shed and the shed may be packaged within a container. For example, the shed may constructed from a number of outer wall panels and corner panels. The corner panels preferably include a living hinge that allows the corner panel to be moved between a generally planar position and an angled position. Advantageously, the wall panels and the corner panels may be capable of being stacked within the container to facilitate packaging of the shed when the corner panels are in the generally planar position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Mower, Brent Steed, Jay Calkin, Neil Watson, Robert A. Astle, L. Curtis Strong, Rich Howe, David C. Winter, Kent Ashby, Troy William Nye
  • Patent number: 7770339
    Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include sidewalls and a roof. The roof, for example, may include first and second roof panels that are separated by a seam. The roof may also include a truss that is sized and configured to support the roof panels. The truss may include a channel that allows any moisture entering the shed from between the roof panels to be removed from the shed. In particular, a portion of the first roof panel and a portion of the second roof panel may be at least partially disposed within the channel. Advantageously, the truss may be constructed from metal, which may allow a strong and sturdy shed to be constructed, and the roof panels may be constructed from blow-molded plastic, which may allow a lightweight and generally weather resistant shed to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Mower, Brent Steed, Jay Calkin, Neil Watson, Robert A. Astle, L. Curtis Strong, Rich Howe, David C. Winter, Kent Ashby
  • Patent number: 7770337
    Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include a number of components. For example, the enclosure may include roof panels, floor panels and wall panels that are connected to the roof and/or floor panels. Preferably, the wall panels span the seams disposed between the roof and/or floor panels. In addition, the wall panels are preferably offset from the roof and/or floor panels. Further, the roof panels, wall panels and floor panels desirably have a substantially similar width. The enclosure may also include one or more corner panels and the corner panels may have a living hinge that generally divides the corner panel in half. Advantageously, the offset connection of the roof panels, wall panels and floor panels may facilitate construction of an enclosure with increased strength and functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Mower, Brent Steed, Jay Calkin, Neil Watson, Robert A. Astle, L. Curtis Strong, Rich Howe, David C. Winter, Kent Ashby
  • Publication number: 20100192481
    Abstract: A prefabricated container house includes a container type main frame member when on a chassis capable of being pulled by a trailer truck; and dwelling forming members which can be housed in the main frame member, and which can be drawn out of the main frame member at an installation site, and assembled into a house.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Kangna Nelson SHEN
    Inventors: Kangna Nelson Shen, Coen Germeraad
  • Patent number: 7765744
    Abstract: A construction block is provided that includes at least one base member that includes a plurality of lower side wall receptacles. The construction block further includes a plurality of side wall assemblies. Each of the side wall assemblies includes a plurality of interconnected panels. Each of the panels is hingedly connected to each adjacent one of the panels of the respective one of the side wall assemblies. Each of the side wall assemblies defines a hollow load chamber having an open top and an open bottom. At least some of the panels of each of the side wall assemblies are angled relative to one another. Each of the lower side wall receptacles receives one of the side wall assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Global Shelter Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Burke A. Herron
  • Publication number: 20100186309
    Abstract: An improved collapsible structure for, but not limited to, the safety of the launch valve voyage repair team while engaging in removal, installation or performing routine maintenance of the launch valve and the water break assembly in all weather conditions. It is quickly installed or removed and serves as a means to protect the launch tube valve and the water break assembly in all weather conditions while said valve and assembly are disassembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Charles L. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20100170162
    Abstract: A mobile building module comprises rigid load-bearing surface elements and one or more inflatable flexible surface elements connected therewith. In the transport condition, several of the load-bearing rigid surface elements are disposed to form a parallelepiped container having a floor and surrounding rigid walls for accommodating the inflatable flexible surface elements, with the height of the container being lower than the height of the building. A building, which is assembled of several partial modules, which are constructed according to the above-mentioned principles, is also an object of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20100162636
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a mobile, expandable shelter intended to provide medium term housing to disaster victims. The invention minimizes moving parts so as to make the shelter more structurally sound and allows full deployment by two people in less than ten minutes without the use of a motor to supply hydraulic, pneumatic or electric assistance. This shelter will maximize space by offering the unique feature of side shells that slide over the base structure not out of the base structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Bonebrake
  • Publication number: 20100132270
    Abstract: A modular surface foundation for wind turbine space frame towers, an apparatus to form panels of housing members of modular surface foundation, and method of forming the modular surface foundation for wind turbine space frame towers is provided. The modular surface foundation comprises a plurality of footing members, and a housing member disposed on each of the footing members, the housing members extending from the footing members and attaching to one or more structural members forming a portion of a wind turbine tower, wherein the housing member provides support and increased height for the space frame tower and includes an interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: General Electric Wind Energy & Energy Services
    Inventors: Lawrence WILLEY, Danian Zheng
  • Patent number: 7712261
    Abstract: A collapsible structure with a self-locking mechanism includes a first hub, at least two struts pivotable connected at a first ends thereof to the first hub and movable relative to each another between a folded position and an expanded position, and a tension member adapted to limit pivotable movement of at least two struts such that, when in the expanded position, the at least two struts define an angle of less than 180°. The structure further includes a locking hub and at least two locking struts pivotably connected at first ends thereof to the locking hub and, at seconds ends thereof, to connection points on respective ones of the at least two struts. A method of erecting a structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: World Shelters, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore R. Zeigler
  • Publication number: 20100101156
    Abstract: A mobile barrier system comprises a wheeled trailer and a barrier mounted on the trailer. The barrier comprises a series of panels configured to form walls of the trailer in a collapsed condition for transportation of the barrier. The panels are movable to an erected condition for assembly of the barrier in which the panels are substantially aligned to form the barrier. One or more panels may be adjustable to vary the width of the barrier and two or more barrier systems may be linked to form a wider barrier. Stabilisers are provided to resist movement of the barrier in the erected condition. Guard panels at the top of the barrier can be deployed to resist scaling of the barrier by individuals and/or to increase the height of the barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Oldbury UK Limited
    Inventor: Carl Justin Holroyd
  • Patent number: 7703467
    Abstract: A personnel decontamination and containment system is disclosed. This system includes a plurality of components positionable on a selected location for establishment of a multi-station decontamination and containment facility to decontaminate personnel and to contain contaminants collected during the decontamination process. The components can include a plurality of collapsible frame and roof assemblies, wall and roof covers, a weapons clearing assembly, a weapons storage locker, a hanging bar, a signage assembly, collapsible containment hamper assemblies, a covered dispensing assembly, a shuffle box, a multi-wipe dispensing assembly, and a transportable containment enclosure. The enclosure is shaped and sized to removably retain the system's components for transportation or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ultimate Survival Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ricky William Stewart, Lee Walker Brillhart, III
  • Publication number: 20100088974
    Abstract: Work crews temporarily operating in remote areas can be subject to dangers such as tornados, hurricanes and explosive blast waves. A re-deployable aboveground protective shelter suitable for use in such environments utilizes retractable stabilizing arms and/or passive valved ductwork to resist uplift, overturning and sliding. Because the protective shelter does not rely upon excessive weight to counter wind forces, the protective shelter can be quickly, easily and inexpensively redeployed to new sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Oscar T. Scott, IV
  • Patent number: 7690159
    Abstract: Relocatable personal and/or pet safety shelters for protecting occupants from dangerous conditions such as those from hurricanes and tornadoes. The shelters can include metal wall and ceiling panels of approximately 10 gage to approximately 12 gage thick and be able to withstand winds of up to approximately 250 miles per hour or greater, and be able to withstand a projectile such as 2 inch by 4 inch wood member shot at approximately 100 miles per hour from penetrating inside. The shelter can have a length of approximately 60 inches, a width of approximately 30 inches, a height of approximately 55 inches, with a total weight of up to approximately 940 pounds. The shelter can have fixed bench seats along opposite sides of the door from each other, and be attached in a fixed horizontal orientation above the floor by elongated L-shaped brackets that are attached to the walls be removable fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Floyd Arnold
  • Publication number: 20100064599
    Abstract: This invention reveals a type of portable building, which includes a box which forms the main body of the building, the box being cubic in shape, at least one movable top plate that forms the roof of the building, one side of such movable top plate connecting to and pivoting on one side of the top panel of the box, and such top plate rotating around the pivot downwards to lean against the side panel of the box, at least one movable bottom panel that is provided for the bottom panel of the building, one side of the movable bottom panel connecting to and pivoting on one side of the bottom panel, and such bottom panel rotating around the pivot downwards to lean against the side panel of the box, the pivots of the bottom panel and the top plate are located on the same side panel of the box, at least one side plate is provided for the side wall of the building, the side plate that supports between the edge of the bottom plate and the edge of the top plate being vertical and knock-down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Zhenqiu Yang, Xiuyuan Yang
  • Publication number: 20100064601
    Abstract: A transportable building system including at least partially erecting a building, transporting the at least partially erected building 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, a second structural component and a hinge 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Prebuilt Pty Ltd's
    Inventor: Donald Stewart Napier
  • Publication number: 20100064600
    Abstract: A transportable building system including at least partially erecting a building, transporting the at least partially erected building 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, a second structural component and a hinge 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Prebuilt Pty Ltd's
    Inventor: DONALD STEWART NAPIER
  • Patent number: 7673424
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile structure which is intended for various different uses and purposes and which is of the type that comprises a flat floor chassis with wheels, towing means such that it can be towed by a vehicle and floor support means. The invention is characterized in that the structure comprises: an upper structural shell consisting of two outer frames and at least one intermediate frame, which are connected at the top by lateral and central longitudinal joists, and crossbars forming a plurality of upper cavities which are covered either by laminar sections or skylight elements; and a plurality of independent panels forming the walls of the structure, which are disposed around the structural shell and which can take the form of solid panels or panels comprising a window, a door or an air-conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Carlo Gomez-España Collignon
  • Publication number: 20100043309
    Abstract: A modular pod assembly capable of being readily assembled and disassembled for transportation includes a plurality of modular panels and a plurality of connectors. Each said modular panel includes a rigid and substantially planar structure delimited along one or more edges by respective coupling portions, each coupling portion formed to define a plurality of preconfigured access points for receiving respective connectors. Multiple connectors are provided to securely fasten a coupling portion of a given modular panel to a coupling portion of another adjacent modular panel at a selected access point. The plurality of modular panels may be provided in an assembled state to include at least one top panel, bottom panel, and a plurality of respective side walls, all securely fastened together at respective coupling portions with the plurality of connectors to form an integrated enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED, INC.
    Inventors: Tony M. Martin, Donald A. Pleasants
  • Patent number: 7658039
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Ziegelman
  • Publication number: 20100024316
    Abstract: A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension deployable from the shell, the extension including an extension frame. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support. The prefabricated structure further comprises a floor panel connected with the shell by a hinge to provide a floor for the extension, wherein the floor panel is undeployed when the extension is held in place within the shell by the extension, and wherein as the extension is deployed, the floor panel pivots at the hinge and the extension guides the floor panel to a deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: GREEN HORIZON MANUFACTURING LLC
    Inventor: James D. Pope
  • Publication number: 20100024318
    Abstract: A computerized prefab architect design system (CPAD) and method for the fabrication of frame-structured buildings with all functions, including an integrating device for integrating building design elements including customer acknowledged floor plans, plumbing layouts, electricity wiring layouts and structure/strength parameters into an assembly drawing; a dividing device for forming segments and layouts of wall panels, floor/ceiling panels and roof panels, layouts of roof trusses, and segments and layouts of plumbing, wiring and jointers in accordance with a segmentation rule for buildings comprising a local building specification, segmentation based on a loading size of a shipping container, strength and structural requirements of buildings, requirements for convenient on-site work and flexible assembly lines at factories; a generating device for generating a polygon stencil for components of the prefab architect based on said segments and layouts, said stencil including building frames, functional boards t
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: SHANGHAI PRECISION HOUSES MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yueyue Zhang, Xiaoyue Ding, Tianwen Xu
  • Publication number: 20100024317
    Abstract: A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension including an extension frame deployable from the shell. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a roof support and a plurality of columns extends between the floor support and the roof support, the plurality of columns including a “C” channel. A plurality of vertical structures extends between the floor support and the roof support, the vertical structures including a “C” channel. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support and a plurality of columns extends between the floor support and the roof support, the plurality of columns including a “C” channel. The prefabricated structure further comprises a plurality of panels including an “L” channel extending from a side, the “L” channels receivable within the “C” channels so that the panels can be associated with the shell or the extension to form an outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: GREEN HORIZON MANUFACTURING LLC
    Inventor: James D. Pope
  • Publication number: 20100018131
    Abstract: A transportable, modular, self-contained shipping container building which has an optional means to collect, store, and distribute power from natural resources and a means to collect store, distribute and/or purify potable and/or non-potable water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: James E. Green
  • Publication number: 20100011676
    Abstract: A building comprising (a) a rectangular central structure having a horizontal roof section, a floor section and at least one support for the roof section, (b) two roof extensions each pivotally attached on either side of the roof section with an offset hinge such that each can pivot from a first, horizontal position to a second, vertical position, wherein in the first position the two roof extensions are offset vertically relative to the roof section, and (c) two floor extensions each pivotally attached on either side of the floor section such that each can pivot from a first, horizontal position to a second, vertical position, wherein during transport or storage of the building, the two roof extensions and two floor extensions are each located in the second, vertical position, the floor extensions being located interior to the roof extensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Graham Barry
  • Patent number: 7647731
    Abstract: A prefabricated building module includes a rectangular floor structure, three walls and a trussed roof structure enclosing a ceiling space with two end walls pivoted about the short sides of the floor structure, the third wall pivoted at its lower end to a long side of the floor structure and the roof structure pivoted at the upper end of said side wall such that said walls and roof structure fold onto the floor structure to form a flat pack with the same footprint as the floor structure. The roof structure comprises a ceiling and upright roof trusses pivoted to the ceiling which fold down within the plan of the roof and the walls have provision for doors and windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Deployable Structures International Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Stephen Muir
  • Patent number: 7644721
    Abstract: A mechanism that is comprised of two or more four-bar linkages is shown. Each linkage shares a common link with each adjacent linkage and the movement of said two or more linkages is synchronized by mechanical means such that said mechanism may move between a collapsed and an extended state. Said mechanical means may be in the form of additional links or geared connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: Charles Hoberman, Matthew Davis
  • Patent number: 7637275
    Abstract: This invention relates to a telescopic post for a folding structure, which can be used to move the structure from a raised deployed position to a folded position, and vice versa. The inventive post includes a lower element which can slide inside an upper element which is solidly connected to the structure. The lower part of the lower element rests on the ground to form a base. The upper element is solidly connected to a movement device, such as caster. The caster projects downward from the base in the folded position, but is withdrawn in the deployed position owing to the vertical movement of the upper element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: VITABRI, Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Alain Stehly, Philippe De Conto
  • Patent number: 7631460
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Prebuilt Pty Ltd's
    Inventor: Donald Stewart Napier
  • Patent number: 7624543
    Abstract: A portable decontamination system includes a preassembled shelter, convertible between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, and a fluid delivery system integral with the shelter. In the stowed configuration the shelter encloses a negligible volume. In the deployed configuration the shelter comprises a plurality of side walls, a plurality of end walls, and a roof. The walls and the roof define a central space. The fluid delivery system is configured to convey decontamination fluid into the shelter and to distribute decontamination fluid throughout at least a portion of the central space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Branch Banking and Trust Company
    Inventors: Chad Sample, Richard A. Esser
  • Publication number: 20090266006
    Abstract: A modular assembly structured to assume either a shipping container configuration or a building unit configuration including a frame comprising a plurality of support members and defining both a part of the building unit configuration and shipping unit configuration. A plurality of frame panels are movably connected to the frame and disposable in either a closed position or an opened position so as to respectively and at least partially define either the shipping unit configuration or the building unit configuration. The plurality of unit panels are movably connected to the frame and disposable outwardly therefrom to collectively define end wall portions and ceiling portions of the building unit configuration wherein the unit panels may be stored within the interior of the frame. An erection assembly is selectively disposable in an assembled position exteriorly of the frame and supported thereon so as to facilitate the assembly of at least some of the frame panels and/or unit panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Janos B. Gyory, Istvan Gyory
  • Publication number: 20090260302
    Abstract: A building system and method by means of at least two prefabricated structures comprising a first prefabricated structure containing at least two lateral walls, a front wall and a back wall; a second prefabricated structure containing at least two lateral walls, a front wall and a back wall; a first transportation axis in which said first prefabricated structure is mounted, capable of towing said first prefabricated structure to a building site and said first transportation axis is parked in the construction site; a second transportation axis in which said second prefabricated structure is mounted, capable of towing said second prefabricated structure to said building site and said second transportation axis is parked in the construction site; at least one of said lateral, back or from wall of each one of said first and second prefabricated structure is dismounted, dismantled or rolled up; wherein said first and second prefabricated structures are joined in such a manner that said prefabricated structures are
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Rodrigo Graf
  • Patent number: 7591107
    Abstract: A portable facility, that is delivered to a shop where wheel sets for railcars and locomotives are repaired, contains equipment for reconditioning antifriction bearings that are stripped from the wheel sets. The facility includes an enclosure that contains equipment for inspecting the raceways of the bearings, for repairing the raceways, for opening and closing cages of the bearing to release and again confine its rolling elements, for measuring end play in the bearing, for lubricating the bearing, and for pressing seals into the bearing. In addition, the facility has a deck that supports equipment for disassembling the bearing and for removing grease from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Jan H. Labuschagne
  • Publication number: 20090217600
    Abstract: A containerized portable shelter which is small and light enough for helicopter transport but which can also travel through container channels and has increased expandability of the floorspace is provided. It has a fraction (e.g. one-half) the standard ISO width, so that a plurality of modular units can be joined to form a standard ISO container. Two or more modular units can be joined side-by-side and/or end-to-end to form a compound shipping container preferably having ISO freight container characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: WEATHERHAVEN RESOURCES LTD.
    Inventor: James Buchanan De Azambuja
  • Patent number: 7581357
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, or kit, of injection molded panels having integrated connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate I-beam connectors. The ends of the wall panels have cavities to accept both roof and floor outwardly projecting locking bosses for interlocking cooperative engagement which serve to rigidly connect the components together. The symmetry of the wall, roof, floor and door components also minimizes component shapes and simplifies enclosure construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Jed C. Richardson, Lyle A. Rosine, Rob Stein, Robert Kopp, Michael Uffner, Torrence Anderson
  • Patent number: 7552563
    Abstract: A collapsible structure having walls and hinges, the walls being foldable to reduce the volume of the collapsible structure via hinges separated by a distance to form pockets which receive therein the thickness of one or more collapsed walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Robert J. Becker
  • Patent number: 7549255
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: David Kirkwood
  • Patent number: 7546706
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: David Kirkwood
  • Patent number: 7533498
    Abstract: A mechanically deployable, expandable and collapsible structure is provided. The structure includes at least one scissor assembly made up of a first and a second strut, a first spacer disposed between the first end of the first strut and the first end of the second strut when the scissor assembly is in the expanded position, and a second spacer disposed between the second end of the first strut and the second end of the second strut when the scissor assembly is in the expanded position. A tension member is connected to the first and second struts. The tension member is arranged such that the scissor assembly is moved from the folded position when there is slack in the tension member to the expanded position when the slack in the tension member is taken up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: World Shelters, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore R. Zeigler
  • Patent number: 7516589
    Abstract: The aim of this invention is to increase the rigidity of the integrated formworks at the time of their installation, to facilitate the work of the civil engineers if order to determine easily the contribution of the horizontal frameworks and to reduce manufacturing costs. This aim is reached by a formwork including two parallel formwork walls placed one facing the other provided with shaped bars forming the vertical stiffeners and connected by at least one articulated connection device allowing the maintenance of the formwork walls either at a distance defining a space to receive a filler such as concrete, or folded for storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Polyfinance Coffor Holding S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Messiqua, Régis Messiqua
  • Patent number: 7500335
    Abstract: A portable deck system for recreational vehicles and fifth wheel campers for enhancing the accessibility of an elevated exterior door. The system includes a platform assembly having a top surface positionable adjacent to a threshold of the entry door, a plurality of legs extending between the ground and the platform assembly and hingeably coupled to the platform assembly. An access assembly is operationally coupleable to the platform assembly, and provides a vertical transition between the platform assembly and ground level. A railing assembly extends along at least a portion of the platform for providing a hand grip for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Eldean Kjose
  • Publication number: 20090056237
    Abstract: A shelter comprises a roof, a floor, and a plurality of side walls secured to the floor and the roof. At least one of the floor, the roof, and the plurality of side walls comprises an exterior panel, an interior panel, and an attachment device secured to the exterior panel and the interior panel for relative movement of the exterior panel and the interior panel between collapsed and expanded positions. An associated method of assembling the shelter is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Larry C. Dickinson, Gregory J. Solomon, Paul Willard Peterson, JR., Joe Seiter, Matt Sams, Grant Godwin, Thomas Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20090013615
    Abstract: A foamed resin knockdown house in which recesses are provided in opposite end surfaces of adjacent resin segment pieces, reinforcing members are accommodated in closed spaces defined by the opposite pairs of recesses to join together the adjacent segment pieces. Thus, the house is assembled, forming a living space inside. The foamed resin knockdown houses may have inside spaces of various forms depending on the purpose for which they are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: YUGENKAISHA JAPAN TSUSYO
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 7475514
    Abstract: A structure that can be folded and unfolded to construct buildings, for example, horse stables, includes frames made from welded profiles and covered with panels having doors, windows or ventilators, covered by a roof. After deployment and installation, the structure forms a parallelepipedal volume with rigid front and rear façades and two folding lateral walls. Each of the lateral walls has a central axis, and joints receiving four rectangular leaves which can be folded accordion-style. The distance between the two central axes remains constant and the structure has two anchoring points on each lateral wall which are positioned on top of the structure and symmetrically relative to the central axis. A lifting beam is used to raise the structure, which folds or unfolds under the influence of the weight of the structure due to forces exerted on cables fixed between the lifting beam and the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventors: Denis Rulquin, Grégory Rulquin
  • Publication number: 20090000213
    Abstract: House, more particularly a dismountable house or emergency house, characterised in that it mainly consists of a container (2) against which is provided an extension (6) in the form of a prismatic construction, which is built of a supporting structure in the form of a frame (7) and floor elements and cover elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Rudi Coopman
  • Patent number: 7464502
    Abstract: A modular folding shelter for use in seismic or weather disturbances is disclosed including a first force transferring member having a first plurality of lateral supports, the first plurality of lateral supports including crossmembers, at least one upper articulation point, and at least one lower articulation point, a second force transferring member having a second plurality of lateral supports, the second plurality of lateral supports including crossmembers, at least one upper articulation point, and at least one lower articulation point, a top member for receiving the at least one upper articulation point of the first plurality of lateral supports and the at least one upper articulation point of the second plurality of lateral supports, and a foldable base member for receiving the at least one lower articulation point of the first plurality of lateral supports and the at least one lower articulation point of the second plurality of lateral supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Leon Sardi Herrera
  • Patent number: 7466286
    Abstract: A folding frame for mounting an antenna on an upstanding support structure including first and second support arms pivotally secured to an upper mounting bracket and third and fourth support arms which are pivotally secured to a lower mounting bracket with the upper and lower mounting brackets being secured to the support structure. Support members are pivotally secured to the outer ends of the support arms and are pivotally connected together so that the frame may be pivotally moved from a folded position to a non-folding position. When the frame is in its folded position, it is easily shipped on a pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Brandon M. Chapman
  • Patent number: 7461480
    Abstract: A slide out room is glidingly supported from a main structure by a flexible tension member defining first and second lengths, each length trained about a set of rotatable support members carried by the main structure such that the tension member supports the room from the rotatable support members in both its extended and retracted positions. A tensioner connected to the tension member is used to adjust the tension in the tension member. A leveler carried by the room includes a longitudinal adjustment member that engages the tension member, whereby the room may be leveled relative to the main structure by adjusting the adjustment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Stewart E. Gardner