US2904850A - Expansible building structure - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 22, 1959 K. w. coUsE ETAL 21,904,850 L EXPANSIBLE BUILDING STRUCTURE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1,.

Filed Aug. 14, 1956 @.wl 4; v WM5? Sept. 22,` 1959 K. w. cousE TAL 2,904,350

' ExPANsIBLE. BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Aug. 14, 195e- 5 sheetssheet 2 Sept. 22, 1959 K. w. cousE ETAL 2,904,850

ExPANsIBLE BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed4 Aug. 14, 195s s sheets-sheet s sept. 22, 1959 Filed Aug. 14, 1956 K. w. coUsI-i ETAL EXPANSIBLE BUILDING STRUCTURE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Sept. 22, 1959 K. w. cousE ETAL 2,904,850

EXPANSIBLE BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Aug. 14, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 @Mv ig if /oyl L Ww@ United States Patent C EXPANSIBLE BUILDING STRUCTURE Kibbey W. Couse, Newark, and Robert D. Keelm, Hillside, NJ., assignors to Couse Manufacturing, Inc., Newark, NJ., a corporation of New Jersey Application August 14, 1956, Serial No. 603,996

8 Claims. (Cl. 20-2) This invention relates to a building structure and more particularly to an expansible building structure which is adapted for use as a portable work shop, machine shop, storage unit and the like.

The usual portable, but non-expansible shop is, of necessity, large in size and therefore diflicult to move from one location to another. When such a portable, nonexpansible shop is not in use, but is being stored, much space is needed in which to store the structure. Even the usual expansible portable Shop is so constructed that it is not capable of being folded into a compact structure; and, when the shop is expanded, the available space is not adapted for eflicient use as a work shop. Furthermore, the usual expansible building structure comprises a plurality of parts, such as extensible sides, floor and roof sections which, when expanded, are fastened together with complicated fastening means and associated sealing means which are difficult to use.

An object of this invention is the provision of an expansible building structure which is adapted for use as a machine shop, work shop, shelter, bunkhouse, storage unit or the like.

An object of this invention is the provision of an expansible building structure which is provided with a compact closed, or unexpanded, position and a plurality of expanded positions.

An object of this invention is the provision of an expansible structure which, when in a folded condition; comprises a relatively small, compact unit which is easily transportable as by air, land or sea.

An object of this invention is the provision of an expansible building structure which is adapted to house delicate instruments, and the like, safely and securely when the said structure is in the folded position or in any of the expanded positions.

An object of this invention is the provision of an expansible structure which, when in the open position, provides an efficient work shop structure and, when in the closed or folded position, provides a sturdy and compact unit adapted to be easily transported.

An object of this invention is the provision of an expansible structure which may be provided with selfcontained wheels which may be extended or retracted as desired when the stmcture is in any of the folded or expanded positions, which Wheels provide for ease of movement of the structure over the ground.

An object of this invention is the provision of an expansible structure comprising an elongated rigid floor, a floor extension member hinged to each long side edge of the said floor and normally extending upwardly at right angles thereto and being adapted to be pivoted into alignment with the floor, a floor extension flap hinged to each side edge of the said floor extension members and normally extending downwardly adjacent the said floor extension members and being adapted to be moved into alignment with the said floor and floor extension member; bulkheads fixed to and extending upwardly from the ends of the said floor, a supporting member connecting the upper VF1ct:

portions of said bulkheads, hinge elements secured to the said supporting member, and extending longitudinally thereof, a pair of pivotal units each comprising a top member, a side member and end members, the said top members carrying hinge elements adapted to engage the said hinge elements on the said supporting member, roof panel members and a plurality of roof panel extension members hingedly connected thereto, the said roof panel members being hinged to the outer edges of the side members and together with the said roof panel extension members being normally folded inside the said side members, the said floor extension members, oor extension flaps, side members, roof panel members and roof panel extension members consitituting the side walls of the building structure when the latter is in folded condition, the said floor extension members and floor extension flaps being adapted to be unfolded into alignment with the floor, the said side members, roof panel members and roof panel extension members being adapted to be unfolded into horizontal position to form the roof of the expanded building structure, and the said top members being adapted to be unfolded into a vertical position thereby forming an inner vertical Wall, extending longitudinally of the said expanded building structure.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description when taken with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are for purposes of illustration and are not to be construed as dening the scope or limits of the invention, reference being had for the latter purpose to the appended claims.

In the drawings wherein like reference characters denote like parts in the several views:

IFigure l is an end View of our novel expansible building structure completely folded, or unexpanded, and res-ting on the ground;

Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 with the wheels extended slightly so as to raise the body of the structure off the ground; I

Figure 3 is a side View of the structure shown in Figure 2 of the drawings;

Figure 4 is a sectional lview taken approximately on the plane of the line 4-4 of Figure 3 but showing the structure resting on the ground;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken approximately on the plane of the line 5-5 of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is an end View of the structure in an open or expanded, condition;

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken approximately on the plane of the line 7 7 of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken approximately on the plane of the line 8 8 of Figure 7 but showing the full cross-sectional view and showing roof panel extension members forming the sides of the structure;

Figure 9 is similar to Figure 6 but showing the structure in a more fully expanded condition;

Figure 10 is similar to Figure 9 but showing the structure in a super-expanded position;

Figure ll is -an end View showing one side of our structure being unfolded and showing the other side being used as a bunkhouse, or the like; Y

Figure 12 is a perspective view of our structure in the folded position and being transported by helicopter;

Figure 13 is an end view of a plurality of our structures in folded position and stacked;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of one of our structures being unloaded from a cargo plane at a camp site; and

Figure 15 is a modification of our structure having canvasl sides and top.

Reference is now made to Figure l of the drawings wherein there is shown an end view of our novel expansible building structure in an unexpanded or folded position. The `structure comprises a floor 16 (which floor is not visible in Figure l, but which may be seen in the sectional views of Figures 4 and 5, for instance), and vapai'r of end bulkheads '17 (only one of which is visible inthe end View of Figure 1), which bulkheads are supported -by the oor 16. A centrally positioned and longitudinally extending supporting member 18 extends between the bulkheads 17 at the upper portion thereof. The supporting member 18 not only adds to the rigidity of the vertical bulkheads 17 but also provides a rigid member to which substantially identical right and left pivotal units 20 may be pivotally supported as by the hinge members 19. The pivotal units 20 comprise end members 21, side members 22 and top members 23 which constitute a portion of the ends, sides and top, respectively, of the expansible building structure when the structure is in the folded position as seen in Figure l. The end members 21 may be provided with windows 24, if it is so desired.

Reference is now made to Figure 2 of the drawings which is an end view similar to that shown in Figure 1 and illustrates the use of a wheel supporting system which may be included as a part of our novel expansible structure, if so desired. The addition of wheels to the structure aids in the mobility of the structure and the ease with which the structure may be transported over the ground. The wheel supporting system includes two wheels 26 and a third wheel 27 and is of the retractable type whereby the wheels may be raised to a position entirely within the structure (as illustrated in Figure l) or lowered through suitable holes in the floor 16 to contact the ground (as illustrated in Figure 2). The wheels as shown in Figure 2 are only partially lowered and, if desired, may be further lowered so as to raise the structure higher above the ground. The wheels may be raised and lowered manually as by the use of a vcrank (not shown in the drawings) which is adapted to engage either end of a shaft 28; the ends of which shaft are accessible through openings in the bulkheads 17. The shaft 28 is operatively connected to the wheels so that the wheels are raised and lowered upon rotation of the shaft. It will be noted that the wheels may be extended or retracted when the structure is completely folded as shown in Figure 2. The details of the retractable wheel system, including the shaft and wheel connections, will be fully described below.

Referring now to Figure 3 of the drawings, a side View `of the unexpanded building structure is therein shown with the wheels 26 and 27 in a lowered position. As shown in Figure 3, the side members 22 of the pivotal units 20 may be provided with the windows 29. These Windows act 'as sky-lights when the structure is in an opened position as will be shown later.

It may here be noted that, while the structure may be made of wood or metal, it is preferably made of plastic or other suitable building material. The properties of a suitable plastic `are desirable for use in such an expansible structure; the plastic being lighter in weight Vthan most woods and metals of equal strength. In addition to its light weight, the use of plastic is very Adesirable in structures which are to be employed in extreme hot and cold climates as, for example, the tropics and the arctic. The desirable characteristics of the plastic are not unduly adversely affected by the extreme temperatures. In addition, the plastic structures may be handled easily with the bare hands in even the hottest and coldest climates whereas metal, for example, becornes virtually Untouchable when extremely hot or cold. While the invention is not limited to plastic building material, the use of plastic is extremely desirable.

Reference is now made to Figure 4 of `the drawings wherein there is shown a transverse cross-sectional View taken approximately along the line 4 4 of Figure 3. A roof panel member 30 is shown hinged .to the `edge of Y each of the side members 22 by means. of the hinge members 31. A roof panel extension member 32, comprising a first roof panel extension section 33 and a second roof panel extension section 34, is hinged to each of the roof panel members 30 by the hinge members 36. The first and second roof panel extension sections 33 and 34, respectively, are pivotally joined by the hinge members 37. In the folded position illustrated in Figure 4, the roof panel members 30 and first and second roof panel extension sections 33 and 34, respectively, are in an adjacent relationship and are compactly nestedy adjacent the side walls 22.

As seen in Figure 4, each side edge of the floor 16 is provided with a Hoor extension member 38 which is pivotally connected to the floor as by the hinge member 39. The floor extension members 38 are provided with floor extension yilaps 42 which are hinged thereto by hinge members 43. In the folded position of the structure, the iloor extension flaps 42 are folded against the floor extension members 38 and are nested adjacent the second roof panel extension sections 34. It is seen, then, that an extremely rigid folded structure results having highly reinforced sides comprising the side members 22, roof panel members 30, -rst and second roof panel extension sections 33 and 34, respectively, floor extension members 38 and, for a short length, the floor extension flaps 42.

The expansible building structure may be equipped with a ywork bench, which is particularly desirable if the structure is to be used as a work shop, machine shop, or the like. A work bench 44, comprising a horizontally positioned top member `46 which extends the entire length and width of the inside area of the folded structure and a pair of longitudinally extending, and vertically positioned supports 47, is shown in Figure 4. The ends of the work bench top member 46 may be secured to the bulkheads 17 while the supports 47 are suitably fastened to the floor 16 and the work bench top member 46. In the folded position of Figure 4, the oor extension flaps 42 are positioned between the work bench top member 46 and the top members 23 of the pivotal units 20. In addition to providing a convenient place to Work when the expansible structure is in an open position, the work bench adds rigidity to the structure in both the folded and unfolded condition.

Reference is now made to Figure 5 of the drawings wherein a longitudinal sectional View of the folded expansible building structure is shown. The wheels 26 and 27 are shown partially extended through holes in the door 16 so as to raise the structure slightly of the ground. The operation of the wheel supporting system including the retracting mechanism may be seen in Figure 5. Each of the wheels 26 is provided with a hub 55, an axle 56 upon which the wheels `are free to rotate, and axle housings 57 within which the axles are supported. 'Ihe axle housings 57 are supported on the pivotal arms 58, which arms may be pivoted about shafts 59 which are suitably fastened to the longitudinally extending work bench supports 47. The other end of each of the pivotal arms 58 is pivotally connected to the one end of connecting members 61 while the other ends of .the connecting members are pivotally connected to an internally threaded member 62 which engages the threaded portion 63 on the shaft 28. Suitable end bearing supports 64 and center bearing support 66 support the shaft 28 in such `a manner that the shaft may be freely rotated but is prevented from longitudinal movement. As mentioned above, the ends of the shaft 28 are accessible through holes in the bulkheads 17 whereby the shaft 28 may be rotated by use of a crank or other suitable means not shown in the drawings, from a position outside of the structure. It will be apparent that as the shaft is rotated in one direction, the internally threaded member 62 will move to the right causing the pivotal arm 58 `to rotate clockwise, as viewed in Figure 5, and thereby raise the wheels 2.6. When the shaft is rotated in the other direction, the internally threaded member 62 will move to the left causing the pivotal arm 58 to rotate counter-clockwise and lthereby lower the wheels 26.

The single wheel 27 is mounted in a manner similar to the mounting of the yfront wheels 26. An axle 67, an axle housing 68, a pivotal arm 69 which is pivotal about a shaft 70, a connecting member 72, and an internally threaded member 73 which engages a threaded portion 74 on the shaft 28, are counterparts to those components comprising the suspension system of the front wheels 26. The internally threaded member 73 and the threaded po-rtion 74 are, however, provided with threads which are opposite in direction to those of the internally threaded member 62 and the threaded portion 63. For example, if the internally threaded member 62 and threaded portion 63 are provided with right hand threads, then the internally threaded member 73 and threaded portion 74 will be provided with left hand threads. When the shaft 28 is rotated in such a direction that the internally threaded member 62 moves to the right, the internally threaded member 73 will obviously move to the left, as seen in Figure 5. A left-ward movement of the internally threaded member 73 will cause the pivotal arm 69 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction and so retract the wheel 27. Itl is seen then, that the wheels 26 and 27 are retracted upon rotation of the shaft 28 in one direction and are extended upon rotation of the shaft in the other direction.

Reference is now made to Figure 6 of the drawings wherein the expansible building structure is shown in an expanded, or unfolded, position. To expand the structure from a completely closed position as shown in Figures l-5, to the open position as shown in Figure 6, the pivotal units 2t) are pivoted upwardly about Ithe hinge members 19 to a position wherein the top members 23 are brought into an abutting relation and the side members 22 form part of the roof of the expanded structure. The pivotal units 20 are suitably supported in this position. The roof panel members 30 are pivoted about the hinge members 31 180 degrees so as to for-m a roof extension from the side members 22. The first and second roof panel extension sections 33 and 34, respectively, are folded under the roof panel members 30, as shown in Figure 6, and the roof panel members 30 and rst and second roof panel extension sections 33 and 34 supported in the horizontal position by adjustable jacks 76.

An extended floor area is provided by the oor extension members 38 and floor extension flaps 42 which are unfolded into an abutting and horizontal position adjacent the floor 16. If it is desired, the open sides and ends of the expanded structure may be covered by canvas members 77 having end portions 78 and side portions 79 which are suitably fastened to the roof panel members 30. Access to the structure is provided by zippered openings 80. It is seen that the pivotal units 20 overhang the bulkheads 17 so that 'a gap results adjacent the bulkheads 17 if an end canvas portion 7S having a straight vertical edge is hung adjacent the outer vertical edge of the end members 21. To avoid such a gap, flaps 82 made of metal or plastic or other suitable material are pivotally supported by hinge members 83 adjacent the sides of the bulkheads 17. When the structure is in an open position, as shown in Figure 6, the ilaps 82 may be pivoted so as to form prolongations of the bulkheads 17 thereby closing the gap between the bulkheads and end canvas portions 78. The flaps 82 are swung out of the way when the structure is returned to a folded position.

Reference 4is now made to Figure 7 of the drawings wherein there is shown a view taken approximately ends of the work bench. During the daylight hours, the windows 24 and 29 help provide adequate lightv to the interior of the expanded structure.

In addition to the work bench 44, it is possible to equip our expansible building structure with attached cabinets, drawers, instrument panels, or the like, which are conveniently located with respect to the work bench and are clearly shown in Figure 7. Cabinets 50 are suitably mounted on the top members 23 of the pivotal units 20 as by the use of the hinge members 50', and are of such a depth as to fit between the top members 23 and the work bench top member 46 when the expansible structure is in the folded position as seen in Figures 4 and 5. When the expansible structure is unfolded, as seen in Figure 7, the cabinets pivot with the pivotal units 20 and assume an upright position above the center of the work bench 44. In order to provide space for the roof panel members 3l) and roof panel extension members 32 to pivot from a closed to open position, and vice versa, the cabinets 50 may be pivoted downwardly abou-t the hinge members 50. It is obvious that any type equipment may be attached to the top members 23 or housed in the cabinets 50 which are pivotally attached thereto. In Figure 7 of the drawings the cabinets 56 are shown provided with drawers 51 and electrical instrument panels 52 and 52.

The expanded structure, as shown in Figure 6, may be provided with rigid side walls in place of the side canvas portions 79. Rigid side walls are provided by unfolding the rst and seco-nd roof panel extension sections 33 and 34, respectively, and positioning them at right angles to the roof panel members 30, whereby they extend vertically downward. Such an expansible structure is shown in Figure 8 of the drawings. Referring to Figure 8, it will be noted that the oor extension flaps 42 are provided with longitudinally extending recesses 86 along the outer edges, within which the free edge of the second roof panel extension section 34 may seat. With the rigid side walls thus created by the first and second roof panel extension members 33 and 34, respectively, only the end canvas portions 78 are needed to complete the enclosure of the expanded structure; the side canvas portions 79 now being unnecessary.

As seen in Figures 7 and 8, the instrument panels 52 on-opposite sides of the structure may be electrically connected together by use of cables extending through exible electrical conduits 87 which are fastened between the cabinets 50 and an electrical junction block 88. The junction block 88 is positioned between the work bench top member 46 and the longitudinally extending supporting member 18 and is provided with electrical connections therethrough. The electrical conduits 87 are flexible so that the structure may be opened and closed without damage to the conduits. Screens made of wire mesh or other suitable material may be installed, as shown in Figure 7, between the work bench top member 46 and the longitudinally extending supporting member 18 adjacent the ends of the junction block 88. The screens separate the two halves of the work bench and, at the same time, permit conversation between persons on opposite sides of the work bench. As shown in Figure 8, the cabinets 5G may be supplied with doors 89 which open downwardly.

If more enclosed space is desired than is provided by the structure as shown in Figure 6, the expansible building may be rfurther expanded to a position as shown in Figure 9. Referring to Figure 9, the width of the expanded body has been increased over that shown in Figure 6 by unfolding of the first roof panel extension sections 33, together with the attached second roof panel extension section 34, so that horizontal prolongations of the roof panel members 30 are formed, which extend the width of the first roof panel extension sections 33. The jacks 76 are moved to the end of the roof extension members and provide support thereto. Added roof supl senseo port is provided Ifor the extended roof by the supporting rods 91 which are suitably fastened between the roof panel members and the bulkheads 17. Canvas members 92 comprising side members 93 and end members 94 are fastened to the roof panel members 31 and iirst roof panel extension member 33 and complete the enclosure of the expanded structure.

The canvas end members 94 are provided with zippered openings 95. The canvas side members may be inclined, as shown in Figure 9, by attaching the lower end of the side members to stakes 97 which are driven into the ground several feet from the jacks 76. In this manner, a greater enclosed area results than if the canvas was allowed to hang perpendicularly from the end of the roof panel extension members.

Reference is now made to Figure 10 wherein the expansible structure is shown in a still further expanded, or super-expanded, position. The super-expanded position is obtained from the expanded position of Figure 9 by unfolding the second roof panel extension section 34 into alignment with the first roof panel extension section 33 so as to form a prolongation thereof. The jacks 76 are moved near the free edge of the second roof panel extension section 34 thereby providing support thereat. The supporting rods 91 are left in the same position, as shown in Figure 9. Canvas members 98 having Zippered Openings 98 may be used to enclose the sides and ends of the super-expanded structure, if so desired.

lt will here be noted that the two sides of our expansible building structure do not necessarily have to be expanded or opened the same degree. For example, one side may be left in the closed, or unexpanded, position while the other side is opened to an expanded or superexpanded condition. Thus, it is apparent that each side of the expansible building structure may be opened or closed independently of the other side. This independence of the two sides of the expansible structure .is illustrated in Figure ll of the drawings. Referring to Figure 1l, the left side of the expansible structure is shown fully, or super-expanded, while the right side is shown in the process of being opened. It will be noted that the flap 32 on the left is in a sealing position while the ap 82 on the right isjfolded and not visible in Figure l1.

Figurell also illustrates another one of the numerous uses which may be made of our novel expansible building structure. The structure is used as a bunk house by suitably supporting bunks 1110 between the jacks '76 and upright supporting members 101. It is seen, then, that our novel expansible building structure is extremely adaptable and well suited for many uses.

It will yalso here be noted that the expansible building structure, when in the folded or unexpanded condition, iis small in size and extremely compact. Figures v2 and 3, which are drawn to the same scale, illustrate a folded structure which is Vfour feet high by eight feet wide by twelve feet long. (Although the structure is not primarily designed as a road vehicle, it is seen that `the dimensions are within the road requirements and the folded structure may, therefore, be transported over the road, if desired.) The dimensions of the same structure, in the fully or super-expanded position, as shown in VFigure 10, are eight feet high by thirty-two feet wide by twelve feet long. It is seen then that, while the Vfolded structure is 'extremely compact and easy to transport, the super-expanded structure provides adequate space for use as a work shop, machine shop, bunkhouse or the like, and sucient headroom for ease of movement therein.

Several of the advantages which result from the compactness of the-expansible building structure, when in the folded position, are illustrated in Figures 12, 13 and 14. In Figure l12, one of our folded expansible structures is shown suspended by a line 111 from a helicopter 112. Lines may be easily secured Ito such a compact structure. Figure '13 shows our folded expansible structures stacked neatly 'and securely. In Figure 13, a stack of 'folded expansible building structures four high is shown. The dat tops, sides, and bottoms, allow the structures to be piled safely, without danger of tipping, to almost any height desired. In Figure 14, one of our folded expansible structures is shown being unloaded from a cargo airplane 113. The folded structure is compact and small enough so as to be easily handled by two men. It will be noted that the wheels may be lowered making it easy to transport the structure over the ground and in the airplane.

Our novel expansible structures may be dropped to the ground yfrom the air by parachute without damage thereto. When the structure is to be dropped by parachute the wheels are left in an extended position. This permits the structure to be pushed from the airplane by one person very easily. In addition, the extended wheels act as landing gear, for the structure and greatly cushion the shock of landing. The structure and its contents are thereby protected against shock and damage upon landing.

A modification of our novel expansible building structure is shown in Figure l5 of the drawings. Referring to Figure l5, an expansible building structure is illustrated in which canvas forms the roof and substantially all of the sides of the structure. The modified expansible structure comprises a iioor 16' and bulkheads 17 at each end thereof. The side of the floor is provided with floor extension members 38 and floor extension flaps 42. A substantially inverted U-shaped roof supporting member 116 having parallel spaced legs 117 supports the canvas roof and sides longitudinally through the center of the structure. The legs 117 are shaped so as to slidably fit grooves 118 in the bulkheads 17. The roof supporting member 116 is suitably supported in the extended position. A framework 119 comprising wire rods bent in a generally rectangular shape provide support for the canvas covering of our structure. One edge of each of the generally rectangular wire rod frameworks 119 is supported by the roof supporting member 116 while the outer ends of the wire rod frameworks are supported on jacks 121. The canvas tops, sides and ends 122, 123 and 124 respectively, are suitably secured to the wire rod framework and zippered openings 126 provide access to the structure. An extremely large uninterrupted space may be enclosed with this type of expansible building structure.

Having now described our invention in detail in accordance with the patent statutes, various other changes and modifications will suggest themselves to those skilled in this art, and it is intended that such changes and modiications shall fall within the spirit and scope of the `invention as recited in the following claims.

We claim:

'1. An expansible building structure comprising a generally rectangular-shaped rigid floor; a floor extension member hinged to each of two opposite side edges of the said floor and normally extending upwardly at right angles to the floor and being adapted to be pivoted into alignment with the floor; bulkheads fixed to and extending upwardly at right angles to the floor from the other two opposite side edges of lthe said floor; a supporting member connecting the upper portions of the said bulkheads; a pair of pivotal units each comprising a top member, a side member and end members, one edge of each of the said to-p members being hingedly fastened along the said supporting member, the said floor extension members and side members constituting the side walls of the building structure when the latter is in the folded condition, the said floor extension members `being adapted to be unfolded into alignment with the said floor when the structure is in an expanded position, the said pivotal units being adapted to .be pivoted about the said supporting member whereupon the said side members form the roof and the said top members -form an expanded building structure.

2. The invention as recited in claim 1 including oor extension member aps hingedly fastened to the said floor extension members, the said floor extension member naps extending downwardly adjacent the said oor extension members in the closed position and being adapted to be pivoted into alignment with the oor and oor extension members when the structure is in an expanded position.

3. The invention as recited in claim 1 including roof panel members hinged to the edge of the said side members, the said roof panel members extending upwardly adjacent the said side members in the closed position and being adapted to be pivoted into alignment with the said side member when the structure is in an expanded position.

4. The invention as recited in claim 3 including hinged first and second roof panel extension members hingedly fastened to the said roof panel members and extending adjacent the said roof panel members and oor extension members, respectively, in the closed position; the said rst and second roof panel extension members being adapted to be pivoted into alignment with the said side members in the super-expanded position thereby forming prolongations of the roof, the said rst and second roof panel extension members being adapted to be pivoted into alignment with each other and vertically extended thereby forming side walls for the said struc* ture in an open position.

5. The invention as recited in claim 1 including a Work bench, the top of which extends in a horizontal plaine Ibetween the said bulkheads and below the said supporting member.

6. The invention as recited in claim l including equipment supporting means fastened to the inside of the said top members.

7. The invention as recited in claim 1 including la retractable suspension system comprising a plurality of wheels .adapted to be manually extended and retracted through openings in the said floor.

8. An expansible building structure comprising an elongated rigid oor; a oor extension member hinged to each of two opposite side edges of the said floor and normally extending upwardly at right angles to the floor and being adapted to be pivoted into alignment with the floor; floor extension member flaps hingedly fastened to the said `iioor extension members, the said floor extension member flaps extending downwardly adjacent the said floor extension members in the closed position and being adapted to be pivoted into alignment with the said oor and floor extension members; bulkheads lfixed to and extending upwardly at right angles to the oor from the other `two opposite side edges of the said oor; a supporting member positioned between the upper central portion of the said bulkheads; hinge elements secured to the said supporting member and extending longitudinally thereof; a pair of pivotal units each comprising a top member, a side member and end members; hinge elements secured to one edge of each of the said top members and adapted to be fastened to the said hinge elements secured to the said supporting member; roof panel members hinged to the edge of the said side members; hinged first and -second roof panel extension members hingedly fastened to the said roof panel members; a work bench extending in a horizontal plane between the said bulkheads; equipment supporting means `fastened to the inside of the `said top member; a retractable suspension system comprising a plurality of wheels adapted to be manually extended and retracted through openings in the said floor; the said floor extension members, floor extension member aps, side members, roof panel members, and rst and second roof panel extension members constituting the side walls of the lbuilding structure when in the folded condition; the said floor extension mem-bers and floor extension member flaps being adapted to be unfolded into alignment with the said floor when the structure is in an expanded position, the said pivotal units being adapted to Ibe pivoted about the said supporting member whereupon the said top members form an inner Vertical wall extending longitudinally of the said expanded building structure; and the said roof panel members, and hinged iirst and second roof panel extension members being adapted to Abe unfolded into alignment with the said side members when the structure is in the expanded position thereby forming a roof.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,259,783 Sparling Oct. 21, 1941 2,546,588 Ellis Mar. 7, 1951 2,587,624 Johnson Mar. 4, 1952 2,765,499 Couse Oct. 9, 1956 2,793,067 l Couse May 21, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 742,318 Great Britain Dec. 21, 1955

Images