An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

A building sheltering structure is configured to facilitate the shielding of at least one domicile or building into an underground foundation before an emergency environmental condition arises. The foundation includes a cover plate that translates horizontally to occlude the at least one domicile upon retraction into a secure cavity of the foundation by a lift assembly positioned at the bottom of the foundation cavity. Mounted atop the lift assembly, the at least one domicile can be fully retracted into the foundation cavity and completely shielded by the cover plate. The operation of the lift assembly is commanded and powered by a supply system. A processor of the supply system facilitates emergency warnings and panic transmissions to signal for help. Further, the supply system accommodates a plurality of solar panels mounted atop the at least one domicile to keep the system charged for the use in emergency.

An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections or chains. The linked sections include a plurality of individual segments linked end to end. As the linked segments are extended, each of the individual segments of the linked chains engage individual segments of adjacent linked sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual segments of the linked sections disengage from the individual segment of the adjacent linked sections and the individual linked sections may be rolled up into a multi-sided form for compact storage.

A solar tracking carport comprises a supporting structure including a foundation and at least two columns connected or connectable to the foundation; a three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck having a length from a first edge to a second edge of at least one car, the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck including one or more upper blocks, each of the upper blocks being rigid at least in its longitudinal direction, each of the upper blocks including at least one solar panel; a deck frame configured to support the one or more upper blocks, the deck frame including a torque transmitting member; a rotation enabling connection configured to rotatably connect at least the torque transmitting member of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck to the at least two columns of the supporting structure; and a drive system configured to control tilting of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck about the supporting structure over one axis of rotation to a first maximum angle in a first direction and to a second maximum angle in a second direction, the first maximum angle preventing the first edge of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck from going below a first minimum threshold height, the second maximum angle preventing the second edge of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck from going below a second minimum threshold height.

A packaged container housing structure includes a container box frame of rectangular configuration defining an interior space and an open top, closed bottom, opposite right and left open sides and opposite open ends, a top roof mounted on the container box frame and movable toward and away from the open top to close and open access of air flow into the interior space, coupling fittings integrated at top cover corners to enable lifting the packaged container housing structure, a plurality of deployable panels including wall panels, ceiling panels and floor panels stored in the interior space of the container box frame, and support feet attachable to the floor panels and container box frame being adjustable in length independent of one another so as to position the container box frame in a level orientation relative upon a mounting site.

The present invention relates to a portable building assembly providing a complete structure configured for onsite construction. The structure once packed down can be delivered to site in a flat packed form most efficient for transportation.

An expanded kiosk and kiosk system that is collapsible and deployable by expansion and contraction. The kiosk includes a lighting system adapted to provide a light characteristic to the kiosk and represent a lamp post or light post for public or private spaces. Deployment of the kiosk includes moving first and second vertically-oriented structural units away from one another such that one or more of a canopy, a working surface and/or a front-facing surface are fully deployed and the canopy surface and working surface are substantially parallel to one another.

A movable wall element for a building with a floor and a ceiling is disclosed, where the movable wall element comprises at least one lower roller device comprising a wheel element which is capable of engaging the floor of the building when the wall element is to be moved across the floor. The movable wall element further comprises at least one upper roller device comprising a wheel element which is capable of engaging the ceiling of the building when the wall element is to be moved across the floor.

An expandable structure that includes front and rear structural units having inside-facing surfaces parallel to one another, a retractable top that spans the front and rear structural units, and first and second retractable partitions each of which spans and connects the front and rear structural units. The front structural unit is fixably attached to a substrate and the rear structural unit is mounted on a rolling mechanism so that the rear structural unit may be moved away from the front structural unit in an orientation perpendicular to the face of the first structural unit to a distance equivalent to a deployed depth of the first retractable partition, the second retractable partition and the retractable top.

An elevatable building including a foundation (18) set into a ground surface and a platform (15) that, in the event of a flood, is to be elevated by a lifting mechanism (19). The building includes lightweight walls (14) and a roof assembled on the platform (15) to form a house. An adaptable connection (28) for utility services is provided which adjusts to the height from ground level of the platform when it is raised or lowered by the lifting mechanism so that vital service to the house can remain uninterrupted.