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 telescoping barrier assembly provides interlocking modules coupled together so as to slide vertically with respect to the other. The modules telescopically extend to a deployed position to form a barrier that withstands inertial and the external forces, and then retracts to a collapsed position. The modules include a base module and a plurality of deployable modules that are arranged in a nested configuration, such that each module slides in and out of an adjacent module. The base module has a mounting portion that may be subterranean. A lifting mechanism applies an axial force to the deployable modules to enable displacement between the operational and collapsed position. Spring biased lateral support members help the deployable modules remain in the extended position and a pulley system helps displace the modules to the collapsed position. An inner and outer seal inhibit liquid leakage between the module and between multiple adjacent assemblies.

A telescoping barrier assembly provides interlocking modules coupled together so as to slide vertically with respect to the other. The modules telescopically extend to a deployed position to form a barrier that withstands inertial and the external forces, and then retracts to a collapsed position. The modules include a base module and a plurality of deployable modules that are arranged in a nested configuration, such that each module slides in and out of an adjacent module. The base module has a mounting portion that may be subterranean. A lifting mechanism applies an axial force to the deployable modules to enable displacement between the operational and collapsed position. Spring biased lateral support members help the deployable modules remain in the extended position and a pulley system helps displace the modules to the collapsed position. An inner and outer seal inhibit liquid leakage between the module and between multiple adjacent assemblies.

Transportable unit for forming a straight parallelepiped-shaped residential space, provided with a bottom and a covering, and upright walls extending in between them, which walls can be converted between aparticularly retracted-transport position and aparticularly extended-operational position, in which the unit has a larger height, wherein the unit is equipped as a sanitary unit having a series of toilet bowls, urinals and/or showers.

The solution relates to a unique concept and an efficient construction method and device to enable faster construction by, inter alia, avoiding as much unnecessary work as possible, speeding up the assembly time of building structures and building materials and minimizing dismantling of, inter alia, hoisting cranes or as much as possible. Avoid temporary building constructions such as construction lift systems and a lifting shed. Methods and devices for building a structure such as relatively high, multi-story buildings include building the structure using construction aids which are at least partly adapted to act as functional part of the structure to be and remain permanently incorporated into the structure. A tower and/or hoisting machine of a construction crane or construction lift can be used as a permanent part of the construction, such as part of a lift installation, after the construction phase of the construction work.

The invention relates to a telescopic shipping container transformable between a reduced configuration having reduced height and an erected configuration, the container including a top segment and a bottom segment. The container bottom segment includes a rigid base panel having four corner fittings and the container top segment includes a rigid roof panel having four corner fittings. The container includes four corner posts each extending between a roof corner fitting and a base corner fitting and including a top element rigidly connected to the roof panel and a bottom element rigidly connected to the base panel, each corner post having a retractable/extendable configuration. The container is characterized in that the container includes a front-end panel having at least one hinged door leaf. The door leaf includes a top section pivotably connected to the top element of the adjacent corner post, a bottom section pivotably connected to the bottom element of the adjacent corner post, and an intermediate section that is in telescopic engagement with the top section of the door leaf and with the bottom section of the door leaf. The intermediate section interconnects the top section and the bottom section.