A PORTABLE BUILDING STRUCTURE

Abstract

A portable building structure is provided with a central main frame with a roof and a floor and pair of spaced apart uprights located at each end of the main frame creating an recess, top and bottom of the main frame, at least one movable roof structure mounted relative to the recess for movement between a raised, use position and a folded, storage position in which the at least one movable roof structure at least partially closes a lateral side of the main frame, at least one movable floor structure mounted relative to the recess for movement between a lowered, use position and a folded, storage position and at least one moveable wall structure including an end wall frame and a pair of folding frame walls, one at each end of the main frame, mounted relative to the recess, a second of each pair mounted to the end support, for sliding movement from a storage position within the recess, to a use position between an outer end of the at least one movable roof structure and at least one movable floor structure when deployed.

Claims

1. a portable building structure comprising: a) a main frame with; i. a roof; ii. a floor; and iii. at least one upright located at each end of the main frame between the roof and floor, the at least one of the upright of each pair spaced inwardly from a lateral edge of the roof and the floor, to create a recess, top and bottom of the main frame, on at least one lateral side; b) at least one movable roof structure mounted relative to the recess for movement between a raised use position and a folded storage position in which the at least one movable roof structure at least partially closes a lateral side of the main frame; c) at least one movable floor structure mounted relative to the recess for movement between a lowered use position and a folded storage position in which the at least one movable floor structure at least partially closes the lateral side of the main frame; and d) at least one moveable wall structure including: i. at least one end support; ii. a pair of folding frame walls, one of the pair of folding frame walls at each end of the main frame, one of each pair of frame walls mounted relative to the recess, a second of each pair mounted to the at least one end support, the folding frame walls mounting the at least one end support for sliding movement from a storage position within the recess, to a use position between an outer end of the at least one movable roof structure and at least one movable floor structure when deployed.

2. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein a pair of spaced apart uprights is provided at each end of the main frame and an unswept space is created between the pair of spaced apart uprights over a length of the main frame.

3. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 1 further comprising one or more wall panels mounted relative to the at least one end support and the folding frame walls.

4. (canceled)

5. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the main frame is positioned centrally between a pair of deployable, movable wall structures, one on either lateral side of the main frame.

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one upright located at each end of the main frame has an outer side which is spaced inwardly from a respective lateral edge of the main frame to create an recess on each lateral side of the main frame.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one movable roof structure is hinged to the roof of the main frame to allow pivotal movement.

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one movable roof structure is mounted within the recess of the main frame.

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one movable floor structure is mounted at an outer edge of the recess of the main frame.

29. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 1 further comprising one or more assistance mechanisms provided in relation to the at least one movable floor structure and the at least one movable roof structure to provide assistance to a user in moving the at least one movable floor structure, particularly into the storage position.

30. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 29 wherein the one or more assistance mechanisms are removably attachable.

31. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the end support moves between the at least one movable roof structure and at least one movable floor structure, translating from the storage position to the use position once the at least one movable roof structure and at least one movable floor structure have been deployed.

32. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein an end wall frame is provided, the end wall frame formed from a pair of substantially vertical end members, at least one top rail and at least one bottom rail.

33. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 32 wherein at least one roller is provided at a lower end of each of the substantially vertical end members of the end wall frame.

34. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 33 wherein at least one roller is provided at an upper end of each of the substantially vertical end members of the end wall frame.

35. A portable building structure as claimed claim 1 wherein the end support is load-bearing, supporting the at least one movable roof structure by abutment with the at least one movable floor structure when in the use position.

36. A portable building structure claim 1 wherein the end support is received within the recess area when in the storage position located inside the at least one movable roof structure when in the storage condition.

37. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the pair of folding frame walls includes at least two frame walls which fold relative to one another during deployment and storage and which are substantially coplanar when in the use position.

38. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 37 wherein a first frame wall is mounted relative to an upright of the main frame using at least one hinge, a second frame wall is mounted relative to the end wall frame using at least one hinge and relative to the first frame wall using at least one hinge.

39. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 38 wherein the at least one hinge provided between the first frame wall and the second frame wall has at least an inner leaf and at least an outer leaf, at least one of the inner leaf and outer leaf provided in a floating configuration allowing at least one of the first frame wall and the second frame wall to move vertically, both up and down relative to an adjacent component.

40. A portable building structure as claimed in claim 39 wherein the floating configuration includes positioning a leaf relative to one of the first frame wall or the second frame wall to provide a degree of movement vertically but to otherwise confine a movement of the leaf.

41. (canceled)

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0103] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0104] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portable building structure according to an embodiment in the storage/transport condition.

[0105] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the portable building structure illustrated in FIG. 1 in the expanded condition.

[0106] FIG. 3 is an end view of the portable building structure illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0107] FIG. 4 is a schematic flow showing the expansion of the portable building structure illustrated in FIG. 1 to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0108] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the portable building structure illustrated in FIG. 1 in a partially expanded condition.

[0109] FIG. 6 is an isometric partial view showing the location and detail of a lower roller on a movable wall frame according to an embodiment.

[0110] FIG. 7 is an end view of the lower portion of the portable building structure illustrated in FIG. 1 and detail of the floor assembly in the storage and deployed positions.

[0111] FIG. 8 is an end view of the floor assembly of the portable building structure illustrated in FIG. 1 in the folded and unfolded positions.

[0112] FIG. 9 is an isometric view showing the location and detail of an upper roller on a movable wall frame according to an embodiment.

[0113] FIG. 10 is an end view of the upper portion of the portable building structure illustrated in FIG. 1 and detail of the roof assembly.

[0114] FIG. 11 is an end view of the roof assembly of the portable building structure illustrated in FIG. 1 in the folded and unfolded positions.

[0115] FIG. 12 is an isometric view showing the location and detail of a floating hinge arrangement according to an embodiment.

[0116] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a mounting hinge between the floor and the main body according to an embodiment in the storage position.

[0117] FIG. 14 is an end view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 13 with the floor in the storage/transport condition.

[0118] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 13 in the deployed position.

[0119] FIG. 16 is an end view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 13 with the floor in the deployed condition.

[0120] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a mounting hinge between the roof and the main body in the storage/transport condition, according to an embodiment.

[0121] FIG. 18 is an end view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 17 with the roof in the storage/transport condition.

[0122] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 17 with the roof in the deployed condition.

[0123] FIG. 20 is an end view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 17 with the roof in the deployed condition.

[0124] With reference to the accompanying figures, a portable building structure 10 is shown. The illustrated portable building structure 10 includes a central main frame 11 with a fixed roof 12, a fixed floor 13, and a pair of spaced apart uprights 14 located at each end of the main frame 11 between the fixed roof 12 and fixed floor 13. Each of the uprights 14 are spaced inwardly from a lateral edge of the fixed roof 12 and the fixed floor 13 to create a recess 15 at the top and bottom of the main frame 11, on each lateral side of the main frame 11.

[0125] The portable building structure 10 also includes a movable roof structure 16 mounted relative to the recess 15 on each lateral side of the main frame 11 for movement between a raised, use position illustrated in FIG. 2 and a folded, storage position in which the movable roof structure 16 at least partially closes a lateral side of the main frame 11.

[0126] The portable building structure 10 also includes a movable floor structure 17 mounted relative to the recess 15 on each lateral side of the main frame 11 for movement between a lowered, use position, illustrated in FIG. 2 and a folded, storage position in which the at least one movable floor structure at least partially closes the lateral side of the main frame, illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0127] A moveable wall structure is provided on either lateral side of the main frame 11. The moveable wall structure includes an end wall frame 18, and a pair of bifold frame walls, one at each end of the main frame 11. An inner bifold 19 of each pair of frame walls is mounted relative to the recess 15 and an outer bifold 20 of each pair of frame walls is mounted to the end wall frame 18.

[0128] The pair of bifold frame walls mount the end wall frame 18 for sliding movement from a storage position within the recess 15, to a use position between an outer end of the movable roof structure 16 and movable floor structure 17 when deployed. The stages of deployment of the portable building structure 10 are illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0129] The portable building structure of the present invention is typically transportable. The building structure will typically be transported in the storage configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 and once on site, is expanded or deployed into the use configuration illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0130] The unswept volume 21 in the main frame 11 of the building structure 10 provides a volume in which to store items within the structure 10, but the items can be stored in this volume, in such a way that they do not need to be moved during the deployment of the building structure 10 or during use in order to deploy the building structure 10.

[0131] As illustrated, all of the walls of the portable building structure 10 are provided as frame walls, formed from a number of frame members attached to or relative to one another. This allows a reduction in weight. It also allows the appearance of the building structure 10 to be changed by attaching different wall panels relative to the frame.

[0132] The building structure 10 illustrated is fitted with ISO corner castings 22 provided at each of the upper and lower, outer ends of the main frame 11. The number and positioning of the ISO corner castings 22 is such that standard handling equipment can be used to handle the portable building structure 10 when in the storage configuration.

[0133] As illustrated, the main frame 11 is constructed using a number of frame members attached together to form the main frame 11. The sides of the main frame 11 will typically be open, with the top of the main frame 11 closed by the fixed roof 12 and the bottom of the main frame 11 closed by the fixed floor 13.

[0134] The fixed roof 12 includes a single roof panel 22 provided within a surround frame made up of a number of frame members. The surround frame (and fixed roof) is generally rectangular as shown. The surround frame will normally be formed from a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel side members 24 and a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel end members 25. A corner casting 22 is provided at each of the corners of the surround frame of the fixed roof 12. The side members 24 of the fixed roof surround frame are spaced inwardly, preferably evenly, from the lateral extremity of the main frame 11 by a distance of approximately ½ of the width of the corner castings 22. The roof panel 22 may be formed of any material but a metal is preferred.

[0135] The fixed floor 13 includes a single floor panel 26 provided relative to a surround frame. The surround frame (and fixed floor) is generally rectangular as shown. The surround frame will normally be formed from a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel side members 27 and a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel end members 28. A corner casting 22 is provided at each of the corners of the surround frame of the fixed floor 13. The side members 27 of the fixed floor surround frame are located such that an outer wall of the side members 27 is positioned adjacent to the lateral extremity of the main frame 11 (extending to be approximately coplanar with the outside surface of the corner castings 22). The floor panel 26 may be formed of any material but a metal is preferred.

[0136] Each of the surround frames will typically be formed from a number of frame members which are attached together. Each of the frame members are elongate. Each of the frame members are preferably made of a robust and strong material usually a light metal. Although each of the frame members may have any cross-sectional shape, a rectangular hollow section (RHS) is preferred. Typically, the surround frame members are permanently attached to or relative to one another using an appropriate attachment method such as welding if the members are metal.

[0137] The fixed roof 12 and the fixed floor 13 are separated by a pair of spaced apart uprights 14 located at each end of the main frame 11 between the fixed floor 12 and the fixed roof 13. As shown, the pair of spaced apart uprights 14 are located between the end members 25, 28 of the surround frames of the fixed floor 13 and fixed roof 12. In the illustrated embodiment, both of the pair of spaced apart uprights 14 located at each end of the main frame 11 are spaced inwardly from the respective lateral edge of the main frame 11 to create a recess 15 on each lateral side of the main frame 11. The recess 15 extends over the length of the main frame 11, at the top and the bottom.

[0138] Each of the uprights 14 is preferably elongate. Each of the uprights 14 is preferably manufactured from a strong and robust material. A light metal is preferred. Each of the uprights 14 is a rectangular hollow section (RHS).

[0139] Angled bracing plates 29 are provided between each of the uprights 14 and the respective end member 25, 28 of the surround frames of the fixed floor 13 and fixed roof 12. The angled plates 29 also function as gusset plates used to strengthen joints, but also to be used as attachment points for wall panels.

[0140] Together, the pairs of spaced apart uprights 14 located at each end of the main frame 11 define a generally rectangular area between them within the main frame 11, which is the unswept area. The unswept area of the illustrated embodiment extends over the height of the main frame 11 between the fixed floor 13 and the fixed roof 12. The other components of the portable building structure are preferably mounted relative to the main frame 11 outside the uprights 14, or at least no further inwardly than the inner side of the uprights 14. The recess 15 is defined between an outer side of the uprights 14 on one lateral side of the main frame 11 and the outer end of the end members 24, 27 of the fixed floor 13 and fixed roof 12.

[0141] As shown best in FIGS. 6 to 8, a guide channel 30 is provided on an upper side of each end member 28 of the surround frame of the fixed floor 13, in the recess area 15. The guide channel 30 extends laterally over the length of the recess 15 and the corner casting 22.

[0142] As shown best in FIGS. 6 to 8, a guide channel 31 is provided on a lower side of each end member 25 of the surround frame of the fixed roof 12, in the recess area 15. The guide channel 31 extends laterally to the outer side of the side member 24 of the surround frame, part way across the corner casting 22.

[0143] As will be explained further below, the guide channels 30, 31 guide movement of the end wall frame 18 of the movable wall structure.

[0144] The guide channels 30, 31 as illustrated are substantially U-shaped, having a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel upstanding walls and a transverse linking web therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 in particular, the ends of the substantially parallel upstanding walls are arcuate in order to assist with clearance, when the movable roof structure 16 and movable floor structure 17 are moved.

[0145] The movable roof structure 16 of the illustrated embodiment includes a single roof panel 32 extending over the length of the portable building structure 11 and substantially the height of the main frame 11. Providing a single roof panel 32 of this size allows the height of the main frame 11 to define the maximum span of the roof (the span of the roof can be smaller than the height but not larger) but also to allow the roof panel 32 to at least partially close a lateral side of the main frame 11 when in the storage position.

[0146] In situations where a pair of movable roof structures 16 are provided, such as that illustrated, one on either lateral side of the main frame 11, this allows the deployed configuration of the portable building structure 10 to be up to 3 times the volume of the main frame 11 (of course depending upon the dimension of the main frame).

[0147] The movable roof structure 16 of the illustrated embodiment is formed of an outer surround frame provided about, and surrounding the roof panel 32. The outer surround frame illustrated includes a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel side members and a pair of transversely extending, parallel, spaced apart end members rendering the surround frame substantially rectangular.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 17, a shaped corner portion 33 is provided at the respective inner corners of the surround frame of the movable roof structure 16. The corner portion 33 shown is substantially L-shaped to allow clearance for the movable roof structure 16 about the corner casting 22. In the illustrated configuration, the inner side member of the surround frame of the movable roof structure is not full length, stopping short of the end members and the end members of the surround frame of the movable roof structure 16 are not full width, stopping short of the inner side member. The inner side member and the end members are typically connected using an L-shaped corner structure to provide the clearance for the corner casting 22.

[0149] The inner side member of the surround frame of the movable roof structure 16 is mounted to the side member 24 of the surround frame of the fixed roof 12 of the main frame 11 using an elongate hinge 34 extending over the length of the inner side member of the movable roof structure 16. The elongate hinge 34 preferably extends over the full length of the inner side member between the corner castings 22. In this embodiment, the hinge 34 is a piano hinge.

[0150] As best illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, a guide channel 35 is provided on an under side (when deployed) or inner side (when stored) of each end member of the surround frame of the movable roof structure 16. The guide channel aligns with guide channel 31 to guide movement of the end wall frame 18 of the movable wall structure during deployment and storage. The channel 35 is substantially U-shaped, having a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel upstanding walls and a transverse linking web therebetween. As shown in FIG. 10 in particular, the ends of the substantially parallel walls of the channel 35 are spaced from the substantially parallel walls of the adjacent channel 31 located in the recess area 15 in order to provide clearance for movement of the movable roof structure 16. The ends of the substantially parallel walls of the channels 31, 35 are arcuate to enhance this clearance.

[0151] As best shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, the channel 35 extends across the open part of the shaped corner portion 33 provided at an inner side of the movable roof structure 16. When the movable roof structure 16 is in the deployed condition, the end portion of the channel 35 lies underneath the corner casting 22 as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0152] In the use position illustrated in FIG. 2 at least, the movable roof structure 16 is substantially horizontal and preferably substantially coplanar with the fixed roof 12 of the main frame 11.

[0153] In the collapsed position, for storage and/or transport, as shown in FIG. 1 at least, the movable roof structure 16 is preferably substantially vertical. In this position, the movable roof structure 16 will preferably at least partially close a lateral side of the main frame 11.

[0154] In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of lifting springs, pneumatic springs or gas struts 36 is provided, one at either end of the movable roof structure 16 to provide assistance to a user in moving the movable roof structure, 16 particularly into the use position. Normally, the lifting springs, pneumatic springs or gas struts 36 are provided between an upright 14 of the main frame 11 and an end frame member of the surround frame of the movable roof structure 16.

[0155] The lifting springs, pneumatic springs or gas struts 36 are removably attachable. In the illustrated embodiment, a stub axle or connector is provided on the frame members at either end of the lifting springs, pneumatic springs or gas struts 36 and the lifting springs, pneumatic springs or gas struts 36 are provided with a ball socket or similar arrangement at each end in order to be removably located relative to the stub axle or connector. The lifting springs, pneumatic springs or gas struts 36 are normally used to assist the movement of the movable roof structure 16 and then be removed whilst the building structure 11 is in use.

[0156] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the movable roof structure 16 is mounted within the recess area 15 of the main frame 11. The movable roof structure 16 is preferably received within the recess area 15 between the fixed roof 12 and fixed floor 13 of the main frame 11, when in the storage or collapsed position.

[0157] As illustrated, the movable floor structure 17 include a single floor panel 38 extending over the length of the portable building structure 11 and the height of the main frame 11. Providing a single floor panel 38 of this size allows the height of the main frame 11 to define the maximum span of the floor (the span of the floor may be smaller than the height but not larger) but also to allow the floor panel 38 to at least partially close a lateral side of the main frame 11 when in the storage position. In an embodiment, the floor panel is substantially planar and manufactured of a light metal.

[0158] Typically, a movable floor structure 17 is provided on both lateral sides of the main frame 11, which allows the deployed configuration of the portable building structure 10 to be up to 3 times the volume of the main frame 11 (of course depending upon the dimension of the main frame).

[0159] As illustrated, the movable floor structure 17 is preferably substantially planar, formed of an outer surround frame provided about, and surrounding a floor panel 38. The outer surround frame preferably includes a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel side members and a pair of transversely extending, parallel, spaced apart end members.

[0160] In the illustrated embodiment and in contrast to the inner side member of the surround frame of the movable roof 16, the inner side member of the surround frame of the movable floor structure 17 extends the full length of the movable floor structure 17 and main frame 11.

[0161] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the inner side member of the surround frame of the movable floor structure 17 is mounted to the side member 27 of the surround frame of the fixed floor 13 of the main frame 11 using an elongate hinge 39 extending over the length of the inner side member between the corner castings 22. In this embodiment, the hinge 39 is a piano hinge.

[0162] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, a guide channel 40 is preferably provided on an upper side (when deployed) or inner side (when stored) of each end member of the surround frame of the movable floor structure 17. As will be explained further below, the guide channel 40 will typically guide movement of the movable wall structure. The guide channel 40 will typically be substantially U-shaped, having a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel upstanding walls and a transverse linking web therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the guide channel 40 is preferably aligned with the guide channel 30 provided on the upper side of the lower end member 28 of the main frame 11 in the recess area 15. As seen best in FIG. 7, the ends of the substantially parallel walls of the channel 40 are spaced from the substantially parallel walls of the adjacent channel 30 located in the recess area 15 in order to provide clearance for movement of the movable floor structure 17. The ends of the substantially parallel walls of the channel 30, 40 are preferably arcuate to enhance this clearance.

[0163] In the use position shown in FIG. 2 at least, the movable floor structure 17 is preferably substantially horizontal and substantially coplanar with the fixed floor 13 of the main frame 11.

[0164] In the collapsed position shown in FIG. 1 at least, for storage and/or transport, the movable floor structure 17 is preferably substantially vertical. In this position, the movable floor structure 17 will preferably at least partially close a lateral side of the main frame 11.

[0165] One or more lifting springs, pneumatic springs or gas strut assistance mechanisms are provided in the illustrated embodiment, provided in relation to the movable floor structure 17 to provide assistance to a user in moving the movable floor structure 17. As shown in FIG. 5 at least, a pair of assistance mechanisms are provided between an upright 14 of the main frame 11 and an end frame member of the surround frame of the movable floor structure 17. The assistance mechanisms 41 are typically removably attachable. In an embodiment, a stub axle or connector may be provided on the frame members and the assistance mechanisms 41 are provided with a ball socket (or similar arrangement) at each end in order to be removably located relative to the stub axle or connector. The assistance mechanisms 41 may be used to assist the movement of the movable floor structure 17 and then be removed whilst the building structure 10 is in use.

[0166] In contrast with the movable roof structure 16, the movable floor structure 17 is typically mounted relative to the main frame 11 at an outer edge of the recess 15 at a lower side of the main frame 11 as shown in FIG. 7 in particular. The movable floor structure 17 will preferably be located outside the recess 15 when in the folded or storage position. In addition, the movable floor structure 17 will typically lack the corner portions provided on the movable roof structure 33 shown in FIG. 17, in order to provide clearance for the corner castings 22 if provided. The movable floor structure 17 will be located outside the movable roof structure 16 in the storage position and is normally deployed before the movable roof structure 16 when deploying the building structure 10 and will be moved after the movable roof structure 16 when moving the building structure 10 to the storage or transport condition.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 5 in particular, the end wall frame 18 is mounted to an outer bifold 20 of each of the pair of folding frame walls. The end wall frame 18 moves between the movable roof structure 16 and movable floor structure 17, translating from the storage position to the use position once the movable roof structure 16 and movable floor structure 17 have been deployed. The end wall frame 18 can be moved by an operator, which causes movement of the pair of folding frame walls and/or the pair of folding frame walls can be moved, which causes movement of the end wall frame 18. The end wall frame 18 will remain substantially vertical at all times during use, during deployment between the use position and the storage position and back, and during storage.

[0168] As illustrated, the end wall frame 18 is formed from a pair of substantially vertical end members 44, a top rail 43 and an optional bottom rail 45. A pair of intermediate upright members 46 are provided between the substantially vertical end members 43. The members of the end wall frame 18 are preferably elongate. The members of the end wall frame are typically formed from a strong and robust material of which a light metal is preferred. Although the members may have any cross-sectional shape, preferably, each of the members is a rectangular hollow section.

[0169] The end wall frame 18 is typically relative to the movable roof structure 16 and the movable floor structure 17 using a roller 47 at a lower end of each of the substantially vertical end members 44 of the end wall frame 18 (as illustrated in FIG. 6) and a roller 47 provided at an upper end of each of the substantially vertical end members 44 of the end wall frame 18 (as illustrated in FIG. 9). Each roller 47 will typically travel in a respective guide channel 30, 31 provided on the main frame 11 (at the start of deployment and the end of the storage) and a guide channel 35, 40 on the side members of the surround frame of the movable roof structure 16 and movable floor structure 17.

[0170] In the illustrated embodiment, the end wall frame 18 is preferably load-bearing. When deployed, the end wall frame 18 will usually support the movable roof structure 16 above the movable floor structure 17 by abutment of the rollers in the guide channels 35, 40. Each of the rollers 47 (at least at the lower side) provided is also normally load-bearing.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 3, the end wall frame 18 will normally be received within the recess area 15 when in the storage position. The end wall frame 18 is typically located inside the movable roof structure 16 when the portable building structure 10 is in the storage condition.

[0172] As mentioned previously, one or more wall panels can be mounted relative to the end wall frame 18 in order to partially enclose the building structure.

[0173] A folding frame wall is preferably provided at each end of the main frame 11. A folding frame wall is preferably provided between each end of the main frame 11 and the respective end of the end wall frame 18. Each folding frame wall is connected to the end wall frame 18 such that movement of the end wall frame 18 also moves each folding frame wall and vice versa. Each folding frame wall is preferably not supported directly by the movable roof structure 16 or the movable floor structure 17 but is supported relative to rollers 47 to allow movement. Each folding frame wall is typically supported between the end wall frame 18 and the upright 14 of the main frame 11.

[0174] As illustrated, each of the pair of folding frame walls includes two bifold frame walls which fold relative to one another, an inner bifold 19 mounted relative to the upright 14 and an outer bifold 20 mounted outside the inner bifold 19 and to the end wall frame 18.

[0175] The inner bifold 19 is preferably mounted relative to an outer side or surface of the upright 14. The inner bifold 19 is preferably mounted relative to the upright 14 using a number of hinges 48. Three hinges 48 are used in the illustrated embodiment.

[0176] The hinges 48 are provided between the inner bifold 19 and the upright 14. Each of the hinges 48 is preferably a concealed hinge. Each of the hinges preferably has an inner leaf attached to the upright 14 and an outer leaf attached to the inner bifold 19. Both leaves are preferably fixed in position relative to the upright 14.

[0177] An outer bifold 20 is preferably provided with an inner side of the outer bifold 20 typically mounted to an outer side of the inner bifold 19. The outer bifold 20 is preferably mounted relative to the inner bifold 19 using a number of hinges 49. Three hinges 49 are used in the illustrated embodiment.

[0178] Each of the hinges 49 is preferably a concealed hinge. Each of the hinges 49 preferably has an inner leaf attached to the inner bifold 19 and an outer leaf attached to the outer bifold 20. As shown in FIG. 12, the inner leaf is preferably fixed in position relative to the inner bifold 19. The outer leaf is preferably provided in a floating configuration in which the outer leaf of hinge 49 between the inner bifold 19 and the outer bifold 20 so that the bifolds 19, 20 can move vertically, both up and down relative to one another. The provision of a floating outer leaf will allow relative movement (within limits) between the inner bifold 19 and the outer bifold 20 in order to adjust for any height differential in the level of the floor or ground upon which the building structure 10 is located.

[0179] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the outer leaf is provided in a slot opening 50 in the outer bifold 20 which is longer than the outer leaf of the hinge in order to provide a degree of movement vertically between the inner bifold 19 and the outer bifold 20 but also to confine the movement of the outer leaf.

[0180] As shown in numerous Figures, an outer end of the outer bifold 20 is mounted to the end wall frame 18. Preferably, the outer end of the outer bifold 20 is mounted to the substantially vertical end members 44 of the end wall frame 18. The outer bifold 20 is preferably mounted relative to the end wall frame 18 using a number of hinges 48. Three hinges 48 are used in the illustrated embodiment.

[0181] Each of the hinges 48 is preferably a concealed hinge. Each of the hinges preferably has an inner leaf attached to the outer bifold 20 and an outer leaf attached to the end wall frame 18. Both leaves are preferably fixed in position relative to the outer bifold 20 and the end wall frame 18.

[0182] As shown, each of the frame walls of the portable building structure 10 is preferably configured as an open frame having a pair of substantially vertical members connected at the top end by a top rail and at the bottom end by a bottom rail. Each of the frame members is preferably elongate. Each of the frame members will preferably be manufactured from a light but strong and robust material such as a light metal. Although any cross-sectional shape may be used, it is preferred that the frame members are rectangular hollow section.

[0183] Corner bracing may be provided between the vertical members, the top rail and/or the bottom rail and in the illustrated form, the corner bracing is an angled plate.

[0184] The inner bifold 19 and outer bifold 20 unfold as the end wall frame 18 is translated into the deployed position and fold as the end wall frame 18 is translated into the storage position. The folding frame walls are preferably always substantially vertical.

[0185] Any one or more of the wall frames of the movable wall structure may be plumbed and/or wired.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 3 in particular, the inner bifold 19 and outer bifold 20 are located within the recess area 15 of the main frame 11 when in the storage position, located between the unswept area 21 of the main frame 11 on an inner side, and the end wall frame 18 on the outside.

[0187] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.