Convertible Enclosure

Abstract

A movable enclosure is configured to selectively enclose an area. The enclosure includes at least one side wall and an end wall attached thereto. The side wall comprises a number of individual panels that are independently movable along a track secured to the ground. The panels are selectively collapsible such that they may travel along the track and overlap one another when in a collapsed or stowed position. The enclosure may be configured in any number of intermediate positions wherein the panels are partially collapsed. Roof panels may be attached to the side walls for movement therewith, or alternatively, the roof panels may operate independent of the side walls to extend and retract between an open and collapsed configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US11 / 20977, filed on Jan. 12, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 294,302, filed on Jan. 12, 2010, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates in general to the field of enclosures. More particularly, the present invention relates to enclosures that are selectively collapsible and / or movable. Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to an enclosure configured to enclose an outdoor location wherein the enclosure is selectively collapsible for storage. The present application incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 240,020 filed Sep. 4, 2009 and entitled “Movable Enclosure” and Non-Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 12 / 875,833 filed Sep. 3, 2010 and entitl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an enclosure that is convertible between an enclosed configuration and an open configuration. When in the enclosed configuration, the enclosure can have the appearance, character and feeling of a permanent building. When in the open configuration, the enclosure has the feeling of an open air space. In certain embodiments, the enclosure can include movable roof sections and movable wall sections. To promote flexibility, the roof sections and the wall sections can be independently movable relative to each other. In certain embodiments, enclosures in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure can be used to provide custom convertible structures such as convertible patios. For certain applications (e.g., restaurants, bars, hotels, etc.), such convertible patios can be integrated with an existing permanent building and used to provide extra enclosed seating space (e.g., heated and covered space) during inclement weather or during the winter, and can also be used to provide open air seating when weather permits.

Problems solved by technology

This may be undesirable where coverage for the predetermined area is only necessary or desired for a given period of time and where exposure to the elements may be desired on occasion.

Further, such enclosures are generally not selectively configurable and are permanent in nature.

However, such enclosures are typically generally not capable of withstanding a wide variety of weather conditions such as wind, rain, and snow.

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