Expandable housing structure with stacked walls

Abstract

An expandable structure includes an expanded portion having walls that are stackable to and deployable from a bulkhead center housing. A linear actuator may be disposed on the enclosure wall to facilitate movement of the wall panel into and out of the center housing. Each linear actuator can be easily detached from the structure for maintenance or future upgrading. Meanwhile, the linear actuator can work in cooperation with the precise rail system, and precise displacement of each independent wall plate is ensured. By means of the innovative configuration, all the wall plates can be efficiently and accurately stored in the central enclosure bulkhead, and meanwhile the wall plates can be used as a basic supporting structure of the compartment body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to expandable structures. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to an expandable housing structure including an expansion section wall stored as a stack of multiple wall panels. Background Art

[0002] The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (such as, but not limited to, methods, facts or common knowledge), and while these examples are expected to help further educate the reader of additional aspects of the prior art, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention or any embodiment thereof to anything stated, implied or inferred therein.

[0003] Recently, expandable housing structures have attracted more attention in the field of mobile homes and recreational vehicles (RVs). The expansion mode will determine the effective living area, the complexity of the drive and control system, and the purchase and maintenance costs. It is of great significance to explore a simple and reliable expansion mechanism.

[0004] Conventional (RV) configurations are characterized by significantly limited slide-out areas. The primary approach for RV manufacturers seeking to increase the limited space within a slide-out structure is to increase the size of the initial vehicle cabin. This, in turn, creates a proportional relationship between the extent of the slide-out area and the available cabin space. However, such solutions have inherent limitations.

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for an expandable housing structure that can expand the living space through an improved slide-out configuration. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention are intended to solve the above-mentioned problems in conventional expandable structures by improving the slide-out mechanism, thereby facilitating more efficient use of space. This innovative design not only enhances the functionality of the slide-out structure, but also provides a wider and more comfortable environment for the end user, marking a major advancement in RV design.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides an expandable structure, comprising: a main structure; a first expansion part, which can be expanded outward from the main structure along a first direction; and the walls of the first expansion part are formed by a plurality of wall panels, and the plurality of wall panels in a retracted configuration can be stacked and stored.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides an expandable structure, comprising: a main structure; a first expansion part, which can be expanded outward from the main structure along a first direction; and a second expansion part, which can be expanded outward from the main structure along a second direction, wherein the first and second side walls of the first expansion part are formed by a plurality of first and second side wall panels, and the wall panels in a retracted configuration can be stacked and stored; the third and fourth side walls of the second expansion part are formed by a plurality of third and fourth side wall panels of the second expansion part, and the wall panels in the retracted configuration can be stacked and stored; first and second surrounding wall shells, which respectively accommodate the plurality of first and second wall panels in the retracted configuration; and third and fourth surrounding wall shells, which respectively accommodate the plurality of third and fourth wall panels of the second extension part in the retracted configuration.

[0009]

[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals may indicate similar elements.

[0011] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an expandable structure in a retracted state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 Shows the expanded state Figure 1 A perspective view of the expandable structure;

[0013] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 The floor plan of the expandable structure;

[0014] Figure 4 Shown for Figure 1 The expandable structure provides a perspective view of the walled housing of the expandable wall;

[0015] Figure 5 Shown in Figure 4 An exploded view of an actuator used in a walled housing;

[0016] Figure 6 Show Figure 4 An exploded view of the surrounding wall shell;

[0017] Fig. 7A Show Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a walled shell having a wall panel;

[0018] Figure 7B Shown along Fig. 7A A detailed cross-sectional view taken through circle 74;

[0019] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D Actuation of an actuator of the enclosure wall housing is shown to move the wall panel from a stored position to a deployed position;

[0020] Fig. 9A Show Figure 4 A side view of the surrounding wall shell;

[0021] Fig. 9B Shown along Fig. 9A A cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of , wherein three wall panels in the walled housing are in a storage position;

[0022] Fig. 10A Show Figure 4 A side view of the surrounding wall shell;

[0023] Fig. 10B Shown along Fig. 10A A cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of the present invention, wherein three wall panels are moved to a first wall panel deployed position;

[0024] Fig.11A Show Figure 4 A side view of the surrounding wall shell;

[0025] Fig. 11B Shown along Fig.11A A cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of , wherein the first wall panel is moved out of the walled housing and the second wall panel is moved to interlock with the first wall panel;

[0026] Fig. 12A Show Figure 4 A side view of the surrounding wall shell;

[0027] Fig. 12B Shown along Fig. 12A a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of , wherein the second wall panel is moved to the deployed position after being interlocked with the first wall panel;

[0028] Fig.13A Show Figure 4 A side view of the surrounding wall shell;

[0029] Fig. 13B Shown along Fig.13A A cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of the present invention, wherein the second wall panel is moved out of the surrounding wall housing and the third wall panel is interlocked with the second wall panel;

[0030] Fig.14A The first step of retracting the wall of the extension is shown, wherein the third wall panel is moved into the surrounding wall housing;

[0031] Fig. 14B Another step of retracting the walls of the extension is shown, wherein the third wall panel is moved toward the storage position, eliminating the interlock with the second wall panel;

[0032] Fig. 14C Another step of retracting the wall of the extension is shown, wherein an actuator that pushes the third wall panel toward the storage position is retracted;

[0033] Fig.14D Another step of retracting the wall of the extension is shown, wherein the second wall panel is moved inside the walled housing;

[0034] Fig.14E showing another step of retracting the wall of the extension portion, wherein the second wall panel is urged toward a storage position by the actuator;

[0035] Fig.15 A perspective view showing a track operable to move a wall panel into and out of a surrounding wall housing;

[0036] Fig.16 showing a perspective view of another track operable to move a wall panel into and out of the enclosure housing;

[0037] Fig.17 Show Fig.15 an exploded view of a track having a plurality of track adapters; and

[0038] 18A to 18D Show Fig.17 Top, perspective, front and side views of the track adapter are shown.

[0039] The illustrations in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0040] Now, the present invention and its various embodiments may be better understood by turning to the following detailed description, wherein an illustrated embodiment is described. It should be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth by way of example and not as limitations of the invention ultimately defined in the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" are intended to include plural forms as well as singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the term "comprising" when used in this specification specifies the presence of the described features, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted as an idealized or overly formal meaning unless explicitly so defined.

[0043] In describing the present invention, it will be understood that many techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these techniques has its own advantages, and each may also be used in combination with one or more other disclosed techniques, or in some cases in combination with all other disclosed techniques. Therefore, for the sake of clarity, this description will avoid repeating each possible combination of the various steps in an unnecessary manner. However, it should be understood when reading the specification and claims that such combinations are fully within the scope of the present invention and the claims.

[0044] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details.

[0045] The present disclosure is considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings or in the following description.

[0046] As is well known to those skilled in the art, many careful considerations and trade-offs must generally be made when designing the optimal configuration for a commercial implementation of any system, particularly embodiments of the present invention. Commercial implementations according to the spirit and teachings of the present invention may be configured according to the needs of a particular application, whereby any aspect, feature, function, result, component, method, or step of the teachings associated with any described embodiment of the present invention may be appropriately omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and / or optimized by those skilled in the art using their ordinary skills and known techniques to achieve a desired implementation that addresses the needs of a particular application.

[0047] In summary, embodiments of the present invention provide an expandable structure that includes an expansion portion having walls that can be stacked onto and deployed from a perimeter wall center housing. Linear actuators can be deployed on the perimeter walls to facilitate the movement of wall panels into and out of the center housing. Each linear actuator can be easily removed from the structure for maintenance or future upgrades. At the same time, the linear actuators can work in conjunction with a precision track system to ensure precise displacement of each individual wall panel. This innovative configuration not only allows for efficient and accurate storage of each wall panel within the center perimeter wall, but also simultaneously serves as the base support structure for the car body.

[0048] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the expandable structure 10 can be in the retracted state ( Figure 1 ) and the extended state ( Figure 2 ), the retracted state may be suitable for transportation on roads or as part of, for example, a recreational vehicle, and in the expanded state, one or more expansion portions may extend from one or more sides of the expandable structure 10.

[0049] The expandable structure 10 may include a main structure 11 and one or more expansions, such as side expansions 15 and a rear expansion 13. A top 16 may cover the main structure and movable outer walls (such as rear wall 14 and side walls 12), and may be moved outward to provide outer walls of the expansions 13, 15, respectively. Once expanded, the structure 10 may include expansion tops, such as rear expansion top 20 and side expansion top 18. The expansion side walls 22 of each expansion may extend from the outer walls 12, 14 and the main structure 11. Tracks 26 may be provided on each side of each expansion 13, 15 for moving the expansion side walls 22 outward from the main structure 11. Tracks 26 may be located at the top and bottom of each side of each expansion. Thus, in some embodiments, each expansion 13, 15 may include a set of four tracks along which the expansion side walls 22 move with the outer walls 12, 14.

[0050] The extension side wall 22 may be formed from a plurality of wall panels 24 that are interlocked together as described in more detail below. The wall panels 24 may be stored in the enclosure housings 30, 32. Figure 3 As shown, within the main structure 11, a side expansion enclosure housing 30 may be provided on each side to which the side expansion portion 15 will extend. Similarly, within the main structure 11, a rear expansion enclosure housing 32 may be provided on each side to which the rear expansion portion 13 will extend. Unlike conventional slide-out structures with rigid walls that extend into the main structure, with a wall panel expansion wall structure, the wall panels can be stored in a small housing that can also serve as a structural support for the main structure 11. Thus, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the extension can be arranged outside the adjacent rear wall and side wall of the main structure, which is impossible for conventional rigid wall slide-out structures. In addition, the inner wall 34 can be arranged in the main structure 11, where the side wall adjacent to the extension will extend, which is also impossible for conventional rigid wall slide-out structures.

[0051] refer to Figure 4 The wall housing 30, 32 may include a main housing 40 with actuators 42, 44 disposed on each side thereof. A slot 46 may be disposed along the entire longitudinal direction to allow the wall plate 24 to pass through the slot. Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, four linear actuators can be attached to each of the enclosure housings 30, 32. Located on each side are pairs of linear actuators responsible for facilitating the movement of the panels in and out of the housings. Each linear actuator can be easily removed from the structure for maintenance or future upgrades. At the same time, the four linear actuators can work in conjunction with a precision rail system to ensure precise displacement of each individual panel. This configuration not only allows efficient and accurate storage of each panel within the enclosure housing 30, but also simultaneously serves as a base support structure for the main structure 11.

[0052] refer to Figure 5 , the actuators 42 , 44 may be linear actuators having a mounting plate 50 and an actuator and push plate connector 52 , as described in more detail below.

[0053] refer to Figure 6 , shows a detailed view of an exemplary actuator assembly on the enclosure wall housing 40, where the actuators 42, 44 can be attached to the push plate 54 via the auxiliary push arm 56 and the main push arm 58. One of the actuators can move the upper push arm of the push arms 54, and the other actuator can move the lower push arm of the push arms 54. The actuator mechanism cover 48 can provide an outer cover on the actuator and provide a finished appearance for the enclosure wall housing 30, 32.

[0054] refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , element 72 refers to a set of actuators that push the wall panel 24 to the storage position (also referred to as storage actuator 72 or retraction actuator module 72), and element 74 refers to a set of actuators that push the wall panel 24 to the deployed position (also referred to as deployment actuator 74 or extension actuator module). FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D Actuation of the deployment actuator 74 is shown to move the wall panel 24 from the stored position to the deployed position.

[0055] The retracting actuator module 72 is located on the left side of the wall housing, while its complementary component, the extending actuator module 74, is located on the opposite side. When the extension of the wall panel 24 is achieved, the extending module 74 seamlessly interfaces with the moving track system, coordinating the outward movement of the wall panel to optimize space utilization.

[0056] In contrast, during the retraction phase, the cooperation between the retraction and extension modules 72, 74 kicks in. As described in more detail below, this coordinated operation facilitates the gradual and precisely controlled withdrawal of the wall panel 24 from the travel track, thereby ensuring accurate alignment and providing temporary stability until the wall panel 24 is fully retracted into the enclosure housing 30, 32.

[0057] Reference 9A to 13B, shows an exemplary expansion process, wherein three wall panels 24 are shown for illustrative purposes. Of course, the number of wall panels 24 can vary depending on the side of the expanded side wall. Fig. 9B In the case of the enclosure, the three wall panels are in storage position. They are moved Fig. 10B The first wall panel in the deployed position, and Fig. 11B In the embodiment of the present invention, the first wall panel is moved out of the surrounding wall housing and the second wall panel is moved to interlock with the first wall panel at the interconnection 78. Fig. 12B In the embodiment, the second wall panel moves to the deployed position after interlocking with the first wall panel. Various interlocking shapes can be provided between the sides of adjacent wall panels 24. Fig. 13B In the embodiment of the present invention, the second wall plate moves out of the surrounding wall shell, and the 3rd wall plate and the second wall plate interlock. At last, the 3rd wall plate can be outwardly expanded to complete the expansion of wall plate 24 outside the surrounding wall shell 30,32.

[0058] like Fig.11A As can be seen, pins 76 can be provided at the bottom of the wall plate 24. Similar pins can be provided at the top of the wall plate 24. As described below, these pins 76 can engage with the wall plate and track adapters. These wall plate and track adapters can be positioned in a track that can be moved to extend the wall plate 24 out of (or move the wall plate 24 into) the surrounding wall housing 30, 32. Although only Fig.11A , but such pins 76 may be on each wall plate 24. Typically, at least two pins 76 are provided on each end of each wall plate 24.

[0059] refer to FIG. 14A to FIG. 14E , showing the retraction of the wall of the extension, where Fig.14A It is shown how the third wall panel is moved into the enclosure housing (via the track and wall panel and track adapter, as described below). Fig. 14B Another step of retracting the walls of the extension is shown, wherein the third wall panel is moved toward the storage position, eliminating the interlock with the second wall panel. Fig. 14C Another step of retracting the wall of the extension is shown wherein an actuator urging the third wall panel toward the storage position is retracted. Fig.14D Another step of retracting the wall of the extension is shown, wherein the second wall panel is moved into the interior of the surrounding wall housing, and Fig.14E Another step of retracting the wall of the extension is shown, wherein the second wall panel is urged toward the storage position by the actuator.

[0060] refer to Fig.15 and Fig.17, the rack track 82 may include a rack 86 attached to the main track 84. The rack assembly 90 may include a wall plate and a track adapter 88 disposed along the main track 84. When one or more extensions (such as the extensions 13, 15) are extended or retracted, the rack track 82 may provide a surface for driving the rack assembly 90 outward from the main structure 11. In an alternative embodiment, a hydraulic track assembly 80 may be used, such as Fig.16 As shown, where similar to Fig.17 As shown, a wall plate and track adapter 88 may be disposed there along for removably connecting the wall plate 24 to the track assemblies 80 , 90 .

[0061] refer to 18A to 18D , showing a wall plate and track adapter 88 wherein the interior receiving area 92 can receive the pin 76 from the wall plate (see Fig. 11B ). The side portions 94 may provide a narrow entry path into the interior receiving area 92. Such a configuration may securely engage the pins 76 of the wall plate for extension and retraction thereof.

[0062] This innovative design harmoniously merges rack and panel rails, ultimately requiring an electric mechanism to coordinate the rail system and the synchronous movement of the designated slide-out area. Going deeper into the details, each different slide-out section (such as extension 13 and extension 15) can rely on four rails, and these rails can be driven together by four dedicated motors. This configuration ensures improved precision and efficiency during the extension and retraction of the slide-out structure.

[0063] As described above, the wall plate and track adapter 88 can be attached to the track, and two locating pins 76 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the wall plate 24 corresponding to each wall plate. As the expansion process proceeds, these locating pins are inserted into the adapter 88, thereby effectively and securely fastening the wall plate. The overall goal of this design is to ensure user-friendly operation while establishing a stable and reliable framework for multiple panel expansion side wall structures.

[0064] Unless otherwise expressly stated, all features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstracts and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features for the same, equivalent or similar purposes. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed is only an example of a series of equivalent or similar features.

[0065] The claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and / or lettered merely to aid readability and understanding. Any such numbers and letters are not intended and should not be used to indicate the order of elements and / or steps in the claims.

[0066] Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, a person of ordinary skill in the art may make many changes and modifications. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth for illustrative purposes only, and they should not be considered as limitations of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, although the elements of the claims are set forth below in a particular combination, it must be clearly understood that the present invention includes other combinations of fewer, more, or different elements of the disclosed elements.

[0067] The words used in this specification to describe the present invention and its various embodiments should be understood not only as having their generally defined meanings, but also as including their general structures, materials or actions representing a kind through special definitions in this specification.

[0068] Therefore, the definitions of words or elements in the following claims are defined in this specification to include not only the combinations of elements literally set forth. Therefore, in this sense, it is contemplated that two or more elements may be used to equivalently replace any one element in the following claims, or that a single element may be used to replace two or more elements in the claims. In addition, although the above may describe elements as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claiming protection, it should be clearly understood that in some cases, one or more elements from the claimed combination may be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination may point to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0069] Insubstantial changes to the claimed subject matter now known or later devised from the perspective of one of ordinary skill in the art are expressly considered to be within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one of ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

[0070] Therefore, the claims should be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and what incorporates the basic idea of ​​the invention.

Claims

1. An extensible structure comprising: Main structure; a first expansion portion, the first expansion portion being expandable outwardly from the main structure along a first direction; and The walls of the first extension portion are formed from a plurality of wall panels which are stored in a stacked arrangement in the retracted configuration.

2. The expandable structure according to claim 1, wherein: When stacked in the retracted configuration, the plurality of panels have flat interior or exterior faces of each panel adjacent to one another.

3. The expandable structure according to claim 1 also includes a second expansion part that can expand outward from the main structure along a second direction, wherein the second expansion part wall is formed by a plurality of second expansion part wall panels, and the second expansion part wall panels in the retracted configuration are stored in a stacked arrangement.

4. The expandable structure according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of wall panels in the retracted configuration are stored in an enclosure housing having a slot formed therein for moving each of the plurality of wall panels in and out of the enclosure housing.

5. The expandable structure according to claim 4, wherein: The first enclosure housing is a first extension section side wall for the extension section, and the second enclosure housing is a second extension section side wall for the extension section.

6. The expandable structure according to claim 5, wherein: The first and second surrounding wall shells provide structural support for the primary structure.

7. The expandable structure according to claim 5, further comprising: a first track extending outwardly from the main structure on a first side of the extension; as well as a second track extending outwardly from the primary structure on a second side of the extension portion, wherein: When a first side-deployed wall panel of the plurality of wall panels of the first extension portion side wall moves to a first side-deployed position, the first track engages with the first side-deployed wall panel; as well as The second track engages with a second side deployed panel of the plurality of panels of the second extension portion side wall when the second side deployed panel moves to a second side deployed position.

8. The expandable structure according to claim 7, wherein: The first track includes an upper first track and a lower first track respectively engaged with an upper portion and a lower portion of each of the plurality of wall panels of the first extension portion side wall; as well as The second track includes an upper second track and a lower second track respectively engaged with an upper portion and a lower portion of each of the plurality of wall panels of the second extension portion side wall.

9. The expandable structure according to claim 7 further includes a plurality of wall panels and track adapters arranged along the first track and the second track, wherein each of the first and second side unfolded wall panels among the plurality of wall panels includes a pin, and the pin engages with the wall panel and track adapter when the wall panel is moved to the unfolded position.

10. The expandable structure of claim 7, further comprising actuators disposed on opposite sides of the walled housing, the actuators moving wall panels disposed therein between the deployed position and the stored position.

11. The expandable structure according to claim 10, wherein: The actuator includes a pair of actuators on opposite sides of the walled housing.

12. The expandable structure according to claim 7, wherein: Once the first and second deployed wall panels among the plurality of wall panels are moved out of the narrow slots formed in the corresponding first and second surrounding wall shells by engaging and moving with the first and second tracks, an additional wall panel among the plurality of wall panels is moved to the deployed position in each of the first and second surrounding wall shells.

13. The expandable structure according to claim 12, wherein: When the additional one wall panel is moved to the deployed position, one side of the first and second deployed wall panels is interconnected with one side of the additional one wall panel of each of the first and second surrounding walls.

14. An expandable structure comprising: Main structure; a first extension portion, the first extension portion extending outwardly from the main structure along a first direction; and A second extension portion extends outwardly from the main structure along a second direction, wherein: the first and second side walls of the first extension portion being formed by a plurality of first and second side wall panels, the wall panels in the retracted configuration being stored in a stacked arrangement; the third and fourth side walls of the second extension section being formed by a plurality of second extension section third and fourth side wall panels, the panels being stored in a stacked arrangement in the retracted configuration; first and second enclosure housings respectively housing said plurality of first and second wall panels in said retracted configuration; and A third and a fourth surrounding wall housing respectively accommodate the plurality of second extension portion third and fourth wall panels in the retracted configuration.

15. The expandable structure according to claim 14, further comprising: a first track extending outwardly from the main structure on a first side of the first extension; a second track extending outwardly from the main structure on a second side of the first extension; a third rail extending outwardly from the primary structure on a first side of the second extension; a fourth rail extending outwardly from the primary structure on a second side of the second extension, wherein: said first and second tracks engage said first and second wall panels when in an extended position within said first and second surrounding wall housings; During expansion of the first expansion portion, the first and second tracks move the engaged first and second wall panels out of the first and second surrounding wall housings through slots formed therein; The third and fourth rails engage the third and fourth wall panels of the second extension portion when in the deployed position within the third and fourth surrounding wall housings; During expansion of the second expansion section, the third and fourth tracks move the engaged second expansion section third and fourth wall panels out of the third and fourth surrounding wall housings through the slots formed therein.

16. The expandable structure of claim 15, wherein: the first and second tracks comprising upper first and second tracks and lower first and second tracks, each track engaging an upper portion and a lower portion of each of the first and second wall panels, respectively, when moved to the deployed position; as well as The third and fourth tracks include upper third and fourth tracks and lower third and fourth tracks, each track engaging an upper portion and a lower portion of each of the third and fourth wall panels, respectively, when moved to the deployed position.

17. The expandable structure according to claim 15 further comprises a plurality of wall panels and track adapters arranged along the first, second, third and fourth tracks, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth wall panels comprises a pin, and when the first, second, third and fourth wall panels are moved to the expanded position, the pin engages with the wall panels and track adapters.

18. The expandable structure of claim 14, further comprising actuators disposed on opposite sides of the first and second walled shells, the actuators moving wall panels disposed therein between the deployed position and the stored position.

19. The expandable structure of claim 14, wherein: Once a first side wall panel of the plurality of first and second side wall panels is moved out of the corresponding first and second surrounding wall shells, an additional side wall panel of the plurality of first and second side wall panels is moved out of the corresponding first and second surrounding wall shells adjacent to the corresponding first side wall panel.

20. The expandable structure of claim 19, wherein: When the additional side wall panel is moved to the deployed position, one side of the first side wall panel is interconnected with one side of the additional side wall panel.

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