Extendible Building Structure

Abstract

The invention relates to the provision of a structure which can be moved from a storage position to an in-use position. The structure is attached to a further building ( 8 ) which means that when the structure is moved to the in-use position the structure forms an additional area for the further building. In one preferred embodiment persons entering the further building are required to pass through the structure first, thereby allowing, for example, in a medical environment, the persons to be decontaminated prior to entering the further building.

1 . A building structure, said building structure having at least a first opening to allow entry into the interior of the structure, said structure formed by a frame, and sheet material which forms the side walls and roof of the structure and wherein said structure is selectively movable between erected and collapsed conditions to allow the building structure to be moved between an in-use position where the structure is erected and a storage position where the structure is at least partially collapsed. 
   
   
       2 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein the frame includes a plurality of members, at least some of which are mutually engaged to be pivotable. 
   
   
       3 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein the sheet material is attached at various locations to the frame to thereby cause the sheet material to follow the movement of the frame. 
   
   
       4 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein the opening or openings into the interior of the building structure, allow the entry and exit of persons to and from the structure. 
   
   
       5 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein openings which face externally of the building structure, can be closed by security shutters. 
   
   
       6 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein the building structure includes at least one opening which allows access into a further building. 
   
   
       7 . A structure according to  claim 6  wherein persons can move from the structure into the further building without having to enter the external environment. 
   
   
       8 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein the building structure is attached at one face thereof, to a further building. 
   
   
       9 . A structure according to  claim 8  wherein when the building structure is in a collapsed condition, the same protrudes from the said further building wall but to less an extent than when the structure is extended to the in-use position. 
   
   
       10 . A structure according to  claim 8  wherein the said building structure, in the storage position, lies within a cavity in said further building and only extends from further building when moved to the in-use position. 
   
   
       11 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein the building structure includes one or a series of facilities provided within the same for use when the building structure is in an in-use position. 
   
   
       12 . A structure according to  claim 11  wherein the said facilities move along with the building structure between the storage and in-use positions so that the same are available for use almost immediately upon movement of the building structure to the in-use position. 
   
   
       13 . A structure according to  claim 11  wherein the facilities are provided for decontamination of persons. 
   
   
       14 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein the same is provided to allow the treatment of persons who are presented at the structure and who may then pass into the further building for medical treatment. 
   
   
       15 . A structure according to  claim 14  wherein the persons are decontaminated in the structure prior to entering the further building for treatment. 
   
   
       16 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein the same is a self contained unit which can be selectively positioned adjacent to a further building. 
   
   
       17 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein the frame is formed of a series of cells which are selectively inflatable. 
   
   
       18 . A structure according to any  claim 1  wherein the same is attached in a further building in the form of a hospital. 
   
   
       19 . A structure which is selectively movable between an at least partially collapsed condition for storage and an extended, in-use position, said structure comprising sheet material and a frame, said structure movable between storage and in-use positions, and wherein said structure is erected to a further building such that when in the in-use position the structure forms an additional area of the building through which persons pass prior to entering the further building. 
   
   
       20 . A structure according to  claim 19  wherein the structure includes a series of inflatable cells spaced apart to form the frame with sheet material lying intermediate and respective cells so as to form an extended structure once the cells are inflated. 
   
   
       21 . A structure according to  claim 19  wherein a series of the cells are formed as arch structures and a further series of cells are formed as relatively linear beams, said beams connected with and spaced between adjacent arches. 
   
   
       22 . A structure according to  claim 19  wherein the sheet material is supported by said inflatable cells by being attached to said cells so as to allow the sheet material to unfold and follow the movement of the cells as they are inflated.