Retractable enclosure system

摘要

A retractable enclosure for moveable areas such as barges or trucks and for stationary areas such as swimming pools and areas which must be covered at one time and open at another time such as those housing telescopes, cranes, reactors, etc. The enclosure comprises a multiplicity of rail moveable frames having fabric covered peripheries and constructed to allow the frames to be moved close together at one time whereby the area is uncovered, and to be moved apart or extended to the extent allowed by the attached fabric, whereby the area is covered. A pair of parallel rails is positioned one on each side of the area to be covered. Each frame is supported by a pair of multi-axis trolleys, one trolley positioned at each frame end and engaging one of the rail pair, thereby allowing the frame to move readily. Each trolley has wheels having both vertical and horizontal axes and each rail is shaped to engage the wheels having both axes, thereby providing both weight bearing and horizontal stability perpendicular to the track direction. Means for providing tension on the frames in the extended condition for drawing tight the fabric between the frames are provided.