A new and improved see-through bus stop shelter includes a rigid, opaque framework that defines an interior space which includes a first interior room and a second interior room. The framework also defines a first threshold between the space exterior to the framework and the first interior room. The framework also defines a second threshold between the first interior room and the second interior room. Transparent wall elements are connected to the framework. The transparent wall elements provide walls for the first interior room and the second interior room. A roof element is placed on top of the framework for providing a roof for the first interior room and the second interior room. The first interior room includes a horizontal seat member and a newspaper dispensing machine, and the second interior room includes a telephone and a mailbox. The roof element includes a first roof edge and a roof body portion, and the framework includes a first framework edge and an upper framework body portion. A hinge assembly is connected between the first roof edge and the first framework edge, such that the roof body portion can be rotated around the hinge assembly, whereby the roof body portion is raised above the upper frame work body portion. A collapsible roof support assembly, connected between the roof body portion and the upper framework body portion, is used for selectively supporting the roof body portion in a position raised above the upper framework body portion.

The waiting station comprises at least one wall structure composed of vertical columns, horizontal beams and a mullion, each of said members being contituted of aluminum tubing. Such tubular members are provided with pairs of cooperative interlatching elements, each of such pairs comprising a flanged latch plate that is wholly contained within the opening at one or both ends of a tubular member so that the outer surface of such latch plate is flush with the terminal end of the tubular member, and a Z-shaped catch having one end portion secured to the exterior surface of the wall of a tubular member and having its their end portion interlatchable with the latch plate. In such interlatched condition the two interlatching elements are entirely concealed by the connected end of one of the tubular members and the wall of the other connected tubular member. The wall structure is constructed in a modular fashion, each module comprising two vertical columns, an upper and lower horizontal beam spanning the space between the two columns at places spaced from the terminal ends of the vertical columns, and a vertical mullion spanning the space between the centers of the horizontal beams. The aforesaid assemblage of interlatched tubular members are locked together by two window units that fill in the two spaces formed by the tubular members of each module, the sides of the frame of each window unit being securely fastened to the enclosing tubular member portions. If the waiting station comprises a three sided wall structure, the back and side modules of such structure are further locked together by a rectangular roof structure, the beams of which are connected together and are seated on and connected to the upper projecting ends of the vertical columns of the structure by the aforesaid cooperative interlatching elements.

An outdoor shelter particularly of the type normally utilized in transit systems constructed of extruded aluminum members. The extruded members include outwardly extending fins each of which is scored along its base line to permit portions thereof to be easily removed for assembly purposes. Side walls are assembled by abutting the same against the fins and then utilizing a securing member which is affixed to the body of the extrusion to retain the side wall securely in place and permit side walls of varying thicknesses to be utilized without the necessity of different extrusions therefor. A roofing member is secured in place in a similar manner along with an extruded fascia, the mitered corners of which are rapidly secured together by a simple stamping.

A solar energy bus shelter comprising a floor in a rectangular configuration having a first edge, a parallel back edge, and parallel side edges therebetween; a rear wall with adjacent parallel short side coupled to the floor and extending upwardly therefrom; forward supports extending upwardly from the floor adjacent to the front edge and adjacent side edges; legs extending downwardly from the floor positionable in the ground with enlarged lower extents; the floor also having at least one forwardly extending ramp; windows formed in the opposite sides and front of the frame with associated framing to support the windows with respect to the frame with doors being mounted in openings formed in the frame above at least one ramp; a roof mounted on the frame to cover the frame, the roof being formed of an insulated material with transparent skylights; a bench spaced upwardly from the floor and forwardly of the rear wall to define an air inlet thereabove adjacent the rear wall; and windows extending upwardly from a rearward extent of the seat to a location adjacent to the roof forming a heat collection chamber.

The waiting station (1) designed to be set on a sidewalk (2) at the immediate edge of a street or a track comprises a protective wall (29) on its front lateral surface. Access to the station is gained through its lateral surfaces or through the rear. Its interior space is divided into a long-term waiting area (13) preceded by a short-term waiting area (14). This station comprises a passageway for boarding-disembarking that opens on the track side onto a threshold (22) marking the position of an entry door of the vehicle when it is stopped. The threshold (22) is surmounted by a canopy (25) extending from the roof (9) of the station and overhanging the entryway of the vehicle to form a protected access path to the vehicle. This invention is of interest to those responsible for urban planning and to manufacturers of urban equipment and public transportation vehicles.