Abstract: A parabolic collector (10) is disclosed as including a plurality of molded plastic panels (12) secured to each other to define a dish type parabolic shape having a central axis A. Each panel (12) has sides including lugs (14,16) that snap into engagement with the lugs on the adjacent panels to secure the panels to each other. A collecting surface (18) of each panel has a segmental parabolic shape bounded by the sides of the panel. Each set of panels spaced from the central axis A a given distance have the identical construction as each other to facilitate molding of the panels. Except for central triangular panels, each of the panels are quadrilateral with truncated wedge shapes. Each quadrilateral panel has inner and outer curved sides (30,32) one of which includes male lugs (14) and the other of which includes female lugs (16) for securing the panels to adjacent panels.

Abstract: A kit for assembling a geodesic structure is disclosed as including a plurality of polygonal panels (12) preferably of triangular shapes so as to be assembled to define a sphere (10). Each panel is of a unitary construction molded from plastic and includes a first set of male lugs (20) and a second set of female lugs (22) projecting from its sides (14). The female lugs (22) are arranged in pairs and spaced along the length of the associated panel side so as to receive a male lug (20) on one side of another panel in order to provide a connection (16) therebetween. Outer ends on both the male and female lugs include connection surfaces (24, 26) that snap into engagement with each other as the male lug (20) of each connection (16) is inserted between the associated female lugs (22) in order to secure the panel sides (14) and thereby prevent relative movement between the panels lengthwise and transversely with respect to the length of each side.

Abstract: A kit for assembling a geodesic structure is disclosed as including a plurality of polygonal panels (12) preferably of triangular shapes so as to be assembled to define a sphere (10). Each panel is of a unitary construction molded from plastic and includes a first set of male lugs (20) and a second set of female lugs (22) projecting from its sides (14). The female lugs (22) are arranged in pairs and spaced along the length of the associated panel side so as to receive a male lug (20) on one side of another panel in order to provide a connection (16) therebetween. Outer ends on both the male and female lugs include connection surfaces (24, 26) that snap into engagement with each other as the male lug (20) of each connection (16) is inserted between the associated female lugs (22) in order to secure the panel sides (14) and thereby prevent relative movement between the panels lengthwise and transversely with respect to the length of each side.