Abstract: Roof construction having a roof skin mounted on a base construction and including a bottom skin and a top skin mounted above and spaced apart from the bottom skin, the roof skin having a two-dimensionally curved surface, the bottom skin being supported on the base construction via a grid that is formed by plane plates oriented normal to the plane of the grid and crossing one another, top edges of the plates being curved to define the curvature of the roof skin, the surface of the roof skin being divided into segments at least some of which are spanned by an associated set of straight lines, and the top skin is held at a constant spacing from the bottom skin by spacer profiles extending along the straight lines.

Abstract: An overmolded building product having a frame and a thin shell base. The frame has a periphery and a first aperture. The frame further has an overmolding adapted to receive a pane, which has an interior side and exterior side in contact with the overmolding. The pane covers the first aperture and transmits light. The thin shell base has an exterior side opposed to a portion of an interior side forming a first cavity. The first cavity selectably receiving a filler. The thin shell has a first distal end of the exterior side which may be selectably positionable adjacent to and securable to a roof member. The roof member defines a second aperture leading to a room in a building. The interior side of the thin shell defines a second cavity adjacent to the pane. The frame is securable to the thin shell base. The frame and thin shell base are molded using a process selected from thermoforming, rotomolding, compression molding, or injection molding.

Abstract: The present application includes disclosure of various embodiments of composite construction beams and beam systems. In at least one exemplary embodiment of a composite construction beam of the present disclosure, the beam comprises an elongated shell having a length, a first relative end, and an interior volume, wherein the elongated shell defines a first aperture. An exemplary construction beam further comprises a first conduit within the interior volume of the elongated shell, the first conduit extending along a longitudinal direction of the beam and curving upward from the first relative end, and a second conduit within the interior volume of the elongated shell, the second conduit extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongated shell, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are in communication with one another. In at least one embodiment, a construction beam of the present disclosure comprises a first flange positioned upon the elongated shell relative to the first aperture.

Abstract: The instant invention is a method for achieving a-planar framing configurations which enable the construction of hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces, a multiplicity of which join to create roof structures and enclosures. In particular, the shaping and erecting of connected a-planar quadrilateral frames to create under-framing which can be completed by a simple in-framing, and covered with sheeting material resulting in a new method of constructing enclosures with hyperbolic paraboloid faces without the use of highly trained crews, or the need for elaborate pre-forms or specialized connecting or covering elements. The additional methods of assembly and erection of a hypershelter described herein make possible even greater strength-to-weight ratios and more efficient construction procedures than was possible at the time of the original application.

Abstract: A high-frequency measuring enclosure for measuring large test objects is formed by an air-supported membrane or textile construction of a spherical or ellipsoidal contour, which is substantially pervious to electromagnetic radiation. For absorption of residual electromagnetic radiation that may be reflected by the interior of the surface, the floor is covered with absorber material.

Abstract: A support structure for curved envelope geometries, such as buildings and shipbuilding, that at least sectionally approximates a freeform surface, includes longitudinal connection elements and surface elements spanned by the connection elements. The surface elements are implemented as single-curved strip elements whose curvature runs in the longitudinal direction of the strip elements. Adjacent strip elements are connected to one another along their longitudinal edges via the longitudinal connection elements.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, curved building module comprises a saddle-shaped membrane having four connecting edges for joining with like building modules and four truncating edges. Connecting members are formed along the linear edge surfaces for joining the modules in edge-to-edge relation with one another. The building modules permit construction of complex, three dimensional forms which divide space into two distinct but intertwining volumes. The building modules may be used as a child's construction toy, playground structures, sculptures, architectural structures.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a dome-shaped shelter that has a seismic-isolation structure so as to reduce the shock effects of earthquakes and that is easy to construct. The dome-shaped shelter of the present invention is provided with (1) a dome affixed to a bottom board, and formed so as to surround an inside space with a floor, adjoining segments that form a wall, and adjoining segments that form a ceiling, all of which are made of expanded polystyrene, and (2) as an appropriate place for the dome, an improved ground that consists of a circular hole that is dug in ground to a predetermined depth and then packed with identical spheres. Said dome is slidably placed on said improved ground. The spheres of said improved ground are preferably cobblestones or made of hard rubber.

Abstract: The present invention provides structural members for buildings, methods for using the same, and building structures comprising such structural members. In particular, the present invention provides buildings that can withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, high winds such as hurricanes and tornadoes, and other natural disasters.

Abstract: The invention is a spherical dome consisting of continuous prismatic members in three layers, an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. The continuous prismatic members follow great circle arcs. The members of the three layers form a three-way grid, crossing at the vertices of contiguous spherical triangles. Three members, one from each layer, are connected together at each vertex with fasteners, such as bolts, rivets, or welds. The continuous prismatic members of each layer can be spaced as desired to provide structural integrity, economy, and simplicity of construction. A tension ring, when required structurally, is provided at the bottom periphery of the dome to resist the vertical and horizontal forces generated by the supported loads. The combined elements provide a simple and economical spherical dome.

Abstract: A nuclear power plant building includes a building body portion and a roof covering over the building body portion. The building body portion is formed in a rectangular shape in plane cross section by four outer walls. The roof is of a shell construction. In addition, corner walls each to bridge between the adjacent outer walls or to bridge between the roof and the outer wall are provided at angle portions of the body portion of the building.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dome type structure induing main wall parts (10), forming four walls and a portion of a ceiling, each of which is provided with a lower end fixed to or buried under the ground in each of four directions and an upper end bent in a dome shape toward the center of the upper portion of the structure such that both edges of the upper ends of the neighboring main wall parts contact each other; corner wall parts (20) disposed at four corners of the structure between the neighboring main wall parts (10), and thus forming dome type corners; and a central ceiling part (30) closing a hole formed at the ceiling by connecting the main wall parts (10) such that the central ceiling part contacts the upper surfaces of the main wall parts (10), thereby being simply and rapidly assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A dome shape theater has a reflective floor. Audience members may sit or stand on a central platform viewing area surrounded by the screen. Audience members may access the viewing area via a tunnel passing under the reflective floor, by a movable bridge, or by passageways between divided sections of the reflective floor. A compound curved screen may alternatively lower from above to surround the viewing area. A 2D/3D projection system may be used to create images on the screen. Integrated special effects located throughout the theater can be synchronized with the media presentation.

Abstract: A domed steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.

Abstract: A domed non-steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three non-steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three non-steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each, of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.

Abstract: Non-limiting, illustrative systems and methods for collecting rain water are disclosed. Given by way of non-limiting example, a down spout interface bladder is removably attachable to an end section of a down spout. A rain water holding device is hydraulically couplable to the down spout interface bladder.

Abstract: A tornado resistant dome house. The shape of the dome house is a spheroid section, and is given by a formula. The dome house shell is made up of a plurality of tiles formed to conform to the shape of the dome house. The tiles are mutually connected by means of horizontally and vertically disposed elongate members extending through lumens in adjacent tiles. The tiles are also attached to a dome house foundation. The curved, low-profile shape of the house, combined with the mutual attachment of the tiles, and their attachment to the dome house foundation, improves the resistance of the dome house to high winds associated with tornadoes and hurricanes. Adjacent tiles are cushioned by springs, and are maintained in position relative to each other by means of a tongue-in-groove attachment between adjacent tiles.

Abstract: Supporting structure (8) for curved envelope geometries in buildings consisting of support elements (4) which are each combined to form N-sided polygons (N=3,4, . . . ) which span the envelope geometry and which each enclose a planar surface element (5), and the support elements (4) of adjacent N-sided polygons each form a common node region (3) in which the support elements (4) abut, and the plane of a surface element (5) and the respective planes of the surface elements (5) of two N-sided polygons which adjoin in non-parallel spatial directions lie in different planes in at least one portion of the envelope geometry.

Abstract: A dome type clear-span roof construction, having an exterior, polygonal arch frame (1), and a pre-tensioned, doubly curved membrane cover (2), which is suspended from the arch frame and is tied down to anchors (9) along its perimeter. Underneath the arch frame, a single, continuous suspension cable (4), anchored to the arch's end supports (8), is alternately taken through a series of upper pulleys (6) secured to the underside of the arch break points, and lower pulleys (5) secured at similar spacing to the membrane's ridge line (3), creating a multiple block-and-tackle suspension mechanism in the full length of the arch. The suspension mechanism converts the random membrane loads into concentrated, identical arch loads. The centerline of the polygonal arch coincides with the constant pressure line of its concentrated loads, which therefore do not cause bending moments in the arch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a snow shelter are disclosed. A slip form allows snow or ice crystals to be compacted in situ in large continuous blocks. Each block is built upon the previous as the slip form is rotated incrementally around a generally horizontal axis (175). The slip form is a convex shape. The convex shape, or profile, is tailored to the size and shape of the shelter desired. The resulting shape of the snow shelter is a surface of revolution of the profile of the slip form around a horizontal axis. Variations of the shelter's shape are explained herein. Various embodiments are described herein. Some of the advantages of the embodiments include: faster and more efficient construction, simple operation, and tailored size and shape of the finished shelter.

Abstract: A prefabricated shell for forming a shelter (14) has a groundsheet (30) and a cover (32) having a gas impermeable inner layer (24) and at least one outer layer. The outer layers are each formed by a layer of cloth that has been impregnated with a water-settable material, e.g. cement. The shell is steeped in water to wet the cement and then the cover is pneumatically inflated to form a space between the cover and the groundsheet. The shelter is then left until the cement has set and is able to support the cover. The shelter can easily be constructed to provide a durable shelter, especially in emergency areas.

Abstract: An irregular, tessellated building unit comprises x primary elements, wherein x is an integer equal to or greater than 1. The primary element is a rotational tessellation having a plural pairs of sides extending in a generally radial direction from plural vertices, respectively. In each pair, the two sides are rotationally spaced by an angle that is divided evenly into 360 degrees. Preferably, all of the sides are irregularly shaped, but one or more sides could be wholly or partially straight. Optionally, spacers are provided on the sides of each unit. A wide variety of units may be constructed having different numbers and arrangements of primary elements. As all the units are combinations of primary elements, they readily mate with each other. A surface covering comprises a multiplicity of units assembled to form a continuous surface without overlap between units and without substantial gaps between units. A structure, such as a wall or column can be formed of building units of the invention.

Abstract: A construction system is based on a plurality of interlocking panels, each panel formed of a non-woven, needle-punched, thermo-mechanically compacted fabric, each panel having dual density gradients, a first density gradient extending from the first outer surface to the center of panel and a second density gradient extending from the center of the panel to the outer surface, wherein less dense sections of each panel provide acoustic and thermal insulating properties and more dense sections of each panel provide strength and load-bearing properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polygonal rib structure having ribs directed orthogonal to one plane and intersecting each other to form polygonal shapes. More particularly, to a shock absorbing polygonal rib structure. In a polygonal rib structure having ribs directed orthogonal to one plane and intersecting each other to form polygonal shapes, a thickened central portion located at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of each side of the polygonal rib is bisected. The opposed parting surfaces formed upon the bisection are spaced from each other to form an opening portion, and each side of the polygonal rib is so shaped that the cross-sectional area of the opening portion is reduced as one goes from the opening end toward the depth. Thus, an opened polygonal rib structure is formed.

Abstract: A collapsible support structure comprises a plurality of interconnected substantially triangular frame sections connected by flexible joints at corners thereof. At least some of the interconnected frame sections share a collapsible tubular member as one side of the interconnected triangular frame sections and at least some of the ends of rigid tubular members of the interconnected frame sections are disposed between adjacent shared collapsible tubular members. An elongated flexible tensioning member extends through the shared collapsible tubular members and between the ends of the rigid tubular members disposed between adjacent shared collapsible tubular members. The rigid tubular members of some of the interconnected frame sections form a frame roof with ends thereof tied to form a flexible joint at the apex frame roof.

Abstract: A joint system for joining polyhedric facet elements together. Polyhedrons have a plurality of facets. The polyhedric facet elements have facet planes that are generally congruent with the facets of the polyhedrons in which they are found. Various facet elements occupy angular relationships such that they can be joined in rigid stable joints by means of key elements where the planes of the key elements extend generally perpendicular to the planes of each of the facet elements. The joint system is suitable for inter-polyhedron joint systems where the joints include four joint elements, three of which are in the respective polyhedrons that are to be joined, and the fourth is a key element perpendicularly disposed between the other three joint elements.

Abstract: A construction module comprises a plurality of shaped plates connected to each other at selected angles and orientations to form the constructions module. The plates have two or more different shapes, and may be arranged with respect to each other so as form a three dimensional construction module whereby external forces acting on the module are balanced by internal tensile and compressive stresses in symmetrical plates acting in opposite directions. Also provided is a frameless structural system comprising a plurality of such construction modules, the plurality of construction modules being fastened to each other to form the structural system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a compact barber shop structure having the exterior shape of a barber pole of sufficient height and size allow adults to enter and move about standing up and has a barber chair in its interior with barbering accessories to enable a barber groom a person's hair while seated in the barber chair. The structure has a door to allow persons to enter the structure for the grooming. The structure has a cylindrical exterior and has spiral stripes applied to the cylindrical exterior of the color common to a barber pole. A large globe is located on top of the cylindrical exterior of type common to a globe of a barber pole.

Abstract: An arched member such as a jamb is made from three parts. The first part is an elongate strip having upper and lower faces, opposite sides, and opposite first and second ends, with elongate grooves extending along the opposite sides. The other parts are a pair of elongate side pieces each slidably engaged in a respective one of the grooves. The strip and side pieces are formed together into an arch having a predetermined curvature with the opposite ends of the side pieces flush with the opposite ends of the strip. The formed member is sufficiently flexible to enable it to be forced into a flat condition for shipping. When forced flat, at least one end of each side piece will project out from the respective end of the strip. The projecting ends provide indicators to allow a user to correct the curvature of the member after release from the flat condition.

Abstract: Roof construction having a roof skin mounted on a base construction and including a bottom skin and a top skin mounted above and spaced apart from the bottom skin, the roof skin having a two-dimensionally curved surface, the bottom skin being supported on the base construction via a grid that is formed by plane plates oriented normal to the plane of the grid and crossing one another, top edges of the plates being curved to define the curvature of the roof skin, the surface of the roof skin being divided into segments at least some of which are spanned by an associated set of straight lines and the top skin is held at a constant spacing from the bottom skin by spacer profiles extending along the straight lines.

Abstract: Triangulated shells can be free-formed but are uneconomical compared to translational shells that can only be flat. Scale-trans shells are limited in terms of number and arrangement of the openings. The present invention provides a free-formed, custom-tailored shell surface and a regularly shaped, mass-produced shell surface that can be assembled fairly evenly from advantageously quadrangular mesh elements having coplanar node points. The flexibility of a triangle net of shell pieces in a large scale is combined with the evenness of a quad net for meshes in a small scale, whereby triangular meshes at the shared side of adjoining square nets are combined in pairs to give irregular quadrangular meshes having coplanar vertices. The inventive shell is especially suitable for use as an energy-saving building such as a weekend home, emergency shelter, cupola of an observatory, roof of a building or an inner courtyard, as the shell of a large multi-story building or as a sports hall or factory building.

Abstract: A structure protected from premature buckling for resisting multiple bending forces resulting from design loads in which the resulting structural configuration is determined by the force components produced by the design bending stresses. The structure is a compound curved, relatively thin sheet of metal or a composite having a longitudinally cambered shape that is initially arched opposite to the bend that occurs when the structure is loaded and is likewise curved laterally through a substantial portion of its length. The structure is particularly suited for the construction of fixed wing airplanes and airplane fuselages using the same principles of construction. The wing structure is characterized by a concave undersurface like that of a bird's wing which results in a greatly reduced stall speed which cannot stall out at slow speeds.

Abstract: A hyperbaric exercise facility is provided allowing a persons to perform exercises and other activities at increased pressures along with controlled levels of oxygen. Additionally, a catastrophe shelter is provided to protect its occupants from peril.

Abstract: A column borne building construction according to the present invention comprises a building and one substantially vertical column for bearing the load of said building construction. The building has a polyhedron shape, this polyhedron shape having a top face defining a polygon shape by means of N1 top edges and N1 top vertices. The polyhedron shape comprises additional faces other than said top face, which additional faces are defined by additional edges and additional vertices. The top face is substantially perpendicular to the column and encircling the column. Each of the N1 top vertices join two top edges and at least one additional edge of the polyhedron. The column has a top coupling point and at least 3 of the N1 top vertices are connected to the column by means of a tension member. The extensions of these tension members coincide in the top coupling point.

Abstract: A method of forming a building structure in a desired contoured configuration. An inner supporting fabric is inflated into at least one form. An outer finishing fabric is draped over the inflated form. A coating is applied to the outer finishing fabric and a hardening shell is formed. The inner supporting fabric may be removed. Alternately, inflatable bags, posts, cables and other devices are disposed under the outer finishing fabric to produce the desired contoured configuration. These devices are removed after the coating has cured.

Abstract: In its optimal form this building possesses a streamlined aerodynamic profile in one direction and convex shaped shell type closure components in the orthogonal direction. The system's main load carrying member, the truncated ellipse structural rib provides most of the streamlined aerodynamic profile and the rest is provided by concave surfaces connected externally to the rib's extremities. Where possible, the ribs are aligned with the anticipated direction of maximum wind velocity. Gravity loads induce vertical and horizontal foundation reactions. When the truncation points with their foundations are suitably located, the horizontal forces are directed towards the center of the rib. The rib then behaves like a closed elliptical ring capable of resisting substantial in plane forces. Under wind loading this building attracts much less wind force than a conventionally shaped building .This invention focuses on the building's ability to attract low wind forces while providing very long clear spans.

Abstract: It is composed of a framework made up entirely of pieces of recycled plastic that basically comprises bearers (1-2), distributed in several sectors along the whole length of the greenhouse and made up of sections (3-4) that are fitted to one another by means of linear connectors (5) which engage on lugs (12-16) and which are in turn joined by means of cross connectors (8) that engage on lugs (17) provided on horizontal sections (6) making up horizontal cross members (7) which brace the framework forming the roof, side walls, front wall and rear wall of the greenhouse. It includes inner spacer clips (23) and intermediate spacer clips (30) that engage on rods (27-27?-27?) securing inner plastic laminar layers (28-28?-28?), between which air chambers are formed that act as thermal insulation for the greenhouse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heating and cooling thermally efficient structures, in particular, it relates to controlling interior temperature of geodesic structures, through continuous omnidirectional radiant energy hubs and channels. The hubs can be engineered to meet any size or frequency of a geodesic structure. Thermodynamic principles are used in combination with a thermal mass storage of hot or cold thermal energy that is either heated by solar collectors or cooled by a geothermal cooling array, in order to regulate the temperature of the thermal mass or of the entire structure. This thermodynamic climate control in the present invention harnesses solar energy and geothermic energy and uses it to control internal temperature of the air traveling through hubs and channels or struts. The air travels through the system using natural thermodynamic forces, assisted by a fan and valves.

Abstract: A tornado resistant dome house. The shape of the dome house is a spheroid section, and is given by a formula. The dome house shell is made up of a plurality of tiles formed to conform to the shape of the dome house. The tiles are mutually connected by means of horizontally and vertically disposed elongate members extending through lumens in adjacent tiles. The tiles are also attached to a dome house foundation. The curved, low-profile shape of the house, combined with the mutual attachment of the tiles, and their attachment to the dome house foundation, improves the resistance of the dome house to high winds associated with tornadoes and hurricanes. Adjacent tiles are cushioned by springs, and are maintained in position relative to each other by means of a tongue-in-groove attachment between adjacent tiles.

Abstract: A domed steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.

Abstract: A domed non-steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three non-steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three non-steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.

Abstract: A structural system for optimizing the performance of a millimeter wave concealed object detection system is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a shell is provided to house and protect the millimeter wave concealed object detection system so that the detection system can operate optimally in a controlled and managed environment by eliminating or mitigating spurious millimeter wave emissions or reflections from outside or inside the shell. The shell can be free-standing or attached to a parent structure. The entry and exit to the system is controlled by entry and exit barriers. In addition, an inspection lane is configured according to each particular application to guide a subject through the detection system.

Abstract: The invention provides an igloo-shaped structure formed from a plurality of rectangular shaped blocks having a rim and a trough molded therein. The rim has pins adjacent the corners of the blocks that engage apertures or holes fastening plates. Each fastening plate has four holes to enable it to snap together four blocks. Subsequent rows of blocks may have smaller dimensions so that the assembly curves inward forming the familiar domed shape of an igloo. Curved trapezoidal shaped blocks, also held together with fastening plates, are used to cap off the dome.

Abstract: A high-frequency measuring enclosure for measuring large test objects is formed by an air-supported membrane or textile construction of a spherical or ellipsoidal contour, which is substantially pervious to electromagnetic radiation. For absorption of residual electromagnetic radiation that may be reflected by the interior of the surface, the floor is covered with absorber material.

Abstract: A system for securing building fascia panels along an edge following a locus. There is provided a system for securing building fascia panels along an edge following a locus. The system comprises a rod shaped to define the locus and a plurality of tabs, each outwardly extending from a corresponding sleeve. The sleeves are pivotally supported in adjacent fashion on the rod to define the edge. The sleeves and corresponding tabs when supported on the rod are configured so as to securely receive, on alternating tabs, sets of panels which meet along the edge. The relative angle between the adjacent tabs on the rod defines the angle between the sets of panels secured to those tabs.

Abstract: A new and useful Dome Kit, dome shaped structural system and method of assembling a dome shaped structural system is provided. The Dome Kit and method are used to form a dome shaped structural system comprising a compression ring, a lower ring that is larger than the compression ring and spaced below the compression ring, and a plurality of ribs connected with the compression ring. The lower ring, the compression ring, lower ring and connected ribs form a dome shaped structural system; i.e. a structural system with a dome shaped appearance. New and useful structure is provided for coupling the ribs to the compression ring and to the lower ring. Such structure is particularly useful when the ribs are formed of metal (e.g. steel).

Abstract: An arcuate component includes, a flexible outer board, a flexible inner board and both a first and a second plurality of arcuate tiles. Tongue and groove tracks formed along opposite longitudinal edges of the outer and inner boards lock with mating arcuate tongue-and-groove edges of the arcuate tiles which respectively span between the outer and inner boards. The arcuate tiles also preferably include at least one tongue-and-groove that spans between the outer and inner boards and that mates and locks with a tongue-and-groove formed on an immediately adjacent tile. A series of slots cut across the outer and inner boards between their longitudinal edges increases their flexibility. The mated arcuate tiles constrain the outer and inner boards into an arcuate shape. Alternatively, tongue-and-groove tracks formed along opposite longitudinal edges of a plurality of boards mate to form a cylindrically shaped arcuate architectural component such as a column.

Abstract: A fort includes a defense, a top cover, and a plurality of shooting windows. The top cover is mounted on top of the defense. The top cover includes an inverted bowl-like top wall with an opening. The top cover further includes a peripheral wall extending along a periphery of the top wall. The peripheral wall includes a plurality of engaging holes. Each shooting window includes a plurality of engaging holes. A plurality of fasteners are extended through the engaging holes of each shooting window and the engaging holes of the top cover, thereby releasably mounting the shooting windows to the peripheral wall of the top cover. A safe fort that can be assembled/dismantled easily and rapidly is thus provided.

Abstract: A groin vault ceiling kit comprises a set of four arch-shaped ceiling segments each having a pair of converging diagonal edges oriented at a 45 degree angle relative to a back edge of each of the ceiling segments. Each of the ceiling segments may be comprised of an arch-shaped triangular tip portion which is axially alignable and abuttingly disposed against an arch-shaped semi-circular main portion. A connecting member may be disposed along concave outer surfaces of the tip and main portions for interconection thereof. Each of the tip and main portions may be fabricated of a plurality of laminated members in a pre-formed arch-shape. The groin vault ceiling kit is adapted for installation into a building structure such as via wall studs and ceiling joists where each of the ceiling segments is configured to be secured thereto.

Abstract: A polyhedral array comprises a plurality of discrete polyhedrons and a connection network comprising connections that connect the polyhedrons. The discrete polyhedrons are spaced apart from each other at equilibrium in a predetermined generally regular pattern, and each polyhedron is comprised of edges, faces and vertices. The connection network at least partially constrains the discrete polyhedrons relative to each polyhedron's six degrees of freedom. In some embodiments, the connections extend along the bias of the array. In other embodiments, the connections extend along radial directions. All implementations can be constructed as regular arrays or in lattice networks.