Abstract: A toy igloo device is disclosed for resting on the ground. The device includes a dome shaped housing which defines an enclosure and an entrance. The housing includes a plurality of selectively interlocking sections with each section of the plurality of sections having an edge which rests on the ground. A first section of the plurality of sections defines a first opening and a second section of the plurality of sections is disposed adjacent to the first section. The second section defines a second opening so that the first and the second openings cooperate with each other to define the entrance. Each of the sections has an external surface which defines at least two pockets for the reception therein of snow. The arrangement is such that when the sections are interlocked, with the edges of the sections resting on the ground, snow is received and gathered within the pockets such that the toy igloo takes on an appearance of an Eskimo dwelling.

Abstract: A toy igloo device is disclosed for resting on the ground. The device includes a dome shaped housing which defines an enclosure and an entrance. The housing includes a plurality of selectively interlocking sections with each section of the plurality of sections having an edge which rests on the ground. A first section of the plurality of sections defines a first opening and a second section of the plurality of sections is disposed adjacent to the first section. The second section defines a second opening so that the first and the second openings cooperate with each other to define the entrance. Each of the sections has an external surface which defines at least two pockets for the reception therein of snow. The arrangement is such that when the sections are interlocked, with the edges of the sections resting on the ground, snow is received and gathered within the pockets such that the toy igloo takes on an appearance of an Eskimo dwelling.

Abstract: A strong, lightweight structural system wherein curved structural elements are tangentially joined. Compressive forces are distributed in a near continuous manner throughout the matrix, and tensile forces are present primarily to brace, support and pre-stress the compression net. The system is scalable from molecular through architectural levels, and finds many applications in dome shaped and spherical structures. The structural system also provides a force interaction model that is applicable to a broad array of real and theoretical problems.

Abstract: A structural system of connected toroidal elements for all types of structures of all sizes, wherein such toroidal elements may be connected in level layers which may in turn be connected in stacks to form towers, domical and spherical structures, and connected in the forms of regular polyhedra to form domical and spherical structures. Structures may be constructed of frameworks formed by connected toroidal elements of various sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A method and structural component for use in constructing geodesic domes using standardized polygon panels. The invention allows for the use of a reduced number of components to construct a geodesic dome In one embodiment, a set of kite-shaped quadrilateral panels with an external convex surface are used to substantially construct a geodesic dome. A panel includes two lip seal panel edges The lip seam edge includes an inwardly disposed lip forming a mating surface suitable for mating with an adjacent straight seam edge of a corresponding panel so that the engagement between the two edges forms a seal. The seal may be made to impede moisture by various fastening methods, including screwing, riveting, gluing, taping or welding. Practice of the invention reduces transportation, inventory, and handling expense. Procurement, assembly, and maintenance complexity for the end user is also reduced.

Abstract: A segmented, articulated pole member structure is constructed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected, pole segments. The pole segments are arranged in an alternating or offsetting fashion such that in their disassembled state they may be folded into a compact bundle for storage. In the assembled state, adjacent pole segments are retained under tension in fixed angular position relative to each other by a pivoting connection and an engagement loop or similar structure. Applications for the pole member structure include the construction of flexible structures such as tents and shelters, and support frames for mounting, supporting, or suspending articles in a desired shape.

Abstract: A modular component shelter includes an adjacent side-by-side array of curved, interlocking, rigid panels. The panels curve upwardly and inwardly to a common vertex from a common base-level circumferential rim. The panels interlock between adjacent panels by means of raised interlocking ribs. The ribs extending in generally vertical planes along opposite side edges of each panel so as to form a first channel along a first side edge of each panel and second channel along an opposite second side edge of each panel. The first channel is shaped to snugly fit within the second channel along the length thereof. The first channel is releasably securable in the second channel.

Abstract: The present invention is a structural system of torsion elements which are connected in constructions which have the capacity to bear compression, tension and flexion loading by conversion of such loading to torsion loading of the connected torsion elements. The present invention also includes a method of construction using torsion elements.

Abstract: Cladding for a domed structure bridges gaps between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding preferably utilizes adjustable cladding panels and bridges to bridge the gap between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding is particularly suited for doubly curved surfaces.

Abstract: A method of making a connector hub to mate with tubular frame members, for use in constructing a free span building. The method includes constructing multiple slots, each slot having an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinal axis; and for each slot; disposing a tooth on either side of the longitudinal axis; and making the area of the connector material in shear to the area of the tubular frame member in tension, as an approximate ratio of the unit strength of the material of the tubular frame member in tension to the unit strength of the material of the connector in shear.

Abstract: A shelter may be readily assembled or disassembled from a plurality of identical shelter supports. Each shelter support is formed from an outer beam placed in a divergent relationship to an inner beam. The converging ends of each beam are capped by a first end member. The diverging ends of each beam are capped by a second end member. The second end member forms an acute angle with the horizontal when the first end member is placed on the ground. Thus, with the first shelter support placed as a column support the second end member is presented for engaging a second end member of a second shelter as a roof support. The truss thus formed from the two shelter supports is joined at an apex portion with other similar trusses in various arrangements conveniently to form shelters of different shapes which can be readily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: Cladding for a domed structure bridges gaps between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding preferably utilizes adjustable cladding panels and bridges to bridge the gap between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding is particularly suited for doubly curved surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to building structures of the type comprising arched frame members supporting panels of flexible materials such as weather resistant fabric. Problems accompanying the use of separate panels extending between frame members are overcome by providing connecting members on the frame members, and panels having means for attachment to the connecting members and flaps of flexible material adjacent to but spaced from the side margins of the panels, the connecting members slidably engage the means for attachment and have a channel to receive the flaps. The flaps are secured in the channel to provide weatherproof connections between the panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building system comprising prefabricated plates for self-supporting space boundaries. To enable simple construction of load-bearing structures that are versatile in three dimensions and that enclose spaces, plates, at least some of which are disposed at different inclinations, in the form of flat, slanted prisms are joined by their side faces directly to one another and/or via bars in the form of long, slanted, square prisms; adjacent connecting faces are congruent, and the square faces of different bars, are disposed parallel or perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A support structure including a first and a second upper ring member. The support structure further includes a lower circular foundation of a diameter greater than the diameters of the first and second upper ring members. A plurality of initially straight and elongated structural members extend from each of the upper ring members. Extending from each of the ring members are an equal number of structural members. The structural members extend radially at angular intervals on both the upper and lower rings. Each of the structural members have a first and a second lateral end. The structural members are secured at their first lateral ends to either the first or second upper ring members. The structural members are further secured at their second lateral ends to the lower foundation. Thereafter, the structural members are manipulated to create a lattice formation comprised of S-shaped, elastically-modified structural members.

Abstract: A split-sphere observatory enclosure includes an antrum and a rotor including an oculus. The oculus is covered by an oculus window, which is rotatably mounted to the rotor. As an instrument housed by the enclosure moves to track an object or point across the sky, the oculus window is rotated to maintain a fixed orientation with respect to the instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.

Abstract: A horizontal arch is a structural element formed from a series of compression members which are arranged side-to-side in a curve array, and compressed together under the application of loading perpendicular to the plane of the curve of the horizontal arch. The vertically downward loading of the members may also result from structures suspended from the tops of the members of the horizontal arch structure. The object of the invention is to provide a structural element with horizontal cohesiveness for inclusion in self-supporting frameworks for the exterior of structures and exoskeletal structures.

Abstract: A structure includes a framework including frame members interconnected by hub members. The framework includes an inner surface and an outer surface. Cladding material is attached to the inner surface of the framework to form an enclosure or shell within the framework and maintain the framework exterior of the cladding material. This arrangement limits the collection of dust on the structural space frame elements due to the absence of the framework from the interior of the structure.

Abstract: Reversibly expandable structures are formed from loop assemblies comprising interconnected pairs of polygonal shaped links. Each loop assembly has polygon links with at least three pivot joints and at least some of the polygon links have more than three pivot joints. Additionally, these links lie essentially on the surface of the structure or parallel to the plane of the surface of the structure. Each polygon link has a center pivot joint for connecting to another link to form a link pair. Each link also has at least one internal pivot joint and one perimeter pivot joint. The internal pivot joints are used for connecting link pairs to adjacent link pairs to form a loop assembly. Loop assemblies can be joined together and/or to other link pairs through the perimeter pivot joints to form structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.

Abstract: A reticulated dome structure (20) has an inner structural network (24) and an outer structural network (26). Each network has structural members (34, 38) connected at junctions (36, 40) to form various shapes of dome structures including: vault, vault with rounded ends, triangular, stadium, intersecting vault, and spherical. The junctions have two plates (54, 56) with the structural members fastened (68) therebetween to form moment bearing junctions. Tubular braces (32) are connected according to a desired plan between outer network junctions and inner network junctions to establish a desired substantially parallel spacing between the networks and to transfer loads locally between the networks. The network members subdivide outer and inner surfaces into polygonal areas which are of a uniform kind in the outer network. The outer network openings can be closed by closure panels (29, 170) which laterally stabilize the outer network members to which they are connected and structurally enhance that network.

Abstract: A structural assembly for building dodecahedral-based structures for habitable or commercial use, or for use as play equipment, models, or toys, is provided. Panels with shapes including hexagonal, rhombic, and trapezoidal are assembled edge-to-edge using ordered edge connections (i.e. alternating connector and receptor edges) to minimize the number of different panels required for producing a complete structure.