Abstract: This invention concerns an arch structure. In particular, the invention relates to an arch structure comprised of at least two segments which are rotatably linked to each other via hinges or equivalent means to form a continuous bendable chain of attached segments. The segments have magnets above the rotatable or hinged link on opposed end faces, positioned to oppose magnets on confronting end faces of adjacent arch segments, with like poles facing one another, thereby creating a repulsion force. The repulsion force inhibits the arch segments from being brought together and into contact. Due to this effect, the aggregate of the arch segments define an arcuate path (convex upward), maintained by the repulsion forces of the magnets.

Abstract: A portable shade. An illustrative embodiment of the portable shade includes a canopy; a plurality of generally elongated, curved, spaced-apart tent poles carried by the canopy; and a plurality of anchor units receiving the plurality of tent poles, respectively. Each of the anchor units comprises an anchor plate, a striker plate pivotally carried by the anchor plate and a pole receptacle pivotally carried by the striker plate and receiving a corresponding one of the tent poles.

Abstract: An improved building panel with increased stiffness and resistance to buckling is disclosed. The panel cross section is characterized by a novel center portion comprised of radially arranged longitudinal stiffening ribs which transition into side portions configured to allow joining of the panels. The configuration of the panel's center section results in an increased moment of inertia as well as higher resistance to positive and negative bending moments and local buckling when compared to existing designs. Additionally, the panel configuration allows curving longitudinally without corrugations. These improvements in the strength of the panel and the elimination of corrugations reduce design constraints on buildings constructed of such panels and allow larger buildings to be constructed.

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: A decoration solar panel bridge supplying power sources, for commercial and residential applications, incorporates at least one solar panel in a decoration bridge comprising members of frame, cross brace and board. The wide boards including solar panels cover straight beams and cross braces as a partial or full surface of the bridge. The slice boards cover the top arc beams or alternative round beams as partial surfaces of the bridge. Each solar panel output power and dimension can be designed for desired power consumption and needed. The alternative frame members can be used to construct different shapes of the bridge and can replace the curve shape frame members. The decoration bridge includes optional members: safety fence members, supporting members and handrail members. Solar powered lights can be installed at the top of safety poles and solar powered light stands can replace the vertical spindle of handrails.

Abstract: A skewed end assembly for connection to an arch culvert structure is provided. The assembly may generally include an arch-shaped inner skewed panel and a wedge member having a partially arch-shaped profile adapted for engagement with the inner skewed panel. The inner skewed panel may include a ledge that may include a plurality of threaded anchors. The wedge member may include a lip adapted for engagement with the ledge. The lip may include a plurality of apertures for receiving a plurality of threaded connectors adapted for threadable engagement with the corresponding threaded anchors in the ledge. Two assemblies, each comprising an inner skewed panel and a wedge member, are placed at opposed ends of an arch-shaped bridge or culvert structure to provide generally co-planar skewed ends to the structure such that it may be positioned at an angle in relation to a roadway such that the skewed ends are generally parallel to the roadway.

Abstract: An arched door frame for use within an arched opening in a framed, wallboard clad wall comprises: two similar door frame side portions each having a lower straight portion, an upper rounded portion, and an upper connection edge portion; wherein each door frame side portion has a jamb having a width generally equal to a stud width and two thicknesses of wallboard, and a contoured casing attached to both a front and rear edge portion of the jamb; and, frame side alignment and connection maintenance means to centrally align and maintain the two frame side portions in close proximity. In a preferred aspect the frame alignment means comprises clip holes and dowels, and the connection maintenance means comprises a front and back U shaped clip having opposite ends which are received in the clip holes, one clip hole in an outer edge of each jamb side portion.

Abstract: A precast steel reinforced concrete bridge unit has an arcuate top wall integrally connecting opposite side walls, and a series of precast reinforced concrete counterforts are releasably connected to the top wall of the bridge unit at laterally spaced intervals. The counterforts have vertical end surfaces spaced from an end surface of the bridge unit, and end portions of reinforcing bars project from the vertical end surfaces of the counterforts. An end surface of the bridge unit is located on a horizontal casting surface, and a reinforced concrete headwall is cast on the casting surface with the reinforcing bars depending from the counterforts embedded in the concrete forming the headwall. After curing, the concrete headwall and counterforts are removed as a unit from the bridge unit to facilitate handling and shipping of the bridge unit and headwall and counterfort unit.

Abstract: An arch structure for use in forming an overfilled structure includes at least one footing and at least one precast concrete bridge element forming an open bottom arch structure that is supported on the at least one footing. The arch structure has an upper portion, that may be formed by a first half-ellipse shape, and a lower portion, that may be formed by part of a second half-ellipse shape. The upper portion and lower portion meet at an elevation along the rise of the arch structure, and such elevation defines the largest span of the arch structure. The arch structure includes lower ends that come back inward toward each other, such that the span at the bottom of the arch structure is less than the largest span.

Abstract: A mechanically deployable, expandable and collapsible structure is provided. The structure includes at least one scissor assembly made up of a first and a second strut, a first spacer disposed between the first end of the first strut and the first end of the second strut when the scissor assembly is in the expanded position, and a second spacer disposed between the second end of the first strut and the second end of the second strut when the scissor assembly is in the expanded position. A tension member is connected to the first and second struts. The tension member is arranged such that the scissor assembly is moved from the folded position when there is slack in the tension member to the expanded position when the slack in the tension member is taken up.

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: A utility meter shield for protecting the utility meter from the weight of snow, fallen tree limbs and the like. The shield has a plurality of arched support members held in a spaced relationship by transverse cross members. An arched cover spans between the arched members, extending over the upper portions and most of the side portions of the arched members. The legs of the arched members rest on the ground on opposite sides of the utility meter. An optional auxiliary cover is secured to the arched cover extending between the arched cover and the building structure for protecting conduits leading from the utility to the structure. A screen can be secured to the front arched member for further protection.

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: An internal support structure for a tent having a shell is disclosed. The internal support structure comprises at least one internal support structure configured to provide structural support to the shell, the internal support structure having a pair of gussets each having a member extending from the gussets. The members are configured to engage the shell and provide structural support to the shell. The internal support structure is disposed adjacent to the shell without occupying space in the middle portion of an internal space defined by the shell.

Abstract: The current invention provides a runner for constructing curved surfaces. The runner has at least two sections with each section having at least two layers. The layers used to prepare the sections are substantially identical. However, when assembled to form a section one layer is reversed compared to another layer. Alternatively, each section may be integrally formed. Adjacent sections are pivotal with respect to one another until secured on a desired radius. The runner of the current invention is suitable for constructing curved walls, archways and other curved structures.

Abstract: An overfilled arch bridge system includes a composite arch which has a precast layer and a cast-in-place layer. The system further includes means for reducing bending moments within the overfilled arch. The means include customizing the arch end geometry and prestressing the arch prior to or during loading. The system can be used in connection with the overfilled arch system disclosed in co-pending patent application titled “Top Arch Overfilled System” filed by the same inventor on Mar. 22, 2002.

Abstract: A low shelter swimming pool roof system is provided. The system can include, over a portion (P?) at least of its length, juxtaposed roof elements (I?) and juxtaposed roof elements (I). The distance that delimits the external chord of each of the longitudinal edges (220a?) and (220b?) of the roof elements (I?) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof arcs (210?) can be shorter than the distance which delimits the internal chord of the two longitudinal edges (220a) and (220b) the roof elements (I) of the other portion (P) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof bows (210). Such an arrangement enables the first portion (P?) of roof elements (I?) to be nested in the second portion (P) of relatively larger roof elements (I) thereby partially exposing the pool over a length corresponding to the displacement of the mobile portion (P?) of roof elements (I?).

Abstract: There is provided a transparent plastic film roof for a building, comprising two transparent plastic films, which are fixed to edge rafters extending from a ridgepole to a ridge plate and are formed in a bag-like structure for serving as a building roof, wherein warm air is supplied from an air supply port into the bag-like structure to maintain the bag-like structure in a tensioned state, and air in the bag-like structure is discharged from an air discharge port. There is also provided a multi-ridge building, wherein a liquid passing pipe is disposed in the same direction as long film-clamping assemblies in the vicinity of a valley portion of the multi-ridge roof formed by the two transparent plastic films, and wherein the liquid passing pipe is configured to pass warm water or warm antifreezing fluid therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for a header in a structural framing system comprising a pair of track members defining opposing receiving portions. A plurality of column members is disposed substantially transversely to the track members and joined thereto. A web member is receivingly engaged in the receiving portions and spans the column members. The track members can be characteristically longitudinally arcuate and the web member characteristically conformable to the arcuate shape of the track members. In one illustrative embodiment the track members can comprise a plurality of flexibly joined sections that are moveable to define a selected arcuate longitudinal shape. A retaining member is adapted for retaining the flexibly joined sections in the selected shape. A fixing member is adapted for fixing the web member to one or more column members and/or one or more of the track members after the track members achieve the selected shape.

Abstract: A hybrid arched overfilled structure includes a combination of pre-cast side elements and at least one cast-in-place crown sector element. The side elements are pre-cast generally in a horizontal orientation and subsequently lifted into place. The crown sector element is cast in place between the side elements. In one form of the invention, each of the three sections makes up about one-third of the overall arch span.

Abstract: The top arch overfilled system defined in application Ser. No. 10/102,921 is formed of precast arch elements which are formed and shipped in a use orientation. The precast arch elements can include arch footings and the system can include a plurality of precast arch elements which can be tied together. The arch elements can also be prestressed.

Abstract: Flashing used on curved exterior wall projections designed to stop water intrusion and provide a permanent, attractive, paintable surface that is safe from UV radiation. The flashing includes a Z-shaped or L-shaped body bonded with a flexible flashing material along its front and back surface. The metal body includes at least two perpendicularly aligned flange members. Formed on the top flange member is a plurality of transversely aligned slits evenly spaced thereon that allow the flashing to be bent around a curved wall projection. The flexible flashing material is adhesively bonded to the inside and outside surfaces of the top flange member thereby covering the slits to create a water barrier. During installation, the top flange member and flexible flashing material are covered by external wallboards or siding.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a covering structure for covering swimming pools, including several pairs of parallel arches that serve to support flexible panels, the arches being made from a curved profile having lateral walls delimiting a series of parallel guide grooves arranged one above another and perpendicularly to a plane of the arch and receiving the panels, and a protective and elevating border disposed on a lateral edge of at least one of the panels contacting at least one of the internal faces of the guide groove, the height of said border being sufficient to prevent the latter from contacting the profile.

Abstract: The storm shelter is a portable above ground shelter that is aerodynamically stable and can be dimensioned to fit under a standard sized mobile home. The shelter provides an enclosure formed by an arch shaped rigid sheet that is permanently attached to a rectangular shaped base member. Hinged doors are provided on each end of the shelter for rapid and easy entrance and exit. Each door is provided with a failsafe snap locking mechanism and contains a louvered conduit for ventilation and air pressure equalization. The louvered conduits are protected from wind damage by covers attached to the exterior surface of each door. Further safety is provided through the use of tie cables that are strung tightly from one side to the other side over the top of the shelter and secured into the ground using tie rods and earth anchors.

Abstract: A first voussoir for use in an arched structure between second and third voussoirs includes a first end bearing surface with a protrusion which extends from the surface and which is mateable with a corresponding recess in an abutting end bearing surface of the second voussoir. The second end bearing surface includes a recess in the surface which is mateable with a corresponding protrusion in an abutting end bearing surface of the third voussoir. Preferably the protrusions and the recesses have both longitudinal and transverse components of structure. A connector is secured to the first voussoir for connecting one end of an associated tension member to the first voussoir while an opposed end of the tension member is connected to an associated mooring positioned at a distance away from the horizontal span of the arched structure.

Abstract: An arch structure (12) comprising several struts (14) interconnected by five joints (15) to form an arch (16), and two series of cables (17, 18). The two ends of the arch (16) rest on ball joints which are fixed to the ground.

Abstract: An earth overfilled arched structure includes a shallow arch spanning a clear space. The sides of the clear space are formed by curved or straight walls. Solidified zones of earth material (backfill or in situ) against the springs of the arch and/or behind the walls form foundation blocks which are in intimate contact via arch footings with the springs of the arch and/or with the upper part of the sidewalls in such a way that the arched structure delivers most or all of its support forces into the foundation blocks. These, due to their size and weight, transfer and spread the support forces to the subsoil so that displacements, especially in the horizontal directions, are minimal.

Abstract: An arched jamb member of elongate, strip-like shape for forming the upper end of an arched wall opening is preformed into an arch of predetermined curvature, and is of sufficient flexibility to enable it to be forced into a flat condition for shipping and storage purposes. Once released from its flat condition, it will automatically spring back into an arched configuration.

Abstract: A small building assembled using a building system includes a plurality of elongated building elements each having a roof portion and two opposed sidewall portions extending longitudinally from opposite sides of the roof portion. The roof portion and sidewall portions of each building element are integrally formed and attached, and the roof portion and sidewall portions of each building element define a longitudinally and laterally extending flat surface between flanges extending along opposed edges of the roof portion and sidewall portions. Each of the plurality of elongated building elements are placed adjacent another of the plurality of elongated building elements with adjacent flanges abutting and fixedly engaged together at spaced apart points to form an extended roof and sidewalls.

Abstract: A kit includes a series of components, capable of being flat packed, that can be assembled to form an arch or a section of an arch for use in a building such as a residential structure. The kit includes a pair of curved sides with each curved side including an inner face, an outer face, an upper edge and a lower edge. Formed along the inner face of each side is a curved groove. A flexible or pliable jamb is provided in the kit. Secured in spaced apart relationship along one side of the jamb is a series of clips. When assembled, the arch or arch section includes the clips extending between these sides and including portions that project into the curved grooves. The clips effectively secures the jamb to the sides.

Abstract: A retrofit casing head filler member has a front face, a rear face, an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposite side edges, and is designed for installation over a conventional arched casing head so as to cover any drywall regions exposed by removal of a rectangular casing head. The lower edge of the filler member has a predetermined radius of curvature matching the radius of curvature of the upper edge of the casing head. The filler member may be of reduced height in its central region and has a maximum height at its side edges to provide increased area in these regions to cover any exposed unfinished corners of the underlying drywall.

Abstract: A masonry lintel having a concealed spine which spans between piers to either side of an area to be arched and supports masonry bricks through means of horseshoe shaped plates which ride on the spine. The bricks are supported on the spine by stitching rods which extend through apertures in the plates and the bricks. The plates are received in the grouting space between the bricks and, in the finished lintel, are grouted over to be completely hidden from view. Variations in the relative positions of the piers and the width of bricks used to construct the lintel are accommodated by adjustable supports between the spine and the piers which enable the position of the spine relative to the piers to be selectively adjusted. In the embodiments employing multiple generally parallel spines, these supports provide for adjustable spacing of the spines. Center supports for the spines are adjustable both vertically and horizontally to accommodate various structural design parameters.

Abstract: An adjustable masonry arch form is disclosed. The adjustable masonry arch form has a planar base section to support the masonry elements which will form the masonry arch, and a plurality of attachment elements secured to the planar base for securing the form to a structure. The adjustable masonry arch form is constructed from material rigid enough to support the masonry elements, but flexible enough to be bent to conform to any given arched construction without unwanted buckling of the form. The masonry elements which form the masonry arch are placed directly on the planar base of the form in the desired configuration and secured in the masonry arch by mortar. The form is left in position permanently, obviating the need to build a temporary arch support saving time and expense and obviating waste of materials.

Abstract: The invention pertains to business methods for enabling the creation of positive revenue streams from previously negative assets, and particularly from those facilities formed from gypsum waste, such as gypsum stacks. Waste containment or landfill facilities are formed from the conversion of gypsum refuse waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, such as from existing gypsum stacks, or from facilities formed in place from gypsum-based refuse. Such facilities are utilized, rented or leased as waste containment facilities for the short-term, long-term or permanent storage of non-gypsum waste materials such as solid waste, community refuse materials, biomass, industrial waste, phosphate waste, and for composting or otherwise processing materials such as biomass.

Abstract: A retrofit casing head filler member has a front face, a rear face, an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposite side edges, and is designed for installation over a conventional arched casing head so as to cover any drywall regions exposed by removal of a rectangular casing head. The lower edge of the filler member has a predetermined radius of curvature matching the radius of curvature of the upper edge of the casing head. The filler member may be of reduced height in its central region and has a maximum height at its side edges to provide increased area in these regions to cover any exposed unfinished corners of the underlying drywall.

Abstract: An earth overfilled arched structure includes a shallow arch spanning a clear space. The sides of the clear space are formed by curved or straight walls. Solidified zones of earth material (backfill or in situ) against the springs of the arch and/or behind the walls form foundation blocks which are in intimate contact via arch footings with the springs of the arch and/or with the upper part of the sidewalls in such a way that the arched structure delivers most or all of its support forces into the foundation blocks. These, due to their size and weight, transfer and spread the support forces to the subsoil so that displacements, especially in the horizontal directions, are minimal.

Abstract: A coke oven buckstay moving device and method which can be used to quickly, reliably, and smoothly repair buckstays compared to conventional methods and devices. The coke oven buckstay moving means includes a main car, a subcar, a frame, and securing means. The main car is used when repairing pillered buckstays that support oven walls of the coke oven, and moves on a coke side platform or a machine side platform. The subcar is placed on the main car, and can freely move forward and backward in a direction of a lengthwise direction of the coke oven. The frame is provided in a standing manner on the subcar. The securing members are mounted to the frame and are used to grasp and secure the buckstays. According to the method, a damaged portion of the buckstay is secured to the subcar, cut, and then removed. Reversing the steps, a replacement buckstay is secured to the subcar, moved into position, and welded into place. The subcar is detached, and the oven repaired.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved building panel having increased strength and rigidity, thereby reducing present design constraints imposed upon buildings constructed of interconnected panels. The building panel includes notched inclined side walls extending from a central portion, wherein the notched portions are located between a neutral imaginary axis and the central portion. The notched portions have an open end and a closed end, wherein the open end faces away from the building panel. Including such notched portions within the inclined side walls provides the building panel with increased strength and rigidity, thereby allowing the building panel to withstand increased positive and negative bending moments. Thus, a building constructed of panels having such notched side walls will reduce the present design constraints and increase the size and shape of buildings constructed of such panels.

Abstract: An arched jamb assembly includes an arched jamb member and a pair of opposite upright jamb members with angled cuts made at opposite ends of the arched jamb member and upper end portions of the upright jamb members where the arched jamb member meets and interfaces with the upright jamb members to form the arched jamb assembly. The interfacing angled cuts are two-sided and have substantially the same standard angular configurations, irrespective of variations in the radii of curvature of upper arched jamb members used with upright jamb members to provide wall openings of different widths. An additional stop cut may be formed at opposite ends of the arched jamb member, for bearing against inner stop faces of the upright jamb members.

Abstract: An earth overfilled arched structure includes a shallow arch spanning a clear space. The sides of the clear space are formed by curved or straight walls. Solidified zones of earth material (backfill or in situ) against the springs of the arch and/or behind the walls form foundation blocks which are in intimate contact via arch footings with the springs of the arch and/or with the upper part of the sidewalls in such a way that the arched structure delivers most or all of its support forces into the foundation blocks. These, due to their size and weight, transfer and spread the support forces to the subsoil so that displacements, especially in the horizontal directions, are minimal.

Abstract: The structural member (1) has a generally U-shaped cross-section and comprises a base portion (2) and two leg portions (3) extending at substantially right angles from said base portion. The member comprises at least one thin sheet or foil which is corrugated in a continuous waveform in the longitudinal direction of the member. Each leg portion (3) includes a first section (3a) forming an inner wall of the leg portion and a second section (3b) parallel with said first section and joining the first section along a first joining line (4) and the base portion along a second joining line (5). The structural member according to the invention is flexible so that it may conform to the surface to which it is to be fastened, but is after fastening to the surface resistant to bending, torsional, tensile and compressive forces and creates a good base for placement of load-carrying composite material, primarily on the base portion.

Abstract: Flashing used on curved exterior wall projections designed to stop water intrusion and provide a permanent, attractive, paintable surface that is safe from UV radiation. The flashing includes a Z-shaped or L-shaped body bonded with a flexible flashing material along its back surface and front edge. The metal body includes at least two perpendicularly aligned flange members. Formed on the top flange member is a plurality of transversely aligned slits evenly spaced thereon that allow the flashing to be bent around a curved wall projection. The flexible flashing material is adhesively bonded to the inside and outside surfaces of the top flange member thereby covering the slits to create a water barrier. During installation, the top flange member and flexible flashing material are covered by external siding.

Abstract: A large temporary shelter designed to act as a communication, maintenance, and warehouse facility in all types of climate and terrain. The shelter is engineered for durability, portability, repetitive assembly and disassembly. The shelter includes a plurality of lightweight structural arched frame supports that are easy to assemble and connect to a lightweight, rectangular-shaped base frame temporarily attached to the ground. The shelter also includes a durable outer cover and an inner liner that extends over the outside and inside surfaces of the arched frame supports. The outer cover and inner linings are spaced apart to create duct spaces between the arched frame supports for heating air conditioning. A central attic space is created between the outer cover and the inner linings which creates a large central air space for greater insulation. Formed on one end of the shelter are at least one personnel door and two double-hinged vehicle doors.

Abstract: A stucco trim assembly for emplacement onto a corner defined by the juncture of a pair of walls, to permit a foam and/or a stucco material to be controllably applied and adjustably secured to the walls. The assembly comprises an elongated receiving trim member attachable to a corner of the pair of walls, and an elongated inserted frame clip. The clip is adjustably supported in the elongated receiving trim member a spaced distance from the wall.

Abstract: A hybrid arched overfilled structure includes a combination of pre-cast side elements and at least one cast-in-place crown sector element. The side elements are pre-cast generally in a horizontal orientation and subsequently lifted into place. The crown sector element is cast in place between the side elements. In one form of the invention, each of the three sections makes up about one-third of the overall arch span.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enclosing an object comprising a front, a rear, and sides. The system and method further provide a base on a base receiving surface and a closing portion. The front, rear, sides, base, and closing portion define an area surrounding the object. The system and method further provide stiffening devices extending from the sides and the closing portion, fasteners coupling the sides to the base and the sides to the closing portion via the stiffening devices, and securing devices holding edges of adjacent sections of the sides and edges of adjacent sections of the closing portion together. The system and method also typically provide for access areas that have hinged sections. The system and method further comprise connectors located between the closing portion and the sides through which the fasteners also pass to couple the sides to the closing portion.

Abstract: An arch structure (12) comprising several struts (14) interconnected by five joints (15) to (17, 18). The two ends of the arch (16) rest on ball joints which are fixed to the ground.

Abstract: A space-dividing covered work space arrangement including a pair of opposed side modules each of a three-wall construction defined by an upright panel arrangement and a pair of upright end walls disposed at opposite ends thereof and projecting inwardly therefrom. A pair of canopies project inwardly from each of the opposed modules and are attached along inner edges thereof so as to define a continuous canopy assembly which overlies and encloses the work space from above.

Abstract: Shelters as shown in FIG. 3, are constructed by filled bags (1), which typically have a trapezoidal cross-section. Such bags are divided into several compartments by internal webs (3) and can be laid over an arched lining (2). In end view, the bags are slightly wedge-shaped so that they resemble stones following the curve of a masonry arch, and the webs (3) follow the curve of the arch so that there is an inner compartment (4), a middle compartment (5), and an outer compartment (6) in each bag. In addition to shelters, the bags can be used to build barriers formed of courses of bags, with at least one side of the barrier having a corbelled out portion.

Abstract: A greenhouse includes a frame structure (1), an outer transparent covering layer (2), and a transparent inner layer (7). A transparent insulating sheet-like material is located between the inner and outer layers in close proximity to the inner layer (8). The insulating sheet-like material has a cellular structure (4, 5) with the axis of its cells generally oriented normal to the plane thereof material so as to transmit incident light therethrough. The insulation material helps to retain heat within the structure while avoiding detrimental effects, such as loss of light transmissivity. The creation of an air gap on one side between the transparent insulation and one of the glazings allows for control of moisture and snow buildup.