Abstract: An underground shelter for the protection of at least one person, comprising two substantially identical rigid panels which may be assembled together into a tunnel configuration and disassembled by distinct mechanical means arranged so as to permit a joined interfitting of both top parts of both panels, respectively, and a rigid connection between the bottom parts of the latter so that the buried panel may withstand side or transverse forces applied to the panel and resulting from the thrust exerted by the earth layer covering the tunnel.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable building frame comprising a plurality of interfitting parts. The frame includes a base having a pair of opposing receiving surfaces and several parallel roof members received and connected by and between the receiving surfaces. The roof members are generally perpendicularly to the opposing receiving surfaces of the base. Each roof member comprises at least two telescoping sections which may be telescoped together or apart to adjust the length of the roof member. Increasing the length of each roof member of the frame increases the height and volumetric area defined by the frame, and decreasing the length of the roof members decreases the height and volumetric area defined by the frame. A flexible cover is attachable to the roof members by a plurality of clasps or a flexible but more rigid cover is attachable to the roof members by a series of bolts. The cover ideally overlaps itself, so that it will expand or retract as the height of the frame is adjusted.

Abstract: A portable stressed arch structure is constructed by assembling an essentially flat, planar frame of straight, uncurved components, and then drawing two opposite sides together and securing them with tension cables to hold the frame in an arch configuration. The arched framework is then covered with a conventional tarp or the like, as desired. The structure may be formed substantially of conventional polyvinyl chloride or other plastic pipe or tube, and may also utilize modified or specially formed connectors and other components. Supplementary bracing and other components may be added as desired or as needed, depending upon anticipated loads and size of the completed structure. Structures may be formed having relatively widely spaced arched ribs, or alternatively may be constructed having two or more adjacent ribs joined by common specialized connectors.

Abstract: A supporting structure is comprised by a plurality of elongated base structural members each having first and second ends defining the length thereof and each base structural member being defined in part by a hollow tubular portion extending coextensively therewith. The hollow tubular portions each have a given width defined by opposed transverse sides. A plurality of bracing members are provided and each have first and second ends which define the length thereof. Attachment means are formed on the first and second ends of the bracing members for engaging with a surface on one of the plurality of elongated base structural members to effect a connection therebetween. Each of the plurality of elongated base structural members have a keyhole slot formed in the transverse sides thereof. The keyhole slots are sized and shaped to receive and hold the attachment means formed on the first and second ends of the bracing members.

Abstract: An earthquake protective structure (10) that consists of a first side section (12), a second side section (14), an upper section (16) that is attached to the upper ends (12A,14A) of the two side sections and a base plate (18) that attaches to the lower ends (12B,14B) of the two side sections. The structure (10) is designed to be incorporated into a door jam (60), various sizes of building portals (66) and within the confines of hallways or passageways (72). The structure (10) is sized to allow one or more persons to stand under the structure (10) during a seismic event. Thus, the person(s) under the structure (10) are protected from falling debris resulting from the seismic event.

Abstract: A device for forming an arcuate ceiling structure which is positionable between first and second opposed rows of vertical wall studs having at least one horizontal header extending therebetween. The device comprises a first ledger attached to the first row of wall studs and the second ledger attached to the second row of wall studs. At least one arcuate member is provided which has first and second longitudinal ends, an arcuate upper surface and an arcuate undersurface. The length between the first and second ends is such that when the arcuate member is positioned between the first and second ledgers, the first end will abut the first ledger, the second end will abut the second ledger, a portion of the upper surface will abut a header, and the undersurface will form an arcuate support surface to which a sheet of finishing material may be applied.

Abstract: A kit of parts for forming a plant covering device for the protection of garden plants and shrubs from external environmental conditions. The parts are made of semi-rigid plastics material molded into component panels allowing many different configurations to be made out of a few standard components. The individual component panels are provided with flanges and joining strips for joining the separate component panels into a completed assembly and strapping arrangement for holding the plant covering device in place on a supporting surface.

Abstract: The present invention entails a kit of components for constructing a cased-arched opening and also involves a method of installing the components of the kit. The kit comprises a pair of side columns with each column being generally U-shaped and designed to be inserted around a terminal edge of a wall that borders an open passageway. Further, the kit includes a curved arched assembly that is opened at the top and includes a void that permits the arched assembly to be sandwiched around a lower terminal edge portion of an upper wall section that surrounds the passageway. The respective columns are designed to fit under and support the curved arched assembly and all of the components can be nailed or otherwise secured to the structure to form a cased-arched opening.

Abstract: A building structure has a plurality of arches having supporting base plates with J-brackets at lower ends of the arches, a plurality of horizontally extending purlins rigidly connected between adjacent arches for cross-bracing adjacent arches, a plurality of panels connected between corresponding arches. The panels have reinforced lower corners and a first line secured to opposite reinforced corners and extending generally arcuately therebetween and a second line secured by the J-bracket to opposite reinforced corners and extending generally linearly therebetween.

Abstract: A metal building is formed of adjacent preformed panels of generally U-shape with crimpable edges, the edges of adjacent panels being crimped together to form the building, the building having straight side walls and a continuous arched curved roof in which the side walls are reinforced by similar shaped straight panels positioned against the side walls to form cavities, which cavities may be filled with reinforcing material, electrical conduits and the like.

Abstract: A device for forming an arcuate ceiling structure which is positionable between first and second opposed rows of vertical wall studs having at least one horizontal header extending therebetween. The device comprises a first ledger attached to the first row of wall studs and the second ledger attached to the second row of wall studs. At least one arcuate member is provided which has first and second longitudinal ends, an arcuate upper surface and an arcuate undersurface. The length between the first and second ends is such that when the arcuate member is positioned between the first and second ledgers, the first end will abut the first ledger, the second end will abut the second ledger, a portion of the upper surface will abut a header, and the undersurface will form an arcuate support surface to which a sheet of finishing material may be applied.

Abstract: A prefabricated observatory dome structure comprising a base portion constructed from connectable arcuate panels, a rotatable dome constructed from connectable panels and a vertically slidable shutter. The flange design of the base portion provides a water-tight non-caulked wall. A semi-door permits easy access to the observatory structure. The shutter has three sections that slide together using a latching system to slide back to expose more that half of the opening to permit observation at the zenith of the unit.

Abstract: Principal members of structures are manufactured as foldable assemblies of like size and shape structural members, foldable for handling, packaging, shipping, and storage, and unfolded into their respective principal member configurations. Each like size and shape structural member has its opposite end surfaces formed on a sixty degree bias, whereby one longitudinal edge surface is longer than the other opposite edge surface, thereby creating opposite trapezoidal side surfaces. Each of these members has two spaced holes formed along its centerline, and each of these holes is equally spaced from a respective bias end. Regarding relative design dimensions, the respective longitudinal centerline length of each like size and shaped structural member is given the formula dimension, L, then the space between holes, X, is equal to 0.464 L, and the space from each hole to the centerline end, Y, is equal to 0.268 L.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible shelter is formed from a series of interconnected expandable and collapsible modules. Each module is formed from interconnected strut pairs pivotably attached at their ends to hub assemblies. The hub assemblies have outer and inner portions that are engageable and disengageable. A pair of struts is placed in a desired angular relationship by a first member for constraining a range of movement of the outer portions of the hub assemblies relative to one another and a releasable member for releasably constraining a range of movement of the inner portions of the hub assemblies relative to one another.

Abstract: Structural frameworks of differing shapes and for diverse purposes may be assembled by linking essentially rectangular, open centered frames together in end to end relationship by extending side members of individual ones of the frames into the open centers of adjacent ones of the frames. Sidewardly extending projections on individual frames overlap and abut side members of the adjacent frames to hold the members in a linked condition and to impart load bearing capability to the framework. Frameworks of differing geometry can be assembled from the same set of frames. The linked frames may be angled relative to each other to form an arch and the linked frames may be pivoted together at the locations where the frames intersect to enable folding of the framework into a more compact shape.

Abstract: Tunnel liners are formed from panels of arched, bendable sheet material. The panels include a central portion, inclined side portions, wing portions, and hook and receptacle portions on opposite sides of each panel. Panels are joined with the hook portion of one panel fitting into the receptacle portion of the other panel and are then continuously seamed from the underside, i.e., the inside of the arched assembly.

Abstract: A joint assembly for an arched building structure comprises a non-corrugated flat plate member and at least one corrugated plate member connected to and extending outwardly of the non-corrugated plate member. The corrugated plate member has proximal and distal ends with corrugations extending therebetween and the proximal end abuts the non-corrugated plate member. The corrugations extend in side-by-side relation in a straight line with the line extending in the lengthwise direction of the non-corrugated plate member. The corrugations may have a trapezoidal cross section though corrugations having other shapes may be used.

Abstract: The covering structure has retention members for location beside a surface to be covered. A suspension member, having a plurality of mutually hinged segments, is pivotally connected at its ends to the retention members. Locking pins are provided for locking the segments to each other and to the retention members. A covering membrane is coupled to the segments by suspension members.

Abstract: A folding windbreak and shade screen comprising a plurality of sections attached by means of hinges. The folding windbreak and shade screen is secured in place in the dam configuration by means of ground stakes slidably disposed within lower housings attached to the sections. The ground stakes may be locked into upper housings in order to stack one folding windbreak and shade screen in the dam configuration atop another folding windbreak and shade screen in the dam configuration. The folding windbreak and shade screen may be installed in an arch configuration by means of arch stakes slidably disposed within arch housings, and a variety of guy lines.

Abstract: Principal members of structures are manufactured as foldable assemblies of like size and shape structural members, foldable for handling, packaging, shipping, and storage, and unfolded into their respective principal member configurations. Each like size and shape structural member has its opposite end surfaces formed on a sixty degree bias, whereby one longitudinal edge surface is longer than the other opposite edge surface, thereby creating opposite trapezoidal side surfaces. Each of these members has two spaced holes formed along its centerline, and each of these holes is equally spaced from a respective bias end. Regarding relative design dimensions, the respective longitudinal centerline length of each like size and shaped structural member is given the formula dimension, L, then the space between holes, X, is equal to 0.464L, and the space from each hole to centerline end, Y, is equal to 0.268L.

Abstract: A free standing portable arch for use in weddings, different types of ceremonies and other occasions. The arch is adapted for a bride and groom to stand under while taking wedding vows, posing for wedding pictures and for walking through during the ceremony. An upper portion of the arch includes a first half and a second half. The second half is a mirror image of the first half. The first and second half, when joined together, form a geometric shape such as a heart shape, a star shape, a diamond shape and the like. A lower portion of the arch is formed into an inverted "T" shaped stand. A bottom horizontal member of the stand is used to support the arch on a ground surface or a floor surface. The arch may be constructed of a variety of materials with a preference being lightweight plastic cylindrical tubing. The upper portion and the lower portion of the arch can be decorated with ribbon, floral material and strings of lights for adding color, illumination and attraction to the arch.

Abstract: A bridge or tunnel construction consisting of one or more arch units (10), each unit formed from a pair of reinforced concrete arch segments (11 and 12) interconnected to form the crown of the arch unit with the arch unit or units being overlaid with a compacted interacting soil layer.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a scaffold tunnel for civil and industrial engineering applications, comprising a section bar secured to a fixed support and having mounted thereon, at predetermined spacings over the full length of the tunnel, a plurality of hinge mountings each composed of a bearing block and a hinged body. A metal scaffold secured to these hinge mountings is composed of hollow base section bars and hollow vault section bars of any suitable curvature adapted to have cover sheets of glass or a plastic material mounted thereon.The overall construction is completed by a plurality of suitable configured sealing gaskets, a corresponding plurality of finish section strips and a plurality of safety tensioners (FIG. 2 Tab. II).

Abstract: A quonset type hut house unit includes a skeletal structure of a pair of "L" frame lengthwise base members with a multiplicity of vertical tubular members with an open top and bottom with a multiplicity of preformed steel arch shaped rib members with ends engaged in the vertical tubular members, end walls of reinforced plastic sections coupled together and to the skeletal structure through inwardly extending flanges and a cover sheet formed of a plurality of structured integral panels that include two face sheets spaced apart by a multiplicity of webs bent over the rib members and attached to the skeletal frame.

Abstract: An easily transported and erected building structure formed of polystyrene foam blocks. The blocks are reinforced and held together by tension rods extending through the blocks and attached to connector boards between the blocks. Complex, habitable, highly energy-efficient structures are easily assembled and reassembled in various configurations by two workers without special skills or lifting equipment.

Abstract: A portable curing cell assembly is provided for storing tobacco for curing, the curing cell assembly may comprise a kit of component parts capable of being easily assembled and disassembled in the field. The curing cell assembly includes a frame structure which defines at least one storage bay through which an elevating trailer can be transported. Tobacco rod holding members are provided disposed longitudinally along the side of the storage bay so that tobacco laden tobacco rods can be suspended from the holding members across the storage bay. A roof is disposed across and above the storage bay, the roof being supported generally by the frame structure as a predetermined height above the tobacco rod holding members.

Abstract: A prefabricated shelter is provided which consists of an arched framework having open opposite ends, a structure for securing the framework to the ground and a roof assembly mounted to the top of the arched framework, so as to protect and cover anything positioned under the roof assembly.

Abstract: Tunnel liner plate assembly comprising a tunnel liner plate comprising an outer wall and inwardly extending side and end flanges, each having bolt holes therein, and a longitudinally extending plate metal reinforcement extending from end flange to the other and comprising a center section which abuts the outer wall of the liner plate, a pair of upstanding side section which are integrally joined to the center section along respective side edges, and laterally projecting flanges which project laterally from the upper (or inward) edges of the respective side sections. The center section and the side sections together provide a U-shaped configuration and the laterally projecting flanges, which are spaced from the outer plate of the outer wall of the tunnel liner plate and are parallel thereto, afford a marked increase in moment of inertia and section modulus with very little increase in mass.

Abstract: A method and resulting wood frame that can be used to construct a wall. To create a curved wall, lines are scribed onto the floor to define the wall radius. The wood frame is constructed by first arranging a plurality of studs in a spaced apart arrangement. The studs have first and second surfaces along the longitudinal axis, which terminate at first and second ends that have bottom and top surfaces respectively. A flexible flat member is then attached to the first end of the studs. The flexible member has a base portion which is nailed to the first surface of the studs and a plurality of spaced apart tabs. Some of the tabs are immediately adjacent the bottom of the studs, while other tabs are located between the spaced apart studs. The attached studs are then lifted into place and the flexible member is bent until the curved member follows the scribed outline. The frame is then nailed to the floor through the tabs that are located between the studs.

Abstract: A covered walkway system for a parking lot of a store such as a supermarket having a covered walkway across the front of the store, covered branch walkways extending out from the cross walkway into the lot, parking spaces marked off at opposite sides of the branch walkways, and covered corrals for shopping carts extending out from the sides of the branch walkways.

Abstract: A modular ground deployable membrane supporting building structure and arched truss member therefor. The building structure incorporates a plurality of truss members supportable vertically in side-by-side arrangement within a ground anchor connectable at each end of each truss member. Each truss member is comprised of a plurality of frame sections each connectable in aligned abutting end-to-end relation. Each frame section is comprised of inner and outer channel members having a unique U-shaped cross section facilitating cross member connection to secure a spaced parallel relation of the channel members, flexible membrane retention and improved strength and reduced deployment time. An improved membrane tensioning arrangement and ground anchor structure facilitating pivotal deployment of each assembled truss member are also provided.

Abstract: A portable building system of variable size (20) consisting of a series of individually collapsing web beam frames (22) which serve simultaneously as a support structure for the exterior covering material (30) and as a support structure for a highly adaptable interior furnishing system. Individual web beam frames (22) are comprised of multiple segments including vertically oriented outer segments (32) which have a width measured horizontally in the plane of their span sufficient to support furnishing components 26 substantially within an area directly between a pair of consecutive outer frame segments 32 in a strong and convenient manner. Additional overhead segments (34) are joined to each other and to outer segments (32) with corresponding mortise (36) and tenon (38) like surfaces for a fast and positive assembly. Purlins (24) attach to the frames, joining them in sequence.

Abstract: A structural member useful for awning structures, including: an elongated bottom wall; two elongated side walls orthogonally joined to the bottom wall; two inwardly facing, elongated top wall segments orthogonally joined to the side walls to define a stapling groove between the opposing distal edges of the top wall segments, such that a portion of a sheet of fabric may be inserted into the groove; a stapling platform disposed internally of the structural member, parallel to the bottom wall, and orthogonally attached to and extending between the side walls, such that the fabric may be stapled to the stapling platform; a first, elongated hollow channel disposed internally of structural member, defined between the stapling platform, the first and second side walls, and the bottom wall; first and second reinforcing walls disposed between and attached to the first and second top wall segments, respectively, and the stapling platform; second and third elongated hollow channels disposed internally of the structural

Abstract: An arched building structure comprises an arched coupling body, a still plate and a still, which support the arched coupling body on the ground. The arched coupling body is constituted by coupling two curved members with a plate member formed separate from the curved members. Each curved member is constituted by coupling multiple large steel decks bent with roundness in a wave direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an enabling assembly which may be used for a variety of purposes, including walls, room partitions, signs, arched supports, game boards and puzzles, the assembly including a plurality of interlocking pillow elements surrounded by a frame and mounting a plurality of facing elements in a manner enabling the facing elements, if not fixed, to be shifted so as to change the patterns thereon, the facing elements each having a connecting shaft disposed in the interstices between the pillow elements, the facing elements and connecting shafts being movable to momentarily separate the pillow elements so as to enable the facing elements to shift from one interstice to another interstice selectively. The frame includes parking slots where unused facing elements may be stored, or in the alternative, where one or more facing elements may be parked to provide room to move the remaining facing elements.

Abstract: A frame assembly, such as for an awning or canopy, includes a master rib having identical keyways running the longitudinal length of the rib. Each keyway is defined by an opposing pair of sidewalls extending lengthwise in the longitudinal direction. The sidewalls are each formed integrally with a plurality of threadlines extending in the longitudinal direction which face opposite from and are offset in the depthwise direction by a given pitch from those of the other sidewall, so as to form threadable surfaces for a screw to be threaded therein. A cleat member has a body portion with a depthwise bore so that a threaded screw can be inserted depthwise and project from its lower end into the keyway and the master rib. The cleat member can be fastened to the master rib at any position along its longitudinal length.

Abstract: A modular construction system made up of a plurality of abutting orthogonal grids having a substantial section height and tensioning rods passing between abutting grids. The rods are located at the bottom third of the section height when spanning supports and in the top third when cantilevering grids off of supports.

Abstract: A gazebo top connection which includes a gazebo top connector formed from a single sheet metal piece, the upper ends of a plurality of wood rafters and fasteners joining the gazebo top connector and the wood rafters. The gazebo top connector is formed with arms which are field bendable to accommodate rafters at infinite pitches over a wide range of roof pitches. A compression ring formed in the gazebo top connector provides a connection which gives strength to the connection.

Abstract: A bent tubular profile with lateral grooves intended to form arches for a covering-structure which may be removed is presented. The covering-structures may be at least partially removed between each of the pairs of arches thereof by sliding flexible sheets which are preferable made from a plastic material which is generally transparent. The arch is formed by a single-piece bent profile comprising a central bearing body which is tubular and has a round, oval, square, rectangular or polygonal section or is a U-shaped profile. Bearing on each side and perpendicularly to its vertical plane of symmetry are fins arranged one above the other. The device of the present invention is more particularly intended for covering a swimming pool.

Abstract: A rain cap system which keeps rain, snow, wind, dirt, dust, and other elements from penetrating the assembly junctions of Fast Structures.TM.. Four gaskets are placed (one each) on the four structural bolts at each junction of the Fast Structure.TM. and a rain cap is snapped into place completely covering each junction. The rain cap squeezes the Fast Structure.TM. junction to seal out the weather and to hold itself in place, and thus does not require nuts, screws, bolts, glue nor any other fastening devices.

Abstract: The fluid pressure-responsive unit of the invention defines a chamber formed of a base plate, a top plate and a heat-exchange bellows sidewall joining the two plates. Relative movement of the plates is controlled by springs and guiding cylinders within the chamber. The base plate incorporates a fluid intake aperture for admitting fluid into the chamber and the latter further contains an overflow assembly including a looped resilient pipe of which one end is connected to the top plate so as to receive fluid overflowing from the chamber. The other end can be connected to another pipe introduced into the chamber by the intake aperture to lead fluid out of the chamber.

Abstract: A frame structure having collapsed and erected conditions and comprising a plurality of rigid frame sections (21) hingedly connected one to another by hinges (23). An erection means is provided for effecting relative pivotal movement between the frame sections to erect the frame structure. The erection means comprises at least one cable (39) having one end thereof connected to one of the outer frame sections (21a) and the other end thereof fixed to a power device (40) connected to the other outer frame section (21a) whereby operation of the power device to tension the cable effects movement of the outer frame sections in a direction towards each other.

Abstract: A building having a plurality of spaced apart concrete pilasters vertically disposed in the ground and having their tops in a common horizontal plane carry thereon a similar plurality of roof truss members which are generally vertically disposed on the pilasters and which join at the crown that leads to one other truss member to form a roof enclosure for a frame structure for a building. Truss members are covered with sheeting panels to enclose the building above the top of the pilasters and the barrier wall is provided from a series of panels mounted on the inside of the pilasters. The truss members are arranged to provide a triangular interior roof profile and a hip roof exterior profile eliminating the need for vertical wall sections on a circular building and on a rectangular, except for the end walls.

Abstract: A mullion structure for enclosing sun spaces consisting of a system of straight and curved beams for supporting transparent plastic panels. The beams have cross-sectional configurations presenting end flanges which facilitate end-to-end and/or perpendicular attachment and side flanges presenting rabbets for receiving and enclosing the edges of the panels. Elongated spars having longitudinally extending rabbets are formed by joining the curved beams together in end-to-end relationship. The spars are connected to a host structure using a torsion relieving system which is made up of a torsion beam extending perpendicularly from the spar and a load bearing plate attached to the host structure. The spars are laterally flexible so that the panels may be inserted into the rabbets and flexed to assume the shape of the spars after the spares are secured to the host structure. All operations necessary for erecting the structure may be conducted from inside the space being enclosed.

Abstract: A rapidly erectable building structure includes a plurality of arches each having a pair of lower ends. Base mechanisms are provided for holding the lower ends of the arches to position them in longitudinally spaced, transversely extending, vertical positions. A plurality of panels of a flexible web material are stretched between the arches. Each panel has a pair of opposite side edges, a width corresponding to a longitudinal distance between adjacent ones of the arches and a length corresponding to a transverse distance spanned by the arches. A first pair of lines is connected to a first end portion of each panel and a second pair of lines is connected to an opposite second end portion of the same panel. The lines extend generally arcuately between the side edges of the panel and are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the transverse direction. The base mechanisms guide the terminal segments of each line so that they can be pulled together to thereby transversely tension the panels between the arches.

Abstract: A trussed structure includes at least a pair of parallel trussed girders. In one of the trussed girders, an upper chord member and a lower chord member are joined through lattice members. The trussed structure includes at least a pair of prestressing members spanning between the opposite sides of the trussed structure. The central portions of the prestressing members are disposed below the end portions of the prestressing members, and connected to the lower chord members so as to pull the lower chord members upwardly. The central portions of both of the prestressing members are disposed between the adjacent trussed girders.

Abstract: A mullion structure for enclosing sun spaces consisting of a system of straight and curved beams for supporting transparent plastic panels. The beams have cross-sectional configurations presenting end flanges which facilitate end-to-end and/or perpendicular attachment and side flanges presenting rabbets for receiving and enclosing the edges of the panels. Elongated spars having longitudinally extending rabbets are formed by joining the curved beams together in end-do-end relationship. The spars are connected to a host structure using a torsion relieving system which is made up of a torsion beam extending perpendicularly from the spar and a load bearing plate attached to the host structure. The spars are laterally flexible so that the panels may be inserted into the rabbets and flexed to assume the shape of the spars after the spares are secured to the host structure. All operations necessary for erecting the structure may be conducted from inside the space being enclosed.

Abstract: A process of forming a curved sheet rock panel that can later be used in curved ceiling constructions within buildings. Initially a flat sheet rock panel is soaked with water, and then squeezed to remove excess water. The pliable panel is transferred to an arcuate form, where it quickly remolds itself to the arcuate surface contour on the form. The arcuate panel is dried to a stiff, but still pliable, condition in which it can be fastened to an arcuate ceiling framework.

Abstract: A building panel for use in walls of roofs the panel being formed from a sheet of material the sheet being rectangular and made up of four portions the surfaces of each of which are in the form of a hyperbolic paraboloid, the edges of the portions meeting on transverse axes of the panel, corners of said portions meeting at a central point displaced from a plane containing the periphery of the panel. The panel being capable of acting as both the covering and a structural member spanning between frames of a structure thus avoiding the necessity for using pylons, the invention also consists in the use of such panels in a building structure.

Abstract: An easily transported and erected building structure formed in part as a vault made of interlocking voussoirs in the form of identical insulated boxes. Permanent exterior joint connectors prestress the voussoirs for strength. Easily installed interior clips join the voussiers. A floor made of insulated boxes is supported on a quickly-assembled adjustable structural frame. End walls made of insulating boxes close the ends of the vault or vaults. External cladding and interior finishing panels, corresponding generally to the dimensions of the voussoirs, are easily installed and removed. Interior raceways are formed along the joinder lines of the insulated boxes. All of the parts of the structure are designed for erection of the structure in harsh environments, without handling small loose parts.