Abstract: A membrane structure having a frame constructed of radial supports that extend outward and downward from a common apex to the base. These support members are usually curved semi-arches or have a curved bight, are indirectly attached to each other at the apex and are normally secured directly to the base to oppose outward thrust of the lower ends and to anchor the structure. Outward thrust can also be opposed by an auxiliary circumferential tension member near the base. These supports can be precurved before erection or formed by "bowling" straight members during assembly and/or erection.The membrane cover supported by the frame is fabricated to curve inwardly between, at least, the curved bights of the supports to decrease membrane vibration, enable it to carry heavy external loads, oppose deflection of the supports and thus add stability to the structure.

Abstract: Large hollow curved beams and arches are inexpensively produced by curving individual shallow components, such as channels, that are then tiered to form a large laminated member. Smaller beams or arches can be made by tiering the components, curving them all at one time, then fastening them together. Individual layers of curved components are usually fastened together consecutively or in multiple laminations to construct a member with a much higher moment of inertia than the sum of the moments of inertia of the layers in a non-fastened state.

Abstract: A vaulted membrane structure that has a series of substantially curved vertical arches that can be arranged in a modular construction to support a flexible membrane that is attached to the arches and tensioned between them in a formed inward depression to minimize vibration and flutter and to increase its ability to withstand heavy live loads such as snow or pulsating loads created by high winds.This construction applies particularly to comparative small shelters where the membrane can slide in its fastener on the arch, or slide along the arch to stretch the membrane over the arches when it is fabricated in one piece or in multiple sections.The membrane is tensioned in several ways: by pulling the membrane towards the base or by pulling the arches apart by anchor lines and/or by end closures that are fastened to the base, or by adjustable purlins or jacks between arches to force them apart. A combination of two ways is also used.

Abstract: A pre-stressed arch supported membrane structure, a method of assembly and erection and a means of tensioning a membrane of double curvature supported by and attached to upright arches.By moving the ends of flat resilent arch structural members closer together, pre-stressed arches are formed by "bowing."Assembly and erection consists of attaching flat arch member ends to base beams, one fixed and one movable; attaching membranes to these flat members when reclined on the ground, operatively attaching transverse or inclined arch members to their respective structural members; moving the non-fixed base beam towards the fixed base beam thus causing the arches to be formed as the structure rises to its erected position. Preliminary tensioning of the membrane can take place when the transverse or inclined arches are attached to the arch members in their reclined position.

Abstract: A tent-like structure, hereafter called a vaulted shelter, a series of curved arches and a panel of flexible membranous material attached to each pair of arches and tensioned in both directions with the panels concavely curved in the direction of the spacing of the arches as well as convexly curved in the other direction to minimize flutter and vibration and to enhance its load-carrying capacity. The panels are attached to the arches by inserting beads on their edges into tunnels in the arches so that the panels may slide lengthwise of the arches to tension them lengthwise. The arches are mounted on rails to wing from recumbent to upright positions and to slide toward each other, to facilitate assembly of attaching the panels to the arches, and away from each other, to tension the panels transversely. To move the arches apart and tension the panels transversely, extensible struts, such as toggles or jackscrews, are provided between the arches.

Abstract: A tent-like structure, hereinafter called a vaulted membrane structure that has a series of curved arches and a panel of flexible covering material attached to and tensioned between each pair of arches. In one embodiment, the arches on each side of an intermediate portion of the pavilion are mounted to swing in opposite directions between upright and recumbent positions. The arches, except the outermost, are mounted to swing on offsets which increase in length toward an intermediate portion of the pavilion to facilitate attaching of the covering material to the arches and to tension the covering material. The covering material between each pair of arches is depressed to minimize flutter and vibration and to enhance its load-carrying capacity and is attached to the arches by inserting beads on its edges into tunnels in or attached to the arches and held therein by a locking strip.

Abstract: A vaulted membrane structure that has a series of substantially curved vertical arches that can be arranged in a modular construction to support a flexible membrane that is attached to the arches and tensioned between them in a formed inward depression to minimize vibration and flutter and to increase its ability to withstand heavy live loads such as snow or pulsating loads created by high winds.This construction applies particularly to comparative small shelters where the membrane can slide in its fastener on the arch, or slide along the arch to stretch the membrane over the arches when it is fabricated in one piece or in multiple sections.The membrane is tensioned in several ways: by pulling the membrane towards the base or by pulling the arches apart by anchor lines and/or by end closures that are fastened to the base, or by adjustable purlins or jacks between arches to force them apart. A combination of two ways is also used.