Abstract: A covering system includes a flexible, web-like membrane having first and second portions. A first cross support is connected to the first portion of the membrane, and a second cross support is connected to the second portion of the membrane. A drive mechanism is provided for moving the second cross support relative to the first cross support so that the membrane is movable between a first, retracted position and a second, deployed position. The drive mechanism includes a force multiplication mechanism for facilitating a longitudinal tensile stress application to the membrane when it is in the second, deployed position. A transverse tensioning mechanism that includes a catenary linkage is also provided for tensioning the membrane in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A covering system includes a flexible, web-like membrane having first and second portions. A first cross support is connected to the first portion of the membrane, and a second cross support is connected to the second portion of the membrane. A drive mechanism is provided for moving the second cross support relative to the first cross support so that the membrane is movable between a first, retracted position and a second, deployed position. The drive mechanism includes a force multiplication mechanism for facilitating a longitudinal tensile stress application to the membrane when it is in the second, deployed position. A transverse tensioning mechanism that includes a catenary linkage is also provided for tensioning the membrane in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A convertible stadium includes a playing field, a seating area, a stationary roof structure and a large, heavy roof panel mounted for movement with respect to the stationary roof structure, A plurality of cable drums are mounted for movement together with the roof panel. Each cable drum has at least one cable wound thereabout. The cable is secured to the stationary roof structure and is payable from the respective cable drum. The system is designed so as to minimize movement between the cable and the roof panel, so there will be no possibility of frictional engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A movable roof member includes a transport mechanism that is constructed and arranged to permit the roof member to move in a predetermined path with respect to the underlying structure of the supporting edifice. The transport mechanism includes structure for supporting both ends of the roof member, which bridges an otherwise open area of the edifice. In order to permit some flexure and movement of the roof member with respect to the underlying edifice, as will inevitably occur as a result of natural forces such as winds, a lateral release system is provided for maintaining the transport mechanism in a predetermined orientation while simultaneously permitting a limited amount of movement of the roof member in a direction that is nonparallel to the predetermined path of movement. The lateral release system has been found to be most effective when it is provided at but one end of the roof member.

Abstract: A retractable wall system for a structure such as a building includes a torque tube and a kinetic wall member that is secured to the torque tube. A shaft that is at least partially positioned within the torque tube is secured to the structure so that rotation with respect to the structure is precluded. A drive mechanism that is at least partially positioned within the torque tube is constructed and arranged to selectively change a rotational position of the shaft with respect to the torque tube so that the wall member may be moved with respect to the structure. An electronic control system may be provided for monitoring and controlling movement of the kinetic wall member with respect to the structure. The electronic control system may be integrated with other control systems of the structure, such as the electronic control system of the structure's HVAC system.

Abstract: A convertible stadium includes an exhibition area, a seating area and a plurality of roof support locations for supporting a movable or retractable roof assembly. The roof assembly includes a first major truss that spans a distance between a first and a second of the roof support locations and a second major truss that spans a distance between a third and a fourth of the roof support locations. Both of the first and second major trusses are preferably structurally configured as a tied arch, each of which has a generally convex upper portion and a lower portion that is adapted to assume gravity induced stresses within the trusses as tension. In order to keep the center of mass of the major trusses generally positioned within a plane including the roof support locations, which optimizes lateral stability of the major trusses, the major trusses are most preferably given a lenticular shape, meaning that the lower portion of the trusses is convex and in fact preferably generally symmetrical to the upper portion.

Abstract: A convertible stadium includes an exhibition area, a seating area and an outer sidewall in which is defined in large opening, preferably located so as to provide favorable outdoor views to the occupants of the stadium. A movable wall member is advantageously position so as to be able to open or close the large opening. When the movable wall member is in a first, retracted position spectators will be provided with a view of the outdoors and a great deal of outdoor air and sunlight. When outdoor conditions are unfavorable for an intended event within the stadium, however, the movable wall member may be repositioned in order to partially or fully close the opening. Such unfavorable conditions may include undesirable sun position, an undesirable amount of wind or humidity; or unfavorable temperatures.

Abstract: A convertible public exhibition facility includes a stadium having an exhibition area and a seating area that is situated about the exhibition area for permitting spectators to view activities taking place in the exhibition area. The exhibition facility further includes a movable natural grass activity platform that has a surface area of natural grass that is at least 10,000 square feet and that is constructed so as to have a characteristic frequency of at least 6 Hz. Situated within the natural grass activity platform is a transport mechanism that is constructed and arranged so as to be able to move the natural grass activity platform as a complete unit from a location that is outside of the stadium to a location that is within the exhibition area. Preferably, the location that is outside of the stadium is an outdoor location that provides optimal conditions for the growth of natural grass.

Abstract: A convertible stadium includes an exhibition area, a seating area and an outer sidewall in which is defined in large opening, preferably located so as to provide favorable outdoor views to the occupants of the stadium. A movable wall member is advantageously position so as to be able to open or close the large opening. When the movable wall member is in a first, retracted position spectators will be provided with a view of the outdoors and a great deal of outdoor air and sunlight. When outdoor conditions are unfavorable for an intended event within the stadium, however, the movable wall member may be repositioned in order to partially or fully close the opening. Such unfavorable conditions may include undesirable sun position, an undesirable amount of wind or humidity; or unfavorable temperatures.

Abstract: A convertible public exhibition facility includes a stadium having an exhibition area and a seating area that is situated about the exhibition area for permitting spectators to view activities taking place in the exhibition area. The exhibition facility further includes a movable natural grass activity platform that has a surface area of natural grass that is at least 10,000 square feet and that is constructed so as to have a characteristic frequency of at least 6 Hz. Situated within the natural grass activity platform is a transport mechanism that is constructed and arranged so as to be able to move the natural grass activity platform as a complete unit from a location that is outside of the stadium to a location that is within the exhibition area. Preferably, the location that is outside of the stadium is an outdoor location that provides optimal conditions for the growth of natural grass.

Abstract: A convertible stadium includes an exhibition area, a seating area and a plurality of roof support locations for supporting a movable or retractable roof assembly. The roof assembly includes a first major truss that spans a distance between a first and a second of the roof support locations and a second major truss that spans a distance between a third and a fourth of the roof support locations. Both of the first and second major trusses are preferably structurally configured as a tied arch, each of which has a generally convex upper portion and a lower portion that is adapted to assume gravity induced stresses within the trusses as tension. In order to keep the center of mass of the major trusses generally positioned within a plane including the roof support locations, which optimizes lateral stability of the major trusses, the major trusses are most preferably given a lenticular shape, meaning that the lower portion of the trusses is convex and in fact preferably generally symmetrical to the upper portion.