Abstract: An improved contaminant shield and method for making the shield, including one or more panels constructed of interconnected frame members, such as extruded aluminum, having longitudinal recesses and consisting of substantially closed sections in closed sections in cross-sections. Thin flexible sheeting is inserted within the frame members, and fastening members are used to frictionally engage the recesses and capture the sheeting in seli-tensioned position.

Abstract: A heat insulating blanket with insulating media fastened at top and bottom of the blanket. The method for making the heat reflecting blanket comprises the steps of providing a first moisture-impervious outer layer having top and bottom edges, providing a second moisture-impervious outer layer having top and bottom edges, arranging at least one layer of insulating material between the first and second outer layers and in a confronting relationship therewith, folding the first and second outer layers with the insulating material therebetween into hems at the top and bottom edges, and securing the hems to form a heat insulating blanket with insulating media fastened at top and bottom. In another aspect of the invention, a heat insulating blanket with insulating media fastened at top and bottom is also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing a snow shelter. A set of fabric panels is connected together to provide a short skirt into which snow is filled throughout and compacted on the periphery. Panels are then connected to a higher level and additional snow is filled in throughout and compacted on the periphery. When the panels have been completely connected and filled with snow, they encompass a snow dome packed around the surface. The panels may then be removed and the dome hollowed out to provide a snow shelter. The hollowing out process may be guided through the use of probes that are pressed into the dome from the outside to provide a depth gauge. A closeable door may also be installed against the dome opening after the dome is constructed.

Abstract: A method of casting concrete structures using a "flexible formwork assembly". The assembly has flexible sheets suspended from a fixed location, preferably from a supporting frame assembled on top of the reinforcing members, with rigid stress distribution members located to the outer surface of flexible sheets in predetermined spacings so as to carry load directly and to redistribute stress in the sheet so as to aid the sheet to withstand the concrete pressure. The majority of stress distribution members are arranged in pairs which are directly connected to each other by ties in wall type structures. Reinforcing members are used as a main frame or skeleton to hold and suspend the formwork assembly. Spacers are used to aid in maintaining the sheets in a desired location which ensure adequate concrete cover to the reinforcing prior to pouring of the concrete. Stress distribution members provide external shape, configuration and pattern to the concrete surface by their shape and arrangement.

Abstract: In a light-tight enclosure, elongate members and joint connectors are joined to one another to form a framework to which panels having projecting ribs with right-angled corners are mounted. Each elongate member is extruded from aluminum so as to have open ended grooves. Each joint connector is fabricated from aluminum so as to have open ended grooves, some of which have right-angled corners conforming to right-angled corners of the projecting ribs. At each joint where elongate members and a joint connector are joined, the open-ended grooves merge with one another so as to define continuously extending grooves receiving the projecting ribs of the panels mounted to the framework at the joint. Some joint connectors are employed as corner connectors while other joint connectors are employed as edge connectors.

Abstract: A decorative cover for a movable garage door and method of attachment thereof are provided that allow festive ornamentation of ordinary garage doors while maintaining full use of such garage doors. The decorative cover can be made of weather resistant material and printed with various festive designs on its surface. The decorative cover is installed by draping it onto the front of the garage door. The cover is then joined together by any of several tethering and attaching methods to secure the cover to the garage door to allow full opening and closing without the cover riding up or down relative to the door. The attachment methods also take up slack in the cover.

Abstract: A method of farming comprises collecting waste material such as manure from animal farming, or effluent from food processing plants or the like in a closed container, stirring and aerating the material within the container and adding yeast and phosphoric acid to increase aerobic bacterial activity while reducing anaerobic bacteria and rendering the material into a pumpable liquid. The collected manure is stored in a cylindrical container having a plastics liner and roof and is used as a fire suppressant material for dowsing fires in the farm buildings by providing a pump and hose on the container or hydrant located adjacent to the buildings.

Abstract: A temporary shelter for use with an existing frame structure is provided. The temporary shelter has a flexible sheet having a pair of parallel slits. The flexible sheet encloses the frame structure to define an inner shelter space. A pair of zipper structures are provided. Each zipper structure has a separable zipper chain composed of two interlocking halves having fastening elements attached to flexible tapes. The fastening elements are interlocked and separated by a slider. The slider is operatively connected to the interlocking halves. Each flexible tape has an adhesive strip located on a back portion of the flexible tape and extends along side and parallel to the fastening elements.

Abstract: A roof structure to protect a crop growing area includes a retractable roof membrane or curtain that defines pitched sections of the roof. The membrane extends across the valley between pitched sections and apertures are provided in the membrane to allow water to pass through the membrane. A gutter is disposed in the valley beneath the apertures to collect water and discharge it away from the crop growing area.

Abstract: A composite frame member that includes a longitudinally extending external member that defines a longitudinally extending internal cavity within which a longitudinally extending internal member is disposed. The internal member and external member, while being distinct components, are constructed and arranged to cooperate in a substantially synergistic fashion that seeks to provide a frame member having superior strength characteristics. Further, the internal member and the external member cooperate to define an accessible stapling channel that is capable of being readily stapled into. The external member includes walls that at least partially bound the internal cavity. The internal member is disposed within the internal cavity and defines the stapling channel, wherein the stapling channel receives a cover sheet and staples through an opening defined by the external member.

Abstract: A lattice girder (11) has an upper chord (12), a middle chord (13) and a lower chord (14) between which stiffening struts (15, 16) extend. Furthermore, at least one piping groove (17, 17', 18, 18') is provided at the middle chord (13) at at least one side of the lattice girder (11) and extends parallel to the longitudinal extent. The pipings (19) of the tarpaulin(s) (20, 20') are drawn into the piping groove in the longitudinal direction. In acchordance with the invention two piping grooves (17, 18; 17', 18') are provided above one another at at least one side and preferably on both sides of the middle chord (13).

Abstract: A canopy structure 50 a plurality of support posts 11, 12, 13, 14 arranged substantially in the form of an array 51, and a plurality of panels 10 mounted on the support posts to form a canopy cover 50. Each panel 10 is a rectangular sheet of flexible material 16 and a plurality of substantially inextensible support straps 17, 18, 19, 20 fixed to the sheet 16. A support strap extends along each side of the sheet 16. Each end of each support strap is mounted to a support post and an intermediate point is attached to the support strap of an adjacent panel. The support straps generally have a twin catenary configuration which draws fabric from the inner area of the panel towards the edge thereof. The panels are attached to the support posts and to each other by loops of webbing 30, connecting rings 31, and shackles. The loops of webbing 30 are typically reinforced to reduce the likelihood of failure thereof. A canopy panel 10 for use in the canopy structure described above is also included.

Abstract: A hook for suspending or supporting, from a rod or wire, a retractable roof covering used on greenhouses, comprises a pin for engaging the covering, a separator for preventing the covering material from contacting the rod or wire, and a locking mechanism for locking the pin and preventing the covering and rod or wire from being disengaged. The components of the hook are parts of a unitary body generally having a ring or loop shape.

Abstract: An easily assembled greenhouse apparatus includes a polymer tube frame formed with plastic tube frame members, some of which have a plurality of openings therein, which tubes are connected together with conventional plastic tube couplings. Each of a plurality of cover attaching members has a screen gripping portion and a tube attaching member for attaching to the polymer tube frame. A plastic covering extends over the polymer tube frame and is attached thereto with the plurality of cover attaching members attaching through the plastic covering and into one of the polymer tubing frame member openings. A door is formed with polymer tube frame members and has a polymer covering and a pair of hinge pins.

Abstract: A portable steel framed building which can be rapidly assembled and disassembled. Components of a typical building include at least one ridge beam connected between two spaced ridge receivers with two rafters also secured to the ridge receiver. The rafters extend through hip receivers each of which is connected to a hip beam and a post. Thus, two identical ridge receivers and four identical hip receivers, plus a ridge beam, two hip beams and four posts are sufficient to construct a complete building. With additional identical components, the size of the building may be extended and other configurations, such as valley, shed or gable roofs may be constructed. If desired, purlins may be provided between rafters and crosspieces may be provided between posts. Fascia members may be fastened to the ends of the rafters, and may include a component for holding the ends of a fabric roof covering. The posts may be telescoping to allow building height to be varied or irregular foundations to be accommodated.

Abstract: A decorative cover for a movable garage door and method of attachment thereof are provided that allow festive ornamentation of ordinary garage doors while maintaining full use of such garage doors. The decorative cover can be made of weather resistant material and printed with various festive designs on its surface. The decorative cover is installed by draping it onto the front of the garage door while the garage door is in its open position. The cover is then wrapped around the garage door and top and bottom ends of the cover are joined together on a back side of the garage door by any of several tethering methods to secure the cover to the garage door.

Abstract: A construction assembly for closures, including awnings, canopies, boat coverings, signs and displays having a frame composed of aluminum and the like including channelled, joinable members preferably for assembly by welding into a frame, a covering material formed from a textile, and flexible trim pads for interlocking the covering material into the channels of the joinable members. The assembly includes staples to act as anchors to hold the material into place before forced insertion of the flexible fasteners. The joinable members may have a square, rectangular, round, or triangular shape when viewed in cross section. In one embodiment, the joinable members may have one or more cantilevered flanges suspended therefrom for framing or to provide for attachment to another structure or to provide support for other structures such as a light diffuser. This construction also improves the overall integrity of the member. In cross section, the joinable members have a round or a multi-sided configuration.

Abstract: A rigid structural member for a building in which the member has four sides each provided with a groove having narrow opening. Two of the grooves on two opposite sides be used to assemble structural members together to provide completed building assemblies by the use of screw-threaded members while, in the completed assembly, the other two grooves are used for holding two building enclosure sheets in spaced positions, one on each side of the completed assembly. For this purpose, elongate holding members are located in the grooves to hold the sheets in place. The holding members have a particular design which secures them in place within the grooves. The grooves are preferably T-shaped and are all of the same size and shape to increase the versatility. In addition, the structural member may be formed into building structures which are hinged together such that they may be in a collapsed condition for storage and transportation or may be relatively pivoted into an erected condition.

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: A roof structure to protect a crop growing area includes a retractable roof membrane or curtain that defines pitched sections of the roof. The membrane extends across the valley between pitched sections and apertures are provided in the membrane to allow water to pass through the membrane. A gutter is disposed in the valley beneath the apertures to collect water and discharge it away from the crop growing area.

Abstract: A net for covering raked leaves and similar plant debris. The net is bounded on two sides by two telescoping poles. A chain links the ends the ends of the two poles, and a second chain links the remaining ends of the two poles. The net is thus weighted to hug the ground and resist displacement by the wind. The net, being flexible, accommodates leaf piles of different volumes and dimensions. The telescoping poles and flexible chains both hold the net down by gravity, and also influence the overall configuration of the net. Opposing sides of the net attached to the poles remain straight, although of variable length due to telescoping. Opposing sides of the net attached to the chains are reconfigurable due to flexibility of the chains. The net is useful for immediately covering collected leaves, and preventing dispersion by the wind. Also, the net is suitable for longer term use in composting. Rings attached the poles enable stakes to secure the net in place for composting or other long term uses.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a portable shelter for an automobile which is lightweight and easily assembled. The invention utilizes base plates which are adjustably placed under the wheels of the sheltered vehicle for securely anchoring the shelter structure. Independently adjustable vertical support bars are attached to the base plates and support a canopy. Additionally, cross-braces which are adjustable in height and adjustable in length are positioned at tire height to that the vertical support bars of the structure can be securely braced against the vehicle tires. This provides superior lateral support against meteorological conditions without the need for external stakes or guide wires, and without contacting or damaging the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A composite frame member that includes a longitudinally extending external member that defines a longitudinally extending internal cavity within which a longitudinally extending internal member is disposed. The internal member and external member, while being distinct components, are constructed and arranged to cooperate in a substantially synergistic fashion that seeks to provide a frame member having superior strength characteristics. Further, the internal member and the external member cooperate to define an accessible stapling channel that is capable of being readily stapled into. The external member includes walls that at least partially bound the internal cavity. The internal member is disposed within the internal cavity and defines the stapling channel, wherein the stapling channel receives a cover sheet and staples through an opening defined by the external member.

Abstract: A building structure consisting of a framework of uprights and beams of profile material which is covered on the outside with sheet-like material such as plastic foil, wherein on at least the roof portion of the framework the foil is fixed with a longitudinal edge to a longitudinal beam connected to the framework and wherein a second longitudinal beam is fastened to the parallel opposite longitudinal edge of the foil and is driven for rotation on the central axis thereof such that the second beam winds itself into respectively out of the foil, such that opening and closing of said roof or wall portion of the foil covering can take place easily and under tension.

Abstract: A portable isolation enclosure apparatus for safely removing material from the walls of a building structure while isolating the portion of the walls from which the material is being removed. The apparatus includes an booth with an open top, a plurality of side walls, and at least one open side disposed between two of the side walls. The apparatus is positioned against the wall such that an area of the wall is isolated from the ambient environment and is disposed in the open side of the booth such that a worker located inside the booth can access the area of the wall. A frame is adjustably attached to the booth so as to extend above the top of the booth a desired distance. A vacuum filter system is provided for drawing air from outside the booth into the interior of the booth, filtering the air along with any airborne contaminants, and then exhausting clean air to the environment.

Abstract: A channeled extrusion for both framing and holding flexible coverings, such as in fabric covered awnings and similar framed, flexible cover structures. Such extrusions commonly contain at least one opening or channeled side, and when such extrusions are bent or arcuately formed in order to provide for curved surfaces, the channeled side may tend to close due to the opposing forces applied in the opposite walls due to the bending action. This is especially true when the channeled side is parallel to the plane of bending. The extrusions provided preclude this closing tendency of the slot and offer lateral structural stability. These provided extrusions can be formed into arcuate shapes without the need for spacers in the channel or special bending tools designed to prevent the closure of the channel. The reinforcement means provided include these elements: an inner lateral web, thickened upper walls, distension zones, stress-relieving indentations, and inner longitudinal bracing.

Abstract: A modular building system is adapted for the construction of various temporary and semi-permanent relatively light structures, such as yard storage sheds, greenhouses, gazebos, sun rooms and the like. The system includes various modular framing elements, with base and header plate components each containing a integral roller having an extendible and retractable flexible wall or roof panel respectively attached thereto. Thus, the frame members may be assembled to form the desired structure, with the wall and roof panels being selectively extended from the base and header plate members as desired to close various respective wall or roof portions of the structure as desired. The extendible and retractable wall and roof panels may be formed of transparent, translucent, or opaque thin and flexible sheet materials as desired, either of woven or non-woven materials, metal or plastic screen, etc. The frame components are preferably formed of a plastic such as polyvinyl chloride; other materials may be used.

Abstract: An inflatable device for use as a bar, carnival stand, exposition stall or the like. The bar is comprised of bar segments, canopy and roof tubes for canopy supports, the segments and tubes having fluid communication therebetween, and the tubes in fluid communication with one another. A durable counter rests upon interior walls positioned transversely in the segments to form a countertop of the bar. The device is inflated by an electric fan or blower.

Abstract: A self-stabilizing extrusion for closure assemblies, including awnings, canopies, and displays having an elongated hollow frame substantially rectangular in vertical cross-section with inside and outside surfaces which is constructed of a top wall perpendicularly connected to parallel side walls terminating in perpendicular flange members parallel to the top wall. A slot opening is formed between the flange members for the receipt of closure material. The side walls are also interconnected by a slot base to which the closure material is affixed. A base support is provided between the slot base and the inside surface of the top wall. The slot is defined by the slot opening, the inside surfaces of the side walls below the slot base, and the slot base. The top and side walls may also include a plurality of stabilizing recesses and stabilizing notches. The corners are also equipped with stabilizing recesses.

Abstract: An inflatable portable refuge structure includes at least one refuge chamber having a floor, ceiling and a peripheral sidewall and an inner resealable entrance in the peripheral sidewall of the refuge chamber. An airlock chamber having a floor, ceiling and peripheral sidewall is connected to the refuge chamber adjacent the inner resealable entrance such that exiting from the refuge chamber through the inner resealable opening proceeds into the airlock chamber. The airlock chamber further includes an outer resealable entrance in the peripheral sidewall thereof. The refuge chamber and airlock chamber each further include at least one one-way pressure valve, the pressure valves operative to release air from within the chambers in response to increased air pressure within the chambers. An external pressurized air supply source spaced from the refuge structure and connected thereto by an air supply hose supplies uncontaminated air to the refuge chamber thereby inflating the refuge structure.

Abstract: A method of installing insulation under a pre-existing roof of a building of a type having a spaced apart structural beams standing in one direction under the roof and a plurality of spaced apart elongated purlins extending transversely to the structural beams and being supported by the structural beams. Perlin clips are used which connect to the perlins at the top and to a lower support member at the bottom thereof. The method includes installing an upper support member across from one to the other of an adjacent pair of perlins. An upper strip of insulation is positioned between adjacent pairs of perlins above the upper support member whereby the strip of insulation will be supported by the upper support member. A lower strip of insulation is attached at one end into one of the structural beams, under the upper layer of insulation, and to the other of the structural beams at the other end thereof.

Abstract: A novel greenhouse curtain system has a plurality of movable curtains oriented vertically one above the other to form a flexible wall. Each curtain is supported by a fixed upper edge, and the vertical position of the lower extent of each curtain may be adjusted by means of a traveling spindle used to furl or unfurl the curtain. The traveling spindle rises and descends as the curtain is furled (raised) or unfurled (lowered), and is rotated by a tensioned cable wrapped in opposite directions around two drums aligned concentrically one on end of the roller bar. The cable is anchored on one end below one of the drums, and is wrapped in opposite manner respectively around both drums and passes vertically to a pulley, and then to a driving means such as a winch. The dimensions of the drums are such that the curtain remains in stable position as long as there is no movement of the cable to or from the driving means.

Abstract: A roof structure to protect a crop growing area includes a retractable roof membrane or curtain that defines pitched sections of the roof. The membrane extends across the valley between pitched sections and apertures are provided in the membrane to allow water to pass through the membrane. A gutter is disposed in the valley beneath the apertures to collect water and discharge it away from the crop growing area.

Abstract: The present invention is a tension braced dome structure comprised of a top ridge having at least one upper ridge radial member and at least one circumferential member which is concentric with an edge member; wherein the upper ridge radial member and the circumferential member are capable of carrying compressive and tensile loading; and further comprising a tensegrity grid having at least one diagonal member, and at least one lower compression member, and at least one lower cicumferential member; wherein said diagonal member extends between the upper ridge radial member and the compression member; and still further having a means for resolving internal stresses as an integral part of the top ridge; and a means for adjusting tension in the diagonal member.

Abstract: A utility greenhouse (10) has a frame (30) comprised of electrical metal tubing (EMT) sections. Main frame members (12) bear the majority of the building's load. Main frame members (12), long side members (14) and short side members (16) all embed into the ground and are shaped to extend vertically upward for a wall height distance then curve upwards and inward so that a pronounced rounded appearance for the frame (30) results. The main frame members (12) and the long frame members (14) intersect the short frame members (16). Ties (26) secure the intersecting frame members together. A continuous sheet plastic skin (24) overlies the frame. The skin (24) is held to the frame (30) at an outer cover brace (18), an inner cover brace (20), and through ties (26) which secure skin (24) to the long and short frame members (14, 16). A door (54) is formed by cutting the skin (24).

Abstract: Roof for a storage reservoir, such as a silo, having a frame with a rigid peripheral element, a central core element and a plurality of tension elements which are distributed about the peripheral element. The central core element includes at least two supports that are mutually connected at an axial distance apart. The tension elements are stretched between each support on the central core element and the peripheral element. The tension element is fixed to the central core element and the tension element such that the tension of the frame is varied by varying the distance of the tension element is stretched between the rigid peripheral element and the central core element.

Abstract: A triangulated roof structure for supporting a roof that projects in plan a substantially closed curve includes a substantially horizontal outer compression ring, a plurality of tension hoops concentrically arranged within the compression ring at different heights relative to a common reference plane, and a plurality of substantially vertical compression members having upper and lower ends, affixed at their lower ends to each of the tension hoops. The compression members are located so that compression members affixed to a first tension hoop are not radially aligned with compression members affixed to an adjacent tension hoop. The structure also includes a plurality of tension elements interconnecting a compression member affixed to the first tension hoop to a proximal pair of compression members affixed to an adjacent tension hoop and means for securing an outermost tension hoop and the vertical compression members attached thereto to the compression ring.

Abstract: A doubly curved structure which is clad with a tensioned, fabric-containing membrane which is disposed above but not contiguous with the exterior surface of the structure. The two ends of the cladding membrane are each connected to an attachment member which, in turn, is attached to the exterior surface; and the intermediate portion of the membrane is contiguous with a standoff member which is disposed between the cladding membrane and the exterior surface. An arc with a substantially concave curvature is formed by such membrane between at least one of the attachment members and the standoff member.

Abstract: This invention provides a collapsible cubicle 10 having a tubular enclosure 12 of fabric material secured to a pair of resiliently deformable hoops 18 and 20. In use the enclosure 12 is suspendible from a tripod 32 having a telescopically extendible post 36. A sand bag 34 is conveniently provided to stabilise the erected cubicle 10. The enclosure 12 is conveniently stored for transportation by stacking the hoops 18 and 20 on top of each other and manipulating them by means of a twisting action until they form a composite hoop having a lesser diameter than the undeformed hoops.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover (10) for enclosing a swimming pool or similar space. The cover (10) has a frame assembly (19), which generally is comprised of a plurality of opposed side support brackets (22) arranged in pairs on each side of pool (12), and a plurality of opposed end bracket assemblies (54) arranged in pairs along each end of pool. Support cables (64) extend across the pool, supported on each pair of side support bracket assemblies (22). A track assembly (20) is mounted on and supported by the support cables (64). A cover panel assembly (21) is mounted to the frame assembly (19) by the track assembly (20) and includes top cover panels (122), end cover panels (126), and corner panel assemblies (127), connected in series by the track assembly (20) for covering the top sides and ends of the pool.

Abstract: A vent assembly for a igloo-type building of the type having a number of arcuate roof frame members extending between side gutters, the vent assembly including a Z-sectioned member secured to the roof frame members and extending parallel to the side gutters, the region between the Z-sectioned member and adjacent gutter defining a vent opening into the building. A roller blind has its fabric secured to the Z-sectioned member and may be unrolled to close the vent opening or rolled up to open the vent opening.

Abstract: A roofing system includes a strong nonmetallic mesh placed over an array of purlins, and secured to the periphery of the roof. Metal roofing panels, insulation, and a weatherproof layer are laid over the mesh. The mesh has sufficient strength to protect workers on the roof from falls, and sufficiently small openings to catch dropped tools and fasteners.

Abstract: A collapsible accommodation structure (1) comprising a base (2), at least two opposite side walls (3, 4) connected to said base and inwardly foldable one over the other, and a roof (7) which is connected to said opposite side walls (3, 4) so that it can be folded with the walls while being turned over so that in the collapsed position, the roof (7) lies between said walls with its top side facing the outside of one of the side walls and its underside facing the inside of the other side wall.

Abstract: An improved contaminant shield and method for making the shield, including a frame constructed of interconnected frame members. A double-sided adhesive tape meeting certain temperature-induced and load-induced creep performance characteristics is attached to outside portions of the frame, and flexible sheeting affixed to the adhesive. Single-sided adhesive tape, or other connectors, are applied to seal the joints between the sheets.

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 greenhouse in which a foil (2) is affixed in a profiled frame (3) of "V"-form by a snap-on frame (1) also of "V"-form and in which at least one of the legs (3a) is provided with an extending edge (4). In a particular embodiment one of the legs of the profiled snap-on frame (1) is provided with another extending edge (5) and possibly a flap (6). The new construction has not only the advantage of simplicity but also the advantage that it is easy to fit and easy to remove.

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: A construction system comprising a method and an article employed in said method which is used to engage the edge of adjacent membranes along the top of a beam constituting an arch in a tension membrane structure and pull the membranes toward each other by tightening alternate bolts attached to the beam and the edge of the membrane.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cover which is supported or suspended from a self-supporting, open air framework constructed over a vessel. The cover is sealed to the vessel.

Abstract: The structure of a shade house is disclosed which is comprised of a plurality of upright posts with cables tensioned therebetween to provide a support for a shade producing fabric to be placed over a designated area. The structure is easy to assemble and includes improved structural elements such as the combination of a post with a separate top which supports the roof cable, and a separate earth anchor threadably driven into the ground. The roof is comprised of a number of supporting cables preferably forming a rectangular grid, and by a system of parallel holding cables which extend over the top surface of the roof fabric with the latter is installed. The fabric is installed by way of a plurality of strips which can be wound up and stored in the wound up position during winter months or the like.