Abstract: Example panel assemblies with frost inhibiting seal members are disclosed herein. Some example panel assemblies disclosed herein are particularly suited for creating a blast freezer (for food and other products) by using the panels in cordoning off a relatively small quick-freeze area within a larger freezer room. In some examples disclosed herein, a touch-and-hold fastener (e.g., VELCRO) connects two or more insulated flexible panels along their adjoining vertical edges to span the width of a supporting frame that is wider than a width of a single panel. To seal the joint and/or inhibit frost from developing along the joint, some example panel assemblies disclosed herein include a seal member with touch-and-hold elements plus sealing edges extending laterally in opposite directions. In some examples disclosed herein, the touch-and-hold elements couple two panels together while the sealing edges (e.g., foam strip or double looped sheet of material) block air from flowing through the touch-and-hold elements.

Abstract: Rounded vault forming structures and the systems and methods for making the same are disclosed. Such structures include a monolithic building having one or more arches, one or more integrated hip structures, and a non-circular outer circumferential shaped base. At least some of the structures result in zero to extremely low amounts of waste material from building such structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting a solar panel array are disclosed, with embodiments specifically directed to spanning bodies of water such as aqueducts, canals, or other waterways. Cable truss assemblies are used to support panel receivers and solar panels mounted over the panel receivers. The cable truss assemblies are supported on groups of columns or other vertically extending support members anchored in the ground. Cable anchor lines may supplement anchoring and support of the installed solar panel array. Embodiments of the system include various combinations of supporting cables making up the cable truss assemblies. A method is also provided for construction of the solar panel array. Lengthy and continuous spans of the solar panel array can be installed over waterways by use of the cable truss assemblies. The solar panel arrays produce power, and simultaneously reduce evaporation from the waterways, resulting in conservation of water.

Abstract: A construction-unit (23) that is adapted for being combined with one more similar units (23) to constitute a self-carrying structure (40) to use for shelter or dwelling wherein each construction-unit (23) make up for both one sidewall and half a roof in one segment. A plurality of construction-units (23) are adapted for constructing a static functional self-carrying structure (40) where the shape has a curved design related to the mathematical expression The Hyperbolic Cosine or part of an Ellipse in the traverse direction and a linear design in the longitudinal direction when placed as a part of an assembled shelter (40).

Abstract: A concrete re-entrant corner crack inhibiting device for implantation into a re-entrant corner of a casted concrete structure serves to inhibit stress fractures from developing at the cured concrete re-entrant corners. The device includes a re-entrant corning brace for cornering and embedding onto the re-entrant corner, a radial arm radiating outwardly from the brace so to extend into the cement structure and a fracture interrupting unit transversely connected to the radial arm so as to intercept, interrupt and inhibit the development and spread of stress fractures emanating from a cured cement re-entrant corner.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional, upwardly convex frame (40) constructed from a plurality of substantially identical longitudinally extending frame members (42). The frame (40) includes: the frame members (42) connected at approximately their ends to above approximately the middle of adjacent frame members (42) and the frame members (42) connected at approximately their middle to below approximately the ends of adjacent frame members (42) in a generally outwardly extending sequence. The outwardly facing ends of the outermost frame members (42) are un-connected.

Abstract: A cable dome structure comprises a top circle and circles of vertical jack posts supported by radiating and hoop cables. The upper and lower ends of the jack post have an upper and a lower cable bar nodes, respectively. The upper cable bar node is connected with two upper radiating cables of present circle at one side, two upper radiating cables of the circle above and two lower radiating cables of the circle above at another side and an upper hoop cable connecting the middle of the upper cable bar node. The lower cable bar node of the present circle at the same side of the upper radiating cables is connected with two lower radiating cables of the present circle and a lower hoop cable connecting the middle of the lower cable bar node. The top circle comprises an upper and a lower cable bar nodes and an elastic pole.

Abstract: A method of construction by which the framework of various structures can be erected in a Geodesic manner is proposed. These structures are Geodesic in that they are comprised of a large number of a few identical parts and such that the pressure on the structure is distributed throughout the structure: In this case, the thicker the Dimensions of the parts the greater the strength of the structure. This method uses hollow hexagonal and hollow pentagonal pyramidal frustums fastened together as the main building blocks of the Geodesic structure. These structures mirror the molecular world of the Carbon-60 molecule, the strongest molecule known for it's size. Thus, this proposed method of construction would provide structural enclosures that are immensely strong; such a structural enclosure given a superior quality rating by this method would be immune from the destructive effects of Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Abstract: In a method of constructing a supporting structure (e.g. of a bridge or the roof of a building) in arched form, an initially straight or pre-curved frame structure, having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, is pivotally supported at the first and second ends, whereupon the first and second ends are pushed towards one another to achieve a displacement of the first and second ends relative to one another, where the reduction of the distance between the first and second ends causes them to pivot and the frame structure to progressively and flexibly bend, against its resiliency, into a final arched form, the displacement of the first and second ends relative to one another is chosen to amount to at least 1% of the initial distance between the first and second ends, where the first and second ends are then fixed relative to one another in their displaced position so as to preserve the final arched form of the frame structure.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for forming curved structures comprises a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having a track portion, and a strap member adapted for slidably engaging the track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature. The sections of the apparatus of the current invention are initially pivotal in relation to one another. Following position in a desired configuration, one embodiment of the current invention provides a tab or protrusion carried by one section which is compressed against the base portion of an adjacent section to preclude further pivotal movement. In another embodiment, the pivotal connection between adjacent sections is further compressed, crimped or swaged to preclude further pivotal movement.

Abstract: Provided is a method for developing land through the workings of nature. An island (1) is covered with a sealing dome (3) larger than an aboveground part (1a) of the island such that a space (s1) is created between the island (1) and the sealing dome (3) and a lower edge (3a) of the sealing dome (3) is located in the sea, i.e., below the sea level (2). Subsequently, with a gap (s2) between the lower edge (3a) of the sealing dome (3) and a sea bottom (1b), a pile (4) secured to the lower edge (3a) of the sealing dome (3) with a bolt (not shown) is driven into the sea bottom (1b) to secure the sealing dome (3). Then, a pump (5) provided in the sealing dome (3) is actuated to reduce the air pressure of the sealing dome (3). According to the Pascal's law, this causes the seawater to be drawn into the sealing dome (3), allowing the sea level (2a) inside the sealing dome (3) to rise above the aboveground part (1a) of the island (1).

Abstract: Rounded vault forming structures and the systems and methods for making the same are disclosed. Such structures include a monolithic building having one or more arches, one or more integrated hip structures, and a non-circular outer circumferential shaped base. At least some of the structures result in zero to extremely low amounts of waste material from building such structures.

Abstract: A monolithic dome building having a plurality of integrated dome hip structures, and methods for making the same.

Abstract: A new and useful Dome Kit, dome shaped structural system and method of assembling a dome shaped structural system is provided. The Dome Kit and method are used to form a dome shaped structural system comprising a compression ring, a lower ring that is larger than the compression ring and spaced below the compression ring, and a plurality of ribs connected with the compression ring. The lower ring, the compression ring, lower ring and connected ribs form a dome shaped structural system; i.e. a structural system with a dome shaped appearance. New and useful structure is provided for coupling the ribs to the compression ring and to the lower ring. Such structure is particularly useful when the ribs are formed of metal (e.g. steel).

Abstract: A method of construction and installation of a large-span cylindrical reticulated shell comprises: installing a mother vault on the ground by a bulk method; pushing the mother vault gradually during the installation, so as to be match with a lifting device for lifting the extension tail end of the mother vault; adjusting the height of the extension tail end to allow the extension tail end to be maintained at a ground level for ground installation construction; and after the installation of the mother vault is completed, using a high-altitude overhanging construction method to install the other reticulated vaults adjacent to the mother vault, respectively, in sequence along the axial extending direction of the mother vault until the completion of installation of the entire large-span cylindrical reticulated shell is completed.

Abstract: A connector for a geodesic dome comprises a first coupler, a second coupler, and a third coupler. Each coupler is configured to couple with a segment, which may be a substantially straight segment. Each coupler is placed at an angle with respect to the other two couplers and with a horizontal plane, such that a geodesic dome may be constructed using a plurality of the same connectors and a plurality of the same segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and structure for reinforcing a corrugated steel plate structure. The present invention provides a method of reinforcing a corrugated steel plate structure using a liner provided on one surface of a corrugated steel plate, the reinforcing method using the liner comprising: an anchor bolt installing step of forming an anchor bolt insert hole in the surface of the corrugated steel plate and installing an anchor bolt in the anchor bolt insert hole such that the upper end of the anchor bolt protrudes from the surface of the corrugated steel plate to a predetermined height; a reinforcing bar installing step of fastening a reinforcing bar to the anchor bolt using a wire; a mold installing step of mounting a mold to the anchor bolt using a nut such that the reinforcing bar is covered with the mold; a concrete placing step of placing concrete inside the mold; and a mold removing step of removing the mold after the placed concrete has been cured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a layer-by-layer double-hoop sunflower-shaped cable dome structure and its construction method. A cycle of jack posts of an elevation forms a layer that comprises several units with same geometric characters and of same quantity except of the top layer. The units are arranged with same space on each layer. The upper end and the lower end of the jack post of each unit are installed with an upper cable bar node and a lower cable bar node respectively. The upper cable bar node is connected with two upper stayed cables of the present layer at one side, two upper stayed cables of the layer above and two lower stayed cables of the layer above at another side and an upper hoop cable going through the middle of the upper cable bar node. The lower cable bar node of the present layer at the same side of the upper stayed cables is connected with two lower stayed cables of the present layer and a lower hoop cable going through the middle of the lower cable bar node.

Abstract: An aesthetic cover assembly includes first mounting portion of a cover wall for concealing a portion of a building structure that is secured to the building structure. An alignment pin is secured on one of the first mounting portions and the building structure. The alignment pin supports a second mounting portion of a cover wall for concealing a portion of the building structure. A method of installing an aesthetic cover assembly is also included.

Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: A series of parallel V-grooves are formed on the top surface of a new or existing top coat of lightweight insulating concrete of a roof deck. A slurry coat of formulated concrete is then applied to the top coat of lightweight insulating concrete at locations in between the parallel V-grooves, to repair cracks and holes and attach a base ply roof membrane, thereby eliminating the need for a base sheet and mechanical fasteners when installing a roof membrane system on the lightweight concrete deck of a roof structure. The formulated concrete slurry comprises a mixture of Portland cement (type I), cellulose, poly vinyl alcohol, and water. A base ply (modified or single ply) roof membrane having a sanded or fleece bottom side is set into a ¼ inch thick slurry coat of the formulated concrete to effectively attach the base ply roof membrane to the lightweight concrete deck.

Abstract: The invention is a spherical dome consisting of continuous prismatic members in three layers, an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. The continuous prismatic members follow great circle arcs. The members of the three layers form a three-way grid, crossing at the vertices of contiguous spherical triangles. Three members, one from each layer, are connected together at each vertex with fasteners, such as bolts, rivets, or welds. The continuous prismatic members of each layer can be spaced as desired to provide structural integrity, economy, and simplicity of construction. A tension ring, when required structurally, is provided at the bottom periphery of the dome to resist the vertical and horizontal forces generated by the supported loads. The combined elements provide a simple and economical spherical dome.

Abstract: A domed steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.

Abstract: A domed non-steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three non-steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three non-steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each, of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.

Abstract: Supporting structure (8) for curved envelope geometries in buildings consisting of support elements (4) which are each combined to form N-sided polygons (N=3,4, . . . ) which span the envelope geometry and which each enclose a planar surface element (5), and the support elements (4) of adjacent N-sided polygons each form a common node region (3) in which the support elements (4) abut, and the plane of a surface element (5) and the respective planes of the surface elements (5) of two N-sided polygons which adjoin in non-parallel spatial directions lie in different planes in at least one portion of the envelope geometry.

Abstract: An air beam structural member having an elongate pneumatic tubular column, a plurality of stiffening members, and means for connecting the tubular column and the stiffening members. An inflatable shelter includes pneumatic tubular columns (arches) covered on both sides by flexible membranes. The columns are placed side by side to create a wall and enclosure of the space. The pneumatic columns are pressurized and keep their shape by means of a set of cables reinforcing them in the plane of the columns. The structure may be supported by an external support structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a snow shelter are disclosed. A slip form allows snow or ice crystals to be compacted in situ in large continuous blocks. Each block is built upon the previous as the slip form is rotated incrementally around a generally horizontal axis (175). The slip form is a convex shape. The convex shape, or profile, is tailored to the size and shape of the shelter desired. The resulting shape of the snow shelter is a surface of revolution of the profile of the slip form around a horizontal axis. Variations of the shelter's shape are explained herein. Various embodiments are described herein. Some of the advantages of the embodiments include: faster and more efficient construction, simple operation, and tailored size and shape of the finished shelter.

Abstract: A prefabricated shell for forming a shelter (14) has a groundsheet (30) and a cover (32) having a gas impermeable inner layer (24) and at least one outer layer. The outer layers are each formed by a layer of cloth that has been impregnated with a water-settable material, e.g. cement. The shell is steeped in water to wet the cement and then the cover is pneumatically inflated to form a space between the cover and the groundsheet. The shelter is then left until the cement has set and is able to support the cover. The shelter can easily be constructed to provide a durable shelter, especially in emergency areas.

Abstract: A three-dimensional constructional element 10 is shown having opposing and substantially planar panels 30, 40 mounted on opposing surfaces of a flexible planar member in the form of a flexible mesh material layer 52 therefore making a composite sheet of three layers. Panel 30 includes transverse grooves 12, 14 formed therein and panel 40 includes transverse grooves 16, 18 formed therein. The structure is deformable about each groove 12, 14, 16, 18. In a preferred embodiment the panels 30, 40 are divided into many segments defined by the transverse grooves to allow the constructional element to be deformed so that one of the exterior surfaces of panel 30 is concave while the opposing exterior surface of panel 40 is convex.

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: The present invention is an improved method of making cornice assemblies and other trim members utilizing the process of pultrusion. The cornice assemblies and the other trim members made by the method of the present invention exhibit superior strength to weight ratios, low expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well being less labor intensive to install.

Abstract: An architrave support for supporting one or more sections comprises a plurality of planar portions and preferably a base support which together form a preferably self supporting arch-like shaped architrave support. Each planar portion has a pair of opposite oblique ends abutting another said planar portion or the base support. The plurality of planar portions are in series, preferably mitred, at their oblique ends to form the arch-like shaped architrave support. The support may be preformed or in a kit, either together with or separately to corresponding architrave portions for attachment thereto to form an architrave. The support is useful for forming architrave arches above doorways or windows.

Abstract: A fenestration product such as a skylight or a window assembly is provided having a frame with a peripheral wall with a light transmitting central region and a plastic dome formed of a light transmitting material mounted to the frame. The plastic dome has a central region which transmits light, a downwardly extending peripheral wall extending about and mounted to the peripheral frame, and an outwardly extending flashing flange for mounting the assembly to a building structure. Various embodiments of the part illustrated include a skylight assembly having a frame formed of a plastic layer formed into an inverted “U” shape cross-section forming an annular channel filled with insulating foam. A sealed, vertically mounted window unit is also disclosed. Other embodiments have an insulating layer of transparent plastic material spaced from the dome forming an enclosed, gas filled insulating region. Methods of forming and installing a fenestration assembly are also described.

Abstract: A domed non-steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three non-steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three non-steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.

Abstract: A new and useful Dome Kit, dome shaped structural system and method of assembling a dome shaped structural system is provided. The Dome Kit and method are used to form a dome shaped structural system comprising a compression ring, a lower ring that is larger than the compression ring and spaced below the compression ring, and a plurality of ribs connected with the compression ring. The lower ring, the compression ring, lower ring and connected ribs form a dome shaped structural system; i.e. a structural system with a dome shaped appearance. New and useful structure is provided for coupling the ribs to the compression ring and to the lower ring. Such structure is particularly useful when the ribs are formed of metal (e.g. steel).

Abstract: A roof system for a grain storage structure. The roof system includes a plurality of enclosures defined between adjacent roof panel surfaces. Each enclosure includes opposed exterior and interior wall segments oriented at an angle relative to the panel surfaces. The exterior and interior wall segments have cooperating indents that are fastened to one another to secure adjacent roof panels against relative movement.

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 method for applying render to a substrate, said method including the steps of: securing a layer of confining mesh having a three-dimensional open cellular structure to the substrate; applying a base layer of cementitious material over the confining mesh; and screening the base layer to a depth at least substantially level with an outer surface of the confining mesh. Preferably, the method includes the further step of: applying a layer of reinforcing mesh over the base layer; and applying a top coat of cementitious material over the reinforcing mesh.

Abstract: A roof module comprises an outer shell and a foamed inner shell. The outer shell has a rim including an edge of cut and the inner shell extends as far as on the edge of cut. There is also proposed a method of producing such a roof module.

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: Improved reversibly expandable structures are formed from novel loop assemblies comprising a plurality of links, each of said links having at least one center pivot joint and a plurality of end pivot joints, each of at least two of said plurality of end pivot joints proximate to the outer edge of said loop assembly and connected to another link; each of said plurality of links being connected to another one of said plurality of links by at least two end pivot joints thereby forming a link pair, said loop assembly comprising at least three link pairs, each of said at least three link pairs connected to at least two other link pairs through at least one of said end pivot joints; each of said at least three link pairs connected to a central piece that is central to the loop assembly, said central piece being rotatable around a central axis, wherein the rotation of the central piece reversibly expands said loop assembly.

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: The invention uses foam blocks in commercially available sizes to build curved structure that are used in constructing habitable buildings. The curved structure is divided into sections using a Computer Assisted Drafting program. The foam blocks are cut to the curvature of the curved structure by a Computer Assisted Manufacturing program. The blocks are joined and then coated with a high strength coating to create the curved structure.

Abstract: A building includes an inflatable form having an interior surface bounding a chamber. A stabilizing layer of polymeric foam or cementitious material is disposed on the interior surface of the inflatable form. At least one support layer of cementitious material is disposed on the interior surface of the stabilizing layer. Finally, one or more ribs project from the interior surface of the at least one support layer. Each rib includes a core of polymeric foam and a layer of cementitious material disposed over the core.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a space frame structure, such as a dome, for covering an open space, with the space frame structure being assembled from beam members, which intersect at rigid mode joints. The beam members and other structural components used in the skeleton of the space frame are made from pre-cast concrete, which has not been subjected to pre-tensioning and the rigid node joints are formed in situ, for example, by casting concrete joints incorporating the ends of the beam members. The loads imposed by the weight of the beam members on the beams and the node joints effectively simulate pre-stressing of the components which act within the assembled structure as pre-stressed concrete.

Abstract: A method of producing an arc window frame has an arc window frame mainly made up of an arc decorative board, an arc upper frame, an arc lower frame, and a lower board. The arc decorative board is mounted onto the outer circumference of the arc upper frame, and the lower board screw joined to the bottom of both arc upper frame and lower frame thereof. The arc upper frame has a plurality of equally spaced sleeve holes disposed at the inner circumference thereof and the arc lower frame has a plurality of through holes equidistantly disposed at the outer circumference thereof, to which blades can be sleeve joined in radial shape and be easily adjusted into different angles for use.

Abstract: A polyhedron-like structural assembly comprises a plurality of polygonal frames installed in upright position on each of a pair of opposite sides of a structural assembly that is square-shaped in a plan view, a plurality of frames having H-shaped cross-sections and connecting the polygonal frames to form a plurality of triangular planes therebetween, a plurality of polygonal flat plates attached in the triangular planes to provide polyhedron-like upper walls and polyhedron-like side walls between the polygonal frames, and a joint disposed in the center of the assembly and having a plurality of arms formed to fit within the frames.

Abstract: A domed construction is formed by positioning and temporarily supporting a series of elongate structural elements in radially-extending positions, and forming structural joints between the adjoining radial edges of the structural elements, such that the series of structural elements form a self-supporting shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tunnel form comprising:

Abstract: A method and system for use in forming arched openings in both concrete block and wood frame building construction. In block construction the present invention provides for the use of monolithic plant pre-cast and reinforced concrete header and arched filler combination units that is load-bearing, and in wood frame construction the present invention provides for the use of non-load-bearing pre-formed arch-filling members that could be made from recycled plastic attached to or including a lintel for overlaying the surrounding wall frame. Use of the present invention would eliminate the need for labor-intensive post and beam type headers with a site-built wooden arch and thereby reduce the on-site costs currently associated with site installation of windows and doors having an arched upper perimeter. The materials from which the present invention is made would determine its load-bearing capacity.