Abstract: A method and apparatus for geodesic sphere construction provides a construction framework from an extrusion system that, when fabricated, generates the geometries of the geodesic sphere or dome, and also is configured to interlock with the triangular exterior panels to form a waterproof system. The apparatus includes an extruded strut portion having a cross-section, and a vertex component having the same cross-section, with a sliding connector portion adapted to slide into and join the strut portion and vertex component to form the geodesic frame work of a geodesic strut and panel system. The extruded strut and vertex components have a centerline bearing opposing dihedral angles. The vertex connectors are each set at the appropriate face angle and axial angle according to their location on the geodesic structure. Thus, the vertex component generates both the surface angles on a geodesic sphere and the axial angles which produce the curvature of the geodesic dome.

Abstract: A foldable building structure includes a wall assembly made from a semi-rigid continuous sheet material configured with creases that enable the sheet material to be bent or folded to form multiple integrally formed together walls. A roof assembly can be formed from a second semi-rigid continuous sheet material that is configured with creases that enable the sheet material to be bent or folded to form multiple integrally formed roof panels. A floor assembly can be made out a third semi-rigid continuous sheet of material that also can be folded to form foundation members and floor panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular construction system to be applied to buildings, comprising a steel structure composed by octagonal tubing that acts as external beams, octagonal tubing that acts as external beams, octagonal tubing that acts as internal beams, structural connections, cross members for the roof structure, a hollow roof ridge member, panels acting as structural walls and partitions, bracing plates to connect the panels, external finishing member and internal finishing member, whereas the whole structure is anchored to the floor. When creating an edge column to connect the panels to the steel structure, internal angular shaped bracing plates are used and external ones with a shape similar to letter “C”, provided with holes along the length for the bolts and connection slot to connect the external finishing member by means of internal clips with a rim for connection to the clamp through the recesses arranged in the interior.

Abstract: The gazebo structure is made of four aluminum columns that support a roof made of aluminum, stainless steal, and trans-lucid acrylic resistant to ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: The invention provides an igloo-shaped structure formed from a plurality of rectangular shaped blocks having a rim and a trough molded therein. The rim has pins adjacent the corners of the blocks that engage apertures or holes fastening plates. Each fastening plate has four holes to enable it to snap together four blocks. Subsequent rows of blocks may have smaller dimensions so that the assembly curves inward forming the familiar domed shape of an igloo. Curved trapezoidal shaped blocks, also held together with fastening plates, are used to cap off the dome.

Abstract: An awning includes a plurality of peripheral poles, a plurality of iron screens, and a collapsible supporting frame. A lower top cloth covers a lower top frame of the collapsible supporting frame and is attached in such a way as to define a central opening, and an upper top cloth covers an upper top frame of the collapsible supporting frame. The upper top cloth has an area of projection larger than the area of the central opening of the lower top cloth. The upper umbrella disk and the middle umbrella disk are moveable into position by a positioning fixture.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a free-standing structure which includes an eight-sided roof perimeter; at least four geodesic structures extending from four sides of the eight-sided roof perimeter and supporting the perimeter; and at least four legs, each leg structurally corresponding with one of the at least four geodesic structures for upholding the free-standing structure.

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: A frame tent system having a plurality of upright columns, a plurality of eave members, and a plurality of rafters. The plurality of members are inter-connected by a system of novel eave weldments. The eave weldment is preferably a four-way connector unit interconnecting the frame members of the tent system at major points of connection to form the frame tent system. The eave weldment is formed of a weldment plate and an insert tube disposed perpendicular to the weldment plate. The frame members of the tent system each include a channel for releasably receiving ends of the eave weldment. In particular, the channel disposed in the rafter receives a first end of the weldment plate; the channel disposed in the upright column receives a second end of the weldment plate; the channel disposed in the eave members receive an end of the insert tube thereby forming the frame tent system.

Abstract: A geodesic structure comprising convex-concave elements. The elements are easily manufactured, simple shapes that can be assembled randomly to form a geodesic structure, such as a dome. The geodesic structure can also be used to make flat maps of spherical bodies, exhibiting very little distortion.

Abstract: A door holder and a door closer and, in particular, and improvements in door holders and closers for use in screen doors, storm doors or any type of door which has the need for a device for maintaining the door in a particular orientation and/or for self-closing of the door.

Abstract: This invention concerns a structural sky roof which allows structure complexes composed of one or several houses, parks, gardens, playgrounds, sports fields, shopping malls, parking lots, school-like structures to be protected against all adverse atmospheric effects originating from the sky and which covers all those structures almost like an umbrella.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing backing in walls which include a first, second and third upright U-shaped stud. A first backing member has a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. The first backing member is disposed between the first and second studs. A second backing member has a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. The second backing member is disposed between said second and third studs. A hinge is operatively attached to the first side of the first and second backing members for permitting the second backing member to pivot with respect the first backing member between a first position wherein the first side of each of the first and second backing members are substantially in the same plane and a second position whereby the first and second backing members are not in the same plane. This permits the first backing member to be placed between a first and second adjacent vertical stud.

Abstract: A canopy system including a canopy frame and a canopy cover supported by the canopy frame. The canopy cover includes an inner solid portion, an outer solid portion, and a meshed portion disposed between the inner and outer solid portions and disposed proximately to an outer periphery of the canopy cover.

Abstract: A circular building structure includes a floor, a cylindrical wall extending upwardly from the floor, and a roof mounted on top of the cylindrical side wall. The roof is constructed of a plurality of roof beams which are supported by and extend radially and upwardly from a perimeter of the cylindrical wall toward the center to form a peak having a cylindrical beam tube disposed therein. A plurality of flanges are attached to an outer wall of the beam tube to support the upper inner end of each roof beam and brackets are mounted to the top of the side wall to support the lower ends of the roof beams. A circular band extends around the perimeter of and is attached to the upper end of the circular wall. The structure may be elevated above ground level and a walkway constructed all around the perimeter thereof at a floor level.

Abstract: An eaves beam for a glazed roof system includes a base member and an upper member. The base member includes a base plate adapted to rest on a building wall and includes upstanding wall members. The base member can be fastened from the top into the wall with the fastener extended between the two upstanding wall members. In turn, the upper portion of the eaves beam includes downwardly extended legs which are adapted to fit over the base member and are fastened to the base member by screws extended laterally through the legs into the base member. This facilitates installation of the eaves beam and allows the roof to be pre-assembled, taken to the work site and installed.

Abstract: A domed building or mold constructed with flexible, lightweight curved panels snapped together using grooves and ridges formed in the panels to form a building wall, a tension ring holding the panels in place and a top cap overlying and secured to upper edges of the panels.

Abstract: A new and useful Dome Kit, dome shaped structural system and method of assembling a dome shaped structural system are 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.

Abstract: The invention is a collapsible structure comprising a plurality of panel elements, each having a coilable frame element and flexible material attached to the frame element. The panel elements are joined to define an enclosure having a roof portion and a bottom perimeter. The bottom perimeter rests on a supporting surface. The structure has at least one roof support rod having a first end and a second end. The first end of the at least one roof support rod is attached to a first location on the bottom perimeter, and the second end of the at least one roof support rod is attached to a second location on the bottom perimeter. The at least one roof support rod is in supporting contact with the roof portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A connecting piece is provided to be fitted where fascia boards are intended to meet, especially at corners of conservatory roofs. The connecting piece has a front face and a rear face, edges of the rear face being shaped to correspond to the outer profile of the fascia boards and means for retaining the connecting piece between adjacent ends of the fascia boards.

Abstract: A ridge end assembly for a hipped roof is disclosed in which panel-supporting elongate members of the hipped roof are connected to the ridge end by connectors which are provided with means for locating lengths of sealing material betwen panels supported, in use, by the panel supporting members and an overlying ridge end cap. In one embodiment, the ridge assembly can include a ridge structure, a ridge cap for fitting atop the ridge structure, the ridge cap having a channel at its underside, and at least one fastener having an enlarged part for reception and retention in the channel, the fastener comprising a flexible tie by means of which the cap can be drawn into place on the ridge structure and then secured by a locking member co-operating with the tie.

Abstract: A monolithic dome shaped building of a size suitable to receive at least one relatively large vehicle, such as an airplane, is formed with a generally rectangular shaped access opening of sufficient size to enable passage of an airplane or other large vehicle into and out of the building. A three-dimensional unitary door is supported at an upper marginal edge on a guide track for lateral movement of the door between a first position closing the access opening and a second open position enabling passage through the access opening. The door includes a rigid frame structure having spaced upstanding frame members having outer convex surfaces similar to the convex contour of the dome wall adjacent the access opening.

Abstract: The present invention includes a folding tent that can be moved to a folded position and mounted on a trailer for transporting. The tent can then be fanned out to an unfolded configuration and the trailer can be used to lift the tent upwardly. The legs are then folded downwardly into support relationship for the roof and the trailer can be moved.

Abstract: A residential structure preferably has an N-sided polygonal footprint which has a central vertical axis. Inner walls separate a central common area from a number of outer individual residential units, each such unit occupying a sector of the footprint along an associated side thereof. Advantageously, the central common area includes a pool in a courtyard.

Abstract: A domed building or mold constructed with flexible, lightweight curved panels snapped together using grooves and ridges formed in the panels to form a building wall, a tension ring holding the panels in place and a top cap overlying and secured to upper edges of the panels

Abstract: A roof structure for a building in the form of a cone shaped polygon is disclosed. The roof structure includes at least three multi-element trusses attached on corresponding ends to a vertically extending central column. Each of the trusses is rotationally displaced from adjacent ones of the trusses, as measured in a horizontal plane, preferably, by the same angle. Each of the trusses is inclined outwardly and downwardly from the central column to form a series of triangularly shaped roof segments between adjacent ones of the trusses and so as to provide the roof structure shape. The central column may be a vertically extending length of hollow pipe and is essentially non-load supporting, whereby a lower end of the column is vertically spaced above a support structure for outer peripheral edge portions of the trusses. The support structure may be a series of wood posts, a different one of which is attached on an upper end portion to an outer peripheral edge portions of a corresponding one of the trusses.

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: In its optimal form this type of structure possesses a streamlined aerodynamic profile in one direction and convex shaped shell type closure components in the orthogonal direction The main load carrying member of the system, the truncated ellipse structural rib provides most of the streamlined aerodynamic profile and the rest is provided by concave surfaces connected externally to the extremities of the ribs. Where it is possible, the truncated ellipse structural ribs and the rest of the streamlined aerodynamic profile are aligned with the anticipated direction of maximum wind velocity. Under self weight and superimposed dead loads, the structural response of the truncated elliptical rib is characterized by beam action in the middle area of the member, then increasing arching action (thrust) as the rib curvature increases, with further increasing in bending and shear action as the extremities of the rib are approached.

Abstract: A glazed roof structure which is suitable for forming a room that can be used year round includes a plurality of rafters with supporting insulating panels. The insulating panels have a foam core with upper and lower plastic or metal skins. These are supported by the rafters with upper and lower glazing beads and in effect are free floating panel structures supported on the roof. The foam panels have sufficient structural strength so that they do not bend and cause leakage in use.

Abstract: A watch or observation building having an observation section comprising a plurality of bullet proof panes having at least two side faces for observing surroundings. Each of these plurality of bullet proof panes lie next to one another with each face of the bullet proof panes meeting an adjacent face of an adjacent pane on a substantially vertical axis and press against each other along a horizontal direction. Each of the plurality of bullet proof panes face an observation direction such that a line perpendicular to a surface of each of said plurality of panes extends towards the different observation directions.

Abstract: A readily assembled and disassembled gazebo having a four sided upright portion made up of like sized pairs of panels at each of the four corners of said upright portion. Each pairs of panels is joined at right angles at one of their vertical edges. The pairs of panels are connected to adjacent pairs of panels at their upper extremities by tubular horizontal members spanning the space between the free vertical edges of the joined pairs of panels. At each of the upper corner extremities of each of the joined pair of panel members and slidably received on projections extending above the panels, a corner member having a tubular projection projecting upwardly toward the center of the gazebo. Each of the tubular projection being slidably connected to a tubular roof supporting member.

Abstract: A tensioned structure such as a house is disclosed. The house includes at least one wall panel placed under tension by bending the wall panel from a flat form to a curved form. The tension provides rigidity and thus strength to the wall panel. In a preferred form, the house includes two tensioned wall panels with the concave faces of the wall panels confronting each other such that a generally circular residential house is formed. A counter to oppose the tension engages the wall panels. The counter may include a roof or rafter support network, a portion of the floor or floor support, the wall panels themselves where the end edges of the wall panels are engaged to each other, or stainless steel straps running about the wall panels. The wall panel may be include material such as oriented strand board, steel, cement, plastic, or organic material such as grass.

Abstract: A conservatory framework has an eaves structure from which the roof is supported, at least one comer and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure being two connector parts which are angularly adjustable relative to one another. The first and second elongate frame members, e.g. a hip bar and jack rafter, are coupled together in angular relation relative to one another by a coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement includes a plate with an upstanding pivot post, a channel associated with and extending longitudinally of the first frame member for receiving the plate and maintaining it captive against separation from the first member in a direction generally transverse to its elongation, and an arm adapted to be coupled to the pivot post and to the second frame member. A roofing structure has a support structure, e.g.

Abstract: A flashing apron for use in grain bins roofs which has apron segments comprised of a single sheet of metal with a plurality of spaced crease lines therein wherein the crease lines create a plurality of truncated areas in an upper surface of the apron segment. Each apron segment has a side edge comprising a downwardly bent lip which fits underneath a side edge of an adjacent apron segment which is planar in shape and which lies on or above the bent lip. Suitable fasteners are provided to secure the apron segments together to create a composite flashing apron for mounting around the circular ring at the apex of the grain bin roof.

Abstract: A scaffold stringer which is a plate and a series of tread mounts attached at substantially uniform distances along the plate, the tread mounts forming an angle with the plate, each tread mount having an associated finger projection positioned above each tread mount and projecting outwardly from the stringer, the scaffold stringer additionally has least one attachment member for attaching the stringer to a scaffold structure.

Abstract: A ridge vent adapted specifically for use with tile roofs having a nailer board installed at a ridge of a roof. The ridge vent includes a main body portion having a pair of eaves and a neck portion. The neck portion includes a plurality of projections on opposing inner walls thereof to maintain a minimum predetermined spacing between the inner walls and the nailer board, to thereby create airflow paths around opposing sides of the nailer board. A pair of weather blocking panels are secured to the nailer boards to help block rain, snow, etc. from entering though openings in the eaves. Each weather blocking panel includes a laterally extending portion with a plurality of slots and an upwardly extending edge portion. The upwardly extending edge portion creates a venturi effect over the slots to help draw air out therethrough when wind is blowing over the upwardly extending edge portions.

Abstract: An improved layout for a manufacturing facility is disclosed. The layout includes a hub surrounded by a production corridor. The production corridor comprises production stages used in the manufacturing process. The hub, having direct line-of-sight to the production stages, can easily monitor the manufacturing process.

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: A flashing apron for use in grain bins roofs which has apron segments comprised of a single sheet of metal with a plurality of spaced crease lines therein wherein the crease lines create a plurality of truncated areas in an upper surface of the apron segment. Each apron segment has a side edge comprising a downwardly bent lip which fits underneath a side edge of an adjacent apron segment which is planar in shape and which lies on or above the bent lip. Suitable fasteners are provided to secure the apron segments together to create a composite flashing apron for mounting around the circular ring at the apex of the grain bin roof.

Abstract: A roof structure for a building in the form of a cone shaped polygon is disclosed. The roof structure includes at least three multi-element trusses attached on corresponding ends to a vertically extending central column. Each of the trusses is rotationally displaced from adjacent ones of the trusses, as measured in a horizontal plane, preferably, by the same angle. Each of the trusses is inclined outwardly and downwardly from the central column to form a series of triangularly shaped roof segments between adjacent ones of the trusses and so as to provide the roof structure shape. The central column may be a vertically extending length of hollow pipe and is essentially non-load supporting, whereby a lower end of the column is vertically spaced above a support structure for outer peripheral edge portions of the trusses. The support structure may be a series of wood posts, a different one of which is attached on an upper end portion to an outer peripheral edge portions of a corresponding one of the trusses.

Abstract: A building for containing occupants, with at least one covering element to provide at least one roof portion, at least one wall portion, and at least one floor portion, to provide an interior space to contain and protect occupants from an adverse environment about the building or other structures. The building has an opening to permit occupants to ingress and egress, a window comprising at least one pane, comprising at least an outer pane disposed to contact the adverse environment about the building and at least one inner pane disposed toward the interior space of the building. The pane exposed to the environment about the building or structure comprises a glass material that has a minimized coefficient of thermal expansion. The building also has an insulation to protect occupants from adverse temperature and environmental conditions about the building and a heating apparatus to provide heat to the space provided by the at least one covering element, the window, and the insulation.

Abstract: The panel system is meant for construction of a panel fillet or a major panel surface to be mounted in a pitched roof or in a facade, comprising a number of fixed panels (1) together with a number of openable panels (2), each panel comprising a frame structure composed of frame members (13, 22) bordering a panelling element (32) between them, each frame member (13, 22) comprising a profile element (30) and at least a core element (35). The profile elements (30) are designed as uniform standard parts, and in that at least some frame members of the frame structure are provided with means to vary the moment of inertia, where the means can comprise at least one element (47) which is received in said core element (35) and which extend over essentially the entire length of the frame member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a girder in reinforced concrete that has a flat intrados (11) and a flat or sloping extrados (12), which consists of two symmetrical halves or girders (13, 14) with adjacent parts that meet in a plane mid-way (15), perpendicular to the intrados, and equipped, near the extrados (12), with connecting plates for bolting (16) and, near the intrados (11), with a joint device (17) that has bars which are parallel to the intrados.

Abstract: A prefabricated, modular shelter system that utilizes a series of identical enclosures, each made from barrier panels connected to define the shape of a modifiable dodecagon prism. The top cover of each enclosure can be flat or peaked at the center. The lightweight components are easily transported, assembled, disassembled, and/or re-assembled. The design allows two or many enclosures to cluster together without interstitial triangle prism volumes forming among them. Interior space within a cluster of enclosures can be increased, decreased, or re-arranged by simple addition, removal, or relocation of enclosures. Though the enclosures are each identical in shape, they can create a limitless variety of spatial areas and configurations, thus adapting to varied uses and requirements.

Abstract: A ridge end assembly for a hipped roof is disclosed in which panel-supporting elongate members of the hipped roof are connected to the ridge end by connectors which are provided with means for locating lengths of sealing material betwen panels supported, in use, by the panel supporting members and an overlying ridge end cap.

Abstract: An inflatable object includes interior attachment points to opposing interior faces of the object and rope or cord connections between these attachment points. The opposing walls have interior faces which include attachment points adapted to be connected together by predetermined lengths of material, the arrangement being such that upon inflation of the device, the walls are held in position relative to one another by the lengths of material. The connection material between the inner and outer panels is a flexible cord-like material. However any appropriate material may be used. The attachment points are located on webbing strips attached to the interior face of each wall at a seam, provided with eyelets. In the preferred embodiment, the cords are maintained at an angle substantially or averaging substantially 90 degrees from the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable greenhouse structure comprising a base in the shape of a right-polygonal cylinder having a top and a bottom, wherein the base comprises a plurality of wall panels connected along abutting edges; a hemispherical roof attached to the top of the base, wherein the hemispherical roof has a polygonal hole in the apex thereof; and a polygonal panel having the same shape as the polygonal hole, wherein the polygonal panel is moveable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the polygonal panel sealably covers the polygonal hole when in the closed position.

Abstract: An access cover assembly for use in removably covering an access opening of a utility pole, the access opening defined in part by opposing side edges. The cover assembly includes a cover having peripheral edges configured to engage the pole, a threaded fastener and a gripping apparatus. Two interlocking portions make up the gripping apparatus, a first portion is configured to engage a second portion with at least one of the side edges of the pole sandwiched therebetween. At least one of the first interlocking portion and the second interlocking portion have locking formations for creating the interlocking relationship. Each of the cover and both portions of the gripping apparatus have a throughbore for accommodating the fastener, so that upon assembly of the gripping apparatus in the access opening, as the fastener is rotated axially, the cover is pulled toward the apparatus and simultaneously tightened against the pole, and the first and second interlocking portions are drawn more tightly together.

Abstract: A playset tower assembly for young children to climb upon and in, while minimizing potential areas of injury and maximizing structural stability. The assembly includes an array of six corner posts having an upper and a lower end, with front and side facing surfaces thereon, and an arrangement of lower, intermediate and upper side beams connectively arranged therewith. Each of the beams have ends with mitered surfaces thereon to flushly engage their respective side facing surfaces of the six corner posts. Angled brackets are arranged for securing said beams to the six corner posts, the brackets being angled to minimize any spaces between said beams and said corner posts.

Abstract: A roofing anchor plate secures a waterproof membrane to a surface of a roof structure. The roofing anchor plate includes a circumferential channel and radial channels. Air trapped between the anchor plate and a sealing tape is directed along the channels to vent holes positioned at inner ends of the radial channels. The trapped air passes through the vent holes into a cavity formed under the anchor plate between the plate and the waterproof membrane. The elimination of trapped air improves the strength and effectiveness of the seal.