Abstract: A panel system includes a first skin, a second skin, a web core constructed from sheet material for securing the skins together in a spaced, sandwich relationship, and a connecting means for affixing the web core within the skins. The web core includes a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal members having longitudinally spaced projections extending therefrom and further having transversely aligned, longitudinally spaced slots therein. The web core further includes a plurality of spaced-apart, transverse cross members each having spaced slots therein receiving the longitudinal members at corresponding transversely aligned slots thereof to provide an interlocked grid between the first and second skins. The grid is connected to the skins utilizing the projections, which extend through slits in the skins to facilitate welding or otherwise bonding the components.

Abstract: A segmented, articulated pole member structure is constructed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected, pole segments. The pole segments are arranged in an alternating or offsetting fashion such that in their disassembled state they may be folded into a compact bundle for storage. In the assembled state, adjacent pole segments are retained under tension in fixed angular position relative to each other by a pivoting connection and an engagement loop or similar structure. Applications for the pole member structure include the construction of flexible structures such as tents and shelters, and support frames for mounting, supporting, or suspending articles in a desired shape.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for connecting hip rafters at the apex of a hipped roof comprises a plurality of hip rafter support members arranged sequentially around the apex of the roof. Each support member includes at least one outwardly extending member and a carrier member to carry the outwardly extending member. The outwardly extending members are pivotally attached to the carrier member. The outwardly extending member of each support member is adapted to support a respective hip rafter such that adjacent outwardly extending members on adjacent support members can support the same hip rafter.

Abstract: In an arcuate roof section including a series of rafters which each define an exposed end of the prescribed height, a device positionable along the exposed ends of the series of rafters to define an arcuate facia. The device comprises at least one facia member having an arcuate inner surface, an arcuate outer surface, a top edge and a bottom edge. The inner surface of the facia member is configured to abut the exposed ends of the rafters such that the outer surface defines the arcuate facia. Additionally, the width between the top edge and the bottom edge of the facia member exceeds the height of the exposed ends. The facia member may be formed from a plurality of laminated wood members or formed from bonded particulate matter. Additionally, the facia member may be formed from a plastic material.

Abstract: A modular component shelter includes an adjacent side-by-side array of curved, interlocking, rigid panels. The panels curve upwardly and inwardly to a common vertex from a common base-level circumferential rim. The panels interlock between adjacent panels by means of raised interlocking ribs. The ribs extending in generally vertical planes along opposite side edges of each panel so as to form a first channel along a first side edge of each panel and second channel along an opposite second side edge of each panel. The first channel is shaped to snugly fit within the second channel along the length thereof. The first channel is releasably securable in the second channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circular building structure which comprises a plurality of columnar structures, each of which extends from a point below ground level to a desired height above ground level and wall structures positioned between the columnar structures and forming a substantially circular exterior wall with the columnar structures. The wall structures and the columnar structures enclose a substantially circular inner space. The building structure further includes a central hub positioned above the inner space. A plurality of trusses for supporting a roof are provided. Each of the trusses is joined to a respective one of the columnar structures and to the central hub. The inner space is divided into a perimetric space and an interior space by an interior wall which is concentric with the exterior wall. The perimetric space, in a preferred construction, is divided by walls into at least one passageway and a number of rooms.

Abstract: A gazebo is fabricated utilizing a novel construction system wherein lightweight aluminum framing components are employed. A preferred structure has eight sides wherein each side includes a pair of vertical posts, a pair of header members, a rail and foot member, columns disposed between the rail and foot member and the pair of header members, and an insulated composite roof panel. An entrance way is void of the rail and foot member, but can be employed with the necessary framing components to attach a door. As each side unit is attached by self mating beam and vertical post members to an adjacent side unit, the gazebo structure is formed. A crown portion can be attached upon an apex of the gazebo. Shingles or tiles can be attached upon the roof panels. Spline grooves formed along the vertical posts permit the gazebo to be “screened in.

Abstract: A multiple peak tent (1) structure which is mechanically simple and easy to assemble. The tent structure of this invention can span relatively large areas without inhibiting mobility under the tent through the use of ground extending support poles. The canopy (3) of the multiple peak tent (1) structure is supported by multiple masts (8) resting on a cable network (11). The cable network (11) is attached to the upper corners of the frame structure resulting in a tent having no supporting poles that extend to the ground in the covered area. The multiple peak tent (1) structure may be expanded modularly to span larger areas.

Abstract: A large multi-level tent that has an interior divided into two levels. The tent is a ¾ sphere that is supported by shaped tubes, a set of braces, and a top band. The platform has polyvinylchloride (PVC) posts to secure the platform to the ground. Each post extends upward to the full desired height for a two level living space. Metal brackets are secured to the vertical posts at each floor location. These brackets hold 2×4 horizontal wooden frame members. The frame members are reinforced with additional wood framing, similar to deck construction. Each deck is then covered with plywood sheathing to form a “floor” surface. After the platform is built, the tent is constructed around it. The tent has frame, which is covered by a canvas outer covering that is attached to all the tent frame elements.

Abstract: The clarifier cover has a shape defined by a low profile circular segment of revolution around the central column of the clarifier, for maintaining the volume of gas thereunder minimum. In another aspect, the support structure of the cover is made of a plurality of ring trusses disposed in a circular array and defining a circle, concentric with the circular wall of the clarifier, and a radial array of outer trusses each having an outside end mounted to the wall of the clarifier and an inside end mounted to the plurality of ring trusses. A series of inner trusses are individually affixed in an overhung mode to one of the outer trusses, such that the loading applied to the central column of a clarifier by the cover structure is minimal or negligible. The trusses define an array of triangular frame sectors.

Abstract: Prefabricated hut in modules, of the kind that has four sides, two similar sides, a lower one and an upper one, where the cross sections of the module, viewed from the inside, are concave in the areas close to the lower side and convex in the areas close to the upper side, with an intermediate area where there is a progressive change in curvature, which is situated closer to the lower side than to the upper side.

Abstract: A shelter may be readily assembled or disassembled from a plurality of identical shelter supports. Each shelter support is formed from an outer beam placed in a divergent relationship to an inner beam. The converging ends of each beam are capped by a first end member. The diverging ends of each beam are capped by a second end member. The second end member forms an acute angle with the horizontal when the first end member is placed on the ground. Thus, with the first shelter support placed as a column support the second end member is presented for engaging a second end member of a second shelter as a roof support. The truss thus formed from the two shelter supports is joined at an apex portion with other similar trusses in various arrangements conveniently to form shelters of different shapes which can be readily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure for quickly erecting a gazebo and for combining a plurality of gazebos. The prefabricated structure includes a deck. The deck generally has a geometric shape such that a perimeter of the deck comprises a plurality of side edges. Each of a plurality of wall panels has a bottom edge, and a top edge. Each of the wall panels are positioned against one of the side edges of the deck and securely attached thereto. At least one of the wall panels has door therein. A plurality of roof panels each has a generally trapezoidal shape such that each of the roof panels comprises a first base, a second base, and two legs. The first base has a greater length than the second base. Each of the second bases and the legs has a lip extending downwardly therefrom. Each of the roof panels has a channel therein orientated generally perpendicular to and positioned generally adjacent to the first base. A central member couples to each of the second bases.

Abstract: A sports stadium or building complex is covered by a huge fiberglass fabric dome that is supported by an inflatable dual-membrane bladder on a hollow compression ring with a diameter of 800 to 1200 feet. A central vertical spreader having upper and lower tension rings connected to the membranes of said bladder is supported from above or below by separate suspension cables in a position above the compression ring. Containment cables limit the expansion of and shape said bladder to provide a closed pressurized air space of narrow lenticular cross section and can include 40 or more radial ceiling cables and the same number of radial hold-down cables of the same length.

Abstract: In an arcuate roof section including a series of rafters which each define an exposed end of the prescribed height, a device positionable along the exposed ends of the series of rafters to define an arcuate facia. The device comprises at least one facia member having an arcuate inner surface, an arcuate outer surface, a top edge and a bottom edge. The inner surface of the facia member is configured to abut the exposed ends of the rafters such that the outer surface defines the arcuate facia. Additionally, the width between the top edge and the bottom edge of the facia member exceeds the height of the exposed ends. The facia member may be formed from a plurality of laminated wood members or formed from bonded particulate matter. Additionally, the facia member may be formed from a plastic material.

Abstract: A proposed wind and weather protection device is designed in the form of a collapsible pavilion. The collapsible pavilion is provided with a collapsible roof (1) formed from circular segments. In two preferential design variants, the maximum opening angle of the pavilion is 180°, 90° or 270°. The roof (1) consists of a central nodal element (2) on which several roof spars (11) are fixed. The roof spars (11) support a covering element (21) in the form of a circular segment. To extend the roof (1), at least one tensioning device is provided. The pavilion can have vertical side supports. Each side support is positioned at the outer end of each roof spar. Furthermore, the pavilion can be equipped with a side wall. A gathering device can be used to ensure that the covering element (21) does not hang too far down when folded.

Abstract: A cupola roof having cupola roof panels with snap-fit edges preferably includes four roof panels. In a first embodiment, there are four combination cupola roof panels. Each combination cupola roof panel has a female snap-fit edge on one side and a male snap-fit edge on the other side. In a second embodiment their are two male cupola roof panels and two female cupola roof panels. The male cupola roof panel has a male snap-fit edge disposed on each side thereof. The female cupola roof panel has a female snap-fit edge disposed on each side thereof.

Abstract: An inexpensive, prefabricated portable tornado shelter is disclosed. The shelter is assembled from four equilateral triangular sides, a base frame, and a floor, to form a square pyramid-shaped enclosure with latched doors and PLEXIGLAS windows. The shelter allows constant air pressure equalization between its interior and exterior. The shelter is held firmly to the ground with four auger bolts.

Abstract: A roof assembly for a hipped conservatory roof has a ridge end member and glazing bars mounted thereon via connectors, each connector having a first part mounted on the ridge end member and having a top surface and a second part connected to a glazing bar, wherein the top surface of the first part of the connector is channeled to provide a drainage passage from the connector to the glazing bar.

Abstract: A structural support member formed of a plurality of tubular members positioned to shape the structural support member in a desired form, e.g., an arched form. The positioned tubular members are permanently affixed to a base plate at one end and a nose plate at the other end, and the combination is layered by fiber-reinforced material to form the structural support member. Assembled plurality of structural support members can be interconnected to form a skeleton which can support a cover. Custom-sized structural support members are produced without the need for a mold. An additional embodiment utilizes an inflatable bladder as a mold around which the fiber-reinforced material is layered, the bladder then being deflated, removed, and reused. Custom-sized structural support members are thus produced in any shape desired and can also be assembled in group to form a skeleton which supports a cover.

Abstract: A cable braced, open air chapel or meeting hall is formed from a series of cables interconnected to each other in countertension to provide a rigid structural support to provide basic definition for the building structure. One set of cables is preferably tensioned through weights or spring assemblies imparting tension in the downward direction in turn transmitted to the second set of cables in countertension. The second set of cables may extend upwardly in a curved configuration for connection to the upper end of a support tower. The cables slidably pass through the tower through a series of passageways formed in a honeycomb-like mounting structure enabling the back ends of the cables to be anchored to the ground in a spread, fan-like configuration. The weighted or spring tensioned ends of the first cables and the ability of the second cables to pass slidably through the tower support enable the cabled arrangement to breathe as a result of thermally induced expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A retractable covering for buildings (20) or spaces (22) comprising a plurality of flexible retractable panels (32) and attached retractable cables (36) stored at the perimeter of the space and capable of being deployed in a helical pattern converging near a predetermined point above the space.

Abstract: A system for connecting a jack rafter to a main beam for forming a conservatory roof comprises a first part mountable on the main beam and a second part connectable to the jack rafter, the first and second parts being pivotally connected, whereby they are movable to achieve a desired position for the jack rafter relative to the main beam.

Abstract: An inflatable roof (1), which can be unfolded and folded away by respectively inflating and deflating it, includes a plurality of longitudinal inflatable beams A, B, C . . . arranged side by side, a mechanism (4) for supplying the inflatable beams with pressurized fluid, and a mechanism for sliding the beams along at least one unfolding or folding-up track (2, 2a) formed by a rigid beam sealingly passing through the inflatable beams. The rigid beam is formed by a pipe (3) for conveying pressurized fluid for inflating or deflating the beams. The pipe communicates at least at one of its ends, with the pressurized-fluid supply mechanism (4), and with the interior of at least one inflatable beam via at least one orifice (5, 5a, 5b . . . ) formed in the wall of the pipe (3). The pipe is equipped with a device or devices for blocking off the at least one orifice.

Abstract: A modular roof assembly adapted to be secured to a generally circular structure consisting of an essentially continuous upstanding wall to which the modular roof assembly may be fastened. The modular roof assembly comprises a predetermined number of roof panels to be positioned in a circular manner to form a generally conical configuration. A prime feature of the modular roof assembly is the uniquely configured, interlocking panel edges that virtually eliminate any concern for leakage through the panel joints or seams.

Abstract: An inflatable tent construction 10 including a wall unit 11, and a roof unit 12 fabricated from fifteen side panels 40 wherein each side panel 40 comprises a panel member 30 surrounded by two inflatable side channels 21, 22, and an inflatable base channel 23 that define generally identically shaped equilateral triangles. The wall unit comprises first and second groups of five panel members 30, respectively, and the roof unit 12 comprises a third group of five panel members 30 to create the pentadecahedron configuration of the wall 11 and roof 12 units of the tent construction.

Abstract: The modular building is a basically circular building structure formed by assembling pie or wedge shaped modular elements. The modular elements are radially attached around a center column anchored in a column footing. The attachment of the modular elements is by use of collars on the center column which allow rotation about the floor collar and slotted motion about the roof collar. The modular elements are not rigidly attached one to the other. This allows for limited independent movement relative to each other such as during earth movement. The floor sections of the modular elements are mounted on foundation elements assembled radially around the center column. Use of modular elements allows factory manufacture and assembly efficiency and then construction of the modular building at the building site.

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 domed ceiling structure for attachment to an elevated support. The ceiling structure includes a peripheral frame member which is attachable to the support frame, and a plurality of arcuate support members, each of which has first and second ends, an upper surface, and an under surface. The first ends of the support members are attached to the frame member in a manner wherein the second ends extend to a common area and the under surfaces collectively define a dome shaped support surface to which a layer of finishing material may be applied.

Abstract: A hot tub cover and enclosure which, when in a closed position, forms a waterproof cover for a hot tub and a sloping surface to shed snow and water, and when in an open position, provides privacy screening and wind protection. The side walls of the hot tub cover and enclosure are individually self-supporting, so that any side wall or combination of side walls may remain on the hot tub in a closed position, or any number of side walls may be placed in an open position or removed from the hot tub, without need for support from neighboring side walls. The side walls attach to the hot tub using a detachable hinging mechanism.

Abstract: A multi-piece dome is constructed from a plurality of rigid panels and configured to receive a hemispherical optical projection on a truncated spherical inner surface. The inner view surface has a predetermined retroreflectivity. The multi-piece dome is lightweight, portable, self-supporting, and easily assembled, disassembled and transported from one location to another.

Abstract: A domed ceiling structure for attachment to an elevated support. The ceiling structure comprises a peripheral frame member which is attachable to the support frame, and a plurality of arcuate support members, each of which has first and second ends, an upper surface, and an under surface. The first ends of the support members are attached to the frame member in a manner wherein the second ends extend to a common area and the under surfaces collectively define a dome shaped support surface to which a layer of finishing material may be applied.

Abstract: A free-standing outdoor enclosure is disclosed. The enclosure includes a frame having a lower section that engages the ground, a side section mounted to and extending upwardly from the lower section and a roof section attached to the side section. The side section includes a plurality of elongate support segments that are arranged about the periphery of the enclosure. The roof section has a like plurality of elongate, flexible support elements interconnected in a radial arrangement. A distal end of each support element is attached to an upper end of respective support segment such that the flexible support elements are flexed into an upwardly arched condition. A flexible skin is mounted to the frame and extends across the side section and the roof section to hold the flexible support elements in the arched condition and define an enclosed space.

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: A tree structure includes three vertically spaced-apart annular members extending about the trunk of a tree. Each annular member has a plurality of pointed members extending downwardly and inwardly into the trunk. The first annular member is below the second annular member and above the third annular member. The first and third annular members have joist supports and the second annular member has cable anchors. Joists extend radially outwards from the joist supports. Outer members are connected perpendicularly to the joists to form first and second outer rings extending about the first and third annular members. There are two platforms mounted on the joists. First cables are connected between the second annular member and the first ring. Second cables are connected between the first ring and the second ring. A roof extends over the first cables. Outer walls extend between the outer rings.

Abstract: A sectional shelter is made of a set of panels of plastic material arranged side by side, along with a plastic roof cap. The panels are coupled by ribs projecting from one edge portion of each panel and a channel along the other edge portion. Retainers are pivotally mounted on the inside of the wall adjacent the channeled edge portion so that the edge portion carrying the ribs may be captured between the inside wall of the panel and the retainer. The shelter has curved and straight panels so that it may have various configurations. Door and window openings are formed in the wall panels and are closed by doors and windows fastened on the panels.

Abstract: A construction formed along a single or double-curved surface which is provided with supporting elements extending substantially parallel, the supporting sides of which are situated within the double-curved surface, and strips of substantially planar, slightly flexible material, the width of which is at least equal to the distance between the elements, which strips extend between adjacent elements. In known constructions it is not possible to cover such double-curved surfaces with one type of similar element. A large number of different elements is required for a continuous covering. The present invention avoids this drawback because only the above stated two types of elements are required.

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 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: A Stressed Panel Structure forming checkerboard spheroids and non-checkerboarded conical sections are formed using semi-rigid panels of wood or other materials with generally elongated slots or holes in their corners. Panels are placed corner to corner and a pin or rod is inserted therebetween, becoming stressed when panels are positioned at proper dihedral angles along their axis of intersection. Stressing results generally in bending or other distress of the panel or pin or both.

Abstract: The mini storage silo comprises a tall, enclosed, octagonal structure which has a conical roof, two doors that swing away from one another to create a large opening into the interior thereof, an elevated floor, and a plurality of adjustable shelves therein. Optionally, the lower portion of the silo may serve as a dog house, with a canine entry being set into one of the walls just above the level of the floor.

Abstract: A light-weight portable structure having a plurality of planar panels joined together to form a dome-shaped structure. The generally trapezoidal-shaped panels have arcuate side edges instead of linear side edges in order to create the proper tension and cause the flexible panels to form the desired dome structure. The individual panels are joined together by H-shaped connectors extending the full side length of the panels. The side edges of the panels are fitted with a U-shaped locking caps before being inserted into the connectors. The caps of adjacent side panels are inserted into the open ends of the H-shaped connectors and are held in place by the connectors. As the panels are connected in series standing upright on the base edges of the panels, the cumulative forces used to insert the panels causes the partial structure to curve in a spiral manner.

Abstract: A prefabricated building structure having a truncated, cone-like sidewall structure fabricated from a plurality of conjoined, arcuate surface sidewall panels with adjacent panels being interconnected by an external interruptible means. The sidewall panels, mounted on corresponding flooring panels, separately support conjoined ceiling panels which are of a wedge-shaped planar configuration and have a truncated inner end flanged upwardly for locking engagement with a central closure means. Various selectable insert panels or modules are engageable within the sidewall panels to provide a structure adapted to a variety of utilities including, but not limited to, housing and storage.

Abstract: A dome-shaped structure and method of constructing same is disclosed having a base foundation and a plurality of inner and outer stringers. Each inner and outer stringer has a first end which is circumferentially spaced and attached to the base foundation. The structure includes a support assembly for supporting the second end of the plurality of inner and outer stringers at a substantially central location above the base foundation. The circumferentially spaced inner stringers are located within the periphery formed by the circumferentially spaced outer stringers at the base foundation and the second ends of the plurality of inner stringers are below the second ends of the plurality of outer stringers. An outer shell is attached to the plurality of outer stringers and an inner shell is attached to the plurality of inner stringers. A substantially continuous enclosed space is formed between the inner and outer shells.

Abstract: A skylight guard assembly having an arc-shaped wire mesh screen formed of longitudinal and transverse bars. A pair of receiving brackets are attached with fasteners to the frame of the skylight and the receiving brackets have a recess formed between two upwardly extending arms which receive the outermost longitudinal bars.

Abstract: A building structure formed from modular units. Each unit comprising a plurality of structurally reinforced insulating panels of standard wall panel dimensions joined in longitudinal edge juxtaposed relation. The upper end edge surfaces of upwardly converging roof forming units abut cooperating marginal side walls of a box frame structure in self supporting relation.

Abstract: In an arrangement having a surface for accommodating photovoltaic cells which are adapted to be connected to a current collector or the like, in particular in the case of a roof skin which is stretched over frame members, the arrangement is formed in the manner of a net from cables and the photovoltaic cells are disposed at or between the junctions of the cables. The invention also includes the photovoltaic cells which are arranged floatingly at the flexible surface of the arrangement.

Abstract: A structure providing a polygonal visual control room for an airport is enclosed along at least a major portion of its periphery by transparent panels, the roof of the room being supported by mullions disposed only in a minor portion or the remaining minor portion of the periphery of the room. The upper ends of the transparent panels are mounted for sealed vertical sliding movement relative to the roof.

Abstract: A gazebo top connection which includes a gazebo top connector formed from a single sheet metal piece, the upper ends of a plurality of wood rafters and fasteners joining the gazebo top connector and the wood rafters. The gazebo top connector is formed with arms which are field bendable to accommodate rafters at infinite pitches over a wide range of roof pitches. A compression ring formed in the gazebo top connector provides a connection which gives strength to the connection.