Abstract: A frame tent having a triangular-shaped perimeter frame, a flexible canopy attached to said perimeter frame, three corner posts to support the perimeter frame at corners thereof, three cables each having one end attached to an upper end of an associated one of said corner posts and a free end attached to a common junction element, and a flying pole supported at one end by said common junction element and connected at another end to an interior surface of said canopy.

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 canopy structure of the present invention includes a generally rigid internal frame structure comprised of light-weight metal tubes and a pliable, waterproof covering such as nylon or other functionally similar fabric. The canopy covering further includes a series of grommet reinforced securing points which are each adapted to receive a tie-down or securing cord. These securing cords are formed of a loop of elastic or shock cord material which is attached to a ball-shaped stopper. Threaded into the edges of the canopy end panels are a pair of elastic bolt cords which also incorporate ball-shaped stoppers at both ends. The canopy covering is stretched taughtly across the top of the frame structure and attached to individual horizontal frame members using the elastic securing cords. Grommets located along the sides of the covering are attached to individual vertical frame members using both the elastic securing cords and an associated securing or locking tab.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the transmission of energy through an energy transmissive structure having at least one energy transmissive panel comprising in combination at least one elongated support adjacent to the energy transmissive panel of the energy transmissive structure. A polymer bag made of polyethylene terephthalate encapsulates the elongated support which allows the polymer bag to be inflated or deflated around the elongated support. The outer surface of the polymer bag has a reflective coating for reflecting energy through the energy transmissive structure. There is at least one elongated weight attached to the polymer bag to ensure that the polymer bag is maintained in its optimum position. There is at least one air distribution header attached to the elongated support to inflate or deflate the polymer bag.

Abstract: A system and method of panelized construction for use in construction of a building module, such as a residential housing addition. A plurality of pre-fabricated panels, such as wall panels, roof panels, floor panels, and ceiling panels may be provided to decrease on-site building time. The panels may comprise one or more covering layers pre-installed on a frame. The panels may also comprise pre-installed insulation or other core materials. The panels may further comprise a pre-installed portion of a house system, such as an electrical system. Additionally, the panels may comprise pre-installed windows, doors, or skylights. The panels may be designed to meet the residential building code requirements of one or more jurisdictions to decrease permitting time and inspection delays. The panels and other materials may be included in a building kit for a building module to be constructed by contractors or do-it-yourselfers.

Abstract: The liner is formed by a “support” structure and an outer or decorative liner layer. The “support” structure consists of three superimposed layers made of polyester fibers, where the middle layer (1) is considerably thicker than the outer layers (2), while the decorative layer (3) is of a polyester liner or of another suitable material, allowing recycling of the entire set. The different layers are attached to each other by pre-heating layers (1) and (2) and the corresponding molding of the “support” formed by these, including the outer or decorative layer (3), without requiring any further adhesive to keep said layers joined.

Abstract: An edifice such as a sports stadium is adapted for open use during good weather as well as for covered use during poor weather by having at least one movable roof member. Each movable roof member includes a transport mechanism that is constructed and arranged to permit the roof member to move in a predetermined path with respect to the underlying structure of the edifice. The transport mechanism includes structure for supporting both ends of the roof member, which bridges an otherwise open area of the edifice. In order to permit some flexure and movement of the roof member with respect to the underlying edifice, as will inevitably occur as a result of natural forces such as winds, orientation structure is provided for maintaining the transport mechanism in a predetermined orientation while simultaneously permitting a limited amount of movement of the roof member in a direction that is nonparallel to the predetermined path of movement.

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: The canopy structure of the present invention includes a generally rigid internal frame structure comprised of light-weight metal tubes and a pliable, waterproof covering such as nylon or other functionally similar fabric. The canopy covering further includes a series of grommet reinforced securing points which are each adapted to receive a tie-down or securing cord. These securing cords are formed of a loop of elastic or shock cord material which is attached to a ball-shaped stopper. Threaded into the edges of the canopy end panels are a pair of elastic bolt cords which also incorporate ball-shaped stoppers at both ends. The canopy covering is stretched taughtly across the top of the frame structure and attached to individual horizontal frame members using the elastic securing cords. Grommets located along the sides of the covering are attached to individual vertical frame members using both the elastic securing cords and an associated securing or locking tab.

Abstract: The present invention is a transportable weather shield having a sheet, first and second supports, first and second tensioners, and first and second stakes. The first support has an upper portion that is connected to a first end of the sheet and a generally arcuate-shaped lower portion. The first tensioner is connected to the first end of the sheet and to the first stake. The second support has an upper portion that is connected to the second end of the sheet and a generally arcuate-shaped lower portion. The second tensioner is connected to the second end of the sheet and to the second stake. The weather shield, upon erection, is compliant. A position of the sheet is adjustable by an angular displacement of the first and second supports.

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: An improved roof ridge ventilation system utilizing a mat of randomly-aligned natural fibers which formed into a web by air-laying on a polyester mesh and bonded with a heat-cured latex bonding agent. The natural fiber mat provides improved airflow while excluding water, dust and pests such as insects and rodents and is more economical that competing materials. The mat is conveniently manufactured in rolls for ease of transport and installation.

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: A protective canopy constructed to discharge snow from the cover. A plurality of posts support cables on which a flexible cover is supported. A sleeve formed on the eave edge of the cover is provided with a pipe at each seam between adjacent panels of the cover. Elongated rods extend in the sleeve between the pipes. The rods normally provide a straight horizontal eave. If snow builds up unduly on the cover, the rods can bow downwardly so that chutes are formed to allow the snow to slide off. Clamp brackets are fitted around the pipes and pulled to pull the cover taut before being clamped to the cables to secure the cover in a taut condition.

Abstract: A fabric made up of multiple cables and multiple panels is provided for roofs, ceilings, and wall hangings. The cables are arranged in sets of three over the area to be covered, and the panels are suspended between the cable sets to complete the fabric. Specifically, each panel has four attachment points and is suspended between two adjacent cable sets such that it attaches to two of the three cables in each set on either side of it. More specifically, each panel attaches to the middle cable of the two sets on either side, and to the top cable in one set and the bottom cable in the other set. This particular arrangement creates overlapping rows of overlapping panels that viewed from one perspective resembles overlapping shingles on a conventional roof, but when viewed from another perspective reveals that the individual panels are held apart by the cable sets to allow air and light to diffuse through.

Abstract: A retractable ceiling assembly for a poultry house, characterized by a ceiling which can be selectively raised from a flat to a pitched configuration in order to accommodate high-profile equipment or materials in the poultry house for cleaning, maintenance or storage purposes. In a preferred embodiment the retractable ceiling assembly is characterized by at least one ceiling unit including multiple rafter units which span the width of the poultry house in parallel, spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other. Each of the rafter units includes a pair of cross members pivotally attached to each other at substantially the middle of the rafter unit. A flexible ceiling typically constructed of overlapping sheets of fabric material is mounted on the bottom surfaces of the rafter units. A typically manually-operated winch, mounted on the interior of the poultry house roof at substantially the center of the ceiling unit, is connected to each rafter unit at the pivoting midpoint thereof by means of cables.

Abstract: The combination greenhouse cold frame apparatus includes two foldable side panels that cover two arched sides that have a plurality of arched vertical legs to provide a framework for the foldable side panels. The arched sides are connected with the help of a junction between them that has a plurality of top frame connectors each having two ends that are dimensioned to receive the arched vertical legs. The top frame connectors also have a U-shaper portion dimensioned to hold the foldable side panels in different stages of retraction. A plurality of securing devices connectable to an exterior of the arched vertical legs is used to secure the foldable side panels when they are in a partially open position. Each foldable side panel can independently or jointly be opened from a top in a downward direction or from a bottom in an upward direction completely or partially, thereby providing adjustable amounts of sunlight and ventilation for plants enclosed by the combination green house and cold frame apparatus.

Abstract: A tent roof construction with a flexible cover at least the portion of which forming the roof is defined by a three-dimensional metal or composite framework has one or several frame modules (4) including at least two parallel longitudinal beams (5, 6) from which extend diagonal beams (9, 9A, 9B, 9C), both parallel longitudinal beams (5, 6) being defined by a profile bar (10) with grooves for receiving a retaining strip provided for at two longitudinal edges (13, 14) of one or several flexible covers with a double curvature (7), such a profile bar (10) being in addition provided with a mechanism for receiving the ends (16, 16A) of the diagonal beams (9, 9A, 9B, 9C) or also the cross-beams (8), with a view to their fixing.

Abstract: An ice rink covering system utilizes a plurality of support mechanisms for sets of non-flexible insulated panels which are interconnected by a hinge mechanism between each pair of adjacent panels. The support mechanisms are connected to the panels by lifting units for selectively moving the panels in an accordion fashion for either edge to edge contact when the panels cover a rink or side to side contact when the panels are in their stored condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric, consisting of multiple cables and multiple panels, for roofing applications. The cables are arranged in sets of three over the area to be covered, and the panels are suspended between the cable sets to complete the fabric. Specifically, each panel has four attachment points and is suspended between two adjacent cable sets such that it attaches to two of the three cables in each set on either side of it. More specifically, each panel attaches to the middle cable of the two sets on either side, and to the top cable in one set and the bottom cable in the other set. This particular arrangement creates overlapping rows of overlapping panels that viewed from one perspective resembles overlapping shingles on a conventional roof, however, when viewed from another perspective reveals that the individual panels are held apart by the cable sets to allow air and light to diffuse through.

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 cable-stay retractable skylight roof and method of constructing the same wherein a large clear span is built over an existing or new athletic stadium or arena or other structure. The principal feature of the roof structure is that it is supported by Cable-Stays to towers standing outside of the stadium and places no vertical weight on the existing stadium. The structure includes a beam framework and roof covering installed over the framework. The covering is fabricated of a clear skylight material to allow sufficient light transmission to permit a natural grass playing field and retracts open to create an open air stadium.

Abstract: A cable-stay retractable skylight roof and method of constructing the same wherein a large clear span is built over an existing or new athletic stadium or area or other structure. The principal feature of the roof structure is that it is supported by Cable-Strays to towers standing outside of the stadium and places no vertical weight on the existing stadium. The structure includes a beam framework and roof covering installed over the framework. The covering is fabricated of a clear skylight material to allow sufficient light transmission to permit a natural grass playing field and retracts open to create an open air stadium.

Abstract: A multipurpose arena with a suspended roof and an interior which can be adjusted to accommodate events requiring different space arrangements. The roof is made of sections suspended between opposed supporting pylons and assumes a catenary shape. Rail-mounted, motor-driven, stands can be shifted from place to place depending on the event or events being catered. Partitions divide the arena into separate private compartments wherein separate events can be held simultaneously in each compartment.

Abstract: A drive under new automotive hail protection roof hip-and-valley cable-tension type canopy is formed by a rectangular grid pattern of rigid post assemblies joined at their upper ends by longitudinally, transversely and diagonally extending cables forming a coextensive fabric roof support.

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

Abstract: A portable shelter having a frame whose members freely move between a maximum and a minimum dimension to enable selectively applying various sized shelter skins to the frame and to tauntly stretch the shelter skin thereon. The skin also comprises slidable tensioning means that stretch the skin over a portion of the frame. The upper portion of the shelter is partially supported by a lifting force applied thereto.

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

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus to include a flexible protective web mounted in a first position to a bottom surface of a swimming pool and in a second position raised adjacent an upper edge of a perimeter side of the swimming pool. The apparatus includes a primary control tube to include a housing. The housing formed with a plurality of shaft members, with the first shaft arranged to effect rotation relative to the housing and effect a winding of a primary control cable, with secondary control cables directed from the housing to secondary control tubes to effect simultaneous lifting of the web to the second position.

Abstract: A triangulated roof structure for supporting a roof that projects in plan a substantially closed oval curve having major and minor axes, includes a substantially horizontal outer compression ring, a substantially planar cable truss positioned along the major axis of the oval, a plurality of oval tension hoops concentrically arranged within the compression ring at different heights relative to a common reference plane, and a plurality of substantially vertical compression members having upper and lower ends, affixed at their lower ends to each of the oval tension hoops. The compression members are located so that compression members affixed to a first tension hoop are not radially aligned with compression members affixed to an adjacent tension hoop.

Abstract: Shelter for snow-covering installations is provided with a prefabricated monobloc casing made of polyethylene type material obtained by rotational molding. This casing includes, at its lower part, elements for positioning and for directly anchoring to water and air pipes used to supply the snow guns. The bottom of the casing is provided with grooves enabling the casing to be positioned and centered on the water and air pipes. There is also provided a belt equipped with buckles for fastening of straps which provide connection between the shelter and the water and air pipes.

Abstract: A large, curved or spherical shell of reinforced concrete is cast without utilization of supporting framework. A casting formwork is in the form of a thin, suspended membrane that is reinforced with a collar. During construction and transport, the membrane is preliminarily equipped with a reinforcing compression ring.

Abstract: A building panel for use in walls of roofs the panel being formed from a sheet of material the sheet being rectangular and made up of four portions the surfaces of each of which are in the form of a hyperbolic paraboloid, the edges of the portions meeting on transverse axes of the panel, corners of said portions meeting at a central point displaced from a plane containing the periphery of the panel. The panel being capable of acting as both the covering and a structural member spanning between frames of a structure thus avoiding the necessity for using pylons, the invention also consists in the use of such panels in a building structure.

Abstract: A building construction, in particular a roofed-over hall, has a lattice-type space framework and at least one flexible skin secured thereto as a means defining a chamber (25 or 26) which can be acted upon by a fluid medium and which has at least one inlet/outlet for the fluid medium. Foil webs (22, 23, 24) of translucent plastic material are fixed in superposed relationship between adjacently extending frame members (14) of the framework and form between the two frame members (14) air-tight chambers (25, 26) extending to the frame members. One chamber (25) can be filled with stationary inflation medium and the flow medium can flow through the other chamber (26) between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A roof structure and method of constructing the same wherein a large clear span is built over an existing or new athletic stadium or arena. The principal feature of the roof structure is that it is supported by Cable-Stays to towers standing outside of the stadium and places no additional weight on the existing stadium. The invention is particularly concerned with such a method and structure wherein the central section of the structure is not cantilevered from the towers and thus does not impart cantilever loads to the towers. The structure includes a beam framework and roof covering installed over the framework. The covering is fabricated of a clear skylight material to allow sufficient light transmission to permit a natural grass playing field and is openable to allow for ventilation.

Abstract: A suspended membrane structure, comprising:a plurality of suspending members arranged substantially parallel or substantially radial fashion;a membrane downward hung by a plurality of wire members (or hanging members) from a plurality of points on each suspending member; anda plurality of bracing cables each provided on the membrane in the same direction with that of said suspending member at each middle position between said suspending members, and capable of imparting a tensile force to said membrane.

Abstract: To form an audience chamber in a roofed stadium, at least one truss suspendable from the stadium roof and a canopy removably connectable to the truss. The canopy comprises a plurality of parallel, contiguous elongated panels of flexible material. A close-off curtain is suspendable from the canopy when only a portion of the stadium is to be used as the audience chamber.

Abstract: A skeletal frame supporting a continuous sealed, flattened plastic film tube for retaining gas under positive pressure. The tube has opposed edges with a flexible film retainer line passing therethrough and extending beyond the end thereof to form edge beads. Guide strips having integral track means are positioned on opposite edges of the guide strip. The guide tracks receive and guide an edge of the flattened film tube drawn therethrough by the retainer line and retain the retainer line and film tube means in place on the skeletal structure. The plastic film tube of the fully assembled structure is a sealed envelope filled with a gas under positive pressure. In the preferred fully assembled wall structure, the plastic film has the form of a flattened four film layer forming two air-filled insulating layers. The film layer is formed from two concentric tubes, sealed at the ends to form a tubular sealed envelope, and the double walls are sealed to form a tubular envelope.

Abstract: A fire protection device for a structure using a fire resistant sheet material compacted in a folded condition in a housing on the roof of the structure so that when deployed from the housing it can be unfolded to quickly envelop the structure.

Abstract: A structure, such as for a full-size stadium roof, which has a retractable central portion capable of opening up about one-half of the total roof area. Two retractable roof panels, rectangular in plan, cover an area that can be larger than a football field, and move in the direction of the main axis of the stadium.

Abstract: A roof structure and method of constructing the same wherein a large clear span is built over an existing or new athletic stadium or arena. The principal feature of the roof is that it is supported by Cable-Stays to towers standing outside the stadium and can be built over an existing stadium by cantilevering without entering the stadium, and places no added weight on the existing stadium. The structure includes a beam framework and a roof covering installed over the framework. The covering is fabricated of a clear skylight material to allow sufficient light transmission to permit a natural grass playing field, and it is openable to allow for ventilation.

Abstract: To prevent the vibrations caused by wind in suspended-roof supporting frameworks, the suspended-roof supporting framework has main chains composed of bar-shaped main links of relatively small cross section. The ends of these main links are connected to one another at joint centers, and the ends of the main chains are fastened to a stationary perimeter structure. The joint centers of adjacent main chains are connected by means of supplemental links of larger cross section. The supplemental links are larger in cross section than the main links, so they form supplemental chains which are heavier than the main chains. The supplemental chains extend obliquely relative to the main chains, and their ends are fastened to the perimeter structure.

Abstract: A cable dome has lower and upper outer cables each connecting nodes of an edge ring which are spaced by two other nodes. The lower and upper cables connecting the same nodes are spaced from each other in elevation by a pair of outer struts each having an upper and a lower node. Each upper node in turn supports lower and upper inner cables, serving a function similar to that of a corresponding edge ring node.

Abstract: A protective awning for scaffolding and tubular structures of the type generally used in restoration of buildings and construction in general. A laminar piece of cloth, canvas or similar material constituting the awning proper is fitted on a bearing structrue formed from tubular elements welded together. The bearing structure is finished at the bottom by vertical sections with a sleeve welded to the free or bottom ends thereof, in which sleeves the top ends belonging to the structure of the scaffolding are housed and attached, and are fixed by radial screws provided in the sleeves. The extreme lateral zones have a bar for the passage of the awning over them, each of which is complemented by a mechanism for securing the awning to the bearing structure.

Abstract: A structure, such as for a full-size stadium roof, which has a retractable central portion capable of opening up about one-half of the total roof area. Two retractable roof panels, rectangular in plan, cover an area that can be larger than a football field, and move in the direction of the main axis of the stadium.

Abstract: A drive under new automotive hail protection roof hip-and-valley cable-tension type canopy is formed by a rectangular grid pattern of rigid post assemblies joined at their upper ends by longitudinally, transversely and diagonally extending cables forming a coextensive fabric roof support.

Abstract: An environmentally controlled building having a covered atrium. The atrium roof can be a conventional rigid roof or an air-supported, flexible, continuous membrane roof. A pressurization system pressurizes the building interior and the atrium relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure outside the building. When the atrium has a membrane roof, this pressure differential inflates the membrane roof to maintain the roof in the desired configuration. Such a membrane roof can be semi-opaque to permit passage of diffused sunlight, permitting some plants to grow, while inhibiting passage of direct sunlight. Air locks are provided at the building entrances and exits to maintain the pressure differential as people enter and leave the building.