Abstract: Corrugated steel plate is formed from a flat plate stock and has a length of at least about 12 feet, a corrugation pitch of at least about 12 inches, and a corrugation depth of at least four inches. The plate has thicknesses of up to 1/2 inch and more. Also disclosed are structures such as tunnel-type, heavy load-supporting structures defined by upright and horizontal structure portions which extend over no more than about 180.degree. while being capable of supporting up to 40 feet of ground fill and payload thereon. The corrugated plate can be used singly or as double, spaced-apart plate assemblies which are hollow or filled with concrete or a like material, including steel reinforcing bars for the concrete. The corrugated plate can also be formed into vertical, sectional retaining walls, bin type retaining walls, bridge abuttment walls, flat support surfaces such as bridge decking, open air structures, guard rails, sheet piling, etc.

Abstract: A removable roof capable of being removed in whole or in part which is made up of a self-supporting structure supported on the ground; a series of movable elements connected to the structure and constituting the roof itself, these elements being capable of removal and stacking or storage at ground level or below and means for receiving the movable elements.

Abstract: Home building construction is characterized in a combination sidewall and roof extending from the building base to peak over the length of the building. The combination sidewall and roof provides internally of the home a continuous surface on which a sheet of air-vapor barrier extends from building base to top over insulation material positioned between the rafters. The connection between the barrier sheets is essentially impervious to prevent moisture laden air within the building migrating through the barrier. A pair of support beams are fastened horizontally to the respective sidewall at normal first storey ceiling height to provide a two-storey building. Each support beam has a barrier sheet affixed to its inside surface prior to installation. The air-vapor barrier overlying the insulation is affixed to the air-vapor barrier on the beam at its top and bottom and is so connected to provide an essentially impervious barrier to moisture laden air within the building.

Abstract: A reticular structure for shelters having square or rectangular plan, realized by arranging a plurality of triangular modular frames, each of them comprising a polygonal mesh grid, defined by rigid struts of equal length. Each triangular modular frame is able to be inscribed in a portion of a right cylindrical surface, while the single meshes have the oblique struts inscribed in crossed geodetic lines following a cylindric helix with constant pitch.

Abstract: A frame assembly covering an area having expandable struts secured at their ends to connectors. Outer struts are attached to fixed anchors located at the perimeter of the area. The struts have separate members that are moved relative to each other in response to a force, as fluid under pressure or springs, to increase the length of the struts. Contracted struts and connectors are put together on the surface of the area forming a network of struts and connectors. The network may be arranged in regualr geometric patterns. The frame assembly is erected by expanding the struts to raise the network of struts and connectors from the surface of the area. The expanded struts are locked to hold the frame assembly in its erected position.

Abstract: A unitized and prefabricated prestressed roof and ceiling subassembly which employs a first substantially flat sheet of material which serves as the ceiling of the structure and a second relatively flat sheet or layers of sheets of material of width equal to the first sheet of material and of greater length wherein the second sheet or the second layer of sheets of material are bowed into an arc of chord length equal to the first sheet of material and wherein its edges are attached to the edges of the first sheet of material to provide a unitized prestressed roof and ceiling structure. The arch height to span length of the assembly is preferably within the range of from 5 to 10 percent. A plurality of the subassemblies can be joined at their ends and edges to form bays and adjacent bays of a building structure.

Abstract: A building structure is made up from a framework covered by sheet material. The building structure has a generally rectangular floor plan. The framework has two end structures and a main body portion composed of a plurality of interconnected parallel arches which extend at right-angles to an axis of symmetry of the floor plan of the building structure. The sheet material is connected to the framework under tension so as to increase the strength of the finished building structure.

Abstract: A folding dome-like modular building structure composed of 48 flexibly interconnected equal right isosceles triangles. Each building structure is formed from a series of four flexibly connected modules of 12 triangles each. The modules are connected in alternating right and left-handed mirror image sequence. Each triangle may be a rigid panel or an open space enclosed by struts or panel edges. The structure may be formed in part from struts and in part from panels. It may be an open or partially open framework or it may be enclosed by fabric or film supported over or suspended from the framework.

Abstract: A free span arch structure is illustrated including transversely spaced elongated flexible structural sections flexed from a substantially straight configuration when unflexed into a substantially parabolic configuration without exceeding the yield point of the structural sections so as to impart a permanent set thereto. Means are provided for supporting and for restraining the structural section adjacent the ends thereof against outward and downward movement retaining the sections flexed in the parabolic configuration. The method contemplates lifting structural sections, which are illustrated in the form of aluminum pipes, by exerting a lifting force as by a crane intermediate the ends thereof in a medial portion, and then raising an intermediate portion of the pipe by the application of the lifting force while supporting the opposed ends of the pipe as on the ground or otherwise as in the case of a roof, on the walls.

Abstract: A stressed membrane space enclosure having a supporting frame comprising a plurality of spaced individually separable arch-like members with a strip of fabric stretched between each adjacent pair of arches and by means of which separable arches the fabric is tensioned. The feet of the arches rest on load-bearing pads that are individually shiftable as during the frame spreading for the purpose of tensioning the fabric and that each finds its own proper resting place when all the stresses on the structure have been normalized and is then secured against unauthorized movement by ground anchors, thereby achieving the greatest possible strength and stability of the supporting frame. The fabric is applied in reinforced elongated strips one such strip between each adjacent pair of spreadable frame members and stretched to a predetermined tension to bear maximum loads of wind and snow.

Abstract: A structural cap fastens along its opposite side edges to the seam structure joining a generally channel-shaped structural panel to adjacent similar panels to form a four-sided, closed, generally tubular, composite structure that has considerably greater load-bearing strength than the connected panel alone. Where temperature differentials between the inside and outside are a factor a body of heat insulation is provided in the closed space as well as heat insulation between the fastening side edges of the cap and the connecting seam structures.

Abstract: A building structure employing an easily erected and dismantled frame with a stressed membrane cover wherein the framework comprises a plurality of transversely disposed arch-like members spaced longitudinally of the building with a strip of fabric stretched between each adjacent pair of arches, each of said frame members being of an extruded aluminum alloy I beam having a web with an exterior crosshead and an interior crosshead. The I beam's exterior crosshead has a fabric capturing device interacting therewith to secure the edge of the fabric strip against escape and provide a weatherproof joint between the fabric and the beam. Extendable spreader beams are mounted on the upper side of the interior crosshead, they and any appurtenances other than the fabric capturing device already mentioned connected to or slung from the arch frame beams being positioned below the fabric membrane where they are protected from the weather and readily accessible from within the structure.

Abstract: A hinge joint assembly for flexibly connecting rigid structural components in the construction of modular buildings. More specifically, the joint permits the fastening of struts (rods, tubes, or the like) and/or panel studs with three possible degrees of rotational freedom for each strut or stud connected. Each joint assembly includes a plurality of interacting fastening units having a connecting member to which a longitudinally extending strut or stud is rotatably connected about its longitudinal axis, the connecting member in turn being rotatable about either of two axes which are perpendicular to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the strut or stud. Several forms of joint assembly are shown and described.

Abstract: A system of constructing buildings by connecting together expanded plastic panels with reinforcing strips bonded thereto and wire mesh attached to the exterior surfaces thereof upon a foundation with at least a portion of the panels having a curved configuration to maximize structural strength of the combination of panels. Concrete is applied to the exterior of the combined panels with the wire mesh then forming reinforcing in the resultant concrete wall upon the panels and the interior is coated with plaster to form a low cost structure with very good insulating properties.

Abstract: Domed roof structures comprising a frame and covering to provide easily assembled and dismantled enclosures for uses such as swimming pool covers, garages, greenhouses, patio covers, sheds, tents and the like wherein a skeletal framework mounted on the outer periphery of the area to be enclosed, is covered by a flexible cover drawn taut thereover and buckled thereto. Embodiments to cover a wide variety of shapes of enclosures are provided.

Abstract: A skeletal building frame and buildings configured therefrom that can be assembled and disassembled by unskilled personnel with a minimum of tools and connectors. A preferred embodiment is a module fabricated from lightweight, low cost polyvinyl tubing consisting of a rectangular base connected at its corners by elbows, a ridgepole supported by vertical members connected to the base end members, and a plurality of arcuate ribs formed by passing straight tubes through lateral openings in the ridgepole, bending the ends of the tubes downward and inserting in vertically disposed openings in the side members of the base. The tensions created from the bending of the straight tubes are utilized to maintain the integrity of the skeletal frame. The frame may be covered with translucent plastic film or fiberglass panels and utilized as a greenhouse, storage shelter, garage and the like. The frame may be fabricated in a variety of sizes and extended by joining two or more modules.

Abstract: Upon the premises that greater and better food production is vital, this invention (herein abbreviated as AGRIUM) discloses an architecturally and aesthetically acceptable urban domicile, methodology and intensification of continuous food production in the urban or suburban environment with energy and resource conservation, automation and mass production techniques and apparatus included.

Abstract: Building structures formed from repeating alternating mirror-image forms of basic mathematically determinate structural modules. The structure is applicable to the construction of buildings without internal supporting pillars or other structural supports which form interior obstructions. Such structures are especially adapted for such uses as auditoriums, concert halls, exhibition halls, field houses, storage buildings, stadium covers, etc. The structures are readily adapted for factory fabrication and partial assembly, shipment as partially assembled components and final on-site assembly. The structural modules are foldable. Structures may be assembled from modules in folded or collapsed condition at or near ground level and then erected by unfolding into structures of substantial length, width and height. The completed structures may take the form of a surface of revolution, such as a hemisphere, toroid, catenoid, etc.

Abstract: An arch comprising a plurality of pairs of trapezoidal panels, the panels having short and long opposite parallel sides, and the long parallel sides of the panels in each pair being in an abutting relationship. The nonparallel sides of the trapezoidal panels of adjacent pairs of panels abut one another, and a plurality of the abutting pairs of panels form the arch. The arches can be constructed side-by-side to form a pleated building.

Abstract: A building structure including a pair of opposing flank members having opposing spaced base-edges, upper edges meeting to define a peak of the structure, and convex contours each approximating the shape of a segment of a cylinder whose radius of curvature exceeds one half the base span of the structure. The flanks each comprise a plurality of generally rectangular panels disposed in edgewise abutment, the panels having support walls bordering the interior faces of the panels and having heights sufficient to withstand the stresses at the respective walls. The building structure includes end structures whose configurations are compatible with that of the flank members, and include panels disposed in a variety of edgewise, abutting arrangements.

Abstract: A supporting framework for a shelter shed which framework comprises mutually spaced parallel support arches and transversal beams interconnecting said support arches. Each support arch comprises several arch elements connected to each other longitudinally one after the other by means of articulated joints positioned at the ends of the arch elements. Said joints consist of double brackets each provided with two separated holes having parallel axes for fastening pins. Two double brackets are mounted at each end of each arch element at a distance from each other so that the holes of both double brackets are positioned in pairs coaxial with each other and the axes of said holes are parallel with the radius of curvature of the support arch. The double brackets of two adjacent arch elements are fastened to each other by means of two fastening pins inserted in said brackets through said holes.

Abstract: A displaceable knocked-down building unit defining a playing enclosure for use as a court for off-the-wall games. The unit has rigid external skeleton structures on the inside of which are secured wall panels thereby defining the playing enclosure. The means securing the wall panels of at least one wall which is to serve as the ball-bouncing wall are secured wholly on the outside of the panels whereby the said panels form an inner face for ball-bouncing purposes which is flat, continuous and devoid of projecting parts.

Abstract: An overhead protective device for a bed including a canopy having a framework composed of a plurality of longitudinal and transverse trusses, a layer of wire network and an ornamental layer of fabric, all supported upon reinforced standards or posts projecting upward from the corners of the bed frame.

Abstract: A frameless shelter is disclosed constructed of a plurality of spherically shaped panel sections having the same radius of curvature and fabricated from a sunlight transmitting plastic adapted to be assembled together to form a dome structure. The panel sections are formed with U-shaped channel edges adapted to nest together with the contiguous edges of adjacent panels so as to provide vertically extending stiffener ribs so that a separate frame is not required, and at the same time act as locating means for the panels so that the dome may be readily assembled. The edges of the lowermost tier of panels rest in a channel support extending about the periphery thereof and resting on footings at ground level or on a wall structure extending above the ground. A center pole reinforcement is also included which also provides an electrical conduit for an electrically operated exhaust fan which may be included.

Abstract: Greenhouse or storage structures in several embodiments of different sizes are capable of being mass produced in major subassemblies and then shipped knocked down and flat to a final erection site. Then they are erected in a matter of minutes by one person in respect to smaller ones and in less than two hours by two persons in respect to larger ones. Each greenhouse has a combined wall and roof assembly comprised of semi-rigid sheet material, generally fiberglass, originating in a rectangular shape. Using respective jigs, these rectangular sheets are laid over and fastened to several spaced and parallel pieces of flexible plastic conduit, which serve jointly as wall and roof reinforcements or supports. These flexible plastic reinforcements are aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis or each greenhouse. They also extend beyond the edges of the fiberglass sheet on both sides.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a self-supporting, mountable and demountable prefabricated building structure comprised of a flexible integral sheet and a plurality of elongated flexible support members attached thereto, the building having substantial load-bearing capacity independent of cross members or interfering columnar supports, the method including simultaneously drawing inwardly the free ends of the supporting members against the opposite members into a rigid arcuate building structure. The apparatus comprising means for simultaneously drawing the free ends of the support members against the fixed ends, the means being connected at one end to the free ends of the support members and, at the other end, to a wind-up mechanism for effecting the simultaneous drawing in of the free ends.

Abstract: Shelters and methods of making them are disclosed which include a basic module that has a frame over which a flexible fabric cover is fitted and appropriately attached so that when distended it will define the configuration of the module. A reinforced rigid plastics foam material is adhered to the outer surface of the flexible fabric cover, and a protective waterproof coating is adhered to the outer surface of the rigid plastics foam material. If desired, portions of the frame can then be removed leaving a self-sustaining shelter.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a greenhouse which defines an enclosed growing area covered by a structure including an external framework of convex shape in transverse cross-section, and a plurality of flexible light-transmitting panels arranged to form a covering at the inner side of the framework. The frame work includes a plurality of curved members extending transversely of the structure in parallel longitudinally spaced positions and forming rafters of the structure, and a plurality of parallel elongate members extending longitudinally of the structure and attached to the rafters. The light transmitting panels are each snap-fitted between adjacent ones of said longitudinal members of the framework in an outwardly bowed configuration.

Abstract: Casing voussoir of the type comprising a web in the general shape of a sector of a cylindrical ring and at least two juxtaposition walls substantially perpendicular to said web and parallel to each other, wherein the voussoir has guide means for the juxtaposition of said walls between two neighboring voussoirs of the casing, said guide means being constituted by at least two elements of conjugate shape, one being a hollow in one of the walls and the other being a projection on the other wall, said elements having a clearance therebetween when the two voussoirs are juxtaposed along said walls.

Abstract: A vaulted membrane structure that has a series of substantially curved vertical arches that can be arranged in a modular construction to support a flexible membrane that is attached to the arches and tensioned between them in a formed inward depression to minimize vibration and flutter and to increase its ability to withstand heavy live loads such as snow or pulsating loads created by high winds.This construction applies particularly to comparative small shelters where the membrane can slide in its fastener on the arch, or slide along the arch to stretch the membrane over the arches when it is fabricated in one piece or in multiple sections.The membrane is tensioned in several ways: by pulling the membrane towards the base or by pulling the arches apart by anchor lines and/or by end closures that are fastened to the base, or by adjustable purlins or jacks between arches to force them apart. A combination of two ways is also used.

Abstract: An arch beam comprising a tied arch with a low modulus filler between the compression and tension elements. A filler and wearing surface are used over the arch to form a horizontal surface and to distribute the load where desired. The filler serves to provide elastic support for the low rise arch compression member, thereby greatly increasing its buckling resistance.

Abstract: A highly tensioned membrane structure supported by vertical curved arches that are semi-rigid or flexible in that they may sway in high winds. The tensioned membrane has sufficient inward curvature between arches to oppose arch deflection which greatly reduces the arch cross-section required. Such flexible arches require special erection procedures such as raising the arches by "bunching" or "ganging" them together or the use of an auxilary erection arch to prevent arch deformation during erection, especially when heavy membranes are attached to the arches. All of the arches are raised at once or in groups that support a section of the structure. The sections are then attached to each other along with end closures, if any.

Abstract: Self-supporting structures and panels of diverse shapes are disclosed in which basic assemblies of crossed rod elements are employed to achieve the desired shape. Further, the crossing points of crossed rod elements in the structure involved may include limited sliding connections which effect transfer of collapsing force to other crossing points which are pivotally joined. An improved hub structure for pivotally joining ends of the rod elements at the outer and inner apical points is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-supporting structure comprised of a corrugated, convoluted, rigid surface which is elliptical in plan and elevation taken along its length and slightly in excess of semicircular when viewed from its end, the corrugations being parallel to each other and perpendicular to its length and decreasing in diameter progressively by a fixed percent taken in the direction from the middle of the structure towards its ends.

Abstract: A closed water/glycol solar heating system for preheating a fluid so as to reduce energy requirements in bringing said fluid up to a desired temperature and holding same, said system including a solar collector having a flexible dome.

Abstract: A greenhouse cloche etc comprising an outer light transmitting wall relatively impermeable to carbon dioxide and an inner light transmitting wall relatively permeable to carbon dioxide and gas admitting means for introducing carbon dioxide gas into the space between the inner and outer walls.

Abstract: A storage/utility building comprises one or more modular arches with sidewall, mid roof and top roof panels on a skeletal structure defining a truss-free gambrel construction as a whole which can support at least 100 lbs. per sq. ft. live load, and substantially more, and more particularly comprises in the skeletal frame two end gambrel arches made up of framing members of bent sheet metal or extruded form with spanning purlins between the two end frames, the purlins also being of bent sheet metal or extruded form.

Abstract: Folded structures which are polyhedrons of generally toroidal shape, movable to various different stable configurations, made up of a series of hinged trapezoids.

Abstract: A rainbow phenomenon developing device comprising an arched structural framework defining an opening in which viewers walk, means for spraying fine water particles in the form of a mist mounted on said framework, colored transparent panels mounted on said framework in the same arrangement as that of the natural rainbow color distribution pattern, portions of said water particle spraying means extending through said panels and artificial light ray developing means mounted on said framework inwardly of and spaced from said transparent panels for illuminating the panels when energized whereby under weather conditions where the light rays of the sun are available, only the water particle spray means are operated to provide a mist atmosphere about the developing device for forming a rainbow phenomenon in cooperation with the light rays of the sun whereas under weather conditions where the light rays of the sun are not available, in addition to the operation of said water particle spray means, the artificial light

Abstract: A building dome structure is formed by splicing long rafter sections into rafters and then lifting the rafters into positions extending meridionally between an upper compression ring and a lower tension ring. Then individual purlins are raised into positions between the adjacent rafters and attached thereto by purlin connecting means. Condensate channels along the rafter and purlin members collect condensation from glazing panels which are supported along their marginal edges by the rafters and purlins.

Abstract: A structure of lightweight plastic material has a plurality of doors. Each of the doors is selectively openable, closable and lockable. A plurality of movably mounted partitions are provided in the structure for dividing the structure into a plurality of compartments. The structure is affixed to a supporting surface. A plurality of rails are provided in the structure in spaced parallel relation on the floor of the structure. Each of the rails is movably mounted at one end, so that it is selectively adjustable in inclination with the floor. Each of the rails accommodates a bike.

Abstract: A method of forming the roof/wall portion of a conical building structure is disclosed. A generally two-dimensional panel structure is first constructed at or near ground level. The panel structure has a shape generally comprising from one to three contiguous quadrants of a theoretical square configuration. This shape has at least one primary peripheral corner coincident with one of the corners of the square configuration, and two secondary peripheral corners intermediate the corners of the square configuration. The secondary peripheral corners are formed by a peripheral edge of the panel structure coincident with the boundary of the square configuration and a secondary edge directed inwardly with respect to that boundary. The panel structure so formed is flexed into a downwardly opening conical configuration.

Abstract: A single "L"-shaped modular building unit comprises an integral end wall and ceiling and incorporates an outwardly depending flange peripherally surrounding the entire modular unit. The overall ceiling length is equal to twice the ceiling width. The outwardly depending peripherally surrounding flange is rectangular along its exposed edge to provide a modular unit which can be easily interconnected with similar units in any desired arrangement. Along the interior facing edge of the flange, the overall rectangular shape incorporates radii of curvature at the ceiling-wall interface for additional aesthetic purposes. The interconnecting portion between the wall and the ceiling is a saddle-shaped curve extending both longitudinally and laterally substantially the entire length of the ceiling and down a substantial portion of the wall.

Abstract: A rigid ferro-cement construction panel comprising a plurality of U-shaped ections adjoined in abutting relationship such that the cross-section across the length thereof is in the shape of a square wave. The construction panel may be interfitted with other similar construction panels to form larger structures.

Abstract: An improved multi-block support construction system and method for constructing, for example, arches and straight load support shapes utilizing uniquely designed construction components to be assembled in a simple and quick manner to provide the overall support structure. The system includes rods for binding the basic building blocks together, as well as straight blocks and tapered blocks which form the components of straight and curved sections, respectively, of the support system. The preferred embodiment includes at least three blocks with a series of internal, angled tensioned rods joining them together.

Abstract: A frame assembly covering an area having expandable struts secured at their ends to connectors. Outer struts are attached to fixed anchors located at the perimeter of the area. The struts have separate members that are moved relative to each other in response to a force, as fluid under pressure or springs, to increase the length of the struts. Contracted struts and connectors are put together on the surface of the area forming a network of struts and connectors. The network may be arranged in regular geometric patterns. The frame assembly is erected by expanding the struts to raise the network of struts and connectors from the surface of the area. The expanded struts are locked to hold the frame assembly in its erected position.

Abstract: A permanently formed stud-truss includes a wood member having a curved length positioned between two substantially straight lengths. The curved length has a plurality of removed portions on the concave side thereof, at least a portion of the adjacent surfaces of which contact each other. The depth of the removed portions is greater than one-half the thickness of the wood member but at least 1/4 inch less than the total thickness of the wood member. The stud-truss also includes means permanently maintaining at least the open ends of the adjacent surfaces of each of the removed portions in contact. A method of making the stud-truss and of constructing a small modular building utilizing the stud-truss is also disclosed.

Abstract: A panel for prefabricated metal buildings according to the present invention has a trough section which is deeper than that which can normally be obtained by a cold roll forming operation. The deep trough section is achieved by using a center web joint to connect a plurality of oppositely disposed U-shaped sections to one another to form the panel. The sections are connected by flanges which project outwardly from the side walls of the sections and the connection may be achieved by a crimping operation or by means of a plurality of clamps.

Abstract: A portable, relocatable, erectable building or shelter structure, and method of erecting, utilizing a pair of laterally spaced elongated and segmented base rail assemblies to which are pivotally connected a pair of erectable arch assemblies for each row of a plurality of panels slidably engageable along two opposite sides to each pair of adjacent erectable arch assemblies pivotally connected to the base rail assemblies. The opposite sides of the individual panels other than the panel sides engageable to the adjacent base pivotally connected erectable arch assemblies are configured such as to be sealingly interengageable with the adjacent panel on both sides.

Abstract: A vaulted membrane structure that has a series of substantially curved vertical arches that can be arranged in a modular construction to support a flexible membrane that is attached to the arches and tensioned between them in a formed inward depression to minimize vibration and flutter and to increase its ability to withstand heavy live loads such as snow or pulsating loads created by high winds.This construction applies particularly to comparative small shelters where the membrane can slide in its fastener on the arch, or slide along the arch to stretch the membrane over the arches when it is fabricated in one piece or in multiple sections.The membrane is tensioned in several ways: by pulling the membrane towards the base or by pulling the arches apart by anchor lines and/or by end closures that are fastened to the base, or by adjustable purlins or jacks between arches to force them apart. A combination of two ways is also used.