Abstract: A plurality of modules (66) are connected together to define a multi-story annular building (10) of honeycomb cells (C). The cells (C) of the building are hexagonal in cross section and taper horizontally as they extend radially inwardly. A turntable/elevator (36) is located in a shaft opening at or near the center of the building (10). A tunnel (48) extends through a side of the building (10). The building includes flotation cells at its bottom, some of which are air tight. Water is pumped into and out from the others, for regulating the vertical position of the building (10) in a body of water. An annular ring (66) of flotation material extends about the building (10) immediately below the water line. Each cell (C) is reinforced by a reinforcing ring (R1) extending about the girth of the cell (C). The rings (R1) are connected together vertically and horizontally to form a wall (RW1) of rings constituting a basic skeletal part of the building (10).

Abstract: A building system or combination of building structures which comprise panelized edge connected elongated rhombic triacontahedral structures for the roofs and walls, the walls being elongated vertical panels. The structures include hollow extruded connectors for joining the panels together and in some instances for joining the building structures together as a single unit. Externally the connectors are relieved to provide a flush surface appearance with the panels. The hollow connectors create strong lightweight structures with integral conduits for utilities. Tie downs to retain the structures in place can be threaded through the hollow connectors.One important optional feature is a foundation provided by vertical panels partially buried in the ground. This option provides a substantial improvement in the control of heat loss from the structures at minimum cost.

Abstract: A construction kit consisting of telescoping strut members and pre-measured elastic or inelastic tendons, for the purpose of constructing tensile-integrity structures. The invention is made of reusable elements. By introducing struts which can be adjusted to various lengths the invention circumvents the necessity of measuring, cutting and tying different lengths of tendons for different structures and considerably simplifies the construction process.

Abstract: The truss-like beam is formed by the regular repetition along the axis of the beam, of polyhedral elementary cells, each one having two parallel and identical end faces, shaped as regular polygons with n sides which constitute the faces shared with the adjacent cells, and 2n triangular lateral faces formed by joining each apex of an end face to the two closest apices of the opposite end face; the edges of the elementary cell are materialized by elements which are permanently subjected to a pulling force, whereas rigid bars in buckled state join each apex of the elementary cell to its center.

Abstract: A star dome structure having a rib vault formed from prefabricated panels. The structure includes a base, a four-sided star dome, four pentatives, and four column panels. One of four heptagonal panels formed from prefabricated triangular panels is disposed in each space formed by the dome, pentatives, and columns, the lower edge of each heptagonal panel resting on the base. The space between the column panels and the base permit entry and window walls to be installed with the lower edges of the column panels providing eaves.

Abstract: A system of interconnectable modular frame components for construction toys, playground climbing equipment and the like is based upon tubular triangular leg elements joined at about fifty-four degrees, forty-four minutes and seventy degrees, thirty-two minutes, being thereby modularly stackable at specific useful orientations. Complete triangular wall elements are joined with other complete triangular wall elements, forming tetrahedral modules which are then combined with other such modules by transverse attachment of the tubular legs of each said module, the tubular legs being coextensive structural elements in structures built from attached modules.

Abstract: A connector plate for erecting structures of varied configurations. The plate comprises a main body having connections formed thereon by which the ends of six different struts can be connected together in a particular manner to form a cluster, with the number of strut ends of a cluster depending upon the selected function of the cluster respective to the building desired. The connector plate has a plane of symmetry which passes longitudinally through two of the six connections, with the two connections lying in different planes arranged at an obtuse angle respective to one another, and thereby provides attachment means by which a roof strut is connected to a vertical wall strut end. This positions the roof strut at about a fifteen degree roof pitch. There are also two right and two left strut connections lying to either side of the plane of symmetry, with the two right connections lying in the same plane and intersecting one another at a 60.degree. angle to thereby form the apex of a wall triangle.

Abstract: A flat keyway joint member having a multiplicity of sides, each side having a keyway slot for receiving an arcuately disposed elongated key. A predetermined number of joint members and key members are connected together for the assembly of a particularly designed member resulting in a structure completely closed upon itself. This invention may be used to construct geodesic structures and the like for such wide and varied use such as planters, greenhouses, etc. When used in greenhouse construction, the entire greenhouse can be assembled on the ground and simply raised when completed.

Abstract: Modular constructions and connector assemblies therefore. The modular construction comprises a plurality of spode units with elongated key members extending between the spode units and interconnected to form a modular framework. Adapter collars and retaining collars are employed to connect the key members to the spode units to carry torsional and longitudinal stress. In one embodiment, the spode units include union joints having a plurality of spaced slots which are adapted to receive conforming projecting lugs on the adapter collars. The slots and lugs are symmetrically located so that the adapter collar and key member can be connected to the spode unit in a plurality of angularly displaced relationships. The key member-spode unit structure may be provided with a cover tube so that the structure will carry or transmit fluid.

Abstract: A web section for a space frame has a node member attached to each end of the web member. A nodal section of the space frame is made up of four web sections which interconnect the chords of the space frame. Each node member of the web section is one quarter of the nodal section of the space frame. The space frame utilizing these web sections has two levels of chords interconnected by the web sections. The nodal section has a protective cover to cover and protect the fasteners to prevent corrosion as well as to improve the esthetics of the space frame by eliminating any exposed external fasteners.

Abstract: A three-dimensional reticulated structure or space lattice structure is formed of metal rods tapered at their ends so that the loss of cross-section leads to a thickening of the tubular wall of the rod, whereby it can be threaded at its ends by removal of material without losing mechanical strength. This is preferably attained by coining through at least six successive passes in dies of increasingly smaller dimensions. The knots or junctions are bored metal cups, said rods converging into the bores thereof and being fixed simply by bolts. A plug of concrete reinforced with steel fibres closes the base of the cup while allowing its reopening for inspection and maintenance, and provides further mechanical strength to the assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tridimensional structural element which can be composed with similar elements or with other components to obtain constructions, and particularly coverings having low weight and high resistance. In order to obtain the highest possible static resistance, the best working conditions in whatever possible application and the possibility, without the need of any sliding part, of absorbing thermal expansions, the structural element according to the invention comprises a first body having an essentially polygonal plane surface and an even number of sides, i.e., six or more than six, as well as a series of bodies each having an essentially triangular plane surface, which derive towards the outside from alternate sides of the first polygonal body and are on planes forming angles to one another and with respect to the polygonal body plane, in such a way that all the theoretical vertices of the bodies simultaneously touch the surface of a curved surface.

Abstract: Methods for making and assembling various orthogonal multifaceted polydeltatrihedral self-supportable corner reflectors. Planar two-dimensional network or pattern products and orthogonal polyhedra products-by-process evolving from the various methods find unique applicability in the radar industry, the educational toy industry, the navigation aid/hazardous warning industry, and the lighting industry.

Abstract: A space frame construction with mutually dependent surfaces includes plural polyhedra having rigid panel members that need not be interconnected along abutting edges. The panel members of each of said polyhedra are further related to each other through duality. Interconnection between the polyhedra is achieved through bevel angle panel members, sloped web panel members, and wedge brace panel members. An optional chock may be further utilized for supplemental reinforcement.

Abstract: A structure capable of being expanded and retracted. The structure includes a pair of cells each including a plurality of leg elements which are pivotally joined at one end to form an apex point and which are pivotally joined at their opposite ends from the apex point connection to the corresponding leg element from the other cell to form a plurality of common base points. The structure also includes a plurality of hinged elements connected between adjacent common base points to thereby form a common base and the hinged elements each have a pair of sections that are connected at a hinge point approximately midway between the adjacent common base points to which the other end of each section is connected.

Abstract: A dome structure wherein all of the junctures of surface struts or plates follow a design based on a modified helix formula.

Abstract: A playing court and a method of using this court to play a game similar to racquetball wherein the playing court has two walls which are alternately used as service walls. The two service walls differ in shape or orientation to provide additional variables for a racquetball-type game. A unique court is described wherein the court is formed in the shape of a truncated pentagonal dodecahedron wherein the first service wall is a modified pentagon having a vertex pointing directly upwardly and a bottom edge joining the floor of the playing court and the second service wall is a regular pentagon having its lowest vertex touching the floor of the playing court and its uppermost edge parallel to the plane of the floor. Unique rules of this game are disclosed along with means to provide additional chance factors using a unique pentagonal dodecahedron die to determine specific parameters of play.

Abstract: A blank of foldable sheet material for folding a regular octahedron comprises a sheet of foldable material, such as paper, plastic sheet or metal foil, having the shape of a regular hexagon, without interior cuts or exterior tabs. The blank is scored or marked for scoring along lines subdividing said hexagon into 24 equilateral triangles of equal size, each having sides one half the length of a side of said hexagon. The triangles are formed by first marking or scoring along lines extending from opposite apexes of the hexagon to produce six equilateral triangles having sides of the same length as the sides of the hexagon and then marking or scoring along lines connecting the midpoints of adjacent ones of the first produced triangles. Successive folding of apexes of the blank along score lines ending with the tucking of one final flap into another produces an octahedron held together by the folds and final tuck without need for adhesives or other securing means.

Abstract: A connector unit for connecting the struts of a geodesic dome framework is disclosed. The connector unit has the general shape of a frustum of a right circular cone. Five equally spaced rectangular depressions are formed in the upper surface of the frustum and a pair of flanges in mirror image relationship in planes perpendicular to the planes of the rectangular depressions are placed on opposite sides of each rectangular depression and each flange of the pair has an opening in its central area with the openings in register with each other.

Abstract: A multilateral modular structure having fastening devices for connection to similar structures, the fastening devices including the module member having surfaces terminating in edges, a tab extending outwardly from an edge of and being offset from said member, the tab being connected to the member by a hinge integral with the member and the tab, the tab having one surface extending outwardly from said edge alignable with one surface of the member, the tab having an opposite surface to its said one surface unaligned with a surface of the member, and a connecting pin adjacent said edge from which the tab extends, the pin extending and supported from said one surface of the member, said opposite surface of said tab being transversely alignable with said pin, said tab having an opening therethrough, said opening having an axis generally parallel to the axis of the pin.

Abstract: A construction block having a base, at least one top surface which slopes toward and intersects the base and at least two sides characterized by: at least one right angle corner of finite thickness defined by the intersection of the two sides; two diametrically opposite corners of equal height each of which lie in the plane of one of the two sides; and at least one point at the intersection of the top surface and the base which has zero thickness.

Abstract: A family of modular construction units, formed from a plurality of curved surfaces, which may be interconnected with others of like shape to form a structure defining a volume of space.

Abstract: A hexagonal housing unit is erected with flat roof and side wall panels of different shapes, formed of selected desired building materials, and manufactured by production procedures. Certain of the panels may be formed of two pieces or sections. There are several sizes of certain panels to accommodate multiple unit installations either initial or by add-on construction. Simple joints, preferably bolted, connect the panels and proper roof drainage is enabled in multiple unit buildings.

Abstract: The invention refers substantially to games and their construction. The games are played on the outer surface of a geometric solid necessitating piece and gaming surface construction adequate to permit piece and surface adherance. Also the geometric solid utilized is scribed or covered with an appropriate map or grid pattern to provide separate playing positions and thus specific moves of play are possible. The geometric solid chosen is a three phase icosahedron geodesic sphere. The icosahedron geodesic sphere is supported by support pins projecting from the sphere resting in a concave support surface.

Abstract: A composite static structure formed of interdependent subcomponents, referred to as simple tetrahypars, combined to achieve an independent structural component or tetrahypar. Each simple tetrahypar has two rigid struts spaced along and extending perpendicular to a common axis of twist and lying in planes that intersect along the axis. The struts are connected by a torsion member, called a twister, that extends along the axis of twist. One strut of one tetrahypar is connected between one set of ends of the two struts of the other tetrahypar, and the other strut of the one tetrahypar is connected between the other set of ends of the two struts of the other tetrahypar.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, tetrahedral truss and its method of construction are provided. The truss comprises a three-dimensionally periodic skeletal array of an interconnected plurality of skeletal-tetrahedric units, the array being in the pattern of the crystallographic structure known as "cubic-diamond" (FIG. 1). Each of the skeletal-tetrahedric units is a skeletal arrangement of elongate members joined in the pattern of an equilateral skeletal tetrahedron (FIG. 4), and is preferably assembled from four hexagonic triplanar-rings (FIG. 4A) being of the form created by joining six bilateral-elements in a closed ring, triplanar pattern (FIG. 3), the bilateral-elements each having equal sides and having an included angle of about 109.degree.28' (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A structural element in rectangular form folded along its longitudinal center forming a truss element in triangular faced polyhedrals when end edges of the structured element are connected to the corresponding adjacent, respective, end edges of like structural elements in an assembled polyhedral. The fold in the structural element assumes a dihedral angle well under 180.degree., approximating 110.degree., with the truss element used in forming a four triangular faced tetrahedron, 90.degree. with the truss element used in a cube, although this is an unstable structure in not presenting the structural shape integrity attained inherently with truss elements used in triangularly faced polyhedrals. Further, the structural element assumes a dihedral angle approximating 75.degree. with the truss element used in forming an eight triangular faced octahedron, and approximately a 42.degree. fold in the truss elements forming a twenty triangular faced icosahedron.

Abstract: The invention comprises means of constructing insulated enclosures and structures for housing, storage, emergency shelter and vacation homes. The structural materials required comprise principally only two components, panels of plastic insulating foam and extruded plastic connectors.The panels are shaped and sized to eliminate virtually all waste when cut from 4 foot by 8 foot sheets of rigid insulating foam. A single extruded connector joins the panels together along mutually adjacent edges and eliminates the need for complicated geometric connectors where three or more panels adjoin. The hinged configuration of the extruded connectors permits a virtually unlimited variety of structural enclosures to be constructed with 4 foot by 8 foot sheets of insulating foam plastic. Disclosed for illustration are a dome shaped structure with a plurality of alcoves extending outwardly from the periphery of the structure and other free form structures of "crystalline" shape.

Abstract: A building system formed from a plurality of building panels of triangular shape which are continuously attached on all sides to the earth or other triangular panels thereby defining a rigid panel structure of regular geometric form. Preferably, each panel is formed from two panel sections wherein each section is formed by cutting a stock piece of rigid material, having a known or predetermined length to width dimensional ratio, along its diagonal to form two right triangular panel sections. The dimensions of each triangular panel are equal and in a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the base to the perpendicular height is unity, wherein the panel sections are formed from a stock piece of material having a length to width dimensional ratio of two to one.

Abstract: The mobile has twelve elongated members positioned with respect to one another to create the appearance of a hexahedron. At each of the eight corners is a flexible joint means joining three rods together and permitting the rods to pivot relative to one another (but maintaining their attachment) so that exterior forces such as air currents or mechanical thrusts cause the mobile to move in an undulating fashion and thereby create changing hexahedron shapes or patterns. The mobile is suspended from a ceiling or from an arm on a stand. Suspension is attained by a pair of threads which are respectively attached to an opposite pair of top members.

Abstract: A space enclosing structure, the underlying shape of which is a portion of a polyhedron comprised of a regular arrangement of regular pentagons, equilateral triangles, rhombi, right angled parallelograms and rhomboids. The structure permits the use of square and/or rectangular standardized prefabricated square or rectangular building units such as doors, windows, solar panels, etc., without any alteration of the basic shape of the structure, as such prefabricated units may be used to replace any of the square or rectangular faces of the polyhedron. Each face other than a right angled parallelogram is abutted on each side by a right angled parallelogram. Each right angled parallelogram is abutted on two opposite sides by rhomboids and/or rhombi and on the other two sides by a pentagon and a triangle.

Abstract: Architectural structures made up of a set of trapezoids arranged in pleated relationship, interfitted with another interfitting, transverse set of polygons also arranged in pleated relationship.

Abstract: A new gaming die is an equilateral tetrahedron with each of its four sides in the form of a recessed triangular pyramid. The resulting twelve congruent triangular facets of the novel die may carry numerals, letters or other characters depending on the game for which the die or dice are designed. A unique feature of the tetrahedral die is that it can be cheaply produced by the injection molding of a thermoplastic.

Abstract: Structures including buildings, furniture items or room partitions are formed by assembling panels and releasably connecting the panels together with a support system comprising collars on the corners of the panels and elastic members interconnecting these collars so as to hold the structure together into a predetermined form by virtue of the tension of the stretched elastic members. Structures formed by this system include building structures such as small outdoor shelters, furniture items such as display cases, bookshelves, tables and containers and room partitions of virtually any arrangement, and toys.

Abstract: Complementary geometric construction modules, each derived from a rectangular prism, with end faces formed obliquely to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the prism, with the two oblique faces touching each other at a point on the longitudinal edge of the prism, each module forming a hexahedron, each being the reverse or mirror-shape of the other, and providing bilateral symmetry when the two corresponding faces on the modules, are in full contact with each other; the modules in multiple sets adapted to be formed into a wide variety of sculptured architectural shapes, unique in appearance.

Abstract: A kit for assembling a geodesic structure is disclosed as including a plurality of polygonal panels (12) preferably of triangular shapes so as to be assembled to define a sphere (10). Each panel is of a unitary construction molded from plastic and includes a first set of male lugs (20) and a second set of female lugs (22) projecting from its sides (14). The female lugs (22) are arranged in pairs and spaced along the length of the associated panel side so as to receive a male lug (20) on one side of another panel in order to provide a connection (16) therebetween. Outer ends on both the male and female lugs include connection surfaces (24, 26) that snap into engagement with each other as the male lug (20) of each connection (16) is inserted between the associated female lugs (22) in order to secure the panel sides (14) and thereby prevent relative movement between the panels lengthwise and transversely with respect to the length of each side.

Abstract: A modular building panel is disclosed which is suitable for arrangement with other identical panels to form the side walls for an enclosed structure. The panel includes a wall having a uniform thickness such that the wall extends from a first end having a circle quadrant configuration to a second end formed by a pair of converging surfaces that blend into arcs that form a region that can be used, for example, as an archway.

Abstract: A rectangular building block with surface indentations corresponding to a geometrical arrangement of rhombic dodecahedral elements. The indentations are designed to interlock closely with those of the adjoining blocks in order to provide a mortarless bond.

Abstract: A framework for a building or other hollow object utilizing a plurality of basic building elements which are interconnected together in which each of the elements is constructed of a sheet of bendable resilient material which has a substantially flat permanent set, and each sheet is provided with three pairs of equally spaced apertures for interconnecting the building elements, each pair of connection apertures defining an axis which extends between the connection apertures, and the axes between the three pairs of connecting apertures intersecting at angles of 60.degree. to form an equilateral triangle centrally of the sheet, the sheets being interconnected by pins extending through apertures to form a hollow body. Four embodiments are disclosed, one in which legs extend from the central triangle portion, and two embodiments in which a six-sided sheet forms the basic building element.

Abstract: A device to repel birds from nesting on buildings and the like includes a series of closely spaced, upwardly extending structures surmounted with pyramids, the angles of which are such that a prism effect is created which serves to optically frighten the birds.

Abstract: A primary geodesic type building, comprising five sub-assembly units, including an uppermost regular octagonal roof unit supported on alternate edges by four identical regular hexagonal units in quadripod fashion to form a generally hemispherical space capturing structure, spaces between the hexagonal units being closed by four square panels and four isoceles trapezoids. Said structure may be supported on upstanding flat wall units, to form a building of greater height having a substantially square shape to efficiently capture space therein. Said buildings may be connected directly or by suitable connecting structures, which may include a geodesic type roof comprising fifteen identical isoceles triangular panels connected at their leg edges to form a ridged structure having an equilateral regular pentagonal base.

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting joists which define triangular panel roof areas of a geodesic dome and comprised of a metal sleeve having a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings extending therethrough and a plurality of metal tongues secured to the adjacent ends of the joists at their junction point and extending radially inwardly through the sleeve openings, each having a tapered pin extending through its tongue and bearing against the inner surface of the sleeve to cam the joists' ends against the exterior of the sleeve and thereby hold the same in rigid fixed relation to the sleeve.

Abstract: The disclosed educational devices comprise self-adhering members to which a pressure sensitive adhesive material is applied, on the outside of at least a portion of each member. In one embodiment, each educational device comprises an elongated stick, rod or tube which is sufficiently rigid to be self-supporting. A knob or body of the adhesive material is mounted on at least one end of such stick or the like. Preferably, knobs of the adhesive material are mounted on both ends. The sticks may be adhered to one another and also to supporting surfaces, to produce letters, symbols, figures, geometric designs, and many types of artistic representations. The adhesive material comprises microcrystalline wax with mineral oil in the proportion of 2 to 12% mixed with the wax to provide greater tackiness, the wax being of a flexible type with a melting point between 150.degree. and 180.degree. F. and a needle penetration between 20 and 50 when measured at 77.degree. F. in accordance with ASTM Standard No. D1321.

Abstract: A space enclosing structure, the underlying shape of which is a portion of a polyhedron comprised of a regular arrangement of regular pentagons, equilateral triangles, right angled parallelograms and rhombi. The structure permits the use of square or rectangular standardized prefabricated square or rectangular building units, such as doors, windows, solar panels, etc., without any alteration of the basic shape of the structure, as such prefabricated units may be used to replace any of the square or rectangular faces of the polyhedron. Each face other than a right angled parallelogram is abutted on each side by a right angled parallelogram. Each right angled parallelogram is abutted on two opposite sides by rhombi and on the other two sides by a pentagon and a triangle.

Abstract: Structural cores in the form of open-ended polyhedrons joined together al common edges or sides are generating high industrial interest because of the great strengths they possess relative to their weights. A structural core medium of interwoven fibrous filaments coated with plastic is highly satisfactory, but it has the disadvantage that it is very difficult, if not heretofore impossible, to produce in other than planar, sandwich or cylindrical form. A jig for the fabrication of such cores has not come into existance. This invention provides a jig which makes possible the fabrication of such polyhedral structural cores.

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 modular playhouse comprising a plurality of sections derived from two related modular units. The first modular unit is a right angle triangle having its hypotenuse equal to twice its base. A set of two-dimensional sections based on the triangular module having linear dimensions each of which corresponds either to the base, the hypotenuse or the height of said triangle. The second module is a rectangle having a width equal to the triangle base and a length equal to the triangle hypotenuse. A set of two-dimensional sections based on the rectangular module have linear dimensions corresponding to the length and width of the rectangular module. The box in which the sections are packaged is adapted to form a table-like structure for supporting and securing said sections, the size and proportions of said table-like structure also being derived from the two related modular units. Said sections are connected to each other and to the table-like structure by bendable or flexible strips.

Abstract: A tensegrity structure is formed from a plurality of interconnected tensegrity modules. Each module includes several column-like compression members and tension elements run between ends of the compression members to define a polyhedron. The tension elements form the edges of the polyhedron and intersect at the vertices of the polyhedron. The interconnected modules are joined to each other with triangular faces abutting but with the edges and faces of the abutting triangular surfaces of the respective modules rotated 180.degree. away from superposition and with the vertices joined to tension element edges, being joined at a point located one-half or one-third of the way along the length of such edge.

Abstract: A greenhouse structure composed of at least five intersected ring members providing a dome-shaped configuration over which a flexible cover is fitted. A particular manner of ring member intersection is employed to make the structure self-supporting. The flexible cover is provided with an arcuate closeable opening for access into the 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.