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[0001] This invention relates to a geodesic dome structure composed of flanged triangular panels.
[0002] Geodesic dome structures are already well known and one can refer to the patent of R. B. Fuller No. 2,682,235 (1965) for an understanding of the geometry of such structures. While geodesic domes are inherently efficient structures, they have seen relatively little use in the marketplace. One reason is that they differ greatly from conventional structures and thus there is a reluctance to use such foreign looking designs. In addition, most designs that are available today are expensive to build. Even though the basic design is materially efficient, their construction is extremely labor intensive. Most designs require the cutting of many triangles out of plywood or other wood products including many complicated angle cuts for studs, struts, etc. One can refer to U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,382 (Paul A. Schwam, 1987) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,441 (Thomas A. Wickens, 1985) as examples. Furthermore, many designs have had problems with water leakage due to the exposure of seams to the exterior and building materials that degrade over time. Therefore, experience has shown that applying conventional construction methods to the geodesic dome design has met with limited success.
[0003] Several examples of prior art which utilize flanged panel construction systems are known. One such design is U.S. Pat. No. 4,330,969 (Patrick E. Quaney, 1982). It uses molded panels which are assembled on a flange-to-flange basis. The panels are molded from structural foam or similar materials and can include reinforcing ribs integrally molded into the flange for strength. While this design may provide a means of constructing a dome from panels on a flange-to-flange basis, the panels themselves are not necessarily efficient to manufacture.
[0004] My invention overcomes these limitations. A major consideration in my design is cost. The simplicity of design and ease of construction are the biggest cost savers in my invention. Furthermore, the design is oriented to allow for simplified tooling and manufacturing processes. Even with these advantages my invention exhibits superior structural strength characteristics. All of the previous geodesic dome designs suffer from a number of disadvantages:
[0005] (a) Their complicated design or labor intensive assembly process causes them to be cost prohibitive. While many designs may be able to produce a structure that can be built at a comparable cost to conventional structures, they can not be built at a cost that is significantly lower and thus affordable to the lower end of the housing market. Thus, their use is restricted to the very small market of unconventional home buyers who can afford them.
[0006] (b) Most designs require extensive labor to assemble the building components. While some panel designs can be assembled quickly, they usually require extensive labor to manufacture the building panels.
[0007] (c) They use conventional roofing systems which are prone to leak on such unconventional roof structures.
[0008] (d) The use of wood in any building structure eventually allows for possible damage due to decay, rot, water, or termites.
[0009] (e) The use of wood or other organic materials for exterior surfaces also necessitates substantial periodic maintenance such as painting etc.
[0010] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
[0011] (a) to provide a geodesic dome construction system that will be cost effective and affordable to the low end of the housing market or third world regions;
[0012] (b) to provide a geodesic dome construction system that can be assembled on site with minimal labor and whose panel building components can be manufactured inexpensively;
[0013] (c) to provide a geodesic dome construction system which will not be prone to leaks;
[0014] (d) to provide a geodesic dome construction system which will not be prone to rot, water or termite damage;
[0015] (e) to provide a geodesic dome construction system which will not require substantial exterior maintenance;
[0016] Further objects and advantages are to provide a geodesic dome building system which will make clean comfortable housing affordable for persons who now suffer with substandard housing. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
[0017] In the accompanying drawings:
[0018]
[0019]
[0020]
[0021]
[0022]
[0023]
[0024]
[0025]
20 rigid insulative material 28 holes 22 foam insulative sealant 30 interior coating 24 flange sealant 32 adhesive 26 fastener 34 flange
[0026] The description presented herein describes an improved and simplified means of building a geodesic dome structure through the use of one piece flanged triangular panels and rigid insulation system. A typical embodiment of a geodesic dome construction system of the present invention is illustrated in
[0027]
[0028] During the assembly process the flanges
[0029] As shown in
[0030] Summary, Ramifications, and Scope
[0031] My geodesic dome invention consists of triangular panels that are formed from single sheets of rigid material and that have flanges formed along their edges at acute angles in reference to the interior face of the panels. The panels are fastened together flange to flange with screws, bolts or other suitable fasteners. The panels can be made of sheet-metal or any other rigid material which can be formed by bending or other means. The seams where the panel flanges meet are sealed with a permanent flexible sealant against water leakage. Insulation can be provided by rigid insulation material which can be attached to the interior face of the of the flanged triangular panels with adhesive. Any gap or void between the rigid insulation along the panel seams can be filled with a foam sealer or foam insulation which will furthermore seal the interior seam of the connected flanges. The interior face of the insulation panel can be coated with a fire-resistant coating to provide an interior finish.
[0032] Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.