Abstract:
Techniques are described for constructing geodesic dome structures. For example, a method includes connecting a set of panels to form a geodesic dome. The panels have surface contours that conform to a surface contour of a geodesic dome having a dimension larger than a dimension of the geodesic dome formed by the panels. Another method includes attaching flanges to a set of permanent structure members that form a permanent geodesic dome structure. The method further includes fastening a set of panels to the flanges. The panels enclose the geodesic dome structure to form the geodesic dome. The techniques described may allow the construction of a geodesic dome structure of precisely controlled dimensions with relatively small numbers of people and little strenuous labor.

Description:
[0001]     This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/355,387, filed Jan. 30, 2003, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The invention relates to geometrically shaped buildings, and more particularly, to constructing geodesic domes.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     A geodesic dome is a type of structure constructed with straight elements that form interlocking polygons. The structure is comprised of a complex network of polygons, usually triangles, which form a roughly spherical surface. The more complex the network of polygons, the more closely the dome approximates the shape of a sphere.  
         [0004]     There have been many different techniques studied to construct a geodesic dome, including constructing the geodesic dome with a framework or without a framework. The techniques include using permanent rods and connectors as a framework, using interlocking panels as a framework, and using interlocking panels without a framework. The techniques that use frameworks may further include enclosing the framework. Many of these techniques may involve hard labor and machinery to lift heavy materials. The geodesic domes may take weeks or even months to construct.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]     In general, the invention is related to techniques for constructing geodesic dome structures. The techniques may be used, for example, for efficiently constructing geodesic domes with relatively small numbers of people and little strenuous labor. As described in detail, a set of panels is connected to form a geodesic dome. The panels have surface contours that conform to a surface contour of a geodesic dome having a dimension larger than a dimension of the geodesic dome formed by the panels. The panels may comprise wood, plastic, fiberglass, metal, resin, or a like material. In some cases, both interior and exterior panels may be connected to form the geodesic dome. The geodesic dome structure may then be insulated by placing insulating material in a cavity created between the interior and exterior panels.  
         [0006]     A set of permanent structure members form a permanent geodesic dome structure. Flanges are attached to the permanent structure members to connect the panels to the permanent structure members. In that way, the panels enclose the permanent geodesic dome structure to form the geodesic dome. The flanges may comprise a curvature to match the surface contour of the panels, which provides a weather tight seal for the geodesic dome structure. The permanent structure members may consist of wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, or the like. Alternatively, a curing material, such as a spray-on cement or epoxy, may be applied to the geodesic dome structure. In some embodiments, the permanent structure members may enclose the geodesic dome structure.  
         [0007]     A set of temporary spacers and a set of connectors may be assembled to form the geometries of the geodesic dome. More particularly, the temporary spacers reference the connectors with respect to one another in space to form the geometries of the geodesic dome structure. For example, the set of temporary spacers may be fastened to the connectors with fasteners such as nails, screws, bolts, hooks, or clamps. Alternatively, one or more strands of wire may be attached between the connectors to create a wire mesh. The wire mesh may be erected to form the geometries of the geodesic dome. In this manner, the strands of woven wire act as the temporary spacers. In some embodiments, the wire mesh may be erected with the aid of the set of temporary spacers, such that the strands of wire guide the assembly of the temporary spacers and the connectors to ensure proper alignment. The set of permanent structure members may then be fastened to the set of connectors to form the permanent geodesic dome structure.  
         [0008]     The temporary spacers may be removed from the geodesic dome structure. For example, the temporary spacers may be removed as the permanent structure members are fastened to the connectors. In the case in which the temporary spacers are removed, the temporary spacers may be attached to another set of connectors to form the geometries of another geodesic dome. In this fashion, the construction of geodesic dome structures may be done in an assembly line fashion. However, the temporary spacers may remain fastened to the connectors and become a passive part of the geodesic dome.  
         [0009]     In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of constructing a geodesic dome. The method comprises connecting a set of panels to form the geodesic dome. The panels have surface contours that conform to a surface contour of a geodesic dome having a dimension larger than a dimension of the geodesic dome formed by the panels.  
         [0010]     In another embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus comprising a set of panels connected to form a geodesic dome. The panels have surface contours that conform to a surface contour of a geodesic dome having a dimension larger than a dimension of the geodesic dome formed by the panels.  
         [0011]     In another embodiment, the invention provides another method of constructing a geodesic dome. The method comprises attaching flanges to a set of permanent structure members that form a permanent geodesic dome structure. The method further includes fastening a set of panels to the flanges to enclose the geodesic dome structure to form the geodesic dome.  
         [0012]     In a further embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus comprising a set of permanent structure members, flanges, and a set of panels. The set of permanent structure members form a permanent geodesic dome structure. The flanges attach to the permanent structure members. The set of panels fasten to the flanges to enclose the geodesic dome structure to form the geodesic dome.  
         [0013]     The invention can provide a number of advantages. In general, the invention provides techniques for constructing geodesic domes with relatively small numbers of people and little strenuous labor. Further, the geodesic domes may be constructed in a relatively short period of time, e.g., hours or days. Constructing geodesic domes with small numbers of people, little strenuous labor, and in a short amount of time may be particularly useful for providing shelter for those who have lost homes from natural disasters, wars, or similar catastrophic events. In addition, enclosing the geodesic dome structure with panels creates a more permanent structure by sheltering the interior of the dome and bracing the permanent structure members that form the dome structure. A contoured panel comprises a self-supporting member and adds structural support to the geodesic dome. Furthermore, the geodesic dome may be insulated by placing insulating material between interior and exterior panels. A geodesic dome enclosed with panels fastened to flanges may include a weather tight seal against wind and precipitation.  
         [0014]     Further, the pieces of the geodesic dome, i.e., the temporary spacers, the connectors, the permanent structure members, the flanges, and the panels may come in a kit. The pieces may be coded by color and/or symbol to allow easy construction of the geodesic dome. For example, a person may construct the geodesic dome by following picture guides to assemble the coded pieces. Also, the pieces of the geodesic dome may be constructed of materials that are cheap to produce in order to reduce the cost of the kit. The temporary spacers and other components may be manufactured to extremely small tolerances, thus assuring the completed domes will approach the theoretical geometries of the desired dome, in turn, increasing the stability of the dome. The fine precision in manufacturing the components of the dome also promotes ease of assembly.  
         [0015]     The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings and from the claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating a set of connectors referenced with respect to one another in space by a set of temporary spacers to form the geometries of a geodesic dome structure.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram illustrating a connector used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome structure.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2B  shows a side view of the connector of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0019]      FIG. 2C  shows an embodiment of the connector of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a temporary spacer used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome structure.  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating a plan view of the temporary spacers shown in  FIG. 3  arranged on a flat surface to illustrate the relation between the spacers before the spacers are collectively joined to create the geometries of a geodesic dome in space.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating a panel fastened to permanent structure members to enclose a geodesic dome structure.  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a permanent structure member and panels fastened to the permanent structure member.  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram illustrating a fastener used to fasten permanent structure members to a connector.  
         [0025]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating the construction of a geodesic dome structure.  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram illustrating an erected wire mesh that references a plurality of connectors with respect to one another in space to form the geometries of a geodesic dome.  
         [0027]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal view of the wire mesh of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating the construction of a geodesic dome using wire mesh.  
         [0029]      FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating another set of connectors referenced with respect to one another in space by another set of temporary spacers to form the geometries of a geodesic dome structure.  
         [0030]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary temporary spacers used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome structure.  
         [0031]      FIGS. 14A-14C  are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary connector used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome structure.  
         [0032]      FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram illustrating a plan view of the temporary spacers shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B  arranged on a flat surface to illustrate the relation between the spacers before the spacers are collectively joined to create the geometries of a geodesic dome in space.  
         [0033]      FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a geodesic dome structure.  
         [0034]      FIG. 17  is a flow chart illustrating the construction of a geodesic dome structure.  
         [0035]      FIG. 18A  is a schematic diagram illustrating a spacer that also serves as a panel structure member that references connectors with respect to one another in space as well as provides a permanent support structure of a geodesic dome and concurrently encloses the geodesic dome.  
         [0036]      FIG. 18B  is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section view of the spacer of  FIG. 18A .  
         [0037]      FIGS. 19A-19C  are schematic diagrams illustrating a spacer that includes variable spacer arms that may be used to generate domes of various diameters.  
         [0038]      FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section view of a geodesic dome constructed using a curing material.  
         [0039]      FIG. 21  is a flow chart illustrating the construction of geodesic dome of  FIG. 20 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0040]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating a set of connectors  14  referenced with respect to one another in space to form the geometries of a geodesic dome structure  10 . For ease of illustration, only connectors  14 A and  14 B are labeled on  FIG. 1 . A set of temporary spacers  12  is fastened to a set of connectors  14  to reference connectors  14  with respect to one another in space, forming the geometries of geodesic dome  10 . Temporary spacers  12  may be fastened to connectors  14  with fasteners such as hooks, screws, bolts, nails, clamps, or the like. For ease of illustration, only temporary spacers  12 A and  12 B are labeled on  FIG. 1 . Temporary spacers  12  may comprise variable spacers that adjust to different lengths.  
         [0041]     Temporary spacers  12  may be constructed of a rigid, yet lightweight material such as plastic, metal, wood, or the like. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , temporary spacers  12  are formed in the shape of rods or struts. However, temporary spacers  12  may be formed in the shape of any polygon or other shape that will define and hold the geometries in space until the desired geometries are fixed permanently in space. All temporary spacers  12  of geodesic dome structure  10  need not be the same size. For example, temporary spacers  12 A may be a different length than temporary spacers  12 B.  
         [0042]     Connectors  14  are constructed from materials such as metal, plastic, or the like. Connectors  14  may be constructed to fasten to any number of temporary spacers  12 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , connectors  14  comprise a circular shape. Connector  14 A fastens to six of temporary spacers  12 , whereas connector  14 B fastens to five of temporary spacers  12 . In some embodiments, connectors  14 A and  14 B comprise substantially identical connectors regardless of a number of spacers that fasten to the respective connectors. Connectors  14  may also take the shape of numerous polygons depending on the number of temporary spacers  12  that fasten to connector  14 . Connector  14  may be a ring-like piece, much like a link of a chain. Temporary spacers  12  may attach to one of connectors  14 . Temporary spacers  12  may rotate around the connector to seek an appropriate angle between spacer  12  and connector  14 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram illustrating a connector  14 B used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome structure  10 .  FIG. 2A  shows a top view of connector  14 B. The top view of connector  14 B shows that connector  14 B takes the shape of a circular ring. Connector  14 B may be formed of one solid piece of material. Alternatively, connector  14 B may be formed of multiple pieces of material that fit together to form connector  14 B.  
         [0044]      FIG. 2B  shows a side view of connector  14 B. The side view of connector  14 B shows an outer shell  20  and an opening  22  of connector  14 B.  FIG. 2B  also shows that connector  14 B comprises a surface contour, as opposed to being flat. The contour allows straight structures to be attached to connector  14 B to form the structure of dome  10 . Alternatively, connector  14 B may be flat and the attaching structures may have a contour. The contour may be different depending on the shape of connector  14 B. Furthermore, the contour may be different depending on the type of dome  10  that is to be constructed. For example, a dome  10  with a larger radius may have a smaller surface contour.  
         [0045]     Spacers and/or permanent structure members may attach to connector  14 B via opening  22  using hooks or the like. Spacers, for example, may rotate or pivot around connector  14 B to assume an appropriate angle between the spacer and connector  14 B. The necessary angle between the spacers and/or permanent structure members and connector  14 B may vary depending on the geometries of a geodesic dome  10 , such as diameter, circumference, and the like.  
         [0046]      FIG. 2C  shows an embodiment of connector  14 B. Connector  14 B includes outer shell  20 , opening  22 , and guides  24 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2C , guides  24  separate connector  14 B into five regions to appropriately attach five spacers and/or permanent structural members around connector  14 B. As shown in  FIG. 1 , connector  14 B receives five temporary spacers  12  and connector  14 A receives six temporary spacers  12 . Connector  14 A may include guides to divide connector  14 A into six attachment regions. In other embodiments, connectors may receive any number of spacers and/or permanent structure members necessary to define the geometries of a geodesic dome structure.  
         [0047]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary temporary spacer  12  used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome structure  10 . Temporary spacer  12  comprises a variable spacer that can be adjusted to create variable spacers of different lengths, such as temporary spacers  12 A and  12 B from  FIG. 1 , to define the geometries of a geodesic dome. Variable spacer  12  may be adjusted depending on a diameter or radius of a desired geodesic dome. The length of spacer  12  may be fixed once the appropriate length has been determined for the geodesic dome being constructed. Variable spacer  12  may be constructed of a rigid, yet lightweight material such as plastic.  
         [0048]     Variable spacer  12  includes a fixed housing portion  32 , a calibrated portion  36 , and a moveable housing portion  34  that accepts calibrated portion  36  to allow variable spacer  12  to be adjusted to different lengths. In other embodiments, both housing portions may be moveable over the calibrated portion. Each end of variable spacer  12 , i.e., the end of fixed housing portion  32  and moveable housing portion  34 , includes fasteners  38 A and  38 B (“fasteners 38”) to couple variable spacer  12  to a connector, such as connector  14 B illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C . In the illustrated embodiment, fasteners  38  may comprise hook-shaped mechanisms for effectively coupling variable spacer  12  to a connector. However, fasteners  38  may comprise screws, bolts, nails, clamps, or the like to fasten variable spacer  12  to a connector. Fasteners  38  may also easily release variable spacer  12  from a connector to facilitate a quick disengagement of variable spacer  12  from geodesic dome structure  10 .  
         [0049]     Variable spacer  12  may have a tubular shape. The radius of calibrated portion  36  may be smaller than moveable housing portion  34  such that movable housing portion  34  may slide over calibrated portion  36  to extend the length of variable spacer  12 . In some embodiments, calibrated portion  36  and housing portions  32 ,  34  may be flat, rectangular, or any other shape as long as movable housing portion  34  moves over calibrated portion  36 .  
         [0050]     Calibrated portion  36  may include settings for easy adjustment of variable spacer  12  to particular lengths. For example, calibrated portion  36  may include settings that correspond to geodesic domes of varying radii. In this manner, movable housing portion  34  slides over calibrated portion  36  to a setting in accordance with the radius of a desired geodesic dome. The settings may correspond to other factors including diameter, circumference, or the like.  
         [0051]     Calibrated portion  36  may further include multiple setting scales for adjustment of variable spacer  12 . The multiple setting scales may be used in order to adjust variable spacer  12  for geodesic dome structures that require more than one length spacer. Both of the setting scales may be calibrated to correspond to geodesic domes of varying radii, diameter, circumference or the like. The setting scales may further be coded by color or symbol.  
         [0052]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating a plan view of temporary spacers  12  ( FIG. 1 ) arranged on a flat surface to illustrate the relation between the spacers before the spacers are collectively joined to create the geometries of a geodesic dome  10  in space. In particular, the plan view illustrates the relation of temporary spacers  12  with respect to one another. The structure of geodesic dome  10  is created using a set of connectors  14 A,  14 B, a plurality of temporary spacers  12 A and a plurality of temporary spacers  12 B. Spacers  12 A (illustrated as bold lines) define a first length. Spacers  12 B (illustrated as thin lines) define a second length different from the first length defined by spacers  12 A. Spacers  12  comprise variable spacers as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . It should be noted that  FIG. 4  is not drawn to scale. For example, all of spacers  12 A are of the same length, as are spacers  12 B.  
         [0053]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating a panel  48  fastened to permanent structure members  42 A,  42 B (collectively, “permanent structure members 42”) to enclose a geodesic dome structure. Permanent structure members may be fastened to a set of connectors to form a permanent geodesic dome structure based on the placement of the set of connectors defined by a set of temporary spacers. The temporary spacers may be removed once the permanent structure members are attached to the connectors.  
         [0054]     Permanent structure members  42 A and  42 B are fastened to a connector  40  by fasteners  46 A and  46 B, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, permanent structure members  42  take the form of rectangular struts. The permanent structure members may take any form that provides permanent structural support to the geodesic dome structure. Permanent structure members  42  may be constructed from materials such as wood, plastic, metal, cable, fiberglass, or other material. In the illustrated embodiment, fasteners  46 A,  46 B comprise hooks that attach permanent structure members  42  to connector  40  via an opening in connector  40 . In other words, fasteners  46 A,  46 B conform to the contoured surface of connector  40  in this example, and may have a degree of elasticity to essentially clamp or grip the connector. In other embodiments, fasteners  46 A,  46 B may comprise screws, bolts, nails, clamps, or the like.  
         [0055]     Panel  48  may be made of weatherproof material, such as plastic, fiberglass, treated wood, metal, resin, or the like. Panel  48  comprises a contour based on a large diameter relative to a diameter of the geodesic dome structure. The contour of panel  48  may be determined from a surface of a very large dome structure such that panel  48  appears almost flat, but retains the strength of a dome. Deriving panel  48  from a geodesic dome structure of great radius and chord frequency creates an inherently stable panel that is resistant to deflection. Panel  48  may be treated with plastic, insulation, fiberglass, or other treatments to enhance its structural rigidity, integrity, strength and/or insulative properties. The treatments may be applied to an interior side of panel  48 . The contour of panel  48  may depend on the geometries of the geodesic dome, such as diameter, circumference, or the like.  
         [0056]     Panel  48  may be inscribed on one side with a high frequency chord pattern  47  such that panel  48  may be generated as a flat sheet and then drawn into a slight spherical contour. For purposes of illustration, pattern  47  does not appear as a high frequency pattern in  FIG. 5 . However, panel  48  may comprise a pattern with great enough frequency to generate substantially short chords with lengths of 1 to 2 inches, for example. The chord pattern  47  may be inscribed in panel  48  by one of stamping, printing, embossing, etching, photoengraving, photocopying, or the like. In this way, panel  48  may be transported flat and drawn into a contoured panel by folding along the inscribed chord pattern.  
         [0057]     Panel  48  encloses the geodesic dome by fastening a first edge to a flange  44 A, which is attached to permanent structure member  42 A, and fastening a second edge to a flange  44 B, which is attached to permanent structure member  42 B. As illustrated, flanges  44  comprise a curvature to match the contour of panel  48 . In some embodiments, flanges  44  may pivot about permanent structure members  42  to accommodate various sizes and curvatures of panel  48 . Matching the curvature of flanges  44  to the contour of panel  48  provides a continuous curve between panel  48  and flanges  44 , which creates a weather tight seal against wind and precipitation.  
         [0058]     Flange  44 A is attached to a first side of permanent structure member  42 A proximate an exterior face of member  42 A. A flange is also attached to a second side of member  42 A near the exterior face to receive an edge of another panel. As described in more detail below, additional flanges may be attached to both the first and second sides of permanent structure member  42 A near an interior face of member  42 A. Permanent structure member  42 B also includes additional flanges attached proximate an interior face of member  42 B. In that case, panel  48  may be considered an exterior panel and a second, interior panel may be fastened between members  42 A and  42 B.  
         [0059]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a permanent structure member  52  and panels fastened to permanent structure member  52 . A first flange  58 A and a second flange  58 B are attached to member  52  proximate an exterior face of member  52 . A third flange  60 A and a fourth flange  60 B are attached proximate an interior face of member  52 . Exterior panels  54 A and  54 B are fastened to first flange  58 A and second flange  58 B, respectively. Interior panels  56 A and  56 B are fastened to third flange  60 A and fourth flange  60 B, respectively. The panels are fastened to the flanges by fasteners  64 , which may comprise at-least one of screws, bolts, nails, clamps, rivets, and adhesives. In some embodiments, the panels may be attached to the flanges in a way that allows the panels to move independent of the flanges in order to accommodate expansion and contraction of the material due to changes in temperature and pressure.  
         [0060]     Exterior panels  54  form the exterior surface of a geodesic dome structure and interior panels  56  form the interior surface of the dome. Exterior panels  54  may comprise a treatment that improves structural integrity to withstand weather related effects. Interior panels  56  may comprise a treatment that improves aesthetics within the geodesic dome.  
         [0061]     An insulating material  62  may be placed in a cavity created between the exterior panels  54  and the interior panels  56 . Including insulating material  62  between panels  54  and  56  may form a strong, weather proof, and fire proof permanent geodesic dome structure. Insulating material  62  may comprise a pre-molded piece of foam or plastic insulation. Insulating material  62  may also comprise fiberglass insulation sprayed between the exterior and interior panels. In some embodiments, no insulating material is included and the space created between the exterior and interior panels remains open. In other embodiments, a stiffening material may be placed in the cavity to add structural support to the geodesic dome.  
         [0062]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary fastener  76  used to fasten permanent structure members  70  to a connector  74 . In the illustrated embodiment, fastener  76  includes a bolt  78 , prongs  80 , and a nut  81 . Bolt  78  is capable of fitting through an opening in a connector  74 . Prongs  80 , attached to bolt  78 , connect to permanent structure members  70  to fasten members  70  to connector  74 . Nut  81  may be tightened to secure members  70  to connector  74  permanently. In the illustrated embodiment, fastener  76  includes five prongs  80  to fasten five permanent structure members  70  to connector  74 . In some embodiments, a bolt may include any number of prongs to fasten an appropriate number of structure members to a connector to form a geodesic dome. In other embodiments, permanent structure members may be fastened to a connector by any fastener that provides a strong and permanent attachment.  
         [0063]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , permanent structure members  70  may also be attached to connector  74  by hooks  73  or another type of fastener. Hooks  73  may provide stability when initially fastening permanent structure members  70  to connector  74 . Fastener  76  may be used once the geodesic dome structure has been fully assembled by permanent structure members  70  to provide a more secure attachment to connector  74 .  
         [0064]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating one exemplary process for construction of a geodesic dome structure in accordance with the techniques described herein. For exemplary purposes, the process will be described in reference to geodesic dome structure  10  of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0065]     Initially, a set of temporary spacers  12  is fastened to a set of connectors  14  to reference connectors  14  in space relative to one another ( 82 ). Connectors  14  and temporary spacers  12  form the geometries of geodesic dome structure  10 . Temporary spacers  12  may be fastened to connectors  14  using hooks, bolts, screws, nails, clamps, or the like. Temporary spacers  12  may be fastened to connectors  14  beginning from a tier nearest the ground and building upwards. Alternatively, temporary spacers  12  may be fastened to connectors  14  beginning with a top tier and building downwards. Geodesic dome structure  10  formed by connectors  14  and temporary spacers  12  may be sturdy enough to stand freely.  
         [0066]     Once temporary spacers  12  and connectors  14  form the geometries of geodesic dome structure  10 , permanent structure members  42  may be fastened to connectors  14  to make geodesic dome structure  10  permanent ( 83 ). Permanent structure members  42  may be fastened to connectors  14  using hooks, bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like. As with temporary spacers  12 , structure members  42  may be fastened to connectors  14  beginning from a tier nearest the ground and building upward or from a top tier and building downward.  
         [0067]     Temporary spacers  12  may be removed as permanent structure members  42  are fastened to connectors  14  ( 84 ). For example, after fastening one of permanent structure members  42  to connectors  14  along one of spacers  12 , spacer  12  may optionally be removed. However, temporary spacers  12  may remain in place until all of permanent structure members  42  are fastened to connectors  14  and then temporary spacers  12  may be removed. Temporary spacers  12 , once removed, may be discarded. Alternatively, the removed temporary spacers  12  may be used to reference another set of connectors  14  to form the geometries of another geodesic dome  10 . In this fashion, the construction of geodesic dome structures may be done in an assembly line fashion. However, spacers  12  may remain fastened to connectors  14  and become a passive part of geodesic dome  10 .  
         [0068]     Flanges  44  are attached to permanent structure members  42  ( 85 ) to receive panels  48 . Flanges  44  comprise a curvature that matches a contour of panels  48  to provide a continuous curve between flanges  44  and panels  48 . Flanges  44  may be attached to permanent structure members  42  proximate an exterior face of members  42  and/or proximate an interior face of members  42 . Flanges  44  may be attached by fasteners such as bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like  
         [0069]     Panels  48  are fastened to permanent structure members  46  and connectors  14  to enclose geodesic dome structure  10  ( 86 ). Panels  48  comprise a contour based on a large diameter relative to the diameter of geodesic dome  10 . Panels  48  may be fastened to connectors  14 , to permanent structure members  42 , or both. Panels  48  may be fastened to connectors  14  in the same fashion as attaching structure members  42  to connectors  14 . Panels  48  may be fastened to permanent structure members  42  using fasteners such as bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like. Instead, panels  48  may be constructed with grooves, which receive structure members  42 . Panels  48  may be fastened to flanges  44 , which are attached to permanent structure members  42 . Panels  48  may be made of weatherproof material such as plastic, fiberglass, treated wood, metal, or the like. In some embodiments, exterior and interior panels may be fastened to flanges  44 . In that case, insulating material may be included between the sets of panels.  
         [0070]     Temporary spacers  12 , connectors  14 , permanent structure members  42 , flanges  44 , and panels  48  may come in a kit. The kit may come with spacers  12 , connectors  14 , permanent structure members  42 , flanges  44 , and panels  48  coded by color and/or symbol in order to aid in the construction. The kit and construction method provide a way of constructing livable geodesic structures in a matter of hours, and with little manual labor. It may be useful for providing shelter for those who have lost homes from natural disasters, wars, or the like. However, the geodesic dome structures may have alternative uses such as an advertising billboard or decoration. Temporary spacers  12  and other components may also be manufactured to extremely small tolerances, thus assuring the completed domes will approach the theoretical geometries of the desired dome, in turn, increasing the stability of the dome. The fine precision in manufacturing the components of the dome also promotes ease of assembly.  
         [0071]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram illustrating an erected wire mesh  90  that references a plurality of connectors  14  with respect to one another in space to form the geometries of a geodesic dome  10 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , temporary spacers  12  were used to reference connectors  14 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , a plurality of strands of woven wire  92  is attached between each of connectors  14  to create a wire mesh  90 . In this manner, the strands of woven wire act as temporary spacers. Wire mesh  90  may be used to reference connectors  14 . Strands of wire  92  may be pre-cut to the proper lengths. Alternatively, strands of wire  92  may need to be cut to proper lengths during the construction process. Strands of wire  92  attached to connectors  14  form wire mesh  90 . In order to reference connectors  14  with respect to one another in space, wire mesh  90  may be erected. Temporary support platforms, a crane or the like may be used to erect wire mesh  90 . The wire strands may be constructed of flexible material such as nylon.  
         [0072]     Alternatively, temporary variable spacers  12  ( FIG. 3 ) may be attached to connector  14  using the strands of wire  92  as guides for rapid attachment of spacers  12  to connectors  14 . The assembly of successive tiers of temporary spacer  12  and connectors  14  will support wire mesh  90  to generate the geometries of geodesic dome  10 . Once wire mesh  90  is fully supported, permanent structure members  42  may be fastened to connectors  14  and temporary spacers  12  may be removed.  
         [0073]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal view of the wire mesh  90  of  FIG. 9  being erected using a temporary support platform  94 . Temporary support platform  94  has a plurality of temporary beams  95  that extend from platform  94  to connectors  14 . Each connector  14  of the mesh  90  is erected by one of beams  95 . Instead of all of beams  95  being collected at platform  94 , each of beams  95  may extend from corresponding connector  14  straight to the ground. Beams  95  may be constructed of wood, steel, plastic, or the like.  
         [0074]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating the construction of geodesic dome  10  using wire mesh  90 . A strand of woven wire  92  is attached between each of connectors  14  and its neighboring connectors  14  to create a wire mesh  90  ( 96 ). In this manner, the strands of woven wire act as the temporary spacers. Strands of wire  92  may be pre-cut to the proper lengths. Alternatively, strands of wire  92  may need to be cut to appropriate lengths during the construction process. Furthermore, a single strand of wire  92  may be attached between two or more connectors  14 . In fact, one strand of wire may attach to all of connectors  14 .  
         [0075]     Wire mesh  90  may be erected to form the geometries of geodesic dome  10  ( 97 ). Once erected, wire mesh  90  references connectors  14  with respect to one another to form the geometries of geodesic dome  10 . Wire mesh  90  may be erected in numerous fashions, including using temporary support platform  94 , using a crane or the like.  
         [0076]     Permanent structure members  42  ( FIG. 5 ) may be fastened to connectors  14  of wire mesh  90  to form the permanent structure of geodesic dome  10  ( 98 ). Permanent structure members  42  may be placed on top of or under each strand of wire  92 . As permanent structure members are being placed, wires  92  may be removed ( 99 ). Alternatively, the entire wire mesh  90  may be removed at the same time. However, wires  92  may remain as a passive component of geodesic dome  10 . Beams  95  of temporary support platform  94  may also be removed as permanent structure members  42  are being fastened to connectors  14  ( 100 ). Alternatively, temporary beams  95  may be kept in place until all permanent structure members  42  are in place.  
         [0077]     Panels  48  ( FIG. 5 ) are fastened to permanent structure members  42  and connectors  14  to enclose geodesic dome structure  10  ( 102 ). The panels  48  comprise a contour based on a large diameter relative to the diameter of geodesic dome  10 . The contour may be slightly spherical. Panels  48  may be fastened to connectors  14 , to permanent structure members  42 , or both. The panels  48  may be fastened to connectors  14  in the same fashion as attaching structure members  42  to connectors  14 . Panels  48  may be fastened to permanent structure members  42  using fasteners such as bolts, screws, nails, clamps, or the like. Instead, panels  48  may be constructed with grooves, which receive structure members  42 . In some cases, the panels  48  may be fastened to flanges  44 , which are attached to permanent structure members  42 . The flanges  44  may comprise a curvature to match the contour of panels  48  to provide a continuous curve between the flanges  44  and the panels  48 . Panels  48  may be made of weatherproof material such as plastic, fiberglass, treated wood, metal, or the like.  
         [0078]     The materials used to construct geodesic dome  10  may come as a kit. The kit may include connectors  14  with wires  92  already attached. However, the kit may come with no pre-assembly of materials. The materials may be coded by color and/or symbol to aid in construction.  
         [0079]      FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating another set of connectors  114  referenced with respect to one another in space to form the geometries of a geodesic dome structure  110 . A set of temporary spacers  112  is fastened to a set of connectors  114  to reference connectors  114  with respect to one another in space, forming the geometries of geodesic dome  110 . Temporary spacers  112  may be fastened to connectors  114  with fasteners such as hooks, screws, bolts, nails, clamps, or the like.  
         [0080]     Temporary spacers  112  may be constructed of a rigid, yet lightweight material such as plastic, metal, wood, Styrofoam, or the like. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , temporary spacers  112  are formed in the shape of triangles. However, temporary spacers  112  may be formed in the shape of any polygon or other shape that will define and hold the geometries in space until the desired geometries are fixed permanently in space. All temporary spacers  112  of geodesic dome structure  110  need not be the same size. For example, temporary spacers  1   12 A may take the shape of isosceles triangles, whereas temporary spacers  112 B may take the shape of equilateral triangles.  
         [0081]     Connectors  114  are constructed from materials such as metal, plastic, or the like. Connectors  114  may be constructed to fasten to any number of temporary spacers  112 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , there are two types of connectors  114 , each with a different shape. Connector  114 A is a connector taking a shape similar to a hexagon, in that it fastens to six of temporary spacers  112 , whereas connector  114 B takes a shape similar to a pentagon. Connectors  114  may take the shape of numerous polygons depending on the number of temporary spacers  112  that fasten to connector  114 . Alternatively, connectors  114  may take the shape of circles or other curved shapes. For example, connector  114  may be a ring-like piece, substantially similar to connector  14  illustrated in  FIG. 2A . The vertex of temporary spacers  112  may attach to one of circular connectors  114 . Spacers  112  may rotate around the connector to seek an appropriate angle between spacer  112  and connector  114 .  
         [0082]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary temporary spacers  112  used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome structure  110 .  FIG. 13A  shows a spacer  112 A′, which takes the shape of an isosceles triangle. The material of spacer  112 A′ may form an outline of a triangle, that is, the sides of spacer  112 A′ may form a border that creates a triangular shaped hole  120  in the center of spacer  112 A′.  FIG. 13B  shows a spacer  112 A″, which also takes the shape of an isosceles triangle. Spacer  112 A″, unlike spacer  112 A′, does not form a hole  120 . Instead, spacer  112 A″ resembles a solid sheet of material shaped like a triangle. As mentioned previously, temporary spacers  112  may take the shape of any number of polygons. Furthermore, temporary spacers  112  may be a straight piece of material, such as a temporary strut, substantially similar to spacer  12  illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0083]      FIGS. 14A-14C  are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary connector  114 A used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome structure  110 .  FIG. 14A  shows a top view of connector  114 A. The top view of connector  114 A shows that connector  114 A takes the shape of a hexagon. Connector  114 A may be formed of one solid piece of material. Alternatively, connector  114 A may be formed of multiple pieces of material that fit together to form connector  114 A. For example, six triangular type pieces may be fastened together at appropriate angles to form connector  114 A. Connector  114 A may take the shape of any polygon. For example, connector  114 B of  FIG. 12  takes the shape of a pentagon.  
         [0084]      FIG. 14B  shows a side view of connector  114 A. The side view of connector  114 A shows an outer shell  126  of connector  14 A, which has an angle of inclination, as opposed to being flat. The angle of inclination allows straight structures to be attached to connector  114 A to form the structure of dome  110 . Alternatively, connector  114 A may be flat and the attaching structures may have an angle of inclination. The angle of inclination may be different depending on the shape of connector  114 A. Furthermore, the angle of inclination may be different depending on the type of dome  110  that is to be constructed. For example, a dome  110  with a larger radius may have a smaller angle of inclination.  
         [0085]      FIG. 14C  shows a section view of connector  114 A. Connector  114 A includes an outer shell  126  and an inner shell  128 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14C , outer shell  126  is separated from inner shell  128  by the material from which connector  114 A is constructed. However, a chamber of air may separate the shells  126 ,  128  in order to make connector  114 A lighter. Inner shell  128  of connector  114 A consists of a set of triangular shaped walls  130 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14C , inner shell  128  is constructed with six triangular shaped walls  130 , three of which are shown. Each of walls  130  may have a fastening member  132  extending inward. Fastening member  132  may be a clamp, a bolt, a screw, or the like. Alternatively, each of walls  130  may have a receiving member (not shown in  FIG. 14C ). The receiving member would accept fastening members that may be adhered to a spacer  112 , a permanent strut, a panel, or the like.  
         [0086]      FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram illustrating a plan view of temporary spacers  112  arranged on a flat surface to illustrate the relation between the spacers before the spacers are collectively joined to create the geometries of a geodesic dome  110  in space. The plan view illustrates the relation of temporary spacers  112  with respect to one another. The structure of geodesic dome  110  is created using a set of connectors  114 A,  114 B, a plurality of temporary spacers  112 A and a plurality of temporary spacers  112 B. Spacers  112 A take the shape of isosceles triangles. Spacers  112 A may have holes  120  as spacer  112 A′ of  FIG. 13A , or be a solid sheet of material as spacer  112 A″ of  FIG. 13B . Spacers  112 B take the shape of equilateral triangles and, like spacers  112 A, may have holes  120  or be a solid sheet of material. It should be noted that  FIG. 15  is not drawn to scale. For example, all of spacers  112 A are of the same size and shape, as are spacers  112 B.  
         [0087]      FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a geodesic dome structure  110 . Geodesic dome structure  110  comprises a plurality of temporary spacers  112  that fasten to a plurality of connectors  114  to form the geometries of geodesic dome structure  110 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the geometries of dome  110  are constructed with three tiers of temporary spacers  112 . Any number of tiers of temporary spacers  112  may be used depending on the size of dome  110  that is to be constructed. Each of temporary spacers  112  connects to at least one of connectors  114  via fastener  136 . Fastener  136  may extend from connector  114  and be received by spacer  112 . Alternatively, fastener  136  may extend from spacer  112  and be received by connector  114 . Fastener  136  may not extend from either spacer  112  or connector  114 , but instead may be a separate entity that fastens spacer  112  to connector  114  such as a bolt, screw, clamp, nail or the like.  
         [0088]     Geodesic dome  110  further comprises a set of permanent structure members  138  that may be fastened to connectors  114 . Permanent structure members  138  may be formed to have a receiving member (not shown in  FIG. 16 ) to receive a fastener  132  that may extend from connector  114 . Alternatively, fastener  132  may extend from permanent structure member  138  and be received by connector  114 . Fastener  132  may not extend from either structure member  138  or connector  114 , but instead may be a separate entity that fastens connector  114  to structure member  138 , such as a bolt, screw, clamp, nail or the like. Permanent structure member  138  may be fastened to connector  114  on the outside of spacer  112 . Alternatively, structure member  138  may be fastened to connector  114  on the inside of spacer  112 . Permanent structure member  138  may be constructed from materials such as wood, plastic, metal, cable, fiberglass, or the like.  
         [0089]      FIG. 17  is a flow chart illustrating the construction of a geodesic dome structure. A set of temporary spacers  112  is fastened to a set of connectors  114  to reference connectors  114  in space relative to one another ( 140 ). Connectors  114  and temporary spacers  112  form the geometries of geodesic dome structure  110 . Temporary spacers  112  may be fastened to connectors  114  using hooks, bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like. Temporary spacers  112  may be fastened to connectors  114  beginning from a tier nearest the ground and building upwards. Alternatively, temporary spacers  112  may be fastened to connectors  114  beginning with a top tier and building downwards. Geodesic dome structure  110  formed by connectors  114  and temporary spacers  112  may be sturdy enough to stand freely.  
         [0090]     Once temporary spacers  112  and connectors  114  form the geometries of geodesic dome structure  110 , permanent structure members  138  may be fastened to connectors  114  to make geodesic dome structure  110  permanent ( 142 ). Permanent structure members  138  may be fastened to connectors using hooks, bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like. As mentioned above, structure members  138  may be fastened either outside or inside of spacer  112 . As with temporary spacers  112 , structure members  138  may be fastened to connectors  114  beginning from a tier nearest the ground and building upward or from a top tier and building downward.  
         [0091]     Temporary spacers  112  may be removed as permanent structure members  138  are fastened to connectors  114  ( 144 ). For example, after fastening one of permanent structure members  138  to connectors  114  along each of the three sides of one of spacers  112 , spacer  112  may be removed. However, temporary spacers  112  may remain in place until all of permanent structure members  138  are fastened to connectors  114  and then temporary spacers  112  may be removed. Temporary spacers  112 , once removed, may be discarded. Alternatively, the removed temporary spacers  112  may be used to reference another set of connectors  114  to form the geometries of another geodesic dome  110 . In this fashion, the construction of geodesic dome structures may be done in an assembly line fashion. However, spacers  112  may remain fastened to connectors  114  and become a passive part of geodesic dome  110 .  
         [0092]     Panels are fastened to permanent structure members  138  and connectors  114  to enclose geodesic dome structure  110  ( 146 ). The panels comprise a contour based on a large diameter relative to the diameter of geodesic dome  110 . The contour may be slightly spherical. The panels may be fastened to connectors  114 , to permanent structure members  138 , or both. The panels may be fastened to connectors  114  in the same fashion as attaching structure members  138  to connectors  114 . The panels may be fastened to permanent structure members  138  using fasteners such as bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like. Instead, panels may be constructed with grooves, which receive structure members  138 . In some cases, the panels may be fastened to flanges, which are attached to permanent structure members  138 . The flanges may comprise a curvature to match the contour of the panels to provide a continuous curve between the flanges and the panels. The panels may be made of weatherproof material such as plastic, fiberglass, treated wood, metal, or the like. Permanent structure members  138  may, instead, be constructed in the form of a panel. In this manner, permanent structure members  138  may provide the permanence of the geodesic dome structure as well as enclose the geodesic dome structure.  
         [0093]     Temporary spacers  112 , connectors  114 , permanent structure members  138 , and the panels may come in a kit. The kit may come with spacers  112 , connectors  114 , permanent structure members  138 , and the panels coded by color and/or symbol in order to aid in the construction. The kit and construction method provide a way of constructing livable geodesic structures in a matter of hours, and with little manual labor. It may be useful for providing shelter for those who have lost homes from natural disasters, wars, or the like. However, the geodesic dome structures may have alternative uses such as an advertising billboard or decoration. Temporary spacers  112  and other components may also be manufactured to extremely small tolerances, thus assuring the completed domes will approach the theoretical geometries of the desired dome, in turn, increasing the stability of the dome. The fine precision in manufacturing the components of the dome also promotes ease of assembly.  
         [0094]      FIG. 18A  is a schematic diagram illustrating a spacer  150 , which also serves as a panel structure member that references the connectors with respect to one another in space as well as provides the permanent support structure of geodesic dome  110  and concurrently encloses geodesic dome  110 . Spacer  150  comprises a panel  152 , which has an embedded permanent structure member. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 18A , panel  152  has an embedded cable  154  that provides spacer  150  with the capacity to serve as a permanent structure member, as well as an enclosing member. Other permanent structure members, such as wood, metal, plastic or the like, may be embedded in panel  152  to provide the necessary support. Embedded cable  154  forms a loop  156  at each vertex of spacer  150 . The loop  156  of embedded cable  154  creates an opening  158 . Opening  158  may be used to attach spacer  150  to connector  114 . Spacer  150  may be shaped like an isosceles triangle, equilateral triangle, or any other polygon. Panel  152  may be constructed of a material that is not strong enough to provide the permanence of geodesic dome  110  such as a synthetic material, a thin plastic, or the like.  
         [0095]      FIG. 18B  is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section view of spacer  150  of  FIG. 18A  from D to D′. Loop  156  of embedded cable  154  creates opening  158 . Opening  158  may fasten to connector  114 . Cable  154  may be embedded near the edge of panel  152 . Furthermore, cable  154  may be embedded elsewhere throughout panel  152 .  
         [0096]     Spacer  150  may fasten to connector  114 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 18A , opening  158  created by loop  156  of embedded cable  154  receives fastening member  132  of connector  114 . Loop  156  of panel structure member  150  may be held firmly in place by the tension in the cable after each of loops  156  has been attached to corresponding connectors  114 . Alternatively, an epoxy, glue, bolt, nail, or the like may aid in keeping loop  156  fastened firmly to connector  114 . Furthermore, a cap may be placed on the end of fastening member  132 . The cap may prevent loop  156  from sliding off the end of fastening member  132 .  
         [0097]     Using spacer  150 , referencing connectors  114  in space with respect to one another, providing permanence to geodesic dome  110  and enclosing geodesic dome  110  may be done in the same step. For instance, instead of placing permanent structure members  138 , removing temporary spacers  112  and attaching panels to enclose dome  110 , spacer  150  may be fastened to connectors  114 . Spacer  150  may reduce the number of steps in the construction process of geodesic dome  110 .  
         [0098]      FIGS. 19A-19C  are schematic diagrams illustrating another exemplary temporary spacer used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome.  FIG. 19A  illustrates a variable spacer  176  constructed of variable spacer arms  178 A- 178 C (“variable spacer arms 178”) and hinges  180 A- 180 C (“hinges 180”). More particularly, variable spacer arms  178  are adjusted to a particular length and then coupled to hinges  180  to form variable spacer  176 . Variable spacer arms  178  may, for example, be adjusted depending on a diameter or radius of a desired geodesic dome.  
         [0099]     Variable spacer  176  and variable spacer arms  178  may be constructed of a rigid, yet lightweight material such as plastic. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 19A , variable spacer  176  is formed in the shape of a triangle. However, variable spacer  176  may be formed in the shape of any polygon or other shape that will define and hold the geometries in space until the desired geometries are fixed permanently in space.  
         [0100]      FIG. 19B  illustrates one of variable spacer arms  178  in further detail. Variable spacer arm  178  includes a calibrated portion  182  to allow variable spacer arm  178  to be adjusted to different lengths and a housing portion  184  to accept calibrated portion  182 . Each end of variable spacer arm  178 , i.e., the end of calibration portion  182  and housing portion  184 , includes fasteners  186 A and  186 B (“fasteners 186”) to couple variable spacer arm  178  to hinges  180 . Variable spacer arm  178  and, more particularly, calibrated portion  182  and housing portion  184  may have tubular shapes. The radius of calibrated portion  182  may be smaller than housing portion  184  such that calibrated portion may extend from and retract into housing portion  184 . Calibrated portion  182  and housing portion  184  may take on different shapes. For example, calibrated portion  182  and housing portion  184  may be flat, rectangular, or any other shape as long as calibrated portion  182  extends from and retracts into housing portion  184 . However, calibrated portion  182  need not retract into housing portion  184  as long as the length of a side and vertex angles of variable spacer  176  may be adjusted. For instance, a spacer may include a calibrated portion that may be fixed in relation to other portions of the spacer and adjusted to form spacers of different lengths.  
         [0101]     Calibrated portion  182  may include settings for easy adjustment of variable spacer arm  178  to particular lengths. For example, calibrated portion  182  may include settings that correspond to geodesic domes of varying radii. In this manner, calibrated portion  182  extends from housing portion  184  to a setting in accordance with the radius of a desired geodesic dome. The settings may correspond to other factors including diameter, circumference, or the like.  
         [0102]     Calibrated portion  182  may further include multiple setting scales for adjustment of variable spacer arm  178 . The multiple setting scales may be used in order to adjust variable spacer arm  178  for spacers that have more than one length. For example, when adjusting calibrated portion  182  for a spacer that is shaped like an isosceles triangle, variable spacer arms  178  must be adjusted to different lengths. As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 19B , calibrated portion  182  may include a first setting that corresponds to a first length, e.g., a base length of the isosceles triangle, and a second setting that corresponds to a second length, e.g., a side length of the isosceles triangle. A spacer shaped like an isosceles triangle, for example, may include two variable spacer arms adjusted using the second setting scale and one variable spacer arm adjusted using the first setting scale. Both of the setting scales may be calibrated to correspond to geodesic domes of varying radii, diameter, circumference or the like. The setting scales may further be color-coded.  
         [0103]      FIG. 19C  illustrates one of hinges  180  in further detail. Hinge  180  is shaped to form variable spacer  176  upon coupling to variable spacer arms  178 . Hinge  180  includes slots  188 A and  188 B (“slots 188”) to accept and hold fasteners  186  from variable spacer arms  178 . More specifically, slot  188 A accepts a fastener  186  from a first variable spacer arm  178  and slot  188 B accepts a fastener  186  from as second variable spacer arm  178 . Hinge  180  may further include a hook  190  to attach an assembled variable spacer  176  to other spacers at a vertex of a geodesic dome. Hinge  180  may be constructed from materials such as steel, rigid plastic, or the like.  
         [0104]      FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section view of a geodesic dome  200  constructed using a curing material  202 . Geodesic dome structure  110  includes an outer layer that is constructed of temporary spacers  112  and connectors  114 . An inner layer of geodesic dome  200  comprises curing material  202  that sets, in turn making geodesic dome  200  permanent. In this manner, curing material  202  acts as the permanent structure members. Curing material  202  may be spray-on cement, fiberglass, epoxy, or the like. The layers of geodesic dome  200  may be reversed. For example, the layer comprising spacers  112  and connectors  114  may be the inner layer, while the layer of curing material  202  may be the outer layer.  
         [0105]      FIG. 21  is a flow chart illustrating the construction of geodesic dome  200  of  FIG. 20 . A set of temporary spacers  112  is fastened to a set of connectors  114  to reference connectors  114  in space relative to one another ( 204 ). Connectors  114  and temporary spacers  112  form the geometries of geodesic dome structure  110 . Spacers  112  may be fastened to connectors  114  using bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like. Spacers  112  may be fastened to connectors  114  beginning from a tier at ground level and building upwards. Alternatively, spacers  112  may be fastened to connectors  114  beginning with a top level tier and building downwards.  
         [0106]     A curing material  202  may be applied to the geodesic dome structure  110  to provide the permanence of geodesic dome  200  ( 206 ). In this manner, curing material  202  acts as the permanent structure members. Curing material  202  may be applied to the inside of spacers  112  and connectors  114 . Alternatively, curing material  202  may be applied to the outside of spacers  112  and connectors  114 . In time, curing material  202  sets forming geodesic dome structure  200 . In some embodiments, curing material  202  may also act as panels to enclose geodesic dome  110 .  
         [0107]     A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, permanent structure members are described above as being provided in a kit to construct a geodesic dome. However, permanent structure members may be used that are not provided in a kit. Lengths of material such as wood, plastic, metal, rolled cardboard, and the like may be fastened to the connectors in place of the prefabricated permanent structure members. Furthermore, the members may be fastened to the connectors with twine, wire, string, or the like instead of mechanical fasteners as described above. This alternative may be necessary in primitive locations or poverty stricken areas. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.