Constructing geodesic domes with panels

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.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to geometrically shaped buildings, and more particularly, to constructing geodesic domes.

BACKGROUND

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram illustrating a set of connectors14referenced with respect to one another in space to form the geometries of a geodesic dome structure10. For ease of illustration, only connectors14A and14B are labeled onFIG. 1. A set of temporary spacers12is fastened to a set of connectors14to reference connectors14with respect to one another in space, forming the geometries of geodesic dome10. Temporary spacers12may be fastened to connectors14with fasteners such as hooks, screws, bolts, nails, clamps, or the like. For ease of illustration, only temporary spacers12A and12B are labeled onFIG. 1. Temporary spacers12may comprise variable spacers that adjust to different lengths.

Temporary spacers12may be constructed of a rigid, yet lightweight material such as plastic, metal, wood, or the like. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, temporary spacers12are formed in the shape of rods or struts. However, temporary spacers12may 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 spacers12of geodesic dome structure10need not be the same size. For example, temporary spacers12A may be a different length than temporary spacers12B.

Connectors14are constructed from materials such as metal, plastic, or the like. Connectors14may be constructed to fasten to any number of temporary spacers12. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, connectors14comprise a circular shape. Connector14A fastens to six of temporary spacers12, whereas connector14B fastens to five of temporary spacers12. In some embodiments, connectors14A and14B comprise substantially identical connectors regardless of a number of spacers that fasten to the respective connectors. Connectors14may also take the shape of numerous polygons depending on the number of temporary spacers12that fasten to connector14. Connector14may be a ring-like piece, much like a link of a chain. Temporary spacers12may attach to one of connectors14. Temporary spacers12may rotate around the connector to seek an appropriate angle between spacer12and connector14.

FIG. 2Ais a schematic diagram illustrating a connector14B used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome structure10.FIG. 2Ashows a top view of connector14B. The top view of connector14B shows that connector14B takes the shape of a circular ring. Connector14B may be formed of one solid piece of material. Alternatively, connector14B may be formed of multiple pieces of material that fit together to form connector14B.

FIG. 2Bshows a side view of connector14B. The side view of connector14B shows an outer shell20and an opening22of connector14B.FIG. 2Balso shows that connector14B comprises a surface contour, as opposed to being flat. The contour allows straight structures to be attached to connector14B to form the structure of dome10. Alternatively, connector14B may be flat and the attaching structures may have a contour. The contour may be different depending on the shape of connector14B. Furthermore, the contour may be different depending on the type of dome10that is to be constructed. For example, a dome10with a larger radius may have a smaller surface contour.

Spacers and/or permanent structure members may attach to connector14B via opening22using hooks or the like. Spacers, for example, may rotate or pivot around connector14B to assume an appropriate angle between the spacer and connector14B. The necessary angle between the spacers and/or permanent structure members and connector14B may vary depending on the geometries of a geodesic dome10, such as diameter, circumference, and the like.

FIG. 2Cshows an embodiment of connector14B. Connector14B includes outer shell20, opening22, and guides24. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2C, guides24separate connector14B into five regions to appropriately attach five spacers and/or permanent structural members around connector14B. As shown inFIG. 1, connector14B receives five temporary spacers12and connector14A receives six temporary spacers12. Connector14A may include guides to divide connector14A 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.

FIG. 3is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary temporary spacer12used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome structure10. Temporary spacer12comprises a variable spacer that can be adjusted to create variable spacers of different lengths, such as temporary spacers12A and12B fromFIG. 1, to define the geometries of a geodesic dome. Variable spacer12may be adjusted depending on a diameter or radius of a desired geodesic dome. The length of spacer12may be fixed once the appropriate length has been determined for the geodesic dome being constructed. Variable spacer12may be constructed of a rigid, yet lightweight material such as plastic.

Variable spacer12includes a fixed housing portion32, a calibrated portion36, and a moveable housing portion34that accepts calibrated portion36to allow variable spacer12to be adjusted to different lengths. In other embodiments, both housing portions may be moveable over the calibrated portion. Each end of variable spacer12, i.e., the end of fixed housing portion32and moveable housing portion34, includes fasteners38A and38B (“fasteners38”) to couple variable spacer12to a connector, such as connector14B illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2C. In the illustrated embodiment, fasteners38may comprise hook-shaped mechanisms for effectively coupling variable spacer12to a connector. However, fasteners38may comprise screws, bolts, nails, clamps, or the like to fasten variable spacer12to a connector. Fasteners38may also easily release variable spacer12from a connector to facilitate a quick disengagement of variable spacer12from geodesic dome structure10.

Variable spacer12may have a tubular shape. The radius of calibrated portion36may be smaller than moveable housing portion34such that movable housing portion34may slide over calibrated portion36to extend the length of variable spacer12. In some embodiments, calibrated portion36and housing portions32,34may be flat, rectangular, or any other shape as long as movable housing portion34moves over calibrated portion36.

Calibrated portion36may include settings for easy adjustment of variable spacer12to particular lengths. For example, calibrated portion36may include settings that correspond to geodesic domes of varying radii. In this manner, movable housing portion34slides over calibrated portion36to 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.

Calibrated portion36may further include multiple setting scales for adjustment of variable spacer12. The multiple setting scales may be used in order to adjust variable spacer12for 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.

FIG. 4is a schematic diagram illustrating a plan view of temporary spacers12(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 dome10in space. In particular, the plan view illustrates the relation of temporary spacers12with respect to one another. The structure of geodesic dome10is created using a set of connectors14A,14B, a plurality of temporary spacers12A and a plurality of temporary spacers12B. Spacers12A (illustrated as bold lines) define a first length. Spacers12B (illustrated as thin lines) define a second length different from the first length defined by spacers12A. Spacers12comprise variable spacers as illustrated inFIG. 3. It should be noted thatFIG. 4is not drawn to scale. For example, all of spacers12A are of the same length, as are spacers12B.

FIG. 5is a schematic diagram illustrating a panel48fastened to permanent structure members42A,42B (collectively, “permanent structure members42”) 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.

Permanent structure members42A and42B are fastened to a connector40by fasteners46A and46B, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, permanent structure members42take 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 members42may be constructed from materials such as wood, plastic, metal, cable, fiberglass, or other material. In the illustrated embodiment, fasteners46A,46B comprise hooks that attach permanent structure members42to connector40via an opening in connector40. In other words, fasteners46A,46B conform to the contoured surface of connector40in this example, and may have a degree of elasticity to essentially clamp or grip the connector. In other embodiments, fasteners46A,46B may comprise screws, bolts, nails, clamps, or the like.

Panel48may be made of weatherproof material, such as plastic, fiberglass, treated wood, metal, resin, or the like. Panel48comprises a contour based on a large diameter relative to a diameter of the geodesic dome structure. The contour of panel48may be determined from a surface of a very large dome structure such that panel48appears almost flat, but retains the strength of a dome. Deriving panel48from a geodesic dome structure of great radius and chord frequency creates an inherently stable panel that is resistant to deflection. Panel48may 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 panel48. The contour of panel48may depend on the geometries of the geodesic dome, such as diameter, circumference, or the like.

Panel48may be inscribed on one side with a high frequency chord pattern47such that panel48may be generated as a flat sheet and then drawn into a slight spherical contour. For purposes of illustration, pattern47does not appear as a high frequency pattern inFIG. 5. However, panel48may comprise a pattern with great enough frequency to generate substantially short chords with lengths of 1 to 2 inches, for example. The chord pattern47may be inscribed in panel48by one of stamping, printing, embossing, etching, photoengraving, photocopying, or the like. In this way, panel48may be transported flat and drawn into a contoured panel by folding along the inscribed chord pattern.

Panel48encloses the geodesic dome by fastening a first edge to a flange44A, which is attached to permanent structure member42A, and fastening a second edge to a flange44B, which is attached to permanent structure member42B. As illustrated, flanges44comprise a curvature to match the contour of panel48. In some embodiments, flanges44may pivot about permanent structure members42to accommodate various sizes and curvatures of panel48. Matching the curvature of flanges44to the contour of panel48provides a continuous curve between panel48and flanges44, which creates a weather tight seal against wind and precipitation.

Flange44A is attached to a first side of permanent structure member42A proximate an exterior face of member42A. A flange is also attached to a second side of member42A 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 member42A near an interior face of member42A. Permanent structure member42B also includes additional flanges attached proximate an interior face of member42B. In that case, panel48may be considered an exterior panel and a second, interior panel may be fastened between members42A and42B.

FIG. 6is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a permanent structure member52and panels fastened to permanent structure member52. A first flange58A and a second flange58B are attached to member52proximate an exterior face of member52. A third flange60A and a fourth flange60B are attached proximate an interior face of member52. Exterior panels54A and54B are fastened to first flange58A and second flange58B, respectively. Interior panels56A and56B are fastened to third flange60A and fourth flange60B, respectively. The panels are fastened to the flanges by fasteners64, 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.

Exterior panels54form the exterior surface of a geodesic dome structure and interior panels56form the interior surface of the dome. Exterior panels54may comprise a treatment that improves structural integrity to withstand weather related effects. Interior panels56may comprise a treatment that improves aesthetics within the geodesic dome.

An insulating material62may be placed in a cavity created between the exterior panels54and the interior panels56. Including insulating material62between panels54and56may form a strong, weather proof, and fire proof permanent geodesic dome structure. Insulating material62may comprise a pre-molded piece of foam or plastic insulation. Insulating material62may 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.

FIG. 7is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary fastener76used to fasten permanent structure members70to a connector74. In the illustrated embodiment, fastener76includes a bolt78, prongs80, and a nut81. Bolt78is capable of fitting through an opening in a connector74. Prongs80, attached to bolt78, connect to permanent structure members70to fasten members70to connector74. Nut81may be tightened to secure members70to connector74permanently. In the illustrated embodiment, fastener76includes five prongs80to fasten five permanent structure members70to connector74. 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.

As shown inFIG. 7, permanent structure members70may also be attached to connector74by hooks73or another type of fastener. Hooks73may provide stability when initially fastening permanent structure members70to connector74. Fastener76may be used once the geodesic dome structure has been fully assembled by permanent structure members70to provide a more secure attachment to connector74.

FIG. 8is 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 structure10ofFIG. 1.

Initially, a set of temporary spacers12is fastened to a set of connectors14to reference connectors14in space relative to one another (82). Connectors14and temporary spacers12form the geometries of geodesic dome structure10. Temporary spacers12may be fastened to connectors14using hooks, bolts, screws, nails, clamps, or the like. Temporary spacers12may be fastened to connectors14beginning from a tier nearest the ground and building upwards. Alternatively, temporary spacers12may be fastened to connectors14beginning with a top tier and building downwards. Geodesic dome structure10formed by connectors14and temporary spacers12may be sturdy enough to stand freely.

Once temporary spacers12and connectors14form the geometries of geodesic dome structure10, permanent structure members42may be fastened to connectors14to make geodesic dome structure10permanent (83). Permanent structure members42may be fastened to connectors14using hooks, bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like. As with temporary spacers12, structure members42may be fastened to connectors14beginning from a tier nearest the ground and building upward or from a top tier and building downward.

Temporary spacers12may be removed as permanent structure members42are fastened to connectors14(84). For example, after fastening one of permanent structure members42to connectors14along one of spacers12, spacer12may optionally be removed. However, temporary spacers12may remain in place until all of permanent structure members42are fastened to connectors14and then temporary spacers12may be removed. Temporary spacers12, once removed, may be discarded. Alternatively, the removed temporary spacers12may be used to reference another set of connectors14to form the geometries of another geodesic dome10. In this fashion, the construction of geodesic dome structures may be done in an assembly line fashion. However, spacers12may remain fastened to connectors14and become a passive part of geodesic dome10.

Flanges44are attached to permanent structure members42(85) to receive panels48. Flanges44comprise a curvature that matches a contour of panels48to provide a continuous curve between flanges44and panels48. Flanges44may be attached to permanent structure members42proximate an exterior face of members42and/or proximate an interior face of members42. Flanges44may be attached by fasteners such as bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like

Panels48are fastened to permanent structure members46and connectors14to enclose geodesic dome structure10(86). Panels48comprise a contour based on a large diameter relative to the diameter of geodesic dome10. Panels48may be fastened to connectors14, to permanent structure members42, or both. Panels48may be fastened to connectors14in the same fashion as attaching structure members42to connectors14. Panels48may be fastened to permanent structure members42using fasteners such as bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like. Instead, panels48may be constructed with grooves, which receive structure members42. Panels48may be fastened to flanges44, which are attached to permanent structure members42. Panels48may 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 flanges44. In that case, insulating material may be included between the sets of panels.

Temporary spacers12, connectors14, permanent structure members42, flanges44, and panels48may come in a kit. The kit may come with spacers12, connectors14, permanent structure members42, flanges44, and panels48coded 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 spacers12and 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.

FIG. 9is a schematic diagram illustrating an erected wire mesh90that references a plurality of connectors14with respect to one another in space to form the geometries of a geodesic dome10. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, temporary spacers12were used to reference connectors14. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 9, a plurality of strands of woven wire92is attached between each of connectors14to create a wire mesh90. In this manner, the strands of woven wire act as temporary spacers. Wire mesh90may be used to reference connectors14. Strands of wire92may be pre-cut to the proper lengths. Alternatively, strands of wire92may need to be cut to proper lengths during the construction process. Strands of wire92attached to connectors14form wire mesh90. In order to reference connectors14with respect to one another in space, wire mesh90may be erected. Temporary support platforms, a crane or the like may be used to erect wire mesh90. The wire strands may be constructed of flexible material such as nylon.

Alternatively, temporary variable spacers12(FIG. 3) may be attached to connector14using the strands of wire92as guides for rapid attachment of spacers12to connectors14. The assembly of successive tiers of temporary spacer12and connectors14will support wire mesh90to generate the geometries of geodesic dome10. Once wire mesh90is fully supported, permanent structure members42may be fastened to connectors14and temporary spacers12may be removed.

FIG. 10is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal view of the wire mesh90ofFIG. 9being erected using a temporary support platform94. Temporary support platform94has a plurality of temporary beams95that extend from platform94to connectors14. Each connector14of the mesh90is erected by one of beams95. Instead of all of beams95being collected at platform94, each of beams95may extend from corresponding connector14straight to the ground. Beams95may be constructed of wood, steel, plastic, or the like.

FIG. 11is a flow chart illustrating the construction of geodesic dome10using wire mesh90. A strand of woven wire92is attached between each of connectors14and its neighboring connectors14to create a wire mesh90(96). In this manner, the strands of woven wire act as the temporary spacers. Strands of wire92may be pre-cut to the proper lengths. Alternatively, strands of wire92may need to be cut to appropriate lengths during the construction process. Furthermore, a single strand of wire92may be attached between two or more connectors14. In fact, one strand of wire may attach to all of connectors14.

Wire mesh90may be erected to form the geometries of geodesic dome10(97). Once erected, wire mesh90references connectors14with respect to one another to form the geometries of geodesic dome10. Wire mesh90may be erected in numerous fashions, including using temporary support platform94, using a crane or the like.

Permanent structure members42(FIG. 5) may be fastened to connectors14of wire mesh90to form the permanent structure of geodesic dome10(98). Permanent structure members42may be placed on top of or under each strand of wire92. As permanent structure members are being placed, wires92may be removed (99). Alternatively, the entire wire mesh90may be removed at the same time. However, wires92may remain as a passive component of geodesic dome10. Beams95of temporary support platform94may also be removed as permanent structure members42are being fastened to connectors14(100). Alternatively, temporary beams95may be kept in place until all permanent structure members42are in place.

Panels48(FIG. 5) are fastened to permanent structure members42and connectors14to enclose geodesic dome structure10(102). The panels48comprise a contour based on a large diameter relative to the diameter of geodesic dome10. The contour may be slightly spherical. Panels48may be fastened to connectors14, to permanent structure members42, or both. The panels48may be fastened to connectors14in the same fashion as attaching structure members42to connectors14. Panels48may be fastened to permanent structure members42using fasteners such as bolts, screws, nails, clamps, or the like. Instead, panels48may be constructed with grooves, which receive structure members42. In some cases, the panels48may be fastened to flanges44, which are attached to permanent structure members42. The flanges44may comprise a curvature to match the contour of panels48to provide a continuous curve between the flanges44and the panels48. Panels48may be made of weatherproof material such as plastic, fiberglass, treated wood, metal, or the like.

The materials used to construct geodesic dome10may come as a kit. The kit may include connectors14with wires92already 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.

FIG. 12is a schematic diagram illustrating another set of connectors114referenced with respect to one another in space to form the geometries of a geodesic dome structure110. A set of temporary spacers112is fastened to a set of connectors114to reference connectors114with respect to one another in space, forming the geometries of geodesic dome110. Temporary spacers112may be fastened to connectors114with fasteners such as hooks, screws, bolts, nails, clamps, or the like.

Temporary spacers112may be constructed of a rigid, yet lightweight material such as plastic, metal, wood, Styrofoam, or the like. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 12, temporary spacers112are formed in the shape of triangles. However, temporary spacers112may 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 spacers112of geodesic dome structure110need not be the same size. For example, temporary spacers112A may take the shape of isosceles triangles, whereas temporary spacers112B may take the shape of equilateral triangles.

Connectors114are constructed from materials such as metal, plastic, or the like. Connectors114may be constructed to fasten to any number of temporary spacers112. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 12, there are two types of connectors114, each with a different shape. Connector114A is a connector taking a shape similar to a hexagon, in that it fastens to six of temporary spacers112, whereas connector114B takes a shape similar to a pentagon. Connectors114may take the shape of numerous polygons depending on the number of temporary spacers112that fasten to connector114. Alternatively, connectors114may take the shape of circles or other curved shapes. For example, connector114may be a ring-like piece, substantially similar to connector14illustrated inFIG. 2A. The vertex of temporary spacers112may attach to one of circular connectors114. Spacers112may rotate around the connector to seek an appropriate angle between spacer112and connector114.

FIGS. 13A and 13Bare schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary temporary spacers112used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome structure110.FIG. 13Ashows a spacer112A′, which takes the shape of an isosceles triangle. The material of spacer112A′ may form an outline of a triangle, that is, the sides of spacer112A′ may form a border that creates a triangular shaped hole120in the center of spacer112A′.FIG. 13Bshows a spacer112A″, which also takes the shape of an isosceles triangle. Spacer112A″, unlike spacer112A′, does not form a hole120. Instead, spacer112A″ resembles a solid sheet of material shaped like a triangle. As mentioned previously, temporary spacers112may take the shape of any number of polygons. Furthermore, temporary spacers112may be a straight piece of material, such as a temporary strut, substantially similar to spacer12illustrated inFIG. 3.

FIGS. 14A-14Care schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary connector114A used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome structure110.FIG. 14Ashows a top view of connector114A. The top view of connector114A shows that connector114A takes the shape of a hexagon. Connector114A may be formed of one solid piece of material. Alternatively, connector114A may be formed of multiple pieces of material that fit together to form connector114A. For example, six triangular type pieces may be fastened together at appropriate angles to form connector114A. Connector114A may take the shape of any polygon. For example, connector114B ofFIG. 12takes the shape of a pentagon.

FIG. 14Bshows a side view of connector114A. The side view of connector114A shows an outer shell126of connector14A, which has an angle of inclination, as opposed to being flat. The angle of inclination allows straight structures to be attached to connector114A to form the structure of dome110. Alternatively, connector114A 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 connector114A. Furthermore, the angle of inclination may be different depending on the type of dome110that is to be constructed. For example, a dome110with a larger radius may have a smaller angle of inclination.

FIG. 14Cshows a section view of connector114A. Connector114A includes an outer shell126and an inner shell128. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 14C, outer shell126is separated from inner shell128by the material from which connector114A is constructed. However, a chamber of air may separate the shells126,128in order to make connector114A lighter. Inner shell128of connector114A consists of a set of triangular shaped walls130. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 14C, inner shell128is constructed with six triangular shaped walls130, three of which are shown. Each of walls130may have a fastening member132extending inward. Fastening member132may be a clamp, a bolt, a screw, or the like. Alternatively, each of walls130may have a receiving member (not shown inFIG. 14C). The receiving member would accept fastening members that may be adhered to a spacer112, a permanent strut, a panel, or the like.

FIG. 15is a schematic diagram illustrating a plan view of temporary spacers112arranged on a flat surface to illustrate the relation between the spacers before the spacers are collectively joined to create the geometries of a geodesic dome110in space. The plan view illustrates the relation of temporary spacers112with respect to one another. The structure of geodesic dome110is created using a set of connectors114A,114B, a plurality of temporary spacers112A and a plurality of temporary spacers112B. Spacers112A take the shape of isosceles triangles. Spacers112A may have holes120as spacer112A′ ofFIG. 13A, or be a solid sheet of material as spacer112A″ ofFIG. 13B. Spacers112B take the shape of equilateral triangles and, like spacers112A, may have holes120or be a solid sheet of material. It should be noted thatFIG. 15is not drawn to scale. For example, all of spacers112A are of the same size and shape, as are spacers112B.

FIG. 16is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a geodesic dome structure110. Geodesic dome structure110comprises a plurality of temporary spacers112that fasten to a plurality of connectors114to form the geometries of geodesic dome structure110. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 16, the geometries of dome110are constructed with three tiers of temporary spacers112. Any number of tiers of temporary spacers112may be used depending on the size of dome110that is to be constructed. Each of temporary spacers112connects to at least one of connectors114via fastener136. Fastener136may extend from connector114and be received by spacer112. Alternatively, fastener136may extend from spacer112and be received by connector114. Fastener136may not extend from either spacer112or connector114, but instead may be a separate entity that fastens spacer112to connector114such as a bolt, screw, clamp, nail or the like.

Geodesic dome110further comprises a set of permanent structure members138that may be fastened to connectors114. Permanent structure members138may be formed to have a receiving member (not shown inFIG. 16) to receive a fastener132that may extend from connector114. Alternatively, fastener132may extend from permanent structure member138and be received by connector114. Fastener132may not extend from either structure member138or connector114, but instead may be a separate entity that fastens connector114to structure member138, such as a bolt, screw, clamp, nail or the like. Permanent structure member138may be fastened to connector114on the outside of spacer112. Alternatively, structure member138may be fastened to connector114on the inside of spacer112. Permanent structure member138may be constructed from materials such as wood, plastic, metal, cable, fiberglass, or the like.

FIG. 17is a flow chart illustrating the construction of a geodesic dome structure. A set of temporary spacers112is fastened to a set of connectors114to reference connectors114in space relative to one another (140). Connectors114and temporary spacers112form the geometries of geodesic dome structure110. Temporary spacers112may be fastened to connectors114using hooks, bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like. Temporary spacers112may be fastened to connectors114beginning from a tier nearest the ground and building upwards. Alternatively, temporary spacers112may be fastened to connectors114beginning with a top tier and building downwards. Geodesic dome structure110formed by connectors114and temporary spacers112may be sturdy enough to stand freely.

Once temporary spacers112and connectors114form the geometries of geodesic dome structure110, permanent structure members138may be fastened to connectors114to make geodesic dome structure110permanent (142). Permanent structure members138may be fastened to connectors using hooks, bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like. As mentioned above, structure members138may be fastened either outside or inside of spacer112. As with temporary spacers112, structure members138may be fastened to connectors114beginning from a tier nearest the ground and building upward or from a top tier and building downward.

Temporary spacers112may be removed as permanent structure members138are fastened to connectors114(144). For example, after fastening one of permanent structure members138to connectors114along each of the three sides of one of spacers112, spacer112may be removed. However, temporary spacers112may remain in place until all of permanent structure members138are fastened to connectors114and then temporary spacers112may be removed. Temporary spacers112, once removed, may be discarded. Alternatively, the removed temporary spacers112may be used to reference another set of connectors114to form the geometries of another geodesic dome110. In this fashion, the construction of geodesic dome structures may be done in an assembly line fashion. However, spacers112may remain fastened to connectors114and become a passive part of geodesic dome110.

Panels are fastened to permanent structure members138and connectors114to enclose geodesic dome structure110(146). The panels comprise a contour based on a large diameter relative to the diameter of geodesic dome110. The contour may be slightly spherical. The panels may be fastened to connectors114, to permanent structure members138, or both. The panels may be fastened to connectors114in the same fashion as attaching structure members138to connectors114. The panels may be fastened to permanent structure members138using fasteners such as bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like. Instead, panels may be constructed with grooves, which receive structure members138. In some cases, the panels may be fastened to flanges, which are attached to permanent structure members138. 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 members138may, instead, be constructed in the form of a panel. In this manner, permanent structure members138may provide the permanence of the geodesic dome structure as well as enclose the geodesic dome structure.

Temporary spacers112, connectors114, permanent structure members138, and the panels may come in a kit. The kit may come with spacers112, connectors114, permanent structure members138, 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 spacers112and 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.

FIG. 18Ais a schematic diagram illustrating a spacer150, 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 dome110and concurrently encloses geodesic dome110. Spacer150comprises a panel152, which has an embedded permanent structure member. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 18A, panel152has an embedded cable154that provides spacer150with 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 panel152to provide the necessary support. Embedded cable154forms a loop156at each vertex of spacer150. The loop156of embedded cable154creates an opening158. Opening158may be used to attach spacer150to connector114. Spacer150may be shaped like an isosceles triangle, equilateral triangle, or any other polygon. Panel152may be constructed of a material that is not strong enough to provide the permanence of geodesic dome110such as a synthetic material, a thin plastic, or the like.

FIG. 18Bis a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section view of spacer150ofFIG. 18Afrom D to D′. Loop156of embedded cable154creates opening158. Opening158may fasten to connector114. Cable154may be embedded near the edge of panel152. Furthermore, cable154may be embedded elsewhere throughout panel152.

Spacer150may fasten to connector114. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 18A, opening158created by loop156of embedded cable154receives fastening member132of connector114. Loop156of panel structure member150may be held firmly in place by the tension in the cable after each of loops156has been attached to corresponding connectors114. Alternatively, an epoxy, glue, bolt, nail, or the like may aid in keeping loop156fastened firmly to connector114. Furthermore, a cap may be placed on the end of fastening member132. The cap may prevent loop156from sliding off the end of fastening member132.

Using spacer150, referencing connectors114in space with respect to one another, providing permanence to geodesic dome110and enclosing geodesic dome110may be done in the same step. For instance, instead of placing permanent structure members138, removing temporary spacers112and attaching panels to enclose dome110, spacer150may be fastened to connectors114. Spacer150may reduce the number of steps in the construction process of geodesic dome110.

FIGS. 19A-19Care schematic diagrams illustrating another exemplary temporary spacer used to construct the geometries of a geodesic dome.FIG. 19Aillustrates a variable spacer176constructed of variable spacer arms178A-178C (“variable spacer arms178”) and hinges180A-180C (“hinges180”). More particularly, variable spacer arms178are adjusted to a particular length and then coupled to hinges180to form variable spacer176. Variable spacer arms178may, for example, be adjusted depending on a diameter or radius of a desired geodesic dome.

Variable spacer176and variable spacer arms178may be constructed of a rigid, yet lightweight material such as plastic. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 19A, variable spacer176is formed in the shape of a triangle. However, variable spacer176may 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.

FIG. 19Billustrates one of variable spacer arms178in further detail. Variable spacer arm178includes a calibrated portion182to allow variable spacer arm178to be adjusted to different lengths and a housing portion184to accept calibrated portion182. Each end of variable spacer arm178, i.e., the end of calibration portion182and housing portion184, includes fasteners186A and186B (“fasteners186”) to couple variable spacer arm178to hinges180. Variable spacer arm178and, more particularly, calibrated portion182and housing portion184may have tubular shapes. The radius of calibrated portion182may be smaller than housing portion184such that calibrated portion may extend from and retract into housing portion184. Calibrated portion182and housing portion184may take on different shapes. For example, calibrated portion182and housing portion184may be flat, rectangular, or any other shape as long as calibrated portion182extends from and retracts into housing portion184. However, calibrated portion182need not retract into housing portion184as long as the length of a side and vertex angles of variable spacer176may 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.

Calibrated portion182may include settings for easy adjustment of variable spacer arm178to particular lengths. For example, calibrated portion182may include settings that correspond to geodesic domes of varying radii. In this manner, calibrated portion182extends from housing portion184to 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.

Calibrated portion182may further include multiple setting scales for adjustment of variable spacer arm178. The multiple setting scales may be used in order to adjust variable spacer arm178for spacers that have more than one length. For example, when adjusting calibrated portion182for a spacer that is shaped like an isosceles triangle, variable spacer arms178must be adjusted to different lengths. As illustrated in the example ofFIG. 19B, calibrated portion182may 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.

FIG. 19Cillustrates one of hinges180in further detail. Hinge180is shaped to form variable spacer176upon coupling to variable spacer arms178. Hinge180includes slots188A and188B (“slots188”) to accept and hold fasteners186from variable spacer arms178. More specifically, slot188A accepts a fastener186from a first variable spacer arm178and slot188B accepts a fastener186from as second variable spacer arm178. Hinge180may further include a hook190to attach an assembled variable spacer176to other spacers at a vertex of a geodesic dome. Hinge180may be constructed from materials such as steel, rigid plastic, or the like.

FIG. 20is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section view of a geodesic dome200constructed using a curing material202. Geodesic dome structure110includes an outer layer that is constructed of temporary spacers112and connectors114. An inner layer of geodesic dome200comprises curing material202that sets, in turn making geodesic dome200permanent. In this manner, curing material202acts as the permanent structure members. Curing material202may be spray-on cement, fiberglass, epoxy, or the like. The layers of geodesic dome200may be reversed. For example, the layer comprising spacers112and connectors114may be the inner layer, while the layer of curing material202may be the outer layer.

FIG. 21is a flow chart illustrating the construction of geodesic dome200ofFIG. 20. A set of temporary spacers112is fastened to a set of connectors114to reference connectors114in space relative to one another (204). Connectors114and temporary spacers112form the geometries of geodesic dome structure110. Spacers112may be fastened to connectors114using bolts, screws, nails, clamps or the like. Spacers112may be fastened to connectors114beginning from a tier at ground level and building upwards. Alternatively, spacers112may be fastened to connectors114beginning with a top level tier and building downwards.

A curing material202may be applied to the geodesic dome structure110to provide the permanence of geodesic dome200(206). In this manner, curing material202acts as the permanent structure members. Curing material202may be applied to the inside of spacers112and connectors114. Alternatively, curing material202may be applied to the outside of spacers112and connectors114. In time, curing material202sets forming geodesic dome structure200. In some embodiments, curing material202may also act as panels to enclose geodesic dome110.

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.