Building component
OwnerBenedict Morris, Daniel Daviesinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A building component is shown having a substantially rigid support frame (201). In addition, the component has a first substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet (301) and a second substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet (302) attached to frame (201) to define an inflatable element. At least one region (203) of the flexible photo-voltaic laminate material is secured to one of the flexible sheets (301) such that when inflated and when constructed the photo-voltaic material (203) generates electrical energy and provides a degree of shading under conditions of sunlight.
Claims20
Apparatus forming a building component, comprising a substantially rigid support frame;
- a first substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet attached to said support frame and a second substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet attached to said frame to define an inflatable element;
- and
- at least one region of flexible photo-voltaic laminate material positioned over one of said flexible sheets such that when inflated and when constructed said photo-voltaic material generates electrical energy and provides a degree of shading under conditions of sunlight.
A method of constructing a building component, comprising the steps of:
- defining two or more substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheets;
- applying at least one region of flexible photo-voltaic laminate to at least one of said sheets;
- and
- attaching edges of said sheets to a substantially rigid support frame to form an inflatable element.
A building, atrium or façade, having a main load-bearing structure configured to support a plurality of elements, wherein each of said elements comprises:
- a substantially rigid support frame;
- a first substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet attached to said support frame and a second substantially transparent or translucent flexible sheet attached to said frame to define an inflatable element;
- and
- at least one region of flexible photo-voltaic laminate material positioned over one of said flexible sheets such that when inflated and constructed said photo-voltaic material generates electrical energy and provides a degree of shading under conditions of sunlight.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.