Permanent weather covers

A method of forming a self-supporting domed space frame comprising the steps of:

• (a) taking a plurality of elongated longitudinal elements having two opposed ends and a longitudinal axis, at least some of which elements are extensible between a collapsed length and an operative length after said elements have been extended to at least that length;
• (b) assembling said elements into a substantially planar grid, wherein
• (i) an end of each element is pivotally connected to an end of the next adjacent element for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis extending transversely of said elements, and
• (ii) the elements are free to twist about the longitudinal axes thereof;
• (c) anchoring elements of the grid at the grid periphery in a manner permitting such anchored elements to swing upwardly;
• (d) creating a superimposition of an inflatable membrane and the grid;
• (e) inflating the membrane to lift the grid to a point wherein all of the extensible elements have been extended to at least the operative length;
• (f) locking at least certain of the elements against return pivotal movement about said transversely extending axes;
• and,
• (g) releasing the inflation pressure from the membrane.

A method of forming by inflation a self-supporting domed space frame using elongated extensible elements having two opposed ends and a longitudinal axis and being provided with associated arresting means to permit extension of the elements from an initial contracted condition and limit contraction of said elements to a predetermined extended operative length after extension of said elements to at least said length, said method comprising the steps of pivotally interconnecting the ends of said elements while the elements are in the initial contracted condition to form a planar array of frames which collectively define a grid wherein the connected elements are free to pivot relative to one another about both horizontally disposed transversely extending axes at the ends thereof and the longitudinally extending axes thereof;

• anchoring elements of the grid at the grid periphery in a manner permitting such anchored elements to swing upwardly;
• locating an inflatable membrane in lifting relationship to said grid;
• introducing pressurized gas under the membrane to cause the membrane to be inflated and the grid to be raised to take up a domed configuration with associated extension of the elements until at least the operative lengths are achieved and said arresting means can become operative;
• locking at least certain of the elements against return pivotal about said transversely extending axes;
• and then releasing the inflation pressure.