Structures and methods of construction thereof
AssigneesShelter Engineering Limited, Steven Fitzmaurice and Partners
InventorsAlistair J. Morrison, Gary J. MacDonald, Brian R. Boulton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pneumatically supported structure is constructed by securing a flat sheet of elastic membrane to a foundation, and then stretching the membrane to form the structure by inflating the membrane with air under pressure. During the stretching by inflation, the membrane may be partially constrained by rigid or flexible members. Plastic foam material may be applied to the inner or outer surface of the membrane once the membrane has been stretched, the plastic material being preferably polyurethane. After inflation, the membrane can be further stretched by forcing members within the confines of the membrane, against sections of the stretched membrane. Preferably, the plastic membrane is a sheet of butyl rubber.
Claims12
A method of constructing a self supporting structure comprising the steps of securing a flat sheet of elastic membrane to a foundation, stretching the membrane to form a pneumatically supported structure by inflating the membrane with air under pressure, maintaining at least most of both surfaces of the membrane exposed during said inflation, thereafter applying to the pneumatically supported structure at least one coating of a plastic foam material, and then applying a layer of cementitious material over the coating of foamed plastics material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.