Portable dome-shaped structure

Abstract

A light-weight portable structure having a plurality of planar panels joined together to form a dome-shaped structure. The generally trapezoidal-shaped panels have arcuate side edges instead of linear side edges in order to create the proper tension and cause the flexible panels to form the desired dome structure. The individual panels are joined together by H-shaped connectors extending the full side length of the panels. The side edges of the panels are fitted with a U-shaped locking caps before being inserted into the connectors. The caps of adjacent side panels are inserted into the open ends of the H-shaped connectors and are held in place by the connectors. As the panels are connected in series standing upright on the base edges of the panels, the cumulative forces used to insert the panels causes the partial structure to curve in a spiral manner. The spiral is unwound and the panels are pushed out at the base of the panels to form the circular shape of the structure and to connect the two free ends of the series of panels. This process transfers forces towards the narrower, top edge of the panels, which causes the panels and connectors to bend towards the center of the structure to form a dome.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.