Modular inflatable dome structure

Claim 2

A joining device comprising connecting branches extending from a central axis to form a rigid Y shape forming acute angles from the plane perpendicular to a vertical axis through the vertex of the Y, the branches forming angles of 120°, 120°, and 108°, with one another, and further comprising a female groove on each branch and a sealing ring to fit into the female groove over any material sought to be connected to the branch.

Claim 3

The joining device of claim 1 further comprising tubular walls shaped to enclose a hollow interior and valves to control the flow of material through the enclosed interior.

Claim 4

A joining device comprising connecting branches extending from a central axis to form a rigid Y shape, forming acute angles from the plane perpendicular to a vertical axis through the vertex of the Y, the branches forming angles of 120°, 120°, and 108°, with one another, and further comprising a female groove on each branch and a male notched member to engage said female groove and fasten any material sought to be connected to the branch.

Claim 5

A joining device comprising connecting branches extending from a central axis to form a rigid Y shape, forming acute angles from the plane perpendicular to a vertical axis through the vertex of the Y, the branches forming angles of 120°, 120°, and 108°, with one another, and further comprising a female groove on each branch and a male notched member to engage said female groove and fasten any material sought to be connected to the branch.

Claim 6

A modular dome structure comprising: a plurality of uniform rigid Y-joints, each having only three tubular arms, the arms defining space angles of 120°, 120°, and 108° with respect to each other, said tubular arms each having valve means thereon for controllably admitting flowable material thereinto; a plurality of uniform length inflatable open ended tubular members connectable to said Y-joints to thereby form said dome structure; means for attaching the ends of said members to said Y-joints, comprising female grooves on the tubular arms and internal male rib means on said members for mating gas tight engagement with said grooves; each of said members being inflated to desired length by admission of gas through a valve in an attached adjacent Y-joint; each of said members being stabilized in inflated condition by injection of gas entrained foam material through said open end of said member and through a valve in an attached adjacent Y-joint; and a plurality of modular panels covering said members and Y joints, at least some of said panels comprising two hexagonal sections and one pentagonal section integrally connected together.

Claim 7

A modular dome structure comprising: a plurality of uniform rigid Y-joints, each having only three tubular arms, the arms defining space angles of 120°, 120°, and 108° with respect to each other, said tubular arms each having valve means thereon for controllably admitting flowable material thereinto; a plurality of uniform length inflatable open ended tubular members connectable to said Y-joints to thereby form said dome structure; means for attaching the ends of said members to said Y-joints, comprising female grooves on the tubular arms and internal male rib means on said members for mating gas tight engagement with said grooves; each of said members being inflated to desired length by admission of gas through a valve in an attached adjacent Y-joint; each of said members being stabilized in inflated condition by injection of gas entrained foam material through said open end of said member and through a valve in an attached adjacent Y-joint; and a plurality of modular panels covering said members and Y joints, at least some of said panels comprising two hexagonal sections and one pentagonal section integrally connected together.

Claim 8

A frame for a space structure comprising: a plurality of uniform Y-joints, each of said Y-joints being rigid and having only three arms, the arms defining space angles of 120°, 120°, and 108° with respect to one another; said Y-joint arms being tubular and having valve means therein for admission of gas therethrough; inflatable members connected in gas-tight relation to the arms of said tubular members, said members each being individually inflatable through the valve means in either of the Y-joint arms to which it is connected.

Claim 9

A frame for a space structure comprising: a plurality of uniform Y-joints, each of said Y-joints being rigid and having only three arms, the arms defining space angles of 120°, 120°, and 108° with respect to one another; said Y-joint arms being tubular and having valve means therein for admission of gas therethrough; inflatable members connected in gas-tight relation to the arms of said tubular members, said members each being individually inflatable through the valve means in either of the Y-joint arms to which it is connected.

Claim 10

The frame of claim 5 wherein the inflatable members are stabilized by the injection of an air-entrained foam material through said rigid tubular joints.