GB2560037A

GB2560037A - Geodesic dome structure and a kit for assembling into a geodesic dome structure

Info

Publication number: GB2560037A
Application number: GB1703205.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Davies Darren
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-28
Filing date: 2017-02-28
Publication date: 2018-08-29
Also published as: GB201703205D0

Abstract

The first kit for assembling into a geodesic dome 1001 comprises a number of components which can be assembled into a dome. The kit also includes a housing 2001 which is also formed from some of the number of components and the rest being housed within the housing. Also claimed is a kit where all of the components are used to make the dome and some of those components are used to make a housing while the rest are locatable in the housing. Also claimed is a geodesic dome structure constructed from a number of components which are dome panels. The panels are arranged adjacent to one another to form the geodesic dome and some are strong enough to provide some structural integrity to the panel. Also claimed is a kit with floor beams 2, 4 to form a floor of the dome, beam connectors 3 , a lid 5, floor sheets 6, packers, bracing rings, dome panels 7, 8, pressure plates and doors 11 and or windows .

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Darren Michael Davies

Rua Juquia 189, Jardim Paulistano,

Sao Paulo 1440-020, Brazil (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2409689 A US 8001985 B1 US 20150308135 A1

WO 2014/014366 A1 US 20170051497 A1 (72) Inventor(s):

Darren Michael Davies (58) Field of Search:

INT CL E04B, E04H

Other: Online: WPI, EPODOC, PATENTS FULLTEXT (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Dehns

St. Bride's House, 10 Salisbury Square, LONDON, EC4Y 8JD, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Geodesic dome structure and a kit for assembling into a geodesic dome structure Abstract Title: Kits for assembling geodesic dome structures (57) The first kit for assembling into a geodesic dome 1001 comprises a number of components which can be assembled into a dome. The kit also includes a housing 2001 which is also formed from some of the number of components and the rest being housed within the housing. Also claimed is a kit where all of the components are used to make the dome and some of those components are used to make a housing while the rest are locatable in the housing. Also claimed is a geodesic dome structure constructed from a number of components which are dome panels. The panels are arranged adjacent to one another to form the geodesic dome and some are strong enough to provide some structural integrity to the panel. Also claimed is a kit with floor beams 2, 4 to form a floor of the dome, beam connectors 3 , a lid 5, floor sheets 6, packers, bracing rings, dome panels 7, 8, pressure plates and doors 11 and or windows .

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GEODESIC DOME STRUCTURE AND A KIT FOR ASSEMBLING INTO A GEODESIC DOME STRUCTURE

The present invention relates a geodesic dome structure, a kit for assembling into a geodesic dome structure and method of constructing a geodesic dome structure from a kit.

Geodesic domes have existed for many years and are, in their simplest sense, spheres formed from interconnected triangles. From an engineering perspective, they hold two key advantages: first, they contain, when compared to their surface area, the maximum internal space of any mathematical shapes available; and second, because the triangles from which they are formed are all as close as possible to equilateral triangles, there is very little wasted strength and they are, therefore, extremely strong.

Various types of geodesic dome structures have been previously proposed and used. Generally, these structures are comprised of a strutted triangular framework that is covered with a skin or sheet of a water-repelling material such as polyethylene plastic sheeting or similar material.

Among other limitations, these types of prior dome structures can be difficult and time consuming to build, often requiring a team of erectors with an expansive set of tools. In addition, they do not tend to offer any kind of internal floor construction, they have limited strength and, according to the quality of their outer sheeting, they can have limited life spans.

As an example, US 8,347,561 shows a geodesic domed structure comprised from a plurality of struts of equal and differing lengths that are connected at their vertices by hubs. The struts are normally attached to the hub using bolts, but other methods such as glue can also be used. These prior art hubs and their corresponding struts are key structural components of geodesic domes that are built using the covered framework method.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a kit for assembling into a geodesic dome structure, wherein the kit comprises a plurality of components that are assemblable to form the geodesic dome structure, wherein the kit comprises a housing, the housing being formed from at least some of the plurality of components and the remainder of the plurality of components being housed within the housing.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a kit for assembling into a geodesic dome structure, wherein the kit comprises a plurality of components that are assemblable to form the geodesic dome structure, wherein the kit comprises a housing in which the remainder of the kit is housed, wherein every component of the kit is used to construct the geodesic dome structure.

Every component that is required to construct the geodesic dome structure may be provided in the kit.

Regarding the first aspect, having a kit where the housing of the kit, in which the remainder of the kit is housed, is formed from some of the components that are used to construct the geodesic dome structure helps to reduce the weight of the kit, since there is no need for there to be additional housing components in addition to the components used in the construction of the geodesic dome structure. Reducing the weight improves the mobility of the kit. Further, it means that when the geodesic dome structure is constructed, there may be no left over housing which would need to be stored or secured; rather all of the components of the housing may be part of the geodesic dome structure.

Regarding the second aspect, the inventor has devised a kit where the geodesic dome structure, in its erected state, may comprise (or consist of) every component that the kit comprises (or consists of). Conversely, the kit may comprise (or consist of) every component that the geodesic dome structure comprises (or consists of). Such a kit reduces the weight of the kit, since there are no redundant parts, and simplifies the kit. Further, there is no need to store or keep any part of the kit (such as a housing of a typical kit) when the geodesic dome structure is assembled, since there are no remaining parts of the kit.

Regarding the first and second aspects, the kit allows the geodesic dome structure to be quickly erected and deconstructed, and allows the geodesic dome structure to be moveable between different locations in a convenient manner. Thus, the present kit can be used to store a geodesic dome structure in kit form and to readily transport a geodesic dome structure, e.g. by air or sea. This transportability may be of particular use in remote locations of the world where conditions require quick construction of semi-permanent shelters or storage facilities.

In comparison to the prior art, the geodesic dome structure can be more easily constructed, provide better strength and protection and be more amenable to multiple assemblies in various locations.

The kit may be generally cylindrical. The housing may be generally cylindrical.

When the kit is cylindrical, it can be lifted onto its curved side and rolled into position. This improves mobility.

The housing may have a base. The housing may have lid. The base may be generally planar. The lid may be generally planar. The base and the lid may be generally parallel with one another. The housing may also extend between the base and the lid, thus forming a generally closed housing. Generally closed should be taken to mean the housing is closed such that objects in its inside cannot escape or fall out. For instance, it may be a cage-like structure or may have a totally solid outer surface. The housing may have a wall extending between the base and the lid. The wall may extend perpendicular to the base and the lid.

When constructed, the geodesic dome structure may comprise a geodesic dome.

The geodesic dome structure may comprise a floor on which the geodesic dome sits (or is supported). The floor is generally circular in plan, although it may actually be a polygon, such as a decagon, preferably a regular polygon, preferably a regular convex polygon. The lower edge of the geodesic dome may have a generally identical (though perhaps slight smaller) size and shape as the outer periphery of the floor.

Having a floor to which the geodesic dome is attached may aid to strengthen the geodesic dome structure as a whole. The floor can add to the structural integrity of the geodesic dome structure. The floor may extend in a substantially planar fashion substantially continuously across the bottom of the geodesic dome.

The floor and the dome may be configured to provide the geodesic dome structure as a substantially closed structure. This may help to improve the structural integrity of the geodesic dome structure and also to increase the heat insulation of the geodesic dome structure.

The geodesic dome may be closed as it may comprise a wall portion that is made from the dome panels (see below). The wall portion may comprise apertures (as discussed below), but these may be covered or closed by windows/doors. Thus, the dome may be closed as it may consist of the dome wall (made by the dome panels) and windows/doors.

The geodesic dome may be a 2V geodesic dome. A 2V geodesic dome is the simplest form of geodesic dome where an icosahedron is approximated by using only two different components, an equilateral triangle and an isosceles triangle. However, the dome may also be a 3V dome or a 4V dome.

The geodesic dome may be generally formed by generally triangular panels (preferably both equilateral and isosceles). Preferably, the all of the equilateral triangle panels have the same plan shape and plan area. Preferably, all of the isosceles triangle panels have the same plan shape and plan area. These triangular panels may be shaped such that when they are arranged adjacent one another in the correct orientation and order, they rest on one another thus forming the geodesic dome. As is discussed in more depth below, the generally triangular panels may comprise cut-out portions for windows and doors in the geodesic dome.

The kit may be thought of as a reusable, flat-packed geodesic dome structure.

The kit may be light-weight. At least some, most or substantially all of the components may be constructed from light-weight material, such as plastic, preferably recycled plastic. Plastic may also be beneficial since it is durable, strong and insulating.

The plastic may be a rigid plastic, e.g. one that is capable of providing the geodesic dome with its structural integrity, i.e. not merely a plastic such as used in a plastic skin placed over a geodesic frame work as in the prior art.

At least some, most or substantially all of the components may be constructed from a heat-insulating material.

The geodesic dome structure may be one where its structural integrity does not arise from a strutted structure (like a frame work), over which a skin is applied. Rather, the structural integrity may arise from the shape of the plurality of components, as is discussed in more depth below. Unlike the prior art geodesic structures, there is therefore no need for a framework and a skin. Rather, the components (e.g. the dome panels) of the present kit can perform both functions of providing structural integrity (which is largely performed by the framework in typical geodesic dome structures) and of providing a closed surface (which is largely performed by the skin in typical geodesic dome structures).

The structural integrity of the present geodesic dome structure may arise from the shape and the rigidity of the panels that make up the geodesic dome (the dome panels). These may be generally triangular and have chamfered edges so that when they are arranged adjacent one another they form a geodesic dome. Like a masonry arch, the panels may be shaped such that they are held together under their own weight forming a strong geodesic dome. Of course, additional means may be supplied for holding the panels of the dome together, such as the pressure plates discussed below.

The total weight and shape of the kit may be such that one or two adults can manoeuvre and lift the kit. The kit may be less than 100kg, less than 80kg, less than 60 kg, less than 40 kg or less than 20 kg.

As mentioned above, the housing of the kit may comprise a base, a lid and a wall extending between the base and the lid. The base, the lid and the wall may be made from said at least some of the plurality of components that form the housing. Said at least some of the plurality of components may be assemblable to form at least a part of the geodesic dome structure, preferably the floor of the geodesic dome structure.

The housing may consist of said at least some of the plurality of components. The at least a part of the geodesic dome structure may comprise additional components in addition to said at least some of the plurality components that form the housing. The additional components may be housed within the housing.

Thus, the base, the lid and the wall of the housing of the kit may be used to form at least a part of the geodesic dome structure.

The wall of the housing of the kit may be formed from a plurality of floor panels of the floor of the geodesic dome structure. The plurality of floor panels may be shaped so as to form the wall of the housing of the kit when arranged adjacent to one another in a first orientation and also to form at least part of the floor when arranged adjacent to one another in a second orientation.

The floor panels may be flexible so as to form a curved wall when in the first orientation and to form a flat floor when in the second orientation. The floor panels may also be configured to as to be attachable to the lid and the base of the housing of the kit when in the first orientation and to be attachable to the floor beams (see below) of the geodesic dome structure when in the second orientation.

The plurality of components may comprise a plurality of components for forming the geodesic dome. The plurality of components for forming the geodesic dome of the geodesic dome structure may be at least some of the remainder of the components, i.e. the components of the kit housed within the housing. These components may comprise the dome panels, the doors, the windows, the bracing rings and/or the pressure plates discussed below. Further, the remainder of the components, i.e. the components of the kit housed within the housing, may comprise one or more additional floor panels (in addition to those making up the housing wall), floor beams, floor beam connectors, separating sheets and/or packers which are discussed below.

Preferably, every component of the kit is used to construct the geodesic dome structure. Thus, the geodesic dome structure, in its erected state, may comprise (or consist of) every component that the kit comprises (or consists of). Conversely, the kit may comprise (or consist of) every component that the geodesic dome structure comprises (or consists of). The inventor has devised such a kit, which reduces the weight of the kit, since there are no redundant parts and simplifies the kit. Further, there is no need to store or keep any part of the kit (such as a housing of a typical kit) when the geodesic dome structure is assembled, since there are no remaining parts of the kit.

Further advantageous of the kit that the inventor has devised is that it may be designed such that no tools are required in the geodesic dome’s construction; and the geodesic dome structure can be erected very quickly and by few people (e.g. less than 2 hours by 1 or 2 people).

The geodesic dome structure is preferably weather tight and may be secure, e.g. tamper-proof, such as vandal or thief-proof.

The material(s) used in the geodesic dome structure may be fire resistant.

The kit and geodesic dome structure devised by the inventor allows for a large packto build ratio. For instance, the kit and geodesic dome structure may have a pack-to-build size ratio of at least 1:5, preferably at least 1:7, preferably at least 1:10.

The geodesic dome structure may have a direct load rating of at least 1,2, 3, 4 or 5 tons. The geodesic dome structure devised by the inventor can be very strong, even though it may not comprise a framework.

Preferably, the plurality of components of the kit that are housed within the housing of the kit (i.e. the “remainder of the components”) are provided within the housing in a plurality of layers. These layers may be separated by respective separating sheets, which are discussed more below. The separating sheets may be part of the plurality of components. As discussed below, the separating layers may form part of the floor of the geodesic dome structure. The separating sheets may be similarly shaped to the lid and/or the base of the kit. For example, when the kit is cylindrical, the separating sheets may be circular. Between the sheets, other components of the plurality of components (e.g. the dome panels, the floor beams, the floor panels, the floor beam connectors, the pressure plates, the packers, the doors, the bracing rings and/or the windows, which are discussed below in more detail).

In a third aspect, the invention provides a geodesic dome structure constructed from a plurality of components, wherein the plurality of components comprises a plurality of dome panels that are arranged adjacent one another to form a geodesic dome of the geodesic dome structure. The dome panels may be sufficiently strong and shaped such that the plurality of dome panels provide the geodesic dome with at least some of its structural integrity. Preferably, the dome panels provide the geodesic dome with a majority of its structural integrity, and possibly substantially all of its structural integrity. The dome panels may cooperate with other components (such as the pressure plates and/or the floor (such as the floor beams) and/or the bracing rings, see below) to provide the dome with substantially all of its structural integrity. The dome panels may be strong and shaped such that there is no need for a framework for providing structural integrity to the geodesic dome.

Thus, the geodesic dome may not comprise any frame (such as one comprising struts and hubs, as discussed in relation to the prior art above) for providing structural integrity to the geodesic dome. The geodesic dome may also not comprise any skin or film placed or drawn over such a frame work. Rather, the dome wall may be made of rigid panels that are shaped such that when they are correctly orientated and positioned next to one another, a strong geodesic dome is formed.

As has been discussed above, in the prior art a common design of geodesic dome structure is to have a framework of struts forming a geodesic shape, and then to have a sheet or a skin placed over the framework. Unlike the prior art geodesic structures, the present inventor has devised a geodesic dome structure where there is no need for a framework and a skin. Rather, the dome panels of the present geodesic dome structure can perform both functions of providing structural integrity (which is largely performed by the framework in typical geodesic dome structures) and of providing a closed surface (which is largely performed by the skin in typical geodesic dome structures).

The structural integrity of the present geodesic dome structure may arise, at least partially, from the shape and the rigidity of the panels that make up the geodesic dome (the dome panels). These may be generally triangular and have chamfered edges so that when they are arranged adjacent one another they form a geodesic dome. Like a masonry arch, the panels may be shaped such that they are held together under their own weight forming a strong geodesic dome. Of course, additional means may be supplied for holding the panels of the dome together, such as the pressure plates discussed below.

The plurality of components may be shaped such that, when the geodesic dome structure is disassembled into its plurality of components, the plurality of components can form a kit. The kit may comprise a housing formed from at least some of the plurality of components and the remainder of the plurality of components being housed within the housing. This kit may comprise any of the features discussed in relation to the first two aspects.

The dome panels may comprise a plurality of generally triangular-shaped dome panels. These dome panels may comprise both equilateral and isosceles triangles. Preferably, all of the equilateral triangle panels have the same plan shape and plan area. Preferably, all of the isosceles triangle panels have the same plan shape and plan area. These triangular panels may be shaped such that when they are arranged adjacent one another in the correct orientation and order, they rest on one another thus forming the geodesic dome. As is discussed in more depth below, the generally triangular panels may comprise cut-out portions for windows and doors in the geodesic dome.

At least some of the generally triangular-shaped dome panels may comprise a cutout portion, preferably in the shape of a curve, such as section of a circle, such as a sector of a circle. The cut-out portions may be shaped such that, when the dome panels are arranged into the dome, the cut-out portions may form aperture(s) in the wall of the geodesic dome for use as window(s) and/or door(s). When the cut-out portion is curved, the aperture(s) may be circular.

The dome panels may comprise chamfered edges such that when the dome panels are arranged adjacent one another they form the geodesic dome of the geodesic dome structure. The chamfered edges may help to ensure that the dome panels form the strong geodesic dome structure under their own weight (like the stones of a masonry arch).

Different dome panels may have different chamfers at their edges, depending on their location. Alternatively, every chamfer angle may be largely identical.

Examples of the plurality of components that may be found in kits or the geodesic dome structures discussed above in relation to the first, second and third aspects are now discussed.

The sizes (i.e. the dimensions) of at least some of the plurality of components may be proportionately linked to the desired size of the dome. For instance, if a larger dome is desired, then components with a larger size may be used accordingly (e.g. possibly instead of using more components, the number of components remains the same and their size may be varied). Conversely, if a small dome is desired, then components with a smaller size may be used. The dome may have a diameter of 2-4m, preferably around 3m diameter dome. However, it may also be larger than 3m in diameter, or may be smaller than 3m in diameter.

The plurality of components may comprise a plurality of floor beams. The floor beams are arrangeable adjacent one another to form at least a portion of a floor of the geodesic dome structure, on which a geodesic dome of the geodesic dome structure is supported.

The floor beams may comprise a plurality of ring beams. The ring beams may form a ring of the floor of the geodesic dome structure. The ring may define the outer periphery of the floor of the geodesic dome structure. The ring may be in the shape of a polygon, such as a decagon, preferable a regular polygon, preferably a regular convex polygon. Each beam may define one side of said polygon. The angle between each beam may be equal. Each beam may be generally cuboid in shape. However, the ends of each beam may be chamfered such that they extend in a radial direction with respect to the ring when the ring is formed. The length of each ring beam may be equal. The widths of each ring beam may be equal. The depth of each ring beam may be equal. All of the ring beams may be substantially similarly shaped. The length of the ring beam may be 500-1500mm, preferably 700-1300mm, preferably 900-1100mm. The width of the ring beam may be 100-150mm, preferably 120-130mm. The depth of the ring beam may be 50-120mm, preferably 70100mm. These may be the dimensions for a 3 meter diameter dome.

Each ring beam may comprise a connector on each of its ends. The connector may be shaped so as to cooperate with a connector on the end of an adjacent ring beam so as to hold the ring beams together in the ring. The connectors may be shaped such that the beams can be slid in an inward radial direction (with respect to the centre of the ring) to form the ring. The connectors may be shaped such that, when the ring beams are positioned in the ring, the ring beams cannot lift relative to adjacent ring beams.

The connector may be a male connector and/or a female connector.

Some (preferably half) of the ring beams may have a male connector on each end.

In this case, the other half of the ring beams may have female connector on each end. In the ring, the beams with male connectors and the beams with female connectors would be placed alternately. In this case, all the male beams may be identical and all the female beams may be identical.

Alternatively, each ring beam may comprise a male connector on one end and a female connector on the other end. In this case, all the ring beams may be identical.

Each ring beam may comprise a slot for accepting at least a portion (such as a tab, see below) of a dome panel. The slot may extend substantially along the length of the ring beam. The slot may be located nearer the outer edge of the ring beam, when the ring is formed, than the inner edge. This maximises interior space of the geodesic dome.

The end of each beam may be shaped such that a correspondingly-shaped beam connector may fix adjacent ring beams to one another. For instance, each ring beam may comprise a peg protruding from the ring beam at each end of the ring beam, and the beam connector may comprise two sockets for receiving pegs from two adjacent ring beams. Preferably, however, each ring beam comprises a socket in each of its ends, and the beam connector comprises two pegs for entering two sockets from two adjacent ring beams.

Thus, the plurality of components may comprise a plurality of beam connectors that are configured to hold adjacent floor beams adjacent to one another. Preferably, these floor beams are the ring beams discussed above. Preferably, each beam connector is identical to the others. There may be one beam connector for every join between adjacent ring beams. This may mean there are equal numbers of ring beams and beam connectors. Further, this may mean the number of sides/vertices of the polygon-shaped floor is equal to the number of beam connectors. One beam connector may be located at each vertex of the polygonshaped floor.

The beam connectors may slot together with the ring beams. The beam connectors may be held in position by friction and/or by gravity. The beam connectors may cooperate with the ends of adjacent ring beams of the ring.

The beam connector may be shaped such that it may sit on the top surface of the ring beams when the ring is formed. The beam connector may comprise an overhanging portion that overhangs the outside of the ring when the beam connector is in position. This overhang may protect and/or seal the small gap (or “crack”) between adjacent ring beams where they meet from the outside of the geodesic dome structure. The inner surface of the overhanging portion is shaped so as to follow the shape of the outer surface of the ring, and to be in contact with the outer surface of the ring. This can provide structural stability to the ring and the geodesic dome structure as a whole. When viewed toward the inner radial direction of the ring (when the beam connector is in use), the overhanging portion is preferably rectangular in shape.

The beam connector may comprise a portion that extends above the top surface of the ring beams when the beam connector is in position. This upward-extending portion can be located outward of a join of the ring with the dome panels of the dome structure, and outward of a join between two of said dome panels. Again, this upward-extending portion can therefore protect and/or seal any small gaps (or “cracks”) between the ring and the dome panels, or between the dome panels at this location. Further, the dome panels can be in contact with the beam connector at this location and the beam connector can provide strength and rigidity to the overall structure. The upward-extending portion may preferably be curved, such as semi-circular in shape.

The plurality of floor beams may comprise a plurality of radial beams. The radial beams may extend from the ring in an inward radial direction. Each radial beam may extend from a respect vertex of the ring. Each radial beam may extend toward the centre of the ring, but only over a certain portion of the radius of the ring. This may leave a substantially circular area in the centre of the ring in which there is no radial beam. This area may be shaped and sized so as to accommodate the lid and/or base and/or separating sheets of the kit (which are discussed below in more depth).

The radial beams may be generally cuboid in shape. However, the radial outer end of the radial beams may be chamfered (preferably a double chamfer), such that the radial outer end of the radial beam can be in at least substantially continual contact with the inner surface of the ring at the respective vertex of the ring.

The radial beams may each comprise a base plate from which said cuboid may extend. The base plate has a smaller depth than the cuboid that sits on the base plate. The base plate may have a similar shape in plan compared to the cuboid but may have a larger area in plan view. The cuboid may sit on the base plate in a position such that there is a lip of the base plate visible (when the radial beam is viewed from above) along both radiallyextending lengths of the radial beam and at the radial inner end of the radial beam (when the radial beam is in use). However, there may be no such lip at the radially outer end of the radial beam, i.e. the radial outer end of the cuboid and the radial outer end of the base plate may be flush with one another.

The lip along the radially-extending lengths of the radial beam may be used to support the floor panels (see below). The lip at the inner radial end of the radial beam may be used to support the base and/or lid and/or separating sheets (see below).

Regarding the base plate, the radial outer end of the base plate may be chamfered (preferably a double chamfer), such that the radial outer end of the base plate can be in at least substantially continual contact with the inner surface of the ring at the respective vertex of the ring.

The total depth of the radial beam may be less (preferably only slightly less) than the depth of the ring beam. The length of the radial beam may be 25-75%, preferably 40-60%, preferably around 50% of the radius of the ring.

The length of the radial beam may be 400-1000mm, preferably 600-800mm. The width of the radial beam may be 100-140mm, preferably 110-130mm. The depth of the radial beam may be 50-100mm, preferably 70-80mm. These may be the dimensions fora 3 meter diameter dome. These may be the largest dimensions in the three directions (e.g. the length and width of the base plate, and the depth of the base plate and the cuboid combined).

The cuboid and the base plate may be separate pieces that are attached to one another, or may be one integrally-formed piece of material.

The plurality of components may comprise a lid panel of the kit that is shaped so as to form at least part of the floor of the geodesic dome structure and to form the lid of the housing of the kit when the geodesic dome structure is disassembled.

The lid panel may be planar. The lid panel may be generally circular in plan. The lid panel may be positionable towards or at the centre of the floor and be sized such that the radial beams and/or the floor panels (see below) may extend between the lid and the ring.

The lid may have a diameter of 1000-1900mm, preferably 1400-1500mm. The depth of the lid may be 10-40mm, preferably 20-30mm. These may be the dimensions for a 3 meter diameter dome.

When the kit is formed, the top of the lid may be a planar surface. The top of the lid may be the outer surface of the lid when the kit is formed. The top surface of the lid may face downward when the geodesic dome structure is formed. The top surface of the lid may face the ground on which the geodesic structure is formed.

When the kit is formed, the bottom surface of the lid may be a generally planar surface. The bottom of the lid may be the inner surface of the lid when the kit is formed.

The lid may comprise features for attaching the lid to the wall of the kit, when the kit is formed. These features may be located on the bottom surface of the lid. These features may comprise a groove or recess for receiving and retaining (e.g. via a friction fit) the wall of the kit. Since the wall of the kit may be formed from the floor panels of the geodesic dome structure, the groove may be shaped to receive and retain the floor panels. The groove may vary in width. There may be a wider portion to accommodate and retain the full depth of the floor panel at certain parts of the groove and a narrower portion to accommodate and retain the smaller depth of the tongue of the floor panel (see below). The wider portion and the narrower portions may alternate. The wider portion may be longer than the narrower portion, corresponding to the fact that the tongue of the floor panel is located at the radially inner end of each floor panel (when the geodesic dome is formed), which is shorter than the radially outer end of each floor panel, and to the fact that the wall of the kit may be formed by having the floor panels alternate in orientation (i.e. the “first orientation” mentioned above may be where every second floor panel is orientated such that the radially inner end of the floor panel is adjacent the lid and the radially outer end of the floor panel faces the base, and the remaining floor panels are orientated in the opposite direction).

In the geodesic dome structure, the lid may rest on the lips of the radially inner ends of the radial beams. The lid may contact, preferably in a friction fit, the radially inner end of the radial beam. The outer peripheral surface of the lid may meet, preferably in a friction fit, the inner radial ends of the cuboids of the radial beams.

The “lid” discussed above could also be the “base” (discussed below) of the kit. The lid and the base may be similar or identical. Which of these components is the “lid” and which is the “base” may not limiting: the term “lid” and “base” may be used interchangeably herein.

The plurality of components may comprise a plurality of floor panels of the geodesic dome structure. The floor panels may be shaped so as to form at least part of the wall of the kit. The floor panels may form the wall of the kit when they are arranged in a first orientation. The floor panels may be shaped so as to form at least part of the floor of the geodesic dome structure. The floor panels may form at least part of the floor of the geodesic dome structure when arranged in a second orientation.

When in the geodesic dome structure, the floor panels may have a plan shape of a trapezium, preferably an isosceles trapezium. The radially outer end of the floor panels may be longer than the radially inner end. The radial outer end and radially inner end may be substantially parallel with one another. The other two sides that extend from the outer end to the inner end are preferably the same length and extend substantially in the radial direction of the floor (when in use).

The floor panels have a depth substantially equal to the depth of the floor beams, preferably the radial beams, preferably the cuboid portions of the radial beams. The upper surface of the floor panels, when in position in the geodesic dome structure may be flush with the upper surface of the floor beams, preferably the radial beams.

The floor panels may comprise grooves. These grooves may be such that they provide the floor panels with sufficient flexibility for the floor panels to flex between the flat, straight orientation when in use in the geodesic dome structure (the “second orientation”) and the curved orientation when in use in the wall of the kit (the “first orientation”). The grooves may be in the upper and/or lower surface of the floor panels. The grooves in the upper surface and the grooves in the lower surface may be located at the same location, when the panel is viewed in plan. The grooves may extend from the inner end to the outer end, e.g. along substantially the entirety of the length of the floor panel. The grooves may be parallel. The grooves may be evenly spaced. There may be at least 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 grooves per panel. The grooves may have a width of 10-30mm, preferably 10-20mm. There may be gap between adjacent grooves of 30-90mm, preferably 50-70mm.

At least a majority of a given floor panel may have substantially the same depth (apart from the possibility of the grooves mentioned above altering the thickness/depth). However, the radial inner end of the floor panels may have a reduced thickness. This may be described as a tongue. The tongue may extend along the entirety of the inner radial end of the floor panels. The grooves discussed above may also be present in the tongue. The tongue may be located at a midpoint between the upper and lower surface of the floor panel, i.e. the thickness is reduced in an equal amount from the upper and lower surface.

Between the upper and lower surfaces and the tongue may be a face. The face extends in a substantially vertical direction, when the floor panels are used in the geodesic dome. The tongue and the floor panel may be shaped such that the face is curved such that the faces of all of the floor panels form a generally circular shape. This shape may be such that the lid and/or base of the kit may fit within the faces of the floor panels. The height of the face (i.e. the vertical height (when in position in the geodesic dome structure) from the tongue to the surface of the remainder of the floor panel) may be substantially equal to the thickness of the base and/or lid. This may mean that the lid and/or base can overlap with the tongue and rest on the tongue (or vice versa) whilst being flush with the surface of the floor panel. The faces may contact the outer peripheries of the lid and/or base. This may be in the form a friction fit. The tongue may extend over (or under) the lid and/or base. The tongue may extend between the lid and the base, when the geodesic dome structure is erected. The tongue may have a radial length such that the sheet(s) (see below) can contact the inner radial end of the tongues of the floor panels when the sheet(s) are placed on top of the lid/base, preferably in a friction fit.

The floor panel may be symmetrical about a plane midway between the upper and lower surfaces (when the floor panel is flat). The floor panel may be symmetrical about a plane that is perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces and located at the midpoints of the radial inner and outer ends (when the floor panel is flat). All the floor panels may be substantially identical.

When in the geodesic dome structure, each floor panel may fit between a respective inner surface of the ring and the lid and/or base at the centre of the ring. The outer radial end of the floor panel may be contact, preferably substantially continuous contact, with the inner surface of the ring. The inner radial end of the floor panel may be contact, preferably substantially continuous contact, with the lid and/or base. The edges of the floor panel extending between the inner and outer ends (i.e. the substantially radially extending sides) may contact adjacent floor panels or may contact the radially extending sides of the radial beams. In the latter case, the floor panels may rest on the lips of the respective radial beams. Further, the inner radial surface of the cuboids of the radial beams may also form part of the circle that the faces of the floor panels form.

When in the kit, the floor panels may form a wall of a cylinder extending between the lid and the base. To do this, the floor panels may be in the first orientation mentioned above. The first orientation may be where the floor panels all extend perpendicularly between the base and the lid of kit, i.e. the direction that is substantially radially extending when in the geodesic dome structure (the direction between the radial inner and outer ends) may now be perpendicular to the base and lid. The radial inner and outer ends of the floor panels may meet the lid and base toward or at the edge of the lid and base, preferably they may enter and cooperate with the groove in the lid and base.

In the first orientation, every second floor panel may extend in a first direction and every other floor panel may extend in a second direction. The first direction may be where the radially inner end (when in the geodesic dome structure, i.e. the end that may have the tongue) is in contact with the lid and the radially outer end (i.e. the end that is in contact with the ring, when in the geodesic dome structure) is in contact with the base. The second direction may be where the radially inner end is contact with the base and the radially outer is in contact with the lid. The floor panels may be shaped such that, when they are placed in the first orientation, the generally radially-extending sides of the floor panels (i.e. the sides that extend generally radially when the floor panels form part of the geodesic dome structure) may contact the generally radially-extending sides of the adjacent floor panels.

The floor panels may be shaped such that, when they are placed in the first orientation, the floor panels form a solid continuous wall of the kit. This shape may be trapezium, preferably an isosceles trapezium. The trapezium floor panel may have a base width of 730-800mm, preferably 750-770mm. The floor panel may have a top width of 250-350mm, preferably 280-310mm. The length of the floor panel may be 680-770mm, preferably 715-735mm. The depth of the floor panel may be 50-80mm, preferably 60-70mm. These may be the dimensions for a 3 meter diameter dome.

When the lid and base are curved or circular, the wall may follow the same curve or circle. Thus, the wall may be curved. The floor panels may be flexible between a flat, planar configuration (in the second orientation) and a curved configuration (in the first orientation). The flexibility may be provided by or improved by the grooves in the floor panels discussed above.

The wall of the kit may be made up of only some (or possibly all) of the floor panels used in the floor of the geodesic dome structure. The remaining floor panels may be housed within the housing of the kit.

In the second orientation, every floor panel may be flat and planar. The floor panels may all extend radially with respect to the floor, i.e. the radially outer ends may be located adjacent the ring and the radially inner ends may be located toward the centre of the floor.

In the kit and the geodesic dome structure, there may be equal numbers of floor panels and ring beams. There may be equal numbers of floor panels and radial beams.

The plurality of components may comprise one or more sheets shaped so as to form at least part of the floor of the geodesic dome structure and to form separating sheets for separating layers of the components housed in the housing of the kit.

The one or more sheets may be circular in plan view. The sheet(s) may be shaped so as to fit within the housing of the kit. The sheet(s) may be shaped so as to fit within the general circle defined in the floor of the geodesic dome structure formed by the inner radial ends of the radial beams and/or the inner radial ends of the floor panels. The sheet(s) may be similarly sized to the lid and/or base, however the sheet(s) may be slightly smaller. The sheet(s) may be sized so as to fit within the wall of the kit. The sheet(s) may be sized so as to fit within the radial inner ends of the tongues of the floor panels. The sheet(s) may have a thickness equal to the depth of the tongues of the floor panels. This means that that, when the sheet(s) are placed on top of the lid or base in the floor and within the radial inner ends of the tongues of the floor panels, the upper surface of the sheet(s) (which may be the upper surface of the uppermost sheet when there are a plurality of sheets) may be flush with the upper surface of the tongue. This may provide a strong floor of the geodesic dome structure. Where there are a plurality of sheets, the total thickness of the sheets may be equal to the depth of the tongue. There may preferably be two, three or four sheets. The sheets may have varying surface areas.

The sheet may have a diameter of 1000-1500mm, preferably 1200-1300mm. The depth of the sheet may be 5-30mm, preferably 5-15mm. These may be the dimensions for a 3 meter diameter dome.

When in the kit, the sheet(s) may form separating sheet(s) that separate layers of other components. This may allow the components housed in the housing to be arranged in layers. The separating sheet(s) may be parallel with the lid and/or base. When the kit is resting on its base, the separating sheet(s) may rest on a plurality of components on the lower surface and may support a plurality of components on the upper surface. There may be a close and/or friction fit between the inner surface of the wall and the outer periphery of the sheet(s) to prevent movement of the sheet(s).

When in the geodesic dome structure, the sheet(s) may rest upon the base and/or lid that is placed on the ground, and within the area defined by inner radial ends of the radial beams and/or the inner radial ends of the floor panels, preferably within the inner radial end of the tongues. There may be friction fit between the outer periphery of the sheet(s) and the inner radial ends of the floor panels. The upper surface of the sheet(s) (i.e. where there are a plurality sheets, this may be the upper surface of the upper most sheet) may be flush with the upper surface of the tongues of the floor panels.

The plurality of components may comprise a base panel of the kit that is shaped so as to form at least part of the floor of the geodesic dome structure and to form the base of the housing of the kit when the geodesic dome structure is disassembled.

The base panel may be planar. The base panel may be generally circular in plan. When in the geodesic dome structure, the base panel may be positionable towards or at the centre of the floor and be sized such that the radial beams and/or the floor panels (see above) may extend between the base and the ring.

The base may have a diameter of 1000-1900mm, preferably 1400-1500mm. The depth of the base may be 10-40mm, preferably 20-30mm. These may be the dimensions for a 3 meter diameter dome.

When the kit is formed, the bottom of the base may be a planar surface. The bottom of the base may be the outer surface of the base when the kit is formed. The bottom surface of the base may face upward when the geodesic dome structure is formed. The bottom surface of the base may face the ground on which the geodesic structure is formed.

When the kit is formed, the top surface of the base may be a generally planar surface. The top of the base may be the inner surface of the base when the kit is formed.

The base may comprise features for attaching the base to the wall of the kit, when the kit is formed. These features may be located on the top surface of the base. These features may comprise a groove or recess for receiving and retaining (e.g. via a friction fit) the wall of the kit. Since the wall of the kit may be formed from the floor panels of the geodesic dome structure, the groove may be shaped to receive and retain the floor panels. The groove may vary in width. There may be a wider portion to accommodate and retain the full depth of the floor panel at certain parts of the groove and a narrower portion to accommodate and retain the smaller depth of the tongue of the floor panel (see above). The wider portion and the narrower portions may alternate. The wider portion may be longer than the narrower portion, corresponding to the fact that the tongue of the floor panel is located at the radially inner end of each floor panel (when the geodesic dome is formed), which is shorter than the radially outer end of each floor panel, and to the fact that the wall of the kit may be formed by having the floor panels alternate in orientation (i.e. the “first orientation” mentioned above may be where every second floor panel is orientated such that the radially inner end of the floor panel is adjacent the lid and the radially outer end of the floor panel faces the base, and the remaining floor panels are orientated in the opposite direction).

In the geodesic dome structure, the base may rest on the upper surface of the tongues of the floor panels and/or on the upper surface of the sheet(s). The base may contact, preferably in a friction fit, the radially inner end of the radial beam. The outer peripheral surface of the base may meet, preferably in a friction fit, the inner radial ends of the cuboids of the radial beams.

The “base” discussed above could also be the “lid” (discussed above) of the kit. The lid and the base may be similar or identical. Which of these components is the “lid” and which is the “base” may not limiting: the term “lid” and “base” may be used interchangeably herein.

The plurality of components may comprise a plurality of packers for use as storage containers in the geodesic dome structure shaped to pack around the other components in the housing of the kit when the kit is formed.

Each packer may have an upper surface and a lower surface. These surfaces may be parallel to one another. Each packer may have a wall extending between the upper and lower surfaces. The wall may be perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces. The wall of the packer may comprise a portion that is shaped so as to fit closely to the inner surface of the wall of the kit. This may considered to be an outer wall of the packer. This wall may be curved, preferably in the shape of an arc of a circle. The packer may also comprise a second wall portion opposite the outer wall. This may be considered to be an inner wall, since when the packer is located in the kit this wall may face inward. The inner wall may be substantially straight (when the packer is to fit between a straight component, such as the floor beams and/or the floor panels, and the wall of the kit) or may be curved (when the packer is to fit between a curved component, such as the cut-away portions of the triangular dome panels (see below) and the wall of the kit). There may be differently-shaped packers present in the kit. Some may have straight inner surfaces and some may have curved inner surfaces.

The packers may be hollow and may be openable/closable, so that they can function as storage containers when the geodesic dome structure is assembled. The packers may be hollow and may comprise a lid.

When in the kit, the packers may be placed between the components and the wall of the housing of the kit, and/or between different components of the kit. The packers may be shaped to prevent movement the components within the housing.

The packer may have a length of 500-1000mm, preferably 600-800mm. The packer may have a depth of 100-300mm. These may be the dimensions for a 3 meter diameter dome.

There may be a first packer, of which there may be one or more. The first packer may comprise a curved outer wall and a straight inner wall, such that the first packer can fit between a straight component and the curved wall of the housing of the kit.

There may be a second packer, of which there may be one or more. The second packer may comprise a curved outer wall and a curved inner wall, such that the second packer can fit between a curved component and the curved wall of the housing of the kit.

When in the geodesic dome structure, the packers may be placed inside and/or outside the dome. The packers may be placed adjacent the walls of the dome. The inner surface of the packers (when in the kit) may be placed adjacent the walls of the dome, such that the curved outer surface of the packers faces outward from the walls. The packers placed on the inside of the dome may rest on the floor of the geodesic dome structure. The packers placed on the outside of the dome may rest on the surface on which the floor rests (e.g. the ground surface). The inner surface of packers (i.e. the inner surface when in the kit) may be adjacent to or in contact with the ring beams. Preferably, the first packer(s) is on the inside of the geodesic dome structure, and the second packer(s) is on the outside of the geodesic dome structure.

The plurality of components may comprise a plurality of dome panels that are arrangeable adjacent one another to form a geodesic dome of the geodesic dome structure. The dome panels may be sufficiently strong and shaped such that the plurality of dome panels provide the geodesic dome with at least some of its structural integrity. Preferably, the dome panels provide the geodesic dome with a majority of its structural integrity, and possibly substantially all of its structural integrity. The dome panels may cooperate with other components (such as the pressure plates and/or the floor (such as the floor beams) and/or the bracing rings, see below) to provide the dome with all of its structural integrity.

The dome panels may be strong and shaped such that there is no need for a framework for providing structural integrity to the geodesic dome. The geodesic dome, or indeed the entire geodesic dome structure, may therefore not comprise any framework for providing structural integrity to the geodesic dome.

The dome panels may form the geodesic dome when arranged adjacent one another in a certain orientation. This orientation shall be referred to as the erected orientation. The dome panels may be arrangeable, in a collapsed orientation, to fit within the housing of the kit.

The dome panels may be generally planar. The panels may be insulated or constructed of a heat-insulating material. The panels may be light weight. The panels may be made of plastic, preferably recycled plastic. The panels may interlock together in a simple and intuitive manner so that construction is fast and easy even for people who are unskilled in construction techniques.

The dome panels may generally be triangular in shape. The triangles may be the triangles that make up the geodesic shape of the geodesic dome. For instance, when the geodesic dome is a 2V geodesic dome, the triangles may be the mixture of equilateral and isosceles triangles that make up the 2V geodesic dome.

Thus, the dome panels may comprise equilateral triangle dome panels. The dome panels may also comprise isosceles triangle dome panels.

The triangular panels may have sides with lengths of 500-1500mm, preferably 7001300mm, preferably 900-1100mm. These may be the dimensions for a 3 meter diameter dome.

At least some of the dome panels may comprise a cut-out portion. The cut-out portion may be a sector of a circle, preferably with one of the vertices of the triangle being the centre of said circle. Said cut out portion may have a radius of 200-800mm, preferably 400-600mm. The remaining portion of the generally triangular dome panels with the cut-out portion may be generally trapezoidal in shape. The trapezoid may be an isosceles trapezoid. The shorter of the parallel sides of the trapezoid may be curved in a concave manner. This curve may be the arc of a circle, preferably one centred at the vertex of the triangle that is missing due to the presence of the cut-out portion. The shorter of the parallel sides of the trapezoid may comprise an attachment (such as a runner and/or a groove) for attaching the isosceles triangle dome panel to a bracing ring (see below), which may comprise a complimentary attachment (such as a groove and/or a runner).

Preferably, it is the isosceles triangles that comprise the cut-out portions. Preferably each isosceles triangle comprises a cut-out portion. Preferably, each cut-out portion is identical.

The cut-out portions of respective panels may be such that, when the geodesic dome is formed from the dome panels, there is one or more aperture in the geodesic dome. The aperture(s) may be circular. The aperture(s) may have a diameter of 500-1500mm, preferably 800-1200mm. The aperture(s) may be used as windows and/or doors. The aperture(s) may be supported by a bracing ring (see below). The aperture(s) may have a radius equal to or less than the radius of the housing of the kit and/or the radius of the lid and/or base of the housing of the kit. This may allow the windows and/or doors and/or bracing rings to fit easily within the housing of the kit.

At least one of the dome panels that forms an aperture may comprise a peg or a hole on the edge that forms part of the aperture. There may be at least one such panel for each aperture. This peg or hole may be used, in cooperation with a respective hole or peg/shaft/bolt and/or hole in a door and/or window (such as in a tongue of window and/or door, see below), and possibly in cooperation with the bracing ring (see below), to secure the window and/or door in position.

The dome panels may be such that, when the geodesic dome is constructed, the geodesic dome is formed of overlapping pentagons and hexagons. The pentagons are formed by five adjacent, preferably substantially identical, isosceles triangle panels. The hexagons may be formed of two equilateral triangle dome panels and four isosceles triangle panels.

The apertures may be formed in the pentagons. Preferably, each pentagon comprises an aperture. Preferably, the aperture is in the centre of a pentagon.

The edges of the dome panels, i.e. the edges of the triangles (or the edge of the trapezoid), may be chamfered. This chamfering may be such that, when the dome panels are arranged so as to form the geodesic dome, the edges of the respective dome panels meet and can be supported by the edges of the surrounding dome panels. The chamfering may be such that the area of the inner surface (i.e. the inner surface when the dome is constructed) of the dome panels may be smaller than the area of the outer surface (i.e. the outer surface when the dome is constructed) of the dome panels, although the difference in area may be quite small. The chamfering may be such that the edges of the adjacent dome panels may sit substantially face-to-face, i.e. parallel, such that they can be in substantially continuous contact with each other, when the dome is formed.

At least some of the vertices of at least some of the dome panels may comprise a chamfered portion. The chamfered portion may be shaped such that a substantially planar portion may be formed around a location where a plurality of vertices of adjacent panels meet. Preferably the planar portion may be circular in shape. Preferably, the planar portion may be on the outside of the dome. Preferably, the chamfered portion is such that it allows improved contact with a pressure plate (see below) a location where a plurality of vertices of adjacent panels meets.

At least some of the vertices of at least some of the dome panels may comprise a small cut out for allowing the connecting portion of the pressure plates (see below) to pass through the dome. The small cut outs may be located in the same vertices as the chamfered portions mentioned in the paragraph above.

The dome panels may comprise a plurality of base panels. These are the panels that are attached to the ring beams, preferably in the slots of the ring beams. Preferably, the bottom edges of the base panels attach to the ring beams. The base panels may also be termed equator panels since they may be the panels whose bottom edges may effectively follow a ring that is the equator of sphere that that the geodesic dome substantially follows.

The base panels, on their bottom edges (i.e. their bottom edges when the geodesic dome is erected), may comprise a tab. The tab may protrude beyond the generally triangular (or trapezoidal) shape of the generally triangular dome panels. The tab may be substantially rectangular in shape, and may extend along the majority of the bottom edge of the base panel. The tab may be shaped such that is may cooperate with the groove in a respective ring beam to secure the base panel, and the geodesic dome as a whole, to the floor of the geodesic dome structure. The tab may slot into the groove such that the edge of the dome panel from which the tab protrudes may sit (preferably flush) against the upper surface of the ring beam. Said edge may be chamfered accordingly to allow this to occur.

Preferably, when viewed in the circumferential direction of the dome, every second base panel may be an equilateral triangle dome panel and every other base panel may be an isosceles triangle dome panel (which may comprise the cut-out portions as discussed above).

Between the base panels, there are substantially triangular shaped gaps. In each of these gaps, a dome panel is placed (preferably a triangular dome panel, preferably an isosceles dome panel, preferably comprising a cut-out). The dome panels placed in the gaps may have a lower vertex located at the point where the bottom edges of the base panels meet (which may be where two ring beams meet) and may comprise an upper edge that extends substantially parallel to the bottom edges of the base panels (i.e. horizontally, or at least parallel with the ground on which the geodesic dome structure is formed). This forms a first “layer” of panels.

A second layer of dome panels may be formed. The second layer may comprise a plurality of dome panels on top of the upper edges of the dome panels of the first layer. These dome panels may again be triangular dome panels, preferably isosceles triangular dome panels, preferably with cut out portions. The lower edges of these dome panels may be in contact with the upper edges of the dome panels of the first layer. The lower edges of these dome panels may extend horizontally (or at least parallel with the ground on which the geodesic dome structure is erected).

Between these panels, there are substantially triangular shaped gaps. In each of these gaps, a dome panel is placed (preferably a triangular dome panel, preferably an equilateral triangle dome panel). The dome panels placed in the gaps may have a lower vertex located at the point where the bottom edges of the other panels forming the second layer meet (which may also be where the upper edges of the dome panels of the base layer meet) and may comprise an upper edge that extends substantially parallel to the bottom edges of these panels (i.e. horizontally, or at least parallel with the ground on which the geodesic dome structure is formed).

A third layer of dome panels may also be formed. The third layer may comprise a plurality of dome panels on top of the upper edges of the dome panels of the second layer. These dome panels may again be triangular dome panels, preferably isosceles triangular dome panels, preferably with cut out portions. The lower edges of these dome panels may be in contact with the upper edges of the dome panels of the second layer. The lower edges of these dome panels may extend horizontally (or at least parallel with the ground on which the geodesic dome structure is erected).

Third, fourth and fifth, etc. layers may also be formed in similar ways to the first and/or second layers, depending on the size of the dome.

The first layer may rest on the floor of the dome structure. The second layer may rest on the first layer. The third layer may rest on the second layer.

When the dome is based on a decagon (i.e. there are 10 base panels), the third layer may be the final layer. This may simply comprise a plurality of dome panels on top of the upper edges of the dome panels of the second layer. These dome panels may again be triangular dome panels, preferably isosceles triangular dome panels, preferably with cut out portions. The lower edges of these dome panels may be in contact with the upper edges of the dome panels of the second layer. The lower edges of these dome panels may extend horizontally (or at least parallel with the ground on which the geodesic dome structure is erected). These may be the only panels in the third layer. The third layer may be substantially horizontal. The third layer may be in the form of a pentagon formed from said isosceles triangular dome panels.

When in the kit, the dome panels may be arranged or stacked on top of each other and may fit within the housing of the kit.

All of the equilateral triangle panels may be substantially identical to each other. However, the base equilateral triangle panels may comprise the tab and the remaining equilateral triangles may not. This may be the only difference substantial difference between any of the equilateral triangle panels (i.e. apart from this, the equilateral triangle panels may be interchangeable in the dome structure).

All of the isosceles triangle panels may be substantially identical to each other. However, the base equilateral triangle panels may comprise the tab and the remaining equilateral triangles may not. This may be the only difference substantial difference between any of the isosceles triangle panels (i.e. apart from this, the isosceles triangle panels may be interchangeable in the dome structure).

The plurality of components may comprise a plurality of bracing rings for bracing a plurality of the dome panels that form an aperture in the geodesic dome.

The bracing ring may be shaped such that it may define the edge of the aperture in the geodesic dome. As mentioned above, the dome panels may comprise cut-out portions that may form an aperture when the dome panels are arranged into the geodesic dome. The bracing ring may be circular in shape, preferably annular. Preferably the circle may be substantially the same size as the aperture, i.e. the circle defined by a plurality of cut-out portions of a plurality of adjacent dome panels. The bracing ring may have a diameter of 500-1500mm, preferably 800-1200mm. The width of the annulus may be 20-100mm. The depth of the ring may be 10-40mm, preferably 10-20mm. These may be the dimensions for a 3 meter diameter dome.

The bracing ring may comprise an attachment (such as a runner and/or a groove) for attaching to a complimentary attachment (such as a groove and/or a runner) on the dome panels that form the aperture. The attachment may be shaped such that the bracing ring can be slid (preferably in a circumferential direction) onto the of the dome panel, such that the dome panel and the bracing ring are locked together.

The bracing ring may comprise a break or a gap where the attachment of the bracing ring can be fed onto the attachment of the dome panel initially. The gap may be a small gap in the circumference of the bracing ring (such as less than 10° of the circumference). After this initial attachment, further sliding of the bracing ring and the dome panel relative to one another can then allow the attachment of the bracing ring and the attachment of the dome panel to be fully engaged with one another.

The gap may also be used for accepting a tongue of a window and/or door (see below) so as to help retain a window and/or door in position.

The bracing ring provides further structural integrity to the dome. It helps to strengthen the dome where it may be weakened due to the presence of the apertures. It may be the bracing ring in conjunction with the dome panels (and possibly the pressure plates and/or the floor and/or the windows/doors) that provides the geodesic dome with a majority of, or substantially all of, its structural integrity.

The bracing ring may be attachable to windows and/or doors (see below) of the geodesic dome structure. There may be a plurality of bracing rings. There may be one bracing ring for each aperture.

When in the kit, the bracing rings may be arranged or stacked on top of each other and may fit within the housing of the kit. The bracing ring may have a radius less than the radius of the housing of the kit, or less than the base and/or lid of the kit.

The bracing ring may be shaped such, at least when it is in position adjacent the dome panels, an attachment (such as a slot or a tab) is formed for cooperating with a complimentary attachment (such as a tab or a slot) of the door and/or window (see below). When the attachment is a groove for accepting a tab of the window and/or door, the attachment may be formed between the bracing ring and the dome panel. The attachment may be for holding the window and/or door in place.

The plurality of components may comprise a plurality of pressure plates for securing the plurality of panels to one another.

The geodesic dome constructed using the above dome panels (and possibly the bracing rings, where applicable), has a great deal of strength when force is exerted from the outside of the dome inwards. However, there may not be much strength when force is exerted from the inside outwards. To counter this, pressure plates may be provided. The pressure plates may prevent the dome panels moving in an outward direction when force is applied from the inside of the dome.

A pressure plate may be located at a location where adjacent dome panels meet, such as at the location where a plurality of vertices of adjacent dome panels meet (such as five or six dome panels).

A pressure plate may comprise an inner portion for locating on the inner side of the dome and an outer portion for locating on the outer side of the dome. The pressure plate may comprise a connecting portion (such as a bar or screw or bolt) connecting the inner and outer portions. The inner, outer and connecting portions may be arranged such that the inner and outer portions contact the inner and outer surfaces of the dome panels (respectively) and hold the dome panels together, i.e. prevent relative movement of the dome panels. For instance, the inner and outer portions may generally be disc or planar in shape. The connecting portion may have a radius smaller than the radii of the inner and outer portions. The connecting portion may extend through the dome, preferably though a small hole formed by the small cut outs of the dome panels (discussed above). The connecting portion may be threaded. The inner and /or outer portions may be threaded. Hence, the pressure plate can be tightened and loosened by rotation of the inner, outer and/or connecting portion.

The inner portion may have a diameter of 100-200mm. The thickness of the inner portion may be 5-30mm.

The diameter of the connecting portion may be 10-40mm. The length of the connecting portion may be 40-100mm.

The outer portion may have a diameter of 200-400mm, preferably 250-350mm. The thickness of the inner portion may be 10-40mm.

The plurality of components may comprise one or more doors shaped so as to fit into an aperture in the geodesic dome; and/or one or more windows shaped so as to fit into an aperture in the geodesic dome.

The door and/or window may be circular in shape. The radius of the circle may be substantially the same as the radius of the aperture and/or the radius of the bracing ring.

The radius of the circle may be less than the radius of the housing of the kit and/or of the lid and/or base of the kit.

The door and/or window may be supported by the bracing ring. The radius of the door and/or window may be substantially equal to the inner radius of the bracing ring.

The diameter of the door (and/or window) may be 700-1300mm. The thickness of the door (and/or window) may be 5-30mm.

The door and/or window may comprise an attachment (such as a tab or a slot) that is shaped so as to cooperate with the attachment (such as the slot or the tab) of the bracing ring discussed above. The attachment of door and/or window may be located at, and possibly substantially around, its outer periphery. The attachment may allow the door and/or window to attach to the bracing ring.

The door and/or window may be provided in a plurality of pieces, preferably (only) two pieces. These two pieces may be substantially semi-circular. Where the pieces meet, there may be a small hole through which a bolt, or other elongated attachment device, may pass. This may be used to secure the pieces together. The hole may be threaded. A bolt or other suitable shaft may be used to secure the pieces together.

The door and/or window may comprise a tongue extending from its periphery and in the same plane as the remainder of the door and/or window. The tongue may be sized so as to fit within the gap or break (see above) in the bracing ring. Hence the tongue may be adjacent to (and possibly in contact with) the dome panel to which the ring beam is attached. The tongue also comprises a small hole through which a bolt, or other elongated attachment device, may pass. This hole may be threaded. This hole may be aligned with a hole in the adjacent dome panel, which may be threaded. These holes, in cooperation with a suitable bolt, or other shaft, may be used to secure the door and/or window to the dome structure.

The doors and/or windows may comprise transparent plastic or glass sections.

There may be a plurality of doors and/or windows, preferably one for each aperture, preferably one for each pentagon.

A door may also be a window (e.g. if it has transparent qualities). A window may also be a door (e.g. if it is openable).

The elongated attachment device(s) (e.g. bolts) used to secure the door and/or window to the dome may be part of the kit. These/this may be shaped so as to be grip-able and tighten-able by hand.

The geodesic dome structure and/or the kit may comprise or consist of: ten ring beams; ten ring beam connectors; ten radial beams; one base panel; one lid panel; four separating sheets; ten floor panels; forty dome panels; six bracing rings; ten pressure plates; six doors and/or windows; and/or twelve elongated connecting devices for the doors/windows (e.g. bolts).

The geodesic dome structure and/or the kit may also comprise a renewable energy source such as wind generator and/or solar generator for powering components within the geodesic dome structure.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of constructing a geodesic dome structure of the third aspect from a kit. Preferably, the kit is the kit of the first and/or second aspects.

The method may comprise constructing a floor of the geodesic dome structure. This may comprise forming the ring from the ring beams and the floor beam connectors; placing the radial beams within the ring such that they extend inwardly from the ring; placing the lid and/or base in the centre of the ring, possibly within the radial beams; placing the floor panels between the ring and the lid and/or base, and possibly between the radial beams; placing the separating sheets on top of the lid and/or base, and possibly within the floor panels; and/or placing the base and/or lid within the floor panels.

The method may comprise constructing a geodesic dome of the geodesic dome structure. This may comprise attaching the base dome panels to the ring; placing the remaining dome panels in position to form the geodesic dome; attaching the bracing ring to the appropriate dome panels (the bracing ring may be attached to the appropriate base panel before or after the base panel is attached to the ring, and before the other dome panels are attached to the bracing ring); attaching the pressure plates to the dome; placing the windows and/or doors within the bracing rings; securing the windows and/or doors to the dome.

The fourth aspect may comprise any of the features discussed in relation to the first, second, third or fifth aspects.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of constructing a kit for assembling into a geodesic dome structure, wherein the kit comprises a plurality of components that are assemblable to form the geodesic dome structure, wherein the kit comprises a housing, the housing being formed from at least some of the plurality of components and the remainder of the plurality of components being housed within the housing. Preferably, the kit is the kit of the first and/or second aspects. Preferably, the geodesic dome structure is that of the third aspect. Preferably, the fifth aspect includes the method(s) of the fourth aspect.

The method may comprise constructing the housing. This may comprise attaching at least some of the floor panels to the base of the kit to form a base of the kit housing and the walls of the housing.

The method may comprise arranging, preferably in layers separated by the separating sheets, the remainder of the components within the housing and then closing the housing by attaching the lid to the wall.

Certain preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 shows a geodesic dome structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 2 to 11 show details of the geodesic dome structure of Figure 1; and

Figures 13 and 14 show a kit for assembling into a geodesic dome structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Regarding Figure 1, shown is a geodesic dome structure 1 constructed from a plurality of components. The plurality of components comprises a plurality of dome panels 7, 8 that are arranged adjacent one another to form a geodesic dome 1001 of the geodesic dome structure 1. The dome panels 7, 8 are sufficiently strong and shaped such that the plurality of dome panels 7, 8 provide the geodesic dome 1001 with at least some of its structural integrity. The dome panels 7, 8 are strong and shaped such that there is no need for a framework for providing structural integrity to the geodesic dome 1001.

Thus, the geodesic dome 1001 does not comprise any frame for providing structural integrity to the geodesic dome. The geodesic dome 1001 also does not comprise any skin or film placed or drawn over such a frame work. Rather, the dome 1001 is made of rigid panels 7, 8 that are shaped such that when they are correctly orientated and positioned next to one another, a strong geodesic dome 1001 is formed.

As is discussed in more detail below, the dome panels 7, 8 are generally triangular and have chamfered edges so that when they are arranged adjacent one another they form the geodesic dome 1001. Like a masonry arch, the panels 7, 8 are shaped such that they are held together under their own weight forming a strong geodesic dome 1001.

The plurality of components that make up the geodesic dome structure 1 are shaped such that, when the geodesic dome structure is disassembled into its plurality of components, the plurality of components can form a kit 2000 (see Figures 13 and 14).

The dome panels 7, 8 comprise a plurality generally triangular-shaped dome panels

7, 8. These dome panels 7, 8 comprise both equilateral triangles 7 and isosceles triangles

8. All of the equilateral triangle panels 7 have the same plan shape and plan area. All of the isosceles triangle panels 8 have the same plan shape and plan area. These triangular panels 7, 8 are shaped such that when they are arranged adjacent one another in the correct orientation and order, they rest on one another thus forming the geodesic dome 1001. As is discussed in more depth below, the generally isosceles triangular panels 8 all comprise cut-out portions for windows and/or doors 11 in the geodesic dome.

At least some of the generally triangular-shaped dome panels 7, 8 comprise a cut-out portion 8a in the shape of a sector of a circle. This is shown most clearly in Figure 9. The cut-out portions 8a are shaped such that, when the dome panels 7, 8 are arranged into the dome 1001, the cut-out portions 8a form apertures 11a in the wall of the geodesic dome 11a for use as windows and/or door 11. The apertures 3000 are be circular.

The dome panels 7, 8 comprise chamfered edges 74, 84 such that when the dome panels 7, 8 are arranged adjacent one another they form the geodesic dome 1001. The chamfered edges 74, 84 help to ensure that the dome panels 7, 8 form the strong geodesic dome structure 1 under their own weight (like the stones of a masonry arch).

As can be seen from Figures 2 to 5, the plurality of components comprises a plurality of floor beams 2, 4. The floor beams 2, 4 are arrangeable adjacent one another to form at least a portion of a floor 1002 of the geodesic dome structure 1, on which a geodesic dome 1001 of the geodesic dome structure is supported.

The floor beams 2, 4 comprise a plurality of ring beams 2. The ring beams 2 form a ring 205 of the floor 1002. The ring 205 defines the outer periphery of the floor 1002. The ring 205 is in the shape of a polygon, such as a decagon, preferable a regular polygon, preferably a regular convex polygon. Each ring beam 2 defines one side of said polygon. The angle between each beam 2 is equal (preferably 144° when a decagon).

Each ring beam 2 is generally cuboidal in shape. However, the ends 206 of each beam 2 are chamfered such that the ends 206 extend in a radial direction with respect to the ring 205 when the ring 205 is formed. The length of each ring beam 2 is equal. The width of each ring beam 2 is equal. The depth of each beam 2 is equal. All of the ring beams 2 are substantially similarly shaped.

Each ring beam may comprise a connector 202, 204 on each of its ends 206. The connector 202, 204 is shaped so as to cooperate with a connector 202, 204 on the end 206 of an adjacent ring beam 2 so as to hold the ring beams 2 together in the ring 205. The connectors 202, 204 are shaped such that the beams 2 can be slid in an inward radial direction (with respect to the centre of the ring 205) to form the ring 205. The connectors 202, 204 are shaped such that, when the ring beams 2 are positioned in the ring 205, the ring beams 2 cannot be lifted relative to adjacent ring beams 2.

The connector 204, 205 can be a male connector 202 and a female connector 204.

Half of the ring beams 201 have a male connector 202 on each end 206. The other half of the ring beams 203 have female connectors 204 on each end. In the ring 2, the beams 201 with male connectors 202 and the beams 203 with female connectors 204 are placed alternately. All the male beams 201 are identical and all the female beams 203 are identical.

Each ring beam 2 comprises a slot 21 for accepting at least a portion (such as a tab 71, 81, see below) of a dome panel 7, 8. The slot 21 extends substantially along the entire length of the ring beam 2. The slot 21 is located nearer the outer edge 23 of the ring beam

2, when the ring 205 is formed, than the inner edge 24.

The end 206 of each beam 2 is shaped such that a correspondingly-shaped beam connector 3 may fix adjacent ring beams 2 to one another. Each ring beam 2 comprises a socket 22 in each of its ends 206, and the beam connector 3 comprises two pegs 32 for entering two sockets 22 from two adjacent ring beams 2.

The plurality of components comprises a plurality of beam connectors 3 that are configured to hold adjacent floor beams 2 adjacent to one another. These floor beams 2 are the ring beams 2 discussed above. Each beam connector 3 is identical. There is one beam connector 3 for every join between adjacent ring beams 2. This means there are equal numbers of ring beams 2 and beam connectors 3. Further, this may mean the number of sides/vertices of the polygon-shaped floor 1002 is equal to the number of beam connectors

3. One beam connector 3 is located at each vertex of the polygon-shaped floor 1002.

The beam connectors 3 slot together with the ring beams 2. The beam connectors 3 are held in position by friction and/or by gravity. The beam connectors 3 cooperate with the ends 206 of adjacent ring beams 2 of the ring 205.

The beam connector3 is shaped such that it may sit on the top surface 25 of the ring beams 2 when the ring 205 is formed. The beam connector 3 comprises an overhanging portion 33 that overhangs the outside of the ring 205 when the beam connector 3 is in position. The inner surface of the overhanging portion 33 is shaped so as to follow the shape of the outer surface of the ring 205, and to be in substantially continuous contact with the outer surface of the ring 205. When viewed toward the inner radial direction of the ring 205 (when the beam connector 3 is in use), the overhanging portion 33 is preferably rectangular in shape.

The beam connector 3 also comprises a portion 31 that extends above the top surface 25 of the ring beams 2 when the beam connector is in position 3. This upwardextending portion 31 is located outward of a join of the ring 205 with the dome panels 7, 8 of the dome 1001, and outward of a join between two of said dome panels 7, 8. The upwardextending portion 31 is semi-circular in shape when viewed along an inward radial direction of the ring 205.

With regard to Figures 4 and 5, the plurality of floor beams 2, 4 comprise a plurality of radial beams 4. The radial beams 4 extend from the ring 205 in an inward radial direction. Each radial beam 4 extends from a respect vertex of the ring 205. Each radial beam 4 extends toward the centre of the ring 205, but only over a certain portion of the radius of the ring 205. This leaves a substantially circular area 400 in the centre of the ring in which there is no radial beam 4. This area 400 may be shaped and sized so as to accommodate the lid and/or base 5 and/or separating sheets 51 of the kit (which are discussed below in more depth).

The radial beams 4 are generally cuboidal 42 in shape. However, the radial outer end 43 of the radial beam 4 is double-chamfered, such that the radial outer end 43 of the radial beam 4 can be in at least substantially continual contact with the inner surface 24 of the ring 205 at the respective vertex of the ring 205.

The radial beams 4 each comprise a base plate 41 from which said cuboid 42 extends. The base plate 41 has a smaller depth than the cuboid 42 that sits on the base plate 41. The base plate 41 has a similar shape in plan compared to the cuboid 42 but has a larger area in plan view. The cuboid 42 sits on the base plate 41 in a position such that there is a lip 44, 45 of the base plate 41 visible (when the radial beam 4 is viewed from above) along both radially-extending lengths of the radial beam and at the radial inner end of the radial beam (when the radial beam is in use). However, there is no such lip at the radially outer end of the radial beam 43, i.e. the radial outer end of the cuboid 42 and the radial outer end of the base plate 41 are flush with one another when viewed from above when in use in the floor 1002.

The lip along the radially-extending lengths of the radial beam 44 is used to support the floor panels 6 (see below). The lip at the inner radial end of the radial beam 45 is used to support the base and/or lid 5 and/or separating sheets 51 (see below).

Regarding the base plate 41, the radial outer end of the base plate 41 is chamfered (preferably a double chamfer), such that the radial outer end of the base plate 41 can be in at least substantially continual contact with the inner surface 24 of the ring 205 at the respective vertex of the ring 205.

The total depth of the radial beam 4 is slightly less than the depth of the ring beam 2. The length of the radial beam 4 is around 50% of the radius of the ring 205.

The cuboid 42 and the base plate 41 are one integrally-formed piece of material 4.

The plurality of components comprises a lid panel 5 of the kit that is shaped so as to form at least part of the floor 1002 of the geodesic dome structure 1 and to form the lid 5 of the housing 2001 of the kit 2000 when the geodesic dome structure 1 is disassembled.

The lid panel 5 is planar. The lid panel 5 is generally circular in plan. The lid panel 5 is positionable towards or at the centre of the ring 205 and is sized such that the radial beams 4 and/or the floor panels 6 (see below) may extend between the lid 5 and the ring 205. The area of the lid panel 5 may be substantially the same as area 400.

As can be seen in Figure 13, when the kit 2000 is formed, the top of the lid 52 is a planar surface. The top of the lid 52 is the outer surface of the lid 5 when the kit 2000 is formed. The top surface of the lid 52 faces downward when the geodesic dome structure 1 is formed.

When the kit is formed, the bottom surface of the lid 53 is a generally planar surface. The bottom of the lid 53 is the inner surface of the lid 5 when the kit 2000 is formed.

The lid 5 comprises features 54, 55 for attaching the lid 5 to the wall 2002 of the kit 2000. These features 54, 55 are located on the bottom surface of the lid 53. These features 54, 55 comprise a groove or recess 54, 55 for receiving and retaining (e.g. via a friction fit) the wall of the kit 2002. Since the wall of the kit 2002 is formed from the floor panels 6 of the geodesic dome structure 1, the groove 54, 55 is shaped to receive and retain the floor panels 6. The groove 54, 55 varies in width. There is a wider portion 54 to accommodate and retain the full depth of the floor panel 6 at certain parts of the groove and a narrower portion 55 to accommodate and retain the smaller depth of the tongue 61 of the floor pane 6I (see below). The wider portion 54 and the narrower portion 55 alternate, i.e. each narrower portion separates two wider portions and vice versa. The wider portion 54 is longer than the narrower portion 55, corresponding to the fact that the tongue 61 of the floor panel 66 is located at the radially inner end of each floor panel 63 (when the geodesic dome is formed), which is shorter than the radially outer end of each floor panel 64, and to the fact that the wall of the kit 2002 is formed by having the floor panels 6 alternate in orientation (i.e. the “first orientation” mentioned below is where every second floor panel 6 is orientated such that the radially inner end of the floor panel 63 is adjacent the lid and the radially outer end of the floor panel 64 faces the base 5’, and the remaining floor panels 6 are orientated in the opposite direction).

In the geodesic dome structure, the lid 5 rests on the lips of the radially inner ends of the radial beams 45. The outer peripheral surface of the lid 5 meets the inner radial ends of the cuboids 42 of the radial beams 4.

The “lid” 5 discussed above could also be the “base” 5’ of the kit 2000. The lid 5 and the base 5’ are identical.

The plurality of components comprises a plurality of floor panels 6 of the geodesic dome structure 1. The floor panels 6 are shaped so as to form at least part of the wall 2002 of the kit 2000. The floor panels 6 form the wall of the kit 2002 when they are arranged in a first orientation (as described above). The floor panels 6 are shaped so as to form at least part of the floor 1002 of the geodesic dome structure 1. The floor panels 6 form at least part of the floor 1002 of the geodesic dome structure 1 when arranged in a second orientation.

When in the geodesic dome structure 1, the floor panels 6 have a plan shape of a trapezium, preferably an isosceles trapezium. The radially outer end 64 of the floor panels 6 is longer than the radially inner end 63. The radial outer end 64 and radially inner end 63 are parallel with one another. The other two sides 65 that extend from the outer end 64 to the inner end 62 are the same length as each other and extend substantially in the radial direction of the ring 205 (when in use).

The floor panels 6 have a depth (D) substantially equal to the depth of the cuboid portions of the radial beams 42. The upper surface 66 of the floor panels, when in position in the geodesic dome structural are flush with the upper surface of the radial beams 4.

The floor panels 6 comprise grooves 67. These grooves 67 are such that they provide the floor panels 6 with sufficient flexibility for the floor panels to flex between the flat, straight orientation when in use in the geodesic dome structure 1 (the “second orientation”) and the curved orientation when in use in the wall of the kit 2002 (the “first orientation”). The grooves 67 are in the upper 66 and lower surface of the floor panels 6. The grooves 67 in the upper surface 66 and the grooves 67 in the lower surface are located at the same location, when the panel is viewed in plan. The grooves 67 extend from the inner end 63 to the outer end 64, e.g. along substantially the entirety of the length of the floor panel 6. The grooves 67 are parallel. The grooves 67 are evenly spaced. There may be at least ten grooves 67 per panel 6.

At least a majority of each floor panel has the same uniform depth (D) (when the grooves 67 are ignored). However, the radial inner end 63 of the floor panels 6 has a reduced depth. The portion with a reduced depth is described as a tongue 61. The tongue 61 extends along the entirety of the inner radial end of the floor panels 63. The grooves 67 discussed above are also present in the tongue 61. The tongue 61 is located at a midpoint between the upper 66 and lower surface of the floor panel 6, i.e. the thickness is reduced in an equal amount from the upper 66 and lower surface.

Between the upper 66 and lower surfaces and the tongue 61 is a face 62. The face 62 extends in a substantially vertical direction, when the floor panels 6 are used in the geodesic dome 1. The tongue 61 and the floor panel 6 are shaped such that the face 62 is curved such that the faces 62 of all of the floor panels 6 form a generally circular shape (which has the same area as area 400). This shape is such that the lid and/or base 5 of the kit 2000 can fit within the faces 62 of the floor panels 6. The height of the face 62 (i.e. the vertical height (when in position in the geodesic dome structure) from the tongue 61 to the surface 66 of the remainder of the floor panel 6) is substantially equal to the thickness of the base and/or lid 5. This means that the lid and/or base 5 can overlap with the tongue 61 (when viewed from above) and rest on the tongue 61 (or vice versa) whilst being flush with the top 66 or bottom surface of the floor panel 6. The faces 62 contact the outer peripheries of the lid and/or base 5. The tongue 61 extends over the lid 5. The tongue 61 extends under the base 5’. The tongue 61 extends between the lid 5 and the base 5’, when the geodesic dome structure 1 is erected. The tongue 61 has a radial length such that the sheets 51 (see below) contact the inner radial ends of the tongues 61 when the sheets 51 are placed on top of the lid 5.

When in the geodesic dome structure 1, each floor panel 6 fits between a respective inner surface 24 of the ring 205 and the lid 5 and base 5’ at the centre of the ring. The outer radial end of the floor panel 64 is in substantially continuous contact with the inner surface of the ring 24. The inner radial end of the floor panel 63 is in substantially continuous contact with the lid 5 and base 5’. The edges 65 of the floor panel extending between the inner and outer ends contact the radially extending sides of the radial beams 4. The floor panels 6 rest on the lips 44 of the respective radial beams 4. Further, the inner radial surface of the cuboids 42 of the radial beams 4 also form part of the circle that the faces 62 of the floor panels 6 form.

As can be seen from Figure 13, when in the kit, the floor panels 6 form a wall 2002 of a cylinder extending between the lid 5 and the base 5’. To do this, the floor panels 6 are in the first orientation mentioned above. The first orientation may be where the floor panels 6 all extend perpendicularly between the base 5’ and the lid 5 of kit 2000, i.e. the direction of the floor panels 6 that is substantially radially extending when in the geodesic dome structure (the direction between the radial inner and outer ends) is now perpendicular to the base 5’ and lid 5. The radial inner 63 and outer 64 ends of the floor panels 6 meet the lid 5 and base 5’ toward or at the edge of the lid 5 and base 5’. More specifically, they enter and cooperate with the groove 54, 55 in the lid 5 and base 5’.

In the first orientation, every second floor panel 6 extends in a first direction and every other floor panel 6 extends in a second direction. The first direction is where the radially inner end 63 (when in the geodesic dome structure, i.e. the end that may have the tongue) is in contact with the lid 5 and the radially outer end 64 (i.e. the end that is in contact with the ring, when in the geodesic dome structure) is in contact with the base 5’. The second direction is where the radially inner end 63 is in contact with the base 5’ and the radially outer end 64 is in contact with the lid 5. The floor panels 6 are shaped such that, when they are placed in the first orientation, the generally radially-extending sides of the floor panels 65 (i.e. the sides that extend generally radially when the floor panels 6 form part of the geodesic dome structure 1) contact the generally radially-extending sides 65 of the adjacent floor panels 6. The floor panels 6 are shaped such that, when they are placed in the first orientation, the floor panels 6 form a solid continuous wall of the kit 2002.

The wall 2002 follows the same curve or circle defined by the base and/or lid 5.

Thus, the wall 2002 is curved. The floor panels 6 are flexible between a flat, planar configuration (in the second orientation) and a curved configuration (in the first orientation). The flexibility may be provided by or improved by the grooves 67 in the floor panels discussed above.

The wall of the kit 2002 is made up of only some of the floor panels 6 used in the floor of the geodesic dome structure 1. The remaining floor panels 6 are housed within the housing of the kit.

In the second orientation, every floor panel 6 is flat and planar. The floor panels 6 all extend radially with respect to the ring 205, i.e. the radially outer ends 64 are located adjacent the ring 205 and the radially inner ends 63 are located toward the centre of the ring 205.

The plurality of components comprises a plurality of sheets 51 shaped so as to form at least part of the floor 1002 of the geodesic dome structure 1 and to form separating sheets for separating layers of the components housed in the housing 2001 of the kit.

The sheets 51 are circular in plan view. The sheets 51 are shaped so as to fit within the housing 2001 of the kit. The sheets are shaped so as to fit within the general circle defined in the floor of the geodesic dome structure formed by the inner radial ends of the radial beams and the inner radial ends of the floor panels (i.e. area 400). The sheets 51 are similarly sized to the lid and/or base, however the sheets 51 are slightly smaller. The sheets are sized so as to fit within the wall 2002 of the kit. The sheets 51 are sized so as to fit within the radial inner ends of the tongues 61 of the floor panels 6.

When in the kit, the sheets 51 form separating sheets 51 that separate layers of other components. This allows the components housed in the housing 2001 to be arranged in layers. The separating sheets 51 are parallel with the lid 5 and base 5’. When the kit is resting on its base 5’, the lower surface of each separating sheet 51 rests on a plurality of components and the upper surface of each separating sheet 51 supports a plurality of components.

When in the geodesic dome structure 1, the sheets 51 rest upon the lid 5 that is placed on the ground, and within the area 400 defined by inner radial ends of the radial beams 4 and/or the inner radial ends of the floor panels 6.

The plurality of components comprises a base panel 5’ of the kit 2000 that is shaped so as to form at least part of the floor 1002 of the geodesic dome structure 1 and to form the base 5’ of the housing 2001 of the kit 2000 when the geodesic dome structure 1 is disassembled. The base panel 5’ is identical to the lid panel 5 discussed above. When in the geodesic dome structure 1, the base panel 5’ is placed on top of the lid 5, and possibly the separating sheets 51, and possibly the tongues 61 of the floor panels 6.

The plurality of components comprises a plurality of packers 12, 13 for use as storage containers in the geodesic dome structure 1 shaped to pack around the other components in the housing 2001 of the kit 2000 when the kit 2000 is formed.

Each packer 12, 13 has an upper surface 121, 131 and a lower surface. These surfaces are parallel to one another. Each packer 12, 13 has a wall 122, 123, 132, 133 extending between the upper and lower surfaces. The wall 122, 123, 132, 133 is perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces. The wall 122, 123, 132, 133 of the packer comprises a portion 123, 133 that is shaped so as to fit closely to the inner surface of the wall 2002 of the kit 2000. This may considered to be an outer wall 123, 133 of the packer. This wall 123, 133 is curved in the shape of an arc of a circle. The packer 12, 13 also comprises a second wall portion 122, 132 opposite the outer wall 123, 133. This may be considered to be an inner wall 122, 132, since when the packer 12, 13 is located in the kit 2000 this wall 122, 132 faces inward. For some of the packers 13, the inner wall 132 is substantially straight. For other packers 12, the inner wall 122 is curved. There are differently-shaped packers 12, 13 present in the kit 2000.

The packers 12, 13 are hollow and may be openable/closable, so that they can function as storage containers when the geodesic dome structure 1 is assembled.

When in the kit, the packers 12, 13 are placed between the components and the wall 2002 of the housing 2001 of the kit 2000. The packers 12, 13 are shaped to prevent movement the components within the housing 2001.

There is a first packer 13, of which there is more than one. The first packer 13 comprises a curved outer wall 133 and a straight inner wall 132, such that the first packer 13 can fit between a straight component and the curved wall 2002 of the housing of the kit.

There is a second packer 12, of which there is more than one. The second packer 12 comprises a curved outer wall 123 and a curved inner wall 122, such that the second packer 12 can fit between a curved component and the curved wall 2002 of the housing of the kit.

When in the geodesic dome structure, the first packer 13 is placed inside the dome 1001 and the second packer 12 is placed outside the dome 1001. The packers 12, 13 are placed adjacent the walls of the dome 1001. The inner surface of the packers 122, 132 are placed adjacent the walls of the dome 1001, such that the curved outer surface 123, 133 of the packers 12, 13 faces outward from the walls. The packers 13 placed on the inside of the dome 1001 rest on the floor 1002 of the geodesic dome structure 1001. The packers 12 placed on the outside of the dome 1001 rest on the surface on which the floor 1002 rests (e.g. the ground surface). The inner surface 122, 132 of the packers 12, 13 is adjacent to or in contact with the ring beams 2.

The plurality of components comprises a plurality of dome panels 7, 8 that are arrangeable adjacent one another to form the geodesic dome 1001 of the geodesic dome structure 1. The dome panels 7, 8 are sufficiently strong and shaped such that the plurality of dome panels 7, 8 provide the geodesic dome with at least some of its structural integrity.

The dome panels 7, 8 form the geodesic dome 1001 when arranged adjacent one another in a certain orientation. This orientation shall be referred to as the erected orientation. The dome panels 7, 8 are arrangeable, in a collapsed orientation, to fit within the housing of the kit 2001.

The dome panels 7, 8 are generally planar. The panels 7, 8 are insulated or constructed of a heat-insulating material. The panels 7, 8 are lightweight. The panels 7, 8 are made of recycled plastic. The panels 7, 8 interlock together in a simple and intuitive manner so that construction is fast and easy even for people who are unskilled in construction techniques.

The dome panels 7, 8 are generally triangular in shape. The triangle shapes are the triangles that make up the geodesic shape of the geodesic dome 1001. The dome 1001 shown in the Figures is a 2V geodesic dome, and so the triangles are a mixture of equilateral 7 and isosceles 8 triangles that make up the 2V geodesic dome.

Thus, the dome panels 7, 8 comprise equilateral triangle dome panels 7. The dome panels 7, 8 also comprise isosceles triangle dome panels 8.

At least some of the dome panels 8 comprise a cut-out portion 8a. The cut-out portion 8a is a sector of a circle that has one of the vertices (i.e. the “missing vertex”) of the triangle 8 being the centre of said circle. The remaining portion 8b of the generally triangular dome panels 8 with the cut-out portion 8a is generally trapezoidal in shape. The trapezoid 8b is an isosceles trapezoid. The shorter of the parallel sides 80 of the trapezoid 8b is curved in a concave manner. This curve is the arc of the circle that is centred at the cut-out missing vertex of the triangle 8. The shorter of the parallel sides 80 of the trapezoid 8b comprises a runner 83 for attaching the isosceles triangle dome panel 8 to a bracing ring 9 (see below), which may comprise a complimentary groove 91.

Each isosceles triangle 8 comprises an identical cut-out portion 8a.

The cut-out portions 8a of respective panels 8 are such that, when the geodesic dome 1 is formed from the dome panels 7, 8, there is plurality of apertures 11a formed in the geodesic dome 1001. The apertures 11a are circular. The apertures are used as windows and/or doors 11. The apertures 11 are supported by a bracing ring 9 (see below). The apertures 11 have a radius equal to or less than the radius of the housing of the kit 2001. This allows the windows and/or doors 11 and bracing rings 9 to fit easily within the housing of the kit 2001.

At least one of the dome panels 8 that forms each aperture 11a comprises a hole 85 on the edge 80 that forms part of the aperture 11a. This hole 85 is used, in cooperation with a respective bolt 113, a hole 114 in a tongue of a window/door 11 and the gap 92 in the bracing ring 9 to secure the window/door 11 in position.

The dome panels 7, 8 are such that, when the geodesic dome 1001 is constructed, the geodesic dome 1001 is formed of overlapping pentagons and hexagons. The pentagons are formed by five adjacent substantially identical isosceles triangle panels 8. The hexagons may be formed of two equilateral triangle dome panels 7 and four isosceles triangle panels 8.

The apertures 11a are formed in the pentagons. Each pentagon comprises an aperture 11a. Each aperture 11a is in the centre of each pentagon.

The edges 74, 84 of the dome panels 7, 8, i.e. the edges of the triangles 7, 8 (or the edge of the trapezoid 8b), are chamfered. This chamfering is such that, when the dome panels 7, 8 are arranged so as to form the geodesic dome (i.e. in the erected orientation), the edges 74, 84 of the respective dome panels 7, 8 meet and can be supported by the edges 74, 84 of the surrounding dome panels 7, 8. The chamfering is such that the area of the inner surface of the dome panels 7, 8 is slightly smaller than the area of the outer surface of the dome panels 7, 8. The chamfering is such that the edges 74, 84 of the adjacent dome panels 7, 8 sit substantially face-to-face with each other when the dome 1001 is formed.

At least some of the vertices 72, 82 of at least some of the dome panels 7, 8 comprise a chamfered portion 72, 82. The chamfered portion 72, 82 is shaped such that a substantially planar portion 1003 (see Figure 10D) is formed around a location where a plurality of vertices 72, 82 of adjacent panels meet. The planar portion 1003 is circular in shape. The planar portion 1003 is on the outside of the dome 1001. The chamfered portions 72, 82 are such that they allow improved contact with a pressure plate 10 (see below) at a location where a plurality of vertices 72, 82 of adjacent panels meets.

These vertices 72, 82 also comprise a small cut out 76, 86 for allowing the connecting portion 101 of the pressure plates 10 (see below) to pass through the dome

1001. The small cut outs 76, 86 are located in the same vertices 72, 82 as the chamfered portions 72, 82 mentioned in the paragraph above.

The dome panels 7, 8 may comprise a plurality of base panels 7c, 8c. These are the panels 7c, 8c that are attached to the ring beams 2. The bottom edges 71, 81 of the base panels 7c, 8c attach to the ring beams 2.

The base panels 7c, 8c, on their bottom edges, each comprise a tab 71, 81. The tab 71, 81 protrudes beyond the generally triangular (or trapezoidal) shape of the generally triangular dome panels 7, 8. The tab 71, 81 is substantially rectangular in shape, and extends along the majority of the bottom edge of the base panel 7c, 8c. The tab 71, 81 is shaped such that is may cooperate with the slot 21 in a respective ring beam 2 to secure the base panel 7c, 8c, and the geodesic dome 1001 as a whole, to the floor 1002 of the geodesic dome structure 1. The tab 71, 81 slots into the slot 21 such that the edge of the dome panel 7c, 8c from which the tab 71, 81 protrudes may sit flush against the upper surface 25 of the ring beam 2. Said edge 71, 81 is chamfered accordingly to allow this to occur.

When viewed in the circumferential direction of the dome 1001, every second base panel 7c, 8c may be an equilateral triangle dome panel 7c and every other base panel may be an isosceles triangle dome panel 8c (which comprises the cut-out portions 8a as discussed above).

As can be seen in Figure 9, between the base panels 7c, 8c there are substantially triangular-shaped gaps 87. As can be seen figure 12, in each of these gaps 87, an isosceles triangular dome panel with a cut-out portion 8d is placed. The dome panels 8d placed in the gaps 87 have a lower vertex 88 located at the point where the bottom edges 71, 81 of the base panels 7c, 8c meet (which may be where two ring beams 2 meet) and comprise an upper edge 89 that extends substantially parallel to the bottom edges 71, 81 of the base panels 7c, 8c. The panels 7c, 8c and 8d form a first “layer” of panels 141.

A second layer 142 of dome panels 7, 8 is formed above the first layer 141. The second layer 142 comprises a plurality of dome panels 8e on top of the upper edges 89 of the dome panels 8d of the first layer 141. These dome panels 8e are again isosceles triangular dome panels with cut out portions 8. The lower edges 89’ of these dome panels 8e are in contact with the upper edges 89 of the dome panels 8d of the first layer 141. The lower edges 89’ of these dome panels 8e extend horizontally.

Between these panels 8e, there are substantially triangular shaped gaps. In each of these gaps, a dome panel 7d is placed. The dome panel 7d is an equilateral triangle dome panel 7. The dome panels 7d placed in the gaps have a lower vertex 78 located at the point where the bottom edges 89’ of the other panels 8e forming the second layer 142 meet (which is also where the upper edges 89 of the dome panels 8e of the first layer 141 meet) and comprise an upper edge 79 that extends substantially parallel to the bottom edges 89’ of the panels 8e.

A third layer 143 of dome panels 7, 8 is also formed. The third layer 143 comprises a plurality of dome panels 8f on top of the upper edges 79 of the dome panels 7d of the second layer 142. These dome panels 8f are isosceles triangular dome panels with cut out portions 8. The lower edges 89” of these dome panels 8f are in contact with the upper edges 79 of the dome panels 7d of the second layer 142. The lower edges 89”of these dome panels 8f extend horizontally.

The third layer 143 is the final layer. This layer 143 simply comprises a plurality of dome panels 8f on top of the upper edges 79 of the dome panels 7d of the second layer 142. The third layer 143 is substantially horizontal. The third layer 143 is in the form of a pentagon formed from said isosceles triangular dome panels 8f.

When in the kit, the dome panels 7, 8 are arranged or stacked on top of each other and fit within the housing of the kit 2001.

All of the equilateral triangle panels 7 (e.g. 7c, 7d) are substantially identical to each other. However, the base equilateral triangle panels 7c comprise the tab 71 and the remaining equilateral triangles 7d do not. This may be the only difference between panels 7c and 7d.

All of the isosceles triangle panels 8 (e.g. 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f) are substantially identical to each other. However, the base equilateral triangle panels 8c comprise the tab 81 and the remaining equilateral triangles 8d, 8e, 8f do not. This may be the only difference between panels 8c and panels 8d, 8e, 8f.

The plurality of components comprises a plurality of bracing rings 9 for bracing a plurality of the dome panels 8 that form an aperture 11a in the geodesic dome 1001. The bracing ring 9 is best seen in Figure 10.

The bracing ring 9 is shaped such that it defines the edge of the aperture 11a in the geodesic dome 1001. As mentioned above, the dome panels 8 comprise cut-out portions 8a that form an aperture 11a when the dome panels 8 are arranged into the geodesic dome 1001. The bracing ring 9 is circular and annular in shape. The circle is substantially the same size as the aperture 11a.

The bracing rings 9 comprise a groove 91 for attaching to a complimentary runner 83 on the dome panels 8 that form the aperture 11a. The groove 91 is shaped such that the bracing ring 9 can be slid in a circumferential direction of the bracing ring 9 onto the of the dome panel 8, such that the dome panel 8 and the bracing ring 9 are locked together.

The bracing ring 9 comprises a gap 92 where the groove 91 of the bracing ring 9 can be fed onto the runner 83 of the dome panel 8 initially. The gap 92 is a small gap in the circumference of the bracing ring 9. After this initial attachment, further sliding of the bracing ring 9 and the dome panel 8 relative to one another can then allow the groove 91 of the bracing ring 9 and the runner 83 of the dome panel 8 to be fully engaged (i.e. along the full length of edge 80 of the panel 8) with one another.

The gap 92 is also used for accepting a tongue 115 of a window and/or door 11 (see below) so as to help retain a window and/or door 11 in position.

The bracing ring 9 provides further structural integrity to the dome 1001. It helps to strengthen the dome 1001 where it may be weakened due to the presence of the apertures 11a. It is the bracing ring 9 in conjunction with the dome panels 7, 8 that provides the geodesic dome 1001 with a majority of its structural integrity.

The bracing ring 9 is attachable to windows and/or doors 11 (see below) of the geodesic dome structure 1. There is one bracing ring 9 for each aperture 11a.

When in the kit 2000, the bracing rings 9 are arranged or stacked on top of each other and fit within the housing of the kit 2001. The bracing ring 9 has a radius less than the radius of the housing of the kit 2001, and less than the base and/or lid 5 of the kit.

The bracing ring 9 is shaped such, at least when it is in position adjacent the dome panels 8, a slot 93 is formed for cooperating with a complimentary tab 116 of the door and/or window 11 (see below). The slot 93 is formed between the bracing ring 9 and the dome panel 8. The slot 93 is for holding the window and/or door 11 in place.

The plurality of components comprises a plurality of pressure plates 10 for securing the plurality of panels 7, 8 to one another.

The geodesic dome 1001 constructed using the above dome panels 7, 8, has a great deal of strength when force is exerted from the outside of the dome 1001 inwards. However, there may not be much strength when force is exerted from the inside outwards. To counter this, pressure plates 10 are provided. The pressure plates 10 prevent the dome panels 7, 8 moving in an outward direction when force is applied from the inside of the dome 1001.

A pressure plate 10 is located at each location where a plurality of vertices 72, 82 of adjacent dome panels 7, 8 meet (such as five or six dome panels).

Each pressure plate 10 comprises an inner portion 103 for locating on the inner side of the dome 1001 and an outer portion 102 for locating on the outer side of the dome 1001. The pressure plate 10 comprises a connecting portion 1001 connecting the inner 103 and outer 102 portions. The inner 103, outer 102 and connecting 101 portions are arranged such that the inner 103 and outer 102 portions contact the inner and outer surfaces of the dome panels 7, 8 (respectively) and hold the dome panels 7, 8 together to prevent relative movement of the dome panels 7, 8. The inner 103 and outer 102 portions are generally disc-shaped. The connecting portion 101 has a radius smaller than the radii of the inner 103 and outer 102 portions. The connecting portion 101 extends through the dome (though a small hole formed by the small cut outs 76, 86 of the dome panels (discussed above)) and connects the inner 103 and outer 102 portions together. The connecting portion 101 may be threaded. The inner 103 and /or outer 102 portions may be threaded. Hence, the pressure plate 10 can be tightened and loosened by rotation of the inner 103, outer 102 and/or connecting 101 portion.

The plurality of components comprises one or more doors 11 shaped so as to fit into an aperture 11a in the geodesic dome 1001; and/or one or more windows 11 shaped so as to fit into an aperture 11a in the geodesic dome 1001.

The door and/or window 11 is circular in shape. The radius of the circle is substantially the same as the radius of the aperture 11a and the radius of the bracing ring 9. The radius of the circle is less than the radius of the housing of the kit 2001 and of the lid and base 5 of the kit 2000.

The door and/or window 11 is supported by the bracing ring 9. The radius of the door and/or window 11 is substantially equal to the inner radius of the bracing ring 9.

The door and/or window 11 comprises a tab 116 that is shaped so as to cooperate with the slot 93 of the bracing ring 9 discussed above. The tab 116 of door and/or window

II is located at and around the entirety of the door and/or window’s periphery. The tab 116 allows the door and/or window 11 to attach to the bracing ring 9.

The door and/or window may be provided in two pieces 110, 111. These two pieces 110, 111 are substantially semi-circular. Where the pieces 110, 111 meet, there may be a small hole 117 through which a bolt 112 may pass. This is used to secure the pieces 110,

III together. The hole 117 and the bolt 112 are threaded.

The door and/or window 11 comprises a tongue 115 extending from its periphery.

The tongue 115 is sized so as to fit within the gap 92 in the bracing ring 9. Hence the tongue 115 is adjacent to and in contact with the dome panel 8g to which the ring beam 9 is attached. The tongue 115 also comprises a small hole 114 through which a bolt 118 may pass. This hole 114 is threaded. This hole 114 is aligned with the hole 85 in the adjacent dome panel 8g which is also threaded. These holes, in cooperation with the bolt 118 are used to secure the door and/or window 11 to the dome structure 1.

Regarding Figures 13 and 14, shown is a kit 2000 of the above-discussed components for assembling into the geodesic dome structure 1. The kit 2000 comprises the plurality of components that are assemblable to form the geodesic dome structure 1. The kit comprises a housing 2000 formed from at least some of the floor panels 6, as discussed above. The remainder of the plurality of components are housed within the housing in layers as shown in Figure 14. Every component of the kit is used to construct the geodesic dome structure. Every component of the geodesic dome 1 is present in the kit 2000.

In the case of 2V geodesic dome based on a decagon, the dome structure 1 and the kit may comprise or consist of: ten ring beams 2, which may comprise five male ring beams

201 and five female ring beams 203; ten ring beam connectors 3; ten radial beams 4; one base panel 5’; one lid panel 5’; four separating sheets 51; ten floor panels 6; ten base panels 7c, 8c, which may comprise five base panels 7c and five base panels 8c; ten panels 8d; ten panels 8e; five panels 7d; five panels 8f; six bracing rings 9; ten pressure plates 10; six door/window pieces 111; six door/window pieces 110; six bolts 112; and six bolts 118.

There are equal numbers of ring beams 2, ring beam connectors 3, radial beams 4, floor panels 6, pressure plates 10, base panels 7c, 8c, panel 8d and panels 8e.

Claims

Claims:

1. A kit for assembling into a geodesic dome structure, wherein the kit comprises a plurality of components that are assemblable to form the geodesic dome structure, wherein the kit comprises a housing, the housing being formed from at least some of the plurality of components and the remainder of the plurality of components being housed within the housing.

2. A kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing of the kit comprises a base, a lid and a wall extending between the base and the lid, wherein the base, the lid and the wall are made from said at least some of the plurality of components that form the housing.

3. A kit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wall of the housing of the kit may be formed from a plurality of floor panels of the floor of the geodesic dome structure, and wherein the plurality of floor panels are shaped so as to form the wall of the housing of the kit when arranged adjacent to one another in a first orientation and also to form at least part of the floor of the geodesic dome structure when arranged adjacent to one another in a second orientation.

4. A kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of components comprises a plurality of components for forming the geodesic dome, and wherein the plurality of components for forming the geodesic dome of the geodesic dome structure may be at least some of the remainder of the components.

5. A kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein every component of the kit is used to construct the geodesic dome structure.

6. A kit for assembling into a geodesic dome structure, wherein the kit comprises a plurality of components that are assemblable to form the geodesic dome structure, wherein the kit comprises a housing in which the remainder of the kit is housed, wherein every component of the kit is used to construct the geodesic dome structure.

7. A kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein every component required by the geodesic dome structure is in the kit.

8. A kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of components are provided within the housing in a plurality of layers, said layers being separated by respective separating sheets.

9. A geodesic dome structure constructed from a plurality of components, wherein the plurality of components comprises a plurality of dome panels that are arranged adjacent one another to form a geodesic dome of the geodesic dome structure, wherein the dome panels are sufficiently strong and shaped such that the plurality of dome panels provide the geodesic dome with at least some of its structural integrity.

10. A geodesic dome as claimed in claim 9, wherein the geodesic dome does not comprise any frame for providing structural integrity to the geodesic dome.

11. A geodesic dome as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the plurality of components are shaped such that, when the geodesic dome structure is disassembled into its plurality of components, the plurality of components can form a kit, wherein the kit comprises a housing formed from at least some of the plurality of components and the remainder of the plurality of components are housed within the housing.

12. A geodesic dome as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the dome panels comprise a plurality of generally triangular-shaped dome panels.

13. A geodesic dome as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, wherein at least some of the generally triangular-shaped dome panels comprise a cut-out portion.

14. A geodesic dome as claimed in any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the dome panels comprise chamfered edges such that when the dome panels are arranged adjacent one another in a particular orientation they form the geodesic dome of the geodesic dome structure.

15. A kit as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 or a geodesic dome as claimed in any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the plurality of components comprises:

a plurality of floor beams that are arrangeable adjacent one another to form at least a portion of a floor of the geodesic dome structure, on which a geodesic dome of the geodesic dome structure is supported;

one or more beam connectors that are configured to hold adjacent floor beams adjacent to one another;

one or more floor panels of the geodesic dome structure, the floor panels being shaped so as to form at least part of the wall of the kit when they are arranged in a first orientation and so as to form at least part of the floor of the geodesic dome structure when arranged in a second orientation;

a lid and/or base panel of the kit that is/are shaped so as to form at least part of the floor of the geodesic dome structure and to form the lid and/or base of the housing of the kit when the geodesic dome structure is disassembled;

one or more sheets shaped so as to form at least part of the floor of the geodesic dome structure and to form separating sheets for separating layers of the components housed in the housing of the kit;

one or more packers for use as storage containers in the geodesic dome structure and shaped to pack around the other components in the housing of the kit when the kit is formed;

a plurality of dome panels that are arrangeable adjacent one another to form a geodesic dome of the geodesic dome structure and are sufficiently strong and shaped such that the plurality of dome panels provide the geodesic dome with at least some of its structural integrity;

one or more bracing rings for bracing a plurality of the dome panels that form an aperture in the geodesic dome;

one or more pressure plates for securing the plurality of panels to one another; and/or one or more doors and/or windows shaped so as to fit into an aperture in the geodesic dome.

16. A method of constructing a geodesic dome structure as claimed in of any of claims 9 to 15 from a kit.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the kit is the kit of any of claims 1 to 8.

18. A method of constructing a kit as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1703205.3 Examiner: Mr Kunal Saujani