WO2009073000A1

WO2009073000A1 - Sidewall system for an air supported structure

Info

Publication number: WO2009073000A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/006990
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donato M. Fraioli; Alex Kogan
Original assignee: Ipd Sales & Marketing Llc
Priority date: 2007-03-20
Filing date: 2007-03-20
Publication date: 2009-06-11

Abstract

A sidewall system (10) for an air supported structure erected atop a foundation (F). The structure includes a fabric (B) which, when air is pumped under it, rises above the foundation and forms a roof for the structure. The system comprises a plurality of panels (12) spaced about a perimeter of the structure. One end (14) of each of the panels is secured to the foundation and is movable relative thereto. An opposite end (16) of each panel has the fabric secured to it. Each panel is attached to the foundation by an anchor () so the panel can be lifted upwardly from the foundation as air lifts the roof off the foundation. An outer margin (M) of the fabric is attached to the opposite end of the respective panels for the fabric to lift the panels off the foundation as the fabric is raised by the air being pumped in under it to the lift the roof (R) of the structure.

Description

SIDE≡WALL SYSTEM FOR AN AIR SUPPORTED STRUCTURE Technical Field

This invention relates to air supported or inflatable structures, and more particularly to a system for constructing a base or sidewall for such structures comprising insulated, rigid panels extending around the perimeter of the building. Background Art

Air supported structures comprise an inflatable fabric roof which is attached to a foundation or footing that extends around the perimeter of the structure. When air is introduced beneath the fabric, it extends upwardly to form a roof for the structure. This roof remains in place so long as a sufficient air pressure is maintained on the underside of the fabric. The foundation typically comprises a concrete slab having a series of anchors spaced around the perimeter of the slab. Interconnected sections of the roofing fabric are attached to the anchors to hold the sections in place as the fabric expands to raise the structure, and keep them there once the building is inflated.

With this current form of construction, the structure is subject to damage from environmental conditions such as high winds, etc., or from vandalism. Damage to the structure can result in its collapse, or the need to repair or replace sections of the fabric. This latter may necessitate collapsing the structure while the repairs are affected, meaning that whatever activities take place inside the building have to be suspended. A sudden collapse of the building can, of course, result in injury to the people inside it at the time, or destruction of equipment within the structure. Sometimes, if a portion of the structure is rent, the torn piece(s) may fall outside the perimeter of the building, causing injury or damage there as well.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a sidewall system forming a base for an air supported structure. The base comprises a plurality of insulated panels of a uniform height, width, and thickness. The panels extend in a side-by-side relationship around the perimeter of the structure. A lower end of each of the panels is attached to a foundation via anchor plates so that the panels can rotate upwarclly from the foundation as air lifts a roof above the foundation. A fabric envelope from which the roof portion of the structure is formed has its outer margin attached to an upper end of the panels. The edges of adjoining panels are connected together using a connector to form a continuous sidewall about the perimeter of the structure. A cable net system is installed over the fabric envelope and is connected to the anchor plates to transfer stress loads into the foundation.

Each panel includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a layer of a foam insulation sandwiched between the inner and outer layers. In a second embodiment, wiring such as electrical or fiber-optic cables can be routed through a panel, as well pipes for gas or water; while in a third embodiment, a window is set into the panel. At the lower end of the panel Is a liner which extends the length of the panel for use in anchoring the panel to the foundation. At the upper end of the panel is another liner for use in attaching the fabric comprising the roof of the structure to the panel. Rain flaps are installed around the upper ends of the panels to prevent moisture from getting inside the structure, and a sealing flap is installed around the inner base of the panels to prevent air from leaking out of the structure.

Using the system of the present invention, the roof and sidewall of the structure are assembled with the wall panels lying flat on the top of the foundation, or the ground. As an air inflation system pumps air into the structure, the structure is raised by the resulting air pressure created on the underside of the fabric. This, in turn, raises the panels off the foundation to a position in which they extend upwardly at an angle which is a function of the ultimate height of the structure. In their raised position, the panels provide a solid support for, and stabilize, the structure. Once fully inflated, lift loads from both the roof fabric and the panels are transferred to the cable net system. The panels further help prevent damage which might otherwise result from environmental conditions such as high winds, as well as vandalism or other damage which could cause the structure to collapse, injure people and damage equipment inside the structure.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. Brief Description of the Drawings

The objects of the invention are achieved as set forth in the illustrative embodiments shown in the drawings which form a part of the specification.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an air supported structure illustrating the sidewall system of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the system;

Figs. 3A-3C are respective front, top, and side views of a panel used in the system;

Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate connector apparatus for connecting adjoining panels together;

Figs. 5A and 5B are respective side and front views of an anchor plate for attaching a lower end of the panels to a foundation for the structure;

Fig. 6 is an elevation view of a portion of the system illustrating an alternate embodiment of an anchor for anchoring adjoining panels to the foundation;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the portion of the anchor shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is breakout view of the anchor indicated by the line 8 - 8 in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a side view illustrating another embodiment of the anchor;

Fig. 10 is a side view of another embodiment for attaching the roof fabric to a panel;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a corner construction for an air supported structure;

Fig. 12A is a side view of a panel illustrating cables and pipes routed through the panel, and Fig. 12B is an elevation view of the panel with a window in it;

Figs. 13A and 13B are respective elevation and side views of a tube attached to respective ends of a panel for attaching one end of the panel to a foundation for the structure, and the other end of the panel to the roof fabric; and,

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of an anchor plate about which a portion of a support wire for the structure is wrapped.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to the drawings, a system of the present invention for erecting a sidewall W lor an air supported structure S is indicated generally 10 in Fig. 1. Structure 10 is erected atop a foundation F and includes a fabric B which, when air is pumped under it, rises above the foundation and forms a roof R for the structure.

System 10 first comprises a plurality of rigid panels 12 which are spaced about the perimeter of structure S. One end, the lower end, 14 of each of the panels is secured to the foundation F and is movable relative thereto, as described hereinafter; and an opposite end, the upper end, 16 of each panel has a portion of fabric B secured to it, also as described hereinafter. As best shown in Fig. 11 , the panels 12 extend entirely around the perimeter of structure S, in a side-by-side relationship, so to form a substantially continuous sidewall W for the structure. Also as shown in Fig. 11 , the panels are of a uniform size and shape. The panels are, for example, twelve feet (3.65m) high and eight feet (2.44m) wide.

Referring to Figs. 3A-3C, each panel 12 is shown to have an interior or inner layer 121 and an exterior or outer layer 122, with a layer 123 of insulation sandwiched between the inner and outer layers. Interior layer 121 is made of a steel or aluminum plate, and can painted, or covered with a decorative material as warranted based upon the usage of the structure. Exterior layer 122 can be made, for example, of a storm proof plastic material, as well as a steel or aluminum plate. Trim pieces T may be fitted to the exterior of the panel along its sides, as indicated in Fig. 3A. Insulation layer 123 provides the panel with an "R" factor value based upon the requirements for the structure and as specified by a buyer of the structure.

In addition, the panels can include an electrical cable 23 or a fiber optic cable 25 extending through a panel, as well a water pipe 27, or gas or other fluid pipe 29 extending there through. This is as shown in Fig. 12A. Appropriate connectors or adaptors (not shown) are used to connect the cables or pipes routed through one panel to the corresponding cable or pipe in an adjoining panel. As shown in Fig. 12B, a window 31 can be formed in a panel. A door (not shown) for creating an entrance to the structure is made by removing a panel 12 from the sidewall W assembly and installing the door between the remaining panels.

Next, system 10 includes an attachment means indicated generally 35 for attaching an outer margin M of fabric B to end 16 of each panel 12 for the fabric to lift the panel off foundation F as the fabric is raised by the air being pumped in under it. Attachment means 35 first includes a liner 37 installed in upper end 16 of each panel for attaching the outer margin of the fabric to the panel. The sides of the liner are attached to the inner faces of the inner and outer layers 121 and 122 of the panel in any convenient manner; for example, by gluing, sewing, or sonic welding.

Liner 37 extends the length of the panel and includes a slot 39 extending longitudinally of the liner, and into the liner from an outer surface 41 thereof. As shown in Figs. 1 , 2, 3B, and 3C, the upper portion of slot 39 comprises a narrow slit 391 which then opens up into a tubular channel 392 at the lower end of the slot. The outer end of margin M of fabric B is folded back over onto the fabric and a longitudinal seam is sewn or otherwise formed along the length of the fabric to create a pocket 43 at the outer margin of the fabric. This allows the outer margin of the fabric to be received on a rod 45 which is, for example, a steel rod whose diameter corresponds to that of the tubular channel portion 392 of slot 39. The rod, with the fabric installed on it, is inserted through the tubular channel portion of the slot with the portion of the fabric extending inwardly from the pocket 43 of the fabric being received in the narrower, slit portion 391 of the slot. As a result, the outer margin of the fabric is now secured to the panel.

The length of rod 45 is such that it spans a number of panels 12 so that during initial construction of structure S, a rod 45 is first inserted through a length of the pocket 43 formed at the margin of the fabric. Next, the rod/fabric is then fitted through the slots 39 in a number of panels 12. Another rod 45 is then inserted through the next length of the pocket and this assembly is fitted through the slots in a next group of panels, and so forth. Although rod 45 is shown in Fig. 1 to be a straight rod of a given length, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the rod can be shorter or longer than as shown, and also that the rod may have a curvature or bend to it.

In Fig. 10, an alternate construction of the attachment means, indicated generally 351 , is shown. In this embodiment, the attachment means includes a bracket 47 which is mounted onto end 16 of each panel 12 for attaching the outer margin M of the fabric B to the panel. The bracket extends the length of the panel and has a U-shaped section 49 straddling the upper end of the panel. The section of the bracket is attached to panel 12 using, for example, a nut and bolt arrangement indicated 51. Bracket 47 further has an upwardly extending G- shaped section 53 forming a channel 531 in which a length of the outer margin of fabric B is received. Section 53 is generally rectangular in cross-section, so that the channel formed by the section is a rectangular shaped channel, and the section has an outwardly extending lip 55 against which the fabric bears when fitted into the channel. Fabric B has a rope bead D or the like extending along its outer edge. When the fabric is fitted into channel 531, the beaded edge of the fabric is extended over an outer edge of the channel. A rectangular shaped bar 57, sized to fit through channel 531 , is now then inserted into the channel. The sides of bar 57 press the outer margin of fabric B against the interior surfaces of channel 531 to retain the fabric in place. In addition, bead D bears against the bar which prevents slippage of the fabric out of the channel. Another embodiment of the attachment means, indicated generally 352 in

Fig. 13A comprises a concrete pipe 59 or the like which attaches to "T-Lok®" type fasteners 61 spaced along a liner 63 installed in upper end 16 of the panels 12. Outer margin M of fabric B is secured to the pipe. As shown, sections of the pipe 59 are connected together using an infusion type weld, as indicated at 65.

Regardless of which means of attachment is used to connect the panels and fabric together, system 10 further includes a rain flap 67 which fits or extends over the junction between the panels 20 and the particular means of attachment. As shown in the drawings, rain flap 67 is located on the outside of the structure so to prevent moisture from leaking into the structure. The rain flap extends around the perimeter of structure S and is attached, at its upper end, to the outer face of fabric B a distance inwardly from the outer margin of the fabric. The lower end of the flap terminates in a longitudinally extending bead 69. The height of the rain flap is such that when a panel 20 is connected to the roofing fabric by the attachment means, the lower, beaded end of the flap, hangs below the upper end of the panel. See Fig. 4A, for example. As shown in Fig. 5, constraint strips 71 extend along the outer face of the panels 20, immediately below the upper end of each panel, for securing the beaded ends of the rain flap in place. Each constraint strip extends inwardly from each side of the panel. Each strip has a lower end which is affixed to the outer face of the panel, and an open, flexible upper end which allows the beaded lower end of the rain flap to be tucked inside this end of the strip. When installation is complete, the rain flap seals the interface between the panels and fabric and prevents moisture from getting into the structure.

Again referring to Fig. 4A, system 10 also includes a connector means indicated generally 73 for connecting adjacent panels together. Means 73 first includes a pair of constraint strips 75 similar to the strips 71 previously described. Now, whereas the strips 71 extended horizontally across the outer face of a panel 12, the strips 75 extend vertically of the panels. A pair of strips 75 is used at the juncture between adjacent panels, the strips being installed along adjoining sidewalls of the strips. Each strip has an inner end which is affixed to the outer face of the panel, and has an open, flexible outer end which is located at the outer edge of the panel. Means 73 next includes a flexible connector strip 77 which is generally rectangular in shape and with both sides being formed into a bead. Once the panels are arranged in their side-by-side position, the beaded edges of connector strip 77 are fitted into the respective constraint strips 75 to lock the two panels together. When installation is complete, a semi-rigid interface is formed between the adjacent panels which keeps the panels together as the structure is raised, but which provides sufficient "play" that one panel can move or flex somewhat with respect to the other during this operation.

System 10 next includes an anchor means indicated generally 79 for attaching each panel 20 to foundation F for the panel to be lifted upwardly from the foundation as air lifts the roof fabric off the foundation. Anchor means 79 first includes a series of anchor plates 81 which are installed in foundation F. As shown in Fig. 1, the anchor plates are set into the foundation between adjacent panels 12. Each anchor plate has a series of spaced openings 83 which are below the foundation's surface. These openings are for the insertion of reinforcement bars ("rebars") 85 which are used to strengthen the foundation when it is poured, as well as to better retain the anchor plates in place. Each anchor plate further includes an above ground opening 87.

Next, anchor means 79 includes a liner 89 which, like liner 37, extends the length of the panel. Liner 89 is secured to the lower end 14 of panel 12 with the sides of the liner attached to the inner faces of the inner and outer layers 121 and 122 of the panel in any convenient manner; again, for example, by gluing, sewing, or sonic welding. The liner has a longitudinally extending opening 91 in which is received a rod 93 which, like rod 45 is a steel rod that is sufficiently long as to extend through a series of panels. During assembly of the panels, rod 93 is inserted through liner 89 of one panel 12, then through opening 87 in an anchor plate located between that panel and its adjacent panel, and then through the opening 91 in the liner of the adjacent panel. When installed in the anchor means, the panels 12 are rotatably attached to the foundation. This means that as air is pumped in under fabric B to raise roof R of the structure, as the roof rises, the panels 20 rotate from their flat, generally horizontal position to an upright position in which they are at an angle to the vertical. The particular angle is a function of the ultimate height to which the roof is raised.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 14, structure S includes a cable network comprised of a series of cables C interconnected in a grid or latticework pattern. The cables are routed over the outside of fabric B so that as roof R is raised, the cables forming the network stretch over the outside of the fabric. The cables are used to constrain the roof and transmit loads created on the structure into the ground. Thus, as shown in Fig. 14, an anchor plate 811 has a sheave or spool 95 on one side of the plate and a cable C is attached to the sheave. Now, forces acting on the structure are transmitted through the cable and anchor plate to foundation F and into the ground.

Next, referring to Figs. 6-9, a second embodiment of the anchoring means is generally indicated 791. In this embodiment, a ground track 97 is laid over the top of foundation F around the perimeter of the structure at the location where the panels 12 are placed. As shown in Fig. 6, track 97 can be in sections which are laid side-by-side. Anchor plates 812 used with anchor means 791 have horizontal tabs 99 which are set into a channel 101 extending longitudinally of track 97. The track has spaced openings 103 sized for a shank portion of the anchor plates to extend through the track and into foundation F. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, the channel can be a rounded channel 1011. If lower end 14 of the panels 12 are rounded, the rounded channel makes it easier for the lower end of the panels to rotate about the anchor means as the structure is raised.

Now, a pocket 105 is formed adjacent each bottom comer of a panel 12, the pockets being spaced inwardly from the comers so there is a strip of panel between each pocket and the respective sidewalls of the panel. An opening is formed in this strip of material to allow one end of a bolt 107 to be inserted into the pocket. One end of the bolt is threaded to receive a nut 109. The bolt is sufficiently long so that when adjacent panels are in place, the bolt is inserted through the opening adjacent one of the pockets, through an opening in the upper end of an anchor plate 812, and through the opening adjacent the pocket 105 in the other panel. Affixing nut 109 to the end of the bolt then connects the adjacent panels to the anchor means.

Further with respect to Figs. 6 and 7, it will be noted that a connector means 731 is used for connecting the panels together. As shown in these Figs., pockets 105 are also formed at the upper ends of each panel 12. Again, the pockets are spaced inwardly from the sides of the panels so there is a strip of panel between each pocket and the respective side. An opening is formed in this strip of material to allow one end of another bolt 107 to be inserted into the pocket. One end of this bolt is also threaded for a nut 109. The bolt is sufficiently long so that when adjacent panels are in place, the bolt is inserted through the opening adjacent one of the pockets and through the opening adjacent the pocket 105 in the other panel. Affixing nut 109 to the one end of bolt 107 then connects the adjacent panels together at their upper ends.

Referring to Fig. 11 , when the panels 12 are fitted in place, a section is left at each comer of structure S. Then, after the structure is inflated, comer panels 124 are erected at the comers to complete sidewall W of the structure. The comer panels are constructed in the same manner as the panels 12, but are generally trapezoidal (not rectangular) in shape. The panels 124 are of the same height as the panels 12. Rather than being attached to the roof fabric B in the manner previously described, an upper end 125 of each panel 124 is clamped to- margin M of the roof fabric using, for example, constraint strips similar to the strips 71 previously described. Further, since the corner panels are not installed until after the building is inflated, these panels are not attached to the anchor means previously described. However, in the same manner as previously described, the adjoining sides of adjacent panels are connected together. To prevent air leakage out of the structure, a sealing means indicated generally 111 is provided. As shown in Fig. 2, means 111 includes a skirt or flap 113 which extends about the lower, inner face of the panels 12, and is attached to the panel. The outer end of the skirt rests upon foundation F, or a floor (not shown) erected over the foundation. The upper end of the skirt has a bead 115 formed on it. This end of the seal is fitted into a constraint strip 117 that is attached to inner layer 121 of panel 12. The construction of the constraint strip is similar to that of the constraint strip 71 previously described. When in place, the skirt creates a seal preventing air from escaping from beneath the panels to the atmosphere and reducing the workload on the air supply system used to keep the building inflated.

As now described, system 10 provides a solid wall structure W for an air supported building S. The wall is comprised of panels 12 each of which includes a layer 123 of insulation between an interior wall plate or layer 121 and an exterior wall plate or layer 122. Each panel is anchored using anchor plates 81 and a common steel rod 93 that allows all of wall panels 12 to be assembled on the ground adjacent to each other. The top of each of the panels 12 is fabricated to allow a rod 45 to be used for joining the panels together and to an outer edge of a fabric B forms an upper portion of the walls, and roof, of the building after it is erected. Once the wall panels 12 are attached to the lower base anchoring means 79 and the upper fabric walls of structure S, each of the exterior layers 122 of the panels are fitted with constraint strips 75 which allow each of the panels to be joined together using a connector strip 77. Another set of constraint strips 71 allows for attachment of a rain flap 67 to the outside of the structure at the juncture between the panels and roof. Once the structure is inflated, an air seal flap 113 attached to the inside, lower end of the panels using a containment strip 117 prevents leakage of air to the atmosphere. After the building has been erected, corner panels 124 are fitted into place and connected to the panels 12 to complete construction of the sidewall. An exterior network of cables C extends over the fabric envelope of roof R, and sidewall W, to transmit stress loads in the structure into foundation F. The panels also direct loads to the foundation through the anchor plates to which their lower ends are commonly attached.

System 12 allows structure S to be quickly and conveniently laid out and erected with the inflated structure safeguarded from wind which could damage or cause the building to collapse, as well as from vandalism which could result in a building collapse. In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects and advantages of the present disclosure have been achieved and other advantageous results have been obtained.

Claims

Claims:Having thus described the invention, what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A sidewall system (10) for an air supported structure (5) erected over a foundation (F), the structure including a fabric (B) which, when air is pumped under it, rises above the foundation and forms a roof (R) for the structure, the system comprising: a plurality of panels (12) spaced about a perimeter of the structure, one end (14) of each of the panels being secured to the foundation and movable relative thereto, and an opposite end (16) of each panel having a portion of the fabric secured to it; attachment means (35) for attaching an outer margin (M) of the fabric to said opposite end of each panel for the fabric to lift the panels off the foundation as the fabric is raised by the air being pumped in under it; and, anchor means (79) for attaching each panel to the foundation for the panel to be lifted upwardly from the foundation as air lifts the roof off the foundation.

2. The system of claim 1 in which the panels extend entirely around the perimeter of the structure in a side-by-side relationship to form a substantially continuous sidewall for the structure.

3. The system of claim 2 further including connector means (73) for connecting together adjoining edges of adjacent panels.

4. The system of claim 3 in which the connector means includes a constraint strip (75) attached to each adjoining edge of adjacent panels and a connector strip (77) which attaches to each of the constraint strips to connect the adjacent panels together.

5. The system of claim 1 in which each panel has an inner layer (121), an outer layer (122), and a layer (123) of insulation sandwiched between the inner and outer layers.

6. The system of claim 5 in which the panels are uniform in size and shape.

7. The system of claim 5 further including at least one electrical or fiber optic cable (27, 29) extending through a panel.

8. The system of claim 5 further including at least one fluid pipe (23, 25) extending through a panel.

9. The system of claim 5 further including a window (31) formed in the panel.

10. The system of claim 1 in which the attachment means (35) includes a liner (37) installed in said opposite end of each panel for attaching the outer margin of the fabric to the panel.

11. The system of claim 10 in which the liner extends the width of the panel and includes a slot (39) extending longitudinally of the liner and into the liner from an outer surface thereof, and the attachment means further includes an attachment rod (45) received in the slot, a pocket (43) being formed at the outer margin the fabric with the attachment rod being insertable through the pocket, the attachment rod being fitted into the slot after being inserted through the pocket for the outer margin of the fabric to be secured to the panel.

12. The system of claim 1 in which the anchor means (79) includes a liner

(89) installed in said one end of each panel for attaching the panel to the foundation so the panel can be lifted upwardly from the foundation as air lifts the fabric off the foundation.

13. The system of claim 12 in which the liner includes an opening (91) extending longitudinally of the liner, and the anchor means further includes an anchor rod (93) extending through the slot.

14. The system of claim 13 in which the anchor means further includes a plurality of anchor plates (81) one of which is set into the foundation between adjacent panels.

15. The system of claim 14 in which each anchor plate includes an opening (87) through which the anchor rod extends, the anchor rod being sufficiently long to extend through the slot in adjacent panels to rotatably secure the panels to the foundation.

16. The system of claim 1 in which the attachment means (351) includes a bracket (47) attached to said opposite end of each panel for attaching the outer margin of the fabric to the panel, the bracket extending the length of the panel.

17. The system of claim 16 in which the bracket has a U-shaped section (49) straddling said opposite end of said panel, and means (51 ) for attaching said U-shaped section to said opposite end of said panel.

18. The system of daim 17 in which the bracket further has a G-shaped section (53) forming a channel in which a length of the outer margin of the fabric is received, and a bar (57) fitted into the channel to press the outer margin of the fabric against interior surfaces of the channel to retain the fabric in place.

19. The system of claim 18 in which the G-shaped section of the bracket is generally rectangular in cross-section and has an outwardly extending lip (55) against which the fabric bears when fitted into the channel.

20. The system of claim 19 in which the fabric has a bead (D) extending along the edge thereof and pressing against the bar when the fabric is fitted into the channel, the bead and the bar preventing the fabric from slipping out of the channel.

21. The system of claim 15 an anchor means (791) includes an anchor bolt (107) extending through an opening in adjacent sides of the adjoining panels, and means for securing each end of each anchor rod to its respective panel to rotatably secure the panels to the foundation.

22. The system of claim 21 in which the anchor means comprises a ground track (97) placed over the foundation around the perimeter of the structure, the track having openings therein at locations where the anchor plates are set into the foundation.

23. The system of claim 1 further including comer panels (124) installed at corners of the structure, the comer panels being installed after the structure is inflated.

24. The system of claim 1 including a network of cables (C) is installed over the fabric to restrain the fabric after the structure is erected, and the anchor means includes means (95) for holding segments of the grid in place against the fabric.

25. The system of claim 1 in which the attachment means each and anchor means include a tube (59) secured to the respective ends of a panel, and a rod insertable through the respective tubes.

26. The system of claim 1 further including trim pieces (T) installed on an outer face of each panel along the sides thereof.

27. The system of claim 11 further including a rain flap (67) attached to the outer margin of the fabric adjacent the juncture between said opposite end of the panel and the fabric thereby to keep moisture out of the structure.

28. The system of claim 12 further including a constraint strip (71) extending along an outer face of the panel, below said opposite end thereof, for securing an end of the rain flap in place.

29. The system of claim 28 in which the constraint strip extends inwardly from a side of the panel, has a lower end affixed to an outer face of the panel, and has an open, flexible upper end which allows a lower end of the rain flap to be tucked inside this end of the constraint strip for the rain flap to seal the juncture interface between the panel and the fabric and thereby prevent moisture from getting into the structure.

30. The system of claim 1 further including sealing means (111 ) to prevent air leakage out of the structure once it is erected.

31. The system of claim 30 in which the sealing means includes a skirt

(113) extending about a lower, inner face of a panels 12, the skirt being is attached to the panel.

32. The system of claim 31 in which one end of the skirt rests upon the foundation and another end of the skirt has a bead (115) formed on it.

33. The system of claim 32 further including a constraint strip (117) attached to the panel and in which the beaded end of the skirt is received, the skirt, when in place, creating a seal preventing air from escaping from beneath the panel to the atmosphere to keep the building inflated.

34. The system of claim 4 in which the connector strip is a flexible strip which allows each panel to separately flex while the panels remain connected to each other.