Slip and lock system dome construction system

Abstract

A method of constructing a dome structure using prefabricated insulated panels with a unique edge and a slip and lock feature, which allows assembly without a skeleton rib or infrastructure; or an elaborate framework of internal scaffolding; or the need of rings; or the need for screws, bolts, clamps and glue. The sealed structure will present a seamless exterior dome wall where the panels are completely integrated, sealed, and locked with each other and the flooring to form a monolithic structure or a circular wall as desired. The exterior of the dome structure is quickly ready for insulation and a finish of concrete, stucco, synthetic stucco, or other exterior materials such as fiberglass panels.

1 . I hereby claim priority as to date of filing in accordance with Utility Provisional Patent application No. 60/367,150 dated Mar. 25, 2002.  
     
     
         2 . I claim a method of building a dome structure starting from a prepared flooring utilizing a plurality of prefabricated panels that are triangular in shape with a slightly convex curved base sufficient to form the circumference of a dome when all panels are in place. The panels may be made of lightweight concrete and rebar or other materials such as fiberglass, vinyl, hardened structural foam or wood.  
     
     
         3 . A method of building a dome structure with an open or closed top.  
     
     
         4 . A method of building a circular wall.  
     
     
         5 . The edges of each panel will have an approximate 45-degree angle slant, which will allow each panel edge to over lap the edge of the preceding panel by approximately 50% of the thickness of the panel regardless of the curvature of the panel. 
 One 45-degree edge of the panel will be external and the other internal:    The panels will be slipped into position in succession whereby the exterior edge of the succeeding panel will over lap the interior ledge of the adjacent panel that is already locked in place.    The first and last panel will be an exception to the edge lap over sequence of interior and exterior edges. The first panel will have two interior edges and the last panel will have two exterior edges to facilitate placement of the last panel.    
     
     
         6 . Panels may form a dome with the panels meeting at the top or have an opening at the top of a dome or form a circular wall.  
     
     
         7 . Each new panel is held in place, by the panels already in place, without the aid of scaffolding or skeletal framework.  
     
     
         8 . The 45-degree panel angles fit together to transfer weight and external forces in the same manner as a monolithic structure.  
     
     
         9 . Panels will be locked together by one or more keyholes molded into the 45-degree panel edge. 
 Keyholes will be matched to a keyhole in the slant edge of the adjacent panel.    Rebar keys will be inserted into the keyholes to lock each panel to neighboring panel.    
     
     
         10 . Panels will be locked to the flooring by rebar keys and concrete. 
 Sleeves imbedded horizontally in the interior base of the panel will receive a rebar key to lock the panel to a matching sleeve imbedded vertically in the concrete flooring.    Sleeves imbedded horizontally in the exterior base of each panel will be matched to a horizontal sleeve in the vertical edge of the floor.    
     
     
         11 . Prior to sealing the keyholes, seams, etc with concrete, the structure may be dismantled by removing the panels in reverse order.  
     
     
         12 . Sealing all sleeves, keyholes, keys, and flooring edges with concrete solidifies the panels into a permanent monolithic structure.