System and method for modular construction of a dome structure and assembly components for facilitating same

Abstract

A system and method for creating a dome structure. The method comprises forming a plurality of sections, each section include a top shoulder plate, a bottom shoulder plate, and a plurality of ribs disposed therebetween. The ribs and shoulder plates have an arc-shaped cross-section. The method further includes placing at least two of the sections adjacent to one another to produce a first ring. Respective top shoulder plates, ribs and bottom shoulder plates are secured together. At least two of the sections are placed adjacent to one another to produce a second ring. The second ring is placed on top of the first ring, the second ring having a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first ring.

1 . A method for creating a dome structure, the method comprising:
 forming a plurality of sections, each section including a top plate structure, a bottom plate structure, and a plurality of ribs disposed therebetween, the ribs and plate structures having arc-shaped cross-sections;   placing at least two of the sections adjacent to one another to produce a first ring; and   placing at least two of the sections adjacent to one another to produce a second ring having a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first ring; and   locating the second ring on top of the first ring, and using a sufficient number of rings to produce the dome structure.   
   
   
       2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the top plate structure is constructed so as to include a top plate and at least one top shoulder plate and the bottom plate structure includes a bottom plate and at least one bottom shoulder plate. 
   
   
       3 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the sections are made of wood. 
   
   
       4 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , including assembling seven ribs between the top and bottom shoulder plates. 
   
   
       5 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the ribs at the top of the second ring are placed closer to one another than the ribs at the top of the first ring, while the spacing at the bottom is the same for the first and second sections. 
   
   
       6 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising applying strapping and sheathing to an exterior of the rings. 
   
   
       7 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising applying an insulation to an interior of the rings. 
   
   
       8 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , including providing two top shoulder plates and two bottom shoulder plates. 
   
   
       9 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , including securing the second ring to the first ring. 
   
   
       10 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , including providing fewer ribs in the second ring than in the first ring. 
   
   
       11 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , including affixing adjacent sections to one another. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 6 , including applying strapping at the interior of the dome structure. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1 , including physically securing the sections and rings together. 
   
   
       14 . A building dome, comprising:
 a first ring, the first ring including at least two sections disposed horizontally adjacent one another;   a second ring disposed on the first ring, the second ring including at least two sections disposed horizontally adjacent to one another, the second ring having a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first ring; and   each section includes a top plate structure, a bottom plate structure, and a plurality of ribs disposed therebetween, the ribs and plate structures having an arc-shaped cross-section, wherein respective top plate structures, ribs and bottom plate structures are secured together.   
   
   
       15 . The building dome of  claim 14 , wherein the top plate structure includes a top plate and at least one shoulder plate and the bottom plate structure includes a bottom plate and at least one shoulder plate. 
   
   
       16 . The building dome of  claim 15 , wherein the plate structures are constructed of a material selected from the group of materials consisting of: synthetic materials, natural materials, OSB, wood, hemp, metal, sugarcane fiber, and bamboo. 
   
   
       17 . The building dome of  claim 15 , wherein the sections are constructed of a material selected from the group of materials consisting of: synthetic materials, natural materials, OSB, wood, hemp, metal, sugarcane fiber, and bamboo. 
   
   
       18 . The building dome of  claim 15 , wherein there are seven ribs disposed between the top and bottom shoulder plates. 
   
   
       19 . The building dome of  claim 15 , wherein top ends of the ribs of the second ring are placed closer to one another than in the first ring, while the rib spacing at the bottom of the first and second rings is substantially the same. 
   
   
       20 . The building dome of  claim 15 , further including strapping and sheathing applied to an exterior of the rings. 
   
   
       21 . The building dome of  claim 15 , wherein the second ring is physically secured to the first ring, and wherein adjacent sections are physically affixed to one another.