Coned Storage Dome

Abstract

A storage building is provided. The building includes an exoskeleton with an interior cover. The exoskeleton is formed from horizontal rings connected by trusses. The building typically stores particulate material, including grain and other crops. The exoskeleton bears the load of the stored material, and allows for storage of greater amounts of material.

1 . A storage building comprising:
 (a) an exoskeleton comprising a plurality of horizontal, spaced apart rings and a plurality of trusses connected to the rings; and   (b) a cover attached to the interior of the exoskeleton.   
   
   
       2 . The storage building of  claim 1 , wherein each ring is a different diameter and the rings are spaced apart to form a tapered building. 
   
   
       3 . The storage building of the  claim 1 , further comprising a floor, a plurality of base trusses and a means for connecting the base trusses to the floor. 
   
   
       4 . The storage building of  claim 3 , wherein the angle between the base trusses and the floor is less than 90 degrees. 
   
   
       5 . The storage building of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is made from fabric. 
   
   
       6 . The storage building of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is made from metal. 
   
   
       7 . The storage building of  claim 1 , wherein the building is conical. 
   
   
       8 . The storage building of  claim 1 , wherein the building is a frustrum. 
   
   
       9 . The storage building of  claim 1 , wherein the building is beehive-shaped. 
   
   
       10 . The storage building of  claim 1 , wherein the building is a cylinder. 
   
   
       11 . The building of  claim 1 , further comprising a conveyor on the exterior of the exoskeleton. 
   
   
       12 . The building of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one sensor attached to the interior of the cover. 
   
   
       13 . The building of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one aeration device. 
   
   
       14 . The building of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one vent. 
   
   
       15 . The building of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one access portal. 
   
   
       16 . The building of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one means for removing material from the building. 
   
   
       17 . The building of  claim 16 , wherein the means for removing material is a drain. 
   
   
       18 . The building of  claim 16 , wherein the means for removing material is a gate. 
   
   
       19 . The building of  claim 16 , wherein the means for removing material is a removal conveyor. 
   
   
       20 . The building of  claim 1 , further comprising a base and footings. 
   
   
       21 . The building of  claim 1 , wherein the exoskeleton is made from metal. 
   
   
       22 . A building for storing particulate material comprising:
 a) an exoskeleton comprising a plurality of tapered, horizontal rings connected by a plurality of trusses; and   b) a cover attached to the interior of the exoskeleton.   
   
   
       23 . The building of  claim 22 , further comprising a floor. 
   
   
       24 . The building of  claim 23 , further comprising a foundation extending below the floor.