Strut arrangement for a geodesic dome

Abstract

A strut disclosed herein, where multiple such struts are configured to form a geodesic dome, where each strut includes multiple elongate rod members with multiple fastener-through holes defined on each of the elongate rod members. The opposing ends of each elongate rod member comprises a bolt hole, where each of the opposing ends of one elongate rod member is joined and fastened to other opposing ends of the other elongate rod members to define a hub, thereby defining a framework for the geodesic dome. Each fastener-through hole is configured to fasten a covering material of a predefined configuration over the framework defined by the elongate rod members, thereby forming the geodesic dome.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A strut, wherein a plurality of the struts are configured to form a geodesic dome, each strut comprises:
 a plurality of elongate rod members, wherein opposing ends of each elongate rod member comprises a bolt hole configured to receive fastener members, wherein each of the opposing ends of one elongate rod member is joined and fastened to other opposing ends of the other elongate rod members to define a hub, thereby defining a framework for the geodesic dome; and   a plurality of fastener-through holes defined on the surface of each of the elongate rod members, wherein each fastener-through hole is configured to fasten a covering material of a predefined configuration over the framework defined by the elongate rod members, thereby forming the geodesic dome.   
     
     
         2 . The strut of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate rod members are flanged elongate sections made of sheet metal. 
     
     
         3 . The strut of  claim 2 , wherein the thickness of the sheet metal forming the elongate rod member is variable. 
     
     
         4 . The strut of  claim 2 , wherein the flanged elongate section which define the elongate rod member further defines a channel configured to receive and attach a lumber section to provide additional strength to the geodesic dome. 
     
     
         5 . The strut of  claim 1 , further comprising a formed stiffening ridge defined proximal to the opposing ends of each of the elongate rod members, wherein the formed stiffening ridge is configured to provide additional strength to the hubs formed by the elongate rod members. 
     
     
         6 . The strut of  claim 1 , wherein the hub defined by the elongate rod members is fastened via the fastener members which are inserted through each bolt hole positioned on one of the opposing ends of the adjacent elongate rod members connected together. 
     
     
         7 . The strut of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener-through holes for fastening the covering material are configured to define a reference template for the manufacturing of similar covering materials which need to be fastened over the struts.