US2278956A - Building construction - Google Patents

Description

A ril 7, 1942.

M. WAGNER BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 18, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 7, 1942; v WAGNER 2,278,956

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 18, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INV ENT OR.

. 7 BY W April 7, 1942. M. WAGNER? 2,278,956

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 18,;1940 6 Sheets-Sheet s April 7, 1942'- M. WAGNER BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 18, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

April 7, 1942. H M'WAGN 2,278,956

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 18, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 B, I WOR.

April ,7, 1942.

M. WAGNER 2,278,956

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 18, 1940 6.Sheets-Sheet 6 II I rlnumlllll I Patented Apr. 7, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Martin Wagner, Cambridge, Mass.

Application September 18, 1940, Serial No. 357,268

18 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in building construction, and relates more particularly to a novel building unit which may be divided into one or more rooms, or mayby-side relationship and joined by intercommunicating passageways. In the event that more than two of such room units are desired, it is preferred 'to arrange the several units in such a fashion as to provide the passageways leading from a central unit.

' In its broader aspect, the invention relates to a completely novel prefabricated" building construction comprising a substantially hemispherical structure formed from a plurality of preformed panels, each beingof similar construction and being shaped in the form of a spherical triangle, the panels being joined together along their meeting vertical edges by novel interlocking means. Each panel is desirably formed in upper and lower sections, the

upper sections in all instances being identical in construction, and the lower sections including solid wall sections, sections with door and window openings, sections forming passageway openings, and other special sections containing closets, baths, etc. In relatively small building units a panel may be constructed in a single, unitary piece, whereas in relatively large units the panel structure may be formed inthree or more .sections', smaller rather than larger sectionsbeing preferred in order to facilitate handling-and shipping.

A particular object of the invention the pro vision of a floor-level building composed of single standardized room units of hemispherical shape which allow complete freedom'in orientation in respect of sun, vista, prevailing winds, privacy, etc., these results being achieved. by positioning the window and door openings in any part of the structure to suit the particular circumstances of the location, and likewise by placing the inshape, thus providing the least possible resistance to wind and gales, providing for the most rapid draining of water without the application of gutters, drain pipes, .or the like, and for the warding off of snow loads. A structure of this type absorbs the maximum amount of heat from the sun, during cold periods, and also provides means on the inside of the structure for gathering the dead air in the pinnacle of each room wherein it can be easily let off by means of a fan positioned adjacent to such pinnacle.

Yet a further object of the invention is the provision of an improved building structure comprising a plurality of suchsingle-room units which provide easy escape from the structure in case of fire, and the spaced single-room units connected through passageways function like fire sluices or bulkheads.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel type of building construction wherein the entire structure may be quickly assembled and dismantled, and, if desired, shipped to another location. By employing housing of this type the owner thereof is not required to purchase the ground upon which the structure is to be placed but may merely rent the ground, and when the period of efiective use in that location terminates he may dismantle the house, move it to another location by truck or other conveyance, and reassemble-it. The interlocking panel construction is such that the structure sufiers little or no depreciation as a result of dismantling and re-assembling.

A further important object of the invention is the provision of an improved type of building unit which is particularly adapted for temporary army housing, the room units being readily porttendrils, or special coloring. The steel-clad conearthquake, dust storm, and other perilous elements.' The wall and floor panels are constructed th a'iford a "maximum protection from heat in summer and cold in winter.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view, partially in section, of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a rear elevation thereof, the view showing an elevation of the window panels.

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fi 5 is a transverse vertical section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a broken vertical section taken on line 66 of Fig. 1, the view showing one preferred means of securing the upper and lower: sections of a wall panel together.

tary piece, although it is preferred to form the panel structure in an upper and a lower section Fi '7 is a broken section taken on line 1 1 of Fig. 1, the view showing one preferred means. of securing the meeting vertical edges ofthe lower sections'cf two wall panels together.

Fig. 'ZA'is a broken horizontal'section similar to that shown in Fig. 7 but taken on adifferent plane, the view showing adjacent wall sections in abutting engagement.

Fig. 7B showsa modified form of panelejoir'iing means, as well as a modified panel construction.

Fig. 8 is a broken vertical section taken"'on line 88 of Fig. 1, showing one preferred means'of securing a wall panel to a floor section. Figs. 9 and 10 are side and-front elevations, respectively, of an upper section of a wall panel. Figs. 11 and 12 are'side and'fro'nt elevations, respectively, of a lower section of a. wall panel;

'Fig. 13 is a broken horizontal sectiontaken on line I3I3 of Fig. 2. v I

Fig. 14 is'a broken section taken on line ll- H of Fig. 13. a n j Fig. 15 i'sa vertical section through alower section of a wall panel having a'windowopening, the

sectionbeing taken'on line' 15 -15 of Fig. 16.. I,

Fig. 16- is a front elevation offtliestructure shown-'in'Fig. 15; Y 17 is a vertical section through? lower section'of a wallpa-neI'liaving adoo r opening, the

section being taken" on line n 1 of Fig. 1B: Fig. 18 is a froht"elevation' of the structure shown in"-F .17L" w "Fig. 19 is a planview, i plurality of the individual housing un about 'a central'un'it and in spacedrela o to and t each, other Fig, 20 is a vertical section't k Qf g.19 v

line Il -2| of Figl19, l p Fig. 22 is a brokensection'taken ofFig.19. Y a

Fig. 23 .is 'a broken 'ho'ri'z'onta'l section ta through a portion of "the structure shown Fig. 19. Fig. 24'-shows a planyie'w of,an'ioi:l ifijed fo m dni line 22 joining together alongtheir meetingflve l.

edges a plurality of panels, each shaped'in the form of a spherical triangle. Each of these panels may, if desired, be formed in .a single uni-' 76 inciding with a great circle of the hemisphere passing through the apex. Panel 10 comprises a plurality of spaced sheets of material I9, 20, 2| and 22, and is faced on the inner surface with a sheet 1370f laminated plywood or other suitable material of this character, such plywood sheet -being'in surface engagement with sheet 22. The

several sheetsarepf the same shape and of substanti-ally th'same' size, and all sheets are bent to. form a curvature generally corresponding to thehemisphere I p V Outer jsheet I 9' f is preferably formed of black steel 1 sheeting of the or'der (11524 gauge, or thereabouts; fiheetlll serves 'as amoisti ire"barrierland 9; i fi i l h il g i i firefera rbin, pa er p o h xlib "m fi ia iw t t e-rj oq "sea ng f- 'er. jqr'ip' h' ma r a o no t .s s1$.a 1a s e l in the 'artg $het 2 If s a heat-reflec'ting'sheet, and this may be formed or] m t l; or metal co'ated "paper, preferably metal of a fsilver colonwhic'h has considerable ne t-r e tin avenues. Inner sheet 22' isa's'econd moisture barr-i r'fand'may be made from the samef'nra'terial as sh 2's beinglpositioned between strips i z] and. 2a,, a d if desired thisfstrip may project inwardly beyond the inner marginaledges'of strips 21 and 28. I-T'he' several rectangular frame sections, which. for 'cdnyeiiienc willb'e designated 2152a and 2 9.,- re.- tiv y,'wh "n-s uperiinpose d" one on the other comprise 'frame tr'ucture 26, -are preferably formed separately in the first instance, and injorde'r' to inipiart additi nal, rig dity thereto,;a um r; of or'iz o ntal 'stiifenin'g Qmernbers, 1'30 spaced" intervals 'alQ li nj h 'f tam r such m mb rS ri iii 1,112.?

,the fseveraljstrip are secured togethe nd in asse bling' II the outer: sheet,

ta farm d.

p I I dtliereto bwmeans of. nail ing or otherwis Similars'heets of: insulating material, are, now-, nserted in theopenings provided by frame section 29 and the heat-reflect.- ing sheet-2|; next positioned within the jig. Innermost framesection is next secured in place .by nailing or otherwise, and additional portions is. next placed.-

frame with the frame sections, may now of insulating material placed in the openings. The innermost moisture barrier sheet 22 is then superimposed on frame section 28, and finally the inner facing of plywood 23 superimposed on frame section 28. The several sheets, together be permanently secured together in any suitable manner.

One preferred means of accomplishing this is shown in Fig. 7 wherein a nut 30 is welded on the inner surface of sheet l9, and an elongated bolt 3|, the head of which is in engagement with inner surface of plywood sheet 23, passes through the several frame sections, thus firmly securing the panel into a unitary, rigid structure. This fastening means is preferred since the outer metal sheet I!) is not pierced, thus avoiding the possibility of moisture penetrating into the panel and thus reducing the effectiveness of the insulating material. I

The outer edges of the several strips 21, 28 and 29 forming the vertical portions of frame strucwardly to the very edge of the frame structure,

' whereas in the panel section to the left of the ture 26 lie on a single plane, which is at less V than a right angle to the outer surface of panel I8, to form edges l5 and |6. The upper rail of the frame structure 26 is shown in Fig. 6, and the outer edges of strips 28 and 29 thereof lie on one plane, forming edge 34, whereas strip 21 projects thereabove forming a flange or projection 35.

At each upper corner of the panel, strip 29 is recessed at 36 and receives one comer of an apertured panel-joining plate 31, through which a plurality of screws 38 pass. In Fig. 8 a vertical section through the lower rail of frame 26 is shown, strips 28 and 29 being formed as in the other rails, the outer edges thereof lying on a single plane and forming edge 42., Outer strip 21 in this instance is somewhat wider, thus forming a downward projection or flange portion 43. It will also be noted that the lower edge of this panel section is coveredby an extension of metal sheet |9'which extends around and covers such projecting portion 43, covering also" the lower edge 42 0f frame sections 28 and 29 and a portion of the inner surfaceof frame section 28.

Upper panel section 48, illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, is similarly constructed with a plurality of spacedasheets and a substantially triangular frame structure 49 (Fig. 6) constructed like frame structure 26 and comprising strips 50 and 5 I, the latter having at each lower corner a recess 52 which receives'one comer of plate 31, and an outer strip 53 of somewhat lesser width, and forming a recess 54 complemental to and which receives-projection or flange on panel structure l8. Vertical edges 55 and 56 are flat, and the upper edge 51 is likewise flat. If desired, the outer metal sheet may extend on its lower edge beyond the lower edge 54 of frame member 53, all as shown at 58 in Fig. 6, such portion overlapping the flange or projection 35 at the upper end of panel section I.

In the frame structures shown in Fig. '1, the central or intermediate strip 29 is shown as projecting inwardly beyond the outer strips 21 and 28. It will be appreciated, of course, that strip '29 on its inner edge may lie on the same plane as the inner edges of strips 21 and 28. This parpanel-joining means such intermediate sheets 20 and terminate adjacent to the inner marginal edges of strips 21 and 28. These are merely two means of constructing the panels, and it will be appreciated that such panels may be varied in other ways without departing from the spiri of the invention.

In assembling the structure lower and upper panel sections l8 and 48 are first secured together in the manner shown in Fig. 6, the spe-. cific means for effecting the connection comprising the plate 31 and the screws 38. Two panel structures comprising upper and lower panel sections l0 and 48 are now joined togethel in side by side relationship along their meeting vertical edges in the manner shown in Fig. '1. It was earlier pointed out that the respective vertical edges l5 and I6 of lower. panel section l8, and the edges and 56 of upper panel section 48, are flat and lie on a plane less than a right angle to the exterior surface of such panel sections, all as shown in Fig. 1A.

Along the vertical edges l5 and I6 of panel section III, and 55 and 56 of panel'section 48, there are formed a plurality of spaced, small semi-circular recesses 68, and accordingly when the meeting edges l6 and I5, respectively, of twopanel sections l0 are placed in meeting engagement there are formed a plurality of spaced apertures through which the securing means pass. One preferred form of such securing means between the meeting vertical edges of adjacent panels is illustrated in Fig. '7.

A plurality of internally threaded, metallic sleeves 6| are welded orlotherwise secured at their outer terminals to an elongated metal batten 62 substantially semi-circular in transverse section and forming edges 62 which engage an elongated strip 64 of rubber or other similar Weatherstrip material, the engagement between such edges 62' and the strip 64 being illustrated in Fig. 7A. At each point on the metal batten 62 wherein the metal sleeve 6| is secured the edges 62' of the batten are joined by a crossticular type of frame structure is shown in Fig.

6 wherein the intermediate strip 5| of frame. along the lower edge of upper panel section 48 is flush with the inner edges of strips 58 and 53. Moreover, in Fig. '7 the panel section lying on the right of the panel-joining means shows the intermediate sheets 28 and 2| as extending outpiece 63 which may be welded or otherwise secured thereto, all as is shown in Fig. 7. Batten 62 extends the full length of the outer meeting vertical edges of the adjacent panels, and a screw 68 having a specially formed head 69 is received in the threaded metal sleeve 6|.

' At suitably spaced points along the inner surface of panel l0 there are formed a plurality of small, cut-out portions 65 through the inner plywood sheet .23 and the moisture barrier 22, thus exposing a small, semi-circular area of the inner surface of vertical rail 28 of the frame 28. The head.6 9 of screw 68 engages a washer 61 having a plurality of spaced prongs on its inner surface, and it will accordingly be apparent that as the screw 68 is moved in the threaded sleeve 6| 8. firm connection between the adjacent panels will be effected. The head 69 of screw 68 is further formed with a threaded aperture 1| which receives a screw 12, which secures an elongated wooden batten 13 that extends the full length of the panel.

A broken section through the floor and foundation structure is shown in Fig. 8. The floor structure comprises a plurality of sector-shaped floor sections 11. Each section includes a sectorshaped grating 18, and a broken plan view of several of such gratings is shown in Fig. 1. Upon the grating is mounted a moisture-repellent sheet 16. The floor section further comprises a lower laminated plywood sheet 18 and an upper laminated plywood sheet 8|, between which insulating material 88 is positioned, the entire structure being formed around a frame, one rail 82 of which is illustrated in Fig. 8. On the upper surface of the floor ,section 11 a suitable composition flooring material 83 may be positioned. The outer terminals of the several floor sections rest upon cast iron footings 85, each footing hav-.

ing an upward projection 86 on the outer side thereof which supports an angle bracket 81 secured at its lower end to extension portion 86 by means of a screw 88.

The lower edge 42 of lower frame section 26 rests upon the. upper surface of the horizontal portion of this angle bracket 81 and is secured to the upper vertical portion of such angle bracket by means of a bolt 88, such bolt passing into an internally threaded sleeve 8| welded or otherwise secured at its outer terminal to the inner surface of outer metal sheet I8. ,A baseboard 88 is then secured to the inner surface of the panel section I8 overlying the outer periphery of-iioor section 11 I It will be apparent from the foregoing that the several panel structures comprising upper and lower panel sections are firmly secured together along their meeting vertical edges at their lower ends by means of the several bolts 88 just described. Moreover, the adjoining panel structures are further firmly secured together by means of plates 31 joining the several comer sections of the upper and lower panel sections. Accordingly, the batten strips 62 which are in engagement with the resilient strip 6I covering the outer meeting vertical edges of the adjacent panel structures are not designed primarily to impart rigidity to. the entire room unit.

In the event, however, that a greater measure of rigidity is desired along these meeting edges the structure illustrated in Fig. 73 may be emplsyed. In this sheet I8 of the panel stantially semi-circular in transverse section, and a strip of rubber or other resilient material 64' covering the adjoining beadings is engaged by means of a specially formed, elongated metal strip 83 having two spaced concave portions which engage the strip 64', which in turn engages the beading 82'along the vertical edge of each adjacent panel section I8.

Between the two spaced concave portions of strip 83 there is formed a fiat, intermediate elongated area 93' having a plurality of spaced apertures through which a conventional headed bolt 94 may pass, such bolt residing in the complemental recesses 68' formed at spaced points along the vertical edges of the panel I8. At its inner end the bolt passes through a washer 61' and its terminal is received within a nut 68'. The screw 12' in this instance, which secures the elongated wooden batten strip 13', is also received in the threaded aperture of the nut 68'. In other words, the head of the bolt is located on the exterior of the structure rather than on the interior, and the bolt is of such length as to cause its inner terminal to project 'only half-way or thereabouts into the nut 68'. i

The panel section I8 in this instance is shown in a slightly modified form wherein the intermediate moisture barrier sheet 2I is eliminated entirely, and accordingly frame sections 28 and 28 are replaced by a single frame section 28', and

instance the outer metal. section I8 is formed with, I an outwardly extending beading 82 which is suband I81 are'of sheet s In the single housing unit each structure comprises a plurality of the panel-structures of the typ Just described, each panel structure preferably being formed-in upper and lower sections 48 and I8, respectively, as previously described.

The upper panel sections 48 are of the same construction' in each instance, and special lower panel sections are formed for window and door openings, and for other purposes.

' A preferred form of panel I88 having a window opening is shownin Figs. 15 and 16, and a preferred form of lower panel section I8I having a door opening is shown in Figs. 17 and 18. Panel I88 comprises vertical side portions I82 and I83, a curved lower section I86 terminatingat its lower end in a lower/ edge I84, and an upper section I81 terminatingat its upper end in an edge I85. The upper terminal I88 of curved portion I86 forms a lower seat for a window frame H8, and the lower edge III of portion I81 forms the upper support for such window frame.

Side portions I82 and I83 are desirably formed of two sheets of laminated plywood -I I1 and H8, shown in detail in Fig. 13, and having a plurality of spaced recesses I I8 therebetween through each .of which a fiat metal bar I28 passes. Th two plywood sheets Ill and II 8 are desirably held in meeting engagement by means of a plurality of spaced bolts I2I. The several strips I28 are longitudinally movable in the several recesses I I8, and at the outer end of each strip I28 a hooked portion I22 is formed, such hooked portion passing through an aperture I23 in an elongated metal batten I24 similar to batten 62, and having a plurality of spaced cross-pieces I25 within which the apertures I23 are formed, and in the portions of the batten between such cross-pieces the edges of the batten engage a Weatherstrip I 26 similar to Weatherstrip 64.

It will be noted from Fig. 13 that inner plywood strip H8 is of lesser width than strip II1, thus forming a recess I28 to receive the marginal edge of panel section I8. When panel I 88 is to be secured in place the vertical edge I5 of panel I8 is positioned as shown in Fig. 13, Weatherstrip I26 and batten I24 properly positioned, and metal strips I28 drawn'inwardly in the following manner.

At its inner end strip I28 is secured to an internally threaded sleeve I 28. A screw I 28 engaging a washer I34 is received within the sleeve and the head I38 of such screw rotated until strip I28 has been drawn inwardly to a point whereina threaded aperture I3I therein, and a woodenbatten I32 is secured to the inner vertical edge of member I83 by means of screw I33 passing into suchhead. Sections I86 and I81 of panel structure I88 are formed of the same laminated construction as panel I8 in any of its several forms and the details of such construction will not be again set forth.

The outer surfaces 85 of such portions I86 1, indicated at I35, and likewise the outer surfaces of portions I82 and room unit, the outer ends vertical wall portion I58 is I03 are covered with sheet steel, indicated at I36 in Fig. 13. The window panel section I00, shown in Figs. 15 and 16, constitutes the preferred embodiment of such structure. It will be appreciated, however, that a panel section having a window opening may be formed by simply forming an opening of appropriate size in lower panel section I and placing the usual window frame therein.

Panel section IOI, illustrated in Figs. 1'7 and 18 and having the door opening therein, constitutes a panel portion I42 which may be constructed in substantially the same manner as panel section III with an appropriate opening I43 therein. A substantially triangular panel portion I44 having a vertical edge I45 and a curved edge I46 is employed on each side of the opening, the edge I46 being suitably secured to one edge of opening I43 in panel section I42., The two triangular panel portions I44 are together at their upper ends by means of an angular strip I41, and adjacent to the forward ends of such panel portions a vertical panel I48 is secured, such panel having an opening I49 therein which receives a door frame I50.

A substantially similar panel structure I54 is shown in Figs. 1 and 3 to form an externally disposed closet or shower-bath compartment. In this instance the panel portion I55 is constructed similar to panel portion I42 of panel structure IOI, and the triangular portions I56 ar provided with curved extension portions I51 forming the roof and side walls of the compartmen The outer edge of the compartment is closed by means of a panel portion I58 preferably having a window I59 therein.

Upper'panel sections 48 are of such size as to leave a small circular opening I63 therein, which opening receives a closure plate' I64 which may contain an air-conditioning unit or other ventilating device adapted to draw stale air from the interior of the structure.

A plan view of several interconnected individual room units is shown in Fig. 19, each of the room units being designated by-the refer ence numeral 9, the central unit, however, being designated as 9'. One preferred Lform of interconnecting means comprises a panel structure I54 identical with structure I54 in'Fig. 3, in each of the triangular side walls I56 being connected by means of curved, substantially rectangular side wall panels I68 joined together at their upper ends, as shown 'at I69. If desired, each panel structure I54 may be provided adjacent to its outer end with a vertical panel I having an opening I1 I therein, all as shown in Fig. 20.

In Fig. 21 a broken se tion showing the joinder of two floor sections 11, together with a vertical wall I68 is shown. The floor sections 11 terminate in vertical portions I through which a bolt I16 passes, such bolt likewise passing through a lower vertical portion having a horizontal portion I18 and another vertical portion I19. The lower end of member I68 is formed with horizontal members I80 which are joined to vertical portion I19 of angle bracket I11 by means of a bolt I82 which is secured within an internally threaded sleeve I83, welded or otherwise secured to a metal sheeting I84 surrounding the lower end of member I68.

The details of the means for securing vertical wall portion I58 at its lower end to a floor sec-' tion 11 is shown in Fig. 22. In this instance'the formed at its lower desirably secured,

' frame member .a plurality of bolts I91' pass into metal sleeves ing18- -A modified form ofsupport 2H) for the V I11 of an angle bracket drical footings 2I4,

' wall forming sheets end with a flange I88 I89, and an angle bracket I90 is secured to the cast iron footing 85 by means of a bolt I9I. A bolt I92, passing through the upper portion of angle bracket I90, is received within an internally threaded sleeve I93 welded at one end thereof to the inner surface of metal sheet 189. Fig. 23 shows an ing a closet section I54 to a lower panel section I 0. In this instance, wall I95 is secured to I96 in any suitable manner, and

I98 which in turn are welded to a batten I99 in substantially the same manneras is shown in The preferred embodiment of the triangular floor unit 11 was shown to include a metal gratfloor section-is shown in Fig. 24, the frame being formed from a plurality of metal bars' 2 which are substantially T-shaped in transverse section comprising a horizontal portion 2I2 and a vertical portion 2I3. The structure is formed in the manner shown in Fig. 24, the terminals of the several bars 2 being suitably welded together. In this instance the bars are mounted on cylinthere being formed a vertical recess 2I5 in the vertical portion 2I3 of each bar.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing described structures are capable of many changes and modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention thereof as defined by the appended claims. In other words, such embodiments, though presently preferred, are nevertheless illustrative only and may be changed or modified in any manner known to those skilled in the art, such embodiments being by way of illustration only and are not ,tobe taken in any lim iting sense.

What I claim is:

1. A substantially hemispherical building structure formed from a plurality of pre-formed panels shaped substantially in triangle and being secured together along their vertical edges, each panel comprising a frame and a plurality of superimposed wall, forming sheets, of substantially the same size as the frame-carried thereby.

2. A substantially hemispherical building structure formed from a plurality of pre-formed panels shaped substantially in the form of a spherical triangle and being secured together along their vertical edges, each panel comprising a frame structure comprising a plurality of superimposed frame sections and a plurality of spaced carried thereby.

3. A substantially ture formed from a plurality of pre-formed panel structures comprising upper and lower panel sections, which, when joined together, form 'a substantially spherical triangle having a convexly curved outer surface, such panel structures being secured together along their meeting ver-. tical edges, each panel section comprising 'a' frame structure and a plurality of spaced wall forming sheets carried thereby.

4. A substantially hemispherical building structure formed from a plurality of pre-formed panels shaped substantially in the form of a spherical triangle and means for securing said panels together along their vertical edges'each panel comprising a frame and a plurality of spaced wall forming sheets carried thereby, said panel securing means comprising a batten strip covering the inner and outer meeting vertical edges covered by a metal sheet alternative means of securthe form of a spherical hemispherical building strucpanel of spaced of the panels and a plurality means passing between such securing said strips in place.

5. A substantially hemispherical building structure formed from a plurality of pre-formed panels shaped substantiallyin the form of a spherical triangle and being secured together along their vertical edges, each panel comprising a frame structure comprising a plurality of superimposed frame sections and a plurality of spaced wall forming sheets carried thereby, heat and cold insulating material interposed between at least'two of said wall forming sheets, and a circular floor structure comprising sector-shaped floor sections joined together and supporting the lower edges of the panels around the peripheral marginal edge of said floor structure.

6. A building structure comprising a plurality of curved panel structures, each of said structures being .formed insubstantially the shape of an elongated spherical triangle and being joined to-' a plurality of gether along their vertical edges to form a sub stantially hemispherical building unit. the apexes ofthe several panel structures forming the apex of the unit and the edges opposite such apexes forming the base of the curved wall sections, each panel structure comprising upper and lower panel sections, each'section comprising a frame and a plurality of spaced wall forming sheets carried by said frame and extending substantially to the edge thereof, and a floor structure comprising a plurality of sector-shaped floor sections joined together to form a circular floor, the peripheral edges thereof receiving and supporting the bases of the panel structures.

7. A building structure comprising a plurality of panel structures, each being convexly curved on their outer surfaces and being formed in sub stantially the shape of an elongated spherical triangle, the several panel structures being joined together along their vertical edges to form a substantially hemispherical unit, the apexes of the several panel structures forming the apex of the unit and the edges opposite such apexes forming the base of the wall sections, .each panel structure comprising a frame and a plurality of spaced wall forming sheets carried by said frame, and a circular floor edges thereof receiving and supporting the bases of the wall sections.

8. A building structure comprising 'a plurality of curved panel structures, each formed in substructure, the peripheral of spaced fastening meeting edges and frame and extending substantially to the edge thereof, at least one of said lower panel sections having a door opening therein and another having a window opening therein.

10. A building structure comprising a plurality of curved panel structures, each formed in substantially the shape of an elongated spherical triangle joined together along their vertical edges to form a substantially hemispherical unit, each panel structure comprising upper and lower panel sections, each comprising a frame and a plurality of spaced wall forming sheets carried by said frame and extending substantially to the edge thereof, and a floor structure comprising a plurality of sector-shaped floor sections joined together to form a circular floor, the meeting corner portions of the upper and lower panel sections having a recess therein and an apertured plate being received at each comer thereof in one recess and being secured therein, and means for securing the lower marginal edges of each panel structure to the adjacent marginal edge of its circular floor.

11. A building panel curved outer surface and in the form of a spherical triangle, which, when a plurality of' such panels 'are joimad together along their meeting vertical edges, form a substantially hemispherical building structure, said panel comprising a frame defining the outer edges of the structure, and a plurality of wall forming sheets carried by said frame, the frame and the sheets constituting a load-carrying element.

42. A building panel provided with a convexly curved outer surface and being shaped generally in the form of a spherical triangle, which, when a plurality ofsuch panels are Joined together along their meeting vertical edges, form a substantially hemispherical building structure, said panel comprising .a frame defining the outer edges 01' the structure, and a plurality of spaced wall forming sheets carried by said frame and extending substantially to the edges thereof, the outermost sheet being formed of sheet metal and provided with a convexly being shaped generally the innermost sheet of laminated wood, a heatstantially the shape of an elongated spherical triangle joined together along their vertical edges to form a substantially hemispherical unit. and a circular floor section supporting said unit, each structure comprising upper and lower panel ections, each comprising a. rame and a plurality of spaced wall forming sheets carried by said frame and extending substantially to the edge thereof, the outermost sheets be n formed of metal. the intermed ate sheets being formed from heat-reflecting and moisture-resisting materials. respectively. and the innermost sheet being of fibrous material.

9. A building structure comprising a plurality of curved panel structures. each formed in substantially the shape of an elon ated spherical triangle joined together along their vertical ed es to form a substantially hemispherical unit, and a circular floor section supporting such unit. each panel structure comprising u per. and lower panel sections,- eachcomprising a frame and a p urality wall forming sheets carried by said o in he form of a reflecting sheet and a moisture-resistant sheet interposed therebetween, and a sheet of heat and cold insulating material interposed between at lea t two of said wall forming sheets.

13. A building panel provided with a convexly curved outer surface and being shaped generally s herical triangle, which, when a plurality of such panels are joined together along their meeting vertical edges, form a substantially hemispherical building structure, said anel comprising upper and lower panel sections.

ch section including a, frame defining the outer ed es of the structure, and a plurality of spaced said frame and extending substantially to the edges thereof. the nntermost sheet being formed of sheet metal and e innermost sheet of wood, a heat-reflecting eet and a moisture-resistant sheet interposed t erebetw en, the corner sections of the meeting ees of the upper and lower panel sections havw a. recess therein.

irms. and adia ent panels. together.

' A nrn fnhricfi"'-fid buildin structure comcal edges, at least one panel in each room unit being formed with an opening therein, and an interconnecting passageway joining such open- 16. A building structure comprising a plurality of spaced, substantially hemispherical room units and connecting passageways between such units,

each unit being formed from a plurality of curved, substantially triangular rigid panels, each panel comprising a plurality of sheets of wall forming material and a frame structure supporting such sheets, a substantially ground level, circular floor structure supporting each room unit and comprising a plurality of sectorhaped sections, each formed with a supporting frame and plurality of layers of floor forming sheets mounted'thereon.

17. A prefabricated building comprising a plurality of panel sections curved convexly on their outer surface and being shaped generally in the form of an elongated spherical triangle, and joined together along their longitudinal edges to 'form a substantially hemi-spherical structure. and a circular base supporting the structure. each panel section including upper and lower interlocking panel members, each member comprising a frame and -a plurality of wall forming sheets supported along their marginal edges by the frame. insulating material positioned between at least two of said sheets and at least two of said sheets having an air space therebetween, the sheets and the frame forming a loadbearing structure.

18. A building structure comprising a plurality of curved panel sections shaped generally in the door opening.

MARTIN WAGNER.

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