US0093285O2B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 9,328,502 B2

Neville et al. (45) Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
(54) DOME HUBS, DOME ASSEMBLY KITS, AND (58) Field of Classification Search
DOME ASSEMBLY METHODS CPC ................ E04B 2001/3247; E04B 2001/3294;
E04B 1/1903; E04B 2001/1966
(71) Applicant: Garden Right, LLC, Salt Lake City, UT USPC .......... 135/125, 135, 120.3,909, 98: 52/81.1,
(US) 52/81.3; 403/171, 176
See application file for complete search history.
(72) Inventors: Daniel D. Neville, Salt Lake City, UT
(US); Rex C. Haddock, Salt Lake City, (56) References Cited
UT (US) U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
(73) Assignee: Garden Right, LLC, North Salt Lake, 3,877,824 A 4/1975 Jury
UT (US) 4,026,313 A * 5/1977 Zeigler ......................... 135/143
4,077.417 A * 3/1978 Beavers ........................ 135,121
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 4,194,851 A 3, 1980 Littlefield
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 4,569,165 A * 2/1986 Baker et al. .................... 52.813
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. 4,679,961 A * 7/1987 Stewart ...... ... 403,341
4,981,387 A * 1/1991 Younjae ........................ 403,174
(21) Appl. No.: 14/511,086 (Continued)
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(22) Filed: Oct. 9, 2014
International Search Report and Written Opinion, International
(65) Prior Publication Data Application No. PCT/US2014/059963, Jan. 22, 2015.
US 2015/O1 O1645 A1 Apr. 16, 2015
Primary Examiner — Noah Chandler Hawk
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Parsons Behle & Latimer
Related U.S. Application Data
(60) Provisional application No. 61/890,101, filed on Oct. (57) ABSTRACT
11, 2013. A dome hub includes a body and a spoke extending radially
from the body. The spoke is configured to receive a dome
(51) Int. C. Strut. The spoke includes a strut band configured to receive an
E04B I/19 (2006.01) end of a dome strut. A dome assembly kit includes a strut and
E04B I/32 (2006.01) a hub. The hub retains the strut within a spoke without
AOIG 9/14 (2006.01) threaded fasteners when assembled. The spoke includes a
AOIG 9/16 (2006.01) strut band that receives an end of the strut when assembled. A
E04B 7/10 (2006.01) dome assembly method includes using a hub with a spoke and
(52) U.S. C. a strut band. The method includes using a strut and inserting
CPC ............ E04B I/1903 (2013.01); A0IG 9/1407 the strut into the spoke. The strut is retained within the spoke
(2013.01); A0IG 9/16 (2013.01); E04B I/32 II without threaded fasteners. The method includes sliding the
(2013.01); E04B 7/105 (2013.01); E04B strut toward a center of the hub until an end of the strut is
2001/1966 (2013.01); E04B 2001/3247 positioned against the strut band.
(2013.01); E04B 2001/3252 (2013.01); Y10T
29/49826 (2015.01) 21 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
 US 9,328.502 B2
Page 2

(56) References Cited 6,296.415 B1 10/2001 Johnson et al.

7,766,796 B2 * 8/2010 Pizmony ......................... 482.35
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 7,896,016 B2 * 3/2011 Shi ........ ... 135,147
8,820.025 B1* 9/2014 Rochas ........................ 52?653.2
5,255,993 A 10, 1993 Kovacs 2006/0291952 A1* 12/2006 Wood .................... E04B 1 (3211
5,732,726 A * 3/1998 Lee ............................... 135,156 403/217
6,032,430 A * 3/2000 Soukup ........................ 52?656.9 2008/0307720 A1 12/2008 Howe
6,108,984. A * 8/2000 Davidson .............. E04B) 2011/O168220 A1* 7, 2011 Prusmack ..................... 135,135
6,167,898 B1* 1/2001 Larga et al. ................... 135,137 * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent May 3, 2016 Sheet 1 of 5 US 9,328,502 B2

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U.S. Patent May 3, 2016 Sheet 2 of 5 US 9,328,502 B2

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U.S. Patent May 3, 2016 Sheet 3 of 5 US 9,328,502 B2
U.S. Patent May 3, 2016 Sheet 4 of 5 US 9,328,502 B2

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U.S. Patent May 3, 2016 Sheet 5 of 5 US 9,328,502 B2

FIG. 13
 US 9,328,502 B2
1. 2
DOME HUBS, DOME ASSEMBLY KITS, AND FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of a portion of a dome
DOME ASSEMBLY METHODS having a hub, a disk, a first cover, and a second cover.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED DETAILED DESCRIPTION
APPLICATIONS
The devices and methods herein relate generally to domes,
The present application claims the benefit of priority under Such as geodesic domes, and, more specifically, to a hub used
35 U.S.C. S 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/890, to connect struts without any supplemental hardware.
The devices and methods herein overcome some of the
101, filed Oct. 11, 2013, entitled “Geodesic Dome Hub 10 problems and disadvantages discussed above. Some of the
Devices and Methods, the disclosure of which is hereby benefits of the devices and methods herein include increased
incorporated by reference in its entirety. strength, reduced assembly time, the ability for a dome to be
BACKGROUND constructed by a single person, and reduced use of tools,
washers, bolts, and nuts in the assembly. The devices and
Dome structures are well known. Geodesic dome struc
15 methods herein also do not necessarily require flattening the
ends of struts before assembly.
tures have been used for greenhouses, event shelters, emer Herein, a dome hub includes a body and a spoke extending
gency shelters and even long term buildings, such as houses. radially from the body. The spoke is configured to receive a
Geodesic dome structures provide an efficient use of materi dome strut. The spoke includes a strut band configured to
als per square foot of space and are structurally stable in many receive an end of a dome strut.
kinds of extreme weather. Additionally, they are efficient to By way of example, the spoke may include an engagement
heat and cool because they do not have volumetric dead slot having a first edge and an opposing second edge with a
spaces exhibited by rectangular and square structures. gap between the first edge and the second edge. A dome strut
Geodesic domes known in the prior art are often joined by may be received within the engagement slot. The first edge
one of two ways. In the first method, the ends of struts are 25 and second edge may be configured to receive and retain a
flattened and a hole is drilled through the flattened end of each dome strut. The spoke may include a first arm and a second
Strut. A long bolt, washer, and nut are used to fasten the Struts arm. The first and second edges of the engagement slot may
together. The struts may then be bent to the correct angle. In be located on the first and second arms, respectfully. The
the second method, the flattened, drilled ends of the struts are engagement slot may have a third edge located on the first arm
connected to a common disk by a plurality of fasteners. Both 30 and an opposing fourth edge located on the secondarm with
of these methods require fasteners to hold the struts together. another gap between the third and fourth edges. A Support
However, it has been found that geodesic domes using band may connect the third edge to the fourth edge. The dome
struts with flattened ends may provide too little support for the Strut band may traverse only the gap between the first edge
structure. The inherent strength in a strut, such as in a cylin and the second edge.
drical strut, is greatly diminished when the ends of the struts
35 In some devices or methods herein, the spoke may flex in a
are flattened. Additionally, assembly of these geodesic domes direction normal to a longitudinal axis of the engagement slot.
may be cumbersome and time consuming. Each of these The strut band may be positioned at a first end of the spoke,
methods requires multiple builders to assistinassembly of the wherein the first end is closer to the body than a second end.
The strut band may be shaped and positioned to receive a
geodesic dome and the struts must be manipulated to form the 40 cylindrical end of a dome strut. The dome hub may include
correctangle. Tools are required to assemble and disassemble four to six spokes. The strut may be tubular, such as a hollow
the dome. These problems may result in increased costs, cylinder.
increased assembly and disassembly time, inferior structural In some devices or methods herein, the body of the dome
characteristics, and limited Structure size. hub may have a smooth top Surface elevated above the Support
45 band. The body may have a plurality of ribs at the first end of
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS the spoke. An inset may beformed by the ribs and may contact
a portion of a strut end when assembled. A recessed conve
Some embodiments are described below with reference to nience hole may be located in the center of the body. A disk
the following accompanying drawings. may attach to the dome hub through the convenience hole.
FIG. 1 shows a front view of a hub having 5 spokes: 50 Herein, a dome assembly kit has a strut and a hub. The hub
FIG. 2 is a prior art geodesic dome system having a plu has a body and a spoke extending radially from the body that
rality of struts with flattened ends joined together by a bolt. receives and retains the strut within the spoke without
FIG. 3 is a prior art geodesic dome system having a plu threaded fasteners when assembled. The hub may also have a
rality of struts with flattened ends joined together by a com strut band that receives an end of the strut when assembled.
mon disk and hardware; 55 By way of example, the spoke may retain the Strut without a
FIG. 4 shows a side view of the hub in FIG. 1; bonding material when assembled. The strut may have a
FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the hub in FIG. 1; depressible button biased in an extended position. The button
FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the hub in FIG. 1 with struts may be positioned to retain the strut end against the strut band
inserted; when the dome kit is assembled. The hub may be configured
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of the hub in 60 to receive the strut solely through an end of the spoke. The
FIG. 1 with a strut inserted having a button; dome assembly kit may also have a disk that releasably con
FIG. 8 shows a front view of a hub having 6 spokes: nects to the hub when the dome kit is assembled. A first cover
FIG.9 shows a side view of the hub in FIG. 8: may be positioned over the hub when assembled. A second
FIG. 10 shows a dome having a plurality of 5-spoke hubs cover may be retained between a bottom surface of the hub
and a plurality of 6-spoke hubs; 65 and the disk when assembled.
FIG. 11 shows the dome of FIG. 10 with a cover; Herein, a dome assembly method includes using a hub
FIG. 12 shows a disk; having a spoke and a strut band. The method includes using a
 US 9,328,502 B2
3 4
Strut having a first end and a second end. The strut is inserted fasteners or tools to retainstrut 170 within hub 100. Also, the
into the spoke and retained within the spoke without threaded devices herein might not use bonding materials, such as
fasteners. The strut is slid toward a center of the hub until the epoxy or resin. Furthermore, hub 100 may be configured to
first end of the strut is positioned against the strut band. receive first ends 171 of Struts 170 that have not been flat
By way of example, the first end of the strut may be inserted tened. This increases the stiffness of each joint for a given size
into the spoke at an angle with respect to the spoke. The of strut and reduces assembly time.
second end of the strut may be lifted and the strut pressed into Spoke 120 of FIG. 1 has an engagement slot 123, as shown
the spoke. A disk may be releasably connected to the hub. A in FIG. 4. Engagement slot 123 is defined by the side of spoke
first cover may be positioned over the hub and a second cover 120 extending along the length of spoke 120. Engagement
may be retained between the disk and the hub. 10
slot 123 has a first gap 140 formed through the side of spoke
FIG. 1 shows a hub 100 for use in dome construction. Hub
100 includes a body 110 and a plurality of spokes 120 extend 120 that is wide enough to allow for strut 170 to be pressed
ing radially from body 110. Each spoke in hub 100 shown in through first gap 140 as engagement slot 123 flexes until Strut
FIGS. 1 and 4-7 is identical and like features may be 170 rests within engagement slot 123. Together, the side of
described by identical reference numerals, even though, for 15 spoke 120 and first gap 140 formed through the side of spoke
simplicity, duplicated features are not numbered for every 120 create an open channel shape within which stut 170 rests
spoke. Even so, it is conceivable that individual spokes in when pressed through the side opening. The longitudinal
other hubs may differ from one another and, yet, still include length of first gap 140 may be between 1.5 inches and 8
some or all of the features described herein. inches, or some other length, depending on the dome size and
As appreciated from FIGS. 6 and 7 discussed below, a strut purpose. First gap 140 is defined by a first edge 124 and a
170 may snap into spoke 120. Alternatively, strut 170 may second edge 125 of engagement slot 123. Hub 100 may weigh
slide into a second end 122 of spoke 120. Spoke 120 secures less than 5 ounces when constructed of lightweight polymeric
strut 170 to hub 100. Spoke 120 has a strut band 130, which materials. Also, the use of a polymeric material Such as nylon,
receives a first end 171 of strut 170 when strut 170 is pushed ABS, ASA, PVC, or other similar materials may provide
toward body 110. If first end 171 of strut 170 is not in contact 25 Sufficient strength to support the applications for the dome, as
with strut band 130 when initially snapped into spoke 120, well as flexibility to allow for some movement of hub 100
then strut 170 may be pushed toward body 110. Strut band without failure. This may be beneficial when there are high
130 is a semi-circular band against which a cylindrical strut winds or if a large object were to collide into the dome. This
rests when fully pressed toward body 110. Alternatively, a flexibility also allows first edge 124 and second edge 125 of
strut band may be in a different position and/or have a differ 30 engagement slot 123 to flex apart such that strut 170 may be
ent shape. pressed into engagement slot 123.
Body 110 and spokes 120 may be integrally connected to In some devices herein, a first slit 141 extends from first
form a one piece hub 100. This may be accomplished by edge 124 and a second slit 142 extends from second edge 125
creating molds that can be injected with an appropriate mate of engagement slot 123. Additional slits may be provided as
rial, such as ABS, ASA, or PVC. 35 shown in FIG. 4 at first edge 124 and second edge 125. Using
As in FIG. 1, spoke 120 has a first end 121 closer to the one slitat first edge 124 and one slit at second edge 125 allows
center of body 110 than second end 122. The shape of spoke more flex in engagement slot 123. With no slits, engagement
120 permits strut 170 to be received within spoke 120. For slot 123 would flex less in comparison. With additional slits,
example, spoke 120 may be sized and formed of a material engagement slot 123 would flex more in comparison to the
sufficient to flex open to receive strut 170 and to flex closed to 40 one-slit design.
retain strut 170. Strut 120 may be shaped and positioned to Engagement slot 123 may form a type of open clasp that is
receive a cylindrical strut 170. Strut band 130 may be posi slightly smaller than strut 170 retained within engagement
tioned near first end 121 of spoke 120 and retain strut 170 slot 123. When strut 170 is pressed into place, the clasp flexes
within spoke 120. open to receive strut 170 and then encloses around strut 170,
FIGS. 2 and 3 show known geodesic domejoints. As shown 45 gripping strut 170 in place. A balance of rigidity to grip strut
in FIG. 2, a known design for a geodesic dome joint 200 is to 170 and flexibility to receive strut 170, such as promoted with
flatten an end 210 of a strut 240. A hole (not shown) may then first slit 141 and second slit 142, may be designed to provide
be drilled through the flattened end 210 of strut 240. The holes the described clasp. With the features of hub 100 described
in struts 240 are then aligned and a bolt 230 passed through herein, the design of hub 100 may easily adjust the balance of
the holes and secured with a nut and washer. A builder may 50 rigidity and flexibility to allow for changes in type of use,
manipulate the angle between struts 240 before the nut is fully material of construction, etc.
tightened onto bolt 230. This assembly method often requires Engagement slot 123 may be open on only one side. In
multiple builders and tools, such as wrenches or screwdrivers, other configurations, spoke 120 may have a first arm 150 and
to assemble. a second arm 155 forming engagement slot 123. These arms
FIG. 3 illustrates another known geodesic dome joint 300 55 reduce the weight of the hub when compared to a solid spoke
having struts 350 with flattened ends 310 and holes (not configuration and permit design offlexing properties. As will
shown) formed therein. Instead of a single bolt being used to be appreciated from the discussion below, the open spoke
secure all of struts 350 together, each strut350 is individually structure with first arm 150 and second arm 155 may be
secured to a common disk 340 using a fastener 330, such as a adjusted to allow more or less gripping pressure on strut 170
rivet or bolt and nut. The angle between struts 350 can be 60 by the clasp formed from engagement slot 123.
adjusted by bending struts 350 or rotating about fastener 330. First arm 150 may be a first arc and secondarm 155 may be
Similar to joint 200 shown in FIG. 2, joint 300 requires a second arc partially defining a cylindrical engagement slot.
multiple builders and tools to assemble. Similar features on first arm 150 and second arm 155 may be
Use of joints 200 or 300 may result in substantially longer equidistant from the center of engagement slot 123. First gap
assembly times. In contrast, the hubs herein may be 65 140 is defined by first edge 124 of engagement slot 123
assembled without any hardware, such as bolts and nuts, or located on first arm 150 and second edge 125 of engagement
tools. For example, the devices herein might not use threaded slot 123 located on second arm 155, as shown in FIG. 5. First
 US 9,328,502 B2
5 6
edge 124 of first arm 150 and second edge 125 of second arm strut 170 slides toward the center of hub body 110 until a
155 may flex to receive and retain strut 170 within engage portion on first end 171 of strut 170 fits securely against strut
ment slot 123. band 130. The benefit of using opening 195 as described
In some configurations, a third edge 152 of first arm 150 presents one reason for strut band 130 traversing first gap 140,
and a fourth edge 157 of second arm 155 may also form a but not traversing second gap 165. If strut band 130 traversed
second gap 165. Spoke 120 may include support bands 160 second gap 165, then it would cover part or all of opening 195.
connecting third edge 152 of first arm 150 to fourth edge 157 Strut 170 may be additionally secured within spoke 120 by
of second arm 155. Support bands 160 may traverse second button 173 (described below).
gap 165, but not traverse first gap 140 so that strut 170 may Spokes 120 may be connected with a webbing 180 to
still be received within engagement slot 123. The dimensions 10
provide added support between spokes 120. Webbing 180
and number of support bands 160 influences the flexibility of may contain web apertures 181 to reduce the weight of hub
engagement slot 123 in receiving strut 170 as well as the 100. An edge 182 of web aperture 181 may be thicker and
flexibility of spoke 120 with respect to body 110 during and provide additional Support and rigidity as appreciated from
after dome assembly. An increased support band 160 width
along the longitudinal direction of spoke 120 decreases flex 15 the description herein. Tie apertures 190 shown in FIG.6 may
ibility. An increased thickness of support band 160 from be provided at second ends 122 of spokes 120 and may be
engagement slot 123 upward also decreases flexibility. An used in conjunction with a tie. Such as a cable tie, to secure
increased number of support bands further decreases flexibil struts 170 to second ends 122 of spokes 120. A tie to apertures
ity. 190 beneficially increases the resistance to pushing strut 170
The angle between the adjacent spokes of a hub as well as out between first edge 124 and second edge 125 at second end
the angle of downward slope may be determined by the spe 122 of spoke 120.
cific dome design. For example, the dome may have a fre FIG. 6 shows a joint 199 for constructing a dome. Joint 199
quency 2 (2V), frequency 3 (3V), level 3 (L3), or other geo is created by retaining a plurality of struts 170 within hub 100.
desic dome design with the spoke angles in the hub matched Unlike known dome joints, a dome using hub 100 and other
with the Strut angles of one of the particular designs. Instead, 25 hubs described herein may be assembled without tools. To
the angle between adjacent spokes may be the average angle assemble joint 199 a user first inserts strut 170 into spoke 120.
between struts for a desired dome design. Although the aver The user then pushes strut 170 towards the center of hub body
age angle may be the same between each spoke, the hub may 110 until first end 171 of strut 170 is retained within Strut band
flex to accommodate the different angles between struts for 130.
particular geodesic dome designs. For example, the same hub 30 As one example, strut 170 is inserted into spoke 120 by
herein may be used in a 3V. 4V, and L3 geodesic dome passing strut 170 through first gap 140 in spoke 120. The
because the spokes may flex and accommodate the somewhat edges of first gap 140 flex open to allow passage of strut 170
different strut angles in one of the dome designs compared to and flex closed to retain strut 170 within spoke 120. Stated
the others. another way, strut 170 is pressed through first gap 140 until it
The hub herein provides sufficient flexibility, due to the use 35 Snaps into place.
of polymeric material and its design, to build domes of all As another example, strut band 130 and support band 160
sizes. For example, the spoke may flex Such that the same hub closest to the center of body 110 may be offset and form
configuration may be used to build a dome three feet in opening 195. The user may insert first end 171 of strut 170
diameter or a dome sixty feet in diameter even though the into opening 195 and lift a second end 172 of the strut until
different diameters produce a different angle of downward 40 first end 171 rests against strut band 130. The user may then
slope at the Strutjoints. The spoke may flex to press a strut into lift second end 172 until strut 170 is pressed into spoke 120.
the spoke when a rigid spoke would be prohibited from doing FIG. 7 illustrates a partially assembled dome joint 199.
SO. Hub 100 may join multiple struts 170 together. Struts 170
Even though the individual angles of the connecting poles/ may be made out of aluminum alloy (such as aircraft grade
Struts in a dome vary, domes hereinare able to use just one hub 45 6000 or 7500 series alloys), steel, PVC, copper, thermoplastic
design for all six-spoke joints, one hub design for all five pipe, or a number of other materials. Strut 170 may have a
spoke hubs, and one hub design for all four-spoke hubs in the button 173. Button 173 may be biased in an extended posi
dome. The reason for this is that the hubs are flexible and the tion, such as by a spring. The user depresses button 173 while
hub spokes are able to move enough to easily accommodate inserting strut 170 into spoke 120. Once the user has inserted
different angles. Individual spoke angles may be different 50 first end 171 of strut 170 into strut band 130, button 173
from one another. Spokes may be labeled to identify the returns to its biased extended position and retains strut end
correct connecting configuration. 171 against strut band 130. Button 173 rests against a portion
In one example shown in the FIGS. 1 and 4-9, strut band of hub 100, such as support band 160, and provides tension
130 is positioned near first end 121 of spoke 120. The end of pullout resistance for assembled joint 199. Support band 160
Strut 170 fits within Strut band 130. Strut band 130 resists 55 may include a notch (not shown) in which button 173 is
compressive loads that are transferred from the exterior of the positioned to reduce rotation of the strut within spoke 120. To
dome. Strut band 130 may be at least 0.25 inches in width remove strut 170, the user may depress button 173 and extract
along the longitudinal direction of spoke 120, but may be as Strut 170.
wide as 2 inches, or some other width, depending on the dome With the use of button 173, it is conceivable that spoke 120
size and purpose. As seen in FIG. 4, strut band 130 may 60 may have a shorter length than shown in the Figures and strut
traverse first gap 140, but not traverse second gap 165. 170 may be positioned within spoke 120 solely by sliding
A part of second gap 165 may include an opening 195 next strut 170 into second end 122 of spoke 120. Instead of pro
to body 110 defined by an offset between strut band 130 and viding engagement slot 123, Support bands similar or identi
support band 160 closest to the center of body 110. Opening cal to support bands 160 may traverse first gap 140 from first
195 may permit strut 170 to be inserted into spoke 120 from 65 edge 124 to second edge 125. The shorter length of spoke 120
below into opening 195 at an angle before being snapped into may be sufficient to receive end 171 of strut 170 and secure
place. Once strut 170 has been positioned within spoke 120, strut 170 within spoke 120 by button 173 resting against a
 US 9,328,502 B2
7 8
portion of hub 100. First gap 140 may beneficially reduce the created using partial hubs 535 accommodating a fewer num
weight of hub 100, but may not be configured to receive strut ber of struts, such as four, as shown. In light of the uses for
170. domes disclosed above, it may be beneficial to provide cov
As discussed above, joints using the hubs herein provide a ering 460 over the dome as shown in FIG. 11. Likewise, it
benefit over prior artjoints and enable a single person to more may be beneficial to provide a covering 450 inside the dome,
efficiently build or disassemble a geodesic frame without the which may be accomplished through the use of a disk 470.
use of tools or hardware. For example, a dome 24 feet in A disk 470, shown in FIG. 12, may be connected to hub
diameter having 120 struts and 46 hubs may be built in 100. Disk 470 may have a concave shape that corresponds
approximately one to two hours. The dome may become with the shape of a bottom surface 440 of hub 106. Disk 470
completely freestanding without the use of tools or hardware. 10 may be connected to convenience hole 400 of hub 100. Disk
The same dome may be disassembled in approximately 470 may have a center hole 475 and a bolt may be passed
twenty minutes. If desired after assembling a freestanding, through center hole 475 of disk 470 and convenience hole 400
otherwise complete dome, then struts may be additionally of hub 100. A washer and nut may secure disk 470 to hub 100.
secured by using tie apertures 190 and/or disk 470 (described By way of example, disk 470 may cover a portion of first gap
below). 15 140 and lock strut 170 from disengaging with spoke 120. Disk
Hub 100 may include stepped ribs 112 shown in FIGS. 7 470 may provide support to hub 100 and resist the bending
and 9 on body 110 at first end 121 of spoke 120. Ribs 112 may forces within Strut 170.
form an inset 113 into which a portion of first end 171 of FIG. 13 shows a dome assembly. Second cover 450 may be
inserted strut 170 fits. Inset 113 resists tensile loads that are secured to the inside of a dome. Second cover 450 may be
transferred from the interior of the dome. In other words, inset placed between disk 470 and hub 100, such that when disk
113 reduces slipping between strut 170 and hub 100 when 470 is connected to hub 100, second cover 450 is held
strut 170 is pushed into tension from inside the dome. Ribs securely in place. First cover 460 may also be placed over the
112 beneficially resist bending loads on the opposite ends of dome. The cover material and the air cushion created between
Struts 170. Such as during assembly. As one example, a cylin second cover 450 and first cover 460 provides insulation that
drical strut may be received within a semicircular inset and 25 may keep the space inside the dome warmer when the weather
contact the inset only at the top portion of the strut end. A is cold and keep the space inside the dome cooler when the
bottom portion of the cylindrical strut end may be retained weather is hot. Additionally, first cover 460 may provide
against strut band 130 by inset 113. weatherproofing.
FIGS. 8 and 9 show a hub 106 having six spokes 120. Other The hubs in the Figures are examples. Hubs may be larger
than including six spokes, hub 106 may include all the same 30 or smaller, may be designed to hold struts of different diam
features of hub 100 described herein adapted to six-spoke eters, and may be shaped to hold struts at different angles as
spacing. Likewise, hub 100 may include all the same features will be appreciated from the description herein.
of hub 106 described herein adapted to five-spoke spacing. In compliance with the statute, the embodiments have been
That is, hub 100 may include the same features of hub 106 described in language more or less specific as to structural and
discussed below. Other hubs may have a different number of 35 methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the
spokes, such as four spokes. Spokes 120 may be equally embodiments are not limited to the specific features shown
spaced from one another or may be spaced differently. Hub and described. The embodiments are, therefore, claimed in
106 may include a recessed convenience hole 400 and a cavity any of their forms or modifications within the proper scope of
410 in the center of hub body 116. Convenience hole 400 may the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance
be threaded. Recessed convenience hole 400 enables the use 40 with the doctrine of equivalents.
of bolts and hooks for mounting and hanging items inside a
constructed dome.
For example, recessed convenience hole 400 may be used TABLE OF REFERENCENUMERALS FOR FIGURES
to suspend growing pots or other equipment in domes used as OO hub
green houses. In shelters, hooks in convenience hole 400 of 45 O6 six-spoke hub
hub 106 may be used to Support hammocks and camping 10 body
equipment. Assembled hub joint 199 may support at least 250 12 stepped ribs
13 inset
pounds of stress, such as 250 to 500 pounds of stress. It will be 16 six-spoke body
appreciated that higher loads may be possible with increased 2O spoke
Strut diameters and stronger Strut and hub materials. Bolts and 50 21 first end of spoke
hooks may also be useful in Supporting an insulation layer, 22 second end of spoke
23 engagement slot
Such as made from polyethylene. 24 first edge of engagement slot
A top surface 436 of hub 106 may be smooth. Top surface 25 second edge of engagement slot
436 may be elevated above support band 166 and enable a first 30 strut band
cover 460 (see FIG. 13) to lie on top of hub 100. Elevated top 55 40 first gap
41 first slit
surface 436 reduces abrasion between first cover 460 and hub 42 second slit
106 and thereby reduces wearing or tearing of the cover. 50 first arm
Recessed convenience hole 400 may have sufficient depth to 52
55
third edge of first arm
second arm
contain a bolt head such that the head does not protrude 57 fourth edge of second arm
beyond smooth top surface 436 of hub 106. Cavity 410 may 60
60 Support band
contain a flat surface 420 on which a bolt head, washer, or 65 Second gap
other hardware may rest and thereby transfer weight through 66 six spoke Support band
out hub 106. 70 Strut
71 first end of strut
FIG. 10 shows a geodesic dome 500 constructed using 72 second end of strut
devices and methods herein. For example, geodesic dome 500 65 73 button
may be created using five spoke hubs 510 and six spoke hubs 8O webbing
520 as shown. A base 530 for geodesic dome 500 may be
 US 9,328,502 B2
9 10
-continued 5. The dome hub of claim 4, wherein the strut band
traverses only the gap between the first edge and the second
TABLE OF REFERENCENUMERALS FOR FIGURES edge.
181 web aperture 6. The dome hub of claim 4, wherein the dome hub com
182 edge of web aperture prises a plurality of spokes, and the body has a Smooth top
190 tie aperture surface elevated above all of the spokes.
195 opening between Support band
and strut band 7. The dome hub of claim 1, wherein the spoke is config
199 dome joint ured to flex in a direction normal to a longitudinal axis of the
2OO prior artijoint
10
engagement slot.
210 flattened end
220 drilled hole 8. The dome hub of claim 1, wherein the strut band is
230 fastener positioned at the first end of the spoke, the first end being
240
3OO
Strut
prior artijoint
closer to the body than the second end.
310 flattened end 9. The dome hub of claim 8 the body further comprising a
320 drilled hole 15 plurality of ribs positioned on the body at the first end of the
330 fastener spoke, the ribs forming an inset configured to contact a por
340 common disk tion of an end of the dome strut.
350 Strut
400 convenience hole of hub 10. The dome hub of claim 1, the body further comprising
410 cavity a recessed convenience hole located in a center of the body.
42O flat surface of cavity 11. The dome hub of claim 10, further comprising a disk
430 top Surface
436 six spoke top surface attached to the dome hub through the convenience hole, the
440 bottom surface disk being sized, positioned, and configured to resist bending
450 second cover forces in the dome hub.
460 first cover
470 disk 12. The dome hub of claim 1, wherein the strut band is
475 center hole of disk 25 configured to receive a cylindrical end of the dome strut and
500 geodesic dome the dome hub comprises four to six spokes.
510 five spoke hub 13. A dome assembly kit comprising:
520 six spoke hub
530 base a strut; and
535 partial hub
30
a hub having a body and a spoke extending radially from
the body that receives and retains the strut within the
spoke without threaded fasteners when assembled, the
What is claimed is: spoke having a strut band and a plurality of Support
1. A dome hub comprising: bands, the strut band contacting a portion of a bottom
a body; and 35 surface of the strut when assembled, the plurality of
a spoke extending radially from the body, the spoke being Support bands contacting portions of a top surface of the
configured to receive a dome strut, and having a first end, strut when assembled, wherein the support band radially
a second end, a side extending radially between the first closest to the body is positioned radially further from the
end and the second end, and a strut band configured to body than the strut band, creating a radial opening
receive an end of the dome strut, the first end being 40 between the body and the support band radially closest
radially closer to the body than the second end, the spoke to the body.
including a longitudinal engagement slot having a first 14. The dome assembly kit of claim 13, wherein the spoke
edge and an opposing second edge with a gap therebe retains the strut without a bonding material when assembled.
tween, the gap of the longitudinal engagement slot 15. The dome assembly kit of claim 13, wherein the strut
extending from the second end towards the first end and
45 further comprises a depressible button biased in an extended
being formed through the side of the spoke, the first edge position, the button being positioned to retain the strut end
against the Support band radially closest to the body when
and the second edge of the longitudinal engagement slot assembled.
being configured to receive the dome strut through the 16. The dome assembly kit of claim 15, wherein the body
gap of the longitudinal engagement slot from outside the 50 includes a plurality of ribs positioned on the body, the ribs
spoke and the first edge and the second edge being forming an inset configured to contact a portion of the top
configured to retain the dome strut within the longitudi surface of the strut.
nal engagement slot. 17. The dome assembly kit of claim 13, further comprising:
2. The dome hub of claim 1, further comprising a tie aper a disk releasably connected to the hub when assembled;
ture configured to receive a tie and retain the dome strut 55 a first cover positioned over and covering all of a top of the
within the engagement slot. hub when assembled; and
3. The dome hub of claim 1, wherein the spoke comprises a second cover retained between a bottom of the hub and
a first arm and a secondarm, the first edge of the engagement the disk when assembled, the second cover covering all
slot being located on the first arm and the second edge of the of the bottom of the hub when assembled.
engagement slot being located on the second arm. 60 18. The dome assembly kit of claim 17, further comprising:
4. The dome hub of claim 3, wherein the engagement slot a recessed convenience hole located in a center of the body,
has a third edge located on the first arm and an opposing the disk being connected to the hub through the conve
fourth edge located on the second arm with another gap nience hole when assembled; and
therebetween, the other gap extending from the second end the body including a smooth surface of a top of the hub
towards the first end and being formed through the side of the 65 elevated above the recessed convenience hole and the
spoke, the spoke further comprising a Support band connect Support bands, the Smooth Surface contacting the first
ing the third edge to the fourth edge. COW.
 US 9,328,502 B2
11 12
19. A dome assembly method comprising:
using a hub having a body and a spoke extending radially
from the body, the spoke having a first end, a second end,
and a side extending radially between the first end and
the second end, the first end being radially closer to a 5
center of the hub than the second end, the spoke includ
ing a longitudinal engagement slot having a gap extend
ing from the second end towards the first end and being
formed through the side of the spoke:
using a strut having a first end and a second end; 10
inserting the strut into the spoke through the gap of the
longitudinal engagement slot, the strut being retained
within the longitudinal engagement slot of the spoke by
a first edge and a second edge of the gap and without
threaded fasteners; and 15
sliding the strut along a longitudinal axis of the longitudi
nal engagement slot toward the center of the hub.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first end of the
Strut is inserted into the spoke through the gapatan angle with
respect to the spoke, the first end of the Strut contacting a strut
band, and the method further comprising lifting the second
end of the strut and pressing the strut into the spoke through
the gap.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising releasably
connecting a disk to the hub, the disk being sized, positioned, 25
and configured to resist bending forces in the dome hub.
k k k k k