Building structure

Abstract

An improved building structure is provided that is relatively inexpensive, easy to assemble and provides stable and sufficient shelter to inhabitants. The structure includes a plurality of support beams with each beam having an arch beam and a cross beam. The arch beam is in the form of a downward opening arch having first and second ends and defines radially inner and outer surfaces. The cross beam spans the arch and a loft may be supported on the cross beams. A skin is supported on the support beams forming the walls and ceiling for the structure. The skin engages the outer surface of the arch beam of each support beam and extends between the ends of the arch beam. End panels may be coupled to a support beam at either end of the structure to enclose the interior space.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 820,034 filed on Jul. 21, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to building structures and, in particular, to a building structure that is relatively inexpensive and easy to assemble yet provides strong and adaptable shelter for inhabitants or other users of the structure. [0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art [0005] A lack of adequate and affordable housing is a long-standing problem that plagues many communities throughout the world. In economically disadvantaged areas, individuals have difficulty locating adequate shelter and communities have difficulty organizing. Similarly, in existing communities where natural disasters have struck, individuals and communities struggle to rebuild and reorganize. The lack of adequate and affordable housing has effects that go...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a building structure that is affordable, easy to assemble, and provides strong and adaptable housing for inhabitants. The structure includes support beams with arch beams and cross beams, and a skin that extends between the ends of the arch beams. The structure also has a loft supported on at least two cross beams. The invention offers advantages such as being inexpensive, easy to assemble, scalable, strong, weather-resistant, and adaptable. It improves housing stock and facilitates communication organization and community goals by facilitating solutions to homelessness."

Problems solved by technology

A lack of adequate and affordable housing is a long-standing problem that plagues many communities throughout the world.

In economically disadvantaged areas, individuals have difficulty locating adequate shelter and communities have difficulty organizing.

Similarly, in existing communities where natural disasters have struck, individuals and communities struggle to rebuild and reorganize.

The lack of adequate and affordable housing has effects that go beyond the immediate lack of shelter for individuals.

A lack of housing makes education, community organization and other goals more difficult to reach because of the transitory nature of a homeless population and the need for resources to support the population.

Building structures that are inexpensive to create, however, are frequently weak and offer poor weather resistance.

Conversely, stronger building structures are often prohibitively expensive and are more difficult to construct.

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