1. A structure of generally spherical form comprising a framework including a plurality of six sided panel members, three sides of which are straight and three sides curved, said curved sides terminating in upturned flanges projecting radially in respect of the sphere on which the structure is predicated, the curved sides of adjacent members forming a circular opening bounded by said upturned flanges, said panel members being interconnected and drawn together by a tension ring disposed around the circular opening and having a clamping engagement with the upturned flanges.
2. A structure according to claim 1 in which metal tension members extend along the straight sides of the panel members, said tension members having upturned lugs engaged by said tension ring.
3. A structure according to claim 1 in which said panel members consist of bodies placed under compressive stress by tension elements extending between the several straight lines of the panel members, each tension element being substantially parallel to one of said straight sides.
4. A structure according to claim 1 in which said panel members consist of bodies having a flat outer face surface and in which said straight sides terminate in downturned flanges projecting radially of said sphere.
5. A structure according to claim 1 in which said panel members consist of bodies having a generally dome shaped outer face surface.
6. A structure according to claim 1 in which said panel members consist of bodies which have an outer face surface having the configuration of a six sided pyramid.
7. A structure according to claim 1 in which the circular opening bounded by said upturned flanges is closed by a cover member engaged over the flanges of the opening.
R. Buckminster Fuller, “Geodesic Structures”, “Patent No. 3,197,927”, United States Patent Office, August 3, 1965, p.1-8