# Buckminster Fuller's Geodesic Dome Building Design

> A structural design for a spherical building made of interlocking triangular frames that distribute weight efficiently to create large, stable, and lightweight spaces.

- **Patent:** US 2682235
- **Original title:** Building construction
- **Owner:** Individual
- **Granted:** 1954
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 120
- **Field:** mechanical, materials

## What it does

The patent describes a method for constructing a spherical structure using a network of interconnected struts arranged in a geodesic pattern. By using triangles, the design ensures that force is distributed across the entire frame rather than concentrating on single points. This allows the structure to support its own weight and external loads, such as wind or snow, without needing internal support columns. It enables the creation of large, open interiors using relatively lightweight materials.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover traditional rectangular building construction methods.
- Does not cover non-triangular structural frameworks.
- Does not cover the specific chemical composition of the building materials used.

## The clever bit

Fuller realized that by using the inherent strength of the triangle, the structure becomes stronger as it gets larger, defying the traditional rule that bigger buildings require exponentially more material.

## Real-world examples

1. The Montreal Biosphere
2. Epcot's Spaceship Earth
3. Military radar domes
4. Portable disaster relief shelters

## Why it matters

This design revolutionized structural engineering by proving that massive, stable buildings could be constructed with minimal material. It became an iconic symbol of mid-century design and remains a standard for temporary shelters, radar domes, and sustainable architecture.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does Buckminster Fuller's Geodesic Dome Building Design cover?

A structural design for a spherical building made of interlocking triangular frames that distribute weight efficiently to create large, stable, and lightweight spaces.

### Who owns patent US 2682235?

Individual owns this patent, granted in 1954.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.

### What is patent US 2682235 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 120 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This design revolutionized structural engineering by proving that massive, stable buildings could be constructed with minimal material. It became an iconic symbol of mid-century design and remains a standard for temporary shelters, radar domes, and sustainable architecture.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover traditional rectangular building construction methods.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2682235/geodesic-dome-fuller

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US2682235

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._


## Related patents

Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus:

- [How the Revolving Door Was Invented](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/387571/revolving-door-van-kannel) — The 1888 patent for the revolving door, designed to keep buildings warm while allowing people to enter and exit easily.
- [How the Modern LEGO Brick Design Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3005282/lego-toy-brick) — The 1958 patent that defined the iconic LEGO brick with hollow tubes inside, allowing bricks to lock together firmly.
- [How TinkerToy's Original Wooden Construction Blocks Work](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1113371/tinkertoy-pajeau) — A 1914 patent for a modular toy system using wooden sticks and circular hubs with holes to build complex three-dimensional structures.
- [How A.C. Gilbert Designed Early Interlocking Toy Construction Blocks](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1066809/erector-set-gilbert) — A 1913 patent by A.C. Gilbert for a system of toy building blocks designed to snap together to create structures.
- [The Invention of Lincoln Logs](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1351086/lincoln-logs-wright) — A 1920 patent for a toy construction system using notched wooden logs to build miniature cabins and structures.