GB2128220A - Building block formed from a blank - Google Patents

Abstract

A hollow building block of truncated regular tetrahedron or truncated regular octahedron shape formed from a blank marked out with a triangular base portion (4) at least two of the sides (5) of which coincide with the longer sides (6) of first trapezium shaped portions (7), the shorter sides (8) of these portions which are parallel with said longer sides coinciding with the longer sides (9) of second trapezium shaped portions (10) and each of said first and second trapezium shaped portions adjacent the corners of the triangular base portion having a triangular flap (11, 12), to overlap one of the other flaps when the block is assembled. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Construction components This invention relates to construction components.

It is known to build up structures from a number of structural components which are in the shape of truncated regulartetrahedrons and truncated regular octahedrons. Thus, the construction of structures utilising such shapes is based upon the general use of triangles. It is known that spherical structures can be constructed in this way as can many other shapes. It is also possible to constructwalls of any desired shape by fitting together numbers of construction compo nents ofthe shapes referred to.

Thus, the construction components can be placed together to form the "skeleton" of a structure which can be subsequently covered orthe structural compo nents themselves can be made so that they form a skin when placed together.

The present invention relates to a way offorming such construction components from a blank of sheet material.

According to the present invention a blank capable of assembly into a truncated regulartetrahedron or a truncated regular octahedron shaped construction component comprises a triangular base portion at leasttwo ofthe sides of which coincide with the longer sidesoffirsttrapezium shaped portions,theshorter sides ofthese portions which are parallel with said longersides coinciding with the longer sides of second trapezium shaped portions and each of said first and second trapezium shaped portions adjacent the corners ofthe triangular base portion having a triangularflap, one of the flaps adjacent each corner having an extension adapted to overlap one of the flaps on the other trapezium shaped portion with which its trapezium shaped portion share a common side when the blank is assembled to form a truncated octahedron.

The blank, when assembled, thus provides a three-dimensional element which can be used for building a structure. As mentioned above the structure itself may be ofthree-dimensional form,for example in the shape of a dome or other shape, or it might be in the form of a substantially flat construction such as a substantially flat surfaced wall.

In a component of the kind referred to above all the included angles must be 60 in order to achieve the overall shape, the structure thus being based on euclidian geometry.

The blank may be formed of any convenient material, for example a metallic sheet material such as mild steel aluminium or any other metal where it is intended for the structure to carry substantial loads, where is it intended to be of a relatively light construction and onlyto support itseif much iighter materials such as cardboard or synthetic plastics materials may be adequate. If such materials are suitably protected against weather by impregnation or a coating with waterproof materials they can be used to erect small buildings such as sheds, summer houses or garages.

The use of such construction components is well known in the art and is fully understood and utilized by architects and builders which have employed them in houses and buildings of modern design.

As mentioned above it is possible to secure truncated regulartetrahedrons and truncated regular octahedron shaped components together edge to edgetobuild panels, and from these panels to then build up suitable constructions. The components according to the present invention can not only be used forth is purpose but can also be used for any other types of structure, including towers, spans and other load bearing structures.

In use the blank will normally be cut in outline and the fold lines can be marked by perforations or lines of weakness to assist in folding. Alternatively the fold lines may not necessarily be weakened, folding being achieved by placing the blank in a suitable jig and applying pressureto cause the folding. This is a particularly applicable way offolding if the blank is made from a metallic material, thus the blank could be placed in a die and the sides folded by a suitable molding tool activated in a press. This will then enable large numbers of blanks to betaken to the place of construction where they are shaped thus allowing for the delivery merely of simply shaped flat material.

Preferably all three sides of the triangular base portion are provided with first and second trapezium shaped portions. This provides a folded construction which has more symmetry and thus has more practical applications.

In a preferred construction the base sides of the triangularflaps at each corner ofthetriangular base portion are substantially in line, this again assisting in the production of the blank and if desired a triangular extension can be provided on three ofthe flaps adjacent each corner of the triangular base portion.

The base sides of thetriangular extensions at each corner can be substantially parallel.

In a preferred construction each of the triangular extensions has a side coincident with one of the sides of its associated triangular flaps so thattogether they form a rhombus.

With this arrangementthe major diagonal of the rhombus at one end of each firsttrapezium shaped portion can be normal to the longer side of that portion and the rhombus at the other end of that portion can be oblique thereto at an angle of 30".

The blankaccording to the invention can be folded to form a truncated regulartetrahedron byfolding the firsttrapezium shaped portions upwardly and inward ly and then folding the second trapezium shaped portions inwardly so that their ends overlap. In this construction the various flaps can be removed if desired apartfrom one flap at each corner on the first trapezium shaped portions which can be used to act as an attachmentto the next adjacentfirst trapezium shaped portion when the blank is folded.

The blank can also be used to form a truncated regular octahedron shape by first folding the first trapezium shaped portionsatan angle to the base triangular portion then again folding the second trapezium shaped portions inwardly. In this arrangement howevertheflaps at each end ofthefirst trapezium shaped portions merely overlap to form a triangular shaped wall and the triangular shaped flaps at the end of the second trapezium shaped portions again overlap but are in line with them.

It will be appreciated that the overlapping flanges and extensions can be fastened together, for example, bywelding or some other suitable means but preferably each of the various parts ofthe blank are provided with apertures which coincide when the blanks are folded and through which securing elements in the form of bolts, rivets, pegs or other mechanical interconnectors can be passed and secured.

In a preferred construction the openings are shaped so that peg like elements, provided with the blanks can be inserted and jammed in position and these peg like elements can also be used for holding the folded blanks together.

Preferably the apertures are of triangular crosssection and the peg like elements can also be of similar cross-section. Thus, they can also be made by folding from a suitably shaped blank.

Assetforth above the blank may be of a generally hexagonal outline and if desired it may be incorporated in a larger, substantially rectangular sheet, part- ofthe sheet also carrying blanksforthe peg like elements.

The sheet can also incorporate an aperture to provide a handhold to assist in handling.

The invention also includes a structural component madefrom such a folded blank.

The invention can be performed in many ways but one particular embodiment will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure lisa plan view of a sheet incorporating a blank according to the invention; Figure 2 is an isometric view of a truncated regular tetrahedron made from the blank; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a truncated regular octahedron made from the same blank; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a part folded peg like element made from a blank incorporated in the sheet shown in Figure 1; Figure5 is a part sectional view showing how the folded construction components can be fastened together; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view showing three truncated regular tetrahedrons with meansfor fastening them together; and, Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view showing how a number of construction elements can be connected.

As shown in the drawings the blank comprises a press out sheet 1 which is substantially square and which has an aperture 2 as a hand grip. The main portion of the sheet is occupied by a press out blank indicated by reference numeral 3 which is of hexagonal outline. The blank comprises a triangular base portion 4thethree sides 5 ofwhich coincide with the longer sides 6 ofthreefirsttrapezium shaped portions 7. The shorter sides 8 of these portions 7 which are parallel with the sides 6 coincide with the longer sides 9ofthree second trapezium shaped portions 10. Each end ofthefirsttrapezium shaped portions 7 has a triangular shaped flap 11 and each of the second trapezium shaped portions 10 haveatriangularflap 12 at their ends.It will be seen that the bases of the triangularflaps 11 and 12 at each corner ofthe triangular base portion 4 are substantially in line. At each corner both ofthe flaps 11 have a triangular extension 13sothattogethertheyform a rhombus.

The rhombus at one end of each of the first trapezium shaped portion 7 has a major diagonal which is normal to the longer side 6 and atthe other end is oblique thereto at an angle of 30 Each of the second trapezium shaped portions 10 also has a triangular extension 14 connected to one of its triangular flaps 12 so thatthree of these are provided.

It will be seen that the base sides of each of the triangular extensions 13 and 14 at each corner are substantially parallel.

The sheet 1 also carries a number of groups of blanks, indicated by reference numeral 16, which, when pressed out, can be folded to form triangular pegs.

The dimensions of the entire blank are based on multiplies ofthe shape and area of the triangularflaps andextensions 11,12,13and 14as indicated by broken lines 20. Thus, the length ofthe sides 6 is four times the length of the sides of each of the flaps 1 1,the length of the joining sides 8 and 9 are fourtimes the length of the sides ofthe flaps 11 and the length of the shorter sides 17 ofthe second trapezoidal portions 10 are twice the length ofthe sides of the flaps 11.

The centre ofthe blank carries a marked circular area 19 which can be marked with perforations, if desired, so that it can be removed.

If blank is madefrom asoftmaterial,forexample cardboard, lines of scoring orweakness can be providedtoenablethe blankto be benttoshape.

Similar lines of weakness can also be provided if the blank is metallic although these may not be absolutely necessary if the blank is to be formed by a forming die.

The area 19, if removed, will allow an opening through the centre ofthe component when assembled if desired.

Figure 2 shows howthe blank can be folded to form a truncated tetrehedron. Thus, the portions 7 are bent in towards each other at an angle of 60 and the portions 10 are folded over so that they overlap at their ends. The flaps 12 are folded down to overlap the portions 7 which also are overlapped bythetriangular extensions 14. Similarly the triangularflaps 11 are folded along the side of the adjacent portions 7 as is theadjacenttriangularextension 13. The other triangularflap 11 and portion 13 adjacent that corner is folded inwardly and cannot be seen in Figure 2.

As will be seen from Figure 1 the various portions of the blank are provided with triangular openings 20.

These are at the centre of each ofthetriangles which form the basis of the construction and which are referred to above. When the parts are folded into position therefore the triangles coincide and suitable clamping means, for example nuts and bolts, but preferablythe made-up pegs 16, can be inserted through them to hold the constructional element together. Alternativelythese sides can be welded or glued appropriately.

Figure 3 shows a truncated regular octahedron formedfromthe blank. With thisarrangementthe portions7arefolded so that they extend outwardly from the triangular base 4 and the portions 10 are then folded inwardly, the ends overlapping as referred to with regard to Figure 2. In this construction however the triangularflaps 12 overlap at the corners, and cannot be seen in Figure 3, because they are overlaid by extension 13 provided on one ofthetriangularflaps 1 1.Theextension 14 is behindthetriangularflaps 11 and the remaining extension 13 extends behind the adjacent part ofthe portion 7. Once again all the triangular apertures overlap and can be appropriately connected together or welding can be provided.It will be seen that in this construction there is a triangular aperture 21 atthe centre.

Figure 4 shows howthe peg element 16 can be folded to form a triangular peg. Each peg thus formed has an enlarged portion 23 at each end and a narrow portion 24. The pegs can thus be passed through the openings and twisted to lockthem in position.

The pegs can also be used for holding the construction elements to each other and this is shown in Figure 5. The pegs can be designed, as shown in this Figure, to provide a gap between adjacent walls ofthe construction elements. This will allow insertional provision of a variety of materials or devices. For example mortar, resin or an adhesive junction material can be provided with or without the pegs to close the gap. Figure 6 showsthree elementsfastened together with their relative peg locations and Figure 7 shows a way of incorporating structural reinforce ments in theform of wires,fibres, bars, cables or mats.

In this Figure these reinforcements are indicated by reference numeral 28 and the construction elements by reference numeral 29. The structural reinforcements can be introduced to form a structural continui ty between the components ortoform a skeletal structural matrix between them, or as part of integral enclosure or framework.

Again, weather proofing strips, compounds or seals can be provided and flashings or channels can also be incorporated.

Appropriate compounds of materials can be incorporated at these pointes, to enhance, restrict, inhibit or producethermal insulation or electrical insulation between the components.

The unique cellular formations that can be produced with the components can possess or can be designed to possess quantifiable electrical properties or potentials as conductors, compacitors, shields orfaraday cages. The formation of the components from metals, metal foils or meshes, organic or di-electric materials or laminates or any ofthese or any other suitable materials can be designed to store or generate electrical potential via the photo-electric effect or any ofthenatural methods of producing static or dynamic electrical potential differences, for examplefriction, heat/cold, motion in a natural or artificial magnetic field, or conjunction of dissimilar materials.

Large scale structures can be builtfrom the components which can be of sufficient size or scale to enhance, exploit or induce the eletrical phenomena encountered in nature, for example potential differences in the atmosphere, air and earth, earth and water or air and water. The use of these electrical effects could include integral, high voltage power sources for application to chemical processes or biochemical processes, ionized atmospheres, controlled galvanic reaction to induce or resiste corrosion, reception or transmission of waves in the electromagnetic frequencies, shielding from internal or external sources of electro-magnetic frequencies, accretion or dispersion of minerals or organic compounds inwaterorotherliquidsorproduction of gases by the process of electrolysis. For the expert many other effects can also be achieved.

Particular advantages ofthis constructional component system are realised when it is utilized in conjunction with a fully automated design, production and assemblytechnique.

Newtechnologies are being developed to exploit facilities and resources that are found in environments of extreme hazard or remoteness, such as space, deserts, oceans and polar regions.

Building, maintenance, inspection and repairof structures in those regions may be impossible or very expensive and unreliable using traditional construction techniques.

This particular modular component and consquent methods of unit fabrication from sheet materials incorporating controlled electrical properties becomes of particularvalue when computorprogrammed design, manufacture, assembly, monitor and maintenance is required.

Large scale structures could be fabricated and assembled by robot mechanisms now available, with each cellular component individually adapted to perform or respond in accordance with pre-programmed directives. This unit responsiveness and organisation is analgousto cellular structure in biological formations.

The concious choice of materials, formative principles, geometrics and assembly techniques to produce cellular arrays with reactive sheet material enclosure of hollow components integrated into networks using insulative fixings being a unique feature of these constructional components and designed to produce structures which when integrated into computor control facilities will be capable of maintaining a self sustaining structural system of support or enclosure.

It will also be appreciatedthatthe use of simple sheets to provide structural components enables easy handling and large quantities of structural materials can therefore be moved because, prior to assembly, they are of little bulk in comparison with the assembled components.

CLAIMS (Filed on 7/10/83) 1. A blank capable of assembly into a truncated regulartetrahedron or a truncated regular octahedron shaped construction component comprising a triangular base portion at least two ofthe sides of which coincide with the Iongersidesoffirsttrapezium shaped portions, the shorter sides of these portions which are parallel with said longer sides coinciding with the longersides of second trapezium shaped portions and each of said first and second trapezium shaped portions adjacent the corners ofthetriangular

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (19)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. together. Alternativelythese sides can be welded or glued appropriately. Figure 3 shows a truncated regular octahedron formedfromthe blank. With thisarrangementthe portions7arefolded so that they extend outwardly from the triangular base 4 and the portions 10 are then folded inwardly, the ends overlapping as referred to with regard to Figure 2. In this construction however the triangularflaps 12 overlap at the corners, and cannot be seen in Figure 3, because they are overlaid by extension 13 provided on one ofthetriangularflaps 1 1.Theextension 14 is behindthetriangularflaps 11 and the remaining extension 13 extends behind the adjacent part ofthe portion 7. Once again all the triangular apertures overlap and can be appropriately connected together or welding can be provided.It will be seen that in this construction there is a triangular aperture 21 atthe centre. Figure 4 shows howthe peg element 16 can be folded to form a triangular peg. Each peg thus formed has an enlarged portion 23 at each end and a narrow portion 24. The pegs can thus be passed through the openings and twisted to lockthem in position. The pegs can also be used for holding the construction elements to each other and this is shown in Figure 5. The pegs can be designed, as shown in this Figure, to provide a gap between adjacent walls ofthe construction elements. This will allow insertional provision of a variety of materials or devices. For example mortar, resin or an adhesive junction material can be provided with or without the pegs to close the gap. Figure 6 showsthree elementsfastened together with their relative peg locations and Figure 7 shows a way of incorporating structural reinforce ments in theform of wires,fibres, bars, cables or mats. In this Figure these reinforcements are indicated by reference numeral 28 and the construction elements by reference numeral 29. The structural reinforcements can be introduced to form a structural continui ty between the components ortoform a skeletal structural matrix between them, or as part of integral enclosure or framework. Again, weather proofing strips, compounds or seals can be provided and flashings or channels can also be incorporated. Appropriate compounds of materials can be incorporated at these pointes, to enhance, restrict, inhibit or producethermal insulation or electrical insulation between the components. The unique cellular formations that can be produced with the components can possess or can be designed to possess quantifiable electrical properties or potentials as conductors, compacitors, shields orfaraday cages. The formation of the components from metals, metal foils or meshes, organic or di-electric materials or laminates or any ofthese or any other suitable materials can be designed to store or generate electrical potential via the photo-electric effect or any ofthenatural methods of producing static or dynamic electrical potential differences, for examplefriction, heat/cold, motion in a natural or artificial magnetic field, or conjunction of dissimilar materials. Large scale structures can be builtfrom the components which can be of sufficient size or scale to enhance, exploit or induce the eletrical phenomena encountered in nature, for example potential differences in the atmosphere, air and earth, earth and water or air and water. The use of these electrical effects could include integral, high voltage power sources for application to chemical processes or biochemical processes, ionized atmospheres, controlled galvanic reaction to induce or resiste corrosion, reception or transmission of waves in the electromagnetic frequencies, shielding from internal or external sources of electro-magnetic frequencies, accretion or dispersion of minerals or organic compounds inwaterorotherliquidsorproduction of gases by the process of electrolysis. For the expert many other effects can also be achieved. Particular advantages ofthis constructional component system are realised when it is utilized in conjunction with a fully automated design, production and assemblytechnique. Newtechnologies are being developed to exploit facilities and resources that are found in environments of extreme hazard or remoteness, such as space, deserts, oceans and polar regions. Building, maintenance, inspection and repairof structures in those regions may be impossible or very expensive and unreliable using traditional construction techniques. This particular modular component and consquent methods of unit fabrication from sheet materials incorporating controlled electrical properties becomes of particularvalue when computorprogrammed design, manufacture, assembly, monitor and maintenance is required. Large scale structures could be fabricated and assembled by robot mechanisms now available, with each cellular component individually adapted to perform or respond in accordance with pre-programmed directives. This unit responsiveness and organisation is analgousto cellular structure in biological formations. The concious choice of materials, formative principles, geometrics and assembly techniques to produce cellular arrays with reactive sheet material enclosure of hollow components integrated into networks using insulative fixings being a unique feature of these constructional components and designed to produce structures which when integrated into computor control facilities will be capable of maintaining a self sustaining structural system of support or enclosure. It will also be appreciatedthatthe use of simple sheets to provide structural components enables easy handling and large quantities of structural materials can therefore be moved because, prior to assembly, they are of little bulk in comparison with the assembled components. CLAIMS (Filed on 7/10/83)

1. A blank capable of assembly into a truncated regulartetrahedron or a truncated regular octahedron shaped construction component comprising a triangular base portion at least two ofthe sides of which coincide with the Iongersidesoffirsttrapezium shaped portions, the shorter sides of these portions which are parallel with said longer sides coinciding with the longersides of second trapezium shaped portions and each of said first and second trapezium shaped portions adjacent the corners ofthetriangular

base portion having a triangularflap, one of the flaps adjacent each corner having an extension adapted to overlap one of the flaps on the other trapezium shaped portion with which its trapezium shaped portion share a common side when the blank is assembled to form a truncated octahedron.

2. A blank as claimed in claim 1 inwhichthefold lines are marked by perforations or lines of weakness.

3. A blank as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which all three sides ofthe triangular base portion are provided with first and second trapezium shaped portions.

4. A blank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3 in which the base sides ofthe triangular flaps at each corner of the triangular base portion are substantially in line.

5. A blank as claimed in claim 4 in which a triangular extension is provided on three of the flaps adjacent each corner of thetriangular base portion.

6. A blank as claimed in claim 5 in which the base sides ofthetriangular extensions are substantially parallel.

7. A blank as claimed in any one of claims 4,5 and 6 in which each of the triangular extensions has a side coincident with one of the sides of its associated triangularflaps so that together they form a rhombus

8. A blank as claimed in claim 7 in which the major diagonal of the rhombus of one end of each first trapezium shaped portion is normal to the longer side of that portion and the rhombus at the other end of that portion is oblique thereto at an angle of 30O.

9. A blank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the various parts ofthe blank are provided with apertures which coincide when the blank is folded and through which securing elements in the form of bolts, rivets, pegs or other mechanical interconnectors can be passed and secured.

10. A blank as claimed in claim 9 in which the openings are shaped so that peg-like elements provided with the blanks can be inserted and jammed in position.

11. Ablank as claimed in claim lOin which the peg like elements can be used for holding folded blanks together.

12. A blank as claimed in claims 9,10 and 11 in which the apertures are of triangular cross-section.

13. A blank as claimed in claim 12, when dependent on claims 10 and 11, in which the peg-like elements are oftriangular cross section.

14. A blankasclaimed in claim 13 in which the peg-like elements are made by folding suitably shaped blanks.

15. A blank as claimed in claim 14which is of generally hexagonal outline and is incorporated in a largersubstantially rectangular sheet, parts of which also carry blanksforthe peg-like elements.

16. A blank as claimed in claim 15 in which the sheetalsoincorporatesan apertureto provide a handhold to assist in handling.

17. A blankfor assembly into a truncated regular tetrahedron or a truncated regular octahedron shaped construction component substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

18. Aconstruction component made from a folded blank as set forth in anyone of the preceding claims.

19. A construction component substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in Figures 2 and 3 ofthe accompanying drawings.