GB2328066A - Hollow folding globe - Google Patents

Abstract

A ball or globe made from nine or more flat segments. Each segment is joined to its two neighbouring segments at the ball / globe's intended equator. The points of the segments in the Northern Hemisphere are gathered together so they form the Northern Hemisphere. The same is done with the Southern Hemisphere there-by forming the ball / globe (see Figure 6 depicting a string gathered version).

Description

HOLLOW FOLDING GLOBE.

BACKGROUND.

A foldable globe was manufactured in the mid l9th century, this was made with no more than 8 equal segments, the points of each hemisphere's segments were joined together by strings. Due to no more than 8 segments being used - globes I balls formed did not have a satisfactory spherical appearance.

DESCRIPTION.

A spherical ball or globe made from 9 or more flat segments, which are equal in total area to a large part, or the whole area of the globe I ball's intended surface area (see Figure 1).

The segments are joined to their neighbouring segments at the equator (see Figure 2). The points at the top of the segments (Nos. 1-9) are gathered together to form the Northern Hemisphere. The points at the bottom of the segments (Nos.10-18) are also gathered together to form the Southern Hemisphere.

The gathering of top and bottom segments can be achieved in several ways, for example: 1. String or wire attached from the tip of each segments point (see Figure 3) which are drawn together by hand, washer, sleeve, toggle, knot etc..

2. By enlarging the surface area around each segment tip sufficiently to allow a hole to be made at each segment tip (see Figure 4). A rod may then be used as an axis when all of the top and bottom segment holes are threaded onto it.

3. A loop (see Figure 5) made at the point of each segment, which allows a rod to be used as an axis when all top and bottom segment holes are threaded on to it.

4. Segments with either holes or loops can also be gathered by 2 separate gathering systems one at each hemisphere - using nut and bolt, clip, fastener, pin or other.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIM.

   I. Any globe or sphere made as described in the section titled 'DESCRIPTION', using 9 or more flat segments. The more segments that are used the more spherical the shape of the globe.

   II. A globe / ball as described in the section titled 'DESCRIPTION' where the points are gathered together using a hole or loop at the point of each segment. This will allow a rod to be used as an axis when all top and bottom segments are threaded onto it.

   III. A globe / ball as described above (in CLAIM, point II.), with 2 separate gathering systems using a nut and bolt, clip, fastener, pin or other.